bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient Flux under the Influence of Melt Water Runoff from Volcanic Territories and Ecosystem Response of Vilyuchinskaya and Avachinskaya Bays in Southeastern Kamchatka
Authors: Semkin Pavel , Pavlova Galina , Lobanov Vyacheslav , Barabanshchikov Yuri , Kukla Sergey , Sagalaev Sergey , Shvetsova Maria , Shkirnikova Elena , Tishchenko Petr , Tibenko Evgenia , Ulanova Olga , Tishchenko Pavel
Published: June 2023

Nutrient fluxes with river runoff can largely determine the state of coastal water ecosystems. The Vilyuchinskaya and Avachinskaya Bays of Kamchatka Peninsula were surveyed on 4–5 July 2022, just after the peak of the spring–summer flood of the Vilyucha and Avacha Rivers associated with the snow melting in volcanic areas. Additionally, water sampling was performed in river water in December 2022, in the period of winter low water. A general undersaturation of CO2 of surface waters was observed in the Vilyuchinskaya and Avachinskaya Bays. Strong supersaturation of CO2 of the near-bottom waters was observed, due to microbial destruction of organic matter, especially in Avachinskaya Bay. This organic matter was formed as a result of photosynthesis in the water column, which subsequently gravitated to the bottom and concentrated in specific bottom depressions in the studied bays. In these depressions, black sediments were found, in which sulfate reduction occurred. The porewater of sediments had a very high concentration of organic carbon, dissolved and organic nitrogen, and phosphates, as well as CO2 partial pressure. The source of nutrients for the studied bays is tephra (volcanic suspended particles), which covers all the watersheds, including the soil and snow, as a result of volcanic activity in the study region. Based on the calculated nutrient fluxes in river runoff for the summer and winter seasons and the DIN/DIP ratios in river, sea, and pore waters, the causes of phytoplankton blooms, including the occurrence of red tides, are discussed. The maximum flux of nutrients and, accordingly, phytoplankton blooms should be expected in the years with the highest volcanic activity and high summer air temperatures, since the melting of nutrient-rich snow and ice will be maximum. This will determine the flux of nutrients in the river runoff of the Kamchatka Peninsula and contribute to phytoplankton blooms.
Research on Scale Effect of Resistance Components for Full-Formed Ship Based on Large-Scale Model Towing Test
Authors: Guo Chunyu , Zhong Xianghai , Zhao Dagang
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has gradually introduced more stringent new Ship Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) bills, and transport ships are more inclined to reduce the speed and increase the length and square coefficient to meet the design requirements. However, the size of the ship model that can be accommodated in the towing tank is seriously limited. Under the action of the scale effect, the accuracy of the prediction results of the resistance performance of large ships is particularly prominent. To break through the limitations of the test site, a large-scale ship model resistance towing test system and data analysis method in the port were established. By comparing with the results of small-scale model tests in the towing tank, the applicability of the 1957 ITTC friction line and Grigson friction line in the resistance prediction of the full-formed ship was analyzed, and the scale effects of resistance components were also examined. The results show that the scale effect of the form factor of full-formed ships is weak. The three-dimension method based on the empirical formula of mixed-form friction resistance of ITTC-Grigson is more suitable for predicting the resistance performance of full-formed ships.
Prognostic Value of Redox Status Biomarkers in Patients Presenting with STEMI or Non-STEMI: A Prospective Case-Control Clinical Study
Authors: Savovic Zorica , Pindovic Bozidar , Nikolic Maja , Simic Ivan , Davidovic Goran , Ignjatovic Vladimir , Vuckovic Jelena , Zornic Nenad , Nikolic Turnic Tamara , Zivkovic Vladimir , Srejovic Ivan , Bolevich Sergej , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Iric Cupic Violeta
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: The aim of our study was to determine the role of oxidative stress (OS) during early evaluation of acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients in order to define the role of redox balance in profiling the development of myocardial infarction (MI). (2) Methods: This prospective observational case-control study included 40 consecutive STEMI and 39 NSTEMI patients hospitalized in the coronary care unit of the cardiology clinic at the Kragujevac Clinical Center, Serbia, between 1 January 2016 and 1 January 2017. Blood samples were collected from all patients for measuring cardio-specific enzymes at admission and 12 h after admission to evaluate systemic oxidative stress biomarkers and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. (3) Results: In this study, participants were predominately female (52%), with a mean age of 56.17 ± 1.22 years old in the STEMI group and 69.17 ± 3.65 in the non-STEMI group. According to the Killip classification, the majority of patients (>50%) were at the second and third level. We confirmed the elevation of superoxide anion radicals in the non-STEMI group 6 h after admission in comparison with the STEMI and CTRL groups, but levels had decreased 12 h after admission. Levels of hydrogen peroxide were statistically significantly increased in the NSTEMI group. A positive correlation of superoxide anion radicals and levels of troponin I at admission was observed (r = 0.955; p = 0.045), as well as an inverse correlation between reduced glutathione and levels of NT-pBNP measured 6 h after admission (r = −0.973; p = 0.027). (4) Conclusions: We confirmed that superoxide anion radicals and reduced glutathione observed together with hs-troponin I at admission and NT-pBNP during hospital treatment could be predictors of ST evolution.
Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure: Current Interventional Treatment Options and Future Challenges
Authors: Kimmann Markus , Trebicka Jonel
Published: June 2023

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a frequent complication in patients with liver cirrhosis that has high short-term mortality. It is characterized by acute decompensation (AD) of liver cirrhosis, intra- and extrahepatic organ failure, and severe systemic inflammation (SI). In the recent past, several studies have investigated the management of this group of patients. Identification and treatment of precipitants of decompensation and ACLF play an important role, and management of the respective intra- and extrahepatic organ failures is essential. However, no specific treatment for ACLF has been established to date, and the only curative treatment option currently available for these patients is liver transplantation (LT). It has been shown that ACLF patients are at severe risk of waitlist mortality, and post-LT survival rates are high, making ACLF patients suitable candidates for LT. However, only a limited number of patients are eligible for LT due to related contraindications such as uncontrolled infections. In this case, bridging strategies (e.g., extracorporeal organ support systems) are required. Further therapeutic approaches have recently been developed and evaluated. Thus, this review focuses on current management and potential future treatment options.
How Informed Design Can Make a Difference: Supporting Insect Pollinators in Cities
Authors: Schueller Sheila K. , Li Zhelin , Bliss Zoe , Roake Rachelle , Weiler Beth
Published: June 2023

Pollinators are responsible for the reproduction of many plant and crop species and provide important diversity for food webs and cultural value. Despite the critical ecosystem services provided by pollinators, rapid pollinator declines are occurring in response to anthropogenic activities that cause the loss of suitable habitat. There is an opportunity for urban green space to support pollination ecosystem services locally and across the landscape. However, there is a lack of practical but evidence-based guidance on how urban green space can be designed effectively to provide floral resources and other habitat needs to a diverse assemblage of pollinators. We examine the existing pollinator research in this paper to address the following questions specific to insect pollinators in temperate urban settings: (1) Which pollinators can be the focus of efforts to increase pollinator ecosystem services in cities? (2) Which plants and what arrangements of plants are most attractive and supportive to urban pollinators? (3) What do urban pollinators need beyond floral resources? (4) How can the surrounding landscape inform where to prioritize new habitat creation within cities? Using these questions as a framework, we provide specific and informed management and planning recommendations that optimize pollinator ecosystem value in urban settings.
Simulation Analysis of Land-Use Spatial Conflict in a Geopark Based on the GMOP–Markov–PLUS Model: A Case Study of Yimengshan Geopark, China
Authors: Mo Junxiong , Sun Piling , Shen Dandan , Li Nan , Zhang Jinye , Wang Kun
Published: June 2023

The foundation for accurately understanding regional land-use structures and pursuing the coordination of human–land relations is the scientific identification and simulation of temporal and spatial evolution patterns of land-use spatial conflict (LUSC). Based on the production–living–ecological space (PLES) perspective, a land-use spatial conflict identification and intensity diagnosis model (LUCSII) was constructed using a landscape ecology index. The methods of geographic information system (GIS), spatial autocorrelation analysis, and mathematical statistics were used to achieve the spatial pattern of LUSC over the last 20 years, and the GMOP–Markov–PLUS model was used to simulate the evolution of LUSC in the future under various scenarios. The results indicated that our established LUCSII could accurately identify potential land-use spatial conflict areas in geoparks. The GMOP–Markov–PLUS model constructed had also scientifically predicted the future land-use patterns under different scenarios, successfully demonstrating the changing process of spatial conflict pattern evolution. The research proposed three different plans for the long-term land use of YG, including ecological protection, economic development, and long-term development perspectives. Finally, the research further emphasized the importance for sustainable development of geoparks. More attention should be paid to the optimal allocation of land-use structure and the coordinated development of human–land relationships.
Evaluation of Biodiversity Maintenance Capacity in Forest Landscapes: A Case Study in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhao Jing , Zheng Xi , Ou Xiaoyang , Zhang Yaru , Li Jiaying
Published: June 2023

Understanding how landscape pattern changes impact forest biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management is crucial. This study evaluated the biodiversity maintenance capacity (BMC) of forest landscapes in Beijing, China from 2005 to 2020 based on habitat quality and carbon sink. For this, the moving window method was employed to compute landscape indices that depict variations in landscape patterns, including intermixing, connectivity, diversity, and compactness. Lastly, the relationship between landscape pattern changes and the BMC of forest landscapes was investigated using a combination of spatial correlation analysis and geographic weighted regression measurement models. The results showed the following. (1) The average BMC increased from 0.798 to 0.822. Spatially, 84.14% of the areas experienced an improvement, mainly in the mountainous region. In contrast, a decrease was observed in 4.03% of the areas, primarily concentrated in the transition zone between mountains and suburban plain. (2) The landscape pattern changed dramatically from 2005 to 2020. Landscape intermixing and compactness decreased slightly by 11.45% and 7.82%, while landscape connectivity and diversity increased significantly by 64.28% and 55.44%, respectively. (3) The BMC’s global Moran’s I values in 2005 and 2020 were 0.711 and 0.782, respectively, signifying a spatial bipolar agglomeration pattern. (4) Among the four selected landscape indices, the compactness was found to be the most critical factor. It attained a positive contribution to forests with high BMC, but had a negative impact on forests with low BMC. The results could provide a reference for planners coordinating forest management and biodiversity conservation.
Assessment of Spatio-Temporal Land Use/Cover Change and Its Effect on Land Surface Temperature in Lahaul and Spiti, India
Authors: Husain Md. Arif , Kumar Pankaj , Gonencgil Barbaros
Published: June 2023

Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) changes have a significant impact on Land Surface Temperature (LST). The LST is an important parameter in various environmental and climatological studies, as it plays a crucial role in understanding the Earth’s surface–atmosphere interactions. The LULC changes can modify the surface energy balance and alter the radiation budget, leading to changes in LST. Urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural land use changes are some of the primary drivers of LULC change that have a significant impact on LST. Deforestation and agricultural land use changes result in a reduction in evapotranspiration, leading to an increase in LST. The main objective of the study is to analyze the spatio-temporal change in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) and its effect on Land Surface Temperature (LST), as well as to establish a correlation of LST with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalize Difference Snow Index (NDSI). Understanding the impact of LULC on LST is essential for developing effective land use policies that can mitigate the adverse effects of LULC change on the environment and human health.
Disfluencies Revisited—Are They Speaker-Specific?
Authors: Braun Angelika , Elsässer Nathalie , Willems Lea
Published: June 2023

The forensic application of phonetics relies on individuality in speech. In the forensic domain, individual patterns of verbal and paraverbal behavior are of interest which are readily available, measurable, consistent, and robust to disguise and to telephone transmission. This contribution is written from the perspective of the forensic phonetic practitioner and seeks to establish a more comprehensive concept of disfluency than previous studies have. A taxonomy of possible variables forming part of what can be termed disfluency behavior is outlined. It includes the “classical” fillers, but extends well beyond these, covering, among others, additional types of fillers as well as prolongations, but also the way in which fillers are combined with pauses. In the empirical section, the materials collected for an earlier study are re-examined and subjected to two different statistical procedures in an attempt to approach the issue of individuality. Recordings consist of several minutes of spontaneous speech by eight speakers on three different occasions. Beyond the established set of hesitation markers, additional aspects of disfluency behavior which fulfill the criteria outlined above are included in the analysis. The proportion of various types of disfluency markers is determined. Both statistical approaches suggest that these speakers can be distinguished at a level far above chance using the disfluency data. At the same time, the results show that it is difficult to pin down a single measure which characterizes the disfluency behavior of an individual speaker. The forensic implications of these findings are discussed.
Reply to Thet et al. Comment on “Oehler et al. Outcome and Midterm Survival after Heart Transplantation Is Independent from Donor Length of Stay in the Intensive Care Unit. Life 2022, 12, 1053”
Authors: Oehler Daniel , Böttger Charlotte , Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Bruno Raphael Romano , Haschemi Jafer , Scheiber Daniel , Horn Patrick , Aubin Hug , Tudorache Igor , Westenfeld Ralf , Akhyari Payam , Kelm Malte , Lichtenberg Artur , Boeken Udo
Published: June 2023

Myat Soe Thet et al. published a letter [...]
Study on the Influence of Environmental Conditions on Road Friction Characteristics
Authors: Watanabe Atsushi , Kageyama Ichiro , Kuriyagawa Yukiyo , Haraguchi Tetsunori , Kaneko Tetsuya , Nishio Minoru
Published: June 2023

This study focuses on changes in the friction characteristics of paved roads under various conditions from the viewpoint of traffic safety. In general, the braking characteristics of road vehicles are examined using the μ–s characteristics of the tires. Therefore, in our research, we used three types of limited datasets and identified them using the Magic Formula proposed by Prof. Pacejka. Based on various experiments, it was shown that changes in the road surface environment, such as dry and wet conditions, significantly affect the μ–s characteristics, and this influence varies significantly depending on the pavement conditions. In this study, as the first stage of the analysis of these influences, it was clarified that the difference in the friction characteristics of wet and dry road surfaces varies significantly depending on the pavement surface, which is based on experimental results obtained using actual roads. As this variation is closely related to the safety of actual road traffic, we used a brush model, which is a dynamic model of the road surface and tires, to clarify the differences in this characteristic.
Initial Coefficient Bounds for Bi-Univalent Functions Related to Gregory Coefficients
Authors: Murugusundaramoorthy Gangadharan , Vijaya Kaliappan , Bulboacă Teodor
Published: June 2023

In this article we introduce three new subclasses of the class of bi-univalent functions Σ, namely HGΣ, GMΣ(μ) and GΣ(λ), by using the subordinations with the functions whose coefficients are Gregory numbers. First, we evidence that these classes are not empty, i.e., they contain other functions besides the identity one. For functions in each of these three bi-univalent function classes, we investigate the estimates a2 and a3 of the Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients and Fekete–Szegő functional problems. The main results are followed by some particular cases, and the novelty of the characterizations and the proofs may lead to further studies of such types of similarly defined subclasses of analytic bi-univalent functions.
Event Log Data Quality Issues and Solutions
Authors: Dakic Dusanka , Stefanovic Darko , Vuckovic Teodora , Zizakov Marina , Stevanov Branislav
Published: June 2023

Process mining is a discipline that analyzes real event data extracted from information systems that support a business process to construct as-is process models and detect performance issues. Process event data are transformed into event logs, where the level of data quality directly impacts the reliability, validity, and usefulness of the derived process insights. The literature offers a taxonomy of preprocessing techniques and papers reporting on solutions for data quality issues in particular scenarios without exploring the relationship between the data quality issues and solutions. This research aims to discover how process mining researchers and practitioners solve certain data quality issues in practice and investigates the nature of the relationship between data quality issues and preprocessing techniques. Therefore, a study was undertaken among prominent process mining researchers and practitioners, gathering information regarding the perceived importance and frequency of data quality issues and solutions and the participants’ recommendations on preprocessing technique selection. The results reveal the most important and frequent data quality issues and preprocessing techniques and the gap between their perceived frequency and importance. Consequently, an overview of how researchers and practitioners solve data quality issues is presented, allowing the development of recommendations.
Observer-Based Dynamic Event-Triggered Tracking Consensus for Switched Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Ruan Xiaoli , Cai Jiayi , Wang Zhaojing , Wang Chen , Yang Huali
Published: June 2023

This article discusses the event-triggered consensus problem for a switched multi-agent system (MASs) with switching topologies. An observer-based dynamic event-triggered (DET) controller with a discontinuous nonlinear term is designed to reduce arduous communication. With the designed approach, the error system can reach a tracking consensus. Then, a continuous observer-based DET protocol is created using the boundary layer method to prevent chattering effects. Moreover, by employing the Riccati equation and the switched Lyapunov function method, some sufficient criteria are put forward to guarantee the tracking consensus of the systems. The suggested observer-based DET protocol can also exclude the Zeno behavior. Finally, two examples verify the validity of the analysis.
The Imbalanced Classification of Fraudulent Bank Transactions Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ruchay Alexey , Feldman Elena , Cherbadzhi Dmitriy , Sokolov Alexander
Published: June 2023

This article studies the development of a reliable AI model to detect fraudulent bank transactions, including money laundering, and illegal activities with goods and services. The proposed machine learning model uses the CreditCardFraud dataset and utilizes multiple algorithms with different parameters. The results are evaluated using Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1 score, and IBA. We have increased the reliability of the imbalanced classification of fraudulent credit card transactions in comparison to the best known results by using the Tomek links resampling algorithm of the imbalanced CreditCardFraud dataset. The reliability of the results, using the proposed model based on the TPOT and RandomForest algorithms, has been confirmed by using 10-fold cross-validation. It is shown that on the dataset the accuracy of the proposed model detecting fraudulent bank transactions reaches 99.99%.
Estimation of the Non-Parametric Spatial Dynamic Panel Data Model with Fixed Effects
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Tian Boping
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the spatial dynamic panel data (SDPD) model with fixed effects is extended to a non-parametric form by relaxing the linear or nonlinear parameter structure of explanatory variables. The non-parametric spatial dynamic panel data (NSDPD) model with fixed effects not only retains the advantages of the SDPD model which can deal with spatial and/or temporal individual characteristics and spatio-temporal dependencies but also solves the limitation that may lead to specification errors. It also enhances the flexibility and practicability of the spatial econometric model. Since the model to be estimated contains unknown functions, we propose this profile maximum likelihood (PML) method to solve the problem of the incidental parameters in the estimation. Under the assumption that the spatial coefficients are known, we first eliminate the influence of the time effect by substitution and then use the local polynomial estimation to preliminarily estimate the unknown function so as to transform the model into the parametric form for solving. We derive the asymptotic properties of PMLEs and find that under certain regularity conditions, both parametric and non-parametric estimators are consistent. The Monte Carlo results show that the estimators have good finite sample performance. We illustrate the empirical relevance of the model by applying it to examine the impact of tourism dynamics on economic development in the Yangtze River Delta region of China.
Partial Eigenstructure Assignment for Linear Time-Invariant Systems via Dynamic Compensator
Authors: Gu Da-Ke , Guo Zhi-Jing , Wang Rui-Yuan , Liu Yin-Dong
Published: June 2023

This article studies the partial eigenstructure assignment (PEA) problem for a type of linear time-invariant (LTI) system. By introducing a dynamic output feedback controller, the closed-loop system is similar to a given arbitrary constant matrix, so the desired closed-loop eigenstructure can be obtained. Different from the normal eigenstructure assignment, only a part of the left and right generalized eigenvectors is assigned to the closed-loop system to remove complicated constraints, which reflects the partial eigenstructure assignment. Meanwhile, based on the solutions to the generalized Sylvester equations (GSEs), two arbitrary parameter matrices representing the degrees of freedom are presented to obtain the parametric form of the coefficient matrices of the dynamic compensator and the partial eigenvector matrices. Finally, an illustrative example and the simulation results prove the excellent effectiveness and feasibility of parametric method we proposed.
Spatial–Temporal Dynamic Graph Differential Equation Network for Traffic Flow Forecasting
Authors: Zhou Junwei , Qin Xizhong , Ding Yuanfeng , Ma Haodong
Published: June 2023

Traffic flow forecasting is the foundation of intelligent transportation systems. Accurate traffic forecasting is crucial for intelligent traffic management and urban development. However, achieving highly accurate traffic flow prediction is challenging due to road networks’ complex dynamic spatial and temporal dependencies. Previous work using predefined static adjacency matrices in graph convolutional networks needs to be revised to reflect the dynamic spatial dependencies in the traffic system. In addition, most current methods ignore the hidden dynamic spatial–temporal correlations between road network nodes as they evolve. We propose a spatial–temporal dynamic graph differential equation network (ST-DGDE) for traffic prediction to address the above problems. First, the model captures the dynamic changes between spatial nodes over time through a dynamic graph learning network. Then, dynamic graph differential equations (DGDE) are used to learn the spatial–temporal dynamic relationships in the global space that change continuously over time. Finally, static adjacency matrices are constructed by static node embedding. The generated dynamic and predefined static graphs are fused and input into a gated temporal causal convolutional network to jointly capture the fixed long-term spatial association patterns and achieve a global receiver domain that facilitates long-term prediction. Experiments of our model on two natural traffic flow datasets show that ST-DGDE outperforms other baselines.
Pairs of Associated Yamabe Almost Solitons with Vertical Potential on Almost Contact Complex Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Manev Mancho
Published: June 2023

Almost contact complex Riemannian manifolds, also known as almost contact B-metric manifolds, are, in principle, equipped with a pair of mutually associated pseudo-Riemannian metrics. Each of these metrics is specialized as a Yamabe almost soliton with a potential collinear to the Reeb vector field. The resulting manifolds are then investigated in two important cases with geometric significance. The first is when the manifold is of Sasaki-like type, i.e., its complex cone is a holomorphic complex Riemannian manifold (also called a Kähler–Norden manifold). The second case is when the soliton potential is torse-forming, i.e., it satisfies a certain recurrence condition for its covariant derivative with respect to the Levi–Civita connection of the corresponding metric. The studied solitons are characterized. In the three-dimensional case, an explicit example is constructed, and the properties obtained in the theoretical part are confirmed.
Effects of Exercise on Inflammatory Markers in Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Baião Victor M. , Cunha Vinícius A. , Duarte Marvery P. , Andrade Francini P. , Ferreira Aparecido P. , Nóbrega Otávio T. , Viana João L. , Ribeiro Heitor S.
Published: June 2023

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a systemic inflammatory state. We assessed the effects of exercise on inflammatory markers in individuals with CKD. An electronic search was conducted, including MEDLINE. Experimental clinical trials that investigated the effects of exercise on inflammatory markers in individuals with CKD at all stages were included. Meta-analyses were conducted using the random-effects model and standard mean difference (SMD). Subgroup analyses were performed for resistance, aerobic, and combined exercise interventions. Twenty-nine studies were included in the meta-analyses. Exercise interventions showed significant reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD: −0.23; 95% CI: −0.39 to −0.06), interleukin (IL)-6 (SMD: −0.35; 95% CI: −0.57, −0.14), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (SMD: −0.63, 95% CI: −1.01, −0.25) when compared with the controls. IL-10 levels significantly increased (SMD: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.09, 1.23) with exercise interventions. Resistance interventions significantly decreased CRP (SMD: −0.39, 95% CI: −0.69, −0.09) and TNF-α (SMD: −0.72, 95% CI: −1.20, −0.23) levels, while increasing IL-10 levels (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.09). Aerobic interventions only significantly reduced IL-6 levels (SMD: −0.26, 95% CI: −0.51, −0.01). No significant changes in any inflammatory markers were observed with combined exercise interventions. Exercise interventions are effective as an anti-inflammatory therapy in individuals with CKD compared to usual care control groups. Resistance interventions seem to promote greater anti-inflammatory effects.
Biological Degradation of Plastics and Microplastics: A Recent Perspective on Associated Mechanisms and Influencing Factors
Authors: Cai Zeming , Li Minqian , Zhu Ziying , Wang Xiaocui , Huang Yuanyin , Li Tianmu , Gong Han , Yan Muting
Published: June 2023

Plastic and microplastic pollution has caused a great deal of ecological problems because of its persistence and potential adverse effects on human health. The degradation of plastics through biological processes is of great significance for ecological health, therefore, the feasibility of plastic degradation by microorganisms has attracted a lot of attention. This study comprises a preliminary discussion on the biodegradation mechanism and the advantages and roles of different bacterial enzymes, such as PET hydrolase and PCL-cutinase, in the degradation of different polymers, such as PET and PCL, respectively. With a particular focus on their modes of action and potential enzymatic mechanisms, this review sums up studies on the biological degradation of plastics and microplastics related to mechanisms and influencing factors, along with their enzymes in enhancing the degradation of synthetic plastics in the process. In addition, biodegradation of plastic is also affected by plastic additives and plasticizers. Plasticizers and additives in the composition of plastics can cause harmful impacts. To further improve the degradation efficiency of polymers, various pretreatments to improve the efficiency of biodegradation, which can cause a significant reduction in toxic plastic pollution, were also preliminarily discussed here. The existing research and data show a large number of microorganisms involved in plastic biodegradation, though their specific mechanisms have not been thoroughly explored yet. Therefore, there is a significant potential for employing various bacterial strains for efficient degradation of plastics to improve human health and safety.
Distribution Patterns of Benthic Protist Communities Depending on Depth Revealed by Environmental Sequencing—From the Sublittoral to the Deep Sea
Authors: Dünn Manon , Arndt Hartmut
Published: June 2023

Protists are key components of the microbial food web in marine pelagic systems because they link algal and bacterial production to higher trophic levels. However, their functioning and bathymetric distribution in benthic deep-sea ecosystems are still only poorly understood. However, biogeographical patterns of communities can be coupled to the functioning of ecosystems and are therefore important to understand ecological and evolutionary processes. In this study, we investigated the diversity and distribution of benthic protist communities from the sublittoral down to the deep seafloor (50–2000 m) around three islands of the Azores in the North Atlantic Ocean. Using amplicon sequencing of the V9 region (18S rDNA) of 21 samples, we found that protist community compositions from different depths were significantly different. Three assemblages were separated along the following depths: 50 m, 150–500 m and 1000–2000 m, which indicate that deep-sea areas surrounding islands might act as isolating barriers for benthic protist species. A limited gene flow between the communities could favor speciation processes, leading to the unique protist communities found at the different investigated islands.
Spatial and Temporal Variability in Prevalence Rates of Members of the Borrelia burgdorferi Species Complex in Ixodes ricinus Ticks in Urban, Agricultural and Sylvatic Habitats in Slovakia
Authors: Kazimírová Mária , Mahríková Lenka , Hamšíková Zuzana , Stanko Michal , Golovchenko Maryna , Rudenko Natalie
Published: June 2023

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most prevalent tick-borne human infection in Europe, with increasing incidence during the latest decades. Abundant populations of Ixodes ricinus, the main vector of the causative agent, spirochetes from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) complex, have been observed in urban and suburban areas of Europe, in general, and Slovakia, particularly. Understanding the spread of infectious diseases is crucial for implementing effective control measures. Global changes affect contact rates of humans and animals with Borrelia-infected ticks and increase the risk of contracting LB. The aim of this study was to investigate spatial and temporal variation in prevalence of Bbsl and diversity of its species in questing I. ricinus from three sites representing urban/suburban, natural and agricultural habitat types in Slovakia. Ixodes ricinus nymphs and adults were collected by dragging the vegetation in green areas of Bratislava town (urban/suburban habitat), in the Small Carpathians Mountains (natural habitat) (south-western Slovakia) and in an agricultural habitat at Rozhanovce in eastern Slovakia. Borrelia presence in ticks was detected by PCR and Bbsl species were identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. species in coinfected ticks were identified by reverse line blot. Significant spatial and temporal variability in prevalence of infected ticks was revealed in the explored habitats. The lowest total prevalence was detected in the urban/suburban habitat, whereas higher prevalence was found in the natural and agricultural habitat. Six Bbsl species were detected by RFLP in each habitat type —B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana, B. lusitaniae and B. spielmanii. Coinfections accounted for 3% of the total infections, whereby B. kurtenbachii was identified by RLB and sequencing in mixed infection with B. burgdorferi s.s, B. garinii and B. valaisiana. This finding represents the first record of B. kurtenbachii in questing I. ricinus in Slovakia and Europe. Variations in the proportion of Bbsl species were found between nymphs and adults, between years and between habitat types. Spatial variations in prevalence patterns and proportion of Bbsl species were also confirmed between locations within a relatively short distance in the urban habitat. Habitat-related and spatial variations in Borrelia prevalence and distribution of Bbsl species are probably associated with the local environmental conditions and vertebrate host spectrum. Due to the presence of Borrelia species pathogenic to humans, all explored sites can be ranked as areas with high epidemiological risk.
Isolation of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus with Anti-Vibrio parahaemolyticus Activity and Identification of the Anti-Vibrio parahaemolyticus Substance
Authors: Jiang Ning , Hong Bin , Luo Kui , Li Yanmei , Fu Hongxin , Wang Jufang
Published: June 2023

The adoption of intensive farming has exacerbated disease outbreaks in aquaculture, particularly vibriosis caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The use of probiotics to control V. parahaemolyticus is recognized as a good alternative to antibiotics for avoiding the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this study, two strains of B. HLJ1 and B. C1 with strong inhibitory activity on V. parahaemolyticus were isolated from aquaculture water and identified as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus, respectively. Both B. HLJ1 and B. C1 lacked antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, suggesting that they are safe for use in aquaculture. In addition, these two strains can tolerate acid environments, produce spores, secrete extracellular enzymes, and co-aggregate as well as auto-aggregate with V. parahaemolyticus. B. HLJ1 and B. C1 produced the same anti-V. parahaemolyticus substance, which was identified as AI-77-F and belongs to amicoumacins. Both B. C1 and B. HLJ1 showed inhibitory activity against 11 different V. parahaemolyticus and could effectively control the growth of V. parahaemolyticus in simulated aquaculture wastewater when the concentration of B. C1 and B. HLJ1 reached 1 × 107 CFU/mL. This study shows that B. HLJ1 and B. C1 have great potential as aquaculture probiotics.
Metagenomic Analyses Reveal the Influence of Depth Layers on Marine Biodiversity on Tropical and Subtropical Regions
Authors: Santiago Bianca C. F. , de Souza Iara D. , Cavalcante João Vitor F. , Morais Diego A. A. , da Silva Mikaelly B. , Pasquali Matheus Augusto de B. , Dalmolin Rodrigo J. S.
Published: June 2023

The emergence of open ocean global-scale studies provided important information about the genomics of oceanic microbial communities. Metagenomic analyses shed light on the structure of marine habitats, unraveling the biodiversity of different water masses. Many biological and environmental factors can contribute to marine organism composition, such as depth. However, much remains unknown about microbial communities’ taxonomic and functional features in different water layer depths. Here, we performed a metagenomic analysis of 76 publicly available samples from the Tara Ocean Project, distributed in 8 collection stations located in tropical or subtropical regions, and sampled from three layers of depth (surface water layer—SRF, deep chlorophyll maximum layer—DCM, and mesopelagic zone—MES). The SRF and DCM depth layers are similar in abundance and diversity, while the MES layer presents greater diversity than the other layers. Diversity clustering analysis shows differences regarding the taxonomic content of samples. At the domain level, bacteria prevail in most samples, and the MES layer presents the highest proportion of archaea among all samples. Taken together, our results indicate that the depth layer influences microbial sample composition and diversity.
Applicability and Limitations of a Capillary-LC Column-Switching System Using Hybrid Graphene-Based Stationary Phases
Authors: Borsatto João Victor Basolli , Maciel Edvaldo Vasconcelos Soares , Cifuentes Alejandro , Lanças Fernando Mauro
Published: June 2023

Graphene oxide sheets fixed over silica particles (SiGO) and their modification functionalized with C18 and endcapped (SiGO-C18ec) have been reported as sorbents for extraction and analytical columns in LC. In this study, a SiGO column was selected as the extraction column and a SiGO-C18ec as the analytical column to study the applicability and limitations of a column-switching system composed exclusively of columns packed with graphene-based sorbents. Pyriproxyfen and abamectin B1a were selected as the analytes, and orange-flavored carbonated soft drinks as the matrix. The proposed system could be successfully applied to the pyriproxyfen analysis in a concentration range between 0.5 to 25 µg/mL presenting a linearity of R2 = 0.9931 and an intra-day and inter-day accuracy of 82.2–111.4% (RSD < 13.3%) and 95.5–99.8% (RSD < 12.7%), respectively. Furthermore, the matrix composition affected the area observed for the pyriproxyfen: the higher the concentration of orange juice in the soft drink, the higher the pyriproxyfen the signal observed. Additionally, the SiGO extraction column presented a life use of 120 injections for this matrix. In contrast, the proposed system could not apply to the analysis of abamectin B1a, and the SiGO-C18ec analytical column presented significant tailing compared to a similar approach with a C18 analytical column.
Development of a Long-Term Sampling Method for Determination of NMHCs in Indoor Air
Authors: Urupina Darya , Traverse Sylvie , Leonardis Thierry , Eymard-Vernain Elise , Guilhermet Julien , Ricard Vincent , Lemoine Marie , Varlet Camille , Gillet Remy , Locoge Nadine
Published: June 2023

Vapor intrusion is detrimental for indoor air quality. One of the most common sources of vapor intrusion is soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. To evaluate the long-term risk from individual exposure to hydrocarbons it is necessary to measure quantitively and reliably an average concentration level of individual pollutants on a monthly or yearly basis. Temporal variability of vapor intrusion from hydrocarbons poses a significant challenge to determination of average exposure and there is a need for reliable long-term integrative sampling. To this end, an analytical method for determination of 10 selected nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), including hexane, heptane, octane, decane, benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, m,p-xylene, o-xylene, and naphthalene, sampled on active triple-bed tubes filled with Carbograph 2, Carbograph 1, and Carboxen 1003 adsorbents was developed and validated. Extensive laboratory studies proved the absence of breakthrough at 50% HR and ambient temperature for experiments lasting up to 28 days and established a safe sampling time/volume of 20 days/114 L when sampling at a low flow rate of around 4 mL min−1. In addition, the developed method includes detailed uncertainty calculations for determination of concentrations. Finally, the method was tested by measuring NMHC concentrations in indoor air at a former industrial site during a 2-month-long field campaign in Lyon. The results of the field campaign suggest that 4-week integrated concentration measurements can be achieved by using active sampling on triple-bed tubes at 4.5 mL min−1.
New Prospects in the Electroanalysis of Heavy Metal Ions (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu): Development and Application of Novel Electrode Surfaces
Authors: Keramari Vasiliki , Karastogianni Sophia , Girousi Stella
Published: June 2023

The detection of toxic heavy metal ions, especially cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), is a global problem due to ongoing pollution incidents and continuous anthropogenic and industrial activities. Therefore, it is important to develop effective detection techniques to determine the levels of pollution from heavy metal ions in various media. Electrochemical techniques, more specifically voltammetry, due to its properties, is a promising method for the simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions. This review examines the current trends related to electrode formation and analysis techniques used. In addition, there is a reference to advanced detection methods based on the nanoparticles that have been developed so far, as well as formation with bismuth and the emerging technique of screen-printed electrodes. Finally, the advantages of using these methods are highlighted, while a discussion is presented on the benefits arising from nanotechnology, as it gives researchers new ideas for integrating these technologies into devices that can be used anywhere at any time. Reference is also made to the speciation of metals and how it affects their toxicity, as it is an important subject of research.
Binary Ni-Co-Based Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoneedle Arrays for High Performance of Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lu Zhi , Zhou Zhihao , Li Shilin , Tan Gongliang , Chen Hangtian , Ge Zishuo , Chen Chong , Wang Guangxin
Published: June 2023

Low-cost and high-performance electrocatalysts are crucial for water-splitting reactions. Some non-precious metal electrocatalysts are proved to be good replacements for noble metal due to the unique electronic structure features and excellent performance. In this work, binary Ni-Co-based layered double hydroxide nanoneedle arrays electrocatalysts are synthesized on Ni foam (NF) via a hydrothermal process. The microstructure and the catalytic performance of the catalyst changes significantly by regulating the molar ratio of Ni/Co. The theoretical analysis confirmed that the as-prepared NiCo-LDH nanoneedle arrays reveal a potential behavior in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at a lower overpotential of 305 mV at 10.0 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 110.38 mV dec−1. The double-layer capacitance (Cdl) is 776 mF cm−2, which indicates that there are many active sites that are exposed on the surface for the electrocatalytic reaction. The results provide an obvious reference value to other types of LDH catalysts for the development of water electrolysis.
Amphipathic Solvent-Assisted Synthetic Strategy for Random Lamellae of the Clinoptilolites with Flower-like Morphology and Thinner Nanosheet for Adsorption and Separation of CO2 and CH4
Authors: Zhou Jiawei , Jia Bingying , Xu Bang , Sun Jihong , Bai Shiyang
Published: June 2023

The random lamellae of the synthetic CP were synthesized with a hydrothermal approach using o-Phenylenediamine (OPD) as a modifier. The decreases in the order degree of the CP synthesized in the presence of the OPD resulted from the loss of long-range order in a certain direction. Subsequently, the ultrasonic treatment and washing were conducive to further facilitate the disordered arrangements of its lamellae. The possible promotion mechanism regarding the nucleation and growth behaviors of the sol-gel particles was proposed. The fractal evolutions of the aluminosilicate species with crystallization time implied that the aluminosilicate species became gradually smooth to rough during the crystallization procedures since the amorphous structures transformed into flower-like morphologies. Their gas adsorption and separation performances indicated that the adsorption capacity of CO2 at 273 K reached up to 2.14 mmol·g−1 at 1 bar, and the selective factor (CO2/CH4) up to 3.4, much higher than that of the CPs synthesized without additive OPD. The breakthrough experiments displayed a longer breakthrough time and enhancement of CO2 uptake, showing better performance for CO2/CH4 separation. The cycling test further highlighted their efficiency for CO2/CH4 separation.
Natural Compounds and Healthy Foods: Useful Tools against Onset and Progression of Chronic Diseases
Authors: Amato Antonella
Published: June 2023

The Special Issue (SI) in Nutrients, titled “Natural Compounds and Healthy Foods: New Strategy to Counteract Chronic Diseases”, deals with the beneficial effects of some natural bioactive substances and the relative action mechanisms, providing evidence for the potential to counteract some chronic diseases (CD) [...]