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2023-02-01 | Clogging of sub entry nozzle is a recurrent problem during continuous casting of low carbon aluminum deoxidized steel. Newly modernized SMS shop, producing mainly low carbon aluminum deoxidized steel through BOF-Twin LF-CC route was facing a major issue of nozzle clogging leading to abrupt abortion of sequence casting. The incidences of SEN clogging were very high leading to loss of shop productivity. Within a span of one month around 28 cases of casting abortion were reported due SEN clogging. Casting was getting stopped in 3–4 heat sequence even after calcium treatment practice was adopted in each heat. The process of steelmaking was studied in detail to find out the root cause of nozzle clogging. It was found that dendritic clusters of alumina originating as a result of deoxidation of steel and reoxidation of aluminum during secondary refining was probably causing SEN clogging. It was also found that optimization of Ca treatment practice was required for successful continuous casting of an aluminum-killed steel. The paper elaborates the technical issues faced related to clogging of SEN in a newly installed high speed single strand slab caster during continuous casting of low carbon steel deoxidized with aluminum. The paper covers the essential steps required to identify the root cause of nozzle clogging and various process interventions essential to eliminate the SEN clogging issues and streamline the production of low carbon aluminum-killed steel in higher sequence lengths. | Abrupt Casting Failures Due to Sub Entry Nozzle Clogging in Calcium Treated Aluminum Killed Steel | 10.1007/s11668-022-01569-5 |
2023-02-01 | Abstract The content of formation water is among the key parameters in the exploration and exploitation of low-permeability shale reservoirs containing hardly-recoverable hydrocarbon resources. The reliable estimation of this parameter provides an authentic evaluation of hydrocarbon resources. An extensive review of publications is presented on the direct and indirect laboratory techniques to determine the water saturation of unconventional shale reservoirs. The essence, advantages, disadvantages and limitations of the methods are described in detail. It is shown that direct laboratory techniques (the retort method, as well as Zaks and Dean–Stark measurements) that were developed initially for common reservoir rocks produced up to a 50% error for samples of unconventional rocks of hardly-recoverable resources. An evaporation procedure developed specially for low-permeability rocks should be an alternative. The procedure allows one to quantitatively estimate the contents of free and bound water more rapidly, exactly (less than 6.8% error), and efficiently compared to other techniques; moreover, five times less core matter is required for the analysis. | Laboratory Evaluation Methods of Water Saturation in Shales | 10.3103/S0145875223010064 |
2023-02-01 | Abstract The transformation of the microstructure of a 65G thermostrengthened steel zone surfaced with an electrode with a low-carbon rod has a complex character. Higher hardness values of individual regions increase abrasive wear resistance of the component. The presence of the melting zone provides resistance of the surfaces region to the crack formation. The use of electrodes with a low-carbon rod is reasonable for the surfacing reinforcement of thermostrengthened steels. | The Transformation of the Microstructure of a 65G Thermostrengthened Steel Zone Surfaced with an Electrode with a Low-Carbon Rod | 10.3103/S0967091223020134 |
2023-02-01 | The Bükk Mts. in NE Hungary exposes Paleozoic and Mesozoic successions containing volcanic formations both in the oceanic crust-derived Szarvaskő Unit and in the continental crust-derived Paraautochthonous Unit. The rocks of this latter unit were subject of multiple metamorphic, also metasomatic alterations and deformation events obscuring and overprinting original petrographic and geochemical characteristics and producing a complex structure in which stratigraphic relationships are not always possible to be identified. This situation was leading to various stratigraphic hypotheses. This study aims to provide a basis for distinguishing metavolcanic formations using trace element geochemical data combined with quantitative mineralogical data based on XRD and EPMA. Our data were obtained from a wide range of samples collected in the Bükk Mts. Mineralogy and major element geochemistry reflect regional Alpine metamorphism and local alteration processes but high field strength elements remained relatively stable during most of these processes except local HFSE enrichment. Zr/TiO 2 , Nb/Y and Nb/Ta ratios were effectively used for classifying the rocks into three formations: Bagolyhegy Metarhyolite, Szentistvánhegy Metavolcanics and Szinva Metabasalt. Bagolyhegy Metarhyolite is a unique volcanic formation formed from highly differentiated and HFSE-depleted magma, probably in a single volcanic centre of uncertain age. Szentistvánhegy Metavolcanics comprises heterogeneous rocks of a calc-alkaline arc-type suite with wide distribution in a Ladinian chronostratigraphic horizon. Szinva Metabasalt represents within-plate-type alkaline lava flows and adjacent volcaniclastic, mostly peperitic rocks embedded in Carnian platform and basin facies limestone formations. Like the sedimentary formations of the Bükk Mts, rocks of magmatic origin can be correlated with the formations of the South Alpine and Dinaric successions with the significant difference that abundant metavolcanics are not accompanied by intrusive bodies. | Metavolcanic formations in the Paraautochthonous Triassic successions of the Bükk Mts, NE Hungary | 10.1007/s00531-022-02246-6 |
2023-02-01 | Abstract We studied the effect of chemically active fluorine-containing additives AlF 3 , BaF 2 , and ZnF 2 on the character of evaporation of some low-volatile elements from a refractory matrix in the crater of a DC arc electrode in the analysis of zirconium by atomic emission spectrometry. The additives cause the formation of volatile fluorides of low-volatile elements and their fractional evaporation with respect to the base element evaporation. Impurity fluorides rapidly and completely evaporate during the first 30 s of arcing, and only after that the intensive evaporation of the base begins. Such fractionation increases significantly the intensity of the spectral lines of impurities, decreases the background intensity, and, consequently, improves the limits of determination of low-volatile elements in zirconium oxide. Zinc fluoride is the most effective of the studied additives. Using zinc fluoride, we lowered the limits of determination of low-volatile elements by two orders of magnitude compared to the limits of determination in zirconium oxide without additives and improved the reproducibility of the results of determinations. | Behavior and Fractionation of Low-Volatile Impurities in a DC Arc in the Analysis of Zirconium by Atomic Emission Spectrometry | 10.1134/S1061934823020168 |
2023-02-01 | Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the changes that a recently developed at-home device using low-level light therapy (LLLT) produced in signs and symptoms of patients with dry eye disease (DED) owing to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods In this prospective study, patients with DED owing to MGD not successfully responding to first-line therapy (tear substitutes and eye lid hygiene) were treated with four serial sessions (every other day) of mask based on LLLT technology and dedicated for home use (my-mask ® , Espansione Marketing S.p.A., Bologna, Italy). Non-invasive ocular surface examination was carried out by means of Keratograph 5M (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) before and after four mask sessions for the evaluation of (i) tear meniscus height (TMH); (ii) first and average non-invasive Keratograph breakup time (NIKBUT); (iii) meibomian gland loss (MGL). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was used to assess ocular discomfort symptoms. Results Overall, 17 patients (3 male, 14 female; mean age 61.47 ± 11.93 years) were enrolled and all of them regularly completed the entire cycle of four sessions without reporting any adverse event. The mean values of NIKBUT first and NIKBUT average increased significantly after treatment (from 5.29 ± 2.60 at T0 to 9.04 ± 3.49 s at T1 [ P = 0.001] and from 9.40 ± 3.81 to 11.28 ± 2.81 s [ P = 0.017]); in parallel, the mean value of TMH increased significantly from 0.27 ± 0.06 to 0.32 ± 0.09 mm ( P = 0.029). Conversely, there were not statistically significant differences for MGL ( P = 0.346). In addition, the mean value of OSDI score decreased after treatment (from 32.00 ± 7.96 at T0 to 20.71 ± 8.03 at T1; P < 0.001). Conclusions One week of serial sessions of a newly developed LLLT device for home use significantly improved tear film production and stability along with ocular discomfort symptoms in patients with DED owing to MGD. These findings open up a new scenario for patients with MGD who can enjoy the unique benefits of LLLT at home. | Serial Sessions of a Novel Low-Level Light Therapy Device for Home Treatment of Dry Eye Disease | 10.1007/s40123-022-00619-3 |
2023-02-01 | Oxygen (O 2 ) in the air is a green oxidant, and utilization of air for pollutant removal is highly desired. Herein, we report the preparation and utilization of a novel biomass-based three-dimensional (3D) Ni@NiO/carbon composite for the electro-activation of O 2 under room condition. The carbon-coated Ni@NiO nanoparticles are fabricated on a hierarchical 3D porous loofah sponge-derived carbon (LSC) support as the bifunctional catalyst for the activation of O 2 via both the electro-oxidation and electro-reduction reactions. An electrocatalytic air oxidation coupling system is constructed with the Ni@NiO/LSC shell-core electrodes for pollutant degradation. A variety of organic pollutants, including pharmaceutics and personal care products (PPCPs), dyes, phenolic compounds, and real waters are mineralized by more than 60% with significantly enhanced biodegradability. Notably, the coupling system obtains high mineralization efficiency of 70.2 ± 1.9% on landfill leachate with significant biodegradability enhancement. The specific energy consumptions of the coupling system are only 6.8 ± 0.7 to 60.2 ± 3.6 kWh kg-TOC −1 in mineralizing different pollutants. The hollow structure of the LSC fibers endows the loaded Ni@NiO with superior intrinsic catalytic activity, which is associated with low reaction resistance and facile electron transfer. The Ni@NiO on LSC presents an electrocatalytic wet air oxidation (ECWAO) catalytic activity higher by 35.8% and cathodic air oxidation (CAO) catalytic activity higher by 22.7% as compared to that loaded on commercial graphite felt. | Bifunctional Ni@NiO catalyst supported on loofah sponge-derived carbon for electrocatalytic air oxidation of biorefractory pollutant in a coupling system | 10.1007/s11356-022-23358-1 |
2023-02-01 | The science case on studies of accretion and outflows in low-mass (<1.5 $$M_{\odot }$$ M ⊙ ) young stellar objects (YSOs) with the new CUBES instrument is presented. We show the need for a high-sensitivity, near-ultraviolet (NUV) spectrograph like CUBES, with a resolving power at least four times that of X-Shooter and combined with UVES via a fibrelink for simultaneous observations. Simulations with the CUBES exposure time calculator and the end-to-end software show that a significant gain in signal-to-noise can be achieved compared to current instruments, for both the spectral continuum and emission lines, including for relatively embedded YSOs. Our simulations also show that the low-resolution mode of CUBES will be able to observe much fainter YSOs (V $$\sim$$ ∼ 22 mag) in the NUV than we can today, allowing us extend studies to YSOs with background-limited magnitudes. The performance of CUBES in terms of sensitivity in the NUV will provide important new insights into the evolution of circumstellar disks, by studying the accretion, jets/winds and photo-evaporation processes, down to the low-mass brown dwarf regime. CUBES will also open-up new science as it will be able to observe targets that are several magnitudes fainter than those reachable with current instruments, facilitating studies of YSOs at distances of $$\sim$$ ∼ kpc scale. This means a step-change in the field of low-mass star formation, as it will be possible to expand the science case from relatively local star-forming regions to a large swathe of distances within the Milky Way. | Accretion and outflows in young stars with CUBES | 10.1007/s10686-022-09832-1 |
2023-02-01 | The energy sector and coal scientists have been enthusiastic about characterizing and understanding the vertical and lateral depositional systems of thick coal seam. However, there are no detailed studies that provide well-connected insight into the regional depositional characteristics of the thick coal seam in the Lower Indus Basin, SE Pakistan. Therefore, field emission scanning electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy backscattered electron, electron probe microanalysis, X-ray powder diffraction spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and coal facies were adopted to study major and subclassified maceral petrography and coal sequence stratigraphic characteristics; coal depositional models were then established. Preferential depositional systems were identified by low-stand system tracts, high-stand system tracts and transgressive system tracts and are likely to include shallow marine sequences that were propagated by slow to rapid regression. The high contents of telohuminite and detrohuminite indicate highly gelified and non-gelified tissue derived from angiosperms and herbaceous plants, which were the most prevalent. The qualitative analysis of the function group suggests peaks, hence stretching the region band adsorption intensity of the particle. Major identified features of Raman spectra with hidden peak intensities tend to include the oscillation of energy particles due to the carbon crystallinity and high reflectance of mineral surfaces. The extensive lateral depositional analytical models revealed that the thick coal seam was deposited in the upper delta during waterlogged/wet and dry cyclic conditions, which were the most prevalent in the mires. This continuation of wet–dry cyclic conditions moves quickly to humification and gelification. Environmental changes led to the accumulation and transformation of organic matter, which resulted in the formation of thick peat deposits. | Formation Mechanism of Thick Coal Seam in the Lower Indus Basin, SE Pakistan | 10.1007/s11053-022-10145-5 |
2023-02-01 | Low-dimensional hybrid perovskites combine the richness of physical functionalities of inorganic materials and complexity and stimulus responsiveness of organic molecules in a single bulk dynamic material. The unique aspect of these materials is the thermodynamic (meta) stability, allowing for self-organized formation of complex large-period structures. Combined with the ease of fabrication, these materials not only have extensively demonstrated state-of-the-art high-performance optoelectronics, but also offer the pathway toward versatile applications, including sensors, electronic, and neuromorphic devices as well as their cost-effective mass production. However, discovery and optimization of this material require joint optimization of the composition of the inorganic components and selection of the molecular moieties, to harness the phase formation and self-assembly processes on the material level, and extend it to micro- and macroscale functional devices. Here, we discuss the potential of machine learning-driven automated experiments to accelerate the discovery of these materials, optimize the processing pathways, and transition from the lab-level to the product-level manufacturing. Graphical abstract | Toward self-organizing low-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites: Machine learning-driven co-navigation of chemical and compositional spaces | 10.1557/s43577-023-00490-y |
2023-02-01 | Precision involute artifact is an indispensable tool in the detection of high precision gears. In this paper, a new method of low-frequency vibration-aided wire electrochemical machining (LV-WECM) is proposed to fabricate gear involute artifact with high aspect ratio. First, a mathematical model of WECM is established to analyze forming principle of gear involute artifact. Second, the machining process is simulated by electric field simulation. The deviation of WECM is analyzed according to the simulation results. And then, the effects of low-frequency vibration and flushing on machining are analyzed by flow field simulation, which shows that vibration and flushing can effectively promote mass transfer in the gap. Finally, the effects of applied voltage, pulse parameters, and vibration parameters on machining accuracy were discussed experimentally. After several groups of contrast experiments, a gear involute artifact blank with aspect ratio of 40:1 is successfully machined on 8-mm-thick GCr15 workpiece, the max profile deviation is 17.6 µm, and the average surface roughness Sa is about 2.370 µm. It is proved that LV-WECM is a reliable method for machining involute template with high aspect ratio. | Theoretical and experimental study on LV-WECM of gear involute artifact with high aspect ratio | 10.1007/s00170-022-10752-9 |
2023-02-01 | Condition monitoring of industrial equipment has become a critical aspect in Industry 4.0. This paper shows the design, implementation and testing of a low-cost Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) system designed to monitor electric motors in real-time. This system can be used to detect operating anomalies and paves the way for building predictive maintenance models. The system is built using low-cost hardware components (wireless multi-sensor modules and single-board computers as gateways), open-source software and open cloud services, where all the relevant information is stored. The module collects real-time vibration data from electric motors. Vibration analyses in the temporal and frequency domains were carried out in both modules and gateways to compare their capabilities. This approach is also a springboard to using edge/fog computing to save cloud resources. A system prototype has been tested in the laboratory and in an industrial dairy plant. The results show that the proposed system can be used for continuous monitoring of any rotatory machine with similar accuracy to professional monitoring devices but at a significantly lower cost. | Low-Cost Industrial IoT System for Wireless Monitoring of Electric Motors Condition | 10.1007/s11036-022-02017-2 |
2023-02-01 | Underground pollution of soils and sediments is a major yet overlooked health issue, because pollutants are often trapped into inaccessible and complex porous media, and may re-enter ecosystems days to hundred of years later. In particular, removing the organic liquid pollutants completely from porous media is almost impossible, especially in low-permeability zones. Here, we review the migration and remediation techniques of organic liquid pollutants in the subsurface, with focus on low-permeability zones. We discussed migration mechanisms in the vadose and saturation zones. Remediation techniques include electrokinetic remediation, bioremediation, and the use of polymers and foam. Electrokinetic remediation is well suited for ultralow-permeability areas such as silts and clays. Microbial remediation is environmentally friendly with minimal disturbance in soil systems, yet underground conditions may limit bacterial growth. Polymers reduce pollutant mobility and improve the stability of the displacement front. Nanoparticles modify the viscosity of polymer solution, improve the sweep efficiency and reduce interfacial tension reduction. Foams may solve the problems caused by bypass and preferential flows of surfactants in the high-permeability region. | Migration and remediation of organic liquid pollutants in porous soils and sedimentary rocks: a review | 10.1007/s10311-022-01506-w |
2023-02-01 | Abstract According to the field observations during the summer low-water period in years with different thermal conditions and water content (2015–2020), an interannual variability of abiotic characteristics and chlorophyll content in the Lower Volga is considered. The temperature, transparency, color, and electrical conductivity of water are characterized by a low variability and demonstrated changes from north to south according to the zonal peculiarities of the Volga cascade. The average content of biogenic substances (0.81–0.99 mg/L N tot and 101–134 μg/L P tot ) changes insignificantly in the Saratov and Volgograd reservoirs, but decreases in the unregulated lower region of the Volga River. The content of N-N $${\text{O}}_{3}^{ - }$$ and P-P $${\text{O}}_{4}^{{3 - }}$$ in the total pool of nitrogen and phosphorus reaches 4–9 and 69–74%, respectively; the ratio N tot /P tot < 10 indicates a possible nitrogen limitation of phytoplankton. The content of Chl a corresponds to a mesotrophic category in the Saratov and Volgograd reservoirs (5.3 ± 0.6 and 7.2 ± 0.9 µg/L) and eutrophic one in the lower region (13.9 ± 1.5 µg/L). The trophic status of the Lower Volga did not change as compared with the last decade of the 20th century. It is established that the abiotic factors have a weak influence on the content of Chl a in the Saratov Reservoir and moderate in the Volgograd Reservoir, and they almost completely control the development of phytoplankton in the unregulated lower region of the Volga River ( R 2 = 0.21, 0.59, and 0.91, respectively). The data supplement the observations of the previous years and form the basis for long-term monitoring of the ecosystems of large artificial reservoirs. | Abiotic Factors and Their Role in the Development of Phytoplankton in the Lower Volga | 10.1134/S1995082923010091 |
2023-02-01 | Since the introduction of fast integrated circuits, semiconductor manufacturers have concentrated their efforts on reducing the size of transistors. Increased working frequencies (shorter transistors) and decreased power consumption are the goals of circuit designers working on large-scale production costs (with the lowering of supply voltage). Short channel effects (SCEs) are a side effect of transistor shrinkage. While reducing gate oxide thickness in downscaled devices, gate stack engineering is an approach that directs to an increase in leakage current (quantum tunnelling effect). SiO 2 's application as gate insulation is anticipated to result in a gradual increase in tunnelling leakage current. As a result, the market has witnessed an increase in innovative device architectures as Fin field effect transistors (FinFET). Nanosheets is a cutting-edge method that overcomes FinFET's constraints. In this study, sub-nm junction-less Gate Stack Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) nanosheet FinFETs (NS FinFET) for both low and high levels of doping are examined. From doping concentration (ND) range of 10 16 cm-3 to 10 19 cm-3, the comprehensive DC performance evaluation is examined, including transfer characteristics, output characteristics, subthreshold swing (SS), drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL), and ION/IOFF ratio. The proposed Junction less FinFET produces better switching characteristics with IOFF getting less than nA for all the doping ranges. Furthermore, dynamic power and power consumption of the proposed JLFET is investigated. It shows paradigm shift for the semiconductor industries for low-power and high-performance applications at sub-nm region. | Design and Analysis of Gate Stack Silicon-on-Insulator Nanosheet FET for Low Power Applications | 10.1007/s12633-022-02137-0 |
2023-02-01 | Abstract Due to the continuous growth in the low power IoT/IoT $${}^{2}$$ applications, the need for sustainable energy sources glows up as a must. Indoor lighting is a potential sustainable energy source capable of being utilized in a wide range of indoor low power applications, especially those related to smart buildings and wireless sensor networks. The current study introduces a novel BaTiO $${}_{3}$$ -dye-TiO $${}_{2}$$ based light harvester simulated under low light intensity (0.2 Sun) LED source. Multiscale modelling approach is presented, starting from an atomistic modelling using density function theory (DFT), up to a complete optoelectronic device model. Energy band diagram, density of states and dielectric permittivity are extracted from the DFT model, to be fed in the optoelectronic device model. The $$I$$ – $$V$$ characteristics for the complete device are simulated under the AM1.5G, as well as low light (0.2 Sun) intensity. For the sake of comparison, Si as well as GaAs-based solar cells are also simulated, showing a boosted performance for the perovskite cell up to 50 $$\%$$ higher than the Si and 35 $$\%$$ than GaAs cells, for indoor harvesting. The proposed BaTiO $${}_{3}$$ recorded an overall extracted power density up to 2.72 mW/cm $${}^{2}$$ , making it appropriate for various low power millimeter scale applications. | Perovskite Indoor Light Harvesters: from Atomistic DFT to Optoelectronic Device Modeling | 10.3103/S875669902301017X |
2023-02-01 | Abstract The maintenance of a microwave gas discharge of a standing surface electromagnetic wave (SEW) in the dipolar mode is studied. The standing wave was formed between two flat mirrors that create an open resonator type structure on the surface wave. The measured Q factor of the open resonator is several tens. The electric field structures of a free discharge and a discharge supported by a standing surface wave field are determined. It is shown that resonance on a purely surface wave is excited in this system. With an increase in the field energy between the mirrors by 8–10 dB, the concentration of electrons increases by about 50%. The ratios of the surface wave field energies in the plasma and in the space surrounding the discharge both in the case of a free discharge and during resonance are estimated. The results of experiments and numerical simulations show that the structure of the discharge depends on the excited mode of steady-state SEWs. | Microwave Low-Pressure Gas Discharge Sustained by a Standing Surface Wave in the Dipolar Mode | 10.1134/S1063780X22601651 |
2023-02-01 | Abstract In this work the possibility of the low-k surface funtionalization under the low-energy noble gas atom irradiation is studied using computer simulations. The calculations were made with the use of the ab initio density functional theory method using molecular dynamics algorithms implemented in the VASP software package. Detailed analysis of the calculated trajectories reveals the conditions under which the impact of incident He, Ne, Ar, and Xe atoms with energies of up to 30 eV can eliminate surface methyl groups responsible for the hydrophobic properties of the surface of these dielectrics. Based on the data obtained, the threshold energy (the minimum atom energy sufficient for the formation of the CH 3 radical) is estimated and the features of this process under light and heavy atom irradiation are examined. It is shown that, within the studied energy range, the interaction of Ne, Ar, and Xe with methyl groups is mainly collisional and, therefore, the threshold energy increases with the mass of incident particle. The He atom irradiation, on the contrary, can cause electron-density perturbations around the methyl group, thereby initiating high-intensity atomic vibrations and resulting in elimination of the CH 3 radical. | Peculiarities of Interaction of Low-Energy Noble Gas Atoms with Methyl Groups on the Low-κ Surface | 10.1134/S1027451023010391 |
2023-02-01 | Low-dimensional black phosphorus (BP) is a class of nanomaterial derived from layered semiconductor BP which has gained tremendous attention in a variety of fields, owing to its uncommon structural features and appealing physical properties. More surprisingly, it has addressed current biomedical obstacles due to its orthorhombic puckered honeycomb crystal structure and unique properties such as tunable direct-bandgap, high carrier mobility, and exceptional photo-responsiveness. However, few reviews have focused on the interactions of low-dimensional BP’s physical properties with its biomedical performances. Herein, we discuss the physical properties of low-dimensional BP and potential biomedical applications associated with these physical properties. Moreover, different preparation methods, surface modification techniques, and future challenges, as well as future outlooks, are presented. This comprehensive review will provide a clear understanding of the relationship between low-dimensional BP’s physical properties and biomedical performances, with the ultimate goal of better knowledge of utilizing BP. | Emerging low-dimensional black phosphorus: from physical-optical properties to biomedical applications | 10.1007/s11426-022-1355-6 |
2023-02-01 | This study aims to optimize the engine parameters using response surface methodology to achieve fewer pollutants in the exhaust of a spark-ignition engine mounted with a commercial catalytic converter and a modified catalytic converter. In this research, a sucrose-doped alumina was used as a catalyst as a novel technique to reduce the harmful pollutants present in the exhaust gas. The experiment allowed exhaust gas to pass axially through the converters. The experimental parameters employed were used to develop a numerical model to predict emission levels concerning catalytic converters. The numerical model was developed using brake power, actual to the theoretical air–fuel ratio, and engine exhaust gas pollutants measured before being treated by the catalytic converter as input variables, and primary toxic pollutants treated by the catalytic converters output parameters. The developed model showed superior performance, with higher R 2 values over 0.987 for all cases. The experimental results validated the predicted optimum responses, and the measured error percentage was less than 3% for most cases. The optimized parameters yielded a desirability factor of 0.831 for the commercial catalytic converter and 0.9 for the modified catalytic converter. Thus, the developed response surface methodology model can highly predict the emission characteristics. Graphical abstract | Optimization of gasoline engine emission parameters employing commercial and sucrolite-catalyst coated converter using response surface methodology | 10.1007/s13762-022-03968-5 |
2023-02-01 | Lipoprotein receptors, including low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) relatives (Lrs) and LDLr-related proteins (Lrps), belong to the LDLr supergene family and participate in diverse physiological functions. In this study, novel sequences of lr and lrp genes expressed in the ovary of the short-finned eel, Anguilla australis , during early gonadal development are presented. The genes encoding the LDLr-like, Lrp1-like, Lrp1b-like, Lrp3, Lrp4-like, Lrp5-like, Lrp6, Lrp10, Lrp11, Lrp12-like, and Lr11-like proteins were found and identified by sequence and structure analysis, in addition to phylogenetic analysis. Genes encoding proteins previously implicated in follicle development and vitellogenin (Vtg) uptake in oviparous vertebrates were also identified, i.e. lr8 (including lr8 + and lr8- variants) and lrp13 ; their identification was reinforced by conserved synteny with orthologues in other teleost fish. Compared to other lr / lrp genes, the genes encoding Lr8 + , Lr8-, and Lrp13 were highly expressed in ovary during early development, decreasing as oocyte development advanced when induced by hypophysation. Furthermore, lr8 + , lr8- , and lrp13 were dominantly expressed in the ovary when compared with 17 other tissues. Finally, this study successfully detected the expression of both lr8 variants, which showed different expression patterns to those reported in other oviparous vertebrates and provided the first characterisation of Lrp13 in Anguilla sp. We propose that lr8 + , lr8- , and lrp13 encode putative Vtg receptors in anguillid eels. | Lipoprotein receptors in ovary of eel, Anguilla australis: molecular characterisation of putative vitellogenin receptors | 10.1007/s10695-023-01169-6 |
2023-02-01 | A Fractal geometry based compact multiband wearable button antenna with wider bandwidth, less cross polarized radiation in both the orthogonal planes and low specific absorption rate (SAR) at all the resonating bands is presented in this article. The antenna comprises a slotted circular patch printed on the top of a circular piece of low-cost FR-4 substrate with radius 9.6 mm fed through coaxial feeding mechanism. Multiband behavior is achieved by the implementation of fractal based circular slots up to third iteration whereas the loading of two additional circular slots offers significant improvement in both bandwidth and gain. Radii of the circular slots are optimized properly in HFSS to attain the desired performance. On-cloth and on-body analyses of the proposed antenna are also carried out to investigate the effect of interaction with cloth and body materials on the antenna performance. The antenna offers multiband response covering the operating bands 4.1–4.64 GHz, 7.19–8.03 GHz and 8.85–9.67 GHz with very low SAR value ensuring less electromagnetic interaction with body tissues. The fabricated prototype shows comparable measured values with the simulated ones. | Fractal slot loaded compact wearable button antenna for IOT and X-band applications | 10.1007/s11276-022-03145-z |
2023-02-01 | Phosphate ores upgraded by flotation are widely used as vital raw materials for the sustainable production of phosphate fertilizers to maintain the food supply. High-grade phosphate reserves become more and more depleted. Low-grade phosphate mining and processing are in the spotlight of the fertilizer industries to cope with the exponential growth in the world’s population and meet the increased demand for fertilizers. As part of a series of research works conducted within a major project aiming at upgrading a low-grade phosphate ore never-exploited before, the present work endeavors to optimize the flotation of this ore using the response surface method (RSM) as a follow-up of a screening study. Unveiling new insights on such a strategy paved the way for improving flotation performances. This work demonstrated that an optimum 30.18% P 2 O 5 with 88.07% recovery was achieved using 63.10 g/t of sodium alginate (NaAL) and 2484.72 g/t of sodium oleate (NaOL) at pH 11.40. This maximum was contrasted with a new formulation of fatty acids (FAM). The 30.76% P 2 O 5 grade with a recovery of 89.72% was attained using 50.94 g/t of NaAL and 1455.40 g/t of FAM at pH 11.68. FAM collector markedly outperformed NaOL at low concentrations proving the efficiency of synergists. | Optimization of the Flotation of Low-Grade Phosphate Ore Using DOE: a Comparative Evaluation of Fatty Acid Formulation to Sodium Oleate | 10.1007/s42461-022-00706-w |
2023-02-01 | Background The exposure of breast cancer to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) results in various biological responses. Some studies have suggested a possible cancer-enhancing effect, while others showed a possible therapeutic role. This study investigated the effects of in vitro exposure to 50 Hz ELF-MF for up to 24 h on the viability and cellular response of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and MCF-10A breast cell line. Methods and results The breast cell lines were exposed to 50 Hz ELF-MF at flux densities of 0.1 mT and 1.0 mT and were examined 96 h after the beginning of ELF-MF exposure. The duration of 50 Hz ELF-MF exposure influenced the cell viability and proliferation of both the tumor and nontumorigenic breast cell lines. In particular, short-term exposure (4–8 h, 0.1 mT and 1.0 mT) led to an increase in viability in breast cancer cells, while long and high exposure (24 h, 1.0 mT) led to a decrease in viability and proliferation in all cell lines. Cancer and normal breast cells exhibited different responses to ELF-MF. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were altered after ELF-MF exposure, suggesting that the mitochondria are a probable target of ELF-MF in breast cells. Conclusions The viability of breast cells in vitro is influenced by ELF-MF exposure at magnetic flux densities compatible with the limits for the general population and for workplace exposures. The effects are apparent after 96 h and are related to the ELF-MF exposure time. | A 50 Hz magnetic field influences the viability of breast cancer cells 96 h after exposure | 10.1007/s11033-022-08069-7 |
2023-02-01 | The effect and mechanism of the removal of napropamide residues were studied in the rhizosphere after the application of corn straw biochar (CB) combined with low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs). Adsorption isotherm of napropamide on biochar, tobacco hydroponic, and soil incubation experiments were carried out. After 1 month of incubation, 86.58% of napropamide was dissipated by the combined addition of 2% CB and 10 mg kg −1 LMWOAs. During this process, CB strongly adsorbed the napropamide in the soil, rapidly reducing its bioavailability. The relative abundances of microbial species involved in the napropamide biodegradation increased by the combined treatment, enhancing xenobiotic degradation in soil. Moreover, the napropamide desorbed from CB-amended soils by LMWOAs was effectively biodegraded. The combined application of CB and LMWOAs significantly increased the relative abundances of keystone species participating in nutrient cycling and herbicide removal. Taken together, this study can contribute to develop remediation practices of soil contaminated with residual amide herbicides. | Biochar application reduces residual napropamide in the rhizosphere and improves soil microbial diversity | 10.1007/s00374-022-01692-3 |
2023-02-01 | We investigated the effect of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) on gene expression related to alcohol dependence and histological effects on brain tissue. We also aimed at determining the miRNA-mRNA relationship and their pathways in alcohol dependence-induced expression changes after focused ultrasound therapy. We designed a case–control study for 100 days of observation to investigate differences in gene expression in the short-term stimulation group (STS) and long-term stimulation group (LTS) compared with the control sham group (SG). The study was performed in our Experimental Research Laboratory. 24 male high alcohol-preferring rats 63 to 79 days old, weighing 270 to 300 g, were included in the experiment. LTS received 50-day LIFU and STS received 10-day LIFU and 40-day sham stimulation, while the SG received 50-day sham stimulation. In miRNA expression analysis, it was found that LIFU caused gene expression differences in NAc. Significant differences were found between the groups for gene expression. Compared to the SG, the expression of 454 genes in the NAc region was changed in the STS while the expression of 382 genes was changed in the LTS. In the LTS, the expression of 32 genes was changed in total compared to STS. Our data suggest that LIFU targeted on NAc may assist in the treatment of alcohol dependence, especially in the long term possibly through altering gene expression. Our immunohistochemical studies verified that LIFU does not cause any tissue damage. These findings may lead to new studies in investigating the efficacy of LIFU for the treatment of alcohol dependence and also for other psychiatric disorders. | The Effects of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation of Nucleus Accumbens on Neuronal Gene Expression and Brain Tissue in High Alcohol-Preferring Rats | 10.1007/s12035-022-03130-9 |
2023-02-01 | The Toarcian Marrat Formation is exposed in outcrops in central Saudi Arabia and displays a variety of clastic and carbonate facies associated with well-preserved depositional geometries. It is unconformably overlies the Triassic Minjur Formation and it in turn is overlaid by the Middle Jurassic Dhruma Formation. Thirteen lithofacies types can be identified that permit the recognition of five lithofacies associations in a mixed clastic/carbonate platform. These lithofacies range from low-energy peritidal, intertidal, and back-shoal to moderate- and high-energy shoal and foreshoal lithofacies associations. The Marrat Formation exhibits three depositional sequences, each sequence is grouped into a transgressive systems tract (TST) and a highstand systems tract (HST) and then bounded by sequence boundary surfaces (SBSs). The TSTs are generally identified in clastic tidal-flat beds and back-shoal wackestones, while the HST is generally recorded in the carbonate tidal-flat and shoal. The vertical succession of facies associations from peritidal to foreshoal depositional environments is indicative of a deepening upward and retrogradational systems tract, from Lower to Upper Toarcian. The correlation between the studied sections reveals a general shallowing towards the south and the similarities between the studied sequences and others in the Arabian Gulf, the northern Neo-Tethys Plate, and Gond-wanaland countries. | Facies Associations and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Toarcian Marrat Formation (Saudi Arabia) and Their Equivalents in Some Gondwanaland Regions | 10.1007/s12583-020-1379-6 |
2023-02-01 | Analysis has been carried out to check and study the working of a novel pocketed version of TFET in comparison to a conventional TFET. We have proposed a germanium pocket TFET using a dual dielectric (HfO 2 near the source side and SiO 2 near the drain side) and a gate which uses two separate materials at source/drain side for enhancement of TFET characteristics. These features help us to improve the SS, I ON and I ON –I OFF ratio. Germanium having a low band-gap enhances the tunneling at the source/channel (S/C) junction, thereby increasing the on-current. Dual dielectric further helps to increase the electric field at the S/C junction, hence escalating the tunneling and thereby the drain current in the on state. Our aim is also to reduce the ambipolar current. This is achieved by using a drain metal and a 10 nm gate/drain underlap. The operating drain voltage of our device is 0.4 V while the gate voltage is varied from −0.6 to 0.6 V. Simulation study clearly indicates that we have designed a device with much better characteristics like improved on-current (increased by two orders), higher ON current (I ON ) to OFF current (I OFF ) ratio (I ON /I OFF ), lower ambipolarity (suppressed by ~ 7 orders) and a sharper SS of 30 mV/dec. AC analysis has also been carried out to study and inspect the device behavior at high frequency parameters. | Germanium pocket based tunnel FET with underlap: design and simulation | 10.1007/s10470-022-02109-9 |
2023-02-01 | As more attention is given to climate change and sustainable development in China, enterprises start to care about carbon emissions related to their supply chains. One important issue faced by an enterprise is to select a logistics provider who can provide a high-quality service with low carbon levels. To solve this issue, this paper proposes a selection criterion from the perspective of low carbon levels based on previous studies. The selection criterion consists of comprehensive strength, financial status, market competitiveness, development potential and low carbon level. Next, this paper applies a combined method of information entropy and grey correlation vlsekriterijumska optimizacija i kompromisno resenje (VIKOR) model to evaluate the proposed selection criterion. Subsequently, this paper took company S and its four logistics providers as a case study to check the applicability of our proposed selection method and to illustrate how to use it. Sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis are also conducted. Related managerial insights are also proposed based on the evaluation results. One finding of this paper is to establish a decision-making framework to evaluate logistics suppliers under the new background of ‘emission peak and carbon neutrality’. | Selection of outsourcing logistics providers in the context of low-carbon strategies | 10.1007/s11356-022-23468-w |
2023-02-01 | The current study was carried out to treat the olive mill wastewater (OMW) via infiltration percolation process, using low-cost natural adsorbents that could improve the ability of the system to enhance the disposal rate of elimination of pollutant from the OMW. The experimental pilot was composed of three PVC (polyvinyl chloride) columns with 10 cm in diameter and 110-cm height equipped with lateral air entries. Each column was filled with four layers of 10 cm of a mixture of sand (70%), charcoal (20%) and sawdust (10%) respectively. These layers were alternated by four permeable layers of 10 cm of Pouzzolane. To assess the effect of the pretreatment on the efficiency of the system, three types of OMW were used: raw OMW, diluted OMW with domestic wastewater at 1/1(v/v) ratio and OMW pretreated with lime. For the column feed with raw OMW, an average removal of total COD (41%), dissolved COD (54%), NH4–N (40.25%), NO 3 − (15.76%), total phosphorus (55.63%) and orthophosphate (50.84%) was recorded. The results showed that the column feed with diluted OMW with domestic wastewater was the most efficient one with a removal rate that reached 93.2% of total COD, 86.2% of dissolved COD, 92% of polyphenol, 92% of orthophosphate (OP), 97.2% of total phosphorus (TP) and 81% of NH4–N. The pretreatment of OMW with lime gave the lowest removal rate for all the parameters: total COD (34%), dissolved COD (50%), NH4–N (30%), NO 3 − (− 21%), total phosphorus (15.19%) and orthophosphate (9.04%). This study demonstrated that the dilution is a way to optimize the efficiency of the system of infiltration-percolation in treating the OMW. | Assessment of the impact of diluted and pretreated olive mill wastewater on the treatment efficiency by infiltration-percolation using natural bio-adsorbents | 10.1007/s11356-022-23373-2 |
2023-02-01 | A long-term structured-bed reactor subjected to recirculation and intermittent aeration (SBRRIA) was operated to remove chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total nitrogen (TN) from sanitary sewage using different operational strategies. Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) effluent has a low carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio, which is unfavorable for nitrogen removal. Consequently, to attempt to solve this problem, the SBRRIA was fed with raw sewage (S1) combined with UASB effluent (S2) in the following proportions (v/v): 100:0; 75:25; 50:50; 25:75 and 0:100. The effects of hydraulic retention times (HRT), of 12 and 8 h; internal recirculation of 300, 200 and 100%; and aeration periods of 180, 90 and 60 min in 180-min cycles, were also evaluated. The influent COD in the SBRRIA ranged from 83 ± 10 to 200 ± 74 mg L –1 , and the total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) content ranged from 35 ± 7 to 60 ± 18 mg L –1 . In Phase 2, with 8 h HRT and internal recirculation of 200%, the efficiencies in COD and TN removal were up to 91 and 78%, respectively. This study demonstrates the viability of a SBRRIA to remove COD and TN from influent composed of raw sewage and/or UASB effluent, enabling an increase in capacity of existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) or an adaption of the characteristics of effluent from anaerobic reactors to the release standards required by Brazilian legislation. | Structured-bed reactor with intermittent aeration and recirculation (SBRRIA) for treating UASB effluent combined with raw sewage | 10.1007/s13762-022-04109-8 |
2023-02-01 | The lower crust beneath the North China Craton (NCC) was transformed during the craton destruction in the Mesozoic, however, the transformation processes are yet to be fully understood. Compositional and geochronological variations of granulite and pyroxenite xenoliths provided insights into the nature of the lower crust before and after the craton destruction. In this study, we summarized the latest results of geochemistry and zircon geochronology coupled with Hf-O isotopes from granulite and pyroxenite xenoliths hosted by Phanerozoic igneous rocks in NCC. Comparing previous studies on the granulite terranes and adakitic rocks of NCC, we aim to discuss the destruction processes of lower crust beneath the NCC. The granulite and pyroxenite xenoliths of NCC were divided into two and three groups, respectively, based on the differences of geochemical features. Group I granulite xenoliths from the NCC have silicic-basic compositions, with metamorphic ferrosilite. The Group I granulite xenoliths show relatively lower Mg# values of pyroxenes and whole-rock than that of the Group II granulite xenoliths, and enrichments of light rare earth elements and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions. Their zircons display Archean-Phanerozoic ages with three peaks of Neoarchean, Paleoproterozoic, and Mesozoic. Generally, Group I granulite xenoliths show close affinities to the granulite terranes of the NCC in terms of the major and trace elements and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions, with a consistent Archean-Proterozoic evolutionary history. However, Group I granulite xenoliths have abundant Phanerozoic zircons with variable Hf isotopic compositions from depleted to enriched, which could be formed by modifications of magma underplating. Therefore, Group I granulite xenoliths represent the modified ancient lower crust beneath the NCC. The Group II granulite and Group III pyroxenite xenoliths from the NCC have similar geochemical features and are basic in compositions, with metamorphic to magmatic orthopyroxenes. The Group II granulite and Group III pyroxenite xenoliths usually show higher MgO and lower incompatible elements compositions in minerals and bulk rocks than that in the granulite terranes and Group I granulite xenoliths, but their Sr-Nd isotopic compositions fall into the fields of granulite terranes and group I granulite xenoliths. Zircons from the Group II granulite and Group III pyroxenite xenoliths are predominantly Phanerozoic with subordinate Archean-Proterozoic ages, and the Hf-O isotopic compositions of zircons are similar to those in the Group I granulite xenoliths. Additionally, the trace element compositions of Group II granulite and Group III pyroxenite xenoliths are complementary to those of the adakitic rocks from the NCC. Furthermore, the similar Sr-Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions among Group II granulite and Group III pyroxenite xenoliths and adakitic rocks indicate that they are cognate. Therefore, we suggest that the Group II granulite and Group III pyroxenite xenoliths could be restites left after partial melting of the ancient basic lower crust that produced voluminous adakitic rocks. In contrast, Group I and II pyroxenite xenoliths from the NCC have cumulate and reaction origins, respectively. The Group I and II pyroxenite xenoliths commonly have magmatic enstatite and show higher Mg# values and depleted Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of minerals and bulk rocks relative to that in the granulite and Group III pyroxenite xenoliths. Formation of voluminous Group I pyroxenite cumulates in the crust-mantle transition zones implies extensive magma underplating beneath the NCC during the Mesozoic-Cenozoic, which also provided exotic materials and heat for the reworking of the ancient lower crust. Therefore, the destruction of the lower crust beneath the NCC could result from continuous modifications and remelting of the ancient lower crust triggered by magma underplating. These processes led to not only the transformations of some ancient basic lower crust into granulite and pyroxenite restites but also the compositional modifications of the ancient lower crust. Consequently, the lower crust beneath the NCC showed downward rejuvenation, similar to the lithospheric mantle. | Destruction of the lower crust beneath the North China Craton recorded by granulite and pyroxenite xenoliths | 10.1007/s11430-022-1007-5 |
2023-02-01 | Contamination of leafy vegetables grown in heavy metal(loid)-polluted mining areas pose serious health risks. This study aimed to explore the heavy metal(loid) contamination of leafy vegetables near two mining areas, by collecting samples from 14 different leafy vegetable species in Yunnan Province, China. The lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and copper (Cu) contents of the samples were determined, and risks to human health were calculated using the hazard quotient and hazard index (HI). Moreover, Malabar spinach was identified as a leafy vegetable that exhibits low accumulation of heavy metal(loid)s. The accumulation capacity of different Malabar spinach varieties was verified, and a Cd soil safety threshold was determined using a pot experiment. Overall, Pb and Cd were the main soil and vegetable contaminants found in both study sites. The HI values for all leafy vegetables, apart from Malabar spinach, were greater than 1, indicating the presence of risks to human health; moreover, the health risks were greater for children than adults. The Malabar spinach pot experiment results showed that only some Cd forms exceeded China’s maximum permissible standards. Furthermore, Malabar spinach varieties A (instant Malabar spinach), C (extra-large leaf green vine Malabar spinach), and F (large leaf Malabar spinach) displayed the lowest Cd accumulation. We calculated Cd total and bioavailable soil safety thresholds of 4.75 and 0.77 mg kg -1 , respectively. However, further research is required to validate soil heavy metal safety thresholds for different vegetables. Ultimately, the heavy metal(loid) contamination of leafy vegetables described here was more serious than anticipated. Finally, the results of this study can inform residents living near these mining areas of a low-risk leafy vegetable, which will reduce the harm caused by heavy metal(loid) contamination in the area. | A comprehensive assessment of heavy metal(loid) contamination in leafy vegetables grown in two mining areas in Yunnan, China—a focus on bioaccumulation of cadmium in Malabar spinach | 10.1007/s11356-022-23017-5 |
2023-02-01 | Prominent scenery (勝景) literature is the most common way of writing about traditional Chinese landscapes. The textual materials of prominent scenery in various places include rich natural and cultural geographic information, and reflect the aesthetic concepts and cultural identity of traditional China. In this paper, we extracted and analysed information on the prominent scenery of 480 county-level political districts in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River through a historical geographic information system (HGIS) and textual analysis. It is found that (1) the high-frequency imagery within prominent scenery texts reflects the traditional Chinese aesthetics of “Shan-shui”, combined with time, astronomy and meteorology to create various emotional atmospheres. (2) The spatial distribution of five landscape types (physiographic, humanistic, hydrologic, biologic and meteorologic) shows adaptation to the geographical environment of the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River but at different spatial scales. (3) The construction of belief and memorial landscapes is a consultation between official and popular faiths and memories. These landscapes reflect local natural and cultural environments help benefit secular lives and promote moral education. (4) The Yellow River-Yu’s Trail, Confucius and his disciples' trails, and Mount Taishan-Dongyue belief are the three most widely distributed “core landscapes”, each of which spread from local cultural sources to larger areas in unique ways. Prominent scenery literature follows a cultural perspective of the harmonious coexistence of humankind and nature and embodies the local elite group’s sense of place, history and social issues. | The spatial patterns and cultural meanings of prominent scenery in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River in late Imperial China | 10.1007/s42803-022-00058-3 |
2023-02-01 | Smart city approaches have tended to be top-down, techno-centric/corporate and expensive approaches which are promoted by large, global companies. Smart city narratives focus on their expected capacity to improve citizens’ quality of life. However, can technology-driven and municipally-led smart city initiatives address the issues faced by poor and vulnerable communities in urban and peri-urban areas? This paper explores key aspects of the implementation of smart city approaches in the Global South taking as a case study the Colombian city of Medellín, which has been recognized internationally for its social innovation and is considered a smart city by the Inter-American Development Bank. The paper draws on a local, national and international literature review; interviews with key local stakeholders involved in smart city initiatives; and an international workshop on smart cities and community data management organized by the authors in Medellín and bringing together three perspectives: academia, government and community. The paper provides a reflection on the concept of smart city, data management and citizen participation in smart city initiatives in Medellín, contrasting each of these with the literature. Our research found gaps between broader conceptualisations and community-oriented intentions in smart city initiatives in Medellín, as well as very low uptake and reported impact of such initiatives. We conclude that a redefinition of smart city approaches that may respond to the needs of the population while improving liveability is still urgently needed, and we set out a series of questions for an international research agenda on low-income community-oriented smart city research. | Exploring the relevance of ‘smart city’ approaches to low-income communities in Medellín, Colombia | 10.1007/s10708-022-10574-y |
2023-02-01 | Sn-based perovskites are promising thin-film photovoltaic materials for their ideal bandgap and the eco-friendliness of Sn, but the performance of Sn-based perovskite solar cells is hindered by the short carrier diffusion length and large defect density in nominally-synthesized Sn-based perovskite films. Herein we demonstrate that a long carrier diffusion length is achievable in quasi-2D Sn-based perovskite films consisting of high-member low-dimensional Ruddlesden—Popper (RP) phases with a preferred crystal orientation distribution. The key to the film synthesis is the use of a molecular additive formed by phenylethy-lammonium cations and optimally mixed halide—pseudohalide anions, which favorably tailors the quasi-2D Sn-based perovskite crystallization kinetics. The high-member RP film structure effectively enhances device short-circuit current density, giving rise to an increased power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.6%. The resulting device demonstrates a near-unity shelf stability upon 1,000 h in nitrogen. A high reproductivity is also achieved with a count of 50 devices showing PCEs within a narrow range from minimum 13.0% to maximum 14.6%. | High-member low-dimensional Sn-based perovskite solar cells | 10.1007/s11426-022-1489-8 |
2023-02-01 | Purpose Protein synthesis and proteolysis are known to be controlled through mammalian target of rapamycin, AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and general control non-derepressible 2 (GCN2) pathways, depending on the nutritional condition. This study aimed at investigating the contribution of liver AMPK and GCN2 on the adaptation to high variations in protein intake. Methods To evaluate the answer of protein pathways to high- or low-protein diet, male wild-type mice and genetically modified mice from C57BL/6 background with liver-specific AMPK- or GCN2-knockout were fed from day 25 diets differing in their protein level as energy: LP (5%), NP (14%) and HP (54%). Two hours after a 1 g test meal, protein synthesis rate was measured after a 13 C valine flooding dose. The gene expression of key enzymes involved in proteolysis and GNC2 signaling pathway were quantified. Results The HP diet but not the LP diet was associated with a decrease in fractional synthesis rate by 29% in the liver compared to NP diet. The expression of mRNA encoding ubiquitin and Cathepsin D was not sensitive to the protein content. The deletion of AMPK or GCN2 in the liver did not affect nor protein synthesis rates and neither proteolysis markers in the liver or in the muscle, whatever the protein intake. In the postprandial state, protein level alters protein synthesis in the liver but not in the muscle. Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that liver AMPK and GCN2 are not involved in this adaptation to high- and low-protein diet observed in the postprandial period. | Role of liver AMPK and GCN2 kinases in the control of postprandial protein metabolism in response to mid-term high or low protein intake in mice | 10.1007/s00394-022-02983-z |
2023-02-01 | Maize is one of the most important staple food crops in Africa, however its production is hampered by many constraints including attacks of lepidopteran pests (LP). Species composition and importance of LP that damage maize has been deeply documented in Africa. However data are scarce and outdated for the Littoral Region of Cameroon. Selected farmer fields were visited and damages to maize were assessed using standard methods. Three stations chosen on the basis of elevation and three maize growth stages were considered. Lepidopteran larvae were collected from the crop and maintained in the Laboratory until adult emergence. The adult insects were later identified using available keys. The results revealed that infestation rate was high at the field level (96.02%) and moderate at the plant level (36.0 ± 48.1%) while the plant infestation severity was mild (2.25 ± 0.64). The rate and severity of plant infestation varied significantly with the elevation and maize growth stages. Eight species of LP were identified belonging to eight genera and four families. The community composition was also related to elevation and maize phenology. The fall army worm (FAW) Sp. frugiperda was the dominant species at all elevation and during the vegetative growth while Eldana saccharina (Walker) dominated during the mature stage. These results support the competition and displacement hypothesis of stemborers by the FAW, and will be useful when designing LP management options. | Overall dominance of Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) within the lepidopteran pests community infesting maize fields in the Littoral Region of Cameroon | 10.1007/s42690-022-00927-y |
2023-02-01 | Purpose This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel treatment for osteonecrosis, in which concentrated autologous bone marrow aspirate transplantation (CABMAT) is followed by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation for 3 months. The study was designed as a prospective, uncontrolled, open-label phase II clinical study. Methods This study included 16 cases of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), including 26 hips. Patients were transplanted with concentrated bone marrow and periodically evaluated for infection and neoplasm development. Moreover, clinical and radiological examinations were conducted to confirm the treatment efficacy. Results No infections were observed during the course of this study nor tumours developed at the treatment site 24 months after transplantation. At a mean 48 (30–56) months post-transplantation, the onset or progression of collapse was noted in four hips, of which one hip underwent total hip arthroplasty. Conclusion Treatment with CABMAT combined with 3-month LIPUS stimulation was safe, and further randomised clinical studies are needed to determine the efficacy and feasibility of this treatment. Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000020940, 9/2/2016). | An exploratory clinical trial for concentrated autologous bone marrow aspirate transplantation in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head | 10.1007/s00590-022-03201-6 |
2023-02-01 | It is important to periodically measure, analyze, and map electromagnetic radiation levels due to potential risks. This study aims to draw attention to new electromagnetic pollution caused by radio frequencies and extremely low frequencies. For this reason, electric field and magnetic field measurements were carried out in the 1-Hz–400-kHz frequency band in a shopping mall, where electronic devices cause low-frequency electromagnetic radiation intensively. The measurements were performed with the EHP-50F device for 24 h a day for a week. The measurements were made at 10 points in the shopping mall, and the measurement results were evaluated over five different sectors: electronics, clothing and accessories (male–female), personal care and cosmetics, supermarket, and the playland for children. Magnetic maps of each sector were produced. In addition, the specific absorption rates (SAR) of male and female customers in these workplaces were determined. This is the first study carried out to find SAR caused by low-frequency radiation. Although the safe limit value of SAR for the whole body is 0.08 W/kg, the SAR values calculated in the playland and electronics sectors were obtained to be 0.763 and 0.39 W/kg, respectively. Results clearly demonstrate how especially small children are exposed to danger in the long term. | Investigation of extremely low-frequency (1 Hz–400 kHz) pollution frequently encountered in social life: a case study of a shopping mall | 10.1007/s11356-022-23843-7 |
2023-02-01 | Agricultural low-carbon emission reduction is an essential part of China’s ecological civilization construction. Farmers’ low-carbon agricultural technology (LCAT) adoption has become an important means to achieve agricultural low-carbon emission reduction. Based on the survey data of 1080 farmers in Sichuan Province, farmers’ LCAT adoption has been empirically studied using the combined estimate conditional mixed treatment model (CMP). The results show that the use of the Internet will substantially promote farmers’ low-carbon tillage technology adoption and low-carbon fertilization technology adoption but has no significant impact on farmers’ low-carbon pharmaceutical application technology adoption, low-carbon irrigation technology adoption, low-carbon agricultural film recycling technology adoption, and straw recycling technology adoption. Mechanism analysis shows that Internet use mainly affects farmers’ low-carbon fertilization technology adoption through economic benefit cognition and affects farmers’ low-carbon tillage technology adoption through ecological benefit cognition. This study can enhance our understanding of the relationship between Internet use and LCAT adoption and serve as a resource for rural digital infrastructure development and LCAT adoption–related policy design. | How does Internet use affect farmers’ low-carbon agricultural technologies in southern China? | 10.1007/s11356-022-23380-3 |
2023-02-01 | The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of duloxetine on improving osteoporosis low back pain. A total of 300 elderly patients with osteoporosis low back pain were included in the present study, including 98 males and 202 females, with an average age of 69.02 ± 5.58 years. They were randomly divided into the observation group ( n = 150) and the control group ( n = 150). Both groups were given bone nutritious supplements (vitamin D and calcium carbonate) for 1 year, but the observation group was also given duloxetine for 3 months. Pain, bone density, mechanical pain threshold, muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life of the two groups were followed up and compared. Overall, 97 cases in the observation group and 106 cases in the control group participated in the final follow-up visit. Three months after treatment, the average VAS score of low back pain in the control group was 3.49 ± 1.39 points, and the observation group was 1.70 ± 1.24 points. There was still a statistical difference ( p < 0.05) after 1 year of follow-up. In the observation group, the mechanical pain threshold increased to 39.72 ± 3.13 g after 3 months of treatment. The bone mineral density increased by 0.06 g/L compared with the control group for 1 year of follow-up, and the SF-36 score was increased compared with the control group ( p < 0.05). The stand-up time was shorter than that of the control group ( p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the test of handgrip strength and simple physical ability ( p > 0.05). No more adverse reactions were observed in the observation group than in the control group ( p > 0.05). Duloxetine has a proper relief effect on chronic low back pain in older adults with osteoporosis, and it can help improve pain sensitization and improve the quality of life without reducing bone density. | RETRACTED ARTICLE: Clinical effect of duloxetine on improving osteoporosis low back pain in older adults | 10.1007/s13204-021-02085-y |
2023-02-01 | Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms with potentials in sustainable production of valuable metabolites such as polyunsaturated oil. Low nitrogen cultivation is widely used for induction of microalgal oil production. Previously we found that low inorganic nitrogen (low N, 4.5 mM NaNO 3 ) favored oil production in a dryland-isolated eustigmatophyte microalga Vischeria sp. WL1, relative to the usually used nitrogen level (18 mM NaNO 3 ), while low organic nitrogen (low pepN, 4.5 mM peptone) led to both rapider growth and higher oil yield than low N. Here we analyzed the lipidome profiles of Vischeria sp. WL1 under low N and low pepN conditions. Our results revealed that the lipidome profiles induced by both conditions were apparently different. Overall, low N had a much weaker impact on the lipidome profile than low pepN. Notably, low N uniquely induced a significant increase of phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP), phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol trisphosphate (PIP3), whereas low pepN induced a significant increase of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). In addition, low pepN induced a significant increase of neutral glycerolipids. This research deepens our understanding on the lipid metabolism of Vischeria sp. WL1 under different nitrogen conditions and could also guide oil production strategy in microalgae by adopting suitable nitrogen resources. | Lipidomic investigation reveals distinct lipid metabolite patterning of an oil-producing microalga (Vischeria sp. WL1) cultured by different nitrogen nutrients | 10.1007/s10811-022-02858-0 |
2023-02-01 | As an emerging driving factor, the positive impact of renewable energy technology innovation (RETI) on inclusive low-carbon development (ILCD) may be undervalued or even neglected. This paper develops an evaluation system to measure China’s ILCD by using provincial panel data from 2006 to 2020. Based on the combined perspective of spatial spillover effect and threshold effect, this paper examines the spatial spillover effects and the regional boundary of RETI on ILCD in different periods and further analyzes five heterogeneities. The results show that (1) RETI and ILCD are increasing steadily, presenting a spatial pattern of “high in the east and low in the west.” (2) Overall, RETI significantly promotes ILCD in local and neighboring areas. RETI in the growth period inhibits local ILCD, which in the mature period promotes local and neighboring ILCD. (3) The spatial spillover boundary of the whole RETI is 1400 km, that of RETI in the growth period is 1000 km, and that of RETI in the mature period is 1600 km. (4) The promotion effect of RETI on ILCD enhances over time and shows a spatial pattern of “eastern > central > south > north > western.” It is further found that RETI strongly promotes ILCD in non-resource-based, high marketization, and strong environmental regulation areas. Therefore, it is necessary to break down administrative and market barriers, strengthen inter-regional cooperation and interconnection of resource elements, and establish a dynamic management mechanism of “one province, one policy” according to the regional heterogeneity for providing decision-making reference in promoting global energy transition and climate governance. | Renewable energy technology innovation and inclusive low-carbon development from the perspective of spatiotemporal consistency | 10.1007/s11356-022-23556-x |
2023-02-01 | Abstract — The paper presents the results of investigations and calculations of volumes of electricity production at the existing grid-connected wind and solar power plants in the Russian Federation as of January 1, 2022, considering the differences in the efficiency of their operation characterized by the difference in the values of the capasity factor (CF). The calculations served as a basis for estimating the volumes of reduction in CO 2 emissions in the country’s energy sector by increasing energy capacities in a low-carbon way, as an alternative to fuel power stations. The calculations take into account carbon dioxide emissions throughout the entire “life cycle” of renewable energy facilities. The total reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in 2022 is 1.0024 million tons of CO 2 for solar power plants (SPPs) and 2.105 million tons of CO 2 for wind power plants (WPPs). The maximum effect to date in terms of decarbonization due to the use of solar energy has been achieved in the Orenburg and Astrakhan oblasts, specifically, 218 100 tons and 166 600 tons per year, respectively. Wind energy accounts for the maximum reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the Rostov oblast and Stavropol krai (690 200 and 511 400 tons per year). The analysis was performed with respect to the problems of the current stage in the renewable energy industry in Russia caused by external sanctions and severance of economic ties and logistics chains in equipment manufacturing and sales. Expert opinions on prospects in the industry are presented, including seeking and building ties with other suppliers of technologies and components, expansion of existing industry, and establishment of new ones using new forms of renewable energy funding, such as, bilateral agreements and public-private partnership. | Current and Prospective Role of Solar and Wind Energy in Reducing CO2 Emissions in Russia | 10.3103/S0003701X2360025X |
2023-02-01 | Agricultural productivity can be impaired by poor irrigation water quality. Therefore, adequate vulnerability assessment and identification of the most influential water quality parameters for accurate prediction becomes crucial for enhanced water resource management and sustainability. In this study, the geographical information system (GIS), analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique, and machine learning models were integrated to assess and predict the irrigation water quality (IWQ) suitability of the Okurumutet-Iyamitet agricultural-mine district. To achieve this, six water quality criteria were reclassified into four major hazard groups (permeability and infiltration hazard, salinity hazard, specific ion toxicity, and mixed effects) based on their sensitivity on crop yield. The normalized weights of the criteria were computed using the AHP pairwise comparison matrix. Eight thematic maps based on IWQ parameters (electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, sodium adsorption ratio, permeability index, soluble sodium percentage, magnesium hazard, hardness, and pH) were generated and rasterized in the ArcGIS environment to generate an irrigation suitability map of the area using the weighted sum technique. The derived IWQ map showed that the water in 28.2% of the area is suitable for irrigation, 43.7% is moderately suitable, and 28.1% is unsuitable, with the irrigation water quality deteriorating in the central-southeastern direction. Two machine learning models—multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLP-NNs) and multilinear regression (MLR)—were integrated and validated to predict the IWQ parameters. The coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) for MLR and MLP-NN ranged from 0.513 to 0.858 and 0.526 to 0.861 respectively. Based on the results of all the metrics, the MLP-NN showed higher performance accuracy than the MLR. From the results of MLP-NN sensitivity analysis, HCO 3 , Cl, Mg, and SO 4 were identified to have the highest influence on the irrigation water quality of the area. This study showed that the integration of GIS-AHP and machine learning can serve as efficient and rapid decision-making tools in irrigation water quality monitoring and prediction. | Efficacy of GIS-based AHP and data-driven intelligent machine learning algorithms for irrigation water quality prediction in an agricultural-mine district within the Lower Benue Trough, Nigeria | 10.1007/s11356-023-25291-3 |
2023-02-01 | Temporary housing programs (THPs) aim to serve the homeless population. This article explores the impacts of a THP, the Winter Interim Solution to Homelessness (WISH) in London, Canada, which applied a barrier-free, harm reduction model. Adopting an intersectional lens and interpretive description methodology, we analyzed data collected from WISH residents, utilizing a thematic analytic approach. Identified themes included: (1) “(It’s) kinda like a real home” (WISH is unlike other shelters); (2) “It’s like a buddy system” (A sense of community was fostered); (3) “It’s the same size as a jail cell” (Problems with infrastructure); (4) “To keep us on focus” (Un/supportive staff/volunteers); (5) “I’m not sure what I’m going to do after” (The dearth of permanent housing creates trauma); and (6) “Too much bloody money in too little hands” (Distrust of housing providers). Although WISH was helpful to some residents, the temporary nature of the program limited its long-term impact. | A WISH to be Housed: Exploring the Winter Interim Solution to Homelessness (WISH) Temporary Accommodation Model in London, Canada | 10.1007/s10597-022-01009-6 |
2023-02-01 | Low-carbon innovation plays an essential role in carbon reduction worldwide. This study investigates the nexus between low-carbon innovation, economic growth, and carbon emissions by the dynamic spatial Durbin model from 2007 to 2020. First, the Moran index results verify the provincial spatial agglomeration of carbon emissions. High-emission provinces concentrate in major economic zones and energy extraction areas. Second, the effect decomposition results show that long-term and short-term effects are consistent. Low-carbon innovation has a significant mitigation effect on carbon emissions in local regions, which effect, however, is not significant in the adjacent areas. The environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis is validated locally, but all provinces and cities have not reached the inflection point of the environmental Kuznets curve, and the linkage effect in adjacent regions remains insignificant. The above results have been tested to be robust. Third, the results of the mechanism analysis show that environmental policies, absorptive capacity, and financial development play a moderating role in the relationship between low-carbon innovation and carbon emissions. Finally, the heterogeneity test showed significant differences between Eastern, Central, and Western. The direct effect of low-carbon innovation exists in Eastern and central regions; the spillover effect of low-carbon innovation is only in the eastern region. In addition, corresponding measures are proposed based on the conclusions. | Low-carbon innovation, economic growth, and CO2 emissions: evidence from a dynamic spatial panel approach in China | 10.1007/s11356-022-23890-0 |
2023-02-01 | The photoplethysmographic (PPG) waveform contains hemodynamic information in its oscillations. We provide a new method for quantitative study of the waveform morphology and its relationship to the hemodynamics. A data adaptive modeling of the waveform shape is used to describe the PPG waveforms recorded from ear and finger. Several indices, based on the phase and amplitude information of different harmonics, are proposed to describe the PPG morphology. The proposed approach is illustrated by analyzing PPG waveforms recorded during a lower body negative pressure (LBNP) experiment. Different phase and amplitude dynamics are observed during the LBNP experiment. Specifically, we observe that the phase difference between the high order harmonics and fundamental components change more significantly when the PPG signal is recorded from the ear than the finger at the beginning of the study. In contrast, the finger PPG amplitude changes more when compared to the ear PPG during the recovery period. A more complete harmonic analysis of the PPG appears to provide new hemodynamic information when used during a LBNP experiment. We encourage other investigators who possess modulated clinical waveform data (e.g. PPG, arterial pressure, respiratory, and autonomic) to re-examine their data, using phase information and higher harmonics as a potential source of new insights into underlying physiologic mechanisms. | Amplitude and phase measurements from harmonic analysis may lead to new physiologic insights: lower body negative pressure photoplethysmographic waveforms as an example | 10.1007/s10877-022-00866-6 |
2023-02-01 | Beryllium is a light element with one single stable isotope, $$^9$$ 9 Be, which is a pure product of cosmic-ray spallation in the interstellar medium. Beryllium abundances in late-type stars can be used in studies about evolutionary mixing, Galactic chemical evolution, planet engulfment, and the formation of globular clusters. Some of these uses of Be abundances figure among the science cases of the Cassegrain U-Band Efficient Spectrograph (CUBES), a new near-UV low- and medium-resolution spectrograph under development for the Very Large Telescope. Here, we report on a study about beryllium abundances in extremely metal-poor stars in the context of the phase A of CUBES. Our motivation is to understand the limits for the detection of weak lines in extremely metal-poor stars of low Be abundances. We analyze simulated CUBES observations, performed in medium-resolution mode, based on synthetic spectra for four mock stars with [Fe/H] $$\le$$ ≤ −3.0. We find that detecting the Be lines is possible in certain cases, but is very challenging and requires high signal-to-noise ratio. Depending on the atmospheric parameters of the target stars, and if signal-to-noise per pixel of about 400 can be achieved, it should be possible to detect Be abundances between $$\log$$ log (Be/H) −13.1 and −13.6, with a typical uncertainty of ± 0.15 dex. Using CUBES, the required data for such studies can be obtained for stars that are fainter by two magnitudes with respect to what is possible with current instrumentation. | Detecting weak beryllium lines with CUBES | 10.1007/s10686-022-09845-w |
2023-02-01 | Purpose of Review The study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of health care and services to patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) accessing treatment through The Max Foundation. Recent Findings An online survey was developed and sent via email to 527 partner physicians who had active patients under their care in July 2020, asking about the disruption of health services with multiple-choice answers or a five-point ordinal scale. Data from The Max Foundation’s Patient Access Tracking System (PATS®) was analyzed to evaluate program performance in 2020 compared with 2019. PATS® is used to track key patient information and supply chain data to ensure robust reporting, quality assurance, and safety. Among the 111 physicians who responded (20% response rate), 48% reported that someone on their team had contracted COVID-19. A total of 95 (85%) physicians reported at least some disruption of services to patients due to COVID-19, with 29 (26%) reporting frequent or complete disruption. Almost all physicians in the South Asia and Asia Pacific regions reported disruption (96% and 95%, respectively), compared with three quarters of physicians in Latin America. Institutions overcame challenges using a variety of solutions including telemedicine (60%), electronic prescriptions (45%), home delivery via courier services (31%), government workers (9%), and dispensation coordination with regional hospitals (14%). Summary The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted services for CML physicians and patients worldwide. Overall, these disruptions did not appear to significantly affect The Max Foundation’s ability to provide patients with access to treatment, as novel approaches in telemedicine, supply chain, and dispensing, as well as provision of guidance and support for physicians were utilized to overcame disruption of services. | CML Outcomes and Care Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Low- and Middle-Income Countries | 10.1007/s11899-022-00686-0 |
2023-02-01 | Purpose Tactile brain-computer interfaces can be used to express control intentions, avoiding motor imagery difficulties and visual fatigue. Tactile BCI has the problems of poor reproducibility and unclear features in applications. For further applications, a single-trial analysis of tactile-evoked P300 experiments is needed. Methods A brain-computer interface for single-trial analysis of vibrotactile stimulation-evoked P300 is proposed. It uses the combination of frequency and time period information as the feature extraction method and uses the maximum value of the most significant EEG channel as the input of the classifier to identify the control intention of the subject and use it to control the lower limb robot. Results The online experimental results show that online classification accuracy can reach 89.35 ± 4.86%, which realizes the closed loop of human neural motor rehabilitation. In addition, Subject 9, an elderly person, achieves an online accuracy rate of 83.33%. Conclusion A brain-computer interface based on the haptic-evoked P300 is developed and applied to control a lower limb rehabilitation robot. The classification results of an elderly individual verify the feasibility of the method. | A P300 Brain-Computer Interface for Lower Limb Robot Control Based on Tactile Stimulation | 10.1007/s40846-022-00766-9 |
2023-02-01 | In this work, our target point is to focus on rough approximation operators generated from infra-topology spaces and examine their features. First, we show how infra-topology spaces are constructed from $$N_j$$ N j -neighborhood systems under an arbitrary relation. Then, we exploit these infra-topology spaces to form new rough set models and scrutinize their master characterizations. The main advantages of these models are to preserve all properties of Pawlak approximation operators and produce accuracy values higher than those given in several methods published in the literature. One of the unique characterizations of the current approach is that all the approximation operators and accuracy measures produced by the current approach are identical under a symmetric relation. Finally, we present two medical applications of the current methods regarding Dengue fever and COVID-19 pandemic. Some debates regarding the pros and cons of the followed technique are given as well as some upcoming work are proposed. | Approximation operators and accuracy measures of rough sets from an infra-topology view | 10.1007/s00500-022-07627-2 |
2023-01-31 | Polymer-modified bitumen undergoes phase separation during storage due to a lack of compatibility between the polymers and bitumen. However, phase separation can be minimized via the addition of various compatibilizers. This study investigated low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-modified bitumen blends at 3, 6, 9, and 12% concentration of LDPE sourced from waste plastic films. Furthermore, the combined compatibilizers (1% of maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA) and 0.15% sulfur) were added to LDPE-modified blends. The combination of compatibilizers significantly improved the softening point and storage stability while subsequently increasing the compatibility between recycled plastics (LDPE) and bitumen. The addition of PE-g-MA and sulfur decreased the melting temperature of LDPE up to 10 °C due to the swelling of the polymers compared to blends prepared with LDPE only. Higher thermal stability was observed for LDPE blends with PE-g-MA and sulfur than for the blends with LDPE only. The major weight loss for LDPE–based blends and LDPE blends in the presence of PE-g-MA and sulfur occurred at 380–520 °C and 400–540 °C, respectively. LDPE blends in the presence of compatibilizers showed lower phase angle at higher temperatures than neat LDPE blends, suggesting that the compatibilizers tend to form a complete polymer–bitumen network. It was concluded that incorporation of both sulfur and PE-g-MA enhanced the compatibility, thermal characteristics, and rheological properties of waste plastic-modified bitumen. | Effect of Various Compatibilizers on the Storage Stability, Thermochemical and Rheological Properties of Recycled Plastic-Modified Bitumen | 10.1007/s42947-023-00273-3 |
2023-01-31 | Background Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis after birth. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Objective In the present study, we aimed to investigate the metabolism, therapeutic potential, and mechanisms of action of bile acids (BAs) in LBW-induced intestinal inflammation in a piglet model. Methods The fecal microbiome and BA profile between LBW and normal birth weight (NBW) neonatal piglets were compared. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was employed to further confirm the linkage between microbial BA metabolism and intestinal inflammation. The therapeutic potential of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a highly differentially abundant BA between LBW and NBW piglets, in alleviating colonic inflammation was evaluated in both LBW piglets, an LBW-FMT mice model, and a DSS-induced colitis mouse model. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms by which UDCA suppresses intestinal inflammation were also investigated in both DSS-treated mice and a macrophage cell line. Microbiomes were analyzed by using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Fecal and intestinal BA profiles were measured by using targeted BA metabolomics. Levels of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) were knocked down in J774A.1 cells with small interfering RNAs. Results We show a significant difference in both the fecal microbiome and BA profiles between LBW and normal birth weight animals in a piglet model. Transplantation of the microbiota of LBW piglets to antibiotic-treated mice leads to intestinal inflammation. Importantly, oral administration of UDCA, a major BA diminished in the intestinal tract of LBW piglets, markedly alleviates intestinal inflammation in LBW piglets, an LBW-FMT mice model, and a mouse model of colitis by inducing M2 macrophage polarization. Mechanistically, UDCA reduces inflammatory cytokine production by engaging BA receptor FXR while suppressing NF-κB activation in macrophages. Conclusions These findings establish a causal relationship between LBW-associated intestinal abnormalities and dysbiosis, suggesting that restoring intestinal health and postnatal maldevelopment of LBW infants may be achieved by targeting intestinal microbiota and BA metabolism. Video Abstract | Gut microbiota-derived ursodeoxycholic acid alleviates low birth weight-induced colonic inflammation by enhancing M2 macrophage polarization | 10.1186/s40168-022-01458-x |
2023-01-30 | Objective Low back pain (LBP) is a highly prevalent condition that poses significant patient burden. This cross-sectional study identified factors associated with LBP occurrence and developed a strategy to identify, prevent, and reduce LBP-related burden on patient health. A web-based questionnaire-answering system was used to assess the potential effects of LBP on mental health, assessing five domains (physical features, demographics, lifestyle, diet, and mental status) conceptually associated with hie , a common disease state traditionally described in the Japanese culture as a chilly sensation. Results Of 1000 women, 354 had and 646 did not have LBP. The Chi test identified 21 factors, and subsequent multivariate logistic regression indicated eight factors significantly associated with LBP: age, history of physician consultation regarding anemia, history of analgesic agents, dietary limitations, nocturia, sauna use, hie , and fatigue. Furthermore, women with LBP exhibited a significantly lower body temperature (BT) in the axilla/on the forehead than women without LBP. LBP and hie are subjective and potentially affected by patient mental status. Stress reduces blood circulation, causing hypothermia and possibly worsening LBP. Therefore, mental-health support is important for patients with LBP to reduce physiological stress. Hyperthermia therapy, a traditionally prescribed intervention, is a potential intervention for future studies. | Mental status is significantly associated with low back pain: a survey-based cross-sectional study among Japanese women | 10.1186/s13104-023-06276-4 |
2023-01-30 | Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has evolved into a serious public health issue that demands the use of suitable methods to estimate the risk of the disease. As a result, in a sample of individuals who completed a 3-year low-sodium salt or conventional salt intervention in a hypertensive environment, we constructed a 13-year cardiovascular (CV) event risk prediction model with a 10-year follow-up. Methods A Cox proportional hazards model was used to build a prediction model based on data from 306 participants who matched the inclusion criteria. Both the discriminating power and the calibration of the prediction models were assessed. The discriminative power of the prediction model was measured using the area under the curve (AUC). Brier scores and calibration plots were used to assess the prediction model's calibration. The model was internally validated using the tenfold cross-validation method. The nomogram served as a tool for visualising the model. Results Among the 306 total individuals, there were 100 cases and 206 control. In the model, there were six predictors including age, smoking, LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), baseline SBP (systolic blood pressure), CVD (cardiovascular history), and CNV (genomic copy number variation) nsv483076. The fitted model has an AUC of 0.788, showing strong model discrimination, and a Brier score of 0.166, indicating that it was well-calibrated. According to the results of internal validation, the prediction model utilised in this study had a good level of repeatability. According to the model integrating the interaction of CNVs and baseline blood pressure, the effect of baseline SBP on CV events may be greater when nsv483076 was normal double copies than when nsv483076 was copy number variation. Conclusions The efficacy of risk prediction models for CV events that include environmental and genetic components is excellent, and they may be utilised as risk assessment tools for CV events in specific groups to offer a foundation for tailored intervention strategies. | A prediction model for the impact of environmental and genetic factors on cardiovascular events: development in a salt substitutes population | 10.1186/s12967-023-03899-w |
2023-01-30 | Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Although high-intensity lipid-lowering therapies with statins and ezetimibe are highly effective for reducing LDL-C levels, over half of high-risk patients do not achieve guideline-recommended LDL-C goals. Thus, there is a significant gap between treatment guidelines and their implementation in daily clinical practice. The major causes are individual variability in the response to lipid-lowering therapies and variation in treatment adherence. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies combined with statins provide marked and consistent reduction in LDL-C levels; however, poor adherence due to the need for subcutaneous injections every 2 or 4 weeks and high cost are major obstacles to their use in real-world clinical settings. Inclisiran, a recently approved novel small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) molecule that inhibits PCSK9 synthesis, provides robust and long-term reduction in LDL-C levels with a low inter-individual variability in the LDL-C-lowering response. Moreover, its administration by biannual injection is expected to greatly improve treatment adherence. Clinical trials of this drug lasting for up to 4 years showed acceptable safety profiles, and ongoing studies accumulate evidence of its longer-term safety. This narrative review summarizes the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of inclisiran and analyzes its potential to overcome the gap between guideline recommendations and real-world clinical practice in current LDL-C-lowering therapies, with a focus on reduced LDL-C level variability and improved treatment adherence. | Clinical potential of inclisiran for patients with a high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease | 10.1186/s12933-023-01752-4 |
2023-01-27 | Water quality monitoring allows communities to achieve sustainable management of water resources, which is crucial for life-supporting processes. Water quality is determined by measuring chemical, physical, and biological parameters, requiring sophisticated meters and trained specialists to perform the measurement. However, in low-income communities, water quality is determined by using human senses—smell, color, and taste—since meter acquisition is limited by costs and most people do not know how to monitor water quality. Therefore, accessible technology is necessary to empower communities to have a sustainable lifestyle. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of PortAqua, a 2-parameter water quality meter (WQM), to promote training on water quality measurement. Using basic electronic components, PortAqua is capable of measuring pH with an error of 0.4, and conductivity with an error of 33% at 85 µS cm -1 , and 8.7% at 1413 µS cm -1 . To demonstrate its preliminary effectiveness as a WQM and its science communication capabilities, the meter has been used in a hands-on workshop with undergraduate and graduate students. During the workshop, attendees participated in a short lecture about water quality measurement techniques and local regulations. Then, they collected water samples from a local source, measured the samples using PortAqua, and discussed the results based on the concepts and regulations. The workshop’s effectiveness was evaluated through pre- and post-assessments which revealed increased knowledge of water quality regulations, measurement, and parameters at the end of the activity. | PortAqua: a low-cost, compact water quality meter for science communication | 10.1007/s10661-022-10804-3 |
2023-01-27 | Background Miniscrews as auxiliary anchorage devices in orthodontic treatment have definite advantages and efficacy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the scientific evidence including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) to support the application of low-level laser therapy to improve miniscrews stability in orthodontic treatment. Methods An extensive literature research was conducted with the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and ScienceDirect without language limitations. All searches were inclusive until June 2020. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the risk of bias (RoB) in the included RCTs. Results Through the electronic searches, 428 titles and abstracts were identified. From these, 4 articles were retrieved for review, and 3 of these met the inclusion criteria. Two RCTs reported increased miniscrews stability with low-intensity laser therapy, but the other one reported no difference. Except one study assessed as “high risk of bias” the other two were rated as “low risk of bias”. Conclusion There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of LLLT for improvement of miniscrew stability. Further studies with a better study design, reliable evaluation method, comprehensive evaluation intervals and appropriate loading protocol are required to provide more reliable evidence for the clinical application of LLLT. | Effects of low-level laser therapy on orthodontic miniscrew stability: a systematic review | 10.1186/s40001-023-01010-z |
2023-01-23 | Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the dose-dependent side effects of cisplatin. The loss of sensory neurons is observed in CIPN. There are many methods to minimalize CIPN symptoms such as pharmacological agents and photobiostimulation but the mechanisms of these methods are unclear. Our study is aimed at determining the effects of quercetin and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in undifferentiated and nerve growth factor–differentiated PC12 cells in cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. PC12 cells with cisplatin were co-treated with quercetin and LLLT (diode pumped all-solid-state laser, 670 nm, output 500 mW, and the laser beam surface area was 1.96 cm 2 ). The effects of quercetin and LLLT on GAP-43 and Synapsin I expressions were analyzed by real-time PCR, cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, Annexin and dead assay measured the induction of apoptosis, the alterations in mitopotential were assessed by mitopotential assay, and lactate dehydrogenase activity in cells was analyzed. All experiment data were analyzed by the Tukey test and applied as a post hoc test, and statistical evaluation was made. Our results indicated that cisplatin increased apoptosis (24,210 ± 2189, 46,504 ± 8246) cells, mitochondrial dysfunction (44,312 ± 0.751, 68,788 ± 1271), and LDH activity (62,821 ± 8245, 87,838 ± 8116). Furthermore, it decreased cell viability (42,447 ± 1780, 36,140 ± 3682) and inhibited GAP-43 and Synapsin I genes in undifferentiated and differentiated PC12 cells. However, apoptosis, the alterations in mitopotential, and lactate dehydrogenase activity decreased by applications of quercetin and LLLT. It has been recommended that quercetin and low-level laser therapy roles on cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy should be investigated in vivo, and the relationship between quercetin and low-level laser therapy should be molecular. | Investigation of effects of quercetin and low-level laser therapy in cisplatin-induced in vitro peripheral neuropathy model | 10.1007/s10103-023-03718-0 |
2023-01-21 | In this work, the structure of laminar premixed ethylene/air flat flames at low pressure are studied experimentally. The aim of the work is to exploit the spatial expansion of laminar 1D flames and advanced laser techniques to better understand the conditions and precursors affecting soot particles inception. Soot volume fraction ( f v ) profiles were measured using laser-induced incandescence (LII), while spatial distribution of the CH * and C 2 * radicals was measured using spatially resolved emission spectroscopy. Spatially resolved laser-induced fluorescence has been used to record emission from 2–3 rings, 3–4 rings and > 5 rings. The temperature of soot particles ( T s ) was evaluated through fitting the spectrally resolved soot luminosity, while flame gaseous temperature ( T g ) was measured using a fine thermocouple. The laminar flow velocity was modeled and used to evaluate the reaction time at each HAB. Taking advantage of the expanded flame structure at low pressure, the profiles of CH * , C 2 * , soot and temperatures, as a function of the height above the burner, were well resolved. It was found that CH * and C 2 * chemiluminescence overlap in space. The thickness of CH * layer is larger than that of C 2 * , and it peaks at slightly different location, CH * appears approximately 1 mm before C 2 * . The distance between the two peaks decreases linearly with the increase in pressure. The lowest value of the initial soot volume fraction ( f v ) was 0.19 ppb, measured at pressure 27 kPa. It was found that f v scales with the pressure following a power function of the form f v α Pr n , where n is 2.15 ± 0.7. It was observed that, in all the flames investigated, the initial soot particles first appear at a common critical inception temperature, T inception , of 1465 ± 66 K. It was found that the T inception is lower than the maximum flame temperature, T max , by ~ 45° and appeared ~ 1 mm further than the location of T max . Using the Lagrangian quantity df v /dt and f v , it was possible to reveal the soot growth rate, k SG . At pressure of 27 kPa, the value of k SG was evaluated as 20 s −1 . | Low-pressure ethylene/air laminar premixed flames: characterisations and soot diagnostics | 10.1007/s00340-023-07975-3 |
2023-01-21 | Shale gas will become an important substitute of conventional fossil fuels in the future, and the reservoir characteristics of shale are closely related to its pore structures. In order to explore the change characteristics of pore structures and mechanical properties of shale under the cyclic heating and cooling effect, from the perspectives to analyze of physical and mechanical properties and microscopic pore structure, etc. First, the ultrasonic wave velocity test and triaxial compression test were carried out. Afterward, the change law of macroscopic physical and mechanical parameters was microscopically verified based on X-ray diffraction technology, Fourier infrared spectroscopy and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance technology. The research results showed that the specimens drilled perpendicular to stratification direction were more likely to be damaged under the effect of heating–cooling cycles; under the temperature shock brought about by heating–cooling effects, the physical parameters of shale would vary at different degrees; however, chemical properties of shale basically remained unchanged; temperature effect would promote the further propagation of primary fractures and the initiation of secondary fractures and the fractures coalesced to form larger ones. Through the change of T 2 spectra obtained based on NMR, it can be inferred that the number of micropores in shale declined while that of macropores increased; with the growth of heating–cooling cycles, the pores in rocks constantly developed under the effect of repeated temperature shocks, which resulted in the increase of the porosity. Additionally, the compressional wave velocity and uniaxial compressive strength generally decreased and the reduction amplitudes of the peak strength of shale treated through 5, 10 and 15 cycles were 4.12, 24.18 and 24.58%, respectively. The research result provides effective reference for efficient mining of shale gas and reconstruction engineering of tight reservoirs. | Effect of heating–cooling cycles on mechanical properties and microscopic characteristics of shale | 10.1007/s12665-022-10735-9 |
2023-01-18 | Drought is a major limiting factor of Brassica napus (rapeseed) and potassium (K) plays important roles in rapeseed drought tolerance. Previous studies have reported that rapeseed cultivars characterized by different K status showed contrasting drought tolerance. However, the molecular mechanism underlying drought tolerance remains unclear. In this study, comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted between drought-tolerant cultivar Youyan57 and drought-sensitive cultivar Chuanyou36 exposed to PEG6000 simulated drought stress with two K levels (1.0 and 0.01 mM K 2 SO 4 , referred to NK and LK, respectively). A total of 1689 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at NK. DEGs involved in photosynthesis, glutathione biosynthesis, IAA signal transduction were up-regulated in Youyan57 at NK. By contrast, the down-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biosynthesis of amino acids, cysteine and methionine metabolism and glucosinolate biosynthesis. Transcription profile was affected seriously at LK treatment since only 1050 DEGs were identified. DEGs involved in biosynthesis of amino acids reduced largely. Furthermore, the conspicuous up-regulation of protein phosphatase 2 C in Chuanyou36 could lead to more severe drought stress at LK, which negatively participated in abscisic acid (ABA) signal transduction. Taken together, the comparative transcriptome analysis identified a set of drought-regulated genes involved in several pathways, and provided important information about molecular mechanisms underlying rapeseed drought tolerance. | Comparative analysis of drought responsive transcriptome in Brassica napus genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance under different potassium levels | 10.1007/s10681-023-03156-7 |
2023-01-14 | Transition metal trichalcogenides (TMTs) are two-dimensional (2D) systems with quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) chains. These 2D materials are less susceptible to undesirable edge defects, which enhances their promise for low-dimensional optical and electronic device applications. However, so far, the performance of 2D devices based on TMTs has been hampered by contact-related issues. Therefore, in this review, a diligent effort has been made to both elucidate and summarize the interfacial interactions between gold and various TMTs, namely, In 4 Se 3 , TiS 3 , ZrS 3 , HfS 3 , and HfSe 3 . X-ray photoemission spectroscopy data, supported by the results of electrical transport measurements, provide insights into the nature of interactions at the Au/In 4 Se 3 , Au/TiS 3 , Au/ZrS 3 , Au/HfS 3 , and Au/HfSe 3 interfaces. This may help identify and pave a path toward resolving the contemporary contact-related problems that have plagued the performance of TMT-based nanodevices. Graphical abstract I – V characteristics of (a) TiS3, (b) ZrS3, and (c) HfS3 | What happens when transition metal trichalcogenides are interfaced with gold? | 10.1557/s43578-022-00744-6 |
2023-01-14 | Background There are few studies on the effects of air pollutants on acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) in children. Here, we investigated the relationship of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), inhalable particulate matter (PM 10 ), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) with the daily number of hospitalizations for ALRI in children in Sichuan Province, China, and to estimate the economic burden of disease due to exposure to air pollutants. Methods We collected records of 192,079 cases of childhood ALRI hospitalization between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 from nine municipal/prefecture medical institutions as well as the simultaneous meteorological and air pollution data from 183 monitoring sites in Sichuan Province. A time series-generalized additive model was used to analyze exposure responses and lagged effects while assessing the economic burden caused by air pollutant exposure after controlling for long-term trends, seasonality, day of the week, and meteorological factors. Results Our single-pollutant model shows that for each 10 μg/m 3 increase in air pollutant concentration (1 μg/m 3 for SO 2 ), the effect estimates of PM 2.5 , PM 10 , SO 2 , and NO 2 for pneumonia reached their maximum at lag4, lag010, lag010, and lag07, respectively, with relative risk (RR) values of 1.0064 (95% CI, 1.0004–1.0124), 1.0168(95% CI 1.0089–1.0248), 1.0278 (95% CI 1.0157–1.0400), and 1.0378 (95% CI, 1.0072–1.0692). By contrast, the effect estimates of PM 2.5 , PM 10 , SO 2 , and NO 2 for bronchitis all reached their maximum at lag010, with RRs of 1.0133 (95% CI 1.0025–1.0242), 1.0161(95% CI 1.0085–1.0238), 1.0135 (95% CI 1.0025–1.0247), and 1.1133(95% CI 1.0739–1.1541). In addition, children aged 5–14 years were more vulnerable to air pollutants than those aged 0–4 years ( p < 0.05). According to the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines, the number of ALRI hospitalizations attributed to PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and NO 2 pollution during the study period was 7551, 10,151, and 7575, respectively, while the incurring economic burden was CNY 2847.06, 3827.27, and 2855.91 million. Conclusion This study shows that in Sichuan Province, elevated daily average concentrations of four air pollutants lead to increases in numbers of childhood ALRI hospitalizations and cause a serious economic burden. | Short-term effects and economic burden of air pollutants on acute lower respiratory tract infections in children in Southwest China: a time-series study | 10.1186/s12940-023-00962-3 |
2023-01-14 | Carbonic anhydrases (CAs), as zinc metalloenzymes, are ubiquitous in nature and play essential roles in diverse biological processes. Although CAs have been broadly explored and studied, comprehensive characteristics of CA gene family members in the soybean ( Glycine max ) are still lacking. A total of 35 CA genes ( GmCAs ) were identified; they distributed on sixteen chromosomes of the soybean genome and can be divided into three subfamilies (α-type, β-type, and γ-type). Bioinformatics analysis showed that the specific GmCA gene subfamily or clade exhibited similar characteristics and that segmental duplications took the major role in generating new GmCAs . Furthermore, the synteny and evolutionary constraints analyses of CAs among soybean and distinct species provided more detailed evidence for GmCA gene family evolution. Cis -element analysis of promoter indicated that GmCAs may be responsive to abiotic stress and regulate photosynthesis. Moreover, the expression patterns of GmCAs varied in different tissues at diverse developmental stages in soybean. Additionally, we found that eight representative GmCAs may be involved in the response of soybean to low phosphorus stress. The systematic investigation of the GmCA gene family in this study will provide a valuable basis for further functional research on soybean CA genes. | Genome-wide identification, evolution, and expression analysis of carbonic anhydrases genes in soybean (Glycine max) | 10.1007/s10142-023-00966-9 |
2023-01-13 | Hydrogen, methane, and water ice are among the most abundant materials in the universe. Based on experimental, theoretical, and spacecraft data, gas hydrates consisting of gas and water ice have been predicted to exist throughout the universe. This review discusses the high-pressure properties of two common gas hydrates (methane and hydrogen hydrates) at low and high temperatures based primarily on experimental results. Gas hydrates consist of a water molecule host and a gaseous guest. They have a clathrate structure at low pressure and a filled-ice structure at high pressure. The host encloses the guest, and a specific interaction occurs between the guest and host, resulting in unique physical properties. When subjected to pressure, gas hydrates undergo various phase changes. Based on pressure and guest size, a general rule for phase changes occurring in gas hydrates exists. Analysis of the phase-transition mechanism shows that some cages are maintained after the transition to the next clathrate structure, while others are recombined into different cages of the next structure. This is a novel mechanism that can be called “cage recombination mechanism.” Low-temperature and high-pressure experiments have revealed that as the pressure increases, the guest molecules undergo a stepwise progression of orientational ordering, i.e., restriction of free rotation, which induces structural changes that stabilize the structure at high pressure. Theoretical studies have predicted that hydrogen-bond symmetrization in the host occurs at even higher pressures, further stabilizing the structure. Thus, hydrates respond to environmental changes such as pressure to achieve self-organization by the orientational ordering of the guest and hydrogen-bond symmetrization of the host. Additionally, results of high-temperature and high-pressure experiments conducted at conditions comparable to those in Neptune’s ice mantle show that methane hydrate decomposes into solid methane and ice VII, both of which melt at further elevated temperatures. Then, the methane molecules undergo further molecular dissociation to form diamonds. These findings are valuable for modeling the interiors of icy planets and understanding how magnetic fields and heat are generated. | Significance of the high-pressure properties and structural evolution of gas hydrates for inferring the interior of icy bodies | 10.1186/s40645-023-00534-6 |
2023-01-13 | Background The vast majority of ovarian mucinous carcinomas are metastatic tumours derived from nonovarian primary cancers, typically gastrointestinal neoplasms. Therapy targeting claudin18.2 might be used in gastric, gastroesophageal junction and pancreatic cancers with high expression of claudin18.2. In this study, we aimed to profile the expression of claudin18.2 in primary ovarian mucinous carcinoma (POMC) and metastatic gastrointestinal mucinous carcinoma (MGMC). Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to detect claudin 18.2 expression in whole tissue sections of ovarian mucinous carcinomas, including 32 POMCs and 44 MGMCs, 23 of which were derived from upper gastrointestinal primary tumours and 21 of which were derived from lower gastrointestinal primary tumours. Immunohistochemical studies for claudin18.2, SATB2, PAX8, CK7 and CK20 were performed in all 76 cases. Results Among 76 primary and metastatic mucinous carcinomas, claudin18.2 was expressed in 56.6% (43/76) of cases. MGMCs from the upper gastrointestinal tract, including 22 derived from primary stomach tumours and one derived from a pancreas tumour, were positive for claudin 18.2 in 69.5% (16/23) of cases. MGMCs from the lower gastrointestinal tract, including 10 derived from primary appendiceal cancer and 11 derived from colorectal cancers, showed no claudin18.2 expression (0/21). The expression rate of claudin18.2 in primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms, including 22 primary ovarian mucinous carcinomas and 10 primary ovarian borderline mucinous tumours, was 84.4% (27/32). The common immunophenotypic characteristics of POMCs, upper gastrointestinal tract-derived MGMCs, and lower gastrointestinal tract-derived MGMCs were claudin18.2 + /PAX8 + /SATB2- (17/32), claudin18.2 + /PAX8-/SATB2- (16/23) and claudin18.2-/PAX8-/SATB2 + (19/21), respectively. Conclusion Claudin18.2 is highly expressed in POMCs and MGMCs derived from upper gastrointestinal tract primary tumours; therefore, claudin18.2-targeted therapy might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for POMCs and MGMCs from the upper gastrointestinal tract. | Claudin18.2 as a potential therapeutic target for primary ovarian mucinous carcinomas and metastatic ovarian mucinous carcinomas from upper gastrointestinal primary tumours | 10.1186/s12885-023-10533-x |
2023-01-12 | Background Culex pipiens pallens (Diptera: Culicidae) can survive at low temperature for long periods. Understanding the effects of low-temperature stress on the gut microflora and gene expression levels in Cx. pipiens pallens , as well as their correlation, will contribute to the study of the overwintering mechanism of Cx. pipiens pallens . Methods The gut bacteria were removed by antibiotic treatment, and the survival of Cx. pipiens pallens under low-temperature stress was observed and compared with the control group. Then, full-length 16S rRNA sequencing and the Illumina HiSeq X Ten sequencing platform were used to evaluate the gut microflora and gene expression levels in Cx. pipiens pallens under low-temperature stress. Results Under the low-temperature stress of 7 °C, the median survival time of Cx. pipiens pallens in the antibiotic treatment group was significantly shortened by approximately 70% compared to that in the control group. The species diversity index (Shannon, Simpson, Ace, Chao1) of Cx. pipiens pallens decreased under low-temperature stress (7 °C). Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis divided all the gut samples into two groups: control group and treatment group. Pseudomonas was the dominant taxon identified in the control group, followed by Elizabethkingia and Dyadobacter ; in the treatment group, Pseudomonas was the dominant taxon, followed by Aeromonas and Comamonas . Of the 2417 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 1316 were upregulated, and 1101 were downregulated. Functional GO terms were enriched in 23 biological processes, 20 cellular components and 21 molecular functions. KEGG annotation results showed that most of these genes were related to energy metabolism-related pathways. The results of Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between the gut microcommunity at the genus level and several DEGs. Conclusions These results suggest that the mechanism of adaptation of Cx. pipiens pallens to low-temperature stress may be the result of interactions between the gut bacterial community and transcriptome. Graphical Abstract | Interactions between the gut micro-community and transcriptome of Culex pipiens pallens under low-temperature stress | 10.1186/s13071-022-05643-7 |
2023-01-11 | Machine learning, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle analysis are imperative for various conversion approaches of high availability and low utilization biomass (HALUB). The conversion of HALUB to sustainable energy and materials has a positive consequence on mitigating climate change and building a green future. Microfluidic and micro/nanomotors-powered sustainable materials are of high potential for advanced applications. We conceptualize bioresource upgrade for sustainable energy, environment, and biomedicine with a focus on circular economy, sustainability, and carbon neutrality using high availability and low utilization biomass (HALUB). We acme energy-efficient technologies for sustainable energy and material recovery and applications. The technologies of thermochemical conversion (TC), biochemical conversion (BC), electrochemical conversion (EC), and photochemical conversion (PTC) are summarized for HALUB. Microalgal biomass could contribute to a biofuel HHV of 35.72 MJ Kg −1 and total benefit of 749 $/ton biomass via TC. Specific surface area of biochar reached 3000 m 2 g −1 via pyrolytic carbonization of waste bean dregs. Lignocellulosic biomass can be effectively converted into bio-stimulants and biofertilizers via BC with a high conversion efficiency of more than 90%. Besides, lignocellulosic biomass can contribute to a current density of 672 mA m −2 via EC. Bioresource can be 100% selectively synthesized via electrocatalysis through EC and PTC. Machine learning, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle analysis are essential to various upgrading approaches of HALUB. Sustainable biomaterials, sustainable living materials and technologies for biomedical and multifunctional applications like nano-catalysis, microfluidic and micro/nanomotors beyond are also highlighted. New techniques and systems for the complete conversion and utilization of HALUB for new energy and materials are further discussed. | Bioresource Upgrade for Sustainable Energy, Environment, and Biomedicine | 10.1007/s40820-022-00993-4 |
2023-01-11 | Due to the growing demand for refrigerators and air conditioners in automobiles, there is a need for an innovative and efficient design to achieve both refrigeration and air conditioning. To address this, the present work has evaluated a two-evaporator vapor compression system to eliminate the requirement for separate refrigeration and air conditioning units. Theoretical energy and exergy performance assessment of the same is carried out along with the variation in the condenser and evaporators temperature. Various low GWP refrigerants such as R1234yf, HFO1336mzz(Z), R513A, and R450A are compared against high GWP R134a and R452A. The results reveal that maximum exergy efficiency and COP and lowest compressor power of 31.50%, 2.47, and 6.304 kW, respectively, are obtained with HFO1336mzz(Z). After HFO1336mzz(Z), R134a shows the highest exergy efficiency and COP of 30.56% and 2.41, respectively, and the lowest compressor power of 5.61kW. HFO1336mzz(Z) exhibits the optimum performance, whereas R452A shows the worst thermodynamic performance in the system. It is also found that the performance of R450, R513A, R450A, and R1234yf is approximately equivalent to each other. Moreover, component-wise exergy destruction analyses indicate that the efficiency of the compressor needs to be improved as the maximum destruction of 61.84–56.00% occurs in the compressor while the minimum exergy destruction of 0.42–0.54% occurs in the expansion valve. This study proposes the two-evaporator system for both refrigeration and air conditioning in automobiles. It is also found that R450A, R1234yf, R513A, and HFO1336mzz(Z) can be the potential alternative to R134a. | Thermodynamic analysis of two evaporator vapor compression refrigeration system with low GWP refrigerants in automobiles | 10.1007/s44189-022-00017-1 |
2023-01-11 | Monitoring systems are ubiquitous in many environmental science fields due to the technological advances in the last decades, which contributed to the migration from conventional to automated observing networks. However, the cost of acquisition and operation of sensor networks is still a limiting factor for their wide use. Under this scenario, low-cost and affordable open-source sensors and systems emerge as an alternative to research-grade instruments. To fulfill the quality requirements defined by international organizations, sensor calibration has to be performed and shall be considered as a basic requirement. Best monitoring practices including established quality control procedures should be implemented for gathering environmental data. With a focus on data gathering, this paper reviews basic concepts on open source technologies, calibration methods, quality control procedures, applications and trends, and possibilities for improving the hardware of low-cost and affordable systems. | Strategies to obtain a better quality of environmental data gathered by low cost systems | 10.1007/s10661-022-10805-2 |
2023-01-11 | Satellite communication has the characteristics of wide coverage and large communication capacity, and is not easily affected by land disasters. It is quite suitable as a supplement to terrestrial communication networks and has been widely used in education, navigation, emergency relief, military, etc. However, due to the openness of the channel of satellite communication systems, satellite communication signals are easily eavesdropped on by eavesdroppers. This greatly threatens the privacy and security of countries and individuals. Covert satellite communication can effectively improve the covertness of satellite communication systems and greatly reduce the probability of detection by eavesdroppers. So, it has attracted more and more attention. In addition, with the development of artificial intelligence (AI), AI has been applied in many technics of covert satellite communication, which has achieved higher reliability and stronger concealment in covert satellite communication systems. The research status of key technics in covert satellite communication is discussed in this study, and the applications of AI in covert satellite communication are shown. Finally, future research directions of covert satellite communication are looked forward to. In the future, covert satellite communication technology will be an indispensable part of satellite communication systems. | Applications and prospects of artificial intelligence in covert satellite communication: a review | 10.1007/s11432-022-3566-4 |
2023-01-10 | Numerous thrust and voltage models for applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters (AF-MPDTs) exist, however, all have been formulated using data for conventionally high current AF-MPDTs. To address a perceived gap in knowledge about smaller thrusters, a review of low-power applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thruster research and published thrust and voltage models is presented. Using available experimental data limited to a low-power high magnetic field strength regime, a database of pertinent physical and operational parameters is established and used in a comparative study to evaluate the accuracy of published performance models. Statistical analysis of the models was used to create a corrected low-power AF-MPDT performance model. When applied to the database, an improvement in model accuracy is achieved. It is found that AF-MPDTs in the low-power regime with high applied magnetic field strengths can present a feasible alternative to other electric propulsion methods. However, the resulting sensitivity of achievable performance to physical and operational parameters requires careful design and optimization for a given mission. | A review of low-power applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thruster research and the development of an improved performance model | 10.1007/s44205-022-00036-5 |
2023-01-10 | Background Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious debilitating disease caused by anti-resorption and anti-angiogenesis drugs, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Recent studies suggested that primary gingival wound healing may effectively prevent the development of MRONJ. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low-level light therapy (LLLT) on promoting gingival wound healing in extraction sockets of MRONJ-like mice and preventing the occurrence of MRONJ. Furthermore, we explored underlying mechanisms. Methods Mice were randomly divided into the Ctrl, Zol, and Zol + LLLT groups. Administration of zoledronate and tooth extraction of bilateral maxillary second molars were used to build the MRONJ model, and LLLT was locally administered into the tooth sockets to examine the effect of LLLT. Next, to explore the function of IL-1RA, we performed LLLT with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) neutralizing antibody (named Zol + LLLT + IL-1RA NAb group) or negative control antibodies for tooth extraction in subsequent rescue animal experiments. Stereoscope observations, micro-computed tomography, and histological examination were conducted to evaluate gingival wound healing and bone regeneration in tooth sockets. The effects of LLLT on the migration capacities of zoledronate-treated epithelial cells were assessed in vitro. Results LLLT promoted primary gingival wound healing without exposed necrotic bone. Micro-computed tomography results showed higher bone volume and mineral density of the tooth sockets after LLLT. Histology analysis showed complete gingival coverage, obvious bone regeneration, and reduced soft tissue inflammation, with down-regulated pro-inflammation cytokines, like interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and up-regulated IL-1RA expression in the gingival tissue in the LLLT group. The rescue assay further showed that the effects of LLLT promoting gingival wound healing and preventing MRONJ might be partially abolished by IL-1RA neutralizing antibodies. In vitro studies demonstrated that LLLT accelerated zoledronate-treated epithelial cell migration. Conclusions LLLT might promote primary gingival wound healing and contribute to subsequent bone regeneration of the tooth extractions in MRONJ-like lesions via IL-1RA-mediated pro-inflammation signaling suppression. | Low-level laser therapy prevents medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw-like lesions via IL-1RA-mediated primary gingival wound healing | 10.1186/s12903-022-02678-1 |
2023-01-09 | In this paper, the temperature dependence of defect modes of several one-dimensional superconducting-dielectrics photonic crystals was studied implementing the matrix transformation method. The thermo-optical effect and the thermal expansion effect were considered for a closer look (to obtain more accurate results). The studied photonic crystals contained SiO 2 (L), Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (H), MoSe 2 (M) dielectrics, and the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 (S) superconductor. Our results indicated that among the considered photonic crystals, the (HLM) N S(MLH) N L structure had the most temperature sensitivity, which could be applied as a low-temperature sensor and a tunable filter. The thickness of the layers was assumed in the nano-meter range. In order to validate our method, we compared our simulation result with an available experimental data in the literature. | Numerical investigation of a new temperature-dependent tunable photonic crystal with mirror symmetry and a superconductor defect layer at the fiber optics communication wavelength bands | 10.1007/s11082-023-04544-y |
2023-01-09 | This research determines an adequate alkali-activated material (AAM) for the incorporation of huge amounts (20 or 40% vol) of low viscosity organic liquids (LVOL), e.g. for waste stabilization/solidification. The selected AAM are either based on high-Ca content blast furnace slag, or on low Ca-content metakaolin, i.e. on a geopolymer matrix. First, the selection of the AAM is performed to ensure no LVOL leakage and a sufficient compressive strength f c (> 8 MPa). Surfactants are compulsory to allow incorporation. After 90 days curing, for slag pastes, f c ranges between 10 and 20 MPa at 20% vol LVOL, but it is zero at 40% LVOL, whatever the surfactant. For geopolymer pastes, the AAM-LVOL composites have an average f c of 25 MPa at 20% vol LVOL, and of 15 MPa at 40% LVOL. With surfactant, the AAM solid pore structure of slag pastes is denser (with smaller specific surface area and micropore amount); it is unchanged for geopolymer pastes. Whatever the surfactant, air entrained bubbles are present. Their proportion is maximal with Glucopon. Together with LVOL presence, this generally contributes to decreasing f c . The emulsion (entrained air + LVOL droplets) is characterized in hardened AAM by combining 2D Scanning Electron Microscopy and 3D X Ray micro-computed tomography. Surfactants significantly decrease the emulsion droplet size distribution. For geopolymer pastes up to 40% vol LVOL, the most adequate surfactants are Brij O10 and CTAB; for slag paste up to 20% vol LVOL, it is CTAB. Moreover, the setting reactions are not impacted by LVOL or surfactants, and neither are the reaction products. It is concluded that the decrease in mechanical performance of AAM-LVOL composites is only due to physical reasons, particularly the decrease in AAM proportion, the emulsion quality (coalescence, droplet size and shape) and air entrained bubbles. | How are alkali-activated materials impacted by incorporating low viscosity organic liquids? | 10.1617/s11527-022-02089-2 |
2023-01-09 | This study aims to demonstrate the capability of a low-cost echosounder for measuring the depths of high-altitude glacial lakes. A pilot survey was conducted in a shallow glacial lake associated with the Drang Drung glacier located in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, India. A bathymetric survey was carried out using Airmar P66 echosounder mounted on the inflatable Sea Eagle 380x Explorer kayak. From over 5000 data points, the maximum depth of glacial lake comes out to be 3.85 m with a mean depth of around 1.91 m. Depth estimates from the low-cost echosounder were in close agreement with manual measurements carried out at selected locations. The individual data points recorded by the echosounder were used to create 2D and 3D maps resulting in an estimation of the volume of water present in the glacial lake. Based on the collected points, the total volume of water present in the glacial lake comes out to be 0.18×10 6 m 3 . To ensure the correctness and to check the consistency in the performance of low-cost echosounder in different environments, bathymetric surveys were conducted at three different water bodies. The depth estimates at all three different test sites obtained from the instrument showed accurate results. The obtained results signify that a low-cost and simple hydrographic surveying system such as the one adopted in this study provides reliable bathymetric measurements and is suitable for water volume estimation in logistically demanding highly altitude glacial lakes. | Kayak-based low-cost hydrographic surveying system: A demonstration in high altitude proglacial lake associated with Drang Drung Glacier, Zanskar Himalaya | 10.1007/s12040-022-02021-w |
2023-01-05 | A recent paper by Nishiyama et al. (Earth, Planets, and Space 73:126) examined syntectonic quartz veins to constrain temporal variations in the recurrence intervals between slow slip and tremor events. The authors claim that by examining the liquid-volume fraction of syntectonic fluid inclusions in the veins, that they can accurately reconstruct pore-fluid pressures (and variations therein) that were operative during faulting at ~ 15 km depth in an exhumed subduction melange. From these observations, the authors infer that large (from lithostatic to hydrostatic) decreases in pore-fluid pressure occurred during faulting, and that these variations drove increases in supersaturation and rapid quartz precipitation over time scales consistent with the repeat times of seismologically observed slow slip and tremor events. Here, I show that Nishiyama et al.’s analysis neglects reasonable uncertainties in pore-fluid pressure reconstruction. When those uncertainties are included, the Nishiyama et al.’s results become ambiguous as to whether any variation in pore-fluid pressure during vein formation occurred at all, negating the validity of many of the subsequent conclusions. Graphical Abstract | Comment on “Spatial changes in inclusion band spacing as an indicator of temporal changes in slow slip and tremor recurrence intervals” by Nishiyama et al. | 10.1186/s40623-022-01599-1 |
2023-01-05 | We report on one of the first solar-eruptive events that was simultaneously observed by three of the remote-sensing instruments onboard Solar Orbiter during the cruise phase. The Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) observed an eruption on 22 April 2021. The corresponding CME was recorded by the coronagraph Metis. Finally, the Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) sampled the associated X-ray flare, which was partially occulted. From the Earth, the eruption-source region was observed close to disk center. We provide an analysis of the eruption as observed by these various instruments. In particular, we show that in this eruption, continuous magnetic reconnection and heating have to be present even well after the impulsive phase. The need for this is derived from multiple independent lines of evidence – using both flare and CME observations – that have not been reported before for a single event. The combination of data from Solar Orbiter, as well as other space-based assets, clearly showcases the scientific potential for the science phase of Solar Orbiter, and the unique observations available. | The Eruption of 22 April 2021 as Observed by Solar Orbiter: Continuous Magnetic Reconnection and Heating After the Impulsive Phase | 10.1007/s11207-022-02090-6 |
2023-01-05 | Background Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma infections have been regarded as severe challenges to public health worldwide because their potential risk of leading to serious reproductive complications. C. trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections and the prevalence has been increasing in recent years. As a newly discovered pathogen, Mycoplasma genitalium has gradually been recognized as important sexually transmitted infection and even been called a “new chlamydia”. There are no official epidemiological data of M. genitalium in China especially in women with lower reproductive tract infection. This work aims to understand the prevalence and risk factors of M. genitalium and C. trachomatis in women with lower reproductive tract infections and to provide reference for the formulation of health policy in China. Methods This study was conducted in the gynecological clinics of 12 hospitals geographically located in different regions in China. Women with purulent cervical secretions or abnormal vaginal microecology were included as the research group, and those with normal vaginal microecology and cervical secretions were included as the control group. A total of 2190 participants were recruited in this project including 1357 of research group and 833 of control group. All participants were required to complete questionnaires, whose vaginal discharge were collected for vaginal microecology test and cervical discharge for detection of M. genitalium and C. trachomatis . Results The prevalence of C. trachomatis and M. genitalium were 7.1% (96/1357) and 3.8% (51/1357), respectively in research group. The prevalence of C. trachomatis and M. genitalium varied in different regions. Infection rates of C. trachomatis and M. genitalium were higher in women with abnormal vaginal microecology ( C.t P = 0.038, M.g P = 0.043), especially in women with bacterial vaginosis and mixed vaginitis, of which C. trachomatis showed statistical differences (bacterial vaginosis, P = 0.035; mixed vaginitis, P = 0.0001) and M. genitalium was close to statistical differences (bacterial vaginosis, P = 0.057; mixed vaginitis, P = 0.081). Alcoholism and abnormal vaginal microecology were positively correlated with both C. trachomatis and M. genitalium infection. Increasing age, being married and multi-parity were negatively correlated with C. trachomatis infection. There is a positive correlation between multiple sexual partners, diversed styles of sex and C. trachomatis infection. Conclusions Women with lower genital dysbiosis have an increased risk of C. trachomatis and M. genitalium . The overall prevalence of M. genitalium is lower than that of C. trachomatis , while they have similarities in the characteristics of infection. Although M. genitalium is not routinely screened as C. trachomatis in young women, attention should be paid to M. genitalium infection in young women with abnormal vaginal microecology or having childbearing needs. | Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium and Chlamydia trachomatis in Chinese female with lower reproductive tract infection: a multicenter epidemiological survey | 10.1186/s12879-022-07975-2 |
2023-01-03 | Slow earthquakes are episodic slow fault slips. They form a fundamental component of interplate deformation processes, along with fast, regular earthquakes. Recent seismological and geodetic observations have revealed detailed slow earthquake activity along the Japan Trench—the subduction zone where the March 11, 2011, moment magnitude ( M w ) 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake occurred. In this paper, we review observational, experimental, and simulation studies on slow earthquakes along the Japan Trench and their research history. By compiling the observations of slow earthquakes (e.g., tectonic tremors, very-low-frequency earthquakes, and slow slip events) and related fault slip phenomena (e.g., small repeating earthquakes, earthquake swarms, and foreshocks of large interplate earthquakes), we present an integrated slow earthquake distribution along the Japan Trench. Slow and megathrust earthquakes are spatially complementary in distribution, and slow earthquakes sometimes trigger fast earthquakes in their vicinities. An approximately 200-km-long along-strike gap of seismic slow earthquakes (i.e., tectonic tremors and very-low-frequency earthquakes) corresponds with the huge interplate locked zone of the central Japan Trench. The M w 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake ruptured this locked zone, but the rupture terminated without propagating deep into the slow-earthquake-genic regions in the northern and southern Japan Trench. Slow earthquakes are involved in both the rupture initiation and termination processes of megathrust earthquakes in the Japan Trench. We then compared the integrated slow earthquake distribution with the crustal structure of the Japan Trench (e.g., interplate sedimentary units, subducting seamounts, petit-spot volcanoes, horst and graben structures, residual gravity, seismic velocity structure, and plate boundary reflection intensity) and described the geological environment of the slow-earthquake-genic regions (e.g., water sources, pressure–temperature conditions, and metamorphism). The integrated slow earthquake distribution enabled us to comprehensively discuss the role of slow earthquakes in the occurrence process of the Tohoku-Oki earthquake. The correspondences of the slow earthquake distribution with the crustal structure and geological environment provide insights into the slow-earthquake-genesis in the Japan Trench and imply that highly overpressured fluids are key to understanding the complex slow earthquake distribution. Furthermore, we propose that detailed monitoring of slow earthquake activity can improve the forecasts of interplate seismicity along the Japan Trench. | A review on slow earthquakes in the Japan Trench | 10.1186/s40645-022-00528-w |
2023-01-02 | This study used red mud modified with chitosan (RM/CS) as a novel adsorbent to remove Ni(II) ions from an aqueous solution. The adsorbent was characterized by the techniques of the BET method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. According to the findings, the surface area of RM/CS is nearly doubled compared to CS, from 68.6 to 105.7 m 2 .g −1 . The Ni(II) batch adsorption of RM/CS was performed as a function of pH value, contact time, and volume of adsorbent. Three isotherm adsorption models (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips) and three kinetic models (the pseudo-first-order, the pseudo-second-order, and the intra-diffusion models) were fitted with the experimental data to calculate the maximum adsorption capacity and to estimate the uptake in nature. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity for Nickel (II) is 31.66 mg.g −1 at a pH of 6.0, with an adsorption time of 180 min and a temperature of 323 K. The Ni(II) adsorption on RM/CS is the exothermic process and is controlled by the intra-diffusion model. | The effective Ni(II) removal of red mud modified chitosan from aqueous solution | 10.1007/s10661-022-10877-0 |
2023-01-01 | The olivine-type lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4 ) cathode material is promising and widely used as a high-performance lithium-ion battery cathode material in commercial batteries due to its low cost, environmental friendliness, and high safety. At present, LiFePO 4 /C secondary batteries are widely used for electronic products, automotive power batteries, and other occasion-related applications with good thermal stability, stable cycle performance, and low room-temperature self-discharge rate. However, LiFePO 4 -based battery applications are seriously limited when they are operated in a cold climate. This outcome is due to a considerable decrease in Li + transport capabilities within the electrode, particularly leading to a dramatic decrease in the electrochemical capacity and power performance of the electrolyte. Therefore, the design of low-temperature electrolytes is important for the further commercial application of LiFePO 4 batteries. This paper reviews the key factors for the poor low-temperature performance of LiFePO 4 -based batteries and the research progress of low-temperature electrolytes. Special attention is paid to electrolyte components, including lithium salts, cosolvents, additives, and the development of new electrolytes. The factors affecting the anode are also analyzed. Finally, according to the current research progress, some viewpoints are summarized to provide suitable modification methods and research suggestions for improving the practicability of LiFePO 4 /C commercial batteries at low temperatures in the future. | Perspective on low-temperature electrolytes for LiFePO4-based lithium-ion batteries | 10.1007/s12613-022-2541-1 |
2023-01-01 | Copper flexible connecting structures are commonly used as flexible thermal transfer components at low temperatures. Gifford-McMahon (GM) cryocoolers are widely applied in cryogenic applications due to their wide temperature range coverage and ease of operation. However, the periodic motion of the displacer in a GM cryocooler generates a significant temperature oscillation below 20 K, approximately 300 mK, which is challenging to meet precise measurement requirements. The copper flexible connection has an attenuating effect on temperature oscillations due to the thermal conductivity and interfacial thermal resistance of the flexible connection. Therefore, the theoretical analysis and experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of copper flexible connection on temperature oscillation in the low-temperature range (4−20 K) of GM cryocoolers. Firstly, a COMSOL simulation model was established based on the one-dimensional heat transfer equation to investigate the major factors that reduce temperature oscillations; Secondly, the temperature fluctuations of the secondary cold head of GM chillers in the temperature range of 4−20 K were measured; Finally, the influence of the key parameters of the copper connection on temperature oscillations was experimentally verified on this basis. A base data is provided for the application of the thermal resistance method to suppress the temperature oscillation of the cold head in the lower temperature range. | Effect of Flexible Thermal Connections on Temperature Oscillation in the Low-Temperature Range of GM Cryocooler | 10.1007/978-981-99-6128-3_111 |
2023-01-01 | The treatment of waste materials is a social and economic problem that has grown rapidly over the last few decades. Relatively simple solutions such as landfill depository and ocean dump sites are no more an option due to the sheer volume of the waste material generated and their long-term negative impact on the environment. The problem is compounded by the wide variety of the waste material generated by our society ranging from municipal solid waste to hazardous industrial waste and low-level radioactive waste. In this chapter, a brief introduction provides some statistics on the volume and composition of waste materials generated across the world and different waste classifications that are commonly used. This is followed by a review of current waste treatment technologies for three broad groups of waste materials, namely: Municipal solid waste materials Industrial waste materials Low-level radioactive waste materials In each of these groups, attention is given to the unique role thermal plasma technology can play for the safe and reliable treatment of the waste material and niche opportunities for the recovery of valuable products from the waste. In a field as vast and diversified as waste treatment, it is unrealistic to attempt to treat it in an exhaustive manner in a single chapter. Emphasis is therefore given to providing typical examples of some of the leading technologies developed over the past few decades with adequate references for further information. | Plasma in the Waste Treatment Industry | 10.1007/978-3-030-84936-8_40 |
2023-01-01 | Mesoporous silica is emerging as a nanomaterial with potentially huge applications in the industrial sector, particularly in the fields of chemical catalysis, host-guest encapsulation, and adsorbents. These materials possess well-defined honeycomb-shaped pores that can be fine-tuned to suit adsorbing moieties of different molecular sizes, with adjustable release rates. The most significant drawback that hampers the commerciality of mesoporous silica-based processes is that the inorganic precursors used in the synthesis of these materials are quite expensive. These costs can be offset somewhat by using low-cost, renewable precursors from natural sources and recycling industrial wastes. In this review, we have collected some of the more recent laboratory attempts to prepare mesoporous silica material from low-cost precursors. Scientometric analysis was performed to find the potential of mesoporous silica manufacturing from ash sources. Various sources of mesoporous silica preparation and works related to them were explained in detail. This article also explores various techniques used for the development and gives a brief insight into the possible applications for mesoporous silica. Graphical abstract Industrial waste ash and natural materials are promising sources for silica. An overall analysis of waste utilization was provided using Scientometric studies. Sustainable silica sources are used in the preparation of mesoporous materials. The use of low-cost and eco-friendly silica sources is of environmental importance. Current and future expectations were addressed on utilizing waste ash. | An extensive review on mesoporous silica from inexpensive resources: properties, synthesis, and application toward modern technologies | 10.1007/s10971-022-05983-x |
2023-01-01 | The silicone plastination technique is the technique intended for the preservation of whole bodies, body regions, isolated organs, and thick body sections, being considered the technique par excellence for the preservation of biological material, both human and animal, for teaching anatomy and morphological sciences. Created by Gunther von Hagens in 1977, with its first communication in 1978 and 1979, from that moment it evolved, thanks to the free communication of the steps of the technique by its creator von Hagens, and for this reason it could be developed by a large number of researchers around the world, proposing modifications to the technique, with the development of plastination with silicone at room temperature, as well as the proposal of modifications to this technique with the development of the modified technique of plastination at room temperature. In addition, silicone plastination techniques were applied to increasingly larger specimens, reaching large specimens such as giraffes, elephants, and whales. | Silicone Plastination Technique | 10.1007/978-3-031-45701-2_5 |
2023-01-01 | The term ultraprecise surface machining (UPSM) is related to the ever-increasing request of higher precision of surfaces that is driven by the increasing demands on the performance of surfaces in all areas of applications, ranging from microelectronics to optics and precision mechanics. The term UPSM was introduced by T. Taniguchi in 1983 [1] due to the increasing importance of shrinking the critical sizes below the micrometer level in the microelectronic industry. Already this time, beam technologies were identified to meet the requirements of UPSM. In particular, UPSM calls for deterministic processing of surfaces to a very high vertical (and sometimes also lateral) accuracy that needs to be much less than 1 nm for specific applications like Extreme UltraViolet Lithography (EUVL) across the full spatial frequency range, while depth precision below 10-nm rms is sufficient for many applications. This first chapter focuses on basic principles and examples for ultraprecise machining with lasers. | Ultraprecise Surface Processing by Etching with Laser-Induced Plasmas | 10.1007/978-3-031-14752-4_18 |
2023-01-01 | Fatigue failure is referred to the slow deterioration process of structures that are subjected to cyclic loading, including the structural elements of nuclear power plants, aircraft, railways, and rotating machinery. During their operating life, high-temperature components resist three major damaging phenomena: creep, fatigue, creep-fatigue interaction (CFI), and oxidation. Temperatures, strain amplitude, strain rates, hold period effect on fatigue, creep-fatigue interaction, and fatigue crack growth (FCG) for 316LN stainless steel (SS) are presented, and dynamic strain aging (DSA) role is discussed in the article. The fatigue life (FL) increases with nitrogen content (NC), and reduction in the stress precipitation and stress relaxation (SR) due to changes in dislocation structure are given in detail. Fatigue life decrease with increasing hold time is also presented. | A Critical Review of Fatigue Life Prediction on 316LN SS | 10.1007/978-981-19-6107-6_30 |
2023-01-01 | The IC engine piston with three different TBC layers, Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), and Hard chromium with the steady-state thermal tool, has been studied in the present work. The investigation shows the temperature distribution with a varying thickness which is then compared with the uncoated piston. The software ANSYS workbench is used to create the 3D piston model and further investigated using the finite element analysis (FEA) method. The convection boundary condition is used to determine the maximum and minimum temperature for the piston. Three different TBC thicknesses of 0.04 cm, 0.08 cm and 0.12 cm are used for the current analysis. The maximum temperature found on the YSZ piston is 22.23%, 38.24%, and 51.98% greater for the thickness of 0.04 cm, 0.08 cm, and 0.12 cm, respectively, and the reduction percentage of the maximum temperature is found on the metal substrate is 1.37% 5.43% and 8.94% for the thickness of 0.04 cm, 0.08 cm, and 0.12 cm respectively compared to the uncoated piston. The reduction in temperature paves the way for an increase in the engine's thermal efficiency. The stabilized zirconia ceramic material performs better than the Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and Hard chromium coating materials. | Thermal Analysis of Ceramic Coated Piston Crown Used in a Diesel Engine | 10.1007/978-981-99-2279-6_57 |
2023-01-01 | Although LiFePO 4 has the advantages of low raw material cost, excellent safety, and cycle performance, it remains challenging to achieve high-rate and low-temperature long cycling performance. To this context, porous hierarchical carbon-coated LiFePO 4 /Ti 3 C 2 @C composites for lithium-ion battery cathodes are successfully synthesized through in situ solvothermal method confined growth. LiFePO 4 nanoparticles are uniformly grown in situ between highly conductive Ti 3 C 2 layers to form a surface-point-surface porous hierarchical conductive network. The accordion-like-structured Ti 3 C 2 can provide fast ion and electron conduction channels and effectively inhibit the agglomeration of the LiFePO 4 nanoparticles. These phenomena are beneficial to improve the high-rate performance, cycle stability, and low-temperature performance of LiFePO 4 /Ti 3 C 2 . LiFePO 4 /Ti 3 C 2 @C delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 120 mAh g −1 at 5 C. LiFePO 4 /Ti 3 C 2 @C shows excellent low-temperature performance with discharge capacity of 47.7 mAh g −1 and a perfect capacity retention of 99.2%, over 200 cycles at 1 C under − 20 °C. | In situ confined synthesis of LiFePO4/Ti3C2@C composites with high-rate and low-temperature long cycling performance | 10.1007/s11581-022-04816-9 |
2023-01-01 | This chapter covers integration, performance, and three main process sectors concerning back-end-of-line (BEOL) wiring (“interconnect”) process technology: intralevel dielectrics (ILDs), thin-film metals used in thin-film processing, and dielectric capping layers. The integration section contains an overview of patterning schemes used in damascene wiring fabrication and covers developments up to current leading-edge schemes which use extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. Performance considerations are also discussed in Sect. 5.1, with a focus on BEOL metrics such as resistance and capacitance. The dielectric section reviews the history of materials used as BEOL damascene dielectrics and covers the history of low-dielectric constant (“low- k ”) materials as well as recent trends concerning air gap and porous dielectrics. The thin-film metals cover developments in physical vapor deposition (PVD) tooling and processes as well as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) wetting and cap layers. In the final section, modern trends in dielectric and selective metal caps are covered. | Interconnect Processing: Integration, Dielectrics, Metals | 10.1007/978-3-030-79827-7_5 |
2023-01-01 | The current trend of hot forming steel is mainly focused on improving the ductility, meanwhile, the new steel was also designed to overcome the surface oxidation and avoid the complexity of cooling system of the stamping dies. This new steel and corresponding forming technology were called low temperature hot forming or warm stamping technology, which overcomes the disadvantages of the conventional hot forming steel. This present work focused on the microstructure characteristics and mechanical behavior of a 0.1C-5Mn-0.02Ti-Fe balance steel warm stamped after different batch annealing temperature. It can be concluded that the microstructure and mechanical characteristics strongly depended on the annealing temperature. These results suggest that when the batch annealing temperature is between 570–630 ℃, the steel exhibits over 1400 MPa tensile strength and 9% total elongation. A distinctly decrease in the tensile strength and total elongation was observed above 690 ℃. These worsen mechanical properties can be attributed to the increased prior austenite grain sizes and fraction of lath martensitic. | A Novel High Strength Low Temperature Hot Forming Steel | 10.2991/978-94-6463-114-2_14 |
2023-01-01 | Many characteristics of some alloys based on aluminum are not studied profoundly enough or information about them is lacking at all, especially about 1915T which is considered in this study. Aluminum alloy 1915T is suggested to be structural material for vertical cylindrical tanks exploited in conditions of temperatures below 0 ˚C. To confirm that considered material corresponds structure operation requirements tests with static and low-cycle loading were carried out. As a result of tensile tests mechanical properties such as ultimate strength, limit of proportionality, offset yield strength and elastic modulus were obtained for temperatures +20, –40, –70 and –100 ˚C. It was noticed that values of mechanical properties increased at low temperatures. Alloy deformability grows insignificantly within temperature decrease which means that toughness of the material almost does not change. Low-cycle loading was performed with stress ratio of r = 0,02 to determine low-cycle fatigue strength of aluminum alloy 1915T for the same temperatures. During static tests change of elastic modulus was noticed after the load was removed in a specimen which deformation reached plastic stage. Strain amplitude dependence on number of cycles was observed to fit an approximation curve for every testing temperature. Strength characteristics and deformability in conditions of low temperatures showed that 1915T not only strengthens but also still goes through plastic stage of deformation. | Properties of 1915T Aluminum Alloy at Low Temperatures | 10.1007/978-3-031-10853-2_40 |
2023-01-01 | This study involved the optimization of the process for low-temperature early strength polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCE), and determined the optimal DW07 process with excellent low-temperature early strength performance: n(AA)/n(EPEG) = 9.45, n(TGA)/n(EPEG) = 0.23, n(U1)/n(EPEG) = 0.72, n(M1)/n(EPEG) = 0.36. Additionally, the influence of different pre-curing conditions on the early strength performance of the PCE at low temperatures was investigated. Furthermore, concrete tests were conducted to further validate the strengthening effect of DW07 at low temperatures. The experiments demonstrated that selecting a pre-curing time of 3 h and a pre-curing temperature of 15 ℃ as the optimal pre-curing conditions, the addition of DW07 low-temperature early strength PCE significantly enhanced the 1 d, 3 d, and 28 d strength performance of mortar. | Effect of different pre-curing conditions on the performance of low-temperature early strength polycarboxylate superplasticizers | 10.2991/978-94-6463-336-8_66 |
2023-01-01 | Small satellite thermal management aims to keep the satellite hardware components within the ideal operating temperature range. Due to the intermittent heating conditions in low earth orbit (LEO), thermal regulation is a difficult issue. The satellite in LEO occasionally appears in the illumination zone between the earth and the sun, receiving a significant quantity of solar heat flux. During other times, the satellite is in the eclipse zone, when the earth's shadow significantly cools satellite components. The current work looks at using a thermal storage panel (TSP) along with phase change materials (PCM) to regulate the temperatures of satellite subsystems. The TSP was built of aluminium and measured 100 mm in length, 71 mm in width, and 25 mm in height on the outside. The PCMs utilized were organic-based compounds RT 15 and RT 22. The TSP was tested with two different heating loads of 11 and 14 W. These heating loads are typical satellite subsystem heating demands. The TSP was quantitatively evaluated in several scenarios with and without PCM. A numerical model was validated using earlier work linked to the current topic, and the findings fit well. The results revealed that the PCM performed better in terms of thermal control than the cases without the PCM. With an 11 W heating load, the RT 22 case may reduce the maximum temperature by 35.2% while increasing the lowest temperature by 116%. | Heat Energy Storage Module for Thermal Management of Small Satellites in Low Earth Orbit Thermal Conditions | 10.1007/978-3-031-40447-4_5 |
2023-01-01 | The processes of initial strength degradation properties of structural materials (metals and their alloys) under combined low-cycle fatigue and long-term strength of material are considered. A mathematical model describing the processes of cyclic viscoplastic deformation and damage accumulation in structural alloys under multiaxial disproportionate modes of combined thermomechanical loading has been developed from the standpoint of mechanics of damaged medium (MDM). The version of constitutive relations of viscoplasticity based on the idea of plasticity surfaces and creep and gradientality of velocity vectors of plastic and creep deformations to the relevant surface in the loading point. This version of state equation reflects the main effects of cyclic viscoplastic deformation of material for arbitrary folded loading paths. The version of kinetic equations for damage accumulation is based on introduction of a scalar damage parameter, on energy principles and takes into account the main effects of nucleation, growth and merging of microdefects under arbitrary complex modes of cyclic thermomechanical loading. The condition when damage degree reaches its critical value is used as a strength damage criterion. The results of numerical simulation of the processes of deformation and damage accumulation in structural alloys under combined fatigue and creep are presented. The results of comparison of calculated and experimental data showed that the proposed MDM model qualitatively and accurately enough for practical calculations quantitatively describes the durability of materials and structures under combined low-cycle fatigue and long-term strength. | A Damaged Medium Model for Assessing Life Characteristics of Polycrystalline Structural Alloys with Joint Mechanical Fatigue and Long-Term Strength of Material | 10.1007/978-3-031-26186-2_43 |
2023-01-01 | Conductive hydrogels based on two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, MXene, have emerged as promising materials for flexible wearable sensors. In these applications, the integration of high toughness, ultrastretchability, low hysteresis, self-adhesiveness, and multiple sensory functions into one gel is essential. However, serious issues, such as easy restacking and inevitable oxidation of MXene nanosheets in aqueous media and weak interfacial bindings between MXene and the gel network, make it almost impossible to achieve the multiple performances mentioned above. Here we present a conductive MXene-composited polymer (MCP) hydrogel by incorporating gelatin-modified MXene into polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel for the fabrication of multifunctional sensors. The presence of gelatin not only greatly improves the stability of the MXene nanosheets by forming a protective sheath, but also largely enhances the interfacial interactions between the MXene and the hydrogel network as molecular glues. Thus, the MCP hydrogel exhibits a high strength (430 kPa), remarkable stretchability (1100%), low hysteresis (<10% at 500% cyclic tensile), and excellent repeatable adhesion. The resultant MCP hydrogel-based versatile sensors display a high strain sensitivity with a broad working range (gauge factor (GF) = 8.83, up to 1000%), realizing the detection of various human motions. Moreover, the prepared sensors possess superior thermosensitive capacities (1.110/°C) for the measurement of body temperature. This strategy opens horizons to designing high-performance MXene-based hydrogels for advanced sensing platforms. 基于二维纳米材料MXene的导电水凝胶, 已成为柔性可穿戴传感器领域的非常有前景的材料. 在这些应用中, 制备同时具有高韧性、 超弹性、 低滞后性、 自粘性和多种感官功能的凝胶至关重要. 然而, MXene纳米片在水介质中容易重新堆积, 不可避免会被氧化, 以及MXene和凝胶网络之间薄弱的界面结合等问题, 使得MXene基水凝胶几乎不可能实现上述多种性能. 在文中, 我们将明胶改性的MXene引入到聚丙烯酰胺(PAAm)水凝胶中, 制备了一种导电的MXene-复合聚合物(MCP)水凝胶, 用于制造多功能传感器. 明胶的存在不仅通过形成一个保护鞘大大改善了MXene纳米片的稳定性, 而且作为分子胶还在很大程度上增强了MXene和水凝胶网络之间的界面相互作用. 因此, MCP水凝胶表现出高强度(430 kPa)、 显著的可拉伸性(1100%)、 低滞后性(在500%的循环拉伸下滞后率<10%)和良好的可重复粘附性. 所得的基于MCP水凝胶的多功能传感器显示出高应变灵敏度, 工作范围大(GF = 8.83, 最高1000%), 实现了对各种人体运动的检测. 此外, 所制备的传感器还具有卓越的热敏能力(1.110/°C), 可用于测量体温. 这一策略为设计高性能MXene基水凝胶提供了新的思路. | Interface interaction-mediated design of tough and conductive MXene-composited polymer hydrogel with high stretchability and low hysteresis for high-performance multiple sensing | 10.1007/s40843-022-2105-6 |
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