bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spin-observation revealing mechanism of low but stable device performance in a perovskite solar cell with a novel high-local-mobility hole-transport material
Authors: Marumoto Kazuhiro , Zou Xiangtao , Watanabe Takahiro , Kimata Haru , Xue Dong , Shimazaki Ai , Truong Minh Anh , Wakamiya Atsushi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells have attracted much attention as a next-generation solar cell. However, a typical hole-transport material (HTM), spiro-OMeTAD, has associated difficulties including tedious synthesis and high cost. To overcome these shortcomings, an easily synthesized and low-cost HTM has been developed: HND-2NOMe. Although HND-2NOMe has high local charge mobility because of the quasi-planar structure, its lower device performance compared to spiro-OMeTAD is a weak point, the cause of which has not yet been clarified. This report describes the source of the lower performance of HND-2NOMe-based devices by clarifying the internal charge and defect states from a microscopic viewpoint using electron spin resonance (ESR). Hole diffusion from perovskite to HND-2NOMe is clearly demonstrated under dark conditions, indicating hole barrier formation at the perovskite – HND-2NOMe interface, leading to lower performance. Although such a barrier is formed, less hole accumulation for the cells with HND-2NOMe under solar irradiation occurs, probably because of the high local mobility compared to spiro-OMeTAD, which is related to the stable performance. Results of this study show sources of the lower but stable performance by clarifying the internal states during device operation from a microscopic viewpoint, which is crucially important for providing guidelines for improving the device performance.
Synthesis, characterization and biological activities of novel mononuclear nickel(II), copper(II) and chromium(III) complexes with N,N-dilaurylsubstituted thiazolidine-4-one-5-acetic acid ligand
Authors: Aksoy Mehmet Suat , Yıldırım Ayhan , Sarıkaya Aslı Göçenoğlu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

For the first time, a thiazolidine-4-one-5-acetic acid with two long hydrocarbon chains was chosen as ligand and the corresponding metal complexes with Cr(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) salts were prepared. Analytical and spectroscopic studies have shown that the metal complexes are most likely to have a distorted octahedral geometry comprised of carboxylate and amide carbonyl O atoms and four isopropyl alcohol ligands inside the coordination sphere. According to molar conductivity measurements, all three complexes are not electrolyte in nature. The newly prepared complexes have been tested for their antifungal and antibacterial activity against C. albicans and S. aureus respectively. The Ni(II) complex exhibited good antifungal activity against C. albicans, while the Cu(II) complex showed better antibacterial activity against S. aureus than the other complexes.
Determinants of Vascular Impairment in Type 1 Diabetes; Impact of Sex and Connexin 37 Gene Polymorphism, Cross-sectional study.
Authors: Pithova Pavlina , Cichrova Michaela , Kvapil Milan , Hubacek Jaroslav , Dlouha Dana , Pitha Jan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Predictors of cardiovascular complications are well established in type 2 diabetes but not in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We analyzed the association between traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors and macro- and microvascular parameters in T1D patients and modification of these associations by sex and genetic factors.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study we analyzed in T1D patients younger than 65 years the association of wide range of cardiovascular risk factors with vascular parameters represented by ankle brachial index (ABI), toe brachial index (TBI), by duplex ultrasound measured presence of plaques in carotid and femoral arteries (Belcaro score) and intima media thickness of carotid arteries (CIMT), by photoplethysmography measured interbranch index expressed as Oliva/Roztocil index (ORI), and renal parameters represented by urine albumin/creatinine ratio (uACR) and cystatin C filtration rate. We evaluated these associations by multivariate regression analysis including interactions with sex and gene for connexin 37 (cx37) polymorphism (rs1764391).
Results
In 235 men and 227 women (mean age 43.6 ± 13.6 years; mean duration of diabetes 22.1 ± 11.3 years) pulse pressure was the strongest predictor of unfavorable values of most of vascular parameters under study (ABI, TBI, Belcaro scores, uACR and ORI) while plasma lipids represented by remnant cholesterol (cholesterol – LDL-HDL cholesterol), atherogenic index of plasma (log (triglycerides/HDL cholesterol) and Lp(a) were associated mainly with renal impairment (uACR, cystatin C clearance and lipoprotein (a)). Plasma non-HDL cholesterol (total – HDL cholesterol) was not associated with any vascular parameter under study. In contrast to the pulse pressure, the associations of lipid parameters with renal and vascular parameters were modified by sex and cx37 gene.
Conclusion
Pulse pressure was the strongest determinant for macro- and microvascular parameters in T1D and was not influenced by sex and genetic factors while lipid parameters were associated mostly with renal impairment and were modified by sex and genetic factors.
Potential Antibacterial Applications and Synthesis, Structural, Magnetic, Optical, and Dielectric Characterization of Nickel-Substituted Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Reda Tesfay Gebremichael , Samatha K. , Sanasi Paul Douglas , Parajuli D. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Nanoparticle technology is fast progressing and is being employed in innumerable medical applications. At this time, the public's health is seriously threatened by the rise of bacterial strains resistant to several medications. Metal nanoparticles are a potential alternate approach for tackling this global concern, and this is the main focus of this study. The citrate precursor sol-gel synthesis method was used to synthesize the, Ni_x Co_(1-x) Fe_2 O_4, (where x = 0.0:0.2:1.0) nanoparticle. XRD identified the development of the cubic crystal structure to have a preferential orientation along (311), and the average particle size was found to be 29-38 nm. The average crystallizes assessed with ImageJ software and origin 22 of the SEM are nearly identical to the XRD results. In the created NCF NPs, the FT-IR spectroscopy reveals structural examinations and the redistribution of cations between octahedral (505-428 cm-1) and tetrahedral (653-603 cm-1) locales. Finally, the decrease of coercive fields HC, 2384 Oe to 241.93 Oe replacement of Co2+ cation with Ni2+. Band gap energy rises as Ni concentration increases, which may be attributed to the fact that the ionic radii of Ni2+ ions are smaller than that of Co2+ ions, which results in a strong electrostatic interaction. On the contrary, except at x = 0.4, the dielectric constant decreases as the nickel concentration increases. According to the findings of this research work, nanoparticles composed of Ni_0.4 Co_0.4 Fe_2 O_4 have demonstrated a promising value against S. aureus and E. coli, and it suggests a proposed model for their potential use as a new source of antibacterial agent.
Real-Time Spatiotemporal Denoising Volumetric Rendering in Three-Dimensional Visualization of Puncturing Navigation
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Jie , Shen Nanyan , Li Yingjie , Song Ping , Wang Yan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In medical diagnosis and surgical treatment, particularly in tumor puncturing surgeries, the importance of three-dimensional visualization of medical data is increasingly recognized. Traditional two-dimensional imaging techniques are limited in spatial and depth perception. This study introduces a novel real-time spatiotemporal denoising volumetric rendering technique aimed at enhancing three-dimensional visualization in puncturing navigation systems. By analyzing existing volumetric rendering methods, a spatiotemporal filtering approach is proposed. This approach filters images rendered with one sample per pixel by calculating inter-frame motion vectors in the time domain and utilizing auxiliary features in the spatial domain. It effectively reduces the noise from Monte Carlo estimations and enhances the clarity of three-dimensional organ structures. This technique achieves real-time performance exceeding 30 Hz on commercial-grade Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). The real-time spatiotemporal denoising volumetric rendering significantly enhances the three-dimensional visualization quality in puncturing navigation systems, achieving a balance between high-quality rendering and real-time performance, meeting clinical needs. This technology also has broad application potential in medical training, surgical simulation, and remote collaboration.
CRAmed: A conditional randomization test for high-dimentional mediation analysis in sparse microbiome data
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Xu Xiangnan , Wang Tao , Xu Peirong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Numerous microbiome studies have revealed significant associations between the microbiome and human health and disease. These findings have motivated researchers to explore the causal role of microbiome in human complex traits and diseases. However, the complexities of microbiome data pose challenges for statistical analysis and interpretation of causal effects.
Results: We introduced a novel statistical framework, CRAmed, for inferring the mediating role of the microbiome between treatment and outcome. CRAmed improved the interpretability of the mediation analysis by decomposing the natural indirect effect into two parts, corresponding to the presence-absence and abundance of a microbe, respectively. Comprehensive simulations demonstrated the superior performance of CRAmed in recall, precision, and F1 score, with a notable level of robustness, compared to existing mediation analysis methods. Furthermore, two real data applications illustrated the effectiveness and inter pretability of CRAmed.
Conclusion: Our research revealed that CRAmed holds promise for uncovering the mediating role of the microbiome and understanding of the factors influencing host health.
Intelligent Design Methodology: A Fusion of Fuzzy Logic, Axiomatic Design, and Meta-Heuristic Optimization for Airplane Design
Authors: Shafieenejad I. , Nourianpour M. A. , Banitalebidehkordi M. R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This article presents a novel methodology for airplane design, integrating fuzzy logic, axiomatic design, and meta-heuristic optimization algorithms tailored for general aviation projects. The primary contribution of this study lies in the synthesis of conventional design practices with fuzzy and axiomatic decision-making and powerful meta-heuristic optimization algorithms. Five distinct phases are delineated in the intelligent design process of the airplane. Initially, airplane design parameters are established based on conventional methods. Subsequently, fuzzy logic is employed to make decisions based on these parameters in accordance with the conventional design criteria. Additionally, the axiomatic design method is utilized to identify values crucial to the design process. Furthermore, meta-heuristic optimization algorithms are deployed at various stages of the proposed novel algorithm to attain optimal design points. Notably, four robust optimization algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO), Artificial Bee Colony(ABC), Firefly Algorithm(FA), and Gray Wolf Optimization(GWO), are utilized for verification purposes. The adoption of robust, precise, and intelligent systematic approaches in airplane design is deemed imperative to meet stringent requirements effectively. Ultimately, the design values obtained lead to the optimal configuration of a 19-seat airplane, which undergoes rigorous comparison, verification, and validation against existing airplane models. In summary, the fusion of fuzzy logic, axiomatic design, and potent meta-heuristic optimization algorithms presents a new and innovative methodology in airplane design, promising significant advancements in the field of airplane designing.
Influence of Floods and Pollutants on Development of Plant Abiotic Stress in the Amur River Floodlands
Authors: Makhinov Aleksei , Kryukova Maria , Makhinova Aleksandra 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Effects of floods on chemical pollution of floodplain soils and abiotic stress on plants were assessed. The presented research has revealed that hydrological conditions (flooding depth, temperature regime of flood waters and flood duration) affect the survival of plant species. The resulting hydrological regime and high concentrations of pollutants in flood waters cause abiotic stress for floodplain vascular plants. The intensification of riverbed processes reduces the stability of the habitats of meadow complexes, disrupts the ratio of their species composition and affects changes in the structure of the vegetation cover. Consequences of such changes are still poorly understood. The concentration of soluble compounds of heavy metals in soils and their absorption by plant roots has a decisive influence on mechanisms of regulation of enzymes and metabolism of vascular plants. Emerging toxicity effect contributes to the development of abiotic stress on certain types of plant communities (phenomenon chlorosis). Plants affected by heavy metals have shorter root and stem lengths. It is emphasized that concentrations of Fe3(2)+, Zn 2(1)+ and Cu2(1)+ in soil solutions identify the specificity of plant responses to abiotic stress. Mechanisms and interrelationships of these events are described. Despite significant progress in understanding of many aspects of floodings as an abiotic stressor no synthesis and analysis of the obtained data have been made so far. This study discusses the toxic effects caused by various heavy metals in plants. This is our first attempt to contribute to such research attempts.
Instantaneous tiltmeter triggered by dynamic wetting behavior
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhan Fei , Li Nan , Wang Shuizhong , Liu Jing , Song Guoyong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A novel instantaneous tiltmeter with dynamic and static monitoring functions is reported that is based on liquid metal dynamic wetting behavior in a bio-fabricated anisotropic microchannel. The proposed system achieves instantaneous tiltmeter functionality, offering a broad detection range (-90o to 90o) with high precision (0.05o), a rapid reaction time (0.11 s), and enhanced durability. Moreover, a seamless integration has enabled water wave detection, language programming and human limb monitoring. Especially, the integration of tiltmeter and a 3D motion platform results in a surface structure scanning system capable of effectively performing large area (＞200 cm2) and height difference scanning functions. This innovative approach holds great potential for transformative changes in the fields of advanced manufacturing, flexible robotics, and the flexible sensing, further facilitating widespread adoption.
Genetic Algorithm Incorporating Group Theory for Solving the Euclidean Travelling Salesman Problem
Authors: Singh Dharm Raj , Chaurasia Sachchida Nand , Sigh Manoj Kumar , Verma Anshul 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a novel Genetic Algorithm (GA) designed to tackle the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) with remarkable efficacy. It integrates group theory into population initialization, employs Partially Matched Crossover (PMX), and adopts a 2-optimal mutation strategy. The pioneering approach harnesses algebraic structures in constructing group tours, utilizing integer addition modulo n within Zn to generate varied initial solutions. By ensuring that each individual/ tour shares an identical node order but begins from a distinct starting node, the initial population enhances diversity. This distinctiveness in starting nodes facilitates thorough exploration of the entire search space.
The Partially Matched Crossover operator, grounded in principles of order, is a crucial mechanism for transferring sequence and value characteristics from parental to offspring tours. This operation effectively guides a strong local search. Subsequently, applying a 2-opt optimal mutation seeks to refine the solution further, targeting a more globally optimal outcome. The effectiveness of this methodology is evaluated through experiments with TSP instances sourced from the widely recognized TSPLIB. Furthermore, the superiority of our proposed approach is demonstrated through comparisons with state-of-the-art methods developed within hybrid frameworks. Statistical analyses underscore the significance and effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Assessing climate change impacts on irrigation water requirements in the Lower Mahanadi Basin: A CMIP6-based spatiotemporal analysis and future projections
Authors: Kumari Pushpanjali , Jaiswal Rahul Kumar , Singh Harendra Prasad 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Climate change heightens India's agricultural risks, particularly in nations like India heavily reliant on farming. Previous studies focused on Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase (CMIP3) and (CMIP5) scenarios for large river basins, but the heightened risk of local climate changes poses a significant threat to smaller basins, notably affecting crops. This study investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of climate change impacts on paddy crop irrigation in India's Lower Mahanadi Basin, utilizing the latest general circulation models (GCMs) from the CMIP6, focuses on two emission scenarios, SSP585 and SSP370. Thirteen models were analysed, top six were selected based on statistical criteria like PBIAS, NSE, R2, RSR, and RMSE. Models project climate changes for near- (2025–2050), mid- (2051–2075), and far-future (2076–2100) periods against a baseline (1981–2014), investigating spatiotemporal variations in rainfall, temperature, and irrigation water requirements (IWRs) in the region. In both scenarios, future mean seasonal rainfall is expected to increase compared with the baseline. SSP370 projects a 23.7% rise in minimum rainfall, while maximum rainfall varies by 11.5%. SSP585, on the other hand, projects a 9.53% decrease in maximum IWR and a 28.9% increase in maximum rainfall compared with the baseline. Both scenarios anticipate a 3–4 °C temperature increase in the far-future.
Emergency monitoring layout model for sudden water pollution accidents in water distribution networks
Authors: Yang Haidong , Wang Aihua , Liu Biyu 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

The layout of emergency monitoring points (EMPs) in water distribution networks is one of the main measures to ensure the water safety of residents and preserve the sustainable development of cities and society. The impact factors on the layout of EMPs are first analyzed. Then, a new emergency monitoring layout model is presented with the goal of maximizing the number of the excluded possible sources and minimizing the formulated time of emergency response. Finally, taking EPANET Network 3 as a simulation case to verify the proposed model. The results show the new layout model can effectively exclude 60% of the number of possible sources, and shorten 18% of the formulated time of emergency response measure. There are many factors that affect the layout of EMPs, which mainly include the time of arranging EMPs, the latest time to formulate the emergency response measure, the number of emergency monitoring equipment available, and the relative error criteria of pollutant concentration, from apparently to slightly. It provides a new idea for emergency decision-makers to deal with sudden water pollution accidents in water distribution networks.
Dynamics of antimicrobial resistance and susceptibility profile in full-scale hospital wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Esmaeili-khoshmardan Maedeh , Dabiri Hossein , Rafiee Mohammad , Eslami Akbar , Yazdanbakhsh Ahmadreza , Amereh Fatemeh , Jahangiri-rad Mahsa , Hashemi Ali 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
Drug resistance has become a matter of great concern, with many bacteria now resist multiple antibiotics. This study depicts the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and resistance patterns in five full-scale hospital wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Samples of raw influent wastewater, as well as pre- and post-disinfected effluents, were monitored for targeted ARB and resistance genes in September 2022 and February 2023. Shifts in resistance profiles of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii antimicrobial-resistant indicators in the treated effluent compared to that in the raw wastewater were also worked out. Ceftazidime (6.78 × 105 CFU/mL) and cefotaxime (6.14 × 105 CFU/mL) resistant species showed the highest concentrations followed by ciprofloxacin (6.29 × 104 CFU/mL), and gentamicin (4.88 × 104 CFU/mL), in raw influent respectively. WWTP-D employing a combination of biological treatment and coagulation/clarification for wastewater decontamination showed promising results for reducing ARB emissions from wastewater. Relationships between treated effluent quality parameters and ARB loadings showed that high BOD5 and nitrate levels were possibly contributing to the persistence and/or selection of ARBs in WWTPs. Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility tests of targeted species revealed dynamic shifts in resistance profiles through treatment processes, highlighting the potential for ARB and ARGs in hospital wastewater to persist or amplify during treatment.
Relationship between chlorine decay and nanobubble application in secondary treated wastewater
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed Khaled Abdella , Shalaby Moussa , Negim Osama , Abdel-Wahed Talaat 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

There has been numerous research on the uses of treated wastewater that needs chlorine disinfection, but none have looked at the impacts of injecting nanobubbles (NBs) on the decomposition of residual chlorine. Gas NB injection in treated wastewater improves its properties. The kinetics of disinfectant decay could be impacted by changes in treated wastewater properties. This paper studies the effect of various NB injections on the residual chlorine decay of secondary treated wastewater (STWW). It also outlines the empirical equations that were developed to represent these impacts. The results show that each type of NBs in treated wastewater had a distinct initial chlorine concentration. The outcomes demonstrated a clear impact on the decrease of the needed chlorine quantity and the reduction of chlorine decay rate when utilizing NB injection for the STWW. As a result, the residual chlorine will remain for a longer time and will resist any microbiological growth under the application of NBs on treated wastewater. Moreover, NBs in secondary treated effluent reduce chlorine usage, lowering wastewater disinfection costs.
Perspectivas sobre el efecto vinculante de las opiniones consultivas de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
Authors: Clemente Vargas Carlos 
Published: June 2024

El artículo expone las diferentes posiciones doctrinales que se han desarrollado a lo largo de los años sobre la interrogante que plantea si las opiniones consultivas de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos poseen o no un efecto vinculante para los Estados parte de la Convención Americana de Derechos Humanos, clasificándolas en 3 posiciones: 1. Aquellas que afirman que las opiniones consultivas poseen efecto vinculante; 2. Las que niegan que opiniones consultivas posean efecto vinculante alguno; 3. Las que señalan que las opiniones consultivas poseen efectos innegables pero indeterminados.