bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterisation, and Evolution of the Transcription Factor WRKY in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera): New View and Update
Authors: Vodiasova Ekaterina , Sinchenko Anastasiya , Khvatkov Pavel , Dolgov Sergey
Published: June 2024

WRKYs are a multigenic family of transcription factors that are plant-specific and involved in the regulation of plant development and various stress response processes. However, the evolution of WRKY genes is not fully understood. This family has also been incompletely studied in grapevine, and WRKY genes have been named with different numbers in different studies, leading to great confusion. In this work, 62 Vitis vinifera WRKY genes were identified based on six genomes of different cultivars. All WRKY genes were numbered according to their chromosomal location, and a complete revision of the numbering was performed. Amino acid variability between different cultivars was assessed for the first time and was greater than 5% for some WRKYs. According to the gene structure, all WRKYs could be divided into two groups: more exons/long length and fewer exons/short length. For the first time, some chimeric WRKY genes were found in grapevine, which may play a specific role in the regulation of different processes: VvWRKY17 (an N-terminal signal peptide region followed by a non-cytoplasmic domain) and VvWRKY61 (Frigida-like domain). Five phylogenetic clades A–E were revealed and correlated with the WRKY groups (I, II, III). The evolution of WRKY was studied, and we proposed a WRKY evolution model where there were two dynamic phases of complexity and simplification in the evolution of WRKY.
Diversity and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Root Rot Fungi from Canola (Brassica napus) in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Yu Haitian , Chang Kan-Fa , Fredua-Agyeman Rudolph , Hwang Sheau-Fang , Strelkov Stephen E.
Published: June 2024

Root rot disease poses a significant threat to canola (Brassica napus), underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of its causal agents for more effective disease mitigation. The composition and diversity of fungal pathogens associated with root rot of canola in Alberta, Canada, were evaluated from plant tissue samples collected in 2021 and 2022. The study revealed Fusarium spp. as the predominant pathogens found in almost all surveyed fields. Fusarium avenaceum, F. redolens, and F. solani were among the most frequently recovered species. Greenhouse trials confirmed their pathogenicity, with F. avenaceum and F. sporotrichioides found to be particularly aggressive. Additionally, F. sporotrichioides and F. commune were identified for the first time as canola root rot pathogens. Inoculation with isolates of most species resulted in significant reductions in seedling emergence, plant height, and shoot and root dry weights. Analysis of translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF-1α) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences confirmed the identity of the Fusarium spp., while concatenating the ITS and TEF-1α sequences enabled improved species differentiation. Geographic and year effects did not influence fungal diversity or aggressiveness, as determined by principal component analysis. This study emphasized the high diversity and impact of Fusarium spp. in causing canola root rot.
Evaluating Large Language Models for Structured Science Summarization in the Open Research Knowledge Graph
Authors: Nechakhin Vladyslav , D’Souza Jennifer , Eger Steffen
Published: June 2024

Structured science summaries or research contributions using properties or dimensions beyond traditional keywords enhance science findability. Current methods, such as those used by the Open Research Knowledge Graph (ORKG), involve manually curating properties to describe research papers’ contributions in a structured manner, but this is labor-intensive and inconsistent among human domain-expert curators. We propose using Large Language Models (LLMs) to automatically suggest these properties. However, it is essential to assess the readiness of LLMs like GPT-3.5, Llama 2, and Mistral for this task before their application. Our study performs a comprehensive comparative analysis between the ORKG’s manually curated properties and those generated by the aforementioned state-of-the-art LLMs. We evaluate LLM performance from four unique perspectives: semantic alignment with and deviation from ORKG properties, fine-grained property mapping accuracy, SciNCL embedding-based cosine similarity, and expert surveys comparing manual annotations with LLM outputs. These evaluations occur within a multidisciplinary science setting. Overall, LLMs show potential as recommendation systems for structuring science, but further fine-tuning is recommended to improve their alignment with scientific tasks and mimicry of human expertise.
Chilean Darwin Wasps (Ichneumonidae): Biogeographic Relationships and Distribution Patterns
Authors: Pádua Diego G. , Moreira-Muñoz Andrés , Morales-Fierro Vanezza , Araujo Rodrigo O.
Published: June 2024

Ichneumonidae, or Chilean Darwin wasps, are an important component of South American hymenopteran diversity, but the taxonomic and distributional knowledge on this insect is still deficient. Taking advantage of recently updated taxonomic knowledge, we assessed biogeographic relationships at the genus level and biodiversity spatial patterns along the latitudinal gradient. The results show the presence of 264 species in Chile, arranged in 102 genera and 22 subfamilies. Biogeographic relationships are based on six elements (cosmopolitan (n = 50; 36%), endemic (n = 29; 21%), Neotropical (n = 22; 16%), Holarctic–Oriental (n = 19; 14%), south-temperate (n = 16; 11%) and Australasian) and composed of just three genera: Anacis, Labena, and Meringops. Species and genera show a bimodal distribution along the latitudinal gradient: around 34° and 38° S. From an ecoregional perspective, richness is concentrated in the Valdivian temperate forests, but when assessed at a 0.5 × 0.5 cell scale, several outstanding cells are in the contact zone between the temperate forests and the Chilean Matorral. On the other hand, the Atacama Desert shows little or no presence of Darwin wasps. The results agree with Charles Porter, who identified a northern province composed of Neotropical and cosmopolitan genera with their own representatives in the far north (11 genera), a distributional gap in the core of the Atacama Desert, and around 128 genera in Porter’s Neantarctic realm, covering all of Chile from 25° S to Cape Horn, including the Juan Fernandez islands. These results reinforce knowledge gaps and the need for more sampling and studies of available collections. Due to sampling gaps at this stage, identifying a continued increase or decrease in richness towards higher latitudes is not possible. More taxonomic and distributional information is also needed to assess potential threats to endemic genera and species.
Gonadal Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Novel Sex-Related Genes in Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Wang Qin , Lei Yuxuan , Lin Hongjie , Chen Xiaoxin , Mo Wanyu , Guan Boyang , Deng Huimin
Published: June 2024

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most devastating agricultural pests worldwide due to its high reproductive and invasive abilities. The elucidation of its gonadal developmental characteristics and the identification of sex-related genes will provide a useful genetic basis for reproductive-based pest control. Here, the gonadal transcriptome of B. dorsalis was sequenced, and novel gonad-specific expressed genes were analyzed. A total of 1338, 336, 35, and 479 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in the testis (TE), ovary (OV), female accessory gland (FAG), and male accessory gland (MAG), respectively. Furthermore, 463 highly expressed gonad-specific genes were identified, with the TE having the highest number of specific highly expressed genes, at 402, followed by 51 in the OV, 9 in the MAG, and only 1 in the FAG. Strikingly, approximately half of highly expressed gonad-specific genes were uncharacterized. Then, it was found that 35, 17, 3, 2, and 1 of 202 uncharacterized highly expressed TE-specific genes encoded proteins that contained transmembrane domains, signal peptides, high-mobility group boxes, the zinc finger domain, and the BTB/POZ domain, respectively. Interestingly, approximately 40% of uncharacterized highly expressed gonad-specific genes encoding proteins were not predicted to possess functional motifs or domains. Finally, the spatiotemporal expression and sequence characterization of six novel highly expressed gonad-specific genes were analyzed. Altogether, our findings provide a valuable dataset for future functional analyses of sex-related genes and potential target sites for pest control.
Death-Associated Protein-1 Plays a Role in the Reproductive Development of Nilaparvata lugens and the Transovarial Transmission of Its Yeast-Like Symbiont
Authors: Yu Jian-Bin , Lv Xin , Liu Qian , Tu Jia-Yu , Yu Xiao-Ping , Xu Yi-Peng
Published: June 2024

Death-associated protein-1 (DAP-1) plays a crucial role in cell growth, migration, autophagy, and apoptosis in mammals. However, its function in insects remains unclear. In the present study, we cloned and identified Nilaparvata lugens DAP-1 (NlDAP-1). NlDAP-1 was expressed during all developmental stages and in all tissues of N. lugens, being particularly higher in the ovaries of female adults. RNAi with double-stranded NlDAP-1 RNA significantly inhibited the expression of NlDAP-1, leading to premature death (dying seven days earlier), delayed ovarian development, and fewer offspring (76.7% reduction in eggs with 77.4% reduction in egg hatching rate). Additionally, an immunofluorescence experiment showed that NlDAP-1 was highly expressed when yeast-like symbionts (YLSs) entered N. lugens oocytes, and inhibiting the expression of NlDAP-1 disturbed the process; the RNAi of NlDAP-1 caused a 34.9% reduction in the YLSs that entered oocytes. These results indicate that NlDAP-1 plays a crucial role in the reproductive development of N. lugens and the transovarial transmission of its YLSs.
Histopathologic Study of the Effects of Surgically Applied Cryoanalgesia on Intercostal Nerves in a Live Porcine Model
Authors: Guitron Julian
Published: June 2024

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish a histologic baseline for cryoanalgesia of 2 min duration and evaluate the effects of different freeze durations. Methods: A porcine model was used in which the application of bilateral cryoanalgesia from intercostal spaces T3–T7 was completed via partial median sternotomy. The animals were kept alive for 7 days and the ribcages were sent to a specialized center for histopathologic analysis of the freezing injury. Results: Forty freezing lesions were completed and analyzed histologically. Thirty-eight (95%) of the cryo-lesions presented 100% nerve fiber degeneration at or distal to the ablation site, with preservation of the perineural connective tissue, as intended. The two unaffected nerves were found to be physically located outside of the freezing area. Conclusions: The complete axonal degeneration with preservation of the perineural tissue opens the possibility to shorter freezing times than the recommended 2 min. Visualization of the nerve and positioning of the probe is important in ensuring the proper effect on the nerve. This histologic analysis confirms the process triggered by cryoanalgesia that, until now, had only been assumed.
Quality of Life for Adults with Prader–Willi Syndrome in Residential Group Homes
Authors: Mastey Ben-Yehuda Hadassa , Gross-Tsur Varda , Hirsch Harry J. , Genstil Larry , Derei Dvorit , Forer Dorit , Benarroch Fortu
Published: June 2024

Background: Strict regimens of restricted caloric intake and daily physical exercise are life-saving in Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) but are extremely challenging in home environments. PWS-specialized hostels (SH) succeed in preventing morbid obesity and in coping with behavioral disorders; however, effects of restricted living environments on quality of life (QOL) have not been described. Evidence on QOL is critical for clinicians involved in placement decisions. Methods: We examined the impact of living in SH versus at home or in non-specialized hostels (H and NSH) on QOL, behavior, and health parameters. All 58 adults (26 males) followed-up in the National Multidisciplinary Clinic for PWS were included: 33 resided in SH, 18 lived at home, and 7 lived in NSH. Questionnaires were administered to primary caregivers to measure QOL, and data were obtained from the medical records. Results: The H and NSH group were compared with those for adults in SH. Despite strict diet and exercise regimens, QOL was similar for both groups. Eight-year follow-up showed that food-seeking behavior decreased in SH but increased in H and NSH. BMI, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were lower in SH. Conclusion: Our results suggest that living in SH is associated with benefits for physical health and behavior without negatively affecting QOL.
Cardiac Evaluation before and after Oral Propranolol Treatment for Infantile Hemangiomas
Authors: Kwak Ji Hee , Yang Aram , Jung Hye Lim , Kim Hyun Ju , Kim Deok Soo , Shim Jung Yeon , Shim Jae Won
Published: June 2024

Background: Most recent clinical practice guidelines addressing the management of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) recommend oral propranolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist, as first-line treatment. However, few reports have provided continuous follow-up data regarding cardiac evaluations. Methods: Sixty-four patients diagnosed with IHs and treated with oral propranolol before 2 years of age at the Department of Pediatrics, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital (Seoul, Republic of Korea), with regular examinations between 2017 and 2021, were included. Cardiac evaluations, including electrocardiography, Holter monitoring, chest X-ray, and echocardiography, were performed. Results: Sixty-four patients with IHs successfully underwent continuous follow-up cardiac evaluations. The median age at diagnosis was 2 weeks (1 day to 34.3 weeks). The median age at treatment initiation was 13.6 weeks (2.4–87.9 weeks), the mean longitudinal diameter of hemangioma at diagnosis was 2.8 ± 2.1 cm (0.3–12.0 cm), and the mean percentage of size decrease after 1 year of oral propranolol treatment was 71.8%. None of the 64 patients experienced severe adverse side effects during propranolol treatment. There was no statistically significant differences in echocardiographic function and electrocardiographic data after treatment. Conclusions: Propranolol treatment ≥6 months was effective and safe without significant cardiac toxicity in the treatment of patients with infantile hemangiomas.
Settlement Is at the End—Common Trauma Scores Require a Critical Reassessment Due to the Possible Dynamics of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Patients’ Clinical Course
Authors: Hörauf Jason-Alexander , Woschek Mathias , Schindler Cora Rebecca , Verboket Rene Danilo , Lustenberger Thomas , Marzi Ingo , Störmann Philipp
Published: June 2024

Background: Scientific studies on severely injured patients commonly utilize the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and the Injury Severity Score (ISS) for injury assessment and to characterize trauma cohorts. However, due to potential deterioration (e.g., in the case of an increasing hemorrhage) during the clinical course, the assessment of injury severity in traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be challenging. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether and to what extent the worsening of TBI affects the AIS and ISS. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 80 polytrauma patients admitted to the trauma room of our level I trauma center with computed-tomography-confirmed TBI. The initial AIS, ISS, and Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) values were reevaluated after follow-up imaging. Results: A total of 37.5% of the patients showed a significant increase in AIShead (3.7 vs. 4.1; p = 0.002) and the ISS (22.9 vs. 26.7, p = 0.0497). These changes resulted in an eight percent reduction in their TRISS-predicted survival probability (74.82% vs. 66.25%, p = 0.1835). Conclusions: The dynamic nature of intracranial hemorrhage complicates accurate injury severity assessment using the AIS and ISS, necessitating consideration in clinical studies and registries to prevent systematic bias in patient selection and subsequent data analysis.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Symptoms of Depression in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Mariani Ilaria , Antocicco Manuela , Pepe Gilda , Petrosino Anna , Di Stasio Enrico
Published: June 2024

Objective: The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is common among hemodialysis patients who receive treatment for depression. However, studies on the efficacy of SSRIs in patients on chronic hemodialysis are few and have led to conflicting results. The present systematic review aims to evaluate, in randomized, controlled studies (RCSs), the efficacy of SSRI administration in reducing symptoms of depression in patients on chronic hemodialysis when compared with placebo or psychological interventions. Method: Research was run on December 2023 in the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE (1985 to present); Ovid EMBASE (1985 to present); Cochrane Library (Wiley); and PubMed (1985 to present). The primary outcome was the frequency and severity of the symptoms of depression assessed through the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) or the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). The secondary outcome was the prevalence of adverse events. Results: Seven studies totaling 433 patients were included. The number of patients in each individual study ranged from 13 to 120. The length of studies ranged from 8 weeks to 6 months. Heterogeneous data precluded informative meta-analysis. Three studies compared sertraline with a placebo. Of these, two demonstrated that sertraline was better than the placebo in reducing the symptoms of depression while one showed no statistically significant differences between sertraline and the placebo. One study, comparing fluoxetine with a placebo showed that the symptoms of depression did not differ significantly at 8 weeks. In another study, escitalopram administration led to a significantly greater reduction in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score compared to a placebo, as well as in the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale score. In one study, citalopram and psychological interventions were both effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety and, in another study, sertraline was modestly more effective than CBT at 12 weeks in reducing the symptoms of depression. Conclusions: SSRIs may be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression in patients on chronic hemodialysis. SSRI administration, at the dosage used in the studies included in the present systematic review, seems safe in most hemodialysis patients. However, the paucity of studies and the limited number of patients included in the trials may suggest that further randomized, controlled studies are needed to determine if SSRIs may be used routinely in daily clinical practice in such a population.
Risk Factors Contributing to Symptomatic Miniplate Removal following Orthognathic Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jaber Mohamed , Abouseif Nadin , Hassan Mawada , El-Ameen Alaa Mohamed
Published: June 2024

Background/Objectives: The use of miniplates for stabilizing bones post orthognathic surgery has surged in popularity due to their efficacy in ensuring stability and hastening recovery. However, controversy exists regarding what should be done with these miniplates after surgery. Some surgeons advocate for their removal, while others suggest leaving them in place. This study sought to assess the frequency, causes, and potential risk factors linked with miniplate removal in orthognathic procedures. Methods: A thorough meta-analysis was conducted by scrutinizing studies from various databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus, focusing on publications spanning from 1989 to 2023. Results: Ten studies meeting the inclusion criteria, encompassing 1603 patients, were chosen for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The male-to-female ratio varied from 0.7:1 to 4:1. Overall, 5595 miniplates were inserted, with 294 (5.3%) being subsequently removed. Primary reasons for miniplate removal included infection (161 cases, 2.9%), exposure of miniplates (34 cases, 0.6%), and palpable plates (23 cases, 0.4%). Other indications comprised pain, patient preference, and temperature sensitivity. Less frequent causes for miniplate removal included sinusitis, secondary surgery, and dental pathology. The mean duration of miniplate removal was 5.5 months, with the majority (56.1%) being removed from the mandible rather than the maxilla. In conclusion, this meta-analysis underscores the importance of miniplate removal when hardware causes complications and physical discomfort. The primary reasons for removing miniplates were infection and plate exposure, with the mandible being the most common removal site. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring to assess the fate of miniplates in orthognathic surgery and provide valuable information for future clinical decision-making.
Myofunctional Speech Therapy for Facial Rejuvenation and Orofacial Function Improvement: A Systematic Review
Authors: Levrini Luca , Baldelli Giulia , Castellani Chiara , Ricci Luigia , Dellavia Claudia Paola Bruna , Giannotta Nicola , Pellegrini Gaia , Saran Stefano
Published: June 2024

This review aims to reveal the effectiveness of myofunctional speech therapy on facial rejuvenation and/or improvement of orofacial function. A systematic review of four medical electronic databases (Medline, Google Scholar, SciELO, and LILACS) was conducted between January and March 2023. The research question was defined using the PICO model: Population (P): adult subjects with signs of physiological aging of facial skin. Intervention (I): aesthetic speech therapy (facial exercises and/or myofunctional therapy). Control (C): absence of treatment. Outcome (O): facial rejuvenation. Through the search process, a total of 472 potentially relevant articles were identified. A total of 21 studies were included in the review. Most of the studies required the participants to perform exercises learned during the weekly session on a daily basis. The subjects underwent an integrated treatment with facial exercises and worked on the stomatognathic functions for different durations. Many differences were found in the evaluation tools used to investigate the starting situation and the effects obtained following the treatment. At the diagnostic level, there was no concordance in the choice of the most appropriate scales and assessment tools, but great heterogeneity was observed. Indeed, forty-eight percent of the studies collected objective data through the use of various instruments (oral devices, electromyographs, cutometers, muscle ultrasound scans, and laser scans of the face). The observed improvements included not only a reduction in wrinkles and frown lines but also decreased muscle tension and slackness, enhanced facial symmetry and lip competence, improved skin elasticity, and restored stomatognathic function. These changes led to myofunctional restoration and facial rejuvenation, resulting in increased satisfaction with self-image and proprioception.
How Does Active Learning Pedagogy Shape Learner Curiosity? A Multi-Site Mediator Study of Learner Engagement among 45,972 Children
Authors: Liu Ji , Tahri Dahman , Qiang Faying
Published: June 2024

Curiosity is one of the most fundamental biological drives that stimulates individuals’ intense desire to explore, learn, and create. Yet, mechanisms of how curiosity is influenced by instructional pedagogy remain unclear. To shed light on this gap, the present study sets out to investigate the underlying channels linking active learning pedagogy, learner engagement, and learner curiosity, employing a partial least-squares structural equation model leveraging the Social and Emotional Skills Survey dataset across ten sites (N = 45,972). Findings indicate that active learning pedagogy is positively associated with learner engagement (std. β = 0.016, p = 0.005), but there lacks a significant direct effect on learner curiosity (std. β = −0.001, p = 0.738). Structural mediation results show that learner engagement is a key mediating channel linking active learning pedagogy and learner curiosity (std. β = 0.013, p = 0.005).
Non-Equilibrium Scour Evolution around an Emerged Structure Exposed to a Transient Wave
Authors: Velioglu Sogut Deniz , Sogut Erdinc , Farhadzadeh Ali , Hsu Tian-Jian
Published: June 2024

The present study evaluates the performance of two numerical approaches in estimating non-equilibrium scour patterns around a non-slender square structure subjected to a transient wave, by comparing numerical findings with experimental data. This study also investigates the impact of the structure’s positioning on bed evolution, analyzing configurations where the structure is either attached to the sidewall or positioned at the centerline of the wave flume. The first numerical method treats sediment particles as a distinct continuum phase, directly solving the continuity and momentum equations for both sediment and fluid phases. The second method estimates sediment transport using the quadratic law of bottom shear stress, yielding robust predictions of bed evolution through meticulous calibration and validation. The findings reveal that both methods underestimate vortex-induced near-bed vertical velocities. Deposits formed along vortex trajectories are overestimated by the first method, while the second method satisfactorily predicts the bed evolution beneath these paths. Scour holes caused by wave impingement tend to backfill as the flow intensity diminishes. The second method cannot sufficiently capture this backfilling, whereas the first method adequately reflects the phenomenon. Overall, this study highlights significant variations in the predictive capabilities of both methods in regard to the evolution of non-equilibrium scour at low Keulegan–Carpenter numbers.
Chaotic Phase Modulation Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum-Assisted Adaptive Serial Cancellation List Decoding Method for Underwater Acoustic Communication
Authors: Sun Yuan , Hong Danyang , Liu Dong , Lei Jinyu
Published: June 2024

Addressing the challenges of high decoding latency, reduced spectral efficiency, and substantial storage requirements in a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)Aided Successive Cancellation List (CA-SCL) polar decoder, this paper proposes a chaotic phase modulation direct-sequence spread spectrum (CPMDSSS)-assisted adaptive serial cancellation list decoding method for underwater acoustic communication. The method involves segmenting the information bits to be transmitted, computing CRC for each segment, and mapping all CRCs to a CPMDSSS, which is then modulated onto the pilot subcarriers of underwater acoustic orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) to increase spectral efficiency. At the receiving end, CRCs are obtained by demodulating the CPMDSSS to verify the segmented information and adaptively select the number of decoding paths. The theoretical analysis and simulation results demonstrate that compared to CA-SCL, the proposed method effectively reduces the required storage units and improves spectral efficiency, with an average reduction of approximately 80% in the decoding paths. Sea trials further indicate that the proposed method reduces the average decoding paths by approximately 71% and decreases the average decoding delay by approximately 64% compared to CA-SCL.
Research on Two-Phase Flow and Wear of Inlet Pipe Induced by Fluid Prewhirl in a Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Chen Jilong , Chen Xing , Li Wenjin , Zheng Yuhai , Li Yi
Published: June 2024

In deep-sea mining hydraulic lifting systems, centrifugal pumps are very important as power units. In the process of transportation, the fluid prewhirl phenomenon in the impeller inlet will lead to changes in the state of motion of the particles and fluid and cause the wear of the inlet pipe, which can lead to centrifugal pump failure in serious cases. In this paper, a numerical simulation of the centrifugal pump is carried out based on the CFD-DEM coupling method to analyze the influence of the prewhirl on the wear of the inlet pipe. The results show that the velocity streamline near the impeller inlet position changes significantly. The flow field velocity increases along the radial direction of the inlet pipe, and it has a maximum value at r/R = 0.98. The prewhirl flow pulls the particles to change their original motion direction, and the area where the particles are subjected to high fluid force is concentrated between 0.5 d/D and 1 d/D, about 0.015 to 0.018 N, resulting in the uneven distribution of particles. The high-wear area appears in the bottom-left area (specifically, L4, L9, and L13), and this is also the location of the largest cumulative force; the high-wear area shows a triangle. The collision energy loss of particles increases due to the influence of the prewhirl, which leads to an increase in wear.
Liner Schedule Design under Port Congestion: A Container Handling Efficiency Selection Mechanism
Authors: Qu Haibin , Wang Xudong , Meng Lingpeng , Han Chuanfeng
Published: June 2024

Port congestion significantly impacts the reliability of container ship schedules. However, the existing research often treats vessel time in port as a random variable, failing to systematically consider the complex impact of port congestion on ship schedules. This study addresses the issue of container ship schedule design under port congestion. Vessel waiting times in ports are predicted and quantified by queueing theory, along with information on vessel schedules, cargo handling volumes, and available port operating time windows. We propose a mechanism for selecting container handling efficiencies for arriving vessels, thereby determining their in-port handling times. By jointly considering the uncertainty of vessel waiting and handling times in port, we establish a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model aimed at minimizing the total cost of liner transportation services. We linearize the model and solve it using CPLEX, ultimately devising a robust ship schedule. A simulation analysis is conducted on a real liner shipping route from Asia to the Mediterranean, revealing that extreme weather events, geopolitical conflicts, and other factors can lead to severe congestion at certain ports, necessitating timely adjustments to vessel schedules by shipping companies. Moreover, such events can impact the marine fuel market, prompting shipping companies to adopt strategies such as increasing vessel numbers and reducing vessel speeds in response to high fuel prices. Additionally, the container handling efficiency selection mechanism based on information sharing enables shipping companies to flexibly design liner schedules, balancing the economic costs and service reliability of container liner transportation.
A Multiomics Perspective on Plant Cell Wall-Degrading Enzyme Production: Insights from the Unexploited Fungus Trichoderma erinaceum
Authors: de Assis Michelle A. , da Silva Jovanderson J. B. , de Carvalho Lucas M. , Parreiras Lucas S. , Cairo João Paulo L. F. , Marone Marina P. , Gonçalves Thiago A. , Silva Desireé S. , Dantzger Miriam , de Figueiredo Fernanda L. , Carazzolle Marcelo F. , Pereira Gonçalo A. G. , Damasio André
Published: June 2024

Trichoderma erinaceum is a filamentous fungus that was isolated from decaying sugarcane straw at a Brazilian ethanol biorefinery. This fungus shows potential as a source of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (PCWDEs). In this study, we conducted a comprehensive multiomics investigation of T. erinaceum to gain insights into its enzymatic capabilities and genetic makeup. Firstly, we performed genome sequencing and assembly, which resulted in the identification of 10,942 genes in the T. erinaceum genome. We then conducted transcriptomics and secretome analyses to map the gene expression patterns and identify the enzymes produced by T. erinaceum in the presence of different substrates such as glucose, microcrystalline cellulose, pretreated sugarcane straw, and pretreated energy cane bagasse. Our analyses revealed that T. erinaceum highly expresses genes directly related to lignocellulose degradation when grown on pretreated energy cane and sugarcane substrates. Furthermore, our secretome analysis identified 35 carbohydrate-active enzymes, primarily PCWDEs. To further explore the enzymatic capabilities of T. erinaceum, we selected a β-glucosidase from the secretome data for recombinant production in a fungal strain. The recombinant enzyme demonstrated superior performance in degrading cellobiose and laminaribiose compared to a well-known enzyme derived from Trichoderma reesei. Overall, this comprehensive study provides valuable insights into both the genetic patterns of T. erinaceum and its potential for lignocellulose degradation and enzyme production. The obtained genomic data can serve as an important resource for future genetic engineering efforts aimed at optimizing enzyme production from this fungus.
Can the Presence of Big 4 Auditors in IPO Prospectus Reduce Failure Risk?
Authors: Alidarous Manal
Published: June 2024

This paper addresses a void in the research on auditing and initial public offering (IPO) failure by investigating the impact of the Big 4 auditing firms on the likelihood of an IPO failure. This research is the first comprehensive analysis of more than 33,000 global IPOs that either failed or were successful between 1995 and 2019 across a wide range of nations with vastly different regulatory, cultural, and economic settings. A cross-sectional probit regression model is utilized to investigate the influence of hiring the Big 4 auditing firms on IPO failure, building upon prior studies on IPO failure. We found strong evidence that IPO failure rates were diminished by up to 67% when one of the Big 4 auditing firms was involved in auditing the IPO prospectus. For IPO founders, hiring Big 4 auditors before an IPO is a quality signaling strategy that minimizes the risk of a failed IPO by reducing information asymmetry among IPO participants. Our findings provide useful policy implications. Hiring one of the Big 4 auditing firms before an IPO is a reassuring signaling strategy for founders, since it decreases information asymmetry among IPO investors and so lowers the risk of the IPO failing. Primary market investors now have access to credible evidence indicating that backing IPOs from companies that use the Big 4 auditing firms increases the likelihood of such IPOs being listed on stock exchanges and yields positive returns. This is the first time, as far as the academicians are aware, that conclusive evidence has been found of a strong inverse association between the presence of Big 4 audits and failure risk for IPO firms. Our research could be helpful to primary market regulators since it shows how crucial it is to encourage Big 4 audits in IPO companies. The quality work of the Big 4 auditors does lower the risk of failure in the IPO market, which might help owners of small private equities to list their firms on the IPO market, boosting economic growth.
The Contribution of Genetic and Genomic Tools in Diversity Conservation: The Case of Endemic Plants of Greece
Authors: Liveri Eleni , Passa Kondylia , Papasotiropoulos Vasileios
Published: June 2024

The conservation of endemic plant species has come into the global spotlight, not only because of their contribution to biodiversity but also their vulnerability and high extinction risk due to environmental and anthropogenic threats. Based on these developments, it is now essential to monitor and protect these species by applying integrated conservation strategies, especially in view of climate change, which is one of the most severe threats to plants. Genetic and genomic tools provide new potential in assessing and quantifying genetic diversity and thus can be utilized to devise conservation strategies and contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts. Greece comprises a plant biodiversity hotspot in the Mediterranean Basin with a wide variety of rare, threatened, and endemic plant taxa. In this review, we examine several cases where a broad spectrum of genetic tools has been utilized so far in the diversity assessment and conservation management of Greek Endemic Plants (GEPs). Following an extensive database search, we have identified and included in our final data collection 19 studies concerning 32 GEPs for which molecular markers have been used for the determination of population genetic structure and diversity assessment, while at the same time, the research outcomes have been taken into consideration for conservation management. The limited application of genetic and genomic tools in GEP management is demonstrated, while the significance of implementing a comprehensive conservation strategy that will integrate genetic analyses and the data derived therein is also highlighted.
Wastewater Management Strategy for Resilient Cities—Case Study: Challenges and Opportunities for Planning a Sustainable Timor-Leste
Authors: da Costa Zulmira Ximenes , Boogaard Floris Cornelis , Ferreira Valente , Tamura Satoshi
Published: June 2024

High population growth, a lack of wastewater treatment plants and poor wastewater management are major challenges in wastewater management in Timor-Leste (East Timor). One of the approaches of the government of Timor-Leste is to separate wastewater into greywater and blackwater from domestic, commercial, residential, and industrial areas. Three methods were applied to obtain insight into the locations and discharge of grey- and blackwater to develop a cost-effective wastewater strategy: a field survey and data collection, interviews with over 130 participants from local authorities and communities, and the open-source mapping of locations of wastewater discharge. This research concluded that 47.7% of the grey wastewater is discharged into open sewers connected directly to the sea. Most communities discharge their wastewater directly due to the absence of wastewater management, policies and regulations, and lack of communities’ understanding of the possible health impacts of wastewater. The impact of poor wastewater management showed that most of the children in these communities have suffered from diarrhea (73.8%), and in the rainy season, there is a high possibility of infection with waterborne diseases. The literature review, field mapping, and interviews show that there is high demand for a cost-effective wastewater strategy for health improvement. Low-cost nature-based solutions such as constructed wetlands and bioswales can be implemented with local skills and materials to improve the wastewater situation and address other challenges such as biodiversity loss, heat stress, drought, and floodings. These installations are easier to rebuild than large-scale grey infrastructure given the multiple hazards that occur in Timor-Leste: landslides, earthquakes, strong wind, and pluvial and fluvial floodings, and they can serve as coastal protection.
The Development of Risk Assessments and Supplier Resilience Models for Military Industrial Supply Chains Considering Rare Disruptions
Authors: Urmston Anna , Song Dongping , Lyons Andrew
Published: June 2024

Background: Supply chain risk and resilience in non-profit-seeking industries involving governmental agencies and quasi-governmental agencies have been under-studied. This paper focuses on the military industrial supply chain to demonstrate the development of risk assessment and supplier resilience models considering one-off disruption events such as the COVID-19 disruption. Methods: We establish relevant resilience-based categories through a literature review, supported by the experiences of supply chain experts within the military industry. We quantify the severity of the identified resilience categories, their detectability, and their occurrence probabilities. The failure modes and effects analysis technique is used to evaluate the risk priorities for the resilience categories to develop a risk assessment model. The risk assessment model is then extended to a supplier resilience model by incorporating specific rare disruption factors, which can act as a scenario planning tool. Results: It is found that (i) the top four resilience sub-categories are financial, topical data, business continuity planning, and supply chain mapping, while cost reduction strategies and green material usage are the least important; (ii) the main areas requiring focus are topical data, supply chain depth awareness, business continuity management, and internal risk management; and (iii) suppliers have least resilience in the areas of ‘topical information’ and ‘business continuity strategy’. Conclusions: The tool developed can help military industrial supply chains identify the main areas to enhance resilience from multiple perspectives of severity, occurrence probability, detectability, and suppliers.
Measurement of the Axial Magnetic Susceptibility of m-SWCNTs at High Temperatures in a Magnetic Field-Assisted FC-CVD
Authors: Shen Tanze , Fu Qiang , Pan Chunxu
Published: June 2024

We synthesized some SWCNTs films under different magnetic fields and temperatures in a magnetic field-assisted FC-CVD and obtained Raman spectra of the films. By analyzing the Raman spectra, it was concluded that the SWCNTs films had defects, and the relative content of m-SWCNTs in the SWCNTs films was obtained. The trajectory of m-SWCNTs was obtained by analyzing the motion behavior of m-SWCNTs flow in the field-assisted system, and a model was built to describe the relationship between the relative content of m-SWCNTs and magnetic fields. The axial magnetic susceptibility of m-SWCNTs as a parameter was obtained by fitting the experimental results and the model. This is the first time that the axial magnetic susceptibility of m-SWCNTs has been obtained. The result obtained at 1273 K is at least two orders of magnitude greater than the magnetic susceptibilities and anisotropies of purified m-SWCNTs at 300 K, indicating that the defects increase the Curie temperature and Curie constant of m-SWCNTs. This is consistent with the spin-polarized density functional theory, which predicts that m-SWCNTs with vacancies have local magnetic moments around the vacancies and exhibit ferro- or ferrimagnetism.
Enhancing NIR Shielding Properties of Au/CsWO3 Composite via Physical Mixing and Solvothermal Processes
Authors: Piwnuan Chanakarn , Muangphat Chivarat , Wootthikanokkhan Jatuphorn
Published: June 2024

This research aims to enhance the near-infrared (NIR) shielding ability of cesium tungsten bronze (CsWO3) by increasing the spectral absorption in this region through the incorporation of gold nanorods (AuNR). Two approaches were used to prepare the composite materials: physical mixing and solvothermal process. The effects of gold nanorods content on the crystalline size, particle size, shape, and optical properties of the composite were investigated systematically using DLS, TEM, XRD, and UV–Vis spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The physical mixing process synergizes AuNR and CsWO3 into a composite which has better NIR absorption than that of neat AuNR and CsWO3 nanorods. A composite with 10 mol% of AuNR shows the highest NIR absorption ability due to the surface plasmon resonance and energy coupling between Au and CsWO3. With the solvothermal process, the CsWO3 nanorods grow up to 4–7 microns when the AuNR content increases to 0.8 mol% due to the incorporation of the Au atoms. The microsized CsWO3 rods have superior NIR shielding property compared to other conditions, including the AuNR+CsWO3 nanocomposite with 10 mol% of AuNR from the physical mixing process.
Research on the Influence of Cold Drawing and Aging Heat Treatment on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of GH3625 Alloy
Authors: Li Ji , Wo Yujie , Wang Zhigang , Ren Wenhao , Zhang Wei , Zhang Jie , Zhou Yang
Published: June 2024

With the development of the petroleum industry, the demand for materials for oilfield equipment is becoming increasingly stringent. The strength increase brought about by time strengthening is limited in meeting the needs of equipment development. The GH3625 alloy with different strength levels can be obtained through cold deformation and heat treatment processes. A study should be carried out to further develop the potential mechanical properties of GH3625. In this study, the GH3625 alloy was cold drawn with different reductions in area (0–30%) and heat treated, and its mechanical properties were tested. The microstructure of the alloy during deformation and heat treatment was characterized by methods such as optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) based on the principles of physical metallurgy. The strength increase caused by dislocation strengthening was calculated from the dislocation density, tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The calculated value was compared to the measured value, elucidating the strengthening effect of cold deformation and heat treatment. The results showed that the yield strength and yield ratio of the cold-drawn alloy significantly reduced after aging at 650 °C and 760 °C. Heat treatment can make a cold-deformed material recover, ablate dislocations, and greatly reduce the dislocation density in the microstructure of the GH3625 alloy, which was the main factor in the decrease in yield strength. The work-hardening gradient of the cold-drawn material varied greatly with different reductions in area. When the reduction in area was small (10%), the hardness gradient was obvious. When it increased to 30%, the alloy was uniformly strengthened as the deformation was transmitted to the axis. This study can provide more mechanical performance options for GH3625 alloy structural components in the petrochemical industry.
Analytical Modeling of Riveting Squeezing Force Considering Non-Uniform Deformation of Rivets in Aeronautical Structures
Authors: Kang Yonggang , Song Siren , Wang Tianyu , Kou Shuaijia , Li Guomao , Chen Yonggang
Published: June 2024

Analytical modeling of the squeezing force for aircraft wings and fuselage panels in the existing literature usually assumes uniform deformation of the rivets, while in reality, the deformation of the rivets is non-uniform. To achieve high-quality squeezing force modeling, this paper introduces Coulomb’s friction and four critical adjustments to the original equation: the non-uniform rivet/sheet interference along the sheet’s hole axial ordinate; the barreling effect when calculating the driven head’s volume; the spring-back of the driven head’s dimensions; the modified height of the driven head; and the modified sheet-hole expanded diameter considering the convex structure of the driven head. The calculated values of the proposed new model demonstrate an improved level of accuracy, particularly under squeeze ratios commonly encountered in the aerospace industry.
Hydrothermal Growth and Orientation of LaFeO3 Epitaxial Films
Authors: Xian Guang , Zheng Tongxin , Tao Yaqiu , Pan Zhigang
Published: June 2024

LaFeO3 thin films were successfully epitaxially grown on single-crystalline SrTiO3 substrates by the one-step hydrothermal method at a temperature of 320 °C in a 10 mol/L KOH aqueous solution using La(NO3)3 and Fe(NO3)3 as the raw materials. The growth of the films was consistent with the island growth mode. Scanning electronic microscopy, elemental mapping, and atomic force microscopy demonstrate that the LaFeO3 thin films cover the SrTiO3 substrate thoroughly. The film subjected to hydrothermal treatment for 4 h exhibits a relatively smooth surface, with an average surface roughness of 10.1 nm. X-ray diffraction in conventional Bragg–Brentano mode shows that the LaFeO3 thin films show the same out-of-plane orientation as that of the substrate (i.e., (001)LaFeO3||(001)SrTiO3). The in-plane orientation of the films was analyzed by φ-scanning, revealing that the orientational relationship is [001]LaFeO3||[001]SrTiO3. The ω-rocking curve indicates that the prepared LaFeO3 films are of high quality with no significant mosaic defects.