bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research of the Influence of the Scheme and Modes of Pressing Steel and Cast Iron Chips on the Energy-Power Parameters of the Briquetting Process
Authors: Dyakonov O. M. , Litvinko A. A. 
Published: August 2024

The paper presents the results of an experimental study of the process of hot briquetting of fine-grained ferrous metal waste in a mold with a movable matrix. It has been established that in order to achieve the required density of finished briquettes of 90–95 % (one of the main quality criteria for modern metallurgical production), in the temperature range of hea-ting the charge of 700–850 °C, the pressing pressure reaches values of 470–500 MPa. The use of molds with a movable matrix ensures reduction in pressure and pressing force of ductile low- and medium-carbon steels up to 45 %, high-carbon, low ductility and difficult to deform - up to 35 %, cast iron – up to 25 %. The specific work of deformation (energy costs) when hea-ting waste ferrous metals to temperatures of incomplete hot deformation is reduced by 2.3–2.5 times. Compared to briquetting in a fixed matrix at the same temperatures, the specific work of deformation is reduced by 15–20 %. The process of deformation compaction of a discrete porous body occurs with minimal impact of lateral contact friction forces, since the compaction front (compacted chip layer) moves together with the matrix in the same direction with minimal relative displacement of the friction surfaces. The nature of deformation compaction and the level of resistance to deformation depend on the initial state of the material: the higher the plasticity of the metal, the more intense the compaction density increases; the higher the initial density and yield strength, the greater the pressing pressure must be applied to achieve the same density value. Fine additives of metallic or non-metallic origin fill the voids between larger fractions of chips and thus increase the initial compaction density and the pressure gradient as density increases.
Low-Energy Manufacturing Technology and Physical and Technical Properties of Cellular Concrete Autoclave-Free Hardening on Granitoid Micro-Filler
Authors: Samuilov Yu. D. , Batyanovsky E. I. 
Published: August 2024

The material in the paper reflects the main stages and results of the development of low-energy-intensive technology for producing cellular aerated concrete without autoclave hardening using a micro-filler based on granite screenings for prefabricated and monolithic construction, including its application in 3D concreting technology [1–10]. The paper has made it possible to develop and experimentally to substantiate: methods for calculating the composition of aerated concrete according to the criteria of density and compressive strength in the range of grades D350–D900 and classes B0.5–B7.5 for structural and thermal insulation purposes, as well as grades D100–D300 (compressive strength 0.04–1.5 MPa) for thermal insulation purposes in conjunction with the dispersion of the applied micro-fillers from ground granite screening with a specific surface area, respectively: Ssp ~ 3000–500 cm2/g for structural and thermal insulation, and for thermal insulation aerated concrete: Ssp ~ 30000 cm2/g (micro-silica) and Ssp ~ 20000 cm2/g (ultra-disperse fractions of granite screenings) – for thermal insulating aerated concrete; methodology for monitoring the rheological (technological) properties of aerated concrete mixtures that provide the required conditions for the structure formation of aerated concrete of calculated compositions, a method for evaluating the lateral pressure of a mixture when laying in formwork (molds), as well as a method and device for non-destructive testing of both the kinetics of strength growth of hardening and the strength of hardened or used cellular concrete, obtained according to the developed or other technology. Modes of non-heating and low-energy (including steaming at atmospheric pressure) technology of cellular aerated concrete of non-autoclave hardening have been developed, which makes it possible to abandon energy-consuming, technically complex and expensive autoclave equipment in the manufacture of prefabricated products and provides the possibility of using the developed technology of thermal insulating aerated concrete in monolithic construction, including heat and sound insulation of the walls of buildings made using 3D concreting technology, as well as the construction (installation) in removable and non-removable formwork of building structures using aerated concrete for structural and thermal insulation purposes.
Evidence of Synchronization between Solar Activity and Agricultural Performance in Germany
Authors: Sierra-Figueredo P , Sol-Sánchez Angel , Zuniga-Gonzalez C.A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Taking into account what has been reported by numerous authors over the past decades regarding the causal relationship between Space Weather and solar eruptive activity and the Biosphere in general, it is of scientific and practical interest to delve into the connections that have shown some relationship, aiming to counteract the negative effects and leverage the potential benefits of using such knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Such is the case of agricultural performance, where in recent years its relationship and synchronization with the multi-year cycles of solar activity have been identified. The eleven-year cycles (11 ± 1 years) of solar activity, recorded since 1700, have been forecasted with considerable precision in recent decades concerning the occurrence of minimums and maximums. This allows for anticipation, with corresponding error, of the years expected to witness increases or decreases in agricultural productivity for numerous crops demonstrating the mentioned synchronization. This insight could lead to better resource planning in the short and medium term, aiming to achieve a more favorable cost-benefit ratio and profitability in the agri-food industry, which constitutes the objective of this type of research.
Methodology:
The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and tools from Microcal Origin 6.0 were employed.
Results
The results of the analysis of time series data on the yield of 10 economically important agricultural products in Germany concerning solar activity cycles are presented. These were graphically analyzed using cross-correlation and their spectra.
Conclusion
The obtained result supports the hypothesis of a temporal association between the studied phenomena.
The effect of supplementation on reproduction and weight in extensively managed beef cattle in the Eastern Kalahari bushveld
Authors: Diamond Siphokazi , Grobler S.M. , Scholtz M.M , Morey L. , Fourie P.J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

A cow’s lifetime productivity is influenced not only by breed and age at first calving, but also by feeding conditions and appropriate supplementation. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of two different lick supplementation strategies between weaning and first conception on the calving percentage and weight over the first three calving seasons. In the study, 24 Bonsmara heifers were divided into two groups of 12 animals each after weaning. The two heifer groups received the same mineral lick during summer. During winter months (April – September), the one group received a protein rich winter lick (400g/kg protein) while the second group received a production lick (winter lick supplemented with yellow maize in a ratio of 2:1). The heifers were bred naturally at 24 months during a three-month summer breeding season (December – February). Calving percentage and reconception rate of the group which received production lick in the winter was 92%, 50% and 58% for the first, second and third calving seasons. This was significantly higher than the calving percentage of 67%, 42% and 33% for the group which received only winter lick. Cow weight at calving and calf 205 day corrected weaning weight were higher over the three consecutive calving seasons for the heifers receiving production lick during winter. These results indicate that it may be worthwhile to provide good supplementation before the first breeding season for the incentive of a better calving percentage and higher calf weaning weights up to the third calving season.
Sulfo-Phospho-Vanillin-based screening for identification of Aurantiochytrium strains with elevated DHA levels
Authors: Renta Person Pesona , Huang Da-You , Yu Ping-Hao , Chen Yi-Min 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aurantiochytrium are protists found in marine and estuarine environments, known for producing high quantities of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The commercial viability of this species is currently hindered by the lack of reliable screening methods for the rapid identification of strains with high DHA content. This study developed a high-throughput screening platform based on the Sulfo-Phospho-Vanillin (SPV) reaction, which produces a pink chromophore upon reacting with C-C double bonds in lipids. Analysis of 200 strains derived through the UV mutagenesis of the Aurantiochytrium limacinumstrain BL10 revealed 7 strains that exhibited significantly elevated SPV reactivity, compared to the naïve strain. In subsequent GC-MS analysis, 4 of the 7 strains exhibited DHA levels that were significantly higher than those of the naïve strain. The proposed SPV reaction protocol shows considerable potential for the high-throughput screening of Aurantiochytrium strains with high DHA content, whether isolated from nature or derived via mutagenesis.
Brillouin light scattering microscopy reveals micro-mechanical inhomogeneities of the apple fruit cuticle
Authors: Landes Timm , Khanal Bishnu , Bethge Hans , Lehrich Tina , Kilic Maximilian , Renz Franz , Zabic Miroslav , Knoche Moritz , Heinemann Dag 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The cuticle is a polymeric membrane covering all plant aerial organs of primary origin. It regulates water loss and defends against environmental stressors and pathogens. Despite its significance, understanding the micro-mechanical properties of the cuticle (cuticular membrane; CM) remains limited. In this study, non-invasive Brillouin light scattering (BLS) spectroscopy was applied to probe the micro-mechanics of native CM, dewaxed CM (DCM), and isolated cutin matrix (CU) of mature apple fruit. The Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) decreased significantly with wax extraction from the CM and further decreased with polysaccharide extraction from the DCM, consistent with tensile test results. Spatial heterogeneity was observed by BLS microscopy of the CM, with BFS of the anticlinal region being significantly smaller than that of the periclinal region. In the DCM, BFS was higher in the periclinal than in the anticlinal region, while in the CU, BFS was similar in both regions. The key conclusions are: (1) BLS is sensitive to micro-mechanical variations, particularly stiffness, offering novel insights into the CM’s micro-mechanical behavior and underlying chemical structures; (2) CM exhibits spatial micro-mechanical inhomogeneity, with periclinal regions being stiffer than anticlinal regions, likely due to the heterogeneous distribution of wax and polysaccharides.
Genetic Parameters and Correlations Between Growth Traits and Packed Cell Volume of N’dama Cattle in the Gambia
Authors: Nyabally Kebba , Okeno Tobias , Muasya Thomas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The evolution of body weight under the natural trypanosome challenge and its association with disease tolerance to trypanosomosis is of utmost economic importance in cattle. This study estimated heritability for growth traits and packed cell volume (PCV) and their genetic correlations in the N’Dama cattle in the Gambia. A total of 2,488, 2,442, 1,471, 1,934, and 1,452 bodyweight records at 12 months (WT12), 16 months (WT16), 18 months (WT18), 24 months (WT24), 36 months (WT36) and 50 months (WT50) and 1,782, 1,800, 1,844, 1,608, and 1,459 records for PCV at 12 months (PCV12) 18 months (PCV18), 24 months (PCV24), 36 months (PCV36), and 50 months (PCV50), respectively, were analysed. Genetic parameters were estimated using univariate and multivariate animal models using the GIBBSF90 software. Least square means for WT12, WT18, WT24, WT36 and WT50 were 75.08±0.37kg, 95.58±0.52, 123.80±0.52kg, 149.90±0.73kg and 190.37±0.68kg, respectively. The Least square means for PCV declined from 24.56±0.18 at 12 months of age to 23.18±0.19 at 50 months. Heritability estimates for growth ranged from 0.47±0.05 at 12 months to 0.31±0.06 at 50 months, while for PCV the estimates were 0.09±0.01 to 0.15±0.01. Genetic correlations between bodyweights were high and positive (0.73±0.01 to 0.96±0.01) while those between PCV traits were low to medium and positive (0.16±0.04 to 0.56±0.02). Genetic correlations between bodyweight and PCV range from -0.14±0.02 to 0.59±0.02. BW18 and PCV18 had high heritability estimates and as well as the highest genetic correlation and therefore could be used as selection criteria for body weight and trypanotolerance, respectively.
Maximum Flow Model with Multiple Origin and Destination and Its Application in Designing Urban Drainage Systems
Authors: Mu Ren , Liang Bohan , Zhang Shuyi , Wang Shiliang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

With the frequent occurrence of extreme global weather and the rapid advancement of urbanization, the problem of urban waterlogging is becoming increasingly severe. This paper proposes new multi-origin and multi-destination maximum flow models by combining objective programming method with graph theory. Through these models, we have achieved an idealized design of urban drainage systems, an intelligent adjustment for drainage systems, and a low-cost optimization and improvement methods for pipeline networks. The related results based on a certain area in Changchun City indicate that the models proposed in this paper not only have strong real-life application value in the designing of urban drainage systems but also have more general applications in other fields such as traffic flow and logistics supply chain planning.
Comprehensive Analysis of Clinical Phenotype and Genetic Characteristics in Chinese Children with Retinoblastoma Caused by RB1 Gene Variant
Authors: fu zheng , yang hui , xiong weiwei , yin xue , fang weifang , li xiuting , wei xixiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: To summarize the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of 15 children with RB1 gene variant in Chinese population.
Methods: Case series study, Retrospective analysis. From January 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024, clinical data and genetic testing results of 15 children with retinoblastoma caused by RB1 gene mutation admitted to Xiamen Hospital of Fudan University Affiliated Pediatrics Hospital.Retrieve the PubMed database using keywords such as "China", "Retinoplastoma", and "RB1 genetic mutations", and collect English literature from the establishment of the database until March 2024.To describe and summarize the main clinical manifestations and genotype characteristics of children with retinoblastoma caused by RB1 gene variant.
Results: In this study, 15 children with 25 eyes, 8 males and 7 females, were diagnosed at 7 to 36 months, mean 16.00 ± 8.61 months; 10 patients affected both eyes and 5 single eyes. In the main complaint, 2 cases found no vision on physical examination, and 13 cases had white pupil. None of the 15 cases had a family genetic history.Whole-exon sequencing analysis found that 14 of 15 children were heterozygous for RB1 variant, 1 was chimeric variant, and 5 cases were not reported in the literature(c.608-1G>A, c.1818T>A, c.962dupA, c.2086A>T, c.574A>T. All 15 children were treated with eye preservation, including superselected arterial interventional chemotherapy, freezing, photocoagulation, systemic chemotherapy, eye picking, etc. The follow-up time was about 12-132 months, with an average of 39.20 ± 24.07 months, all with normal living conditions.
Conclusions: Genetic testing is still an effective method to confirm RB1 gene variation. The supplementary RB1 gene variation spectrum of Chinese people can provide a basis for the early diagnosis and treatment and genetic counseling of children.
Understanding the Learning Experience of Chinese Nursing Students in an English-Medium Instructional Program: Growth and Challenges
Authors: Liang Qianyu , Zheng Jiaqi , Zhang Weichen , Liu Qinxian , Lin Xiaodan , Guo Miaolan , Su Jing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Most previous studies on English-Medium Instruction (EMI) in the healthcare field have shown diverse and sometimes contradictory results. There is limited research on the understanding of the educational impacts of EMI in different cultural contexts.Purpose In depth explore the Chinese nursing students' learning experience under EMI teaching mode.Methods Thirty-two undergraduate students from Nursing EMI program were selected using convenience sampling to participate in Focus Group Discussion (FGD).Results Three major themes have been extracted: benefits of English Medium Instruction, challenges encountered during the process of Nursing EMI, students’ suggestions on Nursing EMI. These three major themes encompass fifteen sub-themes.Conclusion The Nursing EMI program has improved students’ comprehensive professionalism and international competency, however, coping with using English as the medium of instruction in China’s Nursing education remains in exploratory stage, and requires further educational revolution.
Research on the formation and precipitation of the southwest vortex impacted by the Plateau Vortex
Authors: Ai-juan Bai , Zhao Wang , Jin-feng Bai , Ye Yin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the source, trajectory, and the precipitation patterns of the SouthWest (SW) vortex, which was linked with the Plateau (P) vortex. Based on the statistical study on the cases, 1) the SW vortex tended to originate at the northeastern and western peripheries of the Sichuan Basin, normally coinciding with the presence of the P vortices in the eastern region of the Tibetan Plateau. 2) Most of the aforementioned vortices may exhibit a longer life span. When these SW vortices remained within or in close proximity to the Basin, they resulted in severe storms of averaging approximately 50 mm per day. Once they departed from the Basin, eastern and southern China experienced rainfall exceeding 100 mm per day. In this regard, this study carried out an composite examination on 8 cases of SW vortices originated within the Basin, focusing on their common structure and precipitation formation mechanism. Subsequent findings were obtained from the composite examination: 1) The SW vortex and the P vortex were attributed from an ‘Ω’ circulation originating from blocking high pressure in the mid-high latitude region. The formation of the SW vortex was notably influenced by the significant action of two air currents. In the lower troposphere, the southwesterly jet of the South Asian monsoon flowed over and around the Yungui Plateau before entering the Basin from the eastern direction. Simultaneously, cold and dry air originating from the north flowed into the Basin at an average altitude of 600 hPa, moving alongside the front of the blocking high. The convergence of the two air current resulted in the horizontal wind shear, facilitating the movement of the cyclone of SW vortex. 2) Regarding the structure, both the SW vortex and the P vortex displayed a shallow synoptic system characterized by a vertical profile in the field of geopotential height below 500 hPa. Meanwhile, wet-cold cores formed around the sources at low altitudes, while the cyclonic eddy circulation from the vorticity extended into the upper troposphere. 3) The analysis on the atmospheric instability and dynamics suggested that the vortices’ eddies generated significant convective instability at lower levels, while the deep eddy circulation resulted in the convergence of water vapor and momentum forcing. The circulation patterns and instability conditions facilitated the occurrence of heavy precipitation associated with the SW vortex. Additionally, the presence of ample water vapor and subsequent latent heat served intensify rainstorm, thereby establishing a positive feedback effect cycle.
Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Cluster Headache: Lessons to Learn from the ‘Voltage Tuners’
Authors: Kollenburg Linda , Arnts Hisse , Heitkamp Mieke , Geerts Suzanne , Robinson Christopher , Dominguez Moises , Mulleners Wim , Kurt Erkan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Cluster headache (CH) is a significant health concern due to its major socioeconomic consequences and most patients being refractory to conventional strategies. For treatment resistant CH, occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is considered an effective treatment option. Whereas most patients do not adjust the amplitude of the ONS system, a subset changes the amplitude on a regular basis using their remote control, and are therefore referred to as ‘voltage tuners’. Anxiety and self-control are thought to be central themes to this behavior. Research on this voltage tuning behavior could provide new insights in the use of ONS as acute attack treatment. To date, voltage tuning has not been assessed for CH. Hence this is a unique study aiming to investigate the occurrence and efficacy of voltage tuning in patients with CH and ONS.
Methods: For this analysis, patients with CH who received ONS from 2020-2024, at our university medical center, were included. All patients underwent bilateral ONS implantation. Data on attack frequency, intensity and duration were collected retrospectively. Outcomes on the response, frequency, moment during the day, duration, rationale, sensation, average increase in amplitude, and efficacy of voltage tuning were collected with prospective interviews.
Results: Thirty-three patients (M=20)(42±12.7 years) were included in the current analysis. At 1y follow-up, an overall response rate of 70% (23/33) was found for ONS. In total, 48% (18/33) of patients were defined as voltage tuners. Voltage tuning was performed with an average increase in amplitude of 92 (20-360)%, a frequency of 1-20 times/month and duration of 20 minutes-48 hours. Sensations of voltage tuning were described as ‘’tingling’’ and/or ‘’pinching’’. The rationale for voltage tuning in patients varied from prevention and ceasing to lowering the intensity and enhance control of CH attack.
Conclusion: Outcomes show that voltage tuning may cease and/or terminate CH attacks and therefore raise interests in the use of ONS as acute attack treatment for patients with resistant CH treated with ONS. Future research on the occurrence and potential of voltage tuning will provide valuable insights for achieving optimal efficacy of ONS and quality of life in patients with CH.