bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of storage period on the quality indicators of Astragalus falcatus Lam. seed
Authors: Kichihina O. , Demianiuk O. , Kutsenko N. , Havryliuk L. , Kutsenko O.
Published: July 2023

Seed storage is the final stage of the technological process of its production, the purpose of which is to ensure the preservation of seed quality from its collection to use. At the same time, the loss of seeds in the process of storage of sowing conditions can cause significant losses both to the direct subjects of seed production of medicinal crops and to producers of medicinal raw materials. At the same time, questions regarding the storage terms of the seeds of sickle-leaved astragalus (Astragalus falcatus Lam.) and the rates of their loss of sowing conditions during storage remain insufficiently defined. The aim of our research was to establish the objective terms of storage of astragalus seeds with maximum preservation of their sowing qualities. The research was conducted for nine years. It was found that the surface gloss is a stable feature for the seeds of astragalus, which was not lost during storage, while the color of the seeds is a relatively unstable feature. During the first two years, no noticeable changes in the color of the seeds were noted. During storage for more than 9 years, the seeds gradually acquired a uniform reddish-brown color from greenish-yellow. The rate of loss of sowing conditions of the seeds of astragalus was determined. Freshly collected seeds were characterized by the maximum germination and hard seed rate, respectively — 84 and 14%. At the same time, the germination energy was 72%. The highest rate of germination energy of few seeds of the second year of storage is 78%. At the same time, the content of hard seeds decreased to 10%, germination decreased to 83%. Therefore, the effect of hard seed on the germination energy indicator is clearly observed, which was 7% lower immediately after harvesting and finishing the seeds compared to the seeds after a year of storage. During four years of storage, the seed germination rate decreased by only 21%, which indicates its gradual loss. The general regularity of the decrease in germination energy is also gradual. Starting from the fifth year of storage, the seeds of the studied sample began to rapidly lose their sowing qualities. Its similarity to the ninth year of storage was only 3%. It was found that the hard seed indicator was completely lost after five years of storage. It was determined that the economic durability of the seeds of the sickle-leaved astragalus is at least four years, and the biological durability lasts for nine years.
Periodization of the evolution of science about agricultural systems in Ukraine in the context of agricultural systems development
Authors: Prymak I. , Prysiazhniuk N. , Fedoruk Yu. , Voitovyk M. , Palapa N. , Nagorniuk O.
Published: July 2023

The periodization of the development of the doctrine of agricultural systems in the context of the evolution of agricultural management systems is outlined. The contribution of scientists and producers to the development of the scientific foundations of agricultural systems and their implementation in agricultural practice is highlighted. Attention is focused on the complex and long way of forming views on the need for theoretical foundations farming systems. In the evolutionary development of the theory of farming systems, scientists of Bila Tserka National Agrarian University distinguish three stages. The first stage (prerevolutionary, until 1917) includes three periods: the first (the emergence of the doctrine) covers the second half of the 18th century. (the founders of the doctrine were A.T. Bolotov, I.M. Komov, V.O. Levshyn, D.M. Poltoratskyi, I.I. Samarin), the second (laying the scientific foundations of agricultural systems) — the first half of the 19th century. (M.G. Pavlov, Yu.A. Linovskyi, S.M. Usov), the third (formation of the theoretical foundations of agricultural systems) — the second half of the 19th century. — the beginning of the 20th century (O.I. Skvortsov, O.V. Sovietov, O.M. Enhelhardt, O.P. Liudohovskyi, I.O. Stebut, O.S. Yermolov). The second (Soviet) stage includes two periods: the first lasted until the middle of the 20th century. (V.R. Villiams, D.M. Prianishnykov, M.M. Tulaikov, etc.), the second — until the 90s of the 20th century. (V.P. Nartsyssov, S.O. Vorobiov, D.I. Burov, O.M. Kashtanov, etc.). The third (modern) stage begins in the 90s of the 20th century. and continues to this day and is characterized by an agro-landscape approach to the development and improvement of farming systems. The opinion of those scientists who considered the farming system out of connection with agricultural management systems, justifying a set of agrotechnical measures only from natural and scientific positions and evaluating the effectiveness of farming systems only by their ability to maintain and increase soil fertility turned out to be wrong.
Development Economics of Irrigated Agriculture in Ukraine
Authors: Hutorov A. , Bidnyna I.
Published: July 2023

The development of irrigated agriculture is a strategic  direction of sustainable development of the agrarian sector of economy, ensuring national food security, increasing export potential and efficient use of land and resource potential. The purpose of the article is to systematically analyze the economic framework for the development of irrigated agriculture in Ukraine. The methodological basis of the study is a systematic approach, within which the following general scientific and special methods have been used: analysis, synthesis, generalization, abstraction, historical and comparative analysis, monographic and systemic analysis, formalization, and graphing. The historical and economic background of the development of irrigated agriculture in Ukraine has been analyzed, with five stages of its genesis identified: 1840–1917 (the beginning of irrigation and justification of its feasibility on the ground); 1918–1941 (construction of the first irrigation systems, collective and state farm amelioration networks); 1946–1960 (post-war reconstruction of irrigation systems and construction of large hydroelectric power plants and reservoirs); 1961–1990 (construction of large state and inter-farm irrigation systems, active development of irrigated agriculture); 1991–2021 (gradual decline of the state irrigation network; development of drip irrigation). The size and structure of sown areas on irrigated lands in Ukraine, the structure of sown areas under drip irrigation, and the comparative yield of major crops in agricultural enterprises of Ukraine under irrigation conditions have been systematically studied. It has been shown that economic efficiency in irrigated agriculture is formed under the influence of cost and price mechanisms, and investment decisions are based on the programmability of the yields obtained and the payback of costs by increasing production, and the development of micro-irrigation is economically feasible in small areas of high-intensity crops
JUSTIÇA, DEMOCRACIA E RETÓRICA SOB O OLHAR DO ÉTHOS EPICUREU
Authors: Spinelli Miguel
Published: July 2023

Este artigo se ocupa de três temas que, no registro histórico da filosofia grega, transitaram para a posteridade entre si relacionados: justiça, democracia e retórica. Dado que a justiça, entre os gregos, não se desvinculava dos ditames da lei, o artigo põe em pauta a seguinte questão: se a justiça (enquanto ação que decorre do cumprimento das leis sem lastros com os interesses da razão humana sensata) é realmente uma virtude cívica? O segundo tema diz respeito à democracia analisada enquanto estratégia e conceito, e também como governo ou regime de leis capaz de promover a verdadeira justiça. O terceiro, consorciado aos anteriores, se pergunta pela principal virtude da Retórica e por seu valor na atividade do conhecimento ou ciência que tem por característica a razoabilidade e a sensatez. Os três temas são analisados dentro de um olhar filosófico em que prevalece o ponto de vista do éthos epicureu.
Preparation of superhydrophobic sponge and its application in oil-water separation and treatment of polymer-containing wastewater
Authors: Fang Liuya , Xu Hui , Fan Zhihai , Duan Xiaopeng , Wang Qing , Bai Xiaoliang , Peng Jiao , Jin Shiwei
Published: July 2023

At present, the application prospect of superhydrophobic materials in oil-water separation, an-tibacterial and other aspects have attracted more and more attention. However, preparing a simple and low-cost superhydrophobic material remains a challenge. Using acetone as solvent, candle soot, silver/silica nanoparticles and polydimethylsiloxane were uniformly mixed to form a mixed solution, and the superhydrophobic sponge was successfully prepared by spraying method. The results show that the superhydrophobic sponge has high water contact Angle (162°) and excellent oil-water separation efficiency, which can realize effective treatment of polymerized wastewater. In addition, the superhydrophobic sponge showed better antibacterial properties on the surface of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In this work, a simple way to prepare superhydro-phobic oil-water separation material is proposed. The preparation process is green, the material is easy to obtain, and it is expected to be widely used in practical production.
Design pattern recommendations for building decentralized healthcare applications
Authors: Zhang Peng , Kelley Adair , Schmidt Douglas C. , White Jules
Published: July 2023

Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) are emerging decentralized infrastructures touted by researchers to improve existing systems that have been limited by centralized governance and proprietary control. These technologies have shown continued success in sustaining the operational models of modern cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance applications (DeFi). These applications has incentivized growing discussions in their potential applications and adoption in other sectors such as healthcare, which has a high demand for data liquidity and interoperability. Despite the increasing research efforts in adopting blockchain and DLT in healthcare with conceptual designs and prototypes, a major research gap exists in literature: there is a lack of design recommendations that discuss concrete architectural styles and domain-specific considerations that are necessary for implementing health data exchange systems based on these technologies. This paper aims to address this gap in research by introducing a collection of design patterns for constructing blockchain and DLT-based healthcare systems that support secure and scalable data sharing. Our approach adapts traditional software patterns and proposes novel patterns that take into account both the technical requirements specific to healthcare systems and the implications of these requirements on naive blockchain-based solutions.
Identification and validation of the diagnostic signature associated with immune microenvironment of acute kidney injury based on ferroptosis-related genes through integrated bioinformatics analysis and machine learning
Authors: Chen Yalei , Liu Anqi , Liu Hunan , Cai Guangyan , Lu Nianfang , Chen Jianwen
Published: July 2023

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe disease, which poses a global health burden with high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, ferroptosis has been recognized as being deeply related to Acute kidney injury. Our aim is to develop a diagnostic signature for Acute kidney injury based on ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) through integrated bioinformatics analysis and machine learning.

Methods: Our previously uploaded mouse Acute kidney injury dataset GSE192883 and another dataset, GSE153625, were downloaded to identify commonly expressed differentially expressed genes (coDEGs) through bioinformatic analysis. The FRGs were then overlapped with the coDEGs to identify differentially expressed FRGs (deFRGs). Immune cell infiltration was used to investigate immune cell dysregulation in Acute kidney injury. Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction network analysis were applied to identify candidate hub genes for Acute kidney injury. Then, receiver operator characteristic curve analysis and machine learning analysis (Lasso) were used to screen for diagnostic markers in two human datasets. Finally, these potential biomarkers were validated by quantitative real-time PCR in an Acute kidney injury model and across multiple datasets.

Results: A total of 885 coDEGs and 33 deFRGs were commonly identified as differentially expressed in both GSE192883 and GSE153625 datasets. In cluster 1 of the coDEGs PPI network, we found a group of 20 genes clustered together with deFRGs, resulting in a total of 48 upregulated hub genes being identified. After ROC analysis, we discovered that 25 hub genes had an area under the curve (AUC) greater than 0.7; Lcn2, Plin2, and Atf3 all had AUCs over than this threshold in both human datasets GSE217427 and GSE139061. Through Lasso analysis, four hub genes (Lcn2, Atf3, Pir, and Mcm3) were screened for building a nomogram and evaluating diagnostic value. Finally, the expression of these four genes was validated in Acute kidney injury datasets and laboratory investigations, revealing that they may serve as ideal ferroptosis markers for Acute kidney injury.

Conclusion: Four hub genes (Lcn2, Atf3, Pir, and Mcm3) were identified. After verification, the signature’s versatility was confirmed and a nomogram model based on these four genes effectively distinguished Acute kidney injury samples. Our findings provide critical insight into the progression of Acute kidney injury and can guide individualized diagnosis and treatment.
The inverted singlet–triplet gap: a vanishing myth?
Authors: Dreuw Andreas , Hoffmann Marvin
Published: July 2023

Molecules with an inverted singlet–triplet gap (STG) between the first excited singlet and triplet states, for example, heptazine, have recently been reported and gained substantial attention since they violate the famous Hund’s rule. Utilizing state-of-the-art high-level ab initio methods, the singlet–triplet gap vanishes and approaches zero from below whatever is improved in the theoretical description of the molecules: the basis set or the level of electron correlation. Seemingly, the phenomenon of inverted singlet–triplet gaps tends to vanish the closer we observe.
Blood pressure and vascular determinants of glomerular filtration rate decline in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Truscello Luca , Nobre Dina , Sabaratnam Vehashini , Bonny Olivier , Wuerzner Grégoire , Burnier Michel , Fakhouri Fadi , Pruijm Menno , Zanchi Anne
Published: July 2023

Objective

In patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease (DKD), explore the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate decline (eGFR-d) and simultaneously assessed vascular risk markers including office, ambulatory or central blood pressure, pulse pressure, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and renal resistive indexes (RRI).

Research design and methods

At baseline, vascular risk markers were measured in addition to the routine clinical workup. The eGFR-d was based on 2000–2019 creatinine values. Parameters were compared by eGFR-d quartiles. Regression models of eGFR-d and vascular markers were assessed.

Results

In total, 135 patients were included. Mean age was 63.8 ± 10.8y, baseline eGFR 60.2 ± 26.4 ml/min/1.73 m2 and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) 49 ± 108 mg/mmol. Mean eGFR-d was based on 43 ± 39 creatinine values within a time span of 7.0 ± 1.9y. The average yearly eGFR decline was −1.8 ± 3.0 ml/min/1.73 m2 ranging from −5.8 ± 2.3 in the first quartile to +1.4 ± 1.7 in the fourth quartile. Mean 24 h systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were 126 ± 17 and 74 ± 9 mmHg. Mean PWV was 11.8 ± 2.8 m/s, RRI 0.76 ± 0.07 and IMT 0.77 ± 0.21 mm. SBP and pulse pressure correlated with eGFR-d but not DBP. 24 h SBP stood out as a stronger predictor of eGFR-d than office or central SBP. PWV and RRI correlated with eGFR decline in univariate, but not multivariate regression models including 24 SBP and ACR.

Conclusions

In this study, eGFR decline was highly variable in patients with type 2 diabetes and DKD. Twenty-four hour SBP provided an added value to the routine measurement of ACR in predicting eGFR decline, whereas PWV and RRI did not.
Context based learning: a survey of contextual indicators for personalized and adaptive learning recommendations – a pedagogical and technical perspective
Authors: Abu-Rasheed Hasan , Weber Christian , Fathi Madjid
Published: July 2023

Learning personalization has proven its effectiveness in enhancing learner performance. Therefore, modern digital learning platforms have been increasingly depending on recommendation systems to offer learners personalized suggestions of learning materials. Learners can utilize those recommendations to acquire certain skills for the labor market or for their formal education. Personalization can be based on several factors, such as personal preference, social connections or learning context. In an educational environment, the learning context plays an important role in generating sound recommendations, which not only fulfill the preferences of the learner, but also correspond to the pedagogical goals of the learning process. This is because a learning context describes the actual situation of the learner at the moment of requesting a learning recommendation. It provides information about the learner’s current state of knowledge, goal orientation, motivation, needs, available time, and other factors that reflect their status and may influence how learning recommendations are perceived and utilized. Context-aware recommender systems have the potential to reflect the logic that a learning expert may follow in recommending materials to students with respect to their status and needs. During the last decade, several approaches have emerged in the literature to define the learning context and the factors that may capture it. Those approaches led to different definitions of contextualized learner-profiles. In this paper, we review the state-of-the-art approaches for defining a user’s learning-context. We provide an overview of the definitions available, as well as the different factors that are considered when defining a context. Moreover, we further investigate the links between those factors and their pedagogical foundations in learning theories. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of contextualized learning from both pedagogical and technical points of view. By combining those two viewpoints, we aim to bridge a gap between both domains, in terms of contextualizing learning recommendations.
Using MLP to locate transformer winding fault based on digital twin
Authors: Liu Jiangnan , Yao Chenguo , Yu Liang , Dong Shoulong , Liu Yu
Published: July 2023

There is no doubt that transformer plays a fundamental role in power system. At the same time, transformer winding fault diagnosis is an important topic. Many works put the most emphasis on the identification of fault type and degree, while ignoring the fault location. However, fault location is an urgent problem to be solved, which is worth studying and discussing. The contribution of this paper lies in the location of Disk space variation (DSV) fault. The introduction of digital twin can solve the problem of insufficient fault cases, and pave the way for the intellectualization of fault diagnosis. In this paper, the digital twin of transformer winding is established based on double ladder network, in which the distributed parameters are calculated by finite element method. Frequency response analysis (FRA) is one of the most widely accepted methods for transformer winding mechanical deformation fault diagnosis. Aiming at the interpretation code of FRA, this paper disproves the view that phase information is useful. Then, by extracting the mathematical index of FRA, multi-layer perceptron (MLP) is trained and DSV fault location is realized. In addition, the popular support vector machine is also compared with the MLP model in this paper, which further highlights the advantages of MLP. The proposed method is verified by an actual transformer, and the results are satisfactory.
Assessment of the wind energy potential and economic viability of selected sites along Nigeria’s coastal and offshore locations
Authors: Attabo Ameh A. , Ajayi Oluseyi O. , Oyedepo Sunday O. , Afolalu Sunday A.
Published: July 2023

Wind energy is a promising sector in the power generation industry because it is renewable and globally available. In this research work, the wind energy potential and the economic viability of using wind turbines to generate electricity in some selected sites along Nigeria’s coastline and offshore locations were evaluated. Using the statistical two-parameter Weibull probability density function method, wind speed data retrieved from an indigenous oceanography company and global information system (GIS) were analyzed for wind energy harvest. The energy output, unit cost of electricity generated by three commercially available wind turbine models (3 MW, 4 MW, and 6 MW), net present value (NPV), and payback period were evaluated. Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) sensitivity to the discount rate, foundation cost, and turbine lifespan were also examined. The findings from the study showed that the offshore sites have four times greater wind power potential than the coastal sites. The offshore sites can be categorized as “class IIIb” wind sites, making the locations suitable for wind energy harvest. The techno-economic analysis showed that the net gains from investing in a 60-MW wind farm in the region can be as high as $62,000,000.00, while the project payback time can be as low as 5.74 years. Two of the offshore sites are recommended for the development of an offshore wind farm in the country because of their relatively low LCOE (0.04 $/kWh), higher NPV, and lower investment payback time. The Vesta-117 model wind turbine is the most suitable wind turbine system and recommended for use in the region because of its low cut-in speed (3 m/s). Sensitivity analysis showed that the LCOE of offshore-01 was reduced by 31% when the lifespan of the V117 turbine was increased from 20 to 25 years. The results also showed that reductions in the discount rate and foundation cost positively affect the LCOE.
Research and performance optimization of carbon dioxide foam fracturing fluid suitable for shale reservoir
Authors: Li Song , Fan Yu , He Tingting , Yang Jian , Li Jinsui , Wang Xi
Published: July 2023

Compared to conventional fracturing techniques, foam fracturing has numerous advantages, including good shear resistance, strong sand carrying capacity, low fluid loss, low damage, and fast return rates. It is particularly suitable for stimulation in low pressure, low permeability, and water-sensitive formations. Specifically, CO2 foam fracturing is crucial in energy savings and emission reductions, controlling the expansion of reservoir clay minerals, reducing crude oil viscosity, and improving the production of water-locked reservoirs. In this paper, we investigate the foam fracturing fluid and evaluate its performance. We selected thickeners with good foaming stability and foaming agents with excellent performance at low dosage levels, based on experimental evaluation. We finally determined the formulation of the foam fracturing fluid by analyzing the experimental data, such as foam half-life, foam mass, and viscosity. We experimentally evaluated the viscosity, static sand settling properties, and rheological properties of the fluid. After being tested on the reservoir core, the foam fracturing fluid has a viscosity of 2 mPas. Moreover, the residue content is 1.1 mg/L, the surface tension is 24.5 mN/m, and the interfacial tension is 1.5 mN/m. The fluid-carrying sand experiment of 40–70 mesh ceramic particles, commonly used in shale gas fracking, was evaluated. The sand-to-liquid ratio was set at 40% for the static sand-carrying experiment. The flow of the fluid-carrying sand was good, and the settling property was satisfactory for 3 h. We used shale reservoir cores from well W-1 to assess the rate of foam fracture, which was less than 19%. Under the experimental conditions of a shear rate of 170 S−1 and a temperature of 90°C, the viscosity of fracturing fluid was measured to be greater than 50 mPas, 90 min after shear, demonstrating the excellent temperature and shear resistance of the foam fracturing fluid. Using CO2 foam fracturing fluid can significantly improve the reconstruction effect of low permeability hydrocarbon reservoirs (especially unconventional reservoirs) and solve problems related to water resources and environmental protection during the process of oil and gas reservoir development. It will be a major factor in improving construction impacts and addressing water and environmental concerns for low permeability hydrocarbon reservoirs, particularly unconventional ones that utilize CO2 foam fracturing fluids.
Structural load monitoring of floating mooring column and its application on optimal regulation for water conveyance system operation of sea shiplock
Authors: Qi Junlin , Li Lexin , Jiang Tao , Xiang Zhouyu , Yang Jia , Wu Linjian
Published: July 2023

Due to the sea water intrusion and the development trend of using large-scale ships, more stringent requirements are put forward for the safety of water delivery process and the mooring equipment operation for the sea shiplock. The maximum loads for the mooring equipment of sea shiplock, i.e., floating mooring column (FMC), are generally occurred at the end of water delivery. The superimposed effect of turbulent flow and marine corrosive environment can accelerate the failure of the floating mooring column structure for the sea shiplock, which leads to the safety incidents, including the structural damage of FMC and the breakage of mooring lines for the ship, etc. The safety of the FMC is mostly influenced by three factors, including the ship’s tonnage, the water flow environment of the locked room, and the lock operation technologies; among these, the water flow environment can be considered the most significant. In practice, because the mooring load of an FMC due to water delivery from the shiplock is very complicated, there is currently no mature approach to condition monitoring. This investigation aims to address a large sea shiplock, and the optimal regulation approach for water delivery of shiplock is established based on a load monitoring methodology for FMCs. The detection accuracy of the FMC mooring loads is controlled by simulation verification with errors less than 10%. During the optimized water delivery process, the exerted loads on the FMCs are noticeably reduced to be lower than the maximum design rating. The innovative approach is essentially based on an inversion calculation of the load response model for obtaining the mooring loads of FMCs, with the monitored load results used to regulate and optimize the water delivery process of the shiplocks. The research results can fill a part of the research gap of FMC mooring load condition monitoring method in shiplock water delivery, and provide technical support for the safety of shiplock water delivery process and mooring equipment operation.
Vertical distribution and pollution assessment of TN, TP, and TOC in the sediment cores of cage farming areas in Dongshan Bay of southeast China
Authors: Zhen-Zhen Cai , Jian Zeng , Miao-Feng Yang , Yong-Qing Lin , Hui-Dong Zheng , Dong-Lian Luo , Shuang-Cheng Jiang , Tuan-Yu Guo , Sheng-Hua Zheng
Published: July 2023

Cage farming is an important means of aquacultural production, while its potential environmental pollution needs to be further investigated. In this study, Dongshan Bay was taken as an example to investigate whether long-term cage farming in a semi-closed bay would cause environmental pollution via vertical distribution assessment. The four sediment cores (YB1, YB2, B1, and B2) were collected from two cage farming areas. Total nitrogen (TN), total organic carbon (TOC), and total phosphorus (TP) were measured. The results showed a negative correlation between TN and TOC and the sediment depth at four sampling sites, and TP was also negatively correlated with the depth at three sites. The average TN (1,405.8, 1,413.8, 1,115.7, and 936.1 mgkg−1) and TP (1,206, 1,141.6, 1,064.6, and 932.8 mgkg−1) values of the four sites were markedly higher than the safety level, with the indexes STN, STP, FF, and ON of the four sites indicating moderate to severe pollution of nitrogen and phosphorus. Particularly, the YB1 and YB2 sites in the area with lower current speed have more severe pollution. The C/N ratio uncovered that the organic matter (OM) might mainly derived from the phytoplankton and nonfibrous plants as a result of excessive fish feed and feces. Collectively, the results indicated that long-term (more than 10 years) cage farming activity in a semi-closed bay such as Dongshan Bay had a negative impact on the environmental quality. Despite limitations in sample size and the absence of stable isotopic analyses, this study enhances our understanding of environmental changes and endogenous pollution risks in shallow marine aquaculture areas. Moreover, it suggests practical approaches such as implementing alternative farming and fallowing periods, should be conducted to mitigate the pollution.
The impact of multiple driving factors on forest ecosystem services in karst desertification control
Authors: Xiong Kangning , Kong Lingwei , Yu Yanghua , Zhang Shihao , Deng Xuehua
Published: July 2023

In the fragile karst desertification ecosystem, forests are the providers of eco-multifunctionality. And the ecosystem service (ES) supply capacity of forests is directly or indirectly affected by various driving factors. The aim of this study is to explore the driving role of forest spatial structure, species diversity, and functional diversity on ecosystem services. In this study, four forest types, namely, broad-leaved monoculture forest (planted economic forest) (F1), broad-leaved mixed forest (F2), coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest (F3), and coniferous mixed forest (F4), were investigated in karst plateau mountain (KPM), karst plateau canyon (KPC), and karst mountain canyon (KMC) landforms. Variance analysis, correlation analysis and redundancy analysis were used to compare the differences of spatial structure, species diversity, functional diversity, and ES of different forest types and to clarify the driving role of spatial structure, species diversity, and functional diversity on ES. The results showed that the wood supply service of F3 was at least 4.27% higher than that of other forest types; carbon sequestration and oxygen release are at least 4.57 and 3.89% higher; the water holding capacity of litter and soil is higher by 6.24 and 2.26%, respectively; the soil OC, TN, TP, and TK were higher than 6.01, 1.22, 25.55, and 13.34%, respectively. The coniferous mixed forest and broadleaved mixed forest with a more complete spatial structure has a higher level of diversity, which can generate more wood and provide more soil nutrient sources, as well as stronger regulation capacity. Spatial structure affects plant productivity through interspecific relationships; soil fertility is restricted by the level of diversity; gas and water regulation are influenced by both spatial structure and diversity levels. There is a progressive driving relationship among spatial structure, diversity, and ES. In forest management, it is helpful to improve the forest ecosystem’s functioning by adjusting the forest structure using close-to-natural management measures.
NeuroCNN_GNB: an ensemble model to predict neuropeptides based on a convolution neural network and Gaussian naive Bayes
Authors: Liu Di , Lin Zhengkui , Jia Cangzhi
Published: July 2023

Neuropeptides contain more chemical information than other classical neurotransmitters and have multiple receptor recognition sites. These characteristics allow neuropeptides to have a correspondingly higher selectivity for nerve receptors and fewer side effects. Traditional experimental methods, such as mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography technology, still need the support of a complete neuropeptide precursor database and the basic characteristics of neuropeptides. Incomplete neuropeptide precursor and information databases will lead to false-positives or reduce the sensitivity of recognition. In recent years, studies have proven that machine learning methods can rapidly and effectively predict neuropeptides. In this work, we have made a systematic attempt to create an ensemble tool based on four convolution neural network models. These baseline models were separately trained on one-hot encoding, AAIndex, G-gap dipeptide encoding and word2vec and integrated using Gaussian Naive Bayes (NB) to construct our predictor designated NeuroCNN_GNB. Both 5-fold cross-validation tests using benchmark datasets and independent tests showed that NeuroCNN_GNB outperformed other state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, this novel framework provides essential interpretations that aid the understanding of model success by leveraging the powerful Shapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) algorithm, thereby highlighting the most important features relevant for predicting neuropeptides.
The impact of exosomes derived from distinct sources on rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhang Sicheng , Duan Zhen , Liu Fang , Wu Qingjie , Sun Xiwei , Ma Hailong
Published: July 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can induce joint deformities and functional impairment, significantly impacting the overall well-being of individuals. Exosomes, which are cellularly secreted vesicles, possess favorable biological traits such as biocompatibility, stability, and minimal toxicity. Additionally, they contain nucleic acids, lipids, proteins, amino acids, and metabolites, serving as mediators in cellular communication and information exchange. Recent studies have demonstrated the association between exosomes and the pathogenesis of RA. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells, dendritic cells, and neutrophils exert influence on the biological functions of immune cells and joint cells, however, the precise mechanism remains largely unclarified. This comprehensive review systematically analyzes and summarizes the biological characteristics and functionalities of exosomes derived from diverse cellular sources, thus establishing a scientific foundation for the utilization of exosomes as diagnostic targets and therapeutic modalities in the context of RA.
Effect of surfactants on the properties of rubber composites prepared from pyrolytic carbon black/natural latex via wet blending method
Authors: Song Xiudong , Wang Kongshuo , Shan Tilun , Wang Chuansheng , Tian Xiaolong
Published: July 2023

Pyrolytic carbon black (CBp) is the main by-product of waste tire pyrolysis. CBp has high ash content and poor surface activity which leads to the composites reinforced with CBp has lower performance than composites reinforced with commercial carbon black, making it difficult to meet the requirements of tire. In order to realize the application of CBp in tires, the effect of surfactants on the properties of rubber composites prepared by wet mixing of CBp/natural latex was investigated. In the experimental process, sodium stearate (C17H35COONa), sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (C18H29NaO3S), and sodium p-styrenesulfonate (C8H7NaO3S) were used to improve the surface activity and uniform dispersion of the CBp in the natural rubber matrix. The experimental results showed that the dispersity of C18H29NaO3S and C8H7NaO3S modified CBp in rubber matrix has [X] and [Y] values of 7.5 and 7.9, and 9.3 and 9.5, respectively, and the dispersion of these rubber composites is significantly better than that of C17H35COONa. The rubber composites prepared by C18H29NaO3S and C8H7NaO3S surfactants has the better physical and mechanical properties. The rubber composite prepared by C18H29NaO3S has the highest tensile strength of 25.63 MPa, which increment in tensile strength is 15.6% compare to the rubber composite prepared by C17H35COONa. Meanwhile the dynamic mechanical properties of rubber composites prepared by modifying CBp with C18H29NaO3S and C8H7NaO3S are better than CBp with C17H35COONa. The C8H7NaO3S modified CBp/rubber composite has the lowest loss factor (tanδ) value at 60°C, and the C18H29NaO3S modified CBp/rubber composite has the highest tanδ value at 0°C.
Research on the longitudinal movement and influence of restraint parameters of the long-span suspension bridge’s main girder
Authors: Hongbin Sun , Jieyi Yuan , Yujing Liu
Published: July 2023

The long-span suspension bridge has suffered from multiple failures of restraints such as supports, dampers, and expansion joints due to excessive accumulated displacement at the girder end. To investigate the main girders’ characteristics in the longitudinal motion of these bridges and the influence of the restraint device on the longitudinal displacement, the motion characteristics were first analyzed based on the measured displacement data of a certain bridge’s main girder; a dynamic finite element model of the bridge’s random traffic flow was then established based on the measured WIM data; combined with the girder end displacement monitoring data, the Euclidean distance was used to verify the correctness and rationality of the proposed model; finally, the model is used to discuss the influence of restraint devices (i.e., viscous dampers and supports) on the main girder in the longitudinal direction. The results show that dynamic loads (such as vehicles and wind) are the principal reasons for huge accumulated travel at the girder end; The viscous damper can effectively control the longitudinal movement; in a certain range, the larger the damping index, the better the control effect of the damper; meanwhile, the friction coefficient of the support also affects the longitudinal motion, but the effect is limited. When the friction coefficient is ≤ 0.03, the girder end’s cumulative displacement gradually decreases with the increasing friction coefficient, and compared to the damping index, the friction coefficient plays a major controlling role in the girder end displacement; when the friction coefficient is >0.03, the damping index plays a major controlling role in the girder end displacement.
Sustainable and recyclable thermosets with performances for high technology sectors. An environmental friendly alternative to toxic derivatives
Authors: Dinu Roxana , Lafont Ugo , Damiano Olivier , Mija Alice
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on the development of environmentally friendly and chemically recyclable thermosets using or a renewable based monomer, the triglycidyl ether of phloroglucinol (TGPh), or a commercial non-toxic tris(4-hydroxyphenyl) methane triglycidyl ether (THPMTGE) monomer. The recyclable polyester thermosets were prepared by crosslinking the two monomers with hexahydro-4-methylphthalic anhydride (HMPA) or methyl nadic anhydride The TGPh-based formulations exhibited lower reaction temperatures and narrower reaction intervals. Additionally, these systems showed higher tan δ values (189°C–199°C), higher crosslinking densities (7.6–7.8 mmol cm−3) and compact networks, crucial for high-performance industries. Tensile tests demonstrated the remarkable mechanical properties of the thermosets, including high Young modulus (1.3–1.4 GPa), tensile stress (55–69 MPa), and an elongation at break around 3%–8%. Moreover, the thermosets exhibited complete dissolution at a temperature of 170°C, with depolymerization times of approximately 2.5 h for TGPh-based resins and 4.5 h for THPMTGE-based formulations. In conclusion, this study shows that sustainable and eco-friendly thermosets with excellent physico-chemical and thermo-mechanical properties, low hydrophilicity, and rapid dissolution capacity can be developed. These thermosets offer a viable alternative to non-recyclable and toxic resins in high-end industrial applications.
Identification of the gut microbiota affecting Salmonella pullorum and their relationship with reproductive performance in hens
Authors: Niu Qing , Wang Xiaoxu , Qi Xinyong , Cao Changjian , Yang Kaixuan , Gu Caiju , Zhou Zhenxiang , Huang Qizhong
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Pullorum disease is one of the common bacterial infectious diseases caused by Salmonella pullorum (S. pullorum), which can result in a decrease in the reproductive performance of laying hens, thus causing considerable economic losses. However, studies about the characteristics of intestinal microbiota with pullorum and their potential association with reproductive performance in hens are still limited. This study was to identify the gut microbiota associated with S. pullorum in poultry.

Methods

A total of 30 hens with S. pullorum-negative (PN) and 30 hens with S. pullorum-positive (PP) were analyzed for hatching eggs laid in 2 weeks (HEL), fertilization eggs (FE), chick number (CN), and microbial structure.

Results

There were significant differences in HEL (p < 0.01), FE (p < 0.01), and CN (p < 0.01) between PP and PN. Histomorphological observations showed abnormal morphology of the ovaries and fallopian tubes and low integrity of epithelial tissue in the ileum and cecum in PP. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that beneficial cecal microbes, such as Bacteroides, Desulfovibrio, and Megamonas, were positively correlated with reproductive performance and had lower abundance in PP (p = 0.001). Furthermore, diminished phosphotransferase system (PTS) and pentose phosphate pathway, butanoate metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation were also found in PP.

Discussion

Taken together, this study clarified the morphological characteristics of the reproductive tract and intestines of chickens infected with S. pullorum and preliminarily explored the potential association between cecal microbiota and reproductive performance in hens. Our data may provide a reference for revealing the intestinal microbial characteristics of hens in resisting pullorum and exploring novel approaches to infection control in future studies.
Transcriptome sequencing and functional verification revealed the roles of exogenous magnesium in tobacco anti-PVY infection
Authors: Guo Huiyan , Xu Chuantao , Wang Fei , Jiang Lianqiang , Lei Xiao , Zhang Mingjin , Li Rui , Lan Xinyu , Xia Zihao , Wang Zhiping , Wu Yuanhua
Published: July 2023

Potato virus Y (PVY) infection causes necrosis and curling of leaves, which seriously affect the yield and quality of Solanaceous crops. The roles of nutrient elements in the regulation of plant resistance to virus infection has been widely reported, while the mechanisms are poorly studied. Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that foliar spraying of MgSO4 could induce Nicotiana tabacum resistance to PVY by increasing the activity of defense-related enzymes. Consistent with the results, we found that exogenous magnesium (Mg) had a certain effect on N. tabacum anti-PVY infection. Meanwhile, Illumina RNA sequencing revealed that Mg induced resistance to PVY infection was mainly by regulating carbohydrate metabolism and transportation, nitrogen metabolism, Ca2+ signal transduction and oxidative phosphorylation. Moreover, we used virus-induced gene silencing assays to verify the function of homologs of five N. tabacum genes involved in above pathways in N. benthamiana. The results showed that NbTPS and NbGBE were conducive to PVY infection, while NbPPases and NbNR were related to resistance to PVY infection. These results suggested a novel strategy for resistance to PVY infection and provided a theoretical basis for virus-resistance breeding.
Hypothalamic orexins as possible therapeutic agents in threat and spatial memory disorders
Authors: Mazur Filip , Całka Jarosław
Published: July 2023

Orexin-A and orexin-B, neuropeptides produced exclusively in the lateral hypothalamus, have been implicated in various functions, including memory. Their levels are elevated in certain pathological states, such as PTSD, and lowered in other states, e.g., memory deficits. Recent developments have shown the possibilities of using orexins to modulate memory. Their administration can improve the results of test animals in paradigms such as passive avoidance (PA), cued fear conditioning (CFC), and the Morris water maze (MWM), with differences between the orexin used and the route of drug administration. Blocking orexin receptors in different brain structures produces opposing effects of memory impairments in given paradigms. Therefore, influencing the orexinergic balance of the brain becomes a viable way to ameliorate memory deficits, shift PTSD-induced recall of stressful memories to an extinction path, or regulate other memory processes.
Prediction and analysis of time series data based on granular computing
Authors: Yin Yushan
Published: July 2023

The advent of the Big Data era and the rapid development of the Internet of Things have led to a dramatic increase in the amount of data from various time series. How to classify, correlation rule mining and prediction of these large-sample time series data has a crucial role. However, due to the characteristics of high dimensionality, large data volume and transmission lag of sensor data, large sample time series data are affected by multiple factors and have complex characteristics such as multi-scale, non-linearity and burstiness. Traditional time series prediction methods are no longer applicable to the study of large sample time series data. Granular computing has unique advantages in dealing with continuous and complex data, and can compensate for the limitations of traditional support vector machines in dealing with large sample data. Therefore, this paper proposes to combine granular computing theory with support vector machines to achieve large-sample time series data prediction. Firstly, the definition of time series is analyzed, and the basic principles of traditional time series forecasting methods and granular computing are investigated. Secondly, in terms of predicting the trend of data changes, it is proposed to apply the fuzzy granulation algorithm to first convert the sample data into coarser granules. Then, it is combined with a support vector machine to predict the range of change of continuous time series data over a period of time. The results of the simulation experiments show that the proposed model is able to make accurate predictions of the range of data changes in future time periods. Compared with other prediction models, the proposed model reduces the complexity of the samples and improves the prediction accuracy.