bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Convective drying of golden delicious apple enhancement: drying characteristics, artificial neural network modeling, chemical and ATR-FTIR analysis of quality parameters
Authors: TEPE Tolga Kağan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn recent years, many innovative methods have been investigated to provide alternative approaches to the food drying industry, but currently the most widely used method is convective drying. There are difficulties in integrating innovative methods into the food industry due to cost, inapplicability to every food material, or product quality, etc. In addition, it is possible to improve the convective drying method by pre-treating of foods. Thanks to the convective drying method with increased efficiency, shorter drying processes can be achieved. This study investigates the effects of ethanol and citric acid pretreatments on the convective drying process of apple slices and the drying rate, diameter and thickness shrinkage, color properties, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), ATR-FTIR spectra, and principal component analysis (PCA) of the dried samples. The results indicate that both ethanol and citric acid pretreatments significantly enhance the drying rate and decrease drying time, with the most favorable outcomes observed for apple slices immersed in an ethanol solution for 20 min. The study employs thin-layer and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling, revealing that ANN modeling outperforms thin-layer models in predicting moisture ratio. Shrinkage ratios in diameter and thickness were observed, but no significant statistical differences are found among the sample groups. The color properties of dried apple slices are influenced by pretreatments. L* values decreased in the ethanol-pretreated samples, whereas a* and b* values increased in all samples. On the other hand, drying process leads to a decrease in TPC and AA. Ethanol pretreatments caused higher losses; lower losses were observed in the citric acid–pretreated and untreated apples slices. ATR-FTIR analysis suggests distinct spectral changes in dried samples, particularly influenced by ethanol and citric acid pretreatments. The ATR-FTIR spectra highlighted shifts in water and carbohydrate levels, proteins, fibers, organic acids, and the occurrence of Maillard reactions throughout the drying process. PCA reveals that samples dried with ethanol and citric acid share a similar plane, while fresh samples and those dried at 60 °C exhibit different arrangements.
Influential lead uptake using dried and inactivated-fungal biomass obtained from Panaeolus papilionaceus: biological activity, equilibrium, and mechanism
Authors: Şenol Zeynep Mine , Keskin Zehra Saba , Dinçer Emine , Ayed Amina Ben 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this study, the use of fungal (Panaeolus papilionaceus) biomass as a biosorbent was investigated to effectively remove Pb2+ ions from aquatic medium. The removal of Pb2+ ions using a fungal biosorbent was examined in a batch system in terms of initial solution pH, temperature, time, and initial Pb2+ concentration. Optimal operating conditions for biosorption of Pb2+ ions; pH: 4.5, T: 25 °C, and t: 24 h. The max biosorption capacity for Pb2+ ions was found to be 31.2 mg g−1 from the Langmuir model. Thermodynamic studies showed that Pb2+ ions biosorption into fungal biomass was possible, spontaneous, and endothermic. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm activity of the extract of fungus were also investigated. It was determined that the fungal extract did not have antimicrobial properties. On the other hand, the extract has been shown to have the potential to prevent biofilm formation. 1 mg of the extract prevented the biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus by 87.85%. It has been observed that the biosorption mechanism of Pb2+ ions into fungal biomass includes the steps of surface biosorption, film diffusion, and intra-particle diffusion.
Exploring mass and economic potentials of rare earth elements recycling from electric vehicles at end-of-life
Authors: Torta Gianluca , Ciacci Luca , Vassura Ivano , Passarini Fabrizio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRare earth elements (REEs) are fundamental for various modern technologies and industrial applications. One significant application of REEs is in the production of neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are key components in electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, and electronic devices. These applications play a crucial role in driving the ecological and digital transition, highlighting the significance of REEs as strategic materials. With the dominance of very few countries in the REEs global supply and the rising of EVs demand, several concerns regarding resource availability, supply chain security, and price volatility have heightened the importance of efficient NdFeB magnet recycling, especially in Europe. This study assessed the elemental recycling potential of REEs from EV components through collaboration with authorized treatment facilities and metal recyclers in Italy. The study focused on three representative electric vehicles: a compact car, a van, and a hybrid vehicle. NdFeB magnets were found in various components, including the electric drive motor, air conditioning system, electric power steering, alternator, and electric gear box. The content of NdFeB magnets and REEs inside these components has been determined and economic feasibility of their recycling has been estimated by considering the intrinsic value of the raw materials contained. Despite being preliminary results, the economic value of REEs and Cu recoverable attested a promising potential for recycling, while the direct dismantling of magnets from the engine proves economically unviable for the studied components. Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for the development of specific recycling processes such as demagnetization and mechanical processing of the motors. The study also analysed the dismantling times of the target components from the vehicle and their relative economic impact on the potential for recovery.
Short carbon fiber-reinforced PLA composites: influence of 3D-printing parameters on the mechanical and structural properties
Authors: Alkabbanie Rasha , Aktas Bulent , Demircan Gokhan , Yalcin Serife 
Published: April 2024

Abstract3D printing, particularly “fused filament fabrication” (FFF), plays a crucial role in Industry 4. FFF is widely used for creating complex structures and multi-material parts across various industries such as food industry, fashion industry, and manufacturing sectors. The properties of FFF-produced objects are remarkably affected by printing parameters. This study explores the impact of printing parameters and the addition of short carbon fibers on the strength of polylactic acid (PLA) printed samples. The lowering layer height, increasing feed rate and extrusion temperature boost impact strength, while a smaller raster angle enhances it. Meanwhile, an improved flexural strength is achieved by adjusting layer height, extrusion temperature, and raster angle. Higher extrusion temperatures enhance tensile strength, microstructure, and reduce porosity. Lower layer height improves flexural and impact strength (28.05% increase in 0.1 mm layer height), higher feed rate boosts strengths (12.56% improvement in 7 mm3/s feed rate), and elevated extrusion temperatures enhance impact strength (14.49% increase in 230 °C extrusion temperature) but reduce flexural strength (14.44% decrease). Incorporating carbon fibers in PLA negatively affects the microstructure but increases crystallinity, raising the melting temperature and lowering cold-crystallization temperature. The introduction of carbon fibers into PLA results in a complex interplay of mechanical and thermal properties.
Graphical abstract
Response of Carrots (Daucus carota) on the Growth, Yield, and Nutritional Composition to Varying Poultry Manure Rates
Authors: Eze Festus Onyebuchi , Mukosha Chisenga Emmanuel , Anozie Chukwunyere , Moudrý Jan , Ali Shahzaib , Ghorbani Mohammad , Amirahmadi Elnaz , Baloch Sadia Babar , Baiyeri Kayode Paul 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCarrot cultivation in south-eastern Nigeria could reduce the need to transport carrots from northern regions. To explore this, a field experiment with three replications was carried out in Nsukka, south-eastern Nigeria, focusing on four carrot varieties (Carotte Touchon, Touchon Mega, Super Mega, and Touchon France) and three poultry manure rates (0, 10, and 20 t ha−1). The study revealed that Carotte Touchon had the highest root production (11.6 t ha−1) with 20 t ha−1 of manure, followed by 7.5 t ha−1 at 10 t ha−1, while Touchon Mega had the lowest root yield (1.4 t ha−1) in the control group. Proximate quality of carrots was mostly unaffected by the varieties, except for fat content. The study found significant variations in vitamins A, C, and E, phytochemicals (phytate, tannins, and oxalate), and minerals (Fe, Mg, Na, and K) among the varieties, although no impact on Zn and Ca was observed. This research suggests that carrots have substantial growth potential in south-eastern Nigeria, offering a solution to vitamin and mineral deficiencies prevalent in this area. Additionally, Carotte Touchon with either 20 t ha−1 or 10 t ha−1 of poultry manure is recommended for optimal carrot cultivation in this region.
In Situ Atomic Reconstruction Engineering Modulating Graphene-Like MXene-Based Multifunctional Electromagnetic Devices Covering Multi-Spectrum
Authors: Liu Ting-Ting , Zheng Qi , Cao Wen-Qiang , Wang Yu-Ze , Zhang Min , Zhao Quan-Liang , Cao Mao-Sheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWith the diversified development of big data, detection and precision guidance technologies, electromagnetic (EM) functional materials and devices serving multiple spectrums have become a hot topic. Exploring the multispectral response of materials is a challenging and meaningful scientific question. In this study, MXene/TiO2 hybrids with tunable conduction loss and polarization relaxation are fabricated by in situ atomic reconstruction engineering. More importantly, MXene/TiO2 hybrids exhibit adjustable spectral responses in the GHz, infrared and visible spectrums, and several EM devices are constructed based on this. An antenna array provides excellent EM energy harvesting in multiple microwave bands, with |S11| up to − 63.2 dB, and can be tuned by the degree of bending. An ultra-wideband bandpass filter realizes a passband of about 5.4 GHz and effectively suppresses the transmission of EM signals in the stopband. An infrared stealth device has an emissivity of less than 0.2 in the infrared spectrum at wavelengths of 6–14 µm. This work can provide new inspiration for the design and development of multifunctional, multi-spectrum EM devices.
Description of magnetic field lines without arcana
Authors: Escande Dominique Franck , Momo Barbara 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis work is based on the variational principle for magnetic field lines introduced in 1983 by Cary and Littlejohn. The action principles for magnetic field lines and for Hamiltonian mechanics are recalled to be analogous. It is shown that the first one can be rigorously proved from first principles without analytical calculations. Not only the action principles are analogous, but also a change of canonical coordinates is recalled to be equivalent to a change of gauge. Furthermore, using the vector potential makes obvious the freedom in the choice of “time” for describing Hamiltonian dynamics. These features may be used for a new pedagogical and intuitive introduction to Hamiltonian mechanics. In the context of confined magnetic fields, the action principle for magnetic field lines makes practical calculations simpler and safer, with an intuitive background and allowing to keep a high degree of generality, as shown in the practical example of the calculation of the width of a magnetic island, analytically derived without any need of abstract Fourier components and independently of the choice of coordinates. Moreover, a new formula provides explicitly the Boozer and Hamada magnetic coordinates from action-angle coordinates.
Empirisch-kriterienorientierte Analyse des fachdidaktischen Wissens angehender Physiklehrkräfte
Authors: Zeller Jannis , Schiering Dustin , Kulgemeyer Christoph , Neumann Knut , Riese Josef , Sorge Stefan 
Published: April 2024

ZusammenfassungIn den letzten Jahren wurde das Professionswissen (angehender) Lehrkräfte intensiv untersucht. Neben Aussagen zur inneren Struktur liegen auch Ergebnisse über den Zusammenhang zwischen Professionswissen, Performanz in prototypischen Handlungssituationen sowie Unterrichtserfolg vor. In diesen Analysen hat sich gezeigt, dass insbesondere dem fachdidaktischen Wissen eine zentrale Rolle zukommt. Es mangelt bisher jedoch an empirisch fundierten Beschreibungen von Niveaustufen des fachdidaktischen Wissens. Zwar liegen einzelne Vorschläge vor, diese sind jedoch entweder empirisch nicht fundiert oder post hoc generiert, so dass unklar ist, inwieweit die Beschreibung der Ausprägungen auch außerhalb der jeweiligen Projektkontexte anwendbar ist. Der vorliegende Artikel stellt eine projektübergreifende Analyse des fachdidaktischen Wissens mithilfe zweier Ansätze zur Bildung von Niveaustufen vor. Dazu werden Niveaumodelle mit Daten zum fachdidaktischen Wissen aus zwei Projekten ($$N=427$$
N
=
427
und $$N=779$$
N
=
779
) mithilfe des Scale-Anchoring-Verfahrens sowie eines regressionsanalytischen Ansatzes auf Basis eines Modells hierarchischer Komplexität erstellt. Das Scale-Anchoring-Verfahren liefert Niveaubeschreibungen, die sich zwar bezüglich fachlicher und fachdidaktischer Inhalte unterschieden, aber Parallelen bezüglich lernpsychologisch interpretierbarer Operatoren zeigten. Projektübergreifend deuteten die Ergebnisse daraufhin, dass sich das fachdidaktische Wissen in niedrigen Ausprägungen auf reproduktive Aspekte beschränkt, in höheren Ausprägungen aber kreative und evaluierende Elemente hinzukommen. Das Modell hierarchischer Komplexität zeigte sich nur für einen der Datensätze als geeignet, um ein Niveaumodell abzuleiten und konnte daher für projektübergreifende Analysen nicht weiter genutzt werden. Nichtsdestotrotz lieferte die projektübergreifende Analyse mithilfe des Scale-Anchoring-Verfahrens kontextunabhängige Beschreibungen von Ausprägungen des fachdidaktischen Wissens und ermöglicht so erste Schritte in Richtung eines empirisch fundierten, inhaltlich reichhaltigen Assessments, welches über eine Einordnung mittels eines Scores hinaus geht.
Optimized protoplast isolation and transfection with a breakpoint: accelerating Cas9/sgRNA cleavage efficiency validation in monocot and dicot
Authors: Panda Debasmita , Karmakar Subhasis , Dash Manaswini , Tripathy Swagat Kumar , Das Priya , Banerjee Sagar , Qi Yiping , Samantaray Sanghamitra , Mohapatra Pradipta Kumar , Baig Mirza J. , Molla Kutubuddin A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe CRISPR-Cas genome editing tools are revolutionizing agriculture and basic biology with their simplicity and precision ability to modify target genomic loci. Software-predicted guide RNAs (gRNAs) often fail to induce efficient cleavage at target loci. Many target loci are inaccessible due to complex chromatin structure. Currently, there is no suitable tool available to predict the architecture of genomic target sites and their accessibility. Hence, significant time and resources are spent on performing editing experiments with inefficient guides. Although in vitro-cleavage assay could provide a rough assessment of gRNA efficiency, it largely excludes the interference of native genomic context. Transient in-vivo testing gives a proper assessment of the cleavage ability of editing reagents in a native genomic context. Here, we developed a modified protocol that offers highly efficient protoplast isolation from rice, Arabidopsis, and chickpea, using a sucrose gradient, transfection using PEG (polyethylene glycol), and validation of single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) cleavage efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9. We have optimized various parameters for PEG-mediated protoplast transfection and achieved high transfection efficiency using our protocol in both monocots and dicots. We introduced plasmid vectors containing Cas9 and sgRNAs targeting genes in rice, Arabidopsis, and chickpea protoplasts. Using dual sgRNAs, our CRISPR-deletion strategy offers straightforward detection of genome editing success by simple agarose gel electrophoresis. Sanger sequencing of PCR products confirmed the editing efficiency of specific sgRNAs. Notably, we demonstrated that isolated protoplasts can be stored for up to 24/48 h with little loss of viability, allowing a pause between isolation and transfection. This high-efficiency protocol for protoplast isolation and transfection enables rapid (less than 7 days) validation of sgRNA cleavage efficiency before proceeding with stable transformation. The isolation and transfection method can also be utilized for rapid validation of editing strategies, evaluating diverse editing reagents, regenerating plants from transfected protoplasts, gene expression studies, protein localization and functional analysis, and other applications.
Type and Location of Adenomyosis in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Transvaginal Ultrasonographic Assessment
Authors: Exacoustos Caterina , Ticconi Carlo , Colombi Irene , Iorio Giuseppe Gabriele , Vaquero Elena , Selntigia Aikaterini , Chiaramonte Barbara , Soreca Giorgia , Rizzo Giuseppe 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe current knowledge on adenomyosis as a risk factor for RPL is very scant. Overall 120 women were included in this retrospective observational study. They were divided in three groups each of which consisted of 40 subjects: Group 1: women with RPL who were diagnosed to have adenomyosis on transvaginal ultrasound (TVS); Group 2: patients with RPL without ultrasonographic findings of adenomyosis; Group 3: patients with ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis without RPL and at least one live birth pregnancy. The copresence of endometriosis was also investigated. Among women with RPL, patients with adenomyosis (Group 1) had higher number of pregnancy losses (p = 0.03) and lower age at first pregnancy loss (p = 0.03) than women without adenomyosis (Group 2). Moreover, they had more frequently primary RPL (p = 0.008). Adenomyosis of the inner myometrium was found more frequently (p = 0.04) in patients of Group 1 than in patients of Group 3 in which adenomyosis was mainly in the outer myometrium (p= 0.02). No differences were found in the severity of adenomyosis between these two groups of women. TVS findings for endometriosis were observed more frequently in women with adenomyosis without RPL (Group 3) than in the other two groups of patients. Adenomyosis can be a factor involved in RPL. Differences in adenomyosis localization are associated with different risks for RPL. Patients with RPL should be investigated for the presence of adenomyosis and also for the type and localization of the disease in the different myometrial layers.
Optimizing an efficient urban tree strategy to improve microclimate conditions while considering water scarcity: a case study of Cairo
Authors: Abdelmejeed Ahmed Yasser , Gruehn Dietwald 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aims to develop an efficient urban tree strategy (UTS) to enhance the microclimate conditions of cities that suffer from heat stress and strong solar radiation, such as the metropolitan area of Greater Cairo. Cairo recently lost its limited greenery to enhance traffic. The proposed UTS aims to achieve a balance between enhancing microclimate conditions and considering the city’s water scarcity. It seeks to consider all strategic factors suitable for local conditions, including the selection of tree species (Step 1), the utilization of new technologies for irrigation (Step 2), and the optimization of the usage of an efficient number of trees (Step 3). When applying the strategy’s recommendations to a study area within Cairo’s downtown center and when testing different tree coverage percentages within urban canyons of various aspect ratios and orientations using ENVI-met, the microclimate conditions are significantly enhanced in certain streets during summertime compared to wintertime. Applying the UTS not only enhances thermal comfort but also helps to create a better comfort zone during certain hours. In one street, for example, there are average physiological equivalent temperature (PET) reductions of − 5.18° and − 6.36° at 16:00 and 17:00, respectively, which also changes the thermal comfort zone from extreme heat stress to very heat stress. The results show a strong positive correlation between thermal comfort enhancement and a reduction in the total mean radiant temperature (TMRT), verifying that shading plays a primary role in enhancing the microclimate conditions of urban canyons. Applying the UTS to the study area significantly enhances the microclimate conditions. Furthermore, through the implementation of irrigation technologies that are part of the UTS, water demand is reduced to only 15% when trees with larger canopies are used. Additionally, when the tree coverage percentage reaches 35 to 50% in some streets, it results in a significant enhancement in the PET.
Measuring adherence to AI ethics: a methodology for assessing adherence to ethical principles in the use case of AI-enabled credit scoring application
Authors: Pokholkova Maria , Boch Auxane , Hohma Ellen , Lütge Christoph 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article discusses the critical need to find solutions for ethically assessing artificial intelligence systems, underlining the importance of ethical principles in designing, developing, and employing these systems to enhance their acceptance in society. In particular, measuring AI applications’ adherence to ethical principles is determined to be a major concern. This research proposes a methodology for measuring an application’s adherence to acknowledged ethical principles. The proposed concept is grounded in existing research on quantification, specifically, Expert Workshop, which serves as a foundation of this study. The suggested method is tested on the use case of AI-enabled Credit Scoring applications using the ethical principle of transparency as an example. AI development, AI Ethics, finance, and regulation experts were invited to a workshop. The study’s findings underscore the importance of ethical AI implementation and highlight benefits and limitations for measuring ethical adherence. A proposed methodology thus offers insights into a foundation for future AI ethics assessments within and outside the financial industry, promoting responsible AI practices and constructive dialogue.