bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Superconducting/Superconducting Mesoscopic Heterostructure Studied by Modified Ginzburg–Landau Equations
Authors: González Jesús , Melendez Angélica , Camargo Luis
Published: December 2023

Studies involving vortexes in hybrid superconducting devices and their interactions with different components inside samples are important for reaching higher values of critical parameters in superconducting materials. The vortex distribution on each side of a sample with different fundamental parameters, such as temperature T, penetration depth λ, coherence length ξ, electron mass m, and the order parameter Ψ, may help to improve the superconducting properties. Thus, in this work, we used the modified Ginzburg–Landau theory to investigate a hybrid superconductor (HS), as well as to provide a highly tunable and adjustable theoretical tool for theoretically explaining the experimental results involving the HS in order to study the vortex behavior in superconductors of mesoscopic dimensions with extreme differences among their fundamental parameters. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of the HS on the vortex configuration and its effects on field-dependent magnetization. The results show that when the applied magnetic field H was increased, the diamagnetic response of the HS (Meissner effect) included additional jumps in magnetization, while diamagnetism continued to increase in the sample. In addition, the differences among parameters created an interface between both components, and two different magnitudes of supercurrent and vortex sizes caused less degradation of the local superconductivity, which increased the upper critical field. On the other hand, this type of HS with differences in parameters on both sides can be used to control the vortex movement in the selected sample of the superconducting region with more accuracy.
Assisted Migration of Sequoiadendron Genotypes for Conservation and Timber: Performance and Morphology in a Warmer Climate Outside of Their Range
Authors: Valness Christopher M. , Libby William J. , Berrill John-Pascal
Published: December 2023

Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia) has a fragmented distribution of 75 groves found along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA. Outplanting and range expansion or assisted migration of this iconic species for the objectives of genetic conservation and timber production would be supported by information on growth and morphology to guide seed-collection decisions. We measured and assessed giant sequoia planted as seedlings and clonal stock originating from 22 groves in two common-garden experiments at Foresthill, California, north of the current species range, after 29 growing seasons. Traits examined were tree-size parameters, fluting and asymmetry of the lower stem, basal swelling, fullness of the live crown, epicormic sprouting, and heartwood decay resistance in cut stumps. Performance in terms of tree size after 29 years varied widely among genotypes with different grove origins. Morphology and decay resistance also exhibited some variation according to grove origins. The seedling stock outperformed the clonal stock of the same grove origins in terms of size and is therefore recommended when faster early growth is desired to outcompete other trees or for other management objectives. However, more fluting was exhibited by the larger fast-growing giant sequoia, while fewer seedlings had epicormic sprouts than the clonal stock of the same grove origins. At our warm low-elevation study site, giant sequoia from Mountain Home, Giant Forest, and Converse Basin consistently exhibited above-average growth among other giant sequoia in a pure planting and in an intimate mixture with five common conifer associates. Therefore, seed collected from these three groves should perform relatively well at other locations with a similar climate. When conservation of the species and its genetic diversity is the primary objective, we recommend collecting from a wide range of groves and undertaking assisted migration by planting at multiple locations inside and outside giant sequoia’s range as a hedge against the loss of native groves.
An Automated Big Data Quality Anomaly Correction Framework Using Predictive Analysis
Authors: Elouataoui Widad , El Mendili Saida , Gahi Youssef
Published: December 2023

Big data has emerged as a fundamental component in various domains, enabling organizations to extract valuable insights and make informed decisions. However, ensuring data quality is crucial for effectively using big data. Thus, big data quality has been gaining more attention in recent years by researchers and practitioners due to its significant impact on decision-making processes. However, existing studies addressing data quality anomalies often have a limited scope, concentrating on specific aspects such as outliers or inconsistencies. Moreover, many approaches are context-specific, lacking a generic solution applicable across different domains. To the best of our knowledge, no existing framework currently automatically addresses quality anomalies comprehensively and generically, considering all aspects of data quality. To fill the gaps in the field, we propose a sophisticated framework that automatically corrects big data quality anomalies using an intelligent predictive model. The proposed framework comprehensively addresses the main aspects of data quality by considering six key quality dimensions: Accuracy, Completeness, Conformity, Uniqueness, Consistency, and Readability. Moreover, the framework is not correlated to a specific field and is designed to be applicable across various areas, offering a generic approach to address data quality anomalies. The proposed framework was implemented on two datasets and has achieved an accuracy of 98.22%. Moreover, the results have shown that the framework has allowed the data quality to be boosted to a great score, reaching 99%, with an improvement rate of up to 14.76% of the quality score.
Spectrogram Dataset of Korean Smartphone Audio Files Forged Using the “Mix Paste” Command
Authors: Son Yeongmin , Kwak Won Jun , Park Jae Wan
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on the field of voice forgery detection, which is increasing in importance owing to the introduction of advanced voice editing technologies and the proliferation of smartphones. This study introduces a unique dataset that was built specifically to identify forgeries created using the “Mix Paste” technique. This editing technique can overlay audio segments from similar or different environments without creating a new timeframe, making it nearly infeasible to detect forgeries using traditional methods. The dataset consists of 4665 and 45,672 spectrogram images from 1555 original audio files and 15,224 forged audio files, respectively. The original audio was recorded using iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones to ensure a realistic sampling environment. The forged files were created from these recordings and subsequently converted into spectrograms. The dataset also provided the metadata of the original voice files, offering additional context and information that could be used for analysis and detection. This dataset not only fills a gap in existing research but also provides valuable support for developing more efficient deep learning models for voice forgery detection. By addressing the “Mix Paste” technique, the dataset caters to a critical need in voice authentication and forensics, potentially contributing to enhancing security in society.
Efficacy of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Depth of Invasion in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Analysis of 125 Clinical Cases
Authors: Michcik Adam , Polcyn Adam , Garbacewicz Łukasz , Wach Tomasz , Sikora Maciej , Bień Marta , Drogoszewska Barbara
Published: December 2023

Radiological diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the main steps in treatment planning. T (tumor size), DOI (depth of invasion) (AJCC 8th edition), and nodal metastases (N+) were evaluated using CT and MRI to assess the most effective imaging method. The effectiveness of the radiological imaging methods was compared with histopathological results. Imaging diagnostic studies were performed and retrospectively analyzed in 125 patients with OSCC (CT n = 54 and MRI n = 71). Histopathology evaluated T, DOI, and N+. The radiological T results of CT in comparison with histopathological examination showed agreement in 62.5% of cases for T1, 56.25% for T2, 25% for T3, and 42.8% for T4 (p-value = 0.07), and regarding MRI, 52.2% for T1, 36.4% for T2, 33.3% in T3, and 33.3% for T4. The DOI results of CT and MRI juxtaposed against the histopathological findings were as follows: for CT, n = 18 for DOI ≤ 10 mm and n = 36 for >10 mm; for MRI, n = 29 for DOI ≤ 10 mm and n = 42 for >10 mm (DOI CT vs. DOI hist. pat. p-value = 0.23; DOI MRI vs. DOI hist. pat. p-value = 0.006). Regarding nodal metastasis, n = 21 for N0 and n = 32 for N+ for CT (p-value = 0.02), and n = 49 for N0 and n = 22 for N+ for MRI (p-value = 0.1). In the radiological N+ group, the histopathological findings coincided with the results of MRI and CT in 27% and 62.5% of cases, respectively (N0: 83.6% for MRI; 85.7% for CT). Upon evaluating T, a decreasing percentage of overlapping results with an increasing tumor size was observed. The accuracy of both imaging studies was at a similar level, with a slight advantage for MRI. Among the patients on whom CT was performed, DOI analysis did not show statistically significant differences. This led to the conclusion that, in most cases, the DOI results based on CT overlapped with those described via histopathological examination. However, among the group of patients with MRI as the imaging method of choice, the differences proved to be statistically significant (p-value = 0.006). The results of this study indicate that CT is a more accurate method for DOI assessment. The results of the radiologic metastasis evaluation (N+ group) overlapped more in the CT group, while the percentage of corresponding results in the radiologic N0 vs. hist. pat. N0 group was high and similar in both groups. These results indicate that it is easier to confirm the absence of a metastasis than its presence.
EU Diversity in Terms of Digitalization on the Labor Market in the Post-COVID-19 Context
Authors: Crisan Georgiana-Alina , Popescu Madalina Ecaterina , Militaru Eva , Cristescu Amalia
Published: December 2023

Digital technologies are being integrated into everyday life worldwide, constantly transforming our society and labor markets. The EU requires digitally smart people in the labor market and has promoted this through the Digital Agenda. In this context, our paper aims to investigate the diversity of the EU member states in terms of the digitalization of the labor market in the post-pandemic context. Using a multidimensional perspective, we considered indicators reflecting not only labor market specificities but also the degree of digitalization and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the strength of the association between digitalization and the labor market indicators was quantified through a Pearson test, while the cluster analysis highlighted some patterns for the high-tech EU economies compared to the medium- and low-tech EU economies. Among the high-tech economies cluster, Finland stands out as the frontrunner in the EU’s digital transformation, with the most digitally skilled workers. At the opposite pole are the South-Eastern countries, which have the most to do to recover and still lack an effective digital policy framework to support youth workers’ access to digital training. The practical implications of our study consist mostly of providing decision-makers with directions on issues to tackle when implementing EU digital policies.
Two Fountains and a Changing Waterscape in Rural Greece
Authors: Koumparou Dimitra , Golfinopoulos Spyridon K.
Published: December 2023

Water’s role in shaping human societies, economies, and cultures extends beyond its status as a natural resource. This water quality, the entanglement of the social and natural, constructs the waterscape. This paper discusses how a community fountain and its replica, in a rural community of Greece, constructed by different agents with divergent motivations and objective, form a waterscape, expressing the socionature of water. Perceptions, imaginaries, values, and connotations are considered in the making and (dis)continuity of the waterscape. Community practices, social and cultural meanings, economy, commodification, collective work, privatisation, memory, and nostalgia are schemes that flow within the waterscape, over time. Flows and uses, livability, and emotions display diverse patterns of sense of rootedness on the community space.
Phenological Changes of Woody Plants in the Southern and Northern Regions of Nanling Mountains and Their Relationship with Climatic Factors
Authors: Liu Guangxu , Xiang Aicun , Wan Zhiwei , Lv Haihui , Liu Haolong , Hu Zhen , Chen Lili
Published: December 2023

In addressing the challenges posed by the implications of climate change, understanding the phenological variations of woody plants has become a pivotal research topic. This research centers on the phenological shifts of woody plants and their connections with climatic factors in the southern and northern regions of the Nanling Mountains, which serve as the boundary between the north subtropical climate zone and the south subtropical climate zone in South China. The data were gathered through extensive manual observations conducted at four plant phenology observation stations (Ganxian, Foshan, Guilin, and Changsha) spanning different periods from 1963 to 2008. The study scrutinized four widely distributed woody plant species in the research area, specifically C. mollissima, P. fortunei, M. azedarach, and M. grandiflora. The analytical methods utilized were linear trend estimation and Pearson correlation coefficient analyses. The principal findings were as follows: (i) over the past several decades, the phenological stages of woody plants in the southern region consistently preceded those in the northern region with variations ranging from 2 to 38 days; (ii) an advancing trend of 0.1 to 2 days per decade was discerned in the phenological stages of all woody plants in the southern region; (iii) within the same geographic region, distinct species exhibited varying sensitivities to climatic factors, and M. azedarach demonstrated a particularly high sensitivity to climate fluctuations affecting phenological stages; and (iv) different climatic factors exerted distinct influences on individual plant species. Notably, temperature emerged as the primary driver of phenological changes, which was supported by a significant negative correlation between the phenological stages of the studied plants and spring temperatures. This study contributes to our understanding of the effects of climate change on plant phenology and offers valuable insights to guide ecological conservation and management strategies within the region.
Influence of Krill Meal on the Performance of Post-Smolt Atlantic Salmon That Are Fed Plant-Based and Animal-Based Fishmeal and Fish Oil-Free Diets
Authors: Barrows Frederick T. , Campbell Kelly B. , Gaylord T. Gibson , Sanchez Rodrigo C. M. , Castillo Sergio A. , McLean Ewen
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of krill meal (KM) inclusion at various levels (0%, 2.5%, 5%) in plant-based and animal-based feeds, that were fishmeal (FM) and fish oil (FO) free, on Atlantic salmon growth. A FM/FO feed containing 0% KM was the control. Using a 2 × 3 factorial approach, diets were randomly assigned to one of 28 0.5 m3 flow-through tanks (n = 4 tanks per diet) initially stocked with 60 fish (148.4 ± 12.9 g; 23.6 ± 0.8 cm; condition factor (K) = 1.16 ± 0.08) each. Salmon were fed for 90 days using automatic feeders ad libitum. On day 45, stocking densities were reduced to 45 fish per tank by the random removal of 15 individuals to remove any potential of density affecting growth through the trial end. Water temperature, oxygen saturation, pH, and salinity throughout the trial were 11.8 °C, 103.5%, 7.38, and 32.0 g L−1, respectively. Fish fed plant-based feed without KM were lighter (p < 0.05) than all other groups at day 45 and 90, but those fed a plant-based feed with KM had comparable growth and feed intake compared to that of fish fed the control diet. Irrespective of the presence of KM, animal-based feeds achieved comparable weight growth (p > 0.05) to the control and 5% KM plant-based groups, with KM increasing feed intake (p < 0.05). Between day 45 and 90, feed conversion ratios increased in all groups except the control and 0% KM plant-based group, while specific growth rates (SGRs) decreased for all except the 0% KM plant-based diet. Between-group differences (p < 0.05) were also noted for the thermal growth coefficient. No differences were recorded in visceral or intestinal weight, and whole-body lipid levels were identical, proportional for all groups. Although differences (p < 0.05) were apparent in the concentrations of individual fillet fatty acids between groups, a 75 g serving size of any treatment would be sufficient to exceed daily intake recommendations for EPA + DHA. This trial determined that benefit, in terms of feed intake and growth performance, was gained when KM was added to plant-based feeds. However, no such advantage was observed when KM was used with animal-based feeds.
Interlaboratory Comparison of SpermX™ and Conventional Differential Extractions Indicated High Male DNA Recovery by the SpermX Method
Authors: Sgueglia Joanne B. , Holt Hailey , Hanson Erin , Nichols Justina , Kalafut Tim , Khan Mah-ro , Walsh Thomas , Foley Megan , Brown Hiromi , Ballantyne Jack , Sinha Sudhir K.
Published: December 2023

The National Institute of Justice reported that current methods for processing sexual assault samples have a high failure rate, with 60 to 80 percent of tested kits unable to produce usable DNA profiles. Even when samples test positive for male DNA, 34 percent of sexual assault kits (SAKs) do not yield recovered male DNA after differential extraction. Less than 30% recovery of available sperm DNA contributes to this low success rate. The SpermX™ method (SX) has been shown to recover 80 percent or more of sperm DNA from sexual assault samples. An interlaboratory evaluation compared SX to standard differential extraction (DE) protocols. Mock samples with known ratios of female epithelial cells and sperm cells were processed using both methods. Results revealed that SX consistently provided CODIS up-loadable DNA profiles, even with as few as 25 sperm cells, whereas DE failed to produce usable results. On average, SX yielded a seven-fold increase in the recovery of unshared male alleles compared to DE. In conclusion, SX outperformed DE in recovering higher quantities of male DNA with minimal female carryover in sexual assault-type samples. This improved success rate in obtaining usable DNA profiles can significantly aid in solving sexual assault cases.
Improving Mobility in Marginalised Communities
Authors: Musselwhite Charles
Published: December 2023

This paper examines how mobility can be re-examined within four communities that face substantial transport barriers. Four case study communities facing mobility exclusion were investigated: (i) an ageing community in South Wales; (ii) a community of people with learning difficulties from across Wales; (iii) female university students in Pakistan; (iv) a deprived neighbourhood in mid-Wales. Using an illuminative evaluation, collating a variety of information from documents associated with the communities, it was identified that transport creates freedom, independence, and contributes to sense of purpose, worth, and can help create community. Barriers to public transport include inaccessibility of the first/last mile, services not running at required times, being delayed, and cancelled. Barriers to active travel include poor infrastructure. Not being able to be mobile affects health, not just with a lack of active travel but also missed health appointments and a lack of access to healthy foods. Already marginalised communities are further disadvantaged by the barriers reducing access to jobs, education, services, shops, and leisure. Communities want support to develop their knowledge into a package that actors can use to develop a solution, often citing the need for quantitative skills, however, other ways of utilising experiential knowledge might be more appropriate.
Assessment of a Non-Destructive Testing Method Using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity to Determine the Compressive Strength of Rubberized Bricks Produced with Lime Kiln Dust Waste
Authors: Oke Joy Ayankop , Abuel-Naga Hossam
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive study in which non-destructive testing utilizing ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), considering both pressure (P) waves and shear (S) waves, was used to assess the compressive strength (CS) of rubberized bricks. These innovative bricks were manufactured by blending lime kiln dust (LKD) waste with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), sand, and fine waste tire crumb rubber (WTCR). This study introduces mathematical models to explain the relationships between the results of destructive tests (DTs), specifically compression strength (CS) tests, and non-destructive tests (NDTs) employing UPV. These models were subsequently used to conduct validation exercises to accurately predict the strength of the rubberized bricks produced. The outcomes of the validation tests underscore the effectiveness of the UPV method in predicting the CS of rubberized eco-friendly bricks produced using an LKD-GGBFS blend. Importantly, the prediction using the power model exhibited minimal errors, confirming the utility of the UPV method as a reliable tool for assessing the compressive strength of such sustainable construction materials. This research contributes to advancing the field of eco-friendly construction materials and highlights the practical applicability of non-destructive ultrasonic testing in assessing their structural properties.
Psychological Distress in Alzheimer’s Disease Family Caregivers: Gender Differences and the Moderated Mediation of Resilience
Authors: Ponsoda José Manuel , Beleña María Ángeles , Díaz Amelia
Published: December 2023

Different studies have reported gender differences in the variables of psychological distress, burden, social support, and resilience in family caregivers of relatives with Alzheimer’s disease; however, there is no clear evidence of the specific role of burden, social support, and resilience between gender and psychological distress. The aim of the present study is to clarify the role of these variables. Burden, psychological distress, social support, and resilience have been assessed in a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 140 family caregivers of relatives with Alzheimer’s disease. Our results confirm gender differences in terms of psychological distress, with higher scores found in female than in male caregivers, whilst male caregivers showed higher scores in terms of resilience than female caregivers. No gender differences have been found in terms of burden and social support. In addition, moderated mediation was obtained via the interaction of gender and social support on resilience, which plays a mediating role in psychological distress. Social support and resilience have shown a protective role concerning the mental health of caregivers, but female caregivers need higher social support to present a similar level of resilience to male caregivers.
The Effect of Exposure Condition on the Composition of the Corrosion Layers of the San Carlone of Arona
Authors: Petiti Chiara , Salvadori Barbara , Vettori Silvia , Welter Jean , Guzmán García Lascurain Paulina , Toniolo Lucia , Goidanich Sara
Published: December 2023

The Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo, named San Carlone for its large dimensions, represents a unique opportunity to study the long-term effects of atmospheric corrosion on patina formation on historic copper sheets. The sculpture’s large dimensions, complex geometry, direct visitor interaction, and exposure conditions generate different microclimates. The purpose of this study is to understand how and to what extent these microclimates affect the formation of the copper patinas. The results show that microclimates play a key role in patina formation: in external surfaces exposed to rain, the main constituent is brochantite, whereas a wider variety of corrosion products have been found in sheltered and internal surfaces, such as antlerite, atacamite, copper oxalate, posnjakite, and anglesite.
Comprehensive Transcriptome and Metabolome Characterization of Peony ‘Coral Sunset’ Petals Provides Insights into the Mechanism of Pigment Degradation
Authors: Zhang Hechen , Yuan Xin , Wang Rui , Wang Limin , Gao Jie , Wang Huijuan , Li Yanmin , Fu Zhenzhu
Published: December 2023

The petals of Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Sunset’ change color from coral pink to pale yellow after flower opening. Pigment-targeted metabolomic analysis showed that the carotenoid and anthocyanin contents rapidly decreased after petal fading. SMART-sequencing and next-generation-sequencing analyses were performed to identify differentially expressed transcripts to characterize the candidate genes involved in petal fading. The expression of certain genes associated with anthocyanin and carotenoid synthesis and degradation was correlated with the petal-fading phenotype. The anthocyanin synthesis (AS) structural genes, CHS, F3H, F3′H, DFR, and ANS, and the carotenoid synthesis genes, LCYB and LCYE, were strongly expressed before fading, but their expression significantly declined after fading. In contrast, the expression of certain genes associated with oxidase activity and light signaling significantly increased after fading. Therefore, inhibition of pigment synthesis and accelerated pigment degradation may be crucial for petal fading. A R2R3-MYB family member of subgroup 4 (MYBs-SG4) showed the same expression pattern as the AS structural genes and functioned in the positive regulation of anthocyanin synthesis by forming the MBW protein complex. This is the first report of a SG4 member with a positive regulatory function. This study provides a foundation for elucidation of the mechanisms of pigment synthesis and metabolism, and a theoretical basis for flower-color-directed breeding.
Analysis of Changes in Water Flow after Passing through the Planned Dam Reservoir Using a Mixture Distribution in the Face of Climate Change: A Case Study of the Nysa Kłodzka River, Poland
Authors: Gruss Łukasz , Wiatkowski Mirosław , Połomski Maksymilian , Szewczyk Łukasz , Tomczyk Paweł
Published: December 2023

Climate change and extreme weather events have the potential to increase the occurrences of flooding and hydrological droughts. Dam reservoir operation can mitigate or aggravate this impact. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the planned Kamieniec Ząbkowicki dam reservoir on the flow patterns of the Nysa Kłodzka river in the context of changing hydrological conditions and climate change. In the study, a 40-year observational series of hydrological data was used to simulate changes in water flow through the river valley in a numerical model. This simulation was conducted both for the natural river valley and for the same river valley but with the added reservoir dam. Flow simulations revealed that dam operation increased downstream flow values, reducing variability in extreme high-flow events. Addition, the mixture log-normal distribution shows that the operation of the dam resulted in a reduction in the variability of both low flows and extreme high-flow events. Furthermore, the model illustrates that moderate-flow conditions remain relatively stable and similar before and after dam construction. The Mann–Kendall trend test, Sen slope trend test and Innovative Trend Analysis indicated that the dam had a significant impact on flow trends, reducing the negative trend. This hydrotechnical structure stabilizes and regulates flows, especially in response to climate-induced changes. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the dam in mitigating flood risk and supporting water resource management. It is essential to consider the role of the dam in adapting to changing hydrological conditions influenced by climate change. For practical application, efficient flow regulation by reservoir administration is crucial.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Fractal Dimensions of Roads in Relation to Relief Characteristics
Authors: Prah Klemen , Shortridge Ashton M.
Published: December 2023

This paper investigated the surface length of roads from both horizontal and vertical perspectives using the theory of fractal dimension of surfaces and curves. Three progressive experiments were conducted. The first demonstrated the magnitude of the differences between the planar road length and the DTM-derived surface road length and assessed its correlation with the DTM-calculated road slope. The second investigated the road distance complexity through the fractal dimension in both planar and vertical dimensions. The third related the vertical with the horizontal fractal dimension of roads across a range of distinct physiographic regions. The study contributed theoretically by linking the planimetric complexity to vertical complexity, with clear applications for advanced transportation studies and network analyses. The core methodology used geographic information systems (GIS) to integrate a high resolution (1 × 1 m) digital terrain model (DTM) with a road network layer. A novel concept, the vertical fractal dimension of roads was introduced. Both the vertical and horizontal fractal dimensions of the roads were calculated using the box-counting methodology. We conducted an investigation into the relationship between the two fractal dimensions using fourteen study areas within four distinct physiographic regions across Slovenia. We found that the average slope of a three-dimensional (3D) road was directly related to the length difference between 3D and two-dimensional (2D) roads. The calculated values for the vertical fractal dimension in the study areas were only slightly above 1, while the maximum horizontal fractal dimension of 1.1837 reflected the more sinuous properties of the road in plan. Variations in the vertical and horizontal fractal dimensions of the roads varied between the different physiographic regions.
Involvement of Mitochondria in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Choong Chi-Jing , Mochizuki Hideki
Published: December 2023

Mitochondrial dysregulation, such as mitochondrial complex I deficiency, increased oxidative stress, perturbation of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy, has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. Initiating from the observation that mitochondrial toxins cause PD-like symptoms and mitochondrial DNA mutations are associated with increased risk of PD, many mutated genes linked to familial forms of PD, including PRKN, PINK1, DJ-1 and SNCA, have also been found to affect the mitochondrial features. Recent research has uncovered a much more complex involvement of mitochondria in PD. Disruption of mitochondrial quality control coupled with abnormal secretion of mitochondrial contents to dispose damaged organelles may play a role in the pathogenesis of PD. Furthermore, due to its bacterial ancestry, circulating mitochondrial DNAs can function as damage-associated molecular patterns eliciting inflammatory response. In this review, we summarize and discuss the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and PD, highlighting the molecular triggers of the disease process, the intra- and extracellular roles of mitochondria in PD as well as the therapeutic potential of mitochondrial transplantation.
Eye-Tracking System with Low-End Hardware: Development and Evaluation
Authors: Iacobelli Emanuele , Ponzi Valerio , Russo Samuele , Napoli Christian
Published: December 2023

Eye-tracking systems have emerged as valuable tools in various research fields, including psychology, medicine, marketing, car safety, and advertising. However, the high costs of the necessary specialized hardware prevent the widespread adoption of these systems. Appearance-based gaze estimation techniques offer a cost-effective alternative that can rely solely on RGB cameras, albeit with reduced accuracy. Therefore, the aim of our work was to present a real-time eye-tracking system with low-end hardware that leverages appearance-based techniques while overcoming their drawbacks to make reliable gaze data accessible to more users. Our system employs fast and light machine learning algorithms from an external library called MediaPipe to identify 3D facial landmarks. Additionally, it uses a series of widely recognized computer vision techniques, like morphological transformations, to effectively track eye movements. The precision and accuracy of the developed system in recognizing saccades and fixations when the eye movements are mainly horizontal were tested through a quantitative comparison with the EyeLink 1000 Plus, a professional eye tracker. Based on the encouraging registered results, we think that it is possible to adopt the presented system as a tool to quickly retrieve reliable gaze information.
Dam Safety History and Practice: Is There Room for Improvement?
Authors: Contreras Rodrigo Joaquín , Escuder-Bueno Ignacio
Published: December 2023

Dams and reservoirs have always been of interest to human beings, playing a crucial role given the importance of securing water for sanitary use, irrigation, navigation, flood control and energy generation, among others. The main focus of this article is to perform a historical review of dam safety practices. For this purpose, the historical periods are divided into homogeneous periods in terms of dam safety paradigms and, following the narrative of this evolution, the paper considers the fundamentals of the two most important conceptual frameworks applied nowadays: the standard-based approach and the risk-informed one. As a matter of fact, after more than 90 years of experience in the application of dam safety assessment techniques and more than 50 years of recognising and studying the implications of human activity for the environment, today, the industry may have sufficient information and knowledge to take dam safety practice to another stage, being this the core of the discussion that follows the historical review.
Relationship between Plasma Lipopolysaccharide Concentration and Health Status in Healthy Subjects and Patients with Abnormal Glucose Metabolism in Japan: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fuke Nobuo , Sawada Shojiro , Ito-Sasaki Takahiro , Inoue Kumi Y. , Ushida Yusuke , Sato Ikuo , Matsue Tomokazu , Katagiri Hideki , Ueda Hiroyuki , Suganuma Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Lipopolysaccharides are components of Gram-negative bacteria. The relationship between blood lipopolysaccharide levels and health status has mainly been investigated in Europe, and there is a lack of information about Asia, particularly Japan. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between blood lipopolysaccharide levels and health status in the Japanese. We conducted two cross-sectional studies in 36 healthy subjects (Study 1) and 36 patients with abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM; Study 2). The plasma lipopolysaccharide concentration in healthy subjects was positively correlated with body mass index. The plasma lipopolysaccharide concentration in AGM patients was obviously higher than that in healthy subjects. Furthermore, in AGM patients, the plasma lipopolysaccharide concentration was positively correlated with C-peptide, fasting plasma glucose levels, triglycerides, and stage of diabetic nephropathy. The plasma lipopolysaccharide concentration was also negatively correlated with 20/(C-peptide × fasting plasma glucose), an indicator of insulin resistance, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In particular, the correlation between plasma lipopolysaccharide concentration and triglycerides in AGM patients was maintained in multiple regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, or body mass index. These results suggest a possible role of lipopolysaccharides in obesity in healthy subjects and in the deterioration of triglyceride metabolism in AGM patients in the Japanese population.
Can We Do More with Less? Analyzing the Organization of Flexibility of Space and Infrastructure at UDCs: A Case Study for Food Center Amsterdam
Authors: Pennings Rogier , Wiegmans Bart , Spit Tejo
Published: December 2023

Background: How can flexible applications of the space and infrastructure of urban distribution centers (UDCs) be organized to help lower demands on space and infrastructure in cities? The application of flexible use of space and infrastructure can improve the efficiency of a UDC, but the challenge lies in the organization of the application of flexibility. Methods: The goal of this research was to identify how flexibility can be organized to impact overall societal benefits for the stakeholders in UDCs. This explorative and qualitative research was applied to the case of Food Center Amsterdam. Results: The results show that stakeholders have a limited understanding of the potential that flexibility can offer; that there is a need for an independent organizing capability and responsibility for collaboration on flexibility; and that a clear way to divide costs, benefits, risks, and opportunities in relation to stakeholder interests is required. Conclusions: Overall, flexibility shows potential to improve the efficient use of infrastructure and space. Further research avenues include the initiation of an organizing capability and distribution method for costs, benefits, risks, and opportunities between stakeholders. The remaining question is, can we get this organized in order to do more with less?
“To Be or Not to Be” of a Polymer Nanogel—Unravelling the Relationship of Product Properties vs. Synthesis Conditions Governing the Radiation Crosslinking of Poly(acrylic acid) Using GPC/SEC—MALLS
Authors: Kadłubowski Sławomir , Rurarz Beata Paulina , Raczkowska Joanna , Dessy Carlo , Ulański Piotr
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a state-of-the-art multi-detection gel permeation chromatography/size exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) system including multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLS) is applied to monitor radiation-induced synthesis of internally crosslinked nanostructures from poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The aim is to demonstrate that this modern tool yields a more detailed picture of reaction mechanism and product structure than the techniques used to date. The prevailing intramolecular crosslinking narrows the molecular weight distribution from Mw/Mn = 3.0 to 1.6 for internally crosslinked structures. A clear trend from over 0.7 to 0.5 in the Mark–Houwink exponent and a decrease in Rg/Rh from 1.7 to 1.0 point to the formation of nanogels, more rigid and less permeable than the starting coils. Changes in the coil contraction factor (g′ = [η]irradiated/[η]linear) as a function of the radical density revealed the existence of two modes in intramolecular crosslinking, the initial one (up to 0.075 radicals per monomer unit) where the compactness of products changes strongly with progressing crosslinking and a second one where further compacting is suppressed by the lower flexibility of the partially crosslinked chain segments. This indicates a transition from soft, still internally crosslinkable nanogels to more rigid structures, less prone to further intramolecular loop formation. Our findings provide means for the tailored design of new PAA nanomaterials.
CMOS-Compatible Ultrathin Superconducting NbN Thin Films Deposited by Reactive Ion Sputtering on 300 mm Si Wafer
Authors: Yang Zihao , Wei Xiucheng , Roy Pinku , Zhang Di , Lu Ping , Dhole Samyak , Wang Haiyan , Cucciniello Nicholas , Patibandla Nag , Chen Zhebo , Zeng Hao , Jia Quanxi , Zhu Mingwei
Published: December 2023

We report a milestone in achieving large-scale, ultrathin (~5 nm) superconducting NbN thin films on 300 mm Si wafers using a high-volume manufacturing (HVM) industrial physical vapor deposition (PVD) system. The NbN thin films possess remarkable structural uniformity and consistently high superconducting quality across the entire 300 mm Si wafer, by incorporating an AlN buffer layer. High-resolution X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses unveiled enhanced crystallinity of (111)-oriented δ-phase NbN with the AlN buffer layer. Notably, NbN films deposited on AlN-buffered Si substrates exhibited a significantly elevated superconducting critical temperature (~2 K higher for the 10 nm NbN) and a higher upper critical magnetic field or Hc2 (34.06 T boost in Hc2 for the 50 nm NbN) in comparison with those without AlN. These findings present a promising pathway for the integration of quantum-grade superconducting NbN films with the existing 300 mm CMOS Si platform for quantum information applications.
Intrinsic Properties Affecting the Catalytic Activity toward Oxygen Reduction Reaction of Nanostructured Transition Metal Nitrides as Catalysts for Hybrid Na-Air Batteries
Authors: Zhang Da , Zhang Kaiwen , Xie Zhipeng , Xu Bowen , Hou Minjie , Lei Yong , Watanabe Takayuki , Yang Bin , Liang Feng
Published: December 2023

Nanostructured transition metal nitrides (TMNs) have been considered as a promising substitute for precious metal catalysts toward ORR due to their multi-electron orbitals, metallic properties, and low cost. To design TMN catalysts with high catalytic activity toward ORR, the intrinsic features of the influencing factor on the catalytic activity toward ORR of nanostructured TMNs need to be investigated. In this paper, titanium nitride (TiN), zirconium nitride (ZrN), and hafnium nitride (HfN) nanoparticles (NPs) are highly efficient and synthesized in one step by the direct current arc plasma. TiN, ZrN, and HfN NPs with an oxidation layer are applied as the catalysts of hybrid sodium–air batteries (HSABs). The effect of the composition and structural attributes of TMNs on ORR catalysis is defined as follows: (i) composition effect. With the increase in the oxygen content, the catalytic ORR capability of TMNs decreases progressively due to the reduction in oxygen adsorption capacity; (ii) structure effect. The redistribution of the density of states (DOS) of ZrN indicates higher ORR activity than TiN and HfN. HSABs with ZrN exhibit an excellent cyclic stability up to 137 cycles (about 140 h), an outstanding rate performance, and a specific capacity of 2817 mAh·g−1 at 1.0 mA·cm−2.
Effect of Production Bias on Radiation-Induced Segregation in Ni-Cr Alloys
Authors: Gencturk Merve , Ozturk Abdurrahman , Ahmed Karim
Published: December 2023

We present an in-depth investigation into the Radiation-Induced Segregation (RIS) phenomenon in Ni-Cr alloys. All the pivotal factors affecting RIS such as surface’s absorption efficiency, grain size, production bias, dose rate, temperature, and sink density were systematically studied. Through comprehensive simulations, the individual and collective impacts of these factors were analyzed, enabling a refined understanding of RIS. A notable finding was the significant influence of production bias on point defects’ interactions with grain boundaries/surfaces, thereby playing a crucial role in RIS processes. Production bias alters the neutrality of these interactions, leading to a preferential absorption of one type of point defect by the boundary and consequent establishment of distinct surface-mediated patterns of point defects. These spatial patterns further result in non-monotonic spatial profiles of solute atoms near surfaces/grain boundaries, corroborated by experimental observations. In particular, a positive production bias, signifying a higher production rate of vacancies over interstitials, drives more Cr depletion at the grain boundary. Moreover, a temperature-dependent production bias must be considered to recover the experimentally reported dependence of RIS on temperature. The severity of radiation damage and RIS becomes more pronounced with increased production bias, dose rate, and grain size, while high temperatures or sink density suppress the RIS severity. Model predictions were validated against experimental data, showcasing robust qualitative and quantitative agreements. The findings pave the way for further exploration of these spatial dependencies in subsequent studies, aiming to augment the comprehension and predictability of RIS processes in alloys.
Fabrication of Liquid Crystalline Polyurethane/Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Nanofibers via Electrospinning
Authors: Bukowczan Artur , Raftopoulos Konstantinos N. , Pielichowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2023

A series of fibrous meshes based on liquid crystalline polyurethane/POSS composites were prepared. Two types of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) of different structures were chosen to show their influence on electrospun fibers: aromatic-substituted Trisilanolphenyl POSS (TSP-POSS) and isobutyl-substituted Trisilanolisobutyl POSS (TSI-POSS) in amounts of 2 and 6 wt%. The process parameters were selected so that the obtained materials showed the highest possible fiber integrity. Moreover, 20 wt% solutions of LCPU/POSS composites in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) were found to give the best processability. The morphology of the obtained meshes showed significant dependencies between the type and amount of silsesquioxane nanoparticles and fiber morphology, as well as thermal and mechanical properties. In total, 2 wt%. POSS was found to enhance the mechanical properties of produced mesh without disrupting the fiber morphology. Higher concentrations of silsesquioxanes significantly increased the fibers’ diameters and their inhomogeneity, resulting in a lower mechanical response. A calorimetric study confirmed the existence of liquid crystalline phase formation.
Polymer Bead Foams: A Review on Foam Preparation, Molding, and Interbead Bonding Mechanism
Authors: Jiang Junjie , Wang Liang , Tian Fangwei , Li Yaozong , Zhai Wentao
Published: December 2023

The diverse physical appearances and wide density range of polymer bead foams offer immense potential in various applications and future advancements. The multiscale and multilevel structural features of bead foams involve many fundamental scientific topics. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent progress in the preparation and molding techniques of bead foams. Firstly, it gives a comparative analysis on the bead foam characteristics of distinct polymers. Then, a summary and comparison of molding techniques employed for fabricating bead foam parts are provided. Beyond traditional methods like steam-chest molding (SCM) and adhesive-assisted molding (AAM), emerging techniques like in-mold foaming and molding (IMFM) and microwave selective sintering (MSS) are highlighted. Lastly, the bonding mechanisms behind these diverse molding methods are discussed.