bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slightly Off-Axis Digital Holography Using a Transmission Grating and GPU-Accelerated Parallel Phase Reconstruction
Authors: Bai Hongyi , Chen Jia , Sun Laijun , Li Liyang , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2023

Slightly off-axis digital holography is proposed using transmission grating to obtain quantitative phase distribution. The experimental device is based on an improved 4f optical system in which a two-window input plane is used to form the object beam and reference beam. Then, the two beams are diffracted into multiple orders by the transmission grating placed at the Fourier plane. By applying a modified Michelson configuration, the interference patterns can be generated by the object and reference beams from different diffraction orders. After translating the grating, a random phase shift can be introduced to the hologram. To demonstrate the feasibility of our method, both thick and thin phase specimens are retrieved using two carrier phase-shifting holograms. Furthermore, we use the phase reconstruction algorithm based on the NVIDIA CUDA programming model to reduce the retrieval time. Meanwhile, we optimize the discrete cosine transform (DCT)-based least-squares unwrapping algorithm to unwrap the phase. By porting the entire phase reconstruction process to the graphics processing unit (GPU), the phase retrieval acceleration and execution efficiency significantly improve. To demonstrate the feasibility of our method, it is found that our method can measure the surface profiles of standard elements, such as a plano-convex cylinder lens and a microlens array, with a relative error of about 0.5%. For holograms with a different phase shift, the root-mean-square (RMS) value of the phase difference for the main imaging region is about 0.2 rad. By accelerating the phase reconstruction with GPU implementation, a speedup ratio of about 20× for the thick phase specimen and a speedup ratio of about 15× for the thin-phase specimen can be obtained for holograms with a pixel size of 1024 × 1024.
Silica Waveguide Four-Mode Multiplexer Based on Cascaded Directional Couplers
Authors: Wang Manzhuo , Sun Xiaoqiang , Liu Tingyu , Yue Jianbo , Sun Chaoyang , Li Dehui , Wu Yuanda , Zhang Daming
Published: August 2023

Mode multiplexers/demultiplexers (MUX/deMUX) are key components in mode division multiplexing. A silica waveguide mode MUX consisting of four cascaded directional couplers is experimentally demonstrated. The beam propagation method is used in the device design and optimization. Thermal oxidation, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and ultraviolet photolithography are adopted in the silica waveguide mode MUX fabrication. The measurement results prove that the input E00 mode can be selectively converted to E10 mode, E20 mode, and E30 mode. Within the wavelength range of 1500 to 1620 nm, the insertion loss is less than 12.2 dB. The proposed mode MUX has good potential in on-chip MDM applications.
Caries Preventive Action of Nd:YAG and Fluoride in Three Different pH Conditions: FTIR Spectroscopy and SEM Evaluation
Authors: Caramel-Juvino Amanda , Zanini Nathalia A. , Avelino Sabrina Gardiano , Fontes-Oliveira Yasmin Reis , Germano Gleice Conceição Mendonça , Eduardo Carlos de Paula , Zezell Denise Maria
Published: August 2023

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the preventive action of topical fluoride application combined with laser irradiation under different pH conditions using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). A total of 180 samples of human dental enamel were prepared and divided into groups: Negative Control, Fluoride (FFA 12.300 µF−/g), Laser (Nd:YAG 84.9 J/cm2), and Laser + Fluoride (Nd:YAG 84.9 J/cm2 + FFA 12.300 µF−/g). The pH cycling was performed at three different pH conditions: pH 5 (below the critical pH for hydroxyapatite), pH 4.5 (below the critical pH in the presence of fluorapatite), and pH 4 (investigating acid resistance of hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite forms with laser irradiation). In the FTIR analysis, the Laser + Fluoride group demonstrated statistically significant differences compared to the Negative Control group and Fluoride group at pH 4.5 and pH 4 when evaluating the phosphate bands. Similar results were observed in the SEM analysis, where the Laser + Fluoride group exhibited lower demineralization compared to the other treatments at pH 4.5 and pH 4. In conclusion, the Laser + Fluoride group demonstrated a significant reduction in demineralization even at pH levels below the critical threshold for fluorapatite, highlighting its superior acid resistance compared to fluoride alone.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Defense Response of Potato to Phthorimaea operculella Infestation
Authors: Zhu Chunyue , Yi Xiaocui , Yang Miao , Liu Yiyi , Yao Yao , Zi Shengjiang , Chen Bin , Xiao Guanli
Published: August 2023

The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is one of the most destructive pests of potato crops worldwide. Although it has been reported how potatoes integrate the early responses to various PTM herbivory stimuli by accumulatively adding the components, the broad-scale defense signaling network of potato to single stimuli at multiple time points are unclear. Therefore, we compared three potato transcriptional profiles of undamaged plants, mechanically damaged plants and PTM-feeding plants at 3 h, 48 h, and 96 h, and further analyzed the gene expression patterns of a multitude of insect resistance-related signaling pathways, including phytohormones, reactive oxygen species, secondary metabolites, transcription factors, MAPK cascades, plant–pathogen interactions, protease inhibitors, chitinase, and lectins, etc. in the potato under mechanical damage and PTM infestation. Our results suggested that the potato transcriptome showed significant responses to mechanical damage and potato tuber moth infestation, respectively. The potato transcriptome responses modulated over time and were higher at 96 than at 48 h, so transcriptional changes in later stages of PTM infestation may underlie the potato recovery response. Although the transcriptional profiles of mechanically damaged and PTM-infested plants overlap extensively in multiple signaling pathways, some genes are uniquely induced or repressed. True herbivore feeding induced more and stronger gene expression compared to mechanical damage. In addition, we identified 2976, 1499, and 117 genes that only appeared in M-vs-P comparison groups by comparing the transcriptomes of PTM-damaged and mechanically damaged potatoes at 3 h, 48 h, and 96 h, respectively, and these genes deserve further study in the future. This transcriptomic dataset further enhances the understanding of the interactions between potato and potato tuber moth, enriches the molecular resources in this research area and paves the way for breeding insect-resistant potatoes.
Phytochemical Profile and Composition of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): Varietal Differences and Effect of Germination under Elicited Conditions
Authors: Pérez-Ramírez Iza Fernanda , Escobedo-Alvarez Diana E. , Mendoza-Sánchez Magdalena , Rocha-Guzmán Nuria E. , Reynoso-Camacho Rosalía , Acosta-Gallegos Jorge A. , Ramos-Gómez Minerva
Published: August 2023

Germination is a simple process that improves the nutritional and medicinal values of seeds such as chickpeas. However, the detailed analysis of the phytochemical profile after chemical elicitation during chickpea germination is indispensable when making inferences about its biological properties. Therefore, an evaluation was made of the effect of the chemical inducers salicylic acid (SA, 1 and 2 mM), chitosan (CH, 3.3 and 7 μM), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 20 and 30 mM) during germination at 25 °C with 70% RH for 4 days on the content of antinutritional and bioactive compounds, including phenolics, sterols, and saponins, in three Mexican chickpea varieties (Blanoro, Patron, and San Antonio) using UPLC-ELSD-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS, UPLC-DAD-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS, and HPLC-DAD-sQ-MS. The highest increase in phenolics and saponins was found in the Blanoro sprouts induced with SA 2 mM, whereas the highest phytosterol content was detected in San Antonio sprouts induced with CH 7 μM. In addition, significant increases in mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides and decreases in antinutritional contents were achieved after germination with most of the elicitation conditions. More importantly, we identified new compounds in chickpea sprouts, such as the lignans matairesinol and secoisolariciresinol, the phenolic compounds epicatechin gallate and methyl gallate, some phytosterols, and the saponin phaseoside 1, which further increased after chemical elicitation.
The Impact of 2-Ketones Released from Solid Lipid Nanoparticles on Growth Modulation and Antioxidant System of Lactuca sativa
Authors: Fincheira Paola , Espinoza Javier , Vera Joelis , Berrios Daniela , Nahuelcura Javiera , Ruiz Antonieta , Quiroz Andrés , Bustamante Luis , Cornejo Pablo , Tortella Gonzalo , Diez María Cristina , Benavides-Mendoza Adalberto , Rubilar Olga
Published: August 2023

2-Ketones are signal molecules reported as plant growth stimulators, but their applications in vegetables have yet to be achieved. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) emerge as a relevant nanocarrier to develop formulations for the controlled release of 2-ketones. In this sense, seedlings of Lactuca sativa exposed to 125, 375, and 500 µL L−1 of encapsulated 2-nonanone and 2-tridecanone into SLNs were evaluated under controlled conditions. SLNs evidenced a spherical shape with a size of 230 nm. A controlled release of encapsulated doses of 2-nonanone and 2-tridecanone was observed, where a greater release was observed as the encapsulated dose of the compound increased. Root development was strongly stimulated mainly by 2-tridecanone and leaf area (25–32%) by 2-nonanone. Chlorophyll content increased by 15.8% with exposure to 500 µL L−1 of 2-nonanone, and carotenoid concentration was maintained with 2-nonanone. Antioxidant capacity decreased (13–62.7%) in L. sativa treated with 2-ketones, but the total phenol concentration strongly increased in seedlings exposed to some doses of 2-ketones. 2-Tridecanone strongly modulates the enzymatic activities associated with the scavenging of H2O2 at intra- and extracellular levels. In conclusion, 2-ketones released from SLNs modulated the growth and the antioxidant system of L. sativa, depending on the dose released.
Quantification of Glucose Metabolism and Nitrogen Utilization in Two Brassicaceae Species under Bicarbonate and Variable Ammonium Soil Conditions
Authors: Xia Antong , Wu Yanyou , Xiang Jiqian , Yin Hongqing , Ming Jiajia , Qin Zhanghui
Published: August 2023

In karst habitats under drought conditions, high bicarbonate (high pH), and an abundant nitrate soil environment, bicarbonate regulates the glycolysis (EMP) and pentose phosphate pathways (PPP), which distribute ATP and NADPH, affecting nitrate (NO3−) and ammonium (NH4+) utilization in plants. However, the relationship between EMP PPP and NO3−, and NH4+ utilization and their responses to bicarbonate and variable ammonium still remains elusive. In this study, we used Brassica napus (Bn, a non-karst-adaptable plant) and Orychophragmus violaceus (Ov, a karst-adaptable plant) as plant materials, employed a bidirectional nitrogen-isotope-tracing method, and performed the quantification of the contribution of EMP and PPP. We found that bicarbonate and ammonium inhibited glucose metabolism and nitrogen utilization in Bn under simulated karst habitats. On the other hand, it resulted in a shift from EMP to PPP to promote ammonium utilization in Ov under high ammonium stress in karst habitats. Compared with Bn, bicarbonate promoted glucose metabolism and nitrogen utilization in Ov at low ammonium levels, leading to an increase in photosynthesis, the PPP, carbon and nitrogen metabolizing enzyme activities, nitrate/ammonium utilization, and total inorganic nitrogen assimilation capacity. Moreover, bicarbonate significantly reduced the growth inhibition of Ov by high ammonium, resulting in an improved PPP, RCRUBP, and ammonium utilization to maintain growth. Quantifying the relationships between EMP, PPP, NO3−, and NH4+ utilization can aid the accurate analysis of carbon and nitrogen use efficiency changes in plant species. Therefore, it provides a new prospect to optimize the nitrate/ammonium utilization in plants and further reveals the differential responses of inorganic carbon and nitrogen (C-N) metabolism to bicarbonate and variable ammonium in karst habitats.
Influence of Epoxy Functional Chain-Extenders on the Thermal and Rheological Properties of Bio-Based Polyamide 10.10
Authors: Erdmann Rafael , Rennert Mirko , Meins Thomas
Published: August 2023

Bio-based polyamide 10.10 (PA 10.10) has excellent properties compared to other bio-based polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and is therefore used in more technical applications where higher strength is required. For foam and filament extrusion, a good balance between strength and stiffness of the polymer is needed. Therefore, two commercial chain-extenders (Joncryl® ADR types) with different epoxy functionalities are used to modify the melt properties of PA 10.10. The chain-extenders are used in a concentration range up to 1.25 wt.%. The range of glass transition temperature widens with increasing Joncryl® content, and the apparent activation energy shows a maximum at a concentration of 0.5 wt.%. Furthermore, the melting temperatures are constant and the crystallinity decreases with increasing chain-extender content due to the formation of branches. During the second heating run, a bimodal melting peak appeared, consisting of α-triclinic and pseudo γ-hexagonal crystals. The weight average molar masses (Mw) measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) increased linearly with increasing ADR 4400 content. In contrast, the compounds containing ADR 4468 show a maximum at 0.5 wt.% and it begins to decrease thereafter. The rheological data show an increase in viscosity with increasing chain-extender content due to branch formation. ATR spectra of the compounds show a decrease at the wavelength of the primary (3301 cm−1) and secondary (1634 cm−1) (-NH stretching in PA 10.10) amine, indicating that chain-extension, e.g., branching, takes place during compounding.
Extraction and Characterization of Acidolysis Lignin from Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris L.) and Eucalypt (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) Wood from Population Stands in Italy
Authors: Bergamasco Sara , Zikeli Florian , Vinciguerra Vittorio , Sobolev Anatoly Petrovich , Scarnati Luca , Tofani Giorgio , Scarascia Mugnozza Giuseppe , Romagnoli Manuela
Published: August 2023

Acidolysis lignins from the species Quercus cerris L. and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. were isolated and characterized using high pressure size exclusion chromatography (HP-SEC), Fourier-transform (FTIR) infrared spectroscopy, analytical pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS), and two-dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence (2D HSQC) NMR spectroscopy. The acidolysis lignins from the two different species varied in chemical composition and structural characteristics, with Q. cerris L. lignin having a higher S/G ratio and higher molar mass averages with a bimodal molar mass distribution. The different analytical techniques FTIR spectroscopy, Py-GCMS, and 2D NMR spectroscopy provided consistent results regarding the S/G ratio of the lignins from the two wood species. Based on the determined high S/G ratio of both oak and eucalypt lignin, the two wood sources could be promoted as substrates for efficient lignin isolation in modern forest biorefineries in order to develop innovative lignin-based value-added biorefinery products.
Design of Potent and Salt-Insensitive Antimicrobial Branched Peptides
Authors: To Janet , Zhang Xiaohong , Tam James P.
Published: August 2023

Dendrimeric and branched peptides are polypeptides formed by diverse types of scaffolds to give them different forms. Previously, we reported a cascade-type, Lys-scaffolded antimicrobial peptide dendrimer D4R tethered with four RLYR tetrapeptides. Antimicrobial D4R is broad-spectrum, salt insensitive, and as potent as the natural-occurring tachyplesins, displaying minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) < 1 μM. However, the relationships between scaffolds and antimicrobial potency remain undefined. Here, we report the design of four novel types of peptide antimicrobials whose scaffolded backbones are lysine (Lys), iso-Lys, ornithine (Orn), or iso-Orn tethered with RLYR on their α- or sidechain-amines to give ε-, δ-, and their α-branched peptides. When assayed against ten microorganisms, the Lys-scaffolded α- and ε-branched peptides are broadly active, salt insensitive, and as potent as D4R and tachyplesins, whereas the corresponding Orn-scaffolded α- and δ-branched peptides are salt sensitive and much less potent, displaying MICs ranging from 1 to >500 μM. Structure-activity relationship studies suggested that Lys-scaffolds, but not Orn-scaffolds, can support a reverse turn to organize RLYR tetrapeptides as parallel β-strands to form an amphipathic structure with Leu-Tyr as a hydrophobic core. Together, these results provide a structural approach for designing potent and salt-insensitive dendrimeric or branched peptide antimicrobials.
Improving the Process of Product Design in a Phase of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Authors: Pacana Andrzej , Siwiec Dominika , Bednárová Lucia , Petrovský Ján
Published: August 2023

The early phases of product development effect fundamental changes in products throughout their life cycle. Therefore, the objective of the investigation was to develop a simplified model that supports the process of product design simultaneously in terms of qualitative and environmental factors. The model is dedicated to the design phase in the life cycle assessment of the product (LCA). The originality of the model consists in: (i) analysis of customers’ satisfaction from qualitative alternatives of products; (ii) assessments of the environmental impact of these alternatives; (iii) definition of the importance of qualitative and environmental attributes of products; and (iv) prediction of favourable changes in products according to qualitative–environmental levels. The model was tested for photovoltaic panels (PVs). The model is mainly dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for support in making decisions in the design phases of products in their life cycles.
A Hybrid Cluster Variational Autoencoder Model for Monitoring the Multimode Blast Furnace System
Authors: Chen Chenyu , Cai Jinhui
Published: August 2023

Efficient monitoring of the blast furnace system is crucial for maintaining high production efficiency and ensuring product quality. This article introduces a hybrid cluster variational autoencoder model for monitoring the blast furnace ironmaking process which exhibits multimode behaviors. In contrast to traditional approaches, this method utilizes neural networks to learn data features and effectively handles the diverse feature types observed in different production modes. Through the utilization of a clustering process within the hidden layer of the variational autoencoder, the proposed technique facilitates efficient fault detection in the context of multimodal blast furnace data. Based on the variational autoencoder model, this study further establishes a unified monitoring index and defines a method for computing the control limits. The application of the model to real blast furnace data reveals its proficiency in accurately identifying faults across diverse modes; compared with the probabilistic principal component analysis based on the local nearest neighbor standardization method and the recursive probabilistic principal component analysis, the model shows a reduction in false positives by up to 10.3% and a substantial reduction of 19.2% in the missed detection rate. This method achieves a remarkable false detection rate of only 0.2% and 0 instances of missed detection.
Development of a Design Method for Casing and Tubing Strings under Complex Alternating Loads
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Li Dening , Du Xu , Li Hongjie , Yang Shangyu
Published: August 2023

With the escalating intricacy of downhole operational scenarios, encompassing frequent well cycling, acidification, multi-stage fracturing, steam injection, and intensive extraction, the efficacy of traditional casing-string-design methods rooted in strength considerations is progressively unveiling its limitations. Henceforth, it becomes imperative to establish string-design method standards that embrace the entirety of a well’s lifecycle, encompassing the phases of drilling, completion, fracturing, and production operations. Beginning with an analysis of the advantages and limitations of traditional casing-string-design methods, this paper introduces the features of strain and sealing design methods developed for the full lifecycle of the string. The strain design method, a departure from conventional design philosophies, enables the design concept of the controllable deformation of the pipe string. The sealing design method currently stands as the sole standard method for the design of tubing strings. Simultaneously, this paper proposes the establishment of a time dimension-based lifecycle pipe string-design method standard. This approach considers the trend of pipe strength degradation, effectively addressing the safety concerns related to pipe string design in production and operation.
Cocaine Effects without Cocaine: Increasing Happiness with Self-Regulation Therapy in a Single Session
Authors: Amigó Salvador
Published: August 2023

The psychological reproduction of cocaine’s ability to increase happiness was studied. The first part of this study consisted of building and validating an instrument to measure the stable and transient aspects of happiness via the 10-item Happiness Trait–State Scale (10 HTSS) in a sample of volunteers (N = 128). In the second part, Self-Regulation Therapy (SRT, a procedure based on suggestion and classic conditioning) was applied to all the participants to increase their relaxation during a single session. The relaxation session slightly increased happiness. A subgroup of participants who were cocaine users (N = 33) took part in a second session to reproduce the stimulant and euphoric cocaine effects. That was a “mental” reproduction session to simulate the effects of cocaine. For both conditions, all the participants filled in the 10 HTSS at the beginning and the end of the session to compare scores and to prove if the happiness state increased. For the cocaine condition, happiness markedly increased, especially in comparison to the increase during the relaxation session, for both the total group and the cocaine users group. Although this increase was achieved during a single session, similar previous studies with more continuous training and monitoring suggest that improvement in emotions can be durable and long term.
Holistic Wisdom from Abrahamic Faiths’ Earliest Encounters with Ancient China: Towards a Constructive Chinese Natural Theology
Authors: Feng Jacob Chengwei
Published: August 2023

Philosophies in the East and West have favored wisdom in their search for truths. The Chinese civilization has sought holistic wisdom in its long history of absorbing the Abrahamic faiths since the seventh century. This paper aims to investigate how the Abrahamic faiths have interacted with ancient Chinese culture. In particular, this paper will examine the earliest written records in Chinese of the Luminous Religion (or Jingjiao), the earliest Jews in Kaifeng, and the earliest Muslims in China. By analyzing their theology of creation with reference to the Holy Spirit and qi (wind/breath/pneuma), this paper attempts a constructive Chinese natural theology based on a sympathetic and critical assessment of Alister McGrath’s natural theology but makes up for his spirit deficit. This paper argues that the holistic wisdom achieved in the early integration process of the Abrahamic faiths with the Chinese culture is closely intertwined with the Spirit and qi, which provides a fruitful ground to construct a Chinese natural theology. The contribution of this paper lies in its original research into the earliest written records of the three Abrahamic faiths in China from the perspective of the doctrine of creation and its relationship with the Spirit and qi.
Analysis of the Life Cycle Cost of a Heat Recovery System from Greywater Using a Vertical “Tube-in-Tube” Heat Exchanger: Case Study of Poland
Authors: Piotrowska Beata , Słyś Daniel
Published: August 2023

Significant amounts of waste heat are deposited in greywater, which can be utilized, among other things, for heating domestic hot water in residential buildings. The manuscript presents an economic analysis of a greywater heat recovery system using a vertical heat exchanger of the “tube-in-tube” type in a single-family building. The analysis is based on the results of experimental research on the energy efficiency of three domestic hot water preparation systems equipped with a vertical heat exchange unit. The analyzed systems had different concepts for the flow of preheated water and cold water. The research showed that the implementation of a vertical “tube-in-tube” heat exchanger can reduce the energy consumption for domestic hot water preparation by approximately 45.7% to 60.8%, depending on the system variant. Furthermore, it was determined that the energy savings associated with reducing domestic hot water consumption can cover the investment costs related to the purchase and system of the heat exchanger within a period of 2 to 5 years of system operation, depending on the design variant and the unit price of electricity.
Magnetic Properties of Amorphous Ta/CoFeB/MgO/Ta Thin Films on Deformable Substrates with Magnetic Field Angle and Tensile Strain
Authors: Jun Ah Hyun , Hwang Young Hyun , Kang Byeongwoo , Lee Seungwon , Seok Jiwon , Lee Jong Seong , Song Seo Hyun , Ju Byeong-Kwon
Published: August 2023

Recently, the application of cobalt iron boron (CoFeB) thin films in magnetic sensors has been widely studied owing to their high magnetic moment, anisotropy, and stability. However, most of these studies were conducted on rigid silicon substrates. For diverse applications of magnetic and angle sensors, it is important to explore the properties of ferromagnetic thin films grown on nonrigid deformable substrates. In this study, representative deformable substrates (polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)), which can be bent or stretched, were used to assess the in-plane magnetic field angle-dependent properties of amorphous Ta/CoFeB/MgO/Ta thin films grown on deformable substrates. The effects of substrate roughness, tensile stress, deformable substrate characteristics, and sputtering on magnetic properties, such as the coercive field (Hc), remanence over saturation magnetization (Mr/Ms), and biaxial characteristics, were investigated. This study presents an unconventional foundation for exploring deformable magnetic sensors capable of detecting magnetic field angles.
The Impact of a Psychological Skills Training and Mindfulness-Based Intervention on the Mental Toughness, Competitive Anxiety, and Coping Skills of Futsal Players—A Longitudinal Convergent Mixed-Methods Design
Authors: Vella-Fondacaro Daniel , Romano-Smith Stephanie
Published: August 2023

Despite the sport’s popularity, there is a paucity in futsal psychological interventional research. This study analysed the impact of a ten-session psychological skills training and mindfulness-based intervention (PSTMI) on the mental toughness, competitive anxiety, and athletic coping skills of national league futsal players (n = 13). It also analysed whether these variables were predicted by playing experience. Pre-/post-intervention questionnaires were filled in and analysed (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28). Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with seven athletes; quantitative and qualitative data were integrated in a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Results revealed significant medium-to-large improvements in mental toughness, cognitive anxiety, and coping skills following the PSTMI. Years of playing experience positively and significantly predicted better self-confidence and coping skills. Thematic analysis generated five themes: (1) post-intervention enhancement in athletic performance and well-being; (2) the non-athletic commitments of futsal players; (3) diverse views on how to improve the intervention; (4) instilling social identity through sport psychology sessions; and (5) the impact of years of experience on skill learning. Results mirrored those from other sporting disciplines. The PSTMI was well-received and equipped athletes with beneficial psychological skills, stressing the need for more sport psychology resources in futsal.
Investigating Self-Rationalizing Models for Commonsense Reasoning
Authors: Rancourt Fanny , Vondrlik Paula , Maupomé Diego , Meurs Marie-Jean
Published: August 2023

The rise of explainable natural language processing spurred a bulk of work on datasets augmented with human explanations, as well as technical approaches to leverage them. Notably, generative large language models offer new possibilities, as they can output a prediction as well as an explanation in natural language. This work investigates the capabilities of fine-tuned text-to-text transfer Transformer (T5) models for commonsense reasoning and explanation generation. Our experiments suggest that while self-rationalizing models achieve interesting results, a significant gap remains: classifiers consistently outperformed self-rationalizing models, and a substantial fraction of model-generated explanations are not valid. Furthermore, training with expressive free-text explanations substantially altered the inner representation of the model, suggesting that they supplied additional information and may bridge the knowledge gap. Our code is publicly available, and the experiments were run on open-access datasets, hence allowing full reproducibility.
Urbanization and the Emerging Water Crisis: Identifying Water Scarcity and Environmental Risk with Multiple Applications in Urban Agglomerations in Western China
Authors: Wu Caimin , Liu Wei , Deng Hongbing
Published: August 2023

Urbanization and climate change have combined to exacerbate water shortages in cities worldwide. While rapid urbanization is faced with the risk of water resource shortage, there are few studies on the impact of water resource shortage and the ecological environment in mega-regions. Taking the three major urban agglomerations in Western China as an example, the spatial–temporal agglomeration pattern and driving force for the risk of water shortage are analyzed. First, a new comprehensive index system for environmental risks of water resources has been established, which can be used to assess spatial changes in water resource shortage risks. Secondly, the relationship between water resource shortage and the urban agglomeration effect is discussed in regards to water resource vulnerability, exposure, and recoverability. The results showed: (1) From 2000 to 2018, the risk of total water shortage in 12 provinces (cities) in Western China decreased from 3.42 to 2.59; the risk of total water shortage in the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration dropped the fastest, with an average annual decline rate of 10.57%. (2) Water resource shortage in different cities of the three major urban agglomerations is out of sync in time and space; the risk level of water shortage is high in the north and low in the south. (3) Geological environmental change is an important influencing factor of water resource shortage; the negative impact of industrial water use on the risk of water shortage is the largest, with a contribution of 24.9%. In addition, this paper also puts forward policy suggestions to alleviate the risks of water shortage in the urbanization process in the western region. This research can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of urban water resources.
Citizen Science Apps in a Higher Education Botany Course: Data Quality and Learning Effects
Authors: Pernat Nadja , Gathof Anika Kristin , Herrmann Johann , Seitz Birgit , Buchholz Sascha
Published: August 2023

Although species identification apps are becoming increasingly popular in citizen science, they are hardly used in university courses on biodiversity literacy. In this study, we investigated whether the use of a plant identification app by students provides similar data quality to the use of scientific keys and whether it improves the process of knowledge acquisition. To this end, dry grassland plots were monitored in Berlin to record plant species diversity by two groups, Bachelor’s and Master’s students, with different experience in plant identification. Both groups were asked to survey the plots once in April and once in June, the first time with the app Pl@ntNet, and the second time with scientific keys commonly used in teaching. To evaluate their performance and the respective tools, the results were compared with those of experts from the same plots. The students identified, on average, only half of the plants per plot and misidentified or failed to identify a high proportion of species compared with the experts, regardless of the identification tool. In addition, the number of plants identified that did not occur at all in the region or in the considered habitat was alarmingly high. In view of the worldwide loss of species knowledge, it is becoming clear that apps can trigger the study of a species group, but do not solve the fundamental problem of neglecting biodiversity courses at universities.
Thioredoxin 1 and Thioredoxin Reductase 1 Redox System Is Dysregulated in Neutrophils of Subjects with Autism: In Vitro Effects of Environmental Toxicant, Methylmercury
Authors: Alshehri Samiyah , Ahmad Sheikh F. , Albekairi Norah A. , Alqarni Sana S. , Al-Harbi Naif O. , Al-Ayadhi Laila Y. , Attia Sabry M. , Alfardan Ali S. , Bakheet Saleh A. , Nadeem Ahmed
Published: August 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder in children that results in abnormal communicative and verbal behaviors. Exposure to heavy metals plays a significant role in the pathogenesis or progression of ASD. Mercury compounds pose significant risk for the development of ASD as children are more exposed to environmental toxicants. Increased concentration of mercury compounds has been detected in different body fluids/tissues in ASD children, which suggests an association between mercury exposure and ASD. Thioredoxin1 (Trx1) and thioredoxin reductase1 (TrxR1) redox system plays a crucial role in detoxification of oxidants generated in different immune cells. However, the effect of methylmercury and the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane on the Trx1/TrxR1 antioxidant system in neutrophils of ASD subjects has not been studied previously. Therefore, this study examined the effect of methylmercury on Trx1/TrxR1 expression, TrxR activity, nitrotyrosine, and ROS in neutrophils of ASD and TDC subjects. Our study shows that Trx1/TrxR1 protein expression is dysregulated in ASD subjects as compared to the TDC group. Further, methylmercury treatment significantly inhibits the activity of TrxR in both ASD and TDC groups. Inhibition of TrxR by mercury is associated with upregulation of the Trx1 protein in TDC neutrophils but not in ASD neutrophils. Furthermore, ASD neutrophils have exaggerated ROS production after exposure to methylmercury, which is much greater in magnitude than TDC neutrophils. Sulforaphane reversed methylmercury-induced effects on neutrophils through Nrf2-mediated induction of the Trx1/TrxR1 system. These observations suggest that exposure to the environmental toxicant methylmercury may elevate systemic oxidative inflammation due to a dysregulated Trx1/TrxR1 redox system in the neutrophils of ASD subjects, which may play a role in the progression of ASD.
One Health Surveillance System in Gujarat, India: A Health Policy and Systems Research Protocol for Exploring the Cross-Sectoral Collaborations to Detect Emerging Threats at the Human-Animal–Environment Interface
Authors: Yasobant Sandul , Saxena Deepak , Tadvi Ravina , Syed Zahiruddin Quazi
Published: August 2023

The close interaction between humans, animals and the ecosystem has been a reason for the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases worldwide. Zoonoses are estimated to be responsible for 2.5 billion human illnesses and 2.7 million deaths worldwide. Gujarat is a western state in India with more than 65 million people and 26 million livestock, and includes surveillance systems for humans and animals; however, more evidence is needed on joint collaborative activities and their effect on the early warning response for zoonoses. Thus, this study aims to investigate sectoral collaborations for early warning and response systems for emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, aiming to develop a One Health surveillance (OHS) system in Gujarat, India. This case study uses policy content analysis followed by qualitative and quantitative data collection among state- and district-level surveillance actors to provide insight into the current cross-sectoral collaborations among surveillance actors. It helps identify triggers and documents factors helpful in strengthening cross-sectoral collaborations among these systems and facilitates the establishment of an OHS system in Gujarat, India.
Correction: Srisuphanunt et al. Molecular Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance and Novel Treatment Strategies for Helicobacter pylori Infections. Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8, 163
Authors: Srisuphanunt Mayuna , Wilairatana Polrat , Kooltheat Nateelak , Duangchan Thitinat , Katzenmeier Gerd , Rose Joan B.
Published: August 2023

In the original publication [...]
Systematic Review of Treatment Failure and Clinical Relapses in Leishmaniasis from a Multifactorial Perspective: Clinical Aspects, Factors Associated with the Parasite and Host
Authors: Santos Gustavo de Almeida , Sousa Juliana Mendes , Aguiar Antônio Henrique Braga Martins de , Torres Karina Cristina Silva , Coelho Ana Jessica Sousa , Ferreira André Leite , Lima Mayara Ingrid Sousa
Published: August 2023

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Treatment options are limited, and there are frequent cases of treatment failure and clinical relapse. To understand these phenomena better, a systematic review was conducted, considering studies published between 1990 and 2021 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The review included 64 articles divided into three categories. Case reports (26 articles) focused on treatment failure and clinical relapse in cutaneous leishmaniasis patients (47.6%), primarily affecting males (74%) and children (67%), regardless of the clinical manifestation. Experimental studies on the parasite (19 articles), particularly with L. major (25%), indicated that alterations in DNA and genic expression (44.82%) played a significant role in treatment failure and clinical relapse. Population data on the human host (19 articles) identified immunological characteristics as the most associated factor (36%) with treatment failure and clinical relapse. Each clinical manifestation of the disease presented specificities in these phenomena, suggesting a multifactorial nature. Additionally, the parasites were found to adapt to the drugs used in treatment. In summary, the systematic review revealed that treatment failure and clinical relapse in leishmaniasis are complex processes influenced by various factors, including host immunology and parasite adaptation.
Water Environment Pollution and Control in the Dual-Carbon Background
Authors: Feng Weiying , Yang Fang , Liu Jing
Published: August 2023

Water pollution and control are becoming increasingly important in the global context of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality [...]
The Role of Biocomposites and Nanocomposites in Eliminating Organic Contaminants from Effluents
Authors: Mayet Abdulilah , Hijji Mohammad , Saleh Ebraheem , Reza Arif , Kadhim Sokaina , Abdullaev Sherzod , Alsalamy Ali , Hassan Zahraa , Gomez Cristian , Tene Talia
Published: August 2023

Many contaminants such as heavy metals, dyes and hydrocarbon compounds are annually generated by industrial activities and discharged into water sources. They have destructive impacts on the environment. To eliminate these toxic contaminants from aqueous media, sorption can be considered a proper and efficient process, as it has indicated high efficiency for removing organic contaminants. This paper entails a comprehensive evaluation of different organic pollutants, pros and cons of the sorption process in removing these pollutants, comparing different types of adsorbents and investigating the recyclability of different types of composites. Moreover, the sorption mechanism and kinetic behavior of organic contaminants are investigated using biocomposites and nanocomposites. Moreover, the future perspectives of biocomposites and nanocomposites in eliminating organic compounds are discussed. Based on investigations, a large number of nanocomposites have been utilized for removing organic contaminants with high performance so far, including SiO2/MnFe2O4/ZIF-8 MOF, magnetite/MWCNTs, nano zerovalent iron, barium/Cobalt/polyethylene glycol (PEG), graphene oxide/Fe3O4, kaolin/CuFe2O4 and Fe3O4@UiO-66. Moreover, polyaniline/sodium alginate/Oscillatoria filamentous cyanobacterium biomass, cow bones/zeolite/coconut biocomposite and AC derived from melamine and sucrose are excellent biocomposites in the removal of organic pollutants. Moreover, the reusability study shows that poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/Fe3O4 and corn stalk biomass/chitosan/Fe3O4 biocomposites have significant stability compared to other composites in the elimination of organic pollutants.
Non-Equilibrium Bedload Transport Model Applied to Erosive Overtopping Dambreach
Authors: Martínez-Aranda Sergio , Fernández-Pato Javier , García-Navarro Pilar
Published: August 2023

Bedload sediment transport is an ubiquitous process in natural surface water flows (rivers, dams, coast, etc), but it also plays a key role in catastrophic events such as dyke erosion or dam breach collapse. The bedload transport mechanism can be under equilibrium state, where solid rate and flow carry capacity are balanced, or under non-equilibrium (non-capacity) conditions. Extremely transient surface flows, such as dam/dyke erosive collapses, are systems which always change in space and time, hence absolute equilibrium states in the coupled fluid/solid transport rarely exist. Intuitively, assuming non-equilibrium conditions in transient flows should allow to estimate correctly the bedload transport rates and the bed level evolution. To get insight into this topic, a 2D Finite Volume model for bedload transport based on the non-capacity approach is proposed in this work. This non-equilibrium model considers that the actual bedload sediment discharge can be delayed, spatial and temporally, from the instantaneous solid carry capacity of the flow. Furthermore, the actual solid rate and the adaptation length/time is governed by the temporal evolution of the bedload transport layer and the vertical exchange solid flux. The model is tested for the simulation of overtopping dyke erosion and dambreach opening cases. Numerical results seems to support that considering non-equilibrium conditions for the bedload transport improves the general agreement between the computed results and measured data in both benchmarking cases.
Enhancing Water Temperature Prediction in Stratified Reservoirs: A Process-Guided Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Kim Sungjin , Chung Sewoong
Published: August 2023

Data-driven models (DDMs) are extensively used in environmental modeling yet encounter obstacles stemming from limited training data and potential discrepancies with physical laws. To address this challenge, this study developed a process-guided deep learning (PGDL) model, integrating a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network and a process-based model (PBM), CE-QUAL-W2 (W2), to predict water temperature in a stratified reservoir. The PGDL model incorporates an energy constraint term derived from W2′s thermal energy equilibrium into the LSTM’s cost function, alongside the mean square error term. Through this mechanism, PGDL optimizes parameters while penalizing deviations from the energy law, thereby ensuring adherence to crucial physical constraints. In comparison to LSTM’s root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.062 °C, PGDL exhibits a noteworthy 1.5-fold enhancement in water temperature prediction (RMSE of 0.042 °C), coupled with improved satisfaction in maintaining energy balance. Intriguingly, even with training on just 20% of field data, PGDL (RMSE of 0.078 °C) outperforms both LSTM (RMSE of 0.131 °C) and calibrated W2 (RMSE of 1.781 °C) following pre-training with 80% of the data generated by the uncalibrated W2 model. The successful integration of the PBM and DDM in the PGDL validates a novel technique that capitalizes on the strengths of multidimensional mathematical models and data-based deep learning models. Furthermore, the pre-training of PGDL with PBM data demonstrates a highly effective strategy for mitigating bias and variance arising from insufficient field measurement data.
Surface Condensation Water under Salix psammophila Is the Main Water Source in Addition to Rainfall in the Kubuqi Desert
Authors: Wang Haichao , Zhang Junyao , Cao Yanwei , Wang Han , Liu Xiaomin , Sun Xiaotian , Sun Kai , Li Ying , Pei Zhiyong
Published: August 2023

Amidst climate change, managing water and vegetation adaptability is vital in ecology and agriculture. Salix psammophila is key in deserts, maintaining ecological balance and combating desertification. Understanding its surface condensation and response to weather is critical for survival. This study aims to investigate the formation patterns of surface condensation water under S. psammophila at different irrigation levels and the influence of precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. Conducted in China’s Kubuqi Desert from June to September 2022, the study employed micro-lysimeters with four irrigation test sets and a control group, conducting detailed observations at various locations. The results indicate that S. psammophila significantly influences surface condensation water by blocking solar radiation and reducing wind speed. The drip irrigation system also regulates surface condensation water on S. psammophila. Moreover, meteorological factors such as 24 h maximum temperature, relative humidity difference, wind speed, and air vapor pressure deficit show significant correlations with surface condensation water formation. In conclusion, this study enhances the understanding of desert ecosystem water balance, vegetation adaptability, and efficient water resource utilization. It provides valuable scientific guidance for the conservation and restoration of desert ecosystems.
O CASTELO DE PAPEL E O TOPO DA MONTANHA: O CENTRO DE LÍNGUAS DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Gomes Adilson Do Nascimento
Published: August 2023

O Centro de Estudo de Línguas  CEL, o castelo de papel, construído por decretos, resoluções, diretrizes etc., ao longo do tempo alçou o topo da montanha como um dos projetos mais profícuos e longevos da Secretaria de Estado de Educação de São Paulo  SEE/SP. Criado, inicialmente, para concretizar o desejo de integração latino-americana, o CEL, além de superar a situação do monolinguismo imposta aos alunos da rede, é um espaço onde circulam narrativas exitosas relacionadas ao mercado laboral. Considerando assim o mercado global, apresenta uma forma de decodificar o Centro de Línguas como espaço de ensino de Línguas Estrangeiras Modernas  LEM tomando como meta também o mercado de trabalho.