bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Content of Chemical Elements from the Soil of Waste Heaps Influenced by Forest Vegetation—A Case Study of Moldova Nouă Waste Heaps, South-West Romania
Authors: Cântar Ilie-Cosmin , Alexa Ersilia , Poșta Daniela Sabina , Crişan Vlad Emil , Cadar Nicolae , Berbecea Adina , Rózsa Sándor , Gocan Tincuța-Marta , Borsai Orsolya
Published: June 2024

The present article emphasizes the influence of forest vegetation on improving the content of toxic elements from soil, increasing the content of micro and macro elements as well as correlating these variations with characteristics of forest vegetation from the studied areas—Moldova Nouă waste heaps, South-West Romania. The research involved comparing and observing the differences in the content of micro, macro, and toxic elements (Fe, Pb, Zn, and Cd) between the soil of waste heaps from Moldova Nouă from areas with forest vegetation and the content of these elements analyzed 31 years ago during the projection of afforestation works, when forest vegetation was missing. The differences were correlated with stand characteristics of forest vegetation. We observed a significant increase for Fe and a significant decrease for Zn and Cd. The influence of forest vegetation of the variation on the soil’s chemical composition was studied for the chemical elements that previously showed significant differences (Fe, Zn, and Cd). The averages of the statistically significant differences for the concentration of each analyzed element (Fe, Zn, and Cd) were correlated with the characteristics of the stands from the studied sampling points. The variation in time for Fe, Zn, and Cd and actual content of P, Cu, Mg were correlated especially with the average height of trees.
Evaluation of the Changes in Dimensions of the Footprint of Agricultural Tires under Various Exploitation Conditions
Authors: Małecka Agata , Brennensthul Marek , Ptak Weronika , Czarnecki Jarosław , Lejman Krzysztof
Published: June 2024

This paper presents an innovative method to determine the impact of agricultural wheels on soil. The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions, and the parameters of the tire footprints on the soil were analyzed. The tested parameters were the width, length, and depth of the footprint, the cross-section area of the tire, and the area of the footprint. All parameters were determined using the 3D scanning method. Two types of tires, two levels of vertical load, and three levels of inflation pressure were used. The aim of the research was to demonstrate differences in changes in the footprint parameters as a result of changes in the operational parameters of the tires. It was found the bias-ply tire was less responsive to changes in the width and length of the footprint than the radial tire. Moreover, it was shown that radial and bias-ply tires achieved similar values for the footprint area but in the case of bias-ply tires, there was a much greater footprint depth. This means that the side parts of the footprint of bias-ply tires have a more vertical profile, so they carry the vertical loads to a lesser extent.
A Novel Nanogold Composite Fabrication, Its Characterization, and Its Application in the Removal of Methylene Blue Dye from an Aqueous Solution
Authors: Abood Einas A. , Essa Wafa K. , Alsuraifi Ali , Yasin Suhad A.
Published: June 2024

A unique aspect of this research lies in the combination of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanofibers with Auo@PPh2-PIILP to create a nanogold composite (NGC). This NGC has proven to be highly efficient in removing methylene blue (MB) from wastewater. The prepared nanogold composite NGC was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX), and Elements Distribution Mapping (EDM). Several factors were examined in batch adsorption experiments to determine their impact on dye adsorption. These factors included the initial pH range of four to eight, the dosage of NGC adsorbent ranging from 0.001 to 0.008 g, the initial concentration of MB dye ranging from 10 to 50 mg L−1, and the contact period ranging from 10 to 80 min. It has been observed that NGC is more efficient in removing MB from polluted water. The results of the pseudo-second-order model show good agreement between the calculated adsorption capacity (qe)cal. (4.3840 mg g−1) and the experimental adsorption capacity (qe)exp. (4.6838 mg g−1) values. Experimental findings suggest a monolayer capping of MB dye on the NGC surface with a maximum adsorption capacity Qm of 18.622 mg g−1 at 20 °C, indicating that it is well-fitted to the Langmuir isotherm.
Embedded Zero-Shot Image Classification Based on Bidirectional Feature Mapping
Authors: Sun Huadong , Zhen Zhibin , Liu Yinghui , Zhang Xu , Han Xiaowei , Zhang Pengyi
Published: June 2024

The zero-shot image classification technique aims to explore the semantic information shared between seen and unseen classes through visual features and auxiliary information and, based on this semantic information, to complete the knowledge migration from seen to unseen classes in order to complete the classification of unseen class images. Previous zero-shot work has either not extracted enough features to express the relationship between the sample classes or has only used a single feature mapping method, which cannot fully explore the information contained in the features and the connection between the visual–semantic features. To address the above problems, this paper proposes an embedded zero-shot image classification model based on bidirectional feature mapping (BFM). It mainly contains a feature space mapping module, which is dominated by a bidirectional feature mapping network and supplemented with a mapping network from visual to category label semantic feature space. Attention mechanisms based on attribute guidance and visual guidance are further introduced to weight the features to reduce the difference between visual and semantic features to alleviate the modal difference problem, and then the category calibration loss is utilized to assign a larger weight to the unseen class to alleviate the seen class bias problem. The BFM model proposed in this paper has been experimented on three public datasets CUB, SUN, and AWA2, and has achieved 71.9%, 62.8%, and 69.3% and 61.6%, 33.2%, and 66.6% accuracies under traditional and generalized zero-sample image classification settings, respectively. The experimental results verify the superiority of the BFM model in the field of zero-shot image classification.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Bogie Stability for Minimum Radius Curve of Battery Track Engineering Vehicle
Authors: Shen Yang , Zhao Jiayi , Wang Chongyu , Zhou Minggang
Published: June 2024

A battery track engineering vehicle faces challenges such as derailment and other safety concerns when navigating an R20m minimum radius curve, primarily owing to its low vertical and horizontal stabilities. To address these issues, a methodology integrating genetic optimization algorithms with a rigid and flexible coupled multi-body dynamics simulation is proposed to optimize the primary suspensions of the bogie of the vehicle. Initially, a multi-objective optimization model combining rigid and flexible coupled multi-body dynamics of battery track engineering vehicles with a genetic optimization algorithm was formulated. Subsequently, the optimal Latin hypercube design was applied to analyze the sensitivity of vertical and horizontal stability to various suspension parameters. Finally, a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and an archive-based micro genetic algorithm (AMGA) were applied to optimize the primary suspensions to enhance stability. Consequently, a set of optimal suspension parameter combinations was obtained. A notable enhancement was observed in the lateral stability of the optimized battery track engineering vehicles by 23.33% and in the vertical stability by 3.5% when traversing the R20m minimum radius curve, thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for further improving the running safety of railway vehicles and resolving the shortcomings of less research on the smallest radius curve.
Coupled Vibration of a Vehicle Group–Bridge System and Its Application in the Optimal Strategy for Bridge Health Monitoring
Authors: Yan Xiaoyu , Zhao Zhuo , He Haoxiang
Published: June 2024

The accuracy of bridge performance monitoring and evaluation is easily affected by unfavorable factors such as vehicle coupling and test noise. In order to accurately evaluate the dynamic response and health monitoring threshold of the bridge under different operating conditions, a time-varying dynamic vehicle group model including the main uniform mass and the coupling mass was established, and the influence of road roughness was considered in the coupling equation. A bridge monitoring strategy considering signal noise ratio and vehicle–bridge interaction was proposed, and the effectiveness of the monitoring strategy was verified by taking a simple supported beam as an example. The results showed that the proposed time-varying dynamic vehicle group model could accurately consider the influence of road roughness and estimate the threshold of health monitoring, and the proposed bridge monitoring strategy could filter out a large amount of low signal-to-noise ratio or meaningless data, thus saving computing resources and realizing the lightweight safety monitoring of bridges.
The Approach for Identifying Opportunities in Product Innovation Design through Requirement Conflict Analysis
Authors: Zheng Lanjiang , Jiang Caibin , Li Wenqiang , Wan Changfu , Ling Sitong
Published: June 2024

This study introduces a method to explore and broaden potential design avenues for a product by identifying opportunities for innovative design through requirement conflicts. The process involves clarifying user-expected demands using the Ideal Final Result approach and identifying potential conflicts by assessing product performance constraints and user expectations. Utilizing standardized representations of requirement conflicts, a knowledge retrieval technique based on expanding co-referential relationships is applied to analyze these conflicts. A judgment matrix is created to pinpoint clues for recognizing innovative design opportunities initially. Furthermore, the nine-windows method is utilized to expand and identify innovation opportunities along the time and system axis, leading to the identification of two types of innovation opportunities and their expanded outcomes. Ultimately, the method’s feasibility and practicality are validated by identifying innovative design opportunities within the context of the alpine tunnel construction system.
Research on Microbial Community Structure in Different Blocks of Alkaline–Surfactant–Polymer Flooding to Confirm Optimal Stage of Indigenous Microbial Flooding
Authors: Liu Yinsong , Zhang Xiumei , Wu Xiaolin , Hou Zhaowei , Wang Min , Yang Erlong
Published: June 2024

The microbial communities associated with alkaline–surfactant–polymer (ASP)-flooded reservoirs have rarely been investigated. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyse the indigenous microbial communities in two different blocks, the water flooding after the alkaline–surfactant–polymer flooding block and the alkaline–surfactant–polymer flooding block, and to ascertain the optimal stage for the implementation of indigenous microbial oil recovery technology. The different displacement blocks had significant effects on the indigenous microbial community at the genus level according to an alpha diversity analysis and community composition. In water flooding after alkaline–surfactant–polymer flooding, the dominant genus of Pseudomonas exceeded 30%, increasing to 52.1% in alkaline–surfactant–polymer flooding, but alpha diversity decreased. Through a co-occurrence network analysis, it was found that the complexity of the water flooding after alkaline–surfactant–polymer flooding was higher than that of alkaline–surfactant–polymer flooding. This means that the water flooding ecosystem after alkaline–surfactant–polymer flooding was more stable and less susceptible to external environmental influences. In addition, there were significant differences in the functional redundancy of microbial communities in different blocks. In summary, the optimal stage for implementing local microbial oil recovery technology may be water flooding after alkaline–surfactant–polymer flooding.
A New CRITIC-GRA Model for Stope Dimension Optimization Considering Open Stoping Stability, Mining Capacity and Costs
Authors: Li Chuanyu , Liu Guangsheng , Guo Lijie , Zheng Di , Yuan Xuehao
Published: June 2024

In the long-hole stage open stoping with subsequent backfill mining of underground metal mines, the selection or optimization of stope dimension parameters is significant for safe and economic mining operations. To analyze the optimal stope sizes, the Mathews empirical graph method and FLAC3D numerical method can be used, but the analyzed safety results of the two methods are generally independent from each other. More importantly, economic indicators including production capacity and mining costs should be considered simultaneously to optimize the stope dimension which was mostly ignored in previous reports. In this paper, a new CRITIC-GRA model was proposed for the first time to build up a multi-factor quantitative optimization for stope dimension, which allows for a comprehensive analysis with preset influential safety and economic indicators. The indicators considered include the safety indicators such as stability probability for the side walls and roof of the open stope via the updated Mathews graph method, maximum displacement, plastic zones volume and maximum principal stress via FLAC3D simulations, as well as economic indicators such as mining costs and stope production capacity in mine operations. The model was then illustrated in an underground iron mine. With the given rockmass quality in the mine, the overall stability of the open stope can be improved instead of reduced to enlarge the single stage stope height (60 m) to a double stage height (120 m) by reducing the stope width from 20 m to 15 m, thereby significantly increasing the mineable ore amount and improving the stope safety. An integrated evaluation of open stope stability, mining capacity and costs objectively determined that scheme No. 10, with a slope length of 50 m, a width of 15 m and a height of 120 m, was the optimum out of the 20 preset schemes. The new CRITIC-GRA model offers a dependable reference tool for determining the optimal stope dimensions in similar underground mines.
The Differences in Shape Stability for Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) Lumber with and without Spiral Grain
Authors: Vilkovský Peter , Uličný Hugo Miroslav , Klement Ivan , Vilkovská Tatiana
Published: June 2024

Spiral grains are one of the most important tree growth defects that can remarkably affect the shape stability of lumber. This growth defect is observed by an oblique arrangement of axially oriented cell elements in the wood. This research focused on identifying and measuring selected shape changes caused by the spiral grains in the log. Hornbeam logs with spiral grain and with no spiral grain aged 60 and 52 years were selected to detect shape changes. Following the research and the norms of STN EN 1309-3 (49 1013), DIN (4074-5), and ASTM D245, it can be stated that spiral grain is an essential factor affecting the shape stability of hornbeam lumber. In the case of lumber with spiral grain, the spiral grain increased by up to 8° within three months. The warp of both types (bow, crook) increased exponentially throughout the study, peaking between the third and fourth week with an increase in warp bow of 26 mm and 17 mm in warp crook.
Numerical Simulation of Tunnel Ventilation Considering the Air Leakage Mechanism of a Ventilation Duct
Authors: Chang Xiaoke , Chai Junrui , Ren Jianxi , Yang Rong
Published: June 2024

Ventilation problems are critical in tunnel engineering, and the loss of air volume in ventilation ducts is generally estimated using empirical methods. The air volume calculation makes it difficult to meet the accuracy requirements, resulting in resource waste or insufficient air supply. In this study, the forced ventilation system of the tunnel under construction was investigated based on the computational fluid dynamics method. The mechanism of air leakage on airflow distribution and pollutant transport in the tunnel is determined. Air leakage reduces the distribution peak of pollutants and effectively accelerates the emission of harmful gases. However, this effect decreases with distance from the air duct inlet. Through the calculation results of nearly one hundred models, it is found that the air leakage of the duct can be fitted by logarithmic function and verified by empirical equation. The matching degree between the fitting function of the model and the empirical equation depends on the length of the tunnel. On this basis, the calculation formula of effective air volume near the working face is derived. This study can be applied to the ventilation engineering of the tunnel under construction and provide a theoretical basis for the calculation of the effective air supply.
Design and Multi-Objective Optimization for Improving Torque Performance of a Permanent Magnet-Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Xing Feng , Kang Lipeng , Qin Caiyan
Published: June 2024

Permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motors (PMA-SynRMs) are widely used in various industries as a relatively inexpensive and high-performance energy conversion device. The model proposed in this article relies on a magnetic pole-biased permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor with a magnetic focusing effect. Two types of models with Halbach array and magnetic focusing effect have been proposed, which increase excitation and make the internal magnetic circuit of the rotor more saturated, thereby achieving higher electromagnetic torque. Through finite element simulation analysis and verification, the motor characteristics of the basic and proposed permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motor were calculated, including the air gap flux density and back electromotive force (EMF) in no-load analysis, as well as the average torque, torque ripple, and efficiency in load analysis. In addition, multi-objective optimization was also conducted on the rotor topology structure of proposed model two, using the uniform Latin hypercube sampling method to uniformly sample the data samples and the Pearson correlation coefficients to perform a sensitivity analysis on the data. The pilOPT multi-objective autonomous optimization algorithm was used to perform multi-objective autonomous optimization on parameters with high correlation, and the best-found solution based on the Pareto front was selected. Compared with proposed model two, the average torque of the optimized model increased by 18.14%, the efficiency increased by 1.05% and the torque ripple decreased by 5.22%. Finally, the anti-demagnetization performance of the optimized model’s permanent magnet was analyzed.
Associations between Indoor and Outdoor Size-Resolved Particulate Matter in Urban Beijing: Chemical Compositions, Sources, and Health Risks
Authors: Tian Shili , Wang Liming , Liu Qingyang , Luo Liang , Qian Chunyan , Wang Baocheng , Liu Yanju
Published: June 2024

Ventilation may lead to a deterioration in indoor air quality in urban environments located close to roads. Understanding the differences in the chemical compositions of size-resolved particulate matter (PM) in indoor air and outdoor air could aid in assessing the health impacts of air in these settings and establishing relevant regulation policies. In this study, indoor and outdoor size-resolved PM was collected from an office in Beijing in summer (between 5 and 25 July 2020) and winter (between 5 and 31 January 2021). Its chemical components, including sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, chlorine, organic matter (OM), elemental carbon (EC), crustal materials (CM), and heavy metals (HM), were analyzed. The mean levels of indoor and outdoor PM2.1 and PM9 were found to be much higher than those in the guidelines for PM2.5 and PM10 outlined by the National Ambient Air Quality Standard. Moreover, the levels of PM2.1 and PM2.1–9 mass were higher outdoors than they were indoors. The size distributions of mass concentrations were shown to be bimodal, peaking at 0.43–0.65 μm and 4.7–5.8 μm, respectively. The most abundant chemicals were OM, nitrate, and sulfate for PM2.1 and OM, CM, and nitrate for PM2.1–9. We found higher percentages of sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, EC, and HM in smaller-size fractions of PM. Additionally, positive matrix factorization showed that biomass burning, secondary inorganic aerosol, coal combustion, dust, traffic, and industrial pollution were the main sources of PM during the study period. The greatest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards were found at 0.43–0.65 μm in summer and 2.1–3.3 μm in winter. Our results indicate that size-resolved PM of ambient origin may infiltrate buildings near roads to varying degrees, resulting in negative health effects.
Enhancing Tomato Production by Using Non-Conventional Water Resources within Integrated Sprinkler Irrigation Systems in Arid Regions
Authors: Abdelraouf Ramadan Eid , Abdou Mamdouh A. A. , Bakr Ahmed , Hamza Ahmed E. , Rashad Younes M. , Abd-ElGawad Ahmed M. , Hafez Mohamed , Ragab R.
Published: June 2024

This research evaluated the importance of establishing an integrated sprinkler irrigation design connected to fish farm ponds in order to achieve environmental and financial benefits. To achieve the aim of the study, two field experiments were conducted at a private farm in the Nubaria area of Beheira Governorate during the 2022 and 2023 seasons to quantify all the benefits from using fish water effluent (FWE) in irrigation. The obtained results indicated that the effluent could represent a good source of irrigation and bio-fertilization. The yield of tomato was higher when using FWE for irrigation compared with using groundwater for irrigation (IW). This was due to the additional amounts of dissolved bio-nitrogen along with other nutrients present in the FWE. The proportion of dissolved nitrogen added by using FWE was 22.3 kg nitrogen per hectare in 2022 and 24.6 kg nitrogen per hectare in 2023, in addition to some other major elements such as phosphorus and potassium, which are also among the main nutrients needed by crops. It has also been noticed that the fertility of the sandy soil increased with the use of FWE for irrigation. One of the most important results was the possibility of reducing the addition of nitrogen mineral fertilizers by 25%, thus saving on N fertilizers when growing tomato. In addition to the vitality of the FWE and its macro- and microelements, algae, microorganisms, and other organic materials, the use of this type of water as an alternative source for irrigation, along with the reduction in the amount of added mineral fertilizers, will reduce the degree of groundwater contamination with mineral fertilizers and increase the income of farmers. It was also observed that the air temperature decreased during the growing season when compared with the temperature of uncultivated surrounding areas.
On the Generalized Stabilities of Functional Equations via Isometries
Authors: Sarfraz Muhammad , Zhou Jiang , Li Yongjin , Rassias John
Published: June 2024

The main goal of this research article is to investigate the stability of generalized norm-additive functional equations. This study demonstrates that these equations are Hyers-Ulam stable for surjective functions from an arbitrary group G to a real Banach space B using the large perturbation method. Furthermore, hyperstability results are investigated for a generalized Cauchy equation.
Some Results of Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Guo Shuai , Li Wei , Lv Guangying
Published: June 2024

In this paper, there are two aims: one is Schauder and Sobolev estimates for the one-dimensional heat equation; the other is the stabilization of differential equations by stochastic feedback control based on discrete-time state observations. The nonhomogeneous Poisson stochastic process is used to show how knowing Schauder and Sobolev estimates for the one-dimensional heat equation allows one to derive their multidimensional analogs. The properties of a jump process is used. The stabilization of differential equations by stochastic feedback control is based on discrete-time state observations. Firstly, the stability results of the auxiliary system is established. Secondly, by comparing it with the auxiliary system and using the continuity method, the stabilization of the original system is obtained. Both parts focus on the impact of probability theory.
Generalization of Fermatean Fuzzy Set and Implementation of Fermatean Fuzzy PROMETHEE II Method for Decision Making via PROMETHEE GAIA
Authors: Aruchsamy Revathy , Velusamy Inthumathi , Sanmugavel Krishnaprakash , Dhandapani Prasantha Bharathi , Ramasamy Kavikumar
Published: June 2024

The Fermatean fuzzy set, in contrast to other generalizations of fuzzy sets like PFS and IFS, has a wide range of acceptance for both MF and NMF. In light of this, the Fermatean fuzzy set performs as an efficient, flexible, and comprehensive representation in situations that lack certainty. Here, the weaker forms of Fermatean fuzzy sets are introduced, and their traits are analyzed. Decomposition and continuity of the Fermatean fuzzy α-open set are also accustomed. With the goal of safeguarding our green environment, hiring the best supplier is of the utmost significance in the construction industry. Using outranking techniques, Visual PROMETHEE Academic Edition 1.4 is a live multi-criteria decision aid software program. It runs virtual analysis through GAIA and applies selected criteria to contrast parameters. It also saves them for possible export and editing. In this article, the PROMETHEE II method is applied for Fermatean fuzzy numbers with FF(α,β)-level for selecting the optimal green supplier for a construction company. Because of its ability to handle vagueness, the FF PROMETHEE II method emerges as a valuable tool in Multi-criteria decision making. Furthermore, this study assesses the efficacy of the proposed technique by comparing its results with those obtained through other established methods.
Grape Pomace as a Renewable Natural Biosource of Value-Added Compounds with Potential Food Industrial Applications
Authors: Abreu Teresa , Sousa Patrícia , Gonçalves Jéssica , Hontman Nance , Teixeira Juan , Câmara José S. , Perestrelo Rosa
Published: June 2024

Growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious, sustainable, and helpful products has prompted scientists and industry experts worldwide to look for inventive approaches to mitigate the environmental impact, particularly concerning agricultural and industrial waste. Among the by-products of winemaking, grape pomace (skins, seeds, stems) has the potential to be economically valuable as it is rich in value-added compounds (e.g., phenolic compounds, fibers, flavonoids, anthocyanins, terpenoids) related to health (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective effects) and technological issues (e.g., extraction of value-added compounds). These value-added compounds can be extracted using emerging green extraction techniques and then used in the food industry as preservatives, colorants, and for the formulation of functional foods, as well as in the development of smart food packaging. This review provides an overview of the value-added compounds identified in grape pomace, the emerging green extraction, and integrated approaches to extract value-added compounds based on the literature published in the last five years. The potential applications of these value-added compounds have been extensively researched for the food industry.
The Molecular Mechanism of Cold-Stress Tolerance: Cold Responsive Genes and Their Mechanisms in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Shahzad Nida , Nabi Hafiz Ghulam , Qiao Lei , Li Wenqiang
Published: June 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production is highly susceptible to temperature fluctuations, which can significantly reduce plant growth and development at different developmental stages, resulting in a dramatic loss of grain yield. Over the past century, substantial efforts have been undertaken to investigate the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of cold stress tolerance in rice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent developments and trends in this field. We summarized the previous advancements and methodologies used for identifying cold-responsive genes and the molecular mechanisms of cold tolerance in rice. Integration of new technologies has significantly improved studies in this era, facilitating the identification of essential genes, QTLs, and molecular modules in rice. These findings have accelerated the molecular breeding of cold-resistant rice varieties. In addition, functional genomics, including the investigation of natural variations in alleles and artificially developed mutants, is emerging as an exciting new approach to investigating cold tolerance. Looking ahead, it is imperative for scientists to evaluate the collective impacts of these novel genes to develop rice cultivars resilient to global climate change.
3,5-DCQA as a Major Molecule in MeJA-Treated Dendropanax morbifera Adventitious Root to Promote Anti-Lung Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Xu Fengjiao , Valappil Anjali Kariyarath , Zheng Shaojian , Zheng Bingsong , Yang Deokchun , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: Phytochemicals are crucial antioxidants that play a significant role in preventing cancer. (2) Methods: We explored the use of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in the in vitro cultivation of D. morbifera adventitious roots (DMAR) and evaluated its impact on secondary metabolite production in DMAR, optimizing concentration and exposure time for cost-effectiveness. We also assessed its anti-inflammatory and anti-lung cancer activities and related gene expression levels. (3) Results: MeJA treatment significantly increased the production of the phenolic compound 3,5-Di-caffeoylquinic acid (3,5-DCQA). The maximum 3,5-DCQA production was achieved with a MeJA treatment at 40 µM for 36 h. MeJA-DMARE displayed exceptional anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, it downregulated the mRNA expression of key inflammation-related cytokines. Additionally, MeJA-DMARE exhibited anti-lung cancer activity by promoting ROS production in A549 lung cancer cells and inhibiting its migration. It also modulated apoptosis in lung cancer cells via the Bcl-2 and p38 MAPK pathways. (4) Conclusions: MeJA-treated DMARE with increased 3,5-DCQA production holds significant promise as a sustainable and novel material for pharmaceutical applications thanks to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-lung cancer properties.
Rapid Movement of Palmitoleic Acid from Phosphatidylcholine to Phosphatidylinositol in Activated Human Monocytes
Authors: Bermúdez Miguel A. , Garrido Alvaro , Pereira Laura , Garrido Teresa , Balboa María A. , Balsinde Jesús
Published: June 2024

This work describes a novel route for phospholipid fatty acid remodeling involving the monounsaturated fatty acid palmitoleic acid. When administered to human monocytes, palmitoleic acid rapidly incorporates into membrane phospholipids, notably into phosphatidylcholine (PC). In resting cells, palmitoleic acid remains within the phospholipid pools where it was initially incorporated, showing no further movement. However, stimulation of the human monocytes with either receptor-directed (opsonized zymosan) or soluble (calcium ionophore A23187) agonists results in the rapid transfer of palmitoleic acid moieties from PC to phosphatidylinositol (PI). This is due to the activation of a coenzyme A-dependent remodeling route involving two different phospholipase A2 enzymes that act on different substrates to generate free palmitoleic acid and lysoPI acceptors. The stimulated enrichment of specific PI molecular species with palmitoleic acid unveils a hitherto-unrecognized pathway for lipid turnover in human monocytes which may play a role in regulating lipid signaling during innate immune activation.
Can We Explain Thousands of Molecularly Identified Mouse Neuronal Types? From Knowing to Understanding
Authors: Puelles Luis , Nieuwenhuys Rudolf
Published: June 2024

At the end of 2023, the Whole Mouse Brain Atlas was announced, revealing that there are about 5300 molecularly defined neuronal types in the mouse brain. We ask whether brain models exist that contemplate how this is possible. The conventional columnar model, implicitly used by the authors of the Atlas, is incapable of doing so with only 20 brain columns (5 brain vesicles with 4 columns each). We argue that the definition of some 1250 distinct progenitor microzones, each producing at least 4–5 neuronal types over time, may be sufficient. Presently, this is nearly achieved by the prosomeric model amplified by the secondary dorsoventral and anteroposterior microzonation of progenitor areas, plus the clonal variation in cell types produced, on average, by each of them.
Aromatic Characterisation of Moscato Giallo by GC-MS/MS and Validation of Stable Isotopic Ratio Analysis of the Major Volatile Compounds
Authors: Paolini Mauro , Roncone Alberto , Cucinotta Lorenzo , Sciarrone Danilo , Mondello Luigi , Camin Federica , Moser Sergio , Larcher Roberto , Bontempo Luana
Published: June 2024

Among the Moscato grapes, Moscato Giallo is a winegrape variety characterised by a high content of free and glycosylated monoterpenoids, which gives wines very intense notes of ripe fruit and flowers. The aromatic bouquet of Moscato Giallo is strongly influenced by the high concentration of linalool, geraniol, linalool oxides, limonene, α-terpineol, citronellol, hotrienol, diendiols, trans/cis-8-hydroxy linalool, geranic acid and myrcene, that give citrus, rose, and peach notes. Except for quali-quantitative analysis, no investigations regarding the isotopic values of the target volatile compounds in grapes and wines are documented in the literature. Nevertheless, the analysis of the stable isotope ratio represents a modern and powerful tool used by the laboratories responsible for official consumer protection, for food quality and genuineness assessment. To this aim, the aromatic compounds extracted from grapes and wine were analysed both by GC-MS/MS, to define the aroma profiles, and by GC-C/Py-IRMS, for a preliminary isotope compound-specific investigation. Seventeen samples of Moscato Giallo grapes were collected during the harvest season in 2021 from two Italian regions renowned for the cultivation of this aromatic variety, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto, and the corresponding wines were produced at micro-winery scale. The GC-MS/MS analysis confirmed the presence of the typical terpenoids both in glycosylated and free forms, responsible for the characteristic aroma of the Moscato Giallo variety, while the compound-specific isotope ratio analysis allowed us to determine the carbon (δ13C) and hydrogen (δ2H) isotopic signatures of the major volatile compounds for the first time.
Functional Validation of the Cytochrome P450 Family PgCYP309 Gene in Panax ginseng
Authors: Jiang Yang , He Gaohui , Li Ruiqi , Wang Kangyu , Wang Yi , Zhao Mingzhu , Zhang Meiping
Published: June 2024

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) is an ancient and valuable Chinese herbal medicine, and ginsenoside, as the main active ingredient of ginseng, has received wide attention because of its various pharmacological active effects. Cytochrome P450 is the largest family of enzymes in plant metabolism and is involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoids, alkaloids, lipids, and other primary and secondary plant metabolites. It is significant to explore more PgCYP450 genes with unknown functions and reveal their roles in ginsenoside synthesis. In this study, based on the five PgCYP450 genes screened in the pre-laboratory, through the correlation analysis with the content of ginsenosides and the analysis of the interactions network of the key enzyme genes for ginsenoside synthesis, we screened out those highly correlated with ginsenosides, PgCYP309, as the target gene from among the five PgCYP450 genes. Methyl jasmonate-induced treatment of ginseng adventitious roots showed that the PgCYP309 gene responded to methyl jasmonate induction and was involved in the synthesis of ginsenosides. The PgCYP309 gene was cloned and the overexpression vector pBI121-PgCYP309 and the interference vector pART27-PgCYP309 were constructed. Transformation of ginseng adventitious roots by the Agrobacterium fermentum-mediated method and successful induction of transgenic ginseng hairy roots were achieved. The transformation rate of ginseng hairy roots with overexpression of the PgCYP309 gene was 22.7%, and the transformation rate of ginseng hairy roots with interference of the PgCYP309 gene was 40%. Analysis of ginseng saponin content and relative gene expression levels in positive ginseng hairy root asexual lines revealed a significant increase in PPD, PPT, and PPT-type monomeric saponins Re and Rg2. The relative expression levels of PgCYP309 and PgCYP716A53v2 genes were also significantly increased. PgCYP309 gene promotes the synthesis of ginsenosides, and it was preliminarily verified that PgCYP309 gene can promote the synthesis of dammarane-type ginsenosides.
Factors Affecting the Winter Distribution of Birds in Forests at the Eastern Edge of Europe
Authors: Askeyev Arthur , Askeyev Oleg , Askeyev Igor , Sparks Tim
Published: June 2024

We show for the first time the results of a study into the spatial distribution of birds in forests at the eastern edge of Europe (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia) and changes from early to late winter. A transect method was used to census randomly selected plots spread over a large geographical area in the winters 2018/9–2022/3. We used regression and ordination methods to assess the influence of key environmental factors on species richness, total density of birds, biological diversity, and the probabilities of occurrence of individual species. The most abundant bird species in early winter was the Willow Tit, and in the late winter was the Common Redpoll. Compared with the end of the 20th century, the number of wintering bird species has increased in the study area, likely due to climate warming. Species richness, total density, and the Shannon Index of diversity were higher in early winter than in late winter. Species richness and the Shannon Index were also higher at low elevations and in the west of the study region. Our research shows strong ecological-geographical differences in the preferences of individual bird species in the studied forests. However, almost without exception, birds had a higher probability of occurrence at lower elevation and toward the west.
Sensorimotor Simulation’s Influence on Stress: EEG and Autonomic Responses in Digital Interviews
Authors: Balconi Michela , Angioletti Laura , Rovelli Katia
Published: June 2024

This study explored the role of sensorimotor simulation in modulating the stress response in individuals exposed to stressful digital simulated interviews. Participants were assigned to two different versions of a Digital Social Stress Test: a simulated version with a dynamic–realistic examining committee (Dyn-DSST) and a version with a static examining committee (Stat-DSST). During interview preparation, behavioral indices reflecting stress regulation and resistance, response times, and electroencephalographic (EEG) and autonomic indices were collected. Higher regulation scores were found for the Stat-DSST group compared to the Dyn-DSST group, probably induced by the presence of limited external sensory input in time and space, perceived as less stressful. The EEG results revealed a distinct contribution of the low- and high-frequency bands for both groups. Dyn-DSST required greater cognitive regulation effort due to the presence of a continuous flow of information, which can enhance sensory and motor activation in the brain. The SCR increased in the Dyn-DSST group compared to the Stat-DSST group, reflecting greater emotional involvement in the Dyn-DSST group and reduced sensory stimulation in the static version. In conclusion, the results suggest that sensorimotor simulation impacts the stress response differently in dynamic interviews compared to static ones, with distinct profiles based on behavioral, EEG, and autonomic measures.
Effects of Age Stereotypes of Older Workers on Job Performance and Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer Intention and Mediating Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Ying , Shi Weiwei
Published: June 2024

The workforce is aging with the population aging. How to effectively manage and motivate older workers is significant for elderly human resources development and the sustainable development of enterprises in organizations. Age stereotypes of older workers refer to people’s beliefs and expectations about a specific group of 45–65-year-olds in the workplace. This paper examines the effect of age stereotypes of older workers on job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention. This study carried out two research designs, a questionnaire survey and an experimental study, to explore the effects of positive and negative age stereotypes of older workers on job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention within an organizational context and underlying mediating mechanisms. The results showed that positive stereotypes of older workers significantly positively affected job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention. In comparison, negative stereotypes of older workers significantly negatively affected job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention, and self-perception of aging substantially mediates the effects. This study broadens the research field on the impact of positive and negative age stereotypes on older workers in organizational contexts. This study guides organizations in reducing age discrimination, creating an inclusive workplace environment, and achieving the successful aging of older workers.
Optimizing Interpolation Methods and Point Distances for Accurate Earthquake Hazard Mapping
Authors: Alavi Sayyed Hadi , Bahrami Alireza , Mashayekhi Mohammadreza , Zolfaghari Mohammadreza
Published: June 2024

Earthquake hazard mapping assesses and visualizes seismic hazards in a region using data from specific points. Conducting a seismic hazard analysis for each point is essential, while continuous assessment for all points is impractical. The practical approach involves identifying hazards at specific points and utilizing interpolation for the rest. This method considers grid point spacing and chooses the right interpolation technique for estimating hazards at other points. This article examines different point distances and interpolation methods through a case study. To gauge accuracy, it tests 15 point distances and employs two interpolation methods, inverse distance weighted and ordinary kriging. Point distances are chosen as a percentage of longitude and latitude, ranging from 0.02 to 0.3. A baseline distance of 0.02 is set, and other distances and interpolation methods are compared with it. Five statistical indicators assess the methods. Ordinary kriging interpolation shows greater accuracy. With error rates and hazard map similarities in mind, a distance of 0.14 points seems optimal, balancing computational time and accuracy needs. Based on the research findings, this approach offers a cost-effective method for creating seismic hazard maps. It enables informed risk assessments for structures spanning various geographic areas, like linear infrastructures.
Optimizing the Support System of a Shallow Buried Tunnel under Unsymmetrical Pressure
Authors: Liu Yongsheng , Liu Kewei , Li Xiang , Yan Zhaoxi
Published: June 2024

In the construction process of tunnel inlet sections, the rock mass can sustain unsymmetrical pressure due to asymmetrical terrain on the two sides of the tunnel. The fact that the inlet sections are usually under shallow buried conditions with strongly weathered rock mass exacerbates the issue. This paper discusses optimization strategies of the initial support of a shallow buried tunnel based on the analytical results of asymmetrical loading characteristics. Numerical simulation is performed with particle flow code (PFC) using the Jianshanji tunnel project as an example. The simulation results show that the bench excavation has slightly less total deformation than the full-section excavation but the deformation range is wider, especially in the tunnel arch. Both lining support and slope reduction treatments can effectively improve rock deformation, with lining support demonstrating better performance in controlling deformation and adjusting stress distribution. Based on the simulation results, the bench excavation and lining support are used in the actual project, and the corresponding optimization control measures were adopted to address deformation issues, including crushed-stone backfilling for compression resistance, advanced grouting reinforcement, and grouting. The field data show that the tunnel stability is effectively improved by adopting the optimization schemes, which further validates the effectiveness of the proposed unsymmetrical control method.
Factors Influencing the Usage Frequency of Community Elderly Care Facilities and Their Functional Spaces: A Multilevel Based Study
Authors: Wen Fang , Zhang Yan , Du Pengcheng , Zhang Ziqi , Zhang Bo , Zhang Yuyang
Published: June 2024

The construction of community elderly care facilities (CECF) is pivotal for promoting healthy aging and “aging in place” for older people. This study focuses on the low utilization rates of community elderly care facilities in the Dongcheng and Xicheng Districts, core areas of Beijing. The explainable machine learning method is used to analyze data across three dimensions: the elderly’s individual attributes, characteristics of the community elderly care station (CECS), and features of the built environment around CECS and subdistrict, to identify the important factors that influence the usage frequency of overall CECS and its different functional spaces, and also the correlation between factors and usage frequency of CECS. It shows that the most important factors are the features of CSCF, including the degree of space acceptance and satisfaction with services provided, which influence the usage frequency of nine functional spaces (R2 ≥ 0.68) and overall (R2 = 0.56). In addition, older people’s individual factors, such as age and physical condition, significantly influence the usage of specific spaces such as rehabilitation therapy rooms and assistive bathing rooms. The influence of built environment characteristics is relatively low, with factors such as the density of bus stations and housing prices within the subdistrict and the mean distance from CECF to the nearest subway stations being more important. These findings provide a reference for the construction of indoor environments, management of service quality, and optimal site selection for future community elderly care facilities.