bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical, Nutritional, and Clinical Parameters of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Infants: A Systematic Review and Analysis of 292 Cases Published between 1962 and 2022
Authors: Wirthensohn Miriam , Wehrli Susanne , Ljungblad Ulf Wike , Huemer Martina
Published: November 2023

Pooled data from published reports on infants with clinically diagnosed vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency were analyzed with the purpose of describing the presentation, diagnostic approaches, and risk factors for the condition to inform prevention strategies. An electronic (PubMed database) and manual literature search following the PRISMA approach was conducted (preregistration with the Open Science Framework, accessed on 15 February 2023). Data were described and analyzed using correlation analyses, Chi-square tests, ANOVAs, and regression analyses, and 102 publications (292 cases) were analyzed. The mean age at first symptoms (anemia, various neurological symptoms) was four months; the mean time to diagnosis was 2.6 months. Maternal B12 at diagnosis, exclusive breastfeeding, and a maternal diet low in B12 predicted infant B12, methylmalonic acid, and total homocysteine. Infant B12 deficiency is still not easily diagnosed. Methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine are useful diagnostic parameters in addition to B12 levels. Since maternal B12 status predicts infant B12 status, it would probably be advantageous to target women in early pregnancy or even preconceptionally to prevent infant B12 deficiency, rather than to rely on newborn screening that often does not reliably identify high-risk children.
The Microbiome in the Obesity-Breast Cancer Axis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Avtanski Dimiter , Reddy Varun , Stojchevski Radoslav , Hadzi-Petrushev Nikola , Mladenov Mitko
Published: November 2023

A growing body of evidence has demonstrated a relationship between the microbiome, adiposity, and cancer development. The microbiome is emerging as an important factor in metabolic disease and cancer pathogenesis. This review aimed to highlight the role of the microbiome in obesity and its association with cancer, with a particular focus on breast cancer. This review discusses how microbiota dysbiosis may contribute to obesity and obesity-related diseases, which are linked to breast cancer. It also explores the potential of the gut microbiome to influence systemic immunity, leading to carcinogenesis via the modulation of immune function. This review underscores the potential use of the microbiome profile as a diagnostic tool and treatment target, with strategies including probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary interventions. However, this emphasizes the need for more research to fully understand the complex relationship between the microbiome, metabolic disorders, and breast cancer. Future studies should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the impact of the microbiome on breast cancer and exploring the potential of the microbiota profile as a biomarker and treatment target.
Appressoria-Producing Sordariomycetes Taxa Associated with Jasminum Species
Authors: Gomdola Deecksha , McKenzie Eric H. C. , Hyde Kevin D. , Bundhun Digvijayini , Jayawardena Ruvishika S.
Published: November 2023

Appressoria are specialized structures formed by certain phytopathogenic fungi during the early stages of the infection process. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in understanding the formation, types, and functions of appressoria. Besides being formed primarily by fungal pathogens, many studies have reported their occurrence in other life modes such as endophytes, epiphytes, and saprobes. In this study, we observed the formation of appressoria in fungal genera that have been found associated with leaf spots and, interestingly, by a saprobic species. We used morphological descriptions and illustrations, molecular phylogeny, coalescent-based Poisson tree processes (PTP) model, inter- and intra-species genetic distances based on their respective DNA markers, and Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition Analysis (GCPSR) to establish a new species (Pseudoplagiostoma jasmini), a Ciliochorella sp., and a new host record (Coniella malaysiana). The Ciliochorella sp. is reported as a saprobe, while Pseudoplagiostoma jasmini and Coniella malaysiana were found to be associated with leaf spots of Jasminum species. All three taxa produce appressoria, and this is the first study that reports the formation of appressoria by a Ciliochorella sp. and a Pseudoplagiostoma sp.
Novel Anthranilic Acid Hybrids—An Alternative Weapon against Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Milusheva Miglena , Todorova Mina , Gledacheva Vera , Stefanova Iliyana , Feizi-Dehnayebi Mehran , Pencheva Mina , Nedialkov Paraskev , Tumbarski Yulian , Yanakieva Velichka , Tsoneva Slava , Nikolova Stoyanka
Published: November 2023

Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation while protecting the cardiovascular system. However, the side effects of currently available medications have limited their usage. Due to these adverse effects, there is a significant need for new drugs. The current trend of research has shifted towards the synthesis of novel anthranilic acid hybrids as anti-inflammatory agents. Phenyl- or benzyl-substituted hybrids exerted very good anti-inflammatory effects in preventing albumin denaturation. To confirm their anti-inflammatory effects, additional ex vivo tests were conducted. These immunohistochemical studies explicated the same compounds with better anti-inflammatory potential. To determine the binding affinity and interaction mode, as well as to explain the anti-inflammatory activities, the molecular docking simulation of the compounds was investigated against human serum albumin. The biological evaluation of the compounds was completed, assessing their antimicrobial activity and spasmolytic effect. Based on the experimental data, we can conclude that a collection of novel hybrids was successfully synthesized, and they can be considered anti-inflammatory drug candidates—alternatives to current therapeutics.
Formulation and Investigation of CK2 Inhibitor-Loaded Alginate Microbeads with Different Excipients
Authors: Papp Boglárka , Le Borgne Marc , Perret Florent , Marminon Christelle , Józsa Liza , Pető Ágota , Kósa Dóra , Nagy Lajos , Kéki Sándor , Ujhelyi Zoltán , Pallér Ádám , Budai István , Bácskay Ildikó , Fehér Pálma
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to formulate and characterize CK2 inhibitor-loaded alginate microbeads via the polymerization method. Different excipients were used in the formulation to improve the penetration of an active agent and to stabilize our preparations. Transcutol® HP was added to the drug–sodium alginate mixture and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was added to the hardening solution, alone and in combination. To characterize the formulations, mean particle size, scanning electron microscopy analysis, encapsulation efficiency, swelling behavior, an enzymatic stability test and an in vitro dissolution study were performed. The cell viability assay and permeability test were also carried out on the Caco-2 cell line. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the formulations were finally evaluated. The combination of Transcutol® HP and PVP in the formulation of sodium alginate microbeads could improve the stability, in vitro permeability, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the CK2 inhibitor.
Generation of Orbital Angular Momentum Light by Patterning Azopolymer Thin Films
Authors: Olaleye Temitope M. , Raposo Maria , Ribeiro Paulo A.
Published: November 2023

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) encoding is a promising technique to boost data transmission capacity in optical communications. Most recently, azobenzene films have gained attention as a versatile tool for creating and altering OAM-carrying beams. Unique features of azobenzene films make it possible to control molecular alignment through light-induced isomerization about the azo bond. This feature enables the fabrication of diffractive optical devices such as spiral phase plates and holograms by accurately imprinting a phase profile on the incident light. By forming azobenzene sheets into diffractive optical elements, such as spiral phase plates, one can selectively create OAM-carrying beams. Due to the helical wavefront and phase variation shown by these beams, multiple distinct channels can be encoded within a single optical beam. This can significantly increase the data transmission capacity of optical communication systems with this OAM multiplexing technique. Additionally, holographic optical components made from azobenzene films can be used to build and reconstruct intricate wavefronts. It is possible to create OAM-based holograms by imprinting holographic designs on azobenzene films, which makes it simpler to control and shape optical beams for specific communication requirements. In addition, azobenzene-based materials can then be suitable for integration into optical communication devices because of their reconfigurability, compactness, and infrastructure compatibility, which are the main future perspectives for achieving OAM-based technologies for the next generation, among other factors. In this paper, we see the possible use of azobenzene films in the generation and modification of OAM beams for optical communications through light-induced isomerization. In addition, the potential role of azobenzene films in the development of novel OAM-based devices that paves the way for the realization of high-capacity, OAM-enabled optical communication networks are discussed.
A Hybrid Millimeter-Wave and Free-Space-Optics Communication Architecture with Adaptive Diversity Combining and HARQ Techniques
Authors: Liu Yinjun , Tan Xiaochuan , Jia Junlian , Dong Boyu , Huang Changle , Luo Penghao , Shi Jianyang , Chi Nan , Zhang Junwen
Published: November 2023

We propose and demonstrate a hybrid communication architecture that combines millimeter-wave (MMW) in the radio frequency (RF) domain and free-space-optics (FSO) technologies using adaptive combining and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) techniques. At the receiving end, we employed joint signal processing with an adaptive diversity combining technique (ADCT) based on a maximum ratio combining (MRC) algorithm. We derived closed-form expressions for the outage probability and throughput of the hybrid RF and FSO (RF/FSO) system, considering various characteristics of atmospheric turbulence in the FSO link. Experimental testing with 10-Gbaud quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) data was conducted under different simulated atmospheric turbulence intensities, FSO and MMW speed-ratios, and forward error correction (FEC) overheads. Additionally, we validated improvements in terms of bit error ratio (BER), outage probability, and throughput performance.
A Genome-Wide Association Study of Nigerien and Senegalese Sorghum Germplasm of Exserohilum turcicum, the Causal Agent of Leaf Blight
Authors: Prom Louis K. , Botkin Jacob R. , Ahn Ezekiel J. S. , Sarr Mame Penda , Diatta Cyril , Fall Coumba , Magill Clint W.
Published: November 2023

In Senegal, sorghum ranks third after millet and maize among dryland cereal production and plays a critical role in the daily lives of millions of inhabitants. Yet, the crop’s productivity and profitability are hampered by biotic stresses, including Exserohilum turcicum, causing leaf blight. A total of 101 sorghum accessions collected from Niger and Senegal, SC748-5 and BTx623, were evaluated in three different environments (Kaymor, Kolda, and Ndiaganiao) in Senegal for their reactions against the leaf blight pathogen. The results showed that 11 out of the 101 accessions evaluated exhibited 100% incidence, and the overall mean incidence was 88.4%. Accession N15 had the lowest incidence of 50%. The overall mean severity was 31.6%, while accessions N15, N43, N38, N46, N30, N28, and N23 from Niger recorded the lowest severity levels, ranging from 15.5% to 25.5%. Accession N15 exhibited both low leaf blight incidence and severity, indicating that it may possess genes for resistance to E. turcicum. Also, the accessions evaluated in this study were sequenced. A GWAS identified six novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with an average leaf blight incidence rate. The candidate genes were found in chromosomes 2, 3, 5, 8, and 9. Except for SNP locus S05_48064154, all five SNPs associated with the leaf blight incidence rate were associated with the plant defense and stress responses. In conclusion, the candidate genes identified could offer additional options for enhancing plant resistance against E. turcicum through plant breeding or gene editing.
Plant Physiological Analysis to Overcome Limitations to Plant Phenotyping
Authors: Haworth Matthew , Marino Giovanni , Atzori Giulia , Fabbri Andre , Daccache Andre , Killi Dilek , Carli Andrea , Montesano Vincenzo , Conte Adriano , Balestrini Raffaella , Centritto Mauro
Published: November 2023

Plant physiological status is the interaction between the plant genome and the prevailing growth conditions. Accurate characterization of plant physiology is, therefore, fundamental to effective plant phenotyping studies; particularly those focused on identifying traits associated with improved yield, lower input requirements, and climate resilience. Here, we outline the approaches used to assess plant physiology and how these techniques of direct empirical observations of processes such as photosynthetic CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, photosystem II electron transport, or the effectiveness of protective energy dissipation mechanisms are unsuited to high-throughput phenotyping applications. Novel optical sensors, remote/proximal sensing (multi- and hyperspectral reflectance, infrared thermography, sun-induced fluorescence), LiDAR, and automated analyses of below-ground development offer the possibility to infer plant physiological status and growth. However, there are limitations to such ‘indirect’ approaches to gauging plant physiology. These methodologies that are appropriate for the rapid high temporal screening of a number of crop varieties over a wide spatial scale do still require ‘calibration’ or ‘validation’ with direct empirical measurement of plant physiological status. The use of deep-learning and artificial intelligence approaches may enable the effective synthesis of large multivariate datasets to more accurately quantify physiological characters rapidly in high numbers of replicate plants. Advances in automated data collection and subsequent data processing represent an opportunity for plant phenotyping efforts to fully integrate fundamental physiological data into vital efforts to ensure food and agro-economic sustainability.
Unraveling the Potential of Organic Oregano and Tarragon Essential Oils: Profiling Composition, FT-IR and Bioactivities
Authors: Vârban Dan , Zăhan Marius , Crișan Ioana , Pop Carmen Rodica , Gál Emese , Ștefan Răzvan , Rotar Ancuța Mihaela , Muscă Adriana Sebastiana , Meseșan Ștefania Dana , Horga Vasile , Ladoși Ioan , Olar Loredana , Stoie Andrei , Vârban Rodica
Published: November 2023

Oregano and tarragon are widely cultivated culinary herbs used for food seasoning, having familiar characteristic aromas appreciated by the wide public. The aim of this research was to characterize essential oils (EOs) from locally sourced organic oregano and tarragon (Cluj, Romania) and study their bioactivity potential. Results showed that oregano EO had a sesquiterpene dominant profile responsible for strong bands between 2800 and 3000 cm−1 on the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectrum and a composition consistent with reports from similar climatic regions. The tarragon EO profile was defined by phenylpropanoids responsible for the strong sharp peaks between 1000 and 1600 cm−1 on the FT-IR spectrum. In oregano EO, 22 compounds were identified with β-caryophyllene as a major constituent. In tarragon EO, 20 compounds were identified with eugenol as a major constituent. Oregano EO had a stronger antibacterial effect against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains, while tarragon EO had a slightly stronger cytotoxic effect on three types of cancer cell lines tested (skin melanoma, prostate carcinoma, and colorectal adenocarcinoma). It was concluded that, given the fact that a sufficient supply of high-quality plant material can be available for EO extraction, culinary herbs can become reliable candidates for many industries without the risk of discontinued supply. Therefore, research aiming to widen their potential applications is welcome and worth pursuing.
Synthesis and Modeling of Poly(L-lactic acid) via Polycondensation of L-Lactic Acid
Authors: Theodorou Alexis , Raptis Vasilios , Baltzaki Chrissie Isabella Maria , Manios Thrassyvoulos , Harmandaris Vagelis , Velonia Kelly
Published: November 2023

We present synthetic experiments of lactic acid (LA) polycondensation to produce poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as well as kinetic modeling calculations that capture the polymer molecular weight increase with time, given the initial concentrations. Tin-octoate-catalyzed polycondensation of (D,L)- or L-lactic acid was carried out in pre-dried toluene after azeotropic dehydration for 48–120 h at 130–137 °C. The polymerization was optimized by varying lactic acid and catalyst concentrations as well as the temperature. Gel permeation chromatography was used to experimentally follow the evolution of molecular weights and the products were characterized by NMR, TGA, DSC and IR. Under optimal conditions, PLLA with weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 161 kDa could be obtained. The rate equations that describe polycondensation kinetics were recast in a condensed form that allowed very fast numerical solution and calculation of the number-average molecular weight with time. Deviations with respect to the experiment were minimized in a least-squares fashion to determine rate constants. The optimized kinetics parameters are shown to reproduce the experimental data accurately.
Enhanced Solubilization and Biodegradation of HMW-PAHs in Water with a Pseudomonas mosselii-Released Biosurfactant
Authors: Xia Mingqian , Wang Shibin , Chen Bo , Qiu Rongpeng , Fan Gongduan
Published: November 2023

The treatment and reuse of wastewater are crucial for the effective utilization and protection of global water resources. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as one of the most common organic pollutants in industrial wastewater, are difficult to remove due to their relatively low solubility and bioavailability in the water environment. However, biosurfactants with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups are effective in overcoming these difficulties. Therefore, a biosurfactant-producing strain Pseudomonas mosselii MP-6 was isolated in this study to enhance the bioavailability and biodegradation of PAHs, especially high-molecular-weight PAHs (HMW-PAHs). FTIR and LC-MS analysis showed that the MP-6 surfactant belongs to rhamnolipids, a type of biopolymer, which can reduce the water surface tension from 73.20 mN/m to 30.61 mN/m at a critical micelle concentration (CMC = 93.17 mg/L). The enhanced solubilization and biodegradation of PAHs, particularly HMW-PAHs (when MP-6 was introduced), were also demonstrated in experiments. Furthermore, comprehensive environmental stress tolerance tests were conducted to confirm the robustness of the MP-6 biosurfactant, which signifies the potential adaptability and applicability of this biosurfactant in diverse environmental remediation scenarios. The results of this study, therefore, have significant implications for future applications in the treatment of wastewater containing HMW-PAHs, such as coking wastewater.
Effects of Graphene Oxide (GO) and Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) on Green-Emitting Conjugated Copolymer’s Optical and Laser Properties Using Simulation and Experimental Studies
Authors: Prasad Saradh , Alhandel Raya H. , Asemi Nassar N. , AlSalhi Mohamad S.
Published: November 2023

The properties of a conjugated copolymer (CP), poly[(9,9-Dioctyl-2,7-divinylenefluorenylene)-alt-co-(2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene) (PDVF-co-MEH-PV), were investigated in the presence of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using absorption, fluorescence, laser, and time-resolved spectroscopy. CPs are usually dissolved in low-polar solvents. Although GO does not dissolve well, rGO and PDVF-co-MEH-PV dissolve in chloroform due to their oxygen acceptor sites. Hence, we studied rGO/PDVF-co-MEH-PV (CP/rGO), performing all experiments and simulations in chloroform. We performed simulations on PDVF-co-MEH-PV, approximate GO, and rGO using time-dependent density-functional theory calculations to comprehend the molecular dynamics and interactions at the molecular level. The simulation polymer used a tail-truncated oligomer model with up to three monomer units. The simulation and experimental results were in agreement. Further, the PDVF-co-MEH-PV exhibited fluorescence, laser quenching, rGO-mediated laser blinking, and spectral broadening effects when GO and rGO concentrations increased. The experimental and simulation results were compared to provide a plausible mechanism of interaction between PDVF-co-MEH-PV and rGO. We observed that for lower concentrations of rGO, the interaction did not considerably decrease the amplified spontaneous emissions of PDVF-co-MEH-PV. However, the fluorescence of PDVF-co-MEH-PV was considerably quenched at higher concentrations of rGO. These results could be helpful for future applications, such as in sensors, solar cells, and optoelectronic device design. To demonstrate the sensor capability of these composites, a paper-based sensor was designed to detect ethanol and nitrotoluene. An instrumentation setup was proposed that is cheap, reusable, and multifunctional.
Aging Processes and Their Influence on the Mechanical Properties of Printable Occlusal Splint Materials
Authors: Rosello Jimenez Jan Raffael , Fuchs Florian , Schmohl Leonie , Schulz-Siegmund Michaela , Koenig Andreas
Published: November 2023

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed occlusal splints are becoming more prevalent in the treatment of tooth substance loss due to their fast and cost-effective production. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate whether the mechanical properties (tensile strength—TS, modulus of elasticity in tension—ME, and Vickers hardness—HV) vary between the materials (printed dimethacrylate-based resins: Keyprint KeySplint soft—KEY, Luxaprint Ortho Plus—LUX, V-Print splint—VPR, printed methacrylate-based resins Freeprint splint 2.0—FRE, and milled methacrylate-based material, CLEAR splint—CLE), and the influence of aging processes (extraoral storage conditions and nightly or daily use) was examined. The printed methacrylate-based resins (FRE, LUX, and VPR) had much higher TS (43.7–48.5 MPa compared to 12.3–13.3 MPa), higher ME (2.01–2.37 GPa compared to 0.43–0.72 GPa), and higher HV (11.8–15.0 HV compared to 3.3–3.5 HV) than both of the methacrylate-based resins (KEY and CLE) after the production process. Although the TS, ME, and HV of the printed dimethacrylate resins (FRE, LUX, and VPR) decreased significantly under humid conditions with possibly elevated temperatures (thermocycling as well as 37 °C), these mechanical properties were significantly higher than both methacrylate-based resins (KEY and CLE). Therefore, printed dimethacrylate resins should be used rather than methacrylate-based resins for high expected masticatory forces, low wall thicknesses, or very long wearing times (≥6 months).
Pre-trained 1DCNN-BiLSTM Hybrid Network for Temperature Prediction of Wind Turbine Gearboxes
Authors: Zhuang Kejia , Ma Cong , Lam Heung-Fai , Zou Li , Hu Jun
Published: November 2023

The safety and stability of a wind turbine is determined by the health condition of its gearbox. The temperature variation, compared with other characteristics of the gearbox, can directly and sensitively reflect its health conditions. However, the existing deep learning models (including the single model and the hybrid model) have their limitations in dealing with nonlinear and complex temperature data, making it challenging to achieve high-precision prediction results. In order to tackle this issue, this paper introduces a novel two-phase deep learning network for predicting the temperature of wind turbine gearboxes. In the first phase, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN) and a bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) network are separately trained using the same dataset. The two pre-trained networks are combined and fine-tuned to form the 1DCNN-BiLSTM model for the accurate prediction of gearbox temperatures in the second phase. The proposed model was trained and validated by measured datasets from gearboxes from an existing wind farm. The effectiveness of the model presented was showcased through a comparative analysis with five traditional models, and the result has clearly shown that the proposed model has a great improvement in its prediction accuracy.
On the Development of Descriptor-Based Machine Learning Models for Thermodynamic Properties: Part 1—From Data Collection to Model Construction: Understanding of the Methods and Their Effects
Authors: Trinh Cindy , Tbatou Youssef , Lasala Silvia , Herbinet Olivier , Meimaroglou Dimitrios
Published: November 2023

In the present work, a multi-angle approach is adopted to develop two ML-QSPR models for the prediction of the enthalpy of formation and the entropy of molecules, in their ideal gas state. The molecules were represented by high-dimensional vectors of structural and physico-chemical characteristics (i.e., descriptors). In this sense, an overview is provided of the possible methods that can be employed at each step of the ML-QSPR procedure (i.e., data preprocessing, dimensionality reduction and model construction) and an attempt is made to increase the understanding of the effects related to a given choice or method on the model performance, interpretability and applicability domain. At the same time, the well-known OECD principles for the validation of (Q)SAR models are also considered and addressed. The employed data set is a good representation of two common problems in ML-QSPR modeling, namely the high-dimensional descriptor-based representation and the high chemical diversity of the molecules. This diversity effectively impacts the subsequent applicability of the developed models to a new molecule. The data set complexity is addressed through customized data preprocessing techniques and genetic algorithms. The former improves the data quality while limiting the loss of information, while the latter allows for the automatic identification of the most important descriptors, in accordance with a physical interpretation. The best performances are obtained with Lasso linear models (MAE test = 25.2 kJ/mol for the enthalpy and 17.9 J/mol/K for the entropy). Finally, the overall developed procedure is also tested on various enthalpy and entropy related data sets from the literature to check its applicability to other problems and competing performances are obtained, highlighting that different methods and molecular representations can lead to good performances.
Study on Dynamic Parameters and Energy Dissipation Characteristics of Coal Samples under Dynamic Load and Temperature
Authors: Zhao Enlai , Wang Enyuan , Chen Haopeng
Published: November 2023

Coal and rock dynamic disasters such as rock burst and outburst seriously threaten the sustainable development of the coal mining industry, which are intimately correlated with the nonlinear dynamic response process of the deep coal and rock mass. This study conducts coal dynamic experiments under vibration load from room temperature to 60 °C by using the split Hopkinson bar (SHPB) with a temperature real-time control system and analyzes the variation in stress and strain and the energy dissipation characteristics of coal during the dynamic load process. The expression equation of dissipated energy of coal at different scales is established, and the judgment conditions of the macroscopic mechanical behavior of coal are analyzed theoretically. The stress curves show a multi-stress peak phenomenon when the coal samples are subjected to different temperatures and dynamic loads, and the coal’s dynamic stress and temperature show a polynomial fitting relationship at different stages. When the coal sample is subjected to temperature and dynamic load, the macroscopic changes in incident energy, reflected energy, and dissipated energy are consistent; that is, various energies gradually increase to a fixed value and tend to stabilize with the time of stress wave action. The transmission energy exhibits a rising trend in correlation with the duration of the dynamic load action, but the value is less than 0.1 J. The growth gradients of the different energies, in descending order, are: the growth gradient of incident energy, reflection energy, dissipation energy, and transmission energy. The energy inflection point appears at 60 °C. Based on the linear elastic fracture mechanics and damage mechanics theories, the expression for coal energy dissipation from the nanoscale to the microscale is established, and the relationship between energy dissipation and macroscopic mechanical behavior response of the coal samples is analyzed. The main physical components of the coal sample are calcite and kaolinite. Within the temperature range of 18–60 °C, the macroscopic failure form of the coal is horizontal tensile failure. The study results are introduced into dynamic disaster prevention and control and the surrounding rock system stability evaluation in deep mines.
The Way to Achieve “This Culture of Ours”: An Investigation Based on the Viewpoints of Pre-Qin Confucianism and Song Confucianism
Authors: Lyu Xin
Published: November 2023

The concept of wen 文 has multiple meanings, but it plays an exceptionally important role in the development of Confucianism and Chinese philosophical terms. Pre-Qin Confucianism 先秦儒学 and Song Confucianism (Song dynasty Neo-Confucians 宋代儒学/宋代新儒家) are two important representatives in the history of Confucianism. Confucius has insisted that although the heaven is not going to destroy wen, wen must exist in everyone’s xing 性, and only when placed within a community can it develop. In Pre-Qin Confucianism, wen completed the transformation from the long established social political structure of the Zhou dynasty and its corresponding moral principles to the consciousness of consummate conduct and ritual propriety based on human instinct and humanistic rationality. Song dynasty Neo-Confucians inherited this Confucian mission and developed the spirit of wen in their period. They emphasized the necessity of learning classics and then writing articles to get closer to the heart-mind of sages and then to build a cultural community together. Both Pre-Qin Confucianism and Song Confucianism have been applying their viewpoints to achieve a community, which is “this culture of ours” 斯文.
Are Friendly Robots Trusted More? An Analysis of Robot Sociability and Trust
Authors: Kadylak Travis , Bayles Megan A. , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: November 2023

Older individuals prefer to maintain their autonomy while maintaining social connection and engagement with their family, peers, and community. Though individuals can encounter barriers to these goals, socially assistive robots (SARs) hold the potential for promoting aging in place and independence. Such domestic robots must be trusted, easy to use, and capable of behaving within the scope of accepted social norms for successful adoption to scale. We investigated perceived associations between robot sociability and trust in domestic robot support for instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). In our multi-study approach, we collected responses from adults aged 65 years and older using two separate online surveys (Study 1, N = 51; Study 2, N = 43). We assessed the relationship between perceived robot sociability and robot trust. Our results consistently demonstrated a strong positive relationship between perceived robot sociability and robot trust for IADL tasks. These data have design implications for promoting robot trust and acceptance of SARs for use in the home by older adults.
Virtual Reality Teleoperation System for Mobile Robot Manipulation
Authors: Galarza Bryan R. , Ayala Paulina , Manzano Santiago , Garcia Marcelo V.
Published: November 2023

Over the past few years, the industry has experienced significant growth, leading to what is now known as Industry 4.0. This advancement has been characterized by the automation of robots. Industries have embraced mobile robots to enhance efficiency in specific manufacturing tasks, aiming for optimal results and reducing human errors. Moreover, robots can perform tasks in areas inaccessible to humans, such as hard-to-reach zones or hazardous environments. However, the challenge lies in the lack of knowledge about the operation and proper use of the robot. This work presents the development of a teleoperation system using HTC Vive Pro 2 virtual reality goggles. This allows individuals to immerse themselves in a fully virtual environment to become familiar with the operation and control of the KUKA youBot robot. The virtual reality experience is created in Unity, and through this, robot movements are executed, followed by a connection to ROS (Robot Operating System). To prevent potential damage to the real robot, a simulation is conducted in Gazebo, facilitating the understanding of the robot’s operation.
Cross-Parallel Transformer: Parallel ViT for Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Wang Dong , Wang Zixiang , Chen Ling , Xiao Hongfeng , Yang Bo
Published: November 2023

Medical image segmentation primarily utilizes a hybrid model consisting of a Convolutional Neural Network and sequential Transformers. The latter leverage multi-head self-attention mechanisms to achieve comprehensive global context modelling. However, despite their success in semantic segmentation, the feature extraction process is inefficient and demands more computational resources, which hinders the network’s robustness. To address this issue, this study presents two innovative methods: PTransUNet (PT model) and C-PTransUNet (C-PT model). The C-PT module refines the Vision Transformer by substituting a sequential design with a parallel one. This boosts the feature extraction capabilities of Multi-Head Self-Attention via self-correlated feature attention and channel feature interaction, while also streamlining the Feed-Forward Network to lower computational demands. On the Synapse public dataset, the PT and C-PT models demonstrate improvements in DSC accuracy by 0.87% and 3.25%, respectively, in comparison with the baseline model. As for the parameter count and FLOPs, the PT model aligns with the baseline model. In contrast, the C-PT model shows a decrease in parameter count by 29% and FLOPs by 21.4% relative to the baseline model. The proposed segmentation models in this study exhibit benefits in both accuracy and efficiency.
Analysing Edge Computing Devices for the Deployment of Embedded AI
Authors: Garcia-Perez Asier , Miñón Raúl , Torre-Bastida Ana I. , Zulueta-Guerrero Ekaitz
Published: November 2023

In recent years, more and more devices are connected to the network, generating an overwhelming amount of data. This term that is booming today is known as the Internet of Things. In order to deal with these data close to the source, the term Edge Computing arises. The main objective is to address the limitations of cloud processing and satisfy the growing demand for applications and services that require low latency, greater efficiency and real-time response capabilities. Furthermore, it is essential to underscore the intrinsic connection between artificial intelligence and edge computing within the context of our study. This integral relationship not only addresses the challenges posed by data proliferation but also propels a transformative wave of innovation, shaping a new era of data processing capabilities at the network’s edge. Edge devices can perform real-time data analysis and make autonomous decisions without relying on constant connectivity to the cloud. This article aims at analysing and comparing Edge Computing devices when artificial intelligence algorithms are deployed on them. To this end, a detailed experiment involving various edge devices, models and metrics is conducted. In addition, we will observe how artificial intelligence accelerators such as Tensor Processing Unit behave. This analysis seeks to respond to the choice of a device that best suits the necessary AI requirements. As a summary, in general terms, the Jetson Nano provides the best performance when only CPU is used. Nevertheless the utilisation of a TPU drastically enhances the results.
How Does News Coverage of a Rival Nation Affect People’s Attitudes about Their Own Countries? Evidence from China
Authors: Pan Yating
Published: November 2023

Mass media are a key source of public news, significantly influencing the accessibility of certain issues through media coverage. While media coverage of rival nations is known to influence public perceptions, its potential impact on citizens’ attitudes toward their own country is less explored. This study addresses this gap by investigating Chinese respondents’ reactions to U.S. news stories related to food safety issues. The research reveals that exposure to negative news stories about a rival nation’s food safety scandal can lead to a more favorable assessment of one’s own government when the domestic government is perceived to be handling a similar issue better. Conversely, positive news about the rival nation’s food safety issues or slightly negative news about a less severe issue diminishes government satisfaction. The findings suggest that the impact of international news coverage on citizens’ views is shaped by comparisons between nations’ performances. These findings shed light on the complex dynamics of international news and its influence on domestic perceptions.
Puerto Rico’s Rescued Schools: A Grassroots Adaptive Reuse Movement for Abandoned School Buildings
Authors: Davis John-Michael , Reyes Mariana , Abrogar Jacob , Bourgoin Jocelyn , Brown Madison , Kellum Evelyn , Polito Francis , Jiusto Scott
Published: November 2023

From 2007 to 2019, over 650 public schools closed in Puerto Rico. School closures not only affect students and teachers; these spaces serve as anchor institutions providing social infrastructure for the sustained health of communities. While closed schools remove a critical community asset, these vacant buildings provide adaptive reuse opportunities for alternative social infrastructure and community resources. This article explores how abandoned schools are repurposed in Puerto Rico, focusing on “rescued schools”—that is, grassroots, voluntary initiatives that repurpose schools to support community development. Through a multi-method approach, we categorized and mapped 161 repurposed schools throughout Puerto Rico—38 were rescued schools—and conducted twelve interviews and two focus groups on rescued school initiatives. Our results describe how abandoned schools offer a galvanizing opportunity for motivated community members to meet emerging, localized needs, and the challenges in gaining school ownership and attracting sustained financial and volunteer support, the lack of which impedes their potential impact. We demonstrate how rescued schools embody alternative regional political visions within Puerto Rico and argue that government authorities can minimize the harm from school closures by forging new partnerships between community-based organizations, municipal governments, and other supportive actors to repurpose schools and reproduce their role as community anchor institutions.
Characterization and Methanogenic Potential Evaluation of Faecal Sludge: Case of the Kossodo Biogas Plant in Ouagadougou
Authors: Ouedraogo Noaga Inès Gwladys , Konaté Yacouba , Sawadogo Boukary , Beré Elfried , Sodré Soumaila , Karambiri Harouna
Published: November 2023

The use of faecal sludge (FS) in anaerobic digestion (AD) requires a perfect knowledge of their composition. Considered as a very heterogeneous material, the high variability of FS can disturb biodigesters’ functionality and impact biogas production. Unique in West Africa, Kossodo’s biogas plant in Ouagadougou receives sludge from septic tanks and pit latrines. To evaluate the quality of sludge discharged in this treatment plant and its ability for AD, a characterization of 130 FS trucks from several onsite sanitation facilities was carried out. Physico-chemicals, including heavy metals and microbiological parameters, were analyzed using standard protocols. A biochemical methane potential test was employed to evaluate biogas yield. Results showed that raw sludge averaged 1.12% total solids (TS), 54.74% volatile solids (VS), 9253 mg/L chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 1645 mg/L biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Settled faecal sludge exhibited higher levels of total coliforms, E. coli, helminth eggs, and heavy metals. Heavy metal levels met AD standards defined by VDI 4630, with decreasing toxicity order: Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > As ≥ Hg. The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio was 6.7 ± 4.3, indicating unsuitability for AD. Sludge settling increased C/N ratio by 46%, which was still below optimal AD conditions (20–30). Methane yield of raw and settled FS averaged 61 ± 0.2 and 156 ± 3.2 NL CH4/kg VS removed, respectively. Co-substrate addition could enhance the methanogenic yield of these sludges. This study provides a valuable database on the characteristics of FS, supporting sustainable recovery options.
Assessing Germinating Seeds of Legume and Cereal Crops to Enhance Oxygen Depletion: A Novel Approach in Hermetic Storage
Authors: Lamsal Gunakeshari , Volenec Jeffrey , Ambrose Kingsly , Baributsa Dieudonne
Published: November 2023

Hermetic storage systems are used around the world to reduce stored product losses. Scavenging residual oxygen in hermetic containers can further enhance their effectiveness in minimizing stored commodity losses. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of germinating seeds of soybeans, rice, cowpeas, and corn in scavenging oxygen. There were six germination stages: seeds soaked for 24 h and allowed to grow for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 days (T1 to T6). Oxygen consumption was monitored for 30 h. Root length, the weight of mobilized seed reserve, and visual fungal growth were also assessed. The results showed that cowpeas in their fourth (T4), fifth (T5), and sixth (T6) germination stages were the most effective in scavenging oxygen to below 5% after only 12 h. Corn in its fifth (T5) germination stage took twice the time (24 h) of cowpeas (T4–T6) to reach 5%. Hypoxia affected the growth of radicle length and seed reserve mobilization in all crops except soybeans. Very minimal fungal growth was observed on germinating cowpea seeds under hermetic conditions. The fourth stage (T4) of germinating cowpeas has more potential as an oxygen scavenger because it requires less time to grow, and the seeds are easy to handle. Further research is needed to understand the role of seed weight and sizes, crop varieties, and genetic mechanisms that govern rapid oxygen consumption by germinating seeds among crops. Harnessing seeds as oxygen scavengers to reduce storage losses holds the promise of advancing the sustainable utilization of resources on smallholder farms.
Usability of a Virtual Learning Environment in Down Syndrome Adult Learning
Authors: Sáiz-Manzanares María Consuelo , Arranz Barcenilla Cristina , Gutiérrez-González Sara , Alameda Cuenca-Romero Lourdes
Published: November 2023

The use of virtual learning environments (VLEs) is becoming increasingly common in teaching. Nevertheless, analysis of how effective these prove to be for the learning of persons with disabilities remains scarce. In this study, we work with a sample of 34 people aged between 16 and 44 (14 women and 20 men) who have Down Syndrome. The aims of the study were to (1) explore whether there were any significant differences before and after teaching when using a VLE; (2) determine whether the frequency of use and time spent on the VLE impacted learning outcomes; (3) examine clusters vis à vis learning behaviour in the VLE; and (4) gauge perceived user satisfaction with the use of the VLE. Significant differences in learning outcomes before and after teaching using a VLE were found. The frequency and time spent using the VLE were seen to have no impact on learning outcomes. Three clusters were identified in terms of VLE behaviour, and perceived user satisfaction with the VLE was high. There is a need to increase the number of studies addressing the impact of VLEs on learning in persons with different disabilities.
Navigating the Saudi Gig Economy: The Role of Human Resource Practices in Enhancing Job Satisfaction and Career Sustainability
Authors: Asfahani Ahmed M. , Alsobahi Ghadeer , Dahlan Dina Abdullah
Published: November 2023

In the dynamic context of the global gig economy and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, this study offers a novel examination of the impact of HR practices on gig workers’ job satisfaction and career sustainability in Saudi Arabia. Setting itself apart from prior research, it explores the uncharted interplay between HR practices and career longevity in the Saudi gig economy. Utilizing data from 344 gig workers, the study uncovers the intermediary role of job satisfaction in connecting HR practices to career sustainability, a dimension scarcely investigated before. It further assesses the often-assumed significant effects of demographic factors such as age and gender, revealing an unexpected, non-significant moderating impact. This research finds a strong positive correlation between effective HR practices, job satisfaction, and career endurance, highlighting the transformative power of HR strategies in the Saudi gig sector. These findings are vital for policymakers and practitioners focusing on Vision 2030 goals, underscoring the need for sophisticated HR strategies tailored to the unique Saudi gig environment. By bridging a critical knowledge gap and offering actionable insights, this study contributes significantly to the academic discourse on HR dynamics in gig economies and provides a foundation for future HR policy developments.