bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin Exerts Prominent, Differential Epidermal and Dermal Anti-Aging Properties in Aged Human Eyelid Skin Ex Vivo
Authors: Samra Tara , Gomez-Gomez Tatiana , Linowiecka Kinga , Akhundlu Aysun , Lopez de Mendoza Gabriella , Gompels Matthew , Lee Wendy W. , Gherardini Jennifer , Chéret Jérémy , Paus Ralf
Published: November 2023

Human skin aging is associated with functional deterioration on multiple levels of physiology, necessitating the development of effective skin senotherapeutics. The well-tolerated neurohormone melatonin unfolds anti-aging properties in vitro and in vivo, but it remains unclear whether these effects translate to aged human skin ex vivo. We tested this in organ-cultured, full-thickness human eyelid skin (5–6 donors; 49–77 years) by adding melatonin to the culture medium, followed by the assessment of core aging biomarkers via quantitative immunohistochemistry. Over 6 days, 200 µM melatonin significantly downregulated the intraepidermal activity of the aging-promoting mTORC1 pathway (as visualized by reduced S6 phosphorylation) and MMP-1 protein expression in the epidermis compared to vehicle-treated control skin. Conversely, the transmembrane collagen 17A1, a key stem cell niche matrix molecule that declines with aging, and mitochondrial markers (e.g., TFAM, MTCO-1, and VDAC/porin) were significantly upregulated. Interestingly, 100 µM melatonin also significantly increased the epidermal expression of VEGF-A protein, which is required and sufficient for inducing human skin rejuvenation. In aged human dermis, melatonin significantly increased fibrillin-1 protein expression and improved fibrillin structural organization, indicating an improved collagen and elastic fiber network. In contrast, other key aging biomarkers (SIRT-1, lamin-B1, p16INK4, collagen I) remained unchanged. This ex vivo study provides proof of principle that melatonin indeed exerts long-suspected but never conclusively demonstrated and surprisingly differential anti-aging effects in aged human epidermis and dermis.
Multi-Scale Imaging of the Dynamic Organization of Chromatin
Authors: García Fernández Fabiola , Huet Sébastien , Miné-Hattab Judith
Published: November 2023

Chromatin is now regarded as a heterogeneous and dynamic structure occupying a non-random position within the cell nucleus, where it plays a key role in regulating various functions of the genome. This current view of chromatin has emerged thanks to high spatiotemporal resolution imaging, among other new technologies developed in the last decade. In addition to challenging early assumptions of chromatin being regular and static, high spatiotemporal resolution imaging made it possible to visualize and characterize different chromatin structures such as clutches, domains and compartments. More specifically, super-resolution microscopy facilitates the study of different cellular processes at a nucleosome scale, providing a multi-scale view of chromatin behavior within the nucleus in different environments. In this review, we describe recent imaging techniques to study the dynamic organization of chromatin at high spatiotemporal resolution. We also discuss recent findings, elucidated by these techniques, on the chromatin landscape during different cellular processes, with an emphasis on the DNA damage response.
A Survey in Hawaii for Parasitoids of Citrus Whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), for Introduction into Greece
Authors: Giakoumaki Maria-Vasiliki , Milonas Panagiotis , Antonatos Spyridon , Evangelοu Vasiliki , Partsinevelos George , Papachristos Dimitrios , Ramadan Mohsen M.
Published: November 2023

Whitefly species of Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Quaintance) and A. woglumi Ashby (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are serious pests of citrus and other important fruit crops. The problem of citrus has initiated the successful introduction of several natural enemies for biocontrol programs in Hawaii and many other countries. Here, we summarized the history of infestation and biocontrol efforts of the two whiteflies in Hawaii for possible parasitoid importation into Greece. Two Platygasteridae (Amitus hesperidum Silvestri, A. spiniferus (Brethes), and three Aphelinidae (Encarsia clypealis (Silvestri), E. smithi (Silvestri), E. perplexa Huang, and Polaszek) were released in Hawaii for biocontrol of the citrus whiteflies during the period 1974–1999. The aphelinid Cales noacki Howard, purposely released for Aleurothrixus flococcus (Maskell) in 1982, was also reported to attack other whiteflies, including Aleurocanthus species, on citrus. An additional aphelinid parasitoid, Encarsia nipponica Silvestri, native to Japan and China, was accidentally introduced and found to attack both citrus whiteflies on the islands. Since the colonization of introduced parasitoids in infested fields on four Hawaiian Islands, no survey has been conducted to evaluate their potential impact. We conducted two short surveys during September–November 2022 on the islands of Kauai, Hawaii, and Oahu to introduce the dominant parasitoids to Greece for the biocontrol of A. spiniferus. Results showed that the infestation level was very low on Kauai, Hawaii, and Oahu Islands, with a mean infestation level range of 1.4–3.1 on Hawaii and Oahu Islands, mostly on pummelo and sweet orange, with no detection on the island of Kauai. The dominant parasitoid was characterized as Encarsia perplexa, using molecular analysis. Its parasitism rates ranged from 0 to 28% on the island of Hawaii and 11 to 65% on the island of Oahu. Emerged parasitoids have been reared in Greece for evaluation. This was the first field survey of Hawaii since the introduction and release of citrus whitefly natural enemies.
Biomaterials and Clinical Application of Dental Implants in Relation to Bone Density—A Narrative Review
Authors: Khaohoen Angkoon , Sornsuwan Tanapon , Chaijareenont Pisaisit , Poovarodom Pongsakorn , Rungsiyakull Chaiy , Rungsiyakull Pimduen
Published: November 2023

Titanium has been the material of choice for dental implant fixtures due to its exceptional qualities, such as its excellent balance of rigidity and stiffness. Since zirconia is a soft-tissue-friendly material and caters to esthetic demands, it is an alternative to titanium for use in implants. Nevertheless, bone density plays a vital role in determining the material and design of implants. Compromised bone density leads to both early and late implant failures due to a lack of implant stability. Therefore, this narrative review aims to investigate the influence of implant material/design and surgical technique on bone density from both biomechanical and biological standpoints. Relevant articles were included for analysis. Dental implant materials can be fabricated from titanium, zirconia, and PEEK. In terms of mechanical and biological aspects, titanium is still the gold standard for dental implant materials. Additionally, the macro- and microgeometry of dental implants play a role in determining and planning the appropriate treatment because it can enhance the mechanical stress transmitted to the bone tissue. Under low-density conditions, a conical titanium implant design, longer length, large diameter, reverse buttress with self-tapping, small thread pitch, and deep thread depth are recommended. Implant material, implant design, surgical techniques, and bone density are pivotal factors affecting the success rates of dental implant placement in low-density bone. Further study is required to find the optimal implant material for a clinical setting’s bone state.
Chemical Composition Effects on the Microstructure and Hot Hardness of NiCrSiFeB Self-Fluxing Alloys Manufactured via Gravity Casting
Authors: Niklas Andrea , Santos Fernando , Garcia David , Rouco Mikel , González-Martínez Rodolfo , Pereira Juan Carlos , Rayón Emilio , Lopez Patricia , Guillonneau Gaylord
Published: November 2023

Ni-Cr-Si-Fe-B self-fluxing alloys are commonly used in hardfacing applications; in addition, they are subjected to conditions of wear, corrosion, and high temperatures, but are not used in casting applications. In this work, gravity casting is presented as a potential manufacturing route for these alloys. Three alloys with different chemical compositions were investigated with a focus on microstructure characterization, solidification path, and strengthening mechanisms. Phases and precipitates were characterized using a field emission scanning electron microscope employing energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction. Nano- and microhardness indentations were performed at different phases to understand their contribution to the overall hardness of the studied alloys. Hardness measurements were performed at room temperature and high temperature (650 °C). The borides and carbides were the hardest phases in the microstructure, thus contributing significantly to the overall hardness of the alloys. Additional hardening was provided by the presence of hard Ni3B eutectics; however, there was also a small contribution from the solid solution hardening of the γ-Ni dendrites in the high-alloy-grade sample. The amount and size of the different phases and precipitates depended mainly on the contents of the Cr, C, and B of the alloy.
Integrating Non-Positional Numbering Systems into E-Commerce Platforms: A Novel Approach to Enhance System Fault Tolerance
Authors: Krasnobayev Victor , Kuznetsov Oleksandr
Published: November 2023

In the dynamic landscape of electronic commerce, the robustness of platforms is a critical determinant of operational continuity and trustworthiness, necessitating innovative approaches to fault tolerance. This study pioneers an advanced strategy for enhancing fault tolerance in e-commerce systems, utilizing non-positional numbering systems (NPNS) inspired by the mathematical robustness of the Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT). Traditional systems rely heavily on positional numbering, which, despite its ubiquity, harbors limitations in flexibility and resilience against computational errors and system faults. In contrast, NPNS, characterized by their independence, equitability, and residue independence, introduce a transformative potential for system architecture, significantly increasing resistance to disruptions and computational inaccuracies. Our discourse extends beyond theoretical implications, delving into practical applications within contemporary e-commerce platforms. We introduce and elaborate on new terminologies, concepts, and a sophisticated classification system for fault-tolerance mechanisms within the framework of NPNS. This nuanced approach not only consolidates understanding but also identifies underexplored pathways for resilience in digital commerce infrastructure. Furthermore, this research highlights the empirical significance of adopting NPNS, offering a methodologically sound and innovative avenue to safeguard against system vulnerabilities. By integrating NPNS, platforms can achieve enhanced levels of redundancy and fault tolerance, essential for maintaining operational integrity in the face of unforeseen system failures. This integration signals a paradigm shift, emphasizing proactive fault mitigation strategies over reactive measures. Conclusively, this study serves as a seminal reference point for subsequent scholarly endeavors, advocating for a shift towards NPNS in e-commerce platforms. The practical adaptations suggested herein are poised to redefine stakeholders’ approach to system reliability, instigating a new era of confidence in e-commerce engagements.
Amphidinium spp. as a Source of Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Anticancer Compounds
Authors: Orefice Ida , Balzano Sergio , Romano Giovanna , Sardo Angela
Published: November 2023

Dinoflagellates make up the second largest marine group of marine unicellular eukaryotes in the world ocean and comprise both heterotrophic and autotrophic species, encompassing a wide genetic and chemical diversity. They produce a plethora of secondary metabolites that can be toxic to other species and are mainly used against predators and competing species. Dinoflagellates are indeed often responsible for harmful algal bloom, where their toxic secondary metabolites can accumulate along the food chain, leading to significant damages to the ecosystem and human health. Secondary metabolites from dinoflagellates have been widely investigated for potential biomedical applications and have revealed multiple antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer properties. Species from the genus Amphidinium seem to be particularly interesting for the production of medically relevant compounds. The present review aims at summarising current knowledge on the diversity and the pharmaceutical properties of secondary metabolites from the genus Amphidinium. Specifically, Amphidinium spp. produce a range of polyketides possessing cytotoxic activities such as amphidinolides, caribenolides, amphidinins, and amphidinols. Potent antimicrobial properties against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains have been observed for several amphidinins. Amphidinols revealed instead strong activities against infectious fungi such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Finally, compounds such as amphidinolides, isocaribenolide-I, and chlorohydrin 2 revealed potent cytotoxic activities against different cancer cell lines. Overall, the wide variety of antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer properties of secondary metabolites from Amphidinium spp. make this genus a highly suitable candidate for future medical applications, spanning from cancer drugs to antimicrobial products that are alternatives to currently available antibiotic and antimycotic products.
Microstructural Characterization of Al0.5CrFeNiTi High Entropy Alloy Produced by Powder Metallurgy Route
Authors: Geambazu Laura Elena , Tălpeanu Dorinel , Bololoi Robert Viorel , Manea Ciprian Alexandru , Bololoi Alina Elena , Miculescu Florin , Pătroi Delia , Cojocaru Vasile Dănuţ
Published: November 2023

Alloys with superior properties represent the main topic of recent studies due to their effectiveness in reducing the cost of equipment maintenance and enhancing usage time, in addition to other benefits in domains such as geothermal, marine, and airspace. Al0.5CrFeNiTi was produced by solid state processing in a planetary ball mill, with the objective of obtaining a high alloying degree and a homogenous composition that could be further processed by pressing and sintering. The metallic powder was technologically characterized, indicating a particle size reduction following mechanical alloying processing when compared to the elemental raw powder materials. The microstructural analysis presented the evolution of the alloying degree during milling but also a compact structure with no major defects in the pressed and sintered bulk samples. The X-ray diffraction results confirmed the presence of face-centered cubic (FCC) and body-centered cubic (BCC) phases, predicted by the theoretical calculations, along with a hexagonal close-packed (HCP) phase, where the Al, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Ti phase was identified in both the alloyed powder material and sintered sample.
The Left Atrial Area Derived Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Left Ventricular Filling Pressure Equation Shows Superiority over Integrated Echocardiography
Authors: Grafton-Clarke Ciaran , Matthews Gareth , Gosling Rebecca , Swoboda Peter , Rothman Alexander , Wild Jim M. , Kiely David G. , Condliffe Robin , Alabed Samer , Swift Andrew J. , Garg Pankaj
Published: November 2023

Background and objectives: Evaluating left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing heart failure (HF). While traditional assessment methods involve multi-parametric transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or right heart catheterisation (RHC), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as a valuable diagnostic tool in HF. This study aimed to assess a simple CMR-derived model to estimate pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) in a cohort of patients with suspected or proven heart failure and to investigate its performance in risk-stratifying patients. Materials and methods: A total of 835 patients with breathlessness were evaluated using RHC and CMR and split into derivation (85%) and validation cohorts (15%). Uni-variate and multi-variate linear regression analyses were used to derive a model for PCWP estimation using CMR. The model’s performance was evaluated by comparing CMR-derived PCWP with PCWP obtained from RHC. Results: A CMR-derived PCWP incorporating left ventricular mass and the left atrial area (LAA) demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy. The model correctly reclassified 66% of participants whose TTE was ‘indeterminate’ or ‘incorrect’ in identifying raised filling pressures. On survival analysis, the CMR-derived PCWP model was predictive for mortality (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04–1.28, p = 0.005), which was not the case for PCWP obtained using RHC or TTE. Conclusions: The simplified CMR-derived PCWP model provides an accurate and practical tool for estimating PCWP in patients with suspected or proven heart failure. Its predictive value for mortality suggests the ability to play a valuable adjunctive role in echocardiography, especially in cases with unclear echocardiographic assessment.
Printed Capillary Microfluidic Devices and Their Application in Biosensing
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Lang Stephen , Pearson Kate , Farhan Yawar , Tao Ye , Xiao Gaozhi
Published: November 2023

Microfluidic devices with a free-standing structure were printed directly on polymer films using the functional materials that form interconnected pores. The printed devices can transport fluids by capillary action in the same fashion as paper-based microfluidic devices, and they can handle much smaller sample volumes than typical paper-based devices. Detection of glucose was performed using both colorimetric and electrochemical methods, and the observed limits of detection (LOD) were similar to those obtained with paper-based microfluidic devices under comparable testing conditions. It is demonstrated that printed microfluidic devices can be fabricated using printing processes that are suitable for high-volume and low-cost production and that the integration of microfluidic channels with electrodes is straightforward with printing. Several materials that are printable and form interconnected pores are presented.
Solvent and Substituent Size Influence on the Cyclochiral Rigidity of Aminomethylene Derivatives of Resorcin[4]arene
Authors: Iwanek Waldemar
Published: November 2023

Resorcin[4]arenes (R[4]A) are a group of macrocyclic compounds whose peculiar feature is the presence of eight hydroxyl groups in their structure. The directional formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds with their participation leads to the formation of a cyclochiral racemic mixture of these compounds. Their stability strongly depends on the substituent and especially the environment in which they are located. The paper discusses the cyclochiral nature of aminomethylene derivatives of R[4]A (AMD-R[4]A). Their cyclochiral rigidity in non-polar solvents has been shown. The influence of the size of the alkyl groups in the amino substituents of AMD-R[4]A on their cyclochiral nature was noted. To calculate the reaction paths for their racemization, the nudged elastic band (NEB) method was employed using the semi-empirical DFT (GFN1-xTB) approach. The calculated activation barrier energies for their racemization in chloroform, obtained through various semi-empirical quantum chemical methods (SE), Hartree–Fock (HF), and density functionals theory (DFT), show good correlation with experimental observations. Among the tested methods, the B38LYP-D4 method is highly recommended due to its fast computational speed and accuracy, which is comparable to the time-consuming double-hybrid DH-revDSD-PBEP86 approach.
Novel 1,2,4-Triazole- and Tetrazole-Containing 4H-Thiopyrano[2,3-b]quinolines: Synthesis Based on the Thio-Michael/aza-Morita–Baylis–Hillman Tandem Reaction and Investigation of Antiviral Activity
Authors: Khramchikhin Andrey V. , Skryl’nikova Mariya A. , Gureev Maxim A. , Zarubaev Vladimir V. , Esaulkova Iana L. , Ilyina Polina A. , Mammeri Oussama Abdelhamid , Spiridonova Dar’ya V. , Porozov Yuri B. , Ostrovskii Vladimir A.
Published: November 2023

A novel method for synthesizing 1,2,4-triazole- and tetrazole-containing 4H-thiopyrano[2,3-b]quinolines using a new combination of the thio-Michael and aza-Morita–Baylis–Hillman reactions was developed. Target compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicities and antiviral activities against influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 virus in MDCK cells. The compounds showed low toxicity and some exhibited moderate antiviral activity. Molecular docking identified the M2 channel and polymerase basic protein 2 as potential targets. We observed that the antiviral activity of thiopyrano[2,3-b]quinolines is notably affected by both the nature and position of the substituent within the tetrazole ring, as well as the substituent within the benzene moiety of quinoline. These findings contribute to the further search for new antiviral agents against influenza A viruses among derivatives of thiopyrano[2,3-b]quinoline.
Polyamine-Derived Aminoaldehydes and Acrolein: Cytotoxicity, Reactivity and Analysis of the Induced Protein Modifications
Authors: Šebela Marek , Rašková Michaela
Published: November 2023

Polyamines participate in the processes of cell growth and development. The degradation branch of their metabolism involves amine oxidases. The oxidation of spermine, spermidine and putrescine releases hydrogen peroxide and the corresponding aminoaldehyde. Polyamine-derived aminoaldehydes have been found to be cytotoxic, and they represent the subject of this review. 3-aminopropanal disrupts the lysosomal membrane and triggers apoptosis or necrosis in the damaged cells. It is implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, 3-aminopropanal yields acrolein through the elimination of ammonia. This reactive aldehyde is also generated by the decomposition of aminoaldehydes produced in the reaction of serum amine oxidase with spermidine or spermine. In addition, acrolein is a common environmental pollutant. It causes covalent modifications of proteins, including carbonylation, the production of Michael-type adducts and cross-linking, and it has been associated with inflammation-related diseases. APAL and acrolein are detoxified by aldehyde dehydrogenases and other mechanisms. High-performance liquid chromatography, immunochemistry and mass spectrometry have been largely used to analyze the presence of polyamine-derived aminoaldehydes and protein modifications elicited by their effect. However, the main and still open challenge is to find clues for discovering clear linkages between aldehyde-induced modifications of specific proteins and the development of various diseases.
The Interactions of Soy Protein and Wheat Gluten for the Development of Meat-like Fibrous Structure
Authors: Peng Yu , Zhao Dandan , Li Mo , Wen Xin , Ni Yuanying
Published: November 2023

Consumers who are environmentally and health conscious are increasingly looking for plant-based alternatives to replace animal-based products in their daily diets. Among these alternatives, there is a growing demand for meat analogues that closely resemble the taste and texture of meat. As a result, significant efforts have been dedicated to developing meat analogues with a desirable meat-like structure. Currently, soy protein and wheat gluten are the main ingredients used for producing these meat analogues due to their availability and unique functionalities. This study observed that high moisture extrusion at moisture levels of 50–80% has become a common approach for creating fibrous structures, with soy protein and wheat gluten being considered incompatible proteins. After the structuring process, they form two-phase filled gels, with wheat gluten acting as the continuous phase and soy protein serving as a filler material. Moreover, the formation of soy protein and wheat gluten networks relies on a combination of covalent and non-covalent interaction bonds, including hydrogen bonds that stabilize the protein networks, hydrophobic interactions governing protein chain associations during thermo-mechanical processes, and disulfide bonds that potentially contribute to fibrous structure formation. This review provides case studies and examples that demonstrate how specific processing conditions can improve the overall structure, aiming to serve as a valuable reference for further research and the advancement of fibrous structures.
Development of a New Questionnaire to Assess Parental Perceived Barriers When Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Young Children: First Findings
Authors: Gomes Ana Isabel , Pereira Ana Isabel , Nogueira Patrícia Canhoto , Barros Luísa
Published: November 2023

Social cognitive models suggest a crucial role played by perceived barriers in promoting healthy behaviors, including healthy eating. We aimed to develop a new questionnaire to assess parental perceived barriers to healthy feeding in young children and perform the instrument’s preliminary psychometric evaluation. The initial pool of items was developed based on reviews and qualitative studies. First, we conducted an online, descriptive, cross-sectional study with 278 parents of 2–6-year-old children to examine its factorial structure and internal consistency. Then, a second study with 168 parents from a similar population assessed convergent/discriminant and known-groups validity. The exploratory factorial analysis confirmed the scale’s theoretical structure. Five scales were found: Child-Related Barriers, Parent-Related Barriers—Vegetables and Fruit, Parent-Related Barriers—Added Sugars, Social Context-Related Barriers, and Cost-Related Barriers. All scales presented adequate reliability. We found weak to moderate, negative, and significant correlations between child- and parent-related barriers regarding vegetables and fruits, feeding practices to promote children’s eating self-regulation, and food parenting self-efficacy. Additionally, parents who perceived their children as easy and well-regulated reported significantly fewer child-related barriers than parents with poorly self-regulated and inhibited children. The results support the instrument’s preliminary psychometric adequacy regarding its validity and reliability and corroborate earlier empirical studies about the main parental barriers when promoting young children’s healthy eating habits.
Electrochemical Simulation of Phase I Hepatic Metabolism of Voriconazole Using a Screen-Printed Iron(II) Phthalocyanine Electrode
Authors: Wroński Michał , Trawiński Jakub , Skibiński Robert
Published: November 2023

Understanding the metabolism of pharmaceutical compounds is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring their safety and efficacy in clinical use. However, conventional methods for monitoring drug metabolism often come with the drawbacks of being time-consuming and costly. In an ongoing quest for innovative approaches, the application of electrochemistry in metabolism studies has gained prominence as a promising approach for the synthesis and analysis of drug transformation products. In this study, we investigated the hepatic metabolism of voriconazole, an antifungal medication, by utilizing human liver microsomes (HLM) assay coupled with LC-MS. Based on the obtained results, the electrochemical parameters were optimized to simulate the biotransformation reactions. Among the various electrodes tested, the chemometric analysis revealed that the iron(II) phthalocyanine electrode was the most effective in catalyzing the formation of all hepatic voriconazole metabolites. These findings exemplify the potential of phthalocyanine electrodes as an efficient and cost-effective tool for simulating the intricate metabolic processes involved in drug biotransformation, offering new possibilities in the field of pharmaceutical research. Additionally, in silico analysis showed that two detected metabolites may exhibit significantly higher acute toxicity and mutagenic potential than the parent compound.
Identification of the High-Affinity Potassium Transporter Gene Family (HKT) in Brassica U-Triangle Species and Its Potential Roles in Abiotic Stress in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Yang Xiaoran , Hu Ran , Sun Fujun , Shen Shulin , Zhang Mengzhen , Liu Yiwei , Zhang Yi , Du Hai , Lu Kun , Qu Cunmin , Yin Nengwen
Published: November 2023

Members of the high-affinity potassium transporter (HKT) protein family regulate the uptake and homeostasis of sodium and potassium ions, but little research describes their roles in response to abiotic stresses in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). In this study, we identified and characterized a total of 36 HKT genes from the species comprising the triangle of U model (U-triangle species): B. rapa, B. nigra, B. oleracea, B. juncea, B. napus, and B. carinata. We analyzed the phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, motif compositions, and chromosomal distributions of the HKT family members of rapeseed. Based on their phylogenetic relationships and assemblage of functional domains, we classified the HKT members into four subgroups, HKT1;1 to HKT1;4. Analysis of the nonsynonymous substitutions (Ka), synonymous substitutions (Ks), and the Ka/Ks ratios of HKT gene pairs suggested that these genes have experienced strong purifying selective pressure after duplication, with their evolutionary relationships supporting the U-triangle theory. Furthermore, the expression profiles of BnaHKT genes varies among potassium, phytohormone and heavy-metal treatment. Their repression provides resistance to heavy-metal stress, possibly by limiting uptake. Our results systematically reveal the characteristics of HKT family proteins and their encoding genes in six Brassica species and lay a foundation for further exploration of the role of HKT family genes in heavy-metal tolerance.
Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of Musa sp. Cultured in Temporary Immersion Bioreactor
Authors: Sambolín Pérez Christopher A. , Aybar Batista Rosalinda , Morales Marrero Sullymar , Andino Santiago Dinorah , Reyes Colón Axel , Negrón Berríos Juan A. , Núñez Marrero Ángel , Arun Alok
Published: November 2023

The genus Musa sp. contains commercially important fleshy fruit-producing plants, including plantains and bananas, with a strong potential for providing food security and sources of revenue to farmers. Concerns with the quality of vegetative tissues along with the possibility of the transmission of phytopathogens makes the availability of healthy plantlets limited for farmers. Micropropagation of plantains offers an alternative to producing large numbers of plantlets. However, conventional methods of micropropagation have high production costs and are labor-intensive. Recently, the temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB) has emerged as an alternative to conventional micropropagation (CM) methods. Our work utilized SEM microscopy (scanning electron microscope) and molecular and biochemical tools (qRT-PCR and ICP-OES) to characterize and compare the morphological properties, elemental composition, and photosynthetic gene expression of plantains cultured on TIB. Additionally, morphological features of growth and propagation rates were analyzed to compare outputs obtained from TIB and CM. Results showed higher growth and multiplication rates for plantlets cultivated in TIB. Gene expression analysis of selected photosynthetic genes demonstrated high transcript abundance of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) in plantain tissues obtained by TIB. Elemental composition analysis showed higher content of iron in plantains grown in TIB, suggesting a potential correlation with PEPC expression. These results demonstrate that micropropagation of Musa sp. via the liquid medium in TIB is an efficient and low-cost approach in comparison with solid media in CM.
UV Light Causes Structural Changes in Microplastics Exposed in Bio-Solids
Authors: Alavian Petroody Somayye Sadat , Hashemi Seyed Hossein , Škrlep Luka , Mušič Branka , van Gestel Cornelis A. M. , Sever Škapin Andrijana
Published: November 2023

Bio-solids (biological sludge) from wastewater treatment plants are a significant source of the emission of microplastics (MPs) into the environment. Weakening the structure of MPs before they enter the environment may accelerate their degradation and reduce the environmental exposure time. Therefore, we studied the effect of UV-A and UV-C, applied at 70 °C, on three types of MPs, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), that are commonly found in sewage sludge, using three shapes (fibers, lines, granules). The MPs were exposed to UV radiation in bio-solid suspensions, and to air and water as control. The structural changes in and degradation of the MPs were investigated using Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (ATR-FTIR) and surface morphology was performed with SEM analysis. UV exposure led to the emergence of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups in all of the PP samples. In PE and PET, these groups were formed only in the bio-solid suspensions. The presence of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups increased with an increasing exposure time. Overall, UV radiation had the greatest impact on the MPs in the bio-solids suspension. Due to the surface-to-volume ratio of the tested samples, which influences the degradation rate, the fibers were more degraded than the other two plastic shapes. UV-A was slightly more effective at degrading the MPs than UV-C. These findings show that ultraviolet radiation in combination with an elevated temperature affects the structure of polymers in wastewater bio-solids, which can accelerate their degradation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polymer-Based Membranes for Methotrexate Drug Delivery
Authors: Bradu Ionela-Amalia , Vlase Titus , Bunoiu Mădălin , Grădinaru Mădălina , Pahomi Alexandru , Bajas Dorothea , Budiul Mihaela Maria , Vlase Gabriela
Published: November 2023

Methotrexate or amethopterin or 4-amino-N10-methyl pteroylglutamic acid is used for treating autoimmune diseases, as well as certain malignancies. Drug delivery systems, which are based on biopolymers, can be developed to improve the therapeutic and pharmacological properties of topically administered drugs. Biopolymers improve the therapeutic effect of drugs, mainly by improving their biodistribution and modulating drug release. This study presents the synthesis of membranes based on anionic polysaccharides and cationic polysaccharides for transdermal delivery of the active ingredient methotrexate, as well as a compatibility study between methotrexate and each of the components used in the prepared membranes. The obtained membranes based on different marine polysaccharides, namely κ-carrageenan and chitosan, for the release of the active ingredient methotrexate were characterized using techniques such as TG, FTIR, UV–Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR microscopy, water absorption capacity, water vapor permeability, and biodegradation rate. Following the studies, the membranes suitable for the transdermal release of the active substance were validated.
Early Detection and Analysis of an Unpredicted Convective Storm over the Negev Desert
Authors: Shiff Shilo , Givati Amir , Brenner Steve , Lensky Itamar M.
Published: November 2023

On 15 September 2015, a convective storm yielded heavy rainfalls that caused the strongest flash flood in the last 50 years in the South Negev Desert (Israel). None of the operational forecast models predicted the event, and thus, no warning was provided. We analyzed this event using satellite, radar, and numerical weather prediction model data. We generated cloud-free climatological values on a pixel basis using Temporal Fourier Analysis on a time series of MSG geostationary satellite data. The discrepancy between the measured and climatological values was used to detect “cloud-contaminated” pixels. This simple, robust, fast, and accurate method is valuable for the early detection of convection. The first clouds were detected 30 min before they were detected by the official MSG cloud mask, 4.5 h before the radar, and 10 h before the flood reached the main road. We used the “severe storms” RGB composite and the satellite-retrieved vertical profiles of cloud top temperature–particle’s effective radius relations as indicators for the development of a severe convective storm. We also reran the model with different convective schemes, with much-improved results. Both the satellite and model-based analysis provided early warning for a very high probability of flooding a few hours before the actual flooding occurred.
A New Strategy for Extracting 3D Deformation of Mining Areas from a Single-Geometry Synthetic Aperture Radar Dataset
Authors: Zhao Ruonan , Viktorovich Zhabko Andrey , Li Junfeng , Chen Chuang , Zheng Meinan
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a strategy for extracting three-dimensional (3D) mining deformation from a single-geometry synthetic aperture radar (SAR) dataset. In light of the directionality of horizontal displacement caused by underground mining, we first re-model the proportional relationship between horizontal displacement and horizontal gradient of subsidence. Afterward, to improve the stability of the re-model, a solution strategy is proposed by setting different solution starting points and directions. The proposed method allows hiring of arbitrary single-geometry SAR data (e.g., air-borne, space-borne, and ground-borne SAR data) to reconstruct 3D displacements of mining areas. The proposed method has been validated through simulation and in-site data. The simulation data monitoring results indicate that the root mean square errors (RMSE) of the 3D displacements extracted by the proposed strategy are 0.45, 0.5, and 2.98 mm for the vertical subsidence, east–west, and north–south horizontal displacements, respectively. The in-site data monitoring results indicate that the RMSE of vertical subsidence compared with the leveling data are 7.3 mm. Furthermore, the MSBAS method was employed to further validate the reliability of the proposed method, the results show that the proposed method is effective to obtain the 3D deformation of the mining area, which greatly improves the applicability of SAR interferometry in the 3D deformation monitoring of the mining areas.
Design of Fire Risk Estimation Method Based on Facility Data for Thermal Power Plants
Authors: Song Chai-Jong , Park Jea-Yun
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we propose a data classification and analysis method to estimate fire risk using facility data of thermal power plants. To estimate fire risk based on facility data, we divided facilities into three states—Steady, Transient, and Anomaly—categorized by their purposes and operational conditions. This method is designed to satisfy three requirements of fire protection systems for thermal power plants. For example, areas with fire risk must be identified, and fire risks should be classified and integrated into existing systems. We classified thermal power plants into turbine, boiler, and indoor coal shed zones. Each zone was subdivided into small pieces of equipment. The turbine, generator, oil-related equipment, hydrogen (H2), and boiler feed pump (BFP) were selected for the turbine zone, while the pulverizer and ignition oil were chosen for the boiler zone. We selected fire-related tags from Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) data and acquired sample data during a specific period for two thermal power plants based on inspection of fire and explosion scenarios in thermal power plants over many years. We focused on crucial fire cases such as pool fires, 3D fires, and jet fires and organized three fire hazard levels for each zone. Experimental analysis was conducted with these data set by the proposed method for 500 MW and 100 MW thermal power plants. The data classification and analysis methods presented in this paper can provide indirect experience for data analysts who do not have domain knowledge about power plant fires and can also offer good inspiration for data analysts who need to understand power plant facilities.
Walking Bout Detection for People Living in Long Residential Care: A Computationally Efficient Algorithm for a 3-Axis Accelerometer on the Lower Back
Authors: MacLean Mhairi K. , Rehman Rana Zia Ur , Kerse Ngaire , Taylor Lynne , Rochester Lynn , Del Din Silvia
Published: November 2023

Accurate and reliable measurement of real-world walking activity is clinically relevant, particularly for people with mobility difficulties. Insights on walking can help understand mobility function, disease progression, and fall risks. People living in long-term residential care environments have heterogeneous and often pathological walking patterns, making it difficult for conventional algorithms paired with wearable sensors to detect their walking activity. We designed two walking bout detection algorithms for people living in long-term residential care. Both algorithms used thresholds on the magnitude of acceleration from a 3-axis accelerometer on the lower back to classify data as “walking” or “non-walking”. One algorithm had generic thresholds, whereas the other used personalized thresholds. To validate and evaluate the algorithms, we compared the classifications of walking/non-walking from our algorithms to the real-time research assistant annotated labels and the classification output from an algorithm validated on a healthy population. Both the generic and personalized algorithms had acceptable accuracy (0.83 and 0.82, respectively). The personalized algorithm showed the highest specificity (0.84) of all tested algorithms, meaning it was the best suited to determine input data for gait characteristic extraction. The developed algorithms were almost 60% quicker than the previously developed algorithms, suggesting they are adaptable for real-time processing.
Efficient Multiple Channels EEG Signal Classification Based on Hierarchical Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Lyu Songyang , Cheung Ray C. C.
Published: November 2023

The human brain can be seen as one of the most powerful processors in the world, and it has a very complex structure with different kinds of signals for monitoring organics, communicating to neurons, and reacting to different information, which allows large developments in observing human sleeping, revealing diseases, reflecting certain motivations of limbs, and other applications. Relative theory, algorithms, and applications also help us to build brain-computer interface (BCI) systems for different powerful functions. Therefore, we present a fast-reaction framework based on an extreme learning machine (ELM) with multiple layers for the ElectroEncephaloGram (EEG) signals classification in motor imagery, showing the advantages in both accuracy of classification and training speed compared with conventional machine learning methods. The experiments are performed on software with the dataset of BCI Competition II with fast training time and high accuracy. The final average results show an accuracy of 93.90% as well as a reduction of 75% of the training time as compared to conventional deep learning and machine learning algorithms for EEG signal classification, also showing its prospects of the improvement of the performance of the BCI system.
Political Views, Race and Ethnicity, and Social Isolation: Evidence from the General Social Survey
Authors: Yang Song , Nino Michael
Published: November 2023

Using data from the General Social Survey, we investigate whether political views increase the risk of social isolation for Black and White Americans. Our findings reveal an increase in conservative political views differently shaping social isolation patterns for Black and White Americans. For instance, changes in political views from liberal to conservative are associated with reduced risk of social isolation for White Americans, whereas a rise in conservative political views is related to increases in social isolation for Black Americans. Results also demonstrate that these patterns remain after accounting for important covariates such as gender, age, education, occupation, marital status, social class, work status, and religion. We discuss the implications of our findings in the context of social relationships, race, and political polarization in the U.S.
Legitimising and Delegitimising Women Coaches in the Golf Industry: Women Golf Professionals’ Experiences of Advocacy
Authors: Mollin Alex , Allen Justine , Henning April
Published: November 2023

The underrepresentation of women in sport coaching continues to be recognised by researchers and some international organisations. Golf too suffers from a dramatic underrepresentation of women coaches. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women golf coaches and how they navigate this male-dominated coaching domain with a particular focus on experiences of advocacy. The research was designed to qualitatively capture women PGA Professionals’ lived experiences. Women PGA Professionals (N = 11) with 10–34 years of experience (M = 19.8) participated in semi-structured interviews that were structured on the four Ecological Systems Theory (EST) layers. Data were thematically analysed using the EST layers for initial categorization. From this, four themes were developed: recruitment and opportunity; on the course and in the pro shop; perceptions of women PGA Professionals; and advocacy and allies. The themes were part of two related processes: legitimisation and delegitimisation. These dual processes work to either validate women coaches—both as individuals and as a collective—or to undermine them within the profession, respectively, and operate over the four EST layers. Further, these processes are not always discreet and the two may overlap in unanticipated ways.
Manufacturing System Design in Industry 5.0: Incorporating Sociotechnical Systems and Social Metabolism for Human-Centered, Sustainable, and Resilient Production
Authors: Agote-Garrido Alejandro , Martín-Gómez Alejandro M. , Lama-Ruiz Juan Ramón
Published: November 2023

This paper delves into the concept of social metabolism as a foundation for the development of sociotechnical systems in Industry 5.0. The study conducts an analysis of the existing methods and approaches for designing sociotechnical systems, and reviews publications that utilize such systems to incorporate Industry 4.0 technologies into manufacturing processes. Additionally, it examines the three key factors of Industry 5.0 and the enabling framework of Industry 4.0 technologies. Based on these investigations, a theoretical model is proposed for manufacturing system design, employing sociotechnical systems to integrate Industry 4.0 enabling technologies, while considering the essential aspects of Industry 5.0. The model emphasizes the early consideration of sociotechnical systems to design manufacturing systems that prioritize human-centricity, sustainability, and resilience. By embracing this comprehensive approach, the proposed model contributes to the realization of a production environment aligned with societal needs, fostering a more conscious and adaptable industry.