bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Interactions between Plant Proanthocyanidins and Thiabendazole: Insights from Isothermal Titration Calorimetry
Authors: Sillanpää Mimosa , Engström Marica T. , Tähtinen Petri , Green Rebecca J. , Käpylä Jarmo , Näreaho Anu , Karonen Maarit
Published: July 2024

Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes produces substantial challenges to agriculture, and new strategies for nematode control in livestock animals are called for. Natural compounds, including tannins, with proven anthelmintic activity could be a functional option as structurally diverse complementary compounds to be used alongside commercial anthelmintics. However, the dual use of two anthelmintic components requires an understanding of the pharmacological effects of the combination, while information concerning the interactions between plant-based polyphenols and commercial anthelmintics is scarce. We studied the direct interactions of proanthocyanidins (PAs, syn. condensed tannins) and a commercial anthelmintic thiabendazole, as a model substance of benzimidazoles, by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Our results show evidence of a direct interaction of an exothermic nature with observed enthalpy changes ranging from 0 to −30 kJ/mol. The strength of the interaction between PAs and thiabendazole is mediated by structural characteristics of the PAs with the strongest positive correlation originating from the presence of galloyl groups and the increased degree of polymerization.
Unveiling Allosteric Regulation and Binding Mechanism of BRD9 through Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Markov Modeling
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Jian , Yang Wanchun , Zhao Lu , Wei Benzheng , Chen Jianzhong
Published: July 2024

Bromodomain-containing protein 9 (BRD9) is a key player in chromatin remodeling and gene expression regulation, and it is closely associated with the development of various diseases, including cancers. Recent studies have indicated that inhibition of BRD9 may have potential value in the treatment of certain cancers. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, Markov modeling and principal component analysis were performed to investigate the binding mechanisms of allosteric inhibitor POJ and orthosteric inhibitor 82I to BRD9 and its allosteric regulation. Our results indicate that binding of these two types of inhibitors induces significant structural changes in the protein, particularly in the formation and dissolution of α-helical regions. Markov flux analysis reveals notable changes occurring in the α-helicity near the ZA loop during the inhibitor binding process. Calculations of binding free energies reveal that the cooperation of orthosteric and allosteric inhibitors affects binding ability of inhibitors to BRD9 and modifies the active sites of orthosteric and allosteric positions. This research is expected to provide new insights into the inhibitory mechanism of 82I and POJ on BRD9 and offers a theoretical foundation for development of cancer treatment strategies targeting BRD9.
Silver Nanocomposites with Enhanced Shelf-Life for Fruit and Vegetable Preservation: Mechanisms, Advances, and Prospects
Authors: Ding Xin , Lin Huan , Zhou Jie , Lin Zhihao , Huang Yanyan , Chen Ge , Zhang Yanguo , Lv Jun , Chen Jing , Liu Guangyang , Xu Xiaomin , Xu Donghui
Published: July 2024

Reducing fruit and vegetable waste and maintaining quality has become challenging for everyone. Nanotechnology is a new and intriguing technology that is currently being implemented in fruit and vegetable preservation. Silver nanomaterials provide superior antibacterial qualities, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, which expands their potential applications in fruit and vegetable preservation. Silver nanomaterials include silver nanocomposites and Ag-MOF, of which silver nanocomposites are mainly composed of silver nanoparticles. Notably, not all kinds of silver nanoparticles utilized in the preservation of fruits and vegetables are thoroughly described. Therefore, the synthesis, mechanism of action, and advancements in research on silver nanocomposites for fruit and vegetable preservation were discussed in this study.
Fluorescent Aromatic Polyether Sulfones: Processable, Scalable, Efficient, and Stable Polymer Emitters and Their Single-Layer Polymer Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Andrikopoulos Konstantinos C. , Tselekidou Despoina , Anastasopoulos Charalampos , Papadopoulos Kyparisis , Kyriazopoulos Vasileios , Logothetidis Stergios , Kallitsis Joannis K. , Gioti Maria , Andreopoulou Aikaterini K.
Published: July 2024

In this study, fully aromatic polyether sulfones were developed, bearing blue, yellow, and orange–red π-conjugated semiconducting units. Carbazole-, anthracene-, and benzothiadiazole-based fluorophores are copolymerized with a diphenylsulfone moiety. A diphenylpyridine comonomer was additionally utilized, acting as both a solubilizing unit and a weak blue fluorescent group. Using this rationale, fluorescent polyarylethers with high molecular weights, up to 70 kDa, were developed, showing film formation ability and high thermal stability, while preserving excellent solubility in common organic, nonvolatile, and nonchlorinated solvents. Fine-tuning of the emission color was achieved through subtle changes of the comonomers’ type and ratio. Single-chromophore-bearing copolymers emitted in the blue or the yellow region of the visible spectrum, while the dual-chromophore-bearing terpolymers emitted throughout the visible spectrum, resulting in white light emission. Solutions of 20 wt% in polar aprotic solvents at ambient conditions allowed the deposition of fluorescent copolyethers and printing from non-chlorinated solvents. All polyethers were evaluated for their structural and optoelectronic properties, and selected copolymers were successfully used in the emitting layer (EML) of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices, using either rigid or flexible substrates. Remarkable color stability was displayed in all cases for up to 15 V of bias voltage. The Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage (CIE) of the fabricated devices is located in the blue (0.16, 0.16), yellow (0.44, 0.50), or white region of the visible spectrum (0.33, 0.38) with minimal changes according to the ratio of the comonomers. The versatile methodology toward semiconducting polyethersulfones for polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) developed herein led to the scaled-up production of luminescent polymers of up to 25 g of high-molecular-weight single batches, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach as a straightforward tool to facilitate the synthesis of flexible and printable EMLs for large-area PLED coverage.
Effect of Corona Treatment Method to Carvacrol Nanocoating Process for Carvacrol/Halloysite-Nanotube/Low-Density-Polyethylene Active Packaging Films Development
Authors: Giannakas Aris E. , Karabagias Vassilios K. , Ndreka Amarildo , Dimitrakou Aikaterini , Leontiou Areti A. , Katerinopoulou Katerina , Karakassides Michael A. , Proestos Charalampos , Salmas Constantinos E.
Published: July 2024

Active food packaging incorporated with natural plant extracts as food preservatives, which will totally replace chemical preservatives gradually, are of major interest. Sequentially to our and other scientists’ previous work, in this paper we present the results of a study on the development of a novel active food packaging film based on the incorporation of a natural-halloysite/carvacrol-extract nanohybrid with the commercially used low-density polyethylene. The corona-treatment procedure was employed to incorporate a natural preservative on to the optimum final film. Packaging films are formatted with and without incorporation of natural-halloysite/carvacrol-extract nanohybrid and are coated externally, directly or via corona-treatment, with carvacrol essential oil. Mechanical, physicochemical, and preservation tests indicated that the low-density polyethylene incorporated perfectly with a natural-halloysite/carvacrol-extract nanohybrid. The extra external coating of the film with pure carvacrol extract using the corona-treatment technique led to approximately 100% higher Young Modulus values, slightly decreased ultimate strength by 20%, and exhibited almost stable elongation at break properties. The water vapor and oxygen properties were increased by 45 and 43%, correspondingly, compared to those of pure low-density polyethylene film. Finally, the antioxidant activity of the corona-treated film increased by 28% compared to the untreated film coated with carvacrol because of the controlled release rate of the carvacrol.
Effectiveness of an Email-Based, Semaglutide-Supported Weight-Loss Service for People with Overweight and Obesity in Germany: A Real-World Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Talay Louis , Vickers Matt , Ruiz Laura
Published: July 2024

Quality glucose-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA)-supported digital weight-loss services (DWLSs) have the potential to play a significant role in shifting the alarming global obesity rate. Previous studies have demonstrated various aspects of their utility in Australian and British populations, but nothing has hitherto been investigated in real-world European settings, where GLP-1 RA weight therapy and digital healthcare are widely used. This study retrospectively analysed the 5-month (Mean = 160.14 days) weight-loss outcomes in a cohort of patients who received email-based health coaching and Semaglutide therapy via the Juniper Germany DWLS (n = 833). Mean weight loss was 9.52 (±5.46) percent, with 81.51% of the cohort losing a ‘meaningful’ (5% or more) amount of weight. Females (Mean = 9.75) tended to lose more weight than males (Mean = 8.41) and patients from the lowest two BMI categories (27.5–29.99 kg/m2 Mean = 10.1; 30–34.99 kg/m2 Mean = 9.74) lost significantly more weight than those in the highest BMI category (≥40 kg/m2 Mean = 8.11). These findings indicate that GLP-1 RA-supported DWLSs can contribute to meaningful weight loss in Germany. Future research should seek to conduct a dedicated adherence analysis of the Juniper Germany DWLS and measure the effect of subsidisation and baseline body mass index on general DWLS effectiveness.
Imaging, Dynamic Histomorphometry, and Mechanical Testing in Preclinical Bone Research
Authors: Brent Mikkel Bo
Published: July 2024

Advanced laboratory methods play a crucial role in bone research, allowing researchers and scientists to study the complex biology and nature of the skeleton. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a non-invasive method of measuring bone mass, which is an important parameter for the diagnosis and treatment of several bone diseases. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) is a very high-resolution technique that can be used to investigate the 3D microstructure of trabecular bone. Dynamic bone histomorphometry is used to assess histological indices of bone formation and resorption using fluorochromes embedded into newly formed bone. Mechanical testing is used to measure bone strength and stiffness, providing important information about bone quality and fracture risk. All these methods are widely used in preclinical in vivo studies using rodents and in most clinical studies. Therefore, it is important for both researchers and scientists within the field of bone biology, and those in neighboring fields, to be familiar with their use, strengths, limitations, and important technical aspects. Several guidelines and protocols about the topic have been published, but are very exhaustive. The present review aimed to provide instructions for early-career researchers and outline important concepts and technical aspects of DXA, μCT, dynamic bone histomorphometry, and mechanical testing in bone research.
Gut Health Optimization in Canines and Felines: Exploring the Role of Probiotics and Nutraceuticals
Authors: Atuahene David , Mukarram Shaikh Ayaz , Balouei Fatemeh , Antwi Amos
Published: July 2024

Companion animals such as dogs and cats play a crucial role in modern families. Their overall health is significantly influenced by their gut health, with many health disorders arising from disturbances in the gut microbiome. Our review highlights the ability of probiotics and nutraceuticals to modify the gut microbiota and enhance gastrointestinal health in canine and feline species. We investigated the effects of probiotics and natural antioxidant molecules on digestion, immunological response, and barrier integrity in gastrointestinal health studies concerning dogs and cats. The analysis indicated that probiotics influence gut microbiota composition in a positive manner, enhance digestion, augment the immune response, and help to maintain barrier integrity. Additionally, natural products with antioxidant molecules showed the potential to improve gut health and protect pets from various illnesses. We concluded by advocating the need for more studies in this direction to fully understand their effects and optimize their use in veterinary medicine.
Broadband Spin-Selective Wavefront Manipulations with Generalized Pancharatnam–Berry Phase Metasurface
Authors: Gan Shiming , Zhao Tianci , Mei Xiuzhuang , Zhang Tingting , Wang Zhiqi , Gao Hongyu , Yang Gensen , Cai Jixiang , Bai Fuzhong
Published: July 2024

Metasurfaces can flexibly manipulate electromagnetic waves by engineering subwavelength structures, which have attracted enormous attention in holography, cloaking, and functional multiplexing. For structures with n-fold (n > 2) rotational symmetry, they have been utilized to realize broadband and high-efficiency wavefront manipulation with generalized Pancharatnam–Berry phase, whereas spin-selective wavefront manipulation is still a challenge limited by their symmetrical spin–orbit interactions. Here, we demonstrate the spin-selective wavefront manipulations with generalized Pancharatnam–Berry phase in the range of 560–660 nm with a metal–insulator–metal metasurface consisting of the chiral C3 logarithmic spiral nanostructures. As a proof of concept, two deflectors and a bifocal metalens are designed. This configuration may provide a platform for various applications in polarimetry, polarization-selective images, and nonlinear optical responses.
Femtosecond Laser-Written Small-Period Long-Period Fiber Grating for an L-Band Normal Dispersion Mode-Locked Fiber Laser
Authors: Li Qianying , Cheng Peiyun , Zhao Rong , Shu Xuewen
Published: July 2024

We utilize a femtosecond laser-inscribed small-period long-period fiber grating (SP-LPFG) to induce a nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR) effect for mode-locking pulses in a normal dispersion erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL). The SP-LPFG has a length of 2.5 mm and a period of 25 μm. At wavelengths of 1556 nm and 1561 nm, it exhibits polarization-dependent loss (PDL) values of 20 dB and 14.5 dB, respectively, sufficient to trigger the NPR mechanism. With the pump power increased to 500 mW, the laser achieves normal dispersion mode-locked pulses centered at 1575 nm in the L-band, with a 3 dB bandwidth of 1.35 nm and a pulse width of 1.61 ps. The radio frequency (RF) spectrum reveals an signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of up to 63.6 dB, demonstrating the excellent stability of the laser operation. This SP-LPFG holds promising applications, paving the way for efficient, compact, and stable normal dispersion ultrafast fiber lasers.
Feasibility of Biomarker-Based Taxonomic Classification: A Case Study of the Marine Red Alga Laurencia snackeyi (Weber Bosse) M. Masuda
Authors: Ng Boon Ful , Ng Wei Lun , Lum Wai Mun , Yeap Swee Keong , Yong Yoong Soon
Published: July 2024

Taxonomy—the classification of species—is an important branch of biology that allows us to systematically understand and study biodiversity. Conventional taxonomy relies heavily on morphological and anatomical structures for classification, but recent discoveries of potentially cryptic species and morphological plasticity in many species underscore the importance of having an alternative or complementary method for species classification. In this paper, we discuss the emerging method of classification using biochemical signals, i.e., chemotaxonomy. We also present a case study on the feasibility of biomarker-based chemotaxonomy on the marine red alga Laurencia snackeyi using halogenated snyderane-type sesquiterpenes, which were proposed in earlier studies.
Does Seawater Nitrogen Better Predict the Baseline Farmed Yield for Sugar Kelp (Saccharina latissima) Rather than the Final Yield?
Authors: Stephens Tiffany , Li Yaoguang , Yarish Charles , Rogers Matthew C. , Umanzor Schery
Published: July 2024

Recent interest in scaling commercial kelp industries in Western cultures is juxtaposed by the apparent challenges in achieving more consistent and predictable yields. As such, site-level factors are a dominant and recurring conversation amongst stakeholders. The availability of seawater nitrogen (nitrate, ammonium, total N) can be highly variable across space and time and is often one of the top concerns for site selection and permitting. This study questions the relative importance of nitrogen availability on the yield of Saccharina latissima (sugar kelp) across five commercial farms on the U.S. East and West Coasts over two seasons, highlighting the relative influence of other interacting factors (i.e., farm design). We hypothesized that nitrate would strongly correlate with the harvested yield. Our results show significant spatial and annual variability in the kelp yield and ambient nutrients across and within farms, but with weak covariance. Standard linear regression suggests that seawater nitrogen is a poor explanatory factor for kelp yield, explaining 11.0% of the variation around the mean compared to the line spacing (explaining 26.1%) and the interaction between the total N and the line spacing (explaining 50.0%). Quartile regression, however, suggests that total N alone, is the strongest predictor of a lower threshold in terms of the yield (0.10 quartile, r2 = 0.431) relative to the median (0.50 quartile, r2 0.081). As such, seawater nitrogen may be a more useful metric in predicting baseline kelp yields rather than realized yields, and production above that baseline is likely more dependent on other factors that may or may not interact with seawater nitrogen.
Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa as Promising Sources of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Silva Juliana Dara Rabêlo , Arruda Henrique Silvano , Andrade Amanda Cristina , Berilli Patrícia , Borsoi Felipe Tecchio , Monroy Yaneth Machaca , Rodrigues Marili Villa Nova , Sampaio Klicia Araujo , Pastore Glaucia Maria , Marostica Junior Mario Roberto
Published: July 2024

In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric value (<70 kcal/100 g fw). E. stigmatosa fruit showed a high total fiber content (3.26 g/100 g fw), qualifying it as a source of dietary fiber. The sugar profile was mainly monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and rhamnose). Significant contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and, condensed tannins, were observed in both fruits. E. calycina contains a high level of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside (242.97 µg/g). Other phenolic compounds were also found, the main ones being rutin and ellagic acid. In contrast, E. stigmatosa is mainly composed of rutin and gallic acid. Furthermore, these fruits showed expressive antioxidant activity, evidenced by ORAC, FRAP, and ABTS. These Eugenia fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds and have a low caloric and high dietary fiber content, making them interesting options for inclusion in a balanced diet, contributing to the promotion of health and the valorization and conservation of Brazilian biodiversity.
Dissection and Fine-Mapping of Two QTL Controlling Grain Size Linked in a 515.6-kb Region on Chromosome 10 of Rice
Authors: Shen Yi , Huang Derun , Zhang Zhenhua , Fan Yeyang , Sheng Zhonghua , Zhuang Jieyun , Shen Bo , Zhu Yujun
Published: July 2024

Grain size is a primary determinant of grain weight, which is one of the three essential components of rice grain yield. Mining the genes that control grain size plays an important role in analyzing the regulation mechanism of grain size and improving grain appearance quality. In this study, two closely linked quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling grain size, were dissected and fine-mapped in a 515.6-kb region on the long arm of chromosome 10 by using six near isogenic line populations. One of them, qGS10.2, which controlled 1000 grain weight (TGW) and grain width (GW), was delimited into a 68.1-kb region containing 14 annotated genes. The Teqing allele increased TGW and GW by 0.17 g and 0.011 mm with the R2 of 12.7% and 11.8%, respectively. The other one, qGL10.2, which controlled grain length (GL), was delimited into a 137.3-kb region containing 22 annotated genes. The IRBB52 allele increased GL by 0.018 mm with the R2 of 6.8%. Identification of these two QTL provides candidate regions for cloning of grain size genes.
Effects of AMF on Maize Yield and Soil Microbial Community in Sandy and Saline Soils
Authors: Fan Li , Zhang Peng , Cao Fuzhong , Liu Xueping , Ji Minjia , Xie Min
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of applying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on maize root growth and yield formation under different soil conditions. This study was conducted under sandy soil (S) and saline–alkali soil (Y), with treatments of AMF application (AM) and no AMF application (CK). The root characteristics, yield, and quality of maize were measured. High-throughput sequencing technology was employed to assess the impact of AMF on the soil microbial community structure, and the correlation between soil microbes and soil physicochemical properties was elucidated. The results show that under both sandy and saline–alkali soil conditions, AMF application significantly enhanced maize root growth, yield, grain quality, and soil available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) contents compared to the CK treatment. Soil microbial Alpha diversity analysis indicated that AMF application effectively increased soil microbial diversity and richness. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and microbial community structure analysis revealed significant differences in bacterial communities between AM treatment in sandy soil (SAM) and CK in sandy soil (SCK), and significant differences in both bacterial and fungal communities between AM treatment in saline–alkali soil (YAM) and CK in saline–alkali soil (YCK). Furthermore, significant correlations between microbial communities and soil physicochemical properties were found, such as AN, AP, AK, soil salinity (SS), and organic matter (OM) content. AMF application had a greater impact on bacterial communities than on fungal communities. This study demonstrated that the use of AMF as a bio-fungal fertilizer was effective in improving spring maize yields, especially in terms of yield increase and quality stability in sandy and saline soils, thereby contributing to safe and sustainable cropping practices.
bZIP Transcription Factors: Structure, Modification, Abiotic Stress Responses and Application in Plant Improvement
Authors: Guo Zhonglong , Dzinyela Raphael , Yang Liming , Hwarari Delight
Published: July 2024

Plant growth, yield, and distribution are significantly impacted by abiotic stresses, affecting global ecosystems and forestry practices. However, plants have evolved complex adaptation mechanisms governed by numerous genes and transcription factors (TFs) to manage these stresses. Among these, bZIP (basic leucine zipper) is a crucial regulator orchestrating morphological adaptations. This review aims to elucidate the multifaceted roles of bZIP TFs in plant species. We discuss the morphological changes induced by stress stimuli and the pivotal functions of bZIP TFs in mediating these responses. While several publications have explored the mechanisms of bZIP TFs in response to abiotic stresses, this review delves into the intricate regulatory networks, summarizing alternative splicing and post-translational modifications, signaling networks interacting with bZIP TFs, and genetic engineering of bZIP TFs. By synthesizing current research, this review provides an updated discussion on bZIP interactions with other proteins to regulate stresses such as cold, heat, drought, and salt. Additionally, it offers avenues for future research and applications of bZIP TFs to improve abiotic stress resilience in plants through genetic engineering.
Toroidal CO2 Plasma Sources with Low- and High-Frequency Power Coupling Configurations for Improved Energy Transfer Efficiencies
Authors: Devid E. J. , Bongers W. A. , Groen P. W. C. , van Ginkel M. , Doyle S. J. , Smits F. M. A. , van Deursen C. F. A. M. , Serras K. , Labeur S. , Gleeson M. A. , van de Sanden M. C. M.
Published: July 2024

Electrodeless Low-Frequency (LF)/Radio-Frequency (RF) plasma sources often suffer from low power coupling efficiencies due to the lack of overlapping field with the dynamic plasma load. However, the power supplies for these plasma sources typically have very high power efficiencies (>90%) and are more cost-effective compared to microwave sources. If the coupling efficiency to the plasma can be increased, these plasma sources offer a competitive technology for the sustainable electrification of the chemical industry. This work experimentally investigates five power coupling methods, applied to toroidal CO2 plasmas in a quartz vessel. The research was based on similar ferrite coupling as used in energy-efficient plasma lamps. The higher resistance of the CO2 plasma decreased the power coupling from 90% (for mercury-vapor plasma) to 66% at 1 mbar. High coupling efficiencies in LF/RF powered discharges can be achieved in two manners: either the inductance of the transformer cores can be increased, or the electromagnetic wave frequency can be increased. Furthermore, additional ferrite cores in parallel with the primary coils can be used to increase the impedance transformation. An experiment with six ferrite cores with a single primary winding in parallel, at a frequency of about 10 MHz and a power of 1 kW, showed that this frequency has a detrimental effect on the magnetic permeability and the losses in the ferrite result in a decrease of coupling to 33% at 1.5 mbar. At a frequency of 66 kHz with a nanocrystalline soft magnetic material core, a coupling of 89% was achieved in 1.5 mbar plasma for a power of 3.1 kW. This configuration exhibits decreasing coupling efficiencies at higher pressures since the plasma impedance increases, which again limits the coupling of the transformer due to a lack of inductance. The investigation of alternative coreless coil plasma configurations resulted in coupling efficiencies up to 89% decreasing to 50% at 102 mbar for a toroidal plasma enclosed by toroidally spiraling coils.
Analysis of Early-Retrieved Dual-Mobility Polyethylene Liners for Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Smeeton Mackenzie , Isaac Graham , Wilcox Ruth , Anderson James , Board Tim , Van Citters Douglas W. , Williams Sophie
Published: July 2024

Despite their emerging use, the in vivo behaviour of dual-mobility (DM) total hip replacements (THRs) is not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the articulating surfaces of 20 early-retrieved DM polyethylene liners (mean length of implantation 20.0 ± 18.8 months) for damage to improve the current understanding of their in vivo functional mechanisms. The internal and external surfaces of each liner were visually and geometrically assessed, and the material composition of embedded debris particles were further characterized. Scratching and pitting were the most common modes of damage identified on either surface, and a high incidence of burnishing (50%) and embedded debris (65%) were observed on the internal and external surfaces, respectively. Embedded debris particles were commonly titanium- or iron-based, although other materials such as cobalt-chrome and tantalum were also identified. The geometric assessment demonstrated highly variable damage patterns across the liners, with the internal surfaces commonly presenting with crescent-shaped, circumferential, or circular regions of penetration whilst the external surfaces commonly presented with regions of deep pitting or gouging. This study demonstrates that DM-THRs primarily articulate at the head/liner junction, and that polyethylene liners are capable of rotating about the femoral neck axis, although the extent of this may be limited in some cases. Additionally, this study suggests that intra-prosthetic dislocation and edge loading may remain pertinent failure mechanisms of DM implants despite the advent of highly crosslinked polyethylene and design features, thus highlighting the need for enhanced monitoring of these devices.
Positive Emotions and Quality of Life among Malaysian Patients on Methadone Maintenance Therapy and Their Psychosocial Correlates
Authors: Ganesh N. Sankari , Kaur Manveen , Abd Rashid Rusdi , Parameswaran R. , Hashim Aili Hanim , Moey Chee Hoong , Amit Noh , Siau Ching Sin , Ng Chong Guan
Published: July 2024

The main objective of this study was to assess the positive emotions and the quality of life among patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) as well as their associated factors. This is a cross-sectional survey study. Participants undergoing MMT in two major Malaysian hospitals responded to the sociodemographic and clinical information sheet, the Positive Emotion Rating Scale (PERS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF. Most of the participants (N = 154; mean age = 43.8 ± 9.0 years) were male (97.4%) and Malays (75.3%). Slightly more than half (50.6%) scored above 30 on the Positive Emotion Rating Scale. There was a significant association between being ethnically Malay, married, and employed and positive emotions. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, having positive emotions predicted a better overall, physical, and psychological quality of life. Being non-diabetic also significantly predicted a better quality of life in the overall domain, whilst not being married and family history of mental illness significantly predicted a lower overall and psychological quality of life. Positive emotions significantly improve patients’ quality of life in the MMT program, suggesting the inclusion of positive emotions in a holistic treatment approach.
‘This Is the Greatest Thing a Man Can Do’: Vocational Journeys of Recently Ordained Catholic Priests in Australia
Authors: Bullivant Stephen
Published: July 2024

In many Western countries, the Catholic Church (like several others) is currently suffering a vocations crisis. Australia is no exception. Each year, dioceses see more priests retire, die, or leave the priesthood than new ones are ordained. For this reason, it is becoming increasingly mission-critical for dioceses to understand better the vocational journeys of those men who do become priests. These are also, of course, groups of considerable sociological interest: what motivates them to do (and become) something so countercultural? This article presents the main findings from a qualitative research project exploring the vocational journeys of recently ordained (i.e., within the past ten years at the time of the study) priests in the Archdiocese of Sydney, New South Wales.
Characterization of Beech Wood Pellets as Low-Emission Solid Biofuel for Residential Heating in Serbia
Authors: Matijašević Vasilije , Beňo Zdeněk , Tekáč Viktor , Duong Van Minh
Published: July 2024

This study evaluated the suitability of two types of beech wood pellets as renewable, low-emission biofuel sources in order to combat the energy mix and poor air quality in Serbia. Key solid biofuel characteristics, including the heating values (18.5–18.7 MJ/kg), moisture content (5.54–7.16%), and volatile matter (82.4–84.4%) were assessed according to established standards. The elemental composition (mass fractions of 48.26–48.53% carbon, 6% hydrogen, 0.12–0.2% nitrogen, 0.02% sulfur, non-detected chlorine) and ash content (0.46–1.2%) demonstrated that the analyzed beech pellets met the criteria for high-quality classification, aligning with the ENplus A1 and ENplus A2 standards. The emissions of O2, CO2, CO, NOx, SO2, and TOC were quantified in the flue gas of an automatic residential pellet stove and compared with the existing literature. While combustion of the beech pellets yielded low emissions of SO2 (6 mg/m3) and NOx (188 mg/m3), the fluctuating CO (1456–2064 mg/m3) and TOC (26.75–61.46 mg/m3) levels were influenced by the appliance performance. These findings underscore the potential of beech wood pellets as a premium solid biofuel option for Serbian households, offering implications for both end-users and policymakers.
Metabolomic Profiling, Volatile Fatty Acids, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Beef Cattle Infused with Different Essential Oil Blends
Authors: Okedoyin Deborah O. , Alabi Joel O. , Anotaenwere Chika C. , Wuaku Michael , Gray DeAndrea , Adelusi Oludotun O. , Ike Kelechi A. , Dele Peter A. , Oderinwale Olatunde A. , Idowu Modoluwamu D. , Ogunade Ibukun M. , Anele Uchenna Y.
Published: July 2024

Essential oils are natural feed additives that improve animal health and enhance their performance. This study investigated the effects of the rumen infusion of five essential oil blends (EOBs) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, rumen fermentation parameters, and rumen metabolome and metabolic pathways in Black Angus cows. Using a 6 × 6 Latin Square experimental design, a 90-day study was conducted with six cattle. A daily dosage of 4 mL of EOBs was administered during each infusion. Volcano plot analyses between the control (CON) and each of the EOBs (EOB1, EOB2, EOB3, EOB4, and EOB5) revealed several differentially abundant (p ≤ 0.05; absolute fold change ≥1.5) metabolites. The EOB5 treatment exhibited the most significant impact, with 26 differentially abundant metabolites, including elevated valine and reduced gallic acid. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs), including valerate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate, were significantly increased (p < 0.05). GHG emissions were not significantly affected, but a numerical decrease was observed in the animals infused with the EOB5 treatment. Ammonia nitrogen concentrations remained within the suitable range for rumen microbes’ growth, indicating a normal internal environment for microbial crude protein synthesis. In conclusion, the study has demonstrated that the direct infusion of EOBs significantly improved the generation of VFAs and impacted the energy production, protein synthesis, and microbial activity of the animals.
Geometry Selection in Three-Mirror Freeform Imagers with an Accessible Exit Pupil
Authors: Bauer Aaron , Schiesser Eric M. , Rolland Jannick P.
Published: July 2024

Reimaging telescopes have an accessible exit pupil that facilitates stray light mitigation and matching to auxiliary optical systems. Freeform surfaces present the opportunity for unobscured reflective systems to be folded into geometries that are otherwise impracticable with conventional surface types. It is critical, however, to understand the limitations of the enabled folding geometries and choose the one that best balances the optical performance and mechanical requirements. Here, we used the aberration theory of freeform surfaces to determine the aberration correction potential for using freeform surfaces in reimaging three-mirror telescopes and established a hierarchy for the different folding geometries without using optimization. We found that when using freeform optics, the ideal folding geometry had 9× better wavefront performance compared to the next best geometry. Within that ideal geometry, the system using freeform optics had 39% better wavefront performance compared to a system using off-axis asphere surfaces, thus quantifying one of the advantages of freeform optics in this design space.
Q-RPL: Q-Learning-Based Routing Protocol for Advanced Metering Infrastructure in Smart Grids
Authors: Duenas Santos Carlos Lester , Mezher Ahmad Mohamad , Astudillo León Juan Pablo , Cardenas Barrera Julian , Castillo Guerra Eduardo , Meng Julian
Published: July 2024

Efficient and reliable data routing is critical in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) within Smart Grids, dictating the overall network performance and resilience. This paper introduces Q-RPL, a novel Q-learning-based Routing Protocol designed to enhance routing decisions in AMI deployments based on wireless mesh technologies. Q-RPL leverages the principles of Reinforcement Learning (RL) to dynamically select optimal next-hop forwarding candidates, adapting to changing network conditions. The protocol operates on top of the standard IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL), integrating it with intelligent decision-making capabilities. Through extensive simulations carried out in real map scenarios, Q-RPL demonstrates a significant improvement in key performance metrics such as packet delivery ratio, end-to-end delay, and compliant factor compared to the standard RPL implementation and other benchmark algorithms found in the literature. The adaptability and robustness of Q-RPL mark a significant advancement in the evolution of routing protocols for Smart Grid AMI, promising enhanced efficiency and reliability for future intelligent energy systems. The findings of this study also underscore the potential of Reinforcement Learning to improve networking protocols.
A Novel Friction Compensation Method for Machine Tool Drive Systems in Insufficient Lubrication
Authors: Sheng Yanliang , Wang Guofeng , Sang Lingling , Li Decai
Published: July 2024

Friction is the dominant factor restricting tracking accuracy and machining surface quality in mechanical systems such as machine tool feed-drive. Hence, friction modeling and compensation is an important method in accurate tracking control of CNC machine tools used for welding, 3D printing, and milling, etc. Many static and dynamic friction models have been proposed to compensate for frictional effects to reduce the tracking error in the desired trajectory and to improve the surface quality. However, most of them focus on the friction characteristics of the pre-sliding zone and low-speed sliding regions. These models do not fully describe friction in the case of insufficient lubrication or high acceleration and deceleration in machine tool systems. This paper presents a new nonlinear friction model that includes the typical Coulomb-Viscous friction, a nonlinear periodic harmonic friction term for describing the lead screw property in insufficient lubrication, and a functional component of acceleration for describing the friction lag caused by the acceleration and deceleration of the system. Experiments were conducted to compare the friction compensation performance between the proposed and the conventional friction models. Experimental results indicate that the root mean square and maximum absolute tracking error can be significantly reduced after applying the proposed friction model.
Software-Defined Radio Implementation of a LoRa Transceiver
Authors: de Omena Simas João Pedro , Riviello Daniel Gaetano , Garello Roberto
Published: July 2024

The number of applications of low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs) has been growing quite considerably in the past few years and so has the number of protocol stacks. Despite this fact, there is still no fully open LPWAN protocol stack available to the public, which limits the flexibility and ease of integration of the existing ones. The closest to being fully open is LoRa; however, only its medium access control (MAC) layer, known as LoRaWAN, is open and its physical and logical link control layers, also known as LoRa PHY, are still only partially understood. In this paper, the essential missing aspects of LoRa PHY are not only reverse engineered, but also, a new design of the transceiver and its sub-components are proposed and implemented in a modular and flexible way using GNU Radio. Finally, some examples of applications of both the transceiver and its components, which are made to be run in a simple setup by using cheap and widely available off-the-shelf hardware, are given to show how the library can be used and extended.
Monitoring Two Typical Marine Zooplankton Species Using Acoustic Methods in the South China Sea
Authors: Liu Jing , Tang Yong
Published: July 2024

The broadband scientific echosounder is considered to have great potential for zooplankton monitoring. In this study, two common types of zooplankton in the South China Sea, Rhopilema hispidum and Acetes chinensis, were continuously monitored using a broadband scientific echosounder. The results revealed distinct volume scattering strength (SV) spectral characteristics between the echoes of R. hispidum and A. chinensis. Meanwhile, echoes of R. hispidum and A. chinensis were classified using the k-means clustering algorithm, achieving an 83.4% accuracy rate. The SV value at a nominal frequency of R. hispidum changes more sharply than that of A. chinensis, suggesting that the density of R. hispidum changes more dramatically. This study demonstrates the advantages of monitoring R. hispidum and A. chinensis outbreaks with a broadband scientific echosounder.
Feature Detection of Non-Cooperative and Rotating Space Objects through Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Kabir Rabiul Hasan , Bai Xiaoli
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we propose a Bayesian Optimization (BO)-based strategy using the Gaussian Process (GP) for feature detection of a known but non-cooperative space object by a chaser with a monocular camera and a single-beam LIDAR in a close-proximity operation. Specifically, the objective of the proposed Space Object Chaser-Resident Assessment Feature Tracking (SOCRAFT) algorithm is to determine the camera directional angles so that the maximum number of features within the camera range is detected while the chaser moves in a predefined orbit around the target. For the chaser-object spatial incentive, rewards are assigned to the chaser states from a combined model with two components: feature detection score and sinusoidal reward. To calculate the sinusoidal reward, estimated feature locations are required, which are predicted by Gaussian Process models. Another Gaussian Process model provides the reward distribution, which is then used by the Bayesian Optimization to determine the camera directional angles. Simulations are conducted in both 2D and 3D domains. The results demonstrate that SOCRAFT can generally detect the maximum number of features within the limited camera range and field of view.
A Comprehensive Survey on Emerging Assistive Technologies for Visually Impaired Persons: Lighting the Path with Visible Light Communications and Artificial Intelligence Innovations
Authors: Lavric Alexandru , Beguni Cătălin , Zadobrischi Eduard , Căilean Alin-Mihai , Avătămăniței Sebastian-Andrei
Published: July 2024

In the context in which severe visual impairment significantly affects human life, this article emphasizes the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Visible Light Communications (VLC) in developing future assistive technologies. Toward this path, the article summarizes the features of some commercial assistance solutions, and debates the characteristics of VLC and AI, emphasizing their compatibility with blind individuals’ needs. Additionally, this work highlights the AI potential in the efficient early detection of eye diseases. This article also reviews the existing work oriented toward VLC integration in blind persons’ assistive applications, showing the existing progress and emphasizing the high potential associated with VLC use. In the end, this work provides a roadmap toward the development of an integrated AI-based VLC assistance solution for visually impaired people, pointing out the high potential and some of the steps to follow. As far as we know, this is the first comprehensive work which focuses on the integration of AI and VLC technologies in visually impaired persons’ assistance domain.
Characterization of Great Toe Extension Strength Using ToeScale—A Novel Portable Device
Authors: Chandrashekhar Raghuveer , Perez Luciana Fonseca , Wang Hongwu
Published: July 2024

Great toe strength (GTS) weakness is linked to declines in balance and mobility. Accurately assessing GTS, particularly great toe extension strength (GTES), is often neglected in clinical evaluations due to cumbersome and subjective methods. This study aims to characterize the force development curve output from the ToeScale and examine GTES variations with age, sex, BMI, and grip strength (GS) using traditional analyses and machine learning (ML). We conducted a pilot, cross-sectional feasibility study with convenience samples. We assessed GS using a hand-grip dynamometer and GTES using the ToeScale. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlations, independent samples t-tests, and accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) scores for three ML models. Thirty-one participants (males: 9; females: 22), 14 young (18–24 years) and 17 older (>65 years) adults, participated in the study. Males had significantly higher peak GTES than females in both age groups. The associations of GTES parameters with BMI and GS varied by age and sex. The ML model accuracies and AUC scores were low–moderate but aligned with traditional analyses. Future studies with larger samples and optimized ML models are needed.
Research on the Collision Risk of Fusion Operation of Manned Aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft at Zigong Airport
Authors: Huang Longyang , Huang Chi , Zhou Chao , Xie Chuanjiang , Zhao Zerong , Huang Tao
Published: July 2024

Low-altitude airspace is developing rapidly, but the utilization rate of airspace resources is low. Therefore, in order to solve the problem of the safe operation of the fusion of large UAVs and manned aircraft in the same airspace, this paper analyzes the theoretical calculation of the collision risk of the fusion operation of manned aircraft and UAVs at Feng Ming Airport in Zigong, verifying that while assessing the safety spacing of 10 km in the lateral direction, it further simulates the possibility of calculating the theoretical smaller safety spacing. The study will propose a new theory of error spacing safety margin and improve it according to the traditional Event collision risk model, combining the error spacing safety margin to establish an improved collision model more suitable for the fusion operation of manned and unmanned aircraft and reduce the redundancy of calculation. The error factors affecting manned and unmanned aircraft at Zigong Airport are analyzed, and theoretical calculations are analyzed by combining the actual data of Zigong Airport. Finally, the Monte Carlo simulation method is used to solve the error, substitute the calculation results, and simulate a section of the trajectory of the fusion operation for the reverse argument. The theoretical calculation results show that the collision risk from 10 km to 8 km satisfies the lateral target safety level (TSL) specified by ICAO under both traditional and improved models. The collision risk calculated by the improved model incorporating the error spacing safety margin is smaller, which enhances the safety of the model calculations. The results of the study can provide theoretical references for the fusion operation of manned and unmanned aircraft.