bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio-Derived Carbon with Tailored Hierarchical Pore Structures and Ultra-High Specific Surface Area for Superior and Advanced Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Fuming , Xiao Xiangshang , Gandla Dayakar , Liu Zhaoxi , Tan Daniel Q. , Ein-Eli Yair
Published: December 2021

We report here on a hollow-fiber hierarchical porous carbon exhibiting an ultra-high specific surface area, synthesized by a facile method of carbonization and activation, using the Metaplexis Japonica (MJ) shell. The Metaplexis Japonica-based activated carbon demonstrated a very high specific surface area of 3635 m2 g−1. Correspondingly, the derived carbonaceous material delivers an ultra-high capacitance and superb cycle life in an alkaline electrolyte. The pore-ion size compatibility is optimized using tailored hierarchical porous carbon and different ion sized organic electrolytes. In ionic liquids nonaqueous based electrolytes we tailored the MJ carbon pore structure to the electrolyte ion size. The corresponding supercapacitor shows a superior rate performance and low impedance, and the device records specific energy and specific power densities as high as 76 Wh kg−1 and 6521 W kg−1, as well as a pronounced cycling durability in the ionic liquid electrolytes. Overall, we suggest a protocol for promising carbonaceous electrode materials enabling superior supercapacitors performance.
Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Upland Cress and Their Biochemical Characterization and Assessment
Authors: Hutchinson Noah , Wu Yuelin , Wang Yale , Kanungo Muskan , DeBruine Anna , Kroll Emma , Gilmore De’Jorra , Eckrose Zachary , Gaston Stephanie , Matel Phoebe , Kaltchev Matey , Nickel Anne-Marie , Kumpaty Subha , Hua Xiaolin , Zhang Wujie
Published: December 2021

This research focuses on the plant-mediated green synthesis process to produce gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) using upland cress (Barbarea verna), as various biomolecules within the upland cress act as both reducing and capping agents. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, surface charge (zeta potential) analysis, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated the synthesized Au NPs are spherical and well-dispersed with an average diameter ~11 nm and a characteristic absorbance peak at ~529 nm. EDX results showed an 11.13% gold content. Colloidal Au NP stability was confirmed with a zeta potential (ζ) value of −36.8 mV. X-ray diffraction analysis verified the production of crystalline face-centered cubic gold. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the Au NPs was evaluated using Gram-negative Escherichiacoli and Gram-positive Bacillus megaterium. Results demonstrated concentration-dependent antimicrobial properties. Lastly, applications of the Au NPs in catalysis and biomedicine were evaluated. The catalytic activity of Au NPs was demonstrated through the conversion of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol which followed first-order kinetics. Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated using both BMSCs (stem) and HeLa (cancer) cells and the results were cell type dependent. The synthesized Au NPs show great potential for various applications such as catalysis, pharmaceutics, and biomedicine.
Generic Three-Parameter Wormhole Solution in Einstein-Scalar Field Theory
Authors: Turimov Bobur , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon , Ahmedov Bobomurat , Stuchlík Zdeněk
Published: December 2021

An exact analytical, spherically symmetric, three-parametric wormhole solution has been found in the Einstein-scalar field theory, which covers the several well-known wormhole solutions. It is assumed that the scalar field is massless and depends on the radial coordinate only. The relation between the full contraction of the Ricci tensor and Ricci scalar has been found as RαβRαβ=R2. The derivation of the Einstein field equations have been explicitly shown, and the exact analytical solution has been found in terms of the three constants of integration. The several wormhole solutions have been extracted for the specific values of the parameters. In order to explore the physical meaning of the integration constants, the solution has been compared with the previously obtained results. The curvature scalar has been determined for all particular solutions. Finally, it is shown that the general solution describes naked singularity characterized by the mass, the scalar quantity and the throat.
Subtyping Options for Microsporum canis Using Microsatellites and MLST: A Case Study from Southern Italy
Authors: Aneke Chioma Inyang , Čmoková Adéla , Hubka Vít , Rhimi Wafa , Otranto Domenico , Cafarchia Claudia
Published: December 2021

Microsporum canis is considered one of the most common zoophilic dermatophyte species causing infections in animals and humans worldwide. However, molecular epidemiological studies on this dermatophyte are still rare. In this study, we aimed to analyse the population structure and relationships between M. canis strains (n = 66) collected in southern Italy and those isolated from symptomatic and asymptomatic animals (cats, dogs and rabbits) and humans. For subtyping purposes, using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT), we first used a limited set of strains to screen for variability. No intraspecies variability was detected in six out of the eight reference genes tested and only the ITS and IGS regions showed two and three sequence genotypes, respectively, resulting in five MLST genotypes. All of eight genes were, however, useful for discrimination among M. canis, M. audouinii and M. ferrugineum. In total, eighteen microsatellite genotypes (A–R) were recognized using MLMT based on six loci, allowing a subdivision of strains into two clusters based on the Bayesian iterative algorithm. Six MLMT genotypes were from multiple host species, while 12 genotypes were found only in one host. There were no statistically significant differences between clusters in terms of host spectrum and the presence or absence of lesions. Our results confirmed that the MLST approach is not useful for detailed subtyping and examining the population structure of M. canis, while microsatellite analysis is a powerful tool for conducting surveillance studies and gaining insight into the epidemiology of infections due to this pathogen.
Evidences of Colletotrichum fructicola Causing Anthracnose on Passiflora edulis Sims in China
Authors: Li Wenzhi , Ran Fei , Long Youhua , Mo Feixu , Shu Ran , Yin Xianhui
Published: December 2021

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a tropical and subtropical plant that is widely cultivated in China due to its high nutritional value, unique flavor and medicinal properties. In August 2020, typical anthracnose symptoms with light brown and water-soaked lesions on Passiflora edulis Sims were observed, which result in severe economic losses. The incidence of this disease was approximately 30%. The pathogens from the infected fruit were isolated and purified by the method of tissue isolation. Morphological observations showed that the colony of isolate BXG-2 was gray to celadon and grew in concentric circles. The orange conidia appeared in the center after 14 days of incubation. The pathogenicity was verified by Koch’s postulates. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS), chitin synthase (CHS-1), actin (ACT), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were amplified by relevant PCR programs. The multi-gene (ITS, GAPDH, ACT, CHS-1) phylogeny analysis confirmed that isolate BXG-2 belongs to Colletotrichum fructicola. The inhibitory effect of six synthetic fungicides on the mycelial growth of the pathogen was investigated, among which difenoconazole 10% WG showed the best inhibitory effect against C. fructicola with an EC50 value of 0.5579 mg·L−1. This is the first report of anthracnose on Passiflora edulis Sims caused by Colletotrichum fructicola in China.
Decreased MIP-3α Production from Antigen-Activated PBMCs in Symptomatic HIV-Infected Subjects
Authors: Zhang Fuchun , Sun Lingling , Lafferty Mark K. , Margolick Joseph B. , Garzino-Demo Alfredo
Published: December 2021

CD4+ CCR6+ T cells are highly susceptible to HIV infection, and a high cytokine producing CCR6+ T cell subset is selectively lost during HIV infection. The CCR6 chemokine MIP-3α (CCL20) is produced at sites of infection in SIV animal models. Recently, we have shown that MIP-3α inhibits HIV replication. This inhibition of HIV infection is mediated by CCR6 signaling and eventuates in increased APOBEC3G expression. Since there are few existing reports on the role of MIP-3α in health or disease, we studied its production by PBMCs from HIV-seronegative and HIV+ subjects. We evaluated the ability of PBMCs to produce MIP-3α in response to antigen stimulation using cells obtained from two groups: one composed of HIV-seronegative subjects (n = 16) and the other composed of HIV+ subjects (n = 58), some asymptomatic and some with clinically defined AIDS. Antigens included fragment C of the tetanus toxin, Candida albicans, whole-inactivated HIV, and HIV p24. MIP-3α was detected by ELISA in tissue culture supernatants of antigen-stimulated PBMCs. MIP-3α production by antigen-stimulated PBMCs was readily measured for HIV-negative subjects and for HIV-seropositive asymptomatic subjects, but not for patients with AIDS. These results suggest that subversion of the MIP-3α-CCR6 axis by HIV during the course of infection contributes to the loss of immune function that eventually leads to AIDS.
A Unique Case of Fatal Coinfection Caused by Leptospira spp. and Hepatozoon canis in a Red Fox Cub (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: Alić Amer , Šupić Jovana , Goletić Teufik , Rešidbegović Emina , Lutvikadić Ismar , Hodžić Adnan
Published: December 2021

Red foxes are the most abundant wild carnivore species in Europe commonly exposed to pathogenic Leptospira and Hepatozoon canis. Despite high seroprevalence, the clinical disease caused by these pathogens in red foxes has never been reported. Herein, we report the first-ever case of a fatal Leptospira spp. and H. canis coinfection in a two-month-old red fox cub with acute haemolytic anaemia, mild bronchopneumonia, intraalveolar haemorrhage, and tubulonephrosis. The presence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. DNA was detected in the kidney and lung tissues of the infected animal. In contrast to our previous knowledge, we believe that such fatal cases due to concomitant infection by Leptospira spp. and H. canis, especially in young animals, may commonly occur in nature. However, further studies are required to identify other factors that possibly contribute to the severity and the pathogenic effect of Leptospira spp. and H. canis infections in red foxes.
Repositioning of Etravirine as a Potential CK1ε Inhibitor by Virtual Screening
Authors: Córdova-Bahena Luis , Sánchez-Álvarez Axel A. , Ruiz-Moreno Angel J. , Velasco-Velázquez Marco A.
Published: December 2021

CK1ε is a key regulator of WNT/β-catenin and other pathways that are linked to tumor progression; thus, CK1ε is considered a target for the development of antineoplastic therapies. In this study, we performed a virtual screening to search for potential CK1ε inhibitors. First, we characterized the dynamic noncovalent interactions profiles for a set of reported CK1ε inhibitors to generate a pharmacophore model, which was used to identify new potential inhibitors among FDA-approved drugs. We found that etravirine and abacavir, two drugs that are approved for HIV infections, can be repurposed as CK1ε inhibitors. The interaction of these drugs with CK1ε was further examined by molecular docking and molecular dynamics. Etravirine and abacavir formed stable complexes with the target, emulating the binding behavior of known inhibitors. However, only etravirine showed high theoretical binding affinity to CK1ε. Our findings provide a new pharmacophore for targeting CK1ε and implicate etravirine as a CK1ε inhibitor and antineoplastic agent.
An Up-to-Date Review of Natural Nanoparticles for Cancer Management
Authors: Ion Daniel , Niculescu Adelina-Gabriela , Păduraru Dan Nicolae , Andronic Octavian , Mușat Florentina , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai , Bolocan Alexandra
Published: December 2021

Cancer represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing an urgent need to develop more efficient treatment alternatives. In this respect, much attention has been drawn from conventional cancer treatments to more modern approaches, such as the use of nanotechnology. Extensive research has been done for designing innovative nanoparticles able to specifically target tumor cells and ensure the controlled release of anticancer agents. To avoid the potential toxicity of synthetic materials, natural nanoparticles started to attract increasing scientific interest. In this context, this paper aims to review the most important natural nanoparticles used as active ingredients (e.g., polyphenols, polysaccharides, proteins, and sterol-like compounds) or as carriers (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, viral nanoparticles, and exosomes) of various anticancer moieties, focusing on their recent applications in treating diverse malignancies.
In Vitro and In Vivo Bioequivalence Study of 3D-Printed Instant-Dissolving Levetiracetam Tablets and Subsequent Personalized Dosing for Chinese Children Based on Physiological Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Li Xianfu , Liang En , Hong Xiaoxuan , Han Xiaolu , Li Conghui , Wang Yuxi , Wang Zengming , Zheng Aiping
Published: December 2021

Recently, the development of Binder Jet 3D printing technology has promoted the research and application of personalized formulations, which are especially useful for children’s medications. Additionally, physiological pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling can be used to guide drug development and drug dose selection. Multiple technologies can be used in combination to increase the safety and effectiveness of drug administration. In this study, we performed in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments in dogs with preprepared 3D-printed levetiracetam instant-dissolving tablets (LEV-IDTs). Bioequivalence analysis showed that the tablets were bioequivalent to commercially available preparations (Spritam®) for dogs. Additionally, we evaluated the bioequivalence of 3D-printed LEV-IDTs with Spritam® by a population-based simulation based on the established PBPK model of levetiracetam for Chinese adults. Finally, we established a PBPK model of oral levetiracetam in Chinese children by combining the physiological parameters of children, and we simulated the PK (pharmacokinetics) curves of Chinese children aged 4 and 6 years that were administered the drug to provide precise guidance on adjusting the dose according to the effective dose range of the drug. Briefly, utilizing both Binder jet 3D printing technology and PBPK models is a promising route for personalized drug delivery with various age groups.
Passivation Effect of CsPbI3 Quantum Dots on the Performance and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Genjie , Zhou Dianli , Li Jiawen , Yu Junsheng
Published: December 2021

The quality of active layer film is the key factor affecting the performance of perovskite solar cells. In this work, we incorporated CsPbI3 quantum dots (QDs) materials into the MAPbI3 perovskite precursor to form photoactive layer. On one hand, CsPbI3 QDs can be used as nucleation center to enhance the compactness of the perovskite film, and on the other hand, partially CsPbI3 QDs can be dissociated as anions and cations to passivate vacancy defects in the perovskite active layer. As a result, the film quality of the active layer was improved remarkably, thus exciton recombination was reduced, and carrier transfer increased accordingly. The devices based on doped-CsPbI3 QDs film had higher short circuit current, open circuit voltage and filling factor. Finally, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) was greatly enhanced from 14.85% to 17.04%. Furthermore, optimized devices also exhibited better stability. This work provides an effective strategy for the processing of high-quality perovskite films, which is of great value for the preparation and research of perovskite photoelectronic devices.
Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Essential Oils on the Central Nervous System
Authors: Soares Giselle A. Borges e , Bhattacharya Tanima , Chakrabarti Tulika , Tagde Priti , Cavalu Simona
Published: December 2021

Essential oils (EOs) have been traditionally used as ancient remedies to treat many health disorders due to their enormous biological activities. As mainstream allopathic medication currently used for CNS disorders is associated with adverse effects, the search to obtain safer alternatives as compared to the currently marketed therapies is of tremendous significance. Research conducted suggests that concurrent utilization of allopathic medicines and EOs is synergistically beneficial. Due to their inability to show untoward effects, various scientists have tried to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms by which these oils exert beneficial effects on the CNS. In this regard, our review aims to improve the understanding of EOs’ biological activity on the CNS and to highlight the significance of the utilization of EOs in neuronal disorders, thereby improving patient acceptability of EOs as therapeutic agents. Through data compilation from library searches and electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, etc., recent preclinical and clinical data, routes of administration, and the required or maximal dosage for the observation of beneficial effects are addressed. We have also highlighted the challenges that require attention for further improving patient compliance, research gaps, and the development of EO-based nanomedicine for targeted therapy and pharmacotherapy.
Genome-Wide Variation Analysis of Four Vegetable Soybean Cultivars Based on Re-Sequencing
Authors: Yu Xiaomin , Fu Xujun , Yang Qinghua , Jin Hangxia , Zhu Longming , Yuan Fengjie
Published: December 2021

Vegetable soybean is a type of value-added specialty soybean, served as a fresh vegetable or snack in China. Due to the difference from other types, it is important to understand the genetic structure and diversity of vegetable soybean for further utilization in breeding programs. The four vegetable cultivars, Taiwan-75, Zhexiandou No. 8, Zhexian No. 9 and Zhexian No. 10 are popular soybean varieties planted in Zhejiang province, and have large pods and intermediate maturity. The clustering showed a close relationship of these four cultivars in simple sequence repeat analysis. To reveal the genome variation of vegetable soybean, these four improved lines were analyzed by whole-genome re-sequencing. The average sequencing depth was 7X and the coverage ratio of each cultivar was at least more than 94%. Compared with the reference genome, a large number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, insertion/deletions and structure variations were identified with different chromosome distributions. The average heterozygosity rate of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms was 11.99% of these four cultivars. According to the enrichment analysis, there were 23,371 genes identified with putative modifications, and a total of 282 genes were related to carbohydrate metabolic processes. These results provide useful information for genetic research and future breeding, which can facilitate the selection procedures in vegetable soybean breeding.
Magnetic Ion Imprinted Polymers (MIIPs) for Selective Extraction and Preconcentration of Sb(III) from Environmental Matrices
Authors: Jakavula Silindokuhle , Biata Nkositetile Raphael , Dimpe Kgogobi M. , Pakade Vusumzi Emmanuel , Nomngongo Philiswa Nosizo
Published: December 2021

Antimony(III) is a rare element whose chemical and toxicological properties bear a resemblance to those of arsenic. As a result, the presence of Sb(III) in water might have adverse effects on human health and aquatic life. However, Sb(III) exists at very ultra-trace levels which may be difficult for direct quantification. Therefore, there is a need to develop efficient and reliable selective extraction and preconcentration of Sb(III) in water systems. Herein, a selective extraction and preconcentration of trace Sb(III) from environmental samples was achieved using ultrasound assisted magnetic solid-phase extraction (UA-MSPE) based on magnetic Sb(III) ion imprinted polymer-Fe3O4@SiO2@CNFs nanocomposite as an adsorbent. The amount of antimony in samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The UA-MSPE conditions were investigated using fractional factorial design and response surface methodology based on central composite design. The Sb(III)-IIP sorbent displayed excellent selectivity towards Sb(III) as compared to NIIP adsorbent. Under optimised conditions, the enrichment factor, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of UA-MSPE/ICP-OES for Sb(III) were 71.3, 0.13 µg L−1 and 0.44 µg L−1, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day precision expressed as relative standard deviations (%RSDs, n = 10 and n = 5) were 2.4 and 4.7, respectively. The proposed analytical method was applied in the determination of trace Sb(III) in environmental samples. Furthermore, the accuracy of the method was evaluated using spiked recovery experiments and the percentage recoveries ranged from 95–98.3%.
Sustainable Design Approach for Modeling Bioprocesses from Laboratory toward Commercialization: Optimizing Chitosan Production
Authors: Meramo Samir , González-Delgado Ángel Darío , Sukumara Sumesh , Fajardo William Stive , León-Pulido Jeffrey
Published: December 2021

Enhancing the biochemical supply chain towards sustainable development requires more efforts to boost technology innovation at early design phases and avoid delays in industrial biotechnology growth. Such a transformation requires a comprehensive step-wise procedure to guide bioprocess development from laboratory protocols to commercialization. This study introduces a process design framework to guide research and development (R&D) through this journey, bearing in mind the particular challenges of bioprocess modeling. The method combines sustainability assessment and process optimization based on process efficiency indicators, technical indicators, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and process optimization via Water Regeneration Networks (WRN). Since many bioprocesses remain at low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), the process simulation module was examined in detail to account for uncertainties, providing strategies for successful guidance. The sustainability assessment was performed using the geometric mean-based sustainability footprint metric. A case study based on Chitosan production from shrimp exoskeletons was evaluated to demonstrate the method’s applicability and its advantages in product optimization. An optimized scenario was generated through a WRN to improve water management, then compared with the case study. The results confirm the existence of a possible configuration with better sustainability performance for the optimized case with a sustainability footprint of 0.33, compared with the performance of the base case (1.00).
Synthesis of 1,1,3,3,5,5-Hexamethyl-7,7-diorganocyclotetrasiloxanes and Its Copolymers
Authors: Talalaeva Evgeniya , Kalinina Aleksandra , Chernov Evgeniy , Khmelnitskaia Alina , Obrezkova Marina , Cherkaev Georgii , Muzafarov Aziz
Published: December 2021

This paper reports a method for the synthesis of 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyl-7,7-diorganocyclotetrasiloxanes by the interaction of 1,5-disodiumoxyhexamethylsiloxane with dichlorodiorganosilanes such as methyl-, methylvinyl-, methylphenyl-, diphenyl- and diethyl dichlorosilanes. Depending on the reaction conditions, the preparative yield of the target cyclotetrasiloxanes is 55–75%. Along with mixed cyclotetrasiloxanes, the proposed method leads to the formation of polymers with regular alternation of diorganosylil and dimethylsylil units. For example, in the case of dichlorodiethylsilane, 70% content of linear poly(diethyl)dimethylsiloxanes with regular alternation of units can be achieved in the reaction product. Using 7,7-diethyl-1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethylcyclotetrasiloxane as an example, the prospects of the mixed cycle in copolymer preparation in comparison with the copolymerization of octamethyl- and octaethylcyclotetrasiloxanes are shown.
Potentiodynamic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Polyaniline-Modified Pencil Graphite Electrodes for Selective Detection of Biochemical Trace Elements
Authors: Yavarinasab Adel , Abedini Mostafa , Tahmooressi Hamed , Janfaza Sajjad , Tasnim Nishat , Hoorfar Mina
Published: December 2021

In this study, we analyzed the application of potentiodynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (PDEIS) for a selective in situ recognition of biological trace elements, i.e., Cr (III), Cu (II), and Fe (III). The electrochemical sensor was developed using the electropolymerization of aniline (Ani) on the surface of the homemade pencil graphite electrodes (PGE) using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The film was overoxidized to diminish the background current. A wide range of potential (V = −0.2 V to 1.0 V) was investigated to study the impedimetric and capacitive behaviour of the PAni/modified PGE. The impedance behaviors of the films were recorded at optimum potentials through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scrutinized by means of an appropriate equivalent circuit at different voltages and at their corresponding oxidative potentials. The values of the equivalent circuit were used to identify features (charge transfer-resistant and double layer capacitance) that can selectivity distinguish different trace elements with the concentration of 10 μM. The PDEIS spectra represented the highest electron transfer for Cu (II) and Cr (III) in a broad potential range between +0.1 and +0.4 V while the potential V = +0.2 V showed the lowest charge transfer resistance for Fe (III). The results of this paper showed the capability of PDEIS as a complementary tool for conventional CV and EIS measurement for metallic ion sensing.
Universal Adhesives and Adhesion Modes in Non-Carious Cervical Restorations: 2-Year Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Manarte-Monteiro Patricia , Domingues Joana , Teixeira Liliana , Gavinha Sandra , Manso Maria Conceição
Published: December 2021

This prospective, double-blind, six-arm parallel randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the performance of two universal adhesives (UAs) in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs), using the FDI criteria, and analysed if participants/NCCLs’ characteristics influenced the outcome. Thirty-eight 18- to 65-year-old participants were seeking routine dental care at a university clinic. At baseline, 210 NCCLs were randomly allocated to six groups (35 restorations’ each). The UAs tested were FuturabondU (FBU) and AdheseUniversal (ADU) applied in either etch-and-rinse (ER) and self-etch (SE) modes. FuturabondDC (FBDC) in SE and in SE with selective enamel etching (SE-EE) modes were controls. NCCLs were restored with AdmiraFusion. The analysis included nonparametric tests, Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests (α = 0.05). At 2-years, of 191 restorations, ten were missed due to retention loss (all groups, p > 0.05). FBDC (p = 0.037) and FBU (p = 0.041) performed worse than ADU in SE mode. FBDC and FBU also showed worse functional success rate (p = 0.012, p = 0.007, respectively) and cumulative retention rates (p = 0.022, p = 0.012, respectively) than ADU. Some participants/NCCLs’ characteristics influenced (p < 0.05) the outcomes. FBU did not perform as well as ADU, especially in SE mode and due to functional properties. Participants’ age and NCCLs’ degree of dentin sclerosis and internal shape angle influenced FBU performance.
Suspected Seismo-Ionospheric Anomalies before Three Major Earthquakes Detected by GIMs and GPS TEC of Permanent Stations
Authors: Dong Yanfeng , Gao Chengfa , Long Fengyang , Yan Yuxiang
Published: December 2021

Many studies have reported that there is a coupling mechanism between ionosphere and earthquake (EQ). Ionospheric anomalies in the form of abnormal increases and decreases of ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) are even regarded as precursors to EQs. In this paper, TEC anomalies associated with three major EQs were investigated by Global Ionospheric Maps (GIMs) and GPS-TEC, including Kumamoto-shi, Japan—EQ occurred on 15 April 2016 with Mw = 7.0; Jinghe, China—EQ occurred on 8 August 2017 with Mw = 6.3; and Lagunas, Peru—EQ occurred on 26 May 2019 with Mw = 8.0. It was found that the negative ionospheric anomalies linger above or near the epicenter for 4–10 h on the day of the EQ. For each EQ, the 10-min sampling interval of TEC was extracted from three permanent GPS stations around the epicenter within 10 days before and after the EQ. Variations of TEC manifest that the negative ionospheric anomalies first appear 10 days before the EQ. From 5 days before to 2 days after the main shock, the negative ionospheric anomalies were more prominent than the other days, with the amplitude of negative ionospheric anomaly reaching −3 TECu and the relative ionospheric anomaly exceeding 20%. In case of Kumamoto-shi EQ, the solar-geomagnetic conditions were not quiet (Dst < −30 nT, Kp > 4, and F10.7 > 100 SFU) on the suspected EQ days. We discussed the differences between ionospheric anomalies caused by active solar-geomagnetic conditions and EQ. Combining the analysis results of Jinghe EQ and Lagunas EQ, under quiet solar-geomagnetic conditions (Dst > −30 nT, Kp < 4, and F10.7 < 100 SFU), it can be found that TEC responds to various solar-geomagnetic conditions and EQ differently. The negative ionospheric anomalies could be considered as significant signals of upcoming EQs. These anomalies under different solar-geomagnetic conditions may be effective to link the lithosphere and ionosphere in severe seismic zones to detect EQ precursors before future EQs.
Mid-Term Monitoring of Glacier’s Variations with UAVs: The Example of the Belvedere Glacier
Authors: Ioli Francesco , Bianchi Alberto , Cina Alberto , De Michele Carlo , Maschio Paolo , Passoni Daniele , Pinto Livio
Published: December 2021

Recently, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have opened up unparalleled opportunities for alpine glacier monitoring, as they allow for reconstructing extensive and high-resolution 3D models. In order to evaluate annual ice flow velocities and volume variations, six yearly measurements were carried out between 2015 and 2020 on the debris-covered Belvedere Glacier (Anzasca Valley, Italian Alps) with low-cost fixed-wing UAVs and quadcopters. Every year, ground control points and check points were measured with GNSS. Images acquired from UAV were processed with Structure-from-Motion and Multi-View Stereo algorithms to build photogrammetric models, orthophotos and digital surface models, with decimetric accuracy. Annual glacier velocities were derived by combining manually-tracked features on orthophotos with GNSS measurements. Velocities ranging between 17 m y−1 and 22 m y−1 were found in the central part of the glacier, whereas values between 2 m y−1 and 7 m y−1 were found in the accumulation area and at the glacier terminus. Between 2 × 106 m3 and 3.5 × 106 m3 of ice volume were lost every year. A pair of intra-year measurements (October 2017–July 2018) highlighted that winter and spring volume reduction was ∼1/4 of the average annual ice loss. The Belvedere monitoring activity proved that decimetric-accurate glacier models can be derived with low-cost UAVs and photogrammetry, limiting in-situ operations. Moreover, UAVs require minimal data acquisition costs and allow for great surveying flexibility, compared to traditional techniques. Information about annual flow velocities and ice volume variations of the Belvedere Glacier may have great value for further understanding glacier dynamics, compute mass balances, or it might be used as input for glacier flow modelling.
Impact of Using a New High-Resolution Solar Reference Spectrum on OMI Ozone Profile Retrievals
Authors: Bak Juseon , Coddington Odele , Liu Xiong , Chance Kelly , Lee Hyo-Jung , Jeon Wonbae , Kim Jae-Hwan , Kim Cheol-Hee
Published: December 2021

We evaluated a new high-resolution solar reference spectrum for characterizing space-borne Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) measurements as well as for retrieving ozone profile retrievals over the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range from 270 to 330 nm. The SAO2010 solar reference has been a standard for use in atmospheric trace gas retrievals, which is a composite of ground-based and balloon-based solar measurements from the Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) and Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL), respectively. The new reference spectrum, called the TSIS-1 Hybrid Solar Reference Spectrum (HSRS), spans 202–2730 nm at a 0.01 to ~0.001 nm spectral resolution. The TSIS-1 HSRS in the UV region of interest in this study is a composite of AFGL and ground-based solar measurements from the Quality Assurance of Spectral Ultraviolet Measurements In Europe (QASUME) campaign, with a radiometric calibration that used the lower resolution Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SIM) instrument on the space-based Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor-1 (TSIS-1) mission. The TSIS-1 HSRS radiometric uncertainties were below 1% whereas those of SAO2010 ranged from 5% in the longer UV part to 15% in the shorter UV part. In deriving slit functions and wavelength shifts from OMI solar irradiances, the resulting fitting residuals showed significant improvements of 0.5–0.7% (relatively, 20–50%) due to switching from the SAO2010 to the TSIS-1 HSRS. Correspondingly, in performing ozone profile retrievals from OMI radiances, the fitting residuals showed relative improvements of up to ~5% in 312–330 nm with relative differences of 5–7% in the tropospheric layer column ozone; the impact on stratospheric ozone retrievals was negligible.
The Necropolice Economy: Mapping Biopolitical Priorities and Human Expendability in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Howard Mark
Published: December 2021

Necropolitics centers on the dark side of biopolitics, but if we are to take seriously Jacques Ranciere’s reassignment of ‘politics’ and ‘police,’ then what is revealed by necropolitical analysis is not simply the capacity to ‘make and let die’, but also the policing of a contingent order sustained by necropolitics. I describe this process as the necropolice-economy, and in this paper demonstrate its contours with reference to the COVID-19 pandemic which, I argue, has revealed the expendability of particular populations under conditions of risk and uncertainty. My analysis proceeds in three parts. First, I present the thesis of necropolice economy, arguing that the capitalist system has historically produced not simply a political economy, but a policed economy that induces a necropolitics of dispensability for unproductive or replaceable populations. Second, I develop this thesis by examining the relegation of society in relation to the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Third, I argue that the inability of states to be decisive in the pandemic reveals that the sovereign prerogative to decide on the exception is constrained by capitalist forces. This suggests that the world market is itself a sovereign force, though it is one that remains ever dependent on state violence. To conclude, I ask whether we can channel the trauma of death made visible into processes of memorialization that might catalyze revolutionary action, rather than accelerating the evolution of our necropolice economy into its next capitalist guise—I ask, provocatively, whether an emancipatory necropolitics might yet result from the contemporary moment.
Profiling Attached Residents in an Urban Community in the U.S.: An Empirical Study of Social–Landscape Interactions within a Park
Authors: Xu Ying , Lee Jae Ho , Matarrita-Cascante David
Published: December 2021

Community attachment has been studied predominantly in terms of the social dimensions of community life, which explains what makes residents feel connected to a locality. Following a more recent trend within the community attachment literature, this study examined the role of communities’ physical dimensions in fostering sentiments of rootedness and connections to communities. More specifically, the study sought to better understand the role that urban parks play in predicting community attachment using a discriminant analysis technique to profile attached residents. We selected Discovery Green Park in Houston, Texas, as the study site, where we administered 606 total surveys to park visitors inquiring about their interactions with the park itself, emotional connections to it, and social interactions within the park. We found that strongly attached residents tend to be older, have a greater reliance on the park service and programs, and have meaningful interactions with new people in the park and frequently visit the park in groups to socialize and relax. Additionally, those who are strongly attached to the community attribute greater symbolic meanings to Discovery Green and more strongly identify with the park. The profile of residents attached to the community, given their interactions with the park and its visitors, provides important knowledge to both park managers and community leaders; they can use this information to create conditions, fostering more strongly attached residents who tend to be active agents of positive change in the community.
Elucidating the Effects of a Cryptomeria fortunei Forest Environment on Overall Health Based on Open Field Testing of Mice
Authors: Wang Yanying , Li Yuying , Ji Zonghua , Han Feng , Yang Dong , Lv Cui
Published: December 2021

In order to elucidate the impact of fortunei forest environment on overall health, the effect of the Cryptomeria fortunei forest environment on mice was examined. Using an OFT (Open Field Test), the behavior of mice in fortunei forest and in an indoor environment (used as a control) was analyzed, while minor changes in climate, oxygen, and suspended particulate matter were observed and recorded simultaneously. The results indicated that the two environments were significantly different in regard to relative humidity, wind speed, and the oxygen content of air, while there were no significant differences in temperature. Importantly, spontaneous activity behavioral indicators in mice were significantly different. Mice in the Cryptomeria fortunei environment (LS group) spent less time in the corners and near walls in comparison to mice in the indoor environment (CK group). Compared with indoor control mice, for the mice exposed to forest environments total distance traveled, central grid distance, frequency of movement through the central grid, frequency of standing, and body mass significantly increased; The number of fecal grains significantly decreased. The spontaneous activity behavioral indicators changed over time stages. In the early stages there were no differences, but after accumulation of environmental effects in the late stages, significant differences were evident. The above results showed that the Cryptomeria fortunei forest environment increased excitability and cognitive ability of mice, was able to effectively alleviate anxiety, and was able to emotionally relax and improve the appetite of the mice.
Reducing GHG Emissions and Improving Cost Effectiveness via Energy Efficiency Enhancements: A Case Study in a Biscuit Industry
Authors: Stojceska Valentina , Parker Nicholas , Tassou Savvas A.
Published: December 2021

As the new climate change driven regulations are brought into the force and energy prices and sustainability awareness increased, many companies are looking for the most efficient way to reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this context, the food industry as one of the main energy consumers within the industry sector plays a significant role. This paper analyses the current energy consumption in a biscuit manufacturing company and considers a number of possible solutions for the energy efficiency improvements. The company uses modern and automated production processes and has signed a Climate Change Agreement. The experimental part involves identification of the energy users, as well as analysis of the energy bills, operation times, production schedule and on-site measurements of energy consumption. The opportunities for energy efficiency improvements, GHG emissions and costs reduction are investigated and additional information about the investments and payback period of the proposed improvements discussed. A number of opportunities for improvement are identified within the production area with a potential savings of 23%, which corresponds to EUR 40,534.00 and 190 tCO2, annually. It was found that the significant savings could be achieved by better managing the production lines and reducing operational hours from equipment, with no impact on productivity and no capital investment required. Further savings can be achieved through technical improvements requiring capital investments. All those improvements and savings make a significant contribution in accomplishing environmental targets set out by the FDF1 agreement.
Remote Working for Sustainability of Organization during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediator-Moderator Role of Social Support
Authors: Slavković Marko , Sretenović Stefan , Bugarčić Marijana
Published: December 2021

Remote working became a widespread business practice during the COVID-19 pandemic as an organizational response to protect employees’ health and maintain business continuity. The aim of this paper is to reveal the role of social support in the relationship among NWHI, NHWI and loneliness, and work engagement and job performance. The study respondents were employees with a remote working status in Serbian companies, and a total of 226 valid surveys were collected. The PLS-SEM approach was deployed to test the hypothesized relationship between named variables. A standard bootstrapping procedure was used to reveal direct and indirect effects among latent variables. Results indicate a strong and positive direct association between social support and work engagement and job performance, while mediation and moderation of the role of social support were mostly confirmed but with some results opposite to what was expected. Social support was not able to buffer a negative home–work interaction and loneliness within remote working. The study offers insight into the role of social support and recommendations for managing the antecedents and consequences of remote working, with the aim to determine a sustainable model for extensive application, not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but in regular times.
Revolutionary Strategies Analysis and Proposed System for Future Infrastructure in Internet of Things
Authors: Kumar Arun , Sharma Sharad , Singh Aman , Alwadain Ayed , Choi Bong-Jun , Manual-Brenosa Jose , Ortega-Mansilla Arturo , Goyal Nitin
Published: December 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) has changed the worldwide network of people, smart devices, intelligent things, data, and information as an emergent technology. IoT development is still in its early stages, and numerous interrelated challenges must be addressed. IoT is the unifying idea of embedding everything. The Internet of Things offers a huge opportunity to improve the world’s accessibility, integrity, availability, scalability, confidentiality, and interoperability. However, securing the Internet of Things is a difficult issue. The IoT aims to connect almost everything within the framework of a common infrastructure. This helps in controlling devices and, will allow device status to be updated everywhere and at any time. To develop technology via IoT, several critical scientific studies and inquiries have been carried out. However, many obstacles and problems remain to be tackled in order to reach IoT’s maximum potential. These problems and concerns must be taken into consideration in different areas of the IoT, such as implementation in remote areas, threats to the system, development support, social and environmental impacts, etc. This paper reviews the current state of the art in different IoT architectures, with a focus on current technologies, applications, challenges, IoT protocols, and opportunities. As a result, a detailed taxonomy of IoT is presented here which includes interoperability, scalability, security and energy efficiency, among other things. Moreover, the significance of blockchains and big data as well as their analysis in relation to IoT, is discussed. This article aims to help readers and researchers understand the IoT and its applicability to the real world.
What Influences Attitudes and Confidence in Teaching Physics and Technology Topics? An Investigation in Kindergarten and Primary-School Trainee Teachers
Authors: Pahl Angelika , Tschiesner Reinhard
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the correlations of general knowledge, vocational interests, and personality with trainee teachers’ attitudes and perceived capabilities in teaching physics and technology topics in kindergarten and primary school. A quantitative survey was composed using the Nature–Human–Society questionnaire, the general knowledge test BOWIT, the general interest structure test AIST-R, and the 10-item Big Five Inventory. The sample consisted of 196 female trainee teachers for kindergarten and primary school, and the results showed that only a few trainee teachers favoured teaching physics and technology topics. The bivariate analyses indicated that investigative and realistic interests were highly correlated with their confidence in teaching physics and technology topics, followed by significant relationships with possessing general knowledge in science and technology. The relationships with personality, especially neuroticism and extraversion, were also evident, but they were not as strong. The results were further differentiated in various subgroups (i.e., a group who favoured teaching physics and technology topics versus a group who did not, as well as a group with the typical interest profile of kindergarten and primary-school teachers versus a group with a social and investigative interest profile), which provided additional insights.
Quantification and Environmental Assessment of Wood Ash from Biomass Power Plants: Case Study of Brittany Region in France
Authors: Dufossé Karine , Marie-Charlotte Marine , Augiseau Vincent , Henrion Thierry , Djelal Hayet
Published: December 2021

The increasing demand for energy is leading to the increasing use of renewable resources, such as biomass, resulting in the significant development of the wood energy sector in recent years. On the one hand, and to a certain extent, the sector has generated many benefits. On the other hand, the challenges related to wood ash (WA) management such as increasing tonnages, landfilling, restrictive regulations for reuse, etc., have been weighing more heavily in the debate related to the wood energy sector. However, all studies have assumed that no environmental impacts can be attributed to WA production. This study aims at discussing this assumption, whether the WA is a waste or a co-product of heat generation. In the first place, WA deposits were estimated using the biomass database and ash content from the literature regarding the collective, industrial and tertiary biomass power plants (BPP) in the French region of Brittany. Then, the impacts of the generated WA were estimated using the attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) method through two different impact allocation procedures (IAP), “from cradle to gate” (excluding the waste treatment). In Brittany, for the year 2017, an estimated amount of 2.8 to 8.9 kilotons of WA was generated, and this production should increase to 5 to 15.7 kilotons by 2050. The LCA conducted through this study gave an emission of 38.6 g CO2eq/kW h, with a major contribution from the production of the wood chips. Considering the environmental aspect, the IAP analysis indicated that energy and economic allocations were not relevant, and that, using the mass allocation, the environmental production of WA could represent 1.3% of the impacts of the combustion process in BPP. Therefore, WA, and especially the fly ash, can be considered as a waste from BPP heat production, without any environmental impact attributed to its generation.