bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Determinants of Capital Adequacy in the Jordanian Banking Sector: An Autoregressive Distributed Lag-Bound Testing Approach
Authors: Gharaibeh Ahmad Mohammad Obeid
Published: June 2023

The current study aims to examine the determinants of the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) in the context of Jordanian banks through a literature review and analysis of empirical evidence. The aggregate data were obtained from Globaleconomy.com, the Financial Soundness Indicators, the Central Bank of Jordan, and World Bank Data covering the period from 2003 to 2021. The aggregate data were analyzed using autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), utilizing Econometric Views (EViews) software. The empirical results suggest a short-run causality relationship running from banks’ credit-to-deposits ratio, banks’ leverage ratio, banks’ liquidity ratio, and one-year-lagged ROE to the CAR. The results also suggest the existence of short-run causality running from the capital-to-assets ratio, one-year-lagged capital-to-asset ratio, liquid-assets-to-deposits ratio, and coverage ratio to CAR. In addition, the results show the leverage ratio and liquidity ratio as having positive long-run associations with CAR. A positive and significant long-run association was also found between CAR, on the one hand, and the capital-to-assets ratio and the liquid assets to deposits ratio; the coverage ratio, on the other hand, showed a negative and statistically significant long-run association with CAR. The pairwise Granger causality test results reveal that liquid asset to deposits, money supply, profitability, and the capital-to-assets ratio Granger cause CAR. The study findings emphasize the importance of understanding the factors impacting CAR, the direction of the influence, the magnitude of the influence of the determinants of CAR in emerging economies such as Jordan and taking appropriate measures to safeguard the stability and resilience of the banking industry.
Archaeological Predictive Modeling Using Machine Learning and Statistical Methods for Japan and China
Authors: Wang Yuan , Shi Xiaodan , Oguchi Takashi
Published: June 2023

Archaeological predictive modeling (APM) is an essential method for quantitatively assessing the probability of archaeological sites present in a region. It is a necessary tool for archaeological research and cultural heritage management. In particular, the predictive modeling process could help us understand the relationship between past human civilizations and the natural environment; moreover, a better understanding of the mechanisms of the human–land relationship can provide new ideas for sustainable development. This study aims to investigate the impact of topographic and hydrological factors on archaeological sites in the Japanese archipelago and Shaanxi Province, China and proposes a hybrid integration approach for APM. This approach employed a conditional attention mechanism (AM) using deep learning and a frequency ratio (FR) model, in addition to a separate FR model and the widely-used machine learning MaxEnt method. The models’ outcomes were cross-checked using the four-fold cross-validation method, and the models’ performances were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and Kvamme’s Gain. The results showed that in both study areas, the AM_FR model exhibited the most satisfactory performances.
Corporate Responsibility in the Digital Era
Authors: Wynn Martin , Jones Peter
Published: June 2023

As the digital era advances, many industries continue to expand their use of digital technologies to support company operations, notably at the customer interface, bringing new commercial opportunities and increased efficiencies. However, there are new sets of responsibilities associated with the deployment of these technologies, encompassed within the emerging concept of corporate digital responsibility (CDR), which to date has received little attention in the academic literature. This exploratory paper thus looks to make a small contribution to addressing this gap in the literature. The paper adopts a qualitative, inductive research method, employing an initial scoping literature review followed by two case studies. Based on the research findings, a simple model of CDR parameters is put forward. The article includes a discussion of a number of emergent issues—fair and equitable access, personal and social well-being, environmental implications, and cross-supply chain complexities—and a conclusion that summarises the main findings and suggests possible directions for future research.
The Effect of the Saudi Haloxylon ammodendron Shrub on Silver Nanoparticles: Optimal Biosynthesis, Characterization, Removability of Mercury Ions, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Al-Hakimi Ahmed N. , Alresheedi Tahani M. , Albarrak Reema A.
Published: June 2023

This research provides a sustainable way to treat water by removing heavy metal hazards (mercury ion) and biological pollutants (several strains of bacteria and fungi) through the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the ethanol extract of the Saudi Haloxylon ammodendron shrub, which is planted in the Qassim desert. Further, this work confirms that these nanoparticles could be used as anticancer materials. The optimization factors of the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles were studied and obtained (volume ratio = 1:2, pH = 7.5, and temperature = 60 °C). The scanning electron microscope micrographs showed the spherical shape and the huge numbers of silver nanoparticles accumulated, while X-ray diffraction measurements gave the crystal size of these nanoparticles in the range of 10.64 nm. The application findings of these biofabricated silver nanoparticles demonstrated effective detection and removal of different concentrations of mercury ions (0–2500 ppm) from the polluted aqueous solutions. The work revealed that Haloxylon ammodendron extract enhanced the antibacterial and antifungal activities of silver nanoparticles against different strains of bacteria and fungi. As well, the anticancer activity examinations of these nanoparticles and the extract showed good and reasonable results.
Contribution to the Knowledge of Dicranoptychini (Diptera, Tipuloidea, Limoniidae) in China, with the First Mitochondrial Genome of the Tribe and Its Phylogenetic Implications
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Zhang Shenglin , Chen Yaru , Wang Guoquan , Yang Ding , Zhang Xiao
Published: June 2023

Dicranoptychini is a tribe in the subfamily Limoniinae (Diptera, Tipuloidea, and Limoniidae) and includes only the genus Dicranoptycha Osten Sacken, 1860. However, the species diversity of the tribe in China was seriously underestimated, and the taxonomic status of Dicranoptycha has long been controversial. In this study, types of Chinese Dicranoptycha species and specimens collected from several localities in China were examined, and the first mitochondrial (mt) genome of the tribe Dicranoptychini is presented. Two Dicranoptycha species, D. jiufengshana sp. nov. and D. shandongensis sp. nov., from China, are described and illustrated as new to science. A Palaearctic species, D. prolongata Alexander, 1938, is recorded in China for the first time. In addition, the complete mt genome of D. shandongensis sp. nov. is sequenced and annotated, indicating that it is a typical circular DNA molecule with a length of 16,157 bp and shows a similar gene order, nucleotide composition, and codon usage to mt genomes of other Tipuloidea species. The two pairs of repeat elements are found in its control region. Phylogenetic results confirm the sister-group relationship between Cylindrotomidae and Tipulidae, question the position of the genus Epiphragma Osten Sacken, 1860 in Limoniidae, and indicate that Dicranoptychini may be a basal lineage within Limoniinae.
Therapeutic Effects of Apremilast on Enthesitis and Dactylitis in Real Clinical Setting: An Italian Multicenter Study
Authors: Lo Gullo Alberto , Becciolini Andrea , Parisi Simone , Del Medico Patrizia , Farina Antonella , Visalli Elisa , Dal Bosco Ylenia , Molica Colella Aldo , Lumetti Federica , Caccavale Rosalba , Scolieri Palma , Andracco Romina , Girelli Francesco , Bravi Elena , Colina Matteo , Volpe Alessandro , Ianniello Aurora , Ditto Maria , Nucera Valeria , Franchina Veronica , Platé Ilaria , Di Donato Eleonora , Amato Giorgio , Salvarani Carlo , Bernardi Simone , Lucchini Gianluca , De Lucia Francesco , Molica Colella Francesco , Santilli Daniele , Mansueto Natalia , Ferrero Giulio , Marchetta Antonio , Arrigoni Eugenio , Foti Rosario , Sandri Gilda , Bruzzese Vincenzo , Paroli Marino , Fusaro Enrico , Ariani Alarico
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Enthesitis and dactylitis are difficult-to-treat features of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), leading to disability and affecting quality of life. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate enthesitis (using the Leed enthesitis index (LEI)) and dactylitis at 6 and 12 months in patients treated with apremilast. Methods: Patients affected by PsA from fifteen Italian rheumatological referral centers were screened. The inclusion criteria were: (a) enthesitis or dactylitisphenotype; (b) treatment with apremilast 30 mg bid. Clinical and treatment history, including PsA disease activity, were recorded. Mann–Whitney and chi-squared tests were used to assess the differences between independent groups, and Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-rank test assessed the differences between dependent samples. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The Eph cohort consisted of 118 patients (median LEI 3); the Dph cohort included 96 patients with a median dactylitis of 1 (IQR 1–2). According to an intention to treat analysis, 25% and 34% of patients with enthesitis achieved remission (i.e., LEI = 0) in T1 and T2. The remission of dactylitis was 47% in T1 and 44% in T2. The per protocol analysis (patients observed for at least 12 months) showed that both dactylitis and LEI significantly improved in T1 (median LEI 1 (IQR 1–3)) and T2 (median LEI 0 (IQR 1–2)). Conclusion: Eph and Dph PsA patients treated with apremilast experienced a significant improvement in enthesitis and dactylitis activity. After 1 year, enthesitis and dactylitis remission was achieved in more than one-third of patients.
BMI Impact on Readmissions for Patients Undergoing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Monocentric, Single-Surgeon Serial Analysis of 500 Cases
Authors: Farzat Mahmoud , Sharabaty Ismail , Tanislav Christian , Alsaid Yaman , Wagenlehner Florian M.
Published: June 2023

Due to more difficult intraoperative courses, elevated rates of case abortion and unfavored postoperative outcomes in obese patients, urologists tend to consider other therapeutic modalities than prostate removal in very obese patients. With the surge in robotic surgery in the last two decades, more obese patients have undergone robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Objective: This current, monocentric, retrospective serial study investigates primarily the impact of obesity on readmissions and secondarily the major complications of RARP. Methods: Five hundred patients from one referral center who underwent RARP between April 2019 and August 2022 were included in this retrospective study. To investigate the impact of patient BMI on postoperative outcomes, we divided our cohort into two groups with a cut-off of 30 kg/m2 (according to the WHO definition). Demographic and perioperative data were analyzed. Postoperative complications and readmission rates were compared between standard, normal patients (NOBMI—BMI under 30; n = 336, 67.2%) and overweight patients (OBMI—BMI equal to/more than 30; n = 164, 32.8%). Results: OBMI patients had bigger prostates on TRUS, more comorbidities and worse baseline erectile function scores. They also received fewer nerve-sparing procedures than their counterparts (p = 0.005). Analysis showed no statistically significant differences in readmission rates or in minor or major complications (p = 0.336, 0.464 and 0.316, respectively). In a univariate analysis, BMI could predict positive surgical margins (p = 0.021). Conclusion: Performing RARP in obese patients seems to be safe and feasible, without major adverse events or elevated readmission rates. Obese patients should be informed preoperatively about the elevated risk of higher PSMs and technically more difficult nerve-sparing procedures.
Obesity, Inflammation, Growth, and Metabolism: Evolution of Understanding and Evolving Functions of Old and New Peptides
Authors: Street Maria Elisabeth
Published: June 2023

Obesity is a well-known low-grade chronic inflammatory disease that leads to metabolic derangements, cardiovascular complications, changes in growth, timing of puberty, bone formation, and changes in the ability to face infection [...]
Clinical-Epidemiological Characteristics of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern Israel
Authors: Hammud Anan , Avitan-Hersh Emily , Khamaysi Ziad
Published: June 2023

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is characterised by inflamed lesions that typically appear in apocrine-rich flexural areas. Although studies have reported clinical and epidemiological data from western countries, data from the Middle East are scarce. The aim of this study is to characterise the differences in the clinical characteristics of patients with HS of Arab and Jewish ancestry and review the clinical characteristics, the course of the disease, the comorbidities, and the response to treatment. Methods: This is a retrospective study. We collected clinical and demographic data from patient files between 2015–2018 at the Rambam Healthcare Campus dermatology clinic—a tertiary hospital located in the north of Israel. Our results were compared to those of a previously published Israeli control group registered in Clalit Health Services. Results: Of the 164 patients with HS, 96 (58.5%) were men and 68 (41.5%) were women. The average age at diagnosis was 27.5 years and the average latency between the onset and diagnosis of the disease was 4 years. We found a higher adjusted prevalence of HS in Arab patients (56%) than in their Jewish counterparts (44%). Gender, smoking, and obesity, as well as axilla and buttock lesions, were risk factors for severe HS, with no differences between ethnicities. No differences were documented in comorbidities and in response to adalimumab, with a high overall response rate of 83%. Conclusions: Our findings revealed differences between Arab and Jewish patients with HS in terms of incidence and gender predominance, while no differences were documented in comorbidities and response to adalimumab.
Revising the MELD Score to Address Sex-Bias in Liver Transplant Prioritization for a German Cohort
Authors: Walter Costa Maria Beatriz , Gärtner Christiane , Schmidt Maria , Berg Thomas , Seehofer Daniel , Kaiser Thorsten
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Prioritization of patients for liver transplantation in Germany relies on the MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) scoring system that does not consider the patient’s sex. Many studies have shown that women are disadvantaged by the MELD score. Using a large patient cohort from a German liver transplant centre, we investigated options to reduce gender inequality in the patient prioritization for liver transplantation. (2) Methods: We calculated female-as-male MELD scores in our cohort by substituting the serum creatinine of a female patient with that of their male equivalent to test for the fairness of the scores. We investigated the effects of the female-as-male scores compared to the original MELD score of 1759 patients listed for liver transplantation. (3) Results: Serum creatinine sex correction (female-as-male) for MELD scores added up to 5.4 points in females, while the median changed by +1.6 points for females. We identified 72 females with an original MELD score < 20, for whom the adjusted female-as-male MELD score would be >20, thus giving them a better chance to receive a liver transplant. (4) Conclusions: Mathematical conversion of female to male creatinine concentrations identified disadvantages in liver transplantation prioritization for females and ascertained MELD 3.0 as having high potential to compensate for these inequalities.
Spatial-Temporal Distribution and Coupling Relationship of High-Speed Railway and Economic Networks in Metropolitan Areas of China
Authors: Ma Guojie , Hu Jinxing , Zhang Riquan
Published: June 2023

The planning of urban transportation infrastructure and land-related policies has a significant impact on the living conditions of urban residents and socio-economic development, particularly in emerging economies. As urbanization continues to advance, Metropolitan Areas (MAs) have become crucial for achieving industrial coordination, functional complementarity between cities, and integrated regional development. Applying Social Network Analysis (SNA), the gravity model, and Quadratic Assignment Procedure (QAP) analysis, this study investigated the spatial-temporal distribution patterns of High-Speed Railway (HSR) networks and economic networks in MAs in China and the dynamic coupling relationship between these two networks. The findings revealed that, although core cities in the Yangtze River Delta MA in China exert varying degrees of radiation and driving effects on the economic development of surrounding cities, the overall development remains immature with a noticeable disequilibrium phenomenon. The coupling relationship between the HSR networks and the economic networks also differs significantly among different MAs. It is expected that the findings and suggestions of this study will contribute to the improvement of urban planning and governance and facilitate coordinated development between urban transportation infrastructure and the economy in emerging economies.
The Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndromes in Diet-Induced Rodent Models
Authors: Aljahdali Bayan Abdulhafid , Bajaber Adnan Salem , Al-Nouri Doha M. , Al-Khalifah Abdulrahman Saleh , Arzoo Shaista , Alasmari Abeer Abdullah
Published: June 2023

Dietary macronutrients are essential for metabolic regulation and insulin function. The present study examined the effects of different high-fat diets (HFDs) and high-carbohydrate diets (HCDs) on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome indices in healthy adult male Wistar albino rats. Forty-two rats were distributed into six groups (n = 7), which were fed the following for 22 weeks: (1) a control diet; (2) a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet (HCD-LFD); (3) high-saturated-fat, low-carbohydrate diet (HSF-LCD); (4) a high-monounsaturated-fat diet (HMUSF); (5) a high medium-chain fat diet (HMCF); and a (6) a high-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet (HCHF). In comparison to the control, the body weight increased in all the groups. The HSF-LCD group showed the highest levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, hepatic enzyme, insulin resistance, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance. A liver histology analysis of the HSF-LCD group showed macrovesicular hepatic steatosis associated with large hepatic vacuolation. Additionally, it showed marked periportal fibrosis, especially around the blood vessels and blood capillaries. The lowest levels of fasting glycemia, insulin, and HOMA-IR were observed in the HCHF group. In conclusion, these findings show that dietary saturated fat and cholesterol are principal components in the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats, while fiber showed the greatest improvement in glycemic control.
John von Neumann’s Time-Frequency Orthogonal Transforms
Authors: Stefanoiu Dan , Culita Janetta
Published: June 2023

John von Neumann (JvN) was one of the greatest scientists and minds of the 20th century. His research encompassed a large variety of topics (especially from mathematics), and the results he obtained essentially contributed to the progress of science and technology. Within this article, one function that JvN defined long time ago, namely the cardinal sinus (sinc), was employed to define transforms to be applied on 1D signals, either in continuous or discrete time. The main characteristics of JvN Transforms (JvNTs) are founded on a theory described at length in the article. Two properties are of particular interest: orthogonality and invertibility. Both are important in the context of data compression. After building the theoretical foundation of JvNTs, the corresponding numerical algorithms were designed, implemented and tested on artificial and real signals. The last part of the article is devoted to simulations with such algorithms by using 1D signals. An extensive analysis on JvNTs effectiveness is performed as well, based on simulation results. In conclusion, JvNTs prove to be useful tools in signal processing.
Dynamics Analysis of a Nonlinear Satellite Attitude Control System Using an Exact Linear Model
Authors: Moldabekov Meirbek , Sukhenko Anna , Orazaly Yerkin , Aden Alisher
Published: June 2023

This study aims to analyze the nonlinear dynamics of a satellite attitude control system equipped with reaction wheels and a PD controller. Based on the angular momentum conservation theorem for a closed mechanical system, the nonlinear equations of the attitude control system dynamics are presented as a linear system of differential equations with time-varying parameters. The asymptotic properties of the angular momentum of a mechanical system including a satellite and reaction wheels as rigid bodies are investigated. A relation has been established between the dynamic parameters of the attitude control system and the initial value of the angular momentum of the satellite. The issue of asymptotic stability for differential equations with time-varying parameters is simplified to the asymptotic stability problem for the ultimate homogeneous system of linear differential equations with constant elements. The dependencies of the dynamic parameters of the attitude control system on the constant parameters of this ultimate system of linear differential equations, as well as the initial values of the satellite’s angular momentum, enable us to apply proven and effective engineering methods. These methods are used not only for analyzing the stability of the control system but also for synthesizing the parameters of the control law based on the quality requirements of transient processes such as the stability margin, responsiveness, oscillation, transient time, and overshoot. In this case, the calculation of the control law parameters will be grounded in exact equations, not on approximate equations of the control system dynamics obtained by linearization.
An Effective Partitional Crisp Clustering Method Using Gradient Descent Approach
Authors: Shalileh Soroosh
Published: June 2023

Enhancing the effectiveness of clustering methods has always been of great interest. Therefore, inspired by the success story of the gradient descent approach in supervised learning in the current research, we proposed an effective clustering method using the gradient descent approach. As a supplementary device for further improvements, we implemented our proposed method using an automatic differentiation library to facilitate the users in applying any differentiable distance functions. We empirically validated and compared the performance of our proposed method with four popular and effective clustering methods from the literature on 11 real-world and 720 synthetic datasets. Our experiments proved that our proposed method is valid, and in the majority of the cases, it is more effective than the competitors.
Using the Log Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD) and ε-NTU Methods to Analyze Heat and Mass Transfer in Direct Contact Membrane Distillation
Authors: Almeshaal Mohammed A. , Choubani Karim
Published: June 2023

In direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD), heat and mass transfers occur through the porous membrane. Any model developed for the DCMD process should therefore be able to describe the mass transport mechanism through the membrane, the temperature and concentration effects on the surface of the membrane, the permeate flux, and the selectivity of the membrane. In the present study, we developed a predictive mathematical model based on a counter flow heat exchanger analogy for the DCMD process. Two methods were used to analyze the water permeate flux across one hydrophobic membrane layer, namely the log mean temperature difference (LMTD) and the effectiveness-NTU methods. The set of equations was derived in a manner analogous to that employed for heat exchanger systems. The obtained results showed that the permeate flux increases by a factor of approximately 220% when increasing the log mean temperature difference by a factor of 80% or increasing the number of transfer units by a factor of 3%. A good level of agreement between this theoretical model and the experimental data at various feed temperatures confirmed that the model accurately predicts the permeate flux values for the DCMD process.
Analysis of the Polyphenolic Composition of Vaccinium L. Extracts and Their Protective Effect on Red Blood Cell Membranes
Authors: Kaźmierczak Teresa , Bonarska-Kujawa Dorota , Męczarska Katarzyna , Cyboran-Mikołajczyk Sylwia , Oszmiański Jan , Kapusta Ireneusz
Published: June 2023

The blueberry fruit of the genus Vaccinium, including high blueberry, low blueberry, and wild bilberry, is consumed for its flavor and medicinal properties. The purpose of the experiments was to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of the interaction of blueberry fruit polyphenol extracts with the erythrocytes and their membranes. The content of polyphenolic compounds in the extracts was determined using the chromatographic UPLC–ESI–MS method. The effects of the extracts on red blood cell shape changes, hemolysis and osmotic resistance were examined. Changes in the order of packing and fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane and the lipid membrane model caused by the extracts were identified using fluorimetric methods. Erythrocyte membrane oxidation was induced by two agents: AAPH compound and UVC radiation. The results show that the tested extracts are a rich source of low molecular weight polyphenols that bind to the polar groups of the erythrocyte membrane, changing the properties of its hydrophilic area. However, they practically do not penetrate the hydrophobic part of the membrane and do not damage its structure. Research results suggest that the components of the extracts can defend the organism against oxidative stress if they are delivered to the organism in the form of dietary supplements.
Thermodynamic Description of the Au-Sb-Sn Ternary System
Authors: Ge Jing , Tong Qingsong , Rong Maohua , Ye Hongjian , Bai Yuchen , Wang Jiang
Published: June 2023

Phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the Au-Sb-Sn ternary system are important for the design of Au-based alloys as high-temperature lead-free solders to replace high-Pb solders. In this work, phase transition temperatures of five Sb-Sn alloys were measured using differential thermal analysis (DTA), and the temperatures of three invariant reactions were determined. Based on the measured experimental results in this work and the reported results, the Sb-Sn binary system was re-optimized using the CALPHAD method. The calculated results were in good agreement with available phase equilibria and thermodynamic data. This work was further combined with the previous assessments of the Au-Sn and Au-Sb binary systems and the present optimization of the Sb-Sn binary system to calculate the phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the Au-Sb-Sn ternary system, according to the reported experimental results, including thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria. The calculated liquidus projection, isothermal sections, vertical sections, as well as enthalpy of mixing and activity of Sn in liquid alloys are consistent well with the reported experimental results. A self-consistent set of thermodynamic parameters was obtained to accurately describe Gibbs energies of various phases in the Au-Sb-Sn ternary system, which would serve as a sound basis for developing a thermodynamic database of multicomponent Au-Sn-based alloy systems.
Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Ti-N-O Modified Layer on the TC4 Titanium Alloy Prepared by Hollow Cathodic Plasma Source Oxynitriding
Authors: Yan Jiwen , Shao Minghao , Zhou Zelong , Zhang Zhehao , Yi Xuening , Wang Mingjia , Wang Chengxu , Fang Dazhen , Wang Mufan , Xie Bing , He Yongyong , Li Yang
Published: June 2023

TC4 alloy is widely used in dental implantation due to its excellent biocompatibility and low density. However, it is necessary to further improve the corrosion resistance and surface hardness of the titanium alloy to prevent surface damage that could result in the release of metal ions into the oral cavity, potentially affecting oral health. In this study, Ti-N-O layers were fabricated on the surface of TC4 alloy using a two-step hollow cathode plasma source oxynitriding technique. This resulted in the formation of TiN, Ti2N, TiO2, and nitrogen-stabilized α(N)-Ti phases on the TC4 alloy, forming a Ti-N-O modified layer. The microhardness of the samples treated with plasma oxynitriding (PNO) was found to be 300–400% higher than that of untreated (UN) samples. The experimental conditions were set at 520 °C, and the corrosion current density of the PNO sample was measured to be 7.65 × 10−8 A/cm2, which is two orders of magnitude lower than that of the UN sample. This indicates that the PNO-treated TC4 alloy exhibited significantly improved corrosion resistance in the artificial saliva solutions.
Comparison of Black Tea Waste and Legume Roughages: Methane Mitigation and Rumen Fermentation Parameters
Authors: Sezmis Gurkan , Kaya Adem , Kaya Hatice , Macit Muhlis , Erten Kadir , Palangi Valiollah , Lackner Maximilian
Published: June 2023

The chemical composition, in vitro total gas and CH4 production and performance of cattle fed on factory black tea waste (Camellia sinensis) (BTW), alfalfa (Medicago Sativa), sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa) and white clover (Trifolium repens) was investigated. The gas production was quantified at the 24th hour of the incubation process. BTW was found to vary from roughages in chemical composition (p < 0.05). In addition, the roughages differed in terms of nutrient composition and gas production (p < 0.05). In legume roughages, acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA), butyric acid (BA), and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) values ranged from 52.36–57.00 mmol/L, 13.46–17.20 mmol/L, 9.79–12.43 mmol/L, and 79.71–89.05 mmol/L, respectively. In comparison with black tea waste, legume roughages had higher values of AA, PA, BA, and TVFA. Black tea waste contained a higher acetic acid ratio than legume roughages when compared as a percentage. There was a similar ratio of propionic acid to the rate calculated for sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa) and clover (Trifolium repens), and a similar ratio of butyric acid to the ratio determined for alfalfa (Medicago Sativa). The current study shows that the 5.7–6.3% tannin content of black tea waste can be used in ruminant rations with high-quality roughages. Due to the fact that BTW reduces methane emissions from ruminants and eliminates energy waste from them, the environment can be improved. To obtain more reliable results, further animal feeding experiments on legume roughages and BTW are required.
Integration of Microfluidic Chip and Probe with a Dual Pump System for Measurement of Single Cells Transient Response
Authors: Du Xu , Kaneko Shingo , Maruyama Hisataka , Sugiura Hirotaka , Tsujii Masaru , Uozumi Nobuyuki , Arai Fumihito
Published: June 2023

The integration of liquid exchange and microfluidic chips plays a critical role in the biomedical and biophysical fields as it enables the control of the extracellular environment and allows for the simultaneous stimulation and detection of single cells. In this study, we present a novel approach for measuring the transient response of single cells using a system integrated with a microfluidic chip and a probe with a dual pump. The system was composed of a probe with a dual pump system, a microfluidic chip, optical tweezers, an external manipulator, an external piezo actuator, etc. Particularly, we incorporated the probe with the dual pump to allow for high-speed liquid change, and the localized flow control enabled a low disturbance contact force detection of single cells on the chip. Using this system, we measured the transient response of the cell swelling against the osmotic shock with a very fine time resolution. To demonstrate the concept, we first designed the double-barreled pipette, which was assembled with two piezo pumps to achieve a probe with the dual pump system, allowing for simultaneous liquid injection and suction. The microfluidic chip with on-chip probes was fabricated, and the integrated force sensor was calibrated. Second, we characterized the performance of the probe with the dual pump system, and the effect of the analysis position and area of the liquid exchange time was investigated. In addition, we optimized the applied injection voltage to achieve a complete concentration change, and the average liquid exchange time was achieved at approximately 3.33 ms. Finally, we demonstrated that the force sensor was only subjected to minor disturbances during the liquid exchange. This system was utilized to measure the deformation and the reactive force of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 in osmotic shock, with an average response time of approximately 16.33 ms. This system reveals the transient response of compressed single cells under millisecond osmotic shock which has the potential to characterize the accurate physiological function of ion channels.
Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of Cupriavidus necator C39, a Multiple Heavy Metal(loid) and Antibiotic Resistant Bacterium Isolated from a Gold/Copper Mine
Authors: Xie Zhenchen , Wang Dan , Ben Fekih Ibtissem , Yu Yanshuang , Li Yuanping , Alwathnani Hend , Herzberg Martin , Rensing Christopher
Published: June 2023

Here a multiple heavy metal and antibiotic resistant bacterium Cupriavidus necator C39 (C. necator C39) was isolated from a Gold-Copper mine in Zijin, Fujian, China. C. necator C39 was able to tolerate intermediate concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s in Tris Minimal (TMM) Medium (Cu(II) 2 mM, Zn(II) 2 mM, Ni(II) 0.2 mM, Au(III) 70 μM and As(III) 2.5 mM). In addition, high resistance to multiple antibiotics was experimentally observed. Moreover, strain C39 was able to grow on TMM medium containing aromatic compounds such as benzoate, phenol, indole, p-hydroxybenzoic acid or phloroglucinol anhydrous as the sole carbon sources. The complete genome of this strain revealed 2 circular chromosomes and 1 plasmid, and showed the closest type strain is C. necator N-1T based on Genome BLAST Distance Phylogeny. The arsenic-resistance (ars) cluster GST-arsR-arsICBR-yciI and a scattered gene encoding the putative arsenite efflux pump ArsB were identified on the genome of strain C39, which thereby may provide the bacterium a robust capability for arsenic resistance. Genes encoding multidrug resistance efflux pump may confer high antibiotic resistance to strain C39. Key genes encoding functions in degradation pathways of benzene compounds, including benzoate, phenol, benzamide, catechol, 3- or 4-fluorobenzoate, 3- or 4-hydroxybenzoate and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate, indicated its potential for degrading those benzene compounds.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Selenium Nanoparticles against Food-Borne Pathogens
Authors: Yuan Qunying , Xiao Rong , Afolabi Mojetoluwa , Bomma Manjula , Xiao Zhigang
Published: June 2023

Selenium is an essential micronutrient for all mammals and plays an important role in maintaining human physiological functions. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have been shown to demonstrate antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The objective of this study was to explore whether SeNPs have the potential to be used as food preservatives with which to reduce food spoilage. SeNPs were synthesized through ascorbic acid reduction of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a capping and stabilizing agent. The chemically synthesized SeNPs had a spherical conformation with an average diameter of 22.8 ± 4.7 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles were covered with BSA. We further tested the antibacterial activity of these SeNPs against ten common food-borne bacteria. A colony-forming unit assay showed that SeNPs exhibited inhibition on the growth of Listeria Monocytogens (ATCC15313) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 700583) starting at 0.5 µg/mL, but higher concentrations were required to slow down the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC12600), Vibrio alginolyticus (ATCC 33787), and Salmonella enterica (ATCC19585). No inhibition was observed on the growth of the other five test bacteria in our study. Our data suggested that the chemically synthesized SeNPs were able to inhibit the growth of some food-borne bacteria. The size and shape of SeNPs, method of synthesis, and combination of SeNPs with other food preservatives should be considered when SeNPs are to be used for the prevention of bacteria-mediated food spoilage.
Application of Novel Short Tandem Repeat Typing for Wickerhamomyces anomalus Reveals Simultaneous Outbreaks within a Single Hospital
Authors: Spruijtenburg Bram , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Meijer Eelco F. J. , van Haren Merlijn H. I. , Kaur Harsimran , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Meis Jacques F. , de Groot Theun
Published: June 2023

Wickerhamomyces anomalus, previously known as Candida pelliculosa, occasionally causes candidemia in humans, primarily infecting neonates, and infants. The mortality rate of these invasive infections is high, and isolates with a reduced susceptibility to fluconazole have been reported. W. anomalus outbreaks are regularly reported in healthcare facilities, especially in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). In order to rapidly genotype isolates with a high-resolution, we developed and applied a short tandem repeat (STR) typing scheme for W. anomalus. Six STR markers were selected and amplified in two multiplex PCRs, M3 and M6, respectively. In total, 90 W. anomalus isolates were typed, leading to the identification of 38 different genotypes. Four large clusters were found, unveiling simultaneous outbreak events spread across multiple units within the same hospital. STR typing results of 11 isolates were compared to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling, and the identified genotypic relationships were highly concordant. We performed antifungal susceptibility testing of these isolates, and a reduced susceptibility to fluconazole was found for two (2.3%) isolates. ERG11 genes of these two isolates were examined using WGS data, which revealed a novel I469L substitution in one isolate. By constructing a homology model for W. anomalus ERG11p, the substitution was found in close proximity to the fluconazole binding site. In summary, we showed multiple W. anomalus outbreak events by applying a novel STR genotyping scheme.
Metallogenesis and Formation of the Maliping Pb-Zn Deposit in Northeastern Yunnan: Constraints from H-O Isotopes, Fluid Inclusions, and Trace Elements
Authors: Yao Yongsheng , Gong Hongsheng , Han Runsheng , Zhang Changqing , Wu Peng , Chen Gang
Published: June 2023

The Maliping large-scale Pb-Zn deposit is located in the Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou Pb-Zn polymetallic metallogenic triangle area (SYGT), where the Pb-Zn ore body is hosted in the interlayer fracture zone at the interface between siliceous cataclastic dolomite and clastic rocks in the Lower Cambrian Yuhuchun Formation and is tectonically driven. Unlike other Pb-Zn de-posits hosted in the Sinian and Carboniferous carbonate rocks in the area, the metallogenic mechanism and deep and peripheral ore prospecting prediction research require further exploration. In this study, representative samples of a typical orebody profile were systematically collected, and microthermometry of fluid inclusions and H-O isotopes and metal sulfide trace element analyses were performed. The main findings were as follows: (1) The fluid inclusion study showed that the ore-forming fluids have vapor-rich phase reduction characteristics of medium-low temperature, salinity, and density. (2) H-O isotopic studies showed that the ore-forming fluids are derived from the mixing of deep-source fluids flowing through the deep fold basement (Kunyang Group) and or-ganic-containing basin brine. (3) Rare earth element (REE) characteristics indicate that the ore-forming materials were primarily derived from the folded basement (Kunyang Group). (4) The trace element study showed that sphalerite is relatively enriched in Cu, Cd, Ga, and Ge, while depleted in Fe, Mn, Sn, and Co, similar to the typical Huize-type (HZT) Pb-Zn deposit in the area. Therefore, it is suitable to explore the deposit using a large-scale “four step style” ore prospecting method for ore prospecting and prediction. Moreover, the results provide a reference for the study of Pb-Zn metallogenic systems and new ideas for the deep and peripheral prospecting of Pb-Zn deposits in this area.
Location-Based Game for Thought-Provoking Evacuation Training
Authors: Mitsuhara Hiroyuki , Tanimura Chie , Nemoto Junko , Shishibori Masami
Published: June 2023

Participation in evacuation training can aid survival in the event of an unpredictable disaster, such as an earthquake. However, conventional evacuation training is not well designed for provoking critical thinking in participants regarding the processes involved in a successful evacuation. To realize thought-provoking evacuation training, we developed a location-based game that presents digital materials that express disaster situations corresponding to locations or times preset in a scenario and providing scenario-based multi-ending as the game element. The developed game motivates participants to take decisions by providing high situational and audiovisual realism. In addition, the game encourages the participants to think objectively about the evacuation process by working together with a reflection-support system. We practiced thought-provoking evacuation training with fifth-grade students, focusing on tsunami evacuation and lifesaving-related moral dilemmas. In this practice, we observed that the participants took decisions as if they were dealing with actual disaster situations and objectively thought about the evacuation process by reflecting on their decisions. Meanwhile, we found that lifesaving-related moral dilemmas are difficult to address in evacuation training.
Improved Thermal Anisotropy of Multi-Layer Tungsten Telluride on Silicon Substrate
Authors: Fang Mengke , Liu Xiao , Liu Jinxin , Chen Yangbo , Su Yue , Wei Yuehua , Zhou Yuquan , Peng Gang , Cai Weiwei , Deng Chuyun , Zhang Xue-Ao
Published: June 2023

WTe2, a low-symmetry transition metal dichalcogenide, has broad prospects in functional device applications due to its excellent physical properties. When WTe2 flake is integrated into practical device structures, its anisotropic thermal transport could be affected greatly by the substrate, which matters a lot to the energy efficiency and functional performance of the device. To investigate the effect of SiO2/Si substrate, we carried out a comparative Raman thermometry study on a 50 nm-thick supported WTe2 flake (with κzigzag = 62.17 W·m−1·K−1 and κarmchair = 32.93 W·m−1·K−1), and a suspended WTe2 flake of similar thickness (with κzigzag = 4.45 W·m−1·K−1, κarmchair = 4.10 W·m−1·K−1). The results show that the thermal anisotropy ratio of supported WTe2 flake (κzigzag/κarmchair ≈ 1.89) is about 1.7 times that of suspended WTe2 flake (κzigzag/κarmchair ≈ 1.09). Based on the low symmetry nature of the WTe2 structure, it is speculated that the factors contributing to thermal conductivity (mechanical properties and anisotropic low-frequency phonons) may have affected the thermal conductivity of WTe2 flake in an uneven manner when supported on a substrate. Our findings could contribute to the 2D anisotropy physics and thermal transport study of functional devices based on WTe2 and other low-symmetry materials, which helps solve the heat dissipation problem and optimize thermal/thermoelectric performance for practical electronic devices.
Efficient Light Coupling and Purcell Effect Enhancement for Interlayer Exciton Emitters in 2D Heterostructures Combined with SiN Nanoparticles
Authors: Gartman Alexandra D. , Shorokhov Alexander S. , Fedyanin Andrey A.
Published: June 2023

Optimal design of a silicon nitride waveguide structure composed of resonant nanoantennas for efficient light coupling with interlayer exciton emitters in a MoSe2–WSe2 heterostructure is proposed. Numerical simulations demonstrate up to eight times coupling efficiency improvement and twelve times Purcell effect enhancement in comparison with a conventional strip waveguide. Achieved results can be beneficial for development of on-chip non-classical light sources.
The Influence of Catechols on the Magnetization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Čampelj Stanislav , Pobrežnik Matic , Landovsky Tomas , Kovač Janez , Martin-Samos Layla , Hamplova Vera , Lisjak Darja
Published: June 2023

In this study, MNPs were functionalized with pyrocatechol (CAT), pyrogallol (GAL), caffeic acid (CAF), and nitrodopamine (NDA) at pH 8 and pH 11. The functionalization of the MNPs was successful, except in the case of NDA at pH 11. The thermogravimetric analyses indicated that the surface concentration of the catechols was between 1.5 and 3.6 molecules/nm2. The saturation magnetizations (Ms) of the functionalized MNPs were higher than the starting material. XPS analyses showed only the presence of Fe(III) ions on the surface, thus refuting the idea of the Fe being reduced and magnetite being formed on the surfaces of the MNPs. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed for two modes of adsorption of CAT onto two model surfaces: plain and adsorption via condensation. The total magnetization of both adsorption modes remained the same, indicating that the adsorption of the catechols does not affect the Ms. The analyses of the size and the size distribution showed an increase in the average size of the MNPs during the functionalization process. This increase in the average size of the MNPs and the reduction in the fraction of the smallest (i.e., <10 nm) MNPs explained the increase in the Ms values.
The True Nature of Tricalcium Phosphate Used as Food Additive (E341(iii))
Authors: El Moussaoui Youssef , Terrisse Hélène , Quillard Sophie , Ropers Marie-Hélène , Humbert Bernard
Published: June 2023

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a food additive, labeled E341(iii), used in powdered food preparation, such as baby formula. In the United States, calcium phosphate nano-objects were identified in baby formula extractions. Our goal is to determine whether the TCP food additive, as is used in Europe, can be classified as a nanomaterial. The physicochemical properties of TCP were characterized. Three different samples (from a chemical company and two manufacturers) were thoroughly characterized according to the recommendations of the European Food Safety Authority. A commercial TCP food additive was identified as actually being hydroxyapatite (HA). It presents itself in the form of particles of different shapes (either needle-like, rod, or pseudo-spherical), which were demonstrated in this paper to be of a nanometric dimension: E341(iii) is thus a nanomaterial. In water, HA particles sediment rapidly as agglomerates or aggregates over a pH of 6 and are progressively dissolved in acidic media (pH < 5) until the complete dissolution at a pH of 2. Consequently, since TCP may be considered as a nanomaterial on the European market, it raises the question of its potential persistency in the gastrointestinal tract.