bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Analyses of the Production Data of Feed Crops and Vulnerability to Climate Impacts According to Climate Change in Republic of Korea
Authors: Shin MoonSun , Hwang Seonmin , Kim Junghwan , Kim Byungcheol , Jung Jeong-Sung
Published: October 2023

According to the climate change scenario, climate change in the Korean Peninsula is expected to worsen due to extreme temperatures, with effects such as rising average temperatures, heat waves, and droughts. In Republic of Korea, which relies on foreign countries for the supply of forage crops, a decrease in the productivity of forage crops is expected to cause increased damage to the domestic livestock industry. In this paper, to solve the issue of climate vulnerability for forage crops, we performed a study to predict the productivity of forage crops in relation to climate change. We surveyed and compiled not only forage crop production data from various regions, but also experimental cultivation production data over several years from reports of the Korea Institute of Animal Science and Technology. Then, we crawled related climate data from the Korea Meteorological Administration. Therefore, we were able to construct a basic database for forage crop production data and related climate data. Using the database, a production prediction model was implemented, applying a multivariate regression analysis and deep learning regression. The key factors were determined as a result of analyzing the changes in forage crop production due to climate change. Using the prediction model, it could be possible to forecast the shifting locations of suitable cultivation areas. As a result of our study, we were able to construct electromagnetic climate maps for forage crops in Republic of Korea. It can be used to present region-specific agricultural insights and guidelines for cultivation technology for forage crops against climate change.
Cytotoxic Effects of Indonesian Betel Quid Components on Oral Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts
Authors: Sari Elizabeth Fitriana , Mohammed Ali I. , Celentano Antonio , McCullough Michael John , Cirillo Nicola
Published: October 2023

A betel quid (BQ) chewing habit has been strongly associated with the development of several oral mucosal diseases. In order to investigate whether individual components of BQ mixtures have distinct physio-pathological effects on oral mucosal cells, we examined the impact of areca nut (AN), Piper betle leaf (Leaf), Piper betle stem inflorescence (SI), areca husk (Husk) and the complete BQ mixture on the growth of oral keratinocytes (OKF-6) and primary oral fibroblasts (MMF-1). Based on their known chemical properties, we selected BQ samples from Banda Aceh (BA) and West Papua (WP) regions for our in vitro study. We used a fluorescein diacetate assay (FDA) to assess the cell viability of BQ components on OKF-6 and MMF-1 cells. The cytotoxic effect of WP-AN on the OKF-6 cell line was observed at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, resulting in a 50% reduction in cell viability (IC50) after a 2-day incubation. Similarly, BA-AN exhibited cytotoxic effect, although at a higher concentration (500 μg/mL). WP-SI also displayed cytotoxic effects at a concentration of 500 μg/mL following 2 days of incubation. In contrast, Leaf, BQ mixture and husk extracts did not show any cytotoxic effects even after 3 days of incubation. No cytotoxic effects were observed at any concentration of BQ components when exposed to MMF-1 cells. Regarding cell proliferation, MMF-1 cells exposed to BA-AN and WP-AN showed increased growth on day 1, followed by decreased growth on day 2, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Overall, our study indicates that BQ components induce distinctive cytotoxic effects on stromal and epithelial cells from the oral cavity.
Biowelding 3D-Printed Biodigital Brick of Seashell-Based Biocomposite by Pleurotus ostreatus Mycelium
Authors: Abdallah Yomna K. , Estévez Alberto T.
Published: October 2023

Mycelium biocomposites are eco-friendly, cheap, easy to produce, and have competitive mechanical properties. However, their integration in the built environment as durable and long-lasting materials is not solved yet. Similarly, biocomposites from recycled food waste such as seashells have been gaining increasing interest recently, thanks to their sustainable impact and richness in calcium carbonate and chitin. The current study tests the mycelium binding effect to bioweld a seashell biocomposite 3D-printed brick. The novelty of this study is the combination of mycelium and a non-agro–based substrate, which is seashells. As well as testing the binding capacity of mycelium in welding the lattice curvilinear form of the V3 linear Brick model (V3-LBM). Thus, the V3-LBM is 3D printed in three separate profiles, each composed of five layers of 1 mm/layer thickness, using seashell biocomposite by paste extrusion and testing it for biowelding with Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium to offer a sustainable, ecofriendly, biomineralized brick. The biowelding process investigated the penetration and binding capacity of the mycelium between every two 3D-printed profiles. A cellulose-based culture medium was used to catalyse the mycelium growth. The mycelium biowelding capacity was investigated by SEM microscopy and EDX chemical analysis of three samples from the side corner (S), middle (M), and lateral (L) zones of the biowelded brick. The results revealed that the best biowelding effect was recorded at the corner and lateral zones of the brick. The SEM images exhibited the penetration and the bridging effect achieved by the dense mycelium. The EDX revealed the high concentrations of carbon, oxygen, and calcium at all the analyzed points on the SEM images from all three samples. An inverted relationship between carbon and oxygen as well as sodium and potassium concentrations were also detected, implying the active metabolic interaction between the fungal hyphae and the seashell-based biocomposite. Finally, the results of the SEM-EDX analysis were applied to design favorable tessellation and staking methods for the V3-LBM from the seashell–mycelium composite to deliver enhanced biowelding effect along the Z axis and the XY axis with <1 mm tessellation and staking tolerance.
A New Human-Based Metaheuristic Algorithm for Solving Optimization Problems Based on Technical and Vocational Education and Training
Authors: Hubalovska Marie , Major Stepan
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a new human-based metaheuristic algorithm called Technical and Vocational Education and Training-Based Optimizer (TVETBO) is introduced to solve optimization problems. The fundamental inspiration for TVETBO is taken from the process of teaching work-related skills to applicants in technical and vocational education and training schools. The theory of TVETBO is expressed and mathematically modeled in three phases: (i) theory education, (ii) practical education, and (iii) individual skills development. The performance of TVETBO when solving optimization problems is evaluated on the CEC 2017 test suite for problem dimensions equal to 10, 30, 50, and 100. The optimization results show that TVETBO, with its high abilities to explore, exploit, and create a balance between exploration and exploitation during the search process, is able to provide effective solutions for the benchmark functions. The results obtained from TVETBO are compared with the performances of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms. A comparison of the simulation results and statistical analysis shows that the proposed TVETBO approach provides better results in most of the benchmark functions and provides a superior performance in competition with competitor algorithms. Furthermore, in order to measure the effectiveness of the proposed approach in dealing with real-world applications, TVETBO is implemented on twenty-two constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite. The simulation results show that TVETBO provides an effective and superior performance when solving constrained optimization problems of real-world applications compared to competitor algorithms.
Validation of a Novel Cuproptosis–Related Prognostic Gene Marker and Differential Expression Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Tingting , Wei Jianshe
Published: October 2023

Background: Cuproptosis induction is seen as a promising alternative for immunotherapies and targeted therapies in breast cancer. The objective of this research was to examine the prognostic and biological importance of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: The following methods were used: GSE10072 dataset and TCGA database analysis, differential expression analysis of CRGs, and biological function (BP) and signaling pathway enrichment analysis, prognostic analysis and clinical analysis of CRGs, construction of the prognostic signature and RNA modified genes and miRNA analysis of CRGs in LUAD, immunoinfiltration analysis and immunohistochemical staining of DβH, UBE2D3, SOD1, UBE2D1 and LOXL2. Results: AOC1, ATOX1, CCL8, CCS, COX11, CP, LOXL2, MAP2K2, PDK1, SCO2, SOD1, UBE2D1, UBE2D3 and VEGFA showed significantly higher expression, while ATP7B, DβH, PDE3B, SLC31A2, UBE2D2, UBE2D4 and ULK2 showed lower expression in LUAD tissues than normal tissues. We also found that ATP7B (4%), AOC1 (3%) PDE3B (2%), DβH (2%), CP (1%), ULK2 (1%), PDK1 (1%), LOXL2 (1%) and UBE2D3 (1%) showed higher mutation frequencies. The univariate Cox analysis was used to identify CRGs that have prognostic value. It identified 21 genes that showed significant prognostic value, containing DβH, UBE2D3, SOD1, UBE2D1 and LOXL2. Patients with DβH up–expression have a longer survival time and patients with UBE2D3, SOD1, UBE2D1 and LOXL2 down–expression also have a longer survival time. hsa–miR–29c–3p, hsa–miR–29a–3p, hsa–miR–181c–5p, hsa–miR–1245a, etc., play an important role in the miRNA regulatory network, and in LUAD, miR–29a, miR–29c and miR–181c high expression survival was longer, and miR–1245a low expression survival was longer. We also performed an analysis to examine the relationships between DβH, LOXL2, SOD1, UBE2D1 and UBE2D3 and immune infiltration in LUAD, including B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and DCs. Conclusion: DβH, UBE2D3, SOD1, UBE2D1, and LOXL2 are potential candidates implicated in LUAD and can be further explored for their application as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers for LUAD.
Relationship between Circadian Phase Delay without Morning Light and Phase Advance by Bright Light Exposure the Following Morning
Authors: Ohashi Michihiro , Eto Taisuke , Takasu Toaki , Motomura Yuki , Higuchi Shigekazu
Published: October 2023

Humans have a circadian rhythm for which the period varies among individuals. In the present study, we investigated the amount of natural phase delay of circadian rhythms after spending a day under dim light (Day 1 to Day 2) and the amount of phase advance due to light exposure (8000 lx, 4100 K) the following morning (Day 2 to Day 3). The relationships of the phase shifts with the circadian phase, chronotype and sleep habits were also investigated. Dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) was investigated as a circadian phase marker on each day. In the 27 individuals used for the analysis, DLMO was delayed significantly (−0.24 ± 0.33 h, p < 0.01) from Day 1 to Day 2 and DLMO was advanced significantly (0.18 ± 0.36 h, p < 0.05) from Day 2 to Day 3. There was a significant correlation between phase shifts, with subjects who had a greater phase delay in the dim environment having a greater phase advance by light exposure (r = −0.43, p < 0.05). However, no significant correlations with circadian phase, chronotype or sleep habits were found. These phase shifts may reflect the stability of the phase, but do not account for an individual’s chronotype-related indicators.
Conversion in a Resectable Tumor after Denosumab Neoadjuvant in a Large Dorsal Giant Cells Tumor: A Case Report and a Literature Review
Authors: Sereno María , Franco Silvia Roa , de la Reina Laura , Campo-Cañaveral de la Cruz José Luis , Muñoz de Legaría Marta , Casado Saénz Enrique
Published: October 2023

Giant cell tumors of bone are a rare entity, usually occurring in young patients and characteristically arising in the long bones. The spinal location is rare and usually presents with pain and/or neurological symptoms. The treatment of choice is surgery. Treatment with Denosumab, a bisphosphonate inhibitor of RANK-L, which is highly expressed in these tumors, has shown extensive activity in unresectable patients or those undergoing incomplete surgery. Preoperative treatment with this drug is gaining increasing interest, as its high potency in tumor reduction in this subtype of neoplasm has allowed resectability in selected patients. We present the case of a young patient with a large spinal tumor who, after neoadjuvant Denosumab, underwent complete en bloc surgery with clean margins and a great pathological response.
Differences in the Composition of Akkermansia Species and Families of Christensenellaceae and Ruminococcaceae Bacteria in the Gut Microbiota of Healthy Polish Women following a Typical Western Diet
Authors: Zapała Barbara , Pustelnik Justyna , Dudek Alicja , Milewicz Tomasz
Published: October 2023

The gastrointestinal microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms that live symbiotically in the human body. The main factor influencing the formation of the gastrointestinal microbiota is lifestyle, particularly the diet of people from different geographic regions. As described in several reports, the gut microbiota composition of healthy adults can be stable for years. However, the relative abundance of each microbe fluctuates over time, and it varies between individuals and within individuals over the course of their lives depending on many factors such as diet and gender. The study aimed to define the basic profile of the oral and gut microbiota in healthy people of Polish ethnicity under the Western diet, showing the stability under one type of diet and dependence on gender. The study group included 144 healthy adults. The research materials were swabs and stool samples. The KomPAN questionnaire was used to examine eating habits. Bacterial 16S rRNA genes were sequenced using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The respondents followed a typical Western diet. There were no statistically significant differences in alpha species diversity in the oral and gut microbiota between the female and male groups. Statistically significant differences were found in the beta diversity between gut microbiota composition in women and men (p < 0.048). The oral microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes dominated the gut microbiota. According to the received results, it was found that in healthy adults of Polish origin, there is a basic profile of the oral and gut microbiota ensuring good health condition.
Prisoners’ Educational Experiences in Five Different Prison Sports Programmes: A Research Note
Authors: Müller Johannes , Meek Rosie , Blessing Jonna , Mutz Michael
Published: October 2023

Organized sports programmes offer manifold opportunities for learning and personal development. Prisoners in organized sports programmes could profit from these educational opportunities, which could eventually support their process of reintegration into society. However, research on the educational experiences of imprisoned individuals during organized sports activities is scarce. Using quantitative survey data (N = 568 adult male prisoners) collected within the scope of the Hessian Prison Sports Study in Hesse, Germany, the present study examines educational experiences that are instigated through participation in five different prison sports programmes (fitness, racket, and team sports, running groups, and strength training). The results show that participants reported few educational experiences. The most common experiences reported were learning to exert effort and acquiring health-related knowledge. The findings reveal distinct patterns for specific sports programmes. For instance, team sports more frequently address cooperation skills and fairness. This paper advocates for more attention to the educational potential of sports in prison settings, where sports outcomes should be better aligned with the desired educational outcomes.
Technological Aspects of Methane–Hydrogen Mixture Transportation through Operating Gas Pipelines Considering Industrial and Fire Safety
Authors: Fetisov Vadim , Davardoost Hadi , Mogylevets Veronika
Published: October 2023

Pipeline transportation is widely regarded as the most cost-effective method for conveying substantial volumes of hydrogen across extensive distances. However, before hydrogen can be widely used, a new pipeline network must be built to reliably supply industrial users. An alternative way to rather expensive investments in new infrastructure could be to use the existing pipeline network to add pure hydrogen to natural gas and further transport the gas mixture in an industrially safe way. The new solution necessities will be examined for compression, transportation, and fire hazard accidents, which have not been scrutinized by other scholars. This study presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of the methane–hydrogen mixture compression process and a mathematical description of the main pipeline operation during gas mixture transportation, considering industrial fire safety issues. By examining a case study involving a main gas pipeline and its associated mathematical model for hydrogen transportation, it becomes feasible to assess the potential hazards associated with various leakage areas and the subsequent occurrence of fires. The findings of this investigation demonstrate that the spontaneous combustion of hydrogen due to leakage from a natural gas pipeline is directly influenced by the proportion of hydrogen present in the gas mixture. If the hydrogen percentage reaches a balanced ratio of 50–50%, it is plausible that the equipment at the compressor station could be subject to detrimental consequences, potentially leading to accidents and fires. Furthermore, the obtained results from modeling in ANSYS Fluent software propose two practical scenarios, which demonstrate that despite the limited research conducted on the safety aspects and the occurrence of fires during the operation of hydrogen gas pipelines, industrial and fire safety necessitate the inclusion of hydrogen transport infrastructure as a pivotal element within the broader framework of hydrogen infrastructure development.
Evaluating Suitability of Fishing Areas for Squid-Jigging Vessels in the Northwest Pacific Ocean Derived from AIS Data
Authors: Fei Yingjie , Yang Shenglong , Huang Mengya , Wu Xiaomei , Yang Zhenzhen , Zhao Jiangyue , Tang Fenghua , Fan Wei , Yuan Sanling
Published: October 2023

Understanding the spatial distribution of fishing activity and suitable fishing areas is important for improving sustainable fisheries management and protecting vulnerable fish stocks. To identify climate-related habitat changes and variations in the distribution of fishing activity for squid-jigging vessels in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, two types (weighted arithmetic mean method, weighted-AMM; weighted geometric mean method, weighted-GMM) of habitat suitability index (HSI) models were developed in this study with marine environmental data at different depths. The boosted regression tree (BRT) model was adopted to access the monthly important environmental variables and the relative influence of the corresponding variables. The results showed that the weighted-AMM has better prediction performance than the weighted-GMM. The suitable fishing areas showed significant seasonal changes in both spatial location and coverage area. The hotspot map showed that the suitable fishing area for squid-jigging vessels was located in the scope of 42∘ N∼44∘ N, 155∘ E∼170∘ E throughout the year during 2012∼2019, which suggests that high squid-jigging fishing pressure should be given more attention in fishery management. The HSI model also had good prediction performance for the fishery data of Chinese companies, except for June and July. Additionally, fishing efforts could be used as alternative data for fishery research. The study has also suggested that fishery data are restricted by spatial and temporal distribution and fishing experience, which probably biases the results of the research.
Conservation and Co-Management of Rock Art in National Parks: An Australian Case Study
Authors: Dragovich Deirdre , Amiraslani Farshad
Published: October 2023

Using rock art conservation as a focus, this paper outlines the levels of legislated protection afforded to designated natural and cultural areas/sites in Australia and describes the co-management approach adopted in 1998 in relation to Mutawintji National Park in western New South Wales. The park encompasses four different protection categories: a Historic Site, a Nature Reserve, a National Park, and a State Conservation Area. Known for more than a century, the Historic Site is a major area of rock art containing Aboriginal engravings, paintings and stencils. Management of the Historic Site is a key concern, given the tourist interest and associated potential for accelerated deterioration of cultural heritage. The Mutawintji Plan of Management pointed to the importance of Mutawintji for Aboriginal people to connect with the country, and the co-management model encouraged tourism development as a means of providing employment opportunities as Aboriginal guides. No special legislative requirements in relation to rock art conservation, beyond those already in existence, were applied to the co-management system. Using field knowledge involving rock art research and early guide training programs at Mutawintji and literature sources, this paper suggests possible future approaches to rock art conservation in the Mutawintji Lands.
Comparison Study of Small Extracellular Vesicle Isolation Methods for Profiling Protein Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Liquid Biopsies
Authors: Lee Yujin , Ni Jie , Wasinger Valerie C. , Graham Peter , Li Yong
Published: October 2023

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are an important intercellular communicator, participating in all stages of cancer metastasis, immunity, and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, protein cargoes within sEVs are considered as a superior source for breast cancer (BC) biomarker discovery. Our study aimed to optimise the approach for sEV isolation and sEV proteomic analysis to identify potential sEV protein biomarkers for BC diagnosis. sEVs derived from BC cell lines, BC patients’ plasma, and non-cancer controls were isolated using ultracentrifugation (UC), a Total Exosome Isolation kit (TEI), and a combined approach named UCT. In BC cell lines, the UC isolates showed a higher sEV purity and marker expression, as well as a higher number of sEV proteins. In BC plasma samples, the UCT isolates showed the highest proportion of sEV-related proteins and the lowest percentage of lipoprotein-related proteins. Our data suggest that the assessment of both the quantity and quality of sEV isolation methods is important in selecting the optimal approach for the specific sEV research purpose, depending on the sample types and downstream analysis.
Cytotoxic-Ag-Modified Eggshell Membrane Nanocomposites as Bactericides in Concrete Mortar
Authors: Aina Samuel Tomi , Kyomuhimbo Hilda Dinah , Du Plessis Barend , Mjimba Vuyo , Haneklaus Nils , Brink Hendrik Gideon
Published: October 2023

Against the backdrop of escalating infrastructure budgets worldwide, a notable portion—up to 45%—is allocated to maintenance endeavors rather than innovative infrastructure development. A substantial fraction of this maintenance commitment involves combatting concrete degradation due to microbial attacks. In response, this study endeavors to propose a remedial strategy employing nano metals and repurposed materials within cement mortar. The methodology entails the adsorption onto eggshell membranes (ESM) of silver nitrate (ESM/AgNO3) or silver nanoparticles (ESM/AgNPs) yielding silver–eggshell membrane composites. Subsequently, the resulting silver–eggshell membrane composites were introduced in different proportions to replace cement, resulting in the formulation of ten distinct mortar compositions. A thorough analysis encompassing a range of techniques, such as spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray fluorescence analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and MTT assay, was performed on these composite blends. Additionally, evaluations of both compressive and tensile strengths were carried out. The mortar blends 3, 5, and 6, characterized by 2% ESM/AgNO3, 1% ESM/AgNPs, and 2% ESM/AgNPs cement replacement, respectively, exhibited remarkable antimicrobial efficacy, manifesting in substantial reduction in microbial cell viability (up to 50%) of typical waste activated sludge. Concurrently, a marginal reduction of approximately 10% in compressive strength was noted, juxtaposed with an insignificant change in tensile strength. This investigation sheds light on a promising avenue for addressing concrete deterioration while navigating the balance between material performance and structural integrity.
Mechanistic Intimate Insights into the Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Recent Systematic Review
Authors: Munteanu Constantin , Iordan Daniel Andrei , Hoteteu Mihail , Popescu Cristina , Postoiu Ruxandra , Onu Ilie , Onose Gelu
Published: October 2023

In the rapidly evolving field of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) research, the intricate role of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) has garnered critical attention for its diverse involvement in both pathological substrates and prospective therapeutic paradigms. While conventional pathophysiological models of AD have primarily emphasized the significance of amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition and tau protein hyperphosphorylation, this targeted systematic review meticulously aggregates and rigorously appraises seminal contributions from the past year elucidating the complex mechanisms of H2S in AD pathogenesis. Current scholarly literature accentuates H2S’s dual role, delineating its regulatory functions in critical cellular processes—such as neurotransmission, inflammation, and oxidative stress homeostasis—while concurrently highlighting its disruptive impact on quintessential AD biomarkers. Moreover, this review illuminates the nuanced mechanistic intimate interactions of H2S in cerebrovascular and cardiovascular pathology associated with AD, thereby exploring avant-garde therapeutic modalities, including sulfurous mineral water inhalations and mud therapy. By emphasizing the potential for therapeutic modulation of H2S via both donors and inhibitors, this review accentuates the imperative for future research endeavors to deepen our understanding, thereby potentially advancing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in AD.
Overexpression of Interleukin-8 Promotes the Progression of Fatty Liver to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice
Authors: Cho Ye Eun , Kim Yeonsoo , Kim Seung-Jin , Lee Haeseung , Hwang Seonghwan
Published: October 2023

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced stage of fatty liver disease characterized by liver damage, inflammation, and fibrosis. Although neutrophil infiltration is consistently observed in the livers of patients with NASH, the precise role of neutrophil-recruiting chemokines and infiltrating neutrophils in NASH pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we aimed to elucidate the role of neutrophil infiltration in the transition from fatty liver to NASH by examining hepatic overexpression of interleukin-8 (IL8), a major chemokine responsible for neutrophil recruitment in humans. Mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 3 months developed fatty liver without concurrent liver damage, inflammation, and fibrosis. Subsequent infection with an adenovirus overexpressing human IL8 for an additional 2 weeks increased IL8 levels, neutrophil infiltration, and liver injury in mice. Mechanistically, IL8-induced liver injury was associated with the upregulation of components of the NADPH oxidase 2 complex, which participate in neutrophil oxidative burst. IL8-driven neutrophil infiltration promoted macrophage aggregate formation and upregulated the expression of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines. Notably, IL8 overexpression amplified factors associated with fibrosis, including collagen deposition and hepatic stellate cell activation, in HFD-fed mice. Collectively, hepatic overexpression of human IL8 promotes neutrophil infiltration and fatty liver progression to NASH in HFD-fed mice.
Structural Characterization of an N-Acetyl Sugar Amidotransferase Involved in the Lipopolysaccharide Biosynthesis in Bacteria
Authors: Gao Jiajia , Xu Wenwen , Liu Tianqi , Sun Wenjie , Wang Na , Ma Jinming , Ge Honghua
Published: October 2023

N-acetyl sugar amidotransferase (NASAT) is involved in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis pathway that catalyzes the formation of the acetamido moiety (sugar-NC(=NH)CH3) on the O-chain. So far, little is known about its structural and functional properties. Here, we report the crystal structure of an N-acetyl sugar amidotransferase from Legionella pneumophila (LpNASAT) at 2.33 Å resolution. LpNASAT folds into a compact basin-shaped architecture with an unusually wide and open putative substrate-binding pocket and a conserved zinc ion-binding tetracysteine motif. The pocket contains a Rossmann-like fold with a PP-loop, suggesting that the NASAT-catalyzed amidotransfer reaction probably requires the conversion of ATP to AMP and PPi. Our data provide structural insights into the NASAT family of proteins, and allow us to possibly identify its functionally important regions.
Analysis of Tool Wear and Chip Morphology during Turning of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy under Dry Environment
Authors: Thobane Thabiso Moral , Chaubey Sujeet Kumar , Gupta Kapil
Published: October 2023

The present research investigated the turning of AZ31B magnesium alloy in a dry environment using carbide tool inserts coated with tungsten carbonitride (TiCn) and thin alumina (Al2O3). A Box–Behnken design based on fifteen experiments showed a proportional increasing trend of flank wear with all three machining parameters, i.e., cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. The most influential parameter is the cutting speed. A maximum flank wear of 299.34 µm due to excessive adhesion of work material on the tool face was observed at a high cutting speed. Machining at low speed resulted in a significant reduction in tool wear due to less chipping. The tool wear and chip morphology study confirmed the results.
Harnessing Minimal Residual Disease as a Predictor for Colorectal Cancer: Promising Horizons Amidst Challenges
Authors: Wen Xiaofen , Coradduzza Donatella , Shen Jiaxin , Scanu Antonio Mario , Muroni Maria Rosaria , Massidda Matteo , Rallo Vincenzo , Carru Ciriaco , Angius Andrea , De Miglio Maria Rosaria
Published: October 2023

Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) detection has emerged as an independent factor in clinical and pathological cancer assessment offering a highly effective method for predicting recurrence in colorectal cancer (CRC). The ongoing research initiatives such as the DYNAMIC and CIRCULATE-Japan studies, have revealed the potential of MRD detection based on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to revolutionize management for CRC patients. MRD detection represents an opportunity for risk stratification, treatment guidance, and early relapse monitoring. Here we overviewed the evolving landscape of MRD technology and its promising applications through the most up-to-date research and reviews, underscoring the transformative potential of this approach. Our primary focus is to provide a point-to-point perspective and address key challenges relating to the adoption of ctDNA-based MRD detection in the clinical setting. By identifying critical areas of interest and hurdles surrounding clinical significance, detection criteria, and potential applications of basic research, this article offers insights into the advancements needed to evaluate the role of ctDNA in CRC MRD detection, contributing to favorable clinical options and improved outcomes in the management of CRC.
Modeling Study of the Effects of Ageratum conyzoides on the Transmission and Control of Citrus Huanglongbing
Authors: Wang Ying , Gao Shujing , Liu Yujiang , Zhu Huaiping
Published: October 2023

Ageratum conyzoides (A. conyzoides) is commonly found or intentionally planted in citrus orchards due to its ability to provide habitat and breeding grounds for the natural enemies of citrus pests. This study aims to expand from a switching Huanglongbing model by incorporating the effects of A. conyzoides, vector preferences for settling, and pesticide application intervals on disease transmission. Additionally, we establish the basic reproduction number R0 and its calculation for a general switching compartmental epidemic model. Theoretical findings demonstrate that the basic reproduction number serves as a threshold parameter to characterize the dynamics of the models: if R0<1, the disease will disappear, whereas if R0>1, it will spread. Numerical results indicate that the recruitment rate of A. conyzoides not only affects the spread speed of Huanglongbing but also leads to paradoxical effects. Specifically, in cases of high infection rates, a low recruitment rate of A. conyzoides can result in a decrease, rather than an increase, in the basic reproduction number. Conversely, a high recruitment rate can accelerate the spread of Huanglongbing. Furthermore, we show how different vector bias and pesticide spraying periods affect the basic reproduction number.
Panikkar on Mysticism as a Middle Way between Contemplation and Action
Authors: Vélez de Cea Abraham
Published: October 2023

Panikkar’s philosophy of mysticism is best understood as an attempt to overcome monistic and dualistic ways of thinking about the divine, human beings and the universe. Mysticism, for Panikkar, is irreducible to either monistic experiences of oneness without a second or to dualistic experiences where the divine is seen as wholly other. Rather, mysticism relates to holistic experiences of Reality and Life where the divine, the universe and human consciousness are seen as distinct yet constitutively interrelated. Mysticism has often been based on dualistic views of this life and the next, worldly existence and heavenly existence, the material and the spiritual, body and soul, and action and contemplation. These dualisms have led many to view mysticism as negating life and as an escape from this world and human activities. Panikkar’s philosophy of mysticism, however, attempts to overcome these dualisms and restores the equilibrium between the diverse yet united aspects of Reality and the human condition. This article is divided into two parts. The first part introduces Panikkar’s conception of mysticism as an anthropological dimension and as involving holistic experiences of Reality and Life. The second part examines Panikkar’s notion of pure consciousness and his understanding of mystical experiences as being the result of various mediating factors.
Distributed Denial of Service Attack Detection in Network Traffic Using Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Ramzan Mahrukh , Shoaib Muhammad , Altaf Ayesha , Arshad Shazia , Iqbal Faiza , Castilla Ángel Kuc , Ashraf Imran
Published: October 2023

Internet security is a major concern these days due to the increasing demand for information technology (IT)-based platforms and cloud computing. With its expansion, the Internet has been facing various types of attacks. Viruses, denial of service (DoS) attacks, distributed DoS (DDoS) attacks, code injection attacks, and spoofing are the most common types of attacks in the modern era. Due to the expansion of IT, the volume and severity of network attacks have been increasing lately. DoS and DDoS are the most frequently reported network traffic attacks. Traditional solutions such as intrusion detection systems and firewalls cannot detect complex DDoS and DoS attacks. With the integration of artificial intelligence-based machine learning and deep learning methods, several novel approaches have been presented for DoS and DDoS detection. In particular, deep learning models have played a crucial role in detecting DDoS attacks due to their exceptional performance. This study adopts deep learning models including recurrent neural network (RNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), and gradient recurrent unit (GRU) to detect DDoS attacks on the most recent dataset, CICDDoS2019, and a comparative analysis is conducted with the CICIDS2017 dataset. The comparative analysis contributes to the development of a competent and accurate method for detecting DDoS attacks with reduced execution time and complexity. The experimental results demonstrate that models perform equally well on the CICDDoS2019 dataset with an accuracy score of 0.99, but there is a difference in execution time, with GRU showing less execution time than those of RNN and LSTM.
Technical Solution for Monitoring Climatically Active Gases Using the Turbulent Pulsation Method
Authors: Kulakova Ekaterina , Muravyova Elena
Published: October 2023

This article introduces a technical solution for investigating the movement of gases in the atmosphere through the turbulent pulsation method. A comprehensive control system was developed to measure and record the concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane, temperature, humidity, atmospheric air pressure, wind direction, and speed in the vertical plane. The selection and validation of sensor types and brands for each parameter, along with the system for data collection, registration, and device monitoring, were meticulously executed. The AHT21 + ENS160 sensor was chosen for temperature measurement, the BME680 was identified as the optimal sensor for humidity and atmospheric pressure control, Eu-M-CH4-OD was designated for methane gas analysis, and CM1107N for carbon dioxide measurements. Wind direction and speed are best measured with the SM5386V anemometer. The control system utilizes the Arduino controller, and software was developed for the multicomponent gas analyzer.
Parameter-Free State Estimation Based on Kalman Filter with Attention Learning for GPS Tracking in Autonomous Driving System
Authors: Jin Xue-Bo , Chen Wei , Ma Hui-Jun , Kong Jian-Lei , Su Ting-Li , Bai Yu-Ting
Published: October 2023

GPS-based maneuvering target localization and tracking is a crucial aspect of autonomous driving and is widely used in navigation, transportation, autonomous vehicles, and other fields.The classical tracking approach employs a Kalman filter with precise system parameters to estimate the state. However, it is difficult to model their uncertainty because of the complex motion of maneuvering targets and the unknown sensor characteristics. Furthermore, GPS data often involve unknown color noise, making it challenging to obtain accurate system parameters, which can degrade the performance of the classical methods. To address these issues, we present a state estimation method based on the Kalman filter that does not require predefined parameters but instead uses attention learning. We use a transformer encoder with a long short-term memory (LSTM) network to extract dynamic characteristics, and estimate the system model parameters online using the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm, based on the output of the attention learning module. Finally, the Kalman filter computes the dynamic state estimates using the parameters of the learned system, dynamics, and measurement characteristics. Based on GPS simulation data and the Geolife Beijing vehicle GPS trajectory dataset, the experimental results demonstrated that our method outperformed classical and pure model-free network estimation approaches in estimation accuracy, providing an effective solution for practical maneuvering-target tracking applications.
End-to-End Autonomous Navigation Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning with a Survival Penalty Function
Authors: Jeng Shyr-Long , Chiang Chienhsun
Published: October 2023

An end-to-end approach to autonomous navigation that is based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) with a survival penalty function is proposed in this paper. Two actor–critic (AC) frameworks, namely, deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) and twin-delayed DDPG (TD3), are employed to enable a nonholonomic wheeled mobile robot (WMR) to perform navigation in dynamic environments containing obstacles and for which no maps are available. A comprehensive reward based on the survival penalty function is introduced; this approach effectively solves the sparse reward problem and enables the WMR to move toward its target. Consecutive episodes are connected to increase the cumulative penalty for scenarios involving obstacles; this method prevents training failure and enables the WMR to plan a collision-free path. Simulations are conducted for four scenarios—movement in an obstacle-free space, in a parking lot, at an intersection without and with a central obstacle, and in a multiple obstacle space—to demonstrate the efficiency and operational safety of our method. For the same navigation environment, compared with the DDPG algorithm, the TD3 algorithm exhibits faster numerical convergence and higher stability in the training phase, as well as a higher task execution success rate in the evaluation phase.
Testing and Evaluation of Low-Cost Sensors for Developing Open Smart Campus Systems Based on IoT
Authors: Neis Pascal , Warch Dominik , Hoppe Max
Published: October 2023

Urbanization has led to the need for the intelligent management of various urban challenges, from traffic to energy. In this context, smart campuses and buildings emerge as microcosms of smart cities, offering both opportunities and challenges in technology and communication integration. This study sets itself apart by prioritizing sustainable, adaptable, and reusable solutions through an open-source framework and open data protocols. We utilized the Internet of Things (IoT) and cost-effective sensors to capture real-time data for three different use cases: real-time monitoring of visitor counts, room and parking occupancy, and the collection of environment and climate data. Our analysis revealed that the implementation of the utilized hardware and software combination significantly improved the implementation of open smart campus systems, providing a usable visitor information system for students. Moreover, our focus on data privacy and technological versatility offers valuable insights into real-world applicability and limitations. This study contributes a novel framework that not only drives technological advancements but is also readily adaptable, improvable, and reusable across diverse settings, thereby showcasing the untapped potential of smart, sustainable systems.
Phenolic Diversity and Antioxidant Activity of Artemisia abrotanum L. and Artemisia absinthium L. during Vegetation Stages
Authors: Saunoriūtė Sandra , Ragažinskienė Ona , Ivanauskas Liudas , Marksa Mindaugas , Laužikė Kristina , Raudonė Lina
Published: October 2023

Over the past ten years, particular attention has been paid to Artemisia L. genus plants and their chemical composition. Artemisia abrotanum L. and Artemisia absinthium L., which are traditional medicinal, aromatic plants with a strong digestive activity that is determined by the various phytochemicals. The research aim was to determine the variation in polyphenols in the samples of different vegetation stages of two Artemisia species and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts in vitro. Phytochemical analysis of the Artemisia samples was carried out using spectrophotometric methods and HPLC-PDA techniques, while antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays. Significant differences in the diversity of phenolic compounds were found among Artemisia species during vegetation stages. Chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and rutin were predominant among the phenolic compounds. The study provides valuable insights into the composition of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in Artemisia plants at different growth stages, shedding light on their potential pharmacological effects and antioxidant activities. These findings contribute to the knowledge of the quality and safety of herbal materials derived from Artemisia species.
Tracking Soil Health Changes in a Management-Intensive Grazing Agroecosystem
Authors: Trimarco Tad , Brummer Joe E. , Buchanan Cassidy , Ippolito James A.
Published: October 2023

Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) has been proposed to sustainably intensify agroecosystems through careful management of livestock rotations on pastureland. However, there is little research on the soil health impacts of transitioning from irrigated cropland to irrigated MiG pasture with continuous livestock rotation. We analyzed ten soil health indicators using the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) to identify changes in nutrient status and soil physical, biological, and chemical health five to six years after converting irrigated cropland to irrigated pastureland under MiG. Significant improvements in biological soil health indicators and significant degradation in bulk density, a physical soil health indicator, were observed. Removal of tillage and increased organic matter inputs may have led to increases in β-glucosidase, microbial biomass carbon, and potentially mineralizable nitrogen, all of which are biological indicators of soil health. Conversely, trampling by grazing cattle has led to increased bulk density and, thus, a reduction in soil physical health. Nutrient status was relatively stable, with combined manure and fertilizer inputs leading to stabilized plant-available phosphorous (P) and increased potassium (K) soil concentrations. Although mixed effects on soil health were present, overall soil health did increase, and the MiG system appeared to have greater overall soil health as compared to results generated four to five years earlier. When utilizing MiG in irrigated pastures, balancing the deleterious effects of soil compaction with grazing needs to be considered to maintain long-term soil health.
The Effect of Stimulus Contrast and Spatial Position on Saccadic Eye Movement Parameters
Authors: Goliskina Viktorija , Ceple Ilze , Kassaliete Evita , Serpa Evita , Truksa Renars , Svede Aiga , Krauze Linda , Fomins Sergejs , Ikaunieks Gatis , Krumina Gunta
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Saccadic eye movements are rapid eye movements aimed to position the object image on the central retina, ensuring high-resolution data sampling across the visual field. Although saccadic eye movements are studied extensively, different experimental settings applied across different studies have left an open question of whether and how stimulus parameters can affect the saccadic performance. The current study aims to explore the effect of stimulus contrast and spatial position on saccadic eye movement latency, peak velocity and accuracy measurements. (2) Methods: Saccadic eye movement targets of different contrast levels were presented at four different spatial positions. The eye movements were recorded with a Tobii Pro Fusion video-oculograph (250 Hz). (3) Results: The results demonstrate a significant effect of stimulus spatial position on the latency and peak velocity measurements at a medium grey background, 30 cd/m2 (negative and positive stimulus polarity), light grey background, 90 cd/m2 (negative polarity), and black background, 3 cd/m2 (positive polarity). A significant effect of the stimulus spatial position was observed on the accuracy measurements when the saccadic eye movement stimuli were presented on a medium grey background (negative polarity) and on a black background. No significant effect of stimulus contrast was observed on the peak velocity measurements under all conditions. A significant stimulus contrast effect on latency and accuracy was observed only on a light grey background. (4) Conclusions: The best saccadic eye movement performance (lowest latency, highest peak velocity and accuracy measurements) can be observed when the saccades are oriented to the right and left from the central fixation point. Furthermore, when presenting the stimulus on a light grey background, a very low contrast stimuli should be considered carefully.