bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Room Temperature Ferromagnetic Properties of Ga14N16−nGd2Cn Monolayers: A First Principle Study
Authors: Tian Shijian , Zhang Libo , Liang Yuan , Xie Ruikuan , Han Li , Lan Shiqi , Lu Aijiang , Huang Yan , Xing Huaizhong , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: March 2023

Electronic and magnetic properties of Ga14N16−nGd2Cn monolayers are investigated by means of the first principle calculation. The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of the density functional theory with the on-site Coulomb energy U was considered (GGA + U). It is found that the total magnetic moment of a Ga14N16Gd2 monolayer is 14 μB with an antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase. C atom substitutional impurity can effectively change the magnetic state of Ga14N16−nGd2Cn monolayers to ferromagnetic phases (FM), and the magnetic moment increases by 1μB/1C. The stable FM phase is due to the p-d coupling orbitals between the C-2p and Gd-5d states. Moreover, Curie temperature (TC) close to room temperature (TR, 300 K) is observed in the Ga14N16Gd2C2 monolayer, and the highest value can reach 261.46 K. In addition, the strain effect has a significant positive effect on the TC of the Ga14N16−nGd2Cn monolayer, which is much higher than the TR, and the highest value is 525.50 K. This provides an opportunity to further explore the application of two-dimensional magnetic materials in spintronic devices.
Influence of Thermal Treatment on the Cross-Sectional Properties of Aerosol-Deposited Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−PbTiO3 Thick Films
Authors: Žiberna Katarina , Šadl Matej , Drnovšek Aljaž , Dražić Goran , Uršič Hana , Benčan Andreja
Published: March 2023

The thermal treatment of electromechanically active thick films prepared by aerosol deposition (AD) is a common practice to improve their electrical and electromechanical properties. We report on how post-deposition annealing in air affects the unique cross-sectional microstructure and mechanical properties of 0.9Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−0.1PbTiO3 thick films prepared by AD. Transmission electron microscopy revealed minor but detectable changes, such as pore redistribution and grain growth after annealing at 500 °C. We also showed that the stainless-steel substrate is strongly affected by the annealing. The hardness and Young’s modulus of the films increased after annealing, with both properties being discussed in terms of their distribution over the cross-sections of the films.
Magnetic Behavior of the Arrays of Iron Cylindrical Nanostructures: Atomistic Spin Model Simulations
Authors: Pastukh Oleksandr , Kac Malgorzata , Pastukh Svitlana , Kuźma Dominika , Zelent Mateusz , Krawczyk Maciej , Laskowski Łukasz
Published: March 2023

Cylindrical ferromagnetic nanowires are of particular interest in nanomaterials science due to various manufacturing methods and a wide range of applications in nanotechnology, with special attention given to those with diameters less than the single domain limit. In the current study, the simulations of magnetic properties of isolated iron nanowires with a diameter of 5 nm and various aspect ratios, as well as two types of arrays of such nanowires (with hexagonal and square arrangement), were performed using atomistic spin model. In the case of a single nanowire, change of coercive field for different applied field directions with aspect ratio was discussed. It was shown that the evolution of the magnetization reversal mechanism from coherent rotation to domain wall propagation appears with increasing length of single nanowire. For the arrays of cylindrical nanostructures, it was revealed that different number of nearest neighbors for each nanostructure in square and hexagonal arrays have an influence on their magnetostatic interactions, which are the most significant for shortest interwire distances. The corresponding spin configurations during the remagnetization process showed the appearance of intermediate magnetization states (when a part of wires is magnetized parallel and part antiparallel to the field direction), connected with Barkhausen effect, which influence the observed hysteresis curves.
Concordance between US and MRI Two-Dimensional Measurement and Volumetric Segmentation in Fetal Ventriculomegaly
Authors: Hadjidekov George , Haynatzki Gleb , Chaveeva Petya , Nikolov Miroslav , Masselli Gabriele , Rossi Andrea
Published: March 2023

We provide a study comparison between two-dimensional measurement and volumetric (3D) segmentation of the lateral ventricles and brain structures in fetuses with isolated and non-isolated ventriculomegaly with 3D virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) ultrasonography vs. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analyzed with 3D-Slicer software. In this cross-sectional study, 40 fetuses between 20 and 38 gestational weeks with various degrees of ventriculomegaly were included. A total of 71 ventricles were measured with ultrasound (US) and with MRI. A total of 64 sonographic ventricular volumes, 80 ventricular and 40 fetal brain MR volumes were segmented and analyzed using both imaging modalities by three observers. Sizes and volumes of the ventricles and brain parenchyma were independently analyzed by two radiologists, and interobserver correlation of the results with 3D fetal ultrasound data was performed. The semiautomated rotational multiplanar 3D VOCAL technique was performed for ultrasound volumetric measurements. Results were compared to manually extracted ventricular and total brain volumes in 3D-Slicer. Segmentation of fetal brain structures (cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres, brainstem, ventricles) performed independently by two radiologists showed high interobserver agreement. An excellent agreement between VOCAL and MRI volumetric and two-dimensional measurements was established, taking into account the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and a Bland–Altman plot was established. US and MRI are valuable tools for performing fetal brain and ventricular volumetry for clinical prognosis and patient counseling. Our datasets could provide the backbone for further construction of quantitative normative trajectories of fetal intracranial structures and support earlier detection of abnormal brain development and ventriculomegaly, its timing and progression during gestation.
Adenomyosis in Pregnancy—Should It Be Managed in High-Risk Obstetric Units?
Authors: Orozco Rodrigo , Vilches José Carlos , Brunel Ignacio , Lozano Manuel , Hernández Gema , Pérez-Del Rey David , Meloni Laura , Alcázar Juan Luis
Published: March 2023

Background: Uterine adenomyosis is an increasingly frequent disorder. Our study aimed to demonstrate the presence of obstetric complications in the population affected by this condition to demonstrate the need for follow-up in high-risk obstetric units. Material and Methods: The data for the study were obtained from TriNetX, LLC, between 2010 and 2020. The outcomes analyzed were intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, hypertension, abruption placentae, and spontaneous abortion. Seven thousand six hundred and eight patients were included in the cohort of pregnant patients with adenomyosis, and 566,153 women in the cohort of pregnant patients without any history of endometriosis. Results: Upon calculating the total risk of presenting any of these problems during pregnancy, we obtained an OR = 1.521, implying that a pregnancy with adenomyosis was 52.1% more likely to present some complication. We found: IUGR OR = 1.257 (95% CI: 1.064–1.485) (p = 0.007); preterm delivery OR = 1.422 (95% CI: 1.264–1.600) (p = 0.0001); cesarean delivery OR = 1.099 (95% CI: 1.002–1.205) (p = 0.046); hypertensive disorders OR = 1.177 (95% CI: 1.076–1.288) (p = 0.0001); abruption placentae OR = 1.197 (95% CI: 1.008–1.422) (p = 0.040), and spontaneous abortion OR = 1.529 (95% CI: 1.360–1.718) (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: We conclude that the review carried out and the data we obtained on increased risk provide sufficient evidence to recommend that patients with adenomyosis should be managed in obstetric high-risk units.
Assessment of Fast-Track Pathway in Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery by Propensity Score Matching on Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Campagner Andrea , Milella Frida , Guida Stefania , Bernareggi Susan , Banfi Giuseppe , Cabitza Federico
Published: March 2023

Total hip (THA) and total knee (TKA) arthroplasty procedures have steadily increased over the past few decades, and their use is expected to grow further, mainly due to an increasing number of elderly patients. Cost-containment strategies, supporting a rapid recovery with a positive functional outcomes, high patient satisfaction, and enhanced patient reported outcomes, are needed. A Fast Track surgical procedure (FT) is a coordinated perioperative approach aimed at expediting early mobilization and recovery following surgery and, accordingly, shortening the length of hospital stay (LOS), convalescence and costs. In this view, rapid rehabilitation surgery optimizes traditional rehabilitation methods by integrating evidence-based practices into the procedure. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Fast Track versus Care-as-Usual surgical procedures and pathways (including rehabilitation) on a mid-term patient-reported outcome (PROs), the SF12 (with regard both to Physical and Mental Scores), 3 months after hip or knee replacement surgery, with the use of Propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis to address the issue of the comparability of the groups in a non-randomized study. We were interested in the evaluation of the entire pathways, including the postoperative rehabilitation stage, therefore, we only used early home discharge as a surrogate to differentiate between the Fast Track and Care-as-Usual rehabilitation pathways. Our study shows that the entire Fast Track pathway, which includes the post-operative rehabilitation stage, has a significantly positive impact on physical health-related status (SF12 Physical Scores), as perceived by patients 3 months after hip or knee replacement surgery, as opposed to the standardized program, both in terms of the PROs score and the relative improvements observed, as compared with the minimum clinically important difference. This result encourages additional research into the effects of Fast Track rehabilitation on the entire process of care for patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty, focusing only on patient-reported outcomes.
A Distributed Double-Loop Optimization Method with Fast Response for UAV Swarm Scheduling
Authors: Chen Runfeng , Li Jie , Chen Yiting , Huang Yuchong
Published: March 2023

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm has broad application prospects, in which scheduling is one of the key technologies determining the completion of tasks. A market-based approach is an effective way to schedule UAVs distributively and quickly, meeting the real-time requirements of swarm scheduling without a centre. In this paper, a double-loop framework is designed to enhance the performance of scheduling, where a new task removal method in the outer loop and a local redundant auction method in the inner loop are proposed to improve the optimization of scheduling and reduce iterations. Furthermore, a deadlock detection mechanism is introduced to avoid endless loops and the scheduling with the lowest local cost will be adopted to exit the cycle. Extensive Monte Carlo experiments show that the iterations required by the proposed method are less than the two representative algorithms consensus-based bundle algorithm (CBBA) and performance impact (PI) algorithm, and the number of allocated tasks is increased. In addition, through the deadlock avoidance mechanism, PI can completely converge as the method in this paper.
Gratitude and Adolescents’ Mental Health and Well-Being: Effects and Gender Differences for a Positive Social Media Intervention in High Schools
Authors: Bono Giacomo , Duffy Taylor , Merz Erin L.
Published: March 2023

Gratitude interventions can provide cost-effective support for mental health to under-resourced schools. This study aims to better understand the effects of a promising intervention Bono et al. evaluated in 2020. Using a quasi-experimental design (where classes were assigned to a thanking app, gratitude curriculum, app + curriculum, or control condition), that evaluation found that the full (combined) intervention impacted students’ self-reported trait gratitude, anxiety, and subjective well-being (SWB) over six weeks, compared against only the control condition. However, here, we evaluated the individual intervention components’ effectiveness on students (N = 326) using multilevel modeling. As hypothesized, the full intervention impacted students’ gratitude, anxiety, and SWB, compared to the control condition, but impacted SWB more than the app-only condition, suggesting that teaching gratitude science makes thanking more meaningful. Then, we examined if stress mediated these effects. Perceived stress partially mediated the relationships of gratitude with depression and SWB and fully mediated the relationship of gratitude with anxiety. Additionally, changes in perceived stress and SWB differed by gender. Finally, we qualitatively analyzed thanks exchanges during the intervention using informal content analysis and found themes of psychological safety—a critical feature neglected in other interventions. We conclude with recommendations for optimizing school gratitude interventions.
On the Dependability of 6G Networks
Authors: Ahmad Ijaz , Rodriguez Felipe , Huusko Jyrki , Seppänen Kari
Published: March 2023

Sixth-generation communication networks must be highly dependable due to the foreseen connectivity of critical infrastructures through them. Dependability is a compound metric of four well-known concepts—reliability, availability, safety, and security. Each of these concepts have unique consequences for the success of 6G technologies and applications. Using these concepts, we explore the dependability of 6G networks in this article. Due to the vital role of machine learning in 6G, the dependability of federated learning, as a distributed machine learning technique, has been studied. Since mission-critical applications (MCAs) are highly sensitive in nature, needing highly dependable connectivity, the dependability of MCAs in 6G is explored. Henceforth, this article provides important research directions to promote further research in strengthening the dependability of 6G networks.
Influence of Proton Irradiation Energy on Gate–Channel Low-Field Electron Mobility in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Ji Qizheng , Liu Jun , Yang Ming , Hu Xiaofeng , Wang Guangfu , Qiu Menglin , Liu Shanghe
Published: March 2023

AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) with two different gate–drain distances (30 μm and 10 μm) were exposed to 1 MeV, 0.6 MeV, and 0.4 MeV protons at a fluence of 2.16 × 1012 cm−2. The gate–channel electron density and low-field mobility were obtained by measuring the capacitance–voltage characteristics and current–voltage characteristics. After proton irradiation, the gate–channel low-field electron mobility of the AlGaN/GaN HEMT with a 30 μm gate–drain distance increases and that with a 10 μm gate–drain distance decreases. It is studied and found that the mobility behavior is related to the polarization Coulomb field scattering, and the proton irradiation influences the intensity of the polarization Coulomb field scattering by changing the polarization/strain distribution in the barrier layer. The different gate–drain distances correspond to different variation trends of scattering intensity. The effect of 1 MeV protons on the barrier layer is smaller compared with 0.6 MeV and 0.4 MeV protons, so the mobility variation is smaller.
Research on Posture Sensing and Error Elimination for Soft Manipulator Using FBG Sensors
Authors: Li Wenyu , He Yanlin , Geng Peng , Yang Yi
Published: March 2023

Fiber-optic sensors are highly promising within soft robot sensing applications, but sensing methods based on geometry-based reconstruction limit the sensing capability and range. In this study, a fiber-optic sensor with a different deployment strategy for indirect sensing to monitor the outside posture of a soft manipulator is presented. The internal support structure’s curvature was measured using the FBG sensor, and its mapping to the external pose was then modelled using a modified LSTM network. The error was assumed to follow the Gaussian distribution in the LSTM neural network and was rectified by maximum likelihood estimation to address the issue of noise generated during the deformation transfer and curvature sensing of the soft structure. For the soft manipulator, the network model’s sensing performance was demonstrated. The proposed method’s average absolute error for posture sensing was 63.3% lower than the error before optimization, and the root mean square error was 56.9% lower than the error before optimization. The comparison results between the experiment and the simulation demonstrate the viability of the indirect measurement of the soft structure posture using FBG sensors based on the data-driven method, as well as the significant impact of the error optimization method based on the Gaussian distribution assumption.
AICAS—PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Authors: Mladenov Valeri
Published: March 2023

Artificial intelligence circuits and systems (AICAS) are electronic circuits and systems designed to solve artificial intelligence (AI) problems and perform tasks [...]
Coping with COVID-19 Pandemic and Sustained Health Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Sizear Monaemul Islam , Macassa Gloria , Chowdhury Mohammad Rocky Khan , Rashid Mamunur
Published: March 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people’s health behavioral changes have been transposed into a new dimension. Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic may have an impact on sustained health behavior (SHB). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the validity and reliability of the COVID-19 Coping Scale among working-age individuals and to assess whether coping with COVID-19-related stress could influence SHB in this population. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the population of the city of Dhaka in Bangladesh. A total of 263 working-age individuals (19–65 years) participated in the study. The present study results confirmed the COVID-19 Coping Scale was a valid and reliable instrument for this population. Moreover, the present finding indicated decreased odds of SHB for individuals who rated lower scores on coping with COVID-19 compared to individuals who rated higher scores; the result remained significant after controlling for gender and education (OR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.54–0.87). The present study suggests two important findings: (i) the instrument used in this study was valid and reliable in this population, and (ii) coping with COVID-19-related stress may be an important aspect of practicing SHB. Policymakers may use the highlighted findings to facilitate sustainable health behavior for long-term health benefits and to tackle future pandemics like COVID-19 or in a similar context.
Obesity during Adolescence and Feeding Practices during Infancy: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sharaf-Alddin Reem , Almathkoori Radhia , Kostakis Hara , Albatineh Ahmed N. , Al-Taiar Abdullah , Akpinar-Elci Muge
Published: March 2023

Background: Breastfeeding is proposed to play a role in reducing the risk of obesity throughout life. Kuwait has an extremely high prevalence of childhood obesity (45% of adolescents are overweight/obese) and extremely low breastfeeding indicators, particularly exclusive breastfeeding. In fact, little is known about the association between breastfeeding and obesity from Kuwait and the broader Middle East. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of overweight/obesity in female adolescents in Kuwait and assess its association with breastfeeding during infancy. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included 775 girls randomly selected from public and private high schools in Kuwait. The primary exposure was breastfeeding in the first four months of life, and the outcome was overweight/obesity during adolescence. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between breastfeeding and overweight/obesity while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Approximately 45% of adolescent girls were either overweight/obese. We found no significant association between breastfeeding (exclusive/mixed breastfeeding and formula feeding/no breastfeeding) and overweight/obesity neither in univariable analysis (Crude Prevalence Ratio: 1.14, 95%CI [0.92–1.36] & Crude Prevalence Ratio: 1.29, 95%CI [0.86–1.68]; p = 0.293) for mixed feeding and no breastfeeding respectively, nor in multivariable analysis (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio: 1.14, 95%CI [0.85–1.42] & Adjusted Prevalence Ratio: 1.20, 95%CI [0.68–1.68]; p = 0.589) for mixed feeding and no breastfeeding respectively. Conclusion: Breastfeeding during infancy was not significantly associated with overweight/obesity during adolescence. However, breastfeeding should be encouraged for its indisputable benefits for infants and their mothers alike. Further prospective studies are needed to assess the association.
The Identification and Expression Analysis of the Liriodendron chinense (Hemsl.) Sarg. SOD Gene Family
Authors: Chen Ya , Wu Hua , Hao Zhaodong , Zhu Liming , Lu Lu , Shi Jisen , Chen Jinhui
Published: March 2023

Superoxide dismutase (oxide dismutase) is an enzyme synthesized via the expression of SOD-related genes. It is the first line of defense against oxygen free radicals, and it widely exists in the cytoplasm, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. However, the SOD gene family of woody plant Liriodendron chinense has not been studied. To reveal the potential role of SOD genes, we systematically identified and analyzed the SOD gene family of L. chinense, and investigated the transcriptional responses of LcSOD genes to several abiotic stresses, including cold, heat, and drought. A total of eight SOD genes were identified, namely, five Cu/Zn-SODs, two Fe-SODs, and one Mn-SOD, and they were divided into two subgroups according to phylogenetic analysis, gene structure, and conserved motifs. Cis-acting element analysis reveals various hormones and stress respond as cis-acting elements in the promoters of LcSODs. Gene expression analysis shows that most LcSOD genes were in response to abiotic stresses at the transcriptional level. These results help in clarifying the function of LcSOD genes under abiotic stresses, and provide potential targets for the improvement in abiotic stress tolerance in the endangered L. chinense.
Paleo Distribution and Habitat Risks under Climate Change of Helleborus thibetanus
Authors: Shi Xiaohua , Mao Lihui , Sun Miao , Ma Guangying , Zhu Kaiyuan
Published: March 2023

As an endemic species and the only Helleborus species in China, Helleborus thibetanus is highly valued in medicinal and ornamental applications, and basic research is needed for its further resource conservation and utilization. Considering the interesting disjunct distribution of the genus Helleborus, we focus on the distribution pattern of H. thibetanus in this research. Based on species distribution models using three different algorithms (MaxEnt, RF, and FDA), we constructed a robust ensemble model and predicted potential distributions under different scenarios: current situation, paleo periods since the Last Glacial Maximum, and simulations of climate change in the 2070s. The habitat suitability of H. thibetanus across geography and scenarios was further analyzed by calculating regional areas and centroids. The results showed that H. thibetanus is currently distributed in southern Shaanxi and northern Sichuan, while central and southern Sichuan used to be suitable 14 thousand years ago but gradually became unsuitable, which may reflect the population decrease in Sichuan and the population expansion in Shaanxi over the last 14 thousand years. Our results showed that current populations are under limited extinction pressure in the soft climate change scenario (ssp126), but most populations in Shaanxi are under extinction pressure in the hardy situation scenario (ssp585). Fortunately, northern Sichuan is predicted to be relatively stable under climate change (both ssp126 and ssp585), and regions in western Sichuan and eastern Qinghai are predicted to become newly suitable for H. thibetanus. These findings should be helpful for the further conservation and utilization of H. thibetanus and also help us understand the history of the conjunct distribution pattern of the Helleborus genus.
Nematodes Consume Four Species of a Common, Wood-Decay Fungus
Authors: Ferson-Mitchell Abigail , Carta Lynn , Haight John-Erich , Newcombe George
Published: March 2023

Since nitrogen is in short supply in wood yet relatively plentiful in the bodies of nematodes, wood-decay fungi have been thought to be nematophagous. In an earlier study, we confirmed the nematophagy of two species of wood-decay fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus and P. pulmonarius), although we also found nematode species that could turn the tables and consume Pleurotus. In this study, we tested interactions between nematode species and Fomitopsis, another genus of common wood-decay fungi. Four geographically distinct isolates, or provenances, within each of four species (i.e., the European F. pinicola and three North American species: F. ochracea, F. schrenkii, and F. mounceae) were confronted with a total of twenty nematode species (twenty-four strains) in four experiments. Nematophagy was observed much less frequently in Fomitopsis than in Pleurotus: only 31 of the 516 interactions (6%), overall, resulted in nematophagy by a Fomitopsis isolate, whereas with Pleurotus, the result was 16 of 28 (57%). In contrast, all 20 species of nematode here were capable of mycophagy and dominated interactions with all isolates of Fomitopsis overall. Clearly, not all wood-decay fungi are as strongly nematophagous as the Pleurotus species. Perhaps arboreal nematodes even tend towards mycophagy, given the limiting nitrogen in wood.
Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp Applications for Enhancing Soil Fertility and Crop Nutritional Qualities: A Review
Authors: Alamu Emmanuel Oladeji , Adesokan Michael , Fawole Segun , Maziya-Dixon Busie , Mehreteab Tesfai , Chikoye David
Published: March 2023

Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp is a well-known agroforestry leguminous tree that provides multiple benefits in different agroecological zones. Its apparent versatility is seen in improving animal feed, cleaning environmental wastes, and healing inflammations. It was also found to have significant benefits in agroforestry due to its ability to enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and green manure. However, this article reviews the use of Gliricidia sepium to improve soil fertility and crop agronomic and nutritional properties. Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct were the databases consulted for the relevant articles used in this review. Trees and leaves of G. sepium, either used as mulch, biochar, or intercropped, have enhanced soil fertility indicators, such as total soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, available phosphorus, pH, cation exchange capacity, and soil organic matter in different farming systems. Its immense positive performance in improving the yield of crops led to an economic advantage for low-income farmers. G. sepium can also lower the use of mineral fertilizer as its adoption grows, leading to a greener environment in the agricultural sector. The review concluded that there is a plethora of research on the effect of Gliricidia on maize yield enhancement; hence further investigations should be conducted on using Gliricidia sepium as a green fertilizer to improve yields and the nutritional properties of other crops.
Co-Combustion Investigation of Wood Pellets Blended with FFP2 Masks: Analysis of the Ash Melting Temperature
Authors: Čajová Kantová Nikola , Holubčík Michal , Čaja Alexander , Trnka Juraj , Hrabovský Peter , Belány Pavol
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a period of high consumption of protective masks and an increase in their waste. Therefore, it was necessary to look at possibilities for their disposal. This article is focused on the disposal of FFP2 masks in the form of pellets blended with sawdust. Further, their ash melting behavior was observed. The method of ash preparation can impact the resulting values of melting temperatures. Therefore, this article investigates the resulting values of ash melting temperatures determined during different ash preparations, such as temperatures (550 °C and 815 °C) and ash size (non-sifted, smaller than 50 µm and 100 µm). All measured deformation temperatures were higher than 1100 °C and even higher than 1200 °C for some samples. Moreover, the presence of FFP2 masks in pellets only insignificantly affected the values of melting temperatures compared to pure wood pellets. The measured values also showed that increasing the temperature of ash preparation from 550 to 815 °C can increase the resulting values of melting temperature. The most significant proportion of the fraction size on the resulting melting temperatures was observed for beech with 5% and 10% of masks at an ash temperature of 550 °C and for spruce with 10% of masks at an ash temperature of 815 °C.
Comparative Compositions and Activities of Flavonoids from Nine Sanghuang Strains Based on Solid-State Fermentation and In Vitro Assays
Authors: Li Tian , Mei Yuxia , Li Ji , Yang Wendi , He Fanfan , Ge Jiaxin , Chen Fei , Yang Yicheng , Xie Aowen , Liu Yangyang , Liang Yunxiang
Published: March 2023

Sanghuang, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb obtained from numerous related fungal species in the genus Sanghuangporus, contains many bioactive substances that display a variety of beneficial pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, and antidiabetic. We collected wild fruiting bodies from various Chinese localities, obtained nine pure sanghuang strains (termed S1 to S9), cultured the strains by solid-state fermentation, extracted and purified sanghuang flavonoids (termed SHFs) from mycelia, and analyzed their antioxidant abilities and α-amylase inhibitory (α-AI) activities. SHFs from strains S2, S6, S7, and S9 displayed strong DPPH radical scavenging abilities and iron reducing abilities, while SHFs from S1, S3, S5, and S8 had strong α-AI activities. SHF components were analyzed by HPLC in combination with a Chinese medicine fingerprint similarity evaluation system and statistical analyses. SHFs from the nine strains showed high fingerprint similarity. Fifteen peaks in the chromatograms (termed 1–15) were subjected to cluster analysis, which revealed that differences in SHF composition were related to geographic origin and host species. The strains with strong antioxidant activities had relatively large peak 5 and peak 9 areas, while those with strong α-AI activities had relatively large peak 13 areas. Such variation in SHF activities is attributable to differences in their components. Our findings indicate that careful selection of SHFs based on these activities will strengthen their potential development as antioxidant and antidiabetic agents.
Expression of INPP5D Isoforms in Human Brain: Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropathology and Genetics
Authors: Zajac Diana J. , Simpson James , Zhang Eric , Parikh Ishita , Estus Steven
Published: March 2023

The single nucleotide polymorphisms rs35349669 and rs10933431 within Inositol Polyphosphate-5-Phosphatase D (INPP5D) are strongly associated with Alzheimer’s Disease risk. To better understand INPP5D expression in the brain, we investigated INPP5D isoform expression as a function of rs35349669 and rs10933431, as well as Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology, by qPCR and isoform-specific primers. In addition, INPP5D allelic expression imbalance was evaluated relative to rs1141328 within exon 1. Expression of INPP5D isoforms associated with transcription start sites in exon 1 and intron 14 was increased in individuals with high Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology. In addition, a novel variant with 47bp lacking from exon 12 increased expression in Alzheimer’s Disease brains, accounting for 13% of total INPP5D expression, and was found to undergo nonsense-mediated decay. Although inter-individual variation obscured a possible polymorphism effect on INPP5D isoform expression as measured by qPCR, rs35349669 was associated with rs1141328 allelic expression imbalance, suggesting that rs35349669 is significantly associated with full-length INPP5D isoform expression. In summary, expression of INPP5D isoforms with start sites in exon 1 and intron 14 are increased in brains with high Alzheimer’s Disease neuropathology, a novel isoform lacking the phosphatase domain was significantly increased with the disease, and the polymorphism rs35349669 correlates with allele-specific full-length INPP5D expression.
Religion and Diplomacy: The ‘Clash of Civilizations’ as Historical Libel
Authors: Denemark Robert A. , Hoffmann Matthew J. , Yonten Hasan
Published: March 2023

The ‘Clash of Civilizations’ hypothesis suggested that global politics would revert to inter-civilizational (inter-religious) conflict with the end of the Cold War. Conceptual and empirical refutations followed, but the idea that pre-Cold War inter-polity interaction was generally characterized by such conflict was not addressed. We consider this a possible historical libel. First, we briefly review the position of major faith traditions toward making and keeping agreements with those of other faith traditions. Most forms of agreements are sanctioned, and there is inconsistent and minimal support for duplicity. Second, using the MATRS database of multilateral treaties, we identify 79 sovereign entities active between 1750 and 1900 (when multilateral treaties were numerous and official state religions were prominent), link states to their official religions, and analyze the pattern of 385 multilateral treaties’ signings. We conclude that there is no tendency among states with one official religion to avoid entering into treaties with those of other official religions. The ‘Clash of Civilizations’ hypothesis is a historical myth.
Anomalies and Investor Sentiment: International Evidence and the Impact of Size Factor
Authors: Salur Bayram Veli , Ekinci Cumhur
Published: March 2023

We examine whether investor sentiment can explain anomalies such as size and book-to-market in the US stock market. Differently from the literature, we test combination portfolios (portfolios formed on more than one factor such as size, book-to-market ratio, etc.) of developed markets for the same purpose. We find that sentiment is related to some anomalies in Europe, Japan, North America and global portfolios; hence, the sentiment and anomaly relationship may be universal. In addition, when size factor is controlled, the explanatory power of sentiment in anomaly returns changes.
A Novel Lane Line Detection Algorithm for Driverless Geographic Information Perception Using Mixed-Attention Mechanism ResNet and Row Anchor Classification
Authors: Song Yongchao , Huang Tao , Fu Xin , Jiang Yahong , Xu Jindong , Zhao Jindong , Yan Weiqing , Wang Xuan
Published: March 2023

Lane line detection is a fundamental and critical task for geographic information perception of driverless and advanced assisted driving. However, the traditional lane line detection method relies on manual adjustment of parameters, and has poor universality, a heavy workload, and poor robustness. Most deep learning-based methods make it difficult to effectively balance accuracy and efficiency. To improve the comprehensive perception ability of lane line geographic information in a natural traffic environment, a lane line detection algorithm based on a mixed-attention mechanism residual network (ResNet) and row anchor classification is proposed. A mixed-attention mechanism is added after the backbone network convolution, normalization and activation layers, respectively, so that the model can focus more on important lane line features to improve the pertinence and efficiency of feature extraction. In addition, to achieve faster detection speed and solve the problem of no vision, the method of lane line location selection and classification based on the row direction is used to detect whether there are lane lines in each candidate point according to the row anchor, reducing the high computational complexity caused by segmentation on a pixel-by-pixel basis of traditional semantic segmentation. Based on TuSimple and CurveLane datasets, multi-scene, multi-environment, multi-linear road image datasets and video sequences are integrated and self-built, and several experiments are designed and tested to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The test accuracy of the mixed-attention mechanism network model reached 95.96%, and the average time efficiency is nearly 180 FPS, which can achieve a high level of accuracy and real-time detection process. Therefore, the proposed method can meet the safety perception effect of lane line geographic information in natural traffic environments, and achieve an effective balance between the accuracy and efficiency of actual road application scenarios.
Dynamic Visualization of VR Map Navigation Systems Supporting Gesture Interaction
Authors: Xiao Weiye , Lv Xiaolei , Xue Chengqi
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of information technology, virtual reality and gesture interaction have been gradually applied in the research and development of map navigation systems. Traditional visualization methods are no longer suitable for this novel interactive map. This research offers a dynamic visualization plan for a virtual reality (VR) navigation map focusing on natural gesture interaction to give examples for creating similar systems. The principal work is composed of two experiments. The first experiment focuses on designing map navigation gestures (moving, rotating, and zooming). Heuristic experiments are used to collect users’ subjective preferences and design suggestions about gestures. The second experiment is designed as a behavioral study to investigate which types of gestures and visualizations, among those obtained from the heuristic experiment in the first part, yield higher performance in our specific scenario. This result offers a practical VR map dynamic display approach through experimental validation. It also provides the basis for a human factor and technology support for future investigations.
Wavelength-Dependent Effects of Photobiomodulation for Wound Care in Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Dungel Peter , Sutalo Sanja , Slezak Cyrill , Keibl Claudia , Schädl Barbara , Schnidar Harald , Metzger Magdalena , Meixner Barbara , Hartmann Jaana , Oesterreicher Johannes , Redl Heinz , Slezak Paul
Published: March 2023

Photobiomodulation, showing positive effects on wound healing processes, has been performed mainly with lasers in the red/infrared spectrum. Light of shorter wavelengths can significantly influence biological systems. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effects of pulsed LED light of different wavelengths on wound healing in a diabetic (db/db) mouse excision wound model. LED therapy by Repuls was applied at either 470 nm (blue), 540 nm (green) or 635 nm (red), at 40 mW/cm2 each. Wound size and wound perfusion were assessed and correlated to wound temperature and light absorption in the tissue. Red and trend-wise green light positively stimulated wound healing, while blue light was ineffective. Light absorption was wavelength-dependent and was associated with significantly increased wound perfusion as measured by laser Doppler imaging. Shorter wavelengths ranging from green to blue significantly increased wound surface temperature, while red light, which penetrates deeper into tissue, led to a significant increase in core body temperature. In summary, wound treatment with pulsed red or green light resulted in improved wound healing in diabetic mice. Since impeded wound healing in diabetic patients poses an ever-increasing socio-economic problem, LED therapy may be an effective, easily applied and cost-efficient supportive treatment for diabetic wound therapy.
Extracellular Vesicles of COVID-19 Patients Reflect Inflammation, Thrombogenicity, and Disease Severity
Authors: Aharon Anat , Dangot Ayelet , Kinaani Fadi , Zavaro Mor , Bannon Lian , Bar-lev Tali , Keren-Politansky Anat , Avivi Irit , Jacob Giris
Published: March 2023

Severe COVID-19 infections present with cytokine storms, hypercoagulation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, with extracellular vesicles (EVs) being involved in coagulation and inflammation. This study aimed to determine whether coagulation profiles and EVs reflect COVID-19 disease severity. Thirty-six patients with symptomatic COVID-19 infection with mild/moderate/severe disease (12 in each group) were analyzed. Sixteen healthy individuals served as controls. Coagulation profiles and EV characteristics were tested by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), flow cytometry, and Western blot. While coagulation factors VII, V, VIII, and vWF were comparable, significant differences were found in patients’ D-Dimer/fibrinogen/free protein S levels compared to controls. Severe patients’ EVs displayed higher percentages of small EVs (<150 nm) with increased expression of exosome marker CD63. Severe patients’ EVs displayed high levels of platelet markers (CD41) and coagulation factors (tissue factor activity, endothelial protein C receptor). EVs of patients with moderate/severe disease expressed significantly higher levels of immune cell markers (CD4/CD8/CD14) and contained higher levels of IL-6. We demonstrated that EVs, but not the coagulation profile, may serve as biomarkers for COVID-19 severity. EVs demonstrated elevated levels of immune- and vascular-related markers in patients with moderate/severe disease, and may play a role in disease pathogenesis.
Neuropharmacological Modulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate, Noradrenaline and Endocannabinoid Receptors in Fear Extinction Learning: Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity
Authors: Battaglia Simone , Di Fazio Chiara , Vicario Carmelo M. , Avenanti Alessio
Published: March 2023

Learning to recognize and respond to potential threats is crucial for survival. Pavlovian threat conditioning represents a key paradigm for investigating the neurobiological mechanisms of fear learning. In this review, we address the role of specific neuropharmacological adjuvants that act on neurochemical synaptic transmission, as well as on brain plasticity processes implicated in fear memory. We focus on novel neuropharmacological manipulations targeting glutamatergic, noradrenergic, and endocannabinoid systems, and address how the modulation of these neurobiological systems affects fear extinction learning in humans. We show that the administration of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) agonists and modulation of the endocannabinoid system by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition can boost extinction learning through the stabilization and regulation of the receptor concentration. On the other hand, elevated noradrenaline levels dynamically modulate fear learning, hindering long-term extinction processes. These pharmacological interventions could provide novel targeted treatments and prevention strategies for fear-based and anxiety-related disorders.
Genetic Diversity of Dengue Vector Aedes albopictus Collected from South Korea, Japan, and Laos
Authors: Shin Jiyeong , Rahman Md-Mafizur , Kim Juil , Marcombe Sébastien , Jung Jongwoo
Published: March 2023

Aedes albopictus is native to Southeast Asia and has emerged as a major vector for vector-borne diseases that are spreading rapidly worldwide. Recent studies have shown that Ae. albopictus populations have different genetic groups dependent on their thermal adaptations; however, studies on Korean populations are limited. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and structure of two mitochondrial genes (COI and ND5) and sixteen microsatellites in mosquitoes inhabiting Korea, Japan, and Laos. The results indicate that the Korean population has low genetic diversity, with an independent cluster distinct from the Laos population. Mixed clusters have also been observed in the Korean population. On the basis of these findings, two hypotheses are proposed. First, certain Korean populations are native. Second, some subpopulations that descended from the metapopulation (East Asian countries) were introduced to Japan before migrating to Korea. Furthermore, we previously demonstrated that Ae. albopictus appears to have been imported to Korea. In conclusion, the dengue-virus-carrying mosquitoes could migrate to Korea from Southeast Asian epidemic regions, where they can survive during the severe winter months. The key findings can be used to establish an integrated pest management strategy based on population genetics for the Korean Ae. albopictus population.
Morphological Study of the Alimentary Canal and Malpighian Tubules in the Adult of the Pollen Beetle Meligethes (Odonthogethes) chinensis (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Meligethinae)
Authors: Chen Longyan , Liu Meike , Di Giulio Andrea , Chen Xinxin , Sabatelli Simone , Wang Wenkai , Audisio Paolo
Published: March 2023

Meligethes (Odonthogethes) chinensis is a highly specialized species of Nitidulidae in China that takes pollen as its main food source, and its main host plant is Rubus idaeus L. (Rosaceae). In this study, the structural morphology of the alimentary canal and Malpighian tubules of adult M. (O.) chinensis was observed under light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. The alimentary canal of adult M. (O.) chinensis is divided into foregut, midgut, and hindgut. The foregut is the shortest and consists of the pharynx, esophagus, proventriculus, and cardiac valve. The midgut is a straight, distended, cylindrical, thin-walled tube. Numerous blunt-fingered gastric ceca are distributed irregularly throughout the midgut. The hindgut is subdivided into the ileum, colon, and rectum. The ileum is coiled. The colon gradually enlarges posteriorly. The rectum is thickly muscled and followed by a membranous structure. The openings of proximal Malpighian tubules are evenly inserted into the junction of the midgut and hindgut, and distal Malpighian tubules are evenly attached to the colon to form a cryptonephridial system. In this study, we also compare the structure and infer the function of the alimentary canal and Malpighian tubules among beetles, as well as discuss the evolutionary and taxonomical implications.
Measuring and Modelling Structural Colours of Euphaedra neophron (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) Finely Tuned by Wing Scale Lower Lamina in Various Subspecies
Authors: Bálint Zsolt , Katona Gergely , Sáfián Szabolcs , Collins Steve , Piszter Gábor , Kertész Krisztián , Biró László Péter
Published: March 2023

The nymphalid butterfly Euphaedra neophron (Hopffer, 1855) is the only structurally coloured species representing the genus along the Indian Ocean coast in East Africa and Southern Africa, with a distribution from southern Somalia to the Kwa-Zulu-Natal region of South Africa. The range of E. neophron is subdivided to several, geographically distinct populations, currently recognised as subspecies by taxonomists on the basis of violet, blue, and green-coloured morphs. We investigated the optical mechanism of all these morphs by various materials science techniques. We found that the structural colour is generated by the lower lamina of the cover scales and the different colours are tuned according to their thickness, which was also proved by modelling. The colour tuning of the different subspecies does not reflect any clinal pattern, be it geographical or altitudinal.