bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbiome and transcriptome analyses reveal the influence of calcined dolomite application on Eriocheir sinensis in a rice–crab co-culture system
Authors: Li Yingdong , Li Lishong , Miao Wei , Li Xiaodong
Published: October 2023

Co-culture systems of rice and aquatic animals can contribute to the ecological intensification of agriculture by reducing nutrient loss and the need for N fertilizer application and by enhancing nutrient-use efficiency. However, the input of high-protein diets into paddy fields, to facilitate the growth of aquatic animals, has been found to increase N pollution and acidification of the soil. Although soil amendments have been widely used to ameliorate acidic soils, reduce N2O emissions, and improve agronomic production, the relationship between soil amendments and aquatic animal remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of calcined dolomite (hereafter referred to as dolomite) as an acidic soil amendment and Ca–Mg supplement in rice–crab co-culture using Eriocheir sinensis crabs (Chinese mitten crabs). High-throughput sequencing was used to examine crab bacterial community composition and crab hepatopancreas biology. Although the water pH was significantly increased in the dolomite group, the number, composition, and diversity of bacteria identified in crab gut microbiome did not vary significantly between the dolomite and control groups. In the dolomite group, the probiotic agents Candidatus Hepatoplasma and Lactobacillus were highly abundant in the crab gut, and immune- and retinol metabolism-related genes were significantly upregulated in the crab hepatopancreas. Overall, dolomite application increased crab health and water pH. Dolomite is a low-cost amendment, with better stability, compared to other soil amendments, thus making it ideal for sustainable and clean rice–aquatic animal co-culture.
Excitatory stimulation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex reduces cognitive gambling biases via improved feedback learning
Authors: Kroker Thomas , Wyczesany Miroslaw , Rehbein Maimu Alissa , Roesmann Kati , Wessing Ida , Wiegand Anja , Bölte Jens , Junghöfer Markus
Published: October 2023

Humans are subject to a variety of cognitive biases, such as the framing-effect or the gambler's fallacy, that lead to decisions unfitting of a purely rational agent. Previous studies have shown that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) plays a key role in making rational decisions and that stronger vmPFC activity is associated with attenuated cognitive biases. Accordingly, dysfunctions of the vmPFC are associated with impulsive decisions and pathological gambling. By applying a gambling paradigm in a between-subjects design with 33 healthy adults, we demonstrate that vmPFC excitation via transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduces the framing-effect and the gambler's fallacy compared to sham stimulation. Corresponding magnetoencephalographic data suggest improved inhibition of maladaptive options after excitatory vmPFC-tDCS. Our analyses suggest that the underlying mechanism might be improved reinforcement learning, as effects only emerge over time. These findings encourage further investigations of whether excitatory vmPFC-tDCS has clinical utility in treating pathological gambling or other behavioral addictions.
Spin-polarized Majorana zero modes in proximitized superconducting penta-silicene nanoribbons
Authors: Bento Ribeiro R. C. , Correa J. H. , Ricco L. S. , Shelykh I. A. , Continentino Mucio A. , Seridonio A. C. , Minissale M. , Le Lay G. , Figueira M. S.
Published: October 2023

We theoretically propose penta-silicene nanoribbons (p-SiNRs) with induced p-wave superconductivity as a platform for the emergence of spin-polarized Majorana zero-modes (MZMs). The model explicitly considers the key ingredients of well-known Majorana hybrid nanowire setups: Rashba spin-orbit coupling, magnetic field perpendicular to the nanoribbon plane, and first nearest neighbor hopping with p-wave superconducting pairing. The energy spectrum of the system, as a function of chemical potential, reveals the existence of MZMs with a well-defined spin orientation localized at the opposite ends of both the top and bottom chains of the p-SiNR, associated with well-localized and nonoverlapping wave function profiles. Well-established experimental techniques enable the fabrication of highly ordered p-SiNRs, complemented by a thin lead film on top, responsible for inducing p-wave superconductivity through proximity effect. Moreover, the emergence of MZMs with explicit opposite spin orientations for some set of model parameters opens a new avenue for exploring quantum computing operations, which accounts for both MZMs and spin properties, as well as for new MZMs probe devices based on spin-polarized electronic transport mechanisms.
Bayesian regression versus machine learning for rapid age estimation of archaeological features identified with lidar at Angkor
Authors: Carleton W. Christopher , Klassen Sarah , Niles-Weed Jonathan , Evans Damian , Roberts Patrick , Groucutt Huw S.
Published: October 2023

Lidar (light-detection and ranging) has revolutionized archaeology. We are now able to produce high-resolution maps of archaeological surface features over vast areas, allowing us to see ancient land-use and anthropogenic landscape modification at previously un-imagined scales. In the tropics, this has enabled documentation of previously archaeologically unrecorded cities in various tropical regions, igniting scientific and popular interest in ancient tropical urbanism. An emerging challenge, however, is to add temporal depth to this torrent of new spatial data because traditional archaeological investigations are time consuming and inherently destructive. So far, we are aware of only one attempt to apply statistics and machine learning to remotely-sensed data in order to add time-depth to spatial data. Using temples at the well-known massive urban complex of Angkor in Cambodia as a case study, a predictive model was developed combining standard regression with novel machine learning methods to estimate temple foundation dates for undated Angkorian temples identified with remote sensing, including lidar. The model’s predictions were used to produce an historical population curve for Angkor and study urban expansion at this important ancient tropical urban centre. The approach, however, has certain limitations. Importantly, its handling of uncertainties leaves room for improvement, and like many machine learning approaches it is opaque regarding which predictor variables are most relevant. Here we describe a new study in which we investigated an alternative Bayesian regression approach applied to the same case study. We compare the two models in terms of their inner workings, results, and interpretive utility. We also use an updated database of Angkorian temples as the training dataset, allowing us to produce the most current estimate for temple foundations and historic spatiotemporal urban growth patterns at Angkor. Our results demonstrate that, in principle, predictive statistical and machine learning methods could be used to rapidly add chronological information to large lidar datasets and a Bayesian paradigm makes it possible to incorporate important uncertainties—especially chronological—into modelled temporal estimates.
High glucose promotes benign prostatic hyperplasia by downregulating PDK4 expression
Authors: Wei Pengyu , Lin Dongxu , Luo Changcheng , Zhang Mengyang , Deng Bolang , Cui Kai , Chen Zhong
Published: October 2023

As men age, a growing number develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). According to previous research, diabetes may be a risk factor. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is closely related to glucose metabolism and plays a role in the onset and progression of numerous illnesses. This study aimed to determine the direct effects of high glucose environment on prostate epithelial cells, in particular by altering PDK4 expression levels. In this investigation, normal prostatic epithelial cells (RWPE-1) and human benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial cells (BPH-1) were treated with 50 mM glucose to show the alteration of high glucose in prostate cells. PDK4-target siRNA, PDK4-expression plasmid were used to investigate the effects of PDK4. Rosiglitazone (RG), a PPARγ agonist, with the potential to up-regulate PDK4 expression was also used for treating prostate cells. The expression of PDK4 in human prostate samples was also analyzed. The effects of high glucose therapy on BPH-1 and RWPE-1 cells were demonstrated to enhance proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), suppress apoptosis, and down-regulate PDK4 expression. Additionally, diabetes-related BPH patients had reduced PDK4 expression. Following the application of PDK4-target siRNA, a comparable outcome was seen. The PDK4-expression plasmid therapy, however, produced the opposite results. RG with the ability to elevate PDK4 expression might be used to treat BPH. Changes in the metabolism of lipids and glucose may be the cause of these consequences. These findings showed that high glucose treatment might facilitate BPH development, and may be related to the down-regulation of PDK4. PDK4 might be a potential therapeutic target of BPH.
Enhanced removal of organic dyes from aqueous solutions by new magnetic HKUST-1: facile strategy for synthesis
Authors: Mohammadnejad Masoumeh , Nekoo Niosha Mokhtari , Alizadeh Sedighe , Sadeghi Soosan , Geranmayeh Shokoofeh
Published: October 2023

A novel, magnetic HKUST-1 MOF based on MgFe2O4-NH2 was designed and synthesized in two steps and applied effective removal of malachite green (MG), crystal violet (CV), and methylene blue (MB) from water samples. Characterization of the newly synthesized MgFe2O4-NH2-HKUST-1 was performed by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, Thermal gravimetric analysis, and Vibration sampling magnetometry. Malachite green, crystal violet and methylene blue are toxic and mutagenic dyes that can be released into the water in different ways and cause many problems for human health and the environment. The removal of malachite green, crystal violet, and methylene blue from aqueous solutions was investigated using the magnetic HKUST-1 in this research. The effect of various parameters such as pH, amount of sorbent, dye concentration, temperature, and contact time on dye removal has been studied. The results showed that more than 75% of dyes were removed within 5 min. Adsorption isotherms, Kinetic, and thermodynamic studies were investigated. The results of this study show that adsorption capacity of the magnetic adsorbent is equal to 108.69 mg g−1 for MG, 70.42 mg g−1 for CV, and 156.25 mg g−1 for MB. This study shows the good strategy for the synthesis of the functionalized magnetic form of HKUST-1 and its capability for increasing the efficiency of the removal process of malachite green, crystal violet, and methylene blue from an aqueous solution.
Unraveling the connections between gut microbiota, stress, and quality of life for holistic care in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients
Authors: Lee Chi-Chan , Yang Horng-Woei , Liu Chih-Ju , Lee Fang , Ko Wen-Ching , Chang Yuan-Ching , Yang Po-Sheng
Published: October 2023

There is little research about the stress, quality of life (QOL) and gut microbiota in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. In this study addressing the dearth of research on stress, quality of life (QOL), and gut microbiota in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, 82 individuals were prospectively observed. Utilizing the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACT)-Breast questionnaire to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the Distress Thermometer (DT) to gauge distress levels, the findings revealed a mean FACT-B score of 104.5, underscoring HRQOL's varied impact. Significantly, 53.7% reported moderate to severe distress, with a mean DT score of 4.43. Further exploration uncovered compelling links between distress levels, FACT-B domains, and microbial composition. Notably, Alcaligenaceae and Sutterella were more abundant in individuals with higher DT scores at the family and genus levels (p = 0.017), while Streptococcaceae at the family level and Streptococcus at the genus level were prevalent in those with lower DT scores (p = 0.028 and p = 0.023, respectively). This study illuminates the intricate interplay of stress, QOL, and gut microbiota in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, offering valuable insights for potential interventions of biomarker or probiotics aimed at alleviating stress and enhancing QOL in this patient cohort.
Amharic political sentiment analysis using deep learning approaches
Authors: Alemayehu Fikirte , Meshesha Million , Abate Jemal
Published: October 2023

This study delves into the realm of sentiment analysis in the Amharic language, focusing on political sentences extracted from social media platforms in Ethiopia. The research employs deep learning techniques, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM), and a hybrid model combining CNN with Bi-LSTM to analyze and classify sentiments. The hybrid CNN-Bi-LSTM model emerges as the top performer, achieving an impressive accuracy of 91.60%. While these results mark a significant milestone, challenges persist, such as the need for a more extensive and diverse dataset and the identification of nuanced sentiments like sarcasm and figurative speech. The study underscores the importance of transitioning from binary sentiment analysis to a multi-class classification approach, enabling a finer-grained understanding of sentiments. Moreover, the establishment of a standardized corpus for Amharic sentiment analysis emerges as a critical endeavor with broad applicability beyond politics, spanning domains like agriculture, industry, tourism, sports, entertainment, and satisfaction analysis. The exploration of sarcastic comments in the Amharic language stands out as a promising avenue for future research.
The crosstalk between glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes controls their responses to metabolic stimuli in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Albrecht Michael , Sticht Carsten , Wagner Tabea , Hettler Steffen A. , De La Torre Carolina , Qiu Jiedong , Gretz Norbert , Albrecht Thomas , Yard Benito , Sleeman Jonathan P. , Garvalov Boyan K.
Published: October 2023

In diabetic nephropathy (DN), glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) and podocytes undergo pathological alterations, which are influenced by metabolic changes characteristic of diabetes, including hyperglycaemia (HG) and elevated methylglyoxal (MGO) levels. However, it remains insufficiently understood what effects these metabolic factors have on GEC and podocytes and to what extent the interactions between the two cell types can modulate these effects. To address these questions, we established a co-culture system in which GECs and podocytes were grown together in close proximity, and assessed transcriptional changes in each cell type after exposure to HG and MGO. We found that HG and MGO had distinct effects on gene expression and that the effect of each treatment was markedly different between GECs and podocytes. HG treatment led to upregulation of “immediate early response” genes, particularly those of the EGR family, as well as genes involved in inflammatory responses (in GECs) or DNA replication/cell cycle (in podocytes). Interestingly, both HG and MGO led to downregulation of genes related to extracellular matrix organisation in podocytes. Crucially, the transcriptional responses of GECs and podocytes were dependent on their interaction with each other, as many of the prominently regulated genes in co-culture of the two cell types were not significantly changed when monocultures of the cells were exposed to the same stimuli. Finally, the changes in the expression of selected genes were validated in BTBR ob/ob mice, an established model of DN. This work highlights the molecular alterations in GECs and podocytes in response to the key diabetic metabolic triggers HG and MGO, as well as the central role of GEC-podocyte crosstalk in governing these responses.
Microvascular proliferation is associated with high tumour blood flow by mpMRI and disease progression in primary prostate cancer
Authors: Børretzen Astrid , Reisæter Lars A. R. , Ringheim Anders , Gravdal Karsten , Haukaas Svein A. , Fasmer Kristine E. , Haldorsen Ingfrid H. S. , Beisland Christian , Akslen Lars A. , Halvorsen Ole J.
Published: October 2023

Active angiogenesis may be assessed by immunohistochemistry using Nestin, a marker of newly formed vessels, combined with Ki67 for proliferating cells. Here, we studied microvascular proliferation by Nestin-Ki67 co-expression in prostate cancer, focusing on relations to quantitative imaging parameters from anatomically matched areas obtained by preoperative mpMRI, clinico-pathological features and prognosis. Tumour slides from 67 patients (radical prostatectomies) were stained for Nestin-Ki67. Proliferative microvessel density (pMVD) and presence of glomeruloid microvascular proliferation (GMP) were recorded. From mpMRI, forward volume transfer constant (Ktrans), reverse volume transfer constant (kep), volume of EES (ve), blood flow, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were obtained. High pMVD was associated with high blood flow (p = 0.008) and low ADC (p = 0.032). High Ktrans, kep, and blood flow were associated with high Gleason score. High pMVD, GMP, and low ADC were associated with most adverse clinico-pathological factors. Regarding prognosis, high pMVD, Ktrans, kep, and low ADC were associated with reduced biochemical recurrence-free- and metastasis-free survival (p ≤ 0.044) and high blood flow with reduced time to biochemical- and clinical recurrence (p < 0.026). In multivariate analyses however, microvascular proliferation was a stronger predictor compared with blood flow. Indirect, dynamic markers of angiogenesis from mpMRI and direct, static markers of angiogenesis from immunohistochemistry may aid in the stratification and therapy planning of prostate cancer patients.
Development of an Operational Digital Twin of a Locomotive Parking Brake for Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Davidyan Gabriel , Bortman Jacob , Kenett Ron S.
Published: October 2023

In recent years, a growing role in digital technologies has been filled by model-based digital twinning. A digital twin produces a one-to-one mapping of a physical structure, operating in the digital domain. Combined with sensor technology and analytics, a digital twin can provide enhanced monitoring, diagnostic, and optimization capabilities. This research harnesses the significant capabilities of digital twining for the unmitigated challenge of fault type classification of a locomotive parking brake. We develop a digital twin of the locomotive parking brake and suggest a method for fault type classification based on the digital twin. The diagnostic ability of the method is demonstrated on a large experimental dataset.
Influence of shift work on periodontitis according to the occupation group
Authors: Jung Seok-Ki , Lim Ho-Kyung , Jeong Yujin , Lee Sung Jae , Park Jung Soo , Song In-Seok
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of shift work on periodontal disease in blue-and white-collar workers and to examine the interaction effects between occupation and work patterns. Data were collected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare for a total of nine years from 2007 to 2015. Participants with missing outcome variables were excluded from the analysis and a total of 32,336 participants were included in the final analysis. Univariable odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a logistic regression model with 95% confidence interval (CI). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using the backward elimination method. The CONTRAST statement was used to analyze the interaction effect between occupation and work patterns. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that interaction effects are present between the terms, occupational type and work pattern. Crude OR of shift work for periodontitis was 1.269 [CI 1.213–1.327, P < 0.05]. However, following adjustment for multiple confounding factors and the interaction effect term considered, this OR (1.269) increased to 1.381 [CI 1.253–1.523] in white-collar group while it decreased to 1.198 [1.119–1.283] in blue-collar. Crude OR of blue-collar (OR = 3.123, CI 2.972–3.281, P < 0.05) decreased to 1.151 [CI 1.049–1.262] when interaction effect to the shift work was considered. Shift work pattern increases the risk for periodontitis and this adverse effect is greater when white-collar workers are engaged comparing to blue-collar. The result of this study suggests that 24/7 lifestyle of the modern society poses health risks to the relevant people and the potential harm can be greater to white-collar workers.
An assessment of the habitat preferences of European bison with airborne laser scanning data in forest ecosystem
Authors: Klich Daniel , Stereńczak Krzysztof , Lisiewicz Maciej , Sobczuk Maria , Nieszała Angelika , Olech Wanda
Published: October 2023

Research on habitat preferences is an important part of contemporary ecology. For the European bison, the classic approach to distinguishing habitat features is still being followed, but the limitations of this approach cannot provide the standard features of optimal habitats for this species. The study consisted in comparing analyses of the habitat preferences of European bison that were based on either classic forest typology (habitat types) or airborne laser scanning data. The data for these analyses were collected from telemetry collars on European bison in Białowieża Forest. The model based on airborne laser scanning features presented better parameters (percent of correctly classified cases and ROC) than the model based on habitat types. The results show that it is possible to find universal indicators of European bison’s preferences that are independent of local forest classification methodology. The indicators used suggest that European bison have a preference for forest habitats with low canopy cover and a small share of woody plants in the lower parts of the forest. Low canopy cover itself is not necessarily beneficial for European bison. Our study also indicates that airborne laser scanning is also useful in the assessment of habitat suitability for European bison in forest ecosystems.
Protonated and deprotonated vanadyl imidazole tartrates for the mimics of the vanadium coordination in the FeV-cofactor of V-nitrogenase
Authors: Zhu Shuang-Shuang , Xie Zhen-Lang , Deng Lan , Wang Si-Yuan , Ni Lu-Bin , Zhou Zhao-Hui
Published: October 2023

Protonated and deprotonated vanadyl imidazole tartrates were obtained for the mimics of FeV-cos. The V–Oα-hydroxy distance in 1 is close to those in FeV-cos. VCD spectra show that protonation significantly affects the characteristic peak of C–O(H).
Mechanochromic and ionic conductive cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers for biomechanical monitoring and human–machine interaction
Authors: Ma Jiazhe , Yang Yanzhao , Zhang Xuan , Xue Pan , Valenzuela Cristian , Liu Yuan , Wang Ling , Feng Wei
Published: October 2023

Ionic conductive cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers with dynamic color-changing and electrical sensing functions were developed through the integration of cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers with polymer ionic liquid networks.
Light-sensitive monolayer-thick nanocrystal skins of face-down self-oriented colloidal quantum wells
Authors: Bozkaya Taylan , Isik Furkan , Bozkaya Iklim , Delikanli Savas , Unal Emre , Demir Hilmi Volkan
Published: October 2023

A new class of light-sensitive nanocrystal skins (LS-NS) that employ a monolayer of face-down orientation-controlled self-assembled CQWs as the active absorbing layer in the UV-visible range is developed.
Protecting Li-metal in O2 atmosphere by a sacrificial polymer additive in Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , Niu Ben , Tang Yonglin , Luo Haiyan , Li Zhengang , Yu Xiaoyu , Wang Xin , Jiang Chunhai , Qiao Yu , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: October 2023

Polyacrylamide-co-polymethyl acrylate (PAMMA) additive promotes Li3N-rich solid electrolyte interface film formation to protect Li-metal anode. Stable cycling performance of Li-O2 cell is achieved.
From waste carbonated beverages to high performance electrochromic devices: a green and low-cost synthetic method for self-doped metal oxides
Authors: Wu Lingqi , Fang Huajing , Jing Kai , Yu Haolin , Shan Zhiwei
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate a waste-to-valuable concept by fabricating self-doped electrochromic metal oxides with waste carbonated beverages. The green and low-cost approach shines light on the multiscale optimization of superior metal oxides.
Synthesis of disulfide-rich C-terminal Cys-containing peptide acids through a photocleavable side-chain anchoring strategy
Authors: Luo Jie , Gao Yuan , Zhao Rui , Shi Jing , Li Yi-Ming
Published: October 2023

We report a photocleavable side-chain anchoring strategy for the synthesis of disulfide-rich C-terminal Cys-containing peptide acids.
Trialkylphosphonium oxoborates as C(sp3)–H oxyanion holes and their application in catalytic chemoselective acetalization
Authors: Leung Vincent Ming-Yau , Wong Hong-Chai Fabio , Pook Chun-Man , Tse Ying-Lung Steve , Yeung Ying-Yeung
Published: October 2023

Trialkylphosphonium oxoborates with site-isolated borate counter anions were found to have preorganized C(sp3)–Hs that can interact with electron donors. The system can serve as a mimic of oxyanion holes to catalyze chemoselective acetalization.
Enhancing organic cathodes of aqueous zinc-ion batteries via utilizing steric hindrance and electron cloud equalization
Authors: Ma Guanzhong , Ju Zhengyu , Xu Xin , Xu Yunfei , Sun Yao , Wang Yaqun , Zhang Guoxin , Cai Mian , Pan Lijia , Yu Guihua
Published: October 2023

Polyaniline (PANI), with merits of high electronic conductivity and capacity, is a promising material for zinc (Zn)-ion batteries.
Topological insulator bismuth selenide with a unique cloud-like hollow structure as a bidirectional electrocatalyst for robust lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhao Mincai , Fu Junjie , Cai Daoping , Zhang Chaoqi , Fei Ban , Zhang Yinggan , Sa Baisheng , Chen Qidi , Zhan Hongbing
Published: October 2023

Topological insulator Bi2Se3 with a unique cloud-like hollow structure was synthesized and employed as a separator modifier for lithium–sulfur batteries, which can significantly accelerate sulfur conversion kinetics and mitigate the shuttle effect.
Roles of Phonation Types and Decoders' Gender in Recognizing Mandarin Emotional Speech
Authors: Chang Yajie , Chen Xiaoxiang , Chen Fei , Li Manhong
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

Capturing phonation types such as breathy, modal, and pressed voices precisely can facilitate the recognition of human emotions. However, little is known about how exactly phonation types and decoders' gender influence the perception of emotional speech. Based on the modified Brunswikian lens model, this article aims to examine the roles of phonation types and decoders' gender in Mandarin emotional speech recognition by virtue of articulatory speech synthesis.

Method:

Fifty-five participants (28 male and 27 female) completed a recognition task of Mandarin emotional speech, with 200 stimuli representing five emotional categories (happiness, anger, fear, sadness, and neutrality) and five types (original, copied, breathy, modal, and pressed). Repeated-measures analyses of variance were performed to analyze recognition accuracy and confusion data.

Results:

For male and female decoders, the recognition accuracy of anger from pressed stimuli and fear from breathy stimuli was high; across all phonation-type stimuli, the recognition accuracy of sadness was also high, but that of happiness was low. The confusion data revealed that in recognizing fear from all phonation-type stimuli, female decoders chose fear responses more frequently and neutral responses less frequently than male decoders. In recognizing neutrality from breathy stimuli, female decoders significantly reduced their choice of neutral responses and misidentified neutrality as anger, while male decoders mistook neutrality from pressed stimuli for anger.

Conclusions:

This study revealed that, in Mandarin, phonation types play crucial roles in recognizing anger, fear, and neutrality, while the recognition of sadness and happiness seems not to depend heavily on phonation types. Moreover, the decoders' gender affects their recognition of neutrality and fear. These findings support the modified Brunswikian lens model and have significance for diagnosis and intervention among clinical populations with hearing impairment or gender-related psychiatric disorders.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24302221
Experimental system for measuring the force load of a single blade pump
Authors: Bleho Dávid , Olšiak Róbert , Knížat Branislav
Published: October 2023

Precise evaluation and anticipation of the radial and axial force loads acting on the impeller of a spiral casing pump are essential to ensure that the pump operates efficiently and dependably. This study presents an experimental system for measuring the force load of a single blade pump and explores the fluid mechanics involved in its operation. The experimental system consists of a strain gauge and a data acquisition system, which measures the force load on the blade as the pump rotates. In addition, our investigation delves into various approaches for measuring radial force loads, which include the evaluation of reaction forces on bearings. For the case of experimental measurement of the radial and axial force in the pump bearings, it is necessary to make some design modifications on the pump body. The measurement methodology is based on the principle of a “relaxed” shaft that performs a so-called spherical motion around the rotation axis during pump operation.
The effect of eroded leading edge to the turbulent wake topology studied by PIV
Authors: Duda Daniel , Abrhám Vladimír , Yanovych Vitalii , Tomášková Tetjana , Uruba Václav
Published: October 2023

The effect of leading edge erosion to the flow is studied experimentally by standard method of Particle Image Velocimetry. Three airfoil models are manufactured: the reference one, the homogenously eroded one, which is modeled by putting a sheet of sand-paper to its leading edge and the airfoil with large erosion, which is modeled by regular spikes and a valley in sub-stagnation area. The damaged airfoils support earlier transition to turbulence; in fully turbulent regime, their wake is wider than in the smooth case and, especially in the case of regular spikes, the spanwise fluctuations are reduced.
Stability of the Stationary Flow of an Incompressible Liquid
Authors: Fialová Simona , Pochylý František
Published: October 2023

The work presents four methods for assessing the stability of stationary vortex structures in multiple continuous regions. First one is based on linearized Navier - Stokes equations using modal analysis. The second method considers non-linear equations and is focused on the stability of the stationary flow at the inner point of the region. The third method is focused on the qualitative analysis of the dependence of an input power, performance and dissipation function. The fourth method is based on the analysis of the potential energy of the flowing liquid. Each of the mentioned methods will be described by a mathematical model, from which it will be possible to assess the influence of boundary conditions and the shape of the area on the mentioned stability.
Turbulence organization in isolated roughness flow
Authors: Yanovych Vitalii , Duda Daniel , Uruba Václav
Published: October 2023

The primary goal of this investigation was to analyze the specific evolution of the boundary layer over an isolated roughness. A specific surface consisting of rectangular elements of the same height arranged in a checkerboard pattern was used for the experiments. Throughout the experiment, the measuring cross-sections were positioned at various distances from the inlet, while maintaining a constant flow velocity of 15 m·s-1. To investigate the boundary layer topology in the streamwise directions, a 55P14 miniature hot-wire probe was employed. It is worth mentioning that the measuring position was situated at the midpoint between the roughness elements. Through the analysis of the gathered data, we identified the distribution patterns of the mean velocity profile at different measuring positions. Additionally, we estimated the integral scale of the turbulence by applying different approaches, such as the zero-crossing method (based on autocorrelation analysis), and the Roach and Karman methods (based on spectral density function). The data obtained from our experiments demonstrate that the presence of isolated roughness leads to a pronounced alteration of the velocity profile. This phenomenon is likely due to the shear layer, which typically contains the largest and most energetic vortices in the flow.
Ingénierie : relever le gigantesque défi des ressources
humaines
Authors: Branche Thomas
Published: October 2023

Assystem est le premier ingénieriste nucléaire européen. L’entreprise sait que les besoins de recrutement et de formation des ingénieurs pour répondre au nouveau programme nucléaire sont immenses. Il s’agit d’élargir au maximum le vivier de recrutement des jeunes ingénieurs et de rendre la filière attractive.
Krankenkassenfinanzierte Adipositastherapie – effektiv und
praxisnah
Authors: Becker Christine , Walle Hardy
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund Das Ausmaß und die Anzahl der von Adipositas
Betroffenen nimmt in unserer Gesellschaft fortlaufend zu. Mehr als die
Hälfte der Bevölkerung in Deutschland ist von
Übergewicht oder Adipositas betroffen. Dies verdeutlicht den steigenden
Bedarf an krankenkassenfinanzierten Gewichtsreduktionsprogrammen. Ziel dieser
Untersuchung ist, aufzuzeigen, welchen Beitrag das vorgestellte
Gewichtsreduktionsprogramm in der Adipositastherapie leisten kann.

Methoden 1-Jahres-Ergebnisse von 1.590 Teilnehmenden (69,5%
Frauen, 30,5% Männer) an einem krankenkassenfinanzierten
(Besondere Versorgung Adipositas nach § 140a ff. SGB V), ambulanten,
ärztlich betreuten Adipositastherapieprogramm. Die Erfassung erfolgte
multizentrisch, Auswertung retrospektiv, nach ITT-Analyse. Neben
Körpergewicht, BMI und Körperzusammensetzung wurden
Taillenumfang, Blutfette (Gesamt-, LDL-, HDL-Cholesterin, Triglyzeride),
Leberparameter (Fatty-Liver-Index, ASAT, ALAT, GGT) sowie Harnsäure
erfasst.

Ergebnisse In allen Gruppen wurde innerhalb eines Jahres ein signifikanter
Gewichtsverlust erzielt. Im Mittel betrug die Gewichtsabnahme
9,1 kg/8,3% in der Gesamtgruppe,
8,2 kg/7,9% bei den Frauen,
11,1 kg/9,1% bei den Männern; P≤0,001.
Der Gewichtsverlust erfolgte zu 70% über Körperfett.
Begleitet wurde die Gewichtsabnahme von einer signifikanten Verbesserung des
Taillenumfangs, der Blutfette sowie der Leberparameter und
Harnsäure.

Schlussfolgerung Mit dem vorgestellten Programm wurde neben einer
deutlichen Gewichtsabnahme, die überwiegend durch Körperfett
erfolgt ist, eine deutliche Verbesserung der Stoffwechselsituation erzielt. Im
Hinblick auf die starke Präsenz von Adipositas in unserer Gesellschaft
kann es einen wichtigen Beitrag in der Adipositastherapie leisten.
The role of auditory processing in L2 vowel learning: evidence from recasts
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liao Yi
Published: October 2023

Developing adequate second language (L2) speech has increasingly become one of the important goals in today’s globalized world. The current study set out to investigate how the provision of recasts can facilitate English vowels /i/-/ɪ/ learning by Chinese native speakers and how such learning gains resulting from recasts can be tied to individual differences in auditory processing. An experimental group of thirty young adults was engaged in ten treatment sessions of recasts lasting ninety minutes each to notice and practice English vowels /i/-/ɪ/. Their learning gains were tested through a forced-choice identification task, a controlled word-reading task, and a spontaneous picture-narrative task before and after receiving recasts. A control group of the same number of participants was also included to receive comparable sessions without receiving any recasts to check for test-retest effects. Quantitative analysis showed that recasts significantly helped Chinese native speakers facilitate their learning of English vowels /i/-/ɪ/ regardless of time and lexical context. Such learning gains resulting from recasts were significantly correlated with specific constructs of auditory processing. Namely, perceptual acuity was significantly correlated with gains from recasts in identifying L2 vowels, and audio-motor integration with gains from recasts in controlled/spontaneous production of L2 vowels. The findings suggest that recasts can serve as ideal instructional techniques of L2 vowel learning for Chinese native speakers and that the auditory processing profiles of individuals can suggest how they can benefit the most from recasts.
Identification of a carbonic anhydrase–Rubisco complex within the alpha-carboxysome
Authors: Blikstad Cecilia , Dugan Eli J. , Laughlin Thomas G. , Turnšek Julia B. , Liu Mira D. , Shoemaker Sophie R. , Vogiatzi Nikoleta , Remis Jonathan P. , Savage David F.
Published: October 2023

Carboxysomes are proteinaceous organelles that encapsulate key enzymes of CO
2
fixation—Rubisco and carbonic anhydrase—and are the centerpiece of the bacterial CO
2
concentrating mechanism (CCM). In the CCM, actively accumulated cytosolic bicarbonate diffuses into the carboxysome and is converted to CO
2
by carbonic anhydrase, producing a high CO
2
concentration near Rubisco and ensuring efficient carboxylation. Self-assembly of the α-carboxysome is orchestrated by the intrinsically disordered scaffolding protein, CsoS2, which interacts with both Rubisco and carboxysomal shell proteins, but it is unknown how the carbonic anhydrase, CsoSCA, is incorporated into the α-carboxysome. Here, we present the structural basis of carbonic anhydrase encapsulation into α-carboxysomes from
Halothiobacillus neapolitanus
. We find that CsoSCA interacts directly with Rubisco via an intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain. A 1.98 Å single-particle cryoelectron microscopy structure of Rubisco in complex with this peptide reveals that CsoSCA binding is predominantly mediated by a network of hydrogen bonds. CsoSCA's binding site overlaps with that of CsoS2, but the two proteins utilize substantially different motifs and modes of binding, revealing a plasticity of the Rubisco binding site. Our results advance the understanding of carboxysome biogenesis and highlight the importance of Rubisco, not only as an enzyme but also as a central hub for mediating assembly through protein interactions.
Exploring lexical associations in English as a Lingua Franca interactions
Authors: Pang Yang
Published: October 2023

The current research draws on the pragmatic approach to ELF initiated by Kecskes (2019), who proposes that temporary norms and routines are created during intercultural encounters and interactions. Based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of collocate tokens that are strongly associated with the verb phrases of see, look, hear, listen, watch, and feel, retrieved from Asian and European ELF corpora, this study demonstrates the tendency to use similar lexical associative patterns among ELF interlocutors despite their distinct linguacultural backgrounds. An analysis of the lexical associations of the verb phrases in ELF and English Native Language (ENL) corpora further confirms that ELF speakers do not conform to ENL conventions; instead, they start to develop their own norms that are characterized by specific lexical associations and formulaic expressions.
Land-Use Conflicts and an Alternative Wildlife Management Option for the Loliondo Game-controlled Area, Tanzania: Insights from a Community Survey
Authors: Minja Gileard Sifuel , Suh Jungho , Tan Yan
Published: October 2023

This tourism case study pays attention to natural resource management conflicts surrounding the Loliondo Game-controlled Area which encompasses 4000 km
2
adjacent to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. Maasai, the largest nomadic pastoralist ethnic group in Tanzania, accounts for the overwhelming majority of the population residing in the Loliondo Game-controlled Area. The Loliondo Game-controlled Area has suffered from land-use and property-right conflicts among stakeholders despite establishing a series of wildlife management policies concerning the area. Trophy-hunting tourism has been operated in the Loliondo Game-controlled Area by a transnational private corporation with the Tanzanian government’s exclusive permission. Trophy hunting conflicts with other land uses in the Loliondo Game-controlled Area, including non-consumptive tourism, pastoral livelihoods, and crop farming. Although the
Village Land Act 1999
recognizes customary rights vested with local villages to wildlife management in the Game-controlled Areas, the Maasai communities in the Loliondo Game-controlled Area have yet to reap benefits from trophy hunting or photography tourism. To identify an alternative wildlife management option preferred by the Maasai communities, a community survey was conducted in 2018. A sample of 330 households was surveyed, with 55 in each of the six selected villages in the Loliondo Game-controlled Area. The survey confirmed that the Maasai communities were not involved in the decision-making process for wildlife management. This study has found that the Maasai communities strongly support establishing a Joint Venture Wildlife Management Area of 1500 km
2
within the Loliondo Game-controlled Area, with the remaining 2500 km
2
being allocated to grazing, farming, and human settlements. Under the Joint Venture Wildlife Management Area scheme, local villages would jointly manage wildlife and be entitled to rights to manage and use wildlife and other natural resources in the region. The overwhelming majority of the participants in the community survey were optimistic that the co-management scheme would help enhance natural resource management efficiency and social equity.

Information

© The Authors 2023
Study of a metal-halide perovskite CsPbBr3 thin film deposited on a 10B layer for neutron detection
Authors: Delgado Jessica C , Provenzano Chiara , Marra Marcella , Martino Maurizio , Monteduro Anna Grazia , Moretto Sandra , Pino Felix , Polo Matteo , Quarta Gianluca , Caricato Anna Paola
Published: October 2023

Metal halide perovskite materials have received significant attention in recent years due to their promising properties and potential applications, particularly their use as scintillator detectors, which is rapidly emerging due to their promising advantages as detectors, such as low costs, fast response, high quantum yield, strong absorption, scalability, flexibility, and emission wavelength tunability. Given the effectiveness of perovskites as α particle detectors and the potential of 10B as a neutron converter, in this paper a 10B converting layer was coupled with an all-inorganic lead halide perovskite (CsPbBr3) layer aiming to create a thermal neutron detector. Specifically, a 1 µm thin film of 10B and a 1 µm thin layer of CsPbBr3 were deposited on a suitable substrate using a laser ablation process. The fabricated detector was subjected to a comprehensive characterization, including structural, morphological, and detection properties. As output, the films exhibit macroscopically uniform behavior and good adhesion to the substrate. In terms of thermal neutron efficiency, an efficiency of (7.9 ± 0.3)% was determined with respect to a commercial detector (EJ-426), which corresponds to an intrinsic efficiency of (2.5 ± 0.1)%. Also, Monte Carlo simulations were conducted, and the optimum value of the 10B layer thickness was found to be 2.5 µm.
Effect of ultra-sonication, vacuum drying, and carbon coating on the super-capacitive behavior of Ti3C2T
x
MXene
Authors: Azadvari Reza , Mohammadi Somayeh , Habibi Alireza , Ahmadi Shayan , Sanaee Zeinab
Published: October 2023

Ti3C2T
x
MXene has attracted a considerable attention in energy devices, such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. This study investigated the effects of ultra-sonication and drying conditions on the structure and electrochemical performance of Ti3C2T
x
MXene-based supercapacitor electrode, where a significant improvement in the super-capacitive behavior of the sample that was sonicated and vacuum-dried at 80 °C has been observed. Ti3C2T
x
nano-sheets were obtained by aluminum etching of Ti3AlC2 MAX-Phase followed by the rinsing and drying post-treatment to derive Ti3C2T
x
MXene layers. The rinsed layers were then dried using four different conditions: 1-in the air at 25 °C, 2-in the air at 80 °C, 3-in a vacuum at 25 °C, 4-in a vacuum at 80 °C. It was observed that the specific capacitance at different scan rates of the vacuum-dried samples was, on average, 30% more than that of air-dried ones. Meanwhile, the samples dried at 80 °C have exhibited a 60% increase in the specific capacitance compared to the samples dried at 25 °C. Besides drying parameters, the effect of ultra-sonication of MXene layers before drying on their electrochemical performance has also been investigated. Generally, the specific capacitance of delaminated layers was higher than that of non-delaminated ones. However, we have noticed that ultra-sonication deteriorates the capacitive stability of the samples over time. To further improve the supercapacitor electrodes, carbon coating was performed on the sample with the best electrochemical performance (sonicated and vacuum-dried at 80 °C), through a hydrothermal glucose decomposition method. The specific capacitance of the carbonized sample was 117.19 F g−1 at the scan rate of 2 mV s−1, which is 35% more than that of the pristine MXene. The MXene structures were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared and thermogravimetric analysis. The electrochemical characteristics of the electrodes were investigated via cyclic-voltammetry, charge–discharge test, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Construction process monitoring of a large-span steel truss roof based on response-increment comparison strategy
Authors: Tang Baijian , Zhang Xuan , Xia Zhiyuan , Shi Huiyuan , Deng Xinghe , Chen Xin , Mao Xiaoyong , Wang Jiawei
Published: October 2023

Large-span spatial structures, with good appearance and plasticity are mostly used nowadays in urban landmarks. During the construction process, the loads are accumulated along with the construction conditions and the responses vary from the construction paths. Hence, a safety evaluation or monitoring of the construction process appears significant. During monitoring, the installation moment of strain gauges is not always the ideally non-loading status, the absolute or real strains in the structural components are difficult to acquire. Furthermore, the displacement monitoring for all key points reduces the construction efficiency. Herein, a response-increment real-time comparison strategy of stresses and unloading point displacements within numerical analysis is announced to avoid the above shortcomings. Based on a real large-span truss structure located in China, four construction schemes are proposed and investigated by simulation method. With the proposed construction scheme and monitoring strategy, a stress and displacement monitoring for the large-span truss structure was conducted. Through the comparison between the monitoring and simulation data, the proposed strategy is verified feasible for the construction monitoring, the efficiency is accelerated and the safety is guaranteed.