bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Causes of Ozone Pollution in 16 Cities of Yunnan Plateau
Authors: Shi Jianwu , Wang Zhijun , Zhao Chenyang , Han Xinyu , Wang Jianmin , Yang Xiaoxi , Xie Haitao , Zhao Pingwei , Ning Ping
Published: July 2022

In order to study the characteristics and causes of ozone (O3) pollution in 16 cities of Yunnan Plateau, the methods of COD, backward trajectory and potential source contribution function (PSCF) were used to analyze the O3 concentrations from 2015 to 2020 of all state-controlled environmental monitoring stations in 16 cities of Yunnan. The results show that the O3 concentrations in Yunnan gradually increased from 2015 to 2019, and the concentration in 2020 was the lowest due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The peak O3 concentration appears in spring. The daily change trend is a typical single peak shape, the lowest value appears around 8: 00, and the highest value is between 15:00 and 16:00. High concentrations of O3 are from the cities of Zhaotong and Kunming in northeastern Yunnan, while low concentrations of O3 mainly occur in the southwest and northwest border areas. Temperature and relative humidity are two meteorological parameters that have significant effect on O3 concentration. Temperature has the best correlation with O3 in winter, and relative humidity has a better correlation with O3 in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. Finally, source analysis of O3 showed that local ozone precursor emission sources and long-distance transmission from South and Southeast Asia constituted the major contributions of O3 in Yunnan.
Life Cycle Assessment of a Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Unit Made of Cylindrical Cells
Authors: Falcone Morena , Quattromini Nicolò Federico , Rossi Claudio , Pulvirenti Beatrice
Published: July 2022

Saving energy is a fundamental topic considering the growing energy requirements with respect to energy availability. Many studies have been devoted to this question, and life cycle assessment (LCA) is increasingly acquiring importance in several fields as an effective way to evaluate the energy demand and the emissions associated with products’ life cycles. In this work, an LCA analysis of an existent lithium-ion battery pack (BP) unit is presented with the aim to increase awareness about its consumption and offering alternative production solutions that are less energy intensive. Exploiting the literature data about cradle-to-grave and cradle-to-gate investigations, and after establishing reasonable approximations, the main BP sub-elements were considered for this study, such as the plastic cells support, the Li-ion cells brick, the PCBs for a battery management system (BMS), the liquid-based battery thermal management system (BTMS) and the BP container. For each of these components, the impacts of the extraction, processing, assembly, and transportation of raw materials are estimated and the partial and total values of the energy demand (ED) and global warming potential (GWP) are determined. The final interpretation of the results allows one to understand the important role played by LCA evaluations and presents other possible ways of reducing the energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Silicon as a Smart Fertilizer for Sustainability and Crop Improvement
Authors: Tayade Rupesh , Ghimire Amit , Khan Waleed , Lay Liny , Attipoe John Quarshie , Kim Yoonha
Published: July 2022

Silicon (Si), despite being abundant in nature, is still not considered a necessary element for plants. Si supplementation in plants has been extensively studied over the last two decades, and the role of Si in alleviating biotic and abiotic stress has been well documented. Owing to the noncorrosive nature and sustainability of elemental Si, Si fertilization in agricultural practices has gained more attention. In this review, we provide an overview of different smart fertilizer types, application of Si fertilizers in agriculture, availability of Si fertilizers, and experiments conducted in greenhouses, growth chambers, and open fields. We also discuss the prospects of promoting Si as a smart fertilizer among farmers and the research community for sustainable agriculture and yield improvement. Literature review and empirical studies have suggested that the application of Si-based fertilizers is expected to increase in the future. With the potential of nanotechnology, new nanoSi (NSi) fertilizer applications may further increase the use and efficiency of Si fertilizers. However, the general awareness and scientific investigation of NSi need to be thoughtfully considered. Thus, we believe this review can provide insight for further research into Si fertilizers as well as promote Si as a smart fertilizer for sustainability and crop improvement.
Bacteria for Treatment: Microbiome in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Min Kyungchan , Kim Hyun Tae , Lee Eun Hye , Park Hansoo , Ha Yun-Sok
Published: July 2022

The human body contains a variety of microbes. The distribution of microbes varies from organ to organ. Sequencing and bioinformatics techniques have revolutionized microbial research. Although previously considered to be sterile, the urinary bladder contains various microbes. Several studies have used urine and bladder tissues to reveal the microbiome of the urinary bladder. Lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus, are particularly beneficial for human health and are linked to bladder cancer. This review highlights the analysis protocols for microbiome research, the studies undertaken to date, and the microbes with therapeutic potential in bladder cancer.
A Systems Biology- and Machine Learning-Based Study to Unravel Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms of Midostaurin as a Multitarget Therapy on FLT3-Mutated AML
Authors: Díaz-Beyá Marina , García-Fortes María , Valls Raquel , Artigas Laura , Gómez-Casares Mª Teresa , Montesinos Pau , Sánchez-Guijo Fermín , Coma Mireia , Vendranes Meritxell , Martínez-López Joaquín
Published: July 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a hematologic malignancy that results in bone marrow failure, is the most common acute leukemia in adults. The presence of FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations is associated with a poor prognosis, making the evaluation of FLT3-inhibitors an imperative goal in clinical trials. Midostaurin was the first FLT3-inhibitor approved by the FDA and EMA for the treatment of FLT3-mutated AML, and it showed a significant improvement in overall survival for newly diagnosed patients treated with midostaurin, in combination with standard chemotherapy (RATIFY study). The main interest of midostaurin has been the FLT3-specific inhibition, but little is known about its role as a multikinase inhibitor and whether it may be used in relapse and maintenance therapy. Here, we used systems biology- and machine learning-based approaches to deepen the potential benefits of the multitarget activity of midostaurin and to better understand its anti-leukemic effect on FLT3-mutated AML. The resulting in silico study revealed that the multikinase activity of midostaurin may play a role in the treatment’s efficacy. Additionally, we propose a series of molecular mechanisms that support a potential benefit of midostaurin as a maintenance therapy in FLT3-mutated AML, by regulating the microenvironment. The obtained results are backed up using independent gene expression data.
Vessel-Sparing Lymphadenectomy Should Be Performed in Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Bartsch Detlef K. , Windel Sebastian , Kanngießer Veit , Jesinghaus Moritz , Holzer Katharina , Rinke Anja , Maurer Elisabeth
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The goal of primary tumor resection with lymphadenectomy (PTR) in small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasms (SI-NENs) is to avoid local recurrence while sparing as much of the small bowel as possible, even in the case of extensive mesenteric fibrosis. The results of PTR with retrograde vessel-sparing lymphadenectomy (VS-LA) were compared to those of conventional lymphadenectomy (Con-LA). Methods: Prospectively collected clinical, surgical and pathological data of consecutive patients with SI-NENs who underwent small bowel resections were retrospectively analyzed regarding the resection technique performed. Results: In a 7-year period, 50 of 102 patients with SI-NENs had only small bowel resections; of those, 25 were VS-LA and 25 were Con-LA. Patients with VS-LA had tendentially more advanced diseases with slightly higher rates of abdominal pain, mesenteric shrinkage and more level III lymph node involvement compared to patients with Con-LA. VS-LA, however, resulted in shorter resected bowel segments (median 40 cm vs. 65 cm, p = 0.007) with similar rates of local R0 resections (72% vs. 84%) and resected lymph nodes (median 13 vs. 13). Postoperative clinically relevant complications occurred in 1 of 25 (4%) in the VS-LA and in 7 of 25 (28%) patients in the Con-LA group (p = 0.02). Three months after surgery, 1 of 25 (4%) patients of the VS-LA group and 10 of 25 (40%) patients in the Con-LA group (p = 0.002) complained about abdominal pain. One of eight patients in the VS-LA group and two of thirteen patients in the Con-LA group who had completely resected stage III disease complained about diarrhea (p = 0.31). Conclusion: VS-LA seems to be oncologically safe and should be considered in small bowel resections for SI-NENs.
Precision Medicine Highlights Dysregulation of the CDK4/6 Cell Cycle Regulatory Pathway in Pediatric, Adolescents and Young Adult Sarcomas
Authors: Barghi Farinaz , Shannon Harlan E. , Saadatzadeh M. Reza , Bailey Barbara J. , Riyahi Niknam , Bijangi-Vishehsaraei Khadijeh , Just Marissa , Ferguson Michael J. , Pandya Pankita H. , Pollok Karen E.
Published: July 2022

Despite improved therapeutic and clinical outcomes for patients with localized diseases, outcomes for pediatric and AYA sarcoma patients with high-grade or aggressive disease are still relatively poor. With advancements in next generation sequencing (NGS), precision medicine now provides a strategy to improve outcomes in patients with aggressive disease by identifying biomarkers of therapeutic sensitivity or resistance. The integration of NGS into clinical decision making not only increases the accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis, but also has the potential to identify effective and less toxic therapies for pediatric and AYA sarcomas. Genome and transcriptome profiling have detected dysregulation of the CDK4/6 cell cycle regulatory pathway in subpopulations of pediatric and AYA OS, RMS, and EWS. In these patients, the inhibition of CDK4/6 represents a promising precision medicine-guided therapy. There is a critical need, however, to identify novel and promising combination therapies to fight the development of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition. In this review, we offer rationale and perspective on the promise and challenges of this therapeutic approach.
High-Throughput CRISPR Screening in Hematological Neoplasms
Authors: Ancos-Pintado Raquel , Bragado-García Irene , Morales María Luz , García-Vicente Roberto , Arroyo-Barea Andrés , Rodríguez-García Alba , Martínez-López Joaquín , Linares María , Hernández-Sánchez María
Published: July 2022

CRISPR is becoming an indispensable tool in biological research, revolutionizing diverse fields of medical research and biotechnology. In the last few years, several CRISPR-based genome-targeting tools have been translated for the study of hematological neoplasms. However, there is a lack of reviews focused on the wide uses of this technology in hematology. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the main CRISPR-based approaches of high throughput screenings applied to this field. Here we explain several libraries and algorithms for analysis of CRISPR screens used in hematology, accompanied by the most relevant databases. Moreover, we focus on (1) the identification of novel modulator genes of drug resistance and efficacy, which could anticipate relapses in patients and (2) new therapeutic targets and synthetic lethal interactions. We also discuss the approaches to uncover novel biomarkers of malignant transformations and immune evasion mechanisms. We explain the current literature in the most common lymphoid and myeloid neoplasms using this tool. Then, we conclude with future directions, highlighting the importance of further gene candidate validation and the integration and harmonization of the data from CRISPR screening approaches.
N-Acetylcysteine Promotes Metastatic Spread of Melanoma in Mice
Authors: Obrador Elena , Salvador-Palmer Rosario , López-Blanch Rafael , Oriol-Caballo María , Moreno-Murciano Paz , Estrela José M.
Published: July 2022

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a direct Cys donor and a promoter of glutathione (GSH) synthesis. GSH regulates melanoma growth and NAC has been suggested to increase melanoma metastases in mice. We found that high therapeutic doses of NAC do not increase the growth of melanoma xenografts, but can cause metastatic spread and distant metastases. Nevertheless, this is not due to an antioxidant effect since NAC, in fact, increases the generation of reactive oxygen species in the growing metastatic melanoma. Trolox, an antioxidant vitamin E derivative, administered in vivo, decreased metastatic growth. Metastatic cells isolated from NAC-treated mice showed an increase in the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, as compared to controls. Nrf2, a master regulator of the antioxidant response, controls the expression of different antioxidant enzymes and of the γ-glutamylcysteine ligase (the rate-limiting step in GSH synthesis). Cystine uptake through the xCT cystine-glutamate antiporter (generating intracellular Cys) and the γ-glutamylcysteine ligase activity are key to control metastatic growth. This is associated to an increase in the utilization of L-Gln by the metastatic cells, another metastases promoter. Our results demonstrate the potential of NAC as an inducer of melanoma metastases spread, and suggest that caution should be taken when administering GSH promoters to cancer patients.
A Combination of Sorafenib, an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor, TACE and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy versus Sorafenib and TACE in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Accompanied by Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Li Chan , Liao Weijun , Huang Yun , Wang Zhiming
Published: July 2022

Background: This study compared the effectiveness of the combined administration of sorafenib, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) (SITS group) vs. sorafenib combined with TACE (ST group) in treating and downstaging advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). Methods: The present study included patients with advanced HCC and PVTT treated with one of the above combination therapies. The downstaging rate, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Results: Sixty-two patients were analyzed. The ORR was elevated in the SITS group compared with the ST group (p = 0.036), but no differences were found in DCR (p = 0.067). The survival analysis revealed higher PFS (p = 0.015) and OS (p = 0.013) in the SITS group, with median PFS and OS times of 10.4 and 13.8 months, respectively. Ten patients displayed successful downstaging and underwent surgery in the SITS group, vs. none in the ST group. The prognosis was better in surgically treated patients compared with the non-surgery subgroup, based on PFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p = 0.003). Despite a markedly higher rate of AEs in the SITS group (p = 0.020), including two severe AEs, the SITS combination therapy had an acceptable safety profile. Conclusion: The SITS combination therapy yields higher PFS and OS than the combined administration of sorafenib and TACE in patients with advanced HCC and PVTT, especially as a downstaging strategy before surgery.
Immune Evasion as the Main Challenge for Immunotherapy of Cancer
Authors: Zagozdzon Radoslaw , Winiarska Magdalena , Firczuk Malgorzata
Published: July 2022

Immune evasion is currently considered one of the most prominent hallmarks of cancer [...]
5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Oxidation to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid on Noble Metal-Free Nanocrystalline Mixed Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Demet Atif Emre , Gimello Olinda , Arletti Rossella , Tanchoux Nathalie , Sougrati Moulay Tahar , Stievano Lorenzo , Quignard Françoise , Centi Gabriele , Perathoner Siglinda , Di Renzo Francesco
Published: July 2022

Noble metal-free catalysts based on earth-abundant and inexpensive mixed oxides are active catalysts of all steps of the reaction cascade leading from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidation agent. Catalysts covering the whole range of composition in the Cu-Mn and Co-Fe series have been prepared and characterised. The nature and composition of the catalyst strongly affect conversion and selectivity. The distribution of products indicates that radical-type oxygen species, deriving from the activation of TBHP, play a determining role in the reaction. The early steps of reaction mainly follow the pattern expected for heterogeneous Fenton catalysts. Mixed oxide catalysts are the most effective in further oxidation steps, leading to the formation of FDCA, both in the Cu-Mn and Co-Fe systems. This behaviour can be related to the distribution of charge in the mixed oxides, suggesting a possible implication of the lattice oxygen in the last reaction steps. The results provide indications on how to optimize the reaction and minimize the formation of byproducts (humins and oligomers).
Absence of EPAC1 Signaling to Stabilize CFTR in Intestinal Organoids
Authors: Ferreira João F. , Silva Iris A. L. , Botelho Hugo M. , Amaral Margarida D. , Farinha Carlos M.
Published: July 2022

The plasma membrane (PM) stability of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the protein which when mutated causes Cystic Fibrosis (CF), relies on multiple interaction partners that connect CFTR to signaling pathways, including cAMP signaling. It was previously shown that activation of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1 (EPAC1) by cAMP promotes an increase in CFTR PM levels in airway epithelial cells. However, the relevance of this pathway in other tissues, particularly the intestinal tissue, remains uncharacterized. Here, we used Western blot and forskolin-induced swelling assay to demonstrate that the EPAC1 protein is not expressed in the intestinal organoid model, and consequently the EPAC1 stabilization pathway is not in place. On the other hand, using cell surface biotinylation, EPAC1-mediated stabilization of PM CFTR is observed in intestinal cell lines. These results indicate that the EPAC1 stabilization pathway also occurs in intestinal cells and is a potential target for the development of novel combinatorial therapies for treatment of CF.
Gut Microbiota-Derived Tryptophan Metabolites Maintain Gut and Systemic Homeostasis
Authors: Su Xiaomin , Gao Yunhuan , Yang Rongcun
Published: July 2022

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid from dietary proteins. It can be metabolized into different metabolites in both the gut microbiota and tissue cells. Tryptophan metabolites such as indole-3-lactate (ILA), indole-3-acrylate (IAC), indole-3-propionate (IPA), indole-3-aldehyde (IAID), indoleacetic acid (IAA), indole-3-acetaldehyde and Kyn can be produced by intestinal microorganisms through direct Trp transformation and also, partly, the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway. These metabolites play a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of the gut and systematic immunity and also potentially affect the occurrence and development of diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, tumors, obesity and metabolic syndrome, diseases in the nervous system, infectious diseases, vascular inflammation and cardiovascular diseases and hepatic fibrosis. They can not only promote the differentiation and function of anti-inflammatory macrophages, Treg cells, CD4+CD8αα+ regulatory cells, IL-10+ and/or IL-35+B regulatory cells but also IL-22-producing innate lymphoid cells 3 (ILC3), which are involved in maintaining the gut mucosal homeostasis. These findings have important consequences in the immunotherapy against tumor and other immune-associated diseases. We will summarize here the recent advances in understanding the generation and regulation of tryptophan metabolites in the gut microbiota, the role of gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites in different immune cells, the occurrence and development of diseases and immunotherapy against immune-associated diseases.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Climate Crisis: A Call to Question the Mindset of Modernity
Authors: Mazzocchi Fulvio
Published: July 2022

Drawing a parallel between the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, the article explores what can be learned from these crises using two axes of analysis. First, such events show some noteworthy structural analogies, being both typified by nonlinear dynamics. They exhibit latency periods and tipping points: at the beginning, things go slowly, but once a critical threshold is exceeded, suddenly escalate quickly; as a result, when we respond to them will make the difference. Second, it is crucial how complex crises are framed. It would be deceptive to concentrate only on their contingent aspects. Both cases should instead be seen as the symptom of a broader imbalance, i.e., a ‘crisis of modernity’. Consequently, the article investigates their possible common roots: not only their socioeconomic determinants, but also worldview assumptions, particularly a long-lasting dualism that contributed to generate an overall sense of separateness. It argues that this situation cannot be addressed through some superficial changes. Rather, it urges us to move toward some deeper shifts, regarding both our way of thinking and behaving.
Esophageal Magnetic Compression Anastomosis in Esophageal Atresia Repair: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Comparison with a Novel Approach
Authors: Holler Anne-Sophie , König Tatjana Tamara , Chen Caressa , Harrison Michael R. , Muensterer Oliver J.
Published: July 2022

The use of magnet compression to endoscopically create an esophageal anastomosis is an intriguing approach to esophageal atresia repair, but published cases with an existing available device have demonstrated mixed success. One major shortcoming has been the formation of subsequent severe, recalcitrant strictures after primary repair. To address the limitations of the existing device, we recently introduced and reported success with specially designed bi-radial magnets that exhibit a novel geometry and unique tissue compression profile. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes using our novel device (novel group, NG) with those of previous reports which utilized the historical device (historic group, HG) in a PRISMA-compliant systematic review. Seven studies were eligible for further analysis. Additionally, one of our previously unreported cases was included in the analysis. Esophageal pouch approximation prior to primary repair was performed more frequently in the NG than in the HG (100% NG vs. 21% HG; p = 0.003). There was no difference in the overall postoperative appearance of postoperative stricture (95% HG vs. 100% NG; p = 0.64). The number of postoperative dilatations trended lower in the NG (mean 4.25 NG vs. 9.5 HG; p = 0.051). In summary, magnetic compression anastomosis adds a new promising treatment option for patients with complex esophageal atresia. Prior approximation of pouches and a novel magnet design have the potential to lower the rate of stricture formation.
Recent Progress in Research of Solid Tritium Breeder Materials Li2TiO3: A Review
Authors: Xu Kun , Qi Chao , Wang Bo
Published: July 2022

During the past decades, fusion reactor fuels such as deuterium and tritium have been extensively investigated due to increasing interest in nuclear fusion energy. Tritium, which is scarce in nature, needs to be fabricated by tritium breeder materials. Among the commonly investigated tritium breeder materials, lithium titanate (Li2TiO3) is recognized as one of the most promising solid tritium breeder materials because of its considerable lithium (Li) atomic density, low activation, excellent chemical stability, and low-temperature tritium release performance. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the current progress in Li2TiO3 preparation methods as well as the high Li density, tritium release performance, irradiation behavior, and modification technologies of Li2TiO3 pebbles. Li2TiO3 can be synthesized by strategies such as solid-state, sol–gel, hydrothermal, solution combustion synthesis, and co-precipitation methods. Among them, the hydrothermal method is promising due to its simplicity and low cost. Many researchers have begun to focus on composite ceramic pebbles to further improve tritium breeder performance. This will provide a new direction for the future development of Li2TiO3 pebbles. The present review concludes with a summary of the preparation methods currently under development and offers an outlook of future opportunities, which will inspire more in-depth investigation and promote the practical application of Li2TiO3 in this field.
Cosmeceuticals: A Newly Expanding Industry in South Africa
Authors: Gebashe Fikisiwe C. , Naidoo Devashan , Amoo Stephen O. , Masondo Nqobile A.
Published: July 2022

Africa is counted amongst the cosmetic market contributors; however, South Africa’s remarkable plant diversity is still largely untapped in terms of its potential for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Thus, we aim to provide a critical assessment of the advancements made in South African cosmeceuticals with emphasis towards online local companies/brands that are manufactured by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). For the current study, we limited our search of herbal cosmeceutical products to SMMEs with online websites, or products traded in other online cosmetic directories such as ‘Faithful to Nature’ and ‘African Botanicals’ using a simple Google search. We recorded more than 50 South African SMME companies/brands involved in the trade of cosmeceuticals. Skin and hair care were the major product categories widely traded in these online platforms. Furthermore, few patents were recorded from South African researchers and institutions thereof, which is quite alarming considering the extensive research that has been undertaken to study these commercially valuable plants. Based on the increasing number of new products and the wide pool of economically important plants coupled to their associated rich indigenous knowledge systems, the cosmeceutical sector can contribute to the economy, job creation, entrepreneurship skills, socio-economic development and intellectual property generation.
TimeMaxyne: A Shot-Noise Limited, Time-Resolved Pump-and-Probe Acquisition System Capable of 50 GHz Frequencies for Synchrotron-Based X-ray Microscopy
Authors: Weigand Markus , Wintz Sebastian , Gräfe Joachim , Noske Matthias , Stoll Hermann , Van Waeyenberge Bartel , Schütz Gisela
Published: July 2022

With the advent of modern synchrotron sources, X-ray microscopy was developed as a vigorous tool for imaging material structures with element-specific, structural, chemical and magnetic sensitivity at resolutions down to 25 nm and below. Moreover, the X-ray time structure emitted from the synchrotron source (short bunches of less than 100 ps width) provides a unique possibility to combine high spatial resolution with high temporal resolution for periodic processes by means of pump-and-probe measurements. To that end, TimeMaxyne was developed as a time-resolved acquisition setup for the scanning X-ray microscope MAXYMUS at the BESSY II synchrotron in order to perform high precision, high throughput pump-and-probe imaging. The setup combines a highly sensitive single photon detector, a real time photon sorting system and a dedicated synchronization scheme for aligning various types of sample excitations of up to 50 GHz bandwidth to the photon probe. Hence, TimeMaxyne has been demonstrated to be capable of shot-noise limited, time-resolved imaging, at time resolutions of 50 ps and below, only limited by the X-ray pulse widths of the synchrotron.
Microstructure and Anisotropic Order Parameter of Boron-Doped Nanocrystalline Diamond Films
Authors: Bhattacharyya Somnath
Published: July 2022

Unconventional superconductivity in heavily boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond films (HBDDF) produced a significant amount of interest. However, the exact pairing mechanism has not been understood due to a lack of understanding of crystal symmetry, which is broken at the grain boundaries. The superconducting order parameter (Δ) of HBDDF is believed to be anisotropic since boron atoms form a complex structure with carbon and introduce spin-orbit coupling to the diamond system. From ultra-high resolution transmission electron microscopy, the internal symmetry of the grain boundary structure of HBDDF is revealed, which can explain these films’ unconventional superconducting transport features. Here, we show the signature of the anisotropic Δ in HBDDF by breaking the structural symmetry in a layered microstructure, enabling a Rashba-type spin-orbit coupling. The superlattice-like structure in diamond describes a modulation that explains strong insulator peak features observed in temperature-dependent resistance, a transition of the magnetic field-dependent resistance, and their oscillatory, as well as angle-dependent, features. Overall, the interface states of the diamond films can be explained by the well-known Shockley model describing the layers connected by vortex-like structures, hence forming a topologically protected system.
Fabricating High-Conduction and High-Transparency Tungsten-Doped Zinc Oxide Films by Pulse Laser Deposition Technique
Authors: Pan Po-Chuan , Koo Horng-Show , Chen De-Xuan , Chen Chien-Ming
Published: July 2022

Utilising a pulse laser deposition technique, 1.0 wt.% tungsten-doped zinc oxide (WZO) films were fabricated under different growth temperatures (200–400 °C), and their structural, optical, morphological, and electrical properties were discussed. The crystalline structures of the WZO target and films were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and preferred orientations along the strong c-axis (002) were strongly observed for all growth temperatures. All WZO films demonstrated transparencies above 75%, along with a wide spectral range (400–700 nm). Their bandgap values ranged between 3.21 and 3.35 eV and their optimised resistivity, which was significantly influenced by the growth temperature, was measured as 1.97 × 10−3 Ω cm. Further, the electrical characteristics of the WZO films were investigated under different W-doping amounts (1.0–9.0 wt.%) and a constant growth temperature (300 °C), and the results indicated that the carrier mobility showed an opposite tendency to the W-doping percentage. In addition, the elemental compositions of the WZO films and pristine ZnO films were comparatively studied in terms of Zn, O, and W contents, via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis.
The Impact of Non-Economic Factors on Voluntary Tax Compliance Behavior: A Case Study of Small and Medium Enterprises in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thu Hien
Published: July 2022

One of the main reasons governments of developing countries, including Vietnam, face many difficulties in tax collection is taxpayers’ non-compliance with taxes. Therefore, the question for the governments of these countries is how to encourage taxpayers to comply voluntarily without having to resort to mandatory measures. This study examines non-economic factors affecting the voluntary tax compliance behavior of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. The data used in the study were collected from the survey results of 339 tax accountants and managers at SMEs in some provinces and cities in Vietnam. The study data were processed with the statistical software SPSS 20 to test for Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory factor analysis, and linear regression analysis. The research results show that the possibility of tax inspection and audit, social norms, tax knowledge, personal norms, perception of the tax system’s fairness, and tax service quality has a significant influence on the voluntary tax compliance behavior of SMEs in Vietnam; of which, the possibility of tax inspection and audit has the strongest impact, and tax services quality has the weakest effect on the voluntary tax compliance behavior of these enterprises.
Quasi-BIC-Based High-Q Perfect Absorber with Decoupled Resonant Wavelength and Q Factor
Authors: Zha Weiyi , Huang Yun , Ghosh Pintu , Li Qiang
Published: July 2022

The Q factor in a quasi-BIC-based optical device can approach infinity and has therefore been attracting the attention of many researchers in recent years. However, this mode is barely applied to absorbers since it mainly tunes the radiative loss. The resonant wavelength of quasi-BICs normally couples with the Q factor, and it is difficult to independently tune one of them while maintaining the other, which weakens the flexibility of tuning. In this work, a quasi-BIC-based high-Q perfect absorber with some unique features is proposed. It shows a decoupled relationship between the resonant wavelength and the Q factor such that these two properties can be independently tuned by changing different structure parameters. In addition, both radiative and resistive losses are tunable. An easy method is proposed to design a perfect absorber with different resonant wavelengths and different Q factors, and a near-infrared perfect absorber with a Q factor as high as 5.13 × 105 is designed. This work proposes a method to tune the quasi-BIC mode, thereby introducing a new paradigm for the design of a high-Q perfect absorber.
Techno-Economic Feasibility of a Solar-Wind-Fuel Cell Energy System in Duqm, Oman
Authors: Al-Badi Abdullah , Al Wahaibi Abdulmajeed , Ahshan Razzaqul , Malik Arif
Published: July 2022

Duqm is located in the Al Wasta Governorate in Oman and is currently fed by 10 diesel generators with a total capacity of around 76 MW and other rental power sources with a size of 18 MW. To make the electric power supply come completely from renewables, one novel solution is to replace the diesel with hydrogen. The extra energy coming from the PV-wind system can be utilized to produce green hydrogen that will be utilized by the fuel cell. Measured data of solar insolation, hourly wind speeds, and hourly load consumption are used in the proposed system. Finding an ideal configuration that can match the load demand and be suitable from an economic and environmental point of view was the main objective of this research. The Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER Pro) microgrid software was used to evaluate the technical and financial performance. The findings demonstrated that the suggested hybrid system (PV-wind-fuel cell) will remove CO2 emissions at a cost of energy (COE) of USD 0.436/kWh and will reduce noise. With a total CO2 emission of 205,676,830 kg/year, the levelized cost of energy for the current system is USD 0.196/kWh. The levelized cost for the diesel system will rise to USD 0.243/kWh when taking 100 US dollars per ton of CO2 into account. Due to system advantages, the results showed that using solar, wind, and fuel cells is the most practical and cost-effective technique. The results of this research illustrated the feasibility and effectiveness of utilizing wind and solar resources for both hydrogen and energy production and also suggested that hydrogen is a more cost-effective long-term energy storage option than batteries.
Effect of Impregnation with a Low-Concentration Furfuryl Alcohol Aqueous Solution on Hygroscopic Properties of Chinese Fir and Poplar Wood
Authors: Sun He , Chang Xun , Fu Changqing , Yan Yuntian , Dong Chunlei , Chen Taian
Published: July 2022

Furfurylation with a low concentration of furfuryl alcohol (FA) promotes the improvement of the properties and the effectiveness of FA on cell–wall action without darkening the furfurylated wood to the point that it affects its applications. In this paper, the effects of furfurylation on the hygroscopicity and water uptake dimensional stability of poplar (Populus sp.) and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) were analyzed. Meanwhile, the distribution of FA resin, the relationship between wood and water, the change in pore size distribution, and the weight percentage gain and cell wall bulking coefficient of wood were also investigated. The results were as follows: (1) A low concentration of FA could better enter the cell walls of the Chinese fir than the poplar, as FA resin was almost cured in the secondary walls, cell corners, and compound middle lamellae when a 10% concentration of FA was applied to the Chinese fir and poplar. When the FA concentration was increased to 30%, there were no significant increases in the amount of FA entering the cell walls and the amounts of FA cured in the cell lumen of the poplar were greater than those of the Chinese fir. Meanwhile, the modification of cell walls was more suitable in poplar than in Chinese fir. (2) The pointed ends of the pit chambers and the pit apertures (800–1000 nm) in the poplar and the small pores of the pit membranes and the pit apertures (1–6 μm) in the Chinese fir were partially deposited by the FA resin, which formed new pores in the size ranges of 80–600 nm and 15–100 nm, respectively. The porosity of the poplar was greater than that of the Chinese fir, and the bulk density of the poplar was less than that of the Chinese fir before and after modification. (3) Furfurylation with a low concentration of FA was able to better reduce the equilibrium moisture content, improve the anti-swelling efficiency, and enhance the dimensional stability of the poplar wood compared to the Chinese fir. Furfurylation effectively reduced water uptake due to the hydrophobic property of the FA resin. The water uptake of the Chinese fir increased by 17%–19% in second cyclic water soaking when treated with FA with various concentrations, which indicated the loss and leaching of FA resin during the test. Low-field NMR was used to demonstrate that the furfurylation not only reduced the amount of water but also affected the combination state of bound and free water with wood. Thus, furfurylation at a low concentration is a feasible method by which to extend applications of furfurylated wood.
Dietary Arachidonic Acid (20:4n-6) Levels and Its Effect on Growth Performance, Fatty Acid Profile, Gene Expression for Lipid Metabolism, and Health Status of Juvenile California Yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis)
Authors: Araújo Bruno Cavalheiro , Skrzynska Arleta Krystyna , Marques Victor Hugo , Tinajero Aurora , Del Rio-Zaragoza Oscar Basílio , Viana Maria Teresa , Mata-Sotres José Antonio
Published: July 2022

Arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6) fed to Seriola dorsalis juveniles at different levels was evaluated. After a seven-week feeding trial, growth performance, hepatopancreas and muscle fatty acid (FA) composition, expression of lipid-relevant genes, and blood parameters were evaluated. Four isoproteic and isolipidic experimental diets were formulated to contain 44% crude protein and 11% lipids with graded inclusion levels of ARA, 0% (Control), 0.4, 0.9, and 1.4% of the total diet. S. dorsalis juveniles (14.54 ± 0.18 g) were randomly divided into twelve tanks with fifteen animals each. The animals were hand fed three times per day to apparent satiation. Dietary treatments did not significantly affect the growth performance, SGR, FCR, and feed intake of fish. Different levels of ARA in the experimental diets directly influenced liver and muscle FA profiles, with significant changes in ARA and EPA deposition between Control treatment and 1.4%, in both tissues. The expression of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (alox5), acyl-CoA dehydrogenase very long chain (acadvl), carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase 1(cpt1a) was significantly affected by dietary treatments, with an expression increasing accordingly to the increasing ARA levels. In contrast, a reduction of fatty acid synthase (fas) and proliferator-activated receptor alpha (ppara) expression was significantly reduced as ARA increased in the diet. In addition, a significant reduction in blood cortisol and glucose was found at a 0.9% ARA level compared to the other treatments. Based on the performance, cortisol levels, the gene expression for eicosanoids synthesis, and lipid metabolic pathways, the present study suggests a maximum ARA inclusion of 0.9% in diets for California yellowtail juveniles, S. dorsalis.
Xylanase Supplementation in Wheat-Based Diets of Laying Hens Affects the Egg Yolk Color, Carotenoid and Fatty Acid Profiles
Authors: Papadopoulos Georgios A. , Lioliopoulou Styliani , Ordoudi Stella A. , Giannenas Ilias , Van Hoeck Veerle , Morisset Dany , Arsenos Georgios , Fortomaris Paschalis , Mantzouridou Fani T.
Published: July 2022

Wheat is rich in non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and their degradation in poultry diets is promoted by exogenous carbohydrases. The objective here was to evaluate the effect of adding an intrinsically thermostable xylanase on wheat-based diets for laying hens in yolk color, carotenoid and fatty acid profiles of eggs. A total of 128 laying hens were used for 12 weeks. They were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments with different levels of xylanase: T1: control (no xylanase), T2: 30,000 U/g, T3: 45,000 U/g and T4: 90,000 U/g, with 32 birds, 16 replicates per treatment (2 birds/replicate). At the end of the experimental period, egg yolk color index, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) of egg yolks were found significantly higher in all the enzyme supplemented diet groups (T2, T3, T4) compared with the control (T1). Canthaxanthin levels were significantly higher in T3 than T1 (p < 0.05). Total n-3, n-6 and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) were significantly higher in T4 compared with the control (p < 0.01), while the reverse trend was evidenced for monounsaturated FAs. Additionally, total n-3 FAs were higher in the T2 than T1 (p < 0.005). Overall, the results showed that exogenous xylanase enzyme supplementation in wheat-based diets for laying hens contribute to maintaining egg yolk color. Overall, exogenous xylanase enzyme supplemented at all levels in wheat-based laying hens’ diets improved egg yolk color compared to the control diet. The enzyme supplemented at the higher level (90,000 U/g) improved polyunsaturated and reduced monounsaturated egg yolk fatty acid content.
Markov Transition Field Combined with Convolutional Neural Network Improved the Predictive Performance of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Models for Determination of Aflatoxin B1 in Maize
Authors: Wang Bo , Deng Jihong , Jiang Hui
Published: July 2022

This work provides a novel approach to monitor the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) content in maize by near-infrared (NIR) spectra-based deep learning models that integrates Markov transition field (MTF) image coding and a convolutional neural network (CNN) strategy. According to the data structure characteristics of near-infrared spectra, new structures of one-dimensional CNN (1D-CNN) and two-dimensional MTF-CNN (2D-MTF-CNN) were designed to construct a deep learning model for the monitoring of AFB1 in maize. The results obtained showed that compared with the 1D-CNN model, the performance of the 2D-MTF-CNN model had been significantly improved, and its root mean square error of prediction, coefficient of predictive determination, and relative percent deviation were 1.3591 μg·kg−1, 0.9955, and 14.9386, respectively. The results indicate that the MTF is an effective data encoding technique for converting one-dimensional spectra into two-dimensional images. It more intuitively reflects the intrinsic characteristics of the NIR spectra from a new perspective and provides richer spectral information for the construction of deep learning models, which can ensure the detection accuracy and generalization performance of deep learning quantitative detection models. This study provides a new analytical perspective for the chemometrics analysis of the NIR spectroscopy.
On-the-Pack Voluntary Well-Being Messaging for Milks Targeting Chinese Older Adults: A Content Analysis
Authors: Chen Ao , Moradi Saleh , Hort Joanne
Published: July 2022

China is experiencing severe population aging. Given that milks targeting older adults are one of the most popular foods designed for Chinese older adults (COA), this study investigated on-the-pack (OTP) voluntary well-being messaging (VWM, ways of communicating a product’s broad well-being benefits through information on food content or statements linked to favourable components, functions, or well-being outcomes) for milk targeting COA. Over 200 products identified from two sources (JD.com and Mintel’s global new products database), were analysed for type, content, and VWM frequency for different brand origins and milk sources of various animal species, nutrition claim regulation compliance and alignment with nutrition facts. The results suggested: (1) different brand origins (domestic vs. international) and milk source (cow vs. goat) highlighted different well-being aspects of products, (2) three products failed to comply with government regulations made for nutrition labelling of pre-packed foods (GB 28050-2011), but (3) excepting fat, all ‘contains’ claims and most ‘high’ claims did not reflect significantly greater levels of nutrients, compared to products with no claims. The findings create a comprehensive picture of OTP VWM for milks targeting older adults in China, providing useful information for consumer, domestic, and international dairy industries, and policymakers.
2D Materials (WS2, MoS2, MoSe2) Enhanced Polyacrylamide Gels for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Özuğur Uysal Bengü , Nayır Şeyma , Açba Melike , Çıtır Betül , Durmaz Sümeyye , Koçoğlu Şevval , Yıldız Ekrem , Pekcan Önder
Published: July 2022

Multifunctional polymer composite gels have attracted attention because of their high thermal stability, conductivity, mechanical properties, and fast optical response. To enable the simultaneous incorporation of all these different functions into composite gels, the best doping material alternatives are two-dimensional (2D) materials, especially transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), which have been used in so many applications recently, such as energy storage units, opto-electronic devices and catalysis. They have the capacity to regulate optical, electronic and mechanical properties of basic molecular hydrogels when incorporated into them. In this study, 2D materials (WS2, MoS2 and MoSe2)-doped polyacrylamide (PAAm) gels were prepared via the free radical crosslinking copolymerization technique at room temperature. The gelation process and amount of the gels were investigated depending on the optical properties and band gap energies. Band gap energies of composite gels containing different amounts of TMD were calculated and found to be in the range of 2.48–2.84 eV, which is the characteristic band gap energy range of promising semiconductors. Our results revealed that the microgel growth mechanism and gel point of PAAm composite incorporated with 2D materials can be significantly tailored by the amount of 2D materials. Furthermore, tunable band gap energies of these composite gels are crucial for many applications such as biosensors, cartilage repair, drug delivery, tissue regeneration, wound dressing. Therefore, our study will contribute to the understanding of the correlation between the optical and electronic properties of such composite gels and will help to increase the usage areas so as to obtain multifunctional composite gels.