bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Short-Term Load Forecasting for Electricity Systems Operational Planning: Machine Learning Methods and the Brazilian Experience
Authors: Aquila Giancarlo , Morais Lucas Barros Scianni , de Faria Victor Augusto Durães , Lima José Wanderley Marangon , Lima Luana Medeiros Marangon , de Queiroz Anderson Rodrigo
Published: November 2023

The advent of smart grid technologies has facilitated the integration of new and intermittent renewable forms of electricity generation in power systems. Advancements are driving transformations in the context of energy planning and operations in many countries around the world, particularly impacting short-term horizons. Therefore, one of the primary challenges in this environment is to accurately provide forecasting of the short-term load demand. This is a critical task for creating supply strategies, system reliability decisions, and price formation in electricity power markets. In this context, nonlinear models, such as Neural Networks and Support Vector Machines, have gained popularity over the years due to advancements in mathematical techniques as well as improved computational capacity. The academic literature highlights various approaches to improve the accuracy of these machine learning models, including data segmentation by similar patterns, input variable selection, forecasting from hierarchical data, and net load forecasts. In Brazil, the national independent system operator improved the operation planning in the short term through the DESSEM model, which uses short-term load forecast models for planning the day-ahead operation of the system. Consequently, this study provides a comprehensive review of various methods used for short-term load forecasting, with a particular focus on those based on machine learning strategies, and discusses the Brazilian Experience.
Reliability Prediction of Distribution Network Using IAO-Optimized Mixed-Kernel LSSVM
Authors: Pan Chen , Ren Lijia , Wan Junjie
Published: November 2023

For the sake of conducting distribution network reliability prediction in an accurate and efficient manner, a model for distribution network reliability prediction (IAO-LSSVM) based on an improved Aquila Optimizer (IAO) optimized mixed-kernel Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LSSVM) is thus proposed in this paper. First, the influencing factors that greatly affect the distribution network reliability are screened out through grey relational analysis. Afterwards, the radial basis kernel function and polynomial kernel function are combined and a mixed kernel LSSVM model is constructed, which has better generalization ability. However, for the AO algorithm, it is easy to fall into local extremum. In such case, the AO algorithm is innovatively improved after both the improved tent chaotic initialization strategy and adaptive t-distribution strategy are introduced. Next, the parameters of the mixed-kernel LSSVM model are optimized and the IAO-LSSVM distribution network reliability prediction model is established through using the improved AO algorithm. In the end, the prediction results and errors of the IAO-LSSVM prediction model and other models are compared in the actual distribution network applications. It is revealed that the IAO-LSSVM prediction model proposed in this paper features higher accuracy and better stability.
Spatial Distribution and Determinants of Aboveground Biomass in a Subalpine Coniferous Forest in Southwestern China
Authors: Ni Xiaofeng , Xiong Xinyu , Cai Qiong , Fan Fan , He Chenqi , Ji Chengjun , Li Sheng , Shen Xiaoli , Zhu Jiangling
Published: November 2023

Aboveground biomass (AGB) is the most dynamic carbon pool in forest ecosystems and is sensitive to biotic and abiotic factors. Previous studies on AGB have mostly focused on tropical and temperate forests, while studies on AGB and its determinants in subalpine coniferous forests are lacking and the mechanisms are not yet clear. Here, we systematically investigated all woody plants in 630 subplots (20 m × 20 m) in the Wanglang Plot (25.2 ha) to explore the spatial distribution of AGB and the effects of topography, soil, and stand structure on AGB. The results showed that AGB varied remarkably among different subplots with an average of 184.42 Mg/ha. AGB increased significantly with aspect, soil organic matter, maximum DBH, and important value of spruce–fir, while it decreased significantly with slope, total phosphorus, and stem density. Stand structure exerted greater influences than topography and soil factors, and especially maximum DBH determines the variation of AGB. Our results are of great significance to accurately estimate and predict the productivity of this forest type, and can provide insights into the diversity maintenance of subalpine coniferous forests as well as the conservation and management of forest ecosystems.
Epidemiology of PAX6 Gene Pathogenic Variants and Expected Prevalence of PAX6-Associated Congenital Aniridia across the Russian Federation: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Vasilyeva Tatyana A. , Marakhonov Andrey V. , Voskresenskaya Anna A. , Kadyshev Vitaly V. , Sukhanova Natella V. , Minzhenkova Marina E. , Shilova Nadezhda V. , Latyshova Alla A. , Ginter Evgeny K. , Kutsev Sergey I. , Zinchenko Rena A.
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the distribution of PAX6-associated congenital aniridia (AN) and WAGR syndrome across Russian Federation (RF) districts while characterizing PAX6 gene variants. We contribute novel PAX6 pathogenic variants and 11p13 chromosome region rearrangements to international databases based on a cohort of 379 AN patients (295 families, 295 probands) in Russia. We detail 100 newly characterized families (129 patients) recruited from clinical practice and specialized screening studies. Our methodology involves multiplex ligase-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis of the 11p13 chromosome, PAX6 gene Sanger sequencing, and karyotype analysis. We report novel findings on PAX6 gene variations, including 67 intragenic PAX6 variants and 33 chromosome deletions in the 100 newly characterized families. Our expanded sample of 295 AN families with 379 patients reveals a consistent global PAX6 variant spectrum, including CNVs (copy number variants) of the 11p13 chromosome (31%), complex rearrangements (1.4%), nonsense (25%), frameshift (18%), and splicing variants (15%). No genetic cause of AN is defined in 10 patients. The distribution of patients across the Russian Federation varies, likely due to sample completeness. This study offers the first AN epidemiological data for the RF, providing a comprehensive PAX6 variants spectrum. Based on earlier assessment of AN prevalence in the RF (1:98,943) we have revealed unexamined patients ranging from 55% to 87%, that emphases the need for increased awareness and comprehensive diagnostics in AN patient care in Russia.
Numerical Modeling of Cutting Characteristics during Short Hole Drilling: Modeling of Kinetic Characteristics
Authors: Storchak Michael , Stehle Thomas , Möhring Hans-Christian
Published: November 2023

Analyzing the cutting process characteristics opens up significant opportunities to improve various material machining processes. Numerical modeling is a well-established, powerful technique for determining various characteristics of cutting processes. The developed spatial finite element model of short hole drilling is used to determine the kinetic characteristics of the machining process, in particular, the components of cutting force and cutting power. To determine the component model parameters for the numerical model of drilling, the constitutive equation parameters, and the parameters of the contact interaction between the drill and the machined material on the example of AISI 1045 steel machining, the orthogonal cutting process was used. These parameters are determined using the inverse method. The DOE (Design of Experiment) sensitivity analysis was applied as a procedure for determining the component models parameters, which is realized by multiple simulations using the developed spatial FEM model of orthogonal cutting and the subsequent determination of generalized values of the required parameters by finding the intersection of the individual value sets of these parameters. The target values for the DOE analysis were experimentally determined kinetic characteristics of the orthogonal cutting process. The constitutive equation and contact interaction parameters were used to simulate the short hole drilling process. The comparison of experimentally determined and simulated values of the kinetic characteristics of the drilling process for a significant range of cutting speed and drill feed changes has established their satisfactory coincidence. The simulated value deviation from the corresponding measured characteristics in the whole range of cutting speed and drill feed variation did not exceed 23%.
Yard Space Allocation Algorithm for Unloading Containers at Marine Terminals
Authors: Wang Xingyu , Zhao Ning , Mi Chao
Published: November 2023

The issue of unloading efficiency for containers is the operational bottleneck for most traditional container terminals. In addressing the intricate challenges of space allocation in container yards during ship unloading, this study focuses on the real-time, dynamic decision-making needs that are currently unmet by existing planning methods. To tackle this, the article introduces a novel model for container space allocation that aims to maximize the “attractiveness” of yard spaces. This model factors in key considerations like the allocation of container handling equipment resources, the rate of container handling equipment traversing the yard, and container handling equipment operations across containers. A unique Monte Carlo tree search (MCTS)-based algorithm is developed to solve this multi-objective problem. The algorithm’s efficacy is rigorously tested via numerical experiments, where it outperforms existing approaches like UCT-MCTS, AMAF-MCTS, and manual scheduling plans using practical engineering examples. This research not only provides a more dynamic and efficient method for yard space allocation but also offers empirical evidence to support its practicality and effectiveness.
Anti-Wear Design of the Knot-Tripping Mechanism and Knot-Tying Test for the Knotter
Authors: Lv Shiyu , Chen Yaming , Yin Jianjun , Zhou Maile , Chen Zefu
Published: November 2023

Aiming to solve the problem of knot-tripping failure caused by severe wear between the spherical roller and planar cam of the knotter, this paper first establishes a calculation model of the spatial cam contour surface. The knot-tripping mechanism in the knotter is designed as a line-contact curved-surface cam mechanism, with the cutter arm swinging in accordance with sinusoidal acceleration. The design significantly reduces the contact stress between the cam and the roller, compared to the original knot-tripping mechanism. Additionally, it eliminates the impact between the spherical roller and the planar cam. Based on the Archard model, the calculation model for cam-roller wear in the knot-tripping mechanism has been derived and utilized for wear calculation. The wear test results of the knot-tripping mechanism with an aluminum cam show that the curved cam has a wear amount that is 43%, 56%, 46%, and 37% lower than that of the planar cam after tying the knot 200 times, 600 times, 1300 times, and 2000 times, respectively. Under the condition that the twine tension is set to 120 N, and the rotation speed of the fluted disc is 60 rpm, the deviations between the calculated value and the measured value of the wear amount of the curved cam are 9.48%, 6.01%, 7.27%, and 9.95%, respectively. This validates the accuracy of the spatial cam wear model and the correctness of the curved cam design.
Effect of the Solid Solution and Aging Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of a Novel Al-Mg-Si Alloy
Authors: Chen Yan , Wei Wu , Zhao Yu , Shi Wei , Zhou Xiaorong , Rong Li , Wen Shengping , Wu Xiaolan , Gao Kunyuan , Huang Hui , Nie Zuoren
Published: November 2023

A novel Al-Mg-Si aluminum alloy with the addition of the micro-alloying element Er and Zr that was promptly quenched after extrusion has been studied. The solid solution and aging treatment of the novel alloy are studied by observing the microstructure, mechanical properties, and strengthening mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques are employed to examine the changes in the microstructure resulting from various solid solution treatments and aging treatments. The best strengthening effect can be achieved when the solubility of the MgSi phase and precipitate β″ (Mg2Si phase) is at their maximum. The addition of Er and Zr elements promotes the precipitation of the β″ phase and makes the b″ phase more finely dispersed. The aging strengthening of alloys is a comprehensive effect of the dislocation cutting mechanism and bypass mechanism, the joint effect of diffusion strengthening of Al3(Er,Zr) particles and the addition of Er and Zr elements promoting the precipitation strengthening of β″ phases. In this paper, by adding Er and Zr elements and exploring the optimal heat treatment system, the yield strength of the alloy reaches 437 MPa and the tensile strength reaches 453 MPa after solid solution treatment at 565 °C/30 min and aging at 175 °C/10 h.
Research and Application Progress of Vegetation Porous Concrete
Authors: Liu Chang , Xia Yangyang , Chen Jianguo , Huang Kai , Wang Jing , Wang Chaojie , Huang Zhuojie , Wang Xunhuai , Rao Cong , Shi Mingsheng
Published: November 2023

Vegetation porous concrete is a novel material that integrates concrete technology with plant growth, offering excellent engineering applicability and environmental friendliness. This material is mainly utilized in eco-engineering projects such as riverbank protection, architectural greening, and slope protection along roads. This paper systematically reviews the current research progress of vegetation porous concrete by collecting and analyzing the relevant literature from both domestic and international sources. It covers several aspects including the material components of vegetation porous concrete, such as aggregates, cementitious materials, chemical admixtures, and plant species, as well as aspects like mix design, workability, porosity, pH value, mechanical strength, and vegetative performance. Furthermore, the application of vegetation porous concrete in riverbank protection, slope protection along highways, and urban architecture is discussed, along with a prospective outlook on future research directions for vegetation porous concrete.
Exploring Spatial-Based Position Encoding for Image Captioning
Authors: Yang Xiaobao , He Shuai , Wu Junsheng , Yang Yang , Hou Zhiqiang , Ma Sugang
Published: November 2023

Image captioning has become a hot topic in artificial intelligence research and sits at the intersection of computer vision and natural language processing. Most recent imaging captioning models have adopted an “encoder + decoder” architecture, in which the encoder is employed generally to extract the visual feature, while the decoder generates the descriptive sentence word by word. However, the visual features need to be flattened into sequence form before being forwarded to the decoder, and this results in the loss of the 2D spatial position information of the image. This limitation is particularly pronounced in the Transformer architecture since it is inherently not position-aware. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a simple coordinate-based spatial position encoding method (CSPE) to remedy this deficiency. CSPE firstly creates the 2D position coordinates for each feature pixel, and then encodes them by row and by column separately via trainable or hard encoding, effectively strengthening the position representation of visual features and enriching the generated description sentences. In addition, in order to reduce the time cost, we also explore a diagonal-based spatial position encoding (DSPE) approach. Compared with CSPE, DSPE is slightly inferior in performance but has a faster calculation speed. Extensive experiments on the MS COCO 2014 dataset demonstrate that CSPE and DSPE can significantly enhance the spatial position representation of visual features. CSPE, in particular, demonstrates BLEU-4 and CIDEr metrics improved by 1.6% and 5.7%, respectively, compared with a baseline model without sequence-based position encoding, and also outperforms current sequence-based position encoding approaches by a significant margin. In addition, the robustness and plug-and-play ability of the proposed method are validated based on a medical captioning generation model.
Role of Human Leukocyte Antigen Class II in Antibody-Mediated Skin Disorders
Authors: Sernicola Alvise , Mazzetto Roberto , Tartaglia Jacopo , Ciolfi Christian , Miceli Paola , Alaibac Mauro
Published: November 2023

HLA class II molecules are key factors determining susceptibility to autoimmune disorders, and their role in immune-mediated skin conditions such as psoriasis has been extensively investigated. However, there is currently little understanding of their role in antibody-mediated skin diseases such as autoimmune blistering disorders. We researched the available literature using PubMed to narratively review the current knowledge on HLA associations in antibody-mediated blistering skin pathologies. Our results summarized the risk alleles that are identified in the literature, together with certain known protective alleles: in the pemphigus group, alleles HLA-DQB1*0503 and HLA-DRB1*0402 are most commonly associated with disease; in the pemphigoid group, the most studied allele is HLA-DQB1*0301; in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, few genetic studies are available; in dermatitis herpetiformis, the association with haplotypes HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 is strongly established; finally, in linear IgA bullous disease, specific HLA alleles may be responsible for pediatric presentations. Our current pathogenic understanding of this group of disorders assigns a key role to predisposing HLA class II alleles that are able to bind disease autoantigens and therefore stimulate antigen-specific autoreactive T cells. The latter engage B lymphocytes that will produce pathogenic autoantibodies. The distribution of HLA alleles and their disease associations are variable across demographics, and an in-depth pathogenetic understanding is needed to support associations between HLA alleles and disease phenotypes. Additionally, in a personalized medicine approach, the identification of HLA alleles associated with the risk of disease may become clinically relevant in identifying susceptible subjects that should avoid exposure to known triggers, such as medication, when possible.
The Effect of Nanostructured Functional Ceramics Additives on the Properties of Welding Electrodes
Authors: Rustam Saidov Mannapovich , Rustam Rakhimov Khakimovich , Touileb Kamel
Published: November 2023

The present work aimed to develop a new coated electrode weld based on ceramic materials. Photocatalysts of nanostructured functional ceramics (PNFCs) were synthesized by means of concentrated solar radiation on ceramic materials. This new process allows the efficient conversion of the energy of the primary source into pulsed radiation, through the adjustable and judicious choice of parameters. The photocatalysts also showed high activity when they were introduced into an electrode coating. The main problem is the complexity of the production of NFC photocatalysts on an industrial scale. A new method was developed for producing ZB-1-grade NFC catalysts using conventional technology, with subsequent activation via pulsed radiation generated by functional ceramics. The results of the addition of NFC photocatalysts obtained using this technology on the welding and technological properties of welding electrodes of the MR-3 brand are presented. The introduction of 1% to 8% NFC of the ZB-1 grade into the coating enhanced the stability of arc burning (Lbla) and increased the diameter of the weld point (ødp.). Moreover, the addition of 1% to 8% NFC of the ZB-1 brand into the coating contributed to a reduction in the losses factor for waste and splashing of electrode metal (ψ) leading to a reduction in the height of the visor at the end of the electrode (hk).
Citronellal as a Promising Candidate for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment: A Comprehensive Study on In Silico and In Vivo Anti-Acetylcholine Esterase Activity
Authors: K Pavani , Prasanth D S. N. B. K. , Shadakshara Murthy K. R. , Ahmad Sheikh F. , Seemaladinne Ramanjaneyulu , Rudrapal Mithun , Pasala Praveen Kumar
Published: November 2023

One of the primary therapeutic approaches for managing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves the modulation of Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity to elevate acetylcholine (ACh) levels inside the brain. The current study employed computational chemistry approaches to evaluate the inhibitory effects of CTN on AChE. The docking results showed that Citronellal (CTN) and standard Donepezil (DON) have a binding affinity of −6.5 and −9.2 Kcal/mol, respectively, towards AChE. Further studies using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out on these two compounds. Binding free energy calculations and ligand-protein binding patterns suggested that CTN has a binding affinity of −12.2078. In contrast, DON has a much stronger binding relationship of −47.9969, indicating that the standard DON has a much higher binding affinity than CTN for AChE. In an in vivo study, Alzheimer-type dementia was induced in mice by scopolamine (1.5 mg/kg/day i.p) for 14 days. CTN was administered (25 and 50 mg/kg. i.p) along with scopolamine (SCO) administration. DON (0.5 mg/kg orally) was used as a reference drug. CTN administration significantly improved the mice’s behavior as evaluated by the Morris water maze test, evident from decreased escape latency to 65.4%, and in the CPS test, apparent from reduced escape latency to 69.8% compared to the positive control mice. Moreover, CTN significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) compared to SCO. Furthermore, CTN administration significantly decreased SCO-induced elevated AChE levels in mice. These results were supported by histopathological and in silico molecular docking studies. CTN may be a potential antioxidant and neuroprotective supplement.
Effect of Lyoprotective Agents on the Preservation of Survival of a Bacillus cereus Strain PBG in the Freeze-Drying Process
Authors: Farfan Pajuelo Diana Galeska , Carpio Mamani Milena , Maraza Choque Gisela July , Chachaque Callo Dina Mayumi , Cáceda Quiroz César Julio
Published: November 2023

Lyophilization is a widely employed long-term preservation method in which the bacterial survival rate largely depends on the cryoprotectant used. Bacillus cereus strain PBC was selected for its ability to thrive in environments contaminated with arsenic, lead, and cadmium, tolerate 500 ppm of free cyanide, and the presence of genes such as ars, cad, ppa, dap, among others, associated with the bioremediation of toxic compounds and enterotoxins (nheA, nheB, nheC). Following lyophilization, the survival rates for Mannitol 2.5%, Mannitol 10%, and Glucose 1% were 98.02%, 97.12%, and 96.30%, respectively, with the rates being lower than 95% for other sugars. However, during storage, for the same sugars, the survival rates were 78.71%, 97.12%, and 99.97%, respectively. In the cake morphology, it was found that the lyophilized morphology showed no relationship with bacterial survival rate. The best cryoprotectant for the PBC strain was 1% glucose since it maintained constant and elevated bacterial growth rates during storage, ensuring that the unique characteristics of the bacterium were preserved over time. These findings hold significant implications for research as they report a new Bacillus cereus strain with the potential to be utilized in bioremediation processes.
Heavy Metal Tolerance of Microorganisms Isolated from Coastal Marine Sediments and Their Lead Removal Potential
Authors: Alvarado-Campo Katleen L. , Quintero Marynes , Cuadrado-Cano Bernarda , Montoya-Giraldo Manuela , Otero-Tejada Elver Luis , Blandón Lina , Sánchez Olga , Zuleta-Correa Ana , Gómez-León Javier
Published: November 2023

In this study, 338 microorganisms, comprising 271 bacteria and 67 fungi, were isolated from sediment samples collected from underexplored Pacific and Caribbean regions of Colombia. Screening trials were conducted on selected strains (n = 276) to assess their tolerance to cadmium (Cd2+), lead (Pb2+), and zinc (Zn2+), leading to the identification of six bacteria capable of withstanding 750 mg·L−1 of each heavy metal ion. Three promising microorganisms, identified as Enterobacter sp. INV PRT213, Pseudomonas sp. INV PRT215, and Stenotrophomonas sp. INV PRT216 were selected for lead removal experiments using LB broth medium supplemented with 400 mg·L−1 Pb2+. Among these, Pseudomonas sp. INV PRT215 exhibited significant potential, removing 49% of initial Pb2+ after 240 min of exposure (16.7 g wet biomass·L−1, pH 5, 30 °C). Infrared spectra of Pb-exposed biomass showed changes in functional groups, including carbonyl groups of amides, carboxylate, phosphate, hydroxyl, and amine groups, compared to the not-exposed control. These changes suggested interactions between the metal and functional groups in the biomass. The findings of this study highlight the potential of microorganisms derived from coastal marine environments as promising candidates for future applications in bioremediation of polluted environments contaminated with heavy metals.
Differentiating Dyes: A Spectroscopic Investigation into the Composition of Scarlet Bloodroot (Haemodorum coccineum R.Br.) Rhizome
Authors: Carpinelli de Jesus Matheus , Church Taylah , Wapling Johanna A. , Collins Raelene , Leach Gregory J. , Leach David , De Voss James J. , Blanchfield Joanne T.
Published: November 2023

Haemodorum coccineum, commonly known as scarlet bloodroot, is a plant native to New Guinea and the northern most parts of Australia. The highly coloured H. coccineum is used by communities in Larrakia country for dyeing garments and occasionally to treat snake bites. Previous studies into H. coccineum have focused on its taxonomic classification, with this being the first evaluation of the chemical composition of the plant. Haemodoraceae plants are reported to contain phenylphenalenones (PhPs), which are highly conjugated polycyclic oxygenated aromatic hydrocarbons. We report the characterisation of 20 compounds extracted from the rhizome of H. coccineum: four sugars and 16 compounds belonging to the PhP family. The compounds include five aglycones and seven glycosylated compounds, of which four contain malonate esters in their structures. Characterisation of these compounds was achieved through 1D and 2D NMR, MS analysis and comparison to the known phytochemistry of other species from the Haemodorum genus. Preliminary anti-microbial activity of the crude extract shows significant inhibition of the growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, but no activity against Candida albicans.
Therapeutic Study of Cinnamic Acid Derivative for Oxidative Stress Ablation: The Computational and Experimental Answers
Authors: Ojo Oluwafemi Adeleke , Ogunlakin Akingbolabo Daniel , Maimako Rotdelmwa Filibis , Gyebi Gideon Ampoma , Olowosoke Christopher Busayo , Taiwo Odunayo Anthonia , Elebiyo Tobiloba Christiana , Adeniyi David , David Bolaji , Iyobhebhe Matthew , Adetunji Juliana Bunmi , Ayokunle Damilare IyinKristi , Ojo Adebola Busola , Mothana Ramzi A. , Alanzi Abdullah R.
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to examine the therapeutic activity of the cinnamic acid derivative KAD-7 (N′-(2,4-dichlorobenzylidene)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) acrylohydrazide) on Fe2+-induced oxidative hepatic injury via experimental and computational models. In addition, the role of ATPase and ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (ENTPDase) in the coordination of cellular signals is speculated upon to proffer suitable therapeutics for metabolic stress disorder upon their inhibition. While we know little about therapeutics with flexible dual inhibitors for these protein targets, this study was designed to screen KAD-7’s (N′-(2,4-dichlorobenzylidene)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) acrylohydrazide) inhibitory potential for both protein targets. We induced oxidative hepatic damage via the incubation of hepatic tissue supernatant with 0.1 mM FeSO4 for 30 min at 37 °C. We achieved the treatment by incubating the hepatic tissues with KAD-7 under the same conditions. The catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), ATPase, and ENTPDase activity were all measured in the tissues. We predicted how the drug candidate would work against ATPase and ENTPDase targets using molecular methods. When hepatic injury was induced, there was a significant decrease in the levels of the GSH, CAT, and ENTPDase (p < 0.05) activities. In contrast, we found a noticeable rise in the MDA levels and ATPase activity. KAD-7 therapy resulted in lower levels of these activities overall (p < 0.05), as compared to the control levels. We found the compound to have a strong affinity for ATPase (−7.1 kcal/mol) and ENTPDase (−7.4 kcal/mol), and a better chemical reactivity than quercetin. It also met all drug-likeness parameters. Our study shows that KAD-7 can protect the liver from damage caused by FeSO4 by reducing oxidative stress and purinergic actions. Our studies indicate that KAD-7 could be developed as a therapeutic option since it can flexibly inhibit both ATPase and ENTPDase.
Recent Progress in Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics in Major Depressive Disorder Research
Authors: Liu Mingxia , Ma Wen , He Yi , Sun Zuoli , Yang Jian
Published: November 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental illness with a heavy social burden, but its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics is providing new insights into the heterogeneous pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of MDD by revealing multi-parametric biomarker signatures at the metabolite level. In this comprehensive review, recent developments of MS-based metabolomics in MDD research are summarized from the perspective of analytical platforms (liquid chromatography-MS, gas chromatography-MS, supercritical fluid chromatography-MS, etc.), strategies (untargeted, targeted, and pseudotargeted metabolomics), key metabolite changes (monoamine neurotransmitters, amino acids, lipids, etc.), and antidepressant treatments (both western and traditional Chinese medicines). Depression sub-phenotypes, comorbid depression, and multi-omics approaches are also highlighted to stimulate further advances in MS-based metabolomics in the field of MDD research.
Investigating the Support Provided by Chatbots to Educational Institutions and Their Students: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ramandanis Dimitrios , Xinogalos Stelios
Published: November 2023

A chatbot, or else a conversational agent (CA), is a technology that is used in order to imitate the process of a conversation between a human being and a software application for supporting specific services. The utilization of this technology has been increasing considerably over the past five years, particularly in education where CAs are mostly utilized as teaching assistants that provide educational content. This paper aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by systematically reviewing the support provided by chatbots both to educational institutions and their students, investigating their capabilities in further detail, and highlighting the various ways that this technology could and should be used in order to maximize its benefits. Emphasis is given to analyzing and synthesizing the emerging roles of CAs, usage recommendations and suggestions, student’s desires, and challenges recorded in the literature. For this reason, a systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out using the PRISMA framework in order to minimize the common biases and limitations of SLRs. However, we must note that the SLR presented has specific limitations, namely using only Scopus as a search engine, utilizing a general search query, and selecting only journal articles published in English in the last five years.
Multivariate Analysis of Protein–Nanoparticle Binding Data Reveals a Selective Effect of Nanoparticle Material on the Formation of Soft Corona
Authors: Cornwell Susannah Emily , Okocha Sarah Ogechukwu , Ferrari Enrico
Published: November 2023

When nanoparticles are introduced into the bloodstream, plasma proteins accumulate at their surface, forming a protein corona. This corona affects the properties of intravenously administered nanomedicines. The firmly bound layer of plasma proteins in direct contact with the nanomaterial is called the “hard corona”. There is also a “soft corona” of loosely associated proteins. While the hard corona has been extensively studied, the soft corona is less understood due to its inaccessibility to analytical techniques. Our study used dynamic light scattering to determine the dissociation constant and thickness of the protein corona formed in solutions of silica or gold nanoparticles mixed with serum albumin, transferrin or prothrombin. Multivariate analysis showed that the nanoparticle material had a greater impact on binding properties than the protein type. Serum albumin had a distinct binding pattern compared to the other proteins tested. This pilot study provides a blueprint for future investigations into the complexity of the soft protein corona, which is key to developing nanomedicines.
High Extra Virgin Olive Oil Consumption Is Linked to a Lower Prevalence of NAFLD with a Prominent Effect in Obese Subjects: Results from the MICOL Study
Authors: Tedesco Calogero Claudio. , Bonfiglio Caterina , Notarnicola Maria , Rendina Maria , Castellaneta Antonino , Di Leo Alfredo , Giannelli Gianluigi , Fontana Luigi
Published: November 2023

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has healthy benefits for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). However, limited evidence is available about the effects of liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We evaluate whether dose-increased consumption of EVOO is associated with a lower prevalence of NAFLD and if these effects vary based on body weight. The study included 2436 subjects with a 33% NAFLD prevalence. Daily EVOO was categorized into tertiles: low (0–24 g/day), moderate (25–37 g/day), and high consumption (>37 g/day). Subjects were also classified by body mass index (BMI) as normo-weight (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9), and obese (≥30). Logistic regression analysis was applied to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for NAFLD, considering a 20-gram increment in EVOO intake and accounting for EVOO categories combined with BMI classes. The ORs were 0.83 (0.74;0.93) C.I. p = 0.0018 for continuous EVOO, 0.89 (0.69;1.15) C.I. p = 0.37, and 0.73 (0.55;0.97) C.I. p = 0.03 for moderate and high consumption, respectively, when compared to low consumption. Overall, the percent relative risk reductions (RRR) for NAFLD from low to high EVOO consumption were 18% (16.4%;19.2%) C.I. and 26% (25%;27.4%) C.I. in overweight and obese subjects. High EVOO consumption is associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD. This effect is amplified in overweight subjects and even more in obese subjects.
Oral Zinc-Rich Oyster Supplementation Corrects Anemia in Rats
Authors: Chen Yen-Hua , Feng Hui-Lin , Lu Yu-Cheng , Jeng Sen-Shyong
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the impact of various zinc supplementation methods on anemia in rats induced by phenylhydrazine (PHZ) and in 5/6-nephrectomized anemic rats. We compare oral zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) supplementation, oyster Crassostrea gigas supplementation, and hard clam Meretrix lusoria supplementation on red blood cell (RBC) levels. Oral zinc-rich oyster supplementation (2.70 mg Zn (30 g oyster)/day/rat) effectively corrects anemia in both experimental groups. Rats orally fed oysters for four days exhibit similar effectiveness as those receiving a single ZnSO4 injection (0.95 mg Zn (4.18 mg ZnSO4⋅7H2O)/rat). In contrast, oral ZnSO4 supplementation (2.70 mg Zn (11.88 mg ZnSO4⋅7H2O)/day/rat) does not significantly increase RBC levels, suggesting better zinc absorption from oysters. A placebo group of anemic rats supplemented with hard clams, similar in composition to oysters but much lower in zinc, did not change RBC counts. This supports oysters’ high zinc content as the key to correcting anemia. Oysters also contain high iron levels, offering a potential solution for iron-deficiency anemia while supporting bone marrow erythropoiesis. In summary, oral oyster supplementation emerges as an effective strategy to correct anemia in rats with added zinc and iron support for erythropoiesis.
Longan Polysaccharides with Covalent Selenylation Combat the Fumonisin B1-Induced Cell Toxicity and Barrier Disruption in Intestinal Epithelial (IEC-6) Cells
Authors: Yu Ya-Hui , Zhao Xin-Huai
Published: November 2023

In this study, the soluble, but non-digestible, longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) polysaccharides (LP) were extracted from dried longan fruits and then chemically selenylated to produce two selenylated products, namely SeLP1 and SeLP2, with different selenylation extents. The aim was to investigate their protective effects on rat intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) cells exposed to the food toxin fumonisin B1 (FB1). LP only contained total Se content of less than 0.01 g/kg, while SeLP1 and SeLP2 were measured with respective total Se content of up to 1.46 and 4.79 g/kg. The cell viability results showed that these two selenylated products were more efficient than LP in the IEC-6 cells in alleviating FB1-induced cell toxicity, suppressing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and decreasing the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). These two selenylated products were also more effective than LP in combating FB1-induced barrier disruption via increasing the transepithelial electric resistance (TEER), reducing the paracellular permeability, decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss, and maintaining cell barrier integrity by upregulating the tight-junction-related genes and proteins. FB1 caused cell oxidative stress and barrier dysfunction by activating the MAPK and mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathways, while SeLP1 and SeLP2 could regulate the tMAPK- and apoptosis-related proteins to suppress the FB1-mediated activation of the two pathways. Overall, SeLP2 was observed to be more active than SeLP1 in the IEC-6 cells. In conclusion, the chemical selenylation of LP caused an activity enhancement to ameliorate the FB1-induced cell cytotoxicity and intestinal barrier disruption. Meanwhile, the increased selenylation of LP would endow the selenylated product SeLP2 with more activity.
The Role of Intestinal Barrier Function in Overweight Patients with IBS with Diarrhea Undergoing a Long-Term Low Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, and Monosaccharide and Polyol Diet
Authors: Linsalata Michele , Riezzo Giuseppe , Orlando Antonella , D’Attoma Benedetta , Prospero Laura , Ignazzi Antonia , Losurdo Giuseppe , Di Leo Alfredo , Giannelli Gianluigi , Russo Francesco
Published: November 2023

Overweight and obesity have been suggested as significant factors in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) development. However, the relationship between overweight/obesity and IBS is unclear. It is known that a modified intestinal barrier, especially the permeability of the small intestine (s-IP), can play a significant role in the pathogenesis of both obesity and IBS. Moreover, dietary interventions are essential for treating both pathologies. We evaluated the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the urinary and circulating markers of GI barrier function and integrity, the markers of intestinal dysbiosis and bacterial translocation, in 40 IBS patients with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) (32 females and 8 males; mean age = 43.5 ± 1.4 years), categorized using their Body Mass Index levels as normal (NW) and overweight (OW). Evaluations were performed before and after 12 weeks of a Low FODMAP Diet (LFD). At the baseline, OW patients showed a significantly higher s-IP than NW. After an LFD, a significant improvement of s-IP in OW patients occurred, along with a significant decrease in markers of epithelial integrity and bacterial translocation. Our findings highlight the close relationship between overweight and the intestinal barrier and support their involvement in IBS-D pathophysiology. Furthermore, the positive role of an LFD in managing overweight IBS-D was highlighted.
Characterization of Laser Frequency Stability by Using Phase-Sensitive Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry
Authors: Bengalskii Danil M. , Kharasov Danil R. , Fomiryakov Edgard A. , Nikitin Sergei P. , Nanii Oleg E. , Treshchikov Vladimir N.
Published: November 2023

A new method to measure laser phase noise and frequency stability based on the phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry is proposed. In this method, the laser under test is utilized in a phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer, which employs phase-modulated dual pulses and acts as an optical frequency discriminator: laser frequency fluctuations are deduced from the analysis of the reflectometer data corresponded to phase fluctuations along the vibration-damped and thermally insulated fiber spool. The measurement results were validated by comparison with direct optical heterodyning of the tested and more coherent reference lasers. The use of dual pulses generated by an acousto-optic modulator makes it easy to adjust the time delay during measurements, which distinguishes favorably the proposed method from standard optical frequency discriminators. The method is suitable for testing highly coherent lasers and qualifying their parameters such as linear drift rate, random frequency walk rate, white frequency noise (which is directly related to laser instantaneous linewidth), and flicker noise level.
Effects of Vegetation Types and Soil Properties on Regional Soil Carbon and Nitrogen in Salinized Reservoir Wetland, Northeast China
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Bao Heng , Kavana David J. , Li Yuncong , Li Xiaoyu , Yan Linlu , Xu Wenjing , Yu Bing
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the spatial variability in soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) and their possible relationships with other soil properties in the Hongqipao reservoir, which is dominated by different vegetation types. The results showed that there were high spatial variabilities in SOC, TN, SMBC and SMBN, and that the SOC, TN, SMBC and SMBN contents decreased with increasing soil depth in the Hongqipao reservoir. The SOC was significantly positively correlated with TN, SMBC, moisture content (MC) and negatively correlated with carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio) and bulk density (BD). Soil TN was significantly positively correlated with SMBC, SMBN, MC and negatively correlated with the C:N ratio, BD and pH. The SMBC was significantly positively correlated with SMBN, MC and negatively correlated with the C:N ratio, BD and pH. The SMBN was significantly negatively correlated with the C:N ratio and BD. All of the measures of soil properties in this study could explain the higher significant variability in the response variables (SOC, TN, SMBC and SMBN contents). The generalized additive model (GAM) showed that SOC and TN had different influencing factors in different soil depths. The structural equation model (SEM) showed that vegetation types had a significantly positive effect on TN and SMBN, and the soil depths had a significantly positive effect on SOC and a significantly negative effect on TN and SMBC. This study further suggests that vegetation types play a major role in determining the spatial characteristics of soil carbon and nitrogen, and any changes in the vegetation types in the reservoir may influence the distributions of soil carbon and nitrogen. This may affect the global carbon and nitrogen budgets and the atmospheric greenhouse gas concentration significantly.
Polyurethane Acrylate Oligomer (PUA) Microspheres Prepared Using the Pickering Method for Reinforcing the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of 3D Printing Resin
Authors: Zhao Xiaoliang , Jiao Hua , Du Bin , Zhao Kang
Published: November 2023

Some photosensitive resins have poor mechanical properties after 3D printing. To overcome these limitations, a polyurethane acrylate oligomer (PUA) microsphere was prepared using the Pickering emulsion template method and ultraviolet (UV) curing technology in this paper. The prepared PUA microspheres were added to PUA-1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) photosensitive resin system for digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology. The preparation process of PUA microspheres was discussed based on micromorphology, and it was found that the oil-water ratio of the Pickering emulsion and the emulsification speed had a certain effect on the microsphere size. As the oil-water ratio and the emulsification speed increased, the microsphere particle size decreased to a certain extent. Adding a suitable proportion of PUA microspheres to the photosensitive resin can improve the mechanical properties and thermal stability. When the modified photosensitive resin microsphere content was 0.5%, the tensile strength, elongation at break, bending strength, and initial thermal decomposition temperature were increased by 79.14%, 47.26%, 26.69%, and 10.65%, respectively, compared with the unmodified photosensitive resin. This study provides a new way to improve the mechanical properties of photosensitive resin 3D printing. The resin materials studied in this work have potential application value in the fields of ceramic 3D printing and dental temporary replacement materials.
Evaluating Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Configurations: An Entropy-Based Grey Relational Analysis Approach
Authors: Rehman Ateekh Ur , AlFaify Abdullah Yahia
Published: November 2023

Worldwide manufacturing and service sectors are choosing to transform the existing manufacturing sector, particularly reconfigurable manufacturing systems using the technologies of the next generation Industry 4.0. In order to satisfy the demands of the fourth industrial revolution, model evaluation and assessing various candidate configurations in reconfigurable manufacturing systems was developed. The proposed model considers evolving consumer demands and evaluates manufacturing configurations using a gray relational approach. For the case at hand, it is evident that considering all possible dynamic market scenarios 1 to 6, the current manufacturing configuration, i.e., alternative 1, has 89% utilization, total 475 h of earliness and 185 h of lateness in the order demand delivery to the market, and a total of 248 throughput hours and around 1143 bottleneck hours. The main challenge is to make a perfect match between the market demands, variations in product geometry, manufacturing processes and several reconfiguration strategies/alternatives. Furthermore, it is evident that alternative 1 should be reconfigured and that alternative 3 is the best choice. Alternative 3 exhibits 86% system utilization, a total of 926 h of earliness and 521 h of lateness in the order demand delivery to the market, and a total of 127 throughput hours and around 853 bottleneck hours. A simulation framework is used to demonstrate the efficacy of each possible reconfigurable production setup. The sensitivity analysis is also carried out by adjusting the weights through principal component analysis and validating the acquired ranking order. Thus, if the decision makers want to provide a preference to all criteria, the order of the choices of configurations is found to be alternative 3, alternative 1, alternative 4, alternative 2 and alternative 5.