Scientific Evaluation Research Articles

Asymmetric fiscal policies and digital economy development: An empirical analysis based on the global digital value chain perspective

The indicator system for evaluating the development level of the digital economy is multidimensional and dynamic. Accurate and scientific evaluation of the digital economy's development level is crucial. This study, based on the characteristics of the digital economy's development stages, evaluates the value creation dimension of the digital economy from the perspective of the global digital value chain. Additionally, it considers the access and usage dimensions to construct a comprehensive indicator system for evaluating the global digital economy development level. The results reveal significant disparities in digital economy development between countries, but also show that some developing countries have experienced rapid improvements in their digital economy development levels. In theoretical and empirical research, this paper utilizes the Barro Rule and the Cobb-Douglas production function, employing mathematical derivations combined with empirical regression analysis to explore the relationship and mechanisms between asymmetric fiscal policies and digital economy development during economic downturns. It finds that in the new era of the digital economy, governments often implement proactive asymmetric fiscal expenditure policies during downturns. Continuously promoting the development levels of national digital economies is an important mechanism for forming these characteristics of fiscal expenditures. Finally, this study proposes relevant policy recommendations, enriching academic research and policy discussions in the fields of financial fiscal policy and digital economy development.

Reconstruction of extended ureteral defects using sections of the ileum and colon

The incidence of extended ureteral strictures has been on the rise in the past decade. This increase is attributed to the growing number of endoscopic surgeries, expanded criteria for surgical treatment of cancer patients, and complications from radiation therapy. When correcting an extended ureteral stricture, if there is a lack of urinary system tissues to replace the defect or if they are involved in the pathological process, replacement reconstruction using a segment of small or large intestine becomes necessary. Options for ureteral reconstructions using ileum and colon sections were discussed, as well as the use of the appendix as a graft. Data on the effectiveness and frequency of postoperative complications were analysed, and the pros and cons of different surgical techniques for ureteroplasty were evaluated. It is necessary to conduct further scientific and practical research and evaluation of long-term results to solve the remaining unclear problems and to inform the doctors of our country about the existence of this pathology.

Effects of victim's body posture and attacker's gender on slashing attacks: a biomechanical study.

Sharp force injury has been and will remain to be a major cause of violent death; however, scientific evaluations on the impact of body posture of the victim and gender of the perpetrator on sharp force injury have been scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics found in individuals (male and female) when using a Chinese kitchen knife to slash the neck of a dummy while it was in the standing and supine positions. This work offers a solid basis for forensic identifications, criminal investigations, and court trials. A total of 12 male and 12 female college students participated in this study. Kinematic, kinetic, and surface electromyography (sEMG) data were evaluated when slashing the neck of a dummy while it was in the standing and supine positions using a Chinese kitchen knife. When slashing the neck of a standing dummy, participants showed shorter contact time (19.5%) and slower shoulder velocities (30.9%) as well as higher hip velocity (26.0%) and increased root mean square (RMS) and integral electromyography (iEMG) for the anterior deltoid (51.3% and 51.2%, respectively) compared to those while the dummy was in the supine position (all p < 0.05), regardless of gender. When slashing a dummy's neck while it was in standing and supine positions, male participants showed higher shoulder, elbow, and wrist velocities (22.6%, 22.7%, and 24.4%, respectively) and higher slashing velocity (19.8%), slashing force (24.2%), and energy (46.2%) than female participants (all p < 0.05). In addition, male participants showed shorter contact time (17.8%), and the values of RMS and iEMG of the anterior deltoid, biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis longus, and flexor carpi ulnaris were less than those of female participants (98.9%, 47.3%, 65.6%, and 33.4% for RMS and 115.1%, 59.4%, 80.1%, and 47.8% for iEMG, respectively). There was no difference in slashing speed, slashing force, and energy when using a Chinese kitchen knife to slash the dummy's neck while it was in different body postures (standing and supine), suggesting a similar level of injury severity. However, there were significant differences in slashing action patterns between the two body postures, with longer contact time, smaller hip velocity, greater shoulder velocity, and less muscle activation level of the deltoid exertion when slashing the dummy's neck in the supine position. Gender may have a greater effect on the severity of slashing, and the gender difference may be partly related to the body weight difference. The findings from this study may provide quantitative indicators and references for analyzing the motive behind the crime, as well as for case reconstruction, and for the court's conviction and sentencing processes.

Design and experimental research of orbital angular momentum multiplexing holography based on optical diffraction neural network

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing holography has the advantages of large information capacity and high security, and has important application value in holographic storage, optical encryption, and optical computing. However, as the number of multiplexing channels increases, this technology suffers from deterioration in image quality, which limits its application scope. This article proposes an innovative design that introduces an optical diffractive neural network (ODNN) into OAM multiplexing holography, establishes a scientific image quality evaluation function, applies an end-to-end optimization method, and designs OAM multiplexing holograms in parallel, significantly improving the image quality of OAM holography. The design results show that compared to classical methods, the ODNN method proposed in this paper has improved diffraction efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio by 29% and 19%, respectively, and reduced mean square error and variance by 10% and 43%, respectively. Moreover, high-quality multi-channel OAM multiplexing holography has been achieved through experiments. The design method proposed in this article provides an efficient and practical way for future OAM multiplexing holographic technology to further enhance information capacity and improve security.

Scientific evaluation on biodegradable and biofunctional polyurethane incorporated chitosan/elastin electrospun membranes in compared with synthetic polymeric expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and polyethylene terephthalate vascular membranes

Scientific evaluation on biodegradable and biofunctional polyurethane incorporated chitosan/elastin electrospun membranes in compared with synthetic polymeric expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and polyethylene terephthalate vascular membranes

Plantar pressure in relation to hindfoot varus in people with unilateral upper motor neuron syndrome.

Hindfoot varus deformity is common in people with unilateral upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS) and can be dynamic or persistent. The aims of this study were (1) to gain insight into plantar pressure characteristics of people with chronic UMNS in relation to hindfoot varus and (2) to propose a quantitative outcome measure, based on plantar pressure, for the scientific evaluation of surgical interventions. In this retrospective study, a cohort comprising plantar pressure data of 49 people with UMNS (22 "no hindfoot varus", 18 "dynamic hindfoot varus", and 9 "persistent hindfoot varus"), and 586 healthy controls was analyzed. As an indication of plantigrade foot contact, the ratio between the plantar contact area of the affected and the non-affected foot was calculated. To investigate spatial and temporal aspects of plantar pressure, normalized plantar pressure patterns and center of pressure trajectories were computed. People with UMNS had lower plantar pressure area ratios compared to healthy controls. Additionally, increased plantar pressure underneath the lateral foot was found in people with a persistent hindfoot varus. Center of pressure trajectories were more lateral during the first 26% of the stance phase in people with a dynamic hindfoot varus and during the first 82% of the stance phase in people with a persistent hindfoot varus compared to healthy controls. Spatial and temporal differences in plantar pressure were found in people with dynamic or persistent hindfoot varus deformity. We propose to primarily use the medio-lateral center of pressure trajectory as outcome measure for the scientific evaluation of surgical interventions targeting hindfoot varus.

Comparison of chemical components and quality evaluation of Panax ginseng and its processed products from different habitats in Northeastern China

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is a widely used dietary supplement in Traditional Chinese Medicine due to its numerous health-promoting properties. However, limited research is available on the distinctions in the chemical composition between different ginsengs. Hence, this study explores the chemical composition of different ginsengs obtained from different habitats in Northeastern China. The fresh, red, and white ginsengs were collected from different places in the Jilin province, China. Ginsenoside and non-ginsenoside contents in the ginseng extracts were analyzed by an Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system & VION® ion mobility hybrid Quadrupole Time-of-Flight. The results show a notable difference in the ginsenoside content among the samples. The qualification ratio of ginsenoside Re, Rg1, and Rb was 46.2%, with Re being the most abundant, followed by Rg1 and Rb1 in all the ginseng analyzed. Furthermore, the study revealed that white and red ginseng had higher total ginsenosides (8.18 ± 0.04 mg/Kg) and total polysaccharides (17.4%) content, respectively. The fresh ginseng samples exhibited higher protein content (20.02 ± 0.2 g/100g) and lower fat content (2.0 g/100g) than others. Further, the ginseng samples analyzed in this study met the requirements specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for total ash, heavy metals, and organochlorine pesticide residues. This study offers a comprehensive comparative analysis of the chemical composition of P. ginseng sourced from various habitats in Northeastern China. It underscores the significance of making informed choices when selecting ginseng types for scientific evaluation.

Development and application of a comprehensive evaluation index system for groundwater quality evolution patterns

In recent years, driven by rapid socio-economic development and intensified human activities, the groundwater quality has exhibited a concerning trend of degradation. The challenge lies in integrating the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic factors to establish a scientific evaluation framework for the evolution of groundwater quality. This study adopts the model of driving forces – pressures – state – impacts – responses (DPSIR) proposed by the European Environment Agency, in conjunction with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Information Entropy Theory (IET), and the Water Quality Index (WQI) evaluation methods, to construct an evaluation index system for groundwater quality evolution that encompasses driving forces, state, and response systems. Initially, twelve indicators relevant to groundwater quality are quantified by screening across three systems, and a functional relationship between the categorization and scoring of each indicator is established. Subsequently, the weights for each system and indicator are obtained through the AHP, and the objective weights of the indicators are determined using the IET. The scores of each indicator are then comprehensively calculated. Finally, based on the defined types of groundwater quality evolution patterns, an integrated assessment of the evolution of groundwater quality over various time periods is conducted. Taking the Shijiazhuang region as a case study and analyzing the hydrochemical data of groundwater from 1985 to 2015, the results indicate a shift in the groundwater quality evolution pattern from one dominated by natural factors to one primarily influenced by human activities (The comprehensive score of the evaluation index system has increased from 1.84 to 3.25). Among these, the application of fertilizers emerges as the most important driving factors affecting groundwater quality. Particularly, nitrate and total hardness (TH) have emerged as the most salient indicators of quality degradation, with a significant escalation in their composite scores. At the outset, nitrate registered a score of 0.408, while TH scored 0.326; yet, these values have sharply ascended to 0.716 and 0.467, respectively, by the advanced stage. The study concludes with a discussion on the accuracy, strengths, limitations, and applicability of the evaluation index system. The establishment of this evaluation framework provides a scientific basis for the management and protection of groundwater resources and serves as a reference for identifying groundwater quality evolution patterns in other regions.

Physicochemical, sensory, and safety evaluation of dry-cured fermented sausages and its plant-based meat analog

The present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, sensory, and safety differences among meat-based and plant-based dry-cured fermented sausages. Different commercial meat- and plant-based dry-cured fermented spreadable sausages were evaluated, considering different quality parameters: pH, aW, moisture, fat and protein content, lipid oxidation, instrumental texture, and sensory attributes. Within the meat-based category, some significant physicochemical differences attributed to the different formulations were detected. The aw showed how some of the dry-cured sausages could allow the development of pathogenic bacteria, independently of their meat or plant origin. On the other hand, similarities were detected between meat- and plant-based sausages, with the most important differences identified in sensory terms of flavor and texture. The acceptability of the meat-based sample was 3.80 over 5 and the plant-based one roughly was over 2. Thus, the scientific evaluation of a novel plant-based sausage did not reach the expectations of the consumers who compared it with the meat-based original product. Some physicochemical characteristics that may be improved were noted, and some safety issues that should be addressed in further studies.

Advances in the study of cytokine storm mechanisms in pneumonia: An example of IL-6 and IL-33

In the past decades, pneumonia has been plaguing countries around the world, with great implications for medical and public health. Systems pose a serious challenge. Many pneumonia outbreaks have occurred in local areas and even in the world. Since the end of 2019, the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has once again attracted the world's attention to viral pneumonia. At present, a large number of basic research, drug development and clinical trials are being carried out for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. However, patients are generally given symptomatic and supportive treatment, antiviral therapy, immunotherapy, glucocorticoid therapy and respiratory support. Therefore, finding new and effective treatment methods based on the pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 is still the current practical demand and research focus. This review focuses on the occurrence and development of CS and the immunopathological damage caused by CS in viral pneumonia, especially in severe pneumonia, and summarizes the potential means of treating CS through IL-related pathways. Research found that different viruses cause CS, cytokines involved in the type and severity of differences, therefore, should also be targeted in the treatment strategy. In addition, in addition to focusing on the treatment of CS, in order to better study the pathophysiological mechanism of virus-induced CS and screen intervention drugs efficiently, how to safely and effectively establish cell and animal models of CS and improve the scientific evaluation system are also key issues worthy of attention.

Research on the Correlation Between Improved Corporate Composite Scores and Stock Prices in the Context of Carbon Neutrality

The stock market attracts many investors because of its high risk and high return characteristics. Therefore, it is of strong practical value to find a scientific and effective evaluation method for listed companies and explore its relationship with stock prices. This article combines the financial and non-financial data of listed companies from 2020 to 2023 to provide a composite score for companies based on the improved Wall Marking Way, and uses the Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analyses to investigate the correlation between the score on stock value. It is found that there is a significant positive correlation between comprehensive score and stock price, which proves the feasibility of the scoring method. On this basis, this article further explores the relationship further through regression analysis. The experimental results provide a scientific and reasonable index for evaluating the comprehensive ability of enterprises, and also provide an important reference basis for investors' investment decisions.

Integrated Evaluation Method of Bus Lane Traffic Benefit Based on Multi-Source Data

Bus lanes are an important measure for improving the quality of bus service and the efficiency of transportation systems. A scientific and reasonable evaluation of the overall traffic operation efficiency of the bus priority road section is helpful to fully understand the improvement effect of the introduction of bus lanes on traffic operation. To comprehensively and objectively evaluate the traffic benefits of bus lanes, the Delphi and grey correlation methods were used to construct a comprehensive weight calculation model of the indicators. The weights of eight traffic benefit evaluation indicators at the two levels of buses and general traffic were calculated, and the weights were then optimized using the target optimization model. Combined with different weight indexes, the evaluation of the traffic benefit level of the bus lane was realized using the matter-element extension model based on the improvement in the sticking progress. The bus lanes of the Daping-Yangjiaping, Huanghuayuan interchange-Luneng turntable, and Dashiba-Hongqihegou routes in the main urban area of Chongqing were used for verification. The results show that the traffic benefits of the three case areas have been improved to a certain extent after the construction of bus lanes, but the benefit level has not changed. Through the analysis of various operating indicators, the weaknesses that affect the traffic efficiency can be obtained, and then the decision-making basis for the implementation and improvement of the bus lane optimization scheme can be provided.

A chemometric study comparing nutritional profiles and functional attributes of two botanical forms of Lablab Bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet)

Growing health awareness has stimulated a focus on natural immune enhancement. Lablab beans {Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet}, abundant in bioactive compounds, were investigated for protein, mineral, and vitamin profiles. This research specifically conducted a comparative analysis between two distinct botanical forms: Lablab purpureus var. typicus L. and L. purpureus var. lignosus L, focusing on their nutritional profiles. Among L. purpureus var. typicus L. genotypes, RCPD-6 exhibited the highest protein content (25.46 ± 0.29 g/100 g) followed by RCPD-1 (23.74 ± 0.26 g/100 g). In contrast, L. purpureus var. lignosus L., L. purpureus var. lignosus L. particularly genotype RCPD-22, had lower protein content (19 ± 0.15 g/100 g). Significant variations in Fe content were observed within L. purpureus var. typicus L., ranging from 5.97 ± 0.01 to 10.5 ± 0.02 mg/100 g, with RCPD-2 reported the highest. Zn content ranged from 1.7 ± 0.01 to 3.65 ± 0.02 mg/100 g in both forms. The calcium content in L. purpureus var. typicus L. genotypes are found to be high, ranging from 372.72 ± 0.02 mg/100 g to 458.75 ± 0.03 mg/100 g, suggesting that var. typicus holds promise as a significant dietary source of Ca. P content exhibited variability, ranging from 317.12 ± 0.01 to 460.07 ± 0.06 mg/100 g. L. purpureus var. typicus L. shows correlated levels of protein/Zn, vitamins A/C, and antioxidant activities (DPPH/ABTS) suggesting targeted breeding for co-improved health benefits. It is noteworthy that L. purpureus var. typicus L., whose pods are consumed as vegetables, exhibits higher nutritional content in terms of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin A. This clearly suggests that L. purpureus var. typicus L. surpasses L. purpureus var. lignosus L. in nutritional value. To strengthen findings, chemometric techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) were employed for differentiation between the two botanical forms. These methods highlight the disparities in their nutritional profiles and functional characteristics. PCA analysis demonstrated that the first three components encapsulated 80.67 % of the overall variability. Meanwhile, AHC grouped cultivars into two major clusters which can be divided into two sub-groups based on the evaluated parameters. The data obtained provide a significant contribution to the scientific evaluation of the two botanical forms of lablab bean, particularly in terms of their nutritional profiles and functional attributes.

Decoding China's urban agglomerations policies: A scientific evaluation and exploration of economic benefits

Urban agglomerations planning policies are a critical driver for sustainable urban development. The Chinese central and local governments have implemented a series of policies to guide the development of urban agglomerations. However, the scientific soundness of these policies and their impact on promoting high-quality urban economic development have received limited attention. This study addresses this research gap by examining the scientific rationale of China's urban agglomerations policy formulation through the policy modeling consistency (PMC) index model. Then, it empirically assesses the economic effects of policy implementation using a difference-in-differences (DID) model based on statistical data from 182 cities spanning 2000 to 2021. The results show that: (1)while the overall level of urban agglomerations policies is excellent, there are areas for improvement, such as policy objectives, implementation, and financial support; (2) Urban agglomerations policies contribute to a 1.8% increase in high-quality economic development; (3) Mechanisms underlying policy effect include the scale effect of industrial agglomerations, the radiation effect of infrastructure construction, and the spillover benefits of advanced industrial structure. Moreover, the effects of policy vary across urban agglomerations of different scales, with larger urban agglomerations demonstrating more substantial benefits. The research outcomes provide valuable insights for policymakers in formulating scientifically and economically beneficial urban agglomerations policies.

Establishment of an Evaluation Indicator System and Evaluation Criteria for the Weihe River Ecological Watersheds

Ecological watersheds (eco-watersheds) are of great significance for boosting the construction of ecological civilization and realizing the ecological protection and high-quality development of watersheds. In order to establish a scientific eco-watershed evaluation index system, this paper refers to the river health evaluation index system, the water resources coupling evaluation index system, and the happy river evaluation index system, and reviews the development process of the ecological watershed evaluation index system. According to the eco-watershed theoretical system, combined with the relevant contents of policies and regulations, thousands of evaluation indicators that have been collected are screened using the theoretical analysis method and the frequency analysis method. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation index system of Weihe River eco-watersheds was constructed, including three first-level indicators: watershed water resources, socio-economic, and ecological. These were further subdivided into eight second-level indicators, namely water security, water resources, water economy, water management, water culture, water environment, water ecology, and water landscape. These second-level indicators were then further broken down into 60 third-level indicators. On the basis of determining the evaluation standards of Weihe River eco-watersheds, the evaluation weights were determined using the gray correlation method and the AHP-entropy comprehensive weight method (comprehensive weight), resulting in the establishment of an evaluation model and a coupling model for the eco-watersheds of the Weihe River. The results of the Weihe River eco-watershed evaluation model and the coupled coordination degree evaluation model show that, from 2019 to 2021, both the gray correlation analysis weights and comprehensive weight evaluation show a yearly increasing trend; the evaluation results are in the eligible status and below; and the evaluation grade is in the fourth-level eco-watersheds and below. Based on the evaluation results of each dimension, when comparing the gray correlation analysis weights with the evaluation of the comprehensive weights, the latter align more closely with the actual Weihe River Watershed. When comparing the evaluation results of the Henan Weihe River Watershed with those of the Handan Weihe River Watershed, the latter’s results, influenced by the scheduling of the Yuecheng Reservoir, are relatively better. Furthermore, in the evaluation of coupling coordination, the water resources subsystem is less coupled to other subsystems due to the 2021 flood. Therefore, in order to effectively improve the level of eco-watersheds, scientific and reasonable water resources scheduling programs should be developed.

Available target evaluation of underground gas storage based on AHP-FCE methods

Underground gas storage (UGS) is one of the feasible technologies to achieve carbon emission reduction and reach the carbon peak target. The scientific evaluation of available UGS targets is still challenging due to uncertainty of caprock, reservoir, fracture, etc. To fill this gap, this work develops an efficient evaluation method to determine the available UGS targets based on oil or gas reservoirs by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) method. An integrated evaluation system for potential UGS is formed, including the evaluation indicators, scoring criteria, and the workflow of available target applicability evaluation. Field application is performed to validate the proposed model. The selection of target blocks is performed by a multi-factor evaluation method (AHP-FCE), and an evaluation index system and the evaluation criteria are proposed. The indicators are more completed, including 6 indicators and 44 sub-indicators. The assessment matrix has passed the consistency check because of CR < 0.1. The factors of caprock and reservoir yield greater impact on the UGS siting. Field case shows that the excellent membership degree of Block # A and #B are 0.315 and 0.574, suitable for potential UGS. The average membership degree of Block #C and #E are 0.591 and 0.386. The poor membership degree of Block #D is 0.422. The evaluation model can provide accurate and objective technical support for UGS target evaluation.

Coordinated measurement of marine economy: High-quality and low-carbon development in China

The marine economy needs high-quality development, as severe greenhouse effect has become a global concern and carbon emission reduction has been an essential target of marine economy growth. However, a lack of synergistic research in the field of marine economy development and carbon emissions has hindered progress. This study explores the critical interactive relationship between the high-quality and low-carbon development in China's marine economy, aiming to foster green development in coastal urban agglomerations and enhance ecological security alongside economic growth. Despite the importance, comprehensive analysis across multiple dimensions of high-quality and low-carbon development of marine economy remains scarce. This paper establishes a systematic and scientific evaluation index system, utilizing text analysis technology and the Panel Vector Autoregression Model (PVAR) to quantitatively assess the complex system relationship between these dimensions. The results including: (1) The development of a 23 nodes tree structure through a bottom-up, multi-level coding method, effectively addressing the complexity of the current evaluation system for high-quality development of the marine economy. (2) Moran's I of subsystems are all negative, presenting an obvious high-low agglomeration characteristics. The discovery that intra-group differences exceed inter-group ones in marine economic development, indicates that the need for synergistic development among the provinces within marine economic circles. (3) The identification of significant bidirectional interactions between open and shared high-quality development and low-carbon development, with a notable lag effect in responses. The predominant role of innovation in all subsystems underscores the centrality of the marine innovation environment and factors as key drivers in the synergy of high-quality and low-carbon development in the marine economy.

Fixation of the rotator cuff tendons for the greater tuberosity fracture of the humerus

Introduction Strategical approaches to managing patients with a greater tuberosity fracture of the humerus are controversial and there are discussions about surgical treatment options. Nondisplaced fractures require no surgical management. Shoulder replacement can be indicated for the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures with limited function of the upper limb and difficulties in refixation of the rotator cuff tendons due to the peculiar anatomical location of the tendon fixation. Solution to this problem can improve the quality of life of patients with greater tuberosity fracture of the humerus.The objective was to evaluate the treatment outcome of a patient with a greater tuberosity fracture of the humerus repaired with open refixation of the rotator cuff tendons and medialization of the border of the articular surface of the humerus.Material and methods A 46-year-old patient presented with limited movements and severe pain in the left shoulder after humerus dislocation and a greater tuberosity fracture.Results The condition was repaired with an open repair of the rotator cuff tendons and medialization of the border of the articular surface of the humerus. The patient reported neither pain nor limited movements in the left shoulder at the one-year follow-up.Discussion Treatment options for patients with a greater tuberosity injury remains controversial. The effectiveness and results of organ-saving surgery have not been explored and require scientific evaluation using a larger cohort of patients.Conclusion Excellent functional results were achieved in a patient with injury to the greater tuberosity using surgical refixation of the rotator cuff tendons and medialization of the cartilaginous surface.

Degradation analysis of plasma sprayed metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell: The evolution of electrode processes under polarization

Metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells (MS-SOFCs) prepared by plasma spraying exhibit promising potential for scale-up applications, where the key lies in breaking through the challenges of limited lifetime and durability. Although electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been widely used to unfold the complex electrode processes in electrochemical reactions, there are still some concerns concerning the in-depth understanding and scientific evaluation of the degradation mechanism of cell long-term performance. In this study, the contribution of each resistance to the overall performance degradation is separately determined by coupled equivalent circuit model (ECM) based on the deconvolution of recorded EIS data at different DC biases. It is found that the deterioration of cathode surface oxygen exchange and O2− conduction causes more than 64 % of the total resistance increase, followed by the anode charge transfer reaction and gas-phase transport (24.91 %), and then the ohmic resistance (9.73 %). However, the correlation between the output voltage drop of MS-SOFC under load and the gas-phase diffusion resistance gradually increases, indicating a shift in the cell degradation mechanism. Combined with the post-test characterization of the aged cell, it can be inferred that the degradation is mainly attributed to the densification of the anodic microstructure and the cathodic elemental segregation. Additionally, attention should be paid to the effects of the thickening of the metal substrate oxide layer and thermal mismatch on the structural stability of MS-SOFC.

Artificial intelligence-based data extraction for next generation risk assessment: Is fine-tuning of a large language model worth the effort?

To underpin scientific evaluations of chemical risks, agencies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) heavily rely on the outcome of systematic reviews, which currently require extensive manual effort. One specific challenge constitutes the meaningful use of vast amounts of valuable data from new approach methodologies (NAMs) which are mostly reported in an unstructured way in the scientific literature. In the EFSA-initiated project ‘AI4NAMS’, the potential of large language models (LLMs) was explored. Models from the GPT family, where GPT refers to Generative Pre-trained Transformer, were used for searching, extracting, and integrating data from scientific publications for NAM-based risk assessment. A case study on bisphenol A (BPA), a substance of very high concern due to its adverse effects on human health, focused on the structured extraction of information on test systems measuring biologic activities of BPA. Fine-tuning of a GPT-3 model (Curie base model) for extraction tasks was tested and the performance of the fine-tuned model was compared to the performance of a ready-to-use model (text-davinci-002). To update findings from the AI4NAMS project and to check for technical progress, the fine-tuning exercise was repeated and a newer ready-to-use model (text-davinci-003) served as comparison. In both cases, the fine-tuned Curie model was found to be superior to the ready-to-use model. Performance improvement was also obvious between text-davinci-002 and the newer text-davinci-003. Our findings demonstrate how fine-tuning and the swift general technical development improve model performance and contribute to the growing number of investigations on the use of AI in scientific and regulatory tasks.