bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhein–Amino Acid Ester Conjugates as Potential Antifungal Agents: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Chen Shunshun , Wang Meimei , Yu Linhua , Shi Jinchao , Zhang Yong , Tian Yao , Li Li , Zhu Xiang , Li Junkai
Published: February 2023

In the search for crop protectants, amino acid ester conjugates have been widely investigated as potential antifungal agents. In this study, a series of rhein–amino acid ester conjugates were designed and synthesized in good yields, and their structures were confirmed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HRMS. The bioassay results revealed that most of the conjugates exhibited potent inhibitory activity against R. solani and S. sclerotiorum. In particular, conjugate 3c had the highest antifungal activity against R. solani with an EC50 value of 0.125 mM. For S. sclerotiorum, conjugate 3m showed the highest antifungal activity with an EC50 value of 0.114 mM. Satisfactorily, conjugate 3c exhibited better protective effects than that of the positive control, physcion, against powdery mildew in wheat. This research supports the role of rhein–amino acid ester conjugates as potential antifungal agents for plant fungal diseases.
Liver Protection of a Low-Polarity Fraction from Ficus pandurata Hance, Prepared by Supercritical CO2 Fluid Extraction, on CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice via Inhibiting Apoptosis and Ferroptosis Mediated by Strengthened Antioxidation
Authors: Dai Weibo , Pang Xiaoyan , Peng Weiwen , Zhan Xinyi , Chen Chang , Zhao Wenchang , Zeng Congyan , Mei Quanxi , Chen Qilei , Kuang Weihong , Gou Zhanping , Hu Xianjing
Published: February 2023

Ficus pandurata Hance (FPH) is a Chinese herbal medicine widely used for health care. This study was designed to investigate the alleviation efficacy of the low-polarity ingredients of FPH (FPHLP), prepared by supercritical CO2 fluid extraction technology, against CCl4-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice and uncover its underlying mechanism. The results showed that FPHLP had a good antioxidative effect determined by the DPPH free radical scavenging activity test and T-AOC assay. The in vivo study showed that FPHLP dose-dependently protected against liver damage via detection of ALT, AST, and LDH levels and changes in liver histopathology. The antioxidative stress properties of FPHLP suppressed ALI by increasing levels of GSH, Nrf2, HO-1, and Trx-1 and reducing levels of ROS and MDA and the expression of Keap1. FPHLP significantly reduced the level of Fe2+ and expression of TfR1, xCT/SLC7A11, and Bcl2, while increasing the expression of GPX4, FTH1, cleaved PARP, Bax, and cleaved caspase 3. The results demonstrated that FPHLP protected mouse liver from injury induced by CCl4 via suppression of apoptosis and ferroptosis. This study suggests that FPHLP can be used for liver damage protection in humans, which strongly supports its traditional use as a herbal medicine.
Recent Progress in Silicon−Based Materials for Performance−Enhanced Lithium−Ion Batteries
Authors: Kong Xiangzhong , Xi Ziyang , Wang Linqing , Zhou Yuheng , Liu Yong , Wang Lihua , Li Shi , Chen Xi , Wan Zhongmin
Published: February 2023

Silicon (Si) has been considered to be one of the most promising anode materials for high energy density lithium−ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity, low discharge platform, abundant raw materials and environmental friendliness. However, the large volume changes, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation during cycling and intrinsic low conductivity of Si hinder its practical applications. Various modification strategies have been widely developed to enhance the lithium storage properties of Si−based anodes, including cycling stability and rate capabilities. In this review, recent modification methods to suppress structural collapse and electric conductivity are summarized in terms of structural design, oxide complexing and Si alloys, etc. Moreover, other performance enhancement factors, such as pre−lithiation, surface engineering and binders are briefly discussed. The mechanisms behind the performance enhancement of various Si−based composites characterized by in/ex situ techniques are also reviewed. Finally, we briefly highlight the existing challenges and future development prospects of Si−based anode materials.
A Review on the Effect of Calcium Sequestering Salts on Casein Micelles: From Model Milk Protein Systems to Processed Cheese
Authors: Deshwal Gaurav Kr , Gómez-Mascaraque Laura G. , Fenelon Mark , Huppertz Thom
Published: February 2023

Phosphates and citrates are calcium sequestering salts (CSS) most commonly used in the manufacture of processed cheese, either singly or in mixtures. Caseins are the main structure forming elements in processed cheese. Calcium sequestering salts decrease the concentration of free calcium ions by sequestering calcium from the aqueous phase and dissociates the casein micelles into small clusters by altering the calcium equilibrium, thereby resulting in enhanced hydration and voluminosity of the micelles. Several researchers have studied milk protein systems such as rennet casein, milk protein concentrate, skim milk powder, and micellar casein concentrate to elucidate the influence of calcium sequestering salts on (para-)casein micelles. This review paper provides an overview of the effects of calcium sequestering salts on the properties of casein micelles and consequently the physico-chemical, textural, functional, and sensorial attributes of processed cheese. A lack of proper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the action of calcium sequestering salts on the processed cheese characteristics increases the risk of failed production, leading to the waste of resources and unacceptable sensorial, appearance, and textural attributes, which adversely affect the financial side of processors and customer expectations.
Study of the Counter Cation Effects on the Supramolecular Structure and Electronic Properties of a Dianionic Oxamate-Based {NiII2} Helicate
Authors: Simosono Cintia A. , da Silva Rafaela M. R. , De Campos Nathália R. , Silva Marye Agnes R. , Doriguetto Antônio C. , Flores Leonã S. , Correa Charlane C. , Simões Tatiana R. G. , Valdo Ana Karoline S. M. , Martins Felipe T. , Garcia Flávio , Guedes Guilherme P. , Galvão Breno R. L. , Cancino-Bernardi Juliana , dos Reis Ricardo D. , Stumpf Humberto O. , Justino Danielle D. , Ortega Paulo F. R. , do Pim Walace D. , Julve Miguel , Marinho Maria Vanda
Published: February 2023

Herein, we describe the synthesis, crystal structure, and electronic properties of {[K2(dmso)(H2O)5][Ni2(H2mpba)3]·dmso·2H2O}n (1) and [Ni(H2O)6][Ni2(H2mpba)3]·3CH3OH·4H2O (2) [dmso = dimethyl sulfoxide; CH3OH = methanol; and H4mpba = 1,3-phenylenebis(oxamic acid)] bearing the [Ni2(H2mpba)3]2− helicate, hereafter referred to as {NiII2}. SHAPE software calculations indicate that the coordination geometry of all the NiII atoms in 1 and 2 is a distorted octahedron (Oh) whereas the coordination environments for K1 and K2 atoms in 1 are Snub disphenoid J84 (D2d) and distorted octahedron (Oh), respectively. The {NiII2} helicate in 1 is connected by K+ counter cations yielding a 2D coordination network with sql topology. In contrast to 1, the electroneutrality of the triple-stranded [Ni2(H2mpba)3] 2− dinuclear motif in 2 is achieved by a [Ni(H2O)6]2+ complex cation, where the three neighboring {NiII2} units interact in a supramolecular fashion through four R22(10) homosynthons yielding a 2D array. Voltammetric measurements reveal that both compounds are redox active (with the NiII/NiI pair being mediated by OH– ions) but with differences in formal potentials that reflect changes in the energy levels of molecular orbitals. The NiII ions from the helicate and the counter-ion (complex cation) in 2 can be reversibly reduced, resulting in the highest faradaic current intensities. The redox reactions in 1 also occur in an alkaline medium but at higher formal potentials. The connection of the helicate with the K+ counter cation has an impact on the energy levels of the molecular orbitals; this experimental behavior was further supported by X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) experiments and computational calculations.
Horse Chestnut Saponins–Escins, Isoescins, Transescins, and Desacylescins
Authors: Savarino Philippe , Colson Emmanuel , André Julien , Gerbaux Pascal
Published: February 2023

Escins constitute an abundant family of saponins (saponosides) and are the most active components in Aesculum hippocastanum (horse chestnut—HC) seeds. They are of great pharmaceutical interest as a short-term treatment for venous insufficiency. Numerous escin congeners (slightly different compositions), as well as numerous regio-and stereo-isomers, are extractable from HC seeds, making quality control trials mandatory, especially since the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of the escin molecules remains poorly described. In the present study, mass spectrometry, microwave activation, and hemolytic activity assays were used to characterize escin extracts (including a complete quantitative description of the escin congeners and isomers), modify the natural saponins (hydrolysis and transesterification) and measure their cytotoxicity (natural vs. modified escins). The aglycone ester groups characterizing the escin isomers were targeted. A complete quantitative analysis, isomer per isomer, of the weight content in the saponin extracts as well as in the seed dry powder is reported for the first time. An impressive 13% in weight of escins in the dry seeds was measured, confirming that the HC escins must be absolutely considered for high-added value applications, provided that their SAR is established. One of the objectives of this study was to contribute to this development by demonstrating that the aglycone ester functions are mandatory for the toxicity of the escin derivative, and that the cytotoxicity also depends on the relative position of the ester functions on the aglycone.
A New Method to Determine Antioxidant Activities of Biofilms Using a pH Indicator (Resazurin) Model System
Authors: Kim Young-Teck , Kimmel Robert , Wang Xiyu
Published: February 2023

Biopolymeric films were prepared with gelatin, plasticizer, and three different types of antioxidants (ascorbic acid, phytic acid, and BHA) corresponding to different mechanisms in activity. The antioxidant activity of films was monitored for 14 storage days upon color changes using a pH indicator (resazurin). The instant antioxidant activity of films was measured by a DPPH free radical test. The system using resazurin was composed of an agar, an emulsifier, and soybean oil to simulate a highly oxidative oil-based food system (AES-R). Gelatin-based films (GBF) containing phytic acid showed higher tensile strength and energy to break than all other samples due to the increased intermolecular interactions between phytic acid and gelatin molecules. The oxygen barrier properties of GBF films containing ascorbic acid and phytic acid increased due to the increased polarity, while GBF films containing BHA showed increased oxygen permeability compared to the control. According to “a-value” (redness) of the AES-R system tested with films, films incorporating BHA showed the most retardation of lipid oxidation in the system. This retardation corresponds to 59.8% antioxidation activity at 14 days, compared with the control. Phytic acid-based films did not show antioxidant activity, whereas ascorbic acid-based GBFs accelerated the oxidation process due to its prooxidant activity. The comparison between the DPPH free radical test and the control showed that the ascorbic acid and BHA-based GBFs showed highly effective free radical scavenging behavior (71.7% and 41.7%, respectively). This novel method using a pH indicator system can potentially determine the antioxidation activity of biopolymer films and film-based samples in a food system.
“There Is Method to This Madness” A Qualitative Investigation of Home Medication Management by Older Adults
Authors: Fadare Olajide , Witry Matthew
Published: February 2023

Objectives: This paper explores (1) the systems and processes older adults use to manage medications at home, and (2) the well-being goals of personal interest that motivate them. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted in the homes of 12 older adults in a small city in the Midwest United States. Interviews were analyzed using inductive template analysis. Results: The average age of older adults in this study was 74.2 years (SD = 10.5), 66.7% were women. The most prominent home medication management tools used were pill boxes, containers and vials, and medication lists. Routines were often aligned with activities of daily living such as teeth brushing and eating. Their medication management work occurred in contexts of other household members and budget constraints. Routines and practices were sometimes idiosyncratic adaptations and supported goals of maintaining control and decreasing vulnerability. Conclusion: In developing routines for home medication management, older adults developed systems and deliberate processes to make sense of their medication experiences in the context of their home environment and based on available resources.
Effect of a Novel Handheld Photobiomodulation Therapy Device in the Management of Chemoradiation Therapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Case Series Study
Authors: Jo In-Young , Byeon Hyung-Kwon , Ban Myung-Jin , Park Jae-Hong , Lee Sang-Cheol , Won Yong Kyun , Eun Yun-Su , Kim Jae-Yun , Yang Na-Gyeong , Lee Sul-Hee , Lee Pyeongan , Heo Nam-Hun , Jo Sujin , Seo Hoonhee , Kim Sukyung , Song Ho-Yeon , Kim Jung-Eun
Published: February 2023

Oral mucositis (OM) is a debilitating adverse event in patients undergoing treatment for cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a novel handheld photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) device on chemoradiation therapy (CRT)-induced OM in patients with head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer patients undergoing CRT who developed moderate-to-severe OM during treatment were enrolled. After PBMT and at 2 and 4 weeks after PBMT, the mean value of OM grade decreased significantly from 2.63 to 2.13, 1.31, and 0.75, respectively (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001). Moreover, we observed significant improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after PBMT compared to baseline through a validated questionnaire; EORTC QLQ-C30. In the present study, the use of this PBMT device in the management of CRT-induced OM in patients with head and neck cancer was generally well tolerated and resulted in the improvement of OM. However, evidence supporting its use remains lacking owing to limitations such as the small number of participants and lack of a control group. Therefore, further mechanistic studies and large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of PBMT in the treatment of CRT-induced OM, as shown in our results.
Operating Parameters Optimization for the Production of Liposomes Loaded with Antibodies Using a Supercritical Fluid-Assisted Process
Authors: Ferrari Pier , Trucillo Paolo , De Negri Atanasio Giulia , Bufalini Chiara , Campardelli Roberta , Perego Patrizia , Palombo Domenico , Reverchon Ernesto
Published: February 2023

Encapsulation of antibodies represents a significant advance to protect and deliver these therapeutics in a controlled manner, increasing the stability requested to cover the temporal gap between particle production and their administration. Furthermore, using encapsulation, extracellular, cell surface, and intracellular targets can be reached. This work examines the feasibility of encapsulating mouse IgG isotype control antibodies within phosphatidylcholine-based liposomes using a supercritical fluid-based process called SuperLip (Supercritical-assisted Liposome formation). This process allows a continuous production of both nano- and micrometric liposomes with high encapsulation efficiency working under mild operative conditions. The effect of some operative parameters has been studied on liposome mean diameter, particle size distribution, and antibody entrapment efficiency, comparing these data with those collected working with liposomes obtained by the thin-layer hydration technique. In particular, the effect of water flow rate and of the antibody loading were studied. Antibody-loaded liposomes with mean diameters in the range between 205 and 501 nm have been obtained by using a supercritical fluid-assisted process. High entrapment efficiencies up to 94% have been calculated.
Discussion on the Need for Harvested Rainwater Quality Standards Tailored to the Reuse Purpose
Authors: Tsanov Emil , Valchev Dobril , Ribarova Irina , Dimova Galina
Published: February 2023

Rainwater harvesting attracts rising interest in solving the new challenges associated with climate change and socio-economic development. Rainwater harvesting is addressed in various policies, but standards related to the harvested rainwater quality (HRWQ) are currently set mostly for reuse for agricultural purposes. This paper discusses the necessity for the introduction of specific legislative requirements for the HRWQ tailored to the reuse purpose, which would reduce the health and environmental risks. Based on a literature review of research outcomes regarding HRWQ parameters and existing legislation, the paper discusses the complexity of the factors influencing HRWQ and provides some thoughts for possible actions forward that could be undertaken toward the development of specific legislation. The actions include the application of a risk-based approach, the development of a database and guidance with technological solutions.
Numerical Simulation and Field Test Research on Vibration Reduction of PDC Cutting of Pebbled Sandstone under Composite Impact Load
Authors: Zhang Heng , Ni Hongjian , Yang Henglin , Fu Li , Wang Yuan , Liu Shubin , Huang Bin , Wang Zixin , Chen Gang
Published: February 2023

Downhole vibrations caused by rock breaking when drilling through pebbled sandstone formations negatively affect the rate of penetration (ROP) and the safety of downhole tools. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the cutting characteristics of pebbled sandstone and find a method of reducing the drilling vibrations of pebbled sandstone formations. Based on the DEM (discrete element method), a simulation model of pebbled sandstone considering the random filling of high-strength gravels was established by using the random polygon distribution method. The influence of gravel content on the strength parameters and the breaking state of the pebbled sandstone samples was analyzed. Additionally, a DEM model of PDC cutting rocks loaded by a spring–mass system was established, and the Stribeck effect of contact friction between the PDC cutter and the rock was analyzed. The periodic vibration and the stick–slip phenomenon of the cutting system during the drilling process were presented by this model. The model was employed to simulate and explore the influence of composite impact load on stick–slip vibration during PDC cutting of pebbled sandstone. The simulation results showed that the composite impact load had a more obvious effect on mitigating the vibration of PDC cutting of pebbled sandstone under the condition of a higher horizontal impact amplitude coefficient (qh = 40%). Based on the simulation results, a composite impactor with a large impact angle α = 70° was selected to conduct the field tests in the pebbled sandstone formation of Well T1. The results showed that, compared to conventional drilling, the average WOB (weight on bit) of the section drilled with the composite impactor decreased by 57.13%, the standard deviation of the WOB decreased by 57.29%, and the average ROP increased by 98.31%. The employing of composite impactors in pebbled sandstone formations can significantly reduce drilling vibration, improve ROP, and protect bits and downhole instruments.
Finite–Discrete Element Method Prediction of Advanced Fractures in Extra-Thick Coal Seams Based on a Constitutive Model of Rock Deformation–Fragmentation Failure Process
Authors: Guo Guoqiang , Li Hao
Published: February 2023

Roof fall is a frequent and destructive disaster in the working face of extra-thick coal seams. The important technology for disaster elimination is roof grouting, and the key to its success is to accurately predict the distance of the advanced fractures based on a reasonable rock constitutive relationship. In this paper, the constitutive relationship reflecting the progressive failure process of rock was established, including the elastic–plastic constitutive relation of intact rock, the fracture constitutive relation of non-penetrating fracture, and the shear friction constitutive relation of penetrating fracture. On this basis, the finite–discrete element method (FDEM) numerical calculation method was developed. Taking Yushupo Coal mine with a 16-m-thick coal seam as an example, the numerical results showed that the fractures in the roof appear 15~35 m ahead of the working face, and the maximum value of advance bearing pressure is between 16 and 30 MPa. Meanwhile the laboratory test results showed that the compressive strength of the grouted coal is 14.91 MPa after solidification for 7d. The above data mean that the grouting slurry can solidify the broken roof into a whole without roof fall disaster. At the same time, the rock pressure of the extra-thick coal seam can effectively crush the top coal, which is conducive to the top-coal caving operation. The in situ test shows that when the pre-grouting is carried out in the range of 20~30 m in front of the working face, the roof fall disaster can be effectively avoided, which is consistent with the numerical simulation results. It shows the rationality of the FDEM numerical method and the constitutive model of rock deformation–fragmentation failure process.
Cultivating Community through Language Learning in a Benedictine Seminary Network
Authors: Abraham Daniela B.
Published: February 2023

St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, a seminary located in southern Indiana, was founded in 1857 by monks of the Benedictine order of Einsiedeln in Switzerland. The seminary has since been devoted to the education of faith leaders—priests, deacons, and graduate lay students. Due to the growth of underserved Latino populations in the Midwest region of the United States, there is a need to prepare future faith leaders to serve Latino congregations. This work provides an exploration into the ways in which language learning collaborations based on Benedictine hospitality can cultivate community. It outlines a Benedictine pedagogy of community that is threefold. First, given the importance of language to communicate with members of Latino communities in the United States, the cultivation of community is understood in terms of the world readiness standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Second, because Benedictine monasteries were founded on the value of hospitality, these interactions are imbued with Benedictine hospitality. Third, it is argued that Benedictine communities are contexts in which the liminal intertwines with the liminoid, resulting in fertile ground for the creation of what we call liminal/liminoid encounters that have the potential to level asymmetric power relations and lead to meaningful dialogue. The final section shows how this Benedictine pedagogy of community is enacted in one specific Spanish language learning immersion that takes place at a sister Benedictine Monastery abroad, Our Lady of Angels, in Cuernavaca, Mexico. It also provides a small sample of seven students’ responses to two critical questions from a survey questionnaire. Even though this small qualitative sample is not generalizable, it helps illuminate how these interactions may lead to the development of cultural sensitivity, of a sense of community, between students and members of this language learning immersion abroad. Responses indicate that students who participated in this program for at least eight weeks exhibit an interest in continuing to interact and collaborate in multicultural communities as well as a willingness to learn the target language beyond this experience.
Machine Learning Analytic-Based Two-Staged Data Management Framework for Internet of Things
Authors: Farooq Omar , Singh Parminder , Hedabou Mustapha , Boulila Wadii , Benjdira Bilel
Published: February 2023

In applications of the Internet of Things (IoT), where many devices are connected for a specific purpose, data is continuously collected, communicated, processed, and stored between the nodes. However, all connected nodes have strict constraints, such as battery usage, communication throughput, processing power, processing business, and storage limitations. The high number of constraints and nodes makes the standard methods to regulate them useless. Hence, using machine learning approaches to manage them better is attractive. In this study, a new framework for data management of IoT applications is designed and implemented. The framework is called MLADCF (Machine Learning Analytics-based Data Classification Framework). It is a two-stage framework that combines a regression model and a Hybrid Resource Constrained KNN (HRCKNN). It learns from the analytics of real scenarios of the IoT application. The description of the Framework parameters, the training procedure, and the application in real scenarios are detailed. MLADCF has shown proven efficiency by testing on four different datasets compared to existing approaches. Moreover, it reduced the global energy consumption of the network, leading to an extended battery life of the connected nodes.
Muscular Damping Distribution Strategy for Bio-Inspired, Soft Motion Control at Variable Precision
Authors: Vonwirth Patrick , Berns Karsten
Published: February 2023

Bio-inspired and compliant control approaches have been studied by roboticists for decades to achieve more natural robot motion. Independent of this, medical and biological researchers have discovered a wide variety of muscular properties and higher-level motion characteristics. Although both disciplines strive to better understand natural motion and muscle coordination, they have yet to meet. This work introduces a novel robotic control strategy that bridges the gap between these distinct areas. By applying biological characteristics to electrical series elastic actuators, we developed a simple yet efficient distributed damping control strategy. The presented control covers the entire robotic drive train, from abstract whole-body commands to the applied current. The functionality of this control is biologically motivated, theoretically discussed, and finally evaluated through experiments on the bipedal robot Carl. Together, these results demonstrate that the proposed strategy fulfills all requirements that are necessary to continue developing more complex robotic tasks based on this novel muscular control philosophy.
Crack Monitoring in Rotating Shaft Using Rotational Speed Sensor-Based Torsional Stiffness Estimation with Adaptive Extended Kalman Filters
Authors: Park Young-Hun , Lee Hee-Beom , Kim Gi-Woo
Published: February 2023

In this study, we present an alternative solution for detecting crack damages in rotating shafts under torque fluctuation by directly estimating the reduction in torsional shaft stiffness using the adaptive extended Kalman filter (AEKF) algorithm. A dynamic system model of a rotating shaft for designing AEKF was derived and implemented. An AEKF with a forgetting factor (λ) update was then designed to effectively estimate the time-varying parameter (torsional shaft stiffness) owing to cracks. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed estimation method could not only estimate the decrease in stiffness caused by a crack, but also quantitatively evaluate the fatigue crack growth by directly estimating the shaft torsional stiffness. Another advantage of the proposed approach is that it uses only two cost-effective rotational speed sensors and can be readily implemented in structural health monitoring systems of rotating machinery.
Effects of Muscle Fatigue and Recovery on the Neuromuscular Network after an Intermittent Handgrip Fatigue Task: Spectral Analysis of Electroencephalography and Electromyography Signals
Authors: Hsu Lin-I , Lim Kai-Wen , Lai Ying-Hui , Chen Chen-Sheng , Chou Li-Wei
Published: February 2023

Mechanisms underlying exercise-induced muscle fatigue and recovery are dependent on peripheral changes at the muscle level and improper control of motoneurons by the central nervous system. In this study, we analyzed the effects of muscle fatigue and recovery on the neuromuscular network through the spectral analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) signals. A total of 20 healthy right-handed volunteers performed an intermittent handgrip fatigue task. In the prefatigue, postfatigue, and postrecovery states, the participants contracted a handgrip dynamometer with sustained 30% maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs); EEG and EMG data were recorded. A considerable decrease was noted in EMG median frequency in the postfatigue state compared with the findings in other states. Furthermore, the EEG power spectral density of the right primary cortex exhibited a prominent increase in the gamma band. Muscle fatigue led to increases in the beta and gamma bands of contralateral and ipsilateral corticomuscular coherence, respectively. Moreover, a decrease was noted in corticocortical coherence between the bilateral primary motor cortices after muscle fatigue. EMG median frequency may serve as an indicator of muscle fatigue and recovery. Coherence analysis revealed that fatigue reduced the functional synchronization among bilateral motor areas but increased that between the cortex and muscle.
Development of a Real-Time 6-DOF Motion-Tracking System for Robotic Computer-Assisted Implant Surgery
Authors: Sin Minki , Cho Jang Ho , Lee Hyukjin , Kim Kiyoung , Woo Hyun Soo , Park Ji-Man
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we investigate a motion-tracking system for robotic computer-assisted implant surgery. Failure of the accurate implant positioning may result in significant problems, thus an accurate real-time motion-tracking system is crucial for avoiding these issues in computer-assisted implant surgery. Essential features of the motion-tracking system are analyzed and classified into four categories: workspace, sampling rate, accuracy, and back-drivability. Based on this analysis, requirements for each category have been derived to ensure that the motion-tracking system meets the desired performance criteria. A novel 6-DOF motion-tracking system is proposed which demonstrates high accuracy and back-drivability, making it suitable for use in computer-assisted implant surgery. The results of the experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed system in achieving the essential features required for a motion-tracking system in robotic computer-assisted implant surgery.
Real-Time Estimation and Monitoring of COVID-19 Aerosol Transmission Risk in Office Buildings
Authors: Vanhaeverbeke Jelle , Deprost Emiel , Bonte Pieter , Strobbe Matthias , Nelis Jelle , Volckaert Bruno , Ongenae Femke , Verstockt Steven , Van Hoecke Sofie
Published: February 2023

A healthy and safe indoor environment is an important part of containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, this work presents a real-time Internet of things (IoT) software architecture to automatically calculate and visualize a COVID-19 aerosol transmission risk estimation. This risk estimation is based on indoor climate sensor data, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and temperature, which is fed into Streaming MASSIF, a semantic stream processing platform, to perform the computations. The results are visualized on a dynamic dashboard that automatically suggests appropriate visualizations based on the semantics of the data. To evaluate the complete architecture, the indoor climate during the student examination periods of January 2020 (pre-COVID) and January 2021 (mid-COVID) was analyzed. When compared to each other, we observe that the COVID-19 measures in 2021 resulted in a safer indoor environment.
AMSCN: A Novel Dual-Task Model for Automatic Modulation Classification and Specific Emitter Identification
Authors: Ying Shanchuan , Huang Sai , Chang Shuo , He Jiashuo , Feng Zhiyong
Published: February 2023

Specific emitter identification (SEI) and automatic modulation classification (AMC) are generally two separate tasks in the field of radio monitoring. Both tasks have similarities in terms of their application scenarios, signal modeling, feature engineering, and classifier design. It is feasible and promising to integrate these two tasks, with the benefit of reducing the overall computational complexity and improving the classification accuracy of each task. In this paper, we propose a dual-task neural network named AMSCN that simultaneously classifies the modulation and the transmitter of the received signal. In the AMSCN, we first use a combination of DenseNet and Transformer as the backbone network to extract the distinguishable features; then, we design a mask-based dual-head classifier (MDHC) to reinforce the joint learning of the two tasks. To train the AMSCN, a multitask cross-entropy loss is proposed, which is the sum of the cross-entropy loss of the AMC and the cross-entropy loss of the SEI. Experimental results show that our method achieves performance gains for the SEI task with the aid of additional information from the AMC task. Compared with the traditional single-task model, our classification accuracy of the AMC is generally consistent with the state-of-the-art performance, while the classification accuracy of the SEI is improved from 52.2% to 54.7%, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the AMSCN.
Plant Breeding Supporting the Sustainable Field Crop Production
Authors: Varga Balázs
Published: February 2023

The population of Earth exceed eight billion in 2022 and it is growing even faster [...]
Penile Rehabilitation after Prostate Cancer Treatment: Which Is the Right Program?
Authors: Castellucci Roberto , De Francesco Piergustavo , De Palma Antonio , Ciavarella Davide , Ferretti Simone , Marchioni Michele , Schips Luigi
Published: February 2023

The management of sexual complications after treatment of localized prostate cancer, such as erectile dysfunction, changes in the length of the penis, pain during sexual intercourse, and lack of orgasm, is still an unsolved problem with an important impact on patients’ quality of life. In this review, we summarize the current scientific literature about the rehabilitation of erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment. The therapy for penile rehabilitation includes different types of treatments: the combination of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-I) and the vacuum erectile device (VED) are considered first-line treatment options. When therapy begins, the duration of treatment, the dosage and the drug used all play very important roles in the treatment outcome. Intracavernous injection (ICI) therapy represents the second-line option for patients ineligible for PDE5-I therapy. Technological development has led to the emergence of devices for the stimulation of the penis without the use of drugs, such as penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) for stimulation of ejaculation in spinal cord injury and low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LIESWT). The rapid diffusion of the latter, thanks to its easy use, attains good results without side effects. The panorama of penile rehabilitation after PC treatments is vast and many studies are needed, especially on new technologies, to find the best therapeutic regimen possible, personalized to the patient’s characteristics and the type of treatment for PC.
TINGKAT KEPATUHAN PEDAGANG BESAR PASAR ANTASARI DAN PASAR HARUMANIS ATAS PAJAK PENGHASILAN (PPh) PASAL 21 PADA KOTA BANJARMASIN TAHUN 2022
Authors: Noor Riska Aulia
Published: February 2023

The problem raised in this study is the level of corporate taxpayer compliance with the tax law regarding income tax article 21. This research uses a descriptive comparative research type, namely research that aims to provide an overview of the comparison of compliance of wholesalers in Antasari market and Harum Manis market Banjarmasin on Income Tax (PPh) article 21. The test results were carried out using the separated variance t-test (independent sample test). The results showed that the level of tax compliance for wholesalers of the Antasari market in the category of tax compliance levels for wholesalers of the Harum Manis market had a high level of tax compliance. The tax compliance of the wholesalers of the Antasari market and the Harum Manis market has a significant difference, where the level of tax compliance on income tax for the traders of the Harum Manis market has a higher level of compliance than the level of compliance held by the wholesalers of the Antasari market.

Keywords: Income Tax, Tax Compliance
Key Soil Physicochemical Properties Regulating Microbial Community Structure under Vegetation Restoration in a Karst Region of China
Authors: Peng Xiaoyu , Liu Jiaxin , Duan Xingwu , Yang Hua , Huang Yong
Published: February 2023

Background:
Vegetation restoration influences soil properties considerably, which in turn interact with microbial community structure and regulate ecosystem stability. However, the influence of soil physical properties on soil microbial community structure has been poorly characterized.

Methods:
We investigated changes in soil physicochemical properties and bacterial and fungal diversity and composition after natural restoration (grasslands (GL)) and afforestation (artificial forests (AF)) for more than 40 years in a karst faulted basin in China.

Results:
Compared with that in undamaged natural forests (NF), AF enhanced soil organic carbon and nutrient contents markedly, whereas GL improved soil water stable aggregate, bulk density, and pH. Alpha diversity analyses suggested that vegetation restoration had no significant effect on Chao 1 index and Shannon index of bacterial and fungal communities. However, according to the nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis results, the dissimilarities in bacterial and fungal community composition between GL and NF were more distinct than those between AF and NF. Such diverse responses of bacterial community structure to vegetation restoration were largely explained by soil pH. Additionally, soil pH, porosity, bulk density, and field capacity were significantly correlated with fungal community structure (
P
< 0.05).

Conclusion:
Vegetation restoration in ecologically fragile areas should focus on understanding interactions between microbial community structure and soil chemical properties as well as physical properties.
Deep Neural Network-Based 4-Quadrant Analog Sun Sensor Calibration
Authors: Sun Qinbo , Gutiérrez Jose Luis Redondo , Yu Xiaozhou
Published: February 2023

Many error sources influence the calibration experiment of 4-quadrant sun sensors, making the calibration of sun sensors cumbersome and its accuracy difficult to improve. Any continuous function on a bounded closed set can be approximated by a deep neural network. This paper uses the deep neural network model to approximate the error model. The data-driven training network is adopted to continuously modify the model parameters to fit the error compensation model and ensure that the accuracy reaches the target requirements after calibration. Considering that the deep neural network model needs a considerable amount of data, the neural network model training is divided in 2 stages. In the preliminary stage, cubic surface fitting is used to generate a dataset, which is small in size and controllable. After the completion of the initial training, the experimental data are used to fine-tune the model to achieve error compensation. The accuracy can be improved from 1° (1
σ
) to 0.1° (1
σ
) after the incident angle of the sun sensor is corrected. The error compensation model eliminates the loss of accuracy caused by the distortion of light spots at the edge of the field angle and provides a favorable condition for the expansion of the field angle of the 4-quadrant analog sun sensor.
Dual-Wavelength Spectrum-Shaped Mid-Infrared Pulses and Steering High-Harmonic Generation in Solids
Authors: He Linzhen , Wang Weizhe , Tian Kan , Xiang Maoxing , Wan Zhongjun , Hu Bo , Li Yang , Wu Han , Chen Zi-Yu , Yang Fan , Liang Houkun
Published: February 2023

Mid-infrared (MIR) ultra-short pulses with multiple spectral-band coverage and good freedom in spectral and temporal shaping are desired by broad applications such as steering strong-field ionization, investigating bound-electron dynamics, and minimally invasive tissue ablation. However, the existing methods of light transient generation lack freedom in spectral tuning and require sophisticated apparatus for complicated phase and noise control. Here, with both numerical analysis and experimental demonstration, we report the first attempt, to the best our knowledge, at generating MIR pulses with dual-wavelength spectral shaping and exceptional freedom of tunability in both the lasing wavelength and relative spectral amplitudes, based on a relatively simple and compact apparatus compared to traditional pulse synthesizers. The proof-of-concept demonstration in steering the high-harmonic generation in a polycrystalline ZnSe plate is facilitated by dual-wavelength MIR pulses shaped in both spectral and temporal domains, spanning from 5.6 to 11.4 μm, with multi-microjoule pulse energy and hundred- milliwatt average power. Multisets of harmonics corresponding to different fundamental wavelengths are simultaneously generated in the deep ultraviolet region, and both the relative strength of individual harmonics sets and the spectral shapes of harmonics are harnessed with remarkable freedom and flexibility. This work would open new possibilities in exploring femtosecond control of electron dynamics and light–matter interaction in composite molecular systems.
Convolution Properties of a Class of Analytic Functions
Authors: Noor Khalida Inayat , Saliu Afis
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we introduce a new class $\mathcal{R}^{\alpha}_{m}(h)$ of functions $F=f\ast\psi$, defined in the open unit disc $E$ with $F(0)=F^{\prime}(0)-1=0$ and satisfying the condition
\begin{equation*}
F^{\prime}(z)+\alpha zF^{\prime\prime}(z)=\left(\frac{m}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\right)p_{_{1}}(z)-\left(\frac{m}{4}-\frac{1}{2}\right)p_{_{2}}(z),
\end{equation*}
for $\alpha\geq0,\,m\geq2$ and $p_{_{i}}\prec h,\, i=1,2.$

Several convolution properties of this class are obtained by using the method of differential subordination. Many relevant connections of the findings here with those in earlier works are pointed out as special cases.
Pemanfaatan Lingkungan Sebagai Laboratorium Alam Dalam Pembelajaran Siswa SMPN 17 Baubau
Authors: Ridzal Dewi Asriani , Haswan Haswan , Rosnawati Veni , Ahmad Aulia
Published: February 2023

Natural science is a subject that in the study requires a laboratory as a means of learning. The facts obtained are that there are still students who do not understand that the implementation of laboratory practicum can not only perform indoors (closed laboratory) but in an environment known as a natural laboratory. The method of community service activities carried out is socialization. Learning by utilizing the environment is very important to perform because the surrounding provides various things that students can study and can increase real student experience because it is very thick with everyday life. The evaluation result of understanding regarding the use of the environment as a natural laboratory showed that 83% (15 students) were in the excellent category, 11% (2 students) were in enough category and 6% (1 student) were in the poor category. These results indicate that most students have good knowledge about the advantage of the environment as a natural laboratory in learning.
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Pelatihan Pembuatan Virgin Coconut Oil bagi Anggota Kowunat Palu
Authors: Sabariyah Sitti , Spetriani Spetriani , Fathurahmi Siti
Published: February 2023

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is pure oil that is processed from coconuts and has various benefits, especially for health. VCO processing can be done easily and simply. Using appropriate technology can provide added value and a long shelf life for VCO. The potential of coconut  as the main raw material for making VCO is also considered quite good in the Central Sulawesi region. So the training on making VCO with the target group of Kowunat partners is very appropriate to carry out. In general, the purpose of this service is to provide knowledge and skills to Kowunat partners regarding the benefits of VCO for health and how to make and process VCO. This service is carried out through several stages, namely preparation for implementation, demonstrations of making VCO, presentation and discussion of VCO material and evaluation of training activities. The training was held for 2 days on March 24-25 2022 and was attended by 20 Kowunat members. The 100% attendance and enthusiasm of Kowunat members in the training activities indicated that this activity was successfully carried out. VCO from the training on the second day was 3 liters which was then divided into small plastic bottles of 100 ml.
Rancang Bangun Web-Desa Sebagai Sarana Transparansi Keuangan Dan Kegiatan Di Desa Seloliman Kecamatan Trawas Mojokerto
Authors: Setiawan Achmad , Sulaiman M Nur , Fahzri Burhan
Published: February 2023

The Regulation of the Minister of Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration No. 11 of 2019 as a follow-up to Law number 6 of 2014 stated that there is a priority for village funds to develop a Village Information System (SID) which can be used as a means of promoting village potential, transparency of village finances and information on the dynamics of village community activities. The main problems faced by Seloliman Village, Trawas District, Mojokerto Regency regarding this SID are the absence of skilled personnel in the IT field and the incomplete understanding of village officials regarding the use of the SID. This service aims to help the Seloliman village government build a SID, in this case, a village website that is relatively simple, easy to maintain, intuitive, and most importantly can be handled independently by the village. This service activity is divided into several stages: initial investigation, problem determination, solution search, activity implementation and final evaluation. The results of the dedication show that the designed village website meets the expectations of the Seloliman village community, and is quite informative, intuitive, and easy to update. The Seloliman village administration hopes that the village website can be further developed to become an online village correspondence service facility.
Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners in Indiana Elementary Schools before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Haiyan , Wright Wayne E , Morita-Mullaney Patricia M
Published: February 2023

This mixed-methods study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on elementary school literacy instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) across four Indiana school districts. Classroom lesson videos and observation rubrics for 19 teachers were collected from the beginning of 2020-2021 school year (during the pandemic) and compared with those collected pre-pandemic from the beginning of school years of 2018-2019 (n=7) and 2019-2020 (n=9). Findings demonstrate schools made efforts during the pandemic to offer quality literacy instruction within socially distanced classrooms, online synchronous instruction, and hybrid learning environments. However, teachers spent less time on two key literacy components: vocabulary and comprehension, and less time in small group/pair activities, resulting in lower rubric scores related to vocabulary and oral language development. As vocabulary and comprehension facilitated through peer interaction are central to quality literacy instruction, less attention to these areas illuminates the pandemic’s impact on literacy and language development for ELL students.