bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Fertility, Social Status, and Social Trust of Farmers
Authors: Li Liqing , Jiang He
Published: April 2022

Fertility, social status, and social trust are main social choice behaviors of Chinese farmers. This paper adopts the childbearing–value logic to establish a theoretical model of farmers’ childbearing–social status–social trust choices to examine the influence of farmers’ childbearing and social status on farmers’ social trust. The theoretical model showed that farmers will rationally choose the number of children to bear, emotional value, social value, economic value, social status, and social trust. The fertility of farmers’ children is actually a trade-off between quantity and value, and the fertility behavior affects social status through the direct mechanism of the number of children and the value of the adjustment mechanism, and together with the social status, through the direct mechanism, the adjustment mechanism of the number of children, the intermediate mechanism of social status, and the mixed adjustment mechanism. Asymmetry affects social trust equilibrium. Empirical research based on the CFPS (China Family Panel Studies) data in 2018 showed that farmers’ children quantity primarily inhibits, through the adjustment mechanism of children’s value–social status, social status and social trust; it exerts no direct impact or mediating effect on the social status. The economic value of children does not affect the social status, but it affects social trust through a positive child quantity adjustment mechanism, a negative social status mediation mechanism, and a negative mixed mediation mechanism. The social value of children affects social trust by the positive direct mechanism and the negative children quantity adjustment mechanism, as well as social trust by the negative direct mechanism, children quantity adjustment mechanism, children quantity–social status mixed adjustment mediating mechanism, and the positive social status–mediated mechanism. The emotional value of children affects the social status through the positive direct mechanism, as well as social trust through the positive direct mechanism, social status–mediated mechanism, and negative child quantity adjustment mechanism, and negative mixed mediation mechanism. Furthermore, social status positively impacts social trust rather than a symmetric transmission of the mediating effect of children’s value and the quantity adjustment effect of children’s value. However, no mediating effect of social trust was observed on children quantity. Social development leads to structural changes in the fertility value of farmers’ children, which makes farmers prefer their children’s social and economic value, exerting a complex impact on their own social status and social trust.
New Fossil Xyelidae (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) from the Mesozoic of Northeastern China
Authors: Dai Liyang , Rasnitsyn Alexandr P. , Shih Chungkun , Wang Mei , Ren Dong
Published: April 2022

One new genus and species, Leptoxyela eximia gen. et sp. nov., and one new species, Scleroxyela cephalota sp. nov., are described and illustrated based on two well-preserved compression fossils from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation and the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of China, respectively. Leptoxyela eximia gen. et sp. nov. is placed in the tribe Angaridyelini, 1966 and Scleroxyela cephalota sp. nov. in the tribe Xyeleciini Benson, 1945; while both tribes are in the subfamily Macroxyelinae Ashmead, 1898 of Xyelidae. A key to the genera of Angaridyelini is provided. In addition, we investigated various angles between Rs+M and 1-Rs for known fossil species of Macroxyelinae, and we found the angle and the length of 1-Rs are correlated; however, we could not see any correlation between the angles and the fossil ages even within a tribe. Furthermore, based on Sc2 connected to R before Rs, the angle between Rs+M and 1-Rs, and the length of the first flagellomere, we believe that the tribe Ceroxyelini may have only one genus of Ceroxyela, and suggest that Isoxyela and Sinoxyela should be transferred to Gigantoxyelini.
Analysis of Transcriptome Difference between Blood-Fed and Starved Tropical Bed Bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Lim Li , Ab Majid Abdul Hafiz
Published: April 2022

The reference transcriptome for Cimex hemipterus (tropical bed bug) was assembled de novo in this study, and differential expression analysis was conducted between blood-fed and starved tropical bed bug. A total of 24,609 transcripts were assembled, with around 79% of them being annotated against the Eukaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG) database. The transcriptomic comparison revealed several differentially expressed genes between blood-fed and starved bed bugs, with 38 of them being identifiable. There were 20 and 18 genes significantly upregulated in blood-fed and starved bed bugs, respectively. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were revealed to be associated with regulation, metabolism, transport, motility, immune, and stress response; endocytosis; and signal transduction. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed an enrichment of genes encoding steroid biosynthesis, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, butanoate metabolism, and autophagy in both blood-fed and starved bed bugs. However, in blood-fed bed bugs, genes involved in histidine metabolism, caffeine metabolism, ubiquinone/terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, and sulfur relay system were enriched. On the other hand, starvation activates genes related to nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, fatty acid elongation, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, riboflavin metabolism, apoptosis, and protein export. The present study is the first to report a de novo transcriptomic analysis in C. hemipterus and demonstrated differential responses of bed bugs in facing blood-feeding and starvation.
Joint-Preserving Surgery in Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis
Authors: Alajlan Ahmad , Santini Simone , Alsayel Faisal , Teoh Kar H. , Alharbi Waheeb , Puls Luise , Camathias Carlo , Herrera-Pérez Mario , Tejero Sergio , Barg Alexej , Wiewiorski Martin , Valderrabano Victor
Published: April 2022

Ankle deformity is a disabling condition especially if concomitant with osteoarthritis (OA). Varus ankle OA is one of the most common ankle OA deformities. This deformity usually leads to unequal load distribution in the ankle joint and decreases joint contact surface area, leading to a progressive degenerative arthritic situation. Varus ankle OA might have multiple causative factors, which might present as a single isolated factor or encompassed together in a single patient. The etiologies can be classified as post-traumatic (e.g., after fractures and lateral ligament instability), degenerative, systemic, neuromuscular, congenital, and others. Treatment options are determined by the degree of the deformity and analyzing the pathology, which range from the conservative treatments up to surgical interventions. Surgical treatment of the varus ankle OA can be classified into two categories, joint-preserving surgery (JPS) and joint-sacrificing surgery (JSS) as total ankle arthroplasty and ankle arthrodesis. JPS is a valuable treatment option in varus ankle OA, which should not be neglected since it has showed a promising result, optimizing biomechanics and improving the survivorship of the ankle joint.
Overlooked but Serious Gallbladder Disease during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Kim Hee , Jang Jin , Kim Hye-Jin , Cho Woo , Ha Mihyang , Son Bong , Yeo Hye
Published: April 2022

Background: To date, there have been no reports assessing the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of GB disease in patients receiving ECMO for cardiorespiratory failure. Methods: The medical records of adults (aged > 18 years) who underwent ECMO between May 2010 and October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. We investigated the prevalence and related factors of GB disease during ECMO therapy, compared clinical outcomes between patients with and without GB disease, and performed propensity-matched analysis. Results: In total, 446 patients were included, and symptomatic GB disease was found in 62 patients (13.9%, 76.2/1000 ECMO days). Complicated GB disease occurred in 42 patients (9.4%, 89.4/1000 ECMO days) and presented as acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, and biliary pancreatitis in 33 (7.4%), 7 (1.6%), and 5 (1.1%) patients, respectively. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, longer ECMO support (>2 weeks) (hazard ratio (HR), 2.95; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.69–5.15) and elevated plasma hemoglobin (Hb, >50 mg/dL) (HR. 2.12; 95% CI, 1.18–3.78) were significantly associated with the development of GB disease. In the propensity-matched cohort, the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital survival rates were significantly lower for patients with GB disease than for those without GB disease (ICU survival rate, 64.5% vs. 84.7%; hospital survival rate, 59.7% vs. 81.5%). Conclusion: The incidence of GB disease was higher in patients who received ECMO than in the general ICU patients. Furthermore, elevated plasma Hb and prolonged ECMO therapy were significant factors for the development of GB disease during ECMO therapy.
A Prospective Randomized Controlled Multicenter Clinical Trial Comparing Paste-Type Acellular Dermal Matrix to Standard Care for the Treatment of Chronic Wounds
Authors: Kim Youn Hwan , Shim Hyung Sup , Lee Jihye , Kim Sang Wha
Published: April 2022

The treatment of chronic wounds remains challenging. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been shown to be effective for various types of wound healing. This study was designed to compare the wound size reduction rate after 12 weeks between patients receiving paste-type ADM and standard wound care. Patients over 19 years old with chronic wounds, deeper than full-thickness skin defects, more than 4 cm2 in size that did not heal over the 3 weeks before the study were included. After a screening period of 7 days, patients were randomized to receive either paste-type ADM or standard wound care. The wound status was evaluated at baseline, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. A total of 86 patients were enrolled in this study. The wounds continuously and constantly reduced in size from week 1, and the reduction rate was significantly greater in the study group from week 2 until the end (week 12). In the study group, wound healing was achieved in 29 of 38 wounds (76.3%). Paste-type ADM might be a useful option for wound healing and can be applied safely and efficiently for advanced wound care.
Towards Agile Cybersecurity Risk Management for Autonomous Software Engineering Teams
Authors: Salin Hannes , Lundgren Martin
Published: April 2022

In this study, a framework was developed, based on a literature review, to help managers incorporate cybersecurity risk management in agile development projects. The literature review used predefined codes that were developed by extending previously defined challenges in the literature—for developing secure software in agile projects—to include aspects of agile cybersecurity risk management. Five steps were identified based on the insights gained from how the reviewed literature has addressed each of the challenges: (1) risk collection; (2) risk refinement; (3) risk mitigation; (4) knowledge transfer; and (5) escalation. To assess the appropriateness of the identified steps, and to determine their inclusion or exclusion in the framework, a survey was submitted to 145 software developers using a four-point Likert scale to measure the attitudes towards each step. The resulting framework presented herein serves as a starting point to help managers and developers structure their agile projects in terms of cybersecurity risk management, supporting less overloaded agile processes, stakeholder insights on relevant risks, and increased security assurance.
Design and Dynamic Stability Analysis of a Submersible Ocean Current Generator Platform Mooring System under Typhoon Irregular Wave
Authors: Lin Shueei-Muh , Liauh Chihng-Tsung , Utama Didi-Widya
Published: April 2022

This research proposes a mooring system for an ocean current generator that is working under the impact of typhoon waves. The turbine and the platform are kept stable at a designed water depth to ensure that the generator remains undamaged and continuously generates electricity under excessive water pressure. In this design, the turbine generator is mounted in front of the floating platform by ropes and withstands the force of ocean currents, while the platform is anchored to the deep seabed with lightweight, high-strength PE ropes. In addition, two pontoons are used to connect the generator and the platform with ropes. When the balance is reached, the depth of the generator and the depth of the platform’s dive can be determined by the length of the ropes. In this study, typhoon irregular wave is represented by the Jonswap wave spectrum. The irregular wave is simulated by six regular waves. The equation of motion of the mooring system is derived. The theoretical solution of the dynamic system is presented to determine the dynamic displacements of the platform, pontoon, turbine and the dynamic tensions of the ropes. The dynamic tensions of the ropes increase with the cross-sectional area of pontoon. The natural frequency of the mooring system depends on the parameters, including the mases of elements, the lengths of ropes and the cross-sectional area of pontoons. In the proposed mooring configuration, the dynamic tension of the rope is far less than the breaking strength of the rope; thus, the ocean turbine is stable, and no water that flows through will be disturbed by the floating platform.
A Simplified Approach to Modeling the Dispersion of Mercury from Precipitation to Surface Waters—The Bay of Kaštela Case Study
Authors: Živković Igor , Gačnik Jan , Jozić Slaven , Kotnik Jože , Šolić Mladen , Horvat Milena
Published: April 2022

Wet deposition is the main source of mercury (Hg) from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface. However, the processes that govern the dispersion of deposited Hg in seawater are currently not well understood. To address this issue, total mercury (THg) concentrations in surface seawaters and precipitation were determined on a monthly basis in the Bay of Kaštela (Central Adriatic Sea). Following the assumption that deposited THg is diluted in the seawater bulk due to mixing processes, an exponential decay-like model was developed and the wet deposition of THg was normalized based on periods between precipitation events and seawater sampling. Normalized wet deposition of THg showed significant correlation with the THg gradient in surface seawater after removal of an outlier. To explain the observed outlier, further data normalization included wind data to account for enhanced seawater mixing due to strong winds. Wind-normalized THg deposition of all datapoints showed significant correlation with the THg gradient in surface seawater. The correlation showed that the THg gradient in surface seawater of 0.378 pg L−1 m−1 corresponds to THg wet deposition of 1 ng m−2 after including the influence of wind speed on seawater mixing.
Masticatory Muscle Thickness and Activity Correlates to Eyeball Length, Intraocular Pressure, Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Healthy Women versus Women with Myopia
Authors: Zieliński Grzegorz , Wójcicki Marcin , Rapa Maria , Matysik-Woźniak Anna , Baszczowski Michał , Ginszt Michał , Litko-Rola Monika , Szkutnik Jacek , Różyło-Kalinowska Ingrid , Rejdak Robert , Gawda Piotr
Published: April 2022

This study aims to examine the correlations between masticatory and neck muscle thickness and activity versus eyeball length, retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, and intraocular pressure in healthy women versus women with myopia. The study group consisted of 21 women aged 24 years and a control group of 19 women (mean age 23 years). For bioelectrical activity analysis within the temporalis anterior, the superficial part of the masseter muscle, the middle part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, an eight-channel BioEMG III electromyograph were used. An M-Turbo ultrasound machine was used to analyze masticatory and neck muscle thickness. The eyeball length was examined by IOL Master 500; choroidal and retinal thickness by Optovue Angiovue; and intraocular pressure by Tono-Pen XL. Refractive errors are related to differences in muscle thickness and electromyographic activity. Bioelectrical activity within the temporalis anterior seems to be associated with ocular length, retinal thickness, and choroidal thickness in women with myopia.
Impact of Broad-Spectrum Lighting on Recall Behaviour in a Pair of Captive Blue-Throated Macaws (Ara glaucogularis)
Authors: Bryant Zoe , Konczol Eva , Michaels Christopher J.
Published: April 2022

Many birds, including macaws, are highly visual animals able to detect a wide band of light wavelengths ranging into ultraviolet A, but in captivity, full-spectrum lighting is not universally employed. Where purpose-made bird lighting is used, this is typically made with the provision of ultraviolet B radiation and vitamin D3 synthesis in mind. Limited research in this field suggests behavioural and physiological benefits of broad-spectrum lighting provision, but more work is needed to broaden the taxonomic scope and to investigate its impacts on understudied areas of husbandry, including behavioural management. We compared the duration of time a bonded pair of blue-throated macaws at ZSL London Zoo opted to remain in an inside den after being recalled from an outdoors flight aviary, with and without the presence of artificial lighting in the form of High Output T5 Fluorescent lamps, which are rich in UVA and UVB wavelengths as well as those visible to humans. We hypothesized that the birds would remain inside for longer when T5 lighting was on, as they would be more visually comfortable. Using randomization analyses, we show that, over 54 trials split between winter and spring, the mean duration spent inside after recall increased from 81.04 to 515.13 s with the presence of the lighting unit, which was highly statistically significant. Our results are likely to be explained by much higher visibility of indoor surroundings creating a more hospitable indoor environment for the birds and will have implications for captive macaw management.
Study on Reduction Stripping Kinetics of Ce4+ Using a Constant Interfacial Area Cell with Laminar Flow
Authors: He Jingui , Li Yong , Tao Wenju , Dong Guozhen
Published: April 2022

The reduction stripping kinetics of Ce4+ by HEH/EHP was studied by a constant interfacial area cell with laminar flow. The effects of stirring speed, temperature, specific interfacial area, Ce4+ concentration in the organic phase, free extractant concentration in the organic phase, HCl concentration, and H2O2 concentration on the stripping rate were investigated. The control mode and control steps of stripping process were judged. The kinetic equation of stripping was derived. The mechanism of stripping process was discussed. The results show that the stripping process is controlled by both diffusion and interfacial chemical reaction. The apparent activation energy Ea was calculated using Arrhenius’s formula. The kinetic equation of Ce4+ reduction stripping is R = k[Ce4+](o)1.08[HEH/EHP](o)−1.03[H+](a)0.99[H2O2](a)0.53, and the apparent rate constant k is 10−3.66 (mol−0.57·L0.57)/min.
Halloysite-Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites as Potential Photocatalysts
Authors: Zsirka Balázs , Vágvölgyi Veronika , Horváth Erzsébet , Juzsakova Tatjána , Fónagy Orsolya , Szabó-Bárdos Erzsébet , Kristóf János
Published: April 2022

The synthesis and structural characterization of synthetic zinc oxide and halloysite-based zinc oxide nanocomposites (with 2–28 m/m% ZnO content) are presented. The chemical precipitation of zinc hydroxide precursors and its subsequent drying at 80 °C yielded dominantly zinc oxide (zincite). Thermal treatment at 350 °C completely transformed the remaining precursor to ZnO without causing structural dehydroxylation of the halloysite support. The procedure yielded zinc oxide nanoparticles with 10–22 nm average size having quasi-spherical scale-like morphology. The specific surface area of the synthetic zinc oxide was found to be low (13 m2/g), which was significantly enhanced after nanocomposite preparation (27–47 m2/g). The photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanocomposites was probed by the degradation of a phenolic compound (4-nitrophenol) upon UV irradiation in liquid phase. Compared to their individual constituents, an increased activity of the nanocomposites was observed, while the SSA-normalized photocatalytic activity revealed a synergic effect in nanocomposites above 9 m/m% ZnO content. The nanocomposites were found to be stable at pH = 5.6, with a minor and major mobilization of zinc ions at pH = 12.4 and pH = 1.9, respectively. The toxicity of leachates in different pH environments by Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence indicated low toxicity for ZnO nanoparticles and insignificant toxicity for the nanocomposites. The enhanced photocatalytic activity together with the lower toxicity of the halloysite-ZnO nanocomposites highlight their application potential in water treatment.
Anticancer Activity of Natural and Semi-Synthetic Drimane and Coloratane Sesquiterpenoids
Authors: Beckmann Lorenz , Tretbar Uta Sandy , Kitte Reni , Tretbar Maik
Published: April 2022

Drimane and coloratane sesquiterpenoids are present in several plants, microorganisms, and marine life. Because of their cytotoxic activity, these sesquiterpenoids have received increasing attention as a source for new anticancer drugs and pharmacophores. Natural drimanes and coloratanes, as well as their semi-synthetic derivatives, showed promising results against cancer cell lines with in vitro activities in the low micro- and nanomolar range. Despite their high potential as novel anticancer agents, the mode of action and structure–activity relationships of drimanes and coloratanes have not been completely enlightened nor systematically reviewed. Our review aims to give an overview of known structures and derivatizations of this class of sesquiterpenoids, as well as their activity against cancer cells and potential modes-of-action. The cytotoxic activities of about 40 natural and 25 semi-synthetic drimanes and coloratanes are discussed. In addition to that, we give a summary about the clinical significance of drimane and coloratane sesquiterpenoids.
Curcumin Facilitates Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation to Ameliorate Inflammatory Astrogliosis
Authors: Lin Chun-Hua , Chou Chia-Cheng , Lee Yi-Hsuan , Hung Chia-Chi
Published: April 2022

Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective compound in turmeric. It is a potential ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) that mediates anti-inflammatory signaling. However, the AhR-mediated anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin within the brain remains unclear. We investigated the role of AhR on the curcumin effect in inflammatory astrogliosis. Curcumin attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proinflammatory IL-6 and TNF-α gene expression in primary cultured rat astrocytes. When AhR was knocked down, LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-α were increased and curcumin-decreased activation of the inflammation mediator NF-κB p65 by LPS was abolished. Although LPS increased AhR and its target gene CYP1B1, curcumin further enhanced LPS-induced CYP1B1 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which metabolizes tryptophan to AhR ligands kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KYNA). Potential interactions between curcumin and human AhR analyzed by molecular modeling of ligand–receptor docking. We identified a new ligand binding site on AhR different from the classical 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin site. Curcumin docked onto the classical binding site, whereas KYN and KYNA occupied the novel one. Moreover, curcumin and KYNA collaboratively bound onto AhR during molecular docking, potentially resulting in synergistic effects influencing AhR activation. Curcumin may enhance the inflammation-induced IDO/KYN axis and allosterically regulate endogenous ligand binding to AhR, facilitating AhR activation to regulate inflammatory astrogliosis.
Naphtho-Gamma-Pyrones (NγPs) with Obvious Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitory Activity from the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus niger S-48
Authors: Wu Chang-Zheng , Peng Xiao-Ping , Li Gang , Wang Qi , Lou Hong-Xiang
Published: April 2022

Eight naphtho-gamma-pyrones (NγPs) (1–8), together with four known biosynthetically related coumarin derivatives (9–12), were isolated from the potato dextrose agar media of a marine-derived fungus Aspergillus niger S-48. Among them, natural compounds 1 and 2 were tentatively subjected to benzohydrazide reaction to evaluate the importance of pyran rings in NγPs. Their structures were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data and MS spectra. Compounds 1–4 showed obvious activity for reducing cholesterol absorption verging on ezetimibe. This work highlighted the potential of natural NγPs as NPC1L1 inhibitors.
Exogenous Melatonin Activating Nuclear Factor E2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) Pathway via Melatonin Receptor to Reduce Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Antler Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Jing Huansong , Sun Xuyang , Li Mengqi , Peng Jingna , Gu Xiaoying , Xiong Jiajun
Published: April 2022

Antler growth depends on the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and this process may be adversely affected by oxidative stress. Melatonin (MLT) has antioxidant functions, but its role in Cervidae remains largely unknown. In this article, flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS) identification, qPCR, and other methods were used to investigate the protective mechanism of MLT in H2O2-induced oxidative stress of antler MSCs. The results showed that MLT significantly increases cell viability by relieving the oxidative stress of antler MSCs. MLT inhibits cell apoptosis by protecting mitochondrial function. We blocked the melatonin receptor with luzindole (Luz) and found that the receptor blockade significantly increases H2O2-induced hyperoxide levels and causes significant inhibition of mitochondrial function. MLT treatment activates the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant signaling pathway, up-regulates the expression of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and other genes and it could inhibit apoptosis. In contrast, the melatonin receptor blockade down-regulates the expression of Nrf2 pathway-related genes, but significantly up-regulates the expression of apoptotic genes. It was indicated that MLT activates the Nrf2 pathway through the melatonin receptor and alleviates H2O2-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in antler MSCs. This study provides a theoretical basis for further studying the oxidative stress and antioxidant process of antler MSCs and, thereby, increasing antler yields.
Unique Properties of Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles for Bio-Application: Functionalization Mechanisms and Importance in Application
Authors: Ahmad Faheem , Salem-Bekhit Mounir M. , Khan Faryad , Alshehri Sultan , Khan Amir , Ghoneim Mohammed M. , Wu Hui-Fen , Taha Ehab I. , Elbagory Ibrahim
Published: April 2022

This review tries to summarize the purpose of steadily developing surface-functionalized nanoparticles for various bio-applications and represents a fascinating and rapidly growing field of research. Due to their unique properties—such as novel optical, biodegradable, low-toxicity, biocompatibility, size, and highly catalytic features—these materials are considered superior, and it is thus vital to study these systems in a realistic and meaningful way. However, rapid aggregation, oxidation, and other problems are encountered with functionalized nanoparticles, inhibiting their subsequent utilization. Adequate surface modification of nanoparticles with organic and inorganic compounds results in improved physicochemical properties which can overcome these barriers. This review investigates and discusses the iron oxide nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, platinum nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and silica-coated nanoparticles and how their unique properties after fabrication allow for their potential use in a wide range of bio-applications such as nano-based imaging, gene delivery, drug loading, and immunoassays. The different groups of nanoparticles and the advantages of surface functionalization and their applications are highlighted here. In recent years, surface-functionalized nanoparticles have become important materials for a broad range of bio-applications.
Nano Metal-Containing Photocatalysts for the Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds: Doping, Performance, and Mechanisms
Authors: Cheng Rong , Xia Jincheng , Wen Junying , Xu Pingping , Zheng Xiang
Published: April 2022

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air are considered a major threat to human health and environmental safety. The development of applicable technologies for the removal of VOCs is urgently needed. Nowadays, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) based on metal-containing photocatalysts has been regarded as a promising method. However, unmodified photocatalysts are generally limited in applications because of the narrow light response range and high recombination rate of photo-generated carriers. As a result, nano metal-containing photocatalysts doped with elements or other materials have attracted much attention from researchers and has developed over the past few decades. In addition, different doping types cause different levels of catalyst performance, and the mechanism for performance improving is also different. However, there are few reviews focusing on this aspect, which is really important for catalyst design and application. This work aims to give a comprehensive overview of nano metal-containing photocatalysts with different doping types for the removal of VOCs in an indoor environment. First, the undoped photocatalysts and the basic mechanism of PCO is introduced. Then, the application of metal doping, non-metal doping, co-doping, and other material doping in synthetic metal-containing photocatalysts are discussed and compared, respectively, and the synthesis methods, removal efficiency, and mechanisms are further investigated. Finally, a development trend for using nano metal-containing photocatalysts for the removal of VOCs in the future is proposed. This work provides a meaningful reference for selecting effective strategies to develop novel photocatalysts for the removal of VOCs in the future.
Growth, Electronic and Electrical Characterization of Ge-Rich Ge–Sb–Te Alloy
Authors: Díaz Fattorini Adriano , Chèze Caroline , López García Iñaki , Petrucci Christian , Bertelli Marco , Righi Riva Flavia , Prili Simone , Privitera Stefania M. S. , Buscema Marzia , Sciuto Antonella , Di Franco Salvatore , D’Arrigo Giuseppe , Longo Massimo , De Simone Sara , Mussi Valentina , Placidi Ernesto , Cyrille Marie-Claire , Tran Nguyet-Phuong , Calarco Raffaella , Arciprete Fabrizio
Published: April 2022

In this study, we deposit a Ge-rich Ge–Sb–Te alloy by physical vapor deposition (PVD) in the amorphous phase on silicon substrates. We study in-situ, by X-ray and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopies (XPS and UPS), the electronic properties and carefully ascertain the alloy composition to be GST 29 20 28. Subsequently, Raman spectroscopy is employed to corroborate the results from the photoemission study. X-ray diffraction is used upon annealing to study the crystallization of such an alloy and identify the effects of phase separation and segregation of crystalline Ge with the formation of grains along the [111] direction, as expected for such Ge-rich Ge–Sb–Te alloys. In addition, we report on the electrical characterization of single memory cells containing the Ge-rich Ge–Sb–Te alloy, including I-V characteristic curves, programming curves, and SET and RESET operation performance, as well as upon annealing temperature. A fair alignment of the electrical parameters with the current state-of-the-art of conventional (GeTe)n-(Sb2Te3)m alloys, deposited by PVD, is found, but with enhanced thermal stability, which allows for data retention up to 230 °C.
High Modulation Depth Enabled by Mo2Ti2C3Tx MXene for Q-Switched Pulse Generation in a Mid-Infrared Fiber Laser
Authors: Guo Xin , Wang Shuai , Yan Peiguang , Wang Jinzhang , Yu Linpeng , Liu Wenjun , Zheng Zhijian , Guo Chunyu , Ruan Shuangchen
Published: April 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) materials show great promise as saturable absorbers (SAs) for ultrafast fiber lasers. However, the relatively low modulation depth and poor stability of some 2D materials, such as graphene and black phosphorus, restrict their applications in the mid-infrared pulse generation. Herein, we first report a novel 2D double transition metal carbide, denoted as Mo2Ti2C3Tx MXene, as the saturable absorber (SA) for a passively Q-switched mid-infrared fiber laser. Due to the unique four-metal atomic layer structure, the Mo2Ti2C3Tx exhibits superior saturable absorption properties, particularly with a higher modulation depth (40% at 2796 nm) than most of the other reported 2D SA materials. After incorporating the MXene SA with an erbium-doped fiber system, the passively Q-switched pulses were achieved with a repetition rate of 157.3 kHz, the shortest pulse width of 370 ns, and single-pulse energy of 1.92 μJ, respectively. Such results extend the MXene-based SAs as promising candidates for advanced photonic devices.
Eco-Friendly and Complete Recycling of Waste Bamboo-Based Disposable Paper Cups for Value-Added Transparent Cellulose-Based Films and Paper Plastic Composites
Authors: Jia Peng , Ji Xiaoqian , Zheng Bin , Wang Chunyang , Hao Wenjie , Han Wenjia , Zhang Jun , Xia Guangmei , Ji Xingxiang , Zhang Jinming
Published: April 2022

Disposable paper cups are widely used in daily life and most of them are landfilled or incinerated after use, resulting in a serious ecological hazard and significant waste of resources due to the usage of thin polyethylene (PE) as their inner coating. Hence, converting these common solid domestic wastes into high-value added materials is attractive and meaningful. In this study, transparent cellulose-based films were achieved from old bamboo-based disposable paper cups after pretreatment through using the room ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl) as solvent. The cellulose-based film with a dense texture demonstrated a relatively nice mechanical and UV-shielding performances, and its tensile strength was as high as 48 MPa, much higher than that of commercial polyethylene (PE, 12 MPa) film. Thus, the resultant cellulose-based film showed a great potential in the packaging field. Besides, the flexible paper plastic composites (PPC) were also fabricated from the rest thin PE coating with the stuck fibers, and it was found that PPC showed excellent mechanical property and hydrophobicity. Consequently, a feasible and eco-friendly process of recycling and reusing waste disposable paper cups was developed to achieve a complete utilization and valorization of waste disposable paper cups.
What Do School Children Know about Climate Change? A Social Sciences Approach
Authors: Morote Álvaro-Francisco , Hernández María
Published: April 2022

One of the subject areas that is currently most prominent in the field of education (Social Science) is climate change, given its implications for raising awareness and training the present and future society. The objectives of this study, focused on school children (Primary Education—10 to 12 years old; third cycle, Secondary Education—12–16 years old; and pre-university, Baccalaureate—17–18 years old) in the Region of Valencia (Spain), are to analyse the following: the main information channels through which children receive information on climate change; the causes and consequences that they identify with respect to this phenomenon; and the main greenhouse gas that they believe is in the atmosphere. Based on the 575 students surveyed during the academic year 2020–2021, the results indicate that the three main information media are digital (TV—82.8%, Internet—56.2% and social networks—49.4%). With respect to the causes of the phenomenon identified by the students, particularly noteworthy was pollution (70.1%) and, in terms of the effects, the increase and changes in temperature (61.7%) were of particular note. Finally, with reference to greenhouse gases, the majority responded CO2 (63.5%). This is incorrect, as the main greenhouse gas in the atmosphere is water vapour. To sum up, we can highlight the role played by schools in training the future society and the risk arising from an increase in the information received from digital media by children as they grow older, due to the danger of misinformation.
Laboratory Tests of Water Level Regulators in Ditches of Irrigation Systems
Authors: Urbański Janusz , Bajkowski Sławomir , Siwicki Piotr , Oleszczuk Ryszard , Brandyk Andrzej , Popek Zbigniew
Published: April 2022

Observed changes in hydrological conditions indicate the need for economical use of water. This pertains to water management on a national scale, river basins and drainage systems. The outflow of water can be extensively regulated after various forms of retention in the catchment. The water level regulators presented herein enable the damming of water in drainage networks and the adjacent ground. Their advantages include their simple structure and operation principles and also the ability to adapt to currently existing devices in sub-irrigation systems. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the hydraulic characteristics and operating conditions of three innovative regulator solutions. They focused on changing water damming heights by the closure of successively placed beams in order to obtain the required water level in the given hydrometeorological conditions. The structures of the regulators were made of plastics and rectilinear fillings for securing S-type excavations and elements of sheet piling with a developed shape in the plan of U and Z types, offering advantages compared to traditional materials (with respect to installation, operation and durability). All tested regulators were characterized by the effective flow Qe, caused by water leaks due to the lack of tightness of the regulator elements. The regulator with rectilinear beams of S-type closures offered the highest effective flow, which was 4 ÷ 5 times higher than in other regulators. U- and Z-type regulators were better at facilitating the regulation of the water table and the flow than the S rectilinear regulator. This led to both: the greater tightness of connections and the use of an overflow with a developed crest in the plan. The U and Z controllers had the highest hydraulic efficiency, expressed as the flow increase coefficient, at overflow layer heights of up to 5.0 cm. For tested fillings larger than 5.0 cm, U-type beams with a cylindrical corner shape had a lower flow increase coefficient (kq = 1.25) than Z-type beams with an angular corner shape, for which kq ∈ <1.35 ÷ 1.38>.
GenSelfHolding: Fusing Selfish Mining and Block Withholding Attacks on Bitcoin Revisited
Authors: Dong Xuewen , Gao Sheng
Published: April 2022

Due to the monetary value of Bitcoin, the most influential digital cryptocurrency in the world, Bitcoin has naturally become a valuable target of attacks, resulting in the emergence of many attack strategies on it. Among those attack strategies, selfish mining and block withholding attacks are two typical ones and attackers can obtain higher revenues under certain conditions than with an honest mining strategy. However, the combination of them will be a new type and more serious attack, which has not been analyzed in depth. In this paper, we propose GenSelfHolding, a general combined attack model with one selfish mining pool and random multiple honest pools on Bitcoin. Based on Markov chain, a general state transition graph and a general state distribution probability are presented to describe the internal features of our model. A general principle is then provided to calculate the attacker’s revenue. In addition, we give a detailed proof of the unique stable distribution of state transition probabilities. Such proof is an essential prerequisite for us to further present stable attacker revenue expressions under two specific scenarios, the GenSelfHolding model with two/three honest mining pools. Simulation results validate that the revenues of the attacker in these two specific models can reach up to 40% higher than those of classic selfish attackers in some cases.
The Special Measures for Quality and Challenged Provider Regimes in the English NHS: A Rapid Evaluation of a National Improvement Initiative for Failing Healthcare Organisations
Authors: Vindrola-Padros Cecilia , Ledger Jean , Hill Melissa , Tomini Sonila , Spencer Jonathan , Fulop Naomi J.
Published: April 2022

Background: There is limited knowledge about interventions used for the improvement of low-performing healthcare organisations and their unintended consequences. Our evaluation sought to understand how healthcare organisations in the National Health Service (NHS) in England responded to a national improvement initiative (the Special Measures for Quality [SMQ] and challenged provider [CP] regimes) and its perceived impact on achieving quality improvements (QIs). Methods: Our evaluation included national-level interviews with key stakeholders involved in the delivery of SMQ (n=6); documentary analysis (n=20); and a qualitative study based on interviews (n=60), observations (n=8) and documentary analysis (n=291) in eight NHS case study sites. The analysis was informed by literature on failure, turnaround and QI in organisations in the public sector. Results: At the policy level, SMQ/CP regimes were intended to be "support" programmes, but perceptions of the interventions at hospital level were mixed. The SMQ/CP regimes tended to consider failure at an organisational level and turnaround was visualised as a linear process. There was a negative emotional impact reported by staff, especially in the short-term. Key drivers of change included: engaged senior leadership teams, strong clinical input and supportive external partnerships within local health systems. Trusts focused efforts to improve across multiple domains with particular investment in improving overall staff engagement, developing an open, listening organisational culture and better governance to ensure clinical safety and reporting. Conclusion: Organisational improvement in healthcare requires substantial time to embed and requires investment in staff to drive change and cultivate QI capabilities at different tiers. The time this takes may be underestimated by external ‘turn-around’ interventions and performance regimes designed to improve quality in the short-term and which come at an emotional cost for staff. Shifting an improvement focus to the health system or regional level may promote sustainable improvement across multiple organisations over the long-term.
Evaluation of the anticonvulsant effect of carvacrol in Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in male mice: N-Methyl-D-Aspartic Acid receptor role
Authors: Amini-khoei Hossein , Nasiri Boroujeni Shakiba , Lorigooini Zahra , Yadollahi Sepideh , Solati Dehkordi Seyyed Kamal , Rafieian Koopai Mahmoud
Published: April 2022

Background. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders after stroke. Due to the side effects and poor response of conventional anticonvulsant drugs, researchers have turned their attention to find new drugs. Carvacrol is a phenolic compound with neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects. The aim of the study was to investigate the anticonvulsant effects of carvacrol in PTZ-induced seizures in male mice and to investigate the role of N-Methyl-D-Aspartic Acid (NMDA) receptor. Methods. In the present experimental study, 90 mice were randomly divided into 9 groups (n=10). Drugs were injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before PTZ injection. Then, seizure onset time, serum and brain antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and NMDA receptor gene expression in the hippocampus were examined. Results. Seizure onset time in the group received carvacrol (20 and 40 mg/kg) was significantly longer than the PTZ group (P<0.05). Treatment with carvacrol (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly increased serum and brain antioxidant capacity and reduced serum and brain MDA in compared to the PTZ group (at doses of 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg). The expression of NR2A and NR2B subunits of hippocampal NMDA receptors in carvacrol-received mice was significantly lower than the PTZ group (P<0.05). Conclusion. Carvacrol has anticonvulsant effects, possibly by inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing the expression of subunits of NMDA receptors.
Innovation against gender inequalities in agri-food industry
Authors: Modaffari Giuseppe , Manzo Martina
Published: April 2022

In recent years, industrialization and globalization have prompted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to implement a significant technological and managerial innovation process. In Italy, it leads to new entrepreneurial pathways, such as innovative start-ups. The new solutions' implementation becomes even more crucial for a company's sustainability during crises since it improves the organization's flexibility and encourages the development of new tools and techniques. Previous research recognized the intangible assets' relevance in the innovation's creation process, mainly referring to Intellectual Capital (IC) and its components. In particular, Relational Capital (RC) fosters reactive firms' resilience, whereas Structural Capital (SC) helps SMEs respond to challenges proactively. Focusing on the agri-food sector, it has recently reached considerable results in terms of innovation, but it still appears insufficient to stimulate female entrepreneurship. Recent data confirm a remarkable gender gap: for 107 innovative agri-food start-ups in Italy, only 14 are led by women.

Given all this, the paper aims to answer the following Research Questions (RQ).

RQ1: How could RC and SC promote women innovative start-ups in agri-food?

RQ2: How did these factors foster proactive and reactive firms' resilience during the pandemic?

The work uses an exploratory, descriptive qualitative analysis performed during the pandemic emergency and applies the CAOS model, an interpretative model widely used in SMEs' studies since it allows a deep analysis of relational capital. Moreover, the CAOS model can be helpful to observe the SC's innovation.

From a theoretical point of view, the research contributes to gender studies, identifying critical, innovative elements that similar women start-ups could implement. From a managerial perspective, findings could increase the firms' competitiveness in the current crisis period and reduce gender inequality.

The application of a single case study could represent a research's limit. Thus, in the future, the authors aim at replicating the analysis considering a more comprehensive sample.