bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancements in Nanotechnology‐Based PEDOT and Its Composites for Wearable Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Wang Yuran , Dai Wei , Wu Tian , Qi Hongyan , Tao Junhui , Wang Chuanhui , Li Jie , Cao Xiuying , Liu Liangpeng , Fang Liuyi , Wang Chun , Gong Nengyuan , Liu Yuxuan , Chen Xinqi , Jiang Wan , Wang Xiaolin
Published: August 2024

Thermoelectric materials’ unique merits attract considerable attention. Among those merits, the straight transformation between heat and electricity makes this material potential. The energy of the human body is released in the form of heat, which can be transformed into effective electricity by wearable thermoelectric materials. The nanotechnology‐based materials improve thermoelectric properties and heat absorption abilities for nanostructures will help maintain good electrical conductivity and reduce thermal conductivity. Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is extensively investigated for its high conductivity, flexibility, good transparency, and so on. This article reviews its mechanism and describes the preparation techniques and thermoelectric properties of nanotechnology‐based PEDOT, inorganic semiconductor composite, and low‐dimensional metal composite thermoelectric materials. The recent research progress on PEDOT‐based thermoelectric materials, the application of wearable low‐dimensional PEDOT‐based thermoelectric materials, and methods to improve the thermoelectric performance of PEDOT‐based composite materials, device design, and commercialization are specifically discussed.
Effect of Substituting CaO with BaO on Viscosity and Structure of CaO–SiO2–FeOt–Al2O3–BaO Steel Slag
Authors: Song Yansong , Sun Qiaomei , Zhang Hongkui , Zhang Dayong , Lv Yaoqiang
Published: August 2024

The viscosity of CaO–SiO2–FeOt–Al2O3–BaO steel slag with the BaO substitution for CaO is measured. Calculation of the corrected optical basicity and the apparent activation energy of the steel slag are executed. The effect of substituting CaO with BaO on structure evolution is studied. The measured results show that the viscosity of molten slag increases with the BaO substitution. The values of corrected optical basicity decrease from 0.63441 to 0.62329 with the BaO substitution. The apparent activation energy shows an upward trend from 152.78 to 160.62 kJ mol−1 with the BaO substitution. The Fourier transform infrared reflection analysis indicates that the structure complexity of the [SiO4] and [AlO4] tetrahedrons is increased with the BaO substitution. The Raman analysis indicates that the translation of Q0 and Q1 to Q2 and Q3 is advanced with the substitution of BaO for CaO in molten slag. The conversion of O2− to O0 is promoted with the substitution of BaO for CaO using X‐Ray photoelectron spectrometer analysis. The complexity of the molten slag network structure and the degree of polymerization are all increased by the substitution of BaO for CaO, which sits comfortably with measured viscosity results.
Morphometrical and molecular identification of Echinococcus granulosus genotypes in wild canids in north of Iran
Authors: Darounkola Moein Abolhasani , Ebrahimzadeh Elahe , Borji Hassan , Khoshvaght Mohammadreza
Published: August 2024

Background/Objective

The cestode Echinococcus granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis, a zoonotic parasitic infection that constitutes a significant public health risk. This parasite has been documented to have potential reservoirs and carriers among wild canids, namely wolves, foxes and jackals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of E. granulosus sensu lato species/genotypes among wild canids in three northern, northeastern and north‐western Iran regions.

Methods

From 2019 to 2022, 93 wild canid carcasses (69 jackals), (22 foxes) and (2 wolves) were collected that were killed in car accidents or illnesses. Analyses of morphology and morphometry were performed to verify the presence of E. granulosus. To determine E. granulosus s.l. species/genotypes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐RFLP (ITS1) was performed utilizing the Bsh1236I (BstUI) restriction enzyme. COX1, NADH1 and ITS1 gene sequencing were also performed to confirm the PCR‐RFLP results.

Results

During this study, 93 wild canids were examined, and 3.2% (95% CI: 0%–7%) of the 93 were infected with Echinococcus. The north‐western region of Iran showed two out of 30 jackals (6.6%) infected with adult Echinococcus compared to one out of 35 jackals (2.8%) in the northern region. DNA from Echinococcus was detected in these individuals by PCR. Based on PCR‐RFLP analysis of the ITS1 gene and sequencing of COX1, NADH1 and ITS1 gene, E. granulosus sensu stricto genotype was confirmed in the jackals that had been infected.

Conclusion

Evidence shows that E. granulosus occurs in jackals in Iran, with the E. granulosus s.s. genotype being the most common. This parasite has been identified as a zoonotic parasite with a genotype that can be transmitted to livestock and humans. Establishing effective control measures to prevent the spread of echinococcosis and ensure public health is crucial.
Fabrication and dielectric spectroscopy analysis of FeGaInS4/PVA composite materials
Authors: Addayeva Zeynab , Azizian‐Kalandaragh Yashar , Niftiyev Namiq , Eyvazova Goncha , Mammadov Faik , Babanly Mahammad , Baghirov Mahammad Baghir , Muradov Mustafa
Published: August 2024

The control of dielectric permittivity and conductivity is a crucial factor in the development of certain electronic components. Materials based on layered structures and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) show great potential for applications in supercapacitors. Therefore, the creation of polymer composites based on layered semiconductors and the determination of their physical properties is significant. In this investigation, a composite comprising 1 wt% FeGaInS4 dispersed in PVA was synthesized through mechanical mixing, where the FeGaInS4 crystal was incorporated into the PVA matrix. This study explores the physical characteristics of this composite for the first time. The structure of the composite was analyzed using x‐ray diffraction (XRD). Electrical properties and conductivity mechanisms were examined using a dielectric spectrometer. It was determined that the hopping model conductivity mechanism predominates in the FeGaInS4/PVA nanocomposite. For the 1 wt% FeGaInS4/PVA composite, system parameters were calculated at a temperature of 313 K and a frequency of 5 × 103 Hz. The parameters found are s = 0.814, potential barrier height WM = 0.868 eV, hopping length Rω = 14.7 × 10−10 m, and the concentration of pairs of states between, which charge carriers hop N = 1.396 × 1026 m−3.

Highlights

1 wt% FeGaInS4 composite synthesized via mechanical assembly.

Small crystals boost dielectric constant by 1.5× via interfacial polarization.

The system parameters are defined: s = 0.814, WM = 0.868 eV, Rω = 14.7 × 10−10 m.

Electrical conduction is multifaceted; conductance hopping dominates.

Loss tangent decreases due to interfacial polarization effects.
Water on the mind: Mapping behavioral and psychological research on water security
Authors: Conway Declan
Published: August 2024

Water security as a concept recognizes the profound connections between the physical and social aspects of water. Yet, water security research features limited perspectives from two disciplines directly concerned with human behavior—the behavioral and psychological sciences. This review aims to characterize the main areas of research on water (including floods and droughts) which do feature concepts and methods from the behavioral and psychological sciences, discuss knowledge gaps, and draw attention to their potential to contribute to water‐related research. Bibliometric mapping of published water research identifies five research clusters and associated sub‐clusters: risk perception and flood, climate change and drought, water quality and water conservation, drinking water and bottled water, and mental health and WASH. A summary of research in each cluster and sub‐cluster highlights the application of many conceptual frameworks and behavioral determinants associated with water‐related behavior. Few articles focus on the role of governance or structural factors, and studies in low‐ and middle‐income countries are less represented in some clusters. The discussion considers the scope to apply higher level organizing frameworks for structuring behavioral and psychological science applications in water security and for exploring synergies with the physical and wider social sciences. In conclusion, further engagement with behavioral and psychological science within, between, and beyond the clusters identified here, could potentially deepen understanding of human–water interactions and enhance the design of measures to promote water security.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
A Study of the Near Wake Deformation of the X‐Rotor Vertical‐Axis Wind Turbine With Pitched Blades
Authors: Bensason David , Sciacchitano Andrea , Giri Ajay Adhyanth , Simao Ferreira Carlos
Published: August 2024

Recent studies have revealed the large potential of vertical‐axis wind turbines (VAWTs) for high‐energy‐density wind farms due to their favorable wake recovery characteristics. The present study provides an experimental demonstration and proof‐of‐concept for the wake recovery mechanism of the novel X‐Rotor VAWT. The phase‐locked flowfield is measured at several streamwise locations along the X‐Rotor's wake using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (PIV) with fixed‐pitch offsets applied to the blades. The streamwise vortex system of the upper half of the X‐Rotor is first hypothesized and then experimentally verified. The induced wake deformations of the vortex systems are discussed in comparison with previous studies concerning traditional H‐type VAWTs. The results suggest that positive blade pitch is more favorable for accelerated wake recovery due to the dominant tip‐vortex generated on the upwind windward quadrant of the cycle. Utilizing theoretical blade load variations along the span explains distinct unsteady flow features in the near wake generated at select quadrants of the rotor rotation, shedding light on the potential of the two pitch schemes.
Comparative analysis of water quality index and river classification in Kereh River, Penang, Malaysia: Impact of untreated swine wastewater from Kampung Selamat pig farms
Authors: Waras Maisarah Nasution , Zabidi Muhammad Azrul , Ismail Zikrullah , Sangaralingam Mageswari , Gazzali Amirah Mohd , Harun Mohammad Syamsul Reza , Aziz Mohd Yusmaidie , Mohamed Rafeezul , Najib Mohd Nadzri Mohd
Published: August 2024

The Kereh River in Penang, Malaysia, has faced severe pollution for over 40 years due to untreated wastewater from swine farms in Kampung Selamat, discharged via stormwater drains. Despite official claims that all 77 swine farms treat their wastewater to meet regulatory standards, local non‐governmental organizations and villagers have challenged this, though their concerns lack scientific backing. This study evaluates the river's water quality by analyzing samples from upstream (US), midstream (MS), and downstream (DS), and from Parit Cina‐Parit Besar, a conduit for untreated swine wastewater. Fourteen parameters were measured against Malaysia's National Water Quality Standards (NWQS). Significant differences were found in six parameters: ammonium nitrogen (AN), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids (TSS), and oil and grease (OG). While Dunn's post hoc pairwise comparison showed no significant differences among river segments, mean values indicated increased pollution downstream, particularly after the convergence with untreated swine wastewater. River classification worsened, with water quality index dropping from 69.88 ± 11.37 score (Class III) US to 38.49 ± 12.74 and 50.44 ± 3.14 scores (Class IV) MS and downstream, respectively. A significant positive correlation between E. coli and AN (r = 0.71, p < 0.01) suggests a common point source pollutant, particularly the untreated swine wastewater. The river exhibits low oxygen levels and high organic matter and nutrient concentrations, especially MS and downstream, highlighting substantial ecological and public health risks. Effective enforcement of waste treatment regulations and enhanced monitoring are crucial for mitigating pollution and restoring the river's ecosystem. Collaboration between authorities and pig farmers is essential to improve water quality and maintain the river's ecological balance.

Practitioner points

Severe Kereh River pollution: Untreated swine wastewater from Kampung Selamat pig farms, primarily via Parit Cina‐Parit Besar, has degraded the river for over 40 years.

Regulatory non‐compliance: Despite official claims, untreated swine wastewater continues to pollute the river, challenging regulatory standards.

Significant pollution indicators: Elevated levels of AN, BOD, COD, DO, TSS, OG, and E. coli signal severe pollution midstream and downstream.

Water quality index drop: WQI scores classify midstream and downstream sections as polluted, indicating worsening conditions downstream.

Urgent need for action: Enforcing regulations, improving wastewater treatment, and relocating pig farms are crucial for restoring the Kereh River.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Optical Properties of a New Quaternary Tin Polychalcogenide K2BaSnSe5
Authors: Shi Jinlong , Sun Mengran , Li Chunxiao , Yao Jiyong
Published: August 2024

One new quaternary tin polychalcogenide K2BaSnSe5 has been synthesized by high temperature solid‐state reaction. It crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group P21/c of the monoclinic system with cell constants a=11.948(2) Å, b=10.367(2) Å, c=9.2902(19) Å, β=91.33(3)°, and V=1150.4(4) Å3. The compound features an interesting zero‐dimensional structure consisting of SnSe5 units, made up of SnSe4 tetrahedra and [Se2] unit, with K+, Ba2+ cations locating in the interstitial sites for charge‐balance. Diffuse reflectance spectrum indicates semiconducting property with an optical band gap of 1.45 eV. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the band gap of the title compound is determined by [SnSe5] units, and the title compound has a large birefringence of 0.28 at wavelength 1.06 μm, which implies that K2BaSnSe5 may be an intriguing photoelectronic material.
Loop blow-up inflation
Authors: Bansal Sukṛti , Brunelli Luca , Cicoli Michele , Hebecker Arthur , Kuespert Ruben
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We present a new model of string inflation driven by a blow-up Kähler modulus of type IIb compactifications with a potential generated by string loops. Slow-roll is naturally realized thanks to the fact that the blow-up mode is a leading-order flat direction lifted by string loops which are unavoidable and generate a plateau at large field values. We check that throughout the whole inflationary dynamics the effective field theory is under control. We perform a phenomenological analysis determining the exact number of efoldings by studying the post-inflationary evolution. We determine the values of the microscopic parameters which lead to agreement with CMB data, together with the prediction of a tensor-to-scalar ratio of order r ∼ 10−5.
Infrared finite scattering theory: scattering states and representations of the BMS group
Authors: Prabhu Kartik , Satishchandran Gautam
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Any non-trivial scattering with massless fields in four spacetime dimensions will generically produce an “out” state with memory which gives rise to infrared divergences in the standard S-matrix. To obtain an infrared-finite scattering theory, one must suitably include states with memory. However, except in the case of QED with massive charged particles, asymptotic states with memory that have finite energy and angular momentum have not been constructed for more general theories (e.g. massless QED, Yang-Mills and quantum gravity). To this end, we construct direct-integral representations over the “Lorentz orbit” of a given memory and classify all “orbit space representations” that have well-defined energy and angular momentum. We thereby provide an explicit construction of a large supply of physical states with memory as well as the explicit action of the BMS charges all states. The construction of such states is a key step toward the formulation of an infrared-finite scattering theory. While we primarily focus on the quantum gravitational case, we outline how the methods presented in this paper can be applied to obtain representations of the Poincaré group with memory for more general quantum field theories.
Chaotic LLM billiards
Authors: Berenstein David , Maderazo Elliot , Mancilla Robinson , Ramírez Anayeli
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We study null geodesics of the ten-dimensional LLM geometries. In particular, we show that there are a subset of these null geodesics that are confined to the LLM plane. The effective dynamics of these in-plane geodesics is that of a Hamiltonian system with two degrees of freedom (a phase space of dimension 4). We show that these are chaotic. In the two-coloring of the LLM plane, if they start in the empty region, they cannot penetrate the filled region and viceversa. The dynamical problem is therefore very similar to that of a billiards problem with fixed obstacles. We study to what extent LLM geometries with many droplets may be treated as an incipient black hole and draw analogies with the fuzzball proposal. We argue that for in-plane null geodesics deep in the interior of a region with a lot of droplets, in order to exit towards the AdS boundary they will need to undergo a process that resembles diffusion. This mechanism can account for signals getting lost in the putative black hole for a very long time.
IER3IP1-mutations cause microcephaly by selective inhibition of ER-Golgi transport
Authors: Anitei Mihaela , Bruno Francesca , Valkova Christina , Dau Therese , Cirri Emilio , Mestres Iván , Calegari Federico , Kaether Christoph
Published: August 2024

Mutations in the IER3IP1 (Immediate Early Response-3 Interacting Protein 1) gene can give rise to MEDS1 (Microcephaly with Simplified Gyral Pattern, Epilepsy, and Permanent Neonatal Diabetes Syndrome-1), a severe condition leading to early childhood mortality. The small endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-membrane protein IER3IP1 plays a non-essential role in ER-Golgi transport. Here, we employed secretome and cell-surface proteomics to demonstrate that the absence of IER3IP1 results in the mistrafficking of proteins crucial for neuronal development and survival, including FGFR3, UNC5B and SEMA4D. This phenomenon correlates with the distension of ER membranes and increased lysosomal activity. Notably, the trafficking of cargo receptor ERGIC53 and KDEL-receptor 2 are compromised, with the latter leading to the anomalous secretion of ER-localized chaperones. Our investigation extended to in-utero knock-down of Ier3ip1 in mouse embryo brains, revealing a morphological phenotype in newborn neurons. In summary, our findings provide insights into how the loss or mutation of a 10 kDa small ER-membrane protein can cause a fatal syndrome.
Punctually presented structures II: comparing presentations
Authors: Dorzhieva Marina , Downey Rodney , Hammatt Ellen , Melnikov Alexander G. , Ng Keng Meng
Published: August 2024

We investigate the problem of punctual (fully primitive recursive) presentability of algebraic structures up to primitive recursive and computable isomorphism. We show that for mono-unary structures and undirected graphs, if a structure is not punctually categorical then it has infinitely many punctually non-isomorphic punctual presentations. We also show that the punctual degrees of any computably almost rigid structure as well as the order (

$$\mathbb {Z},<$$

Z
,
<

) are dense. Finally we characterise the Boolean algebras which have a punctually 1-decidable presentation that is computably isomorphic to a 1-decidable presentation.
Specialization maps for Scholze’s category of diamonds
Authors: Gleason Ian
Published: August 2024

We introduce the specialization map in Scholze’s theory of diamonds. We consider v-sheaves that “behave like formal schemes" and call them kimberlites. We attach to them: a reduced special fiber, an analytic locus, a specialization map, a Zariski site, and an étale site. When the kimberlite comes from a formal scheme, our sites recover the classical ones. We prove that unramified p-adic Beilinson–Drinfeld Grassmannians are kimberlites with finiteness and normality properties.
Disease Resistance Correlates with Core Microbiome Diversity in Cotton
Authors: Aqueel Rhea , Badar Ayesha , Roy Nazish , Ijaz Umer Zeeshan , Malik Kauser Abdulla
Published: August 2024

Understanding the resident microbial communities and their above and below ground interactions with plants will provide necessary information for crop disease protection and stress management. In this study, we show how diversity of core microbiome varies with disease susceptibility of a crop. To test this hypothesis, we have focused on identifying the core microbial species of cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) susceptible Gossypium hirsutum and CLCuD resistant Gossypium arboreum under viral infestation. Derivation of core membership is challenging as it depends on an occupancy threshold of microbial species in a sampling pool, whilst accounting for different plant compartments. We have used an abundance–occupancy distribution approach where we dynamically assess the threshold for core membership, whilst marginalizing for occupancy in four compartments of the cotton plant, namely, leaf epiphyte, leaf endophyte, rhizosphere, and root endophyte. Additionally, we also fit a neutral model to the returned core species to split them into three groups, those that are neutral, those that are selected by the plant environment, and finally those that are dispersal limited. We have found strong inverse relationship between diversity of core microbiome and disease susceptibility with the resistant variety, G. arboreum, possessing higher diversity of microbiota. A deeper understanding of this association will aid in the development of biocontrol agents for improving plant immunity against biotrophic pathogens.
Tranexamic acid reduces perioperative blood transfusions following open radical cystectomy – a propensity-score matched analysis
Authors: Egen Luisa , Keller Karoline , Menold Hanna Saskia , Quan Allison , Dempfle Carl-Erik , Schoettler Jochen Johannes , Wessels Frederik , Meister Benjamin , Worst Thomas Stefan , Westhoff Niklas , Kriegmair Maximilian Christian , Honeck Patrick , Michel Maurice Stephan , Kowalewski Karl-Friedrich
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Radical cystectomy is associated with bleeding and high transfusion rates, presenting challenges in patient management. This study investigated the prophylactic use of tranexamic acid during radical cystectomy.

Methods

All consecutive patients treated with radical cystectomy at a tertiary care university center were included from a prospectively maintained database. After an institutional change in the cystectomy protocol patients received 1 g of intravenous bolus of tranexamic acid as prophylaxis. To prevent bias, propensity score matching was applied, accounting for differences in preoperative hemoglobin, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor stage, and surgeon experience. Key outcomes included transfusion rates, complications, and occurrence of venous thromboembolism.

Results

In total, 420 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 35 received tranexamic acid. After propensity score matching, 32 patients and 32 controls were matched with regard to clinicopathologic characteristics. Tranexamic acid significantly reduced the number of patients who received transfusions compared to controls (19% [95%-Confidence interval = 8.3; 37.1] vs. 47% [29.8; 64.8]; p = 0.033). Intraoperative and postoperative transfusion rates were lower with tranexamic acid, though not statistically significant (6% [1.5; 23.2] vs. 19% [8.3; 37.1], and 16% [6.3; 33.7] vs. 38% [21.9; 56.1]; p = 0.257 and p = 0.089, respectively). The occurrence of venous thromboembolism did not differ significantly between the groups (9% [2.9; 26.7] vs. 3% [0.4; 20.9]; p = 0.606).

Conclusion

Prophylactic tranexamic administration, using a simplified preoperative dosing regimen of 1 g as a bolus, significantly lowered the rate of blood transfusion after cystectomy. This exploratory study indicates the potential of tranexamic acid in enhancing outcomes of open radical cystectomy.
Management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis and adherence to current guidelines—a multicentre SNAPSHOT study
Authors: Dalby Helene R. , Orrú Alessandro , Sundh Frida , Buchwald Pamela , Brännström Fredrik , Hansske Bengt , Haapaniemi Staffan , Nikberg Maziar , Chabok Abbas
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To explore whether previous participation in clinical studies increases adherence to management guidelines in acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was designed to give a SNAPSHOT of the management of AUD at six hospitals, three of which had participated in the AVOD trial comparing antibiotic versus non-antibiotic treatment of AUD. Patients with AUD were included from March 2019 through June 2020 and followed for 90 days. The primary outcome was treatment of AUD categorised by antibiotic treatment and inpatient or outpatient management compared between AVOD and non-AVOD hospitals. Descriptive statistics were compiled, and differences between hospitals were assessed with Pearson’s chi-squared test.

Results

The cohort included 449 patients with AUD of which 63% were women and the median age was 63 (IQR: 52–73) years. Patient characteristics were comparable across the hospitals. Antibiotics were administered to 84 (19%) patients and 113 (25%) patients were managed as inpatients. Management varied significantly between AVOD and non-AVOD hospitals. The mean proportion of patients treated with antibiotics was 7% at AVOD hospitals compared to 38% at non-AVOD hospitals (p < 0.001). The mean proportion of in-hospital management was 18% at AVOD hospitals versus 38% at non-AVOD hospitals (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Most patients with AUD were managed according to current guidelines. However, the management varies between hospitals and previous participation in clinical studies may increase knowledge of and adherence to guidelines.
Recombinant expression and characterization of the endochitinase Chit36-TA from Trichoderma asperellum in Komagataella phaffii for chitin degradation of black soldier fly exuviae
Authors: Gebele Luisa , Wilke Andreas , Salliou Axel , Schneider Laura , Heid Daniel , Stadelmann Tobias , Henninger Corinna , Ahmed Uzair , Broszat Melanie , Müller Pascale , Dusel Georg , Krzyżaniak Michał , Ochsenreither Katrin , Eisele Thomas
Published: August 2024

The natural polymer chitin is an abundant source for valuable N-acetylchitooligosaccharides and N-acetylglucosamine applicable in several industries. The endochitinase Chit36-TA from Trichoderma asperellum was recombinantly expressed in Komagataella phaffii for the enzymatic degradation of chitin from unused insect exuviae into N-acetylchitooligosaccharides. Chit36-TA was purified by Ni–NTA affinity chromatography and subsequently biochemically characterized. After deglycosylation, the endochitinase had a molecular weight of 36 kDa. The optimum pH for Chit36-TA was 4.5. The temperature maximum of Chit36-TA was determined to be 50 °C, while it maintained > 93% activity up to 60 °C. The chitinase was thermostable up to 45 °C and exhibited ~ 50% activity after a 15 min incubation at 57 °C. Chit36-TA had a maximum specific enzyme activity of 50 nkat/mg with a Km value of 289 µM with 4-methylumbelliferyl-N,N′,N″-triacetyl-β-chitotrioside as substrate. Most tested cations, organic solvents and reagents were well-tolerated by the endochitinase, except for SDS (1 mM), Cu2+ (10 mM) and Mn2+ (10 mM), which had stronger inhibitory effects with residual activities of 3, 41 and 28%, respectively. With a degree of hydrolysis of 32% applying colloidal shrimp chitin (1% (w/v)) and 12% on insect larvae (1% (w/v)) after 24 h, the endochitinase was found to be suitable for the conversion of colloidal chitin as well as chitin from black soldier fly larvae into water-soluble N-acetylchitooligosaccharides. To prove scalability, a bioreactor process was developed in which a 55-fold higher enzyme activity of 49 µkat/l and a tenfold higher protein expression of 1258 mg/l were achieved.
The Tropical Non-Properness Set of a Polynomial Map
Authors: El Hilany Boulos
Published: August 2024

We study some discrete invariants of Newton non-degenerate polynomial maps $$f: {\mathbb {K}}^n \rightarrow {\mathbb {K}}^n$$

f
:

K

n

→

K

n

defined over an algebraically closed field of Puiseux series $${\mathbb {K}}$$
K
, equipped with a non-trivial valuation. It is known that the set $${\mathcal {S}}(f)$$

S
(
f
)

of points at which f is not finite forms an algebraic hypersurface in $${\mathbb {K}}^n$$

K

n

. The coordinate-wise valuation of $${\mathcal {S}}(f)\cap ({\mathbb {K}}^*)^n$$

S

(
f
)

∩

(

K

∗

)

n

is a piecewise-linear object in $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

, which we call the tropical non-properness set of f. We show that the tropical polynomial map corresponding to f has fibers satisfying a particular combinatorial degeneracy condition exactly over points in the tropical non-properness set of f. We then use this description to outline a polyhedral method for computing this set, and to recover the fan dual to the Newton polytope of the set at which a complex polynomial map is not finite. The proofs rely on classical correspondence and structural results from tropical geometry, combined with a new description of $${\mathcal {S}}(f)$$

S
(
f
)

in terms of multivariate resultants.
Assessment of the bony resection margin distance in bone-invasive oral cancer using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Winnand Philipp , Ooms Mark , Heitzer Marius , Vohl Nils , Lammert Matthias , Hölzle Frank , Boernsen K. Olaf , Modabber Ali
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Inadequate resection margins of less than 5 mm impair local tumor control. This weak point in oncological safety is exacerbated in bone-infiltrating tumors because rapid bone analysis procedures do not exist. This study aims to assess the bony resection margin status of bone-invasive oral cancer using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

Materials and methods

LIBS experiments were performed on natively lasered, tumor-infiltrated mandibular cross-sections from 10 patients. In total, 5,336 spectra were recorded at defined distances from the tumor border. Resection margins < 1 mm were defined as very close, from 1–5 mm as close, and > 5 mm as clear. The spectra were histologically validated. Based on the LIBS spectra, the discriminatory power of potassium (K) and soluble calcium (Ca) between bone-infiltrating tumor tissue and very close, close, and clear resection margins was determined.

Results

LIBS-derived electrolyte emission values of K and soluble Ca as well as histological parameters for bone neogenesis/fibrosis and lymphocyte/macrophage infiltrates differ significantly between bone-infiltrating tumor tissue spectra and healthy bone spectra from very close, close, and clear resection margins (p < 0.0001). Using LIBS, the transition from very close resection margins to bone-infiltrating tumor tissue can be determined with a sensitivity of 95.0%, and the transition from clear to close resection margins can be determined with a sensitivity of 85.3%.

Conclusions

LIBS can reliably determine the boundary of bone-infiltrating tumors and might provide an orientation for determining a clear resection margin.

Clinical relevance

LIBS could facilitate intraoperative decision-making and avoid inadequate resection margins in bone-invasive oral cancer.
Exchange-correlation kernel for perturbation dependent auxiliary functions in auxiliary density perturbation theory
Authors: Hernández-Segura Luis I. , Olvera-Rubalcava Flor A. , Flores-Moreno Roberto , Calaminici Patrizia , Köster Andreas M.
Published: August 2024

Context

Analytic exchange-correlation kernel formulations are of the outermost importance for density functional theory (DFT) perturbation calculations. In this paper, the working equation for the exchange-correlation kernel of the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for perturbation dependent auxiliary functions is derived and discussed in the framework of auxiliary density functional theory (ADFT). The presented new formulation is extended to the unrestricted approach, too. A comprehensive discussion of the implementation of the GGA ADFT kernel, using either the native exchange-correlation functional implementations in deMon2k or the ones from the LibXC library, is given. Calculations with analytic exchange-correlation kernels are compared to their finite difference counterparts. The obtained results are in quantitative agreement. Nevertheless, analytic GGA ADFT kernel implementations show substantial improvement in the computational performance. Similar results are reported for analytic second derivatives of effective core potential (ECP) and model core potential (MCP) matrix elements when compared to their finite difference counterparts in molecular frequency analyses.

Method

All calculations are performed in the framework of ADFT as implemented in deMon2k. In the ADFT analytic frequency calculations, auxiliary density perturbation theory was used. The underlying two-center exchange-correlation kernel matrix elements are calculated by numerical integration either with analytic or finite difference kernel expressions. Validation calculations are performed with the VWN and PBE functionals employing DFT-optimized DZVP basis sets in conjunction with automatically generated GEN-A2 auxiliary density function sets. In the (Pt3Cu)n cluster benchmark calculations, the RPBE functional was used. For Pt atoms, the quasi-relativistic LANL2DZ effective core potential with the corresponding valence basis set was employed, whereas for Cu atoms, the all-electron DFT-optimized TZVP basis was applied. The auxiliary density was expanded by the automatically generated GEN-A2* auxiliary function set. We run all benchmark calculations in parallel on 24 cores.
Tensile properties of glaucomatous human sclera, optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath
Authors: Park Joseph , Lee Immi , Jafari Somaye , Demer Joseph L.
Published: August 2024

We characterized the tensile behavior of sclera, optic nerve (ON), and ON sheath in eyes from donors with glaucoma, for comparison with published data without glaucoma. Twelve freshly harvested eyes were obtained from donors with history of glaucoma, of average age 86 ± 7 (standard deviation) years. Rectangular samples were taken from anterior, equatorial, posterior, and peripapillary sclera, and ON sheath, while ON was in native form and measured using calipers. Under physiological temperature and humidity, tissues were preconditioned at 5% strain before loading at 0.1 mm/s. Force–displacement data were converted into engineering stress–strain curves fit by reduced polynomial hyperelastic models and analyzed by tangent moduli at 3% and 7% strain. Data were compared with an age-matched sample of 7 published control eyes. Optic atrophy was supported by significant reduction in ON cross section to 73% of normal in glaucomatous eyes. Glaucomatous was significantly stiffer than control in equatorial and peripapillary regions (P < 0.001). However, glaucomatous ON and sheath were significantly less stiff than control, particularly at low strain (P < 0.001). Hyperelastic models were well fit to stress–strain data (R2 > 0.997). Tangent moduli had variability similar to control in most regions, but was abnormally large in peripapillary sclera. Tensile properties were varied independently among various regions of the same eyes. Glaucomatous sclera is abnormally stiff, but the ON and sheath are abnormally compliant. These abnormalities correspond to properties predicted by finite element analysis to transfer potentially pathologic stress to the vulnerable disk and lamina cribrosa region during adduction eye movement.
Ecological features facilitating spread of alien plants along Mediterranean mountain roads
Authors: Santoianni Lucia Antonietta , Innangi Michele , Varricchione Marco , Carboni Marta , La Bella Greta , Haider Sylvia , Stanisci Angela
Published: August 2024

Invasive alien species represent a major threat to global biodiversity and the sustenance of ecosystems. Globally, mountain ecosystems have shown a degree of resistance to invasive species due to their distinctive ecological features. However, in recent times, the construction of linear infrastructure, such as roads, might weaken this resistance, especially in the Mediterranean basin region. Roads, by acting as efficient corridors, facilitate the dispersal of alien species along elevation gradients in mountains. Here, we investigated how the ecological features and road-associated disturbance in native plant communities affected both the occurrence and cover of alien plant species in Central Apennines (Italy). We implemented the MIREN road survey in three mountain transects conducting vegetation sampling in plots located both adjacent to and distant from the roads at intervals of ~ 100 m in elevation. We then used community-weighted means of Ecological Indicator Values for Europe together with Disturbance Indicator Values applied to plant species of native communities as predictors of alien species occurrence and cover in a machine-learning classification and regression framework. Our analyses showed that alien species’ occurrence was greater in proximity to the road where high soil disturbance occurred and in warm- and light-adapted native communities. On the other hand, alien species cover was more strongly related to moderate grazing pressure and the occurrence of nitrophilic plant communities. These findings provide a baseline for the current status of alien plant species in this Mediterranean mountain region, offering an ecological perspective to address the challenges associated with their management under global change.
All Inclusive Climate Policy in a Growing Economy: The Role of Human Health
Authors: Bretschger Lucas , Komarov Evgenij
Published: August 2024

Standard climate economics considers damages of climate change to utility, total factor productivity, and capital. Highlighting that air pollution and climate change affect human health and labor productivity significantly, we complement this literature by including human health in a theoretical climate economic framework. Our macroeconomic approach incorporates a separate health sector and provides closed-form analytical solutions for the main model variables. Economic growth is endogenously driven by innovations, which depend on labor availability and productivity. These aspects of the labor force are directly linked to human health, which is harmed by burning fossil fuels. We calculate growth in the decentralized equilibrium and derive optimal climate policy. Calibrating the model by taking standard parameter values we show the economic growth rate to be higher for the planner solution compared to the market outcome. For an optimal climate policy, we find that 44% of total resource stock should be extracted when considering damages to capital, but only 1% of the stock should be extracted in an “all inclusive” approach where health damages are included. The health perspective requires optimal environmental policies that are much more stringent than those normally advocated in climate economics, since harm to human health has negative effects on economic growth, which makes the overall impact of climate change very large.
Sleep Disturbances and Co-sleeping in Italian Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Scarpelli Serena , Menghini Deny , Alfonsi Valentina , Giumello Francesca , Annarumma Ludovica , Gorgoni Maurizio , Valeri Giovanni , Pazzaglia Mariella , De Gennaro Luigi , Vicari Stefano
Published: August 2024

The current study aimed (1) to provide an analysis of the frequency and prevalence of sleep disturbances in a large Italian sample of children and adolescents with ASD, detecting specific predictors of the presence/absence of sleep disorders, (2) to examine the phenomenon of co-sleeping within a subgroup of participants with ASD. A total of 242 children and adolescents with ASD (194 males, mean age 5.03 ± 3.15 years) were included. After the diagnostic procedure, caregivers were requested to complete the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) to assess sleep disorders among participants. The presence of co-sleeping was investigated in a subgroup of 146 children and adolescents with ASD. An elevated or clinically relevant global score for sleep disorders (≥ 60) was found in 33% of participants. The most prevalent sleep disorder in our group was related to difficulties with sleep onset and sleep maintenance (~ 41% of cases). Sleep disturbances were predicted by higher intelligence quotient (IQ)/developmental quotient (DQ), increased internalizing problems, and elevated parental stress. The subgroup of participants engaged in co-sleeping (N = 87) were younger and had lower IQ/DQ scores, reduced adaptive functioning, and diminished psychological wellbeing than the non-co-sleeping group. Our findings are consistent with the current literature highlighting that insomnia is the most widespread sleep problem associated with ASD. The relationship between IQ/DQ and sleep alterations is a crucial topic that deserves additional research. Future studies should assess sleep by objective measures such as EEG topography to better understand the mechanisms underlying sleep alterations in this neurodevelopmental disorder.
A transformer-based deep reinforcement learning approach for dynamic parallel machine scheduling problem with family setups
Authors: Li Funing , Lang Sebastian , Tian Yuan , Hong Bingyuan , Rolf Benjamin , Noortwyck Ruben , Schulz Robert , Reggelin Tobias
Published: August 2024

The parallel machine scheduling problem (PMSP) involves the optimized assignment of a set of jobs to a collection of parallel machines, which is a proper formulation for the modern manufacturing environment. Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has been widely employed to solve PMSP. However, the majority of existing DRL-based frameworks still suffer from generalizability and scalability. More specifically, the state and action design still heavily rely on human efforts. To bridge these gaps, we propose a practical reinforcement learning-based framework to tackle a PMSP with new job arrivals and family setup constraints. We design a variable-length state matrix containing full job and machine information. This enables the DRL agent to autonomously extract features from raw data and make decisions with a global perspective. To efficiently process this novel state matrix, we elaborately modify a Transformer model to represent the DRL agent. By integrating the modified Transformer model to represent the DRL agent, a novel state representation can be effectively leveraged. This innovative DRL framework offers a high-quality and robust solution that significantly reduces the reliance on manual effort traditionally required in scheduling tasks. In the numerical experiment, the stability of the proposed agent during training is first demonstrated. Then we compare this trained agent on 192 instances with several existing approaches, namely a DRL-based approach, a metaheuristic algorithm, and a dispatching rule. The extensive experimental results demonstrate the scalability of our approach and its effectiveness across a variety of scheduling scenarios. Conclusively, our approach can thus solve the scheduling problems with high efficiency and flexibility, paving the way for application of DRL in solving complex and dynamic scheduling problems.
Neural networks for the analysis of 2D radio-xenon beta gamma spectra
Authors: Hall Robert , Carpency Thienbao , Scoville James , Vincent Robert Anthony , Caldwell Johnathan
Published: August 2024

Atmospheric traces of radioactive xenon can be a strong indicator for underground nuclear fission reactions. 131mXe, 133Xe, 133mXe and 135Xe are the primary gaseous isotopes/isomers currently used to identify and classify nuclear events. During decay, each of these radioactive species produces a unique beta-gamma energy spectra, which can be measured using beta-gamma coincidence counting. Current operational Xe beta-gamma spectrum analysis software relies on Region of Interest (ROI) counting (Bowyer et al. in J Environ Radioact 59(2):139–151, 2002). This algorithm occasionally produces mismeasurements, especially when quantifying meta-stable isomers, due to overlapping ROIs and shifts in detector calibration in fielded systems over time (Ringbom and Axelsson in Appl Radiat Isot 156:108950, 2020). In an attempt to better de-convolve overlapping isotope spectra we have developed a technique that applies a supervised neural-network implemented in TensorFlow with Keras to classify and quantify the isotopes and mixtures of isomers based on their beta-gamma spectra—similar to image recognition. From this, we have improved upon the false-positive rate for classification and regression models, however challenges remain with dealing with differing detector energy calibrations and with estimating measurement uncertainty.
A recent review on ventilation and cooling of underground high-voltage cable tunnels
Authors: Elsaid Ashraf Mimi , Zahran Mohamed S. , Abdel Moneim S.A. , Lasheen Ashraf , Mohamed Islam G.
Published: August 2024

The rapid progression in the current economic cities and the push for societal advancement are driving the development of tall, slim structures that require underground utility tunnels. These tunnels, known as underground services tunnels, are built beneath urban areas and house a variety of main pipelines for gas, heating, and electricity. They serve as underground walkways, high-voltage lines, drainage systems, and water supply networks. The construction of these underground tunnels is essential for facilitating the future growth of buildings and infrastructure without disrupting the streets where utilities were traditionally located in older city layouts. The increase of the quantity of deeply buried extra-long tunnels has increased quickly, leading to geothermal hazards emerging as a significant issue in engineering projects. This research has studied many approaches for ventilation or cooling of underground cable tunnels. Approximately 90% of the utilized techniques consisted of air ventilation, encompassing mechanical, natural, or a combination of both approaches. It is important to consider that this particular method is more commonly employed in regions with higher weather conditions similar to Egypt. Nonetheless, this approach efficiently sustains satisfactory indoor temperatures surrounding cables, guaranteeing that they stay below 40 °C. Nevertheless, in the particular climate region of Egypt, where outdoor temperatures can soar more to 40 °C, it became crucial to subject the air to cooling before it is supplied into the tunnel. The impact of the mist (FOG) system on tunnel cooling was also examined. However, it has been discovered that the humidity levels in tunnels rise excessively, despite the high initial cost involved, particularly in lengthy tunnels. Consequently, it is not regarded as a viable method for cooling cables. Its sole application lies in serving as a fire suppression system for cable tunnels. Approximately 10% of the conducted research employed water cooling, which involved circulating cold water through pipes located next to the cables in rows. As a result of convection heat transfer, the air surrounding the cables in the tunnel is effectively cooled. It was found from this study that mechanical air cooling (ventilation) is the most efficient way of dealing with heat dissipated from cables by convection inside tunnels.