bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf Cell Morphology Alternation in Response to Environmental Signals in Rorippa aquatica
Authors: Sakamoto Tomoaki , Ikematsu Shuka , Namie Kazuki , Hou Hongwei , Li Gaojie , Kimura Seisuke
Published: September 2022

Heterophylly, the phenomenon by which plants alter leaf forms to adapt to surrounding conditions, is apparent in amphibious plant species. In response to submergence, they emerge leaves with narrower blade areas. The pathway that receives the submergence signals and the mechanism regulating leaf form via cell proliferation and/or expansion systems have not yet been fully identified yet. Our anatomical study of Rorippa aquatica, an amphibious plant that exhibits heterophylly in response to various signals, showed that leaf thickness increased upon submergence; this was caused by the expansion of mesophyll cell size. Additionally, these submergence effects were inhibited under blue-light conditions. The ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3)/GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF) pathway regulating cell proliferation and cell expansion was downregulated in response to submergence; and the response was blocked under the blue-light conditions. These results suggest that submergence and light quality determine leaf cell morphology via the AN3/GRF pathway.
Truxene-Centered Electron Acceptors for Non-Fullerene Solar Cells: Alkyl Chain and Branched Arm Engineering
Authors: Lin Kaiwen , Du Wenhao , Shen Shuqi , Liang Haoshen , Zhang Xiaobin , Xiao Manjun , Wang Yuehui
Published: September 2022

A series of symmetrical truxene-centered and 3-ethylrhodanine end-capped electron acceptors with high absorption coefficient, namely Tr(Hex)6-3RD, Tr(Dec)6-3RD, and Tr(Hex)6-6RD, were prepared and constructed for non-fullerene solar cells. To satisfy solution-processability, multiple energy levels, and suitable morphology, these three acceptors were comparatively studied through alkyl chain (hexyl/decyl) and branched-arm engineering (three/six branched arms). The six-bladed propeller acceptor of Tr(Hex)6-6RD recorded the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.1% blending with PTB7-Th without additional additives and post-processing. This work highly broadens the potential applications of star-shaped truxene building blocks in the fields of organic electronics.
Rapid Detection of Available Nitrogen in Soil by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Qin Ruimiao , Zhang Yahui , Ren Shijie , Nie Pengcheng
Published: September 2022

Soil-available nitrogen is the main nitrogen source that plants can directly absorb for assimilation. It is of great significance to detect the concentration of soil-available nitrogen in a simple, rapid and reliable method, which is beneficial to guiding agricultural production activities. This study confirmed that Raman spectroscopy is one such approach, especially after surface enhancement; its spectral response is more sensitive. Here, we collected three types of soils (chernozem, loess and laterite) and purchased two kinds of nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium sulfate and sodium nitrate) to determine ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) in the soil. The spectral data were acquired using a portable Raman spectrometer. Unique Raman characteristic peaks of NH4-N and NO3-N in different soils were found at 978 cm−1 and 1044 cm−1, respectively. Meanwhile, it was found that the enhancement of the Raman spectra by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was greater than that of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Combined with soil characteristics and nitrogen concentrations, Raman peak data were analyzed by multiple linear regression. The coefficient of determination for the validation (Rp2) of multiple linear regression prediction models for NH4-N and NO3-N were 0.976 and 0.937, respectively, which deeply interpreted the quantitative relationship among related physical quantities. Furthermore, all spectral data in the range of 400–2000 cm−1 were used to establish the partial least squares (PLS), back-propagation neural network (BPNN) and least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) models for quantification. After cross-validation and comparative analysis, the results showed that LSSVM optimized by particle swarm methodology had the highest accuracy and stability from an overall perspective. For all datasets of particle swarm optimization LSSVM (PSO-LSSVM), the Rp2 was above 0.99, the root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) were below 0.15, and the relative prediction deviation (RPD) was above 10. The ultra-portable Raman spectrometer, in combination with scatter-enhanced materials and machine learning algorithms, could be a promising solution for high-efficiency and real-time field detection of soil-available nitrogen.
Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Low-Level Endogenous β-Adrenergic Receptor Expression at the Plasma Membrane of Differentiating Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Gmach Philipp , Bathe-Peters Marc , Telugu Narasimha , Miller Duncan C. , Annibale Paolo
Published: September 2022

The potential of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to be differentiated into cardiomyocytes (CMs) mimicking adult CMs functional morphology, marker genes and signaling characteristics has been investigated since over a decade. The evolution of the membrane localization of CM-specific G protein-coupled receptors throughout differentiation has received, however, only limited attention to date. We employ here advanced fluorescent spectroscopy, namely linescan Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), to observe how the plasma membrane abundance of the β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors (β1/2-ARs), labelled using a bright and photostable fluorescent antagonist, evolves during the long-term monolayer culture of hiPSC-derived CMs. We compare it to the kinetics of observed mRNA levels in wildtype (WT) hiPSCs and in two CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in clones. We conduct these observations against the backdrop of our recent report of cell-to-cell expression variability, as well as of the subcellular localization heterogeneity of β-ARs in adult CMs.
Correlation Analysis between Roadway Networks and Economic Ranking—Case Study: Municipalities and Departments of Colombia
Authors: Urazán-Bonells Carlos Felipe , Caicedo-Londoño Maria Alejandra , Rondón-Quintana Hugo Alexander
Published: September 2022

It is generally assumed that there is a statistically valid correlation between the length of a roadway network, in addition to other factors such as its classification and/or average travel speed, and economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Municipal Relative Weight (MRW), considering that the roadway network and transport development generate economic development in a region. This study reports the results of correlating several variables which are economic indicators of roadway networks, both at a municipal and a departmental level, in Colombia; it was concluded that at the level of municipalities, there is no valid correlation between MRW, as a dependent variable, and the average travel speed and the sum of the length (in kilometers) of the roadways that connect villages, as independent variables. There was a correlation with neither the MRW as an independent variable nor the traveling distance and time for each municipality concerning the capital city of each respective department. Finally, it was found that the department agribusiness GDP was associated with the length of the tertiary roadway network and with the primary network, with an R2 of 0.7. This study concludes that activities in rural zones are the ones that generate the greatest impact on roadway investment within a region.
Intraguild Interactions of Three Biological Control Agents of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) in Florida
Authors: Perier Jermaine D. , Haseeb Muhammad , Kanga Lambert H. B. , Meagher Robert L. , Legaspi Jesusa C.
Published: September 2022

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a maize pest worldwide. Its host range comprises more than 350 reported plant species, and it is the primary insect pest attacking maize in Florida. Global trade has not only assisted but accelerated its invasion into the Eastern Hemisphere. Regular pesticide use promotes resistance in the species; therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative pest management strategies. This study evaluated the interactions of biological control agents within a similar guild. Some of the reported interactions could potentially lead to the integration of these agents within the same niche to increase biological control efficiency against the fall armyworm. We evaluated three biocontrol agents that are natural enemies of Lepidopteran pests, the true bugs Podisus maculiventris and Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and a parasitoid, Cotesia marginiventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Depending on their intraguild interactions, these agents could potentially be useful for biological control of the fall armyworm. The study investigated these three biocontrol agents and concluded that integrating these agents to control the fall armyworm is a possibility; however, only under certain conditions. Investigations were focused on evaluating the predator–parasitoid and devised pairing interactions. Predator response to prey in a choice or no-choice scenario and choices based on olfaction or other bodily cues were studied under experimental laboratory conditions.
Development of Novel Designs of Resistive Plate Chambers
Authors: Bilki Burak , Onel Yasar , Repond Jose , Sahbaz Kutlu Kagan , Tosun Mehmet , Xia Lei
Published: September 2022

Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) are a key active media of the muon systems of current and future collider experiments as well as the CALICE (semi-)digital hadron calorimeter. The outstanding issues with RPCs can be listed as the loss of efficiency for the detection of particles when subjected to high particle fluxes and the limitations associated with the common RPC gases. We developed novel RPC designs with: low resistivity glass plates; a single resistive plate; and a single resistive plate and a special anode plate coated with high secondary electron emission yield material. The cosmic and beam tests confirmed the viability of these new approaches for calorimetric applications. The chambers also have improved single-particle response, such as a pad multiplicity close to unity. Here, we report on the construction of various different glass RPC designs and their performance measurements in laboratory tests and with particle beams. We also discuss future test plans, which include the long-term performance tests of the newly developed RPCs, investigation of minimal gas flow chambers, and feasibility study for the large-size chambers.
Urinary Exosomal MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for Obesity-Associated Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Earle Angel , Bessonny Madison , Benito Josh , Huang Kun , Parker Hannah , Tyler Emily , Crawford Brittany , Khan Nabeeha , Armstrong Bridget , Stamatikos Alexis , Garimella Sudha , Clay-Gilmour Alyssa
Published: September 2022

The early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is key to reducing the burden of disease and rising costs of care. This need has spurred interest in finding new biomarkers for CKD. Ideal bi-omarkers for CKD should be: easy to measure; stable; reliably detected, even when interfering substances are present; site-specific based on the type of injury (tubules vs. glomeruli); and its changes in concentration should correlate with disease risk or outcome. Currently, no single can-didate biomarker fulfills these criteria effectively, and the mechanisms underlying kidney fibrosis are not fully understood; however, there is growing evidence in support of microRNA-mediated pro-cesses. Specifically, urinary exosomal microRNAs may serve as biomarkers for kidney fibrosis. In-creasing incidences of obesity and the recognition of obesity-associated CKD have increased interest in the interplay of obesity and CKD. In this review, we provide: (1) an overview of the current scope of CKD biomarkers within obese individuals to elucidate the genetic pathways unique to obesi-ty-related CKD; (2) a review of microRNA expression in obese individuals with kidney fibrosis in the presence of comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension; (3) a review of thera-peutic processes, such as diet and exercise, that may influence miR-expression in obesity-associated CKD; (4) a review of the technical aspects of urinary exosome isolation; and (5) future areas of research.
Brain Morphological and Functional Changes in Adenomyosis with Pain: A Resting State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Jiao Xue , Yuan Ming , Li Qiuju , Huang Yufei , Ji Miaomiao , Li Jing , Yan Shumin , Sun Hao , Wang Xinyu , Pan Zangyu , Ren Qianhui , Wang Dawei , Wang Guoyun
Published: September 2022

The absence of clinically objective methods to evaluate adenomyosis-associated pain and the poor understanding of its pathophysiology lead to treatment limitations. We conducted a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study with 49 patients with pain-related adenomyosis and 30 pain-free controls to investigate brain morphological alterations and regional dysfunctions in patients with pain-related adenomyosis. These patients had significantly higher scores for anxiety and depression than the control group (p < 0.05). They also had a lower gray matter volume (GMV) in the bilateral insula, left angular gyrus, precuneus, left inferior temporal gyrus, and left postcentral gyrus (p < 0.05, AlphaSim corrected). Similarly, decreased voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity was observed in the bilateral insula, posterior cingulate cortex, middle frontal gyrus, and postcentral gyrus in the adenomyosis patient group (p < 0.05, AlphaSim corrected). Regional homogeneity showed significant differences mainly in the bilateral cerebellum, left inferior frontal gyrus, medial prefrontal cortex, and posterior cingulate gyrus. Correlation analysis showed that the degree of depression in patients with adenomyosis was negatively correlated with the GMV of the left angular gyrus. The results show that these patients exhibited changes in multiple brain regions associated with pain as well as emotion perception and processing.
Nitrogen Doped Carbon-Dot Embedded Poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) Composite Films for Potential Use in Food Packing Industry and Wound Dressing
Authors: Sahiner Mehtap , Ari Betul , Ram Manoj K. , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: September 2022

Here, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-doped CDs) were synthesized by the hydrothermal method embedded within poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) ((PLGA)) films at different amounts. The N-doped CDs (or CD) that possess fluorescence properties also have antimicrobial properties against S. aureus and E. coli microorganisms, determined by the disc diffusion method with 19 ± 2 and 18 ± 1 mm zone diameters, respectively. The CD embedded PLGA films (CD@PLGA) with different CD contents revealed an increased fluorescence intensity with the increased amount of CD. Moreover, the antibacterial potency of 50% CD containing PLGA (50-CD@PLGA) films (by weight) against S. aureus and E. coli microorganisms was examined and the zone diameters were found to be 14 ± 1 and 13 ± 1 mm, respectively. In addition, CD release studies from different amounts of CD (2.5–50 by weight) containing composite films showed that 50-CD@PLGA film released 127 ± 16 mg/g CD dots, which is 38 ± 5% of the embedded CDs in about 12 days, suggesting their potential application in food packing and wound dressing. Moreover, all CD@PLGA films were found to be blood compatible via hemolysis and blood clotting index tests with <5% hemolysis and >90% blood clotting indices regardless of their CD content.
Safe-by-Design Antibacterial Peroxide-Substituted Biomimetic Apatites: Proof of Concept in Tropical Dentistry
Authors: Ana Ika Dewi , Lestari Any , Lagarrigue Prescillia , Soulie Jérémy , Anggraeni Rahmi , Maube-Bosc Françoise , Thouron Carole , Duployer Benjamin , Tenailleau Christophe , Drouet Christophe
Published: September 2022

Bone infections are a key health challenge with dramatic consequences for affected patients. In dentistry, periodontitis is a medically compromised condition for efficient dental care and bone grafting, the success of which depends on whether the surgical site is infected or not. Present treatments involve antibiotics associated with massive bacterial resistance effects, urging for the development of alternative antibacterial strategies. In this work, we established a safe-by-design bone substitute approach by combining bone-like apatite to peroxide ions close to natural in vivo oxygenated species aimed at fighting pathogens. In parallel, bone-like apatites doped with Ag+ or co-doped Ag+/peroxide were also prepared for comparative purposes. The compounds were thoroughly characterized by chemical titrations, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses. All doped apatites demonstrated significant antibacterial properties toward four major pathogenic bacteria involved in periodontitis and bone infection, namely Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans), Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), and S. aureus. By way of complementary tests to assess protein adsorption, osteoblast cell adhesion, viability and IC50 values, the samples were also shown to be highly biocompatible. In particular, peroxidated apatite was the safest material tested, with the lowest IC50 value toward osteoblast cells. We then demonstrated the possibility to associate such doped apatites with two biocompatible polymers, namely gelatin and poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid PLGA, to prepare, respectively, composite 2D membranes and 3D scaffolds. The spatial distribution of the apatite particles and polymers was scrutinized by SEM and µCT analyses, and their relevance to the field of bone regeneration was underlined. Such bio-inspired antibacterial apatite compounds, whether pure or associated with (bio)polymers are thus promising candidates in dentistry and orthopedics while providing an alternative to antibiotherapy.
Use of Multispectral Microscopy in the Prediction of Coated Halftone Reflectance
Authors: Dailliez Fanny , Hébert Mathieu , Chagas Lionel , Fournel Thierry , Blayo Anne
Published: September 2022

When a print is coated with a transparent layer, such as a lamination film or a varnish layer, its color can be modified compared to the uncoated version due to multiple reflections between the layer-air interface and the inked substrate. These interreflections involve a multiple-convolution process between the halftone pattern and a ring-shaped luminous halo. They are described by an optical model which we have developed. The challenge at stake is to observe the impact of the coated layer on the print spectral reflectances and see if it can be predicted. The approach is based on pictures of the print captured with a multispectral microscope that are processed through the optical model to predict the spectral pictures of the coated print. The pictures averaged on the spatial dimension led to spectral reflectances which can be compared with macroscale measurements performed with a spectrophotometer. Comparison between macroscale measurements and microscale measurements with a multispectral microscope being delicate, specific care has been taken to calibrate the instruments. This method resulted in fairly conclusive predictions, both at the macroscale with the spectral reflectances, and at the microscale with an accurate prediction of the blurring effect induced by the multi-convolutive optical process. The tests carried out showed that the optical and visual effect of a coating layer on single-ink or multi-ink halftones with various patterns can be predicted with a satisfactory accuracy. Hence, by measuring the spatio-spectral reflectance of the uncoated print and predicting the spatio-spectral reflectance of the coating print, we can predict the color changes due to the coating itself. The model could be included in color management workflows for printing applications including a finishing coating.
In-Process Cutting Temperature Monitoring Method Based on Impedance Model of Dielectric Coating Layer at Tool-Chip Interface
Authors: Chun Heebum , Park William , Kim Jungsub , Lee ChaBum
Published: September 2022

This paper introduces a novel approach to in-process monitoring of the cutting temperature at the tool-chip interface (TCI). Currently, there are no tools available in the commercial market for measuring and monitoring cutting processes at the TCI region. Therefore, most of the studies about evaluating cutting temperature rely on simulation results without knowing the true temperature at the actual TCI region. In addition, recent cutting temperature measurement techniques have measurement errors occurring resulting from difficulty in estimations at the TCI region. However, the proposed method enables the measuring of cutting temperature by directly probing the localized TCI using a cutting tool coated with dielectric material. The study was conducted by utilizing the impedance characteristics of the dielectric outer layer of the cutting tool. A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond coated insert that is commercially available was considered for the study to avoid wear effect. Impedance response of the dielectric layer under varying temperature conditions is assessed by Nyquist diagram using an impedance analyzer. The result of the Nyquist diagram showed temperature-dependent impedance characteristics that showed good agreement with the results from the thermal experiment which was a comparison between impedance response and elevated temperature. The impedance at the TCI for monitoring cutting temperature is measured under a turning process on a lathe using a constant current source. The impedance responses showed a significant decrease in impedance under various machining conditions which indicates a rise in cutting temperature. Moreover, different machining conditions showed different temperature profiles. The impedance responses were further characterized for depth of contact, which found that a drop in impedance corresponded to an increase in depth of contact. Therefore, the study showed that in-process monitoring of the cutting temperature is possible using an impedance model of the dielectric coating layer at the local TCI. Furthermore, with its versatility, this method is expected to measure the vibration, chatters, cutting force, and so on, as the results showed that impedance is not only sensitive to temperature but also to contact area. The application and expectation of this study is to provide real-time machining data to help end users in manufacturing industry to improve product quality, productivity, and prolonged lifespan of cutting tools.
New Features of Bragg and Non-Polarized Radar Backscattering from Film Slicks on the Sea Surface
Authors: Ermakov Stanislav Aleksandrovich , Sergievskaya Irina Andreevna , Plotnikov Leonid Mikhailovich , Kapustin Ivan Aleksandrovich , Danilicheva Olga Arkadyevna , Kupaev Alexander Viktorovich , Molkov Alexander Andreevich
Published: September 2022

Suppression of radar backscattering from the sea surface has been studied in field experiments with surfactant films carried out from an Oceanographic Platform on the Black Sea and from onboard a research vessel on the Gorky Water Reservoir using an X-C-S-band two co-polarized radar instrument. Bragg and non-polarized (non-Bragg) radar backscatter components, BC and NBC, respectively, were retrieved when measuring the radar backscatter at vertical (VV-) and horizontal (HH-) polarizations. New features of microwave backscattering from the sea surface have been revealed, including a non-monotonic dependence of radar backscatter suppression (contrasts) in slicks on azimuth angle and particularities of BC contrasts on radar wave number. Namely, it is demonstrated that the backscatter contrasts achieve maximum values at azimuth angles in between the upwind and crosswind radar look directions, and BC contrasts increase with radar wave number along the wind and decrease in the crosswind directions. The suppression of BC is discussed in the frame of Bragg’s theory of microwave scattering and of a simple model of the wind wave spectrum, while the suppression of NBC is considered associated with the micro-breaking of wind waves. The obtained new features of radar contrasts can be used for the identification and characterization of marine films.
CFD Investigation on Secondary Flow Characteristics in Double-Curved Subsea Pipelines with Different Spatial Structures
Authors: Han Fenghui , Liu Yuxiang , Lan Qingyuan , Li Wenhua , Wang Zhe
Published: September 2022

Double-curved pipes are widely employed as essential components of subsea pipeline systems. Considering the layout flexibility and application diversity, there are various spatial structures for the double-curved combinations. However, few studies have compared the flow characteristics in different double-curved pipes. The dissipations of the corresponding downstream flow have not been thoroughly investigated, which are crucial for the measurement accuracy and flow assurance. In this paper, the turbulent flow in double-curved pipes with different spatial structures (i.e., Z-, U-, and spatial Z- type) was numerically studied by employing the ω-Reynolds stress model. The major purpose was to develop an in-depth knowledge on the secondary flow characteristics in different double-curved pipes and quantify the dissipations of the downstream flow. The effects of the spatial angle and interval distance of the two curves on the flow fields are taken into consideration, and the swirl intensity Si is introduced to evaluate the secondary flow dissipation. It is found that the secondary flows in the Z- and U-type structures are in opposite directions when the interval distance is short (3D), and the secondary flow in the spatial Z-type exhibits an oblique symmetric form. Only in the Z-type pipe with a short interval distance the secondary flow exhibits an exponential dissipation, and the fully developed flow is easier to achieve than the other cases. However, as the interval distance increases, the directions of the secondary flow in the U- and Z-type structures are the same, and the flow dissipations in all the structures return to the exponential types. The obtained dissipation rates for the secondary flow downstream of Z-, U-, and spatial Z-pipes with the 9D interval distance were 0.40, 0.25, and 0.20, respectively. The results are expected to guide the design of pipeline layouts and provide a reference for the arrangements of flowmeters in a complex subsea pipeline system.
Data Gathering in UWA Sensor Networks: Practical Considerations and Lessons from Sea Trials
Authors: Morozs Nils , Sherlock Benjamin , Henson Benjamin T. , Neasham Jeffrey A. , Mitchell Paul D. , Zakharov Yuriy
Published: September 2022

Underwater acoustic (UWA) network protocol design is a challenging task due to several factors, such as slow propagation of acoustic waves, low frequency bandwidth and high bit error and frame error rates often encountered in real UWA environments. In this paper, we consider the design of a robust and scalable data gathering protocol for UWA sensor networks (UASNs), focusing on practical considerations and lessons learnt from multiple lake and sea trials. A cross-layer protocol is presented that integrates a network discovery process, intelligent routing, scheduling via Transmit Delay Allocation MAC (TDA-MAC) and multi-node Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), to facilitate reliable data gathering in practical UASN deployments. Furthermore, this paper presents the details of a novel experimental testbed and underwater sensor node prototype that were used for the trials reported in this study. Based on the results of the trials, important conclusions are drawn on the protocol features required to achieve reliable networked communication in realistic UWA environments. The insights gained from the trials are valuable both for further development of the proposed data gathering protocol, and for the wider UWA networking research community concerned with developing practical solutions for real-world UASN deployments.
Bisphenol Analogs in Aquatic Environments and Their Effects on Marine Species—A Review
Authors: Fabrello Jacopo , Matozzo Valerio
Published: September 2022

Bisphenol A analogs are currently used in manufacturing and as plasticizers as a substitute for bisphenol A. This replacement is taking place because bisphenol A is recognized as an endocrine disruptor chemical (EDC) that can also cause oxidative stress and genotoxic effects in aquatic species. Bisphenol A analogs have a similar chemical structure to BPA, raising doubts about their use as safer substitutes. This review intends to summarize the concentrations of BPA analogs found in aquatic environments and the effects of these emerging compounds on marine species. Generally, studies indicate that BPA analogs have similar effects to their precursor, altering the neuroendocrine system in several marine species. Furthermore, BPA analogs can cause oxidative stress and developmental alterations. The available information on the biological effects of BPA analogs suggests that more effort should be performed to assess the effects of these compounds in marine organisms.
Corporate Governance and CSR Disclosure: International Evidence for the Period 2006–2016
Authors: Miniaoui Zeynab , Chibani Faten , Hussainey Khaled
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the authors examine the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in European and Anglo-Saxon contexts. The study is based on 324 Anglo-Saxon listed corporations and 310 European listed corporations for 11 years from 2006 to 2016 (6813 year-observations). The regression analysis shows that board gender and board age affect CSR disclosure. This study also finds that CEO duality negatively affects CSR disclosure in both contexts. Finally, the study found that the existence of a CSR committee and CSR experts positively affect CSR disclosure in both contexts.
Paradigm Shift in Finance: The Transformation of the Theory from Perfect to Imperfect Capital Markets Using the Example of Company Valuation
Authors: Ernst Dietmar , Gleißner Werner
Published: September 2022

In the capital market and financing theory, we are currently observing major upheavals. For decades, the neoclassical paradigm has dominated in science and practice. Triggered by economic and political crises, transformations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political instabilities, a paradigm shift is currently occurring in finance. This paradigm shift leads to models and theories that can explain imperfections in capital markets and provide decision support for managers. The aim of this article is to analyse the paradigm shift and to demonstrate it using an example of business valuation theory. We draw on the insights of the philosopher Thomas Samuel Kuhn. He vividly explains the paradigm shift in science in his major work “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions”. A paradigm shift in science always encounters resistance. The reasons for this include the strong neoclassical school in finance and the dependence on research funds. Funders expect the use of established methods and the simplicity and dissemination of the models that have prevailed so far. On the other hand, the neoclassical models are unsuitable to explain the transformation processes on financial markets. This fact has been empirically proven. We show a variety of arguments that speak clearly about this paradigm shift. Their importance clearly outweighs the reasons to continue subscribing to the old paradigm. Accordingly, new theories and models have been developed to better explain the changes in the markets. With the simulation-based business valuation, an approach has been developed that considers different degrees of market imperfections. The simulation-based valuation can also depict the special case of the neoclassical paradigm, so that all market constellations can be covered.
Investigating the Impacts of Misspellings in Patent Search by Combining Natural Language Tools and Rule-Based Approaches
Authors: Russo Davide , Spreafico Christian , Avogadri Simone , Precorvi Andrea
Published: September 2022

Among all sources of technical information, patent information is one of the richest and most comprehensive. Knowing how to search in this mass of documents is becoming increasingly crucial. However, many users have limited knowledge of patents and search strategies, so they must use intuitive, often approximate approaches that can lead to highly inaccurate searches and be time-consuming. To address this problem, there are tools that help expand queries to increase recall so as not to miss good documents, however, it remains an open problem dealing with misspellings-based strategies. Typically, the problem of the presence of misspellings in patent text is underestimated even by experts in the field, and there is no specific functionality to handle it in the tools available, both free and paid. The goal of the article is to raise awareness about the difficulties in making a proper patent strategy that also takes into account the possible presence of misspellings. It is important to know where we expect to find them and how much these may affect the final result. In particular, it is chosen to divide misspellings into categories, distinguishing between misspellings associated with a generic keyword or multiword from misspellings in acronyms, chemical formulas, names of applicants, inventors, or names of specific formulas or theorems. At least one example case is given for each category, showing when and how it may affect the result. Finally, an integrated approach combining word and contextual embedding models based on deep learning with a rule-based algorithm based on wild cards and truncation operators is suggested for correcting the query, automatically suggesting the most consistent misspellings, thus achieving a more accurate and reliable result.
Does Soundscape Perception Lead to Environmentally Responsible Behavior? A Case Study in Longcanggou Forest Park, China
Authors: Li Nian , Wen Ya , Wang Yanxin , Li Yifei , Chen Qibing , Li Xi , Lv Bingyang
Published: September 2022

Soundscape perception (SP) plays an important role in promoting tourist-place interaction and enhancing tourists’ environmentally responsible behavior (ERB). In this study, we defined SP as a second-order factor and investigated its relationships with place attachment (PA) and tourists’ ERB using structural equation modeling (SEM). Our aim was to identify how a soundscape could be improved to enhance the ERB of forest park tourists. Our results confirm the multidimensionality of SP, i.e., the three subdimensions of physical soundscape perception (PSP), psychological soundscape perception (SSP), and regional soundscape perception (RSP). Furthermore, our SEM results show that PA mediates the effect of the three subdimensions of SP on high-effort ERB (HERB). Our empirical results also reveal that the enhancement of tourists’ SSP will foster their ERB. This study therefore extends the multisensory landscape literature by offering insights into the relationship between SP, PA, and tourists’ ERB. Our findings provide empirical evidence for understanding the influence of SP on tourists’ ERB in forest parks and demonstrate that PA should be considered an important context for soundscape design.
The Effects of Parental Migrant Work Experience on Labor Market Performance of Rural-Urban Migrants: Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Min , Jin Mengyun , Zeng Luyao , Tian Yihao
Published: September 2022

With the development of China’s economy and the deepening of urbanization, the number of migrants whose parents have migrant work experience continues to rise. However, what is the long-term impact of parental migrant work experience on migrant children? Existing literature has not yet adequately answered. Based on the data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey in 2016–2017, this article uses a multiple linear regression model to examine the impact of parental migrant work experience on the income of rural-urban migrants and its impact mechanism and heterogeneity empirically. We find that parental migrant work experience has a positive impact on the monthly income of second-generation rural-urban migrants. Specifically, compared with those whose parents had no such experience, the average monthly income of those whose parents had such experience increased significantly by 3.08% (approximately 124 yuan), and this effect was more apparent when fathers had migrant work experience. The main influencing channel comes from the significant increase in the probability of rural-urban migrants choosing self-employment. The results of the heterogeneity analysis showed that this effect was more significant in the sample of males and those with high school education and below. After a series of robustness tests, these conclusions remain valid. This work enriches the corresponding research literature and provides empirical evidence for studying the long-term effects of parents’ early experiences on their children.
The Role of Cultural Heritage in Promoting Urban Sustainability: A Brief Review
Authors: Naheed Sanober , Shooshtarian Salman
Published: September 2022

Cities are hubs of social and cultural activity, and culture is key to what makes cities creative, and sustainable. The Post-2015 Development Agenda has prioritized culture and how it may help people and communities create the future they desire. The study aims to determine the link between cultural heritage and urban sustainability and how multidisciplinary education can help organize urban issues. The article is of relevance to the emerging multicultural urban society with wide socio-economic disparities straining the global urban resilience and posing a challenge for future policy implementation. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Dimension database, and the results were analyzed using VOS viewer. The study also employed the PRISMA quantitative approach for selection criteria. This paper has identified understudied themes including community heritage, sustainable urban governance, and behavioral and multidisciplinary approaches. It is strongly felt that undertaking this study will not only add to the literature in cultural heritage study but also help further multidisciplinary and knowledge-based inquiry, which is currently evolving in the academic domain. Therefore, urban academics have a duty to resolve the issue confronting global urban sustainability and cultural disputes. Future research is required to simplify the current complex issue to make it more relevant and inclusive.
Livelihood Security and Perceived Prevalence of Illegal Activities Threatening Mountain Gorilla Conservation in East Africa’s Virunga Landscape
Authors: Sabuhoro Edwin , Wright Brett A. , Munanura Ian E. , Mkumbo Peter , Bernhard Katie P. , Mgonja John T.
Published: September 2022

Illegal activities pose challenges to the conservation of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) across the Virunga Landscape (VL). This paper investigates the relationship between household livelihood security (HLS) and the perceived prevalence of illegal activities across the VL. Results from a survey of 223 residents of areas adjacent to the VL in Uganda and Rwanda reveal varied links between human livelihoods and illegal activities threatening wildlife. For example, while poaching appears to be negatively associated with health and financial security among residents, it is positively associated with education security, indicating that education may be contributing to illegal activities threatening wildlife. Food security constraints were also found to be significantly associated with poaching. Finally, findings suggest that although HLS investments are essential in improving local community livelihoods, only food and financial security are the most effective means of reducing illegal activities in Virunga.
Land Planning, Property Rights and Management of Built Heritage: Some Hong Kong Observations of Colonial Military Buildings
Authors: Lai Lawrence W. C. , Davies Stephen N. G. , Choy Lennon H. T. , Chau K. W.
Published: September 2022

There has been much confusion in property rights inquiry into real (immovable) property (i.e., land) between open access and common property, and between public property and common property because that is often also open access. This paper argues that the property rights and access control are two distinct dimensions of land resource management. Access control involves the exercise of exclusionary power relevant to the management of the immovable property (property management) for its optimal use. A review of the literature shows that definitions of property management tend to be too narrow but point towards the need to articulate issues within the property rights paradigm. As a contribution to sustainable resource use as a dimension of land planning, this paper points out and discusses the probable sources of the confusion between land property rights and property management. A “Land Property Rights and Management Matrix” (LPRMM) is developed as a theoretical tool for clarifying the confusion and the relationships amongst relevant concepts. The LPRMM is theoretically informed by Barzel’s not entirely correct distinction between legal (de jure) and economic (de facto) rights and enriched by relevant literature on property rights and property management. Practical use of the LPRMM is illustrated by its application to analyze the issues pertaining to the actual resource-use phenomena in colonial military buildings erected on both private and public land in Hong Kong. The results show that heritage buildings on land under public ownership as private property can be neglected or intensively managed. The LPRMM is not only a useful theoretical tool for precisely assessing the actual affairs of resource use but also a practical tool for identifying issues of property management in its widest sense. The LPRMM offered is a proper interpretation of Barzel’s distinction between legal and economic rights and contributes to systematically re-interpreting property management as town planning writ large in terms of de jure property rights and de facto access.
Effect of Soil Aggregate Size on Vineyard Bacterial Communities under Organic and Conventional Agro-Managements
Authors: Steinberger Yosef , Doniger Tirza , Sherman Chen , Applebaum Itaii , Eshel Gil
Published: September 2022

Soil microorganisms are an indispensable component of natural ecosystems and play an important role in agro-management ecosystems. However, the function of soil microbial communities is still a black box. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of organic and conventional agro-management practices in a vineyard on the soil’s bacterial community and its composition in three different soil aggregate sizes using functional profiles derived using 16S rDNA metagenomics analysis for elucidating the metabolic capabilities of soil microbial communities. Soil samples were compared in terms of community composition and functionality. A clear distinction was found between the two managements. The soil samples contained 12 phyla and 45 orders, where Proteobacteria was the most common phylum in all treatments. Twenty-three functional profiles were obtained for both treatments and three aggregate sizes, showing similarity in their function, suggesting that functionality is due to the community’s composition and environmental conditions. The results indicate that organic farming systems have a beneficial effect on microbial diversity and encourage ecosystem multifunctionality.
Evaluating Spatial-Temporal Clogging Evolution in a Meso-Scale Lysimeter
Authors: Lo Jui-Hsiang , Huang Qun-Zhan , Hsu Shao-Yiu , Tsai Yi-Zhih , Lin Hong-Yen
Published: September 2022

When surface water infiltrates soil, the fine soil particles carried in water gradually clog soil pores and form a low-permeability soil layer. Clogging impacts the variations in pore water pressure heads in soil and effective hydraulic conductivity. However, few studies have connected field measurements of pore water pressure heads to clogging in soil. This study proposed a diagram to demonstrate the relationship between the normalized pore water pressure head (λ) and effective hydraulic conductivity (Keff) based on a conceptual 1-D vertical infiltration model. The coevolution of λ and Keff indicated the occurrence of clogging and its location relative to the pore-pressure measurement point. We validated the λ-Keff diagram based on a series of numerical simulations of infiltration experiments in a lysimeter. The simulation results showed that the proposed diagram not only indicated the occurrence of clogging but also the development of the unsaturated zone beneath the upper clogging layer. Furthermore, we used a diagram to analyze the spatiotemporal changes in permeability in a lysimeter during three cycles of physical infiltration experiments. The experimental data presented with λ-Keff diagram indicated cracking on the soil surface, and clogging gradually developed at the bottom of the lysimeter.
3-(Phenylethynyl)-7H-benzo[de]anthracen-7-one
Authors: Maļeckis Armands , Griškjāns Evans , Cvetinska Marija , Kirilova Elena
Published: September 2022

The present work describes the facile synthesis of 3-(phenylethynyl)-7H-benzo[de]anthracen-7-one via a Sonogashira coupling reaction. The structure of the synthesized benzanthrone derivative is characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The photophysical properties of the title compound are investigated by means of UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in various organic solvents.
Curvature Correction of a Notched Continuum Robot Based on a Static Model Considering Large Deformation and Friction Effect
Authors: Liu Jiaxing , Shang Sibo , Zhang Gang , Xue Shaowei , Cheng Hao , Qi Peng , Du Fuxin
Published: September 2022

Continuum robots are often used as wrist joints in medical robots because of their high dexterity and flexibility. Especially, the notched continuum robot (NCR) is used in the miniaturized wristed surgical robot. The Piecewise Constant Curvature (PCC) assumption is often used in the design of NCR. However, due to the friction effect, ideal PCC is difficult to achieve. Static analysis is a necessary means to correct the curvature of NCR. The static modeling of NCR is often based on the theory of small deformation. However, this cannot obtain accurate solutions at large bending angles. In this paper, a static model of a triangular-notched continuum robot is proposed. It presents a curvature correction method of NCR, considering large deformation. In addition, the friction effect is considered in the correction of PCC. The static model is derived from the end notch. Based on the Coulomb friction model, the recurrence relationship of the force on the cable is obtained. Then the elliptic integral solution corresponding to the large deformation assumption is calculated. The deformation parameters of the NCR are obtained by numerical iteration. Finally, the capability and validity of the static model proposed in this paper are verified in the experiment. This paper is of great significance for establishing an accurate static model for curvature correction and design of the notched continuum robot.