bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization and Seeding Rate on Regional Wheat Yield and Yield Components in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Kishore Kumar , Hoque Mozammel , Chowdhury Akhi Paul
Published: August 2022

Seed rate and nitrogen fertilization are two main critical factors that affect wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and yield. But a little knowledge on the interaction effects of these two factors in wheat cultivation under course, strong acidic nutrient deficit soil condition aimed us to conduct this research. We grew wheat at the field laboratory of the department of Agronomy and Haor Agriculture, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh, during crop growing period (November-March) of wheat 2021-2022 with split plot design assigning seed rate (100, 120, 140 & 160 kg ha-1) in main plot and nitrogen fertilizer (0, 120, 140, 160 & 180 kg ha-1) in sub plot. The maximum grain yield (3.0 t ha-1) was obtained at 140 kg ha-1 and 160 kg ha-1 seeding rate and nitrogen fertilization respectively. Whereas, the minimum grain yield (1.5 t ha-1) was recorded in control treatment (100 kg ha-1 seed with zero nitrogen). The highest value of the entire yield contributing parameters i.e. effective tillers plant-1 (2.9), spike length (14.7 cm), spikelet spike-1 (17.0), florets spike-1 (52.3), grain spike-1 (51.0) and 1000 seed weight (42.6 g) were recorded at 140 kg ha-1 and 160 kg ha-1 seeding rate and nitrogen fertilization respectively and the values were increased with the increase of seeding rate and nitrogen fertilization rate upto 140 kg ha-1 and 160 kg ha-1 respectively then declined. The growth parameter i.e. plant height (114.1 cm) increased with the increase of seeding rate 160 kg ha-1 and nitrogen fertilization upto 160 kg ha-1 and the minimum value (54.1 cm) was recorded at control treatment.
Exogenous Application of Melatonin-loaded Nanoformulation for Yield Enhancement in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) under Drought Condition
Authors: Dheerkadharshini K. , Kalarani M. K. , Djanaguiraman M. , Haripriya S. , Umapathi M.
Published: August 2022

Aim: To study the performances of melatonin-loaded nanoformulation on growth, yield and yield attributes of finger millet.

Place and Duration of the Study: The pot culture experiment was carried out under glasshouse conditions at the Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, during the rabi season of 2022.

Methodology: The Experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications, including six treatments: T1: no spray, T2: 60 μM CF of MT, T3: Surfactant alone, T4: 20 μM NF of MT, T5: 40 μM NF of MT, T6: 60 μM NF of MT were used.

Results: Among various melatonin combinations T6: Foliar spray @ 60 µM NF of MT recorded maximum photosynthetic rate, Fv/Fm ratio, antioxidant enzyme activity, and grain yield.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that foliar application of melatonin-loaded nanoformulation 60 μM was found to be an effective concentration for reducing drought effect and improving physiological, biochemical, yield and yield attributes in finger millet under drought conditions.
Effects of Temperature on Biochemical Parameters of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)
Authors: Tata T. , Shanmugam P. S. , Amirtham D. , Srinivasan T. , Dheebakaran Ga. , Santosh G. Patil
Published: August 2022

Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is the major invasive pest of maize and spread to all agro climatic zones in Tamil Nadu. The ability of fall armyworm to adapt to varied climatic conditions may be due to their ability to modify biochemical characters. Among the different environmental parameters, temperature is one of the important components, which influences the level of carbohydrate, protein and lipid present in the caterpillars. After first notice during 2018, the fall armyworm presence has observed throughout India that shows their adaptation to different climatic conditions. The study on biochemical properties of fall armyworm under different temperature regime will provide insights about their preference to temperature regimes. In the present study, the biochemical parameters of fourth late instar fall armyworm larvae were studied at five different constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 350C) in complete randomized design. The biochemical studies revealed that the amount of total proteins, total carbohydrates, total lipids are high in the larvae grown at 15 and 200C. Amount of amino acids increased gradually with rising temperatures. The total proteins, total carbohydrates, total lipids are very less at 250C while gradually increases at 30 and 350C. The level of amino acids is very less in the larvae grown in 350C while other biochemical parameters (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids) are comparatively more in 350C.
Economic Growth Elasticity of Employment in Kenya: Error Correction Model Analysis
Authors: Maundu Mutunga Dennis , Nyandemo Samuel M.
Published: August 2022

Economic growth elasticity of employment refers to the change in economic growth that is associated with a 1% change in employment. The focus of this study is to establish how employment creation translates to economic growth in Kenya using data from 1997 to 2019. In addition, the study determines the directional relationship of growth employment and growth using Error Correction model (EC). This model is used to capture both the short-run and long-run relationship among variables. Economic growth and employment are measured using rate of per capita GDP and employment ratio respectively. The key findings of this study suggest that, a percentage change in employment is associated with growth of economy in the short-run and a decline of economic growth in the long-run. During the review period, increase in percentage of those employed did not lead to increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in the end.
Effect of Accounting Software on Transparency in the Nigerian Public Sector
Authors: F. A. Ezenwaka, , N. T. Ofor, , J. K. J. Onuora, , I. A. Nwaorgu,
Published: August 2022

Public sector accounting software worldwide has some common objectives and peculiarities in measuring and recording receipts, expenditure, and budgetary control in the public sector. This is due to widespread cases of corruption in the public sector. To curb the issue, the International Monetary Fund through home governments encouraged the use of software as a means to encourage transparency in financial dealings of public organizations. In Nigeria, the notable accounting software in the public sector are both IPPIS and GIFMIS. This is why the current study examined the effect of accounting software on transparency in the Nigerian public sector. The study adopted a survey research design and questionnaires were issued to 250 staff of the Federal Pay-office Nigeria 202 duly filled and returned questionnaires formed the sample size used for the study. The study used both descriptive statistics and ordinary least square regression to analyze the datat. It was found that, both IPPIS and GIFMIS software have a positive relationship and significant effect on transparency of organizations in the Nigerian Public sector. The study concludes that the adoption of IPPIS and GIFMIS as accounting software has positively affected the level of transparency in Nigerian public-sector organizations. The study recommends that the Federal Government of Nigeria should keep up with the current trend of IPPIS and GIFMIS implementation in the public sector. This has made stakeholders gain confidence in the financial responsibility of the government owing to the improved transparency entrenched in public financial activities.
Household Baseline Survey on Indigenous Chicken Production Characteristics and Constraints in Busia and Machakos Counties of Kenya
Authors: Muleke C. I. , Ogali I. , Amanya P. , Mungube E. O. , Bebe O. B.
Published: August 2022

Aims: To collect preliminary baseline data prior to validation of three climate-smart technologies.

Study Design: A structured questionnaire was employed with participation of actors along the Indigenous Chicken value chain.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted from May 2019 to June 2020 within four (4) Sub-Counties in Busia and Machakos where high Indigenous Chicken populations are found.

Methodology: A total of 160 households were surveyed. Targeted household information was recorded viz: distribution of respondents by village in the Counties; farmer socio-economic factors; flock structure and characteristics; disease and parasite constraints, management practices; disease reporting and communication amongst recruited farmers.

Results: Results revealed that 56.5% of the respondents were male and 43.5% were female wit mean age of 50 years. Most farmers had formal education (97%) and practiced semi extensive poultry farming system (59%). Both indigenous and exotic chicken (62%) were kept for income purposes (82.6%) and only young chicks received feed supplements (55.8%). Newcastle (18.5%) and coccidiosis (16.4%) comprised the two major disease constraints reported. Prevalent bird disease symptoms were diarrhea (24.9%) and coughing (23.1%) while mites (27.9%) and fleas (22.3%) dominated the ecto-parasites. Disease control strategies comprised: vaccines (72.8%), dewormers (44.9%) and ethno-veterinary medicine. Aloe secundiflora and Aloe feroxin, were singled out as locally available and effective means of treating diarrhea (62.9%), respiratory infections (61.9%) and worm control (64.5%). Most Indigenous Chicken farmers (76.8%) failed to report illnesses among their flock and did not access to health services (72.1%). Farmers accessed health information through radio (26.5%) as opposed to mobile phones (1.65%).

Conclusion: Findings of this survey reveal a low-grade free-range poultry system characterized by poor disease control. This scenario calls for targeted efforts by both government and private stakeholders to improve Indigenous Chicken management and help farmers adopt alternative climatic smart disease control interventions.
Bio‐Inspired Imprinting Materials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Chen Hanxu , Guo Jiahui , Wang Yu , Dong Weiliang , Zhao Yuanjin , Sun Lingyun
Published: August 2022

Inspired by the recognition mechanism of biological molecules, molecular imprinting techniques (MITs) are imparted with numerous merits like excellent stability, recognition specificity, adsorption properties, and easy synthesis processes, and thus broaden the avenues for convenient fabrication protocol of bio‐inspired molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with desirable functions to satisfy the extensive demands of biomedical applications. Herein, the recent research progress made with respect to bio‐inspired imprinting materials is discussed in this review. First, the underlying mechanism and basic components of a typical molecular imprinting procedure are briefly explored. Then, emphasis is put on the introduction of diverse MITs and novel bio‐inspired imprinting materials. Following these two sections, practical applications of MIPs in the field of biomedical science are focused on. Last but not least, perspectives on the remaining challenges and future development of bio‐inspired imprinting materials are presented.
Grafted Groups’ Modification in the Main Chain of Polyfluorene‐Based Conjugated Polyelectrolytes to Greatly Boost Solar Hydrogen Production from Natural Seawater
Authors: Wu Wei , Dai Chunhui , Deng Yue , Chen Yong , Li Fei , Zeng Chao
Published: August 2022

Hydrogen represents an ideal fuel with environmental‐friendly properties and high energy density. It is attractive to directly produce clean hydrogen from inexhaustible solar energy and the most abundant seawater on the earth. Nevertheless, the search for highly efficient and stable photocatalysts remains a big challenge so far because of the dissolved salts in natural seawater, which may result in the decomposition of photocatalysts and undesirable side reactions. Herein, three polyfluorene‐based conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) with different grafted groups in the polymer backbone for hydrogen production in natural seawater under solar light illumination are reported. The change in the grafted groups on the main chain of CPEs provides them very similar UV light absorption, but PFNH‐Br grafted with H group exhibits significantly improved charge transport and lower emission intensity compared with PFN‐Br (grafted with C8H17) and PFPABr (grafted with CH2CH2N(CH3)3Br). As a result, PFNH‐Br yield the highest hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of 1806 μmol h−1 g−1 without external cocatalysts under simulated solar light, while lower HERs of 356 and 225 μmol h−1 g−1 are found for PFN‐Br and PFPABr, respectively. This study shows that grafted group optimization is a powerful strategy to maximize the activity of polyfluorene‐based CPEs for direct photocatalytic seawater splitting.
Factors correlated with the propensity to use automation and mechanization by the US nursery industry
Authors: Rihn Alicia L. , Velandia Margarita , Warner Laura A. , Fulcher Amy , Schexnayder Susan , LeBude Anthony
Published: August 2022

Labor issues are an increasingly important challenge to agriculture operations across various crops, including agricultural firms in food and specialty crop (e.g., ornamental nursery) sectors. The use of technologies to automate production processes is one means to address labor challenges. This study investigates ornamental nursery industry firms' current use of specific automation technologies, including granular fertilizer applicators, foliage pruners, irrigation scheduling, and trikes. Additionally, this study evaluates the correlation between perceived barriers of adoption, firm characteristics, and the US nursery industry's likelihood of adopting automated technologies. A mixed‐mode survey was used to elicit responses from firms. Overall, barriers to adoption include the costs associated with the initial purchase and installation costs. Several firm characteristics and actions to address labor issues are correlated with the use of the automated technologies evaluated in this study. We observed both positive and negative associations between actions to address labor issues and adoption of specific technologies that suggest that decisions are complicated by the firms' production needs, strategies, perceived benefits, and potential return‐on‐investment of the various automation and mechanization. Perceived improvements in product quality from adopting automation technologies are positively correlated with the likelihood of adopting all of the technologies evaluated. [EconLit Citations: D240, J20, O30, Q13].
Tri‐state recyclable multifunctional hydrogel for flexible sensors
Authors: Liu Ruonan , Liu He , Lyu Tong , Chen Kun , Wang Zhaoyang , Tian Ye
Published: August 2022

Recent developments in hydrogel functional materials have created opportunities for building flexible sensors with multiple kinetic properties. Despite this, the research of multifunctional hydrogels for sensor applications is still a challenge. Herein, we present a recyclable multifunctional hydrogel synthesized from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), glycerin, and borax with three different states (named PHG, PHG‐F, and PHG‐S, respectively). Among them, PHG hydrogels have unique transparency, plasticity, self‐healing, injectability, electrical conductivity and thermal sensitivity, and can be used to detect temperature changes with high accuracy and fast response. PHG‐F hydrogels are obtained by cryogenic freezing of PHG hydrogels, which have strong mechanical properties and toughness (up to 0.66 MPa) and can provide excellent performance for human motion monitoring applications. PHG‐S hydrogels, obtained by swelling of dried PHG hydrogels, have stronger mechanical properties and toughness (up to 1.31 MPa), and high conductivity (up to 2.3 S m−1) obtained by immersion in ionic salt solutions, making them very suitable for strain sensing. The tri‐state and recyclable multifunctional hydrogels we developed might even prove useful for practical/smart materials, wearable devices, soft machines, and biomedical uses.
Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4A Signaling as a Key Disease Pathway of CD1c+ Dendritic Cell Dysregulation in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Servaas Nila H. , Hiddingh Sanne , Chouri Eleni , Wichers Catharina G. K. , Affandi Alsya J. , Ottria Andrea , Bekker Cornelis P. J. , Cossu Marta , Silva‐Cardoso Sandra C. , van der Kroef Maarten , Hinrichs Anneline C. , Carvalheiro Tiago , Vazirpanah Nadia , Beretta Lorenzo , Rossato Marzia , Bonte‐Mineur Femke , Radstake Timothy R. D. J. , Kuiper Jonas J. W. , Boes Marianne , Pandit Aridaman
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to identify key disease pathways driving conventional dendritic cell (cDC) alterations in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Transcriptomic profiling was performed on peripheral blood CD1c+ cDCs (cDC2s) isolated from 12 healthy donors and 48 patients with SSc, including all major disease subtypes. We performed differential expression analysis for the different SSc subtypes and healthy donors to uncover genes dysregulated in SSc. To identify biologically relevant pathways, we built a gene coexpression network using weighted gene correlation network analysis. We validated the role of key transcriptional regulators using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing and in vitro functional assays.

Results

We identified 17 modules of coexpressed genes in cDCs that correlated with SSc subtypes and key clinical traits, including autoantibodies, skin score, and occurrence of interstitial lung disease. A module of immunoregulatory genes was markedly down‐regulated in patients with the diffuse SSc subtype characterized by severe fibrosis. Transcriptional regulatory network analysis performed on this module predicted nuclear receptor 4A (NR4A) subfamily genes (NR4A1, NR4A2, NR4A3) as the key transcriptional regulators of inflammation. Indeed, ChIP‐sequencing analysis indicated that these NR4A members target numerous differentially expressed genes in SSc cDC2s. Inclusion of NR4A receptor agonists in culture‐based experiments provided functional proof that dysregulation of NR4As affects cytokine production by cDC2s and modulates downstream T cell activation.

Conclusion

NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 are important regulators of immunosuppressive and fibrosis‐associated pathways in SSc cDCs. Thus, the NR4A family represents novel potential targets to restore cDC homeostasis in SSc.
Challenges of oxidative/extractive desulphurization of heavy fuel oil
Authors: Mortezaee Ahmad , Movahedirad Salman , Sobati Mohammad Amin
Published: August 2022

Oxidative desulphurization (ODS) of heavy fuel oil (HFO) has some challenges such as gum formation and a high level of waste hydrocarbons. Simple calculations show that, assuming dibenzothiophene (DBT) as a representative component of sulphur‐containing components in the cut, about 20% of hydrocarbons are lost within the extraction process. An experimental investigation has been conducted in a three‐neck glass flask with a mechanical stirrer to obtain more insight about the gum formation during ODS of HFO. The gum formation process was investigated in diluted forms of fuel oil. It was observed that the fuel oil converted to the gum increases by decreasing the hydrogen/carbon (H/C) content of the diluting solvents. The main reason for gum formation during ODS is some polymer formation reactions induced by peroxide radicals. At an oxidant to sulphur ratio (O/S) ratio of 0.25, no gum was formed, while at O/S = 5.0, all of the fuel oil was converted to gum. Finally, a simple and efficient extractive desulphurization procedure has been proposed as an alternative method. At the best condition, about 84% desulphurization was obtained with dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent extraction of HFO. It can be assumed as a potential method to use mild mixing conditions with low contact time for extractive desulphurization of HFO on an industrial scale.
On the possible realization of a complex‐order capacitive impedance and its applications
Authors: Elwakil Ahmed , Psychalinos Costas , Maundy Brent , Allagui Anis
Published: August 2022

The fractional‐order Laplace operator
has been used in recent years in many applications including the synthesis of fractional‐order capacitors and inductors as well as in fractional‐order filter design. However, the synthesis and application of fractional‐order impedances with a complex‐order proportional to
have not received similar attention. In this work, we report on the possibility of synthesizing capacitive impedances with complex orders and explain the meaning of such impedances. Applications in realizing a complex order integrator and a complex order high‐pass filter are demonstrated supported by circuit simulation results.
The great conundrum: Competency vs. passion in higher education as a profession
Authors: Freeman Sydney , Bruun Wendy
Published: August 2022

Higher education has a human resources problem. The root of that problem can be traced to the two types of employees commonly found in higher education departments.
Combination of protein engineering and metabolic engineering to enhance (+)‐nootkatone production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Guo Jingyan , Zhou Wei , Li Yuanyi , Qin Weichuang , Wei Dongzhi , Wang Fengqing , Gao Bei
Published: August 2022

The introduction of heterologous pathways into microorganisms for high‐level synthesis of valuable compounds would be extremely meaningful. However, the endogenous heterologous pathway conversion point frequently serves as a bottleneck that limits product synthesis. (+)‐Nootkatone is an important functional sesquiterpenoid with a unique grapefruit flavor, which is frequently used as a fragrance. The low catalytic efficiency of the valencene synthase CnVS, the first heterologous enzyme in the biosynthesis of (+)‐nootkatone, is the major challenge that restricts the production of (+)‐nootkatone in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, we modified CnVS on the basis of the catalytic environment and mechanism of the enzyme. The residue M560 involving in alkyl transfer during substrate cyclization was found to affect activity. By tuning the residue, mutant M560L exhibited a 60% increase in the unit cell yield of (+)‐valencene, which is the precursor of (+)‐nootkatone. Furthermore, multistep strategies of metabolic engineering were employed that transferred the metabolic flux to the target product synthesis pathway and displayed the superimposed effect of metabolic and protein engineering on (+)‐nootkatone yield. Finally, multicopy integration of tHMG1 and ERG20ERG20‐GSG‐CnVSM560L boosted the production of (+)‐nootkatone to 85.43 mg/L in flask and 804.96 mg/L (5.29 mg/[L h]) in bioreactor. In conclusion, this study presents a paradigm for constructing microbial cell factories using a combination of protein and metabolic engineering in S. cerevisiae.
Clinical and radiomic features for predicting the treatment response of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in major neurocognitive disorder: Results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lu Hanna , Chan Sandra Sau Man , Ma Sukling , Lin Cuichan , Mok Vincent Chung Tong , Shi Lin , Wang Defeng , Mak Arthur Dun‐Ping , Lam Linda Chiu Wa
Published: August 2022

Image‐guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown clinical effectiveness in senior adults with co‐occurring depression and cognitive impairment, yet the imaging markers for predicting the treatment response are less investigated. In this clinical trial, we examined the efficacy and sustainability of 10 Hz rTMS for the treatment of depression and cognitive impairment in major neurocognitive disorder (NCD) patients and tested the predictive values of imaging‐informed radiomic features in response to rTMS treatment. Fifty‐five major NCD patients with depression were randomly assigned to receive a 3‐week rTMS treatment of either active 10 Hz rTMS (n = 27) or sham rTMS (n = 28). Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was the predefined treatment target. Based on individual structural magnetic resonance imaging scans, surface‐based analysis was conducted to quantitatively measure the baseline radiomic features of left DLPFC. Severity of depression, global cognition and the serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level were evaluated at baseline, 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐week follow‐ups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced age, higher baseline cognition and randomized group were associated with the remission of depression. Increased cortical thickness and gyrification in left DLPFC were the significant predictors of clinical remission and cognitive enhancement. A 3‐week course of 10 Hz rTMS is an effective adjuvant treatment for rapid ameliorating depressive symptoms and enhancing cognitive function. Pre‐treatment radiomic features of the stimulation target can predict the response to rTMS treatment in major NCD. Cortical thickness and folding of treatment target may serve as imaging markers to detect the responders. ChiCTR‐IOR‐16008191, registered on March 30, 2016.
Insight into the heat transfer across the dynamics of Carreau fluid subject to inclined Lorentz force conveying tiny particles and motile gyrotactic microorganisms: The case of stratification
Authors: Fatunmbi E. O. , Animasaun I. L. , Oke A. S. , Salawu S. O.
Published: August 2022

Sequel to the usefulness of exploration of Carreau fluid flow for understanding the nature of the shear thinning and thickening characteristics of industrial fluids and polymer suspensions, nothing is known on the heat transfer across the dynamics of Carreau fluid subject to three kinds of stratification (i.e., thermal, concentration, and diffusion of motile microorganisms). In this article, the motion mentioned above when inclined Lorentz force, haphazard motion of tiny particles, thermophoresis, and motile gyrotactic microorganisms are significant is presented, explored, and deliberated upon. Similarity transformation variables were employed to reduce the model from partial to ordinary differential equations. The Runge–Kutta–Gill methodology was used in conjunction with the shooting method and MATLAB bvp4c to obtain the numerical solution. It is worth concluding that thermal stratification and wall heating/temperature ratio terms promote heat transmission while increasing the size of the Weissenberg number and the mixed convection parameter lowers the skin friction coefficient. Furthermore, it has been shown that when stresses grow, viscosity promotes the deformation of fluid components, resulting in fluid velocity retardation.
Influence of fluid inlet–outlet on hydrothermal evaluation for different serpentine mini‐channel heat sink configurations
Authors: Al‐Hasani Hayder Mohammed , Freegah Basim
Published: August 2022

In the current study, numerical and experimental investigations of the hydrothermal performance of three configurations of a serpentine mini‐channel heat sink (MCHS) were conducted. The outcome of one inlet with two outlets has been studied for two new models, namely, A and B, and compared with the traditional MCHS model. Model A has a central side single inlet, then the channel is directly split and the two outlets are on the other side. In Model B, the single side inlet passes to the other side, and then it splits and the outlets are on the same inlet side. The numerical solution is obtained by using the commercial ANSYS Fluent 2020 R2 under laminar flow conditions. The current study's numerical results were compared and validated with the experimental results of the traditional model. The results reveal that the total performance factor has considerably improved, according to the findings for the model (A and B). The average total hydrothermal performance for Model B is 1.48 and for Model A is 1.53 as compared to the traditional MCHS. However, the temperature distribution, maximum base temperature, Nusselt number, and thermal resistance of Model B are best as compared to Model A.
The transmission mechanism analysis of the impact of economic policy uncertainty on household consumption
Authors: Gu Yanwei , Jiang Guancheng , Liang Xiao
Published: August 2022

Economic policy uncertainty is proven to have an important effect on household consumption. However, the literature on its transmission mechanism and on comparing the consumption response of urban and rural households, especially in China, is limited. In this paper, we propose two channels through which economic policy uncertainty affects household consumption, the precautionary saving channel and the investment‐employment channel. Then, we use the household survey data (China Health and Nutrition Survey) to explore the heterogeneous effect among urban and rural households. We verify that an increase in economic policy uncertainty can significantly reduce household consumption through both channels. Further, the precautionary saving channel is more important in the urban household sample, while the investment‐employment channel is more pronounced in the rural household sample. In addition, the heterogeneous effect also exists across households in different regions. Our results are robust with consideration of different estimation methods, the lagged effect of the uncertainty, and other characteristics of households.
Hypomethylation of the opioid receptor delta 1 gene combined with high opioid receptor delta 1 protein levels indicates increased risk of gout
Authors: Ying Ying , Li Xiaoke , Chen Yong
Published: August 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify biomarkers for the diagnosis of gout in Chinese Han males using methylation microarray profiling.

Methods

We screened for differentially methylated genes (DMGs) in gout using a methylation microarray and analyzed the functions of the DMGs using gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. We verified gene methylation levels by pyrosequencing and protein levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Two‐sided p values <0.05 were deemed to be statistically significant for all analyses.

Results

We identified 20,426 significant differential methylation sites (5719 high‐methylation sites and 14,707 low‐methylation sites). Bioinformatics analysis showed that the DMGs were mainly involved in 43 biological functions, 13 cellular components, 18 molecular functions, and 35 KEGG pathways. We selected opioid receptor delta 1 (OPRD1) for verification of methylation levels between 50 gout patients and 50 controls. The methylation levels of OPRD1 (Chr1:29,139,121) were significantly lower in the gout group (p < 0.05), while OPRD1 protein levels were significantly higher in the gout group (p < 0.05). In addition, the AUC of the combination of OPRD1 (Chr1:29,139,121) methylation and OPRD1 protein levels was 0.796 (0.710, 0.883) with a high sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 68% (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The combination of OPRD1 (Chr1:29,139,121) hypomethylation and high levels of OPRD1 protein is a potential biomarker for gout diagnosis.
On a wave equation with singular dissipation
Authors: Sebih Mohammed Elamine , Wirth Jens
Published: August 2022

In this paper we consider a singular wave equation with distributional and more singular non‐distributional coefficients and develop tools and techniques for the phase‐space analysis of such problems. In particular we provide a detailed analysis for the interaction of singularities of solutions with strong singularities of the coefficient in a model problem of recent interest.
Striatal Hand Deformities in Parkinson's Disease: Hand Surgical Perspectives
Authors: Brogren Elisabeth , Dahlin Lars B. , Franzen Erika , Lindholm Beata
Published: August 2022

Background

The knowledge about striatal hand deformities (SHD) in Parkinson's disease (PD), has recently increased but need more attention due to their early impact on dexterity. The focus of clinical studies has been on the staging of SHD severity and neurological features. However, a hand surgical perspective has not been considered.

Objectives

Our purpose was to examine SHD in patients with PD using hand surgical assessment methods and the recommended staging of SHD.

Methods

In this observational study, a specialist in neurological physiotherapy examined 100 consecutive PD patients and identified 35 with suspected SHD, who were then examined by two hand surgeons. Their hands were clinically evaluated for severity of SHD, according to a previous proposed staging, focusing on metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint flexion, presence of intrinsic and extrinsic tightness, as well as other hand deformities.

Results

Three kinds of deformities were identified among 35 included patients: surgical diagnoses unrelated to PD (n = 5), SHD (n = 23), and PD related hand deformities with increased extrinsic tightness (n = 10); three of these 10 patients had also contralateral SHD, thus are included in SHD group. In addition to previously described MCP joint flexion, swan neck deformity and z‐thumb deformity, we found in most hands finger “clefting,” abduction of the little finger and/or an increased intrinsic tightness, indicating pathology of intrinsic muscles of the hand involved in SHD.

Conclusions

SHD diagnosed with a modified staging method, including features of intrinsic and extrinsic hand deformities, should be considered in PD to implement early and more accurate treatment.
Apolipoprotein A4 Restricts Diet‐Induced Hepatic Steatosis via SREBF1‐Mediated Lipogenesis and Enhances IRS‐PI3K‐Akt Signaling
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Liu Xiao‐Huan , He Jing , Gao Jing , Zhou Jin‐Ting , Fan Jing‐Na , Jin Xi , Zhang Jianbo , Chang Liao , Xiong Zijun , Yu Jun , Li Shengbin , Li Xiaoming
Published: August 2022

Scope

Hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance (IR) are risk factors for many metabolic syndromes such as NAFLD and T2DM. ApoA4 improves glucose hemostasis by increasing glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion and glucose uptake via PI3K‐Akt activation in adipocytes. However, whether ApoA4 has an effect on hepatic steatosis or IR remains unclear.

Methods and results

ApoA4‐knockout (KO) aggravates diet‐induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, and IR in mice promoted by increased hepatic lipogenesis gene expression based on RNA‐seq data. Conversely, liver‐specific overexpression of ApoA4 via AAV‐ApoA4 transduction reverses the effect in ApoA4‐KO mice, accompanied by suppressed hepatic lipogenesis, increased lipolysis, and fatty acid oxidation. Short‐term treatment with recombinant ApoA4 protein improves glucose clearance and liver insulin sensitivity, and reduces hepatic lipogenesis gene expression in the absence of insulin. Moreover, in primary hepatocytes and a hepatic cell line, ApoA4 improves hepatic glucose uptake via IRS‐PI3K‐Akt signaling and decreases fat deposition and hepatic lipogenesis gene expression by inhibiting SREBF1 activity.

Conclusion

ApoA4 restricts hepatic steatosis by inhibiting SREBF1‐mediated lipogenesis and improves insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake via IRS‐PI3K‐Akt signaling in the liver. These findings indicate that ApoA4 may serve as a therapeutic target for obesity‐associated NAFLD.
Influence of carbon nanotube on interfacial and mechanical behavior of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy laminated composites
Authors: Jain Vaibhav , Jaiswal Satish , Dasgupta Kinshuk , Lahiri Debrupa
Published: August 2022

Reinforcing carbon fiber epoxy composite (CF‐EP) with carbon‐based nano‐fillers offers outstanding mechanical and interfacial properties by strengthening the weak fiber‐matrix interface (delamination) and enhancing the fiber pull‐out strength of neat CF‐EP. In this study, a multiscale CF‐EP laminated composite with CNT modified epoxy matrix has been fabricated by a vacuum‐assisted resin infusion method. Dispersion of 0.3 wt% CNTs into the epoxy are carried out using a probe sonicator. The outcomes indicate that the incorporation of 0.3 wt% CNTs in CF‐EP can improve the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and interlaminar shears strength (ILSS) by 17% and 28%, respectively. Modulus gradient evaluation across the interface revealed the improvement in the stability of the interface with nanofiller addition. Further, energy absorption during delamination is also improved by 26.31% more due to better interfacial bonding offered by nanofillers.
Ground warming and permafrost degradation in various terrestrial ecosystems in northcentral Mongolia
Authors: Wang Qinxue , Okadera Tomohiro , Watanabe Masataka , Wu Tonghua , Ochirbat Batkhishig
Published: August 2022

To detect the response of permafrost to climate change in various terrestrial ecosystems, we established a permafrost monitoring network in 2007, which includes eight boreholes to monitor ground temperatures in forest, meadow, steppe, moderately dry steppe, and wetland ecosystems and three Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) to monitor climatic factors, such as wind speed (Ws), air temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), precipitation (P), solar radiation (Rs), net radiation (Rn), soil heat flux (SHF), soil temperature (Ts), and soil water content (SWC), in forest, meadow, and steppe ecosystems in north‐central Mongolia. Major indicators, including mean annual ground temperature (MAGT), active layer thickness (ALT), and depth of zero annual amplitude (DZAA), were estimated to detect permafrost degradation. The results show that MAGT has increased by 0.00–0.02°C per year (almost no change) in the ice‐poor permafrost areas and by 0.03–0.06°C per year in the ice‐rich permafrost on pingos and wetlands. ALT showed an annual increase of −0.78 to 0.36 cm (almost no change) in the forest and meadow ecosystems and 2.3–7.2 cm in wetland ecosystems, whereas it increased by 23.0–28.9 cm per year in the steppe ecosystems over the last decade. This implies that the permafrost has degraded more rapidly in the steppe ecosystems than in other ecosystems. Based on correlation analysis, ALT is correlated to P in the meadow ecosystems and to SWC in the forest ecosystem, and MAGT is correlated to RH. However, both ALT and MAGT show a close correlation with major climatic factors, such as Ta, RH, SHF, and SWC in the steppe ecosystem. DZAA shows a close negative correlation with Ta in all ecosystems. These results provide evidence for permafrost degradation and its different responses to climate change in various terrestrial ecosystems.
Distributed cohesive configuration controller for a swarm with low‐cost platforms
Authors: Lee Seoung Kyou
Published: August 2022

This study presents acohesive configuration controllerfor distributed space coverage by a swarm of robots. The goal is to build a dense, convex network that is robust against disconnection while robots are flocking with only incomplete knowledge about the network. The controller is an integrated framework of two different algorithms. First, we present aboundary forcealgorithm: physics‐based swarm intelligence that borrows the concept of surface tension force between liquid molecules. The combination of such a force with conventional flocking produces a convex and dense configuration without knowledge of the complete geometry of a robot network. Second, robots distributively determine when a configuration is on the verge of disconnection by identifying a local articulation point—a region where the removal of a single robot will change the local topology. When such a point is detected, robots switch their behavior toclustering, which aggregates them around the vulnerable region to remove every articulation point and retain a connected configuration. Finally, we introduced an index that objectively represents the level of risk of a robot configuration against the massive fragmentation, calledvulnerability index. We provide theoretical performance analyses of each algorithm and validate the results with simulations and experiments using a set of low‐cost robots.
Metal‐and Base‐Free Oxidative Cleavage of C(O)−C Bond in Ketones to Access Esters
Authors: Zhou Zhengrui , Pi Shaofeng , Wang Ru
Published: August 2022

A novel strategy to selective cleavage and esterification of C(CO)−C bonds is described. The efficient approach showed a prominent merit compared to previously reported systems, without high temperature, high pressure, inert gas protection, and transition‐metal free. Meanwhile, a rational C−C bond cleavage possible mechanism is proposed by the control experiments.
Synthesis and Application of Nano Vanadium‐Oxo Pyridiniumporphyrazinato Sulfonic Acid for Synthesizing Pyrazole and Dihydropyrano[2,3]pyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Moeinimehr Mahtab , Safaiee Maliheh , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Taherpour Avat Arman
Published: August 2022

In this study, we presented a description of designing and synthesizing an original nano‐N‐sulfonated (‐SO3H) phthalocyanine molten salt (vanadium‐oxo pyridiniumporphyrazinato sulfonic acid) [VO(TPPASO3H)]Cl as a recyclable and efficient heterogeneous catalyst with thermal stability for synthesizing pyrazole and dihydropyrano[2,3]pyrazole derivatives. After recycling and reapplying five times, this catalyst indicated no significant decrease in the catalytic activity.
K2S2O8 Mediated Three‐component Radical Cascade C3 Alkylation of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with Vinylarenes and 4‐Hydroxycoumarins/4‐Hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐2‐pyrone
Authors: Sharma Suraj , Bhuyan Mayurakhi , Baishya Gakul
Published: August 2022

Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones undergo a three‐component radical cascade C3 alkylation reaction with 4‐hydroxycoumarins/4‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐2‐pyrone by using vinyl arenes as intermediary radical acceptors. K2S2O8 in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) works as the best reagent‐solvent combination, which promotes the reaction under metal‐, photocatalyst‐ and light‐free conditions producing the three‐component products in moderate yields. We also prove the involvement of radicals in the course of the reaction by performing several radical scavenging experiments with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO), diphenyl ethylene, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
Folate‐Receptor‐Mediated Uptake of Carbon Dots as a pH‐Responsive Carrier for Chemotherapy
Authors: Dubey Naveneet , Ramteke Suman , Jain N. K. , Dutta Tanoy , Lal Koner Apurba
Published: August 2022

In this work, we have synthesized Carbon Dots (CDs) through a single‐step microwave‐assisted method. The synthesized colloidal CDs have narrow size distribution and show excellent optical properties as well as biocompatibility. Folic acid was selected as a carbon precursor to introduce intrinsic folate receptor targeting capabilities of CDs and to achieve high water dispersibility. CDs were characterized by a series of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques followed by anticancer drug Doxorubicin (Dox) conjugation for potential drug release applications. In near‐physiological conditions, the drug loading and the release of Dox were investigated in detail. CDs‐Dox conjugates are sensitive toward pH and showed efficient drug release as monitored kinetically by fluorescence. Further, live‐cell fluorescence imaging using confocal microscopy establishes the pH‐responsiveness of the drug release mechanism and cellular uptake mediated by folate receptors. We believe that such biocompatible nanocomposite will be beneficial in cancer treatment.
Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazole Tethered Indole Derivatives: Evaluation of Anticancer Activity and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Veeranna Dharmasothu , Ramdas Lakavath , Ravi Guguloth , Bujji Sushmitha , Thumma Vishnu , Ramchander Jadav
Published: August 2022

Cancer is a major death‐causing disease all over the world for the past few decades. A novel series of 1,2,3‐triazole tethered indole (7a‐l) derivatives have been synthesized and their structures were confirmed by1HNMR,13CNMR, and mass spectral data. All these compounds (7a –l) were screened for anticancer activity against two human cancer cell lines such as MCF‐7 and HepG‐2 cells by MTT assay. Compounds substituted with4‐hydroxy, 4‐methoxy, 2‐methyl, and3‐acetylgroups exhibited more potent activity against MCF‐7 and HepG‐2 cell lines with best IC50values than standard reference Doxorubicin. Molecular docking studies performed on crystal structures of Aurora kinase‐1 and DNA topoisomerase‐2 alpha showed remarkable binding affinity values and key interactions as compared to the standard reference Doxorubicin.
Seeking ways of knowledge synthesis
Authors: Nakamori Yoshiteru
Published: August 2022

This paper begins with the story that systems science, born of modern Western civilization, began to pay attention to traditional Eastern wisdom to deal with management issues. The consequence of the story is that we should complementarily utilize quantitative and rational analysis results and qualitative and intuitive empirical knowledge to solve problems. As a methodology for implementing knowledge synthesis, this paper presents the knowledge construction systems methodology that promotes knowledge management enhanced by systems thinking. Based on this methodology, it introduces the concept of knowledge synthesis enablers, which are conditions or activities that facilitate knowledge synthesis when promoting research and businesses. This paper shows some results of covariance structure analysis using the evaluation data of applied systems research projects and examines the validity of the assumed enabler candidates.
Development of Fishing Vessel Identification Model Based on Deep Neural Network
Authors: Lin Ching‐Hai , Lin Chun‐Cheng , Chen Ren‐Hao , Yeh Cheng‐Yu , Hwang Shaw‐Hwa
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a deep neural network (DNN)‐based model to recognize fishing vessels. In Taiwan, the vast majority of small fishing vessels are not equipped with an automatic identification system (AIS). As a consequence, the staff in a fishing port administration become heavily loaded when monitoring and managing the fishing vessels accessing a port. The workload is expected to be eased using this work. For the first time in the literature, a captured fishing vessel image was converted to a 128‐dimensional embedding for recognition purposes. The presented model gave a false positive rate (FPR) as low as 1.13% and an accuracy up to 99.47% at threshold = 0.772379. Finally, all the performance metrics, namely, the true positive rate (TPR), the FPR, precision and accuracy, are actually functions of the threshold which can be specified by users to meet specific requirements. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The Specific Heat of Astro-materials: Review of Theoretical Concepts, Materials, and Techniques
Authors: Biele Jens , Grott Matthias , Zolensky Michael E. , Benisek Artur , Dachs Edgar
Published: August 2022

We provide detailed background, theoretical and practical, on the specific heat of minerals and mixtures thereof, ‘astro-materials,’ as well as background information on common minerals and other relevant solid substances found on the surfaces of solar system bodies. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to use specific heat and composition data for lunar samples and meteorites as well as a new database of endmember mineral heat capacities (the result of an extensive literature review) to construct reference models for the isobaric specific heat cP as a function of temperature for common solar system materials. Using a (generally linear) mixing model for the specific heat of minerals allows extrapolation of the available data to very low and very high temperatures, such that models cover the temperature range between 10 K and 1000 K at least (and pressures from zero up to several kbars). We describe a procedure to estimate cP(T) for virtually any solid solar system material with a known mineral composition, e.g., model specific heat as a function of temperature for a number of typical meteorite classes with known mineralogical compositions. We present, as examples, the cP(T) curves of a number of well-described laboratory regolith analogs, as well as for planetary ices and ‘tholins’ in the outer solar system. Part II will review and present the heat capacity database for minerals and compounds and part III is going to cover applications, standard reference compositions, cP(T) curves, and a comparison with new and literature experimental data.