bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact Printed CPW Feed Monopole Slot Antenna for UWB Application
Authors: Santhanam Suganthi , Palavesam Thiruvalar Selvan
Published: March 2023

A compact planar slot antenna is proposed and developed for ultra - wideband Applications. This antenna has compact size of 23 x 18 x 1.2 mm. It is fabricated with FR4 substrate and it is fed by Coplanar Waveguide. The antenna operating range of 3.05 GHz to 12.91 GHz was observed from the simulation using Finite Element Method (FEM) and 3.11 GHz to 12.46 GHz were achieved from Method of Moments (MoM) based IE3D Electromagnetic solver. Experiment was conducted to verify the above frequency range and 3.08 GHz to 10.86 GHz was noted. The RBF neural network was also trained to validate the above result in terms of return loss of the proposed antenna. The antenna has stable Omni directional pattern in E-plane and bi-directional radiation pattern in H-plane. The group delay of the antenna is less than one nano second in operating bandwidth.
Optimization of Quality of Service in 5G Cellular Network by Focusing on Interference Management
Authors: Ayaz Muhammad , HUSSAIN ALTAF , Hussain Tariq , Ali Iqtidar
Published: March 2023

In recent years the increase of mobile devices and users of the internet lead to an increase in the burden on the network, low connectivity, and low bandwidth, and less throughput. With lots of advantages in the 5G cellular network, this network suffers from signal interference which causes a huge problem to the network. There are lots of challenges in the cellular network related to energy consumption and one of the main and key issues in 5G is interference management. There is a poor quality of voice during indoor communication so to improve this communication there is interference management that provides us Quality of Service (QoS). In indoor communication, there is low power as compared to outdoor because in outdoor communication there exist many users and due to users, there are low data rate and overhead on the base station. From this viewpoint, modulation schema and coding schemes are used to achieve better channel conditions, a large convergence area, and better QoS. In this paper, a scheme named 5th Generation Intereference Management (5G-IM) with evaluation of Traching Power Control-Gradual Removal (TPC-GR) based on Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology for the use of interference management in a 5G network has been proposed. The evaluation of this scheme with relay strategy has also been carried out to avoid interference and to enhance the strength of the propagated signal. The simulation has been revealed the performance of the proposed interference management scheme with relay strategy based on performance evaluation parameters End-to-End Delay, Throughput, Path Loss, and Energy Consumption.
The Impact of Diverse Jamming Schemes against LTE-based Remote Detonation Devices
Authors: Shabana Gamal , Shaheen Ehab M. , Samir Mohammed
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a study of the impact of different
types of waveform jamming schemes against remote detonation
communication devices based on Long term evolution (LTE)
technology. Two main categories of waveform jamming signals
(single-carrier and multi-carriers) were used. Also, two jamming
scenarios against LTE-based remote detonation devices (jamming
the whole LTE frame and jamming the LTE synchronization
channel) were investigated. The key point of evaluating the
effectiveness of the presented waveform jamming signals is by
measuring their ability to successfully cut off the connection
between the transmitter and the LTE-based remote detonation
device. This is achieved by verifying that the remote detonation
device is unable to successfully receive the transmitted information
(Deny of Service (DOS) mode). To this end, emulations of these
scenarios are held using two Keysight software-defined radio
software programs (SystemVue 2015 and VSA 89600). Finally, a
real practical experiment of the impact of different waveform
jamming schemes against LTE-based remote detonation devices is
emulated to present the optimal waveform jamming scheme
against these types of devices.
Graph theoretical description of phase transitions in supramolecular assemblies of surfactants
Authors: Yang Ruochen , Bernardino Kalil , Xiao Xiongye , Gomes Weverson R. , Mattoso Davi A. , Kotov Nicholas A. , Bogdan Paul , de Moura André F.
Published: March 2023

Phase transitions are typically quantified using order parameters, such as crystal lattice distances and radial distribution functions, which can identify subtle changes in crystalline materials or high-contrast phases with large structural differences. However, the structural changes are more difficult to quantify for phases with high asymmetry and multiscale organization as well as for the structural fluctuations preceding phase transitions, which are essential for understanding the system pathways between phases. Here, we show that graph theoretical (GT) descriptors can successfully characterize different phases of a water/surfactant system and pathways between them for hierarchically organized phases. GT centrality parameters and node-based fractal dimension can identify complex phases more accurately than traditional analyses and quantify the system behavior preceding the transitions, capturing fluctuation-induced breakup of aggregates and their long-range cooperative interactions. GT parametrization can be generalized for a wide range of chemical systems, facilitatingidentification of complex supramolecular phases and engineering nanostructures at multiple scales.
Parametric Optimization on HPC Clusters with Geneva
Authors: Weßner Jonas , Berlich Rüdiger , Schwarz Kilian , Lutz Matthias F. M.
Published: March 2023

Many challenges of today's science are parametric optimization problems that are extremely complex and computationally intensive to calculate. At the same time, the hardware for high-performance computing is becoming increasingly powerful. Geneva is a framework for parallel optimization of large-scale problems with highly nonlinear quality surfaces in grid and cloud environments. To harness the immense computing power of high-performance computing clusters, we have developed a new networking component for Geneva, the so-called MPI Consumer, which makes Geneva suitable for HPC. Geneva is most prominent for its evolutionary algorithm, which requires repeatedly evaluating a user-defined cost function. The MPI Consumer parallelizes the computation of the candidate solutions' cost functions by sending them to remote cluster nodes. By using an advanced multithreading mechanism on the master node and by using asynchronous requests on the worker nodes, the MPI Consumer is highly scalable. Additionally, it provides fault tolerance, which is usually not the case for MPI programs but becomes increasingly important for HPC. Moreover, the MPI Consumer provides a framework for the intuitive implementation of fine-grained parallelization of the cost function. Since the MPI Consumer conforms to the standard paradigm of HPC programs, it vastly improves Geneva's user-friendliness on HPC clusters. This article gives insight into Geneva's general system architecture and the system design of the MPI Consumer as well as the underlying concepts. Geneva, including the novel MPI Consumer, is publicly available as an open source project on GitHub and is currently used for fundamental physics research at GSI in Darmstadt, Germany.
Feasibility study of an automated Strabismus Screening Test using Augmented Reality and Eye-tracking (STARE)
Authors: Nixon Nisha , Thomas Peter , Jones Pete
Published: March 2023

Background
New digital technologies (augmented reality headsets, eye-tracking) may potentially allow for automated assessments of ocular misalignment. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of a novel, open-source strabismus test (“STARE”) as an automated screening tool.
Methods
Work progressed in 2 phases. In phase 1 (“development”), we used Fresnel prisms to elicit horizontal misalignments of known magnitude (1–40 prism dioptres) in orthotropic controls. In phase 2 (“validation”), we applied the system to adults with an established diagnosis of strabismus, and quantified the ability of the test to distinguish between those with horizontal misalignment and those without. Agreement between the alternate prism cover test measurements and STARE measurements was computed using Bland-Altman plots and product-moment correlation coefficients.
Results
Seven orthotropic controls and nineteen patients with strabismus were recruited (mean age 58.7 ± 22.4 years). STARE was able to identify the presence of horizontal strabismus with an area under the curve of 1.00 (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity). The mean difference (bias) {95%CI} was 2.1 {-1.8, 9.9} prism dioptres, and the 95% coefficient of repeatability {95%CI} was ± 27.9 {14.8, 50.8} prism dioptres. The Pearson correlation between APCT and STARE was r24 = 0.62, P < 0.001.
Conclusions
STARE shows promise as a simple, automated tool for performing a screening assessment of strabismus. It is a rapid (60 second) test that can be performed using a consumer augmented reality headset with integrated eye-tracking, and might conceivably be used remotely by non-specialists in future as a means of highlighting individuals needing face-to-face specialist care.
Content validation of a Mental Wellness Measuring instrument for Adolescents Living with HIV: A modified Delphi Study
Authors: Orth Zaida , Wyk Brian van
Published: March 2023

A growing body of evidence suggests that improving the mental wellness of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) will also result in improved adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), as well as improving their general health and wellbeing as they age into adulthood. However, to develop effective strategies and interventions aimed at improving mental wellness, we require age and culturally appropriate instruments to build an evidence base. Currently, there is a lack of mental wellness measures developed for ALHIV, especially in the African context. To address this gap, we developed a measure of mental wellness following modified guidelines set out by DeVellis [1] and Godfred et al. as a guiding framework [2]; (1) Identifying the gap, (2) Set the theoretical foundations and identify domains and (3); Instrument development and initial validation. For the first two steps, we conducted a systematic review, photovoice study and integrative review – which we briefly describe as the findings have been published. Following this we describe the processes to develop the instrument and to establish content validity through a modified Delphi Study. Through this process we were able to refine the instrument which will be subject to further testing. Implications and Contribution: This study aims to add to the body of knowledge on promoting mental health (mental wellness) among adolescents living with HIV in South Africa through developing an appropriate and valid measure of mental wellness for this population. This study reports on the results of a Delphi Study aimed at improving the content validity of the instrument Mental Wellness Measure for Adolescents Living with HIV (MWM-ALHIV).
A Case of Chronic Total Occlusion in Popliteal Artery Recanalized by Double Snare Piercing Technique
Authors: Miyashita Hirokazu , Tobita Kazuki , Uchida Syuhei , Koyama Eiji , Tamaki Yusuke , Yamashita Takayoshi , Saito Shigeru
Published: March 2023

Background:
Although majority of cases with chronic total occlusion (CTO) in femoro-popliteal lesion were treated with antegrade approach only, some lesions require alternative approach due to its complexity. Bi-directional approach is useful on endovascular therapy (EVT) for CTO; however guidewire recanalization is impossible in some challenging cases. The present case shows a successful re-entry technique utilizing two snare catheters from an antegrade and retrograde access site (double snare piecing technique).
Case presentation:
A 79-year-old woman with right leg intermittent claudication (Rutherford category Ⅲ), who had undergone unsuccessful EVT for popliteal CTO, required another EVT for the worsening symptom. Following the failed conventional crossing technique, two snare catheters were placed and the snare loops were pierced by a puncture needle from the skin surface. After an 0.014 wire was inserted into the needle, the needle was withdrawn. The wire was pulled from the retrograde side and was externalized. Then, the antegrade snare catheter was pulled and externalized, to make the wire across the lesion. After that, a microcatheter was advanced along the externalized wire from the retrograde side and cross the lesion. The wire was replaced with a new wire, which completely created pull-through system. After the hemostasis by balloon inflation and lesion preparation, this procedure finished with an endoluminal-covered stent and two inter-woven stents. The re-entry site was covered by the inter-woven stent. She improved her symptom after the procedure, and the lesion has not developed restenosis at 2-years follow-up.
Conclusions:
This re-entry technique of puncturing two snares (double snare piercing technique) might be effective for challenging femoropopliteal CTO cases.
Vacuum Expansion and Collapse Inside an Infinite Shell
Authors: Laforet Christopher
Published: March 2023

The FRW model of cosmology assumes a Universe with uniform pressure and density everywhere in space at a given time. But at the largest scales, the Universe has a web-like structure surrounding large voids, violating these assumptions. Furthermore, a given region of spacetime is describable only by a single metric and therefore it cannot be that the Universe is modelled as an FRW perfect fluid since this would be the incorrect description of both the web and the voids. The cosmic web must be described by metrics with non-zero energy-momentum tensors with non-uniform pressure and density describing the matter within it. Therefore, the model of cosmology describing the expansion of the Universe must be a vacuum solution describing the empty spaces in the Universe surrounded by an infinite, massive shell (the surrounding Universe). Taking the expanding balloon analogy of the expansion of the Universe, the matter-dense portions of the Universe would be like knots in the balloon which stay knotted while the vacuum between them expands. The internal Schwarzschild metric is the model for these vacua. The source of the Schwarzschild metric is shown to be at the event horizon, a location/time of infinite density, not at the singularity, as it is currently assumed. The spatial homogeneity of the metric is demonstrated by visualizing the geometry in the extrinsic Kruskal-Szekeres coordinates (visualized in 1+2 dimensions) as well as examining the Killing vectors for the internal spacetime. Using the coordinate age of the Universe and transition redshift, this predicts the accelerated expansion, the Hubble diagram fits currently available cosmological data, and it gives a Hubble constant H0 of 71.6km/s/M pc. The angular term of the metric describes the relativistic kinematic precession effect known as Thomas Precession which can be interpreted as spin about the time dimension.
Analysis of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: A 20-year retrospective analysis of patients of a single institution
Authors: Chen Danzhi , Wang Qinchuan , Dong Minjun , Chen Fei , Huang Aihua , Chen Cong , Lu Yi , Zhao Wenhe , Wang Linbo
Published: March 2023

Background
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been widely applied in operable breast cancer patients. This study aim to identify the predictive factors of overall survival(OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) in breast cancer patients who received NAC from a single Chinese institution .
Patients and Methods
There were 646 patients recruited in this study. All the patients were treated at department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between February 25, 1999 and August 22, 2018. The relevant clinicopathological and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. RFS and OS were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was also employed.Multi-variate logistic regression model was simulated to predict pathologic complete response (pCR) .
Results
In total, 126 patients (19.5%) achieved pCR during NAC. The 5-year OS was 92.6% and 75.3% in patients with and without pCR, respectively (P<0.001). The 5-year RFS was 93.4% and 71.2%, respectively (P<0.001). No difference was detected among molecular subtypes of 5-year RFS in patients obtained pCR. Factors independently predicting RFS were HER2-positive subtype (hazard ratio(HR), 1.793; P=0.006), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (HR,1.895; P=0.002), Ki-67>25 (HR, 2.363; P=0.044), lymph node involvement after NAC(HR,3.639; P<0.001), pCR (HR, 0.375;P=0.004), and clinical stage III (HR,2.918; P=0.014). Multi-variate logistic regression model was simulated to predict the pCR rate after NAC, according to clinical stage, molecular subtype, ki-67, LVSI, treatment period and histology. In the ROC curve analysis, the AUC of the nomogram was 0.734(95%CI,0.867–12.867).
Conclusions
Following NAC, we found that pCR positively correlated with prognosis and the molecular subtype was a prognostic factor.
Prevalence and determinants of decision regret in long-term prostate cancer survivors following radical prostatectomy
Authors: Lunger Lukas , Meissner Valentin H. , Kopp Benedikt C. G. , Dinkel Andreas , Schiele Stefan , Ankerst Donna P. , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Herkommer Kathleen
Published: March 2023

Background
Patients with localized prostate cancer (PC) are faced with a wide spectrum of therapeutic options at initial diagnosis. Following radical prostatectomy (RP), PC patients may experience regret regarding their initial choice of treatment, especially when oncological and functional outcomes are poor. Impacts of psychosocial factors on decision regret, especially after long-term follow-up, are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of decision regret in long-term PC survivors following RP.
Methods
3408 PC survivors (mean age 78.8 years, SD = 6.5) from the multicenter German Familial PC Database returned questionnaires after an average of 16.5 (SD = 3.8) years following RP. The outcome of decision regret concerning the initial choice of RP was assessed with one item from the Decision Regret Scale. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), PC-anxiety, PSA-anxiety, as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms were considered for independent association with decision regret via multivariable logistic regression.
Results
10.9% (373/3408) of PC survivors reported decision regret. Organ-confined disease at RP (OR 1.39, 95%CI 1.02–1.91), biochemical recurrence (OR 1.34, 1.00-1.80), low HRQoL (OR 1.69,1.28–2.24), clinically relevant depressive symptoms (OR 2.32, 1.52–3.53), and prevalent PSA anxiety (OR 1.88,1.17–3.01) were significantly associated with increased risk of decision regret. Shared decision-making reduced the odds of decision regret by 40% (OR 0.59, 0.41–0.86).
Conclusions
PC survivors may experience decision regret even after 16 years following RP. Promoting shared decision-making in light of both established and novel, potentially less invasive treatments at initial diagnosis may help mitigate long-term regret. Awareness regarding patients showing depressive symptoms or PSA anxiety should be encouraged to identify patients at risk of decision regret in need of additional psychological support.
Prevention of Malaria in Pregnancy Through Health Education Intervention Programs on Insecticide-Treated Nets: A Systematic Review
Authors: Opara Monica Onyinyechi , Ismail Suriani , Nashriq Ahmad Iqmer
Published: March 2023

Malaria is a widespread and persistent disease that affects human population globally, particularly in tropical countries. Malaria is a major health issue in sub-Saharan Africa and it contributes to morbidity and mortality among individuals in Africa. Pregnant women have been also reported as high risk of people been infected with malaria. This review attempted to evaluate the various methods used for health education programs and the effectiveness of the programs in improving ITNs, LLINS utilizationamong pregnant women. Methods: The search involved various databases; EBCOHOST, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane library, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SAGE, Sringer link, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library. It was limited to full text research articles that report intervention studies, written in English Language, published between 2003 to 2022. The key words were “malaria”, “malaria prevention”, “health education”, “insecticide-treated nets”, “utilization”, “pregnant women”. Results: A total of eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and included in the review. Six studies reported randomized controlled trial (RCTs) while five studies reported non-randomized controlled trial (NRCT). Conclusions: There are evidences that health education programs improve ITNs, LLINS utilizationamong pregnant women. Furthermore, additional interventions directed at significant others need to be implemented, considering the important role they play in determining pregnant women’s use of ITNs, LLINs.
The Effect of Strain on Hydrogen StorageCharacteristics in K2NaAlH6 double Perovskite Hydride through First-principles method
Authors: Baadi Malika , Chami Rachid , Baalla Oumaima , Quaoubi Soukaina El , Saadi Ali , Omari Lhaj El Hachemi , Chafi Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Today hydrogen is considered one of the most credible options for a non-polluting, carbon-free energy carrier. Hydrogen can be obtained or produced by different means from different renewable energy sources and can be stored in solid, liquid, or gaseous form. Storing hydrogen in complex hydrides in solid form is one of the most efficient methods of storage because they are secure, offer high hydrogen capacity, and demand optimal functioning conditions. Complex hydrides give a large gravimetric capacity that allows large amounts of hydrogen to be stored. This study examined the effects of uniaxial and biaxial strains on the properties of the Perovskite-type compound K2NaAlH6. The analysis was conducted through first principales calculations using the full potential linearized augmented plane waves (FP-LAPW) approach. The results showed that both compressive and tensile strains led to significant structural deformation in the K2NaAlH6 crystal structure, which became more pronounced as the magnitude of the strain increased or decreased. This deformation reduced the stability of the compound, resulting in a marked decrease in its dehydrogenation enthalpy and decomposition temperature. The values under maximal biaxial compression strain of ε ≈ 5% were -40.14 KJ/mol.H2 and 308.72 K, respectively, compared to the original values of -62.98 KJ/mol.H2 and 484.52 K. The analysis of the densities of states showed that changes in the dehydrogenation and structural properties of K2NaAlH6 were closely linked to the Fermi level value of the total densities of states. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of K2NaAlH6 as a hydrogen storage material.
Excess explosivity driven by melt inclusions during the 946 CE Plinian eruption of Baekdusan
Authors: Gi-Bom Kim , Cronin Shane , Jeong Jong Ok , Go Sun Young , Lee Youn Soo , Liu Jiaqi , Sohn Young Kwan
Published: March 2023

This study reports a unique pumice texture generated by the instantaneous bursting of melt inclusions in alkali feldspars during the 946 CE Plinian eruption at Baekdusan. The burst produced super-vesicular (80−90 vol.% voids), subspherical (i.e., non-sheared), and subcentimeter-sized “bubble pockets” indicating their formation at the moment of magma fragmentation. Their volume fraction (6–24 vol.%) suggests that the melt inclusions acted as an additional volcanic gas source and increased significantly the volume of the erupting magma at the moment of magma fragmentation. The “excess explosivity” induced by the bursting melt inclusions should be taken into account when modeling eruption dynamics and assessing volcanic hazards, therefore having broad volcanological implications. Two distinctive feldspar–glass assemblages of either sanidine-bearing trachyte or anorthoclase-bearing rhyolite in the bubble pockets also indicate that the chemical bimodality of the hemisphere-scale, 946 CE Baekdusan tephra resulted from cryptic mixing of two magmas.
Placental chorioangioma and pregnancy outcome: A ten-year retrospective study in a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Hongwei Ma , Ziling Liu , Jie Ruan
Published: March 2023

Background
Placental chorioangioma is a rare disorder in pregnancy. We retrospectively reviewed the perinatal complications and long-term outcomes in pregnancies with placental chorioangioma and evaluated the factors affecting disease prognosis.
Methods
We reviewed pregnant women who delivered at our hospital in the past decade and whose diagnosis of placental chorioangioma was confirmed by pathological diagnosis. Information on maternal demographics, prenatal sonographic findings and perinatal outcomes was obtained by reviewing the medical records. In the latter part of the study, follow-up of children was conducted by phone interview.
Results
In the 10 years from August 2008 to December 2018, 175 cases(0.17%) were identified as placental chorioangioma histologically and 44(0.04%) of them were large chorioangiomas. Nearly one-third of cases with large chorioangiomas were associated with severe maternal and fetal complications or required prenatal intervention. Although one-fifth of fetuses/newborns complicated with large chorioangiomas were lost perinatally, the long-term prognosis for surviving fetuses was generally good. Further statistical analysis revealed that tumor size and location affect prognosis.
Conclusion
Placental chorioangioma may cause an unfavorable perinatal outcome. Regular ultrasound monitoring can provide the tumor characteristics which can be referred to for predicting the tendency of those complications and indicate when intervention may be necessary. It is not clear which factors lead to complications with fetal damage as the main manifestation or polyhydramnios as the main manifestation.
“Eye health, just ... part of helping a child to thrive”: Global and national influences on integrating eye health into a child health policy in Tanzania
Authors: Malik Aeesha Nusrat Jehan NJ , Spicer Neil , Mafwiri Milka , Gilbert Clare , Schellenberg Joanna
Published: March 2023

Background
Blindness and visual loss in early childhood can affect psychomotor, cognitive and social development leading to life-long consequences on educational attainment, employment, economic and social status, and wellbeing. Despite this, eye health for children under the age of five has been neglected, with little political priority as a child health issue. In Tanzania, policy makers decided in 2019 to include eye conditions in the national Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) strategy, despite eye health not being in the global WHO/UNICEF strategy for IMNCI.
Results
We conducted a qualitative policy analysis to explore enabling factors and barriers to this policy change, using semi-structured interviews with key actors involved in child and eye health at national level and also explored if there were global level influencing factors. We found that the key determinants were the leveraging of existing policy communities and networks; clear consensus on framing of ideas within the policy and advocacy community and to policy makers; generating local evidence with policy communities; and a critical IMNCI policy window in Tanzania, together with the expansion of global child health policy which now includes early childhood development. Global governance structures, guiding institutions, and major funding or civil societies did not influence the policy change in Tanzania.
Conclusions
This study shows how child eye health advocates and funders can influence integration of eye health into the IMNCI strategy in one country. A global policy shift in child health to enable young children to ‘thrive’ as well as ‘survive’ provides a major window of opportunity in over 100 countries for eye health to be integrated into IMNCI and other national and global child health policies. Generating local evidence in collaboration with policy makers and child health policy communities, and a clear framing of the problems and their solutions will be critical factors in enabling the inclusion of eye health into child health policies.
Vacancy-mediated anomalous phononic and electronic transport in defective half-Heusler ZrNiBi
Authors: Ren Wuyang , Xue Wenhua , Guo Shuping , He Ran , Deng Liangzi , Song Shaowei , Sotnikov Andrei , Nielsch Kornelius , Brink Jeroen van den , Gao Guanhui , Chen Shuo , Han Yimo , Wu Jiang , Chu Ching-Wu , Wang Zhiming , Wang Yumei , Ren Zhifeng
Published: March 2023

Studies of vacancy-mediated anomalous transport properties have flourished in diverse fields since they endow solid materials with fascinating photoelectric, ferroelectric, and spin-electric behaviors. Although phononic and electronic transport underpin the physical origin of thermoelectrics, vacancy has only played a stereotyped role as a scattering center. Here we reveal the multifunctionality of vacancy in tailoring the transport properties of an emerging thermoelectric material, defective n-type ZrNiBi. The phonon kinetic process is mediated in both propagating velocity and relaxation time: vacancy-induced local soft bonds lower the phonon velocity while acoustic-optical phonon coupling, anisotropic vibrations, and point-defect scattering induced by vacancy shorten the relaxation time. Consequently, defective ZrNiBi exhibits the lowest lattice thermal conductivity among the half-Heusler family. In addition, a vacancy-induced flat band features prominently in its electronic band structure, which is not only desirable for electron-sufficient thermoelectric materials but also interesting to drive other novel physical phenomena. Finally, better thermoelectric performance is established in a ZrNiBi-based compound. Our findings not only demonstrate a promising thermoelectric material but also promote the fascinating vacancy-mediated anomalous transport properties for multidisciplinary explorations.
The Effect of Ten vs. Twenty Minutes of Mindfulness Meditation on State Mindfulness and Affect
Authors: Palmer Robert , Roos Corey , Vafaie Nilofar , Kober Hedy
Published: March 2023

We aimed to elucidate the effects of “dose” of a single-session of mindfulness meditation on state mindfulness and affect as well as moderators of effects. 372 adults recruited remotely via Amazon’s MTurk platform were randomly assigned to either a: 10-minute mindfulness meditation, 20-minute mindfulness meditation, 10-minute control, or 20-minute control. Control conditions were recordings of a National Geographic article. Primary outcomes were changes in state mindfulness, anxiety, and negative and positive affect. Moderator variables included neuroticism, trait mindfulness, and prior meditation experience. Collapsing across doses, participants in mindfulness conditions reported greater increases in state mindfulness than in control conditions. There was a greater increase in state mindfulness in the 10-minute mindfulness condition vs. 10-minute control condition. There were no differences between 10- and 20-minute mindfulness conditions. Moderation analyses indicated that meditation (10 or 20) vs. control (10 or 20) predicted increased state mindfulness among participants with lower trait mindfulness. Additionally, 20-minute vs. 10-minute meditation predicted greater decreases in state anxiety among individuals with high trait mindfulness. Dose-response relationships were minimal, suggesting that 10 and 20 minutes of meditation may improve state mindfulness comparably. Findings support the benefits of brief mindfulness meditation and suggest that trait mindfulness moderates certain outcomes.
Application of data mining in female sports behavior prediction based on FCM algorithm
Authors: Yuan Liyun , Cao Jiaxing
Published: March 2023

Data mining is the process of continuously optimizing the problem to the goal. It has to meet the needs of the user, which means it has to unearth content that is useful or interesting to the user. This paper analyzes the data mining of female sports behavior prediction based on FCM algorithm. We modified the standard speech frequencies of the data into high-level descriptions, used various data mining methods to determine speech rules, and obtained good experimental results. Data mining technology is used to mine valuable information and knowledge hidden in a large amount of test security data, and make the acquired expertise into understandable rules or patterns, and then use the rules or patterns that have been created to effectively detect Guidelines for any activity suspected of attacking network data. The simulation results show that the data mining system in this paper can effectively predict and analyze the data.The results show that there are many differences among working women in terms of average annual consumption of sports and leisure activities, participation and consumption of sports and leisure activities. In addition, based on the results of the study, we will take more effective and specific references and measures to expand the participation of professional women in sports and leisure activities.
Transparent Charge Transfer Complex with High Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Li Xiao-Lei , Zhang Gao , Zhang Xin , Zou Weitian , Li Ge , Zhang Xuefei , Li Yi , Zhang Lizhai , Wang Minqiang , Chen Bo , Wu Haijun , Wan Chunlei , Yang Guan-Jun
Published: March 2023

Searching n-type high-performance organic thermoelectric material with good air-stability and high transparency remains a big challenge. Here, we report an all-transparent n-type charge transfer complex [ZnBr2(Br-C6H4-NH2)2] with an ultra-wide band gap of 4.25 eV (~ 163 kBT). This material exhibits an ultrahigh electrical conductivity of ~ 2,936 S cm− 1 and a high Seebeck coefficient of − 114 µV K‒1, leading to an extraordinarily high power factor of ~ 3,797 µW m‒1 K‒2 at room temperature, which is a record value for organic thermoelectric materials. Remarkably, figure-of-merit (ZT) values of 0.23 at 298 K and 0.45 at 473 K were achieved, respectively. The ZT values are not only the state-of-the-art performance for n-type organic thermoelectric materials, but also better than those of some typical inorganic thermoelectric materials at near room-temperature range. The extraordinarily high thermoelectric performance is attributed to the electron transfer induced n-type heavily doped characteristic, high valley band degeneracy and heavy effective mass. Owing to its exceptional thermoelectric performance and excellent air-stability, [ZnBr2(Br-C6H4-NH2)2] can be considered as a milestone in the development of organic thermoelectric materials.
Peptide derived from progranulin of the carcinogenic liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini stimulates cell hyperproliferation and proinflammatory cytokine production.
Authors: Hembasat Thanapat , Chaiyadet Sujittra , Ittiprasert Wannaporn , Smout Michael J , Young Neil D , Loukas Alex , Brindley Paul J , LAHA THEWARACH
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Progranulin (PGRN) is a secreted glycoprotein growth factor with roles in wound healing, inflammation, angiogenesis and malignancy. An orthologue of the gene encoding human PGRN was identified in the carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini.

Methods

Sequence structure, general characteristics and possible function of O. viverrini PGRN was analyzed using bioinformatics. Expression profiles were investigated with quantitative RT-PCR, western blot and immunolocalization. A specific peptide of Ov-PGRN was used to investigate a role for this molecule in pathogenesis.

Results

The structure of the gene coding for O. viverrini PGRN was 36,463 bp in length, and comprised of 13 exons, 12 introns, and a promoter sequence. The Ov-pgrn mRNA is 2,768 bp in length and encodes an 846 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 91.61 kDa. Ov-PGRN exhibited one half and seven complete granulin domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Ov-PGRN formed its closest relationship with PGRN of liver flukes in the Opisthorchiidae. Transcripts of Ov-pgrn were detected in several developmental stages, with highest expression in the metacercaria, indicating that Ov-PGRN may participate as a growth factor in the early development of O. viverrini. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of detected Ov-PGRN in both soluble somatic or excretory/secretory products, and immunolocalization indicated high levels of expression in the tegument and parenchyma of the adult fluke. Co-culture of a human cholangiocyte cell line and a peptide fragment of Ov-PGRN stimulated proliferation of cholangiocytes and upregulation of expression of the cytokines IL6 and IL8.

Conclusion

Ov-PGRN is expressed throughout the life cycle of liver fluke, and likely plays a key role in development and growth.
Abl depletion via autophagy mediates the beneficial effects of quercetin against Alzheimer pathology across species
Authors: Schiavi Alfonso , Cirotti Claudia , Gerber Lora-Sophie , Lauro Giulia Di , Petzsch Patrick , Köhrer Karl-Erich , Schins Roel , Wahle Tina , Barilà Daniela , Ventura Natascia
Published: March 2023

Alzheimer's disease is the most common age-associated neurodegenerative disorder and the most frequent form of dementia in our society. Aging is a complex biological process concurrently shaped by genetic, dietary and environmental factors and natural compounds are emerging for their beneficial effects against age-related disorders. Besides their antioxidant activity often described in simple model organisms, the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of different dietary compounds remain however largely unknown. In the present study, we exploit the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a widely established model for aging studies, to test the effects of different natural compounds in vivo and focused on mechanistic aspects of one of them, quercetin, using complementary systems and assays. We show that quercetin has evolutionarily conserved beneficial effects against AD pathology: it prevents Aβ-induced detrimental effects in different C. elegans AD models and it reduces Aβ-secretion in mammalian cells. Mechanistically, we found that the beneficial effects of quercetin are mediated by autophagy-dependent reduced expression of Abl tyrosine kinase. In turn, autophagy is required upon Abl suppression to mediate quercetin’s protective effects against Aβ toxicity. Our data support the power of C. elegans as an in vivo model to investigate therapeutic options for Alzheimer disease.
Microglial Annexin A2 Deficiency Supresses Inflammatory Response to Alleviate Ischemia Reperfusion-Induced Cerebral Injury
Authors: Tian Xibin , Yang Wuyan , Jiang Wei , Zhang Zhen , LIU Junqiang , Tu Haijun
Published: March 2023

Cerebral stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Cerebral ischemia followed by reperfusion (I/R) triggers inflammatory responses, apoptosis, neuronal damage, and even death, while the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal injury caused by cerebral I/R are not fully understood. Here, we integrated proteome, phosphoproteome and transcriptome profile analyses in mouse hippocampiafter I/Rand revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and proteins (DEPs) mainly fall into several immune response-related events. Among 11 common DEGs/DEPs, we identified Annexin A2 (Anxa2) was exclusively up-regulated and translocated to membrane in microglial cells in response to oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by reoxygenation (OGD/R). Microglial Anxa2 knockdown suppressed M1- and promoted M2-microglia polarization induced by OGD/R, facilitated nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit, activated NF-κB transcriptional activity in response to OGD/R, suppressed the expression of OGD/R-induced pro-inflammatory factors including TNF-a, IL-1β, and IL-6, and reduced cell apoptosis in microglial BV2 cells. The conditional medium derived from Anxa2 knockdown-BV2 cell cultures with OGD/R treatment alleviated OGD/R induced-neuronal death . Our findings revealed that microglia Anxa2 plays a critical role in ischemia cerebral injury through inflammatory responses in a cell non-autonomous manner, which might be a potential target for the neuroprotection against I/R cerebral injury.
Influence of Fire and Disturbance-Altered Hydrology on the Abundance of Phragmites australis
Authors: Link Nicholas T , McLaughlin Daniel L. , Bush Nathan , Wurster Fredric C
Published: March 2023

Historical land-use conversion and drainage may increase the risk of high intensity, soil-consuming fires in peatlands. Severe fires may degrade ecosystem resilience through changes in hydrology and by removing remnant seed and bud banks. Given this, peatlands are highly susceptible to species invasions from aggressive colonizing species post-disturbance. In this work we aimed to address the impacts of smoldering fires on the abundance of the noxiousPhragmites australisin a large fire scar at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (VA and NC, USA). Primarily, we wanted to observe the extent of the relationship between the altered hydrology of post-fire conditions andP. australisoccurrence. We did so by leveraging high resolution satellite imagery, random forest models, LiDAR data, and water table observations. Our results suggest thatP. australisis aided by a hydrologic regime generated, in part, from the combined effects of drainage and deep smoldering fires. Our findings emphasize the importance of hydrologic management post-disturbance for limitingP. australisinvasion. Further, we highlight the potential for feedbacks between deep peat consuming burns andP. australisinvasions and spread in degraded peatlands.
The Impact of Green Accounting on Environmental Performance: Mediating Effects of Energy Efficiency
Authors: Rahman Md. Mominur , Islam Mohammad Ekramol
Published: March 2023

This study aims to investigate the relationship between green accounting and energy efficiency and environmental performance in the context of Bangladeshi pharmaceutical and chemical companies. The study also explores the mediating role of energy efficiency in the relationship between green accounting and environmental performance. A total of 326 responses were collected using a simple random sampling technique from pharmaceutical and chemical companies in Bangladesh. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data. The results indicate that green accounting has a significant positive impact on both energy efficiency and environmental performance. Moreover, energy efficiency partially mediates the relationship between green accounting and environmental performance. The study also found that economic, environmental, and social practices of green accounting have a positive impact on both energy efficiency and environmental performance, with environmental practices having the highest impact. The findings of this study provide important insights for managers and policymakers of pharmaceutical and chemical companies in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for green accounting practices that promote environmental sustainability. The study suggests that the integration of green accounting practices can lead to better energy efficiency and environmental performance, which can enhance the reputation and competitive advantage of these companies. This study identifies the mediating role of energy efficiency in the relationship between green accounting and environmental performance, providing a unique perspective on the mechanism behind the relationship.
G/β-TCP composite scaffold facilitates the repairment of cartilage defect in rabbit knee joint
Authors: Su Hairong , Liao Yong , Yuan Xiaolu , Huang Jianhui , Chen Ya , Zhao Binxiu
Published: March 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the repairment of graphene/β-tricalcium phosphate (G/β-TCP) composite scaffold on cartilage defect in rabbit knee joint.
Method
The G/β-TCP composite scaffold was prepared and the chemical morphology of G/β-TCP composite was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope. The pore size analysis and biomechanical test were performed to test the properties of the material. The composite material containing BMSCs was surgically implanted into the femoral condyle of a full-thickness cartilage defect model in rabbits, and the β-TCP material was used as the control. The visceral tissues of the animals were collected at 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks, and the pathological changes were observed by HE staining to evaluate the biocompatibility of the material. The G/β-TCP composite material containing BMSCs was implanted into the femoral condyle of rabbit full-thickness cartilage defect model, and β-TCP material was used as control. Creatinine (Cr), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were detected by ELISA, and the pathological changes were observed by HE staining. Immunohistochemistry assay was used to detect the expression of type I and II collagen in the transplanted cartilage tissue. Toluidine blue staining was used to observe the growth of cartilage.
Results
XRD showed that no difference on the X-ray diffraction characteristics was observed between G/β-TCP and β-TCP. The biomechanical test showed that the graphene doped β-TCP material processed higher mechanical strength. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface of G/β-TCP material was smoother and the texture was denser. The scaffold combined with BMSCs was transplanted into the full-thickness cartilage defect rabbit model and the results showed that the serum CRP level increased only at 1 month after implantation, and the Cr level increased at 2 months after implantation, while G/β-TCP material showed rare significant pathological changes on the liver, spleen, kidney, brain, and soft tissue around the operation, which indicated a promising biocompatibility. The expression of type I and II collagen in the cartilage tissue of G/β-TCP treated rabbits was dramatically elevated compared to β-TCP at 2 and 3 months after implantation.
Conclusion
G/β-TCP composite scaffold facilitated the repairment of cartilage defect in rabbit knee joint.
Adsorption of phosphate in aqueous solution by ash from the fruit peel of Caryocar Coriaceum WITTM: Characteristics and adsorption behavior
Authors: Filho francisco José De Paula , Teixeira Yago Neco , Bacurau Vinícius Pereira , Fan Anderson Zhong , Menezes Jorge Marcell Coelho , Oliveira Thiago Mielle Brito Ferreira , Teixeira Raimundo Nonato Pereira , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Nascimento Ronaldo Ferreira do
Published: March 2023

High phosphate concentrations in water may disturb the ecological balance, deteriorate water quality, cause water eutrophication and affect the smart and sustainable use of water in human activities. With that in mind, the goal of this work was to study the adsorptive capacity of pequi peel ash (PPA) and its efficiency in the removal of phosphate (PO43−) from aqueous solutions, while measuring the kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics of the process. The pequi is the fruit of the species Caryocar coriaceum WITTM and is widely found in the Cariri region, in the state of Ceará, Brazil. The processing of this fruit generates a large amount of waste, especially the fruit´s peel, which lacks any further use. These peels were used and tested in this study as raw material for the production of a bioadsorbent. PPA were produced at 500°C in an oxidative atmosphere. The XRF and EDS analysis of PPA after contact with an aqueous PO43− solution confirmed an increase of PO43− content from 1.5–3.7%, thus confirming the adsorption of PO43−. The Elovich and Langmuir models adequately described the kinetics and the equilibrium state of the process, respectively. The highest PO43− adsorption capacity was approximately 79.50 mg g− 1 at 10°C. PO43− adsorption by pequi peel ash is a spontaneous, favorable and exothermic process with structural changes. The highest removal efficiency was 97.08% for a PO43− concentration of 100 mg L− 1. Therefore, PPA has shown potential as an excellent natural bioadsorbent.