bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention According to the Characteristics of Forest Industry Workers
Authors: Lee Changjun , Kim Kidong
Published: October 2024

The forest industry is a key sector in South Korea, significantly contributing to the national economy. Despite the growth of the forest industry, workers often face physically demanding tasks, high job stress, and factors reducing job satisfaction, such as remote locations and limited career opportunities. This study analyzes differences in job satisfaction and turnover intentions among forest industry workers based on socio-demographic and job characteristics. A survey of 654 workers across various sectors—including production, processing, retail, transportation, leisure, and services—was conducted. The data were analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA. The results indicate that job satisfaction and turnover intentions significantly vary with age, education, income, employment type, workplace location, and working days. The workers with graduate degrees reported lower job satisfaction and higher turnover intentions. The non-regular employees and field workers exhibited lower job satisfaction and higher turnover intentions. The findings suggest that improving job conditions, creating quality positions for highly educated workers, and providing stable employment could enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover intentions in the forest industry, aiding workforce retention and sustainability.
Individual Tree Crown Detection and Classification of Live and Dead Trees Using a Mask Region-Based Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R-CNN)
Authors: Yao Shilong , Hao Zhenbang , Post Christopher J. , Mikhailova Elena A. , Lin Lili
Published: October 2024

Mapping the distribution of living and dead trees in forests, particularly in ecologically fragile areas where forests serve as crucial ecological environments, is essential for assessing forest health, carbon storage capacity, and biodiversity. Convolutional neural networks, including Mask R-CNN, can assist in rapid and accurate forest monitoring. In this study, Mask R-CNN was employed to detect the crowns of Casuarina equisetifolia and to distinguish between live and dead trees in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, Fujian, China. High-resolution images of five plots were obtained using a multispectral Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Six band combinations and derivatives, RGB, RGB-digital surface model (DSM), Multispectral, Multispectral-DSM, Vegetation Index, and Vegetation-Index-DSM, were used for tree crown detection and classification of live and dead trees. Five-fold cross-validation was employed to divide the manually annotated dataset of 21,800 live trees and 7157 dead trees into training and validation sets, which were used for training and validating the Mask R-CNN models. The results demonstrate that the RGB band combination achieved the most effective detection performance for live trees (average F1 score = 74.75%, IoU = 70.85%). The RGB–DSM combination exhibited the highest accuracy for dead trees (average F1 score = 71.16%, IoU = 68.28%). The detection performance for dead trees was lower than for live trees, which may be due to the similar spectral features across the images and the similarity of dead trees to the background, resulting in false identification. For the simultaneous detection of living and dead trees, the RGB combination produced the most promising results (average F1 score = 74.18%, IoU = 69.8%). It demonstrates that the Mask R-CNN model can achieve promising results for the detection of live and dead trees. Our study could provide forest managers with detailed information on the forest condition, which has the potential to improve forest management.
Canine Multiple System Degeneration Associated with Sequence Variants in SERAC1
Authors: Zeng Rong , Guo Juyan , Bullock Garrett , Johnson Gary S. , Katz Martin L.
Published: October 2024

Canine multiple system degeneration (CMSD) is an early onset, progressive movement disorder affecting Kerry Blue Terriers and Chinese Crested dogs. The associated pathologic lesions include degeneration of the cerebellum, caudate nucleus, and substantia nigra. CMSD is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait in both dog breeds. Previous linkage mapping localized the CMSD locus to a 15 MB region on canine chromosome 1 (CFA1). Next-generation sequencing was used to generate whole-genome sequences from the DNA of an affected dog from each breed. The resulting sequence reads were aligned to the NCBI canine reference genome (build 3.1). Among the homozygous sequence variants within the CFA1 target region, a nonsense variant in exon 15 of SERAC1 was identified in the affected Kerry Blue Terrier, while in the Chinese Crested dog, a 4 bp deletion in the SERAC1 exon 4 acceptor splice site was found. RT-PCR showed that this deletion resulted in exon 4 skipping. Genotyping of large cohorts of Kerry Blue Terriers and Chinese Crested dogs for the respective breed-specific SERAC1 variants showed complete concordance between genotype and disease phenotype. Genotype–phenotype concordance was also observed in offspring generated by cross breeding between SERAC1-heterozygous Kerry Blue Terrier and Chinese Crested dogs, with only the compound heterozygotes exhibiting the disease phenotype, further confirming the recessive inheritance of CMSD. Variants in human SERAC1 are associated with disorders with a range of ages of disease onset and patterns of clinical signs, but that are all characterized by movement abnormalities similar to those of the dogs with CMSD. Canine CMSD could serve as a valuable model to elucidate the mechanisms underlying SERAC1-deficiency disorders and to evaluate potential therapeutic interventions.
Dynamic Expression of Genes Encoding Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzymes (E2s) During Neuronal Differentiation and Maturation: Implications for Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Paubel Agathe , Marouillat Sylviane , Dangoumau Audrey , Maurel Cindy , Haouari Shanez , Blasco Hélène , Corcia Philippe , Laumonnier Frédéric , Andres Christian R. , Vourc’h Patrick
Published: October 2024

Background: The ubiquitination process plays a crucial role in neuronal differentiation and function. Numerous studies have focused on the expression and functions of E3 ligases during these different stages, far fewer on E2 conjugating enzymes. In mice, as in humans, these E2s belong to 17 conjugating enzyme families. Objectives: We analyzed by real-time PCR the expression dynamics of all known E2 genes during an in vitro differentiation of mouse hippocampal neuronal cultures, and after, we analyzed their stimulation with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). Results: We found that 36 of the 38 E2 genes were expressed in hippocampal neurons. Many were up-regulated during neuritogenesis and/or synaptogenesis stages, such as Ube2h, Ube2b, and Aktip. Rapid and delayed responses to NMDA stimulation were associated with the increased expression of several E2 genes, such as Ube2i, the SUMO-conjugating E2 enzyme. We also observed similar expression profiles within the same E2 gene family, consistent with the presence of similar transcription factor binding sites in their respective promoter sequences. Conclusions: Our study indicates that specific expression profiles of E2 genes are correlated with changes in neuronal differentiation and activity. A better understanding of the regulation and function of E2s is needed to better understand the role played by the ubiquitination process in physiological mechanisms and pathophysiological alterations involved in neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative diseases.
SNP Genotype Imputation in Forensics—A Performance Study
Authors: Tillmar Andreas , Kling Daniel
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Emerging forensic genetic applications, such as forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG), advanced DNA phenotyping, and distant kinship inference, increasingly require dense SNP genotype datasets. However, forensic-grade DNA often contains missing genotypes due to its quality and quantity limitations, potentially hindering these applications. Genotype imputation, a method that predicts missing genotypes, is widely used in population and medical genetics, but its utility in forensic genetics has not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to assess the performance of genotype imputation in forensic contexts and determine the conditions under which it can be effectively applied. Methods: We employed a simulation-based approach to generate realistic forensic SNP genotype datasets with varying numbers, densities, and qualities of observed genotypes. Genotype imputation was performed using Beagle software, and the performance was evaluated based on the call rate and imputation accuracy across different datasets and imputation settings. Results: The results demonstrate that genotype imputation can significantly increase the number of SNP genotypes. However, imputation accuracy was dependent on factors such as the quality of the original genotype data and the characteristics of the reference population. Higher SNP density and fewer genotype errors generally resulted in improved imputation accuracy. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of genotype imputation to enhance forensic SNP datasets but underscores the importance of optimizing imputation parameters and understanding the limitations of the original data. These findings will inform the future application of imputation in forensic genetics, supporting its integration into forensic workflows.
Geoacoustic Digital Model for the Sea of Japan Shelf (Peter the Great Bay)
Authors: Samchenko Aleksandr , Dolgikh Grigory , Yaroshchuk Igor , Korotchenko Roman , Kosheleva Alexandra
Published: October 2024

In this paper, the authors present and analyze the geoacoustic digital seabed model they developed, which is a digital description of the water column characteristics, seabed topography, and information about sediments and rocks (their composition and elastic properties) for Peter the Great Bay, the Sea of Japan. The model consists of four relief layers, a foundation and three layers of bottom sediments, and also contains the velocities of longitudinal waves in rocks and statistical characteristics of the sound velocity distribution in the water layer for three seasons. Acoustic characteristics of geological structures are based on seismoacoustic studies, sediment lithology, and laboratory measurements of rock samples collected onshore. The velocities of longitudinal and transversal waves and also the density of the sediments were calculated from their empirical dependencies on the granulometric composition of bottom sediment samples over an area of about 800 km2. In a limited area of the shelf (approximately 130 km2), high-frequency acoustic studies were carried out using echo sounders, and the longitudinal wave velocities of the top sedimentary layer were determined. Porosity, density, longitudinal, and transverse wave velocities in bottom sediments were calculated using empirical models with a normal coefficient of reflection from the seabed. A comparison was made of the results of calculating the elastic properties of the seabed using various methods.
Empowering Maternal Choice: Exploring Factors Influencing Early Postpartum Contraceptive Adoption Intention Among Pregnant Women in Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Cherie Niguss , Wordofa Muluemebet Abera , Debelew Gurmesa Tura
Published: October 2024

Background: Despite progress in access to family planning services in many sub-Saharan African countries in recent decades, advances in early postpartum contraceptive adoption remain low, and the unmet need for early postpartum contraceptives is high. According to the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey report, early postpartum modern contraceptive method uptake is still unacceptably low in Ethiopia. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the magnitude of intention to adopt early postpartum modern contraceptive methods and its associated factors among pregnant women in Dessie and Kombolcha town zones, northeast Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was deployed from 15 January–15 February 2023, in the Dessie and Kombolcha zones, northeast Ethiopia, among pregnant women. The study involved 780 pregnant women using the cluster sampling technique. A census was conducted in 20 randomly selected clusters to identify eligible pregnant women. Actual data were collected home-to-home in the community through face-to-face interviews. Data were collected by Open Data Kit (ODK) and exported to STATA 17 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, and the goodness of the model was checked by Hosmer–Lemeshow’s test statistic and rock curve. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: The study revealed that 49.6% of pregnant women lack autonomy and 50% lack knowledge about early postpartum contraception, with participants’ wealth index status ranging from rich (36.6%) to poor (33.2%). The study found that 75.8% of pregnant women intended to adopt early postpartum modern contraceptive methods early after childbirth. After controlling the potential confounders, mother’s age (AOR = 6.2 [2.6–14.6], birth interval (AOR = 2.5 [1.6–3.7]), have paid work (AOR = 1.9 [1.3–2.8]), health facility from home (AOR = 2.6 [1.5–4.4]), last delivery Place (AOR = 2.4 [1.1–5.7]), knowledge on (AOR = 1.5 [1.1–2.1]), and antenatal care follow-up (AOR = 1.9 [1.2–3.3]) were significant associated factors of intention to uptake early postpartum modern contraceptive methods among pregnant women. Conclusions: The study found that 75% of the participants had the intention to adopt contraceptive methods during the early postpartum period. Identified factors influencing this intention were age, birth interval, women’s employment status, area of residence, distance to health facilities, last delivery place, knowledge of early postpartum modern contraception, gravidity, and antenatal care follow-up. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these factors, framing the intended users and enabling access to early adoption of postpartum contraceptive methods.
Healthcare Resilience in Saudi Arabia: The Interplay of Occupational Safety, Staff Engagement, and Resilience
Authors: Qassim Amal Abdulmajeed , Abedelrahim Selma Sidahmed
Published: October 2024

This research investigates the relationships between occupational health and safety (OHS), staff resilience (SR), staff engagement (SE), and organizational resilience (HOR) within Saudi Arabian hospitals. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 127 administrative staff members working in both public and private hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Using SmartPLS to test the hypothesized relationships and mediation effects, the findings reveal that OHS significantly impacts both SR and SE, and SR significantly influences HOR. Additionally, SE significantly affects HOR. This study also confirms a partial mediation effect of SE and SR in the relationship between OHS and HOR. The model demonstrates substantial explanatory power for HOR, SE, and SR. These results underscore the critical role of OHS in fostering a resilient healthcare environment by enhancing staff engagement and resilience. This study’s implications highlight the importance of targeted interventions to improve OHS practices, promoting overall hospital resilience in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Audio-Driven Facial Animation with Deep Learning: A Survey
Authors: Jiang Diqiong , Chang Jian , You Lihua , Bian Shaojun , Kosk Robert , Maguire Greg
Published: October 2024

Audio-driven facial animation is a rapidly evolving field that aims to generate realistic facial expressions and lip movements synchronized with a given audio input. This survey provides a comprehensive review of deep learning techniques applied to audio-driven facial animation, with a focus on both audio-driven facial image animation and audio-driven facial mesh animation. These approaches employ deep learning to map audio inputs directly onto 3D facial meshes or 2D images, enabling the creation of highly realistic and synchronized animations. This survey also explores evaluation metrics, available datasets, and the challenges that remain, such as disentangling lip synchronization and emotions, generalization across speakers, and dataset limitations. Lastly, we discuss future directions, including multi-modal integration, personalized models, and facial attribute modification in animations, all of which are critical for the continued development and application of this technology.
Generative AI and Higher Education: Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions from a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Batista João , Mesquita Anabela , Carnaz Gonçalo
Published: October 2024

(1) Background: The development of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is transforming higher education. This systematic literature review synthesizes recent empirical studies on the use of GAI, focusing on its impact on teaching, learning, and institutional practices. (2) Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy was employed to locate scientific articles on GAI in higher education published by Scopus and Web of Science between January 2023 and January 2024. (3) Results: The search identified 102 articles, with 37 meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were grouped into three themes: the application of GAI technologies, stakeholder acceptance and perceptions, and specific use situations. (4) Discussion: Key findings include GAI’s versatility and potential use, student acceptance, and educational enhancement. However, challenges such as assessment practices, institutional strategies, and risks to academic integrity were also noted. (5) Conclusions: The findings help identify potential directions for future research, including assessment integrity and pedagogical strategies, ethical considerations and policy development, the impact on teaching and learning processes, the perceptions of students and instructors, technological advancements, and the preparation of future skills and workforce readiness. The study has certain limitations, particularly due to the short time frame and the search criteria, which might have varied if conducted by different researchers.
Host Plants for the Lanternfly Saiva formosana Kato, 1929 (Hemiptera, Fulgoridae) Endemic to Taiwan, and Parasitism of Its Eggs by Wasps
Authors: Hsu Meng-Hao , Wu Meng-Ling , Wang Liang-Jong
Published: October 2024

Since Saiva formosana Kato, 1929 was first reported as a new species in Taiwan; there have been few published reports on its ecology, and fundamental knowledge of this species is still lacking. The objectives of this study are to (1) determine the preferred plants of adults, egg-laying, and nymphs, (2) analyze the change in host plants with time and development, and (3) explore the relationship between the survival of eggs and parasitism by their wasps. We detected the adults of this species between May and September 2023, and again in April 2024, mainly on Elaeocarpus decipiens F. B. Forbes & Hemsl. During our investigation, we frequently observed parasitic wasps ovipositing on the egg masses. We established that most egg masses produced only Saiva nymphs or Anastatus adults. This lanternfly might better survive parasitic pressure by laying lower numbers of eggs per mass across a broader range of plant species. The first batch of hatching nymphs was found on Magnolia compresssa Maxim. on 20 June 2023; however, most nymphs in the second and third instars were detected on Ficus fistulosa Reinw. ex Blume, between August and October 2023. After the autumn, the occurrences of nymphs increased on Heptapleurum heptaphyllum (L.) Y. F. Deng which probably served as a shelter for overwintering.
Non-Chemical Control of Nymphal Longhorned Tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann 1901 (Acari: Ixodidae), Using Diatomaceous Earth
Authors: Garshong Reuben A. , Hidalgo David , Ponnusamy Loganathan , Watson David W. , Roe R. Michael
Published: October 2024

The longhorned tick (LHT), Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae), is a serious invasive pest in North America where its geographical range is expanding with high densities associated with commercial animal production. There are only a few chemical pesticides available for LHT control, which can lead to the evolution of resistant strains. Diatomaceous earth (DE) was shown to be effective in killing some important tick species but was not examined for LHTs. When LHT nymphs were dipped for about 2–4 s into DE, transferred to Petri dishes (one tick/dish), and incubated at 30 °C and 70% relative humidity, the median survival time was 4.5 h. A locomotor activity assay showed that there was no difference in the overall distance traveled between the DE-treated and control ticks except during the first 2 h after exposure. In a field-simulated study in which a dose of 5.0 g DE/m2 was applied to pine needle litter infested with LHT, all the LHTs were dead at 24 h with no control mortality. Scanning electron micrographs showed the mineral adhering to all surfaces of the tick. The results indicated that DE is effective in killing nymphal LHTs and could be an alternative to the use of chemical acaricides with the advantage of managing pesticide resistance through the killing by a different mode of action and could be used for organically certified animal husbandry.
Recent Advances in the Preparation, Antibacterial Mechanisms, and Applications of Chitosan
Authors: Wu Kunjian , Yan Ziyuan , Wu Ziyang , Li Jiaye , Zhong Wendi , Ding Linyu , Zhong Tian , Jiang Tao
Published: October 2024

Chitosan, a cationic polysaccharide derived from the deacetylation of chitin, is widely distributed in nature. Its antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity have given it extensive uses in medicine, food, and cosmetics. However, the significant impact of variations in the physicochemical properties of chitosan extracted from different sources on its application efficacy, as well as the considerable differences in its antimicrobial mechanisms under varying conditions, limit the full realization of its biological functions. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the structural characteristics of chitosan, its preparation methods from different sources, its antimicrobial mechanisms, and the factors influencing its antimicrobial efficacy. Furthermore, we highlight the latest applications of chitosan and its derivatives across various fields. We found that the use of microbial extraction shows promise as a new method for producing high-quality chitosan. By analyzing the different physicochemical properties of chitosan from various sources and the application of chitosan-based materials (such as nanoparticles, films, sponges, and hydrogels) prepared using different methods in biomedicine, food, agriculture, and cosmetics, we expect these findings to provide theoretical support for the broader utilization of chitosan.
Penetration of Non-Adhesive Gel-like Embolic Materials During Dural Vessels Embolization According to Characteristics of Tantalum Powder
Authors: Petrov Andrey , Ivanov Arkady , Ermakov Sergei , Kolomin Egor , Petrova Anna , Belokon Oleg , Samochernykh Konstantin , Rozhchenko Larisa
Published: October 2024

Tantalum powder is included in the composition of Non-Adhesive Gel-like Embolic Materials (NAGLEMs) for X-ray opacity. The duration of X-ray opacity during embolization is primarily associated with the particle size, which differs in the most used NAGLEMs—ONYX (Medtronic) and SQUID (Balt). NAGLEMs are widely used for the embolization of branches of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) in patients with chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs). Considering the size (5–15 microns) of the target dural vessels, we assumed that not only the viscosity of NAGLEMs, but also the size and shape of tantalum granules may be important for the penetration of these gel-like embolic agents and determine their behavior. A notable discrepancy in size was observed. The medium-sized granules in the SQUID 18 sample (0.443 ± 0.086 microns, M ± SD) were found to be approximately ten times smaller than the tantalum granules in the ONYX 18 sample (5.2 ± 0.33 microns, M ± SD).Tantalum granules in SQUID 18 have a regular spherical shape; in ONYX 18 they have an irregular angular shape. When comparing the behavior of gel-like embolic agents of the same viscosity during MMA embolization in patients with CSDHs (an average age of 62.2 ± 14.3 years) in the group where SQUID 18 (n = 8) was used, the gel-like embolic agent in dural vessels demonstrated significantly greater penetration ability compared with the group where ONYX 18 (n = 8) was used. Accordingly, not only the viscosity of NAGLEMs, but also the size and shape of tantalum granules can have a significant effect on the penetration ability of gel compositions.
Unjust Deprivation of Liberty During the Criminal Process: The Romanian National Standard Compared to the European Standard for the Protection of Individual Freedom in Judicial Proceedings
Authors: Lorincz Anca-Lelia , Stancu Adriana Iuliana
Published: October 2024

The provisions of international documents that guarantee the fundamental right to freedom and security are transposed into Romanian legislation both in the Constitution and in the Code of Criminal Procedure. In this context, the present study aims to analyze the national standard of protection of individual freedom in judicial proceedings compared to the standard established by the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Through documentation, interpretation, and scientific analysis as the main research methods, this paper emphasizes the possibility of establishing, through domestic legislation, a level of protection higher than that imposed by the conventional standard. From this perspective, by regulating a right to repair the damage suffered in the situation of unjust deprivation of liberty as a result of ordering a preventive measure, the national standard of protection established by the Romanian Code of Criminal Procedure is higher than the European standard. This study concludes with a proposal to expand the current procedural framework configured by the provisions of the Romanian Code of Criminal Procedure (with the amendments made in 2023) regarding the special procedure for repairing the damage suffered as a result of the illegal or unjust deprivation of liberty during the criminal process.
Effect of Printing Orientation Angle and Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Binder-Jetting-Printed Parts in 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
Authors: Bianchi Iacopo , Forcellese Archimede , Forcellese Pietro , Mancia Tommaso , Mignanelli Chiara , Simoncini Michela , Verdini Tommaso
Published: October 2024

The present work aims to study the effect of printing orientation angle and heat treatment on the mechanical properties and microstructure of 17-4 PH stainless steel 3D-printed parts obtained by the binder jetting process to assess the suitability of the process and material for rapid tooling applications. To this purpose, tensile specimens were printed at different printing orientation angles (0°, 45°, and 90°). Half of the specimens were left in the as-sintered condition after the 3D-printing operation, while the other half of the specimens was subjected to H900 heat treatment. Then, tensile and hardness tests were performed to investigate the macro-mechanical properties as a function of the printing orientation angles and postprocessing thermal treatment. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to observe the fracture surfaces and microscopical defects on the binder jetting printed parts to evaluate the fracture mechanisms. It was demonstrated that printing orientation angles do not affect the mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts, while a significant improvement in the microstructure and mechanical properties is observed after the H900 heat treatment.
Improving the Bio-Tribological Properties of Ti6Al4V Alloy via Combined Treatment of Femtosecond Laser Nitriding and Texturing
Authors: Xin Zhiduo , Ren Naifei , Qian Wei , Tang Yunqing , Lin Qing
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a compound laser surface modification strategy to enhance the tribological performance of biomedical titanium alloys involving femtosecond laser nitriding and femtosecond laser texturing. First, high-repetition-rate femtosecond pulses (MHz) were used to melt the surface under a nitrogen atmosphere, forming a wear-resistant TiN coating. Subsequently, the TiN layer was ablated in air with low-repetition-rate femtosecond pulses (kHz) to create squared textures. The effects of the combined nitriding and texturing treatment on bio-tribological performance was investigated. Results show that compared with the untreated samples, the single femtosecond laser nitriding process increased the surface hardness from 336 HV to 1455 HV and significantly enhanced the wear resistance of titanium, with the wear loss decreasing from 9.07 mg to 3.41 mg. However, the friction coefficient increased from 0.388 to 0.655, which was attributed to the increased hardness, roughness within the wear scars, and the formation of hard debris. After combined treatment, the friction coefficient decreased to 0.408 under the optimal texture density of 65%. The mechanisms for the improvement in friction behavior are the reduction in contact area and the trapping of hard debris.
Modulatory L-Alliin Effect on Acute Inflammatory Cytokines in Diet-Induced Obesity Mice
Authors: Torres-Reyes Daniel Ulises , Sánchez-Sánchez Marina Alma , de la Rocha Carmen , Rojas-Mayorquín Argelia Esperanza , López-Roa Rocío Ivette , Ortuño-Sahagún Daniel , Carrera-Quintanar Lucrecia
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: The inflammatory response has evolved as a protective mechanism against pathogens and tissue damage. However, chronic inflammation can occur, potentially leading to severe disease. Low-grade chronic inflammation is associated with obesity, and the Th1 cytokine profile plays an important role in this proinflammatory environment. Diet-induced obesity (DIO) can lead to persistent dysbiosis and maintain high concentrations of circulating lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) over prolonged periods of time, resulting in metabolic endotoxemia. In this context, the study of natural immunomodulators has recently increased. Objective: The aim of this study is improve scientific evidence for the immunomodulatory role of L-Alliin in obesity and inflammation. Methods: In the present work, we describe the effect of L-Alliin on serum levels of cytokines in DIO mice after an acute inflammatory challenge. L-Alliin is the main organosulfurized molecule of garlic that has been studied for its numerous beneficial physiological effects in health and disease and is beginning to be considered a nutraceutical. Two situations are simulated in this experimental model, health and chronic, low-grade inflammation that occurs in obesity, both of which are confronted with an acute, inflammation-inducing challenge. Results: Based on our findings, L-Alliin seems to somehow stimulate the cellular chemotaxis by eliciting the release of key molecules, including IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-9, and G-CSF. However, the molecular mechanism involved remains unknown. This, in turn, mitigates the risk of severe inflammatory symptoms by preventing the release of IL-1β and its downstream molecules such as IL-1α, GM-CSF, and RANTES. Conclusions: Taken together, these results indicate that L-Alliin can boost immunity in healthy organisms and act as an immunomodulator in low-grade inflammation.
Predicting the Pathway Involvement of All Pathway and Associated Compound Entries Defined in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes
Authors: Huckvale Erik D. , Moseley Hunter N. B.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Predicting the biochemical pathway involvement of a compound could facilitate the interpretation of biological and biomedical research. Prior prediction approaches have largely focused on metabolism, training machine learning models to solely predict based on metabolic pathways. However, there are many other types of pathways in cells and organisms that are of interest to biologists. Methods: While several publications have made use of the metabolites and metabolic pathways available in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), we downloaded all the compound entries with pathway annotations available in the KEGG. From these data, we constructed a dataset where each entry contained features representing compounds combined with features representing pathways, followed by a binary label indicating whether the given compound is associated with the given pathway. We trained multi-layer perceptron binary classifiers on variations of this dataset. Results: The models trained on 6485 KEGG compounds and 502 pathways scored an overall mean Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) performance of 0.847, a median MCC of 0.848, and a standard deviation of 0.0098. Conclusions: This performance on all 502 KEGG pathways represents a roughly 6% improvement over the performance of models trained on only the 184 KEGG metabolic pathways, which had a mean MCC of 0.800 and a standard deviation of 0.021. These results demonstrate the capability to effectively predict biochemical pathways in general, in addition to those specifically related to metabolism. Moreover, the improvement in the performance demonstrates additional transfer learning with the inclusion of non-metabolic pathways.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Fundamentals and Applications of Micro/Nanorobotics
Authors: Wei Chunyun , Zhang Zhuoran , Wang Xian , Lu Haojian , Yu Jiangfan
Published: October 2024

In recent years, microrobots have drawn extensive attention due to their promising potential in biomedical applications [...]
Vacuum Filtration-Coated Silver Electrodes Coupled with Stacked Conductive Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Mulberry Paper Sensing Layers for a Highly Sensitive and Wide-Range Flexible Pressure Sensor
Authors: Yan Guanhai , Dang Dongrui , Chang Sheng , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhang Jinhua , Wang Zhengdong
Published: October 2024

Flexible pressure sensors based on paper have attracted considerable attention owing to their good performance, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, effectively expanding the detection range of paper-based sensors with high sensitivities is still a challenge. Herein, we present a paper-based resistive pressure sensor with a sandwich structure consisting of two electrodes and three sensing layers. The silver nanowires were dispersed deposited on a filter paper substrate using the vacuum filtration coating method to prepare the electrode. And the sensing layer was fabricated by coating carbon nanotubes onto a mulberry paper substrate. Waterborne polyurethane was introduced in the process of preparing the sensing layers to enhance the strength of the interface between the carbon nanotubes and the mulberry paper substrate. Therefore, the designed sensor exhibits a good sensing performance by virtue of the rational structure design and proper material selection. Specifically, the rough surfaces of the sensing layers, porous conductive network of silver nanowires on the electrodes, and the multilayer stacked structure of the sensor collaboratively increase the change in the surface contact area under a pressure load, which improves the sensitivity and extends the sensing range simultaneously. Consequently, the designed sensor exhibits a high sensitivity (up to 6.26 kPa−1), wide measurement range (1000 kPa), low detection limit (~1 Pa), and excellent stability (1000 cycles). All these advantages guarantee that the sensor has potential for applications in smart wearable devices and the Internet of Things.
Formation and Tectonic Evolution of Ophiolites in the Sabah Area (Borneo, SE Asia)
Authors: Tian Zhiwen , Gao Youfeng , Wang Pujun , Tang Huafeng
Published: October 2024

Zircon U-Pb dating, rock geochemistry, Sr-Nd-Pb, and zircon Hf isotope analyses were conducted on the ultrabasic and basic rocks of ophiolites in the Sabah area (Borneo, SE Asia). The zircon U-Pb ages of ultrabasic and basic rocks range from 248 to 244 Ma, indicating that the ophiolites already existed in the early Triassic. The rare earth elements of basic rocks in Central Sabah show N-MORB-type characteristics and E-MORB-type characteristics in the northwest and southeast. The εNd(t) values of basic rocks range from 3.66 to 8.73, and the εHf(t) values of zircon in ultrabasic rocks are between −10.2 and −6.1. Trace element analysis shows that the magmatic source was influenced by melts and fluids from the subducting plate of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. The tectonic evolution of the Sabah area can be traced back to the Early Triassic. At that time, the fast subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean plate and the retreating of the Paleo-Pacific plate resulted in the upwelling of mantle material in relatively small extensional settings, leading to the formation of the ophiolites. From the Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous, the Paleo-Pacific plate was intensely subducted, and the ophiolite intrusion in the Sabah area moved to the continental crust of South China or the Sundaland margin as fore-arc ophiolites. From the Late Cretaceous to the Miocene, with the expansion of the Proto-South China Sea and South China Sea oceanic crust, the ophiolites in the Sabah area drifted southward with microplate fragments and sutured with East Borneo.
Study on the Dynamic Evolution of Mining-Induced Stress and Displacement in the Floor Coal-Rock Induced by Protective Layer Mining
Authors: Liu Chun , Man Zhongyi , Li Maolin
Published: October 2024

Protective layer mining is the most effective means to prevent and control coal and gas outbursts. In order to deeply understand the dynamic evolution law of mining stress and displacement of the bottom plate coal rock body in the process of protective layer mining, the effects of upper protective layer mining on stress variation and displacement deformation in the underlying coal seam were studied using the similar experiment and FLAC3D simulations. The results reveal that mining in the 82# coal seam notably alleviates pressure in the 9# coal seam below, with an average relief rate of 86.2%, demonstrated by the maximal strike expansion deformation rate of 11.3‰ in the 9# coal seam post-mining. Stress monitoring data indicates a stress concentration zone within 32 m ahead of the working face, and a pressure relief zone within 51 m behind it. The research provides a scientific foundation for pressure-relief gas extraction techniques, affirming the substantial impact of upper protective layer mining on alleviating pressure in underlying coal seams, enhancing safety, and optimizing mining efficiency.
Microbial Reduction of Geogenic and Synthetic Goethite and Hematite
Authors: O’Loughlin Edward J.
Published: October 2024

The microbial reduction of Fe(III) is a major component of Fe cycling in terrestrial and aquatic environments and is affected by the Fe(III) mineralogy of the system. The majority of the research examining the bioreduction of Fe(III) oxides by Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (IRB) has focused on the reduction of poorly crystalline Fe(III) phases, primarily ferrihydrite; however, crystalline Fe(III) oxides like goethite (α-FeOOH) and hematite (α-Fe2O3) comprise the majority of Fe(III) oxides in soils. This study examined the bioreduction of goethite and hematite of geogenic and synthetic origin by Shewanella putrefaciens CN2, a well-studied model IRB, in laboratory incubations. Overall, the rate and extent of Fe(II) production were greater for goethite than for hematite, and for geogenic Fe(III) oxides relative to their synthetic analogs. Although there was substantial production of Fe(II) (i.e., >5 mM Fe(II)) in many of the systems, X-ray diffraction analysis of the solids at the end of the incubation did not indicate the formation of any Fe(II)-bearing secondary minerals (e.g., magnetite, siderite, green rust, etc.). The results of this study demonstrate the variability in the extent of bioreduction of geogenic goethite and hematite, and furthermore, that synthetic goethite and hematite may not be good analogs for the biogeochemical behavior of Fe(III) oxides in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Phlogopite and Its Implications for Serpentinization of Jian Forsterite Jade in Southern Jilin Province, China
Authors: Wang Ning , Sui Xinhao , He Mingyue , Yang Mei , Peng Bijie
Published: October 2024

Mica is a kind of important rock-forming mineral in the lithosphere of Earth, which can be a superior tool used to trace the origin and late evolution of rock. The Jian forsterite jade (a kind of geological skarn) is an emerging kind of gemstone in China with a beautiful color and luster, discovered in Ji’an County, Jilin Province, Northeast China. It is mainly composed of rare Mg-rich forsterite (Mg# (Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) up to 99), serpentine and brucite. The source of hydrothermal fluid triggering the late metamorphism (the serpentinization of forsterite) of forsterite jade deposits remains unclear. We report a series of phlogopites with a regular range of mineral compositions in the forsterite jade deposit. Micrographs show that the phlogopites are associated with forsterite and coexist with serpentine in forsterite jade, tourmaline and tremolite in the contact zone, and plagioclase in pegmatite, and the related replacement of phlogopite seems to have not occurred. The phlogopites that occurred as single grains or veinlets in forsterite jade named type I are characterized by high XMg, ranging from ~0.98 to ~0.95, and the phlogopites that occurred in the contact zone of forsterite jade and pegmatite named type II are rich in Fe, with a range of XMg from ~0.82 to ~0.66. Additionally, the type II phlogopites are also rich in Ti, Mn, Cl, Li, Rb, Zn, V, Co, Nb and Ta but poor in Na, Sr and F compared to the type I phlogopite. Petrological and mineralogical characteristics and geochemical compositions suggest that the phlogopites are crystallized from the corresponding fluid component by hydrothermal metasomatism. The abundant Mg of the fluid phase is produced during the serpentinization of forsterite, triggered by pegmatitic hydrothermal fluid, and other main materials like K, Al, Si and H2O are provided by the intrusive pegmatite. With the occurrence of and regular compositional variation in phlogopites in the forsterite jade deposit, we suppose that the hydrothermal fluid triggering the serpentinization of the Jian forsterite jade is produced by the intrusive pegmatite.
Changes in Soil Humin Macromolecular Structure Resulting from Long-Term Catch Cropping
Authors: Weber Jerzy , Jamroz Elżbieta , Mielnik Lilla , Spaccini Riccardo , Kocowicz Andrzej , Ćwieląg-Piasecka Irmina , Jerzykiewicz Maria , Parylak Danuta , Dębicka Magdalena
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of long-term catch crop application on the structural properties of humin, which is considered the most recalcitrant fraction of soil organic matter. Soil samples from a 30-year field experiment on triticale cultivated with and without catch crops were analysed to determine the total organic carbon content and fractional composition of humic substances. Meanwhile, humin isolated from bulk soil was analysed to determine its elemental composition and spectroscopic properties measured with UV-Vis, fluorescence, and 13C-CPMAS-NMR. It was found that catch crop farming enhanced the formation of highly reactive humus substances, like low-molecular-weight fractions and humic acids, while decreasing the humin fraction. The higher H/C and O/C atomic ratios of humin and the UV-Vis, fluorescence, and 13C-CPMAS-NMR results confirmed a higher share of oxygen-containing functional groups in humin isolated from the soil with catch crop rotation, also corroborating its greater aliphatic nature. Under the conditions of our field experiment, the results indicated that organic residues from catch crops quickly undergo the decay process and are transformed mainly into highly reactive humus substances, which can potentially improve soil health, while mineral fertilisation alone without catch crops favours the stabilisation and sequestration of carbon.
Quantum Chemical Model Calculations of Adhesion and Dissociation between Epoxy Resin and Si-Containing Molecules
Authors: Xue Hao , Xi Yingxiao , Kishimoto Naoki
Published: October 2024

There is no doubt that when solid surfaces are modified, the functional groups and atoms directly bonded to solid atoms play a major role in adsorption interactions with molecules or resins. In this study, the adhesion and dissociation between epoxy resin and molecules containing Si atoms were analyzed. The analysis, conducted in contact with the solid surface of silicon, utilized quantum chemical calculations based on a molecular model. We compared some Si-containing molecular models to test quantum chemical calculations that contribute to the study of adhesion and dissociation between epoxy resins and solid surfaces somehow other than simple potential energy curve calculations. The AFIR (artificial force induced reaction) method, implemented in the GRRM (global reaction route mapping) program, was employed to separate an epoxy resin model molecule and three types of silicon compounds (Si(CH3)2(OH)2, Si(CH3)4, and (CH3)2SiF2) in three directions, determining their minimum dissociation energy when changing the applied energy by 2.5 kJ/mol. In systems with weak hydrogen bonds, such as Si(CH3)4 or (CH3)2SiF2, the energy required for dissociation was not large; however, in systems with strong hydrogen bonds, such as Si(CH3)2(OH)2, dissociation was more difficult in the vertical direction. Although anisotropy due to hydroxyl groups was calculated in the horizontal direction, dissociation remained relatively easy.
Identification of a New Promising BAG3 Modulator Featuring the Imidazopyridine Scaffold
Authors: Ruggiero Dafne , Ingenito Emis , Boccia Eleonora , Vestuto Vincenzo , Miranda Maria Rosaria , Terracciano Stefania , Lauro Gianluigi , Bifulco Giuseppe , Bruno Ines
Published: October 2024

The antiapoptotic BAG3 protein plays a crucial role in cellular proteostasis and it is involved in several signalling pathways governing cell proliferation and survival. Owing to its multimodular structure, it possesses an extensive interactome including the molecular chaperone HSP70 and other specific cellular partners, which make it an eminent factor in several pathologies, particularly in cancer. Despite its potential as a therapeutic target, very few BAG3 modulators have been disclosed so far. Here we describe the identification of a promising BAG3 modulator able to bind the BAG domain of the protein featuring an imidazopyridine scaffold and obtained through the application of the Groebke–Blackburn–Bienaymé chemical synthesis procedure. The disclosed compound 10 showed a relevant cytotoxic activity, and in line with the biological profile of BAG3 disruption, it induced the activation of caspase 3 and 9.