bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Timeframe Forecasting Using Deep Learning Models for Solar Energy Efficiency in Smart Agriculture
Authors: Venkatesan Saravanakumar , Cho Yongyun
Published: August 2024

Since the advent of smart agriculture, technological advancements in solar energy have significantly improved farming practices, resulting in a substantial revival of different crop yields. However, the smart agriculture industry is currently facing challenges posed by climate change. This involves multi-timeframe forecasts for greenhouse operators covering short-, medium-, and long-term intervals. Solar energy not only reduces our reliance on non-renewable electricity but also plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change by lowering carbon emissions. This study aims to find a method to support consistently optimal solar energy use regardless of changes in greenhouse conditions by predicting solar energy (kWh) usage on various time steps. In this paper, we conducted solar energy usage prediction experiments on time steps using traditional Tensorflow Keras models (TF Keras), including a linear model (LM), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), stacked—Long Short Term Memory (LSTM), stacked-Gated recurrent unit (GRU), and stacked-Bidirectional—Long Short —Term Memory (Bi-LSTM), as well as Tensor-Flow-based models for solar energy usage data from a smart farm. The stacked-Bi-LSTM outperformed the other DL models with Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.0048, a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.0431, and R-Squared (R2) of 0.9243 in short-term prediction (2-h intervals). For mid-term (2-day) and long-term (2-week) forecasting, the stacked Bi-LSTM model also exhibited superior performance compared to other deep learning models, with RMSE values of 0.0257 and 0.0382, MAE values of 0.1103 and 0.1490, and R2 values of 0.5980 and 0.3974, respectively. The integration of multi-timeframe forecasting is expected to avoid conventional solar energy use forecasting, reduce the complexity of greenhouse energy management, and increase energy use efficiency compared to single-timeframe forecasting models.
Three-Dimensional Aerodynamics and Vortex-Shedding Characteristics of Wind Turbine Airfoils over 360-Degree Angles of Attack
Authors: Bidadi Shreyas , Vijayakumar Ganesh , Deskos Georgios , Sprague Michael
Published: August 2024

In this work, we present the first three-dimensional (3D) computational investigation of wind turbine airfoils over 360° angles of attack to predict unsteady aerodynamic loads and vortex-shedding characteristics. To this end, static–airfoil simulations are performed for the FFA-W3 airfoil family at a Reynolds number of 107 with the Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation turbulence model. Aerodynamic forces reveal that the onset of boundary-layer instabilities and flow separation does not necessarily coincide with the onset of stall. In addition, a comparison with two-dimensional simulation data and flat plate theory extension of airfoil polars, suggest that, in the deep stall regime, 3D effects remain critical for predicting both the unsteady loads and the vortex-shedding dynamics. For all airfoils, the vortex-shedding frequencies are found to be inversely proportional to the wake width. In the case of slender airfoils, the frequencies are nearly independent of the airfoil thickness, and their corresponding Strouhal number St is approximately 0.15. Based on the calculated St, the potential for shedding frequencies to coincide with the natural frequencies of the International Energy Agency 15 MW reference wind turbine blades is investigated. The analysis shows that vortex-induced vibrations occur primarily at angles of attack of around ±90° for all airfoils.
Ultra-Short-Term Wind Power Prediction Based on the ZS-DT-PatchTST Combined Model
Authors: Gao Yanlong , Xing Feng , Kang Lipeng , Zhang Mingming , Qin Caiyan
Published: August 2024

When using point-by-point data input with former series models for wind power prediction, the prediction accuracy decreases due to data distribution shifts and the inability to extract local information. To address these issues, this paper proposes an ultra-short-term wind power prediction model based on the Z-score (ZS), Dish-TS (DT), and Patch time series Transformer (PatchTST). Firstly, to reduce the impact of data distribution shift on prediction accuracy, ZS standardization is applied to both training and testing datasets. Additionally, the DT algorithm, which can self-learn the mean and variance, is introduced for window data standardization. Secondly, the PatchTST model is employed to convert point input data into local-level input data. Feature extraction is then performed using the multi-head attention mechanism in the Encoder layer and a feed-forward network composed of one-dimensional convolution to obtain the prediction results. These results are subsequently de-standardized using DT and ZS to restore the original data amplitude. Finally, experimental analysis is conducted, comparing the proposed ZS-DT-PatchTST model with various prediction models. The proposed model achieves the highest prediction accuracy, with a mean absolute error of 5.95 MW, a mean squared error of 10.89 MW, and a coefficient of determination of 97.38%.
Numerical Study on the Influence of Various Design Variables on the Behavior Characteristics of Oil and Gas in Internal Floating Roof Tanks
Authors: Li Ji-Chao , Liu Ming , Dang Shi-Wang , Hu Ling-Chong , Chen Guang , Zhang Sheng-Dong , Kong Xiang-Hu , Xu Heng
Published: August 2024

With the development of the petrochemical industry, the number of storage tanks has continuously increased, exacerbating the issue of oil evaporation losses. Therefore, it is urgent to find efficient and economical measures to reduce oil evaporation losses. This paper establishes a diffusion model for internal floating roof tanks (IFRTs) and uses numerical simulation methods to study the mass fraction distribution, pressure distribution, and the variation patterns of oil vapor inside the tanks at different floating roof heights. The results show that the closer to the top of the tank, the lower the oil vapor mass fraction, and the mass fraction distribution is almost symmetrical. As the floating roof height decreases, the vapor mass fraction in the mixed gas region inside the tank gradually decreases, showing a distribution below the lower explosive limit (LEL), indicating improved safety. Furthermore, the study found that in the benchmark model, the behavior characteristics of gasoline vapor are reflected in the changes in mass fraction, velocity, and pressure distribution, where the oil vapor concentration in the upper part is lower but evenly distributed. By comparing the behavior characteristics of oil vapor inside the tank at different floating roof heights, it was found that the floating roof height significantly affects the diffusion and accumulation of oil vapor. The presence of vents effectively reduces the accumulation of oil vapor concentration, improving the stability and safety inside the tank. For different floating roof height scenarios (such as CASE 1, CASE 2, and CASE 4), the oil vapor behavior characteristics are similar. The study results provide important theoretical support for the future development of oil vapor recovery technologies and the design of enclosed energy-saving recovery devices inside tanks, indicating that optimizing the floating roof height and vent system design can significantly reduce oil evaporation losses.
Correction: Pessolano et al. Annexin A1 May Induce Pancreatic Cancer Progression as a Key Player of Extracellular Vesicles Effects as Evidenced in the In Vitro MIA PaCa-2 Model System. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19, 3878
Authors: Pessolano Emanuela , Belvedere Raffaella , Bizzarro Valentina , Franco Paola , De Marco Iolanda , Porta Amalia , Tosco Alessandra , Parente Luca , Perretti Mauro , Petrella Antonello
Published: August 2024

In the original publication [...]
CLAVATA3 Signaling Buffers Arabidopsis Shoot Apical Meristem Activity in Response to Photoperiod
Authors: Fletcher Jennifer C.
Published: August 2024

Land plants grow throughout their life cycle via the continuous activity of stem cell reservoirs contained within their apical meristems. The shoot apical meristem (SAM) of Arabidopsis and other land plants responds to a variety of environmental cues, yet little is known about the response of meristems to seasonal changes in day length, or photoperiod. Here, the vegetative and reproductive growth of Arabidopsis wild-type and clavata3 (clv3) plants in different photoperiod conditions was analyzed. It was found that SAM size in wild-type Arabidopsis plants grown in long-day (LD) conditions gradually increased from embryonic to reproductive development. clv3 plants produced significantly more leaves as well as larger inflorescence meristems and more floral buds than wild-type plants in LD and short-day (SD) conditions, demonstrating that CLV3 signaling limits vegetative and inflorescence meristem activity in both photoperiods. The clv3 phenotypes were more severe in SDs, indicating a greater requirement for CLV3 restriction of SAM function when the days are short. In contrast, clv3 floral meristem size and carpel number were unchanged between LD and SD conditions, which shows that the photoperiod does not affect the regulation of floral meristem activity through the CLV3 pathway. This study reveals that CLV3 signaling specifically restricts vegetative and inflorescence meristem activity in both LD and SD photoperiods but plays a more prominent role during short days.
Pilot Study on the Use of Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for Diagnosing and Characterizing Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Delrue Charlotte , Vandendriessche Annelore , Dendooven Amélie , Van der Linden Malaïka , Speeckaert Marijn M. , De Bruyne Sander
Published: August 2024

Amyloidosis diagnosis relies on Congo red staining with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for subtyping but lacks sensitivity and specificity. Laser-microdissection mass spectroscopy offers better accuracy but is complex and requires extensive sample preparation. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy offers a promising alternative for amyloidosis characterization. Cardiac tissue sections from nine patients with amyloidosis and 20 heart transplant recipients were analyzed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) models were used to differentiate healthy post-transplant cardiac tissue from amyloidosis samples and identify amyloidosis subtypes [κ light chain (n = 1), λ light chain (n = 3), and transthyretin (n = 5)]. Leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) was employed to assess the performance of the PLS-DA model. Significant spectral differences were found in the 1700–1500 cm−1 and 1300–1200 cm−1 regions, primarily related to proteins. The PLS-DA model explained 85.8% of the variance, showing clear clustering between groups. PCA in the 1712–1711 cm−1, 1666–1646 cm−1, and 1385–1383 cm−1 regions also identified two clear clusters. The PCA and the HCA model in the 1646–1642 cm−1 region distinguished κ light chain, λ light chain, and transthyretin cases. This pilot study suggests ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as a novel, non-destructive, rapid, and inexpensive tool for diagnosing and subtyping amyloidosis. This study was limited by a small dataset and variability in measurements across different instruments and laboratories. The PLS-DA model’s performance may suffer from overfitting and class imbalance. Larger, more diverse datasets are needed for validation.
Olfactory Projections to Locomotor Control Centers in the Sea Lamprey
Authors: Beauséjour Philippe-Antoine , Veilleux Jean-Christophe , Condamine Steven , Zielinski Barbara S. , Dubuc Réjean
Published: August 2024

Although olfaction is well known to guide animal behavior, the neural circuits underlying the motor responses elicited by olfactory inputs are poorly understood. In the sea lamprey, anatomical evidence shows that olfactory inputs project to the posterior tuberculum (PT), a structure containing dopaminergic (DA) neurons homologous to the mammalian ventral tegmental area and the substantia nigra pars compacta. Olfactory inputs travel directly from the medial olfactory bulb (medOB) or indirectly through the main olfactory bulb and the lateral pallium (LPal). Here, we characterized the transmission of olfactory inputs to the PT in the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. Abundant projections from the medOB were observed close to DA neurons of the PT. Moreover, electrophysiological experiments revealed that PT neurons are activated by both the medOB and LPal, and calcium imaging indicated that the olfactory signal is then relayed to the mesencephalic locomotor region to initiate locomotion. In semi-intact preparations, stimulation of the medOB and LPal induced locomotion that was tightly associated with neural activity in the PT. Moreover, PT neurons were active throughout spontaneously occurring locomotor bouts. Altogether, our observations suggest that the medOB and LPal convey olfactory inputs to DA neurons of the PT, which in turn activate the brainstem motor command system to elicit locomotion.
Selenium-Binding Protein 1 (SBP1): A New Putative Player of Stress Sensing in Plants
Authors: Dervisi Irene , Koletti Aikaterini , Agalou Adamantia , Haralampidis Kosmas , Flemetakis Emmanouil , Roussis Andreas
Published: August 2024

Selenium-binding proteins (SBPs) represent a ubiquitous and conserved protein family with yet unclear biochemical and molecular functions. The importance of the human homolog has been extensively studied as it is implicated in many cancer types and other diseases. On the other hand, little is known regarding plant homologs. In plants, there is evidence that SBP participates in developmental procedures, oxidative stress responses, selenium and cadmium binding, and pathogenic tolerance. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that SBP is a methanethiol oxidase (MTO) catalyzing the conversion of methanethiol into formaldehyde, H2S, and H2O2. The two later products emerge as key signal molecules, playing pivotal roles in physiological processes and environmental stress responses. In this review, we highlight the available information regarding plants in order to introduce and emphasize the importance of SBP1 and its role in plant growth, development, and abiotic/biotic stress.
IL-10 and TGF-β, but Not IL-17A or IFN-γ, Potentiate the IL-15-Induced Proliferation of Human T Cells: Association with a Decrease in the Expression of β2m-Free HLA Class I Molecules Induced by IL-15
Authors: Duarte Leila H. , Peixoto Hugo A. , Cardoso Elsa M. , Esgalhado André J. , Arosa Fernando A.
Published: August 2024

IL-15 is a homeostatic cytokine for human T and NK cells. However, whether other cytokines influence the effect of IL-15 is not known. We studied the impact that IL-10, TGF-β, IL-17A, and IFN-γ have on the IL-15-induced proliferation of human T cells and the expression of HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were labeled with CFSE and stimulated for 12 days with IL-15 in the absence or presence of the other cytokines. The proportion of proliferating T cells and the expression of cell surface HLA-I molecules were analyzed using flow cytometry. The IL-15-induced proliferation of T cells was paralleled by an increase in the expression of HC-10-reactive HLA-I molecules, namely on T cells that underwent ≥5–6 cycles of cell division. It is noteworthy that the IL-15-induced proliferation of T cells was potentiated by IL-10 and TGF-β but not by IL-17 or IFN-γ and was associated with a decrease in the expression of HC-10-reactive molecules. The cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β potentiate the proliferative capacity that IL-15 has on human T cells in vitro, an effect that is associated with a reduction in the amount of HC-10 reactive HLA class I molecules induced by IL-15.
Evaluating Wideband Tympanometry Absorbance Changes in Cochlear Implant Recipients: Mechanical Insights and Influencing Parameters
Authors: Bertschinger Rahel , von Mitzlaff Christian , Geys Marlies , Kunut Ahmet , Dobrev Ivo , Veraguth Dorothe , Röösli Christof , Huber Alexander , Dalbert Adrian
Published: August 2024

Background: Cochlear implant (CI) electrode insertion can change the mechanical state of the ear whereby wideband tympanometry absorbance (WBTA) may serve as a sensitive tool to monitor these mechanical changes of the peripheral auditory pathway after CI surgery. In WBTA, the amount of acoustic energy reflected by the tympanic membrane is assessed over a wide frequency range from 226 Hz to 8000 Hz. The objective of this study was to monitor changes in WBTA in CI recipients before and after surgery. Methods: Following otoscopy, WBTA measurements were conducted twice in both ears of 38 standard CI recipients before and in the range of 4 to 15 weeks after CI implantation. Changes from pre- to postoperative absorbance patterns were compared for the implanted as well as the contralateral control ear for six different frequencies (500 Hz, 750 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, 4000 Hz). Furthermore, the influence of the time point of the measurement, surgical access, electrode type, sex and side of the implantation were assessed for the implanted and the control ear in a linear mixed model. Results: A significant decrease in WBTA could be observed in the implanted ear when compared with the contralateral control ear for 750 Hz (p < 0.01) and 1000 Hz (p < 0.05). The typical two-peak pattern of WBTA measurements was seen in both ears preoperatively but changed to a one-peak pattern in the newly implanted ear. The linear mixed model showed that not only the cochlear implantation in general but also the insertion through the round window compared to the cochleostomy leads to a decreased absorbance at 750 and 1000 Hz. Conclusions: With WBTA, we were able to detect mechanical changes of the acoustical pathway after CI surgery. The implantation of a CI led to decreased absorbance in the lower frequencies and the two-peak pattern was shifted to a one-peak pattern. The result of the linear mixed model indicates that WBTA can detect mechanical changes due to cochlear implantation not only in the middle ear but also in the inner ear.
Dacryocystitis: Is Dacryocystorhinostomy Always the Solution?
Authors: Mathieu Alexis , Baillif Stéphanie , Delyfer Marie-Noelle , Longueville Éric , Coste-Verdier Valentine , Lagier Jacques , Alrabiah Abdulrhman , Martel Arnaud
Published: August 2024

Background/Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare dacryocystectomy (DCT) versus dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with dacryocystitis in terms of tearing complaints. Methods: We conducted a retrospective and comparative study on 19 patients. The main outcome measure was defined as an improvement by 1 point of the Munk score postoperatively. Results: A total of 19 patients were included with 10 in the DCR group and 9 in the DCT group. The primary endpoint was reached in 7 (70%) and in 6 (67%) patients in the DCR and DCT groups, respectively (p > 0.999). All DCR procedures were performed under general anesthesia (GA), while almost all DCT procedures were performed under local anesthesia (LA) (p < 0.001). There was a higher need for hospitalization in the DCR group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our preliminary results indicate that DCR is not always the solution in the case of dacryocystitis. DCT is a viable surgical procedure, especially in elderly patients without any tearing complaint and with underlying dry eye disease.
Improvement in Math Ability and Cognitive Processing in Children with Low Attention: An Intervention Based on PASS Theory
Authors: Cai Dan , Ge Yongjing , Wang Lingling , Leung Ada W. S.
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the effects of math training on math and cognitive performance among 8–9 year-old students with low attention. Fifty-six students with low attention were randomly assigned to a training group (n = 24) and a passive control group (n = 32). They completed math problem-solving, calculation fluency and PASS cognitive processing tests both before and after training. The children in the training group received 3 days of training per week for a total of 21 days using the math modules of The Children’s Mathematics and Cognition Training Manual in Chinese. The results showed that the training group’s math problem-solving performance improved significantly. Moreover, the cognitive performance on the CAS-2 in the planning and simultaneous processing tests for the training group was enhanced. The implications of these findings are discussed with consideration of the interpretability being constrained by the fact that no active control condition was applied.
Dynamic Characteristics and Flow Field Evolution of Flat Plate Water Entry Slamming Based on Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics
Authors: Li Zhongming , Zan Yingfei , Guo Ruinan , Sun Yaogang , Sun Nan
Published: August 2024

Water entry slamming is a complicated issue in marine engineering, characterized by significant impact loads and complex flow. This paper establishes a 3D numerical model of flat plate water entry slamming based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), and the dynamics and flow field evolution are analyzed during water entry. The results indicate that SPH effectively captures the key dynamic characteristics of flat plate water entry. The experimental data validate the model, and the SPH particles reproduce the phenomena of jet formation, cavity development, and fluid splashing. The observed pressure is maximum at the center of the flat plate, and the maximum pressure and vertical force of the flat plate exhibit a quadratic relationship with the water entry velocity. The flow field evolution from initial jet formation at the time of slamming to droplet splashing shows obvious stages. As the water entry depth of the flat plate increases, the growth rates of the cavity width and splash height gradually slow under fluid viscosity and drag. The water entry velocity has the greatest influence on droplet splashing, whereas its influence on the jet separation point and the position of the free liquid surface is less significant.
The Effectiveness of Credit Risk Mitigation Strategies Adopted by Ghanaian Commercial Banks in Agricultural Finance
Authors: Nyebar Abraham , Obalade Adefemi A. , Muzindutsi Paul-Francois
Published: August 2024

Lending to the agricultural sector by commercial banks in Ghana is characterized by high credit risk. Empirical evidence suggests that commercial banks in Ghana have credit risk management (CRM) challenges. This study explores the credit risk mitigation strategies adopted by commercial banks to minimize credit risk in agricultural finance in Ghana. The study adopted a mixed-method approach using a survey questionnaire and interview instruments. The findings indicate that some of the strategies used by commercial banks to mitigate credit risk in agricultural finance do not meet commercial banks’ CRM needs. In addition, Ghanaian commercial banks have not fully adopted some of the recommended strategies that are used to mitigate credit risk associated with agricultural lending. The study unveils some appropriate strategies used to mitigate credit risk exposure in agricultural finance among commercial banks. These strategies include agricultural value-chain financing, collaboration with off-takers, incentive-based and risk-sharing schemes, adoption of a holistic agricultural value chain financing, policy interventions, use of agricultural insurance pool, and the proper structuring of agricultural loans.
Overview of Traditional and Contemporary Industrial Production Technologies for Biochar along with Quality Standardization Methods
Authors: Köves Mátyás , Madár Viktor , Ringer Marianna , Kocsis Tamás
Published: August 2024

Biochar refers to any material that has transformed into an amorphous, graphite-like structure as a result of the thermochemical conversion of organic materials. Incorporating biochar into soil contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change through the sequestration and storage of carbon. There are numerous methods for producing biochar, including pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal carbonization, and flash carbonization. The choice of technology largely depends on the intended use of the biochar and the type of biomass available. However, traditional production processes often face environmental challenges, especially in developing countries. This study introduces several traditional charcoal-burning techniques used around the world and provides an overview of modern industrial biochar production methods. International organizations have developed standards for determining the quality parameters of biochar and have proposed guidelines for its application in soil. According to the available literature, biochar presents a promising opportunity for advancing sustainable agriculture and mitigating climate change.
The Temporal Variation and Spatial Scale Dependence of the Trade-Offs and Synergies among Multiple Ecosystem Services in the World Heritage Site of South China Karst
Authors: Feng Mingjun , Xiong Kangning , Chen Yue , Zhang Wenfang , Xu Meirong
Published: August 2024

The World Natural Heritage Sites (WNHSs), which have unique ecosystems, ecological landscapes, and biodiversity, are the common heritage of all of humanity. The evolutionary pathway of ecosystem services (ESs) in the Karst WNHS between the years 2000 and 2020 has been examined, and the trade-offs and synergies among the ESs have been quantified. This research serves as a point of reference for the rational utilization of natural resources and for the protection of the ecological environment within the Karst WNHS. This research aims to assess the following ESs in the Karst WNHS, for the period 2000–2020: water conservation (WC), soil conservation (SC), carbon sequestration (CS), and habitat quality (HQ). Additionally, the objective of this study is to examine the space–time evolution of these ESs. Spearman’s correlation coefficient and spatial auto-correlation analyses were utilized to ascertain the temporal and spatial trade-offs and synergies for each ES. The results of this study indicate the following: (1) Between the years 2000 and 2020, the inter-annual changes in HQ and CS at the Shibing and Libo-Huanjiang WNHS exhibited a relatively stable pattern, with a gradual increasing trend, and in contrast, the inter-annual changes in WC and SC exhibited greater fluctuations; (2) the distribution of ESs is closely linked to land use patterns, and woodland is the most critical land type of the ESs, contributing the most to each ES; (3) population density is negatively correlated with various ecosystem services, while GDP is positively correlated with each ecosystem service; and (4) the Karst WNHS in Southern China demonstrates a clear and significant synergistic relationship between WC and CS. This relationship is primarily characterised by a strong synergistic effect. The synergistic relationship between HQ and WC exhibited a weakening trend within both study areas. Furthermore, the SC demonstrated a spatial trade-off relation with HQ, CS, and WC.
Laboratory Test of a Gear Hydraulic Pump during the Application of an Environmentally Friendly Hydraulic Fluid with Constant Pressure and Temperature
Authors: Kosiba Ján , Tkáč Zdenko , Jablonický Juraj , Čurgaliová Gabriela , Tulík Juraj , Halenár Marek
Published: August 2024

The use of environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids is frequently influenced by the temperature reached in the hydraulic circuit. This paper presents an analysis of the effect of temperature on the lifetime of the hydraulic fluid and the hydraulic pump. The test was carried out by continuous loading with a pressure of 21 MPa and a temperature of 96 °C for 100 h. A pressure valve was used for the continuous loading and the temperature was maintained using a cooler. At intervals of 25 h, the flow characteristics of the hydraulic pump were measured and oil sampling was carried out. Subsequently, a comprehensive chemical and physical analysis was carried out. In the present paper, a comprehensive analysis of the influence of eco-friendly hydraulic fluid on the operation of a gear hydraulic pump has been carried out. The study itself did not show the negative influence of the eco-friendly hydraulic fluid on the operation of the gear hydraulic pump. It can be expected that the results of the study will enable the use of eco-friendly hydraulic fluids in environmentally sensitive areas.
Data Mining of Online Teaching Evaluation Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Qi Fenghua , Gao Yuxuan , Wang Meiling , Jiang Tao , Li Zhenhuan
Published: August 2024

With the unprecedented growth of the Internet, online evaluations of teaching have emerged as a pivotal tool in assessing the quality of university education. Leveraging data mining technology, we can extract invaluable insights from these evaluations, offering a robust scientific foundation for enhancing both teaching quality and administrative oversight. This study utilizes teaching evaluation data from a mathematics course at a university in Beijing to propose a comprehensive data mining framework covering both subjective and objective evaluations. The raw data are first cleaned, annotated, and preprocessed. Subsequently, for subjective evaluation data, a model combining Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) pre-trained models and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks is constructed to predict sentiment tendencies, achieving an accuracy of 92.76% and validating the model’s effectiveness. For objective evaluation data, the Apriori algorithm is employed to mine association rules, from which meaningful rules are selected for analysis. This research effectively explores teaching evaluation data, providing technical support for enhancing teaching quality and devising educational reform initiatives.
Engineering Novel Amphiphilic Platinum(IV) Complexes to Co-Deliver Cisplatin and Doxorubicin
Authors: Jogadi Wjdan , Kshetri Man B. , Alqarni Suha , Sharma Arpit , Cheline May , Amin Md Al , Sheets Cynthia , Nsoure-Engohang Angele , Zheng Yao-Rong
Published: August 2024

In this study, we report a novel platinum–doxorubicin conjugate that demonstrates superior therapeutic indices to cisplatin, doxorubicin, or their combination, which are commonly used in cancer treatment. This new molecular structure (1) was formed by conjugating an amphiphilic Pt(IV) prodrug of cisplatin with doxorubicin. Due to its amphiphilic nature, the Pt(IV)–doxorubicin conjugate effectively penetrates cell membranes, delivering both cisplatin and doxorubicin payloads intracellularly. The intracellular accumulation of these payloads was assessed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and fluorescence imaging. Since the therapeutic effects of cisplatin and doxorubicin stem from their ability to target nuclear DNA, we hypothesized that the amphiphilic Pt(IV)–doxorubicin conjugate (1) would effectively induce nuclear DNA damage toward killing cancer cells. To test this hypothesis, we used flow the cytometric analysis of phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX), a biomarker of nuclear DNA damage. The Pt(IV)–doxorubicin conjugate (1) markedly induced γH2AX in treated MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, showing higher levels than cells treated with either cisplatin or doxorubicin alone. Furthermore, MTT cell viability assays revealed that the enhanced DNA-damaging capability of complex 1 resulted in superior cytotoxicity and selectivity against human cancer cells compared to cisplatin, doxorubicin, or their combination. Overall, the development of this amphiphilic Pt(IV)–doxorubicin conjugate represents a new form of combination therapy with improved therapeutic efficacy.
Reproducing the Solvatochromism of Merocyanines by PCM Calculations
Authors: Aracena Andrés , Rezende Marcos Caroli , Pizarro Sebastián
Published: August 2024

Polarizable continuum methods (PCM) have been widely employed for simulating solvent effects, in spite of the fact that they either ignore specific interactions in solution or only partially reproduce non-specific contributions. Examples of three solvatochromic dyes with a negative, a positive and a reverse behavior illustrate the achievements and shortcomings of PCM calculations and the causes for their variable success. Even when qualitatively mimicking non-specific solvent effects, departures of calculated values from experimental data may be significant (20–30%). In addition, they can utterly fail to reproduce an inverted behavior that is caused by significant specific contributions by the solvent. As shown through a theoretical model that rationalizes and predicts the solvatochromism of phenolate merocyanines based on DFT (Density Functional Theory) descriptors in the gas phase, PCM shortcomings are to be held responsible for its eventual failure to reproduce experimental data in solution.
Theoretical Study on Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 on Anatase/Rutile Mixed-Phase TiO2
Authors: Li Jieqiong , Wei Shiyu , Dong Ying , Zhang Yongya , Wang Li
Published: August 2024

The construction of anatase/rutile heterojunctions in TiO2 is an effective way of improving the CO2 photoreduction activity. Yet, the origin of the superior photocatalytic performance is still unclear. To solve this issue, the band edges between anatase and rutile phases were theoretically determined based on the three-phase atomic model of (112)A/II/(101)R, and simultaneously the CO2 reduction processes were meticulously investigated. Our calculations show that photogenerated holes can move readily from anatase to rutile via the thin intermediated II phase, while photoelectrons flowing in the opposite direction may be impeded due to the electron trapping sites at the II phase. However, the large potential drop across the anatase/rutile interface and the strong built-in electric field can provide an effective driving force for photoelectrons’ migration to anatase. In addition, the II phase can better enhance the solar light utilization of (112)A/(100)II, including a wide light response range and an intensive optical absorption coefficient. Meanwhile, the mixed-phase TiO2 possesses negligible hydrogenation energy (CO2 to COOH*) and lower rate-limiting energy (HCOOH* to HCO*), which greatly facilitate CH3OH generation. The efficient charge separation, strengthened light absorption, and facile CO2 reduction successfully demonstrate that the anatase/rutile mixed-phase TiO2 is an efficient photocatalyst utilized for CO2 conversion.
The Simulative Role of Neural Language Models in Brain Language Processing
Authors: Angius Nicola , Perconti Pietro , Plebe Alessio , Acciai Alessandro
Published: August 2024

This paper provides an epistemological and methodological analysis of the recent practice of using neural language models to simulate brain language processing. It is argued that, on the one hand, this practice can be understood as an instance of the traditional simulative method in artificial intelligence, following a mechanistic understanding of the mind; on the other hand, that it modifies the simulative method significantly. Firstly, neural language models are introduced; a study case showing how neural language models are being applied in cognitive neuroscience for simulative purposes is then presented; after recalling the main epistemological features of the simulative method in artificial intelligence, it is finally highlighted how the epistemic opacity of neural language models is tackled by using the brain itself to simulate the neural language model and to test hypotheses about it, in what is called here a co-simulation.
The Dynamics of Allelochemicals and Phytotoxicity in Eisenia fetida during the Decomposition of Eucalyptus grandis Litter
Authors: Zhang Danju , Lv Chaoyu , Fan Shaojun , Huang Yumei , Kang Na , Gao Shun , Chen Lianghua
Published: August 2024

Allelopathy is an underlying and controversial mechanism for detrimental environmental effects in the management of Eucalyptus plantations. However, little attention has been paid to the dynamics of allelochemicals and phytotoxicity in soil fauna during litter decomposition. To explore the relationship between the dynamics of phytotoxicity and allelochemicals, a decomposition experiment was conducted using 4-year-old and 8-year-old Eucalyptus grandis litter (0, 10, 20, 30, and 45 days). The acute toxicity of Eisenia fetida was assessed, and a chemical analysis of the eucalyptus leaves was performed. Biochemical markers, including total protein, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and oxidative stress levels (SOD and MDA) were measured. A comet assay was used to determine DNA damage in E. fetida cells. The results showed that after 20–30 days of decomposition, E. grandis litter exhibited stronger phytotoxic effects on E. fetida in terms of growth and biochemical levels. After 20 days of decomposition, the weight and total protein content of E. fetida first decreased and then increased over time. SOD activity increased after 20 days but decreased after 30 days of decomposition before increasing again. MDA content increased after 20 days, then decreased or was stable. AChE activity was inhibited after 30 days of decomposition and then increased or stabilized with further decomposition. Soluble allelochemicals, such as betaine, chlorogenic acid, and isoquercitrin, significantly decreased or disappeared during the initial decomposition stage, but pipecolic acid significantly increased, along with newly emerging phenolic fractions that were present. More allelochemicals were released from 8-year-old litter than from 4-year-old E. grandis litter, resulting in consistently more severe phytotoxic responses and DNA damage in E. fetida. Scientific management measures, such as the appropriate removal of leaf litter in the early stages of decomposition, might help support greater biodiversity in E. grandis plantations.
LrHSP17.2 Plays an Important Role in Abiotic Stress Responses by Regulating ROS Scavenging and Stress-Related Genes in Lilium regale
Authors: Tang Shaokang , Ling Qin , Ma Qiqi , Cheng Yuqing , Mei Peng , Miao Yuan , Pan Yuanzhi , Jia Yin , Wu Mengxi , Yong Xue , Jiang Beibei
Published: August 2024

As an important part of heat shock response module, heat shock proteins (HSP) play an important role in plant defense response against heat stress; however, the involvement of the majority of the HSP family members against other abiotic stresses remains poorly understood. In the present study, LrHSP17.2 was identified and its function against abiotic stress was analyzed. The expression level of LrHSP17.2 was significantly induced by heat. Heterologous transgenes of LrHSP17.2 showed that LrHSP17.2 can increase the activity of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase to removes excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), maintain the stability of the membrane structure, and regulate genes related to antioxidant enzymes and defense under abiotic stress. In addition, LrHSP17.2 could be regulated by exogenous abscisic acid and melatonin, and the related hormone synthesis genes of transgenic plants were significantly up-regulated under heat stress. Taken together, our results revealed that LrHSP17.2 is involved in regulating abiotic stress responses by regulating ROS scavenging and stress-related genes in Lilium regale.
A Comparative Morphological and Anatomical Study of Juniperus communis L., J. sibirica Burgsd., and J. pygmaea K. Koch from Bulgaria
Authors: Radoukova Tzenka , Semerdjieva Ivanka , Zheljazkov Valtcho D.
Published: August 2024

Of the six juniper species found in the Bulgarian flora, three of the species have controversial taxonomic positions. Juniperus pygmaea K. Koch and J. sibirica Burgsd. exhibit similar morphological characteristics to J. communis L. in terms of leaves and female cones (galbuli). This is one of the reasons why, in the recent taxonomic developments, J. pygmaea and J. sibirica were united in a common variety of J. communis, namely, J. communis var. saxatilis. However, such a grouping of species in the Flora of Bulgaria has not been adopted. This study aimed to evaluate the degrees of similarity or difference in the structure of the leaves, galbuli, seeds, and pollen of J. communis, J. sibirica, and J. pygmaea using the methods of comparative anatomy by light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations and complex morphological measurements. The working hypothesis of this study was that the three species would show a different degree of similarity with each other, which would clarify their taxonomic rank. The morphological parameters revealed differences between the length/width ratio of galbuli and seed length of the three species, while leaf characteristics (length and width) showed a stronger resemblance between J. sibirica and J. pygmaea. Furthermore, a greater distinction between the leaves and galbili of J. communis and J. sibirica was found. The SEM analyses showed variations in the seed shape and spermoderm among the three species. The shape of J. communis seeds was oval and elongated, while J. pygmaea seeds were pear-shaped, and J. sibirica seeds were triangular-rhombic. The length and height of striations were diverse on seed spermoderm in the three species. The epicuticular waxes of leaves, located on the tips of the anticlinal walls of the elongated epidermal cells in J. pygmaea and J. communis, were oval, while they formed raised comb-like crystals in J. sibirica. The morphological, anatomical, and SEM analysis affirmed the accepted taxonomic status of J. communis and J. sibirica as independent species within the Bulgarian flora. Based on most of the analyzed parameters, J. pygmaea exhibits significant similarity with J. sibirica. Additionally, the similar habitats of these two species support the determination of J. pygmaea as a variety or form of J. sibirica rather than J. communis (J. sibirica forma pygmaea).
Low-Cost Non-Wearable Fall Detection System Implemented on a Single Board Computer for People in Need of Care
Authors: Vargas Vanessa , Ramos Pablo , Orbe Edwin A. , Zapata Mireya , Valencia-Aragón Kevin
Published: August 2024

This work aims at proposing an affordable, non-wearable system to detect falls of people in need of care. The proposal uses artificial vision based on deep learning techniques implemented on a Raspberry Pi4 4GB RAM with a High-Definition IR-CUT camera. The CNN architecture classifies detected people into five classes: fallen, crouching, sitting, standing, and lying down. When a fall is detected, the system sends an alert notification to mobile devices through the Telegram instant messaging platform. The system was evaluated considering real daily indoor activities under different conditions: outfit, lightning, and distance from camera. Results show a good trade-off between performance and cost of the system. Obtained performance metrics are: precision of 96.4%, specificity of 96.6%, accuracy of 94.8%, and sensitivity of 93.1%. Regarding privacy concerns, even though this system uses a camera, the video is not recorded or monitored by anyone, and pictures are only sent in case of fall detection. This work can contribute to reducing the fatal consequences of falls in people in need of care by providing them with prompt attention. Such a low-cost solution would be desirable, particularly in developing countries with limited or no medical alert systems and few resources.
Standing Long Jump Performance Is Enhanced When Using an External as Well as Holistic Focus of Attention: A Kinematic Study
Authors: Saemi Esmaeel , Hasanvand Alireza , Doustan Mohammadreza , Asadi Ayoub , Becker Kevin
Published: August 2024

Standing long jump is known as one of the important skills in the success of athletes in most sports. In addition, one of the most effective factors that can affect standing long jump distance and kinematics is the focus of attention used by the athlete. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the effect of internal, external, and holistic focus of attention instructions on standing long jump performance and kinematics. The participants were 30 novices (all males; mean age = 21.70 ± 2.21 years; mean height = 175.73 ± 6.09 cm; and mean weight = 73.76 ± 11.77 kg) who performed 12 standing long jumps in four focus of attention conditions. Internal focus, external focus, holistic focus, and control conditions were implemented in a counterbalanced order. Jump distance and maximum knee flexion angle before take-off were recorded in all trials. The results showed that in relation to the standing long jump performance, the distance was similar in external and holistic focus conditions, and both were superior to internal or control conditions. There was no difference between control and internal focus of attention conditions. The results related to movement kinematics, however, did not report a difference between the maximum flexion angles before take-off. This study replicates the benefits of external and holistic focus instructions for jump distance, but this difference was not a product of different maximum knee flexion angles. It is suggested that coaches implement external and/or holistic focus cues to maximize athlete performance in jumping tasks.
Monitoring Soil Copper in Urban Land Using Visibale and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy with Spatially Nearby Samples
Authors: Liu Yi , Shi Tiezhu , Lan Zeying , Guo Kai , Yang Chao , Chen Yiyun
Published: August 2024

Soil heavy metal contamination in urban land can affect biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and the health of city residents. Visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy is fast, inexpensive, non-destructive, and environmentally friendly compared to traditional methods of monitoring soil Cu, a common heavy metal found in urban soils. However, there has been limited research on using spatially nearby samples to build the Cu estimation model. Our study aims to investigate how spatially nearby samples influence the Cu estimation model. In our study, we collected 250 topsoil samples (0–20 cm) from China’s third-largest city and analyzed their spectra (350–2500 nm). For each unknown validation sample, we selected its spatially nearby samples to construct the Cu estimation model. The results showed that compared to the traditional method (Rp2 = 0.75, RMSEP = 8.56, RPD = 1.73), incorporating nearby samples greatly improved the model (Rp2 = 0.93, RMSEP = 4.02, RPD = 3.89). As the number of nearby samples increased, the performance of the Cu estimation model followed an inverted U-shaped curve—initially increasing and then declining. The optimal number of nearby samples is 125 (62.5% of the total), and the mean distance between validation and calibration samples is 17 km. Therefore, we conclude that using nearby samples significantly enhances the Cu estimation model. The optimal number of nearby samples should strike a balance, covering a moderate area without there being too few or too many.