bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Quality Assessment of Point Clouds Compared to Natural Reference Images
Authors: Baek Aram , Kim Minseop , Son Sohee , Ahn Sangwoo , Seo Jeongil , Kim Hui Yong , Choi Haechul
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a point cloud (PC) visual quality assessment (VQA) framework that reflects the human visual system (HVS). The proposed framework compares natural images acquired using a digital camera and PC images generated via 2D projection in terms of appropriate objective quality evaluation metrics. Humans primarily consume natural images; thus, human knowledge is typically formed from natural images. Thus, natural images can be more reliable reference data than PC data. The proposed framework performs an image alignment process based on feature matching and image warping to use the natural images as a reference which enhances the similarities of the acquired natural and corresponding PC images. The framework facilitates identifying which objective VQA metrics can be used to reflect the HVS effectively. We constructed a database of natural images and three PC image qualities, and objective and subjective VQAs were conducted. The experimental result demonstrates that the acceptable consistency among different PC qualities appears in the metrics that compare the global structural similarity of images. We found that the SSIM, MAD, and GMSD achieved remarkable Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient scores of 0.882, 0.871, and 0.930, respectively. Thus, the proposed framework can reflect the HVS by comparing the global structural similarity between PC and natural reference images.
Few-shot Text Classification Method Based on Feature Optimization
Authors: Peng Jing , Huo Shuquan
Published: July 2023

For the poor effect of few-shot text classification caused by insufficient data for feature representation, this paper combines wide and deep attention bidirectional long short time memory (WDAB-LSTM) and a prototypical network to optimize text features for better classification performance. With this proposed algorithm, text enhancement and preprocessing are firstly adopted to solve the problem of insufficient samples and WDAB-LSTM is used to increase word attention to get output vectors containing important context-related information. Then the prototypical network is added to optimize the distance measurement module in the model for a better effect on feature extraction and sample representation. To test the performance of this algorithm, Amazon Review Sentiment Classification (ARSC), Text Retrieval Conference (TREC), and Kaggle are selected. Compared with the Siamese network and the prototypical network, the proposed algorithm with feature optimization has a relatively higher accuracy rate, precision rate, recall rate, and F1 value.
Molecular Cloning and Expression Analysis of TH Gene in the Ant Polyrhachis vicina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Xi Gengsi
Published: July 2023

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) plays an important role in the synthesis of L-DOPA. In this report, a TH homologue was isolated from Polyrhachis vicina Roger (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The full –length cDNA of PvTH is 2429bp, which contains an open reading frame of 1713 bp. The 5’-and 3’- UTR s are 357 and 359 bp long, respectively. The open reading frame encodes a deduced 570 amino-acid peptide with a calculated molecular mass of 65.09 kilodaltons and an isoelectric point of 5.26. To compare PvTH mRNA expression during P. vicina development and the heads of different castes, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used. The results show that PvTH mRNA is differentially expressed in the ant development, in whole bodies and in the heads of different castes. During the development, the highest expression level is in pupae. The levels also vary among castes, the highest level is in workers. The investigation revel that PvTH is related with the developmental and caste-specifically at the level of transcription.
Morphological Characterization and Molecular Mediated Genetic Variation of Thief Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Kamble Shripat T.
Published: July 2023

The morphological characterization and molecular genetic variation were determined in populations of thief ants, Solenopsis molesta (Say). The genetic variations were elucidated using mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mDNA) sequences of cytochrome oxidase I. DNA from thief ants was extracted with Qiagen’s Gentra PUREGENE® DNA Isolation Kit using their solid tissue protocol. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were run on the extracted DNA using primers Lep-F1 (forward) and Lep-R1 (reverse). The DNA products were concentrated and purified by Microcon Centrifugal Filter Unit YM-100. Purified DNA samples were sequenced at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS) DNA Sequencing Core Facility. The sequences were edited and aligned using Codon Code Aligner. The contigs wee uploaded to www.Phylogeny.fr and phylogenetic trees were produced (Neighbor joining, Maximum likelihood and Bayesian). The trees displayed variation in genetic makeup of the thief ants from various geographic regions and genetic variation corresponded to the morphologic identification. The thief ants collected from different states were separated into three groups. Ants collected from New York, Indiana and one location in Nebraska formed one group identified as S. molesta validiuscula, a second group formed with ants from Louisiana identified as S. carolinensis and the third group consisted of ants from South Dakota, Washington, New Jersey Tennessee, Kansas and two other locations in Nebraska identified as S. molesta molesta.
Molecular Cloning and Expression of an Estrogen Receptor-Related Receptor Gene in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera:Apidae)
Authors: Xi Gengsi
Published: July 2023

Estrogen receptor-related receptors (ERRs) belong to a subfamily of orphan nuclear receptors where the proteins are closely related to the estrogen receptors (ERs) in structure. ERR homologs have been found in many animals and play an important role in the regulation of physiologic processes. In our study, the estrogen receptor-related receptor homolog gene (referred to as AmERR) was cloned from Apis mellifera Linnaeus. The full-length cDNA of the AmERR gene is 1779 bp, containing a 5’- untranslated region (5’- UTR) of 197 bp and a 3’-UTR of 277 bp. The open reading frame of 1,305 bp encodes a 434-amino acid protein. Using real-time quantitative RT-PCR to study AmERR mRNA expression patterns indicated that this gene is differentially expressed during honeybee development. There is a remarkable increase of relative expression of AmERR mRNA from pupa to adult , which may indicate that the gene plays an important role in the bee’s differentiation of tissues and development. A different expression in castes and abundance expression in adults of AmERR mRNA may suggest it is relevant to functions in social communities.
Diversity of Epigeal Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Urban Areas of Alto Tietê
Authors: Morini Maria Santina
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was to conduct an inventory of the ant fauna, evaluating indicators of diversity, litter community composition and similarity among seven areas located around the city of Mogi das Cruzes (SP). In each area 20 pitfalls were distributed, which remained in the field for seven days. Four samplings were performed, two in the rainy season and two during dry season. In total there were 92 recorded species, 36 genera, 19 tribes and seven subfamilies. The most frequent species belong to the genera Pheidole and Camponotus, both common in the Neotropics. Differences were observed in species composition with the formation of two groups, one under the influence of the Atlantic Forest and other in the urban region. Only one exotic species, Paratrechina longicornis, was recorded. The results indicate the importance of the forest surrounding the city to maintain the biological diversity of ant communities.
Food Preferences of Workers of Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Mo Jianchu
Published: July 2023

Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki is an amphibious termite which severely damages wood components of housing construction, stored cellulose materials, living trees, and communication facilities. The food preference of this termite was investigated in laboratory conditions. Our research results indicated that among 8 kinds of woods (teak Tectona grandis, Chinese fir Cunninghamia lanceolata, oak Quercus mongolica, taxis Melia azedarach, birch Betula allegansis, beech Fagus syliatica, pine Pinus massoniana, and poplar Populus tremula), the consumption rate of pine wood by C. formosanus (30.46%) is higher than that of seven other species of wood. After pine was treated by eight different methods, the pine wood treated repeatedly (three times) by the method of dipping 24 hours in water and drying in the sun (SD method) was significantly preferred by C. formosanus. When adding 30% sugar into water for treatment of pine wood blocks in the SD method, the pine wood blocks attracted more termites to feed compared to other concentrations of sugar in water. Moreover, Adding 10% Formosan subterranean termite nest material into 30% sugar solution increased the preference to the treated pine wood blocks by C. formosanus. This information shows that C. formosanus likes to feed on pine wood blocks treated repeatedly by the method of dipping in mixed solutions of Formosan subterranean termite nest material and 30% sugar for 24 hours and drying in the sun.
Pseudolasius machhediensis, a New Ant Species from Indian Himalaya (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Bharti Himender
Published: July 2023

Pseudolasius machhediensis sp. nov. is described from India. This marks the second species of this genus reported in India, with only Pseudolasius familiaris (F. Smith) described earlier. An identification key to worker caste is provided to separate the Indian species.
First Record of Prionopelta kraepelini (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from India, With Description of Male Caste
Authors: Bharti Himender
Published: July 2023

We present here the first record of Prionopelta kraepelini, from India collected in foothills of Northwest Himalaya, the Shivalik. This also marks the first member of this genus from India. The male of this species is also described here for the first time.
Load Capacity of Workers of Atta robusta During Foraging (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Bailez Ana Maria Viana
Published: July 2023

Worker ants are highly polymorphic in the genus Atta and they are usually classified into castes according to the specific functions they perform in a colony. Minor workers (head width ≤ 2.0 mm) help to maintain and grow the symbiotic fungus whereas larger workers (head width > 2.0 mm) cut and transport plant fragments. This study investigated the roles in the cutting and transporting of different plant resources of different Atta robusta worker classes that were classified based on the size of their head capsule. Experiments were conducted in the restinga of Grussaí/Iquipari, São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. In each month between October 2009 and September 2010, we collected 100 ants and their respective loads from the trails of four nests of Atta robusta. The samples were individually transported to the laboratory, where the ants and their loads were weighed and the head capsules of the ants were measured. Large ants transported heavier loads. These ants usually transported more fruit and seeds than smaller ants.
A New Synonymy of Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Li Zhi-Qiang
Published: July 2023

The taxonomy of the genus Coptotermes is far from settled in the world, especially in China. Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki had been described or misidentified as several different species in China based on measurement characteristics. In this paper, the synonyms of C. formosanus from China are listed, and it is proposed that C. guizhouensis is a new junior synonym of C. formosanus.
Ivermectin Dust for the Control of Coptotermes formosanus in Residential Areas
Authors: Zhao Jingyang , Dong Ying , Yu Baoting , Zhang Zhen , Mo Jianchu
Published: July 2023

Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki is an important termite severely damage wood components of housing construction and old living trees in residential areas in south of China. The 70% mirex dust was one of important chemical products to control this termite damage. As the completely elimination of mirex in May 2009 in China, one of key works for Chinese researchers on termite control is to find the alternatives of mirex product. In present study, we evaluated the effect of 3% ivermectin dust to eliminate the colonies of C. formosanus in residential areas of Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province, China from April 2010 to May 2012. The results indicated that when 20-30 grams of 3% ivermectin dust were applied onto the body of termites feeding in four monitor devices at 18-80 meter far from the C. formosanus nests, the termite colonies would be eliminated completely within three and half to eight months. This means 3% ivermectin dust was a good alternative of 70% mirex dust and could be used for subterranean termite control through the method of dusting in the monitor devices.
A New Species of Atheta (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from Sri Lanka found with Termites (Isptera: Termitidae)
Authors: Kistner David H.
Published: July 2023

Atheta dominguezae (Coleoptera) is described from SR I lANKA where it is found with Hospitalitermes monocerus (Isoptera). Behavioral observations indicate that the beetles are termitariophiles. What is novel about this ttermitariophile is that this species was found to live in this same nest over a period of 13 years .
Bovine Serum Albumin and Folic Acid-Modified Aurum Nanoparticles Loaded with Paclitaxel and Curcumin Enhance Radiotherapy Sensitization for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Ma Jun , Gao Guangyi , Zhou Wenhang , Jiang Xuan
Published: July 2023

Background: Nanocarrier systems have been used in the study of esophageal cancer (EC) and other diseases, with significant advantages in improving the non-targeted and non-specific toxicity of traditional formulations. Some chemotherapeutic drugs and high atomic number nanomaterials have sensitization effects on ionizing radiation and can be used as chemoradiation sensitizers.
Methods: We selected bovine serum albumin (BSA) and folic acid (FA)-modified aurum (Au) nanoparticles, which were core-loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) and curcumin (CUR). The basic characteristics of FA-BSA-Au@PTX/CUR nanomedicines were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Malvern Zetasizer. The encapsulation and release of drugs were tracked by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis). The biological toxicity and radiotherapy sensitization effect of FA-BSA-Au@PTX/CUR were observed by cell viability, colony formation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and γ-H2AX analysis experiments.
Results: The prepared nanomedicines showed good stability and spherical morphology. The results of cell uptake and cell viability detection showed that FA-BSA-Au@PTX/CUR could specifically target EC cell KYSE150 and exert a certain inhibitory effect on proliferation, without obvious toxicity on healthy cells Het-1A. In addition, the results of colony formation experiment, cell apoptosis detection, cell cycle distribution, and γ-H2AX analysis showed that compared with X-rays alone, FA-BSA-Au@PTX/CUR combined with X-rays exhibited relatively stronger radiotherapy sensitization and anti-tumor activity.
Conclusion: FA-BSA-Au@PTX/CUR could target EC cancer cells and could be used as a safe and effective radiotherapy sensitizer to improve the radiotherapy efficacy of EC.
Towards understanding the influence of rurality on students’ access to and participation in higher education
Authors: Agumba Hellen , Simpson Zach ,   University of Johannesburg, Ndofirepi Amasa ,   Sol Plaatje University
Published: July 2023

This study examines the experiences of students from rural backgrounds in higher education in South Africa in order to foster more equitable access and participation. Edward Soja’s notion of spatial justice provides a platform for thinking about rurality and its impact on access and success in HE. Soja’s trialectical account means understanding rurality historically, spatially, and socially, and enables exploration of spatial inequalities based on the interplay between rurality and HE. Data was collected within an interpretive, qualitative, case study design through document analysis, interviews, and focus groups. The findings reveal the inequalities that students experience in HE due to their rural backgrounds and the fact that their experiences, abilities, and knowledges are neither acknowledged nor valued in the university, often by the students themselves. This study contributes to understandings of the historical, social, and spatial foundations of inequality in HE and charts future directions for policy and practice.
Karen Barad as Educator: Agential Realism and Education
Authors:   University of the North West, Du Preez Petro
Published: July 2023

What do the tracing of stories about plastic bricks, the moon, an aquarium, Zuko, a pregnant stingray, Facebook, a stick, ghosts, and many other kin, have in common? And, how might ‘[a]rticulating those stories ...help “stretch” our response-ability as educators to include all humans and other-than-humans as part of our earthly survival and more just futures’(Murris, 2022:18)
Editorial
Authors: Guzman Carolina , Dison Laura ,   University of the Witwatersrand
Published: July 2023

We are pleased to present the June 2023 issue of Critical Studies in Teaching and Learning (CriSTaL). In this issue, we bring together six thought-provoking papers that explore critical perspectives and different aspects of teaching and learning in higher education. The first two papers in this issue deal with issues of inequality. The first alludes to the pandemic and the ways in which it has affected students' experiences, while the second looks at the inequalities faced by rural students in higher education as a result of the neglect and undervaluation of their experiences, skills and knowledge within the university environment. The next two papers focus on challenges to teaching and learning in the classroom, the first on learning-centred assessment practices and the second on teachers' reflections on the quality and modes of thinking in writing intensive courses. The final two papers are dedicated to research, with the first focusing on the attributes and dispositions that doctoral students should develop, and the second on the need to rethink reflexivity in the context of medical education research. Let us take a closer look at the key insights offered by each of these papers.
Makna Gramatikal Punning Phrase Dajare dalam Kanal Youtube Shakishakinashi-Zu
Authors: Irmayanti Desy , Anggraini Vira Yuniar
Published: July 2023

Dajare is a kind of Japanese wordplay in which a bad or unfunny joke is created by using the same or similar-sounding phrases or words. This uniqueness makes dajare interesting to analyze further in terms of its grammatical meaning of punning phrase dajare. The source of the data used in this study is a YouTube channel about Japanese prefectures. Dajare about prefectures would be very helpful in memorizing the names of Japanese prefectures. Based on that, this study aims to describe the meaning of punning phrase dajare on the Shakishakinashi-zu YouTube channel. Researchers use the theory of grammatical meaning by Sutedi. As a guideline, a qualitative descriptive method was used to analyze the data in this study. In this study, 42 of the 47 total data had grammatical meaning. The punny phrase dajare about Japanese prefectures was found to use the most grammatical meanings of the types of formation of language units found in 19 data, followed by 16 affixation data, 4 compounding data, and 2 reduplication data.
Wounded warriors: Multiple identities, physical activity and life satisfaction
Authors: Martin Jeffrey , Martin Adam , Snapp Erin , Dehghan Fatemeh
Published: July 2023

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine a model specifying that military, athlete, exercise, and disability identities would predict life satisfaction as mediated by physical activity (PA).
Methods: Seventy-one military veterans (N = 71) with impairments participated and completed Exercise, Athlete, Disability, Military, identity scales and Life Satisfaction and PA questionnaires.
Results: A mediation model indicated the indirect effect of the four identities on life satisfaction through PA was not significant However, PA was predicted by the 4 identities, [F (4, 66) = 2.49, p = 0.05] and accounted for 13% of the variance, with disability identity having the only significant beta weight. Life satisfaction was also predicted by the 4 identities and PA ([F (5, 65) = 4.88, p = 0.001] and accounted for 27% of the variance. However, only the military and athletic identities had significant beta weights.
Conclusions: Our findings provide preliminary support for the value of military veterans maintaining a military identity and holding an athletic identity. The current findings suggest that sport psychologists and rehabilitation professionals take a more nuanced and open-minded perspective about veterans who desire to maintain a military identity when becoming civilians.
Urban And Regional Agglomeration In The Brazilian Amazon: Comparing Metropolitan Development In Belém And Manaus
Authors: Santos Tiago Veloso
Published: July 2023

This article demonstrates, by drawing a comparison between the two main metropolitan agglomerates, Belem and Manaus, the different ways of production in the regional space of the Brazilian Amazon. Based on the organization, systematization, and analysis of data regarding the main elements of the urban structure in both agglomerates, namely, the patterns of housing settlements of upper, middle, and lower classes, the distribution of industrial zones, and the patterns of urban expansion, we sought to highlight the intra-urban differences between the two metropolises, considering their importance in the regional urban network.
The Evolution of The Military Personnel in The Nato Member States
Authors: Matthijs Herman
Published: July 2023

Based at the latest NATO annual report (NATO, 2022) this article examines the number of military personnel in the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member states between 2014 and 2022. These two years are taken as a result of the NATO decisions at the Wales summit in 2014 to increase the defence expenditures against 2024 to 2 % of the national GDP in every member and also to invest at least 20 % of the national military budget in new material for the different army parts.
Reframing context specificity in team diagnosis using the theory of distributed cognition
Authors: Boyle James G. , Walters Matthew R. , Jamieson Susan , Durning Steven J.
Published: July 2023

Context specificity refers to the vexing phenomenon whereby a physician can see two patients with the same presenting complaint, identical history and physical examination findings, but due to specific situational (contextual) factors arrives at two different diagnostic labels. Context specificity remains incompletely understood and undoubtedly leads to unwanted variance in diagnostic outcomes. Previous empirical work has demonstrated that a variety of contextual factors impacts clinical reasoning. These findings, however, have largely focused on the individual clinician; here we broaden this work to reframe context specificity in relation to clinical reasoning by an internal medicine rounding team through the lens of Distributed Cognition (DCog). In this model, we see how meaning is distributed amongst the different members of a rounding team in a dynamic fashion that evolves over time. We describe four different ways in which context specificity plays out differently in team-based clinical care than for a single clinician. While we use examples from internal medicine, we believe that the concepts we present apply equally to other specialties and fields in health care.
Cross-cultural differences in social capital and community resilience perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen Angela , Borden Jonathan
Published: July 2023

Through online surveys, this study examined both cross-national (U.S. vs. China) and intra-national (i.e., community size) cultural differences in social capital and community resilience perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across both U.S. and China, offline bonding social capital was found to be a crucial prerequisite for community resilience perceptions. Besides offline bonding, Chinese participants relied more on social media bridging social capital while U.S. participants relied more on social media bonding relationships to develop community resilience perceptions. Though the U.S. sample exhibited higher social capital, Chinese sample reported higher community resilience perceptions. Within each country, individual differences and community sizes made a difference in cultivating social capital and community resilience perceptions.
The language of Chaozhou songbooks
Authors: Snow Don , Liu Jiajia Eve
Published: July 2023

In the pre-modern era, women in the Chaoshan region of southeastern China had a tradition of learning and performing long narrative songs. From the mid-1800s into the mid-1900s these songs were widely produced by local publishing houses in inexpensive woodblock print books called Teochew songbooks (Chaozhou gece 潮州歌册). These song texts made considerable use of the Teochew language. This paper discusses the history of Teochew songs and songbook publishing, and then examines the language used in one typical songbook, The Case of Haimen (Haimen An 海门案). The paper suggests that the use of different language varieties in the songbook texts is best viewed as a translanguaging phenomenon, as the songbook authors fluidly drew on different linguistic resources and integrated them into a creative genre with its own style, rather than keeping varieties separate for different functions (unlike some other pre-modern texts that use regional Chinese languages). The paper also argues that while the variety of Teochew used in the text has a poetic style which differs in some ways from spoken Teochew, when compared to other pre-modern texts that used regional Chinese languages, the language of the songbooks is relatively close to the norms of spoken Teochew. Finally, the paper argues that in many ways Teochew songbooks are quite typical of pre-modern Chinese texts that use regional languages; in fact, Teochew songbooks exhibit almost all of the distinguishing characteristics commonly found in such texts. In the pre-modern era, women in the Chaoshan region of southeastern China had a tradition of learning and performing long narrative songs. From the mid-1800s into the mid-1900s these songs were widely produced by local publishing houses in inexpensive woodblock print books called Teochew songbooks (Chaozhou gece) that made considerable use of the Teochew language.
Self-effectiveness and healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents with asthma
Authors: Humbatova Feride , Kanik Ali , Tuncel Tuba , Ozdogru Ece , Sancakli Ozlem , Eliacik Kayı , Baspinar Ozlem
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the self-efficacy and healthy lifestyle behavior levels in adolescents with asthma.

Materials and methods

Socio-demographic questionnaire form, questions about adherence to asthma medication, asthma control test, healthy lifestyle behaviors scale, and self-efficacy scale for children and adolescents with asthma were administered to 150 patients whom age range between 12–18, in follow up with asthma in the pediatric allergy outpatient clinic.

Results

There was no statistically significant relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors scale and self-efficacy scale scores between adolescents with controlled and uncontrolled asthma. When patients were grouped regarding the treatment compliance, both healthy lifestyle behaviors scale and asthma self-efficacy scale scores were found to be higher in patients with treatment compliance. When the patients were grouped on the basis of gender, regular follow-up visits, and smoking, there was no significant difference between healthy lifestyle behaviors and self-efficacy scale scores.

Conclusions

The findings showed us the importance of the relationship between healthy living and adolescent self-efficacy in adherence to treatment, while there are many more components in asthma control.
Solitons for the coupled matrix nonlinear Schrödinger-type equations and the related Schrödinger flow
Authors: Zhong Shiping , Zhao Zehui , Wan Xinjie
Published: July 2023

In this article, the coupled matrix nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) type equations are gauge equivalent to the equation of Schrödinger flow from

R

1

{{\mathbb{R}}}^{1}

to complex Grassmannian manifold

G

˜

n
,
k

=
GL

(

n
,
C

)

∕
GL

(

k
,
C

)

×
GL

(

n
−
k
,
C

)

,

{\widetilde{G}}_{n,k}={\rm{GL}}\left(n,{\mathbb{C}})/{\rm{GL}}\left(k,{\mathbb{C}})\times {\rm{GL}}\left(n-k,{\mathbb{C}}),

which generalizes the correspondence between Schrödinger flow to the complex 2-sphere

C

S

2

(

1

)

↪

C

3

{\mathbb{C}}{{\mathbb{S}}}^{2}\left(1)\hspace{0.33em}\hookrightarrow \hspace{0.33em}{{\mathbb{C}}}^{3}

and the coupled Landau-Lifshitz (CLL) equation. This gives a geometric interpretation of the matrix generalization of the coupled NLS equation (i.e., CLL equation) via Schrödinger flow to the complex Grassmannian manifold

G

˜

n
,
k

{\widetilde{G}}_{n,k}

. Finally, we explicit soliton solutions of the Schrödinger flow to the complex Grassmannian manifold

G

˜

2
,
1

{\widetilde{G}}_{2,1}

.
Synchronous triple primary gastrointestinal malignant tumors treated with laparoscopic surgery: A case report
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Genshan , Li Haijie , Xu Xiangshang , Jia Lingwei , Luo Xuelai , Cao Zhixin
Published: July 2023

Synchronous gastrointestinal multiple primary tumors including gastric, colonic, and rectal cancers are rare. Moreover, it was a challenge to find an appropriate procedure without negatively impacting the overall outcome. We described the case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with a 4 month history of upper abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, and anemia. Gastroscopy with biopsy suggested early cancer of gastric antrum. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computerized tomography and colonoscopy revealed ascending colon and rectum tumors. She had no family history of malignancy. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed for gastric cancer, and the pathological result presented that it was poorly differentiated and invaded into deep submucosa. The laparoscopy-assisted radical surgery combined with distal gastrectomy, right hemicolectomy, and anterior resection of rectum was performed for these three tumors via eight ports and a 7 cm midline upper-abdominal incision. No other perioperative complications were encountered except postoperative ileus. The patient was discharged on the 12th postoperative day. The pathological results revealed gastric cancer (T1N0M0), right colonic cancer (T3N1M0), and rectal cancer (T2N0M0), indicating complete surgical resection. We reported that our laparoscopic approach for synchronous triple primary gastrointestinal malignant tumors was feasible and minimally invasive.
Crystal structure of (μ
2-1-(4,4′-bipyridine-κ
2N:N′)-bis[diaqua-(4-iodopyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato-κ
3O,N,O′)–cobalt(II)], C24H20Co2I2N4O12
Authors: Hong Dong-Feng , Ye Jia-Qi , Guo Wen-Bo
Published: July 2023

C24H20Co2I2N4O12, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 10.5649(3) Å, b = 18.6071(6) Å, c = 7.4403(2) Å, β = 92.388(2)°, Z = 4, V = 1461.36(7) Å3, R
gt(F) = 0.032, wR
ref(F2) = 0.078, T = 293 K.
HIV Tat-mediated altered oligodendrocyte maturation involves autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction
Authors: Tripathi Ashutosh , Periyasamy Palsamy , Guo Ming-Lei , Buch Shilpa
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The current study was undertaken to understand the underlying molecular mechanism(s) by which HIV Transactivator of transcription (Tat) alters oligodendrocyte maturation through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), impairment of lysosomal functioning, and dysregulation of autophagy.

Methods

We exposed primary rat immature oligodendrocytes to HIV Tat and utilized various experimental techniques to assess its effects on oligodendrocytes maturation. We measured ROS levels, assessed lysosomal membrane potential, determined cathepsin D activity, and analyzed the expression of autophagy-related markers. Furthermore, we investigated the potential of ROS scavengers and lysosomal protectants to mitigate the damaging effects of HIV Tat on oligodendrocytes maturation.

Results

Exposure of primary rat immature oligodendrocytes to HIV Tat significantly increased ROS levels, indicating the induction of oxidative stress. This oxidative stress impaired lysosomal functioning, as evidenced by a substantial increase in lysosomal membrane potential and a decrease in cathepsin D activity. Compromised lysosomal function resulted in dysregulated autophagy, which was confirmed by increased expression of SQSTM1. However, the administration of ROS scavengers and lysosomal protectants effectively attenuated the detrimental effects of HIV Tat on oligodendrocytes maturation.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that HIV Tat exposure induces oxidative stress, impairs lysosomal functioning, and dysregulates autophagy in oligodendrocytes. These molecular changes likely contribute to the altered maturation of oligodendrocytes observed in HIV-infected individuals. Understanding these underlying mechanisms provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and highlights the potential of therapeutic strategies targeting ROS scavenging and lysosomal protection as adjunctive approaches for managing such complications in HIV +ve individuals.
Synergistic effect of GMA and TMPTA as co-agent to adjust the branching structure of PLLA during UV-induced reactive extrusion
Authors: Chen Xi , Huang Wei-Tao , Yuan Bing-Yu , He Guang-Jian , Yin Xiao-Chun , Cao Xian-Wu
Published: July 2023

In this work, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and trimethylol propanetriacrylate (TMPTA) are employed to adjust the branching structure of poly L-lactide acid (PLLA) during reactive extrusion induced by UV irradiation. The reaction of GMA epoxide with terminal carboxyl or hydroxyl groups at PLLA chain end can introduce C=C groups onto PLLA molecular chains. Chain branching reaction occurred via the free-radical grafting reaction of the vinyl group in TMPTA with both PLLA backbone and the C=C group terminated PLLA induced by UV irradiation. As a result, varied branching levels can be obtained by changing the ratio of GMA and TMPTA. The characterizations of rheological properties and size exclusive chromatograph correlated to the chain branches were performed to evaluate the chain branching extent. The increases in shear viscosity and storage modulus at terminal zone, and the reduced branching degree were observed in the branched PLLA samples. The results from 1H-NMR and FIRT indicate that the grafting reaction of GMA onto PLLA take place successfully. Thus, this study proposes a strategy to adjust LCB-PLA structure using GMA and TMPTA as co-agents, which is of great importance for the industrialization of PLA products.
Microbial electrotechnology – Intensification of bioprocesses through the combination of electrochemistry and biotechnology
Authors: Stöckl Markus , Gemünde André , Holtmann Dirk
Published: July 2023

Both biotechnological and electrochemical processes have economic and environmental significance. In particular, biotechnological processes are very specific and stable, while electrochemical processes are generally very atom-and energy-efficient. A combination of these processes is therefore a potentially important approach to intensify biotechnological processes. In this paper, the relevant options for process integration are presented, key performance indicators for quantitative evaluation are given, and an evaluation based on performance indicators is carried out using the example of the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate and the subsequent biotechnological conversion to the biopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate.
Analyzing the modulations induced in the mixed micellar behavior of 1-alkyl-3-butylimidazolium based surface-active ionic liquids with an antibiotic drug in aqueous media
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Kaur Ramanjeet , Kaur Jasmeet , Singh Harleen , Kumar Harsh , Sharma Pooja
Published: July 2023

The study aims to scrutinize the mixed micellization and interfacial behavior of two 1-alkyl-3-butylimidazolium based surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs) i.e., 1-decyl-3-butylimidazolium bromide [C10bim][Br] and 1-tetradecyl-3-butylimidazolium bromide [C14bim][Br] under the influence of streptomycin sulphate (SS) drug in 5 mM concentration in aqueous media. Imidazolium-based SAILs have unique physicochemical properties and greater surface activity than conventional surfactants, which allows them to increase drug permeability, making them better drug carriers than currently available formulations. To fully utilize [C14bim][Br] and [C10bim][Br] in drug delivery applications, deep insight into the interactions occurring in the mixed micellar [C10bim][Br]/[C14bim][Br] systems in the drug’s presence are necessary to be examined. Thus, the study is conducted using conductivity and surface tension measurement techniques to fully exploit the self-assembly, micellization behavior and interactions occurring in the pure and mixed micellar system of [C10bim][Br]/[C14bim][Br] in water and 5 mM of SS solution in aqueous media. For this, various thermodynamic, surface-active and mixed micellar parameters of micellization have been calculated and analyzed with respect to change in mole fraction, temperature and addition of SS in solution.
Artefacts from Ban Chiang, Thailand: Pre-metal Age cord-marked pottery
Authors: Tanthanuch Waraporn , Tancharakorn Somchai , Rojviriya Catleya , Bismayer Ulrich
Published: July 2023

Pottery excavated from the archeological UNESCO world heritage site Ban Chiang in Thailand stem from distinct periods. Black vessels with cord-mark design from Pre-metal Age (ca. 3000–1000 BC), Bronze Age pottery (ca 1000–300 BC) with yellow-brown surface and Iron Age samples (ca. 300 BC–200 AD) with red pictorial surface patterns. In a previous work [Bismayer U., Srilomsak S., Treekamol Y., Tanthanuch W., Suriyatham K. Artefacts from Ban Chiang, Thailand: pottery with hematite-red geometric patterns. Z. Kristallogr. 2020, 235, 559–568] we studied the mineralogical composition and their surface colour materials of shards from Bronze and Iron Age. In this work we focus on bulk features of the dark Pre-metal Age cord-marked ceramic shard PSN2-S10E13 and compare its elemental and mineralogical composition with bulk composition of sample 5412-S6E15 from Bronze Age. Experimental techniques are electron microprobe, X-ray powder diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, optical microscopy and X-ray tomographic microscopy (XTM). Sample PSN2-S10E13 contains more quartz than 5412-S6E15. In the bulk of the Pre-metal Age shard, diffraction signals of mullite occur, indicating higher firing temperatures compared to the younger sample. Phyllosilicate signals are seen in FTIR spectra of both shards. E-modes of quartz dominate FTIR spectra of both samples. Optical thin sections show voids around micro-particles in PSN2-S10E13 and XTM indicates that the pore volume percentage of sample PSN2-S10E13 is higher than in 5412-S6E15. Because of the large age gap to younger samples from Ban Chiang, the proper age of our oldest sample PSN2-S10E13 was determined using an accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) by simultaneous 14C/12C and 13C/12C isotope ratio measurements which yielded a radiocarbon age of 3609 ± 29 BP (resp. 1659 ± 29 BC).
Enrollment of Households in Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) in Ethiopia: The Case of the Aleltu District
Authors: Daraje Gutama Namomsa
Published: July 2023

In developing countries, people’s attitude about their health is very poor. People visit health institutions only when they are sick. This trend is especially common in rural areas. For the majority of people, health care is accessed and covered by money sourced from their existing funds or assets, which frequently results in citizens not using health care services. Poor health care financing remains a major challenge for the health system in Ethiopia. It leaves households vulnerable to impoverishment from high health expenditures and slows progress towards health improvements such as the Sustainable Development Goals, limiting access to essential health services among citizens with lower socio-economic status. Important barriers to improved health care financing include low government spending on the health sector, strong reliance on out-of-pocket expenditure, inefficient and inequitable utilization of resources, and poorly harmonized and unpredictable donor funding. Different studies illustrated that in developing countries the majority of people from poor families cover health care costs with out-of-pocket funding. As a result, many fall into debt, which aggravates the severe poverty conditions. This study revealed that all households (n=150) are aware. This awareness has positive contribution on enrollment and sustainability of the scheme by minimizing the drop out of the member. The major benefit the households experienced by enrolling in Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) is that it saves people from having unplanned health costs. Eighty percent of the respondents stated that their health status improved and that their families were insured. Currently, both premiums were paid and Poor members of the scheme are enrolling in the Aleltu district because they understand the advantages of being members of CBHI.
Soil potassium adsorption at several shallot center areas, Brebes Regency, Central Java Province
Authors: Hartono Arief , Nadalia Desi , Trisasongko Bambang Hendro
Published: July 2023

Brebes Regency, Central Java, is one of Indonesia's most important shallot production center implementing intensive agriculture. In the bulb production, K is needed more than other nutrients. This study aimed to assess and describe the adsorption characteristics of K on the soils of the shallot farming system in Brebes District, Central Java. Soil samples were collected at several locations in the shallot center areas of Brebes Regency, Central Java Province. The observed soil properties included pH H2O, EC, soil texture, organic C, potential-K, exchangeable Ca, Mg, Na, and K, CEC, exchangeable Al and H, and water-soluble K. K adsorption was simulated by the Freundlich equation. The proportion of K from low to high of retention energy in the soil studied had the order, namely water-soluble K<exchangeable K<potential-K. The K adsorption result showed that the soil had a high capacity to adsorb K. It indicated that added K was accumulated in the soil. The high capacity to adsorb K indicated that K accumulated in Brebes with continuous K fertilization. This research recommended that to increase the efficiency of K fertilizer, it is necessary to introduce the technology to mine K in Brebes soils like bacteria capable of dissolving K or biofertilizers.
Index of contamination/pollution factor, geo-accumulation and ecological risk in ex-gold mining soil contaminated with mercury
Authors: Maulana Amsar , Harianti Mimien , Prasetyo Teguh Budi , Herviyanti Herviyanti
Published: July 2023

Mercury is a hazardous contaminant, and it is necessary to clean up Hg contamination on an ongoing basis. However, Hg contamination and ecological risks have not become a particular concern in the community. As a first step, this study evaluated the environmental risk assessment of Hg contamination/pollution in ex-gold mining soil. The results showed that the average total Hg in ex-gold mining soil was 4.11 and 4.25 mg kg-1 for depths 0-20 and 20-40 cm, respectively, greater than the threshold limit set nationally (0.3 mg kg-1) and internationally (0.05-1 mg kg-1). The index of contamination/pollution factor and geo-accumulation of Hg were 13.70 and 1.39 at a depth of 0-20 cm, and 14.16 and 1.47 at a depth of 20-40 cm. The prospective ecological risk index and risk quotient were 5.48E2 and 1.03E2 at a depth of 0-20 cm, and 5.66E2 and 1.06E2 at a depth of 20-40 cm. The contamination/ pollution factor and ecological risk index indicate high Hg contamination and pollution in the soil. Therefore, appropriate technology is needed for the remediation process of ex-gold mining soil that considers all elements to a user-friendly level, such as amelioration technology with heavy metal inactivation techniques.
Facile synthesis of a mixed matrix membrane based on PTA@MOF-199 nanoparticles with proton conductivity
Authors:   Research Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, China, Guo H. , Zhang J. J. ,   Department of Neurology, Qiqihar First Hospital, China, Liu J. H. ,   Research Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, China, Fan S. J. ,   Research Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, China
Published: July 2023

Firstly, H3[P(W3O10)4]@MOF-199 nanoparticles (PTA@MOF-199) of uniform morphology, about 80-125 nm, were successfully synthesized by a simple one-step reaction under solvothermal conditions and then these as-prepared nanoparticles were incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) with solution-cast technique to fabricate a series of proton-conducting mixed matrix membranes with different mass percentage of PTA@MOF-199. These membranes were characterized by XRD and FT-IR. Afterwards, the influence of the mass percentage of PTA@MOF-199 and temperature on the proton-conducting properties were evaluated. Our work confirmed that the polyoxometalate (POM) functionalized MOFs had great application potential as proton conductive materials and provided a basis for further studies on other POM@MOFs based proton-conducting membranes fabrication.
Silver and copper nanoparticles: Lower concentration controlled thermal decomposition of their salt precursors
Authors:   Department of Biotechnology and Chemistry, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa, More D. S. , Moloto M. J. ,   Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Florida Park, Roodeport, 1709, South Africa
Published: July 2023

Generally, salt precursors have been investigated for the production of nanoparticles with semiconducting properties such as metal chalcogenides and others. They have demonstrated excellent features for the ease of converting them to nanoparticles. Thermal decomposition and solvothermal processes are often followed to produce particles with stabilizers of varied ranges of size with improved size control dependent on the set collective conditions and the intended applications. In this study, silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles were synthesized using the thermal decomposition method in the presence of oleylamine as a capping agent in order to produce good stable uniform monodispersed nanoparticles. Lower amounts of Ag and Cu precursors (0.1 - 0.2 g) were used to study their effect on the size and morphology of the nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles under various conditions were characterized using UV/Vis and PL spectroscopy, TEM, and XRD. It was observed that an increase in the precursor concentration led to an increase in particle size with varying morphologies for both Ag and Cu nanoparticles. The TEM images of Ag nanoparticles showed that uniform morphology and spherical shape were observed with narrow diameters ranging from 5.9 to 6.8 nm. However, for Cu nanoparticles, uniform morphology and spherical shape were only observed at a precursor concentration of 0.15 g with an average diameter of 7.8 nm. The XRD results of both Ag and Cu nanoparticles showed peaks that were identified as Ag and Cu in the face-centred cubic.