bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing the Cost Optimization Issue for IOTA Based on Lyapunov Optimization Theory
Authors: Chen Yinfeng , Sun Baojun , Wang Yaofei , Qiu Zhixin , Li Yang
Published: October 2024

IOTA is an emerging decentralized computing paradigm for developing blockchain-based Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It has the advantages of zero transaction fees, incremental scalability, and high-performance transaction rates. Despite its well-understood benefits, IOTA nodes need to withstand considerable resource costs to generate the distributed ledger. The main reason for this is that IOTA abandons the original blockchain reward mechanism and does not charge transaction fees. Therefore, in this paper we address the cost optimization issue for IOTA based on Lyapunov optimization theory. We take the first step in investigating the cost optimization problem of IOTA and exploring a new optimization scheme using Lyapunov optimization theory. Our proposed scheme enables IOTA to minimize the total cost of IOTA nodes through a computational optimization algorithm. Then, an optimized transaction rate control algorithm can be designed based on the large deviation theory to reduce orphan tangles that waste computational costs. In addition, we define and deduce the effective width of the tangle to monitor the total throughput and reduce the time spent on cost optimization to avoid unnecessary waste of resources. Lastly, a comprehensive theoretical analysis and simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed strategy is both efficient and practical.
Yet Another Discriminant Analysis (YADA): A Probabilistic Model for Machine Learning Applications
Authors: Field Richard V. , Smith Michael R. , Wuest Ellery J. , Ingram Joe B.
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a probabilistic model for various machine learning (ML) applications. While deep learning (DL) has produced state-of-the-art results in many domains, DL models are complex and over-parameterized, which leads to high uncertainty about what the model has learned, as well as its decision process. Further, DL models are not probabilistic, making reasoning about their output challenging. In contrast, the proposed model, referred to as Yet Another Discriminate Analysis(YADA), is less complex than other methods, is based on a mathematically rigorous foundation, and can be utilized for a wide variety of ML tasks including classification, explainability, and uncertainty quantification. YADA is thus competitive in most cases with many state-of-the-art DL models. Ideally, a probabilistic model would represent the full joint probability distribution of its features, but doing so is often computationally expensive and intractable. Hence, many probabilistic models assume that the features are either normally distributed, mutually independent, or both, which can severely limit their performance. YADA is an intermediate model that (1) captures the marginal distributions of each variable and the pairwise correlations between variables and (2) explicitly maps features to the space of multivariate Gaussian variables. Numerous mathematical properties of the YADA model can be derived, thereby improving the theoretic underpinnings of ML. Validation of the model can be statistically verified on new or held-out data using native properties of YADA. However, there are some engineering and practical challenges that we enumerate to make YADA more useful.
Financial Literacy, Fintech, and Risky Financial Investment in Urban Households—An Analysis Based on CHFS Data
Authors: Chen Linsheng , Bai Jianli , Xu Shiwei , Cheng Zhengrong , Chen Jiahui
Published: October 2024

In recent years, China’s financial markets have come under increasing scrutiny. In order to explore the impact of financial literacy on urban household investment in the risk financial market, this paper used the micro-data of the 2019 China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) to start from two perspectives: household risk financial investment and the number of investment financial products, namely the breadth of investment. By constructing a probit model and ordered probit model for empirical analysis, the main conclusions are as follows. Benchmark regression results show that the improvement of financial literacy can significantly promote urban households to make risky financial investments and can significantly broaden the types of risky financial investments. Based on the IV-probit model and two-stage least square method, the endogeneity test using the economic and financial information attention degree as the instrumental variable showed that the model results were credible. The robustness test showed that the model results were basically correct. Furthermore, the mechanism analysis found that the use of fintech played an intermediary effect in the process of financial literacy affecting urban household risky financial investment and the amount of investment. This indicates that the improvement of financial literacy can improve the probability of using fintech, thus promoting the household risky financial investment behavior. Heterogeneity analysis based on risk attitude showed that financial literacy had a greater effect on the improvement in the risky financial investment behavior of risk-inclined families, followed by risk-neutral families, and had the least effect on risk-averse families. The research conclusions of this paper are of practical significance to solve the problems related to urban household financial market investment. Therefore, this paper puts forward some suggestions for reference, especially in terms of financial education and the digital economy.
Technology Empowers Finance: Boundaries and Risks
Authors: Ji Zheng , Zhang Xiaoqi , Liang Han , Lyu Yang
Published: October 2024

BigTech credit has enhanced financial inclusion, but it also poses concerns with its boundaries. This article uses theoretical frameworks and numerical simulations to examine the risks and inclusiveness of technology-empowered credit services for “long-tail” clients. This research discovered that the discrepancy between the commercial boundaries of BigTech credit and the technical limitations of risk management poses a risk in BigTech credit. The expanding boundaries of BigTech’s credit business may mitigate the representativeness of the data, resulting in a systematic deviation of unclear characteristics from the training sample data, which reduces the risk-control model’s ability to identify long-tail customers and raises the risk of credit defaults. Further computer simulations validate these results and demonstrate that competition among various companies would expedite the market’s transition over the boundary in case of a capital shortage. Finally, this article proposes setting up a joint-stock social unified credit technology company with data assets as an investment to facilitate the healthy and orderly development of financial technology institutions.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in a Lithuanian Paediatric Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Stacevičienė Indrė , Ivaškevičienė Inga , Kinčinienė Odeta , Kilaitė Loriana , Jankauskienė Augustina
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: Due to its link with the SARS-CoV-2, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) gained global attention as a serious condition that requires hospital care. Our study aimed to present the clinical and laboratory characteristics of MIS-C patients by age group and intensive care unit (ICU) admission status and assess early echocardiographic changes. Materials and Methods: A single-center partly retrospective, partly prospective observational cohort study was performed from December 2020 to June 2024. The study included 42 patients aged between 1 month and 18 years who were diagnosed with MIS-C and gave informed consent. Results: The median age was 6.5 years (IQR 2.0–9.3). The predominant symptoms were cardiovascular (88.1%), mucocutaneous (85.7%) and gastrointestinal (76.2%). Five children (11.9%) developed shock. About two-thirds of patients (66.7%) were admitted to the ICU. Adolescents (≥12 years) were less likely to exhibit mucocutaneous or cardiovascular symptoms and thus less frequently having Kawasaki—like disease symptoms compared with other age groups (<5 years or 5–11 years). Lymphopenia was more common among patients aged 5 years and older. Adolescents had higher procalcitonin (PCT) and a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. Troponin I and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were higher in children aged 5–11 years, while ferritin levels were lower among the youngest (<5 years). Patients treated at the ICU were more likely to have cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms, as well as a history of symptomatic COVID-19, higher C-reactive protein (CRP), PCT, BNP and lower albumin levels. Echocardiographic abnormalities were found in 71.4% of cases. During hospitalization, left ventricular ejection fraction values increased significantly (p < 0.001) over 12 (IQR 9.0–14.0) days. Conclusions: Symptoms and laboratory markers of MIS-C vary according to age. Higher CRP, PCT, BNP and hypoalbuminemia are predictors of MIS-C severity. Cardiovascular involvement is common and might be severe, but rapid resolution is encouraging.
Does Ortho-Substitution Enhance Cytotoxic Potencies in a Series of 3,5-Bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidones?
Authors: Karki Subhas S. , Das Umashankar , Balzarini Jan , De Clercq Erik , Sakagami Hiroshi , Uesawa Yoshihiro , Roayapalley Praveen K. , Dimmock Jonathan R.
Published: October 2024

Background: A series of 3,5-benzylidene-4-piperidones, 1a–n, were prepared to evaluate the hypothesis that the placement of different groups in the ortho-location of the aryl rings led to compounds with greater cytotoxic potencies than structural analogs. Methods: The bioevaluation of 1a–n was undertaken using human Molt/4C8 and CEM cells as well as murine L1210 cells. Correlations were sought between the interplanar angles θA and θB and the cytotoxic potencies. A QSAR analysis was also undertaken. In order to evaluate whether these compounds demonstrated greater toxicity to neoplasms than non-malignant cells, 1a–n were evaluated against HSC-2, HSC-3, HSC-4 and HL60 neoplasms as well as non-malignant HGF, HPC and HPLF cells. Results: A positive correlation was noted between the interplanar angle θA of one of the aryl rings and the adjacent olefinic linkage with IC50 values in the Molt4/C8 screens. The QSAR analysis revealed a positive correlation between the Hansch pi (π) value of the aryl substituents and the IC50 values of the compounds towards the Molt4/C8 and CEM cells. The dienones in series 1 demonstrated higher tumor-selective toxicity towards HSC-2, HSC-3, HSC-4 and HL-60 neoplasms than HGF, HPC and HPLF cells. Conclusions: The bioevaluations revealed some support for greater cytotoxic potencies to be displayed by compounds having ortho-substituents.
Research on the Laser Scattering Characteristics of Three-Dimensional Imaging Based on Electro–Optical Crystal Modulation
Authors: Sun Houpeng , Li Yingchun , Guo Huichao , Luan Chenglong , Zhang Laixian , Zheng Haijing , Fan Youchen
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we construct a laser 3D imaging simulation model based on the 3D imaging principle of electro–optical crystal modulation. Unlike the traditional 3D imaging simulation method, this paper focuses on the laser scattering characteristics of the target scene. To accurately analyze and simulate the scattering characteristic model of the target under laser irradiation, we propose a BRDF (Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) model fitting algorithm based on the hybrid BBO–Firefly model, which can accurately simulate the laser scattering distribution of the target at different angles. Finally, according to the fitted scattering characteristic model, we inverted the target imaging gray map. We used the laser 3D imaging restoration principle to reconstruct the 3D point cloud of the target to realize the laser 3D imaging of the target.
Agricultural Soil as a Reservoir of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Potential Risk to Public Health
Authors: Licea-Herrera Jessica I. , Guerrero Abraham , Mireles-Martínez Maribel , Rodríguez-González Yuridia , Aguilera-Arreola Guadalupe , Contreras-Rodríguez Araceli , Fernandez-Davila Susana , Requena-Castro Rocío , Rivera Gildardo , Bocanegra-García Virgilio , Martínez-Vázquez Ana Verónica
Published: October 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen with a high capacity to adapt to different factors. The aim of this study is to analyze the pathogenicity in P. aeruginosa strains and their resistance to heavy metals and antibiotics, in agricultural soil of the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Susceptibility to 16 antibiotics was tested using the Kirby-Bauer method (CLSI). Eight virulence factors (FV) and six genes associated with heavy metal resistance were detected by PCR. As a result, P. aeruginosa was detected in 55% of the samples. The eight virulence factors were identified in ≥80% of the strains. The strains showed some level of resistance to only three antibiotics: 32.8% to ticarcillin, 40.8% to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid and 2.4% to aztreonam. The most frequent heavy metal resistance genes were arsC (92.8%) and copA (90.4%). However, copB and arsB genes were also identified in a percentage greater than 80%, and the least frequent genes were merA in 14.4% and czcA in 7.2%. Although P. aeruginosa strains showed a high percentage of factor virulence (potential ability to cause infections), their high levels of susceptibility to antibiotics lead to the assumption that infections are easily curable.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Associated Risk Factors in Pregnant Women in Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil: A Multi-Level Analysis
Authors: Lozano Tatiani da Silva Palhota , Benitez Aline , Santos Joice Cristina dos , Navarro Italmar Teodorico , Nagata Walter Bertequini , Pinto Michel dos Santos , Gomes Jancarlo Ferreira , Debortoli Gabriele Zaine Teixeira , Santos-Doni Thaís Rabelo , Bresciani Katia Denise Saraiva
Published: October 2024

This study assessed the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and risk factors among 428 pregnant women attending Basic Health Units (BHUs) in Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. The seroprevalence was 55.14%, indicating high exposure to the parasite in this population. Using a multi-level logistic regression model, this study analyzed these predictors to determine their association with a higher seropositivity rate, with BHUs included as a random factor. Predictors associated with higher seropositivity included older age (36–45 years), with a 71.64% prevalence in this group, and multiparity (61.65%). Women with lower educational levels were also more likely to be infected, with 59.46% seropositivity recorded among those who had only completed elementary school. Despite identifying several risk factors, no significant correlation was found between undercooked meat consumption or contact with soil and infection. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions, particularly for educating high-risk groups about toxoplasmosis prevention, such as safe food handling and avoiding raw dairy products. Additionally, BHUs play a critical role in early detection and prevention. These units are important for providing healthcare access and preventive education for vulnerable populations. Given the high seroprevalence, this study underscores the urgency of implementing prenatal screening and educational programs to reduce the risks of congenital toxoplasmosis in this region.
Tomato Root Exudates Infected by Meloidogyne incognita Impact the Colonization of Nematicidal Proteus vulgaris
Authors: Yue Pengyan , Hu Qianru , Zhou Wenzhen , Rang Xiaozhan , Liu Yajun
Published: October 2024

Root exudates play a pivotal role in shaping the microbial community in the rhizosphere and can impact the efficacy of bacteria in controlling nematode populations. This study identified Proteus vulgaris BX-1 as significantly effective in controlling Meloidogyne incognita. The infection of tomato plants with this nematode induced noticeable alterations in the composition of tomato root exudates and led to an increased colonization rate of strain BX-1. Further investigation into how strain BX-1 responded to changes in tomato root exudates revealed that specific metabolites, such as caffeic acid, coumarin, salicylic acid, sebacic acid, and butyric acid, strongly attracted strain BX-1. This attraction potentially contributed to its enhanced colonization and improved efficiency in controlling nematodes. Understanding the correlation between specific metabolites in root exudates and the response of antagonistic bacteria provides valuable insights for enhancing their effectiveness as biological control agents against plant-parasitic nematodes.
Antifungal Activity of Rhizosphere Bacillus Isolated from Ziziphus jujuba Against Alternaria alternata
Authors: Zou Qiang , Zhang Yumeng , Niu Xinxiang , Yang Hongmei , Chu Min , Wang Ning , Bao Huifang , Zhan Faqiang , Yang Rong , Lou Kai , Shi Yingwu
Published: October 2024

The serious impact of Alternaria alternata on jujube black spot disease has seriously affected the quality and yield of jujube, constraining the sustainable development of the jujube industry. The purpose of this study was to isolate and screen highly effective biocontrol strains of jujube black spot disease from jujube rhizosphere soil. Thirty-three soil samples were collected from four regions in southern Xinjiang. The strains with antagonistic effects were isolated and screened by the dilution spread method and plate confrontation method and identified by morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, as well as 16S rDNA, gyrB, and rpoB gene sequences. Indoor and field efficacy experiments were conducted to determine their biocontrol effect. A total of 110 strains with antibacterial activity were selected, and one strain, Bacillus velezensis 26-8, with a stable antagonistic effect was further tested. Biological characteristic experiments showed that strain 26-8 could grow at NaCl concentrations of 0.5–10% and pH 4.0–9.0. The biocontrol experiment results showed that Bacillus velezensis 26-8 could achieve an 89.83% control effect against black spot disease. In conclusion, strain 26-8 has good salt and alkali tolerance, exerts a good control effect on jujube black spot disease, and is worthy of further study.
Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Revealed DdSTE2 Play a Role in Constricting Ring Formation in the Nematode-Trapping Fungi Drechslerella dactyloides
Authors: Wu Cheng-Lin , Wang Ren-Qiao , Yang Jin-Ting , Sun Jia-Mei , Xu Yan-Rui , Xu Jianping , Zhang Ke-Qin , Liang Lian-Ming
Published: October 2024

The carnivorous fungus Drechslerella dactyloides can form constricting rings through hyphal specialization to capture nematodes. The formation of constricting rings is a prerequisite for capturing nematodes and a characteristic of entering the carnivorous stage. Currently, there is limited research on the molecular mechanism of constricting ring formation. In this study, two D. dactyloides mutants unable to form constricting rings were obtained through UV irradiation mutagenesis, and their growth and development phenotypes were compared with the wild-type strain. Transcriptome comparisons revealed differences between the mutants and the wild-type strain in metabolic pathways related to cell wall structure, peroxisomes, lipid metabolism, and MAPK signal transduction, which we validated through qPCR. We further deleted one differentially expressed gene, DdSTE2, of the MAPK pathway and confirmed its role in conidiogenesis and trap formation in D. dactyloides. Together, our results indicate that the remodeling of cell wall structure, peroxisomes, lipid metabolism, and MAPK signal transduction pathways are involved in the formation and maturation of D. dactyloides constricting rings. We discuss the implications of these results for utilizing these fungi to control animal and plant parasitic nematodes.
Metagenomic Analysis Reveals the Effects of Different Land Use Types on Functional Soil Phosphorus Cycling: A Case Study of the Yellow River Alluvial Plain
Authors: Wen Ming , Liu Yu , Feng Chaoyang , Li Zhuoqing
Published: October 2024

Phosphorus (P) is a crucial limiting nutrient in soil ecosystems, significantly influencing soil fertility and plant productivity. Soil microorganisms adapt to phosphorus deficiency and enhance soil phosphorus effectiveness through various mechanisms, which are notably influenced by land use practices. This study examined the impact of different land use types (long-term continuous maize farmland, abandoned evolving grassland, artificial tamarisk forests, artificial ash forests, and wetlands) on soil phosphorus-cycling functional genes within the Tanyang Forest Farm in a typical region of the Yellow River alluvial plain using macro genome sequencing technology. The gene cluster related to inorganic phosphorus solubilization and organic phosphorus mineralization exhibited the highest relative abundance across different land use types (2.24 × 10−3), followed by the gene cluster associated with phosphorus transport and uptake (1.42 × 10−3), with the lowest relative abundance observed for the P-starvation response regulation gene cluster (5.52 × 10−4). Significant differences were found in the physical and chemical properties of the soils and the relative abundance of phosphorus-cycling functional genes among various land use types. The lowest relative abundance of soil phosphorus-cycling functional genes was observed in forestland, with both forestland types showing significantly lower gene abundance compared to wetland, farmland, and grassland. Correlation analysis and redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed a significant relationship between soil physicochemical properties and soil phosphorus-cycling functional genes, with ammonium nitrogen, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and pH being the main environmental factors influencing the abundance of these genes, explaining 70% of the variation in their relative abundance. Our study reveals land use’s impact on soil phosphorus-cycling genes, offering genetic insights into microbial responses to land use changes.
Approximation of the Role of Mineralized Collagen Fibril Orientation in the Mechanical Properties of Bone: A Computational Study on Dehydrated Osteonal Lamellar Bone
Authors: Namli Onur , Utku Feride
Published: October 2024

Bone is a natural composite of the hierarchical arrangement of mineralized collagen fibrils in various orientations. This study aims to understand how the orientation of the bone mineral, guiding the removal of water contained in the humidity-responsive layers during dehydration, affects its mechanical properties. A sublamellar pattern with mineralized collagen fibrils oriented between 0° to 150° at 5° angles was the model studied. Using basic transformational computational methods, dimensional change was calculated in the transverse and oblique planes of osteonal lamellar bone while considering bone components sensitive to dehydration in radial, tangential, and axial orientations. The anisotropy ratios of the change in the dimension of the variable mineralized collagen fibril orientations calculated using the computed model displayed values ranging between 0.847 to 2.092 for the transverse plane and 0.9856 to 1.0207 for the oblique plane. A comparison of the anisotropy results of the suggested model indicated that they approach the experimental results of both transversely and obliquely cut samples. As collagen fibril and mineral orientation take place both temporally and spatially in relationship with the static and dynamic loads placed on the different volumes of bone, the results may imply that the mechanical demands involved in bone resorption and deposition contribute to the formation of this multi-faceted and hierarchically structured natural composite.
Assessment of Ethanolic Extraction of Chlorogenic Acid, Cynarin, and Polyphenols from Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) Roots Under Ultrasound
Authors: Hsu Yi-Chun , Yang Chun-Yao
Published: October 2024

The bioactive compounds in burdock (Arctium lappa L.) roots, including chlorogenic acid (CGA) and cynarin, are valuable for use in nutraceutical foods. The ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive substances from dried burdock root powder (DBR) was investigated with 95% ethanol to reduce the impact of polysaccharide inulin on the extraction of free CGA and cynarin. The ethanolic extraction of CGA and cynarin was evaluated under ultrasound (300 W) at 40 kHz (U40) and 120 kHz (U120) with shaking at 120 rpm (S120) for comparison. Using a 1/30 (g/mL-solvent) solid-to-liquid ratio at 30 °C in 120 min, amounts of CGA and cynarin with U40 were as high as 818.74 μg/g-DBR and 173.68 μg/g-DBR, respectively, being much higher than those with U120 and S120. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of the extract using U40 were significantly better than using U120 and S120. For U40 and U120, CGA increased with a decreasing solid-to-liquid ratio, while cynarin showed a decrease with a decreasing solid-to-liquid ratio using U120. Moreover, no observable degradations of free CGA and cynarin in ethanol were detected. By combining ultrasound and ethanol, the extracts with high-content CGA and cynarin from burdock roots were effectively achieved for use in health foods.
Encapsulation Engineering of Sulfur into Magnesium Oxide for High Energy Density Li–S Batteries
Authors: Choudhary Sunny , Oli Nischal , Shweta Shweta , Kumar Satyam , Bhattarai Mohan K. , Malca-Reyes Carlos Alberto , Katiyar Rajesh K. , Tripathi Balram , Díaz-Vázquez Liz M. , Morell Gerardo , S. Katiyar Ram
Published: October 2024

This study addresses the persistent challenge of polysulfide dissolution in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries by introducing magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles as a novel additive. MgO was integrated with sulfur using a scalable process involving solid-state melt diffusion treatment followed by planetary ball milling. XRD measurements confirmed that sulfur (S8) retains its orthorhombic crystalline structure (space group Fddd) following the MgO incorporation, with minimal peak shifts indicating slight lattice distortion, while the increased peak intensity suggests enhanced crystallinity due to MgO acting as a nucleation site. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy demonstrated sulfur’s characteristic vibrational modes consistent with group theory (point group D2h) and highlighted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT′s) D, G, and 2D bands, with a low ID/IG ratio (0.47), which indicated low defects and high crystallinity in the prepared cathode. The S–MgO composite cathode exhibited superior electrochemical behavior, with an initial discharge capacity (950 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C), significantly improved compared to pristine sulfur’s. The presence of MgO effectively mitigated the polysulfide shuttle effect by trapping polysulfides, leading to enhanced stability over 400 cycles and the consistent coulombic efficiency of over 99.5%. After 400 cycles, EDS and SEM analyses confirmed the structural integrity of the electrode, with only minor fractures and slight sulfur content loss. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further confirmed the enhanced performance.
A Novel French-Style Salad Dressing Based on Pickering Emulsion of Oil-Water Lycopene from Guava and Cellulose Nanofibers
Authors: Gómez-Hoyos Catalina , Serpa-Guerra Angélica , Argel. Pérez Shaydier , Velásquez. Cock Jorge Andrés , Vélez-Acosta Lina , Gañán-Rojo Piedad , Zuluaga-Gallego Robin
Published: October 2024

The objective of this research was to assess the potential of a Pickering emulsion based on lycopene extracted from guava by sunflower oil-water and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) isolated from banana residues as a novel ingredient for a French-style salad dressing. The aim was to determine the impact of this emulsion on the stability and rheological properties of the dressing as well as ascertain the presence of lycopene in the final product. The particle size distribution, rheological properties, and emulsion stability of the Pickering emulsion and salad dressing were evaluated. The sample exhibiting the optimal stability condition contained 0.5 wt.% of CNFs (EPI0.5). In order to prepare the French salad dressing based on this Pickering emulsion, three concentrations of vinegar were analyzed. All samples contained white salt and sugar. The findings suggest that alterations in emulsion stability may be influenced by the vinegar content and the presence of salt, particularly during the storage period, which also affects the concentration of lycopene. Notwithstanding these findings, the untrained panelists expressed a favorable opinion and acceptance of the dressings, indicating that the product could serve as an alternative means of enriching food through the incorporation of beneficial substances such as lycopene.
Organ Tropism of Angiostrongylus vasorum Larval Stages in Infected African Giant Snails (Lissachatina fulica)
Authors: Dusch Alena , Segeritz Lisa , Henrich Manfred , Taubert Anja , Hermosilla Carlos
Published: October 2024

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a metastrongyloid lungworm causing severe cardiovascular disease in domestic and wild animals. During its heteroxenous life cycle, A. vasorum requires obligate gastropod intermediate hosts. Little is known about A. vasorum larval organ tropism and development in gastropod intermediate hosts. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze in vivo development of A. vasorum larval stages in experimentally infected African giant snails (Lissachatina fulica). Adult L. fulica (n = 26) were orally infected with A. vasorum-L1 and thereafter continuously euthanized. Gastropod organs were artificially digested and microscopically analyzed for the presence of A. vasorum larvae. Moreover, paraffin-fixed organs were investigated histologically for snail-borne innate immune response. In the current study, the success of L. fulica oral infection was demonstrated, thereby reaching larval recovery rates of up to 49.7%. During snail infection, an organ tropism of A. vasorum larvae was detected for the lungs and the foot muscular tissue. Overall, A. vasorum-driven gastropod innate immune reactions against larvae varied greatly. In some specimens, larvae were found effectively ensnared by recruited hemocytes, resulting in granuloma formation, whilst in others, hemocyte-mediated reactions were barely observed. Nevertheless, these evidences demand more studies on hemocyte-derived effector mechanisms against A. vasorum.
Novel Application of Quantum Computing for Routing and Spectrum Assignment in Flexi-Grid Optical Networks
Authors: Bouchmal Oumayma , Cimoli Bruno , Stabile Ripalta , Vegas Olmos Juan Jose , Hernandez Carlos , Martinez Ricardo , Casellas Ramon , Tafur Monroy Idelfonso
Published: October 2024

Flexi-grid technology has revolutionized optical networking by enabling Elastic Optical Networks (EONs) that offer greater flexibility and dynamism compared to traditional fixed-grid systems. As data traffic continues to grow exponentially, the need for efficient and scalable solutions to the routing and spectrum assignment (RSA) problem in EONs becomes increasingly critical. The RSA problem, being NP-Hard, requires solutions that can simultaneously address both spatial routing and spectrum allocation. This paper proposes a novel quantum-based approach to solving the RSA problem. By formulating the problem as a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) model, we employ the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) to effectively solve it. Our approach is specifically designed to minimize end-to-end delay while satisfying the continuity and contiguity constraints of frequency slots. Simulations conducted using the Qiskit framework and IBM-QASM simulator validate the effectiveness of our method. We applied the QAOA-based RSA approach to small network topology, where the number of nodes and frequency slots was constrained by the limited qubit count on current quantum simulator. In this small network, the algorithm successfully converged to an optimal solution in less than 30 iterations, with a total runtime of approximately 10.7 s with an accuracy of 78.8%. Additionally, we conducted a comparative analysis between QAOA, integer linear programming, and deep reinforcement learning methods to evaluate the performance of the quantum-based approach relative to classical techniques. This work lays the foundation for future exploration of quantum computing in solving large-scale RSA problems in EONs, with the prospect of achieving quantum advantage as quantum technology continues to advance.
Emerging Trends and Technologies Used for the Identification, Detection, and Characterisation of Plant-Parasitic Nematode Infestation in Crops
Authors: Pun Top Bahadur , Thapa Magar Roniya , Koech Richard , Owen Kirsty J. , Adorada Dante L.
Published: October 2024

Accurate identification and estimation of the population densities of microscopic, soil-dwelling plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are essential, as PPNs cause significant economic losses in agricultural production systems worldwide. This study presents a comprehensive review of emerging techniques used for the identification of PPNs, including morphological identification, molecular diagnostics such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), high-throughput sequencing, meta barcoding, remote sensing, hyperspectral analysis, and image processing. Classical morphological methods require a microscope and nematode taxonomist to identify species, which is laborious and time-consuming. Alternatively, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has emerged as a reliable and efficient approach for PPN identification and quantification; however, the cost associated with the reagents, instrumentation, and careful optimisation of reaction conditions can be prohibitive. High-throughput sequencing and meta-barcoding are used to study the biodiversity of all tropical groups of nematodes, not just PPNs, and are useful for describing changes in soil ecology. Convolutional neural network (CNN) methods are necessary to automate the detection and counting of PPNs from microscopic images, including complex cases like tangled nematodes. Remote sensing and hyperspectral methods offer non-invasive approaches to estimate nematode infestations and facilitate early diagnosis of plant stress caused by nematodes and rapid management of PPNs. This review provides a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers involved in nematology and plant protection. It highlights the importance of fast, efficient, and robust identification protocols and decision-support tools in mitigating the impact of PPNs on global agriculture and food security.
Towards the Implementation and Integration of a Digital Twin in a Discrete Manufacturing Context
Authors: Lanzini Michela , Ferretti Ivan , Zanoni Simone
Published: October 2024

In the context of enhanced decision making related to Industry 4.0 and 5.0, this work examines the first step toward the implementation of a Digital Twin (DT) in a discrete manufacturing firm. It will be required that the DT be adequately integrated with the information systems, especially the Manufacturing Execution System (MES), because the virtual counterpart of the DT itself, a Discrete Event Simulator (DES) model, will exploit the MES data for the validation and monitoring. The objective of the DT is to enhance the decision making related to production planning in particular, achieving better on-time delivery to customers. Therefore, the DT intends to depict material flows within the production department to enhance the monitoring and control, facilitating the prompt identification of deviations from the plan and supporting the decision-makers, enabling a more responsive and informed management of delay alerts. The first goal to achieve the DT implementation and integration is to establish a conceptual framework that improves material flow data synchronization. A conceptual integration and implementation framework for the DT will be proposed and discussed, underlying the technical decisions chosen to achieve the functional and integration requirements.
Effectiveness and Risk Assessment of Septic Tank Treatment Systems in Rural Cold Regions of China
Authors: Bian Jinghao , Wei Xiaocheng , Chen Peizhen , Huang Zhiping , Zhang Chunxue , Yang Bo , Wang Qiang
Published: October 2024

Rural toilet reform in cold areas is the focus and difficulty of China’s toilet revolution. In this paper, by carrying out the septic tank gradient burial depth test and regular seasonal monitoring of the operation effect of rural septic tanks in cold areas, the frost protection effect and treatment effect of rural toilets in cold areas are clarified, which provide important references for the rural toilet revolution and its practical significance in cold areas of China. Based on controlled tests and correlation analysis methods, different gradient burial depths of septic tanks (40, 60, and 80 cm) and different seasonal operation effects (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) were studied to analyze the influence of factors such as burial depths and temperatures on the effectiveness of anti-freezing and treatment of septic tanks. The results found that the septic tank effluent indexes of the six cold-zone test households could not meet requirements of Class Ⅰ-B in the discharge standard of pollutants for municipal wastewater treatment plants (GB 18918-2002). (The criteria for Class I-B are as follows: COD emission limit of 60 mg/L; SS emission limit of 20 mg/L; TN emission limit of 20 mg/L; TP emission limit of 1 mg/L; NH3-N emission limit of 8 mg/L); The average removal of suspended solids (SSs), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), NH3-N, and NO3-N by septic tanks was 79.7%, 21.8%, 10.5%, 13.5%, 9.76%, and 2.38%, respectively; the water temperature was significantly positively correlated with SS, TN, and TP; the double-layer insulated septic tank with medium burial depth (60 cm) could operate normally in cold areas in winter. The treatment effect of septic tanks on various indicators basically shows that summer > autumn > spring > winter. Temperature is the main limiting factor affecting the treatment effect of septic tanks.
Co-Gelatinization Modification of Iodine–Starch and Its Performance in Drilling Fluid
Authors: Xue Le , Wang Quande , Liu Liming , Zhang Liyuan , Wang Kun , Chen Gang , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2024

Modified starch is used as a drilling fluid treatment agent in oilfields. During the drilling process, modified starch plays a vital role in the drilling fluid system, but its poor temperature resistance limits its application in oilfields. Therefore, this paper studied the performance of several starches in water-based drilling fluids through co-gelatinization modification; studied the effectiveness of several modifiers in gelatinized starch drilling fluids, combined with flow modification performance tests, bentonite linear expansion rate, salt resistance, and other experimental methods to complete the screening of the best modified starch; and systematically compared the temperature resistance, inhibition, compatibility, and salt resistance before and after gelatinization. The possible mechanism of action of modified starch treatment was analyzed and tested by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), laser particle size analyzer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the decomposition temperatures of cassava starch (TS), potato starch (PS), and corn starch (CS) were different, and the decomposition temperature of cassava starch (TS) was the highest, at 150 °C. At this temperature, the optimal dosage of gelatinized TS is 2.5%, the maximum shear force is 2.25 Pa, and the filtration loss is only 12.6 mL. TS has obvious performance advantages over other starches. After co-gelatinization with 1.0% iodine and 2.5% TS at 140 °C, it has a good viscosity reduction and filtration loss effect, and the filtration loss is only 5.2 mL, which is 31.6% lower than that of untreated TS drilling fluid. The linear expansion rate at 120 min is 10.85%, indicating that it has a strong inhibitory effect on the hydration and dispersion of bentonite. In addition, iodine cassava starch (ITS) has good compatibility in drilling-fluid formulations and shows good salt resistance when mixed with different concentrations of KCl. The results of this study can be used to improve the temperature resistance of filtration agents and facilitate related research.
Mediating Change: Pamphilus Gengenbach, Print Culture, and the Vernacular in Early Reformation Basel
Authors: Berger Andreas
Published: October 2024

The relationship between the Reformation movement and print media has long fascinated scholars, yet much of the focus has centered on renowned figures, often overlooking local lay protagonists. This article shifts the spotlight onto one such unsung figure: Pamphilus Gengenbach, a Basel writer, printer, and publisher. Gengenbach, a fervent supporter of political and religious reform, emerged as a leading advocate of Protestant thought in Basel. His aggressive promotion of the vernacular and his adept use of intertextual references to contemporary debates and events reveal a sophisticated grasp of print media’s potential beyond mere dissemination. Leveraging his experience as an author, printer, and publisher, Gengenbach engaged his audience effectively, translating and transmitting Protestant teachings with remarkable impact. This article asserts that Gengenbach’s strategic communication and local influence were instrumental in paving the way for the Basel Reformation, underscoring the vital role of grassroots actors in the Reformation’s success.
Telepresence Robots in the Context of Dementia Caregiving: Caregivers’ and Care Recipients’ Perspectives
Authors: FakhrHosseini Shabnam , Cerino Lauren , D’Ambrosio Lisa , Balmuth Lexi , Lee Chaiwoo , Wu Mengke , Coughlin Joseph
Published: October 2024

As a result of a rapidly aging population and the increasing prevalence of dementia among older adults, technological solutions are increasingly being considered to facilitate caregiving. This research investigates the perspectives of 20 caregiving dyads on VGo, a telepresence social robot with features designed to support caregiving. Care recipients (CRs), aged 65 and older, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, along with their primary caregivers (CGs), evaluated the robot through an online interview study. The interviews integrated informative videos showcasing VGo’s features and functions. Insights from the interviews revealed diverse expectations, interests, and reservations. The majority of CGs and their CRs perceived the robot’s features as beneficial. In particular, the voice command capability was appreciated as an alternative to using smartphones and as a way to manage home appliances. The community feature, however, did not align well with many participants’ lifestyles, and participants had a number of suggestions to enhance the robot’s notification function. Based on the interview results, the study offers a set of design recommendations for telepresence social robots in home caregiving contexts. This investigation highlights the promise of social robots in caregiving contexts and underscores the need for further improvements to ensure they fit users’ needs.
The Strategic Role of Digital Transformation: Leveraging Digital Leadership to Enhance Employee Performance and Organizational Commitment in the Digital Era
Authors: Qiao Guanming , Li Yannan , Hong Ahreum
Published: October 2024

Given the rapid advancements in the digital transformation era, digital leadership has become essential for enhancing employee performance and organizational commitment. This study specifically examines the mediating role of digital transformation in the relationship between digital leadership, employee performance, and organizational commitment, drawing on data collected between June and August 2024 from 579 participants across diverse industries. The findings demonstrate that digital leadership significantly enhances employee outcomes by driving digital transformation, which serves as a crucial intermediary that amplifies the positive effects of leadership. This research underscores the importance of aligning leadership strategies with digital transformation initiatives, especially in the DT-driven business landscape, to promote sustainable growth and maintain a competitive edge. By highlighting the combined influence of leadership and digital transformation on employee performance and organizational commitment, this study provides valuable insights for organizations addressing the complexities of digital change. It also emphasizes the pivotal role of leadership in fostering innovation and organizational resilience in the digital transformation era.
Corneal Endothelial Microscopy: Does a Manual Recognition of the Endothelial Cells Help the Morphometric Analysis Compared to a Fully Automatic Approach?
Authors: Rizzo Giulia Carlotta , Di Grassi Rosa , Ponzini Erika , Tavazzi Silvia , Zeri Fabrizio
Published: October 2024

This study investigated whether manual integration in the recognition of the endothelial cells produces different outcomes of morphometric parameters compared to a fully automatic approach. Eight hundred and ninety endothelial images, originally acquired by the Perseus Specular Microscope (CSO, Florence, Italy), from seven positions of right and left corneas were selected from the database of the Research Centre in Optics and Optometry at the University of Milano-Bicocca. For each image selected, two procedures of cell identification were performed by the Perseus: an automatic identification and a manual-integrated procedure to add potential additional cells with the available editing tool. At the end of both procedures, the endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation (CV), and hexagonality (HEX) of the mosaic were calculated. The HEX in the two procedures was significantly different for all comparisons (p < 0.001), but clinically negligible. No significant differences were found for the CV and ECD in the images of both eyes irrespective of the corneal position of acquisition (except for ECD in three corneal portions, p < 0.05). To conclude, it is possible to recognise a significantly higher number of cells using the manual-integrated procedure than it is using the fully automatic one, but this does not change the morphological parameters achieved.
Governança de tecnologia da informação e políticas de sustentabilidade e responsabilidade social corporativa: contribuições para melhores práticas organizacionais
Authors: Lima Rogério Aparecido Mendes de , Bacci Silvio César Cardoso , Menegassi Wladimir José Camillo , Paris Lucio Rogerio Pelizer , Antunes Neto Joaquim Maria Ferreira
Published: October 2024

Este artigo explora o alinhamento entre a governança de tecnologia da informação e a implementação de políticas de sustentabilidade e responsabilidade social corporativa nas organizações modernas. A crescente integração da tecnologia da informação em todos os aspectos dos negócios apresenta oportunidades e desafios significativos para a gestão sustentável e socialmente responsável. Ao examinar os desafios específicos enfrentados pelas organizações na integração dessas duas áreas, busca-se sugerir melhores práticas que venham a direcionar novos gestores no processo de implementação integrada e proativa na promoção da inovação sustentável atrelada a governança em tecnologia da informação.