bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using distributed ledger technology for digital forensic investigation purposes on tendering projects
Authors: Ramazhamba P. T. , Venter H. S. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe South African Local Government (SALG) uses the tendering system to procure goods and services. Some of these tendering projects are aimed at promoting socio-economic and industrial policies. Hence, the tendering system used by SALG should be fair, transparent, competitive, cost-effective, equitable, and free from corruption. However, the mismanagement of the tendering system might lead to interruption of operations, late service delivery, rising costs, and most importantly, fraud and corruption. The use of paperwork to share project information might lead to the mismanagement of the tendering project because it might contribute towards illicit altering of project information during the process. The purpose of this study is to develop a Blockchain prototype that might be used to securely share project information with all the parties interested in the tendering project. It is recommended that the adoption of the proposed solution will enable various organisations to have access to real-time data, allowing them to have access to the entire project history regardless of their geographical location. Access to real-time data would promote real-time auditing and digital forensic investigations because both auditors and investigators will have access to credible digital evidence or project information of their interest in real-time.
Investigation of Nanoscale Scratching on Copper with Conical Tools Using Particle-Based Simulation
Authors: Sharma Anuj , Kulasegaram Sivakumar , Brousseau Emmanuel , Esien Kane , Read Dan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this study, a modeling approach based on smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) was implemented to simulate the nanoscale scratching process using conical tools with different negative rake angles. The implemented model enables the study of the topography of groove profiles, scratching forces, and the residual plastic strain beneath the groove. An elastoplastic material model was employed for the workpiece, and the tool–workpiece interaction was defined by a contact model adopted from the Hertz theory. An in-house Lagrangian SPH code was implemented to perform nano-scratching simulations. The SPH simulation results were compared with nanoscale scratching experimental data available in the literature. The simulation results revealed that the normal force was more dominant compared to the cutting force, in agreement with experimental results reported for a conical tip tool with a 60° negative rake angle. In addition, the simulated groove profile was in good agreement with the groove profile produced in the aforementioned experiment. The numerical simulations also showed that the normal and cutting forces increased with the increase in the scratching depth and rake angle. Although the cutting and ploughing mechanisms were noticed in nano-scratching, the ploughing mechanism was more dominant for increased negative rake angles. It was also observed that residual plastic strain exists below the groove surface, and that the plastically deformed layer thickness beneath a scratched groove is larger for more negative values of the tool rake angle and higher scratching depths.
Formation of Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures on Reaction-Bonded Silicon Carbide by Femtosecond Pulsed Laser Irradiation
Authors: Meshram Tushar , Yan Jiwang 
Published: March 2023

AbstractReaction-bonded silicon carbide (RB-SiC) is an excellent engineering material with high hardness, stiffness, and resistance to chemical wear. However, its widespread use is hindered due to the properties mentioned above, making it difficult to machine functional surface structures through mechanical and chemical methods. This study investigated the fundamental characteristics of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSSs) on RB-SiC via femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation at a wavelength of 1028 nm. Low-spatial-frequency LIPSS (LSFL) and high-spatial-frequency LIPSS (HSFL) formed on the surface along directions perpendicular to the laser polarization. SiC grains surrounded by a large amount of Si show a reduced threshold for LIPSS formation. By varying laser fluence and scanning speed, HSFL–LSFL hybrid structures were generated on the SiC grains. Transmission electron microscopy observations and Raman spectroscopy were carried out to understand the formation mechanism of the hybrid LIPSS. A possible mechanism based on the generation of multiple surface electromagnetic waves due to the nonlinear response of SiC was proposed to explain the hybrid structure formation. Furthermore, the direction of laser scanning with respect to laser polarization affects the uniformity of the generated LIPSS.
Treatment Decision in Aortic Stenosis—Look at the Valve but Do Not Forget the Ventricle
Authors: Nuis Rutger-Jan , Ribeiro Joanna M. , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Vahanian Alec , de Jaegere Peter P. T. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In patients with aortic stenosis, current guidelines recommend valve replacement therapy in case of severe valve narrowing in combination with symptoms and/or left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction < 50%). It is increasingly recognized that left ventricular ejection fraction offers a crude interpretation of a complex disease entity that is in need of refinement to optimize the timing of valve replacement therapy and patient outcome. In this state-of-the-art review article, we discuss the pathophysiological transition from left ventricular hypertrophy to other types of cardiac remodeling and myocardial fibrosis in response to progressive narrowing of the aortic valve, and how new imaging developments and biomarkers may help identify patients with a dismal outcome at earlier stages of disease. Also, the digital transformation of health care and novel analytical methods such as artificial intelligence that can help improve treatment decision is evaluated. This is in combination with the increased use of minimally invasive treatment modalities that may fulfill the goal of offering valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis at earlier stages of disease and prior to the onset of symptoms but nevertheless at risk of left ventricular deterioration.
Troubleshooting Noise and Vibration Issues of a Metro Braking System
Authors: Megna Gianluca , Bracciali Andrea 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The braking system used on a recently upgraded metro vehicle showed very high low-frequency noise and vibrations levels in service affecting passengers’ comfort and leading to both brake calliper lever failures and to premature wear of brake pads. The characteristics of the phenomenon were such that it was classified as a groan noise type. As brake pads with different characteristics were tested trying to attenuate the issue without success, the paper describes the approach adopted by the authors to tackle the issue.

Methods
The dynamic behaviour of all the components involved during the braking phase (wheelset, callipers, brake discs and part of the bogie frame) was analysed by numerical simulations and tests during service, finding a coincidence of the natural frequencies of the wheelset and the brake support. As this resonance was believed to be the root cause of the problem, a number of structural modifications were proposed.

Results and Conclusions
After a careful selection process that included robustness and sensitivity analyses, the accepted modification proved to be effective in solving the issue and was applied with satisfaction to the whole fleet.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Rural regional economic data management based on blockchain technology
Authors: Zuo Yan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn the process of continuous development of rural economy, big data management plays an important role. Rural economic data mainly include rural labor force, added value of agriculture, forestry, fishery and animal husbandry, agricultural product output and per capita net income. Using big data to manage economic data can not only integrate and analyze a large number of data, build an economic management analysis database, but also predict and warn related risks in time and provide reasonable and effective economic management suggestions, thus ensuring the smooth operation of the economy. However, there are some shortcomings in data reliability, data quality and data management efficiency in rural regional economic data management, which have a great impact on the long-term stable development of the economy. This paper makes a systematic analysis of rural regional economic data, uses the blockchain consensus mechanism to quickly manage and analyze different types of economy in rural areas, and improves the speed of economic data analysis through smart contracts. This paper makes a comparative analysis of rural regional economic data management before and after adopting blockchain technology. In view of this phenomenon, according to the development demand of data management, this paper uses blockchain technology to effectively analyze and study the big data management of rural regional economy, and makes a comparative analysis through the tests of data operation efficiency, data quality, data management security and sharing degree. The experimental data show that the efficiency of data operation is as high as 1100 times per minute after the combination of blockchain technology, and the minimum manual modification ratio of node data is 0.24. This shows that the data quality of technical means is guaranteed. The data leakage rate per hour is at least 66%, and the data sharing volume is maintained at about 8000 views/hour and 7000 references/hour. The improvement of quality and efficiency can ensure the effectiveness of data management and improve the speed of economic development in rural areas, thus promoting good economic development. This paper uses blockchain technology to manage rural economic data, which has certain reference value for rural economic development.
The who, what, and how of virtual participation in environmental research
Authors: Holzer Jennifer M. , Baird Julia , Hickey Gordon M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAs a group of social scientists supporting a large, national, multi-site project dedicated to studying ecosystem services in natural resource production landscapes, we were tasked with co-hosting kick-off workshops at multiple locations. When, due to project design and the Covid-19 pandemic, we were forced to reshape our plans for these workshops and hold them online, we ended up changing our objectives. This redesign resulted in a new focus for our team—on the process of stakeholder and rightsholder engagement in environmental and sustainability research rather than the content of the workshops. Drawing on participant observation, surveys, and our professional experience, this perspective highlights lessons learned about organizing virtual stakeholder workshops to support landscape governance research and practice. We note that procedures followed for initiating stakeholder and rightsholder recruitment and engagement depend on the convenors’ goals, although when multiple research teams are involved, the goals need to be negotiated. Further, more important than the robustness of engagement strategies is flexibility, feasibility, managing expectations—and keeping things simple.
High-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for mycophenolic acid determination in saliva samples
Authors: Sobiak Joanna , Resztak Matylda , Banasiak Joanna , Zachwieja Jacek , Ostalska-Nowicka Danuta 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
For therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of mycophenolic acid (MPA), which is frequently proposed, saliva might be a suitable and easy-to-obtain biological matrix. The study aimed to validate an HPLC method with fluorescence detection for determining mycophenolic acid in saliva (sMPA) in children with nephrotic syndrome.

Methods
The mobile phase was composed of methanol and tetrabutylammonium bromide with disodium hydrogen phosphate (pH 8.5) at a 48:52 ratio. To prepare the saliva samples, 100 µL of saliva, 50 µL of calibration standards, and 50 µL of levofloxacin (used as an internal standard) were mixed and evaporated to dryness at 45 °C for 2 h. The resulting dry extract was reconstituted in the mobile phase and injected into the HPLC system after centrifugation. Saliva samples from study participants were collected using Salivette® devices.

Results
The method was linear within the range of 5–2000 ng/mL, was selective with no carry-over effect and met the acceptance criteria for within-run and between-run accuracy and precision. Saliva samples can be stored for up to 2 h at room temperature, for up to 4 h at 4 °C, and for up to 6 months at − 80 °C. MPA was stable in saliva after three freeze–thaw cycles, in dry extract for 20 h at 4 °C, and for 4 h in the autosampler at room temperature. MPA recovery from Salivette® cotton swabs was within the range of 94–105%. The sMPA concentrations in the two children with nephrotic syndrome who were treated with mycophenolate mofetil were within 5–112 ng/mL.

Conclusions
The sMPA determination method is specific, selective, and meets the validation requirements for analytic methods. It may be used in children with nephrotic syndrome; however further studies are required to investigate focusing on sMPA and the correlation between sMPA and total MPA and its possible contribution to MPA TDM is required.

Graphical abstract
Effect of heme oxygenase-1 on the differentiation of human myoblasts and the regeneration of murine skeletal muscles after acute and chronic injury
Authors: Głowniak-Kwitek Urszula , Caballero Asier Laria , Bronisz-Budzyńska Iwona , Kozakowska Magdalena , Andrysiak Kalina , Stępniewski Jacek , Łoboda Agnieszka , Dulak Józef 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Impaired muscle regeneration is a hallmark of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene encoding dystrophin. The lack of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1, Hmox1), a known anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective enzyme, was shown to aggravate DMD pathology.

Methods
We evaluated the role of HO-1 overexpression in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived skeletal muscle cells (hiPSC-SkM) in vitro and in the regeneration process in vivo in wild-type mice. Furthermore, the effect of cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP), a pharmacological inducer of HO-1 expression, on regeneration markers during myogenic hiPSC differentiation and progression of the dystrophic phenotype was analysed in the mdx mouse DMD model.

Results
HO-1 has an impact on hiPSC-SkM generation by decreasing cell fusion capacity and the expression of myogenic regulatory factors and muscle-specific microRNAs (myomiRs). Also, strong induction of HO-1 by CoPP totally abolished hiPSC-SkM differentiation. Injection of HO-1-overexpressing hiPSC-SkM into the cardiotoxin (CTX)-injured muscle of immunodeficient wild-type mice was associated with decreased expression of miR-206 and Myh3 and lower number of regenerating fibers, suggesting some advanced regeneration. However, the very potent induction of HO-1 by CoPP did not exert any protective effect on necrosis, leukocyte infiltration, fibrosis, myofiber regeneration biomarkers, and exercise capacity of mdx mice.

Conclusions
In summary, HO-1 inhibits the expression of differentiation markers in human iPSC-derived myoblasts. Although moderate overexpression of HO-1 in the injected myoblast was associated with partially advanced muscle regeneration, the high systemic induction of HO-1 did not improve muscle regeneration. The appropriate threshold of HO-1 expression must be established for the therapeutic effect of HO-1 on muscle regeneration.
Development, Implementation, and Process Evaluation of Bukhali: An Intervention from Preconception to Early Childhood
Authors: Draper Catherine E. , Thwala Nomsa , Slemming Wiedaad , Lye Stephen J. , Norris Shane A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative, an international consortium developed in partnership with the World Health Organization, is addressing childhood obesity from a life-course perspective. It hypothesises that an integrated complex intervention from preconception, through pregnancy, infancy and early childhood, will reduce childhood adiposity and non-communicable disease risk, and improve child development. As part of the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative in South Africa, the Bukhali randomised controlled trial is being conducted with 18–28-year-old women in Soweto, where young women face numerous challenges to their physical and mental health. The aims of this paper were to describe the intervention development process (including adaptations), intervention components, and process evaluation; and to highlight key lessons learned. Intervention materials have been developed according to the life-course stages: preconception (Bukhali), pregnancy (Bukhali Baby), infancy (Bukhali Nana; birth—2 years), and early childhood (Bukhali Mntwana, 2–5 years). The intervention is delivered by community health workers, and includes the provision of health literacy resources, multi-micronutrient supplementation, in-person health screening, services and referral, nutrition risk support, SMS-reminders and telephonic contacts to assist with behaviour change goals. A key adaption is the incorporation of principles of trauma-information care, given the mental health challenges faced by participants. The Bukhali process evaluation is focussing on context, implementation and mechanisms of impact, using a mixed methods approach. Although the completion of the trial is still a number of years away, the documentation of the intervention development process and process evaluation of the trial can provide lessons for the development, implementation, and evaluation of such complex life-course trials.
Digital technologies for net-zero energy transition: a preliminary study
Authors: Cao Liwei , Hu Peiyu , Li Xiang , Sun Hui , Zhang Jinrui , Zhang Chuan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis paper reviews current progress and future challenges of digital technology applications for energy system transition in the context of net-zero. A list of case studies for such digitization enabled optimal design and operation of energy systems at various temporal and spatial scales are reviewed in the paper, including model predictive control, enterprise-wide optimization, eco-industrial park data management, and smart city. The key technological innovations across these applications, such as virtual representation of physical entities, ontological knowledge base, data-driven high dimensional surrogate model based parameterization are also inspected in the paper. Future challenges in terms of data privacy and security are also discussed as potential barriers for digitalization enabled net-zero energy system transition.
Insecticidal activity, and SAR studies of semicarbazide, thiosemicarbazide, urea and thiourea derivatives against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.)
Authors: Gad Mohamed A. , Alqurashi Esam A. , Alsenani Nawaf I. , Abd El Latif Fawy M. , Aref Safwat A. , Ahmed N. A. , Abdelhamid Antar A. , El-Saghier Ahmed M. M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this article, series of semicarbazide, thiosemicarbazide, urea and thiourea derivatives have been successfully prepared via an easy synthetic strategy. The chemical structure of the prepared compounds have been confirmed based upon spectral and elemental data. The compounds showed excellent insecticidal activity against Spodoptera littoralis which causes a harmful damage to the cotton crop which represent a principal figure in economics of North Africa countries. Among all the prepared compounds, methyl-4-{[(4-chlorobenzoyl)carbamothioyl] amino}benzoate 7 showed the highest insecticidal activity against S. littoralis, with LC50 values of 9.882 for 2nd instar larvae & 102.66 for 4th instar larvae, respectively.
Graphical abstract
The practice and prospect of smart cities in China’s urbanization process
Authors: Wang Shifu , Chen Dantong , Liu Lianbi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWith the rapid development of information technology, the construction of smart city in China has become an indispensable part and support force of new urbanization. By reviewing the practice of smart city in China and reflecting on the experience of smart city construction, this paper puts forward that the construction of smart city should go beyond the perspective of technological progress to build a people-oriented society, and proposes the forward-looking construction of smart city in the new era: building a more intelligent urban society in the process of China’s urbanization.
A Regional Air‐Sea Coupled Model Developed for the East Asia and Western North Pacific Monsoon Region
Authors: Jin Jiangbo , Dong Xiao , He Juanxiong , Gao Xin , Zhang Banglin , Zeng Qingcun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this study, we developed a regional coupled model for the western North Pacific (WNP) and East Asian region. The atmospheric/oceanic component of the coupled model was the Weather Research and Forecasting and the Regional Ocean Modeling System, coupled through the National Center for Atmospheric Research Coupler version 7 (CPL7). An evaluation is provided through the simulation of the climatology and interannual variability of the summer monsoon climate from 1982 to 2015. The coupled model is also compared with a solely atmospheric run, which is driven by the observed sea surface temperature (SST) as the surface boundary. The results show that the coupled model has good capability in modeling the climate in the WNP and East Asian domain, including the climatology of summer precipitation and circulation, the subseasonal (month‐to‐month) variation in the western Pacific subtropical high and associated precipitation, and the seasonal cycle of the East Asian rain belt. One merit of this model is its ability to simulate the northward and eastward shift from early to late summer. With respect to the interannual variability, the model captures the spatial pattern of the leading mode of summer precipitation, with a north–south dipole mode in the studied region. The model also reproduces the larger SST variability in the northern part of this region. The temporal correlation coefficient between the coupled simulation and observation was 0.70 for the precipitation and 0.53 for the SST leading mode. The coupled model also captures the precipitation–SST relationship, which results from reasonably considering the air–sea coupling processes in the coupled run.