bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ectopic expression of Arabidopsis glucosyltransferase UGT74D1 affects leaf positioning through modulating indole-3-acetic acid homeostasis
Authors: Jin Shanghui , Hou Bingkai , Zhang Guizhi
Published: January 2021

Leaf angle is an important agronomic trait affecting photosynthesis efficiency and crop yield. Although the mechanisms involved in the leaf angle control are intensively studied in monocots, factors contribute to the leaf angle in dicots are largely unknown. In this article, we explored the physiological roles of an Arabidopsis glucosyltransferase, UGT74D1, which have been proved to be indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) glucosyltransferase in vitro. We found that UGT74D1 possessed the enzymatic activity toward IAA glucosylation in vivo and its expression was induced by auxins. The ectopically expressed UGT74D1 obviously reduced the leaf angle with an altered IAA level, auxin distribution and cell size in leaf tissues. The expression of several key genes involved in the leaf shaping and leaf positioning, including PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE (PKS) genes and TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA, and PCF (TCP) genes, were dramatically changed by ectopic expression of UGT74D1. In addition, clear transcription changes of YUCCA genes and other auxin related genes can be observed in overexpression lines. Taken together, our data indicate that glucosyltransferase UGT74D1 could affect leaf positioning through modulating auxin homeostasis and regulating transcription of PKS and TCP genes, suggesting a potential new role of UGT74D1 in regulation of leaf angle in dicot Arabidopsis.
Utility of Claudin-3 in extracellular vesicles from human bile as biomarkers of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ikeda Chisaki , Haga Hiroaki , Makino Naohiko , Inuzuka Tatsutoshi , Kurimoto Ayako , Ueda Toshiki , Matsuda Akiko , Kakizaki Yasuharu , Ishizawa Tetsuya , Kobayashi Toshikazu , Sugahara Shinpei , Tsunoda Michihiko , Suda Kensei , Ueno Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from all cells. Bile directly contacts bile duct tumor; bile-derived EVs may contain high concentrations of cancer biomarkers. We performed a proteomic analysis of human bile-derived EVs and identified a novel biomarker of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). EVs were isolated using ultracentrifugation, and chelating agents, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EDEG) and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were used as dissolution solutions. Bile was collected from 10 CCA and 10 choledocholithiasis (stones) cases. Proteomic analysis was performed; subsequently, ELISA was performed using the candidate biomarkers in a verification cohort. The vesicles isolated from bile had a typical size and morphology. The expression of exosome markers was observed. RNA was more abundant in the EDEG group. The proportion of microRNA was higher in the EDEG group. EDEG use resulted in the removal of more contaminants. Proteomic analysis identified 166 proteins as CCA-specific. ELISA for Claudin-3 revealed statistically significant difference. The diagnostic accuracy was AUC 0.945 and sensitivity and specificity were 87.5%. We report the first use of EDEG in the isolation of EVs from human bile and the proteomic analysis of human bile-derived EV-proteins in CCA. Claudin-3 in bile-derived EVs is a useful biomarker for CCA.
A DFT study of the adsorption energy and electronic interactions of the SO2 molecule on a CoP hydrotreating catalyst
Authors: Bahamon Daniel , Khalil Malathe , Belabbes Abderrezak , Alwahedi Yasser , Vega Lourdes F. , Polychronopoulou Kyriaki
Published: January 2021

The adsorption energy and electronic properties of sulfur dioxide (SO2) adsorbed on different low-Miller index cobalt phosphide (CoP) surfaces were examined using density functional theory (DFT).
Smart graphene-based hydrogel promotes recruitment and neural-like differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells in rat skin
Authors: Zhang Chenzhen , Yuan Tie-Jun , Tan Min-Hong , Xu Xue-Han , Huang Yan-Fen , Peng Li-Hua
Published: January 2021

Strategies to direct the differentiation of endogenous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)in vivofollowing recruitment to the injured site are critical to realizing the potential of stem cell-based therapies.
Morphology and electronic modulation of composite nanosheets for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution through partial and in situ transformation of NiFe-LDH
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Zhao Zihan , Shen Qi , Xu Chen , Shi Chuanxin , Cao Wenwen , Sun Yiqiang , Xu Bo
Published: January 2021

Developing new strategies for constructing highly efficient electrocatalyst is still of great significance for renewable energy conversion.
CO2conversion by plasma: how to get efficient CO2conversion and high energy efficiency
Authors: Yin Yongxiang , Yang Tao , Li Zhikai , Devid Edwin , Auerbach Daniel , Kleyn Aart W.
Published: January 2021

Plasma technology, combined with activation on surfaces, is a novel way to convert CO2using green electricity.
A first-principles study of the atomic layer deposition of ZnO on carboxyl functionalized carbon nanotubes: the role of water molecules
Authors: Paez-Ornelas J. I. , Fernández-Escamilla H. N. , Borbón-Nuñez H. A. , Tiznado H. , Takeuchi Noboru , Guerrero-Sánchez J.
Published: January 2021

Atomic description of ALD in systems that combine large surface area and high reactivity is key for selecting the right functional group to enhance the ligand-exchange reactions.
Perfluoro effect on the electronic excited states of para-benzoquinone revealed by experiment and theory
Authors: Pereira-da-Silva J. , Mendes M. , Kossoski F. , Lozano A. I. , Rodrigues R. , Jones N. C. , Hoffmann S. V. , Ferreira da Silva F.
Published: January 2021

Several perfluoro effects are observed on the excited states of pBQ, as probed by high-resolution vacuum ultraviolet photoabsorption spectroscopy and TDDFT calculations for TFBQ.
Intersystem crossing processes in the 2CzPN emitter: a DFT/MRCI study including vibrational spin–orbit interactions
Authors: Rodriguez-Serrano Angela , Dinkelbach Fabian , Marian Christel M.
Published: January 2021

Multireference quantum chemical calculations were performed in order to investigate the (reverse) intersystem crossing ((R)ISC) mechanisms of 4,5-di(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-phthalonitrile (2CzPN).
The low energy phonon modes of the hydrogenated and deuterated π-conjugated system 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane: an inelastic neutron scattering study
Authors: Berlie Adam , Cavaye Hamish
Published: January 2021

TCNQ is a fascinating molecule with potential for optical, electronic and magnetic materials. Our work studies the low energy lattice modes of the parent compound to further understand the vibrational properties including their temperature dependence.
A simple strategy to overcome concentration dependence of photoswitching properties in donor–acceptor Stenhouse adducts
Authors: Connolly Sean W. , Tiwari Rahul , Holder Simon J. , Shepherd Helena J.
Published: January 2021

The use of piperazine-based donor moieties results in complete, rapid and reversible photoswitching behaviour for first generation donor–acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs), eliminating issues with concentration dependence.
Reactivity-directed analysis – a novel approach for the identification of toxic organic electrophiles in drinking water
Authors: Prasse Carsten
Published: January 2021

Drinking water consumption results in exposure to complex mixtures of organic chemicals, including natural and anthropogenic chemicals and compounds formed during drinking water treatment such as disinfection by-products.
Understanding the formation of recalcitrant dissolved organic nitrogen as a result of thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion of municipal sludge
Authors: Zhang Dian , An Zhaohui , Strawn Mary , Broderick Tom , Khunjar Wendell , Wang Zhi-Wu
Published: January 2021

This study for the first time investigated the turnover of dissolved organic nitrogen in lab-scale thermal hydrolysis pretreatment at different temperatures with and without mesophilic anaerobic digestion at a solids retention time of 15 days.
The analysis of active compounds in Flos Chrysanthemi Indici by UHPLC Q exactive HF hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap MS and comprehensive quality assessment of its preparation
Authors: Dai Tingting , Sun Guoxiang
Published: January 2021

Active compounds’ analysis between Flos Chrysanthemi Indici (FCI) and its preparation (FCIP), and the comprehensive quality assessment of its preparation as well as the correlation analysis between the antioxidant activity and fingerprint.
Preparation and certification of natural and 82Se-labelled selenomethionine reference materials
Authors: LeBlanc Kelly L. , Le Phuong-Mai , Meija Juris , Ding Jianfu , Melanson Jeremy E. , Mester Zoltán
Published: January 2021

Herein, we present the certification campaign for two new selenomethionine Certified Reference Materials: SENS-1, a high-purity powder of natural isotopic abundance, and SEES-1, a solution of selenium-82 labelled selenomethionine.
Versatile construction of a hierarchical porous electrode and its application in electrochemical hydrogen production: a mini review
Authors: Ma Zizai , Yuan Hefeng , Sun Jiaqi , Yang Jie , Tang Bin , Wang Xiaoguang , Li Jinping
Published: January 2021

The rational design of earth-abundant transition metal-based porous electrodes is of great importance for developing next-generation electrocatalysts for water splitting.
Performances of MnWO4@AC mixed oxide composite materials as Pt-free counter electrodes for high efficiently dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wu Kezhong , Fu Pengyuan , Ruan Bei , Wu Mengmeng , Wu Mingxing , Wu Ruitao
Published: January 2021

Replacing the expensive Pt catalyst of counter electrodes (CEs) with a low-cost Pt-free catalyst has been regarded as one of the crucial steps for cost effectiveness of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Electron dynamics in plasmons
Authors: Do Hue Thi Bich , Wen Jun Ding , Mahfoud Zackaria , Lin Wu , Bosman Michel
Published: January 2021

The Particle-in-Cell (PIC) method for plasmons provides a mechanical, single-particle picture of plasmon resonances by tracking in time the movement of all the individual conduction electrons.
Development of stretchable metallic glass electrodes
Authors: Xian Haijie , Li Lichao , Wen Ping , Bai Haiyang , Wang Weihua , Liu Yanhui
Published: January 2021

Stretchable metallic glass electrodes achieved by folding apporoach.
Organocatalyzed closed-loop chemical recycling of thermo-compressed films of poly(ethylene furanoate)
Authors: Gabirondo Elena , Melendez-Rodriguez Beatriz , Arnal Carmen , Lagaron Jose M. , Martínez de Ilarduya Antxon , Sardon Haritz , Torres-Giner Sergio
Published: January 2021

Poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) films were first produced using thermo-compression. Thereafter, the chemical recyclability was demonstrated in the presence of a thermally stable organocatalyst followed by its repolymerization.
Sustainable thermoplastic elastomers produced via cationic RAFT polymerization
Authors: Spring Scott W. , Smith-Sweetser Red O. , Rosenbloom Stephanie I. , Sifri Renee J. , Fors Brett P.
Published: January 2021

Cationic polymerization enables production of sustainable thermoplastic elastomers constructed from renewable vinyl ethers and -p-methoxystyrene with properties consistent with their petroleum-derived counterparts.
Argentophilicity induced anomalous thermal expansion behavior in a 2D silver squarate
Authors: Liu Zhanning , Yang Jianjian , Yang Lilong , Li Xuan , Ma Rui , Wang Rongming , Xing Xianran , Sun Daofeng
Published: January 2021

A 2D bilayer coordination polymer has been found to exhibit colossal interlayer PTE and in-plane NTE owing to argentophilic interactions.
Piezochromic mechanism of organic crystals under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Li Aisen , Xu Shuping , Bi Changjiang , Geng Yijia , Cui Haining , Xu Weiqing
Published: January 2021

This review aims to describe the spectroscopic phenomena, discuss corresponding mechanisms and reveal the inherent clues hidden in the scattered literature of piezochromic luminescent materials under hydrostatic pressure.
Facile construction of well-defined radical metallacycles through coordination-driven self-assembly
Authors: Tu Qian , Huo Gui-Fei , Zhao Xiao-Li , Sun Haitao , Shi Xueliang , Yang Hai-Bo
Published: January 2021

In this article, well-defined radical metallacycles were efficiently constructed through coordination-driven self-assembly, which displayed interesting chiral self-sorting behavior as well as very weak radical-based luminescence.
Water-assisted synthesis of highly stable CsPbX3 perovskite quantum dots embedded in zeolite-Y
Authors: Cheng Hui , Yin Yanfeng , Tang Jianbo , Fan Donghua , Huang Jan J. , Jin Shengye
Published: January 2021

Embedding CsPbX3 in zeolite-Y results in significantly enhanced stability and tunable emission upon exposure to water.
Graphite-type activated carbon from coconut shell: a natural source for eco-friendly non-volatile storage devices
Authors: Keppetipola Nilanka M. , Dissanayake Maithri , Dissanayake Pubudu , Karunarathne Buddhika , Dourges Marie Anne , Talaga David , Servant Laurent , Olivier Céline , Toupance Thierry , Uchida Satoshi , Tennakone Kirthi , Kumara G. R. Asoka , Cojocaru Ludmila
Published: January 2021

Simple ecofriendly activation process of carbon obtained from coconut shell-based waste was used for the fabrication of non-volatile high performance supercapacitors.
Ratio fluorescence detection of tetracycline by a Eu3+/NH2-MIL-53(Al) composite
Authors: Chen Jing , Xu Yali , Li Shuying , Xu Fanghong , Zhang Qian
Published: January 2021

Tetracycline detection has been a great concern because of its overuse and difficulty in degrading.
Magnetic-enhanced fluorescence sensing of tumor miRNA by combination of MNPs@PDA with duplex specific nuclease
Authors: Sun Yujie , Wang Cancan , Tang Lina , Zhang Yulin , Zhang Guo-Jun
Published: January 2021

A simple and sensitive fluorescence biosensor has been developed for detection of miRNA-141 by combining the magnetic nanoparticles coated with poly-dopamine (MNPs@PDA) with duplex specific nuclease (DSN).
Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction by a Co/Co3O4@N-doped carbon composite material derived from the pyrolysis of ZIF-67/poplar flowers
Authors: Wu Yanling , Wang Yanmin , Xiao Zuoxu , Li Miantuo , Ding Yongling , Qi Mei-li
Published: January 2021

Co/Co3O4@NC catalyst for the ORR with a low cost and highly stable performance is developed through the pyrolysis of an easy physical mixture containing ZIF-67 as the precursor and poplar flowers as the carbon source.
Antibiofilm peptides: overcoming biofilm-related treatment failure
Authors: Dostert Melanie , Trimble Michael J. , Hancock Robert E. W.
Published: January 2021

Host defence peptides (HDPs) can overcome biofilm-specific resistance and immune evasion mechanisms that render antibiotics ineffective. Infection models mimicking the resilience of biofilms are crucial for the development of these therapeutics.
Influence of molybdenum and technetium doping on visible light absorption, optical and electronic properties of lead-free perovskite CsSnBr3for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Kholil M. I. , Bhuiyan M. T. H. , Rahman M. Atikur , Ali M. S. , Aftabuzzaman M.
Published: January 2021

In this study, the metal doping enhanced the optoelectronic properties of lead-free perovskite CsSnBr3; hence CsSn0.875Tc0.125Br3is promising for solar cells and other optoelectronic applications.
Nanoparticles with PDT and PTT synergistic properties working with dual NIR-light source simultaneously
Authors: Sozmen Fazli , Kucukoflaz Merve , Ergul Mustafa , Sahin Inan Zeynep Deniz
Published: January 2021

A non-toxic nano system using a cleverly designed dual light can be an important treatment strategy in cancer therapy.
Synthesis and characterization of PEDMCD as a flame retardant and its application in epoxy resins
Authors: Zhang Yi , Yang Weiwei
Published: January 2021

In this study, a highly effective flame retardant agent, called polybicyclopentaerythritol phosphate-O-4-imino-p-phenylmethane-4-imino-2-chloro-1,3,5-s-triazine (PEDMCD), has been prepared through a direct polycondensation reaction.
Directed evolution of cyclic peptides for inhibition of autophagy
Authors: Gray Joshua P. , Uddin Md. Nasir , Chaudhari Rajan , Sutton Margie N. , Yang Hailing , Rask Philip , Locke Hannah , Engel Brian J. , Batistatou Nefeli , Wang Jing , Grindel Brian J. , Bhattacharya Pratip , Gammon Seth T. , Zhang Shuxing , Piwnica-Worms David , Kritzer Joshua A. , Lu Zhen , Bast Robert C. , Millward Steven W.
Published: January 2021

SUPR peptide mRNA display was used to evolve a cell-permeable, macrocyclic peptide for autophagy inhibition.
A photoswitchable strapped calix[4]pyrrole receptor: highly effective chloride binding and release
Authors: Villarón David , Siegler Maxime A. , Wezenberg Sander J.
Published: January 2021

A reconfigurable calix[4]pyrrole receptor containing a stiff-stilbene strap can be switched by light between a strong and weak binding form, showing an 8000-fold affinity difference for chloride.
Fabricating poly(vinyl alcohol)/gelatin composite sponges with high absorbency and water-triggered expansion for noncompressible hemorrhage and wound healing
Authors: Yang Xiao , Chen Miao , Li PengPeng , Ji Zhixiao , Wang Mingshan , Feng Yakai , Shi Changcan
Published: January 2021

Composite sponges obtained from PVA and gelatin were synthesized by thiol–ene chemistry and used for controlling noncompressible hemorrhage.
Photoluminescence emission induced by localized states in halide-passivated colloidal two-dimensional WS2 nanoflakes
Authors: Mastria Rosanna , Loiudice Anna , Vávra Jan , Nobile Concetta , Scarfiello Riccardo , Cozzoli P. Davide , Kovtun Alessandro , Liscio Andrea , Sestu Nicola , Marongiu Daniela , Quochi Francesco , Buonsanti Raffaella , Saba Michele , Calzolari Arrigo , Rizzo Aurora
Published: January 2021

A solution-phase halide passivation strategy to engineer the optical properties of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides synthesized by a colloidal approach.
Wide-bandgap organic nanocrystals with high mobility and tunable lasing emission
Authors: Li Yin-Xiang , Liu Wei , Yu Meng-Na , Dong Xue-Mei , Ou Chang-Jin , Eginligil Mustafa , Li Rui-Qing , Zhang Xin-Wen , Nie Yi-Jie , Xie Ling-Hai , Xu Chun-Xiang , Liu Ju-Qing , Huang Wei
Published: January 2021

Wide-bandgap organic nanocrystals are developed. The strong emission, efficient charge transport and tunable dual-color lasing characters indicate their superior photoelectric integrated property toward potential multifunctional applications.
Biomimetic photonic materials derived from chitin and chitosan
Authors: Lizundia Erlantz , Nguyen Thanh-Dinh , Winnick Rebecca J. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: January 2021

Inspired by the natural hierarchical structures of chitin and cellulose found in nature, this Review summarizes recent progress to create biomimetic optical materials templated by nanochitin and compares it with developments using nanocellulose.
Ultrastable and high colour rendering index WLEDs based on CsPbBrI2 nanocrystals prepared by a two-step facile encapsulation method
Authors: Tong Yao , Jin Mengfeifei , Chen Ya , Zhao Yi , Yang Haisheng , Wang Qin , Zhai Lanlan , Liang Xiaojuan , Xiang Weidong
Published: January 2021

The graphical abstract clearly and succinctly shows the synthesis method and application prospect of this study.
Improving the photodetection and stability of a visible-light QDs/ZnO phototransistor via an Al2O3 additional layer
Authors: Park Sungho , Kim Byung Jun , Kim Tae Yeon , Jung Eui Young , Lee Kyu-Myung , Hong Jong-Am , Jeon Woojin , Park Yongsup , Kang Seong Jun
Published: January 2021

We have developed a visible-light phototransistor with excellent photodetection characteristics and stability via atomic layer deposition (ALD) to add a thin layer of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) to quantum dot (QD)/zinc oxide (ZnO) films.
Multilayered PtSe2/pyramid-Si heterostructure array with light confinement effect for high-performance photodetection, image sensing and light trajectory tracking applications
Authors: Ma Mengru , Chen Huahan , Zhou Kunnan , Xie Chao , Liang Yi , Wang Li , Wu Chunyan , Yang Wenhua , Guo Jiawen , Luo Linbao
Published: January 2021

A multilayered PtSe2/pyramid-Si heterostructure-based photodetector array consisting of 8×8 device units shows excellent optoelectrical performance with potential applications in NIR image sensing and real-time light trajectory tracking.
DUSP12 acts as a novel endogenous protective signal against hepatic ischemia–reperfusion damage by inhibiting ASK1 pathway
Authors: Boldorini Renzo , Clemente Nausicaa , Alchera Elisa , Carini Rita
Published: January 2021

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) consequent to major liver surgery is a still unmet clinical problem. The activation of endogenous systems of hepatoprotection can prevent the damaging effects of ischemia–reperfusion (IR) as shown by the phenomenon known as ‘ischemic preconditioning’. The identification of endogenous signal mediators of hepatoprotection is of main interest since they could be targeted in future therapeutic interventions. Qiu et al. recently reported in Clin. Sci. (Lond.) (2020) 134(17), 2279–2294, the discovery of a novel protective molecule against hepatic IR damage: dual-specificity phosphatase 12 (DUSP12). IR significantly decreased DUSP12 expression in liver whereas DUSP12 overexpression in hepatocytes protected IRI and DUSP12 deletion in DUSP12 KO mice exacerbated IRI. The protective effects of DUSP12 depended on apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and acted through the inhibition of the ASK1-dependent kinases c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These results enlighten DUSP12 as a novel intermediate negative regulator of the pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic ASK1/JNK-p38 MAPK pathway activated during hepatic IR and identify DUSP12 as potential therapeutic target for IRI.
Novel insights in linking solvent relaxation dynamics and protein conformations utilizing red edge excitation shift approach
Authors: Brahma Rupasree , Raghuraman H.
Published: January 2021

Protein hydration dynamics plays an important role in many physiological processes since protein fluctuations, slow solvation, and the dynamics of hydrating water are all intrinsically related. Red edge excitation shift (REES) is a unique and powerful wavelength-selective (i.e. excitation-energy dependent) fluorescence approach that can be used to directly monitor the environment-induced restriction and dynamics around a polar fluorophore in a complex biological system. This review is mainly focused on recent applications of REES and a novel analysis of REES data to monitor the structural dynamics, functionally relevant conformational transitions and to unmask the structural ensembles in proteins. In addition, the novel utility of REES in imaging protein aggregates in a cellular context is discussed. We believe that the enormous potential of REES approach showcased in this review will engage more researchers, particularly from life sciences.
Lexical and Acoustic Characteristics of Young and Older Healthy Adults
Authors: Cho Sunghye , Nevler Naomi , Shellikeri Sanjana , Parjane Natalia , Irwin David J. , Ryant Neville , Ash Sharon , Cieri Christopher , Liberman Mark , Grossman Murray
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study examines the effect of age on language use with an automated analysis of digitized speech obtained from semistructured, narrative speech samples.

Method

We examined the Cookie Theft picture descriptions produced by 37 older and 76 young healthy participants. Using modern natural language processing and automatic speech recognition tools, we automatically annotated part-of-speech categories of all tokens, calculated the number of tense-inflected verbs, mean length of clause, and vocabulary diversity, and we rated nouns and verbs for five lexical features: word frequency, familiarity, concreteness, age of acquisition, and semantic ambiguity. We also segmented the speech signals into speech and silence and calculated acoustic features, such as total speech time, mean speech and pause segment durations, and pitch values.

Results

Older speakers produced significantly more fillers, pronouns, and verbs and fewer conjunctions, determiners, nouns, and prepositions than young participants. Older speakers' nouns and verbs were more familiar, more frequent (verbs only), and less ambiguous compared to those of young speakers. Older speakers produced shorter clauses with a lower vocabulary diversity than young participants. They also produced shorter speech segments and longer pauses with increased total speech time and total number of words. Lastly, we observed an interaction of age and sex in pitch ranges.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that older speakers' lexical content is less diverse, and these speakers produce shorter clauses than young participants in monologic, narrative speech. Our findings show that lexical and acoustic characteristics of semistructured speech samples can be examined with automated methods.
Measuring the Subjective Cost of Listening Effort Using a Discounting Task
Authors: McLaughlin Drew J. , Braver Todd S. , Peelle Jonathan E.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Objective measures of listening effort have been gaining prominence, as they provide metrics to quantify the difficulty of understanding speech under a variety of circumstances. A key challenge has been to develop paradigms that enable the complementary measurement of subjective listening effort in a quantitatively precise manner. In this study, we introduce a novel decision-making paradigm to examine age-related and individual differences in subjective effort during listening.

Method

Older and younger adults were presented with spoken sentences mixed with speech-shaped noise at multiple signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). On each trial, subjects were offered the choice between completing an easier listening trial (presented at +20 dB SNR) for a smaller monetary reward and completing a harder listening trial (presented at either +4, 0, −4, −8, or −12 dB SNR) for a greater monetary reward. By varying the amount of the reward offered for the easier option, the subjective value of performing effortful listening trials at each SNR could be assessed.

Results

Older adults discounted the value of effortful listening to a greater degree than young adults, opting to accept less money in order to avoid more difficult SNRs. Additionally, older adults with poorer hearing and smaller working memory capacities were more likely to choose easier trials; however, in younger adults, no relationship with hearing or working memory was found. Self-reported measures of economic status did not affect these relationships.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that subjective listening effort depends on factors including, but not necessarily limited to, hearing and working memory. Additionally, this study demonstrates that economic decision-making paradigms can be a useful approach for assessing subjective listening effort and may prove beneficial in future research.
Convolutional neural network for smoke and fire semantic segmentation
Authors: Frizzi Sebastien , Bouchouicha Moez , Ginoux Jean‐Marc , Moreau Eric , Sayadi Mounir
Published: January 2021

In recent decades, global warming has contributed to an increase in the number and intensity of wildfires destroying millions hectares of forest areas and causing many casualties each year. Firemen must therefore have the most effective means to prevent any wildfire from breaking out and to fight the blaze before being unable to contain and extinguish it. This article will present a new network architecture based on Convolutional Neural Network to detect and locate smoke and fire. This network generates fire and smoke masks in an RGB image by segmentation. The purpose of this work is to help firemen in assessing the extent of fire or monitor an incipient fire in real time with a camera embedded in a vehicle. To train this network, a database with the corresponding images and masks has been created. Such a database will allow to compare the performances of different networks. A comparison of this network with the best segmentation networks such as U‐Net and Yuan networks has highlighted its efficiency in terms of location accuracy, reduction of false positive classifications such as clouds or haze. This architecture is also efficient in real time.
Sound quality of side-by-side vehicles: Investigation of multidimensional sensory profiles and loudness equalization in an industrial context
Authors: Benghanem Abdelghani , Valentin Olivier , Gauthier Philippe-Aubert , Berry Alain
Published: January 2021

The sensory perception of products influences the relationship of potential users or buyers with these products. Sound quality is part of this sensory experience and is critical for products such as sports or utility vehicles as the sound conveys the impression of power or efficiency, among others. Therefore, there is a need to provide tools based on scientific methodology to acoustical engineers designing such vehicles. The motivation of this work was the need to explore new and faster methods for quicker and simpler sound quality evaluation. In this paper, the sound quality of side-by-side utility vehicles is investigated using the rapid sensory profile measurement method, and then by creating virtual participants using bootstrapping methods. Additionally, this study also investigates the effect of loudness equalization of the sound samples used during the listening tests. Results from these studies were used to establish the sensory profiles, desire-to-buy values and desirable sound profiles regarding the tested vehicles. Equalized loudness tests provide a finer sensory profile than those obtained using non-equalized sound samples. Furthermore, statistical analysis results confirm that adding virtual participants to the original data using a bootstrapping approach helps highlighting key information without altering the validity of the results.
Layout design and research of new energy vehicle charging pile in Anhui Province
Authors: Wang Xiaoyuan , Wang Hongfei , Ren Xuefeng , Chen Wenbin , Chu Yi , Guo Xiang , Jiang Junhao , Qiu Xin , Shi Junqiang , Sun Chengshan
Published: January 2021

Based on the investigation of the layout of charging piles for new energy vehicles in Anhui Province, this paper analyzes and studies the main problems existing in the development of charging piles in an urban area of Anhui Province, and puts forward the reasonable layout and suitable sites of charging piles. It also puts forward the types of charging piles suitable for the application of the city and the planning of relevant details, as well as the prospect of future charging piles.
Energy and Environmental Assessment of Straw Production for Power Generation
Authors: Bazaluk Oleg , Havrysh Valerii , Nitsenko Vitalii
Published: January 2021

Agricultural residues, including straw, are important energy feedstock for electricity generation. This study aims to develop a model for energy and environmental assessment of straw production, taking into account its life cycle. The proposed mathematical model allows us to distribute input energy (into any crop production) and emit carbon dioxide (during crop production) between grain and straw formation. It takes into account direct energy input (fuels, electricity, etc.), indirect energy input (fertilizer, herbicide, etc.), and energy required in manufacturing agricultural tractors and implements. It has been found that straw formation consumes from 41 to 66 % of the total energy input and CO2 emissions.
Research on Metal Supervision and Inspection Standards for Gas-steam Combined Cycle Units
Authors: Shi Yan , Xiang Wenguo , Chen Shiyi
Published: January 2021

Domestic gas-steam combined cycle units start and stop frequently, and the load changes greatly, which accelerate the expansion of defects, such as fatigue, cracks, and organizational deterioration of metal components. In view of the problems caused by the material selection characteristics of gas-steam combined cycle units and the daily shutdown mode, several common typical cases of gas-steam combined cycle units are analyzed, such as compressor blade fatigue fracture, main steam combined valve body fatigue cracks, pipeline and pressure vessel weld fatigue cracks. As well, the gas-steam combined cycle unit metal supervision content and inspection emphasis are studied and supplemented.
Review of benchmark on-grid power tariffs in China
Authors: Han Liang , Hu Yuou , Zhang Tao , Zhang Jing , Tu Zijun , Chen Yuguo
Published: January 2021

This paper reviews the introduction, implementation, and adjustment of benchmark on-grid power tariffs in China as well as discusses the impact from the on-going power market reforms. The analysis was made with the price data and policy documents from the NDRC and regional regulators. This paper concludes with a summary of features and drivers of historical changes in benchmark on-grid power tariffs and the values and contributions of this dominant price-setting mechanism of electric power in the last 15 years.
Air pollutants Emission inventory from offshore fishery research vessel
Authors: Rao Xin , Huang Hongliang , Li Lingzhi , Chen Shuai , Yang Jialiang
Published: January 2021

With the development of offshore and Pelagic Fisheries, the continuous expansion of fishing routes, the corresponding ship tonnages are increasing, and the air pollution of vessels is becoming more and more serious. An offshore fishery research vessel was selected as the object, the emission factors were obtained according to its basic data, the method based on fuel consumption was adopted to calculate the air pollutants emission (NOx, HC, CO and PM10) and the emission inventory was established. The inventory provides data for the establishment of the emission inventory of offshore pelagic fishery in the future, and has positive significance for the establishment of green fishing in the future.
The Causes and Solutions Towards the Increasing Locusts Plague in Pakistan
Authors: Tong Boyang
Published: January 2021

The increasing locusts plague in Pakistan has brought negative impacts on local bio-environment and economy. The plague is expanding toward the nearby nation, if we do not put a stop in it, the plague will destroy the agricultural products in Pakistan, which will lead to a more serious bird declination and deforestation. Besides, a self-reinforcing vicious circle will form, which not only destroy local economy and bio-environment but also threatening the well-being of all nations nearby. Based on data analysis and review of scientific journals on similar fields, the cause of the locusts plague in Pakistan was narrowed to three major aspects: the deforestation resulted from the acid rain, the decline of bird community consequent upon the avian influenza, and the regional temperature increase on account of the wood burning and increasing carbon emission. Therefore, this research will reveal the causes and solutions to the locusts plague in Pakistan and provided people with the valuable experience to prevent it from happening again.
Analysis on the influence of runoff trend in the Liusha River Basin of Xishuangbanna
Authors: Ling Zhen , Xu Shan , Dong Minghua , Feng Guojian , Huo Hong , Chen Fan , Peng Yan
Published: January 2021

In recent decades, there are lots of the changes of land use in the Liusha River basin in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. The large-scale replacement of natural forests by rubber plantation have had a certain impact on the ecological environment and water resources in the Liusha River basin. Based on the data of runoff, rainfall and evaporation from 1963 to 2015 measured by Menghai Hydrological Station of Liusha River, the effects of climate change and human activities on the ecological environment of Liusha River runoff and the degree of change were analyzed by using the comparison method of slope change rate of runoff accumulation. The research results show that the cumulative amount of runoff flow after mutation presents significant decrease trend from 1963 to 2015. Because of the Liusha river runoff change decision which residents downstream watershed water security, the runoff of the ecological environment situation and analysis, the protection of natural resources such as forests and the effective protection of regional water resources sustainable development has important guiding significance.
Research on Hydroecology Management from the Perspective of Philosophy
Authors: Zhang Siliang , Jia Zhifeng , Guan Zilong , Zheng Feimin
Published: January 2021

To be nature-friendly is to do good to human beings themselves. Ultimately, the relation between human beings and water is being water-friendly. From the perspective of philosophy, this paper conducts indepth analysis and research on the Dujiang Weir Irrigation System, the typical case among water conservancy projects in ancient times, follows the philosophy and scientificity of Taiji Diagram in water control in ancient times, respects the rule of water itself and reduces the philosophy of Taiji Diagram into “one divides into two, unity of opposites, extremes meet, dynamic equilibrium”. Meanwhile, it proposes that “those who are good at managing and utilizing water are kind to water”. They are good at learning about water, comprehending water, mastering the essence of water, the features of water, the moving rule of water; good at utilizing water in a scientific way, control water in a unified way and taking water in a planned way; good at controlling water separately and utilizing water in a unified way; good at blocking water and releasing water; good at resisting water, diverting water and controlling water; good at protecting water, conserving water and maintaining water; good at coordinating the relation between human and water, integrating human and water and codeveloping human and water. With the intention of loving nature and water, people are kind to water, the source of life, from the philosophy of China’s traditional science culture, in combination with modern water conservancy experience and methods. Human beings and water are symbiotic as people need to fight against flood and draught and strike a balance among the dependence on water, the utilization of water and the control of water. Those who are kind to water deem water as family members, friends and live by water, enjoy harmonious relation and integration with water and co-develop with water, thereby living long and prosper in an endless succession. In this way, human beings can better grasp the lifeline of ecology, improve ecological environment and achieve sustainable development.
Global impact of COVID 19 on 112 Emergency System detailed for National 112 Emergency System of Romania
Authors: Bărănescu Mihail , Vasilca Ionel-Sorinel , Tabarcia Mădălina , Nen Madlena
Published: January 2021

Research background: During COVID19 crisis, in order to limit and control the multiplication of infections with the new virus, the Romanian Government forced restrictions and established fines to those not staying in line with the rules. The rules had been applied not only to citizens but also to private companies and state authorities. Due to these legal constraints taken during the declared state of emergency and the next state of alert, the appropriate attitude effects occurred in terms of behaviour of individuals and companies.

Purpose of the article: One of the positive side effects of the measures taken during the state of emergency and the state of alert, is a decrease of non-real emergency calls in public safety answering points, small in value but important for dealing with real emergencies. Moreover, the incoming calls related to some chronic non-urgent medical affection decreases.

Methods: We will study and make comparisons in the number of calls in 112 Emergency System to analyse the quantitative impact relative to COVID period versus a previous not impacted period of time because of COVID.

Findings & Value added: The impact of the pandemic on the 112 Emergency System has been a major one. We observed the need to redefine procedures and to make operational a new resilience plan, by defining a specific calling number where people in need to report incidents specifically related to COVID. We also observed some changes in caller behaviour that occurred to those calling the emergency 112 number. However, the last not the least we have observed a real interest of people calling to the specific number dedicated to COVID with different contexts, concerns and clarifications needed to them in order to adopt a more conscious and responsible attitude.
The application of External and Mixed Idea Management Systems during COVID19 time
Authors: Mikelsone Elina , Volkova Tatjana , Spilbergs Aivars , Liela Elita
Published: January 2021

Research background: Authors have explored that there are different idea management system application types that could be used both locally and globally. But there is the question – how organizations can benefit from these systems during COVID19?

Purpose of the article: The article aims to clarify how external and mixed web-based idea management systems could be used during COVID19 time for distance idea generation sessions, as well to solve complex problems with different idea generation sources and evaluators

Methods: Literature review (data collection: systematically data collection from scientific data bases; data analysis: content analysis). Survey of n>400 enterprises with web-based IMS experience (data collection: survey; data analysis: statistics). Case studies (data collection: web-based idea management system creator secondary data; data analysis: content analysis).

Findings & Value added: External and mixed web-based idea management systems are great tools during COVID19 time for distance idea generation sessions as well to solve serious problems with different idea generation sources and evaluators. These tools could be used by private, public organizations, as well by higher education institutions and research institutions as an innovation actor under the Triple Helix Model. By involving all these organizations in the idea management process the innovation potential is increasing.
Economic and Social Impacts of COVID 19 on National Economies from the Point of View of Economic Theory
Authors: Nový Miloš , Jarý Čestmír
Published: January 2021

Research background: The world economy is currently affected by the devastating effects of the global COVID 19 pandemic, reaching the Great Depression of the 1930s. The economic policies of the affected countries are currently focused on short-term measures on the aggregate demand side. To this end, the growth of the public finance deficit is being prepared in the area of fiscal policy, which will ultimately deepen the indebtedness of national economies. If this economic policy is to be sustainable in the long term, measures on the aggregate demand side must be accompanied by measures on the aggregate supply side.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of this article is to determine how the current globalization processes affecting the supply and demand sides of selected national economies will be affected in the short and long term as a result of the global COVID 19 pandemic.

Methods: A description of the AS - AD model will be performed, covering both short and long periods, and then a description of the impact of globalization processes on aggregate supply and aggregate demand. This will be followed by an analysis of the expected economic and social impacts of COVID 19 on individual globalization processes affecting the supply and demand sides of selected national economies and economic units.

Findings & Value added: The article will help to find a systemic approach to the recovery of national economies affected by the effects of the global pandemic COVID 19 through the prism of the AS - AD model.
Impact of Strong Global Brands of Cultural Institutions on the Effective Development of Regions in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pashkus Margarita , Pashkus Vadim , Koltsova Anna
Published: January 2021

Research background: In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, when cultural objects were unable to function normally for a long time, their income has significantly decreased, and state support is not enough to implement strategic projects. This is due to a sharp decline in the incomes of the population of these countries and a prolonged shutdown of large- scale production, even the stagnation of entire sectors of the economy.

Purpose of the article: The article is devoted to the problem of the formation of strong brands of cultural institutions, in particular, art museums and galleries and their impact on the competitiveness of the region.

Methods: We use statistical, and regression methods for analysis, which are used to assess the mutual influence of traffic flows to museums and other cultural objects on the total income in the art market.

Findings & Value added: The analysis showed that work on the image, strengthening the brands of cultural institutions, increasing the level of recognition in the world and close ties with recognized art-dominants in the future will allow cultural institutions to attract significant financial flows and improve their competitive position in the world market. As the scientific increment can be considered, the results of analysis the relationship between the strong brands of art museums and other cultural objects and the tourist attractiveness of their locations, as well as the mutual influence of cultural object brands on the territory’s brand. It is proposed to modify the methodology for evaluating the brand value in an art Museum or gallery.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Tourism Industry and Ways to Ensure High Competitiveness of the Territory in the Global Tourism Market after the Pandemic
Authors: Pashkus Vadim , Pashkus Natalia , Asadulaev Asadula
Published: January 2021

Research background: The article analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourist competitiveness of St. Petersburg. In order to maintain sustainable tourist attractiveness after the end of the pandemic, the city will have to conduct a more thorough analysis of the factors influencing the choice of St. Petersburg among other competing tourist centres.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of this article is to identify competitive priorities of territories that are attractive for tourism activities in the conditions of recovery from the crisis that arose due to restrictive measures applied due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Methods: To achieve this goal, the article uses a modified SWOT analysis apparatus with the use of a matrix assessment methodology implemented on the basis of a modified methodology of the Hierarchy Analysis Method and the calculation of marginal replacement coefficients for criteria of tourist attractiveness and competitiveness of the territory after the pandemic.

Findings & Value added: For the analysis, a new approach is proposed to obtain the characteristics of the city assessment for different categories of tourists, which significantly increases the accuracy and strategic prospects of the classical procedure of SWOT analysis. As a scientific growth, we can consider the use of matrix estimation mechanisms for a more rational ranking of factors, more accurately determining probability and weight characteristics. Therefore, this will provide higher accuracy of strategic recommendations for the city for each important category of tourists.