bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rehabilitation and release of confiscated songbirds into the wild: A pilot study
Authors: Cruz Cláudio Estêvão Farias , Driemeier David , Sonne Luciana , Pavarini Saulo P. , Panziera Welden , Funkler Gustavo R. , Böelter Nicole S. , Homem Juan L. C. , Soares Camila E. S. , Tres Gabrielle Z. , Silva Vitor G. C. , Correa Miguel L. , Caporal Francisco J. M. , Marques Sandra T. , Soares João F. , Wagner Paulo Guilherme Carniel , Nisa-Castro-Neto Walter , Andretta Inês
Published: March 2023

Songbirds are currently the most prevalent animals in illegal trafficking in Brazil and other countries, so they are often confiscated, and this poses legal, ethical, and conservation challenges. Returning them to nature requires complex and expensive management, a topic that is sparingly addressed in the literature. Here, we described the processes and costs associated with an attempt to rehabilitate and release confiscated songbirds into the wild. A total of 1,721 songbirds of several species were quarantined, rehabilitated, and released, primarily on two farms located within their typical geographical distribution. Health assessments were performed on samples from 370 birds. Serology revealed no antibodies against Newcastle disease, and Salmonella spp. cultures were negative. Real-time polymerase chain reactions detected M. gallisepticum in samples from seven birds. Atoxoplasma spp. and Acuaria spp. infections, sepsis, and trauma were the top causes of bird death. About 6% of the released birds were recaptured, within an average period of 249 days after release, and at a mean distance of 2,397 meters from the release sites. The majority of these birds were found with free-living mates within or close to fragments of transitional ecoregions with native or cultivated grasslands, and native groves/forests, and shrublands. However, eucalyptus plantations with rich understory regeneration provided a suitable environment for the released forest species to settle, since they were recaptured during the defense of these sites. Over half of the recaptured birds presented behavioral profiles with both dominant and tame traits. Birds with dominant traits are more likely to settle in habitats and face the live decoys during fieldwork, whereas birds with tame characteristics tend to accept close contact with humans. Ultramarine grosbeak (Cyanoloxia brissonii), the least common species among those released, at the release sites showed an almost 2-fold recapture rate in the shortest mean distances from the release sites. This suggests less territory competition, perhaps a major factor of bird re-establishment here. The total per-bird cost was USD 57. Our findings suggested suitable survival and re-establishment of confiscated songbirds in the wild, when managed as we describe.
Real-Time Monitoring Using Multiplexed Multi-Electrode Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy for the Stratification of Vascularized Composite Allografts: A Perspective on Predictive Analytics
Authors: Aggas John R. , Abasi Sara , Ton Carolyn , Salehi Sara , Liu Renee , Brandacher Gerald , Grayson Warren L. , Guiseppi-Elie Anthony
Published: March 2023

Vascularized composite allotransplantation addresses injuries to complex anatomical structures such as the face, hand, and abdominal wall. Prolonged static cold storage of vascularized composite allografts (VCA) incurs damage and imposes transportation limits to their viability and availability. Tissue ischemia, the major clinical indication, is strongly correlated with negative transplantation outcomes. Machine perfusion and normothermia can extend preservation times. This perspective introduces multiplexed multi-electrode bioimpedance spectroscopy (MMBIS), an established bioanalytical method to quantify the interaction of the electrical current with tissue components, capable of measuring tissue edema, as a quantitative, noninvasive, real-time, continuous monitoring technique to provide crucially needed assessment of graft preservation efficacy and viability. MMBIS must be developed, and appropriate models explored to address the highly complex multi-tissue structures and time-temperature changes of VCA. Combined with artificial intelligence (AI), MMBIS can serve to stratify allografts for improvement in transplantation outcomes.
Characteristics and Energy Distribution of Blast-Induced Ground Vibration in Deep-Hole Blasting
Authors: Bao Shijie , Fei Honglu , Hu Gang
Published: March 2023

This study proposes an incremental extreme extraction method based on the waveform characteristics of ground vibration signals obtained from open-pit mines to investigate the distribution and characteristics of ground vibration from deep-hole blasting. Firstly, an incremental extreme extraction method is proposed based on the waveform characteristics of borehole blasting vibration signals in open-pit mines. The proposed method could extract and screen the extreme values of blasting vibration signals and effectively improve the utilization rate of the data. The space vector of particle vibration is introduced to analyze the angle change between the particle velocity vector and the ground surface when the extreme value increases. Finally, the relation between the particle velocity vector and the angle between the ground plane and the increasing extremum position of several sets of measured signals is studied. Based on the statistical analysis, the results show that the particle velocity in the vertical direction has a significant advantage over that of the other two directions, and the angle between the extreme particle velocity vector direction and the ground plane is primarily distributed in the range of 60°~90°. After an unstable distribution of particle velocities in the transition zone, the particle velocities in each direction gradually attain a relatively balanced and stable attenuation condition as the distance increases. This proves the reliability of the proposed vector analysis of particle velocity in understanding the mechanism of rock blasting.
Pathways to Children’s Behavioral Problems during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Fathers’ Parenting Stress and Parenting Approaches
Authors: Ünsal Fatma Ozge , Acar Ibrahim Hakki
Published: March 2023

Although the family stress model theoretically focuses on the roles of both mothers and fathers as predictors of children’s outcomes, studies generally have focused on mothers. The pandemic has brought additional burdens to parents’ daily functioning, including fathers’ involvement in childcare. The current study aimed to examine the contributions of fathers’ parenting stress and parenting approaches to their children’s behavior problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly, we examined the indirect effects of parenting stress on children’s behavior problems via parenting practices. The participants were 155 fathers (Mage = 36.87, SD = 5.11) and their children (71 girls, 84 boys; Mage = 59.52, SD = 14.98) from Turkish contexts. The fathers reported their parenting stress, approaches, and children’s behavioral problems. The results from the path analysis showed that parenting stress predicted children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Parenting stress also predicted severe punishment and obedience as parts of the parenting approach. Finally, parenting stress was indirectly related to children’s externalizing behaviors via the punishment-based parenting approach of fathers. The findings of the current study highlighted the importance of examining the roles of fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Intervention programs targeting reducing fathers’ parenting stress and negative parenting approaches would also be beneficial for reducing children’s behavioral problems.
Fractures in Children Due to Firearm Activity
Authors: Loder Randall T. , Luster Taylor
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate fracture patterns due to pediatric firearm injuries. The data used was from the US Firearm Injury Surveillance Study 1993–2019. Over these 27 years, there were 19,033 children with fractures due to firearm activity with an average age of 12.2 years; 85.2% were boys and the firearm was a powder type in 64.7%. The finger was the most common fracture location, while the tibia/fibula was the most common location for those admitted to the hospital. Children ≤ 5 years of age sustained more skull/face fractures; most spine fractures occurred in the 11–15-year age group. The injury was self-inflicted in 65.2% of the non-powder and 30.6% of the powder group. The injury intent was an assault in 50.0% of the powder and 3.7% of the non-powder firearm group. Powder firearms accounted for the majority of the fractures in the ≤5 and 11–15 year-olds, non-powder firearms accounted for the majority of the fractures in the 6–10 year-olds. Injuries occurring at home decreased with increasing age; there was an increase in hospital admissions over time. In conclusion, our findings support the need for safe storage of firearms in the home away from children. This data will be helpful to assess any changes in prevalence or demographics with future firearm legislation or other prevention programs. The increasing acuity of firearm-associated injuries seen in this study is detrimental to the child, impacts familial wellbeing, and results in significant financial costs to society.
Online Multiscale Finite Element Simulation of Thermo-Mechanical Model with Phase Change
Authors: Ammosov Dmitry , Vasilyeva Maria
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a thermo-mechanical model with phase transition considering changes in the mechanical properties of the medium. The proposed thermo-mechanical model is described by a system of partial differential equations for temperature and displacements. In the model, soil deformations occur due to porosity growth caused by ice and water density differences. A finite-element approximation of this model on a fine grid is presented. The linearization from the previous time step is used to handle the nonlinearity of the problem. For reducing the size of the discrete problem, offline and online multiscale approaches based on the Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method (GMsFEM) are proposed. A two-dimensional model problem simulating the heaving process of heterogeneous soil with a stiff inclusion was considered for testing the mathematical model and the multiscale approaches. Numerical solutions depict the process of soil heaving caused by changes in porosity due to the phase transition. The movement of the phase transition interface was observed. The change of medium properties, including the elastic modulus, was traced and corresponds to the phase transition interface. The proposed multiscale approaches significantly reduce the size of the discrete problem while maintaining reasonable accuracy. However, the online multiscale approach achieves better accuracy than the offline approach with fewer degrees of freedom.
Geographic Variations and the Associated Factors in Adherence to and Persistence with Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy for the Privately Insured women Aged 18–64 with Breast Cancer in Texas
Authors: Kim Junghyun , Kim Man S. , Rajan Suja S. , Du Xianglin L. , Franzini Luisa , Kim Tae Gi , Giordano Sharon H. , Morgan Robert O.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the geographical patterns of adjuvant hormonal therapy adherence and persistence and the associated factors in insured Texan women aged 18–64 with early breast cancer. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using 5-year claims data for the population insured by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). Women diagnosed with early breast cancer who were taking tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for adjuvant hormonal therapy with at least one prescription claim were identified. Adherence to adjuvant hormonal therapy and persistence with adjuvant hormonal therapy were calculated as outcome measures. Women without a gap between two consecutively dispensed prescriptions of at least 90 days were considered to be persistently taking the medications. Patient-level multivariate logistic regression models with repeated regional-level adjustments and a Cox proportional hazards model with mixed effects were used to determine the geographical variations and patient-, provider-, and area-level factors that were associated with adjuvant hormonal therapy adherence and persistence. Of the 938 women in the cohort, 627 (66.8%) initiated adjuvant hormonal therapy. Most of the smaller HRRs have significantly higher or lower rates of treatment adherence and persistence rates relative to the median regions. The use of AHT varies substantially from one geographical area to another, especially for adherence, with an approximately two-fold difference between the lowest and highest areas, and area-level factors were found to be significantly associated with the compliance of AHT. There are geographical variations in AHT adherence and persistence in Texas. Patient-level and area-level factors have significant associations explaining these patterns.
Current Concepts in the Resection of Bone Tumors Using a Patient-Specific Three-Dimensional Printed Cutting Guide
Authors: Aiba Hisaki , Spazzoli Benedetta , Tsukamoto Shinji , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Hermann Tomas , Kimura Hiroaki , Murakami Hideki , Donati Davide Maria , Errani Costantino
Published: March 2023

Orthopedic oncology has begun to use three-dimensional-printing technology, which is expected to improve the accuracy of osteotomies, ensure a safe margin, and facilitate precise surgery. However, several difficulties should be considered. Cadaver and clinical studies have reported more accurate osteotomies for bone-tumor resection using patient-specific cutting guides, especially in challenging areas such as the sacrum and pelvis, compared to manual osteotomies. Patient-specific cutting guides can help surgeons achieve resection with negative margins and reduce blood loss and operating time. Furthermore, this patient-specific cutting guide could be combined with more precise reconstruction using patient-specific implants or massive bone allografts. This review provides an overview of the basic technologies used in the production of patient-specific cutting guides and discusses their current status, advantages, and limitations. Moreover, we summarize cadaveric and clinical studies on the use of these guides in orthopedic oncology.
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: The Gray Curtain of Immunotherapy and Spikes of Lights
Authors: Balsano Rita , Zanuso Valentina , Pirozzi Angelo , Rimassa Lorenza , Bozzarelli Silvia
Published: March 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a dismal disease with a poor 5-year overall survival rate (~10%). The revolution of immunotherapy in clinical oncology has not substantially changed clinical outcome for patients with PDAC. Despite outstanding efforts, neither immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone, nor in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapies have shown encouraging results. This failure mirrors the lack of knowledge about the real key players of immune system senescence and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment in PDAC. However, some hope can be derived from PARP-inhibitor combinations, vaccines, and CAR-T-cells therapy. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the latest updates about the use of ICIs in PDAC, focusing on clinical evidence and ongoing studies highlighting explanations for the failure of immunotherapy and possible solutions.
Quantum Secure Multi-Party Summation Using Single Photons
Authors: Wu Wan-Qing , Xie Ming-Zhe
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we propose a secure multi-party summation based on single photons. With the help of a semi-honest third party, n participants can simultaneously obtain the summation result without revealing their secret inputs. Our protocol uses single photon states as the information carriers. In addition, each participant with secret input only performs simple single-particle operators rather than particle preparation and any complex quantum measurements. These features make our protocol more feasible to implement. We demonstrate the correctness and security of the proposed protocol, which is resistant to participant attack and outside attack. In the end, we compare in detail the performance of the quantum summation protocol in this paper with other schemes in terms of different indicators. By comparison, our protocol is efficient and easy to implement.
Brief Review on the Connection between the Micro-Canonical Ensemble and the Sq-Canonical Probability Distribution
Authors: Plastino Angel R. , Plastino Angelo
Published: March 2023

Non-standard thermostatistical formalisms derived from generalizations of the Boltzmann–Gibbs entropy have attracted considerable attention recently. Among the various proposals, the one that has been most intensively studied, and most successfully applied to concrete problems in physics and other areas, is the one associated with the Sq non-additive entropies. The Sq-based thermostatistics exhibits a number of peculiar features that distinguish it from other generalizations of the Boltzmann–Gibbs theory. In particular, there is a close connection between the Sq-canonical distributions and the micro-canonical ensemble. The connection, first pointed out in 1994, has been subsequently explored by several researchers, who elaborated this facet of the Sq-thermo-statistics in a number of interesting directions. In the present work, we provide a brief review of some highlights within this line of inquiry, focusing on micro-canonical scenarios leading to Sq-canonical distributions. We consider works on the micro-canonical ensemble, including historical ones, where the Sq-canonical distributions, although present, were not identified as such, and also more resent works by researchers who explicitly investigated the Sq-micro-canonical connection.
Ecotonic Communities of Diatoms in the Southeastern Part of the Kamchatka Peninsula
Authors: Fazlutdinova Alfiya I. , Allaguvatova Rezeda Z. , Gaysina Lira A.
Published: March 2023

Data about the ecotonic diatom communities of the Kamchatka Peninsula, a unique territory with strong volcanic activity, are very limited. We aimed to investigate diatom algae of the ecotones in the southeastern part of Kamchatka, including the Paratunka river valley, at the foot of the Vachkazhets volcano, and the bank of the Bystraya river. In total, 55 taxa were identified. The most diverse were the flora of the Paratunka river, with 31 taxa. Near the Bystraya river, 26 taxa were identified. Near the Vachkazhets volcano, 18 taxa were identified. Fragilariforma virescens, Planothidium lanceolatum, Pinnularia cf. subcapitata, Halamphora normanii, Nitzschia palea, and Eunotia exigua were the dominant species in the studied ecosystems, with the maximum abundance score. Pinnularia cf. subcapitata and Planothidium lanceolatum were found in all ecotones. In the studied habitats, small indifferent alkaliphilic cosmopolitan species prevailed. Our study revealed that the diatom species composition of the Kamchatka ecotones reflects their adaptability to survive in the extreme conditions of volcanic substrates. The results contribute to our knowledge of the ecology and biogeography of a number of diatom taxa.
Review of Structural Fire Hazards, Challenges, and Prevention Strategies
Authors: Zhang Chenting
Published: March 2023

Reducing the occurrence of structural fires is the common goal of all countries. However, the development level of different countries determines the degree of perfection of local fire management regulations. Developed countries have a more rational urban layout, sufficient firefighting resources, and the ability to guarantee fire safety. In contrast, haphazardly built residential areas in developing and underdeveloped countries have more safety hazards, which increases the challenges of local fire management. This study provides an overview of the causes and impacts of fires in different countries and identifies gaps in fire safety between developed and developing countries, as well as corresponding strategies to deal with fires. It is worth mentioning that the development and evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has made it possible to predict fires, thereby greatly reducing damage and losses caused by fires. In addition, the development of new fire-resistant building materials, etc., provides more means to reduce the possibility of fire.
Exploring the Power of Thermosonication: A Comprehensive Review of Its Applications and Impact in the Food Industry
Authors: Abdulstar Alaa R. , Altemimi Ammar B. , Al-Hilphy Asaad R.
Published: March 2023

Thermosonication (TS) has been identified as a smart remedy for the shortcomings of heat treatment, which typically requires prolonged exposure to high temperatures. This technique combines moderate heat treatment with acoustic energy to eliminate harmful microorganisms and enzymes in food products. Unlike conventional heat treatment, thermosonication utilizes short holding times, allowing for the preservation of food products’ phytochemical compounds and sensory characteristics. The benefits and challenges of this emerging technology, such as equipment cost, limited availability of data, inconsistent results, high energy consumption, and scale-up challenges, have been assessed, and the design process for using ultrasound in combination with mild thermal treatment has been discussed. TS has proven to be a promising technique for eliminating microorganisms and enzymes without compromising the nutritional or sensory quality of food products. Utilizing natural antimicrobial agents such as ascorbic acid, Nisin, and ε-polylysine (ε-PL) in combination with thermosonication is a promising approach to enhancing the safety and shelf life of food products. Further research is required to enhance the utilization of natural antimicrobial agents and to acquire a more comprehensive comprehension of their impact on the safety and quality of food products.
Opuntia spp.: An Overview of the Bioactive Profile and Food Applications of This Versatile Crop Adapted to Arid Lands
Authors: Rodrigues Carolina , Paula Camila Damásio de , Lahbouki Soufiane , Meddich Abdelilah , Outzourhit Abdelkader , Rashad Mohamed , Pari Luigi , Coelhoso Isabel , Fernando Ana Luísa , Souza Victor G. L.
Published: March 2023

Opuntia spp. are crops well adapted to adverse environments and have great economic potential. Their constituents, including fruits, cladodes, and flowers, have a high nutritional value and are rich in value-added compounds. Cladodes have an appreciable content in dietary fiber, as well as bioactive compounds such as kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. Fruits are a major source of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids and vitamin C. The seeds are mainly composed of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. The flowers are also rich in phenolic compounds. Therefore, in addition to their traditional uses, the different plant fractions can be processed to meet multiple applications in the food industry. Several bakery products have been developed with the incorporation of cladode flour. Pectin and mucilage obtained from cladodes can act as edible films and coatings. Fruits, fruit extracts, and fruit by-products have been mixed into food products, increasing their antioxidant capacity and extending their shelf life. Betalains, obtained from fruits, can be used as food colorants and demonstrate promising applications as a sensor in food packaging. This work reviews the most valuable components of the different fractions of this plant and emphasizes its most recent food applications, demonstrating its outstanding value.
Autoclaving-Triggered Hydrogelation of Chitosan-Gluconic acid Conjugate Aqueous Solution for Wound Healing
Authors: Yamashita Yusuke , Ohzuno Yoshihiro , Saito Yoichi , Fujiwara Yukio , Yoshida Masahiro , Takei Takayuki
Published: March 2023

Moist wound healing is known to heal wounds faster than dry wound healing. Hydrogel wound dressings are suitable for moist wound healing because of their hyperhydrous structure. Chitosan, a natural polymer, promotes wound healing by stimulating inflammatory cells and releasing bioactive compounds. Therefore, chitosan hydrogel has great potential as a wound dressing. In our previous study, physically crosslinked chitosan hydrogels were successfully prepared solely by freeze-thawing of chitosan-gluconic acid conjugate (CG) aqueous solution without using any toxic additives. Furthermore, the CG hydrogels could be sterilized by autoclaving (steam sterilization). In this study, we showed that autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min) of a CG aqueous solution simultaneously achieved gelation of the solution and sterilization of the hydrogel. Hydrogelation of CG aqueous solution by autoclaving is also physically crosslinking without any toxic additives. Further, we showed that the CG hydrogels retained favorable biological properties of the CG hydrogels prepared by freeze-thawing and subsequent autoclaving. These results indicated that CG hydrogels prepared by autoclaving were promising as wound dressings.
Predicting the Learning Avoidance Motivation, Learning Commitment, and Silent Classroom Behavior of Chinese Vocational College Students Caused by Short Video Addiction
Authors: Ye Jian-Hong , He Zhen , Yang Xiantong , Lee Yi-Sang , Nong Weiguaju , Ye Jhen-Ni , Wang Chiung-Ling
Published: March 2023

As short video addiction has gradually become an emerging Internet behavioral addiction, its negative impacts on the student population have been noticed and cannot be ignored. Based on a literature review, this study referred to the person-process-content framework and drew on the ecosystem theory to define the relationship between short video addiction, learning avoidance motivation, learning commitment, and silent classroom behavior by using structural equation modeling. This study recruited 1000 participants from Chinese vocational colleges to fill out questionnaires. With an effective recovery rate of 94.6%, there were 946 effective study participants comprising 445 males (47%) and 501 females (53%). After it was confirmed that the data passed the reliability and validity tests, structural equation model analysis was carried out. The study results showed that short video addiction was positively correlated with learning avoidance motivation, but negatively correlated with learning commitment; on the other hand, study avoidance motivation was negatively correlated with learning commitment, but positively correlated with silent classroom behavior. Meanwhile, there was a negative correlation between learning commitment and silent classroom behavior. As a result, the negative correlation between short video addiction and learning behavior needs attention from parents and teachers.
Sustainable Use of Sewage Sludge for Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) Cultivation: Experimental and Predictive Modeling Studies on Heavy Metal Accumulation
Authors: AL-Huqail Arwa A. , Kumar Pankaj , Abou Fayssal Sami , Adelodun Bashir , Širić Ivan , Goala Madhumita , Choi Kyung Sook , Taher Mostafa A. , El-Kholy Aziza S. , Eid Ebrahem M.
Published: March 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of sewage sludge (SS) amendment on the growth, yield, and biochemical attributes of the marigold (Tagetes erecta L. var. Pusa Basanti Gainda) crop. For this purpose, marigold flowers were cultivated using three different treatments of SS, i.e., 0% (control with no SS), 5%, and 10%. Multiple linear regression (MLR) modeling was performed to develop prediction models for the impact of soil properties on heavy metals uptake by marigold plants. The results showed that the growth, yield, and biochemical attributes of marigold plants significantly (p < 0.05) increased with an increase in SS dose from 0 to 10%. The most feasible SS treatment was found to be 10%, which achieved a maximum flower yield of 318.42 g/plant. On the other hand, the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values (>1) showed that the marigold plant was capable of uptaking significant contents of six heavy metals in the order of Cd < Cr < Cu < Zn < Mn < Fe. The MLR-based predictive models were capable of precisely predicting the contents of most heavy metal uptake by marigold plants as indicated by the coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.73), model efficiency (ME > 0.49), root mean square error (RMSE < 3.25), and analysis of variance (ANOVA; p < 0.05) results. Overall, this study presented a novel approach to floriculture by sustainable management of SS while reducing public health and environmental impacts.
Different Perspectives on Retest Effects in the Context of Spatial Thinking: Interplay of Behavioral Performance, Cognitive Processing, and Cognitive Workload
Authors: Fehringer Benedict C. O. F.
Published: March 2023

Retest effects refer to performance improvements in a final test by completing previous tests with the same or similar testing materials. Improvements in test-related skills and/or increasing familiarity with the stimulus materials are considered sources of the retest effect. The present study analyzes retest effects in the context of spatial thinking, considering complementing perspectives (behavioral performance, cognitive processing, and cognitive workload). N = 141 participants completed a recently developed ability test for the visualization factor of spatial thinking (R-Cube-Vis Test). This test provides the opportunity to monitor the progression of changes in solving behavior from item to item within each of the six distinct difficulty levels. Items of one difficulty level all require the same spatial solving strategy but vary in visual appearance. Multi-level models were estimated, with items on level 1 and participants on level 2. Results demonstrated retest effects as changes from the beginning to the end of a set of items within each difficulty level by increasing accuracy. Gaze patterns showed the development of solving strategies by participants through, e.g., shifting the focus on relevant item parts. Increasing familiarity with the stimulus materials was indicated in reduced reaction times and increased confidence ratings, but also by the results of a pupillary-based cognitive workload measure. Furthermore, differences between participants with overall high vs. low spatial ability were considered. In addition to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the retest effect, the complementing perspectives provide more detailed information about individual ability profiles for diagnostic purposes.
Short-Term Phantom Recollection in 8–10-Year-Olds and Young Adults
Authors: Abadie Marlène , Rousselle Manon
Published: March 2023

Illusory conscious experience of the “presentation” of unstudied material, called phantom recollection, occurs at high levels in long-term episodic memory tests and underlies some forms of false memory. We report an experiment examining, for the first time, the presence of phantom recollection in a short-term working memory (WM) task in 8- to 10-year-old children and young adults. Participants studied lists of eight semantically related words and had to recognize them among unpresented distractors semantically related and unrelated to the studied words after a retention interval of a few seconds. Regardless of whether the retention interval was filled with a concurrent task that interfered with WM maintenance, the false recognition rate for related distractors was very high in both age groups, although it was higher in young adults (47%) than children (42%) and rivaled the rate of target acceptance. The conjoint recognition model of fuzzy-trace theory was used to examine memory representations underlying recognition responses. In young adults, phantom recollection underpinned half of the false memories. By contrast, in children, phantom recollection accounted for only 16% of them. These findings suggest that an increase in phantom recollection use may underlie the developmental increase in short-term false memory.
Fungal Diversity Associated with Thirty-Eight Lichen Species Revealed a New Genus of Endolichenic Fungi, Intumescentia gen. nov. (Teratosphaeriaceae)
Authors: Si Hongli , Wang Yichen , Liu Yanyu , Li Shiguo , Bose Tanay , Chang Runlei
Published: March 2023

Fungi from the Teratosphaeriaceae (Mycosphaerellales; Dothideomycetes; Ascomycota) have a wide range of lifestyles. Among these are a few species that are endolichenic fungi. However, the known diversity of endolichenic fungi from Teratosphaeriaceae is far less understood compared to other lineages of Ascomycota. We conducted five surveys from 2020 to 2021 in Yunnan Province of China, to explore the biodiversity of endolichenic fungi. During these surveys, we collected multiple samples of 38 lichen species. We recovered a total of 205 fungal isolates representing 127 species from the medullary tissues of these lichens. Most of these isolates were from Ascomycota (118 species), and the remaining were from Basidiomycota (8 species) and Mucoromycota (1 species). These endolichenic fungi represented a wide variety of guilds, including saprophytes, plant pathogens, human pathogens, as well as entomopathogenic, endolichenic, and symbiotic fungi. Morphological and molecular data indicated that 16 of the 206 fungal isolates belonged to the family Teratosphaeriaceae. Among these were six isolates that had a low sequence similarity with any of the previously described species of Teratosphaeriaceae. For these six isolates, we amplified additional gene regions and conducted phylogenetic analyses. In both single gene and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses using ITS, LSU, SSU, RPB2, TEF1, ACT, and CAL data, these six isolates emerged as a monophyletic lineage within the family Teratosphaeriaceae and sister to a clade that included fungi from the genera Acidiella and Xenopenidiella. The analyses also indicated that these six isolates represented four species. Therefore, we established a new genus, Intumescentia gen. nov., to describe these species as Intumescentia ceratinae, I. tinctorum, I. pseudolivetorum, and I. vitii. These four species are the first endolichenic fungi representing Teratosphaeriaceae from China.
The Regulatory Hub of Siderophore Biosynthesis in the Phytopathogenic Fungus Alternaria alternata
Authors: Wu Je-Jia , Wu Pei-Ching , Yago Jonar I. , Chung Kuang-Ren
Published: March 2023

A GATA zinc finger-containing repressor (AaSreA) suppresses siderophore biosynthesis in the phytopathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata under iron-replete conditions. In this study, targeted gene deletion revealed two bZIP-containing transcription factors (AaHapX and AaAtf1) and three CCAAT-binding proteins (AaHapB, AaHapC, and AaHapE) that positively regulate gene expression in siderophore production. This is a novel phenotype regarding Atf1 and siderophore biosynthesis. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that only AaHapX and AaSreA were regulated by iron. AaSreA and AaHapX form a transcriptional feedback negative loop to regulate iron acquisition in response to the availability of environmental iron. Under iron-limited conditions, AaAtf1 enhanced the expression of AaNps6, thus playing a positive role in siderophore production. However, under nutrient-rich conditions, AaAtf1 plays a negative role in resistance to sugar-induced osmotic stress, and AaHapX plays a negative role in resistance to salt-induced osmotic stress. Virulence assays performed on detached citrus leaves revealed that AaHapX and AaAtf1 play no role in fungal pathogenicity. However, fungal strains carrying the AaHapB, AaHapC, or AaHapE deletion failed to incite necrotic lesions, likely due to severe growth deficiency. Our results revealed that siderophore biosynthesis and iron homeostasis are regulated by a well-organized network in A. alternata.
Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals CLEC7A and PROM1 as Potential Regulators of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis-Induction of Cytokine Production in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: de Figueiredo Ana Marina B. , dos Santos Jéssica Cristina , Kischkel Brenda , Ardiansyah Edwin , Oosting Marije , Guimarães Matos Grazzielle , Barreto Neves Oliveira Iara , van de Veerdonk Frank , Netea Mihai G. , Soares Célia Maria de Almeida , Ribeiro-Dias Fátima , Joosten Leo A. B.
Published: March 2023

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides and the different clinical forms of the disease are associated with the host immune responses. Quantitative trait loci mapping analysis was performed to assess genetic variants associated with mononuclear-cells-derived cytokines induced by P. brasiliensis on 158 individuals. We identified the rs11053595 SNP, which is present in the CLEC7A gene (encodes the Dectin-1 receptor) and the rs62290169 SNP located in the PROM1 gene (encodes CD133) associated with the production of IL-1β and IL-22, respectively. Functionally, the blockade of the dectin-1 receptor abolished the IL-1β production in P. brasiliensis-stimulated PBMCs. Moreover, the rs62290169-GG genotype was associated with higher frequency of CD38+ Th1 cells in PBMCs cultured with P. brasiliensis yeasts. Therefore, our research indicates that the CLEC7A and PROM1 genes are important for the cytokine response induced by P. brasiliensis and may influence the Paracoccidioidomycosis disease outcome.
Predicting Cryptocurrency Fraud Using ChaosNet: The Ethereum Manifestation
Authors: Dutta Anurag , Voumik Liton Chandra , Ramamoorthy Athilingam , Ray Samrat , Raihan Asif
Published: March 2023

Cryptocurrencies are in high demand now due to their volatile and untraceable nature. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin are just a few examples. This research seeks to identify deception and probable fraud in Ethereum transactional processes. We have developed this capability via ChaosNet, an Artificial Neural Network constructed using Generalized Luröth Series maps. Chaos has been objectively discovered in the brain at many spatiotemporal scales. Several synthetic neuronal simulations, including the Hindmarsh–Rose model, possess chaos, and individual brain neurons are known to display chaotic bursting phenomena. Although chaos is included in several Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), for instance, in Recursively Generating Neural Networks, no ANNs exist for classical tasks entirely made up of chaoticity. ChaosNet uses the chaotic GLS neurons’ property of topological transitivity to perform classification problems on pools of data with cutting-edge performance, lowering the necessary training sample count. This synthetic neural network can perform categorization tasks by gathering a definite amount of training data. ChaosNet utilizes some of the best traits of networks composed of biological neurons, which derive from the strong chaotic activity of individual neurons, to solve complex classification tasks on par with or better than standard Artificial Neural Networks. It has been shown to require much fewer training samples. This ability of ChaosNet has been well exploited for the objective of our research. Further, in this article, ChaosNet has been integrated with several well-known ML algorithms to cater to the purposes of this study. The results obtained are better than the generic results.
Assessment and Forecast of Shoreline Change Using Geo-Spatial Techniques in the Gulf of California
Authors: Zambrano-Medina Yedid Guadalupe , Plata-Rocha Wenseslao , Monjardin-Armenta Sergio Alberto , Franco-Ochoa Cuauhtémoc
Published: March 2023

In coastal regions, the combined effects of natural processes, human activity, and climate change have caused shoreline changes that may increase in the future. The assessment of these changes is essential for forecasting their future position for proper management. In this context, shoreline changes in the Gulf of California (GC), Mexico, have received little attention and no previous studies have addressed future forecasting. In this study, the researchers assessed the historical shoreline changes to forecast the long-term shoreline positions. To address this, shoreline data were obtained from Landsat satellite images for the years 1981, 1993, 2004, 2010, and 2020. The Net Shoreline Movement (NSM), Linear Regression Rate (LRR), End Point Rate (EPR), and Weighted Linear Regression (WLR) geo-spatial techniques were applied to estimate the shoreline change rate by using a Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) in the GIS environment. A Kalman filter model was used to forecast the position of the shoreline for the years 2030 and 2050. The results show that approximately 72% of the GC shoreline is undergoing steady erosion, and this trend is continuing in the future. This study has provided valuable and comprehensive baseline information on the state of the shoreline in the GC that can guide coastal engineers, coastal managers, and policymakers in Mexico to manage the risk. It also provides both long-term and large-scale continuous datasets that are essential for future studies focused on improving the shoreline forecast models.
Daylight Photoactive TiO2 Sol-Gel Nanoparticles: Sustainable Environmental Contribution
Authors: Barcelos Daniel Alves , Gonçalves Maria Clara
Published: March 2023

Visible-light-photoactive titania micro- or nanoparticles excel in a wide range of industrial areas, particularly in environmental remediation. The sol–gel methodology is one pivotal technique which has been successfully used to synthesize either crystalline and amorphous TiO2 micro- and nanoparticles due to its outstanding chemical simplicity and versatility, along with the green chemistry approach. This short review aims to collect and discuss the most recent developments in visible-light-photoactive titania-based nanoparticles in the environmental remediation area. Titania co-doping, titania composite design, and, recently, amorphous networks have been the most used strategies to address this goal. Finally, a prediction regarding the future of these fields is given.
A Space-Time Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation Cable Element and the Study of Its Accuracy and Efficiency
Authors: Chen Dekun , Li Kun , Lu Nianli , Lan Peng
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a space-time absolute nodal coordinate formulation cable (SAC) element forming technique based on the Lagrange family of shape functions is proposed. Two distinct SAC elements, each with a distinct spatial shape function, have been generated by this method. Moreover, the external forces such as the bending moment and the air resistance formula have been accounted for. The Lagrange multiplier method, along with the concepts of replacement constraint and supplementary constraint, has been employed to provide a solution for the dynamics of constrained mechanical systems. Additionally, a constraint conversion strategy has been suggested. The solver has been constructed through Hamilton’s law of varying action. The space-time finite element method is used to solve dynamic problems, employing the Newton algorithm and quasi-Newton algorithm. The accuracy and efficiency of the solution has been verified by three simulations and one experiment. The circle-bending static simulation and the double-ended velocity impact dynamic simulation demonstrate the accuracy of the two elements. The correlation between statics and dynamics has been studied for different discretization methods and different solvers’ calculation accuracy and efficiency. Different modeling methods, time steps, order and the application of the quasi-Newton method all have a bearing on the efficiency of the solution. Finally, a comparison with an experiment in the free-pendulum simulation reveals the capability of this model to simulate dynamic problems with air resistance.
Design and Experiment of Apple Foam Net Sleeve Packaging Machine with Posture Adjustment Function
Authors: He Shisheng , Sun Qun , Wang Quanjin , Liang Zhiqin , Zhao Ying , Yu Xiuhao , Xu Haigang
Published: March 2023

Background: In this study, an apple foam net packing machine is designed to improve the efficiency of apple foam net packing, reduce the intensity of manual work, and meet the market demand for diverse forms of apple packing. Methods: Based on the analysis of apple shape characteristics, a secondary posture adjustment method for apples with a vertical posture adjustment mechanism and a side posture adjustment mechanism is proposed. Based on the observation of human hand-set nets and the analysis of the mechanical characteristics of nets, a dual-system net opening method combining a net slackening system and a net opening system is proposed. Results: The experiment shows that: the apple foam net sleeve packing machine can reach 99% of the apple’s posture adjustment rate, the net opening rate can reach 99%, and the packing rate can reach 98.10%. The packing speed is 10 s/pcs, and the packing efficiency is 355–365 pcs/h. The length of the fused mesh net sleeve is mainly distributed between 138 and 143 mm, which accounts for approximately 80% of the total number of samples. Conclusions: The apples packed by this machine are neatly packaged according to specifications. It can improve the efficiency of apple foam net sleeve packing and replace manual work.
Nonreciprocity of Optical Absorption in the Magnetoelectric Antiferromagnet CuB2O4
Authors: Boldyrev Kirill N. , Molchanova Anastasiia D. , Nurmukhametov Alexey R. , Eremin Mikhail V. , Pisarev Roman V. , Popova Marina N.
Published: March 2023

The change in the absorption spectra due to reversal of the direction of light propagation (nonreciprocity of absorption) is a consequence of a simultaneous violation of both time-reversal and spatial-inversion symmetries. Here, we report on a high-resolution spectroscopic study of absorption nonreciprocity in the noncentrosymmetric multiferroic CuB2O4 below the antiferromagnetic transition temperature TN = 21 K in the commensurate phase in magnetic fields up to 0.5 T. The study was performed in a broad spectral region covering several exciton transitions, which all are followed by an anomalously rich structure due to the multiple exciton-magnon-phonon satellites. Two components were resolved for the spectral line near 1.4 eV corresponding to the exciton transition between the ground and the first excited state. A quantitative theory of the optical absorption and nonreciprocity at this line was developed. The theory takes into account the interference between the electric and magnetic dipole contributions to the absorption and gives an adequate explanation of the relevant effects.
Shapley-Value-Based Hybrid Metaheuristic Multi-Objective Optimization for Energy Efficiency in an Energy-Harvesting Cognitive Radio Network
Authors: Bakshi Shalley , Sharma Surbhi , Khanna Rajesh
Published: March 2023

Energy efficiency and throughput are concerns for energy-harvesting cognitive radio networks. However, attaining the maximum level of both requires optimization of sensing duration, harvested energy, and transmission time. To obtain the optimal values of these multiple parameters and to maximize the average throughput and energy efficiency, a new hybrid technique for multi-objective optimization is proposed. This hybrid optimization algorithm incorporates a Shapley value and a game theoretic concept into metaheuristics. Here, particle swarm optimization grey wolf optimization (PSOGWO) is selected as the source for the advanced hybrid algorithm. The concept of the unbiased nature of wolves is also added to PSOGWO to make it more efficient. Multi-objective optimization is formulated by taking a deep look into combined spectrum sensing and energy harvesting in a cognitive radio network (CSSEH). The Pareto optimal solutions for the multi-objective optimization problem of energy efficiency and throughput can be obtained using PSOGWO by updating the velocity with the weights. In the proposed Shapley hybrid multi-objective optimization algorithm, we used Shapley values to set up the weights that, in turn, updated the velocities of the particles. This updated velocity increased the ability of particles to reach a global optimum rather than becoming trapped in local optima. The solution obtained with this hybrid algorithm is the Shapley–Pareto optimal solution. The proposed algorithm is also compared with state-of-the-art PSOGWO, unbiased PSOGWO, and GWO. The results show a significant level of improvement in terms of energy efficiency by 3.56% while reducing the sensing duration and increasing the average throughput by 21.83% in comparison with standard GWO.