bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural networks in modern animation art: aesthetic innovations and new horizons
Authors: Zaitcev Aleksei Yakovlevich
Published: January 2025

The subject of the article is the study of the influence of modern technologies on the process of creating animated content. The author discusses such aspects as the introduction of software tools for animation, the use of motion capture technologies, as well as the role of neural networks and artificial intelligence in the animation industry. Special attention is paid to how these innovations change professional roles, reduce the complexity of the process and open up new opportunities for creativity, as well as related challenges in the field of quality and originality of animated content. The analysis covers two key areas: the technical capabilities of neural network tools and the formation of new aesthetic solutions as a result of the interaction of traditional animation with artificial intelligence. The problem is that although artificial intelligence technologies contribute to the process of accelerating animation creation and significantly expand creative boundaries, giving artists the opportunity to experiment with new styles and techniques, the issue of maintaining creative control on the part of artists, as well as copyright issues, remains acute. The work uses a set of general scientific (comparison, analysis, generalization, typology) and special methods (visual-iconic, artistic-evaluative, critical) and presents empirical material on various practices of using neural network tools in animation art. In general, the article highlights the significant impact of modern technologies on the animation industry and the need to adapt professional skills and educational approaches to these changes. The author's special contribution concerns the analysis of the aesthetic features and capabilities of neural network technologies in creating animation is based on original animation material.
Budgetary and tax instruments for achieving the goals of the Strategy for the Long-term Development of the Pension System of the Russian Federation
Authors: Kovalev Vladislav Alekseevich
Published: January 2025

The object of the study is the pension system of the Russian Federation, the subject is the implementation of the Strategy for the Long–term Development of the Pension System of the Russian Federation until 2030 ("Strategies"). The purpose of the study is to propose fiscal measures to ensure the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Strategy. The article considers the achievement of targets for the replacement rate and the size of the insurance pension, assesses the degree of development of the three-tier pension system, its balance and financial stability, the amount of budget revenues of the budgetary system of the Russian Federation from the taxation of pensions for non-state pension provision. Special attention is paid to the dynamics of the parameters of insurance premiums, the indicators of the budget of the Social Fund of Russia and its shortfall in income due to the effect of preferences for the payment of insurance premiums. The paper identifies the factors influencing the possibility of fully implementing the objectives of the Strategy and achieving its top-level goals by 2030. The work uses coefficient, graphical, factorial, comparative, vertical and horizontal analysis of pension provision indicators and budgets of the budgetary system of the Russian Federation, which determine the problems of Strategy implementation and ways to solve them. It is concluded that the target value of the replacement coefficient and the amount of the insurance pension are currently not being reached, both at retirement and at the beginning of the formation of pension rights in 2024, and the provisions of the Strategy regarding preferences for insurance premiums are not fully respected. The expenses of the SFR budget for the payment of insurance pensions are not fully covered by insurance premiums for compulsory pension insurance, however, a faster increase in the marginal base for insurance premiums and average wages than the fixed payment amount and the cost of the individual pension coefficient, as well as medium-term demographic trends and continued increase in the retirement age, will contribute to ensuring financial stability and balance the Russian pension system. The parameters affecting the level of pension provision in the distributive part of the OPS have been determined. The author proposes fiscal measures aimed at achieving the objectives of the Strategy, and evaluates their effects on revenues and expenditures of the budgets of the budgetary system of the Russian Federation.
Problematic aspects of urgent initial investigative actions
Authors: Fedorchenko Nikita Dmitrievich , Kovalenko Svetlana  Aleksandrovna , Vlez'ko Dmitrii  Aleksandrovich
Published: January 2025

The relevance of the topic under consideration is beyond doubt, since it is precisely due to the correctness of the production of urgent initial investigative actions that the effectiveness of the entire investigation depends. Promptness makes it possible to receive and record factual data in a timely manner and, thus, optimize the investigation process. In this article, the authors consider topical issues of the essence and legal regulation of urgent initial investigative actions. The ratio of "urgent" and "initial" investigative actions is investigated. Attention is paid to the problem of the lack of a list of urgent investigative actions in the criminal procedure legislation. The problem of the implementation of guarantees of personal rights in the course of urgent investigative actions is outlined. The authors propose some ways to solve the studied problems, including improving the current criminal procedure legislation. Various points of view of scientists regarding the above-mentioned problems have also been studied and their own reasoned opinion has been expressed.  The methodological basis of the research was the fundamental laws, dialectical materialism and the theory of knowledge. Private scientific techniques were also used: systemic, comparative legal and other methods of researching theoretical material on the topic. The main conclusions of the study are that the definition of urgent investigative actions given by the legislator is quite contradictory, since the law allows some investigative actions to be carried out even before a criminal case is initiated. In addition, it does not seem correct to identify the concepts of "urgent" and "initial" investigative actions, since although they have common features, they are different in their legal nature. The absence of a list of urgent investigative actions in the law may lead to some difficulties in practice. The novelty of the research lies in the development of proposals for editing the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation in terms of regulating urgent investigative actions, as well as in the analysis and revision of old scientific provisions. A special contribution of the authors to the study is the proposal of some ways to solve the problems posed, including the improvement of Russian criminal procedure legislation.
Mediation in juvenile justice: a perspective assessment
Authors: Savchik Kseniia Vladimirovna
Published: January 2025

The Russian legislator is currently following international trends that determine the development of restorative justice for minors, the application of the principles of humanization and liberalization of criminal responsibility and punishment. The Russian criminal procedure provides for separate mechanisms that allow the release from criminal liability and punishment, in particular, they include compulsory measures of educational influence and the possibility of reconciliation with the victim in a criminal case. The subject of the study is individual legal norms that establish the specifics of mediation in Russian legal reality while mentioning the used foreign experience; scientific literature on this topic. The purpose of the work is to consider the potential possibility of introducing the mediation into the Russian criminal process in the administration of juvenile justice. The methods used include general scientific (analysis, synthesis, system) and private scientific, among which a special place is given to the formal legal one. The relevance of this author's research is due to the ongoing scientific discussions on this topic, while the voiced points of view are contradictory. The scientific novelty of the research is associated with the conducted critical analysis of a large number of author's points of view, on the basis of which the author formulated and justified his own conclusions. In the end, the author comes to the conclusion that despite the possible positive impact of mediation for resolving legal conflicts, its use in juvenile justice is more rational in relation to persons who have not reached the age of criminal responsibility, and it is more expedient to be guided by existing norms in the criminal process. Consequently, changes in the criminal procedure legislation in this part are not required.
On the prospects of using information technologies in forensic activities in the context of the digital transformation of the Russian Interior Ministry system
Authors: Bulbacheva Anna Aleksandrovna
Published: January 2025

The subject of this study is the theoretical, legal, methodological, organizational foundations and patterns of application of information technologies in the field of forensic science. The object of the study is forensic science related to the use of information technologies. The purpose of the study is to improve and develop theoretical, legal, methodological and organizational proposals for the application of modern information technologies in forensic science. The study uses methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as methods of situational analysis to study the practical application of information technologies in forensic science. The research methodology includes the study of literary sources, analysis of existing automated information retrieval systems, this article describes potential areas of use of artificial intelligence in forensic science. The novelty of the study lies in the systematization and analysis of modern information technologies, as well as in identifying their potential and limitations in the context of forensic science. The study also offers recommendations for the implementation of information technologies in forensic practice and an assessment of their effectiveness. The scientific development of this topic is demonstrated by a number of studies devoted to the application of machine learning, big data processing and neural networks in forensic science. Conclusions: The evolution of new information technologies demonstrates significant potential for increasing the accuracy and efficiency of forensic research; Pattern recognition and big data analysis technologies facilitate faster identification of evidence and establishment of links between them. Automation of processes can reduce the workload of experts and increase productivity. It is necessary to develop legal norms for the safe and responsible use of information technologies in forensic science. The introduction of information technologies requires additional training and advanced training of forensic specialists.
A model for the formation of psychological competence of police officers in the field of studying human motivation
Authors: Pazukhina Svetlana Vyacheslavovna
Published: January 2025

The object of the study is the professional training of police officers. The subject of consideration is the process of increasing the level of psychological competence of police officers in the field of motivation and motives based on the model developed by him. The author describes a model he developed to increase the level of psychological competence of police officers in the field of studying human motivation and created on its basis a special training program for a refresher course for police officers "Motivation: what is it and how to work with it?". The relevance of the allocation of each of the program blocks is theoretically justified. Each of the topics is characterized in a meaningful way, and the most effective methods of studying it are proposed. It is shown that the formation of psychological competence of police officers in the field of studying human motives is associated with the elaboration of each of its components: knowledge, personal, activity. An important condition in this case is a combination of thoughtful content focused on the practical needs of police officers and the interactive technologies used for its personal and activity development. When writing the article, the author relied on a personal-activity approach. The combination of theoretical and empirical research methods made it possible to comprehensively present the problem under study. Based on the study of scientific literature on psychology and pedagogy, as well as the analysis of best practices, the author justified his own conceptual approach to the implementation of the stated topic, which reflects the scientific novelty of the results obtained. The author describes the model he developed to increase the level of psychological competence of police officers in the field of studying human motivation and the training course program for police officers created on its basis. The practical significance lies in the fact that the article shows that the optimization of the professional activities of police officers is possible on the basis of a deeper study and consideration of the field of knowledge related to human motivation and motives, an effective tool is proposed to increase their psychological competence in this area. Classes on improving the level of psychological competence of police officers in the field of studying human motivation were tested by the author in practice and showed their effectiveness.
Methodology for conducting an experimental study on the perception of visual information in the field of human peripheral vision
Authors: Kheyfits Antonina Evgenievna , Yanchus Viktor  Edmundasovich , Borevich Ekaterina Vladislavovna
Published: January 2025

This article describes the method of conducting an experiment in the framework of the study of visual information perception in the field of peripheral vision of a person. The authors describe the methodology of preparation and design of stimulus material, experimental setup, experimental methodology and processing of the data obtained. During the design of the experiment, the question of expanding the reading area of visual information when working with a computer system is raised. Since the analysis of incoming information was carried out with a gradual complication of the task, the development of a possible solution in the course of work became a production necessity. Any monitor, regardless of size, limits the analysis of visual perception. Incorrect increase or decrease of objects in the discipline format leads to data degradation. A correct image reduces the level of fatigue when reading information, improves the quality of its perception. The peripheral vision area remains unaffected in work processes, being an important part of human vision. The study of the perception of graphic images in the peripheral area of human vision will potentially expand the efficiency of the interface. The results obtained on the basis of experimental data can be rationally used in the development of human-computer interaction interfaces. The methodology includes the development and consideration of factors of color, size and distance in the stimulus material. The stimulus material is designed using a software module that is subsequently responsible for the random and independent location of the stimulus material. To fix the parameters of the viewing pattern, an AI-tracking software and hardware complex is used.
Object-transactional models of programs in algorithmic languages
Authors: Pekunov Vladimir Viktorovich
Published: January 2025

This paper is devoted to the issue of representability of programs written in algorithmic languages using formalisms based on the idea of using marginal partially transactional memory, including a single transactional cell and many ordinary cells. It is assumed that such formalisms are based on the concept of a network of objects representing both the main and auxiliary elements of the solving problem. Objects function in memory of the specified type, executing methods containing exclusively branching code devoid of cycles. Cycles in this approach are replaced by multiple special object network renegotiation, similar to that implemented in classical transactional memory. Based on the most general ideas about the process of solving a problem in a certain subject area, the concept of an object-transactional model is introduced for the first time and their basic properties are formulated. The methods of discrete mathematics and the theory of algorithms are used in the formulation of the structure and basic principles of the functioning of object-transactional models. The concept of marginal partially transactional memory containing a single transactional cell with a special agreement is introduced. The features of matching such memory in the context of the proposed models are described. A hypothesis is put forward about the feasibility of arbitrary algorithms using object-transactional models. The basic principles of the functioning of such models are described, and their basic properties are formulated. The concepts of marginal non-parallel and parallel models are introduced. It is proved that the limiting nonparallel model is capable of executing an arbitrary Turing-solvable algorithm. It is proved that the limiting parallel model of K+2 nodes is equivalent to a system of K parallel running Turing machines and, accordingly, is capable of executing an arbitrary Turing-solvable algorithm implying the presence of K parallel branches. Thus, the hypothesis put forward in the paper on the feasibility of arbitrary algorithms has been proved.
Classical Aesthetic Foundations and Cultural Influence of Kunqu Opera: Material and Spiritual Interpretation
Authors: Lyu Qianhao
Published: January 2025

The object of the study is one of the significant manifestations of classical Chinese aesthetics - kunqu opera. The subject of the study is the foundations of the formation of this aesthetics in terms of both material and spiritual cultural practices, as well as to investigate its cultural centripetal role in the context of modern society. The relevance of the study is determined by the novelty of the approach, which involves examining the spiritual imagery of Kunqu opera through the prism of analysing its material basis and interpreting the interaction between ‘materiality’ and ‘object form’ in the process of creating Kunqu opera. In addition, the relationship between Kunqu opera and Chinese classical aesthetics is explored. The aim of this study is to deeply analyse Kunqu opera as an important element of traditional Chinese culture in order to understand the extent to which Kunqu embodies the Chinese aesthetic tradition. A variety of methods including literature analysis, case study, historical and literary research. The article is divided into three main parts: the first part focuses on the material level, arguing that the physical presence in Kunqu opera serves as an important support for the formation of the performance system; the second part reveals how the material components of the performance infiltrate the spiritual aesthetic, while the formation of the opera's aesthetics is influenced by Chinese philosophical thought and lyrical culture, using comparative analysis; the final part emphasises the cultural independence and the cultural identity of the opera's performers. The results of the study demonstrate that classical Chinese aesthetics act as the ‘spiritual core’ of Kunqu opera, reflecting traditional Chinese values, ethics and philosophy, which in turn influences the structure of the works, performance style, music and text requirements, as well as plot moves and stage design.
The Mac1 ADP-ribosylhydrolase is a Therapeutic Target for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Suryawanshi Rahul K , Jaishankar Priyadarshini , Correy Galen J , Rachman Moira M , O’Leary Patrick C , Taha Taha Y , Zapatero-Belinchón Francisco J , McCavitt-Malvido Maria , Doruk Yagmur U , Stevens Maisie GV , Diolaiti Morgan E , Jogalekar Manasi P , Richards Alicia L , Montano Mauricio , Rosecrans Julia , Matthay Michael , Togo Takaya , Gonciarz Ryan L , Gopalkrishnan Saumya , Neitz R Jeffrey , Krogan Nevan J , Swaney Danielle L , Shoichet Brian K , Ott Melanie , Renslo Adam R , Ashworth Alan , Fraser James S
Published: January 2025

SARS-CoV-2 continues to pose a threat to public health. Current therapeutics remain limited to direct acting antivirals that lack distinct mechanisms of action and are already showing signs of viral resistance. The virus encodes an ADP-ribosylhydrolase macrodomain (Mac1) that plays an important role in the coronaviral lifecycle by suppressing host innate immune responses. Genetic inactivation of Mac1 abrogates viral replication
in vivo
by potentiating host innate immune responses. However, it is unknown whether this can be achieved by pharmacologic inhibition and can therefore be exploited therapeutically. Here we report a potent and selective lead small molecule, AVI-4206, that is effective in an
in vivo
model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cellular models indicate that AVI-4206 has high target engagement and can weakly inhibit viral replication in a gamma interferon- and Mac1 catalytic activity-dependent manner; a stronger antiviral effect for AVI-4206 is observed in human airway organoids. In an animal model of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, AVI-4206 reduces viral replication, potentiates innate immune responses, and leads to a survival benefit. Our results provide pharmacological proof of concept that Mac1 is a valid therapeutic target via a novel immune-restoring mechanism that could potentially synergize with existing therapies targeting distinct, essential aspects of the coronaviral life cycle. This approach could be more widely used to target other viral macrodomains to develop antiviral therapeutics beyond COVID-19.
Altering the redox status of Chlamydia trachomatis directly impacts its developmental cycle progression
Authors: Singh Vandana , Ouellette Scot P
Published: January 2025

Chlamydia trachomatis
is an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen with a unique developmental cycle. It differentiates between two functional and morphological forms: elementary body (EB) and reticulate body (RB). The signals that trigger differentiation from one form to the other are unknown. EBs and RBs have distinctive characteristics that distinguish them, including their size, infectivity, proteome, and transcriptome. Intriguingly, they also differ in their overall redox status as EBs are oxidized and RBs are reduced. We hypothesize that alterations in redox may serve as a trigger for secondary differentiation. To test this, we examined the function of the primary antioxidant enzyme alkyl hydroperoxide reductase subunit C (AhpC), a well-known member of the peroxiredoxins family, in chlamydial growth and development. Based on our hypothesis, we predicted that altering the expression of
ahpC
would modulate chlamydial redox status and trigger earlier or delayed secondary differentiation. To test this, we created
ahpC
overexpression and knockdown strains. During
ahpC
knockdown, ROS levels were elevated, and the bacteria were sensitive to a broad set of peroxide stresses. Interestingly, we observed increased expression of EB-associated genes and concurrent higher production of EBs at an earlier time in the developmental cycle, indicating earlier secondary differentiation occurs under elevated oxidation conditions. In contrast, overexpression of AhpC created a resistant phenotype against oxidizing agents and delayed secondary differentiation. Together, these results indicate that redox potential is a critical factor in developmental cycle progression. For the first time, our study provides a mechanism of chlamydial secondary differentiation dependent on redox status.
¿Cómo Entendemos el Desarrollo de la Intencionalidad Compartida? Una Revisión Sistemática sobre Acuerdos y Contradicciones
Authors: Velásquez Juan Felipe , Gómez Erika Johnnela , Restrepo Ximena , Chávez Edward , Piñeres Juan David , Villada Johny
Published: January 2025

La pregunta de cómo sucede el desarrollo temprano de la intencionalidad compartida viene generando múltiples
investigaciones en la psicología del desarrollo. El presente artículo se centra en el análisis conceptual del tema
siguiendo la metodología de una revisión sistemática; se retomaron trabajos de carácter empírico publicados entre
2005 y 2020 y que fueron publicados en las bases de datos Ebsco, Science Direct, Dialnet, Scielo, Jstor y Scopus. Se
encontraron 73 estudios sobre el desarrollo de la intencionalidad compartida que pueden enmarcarse en dos posturas:
El neonativismo contemporáneo y la ciencia del desarrollo. Dichas posturas comprenden de manera distinta los
siguientes aspectos del desarrollo de la intencionalidad compartida: (1) la importancia de la experiencia y de los
mecanismos innatos; (2) la diferenciación entre adquisición y desarrollo; (3) la función de la conducta de acuerdo con
el contexto; y (4) la necesidad de comprender los procesos de cambio. El artículo analiza las implicaciones de estas
diferencias.
Vulnerabilidad y Exigibilidad de Derechos: la Perspectiva de Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes
Authors: Lenta María Malena , Zaldúa Graciela
Published: January 2025

Se presenta un estudio de casos múltiple, constituido por casos típicos de vulneración de derechos, en el que cada uno de los 16 niños, niñas o adolescentes participantes constituyó un caso. Desde un enfoque de psicología social comunitaria, se analizaron los sentidos y significaciones que construyen niños, niñas y adolescentes en territorios de vulnerabilidad psicosocial, en torno a su vida cotidiana y a su situación de acceso a derechos. Se desarrolló un estudio exploratorio-descriptivo con enfoque cualitativo y se implementaron relatos de vida, grupos focales y observación naturalista. Para el análisis de la información se utilizó una estrategia de enfoque biográfico. Los resultados se organizaron según tres dimensiones del relato biográfico: la realidad socio histórica vinculada a la formación económico social, la realidad psíquica focalizada a las dimensiones del ser y el hacer de los participantes y la realidad discursiva como instancia de análisis retrospectivo y prospectivo del vínculo con los otros. Los casos presentados cuestionaron la eficacia de las políticas sociales de restitución de derechos. Las trayectorias de vida señalaron obstáculos micro y macro-políticos para el acceso a derechos, que sostienen la reproducción social de las desigualdades y tienen efectos desubjetivantes. Las situaciones que garantizan apuntalamientos identificatorios y la exigibilidad de derechos promueven procesos subjetivantes individuales y colectivos de los actores involucrados y proponen nuevos desafíos en la construcción del proyecto de vida.
Optimization and Kinetics of Terbium Leaching from Lapindo Mud using Sulfuric Acid as the Leaching Agent
Authors: Supriadi Harry , Suyanti Suyanti , Astuti Widi , Handini Tri , Sujoto Vincent Sutresno Hadi , Prameswara Gyan
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the impact of solid/liquid ratio, solvent concentration, temperature, and leaching time on the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs), particularly terbium, from Lapindo mud using sulfuric acid as a leaching agent. The objective was to optimize the leaching conditions and identify the most appropriate kinetic model for describing the extraction process. Leaching experiments were conducted under various solid/liquid ratios, sulfuric acid concentrations, temperatures, and time. The findings revealed that the maximum terbium recovery of 94.51% was achieved at a solid/liquid ratio of 0.5, and 18 M sulfuric acid was used as the leaching agent for the extraction process at 200 °C for 30 minutes. Kinetic analysis proved that the Zhuravlev-Leshokin-Templeman (ZLT) model best described the leaching process. The calculated reaction's apparent activation energy (Ea) was 27.96 kJ/mol, indicating that a combination of chemical reactions and diffusion mechanisms controls the leaching process. These insights are crucial for optimizing the extraction of terbium and other REEs from Lapindo mud, offering significant potential for industrial applications in recovering valuable materials from waste sources. Copyright © 2025 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Adaptive error feedback regulator problem for 1‐D anti‐stable wave equation with distributed harmonic disturbance
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Jin Feng‐Fei , Guo Wei
Published: January 2022

In this article, we are concerned with the error feedback regulator design for a one‐dimensional anti‐stable wave equation with harmonic reference signal and distributed disturbance. By the tracking error of the left end displacement, we first introduce a transport equation and a transformation to transform the original wave system to an auxiliary system, where the displacement at the left end is a scaling of the tracking error of the original system. Then an adaptive error‐based observer is designed by using the tracking error to estimate the state of the auxiliary system and unknown amplitudes of the harmonic disturbance and reference signal. Next we propose an observer‐based error feedback controller to regulate the tracking error to zero asymptotically and keep all the states uniformly bounded. Finally some numerical results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the controller.
MIMO system identification using common denominator and numerators with known degrees
Authors: Fazzi Antonio , Grossmann Benjamin , Mercère Guillaume , Markovsky Ivan
Published: January 2022

In system identification, prior knowledge about the model structure may be available. However, imposing this structure on the identified model may be nontrivial. A new discrete‐time linear time‐invariant identification method is presented in the article that imposes prior knowledge of the degree of the common denominator of the system's transfer function matrix and the degrees of the numerators. First, a method is outlined for the solution in case of exact data. Then, this method is extended for noisy data in the output error setting. An initial estimate obtained by a subspace method is improved by a structured low‐rank approximation method. The performance of the method imposing the structure is compared on simulated data with the performance of classical identification methods that do not impose the structure.
Elucidation of the Bulging Effect by an Improved Ray‐Tracing Algorithm in Deep Penetration Wire Feed Laser Beam Welding and Its Influence on the Mixing Behavior
Authors: Bachmann Marcel , Meng Xiangmeng , Artinov Antoni , Rethmeier Michael
Published: January 2022

Herein, an improved ray‐tracing routine using a virtual mesh refinement approach is adopted in a 3D transient multiphysics computational fluid dynamics model for deep penetration wire feed laser beam welding. In a previous study, it was shown that the improved localization of the reflection points of the subrays within the keyhole leads to a more realistic development of the keyhole depth being validated with experimental results. Another effect investigated in detail herein is a drastic change in the flow behavior in the weld pool, which promotes the occurrence of a necking area in the solidification line and subsequent bulging under specific circumstances. This has a detrimental effect on the filler material element transport in the weld pool, leading to an inhomogeneous dilution of the added material. The numerical observations are backed up by experimentally obtained data, allowing to provide a clear physics‐based explanation of the reduced mixing behavior of the filler wire in the melt pool.
Formation Sequence of Compounds in AZ91‐0.9Ce Alloy and Its Role in Fracture Process
Authors: Cai Huisheng , Wang Zhenzhu , Liu Liang , Li Yuguang , Xing Fangjing , Guo Feng
Published: January 2022

AZ91‐0.9Ce alloy with a thickness of 8 mm is prepared by die casting. The formation process of main compounds in the alloy, the role of main compounds in fracture process, the main crack source, and crack propagation path of the alloy are studied. Results show that AZ91‐0.9Ce alloy is mainly composed of α‐Mg matrix, Mg17Al12 compound, Al4Ce compound, and a small amount of Al–Mn–Ce ternary compound. Among them, Al4Ce is formed prior to the Mg17Al12 compound. Mg17Al12 is formed by eutectic reaction, and Al–Mn–Ce ternary compound is formed at a later stage of solidification. Mg17Al12 and Al4Ce are the main crack sources of the alloy during the fracture process. Crack locations in the alloy mainly include grain boundaries, phase boundaries, and Mg17Al12 and Al4Ce compounds. The fracture mechanism of the alloy is that with the increase of load cracks occur at Mg17Al12 and Al4Ce compounds and connect with each other through intergranular and a small amount of transgranular to form the main crack. With the load continues to increase, the main crack gradually expands until alloy fracture failure. The continuous network distribution along grain boundaries of the Mg17Al12 compound is an important reason for intergranular fracture.
Synthetic Biofuels by Molten‐Salt Catalytic Conversion: Corrosion of Structural Materials in Ternary Molten Chlorides
Authors: Bonk Alexander , Hanke Andrea , Braun Markus , Ding Wenjin , Bauer Thomas
Published: January 2022

The molten‐salt catalytic conversion of biomass into synthetic fuels is one of the promising renewable energy topics of the 21st century. Mixtures of Zn–Na–K//Cl have gained attention, acting as catalytically active heat transfer fluids in the conversion process, due to their low costs and principally low melting points which effectively lower the required operating temperature in the catalytic reactor. Herein, the corrosion behavior of three candidate steels, SS316L, SS321, and Alloy 800, in the pure molten salt, in a salt–biomass mix, and in a salt–biomass mix containing a corrosion inhibitor (zinc oxide (ZnO)) is comprehensively investigated. The herein described study demonstrates that biomass additions increase the penetration depth of the salt, and the corrosion mechanism leads to partial spalling of the oxide scale. This is attributed to the presence of oxygen and moisture from the biomass leading to the formation of reactive HCl gas. The addition of ZnO reduced the corrosivity of the molten salt–biomass mix, and all alloys obtained a protective, adherent, and thin oxide scale leading to the conclusion that ZnO indeed is an effective corrosion inhibitor for the presented salt system. These findings constitute a major advance in the implementation of molten salt‐catalytic reactors for renewable synthetic fuel production.
Kirigami‐Inspired Biodesign for Applications in Healthcare
Authors: Brooks Anne Katherine , Chakravarty Sudesna , Ali Maryam , Yadavalli Vamsi K
Published: January 2022

Mechanically flexible and conformable materials and integrated devices have found diverse applications in personalized healthcare as diagnostics and therapeutics, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine constructs, surgical tools, secure systems, and assistive technologies. In order to impart optimal mechanical properties to the (bio)materials used in these applications, various strategies have been explored—from composites to structural engineering. In recent years, geometric cuts inspired by the art of paper‐cutting, referred to as kirigami, have provided innovative opportunities for conferring precise mechanical properties via material removal. Kirigami‐based approaches have been used for device design in areas ranging from soft bioelectronics to energy storage. In this review, the principles of kirigami‐inspired engineering specifically for biomedical applications are discussed. Factors pertinent to their design, including cut geometry, materials, and fabrication, and the effect these parameters have on their properties and configurations are covered. Examples of kirigami designs in healthcare are presented, such as, various form factors of sensors (on skin, wearable), implantable devices, therapeutics, surgical procedures, and cellular scaffolds for regenerative medicine. Finally, the challenges and future scope for the successful translation of these biodesign concepts to broader deployment are discussed.
Restriction‐In‐Motion of Surface Ligands Enhances Photoluminescence of Quantum Dots—Experiment and Theory
Authors: Fang Justin M. , Basu Sayan , Li Mingda , Shih Kuo‐Chih , Wang Jun , Cotlet Mircea , Wang Xudong , Zhao Jing , Mountziaris T. J. , LoTurco Joseph J. , Nieh Mu‐Ping
Published: January 2022

The relationship between emission and ligand restriction of a series of ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) encapsulated in nanoparticles is investigated systematically via experiments and quantum theory. The QDs have a ZnSe core and a ZnS shell, capped with hydrophobic ligands (triotylphosphine oxide/hexadecylamine), allowing them to be entrapped in a model biomembrane, bicelle, made of zwitterionic dipalmitoyl and dihexanoyl phosphatidylcholines and charged dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol. Enhanced photoluminescence is observed upon encapsulation, depending on the QD‐to‐lipid ratio. Transmission electron microscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering confirm that QDs are preferably situated at the rim of bicellar discs. A simplified quantum dissipation heat‐bath theory is proposed to correlate the enhancement with slower nonradiative processes caused by the restriction‐in‐motion (RIM) of the surface ligands. However, Förster resonance energy transfer due to QD aggregation counteracts the effect.
Spectral Changes by Dye Sensitized Solar Modules Influence the Pigment Composition and Productivity of Arthrospira maxima and Increase the Overall Energy Efficiency
Authors: Borella Lisa , Vesce Luigi , Mariani Paolo , Barichello Jessica , Di Carlo Aldo , Trivellin Nicola , Sforza Eleonora
Published: January 2022

The integration of semi‐transparent photovoltaics (PVs) with photobioreactors (PBRs) is a promising strategy to increase photoconversion efficiency, ensuring simultaneous electricity and algal biomass production. In this study, Arthrospira maxima is cultivated in an integrated system with a dye‐sensitized solar module (DSSM) to the front of the PBR to assess the possible advantages for biomass and phycocyanin production. The application of the DSSM does not influence biomass production, with the remarkable advantage of producing additional electric energy. However, an acclimation of pigment is observed, as DSSM causes a change in the transmitted light spectrum. Further experiments are conducted to investigate the effect of light quality using monochromatic light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) as controls. Phycocyanin‐targeted wavelengths exhibit a major impact on biomass growth and pigment productivity: low intensity enhanced process efficiency, suggesting that low light is preferable to enhance culture performance with respect to white light. The application of third‐generation PVs is only potentially advantageous if the transmission spectra of the module color and its aperture area are carefully designed. The application of monochromatic LEDs on PBRs also highlights the importance of properly managing the operative conditions to avoid energy losses.
Estimation of Lithium‐Ion Battery State of Charge for Electric Vehicles Using an Adaptive Joint Algorithm
Authors: Sakile Rajakumar , Sinha Umesh Kumar
Published: January 2022

As a new means of transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) have a lot of potential. On the other hand, EVs that employ lithium‐ion batteries face certain difficulties in forecasting the battery's health and remaining useful life. This paper uses the adaptive joint algorithm approach to calculate the battery's online parameters and accurate state of charge (SOC). To establish the battery online parameters, the forgetting factor recursive least square (FFRLS) technique is utilized, and the extended Kalman filter (EKF), unscented Kalman filter (UKF) are employed to estimate accurate SOC. Compared to the EKF/UKF method, the joint algorithm (FFRLS‐UKF) approach produces better results. The results are validated using the urban dynamometer driving schedule cycle and the ECE extra‐urban driving cycle (low powered vehicles) to determine the performance of the proposed algorithm. The error of the estimated SOC has fallen from 3.3% to 2%. The proposed adaptive joint algorithm has substantially improved the system's accuracy and provides better results than the EKF/UKF technique. Furthermore, the random variable noise is also supplied to the test data to ensure that the proposed method is robust.
Volatile Solid Additive‐Assisted Sequential Deposition Enables 18.42% Efficiency in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Qin Jianqiang , Yang Qianguang , Oh Jiyeon , Chen Shanshan , Odunmbaku George Omololu , Ouedraogo Nabonswendé Aïda Nadège , Yang Changduk , Sun Kuan , Lu Shirong
Published: January 2022

Morphology optimization of active layer plays a critical role in improving the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). In this work, a volatile solid additive‐assisted sequential deposition (SD) strategy is reported to regulate the molecular order and phase separation in solid state. The OSC adopts polymer donor D18‐Cl and acceptor N3 as active layer, as well as 1,4‐diiodobenzene (DIB) as volatile additive. Compared to the D18‐Cl:N3 (one‐time deposition of mixture) and D18‐Cl/N3 (SD) platforms, the D18‐Cl/N3(DIB) device based on DIB‐assisted SD method exhibits a finer phase separation with greatly enhanced molecular crystallinity. The optimal morphology delivers superior charge transport and extraction, offering a champion power conversion efficiency of 18.42% with significantly enhanced short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 27.18 mA cm−2 and fill factor of 78.8%. This is one of the best performances in binary SD OSCs to date. Angle‐dependent grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering technique effectively reveals the vertical phase separation and molecular crystallinity of the active layer. This work demonstrates the combination of volatile solid additive and sequential deposition is an effective method to develop high‐performance OSCs.
Three‐Dimensional Triptycene‐Functionalized Covalent Organic Frameworks with hea Net for Hydrogen Adsorption
Authors: Yu Chengyang , Li Hui , Wang Yujie , Suo Jinqun , Guan Xinyu , Wang Rui , Valtchev Valentin , Yan Yushan , Qiu Shilun , Fang Qianrong
Published: January 2022

Owing to the finite building blocks and difficulty in structural identification, it remains a tremendous challenge to elaborately design and synthesize three‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) with predetermined topologies. Herein, we report the first two cases of 3D COFs with the non‐interpenetrated hea net, termed JUC‐596 and JUC‐597, by using the combination of tetrahedral and triangular prism building units. Due to the presence of triptycene functional groups and fluorine atoms, JUC‐596 exhibits an exceptional performance in the H2 adsorption up to 305 cm3 g−1 (or 2.72 wt%) at 77 K and 1 bar, which is higher than previous benchmarks from porous organic materials reported so far. Furthermore, the strong interaction between H2 and COF materials is verified through the DFT theoretical calculations. This work represents a captivating example of rational design of functional COFs based on a reticular chemistry guide and demonstrates its promising application in clean energy storage.
Mechanism of the Bifunctional Multiple Product Sesterterpene Synthase AcAS from Aspergillus calidoustus
Authors: Quan Zhiyang , Hou Anwei , Goldfuss Bernd , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: January 2022

The multiproduct chimeric sesterterpene synthase AcAS from Aspergillus calidoustus yielded spirocyclic calidoustene, which exhibits a novel skeleton, besides five known sesterterpenes. The complex cyclisation mechanism to all six compounds was investigated by isotopic labelling experiments in combination with DFT calculations. Chemically synthesised 8‐hydroxyfarnesyl diphosphate was converted with isopentenyl diphosphate and AcAS into four oxygenated sesterterpenoids that structurally resemble cytochrome P450 oxidation products of the sesterterpene hydrocarbons. Protein engineering of AcAS broadened the substrate scope and gave significantly improved enzyme yields.
COG6‐CDG: Novel variants and novel malformation
Authors: Cirnigliaro Lara , Bianchi Paolo , Sturiale Luisa , Garozzo Domenico , Mangili Giovanna , Keldermans Liesbeth , Rizzo Renata , Matthijs Gert , Fiumara Agata , Jaeken Jaak , Barone Rita
Published: January 2022

Background

Deficiency of Conserved Oligomeric Golgi (COG) subunits (COG1–8) is characterized by both N‐ and O‐protein glycosylation defects associated with destabilization and mislocalization of Golgi glycosylation machinery components (COG‐CDG). Patients with COG defects present with neurological and multisystem involvement and possible malformation occurrence. Eighteen patients with COG6‐CDG (COG6 mutations) were reported to date. We describe a patient with COG6‐CDG with novel variants and a novel clinical feature namely a congenital recto‐vaginal fistula.

Methods

In‐depth serum N‐ and O‐glycosylation structural analyses were conducted by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. COG6 variants were identified by a gene panel and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

This female newborn presented with facial dysmorphism, distal arthrogryposis and recurrent stool discharges per vaginam. A double‐contrast barium‐enema X‐ray study revealed a dehiscence (approximately 5 mm) at the anterior wall of the rectal ampoule communicating with the vagina consistent with a recto‐vaginal fistula. She had developmental delay, corpus callosum dysgenesis, liver and gastrointestinal involvement, hyperthermia episodes and early demise. Serum N‐ and O‐glycosylation analyses pointed to a profound Golgi disarrangement. We identified two novel variants in COG6: a deletion of 1 bp mutation c.823delA creating a shift in the reading frame and a premature stop codon and a 3 bp deletion (c.1141_1143delCTC) producing an in‐frame deletion of 1 amino acid.

Conclusion

The congenital recto‐vaginal fistula is a rare type of anorectal malformation that, to our knowledge, has not been reported in patients with a COG6 defect nor in patients with other COG defects. This study broadens COG6‐CDG genetic landscape and spectrum of malformations.
Minimally invasive transoral robotic surgery for hiloparenchymal submandibular stone: Technical note on Flex Robotic System
Authors: Capaccio Pasquale , Riva Giuseppe , Cammarota Raffaella , Gaffuri Michele , Pecorari Giancarlo
Published: January 2022

Flex Robotic System allows a minimally invasive approach for transoral removal of submandibular salivary stones.
A Graphite∥PTCDI Aqueous Dual‐Ion Battery
Authors: Kim Keun‐il , Tang Longteng , Muratli Jesse M. , Fang Chong , Ji Xiulei
Published: January 2022

A full cell chemistry of aqueous dual‐ion battery (DIB) was reported, comprising the graphite cathode and 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI) as the anode. This DIB employed a mixture aqueous electrolyte: 5 m tributylmethylammonium (TBMA) chloride plus 5 m MgCl2, where [MgCl3]− and TBMA+ serve as the charge carriers for cathode and anode of the DIB, respectively. This novel full cell exhibited a specific capacity of around 41 mAh g−1 based on the total active mass of both electrodes with an average operation voltage of 1.45 V and stable cycling for 400 cycles.