bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling Fibre-Reinforced Concrete for Predicting Optimal Mechanical Properties
Authors: Khalel Hamad Hasan Zedan , Khan Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Fibre-reinforced cementitious composites are highly effective for construction due to their enhanced mechanical properties. The selection of fibre material for this reinforcement is always challenging as it is mainly dominated by the properties required at the construction site. Materials like steel and plastic fibres have been rigorously used for their good mechanical properties. Academic researchers have comprehensively discussed the impact and challenges of fibre reinforcement to obtain optimal properties of resultant concrete. However, most of this research concludes its analysis without considering the collective influence of key fibre parameters such as its shape, type, length, and percentage. There is still a need for a model that can consider these key parameters as input, provide the properties of reinforced concrete as output, and facilitate the user to analyse the optimal fibre addition per the construction requirement. Thus, the current work proposes a Khan Khalel model that can predict the desirable compressive and flexural strengths for any given values of key fibre parameters. The accuracy of the numerical model in this study, the flexural strength of SFRC, had the lowest and most significant errors, and the MSE was between 0.121% and 0.926%. Statistical tools are used to develop and validate the model with numerical results. The proposed model is easy to use but predicts compressive and flexural strengths with errors under 6% and 15%, respectively. This error primarily represents the assumption made for the input of fibre material during model development. It is based on the material’s elastic modulus and hence neglects the plastic behaviour of the fibre. A possible modification in the model for considering the plastic behaviour of the fibre will be considered as future work.
Heat-Resistant Polymers with Intense, Visible Photoluminescence Functionality and Fluorescence Probing Application
Authors: Hasegawa Masatoshi , Horii Shunichi
Published: May 2023

Heat-resistant polymers with an intense, visible photoluminescence (PL) functionality are presented. A polybenzoxazole (PBO) containing hexafluoroisopropylidene (HFIP) side groups exhibited an intense purple PL with a quantum yield, ΦPL, of 0.22 (22%), owing to the effectively disturbed concentration quenching (CQ) in the fluorophore units by the bulky HFIP side groups. The chain ends of a wholly cycloaliphatic polyimide (PI), derived from 1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (CBDA) and 4,4′-methylenebis(cyclohexylamine) (MBCHA), were modified with conjugated monoamines. The PI derived from 2,3,6,7-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (2,3,6,7-NTDA) and MBCHA exhibited a very high glass transition temperature (Tg = 376 °C) and purple fluorescence from the S1(π,π*) state. However, its ΦPL value was lower than expected. A pronounced effect of fluorophore dilution using CBDA on the PL enhancement was observed. This is closely related to the planar structure of the 2,3,6,7-NTDA-based diimide units. By contrast, the counterpart using an 2,3,6,7-NTDA isomer, 1,4,5,8-NTDA, was virtually non-fluorescent, despite its sufficient dilution using CBDA. The PI film obtained using 3,3″,4,4″-p-terphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (TPDA) with a non-coplanar structure and MBCHA exhibited an intense blue fluorescence spectrum (ΦPL = 0.26) peaking at 434 nm. The dilution approach using CBDA enhanced its fluorescence up to a high ΦPL value of 0.41. Even when TPDA was combined with an aromatic diamine, 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFMB), the intense blue fluorescence was observed without charge-transfer fluorescence. A semi-cycloaliphatic PI derived from TFMB and a novel cycloaliphatic tetracarboxylic dianhydride, which was obtained from a hydrogenated trimellitic anhydride derivative and 4,4′-biphenol, was used as another host polymer for 9,10-bis(4-aminophenyl)anthracene (BAPA). The BAPA-incorporating PI film resulted in a significant PL enhancement with a considerably high ΦPL of 0.48. This PI film also had a relatively high Tg (265 °C). A reactive dye, N,N′-bis[4-(4-amino-3-methylbenzyl)-2-methylphenyl]-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxydiimide, was harnessed as a fluorescence probe to explore transamidation between polyimide precursors in solution.
Emergency Endoscopic Hemostasis for Gastrointestinal Bleeding Using a Self-Assembling Peptide: A Case Series
Authors: Murakami Takashi , Kamba Eiji , Haga Keiichi , Akazawa Yoichi , Ueyama Hiroya , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Hojo Mariko , Nagahara Akihito
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: A novel synthetic self-assembling peptide, PuraStat, has been introduced as a hemostatic agent. This case series aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of PuraStat for gastrointestinal bleeding during emergency endoscopy. Cases: Twenty-five patients with gastrointestinal bleeding who had undergone emergency endoscopy with PuraStat between August 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively examined. Six patients were receiving antithrombotic agents, and ten patients with refractory gastrointestinal bleeding had undergone at least one endoscopic hemostatic procedure. The breakdown of bleeding was gastroduodenal ulcer/erosion in 12 cases, bleeding after gastroduodenal or colorectal endoscopic resection in 4 cases, rectal ulcer in 2 cases, postoperative anastomotic ulcer in 2 cases, and gastric cancer, diffuse antral vascular ectasia, small intestinal ulcer, colonic diverticular bleeding, and radiation proctitis in each case. The method of hemostasis was only PuraStat application in six cases, and hemostasis in combination with high-frequency hemostatic forceps, hemostatic clip, argon plasma coagulation, and hemostatic agents (i.e., thrombin) in the remaining cases. Rebleeding was observed in three cases. Hemostatic efficiency was observed in 23 cases (92%). Conclusions: PuraStat has the expected hemostatic effect on gastrointestinal bleeding during emergency endoscopy. The use of PuraStat should be considered in emergency endoscopic hemostasis of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Myocardial Function after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Preoperative Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction—The Role of the Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain
Authors: Papestiev Vasil , Jovev Sasko , Risteski Petar , Popov Aron Frederik , Sokarovski Marjan , Andova Valentina , Georgievska-Ismail Ljubica
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: The role of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on postoperative left ventricular (LV) function in patients with preoperatively preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is still being discussed and only a few studies address this question. This study aimed to assess LV function after CABG in patients with preoperatively preserved LVEF using left ventricular longitudinal strain assessed by 2D speckle tracking imaging (STI). Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for a first-time elective CABG surgery were enrolled in the final analysis of this prospective single-center clinical study. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), with conventional measures and STI measures, was performed within 1 week before CABG as well as 4 months after surgery. Patients were divided into groups based on their preoperative global longitudinal strain (GLS) value. Differences in systolic and diastolic parameters between groups were analyzed. Results: Preoperative GLS was reduced (GLS < −17%) in 39% of the patients. Parameters of systolic LV function were significantly reduced in this group of patients compared to the patient group with GLS% ≥ −17%. In both groups, 4 months after CABG there was a decline in LVEF but statistically significant only in the group with GLS% ≥ −17% (p = 0.035). In patients with reduced GLS, there was a statistically significant postoperative improvement (p = 0.004). In patients with preoperative normal GLS, there was not a significant change in any strain parameters after CABG. There was an improvement in diastolic function parameters measured by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) in both groups. Conclusions: There is improvement in LV systolic and diastolic function after CABG in patients with preserved preoperative LVEF measured by STI and TDI. GLS might be more sensitive and effective than LVEF for monitoring improvements in myocardial function after CABG surgery in patients with preserved LVEF.
Design and Measurement of Microelectromechanical Three-Axis Magnetic Field Sensors Based on the CMOS Technique
Authors: Wu Chi-Han , Hsu Cheng-Chih , Tsai Yao-Chuan , Lee Chi-Yuan , Dai Ching-Liang
Published: May 2023

The design, fabrication, and measurement of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) three-axis magnetic field sensor (MFS) based on the commercial complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process are investigated. The MFS is a magnetic transistor type. The performance of the MFS was analyzed employing the semiconductor simulation software, Sentaurus TCAD. In order to decrease the cross-sensitivity of the three-axis MFS, the structure of the MFS is planed to accommodate two independent sensing components, a z-MFS utilized to sense magnetic field (M-F) in the z-direction and a y/x-MFS composed of a y-MFS and a x-MFS to be utilized to sense M-F in the y- and x-directions. The z-MFS incorporates four additional collectors to increase its sensitivity. The commercial 1P6M 0.18 μm CMOS process of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is utilized to manufacture the MFS. Experiments depict that the MFS has a low cross-sensitivity of less than 3%. The sensitivities of z-, y-, and x-MFS are 237 mV/T, 485 mV/T, and 484 mV/T, respectively.
A Performance Optimized CSTBT with Low Switching Loss
Authors: Xu Hang , Feng Tianyang , Cui Wenrong , Yang Yafen , Zhang David Wei
Published: May 2023

A novel Performance Optimized Carrier Stored Trench Gate Bipolar Transistor (CSTBT) with Low Switching Loss has been proposed. By applying a positive DC voltage to the shield gate, the carrier storage effect is enhanced, the hole blocking capability is improved and the conduction loss is reduced. The DC biased shield gate naturally forms inverse conduction channel to speed up turn-on period. Excess holes are conducted away from the device through the hole path to reduce turn-off loss (Eoff). In addition, other parameters including ON-state voltage (Von), blocking characteristic and short circuit performance are also improved. Simulation results demonstrate that our device exhibits a 35.1% and 35.9% decrease in Eoff and turn-on loss (Eon), respectively, in comparison with the conventional shield CSTBT (Con-SGCSTBT). Additionally, our device achieves a short-circuit duration time that is 2.48 times longer. In high-frequency switching applications, device power loss can be reduced by 35%. It should be noted that the additional DC voltage bias is equivalent to the output voltage of the driving circuit, enabling an effective and feasible approach towards high-performance power electronics applications.
Dietary Nutrient Intake and Sleep
Authors: Trakada Georgia
Published: May 2023

Various hormones and neuropeptides implicated in energy metabolism also regulate sleep cycles and wakefulness and promote adequate and restorative sleep [...]
Are Emotional Eating and Other Eating Behaviors the Missing Link in the Relationship between Inadequate Sleep and Obesity? A Systematic Review
Authors: Zerón-Rugerio María Fernanda , Doblas-Faxeda Sara , Diez-Hernández María , Izquierdo-Pulido Maria
Published: May 2023

Evidence is emerging to explain that the relationship between inadequate sleep and obesity could be influenced by emotional eating and other eating behaviors such as disinhibition. Therefore, our aim was to conduct a systematic review to analyze the potential role of emotional eating and other eating behaviors in the relationship between inadequate sleep and obesity. We conducted a comprehensive search on 2 databases (Medline and Scopus) looking for records from 1 January 2011 until 31 December 2022 without language restrictions. Cross-sectional, longitudinal, and interventional studies were included if they assessed the association between sleep and emotional eating, as well as the role of emotional eating on the relationship between inadequate sleep and obesity. Secondary outcomes included studies analyzing the link between sleep and other eating behaviors as well as their role in the sleep–obesity relationship. Our results showed that emotional eating and disinhibition play a significant role in the relationship between inadequate sleep and obesity, especially in women. Furthermore, we provide evidence of other eating behaviors (e.g., external eating, eating competence, and hunger), which are also associated with poor sleep outcomes. However, these behaviors do not seem to be determinants of the association between sleep and obesity. In conclusion, our results suggest that individuals with inadequate sleep who are prone to emotional eating and/or disinhibition may require tailored approaches for obesity prevention and treatment.
Red Yeast Rice for the Improvement of Lipid Profiles in Mild-to-Moderate Hypercholesterolemia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Fogacci Federica , Stoian Anca Pantea , Toth Peter P.
Published: May 2023

Reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels is a key target for lowering cardiovascular risk and preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Red yeast rice (RYR) is a nutraceutical widely used as a lipid-lowering dietary supplement. The main cholesterol-lowering components of RYR are monacolins, particularly monacolin K, which is structurally identical to lovastatin and targets the same key enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis. RYR supplementation reduces LDL-C levels by approximately 15–34% versus placebo, with a similar effect to low-dose, first-generation statins in subjects with mild-to-moderate dyslipidemia. RYR has also demonstrated beneficial reductions of up to 45% versus placebo in the risk of ASCVD events in secondary prevention studies. RYR at a dose that provides about 3 mg/d of monacolin K is well tolerated, with an adverse event profile similar to that of low-dose statins. RYR is therefore a treatment option for lowering LDL-C levels and ASCVD risk for people with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia who are ineligible for statin therapy, particularly those who are unable to implement lifestyle modifications, and also for people who are eligible for statin therapy but who are unwilling to take a pharmacologic therapy.
Nonselective and A2a-Selective Inhibition of Adenosine Receptors Modulates Renal Perfusion and Excretion Depending on the Duration of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Sitek Joanna Dorota , Kuczeriszka Marta , Walkowska Agnieszka , Kompanowska-Jezierska Elżbieta , Dobrowolski Leszek
Published: May 2023

Long-lasting hyperglycaemia may alter the role of adenosine-dependent receptors (P1R) in the control of kidney function. We investigated how P1R activity affects renal circulation and excretion in diabetic (DM) and normoglycaemic (NG) rats; the receptors’ interactions with bioavailable NO and H2O2 were also explored. The effects of adenosine deaminase (ADA, nonselective P1R inhibitor) and P1A2a-R-selective antagonist (CSC) were examined in anaesthetised rats, both after short-lasting (2-weeks, DM-14) and established (8-weeks, DM-60) streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia, and in normoglycaemic age-matched animals (NG-14, NG-60, respectively). The arterial blood pressure, perfusion of the whole kidney and its regions (cortex, outer-, and inner medulla), and renal excretion were determined, along with the in situ renal tissue NO and H2O2 signals (selective electrodes). The ADA treatment helped to assess the P1R-dependent difference in intrarenal baseline vascular tone (vasodilation in DM and vasoconstriction in NG rats), with the difference being more pronounced between DM-60 and NG-60 animals. The CSC treatment showed that in DM-60 rats, A2aR-dependent vasodilator tone was modified differently in individual kidney zones. Renal excretion studies after the ADA and CSC treatments showed that the balance of the opposing effects of A2aRs and other P1Rs on tubular transport, seen in the initial phase, was lost in established hyperglycaemia. Regardless of the duration of the diabetes, we observed a tonic effect of A2aR activity on NO bioavailability. Dissimilarly, the involvement of P1R in tissue production of H2O2, observed in normoglycaemia, decreased. Our functional study provides new information on the changing interaction of adenosine in the kidney, as well as its receptors and NO and H2O2, in the course of streptozotocin diabetes.
Synthesis and Preliminary Characterization of Putative Anle138b-Centered PROTACs against α-Synuclein Aggregation
Authors: Pedrini Martina , Iannielli Angelo , Meneghelli Lorenzo , Passarella Daniele , Broccoli Vania , Seneci Pierfausto
Published: May 2023

The search for disease-modifying agents targeted against Parkinson’s disease led us to rationally design a small array of six Anle138b-centered PROTACs, 7a,b, 8a,b and 9a,b, targeting αSynuclein (αSyn) aggregates for binding, polyubiquitination by the E3 ligase Cereblon (CRBN), and proteasomal degradation. Lenalidomide and thalidomide were used as CRBN ligands and coupled with amino- and azido Anle138b derivatives through flexible linkers and coupling reactions (amidation, ‘click’ chemistry). Four Anle138b-PROTACs, 8a,b and 9a,b, were characterized against in vitro αSyn aggregation, monitoring them in a Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay and in dopaminergic neurons derived from a set of isogenic pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines with SNCA multiplications. Native and seeded αSyn aggregation was determined with a new biosensor, and a partial correlation between αSyn aggregation, cellular dysfunctions, and neuronal survival was obtained. Anle138b-PROTAC 8a was characterized as the most promising αSyn aggregation inhibitor/degradation inducer, with potential usefulness against synucleinopathies and cancer.
Radioenhancement with the Combination of Docetaxel and Ultrasound Microbubbles: In Vivo Prostate Cancer
Authors: Almasri Firas , Sakarya Emmanuel H. , Karshafian Raffi
Published: May 2023

Using an in vitro prostate cancer model, we previously demonstrated the significant enhancement of radiotherapy (XRT) with the combined treatment of docetaxel (Taxotere; TXT) and ultrasound-microbubbles (USMB). Here, we extend these findings to an in vivo cancer model. Severe combined immune-deficient male mice were xenografted with the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line in the hind leg and treated with USMB, TXT, radiotherapy (XRT), and their combinations. The tumors were imaged with ultrasound pre-treatment and 24 h post-treatment, following which they were extracted for the histological analysis of the tumor-cell death (DN; H&E) and apoptosis (DA; TUNEL). The tumors’ growths were assessed for up to ~6 weeks and analysed using the exponential Malthusian tumor-growth model. The tumors’ doubling time (VT) was characterized as growth (positive) or shrinkage (negative). The cellular death and apoptosis increased ~5-fold with the TXT + USMB + XRT (Dn = 83% and Da = 71%) compared to the XRT alone (Dn = 16% and Da = 14%), and by ~2–3-fold with the TXT + XRT (Dn = 50% and Da = 38%) and USMB + XRT (Dn = 45% and Da = 27%) compared to the XRT. The USMB enhanced the cellular bioeffects of the TXT by ~2–5-fold with the TXT + USMB (Dn = 42% and Da = 50%), compared with the TXT alone (Dn = 19% and Da = 9%). The USMB alone caused cell death (Dn = 17% and Da = 10%) compared to the untreated control (Dn = 0.4% and Da = 0%). The histological cellular bioeffects were correlated with the changes in the ultrasound RF mid-band-fit data, which were associated with the cellular morphology. The linear regression analysis displayed a positive linear correlation between the mid-band fit and the overall cell death (R2 = 0.9164), as well as a positive linear correlation between the mid-band fit and the apoptosis (R2 = 0.8530). These results demonstrate a correlation between the histological and spectral measurements of the tissue microstructure and that cellular morphological changes can be detected by ultrasound scattering analysis. In addition, the tumor volumes from the triple-combination treatment were significantly smaller than those from the control, XRT, USMB + XRT, and TXT + XRT, from day 2 onward. The TXT + USMB + XRT-treated tumors shrank from day 2 and at each subsequent time-point measured (VT ~−6 days). The growth of the XRT-treated tumors was inhibited during the first 16 days, following which the tumors grew (VT ~9 days). The TXT + XRT and USMB + XRT groups displayed an initial decrease in tumor size (day 1–14; TXT + XRT VT ~−12 days; USMB + XRT VT ~−33 days), followed by a growth phase (day 15–37; TXT + XRT VT ~11 days; USMB + XRT VT ~22 days). The triple-combination therapy induced tumor shrinkage to a greater extent than any of the other treatments. This study demonstrates the in vivo radioenhancement potential of chemotherapy combined with therapeutic ultrasound-microbubble treatment in inducing cell death and apoptosis, as well as long-term tumor shrinkage.
Optimization of a Quantitative Anti-Drug Antibodies against Infliximab Assay with the Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry: A Method Validation Study and Future Perspectives
Authors: Smeijsters Erin H. , van der Elst Kim C. M. , Visch Amy , Göbel Camiel , Loeff Floris C. , Rispens Theo , Huitema Alwin D. R. , van Luin Matthijs , El Amrani Mohsin
Published: May 2023

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), such as infliximab, are important treatment options for different diseases. Immunogenicity is a major risk, resulting in anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), being associated with adverse events and loss of response, influencing long-term outcomes. The development of ADAs against infliximab is primarily measured by immunoassays like radioimmunoassay (RIA). Although liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is increasingly utilized across different fields, this technique is currently not used for ADAs against infliximab measurements. Therefore, we developed the first LC-MS/MS method. Stable isotopically labeled infliximab antigen-binding fragments (SIL IFX F(ab’)2) were used to bind and measure ADAs indirectly. Protein A magnetic beads were used to capture IgG, including ADAs, whereafter SIL IFX F(ab’)2 was added for labeling. After washing, internal standard addition, elution, denaturation and digestion samples were measured by LC-MS/MS. Internal validation showed good linearity between 0.1 and 16 mg/L (R2 > 0.998). Sixty samples were used for cross-validation with RIA, and no significant difference between ADA concentrations was found. The methods had high correlation (R = 0.94, p < 0.001) and excellent agreement, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.912 (95% confidence interval 0.858–0.947, p < 0.001). We present the first ADA against the infliximab LC-MS/MS method. The method is amendable for quantifying other ADAs, making it applicable as a template for future ADA methods.
Experimental Study of Thermal and Fire Reaction Properties of Glass Fiber/Bismaleimide Composites for Aeronautic Application
Authors: Li Gang , Qu Fang , Wang Zhi , Xiong Xuhai , Xu Yanying
Published: May 2023

Thermal behavior and fire reaction properties of aerial glass fiber (GF)/bismaleimide (BMI) composites were tested using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermogravimetric coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR), cone calorimeter, limiting oxygen index, and smoke density chamber. The results showed that the pyrolysis process was one stage in a nitrogen atmosphere with the prominent volatile components of CO2, H2O, CH4, NOx, and SO2. The release of heat and smoke increased with the increase in heat flux, while the time required to reach hazardous conditions decreased. The limiting oxygen index decreased monotonically from 47.8% to 39.0% with increasing experimental temperature. The maximum specific optical density within 20 min in the non-flaming mode was greater than that in the flaming mode. According to the four kinds of fire hazard assessment indicators, the greater the heat flux, the higher the fire hazard, for the contribution of more decomposed components. The calculations of two indices confirmed that the smoke release in the early stage of fire was more negative under flaming mode. This work can provide a comprehensive understanding of the thermal and fire characteristics of GF/BMI composites used for aircraft.
Effect of Solvent and Monomer Ratio on the Properties of Polyphenylene Sulphone
Authors: Zhansitov Azamat , Kurdanova Zhanna , Shakhmurzova Kamila , Slonov Azamat , Borisov Ilya , Khashirova Svetlana
Published: May 2023

For the first time, the effect of the solvent and monomer ratio on molecular weight, chemical structure, and mechanical, thermal, and rheological characteristics of polyphenylene sulfone has been studied. When dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is used as a solvent, cross-linking occurs during the processing of the polymer, which is accompanied by an increase in melt viscosity. This fact sets a pressing need for the complete removal of DMSO from the polymer. The best solvent used for the production of PPSU is N,N-dimethylacetamide. This study of the molecular weight characteristics of polymers by gel permeation chromatography showed the stability of the polymers practically does not change with a decrease in molecular weight. The synthesized polymers correspond in tensile modulus to the commercial analog Ultrason-P, while exceeding it in terms of tensile strength and relative elongation at break. Thus, the developed polymers are promising for spinning hollow fiber membranes with a thin selective layer.
Considerations in the Application of Psychedelic-Augmented Psychotherapy: A Commentary on Clinical Mechanisms
Authors: De Foe Alexander
Published: May 2023

Psychedelics have been studied extensively in their broad treatment potential for a variety of mental health disorders. Recently, scholars have turned their attention to the role of psychotherapy in the augmentation, follow-up, and support mechanisms relevant to psychedelic administration. While it is tempting to position psychedelic substances as standalone medicines akin to SSRIs or SNRIs, their unique neurochemical action and potential for psychological transformation calls for a broader examination of the role of counseling and psychotherapy, within the context of a bio-psychosocial model. I outline well-established and emerging therapeutic modalities that are well-placed in complementary and augmented psychedelic treatment. I do so with the intention of opening a broader conversation to those situated in medical and medical-adjacent fields, including psychoanalysts, counselors, support workers, and other allied professionals. Ultimately, practitioners working in medical-aligned fields hold diversly vested interests in understanding the place of psychedelic therapies in mental health, and more attention should be given to a balanced consideration of treatment and support mechanisms.
An Assessment of Soil Phytolith Analysis as a Palaeoecological Tool for Identifying Pre-Columbian Land Use in Amazonian Rainforests
Authors: Hill James , Black Stuart , Araujo-Murakami Alejandro , Boot Rene , Brienen Roel , Feldpausch Ted , Leigue John , Murakami Samaria , Monteagudo Abel , Pardo Guido , Peña-Claros Marielos , Phillips Oliver L. , Toledo Marisol , Vos Vincent , Zuidema Pieter , Mayle Francis E.
Published: May 2023

Phytolith analysis is a well-established archaeobotanical tool, having provided important insights into pre-Columbian crop cultivation and domestication across Amazonia through the Holocene. Yet, its use as a palaeoecological tool is in its infancy in Amazonia and its effectiveness for reconstructing pre-Columbian land-use beyond archaeological sites (i.e., ‘off-site’) has so far received little critical attention. This paper examines both new and previously published soil phytolith data from SW Amazonia to assess the robustness of this proxy for reconstructing pre-Columbian land-use. We conducted the study via off-site soil pits radiating 7.5 km beyond a geoglyph in Acre state, Brazil, and 50 km beyond a ring-ditch in northern Bolivia, spanning the expected gradients in historical land-use intensity. We found that the spatio-temporal patterns in palm phytolith data across our soil-pit transects support the hypothesis that pre-Columbian peoples enriched their forests with palms over several millennia, although phytoliths are limited in their ability to capture small-scale crop cultivation and deforestation. Despite these drawbacks, we conclude that off-site soil phytolith analysis can provide novel insights into pre-Columbian land use, provided it is effectively integrated with other land-use (e.g., charcoal) and archaeological data.
The Ethics of Integrating Faith and Science
Authors: Keathley Kenneth
Published: May 2023

Both faith and science can be defined in three ways: (1) a methodology; (2) a body of knowledge; and (3) an institution. In other words, each can be understood in terms of what it is, what it does, and who does it. The third way of understanding science—as an institution—seems to be often overlooked. Thus, the ethical underpinnings and implications are also underappreciated. In the 21st century, any model of the interaction between science and faith must include an ethical component. This essay briefly surveys significant areas of disagreement in which the conflicts are demonstrated to be essentially ethical in nature.
Spatial Development of Strong Storm-Induced Ionospheric Perturbations during 25–27 August 2018
Authors: Li Wang , Zhao Dongsheng , Feng Jiandi , Wu Xuequn , Zhang Zhen
Published: May 2023

The 25–27 August 2018 geomagnetic storm was the third largest storm in the 24th solar cycle. It was a surprising space event that originated from low-level solar activity. This study provides an overview of the temporal–spatial behaviors of plasma irregularities as functions of geographic longitude, latitude, and altitude using ground-based (GNSS receivers and ionosonde) instruments and space-borne Swarm satellites. The results not only reveal enhanced equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) and hemispheric asymmetry over the Asian–Australian and American sectors at a particular time but also hemispheric asymmetric features of global ROT in the main and recovery phases. Additionally, this storm triggered positive plasma irregularities in altitudes of 100 to 150 km near the Auroral zone, and the changed ratio of bottom-side plasma irregularities exceeded 250%. This finding has been cross-validated by other instruments and models. Furthermore, the storm significantly affected the thermospheric O/N2 density ratio, equatorial electrojet, and vertical E×B drifts. The equatorial and mid-latitude plasma irregularities may be a combined action of thermospheric composition change, equatorial electrojet, and vertical E×B drifts. Finally, the storm induced positive Joule heating irregularities in the Auroral ionosphere in altitudes of 100 to 400 km with a maximum changed ratio of over 200%, as well as enhanced cross-Polar voltage to ~90 kv. The Polar ionospheric irregularities may be associated with additional energy input through particle precipitation, Joule heating, and ionospheric current intensification.
Latino Paradox or Black Exception? Race, Ethnicity, and Crime in the 21st Century
Authors: Shihadeh Edward S. , Barranco Raymond E.
Published: May 2023

George Floyd’s murder by a Minnesota police officer sparked outrage, protests, and a re-evaluation of racial inequities in America. Within criminology, we argue, that re-evaluation should include the Latino Paradox, the idea that Latino communities are an exception—a paradox—in that, while they face economic deprivation, they also possess a magical something that makes them resistant to social problems like crime. Unfortunately, this compels the more delicate question; what is the deficiency in Black communities that makes them so vulnerable to crime? However, as we argue here, the Latino Paradox forces a false comparison. Its assumptions with respect to crime are factually incorrect, it demeans Blacks by neglecting their historical context, it romanticizes the Latino experience, and it misdirects policy making. It also leads to lazy theorizing by suggesting that the Latino Paradox forces a re-evaluation of a major criminology theory, Social Disorganization. Indeed, Social Disorganization Theory can adequately explain past and present links between immigration and crime. In light of these problems, it is time to drop the Latino Paradox as an explanation for the race/ethnic differences in crime.
Efficient Measurement Method: Development of a System Using Measurement Templates for an Orthodontic Measurement Project
Authors: Koga Harumichi , Taki Katsuhiko , Masugi Ayano
Published: May 2023

We have developed a new system for measuring dental, gnathic, and facial areas with cephalogram-equivalent images created from computed tomographic imaging data. An advantage of this collaborative system is that a measurement template and automated processing are used. First, experienced orthodontists were provided with the measurement templates; they then moved the measurement markers to the specified landmarks on the cephalogram in the template. Subsequently, the program automatically detected the coordinates of the markers and calculated the distance between those coordinates. The appropriate use of this system leads to highly accurate results in large quantities of measurements in a short time by means of both manual and automatic processing. The system was developed to contribute to worldwide research into dental and craniofacial measurements; the research involved 500 patients, and the system worked successfully.
Meeting the Expectations of the Customer: Consumer Valuation of Broccoli Produced in the Eastern United States and the Impact of Local Marketing
Authors: Wasserman-Olin Rebecca , Gómez Miguel I. , Björkman Thomas
Published: May 2023

Regional vegetable production can only displace high-quality centralized production if consumers specifically desire regional produce. California leads the United States (US) in vegetable production and sets the industry standard for broccoli; however, there is increasing production in the Eastern US to shorten the broccoli supply chain for East Coast consumers. With new varieties suited for East Coast production, more information is needed as to how they compete based on appearance, taste, and the influence of marketing them as local. In this article, we design and employ an experiment to compare a California product to four new broccoli breeds better suited for East Coast conditions. Our results show that the new varieties are becoming more competitive based on appearance and are valued higher when marketed as local. Additionally, consumers are willing to pay the same amount as the California variety for two of the New York varieties based on taste. In these two cases, local information is not associated with increased willingness to pay. Our results show that local marketing can increase a consumer’s willingness to pay, but the effect may decrease as the product quality meets the expected industry standard. These findings indicate that grocery stores have the potential to compensate for broccoli that does not quite meet a consumer’s appearance expectations by marketing it as local. However, as the product approaches a consumer’s expectations, local marketing is unlikely to increase a consumers’ willingness to pay.
Eight Traffic Calming “Easy Pieces” to Shape the Everyday Pedestrian Realm
Authors: Cantisani Giuseppe , Corazza Maria Vittoria , Di Mascio Paola , Moretti Laura
Published: May 2023

The need for safe pedestrian movement implies subtracting and modifying space dedicated to vehicles, especially in urban areas. Traffic control measures aim to reduce or modify the width of the carriageway and force the correct use of the space by pedestrians through two approaches: the former is hard and includes physical barriers and the latter is soft and induces psychological fashion effects on the drivers. This paper presents vertical and horizontal devices integrated by landscaping, planting, or other similar works to slow motor vehicle speed, narrow traffic lanes, and/or create smaller distances for pedestrian crossings. Mobility and boundary issues are considered to discuss their warrants and potential impacts. Indeed, the effects of speed or volume treatments should be investigated through a comprehensive multicriteria analysis without overlooking pedestrian level of service, access and connectivity to residents and emergency vehicles, drainage and snow issues, loss of on-street parking lots, and environmental goals in terms of noise and emissions to air reduction.
Sustainable Fashion Product Innovation: Continuous Value of Apparel Products on Second-Hand Product Trading Platforms
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxiao , Miyauchi Ryoga , Inoue Yuki
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to determine the appropriate fashion design elements for fashion product innovation to achieve continuous product value and promote sustainable fashion. We focused on five fashion design elements: classical, transformative, patterned, multimaterial, and decorative. Using an apparel auction market dataset, we verified how the five design elements contributed to the value continuation of apparel products across five categories. We statistically confirmed the design elements that positively affect the continuous value of different apparel products per fashion product categories. This study can help designers select elements that sustain product value, providing them with direct references for recommendations.
Assessment of Soil Pollution with Presumably Contaminating Elements in Moscow Recreational Areas Using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis
Authors: Zinicovscaia Inga , Vergel Konstantin , Duliu Octavian G. , Grozdov Dmitrii , Yushin Nikita , Chaligava Omari
Published: May 2023

Urban ares are subjected to intensive pollution due to continuous anthropogenic activity. In order to assess the influence of thermal power plants and waste incineration plants on the City of Moscow recreational areas, the mass fractions of 37 major and trace elements were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis in soil samples collected at two different depths in the vicinity of more potential contamination sources. Comparison of the mass fractions of determined elements with the Upper Continental Crust (UCC) evidenced a high similarity with the exception of Ca of which mass fraction, in some places, overcame a number of times the UCC one. The Discriminant Analysis was used to reveal similarities between the composition of collected soils samples. The distribution of major as well as of trace elements in analysed soils indicates their mixed origin. Contamination Factor (CF), Enrichment Factor (EF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and Pollution Load Index (PLI), all of them defined with respect to UCC, were used for a comprehensive evaluation of the soil pollution with presumably contaminating elements Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Sb and Hg. Among them, only in few places, CF reached a maximum values of 5.9 for Hg, EF of 13 and Igeo of 3.12, both for Sb, but in different places, pointing towards an uneven distribution of contaminated areas. As, for the majority of places, the same indices were below or around the contamination thresholds, only for some locations the PLI exceeded 1.05, suggesting a moderate contamination localized in the vicinity of a few thermal power plants.
Climate Change Impacts on Facade Building Materials: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Athauda Ransi Salika , Asmone Ashan Senel , Conejos Sheila
Published: May 2023

Recently, various parts of the world are being affected by different climate change incidents causing hindrances to day-to-day activities. The concept of constructing sustainable buildings has gained traction as climate change and other risks increase, allowing them to endure future natural or artificial disasters while maintaining functionality. As facade building materials are impacted considerably by climate change due to exposure to various such conditions, the focus of this study is to identify the climate change impacts on facade building materials. A qualitative research method with an interview research design was used for the study. Twelve semi-structured expert interviews by selecting the experts through the judgmental sampling method were undertaken along with a detailed analysis of the literature. The gathered data were evaluated using software-assisted thematic content analysis. According to the results, climate change has a substantial impact on facade building materials, despite the fact that few governments, particularly those in developing nations, have given considerable attention. Moreover, these identified impacts on facade building materials from climate change have the potential to cause catastrophic occupational health and safety risks for facade maintenance workers which also should be gained more consideration in the world as per the findings of this study in order to create a safer working environment for the workers to carry out their activities. Additionally, the research techniques used in this study can be expanded to cover a variety of other potential building materials and operations. As a result, this research is focused on a new subject matter that must be given more concern by researchers, because of its significance in the current global settings.
A Convolutional Neural Network Model for Soil Temperature Prediction under Ordinary and Hot Weather Conditions: Comparison with a Multilayer Perceptron Model
Authors: Farhangmehr Vahid , Cobo Juan Hiedra , Mohammadian Abdolmajid , Payeur Pierre , Shirkhani Hamidreza , Imanian Hanifeh
Published: May 2023

Soil temperature is a critical parameter in soil science, agriculture, meteorology, hydrology, and water resources engineering, and its accurate and cost-effective determination and prediction are very important. Machine learning models are widely employed for surface, near-surface, and subsurface soil temperature predictions. The present study employed a properly designed one-dimensional convolutional neural network model to predict the hourly soil temperature at a subsurface depth of 0–7 cm. The annual input dataset for this model included eight hourly climatic features. The performance of this model was assessed using a wide range of evaluation metrics and compared to that of a multilayer perceptron model. A detailed sensitivity analysis was conducted on each feature to determine its importance in predicting the soil temperature. This analysis showed that air temperature had the greatest impact and surface thermal radiation had the least impact on soil temperature prediction. It was concluded that the one-dimensional convolutional model performed better than the multilayer perceptron model in predicting the soil temperature under both normal and hot weather conditions. The findings of this study demonstrated the capability of the model to predict the daily maximum soil temperature.
Analysis of Ecological Environment Quality and Its Driving Factors in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region of China
Authors: Wu Aibin , Zhao Yanxia , Qin Yanjie , Liu Xin , Shen Huitao
Published: May 2023

This study aims to explore the evolution of the pattern of ecological environment quality and its driving factors in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, providing a basis for developing regional ecological protection policies. Based on remote sensing image data, the study developed a remote-sensing eco-environmental index (REI) from two dimensions, namely ecological quality and environmental quality, and evaluated the spatiotemporal changes of the eco-environment quality in the BTH region from 2000 to 2020. The main factors affecting the eco-environment quality and the changing trend of the eco-environment quality were subsequently analyzed using the geographic detector model and the GM1.1 model. The results show that the eco-environmental quality of the BTH region shows a fluctuating downward trend and distinct regional differences during the study period. The Yanshan Mountain in the north and the Taihang Mountain in the west have high ecological quality, while the Zhangjiakou area in the northwestern part of Hebei Province and the urban center in the southeastern part of Hebei Province suffer low ecological quality. Natural factors played a dominant role in influencing eco-environmental factors, but the proportion of economic and social factors increased over time. It is predicted that the number of counties in the region with poor eco-environmental factors will increase significantly. Therefore, the comprehensive assessment of regional ecological quality can be effectively achieved based on REI, thus providing a reference for the green and high-quality development of the regional social economy.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Territory and Demographic Processes: A View from Spanish Rural and Urban Areas
Authors: Serrano J. Javier , Fajardo Félix
Published: May 2023

The current physiognomy and problems of rural and urban territories in Spain are directly related to the demographic processes linked to the rural exodus of the 1960s. In the year 2020, a new problem and/or conditioning factor arose, COVID-19, which has modified dynamics, routines, and aspects of the daily life of the population. The objectives of this research are to check whether there are differences in the effect of COVID-19 between urban and rural municipalities and, in turn, to analyse the demographic dynamics of the population between 2020 and 2022, as well as territorial distribution patterns. To this end, population data were extracted from the Population Register and Residential Variation data for the period 2010 and 2022 and demographic and statistical calculations (Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation) were carried out. Among the main results, it is observed that COVID-19 has less of an effect in Spanish rural areas. Moreover, these areas show a positive demographic trend for the period 2020–2022. Population growth has had a direct influence on the improvement of demographic data, although with differences according to autonomous communities. This fact represents a break in the trend in rural areas, but is beginning to show signs of exhaustion and a return to the pre-pandemic trend.