bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Spatial Distribution of the Mangshan Pit Viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) under Climate Change Scenarios Using MaxEnt Modeling
Authors: Deng Zeshuai , Xia Xin , Zhang Mu , Chen Xiangying , Ding Xiangyun , Zhang Bing , Deng Guoxing , Yang Daode
Published: April 2024

This study explores the critical issue of understanding the potential impacts of climate change on the habitat suitability of the highly endangered forest-dwelling Mangshan pit viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) in China. Through the application of the MaxEnt model, high-resolution bioclimatic datasets, and species occurrence data, the research aims to elucidate the spatial and temporal dynamics of P. mangshanensis distribution from the present to the years 2050 and 2070. Through the integration of three climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and exploring different shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585), the study seeks to provide comprehensive insights into the potential variations in habitat suitability under diverse future climate conditions. The methodology employed involves the construction of the MaxEnt model utilizing the BioClim dataset and 83 species occurrence points. The SSP scenarios mentioned above represent future climate change scenarios, and the accuracy of the model is evaluated using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Key findings reveal that the MaxEnt model exhibits high accuracy (AUC = 0.998), pinpointing the current suitable habitat for P. mangshanensis to be confined to the Mangshan area within the Nanling Mountains, covering an approximate area of 1023.12 km2. However, projections based on future climate scenarios suggest notable shifts in habitat suitability dynamics. While potential suitable habitats may emerge in the northwest of the current range, the existing suitable habitats are anticipated to undergo significant reduction or even complete disappearance. Notably, precipitation during the driest month emerges as a critical determinant influencing the distribution of the species. In conclusion, the study underscores the exacerbating impact of climate change on habitat deterioration and survival risks for P. mangshanensis, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation measures to safeguard the remaining suitable habitats for this endangered species. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, with the anticipated contraction of the snake’s range potentially leading to its disappearance and increased habitat fragmentation. By shedding light on the potential distributional changes of P. mangshanensis in Mangshan, the research provides valuable insights for informing targeted conservation strategies and policy interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on endangered species.
Mixed Chinese Fir Plantations Alter the C, N, and P Resource Limitations Influencing Microbial Metabolism in Soil Aggregates
Authors: Zhang Han , Huang Yongzhen , Lan Yahui , He Yaqin , Wang Shengqiang , Jiang Chenyang , Cui Yuhong , Fan Rongyuan , Ye Shaoming
Published: April 2024

Assessing the limitations of microbial metabolic resources is crucial for understanding plantation soil quality and enhancing fertility management. However, the variation of microbial resource limitations at the aggregate level in response to changes in stands remains unclear. This research explores carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) limitations affecting microbial metabolism in bulk soils and aggregates in two mixed and one pure Chinese fir stands in subtropical China, analyzing resource limitations concerning soil carbon, nutrients, and microbial indicators. The results revealed that microbes in all aggregates of the pure stands and in the micro aggregates (<0.25 mm) of the three stands were relatively limited by C and P. In contrast, microbial metabolism was more N-limited in macroaggregates (>2 mm) and small aggregates (2–0.25 mm) in the mixed stands. Additionally, in the mixed stands the proportion of soil macroaggregates increased, and that of micro aggregates decreased, resulting in a shift from C and P limitation to N limitation for bulk soil microbial metabolism. Redundancy analysis identified soil aggregate organic carbon and nutrient content as the main factors affecting microbial resource limitation, rather than their stoichiometric ratios. Pathway analysis further confirmed that soil nutrients and their stoichiometric ratios indirectly influenced soil microbe resource limitation by regulating microbial biomass, microbial respiration, and extracellular enzyme activities. Thus, the impact of mixed plantations on soil nutrients and microbial activity at the aggregate level may be crucial for maintaining land fertility and achieving sustainability.
Synergistic Impacts of Built-Up Characteristics and Background Climate on Urban Vegetation Phenology: Evidence from Beijing, China
Authors: Fu Xuecheng , He Bao-Jie
Published: April 2024

Vegetation is an important strategy for mitigating heat island effects, owed to its shading and evaporative cooling functions. However, urbanization has significantly affected regional vegetation phenology and can potentially weaken the cooling potential of vegetation. Previous studies have mainly focused on national and regional vegetation phenology, but local-scale vegetation phenology and dynamic variations in built-up areas remain unclear. Therefore, this study characterized the vegetation phenology in the densely built-up area of Beijing, China over the period of 2000–2020 based on high-resolution NDVI data using Savitzky–Golay filtering and explored its spatiotemporal characteristics and drivers. The results indicate that the vegetation phenology exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity and clustering characteristics. Compared with vegetation in peripheral blocks, vegetation in central urban blocks generally has an earlier start in the growing season (SOS), later end in the growing season (EOS), and a longer growing season length (GSL). However, the overall distribution of these parameters has experienced a process of decentralization along with urbanization. In terms of drivers, vegetation phenology indicators are mainly influenced by background climate. Specifically, SOS and GSL are mainly affected by temperature (TEP), whereas EOS is mainly influenced by annual precipitation (PRE). Additionally, local environmental factors, particularly the percentage of water body (WAP), also have an impact. Notably, the local environment and background climate have a synergistic effect on vegetation phenology, which is greater than their individual effects. Overall, this study extends the current knowledge on the response of vegetation phenology to urbanization by investigating long-term vegetation phenology dynamics in dense urban areas and provides new insights into the complex interactions between vegetation phenology and built environments.
Drivers of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus Infections in the Inner-Alpine Valleys of Northwestern Italy
Authors: Lione Guglielmo , Ongaro Silvia , Prencipe Simona , Giraudo Marianna , Gonthier Paolo
Published: April 2024

Fraxinus excelsior L. (ash) is a key forest tree species challenged by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (T. Kowalski) Baral, Queloz, Hosoya, the causal agent of ash dieback. The goals of this study were (I) to assess the presence, spatial distribution, and incidence of H. fraxineus in the inner-alpine valleys of northwestern Italy, along with the severity of ash dieback; (II) to model the probability of infection by H. fraxineus based on environmental variables; (III) to reconstruct the direction of provenance of the front of invasion of the pathogen; and (IV) to test whether H. fraxineus has replaced the native relative Hymenoscyphus albidus (Gillet) W. Phillips, a saprobe of ash litter. By combining phytosanitary monitoring and samplings in 20 forest stands, laboratory analyses, and statistical modelling, this study showed that H. fraxineus was present in 65% of stands with an average incidence of 27%, reaching peaks of 80%. Rainfalls were the most relevant drivers of the probability of infection by H. fraxineus, rising up to 80% with the increased precipitation in April and July. Other drivers included elevation, maximal temperatures, latitude, and longitude. The front of invasion likely moved from Italy and/or Switzerland, rather than from France, while the replacement of H. albidus is uncertain.
Evaluation of the Bio-Protective Effect of Native Candida Yeasts on Sauvignon Blanc Wines
Authors: Veloso Camila , Mery-Araya Camila , Durán Angelica , Urtubia Alejandra
Published: April 2024

Studying non-Saccharomyces yeasts as bio-protectors can help find new alternatives to the chemical additive SO2 in winemaking. The present article evaluates the effect of two native yeasts, Candida oleophila and Candida boidinii, as potential bio-protectors to replace SO2 during the production of Sauvignon Blanc wine. Fermentation was conducted on simple and mixed inoculum at two concentrations, 1 × 106 and 1 × 107 cells/mL. We monitored the population of deterioration microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB), acetic acid bacteria (AAB), and Brettanomyces bruxellensis (BB), apart from the final chemical and volatile composition of the wine. The results were compared with fermentations protected with SO2, where Candida oleophila yeast was more effective against lactic acid bacteria, whereas Candida boidinii was more effective against acetic acid bacteria and Brettanomyces bruxellensis; meanwhile, the fermentations with the initial inoculum of 1 × 107 cells/mL showed better results than those with an inoculum of 1 × 106 cells/mL. Bio-protector use did not negatively affect wine quality, equaling the effectiveness of SO2 for spoilage microorganism inhibition. This study reveals for the first time the potential of Candida oleophila and Candida boidinii yeasts as bio-protectors in microbiological wine stabilization.
Correction: Li et al. A Learning Game-Based Approach to Task-Dependent Edge Resource Allocation. Future Internet 2023, 15, 395
Authors: Li Zuopeng , Ju Hengshuai , Ren Zepeng
Published: April 2024

In the original publication [...]
Multi-Constraint and Multi-Policy Path Hopping Active Defense Method Based on SDN
Authors: Zhang Bing , Li Hui , Zhang Shuai , Sun Jing , Wei Ning , Xu Wenhong , Wang Huan
Published: April 2024

Path hopping serves as an active defense mechanism in network security, yet it encounters challenges like a restricted path switching space, the recurrent use of similar paths and vital nodes, a singular triggering mechanism for path switching, and fixed hopping intervals. This paper introduces an active defense method employing multiple constraints and strategies for path hopping. A depth-first search (DFS) traversal is utilized to compute all possible paths between nodes, thereby broadening the path switching space while simplifying path generation complexity. Subsequently, constraints are imposed on residual bandwidth, selection periods, path similitude, and critical nodes to reduce the likelihood of reusing similar paths and crucial nodes. Moreover, two path switching strategies are formulated based on the weights of residual bandwidth and critical nodes, along with the calculation of path switching periods. This facilitates adaptive switching of path hopping paths and intervals, contingent on the network’s residual bandwidth threshold, in response to diverse attack scenarios. Simulation outcomes illustrate that this method, while maintaining normal communication performance, expands the path switching space effectively, safeguards against eavesdropping and link-flooding attacks, enhances path switching diversity and unpredictability, and fortifies the network’s resilience against malicious attacks.
Nonlinear Approach to Jouguet Detonation in Perpendicular Magnetic Fields
Authors: Avramenko Andriy A. , Shevchuk Igor V. , Kovetskaya Margarita M. , Kovetska Yulia Y. , Tyrinov Andrii I.
Published: April 2024

The focus of this paper was Jouguet detonation in an ideal gas flow in a magnetic field. A modified Hugoniot detonation equation has been obtained, taking into account the influence of the magnetic field on the detonation process and the parameters of the detonation wave. It was shown that, under the influence of a magnetic field, combustion products move away from the detonation front at supersonic speed. As the magnetic field strength increases, the speed of the detonation products also increases. A dependence has been obtained that allows us to evaluate the influence of heat release on detonation parameters.
A New Solution of Drag for Newtonian Fluid Droplets in a Power-Law Fluid
Authors: Zhu Jianting
Published: April 2024

Understanding flow behaviors of multiple droplets in complex non-Newtonian fluids is crucial in many science and engineering applications. In this study, a new and improved analytical solution is developed based on the free surface cell model for the flow drag of swamp of Newtonian fluid drops through a power-law fluid. The developed solution is accurate and compares well to the numerical solutions. The improvement involves a new quantification of shear stress boundary condition at the interface and a more consistent approximation in linearizing the power-law fluid flow governing equation. The Newtonian fluid solutions can be reasonably used to linearize the flow governing equation. The approximation of the boundary conditions at the interface, however, has a major impact on the model prediction. The main improvement in the new solution is observed under the condition of comparable viscosities of the Newtonian drops and the outside power-law fluid when the results are sensitive to the interface boundary condition. Under the two extreme conditions of high viscosity ratio (approaching particles) and low ratio (approaching bubbles), the present and existing solutions converge.
Analysis of Fungal Diversity, Physicochemical Properties and Volatile Organic Compounds of Strong-Flavor Daqu from Seven Different Areas
Authors: Li Zhigao , Yan Xu , Zou Sibo , Ji Chaofan , Dong Liang , Zhang Sufang , Liang Huipeng , Lin Xinping
Published: April 2024

Strong-flavor Daqu, as a fermentation agent, plays a significant role in shaping the quality of strong-flavor baijius, and fungal species in Daqu are important factors affecting the quality of Daqu. Therefore, we selected strong-flavor Daqu from seven different origins to study the fungal composition and the effects of the fungal composition on the physicochemical properties and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It was found that the fungal composition influences the physicochemical properties of Daqu. Specifically, there was a positive link between Rhizomucor, Rhizopus, Thermomyces, and liquefying activity and a positive correlation between Aspergillus and fermenting activity. Furthermore, the relationships between esterifying activity and Thermomyces, Rhizomucor, Aspergillus, Pichia, and Saccharomycopsis were found to be positive. The VOCs in Daqu were affected by Aspergillus, Issatchenkia, Pichia, and Thermoascus. Issatchenkia was significantly positively correlated with benzeneethanol as well as Aspergillus and pentadecanoic acid ethyl ester, ethyl myristate. Pichia and Thermoascus were significantly negatively correlated with benzaldehyde and 2-furaldehyde. This study deepens our understanding of the relationship between VOCs, the physicochemical properties with microbial communities, and reference significance for the production of better-quality strong-flavor Daqu.
Analysis of Pickled Cucumber Products, Based on Microbial Diversity and Flavor Substance Detection
Authors: Tang Xiaoyue , Chen Xiangyu , Li Fuxiang , Huang Mengmeng , Xie Lele , Ge Jingping , Ling Hongzhi , Cheng Keke
Published: April 2024

Changes to the microbial community during pickled cucumber fermentation were studied using the 16S rDNA technique. The changes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during pickled cucumber fermentation were studied by gas chromatograph–ion mobility spectrometry. At the phylum level, Cyanophyta and Proteobacteria were the dominant flora in the natural fermentation group, and Firmicutes were the dominant flora in the added-bacteria fermentation group. At the generic level, the addition of Lactobacillus led to changes in the community of the bacteria in the added-bacterial fermentation group and decreased the species abundance of other bacteria. In total, 75 volatile organic compounds were identified from naturally fermented pickled cucumber, and 60 volatile organic compounds were identified from fermented pickled cucumber with bacterial addition. The main metabolites were esters, aldehydes, acids, alcohols, ketones, alkanes, nitriles, and alkenes. These metabolites will bring their unique aroma components to the pickled cucumber. Metabolomic analysis of the O2PLS model showed that Weissella and Lactobacillus were closely and positively correlated with nine alcohols, six esters, five aldehydes, four acids, three ketones, and one pyrazine. Pseudomonas and norank_f_Mitochondria show a close positive correlation with four kinds of alcohols, two kinds of esters, one kind of aldehyde, and one kind of nitrile.
Effect of Microwave Treatment on Protease Activity, Dough Properties and Protein Quality in Sprouted Wheat
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Zhao Mengyuan , Shang Panpan , Liu Jing , Zhao Renyong
Published: April 2024

In this study, the effects of microwave treatment on protease activity, dough properties and protein quality in sprouted wheat were investigated. Microwave treatment led to a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in protease activity in sprouted wheat. Proteases with a pH optimum of 4.4 (cysteine proteinases) were more susceptible to microwave heating, which contributed mostly to protease inactivation. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the dough properties and gluten quality of sprouted wheat were observed, which are probably attributable to the synergistic effectiveness of protease inactivation and heat-induced gluten cross-linking. After microwave treatment, the decrease in the solubility and extractability of protein in sprouted wheat indicated protein polymerization, which was induced by intermolecular disulfide bond cross-linking. The changes in gliadin were less pronounced due to the relatively low temperature of the microwave treatment. The cross-linking in sprouted wheat that occurred after microwave treatment seemed to mainly involve glutenin, especially B/C low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (B/C-LMW-GSs) in the range of 30–50 kD.
Optimization of Extraction and Refining Parameters of Oil from Dotted Gizzard Shad (Konosirus punctatus)
Authors: Guo Ying , Shao Juanjuan , Sun Jilu , Wang Zhen , Jiang Baojie
Published: April 2024

To address the challenges associated with resource inefficiency, low extraction rates, environmental concerns, and high energy consumption in traditional fish oil production from dotted gizzard shad (Konosirus punctatus), a novel approach is needed. This study aimed to develop and evaluate two innovative methods for fish oil extraction and refinement, focusing on their effects on fish oil quality, fatty acid profile, and volatile compound composition throughout the respective processes. The findings of the study revealed that the ethanol-assisted enzymatic extraction method surpassed the conventional enzymatic approach in extraction efficiency, achieving an optimal extraction rate of 74.94% ± 0.45% under optimized process conditions. Moreover, the ethanol-NaOH one-step degumming and deacidification method proved effective in simultaneously removing phospholipids and free fatty acids. Under optimal conditions, a notable reduction in phospholipid content in dotted gizzard shad oil, from 6.80 ± 0.01 mg/g to 1.18 ± 0.01 mg/g, and a substantial decrease in acid value, from 3.31 mg/g to 0.31 mg/g, were observed. In summary, the study analyzed the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, and volatile components of fish oil before and after refinement. The refining process was found to preserve the fatty acid composition while efficiently eliminating hydroperoxides and reducing unpleasant odors in the crude oil.
Compressive Failure Characteristics of a Coal–Rock Combination at Different Angles: Experimental Study and Fractal Analysis
Authors: Tang Long , Tu Shihao , Tu Hongsheng , Miao Kaijun , Li Wenlong , Zhao Hongbin , Ma Jieyang , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2024

In order to explore the influence of dip angles on the deformation and failure of a coal–rock combination, uniaxial compression experiments were carried out on a coal–rock combination with different dip angles, and the acoustic emissions (hereinafter referred to as AE) responses during loading were collected. Based on the damage mechanics theory and fractal theory, the fractal dimensions of different damage degrees were calculated. The results show that, with the increase in the inclination angle, the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the coal–rock combination gradually decreased, while the AE ringing count gradually increased first and then decreased. At the initial loading stage of the specimen, the greater the damage degree of the coal–rock combination under the same strain condition, the larger the value of its overall fractal dimension. The AE fractal dimension of the coal–rock combination increases gradually between 10% and 20% of the damage degree. It suddenly decreased between 50% and 60%, then increased slightly before gradually decreasing to the minimum between 80% and 100%. The sudden decrease in fractal dimension, a slight increase, and then a continuous decrease can be used as the precursor information for the instability and failure of the coal–rock combination.
The Seeding of Cosmic Ray Electrons by Cluster Radio Galaxies: A Review
Authors: Vazza Franco , Botteon Andrea
Published: April 2024

Radio galaxies in clusters of galaxies are a prominent reservoir of magnetic fields and of non-thermal particles, which become mixed with the intracluster medium. We review the observational and theoretical knowledge of the role of these crucial ingredients for the formation of diffuse radio emission in clusters (radio halos, relics, mini halos) and outline the open questions in this field.
Influence of Gelatin and Propolis Extract on Honey Gummy Jelly Properties: Optimization Using D-Optimal Mixture Design
Authors: Kaewpetch Kultida , Yolsuriyan Saowapa , Disayathanoowat Terd , Phokasem Patcharin , Jannu Taruedee , Renaldi Gerry , Samakradhamrongthai Rajnibhas Sukeaw
Published: April 2024

Gelatin is commonly used as a gelling agent in gummy candy. Honey and bee products are valuable and rich sources of biologically active substances. In this study, the influence of gelatin and propolis extract on honey gummy jelly (HGJ) properties was investigated. Honey (28–32%), xylitol (13–17%), and gelatin (6–10%) were utilized to develop HGJ products by mixture design methodology. Subsequently, the optimized formulation of HGJ was fortified with 1% and 2% propolis extract to enhance its phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities. The variation in the ingredients significantly affected the physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of the HGJ. The optimized HGJ formulation consisted of honey (32%), xylitol (14%), and gelatin (7%) and exhibited 13.35 × 103 g.force of hardness, −0.56 × 103 g.sec of adhesiveness, 11.96 × 103 N.mm of gumminess, 0.58 of resilience, and a moderate acceptance score (6.7–7.5). The fortification of HGJ with propolis extract significantly increased its phytochemical properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of propolis extract (2%) into the HGJ was able to significantly inhibit the growth of Gram-positive (Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The mixture of gelatin, xylitol, honey, and propolis extract can be utilized to develop a healthy gummy product with acceptable physicochemical, textural, and sensory qualities.
High Modulus, Strut-like poly(ether ether ketone) Aerogels Produced from a Benign Solvent
Authors: Spiering Glenn A. , Godshall Garrett F. , Moore Robert B.
Published: April 2024

Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) was found to form gels in the benign solvent 1,3-diphenylacetone (DPA). Gelation of PEEK in DPA was found to form an interconnected, strut-like morphology composed of polymer axialites. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a strut-like morphology for PEEK aerogels. PEEK/DPA gels were prepared by first dissolving PEEK in DPA at 320 °C. Upon cooling to 50 °C, PEEK crystallizes and forms a gel in DPA. The PEEK/DPA phase diagram indicated that phase separation occurs by solid–liquid phase separation, implying that DPA is a good solvent for PEEK. The Flory–Huggins interaction parameter, calculated as χ12 = 0.093 for the PEEK/DPA system, confirmed that DPA is a good solvent for PEEK. PEEK aerogels were prepared by solvent exchanging DPA to water then freeze-drying. PEEK aerogels were found to have densities between 0.09 and 0.25 g/cm3, porosities between 80 and 93%, and surface areas between 200 and 225 m2/g, depending on the initial gel concentration. Using nitrogen adsorption analyses, PEEK aerogels were found to be mesoporous adsorbents, with mesopore sizes of about 8 nm, which formed between stacks of platelike crystalline lamellae. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray scattering were utilized to elucidate the hierarchical structure of the PEEK aerogels. Morphological analysis found that the PEEK/DPA gels were composed of a highly nucleated network of PEEK axialites (i.e., aggregates of stacked crystalline lamellae). The highly connected axialite network imparted robust mechanical properties on PEEK aerogels, which were found to densify less upon freeze-drying than globular PEEK aerogel counterparts gelled from dichloroacetic acid (DCA) or 4-chlorphenol (4CP). PEEK aerogels formed from DPA were also found to have a modulus–density scaling that was far more efficient in supporting loads than the poorly connected aerogels formed from PEEK/DCA or PEEK/4CP solutions. The strut-like morphology in these new PEEK aerogels also significantly improved the modulus to a degree that is comparable to high-performance crosslinked aerogels based on polyimide and polyurea of comparable densities.
DNA Damage, Genome Stability, and Adaptation: A Question of Chance or Necessity?
Authors: Herrick John
Published: April 2024

DNA damage causes the mutations that are the principal source of genetic variation. DNA damage detection and repair mechanisms therefore play a determining role in generating the genetic diversity on which natural selection acts. Speciation, it is commonly assumed, occurs at a rate set by the level of standing allelic diversity in a population. The process of speciation is driven by a combination of two evolutionary forces: genetic drift and ecological selection. Genetic drift takes place under the conditions of relaxed selection, and results in a balance between the rates of mutation and the rates of genetic substitution. These two processes, drift and selection, are necessarily mediated by a variety of mechanisms guaranteeing genome stability in any given species. One of the outstanding questions in evolutionary biology concerns the origin of the widely varying phylogenetic distribution of biodiversity across the Tree of Life and how the forces of drift and selection contribute to shaping that distribution. The following examines some of the molecular mechanisms underlying genome stability and the adaptive radiations that are associated with biodiversity and the widely varying species richness and evenness in the different eukaryotic lineages.
Oral Frailty as a Risk Factor for Fall Incidents among Community-Dwelling People
Authors: Yokoyama Hisayo , Kitano Yugo
Published: April 2024

Background: Identifying older adults with a high risk of falling and providing them with appropriate intervention are vital measures for preventing fall incidents. Scholars report that oral frailty, a decline in oral function, is related to physical function; thus, it bears a potential association with fall risks. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fall incidents and the status of physical and oral frailty among a sample of residents in Osaka Prefecture. Subjects and Methods: This study targeted community-dwelling people aged 50 years and older who responded to an annual questionnaire survey using a health app for 2 consecutive years, namely, 2020 and 2021. This study analyzed responses from 7591 (62 ± 7 years) participants and determined the status of their oral frailty and comprehensive and physical frailty using the Kihon Checklist. Results: In the 2020 and 2021 surveys, 17% and 19% of the participants exhibited oral frailty and experienced a fall in the previous year, respectively. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that oral frailty (adjusted odds ratio: 1.553) and physical frailty as well as low levels of awareness of frailty were significant explanatory variables of the occurrence of fall incidents during the subsequent year. Conclusions: Future studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms by which oral frailty induces fall incidents.
McLuhan’s Tetrad as a Tool to Interpret the Impact of Online Studio Education on Design Studio Pedagogy
Authors: Takkeci Mehmet Sarper , Erdem Arzu
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in online studio education, which has presented a significant challenge to traditional design studio teaching methods that rely on face-to-face interactions between instructors and students. It is contended that online studio education enhances the accessibility of design studio pedagogy, making it possible for students to learn from anywhere in the world. However, it also challenges the development of tactile skills, which are crucial in design education. Additionally, online studio education can render certain aspects of traditional design studio pedagogy obsolete, while bringing back elements of design history and theory that may have been overlooked in traditional studio teaching. It can also be argued that online studio education has the potential to reverse the traditional power dynamics between instructors and students, resulting in more democratic and collaborative forms of learning that can empower students. As the literature on the effects of online studio education is growing, there is a need to understand how the shift from the material space and its affordances to an online environment affects the core components of an architectural design studio. To understand the effects of this new medium, this research employed Marshall McLuhan’s tetradic approach, a hermeneutic tool to perform a critical interpretation of any medium by examining four simultaneous effects: how it enhances a human sense, what it makes obsolete, what forgotten aspect it retrieves, and how it flips into its opposite at its extremes. A literature review was conducted to analyze the effects of online studios from a tetradic framework and identify the major discussions of the impact of online studio education. The methodology involves a two-part literature review. This study specifically focused on peer-reviewed, empirical research published after 2020, and the authors used search terms related to online architectural studios during the pandemic. The process identified 176 records of peer-reviewed empirical studies for further analysis and 20 papers were read and included in the review, defining repeating topics/themes and organized under four categories pertaining to the founding archetypes of an architectural design studio: (a) setting and communication, (b) actors, (c) outputs, and (d) dynamics. This process was followed by organizing the findings and interpreting them within the tetradic framework to develop a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of the online design studio. Overall, this research aims to provide a detailed and nuanced analysis of the impact of online studio education on design studio pedagogy, conceptualizing McLuhan’s tetrad as a basis for the analysis, and therefore aiming to enrich our understanding of the post-COVID-19 era of learning architecture by examining the dramatic change in the medium and its effects.
Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus Is Transmissible through a Greenhouse Hydroponic System but May Be Inactivated by Cold Plasma Ozone Treatment
Authors: Zhou Jing , Gilliard Andrea , Ling Kai-Shu
Published: April 2024

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is an emerging tobamovirus infecting tomatoes and peppers, resulting in a pandemic in recent years. In addition to its abilities of being seed-borne, transmitted mechanically and overcoming current resistance, we speculated other factors may also contribute to such catastrophic effect on tomato production in a hydroponic greenhouse. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether ToBRFV can be transmissible through recirculating hydroponic systems and, more importantly, search for an effective approach to contain its spread. We not only detected ToBRFV in the runoff water samples collected from three greenhouses but also determined the virus’ infectivity through a bioassay. We then conducted a water treatment using cold plasma ozone to assess its efficacy in inactivating ToBRFV. The results showed that, with a high concentration of ToBRFV (inoculum in 1:100 dilution), a prolonged exposure (72 min) to two higher ozone concentrations (0.6 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L) achieved partial effects. With a medium virus concentration (inoculum in 1:1000 dilution), an exposure to ozone for 48 min was sufficient to completely suppress the virus’ infectivity. However, with a low virus concentration (inoculum in 1:10,000 dilution), the virus was completely inactivated even with just a short ozone exposure (24 min). Future work will need to confirm the efficacy of the ozone treatment against ToBRFV as well as its impact on tomato plants in a hydroponic greenhouse.
Vermicompost Rate Effects on Soil Fertility and Morpho-Physio-Biochemical Traits of Lettuce
Authors: Toor Muhammad Danish , Ay Abdurrahman , Ullah Izhar , Demirkaya Salih , Kızılkaya Rıdvan , Mihoub Adil , Zia Adil , Jamal Aftab , Ghfar Ayman A. , Di Serio Annamaria , Ronga Domenico
Published: April 2024

The use of agricultural chemicals has adversely affected soil health and the environment. Organic farming practices, particularly vermicompost (VC), are gaining attention for their potential to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. This study investigated VC rate applications on lettuce growth, yield, soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, enzyme activity, biological parameters, and biochemical aspects under greenhouse conditions in Samsun, Turkey during 2022–2023. Experimentally, VC was applied at rates of V1: 1%, V2: 2%, and V3: 4% w/w, with a control group without VC application, V0: 0% w/w. Batavia lettuce, which is sensitive to environmental conditions and nutrient deficiency, was subjected to these treatments in a randomized complete block design, replicated thrice. Results showed consistent improvements in plant dry weight across all VC treatments, with the 2% application rate (V2) yielding the highest increase in lettuce yield (56.43%). Soil pH varied across treatments, with V1 being slightly alkaline and V3 showing high electrical conductivity and increased nitrogen content. Phosphorus content increased in all treatments, while potassium varied, with V3 having the highest values. Soil enzyme activities increased with VC concentrations, with V3 showing the highest urease activity. Pearson correlations confirmed positive associations with growth parameters and soil enzymatic activity. These findings highlight vermicompost as a sustainable solution for lettuce production and soil improvement.
Evaluating the Ergonomic Performance of a Novel Periodontal Curette with Adaptive Handle Design
Authors: Wink Cherie , Lin Kairong , Dolan Benjamin E. , Osann Kathryn , Habib Ali A. , Wilder-Smith Petra
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: Periodontal instrumentation with dental curettes is associated with discomfort, fatigue, and musculoskeletal diseases. The goal of this study was to compare comfort, fatigue, and muscle work using three different curettes. (2) Methods: Eight hygienists each scaled three typodonts using the three different curettes. Curette A was a prototype with a novel adaptive design, Curette B had a conventional stainless-steel design, and Curette C featured a conventional silicon-covered handle. Time-based work in four muscles, comfort, fatigue, tactile feedback, grip and blade position, and pinch and grasp strength were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using a General Linear Model (GLIM) and Tukey’s post hoc test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. (3) Results: Comfort, correct grasp, fingertip placement, and blade-to-tooth adaptation were significantly better with Curette A (p < 0.05). While pinch and grasp strength were significantly reduced post-instrumentation for Curettes B and C (p < 0.05), they remained unchanged for Curette A. Curette A required significantly less total muscle work and work in individual muscles, resulting in significantly less post-instrumentation fatigue than for Curettes B and C, but similar levels of tactile feedback (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The ergonomic performance of a prototype adaptive periodontal curette was significantly better than that of two conventional instruments with rigid handle designs.
Data-Driven Sustainable Investment Strategies: Integrating ESG, Financial Data Science, and Time Series Analysis for Alpha Generation
Authors: Sorathiya Afreen , Saval Pradnya , Sorathiya Manha
Published: April 2024

In today’s investment landscape, the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors with data-driven strategies is pivotal. This study delves into this fusion, employing sophisticated statistical techniques and Python programming to unveil insights often overlooked by traditional approaches. By analyzing extensive datasets, including S&P500 financial indicators from 2012 to 2021 and 2021 ESG metrics, investors can enhance portfolio performance. Emphasizing ESG integration for sustainable investing, the study underscores the potential for alpha generation. Time series analysis further elucidates market dynamics, empowering investors to align with both financial objectives and ethical values. Notably, the research uncovers a positive correlation between ESG risk and total risk, suggesting that companies with lower ESG risk tend to outperform those with higher ESG risk. Moreover, employing a long–short ESG risk strategy yields abnormal returns of approximately 4.37%. This integration of ESG factors not only mitigates risks associated with environmental, social, and governance issues but also capitalizes on opportunities for sustainable growth, fostering responsible investing practices and ensuring long-term financial returns, resilience, and value creation.
Raman Imaging—A Valuable Tool for Tracking Fatty Acid Metabolism—Normal and Cancer Human Colon Single-Cell Study
Authors: Beton-Mysur Karolina , Kopec Monika , Brozek-Pluska Beata
Published: April 2024

Altered metabolism of lipids is a key factor in many diseases including cancer. Therefore, investigations into the impact of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids (FAs) on human body homeostasis are crucial for understanding the development of lifestyle diseases. In this paper, we focus on the impact of palmitic (PA), linoleic (LA), and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids on human colon normal (CCD-18 Co) and cancer (Caco-2) single cells using Raman imaging and spectroscopy. The label-free nature of Raman imaging allowed us to evaluate FAs dynamics without modifying endogenous cellular metabolism. Thanks to the ability of Raman imaging to visualize single-cell substructures, we have analyzed the changes in chemical composition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, lipid droplets (LDs), and nucleus upon FA supplementation. Analysis of Raman band intensity ratios typical for lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids (I1656/I1444, I1444/I1256, I1444/I750, I1304/I1256) proved that, using Raman mapping, we can observe the metabolic pathways of FAs in ER, which is responsible for the uptake of exogenous FAs, de novo synthesis, elongation, and desaturation of FAs, in mitochondria responsible for energy production via FA oxidation, in LDs specialized in cellular fat storage, and in the nucleus, where FAs are transported via fatty-acid-binding proteins, biomarkers of human colon cancerogenesis. Analysis for membranes showed that the uptake of FAs effectively changed the chemical composition of this organelle, and the strongest effect was noticed for LA. The spectroscopy studies have been completed using XTT tests, which showed that the addition of LA or EPA for Caco-2 cells decreases their viability with a stronger effect observed for LA and the opposite effect observed for PA. For normal cells, CCD-18 Co supplementation using LA or EPA stimulated cells for growing, while PA had the opposite impact.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Increase Drug Tolerance of A431 Cells Only in 3D Spheroids, Not in 2D Co-Cultures
Authors: Vajda Flóra , Szepesi Áron , Erdei Zsuzsa , Szabó Edit , Várady György , Kiss Dániel , Héja László , Német Katalin , Szakács Gergely , Füredi András
Published: April 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an integral part of the tumor microenvironment (TME); however, their role is somewhat controversial: conflicting reports suggest that, depending on the stage of tumor development, MSCs can either support or suppress tumor growth and spread. Additionally, the influence of MSCs on drug resistance is also ambiguous. Previously, we showed that, despite MSCs proliferating significantly more slowly than cancer cells, there are chemotherapeutic drugs which proved to be similarly toxic to both cell types. Here we established 2D co-cultures and 3D co-culture spheroids from different ratios of GFP-expressing, adipose tissue-derived MSCs and A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells tagged with mCherry to investigate the effect of MSCs on cancer cell growth, survival, and drug sensitivity. We examined the cytokine secretion profile of mono- and co-cultures, explored the inner structure of the spheroids, applied MSC-(nutlin-3) and cancer cell-targeting (cisplatin) treatments separately, monitored the response with live-cell imaging and identified a new, double-fluorescent cell type emerging from these cultures. In 2D co-cultures, no effect on proliferation or drug sensitivity was observed, regardless of the changes in cytokine secretion induced by the co-culture. Conversely, 3D spheroids developed a unique internal structure consisting of MSCs, which significantly improved cancer cell survival and resilience to treatment, suggesting that physical proximity and cell–cell connections are required for MSCs to considerably affect nearby cancer cells. Our results shed light on MSC–cancer cell interactions and could help design new, better treatment options for tumors.
Advancing Adverse Drug Reaction Prediction with Deep Chemical Language Model for Drug Safety Evaluation
Authors: Lin Jinzhu , He Yujie , Ru Chengxiang , Long Wulin , Li Menglong , Wen Zhining
Published: April 2024

The accurate prediction of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is essential for comprehensive drug safety evaluation. Pre-trained deep chemical language models have emerged as powerful tools capable of automatically learning molecular structural features from large-scale datasets, showing promising capabilities for the downstream prediction of molecular properties. However, the performance of pre-trained chemical language models in predicting ADRs, especially idiosyncratic ADRs induced by marketed drugs, remains largely unexplored. In this study, we propose MoLFormer-XL, a pre-trained model for encoding molecular features from canonical SMILES, in conjunction with a CNN-based model to predict drug-induced QT interval prolongation (DIQT), drug-induced teratogenicity (DIT), and drug-induced rhabdomyolysis (DIR). Our results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms conventional models applied in previous studies for predicting DIQT, DIT, and DIR. Notably, an analysis of the learned linear attention maps highlights amines, alcohol, ethers, and aromatic halogen compounds as strongly associated with the three types of ADRs. These findings hold promise for enhancing drug discovery pipelines and reducing the drug attrition rate due to safety concerns.
Synthesis, Pharmacokinetic Profile, Anticancer Activity and Toxicity of the New Amides of Betulonic Acid—In Silico and In Vitro Study
Authors: Bębenek Ewa , Rzepka Zuzanna , Hermanowicz Justyna Magdalena , Chrobak Elwira , Surażyński Arkadiusz , Beberok Artur , Wrześniok Dorota
Published: April 2024

Betulonic acid (B(O)A) is a pentacyclic lupane-type triterpenoid that widely exists in plants. There are scientific reports indicating anticancer activity of B(O)A, as well as the amides and esters of this triterpenoid. In the first step of the study, the synthesis of novel amide derivatives of B(O)A containing an acetylenic moiety was developed. Subsequently, the medium-soluble compounds (EB171 and EB173) and the parent compound, i.e., B(O)A, were investigated for potential cytotoxic activity against breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and melanoma (C32, COLO 829 and A375) cell lines, as well as normal human fibroblasts. Screening analysis using the WST-1 test was applied. Moreover, the lipophilicity and ADME parameters of the obtained derivatives were determined using experimental and in silico methods. The toxicity assay using zebrafish embryos and larvae was also performed. The study showed that the compound EB171 exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect on cancer cell lines: MCF-7, A-375 and COLO 829, while it did not affect the survival of normal cells. Moreover, studies on embryos and larvae showed no toxicity of EB171 in an animal model. Compared to EB171, the compound EB173 had a weaker effect on all tested cancer cell lines and produced less desirable effects against normal cells. The results of the WST-1 assay obtained for B(O)A revealed its strong cytotoxic activity on the examined cancer cell lines, but also on normal cells. In conclusion, this article describes new derivatives of betulonic acid—from synthesis to biological properties. The results allowed to indicate a promising direction for the functionalization of B(O)A to obtain derivatives with selective anticancer activity and low toxicity.
Antioxidant Active Polysaccharides Extracted with Oxalate from Wild Blackthorn Fruits (Prunus spinosa L.)
Authors: Capek Peter , Uhliariková Iveta
Published: April 2024

Although several therapeutic effects have been attributed to wild blackthorn fruits, their use is still negligible. Purification of the antioxidant-active fraction, obtained from wild blackthorn fruits by hot ammonium oxalate extraction (Ao), yielded seven fractions after successive elution with water, sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide solutions. The purified fractions differ in carbohydrates, proteins, and phenolics. About 60% of the applied Ao material was recovered from the column, with the highest yields eluted with 0.25 M NaCl solution, accounting for up to 70 wt% of all eluted material. Analyses have shown that two dominant fractions (3Fa and 3Fb) contain 72.8–81.1 wt% of galacturonic acids, indicating the prevalence of homogalacturonans (HG) with a low acetyl content and a high degree of esterification. The low content of rhamnose, arabinose and galactose residues in both fractions indicates the presence of RG-I associated with arabinogalactan. In terms of yield, the alkali-eluted fraction was also significant, as a dark brown-coloured material with a yield of ~15 wt% with the highest content of phenolic compounds of all fractions. However, it differs from other fractions in its powdery nature, which indicates a high content of salts that could not be removed by dialysis.