bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Outcome after Endovascular and Open Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms—A Binational Study Conducted between 1998 and 2017
Authors: Pirinen Riku , Laine Matti T. , Mani Kevin , Gunnarsson Kim , Wanhainen Anders , Sund Reijo , Venermo Maarit
Published: July 2024

Objective: We aimed to analyse patient outcomes following open (OAR) or endovascular repair (EVAR) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in Finland and Sweden from 1998 to 2017. Both intact and ruptured AAAs (rAAAs) were included in the analysis. Methods: Patient-level data from national registries in Finland and Sweden were analysed, pairing operations for intact and ruptured AAA repair with mortality data (date of death). All-cause mortality was the primary endpoint. Anonymized patient data from both countries were pooled, comprising a total of 32,324 operations. Ruptured and intact AAAs were considered separately. In total, EVAR was performed on 9619 intact AAAs and 1470 rAAAs, while OAR was performed on 13,241 intact AAAs and 7994 rAAAs. The patient’s age, sex and the date of operation were obtained as demographic information. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to evaluate long-term (10-year) survival after the treatment of AAA or rAAA with either modality. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed in three different age groups (<65 years, 65–79 years and ≥80 years). Results: Considering all age groups together, the 1-, 3- and 10-year Kaplan–Meier survival rates after EVAR were 93.4%, 80.5% and 35.3%, respectively, for intact AAA repair and 67.2%, 55.9% and 22.2%, respectively, for rAAA repair. For OAR of intact AAAs, the 1-, 3- and 10-year Kaplan–Meier survival rates were 92.1%, 84.8% and 48.7%, respectively. The respective rates for OAR of rAAAs were 55.4%, 49.3% and 24.6%. In a Cox regression analysis, a more recent year of operation was associated with improved survival, and older age affected survival negatively for both intact and ruptured AAA repair. If patients survived the first 90 days after the operation, the survival after intact AAA repair was 13.5 years for those <65 years (general population: 18.0 years), and 7.3 years for those ≥80 years (general population: 7.9 years). After rAAA repair, the mean survival was 13.1 years for patients <65 years and 5.5 years for patients ≥80 years, respectively. Conclusions: The long-term survival of patients undergoing intact AAA treatment at the age of 80 or older is close to that of the general population, provided they survive the operation. Conversely, for patients younger than 65, the long-term survival is markedly worse. The long-term survival of AAA patients has improved over time. Open surgery is still a safe and effective option for young patients undergoing intact AAA repair. Our results support the ESVS guidelines recommendation of EVAR being the first-line treatment for patients with rAAA.
Identification of the Spatial Structure of Urban Polycentres Based on the Dual Perspective of Population Distribution and Population Mobility
Authors: Zhang Rongrong , Li Ming , Zhang Xiao , Guo Yuanyuan , Li Yonghe , Gao Qi , Liu Song
Published: July 2024

The accelerated growth of urban areas has resulted in substantial alterations to the spatial structure of these settlements. The accurate identification of the multi-centre spatial structure is a fundamental prerequisite for the assessment of urban spatial development and the optimisation of urban space. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify the multi-centre spatial structure of cities through a novel approach of data fusion based on night-time lighting data, LandScan data, and population heat data. Furthermore, this study compared the differential effects of population distribution and population mobility in identifying urban spatial structures. The empirical research results for Zhengzhou City demonstrate that the accuracy of using LandScan data fusion to identify multi-centre spatial structures was 0.7463, while the accuracy of using night-time light data fusion to identify urban spatial structures through population mobility reached 0.8235. This suggests that, in the context of increasing population mobility and economic activity, the integration of population mobility data may have a significant impact on the accuracy of urban spatial research. Moreover, this study places a dual focus on population distribution and population mobility and a new method of data integration for urban spatial research. These are of considerable practical value in facilitating spatial optimisation and the coordinated development of cities.
Home Range and Habitat Selection of Feral Horses (Equus ferus f. caballus) in a Mountainous Environment: A Case Study from Northern Greece
Authors: Bakaloudis Dimitrios E. , Thoma Charalambos T. , Makridou Konstantina N. , Kotsonas Evangelos G. , Arsenos Georgios , Theodoridis Alexandros , Kontsiotis Vasileios
Published: July 2024

The spatial ecology of feral horses (Equus ferus f. caballus) in Greece has never been studied before, including home range size and habitat selection. We tracked two mares fitted with global positioning system collars between September 2020 and August 2021 in a portion of Mount Menoikio in Central Macedonia, Northern Greece. We used K-select analysis to assess habitat selection for the study period by combining location data with several environmental variables. The mean home ranges for horses varied from 26.72 km2 (95% Minimum Convex Polygon; SE = 0.442) to 27.84 km2 (95% Kernel Density; SE = 1.83). Both horses selected areas with flat and smooth topography near natural grasslands with high green productivity. Conversely, they avoided areas near broadleaved forests and pastures, as well as at north-facing aspects. Overall, suitable habitats corresponded to a small portion (15.1%) of the available habitat. Our findings could assist land managers in mapping primary horses’ habitat in the wider region and implement management regimes that will aid in preserving natural grasslands.
How to Extend China’s Rural Land Contracts for Another 30 Years: A Psychological Ownership Perspective
Authors: Sun Yuting , Jin Xiangmu
Published: July 2024

In China’s rural land system, the collective owns the land, and farmers, as members of the collective, can acquire land contractual management rights through land contracting. With the second round of land contracts nearing expiration, the central government has announced that the term should be extended for 30 years. This paper introduces the theory of psychological ownership to explore the implementation paths of the 30-year extension policy. The study finds that (1) farmers generally exhibit strong psychological ownership towards the contracted land. (2) The Household Contract Responsibility System satisfies the three routes for the formation of psychological ownership—control, intimate knowledge, and self-investment. As the duration of farmers’ possession of contracted land extends, their psychological ownership gradually forms and strengthens. (3) Farmers’ psychological ownership has both positive and negative effects. The 30-year extension policy must adhere to the path dependence formed by the evolution of the land contract system, comply with the institutional constraints imposed by rural land collective ownership, and simultaneously meet the practical demands posed by urban–rural integration and agricultural development. Drawing on the complex effects of farmers’ psychological ownership and considering the historical, institutional, and practical contexts of policy implementation, this study proposes the dual necessity of facilitating and restraining farmers’ psychological ownership when extending for another 30 years and offers corresponding policy suggestions. Facilitation requires empowering farmers with more stable land possession and stronger land rights. Restraint requires preventing the permanent locking of rural land allocation patterns to achieve fair and efficient land allocation.
Investigation of Failure Mechanisms in Oil-Lubricated Rolling Bearings under Small Oscillating Movements: Experimental Results, Analysis and Comparison with Theoretical Models
Authors: Halmos Fabian , Wartzack Sandro , Bartz Marcel
Published: July 2024

Bearing life calculation is a well-researched and standardized topic for rotating operation conditions. However, there is still no validated and standardized calculation for oscillating operation, only different calculation approaches. Due to the increasing number of oscillating rolling bearings, for example, in wind turbines, industrial robots, or 3D printers, it is becoming more and more important to validate one of these approaches or to formulate a new one. In order to achieve this goal, the damage mechanisms for oscillating operating conditions must first be analyzed in more detail by means of experimental investigations. The open question is whether fatigue is the relevant damage mechanism or whether wear damage, such as fretting corrosion or false brinelling, dominates. The present work therefore shows under which oscillation angle and frequency fatigue occur in oil-lubricated cylindrical roller bearings.
Analysis of Freeze–Thaw Damage of Cement Mortars Doped with Polyethylene Glycol-Based Form Stable Phase Change Materials
Authors: Sarcinella Antonella , Cunha Sandra , Reis Nuno , Aguiar José , Frigione Mariaenrica
Published: July 2024

The development of construction materials with the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) has been a topic of wide interest in the scientific community, especially in recent years, due to its positive impact on temperature regulation inside buildings. However, little is known about the behavior of materials doped with PCMs when exposed to accidental or severe environments. Currently, a large area of the planet experiences seasonal freeze–thaw effects, which impact the durability and performance of construction materials. Accordingly, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the damage caused by cyclic freeze–thaw actions on the behavior of a cement mortar, including a PEG-based form-stable PCM. An experimental methodology was developed based on the physical and mechanical characterization of mortars under normal operating conditions and after being subjected to freeze–thaw cycles. The results indicated that, under normal exposure conditions, the incorporation of aggregate functionalized with PCM led to a decrease in the mortar’s water absorption capacity, compressive strength, and adhesion. However, its applicability has not been compromised. Exposure to freeze–thaw cycles caused a loss of mass in the specimens and a decrease in the compressive strength and adhesion capability of the mortar.
Microstructures and High-Temperature Mechanical Properties of Inconel 718 Superalloy Fabricated via Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Li Nan , Wang Changshun , Li Chenglin
Published: July 2024

The Inconel 718 superalloy demonstrates the potential to fabricate high-temperature components using additive manufacturing. However, additively manufactured Inconel 718 typically exhibits low strength, necessitating post-heat treatments for precipitate strengthening. This study investigated the microstructures and mechanical properties of the Inconel 718 superalloy fabricated via laser powder bed fusion. The room-temperature and high-temperature tensile properties of the Inconel 718 alloy samples following various post-heat treatments were evaluated. The results indicate that the as-built samples exhibited columnar grains with fine cell structures. Solution treatment resulted in δ phase formation and grain recrystallization. Subsequent double aging led to finely distributed nanoscale γ′ and γ″ particles. These nanoscale particles provided high strength at both room and high temperatures, resulting in a balanced strength and ductility comparable to the wrought counterpart. High-temperature nanoindentation analyses revealed that the double-aging samples exhibited very high hardness and low creep rates at 650 °C.
A Simplified Analytical Model for Strip Buckling in the Pressure-Assisted Milling Process
Authors: Wang Xuezhi , Chen Kelin , Lin Yanli , He Zhubin
Published: July 2024

A simplified column-buckling model is developed to understand the buckling mechanism of thin-walled strips restrained by uniform lateral pressure in the milling process. The strip is simplified as two rigid columns connected by a rotation spring, resting on a smooth surface, restrained by a uniform pressure and loaded by an axial force. Two loading cases are considered, i.e., the dead load and the follower load. Analytical solutions for the post-buckling responses of the two cases are derived based on the energy method. The minimum buckling force, Maxwell force and stability conditions for the two cases are established. It is demonstrated that the application of higher uniform pressure increases the minimum buckling force for the column and thus makes the column less likely to buckle. For the same pressure level, the dead load is found to be more effective than the follower load in suppressing the buckling of the system. The effect of initial geometric imperfection is also investigated, and the imperfection amplitude and critical restraining pressure that prevent buckling are found to be linearly related. The analytical results are validated by finite element simulations. This analytical model reveals the buckling mechanism of strips under lateral pressure restraint, which cannot be explained by the conventional bifurcation buckling theory, and provides a theoretical foundation for buckling-prevention strategies during the milling process of thin-walled strips, plates and shells commonly encountered in aerospace or automotive industries.
Parvoviruses of Aquatic Animals
Authors: Kibenge Frederick , Kibenge Molly , Montes de Oca Marco , Godoy Marcos
Published: July 2024

Family Parvoviridae consists of small, non-enveloped viruses with linear, single-stranded DNA genomes of approximately 4-6 kilobases, subdivided into three subfamilies, Parvovirinae, Densovirinae, and Hamaparvovirinae, and unassigned genus Metalloincertoparvovirus. Parvoviruses of aquatic animals infect crustaceans, mollusks, and finfish. This review describes these parvoviruses, which are highly host-specific and associated with mass morbidity and mortality in both farmed and wild aquatic animals. They include Cherax quadricarinatus densovirus (CqDV) in freshwater crayfish in Queensland, Australia; sea star-associated densovirus (SSaDV) in sunflower sea star on the Northeastern Pacific Coast; Clinch densovirus 1 in freshwater mussels in the Clinch River, Virginia, and Tennessee, USA, in subfamily Densovirinae; hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV) and infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) in farmed shrimp worldwide; Syngnathid ichthamaparvovirus 1 in gulf pipefish in the Gulf of Mexico and parts of South America; tilapia parvovirus (TiPV) in farmed tilapia in China, Thailand, and India, in the subfamily Hamaparvovirinae; and Penaeus monodon metallodensovirus (PmMDV) in Vietnamese P. monodon, in unassigned genus Metalloincertoparvovirus. Also included in the family Parvoviridae are novel parvoviruses detected in both diseased and healthy animals using metagenomic sequencing, such as zander parvovirus from zander in Hungary and salmon parvovirus from sockeye salmon smolts in British Columbia, Canada.
First Report of Acanthamoeba Genotype T4 from the Newly Formed Tajogaite Volcano Tephra (La Palma, Canary Islands)
Authors: Pérez-Pérez Patricia , Reyes-Batlle María , Rodríguez-Expósito Rubén L. , Perdomo-González Adolfo , Sifaoui Ines , Díaz-Peña Francisco J. , Morchón Rodrigo , Maciver Sutherland K. , Piñero José E. , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob
Published: July 2024

The Tajogaite Volcano erupted on the western slope of the Cumbre Vieja mountain range on La Palma Island in the Canary Islands, Spain, in 2021. As one of the multiple consequences of this eruption, a layer of tephra was deposited, to a variable extent, over a large part of the island. Tephra deposits affect all aspects of vegetation recovery, the water cycle, and the long-term availability of volcanic nutrients. Protozoa, including free-living amoeba (FLA), are known to be among the first microorganisms capable of colonizing harsh environments. In the present study, the presence of FLA has been evaluated in the Tajogaite Volcano deposits. Samples of the tephra were collected and incubated at 26 °C on 2% non-nutrient agar plates with a layer of heat-killed E. coli. Morphological features, as well as the DF3 region sequence of the 18S rDNA, confirmed the presence of a T4 genotype strain of Acanthamoeba. Thermotolerance and osmotolerance assays were used to evaluate the strain’s pathogenic potential. This strain was considered thermotolerant but poorly osmotolerant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Acanthamoeba being isolated from a recently erupted volcano.
Characterisation of European Field Goat Prion Isolates in Ovine PrP Overexpressing Transgenic Mice (Tgshp IX) Reveals Distinct Prion Strains
Authors: Ernst Sonja , Nonno Romolo , Langeveld Jan , Andreoletti Olivier , Acin Cristina , Papasavva-Stylianou Penelope , Sklaviadis Theodoros , Acutis Pier Luigi , van Keulen Lucien , Spiropoulos John , Keller Markus , Groschup Martin H. , Fast Christine
Published: July 2024

After the detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and a zoonotic transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) caused by the pathological prion protein (PrPSc) in two goats, the investigation of goat prions became of greater interest. Therefore, a broad collection of European goat TSE isolates, including atypical scrapie, CH1641 and goat BSE as reference prion strains were biochemically characterised and subsequently inoculated into seven rodent models for further analysis (already published results of this comprehensive study are reviewed here for comparative reasons). We report here the histopathological and immunohistochemical data of this goat TSE panel, obtained after the first passage in Tgshp IX (tg-shARQ) mice, which overexpress the ovine prion protein. In addition to the clear-cut discrimination of all reference prion strains from the classical scrapie (CS) isolates, we were further able to determine three categories of CS strains. The investigation further indicates the occurrence of sub-strains that slightly resemble distant TSE strains, such as BSE or CH1641, reinforcing the theory that CS is not a single strain but a mixture of sub-strains, existing at varying extents in one isolate. This study further proved that Tgshp IX is a potent and reliable tool for the in-depth characterisation of prion strains.
“God Has Not Died, He Became Government”: Use-of-Oneself and Immanence in Giorgio Agamben’s Work
Authors: Brum Neto Benjamim
Published: July 2024

This article delves into the theme of the death of God in Giorgio Agamben’s work from a political perspective, seeking to interpret the notion of “God” in Agamben through the concepts of “government” and “transcendence”. Although Agamben does not extensively address the theme of the death of God, my hypothesis is that by continually dealing with the ethical and political legacy of Western theology, it is possible to conceive the death of God as an unconsummated political horizon, but that it is yet to come. In this sense, the first two sections of the text provide a review of the theme of governance of men and governance of oneself in Agamben’s work, engaging in dialogue with Schmitt, Peterson, Heidegger, Foucault, and Plato, as well as the concepts of transcendence oikonomia, technology, and care. The last two sections of the text explore Agamben’s response to this diagnosis. Agamben’s philosophical proposal is presented through a dialogue with Spinoza and Stoicism, with the central concept being the idea of use of oneself, which is linked to the notions of immanence, Ungovernable, and anarchy.
Actively Expressed Intergenic Genes Generated by Transposable Element Insertions in Gossypium hirsutum Cotton
Authors: Guan Yongzhuo , Zhou Mingao , Zhang Congyu , Han Zixuan , Zhang Yinbao , Wu Zhiguo , Zhu Yuxian
Published: July 2024

The genomes and annotated genes of allotetraploid cotton Gossypium hirsutum have been extensively studied in recent years. However, the expression, regulation, and evolution of intergenic genes (ITGs) have not been completely deciphered. In this study, we identified a novel set of actively expressed ITGs in G. hirsutum cotton, through transcriptome profiling based on deep sequencing data, as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation, followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) of histone modifications and how the ITGs evolved. Totals of 17,567 and 8249 ITGs were identified in G. hirsutum and Gossypium arboreum, respectively. The expression of ITGs in G. hirsutum was significantly higher than that in G. arboreum. Moreover, longer exons were observed in G. hirsutum ITGs. Notably, 42.3% of the ITGs from G. hirsutum were generated by the long terminal repeat (LTR) insertions, while their proportion in genic genes was 19.9%. The H3K27ac and H3K4me3 modification proportions and intensities of ITGs were equivalent to genic genes. The H3K4me1 modifications were lower in ITGs. Additionally, evolution analyses revealed that the ITGs from G. hirsutum were mainly produced around 6.6 and 1.6 million years ago (Mya), later than the pegged time for genic genes, which is 7.0 Mya. The characterization of ITGs helps to elucidate the evolution of cotton genomes and shed more light on their biological functions in the transcriptional regulation of eukaryotic genes, along with the roles of histone modifications in speciation and diversification.
Mitigating Effects of Tanacetum balsamita L. on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)
Authors: Mihaylova Rositsa , Gevrenova Reneta , Petrova Alexandra , Savov Yonko , Zheleva-Dimitrova Dimitrina , Balabanova Vessela , Momekov Georgi , Simeonova Rumyana
Published: July 2024

The metabolic syndrome and its associated co-morbidities have been recognized as predisposing risk factors for the development of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The present study reports on the beneficial effect of the Tanacetum balsamita methanol-aqueous extract (ETB) at 150 and 300 mg/kg bw on biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress, metabolic syndrome, and liver function in rat animal models with induced MAFLD. ETB was found to be non-toxic with LD50 > 3000 mg/kg and did not affect cell viability of hepatic HEP-G2 cells in a concentration up to 800 μg/mL. The pathology was established by a high-calorie diet and streptozotocin. Acarbose and atorvastatin were used as positive controls. At the higher dose, ETB reduced significantly (p < 0.05) the blood glucose levels by about 20%, decreased lipase activity by 52%, total cholesterol and triglycerides by 50% and 57%, respectively, and restored the amylase activity and leukocytes compared to the MAFLD group. ETB ameliorated oxidative stress biomarkers reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde in a dose-dependent manner. At 300 mg/kg, the beneficial effect of the extract on antioxidant enzymes was evidenced by the elevated catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activity by 70%, 29%, and 44%, accordingly, compared to the MAFLD rats. ETB prevents the histopathological changes related to MAFLD. ETB, rich in 3,5-dicafeoylquinic, chlorogenic, and rosmarinic acids together with the isorhamnetin- and luteolin-glucoside provides a prominent amelioration of MAFLD.
Comparative Study of Different Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Varieties Based on Their Nutritional Values
Authors: Szalóki-Dorkó Lilla , Kumar Pradeep , Székely Dóra , Végvári György , Ficzek Gitta , Simon Gergely , Abrankó László , Tormási Judit , Bujdosó Géza , Máté Mónika
Published: July 2024

Polyphenols, fatty acids, and mineral composition were studied in eight Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) samples: ‘Milotai 10’ (M10) and ‘Alsószentiváni 117’ (A117) Hungarian varieties derived from two Hungarian growing areas (Pálháza—P and Berzék—B), ‘Chernivets’ky 1’ from Ukraine, and ‘Chandler’ from the United States of America, Chile, and Brazil purchased on the Hungarian consumer market. The aim was to reveal which walnut variety is the most suitable for consumption from a nutritive point of view. In comparison, both Hungarian varieties grown in Hungarian climatic conditions had on average approximately 33% more polyphenols, approximately 22% more SFAs (saturated fatty acids), and approximately 27% more MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids). Regarding the minerals, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium were present in higher concentrations in both Hungarian varieties. Among the Hungarian-bred varieties, M10 mainly reached a higher compounds content, but the effects of the fruit site conditions were not clearly detected. Other varieties contained mainly potassium, copper, and zinc, such as ‘Chandler’ harvested from Chile. ‘Chernivets’ky 1’, harvested from Ukraine, had outstanding cinnamic acid and linoleic acid contents compared to the other examined varieties. All ‘Chandler’ samples (mainly the American) contained 11% more PUFAs compared to the samples derived from Hungary.
Combined Effect of Subsurface Water Retention Technology and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth, Physiology and Biochemistry of Argan Seedlings under Field Conditions
Authors: Fassih Boujemaa , Ait-El-Mokhtar Mohamed , Nait Douch Aicha , Boutasknit Abderrahim , Ben-Laouane Raja , Aganchich Badia , Wahbi Said
Published: July 2024

The argan (Argania spinosa L. Skeels) ecosystem is severely degrading in arid and semi-arid lands due to climate change, particularly in terms of density loss and reforestation failure. Thus, it is important to adopt innovative effective sustainable practices to optimize the densification and reforestation success of the argan tree. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the combined effect of subsurface water retention technology (SWRT) and the use of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on edaphic, growth, physiological and biochemical parameters of field-grown argan seedlings in the Essaouira region, Morocco. In this experiment, one-year-old argan seedlings were transplanted in the absence and presence of biodegradable plastic and AMF. Our findings revealed that the application of SWRT enhanced soil profile moisture up to 640% at 40 cm depth compared to the control. The combination of this technology with AMF also improved soil fertility. Furthermore, the application of SWRT, with or without AMF, significantly enhanced argan seedling height (208 and 168%, respectively), stomatal conductance (54 and 33%, respectively), and chlorophyll fluorescence (21 and 20%, respectively). Similarly, the combined application of SWRT and AMF significantly improved protein and sugar content (36 and 57%, respectively), as well as antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) and chlorophyll pigments content compared to the control. However, this treatment reduced malondialdehyde and H2O2 content in the argan leaves. As a summary, SWRT technology combined with AMF may be used as a valuable strategy to promote the success of argan reforestation and to limit soil erosion and desertification in arid and semi-arid climates.
The Impact of Organic Selenium (IV) on Hypericum perforatum L. under Cadmium Stress and Non-Stress Conditions
Authors: Giebułtowicz Joanna , Ślusarczyk Joanna , Wyderska Sylwia , Wroczyński Piotr
Published: July 2024

The issue of soil contamination by heavy metals is widely acknowledged. Some plants, including medicinal species like St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), exhibit accumulation traits, allowing them to accumulate elevated levels of metals, e.g., cadmium (Cd), within their cells. Selenium (Se) may increase the tolerance of plants to abiotic stress caused by the presence of heavy metal in the environment. Depending on its form (oxidation state, organic/inorganic), Se influences plant growth, secondary metabolite content, and biotic stress, as well as incorporates into shoots, providing economic and health benefits for consumers. So far, there are no data on the influence of organic Se(IV) on plants. Our study aimed to determine the effect of organic Se(IV) on the growth, active compound levels (anthranoids, polyphenols), and ultrastructure of St. John’s wort without and under cadmium stress. The phytochemical analysis and microscopic examination was performed on shoots from different days of St. John’s wort in vitro culture on a few variants of Murashige and Skoog medium with Cd (25 and 400 µM) and/or organic Se (IV). Exposure to Se(IV) did not affect hypericins but increased the polyphenol content in the shoots and the biomass. Se(IV) caused an increase in starch grain number in chloroplasts, whereas Cd exposure resulted in the degradation of the chloroplast structure, increased cell vacuolation, as well as swollen mitochondrial cristae. The addition of Se(IV) to these combinations reduced the degree of degradation and growth inhibition and a high content of Se(IV) in plants was observed. Se(IV) had no impact on Cd content at environmental Cd concentrations, but showed an effect at extremely high Cd concentrations. Thus, organic Se(IV) has a beneficial effect on St. John’s wort growth, polyphenol content, and incorporation in shoots and prevents Cd toxicity. Media enriched with organic Se(IV) have both economic advantages and health benefits due to a higher plant growth rate and increased concentrations of polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties, relatively enriched with Se. However, organic Se(IV) should be used with caution in polluted areas. In perspective, speciation analysis and molecular study are crucial to understand the fate and effect of Se (IV) on plants.
Regulation of Microalgal Photosynthetic Electron Transfer
Authors: Milrad Yuval , Mosebach Laura , Buchert Felix
Published: July 2024

The global ecosystem relies on the metabolism of photosynthetic organisms, featuring the ability to harness light as an energy source. The most successful type of photosynthesis utilizes a virtually inexhaustible electron pool from water, but the driver of this oxidation, sunlight, varies on time and intensity scales of several orders of magnitude. Such rapid and steep changes in energy availability are potentially devastating for biological systems. To enable a safe and efficient light-harnessing process, photosynthetic organisms tune their light capturing, the redox connections between core complexes and auxiliary electron mediators, ion passages across the membrane, and functional coupling of energy transducing organelles. Here, microalgal species are the most diverse group, featuring both unique environmental adjustment strategies and ubiquitous protective mechanisms. In this review, we explore a selection of regulatory processes of the microalgal photosynthetic apparatus supporting smooth electron flow in variable environments.
Origin and Evolution of the Azolla Superorganism
Authors: Bujak Jonathan , Bujak Alexandra
Published: July 2024

Azolla is the only plant with a co-evolving nitrogen-fixing (diazotrophic) cyanobacterial symbiont (cyanobiont), Nostoc azollae, resulting from whole-genome duplication (WGD) 80 million years ago in Azolla’s ancestor. Additional genes from the WGD resulted in genetic, biochemical, and morphological changes in the plant that enabled the transmission of the cyanobiont to successive generations via its megaspores. The resulting permanent symbiosis and co-evolution led to the loss, downregulation, or conversion of non-essential genes to pseudogenes in the cyanobiont, changing it from a free-living organism to an obligate symbiont. The upregulation of other genes in the cyanobiont increased its atmospheric dinitrogen fixation and the provision of nitrogen-based products to the plant. As a result, Azolla can double its biomass in less than two days free-floating on fresh water and sequester large amounts of atmospheric CO2, giving it the potential to mitigate anthropogenic climate change through carbon capture and storage. Azolla’s biomass can also provide local, low-cost food, biofertiliser, feed, and biofuel that are urgently needed as our population increases by a billion every twelve years. This paper integrates data from biology, genetics, geology, and palaeontology to identify the location, timing and mechanism for the acquisition of a co-evolving diazotrophic cyanobiont by Azolla’s ancestor in the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) of North America.
Investigating of Spatial Urban Growth Pattern and Associated Landscape Dynamics in Congolese Mining Cities Bordering Zambia from 1990 to 2023
Authors: Useni Sikuzani Yannick , Mpanda Mukenza Médard , Malaisse François , Bogaert Jan
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the spatial urban growth patterns of cities along the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia border, a region of significant economic importance characterized by cross-border trade. This activity has led to rapid but unplanned urban growth. The objective is to quantify the spatial expansion of Congolese cities (Kipushi, Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakania) bordering Zambia and to evaluate associated landscape changes. The methodology of this study includes the supervised classification of Landsat images with a spatial resolution of 30 m for the years 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2023. This classification was validated using field data. Subsequently, landscape metrics such as class area, patch number, Shannon diversity index, disturbance index, urban expansion intensity index, largest patch index, and mean Euclidean distance were calculated for each city and each date. The results reveal substantial landscape transformations in the border cities between 1990 and 2023. These changes are primarily driven by rapid urban expansion, particularly pronounced in Kasumbalesa. Between 1990 and 2023, forest cover declined from 70% to less than 15% in Kipushi, from 80% to 10% in Kasumbalesa, from 90% to 30% in Mokambo, and from 80% to 15% in Sakania. This forest cover loss is accompanied by an increase in landscape element diversity, as indicated by the Shannon diversity index, except in Kipushi, suggesting a transition towards more heterogeneous landscapes. In these border cities, landscape dynamics are also characterized by the expansion of agriculture and savannas, highlighted by an increase in the disturbance index. Analysis of spatial pattern changes shows that built-up areas, agriculture, and savannas exhibit trends of patch creation or aggregation, whereas forests are undergoing processes of dissection and patch attrition. Congolese cities bordering Zambia are undergoing substantial spatial changes propelled by intricate interactions between economic, demographic, and infrastructural factors. Our results underscore the need for sustainable development strategies to address urban sprawl through smart growth policies and mixed-use developments, mitigate deforestation via stricter land use regulations and reforestation projects, and enhance cross-border cooperation through joint environmental management and collaborative research initiatives.
Damage Characteristics Analysis of Laser Ablation Triple-Junction Solar Cells Based on Electroluminescence Characteristics
Authors: Guo Wei , Ye Jifei , Chang Hao , Yu Chenghao
Published: July 2024

To study the physical property effects of the laser on GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cells and their sub-cell layers, a pulsed laser with a wavelength of 532 nm was used to irradiate the solar cells under various energy conditions. The working performance of the cell was measured with a source meter. The electroluminescence (EL) characteristics were assessed using an ordinary and an infrared camera. Based on the detailed balance theory, in the voltage characteristics of an ideal pristine cell, the GaInP layer made the most significant voltage contribution, followed by the GaAs layer, with the Ge layer contributing the least. When a bias voltage was applied to the pristine cell, the top GaInP cell emitted red light at 670 nm, the middle GaAs cell emitted near-infrared light at 926 nm, and the bottom Ge cell emitted infrared light at 1852 nm. In the experiment, the 532 nm laser wavelength within the response spectrum bands of the GaInP layer and the laser passed through the glass cover slip and directly interacted with the GaInP layer. The experimental results indicated that the GaInP layer first exhibited different degrees of damage under laser irradiation, and the cell voltage was substantially attenuated. The GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cell showed a decrease in electrical and light emission characteristics. As the laser energy increased, the cell’s damage intensified, gradually leading to a loss of photoelectric conversion capability, the near-complete disappearance of red light emission, and a gradual degradation of near-infrared emission properties. The EL imaging revealed varying damage states across the triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cell’s sub-cells.
MixImages: An Urban Perception AI Method Based on Polarization Multimodalities
Authors: Mo Yan , Zhou Wanting , Chen Wei
Published: July 2024

Intelligent urban perception is one of the hot topics. Most previous urban perception models based on semantic segmentation mainly used RGB images as unimodal inputs. However, in natural urban scenes, the interplay of light and shadow often leads to confused RGB features, which diminish the model’s perception ability. Multimodal polarization data encompass information dimensions beyond RGB, which can enhance the representation of shadow regions, serving as additional data for assistance. Additionally, in recent years, transformers have achieved outstanding performance in visual tasks, and their large, effective receptive field can provide more discriminative cues for shadow regions. For these reasons, this study proposes a novel semantic segmentation model called MixImages, which can combine polarization data for pixel-level perception. We conducted comprehensive experiments on a polarization dataset of urban scenes. The results showed that the proposed MixImages can achieve an accuracy advantage of 3.43% over the control group model using only RGB images in the unimodal benchmark while gaining a performance improvement of 4.29% in the multimodal benchmark. Additionally, to provide a reference for specific downstream tasks, we also tested the impact of different combinations of polarization types on the overall segmentation accuracy. The proposed MixImages can be a new option for conducting urban scene perception tasks.
GNSS Receiver Fingerprinting Based on Time Skew of Embedded CSAC Clock
Authors: Gui Sibo , Dai Li , Shi Meng , Wang Junchao , Tang Chuwen , Wu Haitao , Zhao Jianye
Published: July 2024

GNSS spoofing has become a significant security vulnerability threatening remote sensing systems. Hardware fingerprint-based GNSS receiver identification is one of the solutions to address this security issue. However, existing research has not provided a solution for distinguishing GNSS receivers of the same specification. This paper first theoretically proves that the CSACs (Chip-Scale Atomic Clocks) used in GNSS receivers have unique hardware noise and then proposes a fingerprinting scheme based on this hardware noise. Experiments based on the neural network method demonstrate that this fingerprint achieved an identification accuracy of 94.60% for commercial GNSS receivers of the same specification and performed excellently in anomaly detection, confirming the robustness of the fingerprinting method. This method shows a new real-time GNSS security monitoring method based on CSACs and can be easily used with any commercial GNSS receivers.
An Efficient Certificateless Anonymous Signcryption Scheme for WBAN
Authors: Long Weifeng , Deng Lunzhi , Zeng Jiwen , Gao Yan , Lu Tianxiu
Published: July 2024

A Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN), introduced into the healthcare sector to improve patient care and enhance the efficiency of medical services, also brings the risk of the leakage of patients’ privacy. Therefore, maintaining the communication security of patients’ data has never been more important. However, WBAN faces issues such as open medium channels, resource constraints, and lack of infrastructure, which makes the task of designing a secure and economical communication scheme suitable for WBAN particularly challenging. Signcryption has garnered attention as a solution suitable for resource-constrained devices, offering a combination of authentication and confidentiality with low computational demands. Although the advantages offered by existing certificateless signcryption schemes are notable, most of them only have proven security within the random oracle model (ROM), lack public ciphertext authenticity, and have high computational overheads. To overcome these issues, we propose a certificateless anonymous signcryption (CL-ASC) scheme suitable for WBAN, featuring anonymity of the signcrypter, public verifiability, and public ciphertext authenticity. We prove its security in the standard model, including indistinguishability, unforgeability, anonymity of the signcrypter, and identity identifiability, and demonstrate its superiority over relevant schemes in terms of security, computational overheads, and storage costs.
Biomimetic Neuromorphic Sensory System via Electrolyte Gated Transistors
Authors: Li Sheng , Gao Lin , Liu Changjian , Guo Haihong , Yu Junsheng
Published: July 2024

Biomimetic neuromorphic sensing systems, inspired by the structure and function of biological neural networks, represent a major advancement in the field of sensing technology and artificial intelligence. This review paper focuses on the development and application of electrolyte gated transistors (EGTs) as the core components (synapses and neuros) of these neuromorphic systems. EGTs offer unique advantages, including low operating voltage, high transconductance, and biocompatibility, making them ideal for integrating with sensors, interfacing with biological tissues, and mimicking neural processes. Major advances in the use of EGTs for neuromorphic sensory applications such as tactile sensors, visual neuromorphic systems, chemical neuromorphic systems, and multimode neuromorphic systems are carefully discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and future directions of the field are explored, highlighting the potential of EGT-based biomimetic systems to revolutionize neuromorphic prosthetics, robotics, and human–machine interfaces. Through a comprehensive analysis of the latest research, this review is intended to provide a detailed understanding of the current status and future prospects of biomimetic neuromorphic sensory systems via EGT sensing and integrated technologies.
Unraveling the Chicken Meat Volatilome with Nanostructured Sensors: Impact of Live and Dehydrated Insect Larvae Feeding
Authors: Genzardi Dario , Núñez Carmona Estefanía , Poeta Elisabetta , Gai Francesco , Caruso Immacolata , Fiorilla Edoardo , Schiavone Achille , Sberveglieri Veronica
Published: July 2024

Incorporating insect meals into poultry diets has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional feed sources, offering nutritional, welfare benefits, and environmental advantages. This study aims to monitor and compare volatile compounds emitted from raw poultry carcasses and subsequently from cooked chicken pieces from animals fed with different diets, including the utilization of insect-based feed ingredients. Alongside the use of traditional analytical techniques, like solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), to explore the changes in VOC emissions, we investigate the potential of S3+ technology. This small device, which uses an array of six metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors (MOXs), can differentiate poultry products based on their volatile profiles. By testing MOX sensors in this context, we can develop a portable, cheap, rapid, non-invasive, and non-destructive method for assessing food quality and safety. Indeed, understanding changes in volatile compounds is crucial to assessing control measures in poultry production along the entire supply chain, from the field to the fork. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was applied using MOX sensor readings as predictor variables and different gas classes as target variables, successfully discriminating the various samples based on their total volatile profiles. By optimizing feed composition and monitoring volatile compounds, poultry producers can enhance both the sustainability and safety of poultry production systems, contributing to a more efficient and environmentally friendly poultry industry.
The Role of Emotions in Ethnographic Research: Comparing Subjectivities
Authors: Quarta Serena
Published: July 2024

This article considers the role of the researcher’s emotions in ethnographic research. The topic originates from the epistemological turn that since the 1960s has dealt with the researcher–subject studied relationship. The first part of this article analyzes the pivotal elements of the epistemological debate on the researcher–studied subject relationship. It is defined through a dialogical relationship in which the researcher puts into practice their reflexivity while being aware of the elements that characterize it, including emotions. The second part of this article uses two research experiences to show how emotions in ethnographic research are a valid tool for entering into dialogue with the subjects studied. They provide a better understanding of the social cutaways and enrich the reflexivity that characterizes social research, without affecting methodological rigor. The possible risk when considering emotions is to fall into excessive relativism and enter a sort of spiral of reflexivity due to the plurality of possible interpretations. It is a risk that is mitigated by the procedures the researcher uses to explain the personal observer–author equation. Writing is one of the tools that allows the researcher to account for the construction of a meaning of the results. It gives a ‘probative’ narrative that must contain all the methodological choices that guided the research.
The Impact of Enterprise Technological Innovation on Environmental Performance—An Industry Perspective
Authors: Chen Yifan , Jiang Zhuo
Published: July 2024

With the ongoing advancements in the modern industrial economy, the global ecological environment is encountering a multitude of challenges, prompting the increasing dissemination and global acknowledgment of the concept of sustainable development. Governments have formulated green development strategies aimed at incentivizing enterprises to enhance their environmental performance and mitigate environmental risks. This study utilizes a research sample comprising 3313 firm-level environmental performance scores and primary business data for 276 Chinese enterprises from 2007 to 2017. Based on the empirical evidence from the fixed-effects model, it is evident that technological innovation overall enhances the environmental performance and reduces the environmental risks of Chinese enterprises. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that internal innovation within Chinese enterprises exhibits heterogeneous impacts on environmental performance. The study shows that, compared to enterprises in the primary and tertiary industries, technological innovation in the enterprises of China’s secondary industry has a greater impact on enhancing environmental performance. Furthermore, within the secondary industry, the positive impact of technological innovation on environmental performance is more pronounced for the traditional sectors. Based on these findings, government authorities should actively encourage technological innovation among enterprises and formulate differentiated environmental policies tailored to different enterprises and industries. This research holds significant implications for the implementation of green strategies, enhancement of enterprise competitiveness, achievement of long-term sustainability, and improvement of global ecological environmental quality.