bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the Joint Entropy Theory of Droplet Spectrum Information and Microstate of Water Drops
Authors: Peng Yan-xiang , Zhang Hua 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
When the water jet impinges on the downstream water surface at a high speed, a large number of moving droplets will be formed in the downstream space. The probability distribution of these droplets with different sizes along with the particle size constitutes the droplet spectrum distribution problem of flood discharge atomization. Gamma distribution is commonly used to fit the spectrum of all kinds of precipitation drops. In modeling the particle size distribution of flood discharge atomized droplets, Gamma distribution is often used to simulate the droplet spectrum distribution. However, This method is lack of physical significance, and the calculation accuracy is controversial. In order to overcome the shortcomings of Gamma distribution, a joint distribution model (JDM) of droplet size information entropy and micro state in the non-equilibrium open system was proposed based on the maximum entropy increase method. The results show that compared with the gamma distribution, the JDM model can more accurately describe the variation of droplet spectrum of atomized flow caused by jet overflow.Under different working conditions, the determination coefficient of JDM model calculation results is the highest, 3.5% and 25.3% higher than that of Gamma and Previous maximum entropy principle distribution respectively. The root mean square error of JDM model is the lowest, which is 72.4% and 79% lower than that of Gamma and Maximum Entropy Principle distribution. Therefore, JDM model not only has the physical significance of maximum entropy increase, but also improves the calculation accuracy of droplet spectrum.
Electrospun zein/polyvinyl alcohol nanofabrics incorporated with nanosized hydroxyapatite for efficient heavy metal ion adsorption
Authors: Ma Na , Li Ke , Xu Bo , Tian Huafeng , Ma Songbai , Li Jinlong , Ouyang Yuge , Liu Qian , Liu Dagang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In order to solve the problem of heavy metal treatment in water pollution, the biodegradable film based on zein/ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with incorporation of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) were fabricated through electrospinning in this study, and the copper ion was taken as the representative of heavy metal ions. The result showed that the fiber morphology, hydrophobicity and thermal performance were influenced by the contents of nHAP. The incorporated nHAP nanoparticles were dispersed within the zein/PVA matrix and strong hydrogen bonding interactions were formed between the filler and matrix. The adsorption capacities of nanofibrous films for Cu2+ were greatly increased after the addition of nHAP. When the nHAP content was 20% (based on the weight of the solid content), the adsorption capacity could reach up to 23.86 mg/g, and the adsorption efficiency was 13.94% higher than that of neat zein/PVA nanofibers. In the system of copper ion adsorption, based on the electrostatic interaction and complexation of zein/PVA, the ion exchange effect, electrostatic interaction and complexation of nHAP significantly increased the adsorption capacity of the whole system. This work suggests the potentials of the electrospun zein/PVA/nHAP nanofibrous films as desirable ecofriendly materials in metal removal applications.
“Dancing with Atoms”: A tribute to Sheila Tinney
Authors: Knight Silvin P. , Refojo Jose , Newman Louise , Rizzo Rossella , Tinney Hugh , Romero-Ortuno Roman 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

In this study, a short dynamic visualization titled “Dancing with Atoms” was produced in honor of the late Irish mathematical physicist Sheila Tinney (1918–2010), who was the first Irish-born and -raised woman to receive a doctorate in the mathematical sciences. The visualization was inspired by Tinney’s ground-breaking work on crystal lattice vibrations and consisted of an animation showing an atomic lattice structure vibrating in three-dimensions based on data derived from a musical piece performed by her son, award-winning pianist Hugh Tinney. The acoustic signal processing and visualization were conducted in the new Science Foundation Ireland-funded “Tinney” high-performance computing cluster in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Potential applications of this type of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) interdisciplinary work include its use as a novel visual aid to hearing tests or as a tool for training musicians.
In situ growth and characterization of lubricious carbon-based films using colloidal probe microscopy
Authors: McClimon J. Brandon , Hilbert James , Koshigan Komlavi Medard , Fontaine Julien , Lukes Jennifer , Carpick Robert W. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Silicon oxide-doped hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H:Si:O) is an important form of diamond like carbon (DLC) for tribological applications, primarily because of its enhanced thermal stability and reduced dependence of friction on environmental humidity. As with other DLCs, its mechanisms of lubrication are still an active area of research, though it is now known that surface passivation and tribofilm growth are important factors. In this study, tribofilm formation for a-C:H:Si:O is examined at the microscale by using steel colloid atomic force microscopy probes as the sliding counterface. This approach provides some inherent advantages over macroscale tribology experiments, namely that the tribofilm thickness and stiffness can be tracked in situ and correlated directly with the friction response. The results of these experiments show that the tribofilm grows rapidly on the steel colloid following a period of counterface wear and high friction. The friction drops more than 80% upon nucleation of the tribofilm, which is attributed to a decrease of more than 80% in adhesion combined with a decrease in the estimated interfacial shear strength of at least 65%. Approximately 80% of the friction decrease occurs before the tribofilm reaches a thickness of 2 nm, suggesting that only the near-surface properties of the tribofilm provide the needed functionality for its effective lubrication mechanisms.
Agro-ecological intensification for climate change adaptation: Tales on soil and water management practices of smallholder farmers in rural Ghana
Authors: Naazie Godwin K. , Dakyaga Francis , Derbile Emmanuel K. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Globally, following the rising impacts of climatic stressors on humanity, climate change scholars have argued for alternative approaches towards adapting food crop production to climate change in sustaining smallholder farmers’ livelihood. This study used qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Inspired by generational farming practices of smallholder farmers, drawing on their Agro ecological Intensification (AEI) practices, we contribute to climate change adaptation debates in Sub-Saharan Africa. We explore traditional AEI practices of smallholder farmers and their potential of adapting food crop production to climate change in the age of technology. We explored the link between smallholder farmers self-initiated soil and water management practices and AEI and discussed the implications for adapting food crop production to climate change via AEI practices. The study realized that smallholder farmers engaged in varied agronomic practices including the preparation and application of organic manure and compost ridging, crop rotation and cover cropping. Farmers applied multiple practices across different farms; compound and bush farms, valley fields, and gardens. Although these practices bear a resemblance to AEI in the form of improve soil fertility, health and water retention, we realized that smallholder farmers complemented self-initiated AEI practices with the application of chemical fertilizers to adapt food crop production to climate change. In sustaining food production, we argue that although AEI practices offer potential for sustaining soil and water, a concerted effort in the form of a climate change adaptation planning policy is imperative to ensure holistic adoption of AEI by smallholder farmers.
The effect of exercise on blood concentrations of angiogenesis markers in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Song Bing Xin , Azhar Laiba , Koo Grace Ka Yi , Marzolini Susan , Gallagher Damien , Swardfager Walter , Chen Clara , Ba Joycelyn , Herrmann Nathan , Lanctôt Krista 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Physical exercise has positive impacts on health and can improve angiogenesis, which is impaired during aging, but the underlying mechanisms of benefit are unclear. This meta-analysis and systematic review investigated the effects of exercise on several peripheral angiogenesis markers in older adults to better understand the relationship between exercise and angiogenesis.
Methods
MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for original, peer-reviewed reports of peripheral concentrations of angiogenesis markers before and after exercise interventions in older adults (> 50 years). The risk of bias was assessed with standardized criteria. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from random-effects models. Publication bias was assessed with Egger’s test, funnel plots, and trim-and-fill. A priori subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to investigate heterogeneity where possible.
Results
Of the 44 articles included in the review, 38 were included in meta-analyses for five proteins. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was found to be higher after exercise (SMD[95%CI] = 0.18[0.03, 0.34], p = 0.02), and e-selectin (CD62E) was found to be lower after exercise (SMD[95%CI]= -0.72[-1.42, -0.03], p = 0.04). Endostatin (SMD[95%CI] = 0.28[-0.56, 1.11], p = 0.5), fibroblast growth factor 2 (SMD[95%CI] = 0.03[-0.18, 0.23], p = 0.8), and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (SMD[95%CI] = -0.26[-0.97, 0.45], p = 0.5) levels did not change after exercise.
Conclusions
Of the five angiogenesis blood markers evaluated in this meta-analysis, only VEGF and CD62E changed with exercise. Although more studies are needed, changes in angiogenesis markers may explain the beneficial effects of exercise on angiogenesis and health in older adults.
Minimally Rigid Clusters in Dense Suspension Flow
Authors: Naald Mike van der , Singh Abhi , Eid Toka , Tang Kenan , de Pablo Juan , Jaeger Heinrich 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Dense suspensions are a prototype of fluid that can dynamically enhance its viscosity to resist strong forcing. Recent work established that the key to a large viscosity increase, often in excess of an order of magnitude, is the ability to switch from lubricated, frictionless particle interactions at low stress to a network of frictional contacts at higher stress. However, to isolate network features responsible for the large viscosity has been difficult, given the lack of an appropriate physics inspired network measure. Here we apply rigidity theory to simulations of dense suspensions in two dimensions and identify from the frictional contact network the subset of mechanically rigid clusters at each strain step. We find that rigid clusters emerge at large shear stress well before the onset of jamming and that the continual break-up and reconfiguration of system spanning rigid clusters is responsible for the flow states of the highest viscosity. By showing how viscosity is correlated with the rigidity of the underlying network of contact forces our results provide new insight beyond mean-field models and uncover a new contribution to dissipation in dense suspensions
Rice husk reuse as a sustainable energy alternative. Case Study: Tolima, Colombia.
Authors: Ramírez Angie Tatiana Ortega , Tovar Miriam Reyes , Silva-Marrufo Oscar 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Colombia has great potential for the production of clean energy through the exploitation of residual biomass produced in the agricultural sector, such as residues obtained from the life cycle of rice production. This document presents a study to examine the combustion of rice husks as a strategy for an energy alternative in the Tolima department of Colombia. Through a mixed approach methodology, the physicochemical characteristics of the rice husk were analyzed to characterize the raw material. Subsequently, through the use of the System Advisor Model (SAM) software, a bioenergy plant was modeled to obtain biochar, bio-oil, and biogas from the combustion of rice husks and generate performance matrices, such as thermal efficiency, heat rate, and capacity factor. Then, the project was evaluated for financial feasibility using a mathematical model of net present value (NPV) with a planning horizon of 5 years. Finally, the population was surveyed to assess perspectives on the project in the region.
Results
The results of the rice hulk physicochemical properties were: nitrogen content (0.74%), organic carbon (38.04%), silica (18.39%), humidity determination (7.68%), ash (19.4%), presence of carbonates (< 0.01%) and pH (6.41). These properties are adequate for the combustion process. The simulation in SAM showed that the heat transferred in the boiler was 3180 kW, maintaining an efficiency between 50–52% throughout the 12 months of the year, meaning that the rice husk can generate electricity and thermal energy. The financial analysis showed that the internal rate of return (IRR) was 6% higher than the opportunity interest rate (OIR), demonstrating the economic feasibility of the project.
Conclusion
The design and creation of a rice husk processing plant is socially and environmentally viable with the potential to contribute to the economic development of the Tolima community and reduce greenhouse gases. Likewise, this activity has the potential to promote energy security for consumers and environmental sustainability while at the same time being economically competitive.
Sodium aescinate ameliorates chronic neuropathic pain in mice via suppressing JNK/p-38-mediated microglia activation
Authors: Xie Wenqiang , Li Changke , Hou Jie , Zhang Qiang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
A study confirmed that sodium aescinate (SA), a traditional Chinese medicine extracted from the dried ripe fruits of the aescin plant chestnut, can effectively relieve bone cancer pain, but its role in neuropathic pain (NP) remains confused. This study aimed to investigate whether SA has a protective effect on NP and its underlying mechanisms. Thirty mice were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 per group): sham + vehicle, chronic contraction injury (CCI) + vehicle, CCI + SA. SA (40 µg/L, intrathecal injection) was administered once daily for 5 consecutive days starting on day 7 after surgery. The mechanical withdrawal thresholds (paw withdraw threshold, PWT) of the contralateral and ipsilateral paws of mice in each group were subsequently detected daily. The results displayed that repeated SA treatment could prominently increase the reduction of PWT induced by CCI in the ipsilateral paw of mice. Downregulation of p- c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p-p38 protein levels and reduction of microglial activation marker Iba-1-positive ratio, M1/M2 ratio of microglia, and proinflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6, in the spinal cords of CCI-mice was observed after intrathecal SA. The above data illustrated that SA might suppress the activation of microglia and neuroinflammation by selectively inhibiting the JNK/p38 signaling pathway, which in turn alleviated CCI-induced NP in mice.
The efficacy of hypofractionated preoperative chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Cho Ick Joon , Jeong Jae-Uk , Nam Taek-Keun , Kim Yong-Hyub , Song Ju-Young , Yoon Mee Sun , Ahn Sung-Ja , Cho Shin Haeng 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of hypofractionated preoperative chemoradiotherapy (HPCRT) combined with oral capecitabine in patients with rectal cancer.
Methods
HPCRT was delivered by an intensity-modulated radiotherapy of either 33 Gy to the whole pelvis or 35 Gy in 10 fractions to the primary tumor and 33 Gy to the surrounding pelvis. Surgery was performed 4–8 weeks after HPCRT completion. Oral capecitabine was administered concurrently. Tumor response, toxicity, and survival were analyzed.
Results
Seventy-six patients were eligible for this study. Patients number of clinical stage I, II, III, and IVA were 5, 29, 36, and 6, respectively. Nine patients (11.8%) achieved a pathological complete response. Sphincter preservation was achieved in 23/32 (71.9%) and 44/44 (100%) of patients with a distal extent from anal verge of ≤ 5 cm and > 5 cm, respectively. Twenty-eight patients (36.8%) achieved T-downstaging, and 25 (32.9%) achieved N-downstaging. Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 73.6% and overall survival was 90.6%. In the multivariate analysis for DFS, significant prognostic factors were pathologic nodal stage and lymphovascular space invasion. Six patients with stage IVA underwent salvage treatments after HPCRT completion, and all survived to the final follow-up. Three patients experienced grade 3 postoperative complications. No grade 4 toxicities were observed.
Conclusion
HPCRT of 33 Gy or 35 Gy in 10 fractions showed similar results to those of long-course fractionation. This fractionation scheme could be beneficial for patients with early stage disease, locally advanced rectal cancer, simultaneous distant metastasis requiring early intervention, or for patients who wish to avoid multiple hospital visits.
Formulation and Performance Assessment for Multiple Server Queueing Models
Authors: Alam Shahriar Tanvir , Azrin Fahima Akter , U Abu Saleh Md. Nakib , Sagor Eshfar 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Queueing theory has grown in prominence as it provides the numerical foundation for decision-making assessment. Queueing models with multiple servers provide extensive decision-making data, which is critical for evaluating a server's performance. The purpose of this study is to formulate multiple server queueing models and provides a performance assessment to evaluate the appropriate models. A three-phased structured approach has been used to model and analyze performance for multiple server queueing models. The "Multiple Server Finite Queue Length Infinite Queue Population Model" is most desirable for a customer who has to wait for less time (approximately 43.14%) in the system as well as in the queue (approximately 62.16%) and reduces the system length by approximately 47.02% and the queue length by approximately 64.76%. However, the "Multiple Server Infinite Queue Length Infinite Queue Population Model" is preferable from a managerial perspective, as the "Multiple Server Finite Queue Length Infinite Queue Population Model" has fewer customers in the system, indicating a loss from a managerial standpoint. When the arrival rate of customers, service rate, and the number of servers are increased, length of the system and queue remain nearly constant, whereas the waiting time in the system nearly doubles for both queueing models. The paper develops a performance evaluation of the “Multiple Server Infinite Queue Length Infinite Queue Population Model” and “Multiple Server Finite Queue Length Infinite Queue Population Model”, which are capable of adapting to an unpredictable decision in any service system. Furthermore, this study provides decision-makers with a perspective-based evaluation of the mentioned servers, with a focus on a manager and a customer.
D-SVM over Networked Systems with Non-Ideal Linking Conditions
Authors: doostmohammadian mohammadreza , Aghasi Alireza , Zarrabi Houman 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This paper considers distributed optimization algorithms, with application in binary classification via distributed support-vector-machines (D-SVM) over multi-agent networks subject to some link nonlinearities. The agents solve a consensus-constraint distributed optimization cooperatively via a continuous-time dynamics, while the links are subject to strongly sign-preserving odd nonlinear conditions. Logarithmic quantization and clipping (saturation) are two examples of such nonlinearities. In contrast to existing literature that mostly considers ideal links and perfect information exchange over linear channels, we show how general sector-bounded models affect the convergence to the optimizer (i.e., the SVM classifier) over dynamic balanced directed networks. In general, any odd sector-bounded nonlinear mapping can be applied to our dynamics. The main challenge is to show that the proposed system dynamics always have one zero eigenvalue (associated with the consensus) and the other eigenvalues all have negative real parts. This is done by recalling arguments from \textit{matrix perturbation theory}. Then, the solution is shown to converge to the agreement state under certain conditions. For example, the gradient tracking (GT) step-size is tighter than the linear case by factors related to the upper/lower sector-bounds. To the best of our knowledge, no existing work in distributed optimization and learning literature considers non-ideal link conditions.
The neuroprotective effect of Clove essential oil against 6-OHDA-induced cell death in SH- SY5Y and a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: HAMDI Dhouha , OUACHIKH Omar , OUCHCHANE Lemlih , OMARA-REDA Hend , MESSAOUD Chokri , HAFIDI Aziz 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurological disorder. Natural therapies are becoming more popular for preventing disease onset. Clove essential oil (CEO), a potent antioxidant derived from Syzygium aromaticumbuds, was tested in vitro (SH-SY5Y) and in vivo (PD rat model) for its ability to protect against 6-OHDA-induced cell death. Twenty-four hours of SH-SY5Y cells' exposure to 6-OHDA (100 µM) drastically decreased cell viability. At doses lesser than 20 µg/ml, CEO and its main component eugenol (EG) had no cytotoxic effect on SH-SY5Y. CEO and EG at doses of 2.5-20 µg/ml provided significant neuroprotection against 6-OHDA-induced cell death. A PD rat model was generated by injecting 6-OHDA (21µg/animal) unilaterally into the striatum. An assessment of motor performance can predict neuronal cell loss in the substancia nigra compacta (SNc). Compared to 6-OHDA-lesioned, CEO-treated (10mg/Kg) rats' locomotor performance (actimetry and cylinder tests) improved significantly one and two weeks after 6-OHDA-lesion. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) cell count showed a significant decrease in cell death in ipsilateral SNc in both CEO-treated and 6-OHDA-lesioned rats when compared to contralateral. In contrast to the 6-OHDA-lesioned group, the ipsilateral SNc of the CEO-treated group showed a significant high TH cell number. In the present study, the neuroprotective effect of CEO was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivoagainst 6-OHDA cytotoxicity. Therefore, CEO could be used as a food supplement for PD prevention.