bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Traverse Speed of the Stylus Tip on Changes in the Areal Texture Parameters of Machined Surfaces
Authors: Pawlus Pawel , Reizer Rafal , Żelasko Wiesław
Published: October 2024

Measurements of areal (3D) surface texture using optical methods are very popular because of the short measurement time compared to the stylus tip technique. However, they are very sensitive to measurement errors. In some cases, optical measurements are not recommended. The stylus measurement method is well known and can be the reference technique for surface texture measurement. The main disadvantage is the long measuring time. This time can be shortened using higher speeds of measurement. The effect of the speed of the measurement of stylus profilometer on changes in surface texture parameters was studied. Fifty surface topographies were measured using the stylus profilometer at speeds 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm/s in the same places. Surfaces after lapping, polishing, grinding, milling, laser texturing, and two-process random surfaces were measured and analyzed. Changes in parameters caused by the increase in the traverse speed depend on the characteristics and parameters of the surfaces. The random surfaces changed more than the deterministic ones. The increase in the traverse speed from 0.5 to 1 mm/s caused small changes in the parameters.
Improved Synchronous Characterization Theory for Surface and Interface Mechanical Properties of Thin-Film/Substrate Systems: A Theoretical Study on Shaft-Loaded Blister Test Technique
Authors: He Xiao-Ting , Li Xiang , Feng He-Hao , Sun Jun-Yi
Published: October 2024

In this paper, the previously proposed shaft-loaded blister test technique for the synchronous characterization of the surface and interface mechanical properties of a thin-film/substrate system is further studied theoretically. The large deflection problem of the steady shaft-loaded blistering thin film is reformulated by surrendering the small-rotation-angle assumption of the membrane, which was previously adopted in the out-of-plane and in-plane equilibrium and radial geometric equations. A new and more accurate analytical solution to this large deflection problem is presented and is used to improve the previously presented synchronous characterization theory. The new analytical solution is numerically compared with the previous analytical solution to confirm the superiority of the new analytical solution over the previous analytical solution. An experiment is conducted to verify the beneficial effect of the improved synchronous characterization theory on improving the characterization accuracy.
Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Extruded AZ80 Magnesium Alloy during Room Temperature Multidirectional Forging Based on Twin Deformation Mode
Authors: Wang Rou , Yan Fafa , Sun Jiaqi , Xing Wenfang , Li Shuchang
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the preparation of ultrahigh-strength AZ80 magnesium alloy bulks using room temperature multidirectional forging (MDF) at different strain rates. The focus is on elucidating the effects of multidirectional loading and strain rates on grain refinement and the subsequent impact on the mechanical properties of the AZ80 alloy. Unlike hot deformation, the alloy subjected to room temperature MDF exhibits a lamellar twinned structure with multi-scale interactions. The key to achieving effective room temperature MDF of the alloy lies in combining multidirectional loading with small forging strains per pass (6%). This approach not only maximizes the activation of twinning to accommodate deformation but ensures sufficient grain refinement. Microstructural analysis reveals that the evolution of the grain structure in the alloy during deformation results from the competition between {101¯2} twinning or twinning variant interactions and detwinning. Increasing the forging rate effectively activates more twin variants, and additional deformation passes significantly enhance twin interaction levels and dislocation density. Furthermore, at a higher strain rate, more pronounced dislocation accumulation facilitates the transformation of twin structures into high-angle grain boundaries, promoting texture dispersion and suppressing detwinning. The primary strengthening mechanisms in room temperature MDF samples are grain refinement and dislocation strengthening. While increased dislocation density raises yield strength, it reduces post-yield work hardening capacity. After two passes of MDF at a higher strain rate, the alloy achieves an optimal balance of strength and ductility, with a tensile strength of 462 MPa and an elongation of 5.1%, significantly outperforming hot-deformed magnesium alloys.
Modeling Temperature-Dependent Photoluminescence Dynamics of Colloidal CdS Quantum Dots Using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Networks
Authors: Malashin Ivan , Daibagya Daniil , Tynchenko Vadim , Nelyub Vladimir , Borodulin Aleksei , Gantimurov Andrei , Selyukov Alexandr , Ambrozevich Sergey , Smirnov Mikhail , Ovchinnikov Oleg
Published: October 2024

This study addresses the challenge of modeling temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) in CdS colloidal quantum dots (QD), where PL properties fluctuate with temperature, complicating traditional modeling approaches. The objective is to develop a predictive model capable of accurately capturing these variations using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, which are well suited for managing temporal dependencies in time-series data. The methodology involved training the LSTM model on experimental time-series data of PL intensity and temperature. Through numerical simulation, the model’s performance was assessed. Results demonstrated that the LSTM-based model effectively predicted PL trends under different temperature conditions. This approach could be applied in optoelectronics and quantum dot-based sensors for enhanced forecasting capabilities.
A Novel Kind of Knowledge Graph Construction Method for Intelligent Machine as a Service Modeling
Authors: Liu Yuhao , Han Jiayuan , Yan Peng , Li Biyao , Yang Maolin , Jiang Pingyu
Published: October 2024

With the development of Intelligent Machine as a Service (IMaaS), devices increasingly require personalization, intelligence, and service orientation, making resource modeling a key challenge. Knowledge graph (KG) technology, known for unifying heterogeneous data, has become an essential tool for modeling and analyzing manufacturing resources. On this basis, this study proposes a novel resource KG construction method for IMaaS. First, an E-R diagram is used to divide the constant and variable entities and set the constant attributes and the constant relationships. Then, the triplets are named, the value space is set, and the schema layer is constructed. Finally, the related information about devices is used to fill the data layer, and then, the knowledge graph is generated. Meanwhile, this study utilizes desktop FDM 3D printing devices as a case example for validation. The method proposed in this study can enhance the accuracy and maintainability of equipment resource management in the manufacturing sector, effectively promoting subsequent activities such as management, analysis, and decision-making.
Control of Large Wind Energy Systems Throughout the Shutdown Process
Authors: Gambier Adrian
Published: October 2024

This contribution examines the control problem for very large wind energy converters during shutdown operation and analyses the most important control approaches. The control methods make use of the built-in conventional control infrastructure, but control system reconfigurations are undertaken in order to meet the demands of the shutdown control operation. Hence, the torque controller as well as the collective pitch controller (CPC) are redesigned from their regulator functions to reference tracking control systems with constraints. In addition, the CPC is combined with a feedforward controller in order to gain responsiveness. Constraints in magnitude and rate are managed by a modified anti-windup mechanism. Simulations of a 20 MW reference wind turbine verify the performance of the approaches.
Thermal Error Transfer Prediction Modeling of Machine Tool Spindle with Self-Attention Mechanism-Based Feature Fusion
Authors: Zheng Yue , Fu Guoqiang , Mu Sen , Lu Caijiang , Wang Xi , Wang Tao
Published: October 2024

Thermal errors affect machining accuracy in high-speed precision machining. The variability of machine tool operating conditions poses a challenge to the modeling of thermal errors. In this paper, a thermal error model based on transfer temperature feature fusion is proposed. Firstly, the temperature information fusion features are built as inputs to the model, which is based on a self-attention mechanism to assign weights to the temperature information and fuse the features. Secondly, an improved direct normalization-based adaptive matrix approach is proposed, updating the background matrix using an autoencoder and reconstructing the adaptive matrix to realize domain self-adaptation. In addition, for the improved adaptive matrix, a criterion for determining whether the working conditions are transferrable to each other is proposed. The proposed method shows high prediction accuracy while ensuring training efficiency. Finally, thermal error experiments are performed on a VCM850 CNC machine tool.
Design of a Robust Controller for Induction Motor Drive Systems Based on Extendable Fuzzy Theory
Authors: Chao Kuei-Hsiang , Chang Cheng-Lung
Published: October 2024

In this paper, an extendable fuzzy robust speed controller suitable for induction motor drive systems was proposed. Firstly, the two-degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) robust control technology with feedforward control and disturbance elimination method was adopted. Upon parameter variation and load disturbance, the motor drive system could utilize a robust controller to generate compensation signals and reduce the impact on the controlling performance of the motor drive system. The magnitude of the compensation signal was adjusted via the weighting factor. However, should a fixed weighting factor be adopted, system instability might be generated easily when time delay and saturation of control force occur. Based on the above, the smart method of extendable fuzzy theory (EFT) was adopted in this paper to adjust adequate weighting factors, where the controlling performance of the induction motor drive system could be improved accordingly. Lastly, the simulation software Matlab/Simulink (R2023b version) was applied to simulate the utilization of the controlling method proposed for the induction motor drive system. The simulation results proved that the extendable fuzzy robust speed controller proposed provided better speed tracking and load regulation-controlling performance than the conventional robust controller.
Effect of Reactive Oxygen Species Photoproduced in Different Water Matrices on the Photostability of Gadusolate and Mycosporine-Serinol
Authors: Thomas Martin George , Blanc Sylvie , Le Bechec Mickael , Pigot Thierry , C. M. Fernandes Susana
Published: October 2024

In the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in mycosporines—UV-absorbing molecules—bringing important insights into their intrinsic properties as natural sunscreens. Herein, mycosporine-serinol and gadusol (enolate form)/gadusolate were exposed to UV radiation via a solar simulator and the photostability was assessed in pure water and different natural matrices like river, estuary and ocean water. In general, this study revealed that the photodegradation of gadusolate and mycosporine-serinol was higher in natural matrices than in pure water due to the generation of singlet oxygen on UV irradiation. In pure water, in terms of photostability, both gadusolate and mycosporine-serinol were found to offer good protection and high performance in terms of photodegradation quantum yield ((0.8 ± 0.2) × 10−4 and (1.1 ± 0.6) × 10−4, respectively). Nonetheless, the photostability of mycosporine-serinol was found to be superior to that of gadusolate in natural water, namely, ocean, estuary and river. The present work highlights how mycosporine-serinol and gadusolate resist photodegradation, and supports their role as effective and stable UV-B sunscreens.
The Determination of the Rapid and Effective Activity of an Air Sanitizer against Aerosolized Bacteria Using a Room-Sized Aerobiology Chamber
Authors: Zargar Bahram , Ijaz M. Khalid , Kevek Anthony , Miller Mark , McKinney Julie , Sattar Syed A.
Published: October 2024

Air sanitization is an important non-pharmaceutical intervention for mitigating the risk of indoor pathogen spreading. A dipropylene glycol-containing air sanitizer was tested against aerosolized Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The bacteria, suspended in a soil load, were aerosolized using a six-jet Collison nebulizer with pressurized air. The 25-m3 (~900 ft3) aerobiology chamber was maintained at 22 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2012 Guidelines on air sanitizers. An initial 2-min air sample was collected from the chamber using a slit-to-agar sampler containing 150-mm Petri plates, with Trypticase soy agar (TSA) containing neutralizers to quench the microbicidal activity of the air sanitizer, to determine the initial bacterial challenge in the air. The air sanitizer was sprayed into the chamber from pressurized cans. Additional air samples were collected from the chamber over 10 min to detect surviving bacteria. The TSA plates were then incubated aerobically at 36 ± 1 °C for 90 ± 4 h and scored for bacterial colony-forming units. A 30-s spray of the air sanitizer reduced infectious S. aureus and K. pneumoniae titers by 3.0 log10 (99.9%) in 3.2 ± 0.3 min and 1.2 ± 0.0 min, respectively. Based on these findings, the EPA granted registration of the air sanitizer as the first product of its kind for indoor air sanitization.
Parasites and Microbiota: Dual Interactions and Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Al-Rashidi Hayat S. , El-Wakil Eman S.
Published: October 2024

The human gut hosts a diverse and active community of bacteria that symbiotically support the physiology, metabolism, and immunity of the intestinal lining. Nevertheless, a dynamic community of parasites (helminths and protozoa) may share a habitat with gut-dwelling microbiota. Both microbiota and parasites can significantly change the physical and immunological environment of the gut, thus generating several mechanisms of interaction. Studying this field is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of parasitic diseases. Additionally, intestinal microbiota and gut-dwelling parasites may interact with each other and with the host immunity to alleviate or exacerbate the disease. These interactions can alter the pathogenicity of both parasites and microbiota, thereby changing the infection outcomes and the overall disease profile. Parasites and microbiota interactions occur via several mechanisms, including physical alteration in both the gastrointestinal microenvironment and the adaptive and innate immune responses. By modulating the microbiota, treating parasitic infections and microbiota dysbiosis may be improved through knowing the mechanisms and consequences of the interactions between intestinal parasites and the microbiota. Thus, new biological tools of treatment including probiotics can be introduced, particularly with the emergence of drug resistance and adverse effects.
Fabrication and Characterization of Co-Sensitized Dye Solar Cells Using Energy Transfer from Spiropyran Derivatives to SQ2 Dye
Authors: Hara Michihiro , Ejima Ryuhei
Published: October 2024

We developed dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using 1,5-carboxy-2-[[3-[(2,3-dihydro-1,1-dimethyl-3-ethyl-1H-benzo[e]indol-2-ylidene)methyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-2-cyclobuten-1-ylidene]methyl]-3,3-dimethyl-1-octyl-3H-indolium and 1,3,3-trimethyl indolino-6′-nitrobenzopyrylospiran. The DSSCs incorporate photochromic molecules to regulate photoelectric conversion properties. We irradiated photoelectrodes adsorbed with SQ2/SPNO2 using both UV and visible light and observed the color changes in these photoelectrodes. Following UV irradiation, the transmittance at 540 nm decreased by 20%, while it increased by 15% after visible light irradiation. This indicates that SPNO2 on the DSSCs is photoisomerized from the spiropyran form (SP) to the photomerocyanine (PMC) form under UV light. The photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of the DSSCs increased by 0.15% following 5 min of UV irradiation and decreased by 0.07% after 5 min of visible light irradiation. However, direct electron injection from PMC seems challenging, suggesting that the mechanism for improved photoelectric conversion in these DSSCs is likely due to Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from PMC to the SQ2 dye. The findings suggest that the co-sensitization of DSSCs by PMC-SQ2 and SQ2 alone, facilitated by their respective photoabsorption, results in externally responsive and co-sensitized solar cells. This study provides valuable insights into the development of advanced DSSCs with externally controllable photoelectric conversion properties via the strategic use of photochromic molecules and energy transfer mechanisms, advancing future solar energy applications.
Ansa–Ferrocene Derivatives as Potential Therapeutics
Authors: Cybulski Marcin , Michalak Olga , Buchowicz Włodzimierz , Mazur Maria
Published: October 2024

It has been known since the 1990s that the introduction of a ferrocenyl–type substituent into compounds with proven biological activity can improve their properties. More recently, it was also shown that a carbon bridge connecting the two cyclopentadienyl rings in ferrocene derivatives could enhance the biological properties of the new compounds compared to those without them. However, the synthesis of ferrocenes with this additional linker, known as ansa–ferrocenes, is more difficult due to advanced synthetic protocols and the phenomenon of planar chirality in ring–substituted compounds. As a result, research into the formation of hybrids, conjugates and other ansa–ferrocene derivatives has not been widely conducted. This review discusses the potential biological properties of these units, covering scientific articles published between 1980 and 2024.
Enhancement and Compatibilization of Waste-Sourced Biocomposites Through Elastomer Blending and Matrix Grafting Modification
Authors: Yi Shunmin , Liu Wanyu , Xu Shihua , Hu Ruijia , Li Qing , Wu Meijia , Wang Qingwen , Huang Zhimin
Published: October 2024

A novel elastomer-modified multicomponent, multiphase waste-sourced biocomposites, was prepared for converting waste biomass and plastic into value-added products. The effects of blending elastomer–olefin block copolymer (OBC) and maleic anhydride (MAH), and divinylbenzene (DVB) co-grafting of recycled polypropylene (rPP) matrix on the adhesion interface, structure, and properties of high wood flour-filled (60 wt.%) composites were thoroughly investigated. The results indicated that DVB introduced branched structures into the polymer matrix molecular chain and increased the MAH grafting rate. Co-grafting rPP/OBC blends enhanced the interfacial adhesion among rPP, OBC, and wood flour. Additionally, MAH-grafted OBC was prone to encapsulating rigid wood flour, thereby forming an embedded structure. Notably, the tensile modulus and impact strength of the final three-component composites increased by 60% and 125%, respectively, compared with the unmodified composites. Additionally, dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that DVB-induced branching promoted the formation of microvoids in the OBC shell layer surrounding the wood, which in turn induced significant plastic deformation in the polymer matrix. This work offers a facile and efficient method for preparing high-toughness, high-stiffness, and low-cost waste PP-based composites for automotive interiors, and indoor and outdoor decoration.
Predictive Gaze Analytics: A Comparative Case Study of the Foretelling Signs of User Performance during Interaction with Visualizations of Ontology Class Hierarchies
Authors: Fu Bo
Published: October 2024

The current research landscape in ontology visualization has largely focused on tool development, yielding an extensive array of visualization tools. Although many existing solutions provide multiple ontology visualization layouts, there is limited research in adapting to an individual user’s performance, despite successful applications of adaptive technologies in related fields, including information visualization. In an effort to innovate beyond traditional one-size-fits-all visualizations, this paper contributes one step towards realizing user adaptive visualization by recognizing timely moments when users may potentially need intervention, as real-time adaptation can only occur if it is possible to correctly predict user success and failure during an interaction in the first place. In addition, an open-source, reusable, and extensible software: Beach Environment for the Analytics of Human Gaze (BEACH-Gaze) is made available to the broader scientific community interested in descriptive and predictive gaze analytics. Building on a wealth of research in eye tracking, this paper compares four approaches to predictive gaze analytics through a series of experiments that utilize scheduled gaze digests, irregular gaze events, the last known gaze status, as well as all gaze captured for a user at a given moment in time. The results from a set of experimental trials suggest that irregular gaze events are most informative of early predictions of user performance, whereas cognitive workload appears to be most indicative of overall user performance in the task scenario presented in this paper. These empirical findings highlight the importance of an analytical approach to gaze on user predictions and indicate careful consideration when applying.
Investigating the Synergistic Effect of Decoration and Doping in Silver/Strontium Titanate for Air Remediation
Authors: Frías Ordóñez Marcela , Sacco Elisabetta , Scavini Marco , Cerrato Giuseppina , Giordana Alessia , Falletta Ermelinda , Bianchi Claudia Letizia
Published: October 2024

Strontium titanate (STO) and its variants have emerged as leading materials in photocatalysis, particularly for degrading nitrogen oxides (NOx), due to their non-toxic nature, structural adaptability, and exceptional thermal stability. Although the one-pot sol-gel method leads to high-quality photocatalysts, areas remain for improvement. This study examines the impact of ethanol as a cosolvent in STO synthesis, focusing on optimizing the water-to-ethanol volume ratio. The findings reveal that a 1:3 ratio significantly enhances macropore formation and photocatalytic efficiency, achieving 42% NOx degradation under LED within three hours. Furthermore, incorporating 8.0 wt.% Ag into STO substantially improves visible light absorption and enables complete NOx elimination, thanks to enhanced charge separation and localized surface plasmon resonance. Even at high temperatures (1100 °C), the Ag-STO photocatalyst maintains partial activity, despite exceeding silver’s melting point. These results highlight the potential of STO-based materials for industrial applications, positioning them as a promising solution for effective NOx mitigation.
Development of a Diabetes Dietary Quality Index: Reproducibility and Associations with Measures of Insulin Resistance, Beta Cell Function, and Hyperglycemia
Authors: Zelis Maartje , Simonis Annemarie M. C. , van Dam Rob M. , Boomsma Dorret I. , van Lee Linde , Kramer Mark H. H. , Serné Erik H. , van Raalte Daniel H. , Mari Andrea , de Geus Eco J. C. , Eekhoff Elisabeth M. W.
Published: October 2024

Aims: Various dietary risk factors for type 2 diabetes have been identified. A short assessment of dietary patterns related to the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus may be relevant in clinical practice given the largely preventable nature of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of a short food frequency questionnaire based on available knowledge of diabetes-related healthy diets. In addition, we aimed to investigate whether a Diabetes Dietary Quality Index based on this questionnaire was related to metabolic risk factors, including measures of beta cell function and insulin sensitivity. Methods: A short food frequency questionnaire was composed by selecting fourteen questions (representing eight dietary factors) from existing food frequency questionnaires on the basis of their reported relationship with diabetes risk. Healthy participants (N = 176) from a Dutch family study completed the questionnaire and a subgroup (N = 123) completed the questionnaire twice. Reproducible items from the short questionnaire were combined into an index. The association between the Diabetes Dietary Quality index and metabolic risk factors was investigated using multiple linear regression analysis. Measures of beta cell function and insulin sensitivity were derived from a mixed meal test and an euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic and modified hyperglycemic clamp test. Results: Our results show that this new short food frequency questionnaire is reliable (Intraclass Correlations ranged between 0.5 and 0.9). A higher Diabetes Dietary Quality index score was associated with lower 2 h post-meal glucose (β −0.02, SE 0.006, p < 0.05), HbA1c (β −0.07, SE 0.02, p < 0.05), total cholesterol, (β −0.02, SE 0.07, p < 0.05), LDL cholesterol, (β −0.19, SE 0.07, p < 0.05), fasting (β −0.4, SE 0.16, p < 0.05) and post-load insulin, (β −3.9, SE 1.40, p < 0.05) concentrations and the incremental AUC of glucose during MMT (β −1.9, SE 0.97, p < 0.05). The scores obtained for the oral glucose insulin sensitivity-derived mixed meal test were higher in subjects who scored higher on the Diabetes Dietary Quality index (β 0.89, 0.39, p < 0.05). In contrast, we found no significant associations between the Diabetes Dietary Quality index and clamp measures of beta cell function. Conclusions: We identified a questionnaire-derived Diabetes Dietary Quality index that was reproducible and inversely associated with a number of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic risk factors, like 2 h post-meal glucose, Hba1c and LDL, and total cholesterol. Once relative validity has been established, the Diabetes Dietary Quality index could be used by health care professionals to identify individuals with diets adversely related to development of type 2 diabetes.
‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ Predicted Effector SAP11-like Alters Morphology of Transformed Arabidopsis Plants and Interacts with AtTCP2 and AtTCP4 Plant Transcription Factors
Authors: Drcelic Marina , Skiljaica Andreja , Polak Bruno , Bauer Natasa , Seruga Music Martina
Published: October 2024

Phytoplasmas are obligate intracellular pathogens that profoundly modify the development, physiology and behavior of their hosts by secreting effector proteins that disturb signal pathways and interactions both in plant and insect hosts. The characterization of effectors and their host-cell targets was performed for only a few phytoplasma species where it was shown that the SAP11 effector alters plant morphology by destabilizing plant transcription factors: TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1-CYCLOIDEA-PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR (TCPs). To explore the possible role of the SAP11-like effector from ‘Ca. P. solani’, we used Arabidopsis thaliana as a model plant. The SAP11-like effector gene from ‘Ca. P. solani’ was introduced into arabidopsis by floral dip and transgenic lines were regenerated. In planta bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BIFC) assays in agroinfiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells were conducted to detect interactions between SAP11-like and AtTCP2 and AtTCP4 using confocal microscopy. SAP11-like from ‘Ca. P. solani’ induced significant phenotypic changes in arabidopsis, including crinkled leaves with reduced size, lower biomass, more axillary branches, changes in root morphology, and crinkled and smaller siliques. The BIFC assays proved in planta interaction of SAP11-like effector with AtTCP2 and AtTCP4. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of the interaction between the ‘Ca. P. solani’ effector and plant transcription factors, suggesting a potential mechanism of modulating plant development and induction of characteristic symptoms in ‘Ca. P. solani’-infected plants.
Visually Asymptomatic Leaf Loss in Xylella fastidiosa-Infected Blueberry Plants
Authors: Severns Paul M. , Oliver Jonathan E.
Published: October 2024

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf), a gram-negative bacterium, is a notorious, world-wide plant pathogen with an extended latent period that presents a challenge for early disease detection and control interventions. We used thermal imaging of tissue-cultured, experimentally Xf-infected blueberry plants to identify visually pre-symptomatic leaves and compared the minimum force required to dislodge symptomatic leaves from infected plants to leaves on uninfected (control) blueberry plants. For two different blueberry cultivars and one pathogenic isolate of X. fastidiosa, we found no statistical difference between the mean downward force for leaf dislodgement, regardless of symptom category, on Xf-infected blueberry plants. That force was about 50% to 30% of the mean force to remove leaves from uninfected blueberry plants depending on the cultivar. These results indicate that visually pre-symptomatic leaves may be just as readily lost under field conditions as visually symptomatic leaves, both of which are important for early disease detection. Second, some thermally symptomatic and visually symptomatic leaves appeared to self-prune (abscise) and this may be an unrecognized early symptom of Xf-caused disease in blueberries. Last, it is possible that the self-pruning of visually asymptomatic leaves may occur in other agriculturally and culturally important plants infected by X. fastidiosa, but this remains an unrecognized early disease symptom.
Cats: The New Challenge for Rabies Control in the State of Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Salgado-Cardoso Aurea Mariana , Olave-Leyva José Ignacio , Morales Ivonne , Aguilar-Setién Alvaro , López-Martínez Irma , Aréchiga-Ceballos Nidia
Published: October 2024

The growing population in Yucatan has led to the expansion of construction in the Mayan jungle for tourist spaces, residential areas, and agriculture. Recently, rabies cases in cats (Felis catus) have increased in the state. This study aimed to perform antigenic and genetic characterization of the rabies viruses in felines and to present the spatial distribution and environmental features of the areas where these cases were reported. The ArcGIS software and R were employed to generate maps depicting the geographic locations of rabies cases in cats. A total of nine feline rabies cases occurred during the period 2003–2022. Three antigenic variants were detected: dog-related RVV1 (n = 1); vampire bat variant RVV3 (n = 1); and the canine-originated atypical variant (n = 7). Cases reported in Merida (n = 4) and Muna (n = 4) were localized to urban areas, while Cuncunul (n = 1) was rural. This study highlights the concerning resurgence of rabies infections in cats, emphasizing the looming threat of its reintroduction in dogs should vaccination rates diminish. The genetic affinity between the atypical variant and the canine virus underscores the urgent need for vigilance in maintaining high vaccination coverage across all susceptible species.
Review of Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, Shapes, Cellular Uptake, Targeting, Release Mechanisms and Applications in Drug Delivery and Therapy
Authors: Georgeous Joel , AlSawaftah Nour , Abuwatfa Waad H. , Husseini Ghaleb A.
Published: October 2024

The remarkable versatility of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) makes them innovative agents across various fields, including drug delivery, biosensing, catalysis, bioimaging, and vaccine development. This paper provides a detailed review of the important role of AuNPs in drug delivery and therapeutics. We begin by exploring traditional drug delivery systems (DDS), highlighting the role of nanoparticles in revolutionizing drug delivery techniques. We then describe the unique and intriguing properties of AuNPs that make them exceptional for drug delivery. Their shapes, functionalization, drug-loading bonds, targeting mechanisms, release mechanisms, therapeutic effects, and cellular uptake methods are discussed, along with relevant examples from the literature. Lastly, we present the drug delivery applications of AuNPs across various medical domains, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, ocular diseases, and diabetes, with a focus on in vitro and in vivo cancer research.
Influence of Ensiling Timing and Inoculation on Whole Plant Maize Silage Fermentation and Aerobic Stability (Preliminary Research)
Authors: Jatkauskas Jonas , Vrotniakiene Vilma , Amaral Rafael Camargo do , Witt Kristian Lybek , Cappellozza Bruno leda
Published: October 2024

Despite efforts to prevent atypical ensiling conditions, such as delayed ensiling or sealing, these issues frequently occur in practice. This study aimed to investigate the effects of delayed ensiling (forage held for 24 h) and sealing, along with inoculation using a blend of Lentilactobacillus buchneri and Lactococcus lactis, on the characteristics of the resulting silages. Whole-plant maize (Zea mays L.) was treated with or without a commercial inoculant and ensiled (36% dry matter) for 60 days in 3.0 L glass containers. The forage was either ensiled immediately or subjected to a 24 h delay before ensiling. During the delay, the forage was either covered or left uncovered. Each treatment was replicated five times. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS statistical software (version 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Delaying the ensiling process by 24 h worsens fermentation parameters, significantly increases dry matter (DM) losses (p < 0.01), and significantly reduces aerobic stability and the hygienic quality of the silage (p < 0.01), as evidenced by higher concentrations of undesirable fermentation products and elevated yeast and mold counts. The inoculation has a significant impact on both forage before ensiling and the characteristics of the resulting silage. Maize forage treated with inoculant showed a lower temperature increase by 8.2–8.1 °C (p < 0.01) when delayed for 24 h before ensiling. In silages, it also resulted in a reduced pH (p < 0.01); increased concentrations of lactic acid; acetic acid; and 1,2-propanediol (p < 0.01); and decreased levels of negative fermentation indicators such as ammonia-N, alcohols, and butyric acid (p < 0.01) During both the fermentation and aerobic exposure periods, inoculated silages exhibited up to 36% and 2.6 times lower (p < 0.01) dry matter loss, while suppressing the growth of yeasts and molds by up to 2.6 and 3.1 times (p < 0.01), respectively, compared to non-inoculated silages. The results of this study support the recommendation to minimize the duration of aerobic exposure of fresh forage during silo filling and to use LAB-based inoculants.
Activated Carbon and Biochar Derived from Sargassum sp. Applied in Polyurethane-Based Materials Development
Authors: Mallouhi Julie , Varga Miklós , Sikora Emőke , Gráczer Kitty , Bánhidi Olivér , Gaspard Sarra , Goudou Francesca , Viskolcz Béla , Szőri-Dorogházi Emma , Fiser Béla
Published: October 2024

Activated carbon (AC) and biochar (BC) are porous materials with large surface areas and widely used in environmental and industrial applications. In this study, different types of AC and BC samples were produced from Sargassum sp. by a chemical activation and pyrolysis process and compared to commercial activated carbon samples. All samples were characterized using various techniques to understand their structure and functionalities. The metal content of the samples was characterized by using an inductively coupled optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). A toxicity test was applied to investigate the effect of AC/BC on organisms, where Sinapis alba seed and Escherichia coli bacteria-based toxicity tests were used. The results revealed that the samples did not negatively affect these two organisms. Thus, it is safe to use them in various applications. Therefore, the samples were tested as fillers in polyurethane composites and, thus, polyurethane-AC/BC samples were prepared. The amounts of AC/BC mixed into the polyurethane formulation were 1%, 2%, and 3%. Mechanical and acoustic properties of these composites were analyzed, showing that by adding the AC/BC to the system an increase in the compression strength for all the samples was achieved. A similar effect of the AC/BC was noticed in the acoustic measurements, where adding AC/BC enhanced the sound adsorption coefficient (α) for all composite materials.
Preparation of Lyocell Fibers from Solutions of Miscanthus Cellulose
Authors: Makarov Igor S. , Budaeva Vera V. , Gismatulina Yulia A. , Kashcheyeva Ekaterina I. , Zolotukhin Vladimir N. , Gorbatova Polina A. , Sakovich Gennady V. , Vinogradov Markel I. , Palchikova Ekaterina E. , Levin Ivan S. , Azanov Mikhail V.
Published: October 2024

Both annual (cotton, flax, hemp, etc.) and perennial (trees and grasses) plants can serve as a source of cellulose for fiber production. In recent years, the perennial herbaceous plant miscanthus has attracted particular interest as a popular industrial plant with enormous potential. This industrial crop, which contains up to 57% cellulose, serves as a raw material in the chemical and biotechnology sectors. This study proposes for the first time the utilization of miscanthus, namely Miscanthus Giganteus “KAMIS”, to generate spinning solutions in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide. Miscanthus cellulose’s properties were identified using standard methods for determining the constituent composition, including also IR and atomic emission spectroscopy. The dry-jet wet method was used to make fibers from cellulose solutions with an appropriate viscosity/elasticity ratio. The structural characteristics of the fibers were studied using IR and scanning electron microscopy, as well as via X-ray structural analysis. The mechanical and thermal properties of the novel type of hydrated cellulose fibers demonstrated the possibility of producing high-quality fibers from miscanthus.
Glycerol Carbonate Production via Transesterification: The Effect of Support Porosity and Catalyst Basicity
Authors: Souza Júnior Ricardo L. , Eira Larissa C. , Detoni Chaline , Souza Mariana M. V. M.
Published: October 2024

Glycerol transesterification with diethyl carbonate (DEC) using catalysts with different porosities as support for CaO was performed, seeking the evaluation of how textural properties influence glycerol conversion and product selectivity. A total of 20% CaO was supported on ZSM-5, K-10, MCM-41, SiO2, and γ-Al2O3. Catalysts showed a well-dispersed active phase of CaO in all the supports and no changes in the support crystalline structure were noticed. Reactions were performed in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 10 wt.% of catalyst in relation to glycerol, at 130 °C, and 1:3 glycerol/DEC molar ratio. According to our results, the higher the pore volume and pore size, the higher the glycerol conversion. On the other hand, concerning selectivity, higher glycerol carbonate selectivities were reached when strong basic sites were present. A total of 86% glycerol conversion and 91% glycerol carbonate selectivity were found using 60% CaO supported on γ-Al2O3 after 5 h of reaction.
Pseudo-Hyperaldosteronism Arising from Licorice Cough Syrup Self-Ingestion: A Case Report
Authors: Liao Chien-Chun , Lin Kun-Te
Published: October 2024

Background and Clinical Significance: Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra) cough syrup intoxication is manifested with refractory hypokalemia, hypertension, and metabolic alkalosis. The transformation of glycyrrhiza glabra metabolic into glycyrrhetic acid after ingestion further inhibits the 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 enzyme, impeding the conversion of cortisol into cortisone. The accumulation of cortisol can also stimulate mineralocorticoid receptors, which leads to a pseudo-hyperaldosteronism-like effect. Case Presentation: We report a 60-year-old male patient with licorice intoxication due to the chronic consumption of licorice cough syrup. He exhibited a transient seizure lasting approximately one minute. Initially, hypokalemia (potassium level was 2.0 mmol/L), metabolic alkalosis, and QT interval prolongation with premature ventricular complexes were demonstrated on his electrocardiogram. Despite the administration of both intravenous and oral potassium supplements over two days, there was no significant improvement in hypokalemia. Spironolactone, an aldosterone receptor antagonist, was administered in addition to ongoing potassium supplementation from the 3rd day. This intervention led to a rapid normalization of hypokalemia in one day. The patient was ultimately discharged on the 6th day without any subsequent complications. Conclusions: The licorice-induced chronic intoxication, which led to pseudo-hyperaldosteronism and refractory hypokalemia, was successfully managed with aggressive potassium supplementation and spironolactone treatment.
Early Detection of Dendroctonus valens Infestation with UAV-Based Thermal and Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Bi Peiyun , Yu Linfeng , Zhou Quan , Kuang Jinjia , Tang Rui , Ren Lili , Luo Youqing
Published: October 2024

Dendroctonus valens is one of the main invasive pests in China, causing serious economic and ecological damage. Early detection and control of D. valens can help prevent further outbreaks. Based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) thermal infrared and hyperspectral data, we compared the spectral characteristics of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica in three states (healthy, early-infested, and dead), and constructed a classification model based on the random forest algorithm using four spectral datasets (reflectance, first derivative, second derivative, and spectral vegetation index) and one temperature parameter dataset. Our results indicated that the spectral differences between healthy and early-infested trees mainly occur in the near-infrared region, with dead trees showing different characteristics. While it was effective to distinguish healthy from early-infested trees using spectral data alone, the addition of a temperature parameter further improved classification accuracy across all datasets. The combination of the spectral vegetation index and temperature parameter achieved the highest accuracy at 93.75%, which is 3.13% higher than using the spectral vegetation index alone. This combination also significantly improved early detection precision by 13.89%. Our findings demonstrated the applicability of UAV-based thermal infrared and combined hyperspectral datasets in monitoring D. valens early-infested trees, providing important technical support for the scientific prevention and control of D. valens.
Multitemporal Monitoring of Rocky Walls Using Robotic Total Station Surveying and Persistent Scatterer Interferometry
Authors: Beltramone Luisa , Rindinella Andrea , Vanneschi Claudio , Salvini Riccardo
Published: October 2024

Rockfall phenomena are considered highly dangerous due to their rapid evolution and difficult prediction without applying preventive monitoring and mitigation actions. This research investigates a hazardous site in the Municipality of Vecchiano (Province of Pisa, Italy), characterized by vertical rock walls prone to instability due to heavy fracturing and karst phenomena. The presence of anthropical structures and a public road at the bottom of the slopes increases the vulnerability of the site and the site’s risk. To create a comprehensive geological model of the area, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) photogrammetric surveys were conducted to create a 3D model useful in photointerpretation. In accessible and safe areas for personnel, engineering–geological surveys were carried out to characterize the rock mass and to define the portion of rock walls to be monitored. Results from nine multitemporal Robotic Total Station (RTS) measurement campaigns show that no monitoring prisms recorded significant displacement trends, both on the horizontal and vertical plane and in differential slope distance. Additionally, satellite Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) analysis indicates that the slopes were stable over the two years of study. The integration of these analysis techniques has proven to be an efficient solution for assessing slope stability in this specific rockfall-prone area.
Microwave Coincidence Imaging with Phase-Coded Stochastic Radiation Field
Authors: Lin Hang , Liu Hongyan , Cheng Yongqiang , Xu Ke , Liu Kang , Yang Yang
Published: October 2024

Microwave coincidence imaging (MCI) represents a novel forward-looking radar imaging method with high-resolution capabilities. Most MCI methods rely on random frequency modulation to generate stochastic radiation fields, which introduces the complexity of radar systems and imposes limitations on imaging quality under noisy conditions. In this paper, microwave coincidence imaging with phase-coded stochastic radiation fields is proposed, which generates spatio-temporally uncorrelated stochastic radiation fields with phase coding. Firstly, the radiation field characteristics are analyzed, and the coding sequences are designed. Then, pulse compression is applied to achieve a one-dimensional range image. Furthermore, an azimuthal imaging model is built, and a reference matrix is derived from the frequency domain. Finally, sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) and alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM)-based total variation are implemented to reconstruct targets. The methods have better imaging performance at low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), as shown by the imaging results and mean square error (MSE) curves. In addition, compared with the SBL and ADMM-based total variation methods based on the direct frequency-domain solution, the proposed method’s computational complexity is reduced, giving it great potential in forward-looking high-resolution scenarios, such as autonomous obstacle avoidance with vehicle-mounted radar and terminal guidance.