bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Current Magnitudes and Profiles on the Sedimentation of Magnetorheological Fluids: An Experimental Work
Authors: Maharani Elliza Tri , Seo Myeong-Won , Sohn Jung Woo , Oh Jong-Seok , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: March 2024

Magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) are widely used for various kinds of controllable devices since their properties can be controlled by an external magnetic field. Despite many benefits of MRFs, such as fast response time, the sedimentation arisen due to the density mismatch of the compositions between iron particles and carrier oil is still one of bottlenecks to be resolved. Many studies on the sedimentation problem of MR fluids have been carried out considering appropriate additives, nanoparticles, and several carrier oils with different densities. However, a study on the effect of current magnitudes and profiles on the sedimentation is considerably rare. Therefore, this study experimentally investigates sedimentation behaviors due to different current magnitudes and different magnitude profiles such as square and sine waves in different diameters. The evaluation was performed by visual observation to obtain the sedimentation rate. It was found that the average sedimentation rate of the square type of current is slower compared to the sinusoidal type. It has also been identified that the higher intensity of the applied current results in a stronger electromagnetic field, which could slow down the sedimentation. The results achieved in this work can be effectively used to reduce particle sedimentation in the controller design of various application systems utilizing MRFs in which the controller generates a different magnitude and different profile of the external magnetic field.
An Efficient Method for Solving Problems of Acoustic Scattering on Three-Dimensional Transparent Structures
Authors: Samokhin Alexander B. , Yurchenkov Ivan A.
Published: March 2024

The article contains a study of methods for solving integral equations in the context of acoustic problems. The methodology considered is applied to describe acoustic wave propagation and scattering. Efficient discretization methods are used together with iterative methods to solve the operator equations, including an apparatus for fast multiplication of the resulting post-discretization Toeplitz matrices by a vector using the fast Fourier transform. The theoretical analysis of the proposed numerical algorithm demonstrates its efficiency in terms of the required number of arithmetic operations and the memory footprint of the computing system. The presented numerical simulation demonstrates the possibility of solving the problem of acoustic wave propagation in transparent media using the proposed methods. A visualization of the obtained solutions for a practical problem with a high level of discretization of the solution volume domain is also presented.
Sex Differences in Short- and Long-Term Survival after Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Pfeiffer Philipp , Brendel Lena , Rösch Romina Maria , Probst Chris , Ghazy Ahmed , Zancanaro Edoardo , El Beyrouti Hazem , Treede Hendrik , Dohle Daniel-Sebastian
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives: Acute type A aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening disease. No differences between men and women have been made in the treatment of AAD so far and knowledge about sex differences regarding long-term outcomes is limited. Materials and Methods: Between 01/2004 and 12/2021, 874 patients were operated on for AAD, including 313 (35.8%) women and 561 (64.2%) men. Clinical and surgical records, including long-term follow-up information, were obtained and analyzed retrospectively. To account for differences in the outcome determined by different preoperative life expectancies, a subgroup analysis for a set of patients matched according to their remaining life expectancy was performed. Results: At the time of AAD, women were older than men (69.1 ± 13.0 vs. 61.8 ± 13.3 years, p < 0.001) and had a shorter remaining statistical life expectancy (18.6 ± 10.8 vs. 21.4 ± 10.4 years, p < 0.001). Significantly more DeBakey type II AAD was found in women (37.1% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.001). Comorbidities and preoperative status at the time of presentation were similar in women and men. More hemiarch procedures (63.3% vs. 52.0%, p < 0.001) and less arch replacements (8.6% vs. 16.6%, p < 0.001) were performed in women, resulting in shorter cross-clamp times for women (92 ± 39 vs. 102 ± 49 min, p < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality was similar in women and men (11.5% vs. 12.7%, p = 0.618). Long-term survival was significantly shorter in women compared to men (9.8 [8.1–11.5] vs. 15.1 [11.9–18.4] years, p = 0.011). A matched subgroup analysis revealed that when comparing groups with a similar remaining life expectancy, the long-term survival showed no significant differences between women and men (9.8 [7.9–11.6] vs. 12.4 [10.1–14.7] years, p = 0.487). Conclusions: There are sex differences in AAD, with DeBakey type II dissection being more frequent in women. The seemingly worse long-term outcome can mostly be attributed to the shorter remaining statistical life expectancy at the time of presentation.
Editorial for Special Issue “Yeasts Biochemistry and Biotechnology”
Authors: González-Siso María-Isabel , Becerra Manuel
Published: March 2024

Yeasts, both Saccharomyces and non-conventional strains, are currently the focus of active research due to their impressive applications in biotechnological bioprocesses, such as being hosts to produce recombinant proteins or main actors of the fermentation industries [...]
Analysis of Microbial Diversity and Community Structure of Rhizosphere Soil of Three Astragalus Species Grown in Special High-Cold Environment of Northwestern Yunnan, China
Authors: Ding Jia-Jie , Zhou Guo-Jun , Chen Xiao-Jie , Xu Wei , Gao Xing-Mei , Zhang Yong-Zeng , Jiang Bei , Li Hai-Feng , Wang Kai-Ling
Published: March 2024

Astragalus is a medicinal plant with obvious rhizosphere effects. At present, there are many Astragalus plants with high application value but low recognition and resource reserves in the northwestern area of Yunnan province, China. In this study, metagenomics was used to analyze the microbial diversity and community structure of rhizosphere soil of A. forrestii, A. acaulis, and A. ernestii plants grown in a special high-cold environment of northwestern Yunnan, China, at different altitudes ranging from 3225 to 4353 m. These microbes were taxonomically annotated to obtain 24 phyla and 501 genera for A. forrestii, 30 phyla and 504 genera for A. acaulis, as well as 39 phyla and 533 genera for A. ernestii. Overall, the dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria, while the dominant fungal ones were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. At the genus level, Bradyrhizobium, Afipia, and Paraburkholderia were the most prevalent bacteria, and Hyaloscypha, Pseudogymnoascus, and Russula were the dominant fungal genera. Some of them are considered biocontrol microbes that could sustain the growth and health of host Astragalus plants. Redundancy analysis revealed that pH, TN, and SOM had a significant impact on the microbial community structures (p < 0.05). Finally, triterpene, flavonoid, polysaccharide, and amino acid metabolisms accounted for a high proportion of the enriched KEGG pathways, which possibly contributed to the synthesis of bioactive constituents in the Astragalus plants.
Dynamic Intermediate-Temperature CO2 Adsorption Performance of K2CO3-Promoted Layered Double Hydroxide-Derived Adsorbents
Authors: Li Ruotong , Hu Xixuan , Huang Liang , Musyoka Nicholas Mulei , Xue Tianshan , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2024

The dynamic adsorption characteristics of K2CO3-promoted layered double hydroxides (LDHs)-based adsorbent, with organic and inorganic anion intercalation, were studied. MgAl–LDH, K2CO3/MgAl–LDH, and K2CO3/MgAl–LDH(C16) with varying K2CO3 loads were prepared and used for intermediate-temperature CO2 sequestration. The adsorbent was thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy techniques, which revealed enhanced adsorption properties of MgAl–LDH, due to K2CO3 promotion. Thermogravimetric CO2 adsorption tests on the constructed adsorbent materials showed that the 12.5 wt% K2CO3/MgAl–LDH(C16) adsorbent with organic anion intercalation exhibited optimal adsorption activity, achieving an adsorption capacity of 1.12 mmol/g at 100% CO2 and 350 °C. However, fixed-bed dynamic adsorption tests yielded different results; the 25 wt% K2CO3/MgAl–LDH prepared through inorganic anion intercalation exhibited the best adsorption performance in low-concentration CO2 penetration tests. The recorded penetration time was 93.1 s, accompanied by an adsorption capacity of 0.722 mmol/g. This can be attributed to the faster adsorption kinetics exhibited by the 25 wt% K2CO3/MgAl–LDH adsorbent during the early stages of adsorption, thereby facilitating efficient CO2 capture in low-concentration CO2 streams. This is a conclusion that differs from previous reports. Earlier reports indicated that LDHs with organic anion intercalation exhibited higher CO2 adsorption activity in thermogravimetric analyzer tests. However, this study found that for the fixed-bed dynamic adsorption process, K2CO3-modified inorganic anion-intercalated LDHs perform better, indicating their greater potential in practical applications.
Research Progress on Regulation of Immune Response by Tanshinones and Salvianolic Acids of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge)
Authors: Tang Jiawen , Zhao Xueying
Published: March 2024

As one of the traditional Chinese herbs, Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge) has been widely studied and widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and other immune diseases. Tanshinones and salvianolic acids isolated from Danshen are considered to be the main components of its biological activity and pharmacology that play important roles in increasing the index of immune organs, regulating the number and function of immune cells, and releasing immunoreactive substances. Especially tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone, salvianolic acid B, and rosmarinic acid show good biological activity in treating rheumatoid arthritis, some immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. In order to understand their pharmacological effects and provide references for future research and clinical treatment, the regulation of immune response by tanshinones and salvianolic acids is summarized in detail in this paper. In addition, the challenges in their pharmacological development and the opportunities to exploit their clinical potential have been documented.
Comparative Studies of the Structural and Physicochemical Properties of the First Fullerene Derivative FD-C60 (Fullerenol) and Second Fullerene Derivate SD-C60 (3HFWC)
Authors: Koruga Djuro , Stanković Ivana , Matija Lidija , Kuhn Dietmar , Christ Bastian , Dembski Sofia , Jevtić Nenad , Janać Jelena , Pavlović Vladimir , De Wever Bart
Published: March 2024

In order to maximally reduce the toxicity of fullerenol (the first derivative of C60, FD-C60), and increase its biomedical efficiency, the second derivative SD-C60 (3HFWC, Hyper-Harmonized Hydroxylated Fullerene Water Complex) was created. Several different methods were applied in the comparative characterization of FD-C60 and SD-C60 with the same OH groups in their core. FD-C60 as an individual structure was about 1.3 nm in size, while SD-C60 as an individual structure was 10–30 nm in size. Based on ten physicochemical methods and techniques, FD-C60 and SD-C60 were found to be two different substances in terms of size, structure, and physicochemical properties; FD-C60, at 100 °C, had endothermic characteristics, while SD-C60, at 133 °C, had exothermic characteristics; FD-C60 did not have water layers, while SD-C60 had water layers; the zeta potential of FD-C60 was −25.85 mV, while it was −43.29 mV for SD-C60. SD-C60 is a promising substance for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The Interaction between Human Microbes and Advanced Glycation End Products: The Role of Klebsiella X15 on Advanced Glycation End Products’ Degradation
Authors: Shi Aiying , Ji Xuemeng , Li Wanhua , Dong Lu , Wu Yuekun , Zhang Yunhui , Liu Xiaoxia , Zhang Yan , Wang Shuo
Published: March 2024

Previous studies have shown that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are implicated in the occurrence and progression of numerous diseases, with dietary AGEs being particularly associated with intestinal disorders. In this study, methylglyoxal-beta-lactoglobulin AGEs (MGO-β-LG AGEs) were utilized as the exclusive nitrogen source to investigate the interaction between protein-bound AGEs and human gut microbiota. The high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of alterations in peptides containing AGEs within metabolites before and after fermentation elucidated the capacity of intestinal microorganisms to enzymatically hydrolyze long-chain AGEs into short-chain counterparts. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Escherichia-Shigella, and other genera as dominant microbiota at different fermentation times. A total of 187 potential strains of AGE-metabolizing bacteria were isolated from the fermentation broth at various time points. Notably, one strain of Klebsiella exhibited the most robust growth capacity when AGEs served as the sole nitrogen source. Subsequently, proteomics was employed to compare the changes in protein levels of Klebsiella X15 following cultivation in unmodified proteins and proteins modified with AGEs. This analysis unveiled a remodeled amino acid and energy metabolism pathway in Klebsiella in response to AGEs, indicating that Klebsiella may possess a metabolic pathway specifically tailored to AGEs. This study found that fermenting AGEs in healthy human intestinal microbiota altered the bacterial microbiota structure, especially by increasing Klebsiella proliferation, which could be a key factor in AGEs’ role in causing diseases, particularly intestinal inflammation.
Glycerophospholipids in Red Blood Cells Are Associated with Aerobic Performance in Young Swimmers
Authors: Silva Álex Aparecido Rosini , Bertolucci Vanessa , Scariot Pedro Paulo Menezes , da Cruz João Pedro , Mendes Flavio Marcio Macedo , de Oliveira Danilo Cardoso , Plumari Catharina Delry , Dos Reis Ivan Gustavo Masseli , Porcari Andreia Melo , Messias Leonardo Henrique Dalcheco
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to characterize the composition of lipids in the red blood cells (RBCs) of adolescent swimmers and correlate this lipidome with the aerobic performance of the athletes. Five experimental assessments were performed by 37 adolescent swimmers. During the first session, the athletes went to the laboratory facility for venous blood sampling. The critical velocity protocol was conducted over the 4 subsequent days to measure aerobic performance (CV), comprising maximal efforts over distances of 100, 200, 400, and 800 m in a swimming pool. RBCs were obtained and extracted for analysis using the liquid chromatography—high resolution mass spectrometry untargeted approach. A total of 2146 ions were detected in the RBCs, of which 119 were identified. The enrichment pathway analysis indicated intermediary lipids in the glycerophospholipid, glycerolipid, sphingolipid, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic metabolisms, as well as pentose and glucuronate interconversions. A significant impact of the intermediary lipids was observed for the glycerophospholipid metabolism, including phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, sn-glycerol 3-phosphate, and phosphatidic acid. Inverse and significant associations were observed for PE 18:2/18:3 (r = −0.39; p = 0.015), PC 18:3/20:0 (r = −0.33; p = 0.041), and phosphatidic acid 18:0/0:0 (r = −0.47; p = 0.003) with aerobic performance. Swimmers who exhibited higher levels of aerobic performance also had the lowest abundance of PE, PC, and phosphatidic acid.
The sDOR.2-6y™ Is a Valid Measure of Nutrition Risk Independent of BMI-for-Age z-Score and Household Food Security Status in Preschool Aged-Children
Authors: Ruder Elizabeth H. , Lohse Barbara
Published: March 2024

Parents’ feeding practices are a function of child eating behaviors, health, and other factors. Adherence to the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR) model has not been examined relating to child BMI, household food security, or child eating behavior. This study evaluates the adherence to sDOR in relation to child eating behavior, nutrition risk, BMI-for-age, dietary intake, and food security. Ninety-one parent–child (3 to <6 years) dyads completed a cross-sectional asymmetric survey in August–November 2019; n = 69 parents from the original sample completed additional and retrospective questions in June 2021. Main outcomes included sDOR adherence (sDOR.2-6y™), a Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), nutrition risk (NutriSTEP®), the USDA 6-item screener, the Block Kids Food Screener, and eating competence (ecSI 2.0™). The children’s weight and height were investigator-measured. Associations were tested with Pearson’s r and Chi Square for continuous and categorical variables, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, or Mann–Whitney U compared means. The dietary comparisons used Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient. sDOR adherence was associated with a lower nutrition risk (r = 0.26, p = 0.03) and showed convergent validation with child eating behavior for three child eating behavior (CEBQ) constructs. sDOR.2-6y™ was not related to the child BMI-for-age z-score (r = 0.11, p = 0.39, n = 69). NutriSTEP® was associated with dietary quality and higher ecSI 2.0TM (r = 0.32, p = 0.008, n = 69). No associations between sDOR.2-6y™ and food security or dietary intake were noted.
Staphylococcus capitis Central-Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Center, Four-Year Experience in Central-Line Management during Sepsis Treatment
Authors: Sala Anna , Pivetti Valentina , Vittorini Alessandra , Viggiano Claudia , Castoldi Francesca , Fabiano Valentina , Lista Gianluca , Cavigioli Francesco
Published: March 2024

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are reportedly responsible for 50–60% of bloodstream infections in very preterm (<1500 g) infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Staphylococcus capitis is an increasingly prevalent pathogen in the neonatal setting, frequently causing central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) that can be difficult to eradicate. Central venous catheter (CVC) removal versus in situ treatment with CoNS CLABSIs is a controversial treatment strategy with no clear consensus. We reviewed all S. capitis CLABSIs in our NICU between 2019 and 2022, focusing on the role of catheter removal in eradication. Among the 25 patients, 17 CVCs were removed after diagnosis, leading to a 76.5% eradication rate in this group. Three infants had a persistently positive blood culture after CVC substitution. A new catheter was then inserted after a 48 h washout period, resulting in resolution of the infection. Only two of the eight patients (25%) who retained their catheter after diagnosis achieved infection eradication with antibiotic therapy alone. When feasible, catheter removal seems to be the most effective strategy for eradicating S. capitis CLABSIs, sometimes even requiring a 48 h washout period before reinsertion. Further studies on this topic are needed to better standardize the management of this type of infection.
An Overview of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Heterogeneity and Concentration
Authors: Maličev Elvira , Jazbec Katerina
Published: March 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of great interest in cell therapies due to the immunomodulatory and other effects they have after autologous or allogeneic transplantation. In most clinical applications, a high number of MSCs is required; therefore, the isolated MSC population must be expanded in the cell culture until the desired number is reached. Analysing freshly isolated MSCs is challenging due to their rareness and heterogeneity, which is noticeable among donors, tissues, and cell subpopulations. Although the phenotype of MSCs in tissue can differ from those of cultured cells, phenotyping and counting are usually performed only after MSC proliferation. As MSC applicability is a developing and growing field, there is a need to implement phenotyping and counting methods for freshly isolated MSCs, especially in new one-step procedures where isolated cells are implanted immediately without cell culturing. Only by analysing harvested cells can we correctly evaluate such studies. This review describes multilevel heterogeneity and concentrations of MSCs and different strategies for phenotype determination and enumeration of freshly isolated MSCs.
A Comparative Analysis of XGBoost and Neural Network Models for Predicting Some Tomato Fruit Quality Traits from Environmental and Meteorological Data
Authors: M’hamdi Oussama , Takács Sándor , Palotás Gábor , Ilahy Riadh , Helyes Lajos , Pék Zoltán
Published: March 2024

The tomato as a raw material for processing is globally important and is pivotal in dietary and agronomic research due to its nutritional, economic, and health significance. This study explored the potential of machine learning (ML) for predicting tomato quality, utilizing data from 48 cultivars and 28 locations in Hungary over 5 seasons. It focused on °Brix, lycopene content, and colour (a/b ratio) using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and artificial neural network (ANN) models. The results revealed that XGBoost consistently outperformed ANN, achieving high accuracy in predicting °Brix (R² = 0.98, RMSE = 0.07) and lycopene content (R² = 0.87, RMSE = 0.61), and excelling in colour prediction (a/b ratio) with a R² of 0.93 and RMSE of 0.03. ANN lagged behind particularly in colour prediction, showing a negative R² value of −0.35. Shapley additive explanation’s (SHAP) summary plot analysis indicated that both models are effective in predicting °Brix and lycopene content in tomatoes, highlighting different aspects of the data. SHAP analysis highlighted the models’ efficiency (especially in °Brix and lycopene predictions) and underscored the significant influence of cultivar choice and environmental factors like climate and soil. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting and fine-tuning the appropriate ML model for enhancing precision agriculture, underlining XGBoost’s superiority in handling complex agronomic data for quality assessment.
Nitrogen and Microelements Co-Drive the Decomposition of Typical Grass Litter in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Xiang Yun , Chen Haoning , Feng Weiqi , Wen Yongli , Xie Ying , Cheng Man , Li Hua
Published: March 2024

In grassland ecosystems, the decomposition of litter serves as a vital conduit for nutrient transfer between plants and soil. The aim of this study was to depict the dynamic process of grass litter decomposition and explore its major driver. Three typical grasses [Stipa bungeana Trin (St. B), Artemisia sacrorun Ledeb (Ar. S), and Thymus mongolicus Ronniger (Th. M)] were selected for long-term litter decomposition. Experiments were conducted using three single litters, namely, St. B, Ar. S, and Th. M, and four different compositions of mixed litter: ML1 (55% St. B and 45% Th. M), ML2 (55% St. B and 45% Ar. S), ML3 (75% St. B and 25% Th. M), and ML4 (75% St. B and 25% Ar. S). The dynamic patterns of mass and microelements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) within different litter groups were analyzed. Our findings indicated that, after 1035 days of decomposition, the proportion of residual mass for the single litters was as follows: Th. M (60.6%) > St. B (47.3%) > Ar. S (44.3%), and for the mixed groups it was ML1 (48.0%) > ML3 (41.6%) > ML2 (40.9) > ML4 (38.4%). Mixed cultivation of the different litter groups accelerated the decomposition process, indicating that the mixture of litters had a synergistic effect on litter decomposition. The microelements of the litter exhibited an initial short-term increase followed by long-term decay. After 1035 days of decomposition, the microelements released from the litter were, in descending order, Mg > Ca > Fe > Cu > Mn > Zn. Compared to the separately decomposed St. B litter, mixing led to an inhibition of the release of Ca (antagonistic effect), while it promoted the release of Mg, Cu, and Zn (synergistic effect). For the single litter, the stepwise regression analysis showed that Ca was the dominant factor determining early litter decomposition. Mg, Mn, and Cu were the dominant factors regulating later litter decomposition. For the mixed litter groups, Ca, Mn, and Mg were the dominant factors closely related to early decomposition, and TN emerged as a key factor regulating the mass loss of mixtures during later decomposition. In summary, nitrogen and microelements co-drive the decomposition of typical grass litter. Our study underscores that, in the succession process of grassland, the presence of multiple co-existing species led to a faster loss of plant-derived materials (litter mass and internal elements), which was primarily modulated by species identity and uniformity.
Effect of In Vitro Micropropagation on the Chemical, Antioxidant, and Biological Characteristics of Senecio nutans Sch. Bip., an Endemic Plant of the Atacama Desert Andean Region
Authors: Parra Claudio , Muñoz-Torres Patricio , Escobar Hugo , Simirgiotis Mario J. , Contreras-Contreras Gabriela , Ruiz-Fernández Álvaro , Maulen Cristian , Martínez-Cifuentes Maximiliano , Mariotti-Celis María Salomé
Published: March 2024

The species Senecio nutans Sch. Bip., commonly called “chachacoma”, is widely used as a medicinal plant by the Andean communities of Northern Chile. Ethanolic extracts of S. nutans and the main compound, 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl) acetophenone, have shown interesting biological activity. However, due to the high-altitude areas where this species is found, access to S. nutans is very limited. Due to the latter, in this work, we carried out micropropagation in vitro and ex vitro adaptation techniques as an alternative for the massive multiplication, conservation, and in vitro production of high-value metabolites from this plant. The micropropagation and ex vitro adaptation techniques were successfully employed, and UHPLC-DAD analysis revealed no significant changes in the phenolic profile, with acetophenone 4 being the most abundant metabolite, whose antioxidant and antibacterial activity was studied. Independently of the applied culture condition, the ethanolic extracts of S. nutans presented high activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, demonstrating their antimicrobial capacity. This successful initiation of in vitro and ex vitro cultures provides a biotechnological approach for the conservation of S. nutans and ensures a reliable and consistent source of acetophenone 4 as a potential raw material for pharmacological applications.
Comparing Fungal Sensitivity to Isothiocyanate Products on Different Botrytis spp.
Authors: Coca-Ruiz Víctor , Aleu Josefina , Collado Isidro G.
Published: March 2024

Glucosinolates, the main secondary metabolites accumulated in cruciferous flora, have a major impact on fortifying plant immunity against diverse pathogens. Although Botrytis cinerea exhibits varying sensitivity to these compounds, current research has yet to fully understand the intricate mechanisms governing its response to glucosinolates. Different species of the genus Botrytis were exposed to glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates, revealing that B. fabae, B. deweyae, and B. convolute, species with the mfsG transporter gene (Bcin06g00026) not detected with PCR, were more sensitive to isothiocyanates than Botrytis species containing that gene, such as B. cinerea, B. pseudocinerea, and B. byssoidea. This finding was further corroborated by the inability of species with the mfsG gene not detected with PCR to infect plants with a high concentration of glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates. These results challenge established correlations, revealing varying aggressiveness on different plant substrates. An expression analysis highlighted the gene’s induction in the presence of isothiocyanate, and a bioinformatic investigation identified homologous genes in other Botrytis species. Our study underscored the importance of advanced biotechnology to help understand these proteins and thus offer innovative solutions for agriculture.
Crop Landraces and Indigenous Varieties: A Valuable Source of Genes for Plant Breeding
Authors: Lazaridi Efstathia , Kapazoglou Aliki , Gerakari Maria , Kleftogianni Konstantina , Passa Kondylia , Sarri Efi , Papasotiropoulos Vasileios , Tani Eleni , Bebeli Penelope J.
Published: March 2024

Landraces and indigenous varieties comprise valuable sources of crop species diversity. Their utilization in plant breeding may lead to increased yield and enhanced quality traits, as well as resilience to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Recently, new approaches based on the rapid advancement of genomic technologies such as deciphering of pangenomes, multi-omics tools, marker-assisted selection (MAS), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing greatly facilitated the exploitation of landraces in modern plant breeding. In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of the implementation of new genomic technologies and highlight their importance in pinpointing the genetic basis of desirable traits in landraces and indigenous varieties of annual, perennial herbaceous, and woody crop species cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The need for further employment of advanced -omic technologies to unravel the full potential of landraces and indigenous varieties underutilized genetic diversity is also indicated. Ultimately, the large amount of genomic data emerging from the investigation of landraces and indigenous varieties reveals their potential as a source of valuable genes and traits for breeding. The role of landraces and indigenous varieties in mitigating the ongoing risks posed by climate change in agriculture and food security is also highlighted.
Comparative Transcriptomics Uncovers Upstream Factors Regulating BnFAD3 Expression and Affecting Linolenic Acid Biosynthesis in Yellow-Seeded Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Chen Xiao-Yu , Wu Hao-Xue , Zhang Xiao-Han , Guo Rong-Hao , Li Kang , Fu Yong-Li , Huang Zhen , Xu Ai-Xia , Dong Jun-Gang , Yu Cheng-Yu
Published: March 2024

α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is an important nutrient component in rapeseed oil, and rapeseed breeders want to either restrain or enhance the function of fatty acid desaturases (FADs) in the ALA biosynthesis pathway. To determine the reason for the upregulation of rapeseed BnFAD genes in two high-ALA accessions, R8Q10 and YH25005, we compared their transcriptome profiles in the seed at 24 days after pollination (DAP) with those of two low-ALA lines, A28 and SW. The expression levels of twenty-eight important genes in the seed samples at 20, 27, and 34 DAP were also investigated using an RT-qPCR. The expression levels of genes involved in flavonoid and proanthocyanidin synthesis, including BnCHS, BnCHI, BnDFR, BnFLS1, BnLDOX, BnBAN, BnTT10, and BnTT12 and genes encoding the transcription factors BnTT1, BnTT2, BnTT8, and BnTT16 were lower in R8Q10 and YH25005 than in A28 and SW. The expression levels of genes encoding master transcription factors in embryo development, such as BnLEC1, BnABI3, BnFUS3, BnL1L, BnAREB3, and BnbZIP67, were elevated significantly in the two high-ALA accessions. Combined with previous results in the Arabidopsis and rapeseed literature, we speculated that the yellow-seededness genes could elevate the activity of BnLEC1, BnABI3, BnFUS3, and BnbZIP67, etc., by reducing the expression levels of several transparent testa homologs, resulting in BnFAD3 and BnFAD7 upregulation and the acceleration of ALA synthesis. Yellow-seededness is a favorable factor to promote ALA synthesis in the two high-ALA accessions with the yellow-seeded trait. These findings provide initial insights into the transcriptomic differences between high-/low-ALA germplasms and a theoretic basis for seed quality breeding.
Review of Developed Methods for Measuring Gas Uptake and Diffusivity in Polymers Enriched by Pure Gas under High Pressure
Authors: Jung Jae Kap
Published: March 2024

Gas emission and diffusion through polymeric materials play crucial roles in ensuring safety and monitoring gas concentrations in technology and industry. Especially, the gas permeation characteristics for O-ring material should be investigated for sealing application in a hydrogen infrastructure. To accommodate the requirements of different environments, we first developed four complementary effective methods for measuring the gas absorption uptake from polymers enriched by pure gas under high pressure and determining the gas diffusivity. The methods included the gravimetric method, the volumetric method, the manometric method, and gas chromatography, which are based on mass, volume, pressure, and volume measurements, respectively. The representative investigated results of the developed methods, such as gas uptake, solubility, and diffusivity are demonstrated. The measuring principles, measuring procedures, measured results, and the characteristics of the methods are compared. Finally, the developed methods can be utilized for testing transport properties, such as the leakage and sealing ability, of rubber and O-ring material under high pressure for hydrogen fueling stations and gas industry.
Hyperspectral and Microtomographic Analyses to Evaluate the Stability of Quercetin and Calcium Effervescent Tablets Exposed to Heat and Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Szulc-Musioł Beata , Duda Piotr , Meisner Michał , Sarecka-Hujar Beata
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to assess the changes occurring during the storage of tablets of three effervescent preparations available in Polish pharmacies containing calcium and quercetin from various manufacturers under stressful conditions (45 °C, UV radiation) using a hyperspectral Specim IQ camera (Finland), X-ray microtomography (Germany), and selected pharmacopoeial parameters. All measurements were made three times at the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and then on days 3 and 10. In general, for all analyzed preparations, the values of reflectance (within a range from visible light to near-infrared) were significantly higher on day 0 than after 10 days of heat and UV (p < 0.001 each). The hardness of the tablets of all analysed preparations was higher on days 3 and 10 compared to day 0. Significant differences were found in the density of the internal structure of the tested preparations (p < 0.001), but in Preparations 1 and 2 on day 10, the density was higher compared to the initial density. In contrast, the porosity was lower on day 10 than on day 0 for Preparations 1 and 2, while in Preparation 3, it remained the same. In conclusion, lower reflectance values indicate that more light passes through/into the tablet, and the increase in density and decrease in porosity may indicate changes in the microstructure of the tablets.
Particle Size Distribution Slope Changes along the Yellow River Delta Observed from Sentinel 3A/B OLCI Images
Authors: Jin Song , Zou Tao , Xing Qianguo , Zheng Xiangyang , Fagherazzi Sergio
Published: March 2024

Quantitative estimates of particle size in estuaries and shelf areas are important to understand ocean ecology and biogeochemistry. Particle size can be characterized qualitatively from satellite observations of ocean color. As a typical marginal sea, the Yellow River Delta (YRD) with the Bohai Sea experiences a complex hydrodynamic environment. Here, we attempt to quantify the particle size distribution (PSD) slope (ξ) based on its relationship with the particle backscattering exponent from Sentinel-3A/B OLCI. The PSD slope, ξ displays temporal and spatial variability in the YRD with the Bohai Sea. Its value varies between 3 and 4, and typically exceeds 5 in offshore areas. The lowest value of ξ occurs in the winter, indicating the presence of fine inorganic particles in the water, while high values are attained in the spring, when phytoplankton blooms increase the particle size. ξ decreases near the river mouth because of the large sediment-laden discharge debouching into the sea. We detected a slight increase in ξ when turbid waters were present in the period 2016–2022. Environmental factors, such as sea surface temperature, sea surface wave height, and wind, may control particle size and ξ in the long term. Inorganic suspended particle matter is derived along the YRD using the magnitude of ξ. The mean inorganic suspended particle matter area in winter approaches 23,900 km2 when ξ < 4.6. This study thoroughly characterizes variations in ξ in the YRD with the Bohai Sea and clarifies the contributions of driving factors from human activities and climate change.
Deep Learning for Detection of Proper Utilization and Adequacy of Personal Protective Equipment in Manufacturing Teaching Laboratories
Authors: Ludwika Adinda Sekar , Rifai Achmad Pratama
Published: March 2024

Occupational sectors are perennially challenged by the potential for workplace accidents, particularly in roles involving tools and machinery. A notable cause of such accidents is the inadequate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), essential in preventing injuries and illnesses. This risk is not confined to workplaces alone but extends to educational settings with practical activities, like manufacturing teaching laboratories in universities. Current methods for monitoring and ensuring proper PPE usage especially in the laboratories are limited, lacking in real-time and accurate detection capabilities. This study addresses this gap by developing a visual-based, deep learning system specifically tailored for assessing PPE usage in manufacturing teaching laboratories. The method of choice for object detection in this study is You Only Look Once (YOLO) algorithms, encompassing YOLOv4, YOLOv5, and YOLOv6. YOLO processes images in a single pass through its architecture, in which its efficiency allows for real-time detection. The novel contribution of this study lies in its computer vision models, adept at not only detecting compliance but also assessing adequacy of PPE usage. The result indicates that the proposed computer vision models achieve high accuracy for detection of PPE usage compliance and adequacy with a mAP value of 0.757 and an F1-score of 0.744, obtained with the YOLOv5 model. The implementation of a deep learning system for PPE compliance in manufacturing teaching laboratories could markedly improve safety, preventing accidents and injuries through real-time compliance monitoring. Its effectiveness and adaptability could set a precedent for safety protocols in various educational settings, fostering a wider culture of safety and compliance.
Unveiling Novel Chaotropic Chromatography Method for Determination of Pralidoxime in Nerve Agent Antidote Autoinjectors
Authors: Shin Bohyun , Kim Hyung-seung , Lee Ji-Youn , Seo Sumin , Jeong Cho Hee , Bae Eunbin , Kim Jiyu , Lee Hyojeong , Lee Donghee , Lee Dong-Kyu , Han Sang Beom
Published: March 2024

Pralidoxime chloride, a highly hydrophilic antidote, cannot be effectively separated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), unless the mobile-phase composition is varied. However, the use of ion-pairing reagents for pralidoxime separation is hindered by the persistent contamination of the stationary phase or chromatography system inside the HPLC system. Thus, this study aimed to develop a simple, rapid, and robust method based on RP-HPLC to determine pralidoxime chloride in antidote autoinjectors using a chaotropic salt as the mobile-phase additive. The use of UV detection at 270 nm allowed for the simultaneous detection of pralidoxime chloride and the internal standard, pyridine-2-aldoxime. The addition of chaotropic salts (NaPF6, NaBF4, and NaClO4) and an ionic liquid ([EMIM]PF6) increased the retention time of pralidoxime chloride. Among them, NaPF6 exhibited the highest capacity factor in the reverse-phase C18 column. Increasing the salt concentration increased the capacity factor and the number of theoretical plates. Analytical method validation was performed to assess the linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, and repeatability, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety guidelines. Additionally, this newly developed method exhibits an adequate separation capability, making it a potential substitute for the current method employed in the United States/Korean Pharmacopoeia, and it ensures the necessary durability to maintain the robustness and reliability of the analytical system.
New Forms of Interaction in the Digital Age: The Use of the Telephone
Authors: Romeo Angelo
Published: March 2024

The objective of this article is to analyze how the digital space has become a ground for encounters, comparisons, and sometimes even clashes among individuals who increasingly inhabit the Internet, not just as a gateway to consume products, but as a context in which to weave relationships that, in the era of the Metaverse, are no longer to be understood as opposed to face-to-face encounters but rather as a continuation that transcends space–time boundaries. The Internet has become a place where relationships can be formed in various ways, influencing daily life and individual as well as collective existence. This influence now extends across various realms, from recreational encounters to cultural exchanges, and from politics to social interactions. The focus of this article is to analyze relational transformations and consequently how each individual relates to the Internet, both within and outside digital circuits. A state-of-the-art review of digital studies primarily interested in issues related to identity, increasingly showcased on social media, aims to understand how relationships and interactions can be interpreted today. These interactions occur within the screens of devices, disrupting certain stages of each individual’s biographical experience. Knowledge often begins in digital contexts and does not necessarily translate into the “tangible” everyday life, to the extent that the term “Digital Society” no longer surprises but is part of routine language. The synergy between digital and physical spaces calls on the social sciences to carefully analyze the types of relationships we build and how we nurture them amid applications and platforms. Thus, this article explores what friendships and romantic relationships have become in this digital era. It delves into the role of individuals faced with this rapid influx of technology into contemporary society. What is the role of the person in navigating this technological excess? The article aims to shed light on these questions, emphasizing notions such as relationships, identity, complexity, and the individual.
Hybrid Renewable Production Scheduling for a PV–Wind-EV-Battery Architecture Using Sequential Quadratic Programming and Long Short-Term Memory–K-Nearest Neighbors Learning for Smart Buildings
Authors: Chakir Asmae , Tabaa Mohamed
Published: March 2024

Electricity demand in residential areas is generally met by the local low-voltage grid or, alternatively, the national grid, which produces electricity using thermal power stations based on conventional sources. These generators are holding back the revolution and the transition to a green planet, being unable to cope with climatic constraints. In the residential context, to ensure a smooth transition to an ecological green city, the idea of using alternative sources will offer the solution. These alternatives must be renewable and naturally available on the planet. This requires a generation that is very responsive to the constraints of the 21st century. However, these sources are intermittent and require a hybrid solution known as Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs). To this end, we have designed a hybrid system based on PV-, wind-turbine- and grid-supported battery storage and an electric vehicle connected to a residential building. We proposed an energy management system based on nonlinear programming. This optimization was solved using sequential quadrature programming. The data were then processed using a long short-term memory (LSTM) model to predict, with the contribution and cooperation of each source, how to meet the energy needs of each home. The prediction was ensured with an accuracy of around 95%. These prediction results have been injected into K-nearest neighbors (KNN), random forest (RF) and gradient boost (GRU) repressors to predict the storage collaboration rates handled by the local battery and the electric vehicle. Results have shown an R2_score of 0.6953, 0.8381, and 0.739, respectively. This combination permitted an efficient prediction of the potential consumption from the grid with a value of an R²-score of around 0.9834 using LSTM. This methodology is effective in allowing us to know in advance the amount of energy of each source, storage, and excess grid injection and to propose the switching control of the hybrid architecture.
Review of Sources of Uncertainty and Techniques Used in Uncertainty Quantification and Sensitivity Analysis to Estimate Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ruminants
Authors: Kimei Erica Hargety , Nyambo Devotha G. , Mduma Neema , Kaijage Shubi
Published: March 2024

Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis are essential for improving the modeling and estimation of greenhouse gas emissions in livestock farming to evaluate and reduce the impact of uncertainty in input parameters to model output. The present study is a comprehensive review of the sources of uncertainty and techniques used in uncertainty analysis, quantification, and sensitivity analysis. The search process involved rigorous selection criteria and articles retrieved from the Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases and exported to RAYYAN for further screening. This review found that identifying the sources of uncertainty, implementing quantifying uncertainty, and analyzing sensitivity are of utmost importance in accurately estimating greenhouse gas emissions. This study proposes the development of an EcoPrecision framework for enhanced precision livestock farming, and estimation of emissions, to address the uncertainties in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation.
G20 Tourism Carbon Footprint and COVID-19 Impact
Authors: Tsutsumi Akihiko , Furukawa Ryuzo , Kitamura Yusuke , Itsubo Norihiro
Published: March 2024

The Glasgow Declaration called for scientifically based measurements of CO2 emissions in the tourism industry to monitor progress toward the achievement of the goals of the Paris Agreement. Despite the economic and employment downturn caused by COVID-19, there are limited cases of environmental assessments related to tourism. In this study, we estimated the CFP of the tourism industry in the G20 countries before and after COVID-19. By combining the MRIO and Tourism Satellite Accounts, we clarified the different impacts on the markets for domestic tourism and inbound tourism, aiming to provide a quantitative basis for setting scientifically grounded goals towards the transition to sustainable tourism. The GHG emissions from tourism mainly stem from transportation, but souvenirs, accommodations, and food and beverages also result in significant differences among countries. The pandemic has greatly impacted the tourism industry. In 2020, the GHG emissions from both domestic and inbound tourism significantly decreased due to the decrease in the number of tourists. In some countries, measures against COVID-19 influenced these figures, and although signs of recovery were observed in 2021, the degree of reduction varied by country. These emission reductions should be the goals pursued by the tourism industry in the post-COVID-19 era, and efforts should be made to achieve sustainable tourism.