Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Longkong Pericarp Extract on the Physicochemical Properties of Alginate-Based Edible Nanoparticle Coatings and Quality Maintenance of Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) during Refrigerated Storage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of varying concentrations of longkong pericarp extract (LPE) on the physicochemical properties of alginate-based edible nanoparticle coatings (NP-ALG) on shrimp. For developing the nanoparticles, the alginate coating emulsion with different LPE concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) was ultrasonicated at 210 W with a frequency of 20 kHz for 10 min and a pulse duration of 1s on and 4 off. After that, the coating emulsion was separated into four treatments (T): T1: Coating solution containing basic ALG composition and without the addition of LPE or ultrasonication treatment; T2: ALG coating solution converted into nano-sized particles with ultrasonication and containing 0.5% LPE; T3: ALG coating solution converted into nano-sized particles with ultrasonication and containing 1.0% LPE; T4: ALG coating solution converted into nano-sized particles with ultrasonication and containing 1.5% LPE. A control (C) was also used, where distilled water was used instead of ALG coating. Before coating the shrimp, all the coating materials were tested for pH, viscosity, turbidity, whiteness index, particle size, and polydispersity index. The control samples had the highest pH and whiteness index and was followed by the lowest viscosity and turbidity (p < 0.05). Among the T1–T4 coating materials, T4 coating had higher turbidity, particle size, polydispersity index, but lower pH, viscosity, and whiteness index (p < 0.05). To study the quality and shelf-life of the shrimp, all coated shrimp samples were refrigerated at 4 °C for a period of 14 days. At 2-day intervals, physiochemical and microbial analyses were performed. The coated shrimp also had a lower increase in pH and weight loss over the storage period (p < 0.05). Coatings containing 1.5% LPE significantly reduced the polyphenol oxidase activity in the shrimp (p > 0.05). The addition of LPE to NP-ALG coatings demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity against protein and lipid oxidation. The highest LPE concentration (1.5%) led to increased total and reactive sulfhydryl content, along with a significant decrease in carbonyl content, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, p-anisidine, and totox values at the end of the storage period (p < 0.05). Additionally, NP-ALG-LPE coated shrimp samples exhibited an excellent antimicrobial property and significantly inhibited the growth of total viable count, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and psychotropic bacteria during storage. These results suggested that NP-ALG-LPE 1.5% coatings effectively maintained the quality as well as extended the shelf-life of shrimp during 14 days of refrigerated storage. Therefore, the use of nanoparticle-based LPE edible coating could be a new and effective way to maintain the quality of shrimp during prolonged storage.
A Visual Target Representation using Saliency Detection Approach

—The task of saliency detection is to identify the most important and informative part of a scene. Saliency detection is broadly applied to numerous vision problems, including image segmentation, object recognition, image compression, content-based image retrieval, and moving object detection. Existing saliency detection methods suffer a low accuracy rate because of missing components of saliency regions. This study proposes a visual saliency detection method for the target representation to represent targets more accurately. The proposed method consists of five modules. In the first module, the salient region is extracted through manifold ranking on a graph, which incorporates local grouping cues and boundary priors. Secondly, using a region of interest (ROI) algorithm and the subtraction of the salient region from the original image, other parts of the image, either related or nonrelated to the interested target, are segmented. Lastly, those related and non-related regions are classified and distinguished using our proposed algorithm. Experimental result shows that proposed salient region accurately represent the interested target which can be used for object detection and tracking applications.
Magnetoelasticity of chain-structured ferromagnetic composites

A micromechanics-based model with particle interaction has been developed to study the effective elastic properties of chain-structured ferromagnetic composites subject to both magnetic and mechanical loading. Magnetomechanical coupled behavior is numerically simulated and magnetic-field-dependent elasticity is calculated using the Green’s function technique in a manner such that microstructure evolution is considered. Due to the magnetic angular momentum, the effective shear modulus of the composites increases much faster than the effective Young’s modulus as the magnetic field increases. Two mechanisms resulting in magnetic-field-dependent elasticity are demonstrated.
A Robot Path Planning Method Based on Improved Genetic Algorithm and Improved Dynamic Window Approach

Intelligent mobile robots play an important role in the green and efficient operation of warehouses and have a significant impact on the natural environment and the economy. Path planning technology is one of the key technologies to achieve intelligent mobile robots. In order to improve the pickup efficiency and to reduce the resource waste and carbon emissions in logistics, we investigate the robot path optimization problem. Under the guidance of the sustainable development theory, we aim to achieve the goal of environmental social governance by shortening and smoothing robot paths. To improve the robot’s ability to avoid dynamic obstacles and to quickly solve shorter and smoother robot paths, we propose a fusion algorithm based on the improved genetic algorithm and the dynamic window approach. By doing so, we can improve the efficiency of warehouse operations and reduce logistics costs, whilst also contributing to the realization of a green supply chain. In this paper, we implement an improved fusion algorithm for mobile robot path planning and illustrate the superiority of our algorithm through comparative experiments. The authors’ findings and conclusions emphasize the importance of using advanced algorithms to optimize robot paths and suggest potential avenues for future research.
A Parameter-Free Method for Estimating the Stator Resistance of a Wound Rotor Synchronous Machine

This paper presents a new online method based on low frequency signal injection to estimate the stator resistance of a Wound Rotor Synchronous Machine (WRSM). The proposed estimator provides a parameter-free method for estimating the stator resistance, in which there is no need to know the values of the parameters of the machine model, such as the stator and rotor inductances or the rotor flux linkage. In this method, a low frequency sinusoidal current is injected in the d axis of the stator current to produce a sinusoidal flux in the stator. In this paper, it is shown that the phase difference between the generated sinusoidal flux and the injected sinusoidal current is related to the stator resistance mismatch. Using this phase difference, the stator resistance is estimated. To validate the proposed model-free estimator, simulations were performed with Matlab Simulink and the results were compared with the extended Kalman filter observer. Finally, experimental tests, under different conditions, were performed to estimate the stator resistance of a WRSM.
Stochastic parameter estimation of non-linear systems using only higher order spectra of the measured response

Abstract Methods for using fourth order spectral quantities to estimate the unknown parameters in non-linear, randomly excited dynamic systems are developed. Attention is focused on the case where only the response is measurable and the excitation is unmeasurable and known only in terms of a stochastic process model. The approach is illustrated through application to a non-linear oscillator with both non-linear damping and stiffness and with excitation modelled as a stationary Gaussian white noise process. The methods have applications in studies of the response of structures to random environmental loads, such as wind and ocean wave forces.
The Effect of the Plant Stabilisation Method on the Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Elderflower (Sambucus nigra L.) Extract

Elderflower extracts are known to be a source of valuable substances that show a wide spectrum of biological activity, including antibacterial and antiviral properties, which demonstrate a degree of effectiveness against SARS CoV-2. In this work, the influence of fresh inflorescence stabilisation methods (freezing, air drying, and lyophilisation) and extraction parameters on the composition and antioxidant properties of the extracts were studied. Wild elderflower plants growing in the Małopolska Region of Poland were studied. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging ability and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays. The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and the phytochemical profile of the extracts was analysed using HPLC. The obtained results showed that the best method for the stabilisation of elderflower was lyophilisation, and the determined optimal maceration parameters were 60% methanol as a solvent and a process time of 1–2 days.
Thermal Actuation Using Nanocomposites: A Computational Analysis

In this paper, we propose the use of Si/Ge nanocomposite materials to improve the performance of microthermal actuators. Nanocomposites with a high electrical to thermal conductivity ratio can facilitate a rapid temperature change within a short distance, enabling a high temperature increase in a large region of the actuator beams. The total structural thermal expansion and, consequently, the actuation distance can be increased significantly. A top-down quasi-continuum multiscale model is presented for the computational analysis of nanocomposite based thermal actuators. In the multiscale model, the thermo-mechanical response of the actuator due to Joule heating is modeled using classical continuum theories, while the thermal and electrical properties of doped Si and Si/Ge nanocomposite materials are obtained from atomistic level descriptions. An iterative procedure is carried out between the calculations at the two length scales until a selfconsistent solution is obtained. Numerical results indicate that incorporating Si/Ge nanocomposites in thermal actuators can significantly increase their energy efficiency and mechanical performance. In addition, parametric studies show that the size of the nanocomposite region and atomic percentage of the material components have significant effects on the overall performance of the actuators. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4007128]
Estimation of Average Terrestrial Water Storage Changes in the Korean Peninsula Using GRACE Satellite Gravity Data

Most hydrologic data are obtained by ground observations. New observation methods are needed for some regions to overcome difficulties in accessibility and durability of long-term observation. In 2002, NASA launched twin satellites named GRACE which were designed to measure the gravitational field of the earth. Using the GRACE monthly gravity level-2 data, we calculated terrestrial water storage change (TWSC) of the Korean peninsula in various spatial smoothing radii (0 km, 300 km, 500 km). For the validation of GRACE-based TWSC, we compared it with land-based TWSC which was obtained using the ground observation data: precipitation and evaporation from WAMIS, and runoff from GLDAS. According to the mean square-error test, GRACE-based TWSC best fits the land-based one at 500 km smoothing radius. The variation of the terrestrial water storage in the Korean peninsula turned out to be 0.986 cm/month, which means that appropriate measures should be prepared for sustainable water resources management.
The Small Giant Component in Scale-Free Random Graphs

Building on the methods developed in joint work with Béla Bollobás and Svante Janson, we study the phase transition in four ‘scale-free’ random graph models, obtaining upper and lower bounds on the size of the giant component when there is one. In particular, we determine the extremely slow rate of growth of the giant component just above the phase transition. We greatly reduce the significant gaps between the existing upper and lower bounds, giving bounds that match to within a factor $1+o(1)$ in the exponent. In all cases the method used is to couple the neighbourhood expansion process in the graph on n vertices with a continuous-type branching process that is independent of n. It can be shown (requiring some separate argument for each case) that with probability tending to 1 as $n\to\infty$ the size of the giant component divided by n is within $o(1)$ of the survival probability $\sigma$ of the branching process. This survival probability is given in terms of the maximal solution $\phi$ to certain non-linear integral equations, which can be written in the form $\phi={\bf F}(\phi)$ for a certain operator ${\bf F}$. Upper and lower bounds are found by constructing trial functions $\phi_0$, $\phi_1$ with ${\bf F}(\phi_0)\leq \phi_0$ and ${\bf F}(\phi_1)\geq \phi_1$ holding pointwise; basic properties of branching processes then imply that $\phi_1\leq \phi\leq \phi_0$, giving upper and lower bounds on $\sigma$.
Changes of tumor microenvironment in non-small cell lung cancer after TKI treatments

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer diagnosis, among which epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS), and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations are the common genetic drivers. Their relative tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown a better response for oncogene-driven NSCLC than chemotherapy. However, the development of resistance is inevitable following the treatments, which need a new strategy urgently. Although immunotherapy, a hot topic for cancer therapy, has shown an excellent response for other cancers, few responses for oncogene-driven NSCLC have been presented from the existing evidence, including clinical studies. Recently, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is increasingly thought to be a key parameter for the efficacy of cancer treatment such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, while evidence has also shown that the TME could be affected by multi-factors, such as TKIs. Here, we discuss changes in the TME in NSCLC after TKI treatments, especially for EGFR-TKIs, to offer information for a new therapy of oncogene-driven NSCLC.
Changes and correlation analysis of volatile compounds, key enzymes, and fatty acids in lemon flavedo under different drying methods

Abstract Lemon flavedo is distinguished by their unique and abundant volatile flavor compounds that can undergo complex changes during drying. In this study, integrated freeze drying (IFD), conventional freeze drying (CFD), and hot-air drying (AD) were employed to dry lemon flavedo to investigate the changes and correlations of volatile compounds, fatty acids, and key enzymatic activities during the drying process. The results showed that IFD retained the most volatile compound types, followed by CFD and AD. Furthermore, after drying, IFD, CFD, and AD had lost 47.92 mg/g, 56.07 mg/g, and 13.22 mg/g of total volatile compounds, respectively, compared with fresh samples, and the content loss rates of total fatty acids were 77.38% in AD > 72.95% in CFD > 56.54% in IFD, respectively. During the three drying processes, IFD retained relatively higher enzyme activity in the samples. Lots of positive and negative correlations (P < 0.05) were observed among the key enzyme activities, fatty acids, and volatile compounds, showing close associations. The current work provides important information for selecting suitable drying techniques of lemon flavedo and shows lights on how to control its flavor during drying process.
Need for close interdisciplinary communication after endoscopic endonasal surgery to further personalize postoperative radiotherapy in sinonasal malignancies

COPYRIGHT © 2023 Carsuzaa, Favier, Ferrari, TurriZanoni, Ingargiola, Camarda, Seguin, Contro, Orlandi and Thariat. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. TYPE Opinion PUBLISHED 28 February 2023 DOI 10.3389/fonc.2023. 1130040
Personalized displacement ventilation as an energy-efficient solution for airborne disease transmission control in offices

There is evidence to suggest that airborne droplets play an important role in the transmission of respiratory diseases. The highest risk of exposure to these pathogens is in indoor environments, where airflow control has been recognized as one of the most effective engineering means to combat its spread. However, this can contribute to a significant increase in energy costs, as conventional ventilation is often not designed to remove contaminants efficiently. In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations were used to analyze how a novel ventilation approach, called Personalized Displacement Ventilation (PerDiVent), can simultaneously reduce both pathogenic airborne transmission and reduce energy costs in an open office. In addition, thermal comfort and noise were investigated to assess the practicality of the concept. PerDiVent was found to reduce the risk of cross infection by a factor of 1.08–2.0 compared to mixing ventilation in the worst and best case scenarios analyzed, and lead to savings in mechanical power of at least 30%. Furthermore, there is great potential to further improve the system and to increase the stated numbers substantially with relatively simple alterations to the design. Tools that can be used to great advantage for such optimization are also proposed in this work. These include a simple integral model and analytical metrics to estimate the reduction in cross-infection risk and energy savings as a function of PerDiVent’s effectiveness in removing contaminants. Finally, the system has a modular and highly flexible arrangement, which makes it suitable for retrofitting purposes in various indoor environments and integration with current ventilation systems. The concept shows great promise for the future, where ventilation is required to create healthier and more sustainable environments.
Proximity to oilseed rape fields affects plant pollination and pollinator‐mediated selection on a co‐flowering plant on the Tibetan Plateau

The ecological effects of mass‐flowering crops on pollinator abundance and species richness of neighbouring habitats are well established, yet the potential evolutionary consequences remain unclear. We studied effects of proximity to a mass‐flowering crop on the pollination of local co‐flowering plants and on patterns of natural selection on a pollination‐generalised plant on the Tibetan Plateau. We recorded pollinator visitation rates and community composition at different distances (near vs. far) to oilseed rape (Brassica napus) fields in two habitat types and quantified pollinator‐mediated selection on attractive traits of Trollius ranunculoides. The proximity to oilseed rape increased pollinator visitation in neighbouring alpine meadows and changed pollinator composition in neighbouring shrub meadows. Trollius ranunculoides in the alpine meadow near oilseed rape received three times more pollinator visits (mainly bees) and consequently had a 16.5% increase in seed set but also received slightly more heterospecific pollen per stigma. In contrast, pollinator visitation to T. ranunculoides in the shrub meadow near oilseed rape was three times lower (mainly flies), leading to a 10.7% lower seed despite no effect on pollen deposition. The proximity to the oilseed rape field intensified pollinator‐mediated selection on flower size and weakened selection on flower height of T. ranunculoides in the alpine meadow but did not affect phenotypic selection on either trait in the shrub meadow. Our study highlights context‐dependent variation in plant–pollinator interactions close to mass‐flowering oilseed rape, suggesting potential effects on the evolution of flower traits of native plants through altered pollinator‐mediated selection. However, context dependence may make these effects difficult to predict.
Awe promotes moral expansiveness via the small-self

The experience of awe has been shown to challenge how people think about themselves and the world around them, linking them to something greater than themselves. We investigated whether this emotional experience of awe may also challenge the boundaries of our moral consideration, leading to a generalized expansion in our moral worlds. Across five studies (N = 990), we examined whether awe might promote moral expansiveness; that is, increased moral concern across a broad range of entities (e.g., out-groups, animals, plants, environments). Cross-sectional Studies 1a and 1b, found dispositional awe was related to greater moral expansiveness. Experimental Studies 2 and 3, using video-induced awe, found consistent indirect effects on moral expansiveness, via self-reported awe and the small-self sense of vastness. Experimental Study 4, using Virtual Reality induced awe, found those in the awe condition (vs. control) reported greater moral expansiveness, and this was fully mediated by the small-self sense of vastness. Our findings show awe expands our sense of connectedness to the broader world, and through this, increases the breath of our moral concern.
Variant Landscape of 15 Genes Involved in Corneal Dystrophies: Report of 30 Families and Comprehensive Analysis of the Literature

Corneal dystrophies (CDs) represent a group of inherited diseases characterized by the progressive deposit of abnormal materials in the cornea. This study aimed to describe the variant landscape of 15 genes responsible for CDs based on a cohort of Chinese families and a comparative analysis of literature reports. Families with CDs were recruited from our eye clinic. Their genomic DNA was analyzed using exome sequencing. The detected variants were filtered using multi-step bioinformatics and confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Previously reported variants in the literature were summarized and evaluated based on the gnomAD database and in-house exome data. In 30 of 37 families with CDs, 17 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected in 4 of the 15 genes, including TGFBI, CHST6, SLC4A11, and ZEB1. A comparative analysis of large datasets revealed that 12 of the 586 reported variants are unlikely causative of CDs in monogenic mode, accounting for 61 of 2933 families in the literature. Of the 15 genes, the gene most frequently implicated in CDs was TGFBI (1823/2902, 62.82% of families), followed by CHST6 (483/2902, 16.64%) and SLC4A11 (201/2902, 6.93%). This study presents, for the first time, the landscape of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in the 15 genes responsible for CDs. Awareness of frequently misinterpreted variants, such as c.1501C>A, p.(Pro501Thr) in TGFBI, is crucial in the era of genomic medicine.
On conditions for atomic entanglement sudden death in cavity QED

In this paper, we study the entanglement dynamics of atoms coupled to cavity fields. We consider conditions characterized not only by the purity of the atomic initial state but also by the cavity photon number. By studying three different models within the framework of cavity QED, we show that the so-called atomic entanglement sudden death always occurs if initially the atomic state is sufficiently impure and/or the cavity photon number is nonzero.