bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A General Way to Fabricate Chain-like Ferrite with Ultralow Conductive Percolation Threshold and Wideband Absorbing Ability
Authors: Chen Cong , Dong Haitao , Wang Jiayuan , Chen Wen , Li Denghui , Cai Meng , Zhou Kun
Published: May 2022

The magnetic nanochain-like material has been regards as one of the most promising electromagnetic (EM) absorbing material but remains a challenging. Herein, magnetic chain-like ferrite (included Fe3O4, CoFe2O4 and NiFe2O4) are successfully produced through a general solvothermal method, using PVP as the structural-liking agent. Experimental results confirm the ultimate sample possess a 3-dimensional chain-like structure which are constructed by numerous ferrite’s nanoparticles with ~60 nm in diameter. Their electromagnetic parameters can be also manipulated by such a chain structure, especially the dielectric loss, where a sharply increases can be observed on within a lower filling ratio. It greatly benefits to the EM absorbing property. In this article, the electromagnetic absorption layer made with a lower content of ferrite possess the excellent electromagnetic absorption ability, where the optimized effective absorption band was nearly 6.4 GHz under a thickness of 1.8 mm. Moreover, the filling ratio is only 30 wt%. Our method for designing of chain-like magnetic material can be helpful for producing wideband electromagnetic absorption in a low filling ratio.
Self-Healing Thiolated Pillar[5]arene Films Containing Moxifloxacin Suppress the Development of Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Shurpik Dmitriy N. , Aleksandrova Yulia I. , Mostovaya Olga A. , Nazmutdinova Viktoriya A. , Tazieva Regina E. , Murzakhanov Fadis F. , Gafurov Marat R. , Zelenikhin Pavel V. , Subakaeva Evgenia V. , Sokolova Evgenia A. , Gerasimov Alexander V. , Gorodov Vadim V. , Islamov Daut R. , Cragg Peter J. , Stoikov Ivan I.
Published: May 2022

Polymer self-healing films containing fragments of pillar[5]arene were obtained for the first time using thiol/disulfide redox cross-linking. These films were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, FTIR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The films demonstrated the ability to self-heal through the action of atmospheric oxygen. Using UV–vis, 2D 1H-1H NOESY, and DOSY NMR spectroscopy, the pillar[5]arene was shown to form complexes with the antimicrobial drug moxifloxacin in a 2:1 composition (logK11 = 2.14 and logK12 = 6.20). Films containing moxifloxacin effectively reduced Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms formation on adhesive surfaces.
Discharge Enhancement in a Triple-Pipe Heat Exchanger Filled with Phase Change Material
Authors: Ju Yongfeng , Babaei-Mahani Roohollah , Ibrahem Raed Khalid , Khakberdieva Shoira , Karim Yasir Salam , Abdalla Ahmed N. , Mohamed Abdullah , Mahmoud Mustafa Z. , Ali Hafiz Muhammad
Published: May 2022

This study aims to study the discharging process to verify the influence of geometry modifications and heat transfer flow (HTF) patterns on the performance of a vertical triplex-tube latent heat container. The phase change material (PCM) is included in the middle tube, where the geometry is modified using single or multi-internal frustum tubes instead of straight tubes to enhance the discharging rate. The effects of the HTF flow direction, which is considered by the gravity and opposite-gravity directions, are also examined in four different cases. For the optimal geometry, three scenarios are proposed, i.e., employing a frustum tube for the middle tube, for the inner tube, and at last for both the inner and middle tubes. The effects of various gap widths in the modified geometries are investigated. The results show the advantages of using frustum tubes in increasing the discharging rate and reducing the solidification time compared with that of the straight tube unit due to the higher natural convection effect by proper utilization of frustum tubes. The study of the HTF pattern shows that where the HTF direction in both the inner and outer tubes are in the gravity direction, the maximum discharging rate can be achieved. For the best configuration, the discharge time is reduced negligibly compared with that for the system with straight tubes which depends on the dimensions of the PCM domain.
Microorganism-Templated Nanoarchitectonics of Hollow TiO2-SiO2 Microspheres with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for Degradation of Methyl Orange
Authors: Liao Shenglan , Lin Liqin , Huang Jiale , Jing Xiaolian , Chen Shiping , Li Qingbiao
Published: May 2022

In this study, hollow SiO2 microspheres were synthesized by the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) according to the Stober process, in which Pichia pastoris GS 115 cells were served as biological templates. The influence of the preprocessing method, the TEOS concentration, the ratio of water to ethanol, and the aging time on the morphology of microspheres was investigated and the optimal conditions were identified. Based on this, TiO2-SiO2 microspheres were prepared by the hydrothermal process. The structures and physicochemical properties of TiO2-SiO2 photocatalysts were systematically characterized and discussed. The photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) at room temperature under Xe arc lamp acting as simulated sunlight was explored. The result showed that the as-prepared TiO2-SiO2 microspheres exhibited a good photocatalytic performance.
Unexpected Phonon Behaviour in BiFexCr1−xO3, a Material System Different from Its BiFeO3 and BiCrO3 Parents
Authors: Himcinschi Cameliu , Drechsler Felix , Walch David Sebastian , Bhatnagar Akash , Belik Alexei A. , Kortus Jens
Published: May 2022

The dielectric function and the bandgap of BiFe0.5Cr0.5O3 thin films were determined from spectroscopic ellipsometry and compared with that of the parent compounds BiFeO3 and BiCrO3. The bandgap value of BiFe0.5Cr0.5O3 is lower than that of BiFeO3 and BiCrO3, due to an optical transition at ~2.27 eV attributed to a charge transfer excitation between the Cr and Fe ions. This optical transition enables new phonon modes which have been investigated using Raman spectroscopy by employing multi-wavelengths excitation. The appearance of a new Raman mode at ~670 cm−1 with a strong intensity dependence on the excitation line and its higher order scattering activation was found for both BiFe0.5Cr0.5O3 thin films and BiFexCr1−xO3 polycrystalline bulk samples. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy was also used to investigate temperature induced structural phase transitions in BiFe0.3Cr0.7O3.
Computational NEXAFS Characterization of Molecular Model Systems for 2D Boroxine Frameworks
Authors: Toffoli Daniele , Bernes Elisa , Cossaro Albano , Balducci Gabriele , Stener Mauro , Mauri Silvia , Fronzoni Giovanna
Published: May 2022

The electronic properties of 2D boroxine networks are computationally investigated by simulating the NEXAFS spectra of a series of molecular models, with or without morphologic defects, with respect to the ideal honeycomb structure. The models represent portions of an irregular 2D boroxine framework obtained experimentally, as supported by the Au(111) surface. The B K-edge NEXAFS spectra are calculated within the transition potential (TP) approximation (DFT-TP). The role of the Au(111) supporting surface on the spectral features has also been investigated by comparing the calculated spectra of a defect-rich model in its free-standing and supported form. The calculated NEXAFS spectra differ from the experimental ones, as the position of the main resonance does not match in the two cases. This finding could suggest the presence of a strong interaction of the 2D boroxine network with the Au substrate, which is not captured in the model calculations. However, good agreement between measured and calculated B K-edge NEXAFS spectra is obtained for a model system, namely, trihydroxy boroxine, in which the B atoms are less screened by the valence electrons compared to the B–B linked boroxine network models considered here. These results suggest catalytic activity in the gold substrate in promoting a weakening or even the breaking of the B–B bond, which is not revealed by calculations.
High-Resolution Patterning of Organic Emitting-Layer by Using Inkjet Printing and Sublimation Transfer Process
Authors: Lee Jun Yeub , Ju Byeong-Kwon , Cho Kwan Hyun
Published: May 2022

We implemented ultra-high resolution patterns of 2822 pixels-per-inch (PPI) via an inkjet printing and vacuum drying process grafted onto a sublimation transfer process. Co-solvented ink with a 1:1 ratio of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) to ortho-dichlrorobenzene (oDCB) was used, and the inkjet driving waveform was optimized via analysis of Ohnesorge (Oh)—Reynolds (Re) numbers. Inkjet printing conditions on the donor substrate with 2822 PPI microchannels were investigated in detail according to the drop space and line space. Most sublimation transferred patterns have porous surfaces under drying conditions in an air atmosphere. Unlike the spin-coating process, the drying process of inkjet-printed films on the microchannel has a great effect on the sublimation of transferred thin film. Therefore, to control the morphology, we carefully investigated the drying process of the inkjet-printed inks in the microchannel. Using a vacuum drying process to control the morphology of inkjet-printed films, line patterns of 2822 PPI resolution having a root-mean-square (RMS) roughness of 1.331 nm without voids were successfully fabricated.
Heat Transfer Attributes of Gold–Silver–Blood Hybrid Nanomaterial Flow in an EMHD Peristaltic Channel with Activation Energy
Authors: Souayeh Basma , Ramesh Katta , Hdhiri Najib , Yasin Essam , Alam Mir Waqas , Alfares Kawthar , Yasin Amina
Published: May 2022

The heat enhancement in hybrid nanofluid flow through the peristaltic mechanism has received great attention due to its occurrence in many engineering and biomedical systems, such as flow through canals, the cavity flow model and biomedicine. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to discuss the hybrid nanofluid flow in a symmetric peristaltic channel with diverse effects, such as electromagnetohydrodynamics (EMHD), activation energy, gyrotactic microorganisms and solar radiation. The equations governing this motion were simplified under the approximations of a low Reynolds number (LRN), a long wavelength (LWL) and Debye–Hückel linearization (DHL). The numerical solutions for the non-dimensional system of equations were tackled using the computational software Mathematica. The influences of diverse physical parameters on the flow and thermal characteristics were computed through pictorial interpretations. It was concluded from the results that the thermophoresis parameter and Grashof number increased the hybrid nanofluid velocity near the right wall. The nanoparticle temperature decreased with the radiation parameter and Schmidt number. The activation energy and radiation enhanced the nanoparticle volume fraction, and motile microorganisms decreased with an increase in the Peclet number and Schmidt number. The applications of the current investigation include chyme flow in the gastrointestinal tract, the control of blood flow during surgery by altering the magnetic field and novel drug delivery systems in pharmacological engineering.
A High-Fat Diet Induces Muscle Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Impairs Swimming Capacity in Zebrafish: A New Model of Sarcopenic Obesity
Authors: Zou Yun-Yi , Chen Zhang-Lin , Sun Chen-Chen , Yang Dong , Zhou Zuo-Qiong , Xiao Qin , Peng Xi-Yang , Tang Chang-Fa
Published: May 2022

Obesity is a highly prevalent disease that can induce metabolic syndrome and is associated with a greater risk of muscular atrophy. Mitochondria play central roles in regulating the physiological metabolism of skeletal muscle; however, whether a decreased mitochondrial function is associated with impaired muscle function is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a high-fat diet on muscle mitochondrial function in a zebrafish model of sarcopenic obesity (SOB). In SOB zebrafish, a significant decrease in exercise capacity and skeletal muscle fiber cross-sectional area was detected, accompanied by high expression of the atrophy-related markers Atrogin-1 and muscle RING-finger protein-1. Zebrafish with SOB exhibited inhibition of mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation as well as disruption of mitochondrial fusion and fission in atrophic muscle. Thus, our findings showed that muscle atrophy was associated with SOB-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, these results showed that the SOB zebrafish model established in this study may provide new insights into the development of therapeutic strategies to manage mitochondria-related muscular atrophy.
Recent Information on Vitamin D Deficiency in an Adult Korean Population Visiting Local Clinics and Hospitals
Authors: Choi Rihwa , Cho Sung-Eun , Lee Sang Gon , Lee Eun Hee
Published: May 2022

We retrospectively reviewed serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) test results from an adult Korean population visiting local clinics and hospitals between July 2017 and December 2021 to gather recent information on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency status was investigated according to criteria offered by various clinical guidelines. During the study period, 180,289 subjects (29,658 men and 150,631 women) were tested for 25(OH)D. The overall prevalence rates of vitamin D deficiency status based on 25(OH)D level were as follows: 0.4% for <5 ng/mL, 12.5% for <10 ng/mL, 20.6% for <12 ng/mL, 49.4% for <20 ng/mL, and <75.3% for <30 ng/mL. Women tested their 25(OH)D level more frequently than men, and the overall prevalence of 25(OH)D < 10 ng/mL was higher among women than men, while that of 25(OH)D <30 ng/mL was lower among women than men. Among age groups, the prevalence of 25(OH)D <30 ng/mL was higher in younger patients (20s–40s, 79.6–85.5%) than older ones (≥50 years, 62.6–69.2%). The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency decreased over time from 2018 to 2021. Future studies are needed to clarify the clinical impact of this change.
Association of the Dietary Inflammatory Index with Depressive Symptoms among Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010
Authors: Azarmanesh Deniz , Bertone-Johnson Elizabeth R. , Pearlman Jessica , Liu Zhenhua , Carbone Elena T.
Published: May 2022

During their lifetime, 20% of US women experience depression. Studies have indicated that a high Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score is associated with high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and depression. No previous study has compared the association of the DII with different measures of depression (e.g., somatic, cognitive) among pre- and post-menopausal women. We used data from 2512 pre-menopausal and 2392 post-menopausal women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010 database. We ran linear and logistic regression models to compare the association of the DII with survey-measured depression among pre- and post-menopausal women. We further assessed the mediation effect of CRP on the association of the DII and depression, using structural equation modeling. The odds of experiencing depression among pre-menopausal women was higher for all DII quartiles compared to the reference group (i.e., DII Q1), with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.2, 5.0, and 6.3 for Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively (p < 0.05). Among post-menopausal women, only Q4 had 110% higher odds of experiencing depression compared to Q1 (p = 0.027). No mediation effect of CRP was found between DII and any of our depression outcome measures. Our findings suggest that lifestyle habits, such as diet, may have a stronger influence on mental health among pre-menopausal women than post-menopausal women.
The Effectiveness of a Combined Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Sleep Hygiene Lifestyle Intervention on Health and Fitness of Overweight Airline Pilots: A Controlled Trial
Authors: Wilson Daniel , Driller Matthew , Winwood Paul , Clissold Tracey , Johnston Ben , Gill Nicholas
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a three-component nutrition, sleep, and physical activity (PA) program on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and health behaviors in overweight airline pilots. (2) Methods: A parallel group study was conducted amongst 125 airline pilots. The intervention group participated in a 16-week personalized healthy eating, sleep hygiene, and PA program. Outcome measures of objective health (maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), body mass, skinfolds, girths, blood pressure, resting heart rate, push-ups, plank hold) and self-reported health (weekly PA, sleep quality and duration, fruit and vegetable intake, and self-rated health) were collected at baseline and post-intervention. The wait-list control completed the same assessments. (3) Results: Significant group main effects in favor of the intervention group were found for all outcome measures (p < 0.001) except for weekly walking (p = 0.163). All objective health measures significantly improved in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001, d = 0.41–1.04). Self-report measures (moderate-to-vigorous PA, sleep quality and duration, fruit and vegetable intake, and self-rated health) significantly increased in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001, d = 1.00–2.69). (4) Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that a personalized 16-week healthy eating, PA, and sleep hygiene intervention can elicit significant short-term improvements in physical and mental health outcomes among overweight airline pilots. Further research is required to examine whether the observed effects are maintained longitudinally.
Initial Risk Assessment in Patients with Alveolar Echinococcosis—Results from a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Peters Lynn , Burkert Sanne , Hagemann Jürgen Benjamin , Albes Rasmus , Klemptner Jonas , Birkle Jessica , Schwaibold Elias , Siefermann Sofia , Grüner Beate
Published: May 2022

Background: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a potentially lethal parasitosis with a broad spectrum of disease dynamics in affected patients. To guide clinical management, we assessed initial prognostic factors for both progressive and controlled AE based on initial staging. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, examining 279 patients assigned to different clinical groups: cured, stable with and without the need for benzimidazole treatment, and progressive disease. Univariate analysis compared demographic and clinical variables. Significant variables were subsequently entered into two separate logistic regression models for progressive and controlled disease. Results: Based on the multivariate analysis, a large AE lesion (OR = 1.02 per millimetre in size; 95%CI 1.004–1.029), PNM staging (OR = 2.86; 95%CI 1.384–5.911) and especially the involvement of neighbouring organs (OR = 3.70; 95%CI 1.173–11.653) remained significant risk factors for progressive disease. A negative Em2+ IgG (OR = 0.25; 95%CI 0.072–0.835) and a small AE lesion (OR = 0.97; 95%CI 0.949–0.996) were significant protective factors. Conclusions: Patients with large lesions and advanced stages should be monitored closely and most likely require long-term treatment with benzimidazoles if curative resection is not feasible. Patients with small lesions and negative Em2+ IgG seem able to control the disease to a certain extent and a less strict treatment regimen might suffice.
Dual Coating of Chitosan and Albumin Negates the Protein Corona-Induced Reduced Vascular Adhesion of Targeted PLGA Microparticles in Human Blood
Authors: Lopez-Cazares Genesis , Eniola-Adefeso Omolola
Published: May 2022

Vascular-targeted carriers (VTCs) have the potential to localize therapeutics and imaging agents to inflamed, diseased sites. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a negatively charged copolymer commonly used to construct VTCs due to its biodegradability and FDA approval. Unfortunately, PLGA VTCs experienced reduced adhesion to inflamed endothelium in the presence of human plasma proteins. In this study, PLGA microparticles were coated with chitosan (CS), human serum albumin (HSA), or both (HSA-CS) to improve adhesion. The binding of sialyl Lewis A (a ligand for E-selectin)-targeted PLGA, HSA-PLGA, CSPLGA, and HSA-CSPLGA to activated endothelial cells was evaluated in red blood cells in buffer or plasma flow conditions. PLGA VTCs with HSA-only coating showed improvement and experienced 35–52% adhesion in plasma compared to plasma-free buffer conditions across all shear rates. PLGA VTCs with dual coating—CS and HSA—maintained 80% of their adhesion after exposure to plasma at low and intermediate shears and ≈50% at high shear. Notably, the protein corona characterization showed increases at the 75 and 150 kDa band intensities for HSA-PLGA and HSA-CSPLGA, which could correlate to histidine-rich glycoprotein and immunoglobulin G. The changes in protein corona on HSA-coated particles seem to positively influence particle binding, emphasizing the importance of understanding plasma protein–particle interactions.
A Real-Time Sensing System for Monitoring Neural Network Degeneration in an Alzheimer’s Disease-on-a-Chip Model
Authors: Liu Nien-Che , Liang Chu-Chun , Li Yi-Chen Ethan , Lee I-Chi
Published: May 2022

Stem cell-based in vitro models may provide potential therapeutic strategies and allow drug screening for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Herein, we develop a neural stem cell (NSC) spheroid-based biochip that is characterized by a brain-like structure, well-defined neural differentiation, and neural network formation, representing a brain-on-a-chip. This system consisted of microelectrode arrays with a multichannel platform and allowed the real-time monitoring of network formation and degeneration by impedance analysis. The parameters of this platform for the real-time tracking of network development and organization were established based on our previous study. Subsequently, β-amyloid (Aβ) was added into the brain-on-a-chip system to generate an AD-on-a-chip model, and toxic effects on neurons and the degeneration of synapses were observed. The AD-on-a-chip model may help us to investigate the neurotoxicity of Aβ on neurons and neural networks in real time. Aβ causes neural damage and accumulates around neurites or inside neurospheroids, as observed by immunostaining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After incubation with Aβ, reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased, synapse function decreased, and the neurotransmitter-acetylcholine (ACh) concentration decreased were observed. Most importantly, the real-time analysis system monitored the impedance value variation in the system with Aβ incubation, providing consecutive network disconnection data that are consistent with biological data. This platform provides simple, real-time, and convenient sensing to monitor the network microenvironment. The proposed AD-on-a-chip model enhances the understanding of neurological pathology, and the development of this model provides an alternative for the study of drug discovery and cell–protein interactions in the brain.
GC/MS Analyses of the Essential Oils Obtained from Different Jatropha Species, Their Discrimination Using Chemometric Analysis and Assessment of Their Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Activities
Authors: Gamal El-Din Mariam I. , Youssef Fadia S. , Altyar Ahmed E. , Ashour Mohamed L.
Published: May 2022

The essential oils of Jatropha intigrimma, J. roseae and J. gossypifolia (Euphorbiaceae) were analyzed employing GC/MS (Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry) analyses. A total of 95 volatile constituents were identified from J. intigrimma, J. gossypifolia and J. roseae essential oils, accounting for 91.61, 90.12, and 86.24%, respectively. Chemometric analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) based on the obtained GC data revealed the formation of three discriminant clusters due to the placement of the three Jatropha species in three different quadrants, highlighting the dissimilarity between them. Heneicosane, phytol, nonacosane, silphiperfol-6-ene, copaborneol, hexatriacontane, octadecamethyl-cyclononasiloxane, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester and methyl linoleate constitute the key markers for their differentiation. In vitro antibacterial activities of the essential oils were investigated at doses of 10 mg/mL against the Gram-negative anaerobe Escherichia coli using the agar well diffusion method and broth microdilution test. J. gossypifolia essential oil showed the most potent antimicrobial activity, demonstrating the largest inhibition zone (11.90 mm) and the least minimum inhibitory concentration (2.50 mg/mL), followed by the essential oil of J. intigrimma. The essential oils were evaluated for their anti-adhesion properties against the Gram-negative E. coli biofilm using a modified method of biofilm inhibition spectrophotometric assay. J. intigrimma essential oil showed the most potent biofilm inhibitory activity, demonstrating the least minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of 31.25 µg/mL. In silico molecular docking performed within the active center of E. coli adhesion protein FimH showed that heneicosane, followed by cubebol and methyl linoleate, displayed the best fitting score. Thus, it can be concluded that the essential oils of J. gossypifolia and J. intigrimma leaves represent promising sources for antibacterial drugs with antibiofilm potential.
Unlocking the Nexus between Leaf-Level Water Use Efficiency and Root Traits Together with Gas Exchange Measurements in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Gobu Ramasamy , Dash Goutam Kumar , Lal Jai Prakash , Swain Padmini , Mahender Anumalla , Anandan Annamalai , Ali Jauhar
Published: May 2022

Drought stress severely affects plant growth and development, causing significant yield loss in rice. This study demonstrates the relevance of water use efficiency with deeper rooting along with other root traits and gas exchange parameters. Forty-nine rice genotypes were evaluated in the basket method to examine leaf-level water use efficiency (WUEi) variation and its relation to root traits. Significant variation in WUEi was observed (from 2.29 to 7.39 µmol CO2 mmol−1 H2O) under drought stress. Regression analysis revealed that high WUEi was associated with higher biomass accumulation, low transpiration rate, and deep rooting ratio. The ratio of deep rooting was also associated with low internal CO2 concentration. The association of deep rooting with lower root number and root dry weight suggests that an ideal drought-tolerant genotype with higher water use efficiency should have deeper rooting (>30% RDR) with moderate root number and root dry weight to be sustained under drought for a longer period. The study also revealed that, under drought stress conditions, landraces are more water-use efficient with superior root traits than improved genotypes.
Genome-Wide Characterization, Evolutionary Analysis of ARF Gene Family, and the Role of SaARF4 in Cd Accumulation of Sedum alfredii Hance
Authors: Xu Dong , Yang Chunyu , Fan Huijin , Qiu Wenmin , Huang Biyun , Zhuo Renying , He Zhengquan , Li Haiying , Han Xiaojiao
Published: May 2022

Auxin response factors (ARFs) play important roles in plant development and environmental adaption. However, the function of ARFs in cadmium (Cd) accumulation are still unknown. Here, 23 SaARFs were detected in the genome of hyperaccumulating ecotype of Sedum alfredii Hance (HE), and they were not evenly distributed on the chromosomes. Their protein domains remained highly conservative. SaARFs in the phylogenetic tree can be divided into three groups. Genes in the group Ⅰ contained three introns at most. However, over ten introns were found in other two groups. Collinearity relationships were exhibited among ten SaARFs. The reasons for generating SaARFs may be segmental duplication and rearrangements. Collinearity analysis among different species revealed that more collinear genes of SaARFs can be found in the species with close relationships of HE. A total of eight elements in SaARFs promoters were related with abiotic stress. The qRT-PCR results indicated that four SaARFs can respond to Cd stress. Moreover, that there may be functional redundancy among six SaARFs. The adaptive selection and functional divergence analysis indicated that SaARF4 may undergo positive selection pressure and an adaptive-evolution process. Overexpressing SaARF4 effectively declined Cd accumulation. Eleven single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites relevant to Cd accumulation can be detected in SaARF4. Among them, only one SNP site can alter the sequence of the SaARF4 protein, but the SaARF4 mutant of this site did not cause a significant difference in cadmium content, compared with wild-type plants. SaARFs may be involved in Cd-stress responses, and SaARF4 may be applied for decreasing Cd accumulation of plants.
Rhizobia–Legume Symbiosis Increases Aluminum Resistance in Alfalfa
Authors: Shi Haifan , Sun Guoli , Gou Lanming , Guo Zhenfei
Published: May 2022

Alfalfa is the most important forage legume with symbiotic nitrogen-fixing nodule in roots, but it is sensitive to aluminum (Al), which limits its plantation in acidic soils. One rhizobia clone of Sinorhizobium meliloti with Al tolerance (AT1) was isolated from the nodule in AlCl3-treated alfalfa roots. AT1 showed a higher growth rate than the standard rhizobia strain Sm1021 under Al-stressed conditions. Alfalfa growth was improved by inoculation with AT1 under Al-stressed conditions, with increased length and fresh weight in shoots and roots. High nitrogenase activity and pink effective nodules were obtained in AT1-inoculated plant roots under Al stress, with increased total nitrogen compared with the non-inoculated control. The application of exogenous NH4+-nitrogen increased the Al resistance in alfalfa. It is suggested that rhizobia’s increase of the Al resistance in alfalfa is associated with its improved nitrogen status. Inoculation with Al-tolerant rhizobia is worth testing in an acidic field for improved alfalfa productivity.
Biopolymers Produced by Sphingomonas Strains and Their Potential Applications in Petroleum Production
Authors: Huang Haolin , Lin Junzhang , Wang Weidong , Li Shuang
Published: May 2022

The genus Sphingomonas was established by Yabuuchi et al. in 1990, and has attracted much attention in recent years due to its unique ability to degrade environmental pollutants. Some Sphingomonas species can secrete high-molecular-weight extracellular polymers called sphingans, most of which are acidic heteropolysaccharides. Typical sphingans include welan gum, gellan gum, and diutan gum. Most sphingans have a typical, conserved main chain structure, and differences of side chain groups lead to different rheological characteristics, such as shear thinning, temperature or salt resistance, and viscoelasticity. In petroleum production applications, sphingans, and their structurally modified derivatives can replace partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in high-temperature and high-salt reservoirs, while also being able to replace guar gum as a fracturing fluid thickener. This paper focuses on the applications of sphingans and their derivatives in EOR.
Ovarian Cancer: Treatment and Resistance to Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Lukanović David , Kobal Borut , Černe Katarina
Published: May 2022

Despite advances in surgical techniques and chemotherapy, ovarian cancer is still a leading cause of death among gynecological cancers. In addition to the late detection of the disease, the main reason for poor prognosis is resistance to pharmacotherapy, mostly platinum compounds. About a third of patients do not respond to primary platinum-based chemotherapy treatment, and over time, eventually, 80% of other patients develop chemoresistance, which makes the recurrence of disease incurable. In this review, we describe a difficult clinical hurdle faced in ovarian cancer therapy as a result of platinum resistance, as well as resistance to newer targeted therapy with PARP inhibitors and bevacizumab. We, furthermore, give attention also to the role of the tumor microenvironment as it is less well understood than the tumor cell-intrinsic mechanism. Because a central goal in ovarian cancer research is the development of novel strategies to overcome chemoresistance, treatment for cancer is moving toward personalized therapy.
Research on Generalized RQD of Rock Mass Based on 3D Slope Model Established by Digital Close-Range Photogrammetry
Authors: Ding Qing , Wang Fengyan , Chen Jianping , Wang Mingchang , Zhang Xuqing
Published: May 2022

The traditional method of obtaining rock quality designation (RQD) cannot fully reflect the anisotropy of the rock mass and thus cannot accurately reflect its quality. In the method of calculating RQD based on three-dimensional network simulation of discontinuities, due to the limited number of samples and low accuracy of discontinuity data obtained by manual contact measurement, a certain deviation in the network is generated based on the data, which has an impact on the calculation result. Taking a typical slope in Dongsheng quarry in Changchun City as an example, in this study, we obtained the discontinuity data of the slope based on digital close-range photogrammetry, which greatly enlarged the sample size of discontinuity data and improved the data quality. Based on the heterogeneity of the rock mass, the optimum threshold of discontinuity spacing was determined when surveying lines were laid parallel to different coordinate axes to calculate the generalized RQD, and the influence of measuring blank areas on the slope caused by vegetation coverage or gravel accumulation was eliminated. The real generalized RQD of the rock mass after eliminating the influence of blank areas was obtained. Experiments showed that, after eliminating the influence of blank areas, the generalized RQD of the slope rock mass more truly represented the complete quality of rock mass and offers a new idea for the quality evaluation of engineering rock mass.
An Algebraic Comparison of Synthetic Aperture Interferometry and Digital Beam Forming in Imaging Radiometry
Authors: Anterrieu Eric , Lafuma Pierre , Jeannin Nicolas
Published: May 2022

Digital beam forming (DBF) and synthetic aperture interferometry (SAI) are signal processing techniques that mix the signals collected by an antenna array to obtain high-resolution images with the aid of a computer. This note aims at comparing these two approaches from an algebraic perspective with the illustrations of simulations conducted at microwaves frequencies within the frame of the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission. Although the two techniques are using the same signals and sharing the same goal, there are several differences that deserve attention. From the algebraic point of view, it is the case for the singular values distributions of the respective modeling matrices which are both rank-deficient but do not have the same sensitivity to the diversity of the array’s elementary antennas radiation patterns. As a consequence of this difference, the level and the angular signature of the reconstruction floor error are significantly lower with the DBF paradigm than with the SAI one.
The Effect of Sun Tan Lotion on Skin by Using Skin TEWL and Skin Water Content Measurements
Authors: Xiao Perry , Chen Daqing
Published: May 2022

Stratum corneum (SC) is the outermost skin layer. SC hydration is important for its cosmetic properties and barrier function. SC trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements and skin water content measurements are two key indexes used for SC characterisation. The instrument stability and accuracy are vitally important when measuring small changes. In this paper, we present our latest study on the effect of sun tan lotion on skin by using skin TEWL and skin water content measurements. We developed techniques to improve the measurement stability and to visualise small changes, as well as developed machine learning algorithms for processing the skin capacitive images. The overall results show that TEWL and skin water content measurements are capable of measuring the subtle changes of skin conditions due to the application of sun tan lotions. The results show that the TEWL values decreased after the sun tan lotion application. The sun tan lotion with SPF 20 had the lowest decrease, whilst the sun tan lotion with SPF 50+ had the highest decrease. The results also show that the skin water content increased after the sun tan lotion application, with SPF 20 having the highest increase, whilst SPF 50+ had the lowest increase.
End-to-End Sentence-Level Multi-View Lipreading Architecture with Spatial Attention Module Integrated Multiple CNNs and Cascaded Local Self-Attention-CTC
Authors: Jeon Sanghun , Kim Mun Sang
Published: May 2022

Concomitant with the recent advances in deep learning, automatic speech recognition and visual speech recognition (VSR) have received considerable attention. However, although VSR systems must identify speech from both frontal and profile faces in real-world scenarios, most VSR studies have focused solely on frontal face pictures. To address this issue, we propose an end-to-end sentence-level multi-view VSR architecture for faces captured from four different perspectives (frontal, 30°, 45°, and 60°). The encoder uses multiple convolutional neural networks with a spatial attention module to detect minor changes in the mouth patterns of similarly pronounced words, and the decoder uses cascaded local self-attention connectionist temporal classification to collect the details of local contextual information in the immediate vicinity, which results in a substantial performance boost and speedy convergence. To compare the performance of the proposed model for experiments on the OuluVS2 dataset, the dataset was divided into four different perspectives, and the obtained performance improvement was 3.31% (0°), 4.79% (30°), 5.51% (45°), 6.18% (60°), and 4.95% (mean), respectively, compared with the existing state-of-the-art performance, and the average performance improved by 9.1% compared with the baseline. Thus, the suggested design enhances the performance of multi-view VSR and boosts its usefulness in real-world applications.
How Does Supervision Technique Affect Research? Towards Sustainable Performance: Publications and Students from Pure and Social Sciences
Authors: Kaharudin Iszan Hana , Ab-Rahman Mohammad Syuhaimi , Abd-Shukor Roslan , Zaharim Azamin , Mohd Nor Mohd Jailani , Mohd Ihsan Ahmad Kamal Ariffin , Md Zain Shahrom , Hipni Afiq , Osman Kamisah , Idrus Ruszymah
Published: May 2022

Supervision without effective monitoring and strategy planning can lead to zero output. The fear of productivity losses, combined with the horror of massively declining performance, has encouraged many leaders to increase their subordinates’ monitoring efforts. This article explores the techniques used by lecturers in managing their research and how they affect the outcome and performance. Some techniques might sound familiar while some will be new. Two sets of questionnaires were developed to investigate the relationship between techniques and performance. One set was distributed to 15 lecturers and the other set was distributed to 100 students from different fields to get input from them on the best supervision characteristics. Fourteen outputs were outlined to show the weight of techniques used by the lecturers. From the survey results, lecturers who applied more than three techniques were able to produce more than three graduating students and more than 20 publications. The aim of the study is to list the most effective techniques for sustainable supervision which lead to output production.
Business Process Improvement for Sustainable Technologies Investments in Construction: A Configurational Approach
Authors: Wood Lincoln C. , Duong Linh N. K. , Wang Jason X.
Published: May 2022

Given the importance of investments in business process improvements for sustainable technologies, many industry sectors are forced to examine and balance new investments with long-term economic viability. There are disputes with regard to the value of investments, particularly within the construction sector, which is characterized by poor capitalization, over-leveraged firms, and high risks, often coupled with business cycles or boom and bust periods. Understanding when construction firms should engage in business process improvements with sustainable technologies is not clear due to the risks and investment costs. To address this problem, the study takes a configurational approach to examine the factors of leverage and use of capital to examine their impact on firm performance with qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). We show distinct configurational outcomes that are associated with superior success, giving construction firms viable pathways to evaluate potential investments in sustainable technologies. Specifically, one configuration, focusing on incremental innovations, consistently produces positive firm performance. Two configurations that lead to the absence of performance are associated with radical innovations in firms that struggle to manage their working capital.
Research on the Teaching Reform of Inorganic Chemistry Based on SPOC and FCM during COVID-19
Authors: Li Zan , Jiang Wenrui
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a fundamental shift in the Chinese education system, which has compelled teachers and students to accommodate the process of online learning in a short period of time. Accompanied by the advancement of information technology and the emergence of small private online courses (SPOCs), a variety of online programs containing a wealth of new materials and novel pedagogical approaches have emerged. However, there is a lack of awareness among researchers about the efficacy of utilizing shared SPOCs in teaching at conventional universities. Flipped classroom model (FCM) can make up for this defect. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of flipped learning on the basis of SPOC and to suggest explicit criteria for its reuse in conventional college education. We carried out a quasi-experiment in a course on inorganic chemistry and examined findings with regard to the engagement and performance of the learners. We also conducted a post-task questionnaire and interviews to examine the experiences of the students so that those experiences could be incorporated into the design and study plan for flipped learning based on SPOCs. It was shown that the average performance of students in the flipped SPOC-based classroom was superior to that of students in the traditional classroom. Furthermore, the combination of quantitative and qualitative data showed that the majority of students experienced the flipped classroom favorably regarding student interaction, accessible learning resources, and proactive academic outcomes.
The Role of Climatic and Non-Climatic Factors in Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptation Responses: Insights from Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Kidane Rahwa , Wanner Thomas , Nursey-Bray Melissa , Masud-All-Kamal Md. , Atampugre Gerald
Published: May 2022

This paper discusses how climatic and non-climatic factors, either separately or together, shape the adaptation responses of smallholder farmers in the Raya Azebo district of Ethiopia. Their adaptation responses included adjusting planting periods, crop diversification, changing crop types, adopting improved seeds, using irrigation, conducting migration, participation in wage employment, selling local food and drinks, and owning small shops. These adaptation responses were motivated by various climatic (e.g., drought and rainfall variability) as well as non-climatic factors (e.g., market conditions, yield-related factors, land scarcity, labor shortages, soil fertility issues, crop diseases, and limited local employment options). We therefore argue (i) that successful adaptation requires a broader understanding not just of climatic factors but also of the various social-ecological factors that shape smallholder farmers’ adaptations; and (ii) that the successful design and implementation of locally appropriate planned adaptation interventions require the inclusion of both climatic and non-climatic factors.
Life Cycle Risk Assessment Applied to Gaseous Emissions from Crumb Rubber Asphalt Pavement Construction
Authors: Zanetti Maria Chiara , Farina Angela
Published: May 2022

Asphalt mixtures for road pavements are produced and laid at high temperatures, producing gaseous emissions that contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds that paving workers are exposed to. This paper aims to combine the effects of gaseous emissions on human health with the life cycle impacts of wearing courses. The results of sanitary-environmental risk analysis and life cycle assessment were combined in an integrated approach, the life cycle risk analysis, to evaluate the environmental performance of road pavements and local cancer and toxicological effects on workers. Two asphalt mixtures modified with crumb rubber (CR) from end-of-life tires (gap and dense graded) were compared to standard, unmodified asphalt mix. Air samples were collected at the screed and the driver’s seat of a paver during the construction of a full-scale trial section in Turin, Italy. The CR wearing course with a higher asphalt binder content (gap-graded) had a cancer effect on workers 3.5 and 2.9 times higher than the CR mixture with a lower asphalt binder percentage (dense-graded) and the standard mixture, respectively. Instead, the toxicological effects were 1.3 and 1.2 times higher for the gap-graded mixture than the dense-graded and the standard mix, respectively.
Research on Film Insulation Technology for Artificial, Open Water Delivery Canals Based on Solar Heat Radiation Utilization
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Chen , Wang Zhengzhong , Zhu Xun , Cai Zhengyin , Jiang Haoyuan
Published: May 2022

A measure of insulation film floating on the water surface was put forward to solve the problems of ice damage to water delivery canals during the winter operation period in cold regions. Firstly, a circulating flume test system was designed in an indoor radiation- and temperature-controlled environment. Secondly, five groups of comparative tests were carried out according to different application scenarios. Lastly, combined with the experimental data, the radiative degree-day method was used to calculate the ice thickness growth under the film. The results show that, in a sufficient radiation condition, a membrane can effectively melt the canal ice and prevent ice formation. In a limited radiation condition, a membrane can delay the ice sealing time and reduce the ice thickness, avoiding ice thrust damage to canal lining. The ice thickness growth formula can predict the development process of water and ice thickness under this technique. The research provides certain theoretical guidance and practical significance for the combination of solar thermal technology and water delivery engineering in cold regions.