bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Atmospheric Deposition as the Only Mineral Matter Input to Ombrotrophic Bog
Authors: Pezdir Valentina , Gaberšek Martin , Gosar Mateja
Published: August 2022

Ombrotrophic peatlands contain a very small percentage of mineral matter that they receive exclusively from atmospheric deposition. Mineral matter deposited on the Šijec bog was characterized using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). We collected solid atmospheric deposition from snow, rainwater, and using passive samplers. Samples were collected at average atmospheric conditions and after two dust events. Size, morphology, and chemical composition of individual particles were determined. We distinguished four main particle groups: silicates, carbonates, organic particles, and Fe-oxyhydroxides. Silicate particles are further divided into quartz and aluminosilicates. Proportions of these groups vary between samples and between sample types. In all samples, silicate particles predominate. Samples affected by dust events are richer in solid particles. This is well observed in passive deposition samples. Carbonates and organic particles represent smaller fractions and are probably of local origin. Iron-oxyhydroxides make up a smaller, but significant part of particles and are, according to their shape and chemical composition, of both geogenic and anthropogenic origin. Estimated quantity and percentage of main groups vary throughout the year and are highly dependent on weather conditions. Dust events represent periods of increased deposition and contribute significantly to mineral matter input to peatlands.
Improving the Enzymatic Cascade of Reactions for the Reduction of CO2 to CH3OH in Water: From Enzymes Immobilization Strategies to Cofactor Regeneration and Cofactor Suppression
Authors: Di Spiridione Carmela , Aresta Michele , Dibenedetto Angela
Published: August 2022

The need to decrease the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has led to the search for strategies to reuse such molecule as a building block for chemicals and materials or a source of carbon for fuels. The enzymatic cascade of reactions that produce the reduction of CO2 to methanol seems to be a very attractive way of reusing CO2; however, it is still far away from a potential industrial application. In this review, a summary was made of all the advances that have been made in research on such a process, particularly on two salient points: enzyme immobilization and cofactor regeneration. A brief overview of the process is initially given, with a focus on the enzymes and the cofactor, followed by a discussion of all the advances that have been made in research, on the two salient points reported above. In particular, the enzymatic regeneration of NADH is compared to the chemical, electrochemical, and photochemical conversion of NAD+ into NADH. The enzymatic regeneration, while being the most used, has several drawbacks in the cost and life of enzymes that suggest attempting alternative solutions. The reduction in the amount of NADH used (by converting CO2 electrochemically into formate) or even the substitution of NADH with less expensive mimetic molecules is discussed in the text. Such an approach is part of the attempt made to take stock of the situation and identify the points on which work still needs to be conducted to reach an exploitation level of the entire process.
Identification of 3-Oxindole Derivatives as Small Molecule HIV-1 Inhibitors Targeting Tat-Mediated Viral Transcription
Authors: Kim Dong-Eun , Shin Young Hyun , Cho Jung-Eun , Myung Subeen , Kim Hong Gi , Kim Kyung-Chang , Park Chul Min , Yoon Cheol-Hee
Published: August 2022

The heterocyclic indole structure has been shown to be one of the most promising scaffolds, offering various medicinal advantages from its wide range of biological activity. Nonetheless, the significance of 3-oxindole has been less known. In this study, a series of novel 3-oxindole-2-carboxylates were synthesized and their antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection was evaluated. Among these, methyl (E)-2-(3-chloroallyl)-4,6-dimethyl-one (6f) exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect on HIV-1 infection, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.4578 μM but without severe cytotoxicity (selectivity index (SI) = 111.37). The inhibitory effect of these compounds on HIV-1 infection was concordant with their inhibitory effect on the viral replication cycle. Mode-of-action studies have shown that these prominent derivatives specifically inhibited the Tat-mediated viral transcription on the HIV-1 LTR promoter instead of reverse transcription or integration. Overall, our findings indicate that 3-oxindole derivatives could be useful as a potent scaffold for the development of a new class of anti-HIV-1 agents.
Neuroprotective Effect of Natural Compounds in Paclitaxel-Induced Chronic Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Faheem Muhammad , Khan Arif-ullah , Saleem Muhammad Waqas , Shah Fawad Ali , Ali Fawad , Khan Abdul Waheed , Li Shupeng
Published: August 2022

The current study explored the effects of natural compounds, berbamine, bergapten, and carveol on paclitaxel-associated neuroinflammatory pain. Berbamine, an alkaloid obtained from BerberisamurensisRuprhas been previously researched for anticancer and anti-inflammatory potential. Bergapten is 5-methoxsalenpsoralen previously investigated in cancer, vitiligo, and psoriasis. Carveol obtained from caraway is a component of essential oil. The neuropathic pain model was induced by administering 2 mg/kg of paclitaxel (PTX) every other day for a week. After the final PTX injection, a behavioral analysis was conducted, and subsequently, tissue was collected for molecular analysis. Berbamine, bergapten, and carveol treatment attenuated thermal hypersensitivity, improved latency of falling, normalized the changes in body weight, and increased the threshold for pain sensation. The drugs increased the protective glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels in the sciatic nerve and spinal cord while lowering inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and lipid peroxidase (LPO). Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations confirmed that the medication reversed the abnormal alterations. The aforementioned natural substances inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κb) overexpression, as evidenced by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and Western blot and hence provide neuroprotection in chronic constriction damage.
Tuning Structural Colors of TiO2 Thin Films Using an Electrochemical Process
Authors: Yang Shumin , Wang Ao , Li Xin , Shi Guochao , Qi Yunkai , Gu Jianjun
Published: August 2022

TiO2 films exhibiting structural colors were successfully prepared using one-step electrochemical oxidation. Results of theoretical analyses and digital simulations revealed that the structural color of a TiO2 thin film could be regulated by adjusting oxidation voltage and oxidation time with different oxidation voltages leading to changes in structural color annulus number. At a low oxidation voltage, each thin film exhibited a single structural color, while thin films with different structural colors were obtained by varying the oxidation time. By contrast, at a higher oxidation voltage, each film exhibited iridescent and circular structural color patterns associated with symmetrical decreases in surface oxidation current density along radial lines emanating from the film center to its outer edges. TiO2 films exhibiting iridescent structural colorations have broad application prospects in industrial fields related to photocatalysis and photovoltaic cells.
Pathophysiology of Nociception and Rare Genetic Disorders with Increased Pain Threshold or Pain Insensitivity
Authors: Cascella Marco , Muzio Maria Rosaria , Monaco Federica , Nocerino Davide , Ottaiano Alessandro , Perri Francesco , Innamorato Massimo Antonio
Published: August 2022

Pain and nociception are different phenomena. Nociception is the result of complex activity in sensory pathways. On the other hand, pain is the effect of interactions between nociceptive processes, and cognition, emotions, as well as the social context of the individual. Alterations in the nociceptive route can have different genesis and affect the entire sensorial process. Genetic problems in nociception, clinically characterized by reduced or absent pain sensitivity, compose an important chapter within pain medicine. This chapter encompasses a wide range of very rare diseases. Several genes have been identified. These genes encode the Nav channels 1.7 and 1.9 (SCN9A, and SCN11A genes, respectively), NGFβ and its receptor tyrosine receptor kinase A, as well as the transcription factor PRDM12, and autophagy controllers (TECPR2). Monogenic disorders provoke hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies. Their clinical pictures are extremely variable, and a precise classification has yet to be established. Additionally, pain insensitivity is described in diverse numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities, such as Angelman syndrome, Prader Willy syndrome, Chromosome 15q duplication syndrome, and Chromosome 4 interstitial deletion. Studying these conditions could be a practical strategy to better understand the mechanisms of nociception and investigate potential therapeutic targets against pain.
Morphological Variations between Korean and Southwestern Japanese Lilium leichtlinii Hook. f.
Authors: Kim Ji-Young , Na Jong-Kuk , Kim Jong-Hwa
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to examine detailed morphological variations within Lilium leichtlinii Hook. f. For investigation, two groups, Korean L. leichtlinii (KR group) and southwestern Japanese broad-leaved L. leichtlinii (JSW group), were compared. In total, 52 morphological characteristics (45 quantitative and 7 qualitative traits) were examined in 59 lily accessions (30 KR and 29 JSW). Forty quantitative traits showed significant heterogeneity (p < 0.05) between JSW and KR accessions, and all seven color-related qualitative traits also exhibited differences. Student’s t-tests and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that major quantitative morphological differences between the two groups included plant height, internode length, upper leaf size, and number of new bulbs. Cluster analysis of 36 morphological traits showed that the KR and JSW accessions belonged to two distinct groups. All together, these results indicate that KR and JSW groups are distal within L. leichtlinii, suggesting that the two groups could be considered different varieties.
Active Flow Control of a Flame-Holder Wake Using Nanosecond-Pulsed Surface-Dielectric-Barrier Discharge in a Low-Pressure Environment
Authors: Cui Wei , Jia Min , Lin Dong , Lin Mei
Published: August 2022

Flame holders are widely used in ramjet combustors. We propose using surface nanosecond-pulsed surface-dielectric-barrier-discharge (NS-DBD) to manipulate the flame-holder flow field experimentally. The electrical characteristics, induced flow performance, and temperature distribution of NS-DBD were investigated via the electrical and optical measurement system. In the filamentary discharge mode, the discharge energy rose with decrease of the ambient pressure. The discharge pattern of NS-DBD changed from filamentous to uniform around 5 kPa. Starting-vortex intensity and jet-flow angle relative to the wall increased at low pressure. The recirculation zone was asymmetrical at pressures above 60 kPa. The recirculation zone’s area and length were smaller at lower pressures, but when the actuator was operating, the recirculation zone was nearly 11.8% longer. The vorticity increased with pressure. When the pulse width was 300 ns, the actuator had the greatest effect, and the low velocity region (LVR) area and the fuel–air-mixture residence time (FMRT) could be increased by 31.8% and 20.5%, respectively. The actuator had a smaller widening effect on the LVR area at lower pressure. Rising-edge time should increase with pressure to optimize LVR increase; it should be above 300 ns to optimize FMRT increase. We conclude that NS-DBD is a viable method of controlling flame-holder airflow at low pressure.
Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Brachychiton populneus Leaf Extract
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Batool Hira , Rehman Shafiq ur , Javed Aneela , Makhdoom Syeda Izma , Aziz Tariq , Mohamed Amal A. , Sameeh Manal Y. , Alruways Mashael W. , Dablool Anas S. , Almalki Abdulraheem Ali , Alamri Abdulhakeem S. , Alhomrani Majid
Published: August 2022

Bionanotechnology is the combination of biotechnology and nanotechnology for the development of biosynthetic and environmentally friendly nanomaterial synthesis technology. The presented research work adopted a reliable and environmentally sustainable approach to manufacturing silver nanoparticles from Brachychiton populneus (BP-AgNPs) leaf extract in aqueous medium. The Brachychiton populneus-derived silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). In addition, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities of AgNPs were brought to light. The synthesis of BP-AgNPs was verified at 453 nm wavelength by UV–Vis spectrum. FTIR analysis revealed that synthesis, stability, and capping of AgNPs depend on functional groups such as alkane, alkene, nitro, flouro, phenol, alcoholic, and flavones, present in plant extract. The SEM analysis revealed evenly distributed cubical-shaped nanoparticles. The average diameter of AgNPs was 12 nm calculated from SEM image through ImageJ software. EDX spectrum confirmed the presence of Ag at 3 keV and other trace elements such as oxygen and chlorine. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited proven antioxidant (DPPH assay), antidiabetic (alpha amylase assay), anti-inflammatory (albumin denaturation assay), and cytotoxic (MTT assay) potential against U87 and HEK293 cell lines in comparison to standard drugs. In these assays, BP-AgNPs exhibited inhibition in a concentration-dependent manner and had lower IC50 values compared to standards. All these outcomes suggest that silver nanoparticles work as a beneficial biological agent. The salient features of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles propose their effective applications in the biomedical domain in the future.
A Multifunctional, Non-Constant Current Charger Based on a Dual-Switching, Bidirectional Flyback Converter
Authors: Lee Yu-Lin , Lin Chang-Hua , Tsai Po-Hao , Liu Hwa-Dong , Lu Shiue-Der
Published: August 2022

This study implements a multifunctional charger based on a dual-switching, bidirectional flyback converter (DSBFC). The proposed charger adopts seven charging methods, including the incremental-current charging, constant-voltage (CV) charging, constant-current (CC) charging, pulse-current (PC) charging, triangular-current (TC) charging, sinusoidal-current (SC) charging, and positive/negative pulse-current (Reflex) charging methods. The charging process of a lithium-ion battery is divided into three stages: an initial term, a mid-term, and a final term. In the initial term, the incremental-current charging method is used in the initial term of charging for a soft start and to inhibit an increase in temperature. In the mid-term, five charging methods, including CC, PC, TC, SC, and Reflex-current charging, are used for charging. The CV charging method prevents overcharging the lithium-ion battery in the final term. Based on our experimental results, this study compares the four charging methods (PC, TC, SC, and Reflex-current) with the CC charging method to verify their improvement of the charging speed and increase in temperature in the mid-term. The charging speeds increased by 14.38%, 14.04%, 16.36%, and 27.27%, respectively, and the rise in temperature decreased by 37.8%, 40.5%, 48.6%, and 13.51%, respectively; all performed better than the CC charging method. Finally, users can adjust the charging method of the proposed DSBFC according to the needs of batteries so as to achieve excellent performance.
Pharmacology of Minor Cannabinoids at the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor: Isomer- and Ligand-Dependent Antagonism by Tetrahydrocannabivarin
Authors: Walsh Kenneth B. , Holmes Andrea E.
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: In addition to the major phytocannabinoids, trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.) synthesizes over 120 additional cannabinoids that are known as minor cannabinoids. These minor cannabinoids have been proposed to act as agonists and antagonists at numerous targets including cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) receptors, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and others. The goal of the present study was to determine the agonist effects of the minor cannabinoids: cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabitriol (CBT) and cannabidivarin (CBDV) at the CB1 receptor. In addition, the CB1 receptor antagonist effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV) were compared with its isomer Δ8-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ8-THCV). (2) Methods: CB1 receptor activity was monitored by measuring cannabinoid activation of G protein-gated inward rectifier K+ (GIRK) channels in AtT20 pituitary cells using a membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent dye assay. (3) Results: When compared to the CB1 receptor full agonist WIN 55,212-2 and the partial agonist Δ9-THC, none of the minor cannabinoids caused a significant activation of Gi/GIRK channel signaling. However, Δ9-THCV and Δ8-THCV antagonized the effect of WIN 55,212-2 with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 434 nM and 757 nM, respectively. Δ9-THCV antagonism of the CB1 receptor was “ligand-dependent”; Δ9-THCV was more potent in inhibiting WIN 55,212-2 and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) than Δ9-THC. (4) Conclusions: While none of the minor cannabinoids caused Gi/GIRK channel activation, Δ9-THCV antagonized the CB1 receptor in an isomer- and ligand-dependent manner.
Impact of Capital Structure on Profitability: Panel Data Evidence of the Telecom Industry in the United States
Authors: Habibniya Houshang , Dsouza Suzan , Rabbani Mustafa Raza , Nawaz Nishad , Demiraj Rezart
Published: August 2022

Debt finance, when considered a source of finance, always leads to financial risk; however, it is also considered a source of increased profitability in the normal business scenario. It has always been challenging to find the correct debt equity combination. In the discussed sample of the telecom industry in the USA, an abnormally high total liability-to-total assets ratio was observed. Thus, it is inclined to investigate the capital structure (CapSt) effect on firms’ profitability. By taking annual data of the telecom industry from 2012 to 2020 in the USA, unbalanced cross-sectional data (panel data) comprising 421 firm-year observations for 72 firms were studied using pooled panel regression, univariate analysis, correlation, and descriptive statistics models. We decided to test the impact of CapSt (Total Liabilities to Total Assets (TLsTAs) and Total Equity to Total Assets (TETAs)) on the profitability (Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE)) of firms in the telecommunication industry in the USA. The results reveal that the ratio of TLsTAs has a significant impact on ROA, and TETAs has a significant impact on ROA. However, TLsTAs and TETAs have no impact on ROE.
Predicting Co-Movement of Banking Stocks Using Orthogonal GARCH
Authors: Atahau Apriani Dorkas Rambu , Robiyanto Robiyanto , Huruta Andrian Dolfriandra
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the application of orthogonal generalized auto-regressive conditional heteroscedasticity (OGARCH) in predicting the co-movement of banking sector stocks in Indonesia. All state-owned banking sector stocks in Indonesia were studied using daily data from January 2013 to December 2019. The findings indicate that the OGARCH method can simplify the covariance matrix. Most state-owned banking stocks in the banking sector have a similar principal component influencing their conditional variance. Nonetheless, one stock has different principal components. The findings imply that combining the state-owned banking stocks with different principal components effectively reduces the risk of state-owned banking stock portfolios.
Feasibility of Hyperspectral Single Photon Lidar for Robust Autonomous Vehicle Perception
Authors: Taher Josef , Hakala Teemu , Jaakkola Anttoni , Hyyti Heikki , Kukko Antero , Manninen Petri , Maanpää Jyri , Hyyppä Juha
Published: August 2022

Autonomous vehicle perception systems typically rely on single-wavelength lidar sensors to obtain three-dimensional information about the road environment. In contrast to cameras, lidars are unaffected by challenging illumination conditions, such as low light during night-time and various bidirectional effects changing the return reflectance. However, as many commercial lidars operate on a monochromatic basis, the ability to distinguish objects based on material spectral properties is limited. In this work, we describe the prototype hardware for a hyperspectral single photon lidar and demonstrate the feasibility of its use in an autonomous-driving-related object classification task. We also introduce a simple statistical model for estimating the reflectance measurement accuracy of single photon sensitive lidar devices. The single photon receiver frame was used to receive 30 12.3 nm spectral channels in the spectral band 1200–1570 nm, with a maximum channel-wise intensity of 32 photons. A varying number of frames were used to accumulate the signal photon count. Multiple objects covering 10 different categories of road environment, such as car, dry asphalt, gravel road, snowy asphalt, wet asphalt, wall, granite, grass, moss, and spruce tree, were included in the experiments. We test the influence of the number of spectral channels and the number of frames on the classification accuracy with random forest classifier and find that the spectral information increases the classification accuracy in the high-photon flux regime from 50% to 94% with 2 channels and 30 channels, respectively. In the low-photon flux regime, the classification accuracy increases from 30% to 38% with 2 channels and 6 channels, respectively. Additionally, we visualize the data with the t-SNE algorithm and show that the photon shot noise in the single photon sensitive hyperspectral data contributes the most to the separability of material specific spectral signatures. The results of this study provide support for the use of hyperspectral single photon lidar data on more advanced object detection and classification methods, and motivates the development of advanced single photon sensitive hyperspectral lidar devices for use in autonomous vehicles and in robotics.
Threshold Segmentation and Length Measurement Algorithms for Irregular Curves in Complex Backgrounds
Authors: Ruan Xusheng , Deng Honggui , Xu Qiguo , Liu Yang , He Jun
Published: August 2022

It is an urgent problem to know how to quickly and accurately measure the length of irregular curves in complex background images. To solve the problem, we first proposed a quasi-bimodal threshold segmentation (QBTS) algorithm, which transforms the multimodal histogram into a quasi-bimodal histogram to achieve a faster and more accurate segmentation of the target curve. Then, we proposed a single-pixel skeleton length measurement (SPSLM) algorithm based on the 8-neighborhood model, which used the 8-neighborhood feature to measure the length for the first time, and achieved a more accurate measurement of the curve length. Finally, the two algorithms were tested and analyzed in terms of accuracy and speed on the two original datasets of this paper. The experimental results show that the algorithms proposed in this paper can quickly and accurately segment the target curve from the neon design rendering with complex background interference and measure its length.
Impact of Laser Intensity Noise on Dual-Comb Absolute Ranging Precision
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Shi Haosen , Wang Chunze , Hu Minglie , Song Youjian
Published: August 2022

Noise in mode-locked lasers has been a central issue for dual-comb metrological applications. In this work, we investigate the laser intensity noise on dual-comb absolute ranging precision. Two different dual-comb schemes based on linear optical sampling (LOS) and nonlinear asynchronous optical sampling (ASOPS) have been constructed. In the LOS scheme, the ranging precision deteriorates with the increase in laser relative intensity noise (RIN). This effect can be corrected by implementing a balanced photo-detection (BPD). In the ASOPS scheme, the experiment shows that the conversion from laser RIN to dual-comb ranging precision is negligible, making a balanced detection unnecessary for ranging precision improvement. The different manners of RIN’s impact on absolute ranging precision are attributed to the distinct cross-correlation signal patterns and the underlying time-of-flight (TOF) extraction algorithms.
Channel Model and Performance Analysis for MIMO Systems with Single Leaky Coaxial Cable in Tunnel Scenarios
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zheng Guoxin , Wang Hua , Zhang Changming , Yu Xianbin
Published: August 2022

Due to the limited space in the tunnel environment, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with double-port fed leaky coaxial cables (LCXs) can not only reduce the number of LCXs, but also improve the channel capacity. Based on the geometry based on single bonce (GBSB) and electromagnetic field radiation theory of LCX, a MIMO channel model with double–port fed LCX in a tunnel scenario is proposed in this paper. The channel impulse response (CIR) is derived, and verified with measurement results in terms of channel capacity. The distribution of channel capacity of single double-port fed LCX under different LCX lengths in the tunnel scenarios has also been analyzed in this work, and the distribution of channel capacity for the LCX–MIMO system with long LCX is predicted. The results show that the single double-port fed LCX–MIMO system outperforms the dipole antenna MIMO system with respect to channel capacity in the considered tunnel scenarios.
Simulation and Experiment of Substation Grounding Resistance Measurement Based on Pseudorandom Signal
Authors: Duan Qingming , Zou Bofeng , Li Shanshan , Zhao Hu
Published: August 2022

The grounding resistance of a substation is an important parameter that should be designed within a reasonable range to prevent operational accidents from damaging electrical equipment due to overvoltage and ensure the safe operation of an electrical system. However, simply and accurately measuring the grounding resistance of a substation has been a difficult problem faced by engineers and technicians for a long time. This paper proposes a method of denoising by applying the m-sequence correlation identification technology to the measurement of substation resistance. We established a grounding resistance model of a grounding grid and used LabVIEW to simulate it. Based on system identification and correlation function theory, pseudorandom signals or sinusoidal signals were used as excitation signals. The output results of the system were compared when pseudorandom signals and sinusoidal signals were used as excitation signals. It was verified that the grounding resistance value measured by a pseudorandom signal was closer to the actual value, which met the design requirements. Laboratory test results verify that the method of calculating grounding resistance based on the correlation analysis method is feasible.
Automatic Pavement Defect Detection and Classification Using RGB-Thermal Images Based on Hierarchical Residual Attention Network
Authors: Chen Cheng , Chandra Sindhu , Seo Hyungjoon
Published: August 2022

A convolutional neural network based on an improved residual structure is proposed to implement a lightweight classification model for the recognition of complex pavement conditions, which uses RGB-thermal as input and embeds an attention module to adjust the spatial, as well as channel, information of the images. The best prediction accuracy of the proposed model is 98.88%, while the RGB-thermal is used as input and an attention mechanism is used. The attention mechanism increases the attention to detail of the image and regulates the use of image channels, which enhances the final performance of the model. It is also compared with state-of-the-art (SOTA) deep learning models, indicating our model has fewer parameters, shorter training time, and higher recognition accuracy compared to existing image classification models. A visualization method incorporating gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) is proposed to analyze the classification results, comparing the data the model learns from the images under different input data.
Planar Junctionless Field-Effect Transistor for Detecting Biomolecular Interactions
Authors: Shukla Rajendra P. , Bomer J. G. , Wijnperle Daniel , Kumar Naveen , Georgiev Vihar P. , Singh Aruna Chandra , Krishnamoorthy Sivashankar , Pascual García César , Pud Sergii , Olthuis Wouter
Published: August 2022

Label-free field-effect transistor-based immunosensors are promising candidates for proteomics and peptidomics-based diagnostics and therapeutics due to their high multiplexing capability, fast response time, and ability to increase the sensor sensitivity due to the short length of peptides. In this work, planar junctionless field-effect transistor sensors (FETs) were fabricated and characterized for pH sensing. The device with SiO2 gate oxide has shown voltage sensitivity of 41.8 ± 1.4, 39.9 ± 1.4, 39.0 ± 1.1, and 37.6 ± 1.0 mV/pH for constant drain currents of 5, 10, 20, and 50 nA, respectively, with a drain to source voltage of 0.05 V. The drift analysis shows a stability over time of −18 nA/h (pH 7.75), −3.5 nA/h (pH 6.84), −0.5 nA/h (pH 4.91), 0.5 nA/h (pH 3.43), corresponding to a pH drift of −0.45, −0.09, −0.01, and 0.01 per h. Theoretical modeling and simulation resulted in a mean value of the surface states of 3.8 × 1015/cm2 with a standard deviation of 3.6 × 1015/cm2. We have experimentally verified the number of surface sites due to APTES, peptide, and protein immobilization, which is in line with the theoretical calculations for FETs to be used for detecting peptide-protein interactions for future applications.
Determination of Paracetamol on Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide–Antimony Nanocomposite Modified Pencil Graphite Electrode Using Adsorptive Stripping Differential Pulse Voltammetry
Authors: Leve Zandile D. , Jahed Nazeem , Sanga Nelia A. , Iwuoha Emmanuel I. , Pokpas Keagan
Published: August 2022

A simple, highly sensitive, accurate, and low-cost electrochemical sensor was developed for the determination of over-the-counter painkiller, paracetamol (PC). The enhanced sensing capabilities of the developed sensor were fabricated by the single-step modification of disposable pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) with the simultaneous electrochemical reduction in graphene oxide and antimony (II) salts. For this purpose, an electrochemically reduced graphene oxide–antimony nanoparticle (ERGO-SbNP) nanocomposite material was prepared by trapping metallic nanoparticles between individual graphene sheets in the modification of PGEs. Structural characterization by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy was employed to confirm the presence of oxygen functional groups and defects in the conjugated carbon-based structure of GO. Morphological differences between the modified PGEs were confirmed by HRTEM and HRSEM for the presence of nanoparticles. The modified electrodes were further electrochemically characterized using CV and EIS. The electrooxidation of PC on an ERGO-SbNPs-PGE was achieved by adsorptive stripping differential pulse voltametric analysis in 0.1 mol·L−1 phosphate buffer solution at pH = 7.0. The optimum current response was used to record a detection limit of 0.057 µmol·L−1 for PC. The electrochemical sensor was further used in real sample analysis for a commercially available pharmaceutical tablet (500 mg PC), for which the percentage recovery was between 99.4% and 100.8%.
Trends of Exposure to Acrylamide as Measured by Urinary Biomarkers Levels within the HBM4EU Biomonitoring Aligned Studies (2000–2021)
Authors: Poteser Michael , Laguzzi Federica , Schettgen Thomas , Vogel Nina , Weber Till , Murawski Aline , Schmidt Phillipp , Rüther Maria , Kolossa-Gehring Marike , Namorado Sónia , Nieuwenhuyse An Van , Appenzeller Brice , Dufthaksdóttir Edda , Olafsdóttir Kristín , Haug Line Småstuen , Thomsen Cathrine , Barbone Fabio , Rosolen Valentina , Rambaud Loïc , Riou Margaux , Göen Thomas , Nübler Stefanie , Schäfer Moritz , Zarrabi Karin H. A. , Gilles Liese , Martin Laura Rodriguez , Schoeters Greet , Sepai Ovnair , Govarts Eva , Moshammer Hanns
Published: August 2022

Acrylamide, a substance potentially carcinogenic in humans, represents a very prevalent contaminant in food and is also contained in tobacco smoke. Occupational exposure to higher concentrations of acrylamide was shown to induce neurotoxicity in humans. To minimize related risks for public health, it is vital to obtain data on the actual level of exposure in differently affected segments of the population. To achieve this aim, acrylamide has been added to the list of substances of concern to be investigated in the HBM4EU project, a European initiative to obtain biomonitoring data for a number of pollutants highly relevant for public health. This report summarizes the results obtained for acrylamide, with a focus on time-trends and recent exposure levels, obtained by HBM4EU as well as by associated studies in a total of seven European countries. Mean biomarker levels were compared by sampling year and time-trends were analyzed using linear regression models and an adequate statistical test. An increasing trend of acrylamide biomarker concentrations was found in children for the years 2014–2017, while in adults an overall increase in exposure was found to be not significant for the time period of observation (2000–2021). For smokers, represented by two studies and sampling for, over a total three years, no clear tendency was observed. In conclusion, samples from European countries indicate that average acrylamide exposure still exceeds suggested benchmark levels and may be of specific concern in children. More research is required to confirm trends of declining values observed in most recent years.
Chemical and Biological Threats, Hazard Potential and Countermeasures
Authors: Soukup Ondrej , Korabecny Jan
Published: August 2022

The scope of this Special Issue is to pay attention to various aspects of toxicology specifically focused on the chemical and biological threats, which may accidentally, or on purpose, endanger human health [...]
Pediatric Off-Label COVID-19 Vaccination: The Concerns of Healthcare Professionals in Pakistan
Authors: Shakeel Sadia , Nesar Shagufta , Nizami Ghazala Noor , Iqbal Zafar , Emad Shaista , Wasim Quratulain , Mumtaz Tayyaba , Jamshed Shazia , Usmani Muhammad Salahuddin , Hussain Rabia
Published: August 2022

Global health authorities have emphasized the vital role of healthcare professionals (HCPs) as a reliable source of vaccination information for patients in primary care. However, HCPs are concerned whether COVID-19 vaccinations can be used off-label. Hence, the current study was conducted to assess their perspectives towards off-label COVID-19 immunization in children. The study tool, consisting of 40 items, was utilized to evaluate HCPs’ knowledge and attitudes towards the off-label use of the COVID-19 vaccine in children under 12 years of age. To assess the unfavorable attitudes regarding vaccinations, the Vaccination Attitudes Examination Scale was employed. Overall, 477 completed questionnaires were incorporated in the present study, with a response rate of 88.9%. The mean age of the respondents was 38.6 ± 7.5 years; among whom the majority were physicians, n = 209 (43.8%), and pharmacists, n = 112 (23.4%). Approximately 78% of the respondents had a general awareness of off-label vaccination. Around 80% knew the adverse drug reactions associated with the use of COVID-19 vaccines. Females showed more mistrust about vaccine benefits, n = 55 (16.9%), compared to males, n = 21 (13.8%), and concerns about commercial profits of vaccines, n = 59 (18.1%), compared to males, n = 19 (12.5%). By profession, physicians showed statistically significantly lower mistrust, n = 18 (8.6%), and higher concerns about unpredicted effects of vaccines, n = 41 (19.6%). A major portion of the respondents, n = 327 (68.5%), did not consider that HCPs should prescribe/administer off-label COVID-19 vaccination in children. The current findings demonstrated that respondents had an appropriate level of understanding about COVID-19 immunization in children. They showed higher levels of rejection for off-label use of the COVID-19 vaccination.
Long-Term Longitudinal Analysis of Neutralizing Antibody Response to Three Vaccine Doses in a Real-Life Setting of Previously SARS-CoV-2 Infected Healthcare Workers: A Model for Predicting Response to Further Vaccine Doses
Authors: Parisi Saverio Giuseppe , Mengoli Carlo , Basso Monica , Vicenti Ilaria , Gatti Francesca , Scaggiante Renzo , Fiaschi Lia , Giammarino Federica , Iannetta Marco , Malagnino Vincenzo , Zago Daniela , Dragoni Filippo , Zazzi Maurizio
Published: August 2022

We report the time course of neutralizing antibody (NtAb) response, as measured by authentic virus neutralization, in healthcare workers (HCWs) with a mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection diagnosed at the onset of the pandemic, with no reinfection throughout and after a three-dose schedule of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine with an overall follow-up of almost two years since infection. Forty-eight HCWs (median age 47 years, all immunocompetent) were evaluated: 29 (60.4%) were asymptomatic. NtAb serum was titrated at eight subsequent time points: T1 and T2 were after natural infection, T3 on the day of the first vaccine dose, T4 on the day of the second dose, T5, T6, and T7 were between the second and third dose, and T8 followed the third dose by a median of 34 days. NtAb titers at all postvaccination time points (T4 to T8) were significantly higher than all those at prevaccination time points (T1 to T3). The highest NtAb increase was following the first vaccine dose while subsequent doses did not further boost NtAb titers. However, the third vaccine dose appeared to revive waning immunity. NtAb levels were positively correlated at most time points suggesting an important role for immunogenetics.
Bots’ Activity on COVID-19 Pro and Anti-Vaccination Networks: Analysis of Spanish-Written Messages on Twitter
Authors: Ruiz-Núñez Carlos , Segado-Fernández Sergio , Jiménez-Gómez Beatriz , Hidalgo Pedro Jesús Jiménez , Magdalena Carlos Santiago Romero , Pollo María del Carmen Águila , Santillán-Garcia Azucena , Herrera-Peco Ivan
Published: August 2022

This study aims to analyze the role of bots in the dissemination of health information, both in favor of and opposing vaccination against COVID-19. Study design: An observational, retrospective, time-limited study was proposed, in which activity on the social network Twitter was analyzed. Methods: Data related to pro-vaccination and anti-vaccination networks were compiled from 24 December 2020 to 30 April 2021 and analyzed using the software NodeXL and Botometer. The analyzed tweets were written in Spanish, including keywords that allow identifying the message and focusing on bots’ activity and their influence on both networks. Results: In the pro-vaccination network, 404 bots were found (14.31% of the total number of users), located mainly in Chile (37.87%) and Spain (14.36%). The anti-vaccination network bots represented 16.19% of the total users and were mainly located in Spain (8.09%) and Argentina (6.25%). The pro-vaccination bots generated greater impact than bots in the anti-vaccination network (p < 0.000). With respect to the bots’ influence, the pro-vaccination network did have a significant influence compared to the activity of human users (p < 0.000). Conclusions: This study provides information on bots’ activity in pro- and anti-vaccination networks in Spanish, within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic on Twitter. It is found that bots in the pro-vaccination network influence the dissemination of the pro-vaccination message, as opposed to those in the anti-vaccination network. We consider that this information could provide guidance on how to enhance the dissemination of public health campaigns, but also to combat the spread of health misinformation on social media.
Determining the variables affecting the prices of animal products by the network analysis in Türkiye
Authors: AKIN Ahmet Cumhur , POLAT Murat , MAT Burak , ÇEVRİMLİ Mustafa Bahadır , ARIKAN Mehmet Saltuk , ÖZEL Zeynep , TEKİNDAL Mustafa Agah
Published: August 2022

Recently, Türkiye has seen significant increases in animal products and input prices. These recent increases in prices have made it even more important to examine the prices of animal products and their associated factors. This study aimed to reveal the pattern network structure and characteristics of the prices of animal products and related variables for the 2010-2020 period in Türkiye. For this aim, a network analysis covered the prices of animal products, input prices used in producing these foods, and some economic variables. The study results revealed that Producer Price Index (PPI) and Agricultural PPI are key variables that are highly active in the network and act as a bridge between other unconnected variables. In addition, the results of the analysis suggest that the overall network consists of highly correlated variables and that the PPI and Agricultural PPI are the two most important variables. As a result, the pattern network structure shows that economic variables have a high impact on the prices of animal products. The network structure visualizes Türkiye's import-substitution model in animal production and foreign dependency on feed inputs, and the market structure affected by high exchange rates. In addition, as can be understood from the positive connections between feed inputs, the pattern network of the variables affecting the prices of animal products is largely shaped by feed prices and the internal dynamics of economic variables.
Elites, comercio e instrumentos de crédito en la agenda historiográfica de Jorge Gelman: comentarios a propósito de la lectura de Zacarías Moutoukias
Authors: Bragoni Beatriz
Published: August 2022

Reflexiones sobre las interpretaciones e instrumentos teóricos y metodológicos utilizados por Jorge Gelman para la mejor comprensión del comercio, el crédito y las élites coloniales a partir de la lectura del texto de Zacarías Moutoukias.
La dimensión latinoamericana en la construcción de un liderazgo político: el Rosas de Jorge Gelman
Authors: Paz Gustavo L.
Published: August 2022

Consideraciones sobre el estudio de la figura de Juan Manuel de Rosas por Jorge Gelman, y el ensayo de Julio Pinto en torno a las formas del liderazgo político en el siglo XIX.
Apuntes sobre la construcción de un liderazgo político en el naciente Estado Oriental del Uruguay
Authors: Frega Ana
Published: August 2022

Se proponen líneas de análisis del liderazgo político en Argentina y Uruguay durante la primera mitad del siglo XIX, a la luz de los estudios de Jorge Gelman sobre Juan Manuel de Rosas, la trayectoria de Fructuoso Rivera, y el trabajo de Julio Pinto Vallejos sobre liderazgos latinoamericanos en este volumen.
¿Una nueva historia social del mundo rural?
Authors: Congost Rosa
Published: August 2022

Reflexiones sobre las relaciones entre los derechos de propiedad y los distintos grupos sociales y el modo de entrever y estudiar estas relaciones en perspectiva histórica.
Comentarios al trabajo de María Inés Moraes
Authors: Banzato Guillermo
Published: August 2022

Algunos comentarios sobre la historiografía rural rioplatense a la luz del trabajo de María Inés Moraes en este mismo volumen.
Jorge Gelman: Argentina, América Latina y más allá
Authors: Hora Roy
Published: August 2022

El presente trabajo examina, en perspectiva latinoamericana, los aportes a la historia económica hechos por Jorge Gelman.
Desigualdad, economía e historia. Comentarios a José Miguel Martínez Carrión
Authors: Djenderedjian Julio
Published: August 2022

El texto reflexiona sobre las formas de realizar estudios históricos sobre desigualdad económica, a partir del trabajo de José Miguel Martínez Carrión en este mismo volumen.
A importância do acolhimento e classificação de risco nas urgências/emergências obstétricas: revisão de literatura / The importance of reception and risk classification in obstetric emergencies/emergencies: literature review
Authors: Brito Wilwa Soraysa Bezerra de Melo , Silva Teodoro Marcelino da , Júnior José Geraldo de Alencar Santos , Rodrigues Marina Pessoa de Farias , Morais Vangleilson Diniz , Narvaez Andrea Landim , Siqueira Ana Katarina Gonçalves de , Mendes Cláudio Igor Máximo , Alves Maria das Dores , Cruz Artur Braga de Almeida
Published: August 2022

A gestação constitui um fenômeno natural e fisiológico do ciclo vital feminino, que na maioria das vezes evolui sem intercorrências e complicações clínicas e obstétricas é um fenômeno natural e fisiológico, que na maioria das vezes evolui sem intercorrências. Quando ocorrem alguma intercorrência obstétrica, essa necessita de atendimento em unidades de urgência, bem como as de emergência, sendo necessário que os profissionais de saúde acolham e realizem a classificação de risco obstétrico. Objetivou-se, mediante a literatura científica, evidenciar a importância do acolhimento e classificação de risco nas urgências e emergências obstétricas. Trata-se de revisão narrativa da literatura, desenvolvida entre os meses de fevereiro a maio de 2019 nas bases de dados LILACS; MEDLINE e BDENF indexadas na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Utilizou-se a seguinte estratégia de busca: “Enfermagem em urgência e emergência” AND “Assistência pré-hospitalar” AND “Urgência e Emergência obstétrica” AND “Mortalidade Materna”. Após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade foram selecionados 06 artigos para compor amostra final. Realizou-se a leitura na íntegra e extração das informações de identificação dos artigos selecionados. Os dados obtidos foram discutidos mediante a literatura científica pertinente à temática em estudo. Mediante análise dos artigos selecionados, constatou-se que o perfil obstétrico de mulheres atendidas na classificação de risco obstétrico nos serviços maternos infantis atingiu os objetivos propostos quanto a implementação dos protocolos de acolhimento e classificação de riscos nos atendimentos obstétricos, tendo sido evidenciados as principais queixas obstétricas que delimitam um perfil de mulheres gestantes. Ademais, os estudos analisados sugerem o desenvolvimento de pesquisas científicas posteriores, que busquem evidenciar a importância do acolhimento com classificação de risco nos serviços obstétricos, visando a integralidade, a resolutividade e qualidade da assistência obstétrica ofertada, assim como as repercussões sobre os resultados maternos e perinatais.