bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact on Emissions Combustion and Performance of Diesel Engine Using Blends of Di Ethyl Ether with Cracked Transformer Oil
Authors: Saravanan R. , NavaneethaKrishnan P , Rengasamy M. , Manieniyan V. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The oil that comes out of the transformer leads to environmental hazards when it is disposed into land after the completion of its durability. This research work intends to capitalize on the feasibility of converting this transformer oil into an alternative fuel. The varying quantity of thermally cracked waste transformer oil (20%, 40%, and 60% v/v) is mixed with 10% v/v of Di Ethyl Ether (DEE) and blended with commercial diesel (CD) to make 100% volume. The purpose of this work is to observe the performance of blended fuel when compared to commercial diesel. To meet this objective, the physicochemical properties of blended oil were tested by ASTM standards and evidence for the presence of essential hydrocarbon was proved using FTIR analysis. The notable improvement as observed in WPDE60 blend for BSFC, BTE and in-cylinder pressure by 8.82%, 8.29% and 4.3%, respectively, when compared to CD at full load condition. Whereas, emission performances were reduced by 18.82%, 4.9% and 39.6% for unburned hydrocarbon, CO and smoke density, respectively. Based on the results obtained, WPDE60 blend is resembled the properties of commercial diesel and can be proposed as a fuel alternative for internal combustion engines.
A new automated approach for remote sensing recognition and yield estimation of cultivated alfalfa crop based on Sentinel-2 NDVI time-series data: A case study of Hexi Corridor, China
Authors: liu jie , Bao Xuying , Feng Qisheng , Fu Shuai , Miao Chunli , Li Yunhao , Liang Tiangang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an important forage source for grassland agricultural development, so it would be worthwhile to explore accurate and fast methods of alfalfa remote sensing identification and yield estimation. However, the traditional methods of identifying large areas of crops and yield estimation have some problems, such as the limited spatial resolution of remote sensing data and heavy reliance training data. In this study, based on Sentinel-2 high-resolution images and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to establish a cloud-free normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time-series dataset, we proposed an effective method for alfalfa feature extraction and yield estimation method. The results show that (1) The producer’s accuracy, user’s accuracy, overall accuracy, and Kappa coefficient of alfalfa identification using a trough recognition algorithm were 98.51%, 91.67%, 94.26%, and 0.88, respectively. The total area of cultivated alfalfa identified in the study area in 2020 was estimated at 46,793.21 hm2, which was mainly distributed in areas in north of the Qilian Mountains; (2) NDVI had a highly significant correlation with alfalfa hay yield, and the power function regression model was the greatest, with an R2 greater than 0.65; (3) The annual unit hay yield of four alfalfa cuttings was estimated at 17,497.55-32,962.10 kg/hm2, with a total hay yield of 48.38×107 kg and an average hay yield of 4,464.95 kg/hm2. The method proposed has important application potential for automatic and rapid remote sensing identification and yield evaluation of large-scale cultivated alfalfa.
Regeneration impoverishment of Sahelian woody communities put them at risk in three land management types
Authors: Dendoncker Morgane , Vincke Caroline , Ndianor Ramata , Diouf Abdoul Aziz , Miehe Sabine , Ngom Daouda , Taugourdeau Simon 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Trees play a key role in drylands. Monitoring woody communities regeneration and understanding the drivers of its success is crucial to apprehend their long-term persistence. While fire, grazing and water availability are key factors for regeneration in drylands, seeds arrival, germination and seedlings recruitment are still poorly studied in natural conditions in the West African Sahel. To promote regeneration, tree planting is a common tool used in West Africa. The cost is great, the success variable and their influence on spontaneous regeneration is unknown. In this study, we conducted field inventory to characterize the regeneration ability of woody communities in a Sahelian savanna. We investigated regeneration and adults stands in three land management types (plantations, communal grazing, old enclosures) to determine (i) the proportion of the regeneration modes and the influence of mature trees; (ii) the influence of management type and topography on regeneration; and (iii) their temporal dynamics. We first showed that the regeneration diversity is poor, with half of the adult species not recorded in the regeneration phase. Most of the regeneration came from true seedlings compared to resprout. Second, mature trees have a strong influence on regeneration density and composition. Third, topography influences regeneration density whereas we observed little effect of the land management type. Finally, historical data highlighted a steep decline of regeneration density these last decades. These results question the persistence of woody vegetation in Sahelian savannas and highlight the need to protect large trees, in suitable micro-sites such as depressions to favor regeneration.
Comparative analysis of the influence of partial replacement of cement with supplementing cementitious materials in sustainable concrete by using machine learning approach
Authors: Arora Rishabh , Kumar Kaushal , Dixit Saurav 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Cement manufacturing is a major contributor to climate change because of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere throughout the process. In this paper, cement content of concrete has been partially replaced by using two supplementing cementitious materials (SCMs) materials like Silica Fume and Fly Ash. Characterizations of both materials has been conducted for their end use utilization in concrete applications. Extensive experimentation has been conducted to ensure the effect of partial replacement on the performance characteristics of concrete through compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength of concrete. It was observed that both the waste material has the ability to replace cement content without changing the performance of concrete. Finding indicating that replacement with proper mix design can improve the strength of green concrete. Silica fume have better response as compared to fly ash replacement on the strength characteristics of green concrete. Accuracy of experimental data has been validated by using machine learning approach. Experimental results are used to train the machine learning models. Metrics such as Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), R2 Score, and Cross Validations are used to evaluate the performance of models. According to the findings, the extreme Gradient Boosting Regression model performs better than any of the other models when it comes to predicting and validating the compressive strength, flexural strength, and Split tensile strength of green concrete mixtures. It achieves an R2 value of 0.9811 for the prediction of the split tensile strength, 0.9818 for the flexural strength, and 0.9127 for the compressive strength. The findings of this research shed light on the usefulness of regression models for predicting the properties of green concrete and for validating such predictions with experimental results in terms of accuracy. The replacement of 10–15% for both SCMs resulted good agreements for strength characteristics.
Profile of Orthopaedic Day Case Procedures at a District General Hospital (Retrospective study)
Authors: Aldhilan Mansour Mohammed , Tella Azeez 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: The outcomes of orthopaedic day case procedures have been reported widely, but there is a paucity of reports from secondary health facilities such as district hospitals.
Aim: We aimed to perform a retrospective analysis of patient records, to capture the profile of day case procedures performed.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of day-case procedures carried out at the dedicated Day Surgery Unit of a moderate-sized district hospital in Saudi Arabia; between January 2021 and December 2022. The medical records of all the patients who had day-case procedures by the orthopaedic unit of the hospital were analysed.
Results: Within the study period, 71 out of a total 914 elective orthopaedic procedures were carried out as day cases, giving a day case surgery rate of 7.8%. The mean age was 25.3±12.2 (range, 4-55 years), and the male to female ratio was 6:1. The spectrum of the procedures was dominated by implant removal in 59 cases (83.1%). While the anaesthetic technique varied, all the patients were either ASA class I or II. There were minor complications in 10 patients (14.0%), with 7 of them (9.8%) needing inpatient admission. There was no cancellation of cases in our study.
Conclusion: We found day-case procedures to be safe and effective but with low utilization of the Day Surgery Unit, which can be improved through the development of a detailed protocol for day surgery in the hospital.
Changes in neurodegeneration and amyloid biomarkers in patients with COVID-19 neurological complications and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Barros-Aragão Fernanda G. Q. , Pinto Talita P. , Carregari Victor C. , Rezende Nathane B. S. , Pinheiro Thaís L. , Reis-de-Oliveira Guilherme , Queiroz Daniel C. , Fonseca Paula L. C. , Gonçalves Alessandro L. , Cabral-Castro Mauro J. , Freitas Gabriel R. , Vanderborgh Bart , Sudo Felipe K. , Mattos Paulo , Bozza Fernando A. , Rodrigues Erika C. , Rodrigues Rosana S. , Brandão Carlos O. , Souza Andrea S. , Aguiar Renato S. , Martins-de-Souza Daniel , De Felice Fernanda G. , Tovar-Moll Fernanda F. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

COVID-19 induces acute and long-term neurological symptoms. Determining the mechanisms underlying acute neurological disease will lead to a better understanding of long-COVID and late-onset outcomes. Here, we investigate in detail a cohort of COVID-19 patients presenting neurological alterations. Clinical and neurological investigation, brain imaging, and bio-sample analyses were carried out. We tested the possibility that COVID-19 shares molecular links with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like neurodegeneration by analyzing the framework of ATN (amyloid, pathologic Tau, and neurodegeneration) biomarkers. Altered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Tau and amyloid levels in severe COVID-19 patients were comparable to amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and AD patients. Increased CSF pro-inflammatory cytokine IL6 and Tau linked systemic inflammation and disease severity to central nervous system alterations. COVID-19 patients presented an altered CSF proteomic pattern, with inflammatory, coagulopathy, and amyloidosis pathways alterations. Collectively, our findings reveal some molecular links between COVID-19 neurological disease and neurodegeneration biomarkers associated with AD.
Marbles and schists from Bidzar (North Region of Cameroon) : characteristics and the use of schists as additives in blended cement production
Authors: DJIFACK Joilita Etekam , KANOUO NGUO SYLVESTRE , SABIHA Anas Boussaa , HAMADOU Toumba , BASUA Emmanuel Archelaus Afanga 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

This work presents the petrography et major element composition of marbles and schists found at the Bidzar CIMENCAM marble quarry (North Region, Cameroon). Part of the studied rocks were selected and combined with other characterized raw materials to process schist-blended cements. Marbles are white, yellow, pink, light to dark-grey, or dull yellow, pure or impure, calcitic, dolomitic or transitional type; with CaO (32–57 wt.%), MgO (0.49-24 wt.%), and SiO2 (0.09–8.4 wt.%). Schists are bluish-green chlorite schist, chlorite-bearing dark-grey schist, and yellowish-green sericite schist with SiO2 (26-47.3 wt.%), Al2O3 (11–16 wt.%), Fe2O3(8–15 wt.%), CaO (3–26 wt.%), and MgO (4–15 wt.%). The used cement raw materials include: clinker, gypsum, marble additive, low CaO bluish-green chlorite schist and low CaO chlorite-bearing dark-grey schist. Clinker, gypsum, and marble are all good for cement production. The two groups of manufactured blended cements are mainly composed of CaO (64.2–64.6 wt.%), SiO2 (18.0-18.5 wt.%) with significant and variable Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, SO3, and Na2O + K2O contents; all within the range in ASTM standard, and some reference cements. The LSF (1.11–1.15), HM (2.6–2.8), SAR (4.6–5.1), SR (2.8–3.1), and AR (1.5–1.7) varying from one group of cements to another, fall within the range of some reference OPC. The proportion of free lime (0.92–1.25%) in both processed cements, is within the range 0.8–2.25% for reference cement Multi X (CEMIX32.5R). The proportion of SO3 (1.6 to 2.3%,), LOI (8.9–13.8%), and IR (1.3-6.0%) in bluish-green schist-blended cements, range from 1.7 to 2.2%, 8.9 to 13.7%, and 1.3 to 10.6%, in dark-grey schist-blended cements. Part of these values are within those of reference cement and other OPC. The BSSA (4794 to 5794 cm2/g) and proportion of retained sieved fractions (4.13 to 11.1%) place the processed cements within high fineness type. The setting time (130–245 min) seem to satify cement standards. The compressive strength tests show a decrease in strength with the increase in proportion of schist; which could be due to the mineralogical composition of the used cements and their high IR.
Exploring the Possibility of Interacting Quintessence Model as an Alternative to the ΛCDM Model
Authors: Roy Nandan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

This study examines interacting quintessence dark energy models and their observational constraints for a general parameterization of the quintessence potential, which encompasses a broad range of popular potentials. Four different forms of interactions are considered. The analysis is done by expressing the system as a set of autonomous equations for each interaction. The Bayesian Model Comparison has been used to compare these models with the standard Lambda Cold Dark Matter (ΛCDM) model. Our analysis shows positive and moderate evidence for the interacting models over the ΛCDM model.
Deep LBP-Enriched Real-time Segmentation for Hair Defect Detection
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Wang Jie , Xu Xianwei , Yan Fei , Zeng Zhiqiang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Hair defects are common in the industrial production of medical syringes, posing a significant risk to product quality and efficacy. Detecting these defects in real-time is crucial for ensuring high-quality production.However, existing Deep semantic segmentation (DSS) methods, which generally have numerous network parameters,face significant challenges in real-time hair defect detection due to hair's unique characteristics, including its irregular and thin structure. Moreover, potential hair overlapping with the syringe further complicates the detection process. In this case, conventional DSS methods are hard to explore the accurate low-level visuospatial information that is critical for detecting hair defects. Considering the wide applicability and effectiveness of the handcrafted features, such as Local Binary Pattern (LBP) and Sobel operators, in defect detection, we argue that these features designed by skillful experts may encode rich prior knowledge about defects and may improve the performance of DSS models for hair defects on syringes.Inspired by this idea, this study proposes a Deep LBP-Enriched Real-time Segmentation (DLERS) method for hair defects detection, which maintains a lightweight network structure and leverages the LBP encoding mechanism to facilitate the effective transfer of domain prior knowledge.Besides, to alleviate the influence of the hair-like noise and fragmentary edges, we propose employing a joint loss function that combines the Dice loss, BCE loss, and Edge loss to train our network. To evaluate the performance of DLERS, we conduct experiments on one real-world syringe dataset.The competitive results (e.g., 85.36% MIoU and 149.1 FPS) prove the effectiveness of our method.
Production of renewable hydrocarbons through hydrodeoxygenation of crude oil from microalgae Scenedesmus sp. with “in-situ” hydrogen production
Authors: Díaz Gisel Chenard , Rossa Vinicius , Muchave Germildo , Viegas Carolina Viera , Cruz Yordanka Reyes , Aranda Donato Alexandre Gomes 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Fatty materials hydroprocessing is one of the most promising routes for renewable hydrocarbons production in the range of aviation bio-kerosene and green diesel. This study investigated the feasibility of producing renewable hydrocarbons from crude oil of the microalgae Scenedesmus sp. Two technological routes were explored: Route 1 - hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of the microalgae crude oil with external hydrogen addition, and Route 2 - HDO of the microalgae crude oil with "in-situ" hydrogen production through glycerol reforming. Both routes employ the commercial catalyst NiMoS2/Al2O3, commonly used in removing contaminants in aviation kerosene and diesel refineries. Catalytic tests were conducted using a Design of Experiments (DOE) to evaluate the production of renewable hydrocarbons from the crude oil of microalgae Scenedesmus sp. Parameters such as temperature, glycerol amount, H2 partial pressure, and reaction time were varied to analyze the conversion of microalgae crude oil and the selectivity towards liquid hydrocarbons. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and response surface methodology demonstrated the possibility of producing renewable hydrocarbons from the crude oil of microalgae Scenedesmus sp. The proposed catalyst showed efficiency in converting triglycerides and fatty acids. Optimal conditions were identified for each route, resulting in positive conversion rates (≈100%) and high selectivity towards hydrocarbons, Route 1: 95.44% and Route 2: 94.37%. Most of the generated hydrocarbons were classified as renewable diesel, while the remaining portion belonged to the synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK) range. Route 2 demonstrated greater economic appeal as it enabled "in-situ" hydrogen production through glycerol reforming, eliminating the need for external hydrogen addition. Moreover, Route 2 achieved a higher hydrocarbon content in the aviation bio-kerosene range (72%) compared to Route 1, without the need for additional hydrocracking steps, along with 23% in the renewable diesel fraction up to 400 °C.
Spatial Structure and Network Characteristics of the Coupling Coordination Innovation Ecosystems in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Yang Zhichen , Li Xiangtao , Wang Fangfang , Chen Rongjian , Ma Renwen 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Using the coupling coordination degree model and social network analysis, the spatial structure and network characteristics of the coupling coordination of regional innovation ecosystems in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area from 2010-2019 are explored in depth. The findings indicate that: (1) the kernel density curve is moving to the right, and the overall coupling coordination level is continuously optimized. The centre of gravity for coupling coordination shifts to the southeast, the elliptical area decreases year by year, and the trend surface always maintains a convex tendency toward the centre, with the coupling coordination level along the "Guangdong-Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao Science and Technology Innovation Corridor" becoming more and more prominent. (2) The spatial linkages in the Greater Bay Area are becoming closer, and there are significant spatial transaction costs in the regional innovation ecological network. In the face of the US-China trade war in 2019, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing's level of connectivity with other cities decreases significantly, and there is a risk of marginalization. (3) Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong are the core nodes of the network. The "core-edge" spatial structure of the network is significant, displaying the dual traits of robustness and susceptibility.
Approximation of continuous functions on a compact set by solutions of elliptic equations. Quantitative results
Authors: Rozenblum Grigori , Shirokov Nikolai 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We establish that a generalized Hölder continuous function on an (m−2)-Ahlfors regular compact set K in Rm can be uniformly on K approximated by solutions of a second order elliptic equation with mildly regular coefficients, with the rate of the approximation and the quality of the approximating function determined by the continuity modulus of the function.
Effectiveness of BNT162b2 and Ad.COV2.S vaccines against COVID-19-related hospitalisation among adult members of a private health insurance scheme in South Africa during the Delta and Omicron periods: a test-negative case-control study
Authors: Johnstone Siobhan L. , Shapiro Daniel , Chiwandire Nicola , Matoti Lundi , Whyte Carmen , Bultinck-Human Jolene , Mametja Selaelo , Getz Craig , Moyo Boldwin , Semenya Mabatlo , Walaza Sibongile , Cohen Cheryl , Groome Michelle J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness estimates from Africa are limited. These data can guide decisions on selecting priority groups in vaccine programs. This study estimated VE for BNT162b2 and Ad26.COV2.S against COVID-19-related hospitalisation, stratified by age group, time since vaccination and HIV-infection status for three SARS-CoV-2 surges in South Africa (driven by the delta, omicron BA.1 and omicron BA.4/5 variants) among ≥ 18 years old.
Methods
We applied a test-negative case-control design to hospitalisations for acute respiratory infections amongst members of a large medical scheme. Individuals receiving a single dose of Ad26.COV2S or two-doses of BNT162b2 were considered fully vaccinated and compared to unvaccinated individuals. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, comorbidities and documentation of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, were used to calculate VE.
Results
BNT162b2 was protective against COVID-19-related hospitalisation for all variant periods (VE 89.3% (95% CI, 85.9–91.9) for delta, reduced to 31.4% (95% CI, 19.1–41.9) and 22.7% (95% CI, 2.2–38.9) for omicron BA.1 and BA.4/5 respectively). VE estimates for Ad26.COV2.S, although lower than BNT162b2, were protective for all periods (48.8% (95% CI, 39.6–56.5), 19.8% (95% CI, 5.8–31.6) and 45.0% (95% CI, 29.8–57.0)). Protection was similar amongst those ≥ 60 years and younger age groups, and among people living with HIV and HIV-uninfected individuals.
Conclusion
Vaccination with either BNT162b2 or Ad26.COV2.S offered significant protection against COVID-19-related hospitalisation in PLWH and adults over the age of 60 years and therefore is an effective means of reducing severe outcomes in these high-risk populations in South Africa. VE against BA.4/5 waned with time since vaccination suggesting boosters may be necessary.
Indirect boundary stabilization of strongly coupled degenerate hyperbolic systems
Authors: Salhi Jawad , Moumni Alhabib , Tilioua Mouhcine 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the energy decay of a damped hyperbolic system of two degenerate wave equations coupled by velocities when only one equation is directly damped by a linear boundary feedback. To this aim, we first prove that the proposed system is well-posed using the semigroup theory. Then, under the hypothesis that the coupling coefficient is positive and small, we show that the total energy of the whole system decays exponentially. The explicit energy decay rate is established by using the energy multiplier method.
MSC 2020: 35B40, 35L80, 93D15, 93D23