bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Picosecond Laser-Ablated Nanoparticles Loaded Filter Paper for SERS-Based Trace Detection of Thiram, 1,3,5-Trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), and Nile Blue
Authors: Byram Chandu , Rathod Jagannath , Moram Sree Satya Bharati , Mangababu Akkanaboina , Soma Venugopal Rao
Published: June 2022

Recently, filter paper (FP)-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates have stimulated significant attention owing to their promising advantages such as being low-cost, easy to handle, and practically suitable for real-field applications in comparison to the solid-based substrates. Herein, a simple and versatile approach of laser-ablation in liquid for the fabrication of silver (Ag)-gold (Au) alloy nanoparticles (NPs). Next, the optimization of flexible base substrate (sandpaper, printing paper, and FP) and the FP the soaking time (5–60 min) was studied. Further, the optimized FP with 30 min-soaked SERS sensors were exploited to detect minuscule concentrations of pesticide (thiram-50 nM), dye (Nile blue-5 nM), and an explosive (RDX-1,3,5-Trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine-100 nM) molecule. Interestingly, a prominent SERS effect was observed from the Au NPs exhibiting satisfactory reproducibility in the SERS signals over ~1 cm2 area for all of the molecules inspected with enhancement factors of ~105 and relative standard deviation values of <15%. Furthermore, traces of pesticide residues on the surface of a banana and RDX on the glass slide were swabbed with the optimized FP substrate and successfully recorded the SERS spectra using a portable Raman spectrometer. This signifies the great potential application of such low-cost, flexible substrates in the future real-life fields.
Tellurium Nanotubes and Chemical Analogues from Preparation to Applications: A Minor Review
Authors: Liu Cailing , Wang Ruibin , Zhang Ye
Published: June 2022

Tellurium (Te), the most metallic semiconductor, has been widely explored in recent decades owing to its fantastic properties such as a tunable bandgap, high carrier mobility, high thermal conductivity, and in-plane anisotropy. Many references have witnessed the rapid development of synthesizing diverse Te geometries with controllable shapes, sizes, and structures in different strategies. In all types of Te nanostructures, Te with one-dimensional (1D) hollow internal structures, especially nanotubes (NTs), have attracted extensive attention and been utilized in various fields of applications. Motivated by the structure-determined nature of Te NTs, we prepared a minor review about the emerging synthesis and nanostructure control of Te NTs, and the recent progress of research into Te NTs was summarized. Finally, we highlighted the challenges and further development for future applications of Te NTs.
Australian First-Year Nursing Student Knowledge and Attitudes on Pressure Injury Prevention: A Three-Year Educational Intervention Survey Study
Authors: Mather Carey , Jacques Angela , Prior Sarah J.
Published: June 2022

Pressure injury prevention is a significant issue as pressure injuries are difficult to heal, painful, and create clinical complications for patients. The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge and attitudes of first-year nursing students to pressure injury prevention, and to explore whether additional educational interventions augmented learning. A previously validated online survey was administered to three cohorts of first-year nursing students in 2016, 2017 (after additional online education), and 2018 (after further simulation education), and a subsequent comparative analysis was undertaken. Overall, the knowledge of students about pressure injury was low with measures to prevent pressure injury or shear achieving the lowest score (<50%). Students aged over 25 years (p < 0.001) and men (p = 0.14) gained higher attitude scores. There were significant differences for mean knowledge scores between the 2016 and 2018 cohorts (p = 0.04), including age group (p = 0.013) and number of clinical training units undertaken (p = 0.23). The 2016 cohort scored consistently lower in the attitude survey than both other cohorts (p < 0.001). Online resources and simulation experiences marginally improved knowledge and improved attitudes towards prevention of pressure injury. Nursing curricula should include targeted education to ensure student nurses are adequately prepared to prevent pressure injury through understanding of aetiology and risk assessment.
Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells versus Omega n − 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Gentamicin-Induced Cardiac Degeneration
Authors: Meligy Fatma Y. , El-Deen Mohammed Hanan Sharaf , Mostafa Tarek M. , Elfiky Mohamed M. , El-Sayed Mohamed Ashry Israa , Abd-Eldayem Ahmed M. , Rizk Nermin I. , Sabry Dina , Abd Allah Eman S. H. , Ahmed Salwa Fares
Published: June 2022

This study compared the cardioprotective action of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and PUFAs in a rat model of gentamicin (GM)-induced cardiac degeneration. Male Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups of eight rats each: group I (control group), group II (gentamicin-treated rats receiving gentamicin intraperitoneally (IP) at dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 10 consecutive days), group III (gentamicin and PUFA group receiving gentamicin IP at dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 10 consecutive days followed by PUFAs at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks), and group IV (gentamicin and MSC group receiving gentamicin IP at dose of 100 mg/kg/day followed by a single dose of MSCs (1 × 106)/rat IP). Cardiac histopathology was evaluated via light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), caspase-3 (apoptosis), Bcl2, and Bax expression was performed. Moreover, cardiac malonaldehyde (MDA) content, catalase activity, and oxidative stress parameters were biochemically evaluated. Light and electron microscopy showed that both MSCs and PUFAs had ameliorative effects. Their actions were mediated by upregulating PCNA expression, downregulating caspase-3 expression, mitigating cardiac MDA content, catalase activity, and oxidative stress parameters. MSCs and PUFAs had ameliorative effects against gentamicin-induced cardiac degeneration, with MSCs showing higher efficacy compared to PUFAs.
Creating a Machine Learning Tool to Predict Acute Kidney Injury in African American Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Pierre-Paul Sasha , Wang Xiang S. , Mere Constance , Rungkitwattanakul Dhakrit
Published: June 2022

Machine learning (ML) has been used to build high-performance prediction models in the past without considering race. African Americans (AA) are vulnerable to acute kidney injury (AKI) at a higher eGFR level than Caucasians. AKI increases mortality, length of hospital stays, and incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We aimed to establish an ML-based prediction model for the early identification of AKI in hospitalized AA patients by utilizing patient-specific factors in an ML algorithm to create a predictor tool. This is a single-center, retrospective chart review. We included participants 18 years or older and admitted to an urban academic medical center. Two hundred participants were included in the study. Our ML training set provided a result of 77% accuracy for the prediction of AKI given the attributes collected. For the test set, AKI was accurately predicted in 71% of participants. The clinical significance of this model can lead to great advancements in the care of AA patients and provide practitioners avenues to optimize their therapy of choice in AAs when given AKI risk ahead of time.
Chemical Constituents of the Flowers of Pueraria lobata and Their Cytotoxic Properties
Authors: Kim Yejin , Kim Jaeyoon , Son So-Ri , Kim Ji-Young , Choi Jung-Hye , Jang Dae Sik
Published: June 2022

The flower of Pueraria lobata (Puerariae Flos) is a reddish-purple to violet-purple flower that blooms between July and September. In our preliminary study, Puerariae Flos extract exhibited significant activity against a human ovarian cancer cell line. This research aims to identify the active compounds in Pueraria Flos. By repeated chromatography, one new tryptophan derivative (1), two new flavanones (4 and 5), and 19 known compounds, including tryptophan derivatives (2 and 3), flavonoids (6–9), isoflavonoids (10–20), a flavonolignan (21), and a phenolic compound (22), were isolated from a methanol extract of Puerariae Flos. The structures of new compounds were elucidated as 13-N-benzoyl-l-tryptophan-1-N-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), 2-hydroxy-5-methoxy-naringenin (4), and 2-hydroxy-5-methoxy-naringenin 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (5). Among the isolates, afromosin (17), tectorigenin (11), apigenin (8), glycitein (16), (-)-hydnocarpin (21), irilin D (12), irisolidone 7-O-glucoside (14), and genistein (10) showed cytotoxicity against human ovarian cancer cell line A2780. Apigenin (8) and (-)-hydnocarpin (21) were the most active (IC50 values of 9.99 and 7.36 μM, respectively).
Genetic Diversity and Structure of Persian Walnut (Juglans regia L.) in Pakistan: Implications for Conservation
Authors: Magige Ephie A. , Fan Peng-Zhen , Wambulwa Moses C. , Milne Richard , Wu Zeng-Yuan , Luo Ya-Huang , Khan Raees , Wu Hong-Yu , Qi Hai-Ling , Zhu Guang-Fu , Maity Debabrata , Khan Ikramullah , Gao Lian-Ming , Liu Jie
Published: June 2022

Persian (Common) walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a famous fruit tree species valued for its nutritious nuts and high-quality wood. Although walnut is widely distributed and plays an important role in the economy and culture of Pakistan, the genetic diversity and structure of its populations in the country remains poorly understood. Therefore, using 31 nuclear microsatellites, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 12 walnut populations sampled across Pakistan. We also implemented the geostatistical IDW technique in ArcGIS to reveal “hotspots” of genetic diversity. Generally, the studied populations registered relatively low indices of genetic diversity (NA = 3.839, HO = 0.558, UHE = 0.580), and eight populations had positive inbreeding coefficient (FIS) values. Low among-population differentiation was indicated by AMOVA, pairwise FST and DC. STRUCTURE, PCoA and neighbor joining (NJ) analysis revealed a general lack of clear clustering in the populations except that one population in Upper Dir was clearly genetically distinct from the rest. Furthermore, the Mantel test showed no correlation between the geographic and genetic distance (r = 0.14, p = 0.22), while barrier analysis suggested three statistically significant genetic barriers. Finally, the spatial interpolation results indicated that populations in Ziarat, Kashmir, Dir, Swat, Chitral, and upper Dir had high intrapopulation genetic diversity, suggesting the need to conserve populations in those areas. The results from this study will be important for future breeding improvement and conservation of walnuts in Pakistan.
Comparative Phytochemical Analysis of Aronia melanocarpa L. Fruit Juices on Bulgarian Market
Authors: Tasinov Oskan , Dincheva Ivayla , Badjakov Ilian , Grupcheva Christina , Galunska Bistra
Published: June 2022

Aronia melanocarpa L. (black chokeberry), belonging to the Rosaceae family, contains high amounts of polyphenolics and therefore exhibits one of the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities among berry fruits. Chokeberries are used in the food industry for juice, nectar, and wine production and as colorants. We aimed to compare the phytochemical composition of three chokeberry juices commercially available in the local market as sources of beneficial phytochemicals. Using GC–MS and LC–MS/MS, we performed the identification and quantitation of polar compounds and polyphenolics. The concentrations of 13 amino acids, including 6 essential amino acids, 10 organic acids, 20 sugar alcohols and derivatives, 14 saccharides, 12 fatty acids and esters, and 38 polyphenols, were estimated. One of the analyzed juices had the highest polyphenolic content (5273.87 ± 63.16 µg/mL), possibly due to 2.9 times higher anthocyanin concentration compared to anthocyanins in other tested juices. This study provides new data concerning phytochemical composition in terms of amino acids, organic acids, sugar acids, fatty acids and their esters, and polyphenols as phytocomponents of commercially available chokeberry juices. Results show that after all processing techniques and possibly different plant growth conditions, chokeberry juices are a valuable source of health-promoting phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, pro-anthocyanins, and anthocyanins, thus considering them as functional foods. We demonstrated a diversity of the active substances in bioactive foods marketed as “same”; therefore, the standardized therapeutic effect could be expected only by the utilization of food supplements with guaranteed constant content.
High-Resolution 3D Printing Fabrication of a Microfluidic Platform for Blood Plasma Separation
Authors: Garcia-Rey Sandra , Nielsen Jacob B. , Nordin Gregory P. , Woolley Adam T. , Basabe-Desmonts Lourdes , Benito-Lopez Fernando
Published: June 2022

Additive manufacturing technology is an emerging method for rapid prototyping, which enables the creation of complex geometries by one-step fabrication processes through a layer-by-layer approach. The simplified fabrication achieved with this methodology opens the way towards a more efficient industrial production, with applications in a great number of fields such as biomedical devices. In biomedicine, blood is the gold-standard biofluid for clinical analysis. However, blood cells generate analytical interferences in many test procedures; hence, it is important to separate plasma from blood cells before analytical testing of blood samples. In this research, a custom-made resin formulation combined with a high-resolution 3D printing methodology were used to achieve a methodology for the fast prototype optimization of an operative plasma separation modular device. Through an iterative process, 17 different prototypes were designed and fabricated with printing times ranging from 5 to 12 min. The final device was evaluated through colorimetric analysis, validating this fabrication approach for the qualitative assessment of plasma separation from whole blood. The 3D printing method used here demonstrates the great contribution that this microfluidic technology will bring to the plasma separation biomedical devices market.
Layer-By-Layer Self-Assembled Dip Coating for Antifouling Functionalized Finishing of Cotton Textile
Authors: Javaid Sana , Mahmood Azhar , Nasir Habib , Iqbal Mudassir , Ahmed Naveed , Ahmad Nasir M.
Published: June 2022

The fouling of surfaces such as textiles is a major health challenge, and there is a continuous effort to develop materials and processes to overcome it. In consideration of this, this study regards the development of antifouling functional nanoencapsulated finishing for the cotton textile fabric by employing a layer-by-layer dip coating technique. Antifouling textile finishing was formulated by inducing the nanoencapsulation of the antifouling functional group inside the hydrophobic polymeric shell. Cotton fabric was taken as a substrate to incorporate antibacterial functionality by alternatively fabricating multilayers of antifouling polymeric formulation (APF) and polyelectrolyte solution. The surface morphology of nanoencapsulated finished textile fabric was characterized through scanning electron microscopy to confirm the uniform distribution of nanoparticles on the cotton textile fabric. Optical profilometry and atomic force microscopy studies indicated increased surface roughness in the coated textile substrate as compared to the uncoated textile. The surface thickness of the fabricated textile increased with the number of deposited bilayers on the textile substrate. Surface hydrophobicity increased with number of coating bilayers with θ values of x for single layer, up to y for 20 bilayers. The antibacterial activity of the uncoated and layer-by-layer coated finished textile was also evaluated. It was significant and exhibited a significant zone of inhibition against microbial strains Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative E. coli. The bilayer coating exhibited water repellency, hydrophobicity, and antibacterial activity. Thus, the fabricated textile could be highly useful for many industrial and biomedical applications.
Dioctyl Phthalate-Modified Graphene Nanoplatelets: An Effective Additive for Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber
Authors: Duy Linh Nguyen Pham , Bui Chuong , Nguyen Liem Thanh , Nguyen Tung Huy , Tung Nguyen Thanh , La Duong Duc
Published: June 2022

Graphene has been extensively considered an ideal additive to improve the mechanical properties of many composite materials, including rubbers, because of its novel strength, high surface area, and remarkable thermal and electron conductivity. However, the pristine graphene shows low dispersibility in the rubber matrix resulting in only slightly enhanced mechanical properties of the rubber composite. In this work, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were modified with dioctyl phthalate (DOP) to improve the dispersibility of the graphene in the natural rubber (NR). The distribution of the DOP-modified GNPs in the NR matrix was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of the modified GNPs’ contents on the mechanical properties of the GNPs/NR composite was studied in detail. The results showed that the abrasion resistance of the graphene-reinforced rubber composite significantly improved by 10 times compared to that of the rubber without graphene (from 0.3 to 0.03 g/cycle without and with addition of the 0.3 phr modified GNPs). The addition of the modified GNPs also improved the shear and tensile strength of the rubber composite. The tensile strength and shear strength of the NR/GNPs composite with a GNPs loading of 0.3 phr were determined to be 23.63 MPa and 42.69 N/mm, respectively. Even the presence of the graphene reduced the other mechanical properties such as Shore hardness, elongation at break, and residual elongation; however, these reductions were negligible, which still makes the modified GNPs significant as an effective additive for the natural rubber in applications requiring high abrasion resistance.
Possibility to Alter Dynamics of Luminescence from Surface of Polymer Membrane with Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Bunkin Nikolai F. , Astashev Maxim E. , Bolotskova Polina N. , Kozlov Valeriy A. , Kravchenko Artem O. , Nagaev Egor I. , Okuneva Maria A.
Published: June 2022

The temporal dynamics of luminescence from the surface of Nafion polymer membranes have been studied. In fact, the polymer membrane was soaked in liquids with different contents of deuterium. The test liquids were ordinary (natural) water (deuterium content equal to 157 ppm) and deuterium-depleted water (deuterium content is equal to 3 ppm). Simultaneously with the excitation of luminescence, the Nafion plate was irradiated with ultrasonic pulses, having a duration of 1 μs. The ultrasonic waves were generated with different repetition rates and amplitudes, and irradiated the surface of Nafion in the geometry of grazing or normal incidence. Luminescence regimes were studied when the membrane was irradiated with one ultrasonic wave (one piezoelectric transducer) or two counter-propagating waves (two piezoelectric transducers). It turned out that ultrasonic waves, which fall normal to the membrane interface, do not affect the dynamics of luminescence. At the same time, in the case of ultrasonic irradiation in the grazing incidence geometry, sharp jumps in the luminescence intensity occur, and the behavior of these jumps substantially depends on the mode of irradiation: one or two piezoelectric transducers. This allows for control of the dynamics of luminescence from the polymer surface. In accordance with this model, the possibility of altering the luminescence dynamics is due to the effect of unwinding the polymer fibers from the surface toward the liquid bulk upon soaking. It is important that such unwinding does not occur in deuterium-depleted water, which was confirmed in a direct experiment with dynamic light scattering from polydisperse aqueous suspensions of Nafion nanometer-sized particles; these suspensions were prepared in ordinary water and deuterium-depleted water. Thus, ultrasonic irradiation affects the dynamics of luminescence only when Nafion is swollen in ordinary water; in the case of deuterium-depleted water this effect is missed.
Comprehensive Characterization of Solution-Cast Pristine and Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Polyvinylidene Fluoride Films for Sensory Applications
Authors: Hintermueller Dane , Prakash Ravi
Published: June 2022

Pristine and doped polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are actively investigated for a broad range of applications in pressure sensing, energy harvesting, transducers, porous membranes, etc. There have been numerous reports on the improved piezoelectric and electric performance of PVDF-doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) structures. However, the common in situ doping methods have proven to be expensive and less desirable. Furthermore, there is a lack of explicit extraction of the compression mode piezoelectric coefficient (d33) in ex situ rGO doped PVDF composite films prepared using low-cost, solution-cast processes. In this work, we describe an optimal procedure for preparing high-quality pristine and nano-composite PVDF films using solution-casting and thermal poling. We then verify their electromechanical properties by rigorously characterizing β-phase concentration, crystallinity, piezoelectric coefficient, dielectric permittivity, and loss tangent. We also demonstrate a novel stationary atomic force microscope (AFM) technique designed to reduce non-piezoelectric influences on the extraction of d33 in PVDF films. We then discuss the benefits of our d33 measurements technique over commercially sourced piezometers and conventional piezoforce microscopy (PFM). Characterization outcomes from our in-house synthesized films demonstrate that the introduction of 0.3%w.t. rGO nanoparticles in a solution-cast only marginally changes the β-phase concentration from 83.7% to 81.7% and decreases the crystallinity from 42.4% to 37.3%, whereas doping increases the piezoelectric coefficient by 28% from d33 = 45 pm/V to d33 = 58 pm/V, while also improving the dielectric by 28%. The piezoelectric coefficients of our films were generally higher but comparable to other in situ prepared PVDF/rGO composite films, while the dielectric permittivity and β-phase concentrations were found to be lower.
Synthesis and Assessment of AMPS-Based Copolymers Prepared via Electron-Beam Irradiation for Ionic Conductive Hydrogels
Authors: Seo Hyun-Su , Bae Jin-Young , Kwon Kiok , Shin Seunghan
Published: June 2022

In this study, ionic conductive hydrogels were prepared with 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS). Acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AAm), and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) were used as comonomers to complement the adhesion properties and ion conductivity of AMPS hydrogels. Hydrogels were prepared by irradiating a 20 kGy dose of E-beam to the aqueous monomer solution. With the E-beam irradiation, the polymer chain growth and network formation simultaneously proceeded to form a three-dimensional network. The preferred reaction was determined by the type of comonomer, and the structure of the hydrogel was changed accordingly. When AA or AAm was used as a comonomer, polymer growth and crosslinking proceeded together, so a hydrogel with increased peel strength and tensile strength could be prepared. In particular, in the case of AA, it was possible to prepare a hydrogel with improved adhesion without sacrificing ionic conductivity. When the molar ratio of AA to AMPS was 3.18, the 90° peel strength of AMPS hydrogel increased from 171 to 428 gf/25 mm, and ionic conductivity slightly decreased, from 0.93 to 0.84 S/m. By copolymerisation with HEA, polymer growth was preferred compared with chain crosslinking, and a hydrogel with lower peel strength, swelling ratio, and ionic conductivity than the pristine AMPS hydrogel was obtained.
Evaluating the Effect of Polymer Modification on the Low-Temperature Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binder
Authors: Teltayev Bagdat , Amirbayev Erik , Radovskiy Boris
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates the viscoelastic properties of oxidized neat bitumen and three polymer-modified binders at low temperatures. The earlier proposed interrelated expressions for the relaxation modulus and for the creep compliance of bitumen binders are further developed. The results of creep testing of the binders on a bending beam rheometer at the six temperatures from −18 °C to −36 °C are presented. The results were analyzed using the equations developed for the relaxation modulus and the relaxation time spectrum. Viscosities at the low temperatures of tested binders were estimated. Approximate interrelations between the loss modulus and the relaxation spectrum were presented. The method for the determination of the glass transition temperature of a binder in terms of the relaxation time spectrum is proposed. The glass transition temperatures of tested binders were determined by the proposed method and compared with ones determined by the standard loss modulus-peak method.
Efficient Discrete Element Modeling of Particle Dampers
Authors: Biondani Fabio , Morandini Marco , Ghiringhelli Gian Luca , Terraneo Mauro , Cordisco Potito
Published: June 2022

Particle dampers’ dissipative characteristics can be difficult to predict because of their highly non-linear behavior. The application of such devices in deformable vibrating systems can require extensive experimental and numerical analyses; therefore, improving the efficiency when simulating particle dampers would help in this regard. Two techniques often proposed to speed up the simulation, namely the adoption of a simplified frictional moment and the reduction of the contact stiffness, are considered; their effect on the simulation run-time, on the ability of the particle bed to sustain shear deformation, and on the prediction of the dissipation performance is investigated for different numerical case studies. The reduction in contact stiffness is studied in relation to the maximum overlap between particles, as well as the contacts’ duration. These numerical simulations are carried out over a wide range of motion regimes, frequencies, and amplitude levels. Experimental results are considered as well. All the simulations are performed using a GPU-based discrete element simulation tool coupled with the multi-body code MBDyn; the results and execution time are compared with those of other solvers.
Codonopsis laceolata Water Extract Ameliorates Asthma Severity by Inducing Th2 Cells’ and Pulmonary Epithelial Cells’ Apoptosis via NF-κB/COX-2 Pathway
Authors: Bok So-Hyeon , Han Kang Min , Boo Hee-Ock , Cho Seung-Sik , Park Dae-Hun
Published: June 2022

Asthma is an incurable pulmonary disease with several symptoms, including abnormal breathing, coughing, and sleep apnea, which can lead to death, and the population of asthma patients has been increasing worldwide. There are many adverse effects in current drugs, and thus, we have tried to develop anti-asthmatic agents from natural products such as Codonopsis laceolata. To define the anti-asthmatic effect and the mechanism of Codonopsis laceolata, an animal study was conducted considering different cell counts of BALF, serum IgE levels, morphological changes in the pulmonary system, the Th2 cell transcription factor (GATA-3), and the apoptotic pathway (NF-κB/COX-2). Codonopsis laceolata significantly suppressed the representative asthmatic changes, such as airway remodeling, mucous hypersecretion, epithelial hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration, in the respiratory system. It suppressed the levels of GATA-3, IL-4, and IL-13. The down-regulation of Th2-related factors, such as GATA-3, IL-4, and IL-13, results from the stimulated apoptosis of Th2 cells and epithelial cells via a decrease in the levels of NF-κB and COX-2. We concluded that Codonopsis laceolata might be a promising anti-asthmatic drug.
Towards Fully Autonomous Negative Obstacle Traversal via Imitation Learning Based Control
Authors: César-Tondreau Brian , Warnell Garrett , Kochersberger Kevin , Waytowich Nicholas R.
Published: June 2022

Current research in experimental robotics has had a focus on traditional, cost-based, navigation methods. These methods ascribe a value of utility for occupying certain locations in the environment. A path planning algorithm then uses this cost function to compute an optimal path relative to obstacle positions based on proximity, visibility, and work efficiency. However, tuning this function to induce more complex navigation behaviors in the robot is not straightforward. For example, this cost-based scheme tends to be pessimistic when assigning traversal cost to negative obstacles. Its often simpler to ascribe high traversal costs to costmap cells based on elevation. This forces the planning algorithm to plan around uneven terrain rather than exploring techniques that understand if and how to safely traverse through them. In this paper, imitation learning is applied to the task of negative obstacle traversal with Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). Specifically, this work introduces a novel point cloud-based state representation of the local terrain shape and employs imitation learning to train a reactive motion controller for negative obstacle detection and traversal. This method is compared to a classical motion planner that uses the dynamic window approach (DWA) to assign traversal cost based on the terrain slope local to the robots current pose.
A Perspective on Information Optimality in a Neural Circuit and Other Biological Systems
Authors: Friedman Robert
Published: June 2022

The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans has a relatively simple neural system for analysis of information transmission from sensory organ to muscle fiber. Consequently, this study includes an example of a neural circuit from the nematode worm, and a procedure is shown for measuring its information optimality by use of a logic gate model. This approach is useful where the assumptions are applicable for a neural circuit, and also for choosing between competing mathematical hypotheses that explain the function of a neural circuit. In this latter case, the logic gate model can estimate computational complexity and distinguish which of the mathematical models require fewer computations. In addition, the concept of information optimality is generalized to other biological systems, along with an extended discussion of its role in genetic-based pathways of organisms.
When Arriving Is Not Enough—Constraints in Access to Education and Employment Opportunities for Migrant Youth
Authors: Jacovkis Judith , Montes Alejandro , Rambla Xavier
Published: June 2022

Due to an array of individual, institutional and structural factors, several constraints hinder the access of migrant youth to education, training and employment in Catalonia. In this article, we explore the conditions in which young migrants access the education and training system in Catalonia (Spain). Drawing on the theory of opportunity structures, we highlight three constraints that narrow their education and training opportunities. Our approach runs away from individualistic explanations of success or failure. The research draws on 5 focus groups and 10 in-depth interviews with young migrants who were participating in a training scheme in 2019 and 2020. Our results point out three types of conditioning factors that constrain opportunities and sometimes become unsurmountable barriers. Firstly, their migrant status narrows their opportunities for education, training and employment. Secondly, current administrative procedures eventually disrupt the ways in which certain young newcomers follow the mainstream education and training pathways. Finally, certain circumstances have inflicted socio-emotional wounds on young newcomers, not only because they have left their country and suffered from socio-economic deprivation, but also because they have been compelled to suddenly adjust their expectations.
Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Optimism According to Gender and Social Context (Urban vs. Rural)
Authors: Molero David , Gavín-Chocano Óscar , Vargas-Cuevas Esperanza , García-Martínez Inmaculada
Published: June 2022

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of Emotional Intelligence on optimistic–pessimistic attitudes in a sample of 177 people from the Autonomous Community of Andalusia (Spain). The sample consisted of 102 women (57.60%) and 75 men (42.40%), who live in different localities depending on the number of residents (urban and rural context). The instruments used in the study were: The Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R), Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQi-C), and Wong–Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS-S). The results indicated that Emotional Intelligence was positively related to optimism and negatively related to pessimism (p < 0.01). In addition, pessimism was found to be significantly related to the rural context, but not to the urban context. The multigroup Structural Equations model was developed for the gender variable, and it had good structural validity (χ2 = 96.485; RMSEA = 0.056; GFI = 0.901; CFI = 0.900; IFI = 0.907), which was greater for the female gender. The practical consequences of this study help to understand the usefulness of EQ on optimism–pessimism as an attribute between urban vs. rural areas and the effect of living in socio-culturally different environments.
Health and Environment Conscious Consumer Attitudes: Generation Z Segment Personas According to the LOHAS Model
Authors: Lendvai Marietta Balázsné , Kovács Ildikó , Balázs Bence Ferenc , Beke Judit
Published: June 2022

As a lifestyle and consumer trend, the LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) has been growing in popularity worldwide. The LOHAS is followed by a consumer group that is characterised by consumer attitudes and behaviours focusing on health and sustainability, that is increasingly concerned about global problems and challenges, and that follows trends related to sustainability, such as health and environmental consciousness. In addition, this group strives for a sense of naturalness, aims to behave ethically, and seeks to hold authentic and individualistic values. The objective of this research is to explore how young people today relate to the components of the LOHAS model, how the different characters respond, and what their perceived values are. We are also looking for answers pertaining to whether clusters may be formed based on the examined factors. In our study, we surveyed 357 Hungarian respondents, who are members of Generation Z. As a method of data analysis, descriptive statistical methods, correlation analyses, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and the persona profiles were designed using the design thinking method. Based on the factors of the LOHAS model, three separate groups may be ascertained within Generation Z: personas that fit the LOHAS, personas that could fit the LOHAS, and personas that do not fit LOHAS.
Effects of Four-Week Exposure to Salt Treatments on Germination and Growth of Two Amaranthus Species
Authors: Bellache Manel , Allal Benfekih Leila , Torres-Pagan Natalia , Mir Ricardo , Verdeguer Mercedes , Vicente Oscar , Boscaiu Monica
Published: June 2022

Soil salinity represents one of the most restrictive environmental factors for agriculture worldwide. In the present study, the salt tolerance of two weeds of the genus Amaranthus, A. albus and A. hybridus, the latter cultivated as green vegetable in Africa, were analysed. Both species showed a remarkable salt tolerance phenotype during germination and vegetative growth. To evaluate the percentage and rate of germination, seeds were germinated in Petri dishes in a germination chamber under increasing concentrations up to 300 mM NaCl. Higher concentrations of salt ranging from 150 to 600 mM NaCl were applied for one month to plants grown in individual pots in the greenhouse. All seeds of A. albus germinated in the control and almost half of the seeds under 200 mM NaCl, but only 4% of the seeds under 250 mM NaCl. In A. hybridus, germination was considerably lower in all treatments and was completely prevented at 250 mM NaCl. The plant growth of both species was severely affected by high salt concentrations of 450 and 600 mM NaCl, but not under lower concentrations. At this stage of the biological cycle, A. hybridus showed a higher salt tolerance, as indicated by the smaller reduction in its growth parameters. The dry weight of leaves and roots of plants receiving 600 mM NaCl decreased in comparison to control: less than 60% in A. hybridus but more than 70% in A. albus. The salt tolerance of the two species contributes to their invasive potential, but on the other hand represents a useful trait when considering them as potential crops for the future.
Disruptive Innovation in the Context of Retailing: Digital Trends and the Internationalization of the Yiwu Commodity Market
Authors: Liu Wan , Si Steven
Published: June 2022

The prevalence of disruptive innovation practices, enabled by the advancement of digital technologies, has greatly changed the way SMEs innovate and the competitive landscape of today’s retail industry. This study seeks to understand how disruptive innovation has been adopted for the purpose of internationalization across retailing SMEs in Yiwu’s Commodity Market. To answer the research questions, the approach used in this study utilized a qualitative research approach in combination with semi-structured interviews. In this way, the chronology of several phases of Yiwu’s Commodity Market’s development into a global market center is presented, based on analysis of the data. The findings of this study provide an insight into how to facilitate disruptive paths to achieve the internationalization of SMEs through dynamism of the market, strategy positioning, and capability construction. This study contributes to literature on disruptive innovation by providing and testing a model of internationalization mechanisms that SMEs can use to coordinate digital disruptive innovation-related activities. The study also provides insights for policymakers and SMEs in the retail industry about the importance of digital technologies for motivating potential entrepreneurs to pursue new ventures.
Substitution or Complementarity: Influence of Industry–University–Research-Institute Cooperation Governance Mechanism on Knowledge Transfer—An Empirical Analysis from China
Authors: Li Zihanxin , Wan Ting , Lan Jing
Published: June 2022

China’s economic growth is transforming from being traditional and factor-driven to being innovation-driven. How to improve the independent innovation ability and build the sustainable competitiveness of enterprises through knowledge transfer in industry–university–research-institute (IUR) cooperation has become an urgent problem to be solved. The obstacles to knowledge transfer in an IUR cooperation include internal and external cooperation risk factors. Improving the governance mechanism of an IUR cooperation, reducing cooperation risks, and promoting knowledge transfer are effective means for overcoming such obstacles in the short term. Interorganizational governance mechanisms include contractual governance and relationship governance. Obvious differences exist in the target functions of the different types of governance mechanisms, and their effects on knowledge transfer also differ. Based on a questionnaire survey on the IUR cooperation innovation of 364 enterprises, this study discusses the impact of the contractual governance mechanism and relationship governance mechanism on knowledge transfer in the IUR cooperation. Different types of contractual governance mechanisms have different effects on knowledge transfer. The contractual coordination mechanism significantly promotes explicit knowledge transfer in an IUR cooperation but has no significant impact on tacit knowledge transfer, whereas the contractual control mechanism significantly promotes explicit knowledge transfer but hinders tacit knowledge transfer. Meanwhile, the relationship governance mechanism has a significant positive impact on explicit knowledge transfer and tacit knowledge transfer. The joint use of the contractual coordination mechanism and relationship governance mechanism can significantly promote explicit knowledge transfer and tacit knowledge transfer, whereas the joint use of the contractual control mechanism and relationship governance mechanism can significantly weaken the two types of knowledge transfer. This study provides not only a theoretical explanation for the dispute over the “complementarity” or “substitution” relationship between the contractual governance mechanism and relationship governance mechanism in knowledge transfer in an IUR cooperation, thereby enriching relationship governance theory and knowledge management theory, but also a reference to the government, enterprises, and universities/scientific institutions participating in an IUR cooperation.
Free-Space Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution with Imperfect Detector against Uniform Fast-Fading Channels
Authors: Fan Lu , Bian Yiming , Zhang Yichen , Yu Song
Published: June 2022

Free-space continuous-variable quantum key distribution based on atmospheric laser communications is expected to play an important role in the global continuous-variable quantum key distribution network. The practical homodyne detector model is applied in free-space continuous-variable quantum key distribution which models the imperfect characteristics including the detection efficiency and the electronic noise. In the conventional model, we must calibrate them simultaneously. In the modified model, only one of the imperfections needs to be calibrated to simplify the calibration process of the practical experiments, also known as one-time calibration. The feasibility of the modified detector model against the fast-fading channel is proved. The results of the symmetry operations are considered when presenting detailed security analysis. Some remarkable features of the uniform fast-fading channel were found from the simulation results. The performances of the conventional model and the modified model are similar but the modified model has the advantage of achieving one-time calibration.
Stability of Euler Methods for Fuzzy Differential Equation
Authors: You Cuilian , Cheng Yan , Ma Hongyan
Published: June 2022

The Liu process is a fuzzy process whose membership function is a symmetric function on an expected value. The object of this paper was a fuzzy differential equation driven by Liu process. Since the existing fuzzy Euler solving methods (explicit Euler scheme, semi-implicit Euler scheme, and implicit Euler scheme) have the same convergence, to compare them, we presented four stabilities, i.e., asymptotical stability, mean square stability, exponential stability, and A stability. By choosing special fuzzy differential equation as a test equation, we deduced that mean square stability is equivalent to exponential stability. Furthermore, an explicit fuzzy Euler scheme and semi-implicit fuzzy Euler scheme showed asymptotical stability and mean square stability, while an explicit fuzzy Euler scheme failed to meet A stability but that an implicit fuzzy Euler scheme is A stable, and whether semi-implicit fuzzy Euler scheme is A stable depends on the values of α and λ.
Gaussian States: Evaluation of the Covariance Matrix from the Implementation with Primitive Component
Authors: Cariolaro Gianfranco , Corvaja Roberto , Miatto Filippo
Published: June 2022

Quantum Gaussian states play a fundamental role in quantum communications and in quantum information. This paper deals with the implementation of multimode, and particularly of two-mode Gaussian unitaries and Gaussian states with primitive components (phase shifters, single-mode real squeezers, displacements, and beam splitters). The architecture thus obtained allows one to obtain an insight into the physical meaning of each variable involved. Moreover, following the implementation architecture, it is possible to formulate an easy algebra (radical free) for the main operations and transformations of Gaussian states.
Thermal Properties of Li2BeF4 near Melting Point
Authors: Redkin Alexander , Il’ina Evgeniya , Pershina Svetalana , Mushnikov Peter , Stankus Sergey , Agazhanov Alibek , Zaikov Yuriy , Kholkina Anna , Artamonov Artyem
Published: June 2022

The LiF–BeF2 system is used as a heat transfer medium in molten salt reactors (MSRs). The thermal diffusivity of Li2BeF4 was studied using the laser flash analysis (LFA) method in solid and transition states. While the thermal diffusivity is shown to decrease slightly in solid-state Li2BeF4, it drops significantly at temperatures close to phase transition. The heat capacity of Li2BeF4 was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Some differences were observed between the results obtained in cooling and heating modes. Thermal conductivity was calculated using thermal diffusivity-, density-, and heat-capacity data. The good thermal conductivity of the Li2BeF4 compound in solid and liquid states justifies its use as a heat transfer medium for molten salt reactors.
Is Illicit Substance Use Gender-Specific? The Basic Points of Mental and Health Disorders
Authors: Georgieva Ekaterina , Benkova Krasimira , Vlaeva Nadya , Karamalakova Yanka , Miteva Radostina , Abrashev Hristo , Nikolova Galina
Published: June 2022

Among the groups of users of illicit substances, a high percentage are persons deprived of their liberty; at the same time, each social and age group is also affected, to one degree or another. The purpose of this study is to provide general data on the relationship between different psychostimulants, clinical and socio-demographic studies, and gender, both among the general population and in one of the most at-risk groups. This review identifies the use of illicit substances as gender-specific in the general population. A detailed study of the causal relationship between the use of illicit substances and gender was carried out. Electronic databases Academic Search Complete, PubMed, HealthCare, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies up to 2022 associated with drug abuse and mental and health disorders. The analysis indicated that the human population showed significant differences between the sex of the consumer as to the type of drug consumers, development of addiction, and relapse. We focus on the pathological changes caused by drug use, the personal and physiological individual traits that influence drug choice, and the extent of use in one of the most affected groups of individuals. The study may provide some guidance in developing gender-specific treatment and prevention, including response to some pharmacological and behavioral therapies. The review is intended for a wide audience of social workers, toxicologists, and pharmacologists.