bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyrimidine Triones as Potential Activators of p53 Mutants
Authors: Fallatah Maryam M. Jebril , Demir Özlem , Law Fiona , Lauinger Linda , Baronio Roberta , Hall Linda , Bournique Elodie , Srivastava Ambuj , Metzen Landon Tyler , Norman Zane , Buisson Rémi , Amaro Rommie E. , Kaiser Peter
Published: August 2024

p53 is a crucial tumor suppressor in vertebrates that is frequently mutated in human cancers. Most mutations are missense mutations that render p53 inactive in suppressing tumor initiation and progression. Developing small-molecule drugs to convert mutant p53 into an active, wild-type-like conformation is a significant focus for personalized cancer therapy. Prior research indicates that reactivating p53 suppresses cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth in animal models. Early clinical evidence with a compound selectively targeting p53 mutants with substitutions of tyrosine 220 suggests potential therapeutic benefits of reactivating p53 in patients. This study identifies and examines the UCI-1001 compound series as a potential corrector for several p53 mutations. The findings indicate that UCI-1001 treatment in p53 mutant cancer cell lines inhibits growth and reinstates wild-type p53 activities, including DNA binding, target gene activation, and induction of cell death. Cellular thermal shift assays, conformation-specific immunofluorescence staining, and differential scanning fluorometry suggest that UCI-1001 interacts with and alters the conformation of mutant p53 in cancer cells. These initial results identify pyrimidine trione derivatives of the UCI-1001 series as candidates for p53 corrector drug development.
Biological Properties of Sandalwood Oil and Microbial Synthesis of Its Major Sesquiterpenoids
Authors: Yan Xiaoguang , David Sichone Daniel , Du Guangzhao , Li Weiguo , Liang Dongmei , Nie Shengxin , Ge Mingyue , Wang Chen , Qiao Jianjun , Li Yanni , Caiyin Qinggele
Published: August 2024

Sandalwood essential oil is extracted from the heartwood part of mature sandalwood and is known for its pleasant fragrance and exceptional medicinal activities, including antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The (Z)-α-santalol and (Z)-β-santalol are the most vital ingredients contributing to sandalwood oil’s bioactivities and unique woody odor characteristics. Metabolic engineering strategies have shown promise in transforming microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria into effective cell factories for enhancing the production of vital sesquiterpenes (santalene and santalol) found in sandalwood oil. This review aims to summarize sources of sandalwood oil, its components/ingredients, and its applications. It also highlights the biosynthesis of santalene and santalol and the various metabolic engineering strategies employed to reconstruct and enhance santalene and santalol biosynthesis pathways in heterologous hosts.
Elucidating the Subcellular Localization of GLRaV-3 Proteins Encoded by the Unique Gene Block in N. benthamiana Suggests Implications on Plant Host Suppression
Authors: Lameront Patrick , Shabanian Mehdi , Currie Laura M. J. , Fust Catherine , Li Caihong , Clews Alyssa , Meng Baozhong
Published: August 2024

Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) is a formidable threat to the stability of the global grape and wine industries. It is the primary etiological agent of grapevine leafroll disease (GLD) and significantly impairs vine health, fruit quality, and yield. GLRaV-3 is a member of the genus Ampelovirus, Closteroviridae family. Viral genes within the 3′ proximal unique gene blocks (UGB) remain highly variable and poorly understood. The UGBs of Closteroviridae viruses include diverse open reading frames (ORFs) that have been shown to contribute to viral functions such as the suppression of the host RNA silencing defense response and systemic viral spread. This study investigates the role of GLRaV-3 ORF8, ORF9, and ORF10, which encode the proteins p21, p20A, and p20B, respectively. These genes represent largely unexplored facets of the GLRaV-3 genome. Here, we visualize the subcellular localization of wildtype and mutagenized GLRaV-3 ORFs 8, 9, and 10, transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Our results indicate that p21 localizes to the cytosol, p20A associates with microtubules, and p20B is trafficked into the nucleus to carry out the suppression of host RNA silencing. The findings presented herein provide a foundation for future research aimed at the characterization of the functions of these ORFs. In the long run, it would also facilitate the development of innovative strategies to understand GLRaV-3, mitigate its spread, and impacts on grapevines and the global wine industry.
Day 100 Recovery of Absolute Number of Inhibitory KIR2DL2 and Activating NKp30 Natural Killer Cells Predicts Survival Post-Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Lymphomas
Authors: Porrata Luis F. , Ansell Stephen M. , Micallef Ivana N. , Johnston Patrick B. , Villasboas Jose C. , Paludo Jonas , Durani Urshila , Markovic Svetomir N.
Published: August 2024

The infusion autograft absolute number of inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) 2DL2 and activating natural killer (NK)p30 cells are predictors of clinical outcomes in lymphoma patients undergoing autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (APBHSCT). To assess if the long-term recovery of these NK cell subsets still holds clinical relevance, we set up to investigate their prognostic ability at day 100 post-APBHSCT. This was a retrospective single-institution study including 107 patients from our prior phase III trial who had a clinical assessment at day 100 post-APBHSCT. The median follow-up from day 100 was 168.19 months (interquartile range: 156.85–181.28 months). Patients with day 100 inhibitory KIR2DL2 < 0.08 cells/µL and activating NKp30 ≥ 0.19 cells/µL experienced superior overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). A multivariate analysis revealed both the day 100 inhibitory KIR2DL2 [OS: HR = 1.449, 95%CI, 1.231–1.895, p < 0.013; and PFS: HR = 2.069, 95%CI, 1.134–3.775, p < 0.021] and activating NKp30 [OS: HR = 4.985, 95%CI, 2.614–9.506, p < 0.0001; and PFS: HR = 4.661, 95%CI, 2.598–8.393, p < 0.0001] were independent predictors for OS and PFS. Inhibitory KIR2DL2 and activating NKp30 NK cells at day 100 are prognostic immune biomarkers in lymphoma patients treated with APBHSCT.
Phytotherapy in Alzheimer’s Disease—A Narrative Review
Authors: Piekarz Julia , Picheta Natalia , Burdan Oliwia , Kurek Marcelina , Chrościńska-Krawczyk Magdalena
Published: August 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects 50–70% of patients with dementia, making it the leading cause of dementia. The condition is classified as a neurodegenerative, progressive and incurable disease. The disease is affecting more and more people around the world. AD has a multifactorial nature, spreading from beta-amyloid deposition to inflammation in patients’ brains. Patients experience cognitive impairment and functional decline. Although it is a disease that occurs mainly in the elderly, it is increasingly being diagnosed in young people between the ages of 30 and 40. It not only affects the patient themself but also reduces the quality of life of their closest caregivers. According to the WHO, the treatment of AD consumes USD 1.3 trillion globally, but it is only symptomatic, as there are no drugs to prevent the onset of AD or treat the cause of its onset. Due to the numerous side effects of therapy and the lack of proactive drugs that act on the pathomechanism of AD, alternative therapies are being sought. One possible option that has many studies confirming its effect is phytotherapy. Many herbs have pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or neuroprotective effects, making them the future of cognitive disorders and AD treatment. This review focuses on some of the most promising herbs that have potentially potent properties and effects in AD therapy. These include Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, Berberis and Crocus sativus. These herbs may perhaps be key in the future to make functioning and life easier for patients struggling with AD.
Grating Bio-Microelectromechanical Platform Architecture for Multiple Biomarker Detection
Authors: Marvi Fahimeh , Jafari Kian , Sawan Mohamad
Published: August 2024

A label-free biosensor based on a tunable MEMS metamaterial structure is proposed in this paper. The adopted structure is a one-dimensional array of metamaterial gratings with movable and fixed fingers. The moving unit of the optical detection system is a component of the MEMS structure, driven by the surface stress effect. Thus, these suspended optical nanoribbons can be moved and change the grating pattern by the biological bonds that happened on the modified cantilever surface. Such structural variations lead to significant changes in the optical response of the metamaterial system under illuminating angled light and subsequently shift its resonance wavelength spectrum. As a result, the proposed biosensor shows appropriate analytical characteristics, including the mechanical sensitivity of Sm = 11.55 μm/Nm−1, the optical sensitivity of So = Δλ/Δd = 0.7 translated to So = Δλ/Δσ = 8.08 μm/Nm−1, and the quality factor of Q = 102.7. Also, considering the importance of multi-biomarker detection, a specific design of the proposed topology has been introduced as an array for identifying different biomolecules. Based on the conducted modeling and analyses, the presented device poses the capability of detecting multiple biomarkers of disease at very low concentrations with proper precision in fluidic environments, offering a suitable bio-platform for lab-on-chip structures.
Dimensions of Alexithymia and Identification of Emotions in Masked and Unmasked Faces
Authors: Suslow Thomas , Kersting Anette , Bodenschatz Charlott Maria
Published: August 2024

Alexithymia, a multifaceted personality construct, is known to be related to difficulties in the decoding of emotional facial expressions, especially in case of suboptimal stimuli. The present study investigated whether and which facets of alexithymia are related to impairments in the recognition of emotions in faces with face masks. Accuracy and speed of emotion recognition were examined in a block of faces with and a block of faces without face masks in a sample of 102 healthy individuals. The order of blocks varied between participants. Emotions were recognized better and faster in unmasked than in masked faces. Recognition performance was worst and slowest for participants starting the task with masked faces. In the whole sample, there were no correlations of alexithymia facets with accuracy and speed of emotion recognition for masked and unmasked faces. In participants starting the task with masked faces, the facet externally oriented thinking was positively correlated with reaction latencies of correct responses for masked faces. Our findings indicate that an externally oriented thinking style could be linked to a less efficient identification of emotions from faces wearing masks when task difficulty is high and support the utility of a facet approach in alexithymia research.
The Influence of Social Media Usage and Perceived Government Market Orientation on Travel Intention to an Internet Celebrity City: Exploring the Mediating Effects of Place Attachment and Perceived Value
Authors: Tang Wu , Tosun Cevat , Mohamed Ahmad Edwin , Uslu Sinan
Published: August 2024

As the usage of social media continues to grow and local governments expand their promotional efforts, more internet celebrity cities (ICCs) are emerging as popular tourist destinations. To investigate the internal mechanisms that affect tourists’ travel intentions to such destinations, place attachment and perceived value were proposed as two factors reflecting their deeper emotional connections and practical assessments to visit ICCs. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between social media usage, perceived government market orientation (PGMO), place attachment, perceived value, and travel intention in the context of Chongqing, a popular ICC in China. To evaluate the research hypotheses, 750 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed by structural equation modeling. The results showed that social media usage had a positive impact on tourists’ travel intention to Chongqing, while PGMO did not significantly influence travel intention. However, both place attachment and perceived value had mediating effects in the relationship between social media usage, PGMO, and travel intention. This paper concludes with theoretical implications, suggestions for further research, and recommendations for practice.
Influence of Three Different Antistripping Agents on Moisture Susceptibility, Stiffness, and Rutting Resistance of Hot-Mix Asphalt
Authors: Orozco Mario , Preciado Jaime , Martinez-Arguelles Gilberto , Fuentes Luis , Walubita Lubinda F. , Polo-Mendoza Rodrigo
Published: August 2024

The construction and maintenance of road infrastructure is required for the sustained economic growth of communities and societies. Nonetheless, these activities imply the tangible risk of boosting the depletion of non-renewable resources (e.g., aggregates and binders). A widely used strategy for preserving as much of these natural resources as possible is the design of high-performance composite materials. For instance, antistripping agents (ASAs) are employed to mitigate the loss of adhesive bonding between asphalt binders and aggregates, enhancing the mechanical behaviour of hot-mix asphalts (HMAs). There is still no consensus on the effectiveness of ASAs. In this regard, the present research aims to contribute to the literature by conducting a case study on the influence of three different ASAs (hydrated lime, an amines-based liquid additive, and a silanes-based liquid additive) on the moisture susceptibility, stiffness, and rutting resistance of HMA. For these purposes, indirect tensile strength, indirect tensile stiffness modulus, and uniaxial cyclic compression tests were carried out. Overall, the involved experimental protocol drew the main conclusion that the incorporation of hydrated lime as a mineral filler (at a content of 1.68% by dry weight of aggregates) is capable of improving the mechanical performance of HMAs through decreases in humidity sensitivity and permanent deformation, together with a slight increase in rigidity.
Examination of the Release of Heavy Metals from Self-Hardening Slurries with Fly Ash from Municipal Sewage Sludge Incineration, Considering the Character of Its Operation in a Cut-Off Wall
Authors: Szarek Łukasz
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to determine the level of immobilization and the mechanism of leaching of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) from self-hardening slurries (SHSs) based on ash from municipal sewage sludge incineration. To mimic the character of the SHS operation in the cut-off wall, the author’s leaching method—a filtration leaching test based on the percolation test—was used. In addition, this paper briefly described the factors affecting the level of heavy metal release from cement composites, as well as the chemical mechanisms and physical processes responsible for this phenomenon. This study showed that SHSs immobilized heavy metals at high levels (≥98.18%), and the aqueous extracts from the samples had a high pH (≥12.9%). Statistically significant correlations were obtained between the concentration of some metals and pH (positive correlation for Cr and Zn), test duration (positive correlation for Cd) and the liquid-to-solid ratio (negative correlation for Cd and Cr). For some of the metals tested, it was possible to determine the release mechanisms: dissolution and wash-out for Cd and Pb, and dissolution for Cr and Zn.
Proteomic Profiling of HDL in Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Based on Tumor Molecular Classification and Clinical Stage of Disease
Authors: Santana Monique de Fatima Mello , Sawada Maria Isabela Bloise Alves Caldas , Junior Douglas Ricardo Souza , Giacaglia Marcia Benacchio , Reis Mozania , Xavier Jacira , Côrrea-Giannella Maria Lucia , Soriano Francisco Garcia , Gebrim Luiz Henrique , Ronsein Graziella Eliza , Passarelli Marisa
Published: August 2024

The association between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and breast cancer (BC) remains controversial due to the high complexity of the HDL particle and its functionality. The HDL proteome was determined in newly diagnosed BC classified according to the molecular type [luminal A or B (LA or LB), HER2, and triple-negative (TN)] and clinical stage of the disease. Women (n = 141) aged between 18 and 80 years with BC, treatment-naïve, and healthy women [n = 103; control group (CT)], matched by age and body mass index, were included. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics was performed in isolated HDL (D = 1.063–1.21 g/mL). Results: Paraoxonase1, carnosine dipeptidase1, immunoglobulin mMu heavy chain constant region (IGHM), apoA-4, and transthyretin were reduced, and serum amyloid A2 and tetranectin were higher in BC compared to CT. In TNBC, apoA-1, apoA-2, apoC-2, and apoC-4 were reduced compared to LA, LB, and HER2, and apoA-4 compared to LA and HER2. ComplementC3, lambda immunoglobulin2/3, serpin3, IGHM, complement9, alpha2 lysine rich-glycoprotein1, and complement4B were higher in TNBC in comparison to all other types; complement factor B and vitamin D-binding protein were in contrast to LA and HER2, and plasminogen compared to LA and LB. In grouped stages III + IV, tetranectin and alpha2-macroglobulin were reduced, and haptoglobin-related protein; lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase, serum amyloid A1, and IGHM were increased compared to stages I + II. Conclusions: A differential proteomic profile of HDL in BC based on tumor molecular classification and the clinical stage of the disease may contribute to a better understanding of the association of HDL with BC pathophysiology, treatment, and outcomes.
Efficient Two-Step Synthesis of Novel Pyrimido[4,5-d] Pyrimidines with Potent Neuroprotective, Antioxidant, and Aβ Anti-Aggregation Properties
Authors: Ben Ameur Ghada , Maalej Emna , Martin Helene , Jacquinot Anne-Sophie , Barbanneau Nadine , Bernard Paul J. , Marco-Contelles José , Chabchoub Fakher , Ismaili Lhassane
Published: August 2024

Eleven new differently substituted N,7-diphenylpyrimido [4,5-d]pyrimidin-4-amines 4a–k were synthesized from readily available reagents in a simple and inexpensive two-step procedure with yields up to 57%. Neuroprotective analysis against H2O2 and analysis using ORAC assays identified compounds 4g, 4i and 4j as promising antioxidant compounds. These compounds also showed potent inhibition of Aβ1–42 self-aggregation, and suitable physicochemical properties predicted by Datawarior software V6.1.0, this biological activity and physicochemical property being of great interest for pathologies linked to oxidative stress, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
“Vis-à-Vis Training” to Improve Emotional and Executive Competences in Very Preterm Children: A Pilot Study and Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Liverani Maria Chiara , Siffredi Vanessa , Mikneviciute Greta , Mazza Emma , Ha-Vinh Leuchter Russia , Hüppi Petra Susan , Borradori Tolsa Cristina , Gentaz Edouard
Published: August 2024

Background/Objectives: Premature birth can lead to socio-emotional, behavioural and executive problems that impact quality of life and school performance in the long term. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a 12-week computerised training called Vis-à-vis to enhance these competencies in a cohort of very preterm (VPT) children aged 6 to 9. Methods: This pilot randomised controlled trial included 45 children born before 32 gestational weeks. Socio-emotional, behavioural and executive competencies were evaluated at three time points using computerised tasks, neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. Results: Among the eligible VPT children, 20% (n = 45) accepted to be part of the study, and 40% (n = 18) dropped out. Finally, 60% (n = 27) of the enrolled participants completed the study. Results showed a significant improvement in emotion knowledge and recognition immediately after the completion of the training. Conclusions: Overall, our results indicate that the implementation of this type of computerised training is feasible, but the overall compliance is unsatisfactory given the high dropout rate. Nevertheless, the positive effect of the training on emotion recognition encourages further exploration of these kinds of interventions to prevent adverse consequences in children born too soon.
Isolated Fetal Ventriculomegaly: Diagnosis and Treatment in the Prenatal Period
Authors: Zamłyński Mateusz , Zhemela Olena , Olejek Anita
Published: August 2024

Fetal ventriculomegaly (VM) is a defect of the central nervous system, typically diagnosed during the second-trimester ultrasound in fetuses with an atrial diameter (AD) of >10 mm. Non-isolated ventriculomegaly (NIVM) is heterogeneous in nature, coexisting with additional intracranial and/or extracranial malformations and genetic syndromes, resulting in an unfavorable prognosis for the further development of the child. Both the pregnancy management and counseling are dependent on the findings of combined ultrasound/MRI, genetic testing, and gestational age at diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to propose a hypothesis that diagnostic advancements allow to define the process of identification of the isolated forms of VM (IVM). Based on the evidence presented in the literature, we consider whether prenatal decompression for severe isolated VM (ISVM) is supported by the experimental trials and whether it might be implemented in clinical practice. Also, we describe the evolution of the diagnostic methods and expert opinions about the previously used prenatal decompression techniques for ISVM. In conclusion, we introduce the idea that fetal surgery centers have either reached or nearly reached the necessary level of expertise to perform such procedures. Endoscopic cystoventriculostomy (ETV) appears to be the most promising, as it is associated with minimal perinatal complications and favorable neurological outcomes in the neonatal period. Randomized trials with long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up of children who underwent prenatal decompression due to ISVM are necessary.
Exploring Adaptation Strategies to Mitigate Climate Threats to Transportation Infrastructure in Nigeria: Lagos City, as a Case Study
Authors: Beitelmal Wesam H. , Nwokolo Samuel Chukwujindu , Meyer Edson L. , Ahia Chinedu Christian
Published: August 2024

This study aims to explore innovative adaptation strategies that can effectively mitigate the climate threats faced by transportation infrastructure in Lagos, Nigeria. The study highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches to address the challenges posed by climate change to transportation systems. By analyzing the current vulnerabilities and potential impacts of climate change on transportation infrastructure, the authors identify and propose four current challenges facing transportation infrastructure as a result of climate change. These threats include the impact of rising sea levels on coastal roads and bridges, the vulnerability of inland transportation systems to extreme weather events such as floods and heavy rainfall, the potential disruption of transportation networks as storms become more frequent and intense, and the implications of temperature changes on road surfaces and their structural integrity. The study also identified and proposed ten potential adaptation measures that can enhance the resilience of transportation systems in Lagos, Nigeria. The adaptive measures ranged from increasing the resilience of road networks through the implementation of proper drainage systems and slope stabilization measures to forming partnerships with private sector companies to promote sustainable practices and the development of green transportation initiatives. To facilitate these adaptive measures, the authors used them to develop various policy frameworks for transportation resilience in Lagos, Nigeria. These policy frameworks aimed to provide guidelines and regulations for the implementation of adaptive measures, ensuring their effective integration into the transportation system. The authors emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and public participation in decision-making processes to foster a sense of ownership and collective responsibility towards building resilient transportation systems. By adapting to these measures, Lagos, Nigeria, can enhance its ability to withstand and recover from transportation disruptions caused by various hazards, such as extreme weather events, infrastructure failures, or security threats.
Polyketides from Plakortis Sponges around Caribbean Coastal Regions: Collection, Isolation, Characterization, and Bioactivity
Authors: Rodríguez-Berríos Raúl R. , Rodríguez-Vargas Jeremy A. , Colón-Cartagena Francisco , Maldonado-Silva Ulises , Ortiz-Colón Yermarie W. , Escalante-Castaneda Alejandro , Conde-González Arianthony , Álamo-Diverse Keiry Y.
Published: August 2024

The coastal region of the Caribbean is notable for the chemical diversity found in its sponge products, resulting in the biosynthesis of a range of natural marine products, including polyketides. The objective of this manuscript is to summarize the isolated polyketides from sponges of the genus Plakortis located around the Caribbean coasts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of specimen location, isolation procedures, characterization methods, and biological assay studies of about 95 polyketides isolated from 1978 to 2024 in the Caribbean coasts of The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, Martinique, Panamá, Puerto Rico, and Tobago. The Caribbean polyketides have been isolated from different types of Plakortis sp., such as P. simplex, P. halichondroides, P. zyggompha, and P. angulospiculatus, which have demonstrated antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and antiviral activities. A variety of linear polyketides with different functionalities have been reported, including endoperoxides (1,2-dioxane), lactones, indane-type bicyclics (spiculane and zyggomphic), alcohols, alkenes, styryl groups, α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids, and ketones, as well as related natural products of biosynthetic origin. The aim is to encourage further exploration by researchers in the Caribbean’s coastal marine environments, promoting the discovery and investigation of novel polyketide cyclic peroxides and related secondary metabolites to identify additional bioactive medicinal natural products.
Surface Roughness and Its Effect on Adhesion and Tribological Performance of Magnetron Sputtered Nitride Coatings
Authors: Terek Pal , Kovačević Lazar , Terek Vladimir , Bobić Zoran , Miletić Aleksandar , Škorić Branko , Čekada Miha , Drnovšek Aljaž
Published: August 2024

Reports of the influence of surface roughness on the adhesion and tribological performance of contemporary nitride coatings with different layer designs are still scarce in the literature. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the behavior of a single-layer TiAlN, a bilayer TiAlN/CNx, and a nanolayer AlTiN/TiN coating. Coatings were deposited in an industrial magnetron sputtering unit on the substrates of EN 100Cr6 steel, prepared to four degrees of surface roughness (Sa = 10–550 nm). The coatings’ adhesion was determined by scratch tests performed perpendicular and parallel to the machining marks. Dry reciprocating sliding tests in air were employed to evaluate the coatings’ tribological behavior against an Al2O3 ball. Before and after the tests, coating properties were characterized by 3D profilometry, confocal microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Deposition of all coatings significantly altered the surface topography and increased the roughness of the samples. No general rule could be established for the effect of surface roughness on tribological behavior and adhesion of different hard coatings. For very fine surface finishes the adhesion and tribological performance of TiAlN and TiAlN/CNx coatings was independent of the surface roughness. For the roughest surfaces, a decrease in adhesion and an increase in the wear rate were observed. The AlTiN/TiN coating exhibited the largest sensitivity of adhesion to roughness and scratching direction. The coefficient of friction and wear rate increased when AlTiN/TiN roughness exceeded Sa ≈ 100 nm.
The Effects of Urea–Formaldehyde Resin-Coated Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam Extract Microcapsules on the Properties of Surface Coatings for Poplar Wood
Authors: Zhu Ye , Wang Ying , Yan Xiaoxing
Published: August 2024

Urea–formaldehyde resin was used as a wall material and Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam extract was used as a core material to prepare urea–formaldehyde resin-coated Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam extract microcapsules (UFRCTEMs). The effects of UFRCTEM content and the mass ratio of core-to-wall material (Mcore:Mwall) on the performance of waterborne coatings on poplar surfaces were investigated by adding microcapsules to the waterborne topcoat. Under different Mcore:Mwall of microcapsules, as the content of microcapsules increased, the glossiness and adhesion of the coatings gradually decreased, and the color difference value of the coatings gradually increased. The cold liquid resistance, hardness, and impact resistance of the coatings were all improved, and the roughness of the coatings increased. The antibacterial rates of the coatings against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were both on the rise, and the antibacterial rate against Staphylococcus aureus was slightly higher than that against Escherichia coli. When the microcapsule content was 7.0% and the Mcore:Mwall was 0.8:1, the surface coating performance on poplar wood was excellent. The glossiness was 3.43 GU, light loss was 75.55%, color difference ΔE was 3.23, hardness was 2H, impact resistance level was 3, adhesion level was 1, and roughness was 3.759 µm. The cold liquid resistance was excellent, and resistance grades to citric acid, ethanol, and cleaning agents were all 1. The antibacterial rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 68.59% and 75.27%, respectively.
Effects of Compound Use of Two UV Coating Microcapsules on the Physicochemical, Optical, Mechanical, and Self-Healing Performance of Coatings on Fiberboard Surfaces
Authors: Zou Yuming , Xia Yongxin , Yan Xiaoxing
Published: August 2024

Ultraviolet (UV) coatings are widely used because of their good performance. However, the self-healing performance of UV coatings can be further improved. Microcapsule technology can be used to solve this problem. To investigate the effects of the compound use of two UV coating microcapsules on coatings of a fiberboard surface, three kinds of UV primer microcapsules (1#, 2#, and 3# microcapsules) with different contents were added to a UV primer, and a UV top coating was prepared with UV top coating microcapsules at a consistent ratio. The UV coating was used to coat the fiberboard surface by way of a two-primer and two-top coating method. The results show that as the content of the UV primer microcapsules was increased, the self-healing rates of all three groups of coatings increased and later decreased. The color difference ΔE of coatings with the content of the UV primer microcapsules at 4.0% and top coating microcapsules at 6.0% was 3.59, the gloss was 1.33 GU, the reflectance was 21.17%, the adhesion grade was 2, the hardness was 2H, the impact resistance grade was 5, the roughness was 1.085 μm, and the self-healing rate was 30.21%. Compared with the self-healing rate of the blank control group, the increase in the self-healing rate was 10.07%, and the improvement rate was 50.00%. The comprehensive performance of the coating was better. The results provide a technical reference for the application of the UV coating microcapsules in the UV coating on fiberboard surfaces. Incorporating the self-healing UV coating microcapsules into the UV coatings and applying the UV coating microcapsules on the fiberboard surfaces supports the microcapsule technology of self-healing UV coatings, lays the foundation for extending the service life of furniture while improving the furniture’s quality, and promotes the sustainable development of the coating industry.
Climate Change and Its Positive and Negative Impacts on Irrigated Corn Yields in a Region of Colorado (USA)
Authors: Delgado Jorge A. , D’Adamo Robert E. , Villacis Alexis H. , Halvorson Ardell D. , Stewart Catherine E. , Alwang Jeffrey , Del Grosso Stephen J. , Manter Daniel K. , Floyd Bradley A.
Published: August 2024

The future of humanity depends on successfully adapting key cropping systems for food security, such as corn (Zea mays L.), to global climatic changes, including changing air temperatures. We monitored the effects of climate change on harvested yields using long-term research plots that were established in 2001 near Fort Collins, Colorado, and long-term average yields in the region (county). We found that the average temperature for the growing period of the irrigated corn (May to September) has increased at a rate of 0.023 °C yr−1, going from 16.5 °C in 1900 to 19.2 °C in 2019 (p < 0.001), but precipitation did not change (p = 0.897). Average minimum (p < 0.001) temperatures were positive predictors of yields. This response to temperature depended on N fertilizer rates, with the greatest response at intermediate fertilizer rates. Maximum (p < 0.05) temperatures and growing degree days (GDD; p < 0.01) were also positive predictors of yields. We propose that the yield increases with higher temperatures observed here are likely only applicable to irrigated corn and that irrigation is a good climate change mitigation and adaptation practice. However, since pan evaporation significantly increased from 1949 to 2019 (p < 0.001), the region’s dryland corn yields are expected to decrease in the future from heat and water stress associated with increasing temperatures and no increases in precipitation. This study shows that increases in GDD and the minimum temperatures that are contributing to a changing climate in the area are important parameters that are contributing to higher yields in irrigated systems in this region.
Brain Glucose Metabolism and COMT Val 158 Met Polymorphism in Female Patients with Work-Related Stress
Authors: Madsen Saga Steinmann , Andersen Thomas Lund , Pihl-Thingvad Jesper , Brandt Lars , Olsen Birgitte Brinkmann , Gerke Oke , Videbech Poul
Published: August 2024

Stress is a ubiquitous challenge in modern societies. Symptoms range from mood swings and cognitive impairment to autonomic symptoms. This study explores the link between work-related stress and the neurobiological element of brain processing, testing the hypothesis that patients with occupational stress have altered cerebral glucose consumption compared to healthy controls. The participants’ present conditions were evaluated using an adapted WHO SCAN interview. Neural activity at rest was assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) with the glucose analogue [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose. Participants were genotyped for the Val158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene, believed to influence stress resilience. This study included 11 women with work-related stress and 11 demographically comparable healthy controls aged 28–62 years, with an average of 46.2 years. The PET scans indicated clusters of decreased glucose consumption primarily located in the white matter of frontal lobe sub-gyral areas in stress patients. COMT Val158Met polymorphism detection indicated no immediate relation of the homozygous alleles and stress resilience; however, healthy controls mainly had the heterozygous allele. In conclusion, the results support that work-related stress does affect the brain in the form of altered glucose metabolism, suggesting neurobiological effects could be related to white matter abnormalities rather than gray matter deterioration. Genotyping indicates a more complex picture than just that of the one type being more resilient to stress. Further studies recruiting a larger number of participants are needed to confirm our preliminary findings.
Cultural Policies That Facilitate the Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Arts: Findings from a Qualitative Multi-National Study
Authors: Leahy Ann , Ferri Delia
Published: August 2024

Arts and culture are central to the political struggles of people with disabilities and have the potential to transform how societies relate to disability and to realize the human rights model of disability enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Yet, low levels of participation in arts by people with disabilities are reported in many countries. We also lack research to support policy making that promotes positive measures. This article presents some of the findings from a large qualitative study across 28 European countries addressing factors perceived as facilitative of cultural participation by people representing organizations of people with disabilities. Identifying these factors is a step in supporting the deployment of policies aiming to end the exclusion of people with disabilities from the cultural sphere both as audiences and artists and to realize the human rights model of disability. In particular, findings point to the need to change the knowledge base and ethos of cultural bodies and to reform, amongst other issues, funding mechanisms, governance structures, and consultation processes. We argue that making disability inclusion more intrinsic to cultural policy has the potential to enhance diversity and ultimately to foster the participation of people with disabilities in society more broadly.
Peri-Implantitis
Authors: Ting Miriam , Suzuki Jon B.
Published: August 2024

Peri-implantitis can affect the longevity of successfully integrated implants. Implant success is dependent on reducing the peri-implantitis risk or successfully managing peri-implantitis. Further understanding of peri-implantitis can be derived from its prevalence, microbial and diagnostic findings, existing therapies, and the effects of systemic health issues and medication. Based on published information: (1) peri-implantitis is higher in patients who have periodontitis or smoke as well as in implants with 5 years of function; (2) peri-implantitis microflora is different from periodontitis; (3) peri-implantitis risk is increased in patients with cardiovascular diseases and uncontrolled diabetes; (4) most reported peri-implantitis therapies may result in resolution, but the best peri-implantitis treatment is still to be determined; (5) more frequent peri-implant maintenance may reduce risk for peri-implantitis.
Multi-Type Task Assignment Algorithm for Heterogeneous UAV Cluster Based on Improved NSGA-Ⅱ
Authors: Zhu Yunchong , Liang Yangang , Jiao Yingjie , Ren Haipeng , Li Kebo
Published: August 2024

Cluster warfare, as a disruptive technology, leverages its numerical advantage to overcome limitations such as restricted task execution types and the low resilience of single platforms, embodying a significant trend in future unmanned combat. In scenarios where only the number of known targets and their vague locations within the region are available, UAV clusters are tasked with performing missions including close-range scout, target attack, and damage assessment for each target. Consequently, taking into account constraints such as assignment, payload, task time window, task sequencing, and range, a multi-objective optimization model for task assignment was formulated. Initially, optimization objectives were set as total mission completion time, total mission revenue, and cluster damage level. Subsequently, the concept of constraint tolerance was introduced to enhance the non-dominant sorting mechanism of NSGA-II by distinguishing individuals that fail to meet constraints, thereby enabling those violating constraints with high tolerance to be retained in the next generation to participate in further evolution, thereby resolving the difficulty of achieving a convergent Pareto solution set under complex interdependent task constraints. Finally, through comparisons, the superiority of the improved NSGA-II algorithm has been verified.
Measuring Learning Presence as Fourth Dimension in the Community of Inquiry Survey: Defining Self-Regulation Items and Subscales through a Heutagogical Approach
Authors: Nizzolino Salvatore , Canals Agustí
Published: August 2024

The Community of Inquiry (CoI) has increased in popularity in almost 25 years due to its adaptability which has spanned from asynchronous text-based environments up to a wide range of different settings. The CoI identifies the mutual interaction of three dimensions named presences. The survey to detect the perception of presences is a Likert-scale survey based on 34 items arranged in 10 subscales which are assigned as follows: 4 to teaching presence, 3 to social presence, and 3 to cognitive presence. Several studies identified alternative arrangements of the main components as a result of EFA and CFA. Consequently, the exploration of alternative settings keeps on revealing variations in the way presences interact with each other. The ongoing debate about whether to add a fourth dimension, specifically learning presence, has produced numerous publications but no definitive revised version of the survey. This study suggests an extension of the classical survey by incorporating a supplementary set of 12 items related to learning presence inspired by the theory of heutagogy (or self-determined learning). The sample for the experimental four-dimensional CoI framework comprised 55 university students. The analysis investigated the internal correlations of this extended survey, revealing positive expectations and opportunities for further adaptations.
Detecting GPS Interference Using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Data
Authors: Ramchandra Akshay Ram , Skurdal Anton , Ranganathan Prakash , Semke William
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the detection of Global Positioning System (GPS) interference during the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) event from 17 to 19 October 2022, utilizing various machine learning (ML) models. The study examines the effectiveness of several ML models, including neural networks (NN), tree-based models, regression-based models, Bayesian classifiers, distance-based models, and stochastic classifiers, in identifying GPS interference. A simulated training signature was created with 180,000 data points, of which 25,792 were modeled as positive samples indicating GPS interference. Preliminary results reveal that the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) model outperformed others, achieving a 99.8% True Positive Rate (TPR). Additionally, permutation feature importance was utilized to understand how model feature prioritization impacts the detection outcomes. Given the increasing frequency of GPS interference, these findings underscore the critical importance of ML techniques in detecting GPS interference patterns in Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data.
RETRACTED: Liu et al. Ground Risk Estimation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Based on Probability Approximation for Impact Positions with Multi-Uncertainties. Electronics 2023, 12, 829
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhu Yuanjun , Wang Zhi , Zhang Xuejun , Li Yan
Published: August 2024

The journal retracts the article, “Ground Risk Estimation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Based on Probability Approximation for Impact Positions with Multi-Uncertainties” [...]
Experimental and Numerical Study on Air Cooling System Dedicated to Photovoltaic Panels
Authors: Homa Maksymilian , Sornek Krzysztof , Goryl Wojciech
Published: August 2024

The efficiency of solar systems, in particular photovoltaic panels, is typically low. Various environmental parameters affect solar panels, including sunlight, the ambient and module surface temperatures, the wind speed, humidity, shading, dust, the installation height, etc. Among others, the key players are indeed solar irradiance and temperature. The higher the temperature is, the higher the short-circuit current is, and the lower the open-circuit voltage is. The negative effect of lowering the open-circuit voltage is dominant, consequently lowering the power of the photovoltaic panels. Passive or active cooling systems can be provided to avoid the negative effect of temperature. This paper presents a prototype of an active cooling system dedicated to photovoltaics. The prototype of such a system was developed at the AGH University of Kraków and tested under laboratory conditions. The proposed system is equipped with air fans mounted on a plate connected to the rear part of a 70 Wp photovoltaic panel. Different configurations of the system were tested, including different numbers of fans and different locations of the fans. The artificial light source generated a irradiation value of 770 W/m2. This value was present for every variant tested in the experiment. As observed, the maximum power generated in the photovoltaic panel under laboratory conditions was approx. 47.31 W. Due to the temperature increase, this power was reduced to 40.09 W (when the temperature of the uncooled panel surface reached 60 °C). On the other hand, the power generated in the photovoltaic panel equipped with the developed cooling system was approx. 44.37 W in the same conditions (i.e., it was higher by 10.7% compared to that of the uncooled one). A mathematical model was developed based on the results obtained, and simulations were carried out using the ANSYS Workbench software. After the validation procedure, several configurations of the air cooling system were developed and analyzed. The most prominent case was chosen for additional parametrical analysis. The optimum fan orientation was recognized: a vertical tilt of 7° and a horizontal tilt of 10°. For the tested module, this modification resulted in a cost-effective system (a net power increase of ~3.1%).
Deposition Distribution and Thermal Resistance Analysis of Fins in Heat Exchangers
Authors: Xu Weigang , Zhang Shijian , Yang Quan , Zhang Lei , Ge Chongsheng , Wang Ao , Bu Shi , Lv Weibing , Zhang Lin
Published: August 2024

The deposition of fly ash on the heat exchanger will reduce the heat transfer efficiency of the system. This article conducted experiments and simulations on the deposition, exploring the effects of velocity, particle size on the deposition position. In addition, deposition density distribution was demonstrated, the calculation method of fin thermal resistance was improved, and the efficiency of fins was also calculated. The results showed that deposition decreased with velocity increasing, and the simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental results. The deposition distribution of the first section of the fin is unimodal, and the maximum deposition value approaches the peak of the fin. The distribution of the second section of the fin becomes bimodal with increasing velocity. In addition, as the speed increases, due to the decrease in deposition mass, the thermal resistance decreases by 53.2% and the fin efficiency increases by 8.82%.