bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on pyrolysis behavior and kinetics of waste plastics with spent FCC catalyst
Authors: Shan Tilun , Wang Kongshuo , Bian Huiguang , Fan Fangshuo , Xiao Yao , Pan Yi , Tian Xiaolong , Wang Chuansheng 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPyrolysis is the most promising method for treating plastic waste since it can convert waste plastics into high value‐added products, which have significant application potential. In this study, kinetic and thermodynamic analyses of spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts were performed for testing their applicability in catalytic cracking of mixed plastics. Thermogravimetric analysis data were obtained at different heating rates under an inert atmosphere, and the synergistic effect between the mixed plastics and activation energy reduction before and after pretreatment of the spent FCC catalysts was discussed. Through a variety of model‐free methods (Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa, Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose, Starink, and Kissinger methods), it is proved that the spent FCC catalyst facilitates the reduction in activation energy required for the pyrolysis of plastics, which is reduced by approximately 13% from 278 to 242 kJ/mol. The catalytic performance of spent FCC catalyst was improved after pretreatment, while its activation energy decreased by approximately 21% from 278 to 220 kJ/mol. The Friedman‐Reich‐Levi method was used to fit the curve, and the number of mechanism functions in plastic pyrolysis was determined according to the slope of the fitting curve. The C‐R method was used in combination with the Malek method to determine the optimal mechanism function. Moreover, kinetic parameters of the spent FCC catalyst for catalytic cracking of plastics were obtained via kinetic studies on the pyrolysis of mixed plastics, which provided theoretical guidance for industrialization of plastic pyrolysis.
Reclamation of ancient agricultural terraces in the Negev Highlands; soil, archeological, hydrological, and topographical perspectives
Authors: Sapir Tal , Mor‐Mussery Amir , Abu‐Glion Hiam , Sariy Gregory , Zaady Eli 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAncient terraced lands are considered badlands without profitable utilization except for urbanization. Nevertheless, this attitude prevents further agricultural utilization in addition to the loss of archaeological data. The study hypothesizes that the main influencing part in these systems is the retaining walls (RW). An analysis of their current influence on soil fertility, stability, and hydrology will indicate their adequate reclamation strategy. The objectives are to gather the influences and correlate them to the RW constructional state. In the Yeroham Hills, three parallel located terraced systems (one on the Wadi Shualim channel and the other, which is located on its banks) were studied. Their ancient agricultural utilization was dated, after in‐site excavations, to the Roman until early Islamic eras. Ten representative RWs were chosen, five from each terraced system. Their influences on the soil fertility, hydrology, and physical properties of the adjacent soil and 2 m ahead (the terrace) were studied. The finding indicates that the RW serves as a physical ecosystem engineer with positive influences on soil organic matter (0.5% higher content compared to the terrace) and land stability properties (maturated soil biocrust and higher aggregate stability). Comparison of the finding from both terraced irrigation systems, which differ in their conservation state, enables to determine the agricultural utilization and land stabilization after an adequate reclamation strategy, which is based on the RWs constructional parameters analyzed in‐site, and adaption to the current floodwater paths. The study's principles and analysis scheme enable the study and conservation of similar areas worldwide for increased utilization and profitability.
Imaging gypsum–anhydrite interface by a structure‐based conceptual resistivity model: A case study from Bala (Turkey) gypsum deposits
Authors: Akca Irfan , Hacıoğlu Özlem , Başokur Ahmet T. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPrincipal calcium sulphate rocks, such as gypsum and anhydrite, originate from evaporitic processes. Gypsum is considered an industrial raw material with high economic value, but anhydrite has no economic interest. Therefore, delineating the interface between sedimentary cover and gypsum, and differentiating gypsum from anhydrite has significant importance in the production planning of open pits. An electrical resistivity tomography study was carried out in the Bala gypsum formation (Central Anatolia, Turkey) to map the gypsum–anhydrite interface. Because open‐pit mining is economical up to a certain depth due to the cost of excavation, delineation of the upper boundary of gypsum is also necessary. As the survey's primary purpose is to delineate the interfaces of the sedimentary cover–gypsum and gypsum–anhydrite layers in shallow depths (50 m), a structure‐based model search scheme that includes a sequential use of global and local search methods has been applied for the derivation of the subsurface resistivity model. The conventional cell‐based conceptual model using the damped least‐squares inversion method is also used for comparison purposes. The strong resistivity contrast leads to an easy identification of cover and gypsum for both conceptual models. However, only the structure‐based conceptual model delineates the interface between gypsum and anhydrite. The estimated interfaces derived from the structure‐based model are consistent with the borehole data. This case history for gypsum investigation indicates the value of selecting an appropriate conceptual model for a specific exploration problem.
Sponge‐inspired multisensory hydrogel
Authors: Chen Kun , Liu Ruonan , Liu He , Lyu Tong , Wang Zhaoyang , Tian Ye 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe preparation of smart sensors with multiple sensory systems, reusable property, and high sensitivity remains a challenge. Here, inspired by a sponge, we develop a multisensory PCA–poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/borax–LiCl hydrogel (named PPL hydrogel) with low cost and simple fabrication process using sodium polyacrylate (PAAS), PVA, and lithium chloride (LiCl) to address this challenge. PPL hydrogel has a sponge‐like porous structure and can repeatedly “absorb” and “drain” water, while maintaining good tensile (strain up to 1442%) and electrical conductivity. PAAS builds the main skeleton of PPL hydrogels and provides the basis for building the pore structure, PVA enhances the mechanical properties of the crosslinked network, while LiCl ionic solution further improves the conductivity, which can reach 8.8 s m−1 and be increased nearly 42 times better than without LiCl. Therefore, this makes PPL hydrogel a very sensitive sensing system for wearable devices that can be used to detect signals from the human body. Additionally, PPL hydrogel is also capable of detecting temperature due to its temperature‐sensitive properties. Moreover, PPL hydrogel can also roughly identify the basic properties of different solvents. Our simple, low‐cost and multisensory PPL hydrogel offers promising opportunities for multisensory sensors, even functional/smart materials, flexible/wearable devices, and medical care.
Correlation between asparaginase enzyme activity levels and coagulation parameters during childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment
Authors: Højfeldt Sofie Gottschalk , Grell Kathrine , Hvitfeldt Lone , Wehner Peder Skov , Bjerre Jesper , Albertsen Birgitte Klug 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThromboembolism is a serious toxicity in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but little is known about the correlation between asparaginase enzyme activity (ASA) levels and coagulation parameters. We included 65 non‐high risk ALL patients, aged 1–17 years. Coagulation parameters and corresponding ASA levels were measured during asparaginase treatment. We found ASA to be negatively correlated with antithrombin and fibrinogen up to ASA levels of 250 IU/L, after which these parameters reached a plateau and did not decrease further with further increase of ASA. Patients with silent inactivation of asparaginase had normal coagulation parameters.
Anti‐glycoprotein autoantibodies are related to bleeding severity in children with newly diagnosed ITP and very low platelet counts
Authors: Dong Shuyue , Gu Hao , Zhang Jialu , Fu Lingling , Xie Xingjuan , Ma Jingyao , Ma Jie , Chen Zhenping , Wu Runhui 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackground and objectiveImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune‐mediated hemorrhagic disease. Anti‐glycoprotein autoantibodies play a key role in the pathophysiology of ITP, but the relationship between platelet‐specific antibodies and bleeding severity is unclear. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between anti‐glycoprotein autoantibodies and bleeding severity in children with newly diagnosed ITP and platelet count less than 10 × 109/L.MethodThis was a single‐center prospective observational study that analyzed children with newly diagnosed ITP and platelet count less than 10 × 109/L between June 2018 and September 2021 at our hospital. The children were classified into the mild and severe groups based on the bleeding scores. The type and titer of anti‐glycoprotein autoantibodies were detected using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (PAKAUTO). We analyzed the relationship between bleeding severity and anti‐glycoprotein autoantibodies.ResultsA total of 86 cases were enrolled, including 42 in the mild group and 44 in the severe group. Patients with anti‐GPIIb/IIIa or anti‐GPIb/IX antibodies suffered more severe bleeding than patients without them (χ2 = 7.303, p = .007; χ2 = 3.875, p = .049), but there was no significant difference between patients with or without anti‐GPIa/IIa antibodies (χ2 = 0.745, p = .388). When antibodies were analyzed together, patients with three antibodies suffered more severe bleeding than those without three antibodies (χ2 = 5.053, p = .025). Patients with higher antibody titer in the eluent, but not in the plasma, suffered more severe bleeding in all three antibodies (Z = −2.389, p = .017; Z = −2.108, p = .035; Z = −2.557, p = .011).ConclusionAnti‐glycoprotein autoantibodies led to more severe bleeding in children under 18 years of age without drug treatment with newly diagnosed ITP and platelet count less than 10 × 109/L.
Live‐cell imaging of the chloroplast outer envelope membrane using fluorescent dyes
Authors: Ichikawa Shintaro , Ishikawa Kazuya , Miyakawa Hitoshi , Kodama Yutaka 
Published: November 2022

AbstractChloroplasts are organelles composed of sub‐organellar compartments—stroma, thylakoids, and starch granules—and are surrounded by outer and inner envelope membranes (OEM and IEM, respectively). The chloroplast OEM and IEM play key roles not only as a barrier separating the chloroplast components from the cytosol but also in the interchange of numerous metabolites and proteins between the chloroplast interior and the cytosol. Fluorescent protein markers for the chloroplast OEM have been widely used to visualize the outermost border of chloroplasts. However, the use of marker proteins requires an established cellular genetic transformation method, which limits the plant species in which marker proteins can be used. Moreover, the high accumulation of OEM marker proteins often elicits abnormal morphological phenotypes of the OEM. Because the OEM can currently only be visualized using exogenous marker proteins, the behaviors of the chloroplast and/or its OEM remain unknown in wild‐type cells of various plant species. Here, we visualized the OEM using live‐cell staining with the fluorescent dyes rhodamine B and Nile red in several plant species, including crops. We propose rhodamine B and Nile red as new tools for visualizing the chloroplast OEM in living plant cells that do not require genetic transformation.Significance StatementWe established a live‐cell imaging method to visualize the chloroplast outer envelope membrane by staining living cells with fluorescent dyes. This method does not require genetic transformation and allows the observation of the chloroplast outer envelope membrane in various plant species.
SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein capture by peptide functionalized networks
Authors: Rahman Monica S. , Rajawasam Chamoni W. H. , De Alwis Watuthanthrige Nethmi , Sparks Jessica L. , Page Richard C. , Konkolewicz Dominik 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has significantly impacted human health, the global economy, and society. Viruses residing on common surfaces represent a potential source of contamination for the general population. Spike binding peptide 1, SBP1 is a 23 amino acid peptide, which has micromolar binding affinity (1.3 μM) towards the spike protein receptor‐binding domain. We hypothesize that if we can covalently immobilize this SBP1 peptide in a covalent crosslinked network system, we can develop a surface that would preferentially bind spike protein and, therefore, which could limit viral spread. A series of covalently crosslinked networks of hydroxy ethyl acrylate (HEA) with different primary chain lengths and crosslinker density was prepared. Later, this network system was functionalized using 2% SBP1 peptide. Our study found that with a shorter chain length and lower crosslinker density, the HEA network system alone could capture almost 80% of the spike protein. We reported that the efficiency could be enhanced almost by 17% with higher crosslinker density.
The privilege of COVID‐19 vaccine wastage ‐ Hong Kong
Authors: Tran Joshua Yeuk Shun , Chan Phoebe Chi Fei , Wong Samuel Yeung‐shan , Wong Martin Chi‐sang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCOVID‐19 and its effects continue to ripple through Hong Kong. From strict social restrictions to loosening travel restrictions, from high death rates to high caseloads, and from low vaccine uptake to high vaccine uptake, Hong Kong has experienced the spectrum of COVID‐19. Hong Kong being in a position of privilege was able to procure at least three doses per person soon after vaccines became available. However, the public's response to the vaccines was suboptimal, with less than 55% of the population being vaccinated 6 months after the introduction of the vaccines. Though the government tried to encourage active vaccine uptake, various factors, such as perceived barriers, risks, and general distrust, contributed to the hesitancy experienced by the population. Logistical factors such as open and closed vial wastage may also contribute to vaccine waste. This may have led to massive vaccine waste of up to 2 million doses and more uncertainty with how to manage with to‐be‐delivered vaccines. Vaccine nationalism opened the doors to potential wastage, a symptom of vaccine inequity. Urgent action is needed to address uptake hesitancy and potential suboptimal logistical management to prevent further vaccine wastage.
From the headwaters to the sea: The role of riparian, alluvial, and tidal wetlands to filter nutrients and ameliorate eutrophication
Authors: Craft Christopher B. , Li Shanze , Xie Tian 
Published: November 2022

AbstractWetlands are known for their ability to trap sediment and eliminate pollutants from the surrounding catchment. However, less is known regarding the differential role of headwater, mid‐catchment, and coastal wetlands in filtering these materials. Soil accretion, organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), and total phosphorus (P) were measured in wetlands from the headwaters to the mouth of the Altamaha River, Georgia, USA to assess how sediment deposition, C sequestration, and N and P burial vary along the waterway. Soil cores (n = 2 per site) were collected from riparian, upper and lower alluvial, tidal freshwater forest and marsh, brackish marsh, and salt marsh. Two‐centimeter depth increments were analyzed for 137Cs, to determine soil accretion, bulk density, and C, N, and P concentration. Accretion exhibited a bimodel distribution with the highest rates in riparian wetlands of the headwaters (3.9 mm/year) and in tidal fresh and brackish marshes (4.7–5.4 mm/year) of the estuary. Accretion rates were considerably lower in alluvial and tidal fresh forests and salt marshes (0.9–2.5 mm/year). Carbon sequestration and N burial followed a similar trend with the greatest accumulation in soils of tidal fresh and brackish marshes (102–150 g C/m2/year, 7.1–9.5 g N/m2/year) that had not only high accretion but also high organic matter content (11%–12% C). Riparian soils with their low C content, high bulk density, and high P content had much greater sediment deposition (3310 g/m2/year) and P burial (2.75 g P/m2/year) than other wetlands along the waterway (180–1730 g sediment/m2/year, 0.23–0.90 g P/m2/year). Results suggest that, in the Altamaha River, sediment deposition and P removal are maximized in the headwaters thereby protecting downstream freshwaters from the effects of P eutrophication. Tidal fresh and brackish marshes with their high rates of N burial can aid in protecting estuaries from N enrichment, many of which suffer from the effects of N eutrophication. Results from this study are scalable to other rivers of the southeastern U.S. piedmont and coastal plain and similar rivers of this size, topography, and geology.
Incorporating an engineering context into science learning: The effects of task context and response structuring on science understanding and investigation behaviors in a simulation
Authors: Jiang Yang , Brockway Debra , Moon Jung Aa 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe interrelationship of science and engineering and the recent inclusion of engineering in K‐12 science standards have promoted the incorporation of engineering design in science classrooms. However, empirical studies on the impacts of engineering design on science learning show mixed findings and indicate that factors such as the complexity of design tasks, a lack of connections between design tasks and the underlying science concepts, and the limited experience with engineering among science teachers can influence learning gains from design activities. One useful approach for addressing these challenges is through the use of technologies such as interactive simulations, which have become increasingly prevalent in STEM education. In the present study, we used a simulation to investigate the effects of task context (science vs. engineering) on students' investigation behaviors and their understanding of science concepts. Furthermore, considering the relative novelty and complexity of an engineering context to many students, we examined how structuring students' responses in the engineering context affects their behaviors and learning. A total of 349 high school students were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: science, structured engineering, and unstructured engineering. In the science condition, students used the simulation to investigate the effects of four variables on the saturation concentration of solutions. Using the same simulation, students in the structured and unstructured engineering conditions were directed to recommend the optimal variable values that meet a set of given constraints and maximize the saturation concentration for a commercial product. The only difference between the two engineering conditions was whether structuring was provided in the response fields presented to students as they entered responses for the target variables. Results suggested that the engineering context stimulated students to engage in more comprehensive investigation behaviors as compared to the science context. In contrast, students in the science condition exhibited more systematic behaviors. However, the increased comprehensiveness of behaviors in the engineering conditions did not translate into significantly greater learning of the science content in these conditions, indicating that students might have focused on the surface features associated with the engineering goal without making deep connections between the two domains. Furthermore, structuring students' responses within an engineering context as used in the current study did not lead to significant differences in investigation behaviors or learning outcomes.
A preliminary assessment of net box traps to catch gray wolves in Lower Saxony, Germany
Authors: Gethöffer Friederike , Bartels Janina , Siebert Ursula 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe number of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in Lower Saxony, Germany, has increased since they recolonized the region in 2007, and developing appropriate management strategies requires accurate information on wolf habitat use. As research on space use and foraging ecology necessitates capture, tagging, and tracking of wolves, we evaluated the feasibility of using cage traps to catch animals unharmed. Due to legal restrictions in Germany, especially concerning body‐grasping traps (e.g., foothold traps and foot snares), we developed an alternative trapping system. From July 2018 to December 2020, we installed net box traps at different locations in Lower Saxony. However, our study was disrupted and traps were removed prematurely because of human activities and sabotage. Although we did not capture any wolves, we photographically documented wolf pups entering our net box traps on seven occasions and suggest that young wolves can potentially be captured in our net box traps. We believe our work opens the possibility for further trapping options to improve future research on European gray wolves.
Einleitung
Authors: Sterzel Martin 
Published: November 2022

ZusammenfassungIm Bereich des Entrepreneurships hat sich ein Ansatz herausgebildet, der das Vorgehen von Gründern in einem unsicheren Umfeld beschreibt und unter dem Begriff Effectuation bekannt ist. Bisher werden in der Effectuation-Forschung mit Hilfe qualitativer und quantitativer Methoden insbesondere zeitpunktbezogene Zusammenhänge untersucht. Die Betrachtung von Effectuation aus prozessthoretischer Sicht erlaubt darüber hinaus entrepreneuriale Wirkungsweisen im Zeitverlauf zu verstehen. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, die Effectuation-Theorie um einen prozessorientierten Beitrag zu erweitern sowie Elemente bestehender Modelle zu aggregieren und um den Baustein effektuativen Lernens zu ergänzen.
Zusammenfassung und Ausblick
Authors: Sterzel Martin 
Published: November 2022

ZusammenfassungIn diesem Kapitel werden die wesentlichen Erkenntnisse und Grenzen der Arbeit herausgestellt und weitere Forschungspotentiale aufgezeigt. Durch die Verwendung von Reinforcement Learning und agentenbasierter Modellierungsmethoden wurde die Operationalisierung des entrepreneurialen Problemraums realisiert und effektuatives Lernen ermöglicht. Das realweltliche Phänomen einer Unternehmensgründung konnte aus Gründen der Komplexitätsreduzierung im entwickelten Modellansatz nur unter Einschränkungen erfasst werden. Weitere Forschungspotentiale ergeben sich hinsichtlich der Evaluierung weiterer Lernstrategien, modifizierter Belohnungsfunktionen sowie der Anpassung der Lernumgebung des Agenten.
Deformation patterns in a second-gradient lattice annular plate composed of “Spira mirabilis” fibers
Authors: Ciallella Alessandro , D’Annibale Francesco , Del Vescovo Dionisio , Giorgio Ivan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we aim to explore the mechanical potentialities of a material made of an orthogonal net of fibers arranged in logarithmic spirals. Therefore, an annular plate described with a second-gradient model is envisaged to evaluate the behavior of such material in a nonlinear elastic regime when large displacements and deformations occur. Several mechanical tests are performed numerically under the finite element method approximation obtained directly with a weak formulation based on the elastic energy that it is assumed to be predictive for this kind of network system of fibers. Plots reporting the mechanical characteristics in all the considered tests are provided to illustrate the overall mechanical behavior of the evaluated system.