bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Benchmark for Propagandist Text Detection and Mining High-Quality Data
Authors: Ahmad Pir Noman , Liu Yuanchao , Ali Gauhar , Wani Mudasir Ahmad , ElAffendi Mohammed
Published: June 2023

Social media, fake news, and different propaganda strategies have all contributed to an increase in misinformation online during the past ten years. As a result of the scarcity of high-quality data, the present datasets cannot be used to train a deep-learning model, making it impossible to establish an identification. We used a natural language processing approach to the issue in order to create a system that uses deep learning to automatically identify propaganda in news items. To assist the scholarly community in identifying propaganda in text news, this study suggested the propaganda texts (ProText) library. Truthfulness labels are assigned to ProText repositories after being manually and automatically verified with fact-checking methods. Additionally, this study proposed using a fine-tuned Robustly Optimized BERT Pre-training Approach (RoBERTa) and word embedding using multi-label multi-class text classification. Through experimentation and comparative research analysis, we address critical issues and collaborate to discover answers. We achieved an evaluation performance accuracy of 90%, 75%, 68%, and 65% on ProText, PTC, TSHP-17, and Qprop, respectively. The big-data method, particularly with deep-learning models, can assist us in filling out unsatisfactory big data in a novel text classification strategy. We urge collaboration to inspire researchers to acquire, exchange datasets, and develop a standard aimed at organizing, labeling, and fact-checking.
Sharp Stability for LSI
Authors: Indrei Emanuel
Published: June 2023

A fundamental tool in mathematical physics is the logarithmic Sobolev inequality. A quantitative version proven by Carlen with a remainder involving the Fourier–Wiener transform is equivalent to an entropic uncertainty principle more general than the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. In the stability inequality, the remainder is in terms of the entropy, not a metric. Recently, a stability result for H1 was obtained by Dolbeault, Esteban, Figalli, Frank, and Loss in terms of an Lp norm. Afterward, Brigati, Dolbeault, and Simonov discussed the stability problem involving a stronger norm. A full characterization with a necessary and sufficient condition to have H1 convergence is identified in this paper. Moreover, an explicit H1 bound via a moment assumption is shown. Additionally, the Lp stability of Dolbeault, Esteban, Figalli, Frank, and Loss is proven to be sharp.
Mathematical Analysis of Mixed Convective Peristaltic Flow for Chemically Reactive Casson Nanofluid
Authors: Yasmin Humaira , Nisar Zahid
Published: June 2023

Nanofluids are extremely beneficial to scientists because of their excellent heat transfer rates, which have numerous medical and industrial applications. The current study deals with the peristaltic flow of nanofluid (i.e., Casson nanofluid) in a symmetric elastic/compliant channel. Buongiorno’s framework of nanofluids was utilized to create the equations for flow and thermal/mass transfer along with the features of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. Slip conditions were applied to the compliant channel walls. The thermal field incorporated the attributes of viscous dissipation, ohmic heating, and thermal radiation. First-order chemical-reaction impacts were inserted in the mass transport. The influences of the Hall current and mixed convection were also presented within the momentum equations. Lubricant approximations were exploited to make the system of equations more simplified for the proposed framework. The solution of a nonlinear system of ODEs was accomplished via a numerical method. The influence of pertinent variables was examined by constructing graphs of fluid velocity, temperature profile, and rate of heat transfer. The concentration field was scrutinized via table. The velocity of the fluid declined with the increment of the Hartman number. The effects of thermal radiation and thermal Grashof number on temperature showed opposite behavior. Heat transfer rate was improved by raising the Casson fluid parameter and the Brownian motion parameter.
Toward Optimal Load Prediction and Customizable Autoscaling Scheme for Kubernetes
Authors: Mondal Subrota Kumar , Wu Xiaohai , Kabir Hussain Mohammed Dipu , Dai Hong-Ning , Ni Kan , Yuan Honggang , Wang Ting
Published: June 2023

Most enterprise customers now choose to divide a large monolithic service into large numbers of loosely-coupled, specialized microservices, which can be developed and deployed separately. Docker, as a light-weight virtualization technology, has been widely adopted to support diverse microservices. At the moment, Kubernetes is a portable, extensible, and open-source orchestration platform for managing these containerized microservice applications. To adapt to frequently changing user requests, it offers an automated scaling method, Horizontal Pod Autoscaler (HPA), that can scale itself based on the system’s current workload. The native reactive auto-scaling method, however, is unable to foresee the system workload scenario in the future to complete proactive scaling, leading to QoS (quality of service) violations, long tail latency, and insufficient server resource usage. In this paper, we suggest a new proactive scaling scheme based on deep learning approaches to make up for HPA’s inadequacies as the default autoscaler in Kubernetes. After meticulous experimental evaluation and comparative analysis, we use the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) model with higher prediction accuracy and efficiency as the prediction model, supplemented by a stability window mechanism to improve the accuracy and stability of the prediction model. Finally, with the third-party custom autoscaling framework, Custom Pod Autoscaler (CPA), we packaged our custom autoscaling algorithm into a framework and deployed the framework into the real Kubernetes cluster. Comprehensive experiment results prove the feasibility of our autoscaling scheme, which significantly outperforms the existing Horizontal Pod Autoscaler (HPA) approach.
Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions in Nonlinear Neutral System with Two Volterra Terms
Authors: Mesmouli Mouataz Billah , Ardjouni Abdelouaheb , Saber Hicham
Published: June 2023

In this manuscript, we generalise previous results in the literature by providing sufficient conditions for the matrix measure to guarantee the stability, asymptotic stability and exponential stability of a neutral system of differential equations. This is achieved by constructing a suitable operator from our system and applying the Banach fixed point theorem.
Attractors in Pattern Iterations of Flat Top Tent Maps
Authors: Silva Luis
Published: June 2023

Flat-topped one-dimensional maps have been used in the control of chaos in one-dimensional dynamical systems. In these applications, this mechanism is known as simple limiter control. In this paper, we will consider the introduction of simple limiters u in the tent map, according to a time-dependent scheme defined by a binary sequence s, the iteration pattern. We will define local and Milnor attractors in this non-autonomous context and study the dependence of their existence and coexistence on the value of the limiter u and on the pattern s. Using symbolic dynamics, we will be able to characterize the families of pairs (u,s) for which these attractors exist and coexist, as well as fully describe them. We will observe that this non-autonomous context provides a richness of behaviors that are not possible in the autonomous case.
Deterioration of Visual Acuity after Brachytherapy and Proton Therapy of Uveal Melanoma, and Methods of Counteracting This Complication Based on Recent Publications
Authors: Jarczak Jakub , Karska-Basta Izabella , Romanowska-Dixon Bożena
Published: June 2023

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. The eyeball is the most common extracutaneous location of melanoma. UM is a huge threat to a patient’s life. It metastasizes distantly via blood vessels, but it can also spread locally and infiltrate extraocular structures. The treatment uses surgical methods, which include, among others, enucleation and conservative methods, such as brachytherapy (BT), proton therapy (PT), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) and photodynamic therapy. The key advantage of radiotherapy, which is currently used in most patients, is the preservation of the eyeball with the risk of metastasis and mortality comparable to that of enucleation. Unfortunately, radiotherapy very often leads to a significant deterioration in visual acuity (VA) as a result of radiation complications. This article is a review of the latest research on ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) brachytherapy, iodine-125 (I-125) brachytherapy and proton therapy of uveal melanoma that took into account the deterioration of eye function after therapy, and also the latest studies presenting the new concepts of modifications to the applied treatments in order to reduce radiation complications and maintain better visual acuity in treated patients.
Assessing the Sealing Performance and Clinical Outcomes of Endodontic Treatment in Patients with Chronic Apical Periodontitis Using Epoxy Resin and Calcium Salicylate Seals
Authors: Horhat Razvan Mihai , Bumbu Bogdan Andrei , Orel Laura , Velea-Barta Oana , Cirligeriu Laura , Chicin Gratiana Nicoleta , Pricop Marius , Rivis Mircea , Dinu Stefania , Horhat Delia Ioana , Bratosin Felix , Fericean Roxana Manuela , Negrean Rodica Anamaria , Nica Luminita Maria
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives: Recognizing the significance of a hermetic apical seal for successful root canal treatment, the present investigation aimed to evaluate two sealing materials through an in vitro analysis, as well as to ascertain the clinical outcomes of patients treated with these two sealers in an in vivo setting. Materials and Methods: For the in vitro part of the study, two control groups of thirty monoradicular teeth were obturated with two sealers. Then, the sealers’ performance was tested based on a predefined protocol. Group A included 30 patients treated with an epoxy oligomer resin-based sealer (Adseal, MetaBiomed), while Group S comprised 30 patients treated with a polymeric calcium salicylate-based sealer (Sealapex, Kerr). Samples were sectioned and evaluated under the microscope to determine the sealer’s tightness by measuring the dye penetration into the root canal filling. For the in vivo part, a prospective study was designed to include 60 patients with chronic apical periodontitis in two endodontic treatment groups, using the same two sealers. Results: The in vitro analysis found that dye penetration in Group A was 0.82 mm (±0.428), while in Group S, the dye penetration was statistically significantly deeper, being 1.23 mm (±0.353). In the in vivo part of the study, the periapical index (PAI) significantly decreased 6 months after endodontic treatment, with 80.0% of patients in Group A having a PAI score of 2 compared to only 56.7% in Group S (p-value = 0.018). Similarly, tooth mobility scores significantly decreased after treatment, but with no difference between groups. The marginal bone loss decreased significantly more in the Adseal group compared to the Sealapex group (23.3% vs. 50.0%, p-value = 0.032). At the same time, 40.0% of patients in Group S had failed tooth healing compared to only 13.3% in Group A (p-value = 0.048). Conclusions: The in vitro study showed that Adseal had a better sealing capacity and a lower degree of dye penetration compared to Sealapex. However, on clinical evaluation in the in vivo study, both patient groups exhibited significant improvements in periapical index, tooth mobility scores, and pain reduction following endodontic treatment. Nevertheless, patients treated with Adseal showed a significantly greater improvement in PAI values, tooth mobility, and teeth healing after treatment. Overall, Adseal, as an endodontic sealer, may provide better sealing capabilities and enhanced clinical outcomes in the treatment of chronic apical periodontitis.
Defect Recognition in High-Pressure Die-Casting Parts Using Neural Networks and Transfer Learning
Authors: Andriosopoulou Georgia , Mastakouris Andreas , Masouros Dimosthenis , Benardos Panorios , Vosniakos George-Christopher , Soudris Dimitrios
Published: June 2023

The quality control of discretely manufactured parts typically involves defect recognition activities, which are time-consuming, repetitive tasks that must be performed by highly trained and/or experienced personnel. However, in the context of the fourth industrial revolution, the pertinent goal is to automate such procedures in order to improve their accuracy and consistency, while at the same time enabling their application in near real-time. In this light, the present paper examines the applicability of popular deep neural network types, which are widely employed for object detection tasks, in recognizing surface defects of parts that are produced through a die-casting process. The data used to train the networks belong to two different datasets consisting of images that contain various types of surface defects and for two different types of parts. The first dataset is freely available and concerns pump impellers, while the second dataset has been created during the present study and concerns an automotive part. For the first dataset, Faster R-CNN and YOLOv5 detection networks were employed yielding satisfactory detection of the various surface defects, with mean average precision (mAP) equal to 0.77 and 0.65, respectively. Subsequently, using transfer learning, two additional detection networks of the same type were trained for application on the second dataset, which included considerably fewer images, achieving sufficient detection capabilities. Specifically, Faster R-CNN achieved mAP equal to 0.70, outperforming the corresponding mAP of YOLOv5 that equalled 0.60. At the same time, experiments were carried out on four different computational resources so as to investigate their performance in terms of inference times and consumed power and draw conclusions regarding the feasibility of making predictions in real time. The results show that total inference time varied from 0.82 to 6.61 s per image, depending on the computational resource used, indicating that this methodology can be integrated in a real-life industrial manufacturing system.
Advanced Technologies in Bio/Hydrometallurgy for Recovery and Recycling of Metals
Authors: Ubaldini Stefano
Published: June 2023

Studying innovative and sustainable technologies for the recovery and reuse of raw materials (RMs) from primary and secondary resources is fundamental for economic and industrial development in compliance with environmental protection and in the context of a circular economy [...]
Creep Deformation Behavior, Microstructure Evolution, and Damage Mechanism of Super304H ODS Steel
Authors: Zhu Wan , Zhang Zeyue , Long Dijun , Li Huijun , Yu Liming
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the creep deformation behavior, microstructure evolution, and damage mechanism of Super304H oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel have been systematically investigated at 650 °C. The creep behavior of the ODS steel could be understood by virtue of a dislocation creep deformation mechanism. Interrupted creep experiments under 100 MPa were conducted to further study the microstructure evolution during long-term creep deformation. The grains began to refine at the initial stage, and some M23C6 phases were observed at grain boundaries, which enhanced the microhardness during the first creep stage. Along with creep, both Y2O3 and Cu-rich precipitates exhibited good coherence with the matrix. The Y2O3 precipitates showed better thermal stability than the Cu-rich phase. During the second creep stage, some cavities emerged around the M23C6 phase and at grain boundaries. The cavities gradually developed into significant cracks, causing the steel to fracture. The creep damage due to cavity growth could be determined according to the creep damage tolerance factor value.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Square Hole Hydro-Piercing Process
Authors: Sun Lei , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Qingfeng , Fan Zhigang , Ling Chen , Liu Xiehan , Chu Guannan
Published: June 2023

The hydro-piercing process is an emerging approach to the direct punching of holes on complex hollow components. During tube hydro-piercing, the deformation in the region adjacent to the pierced hole may range from having a substantially flat form to having a countersunk form. To improve the understanding of deformation behavior in square hole hydro-piercing, an experimental setup was designed and the effects of internal pressure and punch corner radius on the deformation sequence, as well as the collapse behavior, were investigated in this study. At the same time, a numerical simulation was conducted using the Abaqus/Explicit software 6.13. The results showed that the degrees of collapse at three characteristic points were different when the internal pressure was low and that the differences in the degrees of collapse could be reduced by increasing the internal pressure. It was demonstrated that the collapse was related to the internal pressure but had little dependence on the punch corner radius.
Characterization of the Bacterial Communities in Cichorium intybus According to Cultivation and Storage Conditions
Authors: Yum Su-Jin , Lee Heoun-Reoul , Yu Seon Yeong , Seo Dong Woo , Kwon Jun Hyeok , Kim Seung Min , Kim Jong Hun , Jeong Hee-Gon
Published: June 2023

Chicory leaves (Cichorium intybus) are widely consumed due to their health benefits. They are mainly consumed raw or without adequate washing, which has led to an increase in food-borne illness. This study investigated the taxonomic composition and diversity of chicory leaves collected at different sampling times and sites. The potential pathogenic genera (Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Pantoea, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus) were identified on the chicory leaves. We also evaluated the effects of various storage conditions (enterohemorrhagic E. coli contamination, washing treatment, and temperature) on the chicory leaves’ microbiota. These results provide an understanding of the microbiota in chicory and could be used to prevent food-borne illnesses.
Recent Advances in Chemical Synthesis of Amino Sugars
Authors: Yang Jian , Xie Demeng , Ma Xiaofeng
Published: June 2023

Amino sugars are a kind of carbohydrates with one or more hydroxyl groups replaced by an amino group. They play crucial roles in a broad range of biological activities. Over the past few decades, there have been continuing efforts on the stereoselective glycosylation of amino sugars. However, the introduction of glycoside bearing basic nitrogen is challenging using conventional Lewis acid-promoted pathways owing to competitive coordination of the amine to the Lewis acid promoter. Additionally, diastereomeric mixtures of O-glycoside are often produced if aminoglycoside lack a C2 substituent. This review focuses on the updated overview of the way to stereoselective synthesis of 1,2-cis-aminoglycoside. The scope, mechanism, and the applications in the synthesis of complex glycoconjugates for the representative methodologies were also included.
Analyzing the Effect of Zr, W, and V Isomorph Framework Substitution on ZSM-5 and Beta Zeolites for Their Use as Hydrocarbon Trap
Authors: Gil-Muñoz Gema , Alcañiz-Monge Juan , Illán-Gómez María José
Published: June 2023

This work evaluates the effect on the adsorption and desorption kinetics of propene and toluene (used as probe molecules for vehicle cold-start emissions) of the isomorph framework substitution of Zr, W, and V on commercial ZSM-5 and beta zeolites. TG-DTA and XRD characterization data indicated that: (i) Zr does not modify the crystalline structure of the parent zeolites, (ii) W develops a new crystalline phase, and (iii) V causes the breakdown of the zeolite structure during the aging step. The CO2 and N2 adsorption data revealed that the substituted zeolites present a narrower microporosity than pristine zeolites. As a consequence of all these modifications, the modified zeolites feature different adsorption capacity and kinetics of HCs, so, different hydrocarbon trapping ability than pristine zeolites. However, a clear correlation is not observed between the changes in the porosity/acidity of zeolites and the adsorption capacity and kinetics, which depends on: (i) the zeolite (ZSM-5 or BEA), (ii) the hydrocarbon (toluene or propene), and (iii) the cation to be inserted (Zr, W, or V).
Does Self-Perceived Diet Quality Align with Nutrient Intake? A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Food Nutrient Index and Diet Quality Score
Authors: Storz Maximilian Andreas
Published: June 2023

A reliable diet quality (DQ) assessment is critical to empower individuals to improve their dietary choices. Controversies persist as to whether self-perceived DQ is accurate and correlated with actual DQ as assessed by validated nutrient intake indexes. We used National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys data to examine whether a higher self-perceived DQ was positively associated with a more optimal nutrient intake as reflected by the Food Nutrient Index (FNI) and Diet Quality Score (DQS). Comparative analyses were performed for three self-perceived DQ groups: (I) “excellent or very good” DQ, (II) “good or fair” DQ, and (III) “poor” DQ. The FNI and DQS differed substantially across groups and sexes. FNI scores ranged from 65 to 69 in participants with a self-reported excellent or very good DQ, whereas participants with a self-perceived poor DQ scored significantly lower (53–59). We also observed age- and sex-specific patterns, with the lowest overall FNI scores found in males aged 18–30 years and females aged 31–50 years. DQ intergroup differences were more pronounced in females than in males. Our findings suggest that higher self-perceived DQ is associated with a more optimal nutrient intake and indicate potential helpfulness of self-perceived DQ as a quick and still underexplored indicator with intrinsic limitations.
A Mixed-Method Evaluation of a Rural Elementary School Implementing the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Program
Authors: Samuel-Hodge Carmen D. , Gizlice Ziya , Guy Alexis R. , Bernstein Kathryn , Victor Aurore Y. , George Tyler , Hamlett Trevor S. , Harrison Lisa M.
Published: June 2023

Despite children living in rural US areas having 26% greater odds of being affected by obesity compared to those living in urban areas, the implementation of evidence-based programs in rural schools is rare. We collected quantitative data (weight and height) from 272 racially and ethnically diverse students at baseline, and qualitative data from students (4 focus groups), parents, and school staff (16 semi-structured interviews and 29 surveys) to evaluate program outcomes and perceptions. At the 2-year follow-up, paired data from 157 students, represented by racial/ethnic groups of 59% non-Hispanic White, 31% non-Hispanic Black, and 10% Hispanic, showed an overall mean change (SD) in BMI z-score of −0.04 (0.59), a decrease of −0.08 (0.69) in boys, and a significant −0.18 (0.33) decrease among Hispanic students. Boys had a mean decrease in obesity prevalence of 3 percentage points (from 17% to 14%), and Hispanic students had the largest mean decrease in BMI percentile. Qualitative data showed positive perceptions of the CATCH program and its implementation. This community-engaged research, with collaboration from an academic institution, a health department, a local wellness coalition, and a rural elementary school, demonstrated successful CATCH program implementation and showed promising outcomes in mean BMI changes.
Integrated Single-Cell and Transcriptome Sequencing Analyses Identify Dipeptidase 2 as an Immune-Associated Prognostic Biomarker for Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xiangqian , Zhang Yunfan , Gao Xiaomei , Zhang Ye , Chen Yongheng
Published: June 2023

Dipeptidase 2 (DPEP2) is a dipeptidyl peptidase that plays an important role in the hydrolysis of leukotriene D4 (LTD4) to leukotriene E4 (LTE4). Previous studies have suggested that LTD4 promotes tumor progression and survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, we hypothesized that DPEP2 may play a pivotal role in this tumor. Given that lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of NSCLC, our study aimed to examine the expression and function of DPEP2 in LUAD. Based on bioinformatics and the analysis of clinical samples, our findings revealed that DPEP2 is highly expressed in normal lung tissues, but downregulated in LUAD tissues, and its expression levels were significantly associated with clinical indicators of tumor grade and prognosis. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that DPEP2 is involved in biological processes such as chemokine signaling pathways, leukocyte trans-endothelial migration, and humoral immune responses in LUAD. In addition, DPEP2 expression was significantly associated with various immune cells, especially monocytes–macrophages. Single-cell transcriptome data further confirmed the expression of DPEP2 dominantly in macrophages from normal lung tissues. Analysis of the TCIA database revealed that high DPEP2 expression is associated with a stronger response to immune checkpoint inhibitors such as CTLA4 and PD1, and determines sensitivity to LUAD therapeutic agents. Furthermore, we found that DPEP2 inhibits the migration and invasion of LUAD cells. Therefore, DPEP2 may serve as a potential immune biomarker and therapeutic target for LUAD, providing novel therapeutic approaches for this disease.
Research on the Thermal Effect of Micro-Channel Cooled Thin-Slab Tm:YAP Lasers
Authors: Shang Jianhua , Cheng Xiaojin , Li Qixin , Wu Xiangnan
Published: June 2023

Using the finite element method and the heat conduction equation, the temperature, stress, and end-face deformation in Tm:YAP crystal under high pump power were analyzed. Combined with gradient doping technology, an effective way to improve the internal heat distribution of the crystal was studied. The results showed that when the total pump power was 200 W, under the same cooling conditions, the maximum temperature difference inside Tm:YAP decreased from 58 K to 25 K after gradient doping. The thermal stress and end-face thermal deformation were also significantly improved. In addition, a reasonable micro-channel structure also effectively removed the heat generated inside the crystal.
Analyzing On-Farm Spatiotemporal Distribution of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Populations from a Precision Agriculture Perspective
Authors: Liakos Vasileios , Navrozidis Ioannis E. , Koutsogeorgiou Eleni I. , Gogolashvili Nikoloz E. , Samourgkanidou Eugenia , Faraslis Ioannis , Gravalos Ioannis , Thomidis Thomas , Andreadis Stefanos S.
Published: June 2023

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is native to Japan, China, Taiwan, and Korea. Its dispersion from Asia to the United States of America and Europe caused serious damage to fruit, vegetables, and high-value crops. In Greece, damages are reported in kiwi orchards in the regions of Pieria and Imathia, which are the main production areas of kiwifruit. Greek kiwifruit production is expected to increase twofold within the next years. The aim of this research is to study the terrain and canopy properties that may have an impact on the development of H. halys populations. Thus, five kiwi orchards in total were selected in the regions of Pieria and Imathia. Τen traps were installed from early June to late October within each selected kiwi orchard–two types of traps at every side of the orchards and the center. The installed traps were examined weekly and the number of the captured H. halys was recorded. During the same days, sentinel satellite images were analyzed to calculate the vegetation index, NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index), and NDWI (Normalised Difference Water Index). The results showed population variability within the kiwi orchards since the population of H. halys was higher in areas with high NDVI and NDWI values. Additionally, our research revealed that H. halys prefers to develop populations at higher altitudes at both regional and field scales. The results of this research can be used to reduce damages by H. halys in kiwi orchards using different rates of pesticides depending on the prediction of the population size. There are multiple benefits of the proposed practice, such as a reduction in the production cost of kiwifruits, an increase in farmers’ profit, and environmental protection.
Effects of OsAOX1a Deficiency on Mitochondrial Metabolism at Critical Node of Seed Viability in Rice
Authors: Ji Jing , Lin Shuangshuang , Xin Xia , Li Yang , He Juanjuan , Xu Xinyue , Zhao Yunxia , Su Gefei , Lu Xinxiong , Yin Guangkun
Published: June 2023

Mitochondrial alternative oxidase 1a (AOX1a) plays an extremely important role in the critical node of seed viability during storage. However, the regulatory mechanism is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify the regulatory mechanisms by comparing OsAOX1a-RNAi and wild-type (WT) rice seed during artificial aging treatment. Weight gain and time for the seed germination percentage decreased to 50% (P50) in OsAOX1a-RNAi rice seed, indicating possible impairment in seed development and storability. Compared to WT seeds at 100%, 90%, 80%, and 70% germination, the NADH- and succinate-dependent O2 consumption, the activity of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase, and ATP contents all decreased in the OsAOX1a-RNAi seeds, indicating that mitochondrial status in the OsAOX1a-RNAi seeds after imbibition was weaker than in the WT seeds. In addition, the reduction in the abundance of Complex I subunits showed that the capacity of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain was significantly inhibited in the OsAOX1a-RNAi seeds at the critical node of seed viability. The results indicate that ATP production was impaired in the OsAOX1a-RNAi seeds during aging. Therefore, we conclude that mitochondrial metabolism and alternative pathways were severely inhibited in the OsAOX1a-RNAi seeds at critical node of viability, which could accelerate the collapse of seed viability. The precise regulatory mechanism of the alternative pathway at the critical node of viability needs to be further analyzed. This finding might provide the basis for developing monitoring and warning indicators when seed viability declines to the critical node during storage.
The Essential Oil of Petroselinum crispum (Mill) Fuss Seeds from Peru: Phytotoxic Activity and In Silico Evaluation on the Target Enzyme of the Glyphosate Herbicide
Authors: Herrera-Calderon Oscar , Saleh Abdulrahman M. , Mahmood Ammar A. Razzak , Khalaf Mohamed A. , Calva James , Loyola-Gonzales Eddie , Tataje-Napuri Freddy Emilio , Chávez Haydee , Almeida-Galindo José Santiago , Chavez-Espinoza Javier Hernán , Pari-Olarte Josefa Bertha
Published: June 2023

Petroselinum crispum (Mill) Fuss is an aromatic plant belonging to the Apiaceae family and used in gastronomy as a spice. Several studies have been developed in leaves but studies are limited in seeds, especially the essential oils obtained from seeds. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile of the volatile compounds of this essential oil by gas-chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in order to evaluate its phytotoxic activity on Lactuca sativa seeds and to carry out an in silico analysis on the target enzyme of the herbicide glyphosate 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase (EPSP). The essential oil was obtained by steam distillation for two hours and then was injected into a GC-MS, the phytotoxic assay was carried out on Lactuca seeds and the in silico evaluation on the EPSP synthase focused on the volatile compounds similar to glyphosate, docking analysis, and molecular dynamics to establish the protein–ligand stability of the most active molecule. The chromatographic analysis revealed 47 compounds, predominated by three compounds with the most abundant percentage in the total content (1,3,8-ρ-menthatriene (22.59%); apiole (22.41%); and β-phellandrene (15.02%)). The phytotoxic activity demonstrated that the essential oil had a high activity at 5% against L. sativa seed germination, inhibition of root length, and hypocotyl length, which is comparable to 2% glyphosate. The molecular docking on EPSP synthase revealed that trans-p-menth-6-en-2,8-diol had a high affinity with the enzyme EPSP synthase and a better stability during the molecular dynamic. According to the results, the essential oil of P. crispum seeds presented a phytotoxic activity and might be useful as a bioherbicide agent against weeds.
Developing Biodiversity Baselines to Develop and Implement Future Conservation Targets
Authors: Hughes Alice C.
Published: June 2023

With the recent launch of the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework (GBF), and the associated monitoring framework, understanding the framework and data needed to support it is crucial. Unfortunately, whilst the monitoring framework was meant to provide key data to monitor progress towards goals and targets, most indicators are too unclear for detection or marking progress. The most common datasets for this task, such as the IUCN redlist of species, have major spatial inaccuracies, and lack the temporal resolution to track progress, whilst point-based datasets lack data from many regions, in addition to species coverage. Utilising existing data will require the careful use of existing data, such as the use of inventories and projecting richness patterns, or filling data gaps before developing species-level models and assessments. As high-resolution data fall outside the scope of explicit indicators within the monitoring framework, using essential biodiversity variables within GEOBON (which are noted in the prelude of the monitoring framework) as a vehicle for data aggregation provides a mechanism for collating the necessary high-resolution data. Ultimately developing effective targets for conservation will require better species data, for which National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans (NBSAPs) and novel mechanisms for data mobilisation will be necessary. Furthermore, capitalising on climate targets and climate biodiversity synergies within the GBF provides an additional means for developing meaningful targets, trying to develop urgently needed data to monitor biodiversity trends, prioritising meaningful tasks, and tracking our progress towards biodiversity targets.
Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Ripe Fruits of Mistletoe (Psittacanthus calyculatus)
Authors: Ochoa-Cruz Zaida , Molina-Torres Jorge , Angoa-Pérez María V. , Cárdenas-Valdovinos Jeanette G. , García-Ruiz Ignacio , Ceja-Díaz José A. , Bernal-Gallardo José O. , Mena-Violante Hortencia G.
Published: June 2023

Psittacanthus calyculatus is a hemiparasitic plant of an arboreal species (e.g., forest, fruit trees). Its foliage has therapeutic potential; however, little is known about its fruits. In this study, the phytochemical profile and biological activities of P. calyculatus fruits hosted by Prosopis laevigata and Quercus deserticola were evaluated. The fruits of P. calyculatus from P. laevigata showed the highest content of total phenols (71.396 ± 0.676 mg GAE/g DW). The highest content of flavonoids and anthocyanins was presented in those from Q. deserticola (14.232 ± 0.772 mg QE/g DW; 2.431 ± 0.020 mg C3GE/g DW). The anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucoside was detected and quantified via high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) (306.682 ± 11.804 mg C3GE/g DW). Acidified extracts from host P. laevigata showed the highest antioxidant activity via ABTS•+ (2,2′azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazdin-6-sulfonic acid) (214.810 ± 0.0802 mg TE/g DW). Fruit extracts with absolute ethanol from the P. laevigata host showed the highest antihypertensive activity (92 ± 3.054% inhibition of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)). Fruit extracts from both hosts showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 12.5 mg/mL against Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis and Shigella flexneri. Interestingly, a significant host effect was found. P. calyculatus fruits extract could be used therapeutically. However, further confirmation experiments should be carried out.
Pulmonary Delivery for miRs: Present and Future Potential
Authors: Shrestha Archana , Haque Md Anamul , Mattheolabakis George
Published: June 2023

Administration through the respiratory tract can be advantageous, with high drug bioavailability, limited enzymatic activity, reduced dose requirements compared to oral, and potentially diminished side effects. Among the different types of drugs studied for pulmonary delivery, genetic material delivery has gained favorable scientific interest, using polymer-, lipid-, inorganic-, or vector-based nanocarriers. As pulmonary drug delivery has been associated with challenges, including physiological barriers and lung metabolism, the delivery of sensitive molecules such as nucleic acids can exacerbate these challenges. While short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been extensively reported as suitable ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) candidates for pulmonary delivery, discussion on micro-RNA (miR) pulmonary delivery is limited despite their significant therapeutic potential. Recently, these non-coding RNAs have been explored in targeted or non-targeted pulmonary administration against various diseases. This review addresses the information gap on miR-pulmonary delivery with updated and concentrated literature. We briefly discuss the barriers to lung administration, describe different functional nanocarriers for miR delivery, and provide an extensive literature update on the different miRs and their targeted diseases currently being studied.
Innovative Techniques for Safety, Reliability, and Security in Control Systems
Authors: López-Estrada Francisco-Ronay , Valencia-Palomo Guillermo
Published: June 2023

Control systems have become a critical component in the advancement of many engineering and science fields [...]
Biofuels from Pyrolysis of Third-Generation Biomass from Household and Garden Waste Composting Bin: Kinetics Analysis
Authors: Rijo Bruna , Soares Dias Ana Paula , Saksiwi Novi Dwi , Pereira Manuel Francisco Costa , Zăvoianu Rodica , Pavel Octavian Dumitru , Ferreira Olga , dos Santos Rui Galhano
Published: June 2023

The modern society produces large amounts of household waste with high organic matter content. The vermicomposting of household waste produces high-value humic substances and is a way to stabilize organic material for later use as raw material (3rd generation biomass) for bioenergy proposes. A 6-month matured compost, combining vegetable and fruit scraps from domestic trash and grass and shrub clippings from yard waste, was evaluated to assess its potential as a raw material in pyrolysis processes. The pyrolysis activation energy (Kissinger) of the composted material showed values in the range of 200–300 kJ/mol, thus confirming its suitability for pyrolysis processes with promising H2 yields. The treatment of the composted material with H2SO4 and NaOH solution (boiling; 1 mol/L) led to the production of solid residues that present higher pyrolysis activation energies, reaching 550 kJ/mol for the most resilient fraction, which makes them suitable to produce carbonaceous materials (biochar) that will have incorporated the inorganics existing in the original compost (ashes 37.6%). The high content of inorganics would play a chief role during pyrolysis since they act as gasification promoters.
Sustainable Valorisation of Peach and Apricot Waste Using Green Extraction Technique with Conventional and Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Stramarkou Marina , Oikonomopoulou Vasiliki , Panagiotopoulou Margarita , Papadaki Sofia , Krokida Magdalini
Published: June 2023

Worldwide, fruit processing industries reject high volumes of fruit waste, which represent rich sources of phenolic compounds and can be valorised through extraction, and then be reused for food, nutraceutical or cosmetic applications. In the present work, the optimisation of the recovery of phenolic compounds from apricot kernels and pulp, as well as peach pulp, through the green method of ultrasound and microwave assisted extraction (UMAE) is performed. Prior to extraction, a drying step of the pulps is conducted using freeze, vacuum and hot air drying. Except for the conventional extraction solvents of water and ethanol:water, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) formed by choline chloride/urea, and a natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) from choline chloride with lactic acid, are used, something that presentsecological benefits. With the aim of discovering the optimum extraction conditions, different values of the parameters of extraction time, utrasonic power and solvent/dry solid ratio are examined, and a mathematical model is developed to correlate them to the extraction yield (EY). The phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity are determined through UV-Vis spectroscopy and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results of the study demonstrated that the most effective solvent in the extraction of apricot kernels is ethanol: water; DES is more efficient in the extraction of apricot pulp and NaDES in the extraction of peach pulps, reaching EYs of 25.65, 26.83 and 17.13%, respectively. In conclusion, both types of fruit waste are proved to have a significant content of valuable compounds, and the use of DES in fruit by-product extraction is effective and seems to be a promising alternative. Thus, the unexploited amounts of waste can be valorised through simple techniques and innovative solvents.
Coordinating Tethered Autonomous Underwater Vehicles towards Entanglement-Free Navigation
Authors: Patil Abhishek , Park Myoungkuk , Bae Jungyun
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes an algorithm that provides operational strategies for multiple tethered autonomous underwater vehicle (T-AUV) systems for entanglement-free navigation. T-AUVs can perform underwater tasks under reliable communication and power supply, which is the most substantial benefit of their operation. Thus, if one can overcome the entanglement issues while utilizing multiple tethered vehicles, the potential applications of the system increase including ecosystem exploration, infrastructure inspection, maintenance, search and rescue, underwater construction, and surveillance. In this study, we focus on developing strategies for task allocation, path planning, and scheduling that ensure entanglement-free operations while considering workload balancing among the vehicles. We do not impose restrictions on the size or shape of the vehicles at this stage; our primary focus is on efficient tether management as an initial work on the topic. To achieve entanglement-free navigation, we propose a heuristic based on the primal-dual technique, which enables initial task allocation and path planning while minimizing the maximum travel cost of the vehicles. Although this heuristic often generates sectioned paths due to its workload-balancing nature, we also propose a mixed approach to provide feasible solutions for non-sectioned initial paths. This approach combines entanglement avoidance techniques with time scheduling and sectionalization methods. To evaluate the effectiveness of our algorithm, extensive simulations were conducted with varying problem sizes. The computational results demonstrate the potential of our algorithm to be applied in real-time operations, as it consistently generates reliable solutions within a reasonable time frame.
Spectral-Spatial MLP Network for Hyperspectral Image Super-Resolution
Authors: Yao Yunze , Hu Jianwen , Liu Yaoting , Zhao Yushan
Published: June 2023

Many hyperspectral image (HSI) super-resolution (SR) methods have been proposed and have achieved good results; however, they do not sufficiently preserve the spectral information. It is beneficial to sufficiently utilize the spectral correlation. In addition, most works super-resolve hyperspectral images using high computation complexity. To solve the above problems, a novel method based on a channel multilayer perceptron (CMLP) is presented in this article, which aims to obtain a better performance while reducing the computational cost. To sufficiently extract spectral features, a local-global spectral integration block is proposed, which consists of CMLP and some parameter-free operations. The block can extract local and global spectral features with low computational cost. In addition, a spatial feature group extraction block based on the CycleMLP framework is designed; it can extract local spatial features well and reduce the computation complexity and number of parameters. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method achieves a good performance compared with other methods.
Integrated Spatiotemporal Analysis of Vegetation Condition in a Complex Post-Mining Area: Lignite Mine Case Study
Authors: Blachowski Jan , Dynowski Aleksandra , Buczyńska Anna , Ellefmo Steinar L. , Walerysiak Natalia
Published: June 2023

The motivation for this study arises from the need to monitor the condition of a rehabilitated post-mining areas even decades after the end of the recovery phase. This can be facilitated with satellite derived spectral vegetation indices and Geographic Information System (GIS) based spatiotemporal analysis. The study area described in this work is located in Western Poland and has unique characteristics, as it was subjected to the combined underground and open pit mining of lignite deposits that had been shaped by glaciotectonic processes. The mining ended in early 1970’ties and the area was subjected to reclamation procedures that ended in the 1980’ties. We used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) spectral indices derived from Sentinel-2 data for the 2015–2022. period. Then, we applied a combination of GIS-based map algebra statistics (local, zonal and combinatorial) and GI* spatial statistics (hot spot and temporal hot spot) for a complex analysis and assessment of the vegetation cover condition in a post-mining area thought to be in the rehabilitated phase. The mean values of NDVI and EVI for the post-mining study area range from 0.48 to 0.64 and 0.24 to 0.31 and are stable in the analyzed 8 year period. This indicates general good condition of the vegetation and post-recovery phase of the area of interest. However, the combination of spatiotemporal analysis allowed us to identify statistically significant clusters of higher and lower values of the vegetation indices and change of vegetation cover classes on 3% of the study area. These clusters signify the occurrence of local processes such as, the encroachment of aquatic vegetation in waterlogged subsidence basins, and growth of low vegetation in old pits filled with waste material, barren earth zones on external waste dumps, as well as present-day forest management activities. We have confirmed that significant vegetation changes related to former mining occur even five decades later. Furthermore, we identified clusters of the highest values that are associated with zones of older, healthy forest and deciduous tree species. The results confirmed applicability of Sentinel-2 derived vegetation indices for studies of post-mining environment and for the detection of local phenomena related to natural landscaping processes still taking place in the study area. The methodology adopted for this study consisting of a combination of GIS-based data mining methods can be used in combination or separately in other areas of interest, as well as aid their sustainable management.