bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Powder Bed Fusion–Laser Beam of IN939: The Effect of Process Parameters on the Relative Density, Defect Formation, Surface Roughness and Microstructure
Authors: Doğu Merve Nur , Obeidi Muhannad Ahmed , Gu Hengfeng , Teng Chong , Brabazon Dermot
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the effects of process parameters in the powder bed fusion–laser beam (PBF-LB) process on IN939 samples. The parameters examined include laser power (160, 180, and 200 W), laser scanning speed (400, 800, and 1200 mm/s), and hatch distance (50, 80, and 110 μm). The study focuses on how these parameters affect surface roughness, relative density, defect formation, and the microstructure of the samples. Surface roughness analysis revealed that the average surface roughness (Sa) values of the sample ranged from 4.6 μm to 9.5 μm, while the average height difference (Sz) varied from 78.7 μm to 176.7 μm. Furthermore, increasing the hatch distance from 50 μm to 110 μm while maintaining constant laser power and scanning speed led to a decrease in surface roughness. Relative density analysis indicated that the highest relative density was 99.35%, and the lowest was 93.56%. Additionally, the average porosity values were calculated, with the lowest being 0.06% and the highest reaching 9.18%. Although some samples had identical average porosity values, they differed in porosity/mm2 and average Feret size. Variations in relative density and average porosity were noted in samples with the same volumetric energy density (VED) due to different process parameters. High VED led to large, irregular pores in several samples. Microcracks, less than 50 μm in length, were present, indicating solidification cracks. The microstructural analysis of the XZ planes revealed arc-shaped melt pools, columnar elongated grains aligned with the build direction, and cellular structures with columnar dendrites. This study provides insights for optimizing PBF-LB process parameters to enhance the quality of IN939 components.
Shear Performance Study of Sleeved Stud Connectors in Continuous Composite Girder
Authors: Wu Fei , Su Hang , Su Qingtian , Yuan Bo
Published: July 2024

In order to reveal the mechanism of sleeved stud connectors, 15 push-out specimens were designed, and static loading tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical performance. The shear performance differences between the novel sleeved studs and conventional welded studs were compared. Referring to the experimental results, an Abaqus nonlinear finite element model was established to study the shear mechanism of sleeved stud connectors. Parametric analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of stud height, sleeve filling material, and sleeve diameter on the mechanical performance of the connectors. The experimental and finite element analysis results indicated that the ultimate shear bearing capacity and shear stiffness of the sleeved stud connectors were higher than those of ordinary welded studs, and the maximum slip was relatively small. Compared to conventional welded studs, the ultimate bearing capacity of sleeved studs increased by 4% to 8%, and the shear stiffness increased by 25% to 35%. Since the shear behavior of sleeved studs mainly occurred at the base of the studs, the influence of stud height on shear performance was relatively small. However, sleeve and stud diameter have a great influence on bearing capacity and stiffness. As the Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) near the base of the stud effectively enhanced the shear carrying capacity of the sleeved stud connectors, the shear carrying capacity and shear stiffness increased with the increase in the sleeve diameter.
Ferrovalley and Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect in Janus TiTeCl Monolayer
Authors: Chang Yufang , Zhang Zhijun , Deng Li , Wu Yanzhao , Zhang Xianmin
Published: July 2024

Ferrovalley materials are garnering significant interest for their potential roles in advancing information processing and enhancing data storage capabilities. This study utilizes first-principles calculations to determine that the Janus monolayer TiTeCl exhibits the properties of a ferrovalley semiconductor. This material demonstrates valley polarization with a notable valley splitting of 80 meV. Additionally, the Berry curvature has been computed across the first Brillouin zone of the monolayer TiTeCl. The research also highlights that topological phase transitions ranging from ferrovalley and half-valley metals to quantum anomalous Hall effect states can occur in monolayer TiTeCl under compressive strains ranging from −1% to 0%. Throughout these strain changes, monolayer TiTeCl maintains its ferromagnetic coupling. These characteristics make monolayer TiTeCl a promising candidate for the development of new valleytronic and topological devices.
Modeling of Concrete Deterioration under External Sulfate Attack and Drying–Wetting Cycles: A Review
Authors: Qin Shanshan , Chen Chuyu , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2024

This paper comprehensively summarizes moisture transport, ion transport, and mechanical damage models applied to concrete under sulfate attack and drying–wetting cycles. It highlights the essential aspects and principles of each model, emphasizing their significance in understanding the movement of moisture and ions, as well as the resulting mechanical damage within the concrete during these degradation processes. The paper critically analyzes the assumptions made in each model, shedding light on their limitations and implications for prediction accuracy. Two primary challenges faced by current models under sulfate attack and drying–wetting cycles are identified: the limited consideration of the coupled effects of chemical and physical attacks from sulfate, and the unclear mechanism of the sulfate attacks. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on exploring the transport mechanism of sulfate ions under various driving forces and further clarifying the crystallization process and expansion damage mechanism in concrete pores. Addressing these research directions will advance our understanding of sulfate attack under drying–wetting cycles, leading to improved models and mitigation strategies for enhancing the durability and performance of concrete structures.
Online Measurement of Melt-Pool Width in Direct Laser Deposition Process Based on Binocular Vision and Perspective Transformation
Authors: Lu Yanshun , Xiao Muzheng , Chen Xiyi , Sang Yuxin , Liu Zongxin , Jin Xin , Zhang Zhijing
Published: July 2024

Direct laser deposition (DLD) requires high-energy input and causes poor stability and portability. To improve the deposited layer quality, conducting online measurements and feedback control of the dimensions, temperature, and other melt-pool parameters during deposition is essential. Currently, melt-pool dimension measurement is mainly based on machine vision methods, which can mostly detect only the deposition direction of a single melt pool, limiting their measurement range and applicability. We propose a binocular-vision-based online measurement method to detect the melt-pool width during DLD. The method uses a perspective transformation algorithm to align multicamera measurements into a single-coordinate system and a fuzzy entropy threshold segmentation algorithm to extract the melt-pool true contour. This effectively captures melt-pool width information in various deposition directions. A DLD measurement system was constructed, establishing an online model that maps the melt-pool width to the offline deposited layer width, validating the accuracy of the binocular vision system in measuring melt-pool width at different deposition angles. The method achieved high accuracy for melt-pool measurements within certain deposition angle ranges. Within the 30°–60° measurement range, the average error is 0.056 mm, with <3% error. The proposed method enhances the detectable range of melt-pool widths, improving cladding layers and parts.
Numerical Simulation of Electromagnetic–Thermal–Fluid Coupling for the Deformation Behavior of Titanium–Aluminum Alloy under Electromagnetic Levitation
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Zhang Guifang , Yan Peng , Pang Xinchen , Xiao Zhixiang
Published: July 2024

Electromagnetic levitation (EML) is a good method for high-temperature processing of reactive materials such as titanium–aluminum (Ti–Al) alloys. In this study, the oscillation and deformation processes of Ti-48Al-2Cr alloy specimens at different high-frequency currents during the EML process were simulated using the Finite Element Method and Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) methods. The data of oscillation, stabilization time, deformation, and distribution of electromagnetic–thermal–fluid fields were finally obtained. The accuracy of the simulation results was verified by EML experiments. The results show the following: the strength and distribution of the induced magnetic field inside the molten droplet are determined by the high-frequency current; under the coupling effect of the electromagnetic field, thermal field, and fluid field, the temperature rise of electromagnetic heating is rapid, and accompanied by strong stirring, resulting in a uniform distribution of the internal temperature and a small temperature difference. Under the joint action of gravity and Lorentz force, the molten droplets are first within a damped oscillation and then tend to stabilize with time, and finally maintain the “near rhombus” shape.
Color Centers in BaFBr Crystals: Experimental Study and Theoretical Modeling
Authors: Inerbaev Talgat , Akilbekov Abdirash , Kenbayev Daurzhan , Dauletbekova Alma , Shalaev Alexey , Polisadova Elena , Konuhova Marina , Piskunov Sergei , Popov Anatoli I.
Published: July 2024

This study presents theoretical and experimental investigations into the electron and hole color centers in BaFBr crystals, characterizing their electronic and optical properties. Stoichiometric BaFBr crystals grown by the Steber method were used in the experiments. Radiation defects in BaFBr crystals were created by irradiation with 147 MeV 84Kr ions with up to fluences of 1010–1014 ions/cm2. The formation of electron color centers (F(F−), F2(F−), F2(Br−)) and hole aggregates was experimentally established by optical absorption spectroscopy. Performed measurements are compared with theoretical calculations. It allows us to determine the electron transition mechanisms and investigate the processes involved in photoluminescence emission in Eu-doped BaFBr materials to enhance the understanding of the fundamental electronic structure and properties of electron and hole color centers formed in BaFBr crystals.
Unified Training for Cross-Lingual Abstractive Summarization by Aligning Parallel Machine Translation Pairs
Authors: Cheng Shaohuan , Chen Wenyu , Tang Yujia , Fu Mingsheng , Qu Hong
Published: July 2024

Cross-lingual summarization (CLS) is essential for enhancing global communication by facilitating efficient information exchange across different languages. However, owing to the scarcity of CLS data, recent studies have employed multi-task frameworks to combine parallel monolingual summaries. These methods often use independent decoders or models with non-shared parameters because of the mismatch in output languages, which limits the transfer of knowledge between CLS and its parallel data. To address this issue, we propose a unified training method for CLS that combines parallel machine translation (MT) pairs with CLS pairs, jointly training them within a single model. This design ensures consistent input and output languages and promotes knowledge sharing between the two tasks. To further enhance the model’s capability to focus on key information, we introduce two additional loss terms to align the hidden representations and probability distributions between the parallel MT and CLS pairs. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms competitive methods in both full-dataset and low-resource scenarios on two benchmark datasets, Zh2EnSum and En2ZhSum.
Depth Prior-Guided 3D Voxel Feature Fusion for 3D Semantic Estimation from Monocular Videos
Authors: Wen Mingyun , Cho Kyungeun
Published: July 2024

Existing 3D semantic scene reconstruction methods utilize the same set of features extracted from deep learning networks for both 3D semantic estimation and geometry reconstruction, ignoring the differing requirements of semantic segmentation and geometry construction tasks. Additionally, current methods allocate 2D image features to all voxels along camera rays during the back-projection process, without accounting for empty or occluded voxels. To address these issues, we propose separating the features for 3D semantic estimation from those for 3D mesh reconstruction. We use a pretrained vision transformer network for image feature extraction and depth priors estimated by a pretrained multi-view stereo-network to guide the allocation of image features within 3D voxels during the back-projection process. The back-projected image features are aggregated within each 3D voxel via averaging, creating coherent voxel features. The resulting 3D feature volume, composed of unified voxel feature vectors, is fed into a 3D CNN with a semantic classification head to produce a 3D semantic volume. This volume can be combined with existing 3D mesh reconstruction networks to produce a 3D semantic mesh. Experimental results on real-world datasets demonstrate that the proposed method significantly increases 3D semantic estimation accuracy.
Construction of Hermitian Self-Orthogonal Codes and Application
Authors: Ren Yuezhen , Li Ruihu , Song Hao
Published: July 2024

We introduce some methods for constructing quaternary Hermitian self-orthogonal (HSO) codes, and construct quaternary [n, 5] HSO for 342≤n≤492. Furthermore, we present methods of constructing Hermitian linear complementary dual (HLCD) codes from known HSO codes, and obtain many HLCD codes with good parameters. As an application, 31 classes of entanglement-assisted quantum error correction codes (EAQECCs) with maximal entanglement can be obtained from these HLCD codes. These new EAQECCs have better parameters than those in the literature.
A New Strategy: Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Wind Power Bearings Based on Deep Learning under Data Missing Conditions
Authors: Li Xuejun , Lei Xu , Jiang Lingli , Yang Tongguang , Ge Zhenyu
Published: July 2024

With its formidable nonlinear mapping capabilities, deep learning has been widely applied in bearing remaining useful life (RUL) prediction. Given that equipment in actual work is subject to numerous disturbances, the collected data tends to exhibit random missing values. Furthermore, due to the dynamic nature of wind turbine environments, LSTM models relying on manually set parameters exhibit certain limitations. Considering these factors can lead to issues with the accuracy of predictive models when forecasting the remaining useful life (RUL) of wind turbine bearings. In light of this issue, a novel strategy for predicting the remaining life of wind turbine bearings under data scarcity conditions is proposed. Firstly, the average similarity (AS) is introduced to reconstruct the discriminator of the Generative Adversarial Imputation Nets (GAIN), and the adversarial process between the generative module and the discriminant is strengthened. Based on this, the dung beetle algorithm (DBO) is used to optimize multiple parameters of the long-term and short-term memory network (LSTM), and the complete data after filling is used as the input data of the optimized LSTM to realize the prediction of the remaining life of the wind power bearing. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the full-life data test of bearings. The results show that, under the condition of missing data, the new strategy of AS-GAIN-LSTM is used to predict the RUL of wind turbine bearings, which has a more stable prediction performance.
Early Balloon Kyphoplasty Treatment for Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture Reduces Adjacent Vertebral Fractures
Authors: Takano Hiromitsu , Nojiri Hidetoshi , Shimura Arihisa , Teramoto Juri , Sugawara Yuta , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives: This study retrospectively examined whether the incidence rates of adjacent vertebral fractures (AVFs) can be reduced through balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) for osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in the early stages, when there is little vertebral height variation. Materials and Methods: A total of 95 patients (22 males, 73 females, mean age: 80.7 years) who had undergone BKP were divided into two groups: the Early group (underwent BKP within 2 weeks after injury, n = 62), and the Non-early group (underwent BKP > 2 weeks after injury, n = 33). The following data were analyzed: patient characteristics; fracture level; the presence of old vertebral fractures, posterior wall injury, and intravertebral cleft; duration of surgery; duration of hospitalization; cement volume; the occurrence of AVF; the timing of AVF occurrence; Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores at the preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up assessments; posterior vertebral kyphosis angle of the affected vertebra on plain lateral X-ray; vertebral wedge ratio; local kyphotic angle; and changes in posterior vertebral kyphosis angle, vertebral wedge ratio, and local kyphotic angle between preoperative and postoperative assessments. The patients were divided based on the occurrence or non-occurrence of AVF after BKP: the Non-AVF group, in which AVF did not occur, and the AVF group, in which AVF occurred. Results: The incidence of AVF was 15.8% (15/95 patients), with a notably lower incidence rate in the Early group at 6.5% (4/62 patients) compared to the Non-early group at 33.3% (11/33 patients). NRS scores significantly improved in both groups at the postoperative assessment and final follow-up. The changes in posterior vertebral kyphosis angle and vertebral wedge ratio were significantly lower in the Early group. In the Non-AVF group, the time from injury to surgery was significantly shorter. Conclusions: The Early group had a significantly lower incidence of AVF. The time from injury to surgery was a risk factor for AVF occurrence, suggesting that early BKP is recommended.
Sporadic Parathyroid Adenoma: A Pilot Study of Novel Biomarkers in Females
Authors: Cheva Angeliki , Chorti Angeliki , Boulogeorgou Kassiani , Chatzikyriakidou Anthoula , Achilla Charoula , Bontinis Vangelis , Bontinis Alkis , Milias Stefanos , Zarampoukas Thomas , Bakkar Sohail Y. , Papavramidis Theodosios
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives: Parathyroid adenoma is a distinct cause of primary hyperparathyroidism, with the vast majority being sporadic ones. Proteomic analysis of parathyroid adenomas has proposed a large number of related proteins. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunohistochemical staining of ANXA2, MED12, MAPK1 and VDR in parathyroid adenoma tissue. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one parathyroid adenomas were analyzed for ANXA2, MED12, MAPK1 and VDR expressions. Tissue was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded parathyroid adenoma specimens; an immunohistochemical study was applied, and the percentage of allocation and intensity were evaluated. Results: ANXA2 stained positively in 60.8% of all cell types, while MED12 had positive staining in 66%. MAPK1 expression was found to be negative in total, although a specific pattern for oxyphil cells was observed, as they stained positive in 17.7%. Finally, VDR staining was positive at 22.8%, based on nuclear staining. Conclusions: These immunohistochemical results could be utilized as biomarkers for the diagnosis of sporadic parathyroid adenoma. It is of great importance that a distinct immunophenotype of nodule-forming cells in a positive adenoma could suggest a specific pattern of adenoma development, as in hereditary patterns.
Retrospective Analysis of Potential Lyme Disease Clinical Cases in Argentina
Authors: Stanchi Nestor Oscar , Oliva Dolores , Lucca Ana Vanina , Nuñez Sandra , López Giuliana , Del Curto Beatriz , Pucheta María Belén , Rigonatto Teresita , Sánchez Graciela , Bonin Serena , Trevisan Giusto
Published: July 2024

Lyme disease, a multisystemic infectious disorder caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Borrelia transmitted by the bite of ticks, typically from the family Ixodidae, pose a significant public health issue worldwide. The Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) group encompasses the Borrelia Lyme Group (LG), Borrelia Echidna-Reptile Group (REPG), and Borrelia Relapsing Fever Group (RFG), with some species remaining unclassified due to culturing challenges. Research into B. burgdorferi s.l. infection (Lyme Group) has intensified, focusing on its epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Originally identified in North America and Europe, Lyme disease has now become a global concern, with Latin American countries reporting the microorganism, the disease, and/or its vectors. In Argentina, the presence of B. burgdorferi and Lyme disease has sparked significant scientific and medical debate. Ecological changes due to climate and habitat shifts have expanded the geographical distribution of these ticks. Argentina, with its diverse geography and climate, hosts various tick species that could potentially act as Lyme disease vectors, raising important public health questions. The confirmed presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. and Lyme disease in Argentina remains contentious but relevant, necessitating thorough scientific and medical examination. This work aims to enhance understanding and discussion of Lyme disease in Argentina by presenting clinical cases and their laboratory analyses, highlighting the disease’s presence and implications in the country. Through documenting suspected clinical cases and analyzing available data on B. burgdorferi and Lyme disease in Argentina, this study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the disease’s current status and inform future research, prevention, and control strategies in the region. The goal is to provide a basis for addressing Lyme disease’s public health impact in Argentina and promote further investigation into this evolving issue.
Electrospinning and Partial Etching Behaviors of Core–Shell Nanofibers Directly Electrospun on Mesh Substrates for Application in a Cover-Free Compact Air Filter
Authors: Lee Yujung , Jung Seungwoo , Yun Ji Sun
Published: July 2024

The exposure of workers to propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) in manufacturing environments can result in potential health risks. Therefore, systems for PGMEA removal are required for indoor air quality control. In this study, core–shell zeolite socony mobil-5 (ZSM-5)/polyvinylpyrrolidone–polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers were directly electrospun and partially wet-etched on a mesh substrate to develop a cover-free compact PGMEA air filter. The electrospinning behaviors of the core–shell nanofibers were investigated to optimize the electrospinning time and humidity and to enable the manufacture of thin and light air-filter layers. The partial wet etching of the nanofibers was undertaken using different etching solvents and times to ensure the exposure of the active sites of ZSM-5. The performances of the ZSM-5/PVDF nanofiber air filters were assessed by measuring five consecutive PGMEA adsorption–desorption cycles at different desorption temperatures. The synthesized material remained stable upon repeated adsorption–desorption cycles and could be regenerated at a low desorption temperature (80 °C), demonstrating a consistent adsorption performance upon prolonged adsorption–desorption cycling and low energy consumption during regeneration. The results of this study provide new insights into the design of industrial air filters using functional ceramic/polymer nanofibers and the application of these filters.
Antitumor Effects of Resveratrol Opposing Mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Trautmann Daniela , Suazo Francesca , Torres Keila , Simón Layla
Published: July 2024

Gastric cancer is an aggressive and multifactorial disease. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is identified as a significant etiological factor in gastric cancer. Although only a fraction of patients infected with H. pylori progresses to gastric cancer, bacterial infection is critical in the pathology and development of this malignancy. The pathogenic mechanisms of this bacterium involve the disruption of the gastric epithelial barrier and the induction of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis and metastasis. Adherence molecules, virulence (CagA and VacA) and colonization (urease) factors are important in its pathogenicity. On the other hand, resveratrol is a natural polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Resveratrol also inhibits cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis, suggesting a role as a potential therapeutic agent against cancer. This review explores resveratrol as an alternative cancer treatment, particularly against H. pylori-induced gastric cancer, due to its ability to mitigate the pathogenic effects induced by bacterial infection. Resveratrol has shown efficacy in reducing the proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the synergistic effects of resveratrol with chemotherapy and radiotherapy underline its therapeutic potential. However, further research is needed to fully describe its efficacy and safety in treating gastric cancer.
Nutritional Issues among Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy—Incidence of Deficiency and Excess Body Mass
Authors: Wernio Edyta , Wasilewska Eliza , Czaja-Stolc Sylwia , Śledzińska Karolina , Wierzba Jolanta , Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka , Małgorzewicz Sylwia
Published: July 2024

The progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)requires the assessment of nutritional disturbances at each stage of the disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status in various ages of boys with DMD using screening and in-depth evaluation methods. Body composition by Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), basal metabolic rate (BMR) by indirect calorimetry, a questionnaire of nutritional status—Pediatric Nutrition Screening Tool (PNST)—and laboratory parameters were performed. In the cohort of 93 boys aged 8.54 (5.9–12.6 years), inappropriate nutritional status occurred in 41.8% of boys (underweight 11.8%, overweight 16.0%, and obesity 14.0%). In the 10–13 age group, the occurrence of overweight and underweight was the highest. Based on PNST, 15.1% of patients were at nutritional risk (≥2 points)—the most in the 14–17 age group (29%). A negative correlation was identified between PNST and z-scores of body weight, BMI, and FFMI (r Spearman = −0.49, −0.46, and −0.48, respectively; p < 0.05). There were no differences between BMR results from indirect calorimetry and calculations from the Schofield formula for any age group. In obese boys, the caloric requirement in indirect calorimetry was significantly lower than that indicated by the calculations according to the Schofield formula (p < 0.028). Inappropriate nutritional status occurred in almost half of the children with DMD. The age group in which nutritional disorders were most frequently identified was 10–13 years old. PNST could be considered a tool for screening malnutrition after testing a larger group of DMD patients.
Blood Lead Mediates the Relationship between Biological Aging and Hypertension: Based on the NHANES Database
Authors: Wang Cuixiao , Su Jinming , Li Jinmiao , Wei Wenfei , Yuan Zongxiang , Chen Rongfeng , Wei Wudi , Huang Youjin , Ye Li , Liang Hao , Jiang Junjun
Published: July 2024

Hypertension remains a major global public health crisis due to various contributing factors, such as age and environmental exposures. This study delves into exploring the intricate association between biological aging, blood lead levels, and hypertension, along with examining the mediating role of blood lead levels in the relationship between biological aging and hypertension. We analyzed data from two cycles of the NHANES, encompassing 4473 individuals aged 18 years and older. Our findings indicate that biological aging potentially escalates the risk of hypertension and the incidences of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) abnormalities. Utilizing weighted quantile sum (WQS) and quantile g-computation (QGC) model analyses, we observed that exposure to heavy metal mixtures, particularly lead, may elevate the likelihood of hypertension, SBP, and DBP abnormalities. Further mediation analysis revealed that lead significantly mediated the relationship between biological aging and hypertension and between biological aging and SBP abnormalities, accounting for 64% (95% CI, 49% to 89%) and 64% (95% CI, 44% to 88%) of the effects, respectively. These outcomes emphasize the criticality of implementing environmental health measures.
Clinically Relevant Topics and New Tendencies in Childhood Nutrition during the First 2 Years of Life: A Survey among Primary Care Spanish Paediatricians
Authors: Martín-Adrados Ana , Fernández-Leal Amalio , Martínez-Pérez Jorge , Delgado-Ojeda Jesús , Santamaría-Orleans Alicia
Published: July 2024

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 experienced Spanish paediatricians, who completed an online survey based on clinically relevant topics in nutrition during the first two years of life and their recommendations to parents in daily clinical practice. Most participants advise about the choking risk associated with baby-led weaning (BLW) and more than 60% consider that infants can receive an insufficient variety and quantity of nutrients with this practice. The general opinion is that there is a lack of evidence for delaying the introduction of gluten and other allergenic foods in the complementary feeding of healthy infants. Most participants agree/strongly agree that two servings of dairy products are the adequate daily amount in a diversified diet and 93.4% disagree/strongly disagree with the use of vegetal beverages under 1 year of life. There is a general agreement to avoid added salt and sugar before 12 months of life, the consideration that organic foods do not have a better nutritional profile than non-organic ones, and the limitations of vegetarian diets especially for adequate provision of micronutrients. Overall, there is an adequate knowledge of the new trends by paediatricians and younger ones seemed more in favor of them and interested in receiving more information on most topics.
The Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, the Omega-3 Index in Pregnant Women, and Their Correlations with Gestational Length and Newborn Birth Weight
Authors: Nikolajeva Ksenija , Aizbalte Olga , Rezgale Roberta , Cauce Vinita , Zacs Dzintars , Meija Laila
Published: July 2024

Background: During pregnancy, the demand for omega-3 fatty acids, notably docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), escalates for both maternal and foetal health. Insufficient levels can lead to complications and can affect foetal development. This study investigated omega-3 status and its relation to dietary intake in pregnant Latvian women, along with its impact on gestational duration and newborn birth weight. Methods: The study comprised 250 pregnant and postpartum women with a mean age of 31.6 ± 4.8 years. Nutrition and omega-3 supplementation data were collected through a questionnaire covering 199 food items and 12 supplements. Fatty acids in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids were analysed via gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Results: The median omega-3 fatty acid intake, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA from diet and supplements, was 0.370 g/day, which is deemed sufficient. However, the median weekly fish intake (126.0 g) and daily nut/seed intake (7.4 g) were insufficient. The median omega-3 supplement intake was 1.0 g/day. No correlation between omega-3 supplement intake and the omega-3 index was observed. There was a weak correlation between the DHA intake from fish and the omega-3 index (r = 0.126, p = 0.047), while a significant correlation between the total EPA and DHA intake from various sources and the omega-3 index was noted (r = 0.163, p = 0.01). Most women (61.6%) had an omega-3 index < 4%, while 34.8% had an index between 4 and 8%, and only 3.6% had an index > 8%. Notably, significant differences in EPA levels and the omega-3 index were found among respondents with differing infant birth weights (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The omega-3 intake during pregnancy adheres to the established guidelines, although fish consumption remains insufficient. A preconception evaluation of the omega-3 index is advocated to optimize prenatal intake. The indications suggest potential correlations between EPA levels, the omega-3 index, and infant birth weight.
Advanced Protocol for Molecular Characterization of Viral Genome in Fission Yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe)
Authors: Zhang Jiantao , Benko Zsigmond , Zhang Chenyu , Zhao Richard Y.
Published: July 2024

Fission yeast, a single-cell eukaryotic organism, shares many fundamental cellular processes with higher eukaryotes, including gene transcription and regulation, cell cycle regulation, vesicular transport and membrane trafficking, and cell death resulting from the cellular stress response. As a result, fission yeast has proven to be a versatile model organism for studying human physiology and diseases such as cell cycle dysregulation and cancer, as well as autophagy and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. Given that viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that rely on host cellular machinery to replicate and produce, fission yeast could serve as a surrogate to identify viral proteins that affect host cellular processes. This approach could facilitate the study of virus–host interactions and help identify potential viral targets for antiviral therapy. Using fission yeast for functional characterization of viral genomes offers several advantages, including a well-characterized and haploid genome, robustness, cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and rapid doubling time. Therefore, fission yeast emerges as a valuable surrogate system for rapid and comprehensive functional characterization of viral proteins, aiding in the identification of therapeutic antiviral targets or viral proteins that impact highly conserved host cellular functions with significant virologic implications. Importantly, this approach has a proven track record of success in studying various human and plant viruses. In this protocol, we present a streamlined and scalable molecular cloning strategy tailored for genome-wide and comprehensive functional characterization of viral proteins in fission yeast.
Modification of Thermal Network Parameters for Aerial Cameras via Integrated Monte-Carlo and Least-Squares Methods
Authors: Fan Yue , Feng Wei , Ren Zhenxing , Liu Bingqi , Wang Dazhi
Published: July 2024

The precise thermal control of aerial cameras is crucial for the acquisition of high-resolution imagery, and an accurate temperature prediction is essential to achieve this. This paper presents a methodology for modifying thermal network models to improve the accuracy of temperature prediction for aerial cameras. Seven types of thermal parameters are extracted from the thermal network model, and a thermally sensitive analysis identifies eleven key parameters to streamline the processing time. Departing from traditional methods that rely on steady-state data, this study conducts transient thermal tests and leverages polynomial fitting to facilitate thorough parameter modification. To ensure data reliability, the Monte-Carlo algorithm is employed to explore the parameter spaces of key parameters, analyzing temperature errors. Subsequently, the Least-Squares method is utilized to obtain optimal estimates of the key parameter values. As a result, the updated model demonstrates significantly improved accuracy in temperature predictions, achieving a reduction in the maximum absolute error between the predicted and experimental results from 22 °C to 4 °C, and a lowering of the relative error from 33.8% to 6.1%. The proposed modification method validates its effectiveness in modeling and enhancing the precision of thermal network models for aerial cameras.
Enhancing the Storage Longevity of Apples: The Potential of Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces endus as Preventative Bioagents against Post-Harvest Gray Mold Disease, Caused by Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Abdelhalim Aya , Mazrou Yasser S. A. , Shahin Nabila , El-Kot Gabr A. , Elzaawely Abdelnaser A. , Maswada Hanafey F. , Makhlouf Abeer H. , Nehela Yasser
Published: July 2024

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr., is one of the most vital plant diseases, causing extensive pre- and post-harvest losses in apple fruits. In the current study, we isolated and identified two potential endophytic bioagents, Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces endus. Both bioagents exhibited a potent fungistatic effect against B. cinerea under both in vitro and in planta conditions. Moreover, two experiments were carried out; (i) the first experiment was conducted at room temperature after artificial inoculation with B. cinerea to monitor the progression of the infection and the corresponding biochemical responses of the apples. Our in vivo findings showed that the treated B. cinerea-infected apple fruits with the cell-free bacterial filtrate of B. subtilis and S. endus (dipping or wrapping) significantly reduced the rotten area of the treated apple at room temperature. Additionally, B. subtilis and S. endus enhanced the enzymatic (POX and PPO) and non-enzymatic (phenolics and flavonoids) antioxidant defense machinery in treated apples. (ii) The second experiment focused on the preventive effects of both bioagents over a 90-day storage period at 1 °C of healthy apples (no artificial inoculation). The application of both bacterial filtrates prolonged the storage period, reduced the relative weight loss, and maintained high-quality parameters including titratable acidity, firmness, and total soluble solids of apple fruits under cold storage at 1 °C. The Kaplan–Meier analysis of rotten apples over 90 days during cold storage showed that the treated apples lasted longer than the non-treated apples. Moreover, the lifespan of apple fruits dipped in the culture filtrate of B. subtilis, or a fungicide, was increased, with no significant differences, compared with the non-treated apples. The current results showed the possibility of using both bioagents as a safe and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides to control gray mold disease in apples.
Olive Tree Belowground Microbiota: Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria and Fungi
Authors: Dias Maria Celeste , Silva Sónia , Galhano Cristina , Lorenzo Paula
Published: July 2024

The olive tree is one of the most significant crops in the Mediterranean region. Its remarkable adaptability to various environments has facilitated olive cultivation across diverse regions and agricultural scenarios. The rising global demand for olive products, coupled with climate challenges, is driving changes in cultivation methods. These changes are altering the traditional landscape and may potentially reshape the structure and composition of orchard microbial communities, which can impact productivity and stress tolerance. Bacterial and fungal communities naturally associated with plants have long been recognized as crucial for plant growth and health, serving as a vital component of sustainable agriculture. In this review, we aim to highlight the significance of olive cultivation and the impact of abiotic stresses. We update the current knowledge on the profiles of rhizosphere and root fungal and bacterial communities in olive orchards and examine how (a)biotic factors influence these communities. Additionally, we explore the potential of plant growth-promoting bacteria and fungi in enhancing olive physiological performance and stress tolerance. We identify knowledge gaps and emphasize the need for implementing new strategies. A comprehensive understanding of olive-associated microbiota will aid in developing sustainable agronomic practices to address climatic challenges and meet the growing demand for olive products.
Comparative Study Effect of Different Urea Fertilizers and Tomato Pomace Composts on the Performance and Quality Traits of Processing Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
Authors: Kakabouki Ioanna , Roussis Ioannis , Krokida Magdalini , Mavroeidis Antonios , Stavropoulos Panteleimon , Karydogianni Stella , Beslemes Dimitrios , Tigka Evangelia
Published: July 2024

Processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is regarded amongst the most dominant horticultural crops globally. Yet, due to its elevated water and fertilization needs, its environmental footprint is significantly high. The recent efforts to reduce the footprint of agriculture have rekindled the search for optimized fertilization regimes in tomato. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of different urea fertilizers and tomato pomace-based composts on the performance and quality traits of processing tomato. A two-year field experiment was conducted in the Larissa region, Central Greece, during 2018–2019. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with five treatments: control, urea (Urea), urea with nitrification and urease inhibitors (Urea + NI + UI), processing tomato pomace with farmyard manure (TP + FM), and processing tomato pomace with compost from plant residues (TP + CM). Measurements included soil total nitrogen (STN), soil organic matter (SOM), root length density (RLD), arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) colonization, dry weight per plant, fruit yield (number per plant, total yield, weight, diameter), fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), lycopene content and yield, and fruit surface color (L*, a*, b*, CI). Overall, the best results in soil properties and quality traits were reported in the organic fertilization treatments (STN, SOM, AMF, TSS, TA, lycopene content, L*, a*, b*) and the differences among TP + FM and TP + CM were insignificant in their majority. On the contrary, fruit yield and its components were significantly improved in Urea + NI + UI.
Variation in Soluble Sugars in Arabica Coffee Cherry Fruits
Authors: Baptistella João Leonardo Corte , Assoni Giovane , da Silva Marcio Souza , Mazzafera Paulo
Published: July 2024

The maturation of Arabica coffee fruits is influenced by both endogenous and external factors. The stage of fruit maturation affects the chemical composition of the beans, which in turn impacts the quality of the coffee beverage. During maturation, the fruit peel changes colour from green to red (cherry), signalling the optimal harvest time and suggesting high fruit quality. However, the degree of redness can vary, indicating different levels of maturity. This study aimed to explore the variation in soluble sugar accumulation in relation to the redness of coffee fruit tissues. We classified ripe fruits into six ripeness categories based on the intensity of the red colour of the epicarp, measured using a colourimeter. We analysed total soluble sugar, sucrose, and starch in three parts: coat (exocarp + mesocarp), coat juice (obtained by squeezing the coat), and beans. Our findings reveal that the variation in sugar in the endosperm does not correspond to changes in the coat, suggesting separate regulation of sugar accumulation, particularly sucrose, which is crucial for coffee quality. Our data indicate that there is no transfer of sucrose and reducing sugars from the red coat to the bean.
Lindernia dubia (L.) Pennel as an Alien Weed in Central Spain: A Case Study
Authors: Curt María Dolores , Sánchez Gema , Aguado Pedro Luis , Santín-Montanyá Inés
Published: July 2024

Lindernia dubia (L.) Pennell is a species with invasive behavior outside of its native range of distribution (America), linked mainly to aquatic habitats. This annual species has been acknowledged as a weed in rice paddies in Europe and Asia. Due to the impacts of this invasive plant, some authors have even listed this species as a global invader. The present work focused on spontaneous plant species occurring in seedlings of Typha domingensis Pers. grown in central Spain for the establishment of constructed wetlands. Weed inventory revealed the presence of L. dubia as a dominant spontaneous species in this crop environment. A suite of mesocosm experiments were designed to study the population density of L. dubia versus that of the other dominant plant species, and to determine traits associated with its weedy potential. The results showed that L. dubia presents competitive attributes such as morphological variability, early flowering, long seeding time, short growth cycle, small and light seeds and a high seed production and germination rate (25 °C), meaning a high reproductive capacity in a cycle of about three months for plant growth in non-limiting conditions. The data obtained from this work provide a basis for understanding the weedy potential of L. dubia, and for management decisions of a potentially invasive species, which has been little investigated in Europe
Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Revealed Abscisic Acid-Induced Regulation of Monoterpene Biosynthesis in Grape Berries
Authors: Li Xiangyi , Yan Yixuan , Wang Lei , Li Guanhan , Wu Yusen , Zhang Ying , Xu Lurong , Wang Shiping
Published: July 2024

Monoterpenes are a class of volatile organic compounds that play crucial roles in imparting floral and fruity aromas to Muscat-type grapes. However, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underpinning monoterpene biosynthesis in grapes, particularly following abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, remains elusive. This study aimed to explore the impact of exogenous ABA on monoterpene biosynthesis in Ruiduhongyu grape berries by employing Headspace Solid-Phase Micro-Extraction Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC–MS) analysis and transcriptome sequencing. The results suggested significant differences in total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and total acid content. ABA treatment resulted in a remarkable increase in endogenous ABA levels, with concentrations declining from veraison to ripening stages. ABA treatment notably enhanced monoterpene concentrations, particularly at the E_L37 and E_L38 stages, elevating the overall floral aroma of grape berries. According to the variable gene expression patterns across four developmental stages in response to ABA treatment, the E_L37 stage had the largest number of differential expressed genes (DEGs), which was correlated with a considerable change in free monoterpenes. Furthermore, functional annotation indicated that the DEGs were significantly enriched in primary and secondary metabolic pathways, underlining the relationship between ABA, sugar accumulation, and monoterpene biosynthesis. ABA treatment upregulated key genes involved in the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway, enhancing carbon allocation and subsequently impacting terpene synthesis. This study also identified transcription factors, including MYB and AP2/ERF families, potentially modulating monoterpene and aroma-related genes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) linked ABA-induced gene expression to monoterpene accumulation, highlighting specific modules enriched with genes associated with monoterpene biosynthesis; one of these modules (darkgreen) contained genes highly correlated with most monoterpenes, emphasizing the role of ABA in enhancing grape quality during berry maturation. Together, these findings provide valuable insights into the multifaceted effects of exogenous ABA on monoterpene compounds and grape berry flavor development, offering potential applications in viticulture and enology.