bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Overview Regarding the Impact of GIS on Property Valuation
Authors: Droj Gabriela , Kwartnik-Pruc Anita , Droj Laurențiu
Published: May 2024

In the face of pressing global challenges such as climate change, socioeconomic inequalities, and rapid urbanization, ensuring sustainable development in the regions has become essential. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how vulnerable cities are to unforeseen crises and underscored the urgent need for proactive urban planning strategies capable of navigating dynamic and unpredictable futures. In this context, the use of geographic information systems (GIS) offers researchers and decision makers a distinct advantage in the study of spatial data and enables the comprehensive study of spatial and temporal patterns in various disciplines, including real estate valuation. Central to the integration of modern technology into real estate valuation is the need to mitigate the inherent subjectivity of traditional valuation methods while increasing efficiency through the use of mass appraisal techniques. This study draws on extensive academic literature comprising 103 research articles published between 1993 and January 2024 to shed light on the multifaceted application of GISs in real estate valuation. In particular, three main areas are addressed: (1) hedonic models, (2) artificial intelligence (AI), and mathematical appraisal models. This synthesis emphasizes the interdependence of numerous societal challenges and highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address them effectively. In addition, this study provides a repertoire of methodologies that underscores the potential of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, GISs, and satellite imagery, to improve the subjectivity of traditional valuation approaches and thereby promote greater accuracy and productivity in real estate valuation. By integrating GISs into real estate valuation methodologies, stakeholders can navigate the complexity of urban landscapes with greater precision and promote equitable valuation practices that are conducive to sustainable urban development.
Short-Term Clinical Results of Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB) Procedure
Authors: Alaj Eissa , Seidiramool Vahid , Ciobanu Veaceslav , Bakhtiary Farhad , Monsefi Nadejda
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is an alternative for revascularisation of the isolated left anterior descending (LAD) artery or as a multi-vessel (MV) procedure for the diagonal branch (RD) or the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) region. Methods: From 2021 to 2022, 91 patients underwent MIDCAB or multi-vessel MIDCAB procedures in our heart center. The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) was anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery via the left minithoracotomy approach in all patients. Results: Of the patients, a total of 86.8% were male. Eighty percent of the patients had two- or three-vessel coronary artery disease. The mean age was 65.1 ± 10.1 years. The mean operation time was 2.6 ± 0.8 h. The 30-day mortality was 0. The mean required packed red blood cells (pRBC) was 0.4 ± 1.2 unit. The mean intensive care unit stay (ICU) was 1.5 ± 1.6 days. The mean follow-up time was 1.5 ± 0.5 years. One patient received percutaneous coronary intervention due to de novo stenosis of the RCA. Late mortality was 2.2%. The Kaplan–Meier survival rate was 98.8% at 1 and 2 years. Conclusions: The postoperative complication rate of our MIDCAB cohort is low, and the short-term survival is favorable. Our postoperative and short-term clinical results demonstrate that this procedure is safe and feasible.
Erosion of Stumble Correction Evoked with Superficial Peroneal Nerve Stimulation in Older Adults during Walking
Authors: Brodie Ryan , Klimstra Marc , Commandeur Drew , Hundza Sandra
Published: May 2024

In healthy young adults, electrical stimulation of the superficial peroneal cutaneous nerve (SPn) innervating the dorsum of the foot has been shown to elicit functionally relevant reflexes during walking that are similar to those evoked by mechanical perturbation to the dorsum of the foot during walking and are referred to as stumble corrective (obstacle avoidance) responses. Though age-related differences in reflexes induced by mechanical perturbation have been studied, toe clearance has not been measured. Further, age-related differences in reflexes evoked by electrical stimulation of SPn have yet to be determined. Thus, the purpose of this study was to characterize age-related differences between healthy young adults and older adults with no history of falls in stumble correction responses evoked by electrical stimulation of the SPn at the ankle during walking. Toe clearance relative to the walking surface along with joint displacement and angular velocity at the ankle and knee and EMG of the tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, biceps femoris and vastus lateralis were measured. The combined background and reflex toe clearance was reduced in the older adults compared with the young in mid-early swing (p = 0.011). These age-related differences likely increase fall risk in the older adult cohort. Further, age-related changes were seen in joint kinematics and EMG in older adults compared with the young such as decreased amplitude of the plantarflexion reflex in early swing in older adults (p < 0.05). These altered reflexes reflect the degradation of the stumble corrective response in older adults.
Point Cloud Quality Assessment Using a One-Dimensional Model Based on the Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Laazoufi Abdelouahed , El Hassouni Mohammed , Cherifi Hocine
Published: May 2024

Recent advancements in 3D modeling have revolutionized various fields, including virtual reality, computer-aided diagnosis, and architectural design, emphasizing the importance of accurate quality assessment for 3D point clouds. As these models undergo operations such as simplification and compression, introducing distortions can significantly impact their visual quality. There is a growing need for reliable and efficient objective quality evaluation methods to address this challenge. In this context, this paper introduces a novel methodology to assess the quality of 3D point clouds using a deep learning-based no-reference (NR) method. First, it extracts geometric and perceptual attributes from distorted point clouds and represent them as a set of 1D vectors. Then, transfer learning is applied to obtain high-level features using a 1D convolutional neural network (1D CNN) adapted from 2D CNN models through weight conversion from ImageNet. Finally, quality scores are predicted through regression utilizing fully connected layers. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is evaluated across diverse datasets, including the Colored Point Cloud Quality Assessment Database (SJTU_PCQA), the Waterloo Point Cloud Assessment Database (WPC), and the Colored Point Cloud Quality Assessment Database featured at ICIP2020. The outcomes reveal superior performance compared to several competing methodologies, as evidenced by enhanced correlation with average opinion scores.
Numerical Investigation on Mooring Line Configurations of a Semisubmersible Fish Farm for Global Performance
Authors: Chen Mingjia , Huang Liuyi , Cheng Hui , Wu Qianli
Published: May 2024

The growth of the aquaculture industry has led to the development of innovative fish farming technologies, such as semisubmersible fish farms which offer significant advantages in terms of scalability and environmental sustainability. The study utilizes a new workflow based on an open-source finite element solver, Code_Aster, to calculate the hydrodynamic dynamic response of a fish farm. The mooring line configuration of a semisubmersible fish farm plays a crucial role in ensuring its stability and overall performance. This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation aimed at evaluating the influence of different mooring line configurations (i.e., 4 × 1, 4 × 2, and 4 × 3) on the global performance of a semisubmersible fish farm under regular waves and irregular waves conditions. Increasing the number of mooring lines can reduce the mean and extreme tension in individual mooring lines and suppress the horizontal motions, but bring neglectable effects on the rotational responses. The findings from this research provide valuable insights into the optimal mooring line configuration for the global performance of semisubmersible fish farms.
Probabilistic Prediction of Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Platform Motions via Uncertainty Quantification and Information Integration
Authors: Li Na , Zou Guang , Feng Yu , Ali Liaqat
Published: May 2024

The accurate prediction of short-term platform motions in a real environment is crucial for the safe design, operation, and maintenance of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). Numerical simulations of motions are typically associated with high uncertainties due to abstracted theoretical models, empirical parameters, initial environment parameters, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate other sources of information associated with less uncertainty, e.g., monitoring data, for accurate predictions. In this paper, we propose a probabilistic prediction based on the Bayesian approach that logically integrates motion monitoring data with simulated motion predictions of FOWTs, considering uncertainties in the environment model, structural properties, motion prediction method, monitoring data, etc. The approach consists of constructing a prior probability density function (PDF) of a random variable (which characterizes the largest value of the initial motion response) via numerical simulations and a likelihood function based on platform motion monitoring data and deriving a posterior PDF of the random variable by Bayesian updating. Then, posterior distributions of short-term extreme motion responses are derived using the posterior PDF of the random variable, representing lower uncertainty and improved accuracy. A Metropolis–Hastings algorithm is adopted to obtain PDFs of complex probability distributions. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated on a real FOWT platform in Scotland. The proposed probabilistic prediction approach results in posterior distributions of short-term extreme platform motions associated with less uncertainty and higher accuracy, which is attributed to integrating prior knowledge with monitoring data.
Molecular Characterization of the Actin Gene and 5′ Flanking Sequence from Brown Macroalga Saccharina japonica (Laminariales, Phaeophyta)
Authors: Xu Hao , Wang Zhenghua , Zhang Yichen , Jiang Peng
Published: May 2024

The brown macroalga Saccharina japonica (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) is the most productive cultured seaweed in the world. In order to improve the biosafety of transgenic kelp, it is necessary to develop endogenous constitutive promoters, replacing those of virus origin. In this study, the housekeeping actin gene from S. japonica (SjACT) was found to contain three exons and two introns, representing a unique actin gene structure pattern in brown algae. Additionally, the 5′ upstream region was obtained using genome walking, and fused to the reporter gene lacZ or EGFP to construct promoter-detective vectors. Using an established genetic transformation system, kelps in different life-cycle stages were transformed. The detection results showed that, in the diploid sporophyte stage, the transient expression from the lacZ gene could be observed in the frond, stipe, or holdfast of kelps, indicating a manner of being non-tissue-specific. And, in the haploid gametophyte stage of S. japonica, the fluorescence of the expressed EGFP were detected in vivo in gametophyte cells of both genders. These results indicate that the promoter of the SjACT gene (pSjACT) functions in a constitutive manner and is expected to be a key endogenous element in the genetic manipulation of kelps.
Design and Analysis of a Buoy-Based Cable Seafloor Observatory System Response under Extreme Weather Conditions
Authors: Zhou Wenjie , Li Yanjun , Zhang Yulu , Jiang Qingyan , Chen Dong , Gu Yanzhen , Lin Yuan
Published: May 2024

In order to address the requirements of scientific multidisciplinary observation in diverse small-scale regions, we have introduced the Buoy-based Cable Seafloor Observatory System (BCSOS). This system offers a distinct advantage in contexts where the use of shorter cables is feasible, contrasting with the lengthy cables typically necessary for conventional observatories. The BCSOS consists of three primary components: the Real-Time Electric Communication (RTEC) Buoy, the Power Information Transmission System (PITS), and the Seafloor Observation Subsystem (SOS). The RTEC Buoy is equipped with instruments for measuring sea surface parameters and serves as a data and power hub. The PITS, comprising a robust EM cable, connects the buoy to the SOS, which houses instruments for seafloor observations. The system is designed for a maximum water depth of 100 m and has an expected lifespan of about 5 years. The BCSOS prototypes were deployed at the Huangqi Peninsula, Fujian Province, and successfully documented the process during Typhoon Doksuri (international code 2305) at the end of July 2023. The recorded data from the BCSOS revealed a significant increase in wave height and period as the storm approached the Huangqi Peninsula. Additionally, the RTEC buoy exhibited a notable response to the large waves. The data analysis revealed a distinct pattern between the buoy response and the direction of wave propagation across various sea conditions, that the buoy’s angular movement in pitch and roll directions follows a regular elliptical distribution corresponding to different wave propagation directions. Upon thorough evaluation, future enhancements to the system are slated to concentrate on refining its design, with a particular emphasis on bolstering stability and enhancing corrosion resistance. These improvements are aimed at cementing the system’s long-term viability and performance within the challenging marine environment.
Phylogenetic and Morphological Evidence for Three New Species of Diaporthales (Ascomycota) from Fujian Province, China
Authors: Mu Taichang , Lin Yongsheng , Keyhani Nemat O. , Pu Huili , Lv Ziying , Lan Chenhui , Xiong Jinming , Chen Xiaohao , Zhan Xinyang , Zhao Zhiying , Lv Huajun , Jibola-Shittu Motunrayo Yemisi , Wu Jianlong , Jia Peisong , Huang Shuaishuai , Qiu Junzhi , Guan Xiayu
Published: May 2024

Members of the fungal order Diaporthales are sac fungi that include plant pathogens (the notorious chestnut blight fungus), as well as saprobes and endophytes, and are capable of colonizing a wide variety of substrates in different ecosystems, habitats, and hosts worldwide. However, many Diaporthales species remain unidentified, and various inconsistencies within its taxonomic category remain to be resolved. Here, we aimed to identify and classify new species of Diaporthales by using combined morphological and molecular characterization and coupling this information to expand our current phylogenetic understanding of this order. Fungal samples were obtained from dead branches and diseasedleaves of Camellia (Theaceae) and Castanopsis (Fagaceae) in Fujian Province, China. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses derived from the combined nucleotide sequences of loci of the internal transcribed spacer regions with the intervening 5.8S nrRNA gene (ITS), the 28S large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef1), the partial beta-tubulin gene (tub2), and partial RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit gene (rpb2), three new species of Diaporthales were identified and characterized. They are as follows: Chrysofolia camelliae sp. nov., Dendrostoma castanopsidis sp. nov., and Pseudoplagiostoma wuyishanense sp. nov. They are described and illustrated. This study extends our understanding of species diversity within the Diaporthales.
Multi-Marker Approach in Patients with Acute Chest Pain in the Emergency Department
Authors: Piccioni Andrea , Baroni Silvia , Manca Federica , Sarlo Francesca , Savioli Gabriele , Candelli Marcello , Bronzino Alessandra , Covino Marcello , Gasbarrini Antonio , Franceschi Francesco
Published: May 2024

Background: Chest pain is a prevalent reason for emergency room referrals and presents diagnostic challenges. The physician must carefully differentiate between cardiac and noncardiac causes, including various vascular and extracardiovascular conditions. However, it is crucial not to overlook serious conditions such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and early discharge management become difficult when traditional clinical criteria, ECG, and troponin values are insufficient. Recently, the focus has shifted to a “multi-marker” approach to improve diagnostic accuracy and prognosis in patients with chest pain. Methods: This observational, prospective, single-center study involved, with informed consent, 360 patients presenting to the emergency department with typical chest pain and included a control group of 120 healthy subjects. In addition to routine examinations, including tests for hsTnI (Siemens TNIH kit), according to the 0–1 h algorithm, biochemical markers sST2 (tumorigenicity suppression-2) and suPAR (soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor) were also evaluated for each patient. A 12-month follow-up was conducted to monitor outcomes and adverse events. Results: We identified two groups of patients: a positive one (112 patients) with high levels of hsTnI, sST2 > 24.19 ng/mL, and suPAR > 2.9 ng/mL, diagnosed with ACS; and a negative one (136 patients) with low levels of hsTnI, suPAR < 2.9 ng/mL, and sST2 < 24.19 ng/mL. During the 12-month follow-up, no adverse events were observed in the negative group. In the intermediate group, patients with hsTnI between 6 ng/L and the ischemic limit, sST2 > 29.1 ng/mL and suPAR > 2.9 ng/mL, showed the highest probability of adverse events during follow-up, while those with sST2 < 24.19 ng/mL and suPAR < 2.9 ng/mL had a better outcome with no adverse events at 12 months. Conclusion: Our data suggest that sST2 and suPAR, together with hsTnI, may be useful in the prognosis of cardiovascular patients with ACS, providing additional information on endothelial damage. These biomarkers could guide the clinical decision on further diagnostic investigations. In addition, suPAR and sST2 emerge as promising for event prediction in patients with chest pain. Their integration into the standard approach in PS could facilitate more efficient patient management, allowing safe release or timely admission based on individual risk.
Does Debt Structure Explain the Relationship between Agency Cost of Free Cash Flow and Dividend Payment? Evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Dabboussi Moez
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the impact of debt financing on dividend payments when they face the agency costs of free cash flow. It focuses on a sample of 120 firms listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange during the period of 2011–2021. The findings from the Generalized Least Squares regression model revealed that the presence of agency costs of free cash flows may limit the funds available for dividend payments. Regarding the moderating effect of debt structure, the research highlights the significant role of long-term debt in making more prudent use of free cash flow. The use of long-term debt becomes more effective and can enhance shareholder wealth when a firm is facing agency costs of free cash flow. More specifically, bondholders primarily focus on affirmative covenants which require the firm to undertake specified actions such as maintaining assets and financial ratios, or paying taxes, but they do not restrict financing activities such as dividend payments. Since interest and debt repayments are fixed obligations, using free cash flow for dividend disbursement is considered a more profitable and beneficial approach for shareholders in the context of Saudi Arabia. This study contributes to our understanding of financial management under different debt structures and improves our scientific knowledge of the culture of Saudi firms regarding the dividend distribution policy.
Distribution Characteristics and Main Influencing Factors of Organic Carbon in Sediments of Spartina Alterniflora Wetlands along the Northern Jiangsu Coast, China
Authors: Zhang Aijuan , Lv Wenlong , Shu Qiang , Chen Zhiling , Du Yifan , Ye Hui , Xu Linlu , Liu Shengzhi
Published: May 2024

In this study, columnar sediment samples were collected from north to south along the northern Jiangsu coast, China, under Spartina alterniflora vegetation in four sample areas: Chuandong Port (Area-1), Tiaozini Scenic Area (Area-2), Yangkou Town (Area-3), and Meiledi Marine Park (Area-4). Organic carbon (OC), nutrient elements including total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total sulfur (TS), and physicochemical properties including pH, salinity (Sal), moisture content (MC), and bulk density (BD) were measured. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlation between OC content and sedimentary physicochemical indexes, and the partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was used to analyze the factors affecting changes in OC content. The results found that the OC content of columnar sediments of S. alterniflora decreased with increasing depth in all four areas. The OC content in the four sample areas was mainly affected by the TN, pH, MC, TP, and burial depth. In particular, TN, MC, TP, TS, and clay content positively affected OC, whereas burial depth, pH, silt content, BD, sand content, and Sal negatively affected OC. The results of this study provide a valuable reference for evaluating the role of coastal wetlands in the global carbon cycle.
Digital Footprint as a Public Participatory Tool: Identifying and Assessing Industrial Heritage Landscape through User-Generated Content on Social Media
Authors: Li Ji , Pan Jinsheng , Dou Qixuan , Fu Fei , Shi Yaling
Published: May 2024

International heritage management approaches have developed into a more inclusive process wherein public participation is identified as a pivotal tool. Thus, determining how to assess public interests and include the public’s ideas in heritage protection has become a technical issue, but relevant research still remains limited. This paper aims to test the digital footprints of social media users as a public participatory tool, with the objectives of identifying industrial heritage landscape attributes and assessing associated values. Targeting the Sanxian industrial heritage landscape of Liangdancheng in China as a case study, in this research the data from user-generated content on social media platforms Ctrip, Weibo, and Meituan were collected and processed with ROST CM 6 and NVivo 12, and content analysis (CA) and importance-performance analysis (IPA) were conducted. Results revealed that the industrial heritage landscape of Liangdancheng encompasses various built, cultural, and natural environmental resources, including both tangible and intangible attributes such as architectural constructions, historic artifacts, cultural events, and plants. These attributes were assessed and categorized into four quadrants of importance–performance characteristics, wherein cultural environmental resources show relatively high performance but built environmental resources need further actions to improve their value perception and interpretation among the public. This research demonstrated that the digital footprints of social media users as a participatory tool can work well in terms of data accessibility, value identification, and public representation, advancing the theoretical framework of Chinese industrial heritage management and global practices.
A Simulated Assessment of Land Use and Carbon Storage Changes in the Yanqi Basin under Different Development Scenarios
Authors: Jiang Ying , Alifujiang Yilinuer , Feng Pingping , Yang Ping , Feng Jianpeng
Published: May 2024

The most extensive carbon reservoir system on Earth is found in the vegetation and soil in terrestrial ecosystems, which are essential to preserving the stability of ecosystems. Land use/cover change (LUCC) patterns in terrestrial ecosystems significantly impact carbon storage (CS). Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the relationship between LUCC and CS to coordinate regional ecological conservation and industrial development. In this study, the characteristics of spatial and temporal changes in land use and CS in the Yanqi Basin from 2000 to 2020 were revealed using the PLUS (patch-generating land use simulation) model and the CS module of the InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) model. This study also predicted the spatial and temporal evolution of CS and the response mechanism of the Yanqi Basin from four scenarios—natural development scenario (NDS), ecological protection scenario (EPS), cropland protection scenario (CPS), and urban development scenario (UDS) for the years 2030, 2040, and 2050. This study shows the following: (1) Between 2000 and 2020, the Yanqi Basin witnessed an expansion in cropland and construction land, the order of the land use dynamic degree which is as follows: construction land > cropland > woodland > unused land > water > grassland. At the same time, the CS exhibited a trend of growth that was followed by a decline, a cumulative decrease of 3.61 Tg. (2) Between 2020 and 2050, woodland, grassland, and unused land decreased under the NDS and UDS. Meanwhile, grassland and woodland showed an expanding trend, and there was a decrease in cropland and construction land under the EPS; the CPS projected an increase in cropland to 3258.06 km2 by 2050. (3) CS under the UDS is always the lowest, and CS under the EPS is the highest; moreover, by 2050, CS under the EPS is projected to increase by 1.18 Tg compared with that under the UDS. The spatial distribution of CS shows a high value in the western part of the region and a low value in the eastern part of the region, which is more in line with the historical spatial distribution. (4) The development of land by human activities is one of the major factors leading to the change of CS. The direct cause of the decrease in CS is the transformation of large areas of cropland and woodland into construction land. Therefore, woodlands must be protected to improve CS and prevent ecological degradation. At the same time, future land use planning in the Yanqi Basin needs to limit the conversion rate of various types of land, control the construction land, optimize the urban pattern, improve the regional CS level, adhere to the concept of striving to achieve carbon neutrality, and realize the sustainable development of the region to provide scientific suggestions for carrying out macro-decision making regarding land use planning in arid areas.
Prognostic and Clinical Significance of PD-L1, EGFR and Androgen Receptor (AR) Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Patients
Authors: Medić-Milijić Nataša , Jovanić Irena , Nedeljković Milica , Marković Ivan , Spurnić Igor , Milovanović Zorka , Ademović Nejla , Tomić Tijana , Tanić Nasta , Tanić Nikola
Published: May 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype and is associated with high recurrence rates, a high incidence of distant metastases and poor overall survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PD-L1, EGFR and AR expression in TNBC promotion and progression. To that end, we analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of these genes in 125 TNBC patients and their relation to clinicopathological parameters and survival. An elevated expression of PD-L1 was significantly correlated with higher tumor and nuclear grade, while a low expression was correlated with loco-regional recurrence without any influence on survival. Contrary to this, the expression of AR showed a positive impact on the DFI and a negative association with tumor grade. Furthermore, PD-L1 and AR demonstrated simultaneous expression, and further co-expression analysis revealed that a positive expression of PD-L1/AR notably correlates with tumor and nuclear grade and has a significant impact on a longer DFI and OS, while a negative PD-L1/AR expression is significantly associated with metastases. Therefore, our results suggest that positive PD-L1/AR expression is beneficial for TNBC patients. In addition, an elevated expression of EGFR contributes to metastases and a worse DFI and OS. In conclusion, we think that low PD-L1/low AR/high EGFR expression followed by high Ki67 expression constitutes a ‘high risk’ profile of TNBC.
Investigation of Chemical, Physical, and Tribological Properties of Pyrolysis Oil Derived from End-of-Life Tires (ELTs) against Conventional Engine Oil
Authors: Alazemi Abdullah A. , Alajmi Abdullah F. , Al-Salem Sultan M.
Published: May 2024

Over one billion rubber tires are disposed of worldwide annually as a major component of the solid waste stream, posing a significant environmental risk. Therefore, recycling and taking advantage of the rubber component in End-of-Life Tires (ELTs) presents an advantageous opportunity to produce environmentally friendly and cost-effective products. This work studied multiple properties of oil extracted from ELTs using thermal pyrolysis (i.e., pyro-oil) as a potential candidate for industrial lubrication applications. First, pyro-oil was characterized by studying its morphological and chemical properties. Then, rheological studies were conducted to explore the oil properties at different temperatures and shear rates. A tribometer was also used to assess pyro-oil’s tribological performance at different temperatures and speeds. Finally, wettability and thermal analyses were performed to understand the wetting and thermal stability properties. The results revealed that pyro-oil has chemical properties similar to conventional engine oil with slightly higher sulfur content. Furthermore, the pyro-oil exhibited lower viscosity and lubrication performance than conventional engine oil, but this difference was smaller at higher temperatures. Thermal stability and wetting properties of pyro-oil were found to be significantly lower than those of conventional engine oil. Based on the properties found and compared with engine oil, pyro-oil presents itself as a suitable liquid lubricant for low-speed, low-load applications operating in temperatures below 61 °C. This work presents a comprehensive study of pyro-oil properties extracted from end-of-life waste tires, offering a feasible route to obtain sustainable and low-cost products.
Implicit Stance Detection with Hashtag Semantic Enrichment
Authors: Dong Li , Su Zinao , Fu Xianghua , Zhang Bowen , Dai Genan
Published: May 2024

Stance detection is a crucial task in natural language processing and social computing, focusing on classifying expressed attitudes towards specific targets based on the input text. Conventional methods predominantly view stance detection as a task of target-oriented, sentence-level text classification. On popular social media platforms like Twitter, users often express their opinions through hashtags in addition to textual content within tweets. However, current methods primarily treat hashtags as data retrieval labels, neglecting to effectively utilize the semantic information they carry. In this paper, we propose a large language model knowledge-enhanced stance detection framework (LKESD) for stance detection. LKESD contains three main components: an instruction-prompted background knowledge acquisition module (IPBKA) that retrieves background knowledge of hashtags by providing handcrafted prompts to large language models (LLMs); a graph convolutional feature-enhancement module (GCFEM) is designed to extract the semantic representations of words that frequently co-occur with hashtags in the dataset by leveraging textual associations; an a knowledge fusion network (KFN) is proposed to selectively integrate graph representations and LLM features using a prompt-tuning framework. Extensive experimental results on three benchmark datasets demonstrate that our LKESD method outperforms 2.7% on all setups over compared methods, validating its effectiveness in stance detection tasks.
Analysis of Inclusions and Impurities Present in Typical HPDC, Stamping and Extrusion Alloys Produced with Different Scrap Levels
Authors: da Silva Manel , Pujante Jaume , Hrabia-Wiśnios Joanna , Augustyn Bogusław , Kapinos Dawid , Węgrzyn Mateusz , Boczkal Sonia
Published: May 2024

The European Green Deal poses a two-pronged challenge for the automotive industry: migrating to solutions based on light structures, requiring lightweight concepts and light materials, while at the same time avoiding dependence on the importation of these advanced materials. Aluminium alloys are lightweight and cost-effective materials that can successfully meet the requirements of many structural applications; however, their production requires bauxite and other Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), such as Si and Mg. Aluminium alloys are fully recyclable, but scrap is usually contaminated and its use is related to an increment of impurities, tramp elements and undesired inclusions. Traditionally, the use of secondary alloys has been restricted to low-performance applications. The present work analyses the effect that the use of scrap has on the quantity of inclusions present in the alloy and on other properties relevant for material processing. This study was carried out using common alloys associated with three of the most common aluminium processes used in the car manufacturing industry: high-pressure die casting (HPDC) (AB-43500), extrusion (6063) and sheet metal forming (5754 and 6181). The reference alloys were mixed with different levels of scrap (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%), with an aim to keep the chemical composition as unaffected as possible. The inclusion level of the alloy was characterized using the Prefil Footprinter® test. In addition, the obtained materials, after being cast in an open mould, were subjected to metallographic characterization. Relevant properties were measured to assess the processability of the alloys for the corresponding transforming process using the flowability test for the HPDC alloy and high-temperature compression for the extrusion alloys. The results obtained suggest that the number of inclusions present in the melt highly increase with the amount of scrap used to produce the alloy. These inclusions are also related to a significant loss of flowability, but do not have a noticeable impact on microstructure.
Hot Deformation Characteristics and Microstructure Evolution of CoCrFeNiZr0.3 Hypoeutectic High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Lyu Peng , Yuan Haoming , Wang Hao , Ge Feiyu , Guan Qingfeng , Liu Haixia , Liu Xinlin
Published: May 2024

CoCrFeNiZr0.3 is a two-phase coexisting (Laves + FCC) high-entropy alloy with high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. However, the inhomogeneous distribution of the eutectic structure among the dendrites has a detrimental effect on the coordinated deformation of the material. The current study shows that the grain size, weave structure, and second phase distribution of high-entropy alloys can be significantly changed by thermal deformation, which affects the mechanical and physical properties, as well as the chemical stability of the alloys. In this study, the thermal deformation behavior of CoCrFeNiZr0.3 biphasic hypoeutectic high-entropy alloy was investigated using a Gleeble-3500 thermal simulation tester under the conditions of deformation temperature of 950–1100 °C and deformation rate of 0.001–1 s−1. The results show that CoCrFeNiZr0.3 high-entropy alloy has higher deformation activation energy, which means its deformation resistance is larger. In addition, the microstructure with finer grain size and uniform distribution of Laves phase can be obtained by EBSD analysis after compression at 1000 °C and 0.01 s−1.
Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone and Food Intake in Mammals: An Update
Authors: Vargas Yamili , Castro Tron Ana Elena , Rodríguez Rodríguez Adair , Uribe Rosa María , Joseph-Bravo Patricia , Charli Jean-Louis
Published: May 2024

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH; pGlu-His-Pro-NH2) is an intercellular signal produced mainly by neurons. Among the multiple pharmacological effects of TRH, that on food intake is not well understood. We review studies demonstrating that peripheral injection of TRH generally produces a transient anorexic effect, discuss the pathways that might initiate this effect, and explain its short half-life. In addition, central administration of TRH can produce anorexic or orexigenic effects, depending on the site of injection, that are likely due to interaction with TRH receptor 1. Anorexic effects are most notable when TRH is injected into the hypothalamus and the nucleus accumbens, while the orexigenic effect has only been detected by injection into the brain stem. Functional evidence points to TRH neurons that are prime candidate vectors for TRH action on food intake. These include the caudal raphe nuclei projecting to the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and possibly TRH neurons from the tuberal lateral hypothalamus projecting to the tuberomammillary nuclei. For other TRH neurons, the anatomical or physiological context and impact of TRH in each synaptic domain are still poorly understood. The manipulation of TRH expression in well-defined neuron types will facilitate the discovery of its role in food intake control in each anatomical scene.
A New Solution to the Grain Boundary Grooving Problem in Polycrystalline Thin Films When Evaporation and Diffusion Meet in Power Electronic Devices
Authors: Hamieh Tayssir , Ibrahim Ali , Khatir Zoubir
Published: May 2024

This paper constituted an extension of two previous studies concerning the mathematical development of the grain boundary grooving in polycrystalline thin films in the cases of evaporation/condensation and diffusion taken separately. The thermal grooving processes are deeply controlled by the various mass transfer mechanisms of evaporation–condensation, surface diffusion, lattice diffusion, and grain boundary diffusion. This study proposed a new original analytical solution to the mathematical problem governing the grain groove profile in the case of simultaneous effects of evaporation–condensation and diffusion in polycrystalline thin films by resolving the corresponding fourth-order partial differential equation ∂y∂t=C∂2y∂x2−B∂4y∂x4 obtained from the approximation ∂y∂x2≪1. The comparison of the new solution to that of diffusion alone proved an important effect of the coupling of evaporation and diffusion on the geometric characteristics of the groove profile. A second analytical solution based on the series development was also proposed. It was proved that changes in the boundary conditions of the grain grooving profile largely affected the different geometric characteristics of the groove profile.
Flow Cytometry Coupled with Resuscitation Assays As a High-Resolution Tool to Inform Environmental Management and Disinfection of Settings Affected by Tuberculous Mycobacteria
Authors: Pereira André C. , Cunha Mónica V.
Published: May 2024

Environmental decontamination and water disinfection practices are hallmarks of disease prevention and control in agricultural and public health settings. Informed fit-to-purpose biocontainment is thus dependent on methodologies accurately assessing microbial burden and viability. Also, rigorous evaluation of the efficacy of biocontrol measures implies monitoring microbial inactivation after decontamination/disinfection procedures. In this study, we used flow cytometry coupled with a resuscitation protocol to monitor the metabolic inactivation of bacteria capable of entering non-cultivable states, after the application of a chlorine-based water disinfectant. For this purpose, we used Mycobacterium bovis BCG as a model of slow-growing bacteria able to enter dormancy and representing a multi-host pathogen in a zoonotic disease system—animal tuberculosis—thriving both across temperate and semi-arid regions and involving environmental contamination. The biocide activity of a commercial sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) disinfectant against M. bovis BCG was evaluated through mock environmental matrix tests. Using the manufacturer-recommended dosage of NaDCC, BCG cells were apparently inactivated after 24 h upon exposure. However, we show via flow cytometry that, upon exposure to optimal growth conditions, mycobacterial cells were able to regain metabolic activity shortly after, highlighting a sublethal effect of NaDCC at the recommended commercial dosage due to reversible BCG cell damage. In contrast, increasing twice the disinfectant dosage completely inactivated BCG cells after 24 h of exposure, with full irreversible loss of metabolic activity. Methodological workflows based on conventional culture or PCR would have missed the detection of these dormant subpopulations that were in fact able to resume growth when following the recommendations of a commercial disinfectant. This study highlights the superior, high-resolution value of single-cell approaches, such as flow cytometry, to accurately assess the activity of biocides against metabolically heterogeneous and dormant pathogenic bacteria with environmental cycles, supporting data-driven prioritization of environmental management and disinfection options in contaminated vulnerable settings.
Translating Human and Animal Model Studies to Dogs’ and Cats’ Veterinary Care: Beta-Glucans Application for Skin Disease, Osteoarthritis, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management
Authors: Amaral Andressa Rodrigues , Risolia Larissa Wünsche , Rentas Mariana Fragoso , Marchi Pedro Henrique , Balieiro Júlio Cesar de Carvalho , Vendramini Thiago Henrique Annibale , Brunetto Marcio Antonio
Published: May 2024

The inclusion of beta-glucans in dog and cat food is associated with numerous beneficial effects on the health of these animals. In this regard, there is an effort to elucidate the potential of this nutraceutical in chronic patients. Since there is a lack of a review on the topic, this review article aims to compile and discuss the evidence found to date. Atopic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and osteoarthritis are diseases of significant clinical relevance in dogs and cats. In general, the pathophysiology of these chronic conditions is related to immune-mediated and inflammatory mechanisms. Therefore, the immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of beta-glucans are highlighted throughout this review. The available information seems to indicate that the studies on beta-glucans’ impact on allergic processes in dogs indicate a reduction in clinical signs in atopic dermatitis cases. Additionally, while beta-glucans show promise as a safe supplement, particularly for osteoarthritis, further clinical trials are imperative, especially in uncontrolled environments. Beta-glucans emerge as a potential nutraceutical offering immune benefits for inflammatory bowel disease patients, although extensive research is required to define its optimal origin, molecular weight, dosage, and specific applications across animals suffering from this disease.
Screening and Genomic Analysis of Alkaloid-Producing Endophytic Fungus Fusarium solani Strain MC503 from Macleaya cordata
Authors: Wu Xinhong , Ibrahim Nazidi , Liang Yili , Liu Xueduan
Published: May 2024

The extensive harvesting of Macleaya cordata, as a biomedicinal plant and a wild source of quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids, has led to a rapid decline in its population. An alternative approach to the production of these bioactive compounds, which are known for their diverse pharmacological effects, is needed. Production of these compounds using alkaloid-producing endophytic fungi is a promising potential approach. In this research, we isolated an alkaloid-producing endophytic fungus, strain MC503, from the roots of Macleaya cordata. Genomic analysis was conducted to elucidate its metabolic pathways and identify the potential genes responsible for alkaloid biosynthesis. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analyses revealed the presence and quantified the content of sanguinarine (536.87 μg/L) and chelerythrine (393.31 μg/L) in the fungal fermentation extract. Based on our analysis of the morphological and micromorphological characteristics and the ITS region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA of the alkaloid-producing endophyte, it was identified as Fusarium solani strain MC503. To the best of our knowledge, there is no existing report on Fusarium solani from Macleaya cordata or other medicinal plants that produce sanguinarine and chelerythrine simultaneously. These findings provide valuable insights into the capability of Fusarium solani to carry out isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis and lay the foundation for further exploration of its potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
Potential Toxic Elements Pollution Status in Zones of Technogenic Impact in Central Regions of Perú
Authors: Tume Pedro , Cornejo Óscar , Cabezas Verónica , Bech Jaume , Roca Núria , Ferraro Francesc Xavier , Pedreros Javiera , Sepúlveda Bernardo
Published: May 2024

Soil is a component of the environment. An environmental policy should identify the sources of trace metals in the soil and their effects on people and living beings. The concentrations of 29 surface soil samples (0–25 cm) were determined using the methods EPA 3050B. The data were analyzed using simple and robust statistical analysis that allowed for determining geochemical baseline values. Principal component and correlation analyses were performed, which, together with a spatial analysis, allowed us to distinguish between geogenic and anthropogenic sources. The degree of soil contamination was evaluated using different ecological indices, and the health risks to children and adults were calculated using formulas proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The median concentrations of the analyzed elements correspond to Al 17,666 (mg/kg), As 8.7 (mg/kg), Ba 61.4 (mg/kg), Cd 0.17 (mg/kg), Cr 11.3 (mg/kg), Cu 20.5 (mg/kg), Fe 25,953 (mg/kg), Hg 0.06 (mg/kg), Mn 499 (mg/kg), Ni 20.8 (mg/kg), Pb 15.9 (mg/kg), and Zn 60.6 (mg/kg). In the principal component analysis, four factors were identified that explain 70.3% of the variability of the elements, which, together with the correlation analysis, suggest that the origin of the elements is mainly geogenic with some possible anthropic contributions. The elements analyzed in the soil with moderate contamination correspond to As, Cd, and Pb, in addition, As is the only element that indicated a value above the limit for carcinogenic risk in children. The estimated geochemical baseline values correspond to Al 34,734 (mg/kg), As 15.3 (mg/kg), Ba 113 (mg/kg), Cd 0.41 (mg/kg), Cr 33.8 (mg/kg), Cu 42.9 (mg/kg), Fe 46,181 (mg/kg), Hg 0.12 (mg/kg), Mn 1015 (mg/kg), Ni 42.2 (mg/kg), Pb 21.6 (mg/kg), and Zn 121 (mg/kg). 89.7% of the total samples are at a low level of contamination. The carcinogenic risk due to As in children represents 3.4% of the total samples, so it is considered insignificant.