bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forestry Subsidies, Forestry Regulatory Policies, and Total Factor Productivity in Forestry—Plot-Scale Micro-Survey Data from A Heterogeneous Forest Types Perspective
Authors: Cao Lanfang , Jiang Cheng , Xiao Qiqi , Xu Tao , Lan Shuangshuang , He Jiali , Peng Shishi
Published: April 2024

Enhancing the total factor productivity in forestry is an important part of deepening the reform of the collective forest rights system. Based on the survey data of 295 forest plots in 12 towns of Liuyang City, Hunan Province, China, the study utilized a three-stage DEA model to assess the total factor productivity of forestry at the plot level. The empirical study employs Tobit and fractional regression models to investigate the effects and differences of forestry subsidies and forestry regulatory policies on the heterogeneous total factor productivity of different types of forests. The study found that: (1) the mean value of plot-scale forestry total factor productivity is 0.127, and there are obvious differences in total factor productivity among timber forests, economic forests, and mixed forests; and (2) afforestation subsidies and nurturing subsidies significantly positively influence high-level TFP. Ecological benefit compensation positively affects high-level TFP, but is not significant at any level of TFP. Forestry regulatory policies negatively impact high-level TFP, but are not significant at any level of TFP. This paper puts forward countermeasure suggestions to improve forestry subsidy policies, optimize forestry regulatory policies, and improve forestry total factor productivity from the perspective of heterogeneous forest types.
Experimental Investigation of Quasi-Static and Dynamic Impact Resistance in Thin Wood Veneer Laminates
Authors: Reiner Johannes , Irshad Yasir Gousul , Orellana Sergio , Feser Thomas , Waimer Matthias , Jennings Matt , Subhani Mahbube
Published: April 2024

The incorporation of sustainability into the design of transport vehicles has become increasingly important in recent years. A low carbon footprint makes wood-based structures attractive to replace other lightweight materials such as aluminum or fiber-reinforced plastics. This paper investigates and compares the static and dynamic impact behavior of thin Beech wood veneer laminates in standardized mechanical tests. The results obtained from Quasi-Static Indentation (QSI) and dynamic Low-Velocity Impact (LVI) tests reveal similarities and differences with regard to load vs. displacement behavior, damage mechanisms, permanent deformation, and energy absorption. While yield strength and damage modes are comparable in both test cases, it is found that the bending stiffness is strain-rate sensitive. Plastic deformation in compression is identified as the governing mechanism for energy absorption. These results can guide the design of sustainable wood-based structures for future transport applications where a thorough understanding of impact and crashworthiness is important.
LncRNA NDUFA6-DT: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential LncRNA Biomarker and Its Regulatory Mechanisms in Gliomas
Authors: Huang Ruiting , Kong Ying , Luo Zhiqing , Li Quhuan
Published: April 2024

Gliomas are the most prevalent primary malignant tumors affecting the brain, with high recurrence and mortality rates. Accurate diagnoses and effective treatment challenges persist, emphasizing the need for identifying new biomarkers to guide clinical decisions. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) hold potential as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in cancer. However, only a limited subset of lncRNAs in gliomas have been explored. Therefore, this study aims to identify lncRNA signatures applicable to patients with gliomas across all grades and explore their clinical significance and potential biological mechanisms. Data used in this study were obtained from TCGA, CGGA, and GEO datasets to identify key lncRNA signatures in gliomas through differential and survival analyses and machine learning algorithms. We examined their associations with the clinical characteristics, gene mutations, diagnosis, and prognosis of gliomas. Functional enrichment analysis was employed to elucidate the potential biological mechanisms associated with these significant lncRNA signatures. We explored competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks. We found that NDUFA6-DT emerged as a significant lncRNA signature in gliomas, with reduced NDUFA6-DT expression associated with a worse prognosis in gliomas. Nomogram analysis incorporating NDUFA6-DT expression levels exhibited excellent prognostic and predictive capabilities. Functional annotation suggested that NDUFA6-DT might influence immunological responses and synaptic transmission, potentially modifying glioma initiation and progression. The associated ceRNA network revealed the possible presence of the NDUFA6-DT-miR-455-3p-YWHAH/YWHAG axis in low-grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and influencing glioma cell survival and apoptosis. We believe that NDUFA6-DT is a novel lncRNA linked to glioma diagnosis and prognosis, potentially becoming a pivotal biomarker for glioma.
Screening and Preliminary Identification of Asparagus officinalis Varieties under Low-Temperature Stress
Authors: Ye Youju , Wen Shuangshuang , Ying Jiali , Cai Yunfei , Qian Renjuan
Published: April 2024

To meet the large demand for Asparagus officinalis in the spring market and improve the economic benefits of cultivating asparagus, we explored the molecular mechanism underlying the response of A. officinalis to low temperature. First, “Fengdao No. 1” was screened out under low-temperature treatment. Then, the transcriptome sequencing and hormone detection of “Fengdao No. 1” and “Grande” (control) were performed. Transcriptome sequencing resulted in screening out key candidate genes, while hormone analysis indicated that ABA was important for the response to low temperature. The combined analysis indicated that the AoMYB56 gene may regulate ABA in A. officinalis under low temperature. And the phylogenetic tree was constructed, and subcellular localisation was performed. From these results, we speculated that the AoMYB56 gene may regulate ABA in A. officinalis. The results of this research provide a theoretical basis for the further exploration of low-temperature response in A. officinalis.
Detailed Clinical Features of PTPRQ-Associated Hearing Loss Identified in a Large Japanese Hearing Loss Cohort
Authors: Sakuma Naoko , Nishio Shin-ya , Goto Shin-ichi , Honkura Yohei , Oda Kiyoshi , Takeda Hidehiko , Kobayashi Marina , Kumakawa Kozo , Iwasaki Satoshi , Takahashi Masahiro , Ito Taku , Arai Yasuhiro , Isono Yasuhiro , Obara Natsuko , Matsunobu Takeshi , Okubo Kimihiro , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: April 2024

The PTPRQ gene has been identified as one of the genes responsible for non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and assigned as DFNA73 and DFNB84. To date, about 30 causative PTPRQ variants have been reported to cause SNHL. However, the detailed clinical features of PTPRQ-associated hearing loss (HL) remain unclear. In this study, 15,684 patients with SNHL were enrolled and genetic analysis was performed using massively parallel DNA sequencing (MPS) for 63 target deafness genes. We identified 17 possibly disease-causing PTPRQ variants in 13 Japanese patients, with 15 of the 17 variants regarded as novel. The majority of variants identified in this study were loss of function. Patients with PTPRQ-associated HL mostly showed congenital or childhood onset. Their hearing levels at high frequency deteriorated earlier than that at low frequency. The severity of HL progressed from moderate to severe or profound HL. Five patients with profound or severe HL received cochlear implantation, and the postoperative sound field threshold levels and discrimination scores were favorable. These findings will contribute to a greater understanding of the clinical features of PTPRQ-associated HL and may be relevant in clinical practice.
Practices and Awareness Regarding an Infant’s Sleep Environment among Japanese Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Himemiya-Hakucho Ayako , Taketani Ayumi , Nakagawa Aoi , Sakai Hiroki , Shigemoto Azumi , Takase Izumi
Published: April 2024

Preventing sudden, unexpected infant death related to sleep, especially suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome, remains challenging globally. To evaluate factors associated with an unsafe sleep environment (SE) for infants in Japan, this cross-sectional study investigated the current status of practices and awareness among caregivers about a safe SE. Two hundred and fifty-four caregivers of infants in Yamaguchi Prefecture participated. Among the caregivers, 96.0% could not thoroughly practice a safe SE, although 65.0% had knowledge about a safe SE. More unsafe SE practices were significantly associated with 8- to 11-month-old infants than with 0- to 3-month-old infants, using the same practice as for an older child than with accessing information or a familiar person than with mass media as the most useful source of information. The differences in having knowledge were not associated with their practice. Many caregivers obtained information about an infant’s SE from mass media and a familiar person. They preferred education via a face-to-face method by medical experts to raise awareness about a safe SE. Thus, efforts need to be developed in Japan in which experts who directly attend to caregivers can truly educate them to ensure that caregivers are continuously aware of the importance of an SE.
Provision of E-Cigarettes for Smoking Cessation in Pregnancy: Perceptions and Experiences of Pregnant Women from Two UK Sites
Authors: Lutman-White Eleanor , Patel Riya , Bell Lauren , Lycett Deborah , Hayward Kelly , Sampson Ruth , Arulrajah Janani , Whelan Maxine
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Smoking in pregnancy is associated with negative health outcomes for both mothers and babies; e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine without hazardous tobacco, may offer an additional smoking cessation strategy for pregnant women. Although e-cigarettes are being increasingly offered within services, there is limited understanding about whether e-cigarettes can improve smoking cessation support for pregnant individuals. This study aimed to explore service users’ experiences of using e-cigarettes as a tool for smoking cessation during pregnancy. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 women who had accepted one of two pilots and were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. The findings from each site were integrated to develop qualitative insight. Results: Participants largely had positive perceptions of the free and easy-to-use e-cigarette, preferring it to nicotine replacement therapies. The desire to have a healthy pregnancy and baby and the inclusion of non-judgemental behavioural support facilitated motivation to quit. Many participants reduced or quit tobacco use, with positive social and health implications reported. However, numerous barriers to quitting were present and intentions about long-term quitting of combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes were mixed and uncertain. Conclusions: Providing e-cigarettes within smoking cessation services was indicated to be a positive and effective strategy for pregnant women trying to quit tobacco. However, numerous barriers to quitting and staying quit remained, suggesting scope for further improvements to smoking cessation support for pregnant women.
Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Long COVID: A Mixed Method Systematic Review
Authors: Diar Bakerly Nawar , Smith Nikki , Darbyshire Julie L. , Kwon Joseph , Bullock Emily , Baley Sareeta , Sivan Manoj , Delaney Brendan
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Long COVID (LC) is a global public health crisis affecting more than 70 million people. There is emerging evidence of different pathophysiological mechanisms driving the wide array of symptoms in LC. Understanding the relationships between mechanisms and symptoms helps in guiding clinical management and identifying potential treatment targets. Methods: This was a mixed-methods systematic review with two stages: Stage one (Review 1) included only existing systematic reviews (meta-review) and Stage two (Review 2) was a review of all primary studies. The search strategy involved Medline, Embase, Emcare, and CINAHL databases to identify studies that described symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms with statistical analysis and/or discussion of plausible causal relationships between mechanisms and symptoms. Only studies that included a control arm for comparison were included. Studies were assessed for quality using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tools. Results: 19 systematic reviews were included in Review 1 and 46 primary studies in Review 2. Overall, the quality of reporting across the studies included in this second review was moderate to poor. The pathophysiological mechanisms with strong evidence were immune system dysregulation, cerebral hypoperfusion, and impaired gas transfer in the lungs. Other mechanisms with moderate to weak evidence were endothelial damage and hypercoagulation, mast cell activation, and auto-immunity to vascular receptors. Conclusions: LC is a complex condition affecting multiple organs with diverse clinical presentations (or traits) underpinned by multiple pathophysiological mechanisms. A ‘treatable trait’ approach may help identify certain groups and target specific interventions. Future research must include understanding the response to intervention based on these mechanism-based traits.
Novel Fe3O4 Nanoparticles with Bioactive Glass–Naproxen Coating: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Bioactivity
Authors: Valverde Thalita Marcolan , dos Santos Viviane Martins Rebello , Viana Pedro Igor Macário , Costa Guilherme Mattos Jardim , de Goes Alfredo Miranda , Sousa Lucas Resende Dutra , Xavier Viviane Flores , Vieira Paula Melo de Abreu , de Lima Silva Daniel , Domingues Rosana Zacarias , Ferreira José Maria da Fonte , Andrade Ângela Leão
Published: April 2024

Immune response to biomaterials, which is intimately related to their surface properties, can produce chronic inflammation and fibrosis, leading to implant failure. This study investigated the development of magnetic nanoparticles coated with silica and incorporating the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen, aimed at multifunctional biomedical applications. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques that confirmed the presence of magnetite and the formation of a silica-rich bioactive glass (BG) layer. In vitro studies demonstrated that the nanoparticles exhibited bioactive properties, forming an apatite surface layer when immersed in simulated body fluid, and biocompatibility with bone cells, with good viability and alkaline phosphatase activity. Naproxen, either free or encapsulated, reduced nitric oxide production, an inflammatory marker, while the BG coating alone did not show anti-inflammatory effects in this study. Overall, the magnetic nanoparticles coated with BG and naproxen showed promise for biomedical applications, especially anti-inflammatory activity in macrophages and in the bone field, due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteogenic potential.
Paclitaxel-Associated Mechanical Sensitivity and Neuroinflammation Are Sex-, Time-, and Site-Specific and Prevented through Cannabigerol Administration in C57Bl/6 Mice
Authors: Li Hongbo , Ward Sara Jane
Published: April 2024

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most prevalent and dose-limiting complications in chemotherapy patients. One identified mechanism underlying CIPN is neuroinflammation. Most of this research has been conducted in only male or female rodent models, making direct comparisons regarding the role of sex differences in the neuroimmune underpinnings of CIPN limited. Moreover, most measurements have focused on the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and/or spinal cord, while relatively few studies have been aimed at characterizing neuroinflammation in the brain, for example the periaqueductal grey (PAG). The overall goals of the present study were to determine (1) paclitaxel-associated changes in markers of inflammation in the PAG and DRG in male and female C57Bl6 mice and (2) determine the effect of prophylactic administration of an anti-inflammatory cannabinoid, cannabigerol (CBG). In Experiment 1, male and female mice were treated with paclitaxel (8–32 mg/kg/injection, Days 1, 3, 5, and 7) and mechanical sensitivity was measured using Von Frey filaments on Day 7 (Cohort 1) and Day 14 (Cohort 2). Cohorts were euthanized on Day 8 or 15, respectively, and DRG and PAG were harvested for qPCR analysis of the gene expression of markers of pain and inflammation Aig1, Gfap, Ccl2, Cxcl9, Tlr4, Il6, and Calca. In Experiment 2, male and female mice were treated with vehicle or 10 mg/kg CBG i.p. 30 min prior to each paclitaxel injection. Mechanical sensitivity was measured on Day 14. Mice were euthanized on Day 15, and PAG were harvested for qPCR analysis of the gene expression of Aig1, Gfap, Ccl2, Cxcl9, Tlr4, Il6, and Calca. Paclitaxel produced a transient increase in potency to produce mechanical sensitivity in male versus female mice. Regarding neuroinflammation, more gene expression changes were apparent earlier in the DRG and at a later time point in the PAG. Also, more changes were observed in females in the PAG than males. Overall, sex differences were observed for most markers at both time points and regions. Importantly, in both the DRG and PAG, most increases in markers of neuroinflammation and pain occurred at paclitaxel doses higher than those associated with significant changes in the mechanical threshold. Two analytes that demonstrated the most compelling sexual dimorphism and that changed more in males were Cxcl9 and Ccl2, and Tlr4 in females. Lastly, prophylactic administration of CBG protected the male and female mice from increased mechanical sensitivity and female mice from neuroinflammation in the PAG. Future studies are warranted to explore how these sex differences may shed light on the mechanisms of CIPN and how non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBG may engage these targets to prevent or attenuate the effects of paclitaxel and other chemotherapeutic agents on the nervous system.
Phenotypic Expression and Outcomes in Patients with the p.Arg301Gln GLA Variant in Anderson–Fabry Disease
Authors: Blanco Rocío , Rico-Ramírez Yolanda , Hermida-Ameijeiras Álvaro , Abdullah Israa Mahmoud Sanad , Lau Kolja , Alvarez-Rubio Jorge , Fortuny Elena , Martínez-Monzonís Amparo , Nowak Albina , Nordbeck Peter , Veras-Burgos Carlos , Pons-Llinares Jaume , Rossi Emiliano , Caimi-Martínez Fiama , Bosch-Rovira Teresa , Alamar-Cervera Marta , Ruiz-Pizarro Virginia , Torres-Juan Laura , Heine-Suñer Damian , Ripoll-Vera Tomás
Published: April 2024

The p.Arg301Gln variant in the α -galactosidase A gene (GLA) has been poorly described in the literature. The few reports show controversial information, with both classical and nonclassical Anderson–Fabry Disease (AFD) presentation patterns. The aim of this study was to analyze the penetrance, clinical phenotype, and biochemical profile of an international cohort of patients carrying the p.Arg301Gln genetic variant in the GLA gene. This was an observational, international, and retrospective cohort case series study of patients carrying the p.Arg301Gln variant in the GLA gene associated with AFD disease. Forty-nine p.Arg301Gln GLA carriers, 41% male, were analyzed. The penetrance was 63% in the entire cohort and 1.5 times higher in men. The mean age of symptoms onset was 41 years; compared to women, men presented symptoms earlier and with a shorter delay to diagnosis. The typical clinical triad—cornea verticillate, neuropathic pain, and angiokeratomas—affected only 20% of the cohort, with no differences between genders. During follow-up, almost 20% of the patients presented some type of nonfatal cardiovascular and renal event (stroke, need for dialysis, heart failure, and arrhythmias requiring intracardiac devices), predominantly affecting men. Residual levels were the most common finding of α-GAL A enzyme activity, only a few women had a normal level; a small proportion of men had undetectable levels. The incidence of combined outcomes including all causes of death was 33%, and the cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality was 9% at the follow-up. Patients carrying the p.Arg301Gln GLA variant have a high penetrance, with predominantly cardiorenal involvement and clinical onset of the disease in middle age. Only a small proportion showed the classic clinical presentation of AFD. As in other X-linked diseases, males were more affected by severe cardiovascular and renal events. This genotype–phenotype correlation could be useful from a practical clinical point of view and for future decision making.
Emerging Therapeutic Strategies in Sarcopenia: An Updated Review on Pathogenesis and Treatment Advances
Authors: Najm Alfred , Niculescu Adelina-Gabriela , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai , Beuran Mircea
Published: April 2024

Sarcopenia is a prevalent degenerative skeletal muscle condition in the elderly population, posing a tremendous burden on diseased individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Conventionally, sarcopenia is currently managed through nutritional interventions, physical therapy, and lifestyle modification, with no pharmaceutical agents being approved for specific use in this disease. As the pathogenesis of sarcopenia is still poorly understood and there is no treatment recognized as universally effective, recent research efforts have been directed at better comprehending this illness and diversifying treatment strategies. In this respect, this paper overviews the new advances in sarcopenia treatment in correlation with its underlying mechanisms. Specifically, this review creates an updated framework for sarcopenia, describing its etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, and conventional treatments, further discussing emerging therapeutic approaches like new drug formulations, drug delivery systems, stem cell therapies, and tissue-engineered scaffolds in more detail.
Revealing Changes in Ovarian and Hemolymphatic Metabolites Using Widely Targeted Metabolomics between Newly Emerged and Laying Queens of Honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Zhong Shiqing , Pan Luxia , Wang Zilong , Zeng Zhijiang
Published: April 2024

The queen bee is a central and pivotal figure within the colony, serving as the sole fertile female responsible for its reproduction. The queen possesses an open circulatory system, with her ovaries immersed in hemolymph. A continuous and intricate transportation and interchange of substances exist between the ovaries and hemolymph of queen bees. To determine the characteristic metabolites in the hemolymph and ovary, as well as understand how their rapid metabolism contributes to the process of egg-laying by queens, we reared Apis mellifera queens from three different age groups: newly emerged queen (NEQ), newly laying queen (NLQ), and old laying queen (OLQ). Using widely targeted metabolomics, our study revealed that the laying queen (NLQ and OLQ) exhibited faster fatty acid metabolism, up-regulated expression of antioxidants, and significant depletion of amino acids compared to the NEQ. This study revealed that the levels of carnitine and antioxidants (GSH, 2-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, etc.) in the NLQ and OLQ were significantly higher compared to NEQ. However, most of the differentially expressed amino acids, such as L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-aspartic acid, etc., detected in NLQ and OLQ were down-regulated compared to the NEQ. Following egg-laying, pathways in the queens change significantly, e.g., Tryptophan metabolism, Tyrosine metabolism, cAMP signaling pathway, etc. Our results suggest that carnitine and antioxidants work together to maintain the redox balance of the queen. Additionally, various amino acids are responsible for maintaining the queen’s egg production.
Research on and Model Analysis of Flexural Mechanical Properties of Basic Magnesium Sulfate Cement Concrete Beams
Authors: Mei Qiquan , Gao Yuning , Yu Hongfa , Ma Haiyan , Zeng Xiangchao , Li Lingyu , Guo Jianbo
Published: April 2024

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the mechanical properties of Basic Magnesium Sulfate Cement Concrete (BMSC) in comparison to Ordinary Portland Cement Concrete (OPC) within reinforced concrete components. The main objective is to evaluate BMSC’s applicability for practical engineering purposes, with a focus on its with early high strength, improved toughness, and superior crack resistance compared to conventional concrete. Experimental procedures involved fabricating beam specimens using OPC concrete with a C40 strength grade, alongside BMSC beams with varying strength grades (C30, C40, and C50). These specimens underwent bending resistance tests to analyze crack patterns and mechanical characteristics. The findings reveal that BMSC beams demonstrate enhanced bending and tensile properties at equivalent strength grades compared to OPC beams. Particularly, cracking mainly occurred at the mid-span region of BMSC beams, characterized by narrower cracks, indicating superior crack resistance. However, it was noted that the toughness of BMSC beams decreases as the strength grade increases. The maximum mid-span deflection of the BMSC test beam was smaller than that of the OPC test beam, which was 3.8 mm and 2.6 mm, respectively. The maximum crack width of the OPC beam was 4.7 times that of the BMSC beam. To facilitate practical implementation, the study developed calculation models for estimating the crack bending distance and ultimate bending distance in BMSC beams, offering valuable tools for engineering design and optimization. Overall, this research provides significant insights into the mechanical behavior of BMSC, presenting potential advantages for structural engineering applications.
Axial Compression Behavior of Circular Seawater and Sea Sand Concrete Columns Reinforced with Hybrid GFRP–Stainless Steel Bars
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Xu Jinjin , Zhao Jiuzhang , Han Xiaoyan , Pan Kaiming , Yu Rena C. , Wu Zhimin
Published: April 2024

The ductility of FRP-reinforced concrete structures is reduced by the brittleness of FRP bars. To address this issue, this study employs the hybrid reinforcement of stainless steel (SS) and GFRP bars to enhance the ductility of concrete columns. A total of 21 axially compressed seawater and sea sand concrete (SWSSC) circular columns are fabricated, including 15 hybrid GFRP and SS bar-reinforced SWSSC (GFRP-SS-SWSSC) columns, 3 GFRP bar-reinforced SWSSC (GFRP-SWSSC) columns, and 3 SS bar-reinforced SWSSC (SS-SWSSC) columns. The test results are analyzed in terms of failure mode, load–axial displacement curve, bearing capacity, and ductility. Results show that GFRP-SWSSC columns suffer brittle failure, while GFRP-SS-SWSSC columns and SS-SWSSC columns demonstrate ductile failure characteristics. Furthermore, the hybrid reinforcement contributes to an improvement in the bearing capacity of the columns. A calculation equation for the bearing capacity of axially compressed columns was established, providing reasonable predictions of bearing capacities, with a design compressive strain of 2000 με for GFRP bars. It was found that hybrid reinforcement enhanced the ductility of GFRP-SWSSC columns. In addition, when the percentage of the SS reinforcement ratio reaches 50%, the ductility indexes of the GFRP-SS-SWSSC columns closely approach those of the SS-SWSSC columns.
Advances in Plasma and Laser Engineering
Authors: Jasiński Mariusz
Published: April 2024

Materials science, especially in the context of nanotechnology, plays a key role in today’s world, contributing to the development of advanced materials with unique properties [...]
The Optimal Design of the Press Roller to Improve the Winding Molding Quality of Heat Insulation
Authors: Zhang Weichao , Hou Zengxuan , Li Hongli , Chen Kaiyin
Published: April 2024

In the heat insulation winding molding process of solid rocket motors, the pressure applied by the press roller directly affects the quality of the winding molding. Insufficient pressure can result in poor bonding quality and may cause defects. This paper aims to provide an optimal design of the press roller to improve the winding molding quality of the heat insulation. The effect of the cylindrical press roller on the pressure distribution was analyzed using the elastic foundation model and a finite element (FE) model, which was assessed by Hertz theory. Subsequently, the press roller was optimized to an elliptical concave design. The effect of the radius of the elliptical concave press roller on the pressure distribution was analyzed. A comparison of the effect of the elliptical concave press roller and the cylindrical press roller on the pressure distribution was conducted using the FE model. The results show pressure uniformity is significantly improved when the elliptical concave press roller is employed on the mandrel with the smallest radius. Additionally, the elliptical concave press roller increases the pressure at the edge of the tape, which reduces the risk of lifted edges and, thereby, improves the winding molding quality of the heat insulation.
UVC Up-Conversion and Vis-NIR Luminescence Examined in SrO-CaO-MgO-SiO2 Glasses Doped with Pr3+
Authors: Bezkrovna Olha , Lisiecki Radosław , Macalik Bogusław , Dereń Przemysław Jacek
Published: April 2024

The application of ultraviolet-C light in the field of surface treatment or photodynamic therapy is highly prospective. In this regard, the stable fluorescent silicate SrO-CaO-MgO-SiO2-Pr2O3 glasses able to effectively convert visible excitation on the ultraviolet praseodymium emission were fabricated and examined. An unusual wide-range visible-to-UVC up-conversion within 240–410 nm has been achieved in Pr3+-doped glasses, revealing their potential advantage in different sophisticated disinfection technologies. The integrated emission intensity was studied as a function of light excitation power to assess a mechanism attributed to UVC luminescence. Especially, it was revealed that the multicomponent silicate glass qualities and praseodymium 3PJ excited state peculiarities are favorable to obtaining useful broadband ultraviolet up-converted luminescence. The glass dispersion qualities were determined between 450–2300 nm. The impact of praseodymium concentration on Vis-NIR spectroscopic glass qualities was evaluated employing absorption spectra, emission spectra, and decay curves of luminescence associated with two involved praseodymium excited states. Especially, efficient interionic interactions can be inferred by investigating the decrease in 1D2 state experimental lifetime in the heavily doped samples. Examination of absorption spectra as a function of temperature implied that excitation at 445 nm should be quite effective up to T = 625 K. Contrary to this, temperature elevation gives rise to a moderate lowering of the visible praseodymium luminescence.
A Case Study: Electrically Assisted Stress Relief Annealing for Cold-Coiled Helical Automotive Springs
Authors: Tran Van Loi , Hong Sung-Tae , Hong Ji Ye , Yeo Tae Shik
Published: April 2024

This study experimentally investigated electrically assisted (EA) stress relief annealing for cold-coiled commercial automotive springs. In EA stress relief annealing, the temperature of a spring is rapidly increased to the annealing temperature (400 °C) and is held constant for a specified time using a pulsed electric current. Experimental findings show that the effectiveness of the EA stress relief annealing is superior to that of the conventional stress relief annealing, especially in terms of process time. The present study suggests that EA stress relief annealing, with properly selected process parameters, can effectively substitute for time-consuming conventional stress relief annealing using a furnace for cold-coiled automotive springs.
Antibacterial Zirconia Surfaces from Organocatalyzed Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Harfouche Nesrine , Marie Philippe , Dragoe Diana , Le Hung , Thébault Pascal , Bilot Christelle , Fouchet Arnaud , Rouden Jacques , Baudoux Jérôme , Lepoittevin Bénédicte
Published: April 2024

Antibacterial coatings are becoming increasingly attractive for application in the field of biomaterials. In this framework, we developed polymer coating zirconia with antibacterial activity using the “grafting from” methodology. First, 1-(4-vinylbenzyl)-3-butylimidazolium chloride monomer was synthesized. Then, the surface modification of zirconia substrates was performed with this monomer via surface-initiated photo atom transfer radical polymerization for antibacterial activity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, static contact angle measurements, and an atomic force microscope were used to characterize the films for each step of the surface modification. The results revealed that cationic polymers could be successfully deposited on the zirconia surfaces, and the thickness of the grafted layer steadily increased with polymerization time. Finally, the antibacterial adhesion test was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the modified zirconia substrates, and we successfully showed the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.
Influence of Interface Modification on the Moisture Absorption and Thermal Resistance of Ramie Fiber/Degradable Epoxy Composites
Authors: Geng Jingqi , Cai Yingchun
Published: April 2024

Natural fiber/degradable epoxy composites have received much attention for their advantages of low carbon emissions, low environmental pollution, and utilization of renewable resources. However, the poor interfacial bonding strength and inferior moisture resistance of natural fiber/degradable epoxy composites restrict their application areas. In order to improve the moisture and heat resistance of natural fiber/degradable epoxy resin-based composites, this study modified the surfaces of ramie fibers with hydroxylated carbon nanotubes, silane coupling agents, and sodium hydroxide, respectively. Three types of modified ramie fiber/degradable epoxy composites, namely F-CN-DEP, F-Si-DEP, and F-OH-DEP, were prepared using a winding forming process. The water absorption rate and short-beam shear strength of the materials were tested under different environments, and the fiber morphology and thermal–mechanical properties of the materials were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results show that F-CN-DEP exhibited the lowest moisture absorption rate; the highest shear strength, of 43.8 MPa; and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 121.7 °C. The results demonstrate that carbon nanotubes on the fiber surface can improve the interfacial stability of ramie fiber/degradable epoxy composites in humid and hot environments. These results give guidelines for the development of natural fiber/degradable epoxy composites.
Benchtop Zone Refinement of Simulated Future Spent Nuclear Fuel Pyroprocessing Waste
Authors: Scrimshire Alex , Backhouse Daniel J. , Deng Wei , Mann Colleen , Ogden Mark D. , Sharrad Clint A. , Harrison Mike T. , McKendrick Donna , Bingham Paul A.
Published: April 2024

The UK’s adoption of pyroprocessing of spent nuclear fuel as an alternative to the current aqueous processing routes requires a robust scientific underpinning of all relevant processes. One key process is the clean-up of the contaminated salt from the electroreducing and electrorefining processes. A proposed method for this clean-up is zone refining, whereby the tendency of the contaminants to remain in the liquid phase during melting and freezing is exploited to ‘sweep’ the contaminants to one end of the sample. Experiments were performed, utilising off-the-shelf laboratory equipment, to demonstrate the feasibility of zone refining for clean-up of electroreducing and electrorefining wastes. This was successful for the electrorefining simulant samples, with effective segregation coefficient, keff, values, which provide a measure of the degree of separation in the sample, between 0 and 1. Lower values indicate greater separation, with values of as low as 0.542 achieved here, corresponding to a reduction in RECl3 content from 10.0 wt.% to 8.4 wt.% (for 80% salt reuse). Due to difficulties in obtaining a fully homogeneous electroreducing simulant waste, it was not possible to demonstrate the feasibility of zone refining using the current experimental setup. Further research is required to elucidate the correct preparation conditions for production of homogeneous electroreducing waste simulants.
Degradation Behavior and Lifetime Prediction of Polyurea Anti-Seepage Coating for Concrete Lining in Water Conveyance Tunnels
Authors: Peng Chengcheng , Ren Jie , Wang Yuan
Published: April 2024

In the lining of water conveyance tunnels, the expansion joint is susceptible to leakage issues, significantly impacting the long-term safety of tunnel operations. Polyurea is a type of protective coating commonly used on concrete surfaces, offering multiple advantages such as resistance to seepage, erosion, and wear. Polyurea coatings are applied by spraying them onto the surfaces of concrete linings in water conveyance tunnels to seal the expansion joint. These coatings endure prolonged exposure to environmental elements such as water flow erosion, internal and external water pressure, and temperature variations. However, the mechanism of polyurea coating’s long-term leakage prevention failure in tunnel operations remains unclear. This study is a field investigation to assess the anti-seepage performance of polyurea coating in a water conveyance tunnel project located in Henan Province, China. The testing apparatus can replicate the anti-seepage conditions experienced in water conveyance tunnels. An indoor accelerated aging test plan was formulated to investigate the degradation regular pattern of the cohesive strength between polyurea coating and concrete substrates. This study specifically examines the combined impacts of temperature, water flow, and water pressure on the performance of cohesive strength. The cohesive strength serves as the metric for predicting the service lifetime based on laboratory aging test data. This analysis aims to evaluate the polyurea coating’s cohesive strength on the tunnel lining surface after five years of operation.
Analytical Study of Nonlinear Systems of Higher-Order Difference Equations: Solutions, Stability, and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Althagafi Hashem , Ghezal Ahmed
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to derive analytical expressions for solutions of fractional bidimensional systems of difference equations with higher-order terms under specific parametric conditions. Additionally, formulations of solutions for one-dimensional equations derived from these systems are explored. Furthermore, rigorous proof is provided for the local stability of the unique positive equilibrium point of the proposed systems. The theoretical findings are validated through numerical examples using MATLAB, facilitating graphical illustrations of the results.
Design and Algorithm Integration of High-Precision Adaptive Underwater Detection System Based on MEMS Vector Hydrophone
Authors: Liu Yan , Jing Boyuan , Zhang Guojun , Pei Jiayu , Jia Li , Geng Yanan , Bai Zhengyu , Zhang Jie , Guo Zimeng , Wang Jiangjiang , Huang Yuhao , Xu Lele , Liu Guochang , Zhang Wendong
Published: April 2024

Real-time DOA (direction of arrival) estimation of surface or underwater targets is of great significance to the research of marine environment and national security protection. When conducting real-time DOA estimation of underwater targets, it can be difficult to extract the prior characteristics of noise due to the complexity and variability of the marine environment. Therefore, the accuracy of target orientation in the absence of a known noise is significantly reduced, thereby presenting an additional challenge for the DOA estimation of the marine targets in real-time. Aiming at the problem of real-time DOA estimation of acoustic targets in complex environments, this paper applies the MEMS vector hydrophone with a small size and high sensitivity to sense the conditions of the ocean environment and change the structural parameters in the adaptive adjustments system itself to obtain the desired target signal, proposes a signal processing method when the prior characteristics of noise are unknown. Theoretical analysis and experimental verification show that the method can achieve accurate real-time DOA estimation of the target, achieve an error within 3.1° under the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of the X channel of −17 dB, and maintain a stable value when the SNR continues to decrease. The results show that this method has a very broad application prospect in the field of ocean monitoring.
A Novel Position-Sensitive Linear Winding Silicon Drift Detector
Authors: Long Tao , Zhao Jun , Xiong Bo , Li Xinqing , Tang Minghua , Li Zheng
Published: April 2024

A novel position-sensitive linear winding silicon drift detector (LWSDD) was designed and simulated. On the frontside (anode side), the collecting anodes were set on both sides of the detector, and an S-shaped linear winding cathode strip was arranged in the middle, which can realize independent voltage division and reduce the complexity of external bias resistor chain compared with the traditional linear silicon drift detector. The detectors were arranged in a butterfly shape, which increased the effective area of the detectors and improved the collection efficiency. The linear winding silicon drift detector can obtain one-dimensional position information by measuring the drift time of electrons. The 2D position information of the incident particle is obtained from the anodes coordinates of the readout signal. One-dimensional analytically exact solutions of electric potential and field were obtained for the first time for the linear winding silicon drift detector. The simulation results show that the electric potential distribution inside the detector is uniform, and the “drift channel” inside the detector points to the collecting anodes on both sides, which proves the reasonable and feasible design of the linear winding silicon drift detector.
Continuous Flow with Reagent Injection on an Inlaid Microfluidic Platform Applied to Nitrite Determination
Authors: Motahari Shahrooz , Morgan Sean , Hendricks Andre , Sonnichsen Colin , Sieben Vincent
Published: April 2024

A continuous flow with reagent injection method on a novel inlaid microfluidic platform for nitrite determination has been successfully developed. The significance of the high-frequency monitoring of nutrient fluctuations in marine environments is crucial for understanding our impacts on the ecosystem. Many in-situ systems face limitations in high-frequency data collection and have restricted deployment times due to high reagent consumption. The proposed microfluidic device employs automatic colorimetric absorbance spectrophotometry, using the Griess assay for nitrite determination, with minimal reagent usage. The sensor incorporates 10 solenoid valves, four syringes, two LEDs, four photodiodes, and an inlaid microfluidic technique to facilitate optical measurements of fluid volumes. In this flow system, Taylor–Aris dispersion was simulated for different injection volumes at a constant flow rate, and the results have been experimentally confirmed using red food dye injection into a carrier stream. A series of tests were conducted to determine a suitable injection frequency for the reagent. Following the initial system characterization, seven different standard concentrations ranging from 0.125 to 10 µM nitrite were run through the microfluidic device to acquire a calibration curve. Three different calibrations were performed to optimize plug length, with reagent injection volumes of 4, 20, and 50 µL. A straightforward signal processing method was implemented to mitigate the Schlieren effect caused by differences in refractive indexes between the reagent and standards. The results demonstrate that a sampling frequency of at least 10 samples per hour is achievable using this system. The obtained attenuation coefficients exhibited good agreement with the literature, while the reagent consumption was significantly reduced. The limit of detection for a 20 µL injection volume was determined to be 94 nM from the sample intake, and the limit of quantification was 312 nM. Going forward, the demonstrated system will be packaged in a submersible enclosure to facilitate in-situ colorimetric measurements in marine environments.
The Dimensionality, Consistency, and Structural Validity of an Instrument Used to Measure Obesogenic Attitudes in Parents from Southern Spain (The PRELSA Scale)
Authors: Carretero-Bravo Jesús , Díaz-Rodríguez Mercedes , Ferriz-Mas Bernardo Carlos , Pérez-Muñoz Celia , González-Caballero Juan Luis
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: We aimed to analyze the dimensionality, internal consistency, and structural validity of the Preschool Eating, Lifestyle, and Sleeping Attitudes Scale (PRELSA Scale), which is an instrument that was designed to measure obesogenic behaviors. (2) Methods: We carried out an observational study by means of an online survey. The PRELSA Scale consists of 13 dimensions and 60 items relating to the most common obesogenic behaviors and attitudes. Additionally, we obtained sociodemographic characteristics and concrete habits from the sample. We obtained the responses of 791 parents and caregivers of preschool children between 2 and 6 years of age in Andalusia (southern Spain). We analyzed dimensionality through an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), consistency through Cronbach’s Alpha, structural validity through a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and measurement invariance with multigroup CFA models. (3) Results: The EFA showed a 14-dimensional structure with 48 items. The internal consistency was acceptable in all dimensions (Cronbach’s Alpha range of 0.72 to 0.97). The structure was confirmed in the CFA with good fit indices (CFI and TLI > 0.9 and RMSEA < 0.05). We ensured that the scale had measurement invariance regarding education, income, and marital status. (4) Conclusions: The PRELSA Scale shows promising properties that have the potential to measure obesogenic behaviors in Spain, which could be the basis for future interventions associated with the prevention of childhood obesity in healthcare and educational settings.
The Role of Nutrition in the Development and Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Heefner Allison , Simovic Tijana , Mize Kasey , Rodriguez-Miguelez Paula
Published: April 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent lung condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The management of COPD classically involves pulmonary rehabilitation, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. An aspect of COPD management that is currently lacking in the literature is nutritional management, despite the prevalence of inadequate nutritional status in patients with COPD. In addition, certain nutritional imbalances have been reported to increase the risk of COPD development. This review summarizes the current literature on the role diet and nutrients may play in the risk and management of COPD development.