bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi as Prevention against Early Life Stages of the Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Laboratory and Greenhouse Trials
Authors: Ment Dana , Levy Noa , Allouche Arnon , Davidovitz Michael , Yaacobi Gal
Published: November 2023

The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a highly destructive invasive pest for palms whose management is mainly by application of synthetic pesticides. As a key pest of date palm plantations, it is necessary to integrate environmentally safe measures for its management. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have been primarily studied as a preventative control measure due to the horizontal transfer of conidia within the RPW population. We previously demonstrated the horizontal transmission of fungal conidia from an egg-laying surface to the female weevil and then to the eggs and larvae. Based on that strategy, this study aimed to evaluate the virulence of commercial EPF products and laboratory EPF preparations to RPW females and their progeny, and their ability to protect palms against infestation. As such, it serves as a screening platform for field experiments. Mortality rates of females and eggs depended on the applied treatment formulation and fungal strain. Velifer®, a Beauveria bassiana product, and Metarhizium brunneum (Mb7) resulted in 60–88% female mortality. Mb7—as a conidial suspension or powder—resulted in 18–21% egg-hatching rates, approximately 3 times less than in the non-treated control. Treating palms with Mb7 suspension or dry formulation significantly inhibits infestation signs and results in protection. These results lay the foundation for investigating the protective rate of EPF products against RPW in date plantations.
Combined Neurological Syndrome in Electrohypersensitivity and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Clinical Study of 2018 Cases
Authors: Belpomme Dominique , Irigaray Philippe
Published: November 2023

From a cohort of 2018 evaluable consecutive cases issued from the European Clinical Trial Database, we describe the complete clinical symptomatic presentation of electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and their association in the framework of a unique, sensitivity-related environmental neurologic syndrome. Eligibility criteria are those of the Atlanta consensus meeting for MCS, and those of WHO for EHS. There were 1428 EHS, 85 MCS and 505 EHS/MCS evaluable cases, so EHS was associated with MCS in 25%. Women appeared to be much more susceptible to EHS and/or to MCS than men, with no statistical significance between the EHS and MCS groups (p = 0.07), but the combined group revealed a more significant female sex ratio of 80.4% (p < 0.0001). All symptoms except emotional behavior were significantly more frequent in EHS patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.0001). We found no pathognomonic symptoms to establish the diagnosis of both disorders or to distinguish EHS from MCS. The three groups of patients were found to share identical symptoms, while several symptoms were found to be more significantly frequent in EHS/MCS than in EHS (p < 0.0001). From these data, we suggest that EHS and MCS are new brain disorders, generated via a common etiopathogenic mechanism.
Predicting Cardiopulmonary Arrest with Digital Biomarkers: A Systematic Review
Authors: De Sario Velasquez Gioacchino D. , Forte Antonio J. , McLeod Christopher J. , Bruce Charles J. , Pacheco-Spann Laura M. , Maita Karla C. , Avila Francisco R. , Torres-Guzman Ricardo A. , Garcia John P. , Borna Sahar , Felton Christopher L. , Carter Rickey E. , Haider Clifton R.
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: Telemetry units allow the continuous monitoring of vital signs and ECG of patients. Such physiological indicators work as the digital signatures and biomarkers of disease that can aid in detecting abnormalities that appear before cardiac arrests (CAs). This review aims to identify the vital sign abnormalities measured by telemetry systems that most accurately predict CAs. (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic review using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and MEDLINE to search studies evaluating telemetry-detected vital signs that preceded in-hospital CAs (IHCAs). (3) Results and Discussion: Out of 45 studies, 9 met the eligibility criteria. Seven studies were case series, and 2 were case controls. Four studies evaluated ECG parameters, and 5 evaluated other physiological indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature. Vital sign changes were highly frequent among participants and reached statistical significance compared to control subjects. There was no single vital sign change pattern found in all patients. ECG alarm thresholds may be adjustable to reduce alarm fatigue. Our review was limited by the significant dissimilarities of the studies on methodology and objectives. (4) Conclusions: Evidence confirms that changes in vital signs have the potential for predicting IHCAs. There is no consensus on how to best analyze these digital biomarkers. More rigorous and larger-scale prospective studies are needed to determine the predictive value of telemetry-detected vital signs for IHCAs.
Consultation-Based Deprescribing Service to Optimize Palliative Care for Terminal Cancer Patients
Authors: Ko Minoh , Kim Sunghwan , Suh Sung Yun , Cho Yoon Sook , Kim In-Wha , Yoo Shin Hye , Lee Ju-Yeun , Oh Jung Mi
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: A pharmacist-led deprescribing service previously developed within the Consultation-Based Palliative Care Team (CB-PCT) was implemented for terminal cancer patients. (2) Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of the developed deprescribing service for terminal cancer patients in CB-PCT. (3) Methods: A retrospective analysis compared the active care (AC) group to the historical usual care (UC) group. The clinical outcomes included the deprescribing rate of preventive medications, the proportion of patients with one or more medication-related problems (MRPs) resolved upon discharge, and the clinical significance. The implementability of the service was also gauged by the acceptance rates of pharmacists’ interventions. (4) Results: Preventive medications included lipid-lowering agents, gastroprotective agents, vitamins, antihypertensives, and antidiabetic agents. The AC group revealed a higher deprescribing rate (10.4% in the UC group vs. 29.6% in the AC group, p < 0.001). At discharge, more AC patients had one or more MRPs deprescribed (39.7% vs. 2.97% in UC, p < 0.001). The clinical significance consistently had a very significant rating (mean score of 2.96 out of 4). Acceptance rates were notably higher in the AC group (30.0% vs. 78.0%. p = 0.003). (5) Conclusions: The collaborative deprescribing service in CB-PCT effectively identified and deprescribed MRPs that are clinically significant and implementable in practice.
SCOLIONET: An Automated Scoliosis Cobb Angle Quantification Using Enhanced X-ray Images and Deep Learning Models
Authors: Maaliw Renato R.
Published: November 2023

The advancement of medical prognoses hinges on the delivery of timely and reliable assessments. Conventional methods of assessments and diagnosis, often reliant on human expertise, lead to inconsistencies due to professionals’ subjectivity, knowledge, and experience. To address these problems head-on, we harnessed artificial intelligence’s power to introduce a transformative solution. We leveraged convolutional neural networks to engineer our SCOLIONET architecture, which can accurately identify Cobb angle measurements. Empirical testing on our pipeline demonstrated a mean segmentation accuracy of 97.50% (Sorensen–Dice coefficient) and 96.30% (Intersection over Union), indicating the model’s proficiency in outlining vertebrae. The level of quantification accuracy was attributed to the state-of-the-art design of the atrous spatial pyramid pooling to better segment images. We also compared physician’s manual evaluations against our machine driven measurements to validate our approach’s practicality and reliability further. The results were remarkable, with a p-value (t-test) of 0.1713 and an average acceptable deviation of 2.86 degrees, suggesting insignificant difference between the two methods. Our work holds the premise of enabling medical practitioners to expedite scoliosis examination swiftly and consistently in improving and advancing the quality of patient care.
CO2 Injection Monitoring: Enhancing Time-Lapse Seismic Inversion for Injected Volume Estimation in the Utsira Formation, Sleipner Field, North Sea
Authors: Pelemo-Daniels Doyin , Nwafor Basil O. , Stewart Robert R.
Published: November 2023

This article presents an in-depth study of CO2 injection monitoring in the Sleipner Field, focusing on the Utsira Formation. The research leverages advanced time-lapse inversion techniques and 4D seismic data analysis to enhance the accuracy of volume estimations and provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic behavior of the injected CO2 plume. The analysis encompasses cross correlation, time shift, predictability, and other key elements to yield robust insights into the reservoir’s response to CO2 injection. Cross-correlation analysis results of 60% to 100% outside the injection zone and less than 50% within the injection zone reveal a distinct dissimilarity between the injection and non-injection zones, emphasizing phase, time, and frequency content changes due to CO2 injection. Time shifts are meticulously calibrated globally on a trace-by-trace basis, to account for shallow statics and velocity changes, improving the overall alignment of seismic data. Predictability analysis results of 0 to 0.34 within the injection zone and 0.45 to 0.96 at the background further reinforce the findings, highlighting high predictability values in areas untouched by production and markedly lower values within the injection zone. These results provide a measure of the reliability of the seismic data and its ability to reflect the subtle changes occurring in the reservoir. Crucially, the time-lapse inversion process excels in capturing the evolving state of the CO2 plume within the Utsira Formation. The seismic data reveals the migration and expansion of the plume over time and the dynamic nature of the reservoir’s response to CO2 injection. Integrating various data facets reduces non-uniqueness in inversion results, allowing for more precise volume estimations.
An AUV-Assisted Data Gathering Scheme Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning for IoUT
Authors: Shi Wentao , Tang Yongqi , Jin Mingqi , Jing Lianyou
Published: November 2023

The Underwater Internet of Things (IoUT) shows significant future potential in enabling a smart ocean. Underwater sensor network (UWSN) is a major form of IoUT, but it faces the problem of reliable data collection. To address these issues, this paper considers the use of the autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) as mobile collectors to build reliable collection systems, while the value of information (VoI) is used as the primary measure of information quality. This paper first builds a realistic model to characterize the behavior of sensor nodes and the AUV together with challenging environments. Then, improved deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is used to dynamically plan the AUV’s navigation route by jointly considering the location of nodes, the data value of nodes, and the status of the AUV to maximize the data collection efficiency of the AUV. The results of the simulation show the dynamic data collection scheme is superior to the traditional path planning scheme, which only considers the node location, and greatly improves the efficiency of AUV data collection.
Fullerene Oil Tribology in Compression Piston Rings under Thermal Considerations
Authors: Tsakiridis Elias , Nikolakopoulos Pantelis
Published: November 2023

To enhance the efficiency of automotive engines, a comprehensive understanding of friction generation within their components is paramount. Moreover, extensive global research efforts have been dedicated to nanoparticles, leading to the emergence of nanolubricants. In this study, an investigation was conducted focused on the piston ring–cylinder tribological interaction using fullerenes as additives. This is a very important issue since the friction forces can be significantly reduced. In order to solve this problem, a 2D CFD approach was implemented, taking into account a roughness model and temperature variations. The obtained results clearly show a friction reduction using fullerenes as additives compared to both synthetic and monograde oils. Furthermore, using fullerene oils, the performance of the compression piston ring system is improved due to friction reduction and the change of the temperature distribution. This study is beyond SOTA, since there is a limited contribution in the field of such nanolubricants in compression piston ring system. It is evident that the friction force is reduced by 42% compared to synthetic oils, showing a perspective on more tribologically efficient internal combustion engines.
Analysis, Modeling and Experimental Study of the Normal Contact Stiffness of Rough Surfaces in Grinding
Authors: Bai Yuzhu , Jia Xiaohong , Guo Fei , Suo Shuangfu
Published: November 2023

Grinding is the most important method in machining, which belongs to the category of precision machining processes. Many mechanical bonding surfaces are grinding surfaces. Therefore, the contact mechanism of grinding a joint surface is of great significance for predicting the loading process and dynamic characteristics of precision mechanical products. In this paper, based on the collected grinding surface roughness data, the profile parameters and topography characteristics of the asperity were analyzed, the rough surface data were fitted, the asperity profile was reconstructed, and the parabola y = nx2 + mx + l of the cylindrical asperity model was established. After analyzing the rough surface data of the grinding process, the asperity distribution height was fitted with a Gaussian distribution function, which proved that asperity follows the Gaussian distribution law. The validity of this model was confirmed by the non-dimensional processing of the assumed model and the fitting of six plasticity indices. When the pressure is the same, the normal stiffness increases with the decrease in the roughness value of the joint surface. The experimental stiffness values are basically consistent with the fitting stiffness values of the newly established model, which verifies the reliability and effectiveness of the new model established for the grinding surface. In this paper, a new model for grinding joint surface is established, and an experimental platform is set up to verify the validity of the model.
Mineral Weathering and Metal Leaching under Meteoric Conditions in F-(Ba-Pb-Zn) Mining Waste of Hammam Zriba (NE Tunisia)
Authors: Kaba Oumar Barou , Souissi Fouad , Keita Daouda , Filippov Lev O. , Conté Mohamed Samuel Moriah , Kanari Ndue
Published: November 2023

Mining waste is an obvious source of environmental pollution due to the presence of heavy metals, which can contaminate soils, water resources, sediments, air, and people living nearby. The F-(Ba-Pb-Zn) deposit of Hammam Zriba located in northeast Tunisia, 8 km southeast of Zaghouan was intensively exploited from 1970 to 1992. More than 250,000 m3 of flotation tailings were produced and stored in the open air in three dumps without any measure of environmental protection. Thus, in this paper, mineralogical and chemical characterization, especially the sulfide and carbonate phases, were carried out to evaluate the potential for acid mining drainage (AMD) and metal leaching (ML). Conventional analytical methods (XRD, XRF, SEM) have revealed that this mining waste contains on average 34.8% barite–celestine series, 26.6% calcite, 23% quartz, 6.3% anglesite, 4.8% fluorite, 2.1% pyrite, and 0.4% sphalerite. The content of sulfides is less important. The tailing leaching tests (AFNOR NFX 31-210 standard) did not generate acidic leachate (pH: 8.3). The acidity produced by sulfide oxidation was neutralized by calcite present in abundance. Furthermore, the leaching tests yielded leachates with high concentrations of heavy metals, above the authorized thresholds. This high mobilization rate in potential toxic elements (PTE) represents a contamination risk for the environment.
Numerical Simulation of an Inverted Perovskite Solar Cell Using a SiOx Layer as Down-Conversion Energy Material to Improve Efficiency and Stability
Authors: Paz Totolhua Ezequiel , Carrillo López Jesús , Benítez Lara Alfredo , Monfil Leyva Karim , Piñón Reyes Ana C. , Flores-Méndez Javier , Luna López José Alberto
Published: November 2023

Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained much attention due to their low hysteresis effect, easy fabrication, and good stability. In this research, an inverted perovskite solar cell ITO/PEDOT:PSS/CH3NH3PbI3/PCBM/Ag structure was simulated and optimized using SCAPS-1D version 3.3.10 software. The influence on the device of parameters, including perovskite thickness, total defect density, series and shunt resistances, and operating temperature, are discussed and analyzed. With optimized parameters, the efficiency increased from 13.47% to 18.33%. Then, a new SiOx/ITO/PEDOT:PSS/CH3NH3PbI3/PCBM/Ag device was proposed which includes a silicon-rich oxide (SiOx) layer. This material was used as the down-conversion energy material, which converts high-energy photons (ultraviolet UV light) into low-energy photons (visible light), improving the stability and absorption of the device. Finally, with SiOx, we obtained an efficiency of 22.46% in the simulation. Therefore, the device with the SiOx layer is the most suitable as it has better values for current density–voltage output and quantum efficiency than the device without SiOx.
Technological Aspects of Manufacturing and Control of Gears—Review
Authors: Boral Piotr , Gołębski Rafał , Kralikova Ruzena
Published: November 2023

Gear drives are widely used in various fields and applications due to their properties and capacity. Their versatility, durability, and ability to transmit high torques as well as precision and reliability make them extremely useful in many fields of technology. They are widely used in industrial and energy machinery, vehicle drive systems, aerospace, medical devices, and many other areas. Gears can be manufactured using many technologies. This work focuses mainly on machining with particular emphasis on high-performance new technologies. The process of mathematical modeling of the gear and the machined profile is strongly related to CNC machining technologies. A robust correlation of systems supporting the design and modeling of sliding gears needed for the manufacturing process is presented in the article. It is very important to properly assess gears with correct manufacturing in accordance with a specific standard. The article presents an analysis of available methods for controlling gears using coordinate measurement techniques. Gear machining methods were assessed in terms of the technologies used as well as their productivity and manufacturing tolerance.
Evaluation of Durability Performance for Chloride Ingress Considering Long-Term Aged GGBFS and FA Concrete and Analysis of the Relationship between Concrete Mixture Characteristic and Passed Charge Using Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Yoon Yong-Sik , Kwon Seung-Jun , Kim Kyong-Chul , Kim YoungSeok , Koh Kyung-Taek , Choi Won-Young , Lim Kwang-Mo
Published: November 2023

In this study, accelerated chloride diffusion tests are performed on ordinary Portland cement (OPC), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and fly ash (FA) concretes aged 4–6 years. Passed charge is evaluated according to ASTM-C-1202 for 12 mixtures, considering water–binder (W/B) ratios (0.37, 0.42, and 0.47), GGBFS replacement rates (0%, 30%, 50%), and FA replacement rates (0% and 30%). The effects of aged days on passed charge reduction behavior are quantified through repetitive regression analysis. Among existing machine learning (ML) models, linear, lasso, and ridge models are used to analyze the correlation of aged days and mix properties with passed charge. Passed charge analysis considering long-term age shows a significant variability decrease of passed charge by W/B ratio with increasing age and added admixtures (GGBFS and FA). Furthermore, the higher the water–binder ratio in GGBFS and FA concretes, the greater the decrease in passed charge due to aged days. The ML model-based regression analysis shows high correlation when compressive strength and independent variables are considered together. Future work includes a correlational analysis between mixture properties and chloride ingress durability performance using deep learning models based on the time series properties of evaluation data.
Recent Advances in the Use of Green Corrosion Inhibitors to Prevent Chloride-Induced Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Casanova Luca , Ceriani Federica , Messinese Elena , Paterlini Luca , Beretta Silvia , Bolzoni Fabio Maria , Brenna Andrea , Diamanti Maria Vittoria , Ormellese Marco , Pedeferri MariaPia
Published: November 2023

Inhibitors for the prevention of corrosion in reinforced concrete are chemical substances able to reduce carbon steel reinforcements corrosion without altering the overall properties of concrete. Today, many commercially available substances have a negative impact on human safety during either the inhibitor synthesis, their handling or application in field. Green corrosion inhibitors are nontoxic, biodegradable and environmentally biocompatible substances. They are generally made of extracts from natural plants or waste, which are abundantly available in several countries. The majority of green inhibitor molecules usually contain multiple bonds, aromatic rings, polar functional groups and electronegative atoms as P, N, S or O; the latter are able to coordinate with metal cations to form protective layers on the metallic surface of the reinforcements, so as to inhibit the development (initiation and/or propagation) of the corrosion process. In this review, the most recent achievements on the study and investigation of green corrosion inhibitors for concrete structures are presented and discussed. Inhibitors are classified based on their nature and inhibition mechanism. The inhibition effectiveness of the substances is compared with the well-established effective nitrite-based inhibitor, distinguishing between accelerated and long-term tests. Based on the available data, a summary of corrosion inhibitors efficiency is reported.
A Study on the Characteristics of 304 Stainless Steel According to the Water Temperature Changes in Underwater Laser Beam Machining
Authors: Lee Jun Yeon , Kim Dong-Hyeon , Cho Young Tae , Lee Choon Man
Published: November 2023

In underwater laser beam machining (ULBM), water provides a cooling effect by reducing the influence of the laser heat source, which makes ULBM more suitable for marking, cutting, and postprocessing than laser beam machining (LBM). Because the laser heat source not only affects the substrate temperature, but also heats the water, this study analyzes how the cooling effect occurs when water is heated. In this study, the heat-transformed zones in ULBM and heated underwater laser beam machining (HULBM) were improved by approximately 33% and 24%, respectively, compared to LBM at 400 W. In addition, the heat-affected zones in ULBM and HULBM improved by approximately 15% and 9%, respectively, compared to LBM. The hardness of ULBM and HULBM was higher than that of LBM. Based on these results, it was confirmed that water can reduce the effect of the laser heat source and improve the mechanical properties. Experiments will be conducted on the underwater laser beam machining of various substrates, such as Inconel718 and Ti-6Al-4V, in a future study. In addition, experiments will be conducted on the underwater laser beam machining of various substrates using a cooling system that can lower the temperature of water.
5G on the Farm: Evaluating Wireless Network Capabilities and Needs for Agricultural Robotics
Authors: Zhivkov Tsvetan , Sklar Elizabeth I. , Botting Duncan , Pearson Simon
Published: November 2023

Global food security is a critical issue today, strained by a wide range of factors including global warming, carbon emissions, sociopolitical and economic challenges, traditional workforce decline and population growth. Technical innovations that address food security, like agricultural robotics, are gaining traction in industry settings, moving from controlled labs and experimental test facilities to real-world environments. Such technologies require sufficient network infrastructure to support in-field operations; thus, there is increased urgency to establish reliable, high-speed wireless communication networking solutions that enable deployment of autonomous agri-robots. The work presented here includes two contributions at the intersection of network infrastructure and in-field agricultural robotics. First, the physical performance of a private 5G-SA system in an agri-robotics application is evaluated and in-field experimental results are presented. These results are compared (using the same experimental setup) against public 4G and private WiFi6 (a newly emerging wireless communication standard). Second, a simulated experiment was performed to assess the “real-time” operational delay in critical tasks that may require quick turnaround between in-field robot and off-board processing. The results demonstrate that public 4G cannot be used in the agricultural domain for applications that require high throughput and reliable communication; that private 5G-SA greatly outperforms public 4G in all performance metrics (as expected); and that private WiFi6, though limited in range, is a fast and very reliable alternative in specific settings. While a single wireless solution does not currently exist for the agricultural domain, multiple technologies can be combined in a hybrid solution that meets the communications requirements.
Random Walks-Based Node Centralities to Attack Complex Networks
Authors: Turchetto Massimiliano , Bellingeri Michele , Alfieri Roberto , Nguyen Ngoc-Kim-Khanh , Nguyen Quang , Cassi Davide
Published: November 2023

Investigating the network response to node removal and the efficacy of the node removal strategies is fundamental to network science. Different research studies have proposed many node centralities based on the network structure for ranking nodes to remove. The random walk (RW) on networks describes a stochastic process in which a walker travels among nodes. RW can be a model of transport, diffusion, and search on networks and is an essential tool for studying the importance of network nodes. In this manuscript, we propose four new measures of node centrality based on RW. Then, we compare the efficacy of the new RW node centralities for network dismantling with effective node removal strategies from the literature, namely betweenness, closeness, degree, and k-shell node removal, for synthetic and real-world networks. We evaluate the dismantling of the network by using the size of the largest connected component (LCC). We find that the degree nodes attack is the best strategy overall, and the new node removal strategies based on RW show the highest efficacy in regard to peculiar network topology. Specifically, RW strategy based on covering time emerges as the most effective strategy for a synthetic lattice network and a real-world road network. Our results may help researchers select the best node attack strategies in a specific network class and build more robust network structures.
Dynamic Optimization Method of Knowledge Graph Entity Relations for Smart Maintenance of Cantilever Roadheaders
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Yuepan , Ding Kai , Wei Shirui , Zhang Xuhui , Zhao Youjun
Published: November 2023

The fault maintenance scenario in coal-mine equipment intelligence is composed of videos, images, signals, and repair process records. Text data are not the primary data that reflect the fault phenomenon, but rather the secondary processing based on operation experience. Focusing on the difficulty of extracting fault knowledge from the limited textual maintenance process records, a forward static full-connected topology network modeling method based on domain knowledge from four dimensions of physical structure, internal association, condition monitoring, and fault maintenance, is proposed to increase the efficiency of constructing a fault-maintenance knowledge graph. Accurately identifying the intrinsic correlation between the equipment anomalies and the faults’ causes through only domain knowledge and loosely coupled data is difficult. Based on the static full-connected knowledge graph of the cantilever roadheader, the information entropy and density-based DBSCAN clustering algorithm is used to process and analyze many condition-monitoring historical datasets to optimize the entity relationships between the fault phenomena and causes. The improved DBSCAN algorithm consists of three stages: firstly, extracting entity data related to fault information from the static fully connected graph; secondly, calculating the information entropy based on the real dataset describing the fault information and the historical operating condition, respectively; and thirdly, comparing the entropy values of the entities and analyzing the intrinsic relationship between the fault phenomenon, the operating condition data, and the fault causes. Based on the static full-connected topology storage in the Neo4j database, the information entropy and density-based DBSCAN algorithm is computed by using Python to identify the relationship weights and dynamically display optimized knowledge graph topology. Finally, an example of EBZ200-type cantilever roadheader for smart maintenance is studied to analyze and evaluate the forward and four-mainlines knowledge graph modeling method and the dynamic entity relations optimization method for static full-connected knowledge graph.
Miniaturized Broadband Bi-Yagi Antenna Array for Ambient RF Energy Harvesting
Authors: Abdulwali Zaed S. A. , Alqahtani Ali H. , Aladadi Yosef T. , Alkanhal Majeed A. S. , Al-Moliki Yahya M. , Aljaloud Khaled , Alresheedi Mohammed Thamer
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a miniaturized broadband Bi-Yagi antenna array that covers a bandwidth from 1.79 GHz to 2.56 GHz. The proposed antenna achieves a tradeoff between maximizing bandwidth, effective area, and gain while minimizing physical dimensions. The antenna design considers the coupling between the radiator and director elements, resulting in increased bandwidth as the resonating modes shift apart. Additionally, the proposed design optimizes element spacing and dimensions to achieve high gain, wide bandwidth, efficient radiation, and a minimum aperture size. The proposed antenna, with physical dimensions of 138.6 mm × 47.7 mm × 1.57 mm, demonstrates gains ranging from 6.2 dBi to 9.34 dBi across the frequency range, with a total efficiency between 88% and 98%. The proposed design is experimentally validated by measuring the reflection coefficients, input impedance, gain, and normalized radiation pattern. These features make the antenna well suited for capturing and harvesting electromagnetic waves in mobile wireless and Wi-Fi applications.
One-Step Dry Coating of Hybrid ZnO–WO3 Nanosheet Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting with Composition-Dependent Performance
Authors: Malik Muhammad Shehroze , Roy Deepto , Chun Doo-Man , Abd-Elrahim A. G.
Published: November 2023

In this study, the potential of zinc oxide (ZnO), tungsten oxide (WO3), and their composites (ZnO–WO3) as photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting was investigated. ZnO–WO3 nanocomposites (NCs) were deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates at room temperature using a one-step dry coating process, the nanoparticle deposition system, with no post-processes. Different compositions of ZnO–WO3 NCs were optimized to enhance the kinetics of the PEC water-splitting reaction. Surface morphology analysis revealed the transformation of microsized particle nanosheets (NS) powder into nanosized particle nanosheets (NS) across all photoanodes. The optical characteristics of ZnO–WO3 photoanodes were scrutinized using diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence emission spectroscopy. Of all the hybrid photoanodes tested, the photoanode containing 10 wt.% WO3 exhibited the lowest bandgap of 3.20 eV and the lowest emission intensity, indicating an enhanced separation of photogenerated carriers and solar energy capture. The photoelectrochemical results showed a 10% increase in the photocurrent with increasing WO3 content in ZnO–WO3 NCs, which is attributed to improved charge transfer kinetics and carrier segregation. The maximum photocurrent for a NC, i.e., 10 wt.% WO3, was recorded at 0.133 mA·cm−2 at 1.23V vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The observed improvement in photocurrent was nearly 22 times higher than pure WO3 nanosheets and 7.3 times more than that of pure ZnO nanosheets, indicating the composition-dependence of PEC performance, where the synergy requirement strongly relies on utilizing the optimal ZnO–WO3 ratio in the hybrid NCs.
Effect of Complexation with Closo-Decaborate Anion on Photophysical Properties of Copolyfluorenes Containing Dicyanophenanthrene Units in the Main Chain
Authors: Yakimanskiy Anton A. , Kaskevich Ksenia I. , Chulkova Tatiana G. , Krasnopeeva Elena L. , Savilov Serguei V. , Voinova Vera V. , Neumolotov Nikolay K. , Zhdanov Andrey P. , Rogova Anastasia V. , Tomilin Felix N. , Zhizhin Konstantin Yu. , Yakimansky Alexander V.
Published: November 2023

The functionalization of copolyfluorenes containing dicyanophenanthrene units by closo-decaborate anion is described. Target copolyfluorenes were analyzed using SEM, UV-vis, luminescence, NMR, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The effect of complexation with the closo-decaborate anion on the photophysical properties was studied both experimentally and theoretically. The PL data indicate an efficient charge transfer from fluorene to the dicyanophenanthrene units coordinated to the closo-decaborate. The coordination of closo-decaborate clusters to the nitrile groups of copolyfluorenes provides an important route to new materials for sensors and light-emitting devices while, at the same time, serving as a platform for further study of the nature of boron clusters.
Floatability of Fluorite and Calcite Inhibited by Sodium Hexametaphosphate via Ultrasonic Activation
Authors: Yang Zhehui , Li Maolin , Lin Yingxin , Yao Wei , Wu Yue , Cui Rui
Published: November 2023

In order to separate fluorite and calcite inhibited in tungsten tailings, the effect and mechanism of using ultrasonic external field activation to separate fluorite and calcite inhibited by sodium hexametaphosphate in a sodium oleate system were investigated. After pretreatment with an ultrasonic external field with a frequency of 40 kHz and sound intensity of 0.56, 0.50 and 0.40 W/cm2, the flotation recovery of calcite could be increased from 16.08% to about 80%, while the flotation recovery of fluorite was only increased from 7.5% to about 20%, with a difference of 60% between the two flotation recoveries, and the larger the sound intensity, the shorter the pretreatment time and the smaller the ultrasonic input energy. The contact angle of the calcite surface increased, sodium oleate adsorption increased, and zeta potential decreased after ultrasonic pretreatment, while the contact angle, sodium oleate adsorption, and zeta potential of fluorite surface were less changed. The results of heat of adsorption and XPS measurements showed that more heat was released from the interaction between sodium hexametaphosphate and fluorite, and the Ca2p peaks on the surface of fluorite were shifted to a greater extent after the interaction, which inferred that the adsorption of fluorite and sodium hexametaphosphate was relatively easier and stronger. It is presumed that the ultrasonic pretreatment can bring the mineral surface to different degrees of desorption according to the adsorption strength of sodium hexametaphosphate, exposing Ca2+ active sites for sodium oleate adsorption, while expanding the floatability difference between fluorite and calcite.
From Oxidized Fatty Acids to Dimeric Species: In Vivo Relevance, Generation and Methods of Analysis
Authors: Leopold Jenny , Prabutzki Patricia , Engel Kathrin M. , Schiller Jürgen
Published: November 2023

The occurrence of free fatty acids (FFAs) and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals (HO●) or hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is characteristic of inflammatory diseases, for instance, rheumatoid arthritis. Unsaturated fatty acids react with ROS yielding a variety of important products such as peroxides and chlorohydrins as primary and chain-shortened compounds (e.g., aldehydes and carboxylic acids) as secondary products. These modified fatty acids are either released from phospholipids by phospholipases or oxidatively modified subsequent to their release. There is increasing evidence that oligomeric products are also generated upon these processes. Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) are considered as very important products, but chlorinated compounds may be converted into dimeric and (with smaller yields) oligomeric products, as well. Our review is structured as follows: first, the different types of FFA oligomers known so far and the mechanisms of their putative generation are explained. Industrially relevant products as well as compounds generated from the frying of vegetable oils are also discussed. Second, the different opinions on whether dimeric fatty acids are considered as “friends” or “foes” are discussed.
Multi-Gram Scale Synthesis and Characterization of Mometasone Furoate EP Impurity C
Authors: Ronchetti Riccardo , Pannone Luigi Alfonso , Cerra Bruno , Camaioni Emidio , Lopopolo Gianfranco , Attolino Emanuele , Gioiello Antimo
Published: November 2023

Mometasone furoate is a synthetic corticosteroid used in the treatment of skin inflammatory conditions, hay fever and asthma. The industrial manufacturing routes to mometasone furoate are generally accompanied by the formation of numerous process impurities that need to be detected and quantified, as requested by regulatory authorities. The ready availability of such impurities in the required quantity and purity is therefore essential for toxicological studies, analytical method development and process validation. Herein, we report the multi-gram scale preparation of 21′-chloro-(16′α-methyl-3′,11′,20′-trioxo-pregna-1′,4′-dien-17′-yl)-furan-2-carboxylate (mometasone furoate EP impurity C), one of the known impurities of mometasone furoate. This study also includes the systematic investigation of the final acylation step, as well as the characterization of the difuroate enol ether intermediate and its conversion to the target impurity C.
Naturally Inspired Molecules for Neuropathic Pain Inhibition—Effect of Mirogabalin and Cebranopadol on Mechanical and Thermal Nociceptive Threshold in Mice
Authors: Sałat Kinga , Zaręba Paula , Awtoniuk Michał , Sałat Robert
Published: November 2023

Background: Neuropathic pain is drug-resistant to available analgesics and therefore novel treatment options for this debilitating clinical condition are urgently needed. Recently, two drug candidates, namely mirogabalin and cebranopadol have become a subject of interest because of their potential utility as analgesics for chronic pain treatment. However, they have not been investigated thoroughly in some types of neuropathic pain, both in humans and experimental animals. Methods: This study used the von Frey test, the hot plate test and the two-plate thermal place preference test supported by image analysis and machine learning to assess the effect of intraperitoneal mirogabalin and subcutaneous cebranopadol on mechanical and thermal nociceptive threshold in mouse models of neuropathic pain induced by streptozotocin, paclitaxel and oxaliplatin. Results: Mirogabalin and cebranopadol effectively attenuated tactile allodynia in models of neuropathic pain induced by streptozotocin and paclitaxel. Cebranopadol was more effective than mirogabalin in this respect. Both drugs also elevated the heat nociceptive threshold in mice. In the oxaliplatin model, cebranopadol and mirogabalin reduced cold-exacerbated pain. Conclusions: Since mirogabalin and cebranopadol are effective in animal models of neuropathic pain, they seem to be promising novel therapies for various types of neuropathic pain in patients, in particular those who are resistant to available analgesics.
Intelligent Protein Design and Molecular Characterization Techniques: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Chen Chang , Yao Ge , Ding Junjie , Wang Liangliang , Jiang Hui
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the widespread application of artificial intelligence algorithms in protein structure, function prediction, and de novo protein design has significantly accelerated the process of intelligent protein design and led to many noteworthy achievements. This advancement in protein intelligent design holds great potential to accelerate the development of new drugs, enhance the efficiency of biocatalysts, and even create entirely new biomaterials. Protein characterization is the key to the performance of intelligent protein design. However, there is no consensus on the most suitable characterization method for intelligent protein design tasks. This review describes the methods, characteristics, and representative applications of traditional descriptors, sequence-based and structure-based protein characterization. It discusses their advantages, disadvantages, and scope of application. It is hoped that this could help researchers to better understand the limitations and application scenarios of these methods, and provide valuable references for choosing appropriate protein characterization techniques for related research in the field, so as to better carry out protein research.
Precise Confinement and Position Distribution of Atomic Cu and Zn in ZSM-5 for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol
Authors: Ding Hongxin , Zhang Jinwen , Feng Wenhua , Yao Qingying , Zhang Li , Ren Yuanhang , Ye Lin , Yue Bin , He Heyong
Published: November 2023

CuZn-based catalysts are widely used in CO2 hydrogenation, which may effectively convert CO2 to methanol and alleviate CO2 emission issues. The precise design of a model catalyst with a clear atomic structure is crucial in studying the relationship between structure and catalytic activity. In this work, a one-pot strategy was used to synthesize CuZn@ZSM-5 catalysts with approximately two Cu atoms and one Zn atom per unit cell. Atomic Cu and Zn species are confirmed to be located in the [54.6.102] and [62.104] tilings, respectively, by using magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MAS NMR), synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXRD) and high-signal-to-noise-ratio annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (High SNR ADF-STEM). Catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol was used as a model reaction to investigate the activity of the catalyst with confined active species. Compared to the Cu@ZSM-5, Zn@ZSM-5 and their mixture, the CuZn@ZSM-5 catalyst with a close Cu–Zn distance of 4.5 Å achieves a comparable methanol space–time yield (STY) of 92.0 mgmethanol·gcatal−1·h−1 at 533 K and 4 MPa with high stability. This method is able to confine one to three metal atoms in the zeolite channel and avoid migration and agglomeration of the atoms during the reaction, which maintains the stability of the catalyst and provides an efficient way for adjustment of the type and number of metal atoms along with the distances between them in zeolites.
Reducing Dietary Sodium and Improving Human Health 2.0
Authors: Moreira Pedro , Gonçalves Carla
Published: November 2023

This Special Issue of Nutrients, “Reducing Dietary Sodium and Improving Human Health 2 [...]
Standards for the Use of Enteral Nutrition in Patients with Diabetes or Stress Hyperglycaemia: Expert Consensus
Authors: Rebollo-Pérez María I. , Florencio Ojeda Luna , García-Luna Pedro P. , Irles Rocamora José A. , Olveira Gabriel , Lacalle Remigio Juan Ramón , Arraiza Irigoyen Carmen , Calañas Continente Alfonso , Campos Martín Cristina , Fernández Soto María Luisa , García Almeida José Manuel , López María Laínez , Losada Morell Concepción , Luengo Pérez Luis Miguel , Muñoz de Escalona Martínez Teodosia , Pereira-Cunill José L. , Vílchez-López Francisco J. , Rabat-Restrepo Juana M.
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: Hyperglycaemia that occurs during enteral nutrition (EN) should be prevented and treated appropriately since it can have important consequences for morbidity and mortality. However, there are few quality studies in the literature regarding the management of EN in this situation. The objective of this project was to attempt to respond, through a panel of experts, to those clinical problems regarding EN in patients with diabetes or stress hyperglycaemia (hereinafter referred to only as hyperglycaemia) for which we do not have conclusive scientific evidence; (2) Methods: The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, a modified Delphi panel method, was applied. A panel of experts made up of 10 clinical nutrition specialists was formed, and they scored on the appropriateness of EN in hyperglycaemia, doing so in two rounds. A total of 2992 clinical scenarios were examined, which were stratified into five chapters: type of formula used, method of administration, infusion site, treatment of diabetes, and gastrointestinal complications. (3) Results: consensus was detected in 36.4% of the clinical scenarios presented, of which 23.7% were deemed appropriate scenarios, while 12.7% were deemed inappropriate. The remaining 63.6% of the scenarios were classified as uncertain; (4) Conclusions: The recommendations extracted will be useful for improving the clinical management of these patients. However, there are still many uncertain scenarios reflecting that the criteria for the management of EN in hyperglycaemia are not completely standardised. More studies are required to provide quality recommendations in this area.
The Physiological Requirements of and Nutritional Recommendations for Equestrian Riders
Authors: Best Russ , Williams Jane M. , Pearce Jeni
Published: November 2023

Equestrian sport is under-researched within the sport science literature, creating a possible knowledge vacuum for athletes and support personnel wishing to train and perform in an evidence-based manner. This review aims to synthesise available evidence from equitation, sport, and veterinary sciences to describe the pertinent rider physiology of equestrian disciplines. Estimates of energy expenditure and the contribution of underpinning energy systems to equestrian performance are used to provide nutrition and hydration recommendations for competition and training in equestrian disciplines. Relative energy deficiency and disordered eating are also considered. The practical challenges of the equestrian environment, including competitive, personal, and professional factors, injury and concussion, and female participation, are discussed to better highlight novelty within equestrian disciplines compared to more commonly studied sports. The evidence and recommendations are supported by example scenarios, and future research directions are outlined.