bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wastewater Treatment and Preparation for Reservoir Pressure Maintenance (rmp) System with Sodium Ferrate Solution, Produced On-Site by Membrane Electrolysis
Authors: Koniashina A. , Petkova A. , Sharafutdinova G. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Maintaining reservoir pressure is an important part if we are talking about efficient oil production. The reservoir pressure maintenance system allows oil to flow freely to the surface. This process is required to extend the life of the reservoir and maximize the efficient extraction of hydrocarbons. The quality of the oil and the service life of the system equipment directly depend on the quality of the water supplied to the reservoir.
Water treatment problems have always been an integral part of the development of society. Alkali metal ferrates are promising environmentally friendly reagents, which are the strongest oxidizing agents used in practice and capable of decomposing many chemically resistant pollutants, including critical in the preparation of water for RPM systems, such as hydrogen sulfide.
It is promising, environmentally friendly and cost-effective to use this technology for wastewater treatment and water treatment for RPM systems.
Three-dimensional thermomechanical modeling beneath southeastern Mexico, and its relation to the occurrence of interplate seismic events
Authors: Suenaga Nobuaki , Yoshioka Shoichi , Manea Vlad C. , Manea Marina , Moreno Erika J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the relationship between the occurrence region of megathrust earthquakes, slow earthquakes such as a long-term slow-slip event and tectonic tremors, and temperature fields and dehydration processes near the plate interface in the subduction zone of the Cocos plate in southern Mexico, including the Guerrero seismic gap. For this purpose, we performed numerical simulations of 3-D thermomechanical subduction modelling with a combination of multiple unknown model parameters. The unknown parameters used are 1) the downdip limit of the high-viscous region within the mantle wedge, which was introduced by considering the non-uniform thickness distribution of the continental crust, and 2) its viscosity, and 3) frictional coefficient which contributes to the amount of frictional heating at the plate interface. The optimal model that best fits the observed Curie point depth distribution was determined among them whose optimal values for the above respective values were determined to be 55 km, 1.0×1028 Pas, and 0.00085, respectively. Comparing the temperature field for the best-fit model with the occurrence region of the interplate seismic events, the interplate temperature near the occurrence region of the megathrust earthquakes, a 2001-2002, 2006, and 2010 long-term slow slip event at a downdip of the Guerrero gap in the range where the amount of slip is 10 cm or more , tectonic tremors within the seaside swarms, and tectonic tremors within the inland swarms are estimated ranging from 200 to 400℃, from 400 to 550℃, from 500 to 600℃, and from 650 to 750℃, respectively. In addition, in and around the Guerrero seismic gap for the megathrust earthquake, where the slab geometry is concave, the plate interface temperature was estimated about 100°C lower than the surrounding area at the same depth in the along-arc direction. Because it is thought that complete stick-slip behavior does not occur in this low-temperature region, and suggests that it is related to the presence of the seismic gap. Comparing estimated dehydration processes near the plate interface with interseismic events suggests that large dehydration from the MORB within the oceanic crust and the ultramafic rock within the mantle wedge were identified near the long-term slow slip event and the tectonic tremor regions, respectively.
The Protective Efficacy of Recombinant Herpesvirus of Turkey (rHVT-ND-IBD) Vaccine Against Challenge with Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus Genotype VII.1.1
Authors: Sultan Hesham A. , Hussein Hussein A. , Seida Ahmed Adel , Tantawi Laila , Gad Taha , El-Zanaty Abd Elfattah I. , Talaat Shaimaa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) outbreaks occurred in several vaccinated and non-vaccinated poultry farms all over the world causing severe economic losses despite extensive vaccination. Class II genotype VII.1.1 NDV are predominant in Middle East and Asia, despite intensive vaccination regimes. In this study the protective efficacy of recombinant herpesvirus of turkey (rHVT-ND-IBD) expressing F protein of genotype VII with either live and /or inactivated ND conventional genotype II vaccines was evaluated in broilers against challenge with velogenic Newcastle disease virus (VNDV) genotype VII.1.1 (Chicken/ USC/Egypt /2015 with accession number MG029120) strain. Four vaccination regimes were used: live ND vaccine (V4 and LaSota) alone on day 1 &14, respectively, (G4) or either with rHVT-ND-IBD vector vaccine on day 1 (G3) or inactivated NDV vaccine (G1) or rHVT-ND-IBD vector and inactivated NDV vaccines on day 1 &7, respectively. In addition, non-vaccinated birds (G5). All groups were challenged on days 21 & 28. The assessment of protection was based on seroconversion, clinical protection, mean lesion scores (MLS) of histopathological changes and tracheal virus shedding after challenge with velogenic NDV genotype VII.1.1. The results showed that all vaccinated groups (G1, G2, G3 & G4) were clinically protected in compared to severe clinical signs with 85% mortality rate of non-vaccinated group (G5) when challenged on day 21. Whereas, after challenge on day 28 the clinical signs were varied from mild (G2 & G3), moderate (G1) and severe (G4) vs very severe respiratory, neurological and gastrointestinal disorders (G5). In addition, the mortality rates were 12.5%, 0%, 0% and 50% in G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively, vs 87.5% in G5. Moreover, the tracheal virus shedding in G2 & G3 were significantly (p ≤ 0.01) reduced when compared to the G1, G4 & G5. The MLS were significantly (p ≤ 0.01) decreased in G2 and G3 when compared to other groups. It was concluded from this study that a complete clinical protection against challenge with genotype VII.I.I NDV was revealed in broilers vaccinated with live NDV genotype II and both the inactivated NDV genotype II and bivalent rHVT-IBD-ND vaccines. Upon that the combination of bivalent rHVT-IBD-ND with live and inactivated ND vaccines in broilers is recommended to obtain optimum clinical protection against genotype VII.1.1, especially in endemic countries.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on global urban expansion slowdown
Authors: Du Bo , Sun Lingyu , Wu Chen , Zhang Liangpei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In recent decades, the world has witnessed dramatic urbanization1,2. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has a great influence on global urbanization1,3. We still lack detailed information about the decline of urban expansion in different countries and regions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic4,5. Therefore, this study selected 468 representative cities, examining global urban expansion trends during the pre-pandemic (2018-2019) and post-pandemic (2020-2022) periods. The urban perspective reveals a mean 45.88% decrease in the urban expansion rate, with 46% of cities facing severe urban expansion slowdown. Cities in lower-middle-urban-area, high-income, and upper-middle-population groups are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis of the relationship between urban expansion slowdown and anti-contagion policies identifies significant variations among countries. Germany, Mexico, and Italy experience more severe impacts on urban expansion under stringent policies, while China, India, and Brazil observe less effect. United Nations subregions, Eastern Asia and Northern America, with the largest urban areas, witnessed notable reductions in urban expansion due to the pandemic, highlighting diverse global impacts on urban development. The study estimates a 90,315 km2 decrease in global urban expansion area during the post-pandemic period, constituting 46.38% of the projected expansion area in the absence of the pandemic.
Electrochemical Treatment of Wastewater containing Reactive Blue 4 (RB4) Dye: RSM and ANN Optimization, Technoeconomic Analysis and Sludge Characterization
Authors: Gautam Kajal , Kumar Yatindra , Sonawane Shriram , Kumar Sushil 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In the present study, electrochemistry based electro-coagulation (EC) process, as a green approach is used for the decolorization of Reactive Blue 4 (RB4) from simulated wastewater. A multivariate approach, response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD) is employed to model and optimize the EC process with five input variables (pH, initial concentration of dye, current density, operating time, and electrodes gap) to treat the wastewater containing RB4 dye. The efficiency of EC process is calculated in terms of % decolourization and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. A back-propagation Artificial Neural Network (BP - ANN) is also engaged to predict the % colour and % COD removal. The experimental values of %decolourization (89.3%) and COD removal (84.3%) are found very close to predicted %decolourizations (88.6% and 89.4%) and COD removal (83.4% and 84.4%) at optimized conditions [pH (X1) = 7.0; initial dye concentration (X2) = 1297.6 mgL-1; current density (X3) = 13.42 mAcm-2; contact time (X4) = 70 min and initial electrodes gap (X5) = 1.0 cm] using RSM and ANN, respectively. Techno-economic efficacy is determined in terms of an operating cost as Rs. 114.82 m-3. The physico-chemical properties of the EC process generated sludge are analyzed using FTIR and FESEM/EDX. The comparative analysis with previous studies and future perspectives of the EC process for the removal of RB4 from wastewater is also carried out.
Use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to assess xenobiotics in a river catchment using macroinvertebrates as bioindicators
Authors: Krtolica Ivana , Kamenko Ilija , Paunović Momir , Raković Maja , Popović Nataša , Atanacković Ana , Talanov Max 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Danube flows through densely populated areas and is exposed to numerous stress factors such as dams, canalisation, agriculture, and urbanisation, which cause most of the changes in the Danube catchment area. This paper highlights the benefits of using cutting-edge Machine Learning (ML) models on data gathered from the Joint Danube Survey 3 (JDS 3) dataset to detect xenobiotics in rivers using reliable biomarkers. Recognized as key indicators under the Water Framework Directive, macroinvertebrate communities specifically signal chemical pollution through their varied responses to chemical stressors. The use of ML models such as 4-Layer Perceptron, Long Short-Term Memory, and Transformer Neural Networks allows for a precise determination of the ecological conditions of rivers based on biological and chemical parameters.
Certain xenobiotics, especially pesticides like 2,4-Dinitrophenol, Chloroxuron, Bromacil, Fluoranthene, and Bentazone, showed a significant correlation with macroinvertebrates in the Danube River basin. The most suitable ML model is an Artificial Neural Network developed by a specific combination of inputs and outputs. The observation of the correlation between 2,4-Dinitrophenol and Bentazone concentrations and the macroinvertebrate communities indicates the high effectiveness of Long Short-Term Memory models in modelling the ecological status of rivers. The 4-Layer Perceptron model excels in predicting 2,4-Dinitrophenol and Fluoranthene output parameters, while Transformer Neural Networks perform optimally in modelling Bromacil and Fluoranthene concentrations with macroinvertebrates throughout the Danube River Basin. These established artificial neural network architectures can also be applied to other lotic systems and biological parameters.
Electroreduction-Driven Distorted Nanotwins to Activate Pure Cu for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Fang Fang , Li Zhe , Wang Yueshuai , Liu Hui , Du Xiwen , Xie Zhiheng , Zhou Jihan , Liu Yang , Song Yun , Wang Fei , Sui Manling , Lu Yue , Sun Dalin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Precious metals like Pt have been favored as catalysts due to their excellent catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the scarcity and high cost of precious metals have prompted researchers to explore alternative, non-precious metal catalysts. Cu is an attractive candidate for HER due to its plentiful reserves, affordability, and good electrical conductivity. However, Cu shows poor catalytic performance due to its weak binding with intermediates and is generally used as a current collector instead of a catalyst. Herein, the catalytic activity of pure Cu is greatly activated by electroreduction-driven local structure regulation, showing superior HER catalytic performance over commercial Pt/C catalysts at the working current densities greater than 100 mA cm-2 in acid electrolyte. The activation process involved two steps. First, polycrystalline Cu2O were prepared by pulsed laser ablation, resulting in abundant grain boundaries within Cu2O particles. Next, the Cu2O particles were electroreduced to nano pure Cu, inducing the formation of distorted nanotwins and edge dislocations. These local structure regulations introduce strong lattice strain and decrease the Cu coordination number, which enhance the interaction between Cu and intermediates, leading to excellent catalytic activity and durability of pure Cu catalyst. The transformation of non-active nature into high catalytic activity, coupled with the intrinsic low cost, makes pure Cu a promising HER catalyst for large-scale industrial applications.
Insight into Physiological and Biochemical Markers against Formaldehyde Stress in Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum L.)
Authors: Imtiaz Hifza , Khan Sabaz Ali , Hassan Amjad , Khan Abdul Rehman , Khurshid Ghazal , Khan Zahid Ahmad , Sajjad Yasar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Formaldehyde is a prominent volatile organic compound and also considered an indoor air pollutant. Chlorophytum comosum, an indoor plant, has been reported to metabolize indoor formaldehyde. But the phytotoxic effects of formaldehyde, being a pollutant, on C. comosum is not well explored. Furthermore, C. comocum responses that can be considered as markers at the physiological and biochemical level against formaldehyde stress are not yet investigated. Therefore, the current research study was aimed to evaluate such potential markers against formaldehyde in C. comosum. Briefly, C. comosum was exposed to 5, 10, and 20 ppm formaldehyde doses in an airtight glass chamber. Plant samples were then taken to analyze morpho-anatomical, physiological, and biochemical responses after short (2, 4, and 6 hours), medium (12 and 24 hours) and extended durations (48 and 96 hours) for each tested dose. Two-ways ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test at p ≤ 0.05 indicated that application of 10 and 20 ppm formaldehyde doses led to a significant incline in enzymatic antioxidants like CAT, GPX and SOD, and non-enzymatic parameters including TPC, TFC, T-AOC, carotenoids and intercellular CO2. However, formaldehyde application negatively affected the physiological responses of C. comosum by reducing its photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. Additionally, extended exposure of C. comosum to 10 and 20 ppm formaldehyde doses led to visible leaf damage. Principal Component Analysis indicated that enzymatic (SOD, CAT and GPX) and non-enzymatic (MDA, TPC, TFC, TAO, carotenoids, TSS and intercellular CO2) parameters contributed the most to the total variance. Thus, these parameters have potential to serve as physiological and biochemical markers in C. comosum against formaldehyde stress.
Application of IUCN Red List Criteria for Assessment of Some Savanna Trees of Nigeria, West Africa
Authors: Nodza George Isaac , Tochukwu Eze , Igbari Aramide Dolapo , Onuminya Temitope Olabisi , Ogundipe Oluwatoyin Temidayo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Nigeria is one of the most floristic rich countries on the continent of Africa due to the variation in climate, which favors the growth of several species. Sadly, its biodiversity is one of the most threatened in the world, mainly due to deforestation and various unsustainable land use patterns, which are human activities. However, these anthropogenic activities are more prevalent in Nigeria's northern savanna zone (NSZ). In this study, we present the first regional conservation assessments and red listing of tree species in the northern savanna zone (NSZ) of Nigeria according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria and categories. We recorded 31 tree species as the most utilized in the region. For the assessments, we provided the fundamental taxonomic information of each species, their local names, and their uses. This study provided the extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, population size and trend, description of habitats, and ecological requirements and discussion of the threats affecting each species and their habitats. We further inform conservation actions and research activities needed to ensure the future of the tree species and their sustainable uses. Overall, approximately 97% of the taxa were evaluated as threatened (41% as endangered, 31% as critically endangered, 24% as vulnerable, and 4% as least concerned). Therefore, we recommend the adoption of the risk status of the species to develop sound conservation strategies and measures for the management of flora in this inundated region.
Development and numerical validation of a simplified method of analysis for the final steady state of sloping capillary barriers under constant intensity rain
Authors: Wheeler Simon J. , Mudcharoen Paverean , Scarfone Riccardo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A new simplified method of analysis is proposed for predicting the final steady state behaviour of sloping capillary barriers subjected to continuous rain of constant intensity. In contrast to an existing simplified method, the proposed new method assumes approximate final steady state suction profiles on vertical cross-sections of the finer layer that are appropriate for sloping capillary barriers, with flow parallel to the slope in the lower part of the finer layer. Numerical validation, performed by hydraulic FE modelling, shows that, in all cases studied, the final steady state profiles of suction, degree of saturation and horizontal seepage velocity predicted by the new simplified method are excellent matches to the corresponding results from FE simulations. As a consequence, values of water storage capacity and water transfer capacity are accurately predicted in all cases, together with the final steady state variation of water stored with horizontal coordinate. A parametric study shows the influence of key variables (slope angle, material of finer layer, thickness of finer layer and rainfall intensity) on water storage capacity and water transfer capacity of sloping capillary barriers.
L-Shaped Association Between Daily food Selenium Intake and Erectile Dysfunction Among Adult Male in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fan Longlong , Wu Jianwei , Zhang Shiqiang , Zheng Wenzhong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The association between dietary intake and erectile dysfunction is receiving increasing attention. However, the relationship between erectile dysfunction and dietary selenium intake is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between dietary intake of selenium and erectile dysfunction (ED) using the data from the 2001 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Methods
We used unadjusted analysis and adjusted logistic regression models to explore the association between covariates or selenium intake and ED. Generalized additive models were used to examine the presence of nonlinear relationships. Upon finding a nonlinear relationship, a recursive algorithm was used to calculate the inflection point.
Results
We observed a non-linear relationship between daily food selenium intake and ED among US male adults. The selenium intake level was lower than the threshold of 180.5 mcg, it was negative correlated with the likelihood of ED ([OR]: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.991–0.995, P < 0.01). Whereas when the selenium intake level was higher than 180.5mcg, there was no significance with the likelihood of ED ([OR]: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.991-1.000, 0.126).
Conclusions
We found an L-shaped association between dietary selenium intake and ED in the general American population.
Deciphering Deformation Along the Finisterra Terrain: AMS Petrofabric and Magmatism Analysis of Sodium-Rich Orthogneisses in the Foz do Douro Metamorphic Complex
Authors: Sousa Mónica , Sant’Ovaia Helena , Noronha Fernando 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMShas been applied to deformed rocks of the “Foz do Douro Metamorphic Complex” to characterize their petrofabricand origins. AMS data from orthogneisses of the newly defined sodium-rich series, consisting of biotite orthogneisses and garnet leucocratic orthogneisses, reveal that the first derived from infra to basicrustal, “magnetite-type” biotite granitoids, formed from magmas with a strong mantle contribution, under oxidizing conditions. The garnet leucocratic orthogneisses derived from “ilmenite-type” granitoids and reveal a genesis in the intermediate to upper crust, under reducing conditions. The variations in the degree of anisotropy in both lithologies along the metamorphic complex, the respective variability in the eccentricity of the ellipsoids, plus the variations of the magnetic foliations and lineations and the strain heterogeneity suggest the partitioning of the deformation, which is typical of shear zones.
Position and Velocity Controls in Children and Adults during a Wrist-Tracking Task
Authors: Kim Jihun , Lee Jongho , Kim Jaehyo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Children's motor control skills develop with age, but it is unclear when the development begins and ends. To identify those critical points, we conducted a wrist-tracking task and examined position and velocity controls in children and adults. The task consisted of a visible circular orbit, a tracer rotating at a constant speed of 0.1 Hz, and target-visible and -invisible subsections. We had three age groups for younger elementary school children (n = 16, 8.0 ± 0.8 years, Group 1), older elementary school children (n = 13, 11.6 ± 0.6 years, Group 2), and adults (n = 10, 23.5 ± 2.7 years, Group 3). Absolute angular position difference Δθ and absolute angular velocity difference Δω between the target and tracer were computed to compare the position and velocity control abilities among the groups. Statistical hypothesis tests on the control parameters revealed that the mean Δθ of Group 2 (4.06 ± 0.71 deg) was statistically smaller than Group 1 (6.17 ± 1.51 deg, p < 0.006) and equivalent to Group 3 (2.76 ± 0.51 deg, p < 0.075), whereas the mean Δω of Group 2 (19.8 ± 4.5 deg/s) was statistically equivalent to Group 1 (20.5 ± 2.9 deg/s, p < 1.0) but greater than Group 3 (12.9 ± 2.0 deg/s, p < 0.0011). It indicated that the older children performed comparably accurate position control to the adults but exercised immature velocity control. However, we noticed that velocity control in the older children was actively developing since they managed to decrease Δω significantly (17.4 ± 3.53 deg/s, p < 0.003) during the target-invisible phase, just like the adults did (11.8 ± 1.08 deg/s, p < 0.017). Therefore, we could also infer that children start to obtain feedforward abilities and internal models in preteens.