bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biocompatible Snowman-like Dimer Nanoparticles for Improved Cellular Uptake in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Ruyin , Pu Xingqun , Liu Rongrong , Dai Xiaomeng , Ye Fangfu , Zhao Chunxia , Zhao Peng , Ruan Jian , Chen Dong
Published: August 2023

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is one of the most aggressive types of human cancers. Although paclitaxel (PTX) was proven to exert potent anti-tumor effects against ICC, the delivery of PTX is still challenging due to its hydrophobic property. Nanoparticle (NP)-based carriers have been proven to be effective drug delivery vehicles. Among their physicochemical properties, the shape of NPs plays a crucial role in their performance of cellular internalization and thus anti-tumor efficacy of loaded drugs. In this study, dumbbell-like and snowman-like dimer NPs, composed of a polylactic acid (PLA) bulb and a shellac bulb, were designed and prepared as drug nanocarriers to enhance the efficiency of cellular uptake and anti-tumor performance. PLA/shellac dimer NPs prepared through rapid solvent exchange and controlled co-precipitation are biocompatible and their shape could flexibly be tuned by adjusting the concentration ratio of shellac to PLA. Drug-loaded snowman-like PLA/shellac dimer NPs with a sharp shape exhibit the highest cellular uptake and best cell-killing ability against cancer cells in an in vitro ICC model over traditional spherical NPs and dumbbell-like dimer NPs, as proven with the measurements of flow cytometry, fluorescent confocal microscopy, and the CCK8 assay. The underlying mechanism may be attributed to the lower surface energy required for the smaller bulbs of snowman-like PLA/shellac dimer NPs to make the initial contact with the cell membrane, which facilitates the subsequent penetration through the cellular membrane. Therefore, these dimer NPs provide a versatile platform to tune the shape of NPs and develop innovative drug nanocarriers that hold great promise to enhance cellular uptake and therapeutic efficacy.
The Value of Microbes in Cancer Neoantigen Immunotherapy
Authors: Tian Junrui , Ma Jian
Published: August 2023

Tumor neoantigens are widely used in cancer immunotherapy, and a growing body of research suggests that microbes play an important role in these neoantigen-based immunotherapeutic processes. The human body and its surrounding environment are filled with a large number of microbes that are in long-term interaction with the organism. The microbiota can modulate our immune system, help activate neoantigen-reactive T cells, and play a great role in the process of targeting tumor neoantigens for therapy. Recent studies have revealed the interconnection between microbes and neoantigens, which can cross-react with each other through molecular mimicry, providing theoretical guidance for more relevant studies. The current applications of microbes in immunotherapy against tumor neoantigens are mainly focused on cancer vaccine development and immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This article summarizes the related fields and suggests the importance of microbes in immunotherapy against neoantigens.
Diffraction Impact onto Regularized Plasma Channel Formation by Femtosecond Laser Filamentation
Authors: Mitina Ekaterina , Uryupina Daria , Shipilo Daniil , Nikolaeva Irina , Panov Nikolay , Volkov Roman , Kosareva Olga , Savel’ev Andrei
Published: August 2023

Focused femtosecond beam filamentation after amplitude masks has been studied experimentally and numerically. We deduced conditions (energy per hole, diameter and geometrical composition of holes, focal length) providing for the formation of the regularized bundle of filaments or single on-axis filament at the given pulse duration and beam diameter. We showed that a light channel with small diameter (∼200 μm) and overcritical peak power may be formed well before both the focal distance and the Marburger length, and this channel collapses due to self-focusing and forms the filament. The start position of such a filament can be predicted based on the linear propagation equation, while a more sophisticated non-linear approach that takes into account the Kerr nonlinearity, plasma effects, etc., helps to describe the temporal structure of a filament, its frequency, and its angular spectrum.
Dual-Band Laser Stealth Based on Quasi Photonic Crystals
Authors: Yuan Man , Zhao Jianjing , Liao Xinye , He Xin
Published: August 2023

A quasi photonic crystal (QPC) dual-band absorber for laser stealth is designed and numerically studied. It consists of a defective two-dimensional photonic crystal on a thick Ni film. The defective photonic crystal is a continuous Ge layer with air holes, but some of the holes are periodically removed. Under a normal incidence that is perpendicular to the plane of the defects, the absorptivity can achieve 92.8% at the 1.064 μm wavelength and 93.2% at the 1.55 μm wavelength. Within large incident angles (<45 degrees), the dual-band absorptivity is still >80%. Additionally, the emissivity is as low as 5.8%~20.0% and 2.8%~5.8% in the 3–5 μm and 8–14 μm atmospheric windows. It is found that the introduced defects can couple the incidence into the structure and lead to spectral peaks (electromagnetic resonances) even without the bottom Ni film. With the help of the high-loss Ni film, the resonances are transformed into magnetic or/and electric modes of different orders. As a result, the QPC generates four absorption peaks. They are superimposed in pairs, resulting in enhanced absorption of the two laser wavelengths.
The Expression of Triticum aestivum Cysteine-Rich Receptor-like Protein Kinase Genes during Leaf Rust Fungal Infection
Authors: Kamel Ahmed M. , Metwally Khaled , Sabry Mostafa , Albalawi Doha A. , Abbas Zahid K. , Darwish Doaa B. E. , Al-Qahtani Salem M. , Al-Harbi Nadi A. , Alzuaibr Fahad M. , Khalil Hala B.
Published: August 2023

Understanding the role of cysteine-rich receptor-like kinases (CRKs) in plant defense mechanisms is crucial for enhancing wheat resistance to leaf rust fungus infection. Here, we identified and verified 164 members of the CRK gene family using the Triticum aestivum reference version 2 collected from the international wheat genome sequencing consortium (IWGSC). The proteins exhibited characteristic features of CRKs, including the presence of signal peptides, cysteine-rich/stress antifungal/DUF26 domains, transmembrane domains, and Pkinase domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed extensive diversification within the wheat CRK gene family, indicating the development of distinct specific functional roles to wheat plants. When studying the expression of the CRK gene family in near-isogenic lines (NILs) carrying Lr57- and Lr14a-resistant genes, Puccinia triticina, the causal agent of leaf rust fungus, triggered temporal gene expression dynamics. The upregulation of specific CRK genes in the resistant interaction indicated their potential role in enhancing wheat resistance to leaf rust, while contrasting gene expression patterns in the susceptible interaction highlighted potential susceptibility associated CRK genes. The study uncovered certain CRK genes that exhibited expression upregulation upon leaf rust infection and the Lr14a-resistant gene. The findings suggest that targeting CRKs may present a promising strategy for improving wheat resistance to rust diseases.
Ring Stripping, Ring Cutting, and Growth Regulators Promote Phase Change and Early Flowering in Pear Seedlings
Authors: Zhang Xiaojie , Wu Yueju , Wang Xiaoming , Wang Wenfang , Huang Mingxia , Ma Zitan , Peng Jianying
Published: August 2023

Hybrid breeding is the most important means of selecting pear (Pyrus) varieties, but a long juvenile period severely restricts the selection of new varieties. In this study, we used ‘Yuluxiang’ × ‘Akituki’ 4-year-old seedling trees to study the effects of plant growth regulators, ring stripping, and ring cutting on the promotion of phase change and flowering to assist in shortening the breeding cycle. A single application of 100 mg/kg 6-BA + 1000 mg/kg PP333 was most effective in promoting phase change and flowering. This treatment effectively inhibited the growth and thickening of annual shoots, significantly increased soluble sugar and protein contents in buds, increased the ABA content by 45.41%, decreased the IAA content by 7.35%, increased the expression of the flower-promoting genes FT and LFY by 2273.41% and 1153.71%, respectively, and decreased the expression of the flower-suppressing gene TFL1 by 74.92%. The flowering plant rate increased by 23.34% compared to the control. Both ring stripping and ring cutting were effective in promoting phase change and flowering, significantly increasing the flowering rate, inflorescence number, and the number of flowering plants. For improving the flowering rate, the ring-stripping treatment had the strongest effect and effectively inhibited the growth and thickening of annual shoots, while also significantly increasing the soluble sugar and protein contents in buds, reducing the contents of IAA and GA3 by 8.73% and 50.12%, respectively, increasing the expression of FT and LFY by 80.01% and 821.14%, respectively, and reducing the expression of the flower-suppressing gene TFL1 by 59.22%. In conclusion, ring stripping, ring cutting, and spraying of 100 mg/kg 6-BA + 1000 mg/kg PP333 were effective in promoting phase change and early flowering in seedling trees.
Agastache Species: A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemical Composition and Therapeutic Properties
Authors: Nechita Mihaela-Ancuța , Toiu Anca , Benedec Daniela , Hanganu Daniela , Ielciu Irina , Oniga Ovidiu , Nechita Vlad-Ionuț , Oniga Ilioara
Published: August 2023

The Agastache genus is part of the Lamiaceae family and is native to North America, while one species, Agastache rugosa (A. rugosa), is native to East Asia. A review on the phytochemistry and bioactivity of Agastache genus was last performed in 2014. Since then, a lot of progress has been made on the characterization of the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of Agastache species. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to present a summary of the findings on the phytochemistry and biological effects of several Agastache species, including both extracts and essential oil characterization. We performed a comprehensive search using PubMed and Scopus databases, following PRISMA criteria regarding the study selection process. The available data is focused mainly on the description of the chemical composition and bioactivity of A. rugosa, with fewer reports referring to Agastache mexicana (A. mexicana) and Agastache foeniculum (A. foeniculum). Agastache species are characterized by the dominance of flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as volatile compounds, particularly phenylpropanoids and monoterpenes. Moreover, a series of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-atherosclerotic, and cardioprotective properties, have been reported for species from the Agastache genus.
Wound Dressing Double-Crosslinked Quick Self-Healing Hydrogel Based on Carboxymethyl Chitosan and Modified Nanocellulose
Authors: Huang Anshan , Chen Yehong , Wu Chaojun
Published: August 2023

The use of hydrogels in wound dressings, which is pivotal for effective wound treatment, has been widely applied to diverse medical wound conditions. However, formulating natural hydrogels that combine robust strength and self-healing capabilities is a significant challenge. To overcome this, we successfully designed a natural nanocellulose self-healing hydrogel that can quickly self-heal and restore the complete hydrogel structure after injury to fill the injured area and protect the wound from external damage. Our study utilized modified natural polymer carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), hydrazide-modified carboxymethyl cellulose nanofibers (HCNF), and cellulose nanocrystals modified by dialdehyde (DACNC) to fabricate the hydrogel. The amides containing more amino groups and HCNF in CMC can be used as cross-linking nodes, and the high aspect ratio and specific surface area of DACNC are favorable for the connection of many active hydrogels. The hydrogel is crosslinked by the dynamic imide bond and hydrazone bond between the amino group of CMC, the amide of HCNF, and the aldehyde of DACNC and has a double network structure. These connections can be readily reassembled when disrupted, enabling fast self-healing of hydrogels within five minutes. Moreover, HCNF and DACNC were incorporated as nano-reinforced fillers to bolster the hydrogel’s strength while preserving its high liquid absorption capacity (381% equilibrium swelling rate).
The Discourse of Christianity in Viktor Orbán’s Rhetoric
Authors: Máté-Tóth András , Rakovics Zsófia
Published: August 2023

This paper studies the views of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on religion and Christianity, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The analysis is based on Viktor Orbán’s speeches in Băile Tușnad, at Bálványos Free Summer University and Student Camp (commonly known as Tusványos), which are suitable to sensitively trace the evolution of his thinking from 1990 to 2022. The analysis shows how the concept of Christianity has changed in meaning in the speeches, how it has been linked to political issues, and in what ways Orbán’s thinking has been similar to and different from political Christianity and religious Christianity. Orbán’s concept of Christianity can be understood within the theoretical framework of populism developed by Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe: in the discursive struggle for political hegemony, there is a continuous construction of ‘the people’, of society, in which ‘empty markers’ play a key role. Orbán’s concept of Christianity can thus be adequately interpreted in terms of the discourse of the permanent creation of the ‘nation’. The political emphasis on Christianity is related to the wounded collective identity of Hungarian society. The paper argues that because of the collective woundedness, society requires an overarching narrative symbolizing unity, of which Christianity is a key concept.
Vanquishers of the Crusaders: Mujāhidūn Characters in Arabic Folk Epics
Authors: Sokolov Oleg
Published: August 2023

Although the militant jihād remains one of the most popular topics in modern Islamic studies, most of the works focus on ideologies and actions, leaving out the popular perception of this phenomenon. Our study of the storylines about confronting the Franks (ifranj) in the Arabic folk epics, inspired by the Crusades, shows that the protagonists of the epics are presented in the narratives precisely as the holy warriors, i.e., mujāhidūn, whose key attributes are the power of faith, which often goes through tests in the fights against the infidels, as well as the divine support and readiness for martyrdom on the path of jihād. The widespread jihād and anti-Frankish rhetorics in the epics make them a valuable source for the study of the Crusades’ memory in the Medieval Arab culture.
Angular Patterns of Nonlinear Emission in Dye Water Droplets Stimulated by a Femtosecond Laser Pulse for LiDAR Applications
Authors: Geints Yury E.
Published: August 2023

Femtosecond laser-induced fluorescence (FLIF) and femtosecond laser-induced optical breakdown spectroscopy (FIBS) are important tools for remote diagnostics of atmospheric aerosols using LiDAR (Light Identification Detection and Ranging) technology. They are based on light emission excitation in disperse media via multiphoton nonlinear processes in aerosol particles induced by high-power optical pulses. To date, the main challenge restraining the large-scale application of FLIF and FIBS in atmospheric studies is the lack of a valued theory of the stimulated light emission in liquid microparticles with a sufficiently broad range of sizes. In this paper, we fill this gap and present a theoretical model of dye water droplet emission under high intensity laser exposure that adequately simulates the processes of multiphoton excited fluorescence and optical breakdown plasma emission in microparticles and gives quantitative estimates of the angular and power characteristics of nonlinear emission. The model is based on the numerical solution to the inhomogeneous Helmholtz equations for stimulating (primary) and nonlinear (secondary) waves provided by the random nature of molecule emission in particles. We show that droplet fluorescence stimulated by multiphoton absorption generally becomes more intense with increasing particle size. Moreover, far-field plasma emission from liquid particles demonstrates a larger angular diversity when changing the droplet radius in comparison with multiphoton excited fluorescence, which is mainly due to the excitation of the internal optical field resonances in spherical particles.
Automatic Detection and Dynamic Analysis of Urban Heat Islands Based on Landsat Images
Authors: Na Ni , Xu Dandan , Fang Wen , Pu Yihan , Liu Yanqing , Wang Haobin
Published: August 2023

Given rapid global urban development, increases to impervious surfaces, urban population growth, building construction, and energy consumption result in the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon. However, the spatial extent of UHIs is not clearly mapped in many UHI studies based on a remote sensing approach. Therefore, we developed a method to extract the spatial extent of the UHI during the period from 2000 to 2021 in Nanjing, China, and explored the impact of urban two- and three-dimensional expansion on UHI spatial extent and UHI intensity. After cropland effects (i.e., bare soil) were eliminated, our proposed method combines the Getis-Ord-Gi* and the standard deviation of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI STD) to extract the UHI area from Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 images using land surface temperature (LST) spatial autocorrelation characteristics and the seasonal variation of vegetation. Our results show the following: (1) Bare farmland has a large influence on the extraction results of UHI—combined with the seasonal variation characteristics of NDVI STD, the impact of bare soil on UHI extraction was highly reduced, strongly improving the accuracy of UHI extraction. (2) The dynamics of the UHI area are consistent with the changes in the built-up area in Nanjing at both spatial and temporal scales, but with the increase of the urban green ratio, the UHI area of mature urban areas trends to decrease due to the cooling effect of green space. (3) The accumulation of population and GDP promote the vertical expansion of urban buildings. When the two-dimensional expansion of the city reaches saturation, the UHI intensity is primarily affected by three-dimensional urban expansion.
Identification and Optimization of County-Level Ecological Spaces under the Dual-Carbon Target: A Case Study of Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Liu Siqi , Peng Biao , Ye Huping , Zhang Zhuoying
Published: August 2023

County-level ecological space, as a crucial level in optimizing the land spatial system, plays a pivotal role in “undertaking superior planning and guiding subordinate implementation”. From a spatial optimization perspective, effectively implementing the dual-carbon goal by increasing carbon sinks in specific ecological space units is essential. This study focused on 107 districts and counties in Shaanxi Province, China, aiming to construct a comprehensive multivariate identification system for ecological space under the dual-carbon target based on an analysis of the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and driving factors of county-level carbon sinks. Furthermore, by analyzing the ecological spatial distribution pattern, carbon sink land structure, and county clustering characteristics, the study explored differential optimization strategies for ecological spaces of different county types to enhance carbon sinks in the ecosystem. The results demonstrated that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the total carbon sink in Shaanxi Province exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease, with a decline from 864.39 × 104 t to 863.21 × 104 t. The county-level distribution of total carbon sink displayed significant spatial heterogeneity, with an overall pattern of south > north > central. (2) The interaction among factors enhanced the explanatory power for spatial differentiation of county-level carbon sinks compared to individual factors, exerting an important impact on the spatial distribution pattern of carbon sinks. (3) The distribution of ecological space in Shaanxi Province was highly uneven, with the core ecological space primarily concentrated in the southern and north-central regions. The proportions of low carbon sink (Type I), medium carbon sink (Type II), and high carbon sink (Type III) counties were 35.51%, 18.69%, and 45.80%, respectively. For different types of county-level ecological spaces, this study proposed a differentiated optimization strategy aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing carbon sink. The results will provide theoretical and technical support for regional ecological construction and land spatial optimization, holding significant practical implications for achieving the dual-carbon goal and addressing climate change.
Processing GPR Surveys in Civil Engineering to Locate Buried Structures in Highly Conductive Subsoils
Authors: Mendoza Rosendo , Araque-Perez Carlos , Marinho Bruna , Rey Javier , Hidalgo Mari Carmen
Published: August 2023

Many studies have illustrated the great benefit of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) in civil engineering. However, in some cases, this geophysical survey method does not produce the desired results due to the electromagnetic characteristics of the subsoil. This study presents the results obtained in two locations near Linares (southern Spain), evaluating the detection of structures buried in conductive host materials (0.02 S/m in site 1 and 0.015 S/m in site 2) characterized by strong signal attenuation. Accounting for the study depth, which was 1.5 m, a 500 MHz shielded GPR antenna was used at both sites. At the first site, a controlled experiment was planned, and it consisted of burying three linear elements. An iron pipe, a PVC pipe, and a series of precast blocks were buried at a depth of 0.5 m in a subsoil composed of highly conductive clayey facies. To eliminate additional multiples caused by other superficial structures and increasing the high-frequency content, the predictive deconvolution flow was applied. In the 3D processing, the cover surfaces technique was used. Once the acquired GPR signals was analyzed and the optimal processing flow established, a second site in which different infrastructures in a conductive host medium formed by marly facies was explored. The 2D flow and 3D processing applied in this work allows to detect and see the continuity of some structures not visible for the default processing.
Improving the Accuracy of Land Use and Land Cover Classification of Landsat Data in an Agricultural Watershed
Authors: Dash Padmanava , Sanders Scott L. , Parajuli Prem , Ouyang Ying
Published: August 2023

Classification of remotely sensed imagery for reliable land use and land cover (LULC) remains a challenge in areas where spectrally similar LULC features occur. For example, bare soils of harvested crop fields in agricultural watersheds exhibit spectral characteristics similar to high-intensity developed regions and impede an accurate classification. The goal of this study is to improve the accuracy of LULC classification of satellite imagery for the Big Sunflower River Watershed, Mississippi using ancillary data, multiple classification methods, and a post-classification correction (PCC). To determine the best approach, the methodology was applied to Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) imagery during the growing season and post-harvest. Imagery for the growing season was acquired on 25 August 2015, and post-harvest was acquired on 7 January 2018. Three classification methods were applied: maximum likelihood (ML), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF). LULC imagery was classified as open water, woody wetlands, harvested crop, rangeland, cultivated crop, high-intensity developed, and mid-low intensity developed areas. Ancillary data such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), thematic maps of urban areas, river networks, transportation networks, high-resolution National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery, Google Earth time-series data, and phenology were used to determine the training dataset. Initially none of the three classification methods performed adequately. Hence, a post-classification correction (PCC) was implemented by masking and applying a majority filter using thematic maps of urban areas. Once PCC was implemented, the accuracies from each of the classification methods increased significantly with the SVM classification method performing best in both the growing season and post-harvest with an overall classification accuracy of 93.5% with a Kappa statistic of 0.88 in the post-harvest imagery and an overall classification accuracy of 84% with a Kappa statistic of 0.789 in the imagery from the growing season. It was found that SVM was the best classification method while PCC is an effective strategy to implement when dealing with spectrally similar LULC features. The use of SVM together with PCC increased the reliability of the information extracted. Strategies from this study can help to evaluate the LULC in agricultural and other watersheds.
Multispectral and Thermal Sensors Onboard UAVs for Heterogeneity in Merlot Vineyard Detection: Contribution to Zoning Maps
Authors: Atencia Payares Luz K. , Tarquis Ana M. , Hermoso Peralo Roberto , Cano Jesús , Cámara Joaquín , Nowack Juan , Gómez del Campo María
Published: August 2023

This work evaluated the ability of UAVs to detect field heterogeneity and their influences on vineyard development in Yepes (Spain). Under deficit irrigation, vine growth and yield variability are influenced by soil characteristics such as water holding capacity (WHC). Over two irrigation seasons (2021–2022), several vegetation indices (VIs) and parameters of vegetative growth and yield were evaluated in two field zones. Multispectral and thermal information was obtained from bare soils. The water availability showed annual differences; it was reduced by 49% in 2022 compared to 2021, suggesting that no significant differences were found for the parameters studied. The zone with higher WHC also had the higher vegetative growth and yield in 2021. This agreed with the significant differences among the VIs evaluated, especially the ratio vegetation index (RVI). Soil multispectral and thermal bands showed significant differences between zones in both years. This indicated that the soil spectral and thermal characteristics could provide more reliable information for zoning than vine vegetation itself, as they were less influenced by climatic conditions between years. Consequently, UAVs proved to be valuable for assessing spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the monitoring of vineyards. Soil spectral and thermal information will be essential for zoning applications due to its consistency across different years, enhancing vineyard management practices.
First Nighttime Light Spectra by Satellite—By EnMAP
Authors: Bachmann Martin , Storch Tobias
Published: August 2023

For the first time, nighttime VIS/NIR—SWIR (visible and near-infrared—shortwave infrared) spectra from a satellite mission have been analyzed using the EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program) high-resolution imaging spectrometer. This article focuses on the spectral characteristics. Firstly, we checked the spectral calibration of EnMAP using sodium light emissions. Here, By applying a newly devised general method, we estimated shifts of +0.3nm for VIS/NIR and −0.2nm for SWIR; the uncertainties were found to be within the range of [−0.4nm,+0.2nm] for VIS/NIR and [−1.2nm,+1.0nm] for SWIR. These results emphasize the high accuracy of the spectral calibration of EnMAP and illustrate the feasibility of methods based on nighttime Earth observations for the spectral calibration of future nighttime satellite missions. Secondly, by employing a straightforward general method, we identified the dominant lighting types and thermal emissions in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on a per-pixel basis, and we considered the consistency of the outcomes. The identification and mapping of different types of LED (light-emitting diode) illuminations were achieved—with 75% of the identified dominant lighting types identified in VIS/NIR—as well as high- and low-pressure sodium and metal halide, which made up 22% of the identified dominant lighting types in VIS/NIR and 29% in SWIR and other illumination sources, as well as high temperatures, where 33% of the identified dominant emission types in SWIR were achieved from space using EnMAP due to the elevated illumination levels in the observed location. These results illustrate the feasibility of the precise identification of lighting types and thermal emissions based on nighttime high-resolution imaging spectroscopy satellite products; moreover, they support the specification of spectral characteristics for upcoming nighttime missions.
An Improved Multi-Frame Coherent Integration Algorithm for Heterogeneous Radar
Authors: Liu Yiheng , Zhang Hua , Wang Xuemei , Dong Qinghai , Lyu Xiaode
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes an improved multi-frame coherent integration algorithm to improve the detection performance of weak targets in heterogeneous radar. In the detection of weak targets, integration within a single frame may fail to provide sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain. In this case, multi-frame coherent integration is an effective solution. However, radar parameters may be different across frames (i.e., heterogeneous radar) in some practical situations, leading to a mismatch of Doppler frequencies and the fixed phases, which poses difficulties to multi-frame coherent integration. To calibrate the ranges and Doppler frequencies of heterogenous multi-frame echoes, this paper firstly employs an improved Keystone Transform (KT). Compared to conventional KT, the improved KT aligns inter-frame carrier frequencies by applying varying degrees of slow-time rescaling based on the carrier frequencies of each frame, and aligns inter-frame Pulse Repetition Frequencies (PRF) through a unified global slow-time resampling. Secondly, this paper derives the explicit expressions of the fixed-phase terms and adopts a method based on fractional range bins, thus achieving explicit compensation for mismatched phases. Finally, heterogenous multi-frame coherent integration is achieved through slow-time fast Fourier transform. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated by simulation analyses. Compared to existing entropy-based methods, the proposed algorithm demonstrates higher robustness and lower computational complexity, making it more effective in detecting weak targets under low SNR conditions.
On Power-Efficient Low-Complexity Adaptation for D2D Resource Allocation with Interference Cancelation
Authors: Radaydeh Redha M.
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a detailed framework for adaptive low-complexity and power-efficient resource allocation in decentralized device-to-device (D2D) networks. The adopted system model considers that active devices can directly communicate via specified signaling channels. Each D2D receiver attempts to allocate its D2D resources by selecting a D2D transmitter and one of its spectral channels that can meet its performance target. The process is performed adaptively over successive packet durations with the objective of limiting the transmit power on D2D links while reducing the processing complexity. The proposed D2D link adaptation scheme is modeled and analyzed under generalized channel conditions. It considers the random impact of potential D2D transmitters as well as the random number of co-channel interference sources on each D2D link. Interference cancelation schemes are also addressed to alleviate co-channel interference, which can ease the D2D resource allocation process. Generalized formulations for the statistics of the resulting signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of the proposed adaptation scheme are presented. Moreover, generic analytical results were developed for some important performance measures as well as processing load measures. They facilitate tradeoff studies between the achieved performance and the processing complexity of the proposed scheme. Insightful results for the distributions of SINRs on individual D2D links under specific fading models are shown in this paper. The results herein add enhancements to some previous contributions and can handle various practical constraints.
Signer-Independent Arabic Sign Language Recognition System Using Deep Learning Model
Authors: Podder Kanchon Kanti , Ezeddin Maymouna , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H. , Sumon Md. Shaheenur Islam , Tahir Anas M. , Ayari Mohamed Arselene , Dutta Proma , Khandakar Amith , Mahbub Zaid Bin , Kadir Muhammad Abdul
Published: August 2023

Every one of us has a unique manner of communicating to explore the world, and such communication helps to interpret life. Sign language is the popular language of communication for hearing and speech-disabled people. When a sign language user interacts with a non-sign language user, it becomes difficult for a signer to express themselves to another person. A sign language recognition system can help a signer to interpret the sign of a non-sign language user. This study presents a sign language recognition system that is capable of recognizing Arabic Sign Language from recorded RGB videos. To achieve this, two datasets were considered, such as (1) the raw dataset and (2) the face–hand region-based segmented dataset produced from the raw dataset. Moreover, operational layer-based multi-layer perceptron “SelfMLP” is proposed in this study to build CNN-LSTM-SelfMLP models for Arabic Sign Language recognition. MobileNetV2 and ResNet18-based CNN backbones and three SelfMLPs were used to construct six different models of CNN-LSTM-SelfMLP architecture for performance comparison of Arabic Sign Language recognition. This study examined the signer-independent mode to deal with real-time application circumstances. As a result, MobileNetV2-LSTM-SelfMLP on the segmented dataset achieved the best accuracy of 87.69% with 88.57% precision, 87.69% recall, 87.72% F1 score, and 99.75% specificity. Overall, face–hand region-based segmentation and SelfMLP-infused MobileNetV2-LSTM-SelfMLP surpassed the previous findings on Arabic Sign Language recognition by 10.970% accuracy.
Monitoring the Opening of Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) in a 3D-Printed Skull Model Using Fiber Optic F–P Sensors
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Zhang Shijie , Zhang Faxiang , Duan Zhenhui , Wang Yingying
Published: August 2023

We present a novel method for the online measurement of multi-point opening distances of midpalatal sutures during a rapid palatal expansion (RPE) using fiber optic Fabry–Perot (F–P) sensors. The sensor consists of an optical fiber with a cut flat end face and an optical reflector, which are implanted into the palatal base structure of an expander and is capable of measuring the precise distance between two optical reflective surfaces. As a demonstration, a 3D-printed skull model containing the maxilla and zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) was produced and a miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expander (MARPE) with two guide rods was used to generate the midpalatal suture expansion. The reflected spectrums of the sensors were used to dynamically extract cavity length information for full process monitoring of expansion. The dynamic opening of the midpalatal suture during the gradual activation of the expander was measured, and a displacement resolution of 2.5 μm was demonstrated. The angle of expansion was derived and the results suggested that the midpalatal suture was opened with a slight V-type expansion of 0.03 rad at the first loading and subsequently expanded in parallel. This finding might be useful for understanding the mechanical mechanisms that lead to different types of expansion. The use of a fiber optic sensor for mounting the rapid palatal expander facilitates biomechanical studies and experimental and clinical evaluation of the effects of RPE.
Real-Life Wheelchair Mobility Metrics from IMUs
Authors: de Vries Wiebe H. K. , van der Slikke Rienk M. A. , van Dijk Marit P. , Arnet Ursina
Published: August 2023

Daily wheelchair ambulation is seen as a risk factor for shoulder problems, which are prevalent in manual wheelchair users. To examine the long-term effect of shoulder load from daily wheelchair ambulation on shoulder problems, quantification is required in real-life settings. In this study, we describe and validate a comprehensive and unobtrusive methodology to derive clinically relevant wheelchair mobility metrics (WCMMs) from inertial measurement systems (IMUs) placed on the wheelchair frame and wheel in real-life settings. The set of WCMMs includes distance covered by the wheelchair, linear velocity of the wheelchair, number and duration of pushes, number and magnitude of turns and inclination of the wheelchair when on a slope. Data are collected from ten able-bodied participants, trained in wheelchair-related activities, who followed a 40 min course over the campus. The IMU-derived WCMMs are validated against accepted reference methods such as Smartwheel and video analysis. Intraclass correlation (ICC) is applied to test the reliability of the IMU method. IMU-derived push duration appeared to be less comparable with Smartwheel estimates, as it measures the effect of all energy applied to the wheelchair (including thorax and upper extremity movements), whereas the Smartwheel only measures forces and torques applied by the hand at the rim. All other WCMMs can be reliably estimated from real-life IMU data, with small errors and high ICCs, which opens the way to further examine real-life behavior in wheelchair ambulation with respect to shoulder loading. Moreover, WCMMs can be applied to other applications, including health tracking for individual interest or in therapy settings.
Analytical and Preparative Separation of Softwood Lignans by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
Authors: Ul’yanovskii Nikolay V. , Onuchina Aleksandra A. , Ovchinnikov Denis V. , Faleva Anna V. , Gorbova Natalia S. , Kosyakov Dmitry S.
Published: August 2023

Lignans are widespread polyphenolic secondary plant metabolites possessing high biological activity. One of the most promising industrial-scale sources of such compounds is coniferous knotwood, containing a large number of polyphenolic compounds. Their use in pharmaceutical and other industries is limited by the difficulty in obtaining high-purity preparations from plant material and the requirement of advanced separation techniques. In this study, supercritical fluid chromatography on polar stationary phases was proposed for the efficient separation and identification of spruce, pine, fir, and larch knotwood extractives. Among the six tested sorbents, the best results were shown by silica with grafted diol and 2-ethylpyridine groups under conditions of gradient elution with a carbon dioxide–methanol mobile phase, which ensured the efficient retention and separation of analytes due to donor–acceptor interactions. Scaling up the method on a DIOL stationary phase provided a semi-preparative separation of extractives within 30 min to obtain 14 individual compounds with a purity of 90–99% and yields from 0.3 to 51% of the dry extract. These included eight lignans (nortrachelogenin, matairesinol, oxomatairesinol, α-conidendrin, 5-hydroxymatairesinol and its isomer, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), two oligolignans, three stilbenes (pinosylvin and its methyl ester, pterostilbene), and flavonoid taxifolin. The developed approach is distinguished with low operational costs, low consumption of organic solvents, environmental safety, and it is fully consistent with the principles of green chemistry.
Reflections for Transforming the Perspectives of Teacher-Directed Practices towards Community-Based Ethnographic Practices with Migrant and Minority Students
Authors: Montero-Sieburth Martha
Published: August 2023

This conceptual paper represents the retrospective/current reflections and findings from teacher education research of an intercultural educator gathered over 45 years of research in country-specific schools. Considered are the perspectives of primary and secondary school teachers who teach migrant/minority students and who are influenced by national policies which expose them to new local intercultural classroom practices. Its intent is to question the use of homogenized teacher-directed practices that not only essentialize these students’ traditions, customs, cultures, religions, and languages but also project a deficit model in classrooms which minimalizes their contributions. Proposed is the deconstruction of homogenized, rigid teacher-directed practices arising from their professional training, classroom teaching, and pedagogy, towards community-based ethnographic (CBE) practices so that teachers, students, and ethnographers can immerse themselves in classroom participatory inquiry and critical thinking that unpacks students’ lives and creates dialogical processes that identify, utilize, and legitimize local “funds of knowledge”. By implementing a CBE approach, a more realistic understanding of the educational contexts, experiences, and perspectives of migrant/minority students and their teachers can be identified to develop interculturally ladened learning activities and content that concretely address diversity.
Polarization and Moral Threat: Insights from Systemist Analysis
Authors: Goldner Ilona , Ben-Nun Bloom Pazit
Published: August 2023

This article presents a theoretical framework for understanding the social consequences of polarization-driven behaviors by conceptualizing them as a moral threat to the self. Our argument employs systemist graphics, illustrating key connections and patterns from two distinct scientific works. First, an analysis of polarization-driven behavior, which reveals Americans’ willingness to trade democratic values for partisan goals. Second, research on moral disengagement strategies, revealing the role of resentment as a coping mechanism in armed conflicts. We offer a synthesis analysis between these two studies and uncover a twofold role of morality in polarization: as a factor in forming partisan animosity and a catalyst in its perpetuation and intensification. We further highlight the role of outgroup hate, rather than ingroup love, in driving negative actions resulting from polarization, and the challenge of reconciling morally-driven conflicts. Our framework sheds new light on the complex interplay between morality and conflicts, with implications for social cohesion, erosion of moral values, and democratic backsliding.
Consumer’s Awareness and Willingness to Pay for Aflatoxin-Free Sunflower Oil from Four Selected Regions in Tanzania
Authors: Muhenga Ashura Sadick , Alphonce Roselyne
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to answer two objectives: assessing consumer awareness of aflatoxin contamination in food and their willingness to pay (WTP) for aflatoxin-free sunflower oil, and investigating the factors influencing consumers’ WTP a premium price for aflatoxin-free sunflower oil. A total of 480 consumers were randomly selected from four towns, and the towns were selected based on the level of aflatoxin contamination incidences: Dodoma (low awareness) and Iringa (high awareness) (towns with high contamination), and Dar es Salaam (low awareness) and Morogoro (high awareness) (towns with low incidence). To elicit consumers’ willingness to pay for aflatoxin-free food, we used the multiple price list technique (MPL) to assess WTP for sunflower oil which is aflatoxin-free and sunflower oil which has not been tested to be aflatoxin-free. Furthermore, an interval regression model was used to estimate WTP and factors influencing WTP a premium price for aflatoxin-free sunflower oil. We found that consumers were willing to pay a premium price for aflatoxin-free sunflower oil. Consumers had a WTP for a premium of up to 1043 TZS for 1 L of aflatoxin-free sunflower oil. However, the premium varies in the different regions. Consumers from towns with a high incidence of aflatoxin contamination have a WTP of up to 357 TZS, while those from towns with a low incidence of aflatoxin contamination but high awareness have a WTP of up to 1043 TZS. Furthermore, the study finds that education, age, gender, and consumer awareness of aflatoxin contamination have a significant influence on the WTP for sunflower oil free of aflatoxin contamination. This study sheds light to stakeholders involved in the production, marketing, and monitoring of food safety and standards. For the public sector, to maximize consumer welfare, policies to ensure the delivery of safe and healthy food are important, while for the private sector, there is an opportunity to tap into the gap for supplying food with private food safety standards.
Does CSR Information Disclosure Improve Investment Efficiency? The Moderating Role of Analyst Attention
Authors: Li Zhen , Li Shenglan , Huo Zhuoyu , Liu Yuxia , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2023

Since 2009, the China Securities Regulatory Commission has begun to require listed firms on the specified boards to disclose their corporate social responsibility and encouraged others to report corporate social responsibility voluntarily. Based on the data of domestic A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2019, this paper studies the relationship between corporate social responsibility information disclosure and corporate investment efficiency and the role of analysts in moderating the relationship. The empirical results show that the social responsibility information disclosed under China’s mandatory guidance has a positive effect on alleviating information asymmetry and improving investment efficiency, and this role becomes even more crucial when the external information environment fails to meet market demands. Overall, our findings suggest the important role of corporate social responsibility information disclosure in guiding investment behavior and improving investment efficiency, especially for those companies with low analyst attention. This article expands the research perspective on social responsibility information disclosure and investment efficiency. Furthermore, our research contributes to promoting corporate social responsibility and facilitating sustainable development.