bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Salt-Tolerant Strain of Trichoderma longibrachiatum HL167 Is Effective in Alleviating Salt Stress, Promoting Plant Growth, and Managing Fusarium Wilt Disease in Cowpea
Authors: Liu Zhen , Xu Ning , Pang Qiuying , Khan Raja Asad Ali , Xu Qiushi , Wu Cuidan , Liu Tong
Published: February 2023

Salt stress is a constraint factor in agricultural production and restricts crops yield and quality. In this study, a salt-tolerant strain of Trichoderma longibrachiatum HL167 was obtained from 64 isolates showing significant salt tolerance and antagonistic activity to Fusarium oxysporum. T. longibrachiatum HL167 inhibited F. oxysporum at a rate of 68.08% in 200 mM NaCl, penetrated F. oxysporum under 200 mM NaCl, and eventually induced F. oxysporum hyphae breaking, according to electron microscope observations. In the pot experiment, pretreatment of cowpea seedlings with T. longibrachiatum HL167 reduced the accumulation level of ROS in tissues and the damage caused by salt stress. Furthermore, in the field experiment, it was discovered that treating cowpea with T. longibrachiatum HL167 before root inoculation with F. oxysporum can successfully prevent and control the development of cowpea Fusarium wilt, with the best control effect reaching 61.54%. Moreover, the application of HL 167 also improved the K+/Na+ ratio of cowpea, alleviated the ion toxicity of salt stress on cowpea, and HL167 was found to effectively colonize the cowpea roots. T. longibrachiatum HL167, which normally survives in saline–alkali environments and has the functions of disease prevention and plant growth promotion capabilities, has important research implications for improving the saline–alkali soil environment and for the sustainable development of green agriculture.
Cultural Identity Performances on Social Media: A Study of Bolivian Students
Authors: Condemayta Soto Paola , Bauwens Joke , Smets Kevin
Published: February 2023

In this study, both performance and polymedia serve as important conceptual lenses to examine how university students in the Global South handle the social media landscape in enacting cultural identity. Based on 17 focus groups with 105 students from Bolivian universities, we argue that in performing their multiplex identities, this group of Bolivian young people navigate social media as polymedia environments, taking advantage of its possibilities and testing its constraints. The research generated three key findings: (1) students mainly reported examples of cosmopolitan and national identity performances; (2) performances of national belonging showed an ambiguous mixture of self-glorification and self-reflexivity; (3) indigenous identities were rarely performed on the platforms used.
Compensating for Loss of Nature and Landscape in a Growing City—Berlin Case Study
Authors: Baganz Gösta F. M. , Baganz Daniela
Published: February 2023

By 2030, around 194,000 new dwellings will be built in Berlin, including almost 52,000 in 16 new urban districts. These and other interventions will impact the city’s nature and landscape. An important means of compensating for these losses is a land-use planning eco-account adapted to Berlin’s needs. It relies on a whole-city compensation concept consisting of three pillars: flagship projects, thematic programmes, and the integrated enhancement of existing land uses. Impacts can be offset in advance via the eco-account. The institutional and legal backgrounds, as well as the allocation of compensations to interventions and the principle of the loss–gain calculation using value points, are presented. Housing construction and its preponed compensation trigger land-use changes. Critical factors affecting this process were identified and categorised as population development, housing requirement, resulting intervention, land-use change, and preponed compensation. A modified causal loop diagram was created to visualise the interdependencies and link the polarities of the derived key variables. The challenges of compensation without a net loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as solutions for avoiding impacts to achieve the goal of no net land take, are discussed. The compensatory approach presented here could be transferred to other growing cities.
Topography, Soil Elemental Stoichiometry and Landscape Structure Determine the Nitrogen and Phosphorus Loadings of Agricultural Catchments in the Subtropics
Authors: Li Yong , Wang Yi , Liu Ji , Wang Meihui , Shen Jianlin , Liu Xinliang
Published: February 2023

The control of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loadings to receiving waters is often overcompensated for by catchment planners. The objectives of this study, which investigated nine catchments in the subtropics of China, were to (i) quantify the explicit relationships between the N and P loadings to receiving waters and the topographic, soil and landscape characteristics of catchments, (ii) identify key impact factors and (iii) identify the most influential N and P loading pathways via catchments. Our collective data indicated that elevation–relief ratio, soil elemental stoichiometry and landscape structure determined the N and P loadings of the studied agricultural catchments. The N export from catchments characterized by a woodland backdrop (Masson pine) mosaic with the intrusion of paddy fields in the subtropics was postulated to be driven by two simultaneous processes: discharge and retention. In addition, a soil C:P threshold ratio for the catchment N and P loadings was estimated to be in the range of 107–117. Our PLS-SEM path analyses suggested that to reduce the N export from agricultural catchments in the subtropics, mitigation practices in landscape ecosystems (e.g., landscape patterns, ditches and streams) need to be taken into consideration and predominantly deployed, despite traditional measures used for soils. Strategies to lower the catchment P export can be directly proposed at the source site. Our findings provide greater insights into the transport and retention of N and P nutrients through catchments and may optimally direct the focus of catchment planners, thus increasing the control efficacy of catchment N and P losses.
U.S. Farmland under Threat of Urbanization: Future Development Scenarios to 2040
Authors: Xie Yanhua , Hunter Mitch , Sorensen Ann , Nogeire-McRae Theresa , Murphy Ryan , Suraci Justin P. , Lischka Stacy , Lark Tyler J.
Published: February 2023

Urbanization imperils agriculture by converting farmland into uncultivable impervious surfaces and other uses that limit land productivity. Despite the considerable loss of productive croplands due to historic urbanization in the United States, little is known about the locations and magnitudes of extant agricultural land still under threat of future urban expansion. In this study, we developed a spatially explicit machine learning-based method to predict urban development through 2040 under a business-as-usual scenario and explored its occurrence on existing farmland. We found that if urban development continues at the same pace as that between 2001 and 2016, by 2040, highly developed areas and low-density residential areas will increase by 9.5 and 21 million acres, respectively. This increase would result in 18 million acres of agricultural land lost, fragmented, or compromised (~2% of total agricultural lands in 2016), with the remainder of projected development occurring on other types of natural and semi-natural lands. Of the affected agricultural lands, 6.2 million acres (34%) would be converted to uncultivable urban uses and 12 million acres (66%) to low-density residential uses. Agricultural land losses are projected to be greatest in fast-growing regions such as Texas, California, and the Southeast, and on the outskirts of metropolitan areas across the country, especially in the Midwest, where agricultural lands are more concentrated. The losses as a percentage of existing agricultural lands are projected to be highest along the East Coast, where many urban areas are forecasted to expand onto a limited remaining pool of cultivable lands. These findings can help guide the efforts of local, state, and federal policymakers to reduce land use competition between urban and agricultural systems and mitigate the impacts of projected urban expansion.
The Design of a Low-Cost Sensing and Control Architecture for a Search and Rescue Assistant Robot
Authors: Kim Tae Ho , Bae Sang Ho , Han Chang Hun , Hahn Bongsu
Published: February 2023

At a disaster site, unforeseen circumstances can severely limit the activities of rescue workers. The best solution is for a cooperative team of robots and rescue workers to complete the rescue work. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a simple and low-cost sensing and control architecture for a search and rescue assistant robot using a thermal infrared sensor array, an ultrasonic sensor, and a three-axis accelerometer. In the proposed architecture, we estimate the location of human survivors using a low-cost thermal IR sensor array and generate and control the trajectory of approaching the searched human survivors. Obstacle avoidance and control are also possible through 3D position estimation of obstacles using 1D ultrasonic sensor integration. In addition, a three-axis accelerometer is used to estimate the tilt angle of the robot according to terrain conditions, and horizontal control of the storage box angle is performed using this feature. A prototype robot was implemented to experimentally validate its performance and can be easily constructed from inexpensive, commonly available parts. The implementation of this system is simple and cost-effective, making it a viable solution for search and rescue operations. The experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method, showing that it is capable of achieving a level storage box and identifying the location of survivors while moving on a sloped terrain.
A Strong Magnetic Field Alters the Activity and Selectivity of the CO2RR by Restraining C–C Coupling
Authors: Wang Peichen , Qu Yafei , Meng Xiangfu , Tu Jinwei , Zheng Wei , Hu Lin , Chen Qianwang
Published: February 2023

As an external field, a magnetic field can change the electrocatalytic activity of catalysts through various effects. Among them, electron spin polarization on the catalyst surface has attracted much attention. Herein, we investigate the sensitive response behavior of a Cu2O nanocubes to an in situ magnetic field. Under a 3 T strong magnetic field, the total transferred electron quantity in IT test (−1.1 VRHE) and the current density in the polarization curve increase by 28.7% and 54.7%, respectively, while the onset potential decreases significantly by 114 mV. Moreover, it was found that product selectivity was also altered by the magnetic field. The Faraday efficiency of C1 increases substantially, along with the inhibition of C2+ reaction paths and the HER. Our experimental results and DFT calculation demonstrate that a hybrid magnetic effect accelerates the CO2RR kinetic and generates spin polarization of the catalyst surface. The polarized surface changes the binding energy of *OCHO/*COOH and inhibits singlet C–C coupling, which restrains the C2+ reduction path and thus more CO2 is reduced to HCOOH.
Stock Market Analysis Using Time Series Relational Models for Stock Price Prediction
Authors: Zhao Cheng , Hu Ping , Liu Xiaohui , Lan Xuefeng , Zhang Haiming
Published: February 2023

The ability to predict stock prices is essential for informing investment decisions in the stock market. However, the complexity of various factors influencing stock prices has been widely studied. Traditional methods, which rely on time-series information for a single stock, are incomplete as they lack a holistic perspective. The linkage effect in the stock market, where stock prices are influenced by those of associated stocks, necessitates the use of more comprehensive data. Currently, stock relationship information is mainly obtained through industry classification data from third-party platforms, but these data are often approximate and subject to time lag. To address this, this paper proposes a time series relational model (TSRM) that integrates time and relationship information. The TSRM utilizes transaction data of stocks to automatically obtain stock classification through a K-means model and derives stock relationships. The time series information, extracted using long short-term memory (LSTM), and relationship information, extracted with a graph convolutional network (GCN), are integrated to predict stock prices. The TSRM was tested in the Chinese Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets, with results showing an improvement in cumulative returns by 44% and 41%, respectively, compared to the baseline, and a reduction in maximum drawdown by 4.9% and 6.6%, respectively.
Logarithm-Based Methods for Interpolating Quaternion Time Series
Authors: Parker Joshua , Ibarra Dionne , Ober David
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we discuss a modified quaternion interpolation method based on interpolations performed on the logarithmic form. This builds on prior work that demonstrated this approach maintains C2 continuity for prescriptive rotation. However, we develop and extend this method to descriptive interpolation, i.e., interpolating an arbitrary quaternion time series. To accomplish this, we provide a robust method of taking the logarithm of a quaternion time series such that the variables θ and n^ have a consistent and continuous axis-angle representation. We then demonstrate how logarithmic quaternion interpolation out-performs Renormalized Quaternion Bezier interpolation by orders of magnitude.
Inverse Sturm–Liouville Problem with Spectral Parameter in the Boundary Conditions
Authors: Bondarenko Natalia P. , Chitorkin Egor E.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, for the first time, we study the inverse Sturm–Liouville problem with polynomials of the spectral parameter in the first boundary condition and with entire analytic functions in the second one. For the investigation of this new inverse problem, we develop an approach based on the construction of a special vector functional sequence in a suitable Hilbert space. The uniqueness of recovering the potential and the polynomials of the boundary condition from a part of the spectrum is proved. Furthermore, our main results are applied to the Hochstadt–Lieberman-type problems with polynomial dependence on the spectral parameter not only in the boundary conditions but also in discontinuity (transmission) conditions inside the interval. We prove novel uniqueness theorems, which generalize and improve the previous results in this direction. Note that all the spectral problems in this paper are investigated in the general non-self-adjoint form, and our method does not require the simplicity of the spectrum. Moreover, our method is constructive and can be developed in the future for numerical solution and for the study of solvability and stability of inverse spectral problems.
Fuzzy Portfolio Selection in the Risk Attitudes of Dimension Analysis under the Adjustable Security Proportions
Authors: Chen Kuen-Suan , Huang Yin-Yin , Tsaur Ruey-Chyn , Lin Nei-Yu
Published: February 2023

Fuzzy portfolio models have received many researchers’ focus on the issue of risk preferences. The portfolio based on guaranteed return rates has been developing and considering the dimension of excess investment for the investors in different risk preferences. However, not only excess investment but also shortage investment to the selected portfolio should be considered for risk preferences, including risk-seeking, risk-neutral, and risk-averse, by different degrees of dimensions in excess investment and shortage investment. A comparison to the degree of dimensions for the excess investment and shortage investment indicates that a risk-seeker would like to have excess investment for securities whose return rates are bigger than the guaranteed return rates and shortage investment for securities whose return rates are smaller than the guaranteed return rates. Finally, we present three experiments to illustrate the proposed model. The results show that the different risk preferences derive different fuzzy portfolio selections under s and t dimensions, where a lower value of s is suggested for a risk-seeker as t > s, and we suggest the values of s and t to be smaller than or equal to 3. By contrast, for the risk-neutral investor, we suggest s = t; t < s is suggested to the investor who is risk-averse.
Learning Emotion Assessment Method Based on Belief Rule Base and Evidential Reasoning
Authors: Chen Haobing , Zhou Guohui , Zhang Xin , Zhu Hailong , He Wei
Published: February 2023

Learning emotion assessment is a non-negligible step in analyzing learners’ cognitive processing. Data are the basis of the learning emotion assessment. However, the existing learning emotion assessment models cannot balance model accuracy and interpretability well due to the influence of uncertainty in the process of data collection and model parameter errors. Given the above problems, a new learning emotion assessment model based on evidence reasoning and a belief rule base (E-BRB) is proposed in this paper. First, the transformation matrix is introduced to transform multiple emotional indicators into the same standard framework and integrate them, which keeps the consistency of information transformation. Second, the relationship between emotional indicators and learning emotion states is modeled by E-BRB in conjunction with expert knowledge. In addition, we employ the projection covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (P-CMA-ES) to optimize the model parameters and improve the model’s accuracy. Finally, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, it is applied to emotion assessment in science learning. The experimental results show that the model has better accuracy than data-driven models such as neural networks.
Mathematical and Statistical Modelling for Assessing COVID-19 Superspreader Contagion: Analysis of Geographical Heterogeneous Impacts from Public Events
Authors: Leal Conceição , Morgado Leonel , Oliveira Teresa A.
Published: February 2023

During a pandemic, public discussion and decision-making may be required in face of limited evidence. Data-grounded analysis can support decision-makers in such contexts, contributing to inform public policies. We present an empirical analysis method based on regression modelling and hypotheses testing to assess events for the possibility of occurrence of superspreading contagion with geographically heterogeneous impacts. We demonstrate the method by evaluating the case of the May 1st, 2020 Demonstration in Lisbon, Portugal, on regional growth patterns of COVID-19 cases. The methodology enabled concluding that the counties associated with the change in the growth pattern were those where likely means of travel to the demonstration were chartered buses or private cars, rather than subway or trains. Consequently, superspreading was likely due to travelling to/from the event, not from participating in it. The method is straightforward, prescribing systematic steps. Its application to events subject to media controversy enables extracting well founded conclusions, contributing to informed public discussion and decision-making, within a short time frame of the event occurring.
Tighter Monogamy Relations for Concurrence and Negativity in Multiqubit Systems
Authors: Tao Yuan-Hong , Zheng Kai , Jin Zhi-Xiang , Fei Shao-Ming
Published: February 2023

The entanglement in multipartite quantum system is hard to characterize and quantify, although it has been intensively studied in bipartite systems. The monogamy of entanglement, as a special property of multipartite systems, shows the distribution of entanglement in the system. In this paper, we investigate the monogamy relations for multi-qubit systems. By using two entangled measures, namely the concurrence C and the negativity Nc, we establish tighter monogamy inequalities for their α-th power than those in all the existing ones. We also illustrate the tightness of our results for some classes of quantum states.
On Bending of Piezoelectrically Layered Perforated Nanobeams Embedded in an Elastic Foundation with Flexoelectricity
Authors: Abdelrahman Alaa A. , Saleem Hussein A. , Abdelhaffez Gamal S. , Eltaher Mohamed A.
Published: February 2023

Analysis of the electromechanical-size-dependent bending of piezoelectric composite structural components with flexoelectricity has been considered by many researchers because of the developments of nanotechnology and the applicability of piezoelectric composite nanobeam structures in Micro/Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS/NEMS). Therefore, the work investigates the size-dependent electromechanical bending of piezoelectrically layered perforated nanobeams resting on elastic foundations including the flexoelectric effect. Within the framework of the modified nonlocal strain gradient elasticity theory, both the microstructure and nonlocality effects are captured. The governing equilibrium equations including piezoelectric and flexoelectric effects are derived using Hamilton’s principle. Closed forms for the non-classical electromechanical bending profiles are derived. The accuracy of the proposed methodology is verified by comparing the obtained results with the available corresponding results in the literature within a 0.3% maximum deviation. Parametric studies are conducted to explore effects of perforation parameters, elastic foundation parameters, geometric dimensions, nonclassical parameters, flexoelectric parameters, as well as the piezoelectric parameters on the bending behavior of piezoelectrically layered perforated nanobeams. The obtained results demonstrate that incorporation of the nondimensional elastic foundation parameters, Kp = 2 and Kw = 20, results in a reduction in the relative percentage reduction in the maximum nondimensional mechanical transverse deflection due to increasing the perforation filling ratio from 0.2 to 1 from 199.86% to 91.83% for a point load and 89.39% for a uniformly distributed load. On the other hand, with Kp = 5 and Kw = 50, the relative percentage difference of the electromechanical bending deflection due to increasing the piezoelectric coefficient, e311, reaches about 8.7% for a point load and 8.5% for a uniformly distributed load at a beam aspect ratio of 50. Thus, the electromechanical as well as mechanical behaviors could be improved by controlling these parameters. The proposed methodology and the obtained results are supportive in many industrial and engineering applications, i.e., MEMS/NEMS.
Advanced Modelling of the Interplay between Public Governance and Digital Transformation: New Empirical Evidence from Structural Equation Modelling and Gaussian and Mixed-Markov Graphical Models
Authors: Crăciun Andreea-Florentina , Țăran Alexandra-Mădălina , Noja Grațiela Georgiana , Pirtea Marilen Gabriel , Răcătăian Raluca-Ioana
Published: February 2023

The research conducted in this paper aims to appraise the interlinkages between public governance and digital transformation at the level of the European Union. We employ two advanced approaches to modelling longitudinal data compiled at the level of the EU-27 Member States during the 2010–2021 period, namely, structural equation modelling and Gaussian and Mixed-Markov graphical models. The main results indicate positive impacts on government effectiveness arise from the human capital involved in complex activities that engage the use of digital services, e-government users, and integration of digital technologies, and the effect of demands and supplies of digital public services using open data. This further supports the government’s capabilities in enforcing regulations and policies to control corruption and sustain the achievement of digital skills, at least at a basic level, by the entire society. Moreover, good perceptions and a higher degree of confidence in the rules of law have a positive influence on the need for connectivity of digital services, especially the supply side of fixed and mobile broadband. Lastly, a relevant impact of regulatory quality is identified in the digital connectivity of broadband infrastructure, which is enclosed by the public governance representative indicators under the influence of a stronger integration of digitalisation.
Role of Nanofluid and Hybrid Nanofluid for Enhancing Thermal Conductivity towards Exponentially Stretching Curve with Modified Fourier Law Inspired by Melting Heat Effect
Authors: Zeeshan  , Ahammad N. Ameer , Shah Nehad Ali , Chung Jae Dong
Published: February 2023

The intensive of this study is to examine the melting heat and second-order slip (SoS) effect at the boundary in nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid (HN) ethylene–glycol (EG) based fluid through a curved surface using the Modified Fourier Law (MFL) and dust particles. Considering similarity transformation, the PDEs are converted to ODEs and then solved numerically by using the finite element method (FEM). The effects of solid volume fraction (SVF), melting heat factor, curvature factor, first and second-order slip factor, fluid particle concentration factor, and mass concentration factor on the velocity field, dust phase velocity (DPV), temperature field, dust phase temperature (DPT), and the Ski Friction (SF) are investigated through graphs and tables. The thermophysical properties of nanofluid and HN are depicted in tables. The novelty of the present work is to investigate the dusty- and dusty-hybrid nanoliquids over the curved surface with a melting heat effect and MFL which has not yet been studied. In the limiting case, the present work is compared with the published work and a good correlation is found. The confirmation of the mathematical model error estimations has been computed.
Static Output Feedback Control for Nonlinear Time-Delay Semi-Markov Jump Systems Based on Incremental Quadratic Constraints
Authors: Zhou Yang , Ji Xiaofu
Published: February 2023

This paper is concerned with the problem of static output feedback control for a class of continuous-time nonlinear time-delay semi-Markov jump systems with incremental quadratic constraints. For a class of time-delay semi-Markov jump systems satisfying incremental quadratic constrained nonlinearity, an appropriate mode-dependent Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is constructed. Based on the matrix transformation, projection theorem and convex set principle, the mode-dependent static output feedback control laws are designed. The feedback control law is given in the form of a linear matrix inequality, which is convenient for a numerical solution. Finally, two practical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Identification of Antioxidative Peptides Derived from Arthrospira maxima in the Biorefinery Process after Extraction of C-Phycocyanin and Lipids
Authors: Bai Renao , Nguyen Trung T. , Zhou Yali , Diao Yong , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2023

Arthrospira maxima has been identified as a sustainable source of rich proteins with diverse functionalities and bioactivities. After extracting C-phycocyanin (C-PC) and lipids in a biorefinery process, the spent biomass still contains a large proportion of proteins with potential for biopeptide production. In this study, the residue was digested using Papain, Alcalase, Trypsin, Protamex 1.6, and Alcalase 2.4 L at different time intervals. The resulting hydrolyzed product with the highest antioxidative activity, evaluated through their scavenging capability of hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), was selected for further fractionation and purification to isolate and identify biopeptides. Alcalase 2.4 L was found to produce the highest antioxidative hydrolysate product after four-hour hydrolysis. Fractionating this bioactive product using ultrafiltration obtained two fractions with different molecular weights (MW) and antioxidative activity. The low-molecular-weight fraction (LMWF) with MW <3 kDa had higher DPPH scavenging activity with the IC50 value of 2.97 ± 0.33 compared to 3.76 ± 0.15 mg/mL of the high-molecular-weight fraction (HMWF) with MW >3 kDa. Two stronger antioxidative fractions (F-A and F-B) with the respective significant lower IC50 values of 0.83 ± 0.22 and 1.52 ± 0.29 mg/mL were isolated from the LMWF using gel filtration with a Sephadex G-25 column. Based on LC-MS/MS analysis of the F-A, 230 peptides derived from 108 A. maxima proteins were determined. Notably, different antioxidative peptides possessing various bioactivities, including antioxidation, were detected with high predicted scores together with in silico analyses on their stability and toxicity. This study established knowledge and technology to further value-add to the spent A. maxima biomass by optimizing hydrolysis and fraction processes to produce antioxidative peptides with Alcalase 2.4 L after two products already produced in a biorefinery. These bioactive peptides have potential applications in food and nutraceutical products.
Mechanisms of Antitumor Invasion and Metastasis of the Marine Fungal Derivative Epi-Aszonalenin A in HT1080 Cells
Authors: Liu Yi , Lin Liyuan , Zheng Haiyan , He Yuan-Lin , Li Yanmei , Zhou Chunxia , Hong Pengzhi , Sun Shengli , Zhang Yi , Qian Zhong-Ji
Published: February 2023

Epi-aszonalenin A (EAA) is an alkaloid that is isolated and purified from the secondary metabolites of coral symbiotic fungi and has been shown to have good atherosclerotic intervention activity and anti-angiogenic activity in our previous studies. In the present study, antiangiogenic activity was used as a basis of an intensive study of its mechanism of action against tumor metastasis and invasion. Invasive metastatic pairs are a hallmark of malignancy, and the dissemination of tumor cells is the most dangerous process in the development of tumors. The results of cell wound healing and the Transwell chamber assay showed that EAA interfered well with PMA-induced migration and invasion of HT1080 cells. Western blot and the ELISA assay showed that EAA decreased MMPs and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity and inhibited the expression of N-cadherin and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) by regulating the phosphorylation of downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB pathways. Simultaneous molecular docking results revealed that the mimic coupling between the EAA and MMP-2/-9 molecules formed a stable interaction. The results of this study provide a research basis for the inhibition of tumor metastasis by EAA, and together with previous studies, confirm the potential pharmacology and drug potential for this class of compound for application in angiogenesis-related diseases and further improve the availability of coral symbiotic fungi.
Effects of Two Feeding Patterns on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation Parameters, and Bacterial Community Composition in Yak Calves
Authors: Li Qin , Tu Yan , Ma Tao , Cui Kai , Zhang Jianxin , Diao Qiyu , Bi Yanliang
Published: February 2023

The health of young ruminants is highly dependent on early rumen microbial colonization. In this study, the effects of milk replacer on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and the rumen microflora in yak calves were evaluated. Sixty yak calves (body weight = 22.5 ± 0.95 kg, age = 30 ± 1 d) were assigned to the CON group (breastfed) or TRT group (milk replacer fed) and evaluated over 120 d. At 120 d, ruminal fluid samples were collected from 14 calves and then conducted for rumen fermentation and microbiota analyses. There was no difference in growth performance; however, calf survival was higher in the TRT group than in the CON group. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids and the molar proportion of butyric acid and lactic acid were increased with milk replacer feed in the TRT group (p < 0.05), but iso-valeric acid concentration was highest in the CON group (p < 0.05). Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most dominant phyla in the CON and TRT groups, respectively. In the TRT group, Bacteroidetes, Prevotellaceae, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidetes, and Prevotella_1 were the dominant flora in the rumen of calves. The relative abundances of various taxa were correlated with rumen fermentation parameters; the relative abundance of Quinella and iso-butyrate levels were positively correlated (r = 0.57). The relative abundances of the Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and A/P were positively correlated (r = 0.57). In summary, milk replacer is conducive to the development of the rumen microflora, the establishment of rumen fermentation function, and the implementation of early weaning in yaks.
A Qualitative PCR Assay for the Discrimination of Bubaline Herpesvirus 1, Bovine Herpesvirus 1 and Bovine Herpesvirus 5
Authors: Oberto Francesca , Carella Emanuele , Caruso Claudio , Acutis Pier Luigi , Lelli Davide , Bertolotti Luigi , Masoero Loretta , Peletto Simone
Published: February 2023

Bubaline herpesvirus 1 (BuHV-1), Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) and Bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) are classified in the genus Varicellovirus, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. BoHV-1 is the causative agent of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, BoHV-5 induces moderate disease in adult cattle while BuHV-1 has instead been associated with a decline in livestock production of water buffaloes. The aim of this study was to develop a qualitative PCR assay that allows the discrimination of BuHV-1, BoHV-1 and BoHV-5. The alignment of homologous genes identified specific nucleotide sequences of BuHV- 1, BoHV-1 and BoHV-5. The design of the primers and the optimization of the PCR assay were focused on the target sequences located on the portions of gD, gE and gG genes. This assay involved the use of three different PCR end-points: the PCR of a portion of the gD gene identified only the presence of BoHV-1; the PCR of a portion of the gE gene confirmed the presence of both BoHV-5 and BuHV-1; the PCR of a portion of the gG gene discriminated between BoHV-5 and BuHV-1, as the amplification product was observed only for BoHV-5. This qualitative PCR assay allowed the differentiation of BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 infections both in cattle and water buffaloes and heterologous BuHV-1 infections in bovine.
Cherax quadricarinatus Resistant to Chequa iflavirus: A Pilot Study
Authors: Nambiar Geetika , Owens Leigh , Elliman Jennifer
Published: February 2023

High mortalities of redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) were reported from northern Queensland farms, mainly attributed to two viruses, Chequa iflavirus and Athtab bunyavirus. From a research population of redclaw crayfish with these pre-existing viral infections, five individuals were found uninfected by Chequa iflavirus but infected with Athtab bunyavirus. A pilot study was designed to examine if progeny crayfish from this cohort were resistant to infections by Chequa iflavirus. Two experiments measured changes in viral load with RT-qPCR. Seven donors, four negative controls and six crayfish injected with a purified virus or saline were used. In Experiment 1, the purified viral inoculum was injected into the crayfish, and they were bled 14 days post-injection (dpi). In Experiment 2, haemolymph containing the viruses was injected into the same crayfish and they were bled at 24 hpi, 48 hpi, 7 dpi and 14 dpi. In Exp. 1, the crayfish cleared Chequa iflavirus infections within 14 dpi, while in Exp. 2, it was within 24 hpi. One mortality was observed, but that crayfish had cleared the virus before dying. The number of copies of Athtab bunyavirus and the weights of the crayfish did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between the control and injected crayfish. Histology of crayfish all showed that the haemolymph vessels were clear of granulomas, suggesting no bacterial involvement. There was no melanisation in the gill tissue of control crayfish, but it was prominent in virus-injected crayfish. Neither group had haemocytic infiltration of the muscle fibres. Anti-viral immune mechanisms of RNA interference and Cherax quadricarinatus Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (DSCAM) are hypothesised to be involved in viral clearance. We conclude that these crayfish were resistant to Chequa iflavirus infections and could be commercially exploited by aquaculturists as a nuclear breeding stock if numbers are increased over time.
Editorial: Special Issue “Molecular Epidemiology of Antimicrobial Resistance”
Authors: Zarrilli Raffaele , Giani Tommaso , Bonnin Rémy A.
Published: February 2023

Antimicrobial resistance and multidrug-resistant organisms currently constitute a severe public health problem [...]
SARS-CoV-2 versus Influenza A Virus: Characteristics and Co-Treatments
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Li Jingwen , Liu Hanshu , Hu Xinyu , Lin Zhicheng , Xiong Nian
Published: February 2023

For three years, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has completely changed our lifestyles and prepared us to live with this novel pneumonia for years to come. Given that pre-existing flu is caused by the influenza A virus, we have begun unprecedently co-coping with two different respiratory diseases at the same time. Hence, we draw a comparison between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus based on the general characteristics, especially the main variants’ history and the distribution of the two viruses. SARS-CoV-2 appeared to mutate more frequently and independently of locations than the influenza A virus. Furthermore, we reviewed present clinical trials on combined management against COVID-19 and influenza in order to explore better solutions against both at the same time.
Bacterial-Artificial-Chromosome-Based Genome Editing Methods and the Applications in Herpesvirus Research
Authors: Hao Mengling , Tang Jiabao , Ge Shengxiang , Li Tingdong , Xia Ningshao
Published: February 2023

Herpesviruses are major pathogens that infect humans and animals. Manipulating the large genome is critical for exploring the function of specific genes and studying the pathogenesis of herpesviruses and developing novel anti-viral vaccines and therapeutics. Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology significantly advanced the capacity of herpesviruses researchers to manipulate the virus genomes. In the past years, advancements in BAC-based genome manipulating and screening strategies of recombinant BACs have been achieved, which has promoted the study of the herpes virus. This review summarizes the advances in BAC-based gene editing technology and selection strategies. The merits and drawbacks of BAC-based herpesvirus genome editing methods and the application of BAC-based genome manipulation in viral research are also discussed. This review provides references relevant for researchers in selecting gene editing methods in herpes virus research. Despite the achievements in the genome manipulation of the herpes viruses, the efficiency of BAC-based genome manipulation is still not satisfactory. This review also highlights the need for developing more efficient genome-manipulating methods for herpes viruses.
Structural Optimization of High-Pressure Polyethylene Cyclone Separator Based on Energy Efficiency Parameters
Authors: Hu Baisong , Liu Shuo , Wang Chuanzhi , Gao Bingjun
Published: February 2023

The high-pressure polyethylene process uses cyclone separators to separate ethylene gas, polyethylene, and its oligomers. The oligomers larger than 10 microns that cannot be separated must be filtered through a filter to prevent them from entering the compressor and affecting its normal operation. When the separation efficiency of the cyclone separator is low, the filter must be cleaned more frequently, which will reduce production efficiency. Research shows that improving the separation efficiency of the separator is beneficial for the separation of small-particle oligomers and reduces the frequency of filter cleaning. For this reason, Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations were performed for 27 sets of cyclone separators to determine the effects of eight structural factors (cylinder diameter, cylinder height, cone diameter, cone height, guide vane height, guide vane angle, exhaust pipe extension length, and umbrella structure height) on separation efficiency and pressure drop. The equations for separation efficiency and pressure drop using these eight factors and the equations based on energy-efficiency parameters were determined. The optimization analysis showed that separation efficiency can be improved by 98.7% under the premise that the pressure drop is only increased by 8.2%. By applying the improved structure to the high-pressure polyethylene process, separation efficiency is increased by 17.7%, which could effectively reduce the frequency of filter cleaning for this process, and thereby greatly improve production efficiency.
Recent Access to Polycycles via Post-Ugi Reactions
Authors: Tang Xiao , Song Liangliang
Published: February 2023

Ugi reactions have been widely studied due to their mild reaction conditions, high structural variability, and wide applications. Ugi adducts have proved to be highly efficient for different kinds of post-transformations by carefully choosing the starting four components. Considering the importance of polycycles, diverse post-Ugi transformations have been employed for the construction of structurally novel polycyclic N-heterocycles. This minireview summarizes the recent developments of post-Ugi reactions for the synthesis of polycycles after the year 2019. Through transition metal catalysis from gold, rhodium, silver, copper, and palladium, as well as transition metal-free approaches, versatile polycycles are constructed in a highly efficient and step-economical manner.
Efficacious Utilization of Food Waste for Bioenergy Generation through the Anaerobic Digestion Method
Authors: Muthu Preethi , Muniappan Gunasekaran , Jeyakumar Rajesh Banu
Published: February 2023

Energy fuels retrieved from biomass utilization are considered to be an economically and environmentally friendly source. In this day and age, bioenergy provides an alternative option to replace traditional fossil-based energy to accomplish energy demand with fewer greenhouse gas emissions into the environment. A huge amount of food waste is produced every year due to mass ethnographic activities. Their potential has been underused and this has led to waste ending up in the garbage. Bioenergy production by anaerobic digestion of cheap substrate provides an effectual approach to cope with this issue. The hydrolysis stage during anaerobic digestion is enhanced by various pretreatment methods, where the disintegration of the waste substrate leads to the enhancement of soluble organics and eases the production of bioenergy. The present review focuses on state-of-the-art knowledge about food waste, its utilization, and its valorization by the action of pretreatment, thereby enhancing anaerobic digestion. Additionally, this review further focuses on the major challenges during the pretreatment method and future recommendations.
Ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: No Longer the Whimsical Desire of the West in the Cycles of Economic Meltdown
Authors: Trimiew Darryl
Published: February 2023

This work is a reexamination of the historic economic rights debate in light of two major changes in American public policy. The first change considers the effect of the debate by the passing of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). The second policy change considers how the debate should include the effects of the economic bailout brought about by the TARP program. These changes are explained first, as government interventions made in response to widespread suffering and medical cost bankruptcies due to the United States’ healthcare system having no guaranteed right to healthcare. The second change focuses on the necessity of a national economic bailout conducted in response to a “Great Recession,” as an historic proof that government must intervene when severe economic downturns threaten to collapse the national economy. These interventions support the passage of economic rights and show how the opposition to the passage of economic rights have been based on faulty moral argumentation and reasoning. The essay concludes with a continued call for the passage of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
Current Status and Prospects of Research on Sensor Fault Diagnosis of Agricultural Internet of Things
Authors: Zou Xiuguo , Liu Wenchao , Huo Zhiqiang , Wang Sunyuan , Chen Zhilong , Xin Chengrui , Bai Yungang , Liang Zhenyu , Gong Yan , Qian Yan , Shu Lei
Published: February 2023

Sensors have been used in various agricultural production scenarios due to significant advances in the Agricultural Internet of Things (Ag-IoT), leading to smart agriculture. Intelligent control or monitoring systems rely heavily on trustworthy sensor systems. Nonetheless, sensor failures are likely due to various factors, including key equipment malfunction or human error. A faulty sensor can produce corrupted measurements, resulting in incorrect decisions. Early detection of potential faults is crucial, and fault diagnosis techniques have been proposed. The purpose of sensor fault diagnosis is to detect faulty data in the sensor and recover or isolate the faulty sensors so that the sensor can finally provide correct data to the user. Current fault diagnosis technologies are based mainly on statistical models, artificial intelligence, deep learning, etc. The further development of fault diagnosis technology is also conducive to reducing the loss caused by sensor failures.
Mode-Locked Fiber Laser Sensors with Orthogonally Polarized Pulses Circulating in the Cavity
Authors: Afkhamiardakani Hanieh , Diels Jean-Claude
Published: February 2023

Intracavity phase interferometry is a powerful phase sensing technique using two correlated, counter-propagating frequency combs (pulse trains) in mode-locked lasers. Generating dual frequency combs of the same repetition rate in fiber lasers is a new field with hitherto unanticipated challenges. The large intensity in the fiber core, coupled with the nonlinear index of glass, result in a cumulative nonlinear index on axis that dwarfs the signal to be measured. The large saturable gain changes in an unpredictable way the repetition rate of the laser impeding the creation of frequency combs with identical repetition rate. The huge amount of phase coupling between pulses crossing at the saturable absorber eliminates the small signal response (deadband). Although there have been prior observation of gyroscopic response in mode-locked ring lasers, to our knowledge this is the first time that orthogonally polarized pulses were used to successfully eliminate the deadband and obtain a beat note.