bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fermented but Not Irradiated Cottonseed Meal Has the Potential to Partially Substitute Soybean Meal in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Ashayerizadeh Amin , Jazi Vahid , Sharifi Fatemeh , Toghyani Majid , Mohebodini Hossein , Kim In Ho , Roura Eugeni
Published: September 2024

This study was conducted to investigate and compare the effects of substituting soybean meal (SBM) with untreated cottonseed meal (CSM), fermented CSM (FCSM), or electron beam-irradiated CSM (ICSM) on the growth performance, cecal microbiota, digestive enzyme activity, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and excreta gas emission of broiler chickens. A total of 384 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four experimental diets, with eight replicates per diet and 12 birds per replicate, for six weeks. The experimental diets consisted of a control diet based on corn–SBM and three other diets in which 50% of the SBM (control) was substituted with CSM in its raw, irradiated, and fermented forms. The results showed that throughout the entire rearing period, feeding broiler chickens with ICSM significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and body weight (BW) compared to the CSM diet (p < 0.05). Replacing 50% of SBM with FCSM led to a significant improvement in BW, ADG, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the CSM and ICSM diets (p < 0.05). Interestingly, no significant differences in BW, ADG, or FCR were observed between birds fed FCSM and those on the control diet (p > 0.05). Birds fed FCSM diets exhibited the lowest pH value in the crop, ileum, and ceca. Substituting SBM with FCSM significantly reduced Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. counts in the ceca, while enhancing the presence of Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05). The AID of protein and ether extract was higher in the FCSM group than in the CSM and ICSM groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the CSM diet, ICSM feeding improved protein digestibility (p < 0.05). Broiler chickens on the FCSM diet exhibited higher intestinal amylase and protease activity than those on the other diets (p < 0.05). Furthermore, feeding diets containing FCSM significantly reduced ammonia emissions compared to the other diets (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated that microbial fermentation of CSM is a more effective approach than irradiation for enhancing the nutritional value of CSM. Therefore, FCSM is recommended as a viable alternative protein source that can safely replace up to 50% of SBM in broiler chicken diets, particularly during times of fluctuating SBM prices and availability issues.
Histochemical Analysis and Distribution of Digestive Enzymes in the Gastrointestinal System of the European Barracuda Sphyraena sphyraena (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Tlak Gajger Ivana , Nejedli Srebrenka , Kozarić Zvonimir , Vlainić Josipa
Published: September 2024

In this study, we examined the gastrointestinal tract of the European barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena) living in the Adriatic Sea near Dubrovnik, Croatia. The study aimed to identify the presence and distribution of four digestive enzymes: alkaline phosphatase, aminopeptidase, acid phosphatase, and non-specific esterase. We found that alkaline phosphatase activity was present in the brush border of the enterocytes in all the investigated intestinal segments. The activity of the alkaline phosphatase was the strongest in the pyloric caeca but strong only in the basal part of the intestinal villi in the anterior and middle intestinal segments. In the posterior intestinal segment, alkaline phosphatase had strong activity along the entire villi. The activity of acid phosphatase was weak in all the investigated parts of the intestine, except in the posterior part, where it was moderate. Aminopeptidase was detected in the brush border of the intestinal epithelium, with stronger activity in the pyloric caeca and anterior part of the intestine and weaker activity posteriorly. The activity of the non-specific esterase was moderate in the pyloric caeca and anterior part of the intestine, while it was weak in the posterior segment and the lamina propria in all parts of the digestive tract. Weak acid phosphatase activity was observed only in the lamina propria of the posterior part of the intestine. This study is the first to evaluate the activity of digestive enzymes in the European barracuda.
Nutrition, Growth, and Age at Puberty in Heifers
Authors: Fantuz Francesco , Fatica Antonella , Salimei Elisabetta , Marcantoni Fausto , Todini Luca
Published: September 2024

Puberty onset and age at first calving have a critical impact on livestock production for good reproductive efficiency of the herd and to reduce the duration of the non-productive stage of the growing heifer. Besides genetic factors, sexual maturation is also affected by environmental factors, such as nutrition, which can account for up to 20% of the observed variability. The rate of body weight gain during growth is considered the main variable influencing the age at puberty, dependent on planes of nutrition in growing animals during the prepubertal-to-pregnancy stage. This paper reviews current knowledge concerning nutrition management and attainment of puberty in heifers, considering the relevance of some indicators such as body measurements and hormones strictly linked to the growth and puberty process. Puberty onset is dependent on the acquisition of adequate subcutaneous adipose tissue mass, as it is the main source of the hormone leptin. Until a certain level, body condition score and age at puberty are negatively correlated, but beyond that, for fatter animals, such correlation is gradually lost. Age at puberty in heifers was reported to be negatively related to IGF-1. Future research should be planned considering the need to standardize the experimental animals and conditions.
Antimicrobial Use in Cats in a University Veterinary Hospital in Central Italy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Vernaccini Matilde , De Marchi Lucia , Briganti Angela , Lippi Ilaria , Marchetti Veronica , Meucci Valentina , Intorre Luigi
Published: September 2024

Background: Monitoring antimicrobial use is crucial for understanding current prescribing practices. Such information helps in establishing stewardship programs for effectively using antimicrobials and combating resistance to them. Objectives: This study describes how antimicrobials are prescribed at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Pisa and compares how the internal medicine and intensive care units differ in their usage of antimicrobials. Methods: The study involved cats that were presented in the units in 2021 and 2022. Antimicrobial prescriptions were obtained via the hospital’s management software (OCIROE). Results: In a population of 1164 non-surgical cats with 397 antimicrobials prescribed, the most prescribed ones were amoxicillin–clavulanic acid in the internal medicine unit and ampicillin in the intensive care unit. Twenty-five percent of all antimicrobials were Highest-Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials or Antimicrobial Advice Ad Hoc Expert Group Category B. The oral route was the main route of administration in the internal medicine unit, while parenteral was the most common route used in the intensive care unit. Most antimicrobials were prescribed to treat pathologic conditions affecting the urinary (39%), gastroenteric (21%), respiratory (13%), and integumentary (12%) systems. A diagnosis, accurate dosage, and the use of species-approved medications were recorded in the antimicrobial prescriptions. However, only 11% of these prescriptions were supported by antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Conclusions: These results suggest room for improvement, particularly in increasing the use of antimicrobial susceptibility testing to ensure more targeted antimicrobial therapy. Given the importance of antimicrobial resistance and the One Health approach, the study also highlights the need to consider the broader impact of antimicrobial use in animals, including the potential contribution to resistance in bacteria that affect both animal and human health.
NADPH Oxidase 4: Crucial for Endothelial Function under Hypoxia—Complementing Prostacyclin
Authors: Brendel Heike , Mittag Jennifer , Hofmann Anja , Hempel Helene , Giebe Sindy , Diaba-Nuhoho Patrick , Wolk Steffen , Reeps Christian , Morawietz Henning , Brunssen Coy
Published: September 2024

Aim: The primary endothelial NADPH oxidase isoform 4 (NOX4) is notably induced during hypoxia, with emerging evidence suggesting its vasoprotective role through H2O2 production. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate NOX4′s significance in endothelial function under hypoxia. Methods: Human vessels, in addition to murine vessels from Nox4−/− mice, were explored. On a functional level, Mulvany myograph experiments were performed. To obtain mechanistical insights, human endothelial cells were cultured under hypoxia with inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible factors. Additionally, endothelial cells were cultured under combined hypoxia and laminar shear stress conditions. Results: In human occluded vessels, NOX4 expression strongly correlated with prostaglandin I2 synthase (PTGIS). Hypoxia significantly elevated NOX4 and PTGIS expression and activity in human endothelial cells. Inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) enzymes, which stabilize hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), increased NOX4 and PTGIS expression even under normoxic conditions. NOX4 mRNA expression was reduced by HIF1a inhibition, while PTGIS mRNA expression was only affected by the inhibition of HIF2a under hypoxia. Endothelial function assessments revealed hypoxia-induced endothelial dysfunction in mesenteric arteries from wild-type mice. Mesenteric arteries from Nox4−/− mice exhibited an altered endothelial function under hypoxia, most prominent in the presence of cyclooxygenase inhibitor diclofenac to exclude the impact of prostacyclin. Restored protective laminar shear stress, as it might occur after thrombolysis, angioplasty, or stenting, attenuated the hypoxic response in endothelial cells, reducing HIF1a expression and its target NOX4 while enhancing eNOS expression. Conclusions: Hypoxia strongly induces NOX4 and PTGIS, with a close correlation between both factors in occluded, hypoxic human vessels. This relationship ensured endothelium-dependent vasodilation under hypoxic conditions. Protective laminar blood flow restores eNOS expression and mitigates the hypoxic response on NOX4 and PTGIS.
Study on Dynamic Response Characteristics and Monitoring Indicators of High-Speed Railway Subgrade in Karst Areas
Authors: Bai Mingzhou , Yang Ling , Wei Yanfeng , Liu Hongyu
Published: September 2024

The impact of karst collapses on railway engineering spans the entire lifecycle of railway construction and operation, with train loads being a significant factor in inducing such collapses. To study the dynamic response characteristics of subgrades in karst areas and to select appropriate monitoring points and indicators for long-term effective monitoring, a numerical simulation method was employed to analyze the vibration response characteristics of the subgrade. A three-dimensional finite element model coupling the high-speed train, ballastless track, and subgrade foundation was established to study the vibration responses of subgrades when the train passes over a subgrade with an underlying soil hole and one without a soil hole. The results indicate that when there was a soil hole, both the dynamic displacement amplitude and vibration acceleration amplitude decreased, while the dominant frequency slightly increased, with the dominant frequency being higher at locations closer to the soil hole. The vibration response at the soil hole location showed significant attenuation, with the attenuation coefficient of dynamic displacement amplitude being higher than that of the vibration acceleration amplitude. Monitoring points were arranged at positions 0 m to 10 m from the toe of the slope, with vertical dynamic displacement, vertical vibration acceleration, the dominant frequency of vertical vibration acceleration, and corresponding amplitude selected as monitoring indicators. These indicators effectively reflect whether soil holes exist within the subgrade and help identify the locations of defects. This study summarizes the dynamic response characteristics of subgrades in karst areas under different conditions, providing a basis for the design and monitoring of railway subgrades in regions prone to karst collapse.
The Elements Defining the Potential for the Development of Health-Promoting Substances from Secondary Herbal Materials
Authors: Jakštas Valdas
Published: September 2024

Agricultural waste is rich in bioactive molecules. When evaluating the viability of circular models for the development of health-promoting substances and final products, it is important to highlight that the industrial processing of fruits and other valuable herbal materials generates a considerable number of by-products and significant amounts of waste that contain health-promoting components. These by-products can be utilized purposefully in pharmaceuticals and related areas for the development of health-promoting products. The linear utilization of agricultural waste results in the loss of a range of valuable bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and related compounds), antioxidants from other groups, phytosterols, tocopherols, and fatty acids. As an illustrative example, the waste materials of species belonging to the Vaccinium L. genus represent a notable secondary resource that can be purposefully applied to the development of health-promoting preparations. The fruits of these wasted herbal materials have been found to contain beneficial polyphenols, which play a pivotal role in the prevention of various chronic conditions, including precancerous conditions, inflammatory diseases, and other ailments. In addition, the fruits of blackberries, elderberries, and purple corn—which are similarly rich in anthocyanins—also provide a promising avenue for further development. Phenolic compounds suitable for recycling are also found in the by-products of sugarcane harvesting. Tomato waste contains a significant amount of lycopene, which is a valuable carotenoid. Other physiological functions may be attributed to the aforementioned by-products of fruit processing which, if used properly, can contribute to the prevention of certain diseases and improving quality of life. This review assesses the gaps in the existing literature on the development of health-promoting substances from herbal secondary materials.
Accurate Pseudo-Spectral Acoustic Wave Modelling with Time Dispersion Elimination
Authors: Zeng Huahui , Wang Yanxiang , Zhou Yang , Meng Huijie , Zhou Qigang , Jin Baozhong
Published: September 2024

We propose an accurate method for modeling acoustic wave propagation. The spatial derivatives are calculated using Fourier transform to reduce spatial numerical dispersion. The standard staggered grid is adopted to suppress the non-causal ringing artifacts as in the traditional pseudo-spectral method. Moreover, to eliminate time dispersion arising from the discretization of the time derivative, an additional time-dispersion elimination term is introduced. As a result, the present method not only retains the advantages of the conventional pseudo-spectral method such as coarser spatial sampling or higher spatial derivative approximation accuracy, but also achieves higher temporal derivative approximation accuracy due to the adoption of the additional time-dispersion elimination term. Numerical examples demonstrate that the temporal dispersion elimination process can be contaminated by spatial numerical dispersion. Thus, the temporal and spatial numerical dispersions should be handled simultaneously, as proposed in this paper, to achieve accurate acoustic simulation.
Aortic Pressure Control Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning for Ex Vivo Heart Perfusion
Authors: Wang Shangting , Yang Ming , Liu Yuan , Yu Junwen
Published: September 2024

In ex vivo heart perfusion (EVHP), the control of aortic pressure (AoP) is critical for maintaining the heart’s physiologic aerobic metabolism. However, the complexity of and variability in cardiac parameters present a challenge in achieving the rapid and accurate regulation of AoP. In this paper, we propose a method of AoP control based on deep reinforcement learning for EVHP in Langendorff mode, which can adapt to the variations in cardiac parameters. Firstly, a mathematical model is developed by coupling the coronary artery and the pulsatile blood pump models. Subsequently, an aortic pressure control method based on the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm is proposed. This method enables the regulation of the blood pump and the realization of closed-loop control. The control performance of the proposed DDPG method, the traditional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) method, and the fuzzy PID method are compared by simulating single and mixed changes in mean aortic pressure target values and coronary resistance. The proposed method exhibits superior performance compared to the PID and fuzzy PID methods under mixed factors, with 68.6% and 66.4% lower settling times and 70.3% and 54.1% lower overshoot values, respectively. This study demonstrates that the proposed DDPG-based method can respond more rapidly and accurately to different cardiac conditions than the conventional PID controllers.
Optimization of Electric Vehicle Charging Control in a Demand-Side Management Context: A Model Predictive Control Approach
Authors: Fernandez Victor , Pérez Virgilio
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we propose a novel demand-side management (DSM) system designed to optimize electric vehicle (EV) charging at public stations using model predictive control (MPC). The system adjusts to real-time grid conditions, electricity prices, and user preferences, providing a dynamic approach to energy distribution in smart city infrastructures. The key focus of the study is on reducing peak loads and enhancing grid stability, while minimizing charging costs for end users. Simulations were conducted under various scenarios, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed system in mitigating peak demand and optimizing energy use. Additionally, the system’s flexibility enables the adjustment of charging schedules to meet both grid requirements and user needs, making it a scalable solution for smart city development. However, current limitations include the assumption of uniform tariffs and the absence of renewable energy considerations, both of which are critical in real-world applications. Future research will focus on addressing these issues, improving scalability, and integrating renewable energy sources. The proposed framework represents a significant step towards efficient energy management in urban settings, contributing to both cost savings and environmental sustainability.
Semantic Segmentation Network for Unstructured Rural Roads Based on Improved SPPM and Fused Multiscale Features
Authors: Cao Xinyu , Tian Yongqiang , Yao Zhixin , Zhao Yunjie , Zhang Taihong
Published: September 2024

Semantic segmentation of rural roads presents unique challenges due to the unstructured nature of these environments, including irregular road boundaries, mixed surfaces, and diverse obstacles. In this study, we propose an enhanced PP-LiteSeg model specifically designed for rural road segmentation, incorporating a novel Strip Pooling Simple Pyramid Module (SP-SPPM) and a Bottleneck Unified Attention Fusion Module (B-UAFM). These modules improve the model’s ability to capture both global and local features, addressing the complexity of rural roads. To validate the effectiveness of our model, we constructed the Rural Roads Dataset (RRD), which includes a diverse set of rural scenes from different regions and environmental conditions. Experimental results demonstrate that our model significantly outperforms baseline models such as UNet, BiSeNetv1, and BiSeNetv2, achieving higher accuracy in terms of mean intersection over union (MIoU), Kappa coefficient, and Dice coefficient. Our approach enhances segmentation performance in complex rural road environments, providing practical applications for autonomous navigation, infrastructure maintenance, and smart agriculture.
Anomaly Identification of Wind Turbine Yaw System Based on Two-Stage Attention–Informer Algorithm
Authors: Shen Xu , Wang Haiyun , Huang Xiaofang , Chen Yang
Published: September 2024

In response to the problems that abnormal yaw position causes during the yawing process—on the one hand leading to the accumulation of yaw position errors, affecting the accuracy of yawing to the wind or safety due to excessive cable twisting, and on the other hand, with the phenomena of frequent position jumps or frequent short-term position maintenance generating certain yaw errors, affecting the stability of yaw control, thus resulting in a high occurrence frequency of yaw system failures and high operation and maintenance costs—a data-driven fault diagnosis method is proposed to give early warnings for abnormal conditions of the yaw position of the wind turbine unit. Firstly, for the massive data in the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, the ReliefF feature algorithm based on standardized interaction gain (Standardized Interaction Gain and ReliefF, SIG–ReliefF) is used for accurately identifying and screening the characteristic parameters that have a greater impact on the yaw system failure of wind turbines. The advantage of this method lies in its ability to effectively consider the correlation between features and retain the relevant features and interaction features of yaw system failures to the greatest extent. Then, an Informer yaw position prediction model is established, combined with the two-stage attention mechanism (two-stage attention and Informer, TSA–Informer), and the distribution of residuals is statistically analyzed through the sliding window method to determine the fault threshold. Finally, the validity and accuracy of the proposed method are verified through examples, and through comparison with other algorithms, it is verified that it has better abnormal early warning performance. Relevant conclusions can provide a reference for the fault diagnosis of the actual yaw system.
Development and Validation of a Simple Analytical Method to Quantify Tocopherol Isoforms in Food Matrices by HPLC–UV–Vis
Authors: Arias-Santé María Fernanda , López-Puebla Sussi , de Camargo Adriano Costa , Guil-Guerrero José Luis , Rincón-Cervera Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2024

This study developed, validated, and tested a simple method for tocopherol analysis on five different food matrices (sunflower oil, mackerel fillets, almonds, spinach, and avocado pulp). Tocopherol extraction from foods was carried out by the Folch method and with n-hexane, and the identification and quantification of tocopherol isoforms (α, β, γ, and δ) was performed using normal-phase liquid chromatography with ultraviolet–visible detection (NP-HPLC–UV–Vis). The normal-phase column fully separated the four tocopherol isoforms in less than ten minutes. Linearity was shown to be excellent for the four isoforms in the assayed range (10–375 ppm, R2 > 0.99). Furthermore, the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.32 to 0.63 ppm, and from 1.08 to 2.11 ppm, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day precision were assessed at different concentrations (10, 100, and 250 ppm) for each tocopherol isoform and they were within the range of acceptable values. Recovery rates were above 80% in most cases for all of the assayed food matrices, regardless of the extraction method (Folch solvents or n-hexane). α-Tocopherol was the main isoform found in all tested foods, and sunflower oil was the sample with the highest content, followed by almond, avocado pulp, mackerel fillet, and spinach. This method provides a convenient alternative for obtaining a complete profile of the four tocopherol isoforms in a variety of food matrices and for tracking the potential degradation kinetics of fortified foods during their processing and storage.
Mechanical Behaviors of a New Polymer-Based Restorative Material for Immediate Loading: An In Vitro Comparative Study
Authors: Pisano Milena , Zadrożny Łukasz , Di Marzio Anna , Kurti Ignazio , Meloni Silvio Mario , Lumbau Aurea Immacolata , Mollica Francesco , Pozzan Mario Cesare , Catapano Santo , Molak Rafał Maksymilian , Cervino Gabriele , Tallarico Marco
Published: September 2024

The aim of the present in vitro comparative study is to validate a novel composite polymer, named “ONLY”, developed to overcome the mechanical drawbacks of conventional, metal-reinforced poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) interim restoration. Ten interim restorations were designed and fabricated (five in the composite “ONLY” group, and five in the metal-reinforced PMMA group). All the samples were screwed into the prototype models, simulating a complete edentulous mandible rehabilitated with six straight implants. Outcome measures were break point (load, N) and displacement (mm) through a static compression test, and material behavior through a dynamic cyclic test method (fatigue test). A total of 20 samples were tested (10 for static and 10 for dynamic). In each group, five samples (test and control) were used. All the specimens completed the mechanical tests, as planned. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for any test. In the test group, the break point was 1953.19 ± 543.73 N, while it was 2031.10 ± 716.68 N in the control group (p = 0.775). The displacement was 1.89 ± 0.34 mm in the test group and 1.98 ± 0.75 mm in the control group (p = 0.763). Using the dynamic cyclic test method, in the control group the mean load was 2504.60 ± 972.15 N, while in the test group the mean load was 3382.00 ± 578.50 N. The difference between groups was 877.40 ± 579.30 N (p value = 0.121). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the novel composite polymer can be used to immediately load dental implants. Further clinical research is needed to confirm these preliminary results.
Comparative Analysis of Airborne Bacterial and Fungal Communities in South-Eastern Italy and in Albania Using the Compositional Analysis of 16S and ITS rRNA Gene Sequencing Datasets
Authors: Romano Salvatore , Pepkolaj Lekë , Fragola Mattia , Peccarrisi Dalila , Dhimitri Jostina , Buccolieri Alessandro , Talà Adelfia , Alifano Pietro , Quarta Gianluca , Calcagnile Lucio
Published: September 2024

This study investigates airborne bacterial and fungal communities in south-eastern Italy and Albania using advanced DNA-based techniques and compositional data analysis (CoDa). We assess the significance of airborne microbial communities, detailing our methodologies for site selection, sample collection, DNA extraction, and data analysis. Our results reveal distinct differences in microbial composition between the two regions, driven by local environmental factors. Specifically, Albanian samples showed higher abundances of bacterial species such as Rubellimicrobium roseum and Sphingomonas cynarae, while Italian samples were characterized by a prevalence of Truepera radiovictrix and Rubrobacter radiotolerans. In terms of fungi, Albanian sites exhibited greater abundance of Mycosphaerella tassiana, Aureobasidium pullulans, and Ascochyta herbicola. Aitchison distance-based dendrograms and principal component analysis (PCA) biplots, utilizing singular value decomposition, clearly delineated a geographical separation of microbial communities, underscoring the impact of regional atmospheric conditions on microbial composition. In the discussion, we interpret these findings in the context of regional environmental factors, highlighting their implications for understanding regional differences in airborne microbial communities. The conclusion emphasizes the effectiveness of advanced DNA techniques and CoDa in environmental microbiology, offering insights into how local environmental conditions shape microbial communities and suggesting directions for future research and public health considerations.
An Improved Version of the Prewhitening Method for Trend Analysis in the Autocorrelated Time Series
Authors: Sheoran Rahul , Dumka Umesh Chandra , Tiwari Rakesh K. , Hooda Rakesh K.
Published: September 2024

Nonparametric trend detection tests like the Mann–Kendall (MK) test require independent observations, but serial autocorrelation in the datasets inflates/deflates the variance and alters the Type-I and Type-II errors. Prewhitening (PW) techniques help address this issue by removing autocorrelation prior to applying MK. We evaluate several PW schemes—von Storch (PW-S), Slope-corrected PW (PW-Cor), trend-free prewhitening (TFPW) proposed by Yue (TFPW-Y), iterative TFPW (TFPW-WS), variance-corrected TFPW (VCTFPW), and newly proposed detrended prewhitened with modified trend added (DPWMT). Through Monte Carlo simulations, we constructed a lag-1 autoregressive (AR(1)) time series and systematically assessed the performance of different PW methods relative to sample size, autocorrelation, and trend slope. Results indicate that all methods tend to overestimate weak trends in small samples (n < 40). For moderate/high trends, the slopes estimated from the VCTFPW and DPWMT series close (within a ± 20% range) to the actual trend. VCTFPW shows slightly lower RMSE than DPWMT at mid-range lag-1 autocorrelation (ρ1 = 0.3 to 0.6) but fluctuates for ρ1 ≥ 0.7. Original series and TFPW-Y fail to control Type-I error with increasing ρ1, while VCTFPW and DPWMT maintained Type-I errors below the significance level (α = 0.05) for large samples. Apart from TFPW-Y, all PW methods resulted in weak power of the test for weak trends and small samples. TFPW-WS showed high power of the test but only for strong autocorrelated data combined with strong trends. In contrast, VCTFPW failed to preserve the power of the test at high autocorrelation (≥0.7) due to slope underestimation. DPWMT restores the power of the test for 0.1 ≤ ρ1 ≤ 0.9 for moderate/strong trends. Overall, the proposed DPWMT approach demonstrates clear advantages, providing unbiased slope estimates, reasonable Type-I error control, and sufficient power in detecting linear trends in the AR(1) series.
Maneuvering Object Tracking and Movement Parameters Identification by Indirect Observations with Random Delays
Authors: Bosov Alexey
Published: September 2024

The paper presents an approach to solving the problem of unknown motion parameters Bayesian identification for the stochastic dynamic system model with randomly delayed observations. The system identification and the object tracking tasks obtain solutions in the form of recurrent Bayesian relations for a posteriori probability density. These relations are not practically applicable due to the computational challenges they present. For practical implementation, we propose a conditionally minimax nonlinear filter that implements the concept of conditionally optimal estimation. The random delays model source is the area of autonomous underwater vehicle control. The paper discusses in detail a computational experiment based on a model that is closely aligned with this practical need. The discussion includes both a description of the filter synthesis features based on the geometric interpretation of the simulated measurements and an impact analysis of the effectiveness of model special factors, such as time delays and model unknown parameters. Furthermore, the paper puts forth a novel approach to the identification problem statement, positing a random jumping change in the motion parameters values.
Some Identities Related to Semiprime Ideal of Rings with Multiplicative Generalized Derivations
Authors: Hummdi Ali Yahya , Sögütcü Emine Koç , Gölbaşı Öznur , Rehman Nadeem ur
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the relationship between the commutativity of rings and the properties of their multiplicative generalized derivations. Let F be a ring with a semiprime ideal Π. A map ϕ:F→F is classified as a multiplicative generalized derivation if there exists a map σ:F→F such that ϕ(xy)=ϕ(x)y+xσ(y) for all x,y∈F. This study focuses on semiprime ideals Π that admit multiplicative generalized derivations ϕ and G that satisfy certain differential identities within F. By examining these conditions, the paper aims to provide new insights into the structural aspects of rings, particularly their commutativity in relation to the behavior of such derivations.
Enhancing State of Health Prediction Accuracy in Lithium-Ion Batteries through a Simplified Health Indicator Method
Authors: Han Dongxu , Zhou Nan , Chen Zeyu
Published: September 2024

Accurately predicting the state of health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries is crucial for optimizing battery performance and achieving efficient energy management, especially in electric vehicle applications. However, the existing incremental capacity analysis methods, which are mostly based on curve multi-parameter analysis, still have limitations in terms of computation, prediction accuracy, and adaptability to actual operating conditions. This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the incremental capacity (IC) curve and proposes a feature parameter based on the area under the IC curve. By incorporating charge and discharge data, a weighted health indicator sequence is constructed and three mathematical models are proposed to link health indicators with cycle number, capacity, and SOH. The feasibility of using impedance as an additional input is also explored, despite the challenges of measurement, revealing its potential applications. Validation of the models with different datasets shows that the proposed method achieves both average relative error and root mean square error within 5%, outperforming other methods in terms of minimizing error and ensuring stability. The results demonstrate that the area-weighted incremental capacity method significantly enhances battery health monitoring accuracy, contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient energy storage systems.
Does Social Media Enhance Job Performance? Examining Internal Communication and Teamwork as Mediating Mechanisms
Authors: Kumar Satinder , Sohbaty Zohour , Jain Ruchika , Shafi Iqra , Rupeika-Apoga Ramona
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the impact of social media use on faculty job performance, exploring the mediating roles of internal communication and teamwork. Drawing on the Uses and Gratifications theory, we examine how faculty members utilize social media for three distinct purposes: social interaction (social use), enjoyment (hedonic use), and information seeking (cognitive use). We analyze how these three dimensions of social media use influence teachers’ performance, encompassing both routine and innovative aspects. This analysis is based on data collected via an online survey completed by 456 faculty members at public state colleges in northern India in 2024. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal that social, hedonic, and cognitive use of social media positively affects faculty innovative and routine job performance, with teamwork and internal communication acting as partial mediators in this relationship. This research offers valuable insights for faculty development professionals, educational administrators, and policymakers.
Scaffolds for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Last Ten Years Literature
Authors: Veronesi Francesca , Zielli Simone Ottavio , Brogini Silvia , Artioli Elena , Arceri Alberto , Mazzotti Antonio , Faldini Cesare , Giavaresi Gianluca
Published: September 2024

Scaffolds are widely used devices for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLT), aimed at enhancing mechanical stability and fostering chondrogenic differentiation. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the safety, and clinical and radiological results of scaffolds for OCLT management. On 2 January 2024, a search was performed in four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus), according to PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias in the included studies was also evaluated. Thirty clinical studies were included in the qualitative analysis: 12 retrospective case series, 3 retrospective comparative studies, 9 prospective case series, 1 prospective comparative study, and 1 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). Natural scaffolds, such as bilayer collagen (COLL)I/III and hyaluronic scaffolds, were the most employed. Only minor adverse events were observed, even if more serious complications were shown, especially after medial malleolar osteotomy. An overall clinical and radiological improvement was observed after a mean of 36.3 months of follow-up. Patient age and Body Mass Index (BMI), lesion size, and location were correlated with the clinical outcomes, while meta-analysis revealed significant improvement in clinical scores with hyaluronic scaffolds compared to microfracture alone. This study highlights the safety and positive clinical outcomes associated with the use of scaffolds for OCLT. In the few available comparative studies, scaffolds have also demonstrated superior clinical outcomes compared to microfractures alone. Nevertheless, the analysis has shown the limitations of the current literature, characterized by an overall low quality and scarcity of RCTs.
The Influence of Kinematics on Tennis Serve Speed: An In-Depth Analysis Using Xsens MVN Biomech Link Technology
Authors: Brito André V. , Fonseca Pedro , Costa Mário J. , Cardoso Ricardo , Santos Catarina C. , Fernandez-Fernandez Jaime , Fernandes Ricardo J.
Published: September 2024

An inertial measurement system, using a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers, is of great interest to capture tennis movements. We have assessed the key biomechanical moments of the serve phases and events, as well as the kinematic metrics during the serve, to analyze their influence on serve speed. Eighteen male competitive tennis players, equipped with the inertial measurement units, performed a prolonged serve game consisting of 12 simulated points. Participants were divided into groups A and B in accordance with their positioning above or below the sample average serve speed. Group A (compared with their counterparts) presented with lower back hip adduction and knee flexion, and a higher leftward thoracic tilt during the impact event (−14.9 ± 6.9 vs. 13.8 ± 6.4, 2.8 ± 5.9 vs. 14.3 ± 13.0 and −28.9 ± 6.3 vs. 28.0 ± 7.3°). In addition, group A exhibited higher maximal angular velocities in the wrist and thorax, as well as a lower maximal angular velocity in the back hip than group B (427.0 ± 99.8 vs. 205.4 ± 9.7, 162.4 ± 81.7 vs. 193.5 ± 43.8, 205.4 ± 9.7 vs. 308.3 ± 111.7, 193.5 ± 43.8 vs. 81.1 ± 49.7°/s). The relevant biomechanical differences during the serve were identified, highlighting the changes in joint angles and angular velocities between the groups, providing meaningful information for coaches and players to improve their serve proficiency.
Unpredictable Repeated Stress in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Shifted the Immune Response against a Fish Parasite
Authors: Henard Cyril , Li Hanxi , Nowak Barbara F. , von Gersdorff Jørgensen Louise
Published: September 2024

Farmed fish are regularly subjected to various stressors due to farming practices, and their effect in the context of a disease outbreak is uncertain. This research evaluated the effects of unpredictable repeated stress in rainbow trout challenged with the ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, known to cause white spot disease in freshwater fish. Before and after the pathogen exposure, fish were handled with a random rotation of three procedures. At 7 days post-infection (dpi), the parasite burden was evaluated in fish and in the tank’s water, and the local and systemic immune responses were investigated in the gill and spleen, respectively. The fish mortality was recorded until 12 dpi, when all the fish from the infected groups died. There was no statistical difference in parasite burden (fish and tank’s water) and infection severity between the two infected fish groups. The immune gene expression analysis suggested a differential immune response between the gill and the spleen. In gills, a T helper cell type 2 immune response was initiated, whereas in spleen, a T helper cell type 1 immune response was observed. The stress has induced mainly upregulations of immune genes in the gill (cat-1, hep, il-10) and downregulations in the spleen (il-2, il-4/13a, il-8). Our results suggested that the unpredictable repeated stress protocol employed did not impair the fish immune system.
The Involvement of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress during the Interaction between Calcium Oxalate Crystals and Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Hong Sen-Yuan , Miao Lin-Tao , Qin Bao-Long
Published: September 2024

Our study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms behind the interaction between calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals and renal tubular epithelial cells through transcriptome sequencing analysis. HK-2 cells were stimulated with or without CaOx monohydrate crystals and subjected to RNA-seq to assess the effects of CaOx crystals on gene expression changes, key pathways, and molecular players during this interaction. A total of 629 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the control group and experimental group, with 491 genes up-regulated and 138 down-regulated. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs were significantly associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and unfolded protein response. To validate our findings, we compared our results with the public dataset GSE73680 and confirmed the increased expression of two ERS-related DEGs, CHAC1 and FGF21, in renal papillary tissues from patients with CaOx stones. Collectively, these findings suggest that ERS plays a crucial role in the crystal–cell interaction and highlight the potential for developing therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing CaOx stone formation by targeting ERS-related molecules and pathways.
Phospholipid Scramblase Activity of VDAC Dimers: New Implications for Cell Death, Autophagy and Ageing
Authors: Rockenfeller Patrick
Published: September 2024

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are important proteins of the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). Their beta-barrel structure allows for efficient metabolite exchange between the cytosol and mitochondria. VDACs have further been implicated in the control of regulated cell death. Historically, VDACs have been pictured as part of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). New concepts of regulated cell death involving VDACs include its oligomerisation to form a large pore complex in the OMM; however, alternative VDAC localisation to the plasma membrane has been suggested in the literature and will be discussed regarding its potential role during cell death. Very recently, a phospholipid scramblase activity has been attributed to VDAC dimers, which explains the manifold lipidomic changes observed in VDAC-deficient yeast strains. In this review, I highlight the recent advances regarding VDAC’s phospholipid scramblase function and discuss how this new insight sheds new light on VDAC’s implication in regulated cell death, autophagy, and ageing.
Quantification of Histone H1 Subtypes Using Targeted Proteomics
Authors: López-Gómez Jordi , Villarreal Laura , Andrés Marta , Ponte Inma , Xicoy Blanca , Zamora Lurdes , Vilaseca Marta , Roque Alicia
Published: September 2024

Histone H1 is involved in the regulation of chromatin structure. Human somatic cells express up to seven subtypes. The variability in the proportions of somatic H1s (H1 complement) is one piece of evidence supporting their functional specificity. Alterations in the protein levels of different H1 subtypes have been observed in cancer, suggesting their potential as biomarkers and that they might play a role in disease development. We have developed a mass spectrometry-based (MS) parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assay suitable for the quantification of H1 subtypes. Our PRM method is based on the quantification of unique peptides for each subtype, providing high specificity. Evaluation of the PRM performance on three human cell lines, HeLa, K562, and T47D, showed high reproducibility and sensitivity. Quantification values agreed with the electrophoretic and Western blot data, indicating the accuracy of the method. We used PRM to quantify the H1 complement in peripheral blood samples of healthy individuals and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. In CML, the first line of therapy is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib. Our preliminary data revealed differences in the H1 complement in CML patients between imatinib responders and non-responders. These results support further research to determine if the H1 content or subtype composition could help predict imatinib response.
Irisin in Reproduction: Its Roles and Therapeutic Potential in Male and Female Fertility Disorders
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ibrahim , Khan Muhammad Imran , Wahab Fazal
Published: September 2024

The current study focused on identifying the potential of irisin in mammalian reproduction. The established role of irisin, a proteolytic product of FNDC5, in adipose tissue browning, energy metabolism, and thermogenesis suggests its role in reproductive health, often disturbed by metabolic imbalances. Various studies on mice demonstrated irisin′s role in improving spermatogenesis, sperm count, and testosterone levels by influencing the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis. Moreover, in females, there is a fluctuation in levels of irisin during critical reproductive stages, including menstrual cycles, puberty, and pregnancy. Conditions like pregnancy complications, precocious puberty, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are found to have an association with abnormal irisin levels. The potential role of irisin in endometrial receptivity and preventing endometritis is also discussed in this review. Overall, the influence of irisin on female and male reproduction is evident from various studies. However, further research is needed to elucidate irisin mechanism in reproduction and its potential as a therapeutic or diagnostic tool for reproductive dysfunctions and infertility.
Biopolymers as Sustainable and Active Packaging Materials: Fundamentals and Mechanisms of Antifungal Activities
Authors: González-Arancibia Fernanda , Mamani Maribel , Valdés Cristian , Contreras-Matté Caterina , Pérez Eric , Aguilera Javier , Rojas Victoria , Ramirez-Malule Howard , Andler Rodrigo
Published: September 2024

Developing bio-based and biodegradable materials has become important to meet current market demands, government regulations, and environmental concerns. The packaging industry, particularly for food and beverages, is known to be the world’s largest consumer of plastics. Therefore, the demand for sustainable alternatives in this area is needed to meet the industry’s requirements. This review presents the most commonly used bio-based and biodegradable packaging materials, bio-polyesters, and polysaccharide-based polymers. At the same time, a major problem in food packaging is presented: fungal growth and, consequently, food spoilage. Different types of antifungal compounds, both natural and synthetic, are explained in terms of structure and mechanism of action. The main uses of these antifungal compounds and their degree of effectiveness are detailed. State-of-the-art studies have shown a clear trend of increasing studies on incorporating antifungals in biodegradable materials since 2000. The bibliometric networks showed studies on active packaging, biodegradable polymers, films, antimicrobial and antifungal activities, essential oils, starch and polysaccharides, nanocomposites, and nanoparticles. The combination of the development of bio-based and biodegradable materials with the ability to control fungal growth promotes both sustainability and the innovative enhancement of the packaging sector.