bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racetrack Ring Resonator Integrated with Multimode Interferometer Structure Based on Low-Cost Silica–Titania Platform for Refractive Index Sensing Application
Authors: Butt Muhammad A. , Shahbaz Muhammad , Piramidowicz Ryszard
Published: August 2023

In this work, a racetrack ring resonator (RTRR) integrated with a multimode interferometer (MMI) structure based on a silica–titania (SiO2:TiO2) platform is projected for refractive index sensing application. The typical ring resonator structure requires a gap of ~100 nm to 200 nm between the bus waveguide (WG) and the ring structure which makes it challenging to fabricate a precise device. Thus, the device proposed in this paper can be considered a “gapless” ring resonator structure in which the coupling of light between the ring and bus WG can be achieved via an MMI coupler. A minor change in the refractive index in the vicinity of the MMI structure can trigger a shift in the resonance wavelength of the device. Thus, this simple and fascinating structure can be employed as a refractive index sensor. The device’s sensitivity is ~142.5 nm/RIU in the refractive index range of 1.33 to 1.36 with a figure of merit (FOM) of 78.3. This simple device structure can potentially be fabricated via a low-cost and highly efficient sol–gel process and dip-coating method combined with the nanoimprint lithography (NIL) method.
Valorization of Olive Mill Byproducts: Recovery of Biophenol Compounds and Application in Animal Feed
Authors: Cifuni Giulia Francesca , Claps Salvatore , Morone Giuseppe , Sepe Lucia , Caparra Pasquale , Benincasa Cinzia , Pellegrino Massimiliano , Perri Enzo
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to recover the phenols from olive oil mill wastewater, a major pollutant of the oil industry, by using spray-drying technology to produce a new feed with a nutraceutical value for animal feed supplementation and to evaluate its effect on the productivity and nutritional quality of ewe milk. Forty-five Sarda ewes in late lactation (150 ± 2 d) and with homogeneous live weight (52 ± 1.5 kg) were randomly allotted into three groups and fed with three dietary treatments containing increasing levels of polyphenols: 0% (C), 0.1% (T0.1), and 0.2% (T0.2) of dry matter. No effect of the dietary treatments was found on the milk yield and composition. Interestingly, milk urea content (p < 0.0001) and somatic cell counts (p < 0.001) decreased as the level of polyphenols inclusion in the diet increased. The inclusion of phenols (0.2% of dry matter) in the diet of sheep was effective in increasing the vaccenic (C18:1 trans-11) and rumenic acid (C18: cis-9 trans-11) levels, which are beneficial for human health. Finally, the recovery of polyphenols via spray-drying technology and their incorporation into a new fortified feed can be a valid strategy for naturally improving the nutritional value of milk while valorizing an oil industry byproduct, reducing environmental impact, and promoting waste reuse that is in line with circular economy principles.
Rosehip Extract-Loaded Liposomes for Potential Skin Application: Physicochemical Properties of Non- and UV-Irradiated Liposomes
Authors: Jovanović Aleksandra A. , Balanč Bojana , Volić Mina , Pećinar Ilinka , Živković Jelena , Šavikin Katarina P.
Published: August 2023

In the present study, rosehip (Rosa canina L.) extract was successfully encapsulated in phospholipid liposomes using a single-step procedure named the proliposome method. Part of the obtained liposomes was subjected to UV irradiation and non-treated (native) and UV-irradiated liposomes were further characterized in terms of encapsulation efficiency, chemical composition (HPLC analysis), antioxidant capacity, particle size, PDI, zeta potential, conductivity, mobility, and antioxidant capacity. Raman spectroscopy as well as DSC analysis were applied to evaluate the influence of UV irradiation on the physicochemical properties of liposomes. The encapsulation efficiency of extract-loaded liposomes was higher than 90%; the average size was 251.5 nm; the zeta potential was −22.4 mV; and the conductivity was found to be 0.007 mS/cm. UV irradiation did not cause a change in the mentioned parameters. In addition, irradiation did not affect the antioxidant potential of the liposome–extract system. Raman spectroscopy indicated that the extract was completely covered by the lipid membrane during liposome entrapment, and the peroxidation process was minimized by the presence of rosehip extract in liposomes. These results may guide the potential application of rosehip extract-loaded liposomes in the food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic industries, particularly when liposomal sterilization is needed.
Tomato Fruit Detection Using Modified Yolov5m Model with Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Tsai Fa-Ta , Nguyen Van-Tung , Duong The-Phong , Phan Quoc-Hung , Lien Chi-Hsiang
Published: August 2023

The farming industry is facing the major challenge of intensive and inefficient harvesting labors. Thus, an efficient and automated fruit harvesting system is required. In this study, three object classification models based on Yolov5m integrated with BoTNet, ShuffleNet, and GhostNet convolutional neural networks (CNNs), respectively, are proposed for the automatic detection of tomato fruit. The various models were trained using 1508 normalized images containing three classes of cherry tomatoes, namely ripe, immature, and damaged. The detection accuracy for the three classes was found to be 94%, 95%, and 96%, respectively, for the modified Yolov5m + BoTNet model. The model thus appeared to provide a promising basis for the further development of automated harvesting systems for tomato fruit.
Identifying and Managing Areas under Threat in the Iberian Peninsula: An Invasion Risk Atlas for Non-Native Aquatic Plant Species as a Potential Tool
Authors: Rodríguez-Merino Argantonio
Published: August 2023

Predicting the likelihood that non-native species will be introduced into new areas remains one of conservation’s greatest challenges and, consequently, it is necessary to adopt adequate management measures to mitigate the effects of future biological invasions. At present, not much information is available on the areas in which non-native aquatic plant species could establish themselves in the Iberian Peninsula. Species distribution models were used to predict the potential invasion risk of (1) non-native aquatic plant species already established in the peninsula (32 species) and (2) those with the potential to invade the peninsula (40 species). The results revealed that the Iberian Peninsula contains a number of areas capable of hosting non-native aquatic plant species. Areas under anthropogenic pressure are at the greatest risk of invasion, and the variable most related to invasion risk is temperature. The results of this work were used to create the Invasion Risk Atlas for Alien Aquatic Plants in the Iberian Peninsula, a novel online resource that provides information about the potential distribution of non-native aquatic plant species. The atlas and this article are intended to serve as reference tools for the development of public policies, management regimes, and control strategies aimed at the prevention, mitigation, and eradication of non-native aquatic plant species.
Managing Weed–Crop Interactions Enhances Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Chemical Components
Authors: Khan Imtiaz , Khan Muhammad Ishfaq , Hashim Saima , Fawad Muhammad , Jamal Aftab , Seleiman Mahmoud F. , Khan Haroon , Gul Bakhtiar , Hussain Zahid , Saeed Muhammad Farhan , Scavo Aurelio
Published: August 2023

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major pulse crop worldwide, renowned for its nutritional richness and adaptability. Weeds are the main biotic factor deteriorating chickpea yield and nutritional quality, especially Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. The present study concerns a two-year (2018–19 and 2019–20) field trial aiming at evaluating the effect of weed management on chickpea grain quality. Several weed management practices have been here implemented under a factorial randomized complete block design, including the application of four herbicides [bromoxynil (C7H3Br2NO) + MCPA (Methyl-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) (C9H9ClO3), fluroxypyr + MCPA, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (C18H16ClNO5), pendimethalin (C13H19N3O4)], the extracts from two allelopathic weeds (Sorghum halepense and Cyperus rotundus), two mulches (wheat straw and eucalyptus leaves), a combination of A. tenuifolius extract and pendimethalin, and an untreated check (control). Chickpea grain quality was measured in terms of nitrogen, crude protein, crude fat, ash, and oil content. The herbicides pendimethalin (Stomp 330 EC (emulsifiable concentrate) in pre-emergence at a rate of 2.5 L ha−1) and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (Puma Super 7.5 EW (emulsion in water) in post-emergence at a rate of 1.0 L ha−1), thanks to A. tenuifolius control, showed outstanding performance, providing the highest dietary quality of chickpea grain. The herbicides Stomp 330 EC, Buctril Super 40 EC, Starane-M 50 EC, and Puma Super 7.5 EW provided the highest levels of nitrogen. Outstanding increases in crude protein content were observed with all management strategies, particularly with Stomp 330 EC and Puma Super 7.5 EW (+18% on average). Ash content was highly elevated by Stomp 330 EC and Puma Super 7.5 EW, along with wheat straw mulching, reaching levels of 2.96% and 2.94%. Crude fat content experienced consistent elevations across all treatments, with the highest improvements achieved by Stomp 330 EC, Puma Super 7.5 EW, and wheat straw mulching applications. While 2018–19 displayed no significant oil content variations, 2019–20 revealed the highest oil content (5.97% and 5.96%) with herbicides Stomp 330 EC and Puma Super 7.5 EW, respectively, followed by eucalyptus leaves mulching (5.82%). The results here obtained are of key importance in the agricultural and food sector for the sustainable enhancement of chickpea grain’s nutritional quality without impacting the environment.
Improvements in Protoplast Isolation Protocol and Regeneration of Different Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) Cultivars
Authors: Stajič Ester
Published: August 2023

Protoplasts are a versatile tool in plant biotechnology since they can be used for basic biological studies as well as for breeding strategies based on genome editing. An efficient protoplast isolation protocol is essential for conducting protoplast-based studies. To optimize the protoplast isolation protocol in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.), different enzyme solutions were tested for the isolation of leaf mesophyll protoplasts. In our experiments, the combination of 0.5% Cellulase Onozuka RS and 0.1% Macerozyme R-10 showed the best result. The optimized protocol proved suitable for the isolation of protoplasts from five different cabbage cultivars with yields ranging from 2.38 to 4.63 × 106 protoplasts/g fresh weight (fw) and a viability of 93% or more. After three weeks in culture, protoplasts from all of the tested cultivars formed micro-calli, but further callus growth and shoot regeneration depended strongly on the genotype and regeneration protocol used. For shoot formation, 1 mg/L BAP in combination with auxin 0.2 mg/L NAA showed the best results with a regeneration of 23.5%. The results obtained will contribute to the development of different applications of cabbage protoplasts and facilitate the breeding process of this important horticultural crop.
Yellow Leaf Disease Resistance and Melanaphis sacchari Preference in Commercial Sugarcane Cultivars
Authors: Bertasello Luiz Eduardo Tilhaqui , da Silva Marcel Fernando , Pinto Luciana Rossini , Nóbile Paula Macedo , Carmo-Sousa Michele , dos Anjos Ivan Antônio , Perecin Dilermando , Spotti Lopes João Roberto , Gonçalves Marcos Cesar
Published: August 2023

Sugarcane yellow leaf disease (YLD) caused by sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) is a major threat for the sugarcane industry worldwide, and the aphid Melanaphis sacchari is its main vector. Breeding programs in Brazil have provided cultivars with intermediate resistance to ScYLV, whereas the incidence of ScYLV has been underestimated partly due to the complexity of YLD symptom expression and identification. Here, we evaluated YLD symptoms in a field assay using eight sugarcane genotypes comprising six well-established commercial high-sucrose cultivars, one biomass yield cultivar, and a susceptible reference under greenhouse conditions, along with estimation of virus titer through RT-qPCR from leaf samples. Additionally, a free-choice bioassay was used to determine the number of aphids feeding on the SCYLV-infected cultivars. Most of the cultivars showed some degree of resistance to YLD, while also revealing positive RT-qPCR results for ScYLV and virus titers with non-significant correlation with YLD severity. The cultivars IACSP01-5503 and IACBIO-266 were similar in terms of aphid preference and ScYLV resistance traits, whereas the least preferred cultivar by M. sacchari, IACSP96-7569, showed intermediate symptoms but similar virus titer to the susceptible reference, SP71-6163. We conclude that current genetic resistance incorporated into sugarcane commercial cultivars does not effectively prevent the spread of ScYLV by its main aphid vector.
Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Composition of Geranium Oil and Its Synergistic Potential against Pneumococci with Various Antibiotic Combinations
Authors: Dumlupinar Berrak , Karatoprak Gökçe Şeker , Demirci Betül , Akkol Esra Küpeli , Sobarzo-Sánchez Eduardo
Published: August 2023

The essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens L. is valuable for its therapeutic benefits, so this study aimed to determine the synergistic effect of the combination of the essential oil of this plant with antibiotics instead of the extracts prepared with various solvents. In addition, the second goal of this study was to determine whether the essential oil combined with various antibiotics increased the overall killing activity in mouse macrophage cells with the aim of introducing an immunotherapeutic approach to the infection treatments used today. Herein, the volatile profile of Geranium oil (G.O) was analyzed using GC/MS. The current study sought to assess the synergistic characteristics of several antibiotic combinations using G.O against pneumococci, as well as the oil’s antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The major components of the oil were citronellol, geraniol, and isomenthone. In the combinations of G.O and antibiotics, the synergism of the Streptococcus pneumoniae to antibiotics advanced. When the time-kill data were evaluated, G.O + antibiotic combinations quickly diminished the viable cell count of S. pneumoniae from the 6th h. In this study, the combined use of existing antibiotics used in infection treatments with G.O could improve antibiotic effectiveness and thus prevent bacteria from developing antibiotic resistance.
Two Novel Plant-Growth-Promoting Lelliottia amnigena Isolates from Euphorbia prostrata Aiton Enhance the Overall Productivity of Wheat and Tomato
Authors: Parashar Manisha , Dhar Sanjoy Kumar , Kaur Jaspreet , Chauhan Arjun , Tamang Jeewan , Singh Gajendra Bahadur , Lyudmila Asyakina , Perveen Kahkashan , Khan Faheema , Bukhari Najat A. , Mudgal Gaurav , Gururani Mayank Anand
Published: August 2023

Euphorbiaceae is a highly diverse family of plants ranging from trees to ground-dwelling minute plants. Many of these have multi-faceted attributes like ornamental, medicinal, industrial, and food-relevant values. In addition, they have been regarded as keystone resources for investigating plant-specific resilience mechanisms that grant them the dexterity to withstand harsh climates. In the present study, we isolated two co-culturable bacterial endophytes, EP1-AS and EP1-BM, from the stem internodal segments of the prostate spurge, Euphorbia prostrata, a plant member of the succulent family Euphorbiaceae. We characterized them using morphological, biochemical, and molecular techniques which revealed them as novel strains of Enterobacteriaceae, Lelliotia amnigena. Both the isolates significantly were qualified during the assaying of their plant growth promotion potentials. BM formed fast-growing swarms while AS showed growth as rounded colonies over nutrient agar. We validated the PGP effects of AS and BM isolates through in vitro and ex vitro seed-priming treatments with wheat and tomato, both of which resulted in significantly enhanced seed germination and morphometric and physiological plant growth profiles. In extended field trials, both AS and BM could remarkably also exhibit productive yields in wheat grain and tomato fruit harvests. This is probably the first-ever study in the context of PGPB endophytes in Euphorbia prostrata. We discuss our results in the context of promising agribiotechnology translations of the endophyte community associated with the otherwise neglected ground-dwelling spurges of Euphorbiaceae.
Alleviation of Adverse Effects of Drought Stress on Growth and Nitrogen Metabolism in Mungbean (Vigna radiata) by Sulphur and Nitric Oxide Involves Up-Regulation of Antioxidant and Osmolyte Metabolism and Gene Expression
Authors: Lian Huida , Qin Cheng , Shen Jie , Ahanger Mohammad Abass
Published: August 2023

The influence of drought induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the alleviatory effect of nitric oxide (50 µM) and sulphur (S, 1 mM K2SO4) were studied in Vigna radiata. Drought stress reduced plant height, dry weight, total chlorophylls, carotenoids and the content of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur. The foliar applications of NO and sulphur each individually alleviated the decline, with a greater alleviation observed in seedlings treated with both NO and sulphur. The reduction in intermediates of chlorophyll synthesis pathways and photosynthesis were alleviated by NO and sulphur. Oxidative stress was evident through the increased hydrogen peroxide, superoxide and activity of lipoxygenase and protease which were significantly assuaged by NO, sulphur and NO + sulphur treatments. A reduction in the activity of nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase was mitigated due to the application of NO and the supplementation of sulphur. The endogenous concentration of NO and hydrogen sulphide (HS) was increased due to PEG; however, the PEG-induced increase in NO and HS was lowered due to NO and sulphur. Furthermore, NO and sulphur treatments to PEG-stressed seedlings further enhanced the functioning of the antioxidant system, osmolytes and secondary metabolite accumulation. Activities of γ-glutamyl kinase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase were up-regulated due to NO and S treatments. The treatment of NO and S regulated the expression of the Cu/ZnSOD, POD, CAT, RLP, HSP70 and LEA genes significantly under normal and drought stress. The present study advocates for the beneficial use of NO and sulphur in the mitigation of drought-induced alterations in the metabolism of Vigna radiata.
Inter-Species Investigation of Biological Traits among Eight Echinochloa Species
Authors: Hu Xuli , Liu Runqiang , Mao Honghao , Xu Yong , Chen Bin , Li Yongfeng , Yang Xia
Published: August 2023

Due to the diversity of Echinochloa species and the limited understanding of their damage processes in rice fields, clarifying the biological properties of distinct species could help create a foundation for effective control techniques. Pot experiments and field competition trials were conducted using eight Echinochloa species to elucidate their biological differences and assess their varying levels of negative impact on rice. The survey outcomes showed that E. oryzoides had the highest 1000-grain weight (3.12 g) while E. colona had the lowest (0.90 g). The largest grain number per spikelet found in E. glabrescens (940) was 3.4 times greater than that in E. oryzoides (277). Different species responded variably to changes in temperature and photoperiod. Except for E. caudate, all Echinochloa species exhibited a shortened growth period with the delay of the sowing date. Under field competitive conditions, all Echinochloa species exhibited significantly greater net photosynthetic rates than rice, with E. crusgalli exhibiting the highest photosynthetic capacity. Moreover, in this resource-limited setting, barnyardgrass species had a decrease in tiller formation and panicle initiation but a significant increase in plant height. These findings contribute valuable insights into the biological characteristics of barnyardgrass populations and provide guidance for implementing effective control measures in rice fields.
Application of Alcohol-Salt Aqueous Biphasic System for the Recovery of Ectoine
Authors: Chow Yin Hui , Poh Chin Tee , Kee Phei Er , Ng Hui Suan , Lan John (Chi-Wei) , Yoon Li Wan
Published: August 2023

Ectoine is an osmoregulatory compound synthesized by halophiles which has attracted attention in the biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries due to its stabilizing and protective properties. Conventional methods for ectoine recovery are complex, costly, and often result in low yields. Therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring simple and cost-effective strategies for ectoine recovery. The aqueous biphasic system (ABS) has been employed for the recovery and purification of numerous biocompounds, but the study of low-molecular weight compounds partitioning in ABS remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of alcohol–salt ABS for ectoine recovery from Halomonas salina DSM5928T cells. The influences of types and compositions of phase-forming components, crude load concentration, pH, and adjuvants on ectoine recovery were evaluated. Results revealed that ectoine favoured partitioning into the salt-rich bottom phase of alcohol–salt ABS owing to its inherent hydrophilic characteristic. ABS consisting of 16% (w/w) 1-propanol, 20% (w/w) sulphate at pH 6.0, 30% (w/w) crude load, and 1% (w/w) sodium chloride resulted in a partition coefficient (KE) of 9.61 ± 0.05 and a yield (YB) of 97.50% ± 0.21. A purity (PE) of 86.73% was achieved with the 1-propanol-sulphate ABS. Alcohol–salt ABS proved to be an effective approach for ectoine recovery, meeting the raising market demand for industrial applications.
Rock-Breaking Characteristics of High-Pressure, Dual-Stranded Water Jets
Authors: Pan Yue , Zhai Shengyu , Pei Kangchao , Yuan Hao , Huo Fulin
Published: August 2023

Because of the unclear understanding of the characteristics associated with coupled rock breaking using multiple water jets, a numerical model combining smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and the finite element method (FEM) was established to investigate the rock-breaking capacity of a high-pressure, double-stranded water jet structure. The effectiveness of this model was verified through field experiments. The study further examined the specific energy required for rock breaking using the high-pressure double water jets and analyzed the effects of jet pressure, nozzle diameter, jet impact angle, and impact point spacing on rock-breaking volume. The results demonstrate that the rock-breaking ability of a high-pressure double water jets is better than that of a single water jet. When the impact angle of the high-pressure double water jets was 15° and the distance between impact points was 2.0 d, the rock damage effect was the best. By comparing the specific energies for rock breaking of a single water jet and a double water jet, it was concluded that the best rock-breaking nozzle diameter is 1.6 mm. Furthermore, an orthogonal testing approach was employed to determine the main and secondary factors influencing the rock-breaking energy of the high-pressure double water jet. The order of significance was found to be jet pressure > impact angle > impact point spacing > nozzle diameter. These findings provide valuable guidance and reference for application in the coal mining industry.
UAS Control under GNSS Degraded and Windy Conditions
Authors: Kalaitzakis Michail , Vitzilaios Nikolaos
Published: August 2023

Multirotor Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), widely known as aerial drones, are increasingly used in various indoor and outdoor applications. For outdoor field deployments, the plethora of UAS rely on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for their localization. However, dense environments and large structures can obscure the signal, resulting in a GNSS-degraded environment. Moreover, outdoor operations depend on weather conditions, and UAS flights are significantly affected by strong winds and possibly stronger wind gusts. This work presents a nonlinear model predictive position controller that uses a disturbance observer to adapt to changing weather conditions and fiducial markers to augment the system’s localization. The developed framework can be easily configured for use in multiple different rigid multirotor platforms. The effectiveness of the proposed system is shown through rigorous experimental work in both the lab and the field. The experimental results demonstrate consistent performance, regardless of the environmental conditions and platform used.
One-Stage Brake Light Status Detection Based on YOLOv8
Authors: Oh Geesung , Lim Sejoon
Published: August 2023

Despite the advancement of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems, surpassing the threshold of level 3 of driving automation remains a challenging task. Level 3 of driving automation requires assuming full responsibility for the vehicle’s actions, necessitating the acquisition of safer and more interpretable cues. To approach level 3, we propose a novel method for detecting driving vehicles and their brake light status, which is a crucial visual cue relied upon by human drivers. Our proposal consists of two main components. First, we introduce a fast and accurate one-stage brake light status detection network based on YOLOv8. Through transfer learning using a custom dataset, we enable YOLOv8 not only to detect the driving vehicle, but also to determine its brake light status. Furthermore, we present the publicly available custom dataset, which includes over 11,000 forward images along with manual annotations. We evaluate the performance of our proposed method in terms of detection accuracy and inference time on an edge device. The experimental results demonstrate high detection performance with an mAP50 (mean average precision at IoU threshold of 0.50) ranging from 0.766 to 0.793 on the test dataset, along with a short inference time of 133.30 ms on the Jetson Nano device. In conclusion, our proposed method achieves high accuracy and fast inference time in detecting brake light status. This contribution effectively improves safety, interpretability, and comfortability by providing valuable input information for ADAS and autonomous driving technologies.
Online Video Anomaly Detection
Authors: Zhang Yuxing , Song Jinchen , Jiang Yuehan , Li Hongjun
Published: August 2023

With the popularity of video surveillance technology, people are paying more and more attention to how to detect abnormal states or events in videos in time. Therefore, real-time, automatic and accurate detection of abnormal events has become the main goal of video-based surveillance systems. To achieve this goal, many researchers have conducted in-depth research on online video anomaly detection. This paper presents the background of the research in this field and briefly explains the research methods of offline video anomaly detection. Then, we sort out and classify the research methods of online video anomaly detection and expound on the basic ideas and characteristics of each method. In addition, we summarize the datasets commonly used in online video anomaly detection and compare and analyze the performance of the current mainstream algorithms according to the evaluation criteria of each dataset. Finally, we summarize the future trends in the field of online video anomaly detection.
Electromagnetic-Thermal Coupling Study for RF Compression Cavity Applied to Ultrafast Electron Diffraction
Authors: Wang Zhen , Xu Jian , Cai Xintian , Gan Zhiyin , Ji Caoyue , Lei Cheng , Liu Sheng
Published: August 2023

Ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) is a powerful tool for observing the evolution of transient structures at the atomic level. However, temporal resolution is a huge challenge for UEDs, mainly depending on the pulse duration. Unfortunately, the Coulomb force between electrons causes the pulse duration to increase continually when propagating, reducing the temporal resolution. In this paper, we theoretically design a radio frequency (RF) compression cavity using the finite-element method of electromagnetic–thermal coupling to overcome this limitation and obtain a high-brightness, short-pulse-duration, and stable electron beam. In addition, the cavity’s size parameters are optimized, and a water-cooling system is designed to ensure stable operation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the electromagnetic–thermal coupling method has been used to study the RF cavity applied to UED. The results show that the RF cavity operates in TM010 mode with a resonant frequency of 2970 MHz and generates a resonant electric field. This mode of operation generates an electric field that varies periodically and transiently, compressing the electronic pulse duration. The electromagnetic–thermal coupling method proposed in this study effectively improves the temporal resolution of UED.
Isolation of Alkaloids from Sinomenium acutum by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography and Their Ameliorating Effects on Dexamethasone-Induced Atrophy in C2C12 Myotubes
Authors: Jung Eun Ju , Kim Ji Hoon , Kim Hye Mi , Guo Shuo , Lee Do Hyun , Lim Gyu Min , Syed Ahmed Shah , Kim Wondong , Kim Chul Young
Published: August 2023

Bioactivity-guided isolation was conducted using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) from an extract of Sinomenium acutum rhizome, which has shown promising preventive effects in a dexamethasone-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy model. CPC was operated with a solvent system of n-butanol–acetonitrile–water (10:2:8, v/v/v, containing 0.5% triethylamine) in dual mode (ascending to descending), which provided a high recovery rate (>99%) with a high resolution. Then, the preventive effects of the obtained CPC fractions were examined against dexamethasone-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotubes according to the weight ratios of the obtained fractions. The active fractions were further purified by semi-preparative HPLC that led to obtaining five alkaloids, one lignan glycoside, and one phenylpropanoid glycoside. Among these, at a concentration of 1 nM, sinomenine, magnoflorine, and acutumine could ameliorate dexamethasone-induced myotube atrophy in C2C12 myotubes by 9.3%, 13.8%, and 11.3%, respectively.
Predictors of Secondary Education Completion across Portuguese Municipalities: Evidence from the 2009–2018 Period
Authors: Garcia D’Jamila , Simões Francisco , Bettencourt Leonor , Aguiar Cecília , Ferreira Inês Alves , Mendonça Joana , Moleiro Carla , Rocca Antonella , Lendzhova Vladislava
Published: August 2023

Our overriding goal was to understand territorial inequalities regarding secondary school completion by testing which contextual factors and educational resources are associated with their change in high- and low-density Portuguese municipalities. Our analysis covered the time between 2009 and 2018, including both the economic crisis and the economic recovery period. Drawing mostly on publicly available data from 253 municipalities and following a Linear Mixed Model approach, we found that low-density municipalities depicted significantly greater levels of secondary school attainment by 2013 compared to high-density municipalities. Moreover, growing unemployment rates were associated with a reduction in secondary school completion rates across the assessed time points. Contrary to our expectations, higher rates of permanent teachers were associated with worse rates of secondary school completion. In addition, we found a significant increase in the rates of secondary school conclusion at higher levels of preschool enrollment among high-density municipalities. Our discussion counteracts the usual overstating of vulnerable territories’ worse educational indicators. We also underline the importance of improving secondary education indicators for reducing structural inequalities in the school-to-work transition in less affluent territories and pinpoint the importance of implementing policies, such as improving access to preschool education in Portuguese high-density municipalities.
Bordering, Connecting, and Dispelling within Sports Coaching: Erasing the Practitioner–Scholar Divide
Authors: Jones Robyn L. , Corsby Charles L. T. , Thomas Gethin L.
Published: August 2023

The current picture of sports coaching suggests one where practitioners and scholars operate not so much at a particular interface, but rather on parallel lines of development; in essence, of talking past as opposed to each other. Through a critical re-reading of the practitioner–scholar divide, this paper takes issue with the existence of the separate identities featured, in addition to the argument that we merely need a better, rather straightforward, connection between theory and practice to ‘fix the problem’. Alternatively, the case made highlights how the problematic ‘othering’ nature of a theory–practice division has severely hampered the development of the field. In terms of structure, we initially challenge existing ‘anti-intellectual’ claims within coaching, essentially by advocating for better appreciating the everyday, socio-pedagogic nature of the activity. In this respect, the relegation of experience, of the inherent ‘code of coaching’ (so dear to coaches themselves), is protected against. Secondly, we promote the idea of encouraging coaches, coaching scholars, and coach educators to consider the indivisibility of theory and practice through the use of such notions as sensitizing concepts, internalisation, and authenticity to improve the ‘doing’ of the job. Of particular importance here is the development and utilisation of a critical consciousness of coaching; not only of thoroughly understanding the activity, but also in actively fashioning it through engagement with new ideas. This latter notion gives required credence, however loosely, to some guiding frame of reference; otherwise we become enmeshed in, and blinded by, the immediate. In dismantling the wall that has divided practitioners and scholars by not giving authority or indeed acceptance to such fixed positions, we alternatively advocate for the creation of a more authentic coaching life through living the theory that actively sustains it.
Risk and Protective Factors and Interventions for Reducing Juvenile Delinquency: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aazami Aida , Valek Rebecca , Ponce Andrea N. , Zare Hossein
Published: August 2023

Juvenile delinquency is a pressing problem in the United States; the literature emphasizes the importance of early interventions and the role of the family in preventing juvenile delinquency. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, PudMed, and Scopus, we included 28 peer-reviewed articles in English between January 2012 and October 2022. We evaluated the existing literature regarding the risk factors, protective factors, and interventions related to juvenile delinquency. We searched articles that discussed reducing juvenile delinquency and recidivism in the U.S. and coded them into four overarching themes: ‘family conflict and dysfunction’, ‘neglect and maltreatment’, ‘individual and family mitigating factors’, and ‘family- and community-based interventions. We found that family conflict and dysfunction and neglect and maltreatment were two primary predictors of juvenile delinquency. Notably, higher academic achievement and strong and positive parental relationships were factors that protected against delinquency amongst at-risk youth. Interventions that yielded optimal efficacy in curbing recidivism included family-based interventions, specifically family therapy, and community-based interventions. Considering multi-dimensional factors that affect delinquent behaviors, interventions should consider the influence of family, peers, neighborhood, schools, and the larger community.
Putting Abortion in the Frame: The Success of the Campaign to Repeal the 8th Amendment in Ireland
Authors: Maguire Louise , Murphy Fiona
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the role that framing and visual communications played in the mobilising of contentious politics, with particular reference to the Repeal the 8th referendum in Ireland in 2018. We analyse how framing an unpopular argument through both text and visual imagery galvanized the abortion debate on the Yes side (in particular) and created alliances and solidarity through public displays of sentiment towards the issue. Using frame analysis, we examine the visual imagery and messaging employed by both sides of the ‘Repeal the 8th’ debate and conclude that the careful framing of unpopular arguments or positions can open up the space for dialogue and personal stories that were previously shrouded in shame and mystery. This new willingness to discuss the topic of abortion ultimately led to an outpouring of compassion and empathy that had previously not existed due to the religious and misogynistic influence on women’s reproductive health in Ireland up to that point. The ultimate ‘Yes’ vote resulted in one of the biggest social and health reforms for Irish women in the 21st century, one that, five years later however, we still wait to see the full implementation of.
Pressure-Dependent Crystal Radii
Authors: Tschauner Oliver
Published: August 2023

This article reports the pressure-dependent crystal radii of Mg, Si, Ge, Be, Fe, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Ti, Li, Na, K, Cs, and of some rare earths, that is: the major Earth mantle elements, important minor, and some trace elements. Pressure dependencies of O2−, Cl−, and Br− are also reported. It is shown that all examined cation radii vary linearly with pressure. Cation radii obey strict correlations between ionic compressibilities and reference 0 GPa radii, thus reducing previous empirical rules of the influence of valence, ion size, and coordination to a simple formula. Both cation and anion radii are functions of nuclear charge number and a screening function which for anions varies with pressure, and for cations is pressure-independent. The pressure derivative of cation radii and of the anion radii at high pressure depends on electronegativity with power −1.76.
Investigation of Tokat Bez Sucuk, a Geographically Indicated Local Food, within the Scope of Sustainable Gastronomy
Authors: Arslan Emin , Kendir Hakan , Akmeşe Halil , Bozkurt Handan Özçelik , Akyollu Kamil , Hiçyakmazer Cem Taner
Published: August 2023

In this study, Tokat Bez Sucuk, a traditional product of the Turkish cuisine culture with a geographical indication, was examined. It was intended to reveal the use of Tokat Bez Sucuk in the local cuisine culture in the framework of sustainable gastronomy, its production stages, and its differences from other types of sausage. In this context, interviews were conducted with nine participants who produced Tokat Bez Sucuk using the semi-structured interview technique. In the interview, which included various questions ranging from the stages of production to the consumption habits of Tokat Bez Sucuk, important information that would contribute to the field was obtained from the producers. In addition, the transfer of Tokat Bez Sucuk, which is a cultural gastronomic value, to future generations and its importance in terms of sustainable gastronomy were emphasized. In line with the information obtained, various suggestions were made for the standardization, promotion, preservation, and sustainability of Tokat Bez Sucuk, which is an important component of gastronomic tourism.
Urban Health in Urban Planning—Exploring the Status: A Survey in Greek Local Authorities
Authors: Alexandropoulou Alexandra , Fousteris Andreas , Didaskalou Eleni , Bersimis Sotiris , Georgakellos Dimitrios
Published: August 2023

Health and urban planning have long diverted their courses since their initial common evolution as a remedy for infectious diseases that spread out in Western European cities during the late 19th century. Today, this link is still missing, as urban planning seems to overlook health as a strategic parameter. In designing sustainable cities, attention has been shifted towards the environmental effects of urban planning, leaving behind the direct and indirect effects on human health and jeopardizing citizens’ quality of life. Despite global efforts (WHO, Urban Agenda), urban health continues to be examined in relation to illness research and health care provision in urban environments, while policy-making in cities refrains from engaging in urban health interventions through urban planning. A survey conducted among Greek municipalities explores the status and discloses the absence of the parameter “health” from urban planning and the implementation of only fragmentary actions. The main results presented in this article record the status and mentality of local authorities, elected representatives, and higher executives regarding health through urban planning. To promote a change in the mindset of planners, local actors, and decision-makers, the article proposes a conceptual framework for implementation in local authorities and highlights its main attributes.
What Kind of Market Is Conducive to the Development of High-Tech Industry? Configuration Analysis Based on Market Field Theory
Authors: Huang Zhenyu
Published: August 2023

The high-tech industry is important in supporting China’s construction of a high-quality modern economic system. The high-tech industry markets are spaces for the supply and transaction of high-tech products. The existing research lacks in-depth discussions on the constituent factors and shaping mechanisms of the high-tech industry market. This paper constructs the market field configuration model of the high-tech industry and studies the impact of the market field configuration of the high-tech industry in 30 provinces of China on the innovation performance of the high-tech industry using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis method. The findings are as follows: (1) The three structural variables of network, institution, and cognition cannot individually constitute the necessary conditions for explaining the high or low innovation performance of high-tech industries; (2) Three high-tech industry market field configurations can lead to high innovation performance, and the condition combination among different configurations has a substitution effect; (3) Four high-tech industry market field configurations will lead to low innovation performance, in which the lack of multiple conditions in the network, system, and cognition is the main reason for the market failure. The research conclusions of this study highlight the cognitive role of market construction and the configuration characteristics of effective high-tech industry market fields, which provides practical enlightenment for China to improve the innovation performance of high-tech industries.
A Foreign Object Detection Method for Belt Conveyors Based on an Improved YOLOX Model
Authors: Yao Rongbin , Qi Peng , Hua Dezheng , Zhang Xu , Lu He , Liu Xinhua
Published: August 2023

As one of the main pieces of equipment in coal transportation, the belt conveyor with its detection system is an important area of research for the development of intelligent mines. Occurrences of non-coal foreign objects making contact with belts are common in complex production environments and with improper human operation. In order to avoid major safety accidents caused by scratches, deviation, and the breakage of belts, a foreign object detection method is proposed for belt conveyors in this work. Firstly, a foreign object image dataset is collected and established, and an IAT image enhancement module and an attention mechanism for CBAM are introduced to enhance the image data sample. Moreover, to predict the angle information of foreign objects with large aspect ratios, a rotating decoupling head is designed and a MO-YOLOX network structure is constructed. Some experiments are carried out with the belt conveyor in the mine’s intelligent mining equipment laboratory, and different foreign objects are analyzed. The experimental results show that the accuracy, recall, and mAP50 of the proposed rotating frame foreign object detection method reach 93.87%, 93.69%, and 93.68%, respectively, and the average inference time for foreign object detection is 25 ms.
Poverty and Influenza/Pneumococcus Vaccinations in Older People: Data from The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) Study
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Zambon Nancy , Noale Marianna , Maggi Stefania
Published: August 2023

Vaccine acceptance seems to be lower in poor people. The determinants of the lower vaccine coverage in poor people are not established. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association between poverty and influenza/pneumococcus vaccinations and the factors potentially associated with vaccination’s coverage in poor people. The data of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), an ongoing longitudinal, multi-disciplinary, and cross-national European study where used. Poverty was defined using information on income and household size. Among 47,370 participants initially included in the SHARE study, 12,442 were considered poor. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, “Household size” was associated with a significantly lower vaccination probability, meanwhile “Age”, “Years of education”, “Regularly taking prescription drugs”, and the level of income were significantly associated with higher probabilities of both influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. The “Number of illnesses/health conditions” was significantly associated with a higher probability of getting vaccination against influenza and against pneumococcus. In conclusion, among poor older people, several specific factors could be identified as barriers for the vaccinations against influenza or pneumococcus that are unique to this segment of the population, such as living with the family and having a job.
Parents’ Uptake and Willingness towards Recommended Vaccinations for Their Children with Underlying Chronic Medical Conditions in Italy
Authors: Della Polla Giorgia , Miraglia del Giudice Grazia , Postiglione Mario , Angelillo Italo Francesco
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the willingness and uptake of recommended vaccinations against influenza, meningococcal B and ACWY, pneumococcal, rotavirus and the influencing factors among 565 parents of children aged 6 months to 5 years with chronic medical conditions in Italy. Only 34.9% of the sample received all vaccinations. Parents whose selected child was vaccinated against the five diseases were those who had received recommendations from physicians, who did not believe that children should get fewer vaccinations at the same time, those whose child was aged 2–3 and 4–5 years compared to 6 months–1 year, and those who acquired information from physicians. Only 17.9% were willing to vaccinate their child. Parents with a university degree, those who acquired information from physicians, and those whose child had a more recent diagnosis were more likely to be willing to vaccinate their child. Parents who believed that children should get fewer vaccines at the same time, those without a university degree, and those who did not acquire information from physicians were more likely to not have vaccinated their child because they were concerned about vaccines’ side effects. Public health policymakers should provide efforts to promote the uptake for an adequate protection of this high-risk group.