bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Untargeted Metabolomics Based on UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS Revealed the Differences and Correlations between Different Parts of the Root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall
Authors: Lv Jiahui , Du Qianqian , Shi Suying , Ma Mengzhen , Zhang Wei , Ge Dezhu , Xing Lihua , Yu Nianjun
Published: February 2024

Background: Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (PLP) is a plant with excellent ornamental and therapeutic value that can be utilized in traditional Chinese medicine as Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA) and Paeoniae Radix Rubra (PRR). PRA must undergo the “peeling” process, which involves removing the cork and a portion of the phloem. PLP’s biological function is strongly linked to its secondary metabolites, and the distribution of metabolites in different regions of the PLP rhizome causes changes in efficacy when PLP is processed into various therapeutic compounds. Methods: The metabolites of the cork (cor), phloem (phl), and xylem (xyl) were examined in the roots of PLP using a metabolomics approach based on UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS (UPLC-MS/MS), and the differential metabolites were evaluated using multivariate analysis. Results: Significant changes were observed among the cor, phl, and xyl samples. In both positive and negative ion modes, a total of 15,429 peaks were detected and 7366 metabolites were identified. A total of 525 cor-phl differential metabolites, 452 cor-xyl differential metabolites, and 328 phl-xyl differential metabolites were evaluated. Flavonoids, monoterpene glycosides, fatty acids, sugar derivatives, and carbohydrates were among the top 50 dissimilar chemicals. The key divergent metabolic pathways include linoleic acid metabolism, galactose metabolism, ABC transporters, arginine biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis. Conclusion: The cor, phl, and xyl of PLP roots exhibit significantly different metabolite types and metabolic pathways; therefore, “peeling” may impact the pharmaceutical effect of PLP. This study represents the first metabolomics analysis of the PLP rhizome, laying the groundwork for the isolation and identification of PLP pharmacological activity, as well as the quality evaluation and efficacy exploration of PLP.
Catalysis by Metal-Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Carabineiro Sónia Alexandra Correia
Published: February 2024

Catalysis is an important field dealing with innovation, sustainability, and materials science that has been witnessing remarkable advancements through nanotechnology [...]
Utilizing Gold Nanoparticle Decoration for Enhanced UV Photodetection in CdS Thin Films Fabricated by Pulsed Laser Deposition: Exploiting Plasmon-Induced Effects
Authors: Belaid Walid , Gezgin Serap Yiğit , Basyooni-M. Kabatas Mohamed A. , Eker Yasin Ramazan , Kiliç Hamdi Şükür
Published: February 2024

UV sensors hold significant promise for various applications in both military and civilian domains. However, achieving exceptional detectivity, responsivity, and rapid rise/decay times remains a notable challenge. In this study, we address this challenge by investigating the photodetection properties of CdS thin films and the influence of surface-deposited gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on their performance. CdS thin films were produced using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique on glass substrates, with CdS layers at a 100, 150, and 200 nm thickness. Extensive characterization was performed to evaluate the thin films’ structural, morphological, and optical properties. Photodetector devices based on CdS and AuNPs/CdS films were fabricated, and their performance parameters were evaluated under 365 nm light illumination. Our findings demonstrated that reducing CdS layer thickness enhanced performance concerning detectivity, responsivity, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and photocurrent gain. Furthermore, AuNP deposition on the surface of CdS films exhibited a substantial influence, especially on devices with thinner CdS layers. Among the configurations, AuNPs/CdS(100 nm) demonstrated the highest values in all evaluated parameters, including detectivity (1.1×1012 Jones), responsivity (13.86 A/W), EQE (47.2%), and photocurrent gain (9.2).
High Q-Factor, High Contrast, and Multi-Band Optical Sensor Based on Plasmonic Square Bracket Dimer Metasurface
Authors: Ni Bin , Chu Guanghu , Xu Zheyang , Hou Lianping , Liu Xuefeng , Xiong Jichuan
Published: February 2024

A high-performance resonant metasurface is rather promising for diverse application areas such as optical sensing and filtering. Herein, a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) optical sensor with merits of a high quality-factor (Q-factor), multiple operating bands, and high spectrum contrast is proposed using plasmonic square bracket dimer metasurface. Due to the complex square bracket itself, a dimer structure of two oppositely placed square brackets, and metasurface array configuration, multiple kinds of mode coupling can be devised in the inner and outer elements within the metasurface, enabling four sensing channels with the sensitivities higher than 200 nm/RIU for refractive index sensing. Among them, the special sensing channel based on the reflection-type surface lattice resonance (SLR) mechanism has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of only 2 nm, a high peak-to-dip signal contrast of 0.82, a high Q-factor of 548, and it can also behave as a good sensing channel for the thickness measurement of the deposition layer. The multi-band sensor can work normally in a large refractive index or thickness range, and the number of resonant channels can be further increased by simply breaking the structural symmetry or changing the polarization angle of incident light. Equipped with unique advantages, the suggested plasmonic metasurface has great potential in sensing, monitoring, filtering, and other applications.
Postprandial Micronutrient Variability and Bioavailability: An Interventional Meal Study in Young vs. Old Participants
Authors: Pellowski Denny , Kusch Paula , Henning Thorsten , Kochlik Bastian , Maares Maria , Schmiedeskamp Amy , Pohl Gabriele , Schreiner Monika , Baldermann Susanne , Haase Hajo , Schwerdtle Tanja , Grune Tilman , Weber Daniela
Published: February 2024

This study explores age- and time-dependent variations in postprandial micronutrient absorption after a micronutrient-rich intervention meal within the Biomiel (bioavailability of micronutrients in elderly) study. Comprising 43 healthy participants, the study compares young (n = 21; mean age 26.90 years) and old (n = 22; mean age 66.77 years) men and women, analyzing baseline concentrations and six-hour postprandial dynamics of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), iodine (I), free zinc (fZn), vitamin C, retinol, lycopene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol, along with 25(OH) vitamin D (quantified only at baseline). Methodologically, quantifications in serum or plasma were performed at baseline and also at 90, 180, 270, and 360 min postprandially. Results reveal higher baseline serum Zn and plasma lycopene concentrations in the young group, whereas Cu, Se, Cu/Zn ratio, 25(OH) vitamin D, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol were higher in old participants. Postprandial variability of Zn, vitamin C, and lycopene showed a strong time-dependency. Age-related differences in postprandial metabolism were observed for Se, Cu, and I. Nevertheless, most of the variance was explained by individuality. Despite some limitations, this study provides insights into postprandial micronutrient metabolism (in serum/plasma), emphasizing the need for further research for a comprehensive understanding of this complex field. Our discoveries offer valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to address and mitigate micronutrient deficiencies in older adults, fostering optimal health and well-being across the lifespan.
Ethanolic Extract of Propolis and CAPE as Cardioprotective Agents against LPS and IFN-α Stressed Cardiovascular Injury
Authors: Kurek-Górecka Anna , Kłósek Małgorzata , Pietsz Grażyna , Balwierz Radosław , Olczyk Paweł , Czuba Zenon P.
Published: February 2024

The inflammatory process is triggered by several factors such as toxins, pathogens, and damaged cells, promoting inflammation in various systems, including the cardiovascular system, leading to heart failure. The link between periodontitis as a chronic inflammatory disease and cardiovascular disease is confirmed. Propolis and its major component, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), exhibit protective mechanisms and anti-inflammatory effects on the cardiovascular system. The objective of the conducted study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the Polish ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and its major component—CAPE—in interferon-alpha (IFN-α), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS + IFN-α-induced human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1). EEP and CAPE were used at 10–100 µg/mL. A multiplex assay was used for interleukin and adhesive molecule detection. Our results demonstrate that EEP, at a concentration of 25 µg/mL, decreases pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in LPS-induced HGF-1. At the same concentration, EEP increases the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in LPS + IFN-α-induced HGF-1. In the case of CAPE, IL-6 in LPS and LPS + IFN-α induced HGF-1 was decreased in all concentrations. However, in the case of IL-10, CAPE causes the highest increase at 50 µg/mL in IFN-α induced HGF-1. Regarding the impact of EEP on adhesion molecules, there was a noticeable reduction of E-selectin by EEP at 25, 50, and100 µg/mL in IFN-α -induced HGF-1. In a range of 10–100 µg/mL, EEP decreased endothelin-1 (ET-1) during all stimulations. CAPE statistically significantly decreases the level of ET-1 at 25–100 µg/mL in IFN-α and LPS + IFN-α. In the case of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), EEP and CAPE downregulated its expression in a non-statistically significant manner. Based on the obtained results, EEP and CAPE may generate beneficial cardiovascular effects by influencing selected factors. EEP and CAPE exert an impact on cytokines in a dose-dependent manner.
Adherence to the Mediterranean Food Pattern and Carbon Footprint of Food Intake by Employees of a University Setting in Portugal
Authors: Figueiredo Lúcia , Lima João P. M. , Rocha Ada
Published: February 2024

Background: The Mediterranean diet is characterized by the predominance of the consumption of fruit, vegetables, cereals, nuts, and pulses; consumption of olive oil as the main source of fat; regular but moderate consumption of win; moderate consumption of fish, dairy products, eggs, and white meats; and low consumption of red meat as well as sugar and sugary products. In addition to the reported health benefits, the Mediterranean diet has also been widely recognized as a sustainable food pattern. The objective of this study was to understand the relationship between the degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet of employees of the University of Porto and the relationship with the carbon footprint of their food consumption. Methods: An observational, analytical study was carried out, through the analysis of food consumption data collected in the form of a survey in the previous 24 h inserted in the eAT24 software, as well as the analysis of sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health data collected in the questionnaire. The carbon footprint was calculated from the previous 24 h surveys using data available on a website, obtained in carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of food. Sociodemographic, eating habit, and lifestyle questions were selected to understand the relationship between these and adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the carbon footprint of food consumption. Results: In total, 13.2% of the participants had a Mediterranean diet score equal to or greater than six, and the sample had an average food intake carbon footprint of 8146 ± 3081 CO2eq/Kg of food. A weak, statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.142, p = 0.006) was observed between Mediterranean diet adherence and the carbon footprint of food intake. Conclusions: Most of the participants had a low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, as well as a high carbon footprint of food intake when compared to other countries. People with higher scores for Mediterranean diet adherence have, on average, a higher carbon footprint from food consumption intake.
Measuring Pathological and Nonpathological Orthorexic Behavior: Validation of the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) among Polish Adults
Authors: Styk Wojciech , Gortat Mateusz , Samardakiewicz-Kirol Emilia , Zmorzynski Szymon , Samardakiewicz Marzena
Published: February 2024

Measuring orthorexia nervosa is challenging due to the use of various existing tools and problems with sample representativeness. Another challenge for the Polish population is the adaptation of existing research tools and the evaluation of their relevance and research reliability. Our research aimed to adapt the TOS to the Polish language and measure pathological and nonpathological orthorexic behavior among the Polish population. The adaptation of the PL-TOS has high psychometric value and allows us to assess healthy and nervous orthorexia levels. This scale can be used not only for further research but also for diagnostic purposes in the daily work of clinicians and psychologists. Our results obtained in the present study indicate a correlation between TOS and both the use of supplements and diet. Higher TOS, ORTO_R and KZZJ_Diet Restrictions scores were obtained for individuals using dietary supplements than for those not using dietary supplements. In the future, it is worth conducting research aimed at various risk groups of individuals with orthorexia to confirm the psychometric properties of this adaptation of the TOS.
Comparison of Eating Habits, Body Composition and Densitometric Parameters between Subjects with Normal Cognitive Function and Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Observational Study
Authors: Jamka Małgorzata , Chrobot Maria , Jaworska Natalia , Brylak Jan , Makarewicz-Bukowska Aleksandra , Popek Joanna , Janicka Adrianna , Walkowiak Jarosław
Published: February 2024

The role of nutrition in the ageing process of the brain is pivotal. Therefore, the study aimed to compare eating habits, body composition and densitometric parameters between subjects with normal cognitive function (NCF) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 95 subjects with NCF (74% of women) and 95 individuals with MCI (77% of women) aged 50–70 years were studied. Densitometric parameters were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry methods. Eating habits were assessed using the food frequency questionnaire and 3-day diary records, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) intake was calculated. Significant differences between groups were detected for the %fat in the right arm (NCF vs. MCI: 38.4 (30.4–46.8) vs. 43.5 (35.5–49.2)%, p = 0.0407). Moreover, the MCI group had a significantly lower intake of calcium (p = 0.0010), phosphor (p = 0.0411), vitamins B2 (p = 0.0138) and B12 (p = 0.0024) compared to the NCF group, with both groups also differing in the frequency of butter (p = 0.0191) and fermented milk beverages (p = 0.0398) intake. Analysis restricted to women showed significant differences between groups in right arm %fat, VAT mass, calcium, vitamins B2, B12, butter and fermented milk products intake, while in men, differences were detected in the intake of calcium, iodine, vitamin B1, water and AGEs. In conclusion, subjects with NCF and MCI have comparable densitometric variables but differ significantly in some body composition parameters and the intake of some food groups and nutrients.
Changes in Macronutrients during Dieting Lead to Weight Cycling and Metabolic Complications in Mouse Model
Authors: Charlot Anouk , Bringolf Anthony , Debrut Léa , Mallard Joris , Charles Anne-Laure , Crouchet Emilie , Duteil Delphine , Geny Bernard , Zoll Joffrey
Published: February 2024

Weight cycling is a major challenge in obesity management. Caloric restriction is known to promote this phenomenon, but the impact of macronutrient changes during dieting remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the role of macronutrient changes in weight maintenance without caloric restriction by alternating between two hypercaloric diets: a high-carbohydrate, high-fat Western diet (WD) and a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (LCHDF). Obesity was induced in 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice by 10 weeks of WD feeding. Then, the mice were subjected to 12 weeks of LCHFD interspersed with WD (I-WD), 3 periods of 2-week LCHFD followed by 2 periods of 3-week WD, or 12 weeks of continuous WD (C-WD). C-WD and I-WD mice were compared to standard diet (SD) mice. In the I-WD group, each LCHFD period decreased weight gain, but mice regained weight after WD resumption. I-WD mice exhibited obesity, dyslipidemia, and glucose intolerance, similarly to the C-WD mice. I-WD mice also developed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, associated with an increase in type-III collagen gene expression and a decrease in FGF21 protein levels, in comparison with SD. I-WD mice developed weight cycling despite maintaining a high caloric consumption, suggesting that changes in macronutrients during dieting are also a trigger of weight regain.
Consumption Patterns of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Association with Undernutrition among Children Aged 9–17 Years in Guangzhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Guo Jiaying , Luo Shiyun , Su Zheng , Fu Jinhan , Ma Jie , Zhong Xuexin , Zeng Chunzi , Huang Jie , Zhang Weiwei , Zhang Zhoubin , Zhu Huilian , Li Yan
Published: February 2024

Globally, the high consumption levels of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and their effect on health have drawn significant attention. This study aimed to identify the consumption patterns of SSBs among children in rural areas of Guangzhou, China, and explore their association with undernutrition. A total of 1864 children aged 9–17 years old were included in this study. Demographics, lifestyle behaviors, and anthropometric and dietary information were collected. Factor analysis was used to identify patterns of SSBs, while nutritional status was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI). Latent class analysis was used to establish dietary preference models. Log-binomial regression analysis was used to analyze the association between SSBs consumption patterns and undernutrition. The undernutrition prevalence in children was 14.54–19.94% in boys and 9.07% in girls. Three SSB consumption patterns were identified, including the plant protein pattern, dairy-containing pattern, and coffee pattern. Both medium-high (Q3) and the highest (Q4) scores in the dairy-containing pattern were positively associated with the risk of undernutrition, especially in boys. Furthermore, the highest scores in the plant protein pattern and coffee pattern were positively associated with the risk of undernutrition in children aged 9–10 years old. The dairy-containing pattern was a risk factor for undernutrition in children, especially for boys; the plant protein patterns and coffee patterns were risk factors for undernutrition in children aged 9–10 years old. The findings of the study can provide scientific evidence and policy recommendations for improving children’s health conditions.
Implications of Protein and Sarcopenia in the Prognosis, Treatment, and Management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Authors: Singh Avneet , Buckholz Adam , Kumar Sonal , Newberry Carolyn
Published: February 2024

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease globally, with prevalence rapidly increasing in parallel with rising rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome. MASLD is defined by the presence of excess fat in the liver, which may induce inflammatory changes and subsequent fibrosis in high-risk patients. Though MASLD occurs frequently, there is still no approved pharmacological treatment, and the mainstay of therapy remains lifestyle modification via dietary changes, enhancement of physical activity, and management of metabolic comorbidities. Most nutrition research and clinical guidance in this disease centers on the reduction in fructose and saturated fat in the diet, although the emerging literature suggests that protein supplementation is important and implicates muscle mass and sarcopenia in disease-related outcomes. This review will assess the current data on these topics, with the goal of defining best practices and identifying research gaps in care.
Heterocycles 52: The Drug-Likeness Analysis of Anti-Inflammatory Thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole and Imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Apan Anamaria , Casoni Dorina , Leonte Denisa , Pop Cristina , Iaru Irina , Mogoșan Cristina , Zaharia Valentin
Published: February 2024

Lipophilicity, a significant physicochemical parameter of bioactive molecules, along with absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion parameters and toxicity risk, was investigated for 32 thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole and imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives with anti-inflammatory potential. The experimental lipophilicity study was carried out by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography in a binary isopropanol-water mobile phase, and the obtained results were compared with the theoretical lipophilicity parameters estimated by various computational methods. Strong correlations were found between the experimental retention factors and calculated partition coefficients. A modified Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration analysis was performed on the previously synthesized compounds, using SwissADME, Osiris and Molinspiration web tools. The predicted in silico parameters highlighted the most promising compounds as potential drug candidates. The compounds showed good gastrointestinal absorption, moderate activity according to the bioactivity score (values situated between −1.25 and −0.06), and a safe toxicity profile. The results obtained in this study will contribute to lipophilicity studies and other future studies focused on modulating new drug candidates starting from thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole and imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives, which are important heterocycles in medicinal chemistry.
Preparation and Characterization of Electrospun EVOH/Ti3C2 Composite Fibers
Authors: Li Xiang , Xu Qiao
Published: February 2024

In this work, the EVOH/Ti3C2 composite fibers were prepared via electrospinning and the effect of added Ti3C2 on the structure and properties of electrospun EVOH fibrous membranes was further investigated. The morphology, crystal structure, thermal properties, wettability, tensile properties, as well as air permeability and water vapor permeability of as-prepared EVOH/Ti3C2 composite fibers were studied. The Ti3C2 is uniformly loaded onto the surface and inside the composite fiber and affects the fiber diameters. Furthermore, The Ti3C2 self-orients along the fiber axis and does not change the crystal structure of the electrospun EVOH fibers, improving the crystallinity and thermal stability of the electrospun EVOH/Ti3C2 fibrous membranes. With the increase in the Ti3C2 concentration in the electrospinning polymer solution, the addition of Ti3C2 not only rapidly improves the wettability of the fibrous membranes, but also enhances their air permeability, compared with the pristine electrospun EVOH fibrous membranes. The experimental results provide theoretical guidance for the preparation of Ti3C2 composite fibers, and also expand the application of electrospun EVOH and EVOH/Ti3C2 fibrous membranes.
The Flame Retardant and Mechanical Properties of the Epoxy Modified by an Efficient DOPO-Based Flame Retardant
Authors: Li Pengyu , Wang Jihui , Wang Changzeng , Xu Chengxin , Ni Aiqing
Published: February 2024

Currently, the mechanical performance reduction caused by excessive phosphorus content in the halogen-free flame-retardant EP has been an obstacle to its extensive application. This study presents the effective synthesis of a novel flame-retardant BDD with great efficiency, achieving an optimum phosphorus level of merely 0.25 wt %. The structure of BDD was verified by FTIR, 1H NMR, 31P NMR and XPS spectra. To investigate the flame-retardant properties of BDD, several EPs with various phosphorus levels were synthesized. The addition of phosphorus to the EP significantly increases its LOI value from 25.8% to 33.4% at a phosphorus level of 0.25 wt%. Additionally, the resin achieves a V-0 grade in the UL 94 test. The P-HRR and THR of the modified resin measured by the cone calorimeter are also significantly reduced. At the same time, the addition of a modest quantity of BDD has a minimal impact on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin. This study shows that the removal of hydroxyl groups significantly enhances the fire resistance of phosphate-based flame retardants, thereby providing a novel approach to synthesizing efficient flame retardants.
Kafka’s Antizionism through a Comparative Analysis of ‘Jackals and Arabs’ with Judeo-Christian Texts, the Alexander Romance, and the Qur’an
Authors: Lala Ismail
Published: February 2024

Kafka explores many elements in ‘Jackals and Arabs’ that are found in the Judeo-Christian tradition of Gog and Magog, the Alexander Romance, and the Qur’anic story of Dhu’l-Qarnayn. A comparative analysis of these works reveals Kafka’s criticism of the Zionist movement. Kafka rejects Zionist exceptionalism and separatism through the narrator’s rejection of the jackals’ cause. Kafka’s jackals are compared to Gog and Magog, who are portrayed as corruptors of the land in the aforementioned texts. The categorisation of corruptors of the land is significant because this reverses Zionist claims of a profound connection to the land, which Kafka, likewise, reverses when the jackals claim that the desert is their home from which the Arabs should be removed. Zionist avowals of Arab backwardness are countered by Kafka as he makes the Arabs superior, which is also how the indigenous population are depicted in the Judeo-Christian and Muslim traditions since they are contrasted with the barbarity of Gog and Magog. Finally, the Zionist trope of the European Jewish hero who flees persecution is inverted by Kafka who confers on the narrator a quasi-prophetic/royal status similar to that of Dhu’l-Qarnayn and Alexander the Great.
Theology of Science as an Intertextual Reading: The Bible, the Book of Nature, and Narrative Paradigm
Authors: Sierotowicz Tadeusz
Published: February 2024

The paper addresses the question of the identity of theology of science, fostering its interpretation as an intertextual narration. The starting point is the consideration of the domain of theology of science, which is viewed as a third domain of truth, according to Hans Urs von Balthasar. An analysis of the Swiss theologian’s perspective on this subject and the concept of God’s unknowability presents a strong counterargument to the claim that the natural sciences serve as a locus theologicus. Theology of science, nonetheless, exists and is engaged in a lively dialogue between science and theology, encompassing both the Revelation of God and the natural world or the Bible and the Book of Nature. What kind of discourse is this? This question concerns the position of theology of science within the field of science, specifically its objectivity and rigour, according to Evandro Agazzi’s analogical notion of science. Both the Bible and the Book of Nature ensure the objectivity of theology of science, while its rigour is established by the narrative paradigm. Therefore, theology of science can be seen as an intertextual narrative that engages both the Bible and the Book of Nature. The narrative paradigm of theology of science is subsequently elucidated, with particular emphasis on its cognitive aspects, narrative reasoning, the corresponding verification method, and Jewish corrective. The conclusion outlines a special task for theology of science in the modern age.
Digital Mapping of Soil Particle Size Fractions in the Loess Plateau, China, Using Environmental Variables and Multivariate Random Forest
Authors: He Wenjie , Xiao Zhiwei , Lu Qikai , Wei Lifei , Liu Xing
Published: February 2024

Soil particle size fractions (PSFs) are important properties for understanding the physical and chemical processes in soil systems. Knowledge about the distribution of soil PSFs is critical for sustainable soil management. Although log-ratio transformations have been widely applied to soil PSFs prediction, the statistical distribution of original data and the transformed data given by log-ratio transformations is different, resulting in biased estimates of soil PSFs. Therefore, multivariate random forest (MRF) was utilized for the simultaneous prediction of soil PSFs, as it is able to capture dependencies and internal relations among the three components. Specifically, 243 soil samples collected across the Loess Plateau were used. Meanwhile, Landsat data, terrain attributes, and climatic variables were employed as environmental variables for spatial prediction of soil PSFs. The results depicted that MRF gave satisfactory soil PSF prediction performance, where the R2 values were 0.62, 0.53, and 0.73 for sand, silt, and clay, respectively. Among the environmental variables, nighttime land surface temperature (LST_N) presented the highest importance in predicting soil PSFs in the Loess Plateau, China. Maps of soil PSFs and texture were generated at a 30 m resolution, which can be utilized as alternative data for soil erosion management and ecosystem conservation.
A Deep Long-Term Joint Temporal–Spectral Network for Spectrum Prediction
Authors: Wang Lei , Hu Jun , Jiang Rundong , Chen Zengping
Published: February 2024

Spectrum prediction is a promising technique to release spectrum resources and plays an essential role in cognitive radio networks and spectrum situation generating. Traditional algorithms normally focus on one-dimensional or predict spectrum values in a slot-by-slot manner and thus cannot fully perceive the spectrum states in complex environments and lack timeliness. In this paper, a deep learning-based prediction method with a simple structure is developed for temporal–spectral and multi-slot spectrum prediction simultaneously. Specifically, we first analyze and construct spectrum data suitable for the model to simultaneously achieve long-term and multi-dimensional spectrum prediction. Then, a hierarchical spectrum prediction system is developed that takes advantage of the advanced Bi-ConvLSTM and the seq2seq framework. The Bi-ConvLSTM captures time–frequency characteristics of spectrum data, and the seq2seq framework is used for long-term spectrum prediction. Furthermore, the attention mechanism is used to address the limitations of the seq2seq framework that compresses all inputs into fixed-length vectors, resulting in information loss. Finally, the experimental results have shown that the proposed model has a significant advantage over the benchmark schemes. Especially, the proposed spectrum prediction model achieves 6.15%, 0.7749, 1.0978, and 0.9628 in MAPE, MAE, RMSE, and R2, respectively, which is better than all the baseline deep learning models.
A Hybrid Approach for Sustainable and Resilient Farmer Selection in Food Industry: Tunisian Case Study
Authors: Ben Abdallah Chaima , El-Amraoui Adnen , Delmotte François , Frikha Ahmed
Published: February 2024

This paper presents an innovative approach for supplier selection (SS) within the Tunisian dairy industry, with a specific focus on sustainability and resilience. The proposed method is a hybrid model that integrates multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) with fuzzy logic. Initially, twelve distinct criteria are identified, categorized into social, environmental, economic, and resilience indexes through a combination of literature review and expert input. To establish the importance of these criteria, a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is employed to calculate their weights. These weights are then integrated into a new method called fuzzy multi-attribute border approximation area comparison (FMABAC) to rank the suppliers. The methodology aims to provide decision-makers with a more intuitive means of expressing their preferences and evaluating supplier criteria, ultimately identifying the most effective dairy farmers. The research concludes by evaluating the results through two sensitivity analyses: one involving varying criteria weights and the other involving a comparative assessment with alternative fuzzy MCDM techniques.
Towards a Future Hydrogen Supply Chain: A Review of Technologies and Challenges
Authors: Li Fan , Liu Dong , Sun Ke , Yang Songheng , Peng Fangzheng , Zhang Kexin , Guo Guodong , Si Yuan
Published: February 2024

The overuse of fossil fuels has caused a serious energy crisis and environmental pollution. Due to these challenges, the search for alternative energy sources that can replace fossil fuels is necessary. Hydrogen is a widely acknowledged future energy carrier because of its nonpolluting properties and high energy density. To realize a hydrogen economy in the future, it is essential to construct a comprehensive hydrogen supply chain that can make hydrogen a key energy carrier. This paper reviews the various technologies involved in the hydrogen supply chain, encompassing hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization technologies. Then, the challenges of constructing a hydrogen supply chain are discussed from techno-economic, social, and policy perspectives, and prospects for the future development of a hydrogen supply chain are presented in light of these challenges.
Study on Quantitative Evaluation Method for Failure Risk Factors of the High-Temperature and High-Pressure Downhole Safety Valve
Authors: Yuan Guohai , Wang Yonghong , Yang Xingguo , Fang Yexin , Ma Rutao , Ning Kun , Guan Miantao , Tang Yang
Published: February 2024

Downhole safety valves are essential equipment for oil and gas extraction, and it is crucial to carry out a downhole safety valve failure risk evaluation and reliability analysis to ensure the safety of oil and gas production. In order to improve the operation and maintenance management level of downhole safety valves and explore the key failure risk factors of downhole safety valves, this study firstly carries out a Failure Mode and Criticality Analysis of downhole safety valves; identifies the causes of failure of downhole safety valves and the consequences of accidents through the Bow-tie method; and quantitatively evaluates the failure risk factors based on the improved Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method and obtains the influence and importance ranking of 14 types of failure risk factors. Specific preventive measures for key failure risk factors are proposed in several aspects: optimising the structural design of downhole safety valves, improving the processing and manufacturing process, setting up an efficient field management team, carrying out equipment operation and maintenance management training, establishing a field failure response mechanism, and setting up an intelligent O&M management platform for downhole safety valves. The research results of this study are conducive to improving the reliability of downhole safety valves, ensuring the safety and integrity of on-site operation and maintenance management, and providing theoretical guidance for the analysis of the risk of failure and operation and maintenance management of downhole safety valves.
Developing a Tool for Calculating the Carbon Footprint in SMEs
Authors: Eleftheriadis Iordanis , Anagnostopoulou Evgenia
Published: February 2024

The need to rapidly reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) has accelerated the adoption of circular economy (CE) practices. However, this has proved challenging for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who lack the financial, organizational, and informational capabilities to adopt circular business models. This paper highlights some of the SMEs’ challenges in adopting CE practices. It focuses on the need to calculate their carbon footprint (CF) by drawing on the literature examining the effect of information technologies (IT) on adopting CE strategies. This study aims to present a CF calculation tool used to calculate the CF of SMEs. The tool’s design is based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, which assesses the environmental impact of a particular service or product over the different stages of its life cycle. The tool was tested in a small cheese factory in northern Greece, an SME representative of the country’s average SME. The production process was mapped, a GHG inventory was created, and the total emissions related to the production of a specific product were estimated. Our results show that adopting such CF calculation tools can have various implications regarding the organizational structure of SMEs, leading to cost reductions and reducing potential environmental impacts. The final aim is to test this tool at a large scale.
Soil Stabilization Using Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) Derived from Sugar Beet Waste
Authors: Phuyal Kabiraj , Sharma Ujwal , Mahar James , Mondal Kunal , Mashal Mustafa
Published: February 2024

The objective of this research is to examine the use of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), obtained during the production of sugar from sugar beets, and to stabilize subgrades beneath highway pavements or to stabilize foundations built on loess (windblown silt). The research also aims to permanently capture the carbon from PCC in soil. The experimental process involved the collection of representative loess samples, the addition of variable percentages of PCC, and conducting laboratory experiments on compacted PCC soil mixes to evaluate the effect of PCC on subgrades beneath pavement and foundations beneath buildings. Samples of PCC were obtained from the Amalgamated Sugar Corporation, located 187 km away from Pocatello. In addition, soil was collected from local sources in which saturation collapse and damage have occurred in the past. Unconfined compressive strength tests, which index subgrade bearing failures, were performed on both untreated and PCC-treated soils to evaluate the effect of PCC in stabilizing pavement subgrades and foundations as well as sequestering carbon. The experimental test results revealed a significant average increase of 10% to 28% in the strength of loess samples stabilized with 5% PCC compared to the native soil. The chemical composition and microstructure of PCC were further analyzed through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests. EDX analysis unveiled a carbon content of 9% by weight in PCC, which could contribute to the carbon footprint when it breaks down. Additionally, SEM images displayed an unsymmetrical and sub-rounded microstructure of PCC particles. Based on these findings, the study suggests that utilizing PCC could improve the resistance of loess to saturation collapse and potentially reduce carbon emissions associated with cement or lime production while offering an opportunity to use PCC in soil application.
Giving and Receiving: Faith and the Sustainability of Institutions Providing Microfinance Services for Development
Authors: Morse Stephen
Published: February 2024

Topic: This review explores the important issue of the ‘institutional sustainability’ (IS) of faith-based development organizations (FBDOs) providing microfinance services to the poor in the developing world. IS has often been equated with the financial self-reliance of microfinance service providers, with income from credit charged on loans as well as other fees being used to pay for the service. While the approaches and tensions inherent in the attainment of IS by microfinance providers seeking to help the poorest in society have been well explored in the literature, there has been no specific analysis of FBDO providers and the special challenges they may face. Methodology: This paper is based on a review of the literature using a combination of search terms such as ‘microfinance’, ‘development’, ‘institutional sustainability’, ‘financial self-reliance’ and ‘faith’, with a special emphasis on the literature published between the 1990s and 2023. Results: One of the main findings is that Christian and Hindu FBDOs providing microfinance largely follow the financial self-reliance conceptualization of IS applied by secular providers and apply much the same set of responses regarding the setting of interest rates and other charges and the management of repayment amongst their client base. However, FBDOs of the Islamic faith take a broader perspective on IS and include the need for spirituality and religious development amongst their clients. Future directions: This paper makes a number of suggestions for future research, including (1) the reasons why religious development and spirituality do not appear to be strong issues for Christian and Hindu FBDOs relative to their Islamic counterparts; (2) the potential for inter-faith collaboration between FBDOs and secular providers, between FBDOs of different faiths as well as FBDOs from versions of the same faith (e.g., Protestant and Catholic); and (3) whether FBDOs are more naturally predisposed and able to engage and collaborate with the informal microfinance sector than secular microfinance providers.
Screening TLR4 Binding Peptide from Naja atra Venom Glands Based on Phage Display
Authors: Li Runhan , Tang Yezhong , Chen Zening , Liu Yang
Published: February 2024

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a crucial inflammatory signaling pathway that can serve as a potential treatment target for various disorders. A number of inhibitors have been developed for the TLR4 pathway, and although no inhibitors have been approved for clinical use, most have been screened against the TLR4-MD2 conformation. The venom gland is the organ of venomous snakes that secretes substances that are toxic to other animals. The level of gene transcription in venom glands is different from that in other tissues, includes a large number of biologically active ingredients, and is an important natural resource for the development of new drugs. We constructed a T7 phage display library using the cobra (Naja atra) venom gland from the Guangdong Snake Breeding Plant and performed three rounds of screening with TLR4 as the target, randomly selecting monoclonal phage spots for PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. The obtained sequences were subjected to length analysis, molecular docking, solubility prediction, and stability prediction, and a peptide containing 39 amino acids (NA39) was finally screened out. The BLAST results indicated that NA39 was a sequence in RPL19 (Ribosomal Protein L19). After peptide synthesis, the binding ability of NA39 to TLR4 was verified by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. In this study, a new peptide that can specifically bind TLR4 was successfully screened from the cobra venom gland cDNA library, further demonstrating the effectiveness of phage display technology in the field of drug discovery.
Cross-Species Transmission Potential of H4 Avian Influenza Viruses in China: Epidemiological and Evolutionary Study
Authors: Lin Shuxia , Zhang Ye , Yang Jiaying , Yang Lei , Li Xiyan , Bo Hong , Liu Jia , Tan Min , Zhu Wenfei , Wang Dayan , Shu Yuelong
Published: February 2024

H4 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have been widely detected in live poultry markets in China. However, the potential public health impact of H4 AIVs remains largely uncertain. Here, we fully analyzed the distribution and phylogenetic relationship of H4 AIVs in China. We obtained 31 isolates of H4 viruses in China during 2009–2022 through surveillance in poultry-associated environments, such as live poultry markets and poultry farms. Genomic sequence analysis together with publicly available data revealed that frequent reassortment and introduction of H4 AIV from wild birds to poultry may have occurred. We identified 62 genotypes among 127 whole genome sequences of H4 viruses in China, indicating that H4 AIVs had great genetic diversity in China. We also investigated molecular markers and found that drug resistance mutations frequently occurred in the M2 protein and a few mutations related to receptor binding and the host signature in H4 AIVs. Our study demonstrates the cross-species transmission potential of H4 AIVs in China and provides some reference significance for its risk assessment.
Wild Bird-Origin H6N2 Influenza Virus Acquires Enhanced Pathogenicity after Single Passage in Mice
Authors: Tang Siqi , Han Bing , Su Chaofan , Li Hailing , Zhao Shiyuchen , Leng Haoyu , Feng Yali , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2024

The H6 subtype of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) has emerged as one of the predominant subtypes in both wild and domestic avian species. Currently, H6 AIVs have acquired the ability to infect a wide range of mammals, though the related molecular mechanisms have yet to be fully investigated. In this study, a wild bird-origin H6N2 AIV was isolated from the East Asian–Australasian migratory flyway region located in Liaoning Province. This H6N2 virus initially expressed limited replication in mice. However, after one passage in mice, the virus acquired two mutations, PB2 E627K and HA A110V. The mutant displayed enhanced replication both in vitro and in vivo, proving lethal to mice. But the mutant retained the α-2, 3-linked sialic acid binding property and failed to transmit in guinea pigs. We explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenicity difference between the wild type and the mutant. Our findings revealed that PB2 E627K dramatically enhanced the polymerase activity of the H6N2 virus, while the HA A110V mutation decreased the pH of HA activation. This study demonstrated that the H6N2 subtype wild bird-origin AIV easily acquired the mammalian adaptation. The monitoring and evaluation of H6 wild bird-origin AIV should be strengthened.
Molecular Profile of Variants Potentially Associated with Severe Forms of COVID-19 in Amazonian Indigenous Populations
Authors: Coelho Rita de Cássia Calderaro , Martins Carlliane Lima e Lins Pinto , Pastana Lucas Favacho , Rodrigues Juliana Carla Gomes , Aguiar Kaio Evandro Cardoso , Cohen-Paes Amanda de Nazaré , Gellen Laura Patrícia Albarello , Moraes Francisco Cezar Aquino de , Calderaro Maria Clara Leite , de Assunção Letícia Almeida , Monte Natasha , Pereira Esdras Edgar Batista , Ribeiro-dos-Santos André Maurício , Ribeiro-do-Santos Ândrea , Rodriguez Burbano Rommel Mario , de Souza Sandro José , Guerreiro João Farias , Assumpção Paulo Pimentel de , Santos Sidney Emanuel Batista dos , Fernandes Marianne Rodrigues , Santos Ney Pereira Carneiro dos
Published: February 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have suggested a strong association of genetic factors with the severity of the disease. However, many of these studies have been completed in European populations, and little is known about the genetic variability of indigenous peoples’ underlying infection by SARS-CoV-2. The objective of the study is to investigate genetic variants present in the genes AQP3, ARHGAP27, ELF5L, IFNAR2, LIMD1, OAS1 and UPK1A, selected due to their association with the severity of COVID-19, in a sample of indigenous people from the Brazilian Amazon in order to describe potential new and already studied variants. We performed the complete sequencing of the exome of 64 healthy indigenous people from the Brazilian Amazon. The allele frequency data of the population were compared with data from other continental populations. A total of 66 variants present in the seven genes studied were identified, including a variant with a high impact on the ARHGAP27 gene (rs201721078) and three new variants located in the Amazon Indigenous populations (INDG) present in the AQP3, IFNAR2 and LIMD1 genes, with low, moderate and modifier impact, respectively.