bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fe3O4-PAA–(HP-γ-CDs) Biocompatible Ferrimagnetic Nanoparticles for Increasing the Efficacy in Superparamagnetic Hyperthermia
Authors: Caizer Costica , Caizer Isabela Simona , Racoviceanu Roxana , Watz Claudia Geanina , Mioc Marius , Dehelean Cristina Adriana , Bratu Tiberiu , Soica Codruța
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we present the obtaining of Fe3O4-PAA–(HP-γ-CDs) ferrimagnetic nanobioconjugates (PAA: polyacrylic acid, HP-γ-CDs: hydroxypropyl gamma-cyclodextrins) in a hybrid core-shell biostructure (core: inorganic Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and shell: organic PAA–(HP-γ-CDs)) and their use in superparamagnetic hyperthermia without cellular toxicity and with increased efficacy for future alternative cancer therapy. In order to design the optimal experimental conditions for obtaining nanobioconjugates and then superparamagnetic hyperthermia (SPMHT), we used molecular docking simulation and computational assessment of the maximum specific loss power (SLP) that led to nanoparticles’ heating. The nanoparticles and nanobioconjugates obtained were studied and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformed-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and magnetic measurements (MMs). The cell viability of the nanoparticles and nanobioconjugates was assessed by means of the MTT assay using human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) as an in vitro model. Superparamagnetic hyperthermia with nanoparticles and nanobioconjugates was obtained experimentally in a magnetic field of 15.92 kA/m and frequency of 312.2 kHz for the magnetic nanoparticle core with a (average) diameter of 15.8 nm, which resulted in the maximum hyperthermic effect that led to a temperature of ~42.5 °C necessary in the therapy of tumors in a short time so as not to affect healthy tissues. The biological screening of Fe3O4-PAA nanoparticles and PAA–(HP-γ-CDs) nanobioconjugates showed no cytotoxic effect on HaCaT cells for a time interval of 24 h, both under standard (37 °C) and hyperthermia conditions (42.5 °C). Thus, Fe3O4-PA–(HP-γ-CDs) ferrimagnetic nanobioconjugates can be used successfully in superparamagnetic hyperthermia without toxicity and with increased efficiency due to the small layer thickness of the PAA–(HP-γ-CDs) shell, which is suitable in this alternative therapeutic technique.
Surface and Electrical Characterization of Bilayers Based on BiFeO3 and VO2
Authors: Martínez Jhonatan , Mosquera-Vargas Edgar , Fuenzalida Víctor , Flores Marcos , Bolaños Gilberto , Diosa Jesús
Published: July 2022

Thin films of BiFeO3, VO2, and BiFeO3/VO2 were grown on SrTiO3(100) and Al2O3(0001) monocrystalline substrates using radio frequency and direct current sputtering techniques. To observe the effect of the coupling between these materials, the surface of the films was characterized by profilometry, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The heterostructures, monolayers, and bilayers based on BiFeO3 and VO2 grew with good adhesion and without delamination or signs of incompatibility between the layers. A good granular arrangement and RMS roughness between 1 and 5 nm for the individual layers (VO2 and BiFeO3) and between 6 and 18 nm for the bilayers (BiFeO3/VO2) were observed. Their grain size is between 20 nm and 26 nm for the individual layers and between 63 nm and 67 nm for the bilayers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show a higher proportion of V4+, Bi3+, and Fe3+ in the films obtained. The homogeneous ordering, low roughness, and oxidation states on the obtained surface show a good coupling in these films. The I-V curves show ohmic behavior at room temperature and change with increasing temperature. The effect of coupling these materials in a thin film shows the appearance of hysteresis cycles, I-V and R-T, which is typical of materials with high potential in applications, such as resistive memories and solar cells.
Computational Evaluation of Al-Decorated g-CN Nanostructures as High-Performance Hydrogen-Storage Media
Authors: Gao Peng , Chen Xihao , Li Jiwen , Wang Yue , Liao Ya , Liao Shichang , Zhu Guangyu , Tan Yuebin , Zhai Fuqiang
Published: July 2022

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to solve the electronic structure of aluminum (Al)-doped g-CN and further to evaluate its performance in hydrogen storage. Within our configurations, each 2 × 2 supercell of this two-dimensional material can accommodate four Al atoms, and there exist chemical bonding and partial charge transfer between pyridinic nitrogen (N) and Al atoms. The doped Al atom loses electrons and tends to be electronically positive; moreover, a local electronic field can be formed around itself, inducing the adsorbed H2 molecules to be polarized. The polarized H2 molecules were found to be adsorbed by both the N and Al atoms, giving rise to the electrostatic attractions between the H2 molecules and the Al-doped g-CN surface. We found that each 2 × 2 supercell can adsorb at most, 24 H2 molecules, and the corresponding adsorption energies ranged from −0.11 to −0.31 eV. The highest hydrogen-storage capacity of the Al-doped g-CN can reach up to 6.15 wt%, surpassing the goal of 5.50 wt% proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, effective adsorption sites can be easily differentiated by the electronic potential distribution map of the optimized configurations. Such a composite material has been proven to possess a high potential for hydrogen storage, and we have good reasons to expect that in the future, more advanced materials can be developed based on this unit.
Improving Output Efficiency of InGaN-Based MQW Green Laser Diodes by Modulating Indium Content of Quantum Barriers and Using Composite Lower Waveguide Layers
Authors: Chen Zhenyu , Liang Feng , Zhao Degang , Yang Jing , Chen Ping , Jiang Desheng
Published: July 2022

Potential barriers between the waveguide layer and MQW active region may influence injection efficiency significantly, which is important in improving output characteristics of GaN-based green laser diodes (LDs). In this study, potential barriers and injection efficiency of LDs are investigated by simulation methods. It is found that different indium content in quantum barrier layers results in different potential barrier heights, leading to different recombination rates in upper and lower waveguide layers, and the injection efficiency can be modulated effectively. An eclectic choice of indium content can suppress recombination in two waveguide layers, improving the output characteristics of green LDs. Additionally, a composite lower waveguide layer structure is proposed to reduce the negative effect of potential barriers. High output power and low threshold current are achieved owing to the reduction in electron injection blockage and hole leakage effects.
High Critical Current Density of Nanostructured MgB2 Bulk Superconductor Densified by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Xing Yiteng , Bernstein Pierre , Miryala Muralidhar , Noudem Jacques G.
Published: July 2022

In situ MgB2 superconducting samples were prepared by using the spark plasma sintering method. The density of the obtained bulks was up to 95% of the theoretical value predicted for the material. The structural and microstructural characterizations of the samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction and SEM and correlated to their superconducting properties, in particular their critical current densities, Jc, which was measured at 20 K. Extremely high critical current densities of up to 6.75 × 105 A/cm2 in the self-field and above 104 A/cm2 at 4 T were measured at 20 K, indicating that vortex pinning is very strong. This property is mainly attributed to the sample density and MgB2 nanograins in connection to the presence of MgO precipitates and areas rich in boron.
High Rates of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli in Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) of the German Baltic and North Sea Coasts: Indication of Environmental Contamination and a Potential Public Health Risk
Authors: Gross Stephanie , Müller Anja , Seinige Diana , Oliveira Manuela , Steinhagen Dieter , Siebert Ursula , Kehrenberg Corinna
Published: July 2022

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria pose a serious global health risk for humans and animals, while the role of wildlife in the dynamic transmission processes of antimicrobial resistance in environmental settings is still unclear. This study determines the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in the free-living great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) of the North and Baltic Sea coasts of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. For this, resistant E.coli were isolated from cloacal or faecal swabs and their antimicrobial resistance pheno- and genotypes were investigated using disk diffusion tests and PCR assays. The isolates were further assigned to the four major phylogenetic groups, and their affiliation to avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) was tested. Resistant E. coli were isolated from 66.7% of the 33 samples, and 48.9% of all the resistant isolates showed a multidrug resistance profile. No spatial differences were seen between the different sampling locations with regard to the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance or multidrug resistance. Most commonly, resistance percentages occurred against streptomycin, followed by tetracycline and sulfonamides. More than half of the isolates belonged to the phylogenetic group B1. Of all the isolates, 24.4% were classified as APEC isolates, of which almost 82% were identified as multidrug-resistant. These results add information on the dispersal of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in wild birds in Germany, thereby allowing conclusions on the degree of environmental contamination and potential public health concerns.
The Prevalence and Genetic Variants of the CCHF Virus Circulating among Ticks in the Southern Regions of Kazakhstan
Authors: Sultankulova Kulyaisan T. , Shynybekova Gaukhar O. , Kozhabergenov Nurlan S. , Mukhami Nazym N. , Chervyakova Olga V. , Burashev Yerbol D. , Zakarya Kunsulu D. , Nakhanov Aziz K. , Barakbayev Kainar B. , Orynbayev Mukhit B.
Published: July 2022

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) disease cases are registered annually in endemic regions of Kazakhstan. To study the prevalence of various Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) genotypes, a total of 694 ticks were collected from southern regions of Kazakhstan in 2021. Hyalomma marginatum (n = 323) (46.5%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 138) (19.9%), Hyalomma asiaticum (n = 126) (18.2%), Hyalomma scupense (n = 80) (11.5%) and Ixodes ricinus (n = 27) (3.9%) were collected using the standardized flagging technique from the environment. All the tick samples were analyzed for the presence of CCHFV RNA by RT-PCR. The CCHF-positive samples were found within three Hyalomma asiaticum and one Ixodes ricinus tick sample. For the first time in Kazakhstan, infection of the Ixodes ricinus tick with CCHFV was detected. The results of sequencing and analysis of the S-gene fragment showed that the Asia 1 and Asia 2 CCHF genotypes circulate in the southern regions of Kazakhstan. Viruses isolated in the Zhambyl and Turkestan regions are assigned to the Asia-2 genotype, whereas the virus isolated in the Kyzylorda region to the Asia-1 genotype.
Targeting Acne Bacteria and Wound Healing In Vitro Using Plectranthus aliciae, Rosmarinic Acid, and Tetracycline Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Lambrechts Isa A. , Thipe Velaphi C. , Katti Kattesh V. , Mandiwana Vusani , Kalombo Michel Lonji , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Rikhotso Rirhandzu , Janse van Vuuren Arno , Esmear Tenille , Lall Namrita
Published: July 2022

Gold nanoparticles from plant extracts and their bioactive compounds to treat various maladies have become an area of interest to many researchers. Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit caused by the opportunistic bacteria Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermis. These bacteria are not only associated with inflammatory acne but also with prosthetic-implant-associated infections and wounds. Studies have hypothesised that these bacteria have a mutualistic relationship and act as a multispecies system. It is believed that these bacteria form a multispecies biofilm under various conditions and that these biofilms contribute to increased antibiotic resistance compared to single-species biofilms. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and wound healing potential of synthesised gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from an endemic South African plant, Plectranthus aliciae (AuNPPAE), its major compound rosmarinic acid (AuNPRA) and a widely used antibiotic, tetracycline (AuNPTET). Synthesised gold nanoparticles were successfully formed and characterised using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential (ζ-potential), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and they were investigated for stability under various biological conditions. Stable nanoparticles were formed with ζ-potentials of −18.07 ± 0.95 mV (AuNPPAE), −21.5 ± 2.66 mV (AuNPRA), and −39.83 ± 1.6 mV (AuNPTET). The average diameter of the AuNPs was 71.26 ± 0.44 nm, 29.88 ± 3.30 nm, and 132.6 ± 99.5 nm for AuNPPAE, AuNPRA, and AuNPTET, respectively. In vitro, biological studies confirmed that although no antibacterial activity or biofilm inhibition was observed for the nanoparticles tested on the multispecies C. acnes and S. epidermis systems, these samples had potential wound closure activity. Gold nanoparticles formed with rosmarinic acid significantly increased wound closure by 21.4% at 25% v/v (≈29.2 µg/mL) compared to the negative cell control and the rosmarinic acid compound at the highest concentration tested of 500 µg/mL. This study concluded that green synthesised gold nanoparticles of rosmarinic acid could potentially be used for treating wounds.
pH-Responsive Lipid Nanoparticles Achieve Efficient mRNA Transfection in Brain Capillary Endothelial Cells
Authors: Sakurai Yu , Watanabe Himeka , Nishio Kazuma , Hashimoto Kohei , Harada Atsuki , Gomi Masaki , Suzuki Masayoshi , Oyama Ryotaro , Handa Takumi , Sato Risa , Takeuchi Hina , Taira Ryoga , Tezuka Kenta , Tange Kota , Nakai Yuta , Akita Hidetaka , Uchida Yasuo
Published: July 2022

The blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is comprised of brain capillary endothelial cells, plays a pivotal role in the transport of drugs from the blood to the brain. Therefore, an analysis of proteins in the endothelial cells, such as transporters and tight junction proteins, which contribute to BBB function, is important for the development of therapeutics for the treatment of brain diseases. However, gene transfection into the vascular endothelial cells of the BBB is fraught with difficulties, even in vitro. We report herein on the development of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), in which mRNA is encapsulated in a nano-sized capsule composed of a pH-activated and reductive environment-responsive lipid-like material (ssPalm). We evaluated the efficiency of mRNA delivery into non-polarized human brain capillary endothelial cells, hCMEC/D3 cells. The ssPalm LNPs permitted marker genes (GFP) to be transferred into nearly 100% of the cells, with low toxicity in higher concentration. A proteomic analysis indicated that the ssPalm-LNP had less effect on global cell signaling pathways than a Lipofectamine MessengerMAX/GFP-encoding mRNA complex (LFN), a commercially available transfection reagent, even at higher mRNA concentrations.
Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteomyelitis
Authors: Zapata Demi , Higgs Jordan , Wittholt Hunter , Chittimalli Kishore , Brooks Amanda E. , Mulinti Pranothi
Published: July 2022

Infection remains one of the largest threats to global health. Among those infections that are especially troublesome, osteomyelitis, or inflammation of the bone, typically due to infection, is a particularly difficult condition to diagnose and treat. This difficulty stems not only from the biological complexities of opportunistic infections designed to avoid the onslaught of both the host immune system as well as exogenous antibiotics, but also from changes in the host vasculature and the heterogeneity of infectious presentations. While several groups have attempted to classify and stage osteomyelitis, controversy remains, often delaying diagnosis and treatment. Despite a host of preclinical treatment advances being incubated in academic and company research and development labs worldwide, clinical treatment strategies remain relatively stagnant, including surgical debridement and lengthy courses of intravenous antibiotics, both of which may compromise the overall health of the bone and the patient. This manuscript reviews the current methods for diagnosing and treating osteomyelitis and then contemplates the role that nanotechnology might play in the advancement of osteomyelitis treatment.
Pangenomics and Crop Genome Adaptation in a Changing Climate
Authors: Petereit Jakob , Bayer Philipp E. , Thomas William J. W. , Tay Fernandez Cassandria G. , Amas Junrey , Zhang Yueqi , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David
Published: July 2022

During crop domestication and breeding, wild plant species have been shaped into modern high-yield crops and adapted to the main agro-ecological regions. However, climate change will impact crop productivity in these regions, and agriculture needs to adapt to support future food production. On a global scale, crop wild relatives grow in more diverse environments than crop species, and so may host genes that could support the adaptation of crops to new and variable environments. Through identification of individuals with increased climate resilience we may gain a greater understanding of the genomic basis for this resilience and transfer this to crops. Pangenome analysis can help to identify the genes underlying stress responses in individuals harbouring untapped genomic diversity in crop wild relatives. The information gained from the analysis of these pangenomes can then be applied towards breeding climate resilience into existing crops or to re-domesticating crops, combining environmental adaptation traits with crop productivity.
Parylene C as an Insulating Polymer for Implantable Neural Interfaces: Acute Electrochemical Impedance Behaviors in Saline and Pig Brain In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhang Jing , Le Song , Niu Lan , Tao Jin , Liang Jingqiu , Zhang Lihua , Kang Xiaoyang
Published: July 2022

Parylene is used as encapsulating material for medical devices due to its excellent biocompatibility and insulativity. Its performance as the insulating polymer of implantable neural interfaces has been studied in electrolyte solutions and in vivo. Biological tissue in vitro, as a potential environment for characterization and application, is convenient to access in the fabrication lab of polymer and neural electrodes, but there has been little study investigating the behaviors of Parylene in the tissue in vitro. Here, we investigated the electrochemical impedance behaviors of Parylene C polymer coating both in normal saline and in a chilled pig brain in vitro by performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements of platinum (Pt) wire neural electrodes. The electrochemical impedance at the representative frequencies is discussed, which helps to construct the equivalent circuit model. Statistical analysis of fitted parameters of the equivalent circuit model showed good reliability of Parylene C as an insulating polymer in both electrolyte models. The electrochemical impedance measured in pig brain in vitro shows marked differences from that of saline.
Impact of Three Different Processing Techniques on the Strength and Structure of Juvenile Ovine Pulmonary Homografts
Authors: van den Heever Johannes J , Jordaan Christiaan J , Lewies Angélique , Goedhals Jacqueline , Bester Dreyer , Botes Lezelle , Dohmen Pascal M , Smit Francis E
Published: July 2022

Homografts are routinely stored by cryopreservation; however, donor cells and remnants contribute to immunogenicity. Although decellularization strategies can address immunogenicity, additional fixation might be required to maintain strength. This study investigated the effect of cryopreservation, decellularization, and decellularization with additional glutaraldhyde fixation on the strength and structure of ovine pulmonary homografts harvested 48 h post-mortem. Cells and cellular remnants were present for the cryopreserved group, while the decellularized groups were acellular. The decellularized group had large interfibrillar spaces in the extracellular matrix with uniform collagen distribution, while the additional fixation led to the collagen network becoming dense and compacted. The collagen of the cryopreserved group was collapsed and appeared disrupted and fractured. There were no significant differences in strength and elasticity between the groups. Compared to cryopreservation, decellularization without fixation can be considered an alternative processing technique to maintain a well-organized collagen matrix and tissue strength of homografts.
Review of Tribological Failure Analysis and Lubrication Technology Research of Wind Power Bearings
Authors: Peng Han , Zhang Hai , Shangguan Linjian , Fan Yisa
Published: July 2022

Wind power, being a recyclable and renewable resource, makes for a sizable portion of the new energy generation sector. Nonetheless, the wind energy industry is experiencing early failure of important components of wind turbines, with the majority of these issues also involving wind power bearings. Bearing dependability is directly tied to the transmission efficiency and work performance of wind turbines as one of its major components. The majority of wind turbine failures are due to bearings, and the vast majority of bearing failures are due to lubrication. The topic of improving the accuracy and life of wind power bearing motion is becoming increasingly essential as the wind power industry develops rapidly. This study examines the various constructions and types of wind turbines, as well as their bearings. We also examined the most typical causes of friction and lubrication failure. Furthermore, contemporary research on wind turbine bearings has been compiled, which mostly comprises the study and development of lubrication technology and other areas. Finally, a conclusion and outlook on current challenges, as well as future research directions, are offered.
Predicting of Process Parameters for Theoretical Concentrated Stress of Fatigue Notch Coefficient of Auto Parts Using Virtual Recognizable Performance Evaluation Research
Authors: Chang Hanjui , Lu Shuzhou , Sun Yue , Zhang Guangyi
Published: July 2022

This paper analyzes the structure of the key parts of the car belt guide, and the average stress of the vulnerable parts is simulated by analysis software. The theoretical stress of the section is calculated. The theoretical stress concentration factor (Kt) is given. The relation between the gap radius and the notch coefficient (Kf) was studied according to a previous Kf calculation formula. The tensile tests of real products are used as reference data. The results showed that Kf and Kt are linear in most cases, but there are also cases of non-compliance. The relationship between the fatigue notch coefficient Kf and the theoretical stress concentration coefficient Kt was closely related to the service life and fatigue strength of the product. In addition, we found that the size and direction of warpage improved significantly with the increase of fillet size, which was not consistent with the effect of adding glass fiber material. The rounded corners of ordinary PP materials usually displayed forward warping, but the addition of glass fiber into PP materials made the degree of warping smaller, or even led to reverse warping. The size of rounded corners is an important optimization parameter. The relationship between Kf and Kt was studied from the perspectives of virtual measurement (VM) and recognizable performance evaluation (RPM). According to abnormal filling pressure, these relationships were compared with filling data to generate a fracture initiation control model. Based on a large amount of normal process data and quality inspection data, the historical data (causes) and quality inspection data (results) were combined.
Poly(carbazole-co-1,4-dimethoxybenzene): Synthesis, Electrochemiluminescence Performance, and Application in Detection of Fe3+
Authors: Hou Pengchong , Zhang Xian , Lu Qian , Chen Shunwei , Liu Qiang , Qiao Congde , Zhao Hui
Published: July 2022

In this study, four polycarbazole derivatives (PCMB-Ds) with different alkyl side chains were designed and synthesized via Wittig–Horner reaction. A novel solid-phase electrochemiluminescence (ECL) system was prepared by immobilizing PCMB-D on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in the presence of tripropylamine (TPrA). It could be found that the increase in alkyl side chain length had little effect on the ECL signal of PCMB-D, while the increase in the degree of polymerization (DP) greatly enhanced the ECL signal. Furthermore, the P-3/ITO ECL sensor based on the polyoctylcarbazole derivative (P-3) with the best ECL performance was successfully constructed and detected Fe3+ under the optimal experimental conditions. The ECL signal steadily diminished with the increased concentration of Fe3+ because of the competition and complexation between Fe3+ and P-3 under the condition of pH 7.4. This P-3/ITO platform could realize a highly sensitive and selective detection of Fe3+ with a wide detection range (from 6 × 10−8 mol/L to 1 × 10−5 mol/L) and low detection limit of 2 × 10−8 mol/L, which could allow the detection of Fe3+ in multiple scenarios, and would have a great application prospect.
The Gion Festival in Kyoto and Glocalization
Authors: Porcu Elisabetta
Published: July 2022

The Gion Festival is a world-famous festival that takes place in Kyoto in July. It dates back to the Heian period (794–1185) and originated as a goryō-e ritual to placate departed spirits and disease-divinities. It is linked to the Yasaka Shrine, and it represents a great variety of religious and cultural influences. It is a complex and multidimensional event where issues of globalization can be seen at play at the local level. Against this background, this paper analyzes the Gion Festival as a religious and cultural phenomenon in relation to glocalization and the production of locality. In particular, it explores how the City of Kyoto represented the festival in connection with the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the local–global interactions that relate to international tourism and global bureaucracy.
Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Mysticism in the West: The Case of Azad Rasool and His Heirs
Authors: Asbury Michael E.
Published: July 2022

The transfer of Sufism as a lived tradition to the Euro-American sphere, which first began in the early twentieth century, is a notable modern development that has been the subject of increasing academic interest in recent decades. Yet much of the literature on this topic to date has focused more on what has changed during the process of transfer, rather than on what has remained the same. It has also tended to prioritize context over mysticism. However, examining the main mystical doctrines and practices of the case study lineage of the Indian shaykh Azad Rasool (d. 2006), who from 1976 sought to introduce his teachings to Westerners arriving in India in search of spiritual fulfillment, in fact reveals substantial continuity with the early and pre-modern past. Such examination involved textual analysis of the primary sources of this lineage combined with multi-sited ethnography, comprised of participant observation as well as interviews, conducted primarily in Germany and the US, along with an excursion to India, among members of the two branches of this lineage between 2015 and 2020. It thus seems that shifting focus from context to mysticism itself, at least in some traditions, has the potential to also reveal much continuity in spite of changing contextual factors.
Thomas Aquinas on Gratitude to God
Authors: Kaczor Christopher
Published: July 2022

Discussions of gratitude to God characteristically presuppose some philosophical or theological framework. This philosophical and theological exploration of gratitude to God examines the topic in light of the thought of Thomas Aquinas. Unlike some treatments of Aquinas’ account of gratitude, I draw extensively on Aquinas’ commentaries on Scripture as well as lesser known works, such as his sermons, to illuminate these topics rather than exclusively relying on the Summa theologiae. In the first part of this article, I focus on how Aquinas understands the virtue of gratitude to God. In the second part, I examine his account of ingratitude to God. And in the third part, I consider the difference Jesus makes in Aquinas’ understanding of these issues, including contesting the claim that “Jesus was an ingrate”.
Improved U-Net Remote Sensing Classification Algorithm Fusing Attention and Multiscale Features
Authors: Fan Xiangsuo , Yan Chuan , Fan Jinlong , Wang Nayi
Published: July 2022

The selection and representation of classification features in remote sensing image play crucial roles in image classification accuracy. To effectively improve the features classification accuracy, an improved U-Net remote sensing classification algorithm fusing attention and multiscale features is proposed in this paper, called spatial attention-atrous spatial pyramid pooling U-Net (SA-UNet). This framework connects atrous spatial pyramid pooling (ASPP) with the convolutional units of the encoder of the original U-Net in the form of residuals. The ASPP module expands the receptive field, integrates multiscale features in the network, and enhances the ability to express shallow features. Through the fusion residual module, shallow and deep features are deeply fused, and the characteristics of shallow and deep features are further used. The spatial attention mechanism is used to combine spatial with semantic information so that the decoder can recover more spatial information. In this study, the crop distribution in central Guangxi province was analyzed, and experiments were conducted based on Landsat 8 multispectral remote sensing images. The experimental results showed that the improved algorithm increases the classification accuracy, with the accuracy increasing from 93.33% to 96.25%, The segmentation accuracy of sugarcane, rice, and other land increased from 96.42%, 63.37%, and 88.43% to 98.01%, 83.21%, and 95.71%, respectively. The agricultural planting area results obtained by the proposed algorithm can be used as input data for regional ecological models, which is conducive to the development of accurate and real-time crop growth change models.
Characterizing a Heavy Dust Storm Event in 2021: Transport, Optical Properties and Impact, Using Multi-Sensor Data Observed in Jinan, China
Authors: Tu Aiqin , Wang Zhenzhu , Wang Zhifei , Zhang Wenjuan , Liu Chang , Zhu Xuanhao , Li Ji , Zhang Yujie , Liu Dong , Weng Ningquan
Published: July 2022

On 15 March 2021, the strongest sandstorm of the last 10 years occurred in China. The MODIS, MPL lidar, EDM 180, ADI 2080 and Meteorological observation instruments were used to observe the dust in Jinan, China, while the HYSPLIT model was also employed to find the source. It was found that the dust originated from Mongolia and the Gobi desert and was transported to Jinan at night on 14th March, lasting until the 18th. Multi-layer dust was observed, of which the dust below the height of 1 km was strongest with the VDR about 0.2 and the maximum extinction coefficient up to 3 km−1. The values of AOD and AE were greater than 2 and less than 0.25, respectively. The mass concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 increased rapidly, and were up to 573 µg/m3 and 3406 µg/m3, respectively. Additionally, the mass concentration ratio decreased rapidly, with a minimum of 17%. The particle size of the dust was mainly distributed between 0.58–6.50 micros due to larger particles increasing dramatically; simultaneously, both the proportion and the value for calcium ions in PM2.5 went up. The dust had an obvious impact on the vertical structure of the air temperature, resulting in occurrence of a strong inversion layer.
Electrical Optimization Method Based on a Novel Arrangement of the Magnetic Navigation System with Gradient and Uniform Saddle Coils
Authors: Kim Sungjun , Cho Mingyu , Im Seyeong , Yun Joongho , Nam Jaekwang
Published: July 2022

The magnetic navigation system (MNS) with gradient and uniform saddle coils is an effective system for manipulating various medical magnetic robots because of its compact structure and the uniformity of its magnetic field and field gradient. Since each coil of the MNS was geometrically optimized to generate strong uniform magnetic field or field gradient, it is considered that no special optimization is required for the MNS. However, its electrical characteristics can be still optimized to utilize the maximum power of a power supply unit with improved operating time and a stronger time-varying magnetic field. Furthermore, the conventional arrangement of the coils limits the maximum three-dimensional (3D) rotating magnetic field. In this paper, we propose an electrical optimization method based on a novel arrangement of the MNS. We introduce the objective functions, constraints, and design variables of the MNS considering electrical characteristics such as resistance, current density, and inductance. Then, we design an MNS using an optimization algorithm and compare it with the conventional MNS; the proposed MNS generates a magnetic field or field gradient 22% stronger on average than that of the conventional MNS with a sevenfold longer operating time limit, and the maximum three-dimensional rotating magnetic field is improved by 42%. We also demonstrate that the unclogging performance of the helical robot improves by 54% with the constructed MNS.
Acoustic Wave Sensors for Detection of Blister Chemical Warfare Agents and Their Simulants
Authors: Grabka Michał , Witkiewicz Zygfryd , Jasek Krzysztof , Piwowarski Krzysztof
Published: July 2022

On-site detection and initial identification of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) remain difficult despite the many available devices designed for this type of analysis. Devices using well-established analytical techniques such as ion mobility spectrometry, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, or flame photometry, in addition to unquestionable advantages, also have some limitations (complexity, high unit cost, lack of selectivity). One of the emerging techniques of CWA detection is based on acoustic wave sensors, among which surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices and quartz crystal microbalances (QCM) are of particular importance. These devices allow for the construction of undemanding and affordable gas sensors whose selectivity, sensitivity, and other metrological parameters can be tailored by application of particular coating material. This review article presents the current state of knowledge and achievements in the field of SAW and QCM-based gas sensors used for the detection of blister agents as well as simulants of these substances. The scope of the review covers the detection of blister agents and their simulants only, as in the available literature no similar paper was found, in contrast to the detection of nerve agents. The article includes description of the principles of operation of acoustic wave sensors, a critical review of individual studies and solutions, and discusses development prospects of this analytical technique in the field of blister agent detection.
Analysis of Microstrip Line with Asymmetric Arch Type Cross-Sectional Structure Using Micro Pattern Transfer Printing Method
Authors: Woo Seungmin , Choi Jaehyeok , Choi Kwangjong , Kang Bokyeong , Park Hwasun , Yang Youngoo
Published: July 2022

This paper presents the manufacturing procedure and electrical properties of a microstrip line on flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) fabricated using the micro pattern transfer printing (MPTP) method for millimeter wave band application. The MPTP method presented herein is compared to the conventional FPCB process based on the degree of insertion loss as it pertains to the cross-sectional shape of the formed microstrip line. Electromagnetic field simulations were performed to confirm that the cross-sectional arch shape fabricated by the MPTP process reduces insertion loss in the high-frequency band. Based on the simulation, the microstrip transmission line was optimized to a width of 217 µm and a length of 30 cm, fabricated on a 50 µm thick poly-cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT) substrate to measure the insertion loss. The insertion loss fabricated using the MPTP method is measured as 0.37 dB/cm at 10 GHz, while the conventional FPCB is measured as 0.66 dB/cm. Through the analysis, it was confirmed that the FPCBs manufactured by the MPTP process show lower insertion loss compared to the conventional FPCBs.
Administrative rights and obligations of the patient
Authors: Yosifova Yoana
Published: July 2022

The medical administrative law is a field in the administrative property law – a special field, and regulates the public relations in the healthcare system in relation to: the activity of hospitals and similar medical bodies for hospitalization, diagnosis practices and treatment of patients with different conditions, the medical activities regarding the out-of-hospital emergency cases - consultation and treatment by practitioners competent in all fields of medicine, specialized doctors and surgeons as well as the dentists’ general and specialized practice, the relations between medical professionals and patients. The article displays the rights and duties of the patients. The analysis also considers the violation of improper exercise and implementation of various health rights and obligations that are related to administrative liability.
Administrative regime of vaccination
Authors: Yordanov Angel
Published: July 2022

The article aims to reveal both the emergence and historical development of vaccination and its regulatory framework. The subject of study is the administrative and legal regime of vaccination in Bulgaria. The author examines cases from the case law concerning the vaccination process.
Eficacia de los proyectos de vinculación con la sociedad de la Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí
Authors: Alcívar Vera Isidro Ignacio , Andrade Alvarado Sonia Patricia , Marín Gutiérrez Katherine Ivonne
Published: July 2022

Mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas que viven en una comunidad es un tema relevante y los proyectos comunitarios juegan un papel importante para lograrlo. Para desarrollar estos proyectos es necesario combinar recursos humanos, materiales, financieros y técnicos. En su formulación, se especifican elementos importantes para generar un sistema de monitoreo para la ejecución y evaluación consecutiva de los efectos e impactos que producen. En este contexto, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la efectividad de los proyectos de vinculación con la sociedad en la Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro en Manabí, desde la percepción de los beneficiarios en torno a indicadores que agregan valor y muestran la generación de respuestas a las necesidades de la comunidad. La investigación tiene un enfoque cuantitativo, se utilizó un cuestionario como instrumento para la recolección de datos, mientras que la técnica de la encuesta se utilizó para su aplicación, se seleccionó una muestra por conveniencia. Los resultados denotan un alto grado de efectividad en los criterios evaluados, lo que permite afirmar con certeza que la comunidad en general tiene un nivel considerable de conformidad con el trabajo realizado por el binomio estudiante-profesor.
Fuentes de financiamiento público: caso pymes comercializadoras de repuestos automotrices de la ciudad de Portoviejo
Authors: Arteaga Briones Laura Alexandra , Cárdenas Loor Edison Javier
Published: July 2022

La búsqueda de fuentes de financiamiento para las empresas actualmente constituye una necesidad como alternativa para solucionar sus problemas económicos, incrementar la inversión o cubrir sus obligaciones. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo, identificar las fuentes de financiamiento público que utilizan las pequeñas y medianas empresas comercializadoras de repuestos automotrices de la ciudad de Portoviejo. Con este fin, se realizó una investigación descriptiva, de campo, con diseño no experimental transversal, aplicando la técnica de encuesta mediante cuestionario. La muestra quedó conformada por 106 microempresarios de pequeñas y medianas empresas de repuestos automotrices de la ciudad de Portoviejo. Entre los principales resultados se destacan que: el 64% del total de encuestados, han solicitado créditos, de ellos, el 43% se han financiado con créditos en instituciones bancarias públicas, debido a la tasa de interés aplicada, aunque el 14% consideran, que el acceso a estos créditos es complicado por requisitos que no se pueden eximir, el financiamiento de los proveedores es fundamental, así lo demuestran el 18% de encuestados. Los resultados alcanzados permitieron concluir que el nivel de accesibilidad y condiciones impuestas por entidades crediticias públicas son atrayentes para los microempresarios requiriendo acciones precisas que satisfagan necesidades de clientes, siendo necesario un capital de inversión donde la banca pública representa una alternativa para sus negocios.
El desarrollo de la habilidad trabajo con el libro de texto
Authors: Silva Mederos Guelsy , Acosta Fernández Modesto , García Martínez Frank
Published: July 2022

En el libro de texto básico se reconoce el doble carácter en su condición de fuente del conocimiento histórico y de medio de enseñanza para su empleo como componente fundamental en la clase. Desde esta perspectiva, persigue la búsqueda de las ideas esenciales, el establecimiento de las relaciones conceptuales, causales y espacio-temporales y el desarrollo de las habilidades comunicativas. Favorece, además, la independencia cognoscitiva y los modos de actuación profesional integral, con un enfoque dialéctico – materialista, y desde una perspectiva histórico–cultural.
Experiencia de Evaluación de las Habilidades Socioemocionales para alumnos de primaria desde un enfoque socioformativo
Authors: Salgado Sandoval Raquel
Published: July 2022

Ante la situación que el mundo está padeciendo de encerramiento a causa de la pandemia provocada por el COVID 19, surge la necesidad de evaluar las habilidades socioemocionales que los niños y adolescentes están viviendo para conocer cómo se encuentran en su inteligencia emocional, con qué competencias socioemocionales cuentan y cuáles aspectos de la formación emocional son necesarias que se refuercen desde la práctica docente. La investigación de este estudio fue de tipo mixto, no experimental – descriptivo. Se buscó aplicar un instrumento para determinar los aspectos que les están afectando a los niños y adolescentes en este tiempo de confinamiento, a un grupo de alumnos de una escuela de nivel primaria de sostenimiento particular ante la vivencia de algunas situaciones similares a las previamente mencionadas que experimentan algunos, y que se ve necesario abordar para un éxito en la vida personal y escolar.
desafío de implementar un enfoque de aprendizaje proactivo en la educación básica frente a los grandes retos de la disertación y bajo rendimiento de los alumnos
Authors: Báez Ramírez Luis Ángel
Published: July 2022

Es urgente replantear preguntas de la educación básica que permitan romper viejos paradigmas y abrir nuevos horizontes en el terreno de la forma en que los alumnos aprenden y los maestros enseñan, esto representa una comprensión más aguda de los enfoques pedagógicos que las escuelas han adoptado. En este artículo se presenta una investigación documental sobre la proactividad en el ámbito escolar, ya que se ha detectado la necesidad de preparar a los alumnos mediante el aprendizaje proactivo, para hacerle frente a los dos grandes retos actuales de la educación que son la deserción y el bajo rendimiento escolar; también este articulo tiene como objetivo reorientar y familiarizar al docente con el término del aprendizaje proactivo desde la socioformación. Se ha contribuido a aclarar el término de aprendizaje proactivo y sus características mediante la metodología de proyectos formativos multidisciplinarios y el impacto que estos tienen para desarrollar un aprendizaje autónomo. La educación a distancia se ha convertido en la actualidad en un desafío más para la educación a nivel mundial, sobre todo cuando no se está preparado para ella y es urgente que los actores involucrados asuman sus responsabilidades para cultivar una cultura proactiva. Los resultados del análisis de esta investigación indican que convertir al alumno en el protagonista en el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje, a partir de sus propias metodologías, herramientas y competencias permite potenciar sus oportunidades de alcanzar los máximos estándares en rendimiento y aprovechamiento escolar.
uso de la Plataforma Classroom en la Facultad de Letras y Ciencias humanas de una Universidad Pública, en Perú. Año 2021
Authors: Olaya Guerrero Julio César , Contreras Contreras Fortunato
Published: July 2022

La investigación describe las actividades académicas realizadas durante el año 2021 en la Facultad de Letras y Ciencias Humanas, especialidad de Ciencias de la Información de una Universidad Publica en Perú. Destacando el uso de la plataforma Classroom en cada curso y la entrega de actividades por parte de los estudiantes. Se establecen una serie de recomendaciones para el uso de las plataformas virtuales en beneficio de la comunidad universitaria nacional.
Veril Palutta Pala Reveals the Social Misfortunes
Authors: K Aruna Devi
Published: July 2022

Social problems are the problems that occur in human life. Witnesses are pointing out the life problems of individual people and the different thoughts of the human mind. In today's times, there are various types of superstitions found in a few people. That is, this novel highlights the superstition that if a woman is married and her husband dies, then the women in her house should not go ahead of them when they go outside for work or for a good cause. A Government recruiting officer should behave honestly. For example, the road safety officer should follow the road rules and treat everyone equally. But in this novel, it is pointed out that the officer pays respect to the higher people and takes bribes from the common people. The witnesses have said that there are only two categories in this world namely male and female. However, inequality can still be seen in various places. This novel highlights that this brutality is not an exception in government office. The idea that some of the friends are true and some of them use friendship for necessity is featured in this novel. It is a Tamil tradition to welcome enemies with pleasure to our home. The novel is narrated by Saravanan's mother Mutthammal. This article is intended to highlight the problems found in this novel.