bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Spatial Heterogeneity of the Impact of Forest Land Change on Landscape Ecological Risk: A Case Study of Erhai Rim Region in China
Authors: Wang Mengjiao , Wu Yingmei , Wang Yang , Li Chen , Wu Yan , Gao Binpin , Wang Min
Published: July 2023

As an important ecological ecotone of water and land ecosystems, the lakeside is characterized by a variety ecosystem services and high vulnerability. Forest land is important in resolving the ecological risks of the lakeside area and building its ecological base. It is important to explore the effect of change in forest land on landscape ecological risk in the lakeside area, alleviate the contradiction between ecological protection and construction and development in the area, and realize sustainable development. The present study attempted to explore the spatial and temporal evolutionary features of forest land in the Erhai rim region from 2000 to 2020 using bivariate spatial autocorrelation and multi-scale geographical weighted regression (MGWR) models. The following are the findings of this investigation of the 2000–2020 period: (1) the forest land area in the region generally decreased, first increasing and then decreasing, and was mainly occupied by cultivated land and artificial surfaces; (2) the total landscape ecological risk in the region presented an upward trend, and medium- and higher-risk areas were the main risk areas, with the latter increasing; (3) the impact of forest land expansion and contraction intensity on landscape ecological risk exhibited spatial and temporal heterogeneity. The main forms of forest land change at different stages differed, and the impacts on landscape ecological risk were also different. Reasonable forest land expansion can effectively alleviate the growth in landscape ecological risk, whereas the shrinkage of forest land would aggravate the landscape ecological risk in the Erhai rim region. Moreover, the findings can offer reference for the exploration of ecological protection and coordinated optimization of economic development in Erhai Lake.
Sugar Beet Pulp as Raw Material for the Production of Bioplastics
Authors: Marzo-Gago Cristina , Díaz Ana Belén , Blandino Ana
Published: July 2023

The production of bioplastics from renewable materials has gained interest in recent years, due to the large accumulation of non-degradable plastic produced in the environment. Here, sugar beet pulp (SBP) is evaluated as a potential raw material for the production of bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). SBP is a by-product obtained in the sugar industry after sugar extraction from sugar beet, and it is mainly used for animal feed. It has a varied composition consisting mainly of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. Thus, it has been used to produce different value-added products such as methane, hydrogen, pectin, simple sugars, ethanol, lactic acid and succinic acid. This review focuses on the different bioprocesses involved in the production of lactic acid and PHAs, both precursors of bioplastics, from sugars derived from SBP. The review, therefore, describes the pretreatments applied to SBP, the conditions most frequently used for the enzymatic hydrolysis of SBP as well as the fermentation processes to obtain LA and PHAs.
Captive Reproductive Behavior, Spawning, and Early Development of White-Barred Goby Amblygobius phalaena (Valenciennes, 1837) and Examined Larval Survival and Viability at Different Water Temperatures and Salinities
Authors: Chiu Pei-Sheng , Ho Shine-Wei , Huang Cheng-Hsuan , Lee Yen-Chun , Lin Yu-Hung
Published: July 2023

White-barred goby Amblygobius phalaena is a highly valued marine ornamental fish, but its captive reproduction and early life history are poorly understood. In this study, the captive reproductive behavior, early development, and optimal temperature and salinity for the larval survival and viability of A. phalaena were investigated for the first time. Spawning occurred between 11:00 and 13:00, with the breeding pairs naturally spawning 24 times from 1 June 2021 to 30 June 2022. The fecundity ranged from 11,022 to 95,858 eggs per spawning event. Hatching occurred approximately 81 h and 26 min after fertilization at a temperature of 27.0 ± 0.9 °C. Newly hatched larvae had a total length (TL) of 1.91–2.03 mm with 24–26 somites. The larvae transformed into juveniles at 30 days post-hatch. Experiments were conducted at different temperatures (21, 24, 27, 30, and 33 °C) and salinities (18, 24, 30, and 36 ppt) to determine the optimal conditions for larval survival and viability. The results indicate that the most suitable conditions in terms of temperature were in the range of 21–27 °C and 30 ppt for salinity. These findings provide valuable insights for the future development of captive-breeding techniques and the commercial production of other marine ornamental gobies.
Microbial and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Cold Smoked Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), a New Product of Fishery
Authors: Pellegrini Michela , Iacumin Lucilla , Pleadin Jelka , Krešić Greta , Orecchia Elisabetta , Colautti Andrea , Vulić Ana , Kudumija Nina , Bernardi Cristian , Comi Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial and physico-chemical characteristics of cold smoked sea bass (CSSB), a novel italian fish product. The microbiological analyses showed the presence of bacterial contamination from the raw material, the environment, and the production process. The microbial spoilage population was dominated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) associated with Gram-negative fermenting bacteria, including Photobacterium phosphoreum and psychrotrophic Enterobacteriaceae. Brochotrix thermospacta and Aeromonas spp. were also present; in contrast, mould and yeast were not detected (<2 CFU/g). High levels (6–7 log CFU/g) of LAB and total bacteria count (TBC) were observed from day 45 of storage; however, their presence does not seem to have influenced the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), which always remained below 35 mg N/100 g. Consequently, the product is acceptable until day 60 of storage, considering that the malonaldehyde index (TBARS) was lower than 6.5 nmol/g. Pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected. Currently, there is a growing demand for seafood due to its high quality and nutritional value. Cold smoked sea bass offers a source of macro- and micronutrients essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It is also rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The WHO and FAO evaluated the benefits and risks and concluded that there is convincing evidence of health benefits from fish consumption, such as a reduction in the risk of heart failure and improved neurodevelopment in infants and young children when fish is consumed by the mother before and during pregnancy. The CSSB analysed in this study demonstrated to have health benefits due to long-chain omega-3 PUFAs and other nutrients, such as proteins, minerals, and vitamin D, which are sometimes difficult to obtain from other sources. The results show that CSSB has a high nutritional value and excellent microbial quality.
Effects of Age, Fulton’s Condition Index (K) and Muscle Fat on Total Mercury Content in Raw, Pre-Canning and Canned Samples of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
Authors: Piras Pierluigi , Macciotta Nicolò Pietro Paolo , Meloni Domenico , Sanna Andrea , Cossu Maurizio , Salis Severyn , Chessa Giannina
Published: July 2023

A total of 30 samples of Atlantic bluefin tuna were analysed for total mercury concentration. Relationships between total mercury content and age, Fulton’s condition index (K) and fat content were statistically evaluated. The effect of muscle status (raw, pre-canning, canned) on mercury content was also investigated. The average total mercury content was: 1.185 ± 0.662 mg/kg in raw, 1.481 ± 0.893 mg/kg in pre-canning and 1.393 ± 0.882 mg/kg in canned samples, respectively. Canning promotes a statistically significant increase in the concentration of mercury. The weight of fish, K and fat content are useful tools to estimate the mercury accumulation in Atlantic bluefin tuna. The results of the present study represent a contribution to the assessment of the EU mercury levels in Atlantic bluefin tuna.
What Potential Do Light Electric Vehicles Have to Reduce Car Trips?
Authors: Gebhardt Laura , Brost Mascha , Seiffert Robert
Published: July 2023

Climate protection goals in transportation can only be achieved with a worldwide change in mobility behavior that is supported by technological progress and changes in vehicle concepts. One contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions may be using small and light electric vehicles (LEVs) instead of cars. LEVs have a favorable ratio of vehicle weight to payload and the efficiency of electric drives contributes to environmental sustainability. As with full-sized electrically powered cars, emissions from combustion processes are eliminated. Going beyond that, the traction batteries in LEVs can be considerably smaller, thereby reducing the consumption of critical raw materials and lowering production-related greenhouse gas emissions. Against this background, we present the results of a study which aimed to determine what proportion of current passenger car trips in Germany could, in theoretical terms, be covered by LEVs. Our estimation of the substitution potential of LEVs for car trips is based on the 2017 Mobility in Germany (MiD) survey, a national household travel survey (NHTS) containing the data of 960,619 trips. Many different types of vehicles, ranging from e-scooters, cargo bikes, and pedelecs to three- and four-wheeled light electric vehicles, are considered. The results show that up to 76% of car trips and 50% of car mileage could theoretically be substituted by LEVs. The results are further analyzed to determine for which trip purposes and age groups the greatest substitution potential exists. Based on the results, we discuss ways for supporting the realization of this potential as well as factors that determine whether the theoretically calculated potential can be realized.
An Angle-Independent Multi-Color Display Electro-Responsive Hydrogel Film
Authors: Jiang Huan , Li Yujiao , Liu Fangfang , Sheng Liping , Tao Cheng-an , Wang Jianfang
Published: July 2023

In nature, some organisms have the ability to camouflage to adapt to environmental changes; they blend with the environment by changing their skin colors. Such a phenomenon is of great significance for the research of adaptive camouflage materials. In this study, we propose a novel design scheme for the study of angle-independent photonic materials and successfully prepare an electrically tunable multi-color display angle-independent inverse opal photonic gel (IOPG). After photopolymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate with ionizable monomer acrylic acid (AA) in a long-range disordered opal template and etching, the angle-independent inverse opal photonic gel is obtained, presenting a single structural color. The electrically responsive color changes can be achieved at different angles. The color of the disordered AA-IOPG changes from green to blue-green when applying +4 V bias voltage and from green to orange when applying −4 V bias voltage. The electrochromism of the disordered AA-IOPG is mainly due to the local pH change caused by water electrolysis under bias voltage, which leads to a change of the swelling ratio. The disordered AA-IOPG shows high color tunability and durability through repeated opposite bias voltage tests, indicating that it is a promising conductive photonic material.
Temperature Changes Affected Spring Phenology and Fruit Quality of Apples Grown in High-Latitude Region of South Korea
Authors: Lee Je-Chang , Park Young-Sik , Jeong Haet-Nim , Kim Ju-Hyeon , Heo Jae-Yun
Published: July 2023

Climate change has had a significant impact on apple phenology and fruit quality worldwide. Similarly, a decline in fruit quality has been observed in major apple-producing areas of Korea. It is predicted that the ideal cultivation areas for apples would need to shift toward higher latitudes due to these changes. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of climate change on apple cultivated in a higher-latitude region. To achieve this goal, we investigated the flowering and harvest times of apples. Additionally, we measured fruit weight, soluble solid content, and titratable acidity over a period of 20 years in a higher-latitude region in Korea. Subsequently, we examined the relationship between temperature, phenology, and fruit quality through the use of linear regression and correlation analysis methods. The 20-year meteorological data revealed a consistent rise in temperatures. Consistent with this trend, we found a significant advancement in budbreak and flowering dates for the two major apple cultivars grown in a higher latitude in Korea. Furthermore, the increase in temperatures has positively influenced fruit quality, indicating that climate change has an impact not only on phenology, but also on the quality of apples in Korea. Considering the projected gradual increase in temperature, our findings strongly support that higher-latitude regions in Korea have the potential to become optimal locations for apple cultivation.
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences of Five Ormosia Species: Molecular Structure, Comparative Analysis, and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Tang Jianmin , Zou Rong , Wei Xiao , Li Dianpeng
Published: July 2023

The genus Ormosia comprises approximately 130 species, which are found in tropical regions all over the world. The taxonomy and evolutionary history are still ambiguous due to the lack of a solid phylogeny at the species level. Due to the fast advancement of high-throughput sequencing technology, it is now possible to retrieve the full chloroplast (cp) genome sequence, providing a molecular basis for phylogenetic analysis. Five species of Ormosia were used in this work, and their whole cp genomes were sequenced. One circular, quadripartite-structured molecule, ranging from 169,797 to 173,946 base pairs in length, was present in all five Ormosia species. The cp genomes of the five newly sequenced Ormosia species were further compared with the published cp genomes of O. pinnata. Ten hypervariable regions (Pi > 0.025) were uncovered in the Ormosia chloroplast genomes, among which petN-psbM showed the highest Pi value. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that O. microphylla and O. olivacea clustered with strong support. O. balansae was resolved as a sister to O. pinnata, and they were further found to be sisters to the remaining 13 Ormosia species. The cp genes of O. elliptica showed a close relationship to O. hosiei, and O. semicastrata clustered with O. emarginata. Taken together, the comprehensive analysis of the complete cp genomes of five Ormosia species offers valuable insight and information for reconstructing their phylogeny and sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics of the chloroplast genome in Ormosia.
Leveraging Satisfiability Modulo Theory Solvers for Verification of Neural Networks in Predictive Maintenance Applications
Authors: Guidotti Dario , Pandolfo Laura , Pulina Luca
Published: July 2023

Interest in machine learning and neural networks has increased significantly in recent years. However, their applications are limited in safety-critical domains due to the lack of formal guarantees on their reliability and behavior. This paper shows recent advances in satisfiability modulo theory solvers used in the context of the verification of neural networks with piece-wise linear and transcendental activation functions. An experimental analysis is conducted using neural networks trained on a real-world predictive maintenance dataset. This study contributes to the research on enhancing the safety and reliability of neural networks through formal verification, enabling their deployment in safety-critical domains.
Nanomaterials Used in the Preparation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Fight against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: De Luca Pierantonio , B.Nagy Janos , Macario Anastasia
Published: July 2023

Following the well-known pandemic, declared on 30 January 2020 by the World Health Organization, the request for new global strategies for the prevention and mitigation of the spread of the infection has come to the attention of the scientific community. Nanotechnology has often managed to provide solutions, effective responses, and valid strategies to support the fight against SARS-CoV-2. This work reports a collection of information on nanomaterials that have been used to counter the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In particular, the objective of this work was to illustrate the strategies that have made it possible to use the particular properties of nanomaterials, for the production of personal protective equipment (DIP) for the defense against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Effect of Grazing Management on Predator Soil Mite Communities (Acari: Mesotigmata) in Some Subalpine Grasslands from the Făgăraş Mountains—Romania
Authors: Manu Minodora , Băncilă Raluca Ioana , Onete Marilena
Published: July 2023

For the first time in Romania, a complex study was conducted on soil mite communities from two types of managed grasslands: ungrazed and intensively grazed. The study was accomplished in August 2018, in the Făgăraş Mountains. Within the soil mite communities (Mesostigmata), 30 species were identified, from 80 soil samples. The following population parameters were investigated: species richness, numerical abundance, dominance, Shannon index of diversity, evenness and equitability. Eight environmental variables were also measured: soil and air humidity; soil and air temperature; soil pH; resistance of soil to penetration; soil electrical conductivity; and vegetation coverage. The results revealed that species richness, Shannon index of diversity, evenness and equitability indices had higher values in ungrazed grasslands, whereas in intensively grazed areas, the numerical abundance and dominance index had significantly higher values. The species Alliphis halleri was dominant in the ungrazed grasslands. Each type of managed grassland was characterised by specific environmental conditions, which had an important influence, even at the species level.
Survival, Development, and Fecundity of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Various Host Plant Species and Their Implication for Pest Management
Authors: Nurkomar Ihsan , Trisnawati Dina Wahyu , Fahmi Fajrin , Buchori Damayanti
Published: July 2023

Spodoptera frugiperda is Indonesia’s relatively new invasive polyphagous insect pest. So far, S. frugiperda infestation has only been reported in corn and rice in Indonesia. However, S. frugiperda is known to feed on many commercial crops in other countries. To date, information on the biological parameters of S. frugiperda is limited in Indonesian ecologies. Since host plants are a critical factor for insect life history and have the potential to be used for pest control strategies, it is essential to study the biology and survival of S. frugiperda on different host plants. This research aimed to investigate the survival, development time, and fecundity of S. frugiperda on other host plant species to predict possible infestation rates for use in pest management. The study was conducted by rearing S. frugiperda on 14 common cultivated host plant species in Indonesia. The survival rate, development time, fecundity, and potential attack rate of S. frugiperda on various tested host plants were analyzed in this study. The findings revealed that corn was the primary host for S. frugiperda. The ability of S. frugiperda to survive on papaya, water spinach, banana, spinach, cucumber, and coco grass indicates that these plants are potential alternate hosts for S. frugiperda. Long beans, bok choy, choy sum, and beans might be indicated as a shelter for S. frugiperda. Meanwhile, inappropriate hosts for S. frugiperda include cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower due to their low survival rate on these plants. This research indicates that these plants have the potential to be used as a hedge, trap, or bunker plant in S. frugiperda management strategies. However, to prevent detrimental damage, control methods are needed in an integrated manner, including monitoring pest populations, habitat manipulation, and conservation of natural enemies.
The Latest Advancements in Diagnostic Role of Endosonography of Pancreatic Lesions
Authors: Rogowska Jagoda Oliwia , Durko Łukasz , Malecka-Wojciesko Ewa
Published: July 2023

Endosonography, a minimally invasive imaging technique, has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of pancreatic diseases. This comprehensive review highlights the latest advancements in endosonography of the pancreas, focusing on key technological developments, procedural techniques, clinical applications and additional techniques, which include real-time elastography endoscopic ultrasound, contrast-enhanced-EUS, EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration or EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy. EUS is well established for T-staging and N-staging of pancreaticobiliary malignancies, for pancreatic cyst discovery, for identifying subepithelial lesions (SEL), for differentiation of benign pancreaticobiliary disorders or for acquisition of tissue by EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration or EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy. This review briefly describes principles and application of EUS and its related techniques.
Fulminant Liver Failure after Treatment with a Checkpoint Inhibitor for Gastric Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dibos Miriam , Dumoulin Johanna , Mogler Carolin , Wunderlich Silke , Reichert Maximilian , Rasch Sebastian , Schmid Roland M. , Ringelhan Marc , Ehmer Ursula , Lahmer Tobias
Published: July 2023

Nivolumab is a promising monoclonal antibody inhibitor of programmed death-1, a protein on the surface of T-cells. As such, it is approved for use in patients with multiple advanced malignancies and can significantly elongate progression-free survival. However, monoclonal antibody inhibitors can lead to adverse hepatic reactions, which in rare cases result in further hepatic damage. Herein, we present a case of a patient with locally advanced gastric carcinoma treated with fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, docetaxel and the checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab. Five months after her first dosage of nivolumab and without a preexisting liver disease, she presented with transaminitis. During the course of her stay, the patient developed status epilepticus, which required mechanical ventilation followed by fulminant hepatic failure. A subsequent liver biopsy revealed severe liver damage with extensive confluent parenchymal necrosis corresponding to checkpoint-inhibitor-induced hepatitis. Alternative reasons for this hepatic failure were ruled out. Despite aggressive therapeutic interventions including corticosteroids and plasma exchange, the patient died due to liver failure. Although hepatic failure is rarely seen in patients with checkpoint inhibitor therapy, it requires early awareness and rapid intervention.
Unresolved Issues Associated with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment of Chronic Tinnitus
Authors: Folmer Robert L.
Published: July 2023

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been investigated as a potential treatment for chronic tinnitus for 20 years. Numerous studies have reported that repetitive TMS (rTMS) has demonstrated efficacy for reducing the severity of tinnitus and its associated co-conditions such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. However, some researchers have reported that active rTMS is no more effective than sham (placebo) rTMS as a tinnitus treatment method. There are numerous unresolved issues in this field that need to be addressed before rTMS can become a viable treatment for tinnitus. These issues include the type or brand of TMS system and its configuration; coil type, orientation, and placement method; scalp or neural target; laterality of rTMS application; dual site vs. single site stimulation; stimulation frequency and intensity; number of sessions; number of pulses per session; determination of the resting motor threshold (rMT); characteristics of the study population and their tinnitus; and outcome measures and follow-up assessments. To address and resolve these issues, large-scale, multi-site clinical trials of rTMS for tinnitus need to be conducted to determine which rTMS protocols are the most effective. In the absence of such investigations, the issues that need to be studied and addressed remain unresolved and continue to impede the clinical application of this treatment method.
Prognostic Factors Associated with Acute Heart Failure in Patients Admitted for COVID-19: Analysis of the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry
Authors: Méndez Bailón Manuel , Lorenzo Villalba Noel , Garcia Onrubia Jorge , Rubio Rivas Manuel , Nuñez Rodriguez Maria , de los Reyes Pascual Pérez María , Díaz Pedroche Carmen , Fonseca Aizpuru Eva , Villalba Garcia Maria , Garcia Garcia Gema , Pesqueira Fontán Paula , Artero Arturo , Montero Hernandez Esther , Alcalá Pedrajas José , Giner Galvan Vicente , Monge Monge Daniel , Letona Giménez Laura , García Gómez Miriam , Martínez Cilleros Carmen , Puente Ruiz Nuria , Escobar Sevilla Joaquin , Gómez Méndez Raquel , Ramos-Rincón José , Gomez Huelgas Ricardo ,   on behalf of the SEMI-COVID-19 Network
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, an intimate relationship between this disease and cardiovascular diseases has been seen. However, few studies assess the development of heart failure during this infection. This study aims to determine the predisposing factors for the development of heart failure (HF) during hospital admission of COVID-19 patients. Methodology: A retrospective and multicenter study of patients with HF admitted for COVID-19 in 150 Spanish hospitals (SEMI-COVID-19 Registry). A bivariate analysis was performed to relate the different variables evaluated in patients developing heart failure during hospital admission. A multivariate analysis including the most relevant clinical variables obtained in bivariate analyses to predict the outcome of heart failure was performed. Results: A total of 16.474 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 were included (57.5% men, mean age 67 years), 958 of them (5.8%) developed HF during hospitalization. The risk factors for HF development were: age (odds ratio [OR]): 1.042; confidence interval 95% (CI 95%): 1.035–1.050; p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (OR: 2.022; CI 95%: 1.697–2.410; p < 0.001), BMI > 30 kg/m2 (OR: 1.460 CI 95%: 1.230–1.733; p < 0001), and peripheral vascular disease (OR: 1.564; CI 95%: 1.217–2.201; p < 0.001). Patients who developed HF had a higher rate of mortality (54.1% vs. 19.1%, p < 0.001), intubation rate (OR: 2,36; p < 0.001), and ICU admissions (OR: 2.38; p < 0001). Conclusions: Patients who presented a higher risk of developing HF were older with cardiovascular risk factors. The risk factors for HF development were age, atrial fibrillation, obesity, and peripheral vascular disease. In addition, patients who developed HF more frequently required to be intubated or admitted to the ICU.
The Use of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring for Cervical Spine Surgery: Indications, Challenges, and Advances
Authors: Wilson John Preston , Vallejo Javier Brunet , Kumbhare Deepak , Guthikonda Bharat , Hoang Stanley
Published: July 2023

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has become an indispensable surgical adjunct in cervical spine procedures to minimize surgical complications. Understanding the historical development of IONM, indications for use, associated pitfalls, and recent developments will allow the surgeon to better utilize this important technology. While IONM has shown great promise in procedures for cervical deformity, intradural tumors, or myelopathy, routine use in all cervical spine cases with moderate pathology remains controversial. Pitfalls that need to be addressed include human error, a lack of efficient communication, variable alarm warning criteria, and a non-standardized checklist protocol. As the techniques associated with IONM technology become more robust moving forward, IONM emerges as a crucial solution to updating patient safety protocols.
Strontium-Induced Gelation of Sodium Alginate in the Presence of Carbon Nanotubes: Elemental Analysis and Gel Structure
Authors: Zueva Olga S. , Khair Tahar , Derkach Svetlana R. , Kazantseva Mariia A. , Zuev Yuriy F.
Published: July 2023

The elemental composition and structural features of the junction zones of a strontium–alginate hydrogel and their alteration under the intercalation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes into the hydrogel structure were studied. It was shown that the crosslinking with Sr2+ cations due to electrostatic interactions leads to the association of polymer chains into junction zones with incompletely filled cells. It was found that in strontium alginate, the average cell occupation number of Sr2+ cations is less than 1 and approximately equal to 0.64. In nanocomposite hydrogels including multi-walled carbon nanotubes, its increase to 0.81 indicates the appearance of a more ordered structure of alginate chains in junction zones. The information about the most preferred types of egg-box cells for binding with Sr2+ cations was analyzed. The existence of Sr2+ cations in nonequivalent positions was established. The possibility of separating the contributions of chemical adsorption due to ionic bonds with alginate chains and physical adsorption due to the appearance of local energy minima near alginate chains, leading to the appearance of ordered secondary structures, was demonstrated. It has been shown that the addition of carbon nanotubes to a hydrogel changes their sorption capability, leading, first of all, to an increase in the possible sites of physical adsorption.
The Dangers of Analyzing Thermographic Radiometric Data as Images
Authors: Livada Časlav , Glavaš Hrvoje , Baumgartner Alfonzo , Jukić Dina
Published: July 2023

Thermography is probably the most used method of measuring surface temperature by analyzing radiation in the infrared part of the spectrum which accuracy depends on factors such as emissivity and reflected radiation. Contrary to popular belief that thermographic images represent temperature maps, they are actually thermal radiation converted into an image, and if not properly calibrated, they show incorrect temperatures. The objective of this study is to analyze commonly used image processing techniques and their impact on radiometric data in thermography. In particular, the extent to which a thermograph can be considered as an image and how image processing affects radiometric data. Three analyzes are presented in the paper. The first one examines how image processing techniques, such as contrast and brightness, affect physical reality and its representation in thermographic imaging. The second analysis examines the effects of JPEG compression on radiometric data and how degradation of the data varies with the compression parameters. The third analysis aims to determine the optimal resolution increase required to minimize the effects of compression on the radiometric data. The output from an IR camera in CSV format was used for these analyses, and compared to images from the manufacturer’s software. The IR camera providing data in JPEG format was used, and the data included thermographic images, visible images, and a matrix of thermal radiation data. The study was verified with a reference blackbody radiation set at 60 °C. The results highlight the dangers of interpreting thermographic images as temperature maps without considering the underlying radiometric data which can be affected by image processing and compression. The paper concludes with the importance of accurate and precise thermographic analysis for reliable temperature measurement.
Becoming Self-Aware of Feelings and Performance: The Influence of Creative Potential, Self-Evaluations, and Metacognitive Feelings on Creative Mindsets
Authors: Puente-Díaz Rogelio , Cavazos-Arroyo Judith , Puerta-Sierra Lizbeth
Published: July 2023

Based on a recently developed model of creative cognition, we tested in two studies, the relationships between creative potential, self-evaluations, metacognitive feelings, and growth and fixed mindsets in creative action. In both studies, participants (N = 491, mean = 21.57, SD = 2.78 and N = 280, 94% between the ages of 18 and 25 years, respectively, for studies 1 and 2) first completed a divergent thinking task, followed by an assessment of metacognitive feelings, self-evaluations of the creativity of the ideas generated (only in study 2), and creative mindsets while knowing that a second divergent thinking task was coming. Results showed that creative mindsets were sensitive to variations in creative potential, self-evaluations, and metacognitive feelings when examined in creative action. Specifically, studies 1 and 2 showed positive relationships between metacognitive feelings and growth mindsets. Results from study 2 showed positive relationships between self-evaluations of the idea generated and growth mindsets. For fixed mindsets, the creative potential of task 1 had a negative relationship in study 1 and a negative relationship between fixed mindsets and the creative potential of task 2 in study 2. The implications for creative metacognition were explored.
Role of Provincial Migration and Immigration in Provincial Trade of Canada
Authors: Aziz Nusrate , Aziz Ahmed , Mahar Gerry
Published: July 2023

This study estimates international and provincial migrants’ impact on provincial-level trade using panel data from 1981 to 2016 for Canadian provinces. The estimated results show that migration plays a significant role in determining Canadian provincial-level trade. Although the stock of provincial migrants is smaller than the stock of immigrants in Canadian provinces, the former plays a consistently positive and significant role in provincial-level trade, while the latter is not consistently significant across estimators. This study reaffirms that labour mobility between Canadian provinces helps reduce provincial trade barriers and promote economic development within Canada. Our results are robust to different estimation methods, model specifications, and alternative measures of migrants’ stock in Canadian provinces.
Decoding Decentralized Autonomous Organizations: A Content Analysis Approach to Understanding Scoring Platforms
Authors: Ziegler Christian , Zehra Syeda Rabab
Published: July 2023

This paper evaluates the scoring platforms for decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), examining their methodologies and highlighting their strengths and limitations. Using content analysis, we scrutinize the scoring methodologies of the Prime Rating, DAO Meter, and DeFi Safety platforms, evaluating code, documentation, security, team composition, governance, and regulatory compliance. We analyze the underlying assumptions and data sources relied upon by these platforms, using a content analysis approach. Our investigation furnishes valuable information for stakeholders, aiming to evaluate or enhance DAO scoring methodologies used by scholars and practitioners in the finance and blockchain fields. By contributing to a more rigorous understanding of DAO performance assessment, this paper supports informed decision making and promotes the development of a dependable and efficient scoring system for the decentralized financial ecosystem.
Citizen Sensing within Urban Greenspaces: Exploring Human Wellbeing Interactions in Deprived Communities of Glasgow
Authors: leBrasseur Richard
Published: July 2023

The relationship between urban greenspaces and the benefits to psychological, social, and physical aspects of human wellbeing are important to study, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas and underrepresented communities. This interaction was theorized, analyzed, and measured in this paper through the transactional paradigm and operationalized through the use of a volunteer geographic information questionnaire, SoftGIS, which activated the urban greenspace–human wellbeing interaction through its map-based data collection. Over 450 unique place-based relationships were statistically analyzed within the Greater Glasgow Urban Region of Paisley, Scotland, a vulnerable community. This study revealed that multiple components of human wellbeing are supported through interactions with urban greenspaces. The Paisley region’s respondents visited greenspaces, generally, and most often to receive psychological benefits such as reduction of stress and mental relaxation through interactions which included sitting and relaxing in quiet spaces, enjoying natural surroundings, and viewing nature and wildlife. The physical and social wellbeing benefits were not as frequent in these urban greenspace interactions but were distinctly present. The results imply pathways towards management and multifunctional greenspace design responses in urbanizing regions and indicate strategies for public policy, human health, and urban planning, which deliver wellbeing benefits to communities.
Spore Evidence for the Origin of Isoetalean Lycopsids?
Authors: Bek Jiří , Frojdová Jana Votočková
Published: July 2023

A new hypothesis about the origin of isoetalean lycopsids was proposed based on palynological data. The occurrence of three apical papillae on the proximal surfaces of miospores is a significant palynological feature that is clearly defined in both isoetalean and selaginellalean clades. Three apical papillae appeared for the first time within lower Silurian (Wenlockian ca. 430 My) and only in rhyniophytoid plants. Using this observation, we suggest that isoetalean lycopsids could have evolved directly from rhyniophytoids and not from protolepidodendralean lycopsids in the middle Devonian (Eifelian–Givetian) as previously suggested, because protolepidodendralean spores do not possess three apical papillae. Spores with three apical papillae, reported as dispersed as well as in situ, were recorded continuously from the lower Silurian (Wenlockian) through the Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian, Mesozoic to Cenozoic era and form a phylogenetically independent lineage.
Investigation of the Features of a Superconducting Spin Valve Fe1/Cu/Fe2/Cu/Pb on a Piezoelectric PMN–PT Substrate
Authors: Kamashev Andrey , Garif’yanov Nadir , Validov Aidar , Jagličić Zvonko , Kabanov Viktor , Mamin Rinat , Garifullin Ilgiz
Published: July 2023

The properties of a superconducting spin valve Fe1/Cu/Fe2/Cu/Pb on a piezoelectric PMN–PT substrate ([Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3]0.7–[PbTiO3]0.3) in electric and magnetic fields have been studied. The magnitude of the shift of the superconducting transition temperature in the magnetic field H = 1 kOe equal to 150 mK was detected, while the full superconducting spin valve effect was demonstrated. Abnormal behavior of the superconducting transition temperature was observed, which manifests itself in the maximum values of the superconducting transition temperature with the orthogonal orientation of the magnetization vectors of ferromagnetic layers. This may indirectly indicate the formation of the easy axis of the magnetization vector of the Fe1-layer adjacent to the piezoelectric substrate PMN–PT. It was found that with an increase in the magnitude of the applied electric field to the PMN–PT substrate, the shift in the superconducting transition temperature of the Fe1/Cu/Fe2/Cu/Pb heterostructure increases. The maximum shift was 10 mK in an electric field of 1 kV/cm. Thus, it has been shown for the first time that a piezoelectric superconducting spin valve can function.
Biased Random-Key Genetic Algorithm with Local Search Applied to the Maximum Diversity Problem
Authors: Silva Geiza , Leite André , Ospina Raydonal , Leiva Víctor , Figueroa-Zúñiga Jorge , Castro Cecilia
Published: July 2023

The maximum diversity problem (MDP) aims to select a subset with a predetermined number of elements from a given set, maximizing the diversity among them. This NP-hard problem requires efficient algorithms that can generate high-quality solutions within reasonable computational time. In this study, we propose a novel approach that combines the biased random-key genetic algorithm (BRKGA) with local search to tackle the MDP. Our computational study utilizes a comprehensive set of MDPLib instances, and demonstrates the superior average performance of our proposed algorithm compared to existing literature results. The MDP has a wide range of practical applications, including biology, ecology, and management. We provide future research directions for improving the algorithm’s performance and exploring its applicability in real-world scenarios.
STAB-GCN: A Spatio-Temporal Attention-Based Graph Convolutional Network for Group Activity Recognition
Authors: Liu Fang , Tian Chunhua , Wang Jinzhong , Jin Youwei , Cui Luxiang , Lee Ivan
Published: July 2023

Group activity recognition is a central theme in many domains, such as sports video analysis, CCTV surveillance, sports tactics, and social scenario understanding. However, there are still challenges in embedding actors’ relations in a multi-person scenario due to occlusion, movement, and light. Current studies mainly focus on collective and individual local features from the spatial and temporal perspectives, which results in inefficiency, low robustness, and low portability. To this end, a Spatio-Temporal Attention-Based Graph Convolution Network (STAB-GCN) model is proposed to effectively embed deep complex relations between actors. Specifically, we leverage the attention mechanism to attentively explore spatio-temporal latent relations between actors. This approach captures spatio-temporal contextual information and improves individual and group embedding. Then, we feed actor relation graphs built from group activity videos into our proposed STAB-GCN for further inference, which selectively attends to the relevant features while ignoring those irrelevant to the relation extraction task. We perform experiments on three available group activity datasets, acquiring better performance than state-of-the-art methods. The results verify the validity of our proposed model and highlight the obstructive impacts of spatio-temporal attention-based graph embedding on group activity recognition.
Enhancing Manual Order Picking through a New Metaheuristic, Based on Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Bertolini Massimo , Mezzogori Davide , Zammori Francesco
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a new metaheuristic algorithm called Particle Swarm-based picking time minimization (Pkt_PSO), ideated for picking time minimization in manual warehouses. As the name suggests, Pkt_PSO is inspired by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and it is specifically designed to minimize the picking time in order case picking contexts. To assess the quality and the robustness of Pkt_PSO, it is compared to five alternative algorithms used as benchmarks. The comparisons are made in nine different scenarios obtained by changing the layout of the warehouse and the length of the picking list. The results of the analysis show that Pkt_PSO has a slower convergence rate and suffers less of early stagnation in local minima; this ensures a more extensive and accurate exploration of the solution space. In fact, the solutions provided by Pkt_PSO are always better (or at least comparable) to the ones found by the benchmarks, both in terms of quality (closeness to the overall best) and reliability (frequency with which the best solution is found). Clearly, as more solutions are explored, the computational time of Pkt_PSO is longer, but it remains compatible with the operational needs of most practical applications.
Variational Solution and Numerical Simulation of Bimodular Functionally Graded Thin Circular Plates under Large Deformation
Authors: He Xiao-Ting , Wang Xiao-Guang , Pang Bo , Ai Jie-Chuan , Sun Jun-Yi
Published: July 2023

In this study, the variational method and numerical simulation technique were used to solve the problem of bimodular functionally graded thin plates under large deformation. During the application of the variational method, the functional was established on the elastic strain energy of the plate while the variation in the functional was realized by changing undetermined coefficients in the functional. As a result, the classical Ritz method was adopted to obtain the important relationship between load and maximum deflection that is of great concern in engineering design. At the same time, the numerical simulation technique was also utilized by applying the software ABAQUS6.14.4, in which the bimodular effect and functionally graded properties of the materials were simulated by subareas in tension and compression, as well as the layering along the direction of plate thickness, respectively. This study indicates that the numerical simulation results agree with those from the variational solution, by comparing the maximum deflection of the plate, which verifies the validity of the variational solution obtained. The results presented in this study are helpful for the refined analysis and optimization design of flexible structures, which are composed of bimodular functionally graded materials, while the structure is under large deformation.
Fine-Grained Forward Secure Firmware Update in Smart Home
Authors: Zhao Qiuxia , Zheng Dong , Zhang Yinghui , Ren Yan
Published: July 2023

Although the vigorous development of smart homes brings great convenience to people’s lives, smart homes usually suffer from various security threats due to firmware vulnerabilities. Firmware update is a possible solution, but existing methods cannot address the security issues during the update process well. To enable secure firmware updates, a Forward Secure Firmware Update (FSFU) system was realized based on the proposed Puncturable-Ciphertext Policy-Attribute-Based Encryption (P-CP-ABE) scheme. In FSFU, when the service provider delivers the latest firmware, it specifies an access policy and some tags to encrypt the data and appends its signature to achieve both fine-grained access control and authentication. Authorized customers can obtain the latest firmware by decrypting the encrypted data through their private key. In particular, after a successful update, each authorized customer can realize forward security by updating his/her puncturable key, which is an important private key component. In addition, FSFU is further enhanced by outsourcing a part of the parameters and computational tasks. Finally, FSFU was proven to be secure under the Decisional Bilinear Diffie–Hellman (DBDH) assumption. Our proposed FSFU is efficient from both the theoretical analysis and the experimental results.