bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifactorial Diseases of the Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, and Liver and Incident Cancer: Epidemiology and Shared Mechanisms
Authors: Shi Canxia , de Wit Sanne , Učambarlić Emina , Markousis-Mavrogenis George , Screever Elles , Meijers Wouter , de Boer Rudolf , Aboumsallem Joseph
Published: January 2023

Within the aging population, the frequency of cancer is increasing dramatically. In addition, multiple genetic and environmental factors lead to common multifactorial diseases, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the connection between cancer and multifactorial diseases, as well as how one can affect the other, resulting in a vicious cycle. Although the exact mechanistic explanations behind this remain to be fully explored, some progress has been made in uncovering the common pathologic mechanisms. In this review, we focus on the nature of the link between cancer and common multifactorial conditions, as well as specific shared mechanisms, some of which may represent either preventive or therapeutic targets. Rather than organ-specific interactions, we herein focus on the shared mechanisms among the multifactorial diseases, which may explain the increased cancer risk. More research on this subject will highlight the significance of developing new drugs that target multiple systems rather than just one disease.
Heterostructured Cu/CuO Nanoparticles Embedded within N-Doped Carbon Nanosheets for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Xu Guoting , Huang Jianfeng , Li Xiaoyi , Chen Qian , Xie Yajie , Liu Zhenting , Kajiyoshi Koji , Wu Lingling , Cao Liyun , Feng Liangliang
Published: January 2023

The development of cost-effective and highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts is an essential component of renewable clean energy technologies, such as fuel cells and metal/air cells, but remains a huge and long-term challenge. Here, novel heterogeneous Cu/CuO nanoparticles embedded within N-doped carbon nanosheets (Cu/CuO@NC-900) are successfully synthesized by combining a facile hydrothermal route with a solid calcination technique. Benefitting from the electronic interaction between Cu and CuO, the generated abundant highly active Cu-Nx active sites and the high conductivity of the N-doped carbon nanosheets, the resulting Cu/CuO@NC-900 material shows superior ORR performance in alkaline media, exhibiting a high half-wave potential of ~0.868 V, and a robust stability and methanol tolerance, even outperforming commercial 20 wt% Pt/C. Our study opens up a new avenue for the rational design and fabrication of efficient and durable noble-metal-free Cu-based electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage.
Engineering the Mechanically Mixed BaMnO3-CeO2 Catalyst for NO Direct Decomposition: Effect of Thermal Treatment on Catalytic Activity
Authors: Ning Huanghao , Ji Wenxue , Li Yongdan , Zhang Cuijuan
Published: January 2023

A 5 wt% BaMnO3-CeO2 composite catalyst prepared by the one-pot method exhibits extraordinary catalytic performance for nitrogen monoxide (NO) direct decomposition into N2 and O2; however, the reasons for the high activity remain to be explored. Here, the catalyst was prepared by mechanical mixing and then subjected to thermal treatment at different temperatures (600–800 °C) to explore the underlying reasons. The thermal pre-treatment at temperatures higher than 600 °C can improve the catalytic activity of the mechanically mixed samples. The 700 °C-treated 5%BaMnO3-CeO2 sample shows the highest activity, with NO conversion to N2 of 13.4%, 40.6% and 57.1% at 600, 700, and 800 °C, respectively. Comparative activity study with different supports (ZrO2, TiO2, SiO2, Al2O3) reveals that CeO2 is indispensable for the high performance of a BaMnO3-CeO2 composite catalyst. The Ce species (mainly Ce3+) in CeO2 components diffuse into the lattice of BaMnO3, generating oxide ion vacancy in both components as evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectra, which accelerates the rate-determining step and thus higher activity. The chemisorption results show that the interaction between BaMnO3 and CeO2 leads to higher redox activity and mobility of lattice oxygen. This work demonstrates that engineering the oxide ion vacancy, e.g., by thermal treatment, is an effective strategy to enhance the catalytic activity towards NO direct decomposition, which is expected to be applicable to other heterogeneous catalysts involving oxide ion vacancy.
Ni(1−x)Pdx Alloyed Nanostructures for Electrocatalytic Conversion of Furfural into Fuels
Authors: Aboukhater Aya , Haija Mohammad Abu , Banat Fawzi , Othman Israa , Sabri Muhammad Ashraf , Govindan Bharath
Published: January 2023

A continuous electrocatalytic reactor offers a promising method for producing fuels and value-added chemicals via electrocatalytic hydrogenation of biomass-derived compounds. However, such processes require a better understanding of the impact of different types of active electrodes and reaction conditions on electrocatalytic biomass conversion and product selectivity. In this work, Ni1−xPdx (x = 0.25, 0.20, and 0.15) alloyed nanostructures were synthesized as heterogeneous catalysts for the electrocatalytic conversion of furfural. Various analytical tools, including XRD, SEM, EDS, and TEM, were used to characterize the Ni1−xPdx catalysts. The alloyed catalysts, with varying Ni to Pd ratios, showed a superior electrocatalytic activity of over 65% for furfural conversion after 4.5 h of reaction. In addition, various experimental parameters on the furfural conversion reactions, including electrolyte pH, furfural (FF) concentration, reaction time, and applied potential, were investigated to tune the hydrogenated products. The results indicated that the production of 2-methylfuran as a primary product (S = 29.78% after 1 h), using Ni0.85Pd0.15 electrocatalyst, was attributed to the incorporation of palladium and thus the promotion of water-assisted proton transfer processes. Results obtained from this study provide evidence that alloying a common catalyst, such as Ni with small amounts of Pd metal, can significantly enhance its electrocatalytic activity and selectivity.
Fabrication of Reduced Ag Nanoparticle Using Crude Extract of Cinnamon Decorated on ZnO as a Photocatalyst for Hexavalent Chromium Reduction
Authors: Rizki Intan Nurul , Inoue Takumi , Chuaicham Chitiphon , Shenoy Sulakshana , Srikhaow Assadawoot , Sekar Karthikeyan , Sasaki Keiko
Published: January 2023

The crude extract of cinnamon (after abbreviated as KM) was used to produce silver nanoparticles (AgKM). This was subsequently utilized for the hydrothermal production of a composite consisting of AgKM decorated on zinc oxide (AgKM/ZnO) as a photocatalyst for reducing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). Several methods e.g., XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, PL, and RDB-PAS were used to analyze the optical and physicochemical properties of ZnO/AgKM samples in order to better comprehend the impact of the development of the AgKM-ZnO heterojunction in comparison to pure ZnO. In 60 min, the optimized ZnO/AgKM reduced Cr(VI) by more than 98%, with a rate constant 63 times faster than that of pure ZnO. The enhancement of the separation and transportation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, as proven by a decrease in photoluminescence intensity when compared with ZnO, was attributed to the composite’s higher Cr(VI) reduction rate. Also, the formation of a new electronic level was created when AgKM are loaded on the surface of ZnO in the composites, as shown by the energy-resolved distribution of the electron trap (ERDT) pattern resulting to enhancement of light absorption ability by narrowing the energy band gap. Thus, ZnO/AgKM composite’s photocatalytic efficacy was enhanced by its narrow energy band gap and reduced charge recombination. Therefore, the newly produced ZnO/AgKM composite can be used as a photocatalyst to purify Cr(VI)-containing wastewater.
Phosphorylation of IGFBP-3 by Casein Kinase 2 Blocks Its Interaction with Hyaluronan, Enabling HA-CD44 Signaling Leading to Increased NSCLC Cell Survival and Cisplatin Resistance
Authors: Coleman Kai-ling , Chiaramonti Michael , Haddad Ben , Ranzenberger Robert , Henning Heather , Al Khashali Hind , Ray Ravel , Darweesh Ban , Guthrie Jeffrey , Heyl Deborah , Evans Hedeel Guy
Published: January 2023

Cisplatin is a platinum agent used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Much remains unknown regarding the basic operative mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance in NSCLC. In this study, we found that phosphorylation of IGFBP-3 by CK2 (P-IGFBP-3) decreased its binding to hyaluronan (HA) but not to IGF-1 and rendered the protein less effective at reducing cell viability or increasing apoptosis than the non-phosphorylated protein with or without cisplatin in the human NSCLC cell lines, A549 and H1299. Our data suggest that blocking CD44 signaling augmented the effects of cisplatin and that IGFBP-3 was more effective at inhibiting HA-CD44 signaling than P-IGFBP-3. Blocking CK2 activity and HA-CD44 signaling increased cisplatin sensitivity and more effectively blocked the PI3K and AKT activities and the phospho/total NFκB ratio and led to increased p53 activation in A549 cells. Increased cell sensitivity to cisplatin was observed upon co-treatment with inhibitors targeted against PI3K, AKT, and NFκB while blocking p53 activity decreased A549 cell sensitivity to cisplatin. Our findings shed light on a novel mechanism employed by CK2 in phosphorylating IGFBP-3 and increasing cisplatin resistance in NSCLC. Blocking phosphorylation of IGFBP-3 by CK2 may be an effective strategy to increase NSCLC sensitivity to cisplatin.
Application of Edible Film with Asian Plant Extracts as an Innovative Food Packaging: A Review
Authors: Kong Ianne , Lamudji Ivana Gelasia , Angkow Kathleen Josephine , Insani Rayyane Mazaya Syifa , Mas Muhammad Abdurrahman , Pui Liew Phing
Published: January 2023

Asian plants (AP) have long been used as natural food preservatives in the food industry. Asian plant extracts (APE) and essential oils (EOs) with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties were incorporated into edible film (EF) for the inhibition of microbial growth in the food matrix. However, information on the utilization of these antibacterial EFs on the storage application of different local food products has not been thoroughly reviewed. Hence, this review gives an overview of the physicochemical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of EF incorporated with AP and their storage application for the preservation of food products. For their applicability as food packaging, the potency of these EFs to be used as food packaging in preventing food spoilage or foodborne pathogens was also thoroughly reviewed. The addition of APE and EOs into the packaging matrix demonstrated the potential to prolong the storage of food products by preserving food quality (pH, colors, and lipid oxidation) and safety during storage, and the inhibition zones of some extracts against the pathogens demonstrated are weaker in comparison to the standard antibiotic drug used (WHO standards). In conclusion, the freshness of food products could be retained and lengthened by using EF with APE and Eos as active edible food packaging. However, additional research is required to significantly improve its antibacterial activity, producibility, and technical feasibility for long-term market use.
Nonlinear Optics for Crystallographic Analysis in Lead Zirconate Titanate
Authors: Elshin Andrey Sergeevich , Staritsyn Mikhail Vladimirovich , Pronin Igor Petrovich , Senkevich Stanislav Viktorovich , Mishina Elena Dmitrievna
Published: January 2023

The azimuthal dependences of the optical second harmonic generation signal from crystallized regions (spherulites) of the ferroelectric phase in lead zirconate titanate films are investigated to determine the symmetry and orientation of crystallites. These dependencies in different regions of the same spherulite have different shapes, which indicates a difference in crystallographic orientations and/or symmetry. Based on the assumption of the possible presence of two syngonies and three orientations for each, the fitting of experimental azimuthal dependences by model curves was carried out, which provided information about the ratio of these phases and orientations in different areas of the film.
Study on a Mixed-Cation Halide Perovskite-Based Deep-Ultraviolet Photodetector
Authors: Choi Ga In , Bark Chung Wung , Choi Hyung Wook
Published: January 2023

Deep-ultraviolet (UV) sensing has attracted significant interest because of its wide range of applications. A mixed-cation halide perovskite-based photodetector prepared by mixing CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I, Br, and Cl) and HC(NH2)PbX3 (X = I, Br, and Cl) exhibits high stability and excellent light absorption. In this study, perovskite was prepared by mixing CH3NH3+ (FA+) and HC(NH2)2+ (MA+) cations using I−, Br−, and Cl− halide anions. The bandgaps of the prepared perovskites increased to 1.48, 2.25, and 2.90 eV with I-, Br-, and Cl-, respectively, and the light absorption spectra shifted to shorter wavelengths. An increase in the redshift of the light absorption led to an increase in the photocurrent. The FAPbCl3-MAPbCl3-based photodetector showed a high responsivity of 5.64 mA/W, a detectivity of 4.03 × 1011, and an external quantum efficiency of 27.3%. The results suggested that the FAPbCl3-MAPbCl3 perovskite is suitable for deep-UV light sensing and is an excellent candidate for the fabrication of a sensitive photodetector.
Adhesion of HIPIMS-Deposited Gold to a Polyimide Substrate
Authors: Guljakow Jürgen , Lang Walter
Published: January 2023

Gold is the preferred material for conductive structures in neural implants. The hitherto employed process applies adhesive layers to avoid delamination of gold structures from a polymeric substrate. The possibility to deposit gold without the use of adhesive layers is offered by the high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) process. In this work, it is shown that it is possible to utilize the HIPIMS process to deposit gold onto polyimide while having enough adhesion between these two layers to omit the use of an adhesive layer. A scratch test was performed to demonstrate the adherence between the layers.
Metasurface Properties Obtained via Laser-Assisted Surface Technology
Authors: Song Haiying , Wang Liang , Liu Shibing
Published: January 2023

Lasers as sources of heat or light energy have become a “universal tool” in the advanced manufacturing industry [...]
Precise Characterization of CNF-Coated Microfibers Using Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Korneev Denis V. , Krasnikova Irina V. , Afonnikova Sofya D. , Vedyagin Aleksey A. , Mishakov Ilya V.
Published: January 2023

The synthesis and characterization of fibrous materials with a hierarchical structure are of great importance for materials sciences. Among this class of materials, microfibers of different natures coated with carbon nanofibers attract special interest. Such coating modifies the surface of microfibers, makes it rougher, and thus strengthens its interaction with matrices being reinforced by the addition of these microfibers. In the present work, a series of hierarchical materials based on carbon microfibers, basalt microfibers, and fiberglass cloth coated with up to 50 wt% of carbon nanofibers was synthesized via the catalytic chemical vapor deposition technique. The initial items were impregnated with an aqueous solution of nickel nitrate and reduced in a hydrogen flow. Then, the catalytic chemical vapor deposition process using C2H4 or C2H4Cl2 as a carbon source was carried out. A simple and cost-effective technique for the preparation of the samples of hierarchical materials for transmission electron microscopy examination was developed and applied for the first time. The proposed method of sample preparation for sequential TEM visualization implies an ultrasonic treatment of up to four samples simultaneously under the same conditions by using a special sample holder. As was found, the relative strength of carbon nanofibers coating the surface of microfibers decreases in the order of CNF/CMF > CNF/BMF > CNF/FGC. Two effects of the ultrasonic action on the carbon coating were revealed. First, strongly bonded carbon nanofibers undergo significant breakage. Such behavior is typical for carbon and basalt microfibers. Secondly, carbon nanofibers can be completely detached from the microfiber surface, as was observed in the case of fiberglass cloth. In the case of CNF/CMF material, the graphitized surface of carbon microfiber is coherent with the structure of carbon nanofiber fragments grown on it, which explains the highest adhesion strength of the carbon nanolayer coated on carbon microfibers.
Characterisation of the Surface Free Energy of the Recycled Cellulose Layer that Comprises the Middle Component of Corrugated Paperboards
Authors: Keresztes János , Csóka Levente
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the polar and dispersive surface free-energy (SFE) components of the central layer of corrugated paperboards, which are made of recycled fibres. The polar and dispersive components of, and the total, SFE (also known as interfacial energy) were calculated from the contact angles of water and diiodomethane liquids on recycled cellulose sheets. The total SFE of the middle component layers of two different grammages which comprised recycled fibres ranged from 47.9 mN/m to 51.05 mN/m. The contribution of the polar component to the total surface free energy of the two types of sheets ranged from 8.6 mN/m to 12.6 mN/m. This polar contribution was significantly lower than that of water. The contact angle method proved to be a consistent way to estimate the surface properties of industrially made recycled paper products.
Effect of Annealing Temperature on Radio Frequency Sputtered p-Type Delafossite Copper Chromium Oxide (CuCrO2) Thin Films and Investigation of Diode Characteristics Forming Transparent pn-Heterojunction
Authors: Sundaresh Sreeram , Bharath Akash Hari , Sundaram Kalpathy B.
Published: January 2023

For the first time, the deposition of CuCrO2 thin films was carried out using a dual-target RF magnetron sputtering technique using Cu2O and Cr2O3 targets. The deposited films were subsequently annealed in N2 ambiance from 600–900 °C. This work reports that the electrical, optical, structural, and morphological properties of CuCrO2 thin films are significantly affected due to the variation in the annealing temperature. XRD analysis confirms the presence of single-phase CuCrO2 in the films annealed at 650 °C. The presence of Cu in the 1+ oxidation state in the phase pure CuCrO2 thin films was confirmed through XPS analysis. Further, through XPS analysis, the oxidation states of Cu and Cr, the full-width half maximum (FWHM), the peak positions, and their respective binding energies have been elucidated. SEM analysis confirms the promotion of nanocrystalline growth in the thin films as the annealing temperature was increased from 600 °C. The average grain size increased from 40.22 nm to 105.31 nm as the annealing temperature was increased from 600 to 900 °C. Optical studies conducted in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 800 nm revealed a decrease in the optical transmission and optical bandgap with an increase in the annealing temperature. The highest optical transmission of ~81% and an optical bandgap of 3.21 eV were obtained for the films depicting the delafossite nature of CuCrO2. The optical bandgap was found to vary between 3.16 eV and 3.74 eV for the films studied in this research. The lowest resistivity of 0.652 Ω cm was obtained for the films annealed at 650 °C. Transparent heterojunction diodes involving p-type delafossite copper chromium oxide (CuCrO2) and n-type indium tin oxide (ITO) were fabricated. The best diode depicted a cut-in voltage of 0.85 V, a very low leakage current of 1.24 x 10-8, an ideality factor of 4.13, and a rectification ratio of 2375.
You Reap What You Sow: A Botanical and Economic Assessment of Wildflower Seed Mixes Available in Ireland
Authors: Barry Claudia , Hodge Simon
Published: January 2023

Planting wildflower seed mixes has become popular with individuals and community groups aiming to promote wildlife and enhance local biodiversity. Recently, however, these seed mixes have been criticized with respect to the origin of the seeds and the species they contain. There is a growing awareness that the unintended planting of exotic species may disrupt native ecological networks, introduce aggressive weeds, or facilitate the establishment of invasive species in new localities. In this study, we purchased two packets of twelve brands of wildflower seeds available in Ireland from stores or online suppliers. In total, the 24 packets contained 69,409 seeds weighing 304 g, and represented 92 plant species in 23 families. Only 25% of the seed packets purchased in Ireland originated from Ireland, and only 43% of the plant species we identified are considered native to Ireland. To reinforce this point, the most frequent species, Phacelia tanacetifolia, which occurred in nine of the twelve brands, is not a native Irish plant species. Multivariate analysis identified no obvious grouping of seed mixes based on their intended target group (e.g., bees, butterflies, wildlife), which might be expected had manufacturers followed scientific guidance describing which plants are preferred by which pollinator group. The creation of patches of diverse floral habitats in gardens and urban settings can significantly benefit wildlife and human wellbeing. Our results, however, reinforce the need for caution before using wildflower mixes in attempts to restore or recreate natural or semi-natural plant communities.
Fish Species Richness in Polish Lakes
Authors: Kalinowska Krystyna , Ulikowski Dariusz , Traczuk Piotr , Kozłowski Michał , Kapusta Andrzej
Published: January 2023

Global warming, eutrophication, fisheries overexploitation, species invasions, and habitat loss are the major threats to freshwater biodiversity. The aim of this study was to determine the species richness and diversity of fish in 535 Polish lakes of different morphometry (area of more than 50 ha and a maximum depth ranging from 0.4 to 108.5 m) and trophic status (from oligotrophy to hypereutrophy). A total of 39 fish species were found in the studied lakes, among which eight species were alien invasive. The Shannon diversity index varied between 0 and 2.04.The most common and frequent species were Rutilus rutilus (99.8% frequency) and Perca fluviatilis (99.6% frequency). Ten fish species, including five alien ones, were characterized by a very low frequency (<1%). The number of fish species in single lakes ranged from 1 to 19. In most of the studied lakes, 11 and 12 species (104 and 108 lakes, respectively) were caught. The richest taxonomic composition (19 species) was recorded in the meso-eutrophic lake with an area of 80 ha and a maximum depth of 34.4 m, slightly poorer (18 species) in the hypereutrophic lake with an area of 168 ha and a maximum depth of 2.7 m. The poorest taxonomic composition (one species) was found in a lake with low conductivity and circumneutral pH. Statistical analysis showed that the number of fish species decreased with increasing eutrophication conditions of the studied lakes, while it increased with an increasing area and the maximum depth of these lakes.
Does Ungulate Herbivory Translate into Diversity of Woody Plants? A Long-Term Study in a Montane Forest Ecosystem in Austria
Authors: Nopp-Mayr Ursula , Schöll Eva Maria , Sachser Frederik , Reimoser Susanne , Reimoser Friedrich
Published: January 2023

Different species-specific traits of woody plant species, feeding preferences of herbivores together with resulting effects on plant competition are expected to translate into different plant community structures and expressions of biodiversity. We studied the diversity of woody plant species (trees and shrubs) and structural diversity of forest trees, using a 30-year and an 18-year dataset of ungulate exclosure-control plot pairs in a mixed alpine forest community in Austria. We surveyed the tallest individuals per tree species and plot and analyzed the collective of top-height individuals per plot pair. Incidence data for exclosure and control plots were aggregated. Comparing species diversity and diversity of height classes on the plots throughout time, we calculated diversity profiles based on Hill numbers. Diversity of top height individuals and structural diversity, expressed by height classes, were two diversity aspects that differed between exclosures and control plots. Other diversity estimates of woody plant species showed huge variation without significant differences between plots. Height growth was significantly suppressed by ungulate herbivory. Effects of ungulate herbivores in forest ecosystems are highly complex and context-dependent and thus not reducible to simple top-down forces. Long-term surveys provide data that reflect “ultimate” effects of herbivory interacting with other drivers of community dynamics.
Characterization of Anesthesia in Rats from EEG in Terms of Long-Range Correlations
Authors: Blokhina Inna A. , Koronovskii Alexander A. , Dmitrenko Alexander V. , Elizarova Inna V. , Moiseikina Tatyana V. , Tuzhilkin Matvey A. , Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya Oxana V. , Pavlov Alexey N.
Published: January 2023

Long-range correlations are often used as diagnostic markers in physiological research. Due to the limitations of conventional techniques, their characterizations are typically carried out with alternative approaches, such as the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). In our previous works, we found EEG-related markers of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which limits the penetration of major drugs into the brain. However, anesthetics can penetrate the BBB, affecting its function in a dose-related manner. Here, we study two types of anesthesia widely used in experiments on animals, including zoletil/xylazine and isoflurane in optimal doses not associated with changes in the BBB. Based on DFA, we reveal informative characteristics of the electrical activity of the brain during such doses that are important for controlling the depth of anesthesia in long-term experiments using magnetic resonance imaging, multiphoton microscopy, etc., which are crucial for the interpretation of experimental results. These findings provide an important informative platform for the enhancement and refinement of surgery, since the EEG-based DFA analysis of BBB can easily be used during surgery as a tool for characterizing normal BBB functions under anesthesia.
Investigating Deep Stock Market Forecasting with Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Liapis Charalampos M. , Karanikola Aikaterini , Kotsiantis Sotiris
Published: January 2023

When forecasting financial time series, incorporating relevant sentiment analysis data into the feature space is a common assumption to increase the capacities of the model. In addition, deep learning architectures and state-of-the-art schemes are increasingly used due to their efficiency. This work compares state-of-the-art methods in financial time series forecasting incorporating sentiment analysis. Through an extensive experimental process, 67 different feature setups consisting of stock closing prices and sentiment scores were tested on a variety of different datasets and metrics. In total, 30 state-of-the-art algorithmic schemes were used over two case studies: one comparing methods and one comparing input feature setups. The aggregated results indicate, on the one hand, the prevalence of a proposed method and, on the other, a conditional improvement in model efficiency after the incorporation of sentiment setups in certain forecast time frames.
Wealth Redistribution and Mutual Aid: Comparison Using Equivalent/Non-Equivalent Exchange Models of Econophysics
Authors: Kato Takeshi
Published: January 2023

Given wealth inequality worldwide, there is an urgent need to identify the mode of wealth exchange through which it arises. To address the research gap regarding models that combine equivalent exchange and redistribution, this study compares an equivalent market exchange with redistribution based on power centers and a non-equivalent exchange with mutual aid using the Polanyi, Graeber, and Karatani modes of exchange. Two new exchange models based on multi-agent interactions are reconstructed following an econophysics-based approach for evaluating the Gini index (inequality) and total exchange (economic flow). Exchange simulations indicate that the evaluation parameter of the total exchange divided by the Gini index can be expressed by the same saturated curvilinear approximate equation using the wealth transfer rate and time period of redistribution, the surplus contribution rate of the wealthy, and the saving rate. However, considering the coercion of taxes and its associated costs and independence based on the morality of mutual aid, a non-equivalent exchange without return obligation is preferred. This is oriented toward Graeber’s baseline communism and Karatani’s mode of exchange D, with implications for alternatives to the capitalist economy.
Agricultural Engineering Students’ Segmentation in Relation to Their Attitudes towards English-Medium Instruction
Authors: Carrapiso Ana Isabel , González Elena , Petrón María Jesús , Pérez-Nevado Francisco , Gaspar Paula
Published: January 2023

The School of Agricultural Engineering has been involved in English-medium instruction (EMI) within the framework of the internationalization strategy of the University of Extremadura (Spain). Several years after these actions were initiated, it has become necessary to analyze them, with the main objective of researching the attitude of the students towards it, keeping the focus on finding common trends. With this aim, a segmentation of the students was carried out based on a questionnaire that included aspects related to their attitudes towards English-medium instruction, their socio-demographic characteristics and the program they were enrolled in. A total of 251 students were surveyed, and the data were analyzed by performing a multiple correspondence analysis and a cluster analysis. They revealed three typologies of students with clearly different underlying features, especially related to the program and year in which they were enrolled, their age and English level, and their perceived skills. The main conclusion is that the multivariate techniques applied are useful tools to identify groups of students with different features in the EMI frame, which may facilitate the launch of specific actions focused on the needs and expectations of each group to ensure that EMI programs and students achieve their goals.
Investigation of Machine Learning Methods for Predictive Maintenance of the Ultra-High-Pressure Reactor in a Polyethylene-Vinyl Acetate Production Process
Authors: Pan Shih-Jie , Tsai Meng-Lin , Chen Cheng-Liang , Lin Po Ting , Lee Hao-Yeh
Published: January 2023

Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer was synthesized from ethylene and vinyl acetate at high temperatures and ultra-high pressures. In this condition, any reactor disturbances, such as process or mechanical faults, may trigger the run-away decomposition reaction. This paper proposes a procedure for constructing a conditional health status prediction structure that uses a virtual health index (HI) to monitor the reactor bearing’s remaining useful life (RUL). The piecewise linear remaining useful life (PL-RUL) model was constructed by machine learning regression methods trained on the vibration and distributed control system (DCS) datasets. This process consists of using Welch’s power spectrum density transformation and machine learning regression methods to fit the PL-RUL model, following a health status construction process. In this research, we search for and determine the optimum value for the remaining useful life period (TRUL), a key parameter for the PL-RUL model for the system, as 70 days. This paper uses four-fold cross-validation to evaluate seven different regression algorithms and concludes that the Extremely randomized trees (ERTs) is the best machine learning model for predicting PL-RUL, with an average relative absolute error (RAE) of 0.307 and a Linearity of 15.064. The Gini importance of the ensemble trees is used to identify the critical frequency bands and prepare them for additional dimensionality reduction. Compared to two frequency band selection techniques, the RAE and Linearity prediction results can be further improved to 0.22 and 8.38.
Optimal Thickness of Double-Layer Graphene-Polymer Absorber for 5G High-Frequency Bands
Authors: D’Aloia Alessandro Giuseppe , D’Amore Marcello , Sarto Maria Sabrina
Published: January 2023

A new analytical approach to optimize the thicknesses of a two-layer absorbing structure constituted by a graphene-based composite and a polymer dielectric spacer backed by a metallic layer acting as perfect electric conductor (PEC) is proposed. The lossy sheet is made by an epoxy-based vinyl ester resin filled with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) characterized by known frequency spectra of the complex permittivity. The optimal thicknesses are computed at the target frequencies of 26, 28, and 39 GHz in order to obtain a –10 dB bandwidth able to cover the 5G frequency bands between 23.8 and 40 GHz. The resulting absorbing structures, having a total thickness lower than 1 mm, are excited by transverse magnetic (TM) or electric (TE) polarized plane waves and the absorption performances are computed in the 5G high frequency range.
Ischemic Stroke Lesion Segmentation Using Mutation Model and Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Ghnemat Rawan , Khalil Ashwaq , Abu Al-Haija Qasem
Published: January 2023

Ischemic stroke lesion segmentation using different types of images, such as Computed Tomography Perfusion (CTP), is important for medical and Artificial intelligence fields. These images are potential resources to enhance machine learning and deep learning models. However, collecting these types of images is a considerable challenge. Therefore, new augmentation techniques are required to handle the lack of collected images presenting Ischemic strokes. In this paper, the proposed model of mutation model using a distance map is integrated into the generative adversarial network (GAN) to generate a synthetic dataset. The Euclidean distance is used to compute the average distance of each pixel with its neighbor in the right and bottom directions. Then a threshold is used to select the adjacent locations with similar intensities for the mutation process. Furthermore, semi-supervised GAN is enhanced and transformed into supervised GAN, where the segmentation and discriminator are shared the same convolution neural network to reduce the computation process. The mutation and GAN models are trained as an end-to-end model. The results show that the mutation model enhances the dice coefficient of the proposed GAN model by 2.54%. Furthermore, it slightly enhances the recall of the proposed GAN model compared to other GAN models.
Cauchy Problem for an Abstract Evolution Equation of Fractional Order
Authors: Kukushkin Maksim V.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we define an operator function as a series of operators corresponding to the Taylor series representing the function of the complex variable. In previous papers, we considered the case when a function has a decomposition in the Laurent series with the infinite principal part and finite regular part. Our central challenge is to improve this result having considered as a regular part an entire function satisfying the special condition of the growth regularity. As an application, we consider an opportunity to broaden the conditions imposed upon the second term not containing the time variable of the evolution equation in the abstract Hilbert space.
De Novo Transcriptome Assembly and EST-SSR Marker Development and Application in Chrysosplenium macrophyllum
Authors: Xiang Niyan , Lu Bojie , Yuan Tao , Yang Tiange , Guo Jiani , Wu Zhihua , Liu Hong , Liu Xing , Qin Rui
Published: January 2023

Chrysosplenium macrophyllum Oliv., belonging to the family Saxifragaceae, is a traditional and unique Chinese herbal medicine. However, the lack of adequate molecular markers has hampered the progress regarding population genetics and evolution within this species. In this research, we used the DNBSEQ-T7 Sequencer (MGI) sequencing assay to analyze the transcriptome profiles of C. macrophyllum. SSR markers were developed on the basis of transcriptomic sequences and further validated on C. macrophyllum and other Chrysosplenium species. The genetic diversity and structure of the 12 populations were analyzed by using polymorphic expressed sequence tag simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers. A potential pool of 3127 non-redundant EST-SSR markers were identified for C. macrophyllum in this study. The developed EST-SSR markers had high amplification rates and cross-species transferability in Chrysosplenium. Our results also showed that the natural populations of C. macrophyllum had a high level of genetic diversity. Genetic distance, principal component analysis, and popular structure analysis revealed that all 60 samples clustered into two major groups that were consistent with their geographical origins. This study provided a batch of highly polymorphic EST-SSR molecular markers that were developed via transcriptome sequencing. These markers will be of great significance for the study of the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of C. macrophyllum and other Chrysosplenium species.
Whole Exome Sequencing Study Suggests an Impact of FANCA, CDH1 and VEGFA Genes on Diffuse Gastric Cancer Development
Authors: Nurgalieva Alfiia , Galliamova Lilia , Ekomasova Natalia , Yankina Maria , Sakaeva Dina , Valiev Ruslan , Prokofyeva Darya , Dzhaubermezov Murat , Fedorova Yuliya , Khusnutdinov Shamil , Khusnutdinova Elza
Published: January 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancer types in the world with a high mortality rate. Hereditary predisposition for GC is not fully elucidated so far. The aim of this study was identification of possible new candidate genes, associated with the increased risk of gastric cancer development. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 18 DNA samples from adenocarcinoma specimens and non-tumor-bearing healthy stomach tissue from the same patient. Three pathogenic variants were identified: c.1320+1G>A in the CDH1 gene and c.27_28insCCCAGCCCCAGCTACCA (p.Ala9fs) of the VEGFA gene were found only in the tumor tissue, whereas c.G1874C (p.Cys625Ser) in the FANCA gene was found in both the tumor and normal tissue. These changes were found only in patients with diffuse gastric cancer and were absent in the DNA of healthy donors.
Genetic Improvement and Application Practices of Synthetic Hexaploid Wheat
Authors: Wan Hongshen , Yang Fan , Li Jun , Wang Qin , Liu Zehou , Tang Yonglu , Yang Wuyun
Published: January 2023

Synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW) is a useful genetic resource that can be used to improve the performance of common wheat by transferring favorable genes from a wide range of tetraploid or diploid donors. From the perspectives of physiology, cultivation, and molecular genetics, the use of SHW has the potential to increase wheat yield. Moreover, genomic variation and recombination were enhanced in newly formed SHW, which could generate more genovariation or new gene combinations compared to ancestral genomes. Accordingly, we presented a breeding strategy for the application of SHW—the ‘large population with limited backcrossing method’—and we pyramided stripe rust resistance and big-spike-related QTLs/genes from SHW into new high-yield cultivars, which represents an important genetic basis of big-spike wheat in southwestern China. For further breeding applications of SHW-derived cultivars, we used the ‘recombinant inbred line-based breeding method’ that combines both phenotypic and genotypic evaluations to pyramid multi-spike and pre-harvest sprouting resistance QTLs/genes from other germplasms to SHW-derived cultivars; consequently, we created record-breaking high-yield wheat in southwestern China. To meet upcoming environmental challenges and continuous global demand for wheat production, SHW with broad genetic resources from wild donor species will play a major role in wheat breeding.
Identification of TRPC6 as a Novel Diagnostic Biomarker of PM-Induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using Machine Learning Models
Authors: Dhong Kyu-Ree , Lee Jae-Hyeong , Yoon You-Rim , Park Hye-Jin
Published: January 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was the third most prevalent cause of mortality worldwide in 2010; it results from a progressive and fatal deterioration of lung function because of cigarette smoking and particulate matter (PM). Therefore, it is important to identify molecular biomarkers that can diagnose the COPD phenotype to plan therapeutic efficacy. To identify potential novel biomarkers of COPD, we first obtained COPD and the normal lung tissue gene expression dataset GSE151052 from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). A total of 250 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were investigated and analyzed using GEO2R, gene ontology (GO) functional annotation, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) identification. The GEO2R analysis revealed that TRPC6 was the sixth most highly expressed gene in patients with COPD. The GO analysis indicated that the upregulated DEGs were mainly concentrated in the plasma membrane, transcription, and DNA binding. The KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the upregulated DEGs were mainly involved in pathways related to cancer and axon guidance. TRPC6, one of the most abundant genes among the top 10 differentially expressed total RNAs (fold change ≥ 1.5) between the COPD and normal groups, was selected as a novel COPD biomarker based on the results of the GEO dataset and analysis using machine learning models. The upregulation of TRPC6 was verified in PM-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, which mimicked COPD conditions, compared to untreated RAW264.7 cells by a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, our study suggests that TRPC6 can be regarded as a potential novel biomarker for COPD pathogenesis.
Seasonal Adaptation: Geographic Photoperiod–Temperature Patterns Explain Genetic Variation in the Common Vole Tsh Receptor
Authors: van Rosmalen Laura , Schepers Robin , Hao Wensi , Przybylska-Piech Anna S. , Herman Jeremy S. , Stojak Joanna , Wójcik Jan M. , van de Zande Louis , Searle Jeremy B. , Hut Roelof A.
Published: January 2023

The vertebrate photoperiodic neuroendocrine system uses the photoperiod as a proxy to time the annual rhythms in reproduction. The thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) is a key protein in the mammalian seasonal reproduction pathway. Its abundance and function can tune sensitivity to the photoperiod. To investigate seasonal adaptation in mammals, the hinge region and the first part of the transmembrane domain of the Tshr gene were sequenced for 278 common vole (Microtus arvalis) specimens from 15 localities in Western Europe and 28 localities in Eastern Europe. Forty-nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; twenty-two intronic and twenty-seven exonic) were found, with a weak or lack of correlation with pairwise geographical distance, latitude, longitude, and altitude. By applying a temperature threshold to the local photoperiod–temperature ellipsoid, we obtained a predicted critical photoperiod (pCPP) as a proxy for the spring onset of local primary food production (grass). The obtained pCPP explains the distribution of the genetic variation in Tshr in Western Europe through highly significant correlations with five intronic and seven exonic SNPs. The relationship between pCPP and SNPs was lacking in Eastern Europe. Thus, Tshr, which plays a pivotal role in the sensitivity of the mammalian photoperiodic neuroendocrine system, was targeted by natural selection in Western European vole populations, resulting in the optimized timing of seasonal reproduction.
Association of CYP24A1 Gene rs6127099 (A > T) Polymorphism with Lower Risk to COVID-19 Infection in Kazakhstan
Authors: Sarría-Santamera Antonio , Mukhtarova Kymbat , Baizhaxynova Ardak , Kanatova Kaznagul , Zhumambayeva Saule , Akilzhanova Ainur , Azizan Azliyati
Published: January 2023

In December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 was identified in Wuhan, China. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is characterized by fever, cough, dyspnea, anosmia, and myalgia in many cases. There are discussions about the association of vitamin D levels with COVID-19 severity. However, views are conflicting. The aim of the study was to examine associations of vitamin D metabolism pathway gene polymorphisms with symptomless COVID-19 susceptibility in Kazakhstan. The case-control study examined the association between asymptomatic COVID-19 and vitamin D metabolism pathway gene polymorphisms in 185 participants, who previously reported not having COVID-19, were PCR negative at the moment of data collection, and were not vaccinated. A dominant mutation in rs6127099 (CYP24A1) was found to be protective of asymptomatic COVID-19. Additionally, the G allele of rs731236 TaqI (VDR), dominant mutation in rs10877012 (CYP27B1), recessive rs1544410 BsmI (VDR), and rs7041 (GC) are worth consideration since they were statistically significant in bivariate analysis, although their independent effect was not found in the adjusted multivariate logistic regression model.
A Scoping Review of Landform Classification Using Geospatial Methods
Authors: Mashimbye Zama Eric , Loggenberg Kyle
Published: January 2023

Landform classification is crucial for a host of applications that include geomorphological, soil mapping, radiative and gravity-controlled processes. Due to the complexity and rapid developments in the field of landform delineation, this study provides a scoping review to identify trends in the field. The review is premised on the PRISMA standard and is aimed to respond to the research questions pertaining to the global distribution of landform studies, methods used, datasets, analysis units and validation techniques. The articles were screened based on relevance and subject matter of which a total of 59 articles were selected for a full review. The parameters relating to where studies were conducted, datasets, methods of analysis, units of analysis, scale and validation approaches were collated and summarized. The study found that studies were predominantly conducted in Europe, South and East Asia and North America. Not many studies were found that were conducted in South America and the African region. The review revealed that locally sourced, very high-resolution digital elevation model ( DEM) products were becoming more readily available and employed for landform classification research. Of the globally available DEM sources, the SRTM still remains the most commonly used dataset in the field. Most landform delineation studies are based on expert knowledge. While object-based analysis is gaining momentum recently, pixel-based analysis is common and is also growing. Whereas validation techniques appeared to be mainly based on expert knowledge, most studies did not report on validation techniques. These results suggest that a systematic review of landform delineation may be necessary. Other aspects that may require investigation include a comparison of different DEMs for landform delineation, exploring more object-based studies, probing the value of quantitative validation approaches and data-driven analysis methods.