bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refining Ecological Techniques for Forest Fire Prevention and Evaluating Their Diverse Benefits
Authors: Wang Haihui , Zhang Kaixuan , Qin Zhenhai , Gao Wei , Wang Zhenshi
Published: April 2024

In this study, an ecological framework was developed to sort out the existing forest fire prevention techniques. The subsequent analysis involved comparing the ecological values and application prospects of these techniques developed in different time periods. As ecological applications, fire regimes reflect vegetation response to wildfires, providing valuable insights for shaping the fire risk and behaviors in forests through fuel treatment and vegetation modification. Fuel treatment and the construction of green fire barriers are both rooted in existing ecosystems and possess ecological characteristics. While fuel thinning focuses on reducing the potential fire intensity and severity, green fire barriers have been more targeted for fire prevention purposes. Among these techniques, green fire barriers demonstrate unique sustainability and have the potential to generate long-term ecological and environmental benefits. Through the comprehensive utilization of several fuel management formulas, we can effectively combine the fire prevention demands with ecological maintenance and environment protection. This integrated approach promotes the development of fire-resilient ecosystems and desirable living environments in a more realistic and sustainable manner.
Zn Biofortification of Dutch Cucumbers with Chemically Modified Spent Coffee Grounds: Zn Enrichment and Nutritional Implications
Authors: Navajas-Porras Beatriz , Cervera-Mata Ana , Fernández-Arteaga Alejandro , Delgado-Osorio Adriana , Navarro-Moreno Miguel , Hinojosa-Nogueira Daniel , Pastoriza Silvia , Delgado Gabriel , Navarro-Alarcón Miguel , Rufián-Henares José Ángel
Published: April 2024

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are a food waste with a large generation around the world. However, their utilization as a soil organic amendment is difficult due to their phytotoxic effect. In the present work, the impact of agronomic biofortification on Dutch cucumbers was studied by using different chemically modified SCGs, analyzing their effects on Zn content, the release of antioxidant capacity and the production of short-chain fatty acids after in vitro digestion–fermentation. The results indicated variations in the Zn content and chemical composition of cucumbers according to the treatment groups. The functionalized with Zn and activated SCGs were able to increase Zn levels in cucumbers. Meanwhile, the activated hydrochar obtained at 160 °C and the activated and functionalized with Zn SCGs showed the highest Zn supply per serving. Differences in the antioxidant capacity and short-chain fatty acid production were observed between the groups. It is concluded that the growing conditions and the presence of Zn may significantly influence the contribution of these cucumbers to the dietary intake of nutrients and antioxidants, which could have important implications for human health and nutrition.
Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Pesticides, Phthalates, and Heavy Metal Residues in Vegetables from Hydroponic and Conventional Cultivation
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Yao Chunxia , Zhou Jiaxin , Ma Haiyao , Jin Jing , Song Weiguo , Kai Zhenpeng
Published: April 2024

Hydroponic cultivation of fresh produce is gaining popularity worldwide, but few studies have provided a comparative assessment of hydroponic and conventional soil-based vegetables. In this study, we analyzed a series of hazardous chemicals, including 120 pesticides, 18 phthalates (PAEs), and 2 heavy metals (lead and cadmium) in four vegetable commodities (lettuces, celeries, tomatoes, and cucumbers) from hydroponic and conventional soil-based cultivation. Our study showed that at least one pesticide was present in 84% of the conventionally grown samples, whereas only 30% of the hydroponic samples contained detectable pesticide residues. Regarding the total PAE concentrations, there was no significant difference between conventional and hydroponic vegetables. The lead and cadmium residues in conventionally cultivated vegetables were significantly higher than in those produced from hydroponic cultivation. Lead is the primary heavy metal pollutant across all vegetable samples. The hazard index (HI) values of the hydroponic and conventional vegetables were 0.22 and 0.64, respectively. Since both values are below one, the exposure to these hazardous chemicals through consumption of the studied vegetables may not pose a significant health risk. The HI values also suggested that the health risks of eating hydroponic vegetables are lower than for conventional soil-based vegetables.
Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Milk and Dairy Products in Croatia: A Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Đokić Maja , Nekić Tamara , Varenina Ivana , Varga Ines , Solomun Kolanović Božica , Sedak Marija , Čalopek Bruno , Vratarić Darija , Bilandžić Nina
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate contamination levels and the frequency of detection of organochlorine (OCPs) and organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), pyrethroids, carbamates and polychlorinated biphenyls (seven PCB congeners) in a total of 534 samples of cow’s, sheep’s and goat’s milk and dairy products from Croatia. Concentrations above the limit of quantification (LOQ) were measured for fourteen OCPs, nine OPPs, six pyrethroids, one carbamate and PCBs with a total of 172 results, and no concentrations exceeded the maximal residue levels defined by the European Union. The mean concentrations of pesticides and the sum of seven PCBs were determined in the ranges 0.92–17.4 μg/kg and 1.38–2.74 μg/kg. Pesticides were quantified in 27% of samples, and seven PCBs were quantified in 5.23% of samples. Among the three pesticide groups, the highest numbers of quantified results were found for OCPs (12.1–20.8%). The highest frequencies of detection were found for the sum of 4,4’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its isomers (DDTs), hexachlorobenzene and seven PCBs. The sum of seven PCBs was quantified within the range of 3.3–6.67% of samples per milk type and dairy products. Among the OPPs, the highest frequency of detection was found for chlorpyrifos in cow’s milk. Based on the estimated daily intakes, chronic risk characterisation showed no risk for adults or ten-year-old children for the consumption of cow’s milk and dairy products.
Identification and Expression Analysis of the WOX Transcription Factor Family in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)
Authors: Nan Lizhang , Li Yajun , Ma Cui , Meng Xiaowei , Han Yuanhuai , Li Hongying , Huang Mingjing , Qin Yingying , Ren Xuemei
Published: April 2024

WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors are unique to plants and play pivotal roles in plant development and stress responses. In this investigation, we acquired protein sequences of foxtail millet WOX gene family members through homologous sequence alignment and a hidden Markov model (HMM) search. Utilizing conserved domain prediction, we identified 13 foxtail millet WOX genes, which were classified into ancient, intermediate, and modern clades. Multiple sequence alignment results revealed that all WOX proteins possess a homeodomain (HD). The SiWOX genes, clustered together in the phylogenetic tree, exhibited analogous protein spatial structures, gene structures, and conserved motifs. The foxtail millet WOX genes are distributed across 7 chromosomes, featuring 3 pairs of tandem repeats: SiWOX1 and SiWOX13, SiWOX4 and SiWOX5, and SiWOX11 and SiWOX12. Collinearity analysis demonstrated that WOX genes in foxtail millet exhibit the highest collinearity with green foxtail, followed by maize. The SiWOX genes primarily harbor two categories of cis-acting regulatory elements: Stress response and plant hormone response. Notably, prominent hormones triggering responses include methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid, gibberellin, auxin, and salicylic acid. Analysis of SiWOX expression patterns and hormone responses unveiled potential functional diversity among different SiWOX genes in foxtail millet. These findings lay a solid foundation for further elucidating the functions and evolution of SiWOX genes.
Changes in Nutrient Content and Physicochemical Properties of Cavendish Bananas var. Pei Chiao during Ripening
Authors: Huang Ping-Hsiu , Cheng Yu-Tsung , Lu Wen-Chien , Chiang Po-Yuan , Yeh Jui-Lin , Wang Chiun-Chuang (Roger) , Liang Yu-Shen , Li Po-Hsien
Published: April 2024

Banana is a typical tropical fruit that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, and consumed daily because of its superior nutritional profile. This study aimed to investigate the changes in bananas’ physicochemical properties and nutritional composition from ripening stages 1 to 9. The analysis included color (peel and flesh), texture, total starch content, resistant starch content, free sugar content, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, phosphorus), and vitamin content. At the same time, the browning enzyme activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase, oxalic acid, and tannin were also measured. In this study, the banana peel gradually changed from dark green to light green to yellow during the ripening process, eventually appearing with many black spots, while the pulp color changed from white to light yellow and decreased in brightness. The pulp became softer with a prolonged ripening period, which was inconsistent with the time point of peel color change (ripening period 4–5). However, total starch content decreased from 74% to 31%, resistant starch originally at 32% gradually decreased to 5%, and free sugar content gradually increased with increasing ripening period. Vitamin C content and PPO activity decreased significantly during the ripening period, while other vitamins and minerals did not change significantly. In contrast, oxalic acid, tannin content, and peroxidase activity were negatively correlated with the ripening period. Therefore, this study reveals the changes in the nutrient content of bananas at different ripening stages, which may provide helpful information for researchers and producers to identify suitable raw materials for producing stable and high-nutrition-value banana-related foods during the peak raw material abundance seasons while reducing business risk.
Maximizing the Therapeutic Effect of Endothelin Receptor Antagonists in Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Paradigm for Treating the Disease
Authors: Cantor Jerome
Published: April 2024

Using a lipopolysaccharide model of acute lung injury, we previously showed that endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent mediator of vasoconstriction, may act as a “gatekeeper” for the influx of inflammatory cells into the lung. These studies provided a rationale for testing the effect of HJP272, an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), in hamster models of pulmonary fibrosis induced by intratracheal instillation of either bleomycin (BLM) or amiodarone (AM). To determine the temporal effects of blocking ET-1 activity, animals were given HJP272 either 1 h before initiation of lung injury or 24 h afterward. The results indicated that pretreatment with this agent caused significant reductions in various inflammatory parameters, whereas post-treatment was ineffective. This finding suggests that ERAs are only effective at a very early stage of pulmonary fibrosis and explains their lack of success in clinical trials involving patients with this disease. Nevertheless, ERAs could serve as prophylactic agents when combined with drugs that may induce pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, developing a biomarker for the initial changes in the lung extracellular matrix could increase the efficacy of ERAs and other therapeutic agents in preventing the progression of the disease. While no such biomarker currently exists, we propose the ratio of free to peptide-bound desmosine, a unique crosslink of elastin, as a potential candidate for detecting the earliest modifications in lung microarchitecture associated with pulmonary fibrosis.
Automated Mapping of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures to MITRE ATT&CK Tactics
Authors: Branescu Ioana , Grigorescu Octavian , Dascalu Mihai
Published: April 2024

Effectively understanding and categorizing vulnerabilities is vital in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, since only one exposure can have a devastating effect on the entire system. Given the increasingly massive number of threats and the size of modern infrastructures, the need for structured, uniform cybersecurity knowledge systems arose. To tackle this challenge, the MITRE Corporation set up two powerful sources of cyber threat and vulnerability information, namely the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) list focused on identifying and fixing software vulnerabilities, and the MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise Matrix, which is a framework for defining and categorizing adversary actions and ways to defend against them. At the moment, the two are not directly linked, even if such a link would have a significant positive impact on the cybersecurity community. This study aims to automatically map CVEs to the corresponding 14 MITRE ATT&CK tactics using state-of-the-art transformer-based models. Various architectures, from encoders to generative large-scale models, are employed to tackle this multilabel classification problem. Our results are promising, with a SecRoBERTa model performing best with an F1 score of 77.81%, which is closely followed by SecBERT (78.77%), CyBERT (78.54%), and TARS (78.01%), while GPT-4 showed a weak performance in zero-shot settings (22.04%). In addition, we perform an in-depth error analysis to better understand the models’ performance and limitations. We release the code used for all experiments as open source.
Drive Bunch Train for the Dielectric Trojan Horse Experiment at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator
Authors: Andonian Gerard , Burger Nathan , Cook Nathan , Doran Scott , Hodgetts Tara , Kim Seongyeol , Ha Gwanghui , Liu Wanming , Lynn Walter , Majernik Nathan , Power John , Pronikov Alexey , Rosenzweig James , Wisniewski Eric
Published: April 2024

The recently demonstrated concept of the plasma photocathode, whereby a high-brightness bunch is initialized by laser ionization within a plasma wakefield acceleration bubble, is informally referred to as Trojan Horse wakefield acceleration. In a similar vein, the dielectric Trojan Horse concept incorporates a dielectric-lined waveguide to support a charged particle beam-driven accelerating mode and uses laser initiated ionization of neutral gas within the waveguide to generate a witness beam. One of the advantages of the dielectric Trojan Horse concept is the reduced requirements in terms of timing precision due to operation at a lower frequency. In this paper, we present experimental results on the generation and characterization of a four-bunch drive train for resonant excitation of wakefields in a cylindrical dielectric waveguide conducted at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility. The results lay the foundation for the demonstration of a plasma photocathode scheme within a dielectric wakefield accelerating structure. Modifications to improve capture efficiency with improved beam transmission are suggested as well.
Assessment of Nocturnal Blood Pressure: Importance of Determining the Time in Bed—A Pilot Study
Authors: Pilz Niklas , Heinz Viktor , Parati Gianfranco , Haberl Ralph , Hofmann Elisabeth , Küchler Gert , Patzak Andreas , Bothe Tomas L.
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Nocturnal blood pressure (BP) monitoring is essential for evaluating cardiovascular risk and guiding treatment decisions. However, the standardized narrow-fixed nighttime period between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. may not accurately reflect individual sleep schedules. This pilot study aimed to investigate the comparability between the standardized nighttime period and actual time in bed (TIB) regarding BP assessment. Further, our goal was to evaluate the clinical relevance of the observed BP differences. Methods: A total of 30 participants underwent 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Patient-specific TIB was precisely assessed through an accelerometer and a position sensor from the SOMNOtouch NIBP™ (SOMNOmedics GmbH, Randersacker, Germany). We analysed the effect of considering individual TIB as nighttime instead of the conventional narrow-fixed interval on the resulting nocturnal BP levels and dipping patterns. Results: We observed differences in both systolic and diastolic BP between the standardized nighttime period and the TIB. Furthermore, a notable percentage of patients (27%) changed their dipping pattern classification as a function of the nighttime definition adopted. We found strong correlations between the start (r = 0.75, p < 0.01), as well as the duration (r = −0.42, p = 0.02) of TIB and the changes in dipping pattern classification. Conclusions: Definition of nocturnal period based on the individual TIB leads to clinically relevant changes of nocturnal BP and dipping pattern classifications. TIB is easily detected using a body position sensor and accelerometer. This approach may thus improve the accuracy of cardiovascular risk evaluation and enhance treatment strategies.
Exoscopic Minimally Invasive Open-Door Laminoplasty for Cervical Myelopathy: A Technical Note and Preliminary Analysis of Clinical Outcomes during the Acute Postoperative Period
Authors: Yamane Kentaro , Narita Wataru , Takao Shinichiro , Takeuchi Kazuhiro
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives: Expansive open-door laminoplasty results in favorable clinical outcomes for cervical myelopathy. However, some postoperative complications associated with surgical invasiveness, such as axial neck pain and kyphosis, have not been resolved. The use of an exoscope, which is a recently introduced novel magnification tool, allows for traditional open-door laminoplasty with minimal invasiveness. Therefore, we propose the use of exoscopic minimally invasive open-door laminoplasty (exLAP) and present its clinical outcomes during the acute postoperative period. Methods: A total of 28 patients who underwent open-door laminoplasty at C3–C6 were reviewed. Of these patients, 17 underwent exLAP (group M) and 11 underwent conventional Hirabayashi open-door laminoplasty (group H). Outcomes were evaluated using numerical rating scale (NRS) scores for neck pain and the frequency of oral analgesic use from postoperative day 1 to 7. Results: The NRS score for neck pain was significantly lower for patients in group M than for those in group H. Conclusions: ExLAP is a novel, practical, and minimally invasive surgical technique that may alleviate the postoperative axial pain of patients with cervical myelopathy.
Comparison of Baseline and Post-Nitrate Exercise Testing in Patients with Angina but Non-Obstructed Coronary Arteries with Different Acetylcholine Test Results
Authors: Marino Angelo Giuseppe , Gentile Giuseppe , Lenci Ludovica , De Benedetto Fabio , Tremamunno Saverio , Cambise Nello , Belmusto Antonietta , Di Renzo Antonio , Tinti Lorenzo , De Vita Antonio , Lanza Gaetano Antonio
Published: April 2024

Background: Intracoronary acetylcholine testing may induce epicardial coronary artery spasm (CAS) or coronary microvascular spasm (CMVS) in patients with angina syndromes but non-obstructive coronary artery disease, but their causal role in individual patients is not always clear. In this prospective, observational single-center study, we aimed to assess whether (1) the induction of myocardial ischemia/angina by electrocardiogram (ECG) exercise stress test (EST) differs between patients showing different results in response to acetylcholine testing (i.e., CAS, CMVS, or no spasm); (2) the preventive administration of short-acting nitrates has any different effects on the EST of those patients who showed a positive basal EST. We expected that if exercise-induced angina and/or ischemic ECG changes are related to CAS, they should improve after nitrates administration, whereas they should not significantly improve if they are caused by CMVS. Methods: We enrolled 81 patients with angina syndromes and non-obstructive coronary artery disease, who were divided into three groups according to acetylcholine testing: 40 patients with CAS (CAS-group), 14 with CMVS (CMVS-groups), and 27 with a negative test (NEG-group). All patients underwent a basal EST (B-EST). Patients with a positive B-EST repeated the test 24–48 h later, 5 min after the administration of short-acting nitrates (N-EST). Results: There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of the B-EST results. B-EST was positive in eight (20%) patients in the CAS-group, seven (50%) in the CMVS-group, and six (22%) in the NEG-group (p = 0.076). N-EST, performed in eight, six, and five of these patients, also showed similar results in the three groups. Furthermore, the N-EST results also did not significantly differ compared to B-EST in any group, remaining positive in seven (87.5%), four (66.7%), and four (80%) patients in the CAS-group, CMVS-group, and NEG-group, respectively (p = 0.78). Conclusions: Our data show that patients with angina and non-obstructive coronary artery disease show largely comparable results of the ECG exercise stress test and similar poor effects of short-acting nitrates on abnormal ECG exercise stress test results. On the whole, our findings suggest caution in attributing to the results of Ach testing a definite causal role for the clinical syndrome in individual patients.
Radiation-Induced Defect Formation Kinetics in Inconel–Cu Multimetallic Layered Composites
Authors: Ramesh Rajesh , Momeni Kasra
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the stability of Inconel–Cu Multimetallic Layered Composites (MMLCs) in nuclear reactor applications using Molecular Dynamics simulations. The focus is on understanding the underlying mechanisms governing the properties of MMLCs for advanced nuclear reactors, specifically, the mechanochemistry of the interface between Inconel and copper alloys. The selection of Inconel–Cu MMLCs is primarily due to copper’s superior thermal conductivity, enhancing heat management within reactors by preventing hotspots and ensuring uniform temperature distribution. This research examines Incoloy 800H and two Inconel variants (718 and 625), assessing their stability at 1000 K after exposure to 10 keV collision cascades up to 0.12 dpa. Notable findings include defect clustering on the {1 2 0} family of planes of Inconel and Cu, with Stacking Faults and Lomer–Cottrell locks on the Inconel side.
Theoretical-Numerical Investigation of a New Approach to Reconstruct the Temperature Field in PBF-LB/M Using Multispectral Process Monitoring
Authors: May Lisa , Werz Martin
Published: April 2024

The monitoring of additive manufacturing processes such as powder bed fusion enables the detection of several process quantities important to the quality of the built part. In this context, radiation-based monitoring techniques have been used to obtain information about the melt pool and the general temperature distribution on the surface of the powder bed. High temporal and spatial resolution have been achieved at the cost of large storage requirements. This contribution aims to offer an alternative strategy of gaining information about the powder bed’s temperature field with sufficient resolution but with an economical amount of data. The investigated measurement setup uses a spectrometer to detect the spectral radiation intensities emitted by an area enclosing the melt pool and part of its surroundings. An analytical description of this process is presented, which shows that the measured spectral entities can be reconstructed by the Ritz method. It is also shown that the corresponding weighting factors can be physically interpreted as subdomains of constant temperature within the measurement area. Two different test cases are numerically analyzed, showing that the methodology allows for an approximation of the melt pool size while further assumptions remain necessary to reconstruct the actual temperature distribution.
Machine Learning in Coastal Engineering: Applications, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Abouhalima Mahmoud , das Neves Luciana , Taveira-Pinto Francisco , Rosa-Santos Paulo
Published: April 2024

The integration of machine learning (ML) techniques in coastal engineering marks a paradigm shift in how coastal processes are modeled and understood. While traditional empirical and numerical models have been stalwarts in simulating coastal phenomena, the burgeoning complexity and computational demands have paved the way for data-driven approaches to take center stage. This review underscores the increasing preference for ML methods in coastal engineering, particularly in predictive tasks like wave pattern prediction, water level fluctuation, and morphology change. Although the scope of this review is not exhaustive, it aims to spotlight recent advancements and the capacity of ML techniques to harness vast datasets for more efficient and cost-effective simulations of coastal dynamics. However, challenges persist, including issues related to data availability and quality, algorithm selection, and model generalization. This entails addressing fundamental questions about data quantity and quality, determining optimal methodologies for specific problems, and refining techniques for model training and validation. The reviewed literature paints a promising picture of a future where ML not only complements but significantly enhances our ability to predict and manage the intricate dynamics of coastal environments.
Amphotericin B in the Era of New Antifungals: Where Will It Stand?
Authors: Akinosoglou Karolina , Rigopoulos Emmanouil Angelos , Papageorgiou Despoina , Schinas Georgios , Polyzou Eleni , Dimopoulou Effrosyni , Gogos Charalambos , Dimopoulos George
Published: April 2024

Amphotericin B (AmB) has long stood as a cornerstone in the treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), especially among immunocompromised patients. However, the landscape of antifungal therapy is evolving. New antifungal agents, boasting novel mechanisms of action and better safety profiles, are entering the scene, presenting alternatives to AmB’s traditional dominance. This shift, prompted by an increase in the incidence of IFIs, the growing demographic of immunocompromised individuals, and changing patterns of fungal resistance, underscores the continuous need for effective treatments. Despite these challenges, AmB’s broad efficacy and low resistance rates maintain its essential status in antifungal therapy. Innovations in AmB formulations, such as lipid complexes and liposomal delivery systems, have significantly mitigated its notorious nephrotoxicity and infusion-related reactions, thereby enhancing its clinical utility. Moreover, AmB’s efficacy in treating severe and rare fungal infections and its pivotal role as prophylaxis in high-risk settings highlight its value and ongoing relevance. This review examines AmB’s standing amidst the ever-changing antifungal landscape, focusing on its enduring significance in current clinical practice and exploring its potential future therapeutic adaptations.
The Impact of Audit Oversight Quality on the Financial Performance of U.S. Firms: A Subjective Assessment
Authors: Abraham Rebecca , El Chaarani Hani , Tao Zhi
Published: April 2024

Audit committees are appointed by the board of directors of corporations to oversee the financial reporting process, monitor financial control processes, hire and assess independent auditors, and communicate findings with management and auditors. We propose two new measures of audit oversight quality. The first measure is purely subjective, in that it scores audit committees on a scale based on their ability to fulfill one or more of their responsibilities, as mentioned in annual reports, Form 10-K and DEF 13A. The second measure concerns audit committee activity, as it measures the number of times the term ‘audit committee’ is mentioned in these documents. Both measures were obtained for U.S. pharmaceutical companies and energy companies from 2010 to 2022. The audit oversight quality measures were regressed in regard to profitability (measured by return on assets and return on equity), debt capacity (measured by equity multiplier), and firm value (measured by Tobin’s q and economic value added). Audit oversight quality, using both measures, reduces the return on equity. Audit oversight quality, using both measures, had a disciplining effect on debt. Increases in the oversight of increasing debt discourage the propensity to increase borrowing using collateral (debt capacity), and reduce investor returns through investment in debt-financed projects (return on equity). Audit oversight quality, using both measures, exhibited a size effect on the firm’s value, in that an increase in the firm size with high audit oversight quality increases the firm’s value. However, it is possible that only the first measure of audit oversight quality significantly increased the firm’s value, as only the first measure exhibited robustness to the endogeneity effect of size.
A Survey on Life-Cycle-Oriented Certificate Management in Industrial Networking Environments
Authors: Göppert Julian , Walz Andreas , Sikora Axel
Published: April 2024

Driven by the Industry 4.0 paradigm and the resulting demand for connectivity in industrial networking, there is a convergence of formerly isolated operational technology and information technology networks. This convergence leads to attack surfaces on industrial networks. Therefore, a holistic approach of countermeasures is needed to protect against cyber attacks. One element of these countermeasures is the use of certificate-based authentication for industrial components communicating on the field level. This in turn requires the management of certificates, private keys, and trust anchors in the communication endpoints. The work at hand surveys the topic of certificate management in industrial networking environments throughout their life cycle, from manufacturing until their disposal. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no work yet that surveys the topic of certificate management in industrial networking environments. The work at hand considers contributions from research papers, industrial communication standards, and contributions that originate from the IT domain. In total, 2042 results from IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Scopus, and Springer Link were taken into account. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and title, abstract, and full-text analysis, 20 contributions from research papers were selected. In addition to the presentation of their key contributions, the work at hand provides a synopsis that compares the overarching aspects. This comprises different proposed entity architectures, certificate management functions, involvement of different stakeholders, and consideration of life cycle stages. Finally, research gaps that are to be filled by further work are identified. While the topic of certificate management has already been addressed by the IT domain, its incorporation into industrial communication standards began significantly later and is still the subject of research work.
Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Tumor-Targeted Antibody-Functionalized Nanoparticles
Authors: Marques Ana , Costa Paulo , Velho Sérgia , Amaral Maria
Published: April 2024

The specific interaction between cell surface receptors and corresponding antibodies has driven opportunities for developing targeted cancer therapies using nanoparticle systems. It is challenging to design and develop such targeted nanomedicines using antibody ligands, as the final nanoconjugate’s specificity hinges on the cohesive functioning of its components. The multicomponent nature of antibody-conjugated nanoparticles also complicates the characterization process. Regardless of the type of nanoparticle, it is essential to perform physicochemical characterization to establish a solid foundation of knowledge and develop suitable preclinical studies. A meaningful physicochemical evaluation of antibody-conjugated nanoparticles should include determining the quantity and orientation of the antibodies, confirming the antibodies’ integrity following attachment, and assessing the immunoreactivity of the obtained nanoconjugates. In this review, the authors describe the various techniques (electrophoresis, spectroscopy, colorimetric assays, immunoassays, etc.) used to analyze the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles functionalized with antibodies and discuss the main results.
Influence of Curing Temperature on the Performance of Calcined Coal Gangue–Limestone Blended Cements
Authors: Zhang Wenguang , Zhou Hao , Hu Yueyang , Wang Jiaqing , Ma Jian , Jiang Ruiyu , Sun Jinfeng
Published: April 2024

The utilization of calcined coal gangue (CCG) and limestone for the preparation of blended cement is an efficient approach to address the issue of coal gangue disposal. However, the compressive strength development of blended cement is slow, particularly at high substitution levels of CCG. Therefore, this study aimed to promote the hydration and mechanical properties of the calcined coal gangue–limestone blended cements by increasing the curing temperature. In this study, the samples were cured at two different temperatures, namely 20 and 40 °C. The four groups of samples contained 15 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 45 wt.% and 60 wt.% cement substitutions using CCG and limestone (2:1 mass ratio). The compressive strength, hydration and microstructure were investigated at the ages of 1 to 28 d. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry (TG) were used to study the hydration behavior of samples. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine the microstructure of the samples. The results indicate that an increase in curing temperature significantly promotes the compressive strength of the calcined coal gangue–limestone blended cements from 1 to 28 d. The microstructural analysis indicates that increasing the curing temperature not only promotes cement hydration but also facilitates the reaction of CCG, which precipitated more hydrates such as C-A-S-H gel, Hc and Mc. These hydrates are conducive to refining the pore structures and densifying the microstructure, which sufficiently explains the enhanced compressive strength of the calcined coal gangue–limestone blended cements.
Prediction and Multiparametric Optimization of the Machined Surface Quality of Tool Steels in Precise Wire Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Straka Ľuboslav , Čorný Ivan
Published: April 2024

This article describes a proposed procedure for multiparametric optimization of the quality of machined surfaces, including mathematical models that can predict the high quality of a precisely machined surface and, at the same time, the high productivity of the process in WEDM of tool steels. The experimental research was carried out using the full DoE factorial design method, which has four technological parameters. The measured output qualitative parameter Surface Roughness (SR) and the output quantitative parameter Material Removal Rate (MRR) were evaluated using the Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) methods. Multiple Regression Models (MRM) were developed to represent the multiple responses of the investigated tool steels using a regression tool set. The results of the multiparametric optimization revealed a correlation between the input variable parameters of the electrical discharge process, while the favorable results of the observed output-dependent parameters SR and MRR were coupled to the parameters of low peak current I, low value of pulse on-time duration ton, low voltage of discharge U, and high value of pulse off-time duration toff. Based on the multiparametric optimization, key results were obtained that demonstrated the mutual dependence of the observed output process parameters. An optimum SR value of 1.50 μm was obtained with L8-level settings for the input variable parameters I, ton, U, and toff (2 A, 32 μs, 90 V, and 20 μs, respectively) and an MRR value of 12.50 mm3·min−1 was achieved.
Evaluation of Suitability of High-Speed Drag Finishing Machine Prototype Utilization for Workpiece Modification
Authors: Vozár Marek , Pätoprstý Boris , Vopát Tomáš , Straka Róbert , Jurina František , Šajgalík Michal
Published: April 2024

The purpose of the experimental results evaluated in this paper is to verify the viability of using a prototype drag finishing machine for the modification of machined workpieces. The workpieces used in the experiments had a cylindrical shape and were manufactured by turning. Three different workpiece materials were tested, and three workpieces for each material were machined with different cutting parameters. Multiple aspects of the drag-finishing process influence were kept track of—surface roughness, dimensional accuracy, and edge burr shape change. The parameters of the drag finishing were kept constant for all workpieces, and the development of each aforementioned observed aspect was recorded. The workpieces were periodically removed from the process and measured using a coordinate measuring machine with a touch probe, a surface roughness measuring machine, and an optical microscope. Based on the gathered data, it can be concluded that the usage of a prototype drag finishing machine designed primarily for cemented carbide tool microgeometry modification is viable for workpiece finishing as well. The parameters of the drag-finishing process need to be adjusted depending on the workpiece material and initial surface roughness. Additionally, the medium used for the drag finishing should be considered with respect to the desired output quality of the workpiece. Experimental work shows that having one multi-purpose machine for precise modification of wide range of materials and shapes can be an effective approach from the standpoint of economy and productivity when it comes to small numbers of workpieces requiring surface finishing.
Existence of Periodic Solutions for Second-Order Ordinary p-Laplacian Systems
Authors: Wang Shaomin , Yang Cunji , Cha Guozhi
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study the variational principle and the existence of periodic solutions for a new class of second-order ordinary p-Laplacian systems. The variational principle is given by making use of two methods. We obtain three existence theorems of periodic solutions to this problem on various sufficient conditions on the potential function F(t,x) or nonlinearity ∇F(t,x). Four examples are presented to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of our results.
Novel Numerical Investigation of Reaction Diffusion Equation Arising in Oil Price Modeling
Authors: Alshammari Fehaid Salem
Published: April 2024

Consideration is given to a reaction–diffusion free boundary value problem with one or two turning points arising in oil price modeling. First, an exact (analytical) solution to the reduced problem (i.e., no diffusion term) was obtained for some given parameters. The space–time Chebyshev pseudospectral and superconsistent Chebyshev collocation method is proposed for both reaction diffusion (RDFBP) and reduced free boundary value problem. Error bounds on the discrete L2–norm and Sobolev norm (Hp) are presented. Adaptively graded intervals were introduced and used according to the value of turning points to avoid the twin boundary layers phenomena. Excellent convergent (spectrally) and stable results for some special turning points were obtained for both reduced and RDFBP equations on an adaptively graded interval and this has been documented for the first time.
Biogenic Phosphonate Utilization by Globally Distributed Diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
Authors: Shu Huilin , Shen Yuan , Wang Hongwei , Sun Xueqiong , Ma Jian , Lin Xin
Published: April 2024

Phosphonates are a class of organic phosphorus (P) compounds that contribute ~25% of dissolved organic P. Recent studies reveal the important role of phosphonates mediated by prokaryotes in the marine P redox cycle. However, its bioavailability by eukaryotic phytoplankton is under debate. 2-Aminoethylphosphonic acid (2-AEP) and 2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (2-AP3) are two biogenic phosphonates in the marine environment. Here, Thalassiosira pseudonana, a common diatom species in the ocean, is able to recover growth from P starvation when provided with 2-AEP and 2-AP3. Moreover, 2-AEP cultures exhibited a more similar growth rate at 12 °C than at 25 °C when compared with inorganic P cultures. The cellular stoichiometry of 2-AEP groups was further determined, the values of which are in-between the P-depleted and DIP-replete cultures. This study provides evidence that biogenic phosphonates could be adopted as alternative P sources to support diatom growth and may provide physiological adaptation.
Prevalence and Genotyping of Water- and Food-Borne Parasitic Protozoans (Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp.) in Hospitalized Patients from Northwestern Romania
Authors: Ionică Angela Monica , Ieremia Anca , Kalmár Zsuzsa , Lupșe Mihaela , Flonta Mirela , Muntean Monica , Cismaru Cristina , Horvat Melinda , Rădulescu Amanda , Topan Adriana , Jianu Cristian , Deak Georgiana , Briciu Violeta
Published: April 2024

Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are important zoonotic protozoan pathogens that infect the gastro-intestinal tract of numerous vertebrates, including humans, and both parasites are responsible for water- or food-borne outbreaks of disease worldwide. Although, globally, both parasites are highly prevalent, particularly in developing countries, epidemiological data from Romania are scarce, and genotyping has rarely been performed. The aims of the present study were to investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in patients hospitalized in Northwestern Romania in relation to clinical and paraclinical presentation and to identify the relative frequency of non-specific symptoms and potential risk factors. Between June 2022 and January 2024, 426 fecal samples were screened for gastro-intestinal parasites by rapid tests and microscopical examination, further confirmed by PCR and sequencing. Giardia duodenalis was detected and characterized in 12 samples (2.82%), while Cryptosporidium parvum was confirmed in four samples (0.94%). A majority of positive patients were symptomatic and reported nausea and vomiting with a significantly higher frequency compared to negative ones. This study provides new insights into the epidemiological status and clinical implications of gastro-intestinal parasite species and genospecies in Romania that are necessary for an in-depth understanding of the potential zoonotic transmission and improvement of patient care.
Evaluation of the Growth, Sporulation, Fungicide Efficacy, and Host Range of Ramularia sphaeroidea
Authors: Shi Min , Li Yan-Zhong
Published: April 2024

Ramularia sphaeroidea was primarily identified based on the characteristics of its conidia and several sequences. The fungus causes severe leaf spot disease on hairy vetch (Vicia villosa var. glabrescens) in Yunnan Province in China. The growth, sporulation, fungicide efficacy, and host range of the pathogen were evaluated to aid in disease management. Different types of culture media and carbon and nitrogen sources were used to evaluate the growth of R. sphaeroidea. Oatmeal, maltose, and potassium nitrate agar had a higher amount of sporulation. Difenoconazole (10%) was the most effective fungicide against the leaf disease caused by R. sphaeroidea. In addition, foliar inoculation sprays were used to assess the host range of R. sphaeroidea in six different plant species, including alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), erect milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens Pall.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and white clover (Trifolium repens L.). R. sphaeroidea successfully infected these plants, indicating that it has a wider host range than hairy vetches.
Evolution of Pore Spaces in Marine Organic-Rich Shale: Insights from Multi-Scale Analysis of a Permian–Pennsylvanian Sample
Authors: Wang Zilong , Yang Xiaoguang , Guo Shaobin
Published: April 2024

The quantitative evolution pattern of pore space and genetic pore types along the maturation process in organic-rich shale reservoirs is unclear, which affects the assessment of shale storage capacity and petroleum production. A black shale outcrop sample from Kansas that is of Permian–Pennsylvanian age was collected and subjected to thermal simulation experiments at 10 different maturity stages to understand the pore sizes and pore types. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image processing were used to characterize the full-scale pore-size distribution and volume evolution of this shale sample by combining low-temperature gas (CO2 and N2) physisorption and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) in order to discuss the effects of hydrocarbon generation and diagenesis (HG&D) on pore development at different pore sizes. The study showed that the original shale sample is dominated by slit-like pores, with mainly organic matter (OM) pores distributed in 0–100 nm, intraparticle pores (Intra-P) of clays distributed in 30–100 nm, and interparticle pores (Inter-P) distributed in 100–1000 nm. With the increase in maturity or Ro, the OM pores increased gradually, and the OM pore-size distribution diverged to the two poles. In the oil generation stage, the OM pores were distributed in the range of 30–100 nm, while in the gas generation stage, the OM-hosted pores were mainly distributed in the range of 10–20 nm and 100–500 nm. Further into the over-maturity stage, the OM pores were mainly distributed in the range of 0–10 nm and >100 nm. The pore volume distribution across the whole pore sizes showed that the pore volume of low-maturity shale samples was mainly provided by 100–1000 nm (macropores), and the pore volumes of 0–2 nm, 30–100 nm and 1000+ nm pores gradually increase with increasing thermal maturity, with the final pore-size distribution having four peaks at 0–2, 30–100, 500–1000 nm, and 10–100 µm. Hydrocarbon generation mainly affects the pore volume in the 0–2 nm and 100–1000 nm intervals, with a positive correlation. The 2–30 nm and 30–100 nm pores were likely controlled by diagenesis, such as mineral transformation, illitization, and cementation during the maturation process.
Changes of Temperature and Moisture Distribution over Time by Thermo-Hydro-Chemical (T-H-C)-Coupled Analysis in Buffer Material Focusing on Montmorillonite Content
Authors: Ouchi Kohei , Sato Haruo
Published: April 2024

Bentonite is used as a buffer material in engineered barriers for the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The buffer material will be made of bentonite, a natural clay, mixed with silica sand. The buffer material is affected by decay heat from high-level radioactive waste, infiltration of groundwater, and swelling of the buffer material. The analysis of these factors requires coupled analysis of heat transfer, moisture transfer, and groundwater chemistry. The purpose of this study is to develop a model to evaluate bentonite types and silica sand content in a unified manner for thermo-hydro-chemical (T-H-C)-coupled analysis in buffer materials. We focused on the content of the clay mineral montmorillonite, which is the main component of bentonite, and developed a model to derive the moisture diffusion coefficient of liquid water and water vapor based on Philip and de Vries, and Kozeny–Carman. The evolutions of the temperature and moisture distribution in the buffer material were analyzed, and the validity of each distribution was confirmed by comparison with the measured data obtained from an in situ experiment at 350 m in depth at the Horonobe Underground Research Center, Hokkaido, Japan.