bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade-offs in the externalities of pig production are not inevitable
Authors: Bartlett Harriet , Zanella Márcia , Kaori Beatriz , Sabei Leandro , Araujo Michelle S. , de Paula Tauana Maria , Zanella Adroaldo J. , Holmes Mark A. , Wood James L. N. , Balmford Andrew
Published: April 2024

Farming externalities are believed to co-vary negatively, yet trade-offs have rarely been quantified systematically. Here we present data from UK and Brazilian pig production systems representative of most commercial systems across the world ranging from ‘intensive’ indoor systems through to extensive free range, Organic and woodland systems to explore co-variation among four major externality costs. We found that no specific farming type was consistently associated with good performance across all domains. Generally, systems with low land use have low greenhouse gas emissions but high antimicrobial use and poor animal welfare, and vice versa. Some individual systems performed well in all domains but were not exclusive to any particular type of farming system. Our findings suggest that trade-offs may be avoidable if mitigation focuses on lowering impacts within system types rather than simply changing types of farming.
Material and structural considerations for high-performance electrodes for wearable skin devices
Authors: Lim Kyeonghee , Seo Hunkyu , Chung Won Gi , Song Hayoung , Oh Myoungjae , Ryu Seoung Young , Kim Younhee , Park Jang-Ung
Published: April 2024

Wearable skin-contacting devices are extensively studied for their ability to provide convenient and safe health monitoring. A key aspect that controls their performance are the properties of the device electrodes. Optimizing electrode structure, and the materials they are made from, can improve device functionality. Here, we discuss the various properties required for optimal electrode performance, including mechanical, electrical, and biocompatible factors. To address these challenges, we consider alteration of electrode structure, the development of flexible or soft conductive materials, and the creation of hybrid structures. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence is proposed as a promising direction to achieve smart devices. As well as outlining essential characteristics for high-performance wearable skin devices we also offer insight into possible future applications.
A taxonomy to map evidence on the co-benefits, challenges, and limits of carbon dioxide removal
Authors: Prütz Ruben , Fuss Sabine , Lück Sarah , Stephan Leon , Rogelj Joeri
Published: April 2024

Carbon dioxide removal is key to climate change mitigation, yet implications of its deployment remain unclear. Recent exponential growth in literature is rapidly filling this gap but makes the synthesis of the evidence on carbon dioxide removal side effects increasingly challenging. Here we address this issue by mapping this literature and proposing a taxonomy to synthesize and compare evidence on carbon dioxide removal side effects. The expansive evidence warrants the use of machine learning to systematically select relevant research and provide an inventory of nearly 400 co-benefits, challenges, and limits. We find rich evidence in Europe but little information for Africa, South America, and Oceania, where large-scale carbon dioxide removal is nevertheless projected. There is a predominance of articles discussing negative effects compared to positive ones. Starting from the limitations of our analysis and literature gaps, we provide entry points for future studies that can build on our literature-based taxonomy.
Phosphorylation of ELYS promotes its interaction with VAPB at decondensing chromosomes during mitosis
Authors: James Christina , Möller Ulrike , Spillner Christiane , König Sabine , Dybkov Olexandr , Urlaub Henning , Lenz Christof , Kehlenbach Ralph H
Published: April 2024

ELYS is a nucleoporin that localizes to the nuclear side of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) in interphase cells. In mitosis, it serves as an assembly platform that interacts with chromatin and then with nucleoporin subcomplexes to initiate post-mitotic NPC assembly. Here we identify ELYS as a major binding partner of the membrane protein VAPB during mitosis. In mitosis, ELYS becomes phosphorylated at many sites, including a predicted FFAT (two phenylalanines in an acidic tract) motif, which mediates interaction with the MSP (major sperm protein)-domain of VAPB. Binding assays using recombinant proteins or cell lysates and co-immunoprecipitation experiments show that VAPB binds the FFAT motif of ELYS in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. In anaphase, the two proteins co-localize to the non-core region of the newly forming nuclear envelope. Depletion of VAPB results in prolonged mitosis, slow progression from meta- to anaphase and in chromosome segregation defects. Together, our results suggest a role of VAPB in mitosis upon recruitment to or release from ELYS at the non-core region of the chromatin in a phosphorylation-dependent manner.
Trash or treasure? Sustainable noble metal recovery
Authors: Wei Yicui , Zhang Weibo , Gao Jiao
Published: April 2024

Recovering noble metals from secondary resources to establish an efficient, environmentally friendly noble metals recovery system.
Bamboo-like carbon nanotube composites containing cobalt nanoparticles combined with imidazole-based ionic liquids enhance the performance of oxygen sensors
Authors: Zhang Qin , Guo Liang , Liu Guangfu , Wang Yang
Published: April 2024

In this study, BMIMPF6 was modified by adding BCNT/Co to it. The BCNT/Co + BMIMPF6 electrolyte system reduced the sensor response time to 16 s and showed good linearity in the range of 0–60% oxygen concentration.
An investigation using DFT into the impact of hydrogen on oxygen migration processes during aluminum anodization
Authors: An Zeyu , Sun Shiyang , Dong Binghai
Published: April 2024

The H atoms reduce the energy barrier for O entering the crystal of aluminum, from 1.52 eV to 0.78 eV. The introduction of a H atom affects the diffusion of the O atom in the crystal of aluminum, from 1.23 eV to 0.34 eV.
Organic dye-loaded reduced titanium dioxide as a broadband saturable absorber for ultrafast fiber lasers
Authors: Lu Xiaochan , Li Shuang , Yan Miao , Chen Jianming , Deng Tingting , Nie Guohui , Wang Zhenhong , Liang Hu , Zhang Bin
Published: April 2024

In this study, the organic dye methylene blue (MB) is used as the dopant to modify TiO2−x to form TiO2−x-MB, which can be utilized as a saturable absorber (SA) in mode-locked fiber lasers at 1.55 μm and 2.0 μm for generating ultrashort pulses.
In silico screening of LRRK2 WDR domain inhibitors using deep docking and free energy simulations
Authors: Gutkin Evgeny , Gusev Filipp , Gentile Francesco , Ban Fuqiang , Koby S. Benjamin , Narangoda Chamali , Isayev Olexandr , Cherkasov Artem , Kurnikova Maria G.
Published: April 2024

In this work, we combined Deep Docking and free energy MD simulations for the in silico screening and experimental validation for potential inhibitors of leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) targeting the WD40 repeat (WDR) domain.
Importance of geometric effects in scaling up energy-efficient plasma-based nitrogen fixation
Authors: Tsonev Ivan , Ahmadi Eshtehardi Hamid , Delplancke Marie-Paule , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: April 2024

With the focus on feasibility evaluation of scaling-up plasma-based nitrogen fixation by combined experiments and thermodynamic modelling, we aim to tackle the challenge of design and development of an energy-efficient and scaled-up plasma reactor.
Practical guidelines for the use of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM)
Authors: Jayamaha Gunani , Maleki Mahin , Bentley Cameron L. , Kang Minkyung
Published: April 2024

A tutorial review on scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), offering practical guidances on instrumentation, probe fabrication, substrate preparation, and troubleshooting, to equip researchers in the field.
Ion parking in native mass spectrometry
Authors: Pizzala Nicolas J. , Bhanot Jay S. , Carrick Ian J. , Dziekonski Eric T. , McLuckey Scott A.
Published: April 2024

It is possible to inhibit the rates of ion-ion reactions involving high mass ions via the selective separation of reactant ion clouds. A comprehensive model for predicting conditions for successful ion parking with illustrative data are provided.
Assessing aspects of solution-based chemical synthesis to convert waste Si solar cells into nanostructured aluminosilicate crystals
Authors: Garskaite Edita , Bollen Math , Mulenga Enock , Warlo Mathis , Bark Glenn , Olsen Espen , Brazinskiene Dalia , Sokol Denis , Buck Dietrich , Sandberg Dick
Published: April 2024

An affordable, scalable, and easily adoptable solution-based processing route provides a potential way of converting waste Si solar cells into aluminosilicate minerals to contribute to sustainability in the solar energy value chain.
Crystal growth and cation order of Ni3−xCoxB2O6 oxyborates
Authors: Sofronova Svetlana , Moshkina Evgeniya , Chernyshev Artem , Vasiliev Aleksandr , Maximov Nikolai G. , Aleksandrovsky Aleksandr , Andryushchenko Tatyana , Shabanov Aleksandr
Published: April 2024

A series of single crystals of Ni3−xCoxB2O6 compounds with the kotoite structure and with different concentrations of transition metal ions (x = 0; 0.19; 0.6; 0.93 and 2) were obtained.
High-quality β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 thin films on sapphire substrates by face-to-face annealing
Authors: Wu Songhao , Ma Chicheng , Yang Han , Liu Zichun , Ma Yuanxiao , Yao Ran , Zhang Yiyun , Yang Hua , Yi Xiaoyan , Wang Junxi , Wang Yeliang
Published: April 2024

High-quality β-(Al0.68Ga0.32)2O3 (288 arcsec) films have been fabricated through face-to-face annealing on a sapphire substrate which is covered with epitaxial Ga2O3.
Snowflake relocated Cu2O electrocatalyst on an Ag backbone template for the production of liquid C2+ chemicals from CO2
Authors: Lee Youjin , Choi Minjun , Bae Sooan , Tayal Akhil , Seo Okkyun , Lim Hojoon , Lee Kug-Seung , Jang Jae Hyuck , Jeong Beomgyun , Lee Jaeyoung
Published: April 2024

Cu2O–Ag exhibits a great performance in producing liquid C2+ products since the larger interface of the relocated Cu(111)–Ag results in more active sites to proceed with the C–C coupling reaction that prohibits the ethylene pathway.
Discovery of two predictable (3,18)-connected topologies based on Wells–Dawson type cages for the design of porous metal phosphonocarboxylate frameworks
Authors: Dan Wenyan , Chen Zhenxia , Ling Yun , Jia Yu , Yang Yongtai , Liu Xiaofeng , Deng Mingli
Published: April 2024

Four porous metal phosphonocarboxylate frameworks (MPCFs) were constructed using a Wells–Dawson-like molecular building unit and 4′-phosphonobiphenyl-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, exhibiting rare (3,18)-connected topologies of gez and gea, respectively.
M–Ge–Si thermolytic molecular precursors and models for germanium-doped transition metal sites on silica
Authors: Dombrowski James P. , Kalendra Vidmantas , Ziegler Micah S. , Lakshmi K. V. , Bell Alexis T. , Tilley T. Don
Published: April 2024

The new siloxy-germoxy ligand HOGe[OSi(OtBu)3]3 generates Mn-, Fe-, and Cr-containing precursors suitable for thermolytic molecular precursor routes to quaternary oxides.
Synthesis of molybdenite reference materials for in situ molybdenum and sulfur isotope measurement using laser ablation MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Tian Jing , Bao Zhian , Chen Kaiyun , Lv Nan , Yang Wenqiang , Nie Xiaojuan , Yuan Honglin
Published: April 2024

We synthesized molybdenite by using two different methods and verified the feasibility of these samples. A large number of data show that the synthesized samples exhibit homogeneous Mo and S isotope compositions.
Versatile hybrid technique for passive straight micromixer manufacturing by combining pulsed laser ablation, stereolithographic 3D printing and computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Carnero Bastián , Radziunas-Salinas Yago , Rodiño-Janeiro Bruno K. , Ballesta Sylvana Varela , Flores-Arias M. Teresa
Published: April 2024

The proposed hybrid technique for passive straight micromixer manufacturing by combining pulsed laser ablation and stereolithographic 3D printing.
Synthesis, biological evaluation and metadynamics simulations of novel N-methyl β-sheet breaker peptides as inhibitors of Alzheimer's β-amyloid fibrillogenesis
Authors: Moraca Federica , Vespoli Ilaria , Mastroianni Domenico , Piscopo Vincenzo , Gaglione Rosa , Arciello Angela , De Nisco Mauro , Pacifico Severina , Catalanotti Bruno , Pedatella Silvana
Published: April 2024

We report the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of novel beta-sheet breaker peptides as promising Aβ fibrillogenesis inhibitors. Further 3D-GRID pharmacophore and metadynamics simulations rationalized the design of these peptides.
UV-assisted nanoimprint lithography: the impact of the loading effect in silicon on nanoscale patterns of metalens
Authors: Alnakhli Zahrah , Liu Zhiyuan , AlQatari Feras , Cao Haicheng , Li Xiaohang
Published: April 2024

This work studies the impact of the silicon (Si) loading effect induced by deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) of silicon master molds on the UV-nanoimprint lithography (NIL) patterning of nanofeatures.
A boron nitride–carbon composite derived from ammonia borane and ZIF-8 with promises for the adsorption of carbon dioxide
Authors: Castilla-Martinez Carlos A. , Charmette Christophe , Cartier Jim , Demirci Umit B.
Published: April 2024

In the present study, we report the synthesis, characterization and assessment of the carbon dioxide adsorption capacity of a composite made of boron nitride and carbon.
Exploring the potential of CuCoFeTe@CuCoTe yolk-shelled microrods in supercapacitor applications
Authors: Dehghanpour Farashah Dorsa , Abdollahi Maliheh , Mohammadi Zardkhoshoui Akbar , Hosseiny Davarani Saied Saeed
Published: April 2024

The CuCoFeTe@CuCoTe yolk-shelled microrods are synthesized for supercapacitors.
Use of ionic liquids in amidation reactions for proteolysis targeting chimera synthesis
Authors: Eleuteri Michela , Desantis Jenny , Cruciani Gabriele , Germani Raimondo , Goracci Laura
Published: April 2024

Selective degradation of disease-causing proteins using proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has gained great attention, thanks to its several advantages over traditional therapeutic modalities.
Polysarcosine functionalised cationic polyesters efficiently deliver self-amplifying mRNA
Authors: Bayraktutan Hulya , Kopiasz Rafał J. , Elsherbeny Amr , Martinez Espuga Magda , Gumus Nurcan , Oz Umut Can , Polra Krunal , McKay Paul F. , Shattock Robin J. , Ordóñez-Morán Paloma , Mata Alvaro , Alexander Cameron , Gurnani Pratik
Published: April 2024

In this work we demonstrate the endcapping of a poly(beta-amino ester) of polysarcosine, a widely established PEG-alternative, and show its ability as a non-viral vector for self-amplifying mRNA.
Metal-free photoinduced denitrogenative alkylation of vinyl azides with alkyl radicals toward ketones
Authors: Yin Hui , Jian Siqi , Feng Xiujuan , Bao Ming , Zhang Xuan
Published: April 2024

A metal-free method for the synthesis of ketones via a visible-light induced denitrogenative alkylation of vinyl azides with alkyl radicals is presented.
Rational synthesis of 3D coral-like ZnCo2O4 nanoclusters with abundant oxygen vacancies for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Bi Yanlei , Fan Huiqing , Hu Chuansen , Wang Ru , Niu Lujie , Wen Guangwu , Qin Luchang
Published: April 2024

Transition metal oxides with high theoretical capacitance are regarded as desired electrode materials for supercapacitors, however, the poor conductivity and sluggish charge transfer kinetics constrain their electrochemical performance.
Drop-cast gold nanoparticles are not always electrocatalytically active for the borohydride oxidation reaction
Authors: Gaudin Lachlan F. , Funston Alison M. , Bentley Cameron L.
Published: April 2024

A collection of single Au nanoparticles (NPs) and NP clusters were individually tested for the borohydride oxidation reaction. Significant variation in the activity could not be attributed to NP size, and ∼67% of NP locations displayed no activity.
Interface engineering of Li6.75La3Zr1.75Ta0.25O12via in situ built LiI/ZnLix mixed buffer layer for solid-state lithium metal batteries
Authors: Zhai Lei , Wang Jinhuan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhou Xunzhu , Jiang Fuyi , Li Lin , Sun Jianchao
Published: April 2024

The formation of a ZnI2 thin film layer on the surface of LLZTO is beneficial to the uniform distribution of electric field and the close contact between the solid electrolyte and lithium metal.
P-doped spherical hard carbon with high initial coulombic efficiency and enhanced capacity for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Liu Zheng-Guang , Zhao Jiahua , Yao Hao , He Xiang-Xi , Zhang Hang , Qiao Yun , Wu Xing-Qiao , Li Li , Chou Shu-Lei
Published: April 2024

We propose a repair strategy based on doping a trace amount of P to achieve a high capacity along with a high ICE, the obtained PHC-0.2 possesses a large interlayer space that facilitates Na+ storage and transportation.
Enhanced H2 production through biomass pyrolysis by applying alkaline ceramic lithium cuprate (Li2CuO2) as a bifunctional material
Authors: Plascencia-Hernández Fernando , Yañez-Aulestia Ana , Hernández-Fontes Carlos , Pfeiffer Heriberto
Published: April 2024

This work shows that Li2CuO2 can be used as a bifunctional material during glucose pyrolysis, which highly enhances H2 production and H2/COx ratios. The reaction path involving different catalytic and sorption processes is also presented.
Ligand-dependent folding and unfolding dynamics and free energy landscapes of acylphosphatase
Authors: Yuan Li , Sun Hao , Ma Xuening , Wang Yang , Guo Zilong , Qi Xingyu , Le Shimin , Chen Hu
Published: April 2024

The free energy landscapes of AcP in the absence and presence of Pi are constructed by using stable magnetic tweezers.
Fast hydrolysis for chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Authors: Pereira Patrícia , Slear Willem , Testa Angelo , Reasons Kevin , Guirguis Peter , Savage Phillip E. , Pester Christian W.
Published: April 2024

PET non-catalyzed, non-isothermal hydrolysis can produce 94% terephthalic acid (TPA) yield in 75 seconds.
Post-translational modifications: emerging directors of cell-fate decisions during endoplasmic reticulum stress in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Thibault Ethan , Brandizzi Federica
Published: April 2024

Homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is critical for growth, development, and stress responses. Perturbations causing an imbalance in ER proteostasis lead to a potentially lethal condition known as ER stress. In ER stress situations, cell-fate decisions either activate pro-life pathways that reestablish homeostasis or initiate pro-death pathways to prevent further damage to the organism. Understanding the mechanisms underpinning cell-fate decisions in ER stress is critical for crop development and has the potential to enable translation of conserved components to ER stress-related diseases in metazoans. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins are emerging as key players in cell-fate decisions in situations of imbalanced ER proteostasis. In this review, we address PTMs orchestrating cell-fate decisions in ER stress in plants and provide evidence-based perspectives for where future studies may focus to identify additional PTMs involved in ER stress management.
Vision based intelligent traffic light management system using Faster R‐CNN
Authors: Abbas Syed Konain , Khan Muhammad Usman Ghani , Zhu Jia , Sarwar Raheem , Aljohani Naif R. , Hameed Ibrahim A. , Hassan Muhammad Umair
Published: April 2024

Transportation systems primarily depend on vehicular flow on roads. Developed countries have shifted towards automated signal control, which manages and updates signal synchronisation automatically. In contrast, traffic in underdeveloped countries is mainly governed by manual traffic light systems. These existing manual systems lead to numerous issues, wasting substantial resources such as time, energy, and fuel, as they cannot make real‐time decisions. In this work, we propose an algorithm to determine traffic signal durations based on real‐time vehicle density, obtained from live closed circuit television camera feeds adjacent to traffic signals. The algorithm automates the traffic light system, making decisions based on vehicle density and employing Faster R‐CNN for vehicle detection. Additionally, we have created a local dataset from live streams of Punjab Safe City cameras in collaboration with the local police authority. The proposed algorithm achieves a class accuracy of 96.6% and a vehicle detection accuracy of 95.7%. Across both day and night modes, our proposed method maintains an average precision, recall, F1 score, and vehicle detection accuracy of 0.94, 0.98, 0.96 and 0.95, respectively. Our proposed work surpasses all evaluation metrics compared to state‐of‐the‐art methodologies.
Influence of buffer volume on the effect of pressure relief for the metal‐enclosed switchgear due to arc fault
Authors: Li Peng , Liu Qihui , Hong Qianying , Liu Chang , Wu Yongcong , Ruan Jiangjun
Published: April 2024

The explosion accident due to the internal arc fault in the metal‐enclosed switchgear cannot be ignored. Therefore, improving the ability of switchgear to resist the arc fault has important significance. In this paper, a passive protection measure by installing the buffer volume (BV) was proposed. The short‐circuit arcing tests were carried out in the small‐scale switchgear compartments, and the pressure rise was measured in the different models. The changes of pressure rise before and after installing BV were analyzed. Then, the calculation methods of pressure rise in the compartments and the mechanical response of the enclosure were put forward. By calculating the distributions of the pressure rise and temperature rise in the compartments, as well as the time‐varying displacement and stress of the enclosure, the pressure relief effect of the BV has been discussed. Results show that after installing the BV, the pressure rise, displacement, and stress are all decreased obviously in the initial of arcing. Hence, the arc fault protection effect for the switchgear can be improved by properly installing the BV.
5G‐based passive radar on a moving platform—Detection and imaging
Authors: Maksymiuk Radosław , Gomez del Hoyo Pedro , Abratkiewicz Karol , Samczynski Piotr , Kulpa Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

In recent times, the development of radar systems for automotive applications has gathered significant interest due to the increasing necessity of vehicle situational awareness for new active protection systems and the intensive development of higher autonomous level driving solutions. Therefore, the number of active radars in automotive applications is growing, causing spectrum sharing and interference between radars operating in the same band. Alternative solutions without dedicated electromagnetic transmissions, such as joint communication and radar systems, or even no transmission at all, such as passive radars, have emerged in recent years and are promising solutions to help mitigate the interference problem. A passive automotive radar based on 5G communication signals is proposed as an alternative to active radars to provide situational awareness. The data downlink transmissions provided by an operative 5G base station were combined with a dual‐channel passive radar (PR) system deployed on a moving platform to provide moving target detection and radar imaging of the vehicle's surroundings. The outcomes show a possibility of commensal utilisation of the new telecommunication standard for automotive radar applications. The idea of mounting the PR receiver on a moving platform was tested using simulated and real‐life data, which shows great potential for joining the new radio (NR) with sensing capabilities using PR. The theory, numerical experiments, and measurement results are dealt with a cooperative 5G base station and PR demonstrator.
Design of prebiotic cheese spreads enriched with biologically active compounds
Authors: Tumbarski Yulian , Yanakieva Velichka , Ivanov Ivan , Ivanova Mihaela , Ivanova Petya , Parzhanova Albena
Published: April 2024

The development of functional foods providing health benefits above the basic nutritional needs is of growing interest to the food industry. This research aimed to: design fresh prebiotic cheese spreads enriched with agave inulin (AI), thyme (Thymus callieri Borbás ex Velen.) and hawthorn fruit (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) as plant sources of biologically active compounds; observe the physicochemical and microbiological changes in the cheese during storage at 4°C for 35 days; evaluate the sensory characteristics of the new functional products. Therefore, five experimental groups of fresh cheese spreads were prepared – a control; 1% AI + 0.2% thyme; 2% AI + 0.2% thyme; 1% AI + 0.4% hawthorn fruit and 2% AI + 0.4% hawthorn fruit. During the storage, pH in all experimental groups gradually decreased (reaching values between 4.17 and 4.25 on the 35th day), which corresponded to the increasing titratable acidity (reaching values from 146.30°T to 152.51°T on the 35th day). The application of thyme and hawthorn fruit did not reduce the total plate count (mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms) and yeasts; however, during the storage period the addition of agave inulin stimulated the growth of lactic acid bacteria in the treated samples compared to the control.
Valuation of the Quality Level of Bulgarian Tobacco from the Market Sector of “Basmi” Variety Group
Authors: Nikolova Violeta , Nikolov Nikolay , Popova Venelina , Bozhinova Radka , Dyulgerski Yovko
Published: April 2024

The aim of the current study was to assess the quality level of Oriental tobaccos from the market sector of the “Basmi” variety group from different production areas in Bulgaria. Tobaccos from Krumovgrad and Greek Basma ecotypes (varieties “Krumovgrad 90”, “Krumovgrad 58”, “Krumovgrad 78”, and “Basma”, respectively) were investigated, all farmer-produced (2019 crop year) in seven tobacco regions. The investigation followed a procedure validated for monitoring the quality of Bulgarian tobaccos, incorporating four evaluation steps – chemical indices of tobacco and tobacco smoke, expert and smoking assessment, and final rating by a complex quality index. Statistically significant differences were observed between the compared tobaccos (variety and region based) within the two ecotypes. For Krumovgrad ecotype, the final rating of the compared tobaccos revealed the best complex quality indicators in varieties “Krumovgrad 78” from Kardzhali (micro-region Patitza), “Krumovgrad 58” from Haskovo-Harmanli (Stambolovo) and “Krumovgrad 58” from Ivaylovgrad (Belopoltzi). With the best quality level within ecotype Basma were the tobaccos produced in Svilengrad (micro-region Raykova mogila) and Momchilgrad (Chorbadzhiysko) regions. The results from the study substantiate the annual monitoring of the quality level of Bulgarian Oriental tobaccos and provide data, which have potential importance for the national tobacco sector.
Development of a monitoring device for metal fragments in food products – hardware
Authors: Kilifarev Hristo
Published: April 2024

This report presents a development of a device for monitoring metal fragments in food products. The work is focused on the design and hardware implementation of the device. The offered similar developments with industrial application by companies are at a relatively high price. This gives reason to look for a solution at a lower price with components offered in the commercial network, using the Arduino platform. From the known methods for detecting metal fragments, the Induction Pulse method was chosen. The present development could be applied, for example, in small companies with activities in the food industry, in the retail network, in catering establishments, as well as in activities from other industries.
Artificial intelligence in the food industry
Authors: Nikolola-Alexieva Valentina , Valeva Katina , Pashev Stoyan
Published: April 2024

The growth of the planet’s population requires the application of innovative technological solutions for its nutrition. Artificial intelligence, as part of the technological toolkit of Industry 4.0, having a strong transforming effect in modern society, is perceived as a strategic factor for increasing productivity, efficiency and innovation in a number of sectors, including the food industry. The global food and beverage artificial intelligence market in 2021 is valued at USD 4.49 billion. It is expected to grow at a CAGR (average annual rate) of 45.4% to reach US$ 83.4 billion by 2029. The main goal of every industrial enterprise in the food industry is to produce high-quality products at the lowest possible cost. The application of AI can contribute to maintaining a higher quality of the manufactured product, through rapid quality control and visualization of the result. AI can aggregate and analyze data in real-time making recommendations to improve operational activities, can analyze data, uncover trends and recommend actions to increase efficiency. The result of the implementation of artificial intelligence in the food industry contributes to driving the growth of the market.
Comparative Assessment of Hydrothermal Gasification and Anaerobic Digestion using Aspen Plus and SuperPro
Authors: Ballenghien David , Kempegowda Rajesh S. , Chen Wei-Hsin , Tran Khanh-Quang
Published: April 2024

Wet biomass is gaining increasing attention as an energy source globally. Various wet biomass materials like macroalgae, microalgae, sewage sludge, cattle manures, and food waste, are of high moisture contents, typically around 70% or more. There are two routes of high potential for converting these wet biomasss resoures to gaeous fuel, which are biomethanation and supercritical water gasification (SCWG). Biomethanation is conversion of wet-organic residues to biogas using via anaerobic digestion process. SCWG is a thermochemical conversion process, taking place in supercritical water producing enriched CH4 and H2 gases. In this study, the two processes are comperatively investigated using different process simulation softwares. Aspen Plus was employed for SCWG, while the biomethanation process was simulated with SuperPro. Various raw materials were used as input. We calculated the energy efficiency of the biomethanation process using experimental yields from the literature. For the SCWG process, we determined the higher heating value based on the simulated composition of the methane-enriched gas. Additionally, we conducted an economic analysis to compare the two processes, taking into consideration specific criteria relevant to the Norwegian context.
Design method for large-scale wide field-of-view monochromatic metalenses
Authors: Tahara Hiroyuki , Yasui Toshifumi
Published: April 2024

We propose a novel design method for wide field-of-view monochromatic metalenses. The proposed technique partitions the outer region of a metalens into supercells, which are generated by dividing the outer region into intervals along the radial direction, where the target phase changes by 2π, and along the angular direction with a constant angular periodicity. Therefore, the shape of each supercell can be approximated as a rectangle with its size comparable to a wavelength. The arrangement of pillars within this supercell is determined by metagrating optimization via the adjoint method. The optimization process considers both inter-pillar couplings and the range of incidence angles. This makes the design of large-scale wide field-of-view high-efficiency metalenses more tractable than the conventional unit-cell-based method, which is prone to efficiency decrease especially near the lens periphery. Furthermore, it has a potential advantage in terms of computational cost over other recently proposed optimization-based methods.
Structure-preserving reduced order model for parametric cross-diffusion systems
Authors: Dabaghi Jad , Ehrlacher Virginie
Published: April 2024

In this work, we construct a structure-preserving Galerkin reduced-order model for the resolution of parametric cross-diffusion systems. Cross-diffusion systems are often used to model the evolution of the concentrations or volumic fractions of mixtures composed of different species, and can also be used in population dynamics (as for instance in the SKT system). These systems often read as nonlinear degenerated parabolic partial differential equations, the numerical resolutions of which are highly expensive from a computational point of view. We are interested here in cross-diffusion systems which exhibit a so-called entropic structure, in the sense that they can be formally written as gradient flows of a certain entropy functional which is actually a Lyapunov functional of the system. In this work, we propose a new reduced-order modelling method, based on a reduced basis paradigm, for the resolution of parameter-dependent cross-diffusion systems. Our method preserves, at the level of the reduced-order model, the main mathematical properties of the continuous solution, namely mass conservation, non-negativeness, preservation of the volume-filling property and entropy–entropy dissipation relationship. The theoretical advantages of our approach are illustrated by several numerical experiments.
The Importance of Theory and Model Development for Building Physiotherapy as a Discipline in Germany
Authors: Schouten Leonie , Petzke Frank , Probst Annette
Published: April 2024

Background Since 2009, undergraduate and graduate courses in physiotherapy at German universities have been involved in the international discourse on the formation of physiotherapy as a discipline in order to establish it as a subject in theory and practice. It has already been stated that it is necessary to deal with theory and model development (the essential core elements of a discipline). Currently, reference science dominates the scientific basis of physiotherapy, as only a marginal amount of (physio)therapeutic theories and models exist to date.

Aim The aim of this research is to capture the subjective views and interpretation patterns of experts regarding the importance of theory and model development for the discipline formation of physiotherapy in Germany at the current time, and to classify the results within the streams of discipline development and formation.

Method A qualitative research approach was chosen, oriented by Grounded Theory Methodology, and four guideline-based, theory-generating expert interviews were conducted. After verbatim transcription, the resulting data material was analysed following the Grounded Theory methodological approach.

Results “State of uncertainty” was identified as the core category – which emerged from the interview partners current subjective views and patterns of interpretation regarding the meaning of theory and model development. “State of uncertainty” can be understood as a process in the formation of a scientific discipline which is currently undecided and incomplete. This “state of uncertainty” is the outcome of the aggregation of the formulated categories of uncertainty, demarcation, avoidance and transformation. Gradual differences within how the interview partners interpret the “state of uncertainty” can be worked out from the results. In the progression curves following Schütze, it can be shown that the self-positioning of the interview partners regarding their own involvement with theory and model development refers to the ongoing process of the transformation of physiotherapy from a profession to a discipline. The interview partners associated ambivalences of interpretive patterns become clearly recognizable.

Conclusion An internal discussion concerning the irresolutions of the “state of uncertainty” is necessary in order to support the relevance of theory and model development for physiotherapy as a scientific discipline.
Onkologische Relevanz neurourologischer Erkrankungen
Authors: Böthig Ralf , Schöps Wolfgang , Kowald Birgitt , Golka Klaus
Published: April 2024

Von wenigen Ausnahmen abgesehen ist derzeit die Evidenz wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse zur Frage der onkologischen Relevanz neurourologischer Erkrankungen noch gering. Am besten erforscht ist der Zusammenhang zwischen einer langjährigen bestehenden Querschnittlähmung mit ihren Folgen für den unteren Harntrakt und dem Auftreten eines Harnblasenkarzinoms.

Diese Karzinome unterscheiden sich vielfältig von Harnblasenkarzinomen bei Patienten ohne Querschnittlähmung: Die Patienten sind im Durchschnitt 20 Jahre jünger, die Tumoren sind sehr häufig bereits muskelinvasiv und schlecht differenziert mit einem hohen Anteil an Plattenepithelkarzinomen, die Prognose ist schlecht. Diese Charakteristika treten auch bei querschnittgelähmten Patienten ohne Dauerkatheterableitung der Harnblase auf.

Obwohl der pathophysiologische Zusammenhang im Detail noch ungeklärt ist, so scheint doch der entscheidende Link zwischen einer Querschnittlähmung und dem Auftreten eines Harnblasenkarzinoms das Vorliegen einer neurogenen Blase zu sein. Pathologische Druckverhältnisse in der Harnblase und häufige Harnwegsinfekte bzw. asymptomatische Bakteriurien infolge der neurogenen Fehlsteuerung der Harnblase könnten die pathophysiologisch entscheidenden Faktoren darstellen.

Insofern stellt das Harnblasenkarzinom bei chronisch querschnittgelähmten Patienten einen Modelltumor nach einer Denervierung dar.

Die klinisch wichtige Frage eines Screenings erfordert zukünftige interdisziplinäre Forschungsansätze.
Die Abbildung der Neurologie in der neuen ICD-11
Authors: Evers Stefan
Published: April 2024

Die neue ICD-11 bringt im Kapitel der Neurologie einige Änderungen. So finden sich die Schlaf-Wach-Störungen und die infektiösen Erkrankungen des Nervensystems nicht mehr in dem Kapitel der Neurologie. Dagegen sind die zerebrovaskulären Krankheiten in das Kapitel der Neurologie übergeleitet worden. Die Einteilung der einzelnen Krankheitsbilder erfolgt jetzt nach den großen klassischen Gruppen, z. B. den Bewegungsstörungen oder den demyelinisierenden Krankheiten. Insgesamt geht der Trend dahin, dass klinisch und pathophysiologisch ähnliche Krankheiten in ein Unterkapitel zusammengefasst werden. Gerade in der Neurologie können sehr viele Querverweise und Doppeldiagnosen vergeben werden. Insbesondere in der Schlaganfallmedizin bietet die neue ICD-11 vielfältige Möglichkeiten der Kodierung auf klinischer und parallel auf pathophysiologischer Ebene. Derzeit befindet sich die deutsche Übersetzung der ICD-11 in Bearbeitung, hier könnten (und sollten) noch einige Verbesserungen vorgenommen werden.
The NFκB Signaling Pathway Is Involved in the Pathophysiological Process of Preeclampsia
Authors: Li Yaxi , Zhu Qinying , He Ruifen , Du Junhong , Qin Xue , Li Yi , Liang Xiaolei , Wang Jing
Published: April 2024

The high prevalence of preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality and affects the long-term prognosis of both mother and baby. Termination of pregnancy is currently the only effective treatment for PE, so there is an urgent need for research into its pathogenesis and the development of new therapeutic approaches. The NFκB family of transcription factors has an essential role in inflammation and innate immunity. In this review, we summarize the role of NFκB in normal and preeclampsia pregnancies, the role of NFκB in existing treatment strategies, and potential NFκB treatment strategies.
REBOA (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta) im prähospitalen Einsatz – Präsentation zweier Fälle
Authors: Hilbert-Carius Peter , Siebenborn Tim , Bielert Marcus , Großstück Axel
Published: April 2024

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) ist ein wenig
invasives Verfahren, um ein „internes“ Cross-Clamping der Aorta durchzuführen. Hierdurch
ist es entweder möglich, den Blutverlust bei nicht komprimierbaren Körperstammblutungen
zu reduzieren und den Patienten vor dem Verbluten zu retten oder im Rahmen der
Herz-Lungen-Wiederbelebung (CPR) den koronaren und zerebralen Perfusionsdruck zu erhöhen
und damit eventuell die ROSC-Rate und das neurologische Outcome zu verbessern. Aktuell
findet REBOA in Deutschland nur in einigen Traumazentren im Schockraum Anwendung und der
prähospitale Einsatz ist eher eine extrem seltene Ausnahme. Wir berichten über 2 Fälle,
in denen das Verfahren im Rahmen des RIBCAP-HEMS-Projektes (REBOA In Bleeding and
Cardiac Arrest in the Pre-hospital care by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service)
prähospital durch das Team eines Rettungshubschraubers der DRF Luftrettung jeweils bei
der CPR sowie beim Trauma angewendet wurde.
Thulium oder Holmium-Laser oder beides: wo geht die Reise hin?
Authors: Becker Benedikt , Hook Sophia , Gross Andreas J. , Rosenbaum Clemens , Filmar Simon , Herrmann Jonas , Netsch Christopher
Published: April 2024

Der Holmium:YAG-Laser war in den letzten drei Jahrzehnten der Goldstandard für die Laserlithotripsie und seit Ende der 1990er Jahre auch für die Enukleation der Prostata. Nachdem die gepulsten Thulium-Faserlaser (TFL) ihre Wirksamkeit in in-vitro Experimenten demonstriert haben, wurden sie vor einigen Jahren auf dem Markt eingeführt. Die ersten klinischen Ergebnisse zu dem TFL für die Lithotripsie und die Enukleation sind sehr erfolgsversprechend. Neben dem TFL wurde auch ein gepulster Thulium:YAG-Festkörperlaser eingeführt, zu dem allerdings noch wenige klinische Daten vorliegen. Dieser Artikel zielt darauf ab, die wichtigsten technologischen Unterschiede zwischen dem Ho:YAG-Laser und den gepulsten Thuliumlaser zu überprüfen und die ersten klinischen Ergebnisse zur Steinlithotripsie und zur Laserenukleation gegenüberzustellen bzw. zu diskutieren.

In-vitro-Studien zeigen eine technische Überlegenheit des TFL im Vergleich zum Ho:YAG-Laser. Da der TFL jedoch noch eine neue Technologie ist, stehen derzeit nur begrenzte Studien zur Verfügung und die optimalen Einstellungen für die Lithotripsie sind noch nicht festgelegt. Bei der Enukleation scheinen die Unterschiede des TFL zu einem Hochleistungs-Ho:YAG-Laser klinisch nicht relevant zu sein. Erste Studien zum gepulsten Tm:YAG-Laser zeigen zwar vielversprechende Ergebnisse, jedoch liegen noch keine vergleichenden Studien vor.

Die gepulsten Thuliumlaser haben das Potenzial, eine Alternative zum Ho:YAG-Laser zu sein. Es sind jedoch noch weitere Studien erforderlich, um den optimalen Laser für die Enukleation und die Lithotripsie von Harnsteinen unter Berücksichtigung aller Parameter, einschließlich Wirksamkeit, Sicherheit und Kosten, zu bestimmen.
Vasorelaxant Activity of (2S)-Sakuranetin and Other Flavonoids Isolated from the Green Propolis of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora
Authors: Son Ninh The , Gianibbi Beatrice , Panti Alice , Spiga Ottavia , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , Fusi Fabio
Published: April 2024

Some in vitro and in vivo evidence is consistent with the cardiovascular beneficial activity of propolis. As the single actors responsible for this effect have never been identified, an in-depth investigation of flavonoids isolated from the green propolis of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora was performed and their mechanism of action was described. A comprehensive electrophysiology, functional, and molecular docking approach was applied. Most flavanones and flavones were effective CaV1.2 channel blockers with a potency order of (2S)-sakuranetin > eriodictyol-7,3′-methyl ether > quercetin 3-methyl ether > 5,4′-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavanone > santin > axillarin > penduletin > kumatakenin, ermanin and viscosine being weak or modest stimulators. Except for eriodictyol 5-O-methyl ether, all the flavonoids were also effective spasmolytic agents of vascular rings, kumatakenin and viscosine also showing an endothelium-dependent activity.
(2S)-Sakuranetin also stimulated KCa1.1 channels both in single myocytes and vascular rings. In silico analysis provided interesting insights into the mode of action of (2S)-sakuranetin within both CaV1.2 and KCa1.1 channels. The green propolis of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora is a valuable source of multi-target vasoactive flavonoids: this evidence reinforces its nutraceutical value in the cardiovascular disease prevention arena.
Kommunikative Teilhabe aus der Perspektive von Menschen mit einer palliativen Krebserkrankung aufgrund von Kopf-Hals-Tumoren
Authors: Petry Jennifer , Marotzki Ulrike , Barthel Maria
Published: April 2024

Ziel der Studie Die Bedeutung von kommunikativer Teilhabe und das Erleben von Kommunikationssituationen wird aus der Perspektive von Menschen mit einem palliativen Kopf-Hals-Tumor dargestellt.

Methodik Es wurden episodische Interviews mit fünf Menschen mit Kopf-Hals-Tumor geführt, die sich in ambulanter oder vorübergehend stationärer palliativer Behandlung befanden. Die Auswertung folgte der phänomenologischen Methodologie und der Grounded Theory.

Ergebnisse Menschen mit einem palliativen Kopf-Hals-Tumor erleben Kommunikationssituationen als kommunikatives Ausbalancieren auf den Ebenen „Dabei zu sein“, „Umgang mit Entscheidungen“ und „Beziehungsgestaltung“. Es wird beeinflusst von intra- und extrapersonalen Faktoren sowie der jeweiligen Situationsstruktur.

Schlussfolgerung Kommunikative Teilhabe steht für eine selbstbestimmte Gestaltung von Alltags- und Versorgungssituationen. In der Behandlung können Betroffene zu einer individuellen kommunikativen Teilhabe befähigt werden, was zu einer gesteigerten Lebensqualität führen kann.
The Quadrangular Cartilage in Rhinoplasty: A Surgically Focused CT Dimensional Analysis of Black African and Caucasian Populations
Authors: Pisapia Francesco , Cottone Giuseppe , Stutterheim James , Robotti Enrico , McIntosh Cameron
Published: April 2024

The apparent lack of quadrangular cartilage in Black African noses is commonly observed both from a radiological and clinical point of view. To the best of our knowledge, only a few research papers have been conducted on the facial proportions and structural anatomy of black people of Southern and Eastern Africa. The aim of this retrospective comparative study is a radiological assessment of the total amount of septal quadrangular cartilage by measuring its area in sagittal CT views, in two selected Black South African and Caucasian (CA) samples and the comparison with the literature in our hands. Statistical analysis was conducted, categorical variables are shown as frequencies and percentages, while continuous variables as means and standard deviations. Normal distribution of variables was verified using the Shapiro–Wilk test or by means of skewness and kurtosis values. Differences among unpaired groups were evaluated using the independent Student's t-test for normally distributed data (complemented by the Cohen's d to show the effect size with the following cutoff: d = 0.2, “small” effect size; d = 0.5, “medium” effect size; d = 0.8, “large” effect size) and Mann–Whitney U test in case of non-normal distribution. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05 setting the α-error probability at 5%. This study shows that, on average, there is 30% more cartilage available in CA compared with Black African noses and confirms the apparent lack of quadrangular cartilage and in Black African noses which is commonly observed in surgery. The need for an adequate amount of autologous septal cartilage makes cartilage availability a major concern before surgery and being able to preoperative accurately measure the amount of septal cartilage that is available to be harvested for other grafts in the surgery is essential.