bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shear Strengthening of Pre-damaged Reinforced concrete (RC) Beams Using FRP Sheets
Authors: Alsayer Roaa Babiker , Solikin Mochamad , Osman Bashir H. , Harnaeni Senja Rum , Sunarjono Sir 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Pre-damaged reinforced concrete (RC) beams require significant enhancement of flexural capacity and ductility to maintain structural integrity under sustained loads. Although current strengthening techniques using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets show promise, there is a limited understanding of how to control the failure modes and stress distribution around the beams. This study addresses this gap by experimentally testing RC beams strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforcement polymer (CFRP) sheets and analyzing how it affects the failure in the beams subjected under prolonged loads. During the experiment, four beams under different loading conditions were tested. Before the process, cracking was generated, followed by repair with U-shaped CFRP, and the beam was tested further to failure. Throughout the process, the service load remains constant. Using the standard code "ACI Committee 440–2002", the results for the potential damage due to the service loads were compared with theoretical outcomes met by the code. From the results, both the prior damage level and the applied CFRP have a substantial impact on the beams’ failure mode and strengthening effectiveness. The strengthened beams demonstrate higher capacity of withstanding sustained loads, with a capacity increase ranging from 21.8–66.4%. Additionally, cracking widths at failure load were reduced by 25.6–82.7% when compared to the control beam. The findings contribute to a better knowledge of the structural behavior of FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete beams, providing useful insights for engineers and researchers in the field of structural rehabilitation and retrofitting.
Natural cellulose fibers from Agave Americana L. ASPARAGACEAE as an effective adsorbent for mercury in aqueous solutions
Authors: Sánchez-Moreno Hugo , García-Rodríguez Lourdes , Recalde Celso 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the use of functionalized cellulose fibers (FCF) derived from Agave Americana L. ASPARAGACEAE as an effective adsorbent for mercury removal from aqueous solutions. The composition, surface properties, and morphology of the FCF were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effects of the pH, contact time, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and initial Hg(II) concentration on the adsorption process were studied. Under the optimized experimental conditions, FCF achieved a removal efficiency of over 92%, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 8.29 mg/g. The Langmuir isotherm model best described the equilibrium data, whereas the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was used to investigate the adsorption mechanism. Thermodynamic studies indicated a spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process. The effectiveness of the FCF was further demonstrated by its ability to remove approximately 91% of Hg from real mine water in Ecuador. These findings highlight the potential of Agave Americana L. fibers as promising, eco-friendly, and sustainable adsorbents for the remediation of mercury pollution in aqueous environments.
A comparison between two techniques for the management of Sulfamethoxazole in water: Adsorption and photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Elkomy Ahmed Salah , Abdel-wahab Mohamed Sh. , Shehata Nabila 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is one of the majority of vital antibiotic medications and is widely employed for the treatment of bacterial infections. This pharmaceutical residue has been detected in surface water and sewage wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Moreover, it has negative impacts on human and ecosystems. The main aim of this work is to remdiate water from SMX using two different water treatment techniques i.e. adsorption and photo-catalytic degradation by using silver phosphate. The materials were characterized using structural (e.g. EDX, FTIR and XRD), and morphological such as BET, and SEM analytical methods. The percentage of elimination of SMX at optimum solution pH, adsorbent dose, initial drug concentration and equilibrium time, was 95.15% by adsorption which corresponds to a maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of 1299.7 mg g− 1 and the removal percentage of SMX was 98.2% according to the photocatalytic degradation with Qmax= 994.7 mg g− 1. Langmuir-Freundlich isotherms model is the best to describe the photo-degradation of SMX onto silver phosphate and Fritz Schlunder model is the best to describe the adsorption of SMX onto silver phosphate .
Internal Solitary Wave Generation Using A Jet-Array Wavemaker
Authors: Chu Jen-Ping , Lynett Patrick , Luhar Mitul 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This paper evaluates the experimental generation of internal solitary waves (ISWs) in a miscible two-layer system with a free surface using a jet-array wavemaker (JAW). Unlike traditional gate-release experiments, the JAW system generates ISWs by forcing a prescribed vertical distribution of mass flux. Experiments examine three different layer-depth ratios, with ISW amplitudes up to the maximum allowed by the extended Korteweg-de Vries (eKdV) solution.
Phase speeds and wave profiles are captured via planar laser-induced fluorescence and the velocity field is measured synchronously using particle imaging velocimetry. Measured properties are directly compared with the eKdV predictions. As expected, small- and intermediate-amplitude waves match well with the corresponding eKdV solutions, with errors in amplitude and phase speed below 10%. For large waves with amplitudes approaching the maximum allowed by the eKdV solution, the phase speed and the velocity profiles resemble the eKdV solution while the wave profiles are distorted following the trough. This can potentially be attributed to Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities forming at the pycnocline. Larger errors are generally observed when the local Richardson number at the JAW inlet exceeds the threshold for instability.
Enhanced Action Recognition through Deep Spatiotemporal Learning Using 3D CNN and GRU
Authors: Bansal Neha , Bansal Atul , Gupta Manish 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The issues revolve around efficiently analyzing large video data streams while minimizing computer complexity and performing processing in real-time. On the other hand, it becomes more difficult to quickly react to unusual actions because of this. Also, smart homes, security systems, assisted living facilities, and health monitoring might all benefit from the ability to recognize events from video sequences. The techniques used to analyse data are still under constant scrutiny, even if sensing technology has advanced, especially with respect to 3D video. By combining 3D Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) with gated recurrent units (GRU), we have created a new method for learning spatiotemporal features in movies. We found that 3D convolutional neural networks (CNNs) acquire spatiotemporal information better than 2D CNNs using the UCF50 dataset. Using smaller 3x3x3 convolution kernels in a uniform design also improves performance. Furthermore, we found that 3D CNN with GRU integrated yields better accuracy than 3D CNN alone. The results show that GRU outperforms LSTM in terms of accuracy (89.89%) and calculation time (less than LSTM) when compared.
Hemozoin: a waste product after heme detoxification?
Authors: Sun Jun , Qin Xixi , Si Wenwen , Wang Fei , Li Yanna , Yan Xiaoli 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Hemozoin is consider a waste byproduct of heme detoxification following hemoglobin digestion; consequently, the biological functions of hemozoin in hemozoin-producing organisms have often been overlooked. However, recent findings indicate that schistosoma hemozoin facilitates the transfer of iron from erythrocytes to eggs through its formation and degradation, thereby increasing interest in the role of malarial hemozoin. In this study, we compared the formation of schistosoma hemozoin and malaria hemozoin using transmission electron microscopy, which suggests why the trophozoite stage cannot eliminate hemozoin. Additionally, through transcriptome analysis of different stages of P. falciparum 3D7WT and P. falciparum 3D7C580Y- where the latter serves as a control with lower hemozoin production-we found that both exhibit similar expression patterns in genes related to DNA synthesis, iron, and heme utilization. Notably, during the trophozoite stage, expression levels of these genes in P. falciparum 3D7WT are higher than in P. falciparum 3D7C580Y, whereas during the schizont stage, they are lower. These results suggest that when P. falciparum 3D7 utilizes more heme and iron, it produces less hemozoin, whereas when it utilizes less heme and iron, it produces more hemozoin. Interrupting heme utilization and destructing hemozoin aggregation can result in parasite death. Additionally, the hemozoin released by schizonts can impair macrophage functions, or it is carried by gametocytes into the next host without being discharged as waste, suggesting that the release of malaria hemozoin protects merozoites from phagocytosis, and its transfer to the next host may fulfill the requirements for iron and heme during their development in mosquitoes.
Comparative susceptibility of wild and laboratory-reared Aedes and Anopheles larvae to Ivermectin®
Authors: OUEDRAOGO Cheick Oumar W. , SOME Fabrice A. , SAGNA Andre B. , SOUGUE Emmanuel , SOMA Dieudonné D. , NDIAYE Mady , COULIBALY Fangala Hamidou , POODA Sié H. , ZELA Lamidi , ROBERGE Christophe , NIANG El Hadji A. , MOULINE Karine , DABIRE Roch K. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Administering ivermectin to humans and livestock renders their blood toxic for mosquitoes like Anopheles and Aedes, offering a promising approach for controlling these vectors. However, the impact of such treatment on larval stages exposed to the drug through contaminated breeding sites is not fully understood. This study looked at how ivermectin affects the development of Aedes and Anopheles larvae.
Methods
We exposed 4 instars laboratory-reared (An. gambiae Kisumu and Ae. aegypti Bora Bora) and wild-derived (An. coluzzii VK5 and Ae. aegypti Bobo) larvae to ivermectin-medium containing the molecule at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 ng/ml for 24h, then transferred surviving larvae into ivermectin-free medium to monitor development until adult stage and female fecundity. Parameters measured were: larval survival, pupation dynamics, teneral emergence rates, and fecundity of the adult females in terms of numbers of eggs developed and laid. Two independent experiments were performed, each with four biological replicates. Data obtained for each life history parameter were compared between treatments to characterize ivermectin effects.
Results
Data indicated that highest ivermectin concentrations (100, 75, and 50 ng/ml) reduced larval survival by over 50% within 24 to 48 hours post-exposure, with varying effects across different strains. Wild-derived larvae showed lower susceptibility to ivermectin compared to laboratory larvae for both Anopheles and Aedes species. The concentrations leading to 50% larval mortality (4-day-LC50) were 3.65 and 1.86 ng/ml for Anopheles VK5 and Kisumu strains, and 15.60 and 2.56 ng/ml for Aedes Bobo and Bora Bora strains, respectively. Notably, while high concentrations severely impacted larval development, low concentration (1 ng/ml) appear to be a sublethal concentration and allowed for adult emergence. No significant effects on the number of laid eggs were observed across the different strains.
Conclusion
Overall, these data showed how development parameters of lab-raised and wild-derived Anopheles and Aedes larvae are affected differently by ivermectin, highlighting potential implications for vector control strategies and ecological concerns regarding non-target organisms and environment persistence. Further investigations are planned to understand existing mechanisms allowing wild-derived larvae to better survive than laboratory ones despite the presence of ivermectin in their breeding environment.
Rapid Sintering of High-efficiency Phosphor-in-Glass Films for Laser-driven Light Source
Authors: Wang Yuansheng , Wang Pengfei , Lin Hang , Chen Guoxin , Weng Weitong , Xu Yue , Lin Yi , Xu Ju , Cheng Yao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The advanced high-power-density laser-driven light source calls for all-inorganic phosphor-in-glass film (PiGF) composite as color converter to deal with the issues of durability and color tunability. One challenge remains for the PiGF is the thermal erosion and degradation of phosphor, as harsh condition or long duration time is required to densify the film for conventional sintering. With this regard, herein we develop a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) technique to prepare PiGF, attaining a high densification extent (porosity < 3%) by infrared annealing within seconds. A trivial interfacial reaction is detected, leading to almost intact phosphor particles and thus restrained luminous loss. Exemplified by the red-emitting Sr0.8Ca0.2AlSiN3:Eu2+ (SCASN:Eu), a record 91.2% internal quantum efficiency (IQE) in the RTA-processed PiGF and a remarkable luminous flux (LF) of 2379 lm and luminous efficacy (LE) of 140 lm/W can be achieved in the PiGF-based phosphor wheel. RTA reduces energy consumption and enables high-throughput sample screening. This preparation strategy also features material universality and design flexibility, hopefully exploring new opto-functional materials and applications.
Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Interleukin 2 for Behçet’s Syndrome: a phase 2 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Tian Liu , Zhou Wenyan , Zhu Yan , Xia Weiyi , Chen Jiali , Xiao Xian , Huang Bo , Feng Ruiling , Yao Haihong , Chen Shi , Zhang Xiaoying , Shao Miao , Li Chun , Jia Yuan , Miao Miao , Jin Yuebo , Li Xue , Zhang Xia , Zhou Yunshan , Li Ru , Zhang Xuewu , Su Yin , Liu Huixin , Li Jing , Hu Fanlei , Guo Jianping , Sun Xiaolin , He Jing , Li Zhanguo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Behçet’s syndrome (BS), a chronic relapsing systemic vasculitis, leads to recurrent oral aphthous ulcers, severely impacting quality of life. We conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Low-dose interleukin-2 (LD-IL-2) in BS patients. We randomly assigned BS patients (aged 18 to 70 years) with active oral ulcers to receive LD-IL-2 or placebo for 12 weeks (1:1 ratio). The primary endpoint was the oral ulcer count at week 12. Secondary endpoints included the changes in oral ulcer pain (100-mm VAS), overall disease activity and quality of life, genital ulcer count, and complete oral ulcer response rates, along with the change of CD4 + T cell subsets. A total of 60 randomly assigned participants received at least one dose of LD-IL-2 or placebo and 51 completed the trial. The mean number of oral ulcers at week 12 was significantly lower in the LD-IL-2 group than in the placebo group (0.69 ± 1.05 vs. 1.57 ± 0.90, P = 0.001). There were great reductions in oral ulcer pain, the Behçet’s Syndrome Activity Score, the Behcet's Disease Current Activity Index score as well as the Behçet’s Disease Quality of Life scale score in the LD-IL-2 group compared to the placebo group at week 12. No infections or severe adverse events were observed in either group. LD-IL-2 expanded regulatory T cells (Tregs) and decreased the ratio of effector T cell (Teff) to Tregs. LD-IL-2 therapy is an effective and safe treatment in BS patients and is associated with the modulation of Treg and Teffcells.ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04065672.
Developing serum proteomics based prediction models of disease progression in ADPKD
Authors: Muller Roman-Ulrich , Balaban Hande Aydogan , Arjune Sita , Grundmann Franziska , Lackmann Jan-Wilm , Antczak Philipp 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most common genetic cause of kidney failure. Outcome prediction is essential to guide therapeutic decisions. However, currently available models are of limited accuracy. We aimed to examine the potential of serum proteomics for improved risk stratification in ADPKD.
Methods: We analyzed the serum proteome of the Screening Cohort (257 patients) using a semi-automated mass spectrometry pipeline and developed models predicting eGFR slope. These models were validated on the Internal/Temporal Cohort (466 patients) and the External Cohort (221 patients). Model performance was assessed by comparing predicted with observed eGFR slopes and compared to imaging- and clinical data based models (e.g. Mayo Imaging Classification (MIC)). Functional implications were explored using gene ontology and pathway analyses.
Findings: 398 proteins were identified in the Screening Cohort and a subset of 29 proteins was significantly associated with eGFR slope. Using LASSO-based selection resulted in an optimal protein-based linear prediction model containing six proteins (adjusted R² 0·31). This protein-based model outperformed the Clinical and MIC Models. Combining both molecular and clinical variables further increased the explained variance (adjusted R² 0·34). Predictive value was maintained in the Internal/Temporal Cohort. Also, the models - even though with reduced accuracy - still showed predictive capacity when using EDTA-plasma instead of serum in the External Cohort. Functional enrichment performed on the eGFR slope associated proteins revealed overrepresentation of GO:BP terms related to immune response, lipoprotein levels, metabolic processes and transport.
Interpretation: Proteomics is a powerful tool to improve outcome prediction in ADPKD. Importantly, the analyses showed clear added value when combined with currently existing models. Besides, such data harbor valuable information on biological processes associated with disease progression. It will now be important to move towards targeted validation in a prospective study.
Funding: Ministry of Science North Rhine-Westphalia, German Research Foundation
From Field to Plate: the Chain of Operation in Maroon Rice Cultivation in Suriname and French Guiana
Authors: Pinas Nicholaas Milliano , de Loosdrecht Marieke van , Schranz Eric , Andel Tinde van , Maat Harro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped slavery between 1650 and 1863 in Suriname, have a unique rice farming system. Rice is one of their main staple crops, but although previously framed as primitive and destructive, Maroon agriculture has never been studied in detail. Here we analyze the chain of operation of Maroon rice farming, the sequence of activities instrumental in reaching a desired goal, rice production. We interviewed Maroon 99 farmers and collected rice varieties from 106 farmers. We asked about their personal and cultural motivations to cultivate rice, their varieties, how they obtained them, the sequence of farming activities, and the role of men, women, and adolescents during these activities. The operation chain is complex and differs slightly among communities and the areas where they reside. Practices are influenced by seasonality, local environmental conditions, personal conditions, religion, and ethnicity. In Maroon rice farming, the main goal is to maintain food security, sovereignty, and cultural identity, not only in the short term but also in the distant future. As such, our results contrast with previous research that has described Maroon farming practices as inferior, static, and lacking ecological connection to the land.
Feasibility study of electricity generation from grey water in high-rise buildings using different types of turbines.
Authors: Gowtham Sivasubramaniam , Atul Gopika Chincholi , M Uma Shankar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The use of energy harvesting caters to sustainable alternatives; to limit the dependency on non-renewable resources. Energy harvesting from high-rise buildings using sustainable means is gaining attention in recent research. Particularly taking into consideration, high-rise buildings in high-density urban environments, where energy modelling as been a case of extreme caution for the depleting water resources. Therefore, significance into rationalizing solutions for the problem created, should be of immediate concern and need. The paper incorporates, the feasibility of using different types of turbines to generate electricity from grey water in high raised buildings. An experimental study is carried out to simulate the scenario of a high-rise building and the best suited turbine is finalized by - energy output measurement and its commercial advantage based on the Indian scenario. A scaled down 3-d printed model is fabricated into mechanism constructed, to generate electricity. The method of dimensional analysis is used to relate to the scaled-up assembly of the turbines to hence correlate the results obtained. An additional design optimization of the turbines is also conducted suite the needs of the actual set-up.
Photobiomodulation in the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis After Covid-19: A Prospective Study
Authors: Pereira Pâmela Camila , de Lima Carlos José , Villaverde Antonio Balbin , Fernandes Adriana Barrinha , Zângaro Renato Amaro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a frequent long-term complication in post-COVID-19 patients, reducing lung capacity, unblocking pro-fibrotic cells and leading to lung scarring. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising technique in reducing inflammation and cytokine storm and is strongly indicated for post-COVID-19 patients to improve cardiopulmonary functions and reduce respiratory distress. Objective: To verify the efficacy of PBM in association with physical therapy rehabilitation in patients with post-COVID-19 PF. Materials and Methods. The cohort consisted of 30 patients undergoing treatment for COVID-19, distributed into three groups of 10 patients: PBM1, PBM2 and Sham. PBM used a vest containing 300 LEDs (l=940nm) distributed in 2088 cm², with a total optical power of 6 W, which was positioned over the thoracoabdominal region. Physiotherapy care was performed twice a week for 6 weeks, with FBM previously applied for 15 minutes. Pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary conditioning, dyspnea on exertion and SpO2% were assessed. Statistical analysis used two unpaired Student's t-tests, tailed with p<0.05. Results: Regarding MIP, MEP and FEV1, it was observed that the FBM1 group showed a statistically significant improvement in pulmonary recovery in relation to the FBM2 group, for the three variables. The analysis of lung capacity for the 6MWT (6-Minute Walk Test), FBM1 vs FBM2 and FBM1 vs Sham showed a statistical difference with p<0.001. Conclusion: FBM in association with cardiopulmonary rehabilitation after COVID-19 was extremely relevant for the recovery of pulmonary function in patients affected by PF.