bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Saharan Air Layer Stability and Suppression of Convection over the Northern Tropical Atlantic: Case Study Analysis of a 2007 Dust Outflow Event
Authors: Flores Adrian , Sakai Ricardo K. , Joseph Everette , Nalli Nicholas R. , Smirnov Alexander , Demoz Belay , Morris Vernon R. , Wolfe Daniel , Chiao Sen
Published: April 2023

A prominent Saharan Air Layer (SAL) was detected over the Northern Atlantic from the West African Coast to the Caribbean Sea in 2007. Data was collected from the Aerosols and Ocean Science Expedition (AEROSE), which encountered a major dust outflow on 13 and 14 May 2007. These observational measurements came from onboard instrumentation and radiosondes that captured the dust-front event from 13 to 14 May 2007. Aerosol backscatter was confined within the Marine Boundary Layer (MBL), with layers detected up to 3 km. Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) increased by one order of magnitude during the dust front, from 0.1 to 1. Downward solar radiation was also attenuated by 200 W/m2 and 100 W/m2 on the first and second days, respectively. A weaker gradient at and above 500 m from potential temperature profiles indicates a less-defined MBL, and an ambient air temperature of 26 °C on 14 May and 28 °C on 15 May were observed above 500 m, reinforcing the temperature inversion and static stability of the SAL. Subsequent days, clear and boundary-layer cloudy days were observed after the dust front. From 14 to 18 May, a Convective Inhibition (CIN) layer started to form at the top of the MBL, developing into a negative buoyancy from 17 to 23 May, and reinforcing the large-scale anticyclonic atmospheric conditions. These results show that the SAL acts as positive feedback on suppressing deep convection over the tropical Atlantic during this dust outflow and several days after its passage.
Cybersecurity Awareness Assessment among Trainees of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation
Authors: Alrobaian Shouq , Alshahrani Saif , Almaleh Abdulaziz
Published: April 2023

People are the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain when viewed in the context of technological advancement. People become vulnerable to trickery through contemporary technical developments such as social media platforms. Information accessibility and flow have increased rapidly and effectively; however, due to this increase, new electronic risks, or so-called cybercrime, such as phishing, scams, and hacking, lead to privacy breaches and hardware sabotage. Therefore, ensuring data privacy is vital, particularly in an educational institute where students constitute the large majority of users. Students or trainees violate cybersecurity policies due to their lack of awareness about the cybersecurity environment and the consequences of cybercrime. This paper aims to assess the level of awareness of cybersecurity, users’ activities, and user responses to cybersecurity issues. This paper collected data based on a distributed questionnaire among trainees in the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) to demonstrate the necessity of increasing user awareness and training. In this study, quantitative research techniques were utilized to analyze the responses from trainees using tests such as the Chi-Squared test. Proof of the reliability of the survey was provided using Cronbach’s alpha test. This research identifies the deficiencies in cybersecurity awareness among TVTC trainees. After analyzing the gathered data, recommendations for tackling these shortcomings were offered, with the aim of enhancing trainees’ decision-making skills regarding privacy and security using the Nudge model.
The Effects of 6-Month Aqua Aerobics Training on Cardiometabolic Parameters in Perimenopausal Women—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sobczak Katarzyna , Wochna Krystian , Antosiak-Cyrak Katarzyna , Domaszewska Katarzyna
Published: April 2023

Background: Menopause is a time when women experience a number of physiological and anatomical changes resulting from a decline in ovarian function. It can be concluded that cardiovascular disease increases in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, irrespective of age-related changes. Engaging in the amount of moderate physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization helps reduce the risk of death and adverse health events. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a 6-month aqua aerobics programme on cardiometabolic (anthropometric and biochemical) parameters in perimenopausal women. Methods: In this study, 30 women (control group—16, study group—14) participated in the 6-month aqua aerobics training programme. The mean age of women was 47.67 ± 6.79 year and BMI 26.33 ± 3.64 kg/m2. At the beginning and at the end of the study, anthropometric and blood samples analysis were performed. In the blood, lipid profile, morphotic elements were determined. Body composition, waist–hip ratio (WHR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), blood pressure (BP) were measured. Results: The aqua aerobics programme resulted in a significant decrease in the WHR (p < 0.05; ES: 2.143), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.05; ES: 1.005), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PRL) (p < 0.05; ES: 0.460) and an increase in haemoglobin (HGB) concentration (p < 0.05; ES: 0.643). Conclusions: The type of physical activity described in the present study is a great way for perimenopausal women to take care of their overall well-being. The reduction in selected cardiometabolic parameters is important from the point of view of the protection of women’s health.
Grain Characteristics, Moisture, and Specific Peptides Produced by Ustilaginoidea virens Contribute to False Smut Disease in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Jose Robinson C. , Kanchal Thangjam , Louis Bengyella , Talukdar Narayan C. , Chowdhury Devasish
Published: April 2023

The fungus Ustilaginoidea virens, the causative agent of false smut in rice (Oryza sativa L.), is responsible for one of the severe grain diseases that lead to significant losses worldwide. In this research, microscopic and proteomic analyses were performed by comparing U. virens infected and non-infected grains of the susceptible and resistant rice varieties to provide insights into the molecular and ultrastructural factors involved in false smut formation. Prominent differentially expressed peptide bands and spots were detected due to false smut formation as revealed by sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) SDS-PAGE profiles and were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The proteins identified from the resistant grains were involved in diverse biological processes such as cell redox homeostasis, energy, stress tolerance, enzymatic activities, and metabolic pathways. It was found that U. virens produces diverse degrading enzymes such as β-1, 3-endoglucanase, subtilisin-like protease, putative nuclease S1, transaldolase, putative palmitoyl-protein thioesterase, adenosine kinase, and DNase 1 that could discretely alter the host morphophysiology resulting in false smut. The fungus also produced superoxide dismutase, small secreted proteins, and peroxidases during the smut formation. This study revealed that the dimension of rice grain spikes, their elemental composition, moisture content, and the specific peptides produced by the grains and the fungi U. virens play a vital role in the formation of false smut.
Vunakizumab-IL22, a Novel Fusion Protein, Promotes Intestinal Epithelial Repair and Protects against Gut Injury Induced by the Influenza Virus
Authors: Shi Chenchen , Su Chang , Cen Lifeng , Han Lei , Tang Jianguo , Wang Zetian , Shi Xunlong , Ju Dianwen , Cao Yiou , Zhu Haiyan
Published: April 2023

Secondary immune damage to the intestinal mucosa due to an influenza virus infection has gained the attention of investigators. The protection of the intestinal barrier is an effective means of improving the survival rate in cases of severe pneumonia. We developed a fusion protein, Vunakizumab-IL22(vmab-IL22), by combining an anti-IL17A antibody with IL22. Our previous study showed that Vunakizumab-IL22 repairs the pulmonary epithelial barrier in influenza virus-infected mice. In this study, we investigated the protective effects against enteritis given its anti-inflammatory and tissue repair functions. The number of goblet cells and the expression of zonula occludens protein 1(ZO-1), Mucin-2, Ki67 and IL-22R were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative RT-PCR in influenza A virus (H1N1)-infected mice. The expression of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and toll- like-receptor-4 (TLR4) was assayed by IHC in the lungs and intestine in HIN1 virus-induced mice to evaluate the whole efficacy of the protective effects on lungs and intestines. Consequently, Cytochrome C, phosphorylation of nuclear factor NF-kappaB (p-NF-κB), IL-1β, NLRP3 and Caspase 3 were assayed by Western blotting in dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-treated mice. Treatment with Vunakizumab-IL22 improved the shortened colon length, macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the small intestine (p < 0.001) significantly, and strengthened the tight junction proteins, which was accompanied with the upregulated expression of IL22R. Meanwhile, Vunakizumab-mIL22 inhibited the expression of inflammation-related protein in a mouse model of enteritis induced by H1N1 and DSS. These findings provide new evidence for the treatment strategy for severe viral pneumonia involved in gut barrier protection. The results suggest that Vunakizumab-IL22 is a promising biopharmaceutical drug and is a candidate for the treatment of direct and indirect intestinal injuries, including those induced by the influenza virus and DSS.
Discovery of the Universal tRNA Binding Mode for the TsaD-like Components of the t6A tRNA Modification Pathway
Authors: Stec Boguslaw
Published: April 2023

Covalent addition of the threonylcarbamoyl group to N(6) of adenosine 37 (t6A modification) within the anticodon loop of several tRNAs is central to the translational fidelity in all known organisms. Structures for each of the enzyme components in the Tsa (t6A) pathway from all three kingdoms of life have been determined previously. In order to shed light on the poorly defined final step of t6A tRNA modification by TsaD-like components, we performed modeling studies. By docking a tRNA substrate molecule onto reanalyzed complete models of three TsaD-like proteins—TsaD from T. maritima, Qri7 from bacteria, and Kae1 from yeast—we identified a binding site that is common to all of them. An apparently universal binding mode has perfectly oriented tRNA for catalysis by TsaD. Furthermore, it suggests how the conformational changes in TsaD, in response to the binding of the additional regulatory subunits, control enzymatic activity. Re-refinement of the X-ray structure of the TsaBDE complex from T. maritima tentatively suggests that the moiety bound at the active site of the TsaD component is threonylcarbamoyl-AMP (TC-AMP). These findings suggest a detailed model for the mechanism of the catalytic reaction carried out by the TsaD-like components that explains the transfer of unstable TC-AMP from TsaC to TsaD proteins in the t6A modification pathway.
What Do Differences between Alternating and Sequential Diadochokinetic Tasks Tell Us about the Development of Oromotor Skills? An Insight from Childhood to Adulthood
Authors: Lancheros Mónica , Friedrichs Daniel , Laganaro Marina
Published: April 2023

Oral diadochokinetic (DDK) tasks are common research and clinical tools used to test oromotor skills across different age groups. They include alternating motion rate (AMR) and sequential motion rate (SMR) tasks. AMR tasks involve repeating a single syllable, whereas SMR tasks involve repeating varying syllables. DDK performance is mostly discussed regarding the increasing rates of AMR and SMR tasks from childhood to adulthood, although less attention is given to the performance differences between SMR and AMR tasks across age groups. Here, AMR and SMR syllabic rates were contrasted in three populations: 7–9-year-old children, 14–16-year-old adolescents and 20–30-year-old adults. The results revealed similar syllabic rates for the two DDK tasks in children, whereas adolescents and adults achieved faster SMR rates. Acoustic analyses showed similarities in prosodic features between AMR and SMR sequences and in anticipatory coarticulation in the SMR sequences in all age groups. However, a lower degree of coarticulation was observed in children relative to adults. Adolescents, on the contrary, showed an adult-like pattern. These findings suggest that SMR tasks may be more sensitive to age-related changes in oromotor skills than AMR tasks and that greater gestural overlap across varying syllables may be a factor in achieving higher rates in SMR tasks.
Optimization Strategies of Commercial Layout of Traditional Villages Based on Space Syntax and Space Resistance Model: A Case Study of Anhui Longchuan Village in China
Authors: Huang Yunfeng , Zhang Zhipeng , Fei Junsheng , Chen Xiang
Published: April 2023

Huizhou villages are representatives of traditional villages and have a high historical, cultural, and tourism value. In view of the problems of low commercial efficiency due to the small scale of commercial space and the imperfect layout in Longchuan Village, Jixi County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province, this research explores the spatial advantages of Longchuan Village’s commercial layout through an analysis of street and lane space syntax and a commercial space resistance model. The research on the spatial syntax of streets mainly focuses on the analysis of the spatial accessibility, line-of-sight integration, and spatial comprehensibility of Longchuan Village’s streets. The commercial space resistance model mainly studies the attraction of tourism resources to tourists in order to select the most suitable area for the layout of commercial space. The results of the analysis show the following: (1) The integration degree of traffic and the sight line is relatively high at County Road and Water Street in Longchuan Village, so these two places have better accessibility and more sight lines. (2) Longchuan Village has a good spatial understanding in a small area, so it is not suitable to distribute commercial space but rather to centralize it. (3) In the commercial space layout resistance model, the area around Water Street and Qixing Pond has the smallest spatial resistance and the greatest opportunity for population gathering, making it the most suitable for a commercial layout. On the basis of the analysis results, this paper puts forward an optimization strategy of Longchuan Village’s commercial space layout in a targeted manner to help Longchuan Village achieve a better commercial layout. The research contribution of this paper will help planners and architects to take advantage of space to plan the commercial space of traditional tourist villages so that they can exert a better commercial value and tourism effect and to promote the tourism development of traditional villages across the country.
Determination of the Design Parameters of SMA Cables for Self-Centering Frame Structures
Authors: Zhou Xiaolong , Yuan Qijie , Chen Li , Chen Jie , Deng Taoxin , Hu Yaqing , Li Ao
Published: April 2023

In order to improve the force performance of traditional anti-buckling energy dissipation bracing with excessive non-recoverable deformation caused by strong seismic action, this paper presents a prestress-braced frame structure system with shape memory alloy (SMA) and investigates its deformation characteristics under a horizontal load. Firstly, this paper establishes a theoretical analysis model by analyzing the geometric relationship between the deformation of SMA cables and inter-story displacement based on the internal force balance equation. The model is used to solve the anti-lateral displacement stiffness of the SMA cable-supported frame structure and to derive a reasonable formula for calculating the initial prestress and cross-sectional area of SMA cables. Then, the mechanical behavior of the SMA cable-supported frame structure system under an equivalent horizontal load is simulated using ABAQUS software and compared with the calculated results of conventional tie-supported and non-dissipative-supported frame structures. The results show that the force performance of the frame structure system determined by the SMA cable design method proposed in this paper is significantly improved under the horizontal load. Furthermore, it can ensure a certain ductility requirement of the frame structure system, which verifies the effectiveness of the design method of the SMA cable frame structure system proposed in this paper.
Proposal of an Artefact in the Design of BIM Systematizing Lean Concepts and Tools through Neural Networks
Authors: Falcão Thiago Faria , Carvalho Michele Tereza Marques , de Oliveira Brandstetter Maria Carolina Gomes
Published: April 2023

Research studies related to BIM go beyond the use of models where other tools are applied in synergy. Lean, for example, has been inserted with the perspective of improving processes both qualitatively and quantitatively and goes beyond the technological aspects, covering behavioural and cultural issues. Studies related to the simultaneous applications of Lean and BIM have shown several benefits but also several adversities inside the BIM cycle. Having raised this gap, this work aimed to identify existing adversities in the design phase of BIM through a systematic literature review and enable a method to guide the main causal factors in this stage for companies that work with BIM using artificial neural networks, to build an artefact composed of Lean concepts and tools that promote simple alternatives to be applied in companies. The obtained results indicated that obstacles to the application of Lean and BIM in the design phase are related to technology, cost, management, shortage of professionals, data interoperability and changes to workflow processes. An analysis including standards and guidelines can be useful to understand the company’s processes and apply BIM protocols in order to collect particularities and aspects to be implemented.
Revealing Integrated Product and Geographical Diversification Trajectories in Multinational Pharmaceutical Enterprises
Authors: Gupta Ranjit , Gianchandani Maya , Mejia Cristian , Gianchandani Yogesh B. , Kajikawa Yuya
Published: April 2023

Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) periodically decide on both which products to launch (or phase out) and in which global regions, thereby conducting an integrated products-countries consideration in diversification strategies. Over time, these diversification decisions can have a cumulative impact on the structure. Diversification literature has primarily focused on one of these two metrics rather than providing an integrated view; this work investigates both metrics. Considering deal-making as an execution instrument of strategies, a comparison of historic deals of MNEs with their current structure offers insights into the nature of the diversification strategies that were pursued. For the most active global deal-making pharmaceutical firms, we derive normalized deal diversity profile metrics in terms of their cumulative past product-countries’ preferences and compare them with the product-countries’ operations of their current subsidiaries. We rationalize MNE deal behaviors as means to shed, acquire and consolidate businesses to enable their market leadership aspirations. The analysis reveals two trajectories that have been actively favored in deals: one directed at niche products offered globally, and one directed at niche products in selected countries. The former is characterized by deals in a high number of countries, whereas the latter by two identifiably different product concentration levels. In contrast, trajectories directed at widely diverse products have been disfavored in deals. Understanding such directions and their pace can aid in global- or group-level strategy formulation, monitoring strategy execution, interpreting competitor moves and designing regional policies.
Highly Effectual Photocatalytic Remediation of Tetracycline under the Broad Spectrum of Sunlight by Novel BiVO4/Sb2S3 Nanocomposite
Authors: Singla Shelly , Devi Pooja , Basu Soumen
Published: April 2023

Heterojunction photocatalysts (PC) with controllable compositions and in-built electric fields have attracted extensive research interest for their use in the remediation of environmental pollutants, owing to their supreme photocatalytic activity. Here, a simple hydrothermal route synthesizing different mole ratios of BiVO4/Sb2S3 is reported as the PC. The inclusion of Sb2S3 with BiVO4 in the BiVO4/Sb2S3 composite possesses the ability to harvest a wide spectrum of solar light, an increased surface area, and an effective charge separation of the charge carriers. The efficacy of the synthesized catalyst was gauged by the photocatalytic abatement of a recalcitrant pollutant, tetracycline. The highest decomposition efficacy of 88.7% (rate constant 0.01557 min−1) was achieved with 0.3 g/L of 1:3 BiVO4:Sb2S3 photocatalyst for the tetracycline under sunlight illumination for 120 min. The catalyst was found stable for up to five cycles with a significant retention of its efficacy. The post-degradation characterizations revealed that the photocatalyst is stable due to the intactness of its crystalline planes, morphology, and surface area. Further, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was performed to study the decomposed products formed by the abatement of tetracycline. Moreover, chemical oxygen demand/ total organic carbon (COD/TOC) removals of 80.9% and 85.4%, respectively, were observed for the tetracycline standards, while for real TC pills, it was found to be 78.3% and 82.1%, respectively. This signifies that the photocatalyst has good surface catalytic properties in comparison to the existing expensive and time-consuming physicochemical approaches used in industry.
Human Fibroblast Growth Factor-Treated Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Facilitate Wound Healing and Revascularization in Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Chang So-Young , Lee Jun Hee , Oh Se Cheol , Lee Min Young , Lim Nam Kyu
Published: April 2023

Diabetes mellitus contributes to 15–25% of all chronic foot ulcers. Peripheral vascular disease is a cause of ischemic ulcers and exacerbates diabetic foot disease. Cell-based therapies are viable options to restore damaged vessels and induce the formation of new vessels. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have the potential for angiogenesis and regeneration because of their greater paracrine effect. Preclinical studies are currently using other forced enhancement techniques (e.g., genetic modification or biomaterials) to increase the efficacy of human ADSC (hADSC) autotransplantation. Unlike genetic modifications and biomaterials, many growth factors have been approved by the equivalent regulatory authorities. This study confirmed the effect of enhanced human ADSC (ehADSC)s with a cocktail of FGF and other pharmacological agents to promote wound healing in diabetic foot disease. In vitro, ehADSCs exhibited a long and slender spindle-shaped morphology and showed significantly increased proliferation. In addition, it was shown that ehADSCs have more functionalities in oxidative stress toleration, stem cell stemness, and mobility. In vivo, the local transplantation of 1.2 × 106 hADSCs or ehADSCs was performed in animals with diabetes induced by STZ. The ehADSC group showed a statistically decreased wound size and increased blood flow compared with the hADSC group and the sham group. Human Nucleus Antigen (HNA) positive cells were observed in some ADSC-transplanted animals. The ehADSC group showed a relatively higher portion of HNA-positive animals than the hADSC group. The blood glucose levels showed no significant difference among the groups. In conclusion, the ehADSCs showed a better performance in vitro, compared with conventional hADSCs. Additionally, a topical injection of ehADSCs into diabetic wounds enhanced wound healing and blood flow, while improving histological markers suggesting revascularization.
Maturity-Related Variations in Morphology, Body Composition, and Somatotype Features among Young Male Football Players
Authors: Čaušević Denis , Rani Babina , Gasibat Qais , Čović Nedim , Alexe Cristina Ioana , Pavel Silviu Ioan , Burchel Lucian Ovidiu , Alexe Dan Iulian
Published: April 2023

The study aimed to investigate differences in anthropometry, body composition (BC), and somatotype in young football players of the same chronological age according to the maturity stage. Overall, 64 elite players (age: 14.28 ± 0.46 years) were evaluated for standing and sitting body height, girth measures, and BC using the bioelectric impedance scale and skinfold thickness. In total, two-thirds (73.44%, n = 47) of football players were classified as on-time maturers, 12.50% (n = 8) were early maturing, and 14.06% (n = 9) were late maturing. Standing and sitting height, leg length, fat-free mass, and muscle mass were significantly different (p < 0.001) across maturity groups. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) with maturity progression was seen for subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds along with a girth increase at all sites (p < 0.05). Early maturers were balanced ectomorphs, while on-time and late maturers featured mesomorph–ectomorph characteristics. The obtained results suggested that mature players have better BC presented as a lower fat percentage along with higher muscle mass, advantages in circumferences, and longitudinal dimensions of the body with highlighted mesomorph features. Maturity can have a substantial influence on body measures, thereby affecting sport-specific performance. Early maturers can use their anthropometric advantages and compensate for a lack of talent, consequently preventing even participation of physically undeveloped players in training. A better understanding of maturity, BC, and somatotypes can help in the selection of young talented players.
Enhancing JWT Authentication and Authorization in Web Applications Based on User Behavior History
Authors: Bucko Ahmet , Vishi Kamer , Krasniqi Bujar , Rexha Blerim
Published: April 2023

The rapid growth of the web has transformed our daily lives and the need for secure user authentication and authorization has become a crucial aspect of web-based services. JSON Web Tokens (JWT), based on RFC 7519, are widely used as a standard for user authentication and authorization. However, these tokens do not store information about the user’s behavior history. To address this issue, this paper presents a solution to enhance the trustworthiness of user authentication in web applications based on their behavior history. The solution considers factors such as the number of password attempts, IP address consistency, and user agent type and assigns a weight or percentage to each. These weights are summed up and stored in the user’s account, and updated after each transaction. The proposed approach was implemented using the .NET framework, C# programming language, and PostgreSQL database. The results show that the proposed solution effectively increases the level of trust in user authentication. The paper concludes by highlighting the strengths and limitations of the proposed solution.
Investigation on β-Ga2O3-Based Schottky Barrier Diode with Floating Metal Rings
Authors: Yao Suhao , Yang Kemeng , Yang Lili , Feng Ganrong , Zhang Maolin , Guo Yufeng , Tang Weihua
Published: April 2023

In this study, the performance of Schottky barrier diodes (SBD) based on β-Ga2O3 with floating metal rings (FMR) was investigated using numerical simulations with Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) software. The simulation parameters of β-Ga2O3, including those in barrier lowering, impact ionization, and image-force-lowering models, were extracted from experimental results. Similar forward conduction characteristics to SBDs without FMRs were exhibited by the device, and its breakdown characteristics were influenced by structural parameters such as FMR spacing, width, number, epitaxial layer thickness, and doping concentration. A breakdown voltage of 2072 V was achieved by the optimized device at a doping concentration of 1016 cm−3, which was 2.5 times higher than that of a device without FMRs. This study also indicated that for general doping concentrations and epitaxial layer thicknesses, the breakdown voltage with such structures can reach at least 1.5 times higher than that of a device without FMRs. Overall, insights into optimizing the design of β-Ga2O3-based SBDs with FMRs were provided in this study.
A Novel Strategy for Comprehensive Estimation of Lattice Energy, Bulk Modulus, Chemical Hardness and Electronic Polarizability of ANB8-N Binary Inorganic Crystals
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Wang Xiaoli
Published: April 2023

How to search for a convenient method without a complicated calculation process to predict the physicochemical properties of inorganic crystals through a simple micro-parameter is a greatly important issue in the field of materials science. Herein, this paper presents a new and facile technique for the comprehensive estimation of lattice energy (U), bulk modulus (B), chemical hardness (ƞ), and electronic polarizability (α), just by using a simple mathematic fitting formula with a few structure parameters, such as the systems of rock salt crystals (group I–VII, II–VI) and tetrahedral coordinated crystals (group II–VI, III–V). For the typical binary ANB8-N crystal systems, our present conclusions suggest that a good quantitative correlation between U, B, ƞ, α and chemical bond length (d) is observed, the normal mathematical expression is P = a·db (P represents these physicochemical parameters), constants a and b depend on the type of crystals, and the relevant squares of the correlation coefficient (R2) are larger than 0.9. The results indicate that lattice energy, bulk modulus, and chemical hardness decrease with increases in chemical bond length, but electronic polarizability increases with an increase in chemical bond length. Meanwhile, the new data on the lattice energy, bulk modulus, chemical hardness, and electronic polarizability values of binary ANB8-N crystal systems considered in the present study are calculated via the obtained curve fitting equations without any complex calculation process. We find that there is a very good linear trend in our calculated results along with the values reported in the literature. The present study will be important in solid-state chemistry, which may give researchers useful guidance in searching for relevant data for predicting the properties of new materials or synthetic routes based on a simple mathematic empirical model.
How an Ecological Race Is Forming: Morphological and Genetic Disparity among Thermal and Non-Thermal Populations of Aquatic Lymnaeid Snails (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae)
Authors: Vinarski Maxim V. , Aksenova Olga V. , Bespalaya Yulia V. , Gofarov Mikhail Yu. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Khrebtova Irina S. , Makhrov Alexander A. , Bolotov Ivan N.
Published: April 2023

Hot (geothermal) pools and streams, a specific type of aquatic biotopes having almost worldwide distribution, maintain rich faunas of animals belonging to various taxa. Snails (Gastropoda) represent one of such groups, which form populations in geothermal waterbodies of all continents. Some freshwater snail species produce morphologically distinct hot-water populations, whose rank is often debated (full species or thermal ‘ecotype’, or ‘race’). In this study, we used six species of pond snails (family Lymnaeidae) to investigate the morphological and genetic consequences of infiltration of freshwater snails into geothermal habitats. In particular, we aimed at studying the changes in shell shape and proportions as well as the formation of unique hot-water haplotypes and the occurrence of the latter beyond geothermal waterbodies. All six species studied demonstrate diminutive body size in hot sites accompanied, in four species, by apparent alterations in shell proportions. A phenomenon of phenotypic ‘juvenilization’, when adult and able to reproduce individuals demonstrate shell proportions characteristic for full-grown individuals living under ‘normal’ conditions, is described. Unique ‘thermal’ haplotypes, not found beyond the geothermal sites, were normally restricted to a single locality, and no signs of frequent ‘travels’ of snails from one thermal habitat to another are seen. In the vast majority of cases, these exclusive haplotypes are separated from their ancestors by only a few (1–3) mutational steps, which may indicate their relatively recent origin. We are inclined to relate both size reduction and ‘juvenilization’ to the life-cycle re-adjustment following the penetration of lymnaeids to thermal habitats. The ecological (‘thermal’) intraspecific races of different species, forming in geothermal habitats, exhibit, to a great extent, evolutionary predictability (=convergent evolution; =parallelisms). The dilemma ‘ecological race vs. young species’ in application to the taxonomy of these hot-water populations is briefly discussed.
Progress in Understanding Metabolic Syndrome and Knowledge of Its Complex Pathophysiology
Authors: Jha Birendra Kumar , Sherpa Mingma Lhamu , Imran Mohammad , Mohammed Yousuf , Jha Laxmi Akhileshwar , Paudel Keshav Raj , Jha Saurav Kumar
Published: April 2023

The metabolic syndrome (MetS), first introduced by Haller in 1975, was sometimes also known as insulin resistance syndrome, syndrome X, and plurimetabolic syndrome. In 1989, it was rechristened by Kaplan as the “Deadly Quartet” based on a consolidation of central obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and systemic hypertension. MetS is positively associated with a pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic state, attributed to increased pro-thrombotic and inflammatory marker activity. Moreover, MetS is frequently associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperuricemia, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic kidney disease. Despite concerted endeavors worldwide, the complexity of the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome still needs to be clearly understood. Currently, therapeutic possibilities are confined to individual therapy for hyperglycemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, regular physical exercise, and a restricted diet. In this review, progress regarding the understanding and pathophysiology of MetS; recent emerging technologies, such as metabolomics and proteomics; the relation of MetS with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases; and the association of MetS with COVID-19 are discussed.
Association between Sjögren’s Syndrome and Periodontitis: Epidemiological, Fundamental and Clinical Data: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gheorghe Dorin Nicolae , Popescu Dora Maria , Dinescu Stefan Cristian , Silaghi Margarita , Surlin Petra , Ciurea Paulina Lucia
Published: April 2023

In recent decades, researchers have investigated the bidirectional links between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, and the results have allowed the development of the concept of periodontal medicine. This concept incorporates and analyzes the mutually influential interactions that can occur between periodontitis and systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular diseases. Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that targets the exocrine glands of the body, such as the lacrimal and salivary glands. The amount of saliva produced may gradually decrease with the progression of the disease, which can have an impact on the structures within the oral cavity. Although the reduction in saliva flow produces negative effects in the oral cavity, a direct association between Sjögren’s syndrome and periodontal disease has not yet been demonstrated. Available studies on this topic have not identified significant differences in the periodontal status of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and control groups at the clinical and bacteriological levels. On the other hand, other studies on this topic consider that patients with periodontitis have a higher risk of developing Sjögren’s syndrome than the general population. Therefore, the results remain inconclusive, highlighting the need for further complementary studies.
Assessing Passengers’ Motion Sickness Levels Based on Cerebral Blood Oxygen Signals and Simulation of Actual Ride Sensation
Authors: Ren Bin , Zhou Qinyu
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: After motion sickness occurs in the ride process, this can easily cause passengers to have a poor mental state, cold sweats, nausea, and even vomiting symptoms. This study proposes to establish an association model between motion sickness level (MSL) and cerebral blood oxygen signals during a ride. (2) Methods: A riding simulation platform and the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology are utilized to monitor the cerebral blood oxygen signals of subjects in a riding simulation experiment. The subjects’ scores on the Fast Motion sickness Scale (FMS) are determined every minute during the experiment as the dependent variable to manifest the change in MSL. The Bayesian ridge regression (BRR) algorithm is applied to construct an assessment model of MSL during riding. The score of the Graybiel scale is adopted to preliminarily verify the effectiveness of the MSL evaluation model. Finally, a real vehicle test is developed, and two driving modes are selected in random road conditions to carry out a control test. (3) Results: The predicted MSL in the comfortable mode is significantly less than the MSL value in the normal mode, which is in line with expectations. (4) Conclusions: Changes in cerebral blood oxygen signals have a huge correlation with MSL. The MSL evaluation model proposed in this study has a guiding significance for the early warning and prevention of motion sickness.
Investigation of Autonomous Multi-UAV Systems for Target Detection in Distributed Environment: Current Developments and Open Challenges
Authors: Adoni Wilfried , Lorenz Sandra , Fareedh Junaidh , Gloaguen Richard , Bussmann Michael
Published: April 2023

Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, are ubiquitous and their use cases extend today from governmental applications to civil applications such as the agricultural, medical, and transport sectors, etc. In accordance with the requirements in terms of demand, it is possible to carry out various missions involving several types of UAVs as well as various onboard sensors. According to the complexity of the mission, some configurations are required both in terms of hardware and software. This task becomes even more complex when the system is composed of autonomous UAVs that collaborate with each other without the assistance of an operator. Several factors must be considered, such as the complexity of the mission, the types of UAVs, the communication architecture, the routing protocol, the coordination of tasks, and many other factors related to the environment. Unfortunately, although there are many research works that address the use cases of multi-UAV systems, there is a gap in the literature regarding the difficulties involved with the implementation of these systems from scratch. This review article seeks to examine and understand the communication issues related to the implementation from scratch of autonomous multi-UAV systems for collaborative decisions. The manuscript will also provide a formal definition of the ecosystem of a multi-UAV system, as well as a comparative study of UAV types and related works that highlight the use cases of multi-UAV systems. In addition to the mathematical modeling of the collaborative target detection problem in distributed environments, this article establishes a comparative study of communication architectures and routing protocols in a UAV network. After reading this review paper, readers will benefit from the multicriteria decision-making roadmaps to choose the right architectures and routing protocols adapted for specific missions. The open challenges and future directions described in this manuscript can be used to understand the current limitations and how to overcome them to effectively exploit autonomous swarms in future trends.
Research on the Cooperative Passive Location of Moving Targets Based on Improved Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Hao Li , Xiangyu Fan , Manhong Shi
Published: April 2023

Aiming at the cooperative passive location of moving targets by UAV swarm, this paper constructs a passive location and tracking algorithm for a moving target based on the A optimization criterion and the improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Firstly, the localization method of cluster cooperative passive localization is selected and the measurement model is constructed. Then, the problem of improving passive location accuracy is transformed into the problem of obtaining more target information. From the perspective of information theory, using the A criterion as the optimization target, the passive localization process for static targets is further deduced. The Recursive Neural Network (RNN) is used to predict the probability distribution of the target’s location in the next moment so as to improve the localization method and make it suitable for the localization of moving targets. The particle swarm algorithm is improved by using grouping and time period strategy, and the algorithm flow of moving target location is constructed. Finally, through the simulation verification and algorithm comparison, the advantages of the algorithm in this paper are presented.
On-Surface Synthesis and Applications of 2D Covalent Organic Framework Nanosheets
Authors: Fan Jinwei , Wang Zhuoqun , Cheng Haoge , Wang Dingguan , Wee Andrew Thye Shen
Published: April 2023

Covalent organic framework nanosheets (COF nanosheets) are two-dimensional crystalline porous polymers with in-plane covalent bonds and out-of-plane Van der Waals forces. Owing to the customizable structure, chemical modification, and ultra-high porosity, COF nanosheets show many fascinating properties unique to traditional two-dimensional materials, and have shown potential applications in gas separation, sensors, electronic, and optoelectronic devices. This minireview aims to illustrate recent progress on two-dimensional covalent organic framework nanosheets, from two aspects of on-surface synthesis and potential applications. We first review the synthesis of COF nanosheets at the gas–solid interface. On-surface synthesis under ultrahigh vacuum and on-surface synthesis under vapor are highlighted. In addition, we also review the liquid–solid interface synthesis of COF nanosheets at various substrates, i.e., both crystalline and amorphous substrates. Beyond the synthesis, we highlight state-of-the-art applications of the COF nanosheets, particularly in charge transport, chemical sensors, and gas separation.
Distributed Adaptive Consensus Output Tracking Problem of Nonlinear Multi-Agent Systems with Unknown High-Frequency Gain Signs under Directed Graphs
Authors: Chen Jingyu , Ding Zhengtao
Published: April 2023

This paper deals with the consensus output tracking problem for multi-agent systems with unknown high-frequency gain signs, in which the subsystems are connected over directed graphs. The subsystems may have different dynamics, as long as the relative degrees are the same. A new type of Nussbaum gain is first presented to tackle adaptive consensus control of network-connected systems without the knowledge of the high-frequency gains. Adaptive laws and internal models are then proposed to handle the uncertainties and unknown parameters. An integral Lyapunov function based on sufficient conditions is finally introduced to tackle the asymmetry of the Laplacian matrix of directed graphs, into which we incorporate the new Nussbaum gain and the adaptive internal model to design the controller. It is apparent that the control scheme and the adaptive laws are fully distributed, which means that only the relative information of the neighbourhood subsystems’ outputs is used, and the simulation results validate the effectiveness of the control design, whereby they guarantee the asymptotic convergence of errors to zero as well as the boundedness of the state variables.
Recent Advances in Lignin-Based Biofuel Production
Authors: Kocaturk Engin , Salan Tufan , Ozcelik Orhan , Alma Mehmet Hakkı , Candan Zeki
Published: April 2023

Lignin is a polymer found in the cell walls of plants and is an important component of wood. Lignin-derived fuels have attracted attention as a means of producing biofuels from biomass in recent years. There are two basic methods for converting lignin into fuel: thermochemical and catalytic. Lignin-derived fuels have the potential to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, more research is needed to optimize the production of lignin-derived fuels and to determine their environmental impact. This review aims to evaluate the development of lignin-derived fuels from an economic and environmental point of view while presenting a broad perspective.
A Review of Wind Clustering Methods Based on the Wind Speed and Trend in Malaysia
Authors: Azhar Amar , Hashim Huzaifa
Published: April 2023

Wind mapping has played a significant role in the selection of wind harvesting areas and engineering objectives. This research aims to find the best clustering method to cluster the wind speed of Malaysia. The wind speed trend of Malaysia is affected by two major monsoons: the southwest and the northeast monsoon. The research found multiple, worldwide studies using various methods to accomplish the clustering of wind speed in multiple wind conditions. The methods used are the k-means method, Ward’s method, hierarchical clustering, trend-based time series data clustering, and Anderberg hierarchical clustering. The clustering methods commonly used by the researchers are the k-means method and Ward’s method. The k-means method has been a popular choice in the clustering of wind speed. Each research study has its objectives and variables to deal with. Consequently, the variables play a significant role in deciding which method is to be used in the studies. The k-means method shortened the clustering time. However, the calculation’s relative error was higher than that of Ward’s method. Therefore, in terms of accuracy, Ward’s method was chosen because of its acceptance of multiple variables, its accuracy, and its acceptable calculation time. The method used in the research plays an important role in the result obtained. There are various aspects that the researcher needs to focus on to decide the best method to be used in predicting the result.