bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Chip Formation Study of the Micro-Cutting of Commercially Pure Titanium
Authors: Assis João Octávio Marçal , Lauro Carlos Henrique , Pereira Robson Bruno Dutra , Brandão Lincoln Cardoso , Arruda Étory Madrilles , Davim João Paulo
Published: July 2024

In recent years, micro-cutting has been employed to obtain components that are more detailed and/or have great surface quality, regardless of dimensions, like dental implants. In the manufacturing of medical/dental components, titanium and its alloys are biomaterials of great notability. Like in conventional machining, sustainability is a delicate issue because it does not only depend on environmental aspects. One simple solution would be to perform dry machining. However, in the machining of difficult-to-cut materials, like titanium and its alloys, the use of cutting fluids is generally recommended to avoid the high temperature causing damage to the tool and/or machined surface. Concerned with the quality surface that is required for dental components, this work investigates the use of cutting fluid in the micro-cutting of commercially pure titanium. Orthogonal micro-cutting experiments were carried out under dry and wet conditions, using cutting fluid at room and cooled temperatures. To evaluate the lubri-cooling performance, cutting efforts, the friction coefficient, specific cutting energy, and chip formation analysis were compared. The outcomes indicated that, under the test conditions, the use of dry cutting and high feed levels had a positive effect on micro-cutting performance.
Dietary Intake of Polyphenols and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zupo Roberta , Castellana Fabio , Lisco Giuseppe , Corbo Filomena , Crupi Pasquale , Sardone Rodolfo , Panza Francesco , Lozupone Madia , Rondanelli Mariangela , Clodoveo Maria Lisa
Published: July 2024

Polyphenols are secondary metabolites found in plants, foods, and drinks, occurring in small quantities and showcasing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. The primary polyphenols consist of flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans. However, there is currently no comprehensive quantitative analysis of epidemiological data on overall death rates. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to identify the exposure–response relationship between dietary polyphenol intake and all-cause mortality. The literature was reviewed from its earliest study to May 2024, utilizing six distinct electronic databases. No specific criteria were used to choose participants based on the recruiting environment, their general health condition, country, or ethnicity. The inclusion criteria for studies were as follows: a longitudinal design, exposure to dietary polyphenols, all-cause mortality as the outcome, and hazard risk (HR) as the impact measure. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the methodological rigor of the study. The hazard risks (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by pooling data using common effects models. A protocol has been registered on PROSPERO with the identification number CRD42024545524. The meta-analysis comprised seven cohort studies that involved 178,657 adult people aged 18 years and older. These studies examined the relationship between total dietary polyphenol consumption and the risk of all-cause death. The recruitment settings exclusively used community-based approaches, with a preference for Europe (71%) in terms of geographic distribution. The study’s quality was assessed to be moderate to high. The meta-analysis showed consistent evidence that increased dietary exposure to polyphenols reduces the risk of all-cause mortality by 7% (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91–0.95, I2: 48%). Pooled data from the available evidence consistently show that individuals exposed to an antioxidant diet rich in polyphenol sources may be at lower risk of all-cause mortality.
IL-26 Increases Sensing of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA by Human Toll-like Receptor 9
Authors: Taylor Andre , Griffin Chin , Arrington Kedzie , Barragan Jose , Cervantes Jorge
Published: July 2024

Background: IL-26 has demonstrated antimicrobial properties, as well as in the degradation of DNA from the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). Additionally, IL-26 can promote macrophage activation and enhance Bb phagocytotic activity. It is unclear if cell-mediated immune responses are modulated through TLR9 signaling when exposed to IL-26 Bb DNA complexes in post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Objective: We here aim to explore the effect of IL-26 in human Toll-like receptor (TLR)-9’s activation upon the recognition of Bb DNA. Methods: We utilized a single-receptor cell system, HEK-Dual™ hTLR9 cells, which harbors two reporter plasmids for the NF-κB and IL-8 signaling pathways. Bb DNA was exposed to increasing concentrations of IL-26 in monomeric or dimeric form and then used to stimulate the cells for 4 h. The TLR-9 ligand CpG was used as a control. Results: We observed that NF-κB and IL-8 activation was maximal when the cells were stimulated with Bb DNA that had been treated with 5 µM of IL-26 monomer and 1 µM of IL-26 dimer. The same was observed for IL-8 activation upon CpG stimulation. We observed, however, a decrease in NF-κB activation when treated with either form of IL-26. An NF-κB activation increase did not occur with IL-26-treated TLR9 ligand CpG. Conclusions: Our study shows an enhancement in NF-κB and IL-8 activation upon the recognition of IL-26-treated Bb DNA by TLR9, which suggests an increase in sensing by the TLR9 of Bb DNA when it is in the form of an IL-26-Bb DNA complex. These findings will prompt further studies on the interaction between IL-26 and Bb DNA.
Germination and Culturability after UV Irradiation of Metarhizium anisopliae Native from Soils of Tropical Cattle Farms
Authors: Alonso-Díaz Miguel Ángel , Lozano-Velázquez María de Lourdes , García-Galicia Iván Adrián , Fernández-Salas Agustín
Published: July 2024

The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EF) is a promising alternative for the control of Rhipicephalus microplus, an important tick affecting cattle globally. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ultraviolet irradiation (UV) exposure on the percentage of conidia germination and number of colony-forming units of eight strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (MaV55, MaV35, MaV31, MaV25, MaV13, Ma08, MaV05, and MaV02). The UV (UV-A and UV-A+B) irradiation was carried out with an ultraviolet radiation emission lamp. The conidia of each strain were exposed to the UV irradiation treatments for 3 h. MaV25, MaV08, MaV05, MaV13, and MaV31 showed higher tolerance to UV-A radiation exposure, as assessed by conidia germination. UV-A+B radiation decreased the germination percentage of all the M. anisopliae strains. The eight evaluated strains showed good tolerance to UV-A radiation, as assessed by the development of colony-forming units (CFU). UV-A+B radiation did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) the count of the CFU of six of the M. anisopliae strains evaluated (MaV35, MaV13, MaV08, MaV05, MaV31, and MaV02). The novel findings of the UV-tolerant M. anisopliae strains may potentially improve the effectiveness of EF under environmental conditions. Integral research under real tropical conditions is advised to evaluate the effectiveness of the EF strains.
Reevaluating Hendy Test with Modern Cave Calcite from the Monsoon Region of China
Authors: Tian Lijun , Tao Tao , Duan Wuhui , Ruan Jiaoyang , Hu Chaoyong , Li Yunxia , Li Xianglei , Cheng Hai , Tan Ming
Published: July 2024

The Hendy Test is widely used for assessing whether isotopic equilibrium was reached in speleothems by examining the δ18O and δ13C correlation along a single growth layer. However, stalagmite micro-layers are typically only a few micrometers thick and taper off from the center towards the sides, making it challenging to sample within the same growth layer in practice. To address this, we selected three caves in the monsoon region of China (Shihua Cave in the north, Heshang Cave in the central, and Baojinggong Cave in the south) to verify whether the modern cave calcite has reached equilibrium fractionation with drip water. We examined the spatial variations in the δ18O and δ13C values of farmed calcite on glass plates, which are analogous to a single growth layer. The δ18O and δ13C correlations of farmed calcite from different cave sites are consistently strong, suggesting that kinetic fractionation effects are prevalent, especially at the drip sites with lower drip rates due to longer CO2 degassing. The δ18O–δ13C covariations can also occur along speleothem growth axes on short time scales, while isotopic variations over longer time scales are still in response to climate change. We propose that the Hendy Test criteria might not be prerequisites to isotopic equilibrium, and a Replication Test provides a more reliable indication of the integrity of isotopic proxies in paleoclimate research.
Trace Element Compositions of Galena and Cerussite from the Bou Dahar MVT District, Morocco: Insights from LA-ICP-MS Analyses
Authors: Zhao Kai , Wu Fafu , Cheng Xiang , Cheng Shunbo , Wu Jinchao , He Yaoyan , Wang Chenggang , Lkebir Noura , Cui Sen , Hu Peng , Wang Jianxiong , Xiang Peng , Liu Jiangtao
Published: July 2024

The Bou Dahar Pb-Zn district, located in the Moroccan High Atlas, is a typical carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn ore district (>30 Mt at 4 wt.% Pb, 4 wt.% Zn). In situ trace element analysis was performed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) on galena and cerussite from different ore types. The galena is generally enriched in Ag and Sb, secondarily enriched in Cu, with a trace amount of Cd and As, but extremely depleted in Bi and Tl. The main substitution mechanism in galena is (Ag, Cu)+ + Sb3+ ↔ 2Pb2+, and at high Sb concentrations, the further substitution of 2Sb3+ + □ ↔ 3Pb2+ (where □ represents a vacancy) took place. Micro-inclusions of Cu-Sb-bearing minerals (such as tetrahedrite) and Ag-bearing minerals (such as acanthite) may exist in some situations. The features of trace elements in galena show the existence of different coupled substitutions in vein-related ore, breccia-related ore, and strata-bound ore. This suggests that the Bou Dahar district experienced multistage mineralization. The MVT model alone cannot fully explain the ore-forming process. The cerussite replacing strata-bound galena is enriched in Sr, Ba, Ag, and Cu, with minor Sb, As, and Tl. Strontium and Ba are directly substituted with Pb in the cerussite lattice. Copper and Ag are likely present in cerussite as nano-inclusions, which differs from the coupled substitution mechanism of the original galena. High concentrations of Ag may occur due to minor electrum inclusions. The enrichment of Ag, Cu, and Au in cerussite during the oxidation process may guide the optimization of ore processing, especially in extracting valuable trace/minor elements.
Prevalence and Predictors of Food Insecurity among Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: Observational Findings from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Wagner Julie Ann , Bermúdez-Millán Angela , Feinn Richard S.
Published: July 2024

The majority of data on food insecurity in diabetes comes from samples of type 2 diabetes or youth with type 1 diabetes. This study screened for food insecurity among adults with type 1 diabetes in the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, which was the first year that respondents who endorsed diabetes were asked to indicate whether they had type 1 or type 2. One validated screening item asked, “During the past 12 months, how often did the food that you bought not last and you didn’t have money to buy more?”. Respondents who answered “always”, “usually”, “sometimes”, or “rarely” were categorized as having a positive screen for food insecurity. Seventy-six percent of the sample was white/non-Hispanic. Over one-quarter screened positive for food insecurity. This prevalence is higher than some reports of food insecurity in type 1 diabetes but consistent with reports that include ‘marginal’ food security in the count of food-insecure individuals. White/non-Hispanics had a lower risk of a positive screen than minoritized respondents. Respondents reporting older age, lower educational attainment, not working, lower income, and receiving SNAP benefits had higher rates of a positive screen. Significant healthcare factors associated with a positive screen were receiving government insurance instead of private, not being able to afford to see a doctor, and worse general, physical, and mental health. In conclusion, rates of a positive screen for food insecurity among people with type 1 diabetes in this study were alarmingly high and associated with other socioeconomic indicators. Screening for food insecurity with appropriate instruments for samples with type 1 diabetes, across the U.S. and internationally, should be a priority.
Interventional Effect of Donkey Bone Collagen Peptide Iron Chelate on Cyclophosphamide Induced Immunosuppressive Mice
Authors: Cheng Xiang-Rong , Zhao Zi-Wei , Chen Yu-Yao , Song Jie , Ma Jia-Hui , Zhang Chen-Xi , Amadou Issoufou , Lu Nai-Yan , Tang Xue , Guan Bin
Published: July 2024

Immunodeficiency can disrupt normal physiological activity and function. In this study, donkey bone collagen peptide (DP) and its iron chelate (DPI) were evaluated their potential as immunomodulators in cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®, CTX)-induced Balb/c mice. The femoral tissue, lymphocytes, and serum from groups of mice were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell proliferation assays, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Furthermore, a non-targeted metabolomics analysis based on UPLC–MS/MS and a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technology were used to explore the specific metabolic pathways of DPI regulating immunocompromise. The results showed that CTX was able to significantly reduce the proliferative activity of mouse splenic lymphocytes and led to abnormal cytokine expression. After DP and DPI interventions, bone marrow tissue damage was significantly improved. In particular, DPI showed the ability to regulate the levels of immune factors more effectively than Fe2+ and DP. Furthermore, metabolomic analysis in both positive and negative ion modes showed that DPI and DP jointly regulated the levels of 20 plasma differential metabolites, while DPI and Fe2+ jointly regulated 14, and all 3 jointly regulated 10. Fe2+ and DP regulated energy metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism pathways, respectively. In contrast, DPI mainly modulated the purine salvage pathway and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, which are the key to immune function. Therefore, DPI shows more effective immune regulation than Fe2+ and DP alone, and has good application potential in improving immunosuppression.
Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Accumulated by Freshwater Bivalves: An Underestimated Risk for Public Health?
Authors: Martins Joana C. L. , Gonçalves Ana , Fernandes Conceição , Cabecinha Edna , Monteiro Sandra , Guedes Hugo , Almeida Gonçalo , Garcia Juliana , da Silva Gabriela J. , Varandas Simone , Saavedra Maria J.
Published: July 2024

As bioindicators, freshwater bivalves are crucial for the assessment of the contamination impact on different levels of biological integration. Escherichia coli is used as a bioindicator of water fecal contamination, representing a critical global concern, especially with the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Phylogenetic diversity, pathotypic characterization, and antibiotic resistance profiles of E. coli isolated from freshwater bivalves (Anodonta anatina) were assessed. Samples were collected from the Tua River in Northern Portugal, from two different sites, Chelas and Barcel, representing different degrees of contamination. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the disk diffusion method, and characterizations of the phylogenetic groups and pathotypes were assessed by PCR-multiplex and real-time PCR-multiplex, respectively. Results showed that 60% of isolates were characterized as MDR, including resistance to carbapenems, considered the last resort against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Within this study, it was also possible to verify the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile differences between the two sampling sites, with bivalve isolates from the Chelas site showing a higher percentage of antibiotic resistance. Among the E. coli isolates, the highest prevalence (55%) was observed in group B1, followed by group D or E (15%), group A (10%), and group E or Clade I (10%). None of the isolates were classified as diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC). This work highlights the potential transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria through bivalves in the food chain. The ‘One Health’ approach is crucial for combating antimicrobial resistance, namely in edible freshwater species, emphasizing active surveillance to protect human, animal, and environmental health against the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in aquatic environments.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Effects of Senna rugosa Leaf and Root Extracts on Human Leukemia Cell Lines
Authors: dos Santos Cintia Miranda , Baldivia Debora da Silva , de Castro David Tsuyoshi Hiramatsu , Carvalho José Tarciso de Giffoni , Oliveira Alex Santos , da Rocha Paola dos Santos , Campos Jaqueline Ferreira , Balogun Sikiru Olaitan , de Oliveira Caio Fernando Ramalho , da Silva Denise Brentan , Carollo Carlos Alexandre , de Picoli Souza Kely , dos Santos Edson Lucas
Published: July 2024

Senna rugosa is a species found in the Cerrado and used in folk medicine as a vermifuge and in the treatment of poisonous snakebites accidents. In this work, we identified the main secondary metabolites present in ethanolic extracts of the leaves (ELSR) and roots (ERSR) of S. rugosa and evaluated the potential cytoprotective effect against cellular macromolecular damage, as well as the cytotoxic properties of the extracts on the K562 and Jurkat leukemic cell lines. The identification of metabolites was carried out by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activities were investigated by direct ABTS•+ and DPPH• radical scavenging methods, protection against oxidative damage in proteins, and DNA. Cytotoxic properties were investigated against healthy cells, isolated from human peripheral blood (PBMC) and leukemic cell lines. The leaf extracts contained catechin, rutin, epigallocatechin derivatives, kaempferol glycosides, luteolin, and dimeric and trimeric procyanidins, while the root extract profile showed obtusichromoneside derivatives, 2-methoxystypandrone, stilbene derivatives, naphthopyranones, and flavanone derivatives. The extracts showed antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 4.86 ± 0.51 μg/mL and 8.33 ± 0.90 μg/mL in the ABTS assay for ELSR and ERSR, respectively. Furthermore, in the DPPH• assay, the IC50 was 19.98 ± 1.96 μg/mL for ELSR and 13.37 ± 1.05 μg/mL for ERSR. The extracts protected macromolecules against oxidative damage at concentrations of 5 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity test against leukemic strains was observed after 24 and 48 h of treatment. After 48 h, results against the K562 cell line demonstrate an IC50 of 242.54 ± 2.38 μg/mL and 223.00 ± 2.34 μg/mL for ELSR and ERSR, respectively. While against the Jurkat cell line, these extracts showed an IC50 of 171.45 ± 2.25 μg/mL and 189.30 ± 2.27 μg/mL, respectively. The results pertaining to PBMC viability demonstrated that the extracts showed selectivity for the leukemic cell lines. Together, our results reveal that the leaves and roots of S. rugosa have completely distinct and complex chemical compositions and expand their significant pharmacological potential in oxidative stress and leukemia conditions.
Polyphenolic Nanomedicine Regulating Mitochondria REDOX for Innovative Cancer Treatment
Authors: Yang Mingchuan , He Yufeng , Ni Qingqing , Zhou Mengxue , Chen Hongping , Li Guangyun , Yu Jizhong , Wu Ximing , Zhang Xiangchun
Published: July 2024

Cancer remains a highly lethal disease globally. The approach centered on REDOX-targeted mitochondrial therapy for cancer has displayed notable benefits. Plant polyphenols exhibit strong REDOX and anticancer properties, particularly by affecting mitochondrial function, yet their structural instability and low bioavailability hinder their utility. To overcome this challenge, researchers have utilized the inherent physical and chemical characteristics of polyphenols and their derivatives to develop innovative nanomedicines for targeting mitochondria. This review examines the construction strategies and anticancer properties of various types of polyphenol-based biological nanomedicine for regulating mitochondria in recent years, such as polyphenol self-assembly, metal–phenol network, polyphenol–protein, polyphenol–hydrogel, polyphenol–chitosan, and polyphenol–liposome. These polyphenolic nanomedicines incorporate enhanced features such as improved solubility, efficient photothermal conversion capability, regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis, and ion adsorption through diverse construction strategies. The focus is on how these polyphenol nanomedicines promote ROS production and their mechanism of targeting mitochondria to inhibit cancer. Furthermore, it delves into the benefits and applications of polyphenolic nanomedicine in cancer treatments, as well as the challenges for future research.
Curcumin and Baicalin Co-Loaded Nanoliposomes for Synergistic Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Su Qijun , Pan Junqian , Wang Chunxin , Zhang Meng , Cui Haixin , Zhao Xiang
Published: July 2024

Currently, the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) mainly relies on traditional chemotherapeutic drugs; however, most of them have limited therapeutic effects and high toxicity. Some natural products with good therapeutic efficacy and low toxicity and side effects are limited in clinical application due to their low solubility and bioavailability. In this study, a nanoliposome drug-carrying system (Lip-Cur/Ba) was developed for the co-delivery of curcumin (Cur) and baicalin (Ba) using the thin-film hydration method. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Lip-Cur/Ba had a strong killing effect on A549 cells, and the inhibitory effect of Lip-Cur/Ba on A549 cells was enhanced by 67.8% and 51.9% relative to that of the single-carrier system, which could reduce the use of a single-drug dose (Lip-Cur and Lip-Ba), delay the release rate of the drug and improve the bioavailability. In vivo experiments demonstrated the antitumor activity of Lip-Cur/Ba by intravitreal injection in BALB/c mice, and there were no obvious toxic side effects. This study provides a new idea for curcumin and baicalin to be used in the co-treatment of NSCLC by constructing a new vector.
An Analysis of Capsaicin, Dihydrocapsaicin, Vitamin C and Flavones in Different Tissues during the Development of Ornamental Pepper
Authors: Wang June , Duan Xudong , An Yu , He Jinyao , Li Jiaxin , Xian Jingqi , Zhou Daofen
Published: July 2024

As a fruit and vegetable crop, the ornamental pepper is not just highly ornamental but also rich in nutritional value. The quality of ornamental pepper fruits is given in their contents of capsaicin, vitamin C (VC), flavonoids and total phenols. The study concentrated on the accumulation of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in different tissues of 18 peppers during fruit growth and development. The results showed that the pericarp and placenta contained significantly higher levels of capsaicin than dihydrocapsaicin. Additionally, the placenta contained significantly higher levels of both capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin compared to the pericarp. The content of capsaicin was in the range of 0–6.7915 mg·g−1, the range of dihydrocapsaicin content was 0–5.329 mg·g−1. Interestingly, we found that the pericarp is rich in VC (5.4506 mg·g−1) and the placenta is high in flavonoids (4.8203 mg·g−1) and total phenols (119.63 mg·g−1). The capsaicin is the most important component using the correlation analysis and principal component analysis. The qPCR results substantiated that the expression of genes in the placenta was significantly higher than that in the pericarp and that the expression of genes in green ripening stage was higher than that in red ripening stage. This study could be utilized to select the best ripening stages and tissues to harvest peppers according to the use of the pepper and to the needs of producers. It not only provides a reference for quality improvement and processing for consumers and market but also provides a theoretical basis for high-quality pepper breeding.
Post-Translational Modification of WRKY Transcription Factors
Authors: Zhou Xiangui , Lei Zaojuan , An Pengtian
Published: July 2024

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins are involved in numerous biological processes, including signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, growth and development, and stress responses. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play significant roles in plant growth, development, and responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses, making them one of the largest and most vital TF families in plants. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the importance of PTMs of WRKY TFs in various life processes. This review focuses on the recent advancements in understanding the phosphorylation and ubiquitination of WRKY TFs, particularly their roles in resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and in plant growth and development. Future research directions and prospects in this field are also discussed.
GhMAX2 Contributes to Auxin-Mediated Fiber Elongation in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Tian Zailong , Qin Haijin , Chen Baojun , Pan Zhaoe , Jia Yinhua , Du Xiongming , He Shoupu
Published: July 2024

Strigolactones (SLs) represent a new group of phytohormones that play a pivotal role in the regulation of plant shoot branching and the development of adventitious roots. In cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, Gh), SLs play a crucial role in the regulation of fiber cell elongation and secondary cell wall thickness. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of SL signaling involved in fiber cell development are largely unknown. In this study, we report two SL-signaling genes, GhMAX2-3 and GhMAX2-6, which positively regulate cotton fiber elongation. Further protein—protein interaction and degradation assays showed that the repressor of the auxin cascade GhIAA17 serves as a substrate for the F-box E3 ligase GhMAX2. The in vivo ubiquitination assay suggested that GhMAX2-3 and GhMAX2-6 ubiquitinate GhIAA17 and coordinately degrade GhIAA17 with GhTIR1. The findings of this investigation offer valuable insights into the roles of GhMAX2-mediated SL signaling in cotton and establish a solid foundation for future endeavors aimed at optimizing cotton plant cultivation.
Functional, Chemical, and Phytotoxic Characteristics of Cestrum parqui L’Herit: An Overview
Authors: Di Meo Maria Chiara , Di Marino Cinzia , Napoletano Pasquale , De Marco Anna , Bianchi Anna Rita , Pedatella Silvana , Palatucci Domenico
Published: July 2024

Cestrum parqui L’Herit. (Solanaceae family) is a species of forest shrub, self-incompatible and specialized in pollination, widespread in the subtropical area of the planet, and now widely distributed also in the Mediterranean area. The constituents of its leaves have antimicrobial, anticancer, insecticidal, antifeedant, molluscicidal, and herbicidal properties. The spread of this species represents a valuable source of compounds with high biological value. Various research groups are engaged in defining the chemical composition of the different parts of the plant and in defining its properties in view of important and promising commercial applications. To date, there are only a few incomplete reports on the potential applications of C. parqui extracts as selective natural pesticides and on their potential phytotoxic role. Scientific knowledge and the use of extraction techniques for these components are essential for commercial applications. This article summarizes the research and recent studies available on the botany, phytochemistry, functional properties, and commercial applications of C. parqui.
Nematicidal Activity of Volatiles against the Rice Root-Knot Nematode and Environmental Safety in Comparison to Traditional Nematicides
Authors: Faria Jorge M. S. , Rusinque Leidy , Inácio Maria L.
Published: July 2024

The rice root-knot nematode (RRKN), Meloidogyne graminicola Golden and Birchfield 1965, is a dangerous crop pest that affects rice production on a global scale. The largest rice-producing countries struggle with the impacts of RRKN infestation, namely, underdeveloped plants and a reduction in rice grain that can reach up to 70% of crop yield. In addition, the shift to strategies of sustainable pest management is leading to a withdrawal of some of the most effective pesticides, given the dangers they pose to the environment and human health. Volatile metabolites produced by plants can offer safer alternatives. The present study characterized the nematicidal activity of volatile phytochemicals against the RRKN and compared the most active with commercial nematicides concerning their safety to the environment and human health. Rice plants were used to grow large numbers of RRKNs for direct-contact bioassays. Mortality induced by the volatiles was followed for four days on RRKN second-stage juveniles. Of the 18 volatiles tested, carvacrol, eugenol, geraniol, and methyl salicylate showed the highest mortalities (100%) and were compared to traditional nematicides using (eco)toxicological parameters reported on freely available databases. While methyl salicylate had a faster activity, carvacrol had more lasting effects. When compared to synthetic nematicides, these volatile phytochemicals were reported to have higher thresholds of toxicity and beneficial ecotoxicological parameters. Ultimately, finding safer alternatives to traditional pesticides can lower the use of damaging chemicals in farming and leverage the transition to agricultural practices with a lower impact on biodiversity.
How a Long-Term Cover Crop Cultivation Impacts Soil Phosphorus Availability in a No-Tillage System?
Authors: Leite Hugo Mota Ferreira , Calonego Juliano Carlos , de Moraes Matheus Froés , Mota Lydia Helena da Silva de Oliveira , da Silva Gustavo Ferreira , do Nascimento Carlos Antonio Costa
Published: July 2024

The growth of cover crops can contribute to the increase in phosphorus content at depth by root decomposition. The aim of this work was to verify the effect of cover crops on soil phosphorus availability and use by successive plants, and the accumulation of soil P in a no-tillage system conducted for 14 years. This research was carried out during the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 crop seasons, whose treatments have been installed and maintained since 2003. The experimental design was a randomized block design, and the plots consisted of spring crops: pearl millet, forage sorghum, sunn hemp, and additionally, a fallow/chiseling area. The evaluation of available P was determined by P fractionation. In general, in the two years of evaluation, the accumulation of P in the shoot dry matter was higher in sunn hemp growth, on average 25% higher than pearl millet in 2016 and 40% higher than sorghum in 2017. The highest contents of labile inorganic P were in the sorghum–soybean and fallow/chiseling–soybean successions, with values higher than 50 mg kg−1 of P in the 0–0.1 m soil layer. However, in the other layers analyzed, the cover crops obtained higher availability of labile inorganic P. The systems using cover crops recovered 100% of the P fertilized in soybean.
Optimizing the Dielectric and Mechanical Performance of 3D-Printed Cellulose-Based Biocomposites and Bionanocomposites through Factorial Design for Electrical Insulation Application
Authors: Lecoublet Morgan , Ragoubi Mohamed , Leblanc Nathalie , Koubaa Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Materials for low-permittivity and electrical insulation applications need to be re-engineered to achieve sustainable development. To address this challenge, the proposed study focused on the dielectric and mechanical optimization of 3D-printed cellulose-based composites for electrical insulation applications. Two different fillers, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), were used to create biocomposites and bionanocomposites, respectively, blended into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. The effects of infill ratio, printing temperature, and filler content on dielectric and mechanical properties were measured using an incomplete L9 (3^3) factorial design. The findings showed that the infill ratio was the most significant factor influencing the properties tested, directly attributable to the increase in material availability for polarization and mechanical performance. The second most influential factor was the filler content, increasing the polarity of the tested composites and decreasing the toughness of the biocomposites and bionanocomposites. Finally, printing temperature had no significant effect. Results for the biocomposites at a 50% infill ratio, 200 °C printing temperature, and a weight content of MCC of 15% gave a 60% higher tensile-mode stiffness than neat PLA printed under the same conditions, while exhibiting lower dielectric properties than neat PLA printed with a 100% infill ratio. These results pave the way for new lightweight materials for electrical insulation.
Mechanical and Insulation Performance of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Reinforced with Lignin-Containing Nanocellulose Fibrils
Authors: Bello Kabirat O. , Yan Ning
Published: July 2024

Isocyanates are critical components that affect the crosslinking density and structure of polyurethane (PU) foams. However, due to the cost and hazardous nature of the precursor for isocyanate synthesis, there is growing interest in reducing their usage in polyurethane foam production—especially in rigid PU foams (RPUF) where isocyanate is used in excess of the stoichiometric ratio. In this study, lignin-containing nanocellulose fibrils (LCNF) were explored as mechanical reinforcements for RPUF with the goal of maintaining the mechanical performance of the foam while using less isocyanate. Different amounts of LCNF (0–0.2 wt.%) were added to the RPUF made using isocyanate indices of 1.1, 1.05, 1.0, and 0.95. Results showed that LCNF served as a nucleating agent, significantly reducing cell size and thermal conductivity. LCNF addition increased the crosslinking density of RPUF, leading to enhanced compressive properties at an optimal loading of 0.1 wt.% compared to unreinforced foams at the same isocyanate index. Furthermore, at the optimal loading, LCNF-reinforced foams made at lower isocyanate indices showed comparable stiffness and strength to unreinforced foams made at higher isocyanate indices. These results highlight the reinforcing potential of LCNF in rigid polyurethane foams to improve insulation and mechanical performance with lower isocyanate usage.
Death, Rebirth, and Pilgrimage Experience in Aelius Aristides’ Hieroi Logoi
Authors: Petridou Georgia
Published: July 2024

The close conceptual links between symbolic death, rebirth, and pilgrimage are widely known to modern sociologists and anthropologists and can be observed in several modern pilgrimage traditions. This study argues that the same connections can already be detected in Aristides’ Hieroi Logoi, “the earliest detailed first-person account of pilgrimage that survives from antiquity”. In terms of methodology, this article follows recent scholarly work on ancient lived religion perspectives and religiously motivated mobility that favours a broader understanding of the notion of pilgrimage in the Greek-speaking world. Rutherford, in particular, has produced a plethora of pioneering studies on all aspects of ‘sacred tourism’ experience in various media including documentary papyri, inscriptions, and graffiti. This chapter builds further on Rutherford’s work and focuses on Aristides’ accounts of his visits to smaller, less-well known healing centres. The main aim is to demonstrate how Aristides’ pilgrimage experience to the healing temple of Asclepius at Poimanenos or Poimanenon (a town of ancient Mysia near Cyzicus) is wholly recast and presented in terms of travelling to the sacred site of Eleusis, one of the most important cultural and religious centres of the Roman Empire in the Antonine Era. Thus, Aristides’ pilgrimage experience to Poimanenos is successfully reframed as a mystic initiation that marks the death of the previous ill self and the birth of the new, enlightened, and healthy self.
Extraction of 10 m Resolution Global Mangrove in 2022
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Liao Jingjuan , Shen Guozhuang , Zhang Li , Chen Bowei
Published: July 2024

With the intensification of global climate change, there is an increasing emphasis on protecting natural resources. Mangrove forests, critical to tropical and subtropical intertidal ecosystems, have garnered considerable attention in recent years for their strong carbon sink capacity, rich species diversity, and abundant natural resources. This study utilizes the 2020 global mangrove vector data as a baseline to construct a reasonable buffer zone by calculating the increase in mangrove crown width. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform and its Sentinel-2 data from 2022 are employed to acquire synthetic images across all regions using the mosaic algorithm. Then, mangrove forests are extracted using the Otsu algorithm, and a map depicting the global spatial distribution of mangrove forests in 2022 is obtained. The average overall accuracy of the extracted mangrove forests in this study reaches 92.4%, and it is determined that the global mangrove forest area expanded by 4920.6 km2 between 2020 and 2022, This study provides crucial data support for the global monitoring of mangrove changes and holds significant importance for protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems.
Mind Over Matter: Effects of Digital Devices and Internet Dependence Perceptions and Behavior on Life Satisfaction in Singapore
Authors: Wong Yi Jie , Ahmad Nursyahida , Neo Loo Seng , Lee Jia Wen , Loong Kenneth , Low Rebecca , Lim James
Published: July 2024

The ubiquity of digital devices and the Internet, along with continuing technological innovation, makes it difficult not to rely on them in some capacity, whether for work or play, in our daily lives. This dependence on their usage could impact life satisfaction. Furthermore, the recognition and perception of this dependence could have implications for life satisfaction as well, whether positive or negative. We thus sought to explore how perceptions of dependence and dependent behaviour on digital devices and the Internet affected life satisfaction. We also examined whether one had a greater effect than the other. We conducted three online nationally representative surveys with 7991, 7703, and 8356 Singaporeans, and performed a hierarchical linear regression analysis on the data. The results show significant but weak positive relationships between dependence on digital devices, the importance of the Internet, and life satisfaction. A greater consistent effect on life satisfaction was also observed from the perceptions of dependence compared with dependent behavior. The implications are discussed, with implications for governmental policy strategy for reducing the potential harms of dependence on digital devices and the Internet.
The Great Amplifier? Climate Change, Irregular Migration, and the Missing Links in EU Responses
Authors: Fontana Iole
Published: July 2024

This article examines the complex relationship between climate change and migration in Africa, with a specific focus on Senegal—a West African nation increasingly vulnerable to climate threats such as drought, rising sea levels, floods, and salinisation. As a significant origin country for irregular migration to the European Union (EU), Senegal presents a compelling case study to explore how extreme climatic conditions interact with other migration drivers. This article does not aim to quantify or measure the extent to which climatic factors and variability contributed to migration decisions. Instead, building on original empirical material, it seeks to map and explore how climate variability interacts with other migration drivers, either by amplifying them or acting in synergy with them, thereby offering a fresh perspective of the complex dynamics at play. Additionally, this article investigates the extent to which the EU addresses and integrates climate considerations into its policy responses to address migratory flows and people’s vulnerability in countries of origin. This analysis reveals that the integration of climate factors as an amplifier and a synergist is a ‘missing link’ in the EU approach in the case of Senegal, with significant implications in terms of the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of EU action.
Possibilities to Recycle Thermal Power Plant By-Products in Refractory Castables
Authors: Škamat Jelena , Boris Renata , Malaiškienė Jurgita , Antonovič Valentin , Stonys Rimvydas , Kudžma Andrius
Published: July 2024

The current research focuses on the analysis of fly ash cenospheres (FACs), a waste generated in coal-fired power plants, and the possibilities of using them in refractory castables. Cenospheres are micro-scale (~50–400 µm) spherical structures derived from fly ash, predominantly composed of silica and alumina oxides (86.7%). Their distinctive morphology and characteristics make them highly advantageous for a diverse array of applications, notably as lightweight fillers and nondegradable pore-forming agents. Furthermore, cenospheres have the potential to contribute significantly to the performance of refractory castables when incorporated into compositions with calcium aluminate cement (CAC). FAC XRD analysis revealed that FACs mainly consist of mullite along with cristobalite, which forms at higher temperatures. Furthermore, the study examined the impact of FACs on the properties of medium cement castable (MCC), especially durability, when 3%, 5%, and 7% of fine fireclay were replaced by FACs; 5% of FACs were found to reduce the density of refractory castables and decrease the cold crushing strength by approximately 6%, but it increased the resistance to thermal shock by approximately 75% and 43%, depending on the thermal treatment temperature, 950 °C and 1100 °C, respectively, and improved resistance to alkali corrosion. A higher FAC content (7%) does not have any positive effect on the MCC properties tested.
Inland O3 Production Due to Nitrogen Dioxide Transport Downwind a Coastal Urban Area: A Neural Network Assessment
Authors: Chiacchiaretta Piero , Aruffo Eleonora , Mascitelli Alessandra , Colangeli Carlo , Palermi Sergio , Bianco Sebastiano , Di Carlo Piero
Published: July 2024

The tropospheric production of O3 is complex, depending on nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and solar radiation. We present a case study showing that the O3 concentration is higher in a rural area, 14 km downwind from a coastal town in Central Italy, compared with the urban environment. The hypothesis is that the O3 measured inland results from the photochemical processes occuring in air masses originating at the urban site, which is richer in NOx emissions, during their transport inland.To demonstrate this hypothesis, a feed forward neural network (FFNN) is used to model the O3 measured at the rural site, comparing the modeled O3 and the measured O3 in different scenarios, which include both input parameters related to local O3 production by photochemistry and input parameters associated with regional transport of O3 precursors. The simulation results show that the local NOx concentration is not a good input to model the observed O3 (R = 0.17); on the contrary including the wind speed and direction as input of the FFNN model, the modelled O3 is well correlated with that measured O3 (R = 0.82).
Research on Environmental Pollution Control Based on Tripartite Evolutionary Game in China’s New-Type Urbanization
Authors: Ding Qianxing , Zhang Lianying , Huang Shanshan
Published: July 2024

The inconsistency of interests among local governments, polluting companies, and the public reduces the efficiency of environmental pollution control, posing a significant challenge in harmonizing these interests to achieve environmental sustainability in China’s new-type urbanization. To elucidate the strategic decision-making rules of each party in environmental pollution control, this study constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model and analyzes the evolutionary stable strategies (ESS), identifying the influencing factors of the parties’ strategies. Subsequently, numerical simulations are used to examine the asymptotic stability of various ESS and the effects of parameter variation on these ESS. The results indicate the existence of optimal ESS wherein all three parties adopt environmentally friendly strategies. Specifically, local governments can mitigate expenses for polluting companies to implement low-pollution strategies, while concurrently facilitating public participation in pollution control. Public participation can enhance the supervisory capabilities of local governments and exert a positive influence on polluting companies. Furthermore, the simulation results suggest that the ESS of the parties can evolve into the expected ESS by adjusting the influencing factors reasonably, thereby supporting environmental sustainability in China’s new-type urbanization.
Understanding the Effects of Organizational Climate and Creative Work Involvement on Readiness for Organizational Change: A Research on Shipbuilding Industry in Turkey
Authors: Alanc Ozgun Utku , Kitapci Hakan
Published: July 2024

The main objective of this article is to conduct an empirical and exploratory study on the effects of organizational climate and creative work involvement on readiness for organizational change to shed light on the readiness of the board members, professional managers, and other employees of the Turkish shipbuilding sector for the trend of organizational change, the frequency of which is increasing rapidly on both a global and national basis, in order to achieve sustainable success within the framework of sustainable development. To investigate the impact of organizational climate and creative work involvement on readiness for organizational change, Turkish shipbuilding companies and leading ship design service providers were surveyed. The results showed that organizational climate and creative work involvement positively and significantly affect readiness for organizational change, where organizational climate and creative work involvement reflected the most significant positive effects, respectively, on the management support and change efficacy subdimensions of readiness for organizational change. The contribution to the literature lies in the unique approach to this relation, which has not been explored in previous studies. This research opens up a new direction for empirical research on readiness for organizational change by combining these concepts.
Computing the Number of s-Matchings in Cyclooctatetraene Chains
Authors: Chen Shiqin , Han Hui , Geng Xianya
Published: July 2024

The Hosoya index is an important topological index in graph theory, which is defined as the total number of s-matchings, denoted as m(G,s), in a graph G. Therefore, computing the number of s-matchings for various molecular structures holds significant importance. By applying the concept of symmetry, defining the s-matching vector of the graph with a specified edge, using the transfer matrix, and iteratively applying two recursive formulas to derive the reduction formula, we compute the number of s-matchings of cyclooctatetraene chains.