bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Key Farm Management Practices on Pullets Welfare—A Review
Authors: Du Xiaohui , Qin Pingwu , Liu Yanting , Amevor Felix Kwame , Shu Gang , Li Diyan , Zhao Xiaoling
Published: March 2022

Studies on animal behavior and welfare have reported that improving the management practices of pullets can enhance their growth, as well as their physical and mental condition, thus benefiting the productivity of laying hens. There is growing confidence in the international community to abandon the conventional practices of “cage-rearing and beak-trimming” to improve the welfare of chickens. Therefore, in this review, we summarized some of the effective poultry management practices that have provided welfare benefits for pullets. The results are as follows: 1. Maintaining similar housing conditions at different periods alleviates fear and discomfort among pullets; 2. Pullets reared under cage-free systems have better physical conditions and temperaments than those reared in cage systems, and they are more suitable to be transferred to similar housing to lay eggs; 3. Improving flock uniformity in appearance and body size has reduced the risk of pecking and injury; 4. Maintaining an appropriate population (40–500 birds) has reduced flock aggressiveness; 5. A combination of 8–10 h of darkness and 5–30 lux of light-intensity exposure via natural or warm white LED light has achieved a welfare–performance balance in pullets. (This varies by age, strain, and activities.); 6. Dark brooders (mimicking mother hens) have alleviated fear and pecking behaviors in pullets; 7. The air quality of the chicken house has been effectively improved by optimizing feed formulation and ventilation, and by reducing fecal accumulation and fermentation; 8. Complex environments (with litter, perches, straw bales, slopes, platforms, outdoor access, etc.) have stimulated the activities of chickens and have produced good welfare effects. In conclusion, the application of comprehensive management strategies has improved the physical and mental health of pullets, which has, in turn, improved the quantity and quality of poultry products.
A Novel Empirical and Deep Ensemble Super Learning Approach in Predicting Reservoir Wettability via Well Logs
Authors: Otchere Daniel Asante , Abdalla Ayoub Mohammed Mohammed , Ganat Tarek Omar Arbi , Gholami Raoof , Aljunid Merican Zulkifli Merican
Published: March 2022

Accurately measuring wettability is of the utmost importance because it influences several reservoir parameters while also impacting reservoir potential, recovery, development, and management plan. As such, this study proposes a new formulated mathematical model based on the correlation between the Amott-USBM wettability measurement and field NMR T2LM log. The exponential relationship based on the existence of immiscible fluids in the pore space had a correlation coefficient of 0.95. Earlier studies on laboratory core wettability measurements using T2 distribution as a function of increasing water saturation were modified to include T2LM field data. Based on the trends observed, water-wet and oil-wet conditions were qualitatively identified. Using the mean T2LM for the intervals of interest and the formulated mathematical formula, the various wetting conditions in existence were quantitatively measured. Results of this agreed with the various core wettability measurements used to develop the mathematical equation. The results expressed the validity of the mathematical equation to characterise wettability at the field scale. With the cost of running NMR logs not favourable, and hence not always run, a deep ensemble super learner was employed to establish a relationship between NMR T2LM and wireline logs. This model is based on the architecture of a deep learning model and the theoretical background of ensemble models due to their reported superiority. The super learner was developed using nine ensemble models as base learners. The performance of nine ensemble models was compared to the deep ensemble super learner. Based on the RMSE, R2, MAE, MAPD and MPD the deep ensemble super learner greatly outperformed the base learners. This indicates that the deep ensemble super learner can be used to predict NMR T2LM in the field. By applying the methodology and mathematical formula proposed in this study, the wettability of reservoirs can be accurately characterised as illustrated in the field deployment.
Passive Sampling of Organic Contaminants as a Novel Approach to Monitor Seawater Quality in Aquarium Ocean Tanks
Authors: Scapuzzi Chiara , Benedetti Barbara , Di Carro Marina , Chiesa Elvira , Pussini Nicola , Magi Emanuele
Published: March 2022

The determination of trace pollutants in seawater is challenging, and sampling is a crucial step in the entire analytical process. Passive samplers combine in situ sampling and preconcentration, thus limiting the tedious treatment steps of the conventional sampling methods. Their use to monitor water quality in confined marine environment could bring several advantages. In this work, the presence of organic contaminants at trace and ultra-trace levels was assessed in the Genoa Aquarium supply-and-treated water using Polar Organic Integrative Samplers (POCIS). Both untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were employed. The untargeted approach showed the presence of hydrocarbons, diphenyl sulfone and 2,4-di-tert-butyl-phenol. Only hydrocarbons were detected in all the samples. Nineteen emerging contaminants, belonging to different classes (pharmaceuticals, UV-filters, hormones and perfluorinated compounds), were selected for the target analysis. Thirteen analytes were detected, mainly in supply water, even though the majority of them were below the quantitation limit. It is worthy to note that two of the detected UV-filters had never been reported in seawater using the POCIS samplers. The comparison of the analytes detected in supply and treated water indicated a good performance of the Aquarium water treatment system in the abatement of seawater contaminants.
RNA Interference-Based Pesticides and Antiviral Agents: Microbial Overproduction Systems for Double-Stranded RNA for Applications in Agriculture and Aquaculture
Authors: Hashiro Shuhei , Yasueda Hisashi
Published: March 2022

RNA interference (RNAi)-based pesticides are pest control agents that use RNAi mechanisms as the basis of their action. They are regarded as environmentally friendly and are a promising alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. The effective substance in RNAi-based pesticides is double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) designed to match the nucleotide sequence of a target essential gene of the pest of concern. When taken up by the pest, this exerts an RNAi effect and inhibits some vital biochemical/biological process in the pest. dsRNA products are also expected to be applied for the control of viral diseases in aquaculture by RNAi, especially in shrimp farming. A critical issue in the practical application of RNAi agents is that production of the dsRNA must be low-cost. Here, we review recent methods for microbial production of dsRNAs using representative microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas syringae, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and others) as host strains. The characteristics of each dsRNA production system are discussed.
Root Canal Obturation by Electrochemical Precipitation of Calcium Phosphates
Authors: Koch Maximilian , Palarie Victor , Göltz Maximilian , Kurzer Marvin , Zulla Manuel , Rosiwal Stefan , Willner Marian , Burkovski Andreas , Karl Matthias
Published: March 2022

Achieving adequate disinfection and preventing reinfection is the major goal in endodontic treatment. Variation in canal morphology and open porosity of dentine prevents achieving complete disinfection. Questionable biocompatibility of materials as well as a lack of sealing ability questions the usefulness of current obturation methods. With a novel disinfection approach based on the use of boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes having shown promising results it was the goal of this series of experiments to investigate the possibility of BDD-mediated in situ forming of a biocompatible obturation material. A combination of calcium phosphate and maleic acid was used as precursor solution while Ion Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (IC-MS), Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dye penetration and micro-computed tomography (µCT) were applied for characterizing the precipitate. It was possible to achieve a BDD-mediated precipitation of brushite in a clinically applicable timeframe. However, tight sealing of the canal system based on brushite could not be achieved.
Benefit Analysis of Gamified Augmented Reality Navigation System
Authors: Lee Chun-I
Published: March 2022

Augmented reality (AR) technology has received much attention in recent years. Users can view AR content through mobile devices, meaning that AR tee no significant differences between the exhibition-viewing behaviors associated with the game mode and the frchnology can be easily incorporated into applications in various fields. The auxiliary role of AR in exhibitions and its influence and benefits with regard to the behavior of exhibition visitors are worth investigating. To understand whether gamified AR and general AR navigation systems impact visitor behavior, we designed an AR app for an art exhibition. Using GPS and AR technology, the app presents a virtual guide that provides friendly guide services and helps visitors navigate outdoor paths and alleys in the exhibition venue, showing them the best route. The AR navigation system has three primary functions: (1) it allows visitors to scan the exhibit labels to access detailed text and audio introductions, (2) it offers a game mode and a free mode for navigation, and (3) it collects data on the exhibition-viewing behavior associated with each mode and uploads them to the cloud for analysis. The results of the experiment revealed no significant differences between the exhibition-viewing time or distance travelled in the two modes. However, the paths resulting from the game mode were more regular, which means that the participants were more likely to view the exhibition as instructed with the aid of gamified AR. This insight is useful for the control of crowd flow.
Impact of Environmental Factors on the Formation and Development of Biological Soil Crusts in Lime Concrete Materials of Building Facades
Authors: Xiong Wenxuan , Tao Yue , Wang Panpan , Wu Kaiting , Chen Lanzhou
Published: March 2022

Microbial colonization leads to the formation of biological soil crusts (BSCs) on the surface of architecture, which causes the deterioration of construction materials. However, little information is available on the formation of BSCs on lime concrete materials of early architecture. In this study, the variances of microbial communities, physicochemical properties, and surrounding environmental factors of the lime concrete facades from the early architecture of Wuhan University were investigated. It was found that the surface of lime concrete materials was internally porous and permeable, embedded with biofilms of cyanobacteria, mosses, bacteria, and fungi. Redundancy analysis (RDA) analysis showed that the abundances of photoautotrophic microorganisms depended on light intensity and moisture content of construction materials, while that of heterotrophic microorganisms depended on total nitrogen (TN) and NO3−-N content. The deposition of total carbon (TC), NH4+-N, and total organic carbon (TOC) was mainly generated by photoautotrophic microorganisms. The lime concrete surface of early architecture allowed internal growth of microorganisms and excretion of metabolites, which promoted the biodeterioration of lime concrete materials.
Robot Swarms Decide under Perception Errors in Best-of-N Problems
Authors: Khaluf Yara
Published: March 2022

Robot swarms have been used extensively to examine best-of-N decisions; however, most studies presume that robots can reliably estimate the quality values of the various options. In an attempt to bridge the gap to reality, in this study, we assume robots with low-quality sensors take inaccurate measurements in both directions of overestimating and underestimating the quality of available options. We propose the use of three algorithms for allowing robots to identify themselves individually based on both their own measurements and the measurements of their dynamic neighborhood. Within the decision-making process, we then weigh the opinions of robots who define themselves as inaccurately lower than others. Our research compares the classification accuracy of the three algorithms and looks into the swarm’s decision accuracy when the best algorithm for classification is used.
The Impact of Intra-Seasonal Oscillation on Westward Track Deflection of Super Typhoon Fitow (2013)
Authors: Bi Xinxin , Chen Guanghua , Zhou Weican
Published: March 2022

Typhoon Fitow (2013) took an unusual westward track deflection after a lengthy northward movement over the western North Pacific (WNP). Based on observation and wave analysis, it is found that the track deflection of Fitow is attributed to the transition of environmental flow from meridional to zonal orientation, which is closely associated with a low-frequency intra-seasonal oscillation (ISO). Furthermore, the impact of ISO on tropical cyclone (TC) unusual movement is investigated using the Advanced Research version of Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) model. The control simulation (CTL) reproduces well the synoptic pattern and track deflection of the TC. The TC moves straightly westward and northwestward without track deflection in the sensitivity experiments with the removal of total ISOs and the west-propagating ISO component, while keeping the recurving track with the removal of east-propagating ISO, which suggests that the west-propagating ISO plays a dominant role in the westward track deflection. In the experiment of removing west-propagating ISOs, an anomalous southeast–northwest-oriented wave train around the TC is modified, the mid-latitude trough decays, and the enhanced zonally elongated subtropical high is responsible for the straight northwestward motion of the TC. However, after removing a weaker convection anomaly associated with east-propagating ISOs in the form of a southwest–northeast oriented dipole circulation, the TC is affected by a sustained shallow mid-latitude trough and a west-extended ridge of subtropical high to keep the cyclonic track turning analogous to the counterpart in CTL. The piecewise potential vorticity inversion diagnosis further assesses the contribution of the different ISO components to TC track deflection.
Meteorological Analysis of the 2021 Extreme Wildfires in Greece: Lessons Learned and Implications for Early Warning of the Potential for Pyroconvection
Authors: Giannaros Theodore M. , Papavasileiou Georgios , Lagouvardos Konstantinos , Kotroni Vassiliki , Dafis Stavros , Karagiannidis Athanasios , Dragozi Eleni
Published: March 2022

The 2021 fire season in Greece was the worst of the past 13 years, resulting in more than 130,000 ha of burnt area, with about 70% consumed by five wildfires that ignited and spread in early August. Common to these wildfires was the occurrence of violent pyroconvection. This work presents a meteorological analysis of this outbreak of extreme pyroconvective wildfires. Our analysis shows that dry and warm antecedent weather preconditioned fuels in the fire-affected areas, creating a fire environment that alone could effectively support intense wildfire activity. Analysis of surface conditions revealed that the ignition and the most active spread of all wildfires coincided with the most adverse fire weather since the beginning of the fire season. Further, the atmospheric environment was conducive to violent pyroconvection, as atmospheric instability gradually increased amid the breakdown of an upper-air ridge ahead of an approaching long-wave trough. In summary, we highlight that the severity and extent of the 2021 Greek wildfires were not surprising considering the fire weather potential for the period when they ignited. Continuous monitoring of the large- and local-scale conditions that promote extreme fire behavior is imperative for improving Greece’s capacity for managing extreme wildfires.
Cu2O-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Non-Invasive and Portable Glucose Detection
Authors: Franco Fabiane Fantinelli , Hogg Richard A. , Manjakkal Libu
Published: March 2022

Electrochemical voltammetric sensors are some of the most promising types of sensors for monitoring various physiological analytes due to their implementation as non-invasive and portable devices. Advantages in reduced analysis time, cost-effectiveness, selective sensing, and simple techniques with low-powered circuits distinguish voltammetric sensors from other methods. In this work, we developed a Cu2O-based non-enzymatic portable glucose sensor on a graphene paste printed on cellulose cloth. The electron transfer of Cu2O in a NaOH alkaline medium and sweat equivalent solution at very low potential (+0.35 V) enable its implementation as a low-powered portable glucose sensor. The redox mechanism of the electrodes with the analyte solution was confirmed through cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies. The developed biocompatible, disposable, and reproducible sensors showed sensing performance in the range of 0.1 to 1 mM glucose, with a sensitivity of 1082.5 ± 4.7% µA mM−1 cm−2 on Cu2O coated glassy carbon electrode and 182.9 ± 8.83% µA mM−1 cm−2 on Cu2O coated graphene printed electrodes, making them a strong candidate for future portable, non-invasive glucose monitoring devices on biodegradable substrates. For portable applications we demonstrated the sensor on artificial sweat in 0.1 M NaOH solution, indicating the Cu2O nanocluster is selective to glucose from 0.0 to +0.6 V even in the presence of common interference such as urea and NaCl.
Photocatalytic Efficacy of Heterocyclic Base Grafted Chitosan Magnetite Nanoparticles on Sorption of Pb(II); Application on Mining Effluent
Authors: Hamza Mohammed F. , Goda Adel E.-S. , Ning Shunyan , Mira Hamed I. , Abdel-Rahman Adel A.-H. , Wei Yuezhou , Fujita Toyohisa , Amer Hamada H. , Alotaibi Saad H. , Fouda Amr
Published: March 2022

Development of bio-based sorbents (i.e., chitosan moieties) at nanoscale size for the removal of metal contaminants is the main target of this research. Grafting with thiazole heterocyclic derivative gives fast kinetics sorption, highly metal loading, and good recyclability for mining leaching solution. Different analyses tools including (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), BET surface area (nitrogen sorption desorption), titration, and TEM (transmission electron microscopy)) were used to investigate the chemical and textural properties of the functionalized sorbent. The sorption was measured in normal visible light and under UV emission. The highest capacity was measured at pH 5, which reached 0.251 mmol Pb g−1 in visible light compared with 0.346 mmol Pb g−1 under UV for the pristine crosslinked chitosan (MCc). The sorption performances were improved by functionalization; (0.7814 and 1.014 mmol Pb g−1) for the functionalized sorbent (MCa-ATA) under visible light and UV, respectively. PFORE (pseudo-first-order rate equation) and RIDE (resistance to intraparticle diffusion) fit kinetics, the Sips equation is the most fit profile for the sorption isotherms for the MCc in either light and UV processes, while PFORE and RIDE for kinetics under light and UV for MCa-ATA and Sips in light and Sips and Langmuir under the UV emission. Finally, the sorbent was investigated toward a raffinate solution from ore processing and shows promising extraction tools for the most interesting elements.
Pre-Conditioning with IFN-γ and Hypoxia Enhances the Angiogenic Potential of iPSC-Derived MSC Secretome
Authors: Wang Suya , Umrath Felix , Cen Wanjing , Salgado António José , Reinert Siegmar , Alexander Dorothea
Published: March 2022

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) represent a promising source of progenitor cells for approaches in the field of bone regeneration. Bone formation is a multi-step process in which osteogenesis and angiogenesis are both involved. Many reports show that the secretome of mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSCs) influences the microenvironment upon injury, promoting cytoprotection, angiogenesis, and tissue repair of the damaged area. However, the effects of iPSC-derived MSCs secretome on angiogenesis have seldom been investigated. In the present study, the angiogenic properties of IFN-γ pre-conditioned iMSC secretomes were analyzed. We detected a higher expression of the pro-angiogenic genes and proteins of iMSCs and their secretome under IFN-γ and hypoxic stimulation (IFN-H). Tube formation and wound healing assays revealed a higher angiogenic potential of HUVECs in the presence of IFN-γ conditioned iMSC secretome. Sprouting assays demonstrated that within Coll/HA scaffolds, HUVECs spheroids formed significantly more and longer sprouts in the presence of IFN-γ conditioned iMSC secretome. Through gene expression analyses, pro-angiogenic genes (FLT-1, KDR, MET, TIMP-1, HIF-1α, IL-8, and VCAM-1) in HUVECs showed a significant up-regulation and down-regulation of two anti-angiogenic genes (TIMP-4 and IGFBP-1) compared to the data obtained in the other groups. Our results demonstrate that the iMSC secretome, pre-conditioned under inflammatory and hypoxic conditions, induced the highest angiogenic properties of HUVECs. We conclude that pre-activated iMSCs enhance their efficacy and represent a suitable cell source for collagen/hydroxyapatite with angiogenic properties.
Status of Food Security in East and Southeast Asia and Challenges of Climate Change
Authors: Lin Hen-I , Yu Ya-Yin , Wen Fang-I , Liu Po-Ting
Published: March 2022

This review briefly summarizes the situation regarding food security in East and Southeast Asia. In accordance with the World Food Summit definition and 2009 Declaration of the World Summit on Food Security, the four pillars of food security—food availability, access to food, the stability of food supplies, and food utilization—are closely scrutinized along with the characteristics of food security at the sub-regional level. Historical trends for the agricultural economy and the food trade, such as food imports and exports, production and consumption, and the food price index in the sub-region, are presented and statistically analysed. Additionally, because agricultural industry in this region is vulnerable to climate change, issues about how climate change affects food security in food production systems, agricultural livelihoods, nutrition, and food policy making, which can be linked to the four pillars in different ways, are also discussed.
RETRACTED: Improving the Structural, Optical and Photovoltaic Properties of Sb- and Bi- Co-Doped MAPbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Mukhtar Amna , Alwadai Norah , Irfan Muhammad , Haq Ikram-ul , Albalawi Hind , Almuqrin Aljawhara , Almoneef Maha , Iqbal Munawar
Published: March 2022

We prepared 1% Bi- and (0, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%) Sb- co-doped MAPbBr3 films by a sol-gel spin coating technique. For the first time, the detailed structural properties including grain size, dislocation line density, d-spacing, lattice parameters, and volume of co-doped MAPbBr3 films have been investigated. XRD confirmed the cubic structure of MAPbBr3 with high crystallinity and co-doping of Bi and Sb. The 1% Bi and 1% Sb co-doping have a surprising effect in MAPbBr3 structures, such as large grain size (59.5 nm), d-space value (6.23 Å), small dislocation line dislocation (2.79 × 1018 m−2), and small lattice parameters (a = b = c = 6.3 Å) and volume of unit cell. The detailed optical properties, including energy band gap (Eg), refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (k) and dielectric constant (Ɛ), which are very important for optoelectronics applications, were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The film of 1% Bi and 1% Sb co-doped MAPbBr3 showed good optical response including small Eg, high n, low value of k, high real and low imaginary parts of dielectric constant, making it good for solar cell applications. Solar cells were fabricated from these films. The cell fabricated with pure MAPbBr3 has Jsc of 8.72 mA cm−2, FF of 0.66, Voc of 1.29 V, and η of 7.5%. All the parameters increased by co-doping of Bi and Sb in MAPbBr3 film. The cell fabricated with 1% Bi and 1% Sb co-doped MAPbBr3 film had high current density (12.12 mA-cm−2), open circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (0.73), and high efficiency (11.6%). This efficiency was 65% larger than a pure MAPbBr3-based solar cell.
The Strange-Metal Behavior of Cuprates
Authors: Mirarchi Giovanni , Seibold Götz , Di Castro Carlo , Grilli Marco , Caprara Sergio
Published: March 2022

Recent resonant X-ray scattering experiments on cuprates allowed to identify a new kind of collective excitations, known as charge density fluctuations, which have finite characteristic wave vector, short correlation length and small characteristic energy. It was then shown that these fluctuations provide a microscopic scattering mechanism that accounts for the anomalous transport properties of cuprates in the so-called strange-metal phase and are a source of anomalies in the specific heat. In this work, we retrace the main steps that led us to attributing a central role to charge density fluctuations in the strange-metal phase of cuprates, discuss the state of the art on the issue and provide an in-depth analysis of the contribution of charge density fluctuations to the specific heat.
Silver Nanoparticle Decorated on Reduced Graphene Oxide-Wrapped Manganese Oxide Nanorods as Electrode Materials for High-Performance Electrochemical Devices
Authors: Ansari Akhalakur Rahman , Ansari Sajid Ali , Parveen Nazish , Ansari Mohammad Omaish , Osman Zurina
Published: March 2022

In this work, silver nanoparticles decorated on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) wrapped manganese oxide nanorods (Ag-rGO@MnO2) were synthesized for an active electrode material. MnO2 nanorods were synthesized via a hydrothermal route, and their coating with GO and subsequent reduction at a higher temperature resulted in rGO@MnO2. A further addition of Ag on rGO@MnO2 was performed by dispersing rGO@MnO2 in AgNO3 solution and its subsequent reduction by NaBH4. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed peaks corresponding to MnO2 and Ag, and the absence of a peak at 2θ = 26° confirmed a few layered coatings of rGO and the absence of any graphitic impurities. Morphological analysis showed Ag nanoparticles anchored on rGO coated MnO2 nanorods. Apart from this, all other characterization techniques also confirmed the successful fabrication of Ag-rGO@MnO2. The electrochemical performance examined by cyclic voltammetry and the galvanic charge–discharge technique showed that Ag-rGO@MnO2 has a superior capacitive value (675 Fg−1) as compared to the specific capacitance value of rGO@MnO2 (306.25 Fg−1) and MnO2 (293.75 Fg−1). Furthermore, the electrode based on Ag-rGO@MnO2 nanocomposite showed an excellent capacity retention of 95% after 3000 cycles. The above results showed that Ag-rGO@MnO2 nanocomposites can be considered an active electrode material for future applications in electrochemical devices.
Magnetic-Field-Tunable Intensity Transfer from Optically Active Phonons to Crystal-Field Excitations in the Reflection Spectra of the PrFe3(BO3)4 Antiferromagnet
Authors: Boldyrev Kirill N. , Malkin Boris Z. , Popova Marina N.
Published: March 2022

We analyze the field-dependent intensities of the coupled electron-phonon modes observed in the low-temperature far-infrared (terahertz) reflection spectra of PrFe3(BO3)4 and develop a theory based on the Green’s function approach. An excellent agreement between the experimental and theoretical data is achieved. The developed theory of the intensity transfer from phonons to quasi-electronic excitations can be applied to the electron-phonon modes in other compounds, in particular, in magnetodielectric materials, where it can be used to analyze the magnetodielectric response.
Extension of Spectral/hp Element Methods towards Robust Large-Eddy Simulation of Industrial Automotive Geometries
Authors: Hambli Walid , Slaughter James , Buscariolo Filipe Fabian , Sherwin Spencer
Published: March 2022

A spectral/hp element methodology is utilised to investigate the SAE Notchback geometry with 20∘ backlight and 3∘ diffuser at Re=2.3×106. The study presented here considered two different mesh approaches: one focusing on classical h-type refinement with standard solution polynomial order (HFP3) and a second case considering relatively coarse mesh combined with high solution polynomial order (HCP5). For the same targeted number of degrees of freedom in both meshes, the results show significant differences in vorticity, flow structures and surface pressure. The first guidelines for hp refinement strategy are deduced for complex industrial cases. Further work on investigating the requirements for these hybrid techniques is required in order to maximize the benefits of the solution and mesh refinements in spectral/hp element method simulations.
Robust Control for Variable-Order Fractional Interval Systems Subject to Actuator Saturation
Authors: Liu Ri , Wang Zhe , Zhang Xuefeng , Ren Jianxu , Gui Qinglong
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a class of variable-order fractional interval systems (VO-FIS) in which the system matrices are affected by the fractional order is investigated. Firstly, the sufficient conditions for robust stability of a VO-FIS with a unified order range of ν(σ)∈(0,2) are proposed. Secondly, the stabilization conditions of a VO-FIS subject to actuator saturation are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Then, by using the proposed algorithm through an optimization problem, the stability region is estimated. To summarize, the paper gives a stabilization criterion for VO-FIS subject to actuator saturation. Finally, three numerical examples are proposed to verify the effectiveness of our results.
Brain Investigation on Sexual Dimorphism in a Gynandromorph Moth
Authors: Ian Elena , Chu Xi , Berg Bente Gunnveig
Published: March 2022

The present study was dedicated to investigating the anatomical organization of distinct neuropils within the two brain hemispheres of a gynandromorphic moth of the species Helicoverpa armigera. High quality confocal imaging of a synapsin immuno-stained preparation combined with three-dimensional reconstructions made it possible to identify several brain structures involved in processing odor input and to measure their volumes in the male and female hemispheres. Thus, in addition to reconstructing the antennal lobes, we also made digital models of the mushroom body calyces, the pedunculus, and the vertical and medial lobes. As previously reported, prominent sexual dimorphism was demonstrated in the antennal lobes via the identification of a male-specific macroglomerular complex (MGC) and a female-specific complex (Fc) in each of the two brain hemispheres of the gynandromorph. Additionally, sex-specific differences were found in volume differences for three other neuropil structures—the calyces, pedunculus, and vertical lobe. The putative purpose of larger volumes of three mushroom body neuropils in females as compared to males is discussed.
Dialysis Membranes for Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Raharjo Yanuardi , Zainol Abidin Muhammad Nidzhom , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Fahmi Mochamad Zakki , Saiful  , Elma Muthia , Santoso Djoko , Haula’ Hamizah , Habibi Ahlan Riwahyu
Published: March 2022

Mortality and morbidity rates among critically ill septic patients having acute kidney injury (AKI) are very high, considering the total number of deaths after their admission. Inappropriate selection of the type of continuous renal replacement therapy and inadequate therapy become the immediate causes of these issues. Dialysis is a commonly used treatment intended to prolong the life of AKI patients. Dialysis membranes, which are the core of dialysis treatment, must be properly selected to ensure fair treatment to the patients. The accumulation of certain types of molecules must be dealt with using the right membrane. Whether it is low-flux, high-flux, or adsorptive type, the dialysis membrane should be chosen depending on the condition of the patients. The selection of dialysis membranes should also be based on their effect on the treatment outcomes and well-being. All these options are needed to serve the patients of different clinical settings. The use of dialysis membranes is not restricted to conventional haemodialysis, but rather they can be employed in haemoperfusion, haemofiltration, haemodiafiltration, or a combination of any two of them. This review focuses in-depth on different types of dialysis membranes, their characteristics, and approaches in addressing the issues encountered in patients having AKI with sepsis and/or multiorgan failure in intensive care units.
Secondary Metabolites with Anti-Inflammatory Activities from an Actinobacteria Herbidospora daliensis
Authors: Chen Jih-Jung , Lee Tzong-Huei , Cheng Ming-Jen
Published: March 2022

Bioassay-guided fractionation of extracts derived from solid cultures of a Herbidospora daliensis originating from Taiwan led to the isolation of five new compounds, for which we propose the name herbidosporadalins A–E (1–5), one isolated for the first time, herbidosporadalin F (6), together with two known compounds (7 & 8). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments with those of known analogues, and on the basis of HR-EI-MS mass spectrometry, their anti-inflammatory activities were also evaluated. Of these isolates, herbidosporadalin A (1), B (2), F (6) and G (8) showed NO inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 11.8 ± 0.9, 7.1 ± 2.9, 17.8 ± 1.7, and 13.3 ± 6.5 μM, stronger than the positive control quercetin (IC50 = 36.8 ± 1.3 μM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on 3,4-seco-friedelane metabolites (5, 6 & 8) from the genus Herbidospora.
Inhibitory Effect of Polyphenols from the Whole Green Jackfruit Flour against α-Glucosidase, α-Amylase, Aldose Reductase and Glycation at Multiple Stages and Their Interaction: Inhibition Kinetics and Molecular Simulations
Authors: Maradesha Tejaswini , Patil Shashank M. , Al-Mutairi Khalid Awadh , Ramu Ramith , Madhunapantula SubbaRao V. , Alqadi Taha
Published: March 2022

For the first time, α-glucosidase, α-amylase, aldose reductase, and glycation at multiple stages inhibitory assays were used to explore the antidiabetic potential of whole unripe jackfruit (peel with pulp, flake, and seed). Two polyphenols (phenolic acids) with strong antihyperglycaemic activity were isolated from the methanol extract of whole jackfruit flour (MJ) using activity-guided repeated fractionation on a silica gel column chromatography. The bioactive compounds isolated were identified as 3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid (caffeic acid: CA) and 4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid (syringic acid: SA) after various physicochemical and spectroscopic investigations. CA (IC50: 8.0 and 26.90 µg/mL) and SA (IC50: 7.5 and 25.25 µg/mL) were identified to inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase in a competitive manner with low Ki values. In vitro glycation experiments further revealed that MJ and its components inhibited each stage of protein glycation as well as the generation of intermediate chemicals. Furthermore, CA (IC50: 3.10) and SA (IC50: 3.0 µg/mL) inhibited aldose reductase effectively in a non-competitive manner, respectively. The binding affinity of these substances towards the enzymes examined has been proposed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies, which may explain their inhibitory activities. The found potential of MJ in antihyperglycaemic activity via inhibition of α-glucosidase and in antidiabetic action via inhibition of the polyol pathway and protein glycation is more likely to be related to the presence of the phenolic compounds, according to our findings.
Integration of Different Graphene Nanostructures with PDMS to Form Wearable Sensors
Authors: He Shan , Zhang Yang , Gao Jingrong , Nag Anindya , Rahaman Abdul
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a substantial review of the fabrication and implementation of graphene-PDMS-based composites for wearable sensing applications. Graphene is a pivotal nanomaterial which is increasingly being used to develop multifunctional sensors due to their enhanced electrical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics. It has been able to generate devices with excellent performances in terms of sensitivity and longevity. Among the polymers, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has been one of the most common ones that has been used in biomedical applications. Certain attributes, such as biocompatibility and the hydrophobic nature of PDMS, have led the researchers to conjugate it in graphene sensors as substrates or a polymer matrix. The use of these graphene/PDMS-based sensors for wearable sensing applications has been highlighted here. Different kinds of electrochemical and strain-sensing applications have been carried out to detect the physiological signals and parameters of the human body. These prototypes have been classified based on the physical nature of graphene used to formulate the sensors. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of these graphene/PDMS-based wearable sensors are explained in the final part of the paper.
Rubrene-Directed Structural Transformation of Fullerene (C60) Microsheets to Nanorod Arrays with Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Properties
Authors: Chen Ning , Yu Pengwei , Guo Kun , Lu Xing
Published: March 2022

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures possess huge potential in electronics and optoelectronics, but the axial alignment of such 1D structures is still a challenging task. Herein, we report a simple method that enables two-dimensional (2D) C60 microsheets to evolve into highly ordered nanorod arrays using rubrene as a structure-directing agent. The structural transformation is accomplished by adding droplets of rubrene-m-xylene solution onto C60 microsheets and allowing the m-xylene solvent to evaporate naturally. In sharp contrast, when rubrene is absent from m-xylene, randomly oriented C60 nanorods are produced. Spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations collectively indicate a rather plausible transformation mechanism that the close lattice match allows the epitaxial growth of rubrene on C60 microsheets, followed by the reassembly of dissolved C60 along the aligned rubrene due to the intermolecular charge-transfer (CT) interactions, leading to the formation of ordered nanorod arrays. Due to the aligned structures and the CT interactions between rubrene and C60, the photocurrent density of the nanorod arrays is improved by 31.2% in the UV region relative to the randomly oriented counterpart. This work presents a facile and effective strategy for the construction of ordered fullerene nanorod arrays, providing new ideas for the alignment of fullerene and other relevant organic microstructures.
Enhanced Performance of Carbon–Selenide Composite with La0.9Ce0.1NiO3 Perovskite Oxide for Outstanding Counter Electrodes in Platinum-Free Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Tapa Arnauld Robert , Xiang Wanchun , Wu Senwei , Li Bin , Liu Qiufen , Zhang Mingfeng , Ghadamyari Marzieh , Verpoort Francis , Wang Jichao , Trokourey Albert , Zhao Xiujian
Published: March 2022

For large-scale applications, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) require the replacement of the scarce platinum (Pt)-based counter electrode (CE) with efficient and cheap alternatives. In this respect, low-cost perovskite oxides (ABO3) have been introduced as promising additives to composite-based CEs in Pt-free DSSCs. Herein, we synthesized composites from La0.9Ce0.1NiO3 (L) perovskite oxide and functionalized-multiwall-carbon-nanotubes wrapped in selenides derived from metal-organic-frameworks (f-MWCNT-ZnSe-CoSe2, “F”). L and F were then mixed with carbon black (CB) in different mass ratios to prepare L@CB, F@CB, and L@F@CB composites. The electrochemical analysis revealed that the L@F@CB composite with a mass ratio of 1.5:3:1.5 exhibits better electrocatalytic activity than Pt. In addition, the related DSSC reached a better PCE of 7.49% compared to its Pt-based counterpart (7.09%). This improved performance is the result of the increase in the oxygen vacancy by L due to the replacement of La with Ce in its structure, leading to more active sites in the L@F@CB composites. Moreover, the F@CB composite favors the contribution to the high electrical conductivity of the hybrid carbon nanotube–carbon black, which also offers good stability to the L@F@CB CE by not showing any obvious change in morphology and peak-to-peak separation even after 100 cyclic voltammetry cycles. Consequently, the corresponding L@F@CB-based device achieved enhanced stability. Our work demonstrates that L@F@CB composites with a low cost are excellent alternatives to Pt CE in DSSCs.
A Brief History of Oxygen: 250 Years on
Authors: Hancock John T.
Published: March 2022

Although there has been some controversy surrounding exactly when oxygen was first discovered, it is likely that that accolade should go to Carl Wilhelm Scheele, who isolated oxygen in 1772, or even a year earlier. Others since then have been given the credit for the instrumental work leading to the discovery including Joseph Priestley in 1774 and Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier. Oxygen, a paramagnetic, diradical gaseous (at room temperature) molecule, is instrumental to life as we know it. It is also crucial to some medical therapies, used in multiple industries and has even been found on other planets. The importance of oxygen cannot be overplayed. Now, 250 years since oxygen was discovered, it is timely to revisit some of the history, the controversies and look at how oxygen has evolved during that time. Here, a few of the highlights in oxygen research are discussed.
Daytime Exposure to Blue Light Alters Cardiovascular Circadian Rhythms, Electrolyte Excretion and Melatonin Production
Authors: Bryk Anna A. , Blagonravov Mikhail L. , Goryachev Vyacheslav A. , Chibisov Sergey M. , Azova Madina M. , Syatkin Sergey P.
Published: March 2022

Artificial light is characterized by certain features of its impact on the body in terms of its spectral distribution of power, duration of exposure and intensity. Short waves, perceived as blue light, are the strongest synchronizing agent for the circadian system. In the present work, we investigated the features of the circadian rhythms of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), the excretion of electrolytes and the secretion of melatonin in normotensive (Wistar–Kyoto) and hypertensive (SHR) rats under the action of monochromatic blue light in the daytime period. It was found that the exposure of Wistar–Kyoto rats to monochromatic blue light was accompanied by a significant decrease in nighttime and 24 h systolic BP. The most remarkable changes are characteristic of the HR in SHR rats under monochromatic light. A significant decrease in HR in each time period was found, but the predominance of nighttime over daytime values remained in SHR animals. There was also a significant increase in the mesor of the HR in SHR rats. Additionally, the amplitude of diastolic BP and HR, as well as the range of oscillations in HR, were significantly increased compared with the standard light pattern. In contrast to SHR rats, the regulation of the circadian rhythms in Wistar–Kyoto rats was more flexible and presented more changes, which may be aimed at the adaptation of the body to environmental conditions. For Wistar–Kyoto rats, an increase in the level of excreted electrolytes was observed under the action of monochromatic light, but no similar changes were found in SHR rats. For Wistar–Kyoto rats, a significant decrease in the urine concentration of aMT6s in the daytime and nighttime periods is characteristic, which results in the loss of the circadian rhythm. In SHR rats, there was a significant decrease in the nighttime content of aMT6s in the urine, while the daytime concentration, on the contrary, increased. The obtained data demonstrate that prolonged exposure to monochromatic blue light in the daytime period affects the circadian structure of the rhythms of the cardiovascular system, the rhythm of electrolyte excretion and the production of epiphyseal melatonin in wild-type and hypertensive animals. In SHR rats, the rhythms of BP and HR exhibit a more rigid pattern.
Horticultural Characteristics of Summer Apple Cultivars from Turkey
Authors: Mertoğlu Kerem , Akkurt Emre , Evrenosoğlu Yasemin , Çolak Ayşen Melda , Esatbeyoglu Tuba
Published: March 2022

Early varieties with a short active vegetation period are not exposed to abiotic stress factors for instance drought, high temperature, etc., caused by global climate change, and biotic stress factors such as codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and apple scab (Venturia inequalis) that cause serious economic losses. Therefore, their places are extremely important regarding sustainable, economical and quality production. In this context, four early varieties of apple (‘Vista Bella’, ‘Summer Red’, ‘Williams Pride’ and ‘Jersey Mac’) grown in Eskisehir—Turkey where has continental climate were characterized in terms of horticultural characteristics. The difference observed in flowering and harvest times between years showed that average air temperatures are essential on phenological characteristics. Furthermore, high temperature accelerates development physiology of fruit. Major important characteristics, namely, fruit length, width, weight, soluble solid content, antioxidant activity, vitamin C and total phenolic content were found in the range of 39.19–50.88 mm, 51.48–60.81 mm, 80.59–86.16 g, 11.87–12.19%, 50.69–80.57%, 2.24–4.79 mg 100 mL−1 and 259.23–871.42 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalent) L−1, respectively. ‘Summer Red’ and ‘Williams Pride’ varieties were found to be good in terms of pomological characteristics, while ‘Vista Bella’ came to the fore with its chemical properties. On the other hand, ‘Jersey Mac’ has shown superior performance in terms of both pomological and chemical characteristics. Pomological characteristics are affected more by ecological differences, while chemical characteristics vary according to the changes in the pomological properties. Pomological characteristics were found to have a significant positive correlation with each other but negatively correlated with chemical characteristics.
The Heavenly Passage Known in the West as Reissner’s Fiber
Authors: Wile Lawrence
Published: March 2022

This article explores the hypothesis that Reissner’s fiber, an enigmatic, anomalous, thread-like structure that runs from the center of the brain to the end of the spinal cord, is the neural substrate of suprasensory perceptions of the divine. Justification for this hypothesis derives from a comparative study of descriptions of the “subtle body” from ancient esoteric traditions, testable speculations about altered states of consciousness correlated with the subtle dynamics of the fiber, and the fiber’s evolutionary trajectory in humans from its perinatal involution to its potential regeneration. While adequate testing of the hypothesis will require new technologies, preliminary investigations are underway. The goal of this research is to promote research about Reissner’s fiber with the hope that it could lead to the discovery of a universal religious experience underlying the transcendent unity of religions.