bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GIS-Facilitated Germination of Stored Seeds from Five Wild-Growing Populations of Campanula pelviformis Lam. and Fertilization Effects on Growth, Nutrients, Phenol Content and Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Anestis Ioannis , Pipinis Elias , Kostas Stefanos , Papaioannou Evgenia , Karapatzak Eleftherios , Dariotis Eleftherios , Tsoulpha Parthena , Koundourakis Emmanouil , Chatzileontari Eleni , Tsoktouridis Georgios , Hatzilazarou Stefanos , Krigas Nikos
Published: August 2023

This study was designed to bridge extant research gaps regarding the vulnerable and protected local endemic Campanula pelviformis, a wild edible green traditionally consumed in Crete (Greece) with agro-alimentary and medicinal interest as well as ornamental value. The C. pelviformis ecological profile was generated using the climate and temperature conditions prevailing in its wild habitats through mapping of natural distribution linked with online bioclimatic databases in geographical information systems. We tested the germination of seeds from five wild-growing populations at four different temperatures (10, 15, 20 and 25 °C) and under different light conditions (light/dark and darkness), and we performed fertilization trails [integrated nutrient management (INF), chemical fertilization (ChFe), control] examining morphological and physiological characteristics, above- and below-ground macro- and micronutrients and phenol contents, as well as their antioxidant capacity. We found population and temperature effects on seed germination with their interaction being statistically significant. Campanula pelviformis germinated better at 10 and 15 °C (>85% for all populations) with no preference on light conditions (98.75% and 95% in light and dark conditions). The INF application increased root dry mass, chlorophyll content index and chlorophyll fluorescence compared to other treatments and was beneficial for macro- and micronutrient concentrations in above-ground parts compared to previously studied wild-growing material, while below-ground parts were positively impacted by both fertilization types. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity were both increased by ChFe fertilization. The data furnished herein permitted the re-evaluation and upgrade of its sustainable exploitation potential in different economic sectors.
Effects of Light Intensity and Water Stress on Growth, Photosynthetic Characteristics and Plant Survival of Cistus heterophyllus Desf. Subsp. carthaginensis (Pau) M. B. Crespo & Mateo
Authors: Gómez-Bellot María José , Sánchez-Blanco María Jesús , Lorente Beatriz , Vicente-Colomer María José , Ortuño María Fernanda
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study was to identify the physiological mechanisms used by Cistus heterophyllus Desf. Subsp. carthaginensis (Pau) M. B. Crespo & Mateo, a species in critical danger of extinction, to cope with two typical abiotic conditions. During the summer of 2021, plants were cultivated under a shade mesh that intercepted 50% of the incident solar radiation (SHADE) and in natural conditions (SUN). Three irrigation treatments were also applied: control, T1, moderate water deficit; T2, 60% of the control, severe deficit; and T3, 30% of the control. Therefore, there were six treatments (SUN-T1, SUN-T2, SUN-T3, SHADE-T1, SHADE-T2, SHADE-T3). Plants were more affected by solar radiation than by deficit irrigation. Although leaf water potential, stomatal conductance and root biomass decreased by up to 45%, 63% and 65%, respectively, as deficit irrigation increased, plants were able to develop a leaf osmotic adjustment and an improved intrinsic water-use efficiency to maintain their growth and survival rate. Shade conditions improved gas exchange, reduced leaf temperature and induced the synthesis of chlorophylls, regardless of the irrigation level imposed. This indicated that radiation was the most limiting factor in our experiment. Applying 50% of the radiation and a moderate water deficit would help to obtain a good plant development and high survival rate in future recovery and conservation programs for the species.
The Language of Nature and Artificial Intelligence in Patient Care
Authors: Enríquez Teresa , Alonso-Stuyck Paloma , Martínez-Villaseñor Lourdes
Published: August 2023

Given the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the conditions of vulnerability of large sectors of the population, the question emerges: what are the ethical limits of technologies in patient care? This paper examines this question in the light of the “language of nature” and of Aristotelian causal analysis, in particular the concept of means and ends. Thus, it is possible to point out the root of the distinction between the identity of the person and the entity of any technology. Nature indicates that the person is always an end in itself. Technology, on the contrary, should only be a means to serve the person. The diversity of their respective natures also explains why their respective agencies enjoy diverse scopes. Technological operations (artificial agency, artificial intelligence) find their meaning in the results obtained through them (poiesis). Moreover, the person is capable of actions whose purpose is precisely the action itself (praxis), in which personal agency and, ultimately, the person themselves, is irreplaceable. Forgetting the distinction between what, by nature, is an end and what can only be a means is equivalent to losing sight of the instrumental nature of AI and, therefore, its specific meaning: the greatest good of the patient. It is concluded that the language of nature serves as a filter that supports the effective subordination of the use of AI to its specific purpose, the human good. The greatest contribution of this work is to draw attention to the nature of the person and technology, and about their respective agencies. In other words: listening to the language of nature, and attending to the diverse nature of the person and technology, personal agency, and artificial agency.
Predicting and Moderating COVID-Fear and Stress among College Students in Argentina and the USA
Authors: Rice Kenneth G. , Arana Fernán , Wetstone Hannah , Aiello Michelle , Durán Barbara
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected mental health worldwide and college students were particularly vulnerable to its adverse effects. This longitudinal study was designed to highlight and compare the COVID experiences of college students in Argentina and the USA (N = 361). Specifically, we examined individual factors (gender, emotional regulation, and social support) assessed prior to the pandemic for their role as predictors or moderators of COVID-fear and psychological stress during the first months of the pandemic. The results supported measurement invariance for brief measures of COVID-fear and indicated that, overall, COVID-fear was highest during the second wave of the study (March–April 2020), lowest during the third wave (June 2020), and then rose again during the fourth wave (September 2020). Several interaction effects emerged, revealing important country-level differences in COVID-fear effects for the emotion regulation and social support factors. More so in the Argentina sample than in the USA sample, higher levels of social support at Time 1 were associated with increases in the effect of COVID-fear on stress among students. We discussed the implications of these and other findings for future cross-cultural pandemic-related stress studies.
Salivary Oxytocin and Antioxidative Response to Robotic Touch in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Portnova Galina V. , Proskurnina Elena V. , Skorokhodov Ivan V. , Sokolova Svetlana V. , Semirechenko Alexey N. , Varlamov Anton A.
Published: August 2023

Individuals with ASD are known to have a tendency to have tactile sensory processing issues that could be associated with their impairment as regards social communication. The alterations in tactile processing in autistic subjects are usually accompanied by hypersensitivity and other unpleasant emotions induced by tactile contact. In our study, we investigated the impact of the velocity and the force of a tactile stroke received impersonally by a custom-built robotic device. A total of 21 adults with ASD and 22 adults from a control group participated in our study. The participants’ responses were assessed according to subjective scales, EEG changes, and the dynamics of saliva antioxidants and oxytocin. It was found that the oxytocin level was significantly lower in subjects with ASD but increased after tactile stimulation. However, contrary to expectations, the increase in the oxytocin level in the target group negatively correlated with the subjective pleasantness of tactile stimulation and was probably associated with a stress-induced effect. The basic levels of antioxidants did not differ between the TD and ASD groups; however, these had significantly increased in individuals with ASD by the end of the study. The EEG findings, which revealed enhanced antioxidant levels, contributed to the relief of the cognitive control during the study.
A Tailored Approach to Leishmaniases Vaccination: Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy and Cross-Protection Capacity of DNA vs. Peptide-Based Vaccines in a Murine Model
Authors: Mas Alicia , Hurtado-Morillas Clara , Martínez-Rodrigo Abel , Orden José A. , de la Fuente Ricardo , Domínguez-Bernal Gustavo , Carrión Javier
Published: August 2023

Zoonotic leishmaniases are a worldwide public health problem for which the development of effective vaccines remains a challenge. A vaccine against leishmaniases must be safe and affordable and should induce cross-protection against the different disease-causing species. In this context, the DNA vaccine pHisAK70 has been demonstrated to induce, in a murine model, a resistant phenotype against L. major, L. infantum, and L. amazonensis. Moreover, a chimeric multiepitope peptide, HisDTC, has been obtained by in silico analysis from the histone proteins encoded in the DNA vaccine and has showed its ability to activate a potent CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell protective immune response in mice against L. infantum infection. In the present study, we evaluated the plasmid DNA vaccine pHisAK70 in comparison with the peptide HisDTC (with and without saponin) against L. major and L. infantum infection. Our preliminary results showed that both formulations were able to induce a potent cellular response leading to a decrease in parasite load against L. infantum. In addition, the DNA candidate was able to induce better lesion control in mice against L. major. These preliminary results indicate that both strategies are potentially effective candidates for leishmaniases control. Furthermore, it is important to carry out such comparative studies to elucidate which vaccine candidates are the most appropriate for further development.
Therapeutic Efficiency of Proteins Secreted by Glial Progenitor Cells in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Salikhova Diana I. , Golovicheva Victoria V. , Fatkhudinov Timur Kh. , Shevtsova Yulia A. , Soboleva Anna G. , Goryunov Kirill V. , Dyakonov Alexander S. , Mokroysova Victoria O. , Mingaleva Natalia S. , Shedenkova Margarita O. , Makhnach Oleg V. , Kutsev Sergey I. , Chekhonin Vladimir P. , Silachev Denis N. , Goldshtein Dmitry V.
Published: August 2023

Traumatic brain injuries account for 30–50% of all physical traumas and are the most common pathological diseases of the brain. Mechanical damage of brain tissue leads to the disruption of the blood–brain barrier and the massive death of neuronal, glial, and endothelial cells. These events trigger a neuroinflammatory response and neurodegenerative processes locally and in distant parts of the brain and promote cognitive impairment. Effective instruments to restore neural tissue in traumatic brain injury are lacking. Glial cells are the main auxiliary cells of the nervous system, supporting homeostasis and ensuring the protection of neurons through contact and paracrine mechanisms. The glial cells’ secretome may be considered as a means to support the regeneration of nervous tissue. Consequently, this study focused on the therapeutic efficiency of composite proteins with a molecular weight of 5–100 kDa secreted by glial progenitor cells in a rat model of traumatic brain injury. The characterization of proteins below 100 kDa secreted by glial progenitor cells was evaluated by proteomic analysis. Therapeutic effects were assessed by neurological outcomes, measurement of the damage volume by MRI, and an evaluation of the neurodegenerative, apoptotic, and inflammation markers in different areas of the brain. Intranasal infusions of the composite protein product facilitated the functional recovery of the experimental animals by decreasing the inflammation and apoptotic processes, preventing neurodegenerative processes by reducing the amounts of phosphorylated Tau isoforms Ser396 and Thr205. Consistently, our findings support the further consideration of glial secretomes for clinical use in TBI, notably in such aspects as dose-dependent effects and standardization.
Analysis of Novel Immunological Biomarkers Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Severity
Authors: Pascual-García Sandra , Martínez-Peinado Pascual , López-Jaén Ana B. , Navarro-Blasco Francisco J. , Montoyo-Pujol Yoel G. , Roche Enrique , Peiró Gloria , Sempere-Ortells José M.
Published: August 2023

Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are the most frequently used rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnostic markers, but they are unable to anticipate the patient’s evolution or response to treatment. The aim of this study was to identify possible severity biomarkers to predict an upcoming flare-up or remission period. To address this objective, sera and anticoagulated blood samples were collected from healthy controls (HCs; n = 39) and from early RA (n = 10), flare-up (n = 5), and remission (n = 16) patients. We analyzed leukocyte phenotype markers, regulatory T cells, cell proliferation, and cytokine profiles. Flare-up patients showed increased percentages of cluster of differentiation (CD)3+CD4− lymphocytes (p < 0.01) and granulocytes (p < 0.05) but a decreased natural killer (NK)/T lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.05). Analysis of leukocyte markers by principal component analysis (PCA) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that CD45RO+ (p < 0.0001) and CD45RA+ (p < 0.0001) B lymphocyte expression can discriminate between HCs and early RA patients, while CD3+CD4− lymphocyte percentage (p < 0.0424) and CD45RA+ (p < 0.0424), CD62L+ (p < 0.0284), and CD11a+ (p < 0.0185) B lymphocyte expression can differentiate between flare-up and RA remission subjects. Thus, the combined study of these leukocyte surface markers could have potential as disease severity biomarkers for RA, whose fluctuations could be related to the development of the characteristic pro-inflammatory environment.
Local Thyroid Hormone Action in Brain Development
Authors: Alcaide Martin Andrea , Mayerl Steffen
Published: August 2023

Proper brain development essentially depends on the timed availability of sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone (TH). This, in turn, necessitates a tightly regulated expression of TH signaling components such as TH transporters, deiodinases, and TH receptors in a brain region- and cell-specific manner from early developmental stages onwards. Abnormal TH levels during critical stages, as well as mutations in TH signaling components that alter the global and/or local thyroidal state, result in detrimental consequences for brain development and neurological functions that involve alterations in central neurotransmitter systems. Thus, the question as to how TH signaling is implicated in the development and maturation of different neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems has gained increasing attention. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge on the regulation of TH signaling components during brain development. We then present recent advances in our understanding on how altered TH signaling compromises the development of cortical glutamatergic neurons, inhibitory GABAergic interneurons, cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons. Thereby, we highlight novel mechanistic insights and point out open questions in this evolving research field.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Underlying Molecular Mechanisms—A Special Issue Overview
Authors: Belo Luís , Carvalho Márcia
Published: August 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an epidemic health issue that requires global attention [...]
A Sphingolipidomic Profiling Approach for Comparing X-ray-Exposed and Unexposed HepG2 Cells
Authors: Moggio Martina , Faramarzi Bahar , Portaccio Marianna , Manti Lorenzo , Lepore Maria , Diano Nadia
Published: August 2023

An analytical method based on tandem mass spectrometry-shotgun is presently proposed to obtain sphingolipidomic profiles useful for the characterization of lipid extract from X-ray-exposed and unexposed hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). To obtain a targeted lipidic profile from a specific biological system, the best extraction method must be identified before instrumental analysis. Accordingly, four different classic lipid extraction protocols were compared in terms of efficiency, specificity, and reproducibility. The performance of each procedure was evaluated using the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic technique; subsequently, the quality of extracts was estimated using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The selected procedure based on chloroform/methanol/water was successfully used in mass spectrometry-based shotgun sphingolipidomics, allowing for evaluation of the response of cells to X-ray irradiation, the most common anticancer therapy. Using a relative quantitative approach, the changes in the sphingolipid profiles of irradiated cell extracts were demonstrated, confirming that lipidomic technologies are also useful tools for studying the key sphingolipid role in regulating cancer growth during radiotherapy.
Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events in Patients Undergoing Simultaneous Heart Surgery and Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Gerfer Stephen , Bennour Walid , Chigri Alina , Elderia Ahmed , Krasivskyi Ihor , Großmann Clara , Gaisendrees Christopher , Ivanov Borko , Avgeridou Soi , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Rahmanian Parwis , Kuhn-Régnier Ferdinand , Mader Navid , Djordjevic Ilija , Sabashnikov Anton , Wahlers Thorsten
Published: August 2023

Background. Patients with simultaneous relevant internal carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery heart or valve disease represent a high-risk collective with respect to cerebral or cardiovascular severe events when undergoing surgery. There exist several concepts regarding the timing and modality of carotid revascularization, which are controversially discussed in patients with heart disease. More data regarding outcome predictors and measures are needed to gain a better understanding of the best treatment option of the discussed patient collective. Methods. This single-center study retrospectively analyzed n = 111 patients undergoing heart surgery with coronary artery bypass grafting or heart-valve surgery and concomitant carotid surgery due to significant internal carotid artery stenosis. In order to do so, patients were divided into two groups with respect to postoperative major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) with thirty-day all-cause mortality, valve related mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and transitory ischemic attack. Results. Preoperative patient’s characteristic in the no-MACCE and MACCE group were mainly balanced, other than higher rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, instable angina pectoris and prior transitory ischemic attack in the MACCE cohort. The analysis of intraoperative characteristics revealed a higher number of intra-aortic balloon pump implantation, which is in line for a higher number of postoperative supports. Besides MACCE, patients suffered significantly more often from postoperative bleeding events and re-thoracotomy, cardiopulmonary reanimation, new onset postoperative dialysis and prolonged intensive care unit stay related complications. Conclusions. Within the reported patient population suffering from MACCE after a simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and heart surgery, a preoperative history of transitory ischemic attack and kidney disease might account for worse outcomes, as severe events were not only neurologically driven but also associated with postoperative cardiovascular complications following heart surgical procedures.
The Underappreciated Benefits of Interleaving for Category Learning
Authors: Do Lan Anh , Thomas Ayanna K.
Published: August 2023

The present study examined the effects of study schedule (interleaving vs. blocking) and feature descriptions on category learning and metacognitive predictions of learning. Across three experiments, participants studied exemplars from different rock categories and later had to classify novel exemplars. Rule-based and information-based categorization was also manipulated by selecting rock sub-categories for which the optimal strategy was the one that aligned with the extraction of a simple rule, or the one that required integration of information that may be difficult to describe verbally. We observed consistent benefits of interleaving over blocking on rock classification, which generalized to both rule-based (Experiment 1) and information-integration learning (Experiments 1–3). However, providing feature descriptions enhanced classification accuracy only when the stated features were diagnostic of category membership, indicating that their benefits were limited to rule-based learning (Experiment 1) and did not generalize to information-integration learning (Experiments 1–3). Furthermore, our examination of participants’ metacognitive predictions demonstrated that participants were not aware of the benefits of interleaving on category learning. Additionally, providing feature descriptions led to higher predictions of categorization even when no significant benefits on actual performance were exhibited.
Localization Uncertainty Estimation for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Navigation
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhang Feihu , Wang Zhiliang , Zhang Xiaofang
Published: August 2023

High-precision positioning capability is a crucial technology for achieving accurate navigation in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). However, due to severe electromagnetic wave attenuation underwater and the unavailability of the global positioning system (GPS), inertial-navigation-based dead reckoning is considered the primary method for underwater positioning. Unfortunately, errors accumulated during the navigation process lead to unbounded drift, and filtering-based methods have been used to mitigate the errors, but with limited success. In this paper, we propose a precise underwater dead-reckoning mathematical model that recursively calculates the ground truth and corresponding errors based on an AUV’s motion model, and we derive empirical formulas. Compared to related methods, this approach not only models the cumulative errors of relative noise measurements, but also provides recursive expressions with corresponding statistical moments. The experimental results demonstrate that this formula significantly reduces positioning errors in underwater navigation tasks.
Motivations, Knowledge, Efficacy, and Participation: An O-S-O-R Model of Second Screening’s Political Effects in China
Authors: Liu Yiben , Zhou Shuhua , Zhang Hongzhong
Published: August 2023

TV audiences today are more likely to use an additional media device to further engage with the television content, a phenomenon known as “second screening”. This study takes second screening research into an authoritarian context to investigate what motivates users to search for information, engage in discussions, and post on social media. We apply an O-S-O-R model and demonstrates an integrated procedure of second screening’s political effects among citizens of Beijing. Our findings showed that most of the direct and indirect paths in this model were significantly positive. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are also discussed.
Exploring Blockchain Technology for Chain of Custody Control in Physical Evidence: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Batista Danielle , Mangeth Ana Lara , Frajhof Isabella , Alves Paulo Henrique , Nasser Rafael , Robichez Gustavo , Silva Gil Marcio , Miranda Fernando Pellon de
Published: August 2023

Blockchain technology, initially known for its applications in the financial industry, has emerged as a promising solution for various other domains. One prominent area for the use of blockchain-based solutions is forensics, specifically the chain of custody maintenance and control. While there have been numerous research projects exploring the use of blockchain technology in digital forensics, limited attention has been given to its application in controlling of the physical evidence chain of custody. In this research, we aim to explore the literature on the use of blockchain technology to solve problems related to the physical evidence chain of custody. Through a systematic literature review (SLR), we analyzed 26 resources discussing blockchain-based solutions for evidence chain of custody issues, based on requirements that could be applied to both physical and digital evidence. The results showed that there is a lack of studies involving the use of blockchain technology to solve problems related to the physical evidence chain of custody, and future research should focus on solving the issue.
Imposing ‘Enclosed Communities’? Urban Gating of Large Housing Estates in Sweden and France
Authors: Grundström Karin , Lelévrier Christine
Published: August 2023

Gated communities and gated housing enclaves have primarily been identified as elite spaces of privilege that support self-imposed disaffiliation and spatial and social withdrawal by the affluent. Over the past decade, however, European countries have also seen a rise of gating in large housing estates. Drawing on previous research and a comparative case study that includes interviews, observations, and mapping, this article analyses policies and practices of gating in large housing estates since 2010 in Malmö, Sweden and since 2000 in Paris, France. We argue, first, that gating is legitimised by policy arguments about ‘defensible space’, by a critique of the modernist design, and by a perceived need for diversification. Secondly, we expand the notion of urban gating and identify four types of enclosure: complete enclosure, semi-enclosure, enclosure through densification, and enclosure of parks and playgrounds. We conclude that the notion of the welfare state has changed, not only in financial terms but also as an urban form, leading to the micro-segregation of housing and land, which makes visible the social stratification within large housing estates. Gating of large housing estates thus leads to ‘enclosed communities’ rather than ‘gated communities’.
Factivity-Alternating Attitude Verbs in Azeri
Authors: Bondarenko Tatiana
Published: August 2023

Factivity alternations received at least two kinds of explanations in the literature: there are approaches that attribute the two readings to two different LFs and approaches that derive the presence/absence of a factive inference by appealing to general pragmatic mechanisms. In this paper I investigate verbs displaying two different kinds of factivity alternations in Azeri and argue for the former view of how factivity alternations emerge.
Reimagining Carbon Nanomaterial Analysis: Empowering Transfer Learning and Machine Vision in Scanning Electron Microscopy for High-Fidelity Identification
Authors: Gupta Siddharth , Gupta Sunayana , Gupta Arushi
Published: August 2023

In this report, we propose a novel technique for identifying and analyzing diverse nanoscale carbon allotropes using scanning electron micrographs. By precisely controlling the quenching rates of undercooled molten carbon through laser irradiation, we achieved the formation of microdiamonds, nanodiamonds, and Q-carbon films. However, standard laser irradiation without proper undercooling control leads to the formation of sparsely located diverse carbon polymorphs, hindering their discovery and classification through manual analyses. To address this challenge, we applied transfer-learning approaches using convolutional neural networks and computer vision techniques to achieve allotrope discovery even with sparse spatial presence. Our method achieved high accuracy rates of 92% for Q-carbon identification and 94% for distinguishing it from nanodiamonds. By leveraging scanning electron micrographs and precise undercooling control, our technique enables the efficient identification and characterization of nanoscale carbon structures. This research significantly contributes to the advancement of the field, providing automated tools for Q-materials and carbon polymorph identification. It opens up new opportunities for the further exploration of these materials in various applications.
In Vitro Evaluation of Ag- and Sr-Doped Hydroxyapatite Coatings for Medical Applications
Authors: Ungureanu Elena , Vladescu (Dragomir) Alina , Parau Anca C. , Mitran Valentina , Cimpean Anisoara , Tarcolea Mihai , Vranceanu Diana M. , Cotrut Cosmin M.
Published: August 2023

Osseointegration plays the most important role in the success of an implant. One of the applications of hydroxyapatite (HAp) is as a coating for metallic implants due to its bioactive nature, which improves osteoconduction. The purpose of this research was to assess the in vitro behavior of HAp undoped and doped with Ag and/or Sr obtained by galvanostatic pulsed electrochemical deposition. The coatings were investigated in terms of chemical bonds, contact angle and surface free energy, electrochemical behavior, in vitro biomineralization in acellular media (SBF and PBS), and biocompatibility with preosteoblasts cells (MC3T3-E1 cell line). The obtained results highlighted the beneficial impact of Ag and/or Sr on the HAp. The FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of hydroxyapatite within all coatings, while in terms of wettability, the contact angle and surface free energy investigations showed that all surfaces were hydrophilic. The in vitro behavior of MC3T3-E1 indicated that the presence of Sr in the HAp coatings as a unique doping agent or in combination with Ag elicited improved cytocompatibility in terms of cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, the composite HAp-based coatings showed promising potential for bone regeneration applications.
Modeling of Closure of Metallurgical Discontinuities in the Process of Forging Zirconium Alloy
Authors: Banaszek Grzegorz , Ozhmegov Kirill , Kawałek Anna , Sawicki Sylwester , Arbuz Alexandr , Naizabekov Abdrakhman
Published: August 2023

This article presents the results of testing the conditions of closing foundry voids during the hot forging operation of an ingot made of zirconium with 1% Nb alloy and use of physical and numerical modeling, continuing research presented in a previous thematically related article published in the journal Materials. The study of the impact of forging operation parameters on the rheology of zirconium with 1% Nb alloy was carried out on a Gleeble 3800 device. Using the commercial FORGE®NxT 2.1 program, a numerical analysis was performed of the influence of thermo-mechanical parameters of the hot elongation operation in trapezoidal flat and rhombic trapezoidal anvils on the closure of foundry voids. The analysis of the obtained test results was used to formulate recommendations on the technology of hot forging and the anvilgeometry, ensuring closure of foundry voids. Based on their research, the authors conclude that the shape of the deformation basin and the value and hydrostatic pressure have the greatest influences on the closure of foundry voids.
Dynamic Human–Robot Collision Risk Based on Octree Representation
Authors: Anatoliotakis Nikolaos , Paraskevopoulos Giorgos , Michalakis George , Michalellis Isidoros , Zacharaki Evangelia I. , Koustoumpardis Panagiotis , Moustakas Konstantinos
Published: August 2023

The automation of manufacturing applications where humans and robots operate in a shared environment imposes new challenges for presenting the operator’s safety and robot’s efficiency. Common solutions relying on isolating the robots’ workspace from human access during their operation are not applicable for HRI. This paper presents an extended reality-based method to enhance human cognitive awareness of the potential risk due to dynamic robot behavior towards safe human–robot collaborative manufacturing operations. A dynamic and state-aware occupancy probability map indicating the forthcoming risk of human–robot accidental collision in the 3D workspace of the robot is introduced. It is determined using octrees and is rendered in a virtual or augmented environment using Unity 3D. A combined framework allows the generation of both static zones (taking into consideration the entire configuration space of the robot) and dynamic zones (generated in real time by fetching the occupancy data corresponding to the robot’s current configuration), which can be utilized for short-term collision risk prediction. This method is then applied in a virtual environment of the workspace of an industrial robotic arm, and we also include the necessary technical adjustments for the method to be applied in an AR setting.
An Adaptive Torque Observer Based on Fuzzy Inference for Flexible Joint Application
Authors: Liu Yang , Song Bao , Zhou Xiangdong , Gao Yuting , Chen Tianhang
Published: August 2023

Torque observation techniques have been widely employed to estimate the load torque of flexible joints driven by a permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM). However, the performance of the observer degrades significantly when the position and orientation of the robot continuously changes, resulting in substantial irregular load variations. In this paper, an adaptive torque observer based on fuzzy inference is proposed to overcome this issue. Instead of relying on theoretical or numerical derivation, the relationship between the load inertia and the closed-loop poles of the torque observer is expressed by fuzzy inference. This approach enables the flexible configuration of the poles based on the load inertia, allowing for automatic tuning of the gain matrix. Consequently, the observer can ensure robustness and maintain superior performance under varying load conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed observer is validated through simulation and experimental results. It shows that compared to the classical Luenberger observer, the proposed adaptive torque observer can achieve more accurate observation results and exhibits a more dynamic response in the presence of varying load inertia.
Analyzing the Critical Parameters for Implementing Sustainable AI Cloud System in an IT Industry Using AHP-ISM-MICMAC Integrated Hybrid MCDM Model
Authors: Yenugula Manideep , Goswami Shankha Shubhra , Kaliappan Subramaniam , Saravanakumar Rengaraj , Alasiry Areej , Marzougui Mehrez , AlMohimeed Abdulaziz , Elaraby Ahmed
Published: August 2023

This study aims to identify the critical parameters for implementing a sustainable artificial intelligence (AI) cloud system in the information technology industry (IT). To achieve this, an AHP-ISM-MICMAC integrated hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model was developed and implemented. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine the importance of each parameter, while interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was used to establish the interrelationships between the parameters. The cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis was employed to identify the driving and dependent parameters. A total of fifteen important parameters categorized into five major groups have been considered for this analysis from previously published works. The results showed that technological, budget, and environmental issues were the most critical parameters in implementing a sustainable AI cloud system. More specifically, the digitalization of innovative technologies is found to be the most crucial among the group from all aspects, having the highest priority degree and strong driving power. ISM reveals that all the factors are interconnected with each other and act as linkage barriers. This study provides valuable insights for IT industries looking to adopt sustainable AI cloud systems and emphasizes the need to consider environmental and economic factors in decision-making processes.
Distributional Representation of a Special Fox–Wright Function with an Application
Authors: Tassaddiq Asifa , Srivastava Rekha , Kasmani Ruhaila Md , Almutairi Dalal Khalid
Published: August 2023

A review of the literature demonstrates that the Fox–Wright function is not only a mathematical puzzle, but its role is naturally to represent basic physical phenomena. Motivated by this fact, we studied a new representation of this function in terms of complex delta functions. This representation was useful to compute its Laplace transform with respect to the third parameter γ for which it also generalizes the one and two-parameter Mittag-Leffler functions. New identities involving the Fox–Wright function were discussed and used to simplify the results. Different fractional transforms were evaluated and the solution of a fractional kinetic equation was obtained by using its new representation. Several new properties of this function were discussed as a distribution.
Multiple-Image Encryption Scheme Based on an N-Dimensional Chaotic Modular Model and Overlapping Block Permutation–Diffusion Using Newly Defined Operation
Authors: Zhou Ziqi , Xu Xuemei , Jiang Zhaohui , Sun Kehui
Published: August 2023

Some existing chaotic maps have the drawbacks of a narrow range of chaotic parameters and discontinuities, which may be inherited by new chaotic systems generated from them as seed maps. We propose a chaotic model that can generate N-dimensional chaotic systems to overcome the problem. By fixing the original parameters of the seed map in the chaotic range, we then introduce new parameters and use modular operations to widen the range of the parameters and increase the complexity. Simulation results show that the generated chaotic system has good chaotic dynamics. Based on this chaotic model, we propose a multiple-image encryption algorithm that is not limited by image type, number, and size. The resistance to plaintext attacks is enhanced by a permutation–diffusion algorithm based on overlapping blocks. We design a newly defined lookup table operation based on Latin squares with enhanced nonlinearity and randomness. By adjusting the overlapping block parameters and the number of Latin squares, users can design different encryption levels to balance encryption efficiency and encryption effectiveness. The experimental results show that the proposed image encryption algorithm can effectively encrypt multiple images, and all the evaluation indexes reach the expected value.
Conformal Transformations on General (α,β)-Spaces
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Zhang Xuesong , Wu Mengke
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we study conformal transformations between two almost regular general (α,β)-metrics. By using the method of special coordinate system, the necessary and sufficient conditions for conformal transformations preserving the mean Landsberg curvature are obtained. Further, a rigidity theorem for regular general (α,β)-metrics is proved.
Pharmacokinetics of Danofloxacin in Gushi Chickens after Single Oral and Intravenous Administration
Authors: Chen Jun-Cheng , Yang Fang , Li Guang-Hui , Duan Ming-Hui , Li Ze-En , Dai Yan , Zhang Mei , Yang Fan
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin in Gushi chickens after a single oral (PO) and intravenous (IV) dose at 5 mg/kg body weight (BW). Thirty-two Gushi chickens, aged 20 weeks, were selected and divided into two groups at random, with each group consisting of 16 chickens, evenly distributed between males and females. Following danofloxacin administration, blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals and the plasma was separated. The concentrations of danofloxacin in plasma were quantified by HPLC with a fluorescence detector. Then the concentrations versus time data were subjected to non-compartmental analysis (NCA) using Phoenix software (version: 8.1.0). After administering danofloxacin orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg BW to Gushi chickens, our results demonstrated that the peak concentration reached 0.53 μg/mL at 4 h. The half-life of absorption (t1/2ka) was determined to be 2.37 ± 1.60 h, and the bioavailability (F) was calculated as 40.12 ± 15.83%. For both oral and intravenous administration, the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC0-∞) was determined to be 4.72 ± 1.86 and 11.76 ± 3.25 h·µg/mL, respectively. The corresponding elimination half-life (t1/2λz) was measured as 11.24 ± 3.90 and 10.17 ± 3.72 h. Moreover, the mean residence time (MRT) was calculated as 10.20 ± 2.47 and 7.05 ± 1.97 h for these respective routes. Based on the calculated AUC/MIC ratio values, it can be inferred that the 5 mg/kg BW dosage of danofloxacin, whether administered orally or intravenously, is expected to effectively treat Escherichia coli and Pasteurella multocida infections in Gushi chickens.
Current Advances in Humanized Mouse Models for Studying NK Cells and HIV Infection
Authors: Kim Jocelyn T. , Bresson-Tan Gabrielle , Zack Jerome A.
Published: August 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has infected millions of people worldwide and continues to be a major global health problem. Scientists required a small animal model to study HIV pathogenesis and immune responses. To this end, humanized mice were created by transplanting human cells and/or tissues into immunodeficient mice to reconstitute a human immune system. Thus, humanized mice have become a critical animal model for HIV researchers, but with some limitations. Current conventional humanized mice are prone to death by graft versus host disease induced by the mouse signal regulatory protein α and CD47 signaling pathway. In addition, commonly used humanized mice generate low levels of human cytokines required for robust myeloid and natural killer cell development and function. Here, we describe recent advances in humanization procedures and transgenic and knock-in immunodeficient mice to address these limitations.
Biochemical, Antioxidant Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Steno-Endemic Origanum onites
Authors: Canli Kerem , Bozyel Mustafa Eray , Turu Dilay , Benek Atakan , Simsek Ozcan , Altuner Ergin Murat
Published: August 2023

Origanum onites (Lamiaceae) is an Eastern Mediterranean plant that is widely used in Turkish traditional medicine. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant potential of O. onites. In this study, the biochemical composition of the O. onites ethanol extract (OOEt) was analyzed using GC-MS. The antimicrobial activity was investigated using a disk diffusion test and determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against 30 microorganism strains, including 28 bacteria (some multidrug-resistant) and 2 fungi. Additionally, the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method. The main component identified was carvacrol. OOEt demonstrated antimicrobial activity against a wide range of tested microorganism strains. OOEt displayed the highest activity against E. faecium (a Gram-positive bacterium) at 100 µL with a 52 mm inhibition zone. Additionally, P. aeruginosa DSMZ 50071 and P. fluorescens P1, which are Gram-negative bacteria, were the most sensitive strains with a 24 mm inhibition zone in 100 µL of OOEt. The data obtained from A. baumannii (a multidrug-resistant strain) is particularly striking, as higher activity was observed compared to all positive controls. All tested fungal strains showed more effective results than positive controls. The antioxidant activity of OOEt was found to be stronger than that of the positive control, ascorbic acid. This study determined that O. onites has significant antimicrobial and antioxidant potential.
Biodegradation of Uric Acid by Bacillus paramycoides-YC02
Authors: Cao Xiaoyu , Cai Jingyuan , Zhang Yu , Liu Chao , Song Meijie , Xu Qianqian , Liu Yang , Yan Hai
Published: August 2023

High serum uric acid levels, known as hyperuricemia (HUA), are associated with an increased risk of developing gout, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes. In this study, a promising bacterial strain capable of biodegrading uric acid (UA) was successfully isolated from Baijiu cellar mud using UA as the sole carbon and energy source. The bacterial strain was identified as Bacillus paramycoides-YC02 through 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Under optimal culture conditions at an initial pH of 7.0 and 38 °C, YC02 completely biodegraded an initial UA concentration of 500 mg/L within 48 h. Furthermore, cell-free extracts of YC02 were found to catalyze and remove UA. These results demonstrate the strong biodegradation ability of YC02 toward UA. To gain further insight into the mechanisms underlying UA biodegradation by YC02, the draft genome of YC02 was sequenced using Illumina HiSeq. Subsequent analysis revealed the presence of gene1779 and gene2008, which encode for riboflavin kinase, flavin mononucleotide adenylyl transferase, and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent urate hydroxylase. This annotation was based on GO or the KEEG database. These enzymes play a crucial role in the metabolism pathway, converting vitamin B2 to FAD and subsequently converting UA to 5-hydroxyisourate (HIU) with the assistance of FAD. Notably, HIU undergoes a slow non-enzymatic breakdown into 2-oxo-4-hydroxy-4-carboxy-5-ureidoimidazoline (OHCU) and (S)-allantoin. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the metabolism pathway of UA biodegradation by B. paramycoides-YC02 and offer a potential avenue for the development of bacterioactive drugs against HUA and gout.
The Intestinal Microbiome after Traumatic Injury
Authors: Munley Jennifer A. , Kirkpatrick Stacey L. , Gillies Gwendolyn S. , Bible Letitia E. , Efron Philip A. , Nagpal Ravinder , Mohr Alicia M.
Published: August 2023

The intestinal microbiome plays a critical role in host immune function and homeostasis. Patients suffering from—as well as models representing—multiple traumatic injuries, isolated organ system trauma, and various severities of traumatic injury have been studied as an area of interest in the dysregulation of immune function and systemic inflammation which occur after trauma. These studies also demonstrate changes in gut microbiome diversity and even microbial composition, with a transition to a pathobiome state. In addition, sex has been identified as a biological variable influencing alterations in the microbiome after trauma. Therapeutics such as fecal transplantation have been utilized to ameliorate not only these microbiome changes but may also play a role in recovery postinjury. This review summarizes the alterations in the gut microbiome that occur postinjury, either in isolated injury or multiple injuries, along with proposed mechanisms for these changes and future directions for the field.