bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Influence of External Wall Material Type on the Thermal Bridge at the Window-to-Wall Interface
Authors: Adamus Janina , Pomada Marta
Published: October 2023

Background: Although many works focus on increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, there are still a number of problems that need to be solved, such as reducing heat losses at the window-to-wall interface, especially since the requirements for saving energy used for heating/cooling rooms are constantly increasing. This paper analyses the impact of the material parameters of the external wall and the window installation in the insulation layer on the size of thermal bridges around the window. Purpose: The aim of the work is to demonstrate the benefits resulting from the correct installation of the window, the appropriate location of the window in relation to the face of the external wall, as well as the correct selection of construction materials. Methodology: In order to show the improvement in the energy efficiency of buildings, an analysis of the heating/cooling energy consumption was carried out for the selected buildings. The thermal and humidity analyses were carried out using TRISCO program, while the economic analysis was performed using the Audytor OZC program. Results: It was found that the proposed system of window installation in the thermal insulation layer reduced the annual heating demand by at least 10% on average. Conclusions: It has been shown that the method of window installation and the type of the wall structural materials are interrelated and therefore should be considered simultaneously. Their proper selection allows for a reduction in the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling buildings, and thus a reduction of heating/cooling costs, as well as limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
Facile Synthesis of Mesoporous Nanohybrid Two-Dimensional Layered Ni-Cr-S and Reduced Graphene Oxide for High-Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Bulakhe Ravindra N. , Nguyen Anh Phan , Ryu Changyoung , Kim Ji Man , In Jung Bin
Published: October 2023

This study describes the single-step synthesis of a mesoporous layered nickel-chromium-sulfide (NCS) and its hybridization with single-layered graphene oxide (GO) using a facile, inexpensive chemical method. The conductive GO plays a critical role in improving the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of hybridized NCS/reduced GO (NCSG) materials. The optimized mesoporous nanohybrid NCSG is obtained when hybridized with 20% GO, and this material exhibits a very high specific surface area of 685.84 m2/g compared to 149.37 m2/g for bare NCS, and the pore diameters are 15.81 and 13.85 nm, respectively. The three-fold superior specific capacity of this optimal NCSG (1932 C/g) is demonstrated over NCS (676 C/g) at a current density of 2 A/g. A fabricated hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) reveals a maximum specific capacity of 224 C/g at a 5 A/g current density. The HSC reached an outstanding energy density of 105 Wh/kg with a maximum power density of 11,250 W/kg. A 4% decrement was observed during the cyclic stability study of the HSC over 5000 successive charge–discharge cycles at a 10 A/g current density. These results suggest that the prepared nanohybrid NCSG is an excellent cathode material for gaining a high energy density in an HSC.
Eco-Friendly Sustainable Concrete and Mortar Using Coal Dust Waste
Authors: Shcherban’ Evgenii M. , Stel’makh Sergey A. , Beskopylny Alexey N. , Mailyan Levon R. , Meskhi Besarion , Elshaeva Diana , Chernil’nik Andrei , Mailyan Alexander L. , Ananova Oxana
Published: October 2023

Finding the solution to the problem of the accumulating waste from the mining and processing industries, as well as reducing their carbon footprint, is among the most important tasks today. Within the construction industry, in the field of the production of building materials such as concrete, these problems may be solved through the use of waste and by saving the binder component. The purpose of this study is to substantiate the feasibility of using waste coal dust (CD) in concrete and cement–sand mortars as a partial replacement for cement. Test samples were made by partially replacing cement with CD in an amount from 0% to 10% in increments of 2% by weight. The following main characteristics were studied: mobility and density of mixtures, as well as density, compressive strength, bending strength and water absorption of concrete and mortars. X-ray diffraction and microscopic analysis methods were used in this work. The introduction of CD to replace part of the cement, up to 10%, did not have a significant effect on the density of concrete and mortar mixtures but reduced their workability. The best values of physical and mechanical characteristics were recorded for concrete and mortar with 4% CD. The increases in the compressive strength of concrete and mortars were 6.6% and 5.7%, and in flexural strength 6.1% and 5.6%, respectively. Water absorption decreased by 9.7% for concrete and by 9.3% for mortar.
A Comparative Investigation of Machine Learning Algorithms for Pore-Influenced Fatigue Life Prediction of Additively Manufactured Inconel 718 Based on a Small Dataset
Authors: Hu Bing-Li , Luo Yan-Wen , Zhang Bin , Zhang Guang-Ping
Published: October 2023

Fatigue life prediction of Inconel 718 fabricated by laser powder bed fusion was investigated using a miniature specimen tests method and machine learning algorithms. A small dataset-based machine learning framework integrating thirteen kinds of algorithms was constructed to predict the pore-influenced fatigue life. The method of selecting random seeds was employed to evaluate the performance of the algorithms, and then the ranking of various machine learning algorithms for predicting pore-influenced fatigue life on small datasets was obtained by verifying the prediction model twenty or thirty times. The results showed that among the thirteen popular machine learning algorithms investigated, the adaptive boosting algorithm from the boosting category exhibited the best fitting accuracy for fatigue life prediction of the additively manufactured Inconel 718 using the small dataset, followed by the decision tree algorithm in the nonlinear category. The investigation also found that DT, RF, GBDT, and XGBOOST algorithms could effectively predict the fatigue life of the additively manufactured Inconel 718 within the range of 1 × 105 cycles on a small dataset compared to others. These results not only demonstrate the capability of using small dataset-based machine learning techniques to predict fatigue life but also may guide the selection of algorithms that minimize performance evaluation costs when predicting fatigue life.
Insight into the Micro Evolution of Backfill Paste Prepared with Modified Gangue as Supplementary Cementitious Material: Dissolution and Hydration Mechanisms
Authors: Huo Binbin , Zhang Jixiong , Li Meng , Guo Qiang
Published: October 2023

Gangue-based backfill cementitious materials (BCM) are widely applied due to their low CO2 footprint, while the application is restricted by gangue’s low reactivity. In this study, dry chemical modification was developed to modify the gangue, and multiple characterized approaches were used to characterize the dissolution property, mineral composition, and particle size distribution of modified gangue (MCG), as well as the compressive strength and microstructure of BCM. The findings show that the residue weight of MCG stabilized at 2 wt.% of formic acid, and the modification reduces the kaolinite and calcite, resulting in smaller particles. Additionally, the three days compressive strength of the BCM made with MCG was improved from 0.3 MPa to 0.6 MPa. Attributed to the increased reactivity of MCG, it was found that the dissolution weight increased by 2.13%. This study offers a novel method for activating gangue and a new kind of MCG-prepared BCM, which makes a significant contribution towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Existence and Uniqueness of Positive Solutions for Semipositone Lane-Emden Equations on the Half-Axis
Authors: Bachar Imed
Published: October 2023

Semipositone Lane–Emden type equations are considered on the half-axis. Such equations have been used in modelling several phenomena in astrophysics and mathematical physics and are often difficult to solve analytically. We provide sufficient conditions for the existence of a positive continuous solution and we describe its global behavior. Our approach is based on a perturbed operator technique and fixed point theorems. Some examples are presented to illustrate the main results.
Recent Developments on the First Chen Inequality in Differential Geometry
Authors: Chen Bang-Yen , Vîlcu Gabriel-Eduard
Published: October 2023

One of the most fundamental interests in submanifold theory is to establish simple relationships between the main extrinsic invariants and the main intrinsic invariants of submanifolds and find their applications. In this respect, the first author established, in 1993, a basic inequality involving the first δ-invariant, δ(2), and the squared mean curvature of submanifolds in real space forms, known today as the first Chen inequality or Chen’s first inequality. Since then, there have been many papers dealing with this inequality. The purpose of this article is, thus, to present a comprehensive survey on recent developments on this inequality performed by many geometers during the last three decades.
Optimum Scheduling of a Multi-Machine Flexible Manufacturing System Considering Job and Tool Transfer Times without Tool Delay
Authors: Prayagi Sunil , Mareddy Padma Lalitha , Katta Lakshmi Narasimhamu , Narapureddy Sivarami Reddy
Published: October 2023

In order to minimize makespan (Cmax) without causing tool delay with the fewest copies of each tool type, this study investigates the concurrent scheduling of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), machines (MCs), tool transporter (TT), and tools in a multi-machine flexible manufacturing system (FMS). The tools are housed in a central tool magazine (CTM), accessible to and utilized by several machines. AGVs and the tool transporter (TT) move jobs and tools between machines. Since it involves allocating tool copies and AGVs to job operations, sequencing job operations on machines, and related trip operations, such as AGVs’ and TT’s empty trip and loaded trip times, this simultaneous scheduling problem is highly complicated. This issue is resolved using the symbiotic organisms search algorithm (SOSA), based on the symbiotic interaction strategies that organisms adapt to survive in the ecosystem. This study proposes a mixed nonlinear integer programming formulation to address this problem. Verification is performed using an industrial problem from a manufacturing organization. The results show that employing two copies for two tool types out of 22 tool kinds and one copy for the remaining tool types results in no tool delay, which causes a reduction in the Cmax as well as cost. The industries that can benefit directly from this study are consumer electronics manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, automobile manufacturers, and textile machine producers. The results demonstrate that the SOSA provides promising results compared to the flower pollination algorithm (FPA).
Self-Organizing Memory Based on Adaptive Resonance Theory for Vision and Language Navigation
Authors: Wu Wansen , Hu Yue , Xu Kai , Qin Long , Yin Quanjun
Published: October 2023

Vision and Language Navigation (VLN) is a task in which an agent needs to understand natural language instructions to reach the target location in a real-scene environment. To improve the model ability of long-horizon planning, emerging research focuses on extending the models with different types of memory structures, mainly including topological maps or a hidden state vector. However, the fixed-length hidden state vector is often insufficient to capture long-term temporal context. In comparison, topological maps have been shown to be beneficial for many robotic navigation tasks. Therefore, we focus on building a feasible and effective topological map representation and using it to improve the navigation performance and the generalization across seen and unseen environments. This paper presents a S elf-organizing Memory based on Adaptive Resonance Theory (SMART) module for incremental topological mapping and a framework for utilizing the SMART module to guide navigation. Based on fusion adaptive resonance theory networks, the SMART module can extract salient scenes from historical observations and build a topological map of the environmental layout. It provides a compact spatial representation and supports the discovery of novel shortcuts through inferences while being explainable in terms of cognitive science. Furthermore, given a language instruction and on top of the topological map, we propose a vision–language alignment framework for navigational decision-making. Notably, the framework utilizes three off-the-shelf pre-trained models to perform landmark extraction, node–landmark matching, and low-level controlling, without any fine-tuning on human-annotated datasets. We validate our approach using the Habitat simulator on VLN-CE tasks, which provides a photo-realistic environment for the embodied agent in continuous action space. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach achieves comparable performance to the supervised baseline.
Learning Wasserstein Contrastive Color Histogram Representation for Low-Light Image Enhancement
Authors: Sun Zixuan , Hu Shenglong , Song Huihui , Liang Peng
Published: October 2023

The goal of low-light image enhancement (LLIE) is to enhance perception to restore normal-light images. The primary emphasis of earlier LLIE methods was on enhancing the illumination while paying less attention to the color distortions and noise in the dark. In comparison to the ground truth, the restored images frequently exhibit inconsistent color and residual noise. To this end, this paper introduces a Wasserstein contrastive regularization method (WCR) for LLIE. The WCR regularizes the color histogram (CH) representation of the restored image to keep its color consistency while removing noise. Specifically, the WCR contains two novel designs including a differentiable CH module (DCHM) and a WCR loss. The DCHM serves as a modular component that can be easily integrated into the network to enable end-to-end learning of the image CH. Afterwards, to ensure color consistency, we utilize the Wasserstein distance (WD) to quantify the resemblance of the learnable CHs between the restored image and the normal-light image. Then, the regularized WD is used to construct the WCR loss, which is a triplet loss and takes the normal-light images as positive samples, the low-light images as negative samples, and the restored images as anchor samples. The WCR loss pulls the anchor samples closer to the positive samples and simultaneously pushes them away from the negative samples so as to help the anchors remove the noise in the dark. Notably, the proposed WCR method was only used for training, and was shown to achieve high performance and high speed inference using lightweight networks. Therefore, it is valuable for real-time applications such as night automatic driving and night reversing image enhancement. Extensive evaluations on benchmark datasets such as LOL, FiveK, and UIEB showed that the proposed WCR method achieves superior performance, outperforming existing state-of-the-art methods.
An Evolutionary Game-Theoretic Approach to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Network Target Assignment in Three-Dimensional Scenarios
Authors: Gao Yifan , Zhang Lei , Wang Chuanyue , Zheng Xiaoyuan , Wang Qianling
Published: October 2023

Target assignment has been a hot topic of research in the academic and industrial communities for swarms of multiple unmanned aerial vehicle (multi-UAVs). Traditional methods mainly focus on cooperative target assignment in planes, and they ignore three-dimensional scenarios for the multi-UAV network target assignment problem. This paper proposes a method for target assignment in three-dimensional scenarios based on evolutionary game theory to achieve cooperative targeting for multi-UAVs, significantly improving operational efficiency and achieving maximum utility. Firstly, we construct an evolutionary game model including game participants, a tactical strategy space, a payoff matrix, and a strategy selection probability space. Then, a multi-level information fusion algorithm is designed to evaluate the overall attack effectiveness of multi-UAVs against multiple targets. The replicator equation is leveraged to obtain the evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) and dynamically update the optimal strategy. Finally, a typical scenario analysis and an effectiveness experiment are carried out on the RflySim platform to analyze the calculation process and verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method can effectively provide a target assignment solution for multi-UAVs.
Asymptotic Sample Size for Common Test of Relative Risk Ratios in Stratified Bilateral Data
Authors: Mou Keyi , Li Zhiming , Ma Changxing
Published: October 2023

In medical clinical studies, various tests usually relate to the sample size. This paper proposes several methods to calculate sample sizes for a common test of relative risk ratios in stratified bilateral data. Under the prespecified significant level and power, we derive some explicit formulae and an algorithm of the sample size. The sample sizes of the stratified intra-class model are obtained from the likelihood ratio, score, and Wald-type tests. Under pooled data, we calculate sample size based on the Wald-type test and its log-transformation form. Numerical simulations show that the proposed sample sizes have empirical power close to the prespecified value for given significance levels. The sample sizes from the iterative method are more stable and effective.
A Modified Gradient Search Rule Based on the Quasi-Newton Method and a New Local Search Technique to Improve the Gradient-Based Algorithm: Solar Photovoltaic Parameter Extraction
Authors: Mahmood Bushra Shakir , Hussein Nazar K. , Aljohani Mansourah , Qaraad Mohammed
Published: October 2023

Harnessing solar energy efficiently via photovoltaic (PV) technology is pivotal for future sustainable energy. Accurate modeling of PV cells entails an optimization problem due to the multimodal and nonlinear characteristics of the cells. This study introduces the Multi-strategy Gradient-Based Algorithm (MAGBO) for the precise parameter estimation of solar PV systems. MAGBO incorporates a modified gradient search rule (MGSR) inspired by the quasi-Newton approach, a novel refresh operator (NRO) for improved solution quality, and a crossover mechanism balancing exploration and exploitation. Validated through CEC2021 test functions, MAGBO excelled in global optimization. To further validate and underscore the reliability of MAGBO, we utilized data from the PVM 752 GaAs thin-film cell and the STP6-40/36 module. The simulation parameters were discerned using 44 I-V pairs from the PVM 752 cell and diverse data from the STP6-40/36 module tested under different conditions. Consistency between simulated and observed I-V and P-V curves for the STM6-40/36 and PVM 752 models validated MAGBO’s accuracy. In application, MAGBO attained an RMSE of 9.8 × 10−4 for double-diode and single-diode modules. For Photowatt-PWP, STM6-40/36, and PVM 752 models, RMSEs were 2.4 × 10−3, 1.7 × 10−3, and 1.7 × 10−3, respectively. Against prevalent methods, MAGBO exhibited unparalleled precision and reliability, advocating its superior utility for intricate PV data analysis.
From Constant to Rough: A Survey of Continuous Volatility Modeling
Authors: Di Nunno Giulia , Kubilius Kęstutis , Mishura Yuliya , Yurchenko-Tytarenko Anton
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of continuous stochastic volatility models, discussing their historical development and the key stylized facts that have driven the field. Special attention is dedicated to fractional and rough methods: without advocating for either roughness or long memory, we outline the motivation behind them and characterize some landmark models. In addition, we briefly touch on the problem of VIX modeling and recent advances in the SPX-VIX joint calibration puzzle.
On the Lifeline Game of the Inertial Players with Integral and Geometric Constraints
Authors: Samatov Bahrom , Ibragimov Gafurjan , Juraev Bahodirjon , Ferrara Massimiliano
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we consider a pursuit–evasion game of inertial players, where the pursuer’s control is subject to integral constraint and the evader’s control is subject to geometric constraint. In the pursuit problem, the main tool is the strategy of parallel pursuit. Sufficient conditions are obtained for the solvability of pursuit–evasion problems. Additionally, the main lemma describing the monotonicity of an attainability domain of the evader is proved, and an explicit analytical formula for this domain is given. One of the main results of the paper is the solution of the Isaacs lifeline game for a special case.
Novel Kinds of Fractional λ–Kinetic Equations Involving the Generalized Degenerate Hypergeometric Functions and Their Solutions Using the Pathway-Type Integral
Authors: Alqarni Mohammed Z. , Abdalla Mohamed
Published: October 2023

In recent years, fractional kinetic equations (FKEs) involving various special functions have been widely used to describe and solve significant problems in control theory, biology, physics, image processing, engineering, astrophysics, and many others. This current work proposes a new solution to fractional λ−kinetic equations based on generalized degenerate hypergeometric functions (GDHFs), which has the potential to be applied to calculate changes in the chemical composition of stars such as the sun. Furthermore, this expanded form can also help to solve various problems with phenomena in physics, such as fractional statistical mechanics, anomalous diffusion, and fractional quantum mechanics. Moreover, some of the well-known outcomes are just special cases of this class of pathway-type solutions involving GDHFs, with greater accuracy, while providing an easily calculable solution. Additionally, numerical graphs of these analytical solutions, using MATLAB Software (latest version 2023b), are also considered.
Triclustering Implementation Using Hybrid δ-Trimax Particle Swarm Optimization and Gene Ontology Analysis on Three-Dimensional Gene Expression Data
Authors: Siswantining Titin , Istianingrum Maria Armelia Sekar , Soemartojo Saskya Mary , Sarwinda Devvi , Saputra Noval , Pramana Setia , Prahmana Rully Charitas Indra
Published: October 2023

Triclustering is a data mining method for grouping data based on similar characteristics. The main purpose of a triclustering analysis is to obtain an optimal tricluster, which has a minimum mean square residue (MSR) and a maximum tricluster volume. The triclustering method has been developed using many approaches, such as an optimization method. In this study, hybrid δ-Trimax particle swarm optimization was proposed for use in a triclustering analysis. In general, hybrid δ-Trimax PSO consist of two phases: initialization of the population using a node deletion algorithm in the δ-Trimax method and optimization of the tricluster using the binary PSO method. This method, when implemented on three-dimensional gene expression data, proved useful as a Motexafin gadolinium (MGd) treatment for plateau phase lung cancer cells. For its implementation, a tricluster that potentially consisted of a group of genes with high specific response to MGd was obtained. This type of tricluster can then serve as a guideline for further research related to the development of MGd drugs as anti-cancer therapy.
Chemical Constituents from Soft Coral Clavularia spp. Demonstrate Antiproliferative Effects on Oral Cancer Cells
Authors: Cheng Ming-Ya , Chuang Ya-Ting , Chang Hsueh-Wei , Lin Zheng-Yu , Chen Ching-Yeu , Cheng Yuan-Bin
Published: October 2023

Five new eudensamane-type sesquiterpene lactones, clasamanes A–E (1–5), three new dolabellane-type diterpenes, clabellanes A–C (6–8), and fifteen known compounds (9–23) were isolated from the ethanolic extract of Taiwanese soft coral Clavularia spp. The structures of all undescribed components (1–8) were determined by analysis of IR, mass, NMR, and UV spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of new compounds was determined by using circular dichroism and DP4+ calculations. The cytotoxic activities of all isolated marine natural products were evaluated. Compound 7 showed a significant cytotoxic effect against oral cancer cell line (Ca9-22) with an IC50 value of 7.26 ± 0.17 μg/mL.
The Role of Adrenaline, Noradrenaline, and Cortisol in the Pathogenesis of the Analgesic Potency, Duration, and Neurotoxic Effect of Meperidine
Authors: Yilmaz Mehmet , Suleyman Bahadir , Mammadov Renad , Altuner Durdu , Bulut Seval , Suleyman Halis
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of adrenaline (ADR), noradrenaline (NDR), and cortisol in the pathogenesis of the analgesic potency, duration, and epilepsy-like toxic effect of meperidine. Materials and Methods: The experimental animals were separated into 11 groups of six rats. In the meperidine (MPD) and metyrosine + meperidine (MMPD) groups, paw pain thresholds were measured before and after the treatment between the first and sixth hours (one hour apart). In addition, ADR and NDR analyses were performed before and after the treatment, between the first and fourth hours (one hour apart). For the epilepsy experiment, caffeine, caffeine + meperidine, and caffeine + meperidine + metyrapone groups were created, and the treatment was applied for 1 day or 7 days. Groups were created in which caffeine was used at both 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. Epileptic seizures were observed in epilepsy groups, latent periods were determined, and serum cortisol levels were measured. Results: In the MPD group, pain thresholds increased only at the first and second hours compared to pre-treatment, while ADR increased at the third hour, leading to a decrease in pain thresholds. In the MMPD group, the increase in paw pain thresholds at 1 and 6 h was accompanied by a decrease in ADR and NDR. In the caffeine (150 mg/kg) + meperidine group, 1-day treatment did not cause epileptic seizures, while seizures were observed and cortisol levels increased in the group in which treatment continued for 7 days. When cortisol levels were compared between the group in which caffeine (300 mg/kg) + meperidine + metyrapone was used for 7 days and the animals receiving caffeine (300 mg/kg) + metyrapone for 7 days, it was found that cortisol levels decreased and the latent period decreased. Conclusions: The current study showed that if serum ADR and cortisol levels are kept at normal levels, a longer-lasting and stronger analgesic effect can be achieved with meperidine, and epileptic seizures can be prevented.
Structured Lipids Engineering for Health: Novel Formulations Enriched in n-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids with Potential Nutritional Benefits
Authors: Lopes Paula , Alfaia Cristina , Pestana José , Prates José
Published: October 2023

Structured lipids (SLs) offer a promising avenue for designing novel formulations enriched in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) with potential health benefits. Triacylglycerols (TAGs), the most common fats in the human diet, are both non-toxic and chemically stable. The metabolic efficiency and digestibility of TAGs are significantly influenced by the position of fatty acids (FAs) within the glycerol backbone, with FAs at the sn-2 position being readily absorbed. Over the past two decades, advancements in SL research have led to the development of modified TAGs, achieved either through chemical or enzymatic processes, resulting in SLs. The ideal structure of SLs involves medium-chain FAs at the sn-1,3 positions and long-chain n-3 LCPUFAs at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone, conferring specific physicochemical and nutritional attributes. These tailored SL formulations find wide-ranging applications in the food and nutraceutical industries, showing promise for dietary support in promoting health and mitigating various diseases. In particular, SLs can be harnessed as functional oils to augment TAG metabolism, thereby impeding the development of fatty liver, countering the onset of obesity, and preventing atherosclerosis and age-related chronic diseases. In scrutinising prevailing research trajectories, this review endeavours to provide an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted advantages and repercussions associated with the synthesis of SLs. It elucidates their burgeoning potential in enhancing health and well-being across a range of demographic cohorts. Specifically, the implications of SL utilisation are discussed in the context of healthcare environments and early childhood developmental support.
Mycoviruses: Antagonistic Potential, Fungal Pathogenesis, and Their Interaction with Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Umer Muhammad , Mubeen Mustansar , Shakeel Qaiser , Ali Sajjad , Iftikhar Yasir , Bajwa Rabia Tahir , Anwar Naureen , Rao Muhammad Junaid , He Yuejun
Published: October 2023

Mycoviruses, or fungal viruses, are prevalent in all significant fungal kingdoms and genera. These low-virulence viruses can be used as biocontrol agents to manage fungal diseases. These viruses are divided into 19 officially recognized families and 1 unclassified genus. Mycoviruses alter sexual reproduction, pigmentation, and development. Spores and fungal hypha spread mycoviruses. Isometric particles mostly encapsulate dsRNA mycoviruses. The widespread plant-pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani, which has caused a rice sheath blight, has hosted many viruses with different morphologies. It causes significant crop diseases that adversely affect agriculture and the economy. Rice sheath blight threatens the 40% of the global population that relies on rice for food and nutrition. This article reviews mycovirology research on Rhizoctonia solani to demonstrate scientific advances. Mycoviruses control rice sheath blight. Hypovirulence-associated mycoviruses are needed to control R. solani since no cultivars are resistant. Mycoviruses are usually cryptic, but they can benefit the host fungus. Phytopathologists may use hypovirulent viruses as biological control agents. New tools are being developed based on host genome studies to overcome the intellectual challenge of comprehending the interactions between viruses and fungi and the practical challenge of influencing these interactions to develop biocontrol agents against significant plant pathogens.
Lipid Production from Native Oleaginous Yeasts Isolated from Southern Chilean Soil Cultivated in Industrial Vinasse Residues
Authors: Díaz-Navarrete Paola , Marileo Luis , Madrid Hugo , Belezaca-Pinargote Carlos , Dantagnan Patricio
Published: October 2023

In this research, six strains of oleaginous yeasts native to southern Chile were analyzed for their biotechnological potential in lipid accumulation. For this purpose, the six strains, named PP1, PP4, PR4, PR10, PR27 and PR29, were cultivated in a nitrogen-deficient synthetic mineral medium (SMM). Then, two strains were selected and cultivated in an industrial residual “vinasse”, under different conditions of temperature (°C), pH and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio. Finally, under optimized conditions, the growth kinetics and determination of the lipid profile were evaluated. The results of growth in the SMM indicate that yeasts PP1 and PR27 presented biomass concentrations and lipid accumulation percentages of 2.73 and 4.3 g/L of biomass and 36.6% and 45.3% lipids, respectively. Subsequently, for both strains, when cultured in the residual vinasse under optimized environmental conditions, biomass concentrations of 14.8 ± 1.51 g/L (C/N 80) and 15.83 ± 0.57 g/L (C/N 50) and lipid accumulations of 28% and 30% were obtained for PP1 and PR27, respectively. The composition of the triglycerides (TGs), obtained in the culture of the yeasts in a 2 L reactor, presented 64.25% of saturated fatty acids for strain PR27 and 47.18% for strain PP1. The saturated fatty acid compositions in both strains are mainly constituted of fatty acids, myristic C 14:0, heptadecanoic C 17:0, palmitic C 16:0 and stearic C 18:0, and the monounsaturated fatty acids constituted of oleic acid C 18:1 (cis 9) (28–46%), and in smaller amounts, palmitoleic acid and heptadecenoic acid. This work demonstrates that the native yeast strains PP1 and PR27 are promising strains for the production of microbial oils similar to conventional vegetable oils. The potential applications in the energy or food industries, such as aquaculture, are conceivable.
Formation of the Outer Shell Layer in Pinctada margaritifera: Structural and Biochemical Evidence for a Sequential Development of the Calcite Units
Authors: Cuif Jean-Pierre , Fougerouse Angélique , Lo Cedrik , Dauphin Yannicke
Published: October 2023

Calcite prismatic units that form the outer layers of “nacro-prismatic” Pelecypod shells are often used as biomineralization models due to their individual size, simple shape, and spatial arrangement. However, these models do not take into account the developmental history of the shell. After metamorphosis, a series of structural changes predating production of the prisms is commonly missing. Consequently, this study focuses on the early stages of the calcite biomineralization area of the Pinctada margaritifera as it occurs in the outer mantle groove. It also includes the structural changes following the typical “simple prism” status. The interpretation takes advantage of an ancient result from genomic investigations: the localisation of Prisilkin-39, a protein associated with production of the calcite units. A revision of the initial interpretation concerning the position of this Prisilkin-39-producing area provides additional evidence of the role of two distinct mineralizing sectors in the formation of the calcite units in the Pinctada shell: the outer mantle groove and the anterior mineralizing area of the shell mantle.
Effect of Electrochemical Interaction between Chalcopyrite and Hexagonal Pyrrhotite on Flotation Separation
Authors: Qiu Tingsheng , Zhang Ce , Yang Liu , Wang Jun , Zhao Guanfei , Yan Huashan , Wu Hao , Qiu Xianhui , Yang Baojun , Liao Rui
Published: October 2023

The mechanism of electrochemical interaction between chalcopyrite and hexagonal pyrrhotite was analyzed via electrochemical interaction, copper ion concentration testing, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization. Besides, the effect of electrochemical interaction between the two minerals on the flotation separation was investigated using the mineral flotation tests, adsorption capacity tests, and a microcalorimetric test. Our research results showed that chalcopyrite had higher electrochemical activity than hexagonal pyrrhotite, and when the former acted as an anode during the electrochemical interaction of the two, the corrosion current density was three times higher than that when it acted alone, and the surface oxidation corrosion was intensified. At the same time, the interaction between the two minerals was accompanied by a large number of copper ions dissolved and adsorbed on the surface of the hexagonal pyrrhotite, so that adsorption of butyl xanthate intensified, adsorption increased, and flotation recovery increased by 5%–20%. However, owing to the increase in metal defects and the generation of hydrophilic sulfate, the surface of chalcopyrite hindered the adsorption of butyl xanthate on its surface, and the flotation recovery decreased by nearly 10% compared with that before the occurrence of the electrochemical interaction. This action also significantly weakened the inhibition effect of lime on hexagonal pyrrhotite and increased the difficulty of the flotation separation of the two minerals. The research results of this study provide theoretical guidance for the flotation separation of copper–sulfur ores containing pyrrhotite.
Degradation Characteristics and Mechanism of Black Sandy Dolostone Subjected to Wetting–Drying Cycles
Authors: Zhu Lei , Luo Xinyu , Li Zhibo , Li Haifeng , Liao Xin , Tang Qiang
Published: October 2023

The cyclic wetting–drying (W–D) effect as a typical form of weathering causes the engineering properties of rock degradation. Unlike previous research on soft sedimentary rocks, this study sought to investigate the influence of W–D cycles on the physical and mechanical properties of the black sandy dolostone. The results show that the surface hardness and uniaxial compressive strength decreased by 1.5% and 17.2%, respectively, after 12 W–D cycles. The behavior of water absorption of dolostone showed a logarithmic growth with W–D cycles. Analysis of the pH and electrical conductivity values of the soaking solution and microstructure of dolostone revealed that carbonate mineral and feldspar dissolution was the major reason to result in the increase in pore volume and micro-fissure. The oxidation of pyrite contained in the rock was deduced to accelerate the chemical reaction and rock degradation. The obtained results are expected to provide engineering values for rock mechanics studies when compared with in situ conditions.
Multi-Target Effect of Aloeresin-A against Bacterial and Host Inflammatory Targets Benefits Contact Lens-Related Keratitis: A Multi-Omics and Quantum Chemical Investigation
Authors: Roshni Jency , Ahmad Sheikh F. , Wani Abubakar , Ahmed Shiek S. S. J.
Published: October 2023

Contact lens-mediated microbial keratitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumoniae provokes corneal damage and vision loss. Recently, natural phytochemicals have become complementary medicines for corneal destruction. Herein, we aimed to identify multi-targeting Aloe vera-derived phytochemicals capable of inhibiting bacterial and host targets of keratitis through ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, MMGBSA (molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area) and density functional theory (DFT) investigations. An extensive literature search revealed ExoU, ExoS, ExoT, ExoY, and PLY as virulent bacterial targets. Simultaneously, differential gene expression (DGE) and pathway enrichment analysis-specified host transcription factor (SPI1) influences keratitis pathogenesis. Molecular docking analysis uncovered aloeresin-A as a promising inhibitor against bacterial and host targets, demonstrating strong binding energies ranging from −7.59 to −6.20 kcal/mol. Further, MMGBSA and MD simulation analysis reflect higher binding free energies and stable interactions of aloeresin-A with the targets. In addition, DFT studies reveal the chemical reactiveness of aloeresin-A through quantum chemical calculations. Hence, our findings show aloeresin-A to be a promising candidate for effectively inhibiting keratitis. However, additional research is imperative for potential integration into lens care solutions.
The Effect of Abamectin on Locusta Migratoria Neurosecretory Cells and Mid Gut, Using Ultrastructure Examination, Oxidative Stress Study, and In-Silico Molecular Docking
Authors: Ghazawy Nirvina Abdel Raouf , Afify Amira , Radwan Ibrahim Taha , Ghabban Hanaa , Alkhaibari Abeer Mousa , Gattan Hattan S. , Alruhaili Mohammed H. , Selim Abdelfattah , Saad Mona M. Ali
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Few studies have been carried out to appraise abamectin toxicity toward Locusta migratoria nymphs. (2) Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of abamectin as an insecticide through examining the changes and damage caused by this drug, in both neurosecretory cells and midgut, using L. migratoria nymphs as a model of the cytotoxic effect. Histopathological change in the brain was examined in both normal and abamectin-treated fifth-instar nymphs. Neurosecretory cells (NSCs) were also examined where there were loosely disintegrated cells or vacuolated cytoplasm. (3) Results: The results showed distinct histological changes in the gastrointestinal tract of L. migratoria nymphs treated with abamectin, with significant cellular damage and disorganization, i.e., characteristic symptoms of cell necrosis, a destroyed epithelium, enlarged cells, and reduced nuclei. The observed biochemical changes included an elevation in all measured oxidative stress parameters compared to untreated controls. The malondialdehyde activities (MDAs) of the treated nymphs had a five- to six-fold increase, with a ten-fold increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), nine-fold increase in glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and four-fold increase in nitric oxide (NO). (4) Conclusions: To further investigate the theoretical method of action, a molecular docking simulation was performed, examining the possibility that abamectin is an inhibitor of the fatty acid-binding protein Lm-FABP (2FLJ) and that it binds with two successive electrostatic hydrogen bonds.
Exploring the Profile Contributions in Meyerozyma guilliermondii YB4 under Different NaCl Concentrations Using GC-MS Combined with GC-IMS and an Electronic Nose
Authors: Xiong Yiling , Guan Ju , Wu Baozhu , Wang Tianyang , Yi Yuwen , Tang Wanting , Zhu Kaixian , Deng Jing , Wu Huachang
Published: October 2023

Using Meyerozyma guilliermondii YB4, which was isolated and screened from southern Sichuan pickles in the laboratory, as the experimental group, we investigated the changes in growth, total ester content, and volatile flavor substances of M. guilliermondii YB4 under different NaCl concentrations. The growth of M. guilliermondii YB4 was found to be inhibited by NaCl, and the degree of inhibition increased at higher NaCl concentrations. Additionally, the total ester content of the control group (CK) was significantly lower compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The application of NaCl also resulted in distinct changes in the volatile profile of YB4, as evidenced by E-nose results. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) were employed to analyze the volatile compounds. A total of 148 and 86 volatiles were detected and identified using GC-MS and GC-IMS, respectively. Differential volatiles among the various NaCl concentrations in YB4 were determined by a variable importance in projection (VIP) analysis in partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). These differentially expressed volatiles were further confirmed by their relative odor activity value (ROAV) and odor description. Ten key contributing volatiles were identified, including ethanol, 1-pentanol, nonanal, octanal, isoamyl acetate, palmitic acid ethyl ester, acrolein, ethyl isobutanoate, prop-1-ene-3,3’-thiobis, and 2-acetylpyrazine. This study provides insights into the specificities and contributions of volatiles in YB4 under different NaCl concentrations. These findings offer valuable information for the development of aroma-producing yeast agents and the subsequent enhancement in the flavor of southern Sichuan pickles.
Optimization and Characterization of Sodium Alginate Beads Providing Extended Release for Antidiabetic Drugs
Authors: Sipos Bence , Benei Márk , Katona Gábor , Csóka Ildikó
Published: October 2023

The current research is aimed at investigating the relationship between the formulation components and conditions in the case of a binary drug delivery system, where antidiabetic drugs are co-formulated into polymeric micelles embedded in sodium alginate. Compared to chemical modifications of polymers with alginate, our development provides a simpler and scalable formulation process. Our results prove that a multi-level factorial design-based approach can ensure the development of a value-added polymeric micelle formulation with an average micelle size of 123.6 ± 3.1 nm and a monodisperse size distribution, showing a polydispersity index value of 0.215 ± 0.021. The proper nanoparticles were co-formulated with sodium alginate as a biologically decomposing and safe-to-administer biopolymer. The Box–Behnken factorial design ensured proper design space development, where the optimal sodium alginate bead formulation had a uniform, extended-release drug release mechanism similar to commercially available tablet preparations. The main conclusion is that the rapid-burst-like drug release can be hindered via the embedment of nanocarriers into biopolymeric matrices. The thermally stable formulation also holds the benefit of uniform active substance distribution after freeze-drying.
Research on the Impact of Deep Eutectic Solvent and Hot-Water Extraction Methods on the Structure of Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharides
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Tang Lanfang , Su Xiaojun , Li Qingming , Guo Hongying , Liu Zhiwei , Wei Zhongshan , Wang Feng
Published: October 2023

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) and hot-water extraction (HWE) methods were utilized to extract polysaccharides from Polygonatum sibiricum, referred to as DPsP and WPsP, respectively. The extracted polysaccharides were purified using the Superdex-200 dextran gel purification system, resulting in three components for each type of polysaccharide. The structures of these components were characterized. The molecular weight analysis revealed that DPsP components had slightly larger molecular weights compared with WPsP, with DPsP-A showing a slightly higher dispersity index and broader molecular weight distribution. The main monosaccharide components of both DPsP and WPsP were mannose and glucose, while DPsP exhibited a slightly greater variety of sugar components compared with WPsP. FTIR analysis demonstrated characteristic polysaccharide absorption peaks in all six PSP components, with a predominance of acidic pyranose sugars. NMR analysis revealed the presence of pyranose sugars, including rhamnose and sugar aldehyde acids, in both DPsP-B and WPsP-A. DPsP-B primarily exhibited β-type glycosidic linkages, while WPsP-A predominantly displayed α-type glycosidic linkages, with a smaller fraction being β-type. These findings indicated differences in monosaccharide composition and structure between PSPs extracted using different methods. Overall, this study provided experimental evidence for future research on the structure–function relationship of PSPs.
A Single Organic Fluorescent Probe for the Discrimination of Dual Spontaneous ROS in Living Organisms: Theoretical Approach
Authors: Fu Liang , Huang He , Zuo Zhongfu , Peng Yongjin
Published: October 2023

Single-organic-molecule fluorescent probes with double-lock or even multi-lock response modes have attracted the attention of a wide range of researchers. The number of corresponding reports has rapidly increased in recent years. The effective application of the multi-lock response mode single-molecule fluorescent probe has improved the comprehensive understanding of the related targets’ functions or influences in pathologic processes. Building a highly efficient functional single-molecule fluorescent probe would benefit the diagnosis and treatment of corresponding diseases. Here, we conducted a theoretical analysis of the synthesizing and sensing mechanism of this kind of functional single-molecule fluorescent probe, thereby guiding the design and building of new efficient probes. In this work, we discuss in detail the electronic structure, electron excitation, and fluorescent character of a recently developed single-molecule fluorescent probe, which could achieve the discrimination and profiling of spontaneous reactive oxygen species (ROS, •OH, and HClO) simultaneously. The theoretical results provide insights that will help develop new tools for fluorescent diagnosis in biological and medical fields.