bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deficit Irrigation and an IoT-Based System for Improving Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat Grown Under Semi-Arid Conditions
Authors: Belkher Salah , Latrech Basma , Bekri Wifak , Markwordt Felix , Rahim Mohamed Abdur , Dupont Corentin , Ben Abdallah Mohamed Ali , Daghari Hedi , Rezig Mourad
Published: January 2025

In the context of water restriction, the adoption of innovative technology and water saving strategies is crucial to sustainable agriculture production. Thus, we sought to emphasize the contribution of precision irrigation based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology and smart sensors for optimizing irrigation water use. The effects of different drip irrigation regimes on total dry matter (TDM), grain yield (GY) and water use efficiency (WUE) of winter wheat grown on clay-loam soil under semi-arid conditions of Tunisia have been assessed for three consecutive growing seasons. The trial included fully irrigated (FI) treatment (100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc)), two deficit irrigation treatments (DI1, DI2 corresponding to 75 and 60% of ETc, respectively) and rainfed treatment DI3, replicated three each. The results showed that TDM and GY increase with increasing irrigation amount. At harvest, the highest TDM and GY values were recorded under FI and DI1. Reducing irrigation amount by 40% (DI2) resulted in a significant grain yield reduction, quantified as 52.7, 45.7, 30.4%, respectively, for the three cropping seasons. Across all growing seasons and treatments, WUETDM values ranged between 4.11 and 6.32 Kg m−3. The highest values were achieved under rainfed treatment. However, no significant difference was observed between irrigated treatments, in particular, during 2022–2023 and 2023–2024. In terms of WUEGY, no significant difference was observed between the FI and DI1 treatments, while significant reductions were registered under DI2 and DI3. The adoption of deficit irrigation at 75% ETc based on smart tensiometers can be used as an effective strategy to optimize water use in winter wheat without compromising yield.
Evaluation of Spray Drift from an Electric Boom Sprayer: Impact of Boom Height and Nozzle Type
Authors: Pan Xiaoyong , Yang Shuo , Gao Yuanyuan , Wang Zhichong , Zhai Changyuan , Qiu Wei
Published: January 2025

In the Huang-Huai-Hai region of China, the instability of electric boom sprayers has prompted many farmers to raise the boom height to improve clearance. However, the drift risks associated with these conditions remain poorly assessed. This study investigated two key factors influencing drift: boom height and nozzle type. The standard LI CHENG VP11003 nozzle was compared to the Teejet XR11003 nozzle, and droplet size and velocity were measured at various boom heights. The results showed that, at the same boom height, the LI CHENG nozzle produced droplets with an average D[V, 0.5] 14.6 µm larger (8.13%), an average velocity 0.53 m/s lower (29.26%), and a relative span (RS) value 0.05 higher (4.52%) compared to the Teejet nozzle. Drift tests were performed under field conditions using a spray drift test bench. The results showed that the total drift amount per unit area (TDA) for the LI CHENG nozzle showed minimal variation at boom heights of 0.4–0.6 m (Stage 1), 0.7–0.9 m (Stage 2), and 1.0–1.2 m (Stage 3). The drift potential of the LI CHENG VP11003 nozzle increased by 136.62% in Stage 2 and 282.69% in Stage 3, relative to Stage 1. Similarly, the Teejet XR11003 nozzle showed increases of 30.52% and 165.51% in Stages 2 and 3, respectively. The results showed that the LICHENG nozzle, which is the standard equipment on the sprayer, can only be used to moderately increase the boom height to improve the sprayer’s clearance within the range of the first stage. When the boom height exceeds this range, the drift risk becomes too high. This study provides meaningful insights into enhancing drift control and developing application strategies for growers.
A Realistic Approach to Calculating the Nitrogen Use Efficiency Index in Cereals with Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as an Example
Authors: Grzebisz Witold , Potarzycki Jarosław
Published: January 2025

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is a reliable index of nitrogen (N) management, given that it expresses the real relationships that exist between crop yield, its components, and the content of available N (Nmin) in the soil in the critical stages of yield formation. This article proposes a method for calculating NUE which is based on N input (Nin) into the soil/crop system in the critical phases of yield formation in winter wheat. For the validation of this hypothesis, a field experiment with WW in three subsequent growing seasons (2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015) was used. Treatments were arranged in a factorial distribution of two factors: (1) three rates of soil-applied magnesium (Mgs, 0, 25, 50 kg Mg ha−1); (2) foliar application of Mg to winter wheat (no application—control; double-stage Mg application in BBCH 30 and in 49/50). The dose of N fertilizer (Nf) was 190 kg ha−1. Two groups of N pools (soil Nmin and N mass in the wheat biomass) were determined in BBCH 30, 58, and 89. These core datasets were used to calculate total N input (Nin) to the soil/crop system during the two main periods of WW growth: (1) before (vegetative mega-phase, V) and (2) after wheat flowering (reproductive mega-phase, R, or grain filling period, GFP). The number of grains per ear (GE) and the number of grains per unit area (grain density: GD) depended significantly on Nin at the onset of flowering. A Nin58 of 517 kg N ha−1 resulted in a GD of 28.3 × 1000 grains m−2, producing 9.47 t grain ha−1. The NUE indices calculated in the V phase were the best predictors of GE and GY. The apparently low NUE index in this phase clearly indicates (i) the high potential of winter wheat for grain set per ear, (ii) consequently resulting in a strong depletion of N soil resources during the GFP. Therefore, the reduced NUE before winter wheat flowering is essential for the achievement of a high GD. The NUE feedback phenomenon as found in this study is a crucial condition for the effective depletion of the inorganic N pool during the grain filling period of winter wheat. It can be concluded that the NUE indices obtained in the V mega-phase actually describe the N economy in winter wheat production very well.
Study on Anaerobic Digestion and the Treatment of Livestock and Poultry Waste Liquid by Nanoparticles and Antibiotics in the Context of Carbon Neutrality and Microbial Ecosystems
Authors: Zhen Xiaofei , Zhan Han , Li Ke , Jiao Ruonan , Feng Lei , Du Tie
Published: January 2025

Livestock and poultry waste liquid contains a lot of nitrogen, phosphorus, and microorganisms, and direct discharge causes great harm to the environment. Chicken manure was selected as the research object, and nanoparticle nano-Fe2O3, nano-C60, antibiotics enrofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and oxytetracycin were selected as additives to carry out medium-temperature sequential batch anaerobic digestion experiment. The experiment lasted for 55 days. The results showed that (1) gas production reached its peak in the first 1–2 days of a single stress experiment, and the cumulative gas production in the first 10 days was as follows: R5 > R4 > R3 > R2 > CK > R1; (2) the concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) in the groups increased rapidly from day 1 to 10, and the concentrations of TVFAs in the nano-Fe2O3 and nano-C60 groups were higher than those in the other four groups. The pH of the system decreased, and the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) was consistent with the trend of TVFAs, while the pH of the nanoparticle group was lower; (3) changes in the horizontal structure of bacterial community of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were dominant bacteria in each group on the first day. On day 5, the relative abundance of actinomycetes and Bacteroidetes increased significantly. This experiment contributes to the study of the effects of adding nanoparticles and antibiotics to anaerobic digestion substrates on gas production characteristics, provides data support, and characterizes the microbial situation during digestion. This paper can help to realize carbon emission reduction in agriculture and rural areas. Based on the above background, a self-designed system for testing the anaerobic digestion potential of methane was used in this study using chicken manure. Based on the single pollutant stresses of nano-Fe2O3, nano-C60, enrofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and hygromycin, the effects of different pollutants under independent stresses on methane production and the changes in the performance of the anaerobic digestion system for gas production were investigated. The chemical parameters and microbial diversity in the anaerobic digestion process were analyzed, and the effects of different nanoparticles and antibiotics on the anaerobic system of chicken manure were elucidated. The results of the study can provide data support for the stable operation of biogas projects, which is of great significance in promoting the sustainable development of ecological agriculture.
Buffalo Immune Competence Under Infectious and Non-Infectious Stressors
Authors: Ciliberti Maria Giovanna , Santillo Antonella , Caroprese Mariangela , Albenzio Marzia
Published: January 2025

Immune competence is a critical aspect of protecting animals from the negative consequences of disease. The activation of the immune response from inflammation is part of adaptive homeostasis that serves to eliminate danger, induce tissue repair, and restore tissue homeostasis. Therefore, the main goal for the organism is to control both the induction and suppression of inflammation and resist the onset of disease. In this condition, modulators of inflammatory responses are produced, including small proteins called cytokines, which exert a pro- or anti-inflammatory action in a context-dependent manner. Indeed, the cytokine profile could be considered a useful biomarker to determine the pathophysiology of certain diseases, such as mastitis, endometritis, change-induced heat stress, and zoonoses. Recently, buffalo breeding has attracted the interest of the research communities due to their high resilience; however, little is known about the immune mechanism activated under specific stressors. This review describes the complex immune competence of the buffalo in the presence of the most common infectious and non-infectious stressors. In addition, a brief description of methods for early diagnosis of disease using cytokine quantification will be introduced.
Impact of Dietary-Forage-to-Concentrate Ratio on Podolian Young Bulls’ Performance and Nutritional Properties of Meat
Authors: Marino Rosaria , Caroprese Mariangela , Santillo Antonella , Sevi Agostino , Albenzio Marzia
Published: January 2025

Animal feeding has a great impact on the management of beef farms, also affecting the nutritional properties of the meat. Therefore, in this study, the following two forage-to-concentrate ratios were tested on twenty farmed Podolian young bulls: high forage-to-concentrate (HF:C) ratio of 65:35 vs. low forage-to-concentrate (LF:C) ratio of 45:55. The fatty acid profile, bioactive compounds, α-tocopherol content, and oxidative stability were evaluated on Longissimus thoracis muscle vacuum-packaged and aged at 2 °C for 11 and 18 days, respectively. Feeding the highest forage-to-concentrate ratio improved the fatty acid profile by decreasing the saturated fatty acids (p < 0.01) and increasing the monounsaturated (p < 0.05) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.001). In particular, the percentages of linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA-C20:5n-3), DPA (C22:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA-C22:6n3) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the HF:C group than the LF:C group. The highest forage-to-concentrate ratio also increased the contents of bioactive compounds, such as creatine (p < 0.001), carnosine (p < 0.01), and anserine (p < 0.05). This study suggests that a diet composed of 65% forage may be a feasible strategy to enrich meat with healthy bioactive compounds.
Identification of RNA Editing Sites Reveals Functional Modifications with the Addition of Methionine to the Daily Rations of Yaks
Authors: Wu Shiyu , Liu Xinrui , Liu Yaxin , Wang Shikai , Peng Wei , Zhang Ming , Yue Binglin , Wang Hui , Wang Jikun , Zhong Jincheng , Sun Fang , Kangzhu Yixi , Wang Jiabo
Published: January 2025

Methionine is an amino acid necessary for the growth and development of all animals. Glutathione produced during methionine metabolism can reduce damage to cells caused by oxidative stress. Supplementing restricted amino acids in animals by scientific means will be beneficial to protein synthesis, which will affect the growth and development of animals and will bring huge economic benefits when applied to actual production and life. In this study, we collected three muscle tissues from 24 male Maiwa yaks, which were fattened for three months with different methionine concentrations in their diet. RNA-seq was performed to obtain expression reads. A total of 1116 editing sites were identified by at least two software; the editing site types were mainly T-to-C and A-to-G mutations. We found two significant RNA editing sites presenting high-risk editing types. One was located on the MSRA gene that regulates the reduction of methionine, and the other can make changes to the properties of encoded proteins. This provides further understanding of the mechanism of yak muscle tissue and regulation of gene expression after the addition of methionine to daily rations.
The Effect of Continuous Selection in KiwiCross® Composite Breed on Breed Ancestry and Productivity Performance
Authors: Jaafar Mohd , Harris Bevin , Huson Heather J.
Published: January 2025

Composite crosses result from the mating of two or more distinct cattle breeds. Breeding performance may improve rapidly using a well-organized composite breeding system and a clear selection index. The KiwiCross® is a popular composite cross in New Zealand, combining Holstein-Friesian (high milk production) and Jersey (high milk fat). Production efficiency (PR), a key selection index, is calculated by dividing milk solids produced by mature live weight. Over decades of genetic improvement, KiwiCross® increased milk production significantly. We hypothesized that certain genomic regions from Holstein-Friesian or Jersey breeds were preserved due to artificial selection based on PR. Analysis of genomic regions using XP-EHH, hapFLK, and ROH haplotype statistics revealed selection signatures on BTA 7 and 20 in both high- and low-performance animals, with distinct regions linked to Holstein-Friesian and Jersey ancestry. Our findings suggest that selection acted on different genomic regions across generations and that preserving key ancestry-specific haplotypes is crucial for maintaining performance in composite breeds. Breeders must recognize that selection for specific traits can alter allele frequencies and lead to the loss of beneficial breed-specific haplotypes over time.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Sarcocystis arctica in Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in China Helps Clarify Phylogenetic Relationships with Sarcocystis caninum and Sarcocystis felis
Authors: Liao Zhe , Zhu Niuping , Yang Yurong , Deng Shuangsheng , Jäkel Thomas , Hu Junjie
Published: January 2025

To date, only one case is known where protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis were found to infect cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus); the cysts in the musculature were morphologically identified as S. felis. Here, we characterized sarcocysts by morphological and molecular methods that were observed in cheetahs who died in zoos in China. Only one type of sarcocyst was present in two of six cheetahs. By light microscopy, the sarcocyst wall was striated, 1.4–2.1 μm thick. Ultrastructurally, the wall had irregular-shaped, small villar protrusions, resembling wall type 9c, similar to those of S. arctica, S. caninum, and S. felis. The samples shared their highest molecular identity values with those of S. arctica and S. caninum: 99.9–100% and 99.8–100% (18S rRNA), 99.5% and 99.3–99.5% (28S rRNA), 95.9–97.5% and 96.3–97.3% (ITS-1), and 99.6% and 99.2–99.7% (cox1), respectively. Compared with ITS-1 of S. felis, identities ranged between 87.5% and 88.9%. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that the newly sequenced Sarcocystis clustered with S. arctica and S. caninum, whereas S. felis (ITS-1) and S. canis (ITS-1, 18S rRNA, cox1) were sister species. Thus, we addressed the Sarcocystis species from the cheetahs as S. arctica, which is the first record of a Sarcocystis species believed to be specific for canids as intermediate hosts to infect a feline host.
Tetracyclines in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Dual Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Roles, Effectiveness, and Safety Insights
Authors: Radić Mislav , Belančić Andrej , Đogaš Hana , Vučković Marijana , Gelemanović Andrea , Faour Andrea , Vlak Ivan , Radić Josipa
Published: January 2025

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation, joint pain, and progressive cartilage and bone erosion. Despite advancements in RA management with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, some patients remain refractory to conventional treatments. Tetracyclines, such as minocycline and doxycycline, exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, making them potential supplementary treatments. This narrative review explores their effectiveness, mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and current challenges in RA care. Tetracyclines have demonstrated significant immunomodulatory effects, including the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are critical in RA pathology. Clinical trials, including double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, have shown efficacy in reducing RA symptoms, particularly in early and refractory cases. However, their use remains limited by inconsistent evidence, small sample sizes, and concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Current guidelines for RA management do not explicitly recommend tetracyclines due to these limitations, although off-label use may be considered in specific cases. The use of tetracycline for RA is restricted by drug interactions causing bacterial resistance alongside unpredictable patient responses, hence the necessity for prudence in its prescription within a clinical setting. To overcome these limitations, the development of safer compounds, in-depth in silico analyses, and integration with personalized medicine approaches are needed. Overall, tetracyclines show promise as adjunct therapies in RA management due to their dual anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions. This review highlights the need for further research to address gaps in evidence, including the development of modified tetracyclines with reduced antimicrobial effects and improved safety profiles, as well as the integration of personalized medicine approaches to optimize patient outcomes.
Comparative Structural and Biophysical Investigation of Lycosa erythrognatha Toxin I (LyeTx I) and Its Analog LyeTx I-b
Authors: de Souza Amanda Neves , Cardoso Gabriele de Azevedo , Nunes Lúcio Otávio , Aisenbrey Christopher , Salnikov Evgeniy , de Souza Kelton Rodrigues , Saad Ahmad , de Lima Maria Elena , Resende Jarbas Magalhães , Bechinger Burkhard , Verly Rodrigo Moreira
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the structural and biophysical properties of the wild-type antimicrobial peptide LyeTx I, isolated from the venom of the spider Lycosa erythrognatha, and its analog LyeTx I-b, designed to enhance antibacterial activity, selectivity, and membrane interactions by the acetylation and increased amphipathicty. Methods: To understand the mechanisms behind these enhanced properties, comparative analyses of the structural, topological, biophysical, and thermodynamic aspects of the interactions between each peptide and phospholipid bilayers were evaluated. Both peptides were isotopically labeled with 2H3-Ala and 15N-Leu to facilitate structural studies via NMR spectroscopy. Results: Circular dichroism and solid-state NMR analyses revealed that, while both peptides adopt α-helical conformations in membrane mimetic environments, LyeTx I-b exhibits a more amphipathic and extended helical structure, which correlates with its enhanced membrane interaction. The thermodynamic properties of the peptide–membrane interactions were quantitatively evaluated in the presence of phospholipid bilayers using ITC and DSC, highlighting a greater propensity of LyeTx I-b to disrupt lipid vesicles. Calcein release studies reveal that both peptides cause vesicle disruption, although DLS measurements and TEM imaging indicate distinct effects on phospholipid vesicle organization. While LyeTx I-b permeabilizes anionic membrane retaining the vesicle integrity, LyeTx I promotes significant vesicle agglutination. Furthermore, DSC and calcein release assays indicate that LyeTx I-b exhibits significantly lower cytotoxicity toward eukaryotic membranes compared to LyeTx I, suggesting greater selectivity for bacterial membranes. Conclusions: Our findings provide insights into the structural and functional modifications that enhance the antimicrobial and therapeutic potential of LyeTx I-b, offering valuable guidance for the design of novel peptides targeting resistant bacterial infections and cancer.
Antibacterial Activity of Selected Essential Oil Components and Their Derivatives: A Review
Authors: Khwaza Vuyolwethu , Aderibigbe Blessing A.
Published: January 2025

Essential oils (EOs) are gaining ground and have been intensively studied due to their widespread use in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. The essential components of EOs have been recognized for diverse therapeutic activities and have gained significant attention for their potential antibacterial activities. Despite the popularity of EOs and potent biological properties, their bioactive components and their derivatives are still not comprehensively characterized. This review explores the antibacterial efficacy of selected EO components and their derivatives, focusing on monoterpenes chosen (i.e., carvacrol, menthol, and thymol) and phenylpropanoids (i.e., cinnamaldehyde and eugenol). Furthermore, this review highlights recent advancements in developing derivatives of these EO components, which have shown improved antibacterial activity with reduced toxicity. By summarizing recent studies, this review reveals the potential of these natural compounds and their derivatives as promising candidates for pharmaceuticals, food preservation, and as alternatives to synthetic antibiotics in combating bacterial resistance.
Lipid Oxidation at the Crossroads: Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration Explored in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Tortajada-Pérez Julia , Carranza Andrea del Valle , Trujillo-del Río Cristina , Collado-Pérez Mar , Millán José María , García-García Gema , Vázquez-Manrique Rafael Pascual
Published: January 2025

Lipid metabolism plays a critical role in maintaining cellular integrity, especially within the nervous system, where lipids support neuronal structure, function, and synaptic plasticity. However, this essential metabolic pathway is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which can lead to lipid peroxidation, a damaging process induced by reactive oxygen species. Lipid peroxidation generates by-products that disrupt many cellular functions, with a strong impact on proteostasis. In this review, we explore the role of lipid oxidation in protein folding and its associated pathological implications, with a particular focus on findings in neurodegeneration from Caenorhabditis elegans studies, an animal model that remains underutilized. Additionally, we highlight the effectiveness of different methodologies applied in this nematode to deepen our understanding of this intricate process. In the nervous system of any animal, including mammals and invertebrates, lipid oxidation can disturb the delicate balance of cellular homeostasis, leading to oxidative stress, the build-up of toxic by-products, and protein misfolding, key factors in neurodegenerative diseases. This disruption contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or Huntington’s disease. The findings from Caenorhabditis elegans studies offer valuable insights into these complex processes and highlight potential avenues for developing targeted therapies to mitigate neurodegenerative disease progression.
A System for Robotic Extraction of Fasteners
Authors: Clark Austin , Jouaneh Musa K.
Published: January 2025

Automating the extraction of mechanical fasteners from end-of-life (EOL) electronic waste is challenging due to unpredictable conditions and unknown fastener locations relative to robotic coordinates. This study develops a system for extracting cross-recessed screws using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) for screw detection, integrated with industrial robot simulation software. The simulation models the tooling, camera, environment, and robot kinematics, enabling real-time control and feedback between the robot and the simulation environment. The system, tested on a robotic platform with custom tooling, including force and torque sensors, aimed to optimize fastener removal. Key performance indicators included the speed and success rate of screw extraction, with success rates ranging from 78 to 89% on the first pass and 100% on the second. The system uses a state-based program design for fastener extraction, with real-time control via a web-socket interface. Despite its potential, the system faces limitations, such as longer cycle times, with single fastener extraction taking over 30 s. These challenges can be mitigated by refining the tooling, DCNN model, and control logic for improved efficiency.
Speech Emotion Recognition Model Based on Joint Modeling of Discrete and Dimensional Emotion Representation
Authors: Bautista John Lorenzo , Shin Hyun Soon
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces a novel joint model architecture for Speech Emotion Recognition (SER) that integrates both discrete and dimensional emotional representations, allowing for the simultaneous training of classification and regression tasks to improve the comprehensiveness and interpretability of emotion recognition. By employing a joint loss function that combines categorical and regression losses, the model ensures balanced optimization across tasks, with experiments exploring various weighting schemes using a tunable parameter to adjust task importance. Two adaptive weight balancing schemes, Dynamic Weighting and Joint Weighting, further enhance performance by dynamically adjusting task weights based on optimization progress and ensuring balanced emotion representation during backpropagation. The architecture employs parallel feature extraction through independent encoders, designed to capture unique features from multiple modalities, including Mel-frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC), Short-term Features (STF), Mel-spectrograms, and raw audio signals. Additionally, pre-trained models such as Wav2Vec 2.0 and HuBERT are integrated to leverage their robust latent features. The inclusion of self-attention and co-attention mechanisms allows the model to capture relationships between input modalities and interdependencies among features, further improving its interpretability and integration capabilities. Experiments conducted on the IEMOCAP dataset using a leave-one-subject-out approach demonstrate the model’s effectiveness, with results showing a 1–2% accuracy improvement over classification-only models. The optimal configuration, incorporating the joint architecture, dynamic weighting, and parallel processing of multimodal features, achieves a weighted accuracy of 72.66%, an unweighted accuracy of 73.22%, and a mean Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) of 0.3717. These results validate the effectiveness of the proposed joint model architecture and adaptive balancing weight schemes in improving SER performance.
Wastewater Treatment with Geotextile Filters: The Role in Permeability and Pollutant Control
Authors: Morais Maria Vitoria , Marchiori Leonardo , Sátiro Josivaldo , Albuquerque Antonio , Cavaleiro Victor
Published: January 2025

The application of geotextiles as filter materials in various systems, such as biofilters, wetlands, and wastewater treatment plants, has grown significantly in recent years. The ability of these materials to support biofilm growth makes them ideal for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants present in wastewater. The objective of this research was to analyze clogging through variations in permeability, using column tests for 80 days with two types of nonwoven geotextiles with different grammages (GT120 and GT300), as well as to study the efficiency in the removal of organic matter. A synthetic wastewater was used, allowing the specific observation of biological clogging and the treatment carried out exclusively by microorganisms. The results indicated that bioclogging was not a significant factor within the experimental period. Through the mass test, a continuous increase in biofilm growth over time was observed for both geotextiles. For scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images, GT300 presented a larger biofilm area. A higher removal of COD (80%), N (52%), and P (36%) by microorganisms present in GT300 was found, which appears to be associated with its greater thickness and weight. The higher mesh density provides a larger area for the growth of microorganisms, allowing a greater amount of biomass to establish itself and contributing to the efficient removal of pollutants. These findings highlight the potential of using geotextile filters in wastewater treatment applications, where biofilm growth can positively contribute to contaminant removal without immediately compromising permeability.
A Case Study of Using Numerical Analysis to Assess the Slope Stability of National Freeways in Northern Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Hao-Wei , Tsai Yi-Hao , Tang Chao-Wei , Chu Chih-Yu , Chen Shong-Loong
Published: January 2025

Taiwan is located at a junction of tectonic plates, which results in frequent earthquakes. Its terrain is mostly hilly, and its rainfall ranks among the highest in the world. Each of these elements affects the stability of slopes in various regions of Taiwan. Several slopes along Taiwan’s Freeway 1 and 5 have experienced landslides and rockfalls. It is imperative that the slope stability of these national freeways be analyzed to avoid future slope collapses brought on by precipitation or other outside factors. Thus, three sites on Taiwan’s Freeway 1 and 5 were chosen for numerical slope stability analysis in this study. PLAXIS 2D CE (Version: 24.02.00.1144) finite element software was used in this study to simulate and analyze the safety of freeway slope protection projects. Displacements induced by normal and high groundwater levels were discussed. Moreover, a pseudo-static study of slope displacements under seismic conditions was performed. According to the results of the numerical study, the force operating on the slope was centered on the sliding surface when the groundwater level was normal, and it extended to the top when the groundwater level was high. By comparison, under seismic conditions, the force acting on the slope extended to the whole slope. Furthermore, the slope safety factor of Site 1 was greater than the design specification value in three different scenarios. This confirms that the slope protection project at Site 1 is effective.
Use of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles to Reduce Cd Contamination in Agricultural Soils: Effects on Growth and Development of Chenopodium quinoa Willd
Authors: González-Feijoo Rocío , Martínez-Castillo Cecilia , Santás-Miguel Vanesa , Arenas-Lago Daniel , Pérez-Rodríguez Paula
Published: January 2025

Soil contamination and degradation have prompted extensive research into remediation techniques. A promising approach involves the use of nanoparticles, which can mitigate heavy metal contamination, such as cadmium (Cd), without adversely affecting crop development. This study evaluated the effects of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) on the growth of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. in soils contaminated with varying Cd contents (0, 5, 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg). The results indicated that HANPs enhanced early shoot development, particularly in soils with Cd concentrations ≥10 mg/kg, while significantly reducing Cd accumulation in plant tissues. HANPs also decreased Cd mobility in soil, retaining it in fractions less available for plant uptake. Germination rates differed between pot experiments and phytotoxicity assays, although the first demonstrated greater Cd immobilization in HANP-treated soils, resulting in reduced Cd translocation to quinoa shoots. These findings highlight the potential of HANPs as an effective tool for remediating Cd-contaminated soils, thereby improving soil pollution, crop safety, and quality for human consumption.
Privacy Auditing in Differential Private Machine Learning: The Current Trends
Authors: Namatevs Ivars , Sudars Kaspars , Nikulins Arturs , Ozols Kaspars
Published: January 2025

Differential privacy has recently gained prominence, especially in the context of private machine learning. While the definition of differential privacy makes it possible to provably limit the amount of information leaked by an algorithm, practical implementations of differentially private algorithms often contain subtle vulnerabilities. Therefore, there is a need for effective methods that can audit (ϵ,δ) differentially private algorithms before they are deployed in the real world. The article examines studies that recommend privacy guarantees for differential private machine learning. It covers a wide range of topics on the subject and provides comprehensive guidance for privacy auditing schemes based on privacy attacks to protect machine-learning models from privacy leakage. Our results contribute to the growing literature on differential privacy in the realm of privacy auditing and beyond and pave the way for future research in the field of privacy-preserving models.
Applications of Lucas Balancing Polynomial to Subclasses of Bi-Starlike Functions
Authors: Murugusundaramoorthy Gangadharan , Cotîrlă Luminita-Ioana , Breaz Daniel , El-Deeb Sheza M.
Published: January 2025

The Lucas balancing polynomial is linked to a family of bi-starlike functions denoted as Sscc(ϑ,Ξ(x)), which we present and examine in this work. These functions are defined with respect to symmetric conjugate points. Coefficient estimates are obtained for functions in this family. The classical Fekete–Szegö inequality of functions in this family is also obtained.
The Axiomatic Characterization of the Grey Shapley Value
Authors: Gençtürk Mehmet , Öztürk Mahmut Sami , Palancı Osman
Published: January 2025

One of the most significant solution concepts in cooperative grey game theory is the grey Shapley value. This value is a fascinating one among the models and methods of operations research, and has been the subject of extensive study by other researchers. The objective of this study is to characterize and redefine this value in cooperative games where coalition values are grey numbers. In this study, the grey Shapley value is characterized by the following axioms: G-gain loss, G-null player, and G-differential marginality. Finally, this study concludes with an investigation of some applications involving production costs. This study is based on an investigation of the costs incurred when milk producers collaborate.
A Systematic Overview of Fuzzy-Random Option Pricing in Discrete Time and Fuzzy-Random Binomial Extension Sensitive Interest Rate Pricing
Authors: Andrés-Sánchez Jorge de
Published: January 2025

Since the early 2000s, fuzzy mathematics has fostered a stream of research on the financial valuation of assets incorporating optionality. This paper makes two contributions to this field. First, it conducts a bibliographical analysis of contributions from fuzzy set theory to option pricing, focusing on fuzzy-random option pricing (FROP) and its applications in binomial and trinomial lattice approaches. Second, it extends the FROP to yield curve modeling within a binomial framework. The bibliographical analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines and was conducted via the SCOPUS and WoS databases. We present a structured review of papers on FROP in discrete time (FROPDT), identifying the principal papers and outlets. The findings reveal that this focus has been applied to price options on stocks, stock indices, and real options. However, the exploration of its application to the term structure of interest-sensitive interest rate assets is very rare. To address this gap, we develop a fuzzy-random extension of the Ho–Lee term structure model, applying it to the European interbank market and price caplet options.
Dual Functions of Androgen Receptor Overexpression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Complex Prognostic Marker
Authors: Kiraz Umay , Rewcastle Emma , Fykse Silja K. , Lundal Ingrid , Gudlaugsson Einar G. , Skaland Ivar , Søiland Håvard , Baak Jan P. A. , Janssen Emiel A. M.
Published: January 2025

A subset of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) expresses the androgen receptor (AR), but thresholds for AR positivity and its clinical significance vary. We hypothesize that objective assessment outperforms subjective methods, and that high AR negatively impacts prognosis. In a population-based TNBC cohort (n = 198) with long follow-up (4–383 months), AR expression was evaluated via subjective scoring (AR-Manual) and automated digital image analysis (AR-DIA). A 10% cut-off value via AR-DIA was the strongest negative prognostic threshold for distant metastases (p = 0.008). High AR-DIA correlated with lower grade (p = 0.014), and lower proliferation (p = 0.004) but also with larger tumors (p = 0.047), distant metastasis (p = 0.052), and lymph node (LN) positivity (p < 0.001), highlighting its dual roles. Multivariate analysis revealed interaction between LN status and AR-DIA (p < 0.001) as the strongest prognostic factor, followed by fibrotic focus (FF; p = 0.009), mitotic activity index (MAI; p = 0.018), and stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs; p = 0.041). AR-DIA had no additional prognostic value in favorable subgroups but was significant in unfavorable subgroups. In high AR-DIA patients with unfavorable characteristics, ACT did not improve survival, and patients may benefit from AR-targeted therapy. Overall, the DIA method provides reproducibility, high AR-DIA (≥10%) shows opposing survival effects in different TNBC subgroups, and AR evaluation is crucial for prognosis and AR-targeted therapies.
Transcriptomic Insights into Dual Temperature–Salinity Stress Response in “Shuike No. 1”, a Pioneering Rainbow Trout Strain Bred in China
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Wang Gaochao , Huang Tianqing , Liu Enhui , Gu Wei , Fan Peng , Ge Kaibo , Li Datian , Sun Yunchao , Xu Gefeng
Published: January 2025

Global warming poses a significant threat to aquaculture, particularly for cold-water species like rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying stress responses is crucial for developing resilient strains. This study investigates the dual stress of salinity and temperature response of “Shuike No. 1” (SK), a pioneering commercially bred rainbow trout strain in China, using RNA-sequencing of gill, intestine, and liver tissues from fish exposed to four treatment combinations: freshwater at 16 °C, freshwater at 25 °C, saltwater (30‰) at 16 °C, and saltwater at 25 °C. Differential gene expression analysis identified a substantial number of DEGs, with the liver showing the most pronounced response and a clear synergistic effect observed under combined high-temperature and salinity stress. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed stress-responsive gene modules and identified hub genes, primarily associated with gene expression, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function, disease immunity, energy metabolism, and substance transport. Key hub genes included klf9, fkbp5a, fkbp5b, ef2, cirbp, atp1b1, atp1b2, foxi3b, smoc1, and arf1. Functional enrichment analysis confirmed the prominent role of ER stress, particularly the pathway “protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum.” Our results reveal complex, tissue-specific responses to dual stress, with high temperature exerting a stronger influence than salinity. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning dual stress responses in SK, informing future breeding programs for enhanced resilience in the face of climate change.
Application of a ImageJ-Based Method to Measure Blood Flow in Adult Zebrafish and Its Applications for Toxicological and Pharmacological Assessments
Authors: Saputra Ferry , Tseng Tzu-Ming , Casuga Franelyne P. , Lai Yu-Heng , Hung Chih-Hsin , Hsiao Chung-Der
Published: January 2025

Blood flow is an important physiological endpoint to measure cardiovascular performance in animals. Because of their innate transparent bodies, zebrafish is an excellent animal model for assessing in vivo cardiovascular performance. Previously, various helpful methods for measuring blood flow in zebrafish larvae were discovered and developed. However, an optimized method to measure blood flow in adult zebrafish has not been reported. In this paper, the tail fin region was selected as target for blood flow measurements using the Trackmate method, provided by ImageJ platform. Based on power statistic calculations, the aortic vessel at the tail base was selected, and other parameters, such as ambient temperature, were investigated for method standardization, in order to minimize experimental variation. The method was also validated using fenpropathrin and ponatinib, which showed some cardiac alterations in a previous zebrafish study. We also checked the versatility of this method by following the same setup in black tetra and medaka and found that this method performed well. However, our results show that heavy pigmentation, like that found in tiger barb, and overlapping vessels, like those in parrot fish, make it hard for this method to perform well. Overall, an optimized protocol was used for the first time to measure blood flow velocity in adult wild-type zebrafish without the aid of transgenic lines or fluorescent dye.
Immunostimulatory Effects of Guanine-Quadruplex Topologies as Scaffolds for CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides
Authors: Pathak Soumitra , Le Nguyen Bui Thao , Oyama Taiji , Odahara Yusuke , Momotake Atsuya , Ikebukuro Kazunori , Kataoka-Hamai Chiho , Yoshikawa Chiaki , Kawakami Kohsaku , Kaizuka Yoshihisa , Yamazaki Tomohiko
Published: January 2025

Synthetic cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) are promising candidates for vaccine adjuvants, because they activate immune responses through the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) pathway. However, unmodified CpG ODNs are quickly degraded by serum nucleases, and their negative charge hinders cellular uptake, limiting their clinical application. Our group previously reported that guanine-quadruplex (G4)-forming CpG ODNs exhibit enhanced stability and cellular uptake. G4 structures can form in parallel, anti-parallel, or hybrid topologies, depending on strand orientation, but the effects of these topologies on CpG ODNs have not yet been explored. In this study, we designed three distinct G4 topologies as scaffolds for CpG ODNs. Among the three topology, the parallel G4 CpG ODN demonstrated the highest serum stability and cellular uptake, resulting in the strongest immune response from macrophage cells. Additionally, we investigated the binding affinities of the different G4 topologies to macrophage scavenger receptor-1 and TLR9, both of which are key to immune activation. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of CpG ODN-based vaccine adjuvants.
Utilization of TiN and the Texture of Bionic Pangolin Scales to Improve the Wear Resistance of Cast Steel 20Mn Metal
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Zhang Mingyuan , Dong Xingliang , Huang Yuanzhe , Cao Shukun
Published: January 2025

This research centers around cast steel 20Mn, which is the material utilized for the ear-picking roller of a corn harvester. The study delves into methods of enhancing its hydrophobicity and wear resistance. Fiber laser-processing technology was employed to fabricate pangolin bionic micro-textures on the material surface, and PVD technology was utilized to deposit a TiN coating. The wear resistance of the modified surface was investigated via the reciprocating dry sliding wear method, while its hydrophobicity was concurrently examined. The results demonstrate that the laser texturing technology and TiN coating managed to reduce the friction coefficient of the sample surface by 20% and 30.9%, respectively. This can be chiefly attributed to the significant effects of the modified surface in augmenting hardness, diminishing the contact area of the friction surface, lowering shear stress, and entrapping wear debris. When the pangolin texture and TiN coating work in concert, the abrasive and fatigue wear between the two surfaces is conspicuously mitigated, and the friction coefficient is reduced by 38.09%. Moreover, the experiment also reveals that a superhydrophobic surface can be achieved by fabricating the pangolin micro-textures.
Recent Progress in Self-Healing Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Artificial Skins
Authors: Li Guoliang , Li Zongxia , Hu Haojie , Chen Baojin , Wang Yuan , Mao Yanchao , Li Haidong , Zhang Baosen
Published: January 2025

Self-healing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which incorporate self-healing materials capable of recovering their structural and functional properties after damage, are transforming the field of artificial skin by effectively addressing challenges associated with mechanical damage and functional degradation. This review explores the latest advancements in self-healing TENGs, emphasizing material innovations, structural designs, and practical applications. Key materials include dynamic covalent polymers, supramolecular elastomers, and ion-conductive hydrogels, which provide rapid damage recovery, superior mechanical strength, and stable electrical performance. Innovative structural configurations, such as layered and encapsulated designs, optimize triboelectric efficiency and enhance environmental adaptability. Applications span healthcare, human–machine interfaces, and wearable electronics, demonstrating the immense potential for tactile sensing and energy harvesting. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in scalability, long-term durability, and multifunctional integration. Future research should focus on advanced material development, scalable fabrication, and intelligent system integration to unlock the full potential of self-healing TENGs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current achievements and future directions, underscoring the pivotal role of self-healing TENGs in artificial skin technology.