bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Reflectivity Enhanced 3D Optical Storage Nanostructure Application Based on Direct Laser Writing Lithography
Authors: Song Lei , Yang Dekun , Lei Zhidan , Sun Qimeng , Chen Zhiwen , Song Yi
Published: March 2023

To enable high-density optical storage, better storage media structures, diversified recording methods, and improved accuracy of readout schemes should be considered. In this study, we propose a novel three-dimensional (3D) sloppy nanostructure as the optical storage device, and this nanostructure can be fabricated using the 3D laser direct writing technology. It is a 900 nm high, 1 × 2 µm wide Si slope on a 200 nm SiO2 layer with 200 nm Si3N4 deposited on top to enhance reflectivity. In this study, we propose a reflected spectrum-based method as the readout recording strategy to stabilize information readout more stable. The corresponding reflected spectrum varied when the side wall angle of the slope and the azimuth angle of the nanostructure were tuned. In addition, an artificial neural network was applied to readout the stored information from the reflected spectrum. To simulate the realistic fabrication error and measurement error, a 20% noise level was added to the study. Our findings showed that the readout accuracy was 99.86% for all 120 data sequences when the slope and azimuth angle were varied. We investigated the possibility of a higher storage density to fully demonstrate the storage superiority of this designed structure. Our findings also showed that the readout accuracy can reach its highest level at 97.25% when the storage step of the encoded structure becomes 7.5 times smaller. The study provides the possibility to further explore different nanostructures to achieve high-density optical storage.
Paper-Based Laminates Impregnated with a Hybrid Lignin-Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin
Authors: Němec Miroslav , Hájková Kateřina , Hýsek Štěpán
Published: March 2023

In this study, high-pressure laminates (HPL) impregnated with phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins enriched with kraft lignin were developed. Pulverised kraft lignin was added to the commercial PF resin in the amounts of 1% and 5% (solid to solid). Laminates were manufactured using pressure impregnation of the resins into the papers and using hot pressing of HPL in a laboratory press. Laminates with a lignin content of 1% (L-LPF-1) showed the highest bending strength (72.42 MPa) and Brinell hardness (9.41); they also exhibited the best moisture uptake (9.61) and thickness swelling after immersion in water (3.32%). Except for impact bending, laminates with a lignin content of 5% (L-LPF-5) had worse properties. However, the differences between the variants are mostly not statistically significant and are comparable with the results of commercial PF resin. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the homogenous structure of produced laminates and the occurrence of cohesive failures in ruptured L-LPF-1 laminates, whereas in ruptured L-LPF-5 laminates adhesive failures were also observed. Based on the conducted research it can be said that the utilisation of kraft lignin as an additive to PF resin (in the amount of 1%) has a positive effect on the produced HPL.
Historical Perspective of the Characterization of Conotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels
Authors: Groome James R.
Published: March 2023

Marine toxins have potent actions on diverse sodium ion channels regulated by transmembrane voltage (voltage-gated ion channels) or by neurotransmitters (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels). Studies of these toxins have focused on varied aspects of venom peptides ranging from evolutionary relationships of predator and prey, biological actions on excitable tissues, potential application as pharmacological intervention in disease therapy, and as part of multiple experimental approaches towards an understanding of the atomistic characterization of ion channel structure. This review examines the historical perspective of the study of conotoxin peptides active on sodium channels gated by transmembrane voltage, which has led to recent advances in ion channel research made possible with the exploitation of the diversity of these marine toxins.
Marine-Inspired Approaches as a Smart Tool to Face Osteochondral Regeneration
Authors: Tampieri Anna , Kon Elizaveta , Sandri Monica , Campodoni Elisabetta , Dapporto Massimiliano , Sprio Simone
Published: March 2023

The degeneration of osteochondral tissue represents one of the major causes of disability in modern society and it is expected to fuel the demand for new solutions to repair and regenerate the damaged articular joints. In particular, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common complication in articular diseases and a leading cause of chronic disability affecting a steady increasing number of people. The regeneration of osteochondral (OC) defects is one of the most challenging tasks in orthopedics since this anatomical region is composed of different tissues, characterized by antithetic features and functionalities, in tight connection to work together as a joint. The altered structural and mechanical joint environment impairs the natural tissue metabolism, thus making OC regeneration even more challenging. In this scenario, marine-derived ingredients elicit ever-increased interest for biomedical applications as a result of their outstanding mechanical and multiple biologic properties. The review highlights the possibility to exploit such unique features using a combination of bio-inspired synthesis process and 3D manufacturing technologies, relevant to generate compositionally and structurally graded hybrid constructs reproducing the smart architecture and biomechanical functions of natural OC regions.
Distinct Phenotypes of Non-Citizen Kidney Transplant Recipients in the United States by Machine Learning Consensus Clustering
Authors: Thongprayoon Charat , Vaitla Pradeep , Jadlowiec Caroline C. , Leeaphorn Napat , Mao Shennen A. , Mao Michael A. , Qureshi Fahad , Kaewput Wisit , Qureshi Fawad , Tangpanithandee Supawit , Krisanapan Pajaree , Pattharanitima Pattharawin , Acharya Prakrati C. , Nissaisorakarn Pitchaphon , Cooper Matthew , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: March 2023

Background: Better understanding of the different phenotypes/subgroups of non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients may help the transplant community to identify strategies that improve outcomes among non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients. This study aimed to cluster non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients using an unsupervised machine learning approach; Methods: We conducted a consensus cluster analysis based on recipient-, donor-, and transplant- related characteristics in non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients in the United States from 2010 to 2019 in the OPTN/UNOS database using recipient, donor, and transplant-related characteristics. Each cluster’s key characteristics were identified using the standardized mean difference. Post-transplant outcomes were compared among the clusters; Results: Consensus cluster analysis was performed in 11,300 non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients and identified two distinct clusters best representing clinical characteristics. Cluster 1 patients were notable for young age, preemptive kidney transplant or dialysis duration of less than 1 year, working income, private insurance, non-hypertensive donors, and Hispanic living donors with a low number of HLA mismatch. In contrast, cluster 2 patients were characterized by non-ECD deceased donors with KDPI <85%. Consequently, cluster 1 patients had reduced cold ischemia time, lower proportion of machine-perfused kidneys, and lower incidence of delayed graft function after kidney transplant. Cluster 2 had higher 5-year death-censored graft failure (5.2% vs. 9.8%; p < 0.001), patient death (3.4% vs. 11.4%; p < 0.001), but similar one-year acute rejection (4.7% vs. 4.9%; p = 0.63), compared to cluster 1; Conclusions: Machine learning clustering approach successfully identified two clusters among non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients with distinct phenotypes that were associated with different outcomes, including allograft loss and patient survival. These findings underscore the need for individualized care for non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients.
Experimental Investigation of Solar-Driven Hollow Fiber Membrane Liquid Dehumidification System
Authors: Liang Cai-Hang , Hu Jia-Li , Li Nan-Feng , He Zhi-Peng , Mo Chou , Zeng Si
Published: March 2023

The hollow fiber membrane modules act as dehumidifiers and regenerators to avoid gas–liquid entrainment problems in direct-contact dehumidification systems. A solar-driven hollow fiber membrane dehumidification experimental rig was designed to investigate its performance from July to September in Guilin, China. The dehumidification, regeneration, and cooling performance of the system between 8:30 and 17:30 are analyzed. The energy utilization of the solar collector and system is investigated. The results show that solar radiation has a significant influence on the system. The hourly regeneration of the system has the same trend as the temperature of solar hot water, which ranges from 0.13 g/s to 0.36 g/s. The regeneration capacity of the dehumidification system is always larger than the dehumidification capacity after 10:30, which increases the solution concentration and the dehumidification performance. Further, it ensures stable system operation when the solar radiation is lower (15:30–17:50). In addition, the hourly dehumidification capacity and efficiency of the system ranges from 0.15 g/s to 0.23 g/s and 52.4 to 71.3%, respectively, with good dehumidification performance. The COP of the system and solar collector have the same trend, in which their maximum values are 0.874 and 0.634, respectively, with high energy utilization efficiency. The solar-driven hollow fiber membrane liquid dehumidification system performs better in regions with larger solar radiation.
What Has Longitudinal ‘Omics’ Studies Taught Us about Irritable Bowel Syndrome? A Systematic Review
Authors: Ng Qin Xiang , Yau Chun En , Yaow Clyve Yu Leon , Chong Ryan Ian Houe , Chong Nicolette Zy-Yin , Teoh Seth En , Lim Yu Liang , Soh Alex Yu Sen , Ng Wee Khoon , Thumboo Julian
Published: March 2023

Irritable bowel syndrome is a prototypical disorder of the brain–gut–microbiome axis, although the underlying pathogenesis and mechanisms remain incompletely understood. With the recent advances in ‘omics’ technologies, studies have attempted to uncover IBS-specific variations in the host–microbiome profile and function. However, no biomarker has been identified to date. Given the high inter-individual and day-to-day variability of the gut microbiota, and a lack of agreement across the large number of microbiome studies, this review focused on omics studies that had sampling at more than one time point. A systematic literature search was performed using various combinations of the search terms “Irritable Bowel Syndrome” and “Omics” in the Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to 1 December 2022. A total of 16 original studies were reviewed. These multi-omics studies have implicated Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Ruminococcus spp., and Bifidobacteria in IBS and treatment response, found altered metabolite profiles in serum, faecal, or urinary samples taken from IBS patients compared to the healthy controls, and revealed enrichment in the immune and inflammation-related pathways. They also demonstrated the possible therapeutic mechanisms of diet interventions, for example, synbiotics and low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyol (FODMAP) diets on microbial metabolites. However, there was significant heterogeneity among the studies and no uniform characteristics of IBS-related gut microbiota. There is a need to further study these putative mechanisms and also ensure that they can be translated to therapeutic benefits for patients with IBS.
Editorial for Special Issue “High-Pressure Physical and Chemical Behaviors of Minerals and Rocks”
Authors: Dai Lidong , Hu Haiying
Published: March 2023

The eighth “From Atom to Earth” symposium on high-pressure science and earth science was held at the Key Laboratory of High-temperature and High-pressure Study of the Earth’s Interior, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGCAS), the People’s Republic of China, from 2 to 5 July 2021 [...]
Synergistic Effect of Sophora japonica and Glycyrrhiza glabra Flavonoid-Rich Fractions on Wound Healing: In Vivo and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Aly Shaza H. , Elissawy Ahmed M. , Mahmoud Abdulla M. A. , El-Tokhy Fatma Sa’eed , Mageed Sherif S. Abdel , Almahli Hadia , Al-Rashood Sara T. , Binjubair Faizah A. , Hassab Mahmoud A. El , Eldehna Wagdy M. , Singab Abd El-Nasser B.
Published: March 2023

Glycyrrhiza glabra and Sophora japonica (Fabaceae) are well-known medicinal plants with valuable secondary metabolites and pharmacological properties. The flavonoid-rich fractions of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves were prepared using Diaion column chromatography, and the confirmation of flavonoid richness was confirmed using UPLC-ESI-MS profiling and total phenolics and flavonoids assays. UPLC-ESI-MS profiling of the flavonoid-rich fraction of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves resulted in the tentative identification of 32 and 23 compounds, respectively. Additionally, the wound healing potential of topical preparations of each fraction, individually and in combination (1:1) ointment and gel preparations, were investigated in vivo, supported by histopathological examinations and biomarker evaluations, as well as molecular docking studies for the major constituents. The topical application of G. glabra ointment and gel, S. japonica ointment and gel and combination preparations significantly increase the wound healing rate and the reduction of oxidative stress in the wound area via MDA reduction and the elevation of reduced GSH and SOD levels as compared to the wound and Nolaver®-treated groups. The molecular docking study revealed that that major compounds in G. glabra and S. japonica can efficiently bind to the active sites of three proteins related to wound healing: glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK3-β), matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Consequently, G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves may be a rich source of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
Physicochemical Properties of Organic Molecular Ferroelectric Diisopropylammonium Chloride Thin Films
Authors: Alsaad Ahmad M. , Al-Bataineh Qais M. , Qattan Issam A. , Aljarrah Ihsan A. , Bani-Salameh Areen A. , Ahmad Ahmad A. , Albiss Borhan A. , Telfah Ahmad , Sabirianov Renat F.
Published: March 2023

We fabricated ferroelectric films of the organic molecular diisopropylammonium chloride (DIPAC) using the dip-coating technique and characterized their properties using various methods. Fourier-transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the structural features of the films. We also performed ab-initio calculations to investigate the electronic and polar properties of the DIPAC crystal, which were found to be consistent with the experimental results. In particular, the optical band gap of the DIPAC crystal was estimated to be around 4.5 eV from the band structure total density-of-states obtained by HSE06 hybrid functional methods, in good agreement with the value derived from the Tauc plot analysis (4.05 ± 0.16 eV). The films displayed an island-like morphology on the surface and showed increasing electrical conductivity with temperature, with a calculated thermal activation energy of 2.24 ± 0.03 eV. Our findings suggest that DIPAC films could be a promising alternative to lead-based perovskites for various applications such as piezoelectric devices, optoelectronics, sensors, data storage, and microelectromechanical systems.
Geographical, Temporal and Host-Species Distribution of Potentially Human-Pathogenic Group B Streptococcus in Aquaculture Species in Southeast Asia
Authors: Sirimanapong Wanna , Phước Nguyễn Ngọc , Crestani Chiara , Chen Swaine , Zadoks Ruth N.
Published: March 2023

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major pathogen of humans and aquatic species. Fish have recently been recognized as the source of severe invasive foodborne GBS disease, caused by sequence type (ST) 283, in otherwise healthy adults in Southeast Asia. Thailand and Vietnam are among the major aquaculture producers in Southeast Asia, with GBS disease reported in fish as well as frogs in both countries. Still, the distribution of potentially human-pathogenic GBS in aquaculture species is poorly known. Using 35 GBS isolates from aquatic species in Thailand collected from 2007 to 2019 and 43 isolates from tilapia collected in Vietnam in 2018 and 2019, we have demonstrated that the temporal, geographical, and host-species distribution of GBS ST283 is broader than previously known, whereas the distribution of ST7 and the poikilothermic lineage of GBS are geographically restricted. The gene encoding the human GBS virulence factor C5a peptidase, scpB, was detected in aquatic ST283 from Thailand but not in ST283 from Vietnam or in ST7 from either country, mirroring current reports of GBS strains associated with human sepsis. The observed distribution of strains and virulence genes is likely to reflect a combination of spill-over, host adaptation through the gain and loss of mobile genetic elements, and current biosecurity practices. The plastic nature of the GBS genome and its importance as a human, aquatic, and potentially foodborne pathogen suggests that active surveillance of GBS presence and its evolution in aquaculture systems may be justified.
Photosystem II Performance of Coffea canephora Seedlings after Sunscreen Application
Authors: Soela Débora Moro , da Vitória Edney Leandro , Falqueto Antelmo Ralph , Ribeiro Luis Felipe Oliveira , Simon Cátia Aparecida , Sigismondi Luciano Rastoldo , Jegeski Rodrigo Fraga , Pereira Leandro Demetriu Becatiini
Published: March 2023

In the conilon coffee tree, the stress caused by high light can reduce the photosynthetic rate, limit the development and also reduce the yield of beans. Considering that the quality of a sunscreen spray can influence photosynthetic performance, the goal was to understand the iterations between the quality of the spray and the variation of the chlorophyll a fluorescence when applying sunscreen on conilon coffee trees. The parameters coverage, volumetric median diameter, density, droplet deposition, and the variation of the chlorophyll a fluorescence were evaluated. The nozzle and application rate factors did not show direct effects in the physiological responses of the plants. Plants with no sunscreen application showed high values of energy dissipation flux. The photosystem II (PSII) performance index and PSII photochemical maximum efficiency indicate that the use of sunscreen for plants promotes better performance of photosynthetic activity and that it provides photoprotection against luminous stress, regardless of the application rate and spraying nozzle; however, we recommend using the application rate of 100 L ha−1 and the cone jet nozzle type because they provide lower risks of product loss due to runoff.
Genome Size Variation across a Cypriot Fabeae Tribe Germplasm Collection
Authors: Charalambous Iliana , Ioannou Nektaria , Kyratzis Angelos C. , Kourtellarides Dimitrios , Hagidimitriou Marianna , Nikoloudakis Nikolaos
Published: March 2023

DNA content is an important trait linked to the evolutionary routes of taxa and often connected to speciation. In the present study, we studied C-values variation across the Cypriot Fabeae gene pool. Several hundred plants (Vicia spp., Lens spp., Pisum spp.) were sampled across Cyprus. Accurate estimates were established by flow cytometry and propidium iodine staining for 155 discrete populations/accessions. A ten-fold variation was detected across lineages with 1C DNA content varying from 1.584 pg for V. cretica (ARI02420) to 13.983 pg for V. faba (ARI00187). In general, flow cytometry was precise for the characterization of species, even though there were instances of genome overlapping across taxa. Most analyses in the current work refer to species that have not been characterized before by flow cytometry (or any other DNA content estimation method). Still, a correlation to C-values previously reported in Kew Plant DNA C-values database was attempted. A high degree of correlation except for V. dalmatica was established. The evaluation of genome size trait in relation with the Fabeae phylogeny, revealed that Pisum and Lens genera were rather homogenous, but an astonishing fluctuation was shown for Vicia spp. Moreover, it was established that genome up- or down-scaling was not directly linked to speciation drivers. The genomic size measurements presented here could deliver extra quality control for the identification and characterization of taxa in germplasm collections, particularly in cases where species share morphological characters.
Human Cartilage Biomechanics: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches towards the Identification of Mechanical Properties in Healthy and Osteoarthritic Conditions
Authors: Belluzzi Elisa , Todros Silvia , Pozzuoli Assunta , Ruggieri Pietro , Carniel Emanuele Luigi , Berardo Alice
Published: March 2023

Articular cartilage is a complex connective tissue with the fundamental functions of load bearing, shock absorption and lubrication in joints. However, traumatic events, aging and degenerative pathologies may affect its structural integrity and function, causing pain and long-term disability. Osteoarthritis represents a health issue, which concerns an increasing number of people worldwide. Moreover, it has been observed that this pathology also affects the mechanical behavior of the articular cartilage. To better understand this correlation, the here proposed review analyzes the physiological aspects that influence cartilage microstructure and biomechanics, with a special focus on the pathological changes caused by osteoarthritis. Particularly, the experimental data on human articular cartilage are presented with reference to different techniques adopted for mechanical testing and the related theoretical mechanical models usually applied to articular cartilage are briefly discussed.
The Study of Multi-Scale Specific Surface Area in Shale Rock with Fracture-Micropore-Nanopore
Authors: Hu Rongrong , Wang Chenchen , Zhang Maolin , Zhang Yizhong , Zhao Jie
Published: March 2023

The specific surface area is an important parameter to characterize pore structure and adsorption properties, however, it is difficult to calculate accurately in shale rock due to its multiscale pore structure. In this paper, the representative 3D gray images of a microfracture sample, micropore subsample and nanopore subsample in shale rock were obtained with computed tomography (CT) scanning and focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) scanning. The multi-threshold segmentation algorithm with improved maximum inter-class variance method was introduced to construct the platform of multi-scale digital rock. Then, based on the fracture, micropore and nanopore digital rocks, the corresponding network models were extracted to obtain different-scale pore structures, respectively. Finally, based on the digital rock at different scales, the corresponding pore percentage, matrix percentage and specific surface area were calculated respectively. It was found that the specific surface areas of both microfractures and micropores are small, and their specific surface areas are 2~3 orders of magnitude smaller than that of nanopores, and the specific surface area of the shale formation is mainly contributed by nanopores. This paper provides an effective method to calculate the multi-scale specific surface area accurately in shale rock and has an important influence on the adsorption characteristics and swelling properties of the shale matrix.
Time Series-Based Edge Resource Prediction and Parallel Optimal Task Allocation in Mobile Edge Computing Environment
Authors: Behera Sasmita Rani , Panigrahi Niranjan , Bhoi Sourav Kumar , Sahoo Kshira Sagar , Jhanjhi N.Z. , Ghoniem Rania M.
Published: March 2023

The offloading of computationally intensive tasks to edge servers is indispensable in the mobile edge computing (MEC) environment. Once the tasks are offloaded, the subsequent challenges lie in buffering them and assigning them to edge virtual machine (VM) resources to meet the multicriteria requirement. Furthermore, the edge resources’ availability is dynamic in nature and needs a joint prediction and optimal allocation for the efficient usage of resources and fulfillment of the tasks’ requirements. To this end, this work has three contributions. First, a delay sensitivity-based priority scheduling (DSPS) policy is presented to schedule the tasks as per their deadline. Secondly, based on exploratory data analysis and inferred seasonal patterns in the usage of edge CPU resources from the GWA-T-12 Bitbrains VM utilization dataset, the availability of VM resources is predicted by using a Holt–Winters-based univariate algorithm (HWVMR) and a vector autoregression-based multivariate algorithm (VARVMR). Finally, for optimal and fast task assignment, a parallel differential evolution-based task allocation (pDETA) strategy is proposed. The proposed algorithms are evaluated extensively with standard performance metrics, and the results show nearly 22%, 35%, and 69% improvements in cost and 41%, 52%, and 78% improvements in energy when compared with MTSS, DE, and min–min strategies, respectively.
Rail Magnetic Flux Leakage Detection and Data Analysis Based on Double-Track Flaw Detection Vehicle
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Yuhui , Wang Ping , Ji Kailun , Wang Jun , Yang Jie , Shu Yuan
Published: March 2023

The rapid development of the railway industry has brought convenience to people’s lives. However, with the high speed, high frequency and heavy load characteristics of rail use, the safety of rail is seriously threatened. In this paper, a magnetic flux leakage testing (MFL) detection technology of rail based on a double-track flaw detection vehicle is introduced in detail, which can effectively detect the damage of rail top surface, which is the blind area of ultrasonic detection. The magnetic dipole model is used to analyze that the leakage magnetic field in the direction of Bx and Bz above the damage is related to the depth and width of the damage. The relationship between the depth of the damage and the leakage magnetic field is quantitatively studied for the damage with fixed width but varying depth. The finite element simulation tool is used to model and simulate the damage at different depths. After analyzing the different characteristic values, it is found that the peak value of magnetic leakage signal has a certain correlation with the depth of damage, and the natural logarithm function is fitted out—VBx = 0.1451ln(b) + 0.2705, VBz = 2.7787ln(b) + 0.0087. In order to verify the prediction function of the injury depth fitted by the simulation data, the human injury with different depths was processed and the dual-track flaw detector was used to carry out the experiment of high-speed detection environment. The peak-to-peak fitting of the magnetic leakage signals in the direction of Bx and Bz of the experimental results shows that the peak-to-peak variation rule is roughly in line with the natural logarithm function in the simulation. The correlation between the fitting results of the experimental data and the simulation fitting function is analyzed using the Pearson coefficient. The Pearson coefficient in the direction of Bx is ρx = 0.91386. The Pearson coefficient of the Bz direction is ρz = 0.98597, the peak-to-peak value of Bx and Bz direction is positively correlated with the depth of damage and the fitting effect of the Bz direction is better than that of the Bx direction.
Whence the 8th Day of the 4th Lunar Month as the Buddha’s Birthday
Authors: Zhang Meiqiao
Published: March 2023

Two dates, the 8th day of the 4th lunar month (Date A) and the 8th day of the 2nd lunar month (Date B), are found in Chinese Buddhist translations as the Buddha’s birthday. However, how to understand the simultaneous existence of both of these dates remains an unresolved problem. This paper proposes a rather new interpretation to try to solve this puzzle, and provide an answer to the question: whence the 8th day of the 4th lunar month as the Buddha’s birthday? It is argued that: (1) The date of the Buddha’s conception and the date of his birth were both translated variously as Date A or Date B in early Chinese Buddhist literature. However, many later texts referring to the Buddha’s birthday do not include reference to an auspicious junction star (puṣyanakṣatra), which is critical for understanding these dates; (2) Both the Indian and Chinese traditions regard an individual’s life to begin at the moment of conception; therefore, the so-called Buddha’s birthday could be argued as the date of his conception; (3) The date of conception of the Buddha was specified as the 8th day of the śuklapakṣa of the month Vaiśākha, the day of the vernal equinox. This corresponds to Date A in the Chinese Xia calendar.
Contribution of Islamic Religious Education to Intercultural Values in Pluralistic European Cultures: Insights from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Sijamhodžić-Nadarević Dina
Published: March 2023

This article aims to highlight how Islamic Religious Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country of rich cultural and religious diversity, promotes and advocates intercultural values of diversity, tolerance, solidarity, peace and dialogue in the context of contribution to intercultural values in pluralistic European cultures. This article also emphasizes the growing need to raise inclusive religious and intercultural awareness. Further, this article provides a content analysis of the BH unified curriculum of confessional Islamic Religious Education (IRE), a subject that is incorporated in all state-maintained schools, as well as the analyses of intercultural values embedded in Islamic higher education programs of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at the University of Sarajevo, which prepares religious education teachers and mu’allims. The purpose of this article is also to review the practices and projects which center around the intercultural and interreligious development of teachers and students through practical experience with intercultural dialogue.
Observation of Magnetic Domains in Amorphous Magnetic Wires with a Diameter of 10 μm Used in GSR Sensors
Authors: Takezawa Masaaki , Harada Yuki , Honkura Yoshinobu , Honkura Shinpei
Published: March 2023

The core of a Gigahertz Spin Rotation (GSR) sensor, a compact and highly sensitive magnetic sensor, is composed of Co–Fe-based amorphous magnetic wire with a diameter of 10 μm. Observations of the magnetic domain structure showed that this magnetic wire has unusual magnetic noise characteristics. Bamboo-shaped magnetic domains a few hundred micrometers in width were observed to form inside the wire, and smaller domains a few micrometers across were observed to form inside these larger domains. The magnetic domain pattern changed abruptly when an external magnetic field was applied to the wire. Herein is shown how these changes may be a source of magnetic noise in the wire.
PRM-D* Method for Mobile Robot Path Planning
Authors: Liu Chunyang , Xie Saibao , Sui Xin , Huang Yan , Ma Xiqiang , Guo Nan , Yang Fang
Published: March 2023

Various navigation tasks involving dynamic scenarios require mobile robots to meet the requirements of a high planning success rate, fast planning, dynamic obstacle avoidance, and shortest path. PRM (probabilistic roadmap method), as one of the classical path planning methods, is characterized by simple principles, probabilistic completeness, fast planning speed, and the formation of asymptotically optimal paths, but has poor performance in dynamic obstacle avoidance. In this study, we use the idea of hierarchical planning to improve the dynamic obstacle avoidance performance of PRM by introducing D* into the network construction and planning process of PRM. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method, we conducted simulation experiments using the proposed PRM-D* (probabilistic roadmap method and D*) method for maps of different complexity and compared the results with those obtained by classical methods such as SPARS2 (improving sparse roadmap spanners). The experiments demonstrate that our method is non-optimal in terms of path length but second only to graph search methods; it outperforms other methods in static planning, with an average planning time of less than 1 s, and in terms of the dynamic planning speed, our method is two orders of magnitude faster than the SPARS2 method, with a single dynamic planning time of less than 0.02 s. Finally, we deployed the proposed PRM-D* algorithm on a real vehicle for experimental validation. The experimental results show that the proposed method was able to perform the navigation task in a real-world scenario.
Analysis of Facial Occlusion Challenge in Thermal Images for Human Affective State Recognition
Authors: Al Qudah Mustafa , Mohamed Ahmad , Lutfi Syaheerah
Published: March 2023

Several studies have been conducted using both visual and thermal facial images to identify human affective states. Despite the advantages of thermal facial images in recognizing spontaneous human affects, few studies have focused on facial occlusion challenges in thermal images, particularly eyeglasses and facial hair occlusion. As a result, three classification models are proposed in this paper to address the problem of thermal occlusion in facial images, with six basic spontaneous emotions being classified. The first proposed model in this paper is based on six main facial regions, including the forehead, tip of the nose, cheeks, mouth, and chin. The second model deconstructs the six main facial regions into multiple subregions to investigate the efficacy of subregions in recognizing the human affective state. The third proposed model in this paper uses selected facial subregions, free of eyeglasses and facial hair (beard, mustaches). Nine statistical features on apex and onset thermal images are implemented. Furthermore, four feature selection techniques with two classification algorithms are proposed for a further investigation. According to the comparative analysis presented in this paper, the results obtained from the three proposed modalities were promising and comparable to those of other studies.
An Angular Radial Extended Interaction Amplifier at the W Band
Authors: Dong Yang , Wang Shaomeng , Guo Jingyu , Wang Zhanliang , Gong Huarong , Lu Zhigang , Duan Zhaoyun , Gong Yubin
Published: March 2023

In this paper, an angular radial extended interaction amplifier (AREIA) that consists of a pair of angular extended interaction cavities is proposed. Both the convergence angle cavity and the divergence angle cavity, which are designed for the converging beam and diverging beam, respectively, are investigated to present the potential of the proposed AREIA. They are proposed and explored to improve the beam–wave interaction capability of W-band extended interaction klystrons (EIKs). Compared to conventional radial cavities, the angular cavities have greatly decreased the ohmic loss area and increased the characteristic impedance. Compared to the sheet beam (0°) cavity, it has been found that the convergence angle cavity has a higher effective impedance and the diverging beam has a weaker space-charge effect under the same ideal electron beam area; the advantages become more obvious as the propagation distance increases. Particle-in-cell (PIC) results have shown that the diverging beam (8°) EIA performs better at an output power of 94 GHz under the condition of lossless, while the converging beam (−2°) EIA has a higher output power of 6.24 kW under the conditions of ohmic loss, an input power of 0.5 W, and an ideal electron beam of 20.5 kV and 1.5 A. When the loss increases and the beam current decreases, the output power of the −2° EIA can be improved by nearly 30% compared to the 0° EIA, and the −2° EIA has a greatly improved beam–wave interaction capacity than conventional EIAs under those conditions. In addition, an angular radial electron gun is designed.
Ultrasonic Transducers for In-Service Inspection and Continuous Monitoring in High-Temperature Environments
Authors: Bouchy Sevan , Zednik Ricardo J. , Belanger Pierre
Published: March 2023

The inspection of structures operating at high temperatures is a major challenge in a variety of industries, including the energy and petrochemical industries. Operators are typically performing nondestructive evaluations using ultrasound to monitor component thicknesses during scheduled shutdowns, thereby ensuring safe operation of their plants. However, despite being costly, this calendar-based approach may lead to undetected corrosion, which can potentially result in catastrophic failures. There is therefore a need for ultrasonic transducers designed to withstand permanent exposure to high temperatures, so as to continuously monitor the remnant thicknesses of structures in real time. This paper discusses the design of a heat-resistant ultrasonic transducer based on a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric material, the electrodes, the backing layer, the wires and the casing are presented in detail from the acoustic and thermal expansion point of view. Four transducers optimized for 3 MHz were manufactured and tested to destruction in different conditions: (1) 72-h temperature steps from room temperature to 750 ∘C, (2) thermal cycles from room temperature to 500 ∘C and (3) 60 days of continuous operation at >550 ∘C. The paper discusses the results, as well as the effect of temperature over time on the properties of the transducer.
SLP-Improved DDPG Path-Planning Algorithm for Mobile Robot in Large-Scale Dynamic Environment
Authors: Chen Yinliang , Liang Liang
Published: March 2023

Navigating robots through large-scale environments while avoiding dynamic obstacles is a crucial challenge in robotics. This study proposes an improved deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) path planning algorithm incorporating sequential linear path planning (SLP) to address this challenge. This research aims to enhance the stability and efficiency of traditional DDPG algorithms by utilizing the strengths of SLP and achieving a better balance between stability and real-time performance. Our algorithm generates a series of sub-goals using SLP, based on a quick calculation of the robot’s driving path, and then uses DDPG to follow these sub-goals for path planning. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed SLP-enhanced DDPG path planning algorithm outperforms traditional DDPG algorithms by effectively navigating the robot through large-scale dynamic environments while avoiding obstacles. Specifically, the proposed algorithm improves the success rate by 12.33% compared to the traditional DDPG algorithm and 29.67% compared to the A*+DDPG algorithm in navigating the robot to the goal while avoiding obstacles.
How Reliable Is Pyramidal Wavefront-Based Sensor Aberrometry in Measuring the In Vivo Optical Behaviour of Multifocal IOLs?
Authors: D’Oria Francesco , Scotti Giacomo , Sborgia Alessandra , Boscia Francesco , Alessio Giovanni
Published: March 2023

Cataract or refractive lens surgery, along with the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses (MF-IOL), enables a complete range of functional far, near and intermediate vision. Refractive, diffractive and extended depth of focus (EDoF) or combination of these principles represent the technology used to obtain this multifocality. Aberrometry makes it possible to study the aberrations induced by MF-IOLs. Among the different optical principles available to measure ocular aberrations, pyramidal wavefront-based sensor (PWS) aberrometry shows the highest resolution with MF-IOLs. Retinal image quality measured by a PWS aberrometer differed significantly according to the technology of the implanted lens. Monofocal and diffractive lenses showed the highest values of far-distance retinal image quality, followed by refractive and EDoF lenses; however, retinal image quality analysed in diffractive lenses appears to be more dependent on residual refractive error. Considering this limitation, PWS-aberrometry could be used to compare diffractive lenses. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to provide additional information about the clinical retinal image quality of MF-IOLs and to help surgeons in the important preoperative selection of IOLs.
DiffNILM: A Novel Framework for Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring Based on the Conditional Diffusion Model
Authors: Sun Ruichen , Dong Kun , Zhao Jianfeng
Published: March 2023

Non-intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) is a critical technology that enables detailed analysis of household energy consumption without requiring individual metering of every appliance, and has the capability to provide valuable insights into energy usage behavior, facilitate energy conservation, and optimize load management. Currently, deep learning models have been widely adopted as state-of-the-art approaches for NILM. In this study, we introduce DiffNILM, a novel energy disaggregation framework that utilizes diffusion probabilistic models to distinguish power consumption patterns of individual appliances from aggregated power. Starting from a random Gaussian noise, the target waveform is iteratively reconstructed via a sampler conditioned on the total active power and encoded temporal features. The proposed method is evaluated on two public datasets, REDD and UKDALE. The results demonstrated that DiffNILM outperforms baseline models on several key metrics on both datasets and shows a remarkable ability to effectively recreate complex load signatures. The study highlights the potential of diffusion models to advance the field of NILM and presents a promising approach for future energy disaggregation research.
Is Virtual Communication Possible in Intergenerational Programs? The SIMUL Project
Authors: González-Afonso Miriam , Estévez-Moreira María del Carmen , Delgado-Castro Andrea , Pérez-Jorge David
Published: March 2023

Intergenerational relationships are becoming increasingly rare. Thus, intergenerational programs are a strategy to establish relationships between generations. This article describes the socio-educational experience of the third edition of the SIMUL Intergenerational Project of the Education Service of the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife and the University of La Laguna, developed virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following questions arise: Can an intergenerational project be developed through virtual meetings? What are the socio-educational experiences gained during the Intergenerational Project (academic year 2020–2021) by young and older participants? The evaluation of the application and development of the project showed high participant satisfaction; however, communication barriers derived from the virtual modality were detected. It could be concluded that while face-to-face modality is more effective for the development of the experience, the virtual approach is only interesting when certain requirements and strategies for the virtualization of intergenerational meetings are met. For these types of programs to be successful from a virtual approach, it is essential to plan spaces for informal encounters that enable knowledge and exchange as a basis for the establishment of intergenerational relationships. A requirement in these virtual meetings is that each participant has his or her own device to participate in these meetings.
Assessment of Urban Sustainability—The Case of Amman City in Jordan
Authors: Sharaf Firas M.
Published: March 2023

Accelerated urbanization causes an increasing number of city dwellers, insufficient and overburdened infrastructure and services, and negative environmental impacts and climate change impacts. Measuring the city’s progress toward sustainability is essential to support decision-making and policy development. This study aims to establish an assessment and monitoring method of sustainable development goals at the city level, focusing on identifying indicators that are compatible with the city context to update and monitor progress toward sustainability. A review of the literature on sustainability assessment methods and tools is presented. A comprehensive framework for city sustainability assessment and a checklist of indicators. Amman city in Jordan is suggested. A Voluntary Local Review (VLR) report of Amman was presented to the United Nations in 2022. The report reviews Amman’s progress toward achieving the SDGs; however, it lacks clear and a quantitative assessment of the city’s sustainability, particularly SDG 11, which this paper seeks to address. The checklist survey questions were formulated according to the sub-indicators of the UN-Habitat SDG indicator metadata. The checklist was distributed to respondents from the Municipality of Amman and related organizations to the VLR. The respondents evaluated the sub-indicators of Goal 11 and gave performance level scores in three levels: low, average, and optimal. The sum of the indicator values is quantitatively presented in tables. The findings reveal that the indicator values of the city sustainability assessment framework, as applied in this paper, can be adjusted within the characteristics and constraints of the local context in a two-year observation period to provide updated data for decision-makers regarding the current status and future implementation of sustainability agendas.
PENGARUH LIKUIDITAS, LEVERAGE, PROFITABILITAS, DAN PERTUMBUHAN PERUSAHAAN TERHADAP KEBIJAKAN DIVIDEN PADA PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR SEKTOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE YANG TERDAFTAR DI BEI
Authors: Sitorus Paskah Ria
Published: March 2023

Capital Market Issuers in Indonesia are divided into several sectors. One of them is the food and beverage sector. So far the author has not found a research focusing on food and beverage sector manufacturing companies. The method that researcher used in this study is associative quantitative research. About the collection techniques of the data are carried out by collecting financial statement documents from www.idx.co.id in the period 2015 - 2017. To analysis the data, the researcher use method like multiple linear regression, coefficient of determination, t test, F test. The sample in this study were 18 companies with data consisting of 3 years. The sample selection is done by purposive method. The results showed that the ratio of liquidity, leverage, profitability and company growth have significant effect toward dividend policy in Manufacturing Companies Sector Food and Beverage Listed on the IDX in 2015 - 2017 amounting to 45.3%. The independent variable which have a dominant influence is the leverage variable.
PENGARUH CURRENT RATIO, NET PROFIT MARGIN, DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO, DAN TOTAL ASSET TURNOVER TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM PERUSAHAAN PERTAMBANGAN PERIODE 2018 - 2020
Authors: WIJAYA CATHERINE
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Current Ratio, Net Profit Margin, Debt To Equity Ratio, and Total Asset Turnover on Stock Prices in mining sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018 – 2020. This study is a quantitative study. The population of this research is IDX mining sector companies as many as 47 companies. The research sample used purposive sampling method, so the number of samples was 21 companies. The statistical method used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that partially stated Net Profit Margin, Debt To Equity Ratio, and Total Asset Turnover had an effect on stock prices while the Current Ratio had no effect on stock prices. And also simultaneously states the Current Ratio, Net Profit Margin, Debt To Equity Ratio, and Total Asset Turnover affect the Stock Price. The conclusion of this study is that only Net Profit Margin, Debt To Equity Ratio, and Total Asset Turnover have an effect on share prices in mining sector companies listed on the IDX in 2018 - 2020.

 

Keywords: Current Ratio, Net Profit Margin, Debt to Equity Ratio, Total Asset Turnover, Stock Prices