bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-Treatment with Human Leukocyte Extract and Albendazole Stimulates Drug’s Efficacy and Th1 Biased Immune Response in Mesocestoides vogae (Cestoda) Infection via Modulation of Transcription Factors, Macrophage Polarization, and Cytokine Profiles
Authors: Hrčková Gabriela , Mačak Kubašková Terézia , Mudroňová Dagmar , Jurčacková Zuzana , Ciglanová Denisa
Published: February 2023

The model flatworm Mesocestoides vogae proliferating stage of infection elicits immunosuppression in the host. It was used to investigate the effects of human leukocyte extract (DLE) alone and in combination with anthelmintic albendazole (ABZ) on the reduction in peritoneal infection, peritoneal exudate cells (PECs), their adherent counterparts, and peritoneal exudates after the termination of therapy. Balb/c mice were infected with the larvae of M. vogae. PECs and adherent macrophages were studied via flow cytometry, mRNA transcript levels, and immunofluorescence. The cytokine levels were measured via ELISA and larvae were counted. ABZ significantly reduced larval counts (581.2 ± 65, p < 0.001), but the highest reduction was observed after combined treatment with ABZ and DLE (389.2 ± 119, p < 0.001) in comparison with the control. Compared to an infected group, the proportions of CD11b+CD19- myeloid cells with suppressive ability decreased after albendazole (ABZ) in combination with DLE, which was the most effective in the elevation of B cells and CD11b+F4/80mid/highMHCIIhigh macrophages/monocytes (22.2 ± 5.4%). Transcripts of the M2 macrophage markers (arginase 1, FIZZ-1, and Ym-1) were downregulated after DLE and combined therapy but not after ABZ, and the opposite trend was seen for iNOS. This contrasts with reduced ex vivo NO production by LPS-stimulated PECs from DLE and ABZ+DLE groups, where adherent macrophages/monocytes had elevated transcripts of the INF-γ receptor and STAT1 and reduced expression of STAT3, STAT6, and IL-10. Each therapy differentially modulated transcription profiles and concentrations of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12p40, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β cytokines. DLE strongly ameliorated ABZ-induced suppression of INF-γ and IL-12 and preserved downregulation for IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β. Epigenetic study on adherent macrophages from infected mice showed that ABZ, ABZ-sulfoxide, and DLE could interact with the mRNA of examined markers in a dose-dependent pattern. Co-administration of DLE with ABZ seemed to augment the drug’s larvicidal effect via modulation of immunity. In comparison with ABZ, combined therapy was the most effective in alleviating parasite-induced Th2/Treg/STAT3/STA6 directed immunosuppression by stimulating the Th1 cytokines, M1 macrophage polarization, and activation of the IFNγ/STAT1 signaling pathway.
Characterization of Corn Silk Extract Using HPLC/HRMS/MS Analyses and Bioinformatic Data Processing
Authors: Fougère Laëtitia , Zubrzycki Sandrine , Elfakir Claire , Destandau Emilie
Published: February 2023

In addition to having different biological activities of interest, corn silks play a role in the defense of plants. While benzoxamines and flavonoids have already been identified as molecules of plant defense and growth mechanisms, knowledge on the phytochemical composition of corn silk is lacking. Such knowledge would make it possible to better select the most effective varieties to improve resistance or bioactive properties. In this article, an approach was implemented to map a corn silk extract in two complementary ways. The first one involved working with UHPLC/HRMS data and Kendrick and van Krevelen plots to highlight a homologous series of compounds, such as lipids from 17 to 23 carbons, monoglycosylated flavonoids from 21 to 24 carbons, diglycosylated flavonoids of 26 to 28 carbons and organic acids of 14 to 19 carbons. The second way was to analyze the sample in UHPLC/HRMS2 and to plot mass spectral similarity networks with the GNPS platform and Cytoscape software to refine identification. By combining the information obtained, we were able to propose an identification for 104 detected molecules, including 7 nitrogenous, 28 lipidic and 67 phenolic compounds, leading to the first detailed phytochemical analysis of corn silk extract.
Mercury Content and Amelioration of Its Toxicity by Nitric Oxide in Lichens
Authors: Kováčik Jozef , Husáková Lenka , Piroutková Martina , Babula Petr
Published: February 2023

Mercury (Hg) content measured in five epiphytic lichen species collected in Slovakia mountain forests ranged from 30 to 100 ng/g DW and was species-specific, decreasing in the order Hypogymnia > Pseudevernia > Usnea > Xanthoria > Evernia prunastri (but polluted sites had no impact on Hg amount in Xanthoria). Evernia was therefore used to study the impact of short-term exogenous Hg (100 µM, 24 h) and possible amelioration of Hg toxicity by nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). NO was efficiently released from SNP as detected by two staining reagents and fluorescence microscopy and reduced Hg-induced ROS signal and absorption of Hg by thalli of Evernia prunastri. At the same time, NO ameliorated Hg-induced depletion of metabolites such as ascorbic acid and non-protein thiols, but not of free amino acids. The amount of metabolites, including soluble phenols, was reduced by excess Hg per se. On the contrary, NO was unable to restore Hg-stimulated depletion of chlorophyll autofluorescence but mitigated the decline of some macronutrients (K and Ca). Data confirm that accumulation of Hg in the epiphytic lichens is species-specific and that NO is a vital molecule in Evernia prunastri that provides protection against Hg-induced toxicity with considerable positive impact on metabolic changes.
Influence of Plant-Based Biostimulant (BORTAN) on Qualitative and Aromatic Traits of Rocket Salad (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.)
Authors: Malorni Livia , Cozzolino Rosaria , Magri Anna , Zampella Luigi , Petriccione Milena
Published: February 2023

In this study, the influence of a new plant-based biostimulant (Bortan) on physiological and aromatic traits of rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. var. Pamela) was monitored by evaluating physico-chemical parameters (fresh and dry weight, leaf color and chlorophyll content) and biochemical traits (total phenolic compound (TP), total flavonoids (TF), ascorbic acid (AA) and antioxidant activity (AOX). Volatile profiles were also analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, allowing the detection of 32 volatiles belonging to 5 chemical classes. Compared to the control, Bortan application enhanced leaf pigment content, including chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids (+10%, +16% and +28%, respectively) and increased TP (+34%), TF (+26%), AA (+19%) amonts and AOX value (+16%). Principal component analysis revealed a significant discrimination between the two samples. Specifically, treated samples were mainly associated with ”green-leaf” volatiles, namely hexanal and 2-hexenal, 3-hexenal and 1-penten-3-one, while control rocket was directly correlated with several alcohols and to all isothiocyanates, associated with the sulfur-like odor of rocket. These findings can add further support, both for farmers and the agro-food industry, in choosing PBs as a new and sustainable practice in complementing enhanced yields with premium-quality produce. To confirm these preliminary data, further experiments are needed by enlarging the sample size, testing different concentrations of Bortan and/or using other food crops.
Early Canopy Management Practices Differentially Modulate Fruit Set, Fruit Yield, and Berry Composition at Harvest Depending on the Grapevine Cultivar
Authors: Mataffo Alessandro , Scognamiglio Pasquale , Molinaro Carlo , Corrado Giandomenico , Basile Boris
Published: February 2023

The size and number of the berries and the rachis length are the main elements that define bunch compactness in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). This trait is of scientific and commercial interest because it strongly influences phytosanitary status and quality of the fruits. In this work, we investigated the effect of different canopy management strategies based on apical shoot and/or leaf removal applied at the early stage (pre-bloom) in altering the key determinants of bunch compactness. Specifically, we compared apical defoliation (removal of the first half of the shoot leaves from the top), basal defoliation (removal of the second half), and shoot trimming (removal of the apical half of the shoot) to untreated controls. The work was carried out in two red varieties (‘Aglianico’ and ‘Casavecchia’) that have contrasting bunch compactness (compact and loose, respectively). We measured relevant morphological traits, photosynthetic rates, fertility, fruit set, bunch architecture, and fruit main compositional parameters. This study demonstrates that the position of the removed shoot leaves along with the shoot trimming differentially modified fruit set, the number of berries per bunch, and berry fresh weight and composition at harvest. Nonetheless, the influence on bunch compactness was limited mainly because of photosynthetic and morphological factors strongly associated with the cultivar.
Influence of Precipitation on the Spatial Distribution of 210Pb, 7Be, 40K and 137Cs in Moss
Authors: Wilkins Kayla , Cathcart Hazel , Hickey Padraig , Hanley Olwyn , León Vintró Luis , Aherne Julian
Published: February 2023

Mosses have been widely used as biomonitors of a variety of atmospheric pollutants, including radionuclides. Here we determine the radionuclide activity concentration of 210Pb, 137Cs, 7Be, and 40K in moss tissue (Hylocomium splendens) collected from 24 sites across Ireland and assess the influence of precipitation on radionuclide spatial distribution. Lead-210 was the most abundant radionuclide (range: 226–968 Bq kg–1), followed by 7Be (range: <DL—604 Bq kg–1), 40K (range: <DL—155 Bq kg–1), and 137Cs (range: <DL—41 Bq kg–1). Albeit nearly thirty years since the Chernobyl disaster, 137Cs activity concentration was detected at 67% of the study sites; however, the spatial distribution was not fully consistent with the 1986 Chernobyl deposition pattern. Rather, 137Cs was weakly correlated with rainfall, with higher concentrations along the west coast, suggesting that the 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident was also a potential source. Average annual rainfall was a significant predictor of 210Pb activity (linear regression, R2 = 0.63, p < 0.001). As such, the highest radionuclide activity was observed for 210Pb (average: 541 Bq kg–1), owing to the high levels of precipitation across the study sites (average: 1585 mm). In contrast, 7Be or 40K were not correlated with precipitation; rather, 40K and 7Be were significantly correlated to each other (rs = 0.7), suggesting that both radionuclides were transferred from the substrate or through soil re-suspension. Precipitation is widely reported as an important factor in the spatial distribution of radionuclides; however, only 210Pb activity concentrations in moss were strongly influenced by precipitation in the current study.
Research on the Formation and Plugging Risk of Gas Hydrate in a Deepwater Drilling Wellbore: A Case Study
Authors: Chen Haodong , Luo Ming , Jiang Donglei , Wu Yanhui , Ma Chuanhua , Yu Xin , Wang Miao , Yang Yupeng , Liu Hexing , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2023

At present, the formation mechanism of gas hydrate (hereinafter referred to as hydrate) plugging in the wellbore during deepwater drilling is not clear, so there are problems such as the overuse of hydrate inhibitors and the low utilization efficiency of inhibitors. Therefore, in view of the risk of hydrate formation and plugging under different working conditions during deepwater drilling, research was carried out on the wellbore hydrate formation area and wellbore hydrate deposition and plugging. Taking an atmospheric well in the South China Sea as an example, the wellbore annulus temperature field under different working conditions was combined with the hydrate formation phase curve to analyze the hydrate formation plugging risk under different working conditions during deepwater drilling, and the hydrate formation risk region of the wellbore under different working conditions was obtained. The effects of the drilling fluid circulation rate, injection temperature and drilling fluid viscosity in the wellbore annulus on the risk zone and subcooling of the wellbore hydrate formation were predicted. A deepwater drilling wellbore hydrate deposition plugging model was developed, based on which the dynamic deposition of the hydrate in the wellbore was predicted quantitatively. The results of the study showed that: (1) Increasing the circulation rate of drilling fluid, drilling fluid inlet temperature and drilling fluid viscosity during deepwater drilling can effectively reduce the hydrate formation region and subcooling, thus reducing the hydrate formation. (2) The risk of plugging by hydrate formation basically does not occur during normal drilling. (3) Under the condition of using seawater bentonite slurry drilling fluid, the safe operating time for stopping drilling is 20 h, and the safe operating time for shutting in and killing the well is 30 h.
Cellulose Acetate Membranes: Fouling Types and Antifouling Strategies—A Brief Review
Authors: Abu-Zurayk Rund , Alnairat Nour , Khalaf Aya , Ibrahim Abed Alqader , Halaweh Ghada
Published: February 2023

Cellulose acetate (CA) is a semisynthetic, biodegradable polymer. Due to its characteristics, CA has several applications, including water membranes, filament-forming matrices, biomedical nanocomposites, household tools, and photographic films. This review deals with topics related to the CA membranes, which are prepared using different techniques, such as the phase inversion technique. CA membranes are considered very important since they can be used as microfiltration membranes (MF), ultrafiltration membranes (UF), nanofiltration membranes (NF), reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, and forward osmosis (FO) membranes. Membrane fouling results from the accumulation of materials that the membrane rejects on the surface or in the membrane’s pores, lowering the membrane’s flux and rejection rates. There are various forms of CA membrane fouling, for instance, organic, inorganic, particulate fouling, and biofouling. In this review, strategies used for CA membrane antifouling are discussed and summarized into four main techniques: feed solution pretreatment, cleaning of the membrane surface, membrane surface modification, which can be applied using either nanoparticles, polymer reactions, surface grafting, or surface topography, and surface coating.
Many-Worlds: Why Is It Not the Consensus?
Authors: Allori Valia
Published: February 2023

In this paper, I argue that the many-worlds theory, even if it is arguably the mathematically most straightforward realist reading of quantum formalism, even if it is arguably local and deterministic, is not universally regarded as the best realist quantum theory because it provides a type of explanation that is not universally accepted. Since people disagree about what desiderata a satisfactory physical theory should possess, they also disagree about which explanatory schema one should look for in a theory, and this leads different people to different options.
Four Jewish Visions of the Garden of Eden
Authors: Harvey Warren Zev
Published: February 2023

What was life like for Adam and Eve before they sinned? What was their sin? What was this mysterious Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil? The views on these questions of four major Jewish thinkers: Moses Maimonides (1138–1204), Moses Nahmanides (1194–1270), Moses Mendelssohn (1729–1786), and Solomon Maimon (1753–1800), are discussed and contrasted. For Maimonides, the Garden of Eden was the Garden of Pure Reason, and sin consisted in the abandonment of Reason. For Nahmanides, like Augustine, the Garden of Eden story is about the human beings’ attainment of free choice with all its grave problems. Criticizing Maimonides and Nahmanides, Mendelssohn followed Plato and Judah Halevi, arguing that the Garden of Eden story is about maintaining a harmony between intellect and desire. Maimon agreed with Maimonides that the Garden of Eden was the Garden of Pure Reason, but, following Kant, he argued contra Maimonides that the moral rules are rational and a priori. All four thinkers held that the Garden of Eden was a paradigmatic place of tolerance—either because rational people do not harm others, or because desireless people have no desire to harm others, or because well-balanced people have noble virtues. In an Excursus, Maimon’s “Merry Masquerade Ball” is interpreted.
Evaluation of CFOSAT Wave Height Data with In Situ Observations in the South China Sea
Authors: Li Bo , Li Junmin , Tang Shilin , Shi Ping , Chen Wuyang , Liu Junliang
Published: February 2023

The wave spectrometer operated by the China–France Oceanography Satellite (CFOSAT) can provide global ocean wave observation data. Although a lot of work on calibration and verification has been carried out in the open oceans dominated by swells, the quality of the data in the relatively enclosed sea area with complex terrain still lacks sufficient examination. The objective of this study is to assess the performance of the significant wave height data of the CFOSAT in the South China Sea (SCS), a unique sea area characterized by semi-enclosed basin and multi-reef terrain, and to recognize the environmental factors affecting the data quality. Compared against the long-term observations from five mooring or buoy sites, we find that the data is well performed in the relatively open and deep areas of the SCS, with an average correlation coefficient as high as 0.87, and a low average root-mean-square error of 0.47 m. However, the combined effects of complex topography, monsoons, and swell proportion variation will affect the performance of data. In the southern deep areas, the waves may be affected by a large number of dotted reefs, leading to wave deformations and energy dissipation in different seasons. In the northern nearshore areas, waves tend to be sheltered by the land or distorted by the shallow topography effects. These processes make it difficult for the swell to fully develop as in the open oceans. The low proportion of swell is a disadvantage for the CFOSAT to correctly observe the wave data and may lead to possible errors. Our results emphasize the importance of more verification when applying the CFOSAT data in certain local seas, and the necessity to adjust the algorithm of inverting wave spectra according to specific environmental factors.
Superior Clone Selection in a Eucalyptus Trial Using Forest Phenotyping Technology via UAV-Based DAP Point Clouds and Multispectral Images
Authors: Tao Shiyue , Xie Yaojian , Luo Jianzhong , Wang Jianzhong , Zhang Lei , Wang Guibin , Cao Lin
Published: February 2023

The quantitative, accurate and efficient acquisition of tree phenotypes is the basis for forest “gene-phenotype-environment” studies. It also offers significant support for clarifying the genetic control mechanisms of tree traits. The application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing technology to the collection of phenotypic traits at an individual tree level quantitatively analyses tree phenology and directionally evaluates tree growth, as well as accelerating the process of forest genetics and breeding. In this study, with the help of high-resolution, high-overlap, multispectral images obtained by an UAV, combined with digital elevation models (DEMs) extracted from point clouds acquired by a backpack LiDAR, a high-throughput tree structure and spectral phenotypic traits extraction and a genetic selection were conducted in a trial of Eucalyptus clones in the State-owned Dongmen Forest Farm in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Firstly, we validated the accuracy of extracting the phenotypic parameters of individual tree growth based on aerial stereo photogrammetry point clouds. Secondly, on this basis, the repeatability of the tree growth traits and vegetation indices (VIs), the genetic correlation coefficients between the traits were calculated. Finally, the eucalypt clones were ranked by integrating a selection index of traits, and the superior genotypes were selected and their genetic gain predicted. The results showed a high accuracy of the tree height (H) extracted from the digital aerial photogrammetry (DAP) point cloud based on UAV images (R2 = 0.91, and RMSE = 0.56 m), and the accuracy of estimating the diameter at breast height (DBH) was R2 = 0.71, and RMSE = 0.75 cm. All the extracted traits were significantly different within the tree species and among the clones. Except for the crown width (CW), the clonal repeatability (Rc) of the traits were all above 0.9, and the individual repeatability values (Ri) were all above 0.5. The genetic correlation coefficient between the tree growth traits and VIs fluctuated from 0.3 to 0.5, while the best clones were EA14-15, EA14-09, EC184, and EC183 when the selection proportion was 10%. The purpose of this study was to construct a technical framework for phenotypic traits extraction and genetic analysis of trees based on unmanned aerial stereo photography point clouds and high-resolution multispectral images, while also exploring the application potential of this approach in the selective breeding of eucalypt clones.
The Multiple Perspective Response of Vegetation to Drought on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhu Yuying , Zhang Huamin , Ding Mingjun , Li Lanhui , Zhang Yili
Published: February 2023

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is a global center of cold and dry, where the most extensive fragile alpine vegetation exists. Quantitative analysis of drought event characteristics and vegetation response to drought on the QTP is indispensable for understanding the increasing drought events in a warming climate which exacerbate adverse influence on extremely alpine ecosystems. Here, using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from 2000 to 2018, this study analyzed the characteristics of drought events, their temporal impacts, and the stability of vegetation response to drought on the QTP. Results showed that: the characteristics of drought events on the QTP have clear spatial heterogeneity. When compared to the east monsoon region, most of the western regions have higher frequency and lower intensity of drought events. Drought has significant temporal effects on vegetation in grassland areas of the QTP during the growing season, which reach their peak in July and August. The 0–1-month and 3-month time scales were the optimal lagged and accumulated time during the growing season, respectively. The stability of vegetation response to drought showed significant spatial heterogeneity and varied with eco-geographical regions and vegetation types. Generally, forest areas showed high resistance (74.09) and resilience (2.26), followed by crop and grassland areas.
Enhancing the Thermal Images of the Upper Scarp of the Poggio Baldi Landslide (Italy) by Physical Modeling and Image Analysis
Authors: Massi Andrea , Ortolani Michele , Vitulano Domenico , Bruni Vittoria , Mazzanti Paolo
Published: February 2023

We present new methods for physical interpretation and mathematical treatment of the imaging contrast observed in thermal images of the rocky upper scarp of the Poggio Baldi landslide (Italy), which is part of a natural laboratory. Exemplar thermal images have been acquired with a high-performance camera at a distance of around 500 m, in a geometry where reflection is expected to dominate over thermal emission. The digital pixel intensities have therefore been considered as wavelength-integrated infrared spectral reflectance, irrespective of the temperature scale loaded into the camera software. Sub-portions of the scarp producing a lower signal have been identified by a multiscale image segmentation algorithm and overlaid on the visible image to provide an interpretation for the different thermal imaging contrast mechanisms that may be exploited for landslide monitoring in the future.
A Tiny Flexible Differential Tension Sensor
Authors: Wieczorek Piotr Z. , Starecki Krzysztof , Gołofit Krzysztof , Radtke Maciej , Pilarz Marcin
Published: February 2023

Modern applications of Internet of Things (IoT) devices require cheap and effective methods of measurement of physical quantities. Cheap IoT devices with sensor functionalities can detect a lack or excess of substances in everyday life or industry processes. One possible use of tension sensors in IoT applications is the automated replenishment process of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) on shop shelves or home retail automation that allows for quick ordering of FMCG, where the IoT system is a part of smart packaging. For those reasons, a growing demand for cheap and tiny tension sensors has arisen. In this article, we propose a solution of a small flexible tension sensor fabricated in an amorphous InGaZnO (a-IGZO) thin-film process that can be integrated with other devices, e.g., near-field communications (NFC) or a barcode radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The sensor was designed to magnify the slight internal changes in material properties caused by mechanical stress. These changes affect the dynamic electrical properties of specially designed inverters for a pair of ring oscillators, in which the frequencies become stress-dependent. In the article, we discuss and explain the approach to the optimum design of a ring oscillator that manifests the highest sensitivity to mechanical stress.
Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh: Applications, Considerations and Current State-of-the-Art
Authors: Natgunanathan Iynkaran , Fernando Niroshinie , Loke Seng W. , Weerasuriya Charitha
Published: February 2023

With the proliferation of IoT applications, more and more smart, connected devices will be required to communicate with one another, operating in situations that involve diverse levels of range and cost requirements, user interactions, mobility, and energy constraints. Wireless technologies that can satisfy the aforementioned requirements will be vital to realise emerging market opportunities in the IoT sector. Bluetooth Mesh is a new wireless protocol that extends the core Bluetooth low energy (BLE) stack and promises to support reliable and scalable IoT systems where thousands of devices such as sensors, smartphones, wearables, robots, and everyday appliances operate together. In this article, we present a comprehensive discussion on current research directions and existing use cases for Bluetooth Mesh, with recommendations for best practices so that researchers and practitioners can better understand how they can use Bluetooth Mesh in IoT scenarios.
Self-Powered Synchronized Switching Interface Circuit for Piezoelectric Footstep Energy Harvesting
Authors: Ben Ammar Meriam , Sahnoun Salwa , Fakhfakh Ahmed , Viehweger Christian , Kanoun Olfa
Published: February 2023

Piezoelectric Vibration converters are nowadays gaining importance for supplying low-powered sensor nodes and wearable electronic devices. Energy management interfaces are thereby needed to ensure voltage compatibility between the harvester element and the electric load. To improve power extraction ability, resonant interfaces such as Parallel Synchronized Switch Harvesting on Inductor (P-SSHI) have been proposed. The main challenges for designing this type of energy management circuits are to realise self-powered solutions and increase the energy efficiency and adaptability of the interface for low-power operation modes corresponding to low frequencies and irregular vibration mechanical energy sources. In this work, a novel Self-Powered (SP P-SSHI) energy management circuit is proposed which is able to harvest energy from piezoelectric converters at low frequencies and irregular chock like footstep input excitations. It has a good power extraction ability and is adaptable for different storage capacitors and loads. As a proof of concept, a piezoelectric shoe insole with six integrated parallel piezoelectric sensors (PEts) was designed and implemented to validate the performance of the energy management interface circuit. Under a vibration excitation of 1 Hz corresponding to a (moderate walking speed), the maximum reached efficiency and power of the proposed interface is 83.02% and 3.6 mW respectively for the designed insole, a 10 kΩ resistive load and a 10 μF storage capacitor. The enhanced SP-PSSHI circuit was validated to charge a 10 μF capacitor to 6 V in 3.94 s and a 1 mF capacitor to 3.2 V in 27.64 s. The proposed energy management interface has a cold start-up ability and was also validated to charge a (65 mAh, 3.1 V) maganese dioxide coin cell Lithium battery (ML 2032), demonstrating the ability of the proposed wearable piezoelectric energy harvesting system to provide an autonomous power supply for wearable wireless sensors.
Atomic Force Microscopy Micro-Indentation Methods for Determining the Elastic Modulus of Murine Articular Cartilage
Authors: Arnold Katherine M. , Sicard Delphine , Tschumperlin Daniel J. , Westendorf Jennifer J.
Published: February 2023

The mechanical properties of biological tissues influence their function and can predict degenerative conditions before gross histological or physiological changes are detectable. This is especially true for structural tissues such as articular cartilage, which has a primarily mechanical function that declines after injury and in the early stages of osteoarthritis. While atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to test the elastic modulus of articular cartilage before, there is no agreement or consistency in methodologies reported. For murine articular cartilage, methods differ in two major ways: experimental parameter selection and sample preparation. Experimental parameters that affect AFM results include indentation force and cantilever stiffness; these are dependent on the tip, sample, and instrument used. The aim of this project was to optimize these experimental parameters to measure murine articular cartilage elastic modulus by AFM micro-indentation. We first investigated the effects of experimental parameters on a control material, polydimethylsiloxane gel (PDMS), which has an elastic modulus on the same order of magnitude as articular cartilage. Experimental parameters were narrowed on this control material, and then finalized on wildtype C57BL/6J murine articular cartilage samples that were prepared with a novel technique that allows for cryosectioning of epiphyseal segments of articular cartilage and long bones without decalcification. This technique facilitates precise localization of AFM measurements on the murine articular cartilage matrix and eliminates the need to separate cartilage from underlying bone tissues, which can be challenging in murine bones because of their small size. Together, the new sample preparation method and optimized experimental parameters provide a reliable standard operating procedure to measure microscale variations in the elastic modulus of murine articular cartilage.
Neoliberalism, Power, and Right to the City and the Urban Divide in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Farid Uddin Khandakar , Piracha Awais
Published: February 2023

Sydney, the capital of the Australian state of New South Wales, is geographically divided by socio-economic conditions and urban opportunities. However, the division in Sydney has not been investigated from an urban planning perspective. This research hypothesises that the urban planning system and its practice-produced consequences promote inequalities in Sydney. This study conceptualises Sydney’s urban inequality in the context of critical concepts of neoliberalism, the theory of power, and the right to the city. Based on semi-structured interviews, secondary documents, and data analysis, this research claims that residents of lower socio-economic areas lag behind compared to others. The paper emphasises the significance of a just city and strong community engagement to reduce the disparate urban policy practices that influence urban divides in Sydney.
Two-Speed Integration? A Comparative Analysis of Barriers and Resilience Strategies of Young Migrants in Vulnerable Conditions in Romania
Authors: Cimpoeru Smaranda , Roman Monica , Roșca Vlad I. , Prada Elena-Maria , Manafi Ioana , Mureșan Laura
Published: February 2023

This comparative study focuses on the barriers to social and economic inclusion, as well as the integration and coping strategies of Arab and Moldovan migrants in Romania. We explored the integration barriers they face, the main individual and societal aspects that lead to their resilience, and their self-perception of vulnerability, by carrying out 35 psychosocial interviews and four focus groups with young migrants (aged 18 to 29), belonging to the two different subgroups (of Arab and Moldovan origins, respectively). The comparative analysis revealed that migrants from Arab countries face harsher integration barriers compared to Moldovan migrants, they have a more severe self-perceived vulnerability, and their integration may be a longer and more complex process. Results showed that mastery of the language and the network of acquaintances play an indispensable role in inclusion. Moldovans integrate more easily than Arabs, thanks to their fluency in Romanian, the native language shared with the majority local population, the geographical and cultural proximity to the country of destination, and the larger personal network. We highlight the need for improving integration policies for young migrants, tailoring them to the specific problems and barriers that migrants are facing.
Experimental Warming of Typically Acidic and Nutrient-Poor Boreal Soils Does Not Affect Leaf-Litter Decomposition of Temperate Deciduous Tree Species
Authors: Bélanger Nicolas , Chaput-Richard Clémence
Published: February 2023

Ongoing rapid climatic changes are expected to modify the structure, composition, and functioning of forest ecosystems. Studying the influence of such changes on biogeochemical processes is thus crucial for a fuller understanding of forest response to climate change. In a temperate forest of Quebec, Canada, we emulated climate change by warming the acidic, nutrient-poor, and dry soils of two mixedwoods by 3 to 4 °C using heating cables. Leaf-litter mass loss of the local red maple, sugar maple, large-tooth aspen, and American beech were monitored to assess the ability of these tree species to condition boreal soils in the context of their northward migration under climate change. We hypothesized that decomposition rates of all leaf-litter types would be decreased equally by warming due to a drying effect of the soil and its surface, which is detrimental to microbial biomass and activity. Our results suggest differences in decomposition rates between tree species as follows: sugar maple > red maple ≥ American beech = large-tooth aspen. There was no indication of a slower turnover in these marginal soils compared to other studies conducted on typical hardwood soils. Moreover, no difference in litter mass loss was detected between treatments, likely due to a drying effect of the soil warming treatment. Results imply that climate change has a marginal influence on leaf-litter dynamics of temperate tree species on soils that are typical of the boreal forest. However, some variables that could play an important role on litter decomposition in the context of climate change were not measured (e.g., plant phenology, understory composition and density, microbes) and thus, uncertainties remain. The soil drying effect by warming also needs to be further documented and modeled. The study year was characterized by significant periods of water stress but was not considered an exceptional year in that regard. It would be relevant to test for leaf-litter dynamics during dry and wet summers and verify again our initial hypothesis of decreased leaf-litter decomposition rates due to soil warming/drying.
In Vivo Monitoring of Acute and Intermittent Fatigue in Sport Climbing Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Biosensors
Authors: Dindorf Carlo , Bartaguiz Eva , Dully Jonas , Sprenger Max , Becker Stephan , Fröhlich Michael , Ludwig Oliver
Published: February 2023

The objectification of acute fatigue (during isometric muscle contraction) and cumulative fatigue (due to multiple intermittent isometric muscle contractions) plays an important role in sport climbing. The data of 42 participants were used in the study. Climbing performance was operationalized using maximal climbing-specific holding time (CSHT) by performing dead hangs. The test started with an initial measurement of handgrip strength (HGS) followed by three intermittent measurements of CSHT and HGS. During the test, finger flexor muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) was measured using a near-infrared spectroscopy wearable biosensor. Significant reductions in CSHT and HGS could be found (p < 0.001), which indicates that the consecutive maximal isometric holding introduces cumulative fatigue. The reduction in CSHT did not correlate with a reduction in HGS over multiple consecutive maximal dead hangs (p > 0.35). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in initial SmO2 level, SmO2 level at termination, SmO2 recovery, and mean negative slope of the SmO2 saturation reduction between the different measurements (p > 0.24). Significant differences were found between pre-, termination-, and recovery- (10 s after termination) SmO2 levels (p < 0.001). Therefore, monitoring acute fatigue using athletes’ termination SmO2 saturation seems promising. By contrast, the measurement of HGS and muscle oxygen metabolism seems inappropriate for monitoring cumulative fatigue during intermittent isometric climbing-specific muscle contractions.
A Narrative Review of Screen Time and Wellbeing among Adolescents before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for the Future
Authors: Lua Verity Y. Q. , Chua Terence B. K. , Chia Michael Y. H.
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of many. In particular, during the height of the pandemic, many experienced lockdowns, which in turn increased screen time drastically. While the pandemic has been declared an endemic and most activities have been reinstated, there appears to still be elevated screen time among adolescents due to poor habits formed during the pandemic lockdowns. This paper explores the factors by which screen time affects well-being among adolescents and how the pandemic may have influenced some of these factors. For example, beyond having greater screen time, many adolescents have also reduced their physical activities and picked up poor sleeping habits. These findings highlight the importance of having integrated activity guidelines that go beyond limiting adolescents’ daily screen time. It is important to affirm that beyond ensuring that adolescents limit their daily screen time, they are also meeting physical activity and sleep guidelines so that they achieve a holistic sense of wellbeing.
Training in the Initial Range of Motion Promotes Greater Muscle Adaptations Than at Final in the Arm Curl
Authors: Pedrosa Gustavo F. , Simões Marina G. , Figueiredo Marina O. C. , Lacerda Lucas T. , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Lima Fernando V. , Chagas Mauro H. , Diniz Rodrigo C. R.
Published: February 2023

Objective: The effects of ROM manipulation on muscle strength and hypertrophy response remain understudied in long-term interventions. Thus, we compared the changes in strength and regional muscle hypertrophy after training in protocols with different ranges of motion (ROM) in the seated dumbbell preacher curl exercise using a within-participant experimental design. Design and methods: Nineteen young women had one arm randomly assigned to train in the initial ROM (INITIALROM: 0°–68°; 0° = extended elbow) while the contralateral arm trained in the final ROM (FINALROM: 68°–135°), three times per week over an eight-week study period. Pre- and post-training assessments included one repetition maximum (1RM) testing in the full ROM (0°–135°), and measurement of biceps brachii cross-sectional area (CSA) at 50% and 70% of humerus length. Paired t-tests were used to compare regional CSA changes between groups, the sum of CSA changes at 50% and 70% (CSAsummed), and the strength response between the training protocols. Results: The INITIALROM protocol displayed a greater CSA increase than FINALROM protocol at 70% of biceps length (p = 0.001). Alternatively, we observed similar increases between the protocols for CSA at 50% (p = 0.311) and for CSAsummed (p = 0.111). Moreover, the INITIALROM protocol displayed a greater 1RM increase than FINALROM (p < 0.001). Conclusions: We conclude that training in the initial angles of elbow flexion exercise promotes greater distal hypertrophy of the biceps brachii muscle in untrained young women. Moreover, the INITIALROM condition promotes a greater dynamic strength increase when tested at a full ROM compared to the FINALROM.
Towards Sustainable Virtual Reality: Gathering Design Guidelines for Intuitive Authoring Tools
Authors: Chamusca Iolanda L. , Ferreira Cristiano V. , Murari Thiago B. , Apolinario Antonio L. , Winkler Ingrid
Published: February 2023

Virtual reality experiences are frequently created using game engines, yet they are not simple for novices and unskilled professionals who do not have programming and 3D modeling skills. Concurrently, there is a knowledge gap in software project design for intuitive virtual reality authoring tools, which were supposed to be easier to use. This study compiles design guidelines derived from a systematic literature review to contribute to the development of more intuitive virtual reality authoring tools. We searched the Scopus and Web of Science knowledge databases for studies published between 2018 and 2021 and discovered fourteen articles. We compiled fourteen requirement and feature design guidelines, such as Visual Programming, Immersive Authoring, Reutilization, Sharing and Collaboration, Metaphors, and Movement Freedom, among others. The gathered guidelines have the potential to either guide the development of new authoring tools or to evaluate the intuitiveness of existing tools. Furthermore, they can also support the development of the metaverse since virtual content creation is one of its bases.
Brief Version of the Frankfurt Emotional Work Scale and Gender Difference in Emotional Labour
Authors: Llorca-Pellicer Marta , Gil-LaOrden Pedro , Prado-Gascó Vicente J. , Gil-Monte Pedro R.
Published: February 2023

This study was designed to assess the psychometric properties of a brief version of the Frankfurt Emotion Work Scale (FEWS) adapted to Spanish in a sample of teachers, taking into consideration gender differences. Method: The sample consisted of 9020 teachers of public education in the Valencian Community (Mage = 45.33 years, SD = 9.15; 72.5% female). Results: The psychometric properties are adequate. It consists of 12 items grouped into six factors that explain 79.54% of the variance. Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability coefficients (CRC) for the full scale are adequate: α = 0.79; CRC = 0.90. Confirmatory Factorial Analyses also confirm the structure of the scale (χ2 = 890.36, S-B χ2 = 747.38, df = 39, NFI = 0.945, NNFI = 0.911, CFI = 0.947, IFI = 0.947, MFI = 0.925, and RMSEA = 0.069). Convergent and discriminant validity were also probed. Finally, a gender effect over Emotional labour was found, there was a difference between gender in the scale and all of the dimensions of the questionnaire, with higher values on women. Conclusions: according to the results of this study, the use of this diagnostic tool for Spanish non-university teachers appears to be justified.
Human Capital and Carbon Emissions: The Way forward Reducing Environmental Degradation
Authors: Adikari AM Priyangani , Liu Haiyun , Dissanayake DMSLB , Ranagalage Manjula
Published: February 2023

Many environmental problems are human induced, one of which is the change in atmospheric composition, a hot research topic in recent decades. This study aims to investigate the impact of human capital (HC) on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Sri Lanka using time series annual data from 1978 to 2019. The time series data were examined for a unit root problem and an unknown structural break. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach was employed to identify the long-run relationship between HC and CO2. The results confirm the long-term relationship between carbon emissions and human capital. As a unique finding of this research, the estimated coefficient of human capital to carbon emission is negative and statically significant, suggesting that a 1 percent increase in HC decreases carbon emissions by 1.627789 percent. The significance of this finding is that it can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal “13”, which focuses on combating climate change and its effects. The study indicated that building in HC by investing more in education helps to reduce carbon emissions in the long term. It reflects that human capital accumulation is linked to reduced environmental degradation due to lower CO2 emissions.
Social Impact Scoping Using Statistical Methods: The Case of a Novel Design of Abandoned Farmland Policy
Authors: Irie Noriko , Kawahara Naoko
Published: February 2023

This study discusses the methodology for social impact scoping (SIS) by employing a case study of novel policy design for resolving the issue of abandoned farmland in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. When conducted by using state-of-the-art methods, SIS can contribute meaningful information for policymaking even in conditions of limited resources. In this study, a choice experiment (CE) was conducted to analyse the desirability of alternative policies for abandoned farmland among local people; additionally, the Bayesian efficient design was employed; this design generally reduces sample size to obtain the statistical significance of the survey results. The increase in abandoned farmland worldwide has been linked to regional, national, and global environmental concerns, such as biodiversity loss and the reduction of landscape diversity; it has also been proven to be a serious problem regarding local sustainability. This study showed that the SIS results can be used to determine measures to prevent farmland abandonment. Overall, the respondents stated that this survey was meaningful for examining measures for abandoned farmland, which suggests the usefulness of implementing SIS by using this type of survey. Thus, this study showed that SIS is a methodology that can pre-screen policies to enhance social well-being even in conditions of limited resources for evaluation and when certain assumptions can be made regarding the choice-based analysis.
Energy Consumption, Carbon Emission and Economic Growth at Aggregate and Disaggregate Level: A Panel Analysis of the Top Polluted Countries
Authors: Sharif Fatima , Hussain Ihsanullah , Qubtia Maria
Published: February 2023

Economic expansion leads to higher CODe2 emissions, which puts pressure on environmental degradation. More than 30% of carbon emissions are contributed by the top0polluting countries in the world through their energy consumption. Therefore, the current study examines the association between CO2 emissions, energy consumption, GDP and industrial production, along with other control variables at the aggregated and disaggregated levels for the top emitter countries for the 1990–2019 period. The short- and long-term results indicate that CO2 emissions are positively and significantly linked with energy consumption, except carbon emissions from the gas model, by employing the PARDL model using pooled mean group (PMG) analysis. Thus, gas consumption is less polluting to the environment than other sources of energy; therefore, countries need to reduce the consumption of coal and oil, which will lead to a decrease in CO2 emissions. This refers to the composition effect, which focuses on the use of clean energy instead of dirty energy in the production and consumption processes. The shift from oil or coal to gas in the production process will help to reduce the oil demand, which ultimately controls its consumption and prices, which may help to control the prices of various other goods and services.