bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Convolutional Neural Net Architecture Based on Incorporating Meteorological Variable Inputs into Ultra-Short-Term Photovoltaic Power Forecasting
Authors: Ren Xiaoying , Zhang Fei , Yan Junshuai , Liu Yongqian
Published: March 2024

Accurate photovoltaic (PV) power forecasting allows for better integration and management of renewable energy sources, which can help to reduce our dependence on finite fossil fuels, drive energy transitions and climate change mitigation, and thus promote the sustainable development of renewable energy sources. A convolutional neural network (CNN) forecasting method with a two-input, two-scale parallel cascade structure is proposed for ultra-short-term PV power forecasting tasks. The dual-input pattern of the model is constructed by integrating the weather variables and the historical power so as to convey finer information about the interaction between the weather variables and the PV power to the model; the design of the two-branch, two-scale CNN model architecture realizes in-depth fusion of the PV system data with the CNN’s feature extraction mechanism. Each branch introduces an attention mechanism (AM) that focuses on the degree of influence between elements within the historical power sequence and the degree of influence of each meteorological variable on the historical power sequence, respectively. Actual operational data from three PV plants under different meteorological conditions are used. Compared with the baseline model, the proposed model shows a better forecasting performance, which provides a new idea for deep-learning-based PV power forecasting techniques, as well as important technical support for a high percentage of PV energy to be connected to the grid, thus promoting the sustainable development of renewable energy.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Low-Carbon Incentive Behaviour of Power Battery Recycling Based on Prospect Theory
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Jiale
Published: March 2024

Power batteries, the core component of the rapidly evolving electric vehicle industry, have increasingly become a focal point of attention. Recycling power batteries can mitigate environmental pollution and utilize resources efficiently, which is crucial for fostering a low-carbon economy and achieving sustainable development. Utilizing prospect theory, this study proposes a tripartite game model for low-carbon innovation in power battery recycling, involving government agencies, power battery manufacturers, and recycling enterprises. This paper initially identifies the evolutionary stability strategy, subsequently simulates the evolutionary process through parameter assignment, and explores parameter sensitivity along with comparative effects. This study indicates the following: (i) Government incentives are pivotal in motivating manufacturers and recyclers towards low-carbon innovation. (ii) Reducing technology costs and enhancing spillovers significantly boost low-carbon innovation’s appeal. (iii) Moderate carbon taxes can encourage businesses to engage in low-carbon innovation, while excessively high taxes may increase operating costs and hinder investment in innovation. Lastly, policy recommendations are made in order to support environmental preservation and the industry’s sustainable growth in the power battery recycling sector.
Managing Household Food Waste with the FoodSaveShare Mobile Application
Authors: Mastorakis George , Kopanakis Ioannis , Makridis John , Chroni Christina , Synani Katerina , Lasaridi Katia , Abeliotis Konstadinos , Louloudakis Ioannis , Daliakopoulos Ioannis N. , Manios Thrassyvoulos
Published: March 2024

It is estimated that European households are responsible for 55% of food waste generation. Key factors contributing to household food waste generation include food spoilage, confusion over expiration dates, overbuying, and inadequate shopping planning. Thus, food waste prevention at the household level depends heavily on food supplies monitoring and management. To this end, during the last decade, several consumer-oriented digital tools have been designed and launched. A literature review showed that currently accessible digital tools are scarce and cover a narrow range of functionalities. Here, we address these issues by designing and launching a decision support tool implemented in a smart mobile phone application (app), the FoodSaveShare Mobile App. The application development followed a traditional client–server architecture using state-of-the-art software and hardware technologies. Additionally, a survey of 340 individuals was conducted to better understand end-user motivation for and barriers against adopting this and similar apps. The developed application combines user-provided data with a retailer loyalty program to leverage the integrated features for tracking shopping activities. The app features a household shopping list populated by product barcode scanning and manual entry. Based on food and packaging type, food products are assigned approximate expiration dates to issue product expiration reminders. For products about to expire, suggestions for their utilization are provided, drawing from a list of over 7000 recipes. Additional functionality allows users to identify products that have either been consumed in time or that need to be discarded. Analytical tools, such as past purchase and resources discarded versus resources saved statistics, offer comprehensive insight and encourage improved shopping and consumption practices. The FoodSaveShare App was launched during the A2UFood Project, which allowed an organised campaign for its use. The app was tested under real customer data and conditions, and selected features have been adopted by the largest supermarket chain on the Island of Crete, Greece. The potential end-user survey results suggest that, provided personal data use issues are addressed, such apps can have a significant impact on reducing household food waste. Future work will focus on analysing the datasets produced by the application to assess its impact on household food waste management.
Microstructure and Properties of Thin-Film Submicrostructures Obtained by Rapid Thermal Treatment of Nickel Films on Silicon
Authors: Lapitskaya Vasilina , Trukhan Ruslan , Kuznetsova Tatyana , Solovjov Jaroslav , Chizhik Sergei , Pilipenko Vladimir , Liutsko Karyna , Nasevich Anastasiya , Douhal Maksim
Published: March 2024

Nickel films of 40 nm thickness were obtained by means of magnetron sputtering on a single-crystalline silicon substrate. The films were subjected to rapid thermal treatment (RTT) for 7 s until the temperature increased from 200 to 550 °C. By means of the X-ray diffraction method, the structural-phase composition of nickel films before and after RTT was explored. The atomic force microscopy method due to direct contact with the surface under study, made it possible to accurately define the microstructure, roughness, specific surface energy and grain size of the nickel films before and after RTT, as well as to establish the relationship of these parameters with the phase composition and electrical properties of the films. Surface specific resistance was measured using the four-probe method. Based on XRD results, formation of Ni2Si and NiSi phases in the film was ascertained after RTT at 300 °C. At RTT 350–550 °C, only the NiSi phase was formed in the film. The microstructure and grain size significantly depend on the phase composition of the films. A correlation has been established between specific surface energy and resistivity with the average grain size after RTT at 350–550 °C, which is associated with the formation and constant restructuring of the crystal structure of the NiSi phase.
Hemolytic Properties of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in In Vitro Systems
Authors: Bai Jiahui , Zhang Mengyuan , Shao Longyi , Jones Timothy P. , Feng Xiaolei , Huang Man , BéruBé Kelly A.
Published: March 2024

Epidemiological studies have suggested that inhalation exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution, especially fine particles (i.e., PM2.5 (PM with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less)), is causally associated with cardiovascular health risks. To explore the toxicological mechanisms behind the observed adverse health effects, the hemolytic activity of PM2.5 samples collected during different pollution levels in Beijing was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the hemolysis of PM2.5 ranged from 1.98% to 7.75% and demonstrated a clear dose–response relationship. The exposure toxicity index (TI) is proposed to represent the toxicity potential of PM2.5, which is calculated by the hemolysis percentage of erythrocytes (red blood cells, RBC) multiplied by the mass concentration of PM2.5. In a pollution episode, as the mass concentration increases, TI first increases and then decreases, that is, TI (low pollution levels) < TI (heavy pollution levels) < TI (medium pollution levels). In order to verify the feasibility of the hemolysis method for PM toxicity detection, the hemolytic properties of PM2.5 were compared with the plasmid scission assay (PSA). The hemolysis results had a significant positive correlation with the DNA damage percentages, indicating that the hemolysis assay is feasible for the detection of PM2.5 toxicity, thus providing more corroborating information regarding the risk to human cardiovascular health.
The Power of Relativistic Jets: A Comparative Study
Authors: Foschini Luigi , Dalla Barba Benedetta , Tornikoski Merja , Andernach Heinz , Marziani Paola , Marscher Alan P. , Jorstad Svetlana G. , Järvelä Emilia , Antón Sonia , Dalla Bontà Elena
Published: March 2024

We present the results of a comparison between different methods to estimate the power of relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei (AGN). We selected a sample of 32 objects (21 flat-spectrum radio quasars, 7 BL Lacertae objects, 2 misaligned AGN, and 2 changing-look AGN) from the very large baseline array (VLBA) observations at 43 GHz of the Boston University blazar program. We then calculated the total, radiative, and kinetic jet power from both radio and high-energy gamma-ray observations, and compared the values. We found an excellent agreement between the radiative power calculated by using the Blandford and Königl model with 37 or 43 GHz data and the values derived from the high-energy γ-ray luminosity. The agreement is still acceptable if 15 GHz data are used, although with a larger dispersion, but it improves if we use a constant fraction of the γ-ray luminosity. We found a good agreement also for the kinetic power calculated with the Blandford and Königl model with 15 GHz data and the value from the extended radio emission. We also propose some easy-to-use equations to estimate the jet power.
Genome Analysis of Epsilon CrAss-like Phages
Authors: Babkin Igor V. , Tikunov Artem Y. , Baykov Ivan K. , Morozova Vera V. , Tikunova Nina V.
Published: March 2024

CrAss-like phages play an important role in maintaining ecological balance in the human intestinal microbiome. However, their genetic diversity and lifestyle are still insufficiently studied. In this study, a novel CrAssE-Sib phage genome belonging to the epsilon crAss-like phage genomes was found. Comparative analysis indicated that epsilon crAss-like phages are divided into two putative genera, which were proposed to be named Epsilonunovirus and Epsilonduovirus; CrAssE-Sib belongs to the former. The crAssE-Sib genome contains a diversity-generating retroelement (DGR) cassette with all essential elements, including the reverse transcriptase (RT) and receptor binding protein (RBP) genes. However, this RT contains the GxxxSP motif in its fourth domain instead of the usual GxxxSQ motif found in all known phage and bacterial DGRs. RBP encoded by CrAssE-Sib and other Epsilonunoviruses has an unusual structure, and no similar phage proteins were found. In addition, crAssE-Sib and other Epsilonunoviruses encode conserved prophage repressor and anti-repressors that could be involved in lysogenic-to-lytic cycle switches. Notably, DNA primase sequences of epsilon crAss-like phages are not included in the monophyletic group formed by the DNA primases of all other crAss-like phages. Therefore, epsilon crAss-like phage substantially differ from other crAss-like phages, indicating the need to classify these phages into a separate family.
Enhanced Immunogenicity and Protective Effects against SARS-CoV-2 Following Immunization with a Recombinant RBD-IgG Chimeric Protein
Authors: Silva Mariângela de Oliveira , Castro-Amarante Maria Fernanda , Venceslau-Carvalho Alexia Adrianne , Almeida Bianca da Silva , Daher Isabela Pazotti , Souza-Silva Guilherme Antonio de , Yamamoto Marcio Massao , Koike Gabriela , de Souza Edmarcia Elisa , Wrenger Carsten , Ferreira Luís Carlos de Souza , Boscardin Silvia Beatriz
Published: March 2024

The unprecedented global impact caused by SARS-CoV-2 imposed huge health and economic challenges, highlighting the urgent need for safe and effective vaccines. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 is the major target for neutralizing antibodies and for vaccine formulations. Nonetheless, the low immunogenicity of the RBD requires the use of alternative strategies to enhance its immunological properties. Here, we evaluated the use of a subunit vaccine antigen generated after the genetic fusing of the RBD with a mouse IgG antibody. Subcutaneous administration of RBD-IgG led to the extended presence of the protein in the blood of immunized animals and enhanced RBD-specific IgG titers. Furthermore, RBD-IgG immunized mice elicited increased virus neutralizing antibody titers, measured both with pseudoviruses and with live original (Wuhan) SARS-CoV-2. Immunized K18-hACE2 mice were fully resistant to the lethal challenge of the Wuhan SARS-CoV-2, demonstrated by the control of body-weight loss and virus loads in their lungs and brains. Thus, we conclude that the genetic fusion of the RBD with an IgG molecule enhanced the immunogenicity of the antigen and the generation of virus-neutralizing antibodies, supporting the use of IgG chimeric antigens as an approach to improve the performance of SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccines.
Development and Evaluation of an Immunoinformatics-Based Multi-Peptide Vaccine against Acinetobacter baumannii Infection
Authors: Jeffreys Sean , Tompkins Megan P. , Aki Jadelynn , Papp Sara B. , Chambers James P. , Guentzel M. Neal , Hung Chiung-Yu , Yu Jieh-Juen , Arulanandam Bernard P.
Published: March 2024

Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen associated with hospital-acquired infections. Due to its environmental persistence, virulence, and limited treatment options, this organism causes both increased patient mortality and incurred healthcare costs. Thus, prophylactic vaccination could be ideal for intervention against MDR Acinetobacter infection in susceptible populations. In this study, we employed immunoinformatics to identify peptides containing both putative B- and T-cell epitopes from proteins associated with A. baumannii pathogenesis. A novel Acinetobacter Multi-Epitope Vaccine (AMEV2) was constructed using an A. baumannii thioredoxin A (TrxA) leading protein sequence followed by five identified peptide antigens. Antisera from A. baumannii infected mice demonstrated reactivity to rAMEV2, and subcutaneous immunization of mice with rAMEV2 produced high antibody titer against the construct as well as peptide components. Immunization results in increased frequency of IL-4-secreting splenocytes indicative of a Th2 response. AMEV2-immunized mice were protected against intranasal challenge with a hypervirulent strain of A. baumannii and demonstrated reduced bacterial burden at 48 h. In contrast, all mock vaccinated mice succumbed to infection within 3 days. Results presented here provide insight into the effectiveness of immunoinformatic-based vaccine design and its potential as an effective strategy to combat the rise of MDR pathogens.
Selection of Male Donors in Local Chicken Breeds to Implement the Italian Semen Cryobank: Variability in Semen Quality, Freezability and Fertility
Authors: Madeddu Manuela , Zaniboni Luisa , Marelli Stefano Paolo , Tognoli Cristina , Belcredito Silvia , Iaffaldano Nicolaia , Di Iorio Michele , Cerolini Silvia
Published: March 2024

Native breed conservation is an important component of poultry biodiversity. The aim of this work is to describe different steps that lead to donor selection for the implementation of the Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds. The variability within and between breeds was evaluated, and the stored semen reproductive capacity was in vivo tested using artificial insemination. Semen from Bionda Piemontese, Bianca di Saluzzo and Pepoi roosters was collected and processed. Concentration, volume, sperm membrane integrity, total motile sperm, progressive motile sperm and kinetic parameters were analyzed; sperm parameters accounting for bird variability were used to select male donors. Fresh semen quality parameters measured in donor ejaculates showed significant differences between breeds; no differences were found after cryopreservation. Variability in the fertilizing ability of cryopreserved semen was found within a breed (5–16%) and between birds within a breed (BP = 3–7%; BS = 7–31%; PP = 6–22%); only sperm quality parameters measured in fresh ejaculates, not frozen/thawed, may be associated with in vivo fertility results. In conclusion, sperm concentration and progressive motility were successfully used as selection parameters to identify chicken male donors with improved sperm quality for sperm cryobanking. However, new reliable sperm markers to predict cryopreserved semen’s fertilizing ability are required.
Comparative Analysis of Water Sustainability Indices: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jarzebski Marcin Pawel , Karthe Daniel , Chapagain Saroj Kumar , Setiawati Martiwi Diah , Wadumestrige Dona Chethika Gunasiri , Pu Jian , Fukushi Kensuke
Published: March 2024

The achievement of water sustainability necessitates the development and application of comprehensive assessment tools to monitor and evaluate the impact of water resource management. This article presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of various water sustainability indices, emphasizing their underlying principles, methodologies, and potential applications. Our study reveals the diverse landscape of existing indices, illustrating that even indices with similar names can vary significantly in scope and methodology. Via a systematic review of 124 publications, this study provides insights into existing composite indices related to water sustainability, highlighting their specific applications and potential contributions to water resource management and sustainability. The information gathered from the selected papers was synthesized and analyzed thematically to identify common patterns through keyword co-occurrence mapping, SDG mapping, standard review protocols, and cluster analyses. Through a cluster analysis, we identified six distinct clusters of indices, highlighting the need for careful consideration in selecting appropriate ones. Moreover, our analysis of co-occurring keywords underscores the close relationship between sustainable development, water resources, water supply, and water conservation within the context of water-related indices. Notably, these indices address not only sustainable development goal six but also a number of other interconnected goals. It was also found that “sustainability index” is a common name for different nature water indices. This review also identifies research gaps in the existing literature. However, significant limitations exist, including a lack of historical application and future projections for many current water sustainability indicators. Without the ability to track changes over time and project the future, identifying areas of improvement and measuring progress toward long-term water sustainability goals becomes challenging. Furthermore, many indices are complex and designed for watershed or regional levels, limiting their adaptability to different contexts. Despite these challenges, indices remain valuable tools for assessing and managing water resources sustainably, addressing various dimensions of sustainability, and supporting decision-making processes across different sectors and contexts.
Study on Hydrochemical Characteristics and Interactions between Groundwater and Surface Water in the Dongting Lake Plain
Authors: Xiao Pan , Wan Junwei , Cheng Jinhua , Wang Xinfeng , Zhao Xingyuezi
Published: March 2024

The Dongting Lake Plain is a major ecological reserve for river and lake wetlands in the Yangtze River Basin, with complex river and lake relationships and frequent water flow exchange. Studies on the hydrochemical characteristics and the mechanism of interaction between groundwater and surface water will actively promote the scientific management, utilization of water resources, and protection of the ecological environment in the Dongting Lake Plain. Based on hydrogeochemical statistics, Gibbs diagrams, ion ratios, rock weathering end-element diagrams, hydrogen–oxygen isotope relationship diagrams, and other technical methods, the chemical characteristics, ion sources, and the distribution of hydrogen–oxygen isotopes of groundwater and surface water in “the Three Inlets” and “the Four Rivers” water system areas as well as the Dongting Lake water were analyzed. Additionally, the interactions between groundwater and surface water and the proportions of these contributions were discussed. The results show that both groundwater and surface water in the Dongting Lake Plain are weakly acidic or alkaline, and the anions are mainly HCO3−, the cations are mainly Ca2+and Mg2+, with the hydrochemical types being mainly HCO3−Ca−Mg and HCO3−Ca. The chemical characteristics of groundwater and surface water are mainly affected by the interaction between water and rock; the ions in surface water mainly come from the weathered dissolution of carbonate and silicate rocks, while the ions in groundwater mainly come from the weathered dissolution of carbonate and silicate rocks, with the dissolution of evaporite rocks locally. Groundwater and surface water are mainly distributed near the local meteoric water line (LMWL), and the slope of the local evaporation line is less than that of the LMWL, which indicates that atmospheric rainfall is an important recharge source for groundwater and surface water and that at the same time, it is affected by evaporation to a certain extent. Part of the groundwater in the Dongting Lake Plain is discharged into the surface rivers in “the Three Inlets” and “the Four Rivers” water system areas, and the other part is directly discharged into Dongting Lake. According to the mass balance relationship of isotopes, the proportions of surface water in “the Three Inlets” and “the Four Rivers” water system areas contributing to Dongting Lake’s water are 18.48% and 60.38%, respectively, and the proportion of groundwater in the lake plain contributing to Dongting Lake water is 21.14%.
The General Relationship between Mean Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations and Timescales in Estuaries
Authors: Shen Jian , Qin Qubin
Published: March 2024

The onset of hypoxia is a consequence of the competition between oxygen replenishment, production, and consumption. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels inside an estuary depend on the balance between physical processes that transport oxygen-rich water into the estuary, including upstream freshwater advection, gravitational circulation, and vertical mixing, and biochemical processes that produce and consume oxygen, such as photosynthesis, respiration, and organic decomposition. We propose a general relationship between the physical and biochemical processes with a Lagrangian perspective to interpolate mean DO concentrations at local and system levels to assess the onset of hypoxia in an estuary. Simple parameters using timescales are proposed for cross-system comparison of hypoxia and anoxia conditions. Our study demonstrates that the hypoxia of an estuary system is determined by the timescales of vertical exchange, freshwater and saltwater transport, and DO consumption. When the vertical exchange timescale is shorter than the residence time in a system, vertical exchange dominates DO replenishment, while shorter residence time enhances advection, which quickly inputs DO-rich water to regulate hypoxia. The interplay between DO consumption and dynamic DO replenishment is the primary determinant of hypoxia in an estuary.
Líquenes epifitos como bioindicadores de contaminación del aire en la ciudad de Lircay, Perú
Authors: Yaulilahua-Huacho Russbelt , Sumarriva-Bustinza Liliana Asunción , Gave-Chagua José Luis , Huere-Peña Jorge Luis , Garcia-Ticllacuri Rubén
Published: March 2024

Los líquenes son utilizados como bioindicadores para valorar la calidad atmosférica, debido a que obtienen la mayor parte de sus nutrientes del aire, son muy sensibles a las impurezas presentes en la atmosfera, tales como el dióxido de azufre, óxidos de nitrógeno, dióxidos de carbono y metales pesados. Con el objetivo de determinar la calidad de aire según el índice de pureza atmosférica mediante el muestreo de líquenes epifitos en las principales áreas verdes de la ciudad de Lircay, en función a su riqueza y diversidad de líquenes. El estudio se realizó en la ciudad de Lircay, Huancavelica-Perú, en cinco zonas (Pueblo Viejo, Pampa, Santa Rosa, Bellavista y Virgen del Carmen), que representa área urbana con pocas o ninguna fuente de contaminación del aire. Se determinaron la biodiversidad de líquenes epifitos (LE) se usó el Índice de Shannon Wiener (ISW) e Índice de Pureza Atmosférica (IPA) se obtuvo en función del número de especies de LE encontrados. La identificación de especies diferentes de LE se realizó mediante la construcción de rejilla en el tronco del árbol. Se encontraron un total de 4140 LE distribuidos en 27 especies (La especie más abundante fue Cladoniicola irregularis, con 7.27%, seguida por Arthonia microcarpa 5.97%, Collema nigrescens 5.46%, Roccella caribaea 5.43% y Leptogium phyllocarpum 5.00%.). En ISW de la biodiversidad evaluada, se encontró 2.98-3.13 (media y alta) la mayor fue en la zona 1 (Pueblo viejo). Por otro lado, en IPA se identificó una contaminación que oscila entre 38.9-46.3 que puede considerarse de moderada a en transición.  Se concluye, En la ciudad de Lircay, se ha observado una variedad moderada de biodiversidad, con una amplia gama de especies. En cuanto a la calidad del aire, se registra una ligera contaminación, lo que indica niveles menores de polución en la ciudad.
Size-Dependent Effect of Indocyanine Green Nanoimaging Agent for Metastatic Lymph Node Detection
Authors: Le Quoc-Viet , Kang Sungtaek , Lee Jaeseong , Park Hyeseon , Sun Jeong Gil , Lee Jaiwoo , Shim Gayong
Published: March 2024

Identification of metastatic lymph nodes is a crucial step in lymph node dissection to prevent further cancer spread and recurrence. However, the current limitations in metastatic lymph node detection often result in extensive resection of normal lymph nodes, leading to serious complications. The clinical application of indocyanine green (ICG) as a tool for lymph node detection is challenging because of its short plasma half-life and rapid light-induced decomposition and clearance. To overcome this limitation, we used polydopamine nanoparticles (PNs) as carriers for ICG and screened for the optimal particle size for detecting metastatic lymph nodes. ICG/PNs with sizes of 80, 160, 300, and 600 nm were synthesized, and their ICG loading efficiency, physical stability, and lymph node distribution were evaluated. The ICG absorbed on the PNs was found to be protected from light degradation, and its retention at the lymph nodes was improved. Notably, the ICG/PNs favored the fluorescence signal at the metastatic lymph nodes compared to the nonmetastatic lymph nodes. Among the tested particle sizes, the 80-nm ICG/PN showed a higher distribution in the metastatic lymph nodes. This study suggests that the 80-nm ICG/PN is a potentially valuable reagent for the detection and diagnosis of lymph node metastasis.
Oxidation Tuned Cu
1.94
S Nanostructures for Ultrafast Charge and Discharge
Authors: Zhong Zihan , Yang Zhoudong , Chen Jie , Xu Wenhao , Tang Yi , Chao Dongliang , Tang Yun
Published: March 2024

Morphological control is an effective approach to enhance the rate performance of nanostructured electrode materials, offering a promising solution for alleviating energy concerns. We have utilized a seed-mediated growth method to synthesize hexagonal djurleite (Cu
1.94
S) nanoplates and nanoflowers under N
2
and air, respectively. The influence of the morphology on the ion interaction has been investigated in the storage process through half-cell electrochemical energy storage. Cu
1.94
S nanoplates performed a higher specific capacity of 193 mAh g
−1
at a high rate of 8 A g
−1
than nanoflowers and showed excellent cycle stability over 4,000 cycles with capacity retention of 80.8%. The relationship between morphology and electrochemical performance was explored through further electrochemical characterization. It is found that the stacking of hexagonal surfaces of nanoplates increases the contact area of the electrode material and reduced resistance, leading to faster ion migration and a more complete redox process, ultimately contributing to a higher specific capacity. Our study has enhanced the understanding of structure–property relationships for electrode material, providing an insightful approach for the preparation of electrode materials suitable for ultrafast charge and discharge.
Diel Patterns in the Composition and Activity of Planktonic Microbes in a Subtropical Bay
Authors: Chen Songze , Arifeen Muhammad Zain Ul , Li Minxu , Xu ShuaiShuai , Wang Hao , Chen Siruo , Tao Jianchang , Guo Kangli , Yan Rongman , Zheng Yan , Hou Shengwei , Zhang Chuanlun
Published: March 2024

Planktonic microbes play a crucial role in the matter transformation and energy transfer of marine ecosystems. Marine microbial communities are profoundly influenced by various environmental factors, and their variations are typically investigated in a time-dependent manner. However, studies conducted on a monthly or annual basis do not offer sufficient temporal resolution to reveal changes that can occur on an hourly basis. We conducted a high-resolution time-series study using amplicon sequencing on seawater samples taken at 2-h intervals over a 3-d period from the subtropical Daya Bay to investigate changes in the microbial community composition and activity. The results showed that 46.8% of the microbial rRNA sequences exhibited circadian rhythms, including phytoplankton (e.g., Bacillariophyta, Cryptophyta, and Dinophyceae), heterotrophic bacteria (e.g., Actinomarinaceae, Flavobacteriaceae, and SAR11_clade), and zooplankton (e.g.,
Bestiolina
and Phyllopharyngea). The genera of Bacillariophyta (e.g.,
Chaetoceros
and
Pseudo-nitzschia
) exhibited higher activity than those of Chlorophyta (e.g.,
Micromonas
). A similar trend was observed for zooplankton, where Choanozoa (e.g.,
Copepoda
) showed a strong circadian rhythm in abundance whereas Ciliophora (e.g.,
Pithites
) were more active. Light intensity and tides were identified as the driving factors behind the periodic succession and activity of the heterotrophic bacteria and phytoplankton with the exception of picocyanobacteria, which were mainly influenced by fluctuations in temperature, nutrients, and salinity. These high-resolution time-dependent observations showed that, despite the dynamic coastal environment, the periodic changes in the microbial community and activity were distinct and phylogenetically conserved. The findings may help in the development of ecosystem models for predicting microbial abundance and activity in rapidly changing coastal and estuary environments.
The Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Metabolites for Cancer: Friend or Enemy
Authors: Wu Jie , Liu Nian , Chen Jing , Tao Qian , Li Qiuqiu , Li Jie , Chen Xiang , Peng Cong
Published: March 2024

The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is capable of providing sufficient energy for the physiological activities under aerobic conditions. Although tumor metabolic reprogramming places aerobic glycolysis in a dominant position, the TCA cycle remains indispensable for tumor cells as a hub for the metabolic linkage and interconversion of glucose, lipids, and certain amino acids. TCA intermediates such as citrate, α-ketoglutarate, succinate, and fumarate are altered in tumors, and they regulate the tumor metabolism, signal transduction, and immune environment to affect tumorigenesis and tumor progression. This article provides a comprehensive review of the modifications occurring in tumor cells in relation to the intermediates of the TCA cycle, which affects tumor pathogenesis and current therapeutic strategy for therapy through targeting TCA cycle in cancer cells.
Resonating with Cellular Pathways: Transcriptome Insights into Nonthermal Bioeffects of Middle Infrared Light Stimulation and Vibrational Strong Coupling on Cell Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Niu Xingkun , Wu Zhongyu , Gao Feng , Hou Shaojie , Liu Shihao , Zhao Xinmin , Wang Liping , Guo Jun , Zhang Feng
Published: March 2024

Middle infrared stimulation (MIRS) and vibrational strong coupling (VSC) have been separately applied to physically regulate biological systems but scarcely compared with each other, especially at identical vibrational frequencies, though they both involve resonant mechanism. Taking cell proliferation and migration as typical cell-level models, herein, we comparatively studied the nonthermal bioeffects of MIRS and VSC with selecting the identical frequency (53.5 THz) of the carbonyl vibration. We found that both MIRS and VSC can notably increase the proliferation rate and migration capacity of fibroblasts. Transcriptome sequencing results reflected the differential expression of genes related to the corresponding cellular pathways. This work not only sheds light on the synergistic nonthermal bioeffects from the molecular level to the cell level but also provides new evidence and insights for modifying bioreactions, further applying MIRS and VSC to the future medicine of frequencies.
Odd Response-Induced Phase Separation of Active Spinners
Authors: Ding Yu , Wang Boyi , Yang Qing , Zhao Zhiyuan , Komura Shigeyuki , Seto Ryohei , Yang Mingcheng , Ye Fangfu
Published: March 2024

Due to the breaking of time-reversal and parity symmetries and the presence of non-conservative microscopic interactions, active spinner fluids and solids respectively exhibit nondissipative odd viscosity and nonstorage odd elasticity, engendering phenomena unattainable in traditional passive or active systems. Here, we study the effects of odd viscosity and elasticity on phase behaviors of active spinner systems. We find the spinner fluid under a simple shear experiences an anisotropic gas–liquid phase separation driven by the odd-viscosity stress. This phase separation exhibits equilibrium-like behavior, with both binodal-like and spinodal curves and critical point. However, the formed dense liquid phase is unstable, since the odd elasticity instantly takes over the odd viscosity to condense the liquid into a solid-like phase. The unusual phase behavior essentially arises from the competition between thermal fluctuations and the odd response-induced effective attraction. Our results demonstrate that the cooperation of odd viscosity and elasticity can lead to exotic phase behavior, revealing their fundamental roles in phase transition.
Minimum-Time Control for the Test Mass Release Phase of Drag-Free Spacecraft
Authors: Lin Mingpei , Zhang Jinxiu , He Yanchao
Published: March 2024

The capture control of test mass by means of the electrostatic suspensions is crucial for drag-free spacecraft. The test mass must be released to the cage center of the inertial sensor accurately and quickly. This paper proposes a minimum-time capture control method for the test mass release phase of drag-free spacecraft. An analytical solution of optimal control is derived based on Pontryagin’s minimum principle and the linearized dynamics model of the test mass during the release phase. The parameters of the analytical solution are initially guessed with an approximate linear solution of the test mass dynamics model and are slightly modified by using differential correction. Compared with the exact numerical solution by the
hp
-adaptive pseudospectral method, the analytical solution is proved to be minimum-time. Numerical simulation shows that the proposed control method quickly captures the test mass to the cage center of the inertial sensor. The capture time to stabilization is only half that of the traditional controller.
High Order Continuous Extended Linear Multistep Methods for Approximating System of ODEs
Authors: Esuabana I. M. , Ogunfeyitimi S. E.
Published: March 2024

A class of high-order continuous extended linear multistep methods (HOCELMs) is proposed for solving systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). These continuous schemes are obtained through multistep collocation at various points to create a single block method with higher dimensions. This class of schemes consists of A-stable methods with a maximum order of $p\leq14$, capable of yielding moderately accurate results for equations with several eigenvalues of the Jacobians located close to the imaginary axis. The results obtained from numerical experiments indicate that these schemes show great promise and competitiveness when compared to existing methods in the literature.
Microplastics abundance in sea cucumber Holothuria scabra from Pulau Malawali, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Shukhairi Sarah Syazwani , Mazlan Nurzafirah , Abd Rahman Nur Nashrah , Nazahuddin Muhammad Nor Afdall , Shawel Amir Syazwan , Tuzan Audrey Daning , Jais Nurul Ain , Kumar Vijay Subbiah , Saud Safaa Najah , Permana Atna
Published: March 2024

The growing amount of plastic waste in the environment is a result of the increased use of plastics in numerous areas of our daily lives. These plastics are broken down into microplastics (MPs), which are 5 mm or smaller in size. Sea cucumbers are consumed as an exotic delicacy worldwide, however, it is suspected that they could ingest the microplastics due to their nature as filter feeder. In this study, we have identified the MPs presence in the intestines of sea cucumber Holothuria scabra. A total of 30 sea cucumber H. scabra were collected during low tide at a muddy sandy area at Pulau Malawali using bare hands. The gastrointestinal tracts of H. scabra were removed and digested in NaOH. MPs were identified using light microscope and categorized into shapes and colours. Micro-Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (µFTIR) analysis was carried out to identify the types of polymers. The majority colours of MPs were black (69.84%) and blue (18.65%). Fibres (98.38%) made up the majority of MPs followed by fragments (1.37%) and films (0.25%). Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Melamine-Formaldehyde (MF) and Rayon were among the polymers identified. In conclusion, MPs were found in the intestines of the sea cucumber H. scabra and this could be from the ingestion of polluted sea bed. The importance of studying the presence of these MPs in sea cucumber allows us to assess the impact of plastic pollution on marine animals and ecosystems and understand the potential risks to both sea cucumber and human as consumers.
Orale Immuntherapie bei Nahrungsmittelallergien: Praktische Empfehlungen für das Patientenmanagement in der Schweiz
Authors: Bellutti Enders Felicitas , Trück Johannes , Trachsel Tina , Benhamou Senouf Avigael , Bogatu Bettina , Carrard Annette , Caubet Jean-Cristoph , Eng Peter , Fuchs Oliver , Hoernes Miriam , Roduit Caroline , Schnider Caroline , Wassenberg Jacqueline , Weber-Chrysochoou Christina
Published: March 2024

Lebensmittelallergien stellen eine erhebliche Herausforderung dar, da sie sich negativ auf die Gesundheit und Lebensqualität der Betroffenen auswirken und die Ressourcen des öffentlichen Gesundheitswesens stark beanspruchen. Angesichts der zunehmenden Prävalenz von Lebensmittelallergien besteht ein dringender Bedarf an wirksamen Präventions- und Managementstrategien. In der Juni-Ausgabe 2022 der Paediatrica wurde die orale Immuntherapie (OIT) den Schweizer Kinderärzten bereits als erste kausale und aktive Behandlungsmöglichkeit für Nahrungsmittelallergien bei Kindern vorgestellt.
Mikro İşlemciler için Sıvı Metal Soğutmalı Mini Kanallı Soğutucularda Kanatçık Kullanımının Termohidrolik Etkilerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Kalkan Orhan
Published: March 2024

İşlem hızı giderek artan mikro işlemcilerin etkin soğutmaya olan ihtiyaçları da aynı ölçüde artış göstermektedir. Bu ise daha etkili soğutma yöntemleri üzerinde çalışmaları artırmaktadır. Sıvı metaller ile soğutulan mini/mikro kanallı soğutucular, yüksek ısı iletim katsayıları nedeni ile etkin soğutma sağlayabilmektedirler. Bu çalışmada, Galinstan ile soğutulan bir mini kanallı soğutucuda, kanatçık kullanımının ısıl direnç katsayısına ve oluşan basınç kaybına etkileri incelenmiştir. Kanatçıkların farklı konfigürasyonlarda kanal içinde yerleşimi ile oluşturulan ve toplamda 70 farklı modelden oluşan sayısal analiz sonucunda; kanatçıklar arası mesafenin 1,5 mm altında olması durumunda kayda değer bir ısıl performans iyileşmesi gözlemlenmemekle birlikte aşırı basınç kaybı oluşturduğu belirlenmiştir. Kanatçık boyunun 0,3 mm ve kanatçıklar arası mesafenin 1,5 mm olduğu durumda, kanatçıksız duruma göre minimum akışkan giriş hızı koşulunda %15,9 oranında ısıl performans iyileşmesi elde edilmiştir. Diğer yandan ise bu durumda 95 kPa değerinde basınç kaybı artışı yaşanmıştır.
Evaluación diagnóstica de los efectos psicológicos generados por el confinamiento en época de pandemia
Authors: Galárraga-Andrade Anabela , Navarrete Muñoz Daniel , Yarad-Salguero Saud
Published: March 2024

El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar los efectos psicológicos de las personas (estudiantes, docentes, personal administrativo y de servicios) pertenecientes a la facultad de educación, ciencia y tecnología de una universidad pública del norte del Ecuador, posterior al período de confinamiento obligatorio, decretado a partir del mes de marzo del año 2020 por la Presidencia del Ecuador, con el fin de resguardar la salud de la población durante el período crítico de la pandemia producida por el virus covid-19. En este estudio de tipo transversal exploratorio se usó una encuesta conformada por preguntas demográficas y un test de cribado denominado SPEC (Screening Psicológico en Eventos Críticos) (Arias, 2020), la muestra fue de 1444 personas y se la implementó a través de medios electrónicos distribuidas por los canales digitales de la institución. Los resultados encontrados, dan cuenta que existe una alta población con problemas vinculados a la ansiedad (19,7%), depresión (11,7%), trauma (10,3%), agresividad (32,6%) e incluso suicidio (8,9%) y que la comorbilidad es muy común en muchos casos de los problemas evaluados. No se conoce a ciencia cierta si las problemáticas evaluadas fueron desarrolladas previo a la pandemia porque no hay estudios similares y si el confinamiento sirvió como desencadenante a muchas de ellas, pero los resultados nos hacen pensar en qué se puede hacer para minimizar o mitigar las posibles reacciones psicopatológicas, no solo de la población estudiada sino de la población en general.
Universitäre Forschung quo vadis
Authors: Bischof Horst
Published: March 2024

Dieser Artikel ist ein Plädoyer für die universitäre Forschung und insbesondere für forschungsstarke Universitäten. Der Autor legt dar, dass die Forschungsstärke ein ganz wesentliches Asset ist, und gerade im regionalen Eco-System eine ganz entscheidender Faktor ist. Das Konzept der Universität und der universitären Forschung ist zwar schon alt, Bologna und Oxford wurden 1088 bzw. 1096 gegründet, und dies sind nicht die allerersten Universitäten (um 800 gibt es bereits erste Vorläufer), aber das System funktioniert noch immer. Gerade die universitäre Forschung ist einem permanenten Prozess des sich Neuerfindens und der Erneuerung ausgesetzt und schafft es dadurch, immer am Puls der Zeit zu sein. In diesem Beitrag werden drei Aspekte ganz besonders beleuchtet: 1. Was ist das Besondere an der universitären Forschung? 2. Was sind die wesentlichen (modernen) Ingredienzien und welche Auswirkungen auf das lokale Eco-System haben diese? 3. Was kann eine Universitätsleitung dazu beitragen (und was nicht)? (DIPF/Orig.)
Wissenschaft: Normen, Spannungsfelder und die Dissemination von wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen in die Wirtschaft
Authors: Häussler Carolin
Published: March 2024

Die Autorin diskutiert in ihrem Beitrag, welche Regeln wissenschaftliche Lernprozesse einhalten müssen. Sie rekurriert hier auf die Normen von Robert K. Merton (Communitarism, Universalism, Desinterestedness und Organized Sceptizism), die nach ihm den Erfolg von Wissenschaft bedingen. Sie diskutiert auch die damit zusammenhängenden Probleme: den steigenden Wettbewerbsdruck und die damit verbundenen Verhaltensänderungen der Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler; die zunehmende Ökonomisierung und die damit verbundenen Folgen für den Transfer; die permanente Evaluierung und – im Gefolge dessen – den Verlust risikoreicher Forschung. (DIPF/Orig.)
Wissenschaft als Dienst am Wissen
Authors: Oberreuter Heinrich
Published: March 2024

In der Replik auf den Beitrag von Bernd Sibler betont der Autor die Aktualität des Humboldt’schen Universitätsverständnisses. Für ihn ist die Basis der Universität „das Streben nach Wissen um seiner selbst willen“ und er hält den Transferbegriff, den das Gesetz verwendet, für „unglücklich“. Das Gesetz sei zu sehr vom Geist der TU München geprägt, ihr Einfluss auf die Wissenschaftspolitik „überbordend“ und für die Hochschullandschaft „spaltend“. (DIPF/Orig.)
Umweg statt Abkürzung: Über das Prinzip funktionaler Serendipität für die Lehranstalten der Zukunft
Authors: Girst Thomas
Published: March 2024

Die Universität ist auch ein Ort, an dem die Studierenden in eine neue Lebensphase eintreten und wertvolle Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen gewinnen können, die sie gar nicht gesucht haben. In seinem Beitrag empfiehlt der Autor daher – gerade angesichts der engeren Taktung und zunehmenden Verschulung – auch Umwege zu machen und nicht immer den kürzesten Weg einzuschlagen. Es muss möglich sein, sich auf die Suche machen zu können, um etwas zu finden, nach dem man gar nicht gesucht hat. (DIPF/Orig.)
Gesellschaftliche Herausforderungen als Impuls für die Entwicklung der Universität
Authors: Teuscher Micha
Published: March 2024

Für den Verfasser agiert die Universität aus der Mitte der Gesellschaft heraus. Aufgrund dieser Stellung ergeben sich für ihn bestimmte Anforderungen, die die Governance, d. h. die Steuerung der Universität (1), die Forschung (2) und die Lehre (3) betreffen. In allen drei Dimensionen versuchen die Universitäten den damit verbundenen Erwartungen - durch die Verbesserung der Strategiefähigkeit, in der auch die individuelle Wissenschaftsfreiheit respektiert wird (1), durch Entwicklung von Lösungsvorschlägen für gesellschaftliche Probleme (2) und durch eine hochschulische Bildung, mit der Absolventinnen und Absolventen für die Arbeitswelt befähigt werden – gerecht zu werden. (DIPF/Orig.)
Eine politische Idee der Universität heute?
Authors: Brocker Manfred
Published: March 2024

Nach Meinung des Verfassers soll der Gesellschafts- und Politikbezug der Universität weiter ausgebaut werden. In seinem Beitrag plädiert er für eine stärkere politische Rolle der Universitäten. Sie sollen zu „Lobbyisten des Gemeinwohls“ werden. Die Universitäten sollen sich zu „Agenturen der Zukunft“ weiterentwickeln. So könnte ein Institut der „öffentlichen Rüge durch Universitäten“ eingeführt werden, wenn ein „Missbrauch der Wahrheit“ festgestellt wird. Eine derartige Erweiterung der Aufgaben würde aber eine entsprechende Finanzierung voraussetzen. (DIPF/Orig.)