bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquid-liquid triboelectric nanogenerator based on the immiscible interface of an aqueous two-phase system
Authors: Lu Ye , Jiang Longlong , Yu Yang , Wang Dehua , Sun Wentao , Liu Yang , Yu Jing , Zhang Jun , Wang Kai , Hu Han , Wang Xiao , Ma Qingming , Wang Xiaoxiong 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSolid nanogenerators often have limited charge transfer due to their low contact area. Liquid–liquid nanogenerators can transfer a charge better than the solid–solid and solid–liquid counterparts. However, the precise manipulation of the liquid morphology remains a challenge because of the fluidity limits of the liquid. In this work, using the surface tension of a droplet to fix its shape, a liquid-liquid triboelectric nanogenerator in Contact-Separation mode is designed using an immiscible aqueous-aqueous interface, achieving a contact surface charge transfer of 129 nC for a single droplet. The configuration is proven to be applicable in humid environments, and the two-phase materials have good biocompatibility and can be used as an effective drug carrier. Therefore, this nanogenerator is useful for designing future implantable devices. Meanwhile, this design also establishes the foundation of aqueous electronics, and additional applications can be achieved using this route.
Determinants of workplace safety towards SARS-Cov-2 and combating COVID-19 among non-healthcare workers in Hong Kong, Nanjing and Wuhan, China
Authors: Tse Lap Ah , Lee Priscilla Ming Yi , Wang Dongming , Li Yan , Yang Shuyuan , Wang Shoulin , Lau Janice Ying Chui , Wu Tangchun , Shen Hongbing , Ji Xiaoming , Chen Weihong 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThere has been no validated tool to assess workplace infection control towards SARS-Cov-2 in non-healthcare industries. In this first year survey during 07/2020–04/2021, 6684 workers were recruited from varied non-healthcare settings of Hong Kong, Nanjing and Wuhan of China and responded standard questionnaires containing information of prevention measures and policies implemented by companies and personal preventive behaviour towards infection control. All participants were randomly stratified into two sub-samples as training and validation sample. Workplace safety index towards SARS-Cov-2 (WSI-SC2) was developed and validated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We identified 14 manifest variables in WSI-SC2, with three sub-indices named “Workplace infection control measures and prevention”, “Company occupational safety and health management and commitment” and “Worker’s personal preventive behavior and awareness towards infectious control”. WSI-SC2 obtained a good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged: 0.76–0.91), good composite reliability (composite reliability ranged: 0.70–0.95) and satisfactory fit of the model (GFI = 0.95; SRMR = 0.05; RMSEA = 0.07). We further performed stratified analysis according to cities, and the index remained stable. Workers with higher scores of WSI-SC2 were more likely to uptake COVID-19 test. This multi-city large study developed a novel and validated tool that could horizontally measure the workplace safety towards SARS-Cov-2 in non-healthcare workers.
Seed germination ecology of hood canarygrass (Phalaris paradoxa L.) and herbicide options for its control
Authors: Kibasa Vicent , Mahajan Gulshan , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh 
Published: September 2022

AbstractHood canarygrass (Phalaris paradoxaL.) is a problematic weed in winter crops of Australia. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of environmental factors on seed germination ofP. paradoxaand wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) and herbicide options forP. paradoxacontrol. Results revealed thatP. paradoxahad higher germination (> 89%) at a temperature range from 15/5 ℃ to 25/15 ℃ [day/night (12 h/12 h] compared with 30/20 ℃ and 35/25 ℃. At a temperature regime of 30/20 ℃,P. paradoxahad 1% germination; however, wheat at this temperature range resulted in 79% germination. Exposure of seeds ofP. paradoxato > 150 ℃ pretreatment (radiant heat for 5 min) resulted in no germination. These results suggest that infestation ofP. paradoxacould be reduced by residue burning or by planting wheat crops early in the season when the temperature is relatively high. At a water potential of -0.8 MPa, seed germination ofP. paradoxaand wheat was 75 and 96%, respectively. Similarly, at the highest salt concentration (200 mM sodium chloride), seed germination ofP. paradoxaand wheat was 73 and 79%, respectively. These observations suggest that like wheat,P. paradoxais also highly tolerant to water and salt stress conditions, therefore, it could invade the agro-ecosystem under water and salt stress situations. Germination ofP. paradoxawas found to be low (10%) on the soil surface, suggesting that no-till systems could inhibit the germination ofP. paradoxa. Pre-emergent (PRE) herbicides, namely cinmethylin, pyroxasulfone, and trifluralin, provided 100% control ofP. paradoxa; however, in the presence of 2 t ha−1of residue cover, pyroxasulfone provided better control ofP. paradoxacompared with other herbicides. Post-emergent (POST) herbicides clethodim, haloxyfop, and paraquat provided excellent control ofP. paradoxa, even if the plant size was large (10-leaf stage). Knowledge generated from this study will help in strengthening the integrated management ofP. paradoxa.
Analysis of Aedes aegypti microRNAs in response to Wolbachia wAlbB infection and their potential role in mosquito longevity
Authors: Bishop Cameron , Hussain Mazhar , Hugo Leon E. , Asgari Sassan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe mosquito Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of a range of medically important viruses including dengue, Zika, West Nile, yellow fever, and chikungunya viruses. The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis wAlbB strain is a promising biocontrol agent for blocking viral transmission by Ae. aegypti. To predict the long-term efficacy of field applications, a thorough understanding of the interactions between symbiont, host, and pathogen is required. Wolbachia influences host physiology in a variety of ways including reproduction, immunity, metabolism, and longevity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression in eukaryotes and viruses. Several miRNAs are known to regulate biological processes in Drosophila and mosquitoes, including facilitating Wolbachia maintenance. We generated the first chromosomal map of Ae. aegypti miRNAs, and compared miRNA expression profiles between a wAlbB-transinfected Ae. aegypti mosquito line and a tetracycline cleared derivative, using deep small RNA-sequencing. We found limited modulation of miRNAs in response to wAlbB infection. Several miRNAs were modulated in response to age, some of which showed greater upregulation in wAlbB-infected mosquitoes than in tetracycline cleared ones. By selectively inhibiting some differentially expressed miRNAs, we identified miR-2946-3p and miR-317-3p as effecting mosquito longevity in Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes.
Preliminary investigation on stability and hydraulic performance of geotextile sand container breakwaters filled with sand and cement
Authors: Elias Tom , Shirlal Kiran G. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBreakwaters are essential constructions providing tranquility to ports and harbour structures, when there is a lack of natural protection measures. Traditionally these massive structures are constructed using natural rocks weighing tonnes. In the present scenario, obtaining huge natural rocks are difficult as well as non-eco-friendly. Geotextiles sand containers (GSCs) emerges as a suitable alternative for the rock armour units of breakwaters and various literatures supports its efficacy. The present investigation aims at analysing the performance of GSCs when filled with a calculated amount of cement and sand. The Hydraulic performance and stability analysis of cement and sand filled geotextile breakwater models are carried out in a 1:30 scaled monochromatic wave flume. When GSC breakwaters are filled with sand and cement, up to 43% increased stability is observed with a considerable decrease in wave runup, rundown and reflection, than sand-alone filled units. As a result, cement-sand filled GSC units can be suggested as a possible alternative to sand alone filled units where vandalism has to be countered.
Synergistic antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli
Authors: Haji Sayran Hamad , Ali Fattma A. , Aka Safaa Toma Hanna 
Published: September 2022

AbstractNanotechnology is being investigated for its potential to improve nanomedicine for human health. The purpose of this study was to isolate carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli (CPGB), investigate the presence of carbapenemase resistance genes, determine their antibiogram and ability to biosynthesise silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), and estimate the antibacterial activity of Acinetobacter baumannii-biosynthesised Ag NPs on CPGB alone and in combination with antibiotics. A total of 51 CPGBs were isolated from various specimens in the study. The automated Vitek-2 system was used to identify and test these strains' antimicrobial susceptibilities. The carbapenemase resistance genes were identified using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Under the CPGB, A. baumannii could biosynthesise Ag NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron were used to characterise Ag NPs. The antibacterial activity of Ag NP alone and in combination with antibiotics against CPGB was determined using the broth microdilution method, and their synergistic effect was determined using the checkerboard assay. blaNDM and blaOXA-48 were the most commonly reported, and 90% of the isolates produced multiple carbapenemase genes. Tigecycline proved to be the most effective anti-CPGB antibiotic. Isolates with more resistance genes were more resistant to antibiotics, and isolates with three genes (42%) had the most extensively drug-resistant patterns (38%). A significant relationship was discovered between genetic and antibiotic resistance patterns. Only A. baumannii produced Ag NPs out of all the isolates tested. Ag NPs with a size of 10 nm were confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, and TEM analysis. The Ag NPs were effective against CPGB, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 64 to 8 μg/ml on average. Surprisingly, the combination of Ag NPs and antibiotics demonstrated synergistic and partial synergistic activity (fractional inhibitory concentration between 0.13 and 0.56) against CPGB, as well as a significant reduction in antibiotic concentrations, particularly in the case of A. baumanii versus ceftriaxone (1024 to 4 μg/ml). The notable synergistic activity of Ag NPs with antibiotics represents a valuable nanomedicine that may find clinical application in the future as a combined remedy.
Internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions for sexual dysfunctions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zarski Anna-Carlotta , Velten Julia , Knauer Johannes , Berking Matthias , Ebert David Daniel 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent and undertreated. Internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions (IMIs) could be a promising addition to close this treatment gap, given their accessibility, anonymity, and scalability. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of IMIs for sexual dysfunctions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in August 2021 on randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of IMIs on sexual functioning and satisfaction compared to a control condition. Twelve RCTs with 14 comparisons were reviewed with six IMIs targeting female and six IMIs targeting male sexual dysfunctions andn = 952 participants were evaluated in the meta-analysis. IMIs were significantly more effective than control conditions (k = 11 waitlist control group, k = 3 online discussion board) at post-treatment for female sexual functioning (g = 0.59, CI: 0.28–0.90, I2 = 0%) and satisfaction (g = 0.90, CI: 0.02–1.79, I2 = 82%), and male sexual functioning (g = 0.18, CI: 0.02–0.34, I2 = 0%). No significant effect was found for male sexual satisfaction (g = 0.69, CI: −0.13–1.51, I2 = 88%) with substantial heterogeneity in studies. Most studies showed high dropout, with ten studies indicating some concern of risk of bias, and two studies showing high risk of bias. The results suggest that IMIs can be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunctions, although additional high-quality research is needed. Given the limited availability of specialized treatment for sexual dysfunctions and individual preferences for discrete treatment options, IMIs seem to be a valuable addition to routine care, empowering individuals to promote their sexual health on a guided self-help basis.
Biomimetic cardiac tissue culture model (CTCM) to emulate cardiac physiology and pathophysiology ex vivo
Authors: Miller Jessica M. , Meki Moustafa H. , Elnakib Ahmed , Ou Qinghui , Abouleisa Riham R. E. , Tang Xian-Liang , Salama Abou Bakr M. , Gebreil Ahmad , Lin Cindy , Abdeltawab Hisham , Khalifa Fahmi , Hill Bradford G. , Abi-Gerges Najah , Bolli Roberto , El-Baz Ayman S. , Giridharan Guruprasad A. , Mohamed Tamer M. A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThere is need for a reliable in vitro system that can accurately replicate the cardiac physiological environment for drug testing. The limited availability of human heart tissue culture systems has led to inaccurate interpretations of cardiac-related drug effects. Here, we developed a cardiac tissue culture model (CTCM) that can electro-mechanically stimulate heart slices with physiological stretches in systole and diastole during the cardiac cycle. After 12 days in culture, this approach partially improved the viability of heart slices but did not completely maintain their structural integrity. Therefore, following small molecule screening, we found that the incorporation of 100 nM tri-iodothyronine (T3) and 1 μM dexamethasone (Dex) into our culture media preserved the microscopic structure of the slices for 12 days. When combined with T3/Dex treatment, the CTCM system maintained the transcriptional profile, viability, metabolic activity, and structural integrity for 12 days at the same levels as the fresh heart tissue. Furthermore, overstretching the cardiac tissue induced cardiac hypertrophic signaling in culture, which provides a proof of concept for the ability of the CTCM to emulate cardiac stretch-induced hypertrophic conditions. In conclusion, CTCM can emulate cardiac physiology and pathophysiology in culture for an extended time, thereby enabling reliable drug screening.
A deep reinforcement learning based approach for dynamic distributed blocking flowshop scheduling with job insertions
Authors: Sun Xueyan , Vogel‐Heuser Birgit , Bi Fandi , Shen Weiming 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe distributed blocking flowshop scheduling problem (DBFSP) with new job insertions is studied. Rescheduling all remaining jobs after a dynamic event like a new job insertion is unreasonable to an actual distributed blocking flowshop production process. A deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm is proposed to optimise the job selection model, and local modifications are made on the basis of the original scheduling plan when new jobs arrive. The objective is to minimise the total completion time deviation of all products so that all jobs can be finished on time to reduce the cost of storage. First, according to the definitions of the dynamic DBFSP problem, a DRL framework based on multi‐agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG) is proposed. In this framework, a full schedule is generated by the variable neighbourhood descent algorithm before a dynamic event occurs. Meanwhile, all newly added jobs are reordered before the agents make decisions to select the one that needs to be scheduled most urgently. This study defines the observations, actions and reward calculation methods and applies centralised training and distributed execution in MADDPG. Finally, a comprehensive computational experiment is carried out to compare the proposed method with the closely related and well‐performing methods. The results indicate that the proposed method can solve the dynamic DBFSP effectively and efficiently.
Audible noise evaluation for six‐phase overhead lines transformed from existing three‐phase double circuit infrastructures with uprated voltages
Authors: Li Qi , Li Yanzhou , Rowland Simon , Hu Jianlin , Cotton Ian , Jiang Xingliang 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe drive to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate change targets set by governments worldwide has led to the growth of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles in recent years. Resulting intermittent generation and centralised demand require increased transmission capacities when operating associated power systems. Existing transmission lines are not capable of meeting planned needs. In many countries, obtaining a new right of way to build an overhead line (OHL) is increasingly difficult. There is therefore an urgent need to study techniques for transmission line uprating. Simply increasing voltages is not feasible because elevated surface potential gradient at conductor surfaces increases audible noise (AN) levels unacceptably. The feasibility of high phase order, especially six‐phase, transmission techniques has been previously demonstrated, and it has been proved to be an effective way to uprate existing three‐phase double circuit OHLs with increased voltages. This study analyses two typical overhead line structures, whose conductor surface potential gradient and AN level are calculated. The average and maximum surface potential gradient of the six‐phase OHL are 18.5% and 18.6% lower than that of the three‐phase ones. The AN of the six‐phase single circuit OHL is predicted to be 6.33 and 6.45 dBA lower than that of the three‐phase double circuit OHL after the voltage is increased by 45% and 50% for the lines considered. It is shown that six‐phase OHLs can increase capacity by allowing elevating phase voltages without increasing acoustic noise levels.
The effect of corn supplementation on α-tocopherol concentration and oxidative stability in three muscles of grass-fed Holstein bulls
Authors: Silva C. C. G. , Domingos-Lopes M. F. P. , Coelho M. C. , Rego O. A. , Rosa H. J. D. 
Published: September 2022

Context Lipids are important in improving the flavour and aroma of beef and increasing its tenderness and juiciness. However, it is generally accepted that lipid oxidation is the main process responsible for deterioration of meat quality during storage. Naturally occurring antioxidants in pasture play an important role in protecting beef from oxidation. Aims The effects of feeding Holstein bulls grass alone or grass supplemented with high-energy ground corn on α-tocopherol content and oxidative stability of beef were investigated. Methods Thirty-three Holstein bulls, 15 months of age, fed grass alone after weaning were randomly divided into three groups and fed for 85 days as follows: (1) grass ad libitum only, (2) grass ad libitum and supplemented with 4 kg/day ground corn; (3) grass ad libitum and supplemented with 8 kg/day ground corn. Samples from three different muscles, longissimus thoracis, semitendinosus and supraspinatus, were analysed for α-tocopherol content and two oxidation parameters: reactive thiobarbituric acid substances (TBARS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Key results Levels of α-tocopherol ranged from 2.7 to 3.1 μg/g in beef from animals fed only grass, whereas levels of 1.9–2.5 μg/g were observed in beef from animals supplemented with ground corn. Inclusion of corn in the bulls’ diets resulted in lower α-tocopherol and FRAP levels (P < 0.05) and higher TBARS content (P < 0.05) in the three muscles studied. Conclusions Supplementation of grass-fed bulls with ground corn resulted in muscles having less vitamin E and a reduced antioxidant capacity. Implications To produce high-quality beef, grass-fed Holstein cattle should be fed high-energy forages such as corn. However, this supplementation decreases the oxidative stability of the meat, most likely due to a reduction in the amount of α-tocopherol ingested via the grass.
Presence of energetic ions in hollow cathode discharge with low frequency oscillations
Authors: Wang Fu-Feng , Meng Tian-Hang , Yu Da-Ren , Ning Zhong-Xi , Zhu Xi-Ming 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Low-power electric propulsion system has high application prospects. The matching small orifice cathode has become a research hotspot. Through the long-life-test, it is found that the small orifice cathode will also have serious erosion, which seriously affects the reliability of the cathode. This kind of erosion is caused by high-energy ion sputtering, which is usually observed only on the large orifice cathode. There is no clear mechanism research on the cause of such high-energy ions in the small orifice cathode plume region. This paper finds that when the energy of the cathode is mainly concentrated at low frequencies, energetic ions much higher than the discharge voltage will be generated in the cathode plume area. The measurement results of the ion energy distribution in the cathode plume area show that the energy of the ions generated near the keeper increase as the cathode oscillation intensifies. It is found that the oscillation phases of low-energy ions and high-energy ions are inconsistent by measuring the changes of different energy ions during the cathode oscillation period. The oscillation of low-energy ions is in the same phase with the cathode current, while that of high-energy ions is in the same phase with the discharge voltage. This means that the previously neglected oscillation of the cathode at the frequency of tens of kHz can also produce high-energy ions. Therefore, inhibiting the oscillation of this frequency band is of great significance to extend the life of the cathode.