bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pulsed Electric Field Pretreatment on the Concentration of Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Compounds in Cold-Pressed Grape Seed Oil Produced from Wine Waste
Authors: Ćurko Natka , Perić Katarina , Vukušić Pavičić Tomislava , Balbino Sandra , Tomašević Marina , Iveković Damir , Radojčić Redovniković Ivana , Kovačević Ganić Karin
Published: July 2024

Pretreatment of grape pomace seeds with a pulsed electric field (PEF) was applied to improve the extraction yield of cold-pressed grape seed oil. The effects of different PEF conditions, electric field intensities (12.5, 14.0 and 15.6 kV/cm), and durations (15 and 30 min) on the oil chemical composition were also studied. All PEF pretreatments significantly increased the oil yield, flow rate and concentration of total sterols (p < 0.05). In addition, similar trends were observed for total tocochromanols and phenolic compounds, except for PEF pretreatment under the mildest conditions (12.5 kV/cm, 15 min) (p < 0.05). Notably, the application of 15.6 kV/cm for 30 min resulted in the highest relative increase in oil yield and flow rate (29.6% and 56.5%, respectively) and in the concentrations of total tocochromanols, nonflavonoids, and flavonoids (22.1%, 60.2% and 81.5%, respectively). In addition, the highest relative increase in the concentration of total sterols (25.4%) was achieved by applying 12.5 kV/cm for 30 min. The fatty acid composition of the grape seed oil remained largely unaffected by the PEF pretreatments. These results show that PEF pretreatment effectively improves both the yield and the bioactive properties of cold-pressed grape seed oil.
Recent Advances in Efficient Lutein-Loaded Zein-Based Solid Nano-Delivery Systems: Establishment, Structural Characterization, and Functional Properties
Authors: Han He , Chang Ying , Jiao Yan
Published: July 2024

Plant proteins have gained significant attention over animal proteins due to their low carbon footprint, balanced nutrition, and high sustainability. These attributes make plant protein nanocarriers promising for applications in drug delivery, nutraceuticals, functional foods, and other areas. Zein, a major by-product of corn starch processing, is inexpensive and widely available. Its unique self-assembly characteristics have led to its extensive use in various food and drug systems. Zein’s functional tunability allows for excellent performance in loading and transporting bioactive substances. Lutein offers numerous bioactive functions, such as antioxidant and vision protection, but suffers from poor chemical stability and low bioavailability. Nano-embedding technology can construct various zein-loaded lutein nanodelivery systems to address these issues. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the construction of zein-loaded lutein nanosystems. It discusses the fundamental properties of these systems; systematically introduces preparation techniques, structural characterization, and functional properties; and analyzes and predicts the target-controlled release and bioaccessibility of zein-loaded lutein nanosystems. The interactions and synergistic effects between Zein and lutein in the nanocomplexes are examined to elucidate the formation mechanism and conformational relationship of zein–lutein nanoparticles. The physical and chemical properties of Zein are closely related to the molecular structure. Zein and its modified products can encapsulate and protect lutein through various methods, creating more stable and efficient zein-loaded lutein nanosystems. Additionally, embedding lutein in Zein and its derivatives enhances lutein’s digestive stability, solubility, antioxidant properties, and overall bioavailability.
A Novel Semi-Analytical Scheme to Deal with Fractional Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) of Variable-Order
Authors: Kheybari Samad , Alizadeh Farzaneh , Darvishi Mohammad Taghi , Hosseini Kamyar , Hincal Evren
Published: July 2024

This article introduces a new numerical algorithm dedicated to solving the most general form of variable-order fractional partial differential models. Both the time and spatial order of derivatives are considered as non-constant values. A combination of the shifted Chebyshev polynomials is used to approximate the solution of such equations. The coefficients of this combination are considered a function of time, and they are obtained using the collocation method. The theoretical aspects of the method are investigated, and then by solving some problems, the efficiency of the method is presented.
Securing Bipartite Nonlinear Fractional-Order Multi-Agent Systems against False Data Injection Attacks (FDIAs) Considering Hostile Environment
Authors: Louati Hanen , Rehman Saadia , Imtiaz Farhat , AlBasheir Nafisa A. , Al-Rezami Afrah Y. , Almazah Mohammed M. A. , Niazi Azmat Ullah Khan
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the stability of bipartite nonlinear fractional-order multi-agent systems (FOMASs) in the presence of false data injection attacks (FDIAs) in a hostile environment. To tackle this problem we used signed graph theory, the Razumikhin methodology, and the Lyapunov function method. The main focus of our proposed work is to provide a method of stability for FOMASs against FDIAs. The technique of Razumikhin improves the Lyapunov-based stability analysis by supporting the handling of the intricacies of fractional-order dynamics. Moreover, utilizing signed graph theory, we analyzed both hostile and cooperative interactions between agents within the MASs. We determined the system stability requirements to ensure robustness against erroneous data injections through comprehensive theoretical investigation. We present numerical examples to illustrate the robustness and efficiency of our proposed technique.
Brief Teaching Intervention Improves Medical Students’ Dermatology Diagnostic Skills and Comfort in Performing Dermatology Exams
Authors: Ricco Cristina , Rao Babar K. , Pappert Amy S. , Coppola Kristen M.
Published: July 2024

Background: Skin disease is a significant contributor to the global disease burden, with dermatologic health disparities adding to this burden. Internists, general practitioners, and other medical professionals often manage skin disease with limited exposure to dermatologic education in medical school. Objective: This study evaluated a brief educational intervention for medical students to improve dermatologic knowledge, diagnostic and communication skills, and comfort in performing dermatology-focused physical exams. A secondary focus of the intervention was to promote awareness of skin disease, detection, and prevention for patients with a variety of skin tones. Methods: Sixty-five first through fourth-year students at Rutgers RWJMS participated in a pre-test–post-test within-subject study. Students described images using open-ended responses followed by multiple-choice identification questions. Students watched a one-hour self-paced module created by a licensed dermatologist and completed a follow-up assessment. Results: At pre-test, descriptions were brief and often inaccurate but significantly improved post-intervention to include descriptors such as primary morphology and demarcation. Accuracy on diagnostic and management questions significantly improved and comfort in advising patients and performing dermatologic exams significantly increased. Conclusions: A low-cost, brief, self-paced module can augment dermatologic education for medical students while increasing exposure to multiple skin tone presentations of lesions.
The Interrelationship between Diabetes Mellitus and Emotional Well-Being: Current Concepts and Future Prospects
Authors: Mangoulia Polyxeni , Milionis Charalampos , Vlachou Eugenia , Ilias Ioannis
Published: July 2024

Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong metabolic disorder that impacts people’s well-being and biopsychosocial status. Psychiatric problems and diabetes mellitus have a complex, reciprocal interaction in which one condition affects the other. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the literature on the psychological effects of diabetes, expound on the evaluation of emotional disorders in the setting of diabetes, and suggest interventions aimed at enhancing both mental and physical health. Diabetes can make daily life complicated and stressful. Frequent blood glucose testing, taking medications on a regular basis, adhering to a tight diet plan, and exercising are some examples of the suggested daily routine of subjects with diabetes. Furthermore, comorbid diseases and typical diabetic complications can have a detrimental impact on quality of life. When mental health conditions coexist with diabetes mellitus, there is a greater likelihood of medication noncompliance, a decreased commitment to diabetes-related self-care, increased functional impairment, inadequate glycemic control, a higher risk of complications, and overall higher healthcare expenses. Thus, evaluation of the mental health status of patients with diabetes is crucial. When treating psychological issues and psychiatric disorders, a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach should be taken, and where appropriate, psychopharmacological therapies or psychotherapy should be applied. The goal of continuous education and assistance for self-care is to give individuals with the disease the information and abilities they need to control their condition over time.
Editorial to the Special Issue “Recent Advances in Hydrological Modeling”
Authors: He Minxue , Noh Seong Jin , Lee Haksu
Published: July 2024

Hydrological models play a crucial role as essential tools in the realms of water resources operations, planning, and management practices [...]
A Five-Year Review of Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the State of Utah: Lessons Learned
Authors: Wong Kristen N. , McIntyre Melissa , Cook Sabina , Hart Kim , Wilson Amelia , Moldt Sarah , Rohrwasser Andreas , Butterfield Russell J.
Published: July 2024

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by alpha motor neuron degeneration in the spinal cord anterior horn. Clinical symptoms manifest in the first weeks to months of life in the most severe cases, resulting in progressive symmetrical weakness and atrophy of the proximal voluntary muscles. Approximately 95% of SMA patients present with homozygous deletion of the SMN1 gene. With multiple available therapies preventing symptom development and slowing disease progression, newborn screening for SMA is essential to identify at-risk individuals. From 2018 to 2023, a total of 239,844 infants were screened. 13 positive screens were confirmed to have SMA. An additional case was determined to be a false positive. We are not aware of any false-negative cases. All patients were seen promptly, with diagnosis confirmed within 1 week of the initial clinical visit. Patients were treated with nusinersen or onasemnogene abeparvovec. Treated patients with two copies of SMN2 are meeting important developmental milestones inconsistent with the natural history of type 1 SMA. Patients with 3–4 copies of SMN2 follow normal developmental timelines. Newborn screening is an effective tool for the early identification and treatment of patients with SMA. Presymptomatic treatment dramatically shifts the natural history of SMA, with most patients meeting appropriate developmental milestones. Patients with two copies of SMN2 identified through newborn screening constitute a neurogenetic emergency. Due to the complexities of follow-up, a multidisciplinary team, including close communication with the newborn screening program, is required to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.
Machine Learning-Driven Detection of Cross-Site Scripting Attacks
Authors: Alhamyani Rahmah , Alshammari Majid
Published: July 2024

The ever-growing web application landscape, fueled by technological advancements, introduces new vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks pose a significant threat, exploiting the difficulty of distinguishing between benign and malicious scripts within web applications. Traditional detection methods struggle with high false-positive (FP) and false-negative (FN) rates. This research proposes a novel machine learning (ML)-based approach for robust XSS attack detection. We evaluate various models including Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Decision Trees (DTs), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), and ensemble learning. The models are trained on a real-world dataset categorized into benign and malicious traffic, incorporating feature selection methods like Information Gain (IG) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for optimal performance. Our findings reveal exceptional accuracy, with the RF model achieving 99.78% and ensemble models exceeding 99.64%. These results surpass existing methods, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed approach in securing web applications while minimizing FPs and FNs. This research offers a significant contribution to the field of web application security by providing a highly accurate and robust ML-based solution for XSS attack detection.
A Novel Spinel High-Entropy Oxide (Cr0.2Mn0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Zn0.2)3O4 as Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Jin Changqing , Wang Yulong , Dong Haobin , Wei Yongxing , Nan Ruihua , Jian Zengyun , Yang Zhong , Ding Qingping
Published: July 2024

In this study, we synthesized spinel high-entropy oxide (HEO) (Cr0.2Mn0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Zn0.2)3O4 nanoparticles by a simple solution combustion method. These particles were investigated for their performance as anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The reversible capacity is 132 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA·g−1, 107 mAh·g−1 after 1000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1, and 96 mAh·g−1 rate capacity at a high current density of 2 A g−1. The outstanding cycle stability under high current densities and remarkable rate performance can be attributed to the stable structure originating from the high entropy of the material.
Exploring the Anti-Corrosion, Photocatalytic, and Adsorptive Functionalities of Biogenically Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Azmi Syed Najmul Hejaz , Alam Mahboob
Published: July 2024

This study reported the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Cucurbita pepo L. seed extract and explored their multifunctional properties such as anti-corrosion, photocatalytic, and adsorption capabilities. The synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify their functional groups, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to assess their thermal stability, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) to determine their size, morphology, and elemental composition. The characterization of biofabricated ZnO NPs revealed an average particle size of 32.88 nm; however, SEM displayed a tendency for the particles to agglomerate. Furthermore, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and EDX analysis confirmed the NPs as ZnO, matching patterns reported in the literature. In this study, the potential of the biogenic ZnO NPs was explored for multifunctional applications. Zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited a higher capacity for adsorbing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) compared to bulk zinc oxide, mostly because of their larger surface area. In addition, electrochemical studies demonstrated a substantial enhancement in the corrosion resistance of mild steel in a 1.0 M HCl solution. ZnO NPs also demonstrated remarkable photodegradation effectiveness, reducing 75% of methyl orange in 60 min under sun-light irradiation. This implies that they could be used to remediate organic pollutants (organic dyes) from wastewater.
Can the Necrophagous Blow Fly Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Be Reared on Plant-Based Meal?
Authors: Cook David F. , Tufail Muhammad Shoaib , Voss Sasha C
Published: July 2024

The use of the blow fly Calliphora vicina as a potential pollination species to augment the current reliance on honeybees (Apis mellifera) in Australian horticulture requires knowledge of how best to mass-rear this fly species. Calliphora vicina lays eggs onto carrion soon after death, and the resultant larvae that hatch are necrophagous and feed on the decomposing tissues of the dead animal. Newly hatched larvae of this fly were provided with plant-based meals (soya bean and canola) and compared with larvae provided with livestock-derived meatmeal to determine if plant-based meal could be used to mass-rear this blow fly species. Both soya bean and canola meal media did not support larval survival through to adult emergence. The addition of only 10% whole egg powder to the plant-based meals enabled survival to eclosion of 39% and 13% on soya bean and canola-based media, respectively, compared with 76% on livestock-based meatmeal with 10% whole egg powder. Larvae fed a diet of livestock-based meatmeal with 10% whole dried egg powder had the fastest development to the pupal stage, the highest pupation rate, the heaviest pupae, and the highest subsequent adult eclosion. This study concluded that the use of plant-based meals as a diet for the mass-rearing of the blow fly C. vicina was not a viable option.
Patterns and Drivers of Bumblebee Diversity in Gansu
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Chen Huanhuan , Li Wenbo , Hughes Alice C. , Williams Paul H. , Bashir Nawaz Haider , Miao Zhengying , Huang Jiaxing , An Jiandong
Published: July 2024

Understanding the influence of factors responsible for shaping community assemblage is crucial for biodiversity management and conservation. Gansu is one of the richest regions for bumblebee species in the world. We explored the distribution data of 52 bumblebee species collected in Gansu and its surroundings between 2002 and 2022, predicting habitat suitability based on 17 environmental variables using MaxEnt. The factors influencing community assemblage were assessed using canonical correspondence analysis. Net primary productivity, water vapor pressure, temperature seasonality, annual precipitation, and precipitation seasonality were some of the most influential drivers of species distributions. Based on Ward’s agglomerative cluster analysis, four biogeographic zones are described: the Southern humid zone, the Western Qilian snow mountain zone, the Eastern Loess plateau zone, and the Western dry mountain zone. In the clusters of grid cells based on beta diversity values, the Southern humid zone comprised 42.5% of the grid cells, followed by the Eastern Loess plateau zone (32.5%), the Western dry mountain zone (20%), and the Western Qilian snow mountain zone (5%). Almost all the environmental factors showed a significant contribution to the assemblages of bumblebees of different groups. Our findings highlight the need for better data to understand species biogeography and diversity patterns, and they provide key baseline data for refining conservation strategies.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Different Responses in Three Developmental Stages of Mythimna loreyi to Cold Stress
Authors: Duan Yun , Chen Qi , Bilal Muhammad , Wu Yuqing , Gong Zhongjun , Wu Renhai , Miao Jin
Published: July 2024

The loreyi leafworm Mythimna loreyi (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious pest of agriculture that causes particular damage to Gramineae crops in Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Low temperature is one of the important environmental factors that limits the survival, distribution, colonization, and abundance of M. loreyi. However, the metabolic synthesis pathways of cold-tolerant substances in M. loreyi and the key genes involved in the regulation under cold stress remain largely unknown. In this study, we sequenced the transcriptomes of three developmental stages (larvae, pupae, and adults) of M. loreyi to discover the molecular mechanisms of their responses to cold stress. In total, sequencing generated 120.64 GB of clean data from 18 samples, of which 19,459 genes and 1740 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed that many DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways associated with energy metabolism and hormone metabolism. Among these, genes encoding multiple metabolic enzymes, cuticle proteins (CPs), and heat shock proteins (HSPs) were differentially expressed. These results indicate that there are significant differences among the three developmental stages of M. loreyi exposed to cold stress and provide a basis for further studying the molecular mechanisms of cold tolerance in insects.
Clinical Outcome Using Different Catheter Interventional Treatment Modalities in High-Risk Pulmonary Artery Embolism
Authors: Mentzel Luise Antonia , Shahidi Parham , Blazek Stephan , Sulimov Dmitry , Thiele Holger , Fengler Karl
Published: July 2024

Background: For patients with high-risk pulmonary artery embolism (PE), catheter-directed therapies pose a viable alternative treatment option to systemic thrombolysis or anticoagulation. Right now, there are multiple devices available which have been proven to be safe and effective in lower-risk settings. There is, however, little data comparing their efficacies in high-risk PE. Methods: We performed a retrospective, single-center study on patients with high-risk PE undergoing catheter interventional treatment. Patients receiving large-bore catheter thrombectomy were compared to patients receiving alternative treatment forms. Results: Of the 20 patients included, 9 received large-bore thrombectomy, and 11 received alternative interventional treatments. While the baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups, periprocedural and in-hospital mortality tended to be significantly lower with large-bore thrombectomy when compared to other treatment forms (0 vs. 55% and 33 vs. 82%, p = 0.07 and 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: In this small, retrospective study, large-bore thrombectomy was associated with lower mortality as compared to alternative treatment forms. Future prospective research is needed to corroborate these findings.
Novel Magnetite (Fe3O4)-Methylcellulose Nanocomposites Synthesized Using the Reverse Co-Precipitation Approach
Authors: Farha Ashraf H. , Alshoaibi Adil , Saber Osama , Mansour Shehab A.
Published: July 2024

A simple approach was used to create Fe3O4-methylcellulose (MC) nanocomposites, which were then analyzed using XRD, FTIR, and FE-SEM to determine their structure. The effective factors for enhancing the ratio of magnetite NPs in the samples were investigated using RTFM and optical absorbance. Fe3O4 was synthesized utilizing the reverse co-precipitation technique and magnetic characteristics. Fe3O4/MC nanocomposites with magnetite/MC weight ratios of 0, 0.07, 0.15, and 0.25 have been developed. The diffraction pattern of magnetite is well indexed in accordance with the spinal reference pattern of Fe3O4 (space group: R¯3m), as confirmed by the Rietveld analysis of XRD data of magnetite NPs with an average crystallite size of 50 nm. Magnetite’s insertion into the MC network causes a red shift in the band gap energy (Eg) as the weight percentage of magnetite nanoparticles in the samples rises. The MC, MC-7, MC-15, and MC-25 samples have Eg values of 5.51, 5.05, 2.84, and 2.20 eV, respectively.
Composite Coatings with Liposomes of Melissa officinalis Extract for Extending Tomato Shelf Life
Authors: González-Cuello Rafael , Fuentes Luis Gabriel , Castellanos Heliana Milena , Hernández-Fernández Joaquín , Ortega-Toro Rodrigo
Published: July 2024

In this study, active coatings based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were prepared using liposomes filled with an aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis retained in high acyl gellan gum (HAG), low acyl gellan gum (LAG), and their mixture (HAG/LAG). The objective was to investigate the effect of these coatings on postharvest preservation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits. The tomato fruits were divided into four groups: (i) coating with HAG-based liposomes (WL-HAG), (ii) coating with LAG-based liposomes (WL-LAG), (iii) coating with HAG/LAG-based liposomes (WL-HAG/LAG), and (iv) control group treated with sterile water. Over a period of 10 days, various quality attributes, such as respiration rate, soluble solids, titratable acidity, luminosity, weight loss, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, hydrogen peroxide, total phenols, and DPPH scavenging ability, were studied. The results indicated that the WL-HAG coatings significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the respiration rate, hydrogen peroxide, and MDA content compared to the control fruits and other coatings. Therefore, WL-HAG could be considered a promising option to enhance postharvest preservation of tomato fruits in the Colombian fruit and vegetable industry.
Enhancement of Biocompatibility of High-Transparency Zirconia Abutments with Human Gingival Fibroblasts via Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Zheng Miao , Ma Xinrong , Tan Jianguo , Zhao Hengxin , Yang Yang , Ye Xinyi , Liu Mingyue , Li Heping
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment on the biological behavior of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) cultured on the surface of high-transparency zirconia. Two types of zirconia, 3Y-ZTP and 4Y-PSZ, were subjected to a CAP treatment for various treatment durations. Analyses of the physical and chemical properties of 3Y-ZTP and 4Y-PSZ were conducted using scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, both before and after CAP treatment. The biological responses of HGFs on both surfaces were assessed using CCK-8 assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and real-time PCR. Initially, the oxygen and hydroxyl contents on the surface of 4Y-PSZ exceeded those on 3Y-ZTP. CAP treatment enhanced the surface hydrophilicity and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content of 4Y-PSZ, while not altering the surface morphology. After CAP treatment, HGFs’ adhesion on 4Y-PSZ was superior, with more pronounced effects compared to 3Y-ZTP. Notably, HGFs counts and the expression of adhesion-related genes on 4Y-PSZ peaked following the CAP exposures for 30 s and 60 s. Consequently, this study demonstrates that, following identical CAP treatments, 4Y-PSZ is more effective in promoting HGFs adhesion compared to traditional 3Y-ZTP zirconia.
A Ternary Diagram Approach to Investigate the Competition within the Bohai Sea Rim Multi-Port Group
Authors: Lin Qin , Grifoll Manel , Zhuang Peijun , Feng Hongxiang
Published: July 2024

The Bohai Rim region constitutes the third prominent “growth pole” in China’s economic landscape, wherein the Bohai Rim multi-port system, encompassing Tianjin Port, Dalian Port, and Qingdao Port, engages in intense competition to establish itself as the foremost shipping hub in northern China. This study compares the ternary diagram method and employs the comprehensive concentration index (CCI), Lerner index (LI), and spatial shift-share analysis (SSSA) methods to delve into the intricacies of concentration, inequality, and evolving competitive dynamics within the Bohai Rim multi-port system over the four decades spanning from 1981 to 2023. The aim is to analyze the evolutionary trajectory and underlying dynamic mechanisms of this multipartite port system. The analysis delineates the development trajectory of the system into three stages: the dominant stage of Tianjin Port from 1981 to 1990, the efficiency competition stage from 1991 to 1996, and the ascendancy of Qingdao Port from 1997 to 2023. The results indicate that: (i) the Bohai Rim multi-port system exhibits a relatively low level of concentration, ensuring balanced growth within a non-monopolistic competitive environment; (ii) the internal competitiveness of the Bohai Rim multi-port system has gradually shifted from Tianjin Port to Qingdao Port, with Dalian Port experiencing steady development in its container transport capabilities. (iii) Dalian Port has witnessed a decline in container throughput since 2015, indicating a weakening competitive posture. These revelations suggest that Qingdao Port is a viable candidate for development into the northern China shipping center, leveraging its increasing competitiveness and strategic location. The method applied in this study may also prove beneficial for similar multi-port systems elsewhere.
An Algorithm for Ship Detection in Complex Observation Scenarios Based on Mooring Buoys
Authors: Li Wenbo , Ning Chunlin , Fang Yue , Yuan Guozheng , Zhou Peng , Li Chao
Published: July 2024

Marine anchor buoys, as fixed-point profile observation platforms, are highly susceptible to the threat of ship collisions. Installing cameras on buoys can effectively monitor and collect evidence from ships. However, when using a camera to capture images, it is often affected by the continuous shaking of buoys and rainy and foggy weather, resulting in problems such as blurred images and rain and fog occlusion. To address these problems, this paper proposes an improved YOLOv8 algorithm. Firstly, the polarized self-attention (PSA) mechanism is introduced to preserve the high-resolution features of the original deep convolutional neural network and solve the problem of image spatial resolution degradation caused by shaking. Secondly, by introducing the multi-head self-attention (MHSA) mechanism in the neck network, the interference of rain and fog background is weakened, and the feature fusion ability of the network is improved. Finally, in the head network, this model combines additional small object detection heads to improve the accuracy of small object detection. Additionally, to enhance the algorithm’s adaptability to camera detection scenarios, this paper simulates scenarios, including shaking blur, rain, and foggy conditions. In the end, numerous comparative experiments on a self-made dataset show that the algorithm proposed in this study achieved 94.2% mAP50 and 73.2% mAP50:95 in various complex environments, which is superior to other advanced object detection algorithms.
Design of Inner Ribs with Unequal Stiffness for Deep-Sea Highly Pressure-Resistant Cylindrical Shells and Utilizing NSGA-2 for Lightweight Optimization
Authors: Huang Yizhe , Wang Xiao , Liu Zhiqiang , You Ying , Ma Haoxiang
Published: July 2024

For conducting scientific research at depths in the ocean, deep-sea probes are essential pieces of equipment. The cylindrical shell is the most sensible and rational packaging structure for these detectors. New technical challenges for enhancing the pressure resistance and lightweight design of the pressure-resistant cylindrical shell arise from the need to ensure that the detector packaging structure can withstand the immense water pressure at tens of thousands of meters in the underwater environment, while simultaneously reducing the detector packaging structure’s self-weight. This article examines the detection system’s deep-sea pressure-resistant cylindrical shell. To address the issue of the pressure-resistant shell’s insufficient ability to counteract the overall instability caused by the inability to form unstable half-waves in the radial direction when the ring rib pressure-resistant shell experiences it, a design method for the ribs inside the unequal-stiffness pressure-resistant cylindrical shell is suggested. The shell’s instability pressure increases by 9.65 MPa following the stiffness adjustment. Simultaneously, in order to attain even more lightweight optimization, the optimal inner rib section was obtained by applying the orthogonal topology optimization method, which also reduced the weight by 106.8 g and effectively improved the compression stability of the high-pressure cylindrical shell structure. Based on this, key optimization variables were found by performing sensitivity analysis on the cylindrical shell structure’s parameters. Then, with lightweighting as the primary objective, the high-pressure-resistant cylindrical shell’s optimal structural parameters were found using a multi-objective optimization process using the second-generation fast non-dominated genetic algorithm (NSGA-2). This resulted in a weight reduction of 1.2492 kg, or 17.26% of the original pressure-resistant shell. This has led to the development of a lightweight, highly pressure-resistant method for packaging marine exploration equipment structures.
Influence of Grid Resolution and Assimilation Window Size on Simulating Storm Surge Levels
Authors: Bi Xin , Shi Wenqi , Xu Junli , Lv Xianqing
Published: July 2024

Grid resolution and assimilation window size play significant roles in storm surge models. In the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea, the influence of grid resolution and assimilation window size on simulating storm surge levels was investigated during Typhoon 7203. In order to employ a more realistic wind stress drag coefficient that varies with time and space, we corrected the storm surge model using the spatial distribution of the wind stress drag coefficient, which was inverted using the data assimilation method based on the linear expression Cd = (a + b × U10) × 10−3. Initially, two grid resolutions of 5′ × 5′ and 10′ × 10′ were applied to the numerical storm surge model and adjoint assimilation model. It was found that the influence of different grid resolutions on the numerical model is almost negligible. But in the adjoint assimilation model, the root mean square (RMS) errors between the simulated and observed storm surge levels under 5′ × 5′ and 10′ × 10′ grid resolutions were 11.6 cm and 15.6 cm, and the average PCC and WSS values for 10 tidal stations changed from 89% and 92% in E3 to 93% and 96% in E4, respectively. The results indicate that the finer grid resolution can yield a closer consistency between the simulation and observations. Subsequently, the effects of assimilation window sizes of 6 h, 3 h, 2 h, and 1 h on simulated storm surge levels were evaluated in an adjoint assimilation model with a 5′ × 5′ grid resolution. The results show that the average RMS errors were 11.6 cm, 10.6 cm, 9.6 cm, and 9.3 cm under four assimilation window sizes. In particular, the RMS errors for the assimilation window sizes of 1 h and 6 h at RuShan station were 3.9 cm and 10.2 cm, a reduction of 61.76%. The PCC and WSS values from RuShan station in E4 and E7 separately showed significant increases, from 85% to 98% and from 92% to 99%. These results demonstrate that when the assimilation window size is smaller, the simulated storm surge level is closer to the observation. Further, the results show that the simulated storm surge levels are closer to the observation when using the wind stress drag coefficient with a finer grid resolution and smaller temporal resolution.
Effects of Nitrogen Accumulation, Transportation, and Grain Nutritional Quality and Advances in Fungal Endophyte Research in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Plants
Authors: Li Linghong , Jiang Zhijun , Yang Xinhui , Zhang Yulai , Huang Jianxun , Dai Jing , Noor Hafeez , Wu Xiangyun , Ren Aixia , Gao Zhiqiang , Sun Min
Published: July 2024

This study aims to understand the influence of nitrogen accumulation, fungal endophyte, yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and grain nutritional quality parameters on the yield of quinoa in some areas of China. The endophytic microbial community in plants plays a crucial role in plant growth, development, and health, especially in quinoa plants under different nitrogen fertilizer levels. The results from the present study indicated that appropriate nitrogen application significantly enhanced the nitrogen accumulation and yield of quinoa grains during maturity, increasing by 34.54–42.18% and 14.59–30.71%, respectively. Concurrently, protein content, amylose, total starch, ash, and fat content also increased, with respective growth rates of 1.15–18.18%, 30.74–42.53%, 6.40–12.40%, 1.94–21.94%, and 5.32–22.22%. Our constructed interaction network of bacterial and fungal communities revealed that bacteria outnumbered fungi significantly, and most of them exhibited synergistic interactions. The moderate increase in N150 was beneficial for increasing quinoa yield, achieving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of over 20%. The N210 was increased, and both the yield and NUE significantly decreased. This study provides novel insights into the impact of nitrogen fertilizer on quinoa growth and microbial communities, which are crucial for achieving agricultural sustainable development.
Advanced Fungal Biotechnologies in Accomplishing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): What Do We Know and What Comes Next?
Authors: Tiwari Pragya , Park Kyeung-Il
Published: July 2024

The present era has witnessed an unprecedented scenario with extreme climate changes, depleting natural resources and rising global food demands and its widespread societal impact. From providing bio-based resources to fulfilling socio-economic necessities, tackling environmental challenges, and ecosystem restoration, microbes exist as integral members of the ecosystem and influence human lives. Microbes demonstrate remarkable potential to adapt and thrive in climatic variations and extreme niches and promote environmental sustainability. It is important to mention that advances in fungal biotechnologies have opened new avenues and significantly contributed to improving human lives through addressing socio-economic challenges. Microbe-based sustainable innovations would likely contribute to the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) by providing affordable energy (use of agro-industrial waste by microbial conversions), reducing economic burdens/affordable living conditions (new opportunities by the creation of bio-based industries for a sustainable living), tackling climatic changes (use of sustainable alternative fuels for reducing carbon footprints), conserving marine life (production of microbe-based bioplastics for safer marine life) and poverty reduction (microbial products), among other microbe-mediated approaches. The article highlights the emerging trends and future directions into how fungal biotechnologies can provide feasible and sustainable solutions to achieve SDGs and address global issues.
Molecular Evaluation of the mRNA Expression of the ERG11, ERG3, CgCDR1, and CgSNQ2 Genes Linked to Fluconazole Resistance in Candida glabrata in a Colombian Population
Authors: Cárdenas Parra Leidy Yurany , Rojas Rodríguez Ana Elisa , Pérez Cárdenas Jorge Enrique , Pérez-Agudelo Juan Manuel
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The study of Candida glabrata genes associated with fluconazole resistance, from a molecular perspective, increases the understanding of the phenomenon with a view to its clinical applicability. Objective: We sought to establish the predictive molecular profile of fluconazole resistance in Candida glabrata by analyzing the ERG11, ERG3, CgCDR1, and CgSNQ2 genes. Method: Expression was quantified using RT-qPCR. Metrics were obtained through molecular docking and Fisher discriminant functions. Additionally, a predictive classification was made against the susceptibility of C. glabrata to fluconazole. Results: The relative expression of the ERG3, CgCDR1, and CgSNQ2 genes was higher in the fluconazole-resistant strains than in the fluconazole-susceptible, dose-dependent strains. The gene with the highest relative expression in the fluconazole-exposed strains was CgCDR1, and in both the resistant and susceptible, dose-dependent strains exposed to fluconazole, this was also the case. The molecular docking model generated a median number of contacts between fluconazole and ERG11 that was lower than the median number of contacts between fluconazole and ERG3, -CgCDR1, and -CgSNQ2. The predicted classification through the multivariate model for fluconazole susceptibility achieved an accuracy of 73.5%. Conclusion: The resistant strains had significant expression levels of genes encoding efflux pumps and the ERG3 gene. Molecular analysis makes the identification of a low affinity between fluconazole and its pharmacological target possible, which may explain the lower intrinsic susceptibility of the fungus to fluconazole.
Fault Diagnosis Method for Tractor Transmission System Based on Improved Convolutional Neural Network–Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory
Authors: Xu Liyou , Zhao Guoxiang , Zhao Sixia , Wu Yiwei , Chen Xiaoliang
Published: July 2024

In response to the problems of limited algorithms and low diagnostic accuracy for fault diagnosis in large tractor transmission systems, as well as the high noise levels in tractor working environments, a defect detection approach for tractor transmission systems is proposed using an enhanced convolutional neural network (CNN) and a bidirectional long short-term memory neural network (BILSTM). This approach uses a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN) to create three feature extractors of varying scales, directly extracting feature information from different levels of the raw vibration signals. Simultaneously, in order to enhance the model’s predicted accuracy and learn the data features more effectively, it presents the multi-head attention mechanism (MHA). To overcome the issue of high noise levels in tractor working environments and enhance the model’s robustness, an adaptive soft threshold is introduced. Finally, to recognize and classify faults, the fused feature data are fed into a classifier made up of bidirectional long short-term memory (BILSTM) and fully linked layers. The analytical findings demonstrate that the fault recognition accuracy of the method described in this article is over 98%, and it also has better performance in noisy environments.
Friction Stir Channeling in Heat Sink Applications: Innovative Manufacturing Approaches and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Patel Sooraj , Arora Amit
Published: July 2024

The fabrication of compact heat exchangers with precisely designed micro- and mini-channels is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of thermal management systems. Friction stir channeling (FSC) emerges as a cost-effective advanced manufacturing process to create complex integral channels, offering channel shape and size flexibility. This review article highlights the pivotal role of processing parameters in channel formation and maintaining their integrity, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of material flow dynamics. A rigorous assessment has been conducted on the channel under mechanical stresses, including tension, bending, and fatigue. The paper emphasizes the potential of FSC to revolutionize heat sink applications by exploring the fundamental concepts, governing parameters, ongoing enhancements in tool design, microstructural and mechanical properties, and heat transfer performance.
Dynamic Mean–Variance Portfolio Optimization with Value-at-Risk Constraint in Continuous Time
Authors: Wang Tongyao , Pan Qitong , Wu Weiping , Gao Jianjun , Zhou Ke
Published: July 2024

Recognizing the importance of incorporating different risk measures in the portfolio management model, this paper examines the dynamic mean-risk portfolio optimization problem using both variance and value at risk (VaR) as risk measures. By employing the martingale approach and integrating the quantile optimization technique, we provide a solution framework for this problem. We demonstrate that, under a general market setting, the optimal terminal wealth may exhibit different patterns. When the market parameters are deterministic, we derive the closed-form solution for this problem. Examples are provided to illustrate the solution procedure of our method and demonstrate the benefits of our dynamic portfolio model compared to its static counterpart.
From Classical to Modern Nonlinear Central Limit Theorems
Authors: Ulyanov Vladimir V.
Published: July 2024

In 1733, de Moivre, investigating the limit distribution of the binomial distribution, was the first to discover the existence of the normal distribution and the central limit theorem (CLT). In this review article, we briefly recall the history of classical CLT and martingale CLT, and introduce new directions of CLT, namely Peng’s nonlinear CLT and Chen–Epstein’s nonlinear CLT, as well as Chen–Epstein’s nonlinear normal distribution function.
The Application of the Piecewise Linear Method for Non-Linear Programming Problems in Ride-Hailing Assignment Based on Service Level, Driver Workload, and Fuel Consumption
Authors: Megantara Tubagus Robbi , Supian Sudradjat , Chaerani Diah , Bon Abdul Talib
Published: July 2024

Ride-hailing services have grown rapidly, presenting challenges such as increased traffic congestion, inefficient driver workload distribution, and environmental concerns like higher fuel consumption and emissions. This study develops a non-linear ride-hailing assignment model addressing these issues by considering service level, driver workload, and fuel consumption. A piecewise linear method was employed to handle a non-linear programming model, and the method was modified to function autonomously without operator intervention. The model’s performance was evaluated using a publicly accessible dataset of taxi trips in Manhattan, focusing on indicators such as passenger waiting time, driver workload distribution, and fuel consumption. Numerical simulations demonstrated significant improvements: a 15% reduction in average passenger waiting time, a 20% improvement in balancing driver workloads, and a 10% decrease in overall fuel consumption, contributing to reduced emissions and environmental impact. The modified piecewise linear method proved effective in optimizing ride-hailing assignments, providing a more efficient and sustainable solution. The model also showed robustness in handling large datasets, ensuring scalability and applicability to various urban settings. These findings highlight the model’s potential to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainability in ride-hailing services. By integrating considerations for service level, driver workload, and fuel consumption, the model offers a holistic approach to addressing the key challenges faced by the ride-hailing industry. This study provides valuable insights for future ride-hailing development and implementations of ride-hailing systems, promoting practices that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Optimal Solutions for a Class of Impulsive Differential Problems with Feedback Controls and Volterra-Type Distributed Delay: A Topological Approach
Authors: Rubbioni Paola
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the existence of optimal solutions for problems governed by differential equations involving feedback controls is established for when the problem must account for a Volterra-type distributed delay and is subject to the action of impulsive external forces. The problem is reformulated within the class of impulsive semilinear integro-differential inclusions in Banach spaces and is studied by using topological methods and multivalued analysis. The paper concludes with an application to a population dynamics model.
Eighth-Order Numerov-Type Methods Using Varying Step Length
Authors: Alshammari Obaid , Aoun Sondess Ben , Kchaou Mourad , Simos Theodore E. , Tsitouras Charalampos , Jerbi Houssem
Published: July 2024

This work explores a well-established eighth-algebraic-order numerical method belonging to the explicit Numerov-type family. To enhance its efficiency, we integrated a cost-effective algorithm for adjusting the step size. After each step, the algorithm either maintains the current step length, halves it, or doubles it. Any off-step points required by this technique are calculated using a local interpolation function. Numerical tests involving diverse problems demonstrate the significant efficiency improvements achieved through this approach. The method is particularly effective for solving differential equations with oscillatory behavior, showcasing its ability to maintain high accuracy with fewer function evaluations. This advancement is crucial for applications requiring precise solutions over long intervals, such as in physics and engineering. Additionally, the paper provides a comprehensive MATLAB-R2018a implementation, facilitating ease of use and further research in the field. By addressing both computational efficiency and accuracy, this study contributes a valuable tool for the numerical analysis community.