bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Step-Index (Semi-Immersed) Model for Photonic Nanojet and Experimental Characterization via Near-Field Optical Microscopy with Microcylinder
Authors: Elbaz Tal , Chauhan Ankit , Halstuch Aviran , Shalev Gil , Karabchevsky Alina
Published: March 2023

Experimental limitations such as design complexity and low optical throughput have prevented photonic nanojet (PNJ) and photonic hook (PH) measurements from demonstrating and characterizing the implementation of narrow intense electromagnetic beams generated from dielectric microelements with circular symmetry. Near-fields optical microscopy can mitigate these limitations and still present a capability of detecting a highly localized electromagnetic beam for applications in step-index media. Here we model a localized PNJ and PH formation in step-index media. We show that despite negligible refractive index contrast between the water (nwater=1.33) and silica microcylinder (∼1.1), a formation of PNJ and PH is observed with equivalent performance compared to that of silica microcylinder embedded in air (nair=1). This model features a practical fiber source and silica microcylinder as an auxiliary structure. Simultaneously, we performed experimental characterization of a photonic nanojet generated from an optical fiber and studied the resulting near-fields. Our electromagnetic simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental ones, demonstrating a full width at half maximum (FHWM) with a relative error of 0.64%. This system will make fiber-based nanojet realization and characterization accessible and practical for optics and laser engineering applications, super-resolution imaging, and nanolithography.
Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoneedles with Hierarchical Structure for Controllable Catalytic Activity of 4-Nitrophenol Reduction
Authors: Jeon Hyokyung , Lee Ha-Jin
Published: March 2023

Catalyst systems with high catalytic activity and sustainability are highly desirable. Here, we report a design for catalytic composites with a hierarchical structure in which polydopamine (PD), multi-metallic nanocatalysts and iron oxide nanoneedles are successively deposited on a magnetic core. PD layers with various thicknesses are coated onto the magnetic core and serve as a template by which to take up multi-metallic nanocatalysts such as Au, Ag and Pt nanoparticles. The iron oxide nanoneedles act as spacers, preventing the nanocomposite from aggregating and increasing the surface area of the composite. The distinctive structures of the controllable template, the multi-metallic catalysts and needle-like layers enable the rapid migration of reactive ionic species and enhance catalytic ability via the synergistic effect of the multi-metallic nanocatalysts and iron oxide nanoneedles. Moreover, due to the strong magnetic property of the catalytic nanocomposites, they can be easily recovered with an external magnet and reused. Our hierarchical nanocomposites for recyclable nanocatalysts provide a new design concept for highly efficient catalysts.
Low-Threshold, Multiple High-Order Harmonics Fiber Laser Employing Cr2Si2Te6 Saturable Absorber
Authors: Xu Nannan , Shang Xinxin , Sun Shuo , Yang Fuhao , Fan Weiyu , Zhang Huanian , Li Dengwang
Published: March 2023

Abundant research findings have proved the value of two-dimensional (2D) materials in the study of nonlinear optics in fiber lasers. However, there remains two problems: how to reduce the start-up threshold, and how to improve the damage threshold, of fiber lasers based on 2D materials. A 15.1 mW low-threshold mode-locked fiber laser, based on a Cr2Si2Te6 saturable absorber (SA) prepared by the liquid-phase exfoliation method, is demonstrated successfully in this work. This provides a useful and economical method to produce SAs with low insertion loss and low saturation intensity. Besides, multiple high-order harmonics, from the fundamental frequency (12.6 MHz) to the 49th-order harmonic (617.6 MHz), mode-locked operations are recorded. The experimental results indicate the excellent potential of Cr2Si2Te6 as an optical modulator in exploring the soliton dynamics, harmonic mode locking, and other nonlinear effects in fiber lasers.
Lactoferrin, Osteopontin and Lactoferrin–Osteopontin Complex: A Critical Look on Their Role in Perinatal Period and Cardiometabolic Disorders
Authors: Levy Emile , Marcil Valérie , Tagharist Ép Baumel Sarah , Dahan Noam , Delvin Edgard , Spahis Schohraya
Published: March 2023

Milk-derived bioactive proteins have increasingly gained attention and consideration throughout the world due to their high-quality amino acids and multiple health-promoting attributes. Apparently, being at the forefront of functional foods, these bioactive proteins are also suggested as potential alternatives for the management of various complex diseases. In this review, we will focus on lactoferrin (LF) and osteopontin (OPN), two multifunctional dairy proteins, as well as to their naturally occurring bioactive LF–OPN complex. While describing their wide variety of physiological, biochemical, and nutritional functionalities, we will emphasize their specific roles in the perinatal period. Afterwards, we will evaluate their ability to control oxidative stress, inflammation, gut mucosal barrier, and intestinal microbiota in link with cardiometabolic disorders (CMD) (obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension) and associated complications (diabetes and atherosclerosis). This review will not only attempt to highlight the mechanisms of action, but it will critically discuss the potential therapeutic applications of the underlined bioactive proteins in CMD.
Weight-Control Behaviors and Dietary Intake in Chinese Adults: An Analysis of Three National Surveys (2002–2015)
Authors: Luo Miyang , Liu Yixu , Ye Ping , Cai Shuya , Yao Zhenzhen , Zhao Liyun , Luo Jiayou , Yu Dongmei
Published: March 2023

Weight control through dietary management is becoming increasingly common worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the dietary intake and diet quality between Chinese adults with and without weight-control behaviors. Data were collected from the China National Nutrition Survey 2002, 2012, and 2015. Dietary intake was assessed using a combination of 24 h dietary recall of three consecutive days and a weighing method. Diet quality was calculated based on China healthy diet index (CHDI). A total of 167,355 subjects were included, of which 11,906 (8.0%) adults reported attempting to control weight within the past 12 months. Participants with weight control had lower daily total energy intake, as well as lower percentages of energy from carbohydrates, low-quality carbohydrates, and plant protein, but higher percentages of energy from protein, fat, high-quality carbohydrates, animal protein, saturated fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids than those without weight control. Additionally, the CHDI score in the weight-control group was higher than those without (53.40 vs. 48.79, p < 0.001). Fewer than 40% of participants in both groups met the requirement for all specific food groups. Chinese adults who reported weight-control behaviors had an energy-restricted diet characterized by reduced carbohydrate intake and overall higher diet quality compared with those without dietary-control behaviors. However, both groups had significant room for improvement in meeting dietary recommendations.
Alternate-Day Fasting Combined with Exercise: Effect on Sleep in Adults with Obesity and NAFLD
Authors: Ezpeleta Mark , Gabel Kelsey , Cienfuegos Sofia , Kalam Faiza , Lin Shuhao , Pavlou Vasiliki , Varady Krista A.
Published: March 2023

Objective: This study investigated how alternate-day fasting (ADF) combined with aerobic exercise impacts body weight and sleep in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Adults with obesity and NAFLD (n = 80) were randomized into one of four groups for 3 months: combination of ADF (600 kcal “fast day,” alternated with an ad libitum intake “feast day”) and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (five sessions per week, 60 min/session); ADF alone; exercise alone; or a no-intervention control group. Results: By month 3, body weight and intrahepatic triglyceride content decreased (p < 0.001, group × time interaction) in the combination group versus the exercise group and control group, but not versus the ADF group. Sleep quality, measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), did not change in the combination group (baseline: 6.0 ± 0.7; month 3: 5.6 ± 0.7), ADF group (baseline: 8.9 ± 1.0; month 3: 7.5 ± 0.8), or exercise group (baseline: 6.4 ± 0.6; month 3: 6.7 ± 0.6), versus controls (baseline: 5.5 ± 0.7; month 3: 4.6 ± 0.5). Wake time, bedtime, sleep duration, and insomnia severity did not change (no group x time interaction) over the course of the study in any group. Risk for obstructive sleep apnea was present in 30% of combination subjects, 75% of ADF subjects, 40% of exercise subjects, and 75% of controls, and did not change in the intervention groups, versus controls, by month 3. No associations were observed between changes in body weight, intrahepatic triglyceride content, and any sleep outcome. Conclusions: The weight loss induced by ADF combined with exercise does not improve sleep quality, duration, insomnia severity, or risk of obstructive sleep apnea in individuals with NAFLD.
Paliperidone–Cation Exchange Resin Complexes of Different Particle Sizes for Controlled Release
Authors: Jee Jun-Pil , Kim Young Hoon , Lee Jun Hak , Min Kyoung Ah , Jang Dong-Jin , Jin Sung Giu , Cho Kwan Hyung
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to develop electrolyte complexes of paliperidone (PPD) with various particle sizes using cation-exchange resins (CERs) to enable controlled release (both immediate and sustained release). CERs of specific particle size ranges were obtained by sieving commercial products. PPD–CER complexes (PCCs) were prepared in an acidic solution of pH 1.2 and demonstrated a high binding efficiency (>99.0%). PCCs were prepared with CERs of various particle sizes (on average, 100, 150, and 400 μm) at the weight ratio of PPD to CER (1:2 and 1:4). Physicochemical characterization studies such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy between PCCs (1:4) and physical mixtures confirmed PCC formation. In the drug release test, PPD alone experienced a complete drug release from PCC of >85% within 60 min and 120 min in pH 1.2 and pH 6.8 buffer solutions, respectively. Alternatively, PCC (1:4) prepared with CER (150 μm) formed spherical particles and showed an almost negligible release of PPD in pH 1.2 buffer (<10%, 2 h) while controlling the release in pH 6.8 buffer (>75%, 24 h). The release rate of PPD from PCCs was reduced with the increase in CER particle size and CER ratio. The PCCs explored in this study could be a promising technology for controlling the release of PPD in a variety of methods.
Exploiting Nanomedicine for Cancer Polychemotherapy: Recent Advances and Clinical Applications
Authors: Boggio Elena , Gigliotti Casimiro Luca , Stoppa Ian , Pantham Deepika , Sacchetti Sara , Rolla Roberta , Grattarola Margherita , Monge Chiara , Pizzimenti Stefania , Dianzani Umberto , Dianzani Chiara , Battaglia Luigi
Published: March 2023

The most important limitations of chemotherapeutic agents are severe side effects and the development of multi-drug resistance. Recently, the clinical successes achieved with immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of several advanced-stage malignancies, but most patients do not respond and many of them develop immune-related adverse events. Loading synergistic combinations of different anti-tumor drugs in nanocarriers may enhance their efficacy and reduce life-threatening toxicities. Thereafter, nanomedicines may synergize with pharmacological, immunological, and physical combined treatments, and should be increasingly integrated in multimodal combination therapy regimens. The goal of this manuscript is to provide better understanding and key considerations for developing new combined nanomedicines and nanotheranostics. We will clarify the potential of combined nanomedicine strategies that are designed to target different steps of the cancer growth as well as its microenvironment and immunity interactions. Moreover, we will describe relevant experiments in animal models and discuss issues raised by translation in the human setting.
Prognostic and Predictive Value of LIV1 Expression in Early Breast Cancer and by Molecular Subtype
Authors: de Nonneville Alexandre , Finetti Pascal , Boudin Laurys , Denicolaï Emilie , Birnbaum Daniel , Mamessier Emilie , Bertucci François
Published: March 2023

Background: LIV1 is a transmembrane protein that may become a new therapeutic target through the development of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). Few studies are available regarding the assessment of LIV1 expression in clinical breast cancer (BC) samples. Methods: We analyzed LIV1 mRNA expression in 8982 primary BC. We searched for correlations between LIV1 expression and clinicopathological data, including disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), pathological complete response to chemotherapy (pCR), and potential vulnerability and actionability to anti-cancer drugs used or under development in BC. Analyses were performed in the whole population and each molecular subtype separately. Results: LIV1 expression was associated with good-prognosis features and with longer DFS and OS in multivariate analysis. However, patients with high LIV1 expression displayed a lower pCR rate than patients with low expression after anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy, including in multivariate analysis adjusted on grade and molecular subtypes. LIV1-high tumors were associated with higher probabilities of sensitivity to hormone therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitors and lower probabilities of sensitivity to immune-checkpoint inhibitors and PARP inhibitors. These observations were different according to the molecular subtypes when analyzed separately. Conclusions: These results may provide novel insights into the clinical development and use of LIV1-targeted ADCs by identifying prognostic and predictive value of LIV1 expression in each molecular subtype and associated vulnerability to other systemic therapies.
Antibacterial Activity and Cytocompatibility of Electrospun PLGA Scaffolds Surface-Modified by Pulsed DC Magnetron Co-Sputtering of Copper and Titanium
Authors: Badaraev Arsalan D. , Lerner Marat I. , Bakina Olga V. , Sidelev Dmitrii V. , Tran Tuan-Hoang , Krinitcyn Maksim G. , Malashicheva Anna B. , Cherempey Elena G. , Slepchenko Galina B. , Kozelskaya Anna I. , Rutkowski Sven , Tverdokhlebov Sergei I.
Published: March 2023

Biocompatible poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds fabricated via electrospinning are having promising properties as implants for the regeneration of fast-growing tissues, which are able to degrade in the body. The hereby-presented research work investigates the surface modification of these scaffolds in order to improve antibacterial properties of this type of scaffolds, as it can increase their application possibilities in medicine. Therefore, the scaffolds were surface-modified by means of pulsed direct current magnetron co-sputtering of copper and titanium targets in an inert atmosphere of argon. In order to obtain different amounts of copper and titanium in the resulting coatings, three different surface-modified scaffold samples were produced by changing the magnetron sputtering process parameters. The success of the antibacterial properties’ improvement was tested with the methicillin-resistant bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the resulting cell toxicity of the surface modification by copper and titanium was examined using mouse embryonic and human gingival fibroblasts. As a result, the scaffold samples surface-modified with the highest copper to titanium ratio show the best antibacterial properties and no toxicity against mouse fibroblasts, but have a toxic effect to human gingival fibroblasts. The scaffold samples with the lowest copper to titanium ratio display no antibacterial effect and toxicity. The optimal poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffold sample is surface-modified with a medium ratio of copper and titanium that has antibacterial properties and is non-toxic to both cell cultures.
Facile Fabrication of Mixed–Cation FA1−XCsXPbI3 Perovskites Thin Films for Photodetector Applications
Authors: Wang Fenyun , Murugan Pachaiyappan , Dong Shunhong , Zheng Xiaolu , Man Jiaxiu , Liu Zhiyong , Zhang Weibin , Zhu Ting , Wang Hong-En
Published: March 2023

Formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) perovskite has received great attention because of its distinct optoelectronic property, smaller band gap (~1.5 eV), and higher thermal stability than methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3). However, the efficient synthesis of such perovskite materials on a large scale at a low cost remains a challenge. In this work, mixed-cation FA1−xCsxPbI3 thin films were directly prepared in an atmospheric environment with a high film formation rate, low material loss, low cost, and low requirements for experimental instruments and environment. The as-obtained FAPbI3 films exhibited excellent optoelectronic properties, showing promising applications in the photodetection field.
Effects of Different Coatings, Primers, and Additives on Corrosion of Steel Rebars
Authors: Afshar Alireza , Jahandari Soheil , Rasekh Haleh , Rahmani Aida , Saberian Mohammad
Published: March 2023

In this research, methods of increasing the corrosion resistance of reinforced concrete were experimentally investigated. The study used silica fume and fly ash at optimized percentages of 10 and 25% by cement weight, polypropylene fibers at a ratio of 2.5% by volume of concrete, and a commercial corrosion inhibitor, 2-dimethylaminoethanol (Ferrogard 901), at 3% by cement weight. The corrosion resistance of three types of reinforcements, mild steel (STt37), AISI 304 stainless steel, and AISI 316 stainless steel, was investigated. The effects of various coatings, including hot-dip galvanizing, alkyd-based primer, zinc-rich epoxy primer, alkyd top coating, polyamide epoxy top coating, polyamide epoxy primer, polyurethane coatings, a double layer of alkyd primer and alkyd top coating, and a double layer of epoxy primer and alkyd top coating, were evaluated on the reinforcement surface. The corrosion rate of the reinforced concrete was determined through results of accelerated corrosion and pullout tests of steel-concrete bond joints and stereographic microscope images. The samples containing pozzolanic materials, the corrosion inhibitor, and a combination of the two showed significant improvement in corrosion resistance by 7.0, 11.4, and 11.9 times, respectively, compared to the control samples. The corrosion rate of mild steel, AISI 304, and AISI 316 decreased by 1.4, 2.4, and 2.9 times, respectively, compared to the control sample; however, the presence of polypropylene fibers reduced the corrosion resistance by 2.4 times compared to the control.
A High-Linearity Glucose Sensor Based on Silver-Doped Con A Hydrogel and Laser Direct Writing
Authors: Hu Yulin , Yang Dasheng , Zhang Hongbo , Gao Yang , Zhang Wenjun , Yin Ruixue
Published: March 2023

A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system is an ideal monitoring system for the blood glucose control of diabetic patients. The development of flexible glucose sensors with good glucose-responsive ability and high linearity within a large detection range is still challenging in the field of continuous glucose detection. A silver-doped Concanavalin A (Con A)-based hydrogel sensor is proposed to address the above issues. The proposed flexible enzyme-free glucose sensor was prepared by combining Con-A-based glucose-responsive hydrogels with green-synthetic silver particles on laser direct-writing graphene electrodes. The experimental results showed that in a glucose concentration range of 0–30 mM, the proposed sensor is capable of measuring the glucose level in a repeatable and reversible manner, showing a sensitivity of 150.12 Ω/mM with high linearity of R2 = 0.97. Due to its high performance and simple manufacturing process, the proposed glucose sensor is excellent among existing enzyme-free glucose sensors. It has good potential in the development of CGM devices.
Study on the Mechanism of Molecular Weight Reduction of Polyethylene Based on Fe-Montmorillonite and Its Potential Application
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Chen Huimin , Zhang Yunpeng , Wang Qingzhao
Published: March 2023

The reactions occurring in the oxidative degradation phase during the photo-oxidative degradation of polyethylene (PE) are the factors leading to molecular weight reduction. However, the mechanism of molecular weight reduction before oxidative degradation has not been clarified. The present study aims to investigate the photodegradation of PE/Fe-montmorillonite (Fe-MMT) films, especially molecular weight change. The results show the rate of photo-oxidative degradation of each PE/Fe-MMT film is much faster than that of the pure linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) film. A decrease in the molecular weight of polyethylene was also found in the photodegradation phase. Based on this, it was found that the transfer and coupling of primary alkyl radicals originating from photoinitiation lead to a decrease in the molecular weight of polyethylene, and the kinetic results validate this new mechanism well. This new mechanism is an improvement on the existing mechanism of molecular weight reduction during the photo-oxidative degradation of PE. In addition, Fe-MMT can greatly accelerate the reduction of PE molecular weight into small oxygen-containing molecules as well as induce cracks on the surface of polyethylene films, all of which can accelerate the biodegradation process of polyethylene microplastics. The excellent photodegradation properties of PE/Fe-MMT films will be useful in the design of more environmentally friendly degradable polymers.
One-Step Low Temperature Synthesis of CeO2 Nanoparticles Stabilized by Carboxymethylcellulose
Authors: Spiridonov Vasily V. , Sybachin Andrey V. , Pigareva Vladislava A. , Afanasov Mikhail I. , Musoev Sharifjon A. , Knotko Alexander V. , Zezin Sergey B.
Published: March 2023

An elegant method of one-pot reaction at room temperature for the synthesis of nanocomposites consisting of cerium containing nanoparticles stabilized by carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) macromolecules was introduced. The characterization of the nanocomposites was carried out with a combination of microscopy, XRD, and IR spectroscopy analysis. The type of crystal structure of inorganic nanoparticles corresponding to CeO2 was determined and the mechanism of nanoparticle formation was suggested. It was demonstrated that the size and shape of the nanoparticles in the resulting nanocomposites does not depend on the ratio of the initial reagents. Spherical particles with a mean diameter 2–3 nm of were obtained in different reaction mixtures with a mass fraction of cerium from 6.4 to 14.1%. The scheme of the dual stabilization of CeO2 nanoparticles with carboxylate and hydroxyl groups of CMC was proposed. These findings demonstrate that the suggested easily reproducible technique is promising for the large-scale development of nanoceria-containing materials.
Simulating Stress–Strain Behavior by Using Individual Chains: Uniaxial Deformation of Amorphous Cis- and Trans-1,4-Polybutadiene
Authors: Kar Suvrajyoti , Cuddigan Julie L. , Greenfield Michael L.
Published: March 2023

This work develops a probability-based numerical method for quantifying mechanical properties of non-Gaussian chains subject to uniaxial deformation, with the intention of being able to incorporate polymer–polymer and polymer–filler interactions. The numerical method arises from a probabilistic approach for evaluating the elastic free energy change of chain end-to-end vectors under deformation. The elastic free energy change, force, and stress computed by applying the numerical method to uniaxial deformation of an ensemble of Gaussian chains were in excellent agreement with analytical solutions that were obtained with a Gaussian chain model. Next, the method was applied to configurations of cis- and trans-1,4-polybutadiene chains of various molecular weights that were generated under unperturbed conditions over a range of temperatures with a Rotational Isomeric State (RIS) approach in previous work (Polymer 2015, 62, 129–138). Forces and stresses increased with deformation, and further dependences on chain molecular weight and temperature were confirmed. Compression forces normal to the imposed deformation were much larger than tension forces on chains. Smaller molecular weight chains represent the equivalent of a much more tightly cross-linked network, resulting in greater moduli than larger chains. Young’s moduli computed from the coarse-grained numerical model were in good agreement with experimental results.
Multiple-Instance Regression for Metal Powder Hall Flow Rate Prediction Using Augmented Particle Size and Shape Data
Authors: Schuliger Ashley , Price Stephen , Sousa Bryer C. , Cote Danielle L. , Neamtu Rodica
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the relationship between metallic powders and their flowability behavior (captured in terms of Hall flow rates using Hall flowmeters). Due to the many trait dependencies of powder flowability, which have made the formulation of a physical and mechanistic generalizable model difficult to resolve, this study seeks to develop an alternative data-driven framework based on powder size and shape characteristics for Hall-flow-rate predictions. A multiple-instance regression framework was both developed for processing multiple-instance powder data and compared with standard machine learning models. Data augmentation was found to improve the overall performance of the framework, although the limited dataset was a constraint. Still, the study contributes to ongoing efforts to identify traditional, associative, and generalizable patterns between powder properties and resultant flowability behaviors. The findings show promise for real-world applications with a larger dataset, such that this initial application of multiple instance regression frameworks for metal powder Hall-flow-rate predictions as a function of powder particle size and shape data can be scrutinized in full.
High-Resolution Multiproxy Record of Environmental Changes and Anthropogenic Activities at Unguja Ukuu, Zanzibar, Tanzania during the Last 5000 Years
Authors: Englong Apichaya , Punwong Paramita , Marchant Rob , Seelanan Tosak , Wynne-Jones Stephanie , Chirawatkul Prae
Published: March 2023

A high-resolution multiproxy sedimentary record comprising pollen, charcoal, trace element, stratigraphy and particle size data is used to reveal environmental changes from the mangrove ecosystem at Unguja Ukuu, Zanzibar, Tanzania, over the last 5000 years. Historical human–environment interactions over the last millennia are explored by a comparison of the stratigraphic and archaeological data. The area was characterised by a mixture of mangrove forest and beaches, indicating a low level of tidal inundation to at least 3300 BCE. From 2750 BCE, mangrove forest expanded as the area experienced sea-level rise. Further sea-level rise is recorded between 600 and 1100 CE, indicated by the pollen record, particle size analysis and the presence of shell fragments. After 1100 CE, mangrove forest decreased with back mangrove species increasing, indicating a falling sea level. Cocos nucifera decreased after 1900 CE, which reflects a recent sea-level rise and possibly a phase of exploitation. Cereal pollen shows a high presence at around 1500 CE, which coincided with the arrival of the Portuguese on Zanzibar and the transition to Omani colonisation. The sedimentation rate in the core top indicates that mangroves in Unguja Ukuu cannot keep pace with the current rate of sea-level rise.
Where/How/For What Purpose Is Christ Being Proclaimed Today: Rethinking Proclamation in the World of Peripheries
Authors: Aihiokhai SimonMary Asese
Published: March 2023

The content of proclamation cannot go unqueried if the much-needed work of addressing the structures of marginalities that play out in Christianity is to be completed. This task is urgent in order to address the role of Christianity in contemporary societies. To think that the proclamation of Christ is itself neutral, is to refuse to address how the structures that Christianity creates decide the fate of many in the world. A close study of the peripheries that Christian ecclesial structures create reveals the emergence of a form of a decolonial response to the agenda inherent in the embrace of a hegemonic approach to proclamation that plays out at the center of Christianity, and Christianity’s ecclesial institutions. These peripheries are a reminder that the center itself is in need of reform to allow for all who experience erasures to become visible.
Detecting the Auroral Oval through CSES-01 Electric Field Measurements in the Ionosphere
Authors: Papini Emanuele , Piersanti Mirko , D’Angelo Giulia , Cicone Antonio , Bertello Igor , Parmentier Alexandra , Diego Piero , Ubertini Pietro , Consolini Giuseppe , Zhima Zeren
Published: March 2023

We present the results of a systematic study of the ionospheric electric field in the Auroral Oval (AO) region in the southern hemisphere. We exploit one year of electric field measurements taken by the Electric Field Detector (EFD) on board the Chinese Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite-01 (CSES-01), flying at around 500 km altitude in a sun-synchronous orbit. We exploit the high temporal resolution of the EFD to devise a new technique for the detection of CSES-01 crossing of the AO using electric field measurements only. This new technique combines a Median-Weighted Local Variance Measure with Fast Iterative Filtering to automatically isolate high levels of electromagnetic activity caused by, e.g., particle precipitation and Field Aligned Currents (FACs) at auroral latitudes. We validate this new method against other standard proxies, such as the single-FAC product from the Swarm mission and the auroral radiance emission measured by the Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imager (SSUSI) units on board the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) constellation. Furthermore, we identify ∼3000 orbits (out of a dataset of ∼10,000) where CSES-01 crosses the AO boundary under conditions of high geomagnetic activity. This dataset represents the first step in the systematic study of the auroral electric field, with many potential applications to space weather, thanks to the large amount of continuous observations of the ionosphere by CSES-01 and the forthcoming CSES-02 mission.
End-to-End Powerline Detection Based on Images from UAVs
Authors: Hu Jingwei , He Jing , Guo Chengjun
Published: March 2023

Transmission line detection is the basic task of using UAVs for transmission line inspection and other related tasks. However, the detection results based on traditional methods are vulnerable to noise, and the results may not meet the requirements. The deep learning method based on segmentation may cause a lack of vector information and cannot be applied to subsequent high-level tasks, such as distance estimation, location, and so on. In this paper, the characteristics of transmission lines in UAV images are summarized and utilized, and a lightweight powerline detection network is proposed. In addition, due to the reason that powerlines often run through the whole image and are sparse compared to the background, the FPN structure with Hough transform and the neck structure with multi-scale output are introduced. The former can make better use of edge information in a deep neural network as well as reduce the training time. The latter can reduce the error caused by the imbalance between positive and negative samples, make it easier to detect the lines running through the whole image, and finally improve the network performance. This paper also constructs a powerline detection dataset. While the net this paper proposes can achieve real-time detection, the f-score of the detection dataset reaches 85.6%. This method improves the effect of the powerline extraction task and lays the groundwork for subsequent possible high-level tasks.
Extraction and Analysis of Radar Scatterer Attributes for PAZ SAR by Combining Time Series InSAR, PolSAR, and Land Use Measurements
Authors: Chang Ling , Kulshrestha Anurag , Zhang Bin , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2023

Extracting meaningful attributes of radar scatterers from SAR images, PAZ in our case, facilitates a better understanding of SAR data and physical interpretation of deformation processes. The attribute categories and attribute extraction method are not yet thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study recognizes three attribute categories: geometric, physical, and land-use attributes, and aims to design a new scheme to extract these attributes of every coherent radar scatterer. Specifically, we propose to obtain geometric information and its dynamics over time of the radar scatterers using time series InSAR (interferometric SAR) techniques, with SAR images in HH and VV separately. As all InSAR observations are relative in time and space, we convert the radar scatterers in HH and VV to a common reference system by applying a spatial reference alignment method. Regarding the physical attributes of the radar scatterers, we first employ a Random Forest classification method to categorize scatterers in terms of scattering mechanisms (including surface, low-, high-volume, and double bounce scattering), and then assign the scattering mechanism to every radar scatterer. We propose using a land-use product (i.e., TOP10NL data for our case) to create reliable labeled samples for training and validation. In addition, the radar scatterers can inherit land-use attributes from the TOP10NL data. We demonstrate this new scheme with 30 Spanish PAZ SAR images in HH and VV acquired between 2019 and 2021, covering an area in the province of Friesland, the Netherlands, and analyze the extracted attributes for data and deformation interpretation.
Estimating the Forest Carbon Storage of Chongming Eco-Island, China, Using Multisource Remotely Sensed Data
Authors: Zhang Chao , Song Tongtong , Shi Runhe , Hou Zhengyang , Wu Nan , Zhang Han , Zhuo Wei
Published: March 2023

Urban forests are highly heterogeneous; information about the combined effect of forest classification scale and algorithm selection on the estimation accuracy for urban forests remains unclear. In this study, we chose Chongming eco-island in the mega-city of Shanghai, a national experimental carbon neutral construction plot in China, as the study object. Remote sensing estimation models (simple regression models vs. machine learning models) of forest carbon density were constructed across different classification scales (all forests, different forest types, and dominant tree species) based on high-resolution aerial photographs and Sentinel-2A remote sensing images, and a large number of field surveys and optimal models were screened by ten-fold cross-validation. The results showed that (1) in early 2020, the total forest area and carbon storage of Chongming eco-island were 307.8 km2 and 573,123.6 t, respectively, among which the areal ratios and total carbon storage ratios of evergreen broad-leaved forest, deciduous broad-leaved forest, and warm coniferous forest were 51.4% and 53.3%, 33.5% and 32.8%, and 15.1% and 13.9%, respectively. (2) The average forest carbon density of Chongming eco-island was 18.6 t/ha, among which no differences were detected among the three forest types (i.e., 17.2–19.2 t/ha), opposite to what was observed among the dominant tree species (i.e., 14.6–23.7 t/ha). (3) Compared to simple regression models, machine learning models showed an improvement in accuracy performance across all three classification scales, with average rRMSE and rBias values decreasing by 29.4% and 53.1%, respectively; compared to the all-forests classification scale, the average rRMSE and rBias across the algorithms decreased by 25.0% and 45.2% at the forest-type classification scale and by 28.6% and 44.3% at the tree species classification scale, respectively. We concluded that refining the forest classification, combined with advanced prediction procedures, could improve the accuracy of carbon storage estimates for urban forests.
Effect of Partially Melting Droplets on Polarimetric and Bi-Spectral Retrieval of Water Cloud Particle Size
Authors: Sun Wenbo , Hu Yongxiang , Stamnes Snorre A. , Trepte Charles R. , Omar Ali H. , Baize Rosemary R.
Published: March 2023

Water droplet size, or effective radius, of water clouds can be retrieved using measurements of the total reflectance in near-infrared channels (bi-spectral method) or the linearly polarized radiance of the cloud rainbow (polarimetric method). The retrieved droplet sizes from the bi-spectral method can be significantly larger than those from the polarimetric method. Droplet size vertical heterogeneity is considered as a likely cause of this difference. In this radiative transfer theoretical study, we find that partially melting droplets in mixed-phase clouds can be another cause of this difference. The theoretical study suggests that, when the clouds are dominated by large particles, the existence of partially melting droplets could cause the polarimetric method to underestimate the particle size; but for moderate-sized particles, the polarimetric method should be able to retrieve accurate particle size no matter if the clouds consist of partially melting droplets or not. However, the droplet effective radius of partially melting droplets retrieved by the bi-spectral method can be overestimated if the infrared channel of the bi-spectral method is at 1.6 μm, but is relatively insensitive to the presence of partially melted spherical droplets when the infrared channel is at 2.1 μm. The retrieved droplet size difference between droplet sizes from 1.6 μm and 2.1 μm channels can be used for detecting partially melting droplets.
Large-Scale Populus euphratica Distribution Mapping Using Time-Series Sentinel-1/2 Data in Google Earth Engine
Authors: Peng Yan , He Guojin , Wang Guizhou , Zhang Zhaoming
Published: March 2023

Accurate and efficient large-scale mapping of P. euphratica distribution is of great importance for managing and protecting P. euphratica forests, policy making, and realizing sustainable development goals in the ecological environments of desert areas. In large regions, numerous types of vegetation exhibit spectral characteristics that closely resemble those of P. euphratica, such as Tamarix, artificial forests, and allée trees, posing challenges for the accurate identification of P. euphratica. To solve this issue, this paper presents a method for large-scale P. euphratica distribution mapping. The geographical distribution characteristics of P. euphratica were first utilized to rapidly locate the appropriate region of interest and to further reduce background complexity and interference from other similar objects. Spectral features, indices, phenological features, and backscattering features extracted from all the available Sentinel-2 MSI and Sentinel-1 SAR data from 2021 were regarded as the input for a random forest model used to classify P. euphratica in the GEE platform. The results were then compared with the results from the method using only spectral features and index features, the results from the method that only added phenological features, and the results from the method that added phenological features and backscattering features by visually and quantitatively referencing field-surveyed samples, UAV data, and high-spatial-resolution data from Google Earth Data and Map World. The comparison indicated that the proposed method, which adds both phenological and time-series backscattering features, could correctly distinguish P. euphratica from other types of vegetation that have spectral information similar to P. euphratica. The rates of omission errors (OEs), commission errors (CEs), and overall accuracy (OA) for the proposed method were 12.53%, 11.01%, and 89.32%, respectively, representing increases of approximately 9%, 17%, and 13% in comparison with the method using only spectral and index features. The proposed method significantly improved the accuracy of P. euphratica classification in terms of both omission and, especially, commission.
Assessment of a New Change of Direction Detection Algorithm Based on Inertial Data
Authors: Avilés Roberto , Souza Diego Brito , Pino-Ortega José , Castellano Julen
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to study the validity and reproducibility of an algorithm capable of combining information from Inertial and Magnetic Measurement Units (IMMUs) to detect changes of direction (COD). Five participants wore three devices at the same time to perform five CODs in three different conditions: angle (45°, 90°, 135° and 180°), direction (left and right), and running speed (13 and 18 km/h). For the testing, the combination of different % of smoothing applied to the signal (20%, 30% and 40%) and minimum intensity peak (PmI) for each event (0.8 G, 0.9 G, and 1.0 G) was applied. The values recorded with the sensors were contrasted with observation and coding from video. At 13 km/h, the combination of 30% smoothing and 0.9 G PmI was the one that showed the most accurate values (IMMU1: Cohen’s d (d) = −0.29;%Diff = −4%; IMMU2: d = 0.04 %Diff = 0%, IMMU3: d = −0.27, %Diff = 13%). At 18 km/h, the 40% and 0.9 G combination was the most accurate (IMMU1: d = −0.28; %Diff = −4%; IMMU2 = d = −0.16; %Diff = −1%; IMMU3 = d = −0.26; %Diff = −2%). The results suggest the need to apply specific filters to the algorithm based on speed, in order to accurately detect COD.
Transmit–Receive Sparse Synthesis of Linear Frequency Diverse Array in Range-Angle Space Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Xu Yanhong , Huang Xiao , Wang Anyi
Published: March 2023

Unlike conventional phased array (PA), frequency diversity array (FDA) can perform the beampattern synthesis not only in an angle dimension but also in a range dimension by introducing an additional frequency offset (FO) across the array aperture, thus greatly enhancing the beamforming flexibility of an array antenna. Nevertheless, an FDA with uniform inter-element spacing that consists of a huge number of elements is required when a high resolution is needed, which results in a high cost. To substantially reduce the cost while almost maintaining the antenna resolution, it is important to conduct a sparse synthesis of FDA. Under these circumstances, this paper investigated the transmit–receive beamforming of a sparse-fda in range and angle dimensions. In particular, the joint transmit–receive signal formula was first derived and analyzed to resolve the inherent time-varying characteristics of FDA based on a cost-effective signal processing diagram. In the sequel, the GA-based low sidelobe level (SLL) transmit–receive beamforming of the sparse-fda was proposed to generate a focused main lobe in a range-angle space, where the array element positions were incorporated into the optimization problem. Numerical results showed that 50% of the elements can be saved for the two linear FDAs with sinusoidally and logarithmically varying frequency offsets, respectively termed as sin-FO linear-FDA and log-FO linear-FDA, with only a less than 1 dB increment in SLL. The resultant SLLs are below −9.6 dB, and −12.9 dB for these two linear FDAs, respectively.
Comparative GC Analysis, Bronchodilator Effect and the Detailed Mechanism of Their Main Component—Cinnamaldehyde of Three Cinnamon Species
Authors: Rehman Najeeb , Albaqami Faisal , Salkini Mohammad , Farahat Noureldin , Alharbi Hatim , Almuqrin Saad , Abdel-Kader Maged , Sherif Asmaa
Published: March 2023

Cinnamon is one of the most commonly used spices worldwide. In some Arab countries, cinnamon is used with other ingredients to relieve bronchospasm and treatment of airways-related disorders. In the current study, GC, GC-MS and tracheal relaxant effect comparison were performed using the three available types in Saudi Arabia, Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon), C. cassia (Chinese cinnamon) and C. loureiroi (Vietnamese cinnamon). The essential oil of C. verum was the most potent in the relaxation of guinea pig isolated tracheal muscles against carbachol (CCh, 1 uM)-evoked bronchospasm at the concentration range from 0.03 to 3 mg/mL followed by C. bureiroi at 0.03 to 5 mg/mL; whereas, C. cassia was the least potent oil. Cinnamaldehyde (1), isolated as the main component of the three oils induced complete relaxation of low K+ (25 mM)-evoked contractions, with mild effect on the contractions evoked by high K+ (80 mM). Pre-incubation of the tracheal tissues with glibenclamide (10 μM) significantly opposed the relaxation of low K+ by cinnamaldehyde. The standard drug, cromakalim also inserted glibenclamide-sensitive inhibition of low K+ without relaxing high K+. These results indicate that cinnamaldehyde acts predominantly by ATP-specific K+ channel opening followed by weak Ca++ antagonistic effects. The obtained results justify the medicinal value of cinnamon oil in respiratory disorders.
Putting Fairness into the Gig Economy: Delivery Cooperatives as Alternatives to Corporate Platforms
Authors: Cañada Ernest , Izcara Carla , Zapata Campos María José
Published: March 2023

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, platform capitalism has expanded greatly in the delivery sector. The consolidation of an oligopoly controlled by a few corporate platforms has led to precarious working conditions for “gig economy” workers. Increasing protests and strikes have led to the reform of labour directives and to the emergence of alternative ways of organising work through platform cooperatives. This article examines how these emergent platform cooperatives are mobilised and their challenges and implications. Barcelona, the cradle of many platform economy and delivery sector start-ups, is a critical case for examining the recent birth of alternative delivery cooperatives. This article is informed by the cases of three cooperatives, organised by those working as riders, providing delivery services in the city of Barcelona: Mensakas, Les Mercedes, and 2GoDelivery. The paper shows how the embeddedness of these nascent platform cooperatives in favourable governance arrangements, a supportive social and solidarity movement, the knowledge and experience of workers, and the territory where the cooperatives are embedded are essential for their creation. This multi-layered embeddedness is necessary, but not sufficient, to explain how platform cooperatives thrive. The study concludes that the agency of platform workers, who triggered this transformation, was essential for the emergence of alternative ways of organising work in the platform economy.
Performance Evaluation of an Indirect-Mode Forced Convection Solar Dryer Equipped with a PV/T Air Collector for Drying Tomato Slices
Authors: Chouikhi Houssam , Amer Baher M. A.
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes an indirect-mode forced convection solar dryer equipped with a PV/T air collector. The PV/T air collector generates both heated air and electrical energy, which are used to force convection in the solar dryer. Experiments were carried out on selected tomato slices for which the temperature and humidity readings as well as the masses of the dried samples were instantaneously recorded for two days. A thermal analysis was performed on the solar drying system to investigate its performance. The PV/T dryer’s air temperature and velocity simulation using CFD modeling were validated by the experimental results for which the drying chamber was empty, without tomato slices. The experimental and numerical results were in good agreement. The difference between the CFD model and the experimental results for air temperature was around 1 °C (3%) and 2 °C (5%) for the solar collector and drying chamber, respectively. The average daily efficiencies of the collector, dryer, and PV panel for the solar drying system were estimated to be 30.9%, 15.2%, and 8.7%, respectively.