bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Airborne Particulate Matter Size and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations: A Prospective, Risk-Factor Analysis Comparing Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease 3 and 4 Categories
Authors: Bălă Gabriel-Petrică , Rosca Ovidiu , Bratosin Felix , Shetty Uday Shree Akkala , Vutukuru Sai Diksha , Sanda Isabella-Ionela , Marc Monica , Fira-Mladinescu Ovidiu , Oancea Cristian
Published: October 2023

Current research primarily emphasizes the generalized correlations between airborne pollution and respiratory diseases, seldom considering the differential impacts of particular particulate matter sizes on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations in distinct Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) categories. This study hypothesizes a critical association between particulate matter sizes (PM 1.0, PM 2.5, and PM 10) and exacerbation frequency in COPD patients categorized under GOLD 3 and GOLD 4, with a potential augmenting role played by proximity to main roads and industrial areas. This research aspires to offer a nuanced perspective on the exacerbation patterns in these groups, setting the stage for targeted intervention strategies. Utilizing a prospective design, this study followed 79 patients divided into GOLD 3 (n = 47) and GOLD 4 (n = 32) categories. The participants were monitored for ten days for daily activity levels, symptoms, living conditions, and airborne particulate matter concentrations, with spirometric evaluations employed to measure lung function. Statistical analyses were used to identify potential risk factors and significant associations. The analysis revealed substantial disparities in airborne particulate matter sizes between the two groups. The mean PM 1.0 concentration was notably higher in GOLD 4 patients (26 µg/m3) compared to GOLD 3 patients (18 µg/m3). Similarly, elevated PM 2.5 levels were observed in the GOLD 4 category (35 µg/m3) in contrast to the GOLD 3 category (24 µg/m3). A vital finding was the increased frequency of exacerbations in individuals residing within 200 m of main roads compared to those living further away (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.5–4.1). Additionally, patients residing in homes smaller than 50 square meters demonstrated a greater frequency of exacerbations. Spirometry results corroborated the exacerbated condition in GOLD 4 patients, indicating a significant decline in lung function parameters compared to the GOLD 3 group. This study substantiates a significant association between airborne particulate matter sizes and exacerbation frequencies in COPD patients, particularly accentuating the increased risk in GOLD 4 patients. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of environmental factors, including the size of living areas and proximity to main roads, in influencing COPD exacerbations. These results suggest the need for personalized healthcare strategies and interventions, which account for environmental risk factors and the distinctions between GOLD 3 and GOLD 4 categories of COPD patients.
Does Sustainable Finance Work on Banking Sector in ASEAN?: The Effect of Sustainable Finance and Capital on Firm Value with Institutional Ownership as a Moderating Variable
Authors: Perdana Mochamad Roland , Sudiro Achmad , Ratnawati Kusuma , Rofiaty Rofiaty
Published: October 2023

Management in the banking industry is not solely focused on financial performance but also on the sustainability of their portfolios. To achieve this, banks need to incorporate sustainable finance into their balance sheet. In addition, a global phenomenon has emerged where investors have demanded the inclusion of sustainable finance in portfolios. This financial instrument served to support the global agreement on climate change, which they were committed to making a reality. The impact of sustainable finance on firm value remains a question. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of sustainable finance and capital on firm value within the banking industry, focusing on entities listed on the ASEAN stock market from 2015 to 2021. To assess investor demand for involvement in sustainable finance, a moderating variable was included in the model. Furthermore, this study used a quantitative design and a purposive sampling technique with panel data regression analysis for the hypothesis testing. The results showed that sustainable finance and capital had a significant effect on firm value. Institutional ownership moderated the relationship between sustainable finance and firm value, although it did not moderate the link between capital and firm value. This indicated that banks prioritized sustainable finance due to its positive impact on their operations, ultimately leading to an improvement in firm value. Furthermore, institutional ownership influenced the relationship between sustainable finance and firm value, as banks strived to comply with international society or enhance firm value. This study incorporated profitability ratios and firm size as the control variables.
Assessing Urban Resilience with Geodesign: A Case Study of Urban Landscape Planning in Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Mitrović Sandra , Vasiljević Nevena , Pjanović Bojana , Dabović Tijana
Published: October 2023

Resilient cities have emerged as novel urban ecosystems that respond to the increasing challenges of contemporary urban development. A new methodological approach is needed to measure and assess the degree of resilience of the urban landscape during the ongoing planning process, considering different planning and design scenarios. Based on this consideration, the first attempt of this study was to develop a resilience index that summarizes the application of resilience theory in urban landscape planning. Is geodesign an appropriate tool to assess urban resilience? This was the main research question and the topic of the workshop ’’IGC—Resilient City of Belgrade’’ at the Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade (Master Landscape Studio). The main result of this research is a model for urban resilience assessment with IGC geodesign, which allows to measure scenario changes through developed resilience indicators (index), which are determined by a set of parameters (area, redundancy, diversity, porosity, carbon sequestration, edge type, edge length, etc.). The methodological approach allows quantifying the impact of adopted innovations in geodesign scenario proposals, which plays a crucial role in strengthening the connection between landscape planning and design. In the context of the novel urban ecosystem, future urban landscape planning should focus on resilience as a measure to achieve sustainable development goals, supported by geodesign as a collaborative and spatially explicit negotiation tool.
Effect of Neutron Irradiation on the Electronic and Optical Properties of AlGaAs/InGaAs-Based Quantum Well Structures
Authors: Klochkov Aleksey N. , Yskakov Almas , Vinichenko Aleksander N. , Safonov Danil A. , Kargin Nikolay I. , Bulavin Maksim V. , Galushko Aleksey V. , Yamurzin Vladik R. , Vasil’evskii Ivan S.
Published: October 2023

The effect of neutron irradiation on the structural, optical, and electronic properties of doped strained heterostructures with AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs and AlGaAs/InGaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells was experimentally studied. Heterostructures with a two-dimensional electron gas of different layer constructions were subjected to neutron irradiation in the reactor channel with the fluence range of 2 × 1014 cm−2 ÷ 1.2 × 1016 cm−2. The low-temperature photoluminescence spectra, electron concentration and mobility, and high-resolution X-ray diffraction curves were measured after the deactivation. The paper discusses the effect of neutron dose on the conductivity and optical spectra of structures based on InGaAs quantum wells depending on the doping level. The limiting dose of neutron irradiation was also estimated for the successful utilization of AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs and AlGaAs/InGaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures in electronic applications.
Solving System of Linear Equations Using Common Fixed Point Theorems in Bicomplex Valued Metric Spaces
Authors: Shammaky Amnah Essa , Ahmad Jamshaid
Published: October 2023

The aim of the present research article is to solve the system of linear equations using common fixed point theorems in the context of bicomplex valued metric spaces. To obtain our main objective, we introduce generalized contractive conditions in bicomplex valued metric spaces and establish common fixed point theorems for self mappings. We also give a significant example to demonstrate the legitimacy of the given theorems.
Pimarane-Type Diterpenes with Anti-Inflammatory Activity from Arctic-Derived Fungus Eutypella sp. D-1
Authors: Ning Yaodong , Zhang Shi , Zheng Te , Xu Yao , Li Song , Zhang Jianpeng , Jiao Binghua , Zhang Yun , Ma Zengling , Lu Xiaoling
Published: October 2023

The Arctic-derived fungus Eutypella sp. D-1 can produce numerous secondary metabolites, and some compounds exhibit excellent biological activity. Seven pimarane-type diterpenes, including three new compounds eutypellenone F (1), libertellenone Y (2), and libertellenone Z (3), and four known compounds (4–7), were isolated from fermentation broth of Eutypella sp. D-1 by the OSMAC strategy of adding ethanol as a promoter in the culture medium. Compound 2 has a rare tetrahydrofuran-fused pimarane diterpene skeleton. The anti-inflammatory activity of all compounds was evaluated. Compounds 3–6 showed a significant inhibitory effect on cell NO release at 10 μmol/L by in vitro experiments, of which 3–5 had inhibitory rates over 60% on nitric oxide (NO) release. Subsequently, the anti-inflammatory activity of 3–5 was evaluated based on a zebrafish model, and the results showed that 3 had a significant inhibitory effect on inflammatory cells migration at 40 μmol/L, while 4 and 5 had a significant inhibitory effect at 20 μmol/L. Moreover, compounds 3–5 have the same conjugated double bond structure, which may be an important group for these compounds to exert anti-inflammatory activity.
Preparation and Characterization of an Oyster Peptide–Zinc Complex and Its Antiproliferative Activity on HepG2 Cells
Authors: Peng Bo , Chen Zhu , Wang Yejia
Published: October 2023

It is evident that zinc supplementation is essential for maintaining good health and preventing disease. In this study, a novel oyster peptide–zinc complex with an average molecular weight of 500 Da was prepared from oyster meat and purified using ultrafiltration, ultrasound, a programmed cooling procedure, chelating, and dialysis. The optimal chelating process parameters obtained through a response surface methodology optimization design are a peptide/zinc ratio of 15, pH of 6.53, reaction time of 80 min, and peptide concentration of 0.06 g/mL. Then, the structure of a peptide–zinc complex (named COP2-Zn) was investigated using the UV and infrared spectrums. The results showed that the maximum absorption peak was redshifted from 224.5 nm to 228.3 nm and the main difference of the absorption peaks was 1396.4 cm−1. The cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects of COP2-Zn were evaluated. The results showed that COP2-Zn had a better antiproliferative effect than the unchelated peptide against HepG2 cells. A DNA flow cytometric analysis showed that COP2-Zn induced S-phase arrest in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the flow cytometer indicated that COP2-Zn significantly induced HepG2 cell apoptosis.
Structural, Optical, Electrical, and Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2Se3 Films Deposited at a High Se/Bi Flow Rate
Authors: Chuai Ya-Hui , Wang Yun-Fan , Bai Yu
Published: October 2023

Low-temperature synthesis of Bi2Se3 thin film semiconductor thermoelectric materials is prepared by the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. The Bi2Se3 film demonstrated excellent crystallinity due to the Se-rich environment. Experimental results show that the prepared Bi2Se3 film exhibited 90% higher transparency in the mid-IR region, demonstrating its potential as a functional material in the atmospheric window. Excellent mobility of 2094 cm2/V·s at room temperature is attributed to the n-type conductive properties of the film. Thermoelectrical properties indicate that with the increase in Se vapor, a slight decrease in conductivity of the film is observed at room temperature with an obvious increase in the Seebeck coefficient. In addition, Bi2Se3 thin film showed an enhanced power factor of as high as 3.41 μW/cmK2. Therefore, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD)-grown Bi2Se3 films on Al2O3 (001) substrates demonstrated promising thermoelectric properties.
Adenosine-Monophosphate-Assisted Homogeneous Silica Coating of Silver Nanoparticles in High Yield
Authors: Fernández-Lodeiro Carlos , Tambosi Reem , Fernández-Lodeiro Javier , Fernández-Lodeiro Adrián , Nuti Silvia , Ouchane Soufian , Kébaïli Nouari , Pérez-Juste Jorge , Pastoriza-Santos Isabel , Lodeiro Carlos
Published: October 2023

In this study, we propose a novel approach for the silica coating of silver nanoparticles based on surface modification with adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Upon AMP stabilization, the nanoparticles can be transferred into 2-propanol, promoting the growth of silica on the particle surfaces through the standard Stöber process. The obtained silica shells are uniform and homogeneous, and the method allows a high degree of control over shell thickness while minimizing the presence of uncoated NPs or the negligible presence of core-free silica NPs. In addition, AMP-functionalized AgNPs could be also coated with a mesoporous silica shell using cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as a template. Interestingly, the thickness of the mesoporous silica coating could be tightly adjusted by either the silica precursor concentration or by varying the CTAC concentration while keeping the silica precursor concentration constant. Finally, the influence of the silica coating on the antimicrobial effect of AgNPs was studied on Gram-negative bacteria (R. gelatinosus and E. coli) and under different bacterial growth conditions, shedding light on their potential applications in different biological environments.
A Brief Focus on SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Evolution and Vaccines
Authors: Pratelli Annamaria , Buonavoglia Canio
Published: October 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in a live animal market in the Hubei Province of Wuhan in China in late 2019 and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020 [...]
A Gene Encoding Xylanase Inhibitor Is a Candidate Gene for Bruchid (Callosobruchus spp.) Resistance in Zombi Pea (Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich)
Authors: Amkul Kitiya , Laosatit Kularb , Lin Yun , Yuan Xingxing , Chen Xin , Somta Prakit
Published: October 2023

Two bruchid species, Callosobruchus maculatus and Callosobruchus chinensis, are the most significant stored insect pests of tropical legume crops. Previously, we identified a major QTL, qBr6.1, controlling seed resistance to these bruchids in the cultivated zombi pea (Vigna vexillata) accession ‘TVNu 240’. In this study, we have narrowed down the qBr6.1 region and identified a candidate gene conferring this resistance. Fine mapping using F2 and F2:3 populations derived from a cross between TVNu 240 and TVNu 1623 (susceptible) revealed the existence of two tightly linked QTLs, designated qBr6.1-A and qBr6.1-B, within the qBr6.1. The QTLs qBr6.1-A and qBr6.1-B explained 37.46% and 10.63% of bruchid resistance variation, respectively. qBr6.1-A was mapped to a 28.24 kb region containing four genes, from which the gene VvTaXI encoding a xylanase inhibitor was selected as a candidate gene responsible for the resistance associated with the qBr6.1-A. Sequencing and sequence alignment of VvTaXI from TVNu 240 and TVNu 1623 revealed a 1-base-pair insertion/deletion and five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5′ UTR and 11 SNPs in the exon. Alignment of the VvTAXI protein sequences showed five amino acid changes between the TVNu 240 and TVNu 1623 sequences. Altogether, these results demonstrated that the VvTaXI encoding xylanase inhibitor is the candidate gene conferring bruchid resistance in the zombi pea accession TVNu 240. The gene VvTaXI will be useful for the molecular breeding of bruchid resistance in the zombi pea.
Evaluation of Crocin Content and In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Glycation Activity of Different Saffron Extracts
Authors: Ronsisvalle Simone , Panico Annamaria , Santonocito Debora , Siciliano Edy Angela , Sipala Federica , Montenegro Lucia , Puglia Carmelo
Published: October 2023

Crocin, a glycoside carotenoid that exhibits several health benefits, is mainly obtained from saffron (Crocus sativus L.), whose quality and content of phytochemicals can be strongly affected by environmental conditions. Therefore, in this work, the crocin content and in vitro antioxidant activity of saffron extracts obtained from three different varieties (Greek, Sicilian, and Iranian saffron) were assessed. Crocin content in saffron extracts was quantified via ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity of saffron extracts was evaluated using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging test. The Maillard reaction was used to assess anti-glycation activity. Although the Sicilian and Iranian saffron extracts contained higher amounts of crocin (128 ± 6 ng/mL and 126 ± 4 ng/mL, respectively) compared to the Greek extracts (111 ± 2 ng/mL), ORAC values (50.9 ± 0.5) and % NO inhibition (35.2 ± 0.2) were higher for the Greek variety, which displayed a total phenolic content about two-fold greater than that of the other two extracts. Sicilian and Greek saffron had similar anti-glycation activities, while Iranian saffron was less effective. These results suggest that the antioxidant activity of saffron extracts could be ascribed to their naturally occurring complex mixture of phytochemicals, deserving further investigation as supplements to prevent pathological conditions induced by radical species.
Mechanisms of Copper Toxicity and Tolerance in the Aquatic Moss Taxiphyllum barbieri
Authors: Bačkor Martin , Goga Michal , Singh Pragya , Tuptová Viktória
Published: October 2023

Aquatic habitats are very frequently polluted with different kinds of xenobiotics, including heavy metals. For biomonitoring studies of aquatic pollution, algae are frequently used, as they do not contain protective cuticle on the surface of their thalli and can accumulate pollutants over the whole surface of thalli. However, this is a feature of most cryptogams. For this reason, we assessed the sensitivity of the aquatic moss Taxiphyllum barbieri (Java moss) to copper excess in a short-term study. Moss T. barbieri belongs to the common aquatic plants originating from Southeast Asia. To test the sensitivity (or tolerance) of the moss to excess Cu, selected concentrations (50, 250 and 500 µM) were employed in our 24 h studies. Total and intracellular Cu accumulation positively correlated with Cu availability in the water. This total and intracellular Cu accumulation was negatively correlated with decreased intracellular K content. Excess Cu negatively affected the composition of assimilation pigments and soluble proteins. Cu caused increased peroxidation of membrane lipids assessed using TBARS assay. Excess Cu decreased GSH to GSSG ratio and ascorbic acid content. We did not observe phytochelatin synthesis in this moss. The roles of selected amino acids, their intermediates and derivatives, as well as S-containing nucleosides and phenolic acids in Cu homeostasis and toxicity or tolerance were evaluated. We assume that this moss has potential for future employment in water quality evaluation.
New Perspective for Macroalgae-Based Animal Feeding in the Context of Challenging Sustainable Food Production
Authors: González-Meza Georgia M. , Elizondo-Luevano Joel H. , Cuellar-Bermudez Sara P. , Sosa-Hernández Juan Eduardo , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Melchor-Martínez Elda M. , Parra-Saldívar Roberto
Published: October 2023

Food production is facing challenging times due to the pandemic, and climate change. With production expected to double by 2050, there is a need for a new paradigm in sustainable animal feed supply. Seaweeds offer a highly valuable opportunity in this regard. Seaweeds are classified into three categories: brown (Phaeophyceae), red (Rhodophyceae), and green (Chlorophyceae). While they have traditionally been used in aquafeed, their demand in the feed market is growing, parallelly increasing according to the food demand. Additionally, seaweeds are being promoted for their nutritional benefits, which contribute to the health, growth, and performance of animals intended for human consumption. Moreover, seaweeds contain biologically active compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants (polyphenols), and pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), which possess beneficial properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects and act as prebiotics. This review offers a new perspective on the valorization of macroalgae biomass due to their nutritional profile and bioactive components, which have the potential to play a crucial role in animal growth and making possible new sources of healthy food ingredients.
Authority over Death: Two Tales Related to the Lord of Mount Tai in Konjaku Monogatarishū
Authors: Shen Yiwen
Published: October 2023

Tales of Times Now Past (Konjaku Monogatarishū 今昔物語集) is a Japanese setsuwa (anecdotes) collection dating from the early twelfth century. Originally contained in 31 volumes, it includes more than one thousand systematically arranged tales from India, China, and Japan. Despite the fact that Daoism was rejected by the Japanese imperial court as an organized religion, Daoist philosophies and practical systems found their ways into Japan, having a significant and profound influence over Japanese esoteric cosmology and folk beliefs. This article takes the Lord of Mount Tai (CN: Taishan Fujun; JP: Taizan Fukun 泰山府君) as the focus and examines two pertinent stories in Tales of Times Now Past. By placing the texts in a broader historical, religious, and comparative Japan–China perspective, I examine the reshaping of Daoist elements and traditional Chinese philosophical principles in these two stories and thus demonstrate how the Daoist fragments transmitted to Japan were transformed into an integral part of the orthodox structure by the time of the late Heian period in the pursuit of a more organized form of government.
Multiple Mobile Sinks for Quality of Service Improvement in Large-Scale Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ben Yagouta Abdelbari , Ben Gouissem Bechir , Mnasri Sami , Alghamdi Mansoor , Alrashidi Malek , Alrowaily Majed Abdullah , Alkhazi Ibrahim , Gantassi Rahma , Hasnaoui Salem
Published: October 2023

The involvement of wireless sensor networks in large-scale real-time applications is exponentially growing. These applications can range from hazardous area supervision to military applications. In such critical contexts, the simultaneous improvement of the quality of service and the network lifetime represents a big challenge. To meet these requirements, using multiple mobile sinks can be a key solution to accommodate the variations that may affect the network. Recent studies were based on predefined mobility models for sinks and relied on multi-hop routing techniques. Besides, most of these studies focused only on improving energy consumption without considering QoS metrics. In this paper, multiple mobile sinks with random mobile models are used to establish a tradeoff between power consumption and the quality of service. The simulation results show that using hierarchical data routing with random mobile sinks represents an efficient method to balance the distribution of the energy levels of nodes and to reduce the overall power consumption. Moreover, it is proven that the proposed routing methods allow for minimizing the latency of the transmitted data, increasing the reliability, and improving the throughput of the received data compared to recent works, which are based on predefined trajectories of mobile sinks and multi-hop architectures.
Quantification of hCG Hormone Using Tapered Optical Fiber Decorated with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Villegas-Cantoran David Saúl , Gómez Celia Lizeth , Gómez-Pavón Luz del Carmen , Zaca-Morán Placido , Castillo-López Dulce Natalia , Luis-Ramos Arnulfo , Muñoz-Pacheco Jesús Manuel
Published: October 2023

In this study, a novel technique for the quantification of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone using localized surface plasmons and a tapered optical fiber decorated with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) is reported. The tapered optical fiber fabrication process involves stretching a single-mode optical fiber using the flame-brushing system. The waist of the tapered optical fiber reaches a diameter of 3 μm. Decoration of the taper is achieved through the photodeposition of 100 nm Au-NPs using the drop-casting technique and a radiation source emitting at 1550 nm. The presence of the hCG hormone in the sample solutions is verified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealing the presence of bands related to functional groups, such as C=O (1630 cm−1), which are associated with proteins and lipids, components of the hCG hormone. Quantification tests for hormone concentrations were carried out by measuring the optical power response of the tapered optical fiber with Au-NPs under the influence of hCG hormone concentrations, ranging from 1 mIU/mL to 100,000 mIU/mL. In the waist of the tapered optical fiber, the evanescent field is amplified because of localized surface plasmons generated by the nanoparticles and the laser radiation through the optical fiber. Experimental results demonstrated a proportional relationship between measured radiation power and hCG concentration, with the optical power response decreasing from 4.45 mW down to 2.5 mW, as the hCG hormone concentration increased from 1 mIU/mL up to 100,000 mIU/mL. Furthermore, the spectral analysis demonstrated a spectral shift of 14.2 nm with the increment of the hCG hormone concentration. The measurement system exhibits promising potential as a sensor for applications in the biomedical and industrial fields.
Attitude Determination System for a Cubesat Experiencing Eclipse
Authors: Mmopelwa Kesaobaka , Ramodimo Teddy Tumisang , Matsebe Oduetse , Basutli Bokamoso
Published: October 2023

In the context of Kalman filters, the predicted error covariance matrix Pk+1 and measurement noise covariance matrix R are used to represent the uncertainty of state variables and measurement noise, respectively. However, in real-world situations, these matrices may vary with time due to measurement faults. To address this issue in CubeSat attitude estimation, an adaptive extended Kalman filter has been proposed that can dynamically estimate the predicted error covariance matrix and measurement noise covariance matrix using an expectation-maximization approach. Simulation experiments have shown that this algorithm outperforms existing methods in terms of attitude estimation accuracy, particularly in sunlit and shadowed phases of the orbit, with the same filtering parameters and initial conditions.
Research on None-Line-of-Sight/Line-of-Sight Identification Method Based on Convolutional Neural Network-Channel Attention Module
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Yi Qingwu , Huang Lu , Yang Zihan , Cheng Jianqiang , Zhang Heng
Published: October 2023

None-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) propagation of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signals leads to a decrease in the reliability of positioning accuracy. Therefore, it is essential to identify the channel environment prior to localization to preserve the high-accuracy Line-of-Sight (LOS) ranging results and correct or reject the NLOS ranging results with positive bias. Aiming at the problem of the low accuracy and poor generalization ability of NLOS/LOS identification methods based on Channel Impulse Response (CIR) at present, the multilayer Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) combined with Channel Attention Module (CAM) for NLOS/LOS identification method is proposed. Firstly, the CAM is embedded in the multilayer CNN to extract the time-domain data features of the original CIR. Then, the global average pooling layer is used to replace the fully connected layer for feature integration and classification output. In addition, the public dataset from the European Horizon 2020 Programme project eWINE is used to perform comparative experiments with different structural models and different identification methods. The results show that the proposed CNN-CAM model has a LOS recall of 92.29%, NLOS recall of 87.71%, accuracy of 90.00%, and F1-score of 90.22%. Compared with the current relatively advanced technology, it has better performance advantages.
Raising Students’ Self-Awareness of Their Conflict Communication Styles: Insights from an Intercultural Telecollaboration Project
Authors: Golubeva Irina
Published: October 2023

Intercultural communication is often affected by conflicts, which are not easy to resolve, mainly due to the clash of conflict communication styles. Direct/indirect ways to approach conflicts, emotional display/control, the ability to empathize and consider perspectives of others, cultural conventions, previous experiences with conflict, cooperativeness, and many other factors determine our conflict communication styles. It is important to acknowledge, though, that these styles are learned and are not rigid. They can differ depending on the context and situation. This article reports the results of an intercultural telecollaboration project, drawing on four sources of quantitative and qualitative data, i.e., the results of assessments conducted with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, and a Conflict Styles Assessment based on the Thomas–Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, as well as students’ critical self-reflective feedback. The data were collected at a Mid-Atlantic minority-serving university from undergraduate students, who were invited to explore their conflict communication styles through a series of activities and then reflect on their experiences and the insights gained during this intercultural telecollaboration experience. As a result of this pedagogical intervention, most of the participants not only became aware of their conflict communication styles but also developed their empathy and ability to intervene to defend others who are discriminated against or attacked verbally.
The Real-World Study of Immunogenicity and Safety of the Adjuvant Recombinant Vaccine against Varicella Zoster Virus in Patients with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases Treated with Janus Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Esteban-Vazquez Ana , Steiner Martina , Castañeda Elisabet , Andreu-Vazquez Cristina , Thiussard Israel J. , Somodevilla Angela , Gracia-Martínez Moisés , Sánchez-Diaz Rosa , García-Yubero Cristina , Paredes-Romero Maria Beatriz , Munoz-Fernández Santiago
Published: October 2023

Background. The risk of herpes zoster reactivation is increased in immunocompromised patients, especially in those with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) on Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) treatment. The recombinant subunit herpes zoster vaccine (RZV) is a non-live vaccine, recently approved for this subgroup of patients, which shows high rates of vaccine effectiveness, with few adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Purpose. The aim of this real-world study was to determine the immunogenicity and safety of RZV in IMID patients on JAKi treatment. Methods. The increase in the concentration of anti-gE antibody for varicella zoster virus post-vaccination, compared to the pre-vaccination concentration, was analyzed to test the humoral immune response. Adverse effects after the first and second vaccine doses were registered. Results. In total, 49 patients were analyzed, and a fourfold increase in antibody concentration was achieved in almost 40% of subjects, with only one serious local adverse effect. Discussion. The resulting immunogenicity was lower than that observed in clinical trials, probably due to the presence of immune disease and immunosuppressive treatment, and to the fact that this was a real-world study. No differences in response according to age, previous virus zoster reactivation, or concomitant treatments were found. Conclusions. RZV was well tolerated and reached the immune response objective in 40% of patients. These results reinforce the importance of including RZV vaccination for immunosuppressed patients. Real-world studies regarding vaccine effectiveness are still needed in order to gain a full understanding of the response to RZV in this group of patients.
Estrategias didácticas para la resolución de problemas matemáticos en alumnos de educación básica regular
Authors: Yupanqui Valverde Yrma Nelly
Published: October 2023

En la actualidad, la resolución de problemas representa ser una de las mayores preocupaciones en el área de las matemáticas, lo cual supone ser un reto para muchos estudiantes de educación básica regular. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar las diversas estrategias pedagógicas dispuestas para la enseñanza de resolución de problemas matemáticos en alumnos de educación básica regular. Para ello, se ha llevado a cabo una revisión sistemática, teniendo en cuenta artículos presentados entre los años 2017 al 2021; que fueron obtenidos de bases de datos tales como: Scopus, Scielo, Redalyc y EBSCO. Finalmente, gracias a la rigurosa selección de información se pudo concluir que las estrategias didácticas para mejorar la calidad de enseñanza en cuanto a la resolución de problemas son el aprendizaje basado en problemas, el aprendizaje colaborativo, la utilización de las estrategias etnomatemáticas, el modelado matemático, el método de Pólya.
Sampling hidden microbial eukaryotic biodiversity in the tropics: new insights from the Paramecium aurelia complex (Ciliophora, Protozoa)
Authors: Tarcz Sebastian , Surmacz Marta , Przyboś Ewa
Published: October 2023

Ciliates, including the genus Paramecium, are among the most thoroughly researched groups of free-living microbial eukaryotes. However, our knowledge of their biodiversity appears to be restricted. Therefore, more data is required for tropical regions, to generate a more accurate
picture of the distribution of the cryptic Paramecium species. In the current paper, recent data on the tropical biodiversity of the Paramecium aurelia species complex is presented. We believe that the COI mtDNA fragment allows for an evaluation of the geographic variation of
particular cryptic species within the Paramecium aurelia complex, while also being sufficient for species identification. The obtained data indicates that the examined tropical populations may be very variable (with more than 50% previously unknown COI haplotypes discovered). Consequently,
it is reasonable to assume that tropical environments reveal a high biodiversity of Paramecium ciliates.
O uso do colete balístico na atividade policial militar e suas implicações na saúde e bem estar do policial
Authors: Oliveira Sidclei Vagno
Published: October 2023

No exercício de sua atividade, os policiais militares são submetidos a condições fatigantes em seu turno de trabalho, seja em razão da função propriamente dita, ou as condições físicas de trabalho a que estão sujeitos, e que podem comprometer a qualidade de sua vida, saúde e bem-estar físico e psicológico. O desempenho dessa atividade ocorre num ambiente violento, de riscos e tensões, levando os policiais militares a receber uma sobrecarga emocional, fatigante e desconfortável, em situações adversas e estressantes. Com o aumento da criminalidade, até mesmo nas pequenas cidades, os confrontos diretos com criminosos têm-se tornado frequentes, devendo o Estado priorizar investimentos em equipamentos de segurança. Entre tantos, destacamos equipamentos de proteção individual, de interesse específico, como o colete à prova de balas, que será o foco deste artigo, passou a ser difundido no Brasil a partir da segunda metade da década de 1980. Embora não haja dúvidas em relação a sua eficácia, ele é alvo de frequentes reclamações em relação ao desconforto, excesso de peso, calor, restrição da mobilidade corporal entre outros. Neste artigo será exposto as características e particularidades do uso do colete balístico por profissionais de segurança pública, bem como suas vantagens e desvantagens, objetivando dar uma maior ênfase à saúde e prevenção de doenças dos policiais militares e avaliar o conforto desses profissionais em relação ao colete balístico e suas possíveis associações com quadros de fadiga e dor.
Sustainable-proofing Diagnosis
Authors: Siol Kai , Buchholz Wolfgang
Published: October 2023

In Zeiten des Klimawandels ist die Bewältigung der aktuellen und zukünftigen ökologischen Probleme und Herausforderungen eine der wichtigsten Aufgaben der Gesellschaft und damit auch von Unternehmen. Die ökologisch nachhaltige Gestaltung der Lieferkette wird dabei zunehmend zu einem kritischen Erfolgsfaktor. Der Ausgangspunkt für eine solche Anpassung ist eine Diagnose der Lieferkette, um ihren ökologischen Ist-Zustand zu bestimmen. Zur Ermittlung des Ist-Zustandes ist ein systematischer und methodischer Ansatz erforderlich. Dieser Beitrag stellt mit der Sustainable-proofing Diagnosis einen solchen Ansatz zur Diagnose der ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit von Lieferketten im Hinblick auf aktuelle ökologische Anforderungen vor. Die Methode stellt fest, inwieweit die Lieferkette den Auswirkungen der einzelnen Aspekte der verschiedenen ökologischen Anforderungen gerecht wird. Dies ermöglicht die Aufdeckung relevanter Optimierungspotenziale, für die dann gezielte Handlungsempfehlungen zur Verbesserung der ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit der Lieferkette abgeleitet werden können.
Mehr Frauen in Boards dank Netzwerkkompetenz
Authors: Toscano-Ruffilli Rosella , Bischof Nicole , Oberholzer Bernhard , Olbert-Bock Sibylle
Published: October 2023

In Schweizer Unternehmen ist der Frauenanteil in Geschäftsleitungen und Verwaltungsräten nach wie vor gering. Frauen verfügen über andere Kompetenzprofile als ihre männlichen Kollegen und diese werden für eine ausgewogene Geschäftsstrategie benötigt. In einer umfangreichen Studie wurden Frauen auf ihrem Entwicklungsprozess zur Erlangung von Geschäftsführungs- und Verwaltungsratsfunktionen in Schweizer Unternehmen begleitet. Sie wurden durch Netzwerkanalysen und Coachings unterstützt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen auf, wie wichtig die Nutzung der eigenen Netzwerke ist und dass die Netzwerkkompetenz entwickelt werden sollte. Der Artikel ist das Ergebnis einer Analyse von 31 persönlichen Netzwerken.
EFECTO DEL ESTRÉS HÍDRICO SOBRE EL RENDIMIENTO, CLOROFILA Y BIOMASA EN TRIGO
Authors: Buenrostro Rodríguez Juan Francisco , Covarrubias Prieto Jorge , Solís Moya Ernesto , Ledesma Ramirez Lourdes , González Figueroa Sarahyt S. , Mandujano Bueno Andrés , Cisneros López Hugo Cesar , Gámez Vázquez Alfredo Josué
Published: October 2023

Las variables asociadas a la respuesta del cultivo de trigo bajo condiciones de riego restringido son importantes, por lo que el objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar variedades con mayor rendimiento, el cual necesariamente está relacionado con variables fisiotécnicas que les permiten adaptarse a condiciones de estrés. Se evaluaron cuatro genotipos bajo riego completo y restringido en dos ambientes, campo y en casa sombra, en las localidades de Celaya y Salamanca, Guanajuato, México. En campo se utilizó un diseño de bloques completos al azar con arreglo en parcelas divididas, la parcela grande correspondió a los calendarios de riego y la chica a los genotipos; se cuantificaron las variables rendimiento de grano, índice de vegetación diferencial normalizado (NDVI), índice de clorofila, área foliar y temperatura del dosel. En casa sombra se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial, donde el primer factor fue la condición de humedad (con y sin estrés) y el segundo factor fueron los genotipos; se midió la acumulación de materia seca de la raíz, tallo, hoja y espiga. La mayor variabilidad del rendimiento se presentó entre localidades, la aplicación de cuatro riegos permitió un mayor rendimiento (14.1 %) e índice de clorofila (1.3 %) con respecto a la aplicación de tres riegos. En la localidad de Celaya se obtuvo mayor rendimiento de grano. La variedad Bárcenas S2002 presentó promedios superiores de rendimiento con 5.5 y 3.9 t ha-1, con cuatro y tres riegos respectivamente. En casa sombra sin estrés hídrico se obtuvo una mayor acumulación de materia seca en raíz, parte aérea, tallos y hojas. Las variables que dieron lugar a una respuesta diferencial fueron rendimiento, área foliar, NDVI y peso seco de raíz. La variedad Bárcenas S2002 presentó los mayores rendimientos en condiciones de riego restringido con base en reducción de la materia seca de la parte aérea y raíz y con menores reducciones en clorofila.
TÉCNICAS PARA CRECIMIENTO DE PLÁNTULAS DE ZACATE BANDERITA (Bouteloua curtipendula) EN INVERNADERO PARA TRASPLANTE
Authors: Álvarez-Vázquez Perpetuo , Quero-Carrillo Adrián R. , Rodríguez-Ortega Leodan T. , Velázquez-Martínez Mauricio , Hernández-Guzmán Filogonio J. , Hernández-Reséndiz Efraín J.
Published: October 2023

El mal manejo de los pastizales en las zonas semiáridas ha ocasionado la pérdida de especies vegetales forrajeras que limitan la productividad ganadera. Una estrategia para mejorar la cobertura vegetal con zacates es desarrollar plántulas en invernadero para su posterior trasplante al inicio de la época de lluvias. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la combinación de sustratos para crecimiento de plántulas de zacate banderita (Bouteloua curtipendula) en invernadero y la sobrevivencia de las plántulas al efecto de agroquímicos para control de malezas de hoja ancha. Se usó un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial para evaluar 13 combinaciones de sustratos y sus efectos en altura de planta, área foliar y composición morfológica, así como la sobreviviencia de plántulas posterior a la aplicación de 2,4-D amina, 2,4-D éster y atrazina a 1000, 1500 y 2000 g de ingrediente activo (i.a.) en 200 L agua a 14, 19, 23, 28 y 32 días después de siembra. Se realizó análisis de varianza y comparación de medias con la prueba de Tukey (P ≤ 0.05). La combinación más sencilla y efectiva en el desarrollo de plántulas fue suelo + gravilla 3:1, pero de igual modo se puede incorporar materia orgánica en forma de precomposta de ovino o conejo en 1/3. A menor edad de las plántulas de zacate banderita hay más daño por efecto de los herbicidas para malezas de hoja ancha y la combinación más perjudicial fue 2,4-D amina + atrazina 2000 g de i.a., por lo que hasta 23 días después de la siembra se recomienda aplicar 2,4-D amina o 2,4-D éster 1000 g de i.a.
EL PAPEL DEL OZONO EN LA CALIDAD E INOCUIDAD ALIMENTARIA
Authors: García-Bañuelos Mónica Liliana , Gardea-Béjar Alfonso Antero , Vázquez-Moreno Luz , García-Hernández Jaqueline , Ávila-Quezada Graciela , Pérez-Tello Mauricia Guadalupe , Guzmán-Partid Ana María
Published: October 2023

La preferencia del consumidor por alimentos de alta calidad ha promovido la creación de nuevos sistemas de conservación, siendo esto especialmente inducido por factores como la demanda de alimentos mínimamente procesados y la aparición de nuevos patógenos. La tecnología de ozonización proporciona importantes beneficios sobre la calidad de los alimentos, destacando por el principal atributo del ozono como agente antimicrobiano, con un amplio espectro de acción, además de ser una tecnología novedosa en la descontaminación química, reciclamiento de aguas residuales y mejora de propiedades en los alimentos. Hoy en día, esta tecnología presenta una amplia adopción comercial a nivel mundial, contando con importantes aprobaciones de organismos reguladores por ser una alternativa no-térmica, verde y bio-amigable; incluso, su certificación como aditivo alimentario se debe a su naturaleza ecológica de fácil degradación, en comparación con otros métodos. Existen relevantes investigaciones enfocadas a la aplicación del ozono que muestran sus beneficios en variados sectores de esta industria. En el presente artículo se analiza sistemáticamente el papel del ozono en eficientar tanto la inocuidad como la calidad de los alimentos, destacando las propiedades de este compuesto, sus mecanismos de acción y algunas aplicaciones con alto potencial de uso en esta industria.
PERFIL BROMATOLÓGICO Y NUTRICIONAL DE Dalea bicolor (Willdenow) EN REGIONES SEMIÁRIDAS DE ZACATECAS, MÉXICO
Authors: García-Cervantes Daniel , Gutiérrez-Bañuelos Héctor , Reveles-Torres Luis Roberto , Muro-Reyes Alberto , Gutiérrez-Piña Francisco J. , Echavarría Chairez Francisco G. , Espinoza-Canales Alejandro , Sánchez Gutiérrez Ricardo A.
Published: October 2023

La caracterización nutricional de arbustivas forrajeras proporciona bases para la valoración adecuada de agostaderos y pastizales, la suplementación apropiada del ganado y programas de reforestación. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el perfil bromatológico y la composición nutricional de Dalea bicolor (Willdenow). La arbustiva se muestreó durante las cuatro estaciones del año, pero presentó follaje sólo en otoño y verano. Se utilizaron 20 muestras por estación, dentro de una parcela de 20 ha situada en el municipio de Villa de Cos, Zacatecas, México, caracterizado por su clima semiárido. Las variables medidas fueron materia seca (MS), materia orgánica (MO), cenizas, proteína cruda (PC), fibra detergente neutra (FDN), fibra detergente ácida (FDA), energía neta de mantenimiento (ENm), energía neta de ganancia (ENg), consumo en materia seca calculado como porcentaje de peso vivo del animal (CMS, %PV), digestibilidad de la materia seca (DMS) y valor relativo del forraje (VRF). Las evaluaciones bromatológicas se realizaron utilizando métodos estándar y las nutricionales se estimaron utilizando los resultados bromatológicos. En todas las variables se observaron diferencias estadísticas (P ≤ 0.05) entre estaciones del año. En los resultados bromatológicos, la PC fue 9.69 vs 13.51, % la FDN 56.97 vs 63.59 %, la FDA 44.56 vs 42.25 %, respectivamente para otoño y verano. En el perfil nutricional promediaron, la ENm 1.01 vs 1.04 Mcal kg-1, la ENg 0.65 vs 0.68 Mcal kg-1, respectivamente para otoño y verano. Se concluye que Dalea provee la PC para producción en pastoreo, que se estima entre 70 y 100 g por kg de materia seca, y proporciona escasa ENg.
RUBÍ: NUEVA VARIEDAD DE AVENA PARA SIEMBRAS DE TEMPORAL EN MÉXICO
Authors: Villaseñor-Mir Héctor Eduardo , Hortelano-Santa Rosa René , Huerta-Espino Julio , Martínez-Cruz Eliel , Espitia-Rangel Eduardo , Osorio-Alcalá Leodegario
Published: October 2023

En México, en 2021 se sembró una superficie de 692,199 hectáreas con avena (Avena sativa L.), de la cual 93 % correspondió a avena forrajera; el 83 % se estableció en los estados de Chihuahua, Durango, Zacatecas y Estado de México, y el 80 % de la producción fue en condiciones de temporal (SIAP, 2022). La roya del tallo (Puccinia graminis f. sp. avenae Eriks. y Henn.) ha sido históricamente una limitante para el cultivo de avena en México. Esta enfermedad cuenta con amplia diversidad de razas fisiológicas (Villaseñor et al., 2021) y su presencia causa pérdidas en el rendimiento de grano hasta del 75 % en variedades susceptibles (Leyva-Mir et al., 2004), afectando la calidad forrajera.