bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
System-Level Predictive Maintenance Optimization for No-Wait Production Machine–Robot Collaborative Environment under Economic Dependency and Hybrid Fault Mode
Authors: Hu Bing , Chen Zhaoxiang , Zhen Mengzi , Chen Zhen , Pan Ershun
Published: August 2024

For manufacturing systems such as hot rolling, where there is no wait in the production process, breaks between adjacent production batches provide “opportunities” for predictive maintenance. With the extensive application of industrial robots, a production machine–robot collaboration mode should be considered in system-level predictive maintenance. The hybrid failure mode of machines and dependencies among machines further elevate the difficulty of developing predictive maintenance schedules. Therefore, a novel system-level predictive maintenance method for the no-wait production machine–robot collaborative maintenance problem (NWPMRCMP) is proposed. The machine-level predictive maintenance optimization model under hybrid failure mode, which consists of degradation and sudden failure, is constructed. Based on this, the system-level maintenance optimization model is developed, which takes into account the economic dependency among machines. The maintenance model with the objective of minimizing the total cost is transformed into a Markov decision process (MDP), and a tailored proximal policy optimization algorithm is developed to solve the resulting MDP. Finally, a case study of a manufacturing system consisting of multiple hot-rolling machines and labeling robots is constructed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the designed algorithm has good performance and stability. Moreover, the developed strategy maximizes the performance of the machine and thus reduces the total maintenance cost.
Development and Validation of a New Type of Displacement-Based Miniatured Laser Vibrometers
Authors: Yuan Ke , Zhu Zhonghua , Chen Wei , Zhu Weidong
Published: August 2024

Developing a miniatured laser vibrometer becomes important for many engineering areas, such as experimental and operational modal analyses, model validation, and structural health monitoring. Due to its compact size and light weight, a miniatured laser vibrometer can be attached to various mobilized platforms, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle and a robotic arm whose payloads can usually not be large, to achieve a flexible vibration measurement capability. However, integrating optics into a miniaturized laser vibrometer presents several challenges. These include signal interference from ghost reflectance signals generated by the sub-components of integrated photonics, polarization effects caused by waveguide structures, wavelength drifting due to the semiconductor laser, and the poorer noise characteristics of an integrated laser chip compared to a non-integrated circuit. This work proposes a novel chip-based high-precision laser vibrometer by incorporating two or more sets of quadrature demodulation networks into its design. An additional set of quadrature demodulation networks with a distinct reference arm delay line length can be used to conduct real-time compensation to mitigate linear interference caused by temperature and environmental variations. A series of vibration measurements with frequencies ranging from 0.1 Hz to 1 MHz were conducted using the proposed laser vibrometer to show its repeatability and accuracy in vibration and ultrasonic vibration measurements, and its robustness to test surface conditions. The proposed laser vibrometer has the advantage of directly measuring the displacement response of a vibrating structure rather than integrating its velocity response to yield the measured displacement with a conventional laser Doppler vibrometer.
Recursive Engine In-Cylinder Pressure Reconstruction Using Sensor-Fused Engine Speed
Authors: Han Runzhe , Bohn Christian , Bauer Georg
Published: August 2024

The engine in-cylinder pressure is a very important parameter for the optimization of internal combustion engines. This paper proposes an alternative recursive Kalman filter-based engine cylinder pressure reconstruction approach using sensor-fused engine speed. In the proposed approach, the fused engine speed is first obtained using the centralized sensor fusion technique, which synthesizes the information from the engine vibration sensor and engine flywheel angular speed sensor. Afterwards, with the fused speed, the engine cylinder pressure signal can be reconstructed by inverse filtering of the engine structural vibration signal. The cylinder pressure reconstruction results of the proposed approach are validated by two combustion indicators, which are pressure peak Pmax and peak location Ploc. Meanwhile, the reconstruction results are compared with the results obtained by the cylinder pressure reconstruction approach using the calculated engine speed. The results of sensor fusion can indicate that the fused speed is smoother when the vibration signal is trusted more. Furthermore, the cylinder pressure reconstruction results can display the relationship between the sensor-fused speed and the cylinder pressure reconstruction accuracy, and with more belief in the vibration signal, the reconstructed results will become better.
Stay Two-Meters Apart: Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 Social Distancing Protocols on Subway Station Walkway Performance
Authors: Dong Sheng , Khattak Afaq , Chen Feng , Xu Feifei
Published: August 2024

Ensuring passenger safety in public transportation systems is a critical challenge, especially under pandemic conditions that necessitate adherence to social distancing measures, such as maintaining a two-meter distance between individuals. This research focuses on evaluating the performance of subway station walkways when subjected to these distancing requirements. To conduct this analysis, a discrete-event simulation (DES) approach was implemented. This technique models the movement and interaction of passengers within station walkways as discrete events, allowing for a detailed assessment of system performance under various conditions. Key performance indicators, including the average area occupied by each passenger, the time spent on the walkway (dwell time), and the likelihood of congestion (blocking probability), were evaluated. The DES considered varying passenger arrival patterns by utilizing phase-type (PH) distribution and walkway dimensions to reflect a range of real-world scenarios. The operational outcomes under normal conditions were compared with those observed under pandemic-induced social distancing protocols. Through this comparison, insights were provided into how enforced distancing impacts walkway efficiency, and we identified potential bottlenecks.
Artificial Intelligence and Developments in the Electric Power Industry—A Thematic Analysis of Corporate Communications
Authors: Chmielewska-Muciek Dorota , Marzec-Braun Patrycja , Jakubczak Jacek , Futa Barbara
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the role and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the electric power industry through a thematic analysis of corporate communications. As AI technologies proliferate, industries—such as the electric power industry—are undergoing significant transformations. The research problem addressed in this study involves understanding how electric power companies perceive, adopt, and implement AI, as well as the implications of these developments. By employing a qualitative thematic analysis approach, we examined a corpus of corporate communications from innovation leaders, including annual reports and sustainability reports, in the electric power sector. The data spanned 2020 to 2023, capturing a crucial period of AI integration in the industry. Our analysis reveals several key findings. Firstly, there is a clear trend toward increased utilization of AI in various facets of the electric power sector, including grid management, predictive maintenance, and customer service. Companies actively invest in AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service quality. Secondly, the corporate discourse has shifted significantly, with companies emphasizing AI’s role in sustainability efforts. Moreover, our analysis identified challenges and concerns associated with AI adoption in the electric power industry. In conclusion, the thematic analysis of corporate communications provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI in the electric power industry. The findings underscore the transformative potential of AI technologies, highlighting opportunities for enhanced efficiency and sustainability. However, they also emphasize addressing challenges to ensure responsible and beneficial AI integration. This study contributes to the growing literature on AI in industries, offering practical implications for electric power companies, policymakers, and stakeholders navigating the AI-driven future of the sector.
Research on the International Competitiveness and Sustainable Trade Development of the Key Equipment and Components of China’s High-Speed Rail
Authors: Liu Rui , Tang Xiaohua , Zhao Cuiming , Shen Zifan , Li Ru , Yu Jiangang
Published: August 2024

The high-speed rail industry (from now on referred to as HSR) in China is flourishing, and improvements in its international competitiveness and the sustainable development of trade are gradually attracting international attention. This study examined data related to trade between major countries producing and importing key HSR equipment and components from 2013 to 2022. The International Competitiveness Index, Trade Complementarity Index, and Trade Integration Index were used to study the international competitiveness of the key equipment and components of China’s HSR, as well as the bilateral trade complementarity between China and other HSR powers. It also studied the degree of bilateral trade integration between China and these HSR powers, as well as that between China and the “Belt and Road” countries. Then, the ARIMA model was established by using Python 3.9.5 software to predict the degree of trade integration between China and the above countries from 2023 to 2027. The results show the following: (1) Some of the key equipment and components of China’s HSR have international competitiveness, but some have shortcomings. (2) China and HSR powers have both trade competition and trade complementarity in the field of key equipment and components. (3) The trade integration of key HSR equipment and components between China and countries along the “Belt and Road” is high. Overall, after ten years of development, China’s HSR industry had improved by 2022. The HSR market in the “Belt and Road” countries is the market that China’s HSR industry must focus on for sustainable development in the future.
Sustainable Algae-Derived Carbon Particles from Hydrothermal Liquefaction: An Innovative Reinforcing Agent for Epoxy Matrix Composite
Authors: Mali Abhijeet , Agbo Philip , Mantripragada Shobha , Jadhav Vishwas S. , Wang Lijun , Zhang Lifeng
Published: August 2024

Algae is a promising sustainable feedstock for the generation of bio-crude oil, which is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, through the thermochemical process of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). However, this process also generates carbon particles (algae-derived carbon, ADC) as a significant byproduct. Herein, we report a brand-new and value-added use of ADC particles as a reinforcing agent for epoxy matrix composites (EMCs). ADC particles were synthesized through HTL processing of Chlorella vulgaris (a green microalgae) and characterized for morphology, average size, specific surface area, porosity, and functional groups. The ADC particles were subsequently integrated into a representative epoxy resin (EPON 862) as a reinforcing filler at loading levels of 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% by weight. The tensile, flexural, and Izod impact properties, as well as the thermal stability, of the resulting EMCs were evaluated. It is revealed that the ADC particles are a sustainable and effective reinforcing agent for EMCs at ultra-low loading. Specifically, the ADC-reinforced EMC with 1 wt.% ADC showed improvements of ~24%, ~30%, ~31%, and ~57% in tensile strength, Young’s modulus, elongation at break, and work of fracture (WOF), respectively, and improvements of ~10%, ~37%, ~24%, and ~39% in flexural strength, flexural modulus, flexural elongation at break, and flexural WOF, respectively, as well as an improvement of ~54% in Izod impact strength, compared to those corresponding properties of neat epoxy. In the meantime, the thermal decomposition temperatures at 60% and 80% weight loss of the abovementioned ADC-reinforced EMC increased from 410 °C to 415 °C and from 448 °C to 515 °C in comparison with those of neat epoxy. This study highlighted the potential of sustainable ADC particles as a reinforcing agent in the field of polymer matrix composite materials, which represented a novel and sustainable approach that would mitigate greenhouse gas remission and reduce reliance on nonrenewable reinforcing fillers in the polymer composite industry.
What Motivates Urban Dwellers to Engage in Urban Farming?
Authors: Chen Bixia , Miyagi Kazuna , Namihira Tomoyuki , Kayano Daiki , Aragaki Mika , Suzuki Shiori
Published: August 2024

Urban farming provides diverse benefits to cities and their residents, including access to fresh food, increased food security, healthy dietary habits, improved physical and mental health, increased green spaces, and climate regulation. Urban attitudes and perceptions play crucial roles in urban farming development. However, despite the recent interest in urban farming, studies on the profiles and perceptions of urban farmers are lacking. This study aimed to clarify the motivations of urban gardeners, features of urban farmers, and differences in motivations between urban and non-urban farmers. We used Japan as a case study to add to the knowledge of a developed Asian country regarding the challenges that society faces. Approximately one-third of the respondents practiced urban farming, while one-sixth wanted to try it. Most urbanites practiced farming around their houses or apartment buildings. The benefits of urban farming considered by Okinawan respondents were safe and fresh food, health improvement, and green spaces, which were not significantly different from those in other regions. Respondents older than 50 were more likely to engage in urban farming than younger people. The respondents did not appreciate the social benefits of urban farming, which was inconsistent with the results from other regions worldwide; this may be because most participants were home gardeners, and only a few were allotment gardeners. Challenges in the development of urban farming include the unavailability of urban farming knowledge and of allotment gardens, and negative environmental influences on neighborhoods. This research is the first to report on the motivations of urban farmers in Japan. It fills a gap in the pertinent knowledge of highly urbanized and super-aging societies worldwide.
The Impact of Factor Price Distortions on Export Technology Complexity: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Chenggang , Yang Dongxue , Liu Tiansen
Published: August 2024

Increasing export technology complexity could effectively enhance export competitiveness. High-tech exports generally show lower resource consumption and environmental pollution, thus promoting sustainable economic development. However, immature factor markets could lead to factor price distortions. In fact, factor price distortions hinder improvements in export technology complexity. Thus, this study measures the degree of factor price distortions in various regions of China. Empirical methods such as regression model analysis and heterogeneity analysis are used. We reveal the mechanism of how factor price distortions affect export technology complexity. The conclusions are as follows: (1) Factor price distortions suppress the enhancement of export technology complexity. As the degree of factor price distortions increases, export technology complexity decreases. (2) Factor price distortions show significant regional heterogeneity in the suppression of export technology complexity. The impact gradually decreases from west to east. (3) Factor price distortions could hinder improvements in export technology complexity by weakening the positive effects of the FDI and trade openness. However, with the continuous advancements in market-oriented reforms, this inhibitory effect will gradually diminish. Studying the impact of factor price distortions on the sophistication of export technology significantly enhances economic competitiveness. It also improves resource allocation and further promotes the sustainability of economic development and green development. Furthermore, the logic and principles behind the impact of factor price distortions on export technology complexity can provide valuable insights for our consideration of sustainability in the workplace.
Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Trends and Future Perspectives for Sustainability and Digitalization in Germany
Authors: Bella Ricardo L. F. , Leal Filho Walter , Sigahi Tiago F. A. C. , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Quelhas Osvaldo L. G. , Bella Leticia Fernandes , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de , Anholon Rosley
Published: August 2024

The objective of this research was to provide a review of the state-of-the-art literature related to sustainability and digitalization in SMEs to identify current trends and future perspectives within this vital sector. The focus is on German SMEs, which are considered benchmarks, given these firms’ critical role in the country’s economy and job market. A total of 55 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed with the support of the Atlas TI 24.1 software package, focusing on definitions, frameworks, research questions, hypotheses, primary findings, and direct reports from interviewees. Major current trends were identified, clustered in two groups: (1) digitalization, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, and performance; and (2) sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and risk management. Three future perspectives were identified: disseminating digitalization in the market; incorporating sustainability into business models; and increasing investments in government support programs. While the study is focused on German SMEs, its findings are applicable to similar economies within the European Union and can serve as a reference for developing countries’ sustainable development goals (SDGs). This research advances knowledge on how SMEs play a critical role in the context of sustainability and digitalization, both now and in the future.
Analyzing Internal and External Factors in Livestock Supply Forecasting Using Machine Learning: Sustainable Insights from South Korea
Authors: Chuluunsaikhan Tserenpurev , Kim Jeong-Hun , Park So-Hyun , Nasridinov Aziz
Published: August 2024

The supply of livestock products depends on many internal and external factors. Omitting any one factor can make it difficult to describe the market patterns. So, forecasting livestock indexes such as prices and supplies is challenging due to the effect of unknown factors. This paper proposes a Stacking Forest Ensemble method (SFE-NET) to forecast pork supply by considering both internal and external factors, thereby contributing to sustainable pork production. We first analyze the internal factors to explore features related to pork supply. External factors such as weather conditions, gas prices, and disease information are also collected from different sources. The combined dataset is from 2016 to 2022. Our SFE-NET method utilizes Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and XGBoost as members and a neural network as the meta-method. We conducted seven experiments for daily, weekly, and monthly pork supply using different sets of factors, such as internal, internal and external, and selected. The results showed the following findings: (a) The proposed method achieved Coefficient of Determination scores between 84% and 91% in short and long periods, (b) the external factors increased the performance of forecasting methods by about 2% to 12%, and (c) the proposed stacking ensemble method outperformed other comparative methods by 1% to 18%. These improvements in forecasting accuracy can help promote more sustainable pork production by enhancing market stability and resilience.
Assessing the Role of Board Structure on the Nexus between Green Innovations, Green Taxation, and Cosmetic Accounting Practice in Nigeria
Authors: Bala Hussaini , Al Naim Abdulaziz S. , Sani Armaya’u Alhaji , Alomair Abdulrahman
Published: August 2024

Nigeria is a foremost oil producer in Africa, and thus faces substantial environmental issues like pollution and climate change. Therefore, since green taxation and green innovation emphasize inventing new technologies, mitigating environmental damage, and stimulating sustainability, understanding and encouraging green taxation and green innovation might aid in reducing these environmental challenges and protect natural resources. This study therefore explored the influence of board structure on the link between green taxation, green innovation, and cosmetic accounting practices of firms. This study adopted auxiliary data from the World Bank, OECD, and Nigerian corporations’ annual reports. The analysis included 792 firm-year observations from 2014 to 2021. A logistic regression analysis was performed. This study documented that firms costume their income to avoid paying environmental taxes or to generate a more constructive image of their green practices. Similarly, it was found that green innovations attract firms to engage in cosmetic accounting practice in Nigeria. However, firms’ effective board mechanisms have been found to prevent the likelihood of cosmetic accounting practices. Finally, it was established that green taxes and green innovations could prevent firms from engaging in cosmetic accounting practices in companies with effective board mechanisms. This study is the first to explore the influence of governance structure on the nexus between green taxation and cosmetic accounting practices of firms. The findings of this study provide valuable information to regulatory authorities, policymakers, and companies seeking to promote sustainable growth and green protection.
The Impact of ESG on Excessive Corporate Debt
Authors: Yang Xinhua , Yang Tingting , Lv Jingjing , Luo Shuai
Published: August 2024

ESG standards are increasingly becoming indispensable factors in corporate decision-making, with profound implications for the long-term sustainability of businesses. This study utilizes longitudinal data from 2010 to 2021 to investigate the influence of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance on excessive debt among publicly traded manufacturing companies in China. Employing panel regression alongside analysis of threshold, intermediary, and interaction effects, we meticulously dissect the mechanisms and influencing factors involved. Our findings reveal a significant adverse effect of ESG performance on excessive debt, characterized by heterogeneity across geographic locations, revenue growth rates, and ownership concentrations. Notably, company size and age exhibit a dual-threshold effect on excessive debt. Moreover, ESG performance demonstrates an intermediary effect, which is mitigated by proxy cost-to-asset turnover and debt financing cost COD2. Institutional attention and equity capital cost synergistically amplify the suppressive impact of ESG performance on excessive debt. Based on the research findings above, companies should carefully consider and adjust their ESG performance to reduce excessive debt risks, thereby enhancing their sustainable competitiveness.
Correction: Kumar et al. Salinity Stress and the Influence of Bioinoculants on the Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.). Sustainability 2022, 14, 14656
Authors: Kumar Anand , Yadav Alpa , Dhanda Parmdeep Singh , Delta Anil Kumar , Sharma Meenakshi , Kaushik Prashant
Published: August 2024

Affiliation Update [...]
Rational Solutions for Two Nonautonomous Lattice Korteweg–de Vries Type Equations
Authors: Ma Mingyu , Zhao Songlin , Feng Wei
Published: August 2024

Up to now, many works have been conducted to deal with the rational solutions for the autonomous discrete integrable systems, while there have been few works on the rational solutions to the nonautonomous discrete integrable systems. In this paper, we investigate two nonautonomous lattice Korteweg–de Vries type equations: nonautonomous lattice potential Korteweg–de Vries equation and nonautonomous lattice potential modified Korteweg–de Vries equation. By the bilinear method, we construct the rational solutions for the aforesaid equations. These solutions are presented in terms of the Casoratian. By setting special forms of the lattice parameters of the nonautonomous lattice potential Korteweg–de Vries equation, dynamical behaviors for the first two rational solutions of this equation are analyzed with graphical illustration.
Digital Finance, Digital Transformation, and the Development of Off-Balance Sheet Activities by Commercial Banks
Authors: Wang Yibing , Wen Huwei
Published: August 2024

The development of digital finance represents a new paradigm for the delivery of financial services that has exerted an external shock on the off-balance sheet (OBS) activities of traditional commercial banks. In response, commercial banks have embarked on a digital transformation to mitigate the challenges posed by digital finance. However, the impact of external shocks and internal responses on banks’ OBS activities, especially the effect of internal responses, needs to be further clarified in order to inform commercial banks’ decision-making. Using a dataset consisting of 42 Chinese commercial banks’ operating data from 2013 to 2022, this paper employs a two-way fixed effects model and a moderation analysis to conduct an empirical analysis. The results show that digital finance has a significant inhibitory effect on OBS activities; furthermore, digital transformation of commercial banks strengthens this inhibitory effect, indicating that its benefits are outweighed by costs of investment and competitive losses. Additionally, the net interest margin significantly amplifies the inhibitory effect, suggesting a trade-off between income from core business activities and OBS activities under external competitive pressure. Based on these research findings, it is recommended that commercial banks seek differentiated competitive strategies and optimize the product structure of their OBS activities. Furthermore, digital transformation strategies should take into account the overall interests of the bank and strike a balance between long-term and short-term benefits.
Cross-Omics Analyses Reveal the Effects of Ambient PM2.5 Exposure on Hepatic Metabolism in Female Mice
Authors: Yan Ruifeng , Ji Shaoyang , Ku Tingting , Sang Nan
Published: August 2024

Ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) is a potential risk factor for metabolic damage to the liver. Epidemiological studies suggest that elevated PM2.5 concentrations cause changes in hepatic metabolism, but there is a lack of laboratory evidence. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of PM2.5 exposure on liver metabolism in C57BL/6j female mice (10 months old) and to explore the mechanisms underlying metabolic alterations and differential gene expressions by combining metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses. The metabolomics results showed that PM2.5 exposure notably affected the metabolism of amino acids and organic acids and caused hepatic lipid and bile acid accumulation. The transcriptomic analyses revealed that PM2.5 exposure led to a series of metabolic pathway abnormalities, including steroid biosynthesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, etc. Among them, the changes in the bile acid pathway might be one of the causes of liver damage in mice. In conclusion, this study clarified the changes in liver metabolism in mice caused by PM2.5 exposure through combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, revealed that abnormal bile acid metabolism is the key regulatory mechanism leading to metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in mice, and provided laboratory evidence for further clarifying the effects of PM2.5 on body metabolism.
Sága, a Deep Learning Spectral Analysis Tool for Fungal Detection in Grains—A Case Study to Detect Fusarium in Winter Wheat
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Polder Gerrit , Focker Marlous , Liu Cheng
Published: August 2024

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a plant disease caused by various species of the Fusarium fungus. One of the major concerns associated with Fusarium spp. is their ability to produce mycotoxins. Mycotoxin contamination in small grain cereals is a risk to human and animal health and leads to major economic losses. A reliable site-specific precise Fusarium spp. infection early warning model is, therefore, needed to ensure food and feed safety by the early detection of contamination hotspots, enabling effective and efficient fungicide applications, and providing FHB prevention management advice. Such precision farming techniques contribute to environmentally friendly production and sustainable agriculture. This study developed a predictive model, Sága, for on-site FHB detection in wheat using imaging spectroscopy and deep learning. Data were collected from an experimental field in 2021 including (1) an experimental field inoculated with Fusarium spp. (52.5 m × 3 m) and (2) a control field (52.5 m × 3 m) not inoculated with Fusarium spp. and sprayed with fungicides. Imaging spectroscopy data (hyperspectral images) were collected from both the experimental and control fields with the ground truth of Fusarium-infected ear and healthy ear, respectively. Deep learning approaches (pretrained YOLOv5 and DeepMAC on Global Wheat Head Detection (GWHD) dataset) were used to segment wheat ears and XGBoost was used to analyze the hyperspectral information related to the wheat ears and make predictions of Fusarium-infected wheat ear and healthy wheat ear. The results showed that deep learning methods can automatically detect and segment the ears of wheat by applying pretrained models. The predictive model can accurately detect infected areas in a wheat field, achieving mean accuracy and F1 scores exceeding 89%. The proposed model, Sága, could facilitate the early detection of Fusarium spp. to increase the fungicide use efficiency and limit mycotoxin contamination.
Mitigation of Deoxynivalenol (DON)- and Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-Induced Immune Dysfunction and Apoptosis in Mouse Spleen by Curcumin
Authors: Muhmood Azhar , Liu Jianxin , Liu Dandan , Liu Shuiping , Azzam Mahmoud M. , Junaid Muhammad Bilawal , Hou Lili , Le Guannan , Huang Kehe
Published: August 2024

In the context of the potential immunomodulatory properties of curcumin in counteracting the detrimental effects of concurrent exposure to Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a comprehensive 28-days trial was conducted utilizing 60 randomly allocated mice divided into four groups. Administration of curcumin at a dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight in conjunction with DON at 0.1 mg/kg and AFB1 at 0.01 mg/kg body weight was undertaken to assess its efficacy. Results indicated that curcumin intervention demonstrated mitigation of splenic structural damage, augmentation of serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, elevation in T lymphocyte subset levels, and enhancement in the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-6. Furthermore, curcumin exhibited a suppressive effect on apoptosis in mice, as evidenced by decreased activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9, reduced expression levels of pro-apoptotic markers Bax and Cytochrome-c (Cyt-c) at both the protein and mRNA levels, and the maintenance of a balanced expression ratio of mitochondrial apoptotic regulators Bax and Bcl-2. Collectively, these findings offer novel insights into the therapeutic promise of curcumin in mitigating immunosuppression and apoptotic events triggered by mycotoxin co-exposure.
Bergamottin Inhibits Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Replication by Suppressing ROS-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis
Authors: Yin Jinhua , Zhang Jialu , Liu Yi , Duan Cong , Wang Jiufeng
Published: August 2024

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the most important etiological agents that causes serious economic losses to the global livestock industry. Vaccines usually provide limited efficacy against BVDV due to the emergence of mutant strains. Therefore, developing novel strategies to combat BVDV infection is urgently needed. Bergamottin (Berg), a natural furanocoumarin compound, possesses various pharmaceutical bioactivities, but its effect on BVDV infection remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the antiviral effect and underlying mechanism of Berg against BVDV infection. The results showed that Berg exhibited an inhibitory effect on BVDV replication in MDBK cells by disrupting the viral replication and release, rather than directly inactivating virus particles. Mechanistically, Berg inhibits BVDV replication by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis via reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Studies in vivo demonstrated that oral gavage of Berg at doses of 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg significantly reduced the viral load within the intestines and spleen in BVDV-challenged mice. Furthermore, histopathological damage and oxidative stress caused by BVDV were also mitigated with Berg treatment. Our data indicated that Berg suppressed BVDV propagation both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting it as a promising antiviral option against BVDV.
Oncoviral Infections and Small Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Ważny Łukasz , Whiteside Theresa L. , Pietrowska Monika
Published: August 2024

Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) are small membrane-bound nanovesicles with a size range below 200 nm that are released by all types of cells. sEV carry a diverse cargo of proteins, lipids, glycans, and nucleic acids that mimic the content of producer cells. sEV mediate intercellular communication and play a key role in a broad variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Recently, numerous reports have emerged examining the role of sEV in viral infections. A significant number of similarities in the sEV biogenesis pathways and the replication cycles of viruses suggest that sEV might influence the course of viral infections in diverse ways. Besides directly modulating virus propagation by transporting the viral cargo (complete virions, proteins, RNA, and DNA), sEV can also modify the host antiviral response and increase the susceptibility of cells to infection. The network of mutual interactions is particularly complex in the case of oncogenic viruses, deserving special consideration because of its significance in cancer progression. This review summarizes the current knowledge of interactions between sEV and oncogenic viruses, focusing on sEV abilities to modulate the carcinogenic properties of oncoviruses.
Distinct Diazotrophic Communities in Water and Sediment of the Sub-Lakes in Poyang Lake, China
Authors: Wu Qiang , Zhu Zhigang , Liu Longlingfeng , Qin Yin , Jiang Yufang , Liu Jinfu , Zou Wenxiang , Wang Fei , Chen Yuwei
Published: August 2024

The sub-lakes of Poyang Lake have significant ecological value. To date, the diazotrophs in sub-lakes are unknown. Moreover, no study has simultaneously focused on diazotrophic communities in the water and sediment in natural freshwater ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the diazotrophic alpha diversity, structure, abundance, molecular ecological network, and community assembly mechanism in the water and sediment of sub-lakes using Illumina MiSeq sequencing and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The results showed that the sediment had a greater diversity of diazotrophs than the water. Proteobacteria and Spirochaetes were the dominant diazotrophic phyla in the water, whereas Proteobacteria was the dominant diazotrophic phylum in the sediment. There were significant differences in the composition of diazotrophic communities between the water and sediment. The sediment had a more complex co-occurrence network of diazotrophs than the water. Deterministic processes dominate the community assembly of diazotrophs in both the water and sediment of the sub-lakes, and the relative role of deterministic processes was stronger for sediment than water. Our study is the first to reveal the differences in the diazotrophic communities between the water and sediment in natural freshwater ecosystems and provides the fundamental scientific datasets for understanding the nitrogen fixation process in sub-lakes.
Research on Foundation Scouring for Offshore Wind Turbines in the Vast Yangjiang Sea Area
Authors: Wang Weiping , Cao Yonggang , Zeng Cansheng , Liao Shizhi , Chen Yizhan , Liu Changjian , Li Xiangyi , Luo Shihao
Published: August 2024

Based on field hydro-meteorological observations and sediment sampling data, this study analyzes sediment transport under normal conditions in the Fanshi offshore wind farm project area in Yangjiang, China. It was found that sediment transport in the engineering sea area is relatively stable, and seabed sediments are not easily mobilized. By building a tidal current–sediment mathematical model, the impact of wind farm construction on the erosion and deposition environment in the surrounding sea areas was studied. It was found that areas with significant accumulation are mainly located near the pile foundations of wind turbines. Furthermore, considering ocean dynamics, geological conditions, and wave–current interactions, different local erosion empirical formulas were used to calculate local erosion depth and range. The results show that Han Haiqian’s formula and the HEC-18 formula, which consider wave velocity, are very close and more suitable for the actual conditions of this project. As turbine pile diameters increase, local scour depths and ranges also increase. This study preliminarily analyzes the basic scour characteristics of deep-sea wind turbines off the western coast of Guangdong Province, offering important design parameters for the construction of this project, and also providing a systematic and scientific method for studying local scour at turbine pile foundations. This has great reference value for deep-sea wind farm construction projects.
Assessing the Impact of Anthropogenically Modified Land Uses on Wetland Health: Case of Witbank Dam Catchment in South Africa
Authors: Mpandeli Sylvester , Liphadzi Stanley , Mabhaudhi Chengetanai , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Nhamo Luxon
Published: August 2024

Wetlands are critical ecological infrastructures that improve water quality, serve as habitat for fish and other aquatic life, accumulate floodwaters, and maintain surface water flow during dry periods. However, the health of wetlands has been compromised by anthropogenic activities that affect the constant supply of ecosystem services. This study assessed the impact of anthropogenically modified land use on wetland health in the Witbank Dam Catchment in South Africa, whose land use has been severely modified for agriculture and mining purposes. The study developed a model linking surface runoff generated in the catchment with land use and wetland typology to comprehend diffuse pollution from pollution-source land uses. Runoff data and related wetland spatial information were processed and analysed in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to estimate pollutants (agricultural nutrients and acid mine drainage) from runoff detained and released by wetlands. The analysis facilitated the assessment of the value of wetlands in enhancing water quality, as well as human and environmental health. The runoff volume from pollution-source land uses (urban areas, farmlands, and mining) was used to evaluate annual pollution levels. Wetland types are ranked according to their efficiency levels to filter pollutants. The assumption is that the difference between filtered and unfiltered runoff is the quantity of polluted runoff water discharged into the river system. The analysis has shown that 85% of polluted runoff generated in the catchment ends up in the river system. An important observation is that although wetlands have a substantial ability to absorb excess pollutants, they have finite boundaries. Once they reach their full holding capacity, they can no longer absorb any further pollutants. The excess is discharged into the river system, risking human and environmental health. This explains why the Limpopo River is heavily polluted resulting in the death of fish, crocodiles and other aquatic life.
Simultaneous Optimisation of Vehicle Design and Control for Improving Vehicle Performance and Energy Efficiency Using an Open Source Minimum Lap Time Simulation Framework
Authors: Jiménez Elbal Alberto , Zarzuelo Conde Adrián , Siampis Efstathios
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for optimising vehicle performance, integrating advanced simulation techniques with optimisation methodologies. The aim is to find the best racing line, as well as the optimal combination of parameters and control inputs to make a car as fast as possible around a given track, with a focus on energy deployment and recovery, active torque distribution and active aerodynamics. The problem known as the Minimum Lap Time Problem is solved using optimal control methods and direct collocation. The solution covers the modelling of the track, vehicle dynamics, active aerodynamics, and a comprehensive representation of the powertrain including motor, engine, transmission, and drivetrain components. This integrated simulator allows for the exploration of different vehicle configurations and track layouts, providing insights into optimising vehicle design and vehicle control simultaneously for improved performance and energy efficiency. Test results demonstrate the effect of active torque distribution on performance under various conditions, enhanced energy efficiency and performance through regenerative braking, and the added value of including parameter optimisation within the optimisation framework. Notably, the simulations revealed interesting behaviours similar to lift-and-coast strategies, depending on the importance of energy saving, thereby highlighting the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies. Also, results demonstrate the positive effect of active torque distribution on performance under various conditions, attributed to the higher utilization of available adherence. Furthermore, unlike a simpler single-track model, the optimal solution required fine control of the active aerodynamic systems, reflecting the complex interactions between different subsystems that the simulation can capture. Finally, the inclusion of parameter optimisation while considering all active systems, further improves performance and provides valuable insights into the impact of design choices.
Uma análise do uso da tecnologia de Realidade Aumentada na aprendizagem de Matemática no Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Silva Anderson , Oliveira Edmar
Published: August 2024

A Matemática do ensino fundamental é uma disciplina habitualmente encarada pelos estudantes como de difícil compreensão. Apesar dessa percepção ser mais ou menos intensa, a depender do conteúdo sendo ministrado, ela é bastante presente no ensino do conteúdo de sólidos geométricos (poliedros). Nesse cenário, o uso de tecnologias se apresenta como uma importante estratégia para fomentar o aprendizado, sanando ou diminuindo as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos alunos. Dentre essas tecnologias, a Realidade Aumentada (RA) tem recebido grande destaque. De fato, a RA, disponível em dispositivos móveis através de aplicativos, tem auxiliado alunos na visualização e interpretação de formas geométricas espaciais; consequentemente, contribuindo com o aprendizado desse conteúdo. O objetivo deste trabalho consiste em analisar como alunos (especificamente do 6o ano do ensino fundamental) percebem o uso da RA no processo de aprendizagem de poliedros. Propôs-se, portanto, a realização de um estudo de caso, em um ambiente real de ensino, com alunos fazendo uso de um aplicativo de RA no decorrer do processo de aprendizagem do conteúdo de poliedros - possibilitando aos mesmos compararem a experiência de uso deste aplicativo com os recursos usualmente utilizados pelos educadores, como livros didáticos e quadro negro.
Pensamento Computacional na aprendizagem da Multiplicação: uma revisão sistemática de literatura
Authors: Carvalho Alessandra Oliveira de , Barrére Eduardo
Published: August 2024

Numa sociedade digital é necessário integrar a tecnologia ao conhecimento humano e consequentemente inseri-la ao contexto escolar. O Pensamento Computacional PC se define como uma abordagem que aplicada no contexto educacional auxilia na resolução de problemas de forma que os educandos possam elaborar estratégias criativas e colaborativas. Para ressignificar o processo educativo, o Pensamento Computacional pode ser desenvolvido com um recurso pedagógico que facilite o acesso à informação e torne a aprendizagem mais significativa. O QR Code é uma ferramenta tecnológica que associada ao PC pode contribuir e impulsionar o conhecimento. Nesse contexto, é importante conhecer o estado da arte das pesquisas na área sobre Pensamento Computacional associado ao QR Code para apoiar a aprendizagem. Este artigo descreve uma Revisão Sistemática de Literatura sobre a aprendizagem da operação básica que envolve ideias multiplicativas de alunos do Ensino Fundamental I. Como resultado da Revisão Sistemática de Literatura foram selecionadas 3 publicações para análise. As leituras destes trabalhos apontam que o Pensamento Computacional é uma abordagem que auxilia na aprendizagem dos conceitos matemáticos e desenvolve habilidades em relação a resolução de problemas em todos os níveis de ensino. Entretanto não encontramos estudos que associam o Pensamento Computacional com QR Code como ferramenta tecnológica principal para apoiar a aprendizagem da multiplicação.
POLÍTICA DE EDUCAÇÃO PERMANENTE DO SISTEMA ÚNICO DA ASSISTÊNCIA SOCIAL (SUAS):
Authors: Santos Alves Cibele Evangelista , Rojas Acosta Ana
Published: August 2024

Este estudo é uma dissertação de mestrado que teve como finalidade analisar a Educação Permanente vivenciada pelos trabalhadores atuantes no Centro de Referência de Assistência Social (CRAS) do município de Cajati, no estado de São Paulo. O questionamento desta pesquisa referiu-se ao trabalhador do Sistema Único de Assistência Social (SUAS) e seu processo formativo sob responsabilidade da federação, do município e do estado sobre a Política Pública da Assistência Social. Evidenciou-se a ausência de Plano Municipal de Educação Permanente para os trabalhadores e a falta de registro das atividades profissionais na pauta cotidiana do exercício, como preconiza o SUAS da Política Nacional de Assistência Social (PNAS) e da Política Nacional de Educação Permanente (PEP). A pesquisa visou ainda a contribuir com a qualificação dos profissionais atuantes no atendimento direto à população usuária dos serviços oferecidos pelo CRAS, permitindo aproximação das diretrizes do Ministério da Cidadania/Secretaria Especial do Desenvolvimento Social e da Secretaria Estadual de Desenvolvimento Social (SEDS) por meio de produto técnico, objeto deste estudo.
Palavras-chave: Educação continuada. Recursos humanos. Política pública.