bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bee Venom and Its Two Main Components—Melittin and Phospholipase A2—As Promising Antiviral Drug Candidates
Authors: Yaacoub Carole , Wehbe Rim , Roufayel Rabih , Fajloun Ziad , Coutard Bruno
Published: November 2023

Viruses are known to infect most types of organisms. In humans, they can cause several diseases that range from mild to severe. Although many antiviral therapies have been developed, viral infections continue to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, the discovery of new and effective antiviral agents is desperately needed. Animal venoms are a rich source of bioactive molecules found in natural goods that have been used since ancient times in alternative medicine to treat a variety of human diseases. Recently, and with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have regained their interest in the possible use of natural products, such as bee venom (BV), as a potential antiviral agent to treat viral infections. BV is known to exert many therapeutic activities such as anti-proliferative, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is limited discussion of the antiviral activity of BV in the literature. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the antiviral properties of BV and its two primary constituents, melittin (MEL) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), against a variety of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Finally, the innovative strategies used to reduce the toxicity of BV and its two compounds for the development of new antiviral treatments are also considered.
Serosurvey of Immunity to Monkeypox (Mpox) Virus Antigens in People Living with HIV in South Florida
Authors: Kupritz Jonah , Pahwa Savita , Pallikkuth Suresh
Published: November 2023

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV) belonging to the Orthopoxvirus (OPXV) genus, which includes smallpox and vaccinia virus (VACV). A global mpox outbreak which began in May 2022 has infected more than 88,000 people. VACV-based vaccines provide protection against mpox disease but complicate the use of serological assays for disease surveillance. We tested the reactivity of serum IgG from Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN)-vaccinated (n = 12) and convalescent mpox-infected (n = 5) individuals and uninfected, non-vaccinated controls (n = 32) to MPXV/VACV proteins A27, A29, A30, A35, B16, B21, C19, D6, E8, H3, I1, and L1. Using a subset of MPXV antigen-based assays (A35, B16, E8, H3, and I1), we conducted a mpox antibody survey of serum from 214 individuals, including 117 (54.7%) people with HIV (PWH) collected between June 2022 and January 2023, excluding individuals who reported recent mpox vaccination or infection, and 32 young, pre-pandemic controls. The convalescent sera reacted strongly to most tested antigens. Vaccine sera responses were limited to A35, E8, H3, and I1. IgG antibody to E8 was markedly elevated in all vaccinated individuals. B16 IgG showed high sensitivity (100% [95% CI: 56.55–100.0%]) and specificity (91.67% [64.61–99.57%]) for distinguishing infection from MVA-BN vaccination, while E8 IgG showed 100% [75.75–100] sensitivity and 100% [79.61–100] specificity for detecting and distinguishing vaccinated individuals from controls. We identified 11/214 (5.1%) recent serum samples and 1/32 (3.1%) young, pre-pandemic controls that were seropositive for ≥2 MPXV antibodies, including 6.8% of PWH. Seropositivity was 10/129 (7.8%) among males compared to 1/85 (1.2%) among females. Our findings provide insight into the humoral immune response to mpox and demonstrate the usefulness of inexpensive, antigen-based serosurveillance in identifying asymptomatic or unreported infections.
Predominance of Canine Parainfluenza Virus and Mycoplasma in Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex in Dogs
Authors: Yondo Aurelle , Kalantari Allen A. , Fernandez-Marrero Ingrid , McKinney Amy , Naikare Hemant K. , Velayudhan Binu T.
Published: November 2023

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is caused by different viruses and bacteria. Viruses associated with CIRDC include canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine influenza virus (CIV), canine herpesvirus type 1 (CHV-1), canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), and canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV). Bacteria associated with CIRDC include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus), and Mycoplasma spp. The present study examined the prevalence of CIRDC pathogens in specimens received by a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Georgia, USA., from 2018 to 2022. Out of 459 cases, viral agents were detected in 34% of cases and bacterial agents were detected in 58% of cases. A single pathogen was detected in 31% of cases, while two or more pathogens were identified in 24% of cases. The percentages of viral agents identified were CAV-2 (4%), CDV (3%), CPIV (16%), CRCoV (7%), and CIV (2%). The percentages of bacterial agents were B. bronchiseptica (10%), Mycoplasma canis (24%), Mycoplasma cynos (21%), and S. zooepidemicus (2%). Over the five-year period, the positive cases ranged from 2–4% for CAV-2, 1–7% for CDV, 1–4% for CHV-1, 9–22% for CPIV, 4–13% for CRCoV, and 1–4% for CIV. Overall, the most prevalent pathogens associated with CIRDC were CPIV, M. canis, and M. cynos.
A Real-World Data Driven Pharmacovigilance Investigation on Drug-Induced Arrhythmia Using KAERS DB, a Korean Nationwide Adverse Drug Reporting System
Authors: Go Chaerin , Kim Semi , Kim Yujin , Sunwoo Yongjun , Eom Sae Hyun , Yun Jiseong , Shin Sooyoung , Choi Yeo Jin
Published: November 2023

This study aims to investigate the prevalence and seriousness of drug-induced arrhythmia and to identify predictors associated with the seriousness of arrhythmia. Drug-induced arrhythmia cases reported to the Korean Adverse Event Reporting System Database (KAERS DB) from January 2012 to December 2021 were investigated. A disproportionality test was performed to detect the association of the etiologic medication classes and types, along with patient demographic information, with the seriousness of drug-induced arrhythmia. Logistic regression was performed to investigate the predictors that increase the risk of serious arrhythmia. The most common etiologic agent for drug-induced arrhythmia was sevoflurane, whereas serious arrhythmia was most prevalent with narcotics. Antibiotics (reporting odds ratio (ROR) 4.125; 95% CI 1.438–11.835), chemotherapy (ROR 6.994; 95% CI 2.239–21.542), and iodinated contrast media (ROR 8.273; 95% CI 3.062–22.352) had a strong association with the seriousness of drug-induced arrhythmia. Among numerous etiologic agents, ioversol (ROR 16.490; 95% CI 3.589–75.772) and lidocaine (ROR 12.347; 95% CI 2.996–50.884) were more likely to be reported with serious arrhythmia. Aging and comorbidity, primarily cancer, are the most contributing predictors associated with serious arrhythmia. Further studies on the clinical significance of patient-specific predictors for the increased risk of serious drug-induced arrhythmia are warranted to promote drug safety.
An Overview of Cancer in Djibouti: Current Status, Therapeutic Approaches, and Promising Endeavors in Local Essential Oil Treatment
Authors: Abdoul-Latif Fatouma Mohamed , Ainane Ayoub , Houmed Aboubaker Ibrahim , Mohamed Jalludin , Ainane Tarik
Published: November 2023

Djibouti, a developing economy, grapples with significant socioeconomic obstacles and the prevalence of infectious pathologies, including certain forms of neoplasms. These challenges are exacerbated by limited access to affordable medical technologies for diagnosis, coupled with a lack of preventive interventions, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The attention devoted to local phytotherapeutic treatments underscores the uniqueness of Djibouti’s flora, resulting from its distinctive geographical position. International focus specifically centers on harnessing this potential as a valuable resource, emphasizing the phytoconstituents used to counter pathologies, notably carcinomas. This comprehensive overview covers a broad spectrum, commencing with an examination of the current state of knowledge, namely an in-depth investigation of oncological risk factors. Essential elements of control are subsequently studied, highlighting the fundamental prerequisites for effective management. The significance of dietary habits in cancer prevention and support is explored in depth, while traditional methods are examined, highlighting the cultural significance of indigenous essential oil therapies and encouraging further research based on the promising results.
A Literature Review of Changes in Phase II Drug-Metabolizing Enzyme and Drug Transporter Expression during Pregnancy
Authors: Gong Christine , Bertagnolli Lynn N. , Boulton David W. , Coppola Paola
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this literature review is to comprehensively summarize changes in the expression of phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters in both the pregnant woman and the placenta. Using PubMed®, a systematic search was conducted to identify literature relevant to drug metabolism and transport in pregnancy. PubMed was searched with pre-specified terms during the period of 26 May 2023 to 10 July 2023. The final dataset of 142 manuscripts was evaluated for evidence regarding the effect of gestational age and hormonal regulation on the expression of phase II enzymes (n = 16) and drug transporters (n = 38) in the pregnant woman and in the placenta. This comprehensive review exposes gaps in current knowledge of phase II enzyme and drug transporter localization, expression, and regulation during pregnancy, which emphasizes the need for further research. Moreover, the information collected in this review regarding phase II drug-metabolizing enzyme and drug transporter changes will aid in optimizing pregnancy physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to inform dose selection in the pregnant population.
Curcumin Disrupts a Positive Feedback Loop between ADMSCs and Cancer Cells in the Breast Tumor Microenvironment via the CXCL12/CXCR4 Axis
Authors: Jang Bo-Young , Shin Min , Han Dong-Hee , Sung Jung-Suk
Published: November 2023

Adipose tissue has a significant impact on breast cancer initiation and progression owing to its substantial proportion in the breast. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are major players in the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) as they interact with cancer cells. The intricate interaction between ADMSCs and cancer cells not only drives the differentiation of ADMSCs into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) but also the metastasis of cancer cells, which is attributed to the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. We investigated the effects of curcumin, a flavonoid known for CXCL12/CXCR4 axis inhibition, on breast TME by analyzing whether it can disrupt the ADMSC-cancer positive loop. Using MCF7 breast cancer cell-derived conditioned medium (MCF7-CM), we induced ADMSC transformation and verified that curcumin diminished the phenotypic change, inhibiting CAF marker expression. Additionally, curcumin suppressed the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and its downstream signaling both in ADMSCs and MCF7 cells. The CM from ADMSCs, whose ADMSC-to-CAF transformation was repressed by the curcumin treatment, inhibited the positive feedback loop between ADMSCs and MCF7 as well as epithelial–mesenchymal transition in MCF7. Our study showed that curcumin is a potent anti-cancer agent that can remodel the breast TME, thereby restricting the ADMSC-cancer positive feedback loop associated with the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis.
Methods for Developing a Process Design Space Using Retrospective Data
Authors: Romero-Obon Miquel , Pérez-Lozano Pilar , Rouaz-El-Hajoui Khadija , Suñé-Pou Marc , Nardi-Ricart Anna , Suñé-Negre Josep M. , García-Montoya Encarna
Published: November 2023

Prospectively planned designs of experiments (DoEs) offer a valuable approach to preventing collinearity issues that can result in statistical confusion, leading to misinterpretation and reducing the predictability of statistical models. However, it is also possible to develop models using historical data, provided that certain guidelines are followed to enhance and ensure proper statistical modeling. This article presents a methodology for constructing a design space using process data, while avoiding the common pitfalls associated with retrospective data analysis. For this study, data from a real wet granulation process were collected to pragmatically illustrate all the concepts and methods developed in this article.
Virtually Possible: Enhancing Quality Control of 3D-Printed Medicines with Machine Vision Trained on Photorealistic Images
Authors: Sun Siyuan , Alkahtani Manal E. , Gaisford Simon , Basit Abdul W. , Elbadawi Moe , Orlu Mine
Published: November 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing technology, and concerted efforts are underway to establish its applicability to various industries. However, for any technology to achieve widespread adoption, robustness and reliability are critical factors. Machine vision (MV), a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), has emerged as a powerful tool to replace human inspection with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of MV in pharmaceutical processes. However, training models using real images proves to be both costly and time consuming. In this study, we present an alternative approach, where synthetic images were used to train models to classify the quality of dosage forms. We generated 200 photorealistic virtual images that replicated 3D-printed dosage forms, where seven machine learning techniques (MLTs) were used to perform image classification. By exploring various MV pipelines, including image resizing and transformation, we achieved remarkable classification accuracies of 80.8%, 74.3%, and 75.5% for capsules, tablets, and films, respectively, for classifying stereolithography (SLA)-printed dosage forms. Additionally, we subjected the MLTs to rigorous stress tests, evaluating their scalability to classify over 3000 images and their ability to handle irrelevant images, where accuracies of 66.5% (capsules), 72.0% (tablets), and 70.9% (films) were obtained. Moreover, model confidence was also measured, and Brier scores ranged from 0.20 to 0.40. Our results demonstrate promising proof of concept that virtual images exhibit great potential for image classification of SLA-printed dosage forms. By using photorealistic virtual images, which are faster and cheaper to generate, we pave the way for accelerated, reliable, and sustainable AI model development to enhance the quality control of 3D-printed medicines.
Bioactive ZnO Nanoparticles: Biosynthesis, Characterization and Potential Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Huq Md. Amdadul , Apu Md. Aminul Islam , Ashrafudoulla Md. , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Parvez Md. Anowar Khasru , Balusamy Sri Renukadevi , Akter Shahina , Rahman Md. Shahedur
Published: November 2023

In recent years, biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have gained tremendous attention because of their safe and non-toxic nature and distinctive biomedical applications. A diverse range of microbes (bacteria, fungi and yeast) and various parts (leaf, root, fruit, flower, peel, stem, etc.) of plants have been exploited for the facile, rapid, cost-effective and non-toxic synthesis of ZnONPs. Plant extracts, microbial biomass or culture supernatant contain various biomolecules including enzymes, amino acids, proteins, vitamins, alkaloids, flavonoids, etc., which serve as reducing, capping and stabilizing agents during the biosynthesis of ZnONPs. The biosynthesized ZnONPs are generally characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, etc. Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem for global public health. Due to mutation, shifting environmental circumstances and excessive drug use, the number of multidrug-resistant pathogenic microbes is continuously rising. To solve this issue, novel, safe and effective antimicrobial agents are needed urgently. Biosynthesized ZnONPs could be novel and effective antimicrobial agents because of their safe and non-toxic nature and powerful antimicrobial characteristics. It is proven that biosynthesized ZnONPs have strong antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms including multidrug-resistant bacteria. The possible antimicrobial mechanisms of ZnONPs are the generation of reactive oxygen species, physical interactions, disruption of the cell walls and cell membranes, damage to DNA, enzyme inactivation, protein denaturation, ribosomal destabilization and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, the biosynthesis of ZnONPs using microbes and plants and their characterization have been reviewed comprehensively. Also, the antimicrobial applications and mechanisms of biosynthesized ZnONPs against various pathogenic microorganisms have been highlighted.
An Eccentricity Error Separation Method for Rotary Table Based on Phase Feature of Moiré Signal of Single Reading Head
Authors: Huang Yao , Che Shuangliang , Zhu Weibin , Ma Cheng , Zhou Yi , Zou Wei , Xue Zi
Published: November 2023

In view of the limitations of the existing eccentricity error separation method of the rotary table, an eccentricity error separation method based on the phase feature of the moiré signal of a single reading head is proposed herein. A grating pair transmission model is established based on the analysis of the principle of the rotary table; thereby, the influence of eccentricity error on the phase feature of the moiré signal in the rotation course of the rotary table is clarified, and the corresponding model between the phase feature spectral components and the eccentricity error is established. The verification experiments of the proposed method are carried out based on the laboratory-made circuit system. After verifying the accuracy of the data acquisition of the laboratory-made circuit board, the verification experiments of the eccentricity error separation effect of the proposed method are carried out. The experimental data are compared with those of the traditional method, and the results show that the error between the two methods is 2.34 μm, while the relative error is 2.3%.
Phytotoxicity of Extracts of Argemone mexicana and Crotalaria longirostrata on Tomato Seedling Physiology
Authors: López Henry López , Beltrán Beache Mariana , Ochoa Fuentes Yisa María , Cerna Chavez Ernesto , Ángel Epifanio Castro del , Delgado Ortiz Juan Carlos
Published: November 2023

Phytotoxicity caused by secondary metabolites of botanical extracts is a drawback in agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxic effects of methanolic extracts of Crotalaria longirostrata and Argemone mexicana on the germination and physiological variables of tomato seedlings. The results indicated that high doses of both extracts (Clong500 and Amex500) inhibited tomato seed germination, while their mixture (Cl50 + Am50) promoted germination by 100%. At 30 days after transplanting (dat), the plant height increased by 15.4% with a high dose of C. longirostrata (Clong500) compared to the control. At 30 dat, the vigor index displayed a notable increase with Cl50 + Am50, reaching 29.5%. The root length increased with the mean dose of A. mexicana (Amex95) at 10, 20, and 30 dat (59.7%, 15.1%, and 22.4%, respectively). The chlorophyll content increased with Amex95 by 66.1% in 10 dat, 22.6% at 20 dat, and 19.6% at 30 dat. On the other hand, Amex95 had a higher nitrogen content throughout the trial. Amex95 produced the greatest increase in root dry weight by 731.5% and 209.4% at 10 and 20 dat. The foliage dry weight increased by 85.7% at 10 dat with Amex95 and up to 209.7% with Amex50 at 30 dat. The present investigation reveals the ability of the extracts to stimulate tomato growth at low and medium doses, though at high doses they exhibit allelopathic effects.
OsJAB1 Positively Regulates Ascorbate Biosynthesis and Negatively Regulates Salt Tolerance Due to Inhibiting Early-Stage Salt-Induced ROS Accumulation in Rice
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Zhang Chuanyu , Li Hua , Xu Yuejun , Zhang Bo , Zheng Fuyu , Zhao Beiping , Zhang Haiwen , Zhao Hui , Liu Baohai , Xiao Minggang , Zhang Zhijin
Published: November 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play dual roles in plant stress response, but how plants modulate the dual roles of ROS in stress response is still obscure. OsJAB1 (JUN-activation-domain-binding protein 1) encodes the rice CSN5 (COP9 signalsome subunit 5). This study showed that, similar to the Arabidopsis homolog gene CSN5B, OsJAB1-overexpressing (driven by a CaMV 35S promoter) plants (OEs) impaired rice salt stress tolerance; in contrast, OsJAB1-inhibited-expression (using RNA-interfering technology) plants (RIs) enhanced rice salt stress tolerance. Differing from CSN5B that negatively regulated ascorbate (Asc) biosynthesis, Asc content increased in OEs and decreased in RIs. ROS analysis showed that RIs clearly increased, but OEs inhibited ROS accumulation at the early stage of salt treatment; in contrast, RIs clearly decreased, but OEs promoted ROS accumulation at the late stage of salt treatment. The qPCR revealed that OEs decreased but RIs enhanced the expressions of ROS-scavenging genes. This indicated that OsJAB1 negatively regulated rice salt stress tolerance by suppressing the expression of ROS-scavenging genes. This study provided new insights into the CSN5 homologous protein named OsJAB1 in rice, which developed different functions during long-term evolution. How OsJAB1 regulates the Asc biosynthesis that coordinates the balance between cell redox signaling and ROS scavenging needs to be investigated in the future.
Ground Cover Rice Production System Affects Soil Water, Nitrogen Dynamics and Crop Growth Differentially with or without Climate Stress
Authors: Ren Jian , Feng Puyu , Batchelor William D. , Hu Kelin , Liu Haitao , Lv Shihua
Published: November 2023

The ground cover rice production system (GCRPS) has been proposed as a potential solution to alleviate seasonal drought and early low-temperature stress in hilly mountainous areas; clarifying its impact on crop growth is crucial to enhance rice productivity in these areas. A two-year (2021–2022) field experiment was conducted in the hilly mountains of southwest China to compare the effects of the traditional flooding paddy (Paddy) and GCRPS under three different nitrogen (N) management practices (N1, zero-N fertilizer; N2, 135 kg N ha−1 as a urea-based fertilizer; and N3, 135 kg N ha−1 with a 3:2 base-topdressing ratio as urea fertilizer for the Paddy or a 1:1 basal application ratio as urea and manure for GCRPS) on soil water storage, soil mineral N content and crop growth parameters, including plant height, tiller numbers, the leaf area index (LAI), aboveground dry matter (DM) dynamics and crop yield. The results showed that there was a significant difference in rainfall between the two growth periods, with 906 mm and 291 mm in 2021 and 2022, respectively. While GCRPS did not significantly affect soil water storage, soil mineral N content, and plant height, it led to a reduction in partial tiller numbers (1.1% to 31.6%), LAI (0.6% to 20.4%), DM (4.4% to 18.8%), and crop yield (7.4% to 22.0%) in 2021 (wet year) compared to the Paddy. However, in 2022 (dry year), GCRPS led to an increase in tiller numbers (13.7% to 115.4%), LAI (17.3% to 81.0%), DM (9.0% to 62.6%), and crop yield (2.9% to 9.2%) compared to the Paddy. Structural equation modeling indicated that GCRPS significantly affected tiller numbers, plant height, LAI, DM, and productive tiller numbers, which indirectly influenced crop yield by significantly affecting tiller numbers and productive tiller numbers in 2022. Overall, the effects of GCRPS on soil water and N dynamics were not significant. In 2021, with high rainfall, no drought, and no early, low-temperature stress, the GCRPS suppressed crop growth and reduced yield, while in 2022, with drought and early low-temperature stress and low rainfall, the GCRPS promoted crop growth and increased yield, with tiller numbers and productive tiller numbers being the key factors affecting crop yield.
Cloning of the Soybean GmNHL1 Gene and Functional Analysis under Salt Stress
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Jiabao , Zhang Qi , Sun Tingting , Wang Piwu
Published: November 2023

When encountered in the soybean seedling stage, salt stress has serious impacts on plant growth and development. This study explores the role of the soybean NDR1/HIN1-like family gene GmNHL1 under salt stress. First, the GmNHL1 gene was successfully cloned, and bioinformatic analysis revealed multiple cis-acting elements which are related to adversity stress and involved in the oxidative response in the promoter region. Sub-cellular localization analysis indicated that the protein expressed by GmNHL1 was localized on the cell membrane. An over-expression vector of the target gene and a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing vector were constructed, and the recipient soybean variety Jinong 74 was genetically transformed using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method. By analyzing the performance of the different plants under salt stress, the results showed that GmNHL1 was over-expressed in the T2 generation. The germination potential, germination rate, germination index, and vitality index of the strain were significantly higher than those of the recipient control JN74. Under salt stress conditions, the root microanatomical structure of the GmNHL1 over-expressing material remained relatively intact, and its growth was better than that of the recipient control JN74. Measurement of physiological and biochemical indicators demonstrated that, compared with the receptor control JN74, the malondialdehyde and O2− contents of the GmNHL1 over-expressing material were significantly reduced, while the antioxidant enzyme activity, proline content, and chlorophyll content significantly increased; however, the results for GmNHL1 gene-edited materials were the opposite. In summary, over-expression of GmNHL1 can improve the salt tolerance of plants and maintain the integrity of the root anatomical structure, thereby more effectively and rapidly reducing the accumulation of malondialdehyde and O2− content and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity. This reduces cell membrane damage, thereby improving the salt tolerance of soybean plants. These results help to better understand the mechanism of salt tolerance in soybean plants, laying a theoretical foundation for breeding new stress-resistant varieties of soybean.
Transcriptome Analysis of Macrophytes’ Myriophyllum spicatum Response to Ammonium Nitrogen Stress Using the Whole Plant Individual
Authors: Ochieng Wyckliffe Ayoma , Wei Li , Wagutu Godfrey Kinyori , Xian Ling , Muthui Samuel Wamburu , Ogada Stephen , Otieno Duncan Ochieng , Linda Elive Limunga , Liu Fan
Published: November 2023

Ammonium toxicity in macrophytes reduces growth and development due to a disrupted metabolism and high carbon requirements for internal ammonium detoxification. To provide more molecular support for ammonium detoxification in the above-ground and below-ground parts of Myriophyllum spicatum, we separated (using hermetic bags) the aqueous medium surrounding the below-ground from that surrounding the above-ground and explored the genes in these two regions. The results showed an upregulation of asparagine synthetase genes under high ammonium concentrations. Furthermore, the transcriptional down and/or upregulation of other genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, including glutamate dehydrogenase, ammonium transporter, and aspartate aminotransferase in above-ground and below-ground parts were crucial for ammonium homeostasis under high ammonium concentrations. The results suggest that, apart from the primary pathway and alternative pathway, the asparagine metabolic pathway plays a crucial role in ammonium detoxification in macrophytes. Therefore, the complex genetic regulatory network in M. spicatum contributes to its ammonium tolerance, and the above-ground part is the most important in ammonium detoxification. Nevertheless, there is a need to incorporate an open-field experimental setup for a conclusive picture of nitrogen dynamics, toxicity, and the molecular response of M. spicatum in the natural environment.
Investigating the Aging Behavior of High-Density Polyethylene and Polyketone in a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier
Authors: Surisetty Jyothsna , Sharifian Mohammadhossein , Lucyshyn Thomas , Holzer Clemens
Published: November 2023

Hydrogen is recognized as a significant potential energy source and energy carrier for the future. On the one hand, storing hydrogen is a challenging task due to its low volumetric density, on the other hand, a particular type of hydrogen in the form of a liquid can be used to store large quantities of hydrogen at ambient conditions in thermoplastic tanks. But storing hydrogen in this form for a long time in polymer tanks affects the physical and chemical properties of the liner. In the current automotive industry, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has already been used in existing fuel tank applications. However long-term exposure to fuels leads to the permeation of hydrocarbons into the polymers, resulting in a loss of mechanical properties and reducing the efficiency of fuel cells (FC) in automotive applications. Additionally, facing material shortages and a limited supply of resin leads to an increase in the cost of the material. Therefore, an alternative material is being searched for, especially for hydrogen fuel tank applications. In this study, two semi-crystalline thermoplastics, HDPE and polyketone (POK), were compared, which were exposed to a selected liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) at 25 °C and 60 °C for up to 500 h in an enclosed chamber, to measure their fuel up-take. A short analysis was carried out using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and mechanical testing to understand the influence of the LOHC on the polymer over time. Fuel sorption and tensile properties showed a plasticizing effect on HDPE. The material degradation was more pronounced for the aged samples of HDPE in comparison to POK. As expected, thermal aging was increased at 60 °C. The fuel absorption of POK was lower compared to HDPE. A slight increase in crystallinity was observed in POK due to the aging process that led to changes in mechanical properties. Both HDPE and POK samples did not show any chemical changes during the aging process in the oven at 25 °C and 60 °C.
Developing of Lead/Polyurethane Micro/Nano Composite for Nuclear Shielding Novel Supplies: γ-Spectroscopy and FLUKA Simulation Techniques
Authors: El-Khatib Ahmed M. , Abbas Mahmoud I. , Mahmoud Mohamed E. , Fayez-Hassan Mohammed , Dib Mirvat F. , Khalil Mamdouh H. , El Aal Ahmed Abd
Published: November 2023

In this work, the effect of adding Pb nano/microparticles in polyurethane foams to improve thermo-physical and mechanical properties were investigated. Moreover, an attempt has been made to modify the micron-sized lead metal powder into nanostructured Pb powder using a high-energy ball mill. Two types of fillers were used, the first is Pb in micro scale and the second is Pb in nano scale. A lead/polyurethane nanocomposite is made using the in-situ polymerization process. The different characterization techniques describe the state of the dispersion of fillers in foam. The effects of these additions in the foam were evaluated, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have all been used to analyze the morphology and dispersion of lead in polyurethane. The findings demonstrate that lead is uniformly distributed throughout the polyurethane matrix. The compression test demonstrates that the inclusion of lead weakens the compression strength of the nanocomposites in comparison to that of pure polyurethane. The TGA study shows that the enhanced thermal stability is a result of the inclusion of fillers, especially nanofillers. The shielding efficiency has been studied, MAC, LAC, HVL, MFP and Zeff were determined either experimentally or by Monte Carlo calculations. The nuclear radiation shielding properties were simulated by the FLUKA code for the photon energy range of 0.0001–100 MeV.
The Interface Strengthening of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Polylactic Acid Composites via the In-Loop Hybrid Manufacturing Method
Authors: Li Hongbin , Jiang Zhuang , Li Zhihua , Peng Yubao , Zhang Qiushuang , Xiao Xinyi
Published: November 2023

In this study, a new in-loop hybrid manufacturing method is proposed for fabricating multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs)/polylactic acid (PLA) composites. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted in conjunction with experiments to reveal the mechanism of the proposed method for improving the interfacial performance of MWCNTs/PLA. The superposed gradients in the PLA chain activity and conformation due to the plasma-actuating MWCNTs promoted intermolecular interaction and infiltration between the MWCNTs and PLA chains, forming an MWCNTs-stress-transfer bridge in the direction perpendicular to the interlayer interface, and finally enhancing the performance of the composites. The experimental results indicated that the interfacial shear strength of the specimen fabricated using the proposed method increased by 30.50% to 43.26 MPa compared to those without the addition of MWCNTs, and this value was 4.77 times higher than that of the traditional manufacturing method, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method in improving the interfacial properties of MWCNTs/PLA composites.
Oriented Three-Dimensional Skeletons Assembled by Si3N4 Nanowires/AlN Particles as Fillers for Improving Thermal Conductivity of Epoxy Composites
Authors: Wang Baokai , Wan Shiqin , Niu Mengyang , Li Mengyi , Yu Chang , Zhao Zheng , Xuan Weiwei , Yue Ming , Cao Wenbin , Wang Qi
Published: November 2023

With the miniaturization of current electronic products, ceramic/polymer composites with excellent thermal conductivity have become of increasing interest. Traditionally, higher filler fractions are required to obtain a high thermal conductivity, but this leads to a decrease in the mechanical properties of the composites and increases the cost. In this study, silicon nitride nanowires (Si3N4NWs) with high aspect ratios were successfully prepared by a modified carbothermal reduction method, which was further combined with AlN particles to prepare the epoxy-based composites. The results showed that the Si3N4NWs were beneficial for constructing a continuous thermal conductive pathway as a connecting bridge. On this basis, an aligned three-dimensional skeleton was constructed by the ice template method, which further favored improving the thermal conductivity of the composites. When the mass fraction of Si3N4NWs added was 1.5 wt% and the mass fraction of AlN was 65 wt%, the composites prepared by ice templates reached a thermal conductivity of 1.64 W·m−1·K−1, which was ~ 720% of the thermal conductivity of the pure EP (0.2 W·m−1·K−1). The enhancement effect of Si3N4NWs and directional filler skeletons on the composite thermal conductivity were further demonstrated through the actual heat transfer process and finite element simulations. Furthermore, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the composites were also improved by the introduction of Si3N4NWs, suggesting that prepared composites exhibit broad prospects in the field of thermal management.
A Review on Soils Treated with Biopolymers Based on Unsaturated Soil Theory
Authors: Zhang Junran , Liu Jiahao
Published: November 2023

Adding different materials to soil can improve its engineering properties, but traditional materials such as cement, lime, fly ash, etc., have caused pollution to the environment. Recently, biopolymers have shown many advantages, such as economy and environmental protection, which make them applicable to geotechnical engineering. This study summarizes the effects of biopolymers on soil’s engineering properties and the main directions of current research. Firstly, the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of widely used biopolymer materials and their effects on the specific engineering characteristics of soil (i.e., water retention characteristics, strength characteristics, permeability characteristics, microstructure) are introduced, as well as the source, viscosity, pH, and cost of these biopolymers. Then, based on the theory of unsaturated soil, the current research progress on the water retention characteristics of improved soil is summarized. The key factors affecting the strength of biopolymer-treated soil are introduced. Due to the actual environmental conditions, such as rainfall, the permeability and durability of biopolymer-treated soil are also worthy of attention. In summary, it is necessary to study the variation laws of the engineering properties of biopolymer-treated soil in the full suction range, and to predict such laws reasonably. The relevant results are conducive to the safer and more scientific application of biopolymers in geotechnical engineering practice.
Depolymerisation of Kraft Lignin by Tailor-Made Alkaliphilic Fungal Laccases
Authors: Rodríguez-Escribano David , de Salas Felipe , Pliego Rocío , Marques Gisela , Levée Thomas , Suonpää Anu , Gutiérrez Ana , Martínez Ángel T. , Ihalainen Petri , Rencoret Jorge , Camarero Susana
Published: November 2023

Lignins released in the black liquors of kraft pulp mills are an underutilised source of aromatics. Due to their phenol oxidase activity, laccases from ligninolytic fungi are suitable biocatalysts to depolymerise kraft lignins, which are characterised by their elevated phenolic content. However, the alkaline conditions necessary to solubilise kraft lignins make it difficult to use fungal laccases whose activity is inherently acidic. We recently developed through enzyme-directed evolution high-redox potential laccases active and stable at pH 10. Here, the ability of these tailor-made alkaliphilic fungal laccases to oxidise, demethylate, and depolymerise eucalyptus kraft lignin at pH 10 is evidenced by the increment in the content of phenolic hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, the methanol released, and the appearance of lower molecular weight moieties after laccase treatment. Nonetheless, in a second assay carried out with higher enzyme and lignin concentrations, these changes were accompanied by a strong increase in the molecular weight and content of β–O–4 and β–5 linkages of the main lignin fraction, indicating that repolymerisation of the oxidised products prevails in one-pot reactions. To prevent it, we finally conducted the enzymatic reaction in a bench-scale reactor coupled to a membrane separation system and were able to prove the depolymerisation of kraft lignin by high-redox alkaliphilic laccase.
Improving Accuracy and Interpretability of CNN-Based Fault Diagnosis through an Attention Mechanism
Authors: Huang Yubiao , Zhang Jiaqing , Liu Rui , Zhao Shuangyao
Published: November 2023

This study aims to enhance the accuracy and interpretability of fault diagnosis. To address this objective, we present a novel attention-based CNN method that leverages image-like data generated from multivariate time series using a sliding window processing technique. By representing time series data in an image-like format, the spatiotemporal dependencies inherent in the raw data are effectively captured, which allows CNNs to extract more comprehensive fault features, consequently enhancing the accuracy of fault diagnosis. Moreover, the proposed method incorporates a form of prior knowledge concerning category-attribute correlations into CNNs through the utilization of an attention mechanism. Under the guidance of thisprior knowledge, the proposed method enables the extraction of accurate and predictive features. Importantly, these extracted features are anticipated to retain the interpretability of the prior knowledge. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified on the Tennessee Eastman chemical process dataset. The results show that proposed method achieved a fault diagnosis accuracy of 98.46%, which is significantly higher than similar existing methods. Furthermore, the robustness of the proposed method is analyzed by sensitivity analysis on hyperparameters, and the interpretability is revealed by visually analyzing its feature extraction process.
Changes in Haredi Education in Israel: A Comparative Perspective from the United States Using Monsey as a Test Case
Authors: Fuchs Ilan
Published: November 2023

The Haredi community in Israel is the youngest community. It grows at a higher rate than that of the Arab population in Israel. The calls to introduce more secular education are motivated by both a desire to acculturate the Haredi population and bring it closer to the norms and values of the Israeli discourse and from a wish to integrate more people from this community into the job market. Calls to introduce more secular education in the Haredi system have seen constant resistance that has been documented in scholarship. In the U.S., the discussion on the correct role of general education started with a different frame of reference. The existence of meaningful religious education was put into question, and only after the holocaust did American Orthodoxy significantly expand its educational options. This text will describe the diverse spectrum of Haredi educational institutions and their approaches to secular education. I am using Monsey as a test case since it is a good representation of the kaleidoscope of Orthodoxy in the U.S., as far as the different communities are concerned. It is also a very decentralized community, since there is no dominant group in Monsey. This fact allows for more initiatives, including educational initiatives, to be undertaken.
A Life of Integrity: The Maccabean Story
Authors: Salakpi Alexander G. K.
Published: November 2023

The experience of ontological and epistemological dominations made Africans lose their self-consciousness and become unfulfilled in life. Every human being has a life of integrity that must be lived. The Maccabees in the Bible were dominated by Antiochus IV, the King of Syria. He desecrated the Temple, changed their religion, politics, economy, and social life and above all made himself a god to be worshipped. He deprived the Jews of their identity and dominated them ontologically, but they had a life of integrity to live. Some of the Jews accepted the new way of life by Antiochus and helped to betray those few Jews who stood against this new system of Antiochus. Many of the pious Jews lost their lives, but with hope in Yahweh and persistent endurance they regained their identity and life of integrity. The plague of coloniality made Africans invariably lose their identity, and consequently their integrity as others determined their pace of life. The African story is like the Maccabean story; this article studies selected texts in Maccabees (1 Maccabees 2 and 3; 2 Maccabees 6 and 7) and suggests their regaining of identity and life of integrity to the African situation. The paper uses biblical exegesis and intercultural interpretations to unearth the buried African treasures for an integrity of life.
Retrieval of Three-Dimensional Green Volume in Urban Green Space from Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Hong Zehu , Xu Weiheng , Liu Yun , Wang Leiguang , Ou Guanglong , Lu Ning , Dai Qinling
Published: November 2023

Quantification of three-dimensional green volume (3DGV) plays a crucial role in assessing environmental benefits to urban green space (UGS) at a regional level. However, precisely estimating regional 3DGV based on satellite images remains challenging. In this study, we developed a parametric estimation model to retrieve 3DGV in UGS through combining Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 images. Firstly, UAV images were used to calculate the referenced 3DGV based on mean of neighboring pixels (MNP) algorithm. Secondly, we applied the canopy height model (CHM) and Leaf Area Index (LAI) derived from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 images to construct estimation models of 3DGV. Then, we compared the accuracy of estimation models to select the optimal model. Finally, the estimated 3DGV maps were generated using the optimal model, and the referenced 3DGV was employed to evaluate the accuracy of maps. Results indicated that the optimal model was the combination of LAI power model and CHM linear model (3DGV = 37.13·LAI−0.3·CHM + 38.62·LAI1.8 + 13.8, R2 = 0.78, MPE = 8.71%). We validated the optimal model at the study sites and achieved an overall accuracy (OA) of 75.15%; then, this model was used to map 3DGV distribution at the 10 m resolution in Kunming city. These results demonstrated the potential of combining Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 images to construct an estimation model for 3DGV retrieval in UGS.
Detection of Large-Scale Floods Using Google Earth Engine and Google Colab
Authors: Johary Rosa , Révillion Christophe , Catry Thibault , Alexandre Cyprien , Mouquet Pascal , Rakotoniaina Solofoarisoa , Pennober Gwenaelle , Rakotondraompiana Solofo
Published: November 2023

This paper presents an operational approach for detecting floods and establishing flood extent using Sentinel-1 radar imagery with Google Earth Engine. The methodology relies on change detection, comparing pre-event and post-event images. The change-detection method is based on the normalised difference ratio. Additionally, the HAND model is employed to delineate zones for processing only in flood-prone areas. The approach was tested and calibrated at a small scale to optimise parameters. In these calibration tests, an accuracy of 85% is achieved. The approach was then applied to the whole of the island of Madagascar after Cyclone Batsirai in 2022. The proposed method is enabled by the computing power and data availability of Google Earth Engine and Google Colab. The results show satisfactory accuracy in delineating flooded areas. The advantages of this approach are its rapidity, online availability and ability to detect floods over a wide area. The approach relying on Google Tools thus offers an effective solution for generating a large-scale synoptic picture to inform hazard management decision making. However, one of the method’s drawbacks is that it depends to a large extent on frequent radar imagery being available at the time of flood events and on free access to the platform. These drawbacks will need to be taken into account in an operational scenario.
Sequential Joint State Estimation and Track Extraction Algorithm Based on Improved Backward Smoothing
Authors: Zhao Jiuchao , Zhan Ronghui , Liu Shengqi , Bo Liankun , Zhuang Zhaowen , Li Kun
Published: November 2023

In order to further promote the accuracy of state estimation and track extraction capabilities for multi-target tracking, a sequential joint state estimation and track extraction algorithm is proposed in this article. This algorithm is based on backward smoothing under the framework of Labeled Random Finite Set and utilizes label iterative processing to perform outlier removal, invalid short-lived track removal, and track continuity processing in a sequential manner in order to achieve the goal of improving the multi-target tracking performance of the algorithm. Finally, this paper verifies through experimental simulation and measured data analysis that the proposed algorithm has improved the performance of radar multi-target tracking to a certain extent.