bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thymol Edible Coating Controls Postharvest Anthracnose by Regulating the Synthesis Pathway of Okra Lignin
Authors: Zhang Qinqiu , Wang Zhuwei , Li Yinglu , Liu Xinzhi , Liu Lang , Yan Jing , Hu Xinjie , Qin Wen
Published: January 2023

Okra has received extensive attention due to its high nutritional value and remarkable functional characteristics, but postharvest diseases have severely limited its application. It is important to further explore the methods and potential methods to control the postharvest diseases of okra. In this study, Colletotrichum fioriniae is the major pathogen that causes okra anthracnose, which can be isolated from naturally decaying okra. The pathogenicity of C. fioriniae against okra was preliminarily verified, and the related biological characteristics were explored. At the same time, an observational study was conducted to investigate the in vitro antifungal effect of thymol edible coating (TKL) on C. fioriniae. After culturing at 28 °C for 5 days, it was found that TKL showed an obvious growth inhibition effect on C. fioriniae. The concentration for 50% of the maximal effect was 95.10 mg/L, and the minimum inhibitory concentration was 1000 mg/L. In addition, it was found that thymol edible coating with a thymol concentration of 100 mg/L (TKL100) may cause different degrees of damage to the cell membrane, cell wall, and metabolism of C. fioriniae, thereby inhibiting the growth of hyphae and causing hyphal rupture. Refer to the results of the in vitro bacteriostatic experiment. Furthermore, the okra was sprayed with TKL100. It was found that the TKL100 coating could significantly inhibit the infection of C. fioriniae to okra, reduce the rate of brown spots and fold on the okra surface, and inhibit mycelium growth. In addition, the contents of total phenols and flavonoids of okra treated with TKL100 were higher than those of the control group. Meanwhile, the activities of phenylalaninammo-nialyase, cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase, and 4-coumarate-CoA ligase in the lignin synthesis pathway were generally increased, especially after 6 days in a 28 °C incubator. The lignin content of TKL-W was the highest, reaching 65.62 ± 0.68 mg/g, which was 2.24 times of that of CK-W. Therefore, TKL may promote the synthesis of total phenols and flavonoids in okra, then stimulate the activity of key enzymes in the lignin synthesis pathway, and finally regulate the synthesis of lignin in okra. Thus, TKL could have a certain controlling effect on okra anthracnose.
Classification of Depression and Its Severity Based on Multiple Audio Features Using a Graphical Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ishimaru Momoko , Okada Yoshifumi , Uchiyama Ryunosuke , Horiguchi Ryo , Toyoshima Itsuki
Published: January 2023

Audio features are physical features that reflect single or complex coordinated movements in the vocal organs. Hence, in speech-based automatic depression classification, it is critical to consider the relationship among audio features. Here, we propose a deep learning-based classification model for discriminating depression and its severity using correlation among audio features. This model represents the correlation between audio features as graph structures and learns speech characteristics using a graph convolutional neural network. We conducted classification experiments in which the same subjects were allowed to be included in both the training and test data (Setting 1) and the subjects in the training and test data were completely separated (Setting 2). The results showed that the classification accuracy in Setting 1 significantly outperformed existing state-of-the-art methods, whereas that in Setting 2, which has not been presented in existing studies, was much lower than in Setting 1. We conclude that the proposed model is an effective tool for discriminating recurring patients and their severities, but it is difficult to detect new depressed patients. For practical application of the model, depression-specific speech regions appearing locally rather than the entire speech of depressed patients should be detected and assigned the appropriate class labels.
Blastomycosis: A Review of Mycological and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Linder Kathleen A. , Kauffman Carol A. , Miceli Marisa H.
Published: January 2023

Blastomycosis is caused by a thermally dimorphic fungus that thrives in moist acidic soil. Blastomyces dermatitidis is the species responsible for most infections in North America and is especially common in areas around the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and in several south-central and southeastern United States. Other Blastomyces species have more recently been discovered to cause disease in distinct geographic regions around the world. Infection almost always occurs following inhalation of conidia produced in the mold phase. Acute pulmonary infection ranges from asymptomatic to typical community-acquired pneumonia; more chronic forms of pulmonary infection can present as mass-like lesions or cavitary pneumonia. Infrequently, pulmonary infection can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome that is associated with a high mortality rate. After initial pulmonary infection, hematogenous dissemination of the yeast form of Blastomyces is common. Most often this is manifested by cutaneous lesions, but osteoarticular, genitourinary, and central nervous system (CNS) involvement also occurs. The diagnosis of blastomycosis can be made by growth of the mold phase of Blastomyces spp. in culture or by histopathological identification of the distinctive features of the yeast form in tissues. Detection of cell wall antigens of Blastomyces in urine or serum provides a rapid method for a probable diagnosis of blastomycosis, but cross-reactivity with other endemic mycoses commonly occurs. Treatment of severe pulmonary or disseminated blastomycosis and CNS blastomycosis initially is with a lipid formulation of amphotericin B. After improvement, therapy can be changed to an oral azole, almost always itraconazole. With mild to moderate pulmonary or disseminated blastomycosis, oral itraconazole treatment is recommended.
Investigation on Human Serum Protein Depositions Inside Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Based Dialysis Membrane Layers Using Synchrotron Radiation Micro-Computed Tomography (SR-μCT)
Authors: Abdelrasoul Amira , Zhu Ning , Shoker Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Hemodialysis (HD) membrane fouling with human serum proteins is a highly undesirable process that results in blood activations with further severe consequences for HD patients. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes possess a great extent of protein adsorption due to hydrophobic interaction between the membrane surface and non-polar regions of proteins. In this study, a PVDF membrane was modified with a zwitterionic (ZW) polymeric structure based on a poly (maleic anhydride-alt-1-decene), 3-(dimethylamino)-1-propylamine derivative and 1,3-propanesultone. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and zeta potential analyses were used to determine the membrane’s characteristics. Membrane fouling with human serum proteins (human serum albumin (HSA), fibrinogen (FB), and transferrin (TRF)) was investigated with synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SR-μCT), which allowed us to trace the protein location layer by layer inside the membrane. Both membranes (PVDF and modified PVDF) were detected to possess the preferred FB adsorption due to the Vroman effect, resulting in an increase in FB content in the adsorbed protein compared to FB content in the protein mixture solution. Moreover, FB was shown to only replace HSA, and no significant role of TRF in the Vroman effect was detected; i.e., TRF content was nearly the same both in the adsorbed protein layer and in the protein mixture solution. Surface modification of the PVDF membrane resulted in increased FB adsorption from both the protein mixture and the FB single solution, which is supposed to be due to the presence of an uncompensated negative charge that is located at the COOH group in the ZW polymer.
Metabolic Effects and Safety Aspects of Acute D-allulose and Erythritol Administration in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Teysseire Fabienne , Bordier Valentine , Budzinska Aleksandra , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Weltens Nathalie , Beglinger Christoph , Wölnerhanssen Bettina K. , Meyer-Gerspach Anne Christin
Published: January 2023

The rapid increase in sugar consumption is associated with various negative metabolic and inflammatory effects; therefore, alternative sweeteners become of interest. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic effects and safety aspects of acute D-allulose and erythritol on glucose, insulin, ghrelin, blood lipids, uric acid, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP). In three study visits, 18 healthy subjects received an intragastric administration of 25 g D-allulose or 50 g erythritol, or 300 mL tap water (placebo) in a randomized, double-blind and crossover order. To measure the aforementioned parameters, blood samples were drawn at fixed time intervals. Glucose and insulin concentrations were lower after D-allulose compared to tap water (p = 0.001, dz = 0.91 and p = 0.005, dz = 0.58, respectively); however, Bayesian models show no difference for insulin in response to D-allulose compared to tap water, and there was no effect after erythritol. An exploratory analysis showed that ghrelin concentrations were reduced after erythritol compared to tap water (p = 0.026, dz = 0.59), with no effect after D-allulose; in addition, both sweeteners had no effect on blood lipids, uric acid and hsCRP. This combination of properties identifies both sweeteners as excellent candidates for effective and safe sugar alternatives.
Association of Blood Urea Nitrogen with Cardiovascular Diseases and All-Cause Mortality in USA Adults: Results from NHANES 1999–2006
Authors: Hong Canlin , Zhu Huiping , Zhou Xiaoding , Zhai Xiaobing , Li Shiyang , Ma Wenzhi , Liu Keyang , Shirai Kokoro , Sheerah Haytham A. , Cao Jinhong
Published: January 2023

In the general population, there is little evidence of a link between blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and long-term mortality. The goal of this study was to explore whether higher BUN concentration is a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. From 1999 to 2006, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) included 17,719 adult individuals. Death outcomes were ascertained by linkage to the database records through 31 December 2015. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD and all-cause mortality in individuals. We also performed stratified analyses based on age, gender, drinking, smoking, history of hypertension and diabetes. During a mean follow-up 11.65 years, a total of 3628 deaths were documented, of which 859 were due to CVD. Participants with higher BUN had a higher risk of CVD and all-cause death compared to those with lower BUN. After multifactor adjustment for demographics, major lifestyle factors, and hypertension and diabetes history, higher BUN levels compared with lower levels were significantly associated with higher risk of CVD (HR: 1.48 [1.08, 2.02], P-trend < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.48 [1.28, 1.72], P-trend < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, we found that the trend in the association of BUN with the risk of death remained strong in female subjects. Greater BUN levels were linked to higher CVD and all-cause mortality in the NHANES of American adults. The importance of BUN in predicting death is supported by our research.
Novel Benzimidazole Derived Imine Ligand and Its Co(III) and Cu(II) Complexes as Anticancer Agents: Chemical Synthesis, DFT Studies, In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Investigations
Authors: G Prakasha , Revanasiddappa H. D. , B Jayalakshmi , T Prabhakar B. , Shivamallu Chandan , Viswanath Prashant M. , Achar Raghu Ram , Silina Ekaterina , Stupin Victor , Manturova Natalia , Shati Ali A. , Alfaifi Mohammad Y. , Elbehairi Serag Eldin I. , Armaković Sanja J. , Armaković Stevan , Kollur Shiva Prasad
Published: January 2023

The emerging interest in the field of coordination chemistry and their biological applications has created a novel impact in the field of chemical biology. With this motivation, in this work we have synthesized a novel benzimidazole derived imine ligand, 2-((E)-((1H-benzo[d]-2-yl)methylimino)methyl)-4-fluorophenol (HBMF) and its Co(III) and Cu(II) complexes. The metal complexes (C1–C4) were synthesized in 2:1 (HBMF: metal ion) and 1:1:1 (HBMF: metal ion: 1,10-phen) ratios. Structural elucidations of all the synthesized compounds were performed using FT-IR, UV-Visible, NMR, Mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis techniques. A combination of first principles calculations and molecular dynamics simulations was applied to computationally investigate the structural, reactive, and spectroscopic properties of the newly synthesized HBMF ligand and its complexes with copper and cobalt metal ions. Quantum-mechanical calculations in this study were based on the density functional theory (DFT), while molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were based on the OPLS4 force field. The DFT calculations were used to obtain the reactive and spectroscopic properties of the ligand and its complexes, while molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to address the ligand’s reactivity with water. Further, the in vitro anti-proliferative activity of the compounds was tested against the A549, Ehrlich–Lettre ascites carcinoma (EAC), SIHA and NIH3T3 cell lines. The biological results depicted that the compound C4, with molecular formula C27H23Cl2CoFN5O3 exhibited profound anti-proliferative activity against the EAC cell line with a significant IC50 value of 10 µm when compared to its parent ligand and other remaining metal complexes under study. Various assays of hematological parameters (alkaline phosphate, creatinine, urea, RBC and WBC) were performed, and significant results were obtained from the experiments. Furthermore, the effect of C4 on neovascularization was evaluated by stimulating the angiogenesis with rVEGF165, which was compared with non-tumor models. The EAC cells were cultured in vivo and administrated with 50 and 75 mg/kg of two doses and tumor parameters were evaluated.
Exploring the Synergistic Effect of Bergamot Essential Oil with Spironolactone Loaded Nano-Phytosomes for Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: In Vitro Optimization, In Silico Studies, and Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Albash Rofida , Badawi Noha M. , Hamed Mohammed I. A. , Ragaie Maha H. , Mohammed Sahar S. , Elbesh Rovan M. , Darwish Khaled M. , Lashkar Manar O. , Elhady Sameh S. , Mosallam Shaimaa
Published: January 2023

The foremost target of the current work was to formulate and optimize a novel bergamot essential oil (BEO) loaded nano-phytosomes (NPs) and then combine it with spironolactone (SP) in order to clinically compare the efficiency of both formulations against acne vulgaris. The BEO-loaded NPs formulations were fabricated by the thin-film hydration and optimized by 32 factorial design. NPs’ assessments were conducted by measuring entrapment efficiency percent (EE%), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP). In addition, the selected BEO-NPs formulation was further combined with SP and then examined for morphology employing transmission electron microscopy and three months storage stability. Both BEO-loaded NPs selected formula and its combination with SP (BEO-NPs-SP) were investigated clinically for their effect against acne vulgaris after an appropriate in silico study. The optimum BEO-NPs-SP showed PS of 300.40 ± 22.56 nm, PDI of 0.571 ± 0.16, EE% of 87.89 ± 4.14%, and an acceptable ZP value of −29.7 ± 1.54 mV. Molecular modeling simulations showed the beneficial role of BEO constituents as supportive/connecting platforms for favored anchoring of SP on the Phosphatidylcholine (PC) interface. Clinical studies revealed significant improvement in the therapeutic response of BEO-loaded NPs that were combined with SP over BEO-NPs alone. In conclusion, the results proved the ability to utilize NPs as a successful nanovesicle for topical BEO delivery as well as the superior synergistic effect when combined with SP in combating acne vulgaris.
Evaluation of Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of SA001 and Its Active Metabolite Rebamipide after Single and Multiple Oral Administration
Authors: Bae Sungyeun , Huh Ki Young , Oh Jaeseong , Yu Kyung-Sang , Kim Anhye
Published: January 2023

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common eye diseases caused by multiple factors. Rebamipide, which is currently used to treat peptic ulcer disease, was shown to enhance secretory function and modulate inflammation in animal disease models. Considering the pathophysiology of DED, SA001 was developed expecting enhanced systemic exposure of rebamipide. Clinical trials to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics of SA001 and its active metabolite rebamipide were conducted. After oral administration of SA001, blood and urine samples were collected for PK analysis of SA001 and rebamipide. PK parameters were compared between SA001 and conventional rebamipide (Bamedin®) and also between fasted and fed. Safety and tolerability were evaluated throughout the study based on adverse events (AEs), physical examinations, vital signs, 12-lead electrocardiography and clinical laboratory tests. SA001 was rapidly absorbed and quickly converted to rebamipide. The systemic exposure of rebamipide was dose-proportional after single and multiple doses. The plasma concentration of rebamipide after administration of SA001 was higher with a dose adjusted AUClast and Cmax 2.20 and 5.45 times higher in the 240 mg dose group and 4.73 and 11.94 times higher in the 600 mg dose group compared to conventional rebamipide. The favorable PK and tolerability profiles support further clinical development.
Plant Beneficial Bacteria and Their Potential Applications in Vertical Farming Systems
Authors: Chiaranunt Peerapol , White James F.
Published: January 2023

In this literature review, we discuss the various functions of beneficial plant bacteria in improving plant nutrition, the defense against biotic and abiotic stress, and hormonal regulation. We also review the recent research on rhizophagy, a nutrient scavenging mechanism in which bacteria enter and exit root cells on a cyclical basis. These concepts are covered in the contexts of soil agriculture and controlled environment agriculture, and they are also used in vertical farming systems. Vertical farming—its advantages and disadvantages over soil agriculture, and the various climatic factors in controlled environment agriculture—is also discussed in relation to plant–bacterial relationships. The different factors under grower control, such as choice of substrate, oxygenation rates, temperature, light, and CO2 supplementation, may influence plant–bacterial interactions in unintended ways. Understanding the specific effects of these environmental factors may inform the best cultural practices and further elucidate the mechanisms by which beneficial bacteria promote plant growth.
Rapid Growth of Tropical Cyclone Outer Size over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Li Yi , Tang Youmin , Wang Shuai , Li Xiaojing
Published: January 2023

The concept of rapid growth (RG) of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the north Atlantic basin was recently proposed. RG can represent a dangerous change in TC structure because it can rapidly ramp up the TC destructive potential. However, the nature of RG behaviour remains obscure over the western north Pacific (WNP), where nearly one third of global TCs occur. In this study, TC RG in the WNP is investigated using TC best-tracks and reanalysis of data. We first define TC RG in the WNP as an increase of at least 84 km in the radius of a gale-force wind within 24 h, corresponding to the 90th percentile of all over-water changes. Monte Carlo experiments demonstrate the robustness of the threshold. Similar to that occurring in the north Atlantic, RG in the WNP is associated with the highest level of destructive potential. In addition, RG over the WNP occurs closer to the coast than for TCs in the Atlantic and more RG events in the WNP are accompanied by rapid intensification, which may significantly increase their destructive potential in a worst case scenario. Composite analysis shows that certain dynamic processes, such as radial inflow, may play an important role in the occurrence of RG. This study suggests that, apart from rapid intensification, TC RG is another important factor to consider for TC-related risk assessment in the WNP.
Peat Drainage Ditch Mapping from Aerial Imagery Using a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Robb Ciaran , Pickard Amy , Williamson Jennifer L. , Fitch Alice , Evans Chris
Published: January 2023

This study trialled a convolutional neural net (CNN)-based approach to mapping peat ditches from aerial imagery. Peat ditches were dug in the last century to improve peat moorland for agriculture and forestry at the expense of habitat health and carbon sequestration. Both the quantitative assessment of drained areas and restoration efforts to re-wet peatlands through ditch blocking would benefit from an automated method of mapping, as current efforts involve time-consuming field and desk-based efforts. The availability of LiDAR is still limited in many parts of the UK and beyond; hence, there is a need for an optical data-based approach. We employed a U-net-based CNN to segment peat ditches from aerial imagery. An accuracy of 79% was achieved on a field-based validation dataset indicating ditches were correctly segmented most of the time. The algorithm, when applied to an 802 km2 area of the Flow Country, an area of national significance for carbon storage, mapped a total of 27,905 drainage ditch features. The CNN-based approach has the potential to be scaled up nationally with further training and could streamline the mapping aspects of restoration efforts considerably.
Coastal Dune Invaders: Integrative Mapping of Carpobrotus sp. pl. (Aizoaceae) Using UAVs
Authors: Innangi Michele , Marzialetti Flavio , Di Febbraro Mirko , Acosta Alicia Teresa Rosario , De Simone Walter , Frate Ludovico , Finizio Michele , Villalobos Perna Priscila , Carranza Maria Laura
Published: January 2023

Coastal dune ecosystems are highly threatened, and one of the strongest pressures is invasive alien plants (IAPs). Mitigating the negative effects of IAPs requires development of optimal identification and mapping protocols. Remote sensing offers innovative tools that have proven to be very valuable for studying IAPs. In particular, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be very promising, especially in the study of herbaceous invasive species, yet research in UAV application is still limited. In this study, we used UAV images to implement an image segmentation approach followed by machine learning classification for mapping a dune clonal invader (Carpobrotus sp. pl.), calibrating a total of 27 models. Our study showed that: (a) the results offered by simultaneous RGB and multispectral data improve the prediction of Carpobrotus; (b) the best results were obtained by mapping the whole plant or its vegetative parts, while mapping flowers was worse; and (c) a training area corresponding to 20% of the total area can be adequate for model building. Overall, our results highlighted the great potential of using UAVs for Carpobrotus mapping, despite some limitations imposed by the particular biology and ecology of these taxa.
Mapping of the Successional Stage of a Secondary Forest Using Point Clouds Derived from UAV Photogrammetry
Authors: Cabral Ricardo Pinheiro , da Silva Gilson Fernandes , de Almeida André Quintão , Bonilla-Bedoya Santiago , Dias Henrique Machado , De Mendonça Adriano Ribeiro , Rodrigues Nívea Maria Mafra , Valente Carem Cristina Araujo , Oliveira Klisman , Gonçalves Fábio Guimarães , Sarcinelli Tathiane Santi
Published: January 2023

The definition of strategies for forest restoration projects depends on information of the successional stage of the area to be restored. Usually, classification of the successional stage is carried out in the field using forest inventory campaigns. However, these campaigns are costly, time-consuming, and limited in terms of spatial coverage. Currently, forest inventories are being improved using 3D data obtained from remote sensing. The objective of this work was to estimate several parameters of interest for the classification of the successional stages of secondary vegetation areas using 3D digital aerial photogrammetry (DAP) data obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A cost analysis was also carried out considering the costs of equipment and data collection, processing, and analysis. The study was carried out in southeastern Brazil in areas covered by secondary Atlantic Forest. Regression models were fit to estimate total height (h), diameter at breast height (dbh), and basal area (ba) of trees in 40 field inventory plots (0.09 ha each). The models were fit using traditional metrics based on heights derived from DAP and a portable laser scanner (PLS). The prediction models based on DAP data yielded a performance similar to models fit with LiDAR, with values of R² ranging from 88.3% to 94.0% and RMSE between 11.1% and 28.5%. Successional stage maps produced by DAP were compatible with the successional classes estimated in the 40 field plots. The results show that UAV photogrammetry metrics can be used to estimate h, dbh, and ba of secondary vegetation with an accuracy similar to that obtained from LiDAR. In addition to presenting the lowest cost, the estimates derived from DAP allowed for the classification of successional stages in the analyzed secondary forest areas.
Air Quality Improvement Following COVID-19 Lockdown Measures and Projected Benefits for Environmental Health
Authors: Liou Yuei-An , Vo Trong-Hoang , Nguyen Kim-Anh , Terry James P.
Published: January 2023

Many regions worldwide suffer from heavy air pollution caused by particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), resulting in a huge annual disease burden and significant welfare costs. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 global pandemic, enforced curfews and restrictions on human mobility (so-called periods of ‘lockdown’) have become important measures to control the spread of the virus. This study aims to investigate the improvement in air quality following COVID-19 lockdown measures and the projected benefits for environmental health. China was chosen as a case study. The work projects annual premature deaths and welfare costs by integrating PM2.5 and NO2 pollutant measurements derived from satellite imagery (MODIS instruments on Terra and Aqua, and TROPOMI on Sentinel-5P) with census data archived by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A 91-day timeframe centred on the initial lockdown date of 23 January 2020 was investigated. To perform the projections, OECD data on five variables from 1990 to 2019 (mean population exposure to ambient PM2.5, premature deaths, welfare costs, gross domestic product and population) were used as training data to run the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and multiple regression models. The analysis of the satellite imagery revealed that across the regions of Beijing, Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Xi’an, Shanghai and Hubei, the average concentrations of PM2.5 decreased by 6.2, 30.7, 14.1, 20.7, 29.3, 5.5 and 17.3%, while the NO2 decreased by 45.5, 54.7, 60.5, 58.7, 63.6, 50.5 and 66.5%, respectively, during the period of lockdown restrictions in 2020, as compared with the equivalent period in 2019. Such improvements in air quality were found to be beneficial, reducing in 2020 both the number of premature deaths by approximately 97,390 and welfare costs by over USD 74 billion.
Unified Modeling and Double-Loop Controller Design of Three-Level Boost Converter
Authors: Lee Kyu-Min , Kim IL-Song
Published: January 2023

A new small-signal modeling of a three-level boost (TLB) converter, as well as the design methodology for a double-loop controller, are presented in this paper. Unlike the conventional modeling of the TLB converter, which involves three state variables, the suggested modeling is based on two state variables; hence, simple transfer functions can be obtained. The proposed method is operable at a full duty ratio using unified modeling approaches, regardless of the mode changes. The analysis shows that the transfer functions of the two operation modes are identical. This suggests that the small-signal modeling of the TLB converter is identical to that of a conventional single-level boost converter. Hence, this implies that a linear feedback controller is applicable for all operational ranges. The method to design a double-loop controller using a proportional-integral controller is shown in a stepwise sequence. In addition, a capacitor voltage unbalancing controller is described. Simulations and experimental verifications are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the small-signal analysis and control system design.
Globalization and Economic Stability: An Insight from the Rocket and Feather Hypothesis in Pakistan
Authors: Khurshid Nabila , Emmanuel Egbe Chinyere , Fiaz Asma , Sheraz Amna
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze the irregular pattern of changing inflation as a result of the pass-through of the exchange rate and fluctuations in oil prices in the current globalization scenario. We used annual data sets for crude oil prices, real effective exchange rates, and inflation in Pakistan from 1972 to 2021 for the analysis. The control variables used in the current study were imports (IMP), gross domestic product per capita (GDP), exports (EXP), globalization (GLOB), and interest rates (CRATE). Our findings from a non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) analysis showed that inflation had an asymmetric rocket and feather pattern regardless of how globalization was defined or measured. On the other hand, GDP, EXP, and GLOB negatively impacted inflation, and CRATE and IMP had positive effects on inflation. Our study suggested that alternative policies, such as fixing the exchange rate, might decrease uncertainty and stabilize the Pakistani economy in the future. Moreover, increasing the use of sustainable energy would reduce the dependence of the economy on oil prices, which would lower its impact on the economy.
Quantifying Liveability Using Survey Analysis and Machine Learning Model
Authors: Sujatha Vijayaraghavan , Lavanya Ganesan , Prakash Ramaiah
Published: January 2023

Liveability is an abstract concept with multiple definitions and interpretations. This study builds a tangible metric for liveability using responses from a user survey and uses Machine Learning (ML) to understand the importance of different factors of the metric. The study defines the liveability metric as an individual’s willingness to live in their current location for the foreseeable future. Stratified random samples of the results from an online survey conducted were used for the analysis. The different factors that the residents identified as impacting their willingness to continue living in their neighborhood were defined as the “perception features” and their decision itself was defined as the “liveability feature”. The survey data were then used in an ML classification model, which predicted any user’s liveability feature, given their perception features. ‘Shapley Scores’ were then used to quantify the marginal contribution of the perception features on the liveability metric. From this study, the most important actionable features impacting the liveability of a neighborhood were identified as Safety and Access to the Internet/Organic farm products/healthcare/Public transportation. The main motivation of the study is to offer useful insights and a data-driven framework to the local administration and non-governmental organizations for building more liveable communities.
Cultural Distance and Chinese Outbound Tourism: Exploring the Moderating Effect of Geographical Distance
Authors: Qin Lei , Fang Eddy S. , Lai Ivan Ka Wai , Abbas Syed Kanwar
Published: January 2023

In this study, the gravity model is applied via the dynamic generalised methods of moments estimation to assess the role of geographical distance in moderating the impact of culture on outbound tourism flows. The results show that cultural distance has a positive impact on Chinese outbound tourism flow. However, the effect of cultural distance on outbound tourism flow decreases as geographical distance increases since travellers to nearby destinations are more strongly influenced by cultural distance than travellers to more distant markets. These results therefore support the concept of the “diminishing effect of cultural distance” on the Chinese outbound tourism market. In addition, the results of this study serve as a basis for promoting the sustained contribution of Chinese outbound tourism to the development of destination management, which will help with the recovery of international tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Investors’ Financial Well-being Influences Enterprises and Individual’s Psychological Fitness? Moderating Role of Experience under Uncertainty
Authors: Kushwaha Bijay Prasad , Shiva Atul , Tyagi Vikas
Published: January 2023

The study aims to investigate the role of financial well-being of the investor on psychological fitness of clients and organizations in the emerging financial markets of India. A survey was conducted during the pandemic in Indian financial markets wherein most of people’s financial situation was extremely poor and uncertain. During the COVID-19 pandemic, retail investors who availed themselves of financial products and services from leading brokerage houses of India were investigated. The study was conducted on 290 retail investors of Delhi, National Capital Region (NCR) and the financial hub of Mumbai. The participants were approached using the purposive sampling method. The study further examined moderating effects of pleasant and unpleasant experience of investors during difficult times. The study applied partial least square multi-group analysis (PLS–MGA) for measuring invariance for pleasant and unpleasant scenarios of investors in the Indian context. The findings suggested that consumers’ well-being enhances individual satisfaction at higher enterprise levels, it also motivates individuals to manage their finances to deal with uncertain times. Additionally, the control variables of age and gender were used to measure pleasant and unpleasant experiences of investors from the base of their satisfaction level. The results suggest that during difficult times in financial markets, females exhibited higher unpleasant experiences than male investors. Further, consumers’ well-being was primarily driven by older investors with pleasant experiences during the pandemic. The present study offers an interdisciplinary approach towards measuring consumers’ psychology in the domain of behavioral finance.
Multiscale Effects of Hedonic Attributes on Airbnb Listing Prices Based on MGWR: A Case Study of Beijing, China
Authors: Zhao Chunfang , Wu Yingliang , Chen Yunfeng , Chen Guohua
Published: January 2023

An investigation into the pricing mechanism of Airbnb is crucial for achieving the sustainable development of sharing economy accommodations and has great academic and practical significance. The existing pricing studies on sharing economy accommodation have identified a set of important factors impacting prices based on the hedonic price model. However, the spatial scale of the impact of various hedonic attributes on Airbnb listing prices is not yet clear. This study takes Beijing, China, as a case study; develops a conceptual framework that incorporates four categories of hedonic attributes; and uses a spatial heterogeneity perspective to investigate the multiscale spatial effects of various attributes on the prices of Airbnb listings. Our findings revealed the following: (1) The explanatory power of different categories of attributes towards listing prices varies from high to low, as follows: functional attributes, locational attributes, reputational attributes, and host status attributes, among which the functional attributes are the most important determinants of Airbnb listing prices. (2) There are multiscale, spatially heterogeneous relationships between Airbnb listing attributes and prices. Specifically, the functional attribute variables have local influencing scales, the reputation attribute variables have regional scales, and the variables of host status and locational attributes have global scales. (3) Compared with ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR), multiscale geographic weighted regression (MGWR) improves overall modelling ability by introducing multiple scales and is better suited to illuminating the hedonic pricing of sharing economy accommodations. This study provides new insights into the spatially varied relationships between listing attributes and Airbnb listing prices, which can deepen our understanding of sharing economy accommodation and help hosts formulate location-based pricing strategies.
Emerging Technologies for the Production of In Vitro Raised Quality Rich Swertia chirayita by Using LED Lights
Authors: Gupta Rolika , Sood Hemant
Published: January 2023

The major bioactive compounds in S. chirayita are amarogentin (most bitter compound) and mangiferin, which contribute to its medicinal value due to its antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial and antimalarial properties. In this study, we developed a light emitting diode (LED)–based culture setup as an alternative to the existing white fluorescent lamps (WFL) used as a light source in the tissue culture conditions of the plants. The in-vitro raised plants of S. chirayita cultivated under LED lights showed a higher accumulation of shoot biomass and secondary metabolites as compared with plants growing under WFL. In the LED lights experiment, red LED accounted forthe maximum biomass accumulation (3.56 ± 0.04 g L−1), and blue LED accounted for the accumulated maximum content of amarogentin (8.025 ± 0.04 µg mg−1 DW), total phenolics (22.33 ± 1.05 mg GA g−1 DW), total flavonoids (29 ± 1.03 mg QE g−1 DW) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (50.40 ± 0.16%) in comparison with other light conditions. From the findings, we propose LED lightning as a more sustainable, eco-friendly and reliable source for the enormous production of quality rich secondary metabolites in shoot cultures of S. chirayita than the traditionally used fluorescent lights.
Analysis and Numerical Simulation of System of Fractional Partial Differential Equations with Non-Singular Kernel Operators
Authors: Alesemi Meshari , Shahrani Jameelah S. Al , Iqbal Naveed , Shah Rasool , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: January 2023

The exact solution to fractional-order partial differential equations is usually quite difficult to achieve. Semi-analytical or numerical methods are thought to be suitable options for dealing with such complex problems. To elaborate on this concept, we used the decomposition method along with natural transformation to discover the solution to a system of fractional-order partial differential equations. Using certain examples, the efficacy of the proposed technique is demonstrated. The exact and approximate solutions were shown to be in close contact in the graphical representation of the obtained results. We also examine whether the proposed method can achieve a quick convergence with a minimal number of calculations. The present approaches are also used to calculate solutions in various fractional orders. It has been proven that fractional-order solutions converge to integer-order solutions to problems. The current technique can be modified for various fractional-order problems due to its simple and straightforward implementation.
On New Symmetric Schur Functions Associated with Integral and Integro-Differential Functional Expressions in a Complex Domain
Authors: Hadid Samir B. , Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: January 2023

The symmetric Schur process has many different types of formals, such as the functional differential, functional integral, and special functional processes based on special functions. In this effort, the normalized symmetric Schur process (NSSP) is defined and then used to determine the geometric and symmetric interpretations of mathematical expressions in a complex symmetric domain (the open unit disk). To obtain more symmetric properties involving NSSP, we consider a symmetric differential operator. The outcome is a symmetric convoluted operator. Geometrically, studies are presented for the suggested operator. Our method is based on the theory of differential subordination.
Numerical Analysis of Fractional-Order Parabolic Equation Involving Atangana–Baleanu Derivative
Authors: Alesemi Meshari
Published: January 2023

In this study, the suggested q-homotopy analysis transform method is used to compute a numerical solution of a fractional parabolic equation, and the solution is obtained in a fast convergent series. The leverage and efficacy of the suggested technique are demonstrated by the test examples provided. The results that were acquired are graphically displayed. The series solution in a sizable admissible domain is handled in an extreme way by the current method. It provides us with a simple means of modifying the solution’s convergence zone. The effectiveness and potential of the suggested algorithm are explicitly shown in the results using graphs.
Fixed Points of (α, β, F*) and (α, β, F**)-Weak Geraghty Contractions with an Application
Authors: Alam Khairul Habib , Rohen Yumnam , Saleem Naeem
Published: January 2023

This study aims to provide some new classes of (α,β,F*)-weak Geraghty contraction and (α,β,F**)-weak Geraghty contraction, which are self-generalized contractions on any metric space. Furthermore, we find that the mappings satisfying the definition of such contractions have a unique fixed point if the underlying space is complete. In addition, we provide an application showing the uniqueness of the solution of the two-point boundary value problem.
Post-Quantum Integral Inequalities for Three-Times (p,q)-Differentiable Functions
Authors: Ciurdariu Loredana , Grecu Eugenia
Published: January 2023

A new (p,q)-integral identity involving left and right post quantum derivatives, by using three times (p,q)-differentiable functions is established and then this identity is used to derive several new post-quantum Ostrowski type integral inequalities for three times (p,q)-differentiable functions. These results are generalizations of corresponding results in the area of integral inequalities.
Changes in Spirulina’s Physical and Chemical Properties during Submerged and Solid-State Lacto-Fermentation
Authors: Tolpeznikaite Ernesta , Bartkevics Vadims , Skrastina Anna , Pavlenko Romans , Mockus Ernestas , Zokaityte Egle , Starkute Vytaute , Klupsaite Dovile , Ruibys Romas , Rocha João Miguel , Santini Antonello , Bartkiene Elena
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to select a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strain for bio-conversion of Spirulina, a cyanobacteria (“blue-green algae”), into an ingredient with a high concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) for human and animal nutrition. For this purpose, ten different LAB strains and two different fermentation conditions (SMF (submerged) and SSF (solid state fermentation)) were tested. In addition, the concentrations of fatty acids (FA) and biogenic amines (BA) in Spirulina samples were evaluated. It was established that Spirulina is a suitable substrate for fermentation, and the lowest pH value (4.10) was obtained in the 48 h SSF with Levilactobacillus brevis. The main FA in Spirulina were methyl palmitate, methyl linoleate and gamma-linolenic acid methyl ester. Fermentation conditions were a key factor toward glutamic acid concentration in Spirulina, and the highest concentration of GABA (2395.9 mg/kg) was found in 48 h SSF with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei samples. However, a significant correlation was found between BA and GABA concentrations, and the main BA in fermented Spirulina samples were putrescine and spermidine. Finally, the samples in which the highest GABA concentrations were found also displayed the highest content of BA. For this reason, not only the concentration of functional compounds in the end-product must be controlled, but also non-desirable substances, because both of these compounds are produced through similar metabolic pathways of the decarboxylation of amino acids.
Early Permissiveness of Central Nervous System Cells to Measles Virus Infection Is Determined by Hyperfusogenicity and Interferon Pressure
Authors: Ferren Marion , Lalande Alexandre , Iampietro Mathieu , Canus Lola , Decimo Didier , Gerlier Denis , Porotto Matteo , Mathieu Cyrille
Published: January 2023

The cessation of measles virus (MeV) vaccination in more than 40 countries as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to significantly increase deaths due to measles. MeV can infect the central nervous system (CNS) and lead to lethal encephalitis. Substantial part of virus sequences recovered from patients’ brain were mutated in the matrix and/or the fusion protein (F). Mutations of the heptad repeat domain located in the C terminal (HRC) part of the F protein were often observed and were associated to hyperfusogenicity. These mutations promote brain invasion as a hallmark of neuroadaptation. Wild-type F allows entry into the brain, followed by limited spreading compared with the massive invasion observed for hyperfusogenic MeV. Taking advantage of our ex vivo models of hamster organotypic brain cultures, we investigated how the hyperfusogenic mutations in the F HRC domain modulate virus distribution in CNS cells. In this study, we also identified the dependence of neural cells susceptibility on both their activation state and destabilization of the virus F protein. Type I interferon (IFN-I) impaired mainly astrocytes and microglial cells permissiveness contrarily to neurons, opening a new way of consideration on the development of treatments against viral encephalitis.
Association between Anti-DENV IgM Serum Prevalence and CD11b Expression by Classical Monocytes in Obesity
Authors: Costa Karine Beatriz , Garcia Bruna Caroline Chaves , Costa Marina Luiza Baêta , Pena Yara Gomes , Figueiredo Eduardo Augusto Barbosa , Ottoni Marcelo Henrique Fernandes , Santos Juliane Duarte , de Oliveira Ottone Vinícius , de Oliveira Danilo Bretas , Rocha-Vieira Etel
Published: January 2023

Dengue and obesity are currently highly prevalent conditions worldwide and the association between these two conditions may result in greater risk for DENV infection and disease severity. In this study the association between obesity and recent, inapparent dengue was investigated. Serum DENV IgM and NS1 were evaluated in 49 adult volunteers (15 lean and 34 individuals with obesity, according to body mass index), between September 2017 and June 2018. Adiposity, endocrine, metabolic, and immune data of the participants were also obtained. None of the study participants tested positive for the DENV NS1 antigen. DENV IgM was detected in 33.3% of the lean individuals, and in 44.1% of those with obesity; the presence of DENV IgM was not associated with body mass index (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.59–2.98, p = 0.48). However, body fat index was higher in obese individuals who had recent inapparent dengue (14.7 ± 3.1 versus 12.7 ± 2.1 kg/m2, p = 0.04), as was the expression of CD11b by classical (CD14++CD16−) monocytes (1103.0 ± 311.3 versus 720.3 ± 281.1 mean fluoresce intensity). Our findings suggest an association between adiposity and recent inapparent dengue and the involvement of classical monocytes in this association.