bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of the Radon Situation in Buildings Constructed Under the Renovation Program
Authors: Telichenko Valery , Rimshin Vladimir , Kalaydo Alexander , Semenova Marya
Published: December 2023

The paper is devoted to the study of the regularities of the radon situation formation in modern multi-storey buildings at the design stage. Calculation schemes for radon entry into the premises of the lower and upper floors are constructed, a method for determination of radon concentration in the building after its erection is proposed. It is based on a joint analysis of the soil base physical and mechanical characteristics of and the design features of the underground shell of the building. According to the calculations results, a significant role of air exchange in the formation of a favorable radon situation in the building was noted.
Experience in applying the Geocomposite method on soft soils in Moscow
Authors: Chunyuk Dmitry Yuryevich , Selviyan Serafima Mikhailovna
Published: December 2023

The pace of construction of industrial and civil buildings in Russia is increasing every year. In this regard, most of the undeveloped territories are composed of weak soils, which in turn leads to an increase in construction costs and the need for additional measures. Such measures include changing physical and mechanical characteristics of soils and increasing their bearing capacity. One of the more promising methods of improving the properties of soils is the method of "Geocomposite". This method allows to form stronger artificial structural bonds between particles in the soil. When fixing soils with Geocomposite, injectors are arranged and chemical or microcement solution is supplied under pressure [4]. This method of mortar supply helps to break up weakened soil areas and fill voids. It is important to note that when consolidating soils using the Geocomposite method, it is necessary to build a test site to select the optimal pressure of solution supply and to determine the characteristics of the consolidated soil.
Investigations of piles by bidirectional static loading test in Astana soils
Authors: Omarov Abdulla , Zhussupbekov Askar , Kaliakin Victor
Published: December 2023

The article presents the results of vertical static load tests of diametral and deep bored piles specially conducted at the construction site of EXPO-2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The methodology for determining the bearing capacity of the pile is summarized. Bored piles with a length of 31.5 m and a diameter of 1000 mm were tested. Vertical static load tests were conducted for the following load configurations: Bidirectional Static Loading Test (according to ASTM D8169), Static Compression Loading Test according to ASTM D1143-07 and Static Loading Test according to GOST 5686-12. The method presented in the paper can serve as practical guidelines to assess the capacities of bored piles installed in the field. This geotechnical investigation is important for understanding the soil-structures interaction on difficult soil ground conditions related to the construction sites.
Engineering infrastructure of the city: Problems of development and tools for their solution
Authors: Surin Grigory Dmitrievich , Demin Vadim Dmitrievich
Published: December 2023

The questions of the organization of engineering support of residential and non-residential construction objects at the stages from planning to commissioning are studied. So far, these issues have been addressed for each site in a collegial decision-making mode: at Staff meetings, etc., separately, as they arise. This approach demonstrates inconsistency between the actions of construction and resource-supplying organizations both during design and at the construction site, and, as a result, delays in the construction and commissioning of facilities and the growth of social tension. The article presents new tools for increasing the level of interaction between the participants of engineering support processes based on the preliminary, advance interconnection of actions of all participants of the engineering support process and all involved objects. Such tools are especially relevant in large-scale renovation programs of large cities’ housing stock; the article shows the developments applied in the Moscow Housing Renovation Program framework.
Calculation of the strength of multilayer floor slabs supported on three sides
Authors: Korol Oleg , Petrosyan Rima , Truntov Pavel
Published: December 2023

The article considers the calculation of the ultimate rupture load of multilayer floor slabs supported on three sides (two short and one long). The calculation is carried out taking into account three fracture schemes: the first scheme consists of three main destructive cracks that converge at one point, forming an "envelope"; the second scheme consists of two main inclined cracks passing from the corners towards the non-supported side and not converging on the plate field; the third scheme consists of a horizontal crack forming trapezoid in combination with angular cracks, which is the case when testing prototypes. The reduction of a three-layer section to a single-layer section is carried out according to the elasticity modules of the concretes that make up the section. The value of the rupture load is determined from the condition of equilibrium of external and internal forces. The results of the VAT analysis of multilayer reinforced concrete structures according to the proposed schemes were carried out by the authors on the basis of static tests of prototypes of flat reinforced concrete three-layer slabs. The obtained research results allow us to determine rational parameters for the design of multilayer slab structures with reinforced concrete layers of various strength.
Exploring Impact of Historical and Cultural Heritage on the Sustainability of Urban and Rural Settlements
Authors: Shcherbina Elena , Salmo Ali
Published: December 2023

Sustainable development of urban and rural areas is a key focus in urban planning and socio-economic planning. While the scientific literature extensively discusses socio-economic, environmental, and anthropogenic factors that contribute to the sustainability of cities, the significance of cultural heritage often receives insufficient attention. This study addresses this gap by employing a multi-criteria model to evaluate the impact of tangible and intangible cultural heritage on the sustainability of cities in Syria for example Homs. By utilizing public domain materials and statistical data from municipal organizations, the study incorporates parameters based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The objective of the research is to determine the influence of these factors on the sustainability of Syrian cities and the role of cultural heritage in promoting socio-economic development and urban reconstruction after the military conflict. The multi-criteria model, developed through a systematic approach and qualimetry analysis, demonstrates that the preservation of cultural heritage positively impacts the sustainability of urban and rural settlements. The study reveals a decrease in the development level of settlements due to the loss of cultural heritage, while emphasizing the potential for increased development through the preservation of cultural heritage.
Economy and the architectural appearance of the tsarist Russia dwelling
Authors: Solodilova Liubov A. , Kiryushechkina Larisa I.
Published: December 2023

The architectural appearance of modern residential buildings is distinguished by facelessness and a low artistic component. According to the authors the reason for this situation lies in the facelessness of ownership forms themselves. The relevance of ways to improve the architectural appearance of mass housing is associated with the division of ownership forms and the expansion of the income housing sector of private-state forms of entrepreneurship. With this Aim, the influence of economic factors on the architectural appearance of mass profitable housing widespread in tsarist Russia was analyzed in the article. Rental apartment buildings carried large profits and the customer encouraged any artistic methods that define a rental apartment building as a symbol of the high status of guests and the owner. This contributed to an improvement in the architectural appearance of the development and a quick return on money. Moreover, the imperative for the development of a high-quality housing is supported by the effective self-government in small formats, the landlord faithfully fulfills his duties and pays taxes to the state. The graphoanalytical research methods confirm the conclusions about the influence of economic factors on the architectural appearance of a profitable and self-governing market object, functioning without state subsidies.
Quasi-architecture as a reality of modern times
Authors: Volichenko Olga , Imankulov Jumamedel
Published: December 2023

The newest architecture as an information carrier takes on fresh forms. It reflects the flow of information, fits into the environment, and interacts with the external and internal space. As a result, a new boundary area of architectural activity emerges – «quasi-architecture», which is located between architecture and art, architecture and construction, architecture and multimedia space. The purpose of the study is to consider the features of quasi-architecture and the principles of its organization. The main methods of research are logical, complex system-structural and system approaches, which allow studying this phenomenon in the aggregate and the interaction of its individual parts and classifying the features of its development. The dialectical method that includes analysis and synthesis, made it possible to identify the quasi-architecture mainstream’s patterns. The historical-genetic method showed the origins of conceptual trends. The result of the study characterizes the conceptual directions of one mainstream of the newest architecture – «quasi-architecture». Quasi-architecture reflects the imaginary space; it seems to exist and not exist, being on the verge of reality and unreality.
Effect of formation of argon clusters on a supersonic outflow into a rarefied medium
Authors: Zaitsev Alexander , Yarkov Lev , Bondar Yevgeniy
Published: December 2023

A model of the argon condensation process has been developed for the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The model includes the following processes: formation of dimers, merging of clusters, sticking of monomers to clusters, evaporation of monomers from clusters, and inelastic collisions between particles. The proposed model is implemented in the DSMC code SMILE++. The model is then verified and validated. Calculations of jet flows exhausting into a rarefied medium are performed on the basis of the proposed model.
Peculiar effects of permeable tabs on the heat transfer behind the backward-facing step
Authors: Terekhov Victor , Dyachenco Aleksey , Smulsky Yaroslav , Kulpanovich Gleb
Published: December 2023

The effect of square-shaped tabs on the turbulent flow dynamics and heat transfer behind the backward-facing step has been studied experimentally. The Reynolds number, calculated by the hydraulic diameter of the inlet section and the average velocity, calculated based on volumetric flow rate was Re = 42500. The 6x6 mm2 square-shaped tabs, installed at the edge of the backward-facing step, were of two types: solid and permeable. The permeable tabs had a square hole of 4x4 mm2 in their center. In the experiments, the spacing between tabs varied from 1.2 to 2.5 calibers. The paper presents the results showing the effect of tabs on pressure distribution, local heat transfer, averaged heat transfer, as well as gives estimates of thermal hydraulic efficiency.
Gradient heatmetry and PIV combination in the study of flow in an oval-trench dimple
Authors: Isaev Sergey , Seroshtanov Vladimir , Mityakov Vladimir , Sapozhnikov Sergey
Published: December 2023

An experimental convective heat transfer study is carried out to explore if the local heat transfer coefficient into an oval-trench dimple can outnumber to the well-known heat transfer on the smooth surface. Bismuth-based gradient heat flux sensors were used on a single oval-trench dimple mounted the surface. The experiments were performed in a wind tunnel in the Reynolds number range from 5·103 to 3·104. The option is considered when the angle of inclination the dimple’ longitudinal axis to the free-stream velocity vector is 45°, and the relative depth is 0.25. Under experimental conditions, a constant temperature Tw is maintained on the heat transfer surface. The distributions of the local heat transfer coefficient are obtained. For characteristic transverse cross-section, the double increase in heat transfer in compared to the smooth surface. The heat transfer enhancement’ mechanism associated with the separated flow and vortex formation in the dimple is discussed.
Effect of a detached rib behind a backward-facing step on separated flow dynamics and heat transfer
Authors: Terekhov Victor , Dyachenko Aleksey , Smulsky Yaroslav , Sharov Konstantin
Published: December 2023

Here, we present the experimental results on the influence of a detached rib behind a backward-facing step on the flow dynamics and heat transfer. The height of a slot between the lower edge of the rib and the channel wall was varied in the range dh/H = 0.7–1.3, and the distance between the rib and the step was varied within t/H = 0.2–3.2. The rib height was constant and equal to 0.3H, where H is the step height. The fields of static pressures were measured behind the point of flow separation at the step edge. The study was performed in the range of Reynolds numbers 14,200-42,500. The two-dimensional fields of velocities and their fluctuations were measured using the PIV method. Heat transfer was studied in the regime of constant heat flux on the channel surface, where the step was located. Behaviors of the pressure and velocity profiles, as well as heat transfer with varying the detached rib location relative to the step are shown.
Numerical simulation of a turbulent pipe flow: FluidX3D LBM validation
Authors: Plekhanov Mikhail , Ivashchenko Vladislav , Karpenko Andrey , Mullyadzhanov Rustam
Published: December 2023

The validation of the computational LBM code FliudX3D is presented on the example of turbulent flow in a pipe at two Reynolds numbers: 5300 and 37700, built on the bulk velocity, pipe diameter and kinematic viscosity. Due to the LBM approach, the code performance allows massive calculations to be performed in a short period of time with a good agreement with the literature data for the lower Reynolds number. However, the lack of the possibility to refine the computational grid leads to insufficient resolution of the turbulent boundary layer for the higher Reynolds number.
Study of annular flow wave characteristics in a rectangular microchannel for gas-liquid flow with a viscous liquid
Authors: Bartkus German , Kuznetsov Vladimir
Published: December 2023

The wave characteristics of annular gas-liquid flow in a microchannel with a rectangular cross-section were experimentally studied. Viscous silicone oil PMS 200 and nitrogen were used as liquid and gas phases. To form the required flow regime, a side T-shaped mixer was located at the microchannel inlet. High-speed visualization allowed to register waves at the gas-liquid interface, located in the meniscus region on the microchannel short side for the wide range of superficial gas velocities. The binarization of the flow images and their subsequent processing were performed using the Python program, which made it possible to measure the liquid layer thickness and the wave amplitude depending on the gas superficial velocity. The dependences of the average liquid layer thickness and the amplitude of the waves on Regas were obtained and compared with the wave characteristics for the flow of ethanol-nitrogen mixture.
Water-air aerosol cooling of rows of cylindrical elements under conditions of natural convection
Authors: Abed Akram , Shcheklein Sergey , Klimova Viktoriia
Published: December 2023

The article notes the disadvantages of application of dry cooling towers and air-cooled condensers for heat elimination. The cooling air humidifying is considered as a prevalent method of these heat removers efficiency increasing. The way of heat-transfer coefficient rise is proposed using the water mist which enables the latent heat of water evaporation. The physical process of cooling with water mist is analyzed. The effect of water mist rate on the heat transfer enhancement is investigated experimentally in conditions of natural convection. The experimental facility with a heated tube bundle and transversal flow is described. The results of the experiments are given in the form of Nusselt number depending on Rayleigh number and water mist rate.
Influence of the ratio of water and gas on the process of hydrate formation during the explosive boiling of liquefied freon 134a in water with SDS
Authors: Marasanov Nikita
Published: December 2023

This work is part of a comprehensive study of a method for obtaining gas hydrates, based on the explosive boiling of a liquefied hydrate-forming gas in a volume of water when the pressure is released. This method is characterized by high productivity. The paper presents the results of an experimental study of hydrate formation in the water + SDS system at different ratios of water and hydrate-forming gas. Freon 134a was used as the hydrate-forming gas. The change in temperature and pressure in the process of hydrate formation is shown.
The local heat transfer coefficient determination during boiling a subcooled liquid on a superheated surface by the gradient heatmetry
Authors: Sapozhnikov S.Z. , Pavlov A.V. , Bobylev P.G.
Published: December 2023

The article presents a comparison of the experimental local heat transfer coefficient and the heat transfer coefficient obtained by well-known empirical formulas. To calculate the heat transfer coefficient for stable pool film boiling according to the formulas given in the classical literature, it is necessary to know exactly the thermophysical parameters of the liquid and vapor at a given pressure and temperature. This approach satisfactorily describes the heat transfer coefficient during the boiling of homogeneous liquids. When calculating the heat transfer coefficient during the boiling of a suspension of particles in a liquid such an approach is impossible, because the exact values of thermophysical parameters for such a system are unknown. A new approach is proposed for determining the local heat transfer coefficient during boiling using gradient heatmetery. The method based on the use of heterogeneous gradient heat flux sensors allows the direct measurement of the heat flux per unit area. And with a known temperature difference, using thermometry, according to Newton's law of cooling, it is possible to determine the local heat transfer coefficient without reference to the thermophysical parameters of the liquid and vapor.
Numerical investigation of boiling process in micropores
Authors: Shebelev Alexander , Lobasov Alexander , Zaitsev Dmitry , Kabov Oleg
Published: December 2023

The model for direct numerical simulation of the boiling process on porous surfaces was proposed and verified in the present paper. The VOF method using the CSF method to simulate surface tension was applied to solve this problem. The model was verified on the problem of pool boiling on a flat plate, where boiling patterns were obtained, and the heat transfer coefficient was compared with the experiment and analytical solution. Images of vapour bubble formation and dependence of heat transfer coefficient on temperature difference were obtained for a two-dimensional problem with uniform packing at various wall temperatures.
Numerical simulation of co-combustion of diesel and pulverized coal fuel in a small-sized furnace
Authors: Dekterev Aleksandr , Kuznetcov Viktor , Dekterev Artem , Tepfer Elena
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to numerical simulation of diesel and pulverized coal flaring in a small-sized furnace with a vortex oil-steam burner. The results of modeling a small-sized combustion chamber with a steam-oil burner operating in combination with diesel fuel and micro-milled coal are presented. The simulation results showed that the combustion chamber with a steam-oil burner works stably in a wide range of coal dust flow rates. The obtained results of a numerical study can be used in the design of a new burner and furnace device, choosing the optimal operating modes to reduce the concentration of harmful emissions and fuel underburning at the output.
The use of numerical simulation to determine the coal combustion efficiency in the A-USC boiler
Authors: Fomenko Nadezhda , Prokhorov Vadim , Fomenko Mikhail
Published: December 2023

In this paper, numerical simulation of coal combustion in the invert furnace of a boiler for a 500 MW power unit designed to operate on advanced ultra-supercritical steam parameters (A-USC) is performed. The use of A-USC technology makes it possible to reduce fuel costs for electricity production compared to steam turbine units of previous generations. Also it influences to reduce the level of emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. Modeling of the invert furnace at the nominal boiler load was carried out for the developed direct-flow burners and nozzles arrangement of burning coal. After numerical simulation the results were obtained and made it possible to analyze the furnace aerodynamics and the temperature distribution inside the furnace volume. The calculation of the indicators of efficiency and environmental friendliness was carried out and their values appeared smaller than regulatory permissions, which allows us to recommend the developed burners arrangement scheme for its use in invert furnaces. The furnace operation simulation at reduced loads of 70% and 50% was carried out and the results showed the reliability of the developed combustion scheme.
Combustion of composite fuel “coal-sawdust”
Authors: Kuznetsov Artem
Published: December 2023

The article deals with the processes associated with the production and combustion of composite powder fuel from coal and woodworking waste, pulp and paper production and agriculture. The relationship between the structure and properties of solid fuels obtained under various conditions of preliminary mechanical processing of components, and physicochemical processes occurring during combustion in a combustion chamber has been studied. As a result of experiments, it was found that the composite material burns better than a mixture of its components, combustion begins earlier, the combustion zone is shifted to the center, and the combustion temperatures are higher, which contributes to more complete combustion of the fuel. It was also found that in the case of a stationary combustion process, the temperatures when using composite fuel are higher than when burning a mixture of components. The difference in temperature is 100-400 °C, depending on the stage of combustion.
Investigation of heat generation in a pebble bed during induction heating
Authors: Vershinina Yuliya V. , Dedov Aleksey V.
Published: December 2023

The use of fuel in the form of microfuel filling in nuclear reactors is a possible way to improve the safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants. In experimental studies, microfuel elements are simulated by stainless steel balls, and internal heat generation by high-frequency induction heating. The paper presents the results of a study of heat release in a pebble bed during induction heating, and features are revealed. The distribution function of the volumetric density of heat release along the height of the pebble bed is obtained.
Two-dimensional materials in energy technologies: Thermophysical aspects
Authors: Dmitriev A.S. , Klimenko A.V.
Published: December 2023

The prospects for the use of new two-dimensional nanomaterials, in particular graphene, for the heat and mass transfer enhancement in power and electronic equipment are considered. Examples of the influence of the properties of two-dimensional materials on the processes of wetting, evaporation, boiling, and crystallization are given in relation to energy technologies.
Kinetic approach to the analysis of the flow around a levitating microdroplet
Authors: Morozov Alexey , Zaitsev Dmitry
Published: December 2023

Two-dimensional direct Monte Carlo simulation of the flow around an evaporating water microdroplet in the air atmosphere above a dry or liquid surface has been carried out. We consider a cylindrical droplet 1 μm in diameter at a distance of 1 μm above the surface. The temperature of the droplet is taken equal to 65°C and 80°C. A significant decrease in the air concentration between the droplet and the liquid film surface is observed. The features of water vapor flow separately from the droplet surface and from the liquid film surface are considered. It is shown that, under certain conditions, condensation on the lower side and evaporation on the upper side on the droplet can occur simultaneously.
Numerical simulation of the diamond window of the synchrotron workstation. Choice of diamond foil thickness (0.2-1.0 mm)
Authors: Pukhovoy Maxim V. , Vinokurov Vladislav V. , Vinokurov Viktor A. , Kabov Oleg A.
Published: December 2023

Due to the high energy density in the synchrotron beam and the high cost of all elements of the synchrotron and workstations, due to the fact that most of the devices are in vacuum, as well as high requirements for the smallness of thermal deformations of optical elements, ensuring thermal management of any elements of workstations using synchrotron radiation (SR) is a unique, complex, non-standard task. The work is devoted to the finalizing of the previously performed detailed calculations of the cooling of the most heat-loaded optical elements of workstations of wiggler SR sources - diamond windows that cut off high vacuum (DVW).
Thermophysical properties of polymer composite materials based on TO-29-2 epoxy binder alloyed with AIN
Authors: Kozlovskii Yurii , Samoshkin Dmitrii , Agazhanov Alibek , Stankus Sergei
Published: December 2023

The results of an experimental study of the volumetric, caloric and transport properties of polymer composite materials based on the TO-29-2 grade epoxy binder alloyed with aluminum nitride (AlN) in a wide range of superconducting power equipment operating temperatures are presented. The influence of the inorganic component on the thermophysical properties of polymer composites has been established.
Effect of ludwigite on sintering and metallurgical properties
Authors: Gao Huabin , Liu Zhenggen , Chu Mansheng , Tang Jue
Published: December 2023

Ludwigite is a multi-element coexisting iron ore. Through the sinter pot experiment, the effect of ludwigite on the metallurgical properties of the sinter is studied, and its action mechanism is revealed combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The appropriate amount of ludwigite is obtained on the evaluation mechanism of softening and melting properties of the sinter, which provides theoretical guidance for practical production. The results show that with the increase of the amount of ludwigite, the yield, vertical sintering speed, and drum index in the metallurgical properties of the sinter show a gradual downward trend, and the low-temperature reduction pulverization index RDI+3.15 shows a gradual upward trend. The addition of ludwigite is conducive to the formation of calcium ferrite and promotes the activity of MgO. The addition of excessive ludwigite will lead to the formation of Mg2B2O5 and Ca3B2O6, Slag phase is formed. With the increase of the proportion of ludwigite, the melting range of the sinter is slightly widened, and the permeability is improved first and then reduced. Under this ore blending condition, ludwigite resources can be added and used in sintering batching, and the proportion shall not exceed 6%.
La santé des personnes trans
Authors: Alessandrin Arnaud
Published: December 2023

La prise en compte de la santé des minorités de genre s’est souvent limitée aux enjeux liés aux opérations de réassignation et à l’idée d’une pathologie psychiatrique. Or, depuis quelques années, un glissement s’est opéré : il ne s’agit plus seulement d’évoquer un « transsexualisme » et une population « souffrante », mais bel et bien des citoyens et des citoyennes devant accéder pleinement à leurs droits, notamment concernant leur santé. Pourtant, en contexte français du moins, les connaissances
en la matière restent quelque peu lacunaires. Ce numéro de « Questions de santé publique » propose alors un état de lieux de la santé des personnes trans en rassemblant des données nationales et internationales afin de mieux cerner les enjeux autour de cette population.
Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser,
Authors: Seel Helga
Published: December 2023

„Papier ist geduldig“ – das ist nur eine von mehr oder weniger deutlich formulierten Äußerungen zu gesetzlichen
Vorschriften und ihrer Umsetzung. Zum Ausdruck gebracht wird, dass es nicht allein auf den Normenbestand
ankommt, sondern auf die Rechtswirklichkeit. Und dass Vorschriften nur dann erfolgreich sein können
und sind, wenn sie in der Praxis gelebt werden.
Age and treatment on the day of embryo transfer in recipient mares
affect likelihood of pregnancy
Authors: Blanco Miguel , Foss Rob , Tönißen Anna , Rohn Karl , Burger Dominik , Sieme Harald
Published: December 2023

Objective This retrospective evaluation of data from a large commercial
embryo transfer facility aimed to determine the extent to which age and
treatment on the day of embryo transfer in recipient mares influence the
likelihood of pregnancy.

Material and methods Embryo recovery was carried out on days 8–10
post-ovulation using transcervical uterine flushing. Recipient mares grouped
according to their age were treated once on the day of embryo transfer (Day
3–8 post ovulation) and were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 groups: Mares
in Group A (n=101) received antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and
anti-inflammatory drugs. Mares in Group B (n=100) received gentamicin
and flunixin meglumine. Group C (control) (n=103) did not receive any
treatment. Detomidine (0.008 mg/kg bwt i.v.) was administered to
all recipients before transfer of the embryo. The influence of treatment and
recipient´s age was calculated using binary logistic regression.

Results Day 16 post-transfer pregnancy rates were highest in Group A
(74/101, 73.3a%), when compared to Group B
(60/100, 60%), and Group C (57/103,
55.3b%) (a vs b, p<0.05). Pregnancy loss rates at D45
were not different between groups, A (8/74, 10.8%), B
(5/60, 8.3%), and C (6/57, 10.5%), respectively
(p>0.05). Pregnancy losses were increased in recipient mares
17–22 years (33.3a%) compared to younger recipient
mares (2–6 years 7b%, 7–11 years 10%,
12–16 years 8b%) (a:b p<0.05). The regression
model showed that the predicted probability for pregnancy after embryo transfer
decreased as the age of the recipient mare increased for treated recipients in
Group A (p=0.012), there was no effect of treatment and
recipient´s age in Group B, and a decreased likelihood of pregnancy in
recipients of advanced age (≥12 years of age) in untreated recipients
(group C).

Conclusions and clinical relevance Likelihood of pregnancy increased
following single administration of antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and
anti-inflammatory drugs at the time of embryo transfer in recipients
2–12 years of age. Likelihood of pregnancy in recipients decreased in
recipients≥12 years of age. These results, obtained under the conditions
of a large commercial embryo transfer program, offer an opportunity to improve
pregnancy rates in recipient mares≤12 years of age.
Bestandsaufnahme zu Long COVID in der medizinischen
Rehabilitation
Authors: Schüring Stefan , Widera Teresia
Published: December 2023

Zielstellung Ziel der explorativen Studie war es, einen Einblick in die
Versorgungssituation von Long COVID-Patienten in den stationären
medizinischen Reha-Einrichtungen in Deutschland zu gewinnen.

Methodik Dafür wurde eine standardisierte Online-Befragung unter
den 1.080 stationären medizinischen Reha-Einrichtungen in Deutschland,
die im Reha-Einrichtungsverzeichnis der Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft für
Rehabilitation e. V. (BAR) gelistet sind, durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt konnten die Antworten von 338 Reha-Einrichtungen
für die Auswertungen herangezogen werden. Davon gaben 173 (51%)
an, Long COVID zu behandeln. Die kumulierte Gesamtzahl der bis zum Zeitpunkt der
Befragung behandelten Long-COVID-Rehabilitanden in den Einrichtungen betrug
11.948. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Reha-Einrichtungen überwiegend
auf die Versorgung von Patienten mit Long COVID vorbereitet sind. Fehlende
Kapazitäten wurden insbesondere von jenen Reha-Einrichtungen berichtet,
die Rehabilitanden mit Long COVID in pneumologischen Fachabteilungen behandeln.
Außerdem hingen kapazitative Engpässe mit der Gesamtanzahl von
Long-COVID-Patienten in der Reha-Einrichtung zusammen (Anteil von
Long-COVID-Rehabilitanden an allen Rehabilitanden in der jeweiligen
Fachabteilung). Heterogenität zeigte sich im Bereich des
Behandlungskonzeptes für Long COVID und der Zuordnung der Patienten zu
einer Fachabteilung.

Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse der Long-COVID-Bestandserhebung
unterstreichen die Bedeutung der medizinischen Rehabilitation in der Behandlung
der gesundheitlichen und teilhabebezogenen Langzeitfolgen von COVID-19.
Nutzung der Haptoglobinkonzentration in Milch als Indikator
für das Tiergesundheitsmonitoring bei Milchkühen
Authors: Plattner Sarah , Kammer Martin , Walleser Emil , Plattner Stefan , Panne Nicola , Baumgartner Christian , Döpfer Dörte , Mansfeld Rolf
Published: December 2023

Gegenstand und Ziel Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, die
Zusammenhänge zwischen erhöhten Haptoglobin-Konzentrationen in
Milch und klinischen sowie labordiagnostischen Parametern bei Kühen in
der Frühlaktation zu untersuchen und Grenzwerte für die
Unterscheidung zwischen gesunden und kranken Tieren zu ermitteln.

Material und Methoden Es wurden 1462 Milchkühe zwischen dem 5. und
dem 65. Laktationstag auf 68 bayerischen Betrieben untersucht. Einmal
wöchentlich wurden in einem Zeitraum von 7 Wochen je Betrieb Milch- und
Blutproben gezogen und neben einer Körperkonditionsbeurteilung auch eine
Messung der Rückenfettdicke via Ultraschall und eine vaginale
Metricheck-Untersuchung zur Beurteilung der Uterusgesundheit
durchgeführt. Die Milchproben wurden auf die Parameter Milchfett,
Milcheiweiß, Laktose, Harnstoff, ß-Hydroxybutyrat und freie
Fettsäuren (indirekte Messung, basierend auf IR-Spektren), Zellzahl und
Milch-Haptoglobin untersucht. Die Blutproben wurden auf die Parameter Kreatinin,
Aspartat-Aminotransferase, Gamma-Glutamyl-Transferase, Glutamat-Dehydrogenase,
Gesamtprotein, Albumin, Kreatinkinase, ß-Hydroxybutyrat, freie
Fettsäuren und Blut-Haptoglobin untersucht.

Für die Bestimmung von Grenzwerten für Haptoglobin wurden
Clusteranalysen durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse Außer Milch-Haptoglobin (µg/ml) und
Blut-Haptoglobin (µg/ml) gingen Zellzahl (Zellen/ml
Milch), Milchfett (%), Milcheiweiß (%), freie
Fettsäuren im Blut (mmol/l), Laktationsnummer, Laktationstage,
Rasse, Jahreszeit und Tagesmilchmenge (kg) als signifikante Eingangsvariablen
(p<0,005) in die Clusteranalysen ein. Unter Verwendung der Algorithmen
k-means bzw. k-prototypes ergaben sich 5 (Cluster 1–5 M1)
bzw. 4 verschiedene Cluster (Cluster 0–3 M2 und 0–3
B).

Für die Unterscheidung von gesunden und kranken Tieren wurde der
Grenzwert 0,5 µg/ml Haptoglobin in Milch ermittelt.

Schlussfolgerungen und klinische Relevanz Da Milch ein leicht
verfügbares Substrat darstellt, bietet sich die
routinemäßige Haptoglobinbestimmung in der Milch als Parameter
für das Tiergesundheitsmonitoring an. Mithilfe des ermittelten
Grenzwertes können augenscheinlich gesunde Tiere mit subklinisch
ablaufenden entzündlichen Prozessen schneller aufgefunden werden.
The Next-Generation Camera for Molecular Movies
Authors: Ikenson Ben
Published: December 2023

New system with faster electron pulses represents major microscopy milestone.
Accuracy assessment of satellite-based and reanalysis solar irradiance data for solar PV output forecasting using SARIMAX
Authors: Ibañez Jessa A. , Benitez Ian B. , Cañete Jayson M. , Magadia Joselito C. , Principe Jeark A.
Published: December 2023

Forecasting models are often constrained by data availability, and in forecasting solar photovoltaic (PV) output, the literature suggests that solar irradiance contributes the most to solar PV output. The objective of this study is to identify which between the satellite-based and reanalysis solar irradiance data, namely, short wave radiation (SWR) and surface solar radiation downward (SSRD), respectively, is a better alternative to in situ solar irradiance in forecasting solar PV output should the latter become unavailable. Nine seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous variables (SARIMAX) models were presented in this study to assess the forecasting performance of each solar irradiance data together with weather parameters. Using only historical data to forecast solar PV output, three seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models were run to forecast solar PV output and to compare and validate the efficacy of the SARIMAX models. The analysis was divided into seasons as defined by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration: hot dry, rainy, and cool dry. Results show that the use of SSRD is a better alternative than SWR when forecasting solar PV output for the hot dry season and cool dry season. For the hot dry season, SSRD has an root mean square error (RMSE) value of 0.411 kW while SWR has 0.416 kW. For the cool dry season, SSRD has an RMSE value of 0.457 kW while SWR has 0.471 kW. Meanwhile, SWR outperforms SSRD when forecasting solar PV output during the rainy season, with RMSE values at 0.375 and 0.401 kW, respectively.
Sensitivity measurements for a 250 MHz quartz shear-horizontal surface acoustic wave biosensor under liquid viscous loading
Authors: Adetula Ololade , Aimofumhe Eshiobomhe , Badewole Favour , Ijale Collins , Thomas Marlon
Published: December 2023

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices have been used in biochemical assays due to their high sensitivity. The device sensitivity is a function of changes in the density and viscosity of the liquid. Here, we studied the effect of fluid viscosity using a 250 MHz quartz shear-horizontal (SH)-SAW biosensor by monitoring different concentrations of binary aqueous/glycerol solutions. In this study, the sensitivity of the biosensor was determined by fitting the data to models derived from perturbation theory. Measurements in water were used as the reference. For a 0% to 50% glycerol solution, an 87°–204° separation in the phase shift was observed. The slope of the plot of the phase shift vs (ηρ)0.5 was used to indicate the sensor’s sensitivity. The sensitivity for our 250 MHz quartz SH-SAW sensors was calculated to be 3.7×10−3m2sKg. The corresponding mass sensitivity was determined to be 9.25 × 105m2Kg. The limit of detection was calculated to be 36 picograms (pg), while the limit of quantification or LOQ was calculated to be 109 pg. Traditionally, liquid phase measurements have been challenging for SAW devices because liquids dampen the vibrating sensors severely. This problem has been largely solved using a transverse (shear) wave instead of the more popular longitudinal or Rayleigh waves. Liquid measurements are now possible using transverse waves, also known as shear waves, because transverse waves are only minimally attenuated by liquids. Shear-horizontal SAW sensors (SH-SAW) show great promise as label-free biosensors because of their ability to handle liquid samples. However, the viscosity of the liquid still induces loading effects and can be measured when the liquid is loaded onto the SH-SAW propagating surface (delay line). When the liquid above the delay line is perturbed by physical or chemical changes, such as binding to a receptor, it alters the propagating acoustic wave. The SH-SAW device can measure these changes in liquid properties as a change in the wave’s phase compared to the original wave. The device’s phase shift was recorded as a function of the changes in the density and viscosity of the binary glycerol solution and used to determine the sensitivity in the linear dynamic range of responses.
New polyvalent low background γ-ray setup at UNamur: Application to S-factor measurements for the 13C(p,γ)14N reaction
Authors: Debarsy P-L. , Baseil L. , Stasser C. , Tabarrant T. , Colaux J. L. , Heuskin A.-C. , Terwagne G.
Published: December 2023

The Laboratory of Analysis by Nuclear Reaction (LARN) at the University of Namur (Belgium) is equipped with a low background γ-ray detection system. This setup is made of one ton of lead as passive shielding and plastic scintillators as anti-cosmic active shielding that covers a large area around a 3.5 × 3.5 in.2 high purity germanium detector. This setup makes it possible to reduce the background level from two to three orders of magnitude, depending on the energy range of interest. In this work, this polyvalent detection system is described and used to refine the cross-section measurements of the 13C(p,γ)14N nuclear reaction at middle and low energies. The reaction 13C(p,γ)14N plays an important role in the carbon–nitrogen–oxygen cycle and s-process in stellar evolution. In this work, we studied more precisely the 13C(p,γ)14N ground transition (Eγ = 8.06 MeV) for incident energies ranging from 147 to 574.3 keV in the center-of-mass system generated by the 2 MV Tandetron accelerator ALTAÏS installed at the LARN. Our measurements performed both in reverse [i.e., 1H(13C,γ)14N] and direct kinematics are in good agreement with all the data available in the literature, validating our low background detection system.
The strain-induced transitions of the piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and electrocaloric properties of the CuInP2S6 films
Authors: Morozovska Anna N. , Eliseev Eugene A. , Yurchenko Lesya P. , Laguta Valentyn V. , Liu Yongtao , Kalinin Sergei V. , Kholkin Andrei L. , Vysochanskii Yulian M.
Published: December 2023

Low-dimensional ferroelectrics, ferrielectrics, and antiferroelectrics are of urgent scientific interest due to their unusual polar, piezoelectric, electrocaloric, and pyroelectric properties. The strain engineering and strain control of the ferroelectric properties of layered two-dimensional van der Waals materials, such as CuInP2(S,Se)6 monolayers, thin films, and nanoflakes, are of fundamental interest and especially promising for their advanced applications in nanoscale nonvolatile memories, energy conversion and storage, nano-coolers, and sensors. Here, we study the polar, piezoelectric, electrocaloric, and pyroelectric properties of thin strained films of a ferrielectric CuInP2S6 covered by semiconducting electrodes and reveal an unusually strong effect of a mismatch strain on these properties. In particular, the sign of the mismatch strain and its magnitude determine the complicated behavior of piezoelectric, electrocaloric, and pyroelectric responses. The strain effect on these properties is opposite, i.e., “anomalous,” in comparison with many other ferroelectric films, for which the out-of-plane remanent polarization, piezoelectric, electrocaloric, and pyroelectric responses increase strongly for tensile strains and decrease or vanish for compressive strains.
The extent and applications of metal accumulation and hyperaccumulation in Philippine plants
Authors: Duddigan Sarah , Quimado Marilyn O. , Fernando Edwino S. , Tibbett Mark
Published: December 2023

To examine the potential applications of hyperaccumulator plants in the Philippines, we reviewed current data on the extent of metal hyperaccumulation in native species and partitioning of metals within the plant tissue. Twenty-eight species had reported tissue concentrations above the hyperaccumulator threshold, 11 species were endemic to the Philippines. Nickel was present in higher concentrations in the aboveground tissue than in the belowground tissue, but the reverse was found for copper, aluminium and chromium. The fact that copper accumulates belowground rather than above, and most hyperaccumulators of nickel identified were trees, has implications for the potential of phytoextraction using native Philippines flora.
Pathologic vs. protective roles of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 in RPE and photoreceptors in wet vs. dry age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Babapoor-Farrokhran Savalan , Qin Yu , Flores-Bellver Miguel , Niu Yueqi , Bhutto Imran A. , Aparicio-Domingo Silvia , Guo Chuanyu , Rodrigues Murilo , Domashevich Timothy , Deshpande Monika , Megarity Haley , Chopde Rakesh , Eberhart Charles G. , Canto-Soler Valeria , Montaner Silvia , Sodhi Akrit
Published: December 2023

It has previously been reported that antioxidant vitamins can help reduce the risk of vision loss associated with progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of visual impairment among the elderly. Nonetheless, how oxidative stress contributes to the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in some AMD patients and geographic atrophy (GA) in others is poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence demonstrating that oxidative stress cooperates with hypoxia to synergistically stimulate the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), resulting in increased expression of the HIF-1-dependent angiogenic mediators that promote CNV. HIF-1 inhibition blocked the expression of these angiogenic mediators and prevented CNV development in an animal model of ocular oxidative stress, demonstrating the pathological role of HIF-1 in response to oxidative stress stimulation in neovascular AMD. While human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived RPE monolayers exposed to chemical oxidants resulted in disorganization and disruption of their normal architecture, RPE cells proved remarkably resistant to oxidative stress. Conversely, equivalent doses of chemical oxidants resulted in apoptosis of hiPSC-derived retinal photoreceptors. Pharmacologic inhibition of HIF-1 in the mouse retina enhanced—while HIF-1 augmentation reduced—photoreceptor apoptosis in two mouse models for oxidative stress, consistent with a protective role for HIF-1 in photoreceptors in patients with advanced dry AMD. Collectively, these results suggest that in patients with AMD, increased expression of HIF-1α in RPE exposed to oxidative stress promotes the development of CNV, but inadequate HIF-1α expression in photoreceptors contributes to the development of GA.
Coupling during collective cell migration is controlled by a vinculin mechanochemical switch
Authors: Shoyer T. Curtis , Gates Evan M. , Cabe Jolene I. , Urs Aarti N. , Conway Daniel E. , Hoffman Brenton D.
Published: December 2023

The ability of cells to move in a mechanically coupled, coordinated manner, referred to as collective cell migration, is central to many developmental, physiological, and pathophysiological processes. Limited understanding of how mechanical forces and biochemical regulation interact to affect coupling has been a major obstacle to unravelling the underlying mechanisms. Focusing on the linker protein vinculin, we use a suite of Förster resonance energy transfer-based biosensors to probe its mechanical functions and biochemical regulation, revealing a switch that toggles vinculin between loadable and unloadable states. Perturbation of the switch causes covarying changes in cell speed and coordination, suggesting alteration of the friction within the system. Molecular scale modelling reveals that increasing levels of loadable vinculin increases friction, due to engagement of self-stabilizing catch bonds. Together, this work reveals a regulatory switch for controlling cell coupling and describes a paradigm for relating biochemical regulation, altered mechanical properties, and changes in cell behaviors.