bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Decontamination of Titanium Dental Implants Subjected to Implantoplasty by Treatment with Citric Acid Solutions
Authors: Fernández-Garrido Pilar , Bosch Begoña M. , Gil Javier , Fernández-Domínguez Manuel
Published: August 2024

Implantoplasty is one of the most common techniques to remove peri-implantitis from the surface of dental implants. It is a process of mechanization of the titanium surface, causing the loss of the roughness of the dental implant, which leads to difficulty in tissue regeneration. The aim of this research is to apply a decontaminant based on citric acid and add collagen and magnesium cations to promote tissue formation and have a bactericidal character. Eighty commercially pure grade 3 titanium discs were used to perform the implantoplasty protocol, like the one used in dental clinics. They were treated with four different solutions: 25% citric acid, 25% citric acid with the addition of collagen 0.25 g/L, 25% citric acid with the addition of 0.50 g/L and the latter with the addition of 1% Mg (NO3)2. The roughness was determined by confocal microscopy, the contact angle, adhesion and proliferation of HFFs fibroblasts, proliferation of SaOS-2 osteoblasts and bactericidal behavior by culturing very common bacteria in the oral cavity, Gram-positive Streptococcus sanguinis and gordonii and as Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results showed that the treatment with citric acid slightly increases the roughness and decreases the contact angle from 78 to 13°, making the surface superhydrophilic. Fibroblast proliferation studies show a very significant increase at 24 h, the most favorable solution being the one containing 0.50 g/L of collagen with the presence of magnesium in a 25% citric acid solution. This same solution shows the highest cytocompatibility and osteoblastic proliferation with statistically significant differences with respect to the control and the rest of the solutions. Microbiological studies show a bactericidal effect due to the presence of citric acid, which is especially effective on Gram-positive bacteria. The results allow us to have mouthwashes that can be applied in the patient’s mouth, which will help the regeneration of tissues and avoid new bacterial colonization.
Amide–π Interactions in the Structural Stability of Proteins: Role in the Oligomeric Phycocyanins
Authors: Breberina Luka M. , Zlatović Mario V. , Stojanović Srđan Đ. , Nikolić Milan R.
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the influences and environmental preferences of amide–π interactions, a relatively unexplored class of charge-free interactions, in oligomeric phycocyanins. In a data set of 20 proteins, we observed 2086 amide–π interactions, all of which were part of the protein backbone. Phe and Tyr residues were found to be involved in amide–π interactions more frequently than Trp or His. The most favorable amide–π interactions occurred within a pair distance range of 5–7 Å, with a distinct angle preference for T-shaped ring arrangements. Multiple interaction patterns suggest that approximately 76% of the total interacting residues participate in multiple amide–π interactions. Our ab initio calculations revealed that most amide–π interactions have energy from 0 to −2 kcal/mol. Stabilization centers of phycocyanins showed that all residues in amide–π interactions play a crucial role in locating one or more such centers. Around 78% of the total interacting residues in the dataset contribute to creating hot-spot regions. Notably, the amide–π interacting residues were found to be highly evolutionarily conserved. These findings enhance our understanding of the structural stability and potential for protein engineering of phycocyanins used as bioactive natural colorants in various industries, including food and pharmaceuticals.
Surface Modification of Chromium–Nickel Steel by Electrolytic Plasma Nitriding Method
Authors: Satbayeva Zarina , Rakhadilov Bauyrzhan , Turar Zhangabay , Berdimuratov Nurbol , Baizhan Daryn , Maulit Almasbek
Published: August 2024

Electrolytic plasma nitriding is an attractive chemical heat treatment used to improve the surface properties of steel by implementing nitrogen saturation. This method is widely applied to steel and iron-based alloys operating under various operating conditions. In this work, using liquid-phase plasma nitriding technology, a nitrided layer was obtained on the surface of 40CrNi steel in electrolytes of different concentrations. The microstructure and phase composition of the nitrided layer were investigated and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and we performed Vickers hardness and wear resistance tests using the ball-on-disc method. The microhardness and wear resistance of nitrided 40CrNi steel were significantly improved due to the lubricating properties of the ε-Fe2N phase formed on its surface.
LiNbO3:Ho3+ Crystal as a Material for Radiation-Balanced Lasing in the 640–670 nm Region
Authors: Demirkhanyan Gagik , Babajanyan Narine , Voskanyan Frida , Kokanyan Ninel , Bazzan Marco , Kokanyan Edvard
Published: August 2024

Holmium-doped congruent-composition lithium niobate (LiNbO3:Ho, LN:Ho) crystals were grown by the Czochralski method. The absorption of the LN:1at% Ho3+ crystal was recorded at room temperature. On the basis of the analysis of emission and absorption spectra of the LN:1at% Ho3+ crystal, the possibilities of obtaining, at room temperature, radiation-balanced (RB) lasing in the region of 640–670 nm wavelengths corresponding to the inter-Stark transitions of manifolds 5F5 and 5I8 was theoretically investigated. The RB lasing parameters were calculated and the optimal pump and laser wavelengths were determined: λOP=652.1 nm, λOL=653.6 nm. The values for the RB lasing efficiency and radiation amplification in the considered wavelength region were obtained: Feff=3.23×10−22cm2, Fgain=6.08×10−22 cm2.
Properties and Applications of Supersaturated Metastable Alloys Obtained via Electrodeposition
Authors: Bernasconi Roberto , Nobili Luca , Magagnin Luca
Published: August 2024

Supersaturated alloys can exhibit superior properties and electrodeposition is a cost-effective and versatile technique to produce them. In this review, the chemical, mechanical and structural properties of supersaturated alloys are discussed, and connections with metallic glasses and high entropy alloys are also exposed. After discussing mechanisms causing supersaturation in electrodeposited alloys, an overview of the most important electrodeposited metastable alloys is provided, showing that they are mainly used as protective coatings able to improve corrosion resistance and tribological performance of a large variety of industrial components. Composition of the electrolytic baths and deposition parameters are also considered and discussed.
Fantastic Photons and Where to Excite Them: Revolutionizing Upconversion with KY3F10-Based Compounds
Authors: Serna-Gallén Pablo
Published: August 2024

This review delves into the forefront of upconversion luminescence (UCL) research, focusing on KY3F10-based compounds, particularly their cubic α-phase. These materials are renowned for their exceptional luminescent properties and structural stability, making them prime candidates for advanced photonic applications. The synthesis methods and structural characteristics of the existing works in the literature are meticulously analyzed alongside the transformative effects of various doping strategies on UCL efficiency. Incorporating rare earth (RE) sensitizer ions such as Yb3+, along with activator ions like Er3+, Ho3+, Nd3+, or Tm3+, researchers have achieved remarkable enhancements in emission intensity and spectral control. Recent and past breakthroughs in understanding the local structure and phase transitions of single-, double-, and triple-RE3+-doped KY3F10 nanocrystals are highlighted, revealing their pivotal role in fine-tuning luminescent properties. Furthermore, the review underscores the untapped potential of lesser-known crystal structures, such as the metastable δ-phase of KY3F10, which offers promising avenues for future exploration. By presenting a comprehensive analysis and proposing innovative research directions, this review aims to inspire continued advancements in the field of upconversion materials, unlocking new potentials in photonic technologies.
Beware of the Iceberg Phenomenon: A Case Report of Chest Wall Fibrous Dysplasia
Authors: van Suylen Vincent , Wolf Rienhart F. E. , Bouma Wobbe , Van De Wauwer Caroline , Suurmeijer Albert J. H. , Mariani Massimo A. , Klinkenberg Theo J.
Published: August 2024

Thoracic fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a benign, osseous chest wall tumor. It originates from bone marrow and accounts for 30–50% of all benign osseous neoplasms in the chest wall. In FD, normal bone marrow is replaced by fibrous stroma and immature bone. We present a rare case in which massive intrathoracic polyostotic FD originating from the rib was diagnosed and treated. The extrathoracic part of the tumor appeared stable and unalarming for decades; however, in hindsight, the intrathoracic part significantly progressed, eventually leading to symptoms. The tumor was removed through a hemi-clamshell approach, which allowed adequate visualization and control of mediastinal structures. After establishing the diagnosis of FD, regular follow-up imaging is crucial for timing of a surgical intervention to prevent symptoms, impairment of quality of life, and unnecessarily complex resections.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Molecular Particularities Still a Challenge
Authors: Varzaru Vlad Bogdan , Vlad Tania , Popescu Roxana , Vlad Cristian Sebastian , Moatar Aurica Elisabeta , Cobec Ionut Marcel
Published: August 2024

Worldwide, breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in women and is responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths among women, with a special clinical behavior and therapy response. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is seen as a highly invasive BC, characterized by a short survival, higher mortality, recurrence, and metastasis when it is compared to the other BC subtypes. The molecular subtyping of TNBC based on mRNA expression levels does not accurately reflect protein expression levels, which impacts targeted therapy effectiveness and prognostic predictions. Most TNBC cases exhibit a high frequency of homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair deficiency (HRD) signatures and are associated with a complex genomic profile. Biomarker research in TNBC includes investigating genetic mutations, gene expression patterns, immune system-related markers, and other factors that can provide valuable information for diagnosis, treatment selection, and patient outcomes. Additionally, these biomarkers are often crucial in the development of personalized and precision medicine approaches, where treatments are customized to each patient’s unique characteristics. This ongoing research is essential for improving the management and outcomes of TNBC, which is a challenging and heterogeneous form of breast cancer. The findings of this research have practical implications for refining treatment strategies, particularly in selecting appropriate systemic therapies and integrating traditional treatment modalities like surgery and radiotherapy into comprehensive care plans for TNBC patients.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Applications for Bone Fracture Detection Using Medical Images: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kutbi Mohammed
Published: August 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making notable advancements in the medical field, particularly in bone fracture detection. This systematic review compiles and assesses existing research on AI applications aimed at identifying bone fractures through medical imaging, encompassing studies from 2010 to 2023. It evaluates the performance of various AI models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), in diagnosing bone fractures, highlighting their superior accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity compared to traditional diagnostic methods. Furthermore, the review explores the integration of advanced imaging techniques like 3D CT and MRI with AI algorithms, which has led to enhanced diagnostic accuracy and improved patient outcomes. The potential of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), such as OpenAI’s GPT, to enhance diagnostic processes through synthetic data generation, comprehensive report creation, and clinical scenario simulation is also discussed. The review underscores the transformative impact of AI on diagnostic workflows and patient care, while also identifying research gaps and suggesting future research directions to enhance data quality, model robustness, and ethical considerations.
Cooperative Drone Transportation of a Cable-Suspended Load: Dynamics and Control
Authors: Costantini Elia , de Angelis Emanuele Luigi , Giulietti Fabrizio
Published: August 2024

The cooperative transportation of a cable-suspended load by two unmanned rotorcraft is analyzed. Initially, the equations describing a system composed of three point masses and two rigid cables are derived. The model is then linearized about the hovering condition, and analytical expressions are derived to describe the eigenstructure of the open-loop system. Thanks to the specific parameterization of the problem, the different dynamic modes are outlined and discussed within an analytical framework. A novel controller is designed to enable the UAVs in the formation to perform trajectory tracking, maintain formation geometry, and stabilize payload swing simultaneously. A preliminary investigation of closed-loop stability is conducted using a linear approach. Validation is performed in a realistic simulation scenario where two drones are modeled as rigid bodies under the effect of external disturbances and rotor-generated forces and moments, as obtained by Blade Element Theory. The proposed method demonstrates relative simplicity and significantly improves the flying qualities of delivery operations while minimizing hazardous payload oscillations and reducing energy demand.
Teaching Methodologies of Gross Anatomy Education for Undergraduate Physiotherapy Students: An Updated Scoping Review
Authors: Soto-Correia Mariángela , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Valera-Calero Juan Antonio
Published: August 2024

Gross anatomy provides essential knowledge about the structure and function of the human body. Understanding human anatomy requires specific skills from physiotherapy students to comprehend and memorize the location and relationships of anatomical structures. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on teaching methodologies in anatomy education for undergraduate physiotherapy students. A scoping review was conducted consulting the PubMed, EBSCO, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases. By analyzing ten studies involving over 1380 students, we identified four primary pedagogical approaches: the use of technological tools, combined traditional methods (such as dissections and radiological imaging), interprofessional education, and the innovative use of animal dissections. The findings highlight that hands-on, practical activities, especially those integrating technology (e.g., virtual reality and interactive quizzes), significantly enhance student engagement and knowledge retention. Collaborative learning through interprofessional education was found to foster a deeper understanding of anatomical concepts and improve teamwork skills, which are crucial for clinical practice. Additionally, the inclusion of traditional methods like dissections and radiological imaging, when paired with modern tools, offers a comprehensive approach that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. The use of animal dissections also emerged as an innovative strategy to enhance anatomical comprehension. In conclusion, the literature underscores the importance of adopting diverse and innovative teaching strategies in gross anatomy education for physiotherapy students. Such approaches not only enrich the learning experience but also ensure that students are well prepared for the demands of professional practice.
Lightweight Algorithm for Rail Fastener Status Detection Based on YOLOv8n
Authors: Zhang Xingsheng , Shen Benlan , Li Jincheng , Ruan Jiuhong
Published: August 2024

To improve the accuracy of rail fastener detection and deploy deep learning models on mobile platforms for fast real-time inference, this paper proposes a defect detection model for rail fasteners based on an improved YOLOv8n. Considering the significant aspect ratio differences of rail fasteners, we designed the EIOU+ as the regression box loss function. The model is compressed and trained using an improved channel-wise knowledge distillation (CWD+) approach to address the challenge of accurately recognizing minor defects in rail fasteners. We introduced a feature extraction module to design a feature extraction network as the distillation teacher model (YOLOv8n-T) and a lightweight cross-stage partial bottleneck with two convolutions and a fusion module (C2f) to improve the YOLOv8n backbone network as the distillation student model (YOLOv8n-S). Experiments conducted on data collected from actual rail lines demonstrate that after CWD+ distillation training, the model’s mean detection accuracy (IOU = 0.5) reached 96.3%, an improvement of 2.7% over the original YOLOv8n algorithm. The recall rate increased by 4.5%, the precision by 2.7%, the number of floating-point operations decreased by 13%, and the detection frame rate frames per second (FPS) increased by 6.1 frames per second. Compared with other one-stage object detection algorithms, the CWD+ distilled model achieves the precise real-time detection of rail fastener conditions.
Frequency Support Coordinated Control Strategy of Renewable Distributed Energy Resource Based on Digital Twins
Authors: Chang Xiao , Guo Xiangyu , Wang Jinhao , Zhi Huiqiang , Hao Longfei , Ji Liang
Published: August 2024

The integration of high-penetration renewable energy sources is playing an increasingly important role in the frequency regulation of the power system. However, due to the varying output characteristics and response speeds of different renewable distributed energy resources (DERs), the overall response from the collective output of these distributed energy resources may not meet expected requirements and could have adverse effects on the grid. One drawback of traditional distributed coordinated control is its high communication requirements. This paper proposes using digital twin (DT) technology for the coordinated control of distributed energy resources, which can minimize the communication needs between various distributed energy resources while achieving coordinated control. Verification of the frequency support coordinated control strategy based on digital twin technology shows that it can effectively enhance the individual output characteristics and overall response of each distributed energy resource, providing effective support for grid frequency.
Research on an Indoor Light Environment Comfort Evaluation Index Based on Electroencephalogram and Pupil Signals
Authors: Tian Peiyuan , Xu Guanghua , Han Chengcheng , Zheng Xiaowei , Zhang Kai , Du Chenghang , Zhang Xun , Wei Fan , Ma Yunhao , Zhang Sicong , Wu Qingqiang
Published: August 2024

With the development of modern technology, many people work for a long time around various artificial light sources and electronic equipment, causing them to feel discomfort in their eyes and even eye diseases. The industry currently lacks an objective quantitative environmental–visual comfort index that combines subjective and objective indicators. For this experiment, objective eye movement and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were collected in combination with a subjective questionnaire survey and a preference inquiry for comprehensive data mining. Finally, the results on a Likert scale show that high screen brightness can reduce the visual fatigue of subjects under high illuminance and high correlated color temperature (CCT). Pupil data show that, under medium and high ambient illuminance, visual perception sensitivity is more likely to be stimulated, and visual fatigue is more likely to deepen. EEG data show that visual fatigue is related to illuminance and screen brightness. On this basis, this study proposes a new evaluation index, the visual comfort level (0.6404 average at a low screen brightness, 0.4218 average at a medium screen brightness, and 0.5139 average at a high screen brightness), where a higher score for the visual comfort level represents a better visual experience. The visual comfort level provides a useful reference for enhancing the processing of multi-dimensional and biomedical signals and protecting the eyes.
How to Count the Uncountable? An Attempt at Wild Boar Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758 Monitoring in an Urbanized Area
Authors: Gryz Jakub , Jasińska Karolina D. , Brach Michał , Jackowiak Mateusz , Krauze-Gryz Dagny
Published: August 2024

In order to minimize human–wildlife conflicts, long-term and data-based management plans need to be developed. We aimed at assessing wild boar (Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758) density within selected areas of Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. Wild boar abundance was estimated based on snow tracking conducted within 19 well-defined sectors, varying in habitat structure and location within the city. Moreover, in two forest reserves, wild boar population density was assessed with the use of camera traps and a random encounter model. The wild boar density index (n tracks/100 m/24 h) in Warsaw varied from 0 to 3.58 depending on the sector (0 to 4.0 ind./100 ha). In turn, it was 1.8 ind./100 ha for all the forested areas, which did not seem high compared to the other wild boar populations in Poland. The REM-derived estimates were higher than the snow-tracking-based estimates. Wild boars were mostly present in forests, especially those with oak stands, while the species was absent from central districts and mostly urbanized areas. We argue that the snow tracking method reflected the general distribution of wild boars across the city and in different habitats.
Review of the Current Status and Development Trend of Global Forest Carbon Storage Research Based on Bibliometrics
Authors: Wu Chenchen , Yang Yang , Yue Tianxiang
Published: August 2024

Forests are one of the largest terrestrial ecosystems on Earth, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and storing it as organic carbon, thereby mitigating global warming. Conducting bibliometric analysis of forest carbon storage can identify current research trends and hot issues in this field, providing data support for researchers and policy makers. This review article provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global forest carbon storage research, using databases from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace software (6.2.6 version) was employed to visualize and analyze the data, focusing on key researchers, institutions, and countries, as well as major research themes and emerging trends. The main findings are as follows: (1) Since the 21st century, the publication volume in this field has been increasing, with the United States and China being the top contributors. (2) There is active collaboration among key authors, institutions, and countries, with a notable close-knit network centered around French author Philippe Ciais. This group includes nearly half of the field’s authors and many of them are crucial for advancing research in this field. (3) Cluster and citation burst analyses suggest that future research will focus more on the impact of forest management policies on carbon stocks, with particular attention to the roles of northern temperate forests and mangroves in global carbon storage. These findings provide valuable insights into the current state and future directions of forest carbon storage research. This article is instrumental in elucidating the role of forest ecosystems within the global carbon cycle, evaluating the impacts of anthropogenic activities on forest carbon stocks, and informing the development of effective climate change mitigation strategies.
PrismParser: A Framework for Implementing Efficient P4-Programmable Packet Parsers on FPGA
Authors: Mashreghi-Moghadam Parisa , Ould-Bachir Tarek , Savaria Yvon
Published: August 2024

The increasing complexity of modern networks and their evolving needs demand flexible, high-performance packet processing solutions. The P4 language excels in specifying packet processing in software-defined networks (SDNs). Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are ideal for P4-based packet parsers due to their reconfigurability and ability to handle data transmitted at high speed. This paper introduces three FPGA-based P4-programmable packet parsing architectural designs that translate P4 specifications into adaptable hardware implementations called base, overlay, and pipeline, each optimized for different packet parsing performance. As modern network infrastructures evolve, the need for multi-tenant environments becomes increasingly critical. Multi-tenancy allows multiple independent users or organizations to share the same physical network resources while maintaining isolation and customized configurations. The rise of 5G and cloud computing has accelerated the demand for network slicing and virtualization technologies, enabling efficient resource allocation and management for multiple tenants. By leveraging P4-programmable packet parsers on FPGAs, our framework addresses these challenges by providing flexible and scalable solutions for multi-tenant network environments. The base parser offers a simple design for essential packet parsing, using minimal resources for high-speed processing. The overlay parser extends the base design for parallel processing, supporting various bus sizes and throughputs. The pipeline parser boosts throughput by segmenting parsing into multiple stages. The efficiency of the proposed approaches is evaluated through detailed resource consumption metrics measured on an Alveo U280 board, demonstrating throughputs of 15.2 Gb/s for the base design, 15.2 Gb/s to 64.42 Gb/s for the overlay design, and up to 282 Gb/s for the pipelined design. These results demonstrate a range of high performances across varying throughput requirements. The proposed approach utilizes a system that ensures low latency and high throughput that yields streaming packet parsers directly from P4 programs, supporting parsing graphs with up to seven transitioning nodes and four connections between nodes. The functionality of the parsers was tested on enterprise networks, a firewall, and a 5G Access Gateway Function graph.
A Multiparty Quantum Private Equality Comparison Scheme Relying on |GHZ3⟩ States
Authors: Andronikos Theodore , Sirokofskich Alla
Published: August 2024

In this work, we present a new protocol that accomplishes multiparty quantum private comparison leveraging maximally entangled |GHZ3⟩ triplets. Our intention was to develop a protocol that can be readily executed by contemporary quantum computers. This is possible because the protocol uses only |GHZ3⟩ triplets, irrespective of the number n of millionaires. Although it is feasible to prepare multiparticle entangled states of high complexity, this is overly demanding on a contemporary quantum apparatus, especially in situations involving multiple entities. By relying exclusively on |GHZ3⟩ states, we avoid these drawbacks and take a decisive step toward the practical implementation of the protocol. An important quantitative characteristic of the protocol is that the required quantum resources are linear both in the number of millionaires and the amount of information to be compared. Additionally, our protocol is suitable for both parallel and sequential execution. Ideally, its execution is envisioned to take place in parallel. Nonetheless, it is also possible to be implemented sequentially if the quantum resources are insufficient. Notably, our protocol involves two third parties, as opposed to a single third party in the majority of similar protocols. Trent, commonly featured in previous multiparty protocols, is now accompanied by Sophia. This dual setup allows for the simultaneous processing of all n millionaires’ fortunes. The new protocol does not rely on a quantum signature scheme or pre-shared keys, reducing complexity and cost. Implementation wise, uniformity is ensured as all millionaires use similar private circuits composed of Hadamard and CNOT gates. Lastly, the protocol is information-theoretically secure, preventing outside parties from learning about fortunes or inside players from knowing each other’s secret numbers.
Characteristics of Hydrogen Leakage and Dissipation from Storage Tanks in an Integrated Hydrogen Production and Refueling Station
Authors: Yang Tianqi , Xiao Zhili , Zeng Shiyan , Zhao Yingjiang , Xu Linzhi , Chen Shiyu , Song Chunyan , Yan Xianglin , Li Xuefang , Luo Hao , Xu Nianfeng , Xiao Jinsheng
Published: August 2024

Hydrogen, as a renewable and clean energy carrier, has the potential to play an important role in carbon reduction. Crucial to achieving this is the ability to produce clean sources of hydrogen and to store hydrogen safely. With the rapid development of the hydrogen industry, the number of hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) is increasing. However, hydrogen safety at HRS is of great concern due to the high risk of hydrogen leakage during storage. This study focused on an integrated hydrogen production and refueling station (IHPRS) in Weifang, China, and numerically simulated a hydrogen leakage accident in its storage area. The effects of the leakage aperture, the leakage direction and the ambient wind direction and speed on the leakage and dissipation characteristics of hydrogen were investigated. The results showed that the volume, mass and dissipation time of the flammable hydrogen cloud (FHC) increased with an increase in the leakage aperture. The installation of a canopy or densely packed equipment near the hydrogen storage area will seriously hinder the dissipation of the FHC. Ambient winds in the opposite direction of the leakage may cause high-concentration hydrogen to accumulate near the hydrogen storage tanks and be difficult to dissipate, seriously threatening the safety of the integrated station.
QM-CSA: A Novel Quantum Mechanics-Based Protocol for Evaluation of the Carcinogen-Scavenging Activity of Polyphenolic Compounds
Authors: Furlan Veronika , Tošović Jelena , Bren Urban
Published: August 2024

In this study, a novel quantum mechanics-based protocol for the evaluation of carcinogen-scavenging activity (QM-CSA) is developed. The QM-CSA protocol represents a universal and quantitative approach to evaluate and compare the activation-free energies for alkylation reactions between individual polyphenolic compounds and chemical carcinogens of the epoxy type at physiological conditions by applying two scales: the absolute scale allowing for the comparison with guanine and the relative scale allowing the comparison with glutathione as a reference compound. The devised quantum mechanical methodology was validated by comparing the activation-free energies calculated with 14 DFT functionals in conjunction with two implicit solvation models (SMD and CPCM) and the experimental activation-free energies for reactions between nine investigated chemical carcinogens and guanine. According to the obtained results, the best agreement with experimental data was achieved by applying DFT functionals M11-L and MN12-L in conjunction with the flexible 6-311++G(d,p) basis set and implicit solvation model SMD, and the obtained uncertainties were proven to be similar to the experimental ones. To demonstrate the applicability of the QM-CSA protocol, functionals M11-L, and MN12-L in conjunction with the SMD implicit solvation model were applied to calculate activation-free energies for the reactions of nine investigated chemical carcinogens of the epoxy type with three catechins, namely EGCG, EGC, and (+)-catechin. The order of CSA in this series of catechins in comparison to guanine and glutathione was determined as (+)-catechin > EGC > EGCG. The obtained results, for the first time, demonstrated the evaluation and comparison of CSA in a series of selected catechins with respect to glutathione and guanine. Moreover, the presented results provide valuable insights into the reaction mechanisms and configurations of the corresponding transition states. The novel QM-CSA protocol is also expected to expand the kinetic data for alkylation reactions between various polyphenolic compounds and chemical carcinogens of the epoxy type, which is currently lacking in the scientific literature.
Optimization and Detection of Freshness Biomarkers of Atlantic Salmon Subjected to Different Vacuum Packaging Conditions during Storage at 0 °C by Metabolomics and Molecular Docking
Authors: Lu Yu-Shun , Yao Gui-Xiao , Yu Jiang , Qiu Jing , Qian Yong-Zhong , Huang Xuan-Yun , Xu Yan-Yang
Published: August 2024

The freshness of Atlantic salmon is influenced mainly by tissue metabolism, which in turn is affected by storage time and conditions. The alterations in taste profiles and nutritional values of salmon when packaged using vacuum methods have not been fully understood, and the factors contributing to these changes require further research. In this work, the extraction method for flavor nutrients from salmon was optimized via the Plackett–Burman (PB) test. A sensitive and rapid targeted metabolomics method for the simultaneous determination of 34 nutrients was successfully established via ultra-performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole/linear ion trap composite mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTRAP/MS), and various nutritional compositions during storage at 0 °C under different vacuum conditions (0 kPa or −90 kPa) for 4 and 8 days were analyzed. Results showed that storage time had a significant effect on salmon metabolism. The total amino acids decreased by 62.95% and 65.89% at 0 kPa and −90 kPa, respectively. Notably, a marked reduction in histidine after 8 days at −90 kPa may have diminished bitterness, while decreased levels of umami-tasting amino acids like glutamine and aspartic acid affected the overall flavor profile. Overall, the packaging conditions at 0 °C and 0 kPa were more suitable for the preservation of most nutrients in salmon. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the reduction in substances was mainly related to the alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism pathways. Alanine, inosine, and histidine, whose levels changed significantly, can bind to the typical umami taste receptor TIR1/TIR3 and can be biomarkers to monitor and determine the freshness or spoilage of salmon after 4–8 days of storage. This study revealed the changes in small-molecule nutrients in salmon during storage under different packaging conditions, which provides a reference for the packaging preservation technology of fresh salmon and new ideas for the evaluation of salmon quality and determination of freshness.
Carbon Dots-Mediated Photodynamic Treatment Reduces Postharvest Senescence and Decay of Grapes by Regulating the Antioxidant System
Authors: Ni Zhi-Jing , Xue Ying , Wang Wei , Du Juan , Thakur Kiran , Ma Wen-Ping , Wei Zhao-Jun
Published: August 2024

Grapes are susceptible to mold and decay during postharvest storage, and developing new technologies to extend their storage period has important application value. Photodynamic technology (PDT) in concurrence with carbon dots (CDs) proposes an innovative and eco-friendly preservation strategy. We examined the effects of carbon dots combined with photodynamic treatment on postharvest senescence and antioxidant system of table grape. The compounding of photodynamic technology with a 0.06 g L−1 CDs solution could possibly extend the postharvest storage period of grape berries. Through this strategy, we achieved a decreased rate of fruit rotting and weight loss alongside the delayed deterioration of fruit firmness, soluble solids, and titratable acid. As paired with photodynamic technology, CDs considerably decreased the postharvest storage loss of phenols, flavonoids, and reducing sugars as compared to the control group. Concurrently, it remarkably postponed the build-up of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2∙−), and malondialdehyde (MDA); elevated the levels of reduced ascorbic acid (AsA) and reduced glutathione (GSH); lowered the levels of dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG); raised the ratios of AsA/DHA and GSSH/GSSG; encouraged the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL); and inhibited the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and lipoxygenase (LOX). Furthermore, it enhanced the iron reduction antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging capacity of grape berries. CDs combined with photodynamic treatment could efficiently lessen postharvest senescence and decay of grape berry while extending the storage time.
Analysis of Impact Crushing Characteristics of Steel Fiber Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete Based on Fractal Theory
Authors: Zhang Xianggang , Zhu Yanan , Wang Junbo , Zhou Gaoqiang , Huang Yajun
Published: August 2024

The fractal theory can effectively describe the complexity and multi-scale of concrete under impact load and provide a scientific basis for evaluating concrete’s impact resistance. Therefore, based on the fractal theory, this study carried out the fragmentation size analysis by weighing the quality of SFRRAC fragments, disclosed the distribution characteristics of impact fragmentation size of steel fiber reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (SFRRAC) specimens under different recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement ratio, different steel fiber (SF) contents and different impact pressures. The results indicate that the fractal dimension can describe the degree of fragmentation of the specimen. The greater the fractal dimension, the more the amount of fragmentation of the specimen subjected to impact load, the lesser the fragmentation size, and the greater the degree of fragmentation. Under the impact load, the fractal dimension of SFRRAC is between 1.36 and 2.28. As the impact pressure increases, the energy consumption increases, and the fractal dimension decreases. With the growth in replacement ratio, the fractal dimension gradually increases, and the energy consumption is negatively correlated with the fractal dimension. Along with the growth of SF content, the energy consumption gradually increases, and the fractal dimension continuously decreases. A new metric angle is provided to explore the inherent law between the impact-crushing characteristics of SFRRAC and the dynamic load, thereby offering foundational support for the application of SFRRAC in practical engineering.
Visions, Paradigms, and Anomalies of Urban Transport
Authors: Filippi Francesco
Published: August 2024

Urban transport has evolved based on three main visions: automobility, multimodality, and accessibility. The first dominates North American cities; the second, European; the third, significantly discussed in the literature, is still in the early stages of practical development, with a few limited examples. Each of the first two visions has an aligned planning paradigm to support aspirational goals and future directions. But implementation has been disappointing, owing to the appearance of anomalies; that is, unanticipated and unexplained mismatches between the vision and the paradigms that refuse to be resolved. The attempts are self-defeating, and result, for example, in congestion and road accidents. A review of the literature with some new insights can shed light on the problems and the anomalies of these two visions. For the third vision, a new paradigm has been proposed based on accessibility and polycentric and multi-timed cities, promising new insights and breakthroughs in the way of thinking about transport and cities. Some practical examples of accessibility cities are presented with a focus on people, places, land use changes, telecommunications, transportation demand management (TDM), and public and non-motorized transport. Some minor anomalies are discussed. In conclusion, enhancing accessibility in cities is crucial for creating more inclusive and sustainable urban environments that are less dependent on cars, but this vision and this paradigm still require further development to be accepted and implemented.
High-Performance Flexible Sensor with Sensitive Strain/Magnetic Dual-Mode Sensing Characteristics Based on Sodium Alginate and Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Authors: Liu Chong , Yue Longwang , Fu Yu , Wan Zhenshuai , Wang Li , Wei Yangke , Li Sha
Published: August 2024

Flexible sensors can measure various stimuli owing to their exceptional flexibility, stretchability, and electrical properties. However, the integration of multiple stimuli into a single sensor for measurement is challenging. To address this issue, the sensor developed in this study utilizes the natural biopolymers sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose to construct a dual interpenetrating network, This results in a flexible porous sponge that exhibits a dual-modal response to strain and magnetic stimulation. The dual-mode flexible sensor achieved a maximum tensile strength of 429 kPa and elongation at break of 24.7%. It also exhibited rapid response times and reliable stability under both strain and magnetic stimuli. The porous foam sensor is intended for use as a wearable electronic device for monitoring joint movements of the body. It provides a swift and stable sensing response to mechanical stimuli arising from joint activities, such as stretching, compression, and bending. Furthermore, the sensor generates opposing response signals to strain and magnetic stimulation, enabling real-time decoupling of different stimuli. This study employed a simple and environmentally friendly manufacturing method for the dual-modal flexible sensor. Because of its remarkable performance, it has significant potential for application in smart wearable electronics and artificial electroskins.
A Multivariable Mendelian Randomization Study of Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure, Lipid Profile, and Heart Failure Subtypes
Authors: Liu Chang , Hui Qin , Wells Quinn S. , Farber-Eger Eric , Gaziano John Michael , Wilson Peter W. F. , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Vaccarino Viola , Hu Yi-Juan , Benkeser David ,   the Million Veteran Program, Phillips Lawrence S. , Joseph Jacob , Sun Yan V.
Published: August 2024

Heart failure (HF) is a significant health burden, with two major clinical subtypes: HF with reduced (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Blood pressure and lipid profile are established risk factors of HF. We performed univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess potential causal effects of blood pressures and lipids on HF subtypes. Genetic instruments for blood pressures and lipids were derived from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) among the European participants of the UK Biobank. GWAS summaries of HFrEF and HFpEF were obtained from the meta-analysis of the European participants from the Million Veteran Program and the Vanderbilt University DNA Databank. Systolic blood pressure exhibited a supportive MR association primarily with HFpEF (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.23), while diastolic blood pressure had an independent MR association with HFrEF (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.13–1.77). MR associations also supported the observation that higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increase the risk for both subtypes (HFrEF OR, 1.10 and 95% CI, 1.05–1.17; HFpEF OR, 1.05 and 95% CI, 1.02–1.09). These findings underscore differences in HF subtype-specific risk profiles and mechanisms, which may lead to different interventional strategies for different HF subtypes.
A Custom qPCR Assay to Simultaneously Quantify Human and Microbial DNA
Authors: Foster Miriam , McElhoe Jennifer A. , Holland Mitchell M.
Published: August 2024

To date, studies on microbial forensics have focused mainly on sequence analysis and generally do not include information on the quantification of and comparison between the human and bacterial DNA present in forensic samples. Knowing the amount of each type of DNA can be important for determining when and how best to employ bacterial DNA analysis, especially when there is insufficient human DNA for successful short tandem repeat (STR) typing. The goal of this work was to develop a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay that simultaneously quantifies human and bacterial DNA that would be simple and cost-effective for laboratories to implement. Through a reproducibility study and several small-scale experiments, the reliability of a custom qPCR assay was established. A reproducibility study illustrated that the multiplex assay produced data comparable to that of previously established bacterial DNA and human DNA qPCR assays. The small-scale experiments showed that common surfaces such as keyboards (6.76 pg/μL), elevator buttons (11.9 pg/μL), cleaning supplies (7.17 pg/μL), and dispensers (16.4 pg/μL) failed to produce human DNA quantities sufficient for quality STR analysis (≥250 pg). However, all tested surfaces produced bacterial DNA quantities suitable for reaching 1 ng of amplified bacterial targets necessary for sequence analysis. In fact, bacterial DNA concentrations down to 10−8 ng/uL produce enough amplified product for sequencing. The newly developed qPCR multiplex tool will allow scientists to make better decisions regarding whether human or bacterial DNA analysis methods can be pursued during forensic or other investigations.
Analyzing MSW Landfill Failures: Stability and Reliability Evaluations from Five International Case Studies
Authors: Dodigovic Filip , Ivandic Kreso , Bek Anja , Jug Jasmin
Published: August 2024

This study investigates five cases of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill slope failures in the USA, China, Sri Lanka, and Greece, with the aim of assessing the safety margins and reliability of these slopes. The stability and reliability of the landfill slopes were evaluated under both static and seismic loading conditions, using pre-failure geometries and geotechnical data, with analyses conducted in accordance with Eurocode 7, employing all three design approaches. Under static loading, the factors of safety were close to unity, and reliability indexes ranged from 1.0 to 2.8, both falling below the recommended values set by Eurocode. The landfill slopes failed to meet the stability criteria in Design Approaches 2 and 3, while in Design Approach 1, four out of five landfills met the criteria. Under seismic conditions, safety factors and reliability indexes were significantly lower than the prescribed criteria in all analyses. Sensitivity analyses revealed that in two cases, unit weight and friction angle were the dominant parameters, while cohesion was the dominant parameter in one case. The findings of this study underscore the importance of establishing minimum design requirements for MSW landfill slope stability to mitigate potential risks to public health and the environment.