bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Breast Milk microRNAs, Potential Players in the Regulation of Nervous System
Authors: Freiría-Martínez Luis , Iglesias-Martínez-Almeida Marta , Rodríguez-Jamardo Cynthia , Rivera-Baltanás Tania , Comís-Tuche María , Rodrígues-Amorím Daniela , Fernández-Palleiro Patricia , Blanco-Formoso María , Diz-Chaves Yolanda , González-Freiria Natalia , Suárez-Albo María , Martín-Forero-Maestre Montserrat , Durán Fernández-Feijoo Cristina , Fernández-Lorenzo Jose Ramón , Concheiro Guisán Ana , Olivares Jose Manuel , Spuch Carlos
Published: July 2023

Human milk is the biological fluid with the highest exosome amount and is rich in microRNAs (miRNAs). These are key regulators of gene expression networks in both normal physiologic and disease contexts, miRNAs can influence many biological processes and have also shown promise as biomarkers for disease. One of the key aspects in the regeneration of the nervous system is that there are practically no molecules that can be used as potential drugs. In the first weeks of lactation, we know that human breast milk must contain the mechanisms to transmit molecular and biological information for brain development. For this reason, our objective is to identify new modulators of the nervous system that can be used to investigate neurodevelopmental functions based on miRNAs. To do this, we collected human breast milk samples according to the time of delivery and milk states: mature milk and colostrum at term; moderate and very preterm mature milk and colostrum; and late preterm mature milk. We extracted exosomes and miRNAs and realized the miRNA functional assays and target prediction. Our results demonstrate that miRNAs are abundant in human milk and likely play significant roles in neurodevelopment and normal function. We found 132 different miRNAs were identified across all samples. Sixty-nine miRNAs had significant differential expression after paired group comparison. These miRNAs are implicated in gene regulation of dopaminergic/glutamatergic synapses and neurotransmitter secretion and are related to the biological process that regulates neuron projection morphogenesis and synaptic vesicle transport. We observed differences according to the delivery time and with less clarity according to the milk type. Our data demonstrate that miRNAs are abundant in human milk and likely play significant roles in neurodevelopment and normal function.
Analyses of Mosquito Species Composition, Blood-Feeding Habits and Infection with Insect-Specific Flaviviruses in Two Arid, Pastoralist-Dominated Counties in Kenya
Authors: Ogola Edwin O. , Bastos Armanda D. S. , Rotich Gilbert , Kopp Anne , Slothouwer Inga , Omoga Dorcus C. A. , Sang Rosemary , Torto Baldwyn , Junglen Sandra , Tchouassi David P.
Published: July 2023

Insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs), although not known to be pathogenic to humans and animals, can modulate the transmission of arboviruses by mosquitoes. In this study, we screened 6665 host-seeking, gravid and blood-fed mosquitoes for infection with flaviviruses and assessed the vertebrate hosts of the blood-fed mosquitoes sampled in Baringo and Kajiado counties; both dryland ecosystem counties in the Kenyan Rift Valley. Sequence fragments of two ISFs were detected. Cuacua virus (CuCuV) was found in three blood-fed Mansonia (Ma.) africana. The genome was sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS), confirming 95.8% nucleotide sequence identity to CuCuV detected in Mansonia sp. in Mozambique. Sequence fragments of a potential novel ISF showing nucleotide identity of 72% to Aedes flavivirus virus were detected in individual blood-fed Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae s.l., Ma. africana and Culex (Cx.) univittatus, all having fed on human blood. Blood-meal analysis revealed that the collected mosquitoes fed on diverse hosts, primarily humans and livestock, with a minor representation of wild mammals, amphibians and birds. The potential impact of the detected ISFs on arbovirus transmission requires further research.
From Infection to Death: An Overview of the Pathogenesis of Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Costa Carlos H. N. , Chang Kwang-Poo , Costa Dorcas L. , Cunha Francisco Valmor M.
Published: July 2023

Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis (VL), is a disease caused by Leishmania infantum and L. donovani. Patients experience symptoms such as fever, weight loss, paleness, and enlarged liver and spleen. The disease also affects immunosuppressed individuals and has an overall mortality rate of up to 10%. This overview explores the literature on the pathogenesis of preclinical and clinical stages, including studies in vitro and in animal models, as well as complications and death. Asymptomatic infection can result in long-lasting immunity. VL develops in a minority of infected individuals when parasites overcome host defenses and multiply in tissues such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Hepatosplenomegaly occurs due to hyperplasia, resulting from parasite proliferation. A systemic inflammation mediated by cytokines develops, triggering acute phase reactants from the liver. These cytokines can reach the brain, causing fever, cachexia and vomiting. Similar to sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurs due to tissue factor overexpression. Anemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and edema result from the acute phase response. A regulatory response and lymphocyte depletion increase the risk of bacterial superinfections, which, combined with DIC, are thought to cause death. Our understanding of VL’s pathogenesis is limited, and further research is needed to elucidate the preclinical events and clinical manifestations in humans.
Systemic Approach to Entrepreneurial Identity and Its Educational Projection
Authors: Bernal-Guerrero Antonio , Cárdenas-Gutiérrez Antonio Ramón , Martín-Gutiérrez Ángela
Published: July 2023

Although it has acquired an extraordinary social diffusion, entrepreneurial education has a certain lack of definition associated with its conceptualisation and meaning. It seems clear that entrepreneurial education is linked to the economic sphere, but it is not limited to the productive sector. The idea of entrepreneurial education has been progressively enriched, being linked to the development of skills for personal growth and social progress. Further clarification of the meaning and scope of entrepreneurial education is, therefore, needed. Thus, it is relevant to analyse entrepreneurial identity in the context of personal identity via the theoretical–explanatory investigation of a model developed in two phases. A critical analysis leads us to study the different factors that intervene in the configuration of this identity in an attempt to construct a systemic map of entrepreneurial action. Between the private and the public, entrepreneurs seek new ways of facing the challenges of our times, trying to find new ways of regenerating the links between individuals and institutions and with society in general. In this sense, we show how entrepreneurial educational ecosystems acquire relevance insofar as they consider the subject as the principle of action rather than merely the result of various contextual factors.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Table
Authors: Lee Jeonggyu
Published: July 2023

The primary aim of this paper is to provide a plausible fictional creationist explanation of when and how a fictional object comes into existence without a successful creative intention, focusing on the problem posed by Stuart Brock’s nominalist author scenario. I first present some intuitions about parallel scenarios for fictional objects and concrete artifacts as data to be explained. Then I provide a sufficient condition for the existence of artifacts that can explain both cases. An important upshot of this is that there is an overlooked way to bring artifacts into existence that should merit serious consideration, and this leads to a version of the mind-dependence, but not the intention-dependence, view of artifacts.
Vortex Beam in a Turbulent Kerr Medium for Atmospheric Communication
Authors: Bulygin Andrey D. , Geints Yury E. , Geints Ilia Y.
Published: July 2023

The dynamics of the topological charge of a vortex optical beam propagating in turbulent air while accounting for the cubic nonlinearity is theoretically considered. In a number of examples, we show that the optical beam, self-focusing, manifests itself ambiguously depending on the optical wave power. At near-critical values of beam power, self-focusing leads to enhanced spatial localization of optical vortices and substantial suppression of vortex walk-off relative to the beam axis caused by air turbulence. However, with increasing optical intensity, the modulation instability imposed by cubic nonlinearity becomes significant and contributes jointly with medium turbulence and leads to faster divergence of vortex beams.
Identification of Genetic Loci for Rice Seedling Mesocotyl Elongation in Both Natural and Artificial Segregating Populations
Authors: Feng Fangjun , Ma Xiaosong , Yan Ming , Zhang Hong , Mei Daoliang , Fan Peiqing , Xu Xiaoyan , Wei Chunlong , Lou Qiaojun , Li Tianfei , Liu Hongyan , Luo Lijun , Mei Hanwei
Published: July 2023

Mesocotyl elongation of rice seedlings is a key trait for deep sowing tolerance and well seedling establishment in dry direct sowing rice (DDSR) production. Subsets of the Rice Diversity Panel 1 (RDP1, 294 accessions) and Hanyou 73 (HY73) recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (312 lines) were screened for mesocotyl length (ML) via dark germination. Six RDP1 accessions (Phudugey, Kasalath, CA902B21, Surjamkuhi, Djimoron, and Goria) had an ML longer than 10 cm, with the other 19 accessions being over 4 cm. A GWAS in RDP1 detected 118 associated SNPs on all 12 chromosomes using a threshold of FDR-adjusted p < 0.05, including 11 SNPs on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 12 declared by −log10(P) > 5.868 as the Bonferroni-corrected threshold. Using phenotypic data of three successive trials and a high-density bin map from resequencing genotypic data, four to six QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 6, and 10, including three loci repeatedly mapped for ML from two or three replicated trials. Candidate genes were predicted from the chromosomal regions covered by the associated LD blocks and the confidence intervals (CIs) of QTLs and partially validated by the dynamic RNA-seq data in the mesocotyl along different periods of light exposure. Potential strategies of donor parent selection for seedling establishment in DDSR breeding were discussed.
Chemical Variability of the Essential Oils from Two Portuguese Apiaceae: Coriandrum sativum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
Authors: Machado Alexandra M. , Lopes Violeta , Barata Ana Maria , Póvoa Orlanda , Farinha Noémia , Figueiredo Ana Cristina
Published: July 2023

Coriandrum sativum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. are two aromatic and medicinal Apiaceae species commonly grown in Portugal, whose essential oils (EOs) are used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. The present study evaluated EOs isolated from the fruits and vegetative aerial parts (VAPs) of 11 samples of Coriandrum sativum L. and from the fruits of 19 samples of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. The plant material was grown in experimental fields, after collection from several regions of mainland Portugal. The EOs were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The coriander EOs analysis evidenced two main clusters, with the first containing the fruits’ EOs dominated by linalool (60–73%), γ-terpinene, and α-pinene and the second with the VAPs’ EOs, which showed 2-trans-decenal (37–63%) and n-decanal (13–30%) as the main compounds. The fennel EOs analysis revealed two well correlated clusters, the first dominated by estragole (34–76%) and fenchone (16–30%) and the other dominated by trans-anethole (37–56%) and fenchone (14–34%). The present data suggest coriander EOs’ chemical descriptors as linalool for the fruits’ EOs and 2-trans-decenal with n-decanal for the VAPs’ EOs. For the fennel fruit EOs, the putative descriptors were trans-anethole and estragole, with variable fenchone content. The gathered data reinforce the relevance of clarifying variability of these species’ EOs, particularly when considering aromatic and medicinal plants with such a wide range of applications.
In Vitro Propagation of the Blueberry ‘Blue Suede™’ (Vaccinium hybrid) in Semi-Solid Medium and Temporary Immersion Bioreactors
Authors: Le Kim-Cuong , Johnson Shannon , Aidun Cyrus K. , Egertsdotter Ulrika
Published: July 2023

The production of blueberries for fresh and processed consumption is increasing globally and has more than doubled in the last decade. Blueberry is grown commercially across a variety of climates in over 30 countries. The major classes of plants utilized for the planting and breeding of new cultivars are highbush, lowbush, half-high, Rabbiteye, and Southern highbush. Plants can be propagated by cuttings or in vitro micropropagation techniques. In vitro propagation offers advantages for faster generation of a large number of disease-free plants independent of season. Labor costs for in vitro propagation can be reduced using new cultivation technology and automation. Here, we test and demonstrate successful culture conditions and medium compositions for in vitro initiation, multiplication, and rooting of the Southern highbush cultivar ‘Blue Suede™’ (Vaccinium hybrid).
New Finds and Ecology of the Rare Liverworts Scapania apiculata, Scapania carinthiaca, and Scapania scapanioides in Austria
Authors: Kropik Michaela , Zechmeister Harald G.
Published: July 2023

Scapania apiculata, Scapania carinthiaca, and Scapania scapanioides are rare deadwood-dwelling liverworts threatened across Europe. Scapania carinthiaca is thus listed in the Habitats Directive. However, their distribution data are scattered, and their ecologic demands are insufficiently studied. Here, we present new locations and data on the ecology of the species, which resulted from a targeted search in selected regions of Austria. We found ten new sites each for Scapania apiculata and Scapania scapanioides and twenty for Scapania carinthiaca. Reproduction was exclusively asexual. The macroclimates of all known locations in Austria did not differ significantly between the three species. It was consistently wet, with a mean annual precipitation of 1615.3 mm, a high evenness of rainfall, and a low desiccation risk. The mean temperature averaged 7.4 °C. The habitat was shaded dead wood of Picea abies, Abies alba, and Fagus sylvatica of all decay stages at a median distance of 2.5 m from streams or springy areas in semi-natural forests of montane and submontane regions. Thus, high deadwood volumes under a suitable climate are a prerequisite for the occurrences of the species. The number of locations of new finds has more than doubled in Austria and thus in Europe.
One-Step Method for Direct Acrylation of Vegetable Oils: A Biobased Material for 3D Printing
Authors: Mendes-Felipe Cristian , Isusi Igor , Gómez-Jiménez-Aberasturi Olga , Prieto-Fernandez Soraya , Ruiz-Rubio Leire , Sangermano Marco , Vilas-Vilela José Luis
Published: July 2023

The substitution of fossil resources by alternatives derived from biomass is a reality that is taking on a growing relevance in the chemical and energy industries. In this sense, fats, oils, and their derived products have become indispensable inputs due to their broad functional attributes, stable price and sustainable character. Acrylated vegetable oils are considered to be very versatile materials for very broad applications (such as in adhesives, coatings or inks) since, in the presence of photoinitiators, they can be polymerized by means of UV-initiated free radical polymerizations. The usual process for the synthesis of acrylate vegetable oils consists in reacting epoxidized oils derivatives with acrylic acid. Here, the influence of different catalysts on the activity and selectivity of the process of acrylation of epoxidized soybean oil is studied. In addition, a novel one-step method for direct acrylation of vegetable oils is also explored. This new approach advantageously uses the original vegetable resource and eliminates intermediate reactions, thus being more environmentally efficient. This study offers a simple and low-cost option for synthesizing a biomass-derived monomer and studies the potential for the 3D printing of complex structures via digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing of the thus-obtained novel sustainable formulations.
5-Amino-8-hydroxyquinoline-containing Electrospun Materials Based on Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Their Cu2+ and Fe3+ Complexes with Diverse Biological Properties: Antibacterial, Antifungal and Anticancer
Authors: Ignatova Milena , Manolova Nevena , Rashkov Iliya , Georgieva Ani , Toshkova Reneta , Markova Nadya
Published: July 2023

Novel fibrous materials with diverse biological properties containing a model drug of the 8-hydroxyquinoline group—5-amino-8-hydroxyquinoline (5A8Q)—were fabricated using a one-pot method by electrospinning poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/5A8Q solutions. Experiments were performed to prepare Cu2+ (Fe3+) complexes of the crosslinked PVA/CMC/5A8Q materials. The formation of complexes was proven by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The release of 5A8Q and 5A8Q.Cu2+ (Fe3+) was studied and their in vitro release profiles were mostly impacted by the hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of the materials. The performed microbiological assays revealed that fibrous materials containing 5A8Q and their complexes exhibited good antibacterial and antifungal efficacy. Their activity was stronger against bacteria S. aureus than against bacteria E. coli and fungi C. albicans. Cell viability tests using MTT showed that the presence of 5A8Q and its complexes in the fibrous materials resulted in a significant decrease in the HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell viability for the various times of cell incubation. Moreover, the observed cytotoxicity of the mats against cancer cells was greater than that against non-cancer HaCaT keratinocytes. All these properties make the novel materials potential candidates for the design of wound healing materials and as drug delivery systems for local therapy of cervical and breast cancer.
Investigation of Auxetic Structural Deformation Behavior of PBAT Polymers Using Process and Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Schneider Yanling , Guski Vinzenz , Sahin Ahmet O. , Schmauder Siegfried , Kadkhodapour Javad , Hufert Jonas , Grebhardt Axel , Bonten Christian
Published: July 2023

The current work investigates the auxetic tensile deformation behavior of the inversehoneycomb structure with 5 × 5 cells made of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-coterephthalate) (PBAT). Fused deposition modeling, an additive manufacturing method, was used to produce such specimens. Residual stress (RS) and warpage, more or less, always exist in such specimens due to their layer-by-layer fabrication, i.e., repeated heating and cooling. The RS influences the auxetic deformation behavior, but its measurement is challenging due to its very fine structure. Instead, the finite-element (FE)-based process simulation realized using an ABAQUS plug-in numerically predicts the RS and warpage. The predicted warpage shows a negligibly slight deviation compared to the design topology. This process simulation also provides the temperature evolution of a small-volume material, revealing the effects of local cyclic heating and cooling. The achieved RS serves as the initial condition for the FE model used to investigate the auxetic tensile behavior. With the outcomes from FE calculation without consideration of the RS, the effect of the RS on the deformation behavior is discussed for the global force–displacement curve, the structural Poisson’s ratio evolution, the deformed structural status, the stress distribution, and the evolution, where the first three and the warpage are also compared with the experimental results. Furthermore, the FE simulation can easily provide the global stress–strain flow curve with the total stress calculated from the elemental stresses.
Unraveling the Adsorption Mechanism and Anti-Corrosion Functionality of Dextrin and Inulin as Eco-Friendly Biopolymers for the Corrosion of Reinforced Steel in 1.0 M HCl: A Thermodynamic and Kinetic Approach
Authors: Toghan Arafat , Fawzy Ahmed
Published: July 2023

Reinforcing steel (RS) is mainly used in building construction and many industries, but it suffers from corrosion problems, especially in acidic environments. Biopolymers are characterized by their unique chemical composition, as they contain a variety of functional groups that are capable of binding strongly to the metal surface and forming a protective layer on it. Herewith, two biopolymers, viz. dextrin (Dex) and inulin (Inu), were tested as eco-friendly inhibitors for the corrosion of RS in 1.0 M HCl medium at different temperatures. Various experimental tools were utilized in this research. The inhibition efficiencies (% IEs) of the tested polymeric compounds were improved by increasing their doses while reducing with rising temperature. The % IEs of Dex and Inu at a dose of 500 mg/L reached 85% and 93%, respectively. The examined biopolymers displayed cathodic/anodic behavior (mixed type) with a foremost anodic one. The acquired higher % IEs were demonstrated by intense adsorption of Dex and Inu on the RS surface fitting the Langmuir isotherm. The influence of rising temperature in the range of 288–318 K on the corrosion behavior was examined, and the evaluated thermodynamic and kinetic parameters sustained the mechanism of physical adsorption of the polymeric inhibitors. Additionally, the kinetics of corrosion, as well as its inhibition by Dex and Inu, were also investigated. The SEM micrographs of the RS surfaces were accorded with all utilized experimental tools. The results gained from all used tools were discovered to be in good agreement with each other.
Enhancing High-Pressure Capillary Rheometer Viscosity Data Calculation with the Propagation of Uncertainties for Subsequent Cross-Williams, Landel, and Ferry (WLF) Parameter Fitting
Authors: Hubmann Martin , Schuschnigg Stephan , Ðuretek Ivica , Groten Jonas , Holzer Clemens
Published: July 2023

Measuring the shear viscosity of polymeric melts is an extensive effort frequently performed in high-pressure capillary rheometers, where the pressures required to push the melt through a capillary at various temperatures and volumetric flow rates are recorded. Then, the viscosity values are obtained through Bagley and Weissenberg–Rabinowitsch corrections involving parameter fitting. However, uncertainties in those conversions due to pressure variations and measurement inaccuracies (random errors) affect the accuracy of the consequently calculated viscosities. This paper proposes quantifying them through a propagation of uncertainties calculation. This has been experimentally demonstrated for a polycarbonate melt. In addition, the derived viscosity uncertainties were used for the weighted residual sum of squares parameter estimation of the Cross-WLF viscosity model and compared with the coefficients obtained using the standard residual sum of squares minimization approach. The motivation was that, by comparison, individual poorly measured viscosity values should have a less negative impact on the overall fit quality of the former. For validation, the rheometer measurements were numerically simulated with both fits. The simulations based on the Cross-WLF fit, including the derived viscosity uncertainties, matched the measured pressures ~16% more closely for shear rates below 1500 1/s. Considering the uncertainties led to more precise coefficients. However, both fits showed substantial deviations at higher shear rates, probably due to substantial non-isothermal flow conditions that prevailed during these measurements. A capillary rheometer experiment was also simulated using arbitrarily chosen Cross-WLF parameters to exclude such systematic errors. A normally distributed error was then applied to the simulated pressures before re-fitting the parameters. Again, taking advantage of the derived viscosity uncertainties, the fit could recover the initial parameters better.
Sweet Potatoes Puree Mixed with Herbal Aqueous Extracts: A Novel Ready-to-Eat Product for Lactating Mothers
Authors: Tănase (Butnariu) Luiza-Andreea , Andronoiu Doina-Georgeta , Nistor Oana-Viorela , Mocanu Gabriel-Dănuț , Botez Elisabeta , Ștefănescu Bogdan Ioan
Published: July 2023

Worldwide, around 385 thousand babies are born each day. Many of them cannot be breastfed because of several physiological problems of the mothers. Galactogogues remain the most natural and prolific way to improve both milk quantity and quality. Various herbs are traditionally used to increase lactation, but the best known are fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) and anise (Pimpinella anisum L.). The main objective of the present study was to obtain some special and nutritious ready-to-eat products from pureed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) fortified with aqueous extracts from the aforementioned galactogogues herbs. Two different types of thermal treatment, steaming and baking, were investigated to obtain healthy and safe-for-consumption purees. Steam convection had a lower impact, compared with hot air convection, on the content of bioactive compounds among all samples. Among all samples, sweet potato puree with fennel aqueous extract, processed by steaming, (EFCA) showed the highest content of β-carotene (1.27 ± 0.11 mg/g DW), lycopene (0.59 ± 0.07 mg/g DW), and total carotenoids (1.38 ± 0.11 mg/g DW); the cooking loss registered statistically significantly lower values in the case of steam convection. These reports might potentially generate novel ready-to-eat foods used as meals and as well as lactation adjuvants.
Acetalization of Alkyl Alcohols with Benzaldehyde over Cesium Phosphomolybdovanadate Salts
Authors: da Silva Márcio José , Ribeiro Cláudio Júnior Andrade , de Araújo Eduardo Nery , Torteloti Isadora Merighi
Published: July 2023

In this work, vanadium-substituted cesium phosphomolybdate salts with general formulae Cs3+nPMo12−nVnO40 (n = 0, 1, 2, and 3) were synthesized and evaluated in the acetalization of benzaldehyde with alkyl alcohols. All the catalysts were characterized through Raman, infrared, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopies, powder X-ray diffraction patterns, isotherms of N2 desorption/adsorption, and measurements of acidity strength. The catalytic activity of cesium phosphomolybdovanadate salts was evaluated in the acetalization reactions of benzaldehyde with alkyl alcohols. Among the salts tested, the Cs4PMo11V1O40 was the most active and selective catalyst in the conversion of benzaldehyde to methyl benzyl acetal and benzoic acid, which was obtained without the use of an oxidant agent. The impact of the main reaction parameters on the conversion and selectivity was evaluated by varying the content of vanadium per heteropolyanion, catalyst load, temperature, and alkyl alcohols. The greatest activity of the Cs4PMo11V1O40 salt was assigned to the highest Brønsted acidity strength, as demonstrated by the acidity measurements and analysis of their surface properties. This solid catalyst has advantages over traditional liquid homogenous catalysts, such as low corrosiveness, a minimum generation of residues and effluents, and easy recovery/reuse. In addition, its synthesis route is easier and quicker than solid-supported catalysts and comprises a potential alternative route to synthesize acetals.
Intelligent Optimization of Gas Flooding Based on Multi-Objective Approach for Efficient Reservoir Management
Authors: Gao Meng , Wei Chenji , Zhao Xiangguo , Huang Ruijie , Li Baozhu , Yang Jian , Gao Yan , Liu Shuangshuang , Xiong Lihui
Published: July 2023

The efficient development of oil reservoirs mainly depends on the comprehensive optimization of the subsurface fluid flow process. As an intelligent analysis technique, artificial intelligence provides a novel solution to multi-objective optimization (MOO) problems. In this study, an intelligent agent model based on the Transformer framework with the assistance of the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm has been utilized to optimize the gas flooding injection–production parameters in a well pattern in the Middle East. Firstly, 10 types of surveillance data covering 12 years from the target reservoir were gathered to provide a data foundation for model training and analysis. The prediction performance of the Transformer model reflected its higher accuracy compared to traditional reservoir numerical simulation (RNS) and other intelligent methods. The production prediction results based on the Transformer model were 21, 12, and 4 percentage points higher than those of RNS, bagging, and the bi-directional gated recurrent unit (Bi-GRU) in terms of accuracy, and it showed similar trends in the gas–oil ratio (GOR) prediction results. Secondly, the Pareto-based MOPSO algorithm was utilized to fulfil the two contradictory objectives of maximizing oil production and minimizing GOR simultaneously. After 10,000 iterations, the optimal injection–production parameters were proposed based on the generated Pareto frontier. To validate the feasibility and superiority of the developed approach, the development effects of three injection–production schemes were predicted in the intelligent agent model. In the next 400 days of production, the cumulative oil production increased by 25.3% compared to the average distribution method and 12.7% compared to the reservoir engineering method, while GOR was reduced by 27.1% and 15.3%, respectively. The results show that MOPSO results in a strategy that more appropriately optimizes oil production and GOR compared to some previous efforts published in the literature. The injection–production parameter optimization method based on the intelligent agent model and MOPSO algorithm can help decision makers to update the conservative development strategy and improve the development effect.
T-S Fuzzy Algorithm Optimized by Genetic Algorithm for Dry Fermentation pH Control
Authors: Wang Pengjun , Shen Xing , Li Ruirong , Qu Haoli , Cao Jie , Chen Yongsheng , Chen Mingjiang
Published: July 2023

In the process of anaerobic dry fermentation to produce biogas, maintaining a suitable pH in the environment is more conducive to the degradation of crop straw. When the pH in the fermentation environment is too low, the process of anaerobic digestion by anaerobic bacteria is inhibited. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly adjust the pH. In this work, we studied the control technology of a pH regulation system and then constructed a T-S fuzzy controller. Upon simplifying the T-S fuzzy controller, the system delay time was reduced, and two genetic algorithms with different fitness performance indicators were used to optimize the T-S fuzzy control. The simulation experiment in this study was designed through simulation software, and the results show that the improved control method has a fast regulation ability. Finally, on-site experiments were conducted using the four control methods under the acidification conditions set in the experimental device. The results show that the control method used in this study to improve performance by integrating the error sum of squares has a short control time and small oscillation and overshoot, and it can better regulate the environmental pH to achieve appropriate conditions when acidification occurs during anaerobic dry fermentation.
Body, Scale, and Space: Study on the Spatial Construction of Mogao Cave 254
Authors: Wang Weiqiao , Yan Aibin
Published: July 2023

This article focuses on the relationship between body, scale, and space, as revealed in Mogao Cave 254 in Gansu Province. Three topics, namely, body scale, pilgrim behavior, and time–space perception, are discussed. A space model based on mapping and measurement by former scholars is created to facilitate and visualize the analysis of the body scale of the cave space; the restriction of body scale suggests certain pilgrim behavior in the cave, whereas the occurrence of body behavior results in perception in the dimension of time. How time and space are related must be understood to comprehend the motif of Buddhist expression. This study is an architectural approach to spatial analysis that integrates the design, construction, and use phases through the scale, behavior, and perception dimensions. It is dedicated to broadening and enriching the cognitive dimensions of the space value of Mogao caves to reveal the original value of caves as religious spaces and completely preserve their material and invisible cultural heritage.
Sea Surface Chlorophyll-a Concentration Retrieval from HY-1C Satellite Data Based on Residual Network
Authors: Yang Guiying , Ye Xiaomin , Xu Qing , Yin Xiaobin , Xu Siyang
Published: July 2023

A residual network (ResNet) model was proposed for estimating Chl-a concentrations in global oceans from the remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) observed by the Chinese ocean color and temperature scanner (COCTS) onboard the HY-1C satellite. A total of 52 images from September 2018 to September 2019 were collected, and the label data were from the multi-task Ocean Color-Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI) daily products. The results of feature selection and sensitivity experiments show that the logarithmic values of Rrs565 and Rrs520/Rrs443, Rrs565/Rrs490, Rrs520/Rrs490, Rrs490/Rrs443, and Rrs670/Rrs565 are the optimal input parameters for the model. Compared with the classical empirical OC4 algorithm and other machine learning models, including the artificial neural network (ANN), deep neural network (DNN), and random forest (RF), the ResNet retrievals are in better agreement with the OC-CCI Chl-a products. The root-mean-square error (RMSE), unbiased percentage difference (UPD), and correlation coefficient (logarithmic, R(log)) are 0.13 mg/m3, 17.31%, and 0.97, respectively. The performance of the ResNet model was also evaluated against in situ measurements from the Aerosol Robotic Network-Ocean Color (AERONET-OC) and field survey observations in the East and South China Seas. Compared with DNN, ANN, RF, and OC4 models, the UPD is reduced by 5.9%, 0.7%, 6.8%, and 6.3%, respectively.
Multi-Temporal Hyperspectral Classification of Grassland Using Transformer Network
Authors: Zhao Xuanhe , Zhang Shengwei , Shi Ruifeng , Yan Weihong , Pan Xin
Published: July 2023

In recent years, grassland monitoring has shifted from traditional field surveys to remote-sensing-based methods, but the desired level of accuracy has not yet been obtained. Multi-temporal hyperspectral data contain valuable information about species and growth season differences, making it a promising tool for grassland classification. Transformer networks can directly extract long-sequence features, which is superior to other commonly used analysis methods. This study aims to explore the transformer network’s potential in the field of multi-temporal hyperspectral data by fine-tuning it and introducing it into high-powered grassland detection tasks. Subsequently, the multi-temporal hyperspectral classification of grassland samples using the transformer network (MHCgT) is proposed. To begin, a total of 16,800 multi-temporal hyperspectral data were collected from grassland samples at different growth stages over several years using a hyperspectral imager in the wavelength range of 400–1000 nm. Second, the MHCgT network was established, with a hierarchical architecture, which generates a multi-resolution representation that is beneficial for grass hyperspectral time series’ classification. The MHCgT employs a multi-head self-attention mechanism to extract features, avoiding information loss. Finally, an ablation study of MHCgT and comparative experiments with state-of-the-art methods were conducted. The results showed that the proposed framework achieved a high accuracy rate of 98.51% in identifying grassland multi-temporal hyperspectral which outperformed CNN, LSTM-RNN, SVM, RF, and DT by 6.42–26.23%. Moreover, the average classification accuracy of each species was above 95%, and the August mature period was easier to identify than the June growth stage. Overall, the proposed MHCgT framework shows great potential for precisely identifying multi-temporal hyperspectral species and has significant applications in sustainable grassland management and species diversity assessment.
Global Path Planning of Unmanned Surface Vehicle Based on Improved A-Star Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Huixia , Tao Yadong , Zhu Wenliang
Published: July 2023

To make unmanned surface vehicles that are better applied to the field of environmental monitoring in inland rivers, reservoirs, or coasts, we propose a global path-planning algorithm based on the improved A-star algorithm. The path search is carried out using the raster method for environment modeling and the 8-neighborhood search method: a bidirectional search strategy and an evaluation function improvement method are used to reduce the total number of traversing nodes; the planned path is smoothed to remove the inflection points and solve the path folding problem. The simulation results reveal that the improved A-star algorithm is more efficient in path planning, with fewer inflection points and traversing nodes, and the smoothed paths are more to meet the actual navigation demands of unmanned surface vehicles than the conventional A-star algorithm.
Structural Racism in Sweden: Framing Attitudes towards Immigrants through the Diversity Barometer Study (2005–2022)
Authors: Groglopo Adrián , Ahmadi Fereshteh , Munobwa Jimmy Stephen
Published: July 2023

This article presents a theoretical framework for analysing the findings derived from the Diversity Barometer, a longitudinal study that collected data on immigration and diversity-related topics in Swedish society from 2005 to 2022. This article examines attitudes towards immigrants and migration in Sweden and how the historical context of Swedish race relations and structural racism shapes these attitudes. Specifically, the article focuses on attitudes regarding immigrants’ social rights and responsibilities, workplace diversity, cultural diversity, and spatial segregation. Our findings and analysis demonstrate how structural racism manifests itself through attitudes towards individuals with immigrant backgrounds in Sweden. Research has also revealed the pervasive nature of racial discrimination across various aspects of Swedish society, contributing to a divided society based on racial markers. However, the findings also show complexity in how Swedes’ attitudes toward immigrants are to be understood when they do not follow a simple horizontal division between Swedes and immigrants. Instead, it appears as an intricate vertical division where immigrants, their culture and their labour are accepted, albeit in a subordinate manner.
The Model of Project Management as a Sustainable Pedagogical Device: Case Study Research in the Tertiary Education Environment
Authors: Guraziu Erina
Published: July 2023

The objective of the research was to analyse the use of project management as a sustainable pedagogical device capable of fostering in tertiary education students the development of those transversal skills that enhance their sustainable employability. The qualitative research design was the emergent grounded theory, applied through a case study methodology (first exploratory and then explanatory). The “Seven-factor model of project management as a sustainable pedagogical device” for the development of transversal skills in tertiary education was the main result presented. It is composed of the factors that can be transposed from practice into the context of tertiary education and contains a description of the method for this translation. Moreover, the “holistic project management integration approach in tertiary education” was presented, and it was explained why it is an effective top-down transformation process for integrating project management in every program or academic level. Learning project management proves effective in enhancing students’ employability by fostering a process of critical reflection that enables them to develop a sustainable career aligned with their expectations and personal growth as individuals, professionals, and sustainable citizens.
Safety Risk Assessment of Low-Volume Road Segments on the Tibetan Plateau Using UAV LiDAR Data
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Dou Xuan , Zhao Hanping , Xue Ying , Liang Jinfan
Published: July 2023

The intricate topography and numerous hazards of highland roads contribute to a significantly higher incidence of traffic accidents on these roads compared to those on the plains. Although precise road data can enhance the safety evaluation and management of these road segments, the cost of data acquisition in highland areas is prohibitively high. To tackle this issue, our paper proposes a system of assessment indices and extraction methods specifically designed for plateau regions, supplementing existing road safety audit techniques. We are pioneers in integrating a high-precision 3D point cloud model into the safety risk assessment of low-traffic plateau roads, utilizing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) LiDAR technology. This innovative approach enhances both the efficiency and accuracy of road mapping. Building on this, we amalgamated three categories of indices—road 3D alignment, geographical environment, and natural disasters—to formulate a comprehensive safety risk assessment model. Applying this model to seventeen representative road segments on the Tibetan Plateau, we found that road alignment significantly influences road safety risk. The segments with the highest risk ratings are predominantly those located in the southwestern part of the Tibetan region, such as Zanda and Gar. Road safety management should prioritize road alignment, particularly the role of the curve radius, without overlooking the impact of environmental factors and natural disasters.
Multi-Trait Selection of Quinoa Ideotypes at Different Levels of Cutting and Spacing
Authors: Ahmed Syed Riaz , Ali Zeba , Ijaz Iram , Khan Zafran , Gul Nimra , Pervaiz Soha , Alharby Hesham F. , Tan Daniel K. Y. , Tariq Muhammad Sayyam , Ghaffar Maria , Bibi Amir , Hakeem Khalid Rehman
Published: July 2023

Climate change has affected the food supply chain and raised serious food concerns for humans and animals worldwide. The present investigation aimed to assess the effect of environmental factors along with three different levels of cutting (i.e., cutting 1, 2, and 3 at the vegetative, budding, and flowering stages, respectively) and spacing (i.e., 21, 23, and 26 cm) on quinoa biomass and quality to select the most suitable accessions. This experiment was repeated for two years using a split–split plot experimental design. The cutting × genotype × year and cutting × space × genotype interactions were significant for most quinoa morphological traits (except for leaf area and intermodal distance), where the maximum growth in number of leaves/plant (NoL), plant height (PH), fresh weight (FW), number of branches/plant (Br), and dry weight (DW) were observed during the second growing season. Cutting and spacing levels also showed significant effects on morphological and quality traits of quinoa. Among the different levels of cutting and spacing, cutting level 3 and spacing level 2 were more effective across both years at gaining maximum biomass and quality traits such as crude fat (CF) and crude protein (CP). According to the MGIDI, only two accessions (R3 and R9) fared better in both growing seasons, and selected accessions had positive morphological and quality traits. There were moderately significant negative correlations between PH, NoL, LA, FW, and DW and anti-quality traits such as neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), indicating that an increase in biomass decreased the concentrations of ADF and NDF in both stem and leaves. A comparison with oat accessions (G3 and G7) revealed that quinoa has higher CP and CF and lower NDF than oats in both stems and leaves (except for ADF). In conclusion, the combination of cutting level 3 and spacing level 2 (23 cm) is more suitable to obtain high-quality quinoa forage with maximum biomass production. Furthermore, the MGIDI is a useful tool for breeders to select genotypes based on their mean performance, stability, and desired traits.
Development of Energy Recovery from Waste in Slovakia Compared with the Worldwide Trend
Authors: Čulková Katarína , Taušová Marcela , Tauš Peter , Mihaliková Eva
Published: July 2023

With societal development and population increase, the amount of waste and energy consumption is also increasing. The use of waste for energy production is gradually establishing in the international and national legal norms and political programs of most developed countries around the world. Many experts are beginning to be inclined to hold the opinion that it will be necessary to include energy-recoverable waste as a renewable energy source. Slovakia is a country that understands the importance of producing energy from waste without harming the environment. The current paper focuses on the potential of Slovakia compared to other countries in the area of energy recovery from waste. With the use of regression analysis, the growth trend of municipal waste in Slovakia was defined. The results show that the Slovakian trend goes against the EU goals. On the one hand, this represents a very serious problem for the environment, but it also indicates the significant potential of secondary raw materials and energy in the case of energy recovery from waste.
Proposing a Model for Sustainable Development of Creative Industries Based on Digital Transformation
Authors: Hosseini Elahe , Rajabipoor Meybodi Alireza
Published: July 2023

This research aimed to develop a comprehensive model for the sustainable development of creative industries in Iran through digital transformation and interpretive structural modeling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 experts to extract the dimensions and components of sustainable development. The validated components were presented using a structural equation modeling questionnaire to obtain a comprehensive model. These components were identified and confirmed: sustainable competitive development, consolidation and freeze, sustainable development drivers, digital technology cultural taste, structural social capital, environmental and industrial intelligence, digital work environment, creativity and innovation, financial supply chain management, and digital entrepreneurial ecosystem. The experts validated these components through the research process. It is essential to focus on developing digital infrastructure to achieve sustainable development in creative industries based on digital transformation. It includes digital communications, necessary technologies, and information security, which serve as the foundation to promote creative industries in the digital sphere.