bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Metabolic Pathways of Anamorelin, a Selective Agonist of the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor, via Molecular Networking
Authors: Kwak Young Beom , Seo Jeong In , Yoo Hye Hyun
Published: November 2023

In this study, we delineated the poorly characterized metabolism of anamorelin, a growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonist, in vitro using human liver microsomes (HLM), based on classical molecular networking (MN) and feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) from the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking platform. Following the in vitro HLM reaction, the MN analysis showed 11 neighboring nodes whose information propagated from the node corresponding to anamorelin. The FBMN analysis described the separation of six nodes that the MN analysis could not achieve. In addition, the similarity among neighboring nodes could be discerned via their respective metabolic pathways. Collectively, 18 metabolites (M1–M12) were successfully identified, suggesting that the metabolic pathways involved were demethylation, hydroxylation, dealkylation, desaturation, and N-oxidation, whereas 6 metabolites (M13a*-b*, M14a*-b*, and M15a*-b*) remained unidentified. Furthermore, the major metabolites detected in HLM, M1 and M7, were dissimilar from those observed in the CYP3A4 isozyme assay, which is recognized to be markedly inhibited by anamorelin. Specifically, M7, M8, and M9 were identified as the major metabolites in the CYP3A4 isozyme assay. Therefore, a thorough investigation of metabolism is imperative for future in vivo studies. These findings may offer prospective therapeutic opportunities for anamorelin.
Periodical Ultra-Modulation of Broadened Laser Spectra in Dielectrics at Variable Ultrashort Laser Pulsewidths: Ultrafast Plasma, Plasmonic and Nanoscale Structural Effects
Authors: Kudryashov Sergey , Danilov Pavel , Gorevoy Alexey , Kovalov Volodymyr , Kosobokov Mikhail , Akhmatkhanov Andrey , Lisjikh Boris , Turygin Anton , Greshnyakov Evgeny , Shur Vladimir
Published: November 2023

Self-phase modulation (SPM) broadening of prompt laser spectra was studied in a transmission mode in natural and synthetic diamonds at variable laser wavelengths (515 and 1030 nm), pulse energies and widths (0.3–12 ps, positively chirped pulses), providing their filamentary propagation. Besides the monotonous SPM broadening of the laser spectra versus pulse energy, which was more pronounced for the (sub)picosecond pulsewidths and more nitrogen-doped natural diamond with its intra-gap impurity states, periodical low-frequency modulation was observed in the spectra at the shorter laser pulsewidths, indicating dynamic Bragg filtering of the supercontinuum due to ultrafast plasma and nanoplasmonic effects. Damping of broadening and ultra-modulation for the longer picosecond pulsewidths was related to the thermalized electron-hole plasma regime established for the laser pulsewidths longer, than 2 ps. Unexpectedly, at higher pulse energies and corresponding longer, well-developed microfilaments, the number of low-intensity, low-frequency sideband spectral modulation features counterintuitively increases, thus indicating dynamic variation of the periods in the longitudinal plasma Bragg gratings along the filaments due to prompt secondary laser–plasmon interactions. The underlying sub- and/or near-wavelength longitudinal nanoscale Bragg gratings produced by femtosecond laser pulses in this regime could be visualized in less hard lithium niobate by atomic force microscopy cross-sectional analysis in the correlation with the corresponding sideband spectral components, supporting the anticipated Bragg filtering mechanism and envisioning the corresponding grating periods.
Terahertz Generation through Coherent Excitation of Slow Surface Waves in an Array of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Afanas’ev Sergey A. , Fotiadi Andrei A. , Kadochkin Aleksei S. , Kitsyuk Evgeny P. , Moiseev Sergey G. , Sannikov Dmitry G. , Svetukhin Vyacheslav V. , Shaman Yury P. , Zolotovskii Igor O.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we present a scheme for generating terahertz (THz) radiation using an array of parallel double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) subjected to a direct current (DC). The longitudinal surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in the DWCNTs are coherently excited by two near-infrared laser beams with slightly different frequencies. Through numerical methods, we investigate the spectral characteristics of the SPPs in the presence of a DC current in the nanotubes. We identify high-quality plasmonic modes with a slowdown factor exceeding 300 in the terahertz frequency region. The amplification of these slow SPP modes is facilitated by the DC current in the DWCNTs, fulfilling a synchronism condition. This condition ensures that the phase velocity of the SPPs is closely matched to the drift velocity of the charge carriers, allowing for an efficient energy exchange between the current and the surface electromagnetic wave. The high-frequency currents on the nanotube walls in the DWCNT array enable the emission of THz radiation into the far field, owing to an antenna effect.
The Amplification and Polarization Control of Transmitted Radiation by a Graphene-Containing Photonic Cell
Authors: Eliseeva Svetlana V. , Itrin Pavel A. , Sementsov Dmitrij I.
Published: November 2023

The transformation of the transmission spectra of linearly polarized radiation passing through a symmetric photonic cell is studied based on numerical analysis. The cell consists of two layers of magnetic semiconductor with a graphene monolayer on each and a central dielectric layer located between the graphene monolayers. It is possible to achieve amplification in the near terahertz range in graphene layers due to charge carrier drift. Control of transmission spectra and polarization of transmitted radiation can be achieved by changing the Fermi energy of graphene layers, by changing the external magnetic field, and by changing the thickness of the dielectric layer and the orientation of the incident radiation polarization plane.
Determining the Orbital Angular Momentum of a Vortex Beam Using Strong Field Ionization
Authors: Pasquinilli Harrison , Schimmoller Alex , Walker Spencer , Landsman Alexandra S.
Published: November 2023

While interferometric methods exist for classifying vortex states of light, these techniques usually require destroying the beam of interest to determine the light’s OAM. A recent two-color pump-probe experiment employed strong field ionization and beam sculpting to classify vortex beams. Here, we propose an alternative strong-field method for distinguishing OAM states of light which does not require beam sculpting and instead utilizes a noncollinear terahertz standing wave to probe ionized electrons. We then use classical trajectory Monte Carlo (CTMC) methods to simulate strong-field ionization of helium under this configuration with the terahertz field both on and off. We find that the resulting electron momenta distributions can be used to extract the OAM of the beam, as long as the vortex beam spot size does not exceed 1/4 the terahertz pulse’s wavelength.
Ultra-Broadband, Compact Arbitrary-Ratio Multimode Power Splitter Based on Tilted Subwavelength Gratings
Authors: Chen Wenbin , Guo Hongjie , Yang Yongkang , Qu Baiang , Zhao Yali , Cao Yingchun , Guo Wentao , Tan Manqing
Published: November 2023

Mode division multiplexing (MDM) technology is an effective solution for high-capacity optical interconnection, and multimode power splitters, as essential components in MDM systems, have attracted widespread attention. However, supporting a wide range of modes and arbitrary power splitting ratios with large bandwidth in power splitters remains a significant challenge. In this paper, we designed a power splitter based on a subwavelength grating (SWG) structure with tilted placement on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. We achieve arbitrary TE0–TE9 mode-insensitive power distribution by altering the filling coefficient of the SWG. Thanks to our specific selection of cladding materials and compensatory design for the optical wave transmission and reflection shifts induced by SWG, our device demonstrates low additional loss (EL < 1.1 dB) and inter-mode crosstalk (−18.8 < CT < −60 dB) for optical modes ranging from TE0 to TE9, covering a wavelength range from 1200 nm to 1700 nm. Furthermore, our proposed device can be easily extended to higher-order modes with little loss of device performance, offering significant potential in MDM platforms.
Quality Characteristics, Sensory Profiles and Ethylene Production of Stored ‘Abate Fetel’ Pears Sorted at Harvest by Time-Resolved Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Vanoli Maristella , Grassi Maurizio , Buccheri Marina , Cortellino Giovanna , Lovati Fabio , Caramanico Rosita , Levoni Pietro , Dalla Mora Alberto , Spinelli Lorenzo , Torricelli Alessandro
Published: November 2023

Time-resolved reflectance spectroscopy (TRS), a nondestructive technique, can help the industry to provide high-quality fruit to encourage pear consumption. The absorption coefficient measured by TRS at 670 nm (μa670) represents a maturity index for pear fruit, with less mature pears high μa670 and more mature low μa670. The aim of this work was to study the quality characteristics, the sensory profiles and the ethylene production of ‘Abate Fetel’ pears sorted at harvest in different TRS maturity classes and stored in different atmospheres. At harvest, 540 pears were measured by TRS for μa670, ranked by μa670 in three maturity classes (less-LeM, medium-MeM and more-MoM mature) and randomized in nine samples according to 1-MCP treatment (treated, control), storage time (4–6 months) and atmosphere (air-NA; CA: 8–12 kPa O2, 1 kPa CO2). Fruits were examined at harvest and after 7 days of poststorage shelf life for skin color, firmness, soluble solids, acidity and ethylene production and were submitted to sensory analysis. At harvest and after storage, MoM pears were less green and showed a higher SSC content than LeM ones. After storage, MoM pears produced less ethylene and were perceived to be firmer (especially in 1-MCP-treated pears), more astringent and less juicy (when stored for 6 months) than LeM ones.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Freezing Tolerance and Winter Hardiness in Winter Wheat of Nordic Origin
Authors: Vaitkevičiūtė Gabija , Chawade Aakash , Lillemo Morten , Liatukas Žilvinas , Aleliūnas Andrius , Armonienė Rita
Published: November 2023

Climate change and global food security efforts are driving the need for adaptable crops in higher latitude temperate regions. To achieve this, traits linked with winter hardiness must be introduced in winter-type crops. Here, we evaluated the freezing tolerance (FT) of a panel of 160 winter wheat genotypes of Nordic origin under controlled conditions and compared the data with the winter hardiness of 74 of these genotypes from a total of five field trials at two locations in Norway. Germplasm with high FT was identified, and significant differences in FT were detected based on country of origin, release years, and culton type. FT measurements under controlled conditions significantly correlated with overwintering survival scores in the field (r ≤ 0.61) and were shown to be a reliable complementary high-throughput method for FT evaluation. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) revealed five single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with FT under controlled conditions mapped to chromosomes 2A, 2B, 5A, 5B, and 7A. Field trials yielded 11 significant SNP markers located within or near genes, mapped to chromosomes 2B, 3B, 4A, 5B, 6B, and 7D. Candidate genes identified in this study can be introduced into the breeding programs of winter wheat in the Nordic region.
An In Situ Evaluation of Different CAM Plants as Plant Microbial Fuel Cells for Energy Recovery in the Atacama Desert
Authors: Madrid Felipe M. Galleguillos , Trigo Mauricio , Salazar-Avalos Sebastián , Carvajal-Funes Sergio , Olivares Douglas , Portillo Carlos , Fuentealba Edward , Toro Norman , Carrasco Gilda , Cáceres Luis , Jamett Ingrid , Soliz Alvaro
Published: November 2023

Excess energy derived from photosynthesis can be used in plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) systems as a sustainable alternative for the generation of electricity. In this study, the in situ performance of CAM (Crassulacean acid metabolism) plants in Calama, in the Atacama Desert, was evaluated for energy recovery using PMFCs with stainless steel AISI 316L and Cu as electrodes. The plant species evaluated included Aloe perfoliata, Cereus jamacaru, Austrocylindropuntia subulata, Agave potatorum, Aloe arborescens, Malephora crocea, and Kalanchoe daigremontiana. Among the plant species, Kalanchoe daigremontiana demonstrated significant potential as an in situ PMFC, showing a maximum cell potential of 0.248 V and a minimum of 0.139 V. In addition, the cumulative energy for recovery was about 9.4 mWh m−2 of the electrode. The use of CAM plants in PMFCs presents a novel approach for green energy generation, as these plants possess an inherent ability to adapt to arid environments and water-scarce areas such as the Atacama Desert climate.
Phytochemical Profiles and In Vitro Immunomodulatory Activities of Extracts Obtained from Limonium gmelinii Using Different Extraction Methods
Authors: Kassymova Dariya , Zhusupova Galiya , Ogay Vyacheslav , Zhussupova Aizhan , Katragunta Kumar , Avula Bharathi , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: November 2023

Limonium (L.) gmelinii is a valuable pharmacopoeial Kazakhstani plant. Several studies have reported on the various biological activities of the plant. The purpose of our research was to study and compare the extraction yields, immunomodulatory activities, and chemical compositions of extracts from the above-ground parts of L. gmelinii obtained via conventional extraction (CE; Extract 1) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE; Extract 2). The extracts were characterized by a considerable number of polyphenols and flavonoids: 378.1 ± 4.5 and 382.2 ± 3.3 GAE mg/g, and 90.22 ± 2.8 and 94.61 ± 1.9 QE mg/g in Extract 1 and Extract 2, respectively. Extract 2 had a slightly higher extraction yield (33.5 ± 2.4%) than Extract 1 (30.2 ± 1.6%). Liquid Chromatography–Diode-Array Detection–Electrospray Ionization–Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) revealed the presence of 54 biologically active compounds in both extracts. It was shown that the studied extracts stimulate the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 by intact mouse peritoneal macrophages and splenic lymphocytes, whilst they have an inhibitory effect on the secretion of these cytokines by activated immune cells. Both extracts demonstrated similar patterns of stimulation and inhibition in a splenocyte proliferation assay. Altogether, the L. gmelinii extracts obtained via CE and UAE might be suggested as effective immunomodulatory agents. The application of UAE for this purpose seems to be more efficient with a view of obtaining of a highly potent extract in a much shorter time.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Synthase (ACS) Gene Family in Chenopodium quinoa
Authors: Yin Lu , Zhang Xia , Gao Aihong , Cao Meng , Yang Dongdong , An Kexin , Guo Shanli , Yin Haibo
Published: November 2023

Ethylene plays an important role in plant development and stress resistance. The rate-limiting enzyme in ethylene biosynthesis is 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS). C. quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is an important food crop known for its strong tolerance to abiotic stresses. However, knowledge regarding the ACS gene family in C. quinoa remains restricted. In this study, we successfully identified 12 ACS genes (CqACSs) from the C. quinoa genome. Through thorough analysis of their sequences and phylogenetic relationships, it was verified that 8 out of these 12 CqACS isozymes exhibited substantial resemblance to ACS isozymes possessing ACS activity. Furthermore, these eight isozymes could be categorized into three distinct groups. The four remaining CqACS genes grouped under category IV displayed notable similarities with AtACS10 and AtACS12, known as amido transferases lacking ACS activity. The CqACS proteins bore resemblance to the AtACS proteins and had the characteristic structural features typically observed in plant ACS enzymes. Twelve CqACS genes were distributed across 8 out of the 18 chromosomes of C. quinoa. The CqACS genes were expanded from segment duplication. Many cis-regulatory elements related with various abiotic stresses, phytohormones, and light were found. The expression patterns of ACS genes varied across different tissues of C. quinoa. Furthermore, the analysis of gene expression patterns under abiotic stress showed that CqACS genes can be responsive to various stresses, implying their potential functions in adapting to various abiotic stresses. The findings from this research serve as a foundation for delving deeper into the functional roles of CqACS genes.
Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids: A Comprehensive Review of Natural Occurring Compounds and Their Synthetic Derivatives
Authors: Hodoșan Camelia , Gîrd Cerasela Elena , Ghica Mihaela Violeta , Dinu-Pîrvu Cristina-Elena , Nistor Lucica , Bărbuică Iulius Sorin , Marin Ștefan-Claudiu , Mihalache Alexandru , Popa Lăcrămioara
Published: November 2023

This comprehensive scientific review provides an in-depth analysis of both the natural compounds, pyrethrins, and their synthetic derivatives, pyrethroids, focusing on their classification, biosynthesis, mechanism of action, general and pharmaceutical uses, as well as their toxicity and environmental impact. Pyrethrins, derived from certain plant species, have long been recognized for their potent insecticidal properties. The review begins by examining the classification of pyrethrins and pyrethroids, elucidating their structural characteristics and unique features within the field of natural and synthetic compounds. The biosynthetic pathways responsible for producing pyrethrins in plants are discussed, highlighting the enzymatic reactions and genetic regulation involved. In addition, the synthesis of pyrethroid derivatives is explored, including both natural and synthetic sources and potential optimization strategies. Understanding the mechanisms of action by which pyrethrins and pyrethroids exert their insecticidal effects is a crucial aspect of this review. Complex interactions with the nervous systems of target organisms are examined, providing insights into their selective toxicity and modes of action. In addition, the various applications of these compounds are explored, from their use in agriculture for pest control to their incorporation into household insecticides and potential pharmaceutical applications. The review also critically evaluates the potential toxicity of pyrethrins and pyrethroids to human health. By consolidating current knowledge and research findings, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the properties and applications of pyrethrins and pyrethroids, highlighting their benefits and risks, and the importance of responsible and sustainable use in various areas.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Nanosized Polyaniline
Authors: Banjar Mohd Faizar , Joynal Abedin Fatin Najwa , Fizal Ahmad Noor Syimir , Muhamad Sarih Norazilawati , Hossain Md. Sohrab , Osman Hakimah , Khalil Nor Afifah , Ahmad Yahaya Ahmad Naim , Zulkifli Muzafar
Published: November 2023

Polyaniline (PANI) is a conductive polymer easily converted into a conducting state. However, its limited mechanical properties have generated interest in fabricating PANI composites with other polymeric materials. In this study, a PANI–prevulcanized latex composite film was synthesized and fabricated in two phases following chronological steps. The first phase determined the following optimum parameters for synthesizing nanosized PANI, which were as follows: an initial molar ratio of 1, a stirring speed of 600 rpm, a synthesis temperature of 25 °C, purification via filtration, and washing using dopant acid, acetone, and distilled water. The use of a nonionic surfactant, Triton X-100, at 0.1% concentration favored PANI formation in a smaller particle size of approximately 600 nm and good dispersibility over seven days of observation compared to the use of anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) showed that the PANI synthesized using a surfactant was in the emeraldine base form, as the washing process tends to decrease the doping level in the PANI backbone. Our scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the optimized synthesis parameters produced colloidal PANI with an average particle size of 695 nm. This higher aspect ratio explained the higher conductivity of nanosized PANI compared to micron-sized PANI. Following the chronological steps to determine the optimal parameters produced a nanosized PANI powder. The nanosized PANI had higher conductivity than the micron-sized PANI because of its higher aspect ratio. When PANI is synthesized in smaller particle sizes, it has higher conductivity. Atomic force microscopy analysis showed that the current flow is higher across a 5 µm2 scanned area of nanosized PANI because it has a larger surface area. Thus, more sites for the current to flow through were present on the nanosized PANI particles.
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Blends with Poly(caprolactone) and Poly(lactic acid): A Comparative Study
Authors: Tubio Carmen R. , Valle Xabier , Carvalho Estela , Moreira Joana , Costa Pedro , Correia Daniela M. , Lanceros-Mendez Senentxu
Published: November 2023

Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hidroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a biodegradable polymer, which is a potential substitute for plastics made from fossil resources. Due to its practical interest in the field of tissue engineering, packaging, sensors, and electronic devices, the demand for PHBV with specific thermal, electrical, as well as mechanical requirements is growing. In order to improve these properties, we have developed PHBV blends with two thermoplastic biodegradable polyesters, including poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). We analysed the effect of these biopolymers on the morphological, wetting, structural, thermal, mechanical, and electrical characteristics of the materials. Further, the biodegradation of the samples in simulated body fluid conditions was evaluated, as well as the antibacterial activity. The results demonstrate that the blending with PCL and PLA leads to films with a dense morphology, increases the hydrophilic character, and induces a reinforcement of the mechanical characteristics with respect to pristine PHBV. In addition, a decrease in dielectric constant and a.c. electrical conductivity was noticed for PHBV/PLA and PHBV/PCL blends compared to neat PHBV polymer. All neat polymers and blends showed antibacterial properties against S. aureus, with more than 40% bacterial reduction, which increased to 72% in the presence of PCL polymer for a blend ratio of 50/50. Thus, it is demonstrated a suitable way to further tailor a variety of functionalities of PHBV for specific applications, by the development of polymer blends with PLA or PCL.
Highly Sensitive Temperature Sensor Based on Vernier Effect Using a Sturdy Double-cavity Fiber Fabry-Perot Interferometer
Authors: Ramírez-Hernández Miguel Á. , Alonso-Murias Monserrat , Monzón-Hernández David
Published: November 2023

Temperature measuring is a daily procedure carried out worldwide in practically all environments of human activity, but it takes particular relevance in industrial, scientific, medical, and food processing and production areas. The characteristics and performance of the temperature sensors required for such a large universe of applications have opened the opportunity for a comprehensive range of technologies and architectures capable of fulfilling the sensitivity, resolution, dynamic range, and response time demanded. In this work, a highly sensitive fiber optic temperature sensor based on a double-cavity Fabry-Perot interferometer (DCFPI) is proposed and demonstrated. Taking advantage of the Vernier effect, we demonstrate that it is possible to improve the temperature sensitivity exhibited by the polymer-capped fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (PCFPI) up to 39.8 nm/°C. The DCFPI is sturdy, reconfigured, and simple to fabricate, consisting of a semi-spherical polymer cap added to the surface of the ferrule of a commercial single-mode fiber connector (SMF FC/PC) placed in front of a mirror at a proper distance. The length of the air cavity (Lair) was adjusted to equal the thickness of the polymer cap (Lpol) plus a distance δ to generate the most convenient Vernier effect spectrum. The DCFPI was packaged in a machined, movable mount that allows the adjustment of the air cavity length easily but also protects the polymer cap and simplifies the manipulation of the sensor head.
Electrorheological Effect of Suspensions of Polyaniline Nanoparticles with Different Morphologies
Authors: Yuan Jinhua , Hu Xufeng , Zhao Xiaopeng , Yin Jianbo
Published: November 2023

Polyaniline (PANI) nanospheres, nanofibers, and nanoplates were prepared using the oxidative polymerization method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the three morphologies of PANI, and their structure was tested using infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The influence of particle morphology on the electrorheological (ER) effect was studied through rheological experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The experimental and simulation results indicate that without applying an electric field, the nanofibers easily form a three-dimensional network structure in the suspension, resulting in yield stress. The three-dimensional network structure of the nanoplate suspension becomes weaker and the PANI nanosphere suspension lacks the ability to form a three-dimensional network structure. After applying an electric field, under the same condition, the yield stress and electric field-induced shear stress increment of PANI nanofibers are the highest, followed by nanoplates, and those of PANI nanospheres are the lowest. This indicates that the ER effect increases with the increase in particle morphology anisotropy. Through three-dimensional visual simulation analysis, it can be concluded that the enhanced ER effect associated with increased particle anisotropy can be attributed to improved stability in the ER chain structure.
Distributed Control of an Ill-Conditioned Non-Linear Process Using Control Relevant Excitation Signals
Authors: Sha’aban Yusuf Abubakar
Published: November 2023

Efficient control schemes for ill-conditioned systems, such as the high-purity distillation column, can be challenging and costly to design and implement. In this paper, we propose a distributed control scheme that utilizes well-designed excitation signals to identify the system. Unlike traditional systems, we found that a summation of correlated and uncorrelated signals can yield better excitation of the plant. Our proposed distributed model predictive control (MPC) scheme uses a shifted input sequence to address loop interactions and reduce the computational load. This approach deviates from traditional schemes that use iteration, which can increase complexity and computational load. We initially tested the proposed method on the linear model of a highly coupled 2 × 2 process and compared its performance with decentralized proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers and centralized MPC. Our results show improved performance over PID controllers and similar results to centralized MPC. Furthermore, we compared the performance of the proposed approach with a centralized MPC on a nonlinear model of a distillation column. The results for the second study also demonstrated comparable performance between the two controllers with the decentralised control slightly outperforming the centralised MPC in some cases. These findings are promising and may be of interest to practitioners that are more comfortable with tuning decentralised loops.
The Heḇelness of African Power: Hope or Despair: A Political Reading of Reading Qoh 3:16-17; 4:1-3.13-16
Authors: Some Augustin
Published: November 2023

The mother continent Africa is known for its various, multiple, and repeated instabilities, the rationale being the great hope and desire for the permanence, fixity, stability, lasting or enduring things that characterize human beings. Irrespective of how great and noble this hope and desire might be, one should admit that permanence or stability in life under the sun is against human nature, which for Qoheleth is הבל, that is, fleeting, transitory, brief, “not stable”. The use of הבל applied to different areas of life draws attention to the fleetingness of human experience in the world compared to God’s eternity. In Qoheleth’s view, there is nothing eternal on Earth: everything is fleeting (הכל הבל). So is political power, which for Qoheleth is short-lived and unstable, whether oppressive or not. It is, therefore, the aim of this paper to explore the hermeneutical possibility of Qoheleth’s use of הבל, which could be used to understand the political instability in African leadership. As such, this study calls attention to Qoheleth’s use of הבל with a political focus. It reads the text against the context of the oppressive manipulative political control of the powerless, voiceless, and the downtrodden by the powerful in Qoheleth’s society, which is no less in today’s African society. Consequently, it proposes that a political reading of Qoheleth adds to its hermeneutical understanding, which then can become more meaningful to Africans in an oppressive and depriving social and political environment.
His Body Will Appear in All of the Mirrors: Explaining Christian Doctrine to the Nahuas in the 1548 Doctrina Christiana
Authors: Granicka Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

After the fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521, the first groups of friars arrived in Mexico to Christianize the native inhabitants of Mesoamerica. This task was anything but easy, as explaining Christian doctrine to the Indigenous people posed both a linguistic and a theological challenge. The need to learn Indigenous languages and to prepare doctrinal materials dedicated specifically to the Christianization of this land was a task that might have seemed almost impossible to conduct in a short period of time, yet by the 1540s, the first printed catechisms (doctrinas) in Nahuatl began to appear. One of the earliest and broadest of these works is the 1548 Dominican Doctrina Christiana en Lengua Española y Mexicana, in which the friars attempted to explain all of the principles of Catholic theology to the Indigenous people. This paper analyses how through highly detailed descriptions and a meticulous choice of vocabulary, the authors strove to impart the tenets of Christian doctrine to the Nahuas in such a way as to make it both fully understandable and as unlikely as possible to be misinterpreted. It points to the sources on which the friars relied while writing the text. The article formulates a theory that the creation of the Doctrina Christiana would not have been possible without the participation of the native speakers of Nahuatl in the project, even though their role in writing the catechism would have had to be hidden from the religious authorities. The Indigenous authors served as cross-cultural bridges in the process of preparing the doctrinal materials. On the one hand, they could therefore help to explain crucial parts of the doctrine to the Indigenous audience. On the other hand, allowing Indigenous concepts to permeate the Christian discourse often led to the creation of ambiguity and provided a space of contestation that could influence the understanding of the Catholic concepts by the Indigenous audience.
An Approach for the Control of Caenorhabditis elegans N2 via the Regulation of Growth Conditions and Pleurotus ostreatus Po4
Authors: Tashyrev Oleksandr , Hovorukha Vira , Kudrys Paweł , Khokhlenkova Natalia , Moliszewska Ewa
Published: November 2023

Food resources are essential for the survival and growth of the population. Soil phytopathogenic nematodes cause great damage to agricultural crops, endangering food supplies and resources in general. Different methods have been used to control them. However, this issue still requires a more effective solution. Caenorhabditis elegans (CGC strain wild-type N2) was applied as a model with an Escherichia coli OP50 feeding substrate for nematodes. Our approach was based on the thermodynamically substantiated creation of growth conditions that are unfavorable for nematodes to suppress them irreversibly. The thermodynamic calculations showed that obligate anaerobic conditions, namely the absence of oxygen and a low redox potential (−100 mV and below), were potentially unacceptable for nematodes. Anaerobic conditions were created using both abiogenic (physicochemical) and biological methods. Abiogenic anaerobic conditions were achieved by preventing oxygen access and adding low-potential sodium sulfide (Eh = −250...−200 mV) to the cultivation medium. By applying biological methods, Pleurotus ostreatus Po4 and E. coli O2 was completely removed and the redox potential was decreased from +100…+200 mV to −100...−200 mV (in particular, due to the synthesis of H2S). Even the short-term exposure (1–2 days) of nematodes under anaerobic conditions led to their suppression and death. Thus, the short-term creation of anaerobic conditions in the soil may be an effective method to control, e.g., phytopathogenic aerobic nematodes. This research contributes to the development of foundations to preserve agricultural plants and increase crop yield as well as the development of an approach for the environmentally friendly control of phytopathogens.
The Correlation between Ionospheric Electron Density Variations Derived from Swarm Satellite Observations and Seismic Activity at the Australian–Pacific Tectonic Plate Boundary
Authors: Jarmołowski Wojciech , Wielgosz Paweł , Hernández-Pajares Manuel , Yang Heng , Milanowska Beata , Krypiak-Gregorczyk Anna , Monte-Moreno Enric , García-Rigo Alberto , Graffigna Victoria , Haagmans Roger
Published: November 2023

Swarm electron density (Ne) observations from the Langmuir probe (LP) can detect ionospheric disturbances at the altitude of a satellite. Along-track satellite observations provide a large number of very short observations of different places in the ionosphere, where Ne is disturbed. Moreover, different perturbations occupy various Ne signal frequencies. Therefore, such short signals are more recognizable in two dimensions, where aside from their change in time, we can observe their diversity in the frequency domain. Spectral analysis is an essential tool applied here, as it enables signal decomposition and the recognition of composite patterns of Ne disturbances that occupy different frequencies. This study shows a high-resolution application of short-term Fourier transform (STFT) to Swarm Ne observations in the Papua New Guinea region in the vicinity of earthquakes, tsunamis, and related general seismic activity. The system of tectonic plate junctions, including the Pacific–Australian boundary, is located orthogonally to Swarm track footprints. The selected wavelengths of seismically induced ionospheric disturbances detected via Swarm are compared with the three sets of three-month records of seismic activity: in the winter solstice of 2016/2017, when seismic activity was highest, and in the summer solstice and vernal equinox of 2016, which were calmer. Moreover, more Swarm data records are analyzed at the same latitudes for validation purposes, in a place where there are no tectonic plate boundaries that are orthogonal to the Swarm orbital footprint. Additional validation is supplied through Swarm Ne observations from completely different latitudes, where the Swarm orbital footprint orthogonally crosses a different subducting plate boundary. Aside from the seismic energy, the solar radio flux (F10.7), equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs), and geomagnetic ap and Dst indices are also reviewed here. Their influence on the ionospheric Ne is also found in Swarm observations. Finally, the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), applied to the pairs of 3-month time series created from Swarm Ne variations, seismic energy, ap, Dst, and F10.7, summarizes the graphical inspection of mutual correlations. It points to the predominant correlation of Swarm Ne disturbances with seismicity, especially during nighttime. We show that most of the Ne disturbances at a selected wavelength of 300 km correlate more with seismicity than with geomagnetic and solar indices. Therefore, Swarm LP can be assessed as being capable of observing the lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere coupling (LAIC) from the orbit.
Structural Complexity of Coral Reefs in Guam, Mariana Islands
Authors: Mills Matthew S. , Schils Tom , Olds Andrew D. , Leon Javier X.
Published: November 2023

The complexity of tropical reef habitats affects the occurrence and diversity of the organisms residing in these ecosystems. Quantifying this complexity is important to better understand and monitor reef community assemblages and their roles in providing ecological services. This study employed structure-from-motion photogrammetry to produce accurate 3D reconstructions of eight reefs in Guam and quantified the structural complexity of these sites using seven terrain metrics: rugosity, slope, vector ruggedness measure (VRM), multiscale roughness (magnitude and scale), plan curvature, and profile curvature. The relationships between terrain complexity, benthic community diversity, and coral cover were investigated with generalized linear models. While the average structural complexity metrics did not differ between most sites, there was significant variation within sites. All surveyed transects exhibited high structural complexity, with an average rugosity of 2.28 and an average slope of 43 degrees. Benthic diversity was significantly correlated with the roughness magnitude. Coral cover was significantly correlated with slope, roughness magnitude, and VRM. This study is among the first to employ this methodology in Guam and provides additional insight into the structural complexity of Guam’s reefs, which can become an important component of holistic reef assessments in the future.
Hyperspectral Image Classification Promotion Using Dynamic Convolution Based on Structural Re-Parameterization
Authors: Ding Chen , Li Xu , Chen Jingyi , Xu Yaoyang , Zheng Mengmeng , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2023

In a hyperspectral image classification (HSIC) task, manually labeling samples requires a lot of manpower and material resources. Therefore, it is of great significance to use small samples to achieve the HSIC task. Recently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown remarkable performance in HSIC, but they still have some areas for improvement. (1) Convolutional kernel weights are determined through initialization and cannot be adaptively adjusted based on the input data. Therefore, it is difficult to adaptively learn the structural features of the input data. (2) The convolutional kernel size is single per layer, which leads to the loss of local information for a large convolutional kernel or global information for a small convolutional kernel. In order to solve the above problems, we propose a plug-and-play method called dynamic convolution based on structural re-parameterization (DCSRP). The contributions of this method are as follows. Firstly, compared with traditional convolution, dynamic convolution is a non-linear function, so it has more representation power. In addition, it can adaptively capture the contextual information of input data. Secondly, the large convolutional kernel and the small convolutional kernel are integrated into a new large convolutional kernel. The large convolutional kernel shares the advantages of the two convolution kernels, which can capture global information and local information at the same time. The results in three publicly available HSIC datasets show the effectiveness of the DCSRP.
The Long-Term Detection of Suspended Particulate Matter Concentration and Water Colour in Gravel and Sand Pit Lakes through Landsat and Sentinel-2 Imagery
Authors: Ghirardi Nicola , Pinardi Monica , Nizzoli Daniele , Viaroli Pierluigi , Bresciani Mariano
Published: November 2023

Over the past half century, the demand for sand and gravel has led to extensive quarrying activities, creating many pit lakes (PLs) which now dot floodplains and urbanized regions globally. Despite the potential importance of these environments, systematic data on their location, morphology and water quality remain limited. In this study, we present an extensive assessment of the physical and optical properties in a large sample of PLs located in the Po River basin (Italy) from 1990 to 2021, utilizing a combined approach of remote sensing (Landsat constellation and Sentinel-2) and traditional limnological techniques. Specifically, we focused on the concentration of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and the dominant wavelength (λdom, i.e., water colour). This study aims to contribute to the analysis of PLs at a basin scale as an opportunity for environmental rehabilitation and river floodplain management. ACOLITE v.2022, a neural network particularly suitable for the analysis of turbid waters and small inland water bodies, was used to atmospherically correct satellite images and to obtain SPM concentration maps and the λdom. The results show a very strong correlation between SPM concentrations obtained in situ and those obtained from satellite images, both for data derived from Landsat (R2 = 0.85) and Sentinel-2 images (R2 = 0.82). A strong correlation also emerged from the comparison of spectral signatures obtained in situ via WISP-3 and those derived from ACOLITE, especially in the visible spectrum (443–705 nm, SA = 10.8°). In general, it appeared that PLs with the highest mean SPM concentrations and the highest mean λdom are located along the main Po River, and more generally near rivers. The results also show that active PLs exhibit a poor water quality status, especially those of small sizes (<5 ha) and directly connected to a river. Seasonal comparison shows the same trend for both SPM concentration and λdom: higher values in winter gradually decreasing until spring–summer, then increasing again. Finally, it emerged that the end of quarrying activity led to a reduction in SPM concentration from a minimum of 43% to a maximum of 72%. In this context, the combined use of Landsat and Sentinel-2 imagery allowed for the evaluation of the temporal evolution of the physical and optical properties of the PLs in a vast area such as the Po River basin (74,000 km2). In particular, the Sentinel-2 images consistently proved to be a reliable resource for capturing episodic and recurring quarrying events and portraying the ever-changing dynamics of these ecosystems.
Design and Implementation of an Embedded Data Acquisition System for Vehicle Vertical Dynamics Analysis
Authors: Venceslau de Souto Joyce Ingrid , Barbosa da Rocha Álvaro , Duarte Raimundo Nonato Calazans , de Moura Fernandes Eisenhawer
Published: November 2023

With the expansion of electronics in recent decades, it is notorious to observe that embedded systems are increasingly necessary to improve people’s quality of life and to facilitate the diagnosis of systems in general, ranging from pacemakers to control systems. The increased use of electronic components for technological support, such as telemetry systems, electronic injection, and automotive diagnostic scanners, enhances the perspective of data analysis through an embedded system aimed at vehicular systems. Thus, this work aims to design and implement an embedded data acquisition system for the analysis of vehicle vertical dynamics. The methodology for this study was structured into several stages: mathematical modeling of a motorcycle’s mass-spring-damper system, coding for the Arduino microcontroller, computational data analysis supported by MATLAB software version 9.6, electronic prototyping of the embedded system, implementation on the vehicle, and the analysis of motorcycle vertical dynamics parameters. In addition, a mathematical modeling of the mass-spring-damper system was performed using the state-space method. The system was implemented on the Arduino microcontroller platform, enabling real-time data transfer from a motorcycle. The experimental results have successfully validated the proposed data acquisition system.
Aero-Engine Remaining Useful Life Prediction Based on Bi-Discrepancy Network
Authors: Liu Nachuan , Zhang Xiaofeng , Guo Jiansheng , Chen Songyi
Published: November 2023

Most unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) methods align feature distributions across different domains through adversarial learning. However, many of them require introducing an auxiliary domain alignment model, which incurs additional computational costs. In addition, they generally focus on the global distribution alignment and ignore the fine-grained domain discrepancy, so target samples with significant domain shifts cannot be detected or processed for specific tasks. To solve these problems, a bi-discrepancy network is proposed for the cross-domain prediction task. Firstly, target samples with significant domain shifts are detected by maximizing the discrepancy between the outputs of the dual regressor. Secondly, the adversarial training mechanism is adopted between the feature generator and the dual regressor for global domain adaptation. Finally, the local maximum mean discrepancy is used to locally align the fine-grained features of different degradation stages. In 12 cross@-domain prediction tasks generated on the C-MAPSS dataset, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) was reduced by 77.24%, 61.72%, 38.97%, and 3.35% on average, compared with the four mainstream UDA methods, which proved the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Valorization of Olive Leaves through Polyphenol Recovery Using Innovative Pretreatments and Extraction Techniques: An Updated Review
Authors: Debs Espérance , Abi-Khattar Anna-Maria , Rajha Hiba N. , Abdel-Massih Roula M. , Assaf Jean-Claude , Koubaa Mohamed , Maroun Richard G. , Louka Nicolas
Published: November 2023

Olive leaves are naturally generated as a by-product during olive harvesting and olive oil production. Usually discarded with no specific use, they are a valuable source of bioactive compounds that should not be overlooked. Their valorization must therefore be achieved through the recovery of their polyphenols using an ecological strategy. Conventional extraction is commonly known as an energy- and solvent-consuming process, whereas emerging and innovative extraction technologies, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pulsed-electric-field-assisted extraction (PEF), high-voltage-electric-discharge-assisted extraction (HVED), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), infrared-assisted extraction (IAE), and “Intensification of Vaporization by Decompression to the Vacuum” (IVDV), are considered more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the valorization of olive leaves through both pretreatment and extraction techniques via an analysis of the recovered polyphenols and their potential applications.