bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origin, Migration, and Characterization of Gas in the Xinglongtai Area, Liaohe Subbasin (Northeast China): Insight from Geochemical Evidence and Basin Modeling
Authors: Yang Sibo , Li Meijun , Wang Yanshan , Xiao Hong , Huang Shuangquan , Kang Wujiang , Wang Fangzheng
Published: September 2023

Buried hill zones in the rift basins have a significant impact on the enrichment of natural gas resources, and this is of great significance for exploration and development. This study aims to unravel the origins, migration, and dynamic accumulation process of natural gas in the Xinglongtai structural belt, Liaohe Subbasin. A comprehensive geological and geochemical analysis was performed on source rocks and natural gas samples from various geological structures within the Xinglongtai structural belt. Moreover, basin modeling techniques were employed to trace the genesis and migration of natural gas, offering an in-depth understanding of the dynamic process of accumulation. We identified the Fourth Mbr (Es4) and Third Mbr (Es3) of the Shahejie Fm as the main source rocks in the Qingshui and Chenjia Sags. The Es4, primarily Shallow Lacustrine Mudstones, contributed mainly type II organic matter, while the Es3, consisting of Nearshore Subaqueous Fan and Deep Lacustrine Mudstones, contributed mainly type III and type II organic matter, respectively. Two distinct hydrocarbon accumulation systems were observed, one inside and one outside the buried hills. The system outside the buried hill is governed by a complex fault system within the lacustrine basin, resulting in dual-source directions, dual-source rock types, two migration phases, and late-stage accumulation. In contrast, the system within the buried hill primarily involves reservoirs nested in the basement, exhibiting dual-source directions, dual-source rock types, a single migration phase, and early-stage charging. The understanding of this interplay, alongside dynamic simulation of generation, migration, and accumulation, can provide valuable insights for predicting natural gas distribution and accumulation patterns in terrestrial faulted lacustrine basins. This knowledge can guide more effective exploration and development strategies for natural gas.
Research on the Impact of Supplying the Air-Cooled D21A1 Engine with RME B100 Biodiesel on Its Operating Parameters
Authors: Bembenek Michał , Karwat Bolesław , Melnyk Vasyl , Mosora Yurii
Published: September 2023

It is known that the use of alternative fuels leads to changes in the operating parameters of internal combustion engines, and the nature of the changes in most cases is not known. Therefore, the question of researching the main operating indicators of the internal combustion engine supplied with RME B100 biodiesel fuel is important, and the results will help to eliminate or reduce negative factors that can lead to the deterioration of the operational and technical indicators of the internal combustion engine. The purpose of the research was to develop an experimental research facility using appropriate equipment and to study the main operational and technical parameters of the air-cooled D21A1 diesel engine on RME B100 biodiesel fuel. To reach the goal, the following tasks were formulated: the development of a test facility and research on the main technical and operational performance indicators of the D21A1 diesel engine on RME B100 biodiesel fuel. The authors’ previous research results were applied in the setting of the D21A1 test engine in the process of RME B100 biodiesel research; namely, to achieve maximum fuel combustion efficiency, the injection moment was increased by 6°. The results ensured the maximum efficiency of using RME B100 biodiesel in engines without making changes to the design of the latter. System analysis and the comparison method were used during the research. In the process of using RME B100 biodiesel fuel on the air-cooled D21A1 engine, we found a decrease in engine torque of 6.5%; a decrease in effective power of 6.7%; a growth in specific effective fuel consumption of up to 22.3%; and an increase in hourly fuel consumption of 14.1%. This is because the use of RME B100 fuel requires changes in the engine design that improve the mixture formation process.
Evaluating the Progress of Renewable Energy Sources in Poland: A Multidimensional Analysis
Authors: Jaworski Stanisław , Chrzanowska Mariola , Zielińska-Sitkiewicz Monika , Pietrzykowski Robert , Jezierska-Thöle Aleksandra , Zielonka Piotr
Published: September 2023

Energy is a key driver of all modern economies. Sustainable development is playing an increasingly important role both at regional and local levels. It is a compromise between social and economic needs and the preservation of nature. In the policy of the European Union, the idea of sustainable development and environmental protection is of decisive importance for the implemented programs and economic activities. Contemporary challenges require the transformation of the energy market towards greater use of renewable sources. According to Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and European Council on promoting energy from renewable sources, Poland has committed itself to achieving a 23% share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption by 2030. This goal considers total energy consumption in terms of power, engineering, heating, refrigeration, and transport. The aim of this paper was, firstly, an analysis of the share of renewable energy in the European Union over an 18-year period (2004–2021), with particular emphasis on the position of Poland. The second objective was the analysis of renewable energy at the local level in Poland, i.e., at the local government unit (LAU) level. Changes in the share of renewable energy in Poland compared to other European countries were also examined. The study utilized functional analysis of principal components and cluster analysis based on the data from the Central Statistical Office and EUROSTAT. The study found that while Poland does not differ significantly from other countries in using renewable energy, it does fall below the European average. Principal component analysis suggests that Poland responds adequately to European changes in the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption. This dynamic is stable (over 95% explained by the first component) and applies to most countries surveyed. In addition, the authors sought to answer questions relating to the current status of renewable energy sources in Poland, the barriers and challenges facing the introduction of renewable energy in the country, a comparative analysis of Poland’s progress in renewable energy with other global counterparts, and an exploration of the future prospects and potential for the development of renewable energy in Poland. The study found that the potential for renewable energy is greatest in the northern areas of Poland, with photovoltaics and wind power plants providing the greatest capacity. Poland’s renewable energy potential is very high and will be determined by technological development, political, economic, and social issues.
Cochayuyo (Durvillaea incurvata) Extracts: Their Impact on Starch Breakdown and Antioxidant Activity in Pasta during In Vitro Digestion
Authors: Pacheco Luz Verónica , Parada Javier , Pérez-Correa José R. , Mariotti-Celis María Salomé , Simirgiotis Mario
Published: September 2023

Seaweeds, notably cochayuyo (Durvillaea incurvata), are recognized for their rich macro- and micronutrient content, along with their inhibitory effects on the α-glucosidase enzyme. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this inhibition in actual starchy food products under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. This study utilized freeze-dried cochayuyo, extracted using hot pressurized liquid extraction with 50% ethanol at 120 °C and 1500 psi. The inhibition mechanism of α-glucosidase was determined, and the polyphenol composition of the extract was analyzed using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. This study further evaluated the extract’s impact on starch digestibility, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity in pasta (noodles) as representative starchy food under gastrointestinal conditions. The results indicate that the α-glucosidase inhibition mechanism is of mixed type. Phenolic compounds, primarily tetraphloroethol, could contribute to this anti-enzymatic activity. The extract was observed to decrease starch digestibility, indicated by a lower rate constant (0.0158 vs. 0.0261 min−1) and digested starch at an infinite time (77.4 vs. 80.5 g/100 g). A significant increase (~1200 vs. ~390 µmol TROLOX/100 g) in antioxidant activity was also noted during digestion when the extract was used. Thus, this study suggests that the cochayuyo extract can reduce starch digestion and enhance antioxidant capacity under gastrointestinal conditions.
Sustainable Process for Tortilla Production Using Ohmic Heating with Minimal Impact on the Nutritional Value, Protein, and Calcium Performance
Authors: Ramírez-Jiménez Aurea K. , Cota-López Rubén , Morales-Sánchez Eduardo , Gaytán-Martínez Marcela , Martinez-Flores Héctor Eduardo , Reyes-Vega María de la Luz , Figueroa-Cárdenas Juan de Dios
Published: September 2023

The nixtamalization process used for tortilla production entails extended processing time and generates pollutant effluents. Ohmic heating (OH) is an emerging technology that uses an alternating electric current for rapid and uniform food heating and mitigates effluent concerns. However, gaps exist in nutrient bioavailability studies. In this work, we assessed OH’s impact on tortilla nutritional value, protein, and calcium using a rat model. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were fed one of four diets for 21 days: raw corn (RC) as an experimental control, OH-processed tortillas (OHTs), traditionally processed tortillas (TPTs), commercial tortillas (CTs), and a casein diet (CD) as a growth control. Despite similar protein and macronutrient profiles, OH significantly enhanced insoluble fiber content. The weight gain sequence was OHTs > TPTs > CTs > RC. OHTs exhibited superior protein digestibility (88.52%), which was 3% higher than other diets. The serum albumin (2.63–2.73 g/dL) indicated moderate malnutrition due to the tortilla’s lower protein content. Nonetheless, the protein efficiency ratio (1.2–1.74) showed no significant difference from TPTs. Bone characteristics and fracture strength resembled the tortilla-fed groups, surpassing RC. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the OHT and TPT diets improved male rat bone thickness and crystallinity. The findings suggest the potential for OH as an eco-friendly tortilla production method, maintaining nutritional value comparable to traditional methods.
Lonicera caerulea Pomace Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis via Intestinal Barrier Improvement and Gut Microbiota Modulation
Authors: Zhang Baixi , Huang Xinwen , Niu Lijuan , Chen Xuemei , Hu Bo , Tang Xiaoshu
Published: September 2023

The objective of this investigation was to appraise the mitigative effects of Lonicera caerulea pomace (LCP)-supplemented diets on Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, and to discuss the potential mechanisms. LCP, a by-product of fruit juice processing, harbors a higher content of polyphenols and dietary fiber compared to the L. caerulea pulp. In a murine model of colitis, the LCP diet attenuated the symptoms of colitis, as evidenced by the reduction in the disease activity index (DAI), extension of colon length, and amelioration of histopathological damage. The anti-inflammatory attributes of LCP were substantiated by a decrease in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and suppression of inflammatory cytokine expressions within the colon. Meanwhile, LCP mediated the repair of the intestinal barrier, characterized by the upregulation of gene expressions of tight junction (TJ) proteins and Muc2. Furthermore, LCP altered the composition of the gut microbiota, manifested in increased alpha diversity, enhancement of the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia, Coprococcus and Bifidobacterium), and diminishment in the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia, Enterococcus, Mucispirillum and Clostridium). Dietary LCP also increased the concentrations of SCFAs within the intestinal luminal contents of colitis mice. Given the affirmative impact of LCP on colitis, LCP may possess great potential in promoting intestinal health.
Meal Frequency and Multi-Morbidity in a Cypriot Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kantilafti Maria , Hadjikou Andria , Chrysostomou Stavri
Published: September 2023

Data regarding the effect of specific dietary behaviors, such as meal frequency, on multi-morbidity are scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of meal frequency on multi-morbidity in a Cypriot population. A representative sample of 1255 adults >18 years old was surveyed during 2022–2023. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, multi-morbidity, and meal frequency consumption were collected through validated questionnaires. Diseases were listed according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision [ICD-10]. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Statistics v.19.0. Responders who consumed more than three meals and snacks daily had a higher probability of multi-morbidity [OR: 1.505 [95% CI: 1.505–2.069]] compared with those who consumed three or fewer meals and snacks daily. The relation was not statistically significant after adjusting for age and gender and for socioeconomic characteristics. Furthermore, participants who consumed more than three snacks per day had a 1.776 [AOR: 1.616 [95% CI: 1.054–2.476]] higher risk of having multi-morbidity compared with participants who did not consume any snack or consumed one snack per day. The findings suggest that people with multi-morbidity have a higher risk when consuming three or more snacks per day regardless of age, gender, and socioeconomic characteristics.
Distribution and Fractal Characteristics of Outdoor Particles in High-Rise Buildings Based on Fractal Theory
Authors: Liu Fuquan , Yu Tao , Leng Wenjun , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2023

It is of great significance to understand the particle distribution characteristics at different heights to effectively control particle pollution. Based on fractal theory, the fractal dimension of outdoor particles in a high-rise building in Xi’an and its relationship with the concentration of particles with different particle sizes are discussed and analyzed in this paper. The results indicate that the atmosphere in Xi’an is mainly composed of fine particles and that the average proportion of particles ranging from 0 to 1.0 µm is approximately 99.885% of the total particulates. The fractal dimension of particles in the atmosphere at different heights ranges from 5.014 to 5.764, with an average fractal dimension of 5.456. In summer, the fractal dimension of the outdoor particles on the 17th floor was the largest, at 5.764. The fractal dimension in summer is relatively high, being 0.158 higher than that in winter on average. The larger the fractal dimension, the higher the proportion of fine particles. In addition, the fractal dimension can characterize the adsorption of toxic and harmful gases by particles well. It provides parameter support for understanding particle distribution and the effective control of atmospheric particles at different heights and application values.
An Accurate Approach to Simulate the Fractional Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Adel Mohamed , Khader Mohamed M. , Algelany Salman , Aldwoah Khaled
Published: September 2023

The fractional Legendre polynomials (FLPs) that we present as an effective method for solving fractional delay differential equations (FDDEs) are used in this work. The Liouville–Caputo sense is used to characterize fractional derivatives. This method uses the spectral collocation technique based on FLPs. The proposed method converts FDDEs into a set of algebraic equations. We lay out a study of the convergence analysis and figure out the upper bound on error for the approximate solution. Examples are provided to demonstrate the precision of the suggested approach.
New Cascaded 1+PII2D/FOPID Load Frequency Controller for Modern Power Grids including Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage and Renewable Energy
Authors: El-Sousy Fayez F. M. , Aly Mokhtar , Alqahtani Mohammed H. , Aljumah Ali S. , Almutairi Sulaiman Z. , Mohamed Emad A.
Published: September 2023

Having continuous decrease in inertia and being sensitive to load/generation variation are considered crucial challenging problems for modern power grids. The main cause of these problems is the increased penetration capacities of renewables. An unbalanced load with generation power largely affects grids’ frequency and voltage profiles. Load frequency control (LFC) mechanisms are extensively presented to solve these problems. In the literature, LFC methods are still lacking in dealing with system uncertainty, parameter variation, structure changes, and/or disturbance rejection. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved LFC methodology using the hybrid one plus proportional integral double-integral derivative (1+PII2D) cascaded with fractional order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID), namely, the proposed 1+PII2D/FOPID controller. The contribution of superconducting magnetic energy storage devices (SMES) is considered in the proposed design, also considering hybrid high-voltage DC and AC transmission lines (hybrid HVDC/HVAC). An optimized design of proposed 1+PII2D/FOPID controller is proposed using a new application of the recently presented powerful artificial rabbits optimizers (ARO) algorithm. Various performance comparisons, system changes, parameter uncertainties, and load/generation profiles and changes are considered in the proposed case study. The results proved superior regulation of frequency using proposed 1+PII2D/FOPID control and the ARO optimum parameters.
Self-Healing of Pluronic® F127 Hydrogels in the Presence of Various Polysaccharides
Authors: Lupu Alexandra , Gradinaru Luiza Madalina , Rusu Daniela , Bercea Maria
Published: September 2023

Thermoresponsive Pluronic® F127 (PL) gels in water were investigated through rheological tests in different shear conditions. The gel strength was tuned with the addition of 1% polysaccharide solution. In the presence of xanthan gum (XG), the viscoelastic behavior of PL-based hydrogels was improved in aqueous environment, but the rheological behavior was less changed with the addition of XG in PBS solutions, whereas in the presence of 0.1 M NaCl, the viscoelastic parameters decreased. PL micellar networks exhibited a self-healing ability, recovering their initial structure after applying cycles of high strain. The rheological characteristics of the PL hydrogel changed with the addition of 1% polysaccharides (xanthan gum, alginate, κ-carrageenan, gellan, or chitosan). PL/polysaccharide systems form temperature-responsive hydrogels with shear thinning behavior, yield stress, and self-healing ability, being considered a versatile platform for injectable biomaterials or bioinks. Thus, in the presence of xanthan gum in aqueous medium, the gel strength was improved after applying a high strain (the values of elastic modulus increased). The other investigated natural polymers induced specific self-healing behaviors. Good performances were observed with the addition of gellan gum, alginate, and κ-carrageenan, but for high values of strain, the ability to recover the initial structure decreased. A modest self-healing behavior was observed in the presence of chitosan and xanthan gum dissolved in NaCl solution.
High-Performance Methylsilsesquioxane Aerogels: Hydrolysis Mechanisms and Maximizing Compression Properties
Authors: Zhang Guihua , Li Chengdong , Wang Yuxiang , Lin Liangliang , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: September 2023

Synthesis of methylsilsesquioxane aerogels by ambient pressure drying instead of supercritical drying has recently emerged as a major trend, but the issues of low mechanical strength and unstable performance still need to be resolved. This work reveals the microscopic formation mechanisms of gel skeleton based on the kinetic characteristics of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) precursor hydrolysis and the associated sol-gel reactions. The effects of oxalic acid concentration (cOA) and hydrolysis time of MTMS solution (th) on the gelation time, morphologies, microstructures, chemical structure, and compression properties of the as-synthesized methylsilsesquioxane aerogels are investigated. The optimal cOA and th are 38.4 mmol/L and 120 min, respectively, endowing the methylsilsesquioxane aerogels with a compression strength of 0.170 MPa and a maximum compression strain of 61.2%. Precise control of the hydrolysis conditions ensures the formation of branched particle-to-particle networks, which is crucial for maximizing the compression properties of methylsilsesquioxane aerogels synthesized under industry-relevant conditions.
Efficiency of Printed Patient Information Leaflets Written for Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Patients to Reduce Their Fear of Surgery
Authors: Szilágyiné Lakatos Tünde , Lukács Balázs , Nagy Attila Csaba , Jenei Zoltán , Veres-Balajti Ilona
Published: September 2023

Background: Patient education plays a key role in health care. In our study, we created a new information guide for patients waiting for total knee (TKA) or hip (THA) arthroplasty. The goal of our study was to create patient education material that would reduce patients’ fear of surgery and improve their postoperative lifestyle. Methods: Patients in the intervention group (n = 44) received newly developed paper-based patient education material before surgery. The surgical fear questionnaire (SFQ) was used to assess fear reduction. A self-designed assessment questionnaire was used to measure the effectiveness of the leaflet among the intervention group patients. Results: The SFQ scores decreased significantly both in patients with TKA (median 37.50 IQR 30.00–40.00 vs. median 20.00 IQR 16.00–24.00) and THA (median 34.50 IQR 28.00–42.00 vs. median 20.00 IQR 16.00–22.00). A control group with TKA (median 37.50 IQR 30.00–40.00 vs. median 64.50 IQR 54.00–82.00) and THA (median 34.50 IQR 28.00–42.00 vs. median 73.00 IQR 56.00–81.00) was also included. An assessment of the content, usability, and clarity of the new leaflet showed that patients rated the new leaflet as almost entirely usable (median score 12.00–10.00). Conclusions: Our results suggest that new printed patient education material may reduce the fear of surgery.
Preliminary Validation of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in China
Authors: Cai Yuqi , Zhang Yuan , Cao Wangnan , Guo Vivian Yawei , Deng Yang , Luo Liying , Shen Jianling , Zhu Yang , Chen Xiaoting , Yang Xiao , Hou Fengsu , Li Jinghua
Published: September 2023

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common and highly malignant cancer in southern China. It is important to accurately assess the illness perception of nasopharyngeal carcinoma according to the common-sense model of self-regulation. The purpose was to validate the Chinese version of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for patients with Nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A cross-sectional survey of 631 patients with Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was conducted in Guangzhou, China. The reliability of the scale was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. The factor structure was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of each dimension. The EFA revealed that the 29-item self-rated scale has a seven-factor structure consistent with the original scale and explained 67.3% of the variance after extraction and rotation. The scale showed satisfactory reliability. The item–total correlations ranged from −0.16 to 0.64 (p < 0.05). The item–subscale correlations ranged from 0.46 to 0.91 (p < 0.05). The item–other subscale correlations ranged from −0.38 to 0.51 and from −0.21 to 0.56 (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the timeline (acute/chronic) (r = 0.224, r = 0.166), consequences (r = 0.415, r = 0.338), timeline cyclical (r = 0.366, r = 0.284), emotional representations (r = 0.497, r = 0.465), personal control (r = −0.122, r = −0.134), treatment control (r = −0.135, r = −0.148), and illness coherence (r = −0.261, r = −0.213) subscales, and depression, anxiety (p < 0.05). The scale revealed acceptable reliability, factorial validity, and construct validity. It could be used to assess the illness representations of Chinese patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Relationship of Momentary Volition to Occupational Experience and Life Perspective in Undergraduate Students
Authors: Hong Mi Young , Lee Sun-Wook , Kim Eun Young
Published: September 2023

Our lives are comprised of moment-to-moment activities and experiences. According to the Model of Human Occupation, our occupational experiences can be affected by volition, which consists of personal causation, values, and interests. This study investigated how momentary volition could affect activity satisfaction and mind-wandering while performing occupations. This study also examined the relationship of momentary volition with overall life perspectives on life satisfaction and life balance. Undergraduate students participated in this cross-sectional study. The experience sampling method (ESM), which repeatedly collects real-time data in everyday life, was applied in this study to measure students’ momentary states such as activity, volition, activity satisfaction, and mind-wandering. After completing the ESM, participants’ life satisfaction and life balance were measured using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) and the Life Balance Inventory (LBI), respectively. Forty-two participants and 1092 sampling data points were included in the analysis. At the event level, regression analysis was performed to identify volition elements to contribute to activity satisfaction and mind-wandering. At the personal level, correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship of momentary volition to life satisfaction and life balance. Momentary personal causation, values, and interests contributed to activity satisfaction. Mind-wandering was predicted negatively by interests but positively by personal causation. Momentary interests were positively correlated with SWLS and LBI scores. This study demonstrated that momentary volition was associated with activity satisfaction and engagement, as well as life satisfaction and balance in undergraduate students. Momentary volition, especially interests, contributed to positive occupational experiences and life perspectives. This study suggests that occupational therapy practitioners need to consider momentary interests to provide occupation-centered interventions for undergraduate students.
Barcelona, Naples and Salonika: Ethnic and Civic Nationalism in Three Mediterranean Port Cities (1888–1915)
Authors: Conversi Daniele
Published: September 2023

How far is port cities’ cosmopolitan inclination reflected in the type of nationalism prevailing in the surrounding area or region? How do these relationships change in different timeframes, one determined by nationalist modernization, the other by neoliberal globalization? This article attempts to respond to this question by looking at three Northern Mediterranean port cities (Barcelona, Naples, and Salonica) in two different time settings: the advent of the centralizing nation-state preceding WW1 and the advent of free-market deregulation policies adopted worldwide since the 1980s. It does so by adapting a new critical reading of Hans Kohn’s dichotomy on civic/ethnic nationalism—and extending it to the realm of culture in an age of deep global transformations.
Genetic Variability and Diversity in Red Onion (Allium cepa L.) Genotypes: Elucidating Morpho-Horticultural and Quality Perspectives
Authors: Amir Arshad , Sharangi Amit Baran , Bal Solanki , Upadhyay Tarun Kumar , Khan Mohd Suhail , Ahmad Irfan , Alabdallah Nadiyah M. , Saeed Mohd , Thapa Umesh
Published: September 2023

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a prominent spice and vegetable crop farmed commercially worldwide. Variability is viewed as a key signal for any red onion enhancement effort. The current study was, therefore, carried out to learn about genetic variability and diversity among selected genotypes of 20 red onions at the C Block Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India, during the winter (rabi) season of 2021–2022, in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The characters, viz., average weight of bulbs (kg), neck thickness (cm), total soluble solids (°Brix), total sugar (%), and reducing sugar (%) demonstrated high heritability (97.38–99.97%) coupled with high genetic gain. Such traits were the least influenced by environmental effects, and additive gene action played a pivotal role in the manifestation of such characters. Traits with high heritability values (51.37–67.94%) demonstrate that the observed variability was under genetic control and provide an enormous range of possibilities for accomplishing selection depending on their phenotypic performances. For traits with moderate heritability, viz., bolting (%) and doubling (%), selection would be less effective but can still be given great importance. Based on correlation analysis, the character’s neck thickness, equatorial diameter, and polar diameter unveiled highly positive genetic correlation with the average weight of bulbs (0.120, 0.112; 0.194, 0.210 and 0.120, 0.112 for phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficient values, respectively), which indicates that the average weight of a bulb would be increased by an increase in such components. According to path coefficient analysis, the equatorial diameter exhibited the most positive direct effect on the average weight of bulbs (0.968), followed by polar diameter (0.687) and neck thickness (0.159). A wide range of variations for qualitative traits, including foliage colour, leaf width, foliage behaviour, the degree of leaf waxiness, the shape of the bulb, and bulb skin colour were observed. Based on Mahalanobish D2 analysis, the genotypes were divided into four clusters. The highest number of genotypes was found in cluster I (eleven), followed by cluster IV (six genotypes) and cluster II (two genotypes). Cluster III had a single genotype and was monogenic. The study confirmed that a wide genetic variation prevailed in the onion genotypes taken under study, which could thereby be utilized in breeding programmes.
Enhancing Financial Fraud Detection through Addressing Class Imbalance Using Hybrid SMOTE-GAN Techniques
Authors: Cheah Patience Chew Yee , Yang Yue , Lee Boon Giin
Published: September 2023

The class imbalance problem in finance fraud datasets often leads to biased prediction towards the nonfraud class, resulting in poor performance in the fraud class. This study explores the effects of utilizing the Synthetic Minority Oversampling TEchnique (SMOTE), a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), and their combinations to address the class imbalance issue. Their effectiveness was evaluated using a Feed-forward Neural Network (FNN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and their hybrid (FNN+CNN). This study found that regardless of the data generation techniques applied, the classifier’s hyperparameters can affect classification performance. The comparisons of various data generation techniques demonstrated the effectiveness of the hybrid SMOTE and GAN, including SMOTified-GAN, SMOTE+GAN, and GANified-SMOTE, compared with SMOTE and GAN. The SMOTified-GAN and the proposed GANified-SMOTE were able to perform equally well across different amounts of generated fraud samples.
Evolution of the Urban Network in the Upper Yellow River Region of China: Enterprise Flow, Network Connections, and Influence Mechanisms—A Case Study of the Ningxia Urban Agglomeration along the Yellow River
Authors: Zhai Jiagang , Li Mingji , Ming Mengjiao , Yimit Marbiya , Bi Jinlu
Published: September 2023

Given the significant role of the Ningxia Urban Agglomeration along the Yellow River in reshaping the urban network and promoting coordinated development in the upper Yellow River region of China, this paper takes enterprise flow as the explicit manifestation of the regional urban network and interprets the evolution of the regional urban network structure and its influencing mechanisms through the different types of enterprise flow. The results indicate the following: (1) The external network is primarily focused on outflow investments towards North China, East China, and Northwest China. The overall inflow sources form a multi-origin structure dominated by North China and East China. Jinfeng and Xingqing serve as core hubs for enterprise exports in the external network and destinations for incoming enterprises. However, in terms of productive manufacturing connections, there is a spatial organizational pattern driven by multiple cities. (2) In the internal network, there is a concentric connection structure centered around Jinfeng and Xingqing. The productive service connections are relatively active, while the productive manufacturing connections are relatively concentrated between Jinfeng, Xingqing, Ningdong, and Lingwu. (3) In the external network, the main feature is the absorption of external elements to foster development momentum. In the internal network, Jinfeng and Xingqing serve as the contact and radiation sources, influencing various nodes. However, the driving capacity is weak. (4) The market demand and coordinated development both demonstrate significant promoting effects on the connections within the external and internal networks. The sluggish adjustment and transformation of the regional industrial structure resulted in a temporary negative inhibitory effect on the development of transformation. The negative impact of urban investment activities and the positive impact of government management are reflected within the internal network. (5) Improvements in urban management and service functions as well as external borrowing can promote connection in different networks. However, borrowing economic activity can have a negative impact in different networks. (6) Industrial agglomeration can promote enterprise connections in different networks and generate spatial spillover effects.
A Spatial Information Extraction Method Based on Multi-Modal Social Media Data: A Case Study on Urban Inundation
Authors: Wu Yilong , Chen Yingjie , Zhang Rongyu , Cui Zhenfei , Liu Xinyi , Zhang Jiayi , Wang Meizhen , Wu Yong
Published: September 2023

With the proliferation and development of social media platforms, social media data have become an important source for acquiring spatiotemporal information on various urban events. Providing accurate spatiotemporal information for events contributes to enhancing the capabilities of urban management and emergency responses. However, existing research regarding mining spatiotemporal information of events often solely focuses on textual content and neglects data from other modalities such as images and videos. Therefore, this study proposes an innovative spatiotemporal information extraction method, which extracts the spatiotemporal information of events from multimodal data on Weibo at coarse- and fine-grained hierarchical levels and serves as a beneficial supplement to existing urban event monitoring methods. This paper utilizes the “20 July 2021 Zhengzhou Heavy Rainfall” incident as an example to evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of the proposed method. Results indicate that in coarse-grained spatial information extraction using only textual data, our method achieved a spatial precision of 87.54% within a 60 m range and reached 100% spatial precision for ranges beyond 200 m. For fine-grained spatial information extraction, the introduction of other modal data, such as images and videos, resulted in a significant improvement in spatial error. These results demonstrate the ability of the MIST-SMMD (Method of Identifying Spatiotemporal Information of Social Media Multimodal Data) to extract spatiotemporal information from urban events at both coarse and fine levels and confirm the significant advantages of multimodal data in enhancing the precision of spatial information extraction.
Large-Scale Mobile-Based Analysis for National Travel Demand Modeling
Authors: Nahmias-Biran Bat-hen , Cohen Shuki , Simon Vladimir , Feldman Israel
Published: September 2023

Mobile phones have achieved a high rate of penetration and gained great interest in the field of travel behavior studies. However, mobile phone data exploitation for national travel models has only been sporadically studied thus far. This work focuses on one of the most extensive cellular surveys of its kind carried out thus far in the world, which was performed for two years between 2018 and 2019 with the participation of the two largest cellular providers in Israel, as well as leading GPS companies. The large-scale cell phone survey covered half the population using cellphones aged 8+ in Israel and uncovered local and national trip patterns, revealing the structure of nationwide travel demand. The methodology consists of the following steps: (1) plausibility and quality checks for the data of the mobile operators and the GPS data providers; (2) algorithm development for trip detection, home/work location detection, location and time accuracy, and expansion factors; (3) accuracy test of origin–destination matrices at different resolutions, revisions of algorithms, and reproduction of data; and (4) validation of results by comparison to reliable external data sources. The results are characterized by high accuracy and representativeness of demand and indicate a strong correlation between the cellular survey and other reliable sources.
Easy and Versatile Technique for the Preparation of Stable and Active Lipase-Based CLEA-like Copolymers by Using Two Homofunctional Cross-Linking Agents: Application to the Preparation of Enantiopure Ibuprofen
Authors: Khiari Oussama , Bouzemi Nassima , Sánchez-Montero José María , Alcántara Andrés R.
Published: September 2023

An easy and versatile method was designed and applied successfully to obtain access to lipase-based cross-linked-enzyme aggregate-like copolymers (CLEA-LCs) using one-pot, consecutive cross-linking steps using two types of homobifunctional cross-linkers (glutaraldehyde and putrescine), mediated with amine activation through pH alteration (pH jump) as a key step in the process. Six lipases were utilised in order to assess the effectiveness of the technique, in terms of immobilization yields, hydrolytic activities, thermal stability and application in kinetic resolution. A good retention of catalytic properties was found for all cases, together with an important thermal and storage stability improvement. Particularly, the CLEA-LCs derived from Candida rugosa lipase showed an outstanding behaviour in terms of thermostability and capability for catalysing the enantioselective hydrolysis of racemic ibuprofen ethyl ester, furnishing the eutomer (S)-ibuprofen with very high conversion and enantioselectivity.
Interaction of Nanomaterials with Cells and Tissues
Authors: Veranič Peter , Križaj Igor
Published: September 2023

Nanomaterials have gained enormous importance in biomedicine in recent years, both in basic and applied sciences [...]
The Comparison of Serum Exosome Protein Profile in Diagnosis of NSCLC Patients
Authors: Baran Kamila , Waśko Joanna , Kryczka Jakub , Boncela Joanna , Jabłoński Sławomir , Kolesińska Beata , Brzeziańska-Lasota Ewa , Kordiak Jacek
Published: September 2023

A thorough study of the exosomal proteomic cargo may enable the identification of proteins that play an important role in cancer development. The aim of this study was to compare the protein profiles of the serum exosomes derived from non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and healthy volunteers (control) using the high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) method to identify potentially new diagnostic and/or prognostic protein biomarkers. Proteins exclusively identified in NSCLC and control groups were analyzed using several bioinformatic tools and platforms (FunRich, Vesiclepedia, STRING, and TIMER2.0) to find key protein hubs involved in NSCLC progression and the acquisition of metastatic potential. This analysis revealed 150 NSCLC proteins, which are significantly involved in osmoregulation, cell–cell adhesion, cell motility, and differentiation. Among them, 3 proteins: Interleukin-34 (IL-34), HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DM alpha chain (HLA-DMA), and HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DO beta chain (HLA-DOB) were shown to be significantly involved in the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) infiltration processes. Additionally, detected proteins were analyzed according to the presence of lymph node metastasis, showing that differences in frequency of detection of protein FAM166B, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 2DL1, and olfactory receptor 52R1 correlate with the N feature according to the TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors. These results prove their involvement in NSCLC lymph node spread and metastasis. However, this study requires further investigation.
For Someone, You Are the Whole World: Host-Specificity of Salmonella enterica
Authors: Merkushova Anastasiya V. , Shikov Anton E. , Nizhnikov Anton A. , Antonets Kirill S.
Published: September 2023

Salmonella enterica is a bacterial pathogen known to cause gastrointestinal infections in diverse hosts, including humans and animals. Despite extensive knowledge of virulence mechanisms, understanding the factors driving host specificity remains limited. In this study, we performed a comprehensive pangenome-wide analysis of S. enterica to identify potential loci determining preference towards certain hosts. We used a dataset of high-quality genome assemblies grouped into 300 reference clusters with a special focus on four host groups: humans, pigs, cattle, and birds. The reconstructed pangenome was shown to be open and enriched with the accessory component implying high genetic diversity. Notably, phylogenetic inferences did not correspond to the distribution of affected hosts, as large compact phylogenetic groups were absent. By performing a pangenome-wide association study, we identified potential host specificity determinants. These included multiple genes encoding proteins involved in distinct infection stages, e.g., secretion systems, surface structures, transporters, transcription regulators, etc. We also identified antibiotic resistance loci in host-adapted strains. Functional annotation corroborated the results obtained with significant enrichments related to stress response, antibiotic resistance, ion transport, and surface or extracellular localization. We suggested categorizing the revealed specificity factors into three main groups: pathogenesis, resistance to antibiotics, and propagation of mobile genetic elements (MGEs).
Cross-Activation of Regulatory T Cells by Self Antigens Limits Self-Reactive and Activated CD8+ T Cell Responses
Authors: Cho Eunjung , Han Seongeun , Eom Hyeon Seok , Lee Sang-Jin , Han Chungyong , Singh Rohit , Kim Seon-Hee , Park Bo-Mi , Kim Byoung-Gie , Kim Young H. , Kwon Byoung S. , Nam Ki Taek , Choi Beom K.
Published: September 2023

The interaction between regulatory T (Treg) cells and self-reactive T cells is a crucial mechanism for maintaining immune tolerance. In this study, we investigated the cross-activation of Treg cells by self-antigens and its impact on self-reactive CD8+ T cell responses, with a focus on the P53 signaling pathway. We discovered that major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I-restricted self-peptides not only activated CD8+ T cells but also induced the delayed proliferation of Treg cells. Following HLA-A*0201-restricted Melan-A-specific (pMelan) CD8+ T cells, we observed the direct expansion of Treg cells and concurrent suppression of pMelan+CD8+ T cell proliferation upon stimulation with Melan-A peptide. Transcriptome analysis revealed no significant alterations in specific signaling pathways in pMelan+CD8+ T cells that were co-cultured with activated Treg cells. However, there was a noticeable upregulation of genes involved in P53 accumulation, a critical regulator of cell survival and apoptosis. Consistent with such observation, the blockade of P53 induced a continuous proliferation of pMelan+CD8+ T cells. The concurrent stimulation of Treg cells through self-reactive TCRs by self-antigens provides insights into the immune system’s ability to control activated self-reactive CD8+ T cells as part of peripheral tolerance, highlighting the intricate interplay between Treg cells and CD8+ T cells and implicating therapeutic interventions in autoimmune diseases and cancer immunotherapy.
The Structural Abnormalities Are Deeply Involved in the Cause of RPGRIP1-Related Retinal Dystrophy in Japanese Patients
Authors: Torii Kaoruko , Nishina Sachiko , Morikawa Hazuki , Mizobuchi Kei , Takayama Masakazu , Tachibana Nobutaka , Kurata Kentaro , Hikoya Akiko , Sato Miho , Nakano Tadashi , Fukami Maki , Azuma Noriyuki , Hayashi Takaaki , Saitsu Hirotomo , Hotta Yoshihiro
Published: September 2023

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is the most severe form of inherited retinal dystrophy. RPGRIP1-related LCA accounts for 5–6% of LCA. We performed whole-exome sequencing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on 29 patients with clinically suspected LCA and examined ophthalmic findings in patients with biallelic pathogenic variants of RPGRIP1. In addition to five previously reported cases, we identified five cases from four families with compound heterozygous RPGRIP1 variants using WGS. Five patients had null variants comprising frameshift variants, an Alu insertion, and microdeletions. A previously reported 1339 bp deletion involving exon 18 was found in four cases, and the deletion was relatively prevalent in the Japanese population (allele frequency: 0.002). Microdeletions involving exon 1 were detected in four cases. In patients with RPGRIP1 variants, visual acuity remained low, ranging from light perception to 0.2, and showed no correlation with age. In optical coherence tomography images, the ellipsoid zone (EZ) length decreased with age in all but one case of unimpaired EZ. The retinal structure was relatively preserved in all cases; however, there were cases with great differences in visual function compared to their siblings and a 56-year-old patient who still had a faint EZ line. Structural abnormalities may be important genetic causes of RPGRIP1-related retinal dystrophy in Japanese patients, and WGS was useful for detecting them.