bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a New Pseudomonas Putida Strain Ch2, a Degrader of Toxic Anthropogenic Compounds Epsilon-Caprolactam and Glyphosate
Authors: Esikova Tatiana Z. , Anokhina Tatiana O. , Suzina Nataliya E. , Shushkova Tatiana V. , Wu Yonghong , Solyanikova Inna P.
Published: March 2023

In this work, a new Ch2 strain was isolated from soils polluted by agrochemical production wastes. This strain has a unique ability to utilize toxic synthetic compounds such as epsilon-caprolactam (CAP) as a sole carbon and energy source and the herbicide glyphosate (GP) as a sole source of phosphorus. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of Ch2 revealed that the strain belongs to the species Pseudomonas putida. This strain grew in the mineral medium containing CAP in a concentration range of 0.5 to 5.0 g/L and utilized 6-aminohexanoic acid and adipic acid, which are the intermediate products of CAP catabolism. The ability of strain Ch2 to degrade CAP is determined by a conjugative megaplasmid that is 550 kb in size. When strain Ch2 is cultured in a mineral medium containing GP (500 mg/L), more intensive utilization of the herbicide occurs in the phase of active growth. In the phase of declining growth, there is an accumulation of aminomethylphosphonic acid, which indicates that the C-N bond is the first site cleaved during GP degradation (glyphosate oxidoreductase pathway). Culture growth in the presence of GP during the early step of its degradation is accompanied by unique substrate-dependent changes in the cytoplasm, including the formation of vesicles of cytoplasmic membrane consisting of specific electron-dense content. There is a debate about whether these membrane formations are analogous to metabolosomes, where the primary degradation of the herbicide can take place. The studied strain is notable for its ability to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) when grown in mineral medium containing GP. At the beginning of the stationary growth phase, it was shown that, the amount and size of PHA inclusions in the cells drastically increased; they filled almost the entire volume of cell cytoplasm. The obtained results show that the strain P. putida Ch2 can be successfully used for the PHAs’ production. Moreover, the ability of P. putida Ch2 to degrade CAP and GP determines the prospects of its application for the biological cleanup of CAP production wastes and in situ bioremediation of soil polluted with GP.
Cracking of Gem Opals
Authors: Chauviré Boris , Mollé Valentin , Guichard Florine , Rondeau Benjamin , Thomas Paul Stephen , Fritsch Emmanuel
Published: March 2023

The value of gem opals is compromised by their potential susceptibility to “crazing”, a phenomenon observed either in the form of whitening or cracking. To understand the latter, 26 opal samples were investigated and separated into 2 groups based on handling: “water-stored” opal samples, which are stored in water after extraction, and “air-stored” opal samples, which are stored in air for more than a year. To induce cracking, samples were thermally treated by staged heating and characterized using optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy before and after cracking. For water-stored opals, cracking was initiated with moderate heating up to 150 °C, while for air-stored opals, higher temperatures, circa 300 °C, were required. In water-stored opals that cracked, polarized light microscopy revealed stress fields remaining around the cracks, and a red shift in the Raman bands suggested tensile stresses. These stresses were not observed in air-stored samples that cracked. Based on these observations, for air-stored samples, cracking was ascribed to super-heated water-induced decrepitation. By contrast, for water-stored samples, cracking was linked to drying shrinkage, which correlates with the anecdotal reports from the gem trade. We thus identify the physical origin of cracking, and by comparing it to current knowledge, we determine the factors leading to cracking.
Rational Computational Approaches in Drug Discovery: Potential Inhibitors for Allosteric Regulation of Mutant Isocitrate Dehydrogenase-1 Enzyme in Cancers
Authors: Thamim Masthan , Agrahari Ashish Kumar , Gupta Pawan , Thirumoorthy Krishnan
Published: March 2023

Mutations in homodimeric isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) enzymes at specific arginine residues result in the abnormal activity to overproduce D-2 hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), which is often projected as solid oncometabolite in cancers and other disorders. As a result, depicting the potential inhibitor for D-2HG formation in mutant IDH enzymes is a challenging task in cancer research. The mutation in the cytosolic IDH1 enzyme at R132H, especially, may be associated with higher frequency of all types of cancers. So, the present work specifically focuses on the design and screening of allosteric site binders to the cytosolic mutant IDH1 enzyme. The 62 reported drug molecules were screened along with biological activity to identify the small molecular inhibitors using computer-aided drug design strategies. The designed molecules proposed in this work show better binding affinity, biological activity, bioavailability, and potency toward the inhibition of D-2HG formation compare to the reported drugs in the in silico approach.
Effect of Polyethylene Glycol Additive on the Structure and Performance of Fabric-Reinforced Thin Film Composite
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhao Yuntao , Wen Xueyou
Published: March 2023

Fabric-reinforced thin film composite (TFC) membranes exhibit outstanding mechanical durability over free-standing membranes for commercial applications. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was incorporated to modify the polysulfone (PSU) supported fabric-reinforced TFC membrane for forward osmosis (FO). The effects of PEG content and molecular weight on the structure, material property and FO performance of the membrane were investigated comprehensively, and the corresponding mechanisms were revealed. The membrane prepared by using 400 g/mol PEG exhibited better FO performances than those of membranes with 1000 and 2000 g/mol PEG, and 20 wt.% was demonstrated to be the optimal PEG content in the casting solution. The permselectivity of the membrane was further improved by reducing the PSU concentration. The optimal TFC-FO membrane had a water flux (Jw) of 25.0 LMH using deionized (DI) water feed and 1 M NaCl draw solution, and the specific reverse salt flux (Js/Jw) was as low as 0.12 g/L. The degree of internal concentration polarization (ICP) was significantly mitigated. The membrane behaved superior to the commercially available fabric-reinforced membranes. This work provides a simple and low-cost approach in the development TFC-FO membrane and shows great potential in the large-scale production for practical applications.
Multifunctional Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Filled Polydopamine Hollow Rods for Antibacterial Biofilm Treatment
Authors: Tran Huy Quang , Alam Husna , Goff Abigail , Daeneke Torben , Bhave Mrinal , Yu Aimin
Published: March 2023

This work reports the use of mesoporous silica rods as templates for the step-wise preparation of multifunctional Fe3O4 NPs filled polydopamine hollow rods (Fe3O4@PDA HR). The capacity of as-synthesized Fe3O4@PDA HR as a new drug carrier platform was assessed by its loading and the triggered release of fosfomycin under various stimulations. It was found that the release of fosfomycin was pH dependent with ~89% of fosfomycin being released in pH 5 after 24 h, which was 2-fold higher than that in pH 7. The magnetic properties of Fe3O4 NPs and the photothermal properties of PDA enabled the triggered release of fosfomycin upon the exposure to rotational magnetic field, or NIR laser irradiation. Additionally, the capability of using multifunctional Fe3O4@PDA HR to eliminate preformed bacterial biofilm was demonstrated. Upon exposure to the rotational magnetic field, the biomass of a preformed biofilm was significantly reduced by 65.3% after a 20 min treatment with Fe3O4@PDA HR. Again, due to the excellent photothermal properties of PDA, a dramatic biomass decline (72.5%) was achieved after 10 min of laser exposure. This study offers an alternative approach of using drug carrier platform as a physical mean to kill pathogenic bacteria along with its traditional use for drug delivery.
Correction: Han et al. Dexamethasone Attenuates Oncostatin M Production via Suppressing of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling in Neutrophil-like Differentiated HL-60 Cells. Molecules 2022, 27, 129
Authors: Han Na-Ra , Ko Seong-Gyu , Park Hi-Joon , Moon Phil-Dong
Published: March 2023

In the original article [...]
Cell Membrane Biomimetic Nanoparticles with Potential in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhong Xinyu , Na Yue , Yin Shun , Yan Chang , Gu Jinlian , Zhang Ning , Geng Fang
Published: March 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is to blame for about 60% of dementia cases worldwide. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) prevents many medications for AD from having clinical therapeutic effects that can be used to treat the affected area. Many researchers have turned their attention to cell membrane biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) to solve this situation. Among them, NPs can extend the half-life of drugs in the body as the “core” of the wrapped drug, and the cell membrane acts as the “shell” of the wrapped NPs to functionalize the NPs, which can further improve the delivery efficiency of nano-drug delivery systems. Researchers are learning that cell membrane biomimetic NPs can circumvent the BBB’s restriction, prevent harm to the body’s immune system, extend the period that NPs spend in circulation, and have good biocompatibility and cytotoxicity, which increases efficacy of drug release. This review summarized the detailed production process and features of core NPs and further introduced the extraction methods of cell membrane and fusion methods of cell membrane biomimetic NPs. In addition, the targeting peptides for modifying biomimetic NPs to target the BBB to demonstrate the broad prospects of cell membrane biomimetic NPs drug delivery systems were summarized.
Quality Chemistry, Physiological Functions, and Health Benefits of Organic Acids from Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Chen Hongbo , Yu Fei , Kang Jiaxin , Li Qiao , Warusawitharana Hasitha Kalhari , Li Bo
Published: March 2023

Organic acids account for around 3% of the dry matter in tea leaves, and their composition and contents vary in different types of tea. They participate in the metabolism of tea plants, regulate nutrient absorption and growth, and contribute to the aroma and taste quality of tea. Compared with other secondary metabolites in tea, the researches on organic acids are still limited. This article reviewed the research progresses of organic acids in tea, including analysis methods, the root secretion and physiological function, the composition of organic acids in tea leaves and related influencing factors, the contribution of organic acids to sensory quality, and the health benefits, such as antioxidation, promotion of digestion and absorption, acceleration of gastrointestinal transit, and regulation of intestinal flora. It is hoped to provide references for related research on organic acids from tea.
A Novel Fluorescent Aptasensor for Arsenic(III) Detection Based on a Triple-Helix Molecular Switch
Authors: Yuan Min , Yang Ye , Chau Nguyen Thi Quynh , Zhang Qinqin , Wu Xiuxiu , Chen Jiaye , Wu Zhiwei , Zhong Heng , Li Yuanyuan , Xu Fei
Published: March 2023

A novel aptamer-based fluorescent-sensing platform with a triple-helix molecular switch (THMS) was proposed as a switch for detecting the arsenic(III) ion. The triple helix structure was prepared by binding a signal transduction probe and arsenic aptamer. Additionally, the signal transduction probe labeled with fluorophore (FAM) and quencher (BHQ1) was employed as a signal indicator. The proposed aptasensor is rapid, simple and sensitive, with a limit of detection of 69.95 nM. The decrease in peak fluorescence intensity shows a linear dependence, with the concentration of As(III) in the range of 0.1 µM to 2.5 µM. The whole detection process takes 30 min. Moreover, the THMS-based aptasensor was also successfully used to detect As(III) in a real sample of Huangpu River water with good recoveries. The aptamer-based THMS also presents distinct advantages in stability and selectivity. The proposed strategy developed herein can be extensively applied in the field of food inspection.
Ecotoxicological Properties of Titanium Dioxide Nanomorphologies in Daphnia magna
Authors: Mendoza-Villa Freddy , Checca-Huaman Noemi-Raquel , Ramos-Guivar Juan A.
Published: March 2023

In this work, the structural, vibrational, morphological, and colloidal properties of commercial 15.1 nm TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and nanowires (NWs, 5.6 thickness, 74.6 nm length) were studied with the purpose of determining their ecotoxicological properties. This was achieved by evaluating acute ecotoxicity experiments carried out in the environmental bioindicator Daphnia magna, where their 24-h lethal concentration (LC50) and morphological changes were evaluated using a TiO2 suspension (pH = 7) with point of zero charge at 6.5 for TiO2 NPs (hydrodynamic diameter of 130 nm) and 5.3 for TiO2 NWs (hydrodynamic diameter of 118 nm). Their LC50 values were 157 and 166 mg L−1 for TiO2 NWs and TiO2 NPs, respectively. The reproduction rate of D. magna after fifteen days of exposure to TiO2 nanomorphologies was delayed (0 pups for TiO2 NWs and 45 neonates for TiO2 NPs) in comparison with the negative control (104 pups). From the morphological experiments, we may conclude that the harmful effects of TiO2 NWs are more severe than those of 100% anatase TiO2 NPs, likely associated with brookite (36.5 wt. %) and protonic trititanate (63.5 wt. %) presented in TiO2 NWs according to Rietveld quantitative phase analysis. Specifically, significant change in the heart morphological parameter was observed. In addition, the structural and morphological properties of TiO2 nanomorphologies were investigated using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques to confirm the physicochemical properties after the ecotoxicological experiments. The results reveal that no alteration in the chemical structure, size (16.5 nm for TiO2 NPs and 6.6 thickness and 79.2 nm length for NWs), and composition occurred. Hence, both TiO2 samples can be stored and reused for future environmental purposes, e.g., water nanoremediation.
Vector-Borne Pathogens in Guard Dogs in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Gruenberger Isabella , Liebich Amelie-Victoria , Ajibade Temitayo Olabisi , Obebe Oluwasola Olaiya , Ogbonna Nkiruka Fortunate , Wortha Licha N. , Unterköfler Maria S. , Fuehrer Hans-Peter , Ayinmode Adekunle Bamidele
Published: March 2023

Canine vector-borne diseases are of great relevance not only regarding animal welfare but also in relation to the One Health concept. Knowledge concerning the most relevant vector-borne pathogens in dogs is scarce and limited to stray dogs in most western African regions, and there is virtually no information about the situation in kept dogs presenting (regularly) to vets. Therefore, the blood samples of 150 owned guard dogs in the Ibadan area—in the southwest of Nigeria—were collected and analyzed for the DNA of Piroplasmida (Babesia, Hepatozoon, Theileria), Filarioidea (e.g., Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens), Anaplasmataceae (e.g., Anaplasma, Ehrlichia), Trypanosomatidae (e.g., Leishmania, Trypanosoma), Rickettsia, Bartonella, Borrelia and hemotropic Mycoplasma using molecular methods. Overall, samples from 18 dogs (12%) tested positive for at least one pathogen. Hepatozoon canis (6%) was the most prevalent blood parasite, followed by Babesia rossi (4%). There was a single positive sample each for Babesia vogeli (0.6%) and Anaplasma platys (0.6%). Moreover, one mixed infection with Trypanosoma brucei/evansi and Trypanosoma congolense kilifi was confirmed (0.67%). Generally, the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in this sample group of owned dogs in southwest Nigeria was lower than in prior studies from the country and in other parts of Africa in total. This leads to the assumption that, firstly, the exact geographical location has a major influence on the incidence of vector-borne diseases, and, secondly, it seems to make a difference if the dogs are owned and, therefore, regularly checked at a veterinary clinic. This study should raise awareness of the importance of routine health check-ups, tick and mosquito prophylaxis, and a well-managed infectious disease control program to prevent vector-borne diseases in canines.
Deglycosylation Differentially Regulates Weaned Porcine Gut Alkaline Phosphatase Isoform Functionality along the Longitudinal Axis
Authors: Yin Xindi , Wang Weijun , Seah Stephen Y. K. , Mine Yoshinori , Fan Ming Z.
Published: March 2023

Gut alkaline phosphatases (AP) dephosphorylate the lipid moiety of endotoxin and other pathogen-associated-molecular patterns members, thus maintaining gut eubiosis and preventing metabolic endotoxemia. Early weaned pigs experience gut dysbiosis, enteric diseases and growth retardation in association with decreased intestinal AP functionality. However, the role of glycosylation in modulation of the weaned porcine gut AP functionality is unclear. Herein three different research approaches were taken to investigate how deglycosylation affected weaned porcine gut AP activity kinetics. In the first approach, weaned porcine jejunal AP isoform (IAP) was fractionated by the fast protein-liquid chromatography and purified IAP fractions were kinetically characterized to be the higher-affinity and lower-capacity glycosylated mature IAP (p < 0.05) in comparison with the lower-affinity and higher-capacity non-glycosylated pre-mature IAP. The second approach enzyme activity kinetic analyses showed that N-deglycosylation of AP by the peptide N-glycosidase-F enzyme reduced (p < 0.05) the IAP maximal activity in the jejunum and ileum and decreased AP affinity (p < 0.05) in the large intestine. In the third approach, the porcine IAP isoform-X1 (IAPX1) gene was overexpressed in the prokaryotic ClearColiBL21 (DE3) cell and the recombinant porcine IAPX1 was associated with reduced (p < 0.05) enzyme affinity and maximal enzyme activity. Therefore, levels of glycosylation can modulate plasticity of weaned porcine gut AP functionality towards maintaining gut microbiome and the whole-body physiological status.
Introduction: Thinking Cinema—With Plants
Authors: Cooper Sarah
Published: March 2023

There is a moment in Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth’s Khadak (2006) when the image of a tree is rotated 180 degrees [...]
An Experimental Study Measuring the Image Field Angle of an Electron Beam Using a Streak Tube
Authors: Cai Houzhi , Deng Xuan , Niu Lihong , Yang Qinlao , Zhang Jingjin
Published: March 2023

The final stage of an inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiment requires the diagnostic instruments to have the ability to obtain multiple images with high spatiotemporal resolution due to its extremely short duration. However, the influence of field curvature in the streak tube may lead to resolution differences between each image from single line-of-sight (SLOS) technology. In order to achieve high-precision adaptive adjustments, the direction and depth of adjustment should be determined rapidly, which means that the diagnostic instrument must work within the image depth of field of its detector imaging system, requiring it to measure the image field angle of the electron beam. Here, a method based on the streak tube using the combination of planar and spherical fluorescent screens to directly calculate the image field angle of the electron beam from the rear image quality has been proposed for the first time, and its effectiveness has been proved by experiments. It is expected to provide a basis for the diagnostic equipment in ICF experiments to achieve adaptive high-precision adjustment of the focusing voltage to obtain a series of high-resolution images.
Glyoxalase I Assay as a Possible Tool for Evaluation of Biological Activity of Antioxidant-Rich Plant Extracts
Authors: Laus Maura Nicoletta , Blando Federica , Soccio Mario
Published: March 2023

The health-promoting properties of natural plant bioactive compounds are mainly attributable to their ability to counteract oxidative stress. This is considered a major causative factor in aging and aging-related human diseases, in which a causal role is also ascribed to dicarbonyl stress. This is due to accumulation of methylglyoxal (MG) and other reactive dicarbonyl species, leading to macromolecule glycation and cell/tissue dysfunction. The glyoxalase (GLYI) enzyme, catalyzing the rate-limiting step of the GSH-dependent MG detoxification pathway, plays a key role in cell defense against dicarbonyl stress. Therefore, the study of GLYI regulation is of relevant interest. In particular, GLYI inducers are important for pharmacological interventions to sustain healthy aging and to improve dicarbonyl-related diseases; GLYI inhibitors, allowing increased MG levels to act as proapoptotic agents in tumor cells, are of special interest in cancer treatment. In this study, we performed a new in vitro exploration of biological activity of plant bioactive compounds by associating the measurement of their antioxidant capacity (AC) with the evaluation of their potential impact on dicarbonyl stress measured as capability to modulate GLYI activity. AC was evaluated using TEAC, ORAC, and LOX-FL methods. The GLYI assay was performed using a human recombinant isoform, in comparison with the recently characterized GLYI activity of durum wheat mitochondria. Different plant extracts were tested, obtained from plant sources with very high phytochemical content (‘Sun Black’ and wildtype tomatoes, black and ‘Polignano’ carrots, and durum wheat grain). Results showed high antioxidant properties of the tested extracts, associated with different modes (no effect, activation, and inhibition) and effectiveness in modulating both GLYI activity sources. Overall, results indicate the GLYI assay as an advisable and promising tool for researching plant foods as a source of natural antioxidant compounds acting as GLYI enzymatic regulators to be used for dietary management associated the treatment of oxidative/dicarbonyl-promoted diseases.
Fatty Acid Alkyl Ester Production by One-Step Supercritical Transesterification of Beef Tallow by Using Ethanol, Iso-Butanol, and 1-Butanol
Authors: García-Morales Ricardo , Verónico-Sánchez Francisco J. , Zúñiga-Moreno Abel , González-Vargas Oscar A. , Ramírez-Jiménez Edgar , Elizalde-Solis Octavio
Published: March 2023

The effect of temperature was studied on the synthesis of fatty acid alkyl esters by means of transesterification of waste beef tallow using ethanol and, iso-butanol and 1-butanol at supercritical conditions. These alcohols are proposed for the synthesis of biodiesel in order to improve the cold flow properties of alkyl esters. Alcohol–beef tallow mixtures were fed to a high-pressure high-temperature autoclave at a constant molar ratio of 45:1. Reactions were carried out in the ranges of 310–390 °C and 310–420 °C for ethanol and iso-butanol, respectively; meanwhile, synthesis using 1-butanol was assessed only at 360 °C. After separation of fatty acid alkyl esters, these samples were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to quantify yields, chemical composition, and molecular weight. Results indicated that yields enhanced as temperature increased; the maximum yields for fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) were attained at 360 °C, and for fatty acid butyl esters (FABEs) were achieved at 375 °C; beyond these conditions, the alkyl ester yields reached equilibrium. Concerning the physicochemical properties of biodiesel, the predicted cetane number and cloud point were enhanced compared to those of fatty acid methyl esters.
Study on Cavitation of Port Plate of Seawater Desalination Pump with Energy Recovery Function
Authors: Li Wenlei , Guo Rui , Wang Guogang , Zhao Jingyi , Zhang Qian , Yu Lin , Zhang Qisheng
Published: March 2023

To address the problem of low integration and efficiency of reverse osmosis desalination system, an energy-recovery type incurve multiple acting pump is developed with integrated functions of a high-pressure pump, energy recovery device and booster pump. In order to determine its flow range and suppress cavitation generation, a mathematical model of the port plate is established, combining the realizable k-ɛ turbulence model and the Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model to obtain the internal flow field characteristics of the port plate. The effects of different rotational speeds and inlet pressures on cavitation were analyzed to obtain the gas volume fraction distribution rules. The design is based on the pressure and mass flow monitoring test device to verify the numerical calculation results. The results show that the experimental and simulation data match accurately, and with the increase in speed and the decrease in inlet pressure, the cavitation phenomenon becomes serious and the flow coefficient is reduced. The optimal working speed of the pump in this paper is 520 r/min and the output flow is 200 L/min. Compared with conventional products, the volume is reduced by more than 40%.
Effect of Air-Drying and Freeze-Drying Temperature on the Process Kinetics and Physicochemical Characteristics of White Mulberry Fruits (Morus alba L.)
Authors: Krzykowski Andrzej , Dziki Dariusz , Rudy Stanisław , Polak Renata , Biernacka Beata , Gawlik-Dziki Urszula , Janiszewska-Turak Emilia
Published: March 2023

Mulberry fruits (MF) contain many biologically active compounds beneficial for human health. In particular, in the literature, there are no studies on the kinetics of the freeze-drying of MF and the effect of the process temperature on the properties of dried fruits. The objective of this study was to ascertain how freeze-drying (FD) and air-drying temperature affected the kinetics of dehydration and chosen physicochemical parameters of MF. Both temperature and dehydration methods significantly influenced the drying rate and properties of MF. The Midilli model was the best fitted to the experimental data of the course of drying curves and with the lowest values of mean-square error. The highest lightness and yellowness were noted for freeze-dried fruit, whereas air-dried MF were characterized by the highest redness. An increase in drying temperature significantly changed the color of fruits and led to the degradation of L-ascorbic acid content. The highest content of L-ascorbic acid was found in fresh fruits (214 ± 4 mg/100 g dry mass (DM)) and freeze-dried fruits at 30 °C (182 ± 3 mg/100 g DM). Both FD and AD drying significantly reduced the content of this compound. The lowest reduction in L-ascorbic acid was observed for freeze-dried fruits. Fruits freeze-dried at 30 °C showed the highest content of total phenolics and antioxidant capacity.
Regional Buddhist Communities in Tang China and Their Social Networks: The Network of Master Fayun (?–766)
Authors: Sokolova Anna
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the formation of monastic networks in Tang Dynasty (618–907) China, focusing primarily on the Buddhist traditions of Tiantai, Chan and Vinaya, which have yet to be explored as a series of related regional movements. Central to this effort is a dataset that documents over 2000 interactions between some 700 actors that were extracted from stelae inscriptions, monastic biographical collections, historical accounts, letters, and poems. The network data show two clear patterns in the organization of regional Buddhist communities: (1) individual actors bridged cliques of monastics and officials; (2) both monastics and officials contributed to network activities. To illustrate these two patterns, this paper focuses on the ego-network of Fayun 法雲 (?–766), a prominent Vinaya leader based in Jiangsu region, as an example of the formation and evolution of regional Buddhist communities in southern China. Degree centrality indicates that Fayun was one of the central figures in the southern Buddhist landscape of the early eighth century. By tracing his heterogeneous ties with prominent state officials, local authorities, and monastics affiliated with the Tiantai, Chan, and Vinaya traditions, this study outlines general patterns in the formation and legitimization of regional Buddhist communities in Tang China. All three traditions are revealed as intersecting social formations that were sustained through shared ties with local and nationally prominent bureaucrats.
Spatial Diffusion Waves of Human Activities: Evidence from Harmonized Nighttime Light Data during 1992–2018 in 234 Cities of China
Authors: Yang Jianxin , Yuan Man , Yang Shengbing , Zhang Danxia , Wang Yingge , Song Daiyi , Dai Yunze , Gao Yan , Gong Jian
Published: March 2023

This study investigates whether the intensity of human activities conducted by urban populations and carried by urban land follows a wave-shaped diffusion rule using a harmonized DMSP-like NTL dataset during 1992–2018 in 234 cities of China. The results show that variations in the intensity of human activities are diffused in a wave-shaped manner from the urban center to the periphery in cities of different sizes and structures. The results demonstrate that variations in the intensity of human activity also exhibit a wave-shaped diffusion pattern, which is best modeled by a Gaussian function with an average R2 of 0.79 and standard deviation of 0.36 across all fitted functions. The outward movement of these waves in monocentric cities with an urban population <8 million occurred at a pace of ~0.5–1.0 km per year, reaching an average distance of ~18 km from the urban centers. While the pace decreased to ~0.2–0.6 km per year in larger or polycentric cities, the average distance of the waves from the urban centers increased to ~22–25 km in these larger cities. In addition, a process-pattern link between the distance-decayed rule and the wave-shaped rule of human activity dynamics was established. Moreover, a spatiotemporal Gaussian function was further discussed to enable modelers to forecast future variations in the intensity of human activities. The disclosed wave-shape rule and model can benefit the simulation of urban dynamics if integrated with other simulation technologies, such as agent-based models and cellular automata.
Impact of Packet Loss Rate on Quality of Compressed High Resolution Videos
Authors: Bienik Juraj , Uhrina Miroslav , Sevcik Lukas , Holesova Anna
Published: March 2023

Video delivered over IP networks in real-time applications, which utilize RTP protocol over unreliable UDP such as videotelephony or live-streaming, is often prone to degradation caused by multiple sources. The most significant is the combined effect of video compression and its transmission over the communication channel. This paper analyzes the adverse impact of packet loss on video quality encoded with various combinations of compression parameters and resolutions. For the purposes of the research, a dataset containing 11,200 full HD and ultra HD video sequences encoded to H.264 and H.265 formats at five bit rates was compiled with a simulated packet loss rate (PLR) ranging from 0 to 1%. Objective assessment was conducted by using peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) metrics, whereas the well-known absolute category rating (ACR) was used for subjective evaluation. Analysis of the results confirmed the presumption that video quality decreases along with the rise of packet loss rate, regardless of compression parameters. The experiments further led to a finding that the quality of sequences affected by PLR declines with increasing bit rate. Additionally, the paper includes recommendations of compression parameters for use under various network conditions.
Multi-View Human Action Recognition Using Skeleton Based-FineKNN with Extraneous Frame Scrapping Technique
Authors: Malik Najeeb ur Rehman , Sheikh Usman Ullah , Abu-Bakar Syed Abdul Rahman , Channa Asma
Published: March 2023

Human action recognition (HAR) is one of the most active research topics in the field of computer vision. Even though this area is well-researched, HAR algorithms such as 3D Convolution Neural Networks (CNN), Two-stream Networks, and CNN-LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) suffer from highly complex models. These algorithms involve a huge number of weights adjustments during the training phase, and as a consequence, require high-end configuration machines for real-time HAR applications. Therefore, this paper presents an extraneous frame scrapping technique that employs 2D skeleton features with a Fine-KNN classifier-based HAR system to overcome the dimensionality problems.To illustrate the efficacy of our proposed method, two contemporary datasets i.e., Multi-Camera Action Dataset (MCAD) and INRIA Xmas Motion Acquisition Sequences (IXMAS) dataset was used in experiment. We used the OpenPose technique to extract the 2D information, The proposed method was compared with CNN-LSTM, and other State of the art methods. Results obtained confirm the potential of our technique. The proposed OpenPose-FineKNN with Extraneous Frame Scrapping Technique achieved an accuracy of 89.75% on MCAD dataset and 90.97% on IXMAS dataset better than existing technique.
Colorimetric Sensors for Chemical and Biological Sensing Applications
Authors: Wu Yu , Feng Jing , Hu Guang , Zhang En , Yu Huan-Huan
Published: March 2023

Colorimetric sensors have been widely used to detect numerous analytes due to their cost-effectiveness, high sensitivity and specificity, and clear visibility, even with the naked eye. In recent years, the emergence of advanced nanomaterials has greatly improved the development of colorimetric sensors. This review focuses on the recent (from the years 2015 to 2022) advances in the design, fabrication, and applications of colorimetric sensors. First, the classification and sensing mechanisms of colorimetric sensors are briefly described, and the design of colorimetric sensors based on several typical nanomaterials, including graphene and its derivatives, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, DNA nanomaterials, quantum dots, and some other materials are discussed. Then the applications, especially for the detection of metallic and non-metallic ions, proteins, small molecules, gas, virus and bacteria, and DNA/RNA are summarized. Finally, the remaining challenges and future trends in the development of colorimetric sensors are also discussed.
A Fusion-Assisted Multi-Stream Deep Learning and ESO-Controlled Newton–Raphson-Based Feature Selection Approach for Human Gait Recognition
Authors: Jahangir Faiza , Khan Muhammad Attique , Alhaisoni Majed , Alqahtani Abdullah , Alsubai Shtwai , Sha Mohemmed , Al Hejaili Abdullah , Cha Jae-hyuk
Published: March 2023

The performance of human gait recognition (HGR) is affected by the partial obstruction of the human body caused by the limited field of view in video surveillance. The traditional method required the bounding box to recognize human gait in the video sequences accurately; however, it is a challenging and time-consuming approach. Due to important applications, such as biometrics and video surveillance, HGR has improved performance over the last half-decade. Based on the literature, the challenging covariant factors that degrade gait recognition performance include walking while wearing a coat or carrying a bag. This paper proposed a new two-stream deep learning framework for human gait recognition. The first step proposed a contrast enhancement technique based on the local and global filters information fusion. The high-boost operation is finally applied to highlight the human region in a video frame. Data augmentation is performed in the second step to increase the dimension of the preprocessed dataset (CASIA-B). In the third step, two pre-trained deep learning models—MobilenetV2 and ShuffleNet—are fine-tuned and trained on the augmented dataset using deep transfer learning. Features are extracted from the global average pooling layer instead of the fully connected layer. In the fourth step, extracted features of both streams are fused using a serial-based approach and further refined in the fifth step by using an improved equilibrium state optimization-controlled Newton–Raphson (ESOcNR) selection method. The selected features are finally classified using machine learning algorithms for the final classification accuracy. The experimental process was conducted on 8 angles of the CASIA-B dataset and obtained an accuracy of 97.3, 98.6, 97.7, 96.5, 92.9, 93.7, 94.7, and 91.2%, respectively. Comparisons were conducted with state-of-the-art (SOTA) techniques, and showed improved accuracy and reduced computational time.
Single VDGA-Based Mixed-Mode Electronically Tunable First-Order Universal Filter
Authors: Roongmuanpha Natchanai , Likhitkitwoerakul Nutcha , Fukuhara Masaaki , Tangsrirat Worapong
Published: March 2023

This article presents a mixed-mode electronically tunable first-order universal filter configuration employing only one voltage differencing gain amplifier (VDGA), one capacitor, and one grounded resistor. With the appropriate selection of the input signals, the proposed circuit can realize all three first-order standard filter functions, namely low pass (LP), high pass (HP), and all pass (AP), in all four possible modes, including voltage mode (VM), trans-admittance mode (TAM), current mode (CM), and trans-impedance mode (TIM), from the same circuit structure. It also provides an electronic tuning of the pole frequency and the passband gain by varying transconductance values. Non-ideal and parasitic effect analyses of the proposed circuit were also carried out. PSPICE simulations and experimental findings have both confirmed the performance of the design. A number of simulations and experimental observations confirm the viability of the suggested configuration in practical applications.
DNS Tunnelling, Exfiltration and Detection over Cloud Environments
Authors: Salat Lehel , Davis Mastaneh , Khan Nabeel
Published: March 2023

The domain name system (DNS) protocol is fundamental to the operation of the internet, however, in recent years various methodologies have been developed that enable DNS attacks on organisations. In the last few years, the increased use of cloud services by organisations has created further security challenges as cyber criminals use numerous methodologies to exploit cloud services, configurations and the DNS protocol. In this paper, two different DNS tunnelling methods, Iodine and DNScat, have been conducted in the cloud environment (Google and AWS) and positive results of exfiltration have been achieved under different firewall configurations. Detection of malicious use of DNS protocol can be a challenge for organisations with limited cybersecurity support and expertise. In this study, various DNS tunnelling detection techniques were utilised in a cloud environment to create an effective monitoring system with a reliable detection rate, low implementation cost, and ease of use for organisations with limited detection capabilities. The Elastic stack (an open-source framework) was used to configure a DNS monitoring system and to analyse the collected DNS logs. Furthermore, payload and traffic analysis techniques were implemented to identify different tunnelling methods. This cloud-based monitoring system offers various detection techniques that can be used for monitoring DNS activities of any network especially accessible to small organisations. Moreover, the Elastic stack is open-source and it has no limitation with regards to the data that can be uploaded daily.
Data-Driven Smart Living Lab to Promote Participation in Rehabilitation Exercises and Sports Programs for People with Disabilities in Local Communities
Authors: Lee Seung Bok , Oh Yim Taek , Yang Seung Wan , Kim Jong Bae
Published: March 2023

Patients discharged from hospitals after an inpatient course of medical treatment for any ailment or traumatic injury that results in disabling conditions and are rendered mobility impaired require ongoing systematic sports and exercise programs to maintain healthy lifestyles. Under such circumstances, a rehabilitation exercise and sports center, accessible throughout local communities, is critical for promoting beneficial living and community participation for these individuals with disabilities. An innovative data-driven system equipped with state-of-the-art smart and digital equipment, set up in architecturally barrier-free infrastructures, is essential for these individuals to promote health maintenance and overcome secondary medical complications following an acute inpatient hospitalization or suboptimal rehabilitation. A federally funded collaborative research and development (R&D) program proposes to build a multi-ministerial data-driven system of exercise programs using a smart digital living lab as a platform to provide pilot services in physical education and counseling with exercise and sports programs for this patient population. We describe the social and critical aspects of rehabilitating such a population of patients by presenting a full study protocol. A modified sub-dataset of the previously generated 280-item full dataset is applied using a data-collecting system—“The Elephant”—as an example of how data acquisition will be achieved to assess the effects of lifestyle rehabilitative exercise programs for people with disabilities.
A Novel Method for Automatic Detection and Elimination of the Jumps Caused by the Instantaneous Disturbance Torque in the Maglev Gyro Signal
Authors: Wang Yiwen , Yang Zhiqiang , Ma Ji , Shi Zhen , Liu Di , Shi Ling , Li Hang
Published: March 2023

The signal measured by the maglev gyro sensor is sensitive to the influence of the instantaneous disturbance torque caused by the instantaneous strong wind or the ground vibration, which reduced the north-seeking accuracy of the instrument. To address this issue, we proposed a novel method combining the heuristic segmentation algorithm (HSA) and the two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test (named HSA-KS method) to process the gyro signals and improve the north-seeking accuracy of the gyro. There were two key steps in the HSA-KS method: (i) all the potential change points were automatically and accurately detected by HSA, and (ii) the jumps in the signal caused by the instantaneous disturbance torque were quickly located and eliminated by the two-sample KS test. The effectiveness of our method was verified through a field experiment on a high-precision global positioning system (GPS) baseline at the 5th sub-tunnel of the Qinling water conveyance tunnel of the Hanjiang-to-Weihe River Diversion Project in Shaanxi Province, China. Our results from the autocorrelograms indicated that the jumps in the gyro signals can be automatically and accurately eliminated by the HSA-KS method. After processing, the absolute difference between the gyro and high-precision GPS north azimuths was enhanced by 53.5%, which was superior to the optimized wavelet transform and the optimized Hilbert-Huang transform.
Novel Robotic Arm Working-Area AI Protection System
Authors: Lee Jeng-Dao , Jheng En-Shuo , Kuo Chia-Chen , Chen Hong-Ming , Hung Ying-Hsiu
Published: March 2023

From traditionally handmade items to the ability of people to use machines to process and even to human-robot collaboration, there are many risks. Traditional manual lathes and milling machines, sophisticated robotic arms, and computer numerical control (CNC) operations are quite dangerous. To ensure the safety of workers in automated factories, a novel and efficient warning-range algorithm is proposed to determine whether a person is in the warning range, introducing YOLOv4 tiny-object detection algorithms to improve the accuracy of determining objects. The results are displayed on a stack light and sent through an M-JPEG streaming server so that the detected image can be displayed through the browser. According to the experimental results of this system installed on a robotic arm workstation, it is proved that it can ensure recognition reaches 97%. When a person enters the dangerous range of the working robotic arm, the arm can be stopped within about 50 ms, which will effectively improve the safety of its use.
Analysis of Training Deep Learning Models for PCB Defect Detection
Authors: Park Joon-Hyung , Kim Yeong-Seok , Seo Hwi , Cho Yeong-Jun
Published: March 2023

Recently, many companies have introduced automated defect detection methods for defect-free PCB manufacturing. In particular, deep learning-based image understanding methods are very widely used. In this study, we present an analysis of training deep learning models to perform PCB defect detection stably. To this end, we first summarize the characteristics of industrial images, such as PCB images. Then, the factors that can cause changes (contamination and quality degradation) to the image data in the industrial field are analyzed. Subsequently, we organize defect detection methods that can be applied according to the situation and purpose of PCB defect detection. In addition, we review the characteristics of each method in detail. Our experimental results demonstrated the impact of various degradation factors, such as defect detection methods, data quality, and image contamination. Based on our overview of PCB defect detection and experiment results, we present knowledge and guidelines for correct PCB defect detection.
Multispectral UAV Data and GPR Survey for Archeological Anomaly Detection Supporting 3D Reconstruction
Authors: Ronchi Diego , Limongiello Marco , Demetrescu Emanuel , Ferdani Daniele
Published: March 2023

Archeological prospection and 3D reconstruction are increasingly combined in large archeological projects that serve both site investigation and dissemination of results. This paper describes and validates a method for using multispectral imagery captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), subsurface geophysical surveys, and stratigraphic excavations to evaluate the role of 3D semantic visualizations for the collected data. The information recorded by various methods will be experimentally reconciled using the Extended Matrix and other original open-source tools, keeping both the scientific processes that generated them and the derived data separate, transparent, and reproducible. This structured information makes immediately accessible the required variety of sources useful for interpretation and reconstructive hypotheses. The application of the methodology will use the first available data from a five-year multidisciplinary investigation project at Tres Tabernae, a Roman site near Rome, where numerous non-destructive technologies, as well as excavation campaigns, will be progressively deployed to explore the site and validate the approaches.
Special Issue on Machine Learning and AI for Sensors
Authors: Pintelas Panagiotis , Kotsiantis Sotiris , Livieris Ioannis E.
Published: March 2023

This article summarizes the works published under the “Machine Learning and AI for Sensors” (https://www [...]