bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Roles of the α-Catenin Family Member α-Catulin in Development, Homeostasis and Cancer Progression
Authors: Gielata Mateusz , Karpińska Kamila , Pieczonka Tomasz , Kobielak Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

α-catulin, together with vinculin and the α-catenins, belongs to the vinculin family of proteins, best known for their actin-filament binding properties and crucial roles in cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion. In the past few years, an array of binding partners for α-catulin have surfaced, which has shed new light on the possible functions of this protein. Despite all this information, the molecular basis of how α-catulin acts in cells and controls a wide variety of signals during morphogenesis, tissue homeostasis, and cancer progression remains elusive. This review aims to highlight recent discoveries on how α-catulin is involved in a broad range of diverse biological processes with an emphasis on cancer progression.
Nobiletin Prevents D-Galactose-Induced C2C12 Cell Aging by Improving Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Wang Hui-Hui , Sun Ya-Nan , Qu Tai-Qi , Sang Xue-Qin , Zhou Li-Mian , Li Yi-Xuan , Ren Fa-Zheng
Published: October 2022

Age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and function is one of the main causes of the loss of independence and physical incapacitation in the geriatric population. This study used the D-galactose-induced C2C12 myoblast aging model to explore whether nobiletin (Nob) could delay skeletal muscle aging and determine the associated mechanism. The results showed that Nob intervention improved mitochondrial function, increased ATP production, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inhibited inflammation, and prevented apoptosis as well as aging. In addition, Nob improved autophagy function, removed misfolded proteins and damaged organelles, cleared ROS, reduced mitochondrial damage, and improved skeletal muscle atrophy. Moreover, our results illustrated that Nob can not only enhance mitochondrial function, but can also enhance autophagy function and the protein synthesis pathway to inhibit skeletal muscle atrophy. Therefore, Nob may be a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of age-related muscle decline.
The Role of the Paraventricular-Coerulear Network on the Programming of Hypertension by Prenatal Undernutrition
Authors: Cayupe Bernardita , Troncoso Blanca , Morgan Carlos , Sáez-Briones Patricio , Sotomayor-Zárate Ramón , Constandil Luis , Hernández Alejandro , Morselli Eugenia , Barra Rafael
Published: October 2022

A crucial etiological component in fetal programming is early nutrition. Indeed, early undernutrition may cause a chronic increase in blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart failure. In this regard, current evidence has sustained several pathological mechanisms involving changes in central and peripheral targets. In the present review, we summarize the neuroendocrine and neuroplastic modifications that underlie maladaptive mechanisms related to chronic hypertension programming after early undernutrition. First, we analyzed the role of glucocorticoids on the mechanism of long-term programming of hypertension. Secondly, we discussed the pathological plastic changes at the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus that contribute to the development of chronic hypertension in animal models of prenatal undernutrition, dissecting the neural network that reciprocally communicates this nucleus with the locus coeruleus. Finally, we propose an integrated and updated view of the main neuroendocrine and central circuital alterations that support the occurrence of chronic increases of blood pressure in prenatally undernourished animals.
Molecular Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies of Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hoashi Toshihiko , Kanda Naoko , Saeki Hidehisa
Published: October 2022

Among human cutaneous malignancies, basal cell carcinoma is the most common. Solid advances in unveiling the molecular mechanisms of basal cell carcinoma have emerged in recent years. In Gorlin syndrome, which shows basal cell carcinoma predisposition, identification of the patched 1 gene (PTCH1) mutation was a dramatic breakthrough in understanding the carcinogenesis of basal cell carcinoma. PTCH1 plays a role in the hedgehog pathway, and dysregulations of this pathway are known to be crucial for the carcinogenesis of many types of cancers including sporadic as well as hereditary basal cell carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the clinical features, pathological features and hedgehog pathway as applied in basal cell carcinoma. Other crucial molecules, such as p53 and melanocortin-1 receptor are also discussed. Due to recent advances, therapeutic strategies based on the precise molecular mechanisms of basal cell carcinoma are emerging. Target therapies and biomarkers are also discussed.
Experimental Investigation of a Complex System of Impinging Jets Using Infrared Thermography
Authors: Schweikert Julia , Weigand Bernhard
Published: October 2022

A central task in aviation technology is the development of efficient cooling techniques for thermal highly loaded engine components. For an optimal design of the cooling mechanisms, the heat transfer characteristics have to be known and need to be describable. As a cooling concept for low-pressure turbine casings, complex systems of impinging jets are used in order to reduce blade tip clearances during the flight mission. In order to improve established theoretical model approaches, this paper presents a novel method for the experimental investigation of such a complex system with 200 impinging jets using infrared thermography. The presented experimental method uses a thin electrically heated chrome-aluminum foil as target plate. Modeling the transient effects inside the foil, small structures and high gradients in the heat transfer coefficient can be reproduced with good accuracy. Experimental results of the local heat transfer characteristics are reported for jet Reynolds numbers of Re=2000…6000. The influence of the jet-to-jet distance and the jet Reynolds number on the Nusselt numbers are quantified with Nu∼(S/D)−0.47 and Nu∼Re0.7. The results indicate a dependency of the flow regime for the relatively low jet Reynolds numbers, as it is known from literature.
An Examination of Classical Art Impact and Popularity through Social Media Emotion Analysis of Art Memes and Museum Posts
Authors: Vlachou Sofia , Panagopoulos Michail
Published: October 2022

On Instagram, we have all seen memes. Honestly, what would you do if you encountered a meme in a museum? The purpose of the study is to evaluate the nexus between posts uploaded by museum visitors and emotions, as well as the popularity of artworks and memes. We gathered N = 4.526 (N = 1.222 for memes and N = 3.304 for museum posts) entire posts using API. We selected the total number of likes, comments, frequency, nwords, and text emotions as indicators for several supervised machine learning tasks. Moreover, we used a ranking algorithm to measure meme and artwork popularity. Our experiments revealed the most prevalent emotions in both the memes dataset and museum posts dataset. The ranking task showed the most popular meme and museum post, respectively, that can influence the aesthetic experience and its popularity. This study provided further insight into the social media sphere that has had a significant effect on the aesthetic experience of museums and artwork’s popularity. As a final point, we anticipate that our outcomes will serve as a springboard for future studies in social media, art, and cultural analytics.
A Framework for Designing Usability: Usability Redesign of a Mobile Government Application
Authors: Kureerung Pinnaree , Ramingwong Lachana , Ramingwong Sakgasit , Cosh Kenneth , Eiamkanitchat Narissara
Published: October 2022

The existing usability models have been used primarily for evaluation, not for usability engineering. The models were found to be general for specific mobile applications. They also lack appropriate guidelines to apply the usability models to m-government applications. Earthquake information is an example of critical information delivered to citizens via m-government applications. Usability design is considered a very important key factor to the success of such applications. This research addresses the challenges in finding the usability factors important to m-government applications and choosing appropriate factors for specific m-government applications. A questionnaire was administered to 49 citizens. The results include six usability factors which are learnability, simplicity, satisfaction, security, privacy, and memorability. Descriptions of the usability factors were later added to provide a clearer definition for each factor. This paper proposes the usability design framework for m-government applications. The use of the framework was illustrated based on the user interface redesign of the EarthquakeTMD application. The main aim was to demonstrate the applicability of the framework. The quality of the original UI design of the application in the case study was assessed with a questionnaire which was administered to 57 Thai citizens who lived in the areas affected by the disasters. Four designers participated in UI redesigning and produced four different UI designs. The new UI designs were evaluated via two usability tests on two sample groups of representative users. The first usability test was conducted with 24 participants. Twenty-four test cases were used. The second usability test was conducted with 351 representative users. After the tests, both sample groups were given a questionnaire based on the SUS (System Usability Scale). The same two UI designs by experienced and inexperienced designers who used the framework received the highest scores: 89.58 and 87.60 on the first usability test. They also received the highest score on the second usability test: 89.10 and 90.88. The results reveal that the citizens preferred the new user interfaces designed using the framework. It was found that the scores of the UI designed by inexperienced designers who used the framework were as high as the scores of the UI designed by experienced designers, whereas the UI designs from the designers who did not use the framework received the lowest scores: 63.23 and 54.27 on the first usability testing and 59.34 and 46.53 on the second usability testing.
Adaptive Propagation Graph Convolutional Networks Based on Attention Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Chenfang , Gan Yong , Yang Ruisen
Published: October 2022

The main steps in a graph neural network are message propagation and aggregation between nodes. Message propagation allows messages from distant nodes in the graph to be transmitted to the central node, while feature aggregation allows the central node to obtain messages regarding its neighbors and update itself, so that it can express deep-layer features. Because the graph structure data have no local translation invariance, the number of neighbors of each central node is different, and there is no order, there are two difficulties: (1) how to design a reliable message propagation method to better express all network topologies; (2) how to design a feature aggregation function so that it can weigh local features and global features. In this paper, a new adaptive propagation graph convolutional network model based on the attention mechanism (APAT-GCN) is proposed, which enables GNNs to adaptively complete the process of message propagation and feature aggregation, according to the neighbors of the central node, and set the influence degree of local and global messages on the aggregation of the central node. Compared with other classical models, this method is superior to the baseline model and can improve the accuracy of node- and graph-level classification tasks in downstream tasks.
The Involvement of Public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Poland in the Promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Age of Social Media
Authors: Pietrzak Piotr
Published: October 2022

The aim of this paper is to present the involvement of public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Poland in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2021. The reason for undertaking the research was a noticeable lack of studies in the literature on the engagement of universities in the concept of sustainability. The research conducted was mainly qualitative in nature. The aim was realized using three groups of research methods: collection of empirical data, data processing, and the presentation of study outcomes. The study used 16 indicators, constructed from data taken from SciVal and RAD-on reports. These indicators presented the number of publications promoting each of the SDGs in 2021 per academic staff and other persons carrying out and participating in teaching or research activities. The research was conducted on 57 universities from Poland. Four clusters were distinguished as a result of the cluster analysis that was performed. The first cluster comprised only universities of life sciences. This group had the highest publication productivity for the following goals: SDG2, SDG3, SDG6, SDG11, SDG12, SDG13, SDG14, SDG15, and SDG16. The universities that made up cluster 2 (predominantly universities of technology) specialized in publications related to goals such as SDG7 and SDG9. The highest publication productivity for SDG1, SDG4, SDG5, SDG8, SDG10, and SDG16 belonged to cluster 3 (consisting mainly of universities of economics). The HEIs (mainly universities of physical education) that made up cluster 4 did not have the highest publication productivity in any of the SDGs. Therefore, it can be concluded that, in 2021, there was a correlation between the profile of a public HEI in Poland and the SDGs it was involved in promoting.
ERP Quality and the Organizational Performance: Technical Characteristics vs. Information and Service
Authors: Balić Amer , Turulja Lejla , Kuloglija Emina , Pejić-Bach Mirjana
Published: October 2022

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have become the most important tool for integrating businesses and achieving the “once only” principle in data entry, which contributes to resource efficiency, the enhancement of numerous organizational processes and capabilities, and, ultimately, improved business performance. In this study, we examine the ERP system’s quality as the company’s dynamic capability, contributing to business performance according to the dynamic capability perspective. Thus, we incorporate theoretical mechanisms into the model of the ERP system’s dimensions as a function of financial and non-financial organizational performance. We hypothesized that companies with a better ERP system, with all three dimensions, information, system, and services, will achieve better non-financial and financial performance. The model was tested using primary data collected using a survey method in the environment of a developing country, where the digital transformation of companies is still at a lower level. Structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis, and the results suggest a positive relationship between ERP system quality and both types of organizational business performance. The results indicate that not all dimensions have the same effect. The quality of information and service is particularly important for business performance until the system’s technical characteristics have no significant effect.
Fast Component Density Clustering in Spatial Databases: A Novel Algorithm
Authors: Bataineh Bilal
Published: October 2022

Clustering analysis is a significant technique in various fields, including unsupervised machine learning, data mining, pattern recognition, and image analysis. Many clustering algorithms are currently used, but almost all of them encounter various challenges, such as low accuracy, required number of clusters, slow processing, inability to produce non-spherical shaped clusters, and unstable performance with respect to data characteristics and size. In this research, a novel clustering algorithm called the fast component density clustering in spatial databases (FCDCSD) is proposed by utilizing a density-based clustering technique to address the aforementioned existing challenges. First, from the smallest to the largest point in the spatial field, each point is labeled with a temporary value, and the adjacent values in one component are stored in a set. Then, all sets with shared values are merged and resolved to obtain a single value that is representative of the merged sets. These values represent final cluster values; that is, the temporary equivalents in the dataset are replaced to generate the final clusters. If some noise appears, then a post-process is performed, and values are assigned to the nearest cluster based on a set of rules. Various synthetic datasets were used in the experiments to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method. Results indicate that FCDCSD is generally superior to affinity propagation, agglomerative hierarchical, k-means, mean-shift, spectral, and density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise, ordering points for identifying clustering structures, and Gaussian mixture clustering methods.
CBIR-DSS: Business Decision Oriented Content-Based Recommendation Model for E-Commerce
Authors: Bagwari Ashish , Sinha Anurag , Singh N. K. , Garg Namit , Kanti Jyotshana
Published: October 2022

Business-based decision support systems have been proposed for a few decades in the e-commerce and textile industries. However, these Decision Support Systems (DSS) have not been so productive in terms of business decision delivery. In our proposed model, we introduce a content-based image retrieval model based on a DSS and recommendations system for the textile industry, either offline or online. We used the Fashion MNIST dataset developed by Zalando to train our deep learning model. Our proposed hybrid model can demonstrate how a DSS can be integrated with a system that can separate customers based on their personal characteristics in order to tailor recommendations of products using behavioral analytics, which is trained based on MBTI personality data and Deap EEG data containing numerous pre-trained EEG brain waves. With this hybrid, a DSS can also show product usage analytics. Our proposed model has achieved the maximum accuracy compared to other proposed state-of-the-art models due to its qualitative analysis. In the first section of our analysis, we used a deep learning algorithm to train our CBIR model based on different classifiers such as VGG-net, Inception-Net, and U-net which have achieved an accuracy of 98.2% with a 2% of minimized error rate. The result was validated using different performance metrics such as F-score, F-weight, Precision, and Recall. The second part of our model has been tested on different machine learning algorithms with an accuracy rate of 89.9%. Thus, the entire model has been trained, validated, and tested separately to gain maximum efficiency. Our proposal for a DSS system, which integrates several subsystems with distinct functional sets and several model subsystems, is what makes this study special. Customer preference is one of the major problems facing merchants in the textile industry. Additionally, it can be extremely difficult for retailers to predict customer interests and preferences to create products that fulfill those needs. The three innovations presented in this work are a conceptual model for personality characterization, utilizing an amalgamation of an ECG classification model, a suggestion for a textile image retrieval model using Denoising Auto-Encoder, and a language model based on the MBTI for customer rating. Additionally, we have proposed a section showing how blockchain integration in data pre-processing can enhance its security and AI-based software quality assurance in a multi-model system.
An Adaptive Multi-Staged Forward Collision Warning System Using a Light Gradient Boosting Machine
Authors: Ma Jun , Li Jiateng , Gong Zaiyan , Huang Hongwei
Published: October 2022

The existing forward collision warning (FCW) systems that adopt kinematic or perceptual parameters have some drawbacks in the warning performance because of poor adaptability to the users or ineffectiveness of the warnings. To solve the problems of adaptability, several FCW models have been proposed based on algorithms (machine learning, deep learning). However, there is a lack of consideration for the multi-staged warning to avoid an abrupt warning that may startle or distract the driver. In this study, a light gradient boosting machine (LGBM) was adopted to develop a multi-staged FCW. The proposed model was trained and evaluated on a platform based on a driving simulator by twenty drivers. Through Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAPs), the output of the proposed model was explained. Specifically, the front vehicle acceleration, time-to-collision (TTC), and relative speed were found to strongly affect the warning stages from the proposed model. To evaluate the utility and acceptability of the developed model, it was compared with three existing FCW models in terms of subjective and objective indicators. As a result, a trade-off was found between the utility and user acceptance. Additionally, the comparison study also indicated that the developed model outperformed other previous models due to not only the high accuracy but also the suitable trigger timing for each participant.
Machine Learning Applied to Tree Crop Yield Prediction Using Field Data and Satellite Imagery: A Case Study in a Citrus Orchard
Authors: Moussaid Abdellatif , El Fkihi Sanaa , Zennayi Yahya , Lahlou Ouiam , Kassou Ismail , Bourzeix François , El Mansouri Loubna , Imani Yasmina
Published: October 2022

The overall goal of this study is to define an intelligent system for predicting citrus fruit yield before the harvest period. This system uses a machine learning algorithm trained on historical field data combined with spectral information extracted from satellite images. To this end, we used 5 years of historical data for a Moroccan orchard composed of 50 parcels. These data are related to climate, amount of water used for irrigation, fertilization products by dose, phytosanitary treatment dose, parcel size, and root-stock type on each parcel. Additionally, two very popular indices, the normalized difference vegetation index and normalized difference water index were extracted from Sentinel 2 and Landsat satellite images to improve prediction scores. We managed to build a total dataset composed of 250 rows, representing the 50 parcels over a period of 5 years labeled with the yield of each parcel. Several machine learning algorithms were tested with the necessary parameter optimization, while the orthonormal automatic pursuit algorithm gave good prediction scores of 0.2489 (MAE: Mean Absolute Error) and 0.0843 (MSE: Mean Squared Error). Finally, the approach followed in this study shows excellent potential for fruit yield prediction. In fact, the test was performed on a citrus orchard, but the same approach can be used on other tree crops to achieve the same goal.
Long-Term Behaviour of Padded Concrete Sleepers on Reduced Ballast Bed Thickness
Authors: Marschnig Stefan , Ehrhart Ursula , Offenbacher Stefan
Published: October 2022

The positive effects of under sleeper pads have already been proven by track and laboratory tests worldwide. In Austria, padded concrete sleepers reduce track deterioration by 50 percent and have therefore been used as standard components since 2010. As the pads increase material costs, many infrastructure managers have discussed the idea of covering costs by reducing the ballast bed thickness. Technically, this approach (less ballast) is feasible, as the pads increase the track elasticity and protect the ballast. Further, pads lead to higher rail deflection and distribution of the load to more sleepers, and the stresses in sleepers are therefore relieved. Here, we compared Austrian test sections with padded and unpadded concrete sleepers and with a difference in the ballast bed thickness: standard thickness of 30 cm against 20 cm below the sleeper. Fractal analyses and standard deviations of the track’s longitudinal level provided information about the sections’ long-term track behaviour over 20 years. We found that the standard solution with 30 cm ballast performed better in the long term compared to 20 cm. Additionally, the test section with padded sleepers on a reduced ballast bed thickness showed a lower maintenance demand than the unpadded concrete sleeper track on a 30 cm ballast bed.
A Creep Prediction Model for Concrete Made from Pit Sand with Low Silica Content
Authors: Pasalli Daud Andang , Tudjono Sri , Nurhuda Ilham
Published: October 2022

Pit sand generally has a lower silica content than sand sourced from rivers or crushed stones. The effect of this sand on the creep of concrete has not yet been fully studied. Understanding the creep of concrete can help to estimate the behaviour of structures in the future. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the properties of pit sand with different chemical compositions and grain size distributions on the creep of concrete, and to develop a creep prediction model for concrete made of pit sand with low silica content. This investigation employed laboratory testing to obtain the physical and chemical properties of the sand, and its relationship to the shrinkage and creep of concrete. A concrete creep prediction model is proposed based on the modification of the B3 Model. Modifications were made by proposing a material constant obtained from short creep tests. The creep parameter obtained from the test can be better used to predict the creep of concrete.
Synthesis of 3D Cadmium(II)-Carboxylate Framework Having Potential for Co-Catalyst Free CO2 Fixation to Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Khattak Zafar A. K. , Ahmad Nazir , Younus Hussein A. , Ullah Habib , Yu Baoyi , Munawar Khurram S. , Ashfaq Muhammad , Ali Sher , Shahadat Hossain M. , Verpoort Francis
Published: October 2022

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous coordination polymers with interesting structural frameworks, properties, and a wide range of applications. A novel 3D cadmium(II)-carboxylate framework, CdMOF ([Cd2(L)(DMF)(H2O)2]n), was synthesized by the solvothermal method using a tetracarboxylic bridging linker having amide functional moieties. The CdMOF crystal structure exists in the form of a 3D layer structure. Based on the single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, the supramolecular assembly of CdMOF is explored by Hirshfeld surface analysis. The voids and cavities analysis is performed to check the strength of the crystal packing in CdMOF. The CdMOF followed a multistage thermal degradation pattern in which the solvent molecules escaped around 200 °C and the structural framework remained stable till 230 °C. The main structural framework collapsed (>60 wt.%) into organic volatiles between 400–550 °C. The SEM morphology analyses revealed uniform wedge-shaped rectangular blocks with dimensions of 25–100 μm. The catalytic activity of CdMOF for the solvent and cocatalyst-free cycloaddition of CO2 into epichlorohydrin was successful with 100% selectivity. The current results revealed that this 3D CdMOF is more active than the previously reported CdMOFs and, more interestingly, without using a co-catalyst. The catalyst was easily recovered and reused, having the same performance.
UV–Vis Transparent Conductive Film Based on Cross-Linked Ag Nanowire Network: A Design for Photoelectrochemical Device
Authors: Ren Peiling , Wang Youqing , Liu Menghan , Zhang Miaomiao , Wu Wenxuan , Wang Hongjun , Luo Daobin
Published: October 2022

The FTO/ITO transparent conductive films currently used in photoelectrochemical devices limit performance improvement due to their low conductivity, poor flexibility, and inability to transmit UV light. Ag nanowire-based films are a very promising alternative to address these problems, and are considered to be the next generation in transparent conductive film. Here, we prepared a cross-linked nano-network composed of ultra-long Ag nanowires by a special physical template method. The obtained Ag nanowire transparent conductive film has a transmittance of over 80% in a wide range of 200 nm–900 nm, a sheet resistance as small as 5.2 Ω/sq, and can be easily transferred to various substrates without damage. These results have obvious advantages over Ag nanowire films obtained by traditional chemical methods. Considering the special requirements of photoelectrochemical devices, we have multifunctionally enhanced the film by a TiO2 layer. The heat-resistant temperature of transparent conductive film was increased from 375 °C to 485 °C, and the mechanical stability was also significantly improved. The presence of the multifunctional layer is expected to suppress the carrier recombination in self-powered photoelectrochemical devices and improve the electron diffusion in the longitudinal direction of the electrode, while serving as a seed layer to grow active materials. The high-quality Ag nanowire network and functional layer synergize to obtain a UV–Visible transparent conductive film with good light transmittance, conductivity, and stability. We believe that it can play an important role in improving the performance of photoelectrochemical devices, especially the UV devices.
Fabrication of a Potential Electrodeposited Nanocomposite for Dental Applications
Authors: Chang Chun-Wei , Tsou Chen-Han , Huang Bai-Hung , Hung Kuo-Sheng , Cho Yung-Chieh , Saito Takashi , Tsai Chi-Hsun , Hsieh Chia-Chien , Liu Chung-Ming , Lan Wen-Chien
Published: October 2022

In the present study, a nanocrystalline Ni-Fe matrix with reinforced TiO2 nanoparticles as a functional nanocomposite material was fabricated by pulsed current electroforming in UV-LIGA (lithography, electroplating, and molding). The influences of TiO2 nanoparticles on the Ni-Fe nanocomposite deposition were also investigated using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and in vitro cytotoxicity assay. It was found that the Ni-Fe nanocomposite with 5 wt.% TiO2 nanoparticles showed a smooth surface and better dispersion property. When the Ni-Fe nanocomposite is combined with 20 wt.% TiO2, it resulted in congeries of TiO2 nanoparticles. In addition, TiO2 nanoparticles possessed better dispersion properties as performed in pulse current electrodeposition. The microstructure of the electrodeposited Ni-Fe-TiO2 nanocomposite was a FeNi3 phase containing anatase nano-TiO2. Moreover, the electrodeposited Ni-Fe-5 wt.% TiO2 nanocomposite exhibited a smooth surface and structural integrity. Cytotoxicity assay results also proved that the Ni-Fe nanocomposite with different concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles had good biocompatibility. Therefore, the optimization of pulse current electroforming parameters was successfully applied to fabricate the Ni-Fe-TiO2 nanocomposite, and thus could be used as an endodontic file material for dental applications.
Synthesis, Single Crystal X-ray Structure, Spectroscopy and Substitution Behavior of Niobium(V) Complexes Activated by Chloranilate as Bidentate Ligand
Authors: Belay Alebel Nibret , Venter Johan Andries , Alexander Orbett Teboho , Roodt Andreas
Published: October 2022

Chloranilic acid (2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone, caH2) as a bidentate ligand for Nb(V) as a metal center is presented. The different coordination behavior of caH2 is well illustrated by a monomeric (Et4N)cis-[NbO(ca)2(H2O)OPPh3]·3H2O.THF (5) and a novel tetranuclear compound (Et4N)4[Nb4O4(ca)2(μ2-O)2Cl8]·2CH3CN (6) via self-assembly, respectively. These were obtained in >80% yields and characterized by IR, UV/Vis and NMR (1H, 13C{1H}, 31P{1H}) spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction, and they included a systematic assessment of the solid-state behavior. The anionic metal complexes showed different coordination modes at the Nb(V): [Nb4O4(ca)2(μ2-O)2Cl8]4− (6a; distorted octahedral) and cis-[NbO(ca)2(H2O)(OPPh3)]− (5a; D5h distorted pentagonal bipyramidal), respectively. The tetranuclear complex 6a is substitution inert, while cis-[NbO(ca)2(H2O)OPPh3]− (5a) allowed a systematic ligation kinetic evaluation. The substitution of the coordinated triphenylphosphine oxide by a range of pyridine-type entering nucleophiles, 4-N,N-dimethyl-aminopyridine (DMAP), pyridine (py), 4-methylpyridine (4Mepy), 3-chloropyridine (3Clpy) and 3-bromopyridine (3Brpy) in acetonitrile at 31.2 °C was carefully evaluated. The subtle interplay between the main group ligand systems and the hard, early transition metal Nb(V) complex (5a) was well illustrated. The entering monodentate ligands showed a 15-fold reactivity range increase in the order 3Brpy < 3Clpy < 4Mepy < py < DMAP in broad agreement with the Brønsted-donating ability of the nucleophiles. The activation parameters determined for the reaction of 5a with DMAP as the entering ligand yielded ΔH≠kf = 52 ± 1 kJ mol−1 and ΔS≠kf = −108 ± 3 J K−1 mol−1 for the enthalpy and entropy of activation, respectively, indicating an associative substitution mechanism. The study presents an important contribution to the structure/reactivity relationships in Nb(V) complexes stabilized by chloranilic acid as a bidentate ligand.
Using Trait-Based Approaches to Assess the Response of Epedaphic Collembola to Organic Matter Management Practices: A Case Study in a Rubber Plantation in South-Eastern Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kouakou Aymard Kouakou , Cortet Jérôme , Kolo Yeo , Brauman Alain
Published: October 2022

We used trait-based approaches to reveal the functional responses of springtails communities to organic matter inputs in a rubber plantation in Côte d’Ivoire. Pitfall traps were used to sample springtails in each practice. The results showed that the total abundance of springtails increased significantly with the amount of organic matter (R0L0 < R2L1). Larger springtails (body length, furca and antennae) were observed in plots with high organic matter. Practices with logging residues and legume recorded the highest functional richness. The principal coordinate analysis showed different functional composition patterns between practices with logging residues (R1L1 and R2L1) and those without inputs (R0L0 and R0L1). This difference in functional composition (PERMANOVA analysis) was related to the effect of practices. These results highlight the pertinence of the functional trait approach in the characterization of springtail communities, a bioindicator of soil health, for organic matter management practice.
RNA Sequencing Reveals the Potential Adaptation Mechanism to Different Hosts of Grapholita molesta
Authors: Lü Dongbiao , Yan Zizheng , Hu Di , Zhao Aiping , Wei Shujun , Wang Ping , Yuan Xiangqun , Li Yiping
Published: October 2022

Grapholita molesta is an important fruit tree worldwide pest which feeds on hosts extensively and does serious harm. In this paper, the growth and development parameters and protease activities of G. molesta fed on different hosts were compared. Using Illumina RNA sequencing technology, 18 midgut samples from five different hosts (apple, pear, plum, peach and peach shoots) and artificial diet were sequenced and compared with the reference genome, resulting in 15269 genes and 2785 predicted new genes. From 15 comparative combinations, DEGs were found from 286 to 4187 in each group, with up-regulated genes from 107 to 2395 and down-regulated genes from 83 to 2665. KEGG pathway analysis showed that DEGs were associated with amino acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and hydrolase activity. A total of 31 co-expression gene modules of different hosts were identified by WGCNA. qRT-PCR showed that the expression pattern of the trypsin gene was consistent with RNA sequencing. In this study, growth and development parameters, protease activity, DEGs, enrichment analysis and qRT-PCR were combined to reveal the adaptation process to different hosts of G. molesta in many aspects. The results of this study provide a basis for further exploration of the molecular mechanism of host adaptation of G. molesta.
Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Cadmium on Development, Reproduction and Antioxidant Enzymes of Aleuroglyphus ovatus (Acari: Acaridae)
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xiong Wenhui , Yang Shan , Ai Hui , Zou Zhiwen , Xia Bin
Published: October 2022

Grain contaminated by cadmium (Cd) has become a serious food security problem, and it is necessary to determine and evaluate the toxic effect and defense mechanism of long-term heavy metal pollution in grain. In order to evaluate the effects of long-term heavy metal Cd stress on the stored grain pests, Aleuroglyphus ovatus were fed with an artificial diet supplemented with different concentrations of Cd (0, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg). The development, fecundity and detoxification enzymes of A. ovatus were analyzed and observed. In this study, the immature duration of A. ovatus was significantly prolonged under long-term Cd stress. Moreover, the survival duration of female adults was significantly shortened. The total number of eggs laid and the daily number laid per female adult decreased significantly. There were significant differences in protein content at protonymph and tritonymph stages when the concentration of Cd exceeded 10 mg/kg. The protein content of female adults was higher than that of male adults. The activity of detoxification enzymes showed differences in different conditions, such as development stage, Cd concentration and gender. These findings confirmed that A. ovatus were sensitive to Cd, and their offspring were severely affected under long-term Cd stress. Therefore, A. ovatus is a good model for evaluating the toxicity of long-term heavy metal Cd stress. The study provides the basis and enriches the research content of heavy metal pollution on mites, contributing to the harmonious and healthy development between the environment and human beings.
Prediction of Growth Characteristics and Migration Period of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) According to Temperature
Authors: Lee Seongkyun , Park Younguk , Hwang Chohee , Park Areum , Lee Seokho , Kim Juhyoung
Published: October 2022

In 2019, an outbreak of Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) was first reported in Korea. This study aimed to determine the growth rate and feeding amount of S. frugiperda by temperature to establish the right time window for its control and management. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the growth period and thermal requirements of S. frugiperda. The longest growth period of 97.2 ± 1.2 days was observed at 16 °C, and the shortest growth period of 15.5 ± 0.7 days was observed at 36 °C. In terms of each growth stage, the pupal period was the longest at all temperatures, followed by the egg period. The maximum corn leaf feeding amount (6.61 g) was observed for the larvae grown at 16 °C, and the minimum (2.9 g) was observed at 36 °C. However, the daily feeding amount of S. frugiperda larvae was the highest at 28 °C and 32 °C. The hatching rate according to temperature exceeded 70% at 24 °C, 28 °C, and 32 °C, and the survival rate of larvae and pupae was 100% at 24 °C to 32 °C. Based on these results, a temperature range of 28 °C to 32 °C is proposed as the optimum temperature for the growth of S. frugiperda.
Effect of Irradiation on Reproduction of Female Spodoptera litura (Fabr.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Relation to the Inherited Sterility Technique
Authors: Sengupta Madhumita , Vimal Neha , Angmo Nilza , Seth Rakesh Kumar
Published: October 2022

Radiobiological investigations on the reproductive behavior of female Spodoptera litura (Fabr.) were conducted with the aim of determining the suitable radio-sterilizing dose for females in order to release them along with sub-sterile males for effective implementation of the Inherited Sterility technique against this pest. Calling and copulation duration significantly increased, while mating success, oviposition, fertility and longevity significantly decreased with increasing radiation dose (100–200 Gy) compared to control. In view of the effect of irradiation on mating behavior and reproductive viability of female S. litura, 130 Gy was identified as a suitable radio-sterilization dose. Further molecular studies were conducted to corroborate this dose for female sterilization, along with a higher dose of 200 Gy in order to validate the gradational response of ionizing radiation. GC-MS analysis indicated decreased sex pheromone titer at 130 Gy, which was more pronounced at 200 Gy. Pheromone-associated genes, PBAN and PBAN-R showed decreased expression at 130 Gy, and were drastically reduced at 200 Gy. The fertility-related Vg gene also showed a negative correlation with radiation exposure. Based on these radiation responses of female S. litura, 130 Gy might be considered a suitable dose for complete female sterility and its inclusion in sterile insect programs against S. litura.
Aedes albopictus Sterile Male Production: Influence of Strains, Larval Diet and Mechanical Sexing Tools
Authors: Malfacini Marco , Puggioli Arianna , Balestrino Fabrizio , Carrieri Marco , Dindo Maria Luisa , Bellini Romeo
Published: October 2022

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a biologically based method of pest control, which relies on the mass production, sterilization, and release of sterile males of the target species. Since females can transmit viruses, it is important to develop a mass rearing system to produce a large number of males with a low presence of females. We evaluated the effects of different strains, larval diets and sexing tools on male productivity and residual female presence for the application of SIT against Aedes albopictus. Strains coming from Italy, Germany, Greece, and Montenegro, with different levels of colonization, were reared with three larval diets: IAEA-BY, BLP-B and SLP-BY. Developed pupae were sexed using two different mechanical methods: sieve or Fay-Morlan separator. The results proved that adoption of the Fay-Morlan separator increased the productivity and limited the female presence. The IAEA-BY diet showed the lowest female contamination. Strains with a high number of breeding generations showed a decreased productivity and an increased female presence. Increased female presence was found only in extensively reared strains and only when the sorting operation was conducted with sieves. We hypothesize that extensive colonization may determine a size reduction which limits the sexing tool efficiency itself.
Chromosomes as Barcodes: Discovery of a New Species of Black Fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) from California, USA
Authors: Adler Peter H. , Huang Shaoming
Published: October 2022

One of the most popular tools for species discovery and resolution is the DNA barcode, typically based on the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. However, other non-genic barcodes are available for Diptera. The banding sequence of polytene chromosomes in some dipteran cells, particularly of the larval silk glands, can provide a unique species barcode. We used the sequence of bands to reveal a new species of black fly in the Simulium (Boreosimulium) annulus species group from California, USA. To further characterize the species and provide more integrated taxonomy, we morphologically described all life stages above the egg, formally named the species Simulium ustulatum n. sp., and provided a conventional COI barcode. The COI barcode confirmed the chromosomal and morphological evidence that the species is a new member of the S. annulus group, and enabled identification of the larva and female, which are structurally similar to those of other species. The chromosomal barcode shows that this species has the most rearranged complement, compared with the eight other North American members of its species group, with up to 12 times the number of fixed rearrangements. Up to six chromosomal rearrangements, including autosomal polymorphisms and sex-linked phenomena, are shared with other members of the group. The most unique and conspicuous chromosomal feature of this new species is a large, pale-staining chromocenter from which the six chromosomal arms radiate. The distribution of this univoltine species in lowland rivers of California’s Central Valley could make it vulnerable, given climate change and increasing land development.
Response of Chironomids to Key Environmental Factors: Perspective for Biomonitoring
Authors: Rossaro Bruno , Marziali Laura , Boggero Angela
Published: October 2022

Chironomids are the species-richest family among macroinvertebrates and are often used as indicators of ecological conditions in inland waters. High taxonomic expertise is needed for identification and new species are still being described even in the well-known West Palearctic region. Our Microsoft Access relational database comprises data on Chironomid species collected in rivers and lakes in Italy and some other European countries over a period of about 50 years, often associated with physical-chemical data, but in some cases, only data on Chironomids are available with no associated environmental data. The aim of the present paper was to propose the calculation of ecological traits of Chironomid species as a tool to derive information on water quality, when only data on Chironomid species composition are present, while environmental data are lacking. Traits summarizing the species’ response to environmental variables were evaluated, with emphasis on natural and man-influenced factors: current velocity, water temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrients. Traits calculations were carried out in the R environment using a subset of our data, including both environmental data and Chironomid abundances. The relations between sites, Chironomid, species and traits were evaluated using correspondence analysis and other multivariate methods. The response of species showed an interaction among different factors, with the possibility of ordering species along a single environmental gradient, extending from cold running waters to warm standing waters, with few exceptions.
Molecular Identification of Host Blood Meals and Detection of Blood Parasites in Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Collected from Phatthalung Province, Southern Thailand
Authors: Sunantaraporn Sakone , Hortiwakul Thanaporn , Kraivichian Kanyarat , Siriyasatien Padet , Brownell Narisa
Published: October 2022

Five hundred and fifty-nine female biting midges were collected, and seventeen species in six subgenera (Avaritia, Haemophoructus, Hoffmania, Meijerehelea, Remmia, and Trithecoides) and two groups (Clavipalpis and Shortti) were identified. The dominant Culicoides species was C. peregrinus (30.94%), followed by C. subgenus Trithecoides. From blood meal analysis of engorged biting midges, they were found to feed on cows, dogs, pigs, and avians. The majority of blood preferences of biting midges (68%; 49/72) displayed a mixed pattern of host blood DNA (cow and avian). The overall non-engorged biting midge field infectivity rate was 1.44 % (7/487). We detected Leucocytozoon sp. in three Culicoides specimens, one from each species: C. fulvus, C. oxystoma, and C. subgenus Trithecoides. Crithidia sp. was found in two C. peregrinus specimens, and Trypanosoma sp. and P. juxtanucleare were separately found in two C. guttifer. More consideration should be paid to the capacity of biting midges to transmit pathogens such as avian haemosporidian and trypanosomatid parasites. To demonstrate that these biting midges are natural vectors of trypanosomatid parasites, additional research must be conducted with a greater number of biting midges in other endemic regions.