bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additionality and Leakage Resulting from PES Implementation? Evidence from the Ecuadorian Amazonia
Authors: Gordillo Fernando , Eguiguren Paul , Köthke Margret , Ferrer Velasco Rubén , Elsasser Peter
Published: July 2021

Payments for Environmental Services (PES) are instruments which seem well suited for forest conservation. However, their impact on reducing deforestation might be weakened by negligible additionality and leakage effects; the first refers to the low variation in net deforestation rates even in the absence of PES, and the second refers to the displaced deforestation behavior to other areas not covered by PES. For the case of Ecuador, we examine both issues by assessing the historical deforestation trend of selected PES-enrolled areas and that of their adjacent areas to identify deforestation patterns before and after PES implementation. We analyze the additional effect of PES on reducing deforestation by comparison to a baseline as well as to comparable reference sites at two different spatial scales. We also analyze potential leakage effects of PES by comparing deforestation development in adjacent areas. We show that PES has achieved marginally low conservation impacts in enrolled areas with an average difference in net deforestation rates of 0.02 percent points over a period of 28 years. Overall, PES-enrolled areas depict lower annual net deforestation rates than unenrolled areas, albeit at a negligible rate, and there is also some evidence that deforestation decreased in adjacent areas after PES implementation. Additionally, there exists a statistically significant linear increasing deforestation trend in adjacent areas as distance increases from the PES-enrolled area. Our empirical results, however, raise the suspicion that the choice of PES-enrolled areas might have been influenced by self-selection.
A Literature Review on Cable Extraction Practices of South Korea: 1990–2020
Authors: Lee Eunjai , Choi Yunsung , Cho Minjae , Cho Koohyun , Oh Jaeheun , Han Sangkyun , Im Sangjun
Published: July 2021

Cable yarding technology remains the most effective operation in steep terrain harvesting systems; however, it has limitations and challenges. Using cable yarders (tractor-, truck-, and excavator-based) to extract tree lengths and whole trees has been common since the late 20th century in South Korea, and cable yarding operations were developed in the late 1800s in the United States and Europe. Machine potential and limitations must be understood to ensure the widespread use of technology, strong cooperation, and optimal selection of machinery size. We reviewed the literature on tower yarder performances from 1990–2021 to determine the alteration of yarders and its productivity pattern and obtained 23 papers; <2 publications per year discussed the determination of cable yarding productivity. We selected independent variables (e.g., silvicultural treatment, harvesting method, and cycle log volume) for cable yarding that would likely affect productivity. Data were analyzed to compare productivities under silvicultural treatment, the harvesting method, and yarding direction and identify the interaction mechanical power (i.e., lifting capacity and machine power), yarding distance, and slope. Cable yarder productivity rates generally depended on the silvicultural treatment, harvesting method, and yarding direction, particularly in clear-cut, tree-length, and uphill yarding operation activities. The lifting capacity, machine power, and slope had no significant correlation with yarders’ productivity, particularly in thinning operations, whereas, in clear-cut productivity, it was influenced by these variables. The results contribute to improving operation activities for cable yarding systems and towards future research directions.
Religion, Segregation, and Voting Rights: Unforgetting the Legacies of Bishops George Foster Pierce and Lucius Henry Holsey in Hancock County, Georgia, USA
Authors: Gorman Leo Braselton
Published: July 2021

In this essay, I explore the history and public memory of two important bishops in the Methodist churches in Georgia. Through an examination of the lives of my ancestor, Bishop George Foster Pierce, and his Black contemporary, Bishop Lucius Holsey, I seek to illustrate how the forces of settler colonialism, White supremacy, and emergent American capitalism converged with religious paternalism to shape their material lives and moral perspectives. Through family documents, letters, sermons, memorials, newspaper articles, and in-depth interviews, I situate their histories in the ongoing struggle for racial justice in Hancock County.
Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Diabetes Quality of Life Scale in Afaan Oromoo among People Living with Type 2 Diabetes in Ethiopia
Authors: Diriba Dereje Chala , Leung Doris Y. P. , Suen Lorna K. P.
Published: July 2021

Background: The original 46-item diabetes quality of life (DQOL) scale has been translated into different languages, and the translated DQOL has shown good reliability and validity after deleting some items. The aim of this study was to translate the diabetes quality of life (DQOL) scale into Afaan Oromoo and to culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the DQOL-Afaan Oromoo (DQOL-AO) among people living with T2D in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a convenience sampling technique was conducted in 2020. The DQOL was translated and adapted to Afaan Oromoo. Item–total correlations and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) assessed factor structure; the Cronbach’s alpha assessed internal consistency and relationships with gender, educational status, marital status, age, and employment status; and status of diabetes-related disease assessed the construct validity of the DQOL-AO. Results: 417 participants responded to all items of the DQOL. Item–total correlation analysis and EFA produced a 34-item DQOL-AO with four subscales, which demonstrated that the internal consistency of the overall DQOL-AO was 0.867, and scores were 0.827, 0.846, 0.654, and 0.727 for the impact, satisfaction, social/vocational worry, and diabetes-related worry subscales, respectively. Statistically significant differences between QOL were obtained in educational status (F = 7.164, p < 0.001) and employment status (F = 4.21, p = 0.002). Individuals who attended college and above and government employees had better QOL. Conclusion: The 34-item DQOL-AO provided preliminary evidence as a reliable and valid tool to measure diabetic-related QOL before it can be widely used among adults living with T2D who speak Afaan Oromoo.
The Psychosocial Work Environment and Perceived Stress among Seniors with Physically Demanding Jobs: The SeniorWorkingLife Study
Authors: Vinstrup Jonas , Meng Annette , Sundstrup Emil , Andersen Lars L.
Published: July 2021

Background: Poor psychosocial work conditions are known to foster negative health consequences. While the existing literature on this topic focus mainly on white-collar workers, the influence of different aspects of the psychosocial work environment in physically demanding jobs remain understudied. Likewise, senior workers represent a population of the workforce at increased risk of adverse health outcomes and premature exit from the labour market. This study investigates the association between psychosocial work factors and perceived stress among the senior work force. Methods: Utilizing cross-sectional findings, this study reports associations between psychosocial factors (organizational justice, cooperation and collegial support, decision latitude, clarity of tasks, and quality of leadership) and the outcome of perceived stress quantified by Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS). Currently employed senior workers with physically demanding jobs were included in the analyses (n = 3386). Associations were modeled using general linear models with weights to make the estimates representative. Results: For all individually adjusted psychosocial variables, the category of “good” was consistently associated with lower stress scores compared to the categories of both “moderate” and “poor” (all p < 0.0001). Likewise, in the mutually adjusted analysis, the category of “good” was statistically different from “poor” for all included variables, while the category of “moderate” remained different from “poor” for “clarity of tasks”, “cooperation and collegial support”, and “decision latitude”. Conclusions: Among senior workers with physically demanding jobs, poor ratings of organizational factors related to the psychosocial work environment are consistently associated with high stress scores. Blue-collar occupations focusing primarily on physical risk factors are recommended to increase awareness on psychosocial aspects that may be relevant to the local work environment.
Using Mobile Phone Data to Estimate the Relationship between Population Flow and Influenza Infection Pathways
Authors: Chen Qiushi , Tsubaki Michiko , Minami Yasuhiro , Fujibayashi Kazutoshi , Yumoto Tetsuro , Kamei Junzo , Yamada Yuka , Kominato Hidenori , Oono Hideki , Naito Toshio
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to analyze population flow using global positioning system (GPS) location data and evaluate influenza infection pathways by determining the relationship between population flow and the number of drugs sold at pharmacies. Neural collective graphical models (NCGMs; Iwata and Shimizu 2019) were applied for 25 cell areas, each measuring 10 × 10 km2, in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hyogo prefectures to estimate population flow. An NCGM uses a neural network to incorporate the spatiotemporal dependency issue and reduce the estimated parameters. The prescription peaks between several cells with high population flow showed a high correlation with a delay of one to two days or with a seven-day time-lag. It was observed that not much population flows from one cell to the outside area on weekdays. This observation may have been due to geographical features and undeveloped transportation networks. The number of prescriptions for anti-influenza drugs in that cell remained low during the observation period. The present results indicate that influenza did not spread to areas with undeveloped traffic networks, and the peak number of drug prescriptions arrived with a time lag of several days in areas with a high amount of area-to-area movement due to commuting.
Public Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices in the High-Risk Lightning Zone of South Africa
Authors: Moyo Inocent , Xulu Sifiso
Published: July 2021

Lightning activity is a hazard for human societies and the environment, and a common feature of South Africa’s climate system, although with great regional variation. The north-eastern section of the country, including the predominantly rural uMkhanyakude District Municipality, is among the most vulnerable regions, where a growing trend of lightning-related deaths and injuries has been observed in recent years. Despite this, and the Disaster Management Act (No. 57 of 2002), which mandates the implementation of hazard and risk assessments at all scales, no detailed research on the community risk perception of lightning incidents has yet been conducted, although such information could help to facilitate mitigation strategies. This explorative study involved a questionnaire survey of 150 community members that aimed to address this gap. Our results suggest that lightning is a real danger and the community had failed to effectively and successfully respond to its various socio-economic implications at the community and individual levels; this demonstrated the vulnerability of the community to the lightning activity in the study area. The contribution of this study is the identification and explanation of how lightning is regarded, understood, interpreted and responded to and how this information provides an opportunity for effective government intervention.
States Transitions Inference of Postpartum Depression Based on Multi-State Markov Model
Authors: Xiong Juan , Fang Qiyu , Chen Jialing , Li Yingxin , Li Huiyi , Li Wenjie , Zheng Xujuan
Published: July 2021

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) has been recognized as a severe public health problem worldwide due to its high incidence and the detrimental consequences not only for the mother but for the infant and the family. However, the pattern of natural transition trajectories of PPD has rarely been explored. Methods: In this research, a quantitative longitudinal study was conducted to explore the PPD progression process, providing information on the transition probability, hazard ratio, and the mean sojourn time in the three postnatal mental states, namely normal state, mild PPD, and severe PPD. The multi-state Markov model was built based on 912 depression status assessments in 304 Chinese primiparous women over multiple time points of six weeks postpartum, three months postpartum, and six months postpartum. Results: Among the 608 PPD status transitions from one visit to the next visit, 6.2% (38/608) showed deterioration of mental status from the level at the previous visit; while 40.0% (243/608) showed improvement at the next visit. A subject in normal state who does transition then has a probability of 49.8% of worsening to mild PPD, and 50.2% to severe PPD. A subject with mild PPD who does transition has a 20.0% chance of worsening to severe PPD. A subject with severe PPD is more likely to improve to mild PPD than developing to the normal state. On average, the sojourn time in the normal state, mild PPD, and severe PPD was 64.12, 6.29, and 9.37 weeks, respectively. Women in normal state had 6.0%, 8.5%, 8.7%, and 8.8% chances of progress to severe PPD within three months, nine months, one year, and three years, respectively. Increased all kinds of supports were associated with decreased risk of deterioration from normal state to severe PPD (hazard ratio, HR: 0.42–0.65); and increased informational supports, evaluation of support, and maternal age were associated with alleviation from severe PPD to normal state (HR: 1.46–2.27). Conclusions: The PPD state transition probabilities caused more attention and awareness about the regular PPD screening for postnatal women and the timely intervention for women with mild or severe PPD. The preventive actions on PPD should be conducted at the early stages, and three yearly; at least one yearly screening is strongly recommended. Emotional support, material support, informational support, and evaluation of support had significant positive associations with the prevention of PPD progression transitions. The derived transition probabilities and sojourn time can serve as an importance reference for health professionals to make proactive plans and target interventions for PPD.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Perioperative Oral Management after Cancer Surgery and an Examination of the Reduction in Medical Costs Thereafter: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Sekiya Hideki , Kurasawa Yasuhiro , Maruoka Yutaka , Mukohyama Hitoshi , Negishi Akihide , Shigematsu Shiro , Sugizaki Junpei , Ohashi Masaru , Hasegawa Shiro , Kobayashi Yutaka , Ueno Masayuki , Michiwaki Yukihiro
Published: July 2021

In April 2012, perioperative oral management (POM) was approved for inclusion in the national health insurance system of Japan to prevent the occurrence of pneumonia, a major complication in cancer patients. The subsequent decrease in the incidence of postoperative pneumonia indicated the prophylactic effect of POM. The constant increase in health expenditure necessitates a cost-effectiveness analysis. In addition, the effect of reducing healthcare costs owing to health technologies must be evaluated. In the present multi-institutional study, the cost-effectiveness analysis of POM was conducted by comparing the incidence of postoperative pneumonia and the healthcare costs between patients who received surgery for malignant tumors before (n = 11,886) and after (n = 13,668) the introduction of POM. Additionally, the effect of reducing healthcare costs was evaluated. Reductions in the number of patients who developed pneumonia, duration of hospitalization, and number of deaths were observed after the introduction of POM. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 111,927 yen, hence the prevention of postoperative pneumonia needs 111,927 yen per patient in healthcare costs. Consequently, a maximum reduction of 250,368,129 yen in healthcare costs was observed between the incremental costs for pneumonia treatment and the cost of POM. These findings indicate that improvements in cost-effectiveness can be expected in the future through the development of procedure and system for POM.
Performance of Calcium Phosphate Cements in the Augmentation of Sheep Vertebrae—An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Kinne Raimund W. , Gunnella Francesca , Kunisch Elke , Heinemann Sascha , Nies Berthold , Maenz Stefan , Horbert Victoria , Illerhaus Bernhard , Huber René , Firkowska-Boden Izabela , Bossert Jörg , Jandt Klaus D. , Sachse André , Bungartz Matthias , Brinkmann Olaf
Published: July 2021

Oil-based calcium phosphate cement (Paste-CPC) shows not only prolonged shelf life and injection times, but also improved cohesion and reproducibility during application, while retaining the advantages of fast setting, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. In addition, poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) fiber reinforcement may decrease the risk for local extrusion. Bone defects (diameter 5 mm; depth 15 mm) generated ex vivo in lumbar (L) spines of female Merino sheep (2–4 years) were augmented using: (i) water-based CPC with 10% PLGA fiber reinforcement (L3); (ii) Paste-CPC (L4); or (iii) clinically established polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement (L5). Untouched (L1) and empty vertebrae (L2) served as controls. Cement performance was analyzed using micro-computed tomography, histology, and biomechanical testing. Extrusion was comparable for Paste-CPC(-PLGA) and PMMA, but significantly lower for CPC + PLGA. Compressive strength and Young’s modulus were similar for Paste-CPC and PMMA, but significantly higher compared to those for empty defects and/or CPC + PLGA. Expectedly, all experimental groups showed significantly or numerically lower compressive strength and Young’s modulus than those of untouched controls. Ready-to-use Paste-CPC demonstrates a performance similar to that of PMMA, but improved biomechanics compared to those of water-based CPC + PLGA, expanding the therapeutic arsenal for bone defects. O, significantly lower extrusion of CPC + PLGA fibers into adjacent lumbar spongiosa may help to reduce the risk of local extrusion in spinal surgery.
Free Vibration Analysis of a Graphene-Reinforced Porous Composite Plate with Different Boundary Conditions
Authors: Pan Hong-Gang , Wu Yun-Shi , Zhou Jian-Nan , Fu Yan-Ming , Liang Xin , Zhao Tian-Yu
Published: July 2021

Plates are commonly used in many engineering disciplines, including aerospace. With the continuous improvement in the capacity of high value-added airplanes, large transport aircrafts, and fighter planes that have high strength, high toughness, and corrosion resistance have gradually become the development direction of airplane plate structure production and research. The strength and stability of metal plate structures can be improved by adding reinforced materials. This paper studies graphene platelets (GPLs) reinforced with a free vibration porous composite plate. The porous plate is constructed with a multi-layer model in a metal matrix containing uniform or non-uniformly distributed open-cell internal pores. Considering the random and directional arrangement of graphene platelets in the matrix, the elastic modulus of graphene composites was estimated using the Halpin–Tsai micromechanical model, and the vibration frequencies of graphene composite were calculated using the differential quadrature method. The effects of the total number of layers, GPL distribution pattern, porosity coefficient, GPL weight fraction, and boundary conditions on the free vibration frequency of GPLs reinforced porous composite plates are studied, and the accuracy of the conclusions are verified by the finite element software.
A Monodisperse Population Balance Model for Nanoparticle Agglomeration in the Transition Regime
Authors: Kelesidis Georgios A. , Kholghy M. Reza
Published: July 2021

Nanoparticle agglomeration in the transition regime (e.g. at high pressures or low temperatures) is commonly simulated by population balance models for volume-equivalent spheres or agglomerates with a constant fractal-like structure. However, neglecting the fractal-like morphology of agglomerates or their evolving structure during coagulation results in an underestimation or overestimation of the mean mobility diameter, dm, by up to 93 or 49%, repectively. Here, a monodisperse population balance model (MPBM) is interfaced with robust relations derived by mesoscale discrete element modeling (DEM) that account for the realistic agglomerate structure and size distribution during coagulation in the transition regime. For example, the DEM-derived collision frequency, β, for polydisperse agglomerates is 82 ± 35% larger than that of monodisperse ones and in excellent agreement with measurements of flame-made TiO2 nanoparticles. Therefore, the number density, NAg, mean, dm, and volume-equivalent diameter, dv, estimated here by coupling the MPBM with this β and power laws for the evolving agglomerate morphology are on par with those obtained by DEM during the coagulation of monodisperse and polydisperse primary particles at pressures between 1 and 5 bar. Most importantly, the MPBM-derived NAg, dm, and dv are in excellent agreement with the data for soot coagulation during low temperature sampling. As a result, the computationally affordable MPBM derived here accounting for the realistic nanoparticle agglomerate structure can be readily interfaced with computational fluid dynamics in order to accurately simulate nanoparticle agglomeration at high pressures or low temperatures that are present in engines or during sampling and atmospheric aging.
Comparative Study and Limits of Different Level-Set Formulations for the Modeling of Anisotropic Grain Growth
Authors: Murgas Brayan , Florez Sebastian , Bozzolo Nathalie , Fausty Julien , Bernacki Marc
Published: July 2021

In this study, four different finite element level-set (FE-LS) formulations are compared for the modeling of grain growth in the context of polycrystalline structures and, moreover, two of them are presented for the first time using anisotropic grain boundary (GB) energy and mobility. Mean values and distributions are compared using the four formulations. First, we present the strong and weak formulations for the different models and the crystallographic parameters used at the mesoscopic scale. Second, some Grim Reaper analytical cases are presented and compared with the simulation results, and the evolutions of individual multiple junctions are followed. Additionally, large-scale simulations are presented. Anisotropic GB energy and mobility are respectively defined as functions of the mis-orientation/inclination and disorientation. The evolution of the disorientation distribution function (DDF) is computed, and its evolution is in accordance with prior works. We found that the formulation called “Anisotropic” is the more physical one, but it could be replaced at the mesoscopic scale by an isotropic formulation for simple microstructures presenting an initial Mackenzie-type DDF.
Microstructure and Properties of Electrodeposited Nanocrystalline Ni-Co-Fe Coatings
Authors: Ledwig Piotr , Kac Malgorzata , Kopia Agnieszka , Falkus Jan , Dubiel Beata
Published: July 2021

Materials based on Ni-Co-Fe alloys, due to their excellent magnetic properties, attract great attention in nanotechnology, especially as candidates for high-density magnetic recording media and other applications from spintronic to consumer electronics. In this study, Ni-Co-Fe nanocrystalline coatings were electrodeposited from citrate-sulfate baths with the Ni2+:Co2+:Fe2+ ion concentration ratios equal to 15:1:1, 15:2:1, and 15:4:1. The effect of the composition of the bath on the morphology, microstructure, chemical composition, microhardness, and magnetic properties of the coatings was examined. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to study surface morphology, microstructure, chemical, and phase composition. Isothermal cross-sections of the Ni-Co-Fe ternary equilibrium system for the temperature of 50 °C and 600 °C were generated using the FactSage package. Magnetic properties were analyzed by a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer (SQUID). All the coatings were composed of a single phase being face-centered cubic (fcc) solid solution. They were characterized by a smooth surface with globular morphology and a nanocrystalline structure of grain diameter below 30 nm. It was determined that Ni-Co-Fe coatings exhibit high hardness above 4.2 GPa. The measurements of hysteresis loops showed a significant value of magnetization saturation and small coercivity. The microstructure and properties of the obtained nanocrystalline coatings are interesting in terms of their future use in micromechanical devices (MEMS).
Multivariable Regression Strength Model for Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Beams under Torsion
Authors: Deifalla Ahmed F. , Zapris Adamantis G. , Chalioris Constantin E.
Published: July 2021

Torsional behavior and analysis of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams is investigated in this paper. The purpose of this study is twofold; to examine the torsion strength models for SFRC beams available in the literature and to address properly verified design formulations for SFRC beams under torsion. A total of 210 SFRC beams tested under torsion from 16 different experimental investigations around the world are compiled. The few strength models available from the literature are adapted herein and used to calculate the torsional strength of the beams. The predicted strength is compared with the experimental values measured by the performed torsional tests and these comparisons showed a room for improvement. First, a proposed model is based on optimizing the constants of the existing formulations using multi-linear regression. Further, a second model is proposed, which is based on modifying the American Concrete Institute (ACI) design code for reinforced concrete (RC) members to include the effect of steel fibers on the torsional capacity of SFRC beams. Applications of the proposed models showed better compliance and consistency with the experimental results compared to the available design models providing safe and verified predictions. Further, the second model implements the ACI code for RC using a simple and easy-to-apply formulation.
Ultrasound for Material Characterization and Processing
Authors: Lionetto Francesca
Published: July 2021

Ultrasonic waves are nowadays used for multiple purposes in many different fields from the non-destructive inspection of materials to sonochemical synthesis of materials and welding [...]
Combination of Piezoelectric and Triboelectric Devices for Robotic Self-Powered Sensors
Authors: Han Zhicheng , Jiao Pengchen , Zhu Zhiyuan
Published: July 2021

Sensors are an important part of the organization required for robots to perceive the external environment. Self-powered sensors can be used to implement energy-saving strategies in robots and reduce their power consumption, owing to their low-power consumption characteristics. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and piezoelectric transducer (PE) are important implementations of self-powered sensors. Hybrid sensors combine the advantages of the PE and TENG to achieve higher sensitivity, wider measurement range, and better output characteristics. This paper summarizes the principles and research status of pressure sensors, displacement sensors, and three-dimensional (3D) acceleration sensors based on the self-powered TENG, PE, and hybrid sensors. Additionally, the basic working principles of the PE and TENG are introduced, and the challenges and problems in the development of PE, TENG, and hybrid sensors in the robotics field are discussed with regard to the principles of the self-powered pressure sensors, displacement sensors, and 3D acceleration sensors applied to robots.
Total Synthesis of Pagoamide A
Authors: Wu Fusong , Yu Jie , Meng Jiawei , Guo Yian , Ye Tao
Published: July 2021

The first total synthesis of the thiazole-containing cyclic depsipeptide pagoamide A, is detailed. The longest linear sequence of the liquid-phase synthesis comprises 9 long linear steps from simple known starting materials, which led to the unambiguous structural confirmation of pagoamide A.
Exploration of Hypoglycemic Activity of Saccharomyces pastorianus Extract and Evaluation of the Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Wu Chien-Hui , Huang Chung-Hsiung , Chung Ming-Chuan , Chang Shun-Hsien , Tsai Guo-Jane
Published: July 2021

Although the hypoglycemic potential of brewer’s yeast extract has been reported, there is limited information pertaining to the hypoglycemic ingredients of Saccharomyces pastorianus extract and their mechanisms of action available. This study aimed to investigate the in vivo and in vitro hypoglycemic effect of S. pastorianus extract and to elucidate its molecular mechanisms. S. pastorianus extract was mainly composed of proteins followed by carbohydrates. In diabetic rats, oral administration of S. pastorianus extract significantly reduced the levels of plasma glucose and enhanced the activity of hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase. Treatment with S. pastorianus extract increased the localization of type 4 glucose transporter (GLUT4), PTP, and insulin receptor at 3T3-L1 cell membranes and raised the levels of P38 MAPK, PI3K, and AKT in the cytosol. In agreement with these results, pretreatment of 3T3-L1 cells with inhibitors of PTP, PI3K, Akt/PKB, and p38 MAPK inhibited glucose uptake induced by application of S. pastorianus extract. Most importantly, a 54 kDa protein with hypoglycemic activity was identified and suggested as the major ingredient contributing to the hypoglycemic activity of S. pastorianus extract. In summary, these results clearly confirm the hypoglycemic activity of S. pastorianus extract and provide critical insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Flexo-Ionic Effect of Ionic Liquid Crystal Elastomers
Authors: Rajapaksha C. P. Hemantha , Gunathilaka M. D. Tharindupriya , Narute Suresh , Albehaijan Hamad , Piedrahita Camilo , Paudel Pushpa , Feng Chenrun , Lüssem Björn , Kyu Thein , Jákli Antal
Published: July 2021

The first study of the flexo-ionic effect, i.e., mechanical deformation-induced electric signal, of the recently discovered ionic liquid crystal elastomers (iLCEs) is reported. The measured flexo-ionic coefficients were found to strongly depend on the director alignment of the iLCE films and can be over 200 µC/m. This value is orders of magnitude higher than the flexo-electric coefficient found in insulating liquid crystals and is comparable to the well-developed ionic polymers (iEAPs). The shortest response times, i.e., the largest bandwidth of the flexo-ionic responses, is achieved in planar alignment, when the director is uniformly parallel to the substrates. These results render high potential for iLCE-based devices for applications in sensors and wearable micropower generators.
Aspochalasin H1: A New Cyclic Aspochalasin from Hawaiian Plant-Associated Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus sp. FT1307
Authors: Qader Mallique , Zaman KH Ahammad Uz , Hu Zhenquan , Wang Cong , Wu Xiaohua , Cao Shugeng
Published: July 2021

Aspergillus is one of the most diverse genera, and it is chemically profound and known to produce many biologically active secondary metabolites. In the present study, a new aspochalasin H1 (1), together with nine known compounds (2–10), were isolated from a Hawaiian plant-associated endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. FT1307. The structures were elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1H, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, ROESY and 1D NOE), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS), and comparisons with the reported literature. The absolute configuration of the new compound was established by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) in combination with NMR calculations. The new compound contains an epoxide moiety and an adjacent trans-diol, which has not been reported before in the aspochalasin family. The antibacterial screening of the isolated compounds was carried out against pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus and Bacillus subtilis). The antiproliferative activity of compounds 1–10 was evaluated against human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and T46D) and ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780).
Optically Induced Field-Emission Source Based on Aligned Vertical Carbon Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Li Mengjie , Wang Qilong , Xu Ji , Zhang Jian , Qi Zhiyang , Zhang Xiaobing
Published: July 2021

Due to the high field enhancement factor and photon-absorption efficiency, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used in optically induced field-emission as a cathode. Here, we report vertical carbon nanotube arrays (VCNTAs) that performed as high-density electron sources. A combination of high applied electric field and laser illumination made it possible to modulate the emission with laser pulses. When the bias electric field and laser power density increased, the emission process is sensitive to a power law of the laser intensity, which supports the emission mechanism of optically induced field emission followed by over-the-barrier emission. Furthermore, we determine a polarization dependence that exhibits a cosine behavior, which verifies the high possibility of optically induced field emission.
Cytotoxic, Genotoxic and Senolytic Potential of Native and Micellar Curcumin
Authors: Beltzig Lea , Frumkina Anna , Schwarzenbach Christian , Kaina Bernd
Published: July 2021

Background: Curcumin, a natural polyphenol and the principal bioactive compound in Curcuma longa, was reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-rheumatic activity. Curcumin is not only considered for preventive, but also for therapeutic, purposes in cancer therapy, which requires a killing effect on cancer cells. A drawback, however, is the low bioavailability of curcumin due to its insolubility in water. To circumvent this limitation, curcumin was administered in different water-soluble formulations, including liposomes or embedded into nanoscaled micelles. The high uptake rate of micellar curcumin makes it attractive also for cancer therapeutic strategies. Native curcumin solubilised in organic solvent was previously shown to be cytotoxic and bears a genotoxic potential. Corresponding studies with micellar curcumin are lacking. Methods: We compared the cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of native curcumin solubilised in ethanol (Cur-E) with curcumin embedded in micells (Cur-M). We measured cell death by MTT assays, apoptosis, necrosis by flow cytometry, senolysis by MTT and C12FDG and genotoxicity by FPG-alkaline and neutral singe-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Results: Using a variety of primary and established cell lines, we show that Cur-E and Cur-M reduce the viability in all cell types in the same dose range. Cur-E and Cur-M induced dose-dependently apoptosis, but did not exhibit senolytic activity. In the cytotoxic dose range, Cur-E and Cur-M were positive in the alkaline and the neutral comet assay. Genotoxic effects vanished upon removal of curcumin, indicating efficient and complete repair of DNA damage. For inducing cell death, which was measured 48 h after the onset of treatment, permanent exposure was required while 60 min pulse-treatment was ineffective. In all assays, Cur-E and Cur-M were equally active, and the concentration above which significant cytotoxic and genotoxic effects were observed was 10 µM. Micelles not containing curcumin were completely inactive. Conclusions: The data show that micellar curcumin has the same cytotoxicity and genotoxicity profile as native curcumin. The effective concentration on different cell lines, including primary cells, was far above the curcumin concentration that can be achieved systemically in vivo, which leads us to conclude that native curcumin and curcumin administered as food supplement in a micellar formulation at the ADI level are not cytotoxic/genotoxic, indicating a wide margin of safety.
Improvement of Biophysical Skin Parameters of Topically Applied Fermented Soybean Extract-Loaded Niosomes with No Systemic Toxicity in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Rungseevijitprapa Wandee , Yingngam Bancha , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: July 2021

Despite the known beneficial impacts of estrogen used as hormone replacement therapy to ameliorate signs of skin aging in postmenopausal women, its compliance rates are low. A significant amount of estrogen may be absorbed into the blood circulation and can lead to systemic actions. Soy isoflavone exhibits biological activities similar to synthetic estrogen because it is a heterocyclic phenolic compound. The disadvantage of most topical ingredients based on isoflavone is that they contain biologically inactive glycoside forms, which must be converted to a readily absorbed aglycone for the topical application. The purposes of this study were to develop niosomes-loaded Aspergillus oryzae-fermented soybean extract (FSE) to enhance skin absorption with proven systemic side effect compared to estrogen application. Skin hydration and viscoelasticity of 75 days post-ovariectomized (OVX) Wistar rats following 84-day topical treatment with various tested gel formulations containing fermented soybean extract (FSE) were evaluated. The tested formulations were gel + FSE nanoniosomes, gel + FSE microniosomes, gel + FSE (200 µg FSE/9 cm2/rat), gel + blank nanoniosomes (a negative control), and gel + 17β-estradiol (E2) nanoniosomes (a positive control, 20 µg E2/9 cm2/rat). Changes in vaginal cornifications and weights of uteri, livers, and kidneys in the OVX rats and signs of primary skin irritation in the rabbits were evaluated for their toxicities. Results showed that FSE-loaded nanoniosomes improved the skin hydration and viscoelasticity better than gel + FSE microniosomes and gel + FSE, respectively, but lower than those of gel + E2 nanoniosomes (p < 0.05). Unlike all gel + E2 nanoniosomes, the FSE formulations showed no changes in vaginal cells and weights of uteri, livers, and kidneys and no signs of skin irritation. In conclusion, The FSE niosome-based gels should be promising candidates for delivering phytoestrogens against signs of skin aging with no systemic toxicities.
Contextualist Approaches and the Interpretation of the Qur’ān
Authors: Saeed Abdullah , Akbar Ali
Published: July 2021

When it comes to the interpretation of ethico-legal texts in the Qur’ān, there is usually a high degree of emphasis on literalism and textualism but not enough focus on contextualization. This is true for both the classical period and the modern period. This article points to the contextual nature of interpretation and how the contextualist approach to interpreting the Qur’ān can enable Muslims to follow its ethical teachings in accordance with contemporary needs and circumstances, without sacrificing fundamental Qur’ānic values. In order to do so, the article refers to Qur’ānic passages related to freedom of religion and the laws of punishment, and explores how a contextualist approach to interpreting such passages may yield results different from those of a textualist or literalist approach.
A Study on the Range Equation Modeling for Multichannel Medium-Earth-Orbit SAR-GMTI Systems
Authors: Li Yongkang , Wang Tong , Huo Tianyu , Nie Laisen
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the range equation modeling of a ground moving target for multichannel medium-Earth-orbit (MEO) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) ground moving target indication (GMTI), an issue which is challenging to tackle due to the non-linear motion of the radar platform and the Earth rotation. In the paper, the coordinates of the multichannel MEO SAR and the target, as well as the target’s range equation with respect to each channel, are developed. Moreover, an expression of concise form is derived for the target’s quadratic-approximated range equation, which will benefit the design of GMTI methods. Furthermore, theoretical analyses are conducted to reveal the dependency between the accuracy of the quadratic-approximated range equation and the parameters of the radar and the target. Numerical simulations are carried out to investigate the influence of the quadratic approximation of the range equation on the GMTI performance and to figure out the quadratic-approximated range equation’s scope of application.
High-Resolution Monitoring of Glacier Mass Balance and Dynamics with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles on the Ningchan No. 1 Glacier in the Qilian Mountains, China
Authors: Cao Bo , Guan Weijin , Li Kaiji , Pan Baotian , Sun Xiaodong
Published: July 2021

Glaciers located in the Qilian Mountains are rapidly retreating and thinning due to climate change. The current understanding of small glacier mass balance changes under a changing climate is limited by the scarcity of in situ measurements in both time and space as well as the resolution of remote sensing products. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide an unparalleled opportunity to track the spatiotemporal variations in glacier extent at a high resolution and the changing glacier morphological features related to glacial dynamics. Five measurements were performed on the Ningchan No. 1 (NC01) glacier in the Qilian Mountains between 18 August 2017 and 13 August 2020. The glacier changes displayed in the digital orthophoto maps (DOMs) and digital surface models (DSMs) show a 7.4 ± 0.1 m a−1 retreat of the terminus of NC01, a mass balance of −1.22 ± 0.1 m w.e. a−1 from 2017 to 2020, and a maximum surface velocity of 3.2 ± 0.47 m from 18 August 2017 to 26 August 2018, which clearly show consistency with stake measurements. The surface elevation change was influenced by the combined effects of air temperature, altitude, slope, and surface velocity. This research demonstrates that UAV photogrammetry can greatly improve the temporal and spatial resolution of glaciological research.
The Impact of the Mesoscale Ocean Variability on the Estimation of Tidal Harmonic Constants Based on Satellite Altimeter Data in the South China Sea
Authors: Yu Qian , Pan Haidong , Gao Yanqiu , Lv Xianqing
Published: July 2021

The estimation accuracy of tidal harmonic constants is of great significance to maritime traffic and port construction. However, due to the long sampling period of satellite altimeters, tidal signals alias the mesoscale ocean frequencies. As a result, the harmonic analysis is affected by mesoscale environmental noise. In this study, the influence of the mesoscale ocean variability (MOV) on the estimation of tidal harmonic constants was quantified by analyzing 25 years of altimeter data from the Topex/Poseidon (T/P) and Jason satellites in the South China Sea (SCS). The results indicated that the absolute amplitude differences (AADs) of the eight major tidal constituents before and after the mesoscale variability correction (MVC) were generally within 10 mm, and most were within 6 mm. For the relative impact, M2, O1, and K1 were not obviously affected by the MOV because of their large amplitudes, and the AADs generally accounted for less than ±10% of the amplitudes. As a tidal constituent with amplitude less than 2 cm in the SCS, the amplitude of K2 was significantly affected by the MOV, with the ratios of the AADs to its own amplitudes ranging from −64.79% to 95.99% in space. In terms of phase, the K2 tide was most affected by the MOV: 63% of the data points before and after correction were over ±5°, and the maximum and minimum values were 86.46° and −176.27°, respectively. The absolute phase differences of other tidal constituents before and after the MVC were generally concentrated within ±5°. The impact of the MOV on the evolution of tidal amplitudes in the SCS was also explored. It was found that the MOV can cause pseudo-rapid temporal variations of tidal amplitudes in some regions of the SCS.
Mechanical Properties and Micro Mechanism of Nano-Clay-Modified Soil Cement Reinforced by Recycled Sand
Authors: Qian Biao , Yu Wenjie , Lv Beifeng , Kang Haibo , Shu Longxin , Li Na , Wang Wei
Published: July 2021

To observe the effect of recycled sand and nano-clay on the improvement of the early strength of soil-cement (7d), 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% recycled sand were added. While maintaining a fixed moisture content of 30%, the ratios of each material are specified in terms of soil mass percentage. The shear strength of CSR (recycled sand blended soil-cement) was investigated by direct shear test and four groups of specimens (CSR-1, CSR-2, CSR-3 and CSR-4) were obtained. In addition, 8% nano-clay was added to four CSR groups to obtain the four groups of CSRN-1, CSRN-2, CSRN-3 and CSRN-4 (soil-cement mixed with recycled sand and nano-clay), which were also subjected to direct shear tests. A detailed analysis of the modification mechanism of soil-cement by recycled sand and nano-clay was carried out in combination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and IPP (ImagePro-Plus) software. The test results showed that: (1) CSR-3 has the highest shear strength due to the “concrete-like” effect of the incorporation of recycled sand. With the addition of 8% nano-clay, the overall shear strength of the cement was improved, with CSRN-2 having the best shear strength, thanks to the filling effect of the nano-clay and its high volcanic ash content. (2) When recycled sand and nano-clay were added to soil-cement, the improvement in shear strength was manifested in a more reasonable macroscopic internal structure distribution of soil-cement. (3) SEM test results showed that the shear strength was negatively correlated with the void ratio of its microstructure. The smaller the void ratio, the greater the shear strength. This shows that the use of reclaimed sand can improve the sustainable development of the environment, and at the same time, the new material of nano-clay has potential application value.
Slow-Paced Breathing: Influence of Inhalation/Exhalation Ratio and of Respiratory Pauses on Cardiac Vagal Activity
Authors: Laborde Sylvain , Iskra Maša , Zammit Nina , Borges Uirassu , You Min , Sevoz-Couche Caroline , Dosseville Fabrice
Published: July 2021

Slow-paced breathing has been shown to enhance the self-regulation abilities of athletes via its influence on cardiac vagal activity. However, the role of certain respiratory parameters (i.e., inhalation/exhalation ratio and presence of a respiratory pause between respiratory phases) still needs to be clarified. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the influence of these respiratory parameters on the effects of slow-paced breathing on cardiac vagal activity. A total of 64 athletes (27 female; Mage = 22, age range = 18–30 years old) participated in a within-subject experimental design. Participants performed six breathing conditions within one session, with a 5 min washout period between each condition. Each condition lasted 5 min, with 30 respiratory cycles, and each respiratory cycle lasted 10 s (six cycles per minute), with inhalation/exhalation ratios of 0.8, 1.0, 1.2; and with or without respiratory pauses (0.4 s) between respiratory phases. Results indicated that the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), a marker of cardiac vagal activity, was higher when exhalation was longer than inhalation. The presence of a brief (0.4 s) post-inhalation and post-exhalation respiratory pause did not further influence RMSSD. Athletes practicing slow-paced breathing are recommended to use an inhalation/exhalation ratio in which the exhalation phase is longer than the inhalation phase.