bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Straw Burning Bans on the Use of Cooking Fuels in China
Authors: Gu Jiafeng
Published: December 2024

The mitigating effects of straw burning bans on air pollution are widely known; however, their effects on indoor air pollution are generally ignored. Cooking fuel use is an important factor that affects indoor air quality. However, the debate over the pros and cons of a province-wide ban on straw burning has been a major issue in environmental economics. By utilizing household survey data, this study investigates the role of straw burning bans on cooking fuel use in households. To infer causal relationships, difference-in-difference models that compare households in provinces with and without a complete ban on open straw burning (COSB) are employed. The results show that COSBs promote the use of clean cooking fuels and discourage the use of firewood for cooking by households. These results hold true after a series of robustness tests, such as parallel trends and placebo tests. However, the results show that the effect of COSBs on the household use of coal as a cooking fuel is not significant. Further analysis shows heterogeneity in the effects of COSBs on the use of household cooking fuels. Thus, COSBs promote the conversion to cleaner cooking fuels in rural households, but the implementation of these policies needs to be contextualized.
Design and Analysis of a Low Torque Ripple Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine for Flywheel Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Sun Yubo , Zhao Zhenghui , Zhang Qian
Published: December 2024

Flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) are technologies that use a rotating flywheel to store and release energy. Permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) are commonly used in FESS due to their high torque and power densities. One of the critical requirements for PMSMs in FESS is low torque ripple. Therefore, a PMSM with eccentric permanent magnets is proposed and analyzed in this article to reduce torque ripple. Cogging torque, a significant contributor to torque ripple, is investigated by a combination of finite element analysis and the analytical method. An integer-slot distribution winding structure is adopted to reduce vibration and noise. Moreover, the effects of eccentric permanent magnets and harmonic injection on the cogging torque are analyzed and compared. In addition, the electromagnetic performance is analyzed, and the torque ripple is found to be 3.1%. Finally, a prototype is built and tested, yielding a torque ripple of 3.9%, to verify the theoretical analysis.
Superior Adsorption of Chlorinated VOC by Date Palm Seed Biochar: Two-Way ANOVA Comparative Analysis with Activated Carbon
Authors: Remmani Rania , Papini Marco Petrangeli , Amanat Neda , Canales Antonio Ruiz
Published: December 2024

This study explores biochar (BC) derived from date palm seeds as a high-performance adsorbent for the removal of trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) from aqueous solutions, with comparative analysis against commercial activated carbon (AC). The optimized BC, characterized by a high BET surface area of 654.79 m2/g and unique nanotube morphology, demonstrated superior adsorption capacities of 86.68 mg/g for TCE and 85.97 mg/g for PCE, significantly surpassing the AC under identical conditions. Kinetic studies identified the pseudo-second-order model as the best fit, indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Isotherm modeling revealed a combination of multilayer and monolayer adsorption processes, underscoring the complexity of the BC’s adsorption behavior. Statistical analysis via two-way ANOVA further validated the BC’s significant superiority over the AC (p < 0.0001) for both contaminants. These results highlight the potential of date-palm-seed-derived biochar as a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent for eco-friendly water treatment, emphasizing its role in reducing environmental impact and operational costs in real-world applications.
Automatic Wood Species Classification and Pith Detection in Log CT Images
Authors: Vacek Ondrej , Gergeľ Tomáš , Bucha Tomáš , Gracovský Radovan , Gejdoš Miloš
Published: December 2024

This article focuses on the need for digitalization in the forestry and timber sector using information from CT scans of logs. The National Forest Centre (Slovak Republic) operates a unique 3D CT scanner for wooden logs at the Stráž Biotechnology Park. This real-time scanner generates a 3D model of a log, displaying the wood’s internal features/defects. To optimize log-cutting plans effectively, it is necessary to automatically detect and classify these features and defects in real time, leveraging computer vision principles. Artificial intelligence, specifically neural networks, addresses this need by enabling solutions for tasks of this nature. Building a highly efficient neural network for detecting wood features and defects requires creating a database of log scans and training the network on these data. This is a time-intensive process, as it involves manually marking internal features and defects on hundreds of CT scans of various wood types. A functional neural network for detecting internal wood defects represents a significant advancement in sector digitalization, paving the way for further automation and robotization in wood processing. For the forestry sector to remain competitive, efficiently process raw materials, and improve product quality, the effective application of CT scanning technology is essential. This technological innovation aligns the sector more closely with leaders in other fields, such as the automotive, engineering, and metalworking industries.
Biotic Factors Affecting Elm Health in Ukraine
Authors: Meshkova Valentyna , Kuznetsova Olena , Borysenko Oleksandr , Korsovetskyi Volodymyr , Pyvovar Tetiana
Published: December 2024

Elms (Ulmus spp.) are widely spread in the forest, shelter belts, and urban landscaping. This research aimed to reveal the trends of Ulmus sp. health in Ukraine under biotic damage. The tasks included: (i) analyzing the presence of Ulmus sp. in the forests; (ii) studying the dynamics of Ulmus sp. health for 2001–2015 in the monitoring plots in the frame of the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP-Forests); (iii) assessing the prevalence of the dominant biotic factors affecting elm health and the probability of tree death or recovery. As a result of research, elms were found in 3.58% of the area in the stands with other main forest-forming species in the forests subordinated to the State Specialized Forest Enterprise «Forests of Ukraine». Four elm species are present in the forests of all regions of Ukraine. In the Forest zone, U. minor predominates, U. glabra is more common in the western part of the country, and U. pumila in the southern and eastern regions. In the ICP-Forests monitoring plots for 2001–2015, a trend of elm deterioration in 2007–2012 was found. The highest incidence of trees with disease symptoms was recorded for U. pumila. In the sample plots for 2023–2024, the health of three elm species tended to deteriorate. In 2024, mortality occurred among all elm species with symptoms of Dutch elm disease (DED) and among U. pumila trees with symptoms of wetwood. However, several trees have recovered. The results show the gaps in our knowledge that need to be filled, particularly in identifying resistant individuals and using their progeny to create resistant stands.
Unique Geoclimatic Factors and Topography-Shaped Pollen Flow of Pinus yunnanensis var. tenuifolia Wild Populations in the Dry–Hot River Basin in China
Authors: Liao Liang-Long , Wei Wei , Wen Yu-Zhuo , Huang Chun-Hui , Bai Tian-Dao , Jiang Wei-Xin
Published: December 2024

Exploring the gene flow and its causes in complex habitats of forest trees is valuable for understanding species’ adaptive evolution. Pinus yunnanensis var. tenuifolia (PYT) is mainly distributed in the dry–hot valleys along the Nanpan-Hongshui rivers in southwest China, an ecologically fragile area. In this study, we analyzed 1056 seeds from eleven natural populations of PYT across its range using twelve cpSSR markers to explore haplotype polymorphisms and correlations with environmental factors. The results revealed a high genetic diversity (HE = 0.83), with the private haplotypes significantly exceeding the shared haplotypes. A genealogical structure was observed among the populations, with a moderate differentiation (FST = 0.162). The population clustering and haplotype network demonstrated localized areas of pollen exchange, especially in the middle and lower reaches of the river. Redundancy analysis showed that, as the populations were closer to the river, genetic diversity tended to decrease significantly, implying that the pollen dispersal is restricted by the foehn effect in the valley. Variability in genetic differentiation among the offspring populations was primarily influenced by geographic factors, such as mountains and rivers, which, along with local environmental adaptations, shaped the pollen distribution pattern. These findings may facilitate the sustainable management and conservation of PYT and other species under similar habitats.
Effects of Street Spatial Structure on Micrometeorological Condition and Air Quality—A Case Study of Taipei City
Authors: Lin Bau-Show , Chang Han-Chin , Chen Ching-Wen , Huang I-Hang , Pardthaisong Liwa , Hsieh Cheng-I
Published: December 2024

This study conducted field measurements to explore the effects of street spatial structure on micrometeorological condition and air quality on both hot and cool days in Taipei City. Six street canyons with an aspect ratio of one, but varied in street orientation, street width, sky view factor, and number of planting strips, were selected for observations. In this case study, it was observed that, as well as the meso-scale phenomena, the local and micro-scale (street canyon structure) had influences on street air temperature, mean radiant temperature, and wind velocity. However, the local and micro-scales only had minor effects on relative humidity for both hot and cool days. Shade effect on temperature by street trees was observed; this effect could cause 2 degrees drop on mean radiant temperature and about 0.5 degree drop on air temperature. Our analyses and field measurements also revealed that, in some cases, concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were found to be correlated with local street canopy structure; however, in some cases, the meso-scale process was found to be the dominant factor. We also found that concentrations of CO and O3 were inversely correlated in the street canyon. The findings of this study provide introductory scientific data and guidelines for urban street designers to improve thermal comfort and air quality.
Beneficial Effects of Maternal Supplementation of Yeast Single-Cell Protein on Suckling Piglets by Altering Sow Gut Microbiome and Milk Metabolome
Authors: Chen Zhongping , Li Biao , Zhuo Yong , Zhang Yonggang , Chen Guoshun
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to assess the impact of yeast single-cell protein (YP) supplementation in diets from late gestation through lactation on sow reproductive performance and the associated gut microbiome and metabolomic changes in milk. A total of 172 sows, at 103 days of gestation, were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: a control group receiving 2% fishmeal and three groups receiving 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% YP, replacing 0.3%, 0.6%, and 1.5% fishmeal, respectively. No significant effects were observed on litter performance in sows. The inclusion of 2% YP displayed an augmented litter weight gain and piglet weight gain during lactation. Microbial sequencing revealed a marked decrease in Enterobacteriaceae abundance in sow feces at day 113 of gestation following dietary YP supplementation. Moreover, it led to a notable reduction of microbial-associated lipids, such as endotoxin, in serum and milk. In summary, YP supplementation in sow diets reduced gut pathogenic microbiota and their components, contributing to enhanced growth performance in suckling piglets.
Exploring the Potential and Challenges of Fermentation in Creating Foods: A Spotlight on Microalgae
Authors: Bürck Monize , Lemes Ailton Cesar , Egea Mariana Buranelo , Braga Anna Rafaela Cavalcante
Published: December 2024

Fermentation is an ancient bioprocess that harnesses the power of microorganisms to convert raw ingredients into valuable and safe food products. There has been a growing interest in using fermentation to create safe, nutritious, and sustainable foods, particularly with the incorporation of microalgae. This review highlights fermentation’s potential benefits and challenges, focusing on microalgae and its metabolites. Bioactive peptides released during microalgae fermentation have garnered attention for their potential health benefits, particularly their antidiabetic actions. Studies suggest that these peptides can help regulate blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, presenting a promising avenue for developing foods that nourish and contribute to disease prevention. As awareness grows regarding health and sustainability, there is an increasing demand for safe and sustainable food options. Fermented products, particularly those utilizing microalgae, are often perceived positively by among consumers owing to their perceived benefits. Educating consumers on the advantages of fermented foods, including their nutritional value and sustainability, can further enhance market acceptance and commercialization. Thus, the present work aims to explore the literature to study the potential and challenges of fermentation as a tool to produce sustainable foods, focusing on microalgae as an ingredient.
Opportunities and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence Applied to Identity and Access Management in Industrial Environments
Authors: Vegas Jesús , Llamas César
Published: December 2024

The integration of artificial intelligence(AI) technologies into identity and access management (IAM) systems has greatly improved access control and management, offering more robust, adaptive, and intelligent solutions than traditional methods. AI-driven IAM systems enhance security, operational efficiency, and introduce new capabilities in industrial environments. In this narrative review, we present the state-of-the-art AI technologies in industrial IAM, focusing on methods such as biometric, comprising facial and voice recognition, and multifactor authentication for robust security. It addresses the challenges and solutions in implementing AI-based IAM systems in industrial settings, including security, privacy, evaluation, and continuous improvement. We present also the emerging trends and future directions, highlighting AI’s potential to transform industrial security measures. This review aims to guide researchers and practitioners in developing and implementing next-generation access control systems, proposing future research directions to address challenges and optimize AI applications in this domain.
Characterising Payload Entropy in Packet Flows—Baseline Entropy Analysis for Network Anomaly Detection
Authors: Kenyon Anthony , Deka Lipika , Elizondo David
Published: December 2024

The accurate and timely detection of cyber threats is critical to keeping our online economy and data safe. A key technique in early detection is the classification of unusual patterns of network behaviour, often hidden as low-frequency events within complex time-series packet flows. One of the ways in which such anomalies can be detected is to analyse the information entropy of the payload within individual packets, since changes in entropy can often indicate suspicious activity—such as whether session encryption has been compromised, or whether a plaintext channel has been co-opted as a covert channel. To decide whether activity is anomalous, we need to compare real-time entropy values with baseline values, and while the analysis of entropy in packet data is not particularly new, to the best of our knowledge, there are no published baselines for payload entropy across commonly used network services. We offer two contributions: (1) we analyse several large packet datasets to establish baseline payload information entropy values for standard network services, and (2) we present an efficient method for engineering entropy metrics from packet flows from real-time and offline packet data. Such entropy metrics can be included within feature subsets, thus making the feature set richer for subsequent analysis and machine learning applications.
Insights into ‘Srdelara’ Purse Seines: Landing Composition and Trophic Relationships in the Pelagic Food Web
Authors: Zorica Barbara , Ezgeta-Balić Daria , Schmidt Lana , Šestanović Marija
Published: December 2024

This study analysed commercial ‘Srdelara’ purse seine landings in the Central Eastern Adriatic from November 2020 to March 2022. The observed commercial landings demonstrated typical seasonal variations, with a peak from September to November and the lowest landings recorded from spring to early summer. Sardines dominated the purse seine landings, comprising 97.9% of the total landing, followed by anchovies at 1.3%, with occasional by-catches or other species. Biological analysis involved collecting samples of eight pelagic fish species (sardine, anchovy, round sardinella, Atlantic bonito, Atlantic horse mackerel, Atlantic mackerel, chub mackerel and bogue) captured by the aforementioned fishing gear during the study period. The length frequency distributions of the investigated fish species were predominantly unimodal, with the exception of the Atlantic horse mackerel. Moreover, the length–weight relationships indicated isometric growth for each examined species. Stable isotope analysis revealed overlapping isotopic niches among the eight analysed fish species, with estimated mean trophic positions ranging from 3.0 to 4.7, indicating consumption of prey across approximately two trophic levels. The round sardinella and bogue had the smallest isotopic niche, while Atlantic mackerel had the widest one. This study highlights the need for further research to evaluate the observed overlap among pelagic species, particularly between small and medium-sized pelagic fish, as this interaction could significantly impact their biomass. Determining the extent of this overlap is crucial for improving management strategies and ensuring the sustainability of pelagic fish stocks in the Adriatic Sea.
Investigating a Nonlinear Fractional Evolution Control Model Using W-Piecewise Hybrid Derivatives: An Application of a Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Saber Hicham , Almalahi Mohammed A. , Albala Hussien , Aldwoah Khaled , Alsulami Amer , Shah Kamal , Moumen Abdelkader
Published: December 2024

Many real-world phenomena exhibit multi-step behavior, demanding mathematical models capable of capturing complex interactions between distinct processes. While fractional-order models have been successfully applied to various systems, their inherent smoothness often limits their ability to accurately represent systems with discontinuous changes or abrupt transitions. This paper introduces a novel framework for analyzing nonlinear fractional evolution control systems using piecewise hybrid derivatives with respect to a nondecreasing function W(ι). Building upon the theoretical foundations of piecewise hybrid derivatives, we establish sufficient conditions for the existence, uniqueness, and Hyers–Ulam stability of solutions, leveraging topological degree theory and functional analysis. Our results significantly improve upon existing theoretical understanding by providing less restrictive conditions for stability compared with standard fixed-point theorems. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of our framework through a simulation of breast cancer disease dynamics, illustrating the impact of piecewise hybrid derivatives on the model’s behavior and highlighting advantages over traditional modeling approaches that fail to capture the multi-step nature of the disease. This research provides robust modeling and analysis tools for systems exhibiting multi-step behavior across diverse fields, including engineering, physics, and biology.
Synchroextracting Transform Based on the Novel Short-Time Fractional Fourier Transform
Authors: Li Bei , Zhang Zhuosheng
Published: December 2024

As a generalization of the short-time Fourier transform (STFT), the novel short-time fractional Fourier transform (NSTFRFT) has been introduced recently. In order to improve the concentration of the time–frequency representation (TFR) generated by the NSTFRFT, two post-processing time–frequency analysis methods, two synchroextracting transforms based on the NSTFRFT with two different fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) angles, are proposed in this paper. One is achieved via an equation where the instantaneous frequency satisfies the condition where the FRFT angle takes π2, and the other one is obtained using the instantaneous frequency estimator in the case that the FRFT angle takes a value related to the chirp rate of the signal. Although the conditions of the two synchroextracting transforms are different, their implementation can be unified into the same algorithm. The proposed synchroextracting transforms supplement existing post-processing time–frequency analysis methods which are based on the NSTFRFT. Experiments are conducted to verify the performance and superiority of the proposed methods.
φ−Hilfer Fractional Cauchy Problems with Almost Sectorial and Lie Bracket Operators in Banach Algebras
Authors: Damag Faten H. , Saif Amin , Kiliçman Adem
Published: December 2024

In the theory of Banach algebras, we use the Schauder fixed-point theorem to obtain some results that concern the existence property for mild solutions of fractional Cauchy problems that involve the Lie bracket operator, the almost sectorial operator, and the φ−Hilfer derivative operator. For any Banach algebra and in two types of non-compact associated semigroups and compact associated semigroups, we prove some properties of the existence of these mild solutions using the Hausdorff measure of a non-compact associated semigroup in the collection of bounded sets. That is, we obtain the existence property of mild solutions when the semigroup associated with an almost sectorial operator is compact as well as non-compact. Some examples are introduced as applications for our results in commutative real Banach algebra R and commutative Banach algebra of the collection of continuous functions in R.
Epigenetic Mechanisms in Aging: Extrinsic Factors and Gut Microbiome
Authors: Borrego-Ruiz Alejandro , Borrego Juan J.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Aging is a natural physiological process involving biological and genetic pathways. Growing evidence suggests that alterations in the epigenome during aging result in transcriptional changes, which play a significant role in the onset of age-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. For this reason, the epigenetic alterations in aging and age-related diseases have been reviewed, and the major extrinsic factors influencing these epigenetic alterations have been identified. In addition, the role of the gut microbiome and its metabolites as epigenetic modifiers has been addressed. Results: Long-term exposure to extrinsic factors such as air pollution, diet, drug use, environmental chemicals, microbial infections, physical activity, radiation, and stress provoke epigenetic changes in the host through several endocrine and immune pathways, potentially accelerating the aging process. Diverse studies have reported that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in regulating brain cell functions through DNA methylation and histone modifications. The interaction between genes and the gut microbiome serves as a source of adaptive variation, contributing to phenotypic plasticity. However, the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways driving this process are still not fully understood. Conclusions: Extrinsic factors are potential inducers of epigenetic alterations, which may have important implications for longevity. The gut microbiome serves as an epigenetic effector influencing host gene expression through histone and DNA modifications, while bidirectional interactions with the host and the underexplored roles of microbial metabolites and non-bacterial microorganisms such as fungi and viruses highlight the need for further research.
A Global Perspective of GBA1-Related Parkinson’s Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Koros Christos , Bougea Anastasia , Alefanti Ioanna , Simitsi Athina Maria , Papagiannakis Nikolaos , Pachi Ioanna , Sfikas Evangelos , Antonelou Roubina , Stefanis Leonidas
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is considered to be the second most prominent neurodegenerative disease and has a global prevalence. Glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) gene mutations represent a significant hereditary risk factor for the development of PD and have a profound impact on the motor and cognitive progression of the disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the literature data on the prevalence, type, and peculiarities of GBA1 mutations in populations of different ethnic backgrounds. We reviewed articles spanning the 2000–2024 period. GBA1-related PD has a worldwide distribution. It has long been recognized that pathogenic GBA1 mutations are particularly common in certain ethnic populations, including PD patients of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. Moreover, a considerable number of studies focused on European ancestry patients from Europe and North America have revealed a high proportion (up to 15%) of carriers among the PD population. GBA1 mutations also appear to play an important role in patient groups with an East Asian background, although the frequency of specific variants may differ as compared to those of European ancestry. Notably, the assessment of underrepresented populations in other parts of Asia (including India) and Latin America is in the spotlight of current research, while a variant with a newly described pathogenic mechanism has been reported in Sub-Saharan Africans. Given the importance of GBA1 mutations for PD genetics and clinical phenotype, a focused assessment of the prevalence and type of GBA1 variants in distinct ethnic populations will possibly inform ongoing PD-related clinical studies and facilitate upcoming therapeutic trials.
Giant Primary Cutaneous Nodular Melanoma of the Forehead: A Case Report
Authors: Montandon Samantha , Jefferson-Loveday Charles , Sommerlad Matthew , Patel Harnish P.
Published: December 2024

Background: The incidence of melanoma is increasing globally. The estimated worldwide incidence is projected to increase from 324,635 cases in 2020 to 510,000 in 2040. In the UK, melanoma accounts for 4% of all new cases of cancer. Melanomas occurring in the skin of the head and neck represent 13% and 23% of cases in women and men, respectively. Prognostic indicators include presence of nodal or distant metastasis, ulceration, and Breslow thickness, where >4 mm thickness predicts poorest overall survival rates. Giant melanomas, a term generally applied to melanomas larger than 5–10 cm, are rare and often have a very poor prognosis. Clinical case: An 82-year-old female presented acutely with a 2–3-day history of delirium and urinary retention in February 2022. In addition, she was noted to have a large fungating growth on her forehead that obscured the bridge of the nose and had been slowly increasing in size for the past year prior to admission. She had initially presented in primary care with a small growth on her forehead but declined further investigations for fear of contracting COVID-19. She consented to having further assessment and management of the forehead mass. A shave biopsy revealed giant nodular melanoma, specifically, the largest melanoma of the face reported in the literature. Remarkably, our patient underwent a successful complete excision and skin grafting, with no evidence of recurrence or distal metastasis after 2 years of follow up. Conclusions: This case highlights the anxieties people felt about contracting COVID-19 when national guidelines recommended shielding that had resulted in further morbidity. Despite poor prognostic factors, clinically and histologically, our patient did not need any systemic anticancer therapy nor radiotherapy. She was well after 2 years follow up without any signs of recurrence.
Bilberries vs. Blueberries: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Negrușier Cornel , Colișar Alexandru , Rózsa Sándor , Chiș Maria Simona , Sîngeorzan Steluţa-Maria , Borsai Orsolya , Negrean Oana-Raluca
Published: December 2024

The genus Vaccinium, which includes approximately 450 species, features economically significant berries such as bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). Bilberries flourish in acidic, well-drained soils, typically found in heathlands and coniferous forests, while blueberries benefit from a broader range of soil types and intensive agricultural practices. Sustainable cultivation strategies, including organic fertilization and efficient water management, are vital for optimizing production and addressing the environmental challenges posed by climate change. Both berries are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, driving consumer interest and market growth despite competition from alternative crops. Additionally, tailored fertilization techniques are crucial for maximizing yield and fruit quality. By implementing circular economy principles, the production of bilberries and blueberries can enhance sustainability and profitability, ensuring their long-term success in agricultural systems.
Effects of Summer Water Deficit Stress on Olive Fruits and Oil Quality
Authors: Araújo Márcia , Rodrigues Nuno , Santos Conceição , Pinto Diana C. G. A. , Pereira José Alberto , Silva Artur M. S. , Dias Maria Celeste
Published: December 2024

The Mediterranean basin is the leading worldwide region for olive production. Extreme weather is increasingly frequent in this region, and how these climate extremes will affect olive products and quality remains unknown. We aim to study the effects of the water deficit stress, which occurred in the summer of 2017, on olive fruit and oil quality from a 30-year-old orchard. Fruits from olive trees standing on (i) one hydrated and (ii) one dry area of an orchard at the north of Portugal were harvested. Fruits’ water content, oil yield and quality, fruit carbohydrates, and fruit and oil phenolic metabolite profiles were analyzed. Fruits from the dry area presented low water availability and increased carbohydrates, oleuropein, oleoside, and elenolic acid glucoside abundance. Oil yield was lower in the dry area, but the abundance of oleacein increased, together with traits of some sensory sensations. Climate stress events can reduce oil yield but stimulate the accumulation of bioactive compounds that improve oil quality and nutritional value.
Sucrose Promotes the Proliferation and Differentiation of Callus by Regulating ROS Intensity in Agapanthus praecox
Authors: Yue Jianhua , Dong Yan , Du Changmei , Li Chaoxin , Wang Xinyi , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2024

The proliferation and differentiation of callus is the foundation for plant regeneration and propagation. The type of carbon sources in the medium significantly influences the efficacy of callus proliferation and differentiation in plants in vitro. Our study performed transcriptomic and physiological analyses utilizing sucrose, glucose, and maltose to understand the physiological and molecular characteristics of the proliferation and differentiation potential affected by carbon sources in Agapanthus praecox. Differentially expressed genes were notably associated with plant hormone signal transduction, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and MAPK signaling in the proliferation and differentiation of callus. The physiological indicators suggest glucose enhanced both callus and cell size by increasing endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), cytokinin, brassinosteroid, gibberellin (GAs), starch, and glucose levels, while concurrently reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radical (·OH). Conversely, sucrose treatment promoted differentiation potential by elevating IAA oxidase activity alongside stress-related hormones such as abscisic acid and ethylene levels. Additionally, sucrose treatment led to increased accumulation of sucrose, fructose, H2O2, and ·OH within the callus tissue. Furthermore, sucrose influenced the regenerative capacity by modulating glycometabolism and osmoregulation. Our study posits that glucose facilitates callus proliferation via diminished ROS intensity while sucrose promotes callus differentiation by maintaining moderate ROS levels. Altogether, our results suggest carbon sources affected the regenerative capabilities of callus by regulating plant hormone signal and ROS intensity in A. praecox.
The Potential Postharvest Treatments to Delay Flower Senescence and Improve Botrytis Resistance in Cut Peony Flowers
Authors: Nguyen Toan , Ha Suong
Published: December 2024

The herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) flower is one of the most important ornamental plants in current international flower markets and is widely used for festive occasions because of its bright colors, large flowers, pleasant scent, and plump flower shape. However, the cut peony flowers have a relatively short postharvest life in vases compared to other flower species. The short vase life and susceptibility to gray mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea significantly influence the commercial value of cut peonies. Here, we reviewed the main factors for postharvest quality reduction in cut peony flowers and the various postharvest treatments aiming for vase life extension and enhancing gray mold disease resistance in cut peonies. Chemical treatments, including ethylene inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, and other preservatives, have been assessed for their effectiveness in improving vase life. Moreover, physical treatments, such as temperature management, controlled atmosphere storage, and dry storage methods, were also discussed for their effectiveness in delaying flower senescence and reducing gray mold disease infection. The review also highlighted the importance of cultivar-specific responses to gray mold disease, ethylene, and water stress, which is important for the development of new effective and specific postharvest practices to improve the vase life of cut peonies.
Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Professional Development Program for Primary School Teachers in the Czech Republic: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Dvořáková Kamila , García Valladares Laura , Butzer Bethany , Lange Calvin , Greenberg Mark
Published: December 2024

Background: Research has shown that 20% of Czech teachers suffer with burnout symptoms and 65% are at risk of burning out, which suggests that it is essential to continue addressing the issue of stress in Czech teachers. The main objective of this study was to evaluate a self-compassion and mindfulness-based professional development program for primary school teachers in the Czech Republic. Methods: Five schools were recruited, two as intervention schools (n of teachers = 47) and three as controls (n of teachers = 57). Teachers completed questionnaires at three time points: pre-test in September 2018, post-test in November 2018, and a follow-up in April 2019. Results: The results at post-test indicated that teachers in the intervention group scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) in self-efficacy and self-compassion, and significantly lower in depression, anxiety and emotional exhaustion, compared to the controls. The intervention teachers were marginally lower (p < 0.10) in perceived stress and marginally higher in subjective well-being, compared to the controls. At follow-up, teachers’ subjective well-being in the control group significantly worsened compared to the baseline. However, the intervention group did not show significant changes over time, which suggests a “protective effect” on the intervention group against worsening during the school year. Conclusions: The study suggests that providing teachers with self-compassion and mindfulness practices can lead to beneficial effects on several outcome variables. Further studies need to investigate if these benefits can be sustained and if they affect teachers’ physical health, their relationships with students, and the students’ outcomes.
Multiple Myeloma: Genetic and Epigenetic Biomarkers with Clinical Potential
Authors: Veryaskina Yuliya A. , Titov Sergei E. , Skvortsova Natalia V. , Kovynev Igor B. , Antonenko Oksana V. , Demakov Sergei A. , Demenkov Pavel S. , Pospelova Tatiana I. , Ivanov Mikhail K. , Zhimulev Igor F.
Published: December 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells and accounts for approximately 10% of all hematologic malignancies. The clinical outcomes of MM can exhibit considerable variability. Variability in both the genetic and epigenetic characteristics of MM undeniably contributes to tumor dynamics. The aim of the present study was to identify biomarkers with the potential to improve the accuracy of prognosis assessment in MM. Initially, miRNA sequencing was conducted on bone marrow (BM) samples from patients with MM. Subsequently, the expression levels of 27 microRNAs (miRNA) and the gene expression levels of ASF1B, CD82B, CRISP3, FN1, MEF2B, PD-L1, PPARγ, TERT, TIMP1, TOP2A, and TP53 were evaluated via real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in BM samples from patients with MM exhibiting favorable and unfavorable prognoses. Additionally, the analysis involved the bone marrow samples from patients undergoing examinations for non-cancerous blood diseases (NCBD). The findings indicate a statistically significant increase in the expression levels of miRNA-124, -138, -10a, -126, -143, -146b, -20a, -21, -29b, and let-7a and a decrease in the expression level of miRNA-96 in the MM group compared with NCBD (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were detected in the expression levels of the selected miRNAs between the unfavorable and favorable prognoses in MM groups. The expression levels of ASF1B, CD82B, and CRISP3 were significantly decreased, while those of FN1, MEF2B, PDL1, PPARγ, and TERT were significantly increased in the MM group compared to the NCBD group (p < 0.05). The MM group with a favorable prognosis demonstrated a statistically significant decline in TIMP1 expression and a significant increase in CD82B and CRISP3 expression compared to the MM group with an unfavorable prognosis (p < 0.05). From an empirical point of view, we have established that the complex biomarker encompassing the CRISP3/TIMP1 expression ratio holds promise as a prognostic marker in MM. From a fundamental point of view, we have demonstrated that the development of MM is rooted in a cascade of complex molecular pathways, demonstrating the interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors.
Exploring the Osteoinductive Potential of Bacterial Pyomelanin Derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Human Osteoblast Model
Authors: Urbaniak Mateusz M. , Rudnicka Karolina , Płociński Przemysław , Chmiela Magdalena
Published: December 2024

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a genetically determined disease associated with disorders of tyrosine metabolism. In AKU, the deposition of homogentisic acid polymers contributes to the pathological ossification of cartilage tissue. The controlled use of biomimetics similar to deposits observed in cartilage during AKU potentially may serve the development of new bone regeneration therapy based on the activation of osteoblasts. The proposed biomimetic is pyomelanin (PyoM), a polymeric biomacromolecule synthesized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This work presents comprehensive data on the osteoinductive, pro-regenerative, and antibacterial properties, as well as the cytocompatibility, of water-soluble (PyoMsol) or water-insoluble (PyoMinsol) PyoM. Both variants of PyoM support osteoinductive processes as well as the maturation of osteoblasts in cell cultures in vitro due to the upregulation of bone-formation markers, osteocalcin (OC), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Furthermore, the cytokines involved in these processes were elevated in cell cultures of osteoblasts exposed to PyoM: tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10. The PyoM variants are cytocompatible in a wide concentration range and limit the doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of osteoblasts. This cytoprotective PyoM activity is correlated with an increased migration of osteoblasts. Moreover, PyoMsol and PyoMinsol exhibit antibacterial activity against staphylococci isolated from infected bones. The osteoinductive, pro-regenerative, and antiapoptotic effects achieved through PyoM stimulation prompt the development of new biocomposites modified with this bacterial biopolymer for medical use.
Identification, Phylogeny, and Expression Profiling of Pineapple Heat Shock Proteins (HSP70) Under Various Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Xu Rui , Wei Fangjun , Chen Yanzhao , Khan Faiza Shafique , Wei Yongzan , Zhang Hongna
Published: December 2024

Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) is an economically significant and delicious tropical fruit. Pineapple commercial production faces severe decline due to abiotic stresses, which affect the development and quality of pineapple fruit. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) plays an essential role in abiotic stress tolerance. However, the pineapple HSP70 family identification and expression analysis in response to abiotic stresses has not been studied. To explore the functional role of AcHSP70, different abiotic stress treatments were applied to pineapple cultivar “Bali” seedlings. A total of 21 AcHSP70 members were identified in the pineapple genome. The identified genes were classified into four subfamilies (I–IV) using phylogenetic analysis. The AcHSP70 family is expressed under different stress conditions. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed the expression pattern of the AcHSP70 family under cold, drought, salt, and heat stress. The expression level of genes such as AcHSP70-2 increased under heat, cold, and drought stress, while the expression level of genes such as AcHSP70-3 decreased under salt stress. Furthermore, the expression profile of AcHSP70s in different tissues and development stages was analyzed using transcriptome analysis. The HSP70 genes exhibited unique expression patterns in pineapple tissue at different developmental stages. The study therefore provides a list of HSP70 genes with substantial roles in abiotic stress response and valuable information for understanding AcHSP70 functional characteristics during abiotic stress tolerance in pineapple.
Utilizing the Fungal Bicistronic System for Multi-Gene Expression to Generate Insect-Resistant and Herbicide-Tolerant Maize
Authors: Chen Yuxiao , Lv Wenjie , Yue Qun , Wen Ning , Wang Yinxiao , Lang Zhihong , Xu Wei , Li Shengyan
Published: December 2024

Developing simple and efficient multi-gene expression systems is crucial for multi-trait improvement or bioproduction in transgenic plants. In previous research, an IGG6-based bicistronic system from the nonpathogenic fungus Glarea lozoyensis efficiently expressed multiple enzyme proteins in yeast and maize, and the heterologous enzymes successfully performed their catalytic activity to reconstruct the biosynthetic pathway in the host organism. Unlike enzyme proteins, some heterologous functional proteins (such as insecticidal proteins) are dose-dependent and they need to express sufficient levels to perform their biological functions. It remains unclear whether the IGG6-based bicistronic system can achieve high expression of the functional proteins for practical applications in crops. In this study, two Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal genes, vip3Aa and cry1Ab, were linked via IGG6 to form a bicistron, while two glyphosate resistance genes, gr79epsps and gat, served as monocistronic selectable marker genes. Regenerated maize plants were produced through genetic transformation. RNA and immunoblot analyses revealed that the vip3Aa-IGG6-cry1Ab bicistron was transcribed as a single transcript, which was then translated into two separate proteins. Notably, the transcription and translation of cry1Ab were significantly positively correlated with those of vip3Aa. Through ELISA and leaf bioassay, we identified two transgenic maize lines, VICGG-15 and VICGG-20, that exhibited high insecticidal activity against fall armyworm (FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda) and Asian corn borer (ACB; Ostrinia furnacalis), both of which had high expression of Vip3Aa and Cry1Ab proteins. Subsequent evaluations, including silk, ear, and field bioassays, as well as glyphosate tolerance assessments, indicated that the VICGG-15 plants displayed high resistance to FAW and ACB, and could tolerate up to 3600 g acid equivalent (a.e.) glyphosate per hectare without adversely affecting phenotype or yield. Our finding established that the IGG6-based bicistronic system can achieve high expression of functional proteins in maize, and it is a potential candidate for multi-gene assembly and expression in plants.
New Chemo-, Regio- and Stereoselective Reactions and Methods in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Musalov Maxim V.
Published: December 2024

The Special Issue “New Chemo-, Regio- and Stereoselective Reactions and Methods in Organic Synthesis” collects eight articles that have developed advanced approaches to the chemo-, regio- and stereoselective synthesis of novel important compounds, scaffolds, synthons, and practically valuable products [...]
Construction of Cisplatin-18-Crown-6 Complexes Through Supramolecular Chemistry to Improve Solubility, Stability, and Antitumor Activity
Authors: Gao Yue , Huang Yeqi , Ren Chuanyu , Xiong Si , Guo Xia , Zhao Ziyu , Guo Ling , Huang Zhengwei
Published: December 2024

Cisplatin (DDP), a platinum-chelated compound renowned for its antitumor activity, is often utilized in cancer therapy. However, its real-world clinical efficacy is compromised by poor solubility and low stability, which impedes wider clinical application. Our study aimed to address these limitations of DDP through host–guest supramolecular chemistry approaches. We explored the potential of 18-crown-6 as the host molecule to solubilize and stabilize DDP, the guest molecule. Utilizing techniques such as UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and molecular docking, we conducted a comprehensive analysis on the physical state and inclusion mode of the DDP@18-crown-6 complex. Phase solubility studies and Job’s plot confirmed that the DDP@18-crown-6 complex significantly enhanced the aqueous solubility of DDP, with an optimal 1:1 binding ratio. Stability analyses revealed that this complex markedly improved the stability of DDP in pure water. Meanwhile, the stabilization effects of DDP@18-crown-6 were remarkably elevated when combined with 0.9% sodium chloride. In vitro antitumor assays in A549 cell lines demonstrated that the DDP@18-crown-6 complex outperformed raw DDP in cytotoxicity, showing a significantly lower IC50 value. This research offered a promising strategy for DDP solubilization and stabilization, facilitating its anticancer therapeutic efficacy.