bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bibliometric Review on New Possibilities of Antimycobacterial Agents: Exploring Siderophore Desferrioxamine’s Applications as an Antimicrobial Agent
Authors: de Oliveira Patrícia , de Santana Lira Roseane , de Abreu Lima Rafael , Mendes Yasmim , Martins Antenor , de Melo Bruna , Goiano Millena , Filho Rivaldo , de Farias Nunes Flávia , Aliança Amanda , Firmo Wellyson , Carvalho Rafael , Zagmignan Adrielle , de Sousa Eduardo
Published: September 2023

Mycobacteria cause tuberculosis and other serious diseases. Understanding their mechanisms of resistance to our immune system and exploring novel drugs are critical strategies to combat infections. A bibliometric analysis was performed to identify publication trends and critical research areas in the field of the antimicrobial activity of desferrioxamine. A total of twenty-four publications on the topic, from 2012 to 2023, were retrieved from databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase, using specific keywords. The quality of the publications was assessed using impact and productivity metrics, with an average annual publication rate of 2.1 articles. The United States emerged as the most productive country, with medicine (23.4%, 11 publications) and biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (21.3%, 10 publications) as the top research fields. The five most cited publications accounted for 672 citations, with a relatively low h-index (11:11). In conclusion, there has been a lack of publications on this topic in the last decade. The United States dominates production and publication in this area, and there appears to be limited exchange of knowledge, ideas, and technology within the field. Therefore, fostering international cooperation through funding is essential to facilitate further research and development of desferrioxamine-related studies.
Pharmacokinetics and Anti-Tumor Efficacy of PEGylated Liposomes Co-Loaded with Cisplatin and Mifepristone
Authors: Ocaña-Arakachi Karen , Martínez-Herculano Julio , Jurado Rafael , Llaguno-Munive Monserrat , Garcia-Lopez Patricia
Published: September 2023

Although cisplatin is an effective chemotherapy drug used against many types of cancer, it has poor bioavailability, produces severe adverse effects, and frequently leads to tumor resistance. Consequently, more effective formulations are needed. The co-administration of cisplatin with mifepristone, which counters an efflux pump drug-resistance mechanism in tumor cells, has shown important synergism, but without resolving the problem of poor bioavailability. Specificity to tumor tissue and bioavailability have been improved by co-encapsulating cisplatin and mifepristone in a liposomal formulation (L-Cis/MF), which needs further research to complete pre-clinical requirements. The aim of this current contribution was to conduct a pharmacokinetic study of cisplatin and mifepristone in male Wistar rats after administration of L-Cis/MF and the conventional (unencapsulated) formulation. Additionally, the capacity of L-Cis/MF to reduce tumor growth in male nude mice was evaluated following the implantation of xenografts of non-small-cell lung cancer. The better pharmacokinetics (higher plasma concentration) of cisplatin and mifepristone when injected in the liposomal versus the conventional formulation correlated with greater efficacy in controlling tumor growth. Future research on L-Cis/MF will characterize its molecular mechanisms and apply it to other types of cancer affected by the synergism of cisplatin and mifepristone.
Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment by Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Viegas Cláudia , Patrício Ana B. , Prata João , Fonseca Leonor , Macedo Ana S. , Duarte Sofia O. D. , Fonte Pedro
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic cancer represents one of the most lethal cancer types worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Due to the inability to diagnose it promptly and the lack of efficacy of existing treatments, research and development of innovative therapies and new diagnostics are crucial to increase the survival rate and decrease mortality. Nanomedicine has been gaining importance as an innovative approach for drug delivery and diagnosis, opening new horizons through the implementation of smart nanocarrier systems, which can deliver drugs to the specific tissue or organ at an optimal concentration, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity. Varied materials such as lipids, polymers, and inorganic materials have been used to obtain nanoparticles and develop innovative drug delivery systems for pancreatic cancer treatment. In this review, it is discussed the main scientific advances in pancreatic cancer treatment by nano-based drug delivery systems. The advantages and disadvantages of such delivery systems in pancreatic cancer treatment are also addressed. More importantly, the different types of nanocarriers and therapeutic strategies developed so far are scrutinized.
A Structure Variation in qPH8.2 Detrimentally Affects Plant Architecture and Yield in Rice
Authors: Sun Wenqiang , Sun Qiang , Tian Li , Sun Yongjian , Yu Sibin
Published: September 2023

Plant height is an important agronomic trait associated with plant architecture and grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). In this study, we report the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for plant height using a chromosomal segment substitution line (CSSL) population with substituted segments from japonica variety Nipponbare (NIP) in the background of the indica variety 9311. Eight stable QTLs for plant height were identified in three environments. Among them, six loci were co-localized with known genes such as semidwarf-1 (sd1) and Grain Number per Panicle1 (GNP1) involved in gibberellin biosynthesis. A minor QTL qPH8.2 on chromosome 8 was verified and fine-mapped to a 74 kb region. Sequence comparison of the genomic region revealed the presence/absence of a 42 kb insertion between NIP and 9311. This insertion occurred predominantly in temperate japonica rice. Comparisons on the near-isogenic lines showed that the qPH8.2 allele from NIP exhibits pleiotropic effects on plant growth, including reduced plant height, leaf length, photosynthetic capacity, delayed heading date, decreased yield, and increased tiller angle. These results indicate that qPH8.2 from temperate japonica triggers adverse effects on plant growth and yield when introduced into the indica rice, highlighting the importance of the inter-subspecies crossing breeding programs.
Amazonian Plants: A Global Bibliometric Approach to Petiveria alliacea L. Pharmacological and Toxicological Properties
Authors: Conceição Brenda Costa da , Silva Thales Andrade da , Pantoja Lucas Villar Pedrosa da Silva , Luz Diandra Araújo da , Cardoso Eloise Karoline Serrão , Reis Laryssa Danielle da Silva , Raiol-da-Silva Maria Carolina , Kussler Monique Silva , Maia Cristiane Socorro Ferraz , Fontes-Júnior Enéas Andrade
Published: September 2023

Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae) holds significant importance in the Amazon region, where it has been traditionally utilized in folk medicine. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis using conventional metrics, combined with a critical content review of its pharmacological and toxicological properties, to identify gaps in the existing literature that require further investigation. Our investigation identified a total of 55 articles that met the inclusion criteria for this study. Remarkably, Brazil emerged as the primary contributor within the scope of this review, indicating a strong presence of research from this country. Furthermore, professional scientific societies have played a pivotal role in facilitating the dissemination of scientific findings through specialist journals, fostering the sharing of research work within the community. Analysis of keyword co-occurrence revealed that “Petiveria alliacea”, “plant extract”, and “guatemala” were the most frequently encountered terms, indicating their significance within the literature. In terms of study designs, in vivo and in vitro were the predominant types observed, highlighting their prevalence in this field of study. Our study also identified a lack in knowledge yet to be investigated.
Comparative Analysis of Circadian Transcriptomes Reveals Circadian Characteristics between Arabidopsis and Soybean
Authors: Wang Xingwei , Hu Yanfei , Wang Wei
Published: September 2023

The circadian clock, an endogenous timing system, exists in nearly all organisms on Earth. The plant circadian clock has been found to be intricately linked with various essential biological activities. Extensive studies of the plant circadian clock have yielded valuable applications. However, the distinctions of circadian clocks in two important plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana and Glycine max (soybean), remain largely unexplored. This study endeavors to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive comparison of the circadian transcriptome profiles of Arabidopsis and soybean to uncover their distinct circadian characteristics. Utilizing non-linear regression fitting (COS) integrated with weights, we identified circadian rhythmic genes within both organisms. Through an in-depth exploration of circadian parameters, we unveiled notable differences between Arabidopsis and soybean. Furthermore, our analysis of core circadian clock genes shed light on the distinctions in central oscillators between these two species. Additionally, we observed that the homologous genes of Arabidopsis circadian clock genes in soybean exert a significant influence on the regulation of flowering and maturity of soybean. This phenomenon appears to stem from shifts in circadian parameters within soybean genes. These findings highlight contrasting biological activities under circadian regulation in Arabidopsis and soybean. This study not only underscores the distinctive attributes of these species, but also offers valuable insights for further scrutiny into the soybean circadian clock and its potential applications.
Diversity, Ecology and Phytogeography of Bryophytes across Temperate Forest Communities—Insight from Mt. Papuk (Croatia, SE Europe)
Authors: Alegro Antun , Šegota Vedran , Rimac Anja , Papp Beáta
Published: September 2023

It has been widely documented that the complex structure of forest ecosystems supports considerable bryophyte species and functional diversity. In this study, we assessed the diversity, distribution and ecological and phytogeographical features of bryophytes across a gradient of temperate forest types on Mt. Papuk. This is the largest and highest mountain in the lowland, Pannonian part of Croatia, with high geological diversity and various temperate forests covering 95% of the mountain. According to the predominant tree species (oak vs. beech), geological bedrock (calcareous vs. siliceous) and soil reaction (alkaline vs. acidic), 21 study plots were classified into four distinct forest types. In all, 184 bryophyte species (35 liverworts and 149 mosses) were recorded. Although the forest types investigated did not differ significantly with respect to species richness, each was characterized by a considerable number of diagnostic bryophyte species. According to our results, one of the main ecological factors determining the variability of the forest bryophyte composition was geological bedrock and the associated soil reaction. Basiphilous forests developed on carbonate bedrock harbored more thermophilous and nitrophilous bryophytes and were characterized by southern-temperate and Mediterranean–Atlantic biogeographic elements. In contrast, acidophilous forests growing on silicate bedrock were characterized by wide-boreal and boreo-arctic–montane elements, i.e., bryophytes indicating cooler habitats and nitrogen-deficient soils. Based on the results, we hypothesized that the main latitudinal biogeographic distinction between southern and northern biogeographic elements is driven more by geological substrate than by the main tree species in forest communities. The present study confirmed previous findings that bryophytes are good and specific habitat indicators and show associations with different forest types, which can help to understand the complexity, ecological microconditions and biogeographic characteristics of forest communities.
Flowering Time Variation in Two Sympatric Tree Species Contributes to Avoid Competition for Pollinator Services
Authors: Alves-de-Lima Larissa , Calixto Eduardo Soares , Oliveira Marcos Lima de , Novaes Letícia Rodrigues , Almeida Eduardo A. B. , Torezan-Silingardi Helena Maura
Published: September 2023

Competition is an important biological filter that can define crucial features of species’ natural history, like survival and reproduction success. We evaluated in the Brazilian tropical savanna whether two sympatric and congenereric species, Qualea multiflora Mart. and Q. parviflora Mart. (Vochysiaceae), compete for pollinator services, testing whether there is a better competitor or whether plants present any anti-competitive mechanism. Additionally, we investigated the breeding system, pollinators, and flowering phenology of both species. The results showed that Q. multiflora and Q. parviflora are dependent on pollinators for fruit formation, as they exhibited a self-incompatible and non-agamospermic breeding system. These plants shared the same guild of pollinators, which was formed by bees and hummingbirds, and an overlap in the flower visitation time was observed. Each plant species had different pollinator attraction strategies: Q. multiflora invested in floral resource quality, while Q. parviflora invested in resource quantity. The blooming time showed a temporal flowering partition, with highly sequential flowering and no overlap. Qualea parviflora bloomed intensely from September to October, while Q. multiflora bloomed from November to January, with the flowering peak occurring in December. The two Qualea species have morphologically similar flowers, are sympatric, and share the same pollinator community, with overlapping foraging activity during the day. However, they do not compete for pollinator services as they exhibit an anti-competitive mechanism mediated by temporal flowering partition.
Oogamochlamys kurilensis sp. nov. (Chlorophyta, Volvocales) from the Soils of Iturup Island (Sakhalin Region, Russia)
Authors: Nikulin Vyacheslav Yu. , Nikulin Arthur Yu. , Gontcharov Andrey A. , Bagmet Veronika B. , Abdullin Shamil R.
Published: September 2023

A strain of oogamous biflagellate green alga was isolated during a study on soil algal diversity in the Russian Far East (Sakhalin Region, Iturup Island) and examined using an integrative approach. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the SSU rDNA gene, resolved the new strain as a part of the RL clade (sensu Watanabe and Nakada) within Oogamochlamydinia (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae). The strain was similar to members of the genus Oogamochlamys (parietal and massive cup-shaped chloroplasts; two apical contractile vacuoles), but was, however, distinguished from them based on the size and shape of the mature vegetative cells, the flagellar length, the presence of only one pyrenoid in both the mature vegetative cells and the zoospores, the anterior nucleus position, and the spermatozoids’ shape. Although a concept of the genus Oogamochlamys has been compromised in recent phylogenetic analysis based on the SSU rDNA sequence data and its likely affinity to anisogamous Chlamydomonas allensworthii, we described the strain from Iturup Island as Oogamochlamys kurilensis sp. nov.
Enhancing Sustainability: Jute Fiber-Reinforced Bio-Based Sandwich Composites for Use in Battery Boxes
Authors: Arya Mina , Malmek Else-Marie , Ecoist Thomas Koch , Pettersson Jocke , Skrifvars Mikael , Khalili Pooria
Published: September 2023

The rising industrial demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable materials has shifted the attention from synthetic to natural fibers. Natural fibers provide advantages like affordability, lightweight nature, and renewability. Jute fibers’ substantial production potential and cost-efficiency have propelled current research in this field. In this study, the mechanical behavior (tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear properties) of plasma-treated jute composite laminates and the flexural behavior of jute fabric-reinforced sandwich composites were investigated. Non-woven mat fiber (MFC), jute fiber (JFC), dried jute fiber (DJFC), and plasma-treated jute fiber (TJFC) composite laminates, as well as sandwich composites consisting of jute fabric bio-based unsaturated polyester (UPE) composite as facing material and polyethylene terephthalate (PET70 and PET100) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as core materials were fabricated to compare their functional properties. Plasma treatment of jute composite laminate had a positive effect on some of the mechanical properties, which led to an improvement in Young’s modulus (7.17 GPa) and tensile strength (53.61 MPa) of 14% and 8.5%, respectively, as well as, in flexural strength (93.71 MPa) and flexural modulus (5.20 GPa) of 24% and 35%, respectively, compared to those of JFC. In addition, the results demonstrated that the flexural properties of jute sandwich composites can be significantly enhanced by incorporating PET100 foams as core materials.
Electrospun Poly(L-Lactic Acid)/Gelatin Hybrid Polymer as a Barrier to Periodontal Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Cho Youngchae , Jeong Heeseok , Kim Baeyeon , Jang Juwoong , Song Yo-Seung , Lee Deuk Yong
Published: September 2023

Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and PLLA/gelatin polymers were prepared via electrospinning to evaluate the effect of PLLA and gelatin content on the mechanical properties, water uptake capacity (WUC), water contact angle (WCA), degradation rate, cytotoxicity and cell proliferation of membranes. As the PLLA concentration increased from 1 wt% to 3 wt%, the tensile strength increased from 5.8 MPa to 9.1 MPa but decreased to 7.0 MPa with 4 wt% PLLA doping. The WUC decreased rapidly from 594% to 236% as the PLLA content increased from 1 to 4 wt% due to the increased hydrophobicity of PLLA. As the gelatin content was increased to 3 wt% PLLA, the strength, WUC and WCA of the PLLA/gelatin membrane changed from 9.1 ± 0.9 MPa to 13.3 ± 2.3 MPa, from 329% to 1248% and from 127 ± 1.2° to 0°, respectively, with increasing gelatin content from 0 to 40 wt%. However, the failure strain decreased from 3.0 to 0.5. The biodegradability of the PLLA/gelatin blend increased from 3 to 38% as the gelatin content increased to 40 wt%. The viability of L-929 and MG-63 cells in the PLLA/gelatin blend was over 95%, and the excellent cell proliferation and mechanical properties suggested that the tunable PLLA/gelatin barrier membrane was well suited for absorbable periodontal tissue regeneration.
Finite Element Simulation and Experimental Assessment of Laser Cutting Unidirectional CFRP at Cutting Angles of 45° and 90°
Authors: Keuntje Jan , Mrzljak Selim , Gerdes Lars , Wippo Verena , Kaierle Stefan , Walther Frank , Jaeschke Peter
Published: September 2023

Laser cutting of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) is a promising alternative to traditional manufacturing methods due to its non-contact nature and high automation potential. To establish the process for an industrial application, it is necessary to predict the temperature fields arising as a result of the laser energy input. Elevated temperatures during the cutting process can lead to damage in the composite’s matrix material, resulting in local changes in the structural properties and reduced material strength. To address this, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed to predict the temporal and spatial temperature evolution during laser cutting. Experimental values are compared with simulated temperatures, and the cutting kerf geometry is examined. Experiments are conducted at 45° and 90° cutting angles relative to the main fibre orientation using a 1.1 mm thick epoxy-based laminate. The simulation accurately captures the overall temperature field expansion caused by multiple laser beam passes over the workpiece. The influence of fibre orientation is evident, with deviations in specific temperature data indicating differences between the estimated and real material properties. The model tends to overestimate the ablation rate in the kerf geometry, attributed to mesh resolution limitations. Within the parameters investigated, hardly any expansion of a heat affected zone (HAZ) is visible, which is confirmed by the simulation results.
Low Blind Zone Atmospheric Lidar Based on Fiber Bundle Receiving
Authors: Yin Zhenping , Chen Qianyuan , Yi Yang , Bu Zhichao , Wang Longlong , Wang Xuan
Published: September 2023

Atmospheric constituents feature a large vertical gradient in concentration, especially at the first few hundred meters over the earth’s surface. Atmospheric lidar usually cannot cover this range due to the incomplete overlap effect or the limited dynamic range of detectors. This drawback is well known as the blind zone effect, which hinders the application of atmospheric lidars in many aspects. In this work, a method based on an optical fiber bundle was proposed to mitigate the blind zone effect. An optical fiber head with several stages, installed at the focal plane of the telescope, is used to receive backscatter light from different range levels. The design of the optical fiber head is analyzed with the ray-tracing technique. The optical fiber installed at the highest stage of the fiber head can collect far-range light like a small aperture, and all the other optical fibers are bundled into a near-range detection channel to receive backscatter light from the first few hundred meters. This special design can avoid the near-range light loss in conventional lidar systems, usually equipped with a small aperture. Different optical attenuations are then applied to near-range and far-range channels to suppress the overall signal dynamic range. This light-receiving method was applied in a 1030 nm elastic lidar, in which a fiber bundle with a three-stage fiber head was fabricated and installed. A test experiment was performed to verify this approach. A good agreement between simulations and in-system results was found. Based on this design, the blind zone of the lidar system is less than 50 m, and the detectable range can be over 10 km along the lidar’s line of sight with a single telescope receiver. This approach brings a new way of designing atmospheric lidar with a low blind zone and can strengthen our ability to monitor urban pollution and promote land-atmosphere interaction research.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Chemo Brain
Authors: Kuo Phillip H. , Chen Allison Yu-Chin , Rodriguez Rudolph J. , Stuehm Carol , Chalasani Pavani , Chen Nan-Kuei , Chou Ying-Hui
Published: September 2023

This pilot feasibility study aimed to evaluate the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), and we report here on the first patient. Background: Deleterious cognitive changes due to chemotherapy or CRCI are commonly referred to as “chemo brain”. With the increasing survival of cancer patients, this poorly understood and inadequately treated condition will likewise have an increasing toll on individuals and society. Since there is no approved treatment for chemo brain, we have initiated a therapeutic trial using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique approved in many countries for the treatment of neurologic and psychiatric conditions like migraine and depression. Case presentation: A 58-year-old woman, diagnosed 7 years prior with left breast cancer, underwent partial mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. She then received four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. Afterwards, she was on tamoxifen for 4 years and then switched to aromatase inhibitors. The patient’s CRCI started during chemotherapy and severely impaired her quality of life for an additional two years. In the third year after chemotherapy, the CRCI partially cleared to stabilize to the level at the time of presentation for this trial. The patient continues to have memory difficulties and decreased concentration, which makes multi-tasking very difficult to impossible. She is reliant on memory aids at work and at home. The participant underwent 10 consecutive sessions of TMS during weekdays for 2 weeks. Stimulation was directed to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. After TMS, the participant significantly improved in memory function on neuropsychological testing. While she reported no subjective differences in concentration or memory, she did report an improvement in her sleep. Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain before and after TMS showed increased resting-state functional connectivity between the stimulation site and several brain regions. Remarkably, after 6 years of chemo brain and remaining in the same position at work due to her inability to concentrate and multi-task, she applied for and received a promotion 5–6 months after her TMS treatments. Conclusions: This first patient in the phase 1 clinical trial testing of TMS for the treatment of “chemo brain” provided important lessons for feasibility and insights into mechanisms of potential benefit.
Community-Engaged Research for Economic Justice: Reflections on Concepts and Practices
Authors: Bertram Eva , Bullock Heather E.
Published: September 2023

The growing practice of community-engaged research (CER) creates new opportunities for practitioners, both to affirm the importance of critical approaches to CER and to strengthen our work by reflecting on the concepts and practices of our research. We offer reflections on the meanings of “community,” “engagement,” and “research” in the context of on-the-ground community–university collaborations conducted by the Blum Center on Poverty, Social Enterprise, and Participatory Governance, a campus-based research center at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This account is provided in the spirit of sharing observations, insights, and lessons learned about CER, generated through its practice in a range of community-based research projects.
A Differential Datalog Interpreter
Authors: Stephenson Matthew James
Published: September 2023

The core reasoning task for datalog engines is materialization, the evaluation of a datalog program over a database alongside its physical incorporation into the database itself. The de-facto method of computing is through the recursive application of inference rules. Due to it being a costly operation, it is a must for datalog engines to provide incremental materialization; that is, to adjust the computation to new data instead of restarting from scratch. One of the major caveats is that deleting data is notoriously more involved than adding since one has to take into account all possible data that has been entailed from what is being deleted. Differential dataflow is a computational model that provides efficient incremental maintenance, notoriously with equal performance between additions and deletions, and work distribution of iterative dataflows. In this paper, we investigate the performance of materialization with three reference datalog implementations, out of which one is built on top of a lightweight relational engine, and the two others are differential-dataflow and non-differential versions of the same rewrite algorithm with the same optimizations. Experimental results suggest that monotonic aggregation is more powerful than ascenting merely the powerset lattice.
Individual Pattern Response to CO2-Induced Acidification Stress in Haliotis rufescens Suggests Stage-Specific Acclimatization during Its Early Life History
Authors: Gómez-Reyes Ricardo , Galindo-Sánchez Clara E. , Lafarga-De la Cruz Fabiola , Hernández-Ayón José M. , Valenzuela-Wood Enrique , López-Galindo Laura
Published: September 2023

The red abalone Haliotis rufescens is a pivotal marine resource in the context of worldwide abalone aquaculture. However, the species has been listed as critically endangered partly because of the life-history massive mortalities associated with habitat climate changes, including short- and long-term ocean acidification. Because abalone survival depends on its early life history success, figuring out its vulnerability to acidification is the first step to establishing culture management strategies. In the present study, red abalone embryos were reared under long-term CO2-induced acidification (pH 7.8 and 7.6) and evaluated. The impairment prevalence was assessed during their larval stages, considering the developmental success, growth and calcification. The result in the stage-specific disturbance suggests that the body abilities evaluated are at the expense of their development stages, of which the critical threshold is found under −0.4 pH units. Finally, the settlement was short-term stressed, displaying the opposite to that observed in the long-term acidification. Thus, the early life history interacts through multiple pathways that may also depend on the acidification challenge (i.e., short or long term). Understanding the tolerance limits and pathways of the stress response provides valuable insights for exploring the vulnerability of H. rufescens to ocean acidification.
Temporal Characteristics and Sources of PM2.5 in Porto Velho of Amazon Region in Brazil from 2020 to 2022
Authors: Jang Yu-Woon , Jung Gi-Woong
Published: September 2023

Our study analyzed PM2.5 concentrations in Porto Velho, Rondônia, during the April 2020 and October 2022 wildfire seasons. This study aimed to evaluate the temporal characteristics of PM2.5 and the influence of long-distance pollution sources. Using PurpleAir data, we found that the average PM2.5 concentration was 17.7 ± 24.0 µg m−3, with significant spikes in August. PM2.5 concentrations decreased during the day but rose from nighttime to morning. The PM2.5 concentration was observed to be distributed at a high level of 36.3 ± 31.1 µg m−3 in slow westerly winds. Moreover, even in the dominant northerly wind conditions, a similarly high concentration of PM2.5 was detected, measuring at 33.2 ± 28.3 µg m−3. Air masses mainly originated from northeastern, southeastern, and southern regions, passing through Paraguay and Bolivia. Furthermore, PM2.5 in Porto Velho was influenced by Brazil’s northern and Central-West areas. To meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 11.6.2 for clean air, it is recommended that wildfires in Porto Velho’s northern and western regions be reduced, and more robust deforestation policies are needed in areas with long-distance pollution sources.
Foreign Direct Investment, Technological Innovations, Energy Use, Economic Growth, and Environmental Sustainability Nexus: New Perspectives in BRICS Economies
Authors: Rauf Abdul , Ali Najabat , Sadiq Muhammad Nauman , Abid Saira , Kayani Shahzad Afzal , Hussain Abid
Published: September 2023

In the current era, economic growth is inevitable for global prosperity but achieving sustainable economic development is one of the significant challenges for the developing world. The present study explores the impacts of foreign direct investment, energy use, and technological innovations on the economic growth and environmental quality of BRICS countries for the period 1990–2018. We used the augmented mean group (AMG), the common correlated effects mean group estimator (CCEMG), and several other modern-day empirical techniques to analyze data. The findings show that foreign direct investment increases economic growth but harms the environmental sustainability of BRICS countries. Moreover, we have seen that energy use is directly proportional to economic growth and CO2 emissions. This confirms that energy use is one of the factors which harms the environmental quality in BRICS economies. Likewise, economic growth increases CO2 emissions. On the other hand, technology innovation has a direct relationship with economic growth but an inverse relationship with CO2 emissions as it improves the environmental sustainability of the BRICS region. This research adds to the existing literature by exploring the interplay between FDI, innovation, energy use, economic growth, and environmental outcomes in the context of major emerging economies. The study’s findings provide empirical evidence on the role of these factors in shaping the environmental outcomes in the BRICS economies, and they have implications for policymakers and stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges such as global warming and climate change.
Social Network Analysis Uses and Contributions to Innovation Initiatives in Rural Areas: A Review
Authors: Guerrero-Ocampo Susana B. , Díaz-Puente José M.
Published: September 2023

This paper identifies the main contributions of Social Network Analysis (SNA) use in the study of innovations in rural areas with an emphasis on agriculture and forestry. The bibliographic analysis was carried out on the Web of Knowledge (WoK) and Scopus platforms. Sixty-eight studies were found in which SNA was used as the main research tool in innovation processes in rural areas. The main fields of the SNA contribution were as follows: (i) social capital; (ii) social learning: information and knowledge flow for the adoption of innovations produced through existing social structures; (iii) the implementation and evaluation of innovations for local and territorial dynamization. The study contributes to summarizing the existing knowledge on SNA use in the study of innovations in rural areas and to informing future research. Understanding social networks is essential to strengthen and enhance the existing social capital and to promote social learning related to innovations in rural areas.
Industry 4.0 and Renewable Energy Production Nexus: An Empirical Investigation of G20 Countries with Panel Quantile Method
Authors: Bildirici Melike , Kayıkçı Fazıl , Ersin Özgür Ömer
Published: September 2023

In line with the fourth industrial revolution, most countries have imposed a variety of regulations or policies for the goals of energy conservation, sustainable development, and industrial transition. Renewable energy production and its production process, which is widely discussed, especially in the context of sustainable energy, has become more important with Industry 4.0. This paper tested the relation among economic growth, renewable electricity generations (% of GDP), Industry 4.0, industrial structure, trade openness, financial development, and research and development expenditure for G20 countries in 2000–2021 by employing a panel quantile regression approach and various panel cointegration tests in addition to investigation of panel Granger causality among the analyzed variables. The variables of industrial structure, trade openness, and financial development were selected as control variables. Since this study is the first study on this topic, it will contribute to the development of the literature by providing resources for future studies about I4.0, renewable energy production, and economic growth. Furthermore, this study will not only contribute to the literature by revealing the theoretical and empirical relationship between these variables but will also shed light on the policies that G20 countries will produce in this regard. According to results, all variables examined have significant causal effects: unidirectional causality from economic growth to Industry 4.0, to research and development, and to renewable energy output and, also, from research and development to renewable energy output. Bidirectional causality and feedback effects between renewable energy and Industry 4.0 are determined. Further, unidirectional causality from industrial structure, from openness to trade, and from financial development to renewable energy output are determined. Results indicate renewable-enhancing effects of Industry 4.0.
Towards Sustainable Energy: Harnessing Microalgae Biofuels for a Greener Future
Authors: Singh Indrajeet , Pandey Ashutosh , Shangdiar Sumarlin , Rai Piyush Kant , Kumar Ajay , Amesho Kassian T. T. , Bux Faizal
Published: September 2023

Bioenergy productions from microalgae have received wide attention recently and have a high potential to replace fossil fuels. Moreover, due to the high photosynthetic efficiency, microalgae mass cultivation and scale-up are believed to efficiently reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. This review article explores the potential of microalgae as a reliable and sustainable source of bioenergy feedstock. The current review article contains an in-depth discussion of the various methods of producing energy using microalgae, viz. algal fuel cell (AFC), microbial fuel cell (MFC), bioethanol and biodiesel, and various other applications. This article discussed the different aspects of AFC and MFC, such as fuel cell configurations, reaction mechanisms at electrodes, reactor design factors affecting the efficiencies, and strategies to enhance the efficiencies. Moreover, microalgae cultivation, value-added compounds (pigments, polysaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids), liquid fuel production, limitations, the global scenario of microalgae biomass-based energy, and significant advancements in this field. In a nutshell, this review serves as a valuable resource for identifying, developing, and harnessing the potential of microalgae as a promising biofuel source.
Stochastic Flood Simulation Method Combining Flood Intensity and Morphological Indicators
Authors: Fu Xiaodi , He Xiaoyan , Ding Liuqian
Published: September 2023

The existing flood stochastic simulation methods are mostly applied to the stochastic simulation of flood intensity characteristics, with less consideration for the randomness of the flood hydrograph shape and its correlation with intensity characteristics. In view of this, this paper proposes a flood stochastic simulation method that combines intensity and morphological indicators. Using the Foziling and Xianghongdian reservoirs in the Pi River basin in China as examples, this method utilizes a three-dimensional asymmetric Archimedean M6 Copula to construct stochastic simulation models for peak flow, flood volume, and flood duration. Based on K-means clustering, a multivariate Gaussian Copula is employed to construct a dimensionless flood hydrograph stochastic simulation model. Furthermore, separate two-dimensional symmetric Copula stochastic simulation models are established to capture the correlations between flood intensity characteristics and shape variables such as peak shape coefficient, peak occurrence time, rising inflection point angle, and coefficient of variation. By evaluating the fit between the simulated flood characteristics and the dimensionless flood hydrograph, a complete flood hydrograph is synthesized, which can be applied in flood control dispatch simulations and other related fields. The feasibility and practicality of the proposed model are analyzed and demonstrated. The results indicate that the simulated floods closely resemble natural floods, making the simulation outcomes crucial for reservoir scheduling, risk assessment, and decision-making processes.
Bioremediation of Metal-Polluted Industrial Wastewater with Algal-Bacterial Consortia: A Sustainable Strategy
Authors: Bashir Kashif , Khan Sara , Ali Ramzan , Yasmin Humaira , Gaafar Abdel-Rhman Z. , Khilgee Fazal E. Azeem , Butt Sadia , Ullah Amin
Published: September 2023

Aquatic pollution is a burning issue nowadays due to urbanization and industrialization. Industrial wastewater (IWW) contains pollutants that pose a great risk to the environment and human beings and is a big challenge for industries. The remediation of IWW by microorganisms is an environmentally friendly technique. This study was carried out to evaluate the pollution of IWW and to use consortia of Bacillus pakistanensis, Lysinibacillus composti, and Cladophora glomerata for bioremediation. The IWW was obtained from the Hayatabad Industrial Estate and was evaluated for physicochemical parameters and metal concentration. A pot experiment was carried out for two weeks to assess the efficiency of the developed consortia. The IWW and tap water (control) were treated with three different consortia (Bacillus pakistanensis-Cladophora glomerata (CT1, E1), Lysinibacillus composti-Cladophora glomerata (CT2, E2), and Bacillus pakistanensis-Lysinibacillus composti-Cladophora glomerata (CT3, E3). The three pots (CT1, CT2, and CT3) serving as the control were provided with tap water, and the three experimental pots (E1, E2, and E3) were provided with IWW. After treatment, substantial reductions were obtained in the following parameters and percentages: colour 85.7%, electrical conductivity (EC) 40.8%, turbidity 69.6%, sulphide 78.5%, fluoride 38.8%, chloride 62.9%, biological oxygen demand (BOD) 66%, chemical oxygen demand (COD) 81.8%, total suspended solids (TSSs) 82.7%, total dissolved solids (TDSs) 24.6%, Ca hardness 37.2%, Mg hardness 50%, and total hardness 39%. The samples of water were also examined for metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The selected species removed 98.2% of Mn, 94% of Cu, 97.7% of Cr, 91.6% of Cd, 92.8% of Co, 79.6% of Ag, 82.6% of Ni, 98% of Ca, 90% of Mg, and 82.1% of Pb. The BCF values showed by the consortia for Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Co, Ag, Ni, Ca, Mg, and Pb were 91.8, 67, 97.5, 83.3, 85.7, 48.1, 80.4, 84.3, 82.5, and 80.3%, respectively. The t-test analysis showed that the treatment with the selected species significantly decreased the metal concentrations in the IWW (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, the study concludes that metal concentration in the water was decreased significantly by the consortia of algae-bacteria.
Sustainable Cosmetics: Valorisation of Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) By-Products by Their Incorporation into a Moisturising Cream
Authors: Gomes Sandra M. , Miranda Rita , Santos Lúcia
Published: September 2023

The growing population has intensified food processing, increasing the generation of agro-industrial waste. This waste is rich in bioactive compounds; therefore, it can be valorised by extracting their compounds of biological interest and incorporating them into cosmetic products. In this work, an extract was obtained from kiwi peels and characterised regarding its biological properties and phenolic composition. Results demonstrated that the extract presented antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals (IC50 values of 244 mg/L and 58 mg/L, respectively) and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Catechin and epicatechin (flavonoids), as well as chlorogenic acid (phenolic acid), were the main phenolic compounds identified. Subsequently, the kiwi peel extract was incorporated into cosmetic formulations and their antioxidant properties and stability were evaluated. An increase in the antioxidant activity of the moisturising cream was observed upon the extract’s addition. Also, no microorganisms were present in any formulation prepared, attesting to their microbial safety. Finally, the results from the stability analysis revealed that the moisturising creams remained relatively stable for two weeks. These findings suggest that extracts from kiwi peels have the potential to be used as natural additives to produce value-added cosmetic products in a more sustainable manner.
Analysis of the Impact of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Technology on Supply Chain Management
Authors: Zeng Xiao , Yi Jing
Published: September 2023

Differentiated production and supply chain management (SCM) areas benefit from the IoT, Big Data, and the data-management capabilities of the AI paradigm. Many businesses have wondered how the arrival of AI will affect planning, organization, optimization, and logistics in the context of SCM. Information symmetry is very important here, as maintaining consistency between output and the supply chain is aided by processing and drawing insights from big data. We consider continuous (production) and discontinuous (supply chain) data to satisfy delivery needs to solve the shortage problem. Despite a surplus of output, this article addresses the voluptuous deficiency problem in supply chain administration. This research serves as an overview of AI for SCM practitioners. The report then moves into an in-depth analysis of the most recent studies on and applications of AI in the supply chain industry. This work introduces a novel approach, Incessant Data Processing (IDP), for handling harmonized data on both ends, which should reduce the risk of incorrect results. This processing technique detects shifts in the data stream and uses them to predict future suppressions of demand. Federated learning gathers and analyzes information at several points in the supply chain and is used to spot the shifts. The learning model is educated to forecast further supply chain actions in response to spikes and dips in demand. The entire procedure is simulated using IoT calculations and collected data. An improved prediction accuracy of 9.93%, a reduced analysis time of 9.19%, a reduced data error of 9.77%, and increased alterations of 10.62% are the results of the suggested method.
Decay Law of Supercritical CO2 Phase Transition-Induced Shock Waves in Rocky Media
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zeng Qifu , Wei Fangqiang , Liu Lu , Wu Fayou , Li Haotian
Published: September 2023

Supercritical CO2 phase change fracturing technology has been widely used in rock engineering, with the advantages of low disturbance and no pollution. However, the phase change shock wave inevitably affects the surrounding environment, and the influence range is still unclear. In this paper, we present a computational model for the symmetric generation, propagation, and attenuation of supercritical CO2 phase transition shock waves, with the center of the borehole as the origin, based on the C–J theory. The attenuation of the shock wave in the rock medium under the influence of the type of fracturing tube, the thickness of the shear sheet, and the rock performance parameters are further analyzed. The results show that the rock stress under the action of the phase change shock wave attenuates logarithmically with the propagation distance, which correlates with the magnitude of the incident rock stress at the borehole wall. The incident rock stress decreases with the increase in the initial density of CO2 in the fracturing tube, increases linearly with the thickness of the shear sheet, and correlates with the rock wave impedance.