bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Formulating Energy Benchmarks for Various Types of Existing Residential Buildings from the Perspective of Typology: A Case Study of Chongqing, China
Authors: Huang Haijing , Zhu Kedi , Lin Xi
Published: May 2023

The full exploration of the energy-saving potential during the operation of buildings is an essential aspect of energy-efficiency retrofitting for existing residential buildings. Setting reasonable energy consumption quotas can promote the improvement of energy efficiency. The energy benchmark is one of the energy consumption quotas, which represents the general energy consumption level of similar buildings and serves as the energy-saving goal for high-energy-consuming buildings. This study aims to classify existing residential buildings based on their forms and actual energy consumption data and to set energy benchmarks for each building type. Taking typical existing residential buildings built before 2000 in Chongqing, a city in southwestern China, as an example, from the perspective of building typology, the study classified residential buildings into four types and determined the energy benchmarks. Then, energy-efficiency retrofitting measure evaluation and potential analysis were carried out for each type. The study shows that energy for cooling and heating accounts for a high proportion of energy use in existing residential buildings. The energy consumption of residential buildings is greatly affected by orientation and floor area. Point-like buildings with smaller areas facing west have higher energy benchmarks, while slab-like buildings with larger south-facing areas have lower energy benchmarks. The results and methods of the study can provide a basis for the formulation of energy benchmarks for residential buildings, as well as regional energy analysis, energy-saving potential prediction, and energy-saving measure evaluation.
Role of Estrogen Receptor β, G-Protein Coupled Estrogen Receptor and Estrogen-Related Receptors in Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Schüler-Toprak Susanne , Skrzypczak Maciej , Gründker Carsten , Ortmann Olaf , Treeck Oliver
Published: May 2023

Ovarian and endometrial cancers are affected by estrogens and their receptors. It has been long known that in different types of cancers, estrogens activate tumor cell proliferation via estrogen receptor α (ERα). In contrast, the role of ERs discovered later, including ERβ and G-protein-coupled ER (GPER1), in cancer is less well understood, but the current state of knowledge indicates them to have a considerable impact on both cancer development and progression. Moreover, estrogen related receptors (ERRs) have been reported to affect pathobiology of many tumor types. This article provides a summary and update of the current findings on the role of ERβ, GPER1, and ERRs in ovarian and endometrial cancer. For this purpose, original research articles on the role of ERβ, GPER1, and ERRs in ovarian and endometrial cancers listed in the PubMed database have been reviewed.
Pretreatment Proteinuria Predicts the Prognosis of Patients Receiving Systemic Therapy for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Mizuno Kazuyuki , Imai Norihiro , Yamamoto Takafumi , Yokoyama Shinya , Yamamoto Kenta , Ito Takanori , Ishizu Yoji , Honda Takashi , Kuzuya Teiji , Ishigami Masatoshi , Kawashima Hiroki
Published: May 2023

Background: Proteinuria is a common adverse event in systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether the presence of pretreatment proteinuria affects the clinical course is still unclear. Method: From 2011 to 2022, 321 patients with unresectable HCC who were treated with systemic therapy as first-line treatment were enrolled in this study. We retrospectively analyzed the presence of pretreatment proteinuria and the treatment course of systemic therapy. Results: In the cohort, 190 patients were tested for proteinuria qualitatively within 3 months before systemic therapy; 75 were treated with sorafenib, 72 were treated with lenvatinib, and 43 were treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. Overall survival tended to be longer for patients treated with lenvatinib and significantly longer with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in patients without pretreatment proteinuria but not for those treated with sorafenib. Further analysis was performed in 111 patients treated with lenvatinib or atezolizumab plus bevacizumab who had proteinuria measured quantitatively. Multivariate analysis including proteinuria, liver function, and HCC stage revealed that the severity of proteinuria was an independent predictor of prognosis. Conclusion: Pretreatment proteinuria predicts a poorer prognosis in patients with unresectable HCC treated with lenvatinib or atezolizumab plus bevacizumab but not in those treated with sorafenib.
Interdependencies of the Neuronal, Immune and Tumor Microenvironment in Gliomas
Authors: Yuile Alexander , Wei Joe Q. , Mohan Aditya A. , Hotchkiss Kelly M. , Khasraw Mustafa
Published: May 2023

Gliomas are the most common primary brain malignancy and are universally fatal. Despite significant breakthrough in understanding tumor biology, treatment breakthroughs have been limited. There is a growing appreciation that major limitations on effective treatment are related to the unique and highly complex glioma tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME consists of multiple different cell types, broadly categorized into tumoral, immune and non-tumoral, non-immune cells. Each group provides significant influence on the others, generating a pro-tumor dynamic with significant immunosuppression. In addition, glioma cells are highly heterogenous with various molecular distinctions on the cellular level. These variations, in turn, lead to their own unique influence on the TME. To develop future treatments, an understanding of this complex TME interplay is needed. To this end, we describe the TME in adult gliomas through interactions between its various components and through various glioma molecular phenotypes.
Exceptional Photocatalytic Performance of the LaFeO3/g-C3N4 Z-Scheme Heterojunction for Water Splitting and Organic Dyes Degradation
Authors: Humayun Muhammad , Bahadur Ayesha , Khan Abbas , Bououdina Mohamed
Published: May 2023

To simulate natural photosynthesis, scientists have developed an artificial Z-scheme system that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using two different semiconductors. Researchers are striving to improve the performance of Z-scheme systems by improving light absorption, developing redox couples with high stability, and finding new cocatalysts. Here, we report the synthesis and utilization of LaFeO3/g-C3N4 as a Z-scheme system for water reduction to produce hydrogen and organic dye degradation under visible light irradiation. The as-fabricated photocatalyst revealed exceptional activity for H2 production (i.e., 351 µmol h−1g−1), which is 14.6 times higher compared to that of the single-component g-C3N4 (i.e., 24 µmol h−1g−1). In addition, the composite photocatalyst degraded 87% of Methylene Blue (MB) and 94% of Rhodamine B (RhB) in 2 h. Various experimental analyses confirmed that the exceptional performance of the LaFeO3/g-C3N4 Z-scheme catalyst is due to remarkably enhanced charge carrier separation and improved light absorption. The development of this highly effective Z-scheme heterostructure photocatalyst will pave the way for the sustainable development of newly designed Z-scheme scheme systems that will tackle energy and environmental crises.
Synthesis of Cationic [4], [5], and [6]Azahelicenes with Extended π-Conjugated Systems
Authors: Hrubý Samuel , Ulč Jan , Císařová Ivana , Kotora Martin
Published: May 2023

The scope of Rh-catalyzed C–C bond cleavage/annulation of biphenylene with various aromatic nitriles was studied. The subsequent Rh- and Ir-catalyzed C–H bond activation/annulation sequence of the formed 9-arylphenanthridines with alkynes gave rise to cationic [4], [5], [6] helical quinolizinium salts. The scope of the reaction with respect to the structural features of the starting 9-arylphenanthridines and alkynes was studied. Their helical arrangement was confirmed through single-crystal X-ray analyses of selected compounds. Most of the prepared quinolizinium salts exhibited fluorescence emission maxima in the region of 525–623 nm with absolute quantum yields up to 25%.
Enzymatic-Based Hydrolysis of Digested Potato Peel Wastes by Amylase Producing Fungi to Improve Biogas Generation
Authors: Almuhayawi Mohammed S. , Hassan Elhagag A. , Alkuwaity Khalil K. , Abujamel Turki S. , Mokhtar Jawahir A. , Niyazi Hatoon A. , Almasaudi Saad B. , Alamri Turki A. , Najjar Azhar A. , Zabermawi Nidal M. , Azhar Essam I. , Makki Rania M. , Niyazi Hanouf A. , Harakeh Steve M.
Published: May 2023

Potato peel wastes are generated in high quantities from potato processing industries. They are pollutants to the environment, and they release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The present study assessed the potentiality of hydrolyzing potato wastes by amylase-producing fungi to improve biogas generation from potato peels through the anaerobic digestion process. Different fungal isolates were screened for amylase production on potato wastes, and the highest amylase producer was selected for optimizing the efficacy of producing amylases in high quantities to efficiently allow the conversion of potato organic matter into fermentable sugars that are utilized for the anaerobic digestion process. The best amylase producers were those derived from Rhizopus stolonifer (32.61 ± 0.89 U/mL). The highest cumulative methane yield from hydrolyzed potato peel was 65.23 ± 3.9 mL CH4/g and the methane production rate was 0.39 mL CH4/h, whereas the highest biogas yield from unhydrolyzed potato wastes was 41.32 ± 2.15 mL CH4/g and the biogas production rate was 0.25 mL CH4/h. Furthermore, it was found that the two combined sequential stages of anaerobic digestion (biogas production) followed by biodiesel production (enzymatic esterification) were the most effective, recording 72.36 ± 1.85 mL CH4/g and 64.82% biodiesel of the total analytes. However, one-pot fermentation revealed that biogas yield was 22.83 ± 2.8 mL CH4/g and the biodiesel extracted was 23.67% of the total analytes. The insights of the current paper may increase the feasibility of potato peel-based biorefinery through the biological hydrolysis strategy of potato wastes using eco-friendly enzymes.
Regulation of IDO2 by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) in Breast Cancer
Authors: Kado Sarah Y. , Bein Keith , Castaneda Alejandro R. , Pouraryan Arshia A. , Garrity Nicole , Ishihara Yasuhiro , Rossi Andrea , Haarmann-Stemmann Thomas , Sweeney Colleen A. , Vogel Christoph F. A.
Published: May 2023

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2) is a tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme and a homolog of IDO1 with a distinct expression pattern compared with IDO1. In dendritic cells (DCs), IDO activity and the resulting changes in tryptophan level regulate T-cell differentiation and promote immune tolerance. Recent studies indicate that IDO2 exerts an additional, non-enzymatic function and pro-inflammatory activity, which may play an important role in diseases such as autoimmunity and cancer. Here, we investigated the impact of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation by endogenous compounds and environmental pollutants on the expression of IDO2. Treatment with AhR ligands induced IDO2 in MCF-7 wildtype cells but not in CRISPR-cas9 AhR-knockout MCF-7 cells. Promoter analysis with IDO2 reporter constructs revealed that the AhR-dependent induction of IDO2 involves a short-tandem repeat containing four core sequences of a xenobiotic response element (XRE) upstream of the start site of the human ido2 gene. The analysis of breast cancer datasets revealed that IDO2 expression increased in breast cancer compared with normal samples. Our findings suggest that the AhR-mediated expression of IDO2 in breast cancer could contribute to a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment in breast cancer.
The First Transcriptomic Atlas of the Adult Lacrimal Gland Reveals Epithelial Complexity and Identifies Novel Progenitor Cells in Mice
Authors: Delcroix Vanessa , Mauduit Olivier , Lee Hyun Soo , Ivanova Anastasiia , Umazume Takeshi , Knox Sarah M. , de Paiva Cintia S. , Dartt Darlene A. , Makarenkova Helen P.
Published: May 2023

The lacrimal gland (LG) secretes aqueous tears. Previous studies have provided insights into the cell lineage relationships during tissue morphogenesis. However, little is known about the cell types composing the adult LG and their progenitors. Using scRNAseq, we established the first comprehensive cell atlas of the adult mouse LG to investigate the cell hierarchy, its secretory repertoire, and the sex differences. Our analysis uncovered the complexity of the stromal landscape. Epithelium subclustering revealed myoepithelial cells, acinar subsets, and two novel acinar subpopulations: Tfrchi and Car6hi cells. The ductal compartment contained Wfdc2+ multilayered ducts and an Ltf+ cluster formed by luminal and intercalated duct cells. Kit+ progenitors were identified as: Krt14+ basal ductal cells, Aldh1a1+ cells of Ltf+ ducts, and Sox10+ cells of the Car6hi acinar and Ltf+ epithelial clusters. Lineage tracing experiments revealed that the Sox10+ adult populations contribute to the myoepithelial, acinar, and ductal lineages. Using scRNAseq data, we found that the postnatally developing LG epithelium harbored key features of putative adult progenitors. Finally, we showed that acinar cells produce most of the sex-biased lipocalins and secretoglobins detected in mouse tears. Our study provides a wealth of new data on LG maintenance and identifies the cellular origin of sex-biased tear components.
Additive Manufacturing Sensor for Stress Biomarker Detection
Authors: da Silva Vinicius A. O. P. , Stefano Jéssica S. , Kalinke Cristiane , Bonacin Juliano A. , Janegitz Bruno C.
Published: May 2023

This work presents a new additive manufacturing electrochemical device with conductive graphene and polylactic acid (PLA) filament and its application for epinephrine sensing. A three-electrode configuration based on a screen-printed electrode architecture and an easy-to-connect connector was designed. The sensor surface was chemically treated with dimethylformamide (DMF) to remove the insulating thermoplastic and expose the graphene binding groups. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the surface PLA was removed and the graphene nanofibers exposed, which corroborated the X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD). As a proof of concept, the G-PLA electrode was applied for the determination of epinephrine in human blood samples by square wave voltammetry with a linear range from 4.0 to 100 µmol L−1 and a limit of detection of 0.2 µmol L−1. Based on the results obtained and sensor application, 3D-printed G-PLA proved an excellent choice for epinephrine sensing purposes.
A Laser-Printed Surface-Enhanced Photoluminescence Sensor for the Sub-Nanomolar Optical Detection of Mercury in Water
Authors: Borodaenko Yulia , Gurbatov Stanislav , Modin Evgeny , Chepak Aleksandr , Tutov Mikhail , Mironenko Aleksandr , Kuchmizhak Aleksandr
Published: May 2023

Here, we report a novel, easy-to-implement scalable single-step procedure for the fabrication of a solid-state surface-enhanced photoluminescence (SEPL) sensor via the direct femtosecond (fs) laser patterning of monocrystalline Si wafers placed under the layer of functionalizing solution simultaneously containing a metal salt precursor (AgNO3) and a photoluminescent probe (d114). Such laser processing creates periodically modulated micro- and nanostructures decorated with Ag nanoparticles on the Si surface, which effectively adsorbs and retains the photoluminescent sensor layer. The SEPL effect stimulated by the micro- and nanostructures formed on the Si surface localizing pump radiation within the near-surface layer and surface plasmons supported by the decorating Ag nanoparticles is responsible for the intense optical sensory response modulated by a small amount of analyte species. The produced SEPL sensor operating within a fluidic device was found to detect sub-nanomolar concentrations of Hg2+ in water which is two orders of magnitude lower compared to this molecular probe sensitivity in solution. The fabrication technique is upscalable, inexpensive, and flexible regarding the ability to the control surface nano-morphology, the amount and type of loading noble-metal nanoparticles, as well as the type of molecular probe. This opens up pathways for the on-demand development of various multi-functional chemosensing platforms with expanded functionality.
Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship of Fluorescent Probes and Their Intracellular Localizations
Authors: Park Seong-Hyeon , Lee Hong-Guen , Liu Xiao , Lee Sung Kwang , Chang Young-Tae
Published: May 2023

The development of organelle-specific fluorescent probes has been impeded by the absence of a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the physicochemical properties of fluorescent probes and their selectivity towards specific organelles. Although a few machine learning models have suggested several physicochemical parameters that control the target organelle of the probes and have attempted to predict the target organelles, they have been challenged by low accuracy and a limited range of applicable organelles. Herein, we report a multi-organelle prediction QSAR model that is capable of predicting the destination of probes among nine categories, including cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi body, lipid droplet, lysosome, mitochondria, nucleus, plasma membrane, and no entry. The model is trained using the Random Forest algorithm with a dataset of 350 organelle-specific fluorescent probes and 786 descriptors, and it is able to predict the target organelles of fluorescent probes with an accuracy of 75%. The MDI analysis of the model identifies 38 key parameters that have a significant impact on the organelle selectivity of the probes, including LogD, pKa, hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), and topological polar surface area (TPSA). This prediction model may be useful in developing new organelle-specific fluorescent probes by providing crucial variables that determine the destination of the probes.
Drive Type Virtual Reality Image on a Head-Mounted Display
Authors: Ogata Yoichi
Published: May 2023

We fabricate a head-mounted display (HMD) providing a gradation VR image generated at the surface by using the excitation of the guided mode in a TiO2-slanted nanograting layer. In the TiO2 layer, the beam is waveguided along the short axis direction of the grating at a specific injection angle Θ. On the surface of the layer, a beam consisting of leakage generated during the waveguide is emitted. It generates an intensity gradient image for the waveguide direction. In this work, we convert this gradation image to VR by using another coupler. Finally, the obtained gradation VR image is also discussed.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Passive Film and Depassivation Behavior of Cr-Bearing Steel Reinforcement in an Alkaline Environment
Authors: Tian Yuwan , Wen Cheng , Xi Xiaohui , Yang Deyue , Deng Peichang
Published: May 2023

Using Cr-bearing low-alloy steel is an effective preventive measure for marine structures, as it offers superior corrosion resistance when compared to plain carbon steel. However, it remains unclear how quenching and tempering heat treatment, which is commonly applied to steel reinforcement in some specific environments to improve its mechanical properties, affects its corrosion resistance. In the present work, the impact of heat treatment on the passive film and depassivation behavior of the 0.2C-1.4Mn-0.6Si-5Cr steel are studied. The results reveal that quenching and tempering result in grain refinement of the Cr-bearing steel, which increases its hardness. However, this refinement causes significant degradation in its corrosion resistance. The critical [Cl−]/[OH−] ratio after quenching and tempering is determined to be approximately 6.6 times lower than that after normalization, and the corrosion rate is 1.6 times higher. After quenching and tempering, the passive film predominantly comprises iron oxides and hydroxides, with relatively high water content and defect density. Additionally, the FeII/FeIII ratio and film resistance are relatively low. In comparison, after normalization, the steel exhibits high corrosion resistance, with the passive film formed offering the highest level of protection.
Opinion Formation on Social Networks—The Effects of Recurrent and Circular Influence
Authors: Kuikka Vesa
Published: May 2023

We present a generalised complex contagion model for describing behaviour and opinion spreading on social networks. Recurrent interactions between adjacent nodes and circular influence in loops in the network structure enable the modelling of influence spreading on the network scale. We have presented details of the model in our earlier studies. Here, we focus on the interpretation of the model and discuss its features by using conventional concepts in the literature. In addition, we discuss how the model can be extended to account for specific social phenomena in social networks. We demonstrate the differences between the results of our model and a simple contagion model. Results are provided for a small social network and a larger collaboration network. As an application of the model, we present a method for profiling individuals based on their out-centrality, in-centrality, and betweenness values in the social network structure. These measures have been defined consistently with our spreading model based on an influence spreading matrix. The influence spreading matrix captures the directed spreading probabilities between all node pairs in the network structure. Our results show that recurrent and circular influence has considerable effects on node centrality values and spreading probabilities in the network structure.
Shape Memory Properties and Microstructure of FeNiCoAlTaB Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Tseng Li-Wei , Lee Po-Yu , Lu Nian-Hu , Hsu Yi-Ting , Chen Chih-Hsuan
Published: May 2023

The three-point-bending shape memory properties, microstructure, and magnetic properties of Fe40.95Ni28Co17Al11.5Ta2.5B0.05 (at.%) alloys were investigated. The magnetic results showed a martensitic transformation in the samples that were aged at 700 °C for 6 and 12 h under the applied magnetic fields of 0.05 and 7 Tesla. The martensitic start temperature increased from −113 °C to −97 °C as aging times increased from 6 to 12 h. Increasing the magnetic fields from 0.05 to 7 Tesla, the transformation temperatures increased to a higher temperature. Both samples reach saturation magnetization (140 emu/g) under 7 Tesla. The 98.5% cold-rolled alloys that were annealed at 1250 °C for 0.5 h presented a strong <100> texture in the rolling direction with an average grain size of 360 μm. Increasing the annealing time to 1 h, the intensity of texture reduced from 31.61 to 23.19. The fraction of low angle grain boundaries (LABs) for the 98.5% CR samples after annealing at 1250 °C for 0.5 h and 1 h was about 24.6% and 16.1%, respectively. Three-point-bending results show that the sample aged at 700 °C for 6 h displayed 0.2% recoverable strain at a stress level of 800 MPa. Failure occurred before the 900 MPa cycle could be completed. The sample aged at 700 °C for 12 h shows no transformation before the applied stress level of 300 MPa. As the stress levels increase to 400 MPa, the sample shows the shape memory effect and displayed 0.8% recoverable strain at a stress level of 400 MPa. The samples are failures during the 500 MPa cycle. The observed recoverable strain values were lower than those that were theoretically predicted, which was possibly due to the larger volume fraction of high-angle grain boundary and the slightly lower than expected average grain size.
The mtDNA D-Loop Legacy of Cattle: Fluctuations in Diversity from the Neolithic to Early Medieval Times in Switzerland
Authors: Granado José , Wright Elizabeth , Blatter Robert , Lange Jürg , Turgay Meral , Bañuelos Laura , Deschler-Erb Sabine , Stopp Barbara , Marti-Grädel Elisabeth , Schäfer Marguerita , Grau-Sologestoa Idoia , Ammann Sandra , Schmid Debora , Furger Alex R. , Marti Reto , Schibler Jörg , Schlumbaum Angela
Published: May 2023

Fluctuations in the size of taurine cattle (Bos taurus) have been regularly demonstrated using archaeozoological data from across time and space in Europe, and have been linked to cultural, social and economic changes, but little is known about whether phenotypic change is accompanied by changes in genetic diversity. Here, we performed PCR-typed analysis of the partial mtDNA d-loop fragments of 99 cattle from the Neolithic to Early Medieval times from a number of different sites across Switzerland, combining newly presented data with previously published data (n = 20). We found that most cattle included (84) were members of the common European macro-haplogroup T3. However, cattle belonging to the haplogroups T1, T2, Q and P were identified as early as the Neolithic period, before 2690 cal. BCE. The highest diversity was found in the Neolithic period, during the 1st century CE and during the 7th–8th centuries CE. Bottleneck phases with low genetic diversity were detected during the Late Iron Age and from the fifth to the seventh century CE. Based on the FST values, Horgen, Corded Ware and cattle populations from the seventh to the ninth century CE were plotted away from the clusters of all other populations. The periods with larger-sized cattle correspond with those of high mtDNA d-loop diversity. Phenotype and genotype both appear to respond to the same socio-economic and cultural processes.
InDel DNA Markers Potentially Unique to Kaluga Sturgeon Huso dauricus Based on Whole-Genome Resequencing Data
Authors: Yan Xiaoyu , Dong Ying , Dong Tian , Song Hailiang , Wang Wei , Hu Hongxia
Published: May 2023

Sturgeons are ancient and endangered species whose populations have been greatly reduced over the past few centuries due to habitat destruction and overfishing for the production of expensive caviar. All sturgeon species are listed in CITES Appendix II to limit their trade; therefore, accurate species identification is crucial. In this study, we performed whole-genome resequencing of five sturgeon species, including Kaluga sturgeon (H. dauricus), Siberian sturgeon (A. baerii), Sterlet sturgeon (A. ruthenus), Russian sturgeon (A. gueldenstaedtii), and Amur sturgeon (A. schrenckii), to obtain species-specific InDel-based nucleotide sequences for Kaluga sturgeon. Through whole-genome screening within these five sturgeon species, we developed methods for the rapid identification of Kaluga sturgeon germplasm. Using dominant/co-dominant molecular markers designed for Huso dauricus, purebred or hybrid samples can be identified through a PCR reaction. These markers allow for the precise identification of Kaluga sturgeon lineages from at least seven sturgeon species (H. dauricus, A. schrenckii, A. ruthenus, A. baerii, A. gueldenstaedtii, A. stellatus, and H. huso) and their hybrids. This development is expected to have a positive effect on both the sturgeon trade and the conservation of sturgeon germplasm resources.
Alien Freshwater Turtles in Greece: Citizen Science Reveals the Hydra-Headed Issue of the Pet Turtle Trade
Authors: Kalaentzis Konstantinos , Kazilas Christos , Strachinis Ilias , Tzoras Elias , Lymberakis Petros
Published: May 2023

Citizen science is emerging as a powerful tool for the early detection of biological invasions. The exotic pet trade has been deemed as the most significant cause of establishment for reptiles, and among them, turtles have the highest number of introduction events. In Europe, at least 13 species of alien freshwater turtles have been recorded in the wild. In Greece, only two species of alien turtles have been reported, namely the American pond slider Trachemys scripta and the Florida cooter Pseudemys floridana. In this study, we provide an updated checklist of the alien freshwater turtles recorded in Greece, using citizen science, personal observations, and literature. Our results provide the first records for the country of five species, namely the Florida red-bellied cooter Pseudemys nelsoni, the Eastern river cooter Pseudemys concinna, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle Mauremys sinensis, the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis, and the Common snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina and new localities for T. scripta. Similar to the myth of the Lernaean Hydra (i.e., for every head chopped off, more would regrow), the pet turtle trade has been proven to have multiple heads.
Trypanosomatids in Bloodsucking Diptera Insects (Ceratopogonidae and Simuliidae) Wild-Caught at Raptor Bird Nests in Temperate Forests
Authors: Kazak Margarita , Bernotienė Rasa , Treinys Rimgaudas , Bukauskaitė Dovilė
Published: May 2023

Trypanosomatids are a huge group of vertebrate, invertebrate and plant parasites that can cause severe illnesses in hosts. Although avian trypanosomes are widely spread throughout the world, information about their transmission and vector–host relationships is still scarce. This study aimed to investigate Trypanosoma prevalence in bloodsucking Diptera collected at tree-nesting raptor birds’ nests. Insects were collected in temperate forests of Eastern-Central Europe, in Lithuania, using UV light traps hung near common buzzard (Buteo buteo) and lesser spotted eagle (Clanga pomarina) nests at about 15 m height above the ground. A total of 1248 Culicoides (Ceratopogonidae) females and 3 blackflies (Simuliidae) were collected and tested for the presence of trypanosomatids using PCR-based methods. The blood of 85 nestlings, belonging to three different species (Buteo buteo, Clanga pomarina and Haliaeetus albicilla) was collected and tested using the same methods. We found that 11.1% of the investigated insects (one Simulium female and Culicoides biting midges belonging to five species) were infected with Trypanosoma parasites (Trypanosoma sp., T. bennetti group, T. avium) and monoxenous trypanosomatids (Crithidia sp., Obscuromonas sp.). Only one common buzzard nestling was found to be infected with Trypanosoma avium. The phylogenetic relationships of detected parasites were determined. Our findings supplement information on the ornithophilic behavior of Culicoides females, potential vector species of avian Trypanosoma, and produce some new information on the detection of monoxenous trypanosomatids (Crithidia sp. and Obscuromonas sp.) in Culicoides.
Three-Dimensional Measurements of the Palate and Dental Arch Perimeter as Predictors for Maxillary Palatal Canine Impaction—A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Image Analysis
Authors: Kareem Fadil Abdullah , Rasheed Tara Ali , Rauf Aras Maruf , Jalal Ranj Adil , Faraj Bestoon Mohammed
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Accurate diagnosis and treatment plans in orthodontics were facilitated by novel technologies. The prediction of occlusal problems is of utmost importance for clinicians. This present study aimed to find any possible correlation between unilateral and bilateral palatally impacted maxillary canine, palatal dimensions, and maxillary arch perimeter using digital measurements and determine the factors that could be used as predictors for maxillary palatal canine impaction. (2) Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on cone-beam computed tomography images of orthodontic patients aged 15 to 25. Palatal dimensions and maxillary arch perimeter were digitally measured using Materialize Interactive Medical Image Control System. (3) Results: A significant difference was found between the case and the study groups regarding palatal depth, length, and arch perimeter, except for the palatal width. A weak correlation was reported in palatal depth and length with canine impaction, whereas the correlation was moderate concerning the arch perimeter. They can be used as predictors for palatal canine impaction. (4) Conclusion: Palatal dimensions and dental arch perimeter affect maxillary palatal canine impaction. Deficient arch perimeter, palatal depth, and length could be helpful in the prediction of maxillary palatal canine impaction.
Diagnosing Melanomas in Dermoscopy Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Alwakid Ghadah , Gouda Walaa , Humayun Mamoona , Jhanjhi N. Z
Published: May 2023

When it comes to skin tumors and cancers, melanoma ranks among the most prevalent and deadly. With the advancement of deep learning and computer vision, it is now possible to quickly and accurately determine whether or not a patient has malignancy. This is significant since a prompt identification greatly decreases the likelihood of a fatal outcome. Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve healthcare in many ways, including melanoma diagnosis. In a nutshell, this research employed an Inception-V3 and InceptionResnet-V2 strategy for melanoma recognition. The feature extraction layers that were previously frozen were fine-tuned after the newly added top layers were trained. This study used data from the HAM10000 dataset, which included an unrepresentative sample of seven different forms of skin cancer. To fix the discrepancy, we utilized data augmentation. The proposed models outperformed the results of the previous investigation with an effectiveness of 0.89 for Inception-V3 and 0.91 for InceptionResnet-V2.
Research on Environment Perception System of Quadruped Robots Based on LiDAR and Vision
Authors: Chen Guangrong , Hong Liang
Published: May 2023

Due to the high stability and adaptability, quadruped robots are currently highly discussed in the robotics field. To overcome the complicated environment indoor or outdoor, the quadruped robots should be configured with an environment perception system, which mostly contain LiDAR or a vision sensor, and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) is deployed. In this paper, the comparative experimental platforms, including a quadruped robot and a vehicle, with LiDAR and a vision sensor are established firstly. Secondly, a single sensor SLAM, including LiDAR SLAM and Visual SLAM, are investigated separately to highlight their advantages and disadvantages. Then, multi-sensor SLAM based on LiDAR and vision are addressed to improve the environmental perception performance. Thirdly, the improved YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once) by adding ASFF (adaptive spatial feature fusion) is employed to do the image processing of gesture recognition and achieve the human–machine interaction. Finally, the challenge of environment perception system for mobile robot based on comparison between wheeled and legged robots is discussed. This research provides an insight for the environment perception of legged robots.
Beta-Diversity Enhancement by Archaeological Structures: Bacterial Communities of an Historical Tannery Area of the City of Jena (Germany) Reflect the Ancient Human Impact
Authors: Köhler Johann Michael , Ehrhardt Linda , Cao Jialan , Möller Frances , Schüler Tim , Günther Peter Mike
Published: May 2023

Soil samples taken during archaeological investigations of a historical tannery area in the eastern suburb of the medieval city of Jena have been investigated by 16S r-RNA gene profiling. The analyses supplied a large spectrum of interesting bacteria, among them Patescibacteria, Methylomirabilota, Asgardarchaeota, Zixibacteria, Sideroxydans and Sulfurifustis. Samples taken from soil inside the residues of large vats show large differences in comparison to the environmental soil. The PCAs for different abundance classes clearly reflect the higher similarity between the bacterial communities of the outside-vat soils in comparison with three of the inside-vat soil communities. Two of the in-side vat soils are distinguishable from the other samples by separate use of each abundance class, but classes of lower abundance are better applicable than the highly abundant bacteria for distinguishing the sampling sites by PCA, in general. This effect could be interpreted by the assumption that less abundant types in the 16S r-RNA data tend to be more related to an earlier state of soil development than the more abundant and might be, therefore, better suited for conclusions on the state of the soils in an earlier local situation. In addition, the analyses allowed identification of specific features of each single sampling site. In one site specifically, DNA hints of animal residue-related bacteria were found. Obviously, the special situation in the in-site vat soils contributes to the diversity of the place, and enhances its Beta-diversity. Very high abundancies of several ammonia-metabolizing and of sulphur compound-oxidizing genera in the metagenomics data can be interpreted as an echo of the former tannery activities using urine and processing keratin-rich animal materials. In summary, it can be concluded that the 16S r-RNA analysis of such archaeological places can supply a lot of data related to ancient human impacts, representing a kind of “ecological memory of soil”.
Secondary Education Teacher Training and Emotional Intelligence: Ingredients for Attention to Diversity in an Inclusive School for All
Authors: Arias-Pastor Mercedes , Van Vaerenbergh Steven , Fernández-Solana Jessica , González-Bernal Jerónimo J.
Published: May 2023

This study, which is part of a broader research project, aims to investigate the impact of the initial training received by students in the Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and Baccalaureate, Vocational Training, and Language Teaching (MDSE) on their future teaching development in the current educational and social framework. The main goal is to understand their concerns, attitudes, and level of acquired competencies and knowledge for their professional development as inclusive teachers. Additionally, the study aims to explore the relationship between their assessments and experiences with the perceived level of Emotional Intelligence (EI), given its importance as a facilitating element, which is teachable from formal education, in socio-educational inclusion processes and quality attention to diversity in classrooms. A total of 218 MDSE students (Mage = 31.5; SD = 6; males = 33%; females = 67%) participated in the study, coming from various Spanish universities, and having either completed their studies or being in the final stages after having completed the generic module and practices in secondary education centers. The information was collected through the “Teacher Training in Secondary Education: Key Elements for Teaching in an Inclusive School for All” (TTSE-IN) questionnaire, which included five validated and relevant instruments, of which three were used for the study’s purpose (Questionnaire for Future Secondary Education Teachers about Perceptions of Diversity Attention, Scale of Feelings, Attitudes, and Concerns about Inclusive Education, Revised SACIE-R and Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale WLEIS-S). The main results indicate that future teachers show a positive attitude towards diversity but have significant training gaps. Additionally, the EI variable, along with regular contact with people in situations of special vulnerability and experience in teaching people in situations of special vulnerability in non-formal contexts, has a positive effect on both teacher well-being and the facilitation of inclusive education processes and diversity attention.
Why Inclusive Resources Matter—The Importance of Inclusive Internal Resources for Strain and Intended Inclusive Practices of Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Oetjen Birte
Published: May 2023

Inclusive internal resources moderate teachers’ mental health and predict teachers’ inclusive practices. Therefore, it is important to enhance inclusive internal resources during the beginning of initial teaching experiences. Applying the job demands–resources (JD-R) theory to explain strain and the theory of planned behavior to elucidate behavior, it can be assumed that teachers’ inclusive resources lead to a reduction in negative strain, an increase in positive strain and efficient (intended) inclusive practices as occupational outcomes. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this assumption among pre-service teachers. To ensure that student teachers had teaching experiences in inclusive settings, the present study was conducted after pre-service teachers’ final teaching practicum in the university phase of teacher education. A total of 294 pre-service elementary school teachers from one university in Germany participated. Structural equation models suggested that inclusive self-efficacy expectations and attitudes towards inclusion predicted students intended inclusive practices, but so did professional engagement as a positive strain. While professional engagement only correlated with inclusive self-efficacy expectations, the self-perceived stress intensity of a challenging student as negative strain negatively correlated with inclusive self-efficacy expectations and personal resistance.
Reality and Future of Interculturality in Today’s Schools
Authors: Pérez-Jorge David , González-Herrera Ana Isabel , González-Afonso Miriam , Santos-Álvarez Anthea Gara
Published: May 2023

In today’s society, high-quality educational contexts must include intercultural education and educational inclusion as main elements of school culture. Equity, social justice, and equal opportunities for everybody require the construction of flexible processes, relationships, and organizational structures open to diversity. This paper presents an updated review of studies focusing on models of educational responses adapted to cultural diversity. It analyzes the response of schools as collaborative communities in intercultural education and their reality as inclusive and intercultural communities. An exhaustive search of documents was carried out, consulting the Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and Dialnet databases. After analyzing and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 documents were identified that showed the structural, cultural, and relational transformation of educational centers and the improvement of their organizational and public response and adaptation to current needs. The challenge of building intercultural educational contexts is a concern for schools and the educational agents who coexist in them.
All-Weather Pedestrian Detection Based on Double-Stream Multispectral Network
Authors: Hsia Chih-Hsien , Peng Hsiao-Chu , Chan Hung-Tse
Published: May 2023

Recently, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have attracted wide attention in pedestrian detection for using the multi-spectrum generated by multi-sensors. However, it is quite challenging for image-based sensors to perform their tasks due to instabilities such as light changes, object shading, or weather conditions. Considering all the above, based on different spectral information of RGB and thermal images, this study proposed a deep learning (DL) framework to improve the problem of confusing light sources and extract highly differentiated multimodal features through multispectral fusion. Pedestrian detection methods, including a double-stream multispectral network (DSMN), were used to extract a multispectral fusion and double-stream detector with Yolo-based (MFDs-Yolo) information. Moreover, a self-adaptive multispectral weight adjustment method improved illumination–aware network (i-IAN) for later fusion strategy, making different modes complimentary. According to the experimental results, the good performance of this detection method was demonstrated in the public dataset KAIST and the multispectral pedestrian detection dataset FLIR, and it even performed better than the most advanced method in the miss rate (MR) (IoU@0.75) evaluation system.
Efficient Medical Knowledge Graph Embedding: Leveraging Adaptive Hierarchical Transformers and Model Compression
Authors: Li Xuexiang , Yang Hansheng , Yang Cong , Zhang Weixing
Published: May 2023

Medical knowledge graphs have emerged as essential tools for representing complex relationships among medical entities. However, existing methods for learning embeddings from medical knowledge graphs, such as DistMult, RotatE, ConvE, InteractE, JointE, and ConvKB, may not adequately capture the unique challenges posed by the domain, including the heterogeneity of medical entities, rich hierarchical structures, large-scale, high-dimensionality, and noisy and incomplete data. In this study, we propose an Adaptive Hierarchical Transformer with Memory (AHTM) model, coupled with a teacher–student model compression approach, to effectively address these challenges and learn embeddings from a rich medical knowledge dataset containing diverse entities and relationship sets. We evaluate the AHTM model on this newly constructed “Med-Dis” dataset and demonstrate its superiority over baseline methods. The AHTM model achieves substantial improvements in Mean Rank (MR) and Hits@10 values, with the highest MR value increasing by nearly 56% and Hits@10 increasing by 39%. Furthermore, we observe similar performance enhancements on the “FB15K-237” and “WN18RR” datasets. Our model compression approach, incorporating knowledge distillation and weight quantization, effectively reduces the model’s storage and computational requirements, making it suitable for resource-constrained environments. Overall, the proposed AHTM model and compression techniques offer a novel and effective solution for learning embeddings from medical knowledge graphs and enhancing our understanding of complex relationships among medical entities, while addressing the inadequacies of existing approaches.
Investigating Digital Intensity and E-Commerce as Drivers for Sustainability and Economic Growth in the EU Countries
Authors: Criveanu Maria Magdalena
Published: May 2023

Digital technology development caused the digital transformation of the economy and society. E-commerce, the most widespread among digital innovations, reached a significant share, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting economic growth. The progress of digital technologies and the evolution of e-commerce can contribute to the more sustainable development of organizations and worldwide economies. This paper analyzed the influences of digital transformation and e-commerce on GDP and sustainable development. The study used the Eurostat database to gather the research variables for the EU countries. The paper used artificial neural networks and cluster analysis to reveal the significant influence of digital transformation and e-commerce on GDP and sustainable organizational development. Countries with a low level of digital transformation and e-commerce should propel these activities to increase economic performance sustainably.
Design of a GaAs-Based Ka-Band Low Noise Amplifier MMIC with Gain Flatness Enhancement
Authors: Yang Zhe , Wang Kuisong , Fan Yihui , Yan Yuepeng , Liang Xiaoxin
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a GaAs-based Ka-band low noise amplifier (LNA) with gain flatness enhancement. Active device optimization and inductive degeneration techniques were employed to obtain a low noise figure (NF) and good input/output return loss. In order to achieve a flat gain response over a wide bandwidth, the stagger tuning technique was utilized. The proposed LNA was implemented by 0.15 μm GaAs pHEMT process, and the chip area is only 1.5 × 0.9 mm2. Measurement results show that the presented LNA exhibits a small signal gain of 21.5 ± 0.3 dB, and the NF of the LNA is less than 2.2 dB from 32 to 40 GHz at room temperature.
A 200 kb/s 36 µw True Random Number Generator Based on Dual Oscillators for IOT Security Application
Authors: Chen Chengying , Li Shuhui , Song Changkun
Published: May 2023

As a module of the internet of things (IOT) information security system, the true random number generator (TRNG) plays an important role in overall performance. In this paper, a low-power TRNG based on dual oscillators is proposed. Two high-frequency cross-coupled oscillators are used to generate high-jitter clock signals, and then the SR latch with power supply below standard power supply voltage is adopted to process the oscillator output to maintain its metastability and increase jitter. The circuit is realized by an SMIC 180 nm 1P6M mixed-signal process. The experimental results show that when power supply voltage is 1.8 V, the circuit outputs a random number bit rate of 200 kb/s, the core area is 0.0039 mm2, and the power consumption is only 36 µw. The output random sequences can pass the NIST SP 800-22 test.