bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combinedly increased viability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum grx16 by co‐encapsulation of cryoprotectants and porous starch within calcium alginate capsules
Authors: Zhou Tong , Kang Wenli , Han Yifeng , Li Yinghua , Shan Hao , Ma Wenlong , Yin Boxing , Yang Renqin , Liu Xuecong , Li Songnan , Pan Lina , Wang Jiaqi , Li Wei , Huang Yujun , Gu Ruixia
Published: August 2023

Alginate‐based encapsulation is an effective probiotics delivery system in the intestine. However, due to calcium ions and gastric juice damaging cell wall/membrane integrity during freeze‐drying and gastrointestinal ingestion, lots of cell lose their viability. This study, taking Lactiplantibacillus plantarum grx16 as an example, indicated that co‐encapsulation of cryoprotectants and porous starch within calcium alginate capsules (CAC) could combinedly improve the viability of probiotics encapsulated. Compared with calcium alginate‐protectant capsule (CAC‐Pro) (50.67%), the combination of porous starch increased the encapsulation rate of PS0.8‐CAC‐Pro to 82.68%. Meanwhile, the death rate constants of PS0.8‐CAC‐Pro decreased by 31.3% (−20 °C), 13.5% (4 °C) and 7.5% (25 °C), respectively. The survival rate of PS0.8‐CAC‐Pro was 81.94% after continuous simulated gastrointestinal digestion, which was significantly higher than that of CACs (69.46%) and CAC‐Pro (76.92%). This study provided an effective approach for modifying alginate capsule to reduce the loss of probiotics viability.
High and ultra‐high temperature drying of fermented dried noodles: effect on noodle quality and starch properties
Authors: Wang Jiasheng , He Jinxuan , Liu Chong , Hong Jing , Liu Mei , Zheng Xueling
Published: August 2023

Although dried noodles have been industrialised for many years, some technical bottlenecks, such as dense cross‐section structure, poor rehydration ability and the lack of nutritional and flavour substances, still need to be addressed. Fermentation has been used to produce dried noodles to impart a porous structure and microbial metabolites, improving their rehydration properties and the nutritional and flavour quality of dried noodles. However, the current commercially fermented dried noodles exhibit some issues, such as high breakage rate, rough surface and sticky texture that need to be solved. Drying at high (HT) and ultra‐high temperatures (UT) has been shown to improve the quality of dried pasta or noodles. However, HT and UT drying are not currently used to produce fermented dried noodles. This article investigates the changes in the quality and starch physicochemical properties of fermented dried noodles with high (HM), medium (MM) or low moisture (LM) content dried at HT or UT. The results showed that the UT‐LM condition most prominently improved the noodle quality, significantly reduced the cooking loss rate (5.19%) and significantly increased the water absorption rate (191.41%) of the noodles, and improved the rehydration of noodles. In addition, the cross‐linking of the gluten network was analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and the AngioTool software. It was found that the UT treatment promoted the cross‐linking of the gluten network, and the highest number of cross‐linking points (976) was achieved under the UT‐LM condition. The tight gluten network reduces the amylose leaching from the noodles, giving the noodles a denser surface structure and lower adhesiveness. In conclusion, UT‐LM drying could be used as an effective drying condition to improve the quality of fermented dried noodles.
Complex organic acids treatment on crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): the relationship between myofibrillar protein structure and meat quality
Authors: Zhu Ruyi , Xiong Zhouyi , Li Dan
Published: August 2023

The effect of complex organic acids (COA) treatment at different concentrations (0%, 1%, 5%, 10% and 15%) on the myofibrillar protein (MP) structure and meat quality of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) was investigated. The results showed that with increasing concentrations of COA treatment, the sulfhydryl content of MP decreased and dityrosine content increased. The MP secondary structure has a reduced α‐helix content and an increased β‐fold content. The MP tertiary structure unfolded, exposing hydrophobic and other amino acids to a polar environment. MP aggregation was induced in the 1% and 5% COA treatment groups and MP degradation was induced in the 10% and 15% COA treatment groups. Crayfish meat in the 5% COA treatment group showed improved textural properties due to protein aggregation. It also enhanced the colour, aroma and micromorphology of the crayfish meat.
Viscoelastic testing: Critical appraisal of new methodologies and current literature
Authors: Wool Geoffrey D. , Carll Timothy
Published: August 2023

United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved viscoelastic testing (VET) methodologies have significantly changed in the last 10 years, with the availability of cartridge‐based VET. Some of these cartridge‐based methodologies use harmonic resonance‐based clot detection. While VET has always allowed for the evaluation of real‐time clot formation, cartridge‐based VET provides increased ease of use as well as greater portability and robustness of results in out‐of‐laboratory environments. Here we review the use of VET in a variety of clinical contexts, including cardiac surgery, trauma, liver transplant, obstetrics, and hypercoagulable states such as COVID‐19. As of now, high quality randomized trial evidence for new generation VET (TEG 6s, HemoSonics Quantra, ROTEM sigma) is limited. Nevertheless, the use of VET‐guided transfusion algorithms appears to result in reduced blood usage without worsening of patient outcomes. Future work comparing the new generation VET instruments and continuing to validate clinically important cut‐offs will help move the field of point‐of‐care coagulation monitoring forward and increase the quality of transfusion management in bleeding patients.
Stocking the toolbox—Using preclinical models to understand the development and treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced immune‐related adverse events
Authors: Cina Morgan L. , Venegas Jessica , Young Arabella
Published: August 2023

Cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are susceptible to a broad and variable array of immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). With increasing clinical use of ICIs, defining the mechanism for irAE development is more critical than ever. However, it currently remains challenging to predict when these irAEs occur and which organ may be affected, and for many of the more severe irAEs, inaccessibility to the tissue site hampers mechanistic insight. This lack of understanding of irAE development in the clinical setting emphasizes the need for greater use of preclinical models that allow for improved prediction of biomarkers for ICI‐initiated irAEs or that validate treatment options that inhibit irAEs without hampering the anti‐tumor immune response. Here, we discuss the utility of preclinical models, ranging from exploring databases to in vivo animal models, focusing on where they are most useful and where they could be improved.
Thermal stability of MxOy‐doped zirconia aerogels (M = Y, Yb, Gd, Ce, Ca) studied through 1200°C
Authors: Olson Nathaniel S. , Hurwitz Frances I. , Stokes Jamesa L. , Guo Haiquan , Rogers Richard B. , Krogstad Jessica A.
Published: August 2023

The high porosities and low densities of ceramic aerogels offer outstanding insulative performance in applications where weight is a critical factor. The high surface area‐to‐volume ratios and specific surface areas provide extremely low thermal conductivity, but also contribute to rapid densification of the pore structure at elevated temperatures. This densification diminishes their favorable properties and inhibits use of aerogels in high‐temperature applications. This work contributes to a design framework for thermally stable aerogels via the study of dopant chemistry (Y, Yb, Gd, Ca, Ce) in zirconia aerogels. The structural evolution was studied through 1200°C using nitrogen physisorption, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The role of dopant identity and concentration in thermal stability was elucidated. In the context of the design framework, dopant chemistry is an aggregate for many closely related material properties, each of which may contribute to aerogel structural evolution. To develop a truly predictive design framework for ceramic‐based aerogels, systematic and comprehensive evaluation of thermodynamic and kinetic properties must be performed in conjunction with studies on structural evolution.
Fabrication process and growth mechanism of novel micro‐stack PyC interphase with different textures
Authors: Pang Xu , Zhang Mengshan , Hong Wang , Zhang Zhongwei , Li Longbiao , Li Aijun , Li Weijie , Liu Yufeng
Published: August 2023

Pyrolytic carbon (PyC) interphase plays a crucial role in the mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced ceramic matrix composites. In this research, a novel micro‐stack PyC interphase with different PyC textures was designed and fabricated by changing the deposition parameters during the chemical vapor infiltration process. The growth mechanism of the micro‐stack PyC interphase with different texture were also studied by experimental characterizations and kinetic calculations, and the results show that the content ratio of (C2H2 + C2H4) to C6H6 gas intermediate is a key parameter to control the texture types of PyC interphase. Furthermore, the value of orientation angle (OA) value, thickness, and modulus of the micro‐stack PyC interphase were further characterized by high resolution TEM (HRTEM), scanning electronic microscopy, and nanoindentation. Finally, the tensile testing of mini‐Cf/PyC/SiC composites was conducted, and the results showed that the tensile strength of mini‐Cf/PyC/SiC composites with micro‐stack PyC interphase is approximately 40% higher than that containing single high texture PyC interphase. The improvements on the tensile strength of Cf/PyC/SiC composites prove the significant advantages of micro‐stack PyC interphase.
A prediction of the thermodynamic, thermophysical, and mechanical properties of CrTaO4 from first principles
Authors: Hao Shiqiang , Hong Qi‐Jun , Gao Michael C.
Published: August 2023

It is reported that the self‐forming CrTaO4 oxide scale can protect refractory high‐entropy alloys from oxidation, superior to Cr2O3. In this paper, the phase stability, mechanical, and thermal properties of three polymorphous phases of CrTaO4 are systematically investigated from first‐principles density functional theory calculations. The mechanical properties predicted using the strain–energy methods indicated that all three phases are mechanically stable. The temperature dependence of elastic constants and polycrystalline moduli of three phases demonstrated the thermal softening as temperature increase. The Helmholtz‐free energies as a function of volume and temperature are derived from phonon dispersions within the quasi‐harmonic approximation at six strained volumes. The calculated apparent bulk coefficients of thermal expansion of these three phases are evaluated, the highest value approximately 13.4× 10−6 K−1 within a temperature range of 500–2000 K for the rutile I41md phase. The lattice thermal conductivity calculated by the Debye–Callaway model suggested that the rutile type I41md phase has the lowest value of approximately 2.1 W/m/K at 1800 K. The other two phases, C2/m and P2/c, exhibit higher values due to relatively lower Grüneisen parameters and larger phonon velocities. The melting point of CrTaO4 is predicted to be between 1975 and 2449 K using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. This work provides a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the thermodynamic, mechanical, and thermal properties for the new material CrTaO4 and serves as an example of a viable computational design strategy for improved oxidation resistance of refractory alloys at high temperatures.
Practical and systematic approach using the steerable catheter and stylet‐driven lead to deliver safe and effective left bundle branch area pacing
Authors: Foo David , Tan Kenny , Ng Shonda , Tan Li W. , Chia Pow‐Li
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Current delivery tools were not designed for left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP). Challenges using these tools include lack of reach into the right ventricle and poor support for the lead to penetrate the interventricular septum. Concerns using stylet‐driven leads (SDL) for LBBAP have been previously highlighted. Knowledge and the technical know‐how of using SDL for LBBAP need to be evaluated in a fair and consistent manner. A stepwise approach is devised for use of Agilis HisProTM steerable catheter with Tendril STS Model 2088TC lead for LBBAP and evaluated for safety and reproducibility.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing LBBAP using the stepwise approach with Agilis HisProTM steerable catheter were analyzed. The safety, efficacy and reproducibility of the technique were evaluated. The lead parameters were analyzed in the immediate (1 day) and short‐term period (3‐6 months) post implantation.

Results

LBBAP was attempted in 41 patients using the stepwise approach of which 37 (90.7%) were successful. The lead parameters were stable in the immediate and short‐term post implantation in all our patients. There was no significant difference between the group of patients with multiple repositioning of the lead compared to those successful at the 1st attempt. There were no acute or short‐term lead and procedural complications.

Conclusion

A stepwise and systematic approach using the Agilis HisProTM steerable catheter and proper handling of the Tendril STS Model 2088TC stylet‐driven lead is an important part of the armamentarium to deliver LBBAP in a practical, effective and reproducible manner.
New putative periodontopathogens and periodontal health‐associated species: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Antezack Angéline , Etchecopar‐Etchart Damien , La Scola Bernard , Monnet‐Corti Virginie
Published: August 2023

To investigate the existence of any association between new putative periodontal pathogens and periodontitis. Two independent reviewers conducted electronic literature searches in the MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, DOSS and Google Scholar databases as well as a manual search to identify eligible clinical studies prior to November 2022. Studies comparing the prevalence of microorganisms other than the already‐known periodontal pathogens in subgingival plaque and/or saliva samples between subjects with periodontitis and subject with periodontal health were included. Meta‐analyses were performed on data provided by the included studies. Fifty studies including a total of 2739 periodontitis subjects and 1747 subjects with periodontal health were included. The Archaea domain and 25 bacterial species (Anaeroglobus geminatus, Bacteroidales [G‐2] bacterium HMT 274, Desulfobulbus sp. HMT 041, Dialister invisus, Dialister pneumosintes, Eubacterium brachy, Enterococcus faecalis, Eubacterium nodatum, Eubacterium saphenum, Filifactor alocis, Fretibacterium sp. HMT 360, Fretibacterium sp. HMT 362, Mogibacterium timidum, Peptoniphilaceae sp. HMT 113, Peptostreptococcus stomatis, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Slackia exigua, Streptococcus gordonii, Selenomonas sputigena, Treponema amylovorum, Treponema lecithinolyticum, Treponema maltophilum, Treponema medium, Treponema parvum and Treponema socranskii) were found to be statistically significantly associated with periodontitis. Network studies should be conducted to investigate the role of these newly identified periodontitis‐associated microorganisms through interspecies interaction and host‐microbe crosstalk analyses.
Comparison of sedation with dexmedetomidine/atipamezole administered subcutaneously at GV20 acupuncture point with usual routes of administration in dogs presented for orthopaedic radiographs
Authors: Leriquier C. , Freire M. , Llido M. , Beauchamp G. , Montasell X. , Gagnon D. , Benito J.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous administration of dexmedetomidine/atipamezole at the Governing Vessel 20 (GV20) acupuncture point compared with other administration routes (intramuscular and intravenous) in dogs presented for orthopaedic radiographs.

Materials and Methods

Prospective, randomised, blinded, controlled clinical study. Sixty‐four client‐owned dogs were randomly injected with 200 μg/m2 of dexmedetomidine intramuscular (lumbar muscles) (n=20), intravenous (n=23) or subcutaneous at the GV20 point (n=21). Following radiographs, dogs received 2000 μg/m2 of atipamezole intramuscular (n=31), or subcutaneous at the GV20 point (n=27). Degree and time to sedation and recovery were assessed using a sedation scale and a Dynamic and Interactive Visual Analog Scale (DIVAS). Clinical physiological variables and adverse events were used. Statistical linear mixed‐effect models (analysis of variance) and Cox models were performed. Significance was set at P‐value <0.05.

Results

Sedation was insufficient to perform orthopaedic radiographs in six dogs in the intramuscular group. The time to sedation was significantly longer, and sedation scale and DIVAS scores were significantly lower in the intramuscular group. The intravenous group had significantly higher sedation scale and DIVAS scores than the GV20 group. No significant differences were observed between the intramuscular and GV20 recovery groups, although the time effect was significantly more pronounced in the GV20 recovery group.

Clinical Significance

Subcutaneous administration of dexmedetomidine and atipamezole at GV20 provided effective sedation and recovery in dogs undergoing orthopaedic radiographic studies. GV20 administration provided a clinically similar level of sedation to the intravenous route, and greater and faster sedation and similar recovery to intramuscular.
Face mask mandates: Unilateral authority and gubernatorial leadership in US states
Authors: Myers William M. , Downey Davia C.
Published: August 2023

During the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States, the coordination and cooperation between the federal government and the states failed. American governors were thus tasked with making critical public health policy choices—under extreme uncertainty—with varying institutional capacities, partisan pressures, and state demographic differences. Yet most of the nation's governors chose to impose a face covering or mask mandate to limit the spread of cases. We collected each governor's executive order that mandated the conditions under which their residents would be required to wear a mask and employed a sentiment analysis program to extract key qualities of crisis leadership communication. Our analyses provide insights into the institutional and partisan factors that determined a face mask mandate as well as the institutional, demographic, and leadership communication qualities that affected the total number of cases per capita in the states. Our findings have important implications for post‐pandemic policy recommendations with respect to the effectiveness of policies that seek to lower the transmission of viruses in public spaces and the characteristics of impactful public health messaging by government leaders.
High‐throughput MALDI‐MSI metabolite analysis of plant tissue microarrays
Authors: Huang Hangjun , Liu Haiqiang , Ma Weiwei , Qin Liang , Chen Lulu , Guo Hua , Xu Hualei , Li Jinrong , Yang Chenyu , Hu Hao , Wu Ran , Chen Difan , Feng Jinchao , Zhou Yijun , Wang Junli , Wang Xiaodong
Published: August 2023

A novel metabolomics analysis technique, termed matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging‐based plant tissue microarray (MALDI‐MSI‐PTMA), was successfully developed for high‐throughput metabolite detection and imaging from plant tissues. This technique completely overcomes the disadvantage that metabolites cannot be accessible on an intact plant tissue due to the limitations of the special structures of plant cells (e.g. epicuticular wax, cuticle and cell wall) through homogenization of plant tissues, preparation of PTMA moulds and matrix spraying of PTMA sections. Our study shows several properties of MALDI‐MSI‐PTMA, including no need of sample separation and enrichment, high‐throughput metabolite detection and imaging (>1000 samples per day), high‐stability mass spectrometry data acquisition and imaging reconstruction and high reproducibility of data. This novel technique was successfully used to quickly evaluate the effects of two plant growth regulator treatments (i.e. 6‐benzylaminopurine and N‐phenyl‐N′‐1,2,3‐thiadiazol‐5‐ylurea) on endogenous metabolite expression in plant tissue culture specimens of Dracocephalum rupestre Hance (D. rupestre). Intra‐day and inter‐day evaluations indicated that the metabolite data detected on PTMA sections had good reproducibility and stability. A total of 312 metabolite ion signals in leaves tissues of D. rupestre were detected, of which 228 metabolite ion signals were identified, they were composed of 122 primary metabolites, 90 secondary metabolites and 16 identified metabolites of unknown classification. The results demonstrated the advantages of MALDI‐MSI‐PTMA technique for enhancing the overall detection ability of metabolites in plant tissues, indicating that MALDI‐MSI‐PTMA has the potential to become a powerful routine practice for high‐throughput metabolite study in plant science.
Enhanced meristem development, tolerance to oxidative stress and hyposensitivity to nitric oxide in the hypermorphic vq10‐H mutant in AtVQ10 gene
Authors: Gayubas Beatriz , Castillo Mari‐Cruz , Ramos Sara , León José
Published: August 2023

Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen are common factors in multiple plant responses to stress, and their involvement in hypoxia‐triggered responses is key to ensure growth under adverse environmental conditions. Here, we analyse the regulatory functions exerted by hypoxia‐, NO‐ and oxidative stress‐inducible Arabidopsis gene coding for the VQ motif‐containing protein 10 (VQ10). A hypermorphic vq10‐H mutant allowed identifying VQ10‐exerted regulation on root and shoot development as well as its role in regulating responses to NO and oxidative stress. Enhanced VQ10 expression in vq10‐H plants led to enhanced elongation of the primary root, and increased root cell division and meristem size during early postgermination development. In shoots, VQ10 activation of cell division was counteracted by WRKY33‐exerted repression, thus leading to a dwarf bushy phenotype in plants with enhanced VQ10 expression in a wrky33 knock‐out background. Low number of differentially expressed genes were identified when vq10‐H versus Col‐0 plants were compared either under normoxia or hypoxia. vq10‐H and VQ10ox plants displayed less tolerance to submergence but, in turn, were more tolerant to oxidative stress and less sensitive to NO than wild‐type plants. VQ10 could be a node integrating redox‐related regulation on development and stress responses.
Gibbsiella quercinecans, a pathogen with an increasing prevalence: A study on the causative agents of bacterial canker of Persian walnut and oak trees in central provinces of Iran
Authors: Firouzianbandpey Saman , Khodaygan Pejman
Published: August 2023

The cultivation of Persian walnuts in Iran is concentrated in the mountainous regions of Zagros and Alborz, encompassing Kohgiluyeh and Boyer‐Ahmad, Isfahan and Fars provinces. Historically, these areas were renowned for their abundant growth of oak trees. However, due to environmental stressors, oak populations in the Zagros region have been declining, leading to an increased risk of diseases caused by new and aggressive pathogens, exacerbated by climate change. Understanding the distribution and association of pathogenic bacteria in the environment, especially for less common or uncommon species, has become crucial. In this study, 80 bacterial strains were isolated from 84 symptomatic walnut and 16 symptomatic oak trees to investigate bacterial canker agents in primary walnut cultivation regions of Iran. Following the hypersensitivity test and pathogenicity assays, 21 strains were classed as ‘Brenneria nigrifluens’ or ‘Brenneria‐like’, based on their similarities to the reference strain B. nigrifluens ICMP 20120 using phenotypic techniques and specific primers (F1/C3, B. nigrifluens). Varying biochemical characteristics were exhibited by the ‘Brenneria‐like’ group in comparison to the ‘B. nigrifluens’ group. Multilocus sequence analysis was performed using the gyrB, rpoB, infB and atpD genes to determine the taxonomic classification of this group, revealing that it belonged to Gibbsiella quercinecans. The increasing reports of this bacterium from different woodland tree hosts suggest its opportunistic role as an individual causative agent, necessitating monitoring of its host expansion and morbidity.
Advertising doubt in early modern Italy: Doubt and ignorance in early modern paratexts
Authors: Faini Marco
Published: August 2023

Spelled in several different ways, the word ‘doubt’, usually in the plural ‘doubts’ (dubbi, dubitazioni) appears on the frontispiece of several works printed in Venice and elsewhere in Italy in the sixteenth century. Building on different traditions, ranging from the pseudo‐Aristotelian Problemata to Medieval didactic literature, these texts, normally in the vernacular, address questions that the average reader may have on a variety of topics: from thermal baths to indulgences, from natural philosophy to duel. While usually the term ‘doubt’ means ‘question’, things can be sometimes less straightforward, especially when it comes to religious texts or works penned by unorthodox writers, as in the case of Ortensio Lando's Quattro libri di dubbi. This article will explore paratextual elements of works addressing doubts focusing on a variety of topics such as readership, definitions of doubt and its function, the role of these works in the dissemination of knowledge.
Impact of information and communication technologies on fertilizer and pesticide use efficiency of China's grain production
Authors: Zhu Qiubo , van der Voort Mariska , Ren Guangcheng , Bai Junfei
Published: August 2023

Based on a panel data from National Rural Fixed Point Survey (NRFP), this study explored the effects of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on the fertilizer and pesticide use efficiency of China's grain production and the mechanisms using stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and two‐way fixed‐effects model with two‐stage least square (2SLS) estimation. The results show that the average fertilizer use efficiency (FE), pesticide use efficiency (PE) and comprehensive fertilizer and pesticide use efficiency (CFPE) of grain production were 0.286, 0.404, and 0.364 respectively during 2003–2011. It should be noted that the CFPE decreased by 48.39% during 2003–2011 and showed a descending trend in all regions. ICTs had significant positive effects on FE, PE, and CPFE which could be explained by providing farmers more sustainable knowledge and hence shifting farming practices from overusing fertilizer towards using farmyard manure as a substitute. ICTs' positive effects were more pronounced for farmers with higher‐level education and in central region. Additionally, ICTs had significant spillover effects, extending from users to nonusers within the villages. These results suggest that ICTs could be considered as an effective way to increase the fertilizer and pesticide use efficiency and promote the sustainable development of agriculture in China.
Reducing statistics anxiety and academic procrastination among Israeli students: A pilot program
Authors: Kadosh Mazi , Hen Meirav , Ferrari Joseph R.
Published: August 2023

Many college students consider statistical courses as frightening and demanding, yielding high anxiety and low competence, and correlating with maladaptive academic behaviors and low achievement. With undergraduate students, the present pre‐post study compared a supportive online teaching program utilizing mandatory statistical exercises (n = 37) with a no intervention, optional exercise statistics class (n = 32). We evaluated whether our statistics teaching intervention decreased test anxiety and academic procrastination and increased academic self‐efficacy and academic achievements. Results indicated a decrease in academic procrastination and test anxiety at course end for intervention group and an increase in test anxiety for control group. At the end of the course intervention group reported higher academic self‐efficacy and achievements. Teaching statistics using mandatory supportive activities might contribute to more positive psychological outcomes (eg, higher academic self‐efficacy and lower academic procrastination) and higher academic achievements.
Formulation of Papaya Fruit Powder Incorporated Instant Drink Mix
Authors: Wong Siew Xia , Mohd Jusoh Yanti Maslina , Muhamad Ida Idayu , Hashim Zanariah
Published: August 2023

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a tropical fruit with excellent health benefits. However, papaya fruit with soft flesh is easily damaged and susceptible to oxidative degradation, which is not favourable for extended storage and transportation. One way of preserving papaya fruit is by drying into powdered form using spray-drying or freeze-drying techniques. The papaya fruit powder can then be transformed into various products such as instant drink mix and health supplements. This study aims to develop a suitable formulation of papaya fruit powder incorporated instant drink mix with high nutritional content and good sensory properties. Six different combinations were tried with different amount of papaya powder and other ingredients and evaluated for their physical and sensory properties. According to the results, the most liked Sample 3 has the greatest acceptability score due to its optimal flavour, aroma, and taste. Proximate analysis of Sample 3 revealed moisture content (5.3%), total carbohydrate (77.7%), total fat (0.3%), ash content (4.1%), total dietary fibre (0.2%) and protein (12.6%) which was comparable to available commercial product. Furthermore, the microbial activity test showed that the total plate count of microbes is 7.3×103 CFU/gm which is categorized as accepted and satisfied. This study demonstrates a practical use of powdered papaya fruit incorporated into instant drink mix that can be nutritional and convenient with good sensory properties.
Formulation and Characterization of Herbal Cleansing Gel from Turmeric Extract Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers
Authors: Lim Chiew Tian , Hasham@Hisam Rosnani , Sabtu Rahimah
Published: August 2023

The herbal cleansing gel from turmeric extract is a natural skin care product with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its advantages, turmeric extract has a higher metabolism, a low absorption rate, stability, and solubility. Encapsulation of turmeric extract had been developed to increase the bioavailability of turmeric extract for topical drug delivery. Hence, turmeric extract is encapsulated via nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to produce turmeric extract-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (T-NLCs). This project highlights the formulation and characterization of an herbal cleansing gel from encapsulated turmeric extract. To produce T-NLCs, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) as liquid lipid and glycerol monostearate (GMS) as solid lipid generated an imperfect matrix incorporating turmeric extract. The T-NLCs were then characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and stability. The T-NLCs exhibited particle size 129.407 ± 1.278 nm, polydispersity index 15.067 ± 2.105%, zeta potential -44.7 ± 1.8 mV, encapsulation efficiency 98.04 ± 9.19 % and remained stable over 30 days. The herbal cleansing gel was formulated with T-NLCs and characterized in term sensory test. The formulation is believed to improve the turmeric extract's phytochemical stability, biocompatibility, skin permeability, and dermo-cosmetic efficiency.  In conclusion, developing turmeric in an innovative encapsulated formulation has aided in developing herbal-based cosmetic products for a wide range of skin care systems.
Averages of long Dirichlet polynomials with modular coefficients
Authors: Conrey Brian , Fazzari Alessandro
Published: August 2023

We study the moments ofL‐functions associated with primitive cusp forms, in the weight aspect. In particular, we obtain an asymptotic formula for the twisted moments of alongDirichlet polynomial with modular coefficients. This result, which is conditional on the Generalized Lindelöf Hypothesis, agrees with the prediction of the recipe by Conrey, Farmer, Keating, Rubinstein and Snaith.
Associahedra for finite‐type cluster algebras and minimal relations between g‐vectors
Authors: Padrol Arnau , Palu Yann , Pilaud Vincent , Plamondon Pierre‐Guy
Published: August 2023

We show that the mesh mutations are the minimal relations among the ‐vectors with respect to any initial seed in any finite‐type cluster algebra. We then use this algebraic result to derive geometric properties of the ‐vector fan: we show that the space of all its polytopal realizations is a simplicial cone, and we then observe that this property implies that all its realizations can be described as the intersection of a high‐dimensional positive orthant with well‐chosen affine spaces. This sheds a new light on and extends earlier results of Arkani‐Hamed, Bai, He, and Yan in type  and of Bazier‐Matte, Chapelier‐Laget, Douville, Mousavand, Thomas, and Yıldırım for acyclic initial seeds. Moreover, we use a similar approach to study the space of polytopal realizations of the ‐vector fans of another generalization of the associahedron: nonkissing complexes (also known as support ‐tilting complexes) of gentle algebras. We show that the space of realizations of the nonkissing fan is simplicial when the gentle bound quiver is brick and 2‐acyclic, and we describe in this case its facet‐defining inequalities in terms of mesh mutations. Along the way, we prove algebraic results on 2‐Calabi–Yau triangulated categories, and on extriangulated categories that are of independent interest. In particular, we prove, in those two setups, an analogue of a result of Auslander on minimal relations for Grothendieck groups of module categories.
Adquisiciones hostiles y el rol de los administradores. La regla de la pasividad en el derecho colombiano
Authors: Carreño Mendoza Sergio
Published: August 2023

Las adquisiciones hostiles son un instrumento que permite disciplinar a los administradores, lo que redunda en una mejor gestión de la compañía. Así pues, conviene preguntarse, ¿cuál es el rol que deben adoptar los administradores en una operación no consensuada? El derecho colombiano implícitamente optó por la regla de pasividad de los administradores que prohíbe la adopción de medidas defensivas que pudiesen perturbar el normal desarrollo de una OPA. En el presente escrito, se indaga por la conveniencia de la solución escogida en el derecho colombiano y, a partir de ahí, se proponen ciertas pautas que permiten clarificar el alcance del deber de pasividad.
De la organización, funcionamiento y funciones de las superintendencias en el ejercicio de la actividad jurisdiccional
Authors: Hernández Meza Nelson , Ramirez Torrado María Lourdes , Illera Santos María de Jesús
Published: August 2023

Son cuatro superintendencias a las que se les ha atribuido funciones jurisdiccionales; no obstante, no existe un cuerpo normativo ni administrativo que sistematice las reglas de su funcionamiento, organización, ejercicio de la actividad jurisdiccional y del control sobre sus decisiones. De este modo, el ciudadano del común y los abogados no expertos en el sector en concreto podrían tener un panorama un tanto gris al enfrentarse a este tipo de administración de justicia. Así las cosas, el objetivo de esta investigación es analizar aspectos nucleares a la organización y funcionamiento de la actividad de administrar justicia, por parte de las superintendencias. Encontrándose, entre otras cuestiones, que esta oferta de justicia podría estar resultando distante para el común de los ciudadanos e incluso para ciertos abogados, no por la especialidad de la materia, sino por la falta de sistematización de la información y sus particularidades.
Investigating Viscoelastic Properties of Myofibrils Isolated From hiPSC-CMs Using Atomic Force Microscopy and Quasi-Linear Viscoelastic Model
Authors: Jannati Shayan , Maaref Yasaman , Tibbits Glen F. , Chiao Mu
Published: August 2023

Knowing the mechanical properties of cardiac myofibrils isolated from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) can provide valuable insight into the structure and function of the heart muscle. Previous studies focused mostly on studying myofibrillar stiffness using simplified elastic models. In this study, the mechanical properties of myofibrils isolated from hiPSC-CMs were measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The quasi-linear viscoelastic (QLV) model was used to interpret the elastic and viscous properties of myofibrils. Since there have been no previous studies on the viscoelastic properties of myofibrils extracted from hiPSC-CMs, myofibrils extracted from porcine left-ventricular (LV) tissue were used to compare and verify experimental processes and QLV model parameters. The elastic modulus of myofibrils extracted from porcine LV tissue was determined to be 8.82 ± 6.09 kPa which is consistent with previous studies which reported that porcine LV tissue is less stiff on average than mouse and rat cardiac myofibrils. The elastic modulus of myofibrils extracted from hiPSC-CMs was found to be 9.78 ± 5.80 kPa, which is consistent with the range of 5–20 kPa reported for myofibrils extracted from the adult human heart. We found that myofibrils isolated from hiPSC-CMs relax slower than myofibrils extracted from porcine LV tissue, particularly in the first 0.25 s after the peak stress in the stress relaxation test. These findings provide important insights into the mechanical behavior of hiPSC-CMs and have implications for the development of treatments for heart diseases.
Analysis of Flexoelectric Solids With a Cylindrical Cavity
Authors: Xie Jinchen , Linder Christian
Published: August 2023

Flexoelectricity, a remarkable size-dependent effect, means that strain gradients can give rise to electric polarization. This effect is particularly pronounced near defects within flexoelectric solids, where large strain gradients exist. A thorough understanding of the internal defects of flexoelectric devices and their surrounding multiphysics fields is crucial to comprehend their damage and failure mechanisms. Motivated by this, strain gradient elasticity theory is utilized to investigate the mechanical and electrical behaviors of flexoelectric solids with cylindrical cavities under biaxial tension. Closed-form solutions are obtained under the assumptions of plane strain and electrically impermeable defects. In particular, this study extends the Kirsch problem of classical elasticity theory to the theoretical framework of higher-order electroelasticity for the first time. Our research reveals that different length scale parameters of the strain gradient and bidirectional loading ratios significantly affect the hoop stress field, radial electric polarization field, and electric potential field near the inner cylindrical cavity of the flexoelectric solid. Furthermore, we validate our analytical solution by numerical verification using mixed finite elements. The congruence between the two methods confirms our analytical solution’s accuracy. The findings presented in this paper provide deeper insights into the internal defects of flexoelectric materials and can serve as a foundation for studying more complex defects in flexoelectric solids.
An Incremental Self-Excitation Method for Effectively Identifying Low-Frequency Frequency Response Function of Milling Robots
Authors: Wu Jiawei , Tang Xiaowei , Xin Shihao , Wang Chenyang , Peng Fangyu , Yan Rong , Mao Xinyong
Published: August 2023

Robotic machining efficiency and accuracy are constrained by milling vibrations and chatter. The dynamic characteristics of robots are highly influenced by their poses. Consequently, it is crucial to obtain the robot’s dynamic characteristics in any given pose to mitigate vibrations and prevent chatter during large-range machining. This paper proposes an incremental self-excitation method for effectively identifying low-frequency frequency response functions (FRF) of milling robots. By attaching a mass block at the robot’s end, a fully knowable and controllable excitation increment can be achieved, overcoming the shortcoming of traditional self-excitation methods in capturing the dynamic compliance magnitude. By employing suitable trajectory programming, this method can be executed automatically in the desired poses without the need for manual operations. First, the impulse (moment) of the incremental self-excitation is modeled based on momentum theorem, and the association model of the pulse response increment with the incremental self-excitation is established. To address the issue of sensitivity to noise in the FRF calculation process, the incremental self-excitation is assumed to be a Gaussian pulse, and its identification method is provided. Subsequently, the dimensionality requirement for identifying the nine-item (direct and cross) FRFs is effectively reduced using the modal directionality of milling robots, and the corresponding FRF calculation method is proposed. The rationality of the simplifications and assumptions employed in this method is validated through experiments and calculations. The experimental results in several robot poses show that the proposed method can effectively identify all the direct and cross FRFs in the low-frequency band.
An Investigation of the Thermal Performance of a Tropical Greenhouse Constructed With an Earth Air Heat Exchanger
Authors: Singhal Samar , Yadav Ashwini Kumar , Prakash Ravi
Published: August 2023

To maintain optimum plant growth temperature (i.e., 25–35 °C), the thermal performance of an earth air tunnel heat exchanger (EATHE)-integrated single-span saw-tooth greenhouse (GH) was assessed in peak summer. With the side and roof vents opened, natural ventilation due to wind and stack effect controlled the air movement and temperature inside the GH. In this configuration, the average temperature inside the GH remained higher than the ambient temperature by 1.5 °C for the entire period of the experiment. For EATHE (installed at a depth of 3.2 m) assisted GH with polyethylene (PE) cover, the air from the EATHE outlet entered inside the GH at 33 °C, and the average temperature within the GH was maintained at 4 °C lower than the ambient temperature. When the shading net was installed over the PE cover with the EATHE, the transmitted radiations into the GH were reduced from the roof, and the inside temperature was maintained 7 °C below the average ambient temperature (i.e., 45 °C). The measured temperatures along the length of the EATHE were compared with the indigenously developed code named PEAT (performance analysis of earth–air tunnel) and found to be in good agreement within ±4.5% deviation. The temperature distribution inside the GH was predicted using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model in ansys fluent with ±5% deviation from experimental results. With parametric analysis from the PEAT code and CFD model, the desired depth of the EATHE and the mass flowrate of air required to bring down the GH indoor temperatures to the optimum plant growth range were determined.
Analysis and Optimization of a 6-DoF 3-

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S Parallel Mechanism for Robot-Assisted Long-Bone Fracture Surgery
Authors: Clancy Michael , Alruwaili Fayez , Saeedi-Hosseiny Marzieh S. , McMillan Sean , Iordachita Iulian I. , Abedin-Nasab Mohammad H.
Published: August 2023

Robot-assisted femur repair has been of increased interest in recent literature due to the success of robot-assisted surgeries and current reoperation rates for femur fracture surgeries. The current limitation of robot-assisted femur fracture surgery is the lack of large force generation and sufficient workspace size in traditional mechanisms. To address these challenges, our group has created a 3-RRPS parallel mechanism, Robossis, which maintains the strength of parallel mechanisms while improving the translational and rotational workspace volume. In this paper, an optimal design methodology of parallel mechanisms for application to robot-assisted femur fracture surgery using a single-objective genetic algorithm is proposed. The genetic algorithm will use a single-objective function to evaluate the various configurations based on the clinical and mechanical design criteria for femur fracture surgery as well as the global conditioning index. The objective function is composed of the desired translational and rotational workspaces based on the design criteria, dynamic load-carrying capacity, and the homogeneous Jacobian global conditioning index. Lastly, experimental results of Robossis were obtained to validate the kinematic solution and the mechanism itself; Robossis had an average error of 0.31 mm during experimental force testing.
Mechanism of residue formation on Ge-rich germanium antimony tellurium alloys after plasma etching
Authors: Fontaine Benjamin , Boixaderas Christelle , Dubois Jérôme , Gouraud Pascal , Rival Arnaud , Posseme Nicolas
Published: August 2023

In phase-change random access memory (PCRAM) applications, the germanium antimony tellurium alloy (GST) is patterned using halogen etching in inductively coupled plasma reactors. This paper focuses on the surface state evolution of an optimized Ge-rich GST material after plasma etching. Four hours after etching, big dome-shaped residues are observed on PCRAM structures. Their number and size increase with the time of air exposure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analyses reveal an important germanium oxidation on the surface with residues. Their formation is then investigated. Complementary analyses highlight that the moisture environment has a catalytic effect on the residue formation. Based on this study, a detailed mechanism responsible for residue formation is proposed.
A genome-wide genetic screen uncovers determinants of human pigmentation
Authors: Bajpai Vivek K. , Swigut Tomek , Mohammed Jaaved , Naqvi Sahin , Arreola Martin , Tycko Josh , Kim Tayne C. , Pritchard Jonathan K. , Bassik Michael C. , Wysocka Joanna
Published: August 2023

Skin color, one of the most diverse human traits, is determined by the quantity, type, and distribution of melanin. In this study, we leveraged the light-scattering properties of melanin to conduct a genome-wide screen for regulators of melanogenesis. We identified 169 functionally diverse genes that converge on melanosome biogenesis, endosomal transport, and gene regulation, of which 135 represented previously unknown associations with pigmentation. In agreement with their melanin-promoting function, the majority of screen hits were up-regulated in melanocytes from darkly pigmented individuals. We further unraveled functions of KLF6 as a transcription factor that regulates melanosome maturation and pigmentation in vivo, and of the endosomal trafficking protein COMMD3 in modulating melanosomal pH. Our study reveals a plethora of melanin-promoting genes, with broad implications for human variation, cell biology, and medicine.