bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Agricultural Division of Labor on Fertilizer Reduction Application: Evidence from Western China
Authors: Zhou Shiyao , Qing Chen , He Jia , Xu Dingde
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, environmental friendly agriculture has become the world trend of modern agricultural development; fertilizer reduction application is an essential way to achieve sustainable development goals. With the deepening development of the agricultural specialized division of labor and socialized services, the division of labor economy can promote the economic input of fertilizer. Based on 540 survey data of farmers in the main rice-producing areas of Sichuan Province, this paper constructs a theoretical analytical framework for the impact of agricultural division of labor on fertilizer reduction application. A binary probit model was used to empirically analyze the effect of agricultural division of labor on fertilizer reduction application, and its mechanism was examined. The results show that: (1) both horizontal and vertical agricultural divisions of labor have positive and significant effects on the reduction in fertilizer application by rice farmers. All above results remain stable after treatment of endogeneity; (2) due to the migration of the rural labor, the horizontal division of labor is expressed as changes in the structure of labor and cultivation within the household which has changed. To achieve economies of scale, farmers increase specialization in production, resulting in reducing marginal cost and application of fertilizer; (3) the vertical division of labor is expressed in the adoption of external socialized services by farmers, which improves the land resource endowment of fragmentation and hydraulic conditions. Thus, it creates a good environment for fertilizer application to improve its application efficiency, which in turn promotes fertilizer reduction by farmers. Based on this, this paper proposes that the government should motivate farmers to deepen their participation in the horizontal and vertical division of labor. Meanwhile, it is also necessary to improve the agricultural specialization continuously and further promote the development of socialized services market.
A Model Eumelanin from 5,6-Dihydroxyindole-2-Carboxybutanamide Combining Remarkable Antioxidant and Photoprotective Properties with a Favourable Solubility Profile for Dermo-Cosmetic Applications
Authors: Argenziano Rita , Alfieri Maria Laura , Gallucci Noemi , D’Errico Gerardino , Panzella Lucia , Napolitano Alessandra
Published: February 2023

The search for new synthetic melanin-related pigments that maintain the antioxidant and photoprotective properties of naturally occurring dark eumelanins, while overcoming their unfavorable solubility, and molecular heterogeneity is presently a very active issue for dermo-cosmetic purposes. In this work, we explored the potential of a melanin obtained from the carboxybutanamide of a major eumelanin biosynthetic precursor, 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA), by aerobic oxidation under slightly alkaline conditions. Analysis of the pigment by EPR, ATR-FTIR and MALDI MS indicated a substantial structural similarity to DHICA melanin, while investigation of the early intermediates confirmed unchanged regiochemistry of the oxidative coupling. The pigment exhibited a UVA–visible absorption even more intense than that of DHICA melanin, and a noticeable solubility in polar solvents of dermo-cosmetic relevance. The hydrogen- and/or electron-donor ability, and the iron (III) reducing power as determined by conventional assays provided evidence for marked antioxidant properties not merely ascribable to the more favorable solubility profile, while the inhibitory action of the radical- or photosensitized solar light-induced lipid peroxidation was more marked compared to that of DHICA melanin. Overall, these results hint at this melanin, which remarkable properties are, in part, due to the electronic effects of the carboxyamide functionality as a promising functional ingredient for dermo-cosmetic formulations.
Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in Individuals Affected by DiGeorge Syndrome
Authors: Menghi Michela , Micangeli Ginevra , Tarani Francesca , Putotto Carolina , Pirro Federica , Mariani Alessandro , Petrella Carla , Pulvirenti Federica , Cinicola Bianca , Colloridi Fiorenza , Tarani Luigi , Fiore Marco
Published: February 2023

DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) is a rare genetic disease caused by microdeletions of the 22q11.2 region (DGS1). A haploinsufficiency at 10p level has been proposed also as a DGS cause (DGS2). Clinical manifestations are variable. The most frequent features are thymic hypoplasia or aplasia with consequent immune deficiency, cardiac malformations, hypoparathyroidism, facial and palatine abnormalities, variable degrees of cognitive impairment and psychiatric disorders. The specific aim of this descriptive report is to discuss the correlation between oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in DGS patients with microdeletions of the 22q11.2 region. The deleted chromosomic region maps various genes involved in mitochondrial metabolisms, such as DGCR8 and TXNRD2, that could lead to reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased production and antioxidant depletion. Furthermore, increased levels of ROS in mitochondria would lead to the destruction of the projection neurons in the cerebral cortex with consequent neurocognitive impairment. Finally, the increase in modified protein belonging to the family of sulfoxide compounds and hexoses, acting as inhibitors of the IV and V mitochondria complex, could result in direct ROS overproduction. Neuroinflammation in DGS individuals could be directly related to the development of the syndrome’s characteristic psychiatric and cognitive disorders. In patients with psychotic disorders, the most frequent psychiatric manifestation in DGS, Th-17, Th-1 and Th-2 cells are increased with consequent elevation of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and IL1β. In patients with anxiety disorders, both CD3 and CD4 are increased. Some patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have an augmented level of proinflammatory cytokines IL-12, IL-6 and IL-1β, while IFNγ and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 seem to be reduced. Other data proposed that altered synaptic plasticity could be directly involved in DGS cognitive disorders. In conclusion, the use of antioxidants for restoring mitochondrial functionality in DGS could be a useful tool to protect cortical connectivity and cognitive behavior.
Exogenous Ethylene Alleviates the Inhibition of Sorbus pohuashanensis Embryo Germination in a Saline-Alkali Environment (NaHCO3)
Authors: Wang Yutong , Zhao Caihong , Wang Xiaodong , Shen Hailong , Yang Ling
Published: February 2023

Saline-alkali stress is a major environmental stress affecting the growth and development of plants such as Sorbus pohuashanensis. Although ethylene plays a crucial role in plant response to saline-alkaline stress, its mechanism remains elusive. The mechanism of action of ethylene (ETH) may be related to the accumulation of hormones, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Ethephon is the exogenous ethylene donor. Therefore, for the present study we initially used different concentrations of ethephon (ETH) to treat S. pohuashanensis embryos and identified the best treatment concentration and method to promote the release of dormancy and the germination of S. pohuashanensis embryos. We then analyzed the physiological indexes, including endogenous hormones, ROS, antioxidant components, and reactive nitrogen, in embryos and seedlings to elucidate the mechanism via which ETH manages stress. The analysis showed that 45 mg/L was the best concentration of ETH to relieve the embryo dormancy. ETH at this concentration improved the germination of S. pohuashanensis by 183.21% under saline-alkaline stress; it also improved the germination index and germination potential of the embryos. Further analysis revealed that ETH treatment increased the levels of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), gibberellin (GA), soluble protein, nitric oxide (NO), and glutathione (GSH); increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), nitrate reductase (NR), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS); and decreased the levels of abscisic acid (ABA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion, and malondialdehyde (MDA) of S. pohuashanensis under saline-alkali stress. These results indicate that ETH mitigates the inhibitory effects of saline-alkali stress and provides a theoretical basis by which to establish precise control techniques for the release of seed dormancy of tree species.
Extracellular Vesicles as “Very Important Particles” (VIPs) in Aging
Authors: Mas-Bargues Cristina , Alique Matilde
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, extracellular vesicles have been recognized as “very important particles” (VIPs) associated with aging and age-related disease. During the 1980s, researchers discovered that these vesicle particles released by cells were not debris but signaling molecules carrying cargoes that play key roles in physiological processes and physiopathological modulation. Following the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) recommendation, different vesicle particles (e.g., exosomes, microvesicles, oncosomes) have been named globally extracellular vesicles. These vesicles are essential to maintain body homeostasis owing to their essential and evolutionarily conserved role in cellular communication and interaction with different tissues. Furthermore, recent studies have shown the role of extracellular vesicles in aging and age-associated diseases. This review summarizes the advances in the study of extracellular vesicles, mainly focusing on recently refined methods for their isolation and characterization. In addition, the role of extracellular vesicles in cell signaling and maintenance of homeostasis, as well as their usefulness as new biomarkers and therapeutic agents in aging and age-associated diseases, has also been highlighted.
Vx-809, a CFTR Corrector, Acts through a General Mechanism of Protein Folding and on the Inflammatory Process
Authors: Pecoraro Michela , Serra Adele , Pascale Maria , Franceschelli Silvia
Published: February 2023

Correct protein folding is the basis of cellular well-being; thus, accumulation of misfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leads to an imbalance of homeostasis that causes stress to the ER. Various studies have shown that protein misfolding is a significant factor in the etiology of many human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis. Misfolded protein accumulation in the ER triggers a sophisticated signal transduction pathway, the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is controlled by three proteins, resident in ER: IRE1α, PERK, and ATF6. Briefly, when ER stress is irreversible, IRE1α induces the activation of pro-inflammatory proteins; PERK phosphorylates eIF2α which induces ATF4 transcription, while ATF6 activates genes encoding ER chaperones. Reticular stress causes an alteration of the calcium homeostasis, which is released from the ER and taken up by the mitochondria, leading to an increase in the oxygen radical species production, and consequently, to oxidative stress. Accumulation of intracellular calcium, in combination with lethal ROS levels, has been associated with an increase of pro-inflammatory protein expression and the initiation of the inflammatory process. Lumacaftor (Vx-809) is a common corrector used in cystic fibrosis treatment which enhances the folding of mutated F508del-CFTR, one of the most prevalent impaired proteins underlying the disease, promoting a higher localization of the mutant protein on the cell membrane. Here, we demonstrate that this drug reduces the ER stress and, consequently, the inflammation that is caused by such events. Thus, this molecule is a promising drug to treat several pathologies that present an etiopathogenesis due to the accumulation of protein aggregates that lead to chronic reticular stress.
Rare Genetic Variants in Human APC Are Implicated in Mesiodens and Isolated Supernumerary Teeth
Authors: Panyarat Chomchanok , Nakornchai Siriruk , Chintakanon Kanoknart , Leelaadisorn Niramol , Intachai Worrachet , Olsen Bjorn , Tongsima Sissades , Adisornkanj Ploy , Ngamphiw Chumpol , Cox Timothy C. , Kantaputra Piranit
Published: February 2023

The activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling is a prerequisite for odontogenesis. APC, a member of the AXIN-CK1-GSK3β-APC β-catenin destruction complex, functions to modulate Wnt/β-catenin signalling to establish regular teeth number and positions. APC loss-of-function mutations are associated with the over-activation of WNT/β-catenin signalling and subsequent familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP; MIM 175100) with or without multiple supernumerary teeth. The ablation of Apc function in mice also results in the constitutive activation of β-catenin in embryonic mouse epithelium and causes supernumerary tooth formation. The objective of this study was to investigate if genetic variants in the APC gene were associated with supernumerary tooth phenotypes. We clinically, radiographically, and molecularly investigated 120 Thai patients with mesiodentes or isolated supernumerary teeth. Whole exome and Sanger sequencing identified three extremely rare heterozygous variants (c.3374T>C, p.Val1125Ala; c.6127A>G, p.Ile2043Val; and c.8383G>A, p.Ala2795Thr) in APC in four patients with mesiodentes or a supernumerary premolar. An additional patient with mesiodens was compound as heterozygous for two APC variants (c.2740T>G, p.Cys914Gly, and c.5722A>T, p.Asn1908Tyr). Rare variants in APC in our patients are likely to contribute to isolated supernumerary dental phenotypes including isolated mesiodens and an isolated supernumerary tooth.
Association between Genetic Variants of CELSR2-PSRC1-SORT1 and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Castillo-Avila Rosa Giannina , González-Castro Thelma Beatriz , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos Alfonso , Martínez-Magaña José Jaime , López-Narváez María Lilia , Juárez-Rojop Isela Esther , Arias-Vázquez Pedro Iván , Borgonio-Cuadra Verónica Marusa , Pérez-Hernández Nonanzit , Rodríguez-Pérez José Manuel
Published: February 2023

A cluster of three genes CELSR2, PSRC1, and SORT1 has been associated with cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was (i) to perform a systematic review and updated meta-analysis of the association of three polymorphisms (rs646776, rs599839, and rs464218) of this cluster with cardiovascular diseases, and (ii) to explore by PheWAS signals of the three SNPs in cardiovascular diseases and to evaluate the effect of rs599839 with tissue expression by in silico tools. Three electronic databases were searched to identify eligible studies. The meta-analysis showed that the rs599839 (allelic OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.13–1.26, dominant OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06–1.39, recessive OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.15–1.32), rs646776 (allelic OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.17–1.82) polymorphisms showed an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. PheWas analysis showed associations with coronary artery disease and total cholesterol. Our results suggest a possible involvement of the CELSR2-PSRC1-SORT1 cluster variants in the risk association of cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary artery disease.
Morphology and Multigene Phylogeny Revealed Three New Species of Helminthosporium (Massarinaceae, Pleosporales) from China
Authors: Hu Ya-Fen , Liu Jing-Wen , Xu Zhao-Huan , Castañeda-Ruíz Rafael F. , Zhang Kai , Ma Jian
Published: February 2023

Saprobic hyphomycetes are highly diverse on plant debris. Over the course of our mycological surveys in southern China, three new Helminthosporium species, H. guanshanense sp. nov., H. jiulianshanense sp. nov. and H. meilingense sp. nov., collected on dead branches of unidentified plants, were introduced by morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Multi-loci (ITS, LSU, SSU, RPB2 and TEF1) phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference to infer their taxonomic positions within Massarinaceae. Both molecular analyses and morphological data supported H. guanshanense, H. jiulianshanense and H. meilingense as three independent taxa within Helminthosporium. A list of accepted Helminthosporium species with major morphological features, host information, locality and sequence data was provided. This work expands our understanding of the diversity of Helminthosporium-like taxa in Jiangxi Province, China.
Associated Statistical Parameters’ Aggregations in Interactive MADM
Authors: Sirbiladze Gia , Khvedelidze Tariel
Published: February 2023

From recent studies, the concept of “monotone expectation” (ME) of Interactive Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) is well known, which was developed for the case of different fuzzy sets. This article develops the concept of “monotone expectation” for such statistical parameters as variance, k-order moment and covariance. We investigate the problem of the definition of some statistical parameters, when the uncertainty is represented by a monotone measure—a fuzzy measure—instead of an additive measure. The study presents the concept of the definition of monotone statistical parameters based on the Choquet finite integral for the definition of monotone expectation, monotone variance, monotone k-order moment and monotone covariance. Associated statistical parameters are also presented—expectation, variance, k-order moment and covariance—which are defined in relation to associated probabilities of a fuzzy measure. It is shown that the monotone statistical parameters defined in the study are defined by one particular relevant associated statistical parameter out of the total number n! of such parameters. It is also shown that the aggregations with monotone statistical parameters used in interactive MADM models take into account interactions of the focal elements of only one consonant structure from the n! consonant structures of attributes. In order to take into account the interactions of the focal elements of all n! consonant structures of attributes, the monotone statistical parameters were expanded into the F-associated statistical parameters. Expansion correctness implies that if dual second-order Choquet capacities are taken as the fuzzy measures of aggregation of the F-associated statistical parameters, then the F-associated statistical parameters coincide with the corresponding monotone statistical parameters. A scheme for embedding new aggregation operators, monotone statistical parameters and F-associated statistical parameters into the interactive MADM model has been developed. Specific numerical examples are presented to illustrate the obtained results.
Compartmental Unpredictable Functions
Authors: Akhmet Marat , Tleubergenova Madina , Zhamanshin Akylbek
Published: February 2023

There is a huge family of recurrent functions, which starts with equilibria and ends with Poisson stable functions. They are fundamental in theoretical and application senses, and they admit a famous history. Recently, we have added the unpredictable functions to the family. The research has been performed in several papers and books. Obviously, theoretical and application merits of functions increase if one provides rigorously approved efficient methods of construction of concrete examples, as well as their numerical simulations. In the present study, we met the challenges for unpredictability by considering functions of two variables on diagonals. Algorithms have been created, and they are both deterministic and random. Characteristics are introduced to evaluate contributions of periodic and unpredictable components to the dynamics, and they are clearly illustrated in graphs of the functions. Definitions of non-periodic compartmental functions are provided as suggestions for the research in the future.
Extraction Bottleneck in the Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2: Evaluation of an Alternative Protocol Derived from Veterinary Use
Authors: Bottino Paolo , Zanotto Elisa , Sidoti Francesca , Pastrone Lisa , Piva Roberto , Mereu Elisabetta , Costa Cristina , Cavallo Rossana
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a challenge for health-care systems, and a major bottleneck in SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis was the unavailability of extraction reagents. To overcome this limitation, we performed a comparative analysis to evaluate the performance of an alternative extraction protocol derived from veterinary use adapted to an open robotic platform (Testing method). A total of 73 nasopharyngeal swabs collected for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection were simultaneously extracted with the Testing protocol and the laboratory Standard of Care in order to assess the performance of the first one. The Cohen’s coefficient between both procedures was excellent (K Value = 0.955). Analysis of cycle threshold and linear regression showed a significant correlation between the two methods for each tested genetic target. Although validated for veterinary applications, the Testing method showed excellent performances in RNA extraction, with several advantages: lower sample input volume, the possibility to overcome the lack of deep-well plates and adaptability to robotic liquid handlers.
Changes of In Situ Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Communities in the Upper Sanya River to the Sea over a Nine-Hour Period
Authors: Bai Shijie , Zhang Jian , Qi Xiaoxue , Zeng Juntao , Wu Shijun , Peng Xiaotong
Published: February 2023

The transition areas of riverine, estuarine, and marine environments are particularly valuable for the research of microbial ecology, biogeochemical processes, and other physical–chemical studies. Although a large number of microbial-related studies have been conducted within such systems, the vast majority of sampling have been conducted over a large span of time and distance, which may lead to separate batches of samples receiving interference from different factors, thus increasing or decreasing the variability between samples to some extent. In this study, a new in situ filtration system was used to collect membrane samples from six different sampling sites along the Sanya River, from upstream freshwater to the sea, over a nine-hour period. We used high-throughput sequencing of 16S and 18S rRNA genes to analyze the diversity and composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities. The results showed that the structures of these communities varied according to the different sampling sites. The α-diversity of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities both decreased gradually along the downstream course. The structural composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities changed continuously with the direction of river flow; for example, the relative abundances of Rhodobacteraceae and Flavobacteriaceae increased with distance downstream, while Sporichthyaceae and Comamonadaceae decreased. Some prokaryotic taxa, such as Phycisphaeraceae and Chromobacteriaceae, were present nearly exclusively in pure freshwater environments, while some additional prokaryotic taxa, including the SAR86 clade, Clade I, AEGEAN-169 marine group, and Actinomarinaceae, were barely present in pure freshwater environments. The eukaryotic communities were mainly composed of the Chlorellales X, Chlamydomonadales X, Sphaeropleales X, Trebouxiophyceae XX, Annelida XX, and Heteroconchia. The prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities were split into abundant, common, and rare communities for NCM analysis, respectively, and the results showed that assembly of the rare community assembly was more impacted by stochastic processes and less restricted by species dispersal than that of abundant and common microbial communities for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Overall, this study provides a valuable reference and new perspectives on microbial ecology during the transition from freshwater rivers to estuaries and the sea.
Detection and Characterization of Alongshan Virus in Ticks and Tick Saliva from Lower Saxony, Germany with Serological Evidence for Viral Transmission to Game and Domestic Animals
Authors: Ebert Cara Leonie , Söder Lars , Kubinski Mareike , Glanz Julien , Gregersen Eva , Dümmer Katrin , Grund Domenic , Wöhler Ann-Sophie , Könenkamp Laura , Liebig Katrin , Knoll Steffen , Hellhammer Fanny , Topp Anna-Katharina , Becher Paul , Springer Andrea , Strube Christina , Nagel-Kohl Uschi , Nordhoff Marcel , Steffen Imke , Bauer Benjamin Ulrich , Ganter Martin , Feige Karsten , Becker Stefanie C. , Boelke Mathias
Published: February 2023

The newly discovered group of Jingmenviruses has been shown to infect a wide range of hosts and has been associated with febrile illness in humans. During a survey for Jingmenviruses in ticks from Lower Saxony, Germany, Alongshan virus (ALSV) was identified in Ixodes spp. ticks. Additional virus screenings revealed the presence of ALSV in the bodies and saliva of ticks collected at several locations in Lower Saxony. Vector competence studies that included Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus validated the replication of ALSV within those tick species. In vitro feeding experiments with ALSV-injected Ixodes ricinus demonstrated effective viral transmission during blood feeding. To evaluate the potential viral transmission during a natural blood meal, sera from wild game and domestic animals were investigated. One serum sample from a red deer was found to be positive for ALSV RNA, while serological screenings in game and domestic animals revealed the presence of ALSV-specific antibodies at different locations in Lower Saxony. Overall, those results demonstrate the broad distribution of ALSV in ticks in Lower Saxony and hypothesize frequent exposure to animals based on serological investigations. Hence, its potential risk to human and animal health requires further investigation.
A Fiber-Optic Non-Invasive Swallowing Assessment Device Based on a Wearable Pressure Sensor
Authors: Maeda Masanori , Kadokura Miyuki , Aoki Ryoko , Komatsu Noriko , Kawakami Masaru , Koyama Yuya , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Nishiyama Michiko
Published: February 2023

We developed a wearable swallowing assessment device using a hetero-core fiber-optic pressure sensor for the detection of laryngeal movement during swallowing. The proposed pressure sensor (comfortably attached to the skin of the neck) demonstrated a high sensitivity of 0.592 dB/kPa and a linearity of R2 = 0.995 within a 14 kPa pressure band, which is a suitable pressure for the detection of laryngeal movement. In addition, since the fabricated hetero-core fiber-optic pressure sensor maintains appreciable sensitivity over the surface of the sensor, the proposed wearable swallowing assessment device can accurately track the subtle pressure changes induced by laryngeal movements during the swallowing process. Sixteen male subjects and one female subject were evaluated in a variety of age groups ranging from 30 to 60 years old. For all subjects, characteristic swallowing waveforms (with two valleys based on laryngeal movements consisting of upward, forward, backward, and downward displacements) were acquired using the proposed wearable swallowing assessment device. Since the denoted time of the first valley in the acquired waveform determines the “aging effect”, significant differences in swallowing functions among the different age groups were ultimately determined based on the time of the first valley. Additionally, by analyzing each age group using the proposed device, due to p-values being consistently less than 0.05, swallowing times were found to exhibit statistically significant differences within the same groups.
Design and Performance Verification of a Novel RCM Mechanism for a Minimally Invasive Surgical Robot
Authors: Shi Hu , Liang Zhixin , Zhang Boyang , Wang Haitao
Published: February 2023

Minimally invasive surgical robots have the advantages of high positioning accuracy, good stability, and flexible operation, which can effectively improve the quality of surgery and reduce the difficulty for doctors to operate. However, in order to realize the translation of the existing RCM mechanism, it is often necessary to add a mobile unit, which is often bulky and occupies most space above the patient’s body, thus causing interference to the operation. In this paper, a new type of planar RCM mechanism is proposed. Based on this mechanism, a 3-DOF robotic arm is designed, which can complete the required motion for surgery without adding a mobile unit. In this paper, the geometric model of the mechanism is first introduced, and the RCM point of the mechanism is proven during the motion process. Then, based on the establishment of the geometric model of the mechanism, a kinematics analysis of the mechanism is carried out. The singularity, the Jacobian matrix, and the kinematic performance of the mechanism are analyzed, and the working space of the mechanism is verified according to the kinematic equations. Finally, a prototype of the RCM mechanism was built, and its functionality was tested using a master–slave control strategy.
Dynamic Characterization of Thermocouples under Double-Pulse Laser-Induced Thermal Excitation
Authors: Yang Hongbo , Tu Chengxu , Jia Zhouxia , Meng Qingfu , Zhang Jinghao , Wang Jiaxiang , Zhao Yalei , Zhu Chenbin , Bao Fubing
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the dynamic characteristics of thermocouples by using double-pulse laser excitation for dynamic temperature calibration under extreme conditions. An experimental device was constructed for double-pulse laser calibration; the device uses a digital pulse delay trigger to precisely control the double-pulse laser to achieve sub-microsecond dual temperature excitation with adjustable time intervals. The time constants of thermocouples under single-pulse laser excitation and double-pulse laser excitation were evaluated. In addition, the variation trends of thermocouple time constants under different double-pulse laser time intervals were analyzed. The experimental results indicated that the time constant increases and then decreases with the decrease in the time interval of the double-pulse laser. A method for dynamic temperature calibration was established for the evaluation of the dynamic characteristics of temperature sensors.
Vaccination against Varicella Zoster Virus Infection in Less Developed Regions of Guangdong, China: A Cross-Sectional Serosurveillance Study
Authors: Chen Huimin , Liang Chumin , Huang Xiaorong , Ruan Qianqian , Li Zhaowan , Hu Ximing , Zeng Lilian , Lin Huifang , Li Jialing , Xie Xin , Zhu Qi , Liu Tao , Sun Limei , Sun Jiufeng
Published: February 2023

Vaccination is the key to prevent varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection in children. Voluntary and self-funded strategies have led to variable vaccination rates against VZV in China. For low-income populations, in particular, the effects of VZV vaccination have been insufficiently estimated. Community-based serosurveillance was conducted in two less developed regions, Zhanjiang and Heyuan, of Guangdong, China. Anti-VZV IgG antibodies in serum were detected by ELISA. The vaccination data were derived from the Guangdong Immune Planning Information System. A total of 4221 participants were involved, of which 3377 were from three counties of Zhanjiang and the other 844 were from one county of Heyuan, Guangdong, China. The total VZV IgG seropositivity rate in vaccinated individuals was 34.30% and 42.76%, while it was 89.61% and 91.62% in non-vaccinated populations of Zhanjiang and Heyuan, respectively. The seropositivity rate increased gradually with age, reaching ~90% in the >20- to 30-year-old group. The VarV vaccination rates of children aged 1–14 years were 60.47% for one dose and 6.20% for two doses in Zhanjiang, and 52.24% for one dose and 4.48% for two doses in Heyuan. Compared with the non-vaccinated group (31.19%) and one-dose group (35.47%), the positivity rate of anti-VZV IgG antibodies was significantly higher in the two-dose group (67.86%). Before the VarV policy was reformed, the anti-VZV IgG positivity rate was 27.85% in the one-dose-vaccinated participants, which increased to 30.43% after October 2017. The high seroprevalence in participants was due to infection of VZV in Zhanjiang and Heyuan, not vaccination against VZV. Children aged 0–5 years are still vulnerable to varicella, so a two-dose vaccination program should be implemented to prevent onward transmission of VZV.
Evolution of approaches to the use of antithrombotic agents in COVID-19
Authors:   FSBEI HE Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Polyakova V. I.
Published: February 2023

The paper presents an analysis of scientific data published in the period from 2019 to 2022 and other materials demonstrating a change in approaches to the prevention of thrombotic complications in the coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
Second order differentiability of the intermediate-point function in Cauchy's mean-value theorem
Authors: Pop Beatrix-Mihaela , Duca Dorel
Published: February 2023

If the functions \(f,g:I\rightarrow \mathbb{R}\) are differentiable on the interval \(I\subseteq \mathbb{R}\), \(a\in I,\) then there exists a function \(\bar{c}:I\rightarrow I\) such that $$ \left[ f\left( x\right) -f\left( a\right) \right] g^{\left( 1\right) }\left( \bar{c}\left( x\right) \right) =\left[ g\left( x\right) -g\left( a\right) \right] f^{\left( 1\right) }\left( \bar{c}\left( x\right) \right) ,\text{ for }x\in I. $$ In this paper we study the differentiability of the function \(\bar{c}\), when $$ f^{\left( k\right) }\left( a\right) g^{\left( 1\right) }\left( a\right) =f^{\left( 1\right) }\left( a\right) g^{\left( k\right) }\left( a\right) , \text{ for all }k\in \{1,...,n-1\} $$ and $$ f^{\left( n\right) }\left( a\right) g^{\left( 1\right) }\left( a\right) \neq f^{\left( 1\right) }\left( a\right) g^{\left( n\right) }\left( a\right). $$
Generalized Newton’s method for solving nonlinear and nondifferentiable algebraic systems
Authors: Pop Nicolae
Published: February 2023

In this paper a model based on non-smooth equations is proposed for solving a non-linear and non-differential equation obtained by discretization of a quasi-variational inequality that models the frictional contact problem. The main aim of this paper is to show that the Newton method based on the plenary hull of the Clarke generalized Jacobians (the non-smooth damped Newton method) can be implemented for solving Lipschitz non-smooth equation.
Analytic and empirical study of the rate of convergence of some iterative methods
Authors: Berinde Vasile , Khan Abdul Rahim , Păcurar Mădălina
Published: February 2023

We study analytically and empirically the rate of convergence of two \(k\)-step fixed point iterative methods in the family of methods\[x_{n+1}=T(x_{i_0+n-k+1},x_{i_1+n-k+1},\dots, x_{{i_{k-1}+n-k+1}}),\,n\geq k-1,\] where \(T\colon X^k\rightarrow X\) is a mapping satisfying some Presic type contraction conditions and \((i_0,i_1,\dots,i_{k-1})\) is a permutation of  \((0,1,\dots,k-1)\).   We also consider the Picard iteration associated to the fixed point problem  \(x=T(x,\dots,x)\) and compare analytically and empirically the rate and speed of convergence of the three iterative methods. Our approach opens a new perspective on the study of the rate of convergence / speed of convergence of fixed point iterative methods and also illustrates the essential difference between them by means of some concrete numerical experiments.
Semilocal convergence of Newton-like methods under general conditions with applications in fractional calculus
Authors: Anastassiou George A. , Argyros Ioannis K.
Published: February 2023

We present a semilocal convergence study of Newton-like methods on a generalized Banach space setting to approximate a locally unique zero of an operator. Earlier studies such as [5], [6], [7], [14] require that the operator involved is Fréchet-differentiable. In the present study we assume that the operator is only continuous. This way we extend the applicability of Newton-like methods to include fractional calculus and problems from other areas. Some applications include fractional calculus involving the Riemann-Liouville fractional integral and the Caputo fractional derivative. Fractional calculus is very important for its applications in many applied sciences.
Commutativity and spectral properties of genuine Baskakov-Durrmeyer type operators and their \(k\)th order Kantorovich modification
Authors: Heilmann Margareta
Published: February 2023

In this paper we present an overview of commutativity results and different methods for the proofs for  Baskakov-Durrmeyer type operators and associated differential operators. We discuss the spectral properties and generalize all results to \(k\)th order Kantorovich modifications and corresponding Durrmeyer type variants of Bleimann, Butzer and Hahn operators and Meyer-Konig and Zeller operators.
Presença feminina nos cursos de engenharia e tecnologia da Universidade do Estado do Amazonas
Authors: Figueiredo Ingrid Sammyne Gadelha , Leal Cleto cavalcante de Souza , Pontes Danielle Pompeu Noronha
Published: February 2023

Há uma crescente demanda por estudos que explorem a presença de mulheres na Engenharia a fim de compreender a baixa representatividade deste grupo nesta área. Neste trabalho são apresentadas análises quantitativas sobre a participação feminina no corpo discente dos cursos de graduação em Engenharia e Tecnologia da Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA). A coleta dos dados teve como base informações oficiais da universidade no período de 2017 a 2021, com o objetivo de mapear a representatividade das mulheres no âmbito do histórico de ingressantes, da atual distribuição entre os cursos e dos dados acumulados de concluintes dos cursos de Engenharia e Tecnologia desta instituição.
ПІДВИЩЕННЯ РІВНЯ ПРАВОВОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ УЧНІВ ЯК МЕТА ПРАВОВОЇ ОСВІТИ У ЗЗСО
Authors: Миценко Є. С.
Published: February 2023

Висвітлюється значення правової освіти у сукупності навчання правознавства та правового виховання для становлення демократичного суспільства загалом та розвитку особистості сучасного випускника як патріота з активною громадянською позицією, який має систему знань про
право, права та обов’язки і свідомо їх виконує
Caste Rejection Thoughts in Siddhar Songs
Authors: R Ramalakshmi
Published: February 2023

Siddhar literature is still a unique literature in Tamil literature. The Siddhas have formulated their principles and doctrines in grammar. The word community means not only people living together but also living together based on an order in a society. The set of thoughts formed about what should and should not be done by a human being in a society is called morality or ethics. Based on this virtue, various virtues including the virtue of life have been said. Through the Vedas and the Puranas, the Vaidikas, the Brahmins, portrayed themselves as superior and treated other caste people as slaves. Many were considered as untouchables and unfit based on caste hierarchies. The Siddhars have raised a revolt against the Vedics, their principles and doctrines. Caste and religion are inextricably intertwined in Indian society. They are inextricably intertwined. The Siddhars are foremost in denouncing the caste system which is the main reason for the division in the society. Siddhars who saw the inequalities that existed between them in their time, stood bravely and opposed the caste system. Caste oppression is one of the most prevalent things in Indian society.  One of its inputs is the untouchability and is created as a result of a dominant mindset that does not treat fellow human beings as equals. If you touch the untouchables you will be defiled. Seeing this cruelty, the Siddhars raised their voices against untouchability. The Siddhars have also sung against untouchability as a part of caste oppression. The Siddhars condemned the Vedas for citing grass-eating as the main reason for untouchability.
Philosophical Thought in the Works of Subrabharathimanyan
Authors: J Sivgamisundari
Published: February 2023

Subrabharathimanian is one of the modern writers who is deeply concerned about the society and the environment. In most of his works he has written about the Noyyal river and how it has been polluted by dye waste and garbage from Banyan companies. Most of his novel is about the about pollution of the atmosphere due to the fumes of factories, global warming, people being mentally affected by the noise of vehicles and about the diseases because of this. He has said about women workersin his novel Samayalarai Kalaiyangal, about child labourers in Pinangalin mugangal, about field workers in Thaeneer idaivaelai, about Tirupur condition in Naira and about weaver’s problem in Tarinada. And also, in Mega vedippu article about the effects of methane gas coal mining. Sivappu Pattiyal essay on bird extinction and Marainthu Varum Marnangal based on tree extinction. Mos of his works are about the social welfare.
Learning Strategies of Francophone Learners in Selected English Medium of Instruction Schools in Cameroon
Authors: Marie Andrée Ndzana Messina , Amaa Eyovi Professor Njwe née
Published: February 2023

This study focuses on the learning strategies of learners from Francophone backgrounds immersed in English Medium of Instruction schools (EMI) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. It also investigates the challenges faced by the students in effectively applying and using these strategies. To this effect seven English medium of instruction schools were identified and chosen in the capital city of Yaoundé and used for this study. In the selected schools four hundred learners who hailed from Francophone homes and were immersed in the English Medium of Schools were chosen and used for this study. The tools engaged for this research endeavor comprised classroom observation, interview and the questionnaire. The results from our investigation showed that these learners used Cognitive, Metacognitive, Affective, Social as well as Authority-oriented strategies. It should be noted that the learners faced different challenges in applying the different strategies. In general the strategies worked out well because the students accomplished their goals which included success in learning content subjects as well as the acquisition of improved proficiency in the English language.
Maya Kaynaklı Sinbiyotik (JD2+EPSJD2) ve Postbiyotik+Prebiyotik (CFSJD2+EPSJD2) Uygulamalarının Bazı Biyolojik Aktivitelerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: AAKEF Jaafar Nozad Aakef , YUKSEKDAG Zehranur
Published: February 2023

Ekzopolisakkaritin (EPS) biyolojik potansiyeli, probiyotik mikroorganizmaların yetiştirilmesinde kullanılan fermantasyon koşullarından etkilenen kimyasal yapısına bağlıdır. Probiyotik maya tarafından üretilen EPS, antimikrobiyal, immünomodülatör, anti-inflamatuar, antioksidan, anti-tümör, anti-viral, anti-diyabetik, anti-ülser ve kolesterol düşürücü aktiviteler gibi terapötik uygulamalarda çok önem kazanmıştır. Bu çalışmada, Pichia kudriavzevii mayası kullanılarak elde edilen sinbiyotik (JD2+EPSJD2), postbiyotik+prebiyotik (CFSJD2+EPSJD2) uygulamalarının bazı biyolojik aktivite (antioksidan ve antibiyofilm) çalışmalarının yapılması amaçlanmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçların etkili/etkisiz olduğunu yorumlayabilmek için aynı koşullarda ticari prebiyotik olarak satılan inülin kullanılmış ve analiz sonuçları karşılaştırılmıştır. Farklı konsantrasyonlar denenerek belirlenen biyolojik aktivite çalışmalarında 10 mg/L derişimde sırasıyla en yüksek antioksidan ve antibiyofilm kapasite postbiyotik+prebiyotik (CFSJD2+EPSJD2) (%86,6 ve %84, sırasıyla) uygulamasında tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca, ticari prebiyotik olarak kullanılan inülinin antioksidan aktivitesinin (%71,4) ve biyofilm oluşumunu engelleme (%68) kapasitesinin araştırmamızda kullandığımız uygulamalardan daha düşük değerde olduğu gözlenmiştir.
Kausalitas Surat Wasiat Terroris Pelaku Penembakan di Mabes Polri Terhadap Pandangan Masyarakat dengan Bank Syariah
Authors: Chaidir Mega Fadhilah , Apriani Rani
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis article aims to analyze how influential the wills of the terrorists who shot at the National Police Headquarters on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. In this will, the perpetrator tells his family to stay away from the bank because of usury. The bank itself is a business entity that collects funds from its customers in the form of deposits. When viewed from the pricing, there are 2 (two) types of banks, namely conventional banks and Islamic banks. Conventional banks Implement a price system according to interest rates or commonly known as a spread base, as well as the fee base method, which means calculating the costs required. While Islamic banks apply a system of agreements in accordance with Islamic law with related parties in depositing funds and various other banking activities, there are very prominent differences between the two that make these two types of banks cannot be equalized, as stated in the terrorist's will that the bank is usury. The circulatiom of the will in the community created a negative assessment of the public’s view of the banking system Keywords: Bank, Usury, Terrorist.AbstrakArtikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis seberapa berpengaruh surat wasiat teroris pelaku penembakan di Mabes Polri pada Rabu, 31 Maret 2021. Dimana dalam surat wasiat tersebut terdapat suruhan pelaku kepada keluarganya untuk menjauhi bank karena riba. Bank sendiri merupakan badan usaha yang menghimpun dana para nasabahnya dalam bentuk simpanan. Jika dilihat dari penentuan harga, terdapat 2(dua) jenis bank, yakni bank konvensional dan bank syariah. Bank konvensionl Menerapkan sistem harga sesuai suku bunga atau yang biasa dikenal sebagai spread base, serta metode fee base yang artinya menghitung biaya yang dibutuhkan. Sementara bank syariah menerapkan sistem perjanjian sesuai hukum Islam dengan pihak terkait dalam penyimpanan dana dan berbagai kegiatan perbankan lainnya.Terdapat perbedaan yang sangat menonjol diantara keduanya yang membuat kedua jenis bank ini tidak bisa disama ratakan seperti yang disebutkan dalam surat wasiat pelaku teroris bahwa bank adalah riba. Beredarnya surat wasiat tersebut ditengah masyarakat menimbulkan penilaian negatif pandangan masyarakat kepada sistem perbankan.Kata Kunci : Bank, Riba, Teroris