bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiofilm Efficacies of Flavonoid-Rich Sweet Orange Waste Extract against Dual-Species Biofilms
Authors: Saha Suvro , Do Thuy , Maycock Joanne , Wood Simon , Boesch Christine
Published: April 2023

The current study evaluated the antibacterial properties of industrial sweet orange waste extracts (ISOWEs), which are a rich source of flavonoids. The ISOWEs exhibited antibacterial activity towards the dental cariogenic pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei with 13.0 ± 2.0 and 20.0 ± 2.0 mg/mL for MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and 37.7 ± 1.5 and 43.3 ± 2.1 mg/mL for MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration), respectively. When evaluated in a 7-day dual-species oral biofilm model, ISOWEs dose-dependently reduced the viable bacteria count, and demonstrated strong synergistic effects when combined with the anti-septic chlorhexidine (at 0.1 and 0.2%). Similarly, confocal microscopy confirmed the anti-cariogenic properties of ISOWEs, alone and in combination with chlorhexidine. The citrus flavonoids contributed differently to these effects, with the flavones (nobiletin, tangeretin and sinensetin) demonstrating significantly lower MICs and MBCs compared to the flavanones hesperidin and narirutin. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the potential of citrus waste as a currently underutilised source of flavonoids for antimicrobial applications, such as in dental health.
Quantitative Detection of Microplastics in Water through Fluorescence Signal Analysis
Authors: Pizzoferrato Roberto , Li Yuliu , Nicolai Eleonora
Published: April 2023

Microplastics (MPs) have recently been acknowledged as a new major and ubiquitous environmental pollutant with still unclear, yet potentially high, risks for different ecosystems and human health. Nevertheless, quantitative identification protocols rely on long and subjective visual counting necessarily performed on microscopes by well-trained operators. In this study, an automatic, fast, portable, and inexpensive method for the quantitative detection of MPs in water is proposed. The system is based on the typical optical setup of a fluorescence confocal microscope specifically adapted to automatically count dye-stained MPs in flowing liquids using a low-power laser beam. The fluorescence pulses emitted by flowing MPs are revealed and processed by a specific software using a pattern recognition algorithm to discriminate and count real fluorescence pulses out of noise fluctuations. The system was calibrated with commercial orange fluorescent 10 µm and 1 µm polystyrene microspheres, and remarkable agreement with theoretical predictions was obtained regarding different parameters. Tests were also performed with laboratory-prepared MPs dispersed in different types of real water samples. In this case, the agreement with theory was slightly worse and differences found in the quantitative results require further investigation. However, the present study demonstrated the proof of concept of a method for quick automated MP counting in water.
High-Efficiency and Compact Polarization-Insensitive Multi-Segment Linear Silicon Nitride Edge Coupler
Authors: Zhang Yuhao , Liu Yi , Cao Xuhua , Wang Li , Mu Chunyuan , Li Ming , Zhu Ninghua , Chen Wei
Published: April 2023

Edge couplers are widely utilized in photonic integrated circuits and are vital for ensuring efficient chip-to-fiber coupling. In this paper, we present a high-efficiency and compact polarization-insensitive multi-segment linear silicon nitride edge coupler for coupling to high numerical aperture fibers. By optimizing the thickness of the up cladding and introducing air slots in the transverse direction, we have further modified the limiting effect of the mode field. This innovative edge coupler scheme boasts a compact structure and is compatible with existing mature standard processes, with a total length of only 38 μm. We numerically demonstrate that the proposed edge coupler exhibits a low coupling loss of 0.22 dB/0.31 dB for TE/TM modes at λ = 1550 nm. Furthermore, the proposed coupler displays high wavelength insensitivity within the range of 1400–1850 nm and maintains a coupling loss of less than 0.2 dB with a manufacturing deviation of ±20 nm.
New Method for Measuring the Scattering Phase Function of Micron/Nano Particles
Authors: Li Xingcan , Lin Li , Wang Hongyang , Shang Zeguo , Lv Jinyuan , Hao Yi
Published: April 2023

The scattering phase function is crucial to analyze the light transport in the micron/nano particle suspensions. A new method including a liquid–particle system and reference system is proposed to measure the scattering phase function of the liquid–particle suspensions. In this method, a reference system of a standard particle is used to obtain the correction factor to compensate for the influence of the cuvette. Experimental validation was conducted for monodisperse silicon dioxide microspheres and monodisperse polystyrene microspheres. By considering the influence of the cuvette, both theoretical and experimental analyses prove that the proposed method can achieve a good result in the measurement of the scattering phase function of liquid–particle suspensions for particles with unknown size parameters and optical constants, especially when the size parameter of the particle is larger than 10. The correction factors of scattering light distribution of silicon dioxide microsphere suspensions with various mean particle sizes were obtained and analyzed. This method provides an alternative and simple way of measuring the scattering phase function of micron/nano particle suspensions.
Single Photon Approach for Chirality Sensing
Authors: Sgobba Fabrizio , Elefante Arianna , Dello Russo Stefano , Siciliani de Cumis Mario , Santamaria Amato Luigi
Published: April 2023

We developed a high sensitivity optical sensor for circular birefringence using a heralded photon source. The sensor can be employed for chirality measurements and, being based on single photons, can be exploited for fragile biological sample or in metrological applications where the light intensity must be kept as low as possible. We found the best operational condition; then, we calibrated the sensor and tested its performance up to a very long acquisition time, obtaining excellent stability and a sub-ppm birefringence detection limit (for a 100 μm sample), thus paving the way for fundamental physics test as well.
Plant Extracts Control In Vitro Growth of Disease-Causing Fungi in Chayote
Authors: García-Ramírez Edgar , Contreras-Oliva Adriana , Salinas-Ruiz Josafhat , Hernández-Ramírez Gabriela , Spinoso-Castillo José Luis , Colmenares Cuevas Saira Itzel
Published: April 2023

The use of agrochemicals has caused environmental problems and toxicity to humans, so natural alternatives for disease control during harvest and postharvest have been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate cinnamon essential oil, neem oil, and black sapote fruit extract for in vitro inhibition of fungi isolated from chayote fruit. The extracts were applied at 300, 350, and 400 ppm in Petri dishes and the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Goetrichum sp., and Phytophthora capsici was evaluated for 7 days, and the percentage of mycelial growth inhibition per day was calculated. Cinnamon oil showed a fungicidal effect at all concentrations. Neem oil at 400 ppm showed a 42.3% reduction in the growth of F. solani and 27.8% reduction in the growth of F. oxysporum, while at 350 ppm it inhibited the mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsici by 53.3% and of Goetrichum sp. by 20.9%; finally, the black sapote extract at 400 ppm inhibited 21.9–28.6% of the growth of all fungi. The growth of postharvest fungi on chayote fruit could be prevented or reduced by applying the plant extracts evaluated at adequate concentrations.
Characterization of Polylepis tarapacana Life Forms in the Highest-Elevation Altiplano in South America: Influence of the Topography, Climate and Human Uses
Authors: López Victoria Lien , Bottan Lucia , Martínez Pastur Guillermo , Lencinas María Vanessa , Cuyckens Griet An Erica , Cellini Juan Manuel
Published: April 2023

In the upper vegetation limit of the Andes, trees change to shrub forms or other life forms, such as low scrubs. The diversity of life forms decreases with elevation; tree life forms generally decrease, and communities of shrubs and herbs increase in the Andean highlands. Most of treeline populations in the northwestern Argentina Altiplano are monospecific stands of Polylepis tarapacana, a cold-tolerant evergreen species that is able to withstand harsh climatic conditions under different life forms. There are no studies for P. tarapacana that analyze life forms across environmental and human impact gradients relating them with environmental factors. This study aims to determine the influence of topographic, climatic, geographic and proxies to human uses on the occurrence of life forms in P. tarapacana trees. We worked with 70 plots, and a new proposal of tree life form classification was presented for P. tarapacana (arborescent, dwarf trees, shrubs and brousse tigrée). We describe the forest biometry of each life form and evaluate the frequency of these life forms in relation to the environmental factors and human uses. The results show a consistency in the changes in the different life forms across the studied environmental gradients, where the main changes were related to elevation, slope and temperature.
Allelopathic Inhibition and Mechanism of Quercetin on Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Zhao Qianming , Jiang Ruitong , Shi Yuxin , Shen Anglu , He Peimin , Shao Liu
Published: April 2023

The utilization of allelochemicals to inhibit algal overgrowth is a promising approach for controlling harmful algal blooms (HABs). Quercetin has been found to have an allelopathic effect on algae. However, its responsive mechanism needs to be better understood. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of different quercetin concentrations on M. aeruginosa were evaluated, and the inhibition mechanisms were explored. The results demonstrated that quercetin significantly inhibited M. aeruginosa growth, and the inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent. The inhibition rate of 40 mg L−1 quercetin on algal density reached 90.79% after 96 h treatment. The concentration of chlorophyll-a (chl-a) in treatment groups with quercetin concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mg L−1 decreased by 59.74%, 74.77%, and 80.66% at 96 h, respectively. Furthermore, quercetin affects photosynthesis and damages the cell membrane, respiratory system, and enzyme system. All photosynthetic fluorescence parameters, including the maximum photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm), the actual photochemical quantum yield (YII), the maximum relative electron transfer rate (rETRmax), and light use efficiency (α), exhibited a downtrend after exposure. After treatment with 20 mg L−1 quercetin, the nucleic acid and protein content in the algal solution increased, and the respiration rate of algae decreased significantly. Additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities significantly increased as a response to oxidative stress. In comparison, the activities of ribulose 1,5-biphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) decreased significantly. These results revealed that quercetin could inhibit M. aeruginosa by affecting its photosynthesis, respiration, cell membrane, and enzymic system. These results are promising for controlling M. aeruginosa effectively.
Molecular Mechanisms of the Co-Evolution of Wheat and Rust Pathogens
Authors: Annan Emmanuel N. , Huang Li
Published: April 2023

Wheat (Triticum spp.) is a cereal crop domesticated >8000 years ago and the second-most-consumed food crop nowadays. Ever since mankind has written records, cereal rust diseases have been a painful awareness in antiquity documented in the Old Testament (about 750 B.C.). The pathogen causing the wheat stem rust disease is among the first identified plant pathogens in the 1700s, suggesting that wheat and rust pathogens have co-existed for thousands of years. With advanced molecular technologies, wheat and rust genomes have been sequenced, and interactions between the host and the rust pathogens have been extensively studied at molecular levels. In this review, we summarized the research at the molecular level and organized the findings based on the pathogenesis steps of germination, penetration, haustorial formation, and colonization of the rusts to present the molecular mechanisms of the co-evolution of wheat and rust pathogens.
A Scoping Review of Genus Viscum: Biological and Chemical Aspects of Alcoholic Extracts
Authors: Melo Michelle Nonato de Oliveira , Batista João Vitor da Costa , Peñaloza Evelyn Maribel Condori , Oliveira Adriana Passos , Garrett Rafael , Baumgartner Stephan , Holandino Carla
Published: April 2023

The genus Viscum comprises a large number of semi-parasitic shrubs popularly known as Mistletoe. The Viscum species grow in many countries of Europe, Africa and Asia with different popular uses in ornamentation, foods and medicine. Many studies about Viscum have been done over the last years focusing on biological activities and chemical composition of the aqueous extracts, mainly related to anthroposophical medicines. However, it is known that non-aqueous preparations, as alcoholic extracts, have demonstrated different biological activities that are species—and host tree—dependent. Considering the potential of these alcoholic extracts, a scoping review was conducted using data from three online databases: PubMed, Scopus and Embase. Inclusion criteria consisted of the in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, clinical and chemical studies of alcoholic extracts from Viscum species. The present review summarized 124 original publications about fourteen Viscum species. Viscum album, Viscum articulatum and Viscum coloratum were the main studied species. Alcoholic extracts demonstrated hypotensive, anticancer, antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory capabilities, among other biological activities. Flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenoids represented 48%, 24% and 11% of the total identified compounds, respectively. This review contributes to the knowledge of alcoholic preparations of the Viscum species and points out the lack of clinical studies concerning these different extracts.
Potential Plant-Based New Antiplasmodial Agent Used in Papua Island, Indonesia
Authors: Indradi Raden Bayu , Muhaimin Muhaimin , Barliana Melisa Intan , Khatib Alfi
Published: April 2023

Resistance to antimalarial medicine remains a threat to the global effort for malaria eradication. The World Health Organization recently reported that artemisinin partial resistance, which was defined as delayed parasite clearance, was detected in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Greater Mekong subregion, and in Africa, particularly in Rwanda and Uganda. Therefore, the discovery of a potential new drug is important to overcome emerging drug resistance. Natural products have played an important role in drug development over the centuries, including the development of antimalarial drugs, with most of it influenced by traditional use. Recent research on traditional medicine used as an antimalarial treatment on Papua Island, Indonesia, reported that 72 plant species have been used as traditional medicine, with Alstonia scholaris, Carica papaya, Andrographis paniculata, and Physalis minima as the most frequently used medicinal plants. This review aimed to highlight the current research status of these plants for potential novel antiplasmodial development. In conclusion, A. paniculata has the highest potential to be developed as an antiplasmodial, and its extract and known bioactive isolate andrographolide posed strong activity both in vitro and in vivo. A. scholaris and C. papaya also have the potential to be further investigated as both have good potential for their antiplasmodial activities in vivo. However, P. minima is a less studied medicinal plant; nevertheless, it opens the opportunity to explore the potential of this plant.
Negative Impacts of Arsenic on Plants and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Sinha Dwaipayan , Datta Soumi , Mishra Reema , Agarwal Preeti , Kumari Tripti , Adeyemi Sherif Babatunde , Kumar Maurya Arun , Ganguly Sharmistha , Atique Usman , Seal Sanchita , Kumari Gupta Laxmi , Chowdhury Shahana , Chen Jen-Tsung
Published: April 2023

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid prevalent mainly in soil and water. The presence of As above permissible levels becomes toxic and detrimental to living organisms, therefore, making it a significant global concern. Humans can absorb As through drinking polluted water and consuming As-contaminated food material grown in soil having As problems. Since human beings are mobile organisms, they can use clean uncontaminated water and food found through various channels or switch from an As-contaminated area to a clean area; but plants are sessile and obtain As along with essential minerals and water through roots that make them more susceptible to arsenic poisoning and consequent stress. Arsenic and phosphorus have many similarities in terms of their physical and chemical characteristics, and they commonly compete to cause physiological anomalies in biological systems that contribute to further stress. Initial indicators of arsenic’s propensity to induce toxicity in plants are a decrease in yield and a loss in plant biomass. This is accompanied by considerable physiological alterations; including instant oxidative surge; followed by essential biomolecule oxidation. These variables ultimately result in cell permeability and an electrolyte imbalance. In addition, arsenic disturbs the nucleic acids, the transcription process, and the essential enzymes engaged with the plant system’s primary metabolic pathways. To lessen As absorption by plants, a variety of mitigation strategies have been proposed which include agronomic practices, plant breeding, genetic manipulation, computer-aided modeling, biochemical techniques, and the altering of human approaches regarding consumption and pollution, and in these ways, increased awareness may be generated. These mitigation strategies will further help in ensuring good health, food security, and environmental sustainability. This article summarises the nature of the impact of arsenic on plants, the physio-biochemical mechanisms evolved to cope with As stress, and the mitigation measures that can be employed to eliminate the negative effects of As.
Humulus lupulus L. Strobilus Photosynthetic Capacity and Carbon Assimilation
Authors: Bauerle William L.
Published: April 2023

The economic value of Humulus lupulus L. (hop) is recognized, but the primary metabolism of the hop strobilus has not been quantified in response to elevated CO2. The photosynthetic contribution of hop strobili to reproductive effort may be important for growth and crop yield. This component could be useful in hop breeding for enhanced performance in response to environmental signals. The objective of this study was to assess strobilus gas exchange, specifically the response to CO2 and light. Hop strobili were measured under controlled environment conditions to assess the organ’s contribution to carbon assimilation and lupulin gland filling during the maturation phase. Leaf defoliation and bract photosynthetic inhibition were deployed to investigate the glandular trichome lupulin carbon source. Strobilus-level physiological response parameters were extrapolated to estimate strobilus-specific carbon budgets under current and future atmospheric CO2 conditions. Under ambient atmospheric CO2, the strobilus carbon balance was 92% autonomous. Estimated strobilus carbon uptake increased by 21% from 415 to 600 µmol mol−1 CO2, 14% from 600 to 900 µmol mol−1, and another 8%, 4%, and 3% from 900 to 1200, 1500, and 1800 µmol mol−1, respectively. We show that photosynthetically active bracts are a major source of carbon assimilation and that leaf defoliation had no effect on lupulin production or strobilus photosynthesis, whereas individual bract photosynthesis was linked to lupulin production. In conclusion, hop strobili can self-generate enough carbon assimilation under elevated CO2 conditions to function autonomously, and strobilus bracts are the primary carbon source for lupulin biosynthesis.
Transcriptomic Analysis on the Peel of UV-B-Exposed Peach Fruit Reveals an Upregulation of Phenolic- and UVR8-Related Pathways
Authors: Santin Marco , Simoni Samuel , Vangelisti Alberto , Giordani Tommaso , Cavallini Andrea , Mannucci Alessia , Ranieri Annamaria , Castagna Antonella
Published: April 2023

UV-B treatment deeply influences plant physiology and biochemistry, especially by activating the expression of responsive genes involved in UV-B acclimation through a UV-B-specific perception mechanism. Although the UV-B-related molecular responses have been widely studied in Arabidopsis, relatively few research reports deepen the knowledge on the influence of post-harvest UV-B treatment on fruit. In this work, a transcriptomic approach is adopted to investigate the transcriptional modifications occurring in the peel of UV-B-treated peach (Prunus persica L., cv Fairtime) fruit after harvest. Our analysis reveals a higher gene regulation after 1 h from the irradiation (88% of the differentially expressed genes—DEGs), compared to 3 h recovery. The overexpression of genes encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone syntase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), and flavonol synthase (FLS) revealed a strong activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway, resulting in the later increase in the concentration of specific flavonoid classes, e.g., anthocyanins, flavones, dihydroflavonols, and flavanones, 36 h after the treatment. Upregulation of UVR8-related genes (HY5, COP1, and RUP) suggests that UV-B-triggered activation of the UVR8 pathway occurs also in post-harvest peach fruit. In addition, a regulation of genes involved in the cell-wall dismantling process (PME) is observed. In conclusion, post-harvest UV-B exposure deeply affects the transcriptome of the peach peel, promoting the activation of genes implicated in the biosynthesis of phenolics, likely via UVR8. Thus, our results might pave the way to a possible use of post-harvest UV-B treatments to enhance the content of health-promoting compounds in peach fruits and extending the knowledge of the UVR8 gene network.
Metabolic Discrimination between Adventitious Roots and Standard Medicinal Part of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. Using FT-IR Spectroscopy
Authors: Choi So Yeon , Ku Seong Sub , Ahn Myung Suk , So Eun Jin , Kim HyeRan , Park Sang Un , Lee Moon-Soon , Kang Young Min , Min Sung Ran , Kim Suk Weon
Published: April 2023

This study aims to examine the metabolic discrimination between in vitro grown adventitious roots and the standard medicinal parts of Atractylodes macrocephala. To achieve this goal, firstly, in vitro culture conditions of adventitious roots such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations, types of media, inorganic salt strength of culture medium, and elicitor types and concentrations were optimized. The optimal culture conditions for proliferation of adventitious roots was found to consist of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 5 mg L−1 IBA. Whole cell extracts from adventitious roots and the standard medicinal parts of A. macrocephala were subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) from FT-IR spectral data showed that adventitious roots and standard medicinal parts were clearly distinguished in the PCA and PLS-DA score plot. Furthermore, the overall metabolite pattern from adventitious roots was changed depending on the dose-dependent manner of chemicals. These results suggest that FT-IR spectroscopy can be applied as an alternative tool for the screening of higher metabolic root lines and for discriminating metabolic similarity between in vitro grown adventitious roots and the standard medicinal parts. In addition, the adventitious roots proliferation system established in this study can be directly applied as an alternative means for the commercial production of A. macrocephala.
Structural Characterization and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of a Novel Polysaccharide from Duhaldea nervosa
Authors: Wang Ziming , Ma Xueqin , Shi Silin , He Shuo , Li Jian , Wilson Gidion , Cai Wei , Liu Lianghong
Published: April 2023

In the present study, a novel water-soluble polysaccharide (DNP−1) was isolated and purified from the root of Duhaldea nervosa via column chromatography. Structural analyses indicated that DNP−1 had a linear backbone consisting of (2→1)-linked β-D- fructofuranosyl residues, ending with a (2→1) bonded α-D-glucopyranose. DNP−1 was a homogeneous polysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 3.7 kDa. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity of DNP−1 was investigated in vitro. The concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including NO, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-2, and IL-6, in the DNP−1 treatment group was suppressed in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. DNP−1 was able to improve inflammatory injury by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These investigations into this polysaccharide from the root of Duhaldea nervosa provide a scientific basis for the further development of this plant. The results indicate that this Duhaldea nervosa polysaccharide could be used as a potential natural source for the treatment of inflammatory injury.
Antibacterial Composite Material Based on Polyhydroxybutyrate and Zn-Doped Brushite Cement
Authors: Fadeeva Inna V. , Deyneko Dina V. , Knotko Alexander V. , Olkhov Anatoly A. , Slukin Pavel V. , Davydova Galina A. , Trubitsyna Taisiia A. , Preobrazhenskiy Ilya I. , Gosteva Alevtina N. , Antoniac Iulian V. , Rau Julietta V.
Published: April 2023

A composite material based on electrospinning printed polyhydroxybutyrate fibers impregnated with brushite cement containing Zn substitution was developed for bone implant applications. Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy were applied for materials characterization. Soaking the composite in Ringer’s solution led to the transformation of brushite into apatite phase, accompanied by the morphology changes of the material. The bending strength of the composite material was measured to be 3.1 ± 0.5 MPa. NCTC mouse fibroblast cells were used to demonstrate by means of the MTT test that the developed material was not cytotoxic. The behavior of the human dental pulp stem cells on the surface of the composite material investigated by the direct contact method was similar to the control. It was found that the developed Zn containing composite material possessed antibacterial properties, as testified by microbiology investigations against bacteria strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, the developed composite material is promising for the treatment of damaged tissues with bacterial infection complications.
Hydrocarbon-Based Composite Membrane Using LCP-Nonwoven Fabrics for Durable Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Kang Seok Hyeon , Jeong Hwan Yeop , Yoon Sang Jun , So Soonyong , Choi Jaewon , Kim Tae-Ho , Yu Duk Man
Published: April 2023

A new hydrocarbon-based (HC) composite membrane was developed using liquid crystal polymer (LCP)-nonwoven fabrics for application in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). A copolymer of sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) with a sulfonation degree of 50 mol% (SPAES50) was utilized as an ionomer for the HC membranes and impregnated into the LCP-nonwoven fabrics without any surface treatment of the LCP. The physical interlocking structure between the SPAES50 and LCP-nonwoven fabrics was investigated, validating the outstanding mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the composite membrane in comparison to the pristine membrane. In addition, the through-plane proton conductivity of the composite membrane at 80 °C was only 15% lower than that of the pristine membrane because of the defect-free impregnation state, minimizing the decrease in the proton conductivity caused by the non-proton conductive LCP. During the electrochemical evaluation, the superior cell performance of the composite membrane was evident, with a current density of 5.41 A/cm2 at 1.9 V, compared to 4.65 A/cm2 for the pristine membrane, which can be attributed to the smaller membrane resistance of the composite membrane. From the results of the degradation rates, the prepared composite membrane also showed enhanced cell efficiency and durability during the PEMWE operations.
Effect of Various Airborne Particle Abrasion Conditions on Bonding between Polyether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) and Dental Resin Cement
Authors: Lee Pao-Chieh , Peng Tzu-Yu , Ma Tien-Li , Chiang Kuan-Yu , Mine Yuichi , Lee I-Ta , Yu Chang-Chiang , Chen Su-Feng , Yu Jian-Hong
Published: April 2023

The effects of alumina particle size and jet pressure on the bond strength of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) were examined to determine the airborne particle abrasion parameters with minimal effects on PEEK and to achieve optimal bond strength, as a reference for future clinical use. An alumina particle with four particle sizes and three jet pressures was used to air-abrade PEEK. Surface roughness (Ra), morphology, chemical structure, and wettability were analyzed using a stylus profilometer, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, and contact angle analyzer, respectively. The shear bond strength (SBS) of PEEK and dental resin cement was analyzed using a universal testing machine (n = 10). The failure modes and debonded fracture surfaces were observed using optical microscopy. Airborne particle abrasion increased the Ra and hydrophobicity of PEEK and deposited alumina residues. The SBS generally decreased after thermal cycling. A large particle size damaged the PEEK surface. The effects of different particle sizes and jet pressures on the SBS were only significant in certain groups. Adhesive failure was the main mode for all groups. Within the limitations of this study, 110 μm grain-sized alumina particles combined with a jet pressure of 2 bar prevented damage to PEEK, providing sufficient SBS and bonding durability between PEEK and dental resin cement.
Physical Properties of Moist, Fermented Corn Kernels
Authors: Blazer Keagan J. , Shinners Kevin J. , Kluge Zachary A. , Tekeste Mehari Z. , Digman Matthew F.
Published: April 2023

A novel approach to producing corn stover biomass feedstock has been investigated. In this approach, corn grain and stover are co-harvested at moisture contents much less than typical corn silage. The grain and stover are conserved together by anaerobic storage and fermentation and then separated before end use. When separated from the stover, the moist, fermented grain had physical characteristics that differ from typical low-moisture, unfermented grain. A comprehensive study was conducted to quantify the physical properties of this moist, fermented grain. Six corn kernel treatments, either fermented or unfermented, having different moisture contents, were used. Moist, fermented kernels (26 and 36% w.b. moisture content) increased in size during storage. The fermented kernels’ widths and thicknesses were 10% and 15% greater, respectively, and their volume was 28% greater than the dry kernels (15% w.b.). Dry basis particle density was 9% less for moist, fermented kernels. Additionally, the dry basis bulk density was 29% less, and the dry basis hopper-discharged mass flow rate was 36% less. Moist, fermented grain had significantly greater kernel-to-kernel coefficients of friction and angles of repose compared to relatively dry grain. The friction coefficient on four different surfaces was also significantly greater for fermented kernels. Fermented corn kernels had lower individual kernel rupture strengths than unfermented kernels. These physical differences must be considered when designing material handling and processing systems for moist, fermented corn grain.
Application of New High-Energy Expansion Agent in Coal Mine Roadway Excavation
Authors: Dai Wenjin , Mu Ping , Zhang Yansong , Wei Xiangrui , Shi Jing , Zhang Yunkuan
Published: April 2023

A new energy material, a high-energy expansion agent (HEEA), was proposed for the harsh engineering environment of a mine. A safety test and field engineering test were carried out. The results showed that the mechanical sensitivity of the HEEA was extremely low, and no combustion and explosion occurred in multiple impact and friction tests. Meanwhile, the HEEA only burns in open spaces without detonation. Through field experiments, the HEEA can achieve a good blasting effect, providing strong support for its promotion in low-disturbance environmental engineering applications.
dexter: An R Package to Manage and Analyze Test Data
Authors: Partchev Ivailo , Koops Jesse , Bechger Timo , Feskens Remco , Maris Gunter
Published: April 2023

In this study, we present a package for R that is intended as a professional tool for the management and analysis of data from educational tests and useful both in high-stakes assessment programs and survey research. Focused on psychometric models based on the sum score as the scoring rule and having sufficient statistics for their parameters, dexter fully exploits the many theoretical and practical advantages of this choice: lack of unnecessary assumptions, stable and fast estimation, and powerful and sensible diagnostic techniques. It includes an easy to use data management system tailored to the structure of test data and compatible with the current paradigm of tidy data. Companion packages currently include a graphical user interface and support for multi-stage testing.
Strengthening Reclamation Obligation through Mining Law Reform: Indonesian Experience
Authors: Listiyani Nurul , Said M. Yasir , Khalid Afif
Published: April 2023

Reclamation can produce more value for the environment and create a far better situation than post-mining conditions. While the reclamation obligation policy is a great way to introduce a restorative approach to the environment, the main problem is the disobedience of the mining companies in their reclamation obligation. Therefore, we focused on conceptualizing the strengthening of the reclamation obligation policy in the Mining Act based on the understanding of preventing environmental and social damage. This research is conducted in doctrinal legal studies to create a prescriptive result. Despite the 2020 Mining Act Revision, Indonesia is still facing the previous legal issue due to blind spots in the regulatory framework. Ranging from the continuous conflicts between the mining company and the local community to the problem of non-compliance with the reclamation policy, which has resulted in excavation holes that were left untreated and abandoned, which has created casualties over the years. We offer two major reforms in formulation to strengthen the reclamation obligation. First, is the need to reinforce the essence of “obligation” for IUP and IUPK holders to perform reclamation and post-mining with supervision, as in the Environmental Act. With this formulation, the placement of the reclamation fund by the company does not eliminate the company’s obligation to carry out reclamation and post-mining activities. Second, for the company to comply with placing reclamation and post-mining funds, it is crucial to implement a mandatory condition, whereby the placing of a reclamation guarantees fund is a requirement for approval of the mining plans and budgets (the RKAB), and Clean and Clear (CnC) Certification. Therefore, the reform will cause a shift and strengthen the values of obligation in post-mining reclamations.
The Behavior of Information: A Reconsideration of Social Norms
Authors: Loughmiller-Cardinal Jennifer A. , Cardinal James Scott
Published: April 2023

Do social norms really matter, or are they just behavioral idiosyncrasies that become associated with a group? Social norms are generally considered as a collection of formal or informal rules, but where do these rules come from and why do we follow them? The definition for social norm varies by field of study, and how norms are established and maintained remain substantially open questions across the behavioral sciences. In reviewing the literature on social norms across multiple disciplines, we found that the common thread appears to be information. Here, we show that norms are not merely rules or strategies, but part of a more rudimentary social process for capturing and retaining information within a social network. We have found that the emergence of norms can be better explained as an efficient system of communicating, filtering, and preserving experiential information. By reconsidering social norms and institutions in terms of information, we show that they are not merely conventions that facilitate the coordination of social behavior. They are, instead, the objective of that social coordination and, potentially, of the evolutionary adaptation of sociality itself.
SCS 5th Annual Conference. São Paulo, Brazil, 2022
Authors: Alcaraz Pedro E. , Marín-Cascales Elena , Blazevich Anthony J. , Pereira Lucas A. , Mercer Valter P. , Moura Túlio B. M. A. , Fernandes Victor , Freitas Tomás T. , Loturco Irineu
Published: April 2023

On behalf of the Strength and Conditioning Society (SCS) and the Nucleus of High Performance in Sport (NAR), we are pleased to present the abstracts of the SCS 5th Annual Conference, which, for the first time, took place outside of Europe. The event was held at NAR’s state-of-the-art facilities in São Paulo, Brazil, on 3–5 November 2022, and comprised several invited sessions from international and national speakers on a variety of topics related to strength and conditioning practices and their application to health, injury prevention and sports performance. These included strength training in high-performance sports and older adults, sleep and recovery in elite athletes, performance optimization of the female athlete, high-intensity interval training, velocity-based resistance training, and running and cycling biomechanics, among others. The Conference also included different practical workshops conducted by renowned academics and practitioners on post-competition recovery strategies, plyometric training, hamstring strain injuries in soccer, and resisted sprint training. Finally, the event disseminated up-to-date strength and conditioning research by providing practitioners and researchers with the opportunity to present their most recent findings. In this regard, all abstracts of the communications presented at the SCS 5th Annual Conference can be found in this Conference Report.
Research on the Influence Mechanism of Enterprise Industrial Internet Standardization on Digital Innovation
Authors: Wang Liying , Zhao Chunmiao , Wei Wenyan , Li Shengnan
Published: April 2023

In the era of the digital economy, with the digital and intelligent transformation of the industry, technical complexity, and higher demand for the inter-operability of Industrial Internet platforms, standardization work faces challenges of timeliness and high quality. So, enterprises must improve the quality and efficiency of their digital innovation capabilities in the dynamic process of Industrial Internet standardization. Given this condition, based on the digital innovation theory, standardization theory, and social network theory, this paper takes 387 A-share-listed enterprises in the field of Industrial Internet industry as the research object and uses the secondhand cross-sectional data to carry out the research on the influence mechanism of enterprise Industrial Internet standardization on the digital innovation capabilities of enterprises. The results show that: enterprise Industrial Internet standardization exerts a positive influence on the digital innovation capability of enterprises; a standard alliance network in the enterprise Industrial Internet standardization plays an intermediary role in the digital innovation capability of enterprises; and the scale of enterprises has a positive moderating effect on the intermediary role of a standard alliance network between the enterprise Industrial Internet standardization and the digital innovation capability of enterprises. From the perspective of the alliance network effect, the research explores the economic consequences of standardization construction and enriches the appraisal of the standardization capability of enterprises for the purpose of providing targeted empirical evidence and practical strategies for the standard-based digital innovation of Industrial Internet enterprises.
Limitations in Testing the Lense–Thirring Effect with LAGEOS and the Newly Launched Geodetic Satellite LARES 2
Authors: Iorio Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

The new geodetic satellite LARES 2, cousin of LAGEOS and sharing with it almost the same orbital parameters apart from the inclination, displaced by 180 deg, was launched last year. Its proponents suggest using the sum of the nodes of LAGEOS and of LARES 2 to measure the sum of the Lense–Thirring node precessions independently of the systematic bias caused by the even zonal harmonics of the geopotential, claiming a final ≃0.2 percent total accuracy. In fact, the actual orbital configurations of the two satellites do not allow one to attain the sought for mutual cancellation of their classical node precessions due to the Earth’s quadrupole mass moment, as their sum is still ≃5000 times larger than the added general relativistic rates. This has important consequences. One is that the current uncertainties in the eccentricities and the inclinations of both satellites do not presently allow the stated accuracy goal to be met, needing improvements of 3–4 orders of magnitude. Furthermore, the imperfect knowledge of the Earth’s angular momentum S impacts the uncancelled sum of the node precessions, from 150 to 4900 percent of the relativistic signal depending on the uncertainty assumed in S. It is finally remarked that the real breakthrough in reliably testing the gravitomagnetic field of the Earth would consist in modeling it and simultaneously estimating one or more dedicated parameter(s) along with other ones characterising the geopotential, as is customarily performed for any other dynamical feature.
Desensitization Protocols for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Patients with High Risk of Allergic Reactions
Authors: Messina Maria Rita , Crisciotti Carlotta , Pellegrini Laura , Nappi Emanuele , Racca Francesca , Costanzo Giovanni , Del Moro Lorenzo , Ferri Sebastian , Puggioni Francesca , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Heffler Enrico , Paoletti Giovanni
Published: April 2023

Vaccines for SAR-CoV-2 are the most effective preventive treatment able to reduce the risk of contracting the infection and experiencing worse outcomes whenever the infection is contracted. Despite their rarity, hypersensitivity reactions to the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine have been described and could become the reason not to complete the vaccination. Desensitization protocols for other vaccines have been described and validated, while the use of this approach for anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is still anecdotal. We herein describe our experience with 30 patients with previous allergic reactions to anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines or to any of their excipients, proving that they are effective and safe; only two patients experienced hypersensitivity reaction symptoms during the desensitization procedure. Moreover, in this article, we propose desensitization protocols for the most common anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
Correlates of Parental Consent to Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake by Their Adolescent Daughters in ZAMBIA: Application of the Health Belief Model
Authors: Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Chibwesha Carla J. , Mwanahamuntu Mulindi , Mukosha Moses , Maposa Innocent , Kawonga Mary
Published: April 2023

Parental consent for adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake is important; however, refusal is prevalent. Therefore, this study aimed to understand factors associated with parental consent for their adolescent daughter’s HPV vaccination. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lusaka, Zambia, between September and October 2021. We recruited parents from different social settings. The means and standard deviations or median and interquartile ranges were used as appropriate to summarise continuous variables. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were fitted with robust estimation of standard errors. The odds ratios are presented with 95% CI. Mediation analysis was conducted using a generalised structural equation model. The study enrolled 400 parents, mean age 45.7 years [95% CI, 44.3–47.1]. Two hundred and fifteen (53.8%) parents reported consenting to their daughters’ HPV vaccination, and their daughters received it. None of the health belief model (HBM) construct scores showed an independent association with parental consent. Higher, compared to lower wealth index (AOR; 2.32, 95% CI: 1.29–4.16), knowing someone with genital warts (AOR = 2.23, 95 CI: 1.04–4.76), cervical cancer screening uptake (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.03–3.62) were associated with increased odds of parental consent. This study highlights factors influencing parental consent for their daughters’ HPV vaccination. Ongoing sensitisation programs are important to improve their decision-making.
Inequality in Immunization: Holding on to Equity as We ‘Catch Up’
Authors: Nambiar Devaki , Hosseinpoor Ahmad Reza , Bergen Nicole , Danovaro-Holliday M. Carolina , Wallace Aaron , Johnson Hope L.
Published: April 2023

Immunization, hailed as one of the most successful public health interventions in the world, has contributed to major advancements in health as well as social and economic development [...]
Liposome and QS-21 Combined Adjuvant Induces theHumoral and Cellular Responses of Acellular Pertussis Vaccine in a Mice Model
Authors: Yang Baifeng , Zhu Dewu , Zhou Yisi , Gong Beizhe , Hu Yuan , Zhang Jiayou , Huang Shihe , Nian Xuanxuan , Li Xinghang , Li Xinguo , Duan Kai , Yang Xiaoming
Published: April 2023

The resurgence of pertussis in vaccinated communities may be related to the reduced long-term immunity induced by acellular pertussis vaccines. Therefore, developing improved pertussis vaccine candidates that could induce strong Th1 or Th17 cellular immunity is an urgent need. The use of new adjuvants may well meet this requirement. In this research, we developed a novel adjuvant candidate by combining liposome and QS-21 adjuvant. Adjuvant activity, protective efficacy, the level of neutralizing antibody against PT, and the resident memory T (TRM) cells in lung tissue after vaccination were studied. We then performed B. pertussis respiratory challenge in mice after they received vaccination with traditional aluminum hydroxide and the novel adjuvant combination. Results showed that the liposome + QS-21 adjuvant group had a rapid antibody and higher antibody (PT, FHA, Fim) level, induced anti-PT neutralizing antibody and recruited more IL-17A-secreting CD4+ TRM cells along with IL-17A-secreting CD8+ TRM cells in mice, which provided robust protection against B. pertussis infection. These results provide a key basis for liposome + QS-21 adjuvant as a promising adjuvant candidate for developing an acellular pertussis vaccine that elicits protective immunity against pertussis.