bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions between Sugarcane Leaf Return and Fertilizer Reduction in Soil Bacterial Network in Southern China Red Soil
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Liang Dan , Xing Jincheng , Xue Ziyan , Zhang Zhenhua
Published: August 2024

Microbes may play an important role in the sugarcane leaf degradation and nutrient conversion process. Soil bacterial communities are more or less involved in material transformation and nutrient turnover. In order to make better use of the vast sugarcane leaf straw resources and reduce the overuse of chemical fertilizers in the subtropical red soil region of Guangxi, a pot experiment, with three sugarcane leaf return (SLR) amounts [full SLR (FS), 120 g/pot; half SLR (HS), 60 g/pot; and no SLR (NS)] and three fertilizer reduction (FR) levels [full fertilizer (FF), 4.50 g N/pot, 3.00 g P2O5/pot, and 4.50 g K2O/pot; half fertilizer (HF), 2.25 g N/pot, 1.50 g P2O5/pot, and 2.25 g K2O/pot; and no fertilizer (NF)], was conducted to assess the interactions of different SLR amounts and chemical FR levels in the soil bacterial network and the relationship between the soil properties and bacterial network by using Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing technology. According to the results of the soil bacterial community compositions and diversity, the soil bacterial network was changed during maize growth. SLR exerted a stronger effect on soil bacterial function than FR. Returning the sugarcane leaf to the field increased the diversity of the soil bacteria network. The bacterial communities were consistently dominated by Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes across all treatments, among which Actinobacteria was the most abundant bacteria type by almost 50% at the phylum level. The analysis results of the experimental factor on maize growth showed that the effect of SLR was lower than that of FR; however, this was opposite in the soil bacterial community structure and diversity. The soil bacterial network was significantly correlated with the soil total K, available N and organic matter contents, and EC. The soil bacteria community showed different responses to SLR and FR, and the FF in combination with FS partly increased the complexity of the soil bacteria network, which can further benefit crop production and soil health in the red soil region.
The Saint-Leonard Urban Glaciotectonic Cave Harbors Rich and Diverse Planktonic and Sedimentary Microbial Communities
Authors: Lauzon Jocelyn , Caron Daniel , Lazar Cassandre Sara
Published: August 2024

The terrestrial subsurface harbors unique microbial communities that play important biogeochemical roles and allow for studying a yet unknown fraction of the Earth’s biodiversity. The Saint-Leonard cave in Montreal City (Canada) is of glaciotectonic origin. Its speleogenesis traces back to the withdrawal of the Laurentide Ice Sheet 13,000 years ago, during which the moving glacier dislocated the sedimentary rock layers. Our study is the first to investigate the microbial communities of the Saint-Leonard cave. By using amplicon sequencing, we analyzed the taxonomic diversity and composition of bacterial, archaeal and eukaryote communities living in the groundwater (0.1 µm- and 0.2 µm-filtered water), in the sediments and in surface soils. We identified a microbial biodiversity typical of cave ecosystems. Communities were mainly shaped by habitat type and harbored taxa associated with a wide variety of lifestyles and metabolic capacities. Although we found evidence of a geochemical connection between the above soils and the cave’s galleries, our results suggest that the community assembly dynamics are driven by habitat selection rather than dispersal. Furthermore, we found that the cave’s groundwater, in addition to being generally richer in microbial taxa than sediments, contained a considerable diversity of ultra-small bacteria and archaea.
Isolation, Identification, and Biocontrol Mechanisms of Endophytic Burkholderia arboris DHR18 from Rubber Tree against Red Root Rot Disease
Authors: Meng Xiangjia , Luo Youhong , Zhao Xinyang , Fu Yongwei , Zou Lifang , Cai Haibin , Zhou Yi , Tu Min
Published: August 2024

Red root rot disease is a devastating fungal disease of rubber trees caused by Ganoderma pseudoferreum (Wakef). Biocontrols using beneficial microorganisms are safe and sustainable. We isolated a DHR18 endophytic bacterium from a healthy rubber tree to obtain a new efficient antagonistic bacterium for red root rot disease affecting rubber trees and evaluated the mechanism of action involved using a double culture assay, genome annotation analysis, and the ethyl acetate extraction method. The results revealed that the DHR18 strain inhibits G. pseudoferreum growth and has broad-spectrum antifungal activity by secreting cell wall hydrolases (proteases and chitinases), indole-3-acetic acid, and siderophores. Furthermore, it fixes nitrogen and is involved in biofilm formation and phosphate solubilisation, improving disease resistance and tree growth. The results showed that the antifungal substances secreted by DHR18 are mainly lipopeptides. Simultaneously, DHR18 enhanced the rubber tree resistance to G. pseudoferreum by increasing the activities of defence enzymes superoxide dismutase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase. The results indicate that B. arboris DHR18 has biocontrol potential and could be used as a candidate strain for the control of red root rot disease in rubber trees.
Chikungunya Virus RNA Secondary Structures Impact Defective Viral Genome Production
Authors: Levi Laura I. , Madden Emily A. , Boussier Jeremy , Erazo Diana , Sanders Wes , Vallet Thomas , Bernhauerova Veronika , Moorman Nathaniel J. , Heise Mark T. , Vignuzzi Marco
Published: August 2024

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus that poses an emerging threat to humans. In a manner similar to other RNA viruses, CHIKV encodes an error-prone RNA polymerase which, in addition to producing full-length genomes, gives rise to truncated, non-functional genomes, which have been coined defective viral genomes (DVGs). DVGs have been intensively studied in the context of therapy, as they can inhibit viral replication and dissemination in their hosts. In this work, we interrogate the influence of viral RNA secondary structures on the production of CHIKV DVGs. We experimentally map RNA secondary structures of the CHIKV genome using selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension and mutational profiling (SHAPE-MaP), which couples chemical labelling with next-generation sequencing. We correlate the inferred secondary structure with preferred deletion sites of CHIKV DVGs. We document an increased probability of DVG generation with truncations at unpaired nucleotides within the secondary structure. We then generated a CHIKV mutant bearing synonymous changes at the nucleotide level to disrupt the existing RNA secondary structure (CHIKV-D2S). We show that CHIKV-D2S presents altered DVG generation compared to wild-type virus, correlating with the change in RNA secondary structure obtained by SHAPE-MaP. Our work thus demonstrates that RNA secondary structure impacts CHIKV DVG production during replication.
The Effects of a Cultivar and Production System on the Qualitative and Quantitative Composition of Bioactive Compounds in Spring Wheat (Triticum sp.)
Authors: Kowalska Iwona , Pawelec Sylwia , Pecio Łukasz , Feledyn-Szewczyk Beata
Published: August 2024

Spelt Triticum aestivum L. subsp. spelta (cv. Wirtas), einkorn Triticum monococcum L. (cv. Samopsza) and emmer Triticum dicoccum Schrank (Schuebl) (cv. Płaskurka biała and Płaskurka ciemna) spring wheat cultivars were analyzed and compared to common wheat Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum (cv. Harenda, Kandela, Mandaryna, Serenada, Goplana, Kamelia, Nimfa, Rusałka, Struna, Zadra) cultivated in an organic production system. Moreover, the performance of four common wheat cultivars (cv. Harenda, Kandela, Mandaryna, Serenada) grown in organic, conventional and integrated production systems were compared. The UHPLC-DAD-MS and TLC-DPPH• analyses of specific substances (phenolic acids and alkylresorcinols) were evaluated to ascertain the potential of spring wheat cultivars for promoting human health and suitability for cultivation in an organic production system. The highest yield was observed for the T. aestivum L. subsp. aestivum (modern hull-less) cv. Nimfa (4.45 t/ha), which also demonstrated the lowest resistance to Fusarium spp. infection. Among the contemporary hull-less cultivars, cv. Mandaryna and cv. Harenda exhibited the highest resistance to this pathogen (2.4% and 3.7% of grains infected by Fusarium, respectively), while simultaneously displaying the highest organic phenolic acid content (900.92 and 984.55 µg/g of the grain) and the highest antioxidant potential. It is noteworthy that the cereal hulls of T. monococcum L. (old hulled) (cv. Samopsza) exhibited a markedly elevated content of phenolic acids (approximately 4000 µg/g of the grain). This may have contributed to the reduced incidence of Fusarium infection (9.3% of grains infected) observed in the grains of this cultivar. Furthermore, the hulls proved to be a rich source of phenolics with high antioxidant activity, which is beneficial for human and animal health.
Microwave Imaging and Non-Destructive Testing of Bituminous Mix Binder-Aggregate Behavior Using Log-Periodic Feedline-Based Microstrip Filter
Authors: Paul Amartya , Kumari Hemant , Snaitang Rinaldo , Gautam Pradeep Kumar , Majumdar Shubhankar
Published: August 2024

This research investigates the characterization of bituminous mixes utilizing microwave imaging and non-destructive testing. We studied the electromagnetic characteristics of various samples, including bituminous concrete (BC) and open-grade friction course (OGFC) samples. A novel ring filter with log-periodic feedlines, designed on the RT/Duroid 5880 substrate, was utilized within the frequency range of 0.3–0.7 GHz. The samples were assessed using average attenuation and group delay measures, which detailed clear electromagnetic characteristics. The samples’ flow value and specific gravity were correlated to these parameters. The calculated flow value and specific gravity (using the filter) and measured flow value and specific gravity (using the conventional method) coincided well. The filter could predict the parameters of the samples with a high accuracy of roughly 99.8% for the flow value and specific gravity, whereas the OGFC sample displayed an accuracy of 99.7%, correspondingly, as shown in high R2 values. This demonstrates that the filter can precisely measure the parameters required for studying the interaction between the binder and aggregate in bituminous mixes without being invasive. The findings indicate a significant disparity between OGFC and BC samples in their responses to electromagnetic fields and their characteristics. This demonstrates the high sensitivity and significant value of microwave techniques in the study of bitumen and the construction of roadways.
Evaluating Post-Insertion Complications and Patient Satisfaction of Conventional Complete Dentures: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sharma Lavanya Ajay , Yaparathna Navodika , Cheruka Nithya , Shao Peng , Abuzar Menaka
Published: August 2024

Conventional complete dentures remain to be an important treatment for edentulous patients, especially those of low socioeconomic status. This study is a retrospective analysis that aims to elucidate influencing factors of post-insertion complications and patient satisfaction. Clinical records of 164 patients who received both maxillary and mandibular complete dentures at an Australian university teaching clinic were assessed and analysed. The parameters considered include reason for attendance, presenting clinical status, experience of operator, numbers of appointments for fabrication and adjustment, post-insertion complications and events, and patient satisfaction. The differences among selected attributes were analysed using a Mann–Whitney test, Chi-square test, or Kruskal–Wallis test where applicable, while the relationships between discrete variables were assessed by Kendall’s correlation. First, the number of appointments for fabrication differed significantly between female (6.8 ± 1.8) and male patients (6.2 ± 1.3; p = 0.025) and between student (6.7 ± 1.7) and professional operators (6.0 ± 1.1; p = 0.015). The number of appointments for adjustment was significantly associated with patient age (τb = 0.167, p = 0.003) and sharply declined after the first three months. Second, post-insertion pain was the most frequent complication, and it was significantly more associated with the mandible than the maxilla (χ2 = 21.670, p = 0.000). Similarly, mandibular complete dentures were also significantly more associated with post-insertion reline than the maxillary (χ2 = 8.804, p = 0.003). Lastly, patient satisfaction was significantly associated with patient attendance with old/worn dentures (χ2 = 9.468, p = 0.002), as well as the absence of retention/stability issues (χ2 = 41.712, p = 0.000), post-insertion reline (χ2 = 29.300, p = 0.000), or denture replacement (χ2 = 13.968, p = 0.000). Dissatisfied patients had a significantly higher age (70.9 ± 11.0 vs. 66.2 ± 12.6; p = 0.023) and number of appointments for adjustment (4.9 ± 3.5 vs. 3.1 ± 2.1; p = 0.001) than satisfied patients. In summary, these findings revealed the above factors that influence the fabrication process, post-insertion complication, and patient satisfaction of conventional complete dentures. Future research may include analysis of cases completed at private practices and consideration of other potentially relevant factors such as denture usage and mental status.
Simulations of the EAS Development in the Atmosphere and Detectors for Experiments with the High-Altitude Ionization Calorimeter ADRON-55
Authors: Sadykov Turlan , Yelemessov Omarkhan , Mukhamedshin Rauf , Galkin Vladimir , Argynova Alia , Argynova Korlan , Makhmet Khanshaiym , Zhukov Valery , Ryabov Vladimir , Khussainov Yerkin
Published: August 2024

To study EAS cores (beams of most energetic particles near the shower axis) at E0 ≳ 1015 eV (√s ≳ 2 TeV), which carry the most valuable information about the types of primary particles and the characteristics of their interactions in the atmosphere, a new set of detectors has been developed, including a high-altitude ionization calorimeter “ADRON-55”, located at a high-altitude scientific station on the Tien Shan. The first results of modeling the development of EAS from primary protons, main groups of nuclei and hypothetical strangelets at various energies, related to measurements with the “ADRON-55” calorimeter, are presented.
Development of a Specific PCR Assay for Theileria sp. Yokoyama and Assessment of Its Potential to Cause Anemia in Cattle
Authors: Amarasiri Iromy Dhananjani , Nizanantha Kalaichelvan , Mumbi Ngigi Noel Muthoni , Kothalawala Isuru Sachintha , Madusanka Sampath , Perera Wettam Perumage Pavithra Sandamali Indrasiri , Kothalawala Hemal , Sivakumar Thillaiampalam , Yokoyama Naoaki
Published: August 2024

The clinical implications of Theileria sp. Yokoyama, a recently identified Theileria species in cattle, remain uncertain. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anemia status in cattle infected with Theileria sp. Yokoyama. Blood samples were collected from 206 cattle across seven Veterinary Ranges in Sri Lanka and analyzed for red blood cell (RBC) indices, including hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and RBC counts. Additionally, DNA was extracted from the samples and screened with a newly developed Theileria sp. Yokoyama-specific PCR assay targeting the cytochrome b gene. The PCR results revealed that 60 (29.1%) of the surveyed cattle tested positive for Theileria sp. Yokoyama, with 47 (78.3%) of them being co-infected with other hemopathogen species. Our findings revealed that the cattle breeds, management systems, and tick infestations are potential risk factors for the Theileria sp. Yokoyama infection. Next, we evaluated the anemia status among the surveyed cattle based on the RBC indices. We found that all non-infected cattle were non-anemic. By contrast, anemia was observed in 15 Theileria sp. Yokoyama-infected cattle, including 3 singly infected (anemia rate 3/13, 23.1%) and 12 co-infected cattle (12/47, 25.5%). Our findings suggest that Theileria sp. Yokoyama causes anemia in infected cattle.
Evaluation of Full Thickness Wounds Following Application of a Visco-Liquid Hemostat in a Swine Model
Authors: Tucci Michelle , Hildebrandt Drew , Lichtenhan Joseph , Benghuzzi Hamed
Published: August 2024

Wound healing is a complex dynamic biomechanical process as the body attempts to restore the integrity of traumatized or devitalized tissues. There are four stages of wound of healing that begins with hemostasis followed by inflammation, proliferation and finally weeks later wound remodeling. Full thickness wounds usually are covered with a dressing material after hemostasis, which allows for controlled hydration. We investigated the potential of a visco-liquid hemostat, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), for providing hemostasis and to maintain a microenvironment in the wound bed that would maintain moisture content and promote early re-epithelialization. We hypothesized that the hemostatic agent POSS if left in the wound bed would maintain a protective barrier and accelerate wound healing similar to using saline to irrigate the wound to keep the wound moist. We compared the early phase of wound repair (3–7 days) in a porcine full thickness wound model to evaluate the efficacy of the material. Biopsies were taken after 3 and 7 days to determine the acute response of the POSS hemostat or saline on inflammation, cell migration, concentrations of metalloproteinase (MMPs), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs). Accelerated healing was observed in POSS treated wounds by changes in wound contraction, keratinocyte migration, and development of granulation tissue in comparison to saline treated wounds. Increased concentrations at day 3 of MMP-2, MMP-3, and in MMP-1 at day 7 in POSS treated wounds compared to saline coincide with keratinocyte migration observed in the tissue histology and changes in wound contraction. Tissue concentrations of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in POSS treated wounds appear to coordinate the sequence of MMP events in the healing tissue. Matrix metalloproteinase-13, a marker for tissue remodeling, was not upregulated in the early wound healing cascade in either POSS or saline treated wounds at 3 or 7 days. Overall, the data suggests POSS treatment contributed to enhanced early cell migration and wound closure compared to saline treatment.
Advances in Organic Upconversion Devices
Authors: Fu Chengchang , Mu Ge , Weng Kangkang , Tang Xin
Published: August 2024

Organic upconversion devices (OUDs) are a class of technology that convert low-energy infrared (IR) photons into high-energy visible photons, offering extensive application prospects in fields such as bioimaging, photovoltaics, and display technologies. In recent years, organic materials-based upconversion technology has attracted considerable attention and research interest due to its unique advantages in molecular design, material diversity, and flexible device fabrication. An up-conversion imager consists of the organic photosensitive layer as the sensitizer which is used for absorbing infrared light and the active layers of the organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as emitters which are used for displaying visible light. Under the effect of their common, the incident IR light is converted to visible light. Here, we review the recent progress in the field of organic upconversion materials, explain their performance and characterization, and discuss the challenges and prospects.
The Effect of Lens Focal Length on the Output Characteristics of 1.55 μm Tunable External-Cavity Semiconductor Lasers
Authors: Li Xuan , Zhang Linyu , Luo Wei , Shi Junce , Zheng Zhaoxuan , Kong Huiyin , Qiu Meiye , Sun Kangxun , Li Zaijin , Qu Yi , Qiao Zhongliang , Li Lin
Published: August 2024

The 1.55 μm TECSL has excellent characteristics such as wide tuning, narrow linewidth, high SMSR, and high output power and has a wide range of applications in optical communications, spectral sensing, gas detection, atomic physics, and biomedicine. For the TECSL, the choice of collimating lens is very significant. In order to obtain a wider tuning range, five structures are constructed in this paper to investigate the effect of lens focal length on the output characteristics of 1.55 μm TECSL. It is shown that when the lens focal length is 4.51 mm, the minimum threshold current is 52 mA, the maximum output power is 42.36 mW, the maximum SMSR is 62.15 dB, the narrowest linewidth is 0.26 nm, and 152.3 nm (1458.2~1610.5 nm) can be tuned continuously. It is shown that different lens focal lengths affect the output characteristics of the TECSL, and the performance of the TECSL can be improved by appropriately changing the lens focal length.
The Orbital-Resolved Dissociative Ionization of the Molecular IBr in a Near-Infrared Femtosecond Laser Field
Authors: Liu Botong , Li Zhipeng
Published: August 2024

The dissociative ionization of molecular IBr in a near-infrared femtosecond laser field was investigated through the utilization of the DC-sliced ion imaging technique. Two pathways, denoted as (1, 0)a and (1, 0)b, were observed in the dissociation process of IBr+ into an I+ ion and Br atom. The distinct angular distributions observed in these pathways were found to be a result of the removal of electrons from different molecular orbitals. Specifically, in pathway (1, 0)a, the electron was stripped from HOMO and HOMO-1, while in pathway (1, 0)b, the electron was removed from HOMO-2. The ultrafast dynamical processes of molecules influenced by intense femtosecond laser fields were investigated through an analysis of the angular distribution characteristics of fragment ions in conjunction with the spatial properties of molecular orbitals.
Early Growth and Physiological Acclimation to Shade and Water Restriction of Seven Sclerophyllous Species of the Mediterranean Forests of Central Chile
Authors: Yáñez Marco A. , Espinoza Sergio E. , Magni Carlos R. , Martínez-Herrera Eduardo
Published: August 2024

The success of using active restoration in Mediterranean-type climate zones mostly depends on an appropriate matching of plant species and specific management prescriptions upon establishment. In this study, we assessed the early growth and short-term physiological acclimation of seven common species found in the sclerophyllous forests in central Chile to water restriction and shading. We established a nursery experiment that included three treatments (T0: sun-exposed and water-restricted, T1: sun-exposed and fully irrigated, and T2: shaded and fully irrigated) and seven tree species differing in their shade and drought tolerance (Quillaja saponaria Molina, Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz, Peumus boldus Molina, Lithraea caustica (Mol.) Hook. and Arn, Luma apiculata (DC.) Burret, Colliguaja odorifera Molina, and Escallonia pulverulenta (Ruiz and Prav.) Pers). We measured the increment in seedling height and different leaf morpho-physiological traits during two months in the dry season. Based on the measured traits, none of the species took advantage of the higher water availability in T1 relative to T0, but most of the species responded to the shade in T2, regardless of their shade or drought tolerance. Height increments due to shade varied from 0% in P. boldus to 203% in L. apiculata. Overall, all the species responded similarly to the treatments in specific leaf area, chlorophyll content index, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and intrinsic water use efficiency. This suggests that the species exhibited similar acclimation patterns of these parameters to shade and drought, even regarding the variation in midday xylem water potential found in the water-restricted treatment T0 (from −1.5 MPa in P. boldus to −3.1 MPa in E. pulverulenta). In this study, shading had a higher positive effect on the seedling performance of sclerophyllous species than watering, which at operational level highlights the need for investing in tree shelters when using these species in restoration programs.
RETRACTED: Repko et al. Development and Testing of a Block Hydrocyclone. Processes 2020, 8, 1577
Authors: Repko Alexandr , Sága Milan , Sentyakov Boris , Sviatskii Vladislav
Published: August 2024

The journal retracts the article titled “Development and Testing of a Block Hydrocyclone” [...]
Sedimentary Facies Identification Technique Based on Multimodal Data Fusion
Authors: Yi Yuchuan , Zhang Yuanfu , Hou Xiaoqin , Li Junyang , Ma Kai , Zhang Xiaohan , Li Yuxiu
Published: August 2024

Identifying sedimentary facies represents a fundamental aspect of oil and gas exploration. In recent years, geologists have employed deep learning methods to develop comprehensive predictions of sedimentary facies. However, their methods are often constrained to some kind of unimodal data, and the practicality and generalizability of the resulting models are relatively limited. Therefore, based on the characteristics of oilfield data with multiple heterogeneous sources and the difficulty of complementary fusion between data, this paper proposes a sedimentary facies identification technique with multimodal data fusion, which uses multimodal data from core wells, including logging, physical properties, textual descriptions, and core images, to comprehensively predict the sedimentary facies by adopting decision-level feature fusion after predicting different unimodal data separately. The method was applied to a total of 12 core wells in the northwestern margin of the Junggar Basin, China; good results were obtained, achieving an accuracy of over 90% on both the validation and test sets. Using this method, the sedimentary microfacies of a newly drilled core well can be predicted and the interpretation of the sedimentary framework in the well area can be updated in real-time based on data from newly drilled core wells, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of oil and gas exploration and development.
Cold Plasma Gliding Arc Reactor System for Nanoparticles’ Removal from Diesel Cars’ Exhaust Gases
Authors: Dorosz Agata , Penconek Agata , Moskal Arkadiusz
Published: August 2024

The main goal was to investigate the ability of a non-thermal plasma reactor with gliding arc discharge to remove diesel exhaust particulates (DEPs). A conventional knife-shaped LTP GA (low-temperature plasma gliding arc) reactor was utilized. The following three cases were studied: 140 L/min, 70 L/min, and 14 L/min of air drawn through the reactor, and diesel exhaust fumes were sampled continuously. They were assayed in terms of concentration and number particle size distribution. The higher the residence times, the higher the energy input that may be utilized for DEPs’ removal. The reactor performance definitely lowered the concentration of DEPs (250–580 nm) and altered their number size distribution. There was no effect on the number concentration, nor the particle size distribution, of DEPs of 10–250 nm in size. Regarding the effectiveness of DEPs’ removal, decreasing the flow rate from 140 L/min to 70 L/min somehow altered the values. Achieving the airflow of 14 L/min led to a substantial improvement (even to a fourfold increase for 300–480 nm particles). Non-thermal plasma reactors with gliding arc discharge may be successfully adapted to the process of DEP treatment. Their performance may be optimized by adjusting the airflow at the inlet of the reactor to guarantee the longest aerosol residence times and the highest removal efficiency.
Advances in Thermal Energy Storage Systems for Renewable Energy: A Review of Recent Developments
Authors: Arévalo Paul , Ochoa-Correa Danny , Villa-Ávila Edisson
Published: August 2024

This review highlights the latest advancements in thermal energy storage systems for renewable energy, examining key technological breakthroughs in phase change materials (PCMs), sensible thermal storage, and hybrid storage systems. Practical applications in managing solar and wind energy in residential and industrial settings are analyzed. Current challenges and research opportunities are discussed, providing an overview of the field’s current and future state. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 1040 articles were initially screened, resulting in 49 high-quality studies included in the final synthesis. These studies were grouped into innovations in TES systems, advancements in PCMs, thermal management and efficiency, and renewable energy integration with TES. The review underscores significant progress and identifies future research directions to enhance TES’s efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in renewable energy applications.
Deciphering Rod Pump Anomalies: A Deep Learning Autoencoder Approach
Authors: Wang Cai , Ma He , Zhang Xishun , Xiang Xiaolong , Shi Junfeng , Liang Xingyuan , Zhao Ruidong , Han Guoqing
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the application of a self-coder neural network in oilfield rod pump anomaly detection. Rod pumps are critical equipment in oilfield production engineering, and their stability and reliability are crucial to the production efficiency and economic benefits. However, rod pumps are often affected by anomalies such as wax deposition, leading to increased maintenance costs and production interruptions. Traditional wax deposition detection methods are inefficient and fail to provide early warning capabilities. This paper reviews the research progress in sucker rod pump anomaly detection and autoencoder neural networks, providing a detailed description of the construction and training process of the autoencoder neural network model. Utilizing data from the rod-pumped wells of the Tuha oilfield in China, this study achieves the automatic recognition of various anomalies through data preprocessing and the training of an autoencoder model. This study also includes a comparative analysis of the differences in the anomaly detection performance between the autoencoder and traditional methods and verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Investigating the Prognostic Potential of Plasma ST2 in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: Identification and Evaluation
Authors: Li Ben , Shaikh Farah , Zamzam Abdelrahman , Abdin Rawand , Qadura Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Soluble interleukin 1 receptor-like 1 (ST2) is a circulating protein demonstrated to be associated with cardiovascular diseases; however, it has not been studied as a biomarker for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Using a prospectively recruited cohort of 476 patients (312 with PAD and 164 without PAD), we conducted a prognostic study of PAD using clinical/biomarker data. Plasma concentrations of three circulating proteins [ST2, cytokine-responsive gene-2 (CRG-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] were measured at baseline and the cohort was followed for 2 years. The outcome of interest was a 2-year major adverse limb event (MALE; composite of major amputation, vascular intervention, or acute limb ischemia). Using 10-fold cross-validation, a random forest model was trained using clinical characteristics and plasma ST2 levels. The primary model evaluation metric was the F1 score. Out of the three circulating proteins analyzed, ST2 was the only one that was statistically significantly higher in individuals with PAD compared to patients without PAD (mean concentration in plasma of 9.57 [SD 5.86] vs. 11.39 [SD 6.43] pg/mL, p < 0.001). Over a 2-year period, 28 (9%) patients with PAD experienced MALE. Our predictive model, incorporating clinical features and plasma ST2 levels, achieved an F1 score of 0.713 for forecasting 2-year MALE outcomes. Patients identified as high-risk by this model showed a significantly increased likelihood of developing MALE (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.13, p = 0.003). By combining clinical characteristics and plasma ST2 levels, our proposed predictive model offers accurate risk assessment for 2-year MALE in PAD patients. This algorithm supports risk stratification in PAD, guiding clinical decisions regarding further vascular evaluation, specialist referrals, and appropriate medical or surgical interventions, thereby potentially enhancing patient outcomes.
FAIR as a Journey: Lessons Learned from Building the GoTriple Discovery Platform for Social Sciences and Humanities
Authors: De Santis Luca
Published: August 2024

This report describes the experience in implementing the FAIR principles for the GoTriple Discovery Platform for Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH). It shows how adherence to FAIR should be considered as a continuous process throughout the entire lifespan of any information management system, including GoTriple, rather than a static goal with decisions only made at the design time. This report presents an introduction highlighting the importance of the FAIR principles, indicating how they can be assessed in data management systems. Then, the GoTriple case is presented, with a general overview of this discovery platform before describing some of the implemented practices in support of FAIR. The Discussion Section shows, on the one hand, some virtuous reuse of GoTriple data, together with one major pitfall in the platform’s FAIR implementation. In this sense, this report serves as a case study that can offer insights and actionable advice for those implementing information systems aligned, from the very outset, with the FAIR principles.
SpecRep: Adversary Emulation Based on Attack Objective Specification in Heterogeneous Infrastructures
Authors: Portase Radu Marian , Colesa Adrian , Sebestyen Gheorghe
Published: August 2024

Cybercriminals have become an imperative threat because they target the most valuable resource on earth, data. Organizations prepare against cyber attacks by creating Cyber Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) that use various technologies to monitor and detect threats and to help perform forensics on machines and networks. Testing the limits of defense technologies and the skill of a CSIRT can be performed through adversary emulation performed by so-called “red teams”. The red team’s work is primarily manual and requires high skill. We propose SpecRep, a system to ease the testing of the detection capabilities of defenses in complex, heterogeneous infrastructures. SpecRep uses previously known attack specifications to construct attack scenarios based on attacker objectives instead of the traditional attack graphs or a list of actions. We create a metalanguage to describe objectives to be achieved in an attack together with a compiler that can build multiple attack scenarios that achieve the objectives. We use text processing tools aided by large language models to extract information from freely available white papers and convert them to plausible attack specifications that can then be emulated by SpecRep. We show how our system can emulate attacks against a smart home, a large enterprise, and an industrial control system.
A Hybrid Algorithm of LSTM and Factor Graph for Improving Combined GNSS/INS Positioning Accuracy during GNSS Interruptions
Authors: Liu Fuchao , Zhao Hailin , Chen Wenjue
Published: August 2024

In urban road environments, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals may be interrupted due to occlusion by buildings and obstacles, resulting in reduced accuracy and discontinuity of combined GNSS/inertial navigation system (INS) positioning. Improving the accuracy and robustness of combined GNSS/INS positioning systems for land vehicles in the presence of GNSS interruptions is a challenging task. The main objective of this paper is to develop a method for predicting GNSS information during GNSS outages based on a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network to assist in factor graph-based combined GNSS/INS localization, which can provide a reliable combined localization solution during GNSS signal outages. In an environment with good GNSS signals, a factor graph fusion algorithm is used for data fusion of the combined positioning system, and an LSTM neural network prediction model is trained, and model parameters are determined using the INS velocity, inertial measurement unit (IMU) output, and GNSS position incremental data. In an environment with interrupted GNSS signals, the LSTM model is used to predict the GNSS positional increments and generate the pseudo-GNSS information and the solved results of INS for combined localization. In order to verify the performance and effectiveness of the proposed method, we conducted real-world road test experiments on land vehicles installed with GNSS receivers and inertial sensors. The experimental results show that, compared with the traditional combined GNSS/INS factor graph localization method, the proposed method can provide more accurate and robust localization results even in environments with frequent GNSS signal loss.
Vibration Analysis at Castello Ursino Picture Gallery (Sicily, Italy) for the Implementation of Self-Generating AlN-MEMS Sensors
Authors: Pirrotta Claudia , Gueli Anna M. , Imposa Sebastiano , Salerno Giuliano A. , Trigona Carlo
Published: August 2024

This work explores the potential of self-powered MEMS devices for application in the preventive conservation of cultural heritage. The main objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of piezoelectric aluminum nitride MEMS (AlN-MEMS) for monitoring vibrations and to investigate its potential for harvesting energy from vibrations, including those induced by visitors. A preliminary laboratory comparison was conducted between AlN-MEMS and the commercial device Tromino®. The study was then extended to the Picture Gallery of Ursino Castle, where joint measurements with the two devices were carried out. The analysis focused on identifying natural frequencies and vibrational energy levels by key metrics, including spectral peaks and the Power Spectral Density (PSD). The results indicated that the response of the AlN-MEMS aligned well with the data collected by the commercial device, especially observing high vibrational energy around 100 Hz. Such results validate the potential of AlN-MEMS for effective vibration measurement and for converting kinetic energy into electrical power, thereby eliminating the need for external power sources. Additionally, the vibrational analysis highlighted specific locations, such as the measurement point Cu4, as exhibiting the highest vibrational energy levels. These points could be used for placing MEMS sensors to ensure efficient vibration monitoring and energy harvesting.
A Robust Method for Simultaneous Determination and Risk Assessment of Multiresidual Pesticides in Fishery Products
Authors: Kim Myungheon , Kim Tae-hwa , Park Jong-Woo , Lee Yoonmi , Jo Mi-Ra , Moon Yong-Sun , Im Moo-Hyeog
Published: August 2024

In this study, we developed and validated a multiresidue analytical method for the simultaneous detection of 24 pesticides in fishery products. Using the EN15662 extraction method and C18 as the adsorbent for purification, the validation results complied with Codex guidelines, achieving recovery rates between 70% and 120% and relative standard deviation values (%RSD) within 20%, indicating excellent performance. The limit of detection ranged from 0.25 to 0.8 ng/kg, and the limit of quantification was between 3 and 10 ng/g, providing sufficient sensitivity to comply with future regulatory standards. The calibration curves for all 24 pesticides exhibited great linearity (R2 > 0.98), also satisfying the Codex requirements. The matrix effect was less than 30% for some pesticides—within ±20%—indicating minimal interference from impurities. An analysis of 300 fishery samples from nine regions across South Korea detected lufenuron at 10 ng/g in eels; however, the risk assessment was below 0.19%, posing no significant hazard to public health. This newly developed analytical method proved effective for the multi-analysis of pesticide residues in fishery products, offering rapid and reliable monitoring of the import and export safety of fishery products.
Maternal Vaccination for the Prevention of Infantile RSV Disease: An Overview of the Authorized, In-Progress, and Rejected Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Papazisis Georgios , Topalidou Xanthippi
Published: August 2024

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) continues to pose a significant challenge, contributing to elevated hospitalization rates among children up to 5 years old, with a disproportionate burden on newborns and infants under 6 months old. The unique characteristics of the young immune system make it prone to altered responses to infections and vaccinations, requiring a tailored approach to disease prevention. The recent approval of the maternal RSV vaccine (brand name ABRYSVO) represents a pivotal advancement in preventive strategies among newborns and infants, marking a milestone in RSV research as the first market-approved maternal vaccine. The present review examines clinical trial data on both recent and previous vaccine candidates, as well as the licensed vaccine, focusing on the prevention of RSV disease in newborns and young infants through the passive acquisition of antibodies following maternal immunization. Additionally, it evaluates the safety profile of these vaccines.
Impact of Oil-in-Water Adjuvanted β-Glucan on Innate Immune Memory in Piglets
Authors: Ardali Razieh , Garcia-Nicolas Obdulio , Ollagnier Catherine , Sánchez Carvajal José María , Levy Maria , Yvernault Pauline , de Aboim Borges Fialho de Brito Francisco , Summerfield Artur
Published: August 2024

The non-specific protective effects offered by the concept of “innate immune memory” might represent a promising strategy to tackle early-life threatening infections. Here we tested the potential of an in vitro selected β-glucan in inducing trained immunity using an in vivo porcine model. We assessed the leukocyte transcriptome using blood transcriptomic module (BTM), proinflammatory cytokines, and clinical scoring after a first “training” and a second “stimulation” phase. The possible induction of innate immune memory was tested during a “stimulation” by an LPS-adjuvanted Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccine (Hyogen®) one day after weaning. Following the “training”, no major group differences were found, with the exception of a plasma TNF that was only induced by Adj and Adj_BG treatment. After vaccination, all groups developed similar antibody responses. A significant induction of plasma TNF and IL-1β was found in groups that received Adj and Adj_BG. However, following vaccination, the expected early innate BTMs were only induced by the PBS group. In conclusion, the adjuvant alone, adjuvant-formulated β-glucan, or orally applied β-glucan were unable to enhance innate immune reactivity but rather appeared to promote innate immune tolerance. Such an immune status could have both positive and negative implications during this phase of the piglet’s life.
The Influence of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination on the Mortality and Outcomes of Patients with Both Myocardial Infarction and COVID-19
Authors: Hrycek Eugeniusz , Walawska-Hrycek Anna , Milewski Krzysztof , Nowakowski Przemysław , Buszman Piotr , Żurakowski Aleksander
Published: August 2024

Background: This multi-site retrospective analysis with a control group was devised to evaluate the impact of prophylactic SARS-CoV-2 vaccination the on outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI) patients with confirmed COVID-19. Methods: An overall of 129 subjects who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and MI were included in the analysis and were divided into the study group (44 vaccinated patients) and the control group (85 non-vaccinated comparable patients). The primary outcome measure was defined as the time until in-hospital death, while the secondary outcome measure was defined as the time until death outside the hospital setting. Results: According to in-hospital mortality analysis, 1 (2.27%) subject died in the study group, whereas a total of 19 (22.4%) subjects died among the controls (OR = 0.08; CI: 0.001–0.553; p = 0.023). The impact of vaccination on the in-hospital outcomes of patients treated for COVID-19 and MI was further confirmed using Cox regression analysis (HR: 0.1 CI: 0.01–0.77; p = 0.026). The observed difference was the absence of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation in the study group, whereas it was observed in 14 (16.47%) patients in the control group. During out-of-hospital observation, there were no observed differences in mortality (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 0.21–11.52; p = 0.66). Conclusions: The complete prophylactic SARS-CoV-2 vaccination course demonstrates a protective role in patients undergoing treatment for MI with confirmed COVID-19 during in-hospital observation.
Immune Cell Profiles of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease during Parvovirus B19–Induced Transient Red Cell Aplasia
Authors: Allen E. Kaitlynn , Penkert Rhiannon R. , Hankins Jane S. , Surman Sherri L. , Van de Velde Lee-Ann , Cotton Alyssa , Hayden Randall T. , Tang Li , Yuan Xiaomeng , Zheng Ying , Thomas Paul G. , Hurwitz Julia L.
Published: August 2024

Parvovirus B19 frequently infects children and targets cells of the erythroid lineage. Although healthy children rarely suffer severe disease, children with sickle cell disease (SCD) can experience transient red cell aplasia (TRCA), hospitalization, and life-threatening anemia upon first virus exposure. Given that children with SCD can also suffer chronic inflammation and that parvovirus B19 has been associated with autoimmune disease in other patient populations, we asked if parvovirus B19 infections contributed to acute and chronic immune abnormalities in children with SCD. Nineteen hospitalized patients with SCD and parvovirus B19–induced TRCA were evaluated. Blood tests included CBC, flow cytometry, and total antibody isotype analyses. Cytokine/chemokine analyses were performed on nasal wash (NW) samples, representing a common site of viral entry. Unusually high white blood cell count (WBC) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) values were observed in some patients. A correlation matrix with Day 0 values from the 19 patients then identified two mutually exclusive phenotype clusters. Cluster 1 included WBC, ANC, absolute reticulocyte count (ARC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), NW cytokines/chemokines, % naïve cells among B cell and T cell populations, and parvovirus-specific IgG. This cluster was negatively associated with virus load, suggesting a signature of successful adaptive immunity and virus control. Cluster 2 included virus load, % CD38+CD24− cells among CD19+ B cells (termed ‘plasmablasts’ for simplicity), % HLA-DRlow cells among CD19+ B cells, IgG4, and % memory phenotypes among B cell and T cell populations. Plasmablast percentages correlated negatively with parvovirus-specific IgG, possibly reflecting a non-specific trigger of cell activation. All patients were released from the hospital within 1 week after admission, and the highest WBC and ANC values were eventually reduced. Nonetheless, a concern remained that the acutely abnormal immune profiles caused by parvovirus B19 infections could exacerbate chronic inflammation in some patients. To avoid the numerous sequelae known to affect patients with SCD following hospitalizations with parvovirus B19, rapid development of a parvovirus B19 vaccine is warranted.