bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Hand Gesture Detection and Recognition for UAV Motion Planning
Authors: Lu Cong , Zhang Haoyang , Pei Yu , Xie Liang , Yan Ye , Yin Erwei , Jin Jing
Published: February 2023

Recent advances in hand gesture recognition have produced more natural and intuitive methods of controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). However, in unknown and cluttered environments, UAV motion planning requires the assistance of hand gesture interaction in complex flight tasks, which remains a significant challenge. In this paper, a novel framework based on hand gesture interaction is proposed, to support efficient and robust UAV flight. A cascading structure, which includes Gaussian Native Bayes (GNB) and Random Forest (RF), was designed, to classify hand gestures based on the Six Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) inertial measurement units (IMUs) of the data glove. The hand gestures were mapped onto UAV’s flight commands, which corresponded to the direction of the UAV flight.The experimental results, which tested the 10 evaluated hand gestures, revealed the high accuracy of online hand gesture recognition under asynchronous detection (92%), and relatively low latency for interaction (average recognition time of 7.5 ms; average total time of 3 s).The average time of the UAV’s complex flight task was about 8 s shorter than that of the synchronous hand gesture detection and recognition. The proposed framework was validated as efficient and robust, with extensive benchmark comparisons in various complex real-world environments.
Joint Approximation of Analytic Functions by Shifts of Lerch Zeta-Functions
Authors: Laurinčikas Antanas , Mikalauskaitė Toma , Šiaučiūnas Darius
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we consider the simultaneous approximation of tuples of analytic functions by tuples of shifts of Lerch zeta-functions with arbitrary parameters. We prove that there exists a closed set of tuples of functions analytic in the right-hand side of the critical strip, which is approximated by the above tuples of shifts. Further, a generalization for some compositions of tuples of Lerch zeta-functions is given.
Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues in Patients with Brain Cancer Admitted to ICU
Authors: Frisella Sara , Bonosi Lapo , Ippolito Mariachiara , Giammalva Giuseppe Roberto , Ferini Gianluca , Viola Anna , Marchese Valentina Anna , Umana Giuseppe Emmanuele , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , Giarratano Antonino , Cortegiani Andrea , Maugeri Rosario
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Palliative care is an interdisciplinary medical specialty focused on improving the quality of life of critically ill patients, including those with frailty, during their illness. Materials and Methods: We conducted an extensive literature review on Pubmed focusing on palliative care in neuro-oncology patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Results: We identified 967 articles and, after excluding 952 articles in accordance with the PRISMA flow chart, we included a total of 15 articles in the final selection. The potential role of palliative care in neuro-oncology appears necessary to ensure comprehensive end-of-life patient care. However, this seems underestimated and poorly applied, especially in the context of intensive care units. Medical personnel also face ethical dilemmas, considering not only the pathology but also the socio-spiritual context of the patient. In addition, caregivers’ understanding of prognosis and realistic goals is critical for optimal end-of-life management. Conclusions: The provision of palliative care to neuro-oncological patients admitted to ICU is a complex challenge supported by fragmented evidence. Additional research on palliative care and communication about end-of-life care in the neuro-oncology and neuro-ICU setting is needed.
Effect of Tea Saponins on Rumen Microbiota and Rumen Function in Qinchuan Beef Cattle
Authors: Qu Xiaopeng , Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , Zhao Yanqing , Deng Jiahan , Ma Jing , Wang Juze , Alkhorayef Nada , Alkhalil Samia S. , Pant Sameer D. , Lei Hongtao , Zan Linsen
Published: February 2023

Antibiotics can promote livestock growth but have side effects, so the search for safe and effective alternatives to antibiotics is urgent. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing cattle feed with tea saponins on ruminal bacteria and fungi. Sixteen Qinchuan beef cattle with a live body weight of 250 ± 10 kg were divided into four groups (four animals in each group) using a completely randomized experimental design. Four different levels of tea saponins were provided to the Qinchuan cattle as treatments, including 0 g/cattle per day control, CON), 10 g/cattle per day (low-level, LT), 20 g/cattle per day (medium-level, MT) and 30 g/cattle per day (high-level, HT). The pre-feeding period was 10 days and the official period was 80 days in this experiment. After 90 days of feeding, the rumen fluid from sixteen Qinchuan beef cattle was collected using an oral stomach tube for evaluating changes in ruminal microbiota and rumen fermentation parameters. Results indicate that the total VFAs and proportions of propionate in the LT group was significantly higher than that in the CON and HT groups (p < 0.05). For ruminal bacteria, results indicate that the Chao1 index of the MT group was significantly lower than the CON and HT groups (p < 0.05). The phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were found to be the most abundant in all treatment groups, with the LT group having significantly increased relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Ascomycota at the phylum level (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Bacteroides was found to be relatively lower in the LT, MT and HT treatment groups compared with the CON treatment group at the genus level (p < 0.05). For ruminal fungi, the LT treatment group was found to have higher relative abundances of Saccharomyces and Aspergillus, and lower relative abundances of Succiniclasticum and Bacteroides at the at the phylum level (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON treatment group, a significant increase in the relative abundance of Saccharomyces and Aspergillus were observed in the LT treatment group at the genus level (p < 0.05). PICRUSt analyses identified pathways associated with Xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism and glycolysisIII to be significantly enriched in the LT and HT treatment groups (p < 0.05). These findings could provide insights on how tea saponins may influence ruminal bacteria and fungi, providing a theoretical basis for replacing antibiotics with tea saponins for promoting growth in cattle.
Prevalence, Virulence, and Antibiotics Gene Profiles in Lactococcus garvieae Isolated from Cows with Clinical Mastitis in China
Authors: Xie Xinmei , Pan Zihao , Yu Yong , Yu Lirong , Wu Fan , Dong Jing , Wang Tiancheng , Li Lin
Published: February 2023

Lactococcus garvieae (L. garvieae) is a pathogenic gram-positive, catalase-negative (GPCN) bacterium that causes bovine mastitis. A total of 49 L. garvieae isolates were identified from 1441 clinical mastitis (CM) samples. The pathogenic effects of L. garvieae were studied with two infection models: bovine mammary epithelial cells cultured in vitro and murine mammary infections in vivo. The overall farm prevalence was 15.5% (13/84 farms in 9/19 provinces) and sample prevalence was 3.40% (49/1441). Post-treatment somatic cell count (SCC) post L. garvieae infection was significantly higher than the other GPCN pathogens isolated, and the bacteriological cure fraction was 41.94% (13/31) after intramammary antibiotic treatment. All L. garvieae isolates were resistant to rifaximin, 12.24% of isolates were resistant to cephalexin, and 10.20% (5/49) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The most prevalent virulence genes were Hemolysin 1 (hly1)(100%), Hemolysin 2 (hly2) (97.96%), NADH oxidase (NADHO) (100%), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (100%), Adhesin Pav (Pav) (100%), Adhesin PsaA (PsaA) (100%), Enolase (eno) (100%), Adhesin cluster 1(AC1) (100%), Adhesin cluster 2 (AC2) (100%), and several exopolysaccharides. L. garvieae rapidly adhered to bovine mammary epithelial cells, resulting in an elevated lactate dehydrogenase release. Edema and congestion were observed in challenged murine mammary glands and bacteria were consistently isolated at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 120 h after infection. We concluded that L. garvieae had good adaptive ability in the bovine and murine mammary cells and tissue. Given the resistance profile, penicillin and ampicillin are potential treatments for CM cases caused by L. garvieae.
Paired Electrolysis Enabled Cyanation of Diaryl Diselenides with KSCN Leading to Aryl Selenocyanates
Authors: He Wei-Bao , Tang Luo-Lin , Jiang Jun , Li Xiao , Xu Xinhua , Yang Tian-Bao , He Wei-Min
Published: February 2023

The first example of paired electrolysis-enabled cyanation of diaryl diselenides, with KSCN as the green cyanating agent, has been developed. A broad range of aryl selenocyanates can be efficiently synthesized under chemical-oxidant- and additive-free, energy-saving and mild conditions.
Effect of Nano-Selenium on Nutritional Quality of Cowpea and Response of ABCC Transporter Family
Authors: Li Li , Xiong Yuzhou , Wang Yuan , Wu Shuai , Xiao Chunmei , Wang Shiyan , Cheng Shuiyuan , Cheng Hua
Published: February 2023

It is an important way for healthy Selenium (Se) supplement to transform exogenous Se into organic Se through crops. In the present study, Vigna unguiculata was selected as a test material and sprayed with biological nano selenium (SeNPs) and Na2SeO3, and its nutrient composition, antioxidant capacity, total Se and organic Se content were determined, respectively. Further, the response of ABC transporter family members in cowpea to different exogenous Se treatments was analyzed by transcriptome sequencing combined with different Se forms. The results show that the soluble protein content of cowpea increased after twice Se treatment. SeNPs treatment increased the content of cellulose in cowpea pods. Na2SeO3 treatment increased the content of vitamin C (Vc) in cowpea pods. Se treatments could significantly increase the activities of Peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and catalase (CAT) in cowpea pods and effectively maintain the activity of Superoxide dismutase (SOD). SeNPs can reduce the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in pods. After Se treatment, cowpea pods showed a dose-effect relationship on the absorption and accumulation of total Se, and Na2SeO3 treatment had a better effect on the increase of total Se content in cowpea pods. After treatment with SeNPs and Na2SeO3, the Se species detected in cowpea pods was mainly SeMet, followed by MeSeCys. Inorganic Se can only be detected in the high concentration treatment group. Analysis of transcriptome data of cowpea treated with Se showed that ABC transporters could play an active role in response to Se stress and Se absorption, among which ABCB, ABCC and ABCG subfamilies played a major role in Se absorption and transportation in cowpea. Further analysis by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that the content of organic Se in cowpea treated with high concentration of SeNPs was significantly and positively correlated with the expression level of three transporters ABCC11, ABCC13 and ABCC10, which means that the ABCC subfamily may be more involved in the transmembrane transport of organic Se in cells.
Overview of 1,5-Selective Click Reaction of Azides with Alkynes or Their Synthetic Equivalents
Authors: Zhao Yaqi , Chai Zhengqi , Zeng Qingrui , Zhang Wen-Xiong
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, the click reaction of azides with alkynes has evolved rapidly and become one of the most efficient methods to synthesize 1,2,3-triazoles, which are an important class of N-containing heterocycles. While the 1,4-selective click reaction of azides with alkynes is well established to synthesize 1,4-substituted 1,2,3-triazoles, the corresponding 1,5-selective click reaction for the generation of 1,5-substituted-1,2,3-triazoles is much less explored, and there is no systematic review for the 1,5-selective click reaction. This timely review summarizes the discovery and development of 1,5-selective click reactions of azides with alkynes for the synthesis of 1,5-substituted 1,2,3-triazoles. The 1,5-selective click reactions will be divided into three types according to the critical reactive intermediates: metallacyclic intermediates, acetylide intermediate, and formal 1,5-selective azide-alkyne cycloaddition. The related mechanistic studies will also be involved in this review.
Neuroprotectant Effects of Hibiscetin in 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Huntington’s Disease via Subsiding Oxidative Stress and Modulating Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Rats Brain
Authors: Mahdi Wael A. , AlGhamdi Shareefa A. , Alghamdi Amira M. , Imam Syed Sarim , Alshehri Sultan , Almaniea Mohammad A. , Hajjar Baraa Mohammed , Al-Abbasi Fahad A. , Sayyed Nadeem , Kazmi Imran
Published: February 2023

Background: Previously reported data suggest that hibiscetin, isolated from roselle, contains delphinidin-3-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside including anthocyanidins and has a broad range of physiological effects. In this study, we aim to analyze the effect of hibiscetin neuroprotective ability in rats against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA)-induced Huntington’s disease (HD). Methods: To investigate possible toxicities in animals, oral acute toxicity studies of hibiscetin were undertaken, and results revealed the safety of hibiscetin in animals with a maximum tolerated dose. Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6); (group-1) treated with normal saline, (group-2) hibiscetin (10 mg/kg) only, (group-3) 3-NPA only, and (group-4) 3-NPA +10 mg/kg hibiscetin. The efficacy of hibiscetin 10 mg/kg was studied with the administration of 3-NPA doses for the induction of experimentally induced HD symptoms in rats. The mean body weight (MBW) was recorded at end of the study on day 22 to evaluate any change in mean body weight. Several biochemical parameters were assessed to support oxidative stress (GSH, SOD, CAT, LPO, GR, and GPx), alteration in neurotransmitters (DOPAC, HVA, 5-HIAA, norepinephrine, serotonin, GABA, and dopamine), alterations in BDNF and cleaved caspase (caspase 3) activity. Additionally, inflammatory markers, i.e., tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins beta (IL-1β), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were evaluated. Results: The hibiscetin-treated group exhibits a substantial restoration of MBW than the 3-NPA control group. Furthermore, 3-NPA caused a substantial alteration in biochemical, neurotransmitter monoamines, and neuroinflammatory parameters which were restored successfully by hibiscetin. Conclusion: The current study linked the possible role of hibiscetin by offering neuroprotection in experimental animal models.
Recent Advances in Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Pigments, Lipids and Bioactive Compounds from Microalgae
Authors: Tzima Soultana , Georgiopoulou Ioulia , Louli Vasiliki , Magoulas Kostis
Published: February 2023

Supercritical CO2 extraction is a green method that combines economic and environmental benefits. Microalgae, on the other hand, is a biomass in abundance, capable of providing a vast variety of valuable compounds, finding applications in the food industry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and biofuels. An extensive study on the existing literature concerning supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of microalgae has been carried out focusing on carotenoids, chlorophylls, lipids and fatty acids recovery, as well as the bioactivity of the extracts. Moreover, kinetic models used to describe SFE process and experimental design are included. Finally, biomass pretreatment processes applied prior to SFE are mentioned, and other extraction methods used as benchmarks are also presented.
Identifying STEDable BF2-Azadipyrromethene Fluorophores
Authors: Curtin Niamh , Garre Massimiliano , Wu Dan , O’Shea Donal F.
Published: February 2023

BF2-azadipyrromethenes are highly versatile fluorophores used for cellular and in vivo imaging in the near-infrared and far-red regions of the spectrum. As of yet, their use in conjunction with super-resolution imaging methodologies has not been explored. In this report, a series of structurally related BF2-azadipyrromethenes has been examined for their suitability for use with stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy. The potential for STED imaging was initially evaluated using aqueous solutions of fluorophores as an effective predictor of fluorophore suitability. For live cell STED imaging in both 2D and 3D, several far-red emitting BF2-azadipyrromethenes were successfully employed. Image resolution below the diffraction limit of a confocal microscope was demonstrated through measurement of distinct intracellular features including the nuclear membrane, nuclear lamina invaginations, the endoplasmic reticulum, and vacuoles. As the STED ability of BF2-azadipyrromethene fluorophores has now been established, their use with this super-resolution method may be expected to increase in the future.
Creation of a Composite Bioactive Coating with Antibacterial Effect Promising for Bone Implantation
Authors: Zemtsova Elena G. , Kozlova Lada A. , Yudintceva Natalia M. , Sokolova Daria N. , Arbenin Andrey Yu. , Ponomareva Alexandra N. , Korusenko Petr M. , Kraeva Ludmila A. , Rogacheva Elizaveta V. , Smirnov Vladimir M.
Published: February 2023

When creating titanium-containing bone implants, the bioactive coatings that promote their rapid engraftment are important. The engraftment rate of titanium implants with bone tissue depends significantly on the modification of the implant surface. It is achieved by changing either the relief or the chemical composition of the surface layer, as well as a combination of these two factors. In this work, we studied the creation of composite coatings with a two-level (the micro- and nanolevel) hierarchy of the surface relief, which have bioactive and bactericidal properties, which are promising for bone implantation. Using the developed non-lithographic template electrochemical synthesis, a composite coating on titanium with a controlled surface structure was created based on an island-type TiO2 film, silver and hydroxyapatite (HAp). This TiO2/Ag/HAp composite coating has a developed surface relief at the micro- and nanolevels and has a significant cytological response and the ability to accelerate osteosynthesis, and also has an antibacterial effect. Thus, the developed biomaterial is suitable for production of dental and orthopedic implants with improved biomedical properties.
New Anti-Prelog Stereospecific Whole-Cell Biocatalyst for Asymmetric Reduction of Prochiral Ketones
Authors: Wang Min-Yu , Cai Shun-Ju , Lin Jia-Chun , Ji Xiao-Jun , Zhang Zhi-Gang
Published: February 2023

The biocatalytic asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketones for the production of enantiopure alcohols is highly desirable due to its inherent advantages over chemical methods. In this study, a new bacterial strain capable of transforming ketones to corresponding alcohols with high activity and excellent enantioselectivity was discovered in a soil sample. The strain was subsequently identified as Bacillus cereus TQ-2 based on its physiological characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Under optimized reaction conditions, the resting cells of B. cereus TQ-2 converted acetophenone to enantioenriched (R)-1-phenylethanol with 99% enantiometric excess following anti-Prelog’s rule, which is scarce in biocatalytic ketone reduction. The optimum temperature for the cells was 30 °C, and considerable catalytic activity was observed over a broad pH range from 5.0 to 9.0. The cells showed enhanced catalytic activity in the presence of 15% (v/v) glycerol as a co-substrate. The catalytic activity can also be substantially improved by adding Ca2+ or K+ ions. Moreover, the B. cereus TQ-2 cell was highly active in reducing several structurally diverse ketones and aldehydes to form corresponding alcohols with good to excellent conversion. Our study provides a versatile whole-cell biocatalyst that can be used in the asymmetric reduction of ketones for the production of chiral alcohol, thereby expanding the biocatalytic toolbox for potential practical applications.
“Green” nZVI-Biochar as Fenton Catalyst: Perspective of Closing-the-Loop in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Leovac Maćerak Anita , Kulić Mandić Aleksandra , Pešić Vesna , Tomašević Pilipović Dragana , Bečelić-Tomin Milena , Kerkez Djurdja
Published: February 2023

In the framework of wastewater treatment plants, sewage sludge can be directed to biochar production, which when coupled with an external iron source has the potential to be used as a carbon–iron composite material for treating various organic pollutants in advanced oxidation processes. In this research, “green” synthesized nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) supported on sewage sludge-based biochar (BC)–nZVI-BC was used in the Fenton process for the degradation of the recalcitrant organic molecule. In this way, the circular economy principles were supported within wastewater treatment with immediate loop closing; unlike previous papers, where only the water treatment was assessed, the authors proposed a new approach to wastewater treatment, combining solutions for both water and sludge. The following phases were implemented: synthesis and characterization of nano zero-valent iron supported on sewage sludge-based biochar (nZVI-BC); optimization of organic pollutant removal (Reactive Blue 4 as the model pollutant) by nZVI-BC in the Fenton process, using a Definitive Screening Design (DSD) model; reuse of the obtained Fenton sludge, as an additional catalytic material, under previously optimized conditions; and assessment of the exhausted Fenton sludge’s ability to be used as a source of nutrients. nZVI-BC was used in the Fenton treatment for the degradation of Reactive Blue 4—a model substance containing a complex and stable anthraquinone structure. The DSD model proposes a high dye-removal efficiency of 95.02% under the following optimal conditions: [RB4] = 50 mg/L, [nZVI] = 200 mg/L, [H2O2] = 10 mM. pH correction was not performed (pH = 3.2). Afterwards, the remaining Fenton sludge, which was thermally treated (named FStreated), was applied as a heterogeneous catalyst under the same optimal conditions with a near-complete organic molecule degradation (99.56% ± 0.15). It could be clearly noticed that the cumulative amount of released nutrients significantly increased with the number of leaching experiments. The highest cumulative amounts of released K, Ca, Mg, Na, and P were therefore observed at the fifth leaching cycle (6.40, 1.66, 1.12, 0.62, 0.48 and 58.2 mg/g, respectively). According to the nutrient release and toxic metal content, FStreated proved to be viable for agricultural applications; these findings illustrated that the “green” synthesis of nZVI-BC not only provides innovative and efficient Fenton catalysts, but also constitutes a novel approach for the utilization of sewage sludge, supporting overall process sustainability.
Design, Synthesis, Herbicidal Activity, and Structure–Activity Relationship Study of Novel 6-(5-Aryl-Substituted-1-Pyrazolyl)-2-Picolinic Acid as Potential Herbicides
Authors: Feng Tong , Liu Qing , Xu Zhi-Yuan , Li Hui-Ting , Wei Wei , Shi Rong-Chuan , Zhang Li , Cao Yi-Ming , Liu Shang-Zhong
Published: February 2023

Picolinic acid and picolinate compounds are a remarkable class of synthetic auxin herbicides. In recent years, two new picolinate compounds, halauxifen-methyl (ArylexTM active) and florpyrauxifen-benzyl (RinskorTM active), have been launched as novel herbicides. Using their structural skeleton as a template, 33 4-amino-3,5-dicholor-6-(5-aryl-substituted-1-pytazolyl)-2-picolinic acid compounds were designed and synthesized for the discovery of compounds with potent herbicidal activity. The compounds were tested for inhibitory activity against the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana roots, and the results demonstrated that the IC50 value of compound V-7 was 45 times lower than that of the halauxifen-methyl commercial herbicide. Molecular docking analyses revealed that compound V-7 docked with the receptor auxin-signaling F-box protein 5 (AFB5) more intensively than picloram. An adaptive three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship model was constructed from these IC50 values to guide the next step of the synthetic strategy. Herbicidal tests of the new compounds indicated that compound V-8 exhibited better post-emergence herbicidal activity than picloram at a dosage of 300 gha−1, and it was also safe for corn, wheat, and sorghum at this dosage. These results demonstrated that 6-(5-aryl-substituted-1-pyrazolyl)-2-picolinic acid compounds could be used as potential lead structures in the discovery of novel synthetic auxin herbicides.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Protection of Gut Barrier Integrity and Stimulation of Phagocytosis of Postbiotic Combination ABB C1
Authors: Tintoré Maria , Cuñé Jordi , Vetvicka Vaclav , de Lecea Carlos
Published: February 2023

This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects, the protection of gut barrier integrity, and the stimulation of phagocytosis in peripheral cells of a nutritional supplement based on a synergistic combination of yeast-based ingredients with a unique 1,3/1,6-glucan complex and a consortium of postbiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae rich in selenium and zinc. The anti-inflammatory effect in caco-2 cells in the presence and absence of a pro-inflammatory challenge (tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]/interferon gamma [IFN-ɣ]) showed statistically significant reductions in IFN-ɣ induced protein-10 (IP-10), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels vs. controls (p < 0.001). Disruption of the gut integrity in the presence or absence of Escherichia coli (ETEC H10407) showed transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values higher in the ABB C1® group after 6 h of testing. Spontaneous build-up of the gut epithelium monolayer over 22 days was also greater in the ABB C1® condition vs. a negative control. ABB C1® showed a significantly higher capacity to stimulate phagocytosis as compared with controls of algae β-1,3-glucan and yeast β-1,3/1,6 glucan (p < 0.001). This study supports the mechanism of action by which ABB C1® may improve the immune response and be useful to prevent infection and allergy in clinical practice.
Bayesian Exploration of Phenomenological EoS of Neutron/Hybrid Stars with Recent Observations
Authors: Chimanski Emanuel V. , Lobato Ronaldo V. , Goncalves Andre R. , Bertulani Carlos A.
Published: February 2023

The description of the stellar interior of compact stars remains as a big challenge for the nuclear astrophysics community. The consolidated knowledge is restricted to density regions around the saturation of hadronic matter ρ0=2.8×1014gcm−3, regimes where our nuclear models are successfully applied. As one moves towards higher densities and extreme conditions up to the quark/gluons deconfinement, little can be said about the microphysics of the equation of state (EoS). Here, we employ a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) strategy to access the variability at high density regions of polytropic piecewise models for neutron star (NS) EoS or possible hybrid stars, i.e., a NS with a small quark-matter core. With a fixed description of the hadronic matter for low density, below the nuclear saturation density, we explore a variety of models for the high density regimes leading to stellar masses near to 2.5M⊙, in accordance with the observations of massive pulsars. The models are constrained, including the observation of the merger of neutrons stars from VIRGO-LIGO and with the pulsar observed by NICER. In addition, we also discuss the possibility of the use of a Bayesian power regression model with heteroscedastic error. The set of EoS from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) was used as input and treated as the data set for the testing case.
3D Printing in LMICs: Functional Design for Upper Limb Prosthetics in Uganda
Authors: Hussaini Ali , Kyberd Peter , Mulindwa Benedict , Ssekitoleko Robert , Keeble William , Kenney Laurence , Howard David
Published: February 2023

Meeting the needs of persons with upper limb loss in Uganda requires an understanding of the needs and desires of the local population. The limitations of resources and accessibility for the individual gave rise to a focused design methodology for delivering a culturally acceptable solution using 3D Printing technology. A series of co-design activities were held in Uganda and provided direct feedback to drive the design of two prototypes based on acceptable aesthetics and priority Activities of Daily Living. Two terminal device prototypes were 3D printed in the UK. These can be directly attached to a standard proximal socket thread. The passive hand was printed in a flexible filament and the prehensor was printed in a durable impact resistant material. Local researchers in Uganda have similar 3D printers, filaments, and assembly hardware, which allowed for concurrent development and refinement of the prototypes. Local participation provides a rich user feedback environment to understand which elements of prosthetic device design are integral to delivering acceptable prosthetics solutions for fabrication in Uganda. 3D printing can provide a viable route to addressing the needs of the user. The proposed terminal devices are now in the process of being printed locally for field testing.
‘Pine Decline or pine declines?’ Analysis and Interpretation of Bog-Pines from Wem Moss, Shropshire, UK
Authors: Lageard Jonathan G. A.
Published: February 2023

A dendrochronological investigation was undertaken on subfossil Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stumps following their discovery during conservation management at Wem Moss, a small (28 ha) former raised mire in Shropshire, UK. Two ring-width chronologies were constructed from 14 of the 17 trees sampled spanning 198 and 208 years, respectively. Whilst dendrochronological dating was not possible, radiocarbon assays provided an estimated age for this mire-rooting woodland of between 3015 and 2505 years cal. BCE, coinciding with the age traditionally associated with the widespread mortality of pine trees throughout much of the UK and Ireland, often referred to as the Pine Decline (ca. 4000 radiocarbon years BP). Placed in a wider geographical context, the Wem Moss pines are located within the lowland Meres and Mosses region, where previous studies on subfossil pine have demonstrated protracted declines in mire-rooting trees. These have included tree mortality significantly post-dating the Pine Decline, especially at larger peatland sites that exceed 5 km2. Such macrofossil evidence for the presence of Scots pine into the late Holocene is supported by continuous Pinus pollen representation at peatland sites in the Welsh Marches (English–Welsh border), suggesting the possible survival of native Scots pine trees in this area up to the present day. The investigation of Wem Moss bog pines and their wider geographical context highlights the incomplete and patchy nature of palaeo-vegetational records and also the need for future genetic research on living Scots pine in possible refugial areas in Britain and Ireland.
Behavior of Premixed Sooting Flame in a High-Pressure Burner
Authors: Saylam Ahmad
Published: February 2023

The second-order factor effect of burner optical ports and edge inter-matrices (EIM) and the first-order factor of pressure on the soot formation process and behavior of premixed sooting flames in a high-pressure burner are numerically investigated here. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of a premixed flame C2H4/air at p = 1.01 and 10 bar using a one-step chemistry approach are first performed to justify the satisfied predictability of the prospective axisymmetric two-dimensional (2D) and one-dimensional (1D) simulations. The justified 2D simulation approach shows the generation of an axial vorticity around the EIM and axial multi-vorticities due to the high expansion rate of burnt gases at the high pressure of 10 bar. This leads to the development of axial multi-sooting zones, which are manifested experimentally by visible luminous soot streaks, and to the boosting of soot formation conditions of a relatively low-temperature field, <1800 K, and a high mixing rate of gases in combustion around and above the EIM location. Nevertheless, a tolerable effect on the centerline soot volume fraction (fV) profile, fV < 3%, is manifested only at high heights above the burner of the atmospheric sooting flame C2H4/air ϕ = 2.1, and early at the high pressure of 10 bar of this flame, fV < 10%. Enhancing the combustion process reactivity by decreasing the rich equivalence ratio of the fuel/air mixture and/or rising the pressure results in the prior formation of soot precursors, which shifts the sooting zone upstream.
Re-Exploring Origins of the Qixiang Sacrificial Rite Practiced by the Han Army Eight Banners in Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Lina , Zheng De
Published: February 2023

Qixiang is a unique sacrificial culture created by the Han army eight banners in northeast China. This culture not only has elements such as shamanism and Han people burning incense, but also has military sacrificial elements. This paper argues that Qixiang is the evolution and legacy of Maji, a military sacrificial ritual in ancient China. The Han military banner people in the Qing Dynasty took Maji as the main body, combined the Manchu Shamanism with the Han incense burning, and created a cultural symbol representing their own ethnic group. At present, the study of Qixiang not only helps to understand the complexity of the development and evolution of Manchu shamanism, but also helps to reveal the ethnic identity of Han bannermen under the Eight Banners system of the Qing Dynasty.
Spectroscopic Tracking of the Characteristics of Microplastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter
Authors: Yuan Mengna , Xiang Huiqing , Tong Yang , Zhou Kanggen , Peng Changhong , Chen Wei
Published: February 2023

Microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (MP-DOM) has received increasing attention in recent years. In this study, the fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) combined with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) was used to track the leaching behavior of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS) MP-DOM. After seven days of leaching, PVC reached a leaching concentration of 7.59 mg/L, and the other four microplastics reached approximately 4.5~4.7 mg/L. The leaching activity of PVC was considerably more active in an alkaline environment and under UV irradiation. All the fluorescence signals of MP-DOM components were located in the protein/phenol-like fluorescence region. The fact that C1 and C2 were found in every microplastic revealed that these substances took up quite a large proportion of MP-DOM. Protein/phenolic substances in MP-DOM showed different binding ability with different heavy metals, which can be realized from the log K values calculated for Cr3+ (3.99–5.51), Cu2+ (3.06–4.83), Cd2+ (3.76–4.41), and Fe3+ (3.11–5.03). This work introduced more MP-DOM samples, and offered spectroscopic insight into the characteristics and environmental fate of MP-DOM at a molecular level. Furthermore, this study displayed the potential applicability of using the integrated methods to track the MP-DOM formation process and environmental behavior in natural aquatic systems.
Extraction, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from Ajwa Seed and Flesh
Authors: Dhahri Manel , Sioud Salim , Alsuhaymi Shuruq , Almulhim Fatimah , Haneef Ali , Saoudi Abdelhamid , Jaremko Mariusz , Emwas Abdul-Hamid M.
Published: February 2023

The date palm has been cultivated in dry and hot areas of the planet for much of human history. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, dates are the main crop used as a source of food. Among several species of date fruits, the Ajwa AL-Madinah date is unique, growing only in Al-Madinah geographical region. The Ajwa date is used in traditional medicine due to its abundant active components and therapeutic properties. This study investigates the structural properties and the antioxidant effects of water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from Ajwa flesh and seed. The polysaccharides were isolated by two techniques including hot water and ultrasonic extraction. After isolation and partial purification, the physicochemical properties of four samples of polysaccharides extracted from flesh and seed were studied by several techniques including FTIR, solid-state NMR, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. Several radical scavenging experiments were combined to study the antioxidant activity of the polysaccharide compounds. FTIR and NMR results showed a structure typical of heterogeneous polysaccharides. Mass spectrometry revealed that the polysaccharide samples were composed mainly of mannose, glucose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, and fucose. In addition, the physicochemical properties and composition of polysaccharides extracted from flesh and seed were compared. The extracted polysaccharides showed antioxidant activity, with 2, 2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, Fe chelating ability, hydroxyl free radical scavenging ability, and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging. These results highlight their potential to be a useful nutritional element or supplemental medication.
Synthesis and Characterization of Electrospun Sorbent for the Solid-Phase Extraction of Fluoroquinolones in Human Plasma and Their UHPLC-PDA Determination
Authors: Ferrone Vincenzo , Carlucci Giuseppe , Bruni Pantaleone , Marinelli Lisa , Avino Pasquale , Milanetti Edoardo , Pilato Serena , Sbrascini Leonardo , Di Profio Pietro , Ferrari Stefania
Published: February 2023

In this work we investigated the synthesis and the characterization of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) stabilized in air, made in a 5:1 ratio, used as sorbent for the solid-phase extraction of fluoroquinolones in plasma samples and the following quantification in UHPLC-PDA. Preliminary analyses of viscosity were carried out on the polymer solution to be sure about the electrospinability. Characterizations were performed on the electrospun membrane to evaluate the morphology (SEM scanning electron microscopy and AFM atomic force microscopy), the thermal degradation behavior (TGA thermogravimetric analysis), the porosity and the surface area (BET, Brunauer Emmett Teller), and the quantitative and qualitative distribution of atomic structures (FTIR infrared analysis in Fourier transform and EDX Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis). A solid-phase extraction method was developed by studying parameters such as the amount of sorbent and the pH of the sample. Finally, a UHPLC-PDA method for the analysis of fluoroquinolones was developed and validated in accordance with the guidelines and successfully applied. The use of the prepared sorbent combined with UHPLC-PDA has allowed the development of a method whose strengths are its speed, accuracy, sensitivity, and high recoveries.
Challenges in the Management of Environmentally Fragile Sandy Soils in Southern Brazil
Authors: Suzuki Luis Eduardo Akiyoshi Sanches , Pedron Fabrício de Araújo , Oliveira Rodrigo Bomicieli de , Rovedder Ana Paula Moreira
Published: February 2023

Quartzipsamments are environmentally fragile soils, being highly susceptible to water and wind erosion. Despite this, it seems that political and economic issues favor the advancement of agriculture in these soils. Therefore, studies are necessary for a better understanding of these soils and to minimize the impacts of land use. This work aims to characterize the morphological, physical–hydric, and chemical properties of Quartzipsamments under sandyzation in southwest Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Soil morphology was evaluated in six profiles in areas under native field with the presence of gullies, and soil samples with preserved and non-preserved structures were collected to evaluate the physical–hydric and chemical properties. We verified that these soils have high macroporosity (0.253 to 0.373 m3 m−3) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (127.85 to 672.26 mm h−1), and predominantly low organic matter (0.05 to 2.36%) and clay (23.03 to 126.29 g kg−1) content, but correlation analysis showed that increasing pH and organic matter can improve the fertility of these soils. Quartzipsamments have a low volume of available water to plants (0.006 to 0.038 m3 m−3) and have a potential risk of leaching and aquifer contamination. The use of these soils demands the adoption of conservation practices.
Successful Innovation Transfer through Pre-Standardization: A Case Study
Authors: Nehr Sascha , Jäckel Simon
Published: February 2023

This study presents an approach to structure, analyze and evaluate corporate standardization processes using the example of pre-standardization for the reduction of environmental impacts in product design and development. For this purpose, we give a detailed description of the evolution of the European Standard EN 16524 entitled “Mechanical products—Methodology for reduction of environmental impacts in product design and development”. The standardization strategy behind the evolution of EN 16524 is analyzed using the approach of a Business Model Canvas combined with an evaluation using pre-defined success factors. Moreover, we derive general recommendations for corporate standardization professionals in checklists for each field of the underlying Business Model Canvas. With regard to the case study depicted here, we come to the conclusion that pre-standards are especially suited for innovation transfer in the field of emerging and rapidly evolving scientific and technical results.
An Innovative Comparative Analysis Approach for the Assessment of Laparoscopic Surgical Skills
Authors: Malisetty Saiteja , Ali Hesham H. , Rastegari Elham , Siu Ka-Chun
Published: February 2023

Over the past few decades, surgeon training has changed dramatically. Surgical skills are now taught in a surgical skills laboratory instead of the operating room. Simulation-based training helps medical students improve their skills, but it has not revolutionized clinical education. One critical barrier to reaching such a desired goal is the lack of reliable, robust, and objective methods for assessing the effectiveness of training sessions and the development of students. In this paper, we will develop a new comparative analysis approach that employs network models as the central concept in establishing a new assessment tool for the evaluation of the surgical skills of trainees as well as the training processes. The model is populated using participants electromyography data while performing a simulation task. Furthermore, using NASA Task Load Index score, participants’ subjective overload levels are analyzed to examine the impact of participants’ perception of their mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration on how participants perform each simulation task. Obtained results indicate that the proposed approach enables us to extract useful information from the raw data and provides an objective method for assessment the of surgical simulation tasks and how the participants’ perception of task impacts their performance.
Ancyronyx jhoanae sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Elmidae), A New Spider Riffle Beetle Species from Luzon, Philippines, and New Records for A. tamaraw Freitag, 2013
Authors: Seno Christalle Beatriz N. , Freitag Hendrik
Published: February 2023

Ancyronyx jhoanae sp. nov., a new species of genus Ancyronyx Erichson, 1847 from Luzon is described using an integrative taxonomic approach. Illustrations of habitus and diagnostic characters are provided. Molecular analysis of a fragment of the COI 5’-end was employed to support the morphological species concept. Differences from closely related species based on molecular and morphological data are discussed. First records of A. tamaraw Freitag, 2013 from Luzon are reported.
Advances in the Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease Activity with PET/CT and CTA
Authors: Kwiecinski Jacek , Wolny Rafal , Chwala Alicja , Slomka Piotr
Published: February 2023

Non-invasive testing plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis, assessment of progression, response to therapy, and risk stratification of coronary artery disease. Although anatomical plaque imaging by computed tomography angiography (CTA) and ischemia detection with myocardial perfusion imaging studies are current standards of care, there is a growing body of evidence that imaging of the processes which drive atherosclerotic plaque progression and rupture has the potential to further enhance risk stratification. In particular, non-invasive imaging of coronary plaque inflammation and active calcification has shown promise in this regard. Positron emission tomography (PET) with newly-adopted radiotracers provides unique insights into atheroma activity acting as a powerful independent predictor of myocardial infarctions. Similarly, by providing a quantitative measure of coronary inflammation, the pericoronary adipose tissue density (PCAT) derived from standard coronary CTA enhances cardiac risk prediction and allows re-stratification over and above current state-of-the-art assessments. In this review, we shall discuss the recent advances in the non-invasive methods of assessment of disease activity by PET and CTA, highlighting how these methods could improve risk stratification and ultimately benefit patients with coronary artery disease.
On Warm Natural Inflation and Planck 2018 Constraints
Authors: AlHallak Mahmoud , Al-Said Khalil Kalid , Chamoun Nidal , El-Daher Moustafa Sayem
Published: February 2023

We investigate natural inflation with non-minimal coupling to gravity, characterized either by a quadratic or a periodic term, within the warm inflation paradigm during the slow-roll stage, in both strong and weak dissipation limits; and show that, in the case of a T-linearly dependent dissipative term, it can accommodate the spectral index ns and tensor-to-scalar ratio r observables given by Planck 2018 constraints, albeit with a too-small value of the e-folding number to solve the horizon problem, providing, thus, only a partial solution to natural inflation issues, assuming a T-cubically dependent dissipative term can provide a solution to this e-folding number issue.
Are Central Banks’ Monetary Policies the Future of Housing Affordability Solutions
Authors: Yiu Chung Yim
Published: February 2023

Housing affordability is one of the major social problems in many countries, with some advocates urging governments to provide more accessible mortgages to facilitate more homeownership. However, in recent decades more and more evidence has shown that unaffordable housing is the consequence of monetary policy. Most of the previous empirical studies have been based on econometric analyses, which make it hard to eliminate potential endogeneity biases. This cross-country study exploited the two global interest rate shocks as quasi-experiments to test the impacts and causality of monetary policy (taking real interest rates as a proxy) on house prices. Global central banks’ synchronized reduction in interest rates after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and then the global synchronized increase in interest rates after the global inflation crisis in 2022 provided both a treatment and a treatment reversal to test the monetary policy hypothesis. The stylized facts vividly reveal the negative association between interest rate changes and house price changes in many countries. This study further conducted a ten-country panel regression analysis to test the hypothesis. The results confirmed that, after controlling for GDP growth and unemployment factors, the change in real interest rate imposed a negative effect on house price growth rates. The key practical implication of this study pinpoints the mal-prescription of harnessing monetary policy to solve housing affordability issues, as it can distort housing market dynamics.