bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MRI Outcomes Achieved by Simple Flow Blockage Technique in Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis Stenting
Authors: Hak Jean-François , Arquizan Caroline , Cagnazzo Federico , Mahmoudi Mehdi , Collemiche Francois-Louis , Gascou Gregory , Lefevre Pierre-Henry , Derraz Imad , Labreuche Julien , Mourand Isabelle , Gaillard Nicolas , Corti Lucas , Charif Mahmoud , Costalat Vincent , Dargazanli Cyril
Published: September 2022

In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency and clinical impact of new ischemic lesions detected with diffusion-weighted-imaging-MRI (DWI-MRI) as well as the clinical outcomes after carotid artery stenting (CAS) using the simple flow blockage technique (SFB). This is a retrospective study with data extraction from a monocentric prospective clinical registry (from 2017 to 2019) of consecutive patients admitted for symptomatic cervical ICA stenosis or web. Herein, patients benefited from DWI-MRI before and within 48 h of CAS for symptomatic ICA stenosis or web. The primary endpoint was the frequency of new DWI-MRI ischemic lesions and the secondary (composite) endpoint was the rate of mortality, symptomatic stroke or acute coronary syndrome within 30 days of the procedure. All of the 82 CAS procedures were successfully performed. Among the 33 patients (40.2%) with new DWI-MRI ischemic lesions, 30 patients were asymptomatic (90.9%). Irregular carotid plaque surface with (n = 13, 44.8%) or without ulceration (n = 12, 60.0%) was associated with higher rates of new DWI-MRI lesions by comparison to patients with a regular plaque (n = 7, 25%) (p = 0.048) using the univariate analysis. Less than half of this CAS cohort using the SFB technique had new ischemic lesions detected with DWI-MRI. Among these patients, more than 90% were asymptomatic. Irregularity of the plaque seems to increase the risk of peri-procedural DWI-MRI lesions.
The Pathological Status of Pinus sylvestris L. Understory Affected by Anthropogenic Air Pollution Stress (Case Study of Forests near Krasnoyarsk)
Authors: Tatarintsev Andrey I. , Sultson Svetlana M. , Evdokimova Lyudmila S. , Mikhaylov Pavel V.
Published: September 2022

Air pollution is the major anthropogenic factor in urban and industrial areas. Forests play the most important role in improving environmental quality in such areas. Long-term air pollution has an adverse effect on the entire biota in such forests and determines the nature of plant–pathogen interactions. The purpose of the present research was to study the pathological status of the understory in Pinus sylvestris L. stands subject to long-term anthropogenic air pollution. The study was conducted in the pine forests near Krasnoyarsk. Research methods included a detailed pathological inspection of the understory (including saplings and self-sown trees) in stands (mainly forest-steppe pine forests) growing from 10 to 30 km from the city and macroscopic and microscopic diagnostics of plant diseases, and the analysis of the data obtained was carried out using statistical criteria (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (dK-S), Student’s t-test). Pathogens affecting young pines (nine species identified) are micromycetes of different parasitic strategies (semi-parasites predominate). The most common pathogens are Lophodermella sulcigena (causes needle cast), Cenangium ferruginosum (necrosis of branches), and Sarea difformis (stem and branches canker). The pathogens causing necrosis and canker are the most harmful for pine understory. As young plants mature, pathogen diversity and disease manifestations increase. In stands closer to the city, understory infestations with dominant diseases significantly decrease as the degree of their contamination with heavy metals and fluorine increases. The activity of pathogenic micromycetes is likely to be suppressed by the chemicals found in the plants.
The Importance of Prevention in Tackling Desertification: An Approach to Anticipate Risks of Degradation in Coastal Aquifers
Authors: Ibáñez Javier , Gartzia Rolando , Alcalá Francisco Javier , Martínez-Valderrama Jaime
Published: September 2022

Groundwater degradation is a major issue on an increasingly hot and thirsty planet. The problem is critical in drylands, where recharge rates are low and groundwater is the only reliable resource in a context of water scarcity and stress. Aquifer depletion and contamination is a process of desertification. Land Degradation Neutrality is regarded as the main initiative to tackle land degradation and desertification. It is embedded in target 15.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals and focused on preventing these dynamics. Within this framework, we present an approach to assess risks of degradation and desertification in coastal basins with aquifers threatened by seawater intrusion. The approach utilizes an integrated system dynamics model representing the main relationships between the aquifer and an intensively irrigated area (greenhouses) driven by short- and medium-term profitability. The study area is located in a semi-arid region in Southern Spain, the Gualchos stream basin, which contains the Castell de Ferro aquifer. We found that the risk of salinization of the aquifer is 73%, while there is a 70% risk that the system would increases its demand for surface water in the future, and the chance of doubling the current demand is almost 50%. If the current system of reservoirs in the area were not able to satisfy such an increase in demand because of climate change, the basin would be at a serious risk of desertification.
Influence of the 2030 Agenda in the Design of Policies to Fight Poverty and Social Exclusion in Rural and Urban Contexts
Authors: Sianes Antonio , Fernández-Portillo Luis A.
Published: September 2022

In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, establishing a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be pursued until 2030, acknowledging the need to adopt a more inclusive and sustainable development model at the global level [...]
Land Use and Land Cover Change Assessment and Future Predictions in the Matenchose Watershed, Rift Valley Basin, Using CA-Markov Simulation
Authors: Mathewos Markos , Lencha Semaria Moga , Tsegaye Misgena
Published: September 2022

Land use and land cover change (LULC) is known worldwide as a key factor of environmental modification that significantly affects natural resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of land use and land cover in the Matenchose watershed from the years 1991, 2003, and 2020, and future prediction of land use changes for 2050. Landsat TM for 1991, ETM+ for 2003, and Landsat-8 OLI were used for LULC classification for 2020. A supervised image sorting method exhausting a maximum likelihood classification system was used, with the application using ERDAS Imagine software. Depending on the classified LULC, the future LULC 2050 was predicted using CA-Markov and Land Change Models by considering the different drivers of LULC dynamics. The 1991 LULC data showed that the watershed was predominantly covered by grassland (35%), and the 2003 and 2020 LULC data showed that the watershed was predominantly covered by cultivated land (36% and 52%, respectively). The predicted results showed that cultivated land and settlement increased by 6.36% and 6.53%, respectively, while forestland and grassland decreased by 63.76% and 22.325, respectively, from 2020 to 2050. Conversion of other LULC categories to cultivated land was most detrimental to the increase in soil erosion, while forest and grassland were paramount in reducing soil loss. The concept that population expansion and relocation have led to an increase in agricultural land and forested areas was further reinforced by the findings of key informant interviews. This study result might help appropriate decision making and improve land use policies in land management options.
Duration of Cultivation Has Varied Impacts on Soil Charge Properties in Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Ghana
Authors: Neina Dora , Agyarko-Mintah Eunice
Published: September 2022

Agricultural expansion into natural habitats causes soil fertility decline after a period of cultivation. This study investigated changes in soil exchange properties in different farm types at Dompem and Adansam in the Forest and Forest–Savannah transition zones of Ghana as influenced by the duration of cultivation. Sixty farms were selected for soil sampling through a reconnaissance survey. The soils were subjected to physicochemical analysis. The results showed that the Dompem soils were loamic, had more amorphous Fe and Al oxides, were strongly acidic and had low contents of exchangeable acidity, a low sum of exchangeable bases (SEB), low effective cation exchangeable capacities (ECECs) and low available P. Conversely, the Adansam soils were arenic, slightly acidic and had relatively higher SEBs and ECECs. Interestingly, soil organic carbon (SOC) in the Dompem soils declined by >10% in relation to the duration of cultivation and showed rapid reductions within three years. Correspondingly, soil bulk density, CEC and SEB declined. In Adansam soils, only δpH declined in relation to the duration of cultivation. Soil organic carbon accounted for >50% of the ECEC and 49% of the SEB in Dompem soils but 36% of δpH in the Adansam soils. In conclusion, agricultural expansion, manifested in the duration of cultivation, mainly influenced soil charge properties through SOC decline.
Modification of Polymeric Surfaces with Ultrashort Laser Pulses for the Selective Deposition of Homogeneous Metallic Conductive Layers
Authors: Seiler Michael , Knauft Andreas , Gruben Jann Jelto , Frank Samson , Barz Andrea , Bliedtner Jens , Lasagni Andrés Fabián
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the demand for highly integrated and lightweight components has been rising sharply, especially in plastics processing. One strategy for weight-saving solutions is the development of conductive tracks and layouts directly on the polymer housing parts in order to be able to dispense with the system integration of additional printed circuit boards (PCB). This can be conducted very advantageously and flexibly with laser-based processes for functionalizing polymer surfaces. In this work, a three-step laser-based process for subsequent selective metallization is presented. Conventional injection molded components without special additives serve as the initial substrate. The Laser-Based Selective Activation (LSA) uses picosecond laser pulses to activate the plastic surface to subsequently deposit palladium. The focus is on determining the amount of deposited palladium in correlation to the laser and scan parameters. For the first time, the dependence of the metallization result on the accumulated laser fluence (Facc) is described. The treated polymer parts are characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy as well as a contact-type profilometer.
Quasi-In-Situ Analysis of As-Rolled Microstructure of Magnesium Alloys during Annealing and Subsequent Plastic Deformation
Authors: Deng Jiafei , Tian Jing , Zhou Yancai , Chang Yuanying , Liang Wei , Ma Jinyao
Published: September 2022

In this paper, quasi-in situ experiments were carried out on rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets to track the recrystallization behavior of the rolled microstructure during the heat treatment process and the plastic deformation behavior during the stretching process. The as-rolled microstructures are classified into five characteristics and their plastic deformation behaviors are described. The research shows that annealing recrystallization leads to grain reorganization, resulting in the diversity of grain orientation, and it is easier to activate basal slip. Recrystallization preferentially nucleates in the regions with high stress, while it is difficult for recrystallization to occur in regions with low stress, which leads to the uneven distribution of the as-rolled structure of magnesium alloys. Slip can be better transmitted between small grains, while deformation between large and small grains is difficult to transmit, which can easily lead to the generation of ledges. Incomplete recrystallization is more likely to accumulate dislocations than complete recrystallization, and ledges are formed in the early stage of deformation. Microcracks are more likely to occur between strain-incompatible grains. It is of great significance to promote the application of rolled AZ31 magnesium alloys for the development of heat treatment and subsequent plastic working of rolled magnesium alloys.
Algorithm for Optimization of Inverse Problem Modeling in Fuzzy Cognitive Maps
Authors: Petukhova Alina Vladimirovna , Kovalenko Anna Vladimirovna , Ovsyannikova Anna Vyacheslavovna
Published: September 2022

Managerial decision-making is a complex process that has several problems. The more heterogeneous the system, the more immeasurable, non-numerical information it contains. To understand the cognitive processes involved, it is important to describe in detail their components, define the dependencies between components, and apply relevant algorithms for scenario modelling. Fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) is the popular approach for modeling a system’s behavior over time and defining its main properties. This work develops a new algorithm for scenario analysis in complex systems represented by FCMs to provide support for decision-making. The algorithm allows researchers to analyze system-development scenarios to obtain the required change to the system’s components that leads to the target state. The problem of determining a system’s initial state is most conspicuous when constructing a compound or unbalanced fuzzy maps. Currently, a brute force algorithm is used to calculate the steps needed to approach a target, but that takes exponential time. The paper describes a new algorithm to obtain the initial values of the controlled concepts in fuzzy cognitive maps using the theory of neutrosophic fuzzy equations. This approach reduces the time needed to find the optimal solution to a problem, and it allows inverse problems to be solved in the fuzzy cognitive maps as a part of the scenario-modeling framework.
Unusual Tetrahydropyridoindole-Containing Tetrapeptides with Human Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Targeting Activity Discovered from Antarctica-Derived Psychrophilic Pseudogymnoascus sp. HDN17-933
Authors: Hou Xuewen , Li Changlong , Zhang Runfang , Li Yinping , Li Huadong , Zhang Yundong , Tae Han-Shen , Yu Rilei , Che Qian , Zhu Tianjiao , Li Dehai , Zhang Guojian
Published: September 2022

Chemical investigation of the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogymnoascus sp. HDN17-933 derived from Antarctica led to the discovery of six new tetrapeptides psegymamides A–F (1–6), whose planar structures were elucidated by extensive NMR and MS spectrometric analyses. Structurally, psegymamides D–F (4–6) possess unique backbones bearing a tetrahydropyridoindoles unit, which make them the first examples discovered in naturally occurring peptides. The absolute configurations of structures were unambiguously determined using solid-phase total synthesis assisted by Marfey’s method, and all compounds were evaluated for their inhibition of human (h) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes. Compound 2 showed significant inhibitory activity. A preliminary structure–activity relationship investigation revealed that the tryptophan residue and the C-terminal with methoxy group were important to the inhibitory activity. Further, the high binding affinity of compound 2 to hα4β2 was explained by molecular docking studies.
Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Difficulties, Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Stolpa Weronika , Stręk-Cholewińska Angelika , Mizia-Malarz Agnieszka
Published: September 2022

Nephroblastoma is the most common kidney tumour in children, constitutes about 85% of cases. Although renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the second-most common kidney malignancy in children, it constitutes only about 2–6% of all cases. Currently, the basis of children’s RCC treatment is Umbrella Protocol of SIOP-RTSG, but, due to the rare diagnosis of this neoplasm in children, in difficult cases, treatment is based on the experience in adult patients with RCC. Nephrectomy improves prognosis and is usually performed at the first step of treatment. Acute kidney injury secondary to urolithiasis in a patient after nephrectomy due to RCC is a unique, very serious complication. Study design: We present a case of a 10-year-old boy with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) of the right kidney and an acute renal failure of the left kidney secondary to uric acid nephrolithiasis. Partial regression of the spread of ccRCC after 12.5-month treatment with sunitinib, followed by progression being observed and satisfactory effects and tolerance of nivolumab were observed later. Comorbidity of acute kidney injury during nephrolithiasis and ccRCC after nephrectomy in children is unique. Drugs used in the treatment clear cell carcinoma in adults (sunitinib and nivolumab), are also used in children with ccRCC.
Loss of Expression of Antiangiogenic Protein FKBPL in Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Obradović Danilo D. , Milić Nataša M. , Miladinović Nenad , McClements Lana , Oprić Dejan M.
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: FK506 binding protein like (FKBPL) is a member of the immunophilin family, with anti-angiogenic effects capable of inhibiting the migration of endothelial cells and blood vessel formation. Its role as an inhibitor of tumor growth and angiogenesis has previously been shown in studies with breast and ovarian cancer. The role of FKBPL in angiogenesis, growth, and carcinogenesis of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC) is still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of FKBPL in EEC and benign endometrial hyperplasia (BEH) and its correlation with the expression of vascular endothelial factor-A (VEGF-A) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Materials and Methods: Specimens from 89 patients with EEC and 40 patients with BEH, as well as histological, clinical, and demographic data, were obtained from the Clinical Hospital Centre Zemun, Belgrade, Serbia over a 10-year period (2010–2020). Immunohistochemical staining of the tissue was performed for FKBPL, VEGF-A, and ERα. Slides were analyzed blind by two pathologists, who measured the intensity of FKBPL and VEGF-A expression and used the Allred score to determine the level of ERα expression. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed moderate to high intensity of FKBPL expression in 97.5% (n = 39) of samples of BEH, and low or no expression in 93.3% (n = 83) of cases of EEC. FKBPL staining showed a high positive predictive value (98.8%) and a high negative predictive value for malignant diagnosis (86.7%). The difference in FKBPL expression between EEC and BEH was statistically significant (p < 0.001), showing a decrease in intensity and loss of expression in malignant tissues of the endometrium. FKBPL expression was positively correlated with ERα expression (intensity, percentage and high Allred score values) and negatively correlated with the expression of VEGF-A (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: FKBPL protein expression demonstrated a significant decrease in FKBPL in EEC in comparison to BEH tissue, with a high predictive value for malignancy. FKBPL might be emerging as a significant protein with antiangiogenic and antineoplastic effects, showing great promise for the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of its therapeutic derivatives in gynecological oncology.
Time to Load Up–Resistance Training Can Improve the Health of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Scoping Review
Authors: Kite Chris , Parkes Elizabeth , Taylor Suzan R. , Davies Robert W. , Lagojda Lukasz , Brown James E. , Broom David R. , Kyrou Ioannis , Randeva Harpal S.
Published: September 2022

Background: Guidelines for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) focus on lifestyle changes, incorporating exercise. Whilst evidence suggests that aerobic exercise may be beneficial, less is known about the effectiveness of resistance training (RT), which may be more feasible for those that have low fitness levels and/or are unable to tolerate/participate in aerobic exercise. Objectives: To identify the available evidence on RT in women with PCOS and to summarise findings in the context of a scoping review. Eligibility criteria: Studies utilising pre-post designs to assess the effectiveness of RT in PCOS; all outcomes were included. Sources of evidence: Four databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, CINAHL and SportDiscus) were searched and supplemented by hand searching of relevant papers/reference lists. Charting methods: Extracted data were presented in tables and qualitatively synthesised. Results: Searches returned 42 papers; of those, 12 papers were included, relating to six studies/trials. Statistical changes were reported for multiple pertinent outcomes relating to metabolic (i.e., glycaemia and fat-free mass) and hormonal (i.e., testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin) profiles. Conclusions: There is a striking lack of studies in this field and, despite the reported statistical significance for many outcomes, the documented magnitude of changes are small and the quality of the evidence questionable. This highlights an unmet need for rigorously designed/reported and sufficiently powered trials.
Investigation of the Interfacial Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Duplex Stainless Steel/Low-Alloy Steel Clad Rebar
Authors: Ma Jian , Liu Xuming , Chen Jilin , Liu Xin , Zhang Hongliang , Wang Baoshan , Feng Guanghong
Published: September 2022

In this work, duplex stainless steel/low-alloy steel-clad rebars were fabricated using metal deposition and hot rolling. The interfacial characteristics of the rebar, such as element diffusion and phase composition, were investigated using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersive spectrometer. The mechanical properties of the rebar were evaluated by tensile and bending tests. The results show that the rebar interface is composed of a carburized layer on the duplex stainless steel side and a decarburized layer on the low-alloy steel side; they also show that the rebar exhibits good mechanical properties, with 435 MPa of yield strength, 630 MPa of tensile strength, and a 24.8% percentage elongation. The reduction in the cladding thickness at the rebar’s transverse rib root was studied using the ABAQUS software. The results show that the cladding thickness is reduced due to the effect of the groove shape during the rolling process. The rebar’s transverse rib root cracked after bending due to the thinning of the cladding and brittle fractures in the interfacial martensite layer.
Interface Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of 2024 Aluminum Alloy and 304 Stainless Steel Dissimilar Alloys FSLW Joint with Ni Interlayer
Authors: Liu Jun , Guo Ruixiu , Gong Peng , Yue Yumei , Yu Zhanxing , Zhang Yewei
Published: September 2022

The composite structure of aluminum and steel (Al/steel) dissimilar metals has been applied in manufacturing industries for lightweight products, and friction stir lap welding (FSLW) has advantages for the welding of these two metals. To further enhance the strength of the Al/steel FSLW joint, a 0.02 mm thick nickel (Ni) foil was chosen as the interlayer, and slight plunging depth of a tool pin into the lower steel sheet was designed, which can respectively change the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) type and produce small welding heat. Choosing dissimilar 2024 aluminum alloy and 304 stainless steel materials as the research subject, the characteristics of the lap interface and the mechanical properties of the joint were mainly discussed. The results showed that the lap interface between the upper aluminum and lower steel sheets was made up of an AlNi3 IMCs layer, hook structure and mechanical occlusion. The AlNi3 IMCs layer with 2 μm thickness was in a reasonable range positive to the joint strength. When the rotating speed of the stirring tool increased from 800 to 1200 rpm and the welding speed of 75 mm/min was constant, the hook structure and the mechanical occlusion were both enhanced, and the tensile shear strength of the joint was decreased. A maximum joint tensile shear strength of 217 MPa was obtained at 800 rpm, and the strength value was 47.2 percent of that of the 2024 aluminum alloy base material. The Al/steel joint with shear fracture mode presented a brittle–ductile mixed fracture.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Fusarium ipomoeae as the Causative Agent of Leaf Spot Disease in Tobacco from China
Authors: Wang Hancheng , Li Yiting , Li Wenhong , Cai Liuti , Meng Jianyu , Xia Gen , Yin Junliang , Liu Xi
Published: September 2022

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), which creates jobs for 33 million people and contributes two trillion dollars’ tax annually, is one of the most important economic plants globally. However, tobacco is seriously threatened by numerous diseases during production. Previously, the field survey of tobacco diseases was conducted in the Guizhou and Guangxi provinces, the two main tobacco-producing areas in China. A serious leaf spot disease, with a 22% to 35% incidence, was observed in farming plants. In order to determine the causal agents, we collected the disease samples and isolated the pathogenic fungi. The pathogen was identified as Fusariumipomoeae, based on the morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. Pathogenicity tests showed that F. ipomoeae could induce tobacco leaf spot and blight. To our knowledge, this is the first report worldwide of F. ipomoeae causing leaf spots and stems on tobacco. Our study reveals the serious consequences of F. ipomoeae on tobacco filed production and provides information for future diagnosis and management of the Fusarium disease.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Upper Ordovician and Lower Silurian Wufeng-Longmaxi Shale on the Yangtze Platform, South China: Implications for Provenance Analysis and Shale Gas Sweet-Spot Interval
Authors: Shi Zhensheng , Zhao Shengxian , Zhou Tianqi , Ding Lihua , Sun Shasha , Cheng Feng
Published: September 2022

The sediment provenance influences the formation of the shale gas sweet-spot interval of the Upper Ordovician–Lower Silurian Wufeng–Longmaxi shale from the Yangtze Platform, South China. To identify the provenance, the mineralogy and geochemistry of the shale were investigated. The methods included optical microscopy analysis, X-ray diffraction testing, field-emission scanning electron imaging, and major and trace element analysis. The Wufeng–Longmaxi shale is mainly composed of quartz (avg. 39.94%), calcite (avg. 12.29%), dolomite (avg. 11.75%), and clay minerals (avg. 28.31%). The LM1 interval is the shale gas sweet-spot and has the highest contents of total quartz (avg. 62.1%, among which microcrystalline quartz accounts for 52.8% on average) and total organic carbon (avg. 4.6%). The relatively narrow range of TiO2–Zr variation and the close correlation between Th/Sc and Zr/Sc signify no obvious sorting and recycling of the sediment source rocks. Sedimentary sorting has a limited impact on the geochemical features of the shale. The relatively high value of ICV (index of compositional variability) (1.03–3.86) and the low value of CIA (chemical index of alteration values) (50.62–74.48) indicate immature sediment source rocks, probably undergoing weak to moderate chemical weathering. All samples have patterns of moderately enriched light rare-earth elements and flat heavy rare-earth elements with negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.35–0.92) in chondrite-normalized diagrams. According to Th/Sc, Zr/Sc, La/Th, Zr/Al2O3, TiO2/Zr, Co/Th, SiO2/Al2O3, K2O/Na2O, and La/Sc, it can be inferred that the major sediment source rocks were acidic igneous rocks derived from the active continental margin and continental island arc. A limited terrigenous supply caused by the inactive tectonic setting is an alternative interpretation of the formation of the sweet-spot interval.
Integrating a Luminescent Porous Aromatic Framework into Indicator Papers for Facile, Rapid, and Selective Detection of Nitro Compounds
Authors: Cui Bo , Gao Changyuan , Fan Jiating , Liu Jinni , Feng Bin , Ruan Xianghui , Yang Yajie , Yuan Ye , Chu Kuo , Yan Zhuojun , Xia Lixin
Published: September 2022

Porous aromatic framework materials with high stability, sensitivity, and selectivity have great potential to provide new sensors for optoelectronic/fluorescent probe devices. In this work, a luminescent porous aromatic framework material (LNU-23) was synthesized via the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reaction of tetrabromopyrene and 1,2-bisphenyldiborate pinacol ester. The resulting PAF solid exhibited strong fluorescence emission with a quantum yield of 18.31%, showing excellent light and heat stability. Because the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of LNU-23 was higher than that of the nitro compounds, there was an energy transfer from the excited LNU-23 to the analyte, leading to the selective fluorescence quenching with a limit of detection (LOD) ≈ 1.47 × 10−5 M. After integrating the luminescent PAF powder on the paper by a simple dipping method, the indicator papers revealed a fast fluorescence response to gaseous nitrobenzene within 10 s, which shows great potential in outdoor fluorescence detection of nitro compounds.
Identification of a BAHD Acyltransferase Gene Involved in Plant Growth and Secondary Metabolism in Tea Plants
Authors: Aktar Shirin , Bai Peixian , Wang Liubin , Xun Hanshuo , Zhang Rui , Wu Liyun , He Mengdi , Cheng Hao , Wang Liyuan , Wei Kang
Published: September 2022

Plant acyl-CoA dominated acyltransferases (named BAHD) comprise a large appointed protein superfamily and play varied roles in plant secondary metabolism like synthesis of modified anthocyanins, flavonoids, volatile esters, etc. Tea (Camellia sinensis) is an important non-alcoholic medicinal and fragrancy plant synthesizing different secondary metabolites, including flavonoids. In the tea (C.A sinensis) cultivar Longjing 43 (LJ43), eight samples were performed into three groups for transcriptome analysis under three biological replications. Among the BAHD acyltransferase genes in tea cultivars, the expression of TEA031065 was highest in buds and young leaves following the RNA sequencing data, which was coincident with the tissue rich in catechins and other flavonoids. We then transformed this gene into wild-type Arabidopsis as an over-expression (OX) line 1 and line 2 in ½ MS media to verify its function. In the wild types (WT), the primary root length, number of secondary roots, and total root weight were significantly higher at 24%, 15%, and 53.92%, respectively, compared to the transgenic lines (OX1 and OX2). By contrast, the leaves displayed larger rosettes (21.58%), with higher total leaf weight (32.64%) in the transgenic lines than in the wild type (WT). This result is consistent with DCR mutant At5g23940 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, anthocyanin content in transgenic lines was also increased (21.65%) as compared to WT. According to the RNA sequencing data, a total of 22 growth regulatory genes and 31 structural genes with TFs (transcription factors) that are correlative with plant growth and anthocyanin accumulation were identified to be differentially expressed in the transgenic lines. It was found that some key genes involved in IAA (Auxin) and GA (Gibberellin) biosynthesis were downregulated in the transgenic lines, which might be correlated with the phenotype changes in roots. Moreover, the upregulation of plant growth regulation genes, such as UGT73C4 (zeatin), ARR15, GH3.5, ETR2, ERS2, APH4, and SAG113 might be responsible for massive leaf growth. In addition, transgenic lines shown high anthocyanin accumulation due to the upregulation of the (1) 3AT1 and (3) GSTF, particularly, GSTF12 genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. However, the TFs such as, CCoAMT, bHLH, WRKY, CYP, and other MYBs were also significantly upregulated in transgenic lines, which increased the content of anthocyanins in A. thaliana seedlings. In conclusion, a BAHD acyltransferase (TEA031065) was identified, which might play a vital role in tea growth and secondary metabolites regulation. This study increases our knowledge concerning the combined functionality of the tea BAHD acyltransferase gene (TEA031065).
Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review on Motivations and Benefits
Authors: McDermott Olivia , Antony Jiju , Bhat Shreeranga , Jayaraman Raja , Rosa Angelo , Marolla Giuliano , Parida Ratri
Published: September 2022

While Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been applied extensively in healthcare organisations, there has been limited research on the trends of LSS application in healthcare in recent years. This paper aims to present the key motivations and benefits of LSS in healthcare with a view to highlighting the types of problems that LSS in healthcare can aid in solving. The authors used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach to achieving the article’s purpose. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2011 and 2021 are considered to achieve the study objectives. The systematic review helped the authors to identify the evolution, benefits, and motivations for LSS in healthcare. This work includes directions for managers and healthcare professionals in healthcare organisations to embark on a focused LSS journey aligned with the strategic objectives. This study is perhaps one of the most comprehensive SLRs covering a vital agenda of LSS in healthcare. This study provides all the deliverables of LSS for its successful deployment in healthcare.
Pyrolysis Temperature and Application Rate of Sugarcane Straw Biochar Influence Sorption and Desorption of Metribuzin and Soil Chemical Properties
Authors: Mielke Kamila C. , Laube Ana Flávia S. , Guimarães Tiago , Brochado Maura Gabriela da S. , Medeiros Bruna Aparecida de P. , Mendes Kassio F.
Published: September 2022

Pyrolysis temperature and application rate of biochar to soil can influence herbicide behavior and soil fertility. The objective was to investigate the effect of soil amendments with application rates of sugarcane straw biochar, produced at different pyrolysis temperatures, on the sorption–desorption of metribuzin in soil. The analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The treatments were three pyrolysis temperatures (BC350, BC550 and BC750 °C) and seven application rates (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 5 and 10% w w−1). Amended soil with different application rates decreased H + Al and increased pH, OC, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, CEC and BS contents. Kf values of sorption and desorption of metribuzin were 1.42 and 0.78 mg(1−1/n) L1/n Kg−1, respectively, in the unamended soil. Application rates < 1% of biochar sorbed ~23% and desorbed ~15% of metribuzin, similar to unamended soil, for all pyrolysis temperatures. Amended soil with 10% of BC350, BC550 and BC750 sorbed 63.8, 75.5 and 89.4% and desorbed 8.3, 5.8 and 3.7% of metribuzin, respectively. High pyrolysis temperature and application rates of sugarcane straw biochar show an ability to immobilize metribuzin and improve soil fertility, which may influence the effectiveness in weed control.
Michael Edwards: A Poet’s Vision of the Untimely Message of God
Authors: Dunaway John Marson
Published: September 2022

Michael Edwards, professor of English literature at the Collège de France in Paris, poet, critic, and the first British subject to be elected to the French Academy, has turned his attention in recent years to biblical literature. In 2016 he published Bible et poésie (Paris, Fallois). A translation of the sequel, Pour un christianisme intempestif (Paris, Fallois), was released in February of 2022 by Fortress Press under the title, Untimely Christianity. In the same year, the English translation of his 2016 volume, under the title The Bible and Poetry, will be published by New York Review Books. This study examines the poet-scholar’s perspective on scripture, on theology, on the art of translation and his opinions of various modern translations of the Bible and highlights the most useful insights he contributes. The notion of Christianity’s radical alterity is an important key to Edwards’s work. Christianity is foreign to us, it is strange, so the scriptures that reveal it are also radically other. We Christians have been so desensitized to that otherness by our familiarity with the text that we seldom are challenged by it with the force that energized it originally. Its immense countercultural potential for transforming us and our world is blunted so that we don’t truly hear the voice of God in it. Edwards’s essential purpose is to help us reawaken our ability to hear the Bible in its untimely, countercultural power.
Culture-Specific and Cosmopolitan Aspects of Christian Coexistence. A Postcolonial Perspective on Ecumenical Relations
Authors: Nausner Michael
Published: September 2022

This article wants to shed light on some of the cultural complexities of the ecumenical movement by putting it in conversation with postcolonial theory. It argues that the academic discourse of postcolonial theory and the ecclesial movement of ecumenism are siblings of sorts in as much as they both deal with the lingering consequences of past violence and with the tensions between particularity and universality. A growing awareness of the problem of postcolonial conditions in the ecumenical movement is briefly documented with reference to the journal VOICES/VOCES and Simón Pedro Arnold’s suggestion of an ‘inter theology’ sensitive to the power dynamics and cultural intermingling in global Christianity. In a similar vein, Claudia Jahnel is arguing for an intercultural theology that takes processes of hybridization seriously and therefore needs to develop forms of ‘vernacular ecumenism’. It is an ecumenism that materializes in countless Christian migrant communities around the globe. To understand and recognize the complexities in these postcolonial Christian identity formations, some kind of ‘cosmopolitan ecumenism’, as André Munzinger calls it, needs to be developed. This way, hybrid cultural and theological formations can be recognized, and hegemonic universalisms resisted.
Loop Closure Detection Based on Residual Network and Capsule Network for Mobile Robot
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zheng Liaomo , Tan Zhenhua , Li Suo
Published: September 2022

Loop closure detection based on a residual network (ResNet) and a capsule network (CapsNet) is proposed to address the problems of low accuracy and poor robustness for mobile robot simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) in complex scenes. First, the residual network of a feature coding strategy is introduced to extract the shallow geometric features and deep semantic features of images, reduce the amount of image noise information, accelerate the convergence speed of the model, and solve the problems of gradient disappearance and network degradation of deep neural networks. Then, the dynamic routing mechanism of the capsule network is optimized through the entropy peak density, and a vector is used to represent the spatial position relationship between features, which can improve the ability of image feature extraction and expression to optimize the overall performance of networks. Finally, the optimized residual network and capsule network are fused to retain the differences and correlations between features, and the global feature descriptors and feature vectors are combined to calculate the similarity of image features for loop closure detection. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve loop closure detection for mobile robots in complex scenes, such as view changes, illumination changes, and dynamic objects, and improve the accuracy and robustness of mobile robot SLAM.
NN-Based 8FSK Demodulator for the Covert Channel
Authors: Grzesiak Krystian , Piotrowski Zbigniew
Published: September 2022

In this article, a superposition-based covert channel and its demodulator were proposed and examined. As a covert waveform, an 8FSK modulation was selected. The impact of the channel estimation error and resulting imperfect SIC operation (successive interference cancelation) on the covert information demodulation process was considered. Especially for this imperfection, an NN-based demodulator was proposed. The superiority of this solution over the traditional 8FSK correlator-based receiver was examined for various cases, including the hard- and soft-decision detectors. It was proven that, although NN does not provide BER values equal to zero, even for the perfect SIC, it generally overcomes the traditional correlator-based 8FSK demodulator. Simulation results showed that the NN-base demodulator, in the case of additional covert channel coding, provides error-free demodulation, even for four-times greater channel gain error.
Damage Monitoring of Engineered Cementitious Composite Beams Reinforced with Hybrid Bars Using Piezoceramic-Based Smart Aggregates
Authors: Qian Hui , Zhang Yuqing , Li Yuechang , Gao Jundong , Song Jianxue
Published: September 2022

In order to explore the crack development mechanism and damage self-repairing capacity of ECC beams reinforced with hybrid bars, the smart aggregate-based active sensing approach were herein adopted to conduct damage monitoring of ECC beams under cyclic loading. A total of six beams, including five engineered cementitious composite (ECC) beams reinforced with different bars and one reinforcement concrete counterpart, were fabricated and tested under cyclic loading. The ultimate failure modes and hysteresis curves were obtained and discussed herein, demonstrating the multiple crack behavior and excellent ductility of ECC material. The damage of the tested beams was monitored by smart aggregate-based (SA) active sensing method, in which two SAs pasted on both beam ends were used as actuator and sensor, respectively. The time domain analysis, wavelet packet-based energy analysis and wavelet packet-based damage index analysis were performed to quantitatively evaluate the crack development. To evaluate the self-repairing capacity of the beams, a self-repairing index defined by the difference of damage index at loading and unloading peak points was proposed. The results in time domain and wavelet packed analysis were in close agreement with the observed crack development, revealing the feasibility of smart aggregate-based active sensing approach in damage detection for ECC beams. Especially, the proposed damage self-repairing index can describe the same structural re-centering phenomena with the test results, showing the proposed index can be used to evaluate the damage self-repairing capacity.
Dynamic Hand Gesture Recognition Using Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Li Xiuyan , Sun Jianrui , Wang Qi , Zhang Ronghua , Duan Xiaojie , Sun Yukuan , Wang Jianming
Published: September 2022

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has been applied in the field of human-computer interaction due to its advantages including the fact that it is non-invasive and has both low power consumption and a low cost. Previous work has focused on static gesture recognition based on EIT. Compared with static gestures, dynamic gestures are more informative and can achieve more functions in human-machine collaboration. In order to verify the feasibility of dynamic gesture recognition based on EIT, a traditional excitation drive pattern is optimized in this paper. The drive pattern of the fixed excitation electrode is tested for the first time to simplify the measurement process of the dynamic gesture. To improve the recognition accuracy of the dynamic gestures, a dual-channel feature extraction network combining a convolutional neural network (CNN) and gated recurrent unit (GRU), namely CG-SVM, is proposed. The new center distance loss is designed in order to simultaneously supervise the intra-class distance and inter-class distance. As a result, the discriminability of the confusing data is improved. With the new excitation drive pattern and classification network, the recognition accuracy of different interference data has increased by 2.7~14.2%. The new method has stronger robustness, and realizes the dynamic gesture recognition based on EIT for the first time.
Exploring Tactile Stimuli from a Wrist-Worn Device to Manipulate Subjective Time Based on the Filled-Duration Illusion
Authors: Shirai Kiichi , Futami Kyosuke , Murao Kazuya
Published: September 2022

There are situations where manipulating subjective time would be desirable, such as reducing waiting time, and there are many studies to manipulate subjective time. However, it is not easy to use previous methods in various situations because most of them use visual and auditory information. This study proposes a method to manipulate the subjective time by the tactile stimuli from wrist-worn devices. We designed three types of tactile stimuli presentation methods that change the number, the duration, and the time interval of the stimuli. The evaluation result clarified the elements of the tactile stimuli that intentionally changed the subjective time and confirmed that our method can change the subjective time by about 23% (from −6% to +17%). Since few studies have focused on the phenomenon in which the subjective time changes depending on the tactile stimuli from information devices, our findings can contribute to designing information devices and user experiences.
Digital Forensic Case Studies for In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems Using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Authors: Shin Yeonghun , Kim Sungbum , Jo Wooyeon , Shon Taeshik
Published: September 2022

Vehicle systems have been one of the fastest-growing fields in recent years. Vehicles are extremely helpful for understanding driver behaviors and have received significant attention from a forensic perspective. Extensive forensic research was previously conducted on on-board vehicle systems, such as an event data recorders, located in the electronic control unit or manufacturer-based infotainment systems. However, unlike previous vehicles that used only manufacturer-based infotainment systems, most vehicles today are equipped with infotainment systems such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems connect to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The vehicle can periodically communicate with a smartphone and thus a network outside the vehicle. Drivers can use more services in their vehicles than ever before. Accordingly, an increasing number of diverse data are being stored in vehicles, with mobile devices connected to both the vehicle and the cloud. Such data include information that can be of significant help to investigators in solving problems during forensic investigations. Therefore, forensics of IVI systems such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are becoming increasingly important. We analyzed various forensic studies conducted on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Most of the research was mainly focused on mobile devices connected through a wired USB connection. The use of wireless-based IVI systems has recently been increasing. However, the analysis of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay from this point of view is insufficient. Therefore, we proposed a forensic methodology that fully considers such limitations. A forensic analysis was conducted on various IVI systems. We also developed an IVI system forensics tool that works based on the proposed methodology.