bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exogenous Melatonin Improves Waterlogging Tolerance in Wheat through Promoting Antioxidant Enzymatic Activity and Carbon Assimilation
Authors: Ma Shangyu , Gai Panpan , Geng Bingjie , Wang Yanyan , Ullah Najeeb , Zhang Wenjing , Zhang Haipeng , Fan Yonghui , Huang Zhenglai
Published: November 2022

In a pot experiment, we explored the regulatory pathways through which melatonin (MT) protects wheat growth and grain yield loss from waterlogging injury. Two wheat cultivars, Yangmai 18 and Yannong 19, were exposed to seven days of soil waterlogging at flowering. Melatonin (100 μmol·L−1) was sprayed before and after waterlogging to explore its regulation on root growth, photosynthetic characteristics, dry matter accumulation, and grain yield. Soil waterlogging intensified malondialdehyde (MDA) and O2− production rates in wheat tissues, impairing leaf photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and final grain yield formation. In this study, the roots waterlogged at 7 days after anthesis (DAA) accumulated 20.9%, 76.2%, 17.6%, 28.5%, and 5.6% higher MDA content, O2− production rate, pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activities, respectively, in Yangmai 18, and 25.7%, 74.8%, 35.8%, 70.8%, and 30.7% higher in Yannong 19, respectively, compared with their respective non-waterlogged controls. Further, Yangmai 18 achieved a maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pn) reduction of 22.1% at 7 DAA, while the maximum Pn reduction of Yannong 19 was 27.4% at 14 DAA, respectively, compared with their respective non-waterlogged plants. Thus, waterlogging decreased total dry matter accumulation, 1000-grain weight (TGW), and total grain yield by 14.0%, 13.8%, and 16.2%, respectively, in Yangmai 18, and 16.0%, 8.1%, and 25.1%, respectively, in Yannong 19. Our study also suggests that exogenously applied melatonin can protect wheat root tissues from waterlogging-induced oxidative injury by upregulating antioxidant enzymes and sustaining leaf photosynthesis. The plants treated with melatonin showed better water status and less oxidative damage, which was conducive to maintaining a higher photosynthetic capacity, thereby improving the waterlogging tolerance of wheat. For example, compared with waterlogged plants, melatonin treatments significantly reduced MDA content, O2− production rate, PDC, LDH, and ADH activities by 7.7%, 25.4%, 2.6%, 32.1%, and 3.2%, respectively, in Yangmai 18, and 6.7%, 17.9%, 4.1%, 22.0%, and 15.3%, respectively, in Yannong 19. MT treatments significantly increased total dry matter accumulation, TGW, and yield by 5.9%, 8.7%, and 14.9%, respectively, in Yangmai 18, and 3.2%, 7.3%, and 26.0%, respectively, in Yannong 19.
Understanding Farmers’ Adoption of Sustainable Agriculture Innovations: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Rosário José , Madureira Lívia , Marques Carlos , Silva Rui
Published: November 2022

Adoption of sustainable agriculture innovations is acknowledged to be an effective response to agro-ecological challenges, such as climate change, pests, drought, natural catastrophes, and food insecurity. However, its level of dissemination is still low across the world, particularly in the Global South. There is a need for a better understanding of the adoption determinants of these innovations in order to enhance them. This paper presents a systematic literature review focused on the use of sociopsychological determinants to understand the adoption of sustainable agriculture innovations, combining conventional bibliometric analysis with the method of vote-count. This method enabled an evaluation of the ability of the determinants considered by the models, as well as respective sociopsychological constructs, to explain the innovation adoption. Our results show a significant growth in the research employing theory and models built on sociopsychological factors to understand the decision-making processes undertaken by farmers in the context of the adoption of sustainable agriculture innovations. The development of statistical models and techniques, such as the structural equation model (SEM), has facilitated the inclusion of a growing set of sociopsychological variables. However, our review highlights that the selection of the sociopsychological constructs used by research to explain farmers’ adoption of sustainability innovations relies mainly on constructs defined for other decisional contexts, such as the adoption of innovations by firms in other sectors. Hence, the low ability evidenced by the models to explain farmers’ adoption behavior is due to a poor selection of constructs. The review highlights that this poor selection is a result of repetition of constructs, such as attitude, subjective norms, and little inclusion of other relevant constructs such as knowledge. The paper suggests the need for a better selection of the innovation determinants and measurement of respective constructs adjusted to the case of agriculture and the specificities of the diverse geographical farming contexts.
Effect of Ultraviolet Radiation on Reducing Airborne Escherichia coli Carried by Poultry Litter Particles
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Dung , Zhao Yang , Evans Jeffrey D. , Lin Jun , Voy Brynn , Purswell Joseph L.
Published: November 2022

Airborne Escherichia coli (E. coli) originating in poultry houses can be transmitted outside poultry farms through the air, posing risks of barn-to-barn infection through airborne transmission. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of ultraviolet (UV) light on the inactivation of airborne E. coli carried by poultry dust particles under laboratory conditions. A system containing two chambers that were connected by a UV scrubber was designed in the study. In the upstream chamber of the system, airborne E. coli attached to dust particles were aerosolized by a dry aerosolization-based system. Two sets of air samplers were placed in the two chambers to collect the viable airborne E. coli. By comparing the concentration of airborne E. coli in the two chambers, the inactivation rates were calculated. The airborne E. coli inactivation rates were tested at different contact times with the aid of a vacuum pump (from 5.62 to 0.23 s of contact time) and different UV irradiance levels (of 1707 µW cm−2 and 3422 µW cm−2). The inactivation rates varied from over 99.87% and 99.95% at 5.62 s of contact time with 1707 µW cm−2 and 3422 µW cm−2 of UV irradiance to 72.90% and 86.60% at 0.23 s of contact time with 1707 µW cm−2 and 3422 µW cm−2 of UV irradiance. The designed system was able to create the average UV irradiation of 1707 µW cm−2 and 3422 µW cm−2 for one UV lamp and two UV lamps, respectively. The findings of this study may provide an understanding of the effect of UV light on the inactivation of airborne E. coli carried by dust particles and help to design an affordable mitigation system for poultry houses.
Thermoregulation and Performance of Dairy Cows Subjected to Different Evaporative Cooling Regimens, with or without Pepper Extract Supplementation
Authors: Peretti Sidinei , Rosa Viviane Dalla , Zotti Maria Luísa Appendino Nunes , Prestes Alan Miranda , Ferraz Patrícia Ferreira Ponciano , da Silva Aleksandro Schafer , Zotti Claiton André
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there is an interaction between pepper extract (PE) supplementation and evaporative cooling regimens on the performance, thermal comfort, and metabolism of lactating cows. The experiment was designed as a double 4 × 4 Latin square using eight multiparous Holstein cows (days in milk 147 ± 43.8 days). Treatments were a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement; two evaporative cooling regimens [sprinkler cycles of 30 s on and 4.5 min off (R5) and 30 s on and 9.5 min off (R10)] were combined with no inclusion of pepper extract (CT) or 800 mg/cow daily of PE. The inclusion of PE allowed a greater reduction in the surface temperature of the coat, and the cows remained for longer periods in the feeding area. There was an interaction between the use of PE and the climate regimen for surface temperature, which was lower for PER5. Cows experiencing greater intermittency in the spraying cycles (R10) spent 35% more time at the feeding area. A significant interaction was observed for milk production, with greater production for CTR5 compared to the other treatments. The feed efficiency for R5 was higher than that for R10. The R5 treatment combined with PE reduced water intake. There was no significant difference in serum parameters other than gamma-glutamyl transferase, with an interaction between treatments and greater activity for PER10, and total protein and albumin, which had cooling effects that were higher for R10. The two factors tested interfered in different and dissociated ways. The evaporative cooling strategies were effective, and the R5 treatment resulted in higher feed efficiency and milk production. The inclusion of PE enhanced heat reduction in cows when they were subjected to a cooling regime.
Therapeutic Options for Chlamydia trachomatis Infection: Present and Future
Authors: Rodrigues Rafaela , Marques Lara , Vieira-Baptista Pedro , Sousa Carlos , Vale Nuno
Published: November 2022

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection, have serious consequences for sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Ct is one of the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections in the world, with approximately 129 million new cases per year. C. trachomatis is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium. The infection is usually asymptomatic, notwithstanding, it could also be associated with severe sequels and complications, such as chronic pain, infertility, and gynecologic cancers, and thus there is an urgent need to adequately treat these cases in a timely manner. Consequently, beyond its individual effects, the infection also impacts the economy of the countries where it is prevalent, generating a need to consider the hypothesis of implementing Chlamydia Screening Programs, a decision that, although it is expensive to execute, is a necessary investment that unequivocally will bring financial and social long-term advantages worldwide. To detect Ct infection, there are different methodologies available. Nucleic acid amplification tests, with their high sensitivity and specificity, are currently the first-line tests for the detection of Ct. When replaced by other detection methods, there are more false negative tests, leading to underreported cases and a subsequent underestimation of Ct infection’s prevalence. Ct treatment is based on antibiotic prescription, which is highly associated with drug resistance. Therefore, currently, there have been efforts in line with the development of alternative strategies to effectively treat this infection, using a drug repurposing method, as well as a natural treatment approach. In addition, researchers have also made some progress in the Ct vaccine development over the years, despite the fact that it also necessitates more studies in order to finally establish a vaccination plan. In this review, we have focused on the therapeutic options for treating Ct infection, expert recommendations, and major difficulties, while also exploring the possible avenues through which to face this issue, with novel approaches beyond those proposed by the guidelines of Health Organizations.
Treatment Outcomes of Childhood TB Patients in Four TB High Burden States of Malaysia: Results from a Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ahmad Rabbiya , Syed Sulaiman Syed Azhar , Muttalif Abdul Razak , Ahmad Nafees , Yaghi Aseel Rezeq Ali , Goh Khang Wen , Ming Long Chiau , Ahmed Nehad Jaser , Khan Amer Hayat
Published: November 2022

Data regarding treatment outcomes among childhood TB patients are lacking in Malaysia. The present study aimed to evaluate the treatment outcomes and predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes among childhood TB patients in four TB high-burden states of Malaysia. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at 13 healthcare centers in four states of Malaysia, namely, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and Penang. During the study period, a total of 8932 TB patients were enrolled for treatment at the study sites, of whom 206 (2.31%) were children. The majority of the childhood TB patients were female (52.9%) and belonged to the age group of 6–10 years (42.7%). Pulmonary TB accounted for 70.9% of childhood TB. Among childhood PTB patients, 50% were sputum smear negative. One hundred and seventy-eight patients (86.4%) were successfully treated (87 were cured and 91 completed treatment). Among 28 (13.6%) patients with unsuccessful treatment outcomes, 13 (6.3%) died, 3 (1.5%) failed treatment, 9 (4.4%) defaulted, and 3 (1.5%) were transferred out. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients’ age (5–14 years) (OR = 0.279, p-value = 0.006) and male gender (OR = 0.390, p-value = 0.046) had a statistically significant negative association with unsuccessful treatment outcomes. The prevalence of childhood TB in the current study was comparable to the recently published national estimates. The study sites reached the WHO target of treatment success. Special attention to patients with identified risk factors can improve treatment outcomes.
Structural Effects on the Antioxidant Properties of Amino Acid Betaxanthins
Authors: Esteves Larissa Cerrato , Machado Caroline Oliveira , Gonçalves Letícia Christina Pires , Cavalcante Victor Fernandes , Obeid Guilherme , Correra Thiago Carita , Bastos Erick Leite
Published: November 2022

Betaxanthins are natural products with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we describe the semisynthesis of twenty-one betaxanthins derived from proteinogenic amino acids, including the elusive betaxanthin of l-cysteine and two betaxanthins derived from l-lysine, and rationalize their antioxidant properties in mechanistic terms. The antioxidant capacity and redox potential of these betaxanthins were compared to those of model betaxanthins derived from dopamine, l-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), and pyrrolidine and structure–property relationships were established by using matched molecular pair analysis and a model developed using a genetic algorithm. Either a phenol or indole moiety enhance the antioxidant capacity of betaxanthins, which is overall much higher than that of their amino acid precursors and standard antioxidants, except for the cysteine-betaxanthin. The one-electron oxidation of amino acid betaxanthins produces radicals stabilized in multiple centers, as demonstrated by quantum chemical calculations.
Untargeted Metabolomic Approach of Curcuma longa to Neurodegenerative Phytocarrier System Based on Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Segneanu Adina-Elena , Vlase Gabriela , Lukinich-Gruia Alexandra Teodora , Herea Dumitru-Daniel , Grozescu Ioan
Published: November 2022

Curcuma is one of the most famous medicinal and tropical aromatic plants. Its health benefits have been appreciated and exploited in traditional Asian medicine since ancient times. Various studies have investigated its complex chemical composition and demonstrated the remarkable therapeutic properties of curcuma’s phytoconstituents. Oxidative stress is a decisive driving factor triggering numerous pathologies (neurodegenerative, psychiatric and cardiovascular diseases; diabetes; tumors, etc.). Numerous recent studies have focused on the use of natural compounds and nanomaterials as innovative molecular targeting agents as effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we report, for the first time, the development of a simple target phytocarrier system that capitalizes on the bioactive properties of curcuma and AgNPs. The complete metabolic profile of curcuma was determined based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-QTOF-MS). A total of 80 metabolites were identified under mass spectra (MS)-positive mode from 10 secondary metabolite categories: terpenoids, amino acids, diarylheptanoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, steroids, fatty acids, coumarins, alkaloids and miscellaneous. In addition, the biological activity of each class of metabolites was discussed. A comprehensive characterization (FT-IR, UV-Vis, DLS, SEM, TEM, EDS, zeta potential and XRD) was performed to study the morphostructural properties of this new phytocarrier system. Antioxidant activity of the new phytocarrier system was evaluated using a combination of in vitro methods (total phenolic assay, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and cyclic voltammetric method (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) electrochemical assay)). Antioxidants assays showed that the phytocarrier system exhibits superior antioxidant properties to those of its components, i.e., curcuma or citrate-coated-AgNPs. These data confirm the potential to enhance relevant theoretical knowledge in the area of innovative antioxidant agents, with potential application in neurodegenerative therapeutic strategies.
CAVeCTIR: Matching Cyber Threat Intelligence Reports on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Using Machine Learning
Authors: Raptis George E. , Katsini Christina , Alexakos Christos , Kalogeras Athanasios , Serpanos Dimitrios
Published: November 2022

Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are getting a lot of attention these days as their technology becomes more mature and they benefit from the Internet-of-Vehicles (IoV) ecosystem. CAVs attract malicious activities that jeopardize security and safety dimensions. The cybersecurity systems of CAVs detect such activities, collect and analyze related information during and after the activity, and use cyber threat intelligence (CTI) to organize this information. Considering that CTI collected from various malicious activities may share common characteristics, it is critical to provide the cybersecurity stakeholders with quick and automatic ways of analysis and interrelation. This aims to help them perform more accurate and effective forensic investigations. To this end, we present CAVeCTIR, a novel approach that finds similarities between CTI reports that describe malicious activities detected on CAVs. CAVeCTIR uses advanced machine learning techniques and provides a quick, automated, and effective solution for clustering similar malicious activities. We applied CAVeCTIR in a series of experiments investigating almost 3000 malicious activities in simulation, real-world, and hybrid CAV environments, covering seven critical cyber-attack scenarios. The results showed that the DBSCAN algorithm identified seven no-overlapping core clusters characterized by high density. The results indicated that cybersecurity stakeholders could take advantage of CAVeCTIR by adopting the same or similar methods to analyze newly detected malicious activity, speed up the attack attribution process, and perform a more accurate forensics investigation.
Robust Backstepping Control Combined with Fractional-Order Tracking Differentiator and Fractional-Order Nonlinear Disturbance Observer for Unknown Quadrotor UAV Systems
Authors: Park Sungbum , Han Seongik
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we studied a fractional-order robust backstepping control (BSC) combined with a fractional-order tracking differentiator and a fractional-order nonlinear disturbance observer for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system. A fractional-order filtered error and a fractional-order tracking differentiator were utilized in a conventional BSC system to improve the positioning control performance of a highly coupled nonlinear quadrotor UAV system and bypass the differentiation issue of the virtual control and compensation of the transformation error in the conventional BSC design. A new fractional-order disturbance observer with the sine hyperbolic function was then proposed to enhance the estimation performance of the uncertain quadrotor UAV. Sequential comparative simulations were conducted, demonstrating that the proposed positioning controller and observer utilizing fractional-order calculus outperformed those of the conventional controller and observer systems.
Double-Peaked Mid-Infrared Generation Based on Intracavity Difference Frequency Generation
Authors: Wang Kaifeng , Li Xiao , Wang Peng , Wang Meng , Hua Weihong , Han Kai , Wang Zefeng
Published: November 2022

It was reported that a double-peaked mid-infrared laser was generated based on an intracavity difference frequency generation (DFG). The double-peaked pump source was achieved by suppressing the intensity at the central wavelength of the pump source. The double-peaked mid-infrared generation had a double-peaked spacing of 23–37 nm, and the full width at half-peak (FWHM) of the peaks was up to 30 nm. It was demonstrated that a tilted Bragg fiber grating (TFBG) with a specific transmission spectral depth and bandwidth can generate a double-peaked mid-infrared laser with controllable double-peaked spacing. It was the first generation of a double-peaked mid-infrared laser based on a near-infrared pumping spectral modulation. Furthermore, the double-peaked mid-infrared generation was tunable, and the FWHMs of the peaks were controllable by an intracavity DFG. It had a high potential for the monitoring and absorption of gas molecules by differential absorption lidar (DIAL).
Effect of the Increasing Operator’s Experience on the Miniscrew Survival Rate
Authors: Lis Joanna , Rumin Kornelia , Sarul Michał , Kawala Beata
Published: November 2022

The aim of our study was to determine the learning curve of orthodontic miniscrew insertion in novices, unsupervised and supervised by experts. Three inexperienced orthodontists, two unsupervised (JA-S, MS) and one supervised (JŁ) by the experts, inserted 404 AbsoAnchor® miniscrews (Dentos, SH131208) into 202 patients for en masse retraction or distalization purposes. Miniscrews were inserted symmetrically on both sides of the maxilla between the 2nd bicuspid and the 1st molar. Then, the miniscrew survival rate and the orthodontists’ learning curves were estimated. After first 40 insertions JA-S, MS, and JŁ achieved 73, 70, and 83% of stable miniscrews, respectively. The overall outcome showed that after 74 and 118 insertions, the miniscrew survival rate reached 80% and 85%, respectively, and from that point the learning curve still presented an ascending trend. The success rate increased significantly: by 1.016 times with every procedure (odds ratio = 1.016, p = 0.006). Since the success rate significantly increased after each miniscrew insertion in the buccal maxillary area, this finding might encourage hesitating clinicians to introduce the miniscrews to the daily practices. Obtained data could also help to plan an effective training system for novice orthodontists.
Influence of Bends in the Functionality of Passive Explosion Isolation Valves
Authors: Garrido-Ceca Ignacio , Puig-Gamero María , Ramírez-Gómez Álvaro
Published: November 2022

Explosion isolation flap valves are one of the most used explosion protection systems in process industries; research is essential to improve them and to minimise both human and material losses when dust explosions take place. In this regard, there is little knowledge on the effect of bends in the functionality of these protective systems; hence, the main aim of this work is to bridge this gap. Large-scale dust explosions were performed, using three different types of dust: metal dust and two types of organic dust. In order to analyse the effect of bends in the functionality of these protective systems, results using a straight duct and one with bends were compared for each dust tested. In addition, the influence of the bend radius on aluminium dust explosions was also evaluated. The results indicated that the effect of bends depended on the explosive characteristics of the dust. However, for aluminium and maize starch dusts, bends led to higher pressures and flame velocities. Relevant information is provided to help decision-making when designing these valves. Moreover, such data can be used for consideration in the discussions held by the task force entrusted with developing the standard used to assess their functionality.
A Comprehensive Study on the Expansion of Electric Vehicles in Europe
Authors: Razmjoo Armin , Ghazanfari Arezoo , Jahangiri Mehdi , Franklin Evan , Denai Mouloud , Marzband Mousa , Astiaso Garcia Davide , Maheri Alireza
Published: November 2022

There has been a rapid increase in government efforts to expand electric vehicle markets by deploying fast-charging stations, promoting uptake through greater investment, and by enacting supportive policies. Government support and private investment have contributed to the expansion of electric vehicles in many countries. The aim of this study is to highlight and analyze the most critical aspects of the expansion of the electric vehicle market, regarding technologies, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, opportunities, and barriers in Europe. Our study analyzes the progress of electric vehicles by reviewing recent literature based on technology, policy, and government measurements. This study provides comprehensive information on electric vehicles and perspectives that are critical to policymakers, car manufacturers, consumers, and the community. To achieve favorable results, governments should invest in developing electric vehicles and battery technologies, provide subsidies, and develop charging infrastructure. Furthermore, by analyzing current EV sales in ten countries around the world, we assess the operating costs of electric vehicles. Overall EV cost of ownership is influenced by grid electricity price, cost of financing, location, carbon tax, wind speed, and solar insolation.
Stability Analysis of Jinchuan Hydropower Station Hydraulic Tunnels during Excavation and Unloading
Authors: Zhang Yan , Mao Haoyu , Li Biao , Sun Yuepeng
Published: November 2022

As the hydropower development strategies of China continue to be implemented, a host of large hydropower projects have been completed or are being constructed in southwest China. During construction of the Jinchuan hydropower station, this study examined the stability of the surrounding rock during the excavation and unloading of hydraulic tunnels under demanding geological conditions. Microseismic (MS) monitoring technology was employed to monitor the deformation and failure of the surrounding rock online and in real time, based on engineering geological data and site surveys. To analyze the stability of the surrounding rock in the spillway tunnel and to study the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of MS events, source parameter analysis and numerical modeling were performed. The 3D finite-difference numerical modeling software FLAC3D was used to simulate the mechanical response of the surrounding rock during the excavation and unloading of the spillway tunnel and the diversion tunnel. The numerical modeling results were compared with the monitoring results and site surveys to determine the failure mechanisms of the surrounding rock during the construction and unloading of the hydraulic tunnels. The research results can serve as a guide for studying the stability of the surrounding rock in similar hydraulic tunnels.
Transportation in the 21st Century: New Vision on Future Mobility
Authors: Jachimowski Roland
Published: November 2022

I am pleased to present this Special Issue on “Transportation in the 21st Century: New Vision on Future Mobility” [...]
The Effect of LEDs on Biomass and Phycobiliproteins Production in Thermotolerant Oscillatoria sp.
Authors: Contreras-Ropero Jefferson E. , Lidueñez-Ballesteros Valentina S. , Rodríguez-Bohórquez Angie D. , García-Martínez Janet B. , Urbina-Suarez Néstor A. , López-Barrera Germán L. , Barajas-Solano Andrés F. , Bryan Samantha J. , Zuorro Antonio
Published: November 2022

This study evaluates the role of different LED lights (white, blue/red), intensity (µmol m−2 s−1), and photoperiod in the production of biomass and phycocyanin-C, allophycocyanin and phycoerythrin (C-PC, APC, and PE respectively) from a novel thermotolerant strain of Oscillatoria sp. Results show that a mixture of white with blue/red LEDs can effectively double the biomass concentration up to 1.3 g/L, while the concentration of the selected phycobiliproteins increased proportionally to biomass. Results also indicate that high light intensities (>120 µmol m−2 s−1) can diminish the final concentration of C-PC, APC, and PE, significantly reducing the overall biomass produced. Finally, the photoperiod analysis showed that longer light exposure times (18:6 h) improved both biomass and phycobiliproteins concentration. These results demonstrate that the application of LEDs to produce a novel strain of Oscillatoria sp can double the biomass concentration, and the photoperiod regulation can eventually enhance the final concentration of specific phycobiliproteins such as APC and PE.
Numerical Investigation of a Novel Bottom-Up Assisted Pressure Drive Process in Oil Sands Reservoirs with Shale Barriers
Authors: Yang Min , Wang Sen , Feng Qihong , Yuan Yanguang
Published: November 2022

Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is widely applied to recover bitumen and heavy oil resources. Reservoir heterogeneity, especially the presence of shale barriers, continues to challenge the performance of SAGD. A novel enhanced oil recovery process, bottom-up assisted pressure drive, is proposed to improve the oil production in the reservoirs with shale barriers. In this work, numerical simulation is applied to investigate the feasibility of a bottom-up assisted pressure drive process. A reservoir model with typical oil sand reservoir properties is developed considering shale barriers. The performance of bottom-up assisted pressure drive and SAGD is compared under the same reservoir conditions, including steam chamber development, oil production rate, cumulative oil production, and the pressure difference between injector and production. The inherent mechanisms associated with the bottom-up assisted pressure drive are also well understood and confirmed. In the bottom-up assisted pressure drive, a flat steam chamber is developed from the bottom of the reservoir in the early stage of the process and grows upward with the injection of steam. The large volume of the steam chamber and the huge contact area between steam and bitumen contribute to a high oil production rate. The peak oil production rate in the bottom-up assisted pressure drive is approximately three times that in the SAGD process. The cumulative oil production in the bottom-up assisted pressure drive is 20% higher than that in the SAGD process. The effect of shale barriers on bottom-up assisted pressure drive is less, indicating one advantage of this novel process over SAGD in oil sands reservoirs with shale barriers. The pressure difference in the bottom-up assisted pressure drive is greater than that in the SAGD process. The pressure drive is another mechanism for improving oil production. The calculated net present value (NPV) in the bottom-up assisted pressure drive process is 27% higher than that in the SAGD process. This is mainly attributed to the high oil production rate in the early stage of the process and high cumulative oil production. The simulation study in this work provides technical support for the future field applications of this novel recovery process.
Modelling Coronavirus and Larvae Pyrausta Data: A Discrete Binomial Exponential II Distribution with Properties, Classical and Bayesian Estimation
Authors: Eliwa Mohamed S. , Tyagi Abhishek , Almohaimeed Bader , El-Morshedy Mahmoud
Published: November 2022

In this article, we propose the discrete version of the binomial exponential II distribution for modelling count data. Some of its statistical properties including hazard rate function, mode, moments, skewness, kurtosis, and index of dispersion are derived. The shape of the failure rate function is increasing. Moreover, the proposed model is appropriate for modelling equi-, over- and under-dispersed data. The parameter estimation through the classical point of view has been done using the method of maximum likelihood, whereas, in the Bayesian framework, assuming independent beta priors of model parameters, the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm within Gibbs sampler is used to obtain sample-based Bayes estimates of the unknown parameters of the proposed model. A detailed simulation study is carried out to examine the outcomes of maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimators. Finally, two distinctive real data sets are analyzed using the proposed model. These applications showed the flexibility of the new distribution.
Justification of Direct Scheme for Asymptotic Solving Three-Tempo Linear-Quadratic Control Problems under Weak Nonlinear Perturbations
Authors: Kurina Galina , Kalashnikova Margarita
Published: November 2022

The paper deals with an application of the direct scheme method, consisting of immediately substituting a postulated asymptotic solution into a problem condition and determining a series of control problems for finding asymptotics terms, for asymptotics construction of a solution of a weakly nonlinearly perturbed linear-quadratic optimal control problem with three-tempo state variables. For the first time, explicit formulas for linear-quadratic optimal control problems, from which all terms of the asymptotic expansion are found, are justified, and the estimates of the proximity between the asymptotic and exact solutions are proved for the control, state trajectory, and minimized functional. Non-increasing of the minimized functional, if a next approximation to the optimal control is used, following from the proposed algorithm of the asymptotics construction, is also established.
Probing the Oscillatory Behavior of Internet Game Addiction via Diffusion PDE Model
Authors: Zhao Kaihong
Published: November 2022

We establish a non-linear diffusion partial differential equation (PDE) model to depict the dynamic mechanism of Internet gaming disorder (IGD). By constructing appropriate super- and sub-solutions and applying Schauder’s fixed point theorem and continuation method, we study the existence and asymptotic stability of traveling wave solutions to probe into the oscillating behavior of IGD. An example is numerically simulated to examine the correctness of our outcomes.
Genetic Modulation of the GLUT1 Transporter Expression—Potential Relevance in Complex Diseases
Authors: Kulin Anna , Kucsma Nóra , Bohár Balázs , Literáti-Nagy Botond , Korányi László , Cserepes Judit , Somogyi Anikó , Sarkadi Balázs , Szabó Edit , Várady György
Published: November 2022

The human GLUT1 (SLC2A1) membrane protein is the key glucose transporter in numerous cell types, including red cells, kidney, and blood-brain barrier cells. The expression level of this protein has a role in several diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. In this work, to investigate a potential genetic modulation of the GLUT1 expression level, the protein level was measured in red cell membranes by flow cytometry, and the genetic background was analyzed by qPCR and luciferase assays. We found significant associations between red cell GLUT1 levels and four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the coding SLC2A1 gene, that in individuals with the minor alleles of rs841848, rs1385129, and rs11537641 had increased, while those having the variant rs841847 had decreased erythrocyte GLUT1 levels. In the luciferase reporter studies performed in HEK-293T and HepG2 cells, a similar SNP-dependent modulation was observed, and lower glucose, serum, and hypoxic condition had variable, cell- and SNP-specific effects on luciferase expression. These results should contribute to a more detailed understanding of the genetic background of membrane GLUT1 expression and its potential role in associated diseases.
Knockdown of Two Trehalase Genes by RNA Interference Is Lethal to the White-Backed Planthopper Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Wang Zhao , Long Gui-Yun , Jin Dao-Chao , Yang Hong , Zhou Cao , Yang Xi-Bin
Published: November 2022

Trehalase (Tre) is a crucial enzyme involved in trehalose metabolism, and it plays pivotal roles in insect development and metamorphosis. However, the biological function of Tre genes in Sogatella furcifera remains unclear. In the present study, two Tre genes—SfTre1 and SfTre2—were cloned and identified based on the S. furcifera transcriptome data. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the full-length complementary DNA of SfTre1 and SfTre2 genes were 3700 and 2757 bp long, with 1728- and 1902-bp open reading frame encoding 575 and 633 amino acid residues, respectively. Expression analysis indicated that SfTre1 and SfTre2 were expressed at all developmental stages, with the highest expression in day two adults. Furthermore, the highest expression levels of SfTre1 and SfTre2 were observed in the ovary; enriched expression was also noted in head tissues. The knockdown of SfTre1 and SfTre2 via injecting double-stranded RNAs decreased the transcription levels of the corresponding mRNAs and led to various malformed phenotypes and high lethality rates. The results of our present study indicate that SfTre1 and SfTre2 play crucial roles in S. furcifera growth and development, which can provide referable information for Tre genes as a potential target for planthopper control.
Screening for Lipid-Metabolism-Related Genes and Identifying the Diagnostic Potential of ANGPTL6 for HBV-Related Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zuo Duo , Xiao Jiawei , An Haohua , Chen Yongzi , Li Jianhua , Yang Xiaohui , Wang Xia , Ren Li
Published: November 2022

Lipid metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of hepatocarcinogenesis and development. Therefore, lipid-metabolism-related genes may be used as potential biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to screen for genes with dysregulated expression related to lipid metabolism in HCC and explored the clinical value of these genes. We screened differentially expressed proteins between tumorous and adjacent nontumorous tissues of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC patients using a Nanoscale Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry platform and combined it with transcriptomic data of lipid-metabolism-related genes from the GEO and HPA databases to identify dysregulated genes that may be involved in lipid metabolic processes. The potential clinical values of these genes were explored by bioinformatics online analysis tools (GEPIA, cBioPortal, SurvivalMeth, and TIMER). The expression levels of the secreted protein (angiopoietin-like protein 6, ANGPTL6) in serum were analyzed by ELISA. The ability of serum ANGPTL6 to diagnose early HCC was assessed by ROC curves. The results showed that serum ANGPTL6 could effectively differentiate between HBV-related early HCC patients with normal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and the noncancer group (healthy participants and chronic hepatitis B patients) (AUC = 0.717, 95% CI: from 0.614 to 0.805). Serum ANGPTL6 can be used as a potential second-line biomarker to supplement serum AFP in the early diagnosis of HBV-related HCC.
Nanoprobes for Tumor Theranostics
Authors: Zhu Jiaoyang , Shen Zheyu
Published: November 2022

This Special Issue of Biosensors, entitled “Nanoprobes for Tumor Theranostics”, aims to report the research progress of using nanoprobes for the diagnosis and therapy of tumors, and promote their applications [...]
An Electrochemical Sensor for the Detection of Albendazole Using Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Platinum-Palladium Nanocomposites
Authors: Suaifan Ghadeer A. R. Y. , Khanfar Mohammad F. , Shehadeh Mayadah B. , Alnajajrah Asmaa , Abuhamdan Raghad , Hasan Sameer Ahmad
Published: November 2022

An electroanalytical electrode for the detection of albendazole (ABZ) active ingredient in pharmaceutical dosage form and in contaminated animal-derived products was developed using a glassy carbon electrode modified with platinum-palladium nanoparticles. The electro-catalytic performance of the bimetallic-modified glassy carbon electrode was compared with its bare counterpart. Under optimized conditions, the modified electrode revealed two well-resolved anodic peak currents at 1.10 and 1.23 V using differential pulse voltammetry. Pure ABZ, as well as ABZ in spiked foods (milk and chicken), were detected with little interference from the food matrix. This electrode demonstrated high sensitivity and applicability, with a lower limit of detection of 0.08 µmol L−1 in aqueous solution and 10 µmol L−1 in the contaminated ground chicken and 100 µmol L−1 in the contaminated milk sample. The fabricated sensor is low in cost and appropriate for the estimation of albendazole in tablet dosage forms and biological samples, and so can act as a quality control tool in the pharmaceutical and food industry.
Sample-to-Answer Immuno-Magnetic Assay Using Thermally Responsive Alkane Partitions
Authors: Everitt Micaela L. , Boegner David J. , White Ian M.
Published: November 2022

To combat pandemics, there is a need for rapid point-of-care diagnostics to identify infected patients and to track the spread of the disease. While recent progress has been made in response to COVID-19, there continues to be a need for point-of-care diagnostics capable of detecting biomarkers—such as antibodies—in whole blood. We have recently reported the development of thermally responsive alkane partitions (TRAPs) for the automation of point-of-care immuno-magnetic assays. Here, we demonstrate the use of TRAPs to enable sample-to-answer detection of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in whole blood samples. We report a limit of detection of 84 pg/mL, well below the clinically relevant threshold. We anticipate that the TRAP-enabled sample-to-answer immunoassay can be used to track the progression of future pandemics, leading to a more informed and robust clinical and societal response.
Study Hypoxic Response under Cyclic Oxygen Gradients Generated in Microfluidic Devices Using Real-Time Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Chang Dao-Ming , Tung Yi-Chung
Published: November 2022

Oxygen plays important roles in regulating various biological activities under physiological and pathological conditions. However, the response of cells facing temporal variation in oxygen microenvironments has seldom been studied due to technical limitations. In this paper, an integrated approach to studying hypoxic response under cyclic oxygen gradients is developed. In the experiments, a cell culture system based on a microfluidic device is constructed to generate cyclic oxygen gradients with desired periods by alternately introducing gases with specific compositions into the microfluidic channels next to the cell culture channel separated by thin channel walls. Observation of the hypoxic responses is performed using real-time fluorescence imaging of dyes sensitive to extra- and intracellular oxygen tensions as well as intracellular calcium concentrations. Cellular hypoxic responses of human aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) and lung carcinoma epithelium (A549) cells, including intracellular oxygen and calcium levels, are measured. The results show that the two types of cells have different hypoxic responses to the applied cyclic oxygen gradients. With the capability of real-time cellular response monitoring under cyclic oxygen gradients, the developed approach provides a useful scheme to investigate hypoxic responses in vitro under microenvironments mimicking various in vivo physiological and pathological conditions.
The Effect of WhatsApp Usage on Employee Innovative Performance at the Workplace: Perspective from the Stressor–Strain–Outcome Model
Authors: Kasim Nur Muneerah , Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Yusuf Muhammad Fakhrul , Wider Walton
Published: November 2022

Social media applications have increasingly become a valuable platform for personal communication and knowledge sharing in working life. Several researchers have considered the direct role of social media usage in influencing job performance. However, limited studies explore how social media use may impact employees’ job performance, especially in innovativeness. Moreover, inconsistencies in the findings exist in the literature regarding whether social media improves employees’ job performance or causes harm. By adapting the stressor–strain–outcome (SSO) model, the present study investigates how WhatsApp use at work can predict social media overloads that might induce technostress and, subsequently, affect employees’ innovative job performance. Thus, 206 Malaysian employees from the government and private sectors participated in this study and the data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that social media, predominantly WhatsApp, used at work has a mild but statistically significant influence on information overload, communication overload, and social overload. In addition, information overload and communication overload positively influence technostress, except for social overload. Subsequently, technostress does not have an impact on innovative job performance. This study provides theoretical and practical implications for extending the knowledge and mitigating plans and efforts to improve employees’ performance at work. Therefore, this study helps mitigate the dearth of research pertaining to the roles of social media use at work on employees’ innovative job performance.
Numerical Modelling of Timber Beams with GFRP Pultruded Reinforcement
Authors: Navaratnam Satheeskumar , Small Deighton , Corradi Marco , Gatheeshgar Perampalam , Poologanathan Keerthan , Higgins Craig
Published: November 2022

Timber structural members have been widely adopted and used in construction due to their inherent characteristics. The main objective of this work is to assess the performance of timber beams with GFRP pultruded beam reinforcement subjected to flexure. A finite element model (FEM) using ABAQUS FEM software is developed, aiming to provide a benchmark modelling procedure. The modelling method considers the fundamental role of the connections among timber beams, the reinforcing GFRP pultruded profile (adhesive and screw connections), and the grain direction in the timber. To understand the influence of the grain direction, different angles of deviations between the longitudinal direction (along the grain) and the beam axis are considered. The robustness of the developed FEM procedure is validated by the experimental results of timber beams with and without GFRP pultruded reinforcement under flexure. It is demonstrated that the angle of deviation (grain deviation) produces high reductions in the strength of unreinforced timber beams. However, this effect is minimal for GFRP-reinforced timber beams. The experimentally derived benchmark FEM procedure can be used as a computational tool for timber beams with GFRP pultruded reinforcement to capture the capacity, failure mode, and load–displacement response.
Assessment of the Retrofit Strategies on Thermal Insulation Applied in Buildings Located on the Southern Border of the EU: The Case of the Canary Islands
Authors: González-Díaz Eduardo , Márquez-Martinón José Miguel , Pérez-García Ana , Martín-Dorta Norena , González-Díaz Benjamín
Published: November 2022

Nowadays, a large amount of the total primary energy is consumed by buildings, accounting for about 40% of the total energy demand. Aligned with the EU objectives and the strategies to reduce the demand, cooling and heating are stated as the most energy consuming processes and the building envelope plays an important role to reduce the energy consumption. In this work, the energy demand related to heating and cooling in a typical building has been evaluated, which has been simulated in 35 cities located in different climatic zones, using the DesignBuilder v.6.1.7.007 software. Although the increase in insulation and the replacement of windows lead to a reduction in energy demand, in the case of the cities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria without insulation, the demands are lower than 1.7 kWh/m2/year and 5 kWh/m2/year, respectively, and these results indicate that energy saving strategies, driven by policies and economic support, based on the renovation and improvement of the thermal insulation of the building envelope, are not the most appropriate due to the need for an additional energy load for cooling and to maintain comfort within the regulatory limits.