bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) Spray Coating of Inconel, Colmonoy, and Aluminum on AISI 316L Stainless Steel: A Comparative Investigation of the Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Coatings
Authors: Taghian M. , Heydarian M. , Torkian S. , Dabir M. , Bahrami A. , Mousavi Anijdan S. , Park N.
Published: January 2023

This study examines the effect of high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) coatings of Inconel, aluminum, and Colmonoy on the corrosion resistance of stainless steel substrates. The coated samples were characterized using SEM, XRD, and EDS techniques. Impedance and Tafel tests were used to investigate the coatings corrosion responses at 40, 50, and 60 °C. Inconel-coated specimens showed superior corrosion behavior thanks to the Cr2O3 layers formed between the lamella structures of the coating, preventing chloride ions from diffusing across the coating. Although the Nyquist curve indicated oxide layer formation for the Al-coated sample, the Tafel test results showed severe corrosion.
Research on Tool Wear and Surface Integrity of CFRPs with Mild Milling Parameters
Authors: Qiu Jun , Zhang Shunqi , Li Bo , Li Yi , Wang Libiao
Published: January 2023

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites are widely used in aviation and aerospace applications due to their excellent mechanical properties. Numerous studies have focused on tool wear at extreme machining parameters (f ≥ 540 mm/min) to accelerate tool wear experiments. However, using mild machining parameters is also instructive for current process production. To investigate the effect of wear on the surface integrity of CFRPs under mild parameters, a tool wear experiment on CFRPs was carried out at a conventional feed rate (f = 60 mm/min). The results show a cutting temperature increase of 47%, a cutting force increase of 53% and a flank wear width increase of 282% for PCD tools (with mild milling parameters) from 0 to 100 m of cutting length. As the cutting temperature reaches the glass transition temperature, Tg, during the stable wear stage, severe burrs and a large number of cavities appeared on the groove, and the subsurface with granular wear on flank wear land due to the transform of the matrix. Furthermore, Ra and Rz exhibit good indicators of cutting length and subsurface damage.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of High-Resolution X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (HR-XAS) at the Cu K-Edge for Cu2ZnSnSe4
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Yujun , Ishii Kenji , Wadati Hiroki , Zhu Yingcai , Guo Zhiying , Diao Qianshun , Hong Zhen , Han Haijiao , Zhao Lidong
Published: January 2023

Energy sustainability is critical for social activities in the human world. The quaternary compound Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe), as a promising candidate for thin-film solar cell absorption with medium-level thermoelectric performance, is of interest for the purpose of utilizing solar energy. The defect chemistry and atomic ordering in this particular compound also triggers interests in understanding its crystallographic structure as well as defects. Hereby, high energy resolution X-ray absorption spectroscopy is employed to investigate the electronic and geometric structural complexity in pristine and cobalt-doped Cu2ZnSnSe4. The occupational atomic sites of Cu are found to be mixed with the Zn atoms, forming CuZn anti-defects, which serve as a knob to tune local electronic structures. With proper doping, the band structure can be manipulated to improve the optical and thermoelectric properties of the CZTSe compounds.
Skin Anti-Aging Efficacy of a Four-Botanical Blend Dietary Ingredient: A Randomized, Double Blind, Clinical Study
Authors: Nobile Vincenzo , Schiano Irene , Germani Ludovica , Cestone Enza , Navarro Pau , Jones Jonathan , Caturla Nuria
Published: January 2023

Plant polyphenols have been found to be effective in preventing or reducing different skin alterations. A dietary approach based on these compounds could be a safe and effective method to slow down or prevent age-associated deterioration of skin appearance and function. In a previous study, a specific combination of four botanical extracts (pomegranate, sweet orange, herba Cistanche, and Centella asiatica) exhibited potential anti-aging effects in a dermal fibroblast cell model. The present study aims to clinically evaluate the safety and anti-aging efficacy of this new botanical ingredient (eternalyoung®). To this end, a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out in 60 Caucasian women with evident signs of both chrono- and photoaging. Product efficacy was measured as follows: skin moisturization (corneometer), transepidermal water loss (tewameter), skin radiance, and color (spectrophotometer), skin elasticity and firmness (cutometer), skin roughness (image analysis), and skin thickness (ultrasound). Both intergroup and intragroup analysis proved that the daily intake of 225 mg of the active ingredient was enough to produce visible and structural improvements to the skin and to the signs of aging without any side effects. Statistically significant improvements compared to the placebo group were observed as early as 4 weeks regarding wrinkle depth, elasticity, firmness, skin thickness, skin moisturization, transepidermal water loss, and dark spots pigmentation. In addition, the subjects who consumed the blend reported better scores on the self-assessment questionnaires. Our results suggest that the intake of the test product can positively affect the appearance, barrier function, and skin density of aged skin after 12 weeks of treatment.
Lyotropic Liquid Crystal System for Drug Delivery of Astaxanthin: Physical Characterization and Enhanced Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Kumari Sapna , Goyal Anju , Garg Madhukar , Antonescu Angela , Sindhu Rakesh K.
Published: January 2023

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid, well known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, owing to its unsaturated molecular structure. Aquatic plants and animals contain the hydrophobic carotenoid astaxanthin, which is thought to possess a number of advantageous biological traits. However, due to its weak bioavailability and low water solubility, its use as a nutraceutical in food is currently restricted. Cubosomal encapsulation has been considered an effective alternative for improving the bioavailability and solubility of hydrophobic bioactives. The current paper aimed to conquer these issues by encapsulating astaxanthin in lyotropic liquid crystal nano-formulations prepared via the fabrication method. The physicochemical properties of astaxanthin-loaded cubosomes (AST-LC) have also been analyzed, in order to know the morphology of the prepared formulations and their bioavailability in the biological system. The formulation has been tested for particle size, thermal behavior, zeta potential, crystallinity, encapsulation efficiency, and drug-polymer interactions. The observed experimental results showed the particle size and zeta potential of astaxanthin-loaded cubosomes (AST-LC) as 199 ± 0.23 nm −27.4 ± 4.67 mV, with a small polydispersity index (0.283 ± 1.01). The cubic structure and nano-range size of the ideal formulation were verified by a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and (HRTEM) high-resolution transmission electron microscopic examination. The formulation exhibits a higher encapsulation efficiency with good yield. Results from X-ray diffraction and diffraction scanning calorimetry demonstrated an amorphous state of astaxanthin incorporated into the formulation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of AST-LC showed the absence of astaxanthin main peaks, indicating its complete encapsulation inside the formulation. The drug–excipient interaction was carried out with diffraction scanning calorimetry DSC and FTIR, resulting in no interaction between them. These results offered important details about increasing astaxanthin bioavailability by incorporating it into cubosomes. Furthermore, the astaxanthin loaded into cubosomes has been evaluated for antioxidant potency, compared with astaxanthin extract using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazylassay (DPPH assay).
The Structure, Property, and Ion Irradiation Effects of Pyrochlores: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Jing Chong , Ding Zhao-Ying , Zhang Yun-Zhuo , Wei Tao , Ouyang Jia-Hu , Liu Zhan-Guo , Wang Yu-Jin , Wang Ya-Ming
Published: January 2023

Since the beginning of the use of nuclear energy, humans have been faced with the problem of radionuclide disposal. At present, a large amount of waste is stored in pools or dry tanks at reactor sites. With the development of the nuclear power generation industry worldwide, the high storage cost (including building, maintaining, and operating storage pools) is overwhelming and serious, and urgent radionuclide disposal problems have become increasingly difficult. Safe and economical strategies are urgently needed for long-term storage and disposal of nuclear waste, which has become among the core issues in the utilization of nuclear energy. Pyrochlore ceramics are able to immobilize a variety of radionuclides and have excellent irradiation stability, so they have received extensive attention as hosts of radionuclides waste. This review summarizes the structure, composition, synthesis process, properties, and irradiation stability of pyrochlore ceramics, focusing on the ion irradiation effect of pyrochlore. In general, the cation radii ratio rA/rB is a key parameter related to various properties of pyrochlores. Zirconate pyrochlore is more easily transformed from pyrochlore to defective fluorite, and leads to better irradiation resistance.
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of Intermediate Transformation Structures in Electric Arc Surfacing Modified with Titanium Carbonitrides on Pipe Steel
Authors: Pavel Kuznetsov , Nina Galchenko , Yury Pochivalov
Published: January 2023

In the present paper, the structure of electric arc coatings modified with nanodispersed titanium carbonitride additives on low-carbon pipe steel is studied using optical, scanning tunneling, and transmission electron microscopy. The obtained “substrate-modified surface” compositions are tested for fracture toughness, and the derived test results are compared with the data for the compositions formed using commercial electrodes. It is found that the introduction of titanium carbonitride nanoparticles with the estimated content from 0.15 to 1 wt% refines the ferrite–pearlite structure. Scanning tunneling microscopy reveals acicular and lamellar structures in local regions of ferrite grains, which, by morphological features, are identified as lower bainite and acicular ferrite. It is concluded that the increase in fracture toughness of the “substrate-modified surface” composition is of a complex nature. First of all, this increase is associated with grain refinement, while the formation of intermediate transformation structures plays a secondary role.
Raman- and Infrared-Active Phonons in Nonlinear Semiconductor AgGaGeS4
Authors: Valakh Mykhailo , Litvinchuk Alexander P. , Havryliuk Yevhenii , Yukhymchuk Volodymyr , Dzhagan Volodymyr , Solonenko Dmytro , Kulinich Sergei A. , Piskach Lyudmyla , Kogut Yuriy , He Lu , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: January 2023

AgGaGeS4 is an emerging material with promising nonlinear properties in the near- and mid-infrared spectral ranges. Here, the experimental phonon spectra of AgGaGeS4 single crystals synthesized by a modified Bridgman method are presented. The infrared absorption spectra are reported. They are obtained from the fitting of reflectivity to a model dielectric function comprising a series of harmonic phonon oscillators. In the Raman spectra, several modes are registered, which were not detected in previous works. The analysis of the experimental vibrational bands is performed on the basis of a comparison with reported data on structurally related binary, ternary, and quaternary metal chalcogenides. The temperature dependence of the Raman spectra between room temperature and 15 K is also investigated.
Diagnostic Value of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging with Background Body Signal Suppression (DWIBS) for the Pre-Therapeutic Loco-Regional Staging of Cervical Cancer: A Feasibility and Interobserver Reliability Study
Authors: Schleder Stephan , May Matthias , Scholz Carsten , Dinkel Johannes , Strotzer Quirin , Einspieler Ingo , Dollinger Marco , Schreyer Andreas G. , Grassinger Jochen , Schicho Andreas
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths and the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for loco-regional staging of cervical cancer in the primary diagnostic workup beginning with at least stage IB. (2) Methods: we retrospectively analyzed 16 patients with histopathological proven cervical cancer (FIGO IB1–IVA) for the diagnostic accuracy of standard MRI and standard MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) for the correct pre-therapeutic assessment of the definite FIGO category. (3) Results: In 7 out of 32 readings (22%), DWIBS improved diagnostic accuracy. With DWIBS, four (13%) additional readings were assigned the correct major (I–IV) FIGO stages pre-therapeutically. Interobserver reliability of DWIBS was weakest for parametrial infiltration (k = 0.43; CI-95% 0.00–1.00) and perfect for tumor size <2 cm, infiltration of the vaginal lower third, infiltration of adjacent organs and loco-regional nodal metastases (k = 1.000; CI-95% 1.00–1.00). (4) Conclusions: the pre-therapeutic staging of cervical cancer has a high diagnostic accuracy and interobserver reliability when using standard MRI but can be further optimized with the addition of DWIBS sequences when reporting is performed by an experienced radiologist.
Obesity and Breast Cancer: Interaction or Interference with the Response to Therapy?
Authors: Riondino Silvia , Formica Vincenzo , Valenzi Elena , Morelli Cristina , Flaminio Valeria , Portarena Ilaria , Torino Francesco , Roselli Mario
Published: January 2023

Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are widely used for treating hormone-sensitive breast cancer (BC). Obesity, however, due to aromatase-mediated androgen conversion into estradiol in the peripheral adipose tissue, might impair AI inhibitory capacity. We aimed at identifying a cut-off of body mass index (BMI) with significant prognostic impact, in a cohort of stage I-II BC patients on systemic adjuvant therapy with AI. Methods: we retrospectively evaluated routinely collected baseline parameters. The optimal BMI cut-off affecting disease-free survival (DFS) in AI-treated BC patients was identified through maximally selected rank statistics; non-linear association between BMI and DFS in the AI cohort was assessed by hazard-ratio-smoothed curve analysis using BMI as continuous variable. The impact of the BMI cut-off on survival outcomes was estimated through Kaplan–Meier plots, with log-rank test and hazard ratio estimation comparing patient subgroups. Results: A total of 319 BC patients under adjuvant endocrine therapy and/or adjuvant chemotherapy were included. Curve-fitting analysis showed that for a BMI cut-off >29 in AI-treated BC patients (n = 172), DFS was increasingly deteriorating and that the impact of BMI on 2-year DFS identified a cut-off specific only for the cohort of postmenopausal BC patients under adjuvant therapy with AI. Conclusion: in radically resected hormone-sensitive BC patients undergoing neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and treated with AI, obesity represents a risk factor for recurrence, with a significantly reduced 2-year DFS.
The Experience of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Menopausal Symptoms, Sleep Disturbance, and Body Image among Patients with Breast Cancer—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Chang Yun-Chen , Lin Gen-Min , Tseng Tzuhui Angie , Vitale Elsa , Yang Ching-Hsu , Yang Ya-Ling
Published: January 2023

Background and Aim: The objective was to decrease patient menopausal symptoms, sleep disturbance, and body image using a nonpharmacological therapy for cultivating key healthy lifestyle habits in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The participants were 26 women with breast cancer who had recently received structured mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training in a clinical trial. Focus groups and interviews were conducted, during which the participants were asked semistructured, open-ended questions regarding the experiences of MBSR. Results: The participants indicated that MBSR helped them to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, and improve sleep quality and be more at ease with the external aspect of their body. On the other hand, during MBSR intervention in a group manner, the participants felt more psychological support and an outlet for sharing negative emotional experiences. Conclusion: This study identified the short-term benefits associated with group-based MBSR for women with breast cancer. In addition, our research identified the difficulties of intervention measures and coping methods. The study described the benefits of MBSR for patients with breast cancer. The findings of this study will help nursing staff identify the main coping menopausal symptoms and control negative mental health.
The Mitochondrial Genome of the Globally Invasive Barnacle Megabalanus coccopoma Darwin 1854 (Crustacea: Balanomorpha): Rearrangement and Phylogenetic Consideration within Balanomorpha
Authors: Zhang Mengjuan , Cai Yuefeng , Ji Nanjing , Chan Benny Kwok Kan , Shen Xin
Published: January 2023

Megabalanus coccopoma (Darwin, 1854) is a globally invasive species in Balanomorpha (Crustacea). This species is a model organism for studying marine pollution and ecology. However, its mitogenome remains unknown. The mitogenome sequencing of M. coccopoma is completed in the present study. It has a 15,098 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), along with a putative regulatory area. A substantial A+T bias was observed in the genome composition (68.2%), along with a negative AT (0.82) and GC (−0.136) skew. Compared to the gene sequence of the ground model of pan-crustacea, 13 gene clusters (or genes), such as 10 tRNAs and 3 PCGs, were observed in a different order. This was in line with the previously observed large-scale gene rearrangements of Balanomorpha. Among the 37 genes, the gene cluster (M-nad2-W-cox1-L2-cox2-D-atp8-atp6-cox3-G- nad3-R-N-A-E-S1) Balanomorpha was conserved. Furthermore, phylogeny analysis indicated that the existing Balanomorpha species family was divided into nine rearrangement patterns, supporting the polyphyly of Balanoidea.
Possible Population Growth of Astrospartus mediterraneus (Risso, 1826) (Ophiuroidea, Gorgonocephalidae) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Canessa Martina , Betti Federico , Bo Marzia , Enrichetti Francesco , Toma Margherita , Bavestrello Giorgio
Published: January 2023

During the last decades, the number of observations of the basket star Astrospartus mediterraneus (Risso, 1826) in the Mediterranean Sea has significantly grown, thanks to SCUBA diver and ROV sightings, citizen reports, as well as particularly large catches by the artisanal fishery. Having been generally considered rare in many areas of the basin, such a long-term increase of records might assign to this basket star the putative role of a winner species in the context of climate changes. In the present study, we combined the overall literature information with the data available for the Ligurian Sea collected during extensive ROV campaigns conducted between 2012 and 2022 at a depth ranging from 20 to 123 m, to better understand the distribution and abundance of this species. The basket star was observed in almost the whole explored bathymetric range living on gorgonians (Eunicella cavolini, E. verrucosa, Paramuricea clavata, and Leptogorgia sarmentosa) and massive sponges (Aplysina cavernicola, Sarcotragus foetidus, Spongia lamella, and Axinella polypoides). In the considered period, the number of recorded specimens did not show a clear trend, but differences emerged over years and months. These variations were strongly correlated with rainfall amounts that, in oligotrophic waters, such as those of the Ligurian Sea, represent an important input of organic matter for these passive filter feeders, especially in the summertime.
A Low-Resolution Used Electronic Parts Image Dataset for Sorting Application
Authors: Chand Praneel
Published: January 2023

The accumulation of electronic waste (e-waste) is becoming a problem in society. Old parts and components are conveniently discarded instead of being recycled. Economic and environmental measures should be taken by individuals and organizations to enhance sustainability. This could include desoldering and reusing parts from electronic circuit boards. Hence, the purpose of the dataset presented in this paper is for the classification of used electronic parts in linear voltage regulator power supply circuits. The dataset presented in this paper comprises low-resolution (30 × 30 pixels) grayscale images of major reusable electronic parts from a typical adjustable regulated linear voltage power supply kitset. The three major reusable parts are capacitors, potentiometers, and voltage regulator ICs. These are typically the most relatively expensive components. Data representing the parts are extracted from 960 × 720 pixel workspace images containing multiple parts. This permits the dataset to be used with multiple types of classifiers, such as lightweight shallow neural networks (SNNs), support vector machines (SVMs), or convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Classification accuracies of 93.5%, 94.9%, and 98.4% were achieved with SNNs, SVMs, and CNNs, respectively. Successful detection and classification of parts will permit a Niryo Ned robotic arm to pick and place parts in the desired locations. The dataset can be used by other academics and researchers working with the Niryo Ned robot and Matlab to handle electronic parts. It can be expanded to include relatively expensive components from other types of electronic circuit boards.
Outcome Measures of In-Office Endovenous Radiofrequency Treatment of Varicose Vein Feasibility
Authors: Pannone Alfonso , Di Girolamo Alessia , Orrico Matteo , Mangialardi Nicola
Published: January 2023

RFA is a relatively new treatment, approved by the FDA in 1999 and is a minimally invasive intervention that has become one of the most common alternatives due to its many advantages, including decreased pain, less morbidity, shorter hospital stay and faster return to work. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 503 limbs submitted for surgical interventions for VVs using the RFA, combined or not with surgical phlebectomies and sclerotherapy, in our institution between April 2012 and December 2020. The technical success was 99.8%, as in one case the RFA catheter arrested at the first third of the thigh due to the tortuosity of the vessel. On the first post-operative day, the mean VAS scale was 0.32 ± 0.56 (0–2). Perioperative complications occurred in 77 cases (15.3%): intraoperative pain in 24 cases, in nine cases associated with vagal syndrome, superficial hematoma in 30 cases, EHIT in seven cases, phlebitis in 14 cases and paresthesia in two cases. RFA procedures had been shown to be cost-effective therapeutic options in adult patients requiring treatment due to the incompetence of the GSV. In our study, we highlighted that this technique is feasible as an ambulatory procedure; it improves quality of life and symptoms in the majority of patients with varicose veins, with a rapid return to normal life and work activities.
Effect of Operational Parameters of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) on Droplet Deposition in Trellised Pear Orchard
Authors: Qi Peng , Zhang Lanting , Wang Zhichong , Han Hu , Müller Joachim , Li Tian , Wang Changling , Huang Zhan , He Miao , Liu Yajia , He Xiongkui
Published: January 2023

Background: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being used commercially for crop protection in East Asia as a new type of equipment for pesticide applications, which is receiving more and more attention worldwide. A new model of pear cultivation called the ‘Double Primary Branches Along the Row Flat Type’ standard trellised pear orchards (FT orchard) is widely used in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries because it saves manpower and is suitable for mechanization compared to traditional spindle and open-center cultivation. The disease and pest efficacy of the flat-type trellised canopy structure of this cultivation is a great challenge. Therefore, a UAV spraying trial was conducted in an FT orchard, and a four-factor (SV: Spray application volume rate, FS: Flight speed, FH: Flight height, FD: Flight direction) and 3-level orthogonal test were designed. Results: These data were used to analyze the effect, including spray coverage, deposit density, coefficient of variation, and penetration coefficient on the canopy, to determine the optimal operating parameters of the UAV for pest efficacy in FT orchards. The analysis of extremes of variance showed that factor FD had a significant effect on both spray coverage and deposition density. Followed by factor FS, which had a greater effect on spray coverage (p < 0.05), and factor SV, FH, which had a greater effect on deposition density (p < 0.05). The effects of different factors on spray coverage and deposit density were FD > FS > FH > SV, FD > FH > SV > FS, in that order. The SV3-FS1-FH1-FD3, which flight along the row with an application rate of 90 L/ha, a flight speed of 1.5 m/s, and a flight height of 4.5 m, was the optimal combination, which produced the highest deposit density and spray coverage. It was determined through univariate analysis of all experimental groups, using droplet density of 25/cm2 and spray coverage of 1%, and uniformity of 40% as the measurement index, that T4 and T8 performed the best and could meet the control requirements in different horizontal and vertical directions of the pear canopy. The parameters were as follows: flight along the tree rows, application rate not less than 75 L/ha, flight speed no more than 2 m/s, and flight height not higher than 5 m. Conclusion: This article provides ample data to promote innovation in the use of UAVs for crop protection programs in pergola/vertical trellis system orchards such as FT orchards. At the same time, this project provided a comprehensive analysis of canopy deposition methods and associated recommendations for UAV development and applications.
Dynamical Invariant for Dissipative Systems via Complex Quantum Hydrodynamics
Authors: Schuch Dieter , Bonilla-Licea Moise
Published: January 2023

For Hamiltonian systems with time-dependent potential, the Hamiltonian, and thus the energy, is no longer a constant of motion. However, for such systems as the parametric oscillator, i.e., an oscillator with time-dependent frequency ω(t), still, a dynamical invariant can be found that now has the dimension of action. The question, if such an invariant still exists after the addition of a dissipative friction force is analyzed for the classical as well as for the quantum mechanical case from different perspectives, particularly from that of a complex hydrodynamic formulation of quantum mechanics.
Bank Market Structure and SMMEs’ Access to Finance: A South African Perspective
Authors: Ngonisa Phillip , Mgxekwa Bahle , Ndlovu Nomusa , Ngonyama Nomasomi , Mlambo Courage
Published: January 2023

While the importance of the banking sector on various fundamental economic variables is well-documented in the literature, little is known about the relationship between the bank market structure and access to finance for opaque firms, particularly in developing economies such as South Africa. Using ordered probit and logit models, we investigate the impact of bank market structure on small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs)access to finance. Our results show that high bank concentration increases the obstacle to accessing finance for SMMEs in South Africa, and the relationship is non-linear. Thus, to a greater extent, our study validates the market power hypothesis, which argues that low competition diminishes firms’ access to finance.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Economies in 2022
Authors:   Economies Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
COVID-19 and the Mystery of Lumber Price Movements
Authors: Zanello Rebecca , Shi Yin , Zeinolebadi Atefeh , Kooten G. Cornelis van
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented changes in the U.S. price of softwood lumber by more than 300% between 2020 and 2022. The increased volatility of lumber prices after the COVID-19 outbreak remains unexplained. In this paper, we examine how a calibrated random walk can induce similar price volatility through the development of a stochastic process. As a preferred approach, we employ an event model to estimate the impact of COVID-19 and other key events on the price of softwood lumber. The econometric model serves to provide evidence that the price volatility of softwood lumber is not completely random, and we can instead attribute part of the variation to recent regional and global events. We found that, while COVID-19 did result in a price jump, it was smaller than a rainfall event that restricted imports from Canada, while import duties and other trade actions had no discernible impact on U.S. lumber prices.
Effects of Wild Forest Fires on Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of a Boreal Conifer, White Spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss): Implications for Genetic Resource Management and Adaptive Potential under Climate Change
Authors: Rajora Om P. , Fageria Manphool S. , Fitzsimmons Michael
Published: January 2023

Climate change is predicted to increase forest fires in boreal forests, which can threaten the sustainability of forest genetic resources. Wildfires can potentially impact genetic diversity and population structure in forest trees by creating population bottlenecks, and influencing demography, effective population size (Ne) and various evolutionary processes. We have investigated this critical issue in a widely-distributed, transcontinental, ecologically and economically important and fire-intolerant boreal conifer, white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). We tested the hypothesis that in a predominantly outcrossing species with long distance gene flow, such as white spruce, located in primary undisturbed forests, normal forest fires do not adversely affect genetic diversity and population structure. We used 10 nuclear genic and genomic microsatellite loci to examine genetic diversity and population structure of post-fire pristine old-growth (PF-OG) and adjacent post-fire naturally regenerated young (PF-YR) stands. The genetic diversity, inbreeding and genetic differentiation levels, Bayesian population structure, Ne and latent genetic potential were statistically similar between the PF-OG and PF-YR populations. None of the microsatellites showed any signature of selection. Our study demonstrates that normal wild forest fires do not adversely affect genetic diversity, differentiation, and population genetic structure in white spruce. The results should have wide significance for sustainable forest management.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Forests in 2022
Authors:   Forests Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
A Small-Target Forest Fire Smoke Detection Model Based on Deformable Transformer for End-to-End Object Detection
Authors: Huang Jingwen , Zhou Jiashun , Yang Huizhou , Liu Yunfei , Liu Han
Published: January 2023

Forest fires have continually endangered personal safety and social property. To reduce the occurrences of forest fires, it is essential to detect forest fire smoke accurately and quickly. Traditional forest fire smoke detection based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) needs many hand-designed components and shows poor ability to detect small and inconspicuous smoke in complex forest scenes. Therefore, we propose an improved early forest fire smoke detection model based on deformable transformer for end-to-end object detection (deformable DETR). We use deformable DETR as a baseline containing the best sparse spatial sampling for smoke with deformable convolution and relation modeling capability of the transformer. We integrate a Multi-scale Context Contrasted Local Feature module (MCCL) and a Dense Pyramid Pooling module (DPPM) into the feature extraction module for perceiving features of small or inconspicuous smoke. To improve detection accuracy and reduce false and missed detections, we propose an iterative bounding box combination method to generate precise bounding boxes which can cover the entire smoke object. In addition, we evaluate the proposed approach using a quantitative and qualitative self-made forest fire smoke dataset, which includes forest fire smoke images of different scales. Extensive experiments show that our improved model’s forest fire smoke detection accuracy is significantly higher than that of the mainstream models. Compared with deformable DETR, our model shows better performance with improvement of mAP (mean average precision) by 4.2%, APS (AP for small objects) by 5.1%, and other metrics by 2% to 3%. Our model is adequate for early forest fire smoke detection with high detection accuracy of different-scale smoke objects.
Recent Advances on the Production of Itaconic Acid via the Fermentation and Metabolic Engineering
Authors: Zhang Renwei , Liu Huan , Ning Yuchen , Yu Yue , Deng Li , Wang Fang
Published: January 2023

Itaconic acid (ITA) is one of the top 12 platform chemicals. The global ITA market is expanding due to the rising demand for bio-based unsaturated polyester resin and its non-toxic qualities. Although bioconversion using microbes is the main approach in the current industrial production of ITA, ecological production of bio-based ITA faces several issues due to: low production efficiency, the difficulty to employ inexpensive raw materials, and high manufacturing costs. As metabolic engineering advances, the engineering of microorganisms offers a novel strategy for the promotion of ITA bio-production. In this review, the most recent developments in the production of ITA through fermentation and metabolic engineering are compiled from a variety of perspectives, including the identification of the ITA synthesis pathway, the metabolic engineering of natural ITA producers, the design and construction of the ITA synthesis pathway in model chassis, and the creation, as well as application, of new metabolic engineering strategies in ITA production. The challenges encountered in the bio-production of ITA in microbial cell factories are discussed, and some suggestions for future study are also proposed, which it is hoped offers insightful views to promote the cost-efficient and sustainable industrial production of ITA.
Moving towards the Application of Biocatalysis in Food Waste Biorefinery
Authors: Karmee Sanjib Kumar
Published: January 2023

Waste valorization is an important strategy to reduce environmental pollution and dependency on petroleum-based fuels. In this regard, utilization of food waste as a versatile and low-cost resource is important. Several advanced catalytic methods for the valorization of food waste have been widely investigated for the production of liquid biofuels. Along this line, chemical catalysts have been explored for the synthesis of liquid biofuels. Chemo-catalysis is mainly metal based, which requires harsh process conditions. Alternatively, biocatalysts are currently being investigated as a result of several advantages such as mild reaction conditions, recyclability, selectivity and biodegradability. In this work, recent biocatalytic technologies for the preparation of liquid biofuels through food waste valorization are discussed thoroughly. Lipases are employed for the synthesis of biodiesel and the upgradation of bio-oil, whereas methane mono-oxygenases could be explored for the production of methanol via the oxidation of methane generated from food wastes. Industrial production of ethanol from food waste using bioconversion technologies is a success story. To date, there has been no specific report on the use of food waste for propanol preparation using enzymes. The ABE process (Acetone–Butanol–Ethanol) (using suitable microorganisms) is used for butanol preparation, where the vacuum stripping system is integrated to remove butanol from the broth and circumvent inhibition. The synthesis of hydrocarbon fuels from fatty acids and triglycerides can be carried out using enzymes, such as carboxylic acid reductase and fatty acid photodecarboxylase (an algal photoenzyme). Both carboxylic acid reductase and fatty acid photodecarboxylase have not yet been applied in the direct valorization of food wastes. Furthermore, limitations of the reported methods, societal and economic aspects and a fresh perspective on the subject, along with important examples, are described.
Optimization of Solid-State Fermentation Conditions of Quercus liaotungensis by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Li Cong , Ma Longteng , Wang Lifen , Zhang Zixi , Chen Yuguang , Chen Jiashun , Jiang Qian , Song Zehe , He Xi , Tan Bie , Xiao Dingfu , Ma Xiaokang
Published: January 2023

The current study aimed to investigate the solid-state fermentation process of Quercus liaotungensis (QL) by Bacillus subtilis (BS). The parameters included the inoculation amount, the soybean meal addition amount, the fermentation temperature and the ratio of material to water. The optimal process was determined based on the nutritional value, tannin content and DPPH clearance of QL after fermentation. The results showed that: (1) The parameters of the optimal process included inoculating 106 BS per gram of QL, then adding 10% soybean meal, the ratio of material to the water of 100:80, and temperature at 33 °C for 72 h. (2) In the optimum fermentation conditions, the crude fiber content, and the ether extract content of QL decreased by 66.94% and 66.96%, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, the crude protein content and the ash content increased by 65.81% and 4.63%, respectively, after fermentation (p < 0.05). Additionally, the tannin content decreased by 62.77% (p < 0.05), and the DPPH scavenging rate decreased by 45.45% (p < 0.05) after fermentation, respectively. In summary, the QL significantly improved the nutritional value after the solid-state fermentation with BS.
The Genus Chrysosporium: A Potential Producer of Natural Products
Authors: Wang Yifei , Yang Xiaowen , Li Yanjing , Wang Bo , Shi Ting
Published: January 2023

Chrysosporium, a genus of ascomycete fungi in the family Onygenaceae, has the ability to produce abundant new bioactive natural products, providing a structural foundation in drug development. This review includes the sources, distribution, biological activities and structural characteristics of the compounds isolated from Chrysosporium from 1984 to 2021. The results show that 66% of the compounds isolated from Chrysosporium are new natural products. More than half of the Chrysosporium-isolated compounds are from marine-derived Chrysosporium. The chemical structures of Chrysosporium-derived compounds have different skeletons, which are concentrated in alkaloids, polyketides, and lactones. Eighty percent of the natural products isolated from Chrysosporium have been found to have various biological activities, including cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal and enzyme-inhibitory activities. These results demonstrate the potential of Chrysosporium for producing new bioactive secondary metabolites, which can be used as the structural basis for developing new drugs.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Fibers in 2022
Authors:   Fibers Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Understanding Building Resistance to Wildfires: A Multi-Factor Approach
Authors: Samora-Arvela André , Aranha José , Correia Fernando , Pinto Diogo M. , Magalhães Cláudia , Tedim Fantina
Published: January 2023

In terms of researching fire-related structure loss, various factors can affect structure survival during a wildfire. This paper aims to assess which factors were determinants in house resistance in the specific context of a case study of an extreme wildfire in the Central Region of Portugal and therefore which factors should be taken into account in the definition of a municipal mitigation strategy to defend buildings against wildfires. In this context, it is possible to conclude that various factors presented a predominant influence, some in building destruction and others in building survival. The existence of overhanging vegetation and lack of defensible space constitute major factors for structure destruction. the inherent wildfire severity, the location in the forest area, and the structure’s isolation from major roads were equally important factors that induced house destruction. Building survival was determined by its increasing distance from the forest and by its location in a dense urban agglomeration. Thus, a strategy to enhance resilience should include the prohibition of roof overhanging vegetation and the restriction of building permits in forest areas, in isolated locations, and/or very far from major roads. These orientations can be extrapolated to municipalities with similar susceptibility and vulnerability to wildfires.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Shoshone Sculpin Cottus greenei in the Hagerman Valley of South-Central Idaho
Authors: Campbell Matthew R. , Tretter Eric D. , Trainer James C. , Wilkison Richard A.
Published: January 2023

The Shoshone sculpin Cottus greenei is a micro-endemic species and an extreme habitat specialist, geographically restricted to the spring outlets that flow from the Snake River Plain Aquifer into the Snake River within the Hagerman Valley of south central Idaho. Although previous studies documented the range of the species and its relative abundance, no studies have assessed genetic diversity and structure. We sampled 20 populations from throughout the species range and genotyped 1311 with a panel of 12 microsatellite loci. Results indicate very high levels of genetic differentiation among most populations (average pairwise FST = 0.24), indicating limited gene flow. Preservation of the genetic diversity of this species will require the protection and preservation of multiple isolated populations.
Age and Feeding Habits of Caml Grenadier Macrourus caml in Cosmonauts Sea
Authors: Xu Siqing , Sun Peng , Zhang Chi , Li Jianchao , Xi Xiaoyu , Ma Shuyang , Zhang Wenchao , Tian Yongjun
Published: January 2023

Macrourus caml is a main by-catch in the Southern Ocean fishery and a main prey species of Antarctic toothfish Dissostichus mawsoni; it plays an important role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem. In this study, age estimation and stomach content analysis were conducted by using samples collected from the Cosmonauts Sea in 2021. The main objectives of this study were to estimate the age and diet of grenadier M. caml and explore the feeding habits of M. caml. Morphological analysis and molecular identification were conducted to determine the diet of M. caml in this study. Stomach content analysis showed that M. caml mainly fed on Malacostraca, Sagittoidea, Cnidaria and Algae, with the Malacostraca accounting for over 50%. The feeding habits of male and female M. caml were similar. The age of M. caml ranged from 9 to 19 years. Additionally, with the increase of body size, the proportion of Cnidaria was decreasing whereas the proportion of Malacostraca was increasing. The results would provide a reference for exploring the trophic level of M. caml and the food web in the Cosmonauts Sea.
Implementation of Flux Limiters in Simulation of External Aerodynamic Problems on Unstructured Meshes
Authors: Struchkov A. V. , Kozelkov A. S. , Zhuchkov R. N. , Volkov K. N. , Strelets D. Yu.
Published: January 2023

The study is dedicated to the peculiarities of implementing the flux limiter of the flow quantity gradient when solving 3D aerodynamic problems using the system of Navier–Stokes equations on unstructured meshes. The paper describes discretisation of the system of Navier–Stokes equations on a finite-volume method and a mathematical model including Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model and the Advection Upstream Splitting Method (AUSM+) computational scheme for convective fluxes that use a second-order approximation scheme for reconstruction of the solution on a facet. A solution of problems with shock wave structures is considered, where, to prevent oscillations at discontinuous solutions, the order of accuracy is reduced due to the implementation of the limiter function of the gradient. In particular, the Venkatakrishnan limiter was chosen. The study analyses this limiter as it impacts the accuracy of the results and monotonicity of the solution. It is shown that, when the limiter is used in a classical formulation, when the operation threshold is based on the characteristic size of the cell of the mesh, it facilitates suppression of non-physical oscillations in the solution and the upgrade of its monotonicity. However, when computing on unstructured meshes, the Venkatakrishnan limiter in this setup can result in the occurrence of the areas of its accidental activation, and that influences the accuracy of the produced result. The Venkatakrishnan limiter is proposed for unstructured meshes, where the formulation of the operation threshold is proposed based on the gas dynamics parameters of the flow. The proposed option of the function is characterized by the absence of parasite regions of accidental activation and ensures its operation only in the region of high gradients. Monotonicity properties, as compared to the classical formulation, are preserved. Constants of operation thresholds are compared for both options using the example of numerical solution of the problem with shock wave processes on different meshes. Recommendations regarding optimum values of these quantities are provided. Problems with a supersonic flow in a channel with a wedge and transonic flow over NACA0012 airfoil were selected for the examination of the limiter functions applicability. The computation was carried out using unstructured meshes consisting of tetrahedrons, truncated hexahedrons, and polyhedrons. The region of accidental activation of the Venkatakrishnan limiter in a classical formulation, and the absence of such regions in case a modified option of the limiter function, is implemented. The analysis of the flow field around a NACA0012 indicates that the proposed improved implementation of the Venkatakrishnan limiter enables an increase in the accuracy of the solution.