bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunoglobulin Superfamily Containing Leucine-Rich Repeat (ISLR) Serves as a Redox Sensor That Modulates Antioxidant Capacity by Suppressing Pyruvate Kinase Isozyme M2 Activity
Authors: Wang Tongtong , Chen Meijing , Su Yang , Zhang Yuying , Liu Chang , Lan Miaomiao , Li Lei , Liu Fan , Li Na , Yu Yingying , Xiong Lei , Wang Kun , Liu Jin , Xu Qing , Hu Yue , Jia Yuxin , Cao Yuxin , Pan Jingwen , Meng Qingyong
Published: May 2024

Cells defend against oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant capacity, including stress-activated metabolic alterations, but the underlying intracellular signaling mechanisms remain unclear. This paper reports that immunoglobulin superfamily containing leucine-rich repeat (ISLR) functions as a redox sensor that responds to reactive oxygen species (ROS) stimulation and modulates the antioxidant capacity by suppressing pyruvate kinase isozyme M2 (PKM2) activity. Following oxidative stress, ISLR perceives ROS stimulation through its cysteine residue 19, and rapidly degrades in the autophagy–lysosome pathway. The downregulated ISLR enhances the antioxidant capacity by promoting the tetramerization of PKM2, and then enhancing the pyruvate kinase activity, PKM2-mediated glycolysis is crucial to the ISLR-mediated antioxidant capacity. In addition, our results demonstrated that, in triple-negative breast cancer, cisplatin treatment reduced the level of ISLR, and PKM2 inhibition sensitizes tumors to cisplatin by enhancing ROS production; and argued that PKM2 inhibition can synergize with cisplatin to limit tumor growth. Our results demonstrate a molecular mechanism by which cells respond to oxidative stress and modulate the redox balance.
Mitigation of UV-B Radiation Stress in Tobacco Pollen by Expression of the Tardigrade Damage Suppressor Protein (Dsup)
Authors: Del Casino Cecilia , Conti Veronica , Licata Silvia , Cai Giampiero , Cantore Anna , Ricci Claudia , Cantara Silvia
Published: May 2024

Pollen, the male gametophyte of seed plants, is extremely sensitive to UV light, which may prevent fertilization. As a result, strategies to improve plant resistance to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation are required. The tardigrade damage suppressor protein (Dsup) is a putative DNA-binding protein that enables tardigrades to tolerate harsh environmental conditions, including UV radiation, and was therefore considered as a candidate for reducing the effects of UV exposure on pollen. Tobacco pollen was genetically engineered to express Dsup and then exposed to UV-B radiation to determine the effectiveness of the protein in increasing pollen resistance. To establish the preventive role of Dsup against UV-B stress, we carried out extensive investigations into pollen viability, germination rate, pollen tube length, male germ unit position, callose plug development, marker protein content, and antioxidant capacity. The results indicated that UV-B stress has a significant negative impact on both pollen grain and pollen tube growth. However, Dsup expression increased the antioxidant levels and reversed some of the UV-B-induced changes to pollen, restoring the proper distance between the tip and the last callose plug formed, as well as pollen tube length, tubulin, and HSP70 levels. Therefore, the expression of heterologous Dsup in pollen may provide the plant male gametophyte with enhanced responses to UV-B stress and protection against harmful environmental radiation.
Conducting Polymers in Amperometric Sensors: A State of the Art over the Last 15 Years with a Focus on Polypyrrole-, Polythiophene-, and Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-Based Materials
Authors: Pilo Maria I. , Sanna Gavino , Spano Nadia
Published: May 2024

Conducting polymers are used in a wide range of applications, especially in the design and development of electrochemical sensors. Their main advantage, in this context, is their ability to efficiently modify an electrode surface using the direct polymerization of a suitable monomer in an electrochemical cell, or by physical coating. Additionally, the conducting polymers can be mixed with further materials (metal nanoparticles, carbonaceous materials) to enhance conductivity and analytical features (linear range, limit of detection, sensitivity, and selectivity). Due to their characteristics, conducting polymer-based amperometric sensors are applied to the determination of different organic and inorganic analytes. A view of recent advances in this field focusing on pyrrole, thiophene, and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene as starting materials is reported.
An Experimental Study of Surface Icing Characteristics on Blade Airfoil for Offshore Wind Turbines: Effects of Chord Length and Angle of Attack
Authors: Liang Dong , Zhao Pengyu , Shen He , Yang Shengbing , Chi Haodong , Li Yan , Feng Fang
Published: May 2024

Offshore wind turbines operating in frigid and humid climates may encounter icing on the blade surface. This phenomenon adversely impacts the aerodynamic efficiency of the turbine, consequently diminishing power generation efficacy. Investigating the distribution characteristics of icing on the blade surface is imperative. Hence, this study undertook icing wind tunnel tests on segments of DU25 airfoil, a prevalent type for offshore wind turbines, to examine such characteristics as different chord lengths and angles of attack. The results show a simultaneous increase in the blade icing area and growth rate of the net icing area with augmenting the chord length and angles of attack. The total icing area rate decreases by a factor of two when the chord length is doubled. The relative positioning of icing and the average icing thickness remain consistent across the airfoil blades with varying chord lengths. Comparing the icing shapes on blades of varying scales shows a similarity ranging from 84.06% to 88.72%. The results of this study provide insight into the icing characteristics of offshore wind turbines.
Affective Dimensions of Compound Crises in Tourism Economies: The Intermountain Western Gateway Community of Nederland, Colorado
Authors: Branstrator Julia R. , Cavaliere Christina T.
Published: May 2024

Affective economies align people and places according to identities and emotional capital, particularly during compound crises such as COVID-19. Through an embodied research approach, affect becomes an integral part of furthering knowledge production within crisis management to understand individual and community resilience. This research explores how affective dimensions express individual and community resilience as part of crisis and disaster management of tourism-based economies. We contribute knowledge of sustainable destination management in the context of intermountain western gateway communities (IWGCs) to center residents as primary stakeholders within conservation and resilience planning. The IWGC of Nederland, Colorado, is presented as a microcosm of change through which the lived experiences of residents during COVID-19 are analyzed. This approach embraces the potential of affective scholarship for conservation and destination planning through creative qualitative methods of inquiry. Within a crystallization methodology guided by a feminist new materialist epistemology, we incorporate residents’ creative expressions to understand how affective dynamics influenced resilience throughout compound crises. Findings are presented via three themes including affective dimensions of resilience, identity, belonging and responsibility, and affective tourism economies. Affective knowledge centering resident experiences may inform future planning for crisis and disaster management across IWGCs and other gateway communities balancing tourism, conservation, and community planning.
Computational Methods as Part of Scientific Research in Cosmetic Sciences—Are We Using the Opportunity?
Authors: Krumpholz Laura , Polak Sebastian , Wiśniowska Barbara
Published: May 2024

In the field of the cosmetic industry, significant efforts are made to develop methods that are not only cost effective and time effective but are also environmentally friendly and cruelty free. Cosmetic tests using in vivo animal models are currently banned in the European Union. To fulfil regulatory requirements, new approach methodologies (NAMs) are implemented, and thereupon, in silico techniques have constantly acquired significance. This review aimed to show the general picture of the available computational methods and approaches, give some examples of their applications, present capabilities and limitations, and propose the way forward. The general information about in silico modelling and examples of its usage in the context of cosmetics and its legal regulation are presented. The review is divided with a focus on three endpoints of interest: (1) safety assessment, (2) exposure assessment, and (3) formulation characterization. With this comprehensive analysis, we try to answer the question as to whether we are using the opportunity.
New Updates on the Distribution of Scapania umbrosa (Schrad.) Dumort. (Scapaniaceae, Marchantiophyta) in Pacific Asia
Authors: Klimova Ksenia G. , Maltseva Yulia D. , Bakalin Vadim A. , Choi Seung Se
Published: May 2024

The distribution of liverworts in the North Pacific is still poorly understood. Scapania umbrosa, which is rare in Asia, was first recorded during the study of the liverwort flora of the Commander Islands (the westernmost Aleutians). The results of the molecular genetic analysis not only confirmed that the specimen belonged to Scapania umbrosa but also demonstrated the genetic specificity of the discovered population in comparison with the European, Siberian, and Alaskan populations. The island population of Scapania umbrosa is likely a recently diverged isolate of the species. Previously reported data on the distribution of Scapania umbrosa in the Russian Far East from Kamchatka and Kunashir (VBGI Herbarium), as well as from Sakhalin and Southern Primorye (reported in GBIF), are based on misidentifications. Morphological descriptions, distinguishing characters, line drawings, and photographs of Scapania umbrosa based on the collected material are provided.
Defining the miRnome of Saphenous Vein Smooth Muscle Cells from Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hussain Alisah , Asare-Amankwah Yaw , Qureshi Shehryar , Thornton M. Julie , Palmer Timothy M. , Bolanle Israel O. , Wood Ian C. , Turner Neil A. , Porter Karen E. , Tedder Andrew , Riches-Suman Kirsten
Published: May 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients suffer premature development of cardiovascular disease and commonly require cardiac revascularization using the autologous saphenous vein (SV). Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the principal cell type within the vascular wall and are dysfunctional in T2DM SV-SMCs, yet the mechanisms underpinning this are incompletely understood. The purpose of this study was to interrogate differential microRNA (miRNA) expression in SV-SMCs to enhance our understanding of T2DM SV-SMC phenotypic change. miRNA expression in primary human SV-SMCs from T2DM and non-diabetic (ND) donors was determined using an array (n = 6 each of ND and T2DM SV-SMCs). Differentially expressed miRNAs were ranked, and functional annotation of the 30 most differentially expressed miRNAs using DAVID and KEGG analysis revealed pathways related to SMC phenotype, including proliferation, migration, cytokine production and cell signaling. After selecting miRNAs known to be involved in SMC phenotypic regulation, miR-17, miR-29b-2, miR-31, miR-130b and miR-491 were further validated using qRT-PCR (n = 5 each of ND and T2DM SV-SMC), with miR-29b-2 subsequently being removed from further investigation. Potential mRNA targets were identified using mirDIP. Predicted target analysis highlighted likely dysregulation in transcription, epigenetic regulation, cell survival, intracellular signaling and cytoskeletal regulation, all of which are known to be dysfunctional in T2DM SV-SMCs. In conclusion, this paper identified four miRNAs that are dysregulated in T2DM SV-SMCs and are implicated in functional changes in the behavior of these cells. This provides a step forward in our understanding of the molecular and epigenetic regulation of vascular dysfunction in T2DM.
Spheroids Generated from Malignant Pleural Effusion as a Tool to Predict the Response of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer to Treatment
Authors: Yang Tsung-Ming , Fang Yu-Hung , Lin Chieh-Mo , Chen Miao-Fen , Lin Chun-Liang
Published: May 2024

Background: Spheroids generated by tumor cells collected from malignant pleural effusion (MPE) were shown to retain the characteristics of the original tumors. This ex vivo model might be used to predict the response of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to anticancer treatments. Methods: The characteristics, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status, and clinical response to EGFR-TKIs treatment of enrolled patients were recorded. The viability of the spheroids generated from MPE of enrolled patients were evaluated by visualization of the formazan product of the MTT assay. Results: Spheroids were generated from 14 patients with NSCLC-related MPE. Patients with EGFR L861Q, L858R, or Exon 19 deletion all received EGFR-TKIs, and five of these seven patients responded to treatment. The viability of the spheroids generated from MPE of these five patients who responded to EGFR-TKIs treatment was significantly reduced after gefitinib treatment. On the other hand, gefitinib treatment did not reduce the viability of the spheroids generated from MPE of patients with EGFR wild type, Exon 20 insertion, or patients with sensitive EGFR mutation but did not respond to EGFR-TKIs treatment. Conclusion: Multicellular spheroids generated from NSCLC-related MPE might be used to predict the response of NSCLC to treatment.
In Vivo Regulation of Active Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) in Periodontitis: From Transcriptomics to Real-Time Online Diagnostics and Treatment Monitoring
Authors: Aji Nur Rahman Ahmad Seno , Yucel-Lindberg Tülay , Räisänen Ismo T. , Kuula Heidi , Nieminen Mikko T. , Mc Crudden Maelíosa T. C. , Listyarifah Dyah , Lundmark Anna , Lundy Fionnuala T. , Gupta Shipra , Sorsa Timo
Published: May 2024

Background: This study investigated in vivo regulation and levels of active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8), a major collagenolytic protease, in periodontitis. Methods: Twenty-seven adults with chronic periodontitis (CP) and 30 periodontally healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in immunohistochemistry and transcriptomics analytics in order to assess Treponema denticola (Td) dentilisin and MMP-8 immunoexpression, mRNA expression of MMP-8 and its regulators (IL-1β, MMP-2, MMP-7, TIMP-1). Furthermore, the periodontal anti-infective treatment effect was monitored by four different MMP-8 assays (aMMP-8-IFMA, aMMP-8-Oralyzer, MMP-8-activity [RFU/minute], and total MMP-8 by ELISA) among 12 CP (compared to 25 HC). Results: Immunohistochemistry revealed significantly more Td-dentilisin and MMP-8 immunoreactivities in CP vs. HC. Transcriptomics revealed significantly elevated IL-1β and MMP-7 RNA expressions, and MMP-2 RNA was slightly reduced. No significant differences were recorded in the relatively low or barely detectable levels of MMP-8 mRNAs. Periodontal treatment significantly decreased all MMP-8 assay levels accompanied by the assessed clinical indices (periodontal probing depths, bleeding-on-probing, and visual plaque levels). However, active but not total MMP-8 levels persisted higher in CP than in periodontally healthy controls. Conclusion: In periodontal health, there are low aMMP-8 levels. The presence of Td-dentilisin in CP gingivae is associated with elevated aMMP-8 levels, potentially contributing to a higher risk of active periodontal tissue collagenolysis and progression of periodontitis. This can be detected by aMMP-8-specific assays and online/real-time aMMP-8 chair-side testing.
Comment on Manole et al. Primary Pericardial Synovial Sarcoma: A Case Report and Literature Review. Diagnostics 2022, 12, 158
Authors: Kawasaki Tomonori , Ichikawa Jiro , Imada Hiroki , Kanno Satoshi , Onohara Kojiro
Published: May 2024

With great interest, we read the article by Manole et al [...]
Evaluation of the Immunohistochemical Scoring System of CDX2 Expression as a Prognostic Biomarker in Colon Cancer
Authors: Ilie-Petrov Andreea-Corina , Cristian Daniel-Alin , Grama Florin Andrei , Chitul Andrei , Blajin Angela , Popa Andrei , Mandi Draga-Maria , Welt Luminița , Bara Marina Alina , Vrîncianu Rareș , Ardeleanu Carmen Maria
Published: May 2024

Encoded by the CDX2 homeobox gene, the CDX2 protein assumes the role of a pivotal transcription factor localized within the nucleus of intestinal epithelial cells, orchestrating the delicate equilibrium of intestinal physiology while intricately guiding the precise development and differentiation of epithelial tissue. Emerging research has unveiled that positive immunohistochemical expression of this protein shows that the CDX2 gene exerts a potent suppressive impact on tumor advancement in colorectal cancer, impeding the proliferation and distant dissemination of tumor cells, while the inhibition or suppression of CDX2 frequently correlates with aggressive behavior in colorectal cancer. In this study, we conducted an immunohistochemical assessment of CDX2 expression on a cohort of 43 intraoperatively obtained tumor specimens from patients diagnosed with colon cancer at Colțea Clinical Hospital in Bucharest, between April 2019 and December 2023. Additionally, we shed light on the morphological diversity within colon tumors, uncovering varying differentiation grades within the same tumor, reflecting the variations in CDX2 expression as well as the genetic complexity underlying these tumors. Based on the findings, we developed an innovative immunohistochemical scoring system that addresses the heterogeneous nature of colon tumors. Comprehensive statistical analysis of CDX2 immunohistochemical expression unveiled significant correlations with known histopathological parameters such as tumor differentiation grades (p-value = 0.011) and tumor budding score (p-value = 0.002), providing intriguing insights into the complex involvement of the CDX2 gene in orchestrating tumor progression through modulation of differentiation processes, and highlighting its role in metastatic predisposition. The compelling correlation identified between CDX2 expression and conventional histopathological parameters emphasizes the prognostic significance of the CDX2 biomarker in colon cancer. Moreover, our novel immunohistochemical scoring system reveals a distinct subset of colon tumors exhibiting reserved prognostic outcomes, distinguished by their “mosaic” CDX2 expression pattern.
Digital K–12 STEM Education through Human–Robot Interaction: Investigation on Prerequisites
Authors: Rahman S. M. Mizanoor
Published: May 2024

This article aims to explore, investigate, and determine the prerequisites that learners (students) should possess for participating in and being adequately benefitted from digital (robotics-enabled) K–12 STEM education offered through intuitive human–robot interaction. We selected 23 middle school mathematics and science teachers who received training on how to design, develop, and implement robotics-enabled lessons. The teachers then implemented robotics-enabled lessons in actual classroom settings, and separately responded to a survey based on their training, classroom experiences and observations, and self-brainstorming. We derived a set of prerequisite knowledge, skills, and abilities, including their relative importance for the students by analyzing the survey responses. The results showed that the students should not only possess prerequisite knowledge in the subject matter, but also possess behavioral, social, scientific, cognitive, and intellectual skills and abilities to participate in and receive benefits from robotics-enabled human–robot interactive digital STEM education. Out of the many prerequisites, the computational thinking ability of students was identified as one of the most required prerequisites to participate in robotics-enabled digital STEM education. To validate the derived prerequisites, teachers separately assessed the fulfillment of prerequisites by 38 participating students, and the results showed user acceptance, effectiveness, and suitability of the derived prerequisites set. We also identified a set of limitations of the studies and proposed action plans to enable students to meet the prerequisites. The results presented herein can help determine required instructional efforts and scaffolds before implementing robotics-enabled digital STEM lessons, and thus foster incorporating technology-enhanced (robotics-enabled) digital STEM education into K–12 curricula.
Self-Concept and Achievement in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Falk Karoline , Sansour Teresa
Published: May 2024

Background: Understanding self-concept in individuals with intellectual disabilities is crucial for tailored support and interventions. The research question driving this study is: What factors influence the self-concept of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and how is it assessed? Methods: Employing a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, studies from 1993 to 2024, which used diverse assessment tools such as the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Acceptance, Myself as a Learner Scale, and other self-report questionnaires, were analysed. Results: Factors influencing self-concept include diagnosis, age, gender, perception of control, school placement, and socioeconomic status. Internal factors like perception of control and external factors like societal attitudes interact to shape self-concept trajectories. Assessments reveal nuanced dimensions of self-perception, facilitating targeted interventions. Conclusions: Assessing self-concept among individuals with intellectual disabilities requires diverse evaluation methods. Insights gained inform tailored interventions to enhance well-being. Further research is needed to validate assessment tools across diverse populations. Recognizing the interplay of internal beliefs, external perceptions, and societal structures is crucial for empowering individuals to embrace their unique identities.
Is There Variation in the Morphology of the Frontal Sinus in Individuals with Different Craniofacial Patterns? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Küchler Erika Calvano , Oliveira Maria Beatriz Carvalho Ribeiro de , Madalena Isabela Ribeiro , Kirschneck Christian , Beisel-Memmert Svenja , de Oliveira Daniela Silva Barroso , Schroder Ângela Graciela Deliga , Lepri César Penazzo , de Menezes-Oliveira Maria Angélica Hueb , Marañón-Vásquez Guido Artemio
Published: May 2024

To evaluate differences in the morphology of the frontal sinus in adolescents and adults with different craniofacial patterns, searches up to April 2024 were conducted in six databases and other information sources to identify observational studies. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using the NOS scale were performed independently by two reviewers. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the difference in frontal sinus measurements between different craniofacial skeletal patterns (α = 0.05). The certainty of the evidence was evaluated according to GRADE. Fourteen studies were included in the review. All studies had methodological limitations that affected their quality. The syntheses showed that skeletal Class II subjects presented a significantly smaller width of the frontal sinus than skeletal Class I subjects (MD = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.74; p < 0.0001; I2 = 3%). Skeletal Class III subjects showed a frontal sinus width (MD = −0.91; 95% CI: −1.35, −0.47; p < 0.0001; I2 = 36%) and area (MD = −28.13; 95% CI: −49.03, −7.23; p = 0.0084; I2 = 66%) significantly larger than those of the skeletal Class I subjects. The available evidence suggests a positive relationship between mandibular and frontal sinus size. There is limited evidence to make reliable estimates of the association of other craniofacial patterns and frontal sinus characteristics. These reported results are not conclusive and should be evaluated carefully due to the very low certainty of the evidence. The current evidence is scarce and consists of studies with methodological limitations; the results of the studies are often inconsistent, and the pooled estimates are imprecise. New high-quality research is still necessary.
Optimal Decoding Order and Power Allocation for Sum Throughput Maximization in Downlink NOMA Systems
Authors: Han Zhuo , Hao Wanming , Tang Zhiqing , Yang Shouyi
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we consider a downlink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system over Nakagami-m channels. The single-antenna base station serves two single-antenna NOMA users based on statistical channel state information (CSI). We derive the closed-form expression of the exact outage probability under a given decoding order, and we also deduce the asymptotic outage probability and diversity order in a high-SNR regime. Then, we analyze all the possible power allocation ranges and theoretically prove the optimal power allocation range under the corresponding decoding order. The demarcation points of the optimal power allocation ranges are affected by target data rates and total power, without an effect from the CSI. In particular, the values of the demarcation points are proportional to the total power. Furthermore, we formulate a joint decoding order and power allocation optimization problem to maximize the sum throughput, which is solved by efficiently searching in our obtained optimal power allocation ranges. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to confirm the accuracy of our derived exact outage probability. Numerical results show the accuracy of our deduced demarcation points of the optimal power allocation ranges. And the optimal decoding order is not constant at different total transmit power levels.
The Tasmanian Emergency Care Outcomes Registry (TECOR) Protocol
Authors: Tran Viet , Barrington Giles , Page Simone
Published: May 2024

Emergency Departments (ED) play a vital role within the health system, representing the ‘front door’ to hospitals, the first point of hospital contact for patients who are undifferentiated and may be critically ill. They also serve as a safety net for the healthcare system. Together with ED overcrowding, this patient care environment is highly vulnerable to the provision of suboptimal care and breaches in patient safety. Government agencies in Australia currently collect data that are broad and administratively focused and are limited in capacity to identifying clinical quality. Clinical quality registries (CQR) help fill this gap but are often funded by not-for-profit organisations or research grants. There is no emergency care CQR in Tasmania, Australia. We propose the establishment of the Tasmanian Emergency Care Outcomes Registry (TECOR) to monitor emergency care processes and outcomes. The primary objective of TECOR is to monitor the unexpected 30-day mortality of patients who are cared for in the ED as well as 30-day safety events where emergency care was the primary contributor. The TECOR is expected to provide ongoing data on other important processes of emergency care in Tasmania such as length of stay in EDs, 28-day representation to EDs and hospital length of stay. The registry was designed to national standards and will meet the needs of the clinical community and have a positive impact on the communities it serves.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Economic Development of the Mining and Construction Industry: Case Study in Slovakia
Authors: Stehlíková Beátka , Taušová Marcela , Čulková Katarína
Published: May 2024

Due to the present worldwide economic development, there is an increasing need to follow the financial health of companies in individual sectors to avoid possible decline and bankruptcy. The goal of this contribution is to find out the influence of the pandemic on the economic situation in the mining industry as the primary sector, in connection with the construction industry as the secondary sector. The research is carried out through economic and financial indicators, which mostly influence the potential crisis of companies. The results show that the mining industry and construction sectors managed to avoid the heavy decline and bankruptcy of certain organizations in the industries. Such results can be used for forecasting and modeling the socio-economic development of regions and countries. The growth of the analyzed industries could contribute to the sustainable development in the country.
KGCFRec: Improving Collaborative Filtering Recommendation with Knowledge Graph
Authors: Peng Jiquan , Gong Jibing , Zhou Chao , Zang Qian , Fang Xiaohan , Yang Kailun , Yu Jing
Published: May 2024

Traditional collaborative filtering (CF)-based recommendation systems are often challenged by data sparsity. The recent research has recognized the potential of integrating new information sources, such as knowledge graphs, to address this issue. However, a common drawback is the neglect of the interplay between user–item interaction data and knowledge graph information, resulting in insufficient model performance due to coarse-grained feature fusion. To bridge this gap, in this paper, we propose a novel graph neural network (GNN) model called KGCFRec, which leverages both Knowledge Graph and user–item Collaborative Filtering information for an enhanced Recommender system. KGCFRec employs a dual-channel information propagation and aggregation mechanism to generate distinct representations for the collaborative knowledge graph and the user–item interaction graph. This is followed by an attention mechanism that adaptively fuses the knowledge graph with collaborative information, thereby refining the representations and narrowing the gap between them. The experiments conducted on three real-world datasets demonstrate that KGCFRec outperforms state-of-the-art methods. These promising results underscore the capability of KGCFRec to enhance recommendation accuracy by integrating knowledge graph information.
A New Machine-Learning-Driven Grade-Point Average Prediction Approach for College Students Incorporating Psychological Evaluations in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Zhong Zhidan , Mao Wentao , Zhang Zhihui , Li Zhe
Published: May 2024

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence in recent years, intelligent evaluation of college students’ growth by means of the monitoring data from training processes is becoming a promising technique in the field intelligent education. Current studies, however, tend to utilize course grades, which are objective, to predict students’ grade-point averages (GPAs), but usually neglect subjective factors like psychological resilience. To solve this problem, this paper takes mechanical engineering as the research object, and proposes a new machine-learning-driven GPA prediction approach to evaluate the academic performance of engineering students by incorporating psychological evaluation data into basic course scores. Specifically, this paper adopts SCL-90 psychological assessment data collected in the freshman year, including key mental health indicators such as somatization, depression, hostility, and interpersonal sensitivity indicators, as well as professional basic course scores, including mechanical principles, mechanical design, advanced mathematics, and engineering drawing. Four representative machine learning algorithms, Support Vector Machine (SVM), CNN-CBAM, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) that include deep and shallow models, respectively, are then employed to build a classification model for GPA prediction. This paper designs a validation experiment by tracking 229 students from the 2020 class from the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering of Henan University of Science and Technology, China. The students’ academic performance in senior grades is divided into five classes to use as the prediction labels. It is verified that psychological data and course data can be effectively integrated into GPA prediction for college students, with an accuracy rate of 83.64%. Meanwhile, this paper also reveals that anxiety indicators in the psychological assessment data have the greatest impact on college students’ academic performance, followed by interpersonal sensitivity. The experimental results also show that, for predicting junior year GPAs, psychological factors play more important role than they do in predicting sophomore GPAs. Suggestions are therefore given: the current practice in existing undergraduate teaching, i.e., only conducting psychological assessments in the initial freshman year, should be updated by introducing follow-up psychological assessments in each academic year.
Coordinated Reconfiguration with Energy Storage System for Load Restoration in Integrated Electric and Heating Systems
Authors: Wang Ke , Wang Jing , Su Pengfei , Zhang Song
Published: May 2024

Coordinated load restoration of integrated electric and heating systems (IEHSs) has become indispensable following natural disasters due to the increasingly relevant integration between power distribution systems (PDS) and district heating systems (DHS). In this paper, a coordinated reconfiguration with an energy storage system is introduced to optimize load restoration in the aftermath of natural catastrophes. By modifying the DHS network topology, it is possible to maintain an uninterrupted energy supply in unfaulty zones by shifting heat loads among sources and adjusting the operation of coupled devices. Additionally, energy storage systems with rapid response times are implemented to enhance load restoration efficiency, especially when working in conjunction with multiple energy sources. Comprehensive case analyses have been systematically conducted to demonstrate the impact of coordinated reconfiguration with energy storage systems on improving load restoration.
A Drone-Assisted Anonymous Authentication and Key Agreement Protocol with Access Control for Accident Rescue in the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Zheng Jihu , Duan Haixin , Wang Chenyu , Cao Qiang , Xu Guoai , Fang Rui
Published: May 2024

The drone-assisted Internet of Vehicles (DIoV) displays great potential in the punctual provision of rescue services without geographical limitations. To ensure data security in accident response and rescue services, authentication schemes with access control are employed. These schemes ensure that only specific rescue vehicle operators acting within a valid period can achieve mutual authentication from a designated processor, while access for mismatched, revoked, or expired users is denied. However, the current alternatives fail to ensure session key forward secrecy, entities’ mutual authentication, and user anonymity, thereby compromising users’ privacy and the security of communications. Moreover, executing too many time-consuming operations on vehicles’ resource-constrained devices inevitably degrades the performance of the authentication protocol. Balancing security and performance in the design of an authentication protocol with access control presents a significant challenge. To address this, a more efficient and robust authentication with access control has been designed. The proposed protocol ensures user anonymity through dynamic pseudonym allocation, achieves forward secrecy by excluding the long-term key from session key generation, and obtains mutual authentication by verifying the integrity of the messages exchanged. According to the security and performance analysis, it is demonstrated that the proposal is a robust, efficient, and cost-effective solution. In particular, the proposal can reduce the computational overhead by 66% compared to recent alternatives.
Communications and Data Science for the Success of Vehicle-to-Grid Technologies: Current State and Future Trends
Authors: Uribe-Pérez Noelia , Gonzalez-Garrido Amaia , Gallarreta Alexander , Justel Daniel , González-Pérez Mikel , González-Ramos Jon , Arrizabalaga Ane , Asensio Francisco Javier , Bidaguren Peru
Published: May 2024

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the electric grid, offering benefits, such as distributed energy resource (DER) integration, grid stability support, and peak demand management, among others, as well as environmental advantages. This study provides a comprehensive review of V2G systems, with a specific focus on the role of the communication, as they have been identified as key enablers, as well as the challenges that V2G must face. It begins by introducing the fundamentals of V2G systems, including their architecture, operation, and a description of the benefits for different sectors. It then delves into the communication technologies and protocols in V2G systems, highlighting the key requirements in achieving reliable and efficient communication between EVs and the different agents involved. A comprehensive review of communication standards is described, as well as the main communication technologies, which are evaluated in terms of their suitability for V2G applications. Furthermore, the study discusses the challenges and environmental implications of V2G technology, emphasizing the importance of addressing strong and reliable communications to maximize its potential benefits. Finally, future research directions and potential solutions for overcoming challenges in V2G systems are outlined, offering useful insights for researchers, policymakers, and administrations as well as related industry stakeholders.
Design of Series-Connected Novel Large-Scale Offshore Wind Power All-DC System with Fault Blocking Capability
Authors: Ru Yalun , Wang Haiyun , Li Zhanlong
Published: May 2024

The utilization of wind power all-DC systems with DC collection and transmission is an effective solution for the extensive development of wind power in deep-sea areas. However, in the event of faults occurring in wind power all-DC systems, the fault propagation speed is extremely rapid, with a wide-ranging impact, and to date, there are no complete DC engineering references available. It is crucial to research the topology and fault isolation methods applicable to large-scale offshore wind power all-DC systems in deep-sea areas. This paper proposes a novel series-connected all-DC system topology and presents corresponding fault isolation methods for internal faults in wind turbine units and faults in high-voltage DC transmission lines. The system simulation model was constructed using PSCAD/EMTDC (v4.6.3), and simulations were conducted for internal faults in the wind turbine units and DC transmission line short-circuit faults. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed system can isolate various DC faults while maintaining stable operation, thereby validating the effectiveness of the control strategies and fault isolation methods proposed in this paper.
Subsidy Policies and Economic Analysis of Photovoltaic Energy Storage Integration in China
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Li Rong , Zhu Shuan
Published: May 2024

In the context of China’s new power system, various regions have implemented policies mandating the integration of new energy sources with energy storage, while also introducing subsidies to alleviate project cost pressures. Currently, there is a lack of subsidy analysis for photovoltaic energy storage integration projects. In order to systematically assess the economic viability of photovoltaic energy storage integration projects after considering energy storage subsidies, this paper reviews relevant policies in the Chinese photovoltaic energy storage market. It analyzes the cost and revenue composition of photovoltaic energy storage integration projects, and constructs a system dynamics model for the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of such projects. Taking a specific photovoltaic energy storage project as an example, this paper measures the levelized cost of electricity and the investment return rate under different energy storage scenarios. Combining energy storage allocation ratios and internal rate of return indicators, this paper analyzes the net present value of photovoltaic energy storage integration projects under different subsidy standards. The results indicate that, while the current energy storage subsidy policies positively stimulate photovoltaic energy storage integration projects, they exhibit a limited capacity to cover energy storage investment costs, thereby failing to incentivize capital market participation in the construction of such projects. Rational allocation of energy storage capacity and optimization of corresponding subsidy policies are crucial prerequisites for enhancing the economic viability and widespread adoption of photovoltaic energy storage integration projects. This study not only aids in investment decision making for photovoltaic power stations but also contributes to the formulation of energy storage subsidy policies.
Impact of Malayan Uniform System and Selective Management System of Logging on Soil Quality in Selected Logged-over Forest in Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Abd Halim Nor Halizah , Jiang Jiang , Abdu Arifin , Karam Daljit Singh , Rajoo Keeren Sundara , Ibrahim Zahari , Aman Salim
Published: May 2024

Understanding the effects of various forest management systems, including logging practices, on soil properties is essential for implementing sustainable management strategies. In Malaysia, two types of forest management systems were commonly used: Malayan Uniform System (MUS) and Selective Management System (SMS) practices. However, their effects on soil quality remained elusive, especially after decades of recovery. To address this need, we selected three plots for the MUS and SMS in Johor, Malaysia, to assess soil properties in logged-over forest plots. All the plots were natural forest reserves. Soil properties analyzed include soil acidity, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, selected nutrient contents, and soil compaction. Generally, the results of the study indicate that forests logged using the SMS exhibit superior soil quality compared to those logged using the MUS according to several key soil properties. Specifically, significantly higher cation exchange capacity, potassium content, calcium content, and magnesium content with lower soil compaction was observed in the SMS when compared to MUS plots. In short, the SMS enhances soil quality more effectively than the MUS, even with a shorter logging cycle. This is because the SMS does not harvest all trees and distributes the impact of harvesting more evenly over time, rather than concentrating it at a single time point. Ultimately, this highlights that the SMS can play a significant role in promoting sustainable forest management practices by preserving soil quality.
Analysis of Deformation Fixation of Thermally Compressed Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Authors: Li Lili , Shan Xiaofei , Luo Zhiying , Liu Wenwen , Liu Jianxia , Yu Jianfang , Chen Zhangjing , Wang Ximing
Published: May 2024

Heat treatment effectively inhibits the water absorption recovery of compressed wood. To elucidate this phenomenon, we prepared compressed pine and thermally compressed pine (heartwood and sapwood) using the hot pressing method at 160 °C, 180 °C, 200 °C, and 220 °C. The effects of chemical components, swelling stresses, and monosaccharides on modified wood recovery were investigated using regression analyses. Notably, the recovery of both compressed heartwood and sapwood during water absorption declined from 18.89% to 2.66% and from 58.40% to 1.60%, respectively, after heat treatment. Similarly, the swelling stresses of the compressed heartwood and sapwood at 220 °C, respectively, ranged from 0.693 MPa to 0.275 MPa and from 0.783 MPa to 0.330 MPa. These were close to the values of untreated heartwood (0.175 MPa) and sapwood (0.225 MPa). Regression functions indicated that the recovery of compressed wood is chemically dependent on hemicellulose and mechanically related to swelling stress. For monosaccharides, regression functions indicated that modified heartwood recovery primarily relied on mannose, whereas modified sapwood recovery was remarkably affected by mannose and xylose. This confirmed that the pyrolytic monosaccharides in hemicellulose promoted stress relaxation, which induced the deformation fixation of thermally compressed wood.
Forecast of Current and Future Distributions of Corythucha marmorata (Uhler) under Climate Change in China
Authors: Li Ningning , Zhang Jiaxuan , Tan Chao , Zhu Xi , Cao Suyan , Gao Cuiqing
Published: May 2024

Corythucha marmorata (Uhler) emerged as an invasive pest in China around 2010, posing a significant threat to plants within the Asteraceae family. Employing the MaxEnt model, this study endeavors to anticipate the potential geographic distribution of Corythucha marmorata amid present and forthcoming climatic conditions, utilizing a dataset of 60 distributional occurrences alongside environmental parameters. The results revealed that presently, suitable regions span from 18–47° N to 103–128° E, with pronounced suitability concentrated notably in Jiangsu, Shanghai, Anhui, Hubei, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan. Projections suggested a general expansion of suitable habitats, albeit with exceptions noted in SSP1–2.6 and SSP2–4.5 scenarios in the 2050s and SSP5–8.5 in the 2070s. The potential suitability of areas for Corythucha marmorata was influenced by major factors such as precipitation in the warmest quarter (bio18), mean temperature in the warmest quarter (bio10), mean temperature in the wettest quarter (bio8), and annual precipitation (bio12). Notably, temperature and precipitation emerge as primary determinants affecting both current and future ranges. In comparison with the current distributional area, there was a trend towards increasing the potentially suitable areas in the future. Moreover, there was a greater risk of spreading to the north of China in the future. This study serves as a pivotal resource for guiding future endeavors in monitoring, early detection, and preventative management strategies targeting Corythucha marmorata.
Axenic Culture and DNA Barcode Identification of Wood Decay Fungi from the Maltese Islands
Authors: Iannaccone Marco , Amalfi Mario , Buhagiar Joseph A.
Published: May 2024

Wood-decaying fungi are important study subjects for their ecological role as well as for their biotechnological applications. They break down lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses using enzymes that modify the chemical structure of these complex macromolecules. Due to their ability to degrade wood, these fungi can create structural damage to wooden structures and to trees, especially those with very low level of fitness. Previous studies on wood decay fungi in the Maltese Islands are limited to records and checklists described by a handful of authors. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of wood decay fungal diversity in the Maltese Islands including an updated checklist based on DNA barcoding, as well as to establish the first wood-decay fungal culture collection at the Biology Department Seed Bank of the University of Malta. Several surveys were carried out during the rainy season along wooded areas of the Maltese Islands as well as in historical gardens. Isolates were identified using macro- and micro-morphological features, dichotomous keys, as well as molecular data. Basidiomes were recorded growing on 14 different host plant species, 11 axenic cultures have been made and 9 species of wood decay fungi have been conclusively identified by DNA barcoding. The collection of the axenic isolates includes one of Aurificaria cf. euphoria, three of Ganoderma resinaceum sl., two of Laetiporus sulphureus, one of Inonotus sp., one of Inonotus rickii anamorph, one of Inocutis tamaricis, one of Stereum hirsutum, and one of Pleurotus eryngii. However, the mycelium of Coriolopsis gallica, though collected and identified, could not be isolated.