bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Symbiosis for Simulation Optimization in Production Scheduling: A Design Strategy for Adaptive Decision Support in Industry 5.0
Authors: Elbasheer Mohaiad , Longo Francesco , Mirabelli Giovanni , Solina Vittorio
Published: December 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of Industry 4.0 and the transition towards Industry 5.0, manufacturing systems face the challenge of adapting to dynamic, hyper-customized demands. Current Simulation Optimization (SO) systems struggle with the flexibility needed for quick reconfiguration, often requiring time-consuming, resource-intensive efforts to develop custom models. To address this limitation, this study introduces an innovative SO design strategy that integrates three flexible simulation modeling techniques—template-based, structural modeling, and parameterization. The goal of this integrated design strategy is to enable the rapid adaptation of SO systems to diverse production environments without extensive re-engineering. The proposed SO versatility is validated across three manufacturing scenarios (flow shop, job shop, and open shop scheduling) using modified benchmark instances from Taillard’s dataset. The results demonstrate notable effectiveness in optimizing production schedules across these diverse scenarios, enhancing decision-making processes, and reducing SO development efforts. Unlike conventional SO system design, the proposed design framework ensures real-time adaptability, making it highly relevant to the dynamic requirements of Industry 5.0. This strategic integration of flexible modeling techniques supports efficient decision support, minimizes SO development time, and reinforces manufacturing resilience, therefore sustaining competitiveness in modern industrial ecosystems.
The Temperature-Dependent Monotonic Mechanical Characteristics of Marine Sand–Geomembrane Interfaces
Authors: Chao Zhiming , Zhao Hongyi , Liu Hui , Cui Peng , Shi Danda , Lin Hai , Lu Yang , Han Bing , Chen Shuang
Published: December 2024

The utilization of geomembrane reinforcement technology is pervasive in marine sand foundation reinforcement projects. However, the elevated temperatures and intricate stress conditions prevalent in marine environments exert a notable influence on the mechanical characteristics of geomembrane interfaces comprising marine sand, which impedes the efficacy of geomembrane reinforcement in marine sand foundations. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research investigating the temperature-dependent interfacial mechanical performance of geomembranes and marine sand under diverse stress states. In this study, a series of monotonic shear tests were carried out on the interface between geomembranes and marine sand within a temperature range of 5 °C to 80 °C. These experiments were carried out using a self-developed large-scale temperature-controlled interfacial dynamic and static shear device. The experimental results demonstrate that temperature has a pronounced effect on the monotonic mechanical characteristics of the geomembrane–marine sand interface, which displays clear temperature dependence. The findings of this study may help in the design and optimization of offshore projects where a marine sand–polymer layer interface exists.
Urban Heritage Resilience: An Integrated and Operationable Definition from the SHELTER and ARCH Projects
Authors: Ripp Matthias , Egusquiza Aitziber , Lückerath Daniel
Published: December 2024

Resilience, initially a concept rooted in psychology, has traversed disciplinary boundaries, finding application in fields such as urban planning and development since the 2010s. Despite its broad application, most definitions remain too abstract to allow their practical integration into urban planning and development contexts. Addressing this challenge, the European research projects SHELTER and ARCH offer a practicable integration of resilience with planning and development practices surrounding urban heritage. Following a systemic approach to resilience, both projects integrate perspectives from urban development, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, and heritage management, supported with tools and guidance to anchor resilience in existing practices. This paper presents the results from both projects, including similarities and differences.
How Does China’s Agricultural Subsidy Policy Drive More Commercially Productive Small Farmers? The Role of Farmland Scale, Labor Supply, and Cropping Structural Change
Authors: Zhang Jian , Jabbar Awais , Li Xin
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the impact of China’s agricultural subsidy policy on farmers’ commercial production, indicated by sales market participation. A nationally representative survey data, panel Tobit model, IV Tobit model, and the Correlated Random Effects (CRE) approach were used. The findings reveal that farmers receiving agricultural subsidies have improved crop sales’ share of total output value. Mechanism analysis reveals that agricultural subsidies have driven up farmland scale and increased agricultural labor supply in production, incentivizing the motive for profit maximization among farmers. Meanwhile, agricultural subsidies also encourage farmers to cultivate more grain crops. Policymakers should continue deepening the reform of agricultural subsidies and promoting farmer specialization and commercial production. Moderate-scale operation of farmland should be one of the targets of agricultural subsidies.
CGBi_YOLO: Lightweight Land Target Detection Network
Authors: Wang Ruiyang , Lu Siyu , Tian Jiawei , Yin Lirong , Wang Lei , Chen Xiaobing , Zheng Wenfeng
Published: December 2024

Object detection algorithms for optical remote sensing images often face challenges in computational efficiency, particularly when detecting small and densely packed targets. This paper introduces CGBi_YOLO, a novel lightweight land target detection network designed to optimize computational resource utilization while maintaining detection capabilities for small-scale targets. Our approach incorporates an innovative lightweight optimization strategy featuring a new lightweight backbone feature extraction network: CSPGhostNet. This model significantly enhances the detection ability of small objects within optical remote sensing images without increasing computational demands. The efficacy of the proposed model is validated through rigorous experimentation on the DOTA dataset. Compared to the baseline model, CGBi_YOLO achieves a 30% reduction in parameters and a 36% increase in inference speed. The model demonstrates exceptional performance in handling small and densely packed targets within optical remote sensing images, showcasing its potential for real-world applications in fields such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management.
Research on a Multidimensional Dynamic Environmental Assessment: Based on the PSR Analysis Framework and Bootstrap-DEA Model, in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Hao Jiaxin , Zhang Yan , Guo Lihong
Published: December 2024

An environmental assessment is a complex and interrelated entity. A multidimensional and dynamic environmental assessment can directly reflect the effectiveness and capacity of the ecological governance system. Assessing the factors influencing the resource–environment coupling efficiency in the Yellow River Basin is crucial for advancing environmental management and regulation, enhancing public participation and transparency, as well as fostering international exchange and cooperation. This study uses the PSR analysis framework and the Bootstrap-DEA model to measure the resource–environment coupling efficiency. It employs spatial autocorrelation, kernel density estimation, Dagum Gini coefficient analysis, σ-convergence, and spatial beta convergence methods to explore the multi-level spatial pattern and convergence trend of the resource–environment coupling efficiency. The findings indicate that overall resource–environment coupling efficiency exhibits minimal temporal variation characterized by a hierarchy of upstream > downstream > middle reaches, alongside a spatial differentiation trend marked by small agglomeration coupled with significant dispersion. Additionally, regional disparities reveal a distribution pattern of downstream > middle reaches > upstream. Notably, while there are no σ-convergence characteristics, evidence supporting spatial β-convergence suggests that these efficiencies will converge toward a steady-state level over time.
The Soil and Water Conservation Effects of Different Plant Communities and Biological Soil Crust Symbiosis Patterns in the Ecologically Fragile Area of Central Ningxia
Authors: Jiang Shuting , Qi Tuoye , Niu Zilu
Published: December 2024

Biological soil crusts are complex biological soil layers formed by mosses, lichens, cyanobacteria, and the underlying soil, which together with plants affect rainfall infiltration, surface runoff, soil evaporation, and water movement in the soil. The soil desertification and soil erosion in the ecologically fragile areas of central Ningxia are serious problems, and the ecological environment is extremely fragile. Effective ecological restoration technologies are urgently needed. This study took the grassland in the ecologically fragile area of central Ningxia as the object and investigated the impact of three plant communities and symbiotic patterns of biological soil crusts on soil erosion through field simulated rainfall experiments. The results showed that: (1) At a rainfall intensity of 90 mm h−1, the initial runoff time of each slope was significantly positively correlated with plant community type and biological soil crust coverage, and prolonged with the increase of plant community type and biological soil crust coverage. (2) With the extension of rainfall duration, the cumulative runoff on each slope exhibited an increasing trend. (3) The sediment concentration in runoff on slopes under different plant community and biological soil crust symbiotic patterns was significantly different, with the sediment concentration decreasing as the type of plant community and the coverage of biological soil crusts increased. (4) With the increase in the diversity of plant communities and the coverage of biological crusts, there was a gradual reduction in the volume of accumulated sediment. This study offers scientific management strategies and practical guidance for soil and water conservation efforts in the ecologically vulnerable areas of central Ningxia, highlighting the importance of promoting these symbiotic models within the region.
Influence of Land-Use Practices on Soil Organic Carbon and Microbial Biomass in Coffee and Orange Agroecosystems
Authors: Parajuli Barsha , Lamichhane Nabin , Monokrousos Nikolaos , Pokhrel Chandra Prasad , Yadav Ram Kailash Prasad
Published: December 2024

The agroforestry and intercropping systems are recognized as important options for greenhouse gas mitigation. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impacts of land use change from Orange (O) monoculture to Coffee-Orange (CO) intercropping and Coffee-Forest (CF) agroforest systems, implemented 20 years ago, on soil properties at three different soil depth layers (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm), with a particular focus on microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. Although there were no changes in most of the soil’s physical properties, the soil’s chemical properties varied significantly across different land use types. SOC was higher in CF and CO systems compared to the O system; however, only in the CO system was the SOC incorporated evenly across all depths. Regression analysis showed that, in the CO system, microbial biomass carbon increased significantly, suggesting that these systems are more promising for carbon sequestration. The low pH and phosphorus values in the agroforest system were identified as limiting factors for microbial biomass enhancement. Importantly, the integration of coffee into orange cultivation not only enhances economic benefits but also contributes to long-term carbon sequestration by increasing SOC in deeper soil layers.
Embryonic Development and Cranial Ossification Sequence in Two Heremites Species (Squamata: Scincidae)
Authors: Candan Kamil , Caynak Elif Yıldırım , Oğur Kübra , Hastürk Ecem Büşra , Korkmaz Ahmet Gökay , Ilgaz Çetin , Gül Serkan , Kumlutaş Yusuf
Published: December 2024

Although embryological studies of squamates have a long history, most groups in this large clade remain poorly studied. One such group is the family Scincidae, which consists of morphologically and ecologically diverse lizards. In this study, we describe several stages of embryonic development based on cleared and stained specimens of Heremites auratus and Heremites vittatus. Our analysis indicates that the pterygoid and frontal are the first bones to be ossified at stage 34 in the skull of H. auratus. At stage 37, which was examined in both studied species, the ossified bones include the nasal, maxilla, parietal, prefrontal, premaxilla, postorbital, postfrontal, jugal, squamosal, quadrate, vomer, palatine and all mandible bones. In both species, the skull roof is relatively poorly ossified at stage 37. However, in H. auratus, the frontal and parietal bones ossify at their lateral edges at stage 37, while in H. vittatus, the frontal bones begin to ossify towards the midline. This suggests that ossification occurs later in H. auratus compared to H. vittatus, indicating a heterochronic pattern in ossification between these species. Additionally, pigmentation on the dorsal side of the body and scaling, which covered the entire body by stage 37 in H. vittatus, occur earlier compared to H. auratus. Compared to other scincid species, ossification in these lizards begins at a later stage but is completed earlier.
Enhancing Amyloid PET Quantification: MRI-Guided Super-Resolution Using Latent Diffusion Models
Authors: Shah Jay , Che Yiming , Sohankar Javad , Luo Ji , Li Baoxin , Su Yi , Wu Teresa ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2024

Amyloid PET imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and research of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), allowing non-invasive detection of amyloid-β plaques in the brain. However, the low spatial resolution of PET scans limits the accurate quantification of amyloid deposition due to partial volume effects (PVE). In this study, we propose a novel approach to addressing PVE using a latent diffusion model for resolution recovery (LDM-RR) of PET imaging. We leverage a synthetic data generation pipeline to create high-resolution PET digital phantoms for model training. The proposed LDM-RR model incorporates a weighted combination of L1, L2, and MS-SSIM losses at both noise and image scales to enhance MRI-guided reconstruction. We evaluated the model’s performance in improving statistical power for detecting longitudinal changes and enhancing agreement between amyloid PET measurements from different tracers. The results demonstrate that the LDM-RR approach significantly improves PET quantification accuracy, reduces inter-tracer variability, and enhances the detection of subtle changes in amyloid deposition over time. We show that deep learning has the potential to improve PET quantification in AD, effectively contributing to the early detection and monitoring of disease progression.
The Associations of Dental and Periodontal Lesions with the Microvascular Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Mirea Adina Andreea , Ștefan Adela Gabriela , Maria Moța , Clenciu Diana , Mitrea Adina , Efrem Ion Cristian , Roșu Maria Magdalena , Protasiewicz-Timofticiuc Diana Cristina , Vladu Beatrice Elena , Gheonea Theodora Claudia , Mărășescu Felicia , Eugen Moța , Vladu Ionela Mihaela
Published: December 2024

Background: Diabetes mellitus is closely related to periodontal disease and dental lesions, disorders which through dental infection and metabolic imbalance become negatively potentiated and cause a vicious circle that is almost impossible to break. The aim of this research was to study if the severity of dental and periodontal lesions is related to the presence of microvascular complications and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: In total, 112 subjects with T2DM that underwent a dental evaluation were enrolled in this case–control study. The study group included 56 patients with complicated lesions, whereas the control group included 56 patients whose gender and age matched the study group and that presented superficial lesions. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 26.0, with the result being considered statistically significant if the p values were <0.05. Results: Statistically significant differences were recorded between the two groups regarding the value of blood glucose, HbA1c and fibrinogen, as well as kidney function. Statistically significant differences were also recorded between the two groups when analyzing the presence of microvascular complications, as well as individually analyzed, in the case of diabetic peripheral sensory-motor neuropathy (p < 0.001), but also of diabetic retinopathy (p < 0.05). This study developed a score with a predictive value for the presence of complicated dental and periodontal lesions, including blood glucose, fibrinogen, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (AUROC 0.847, p < 0.001). Conclusions: There is a high frequency of dental and periodontal complications in patients with T2DM. Patients with microvascular complications, elevated fasting blood glucose, and chronic inflammation, as evidenced by elevated fibrinogen, are more likely to develop complicated dental and periodontal lesions.
A Distributed and Parallel (k, n) QSS Scheme with Verification Capability
Authors: Andronikos Theodore
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a new quantum secret sharing scheme featuring a (k, n) threshold and built-in verification. This innovative protocol takes advantage of entanglement and unfolds in three distinct phases. In anticipation of the coming of the distributed quantum computing era, this protocol is designed to function entirely in parallel within a fully distributed environment, where the spymaster and her agents are located in different places. This is a significant shift from most similar protocols that assume that all information recipients are in one location. The spymaster can send all necessary information to her agents at once, streamlining the process. Each phase runs simultaneously, which helps to reduce the overall execution cost. Given its complexity, we offer a thorough analysis to ensure its information-theoretic security, protecting against both external eavesdroppers and internal rogue agents. The protocol does away with the need for quantum signatures or pre-shared keys, making it simpler and less complex. Lastly, its potential for implementation on current quantum computers looks promising since it relies only on CNOT and Hadamard gates, with all participants using similar or identical quantum circuits.
Optimizing Euclidean Distance Computation
Authors: Mussabayev Rustam
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a comparative analysis of seventeen different approaches to optimizing Euclidean distance computations, which is a core mathematical operation that plays a critical role in a wide range of algorithms, particularly in machine learning and data analysis. The Euclidean distance, being a computational bottleneck in large-scale optimization problems, requires efficient computation techniques to improve the performance of various distance-dependent algorithms. To address this, several optimization strategies can be employed to accelerate distance computations. From spatial data structures and approximate nearest neighbor algorithms to dimensionality reduction, vectorization, and parallel computing, various approaches exist to accelerate Euclidean distance computation in different contexts. Such approaches are particularly important for speeding up key machine learning algorithms like K-means and K-nearest neighbors (KNNs). By understanding the trade-offs and assessing the effectiveness, complexity, and scalability of various optimization techniques, our findings help practitioners choose the most appropriate methods for improving Euclidean distance computations in specific contexts. These optimizations enable scalable and efficient processing for modern data-driven tasks, directly leading to reduced energy consumption and a minimized environmental impact.
Improving the Structure of the Electricity Demand Response Aggregator Based on Holonic Approach
Authors: Kolosok Irina , Korkina Elena
Published: December 2024

A demand response (DR) aggregator is a specialized entity designed to collaborate with electricity producers, facilitating the exchange of energy for numerous stakeholders. This application is a pivotal development within the Russian Energy System as it transitions to a Smart Grid. Its successful operation relies on the advancement and implementation of more efficient strategies to manage emerging energy assets and structures. The holonic approach is a distributed management model used to handle systems characterized by random and dynamic changes. This paper analyzes the specific aspects of the electricity demand management mechanism in Russia, primarily aimed at reducing peak load in the energy system by engaging active consumers who are outside the wholesale market. The DR-Aggregator is considered both a cyber-physical system (CPS) with a cluster structure and a business process. The DR-Aggregator exhibits essential holonic properties, enabling the application of a holonic approach to enhance the efficiency of the DR-Aggregator mechanism. This approach will facilitate greater flexibility in managing the load schedules of individual holon consumers, bolster the reliability of power supply by aligning load schedules among holon consumers within the super-holon cluster, and improve the fault tolerance of the DR-Aggregator structure, providing greater adaptability of demand management services.
On Bond Incident Degree Indices of Fixed-Size Bicyclic Graphs with Given Matching Number
Authors: Ali Akbar , Albalahi Abeer M. , Alanazi Abdulaziz M. , Bhatti Akhlaq A. , Alraqad Tariq , Saber Hicham , Attiya Adel A.
Published: December 2024

A connected graph with p vertices and q edges satisfying q=p+1 is referred to as a bicyclic graph. This paper is concerned with an optimal study of the BID (bond incident degree) indices of fixed-size bicyclic graphs with a given matching number. Here, a BID index of a graph G is the number BIDf(G)=∑vw∈E(G)f(dG(v),dG(w)), where E(G) represents G’s edge set, dG(v) denotes vertex v’s degree, and f is a real-valued symmetric function defined on the Cartesian square of the set of all different members of G’s degree sequence. Our results cover several existing indices, including the Sombor index and symmetric division deg index.
Uncertainty Modeling and Stability Assessment of Minimum Spanning Trees in Network Design
Authors: Hosseini Ahmad
Published: December 2024

The Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) problem in networks focuses on finding efficient routes, with applications in transportation, logistics, telecommunications, and more. However, catastrophes can make these networks uncertain, requiring robust computational models for decision-making. This paper introduces an uncertainty theory-based model to analyze the stability of MSTs in uncertain networks. By incorporating reliability and risk variables, we assess the robustness of uncertain MSTs (UMSTs) and address the challenge of computing link tolerances, which define the range within which network links can vary without compromising MST optimality. This study proposes computational formulations to systematically calculate these tolerances, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional re-optimization methods.
Collaborative Optimization Strategy for Dependent Task Offloading in Vehicular Edge Computing
Authors: Peng Xiting , Zhang Yandi , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Chaofeng , Yang Wei
Published: December 2024

The advancement of the Internet of Autonomous Vehicles has facilitated the development and deployment of numerous onboard applications. However, the delay-sensitive tasks generated by these applications present enormous challenges for vehicles with limited computing resources. Moreover, these tasks are often interdependent, preventing parallel computation and severely prolonging completion times, which results in substantial energy consumption. Task-offloading technology offers an effective solution to mitigate these challenges. Traditional offloading strategies, however, fall short in the highly dynamic environment of the Internet of Vehicles. This paper proposes a task-offloading scheme based on deep reinforcement learning to optimize the strategy between vehicles and edge computing resources. The task-offloading problem is modeled as a Markov Decision Process, and an improved twin-delayed deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm, LT-TD3, is introduced to enhance the decision-making process. The integration of LSTM and a self-attention mechanism into the LT-TD3 network boosts its capability for feature extraction and representation. Additionally, considering task dependency, a topological sorting algorithm is employed to assign priorities to subtasks, thereby improving the efficiency of task offloading. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed strategy significantly reduces task delays and energy consumption, offering an effective solution for efficient task processing and energy saving in autonomous vehicles.
Thermodynamic Study on the Solubility of N in High Cr, Ni and Mo Content Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo-O Melts
Authors: Zhang Jie , Luo Xinru , Yan Baijun
Published: December 2024

The aim of the present study is to investigate the solubility of nitrogen in super or hyper duplex stainless steel, which is characterized by a very high Cr content, as well as the activity interaction parameters between N and other alloy elements. The chemical equilibrium method was employed in the present experiment. High Cr, Ni, and Mo content Fe−Cr−N−O and Fe−Cr−Ni−Mo−N−O melt are equilibrated at 1873 K under atmospheres of pure nitrogen and Ar/N2 gas mixture. The melts were placed in Al2O3 crucibles and coated with graphite crucibles. The experimental results showed that the solubility of N significantly increased with increasing Cr content, reaching over 1 wt pct at a Cr content of about 40 wt pct. In addition, the solubility of Cr increased slightly with a decrease in Ni content and an increase in Mo content. The activity interaction parameters were fitted using WIPF (Wagner’s Interaction Parameter Formalism), as shown as follows: eNCr=−0.07083, rNCr=+0.0005888, rNN=−0.00926, eNNi=+0.30885, rNNi=−0.03963, eNMo=−0.05882, rNMo=+0.00616; the comprehensive set of thermodynamic basic parameters obtained in this study can be effectively used to assess the N solubility in USSD with a Cr content exceeding 30 wt pct.
Comparative Analysis of Liquid Steel Fluid Dynamics, Including Spillage and Spreading on the Bottom of a Three-Strand Tundish Between Two Turbulence Inhibitors at the Start of the Casting Sequence
Authors: Flores Jazmín Octavio , Coronado Rivera Maria del Carmen , Davila Rodolfo Morales , Guarneros Javier , Rodriguez Jafeth , Nájera-Bastida Alfonso , Servín Castañeda Rumualdo
Published: December 2024

Casting AISI 52100 steel represents a challenge, particularly at the start of the casting sequence, due to its low melting point. The steel spilling over the tundish bottom cools down rapidly and freezes in the stopper rods, obliging the closure of a strand. Therefore, an additional function of turbulence inhibitors is to induce steel masses at a slow cooling rate. This paper deals with the physical and mathematical modeling of unsteady state-flows using two turbulence inhibitors (TIs) during the sequence start. One of the TIs makes steel spill forming thin layers of liquid on the tundish bottom, while the other forms a thicker layer. Based on the Flow of Volume Model, the mathematical simulation was satisfactorily replicated in the water model.
A Brief Review of the Impact of Neutron Irradiation Damage in Tungsten and Its Alloys
Authors: Wazeer Adil , McElroy Tanner , Stegman Benjamin Thomas , Shang Anyu , Zhang Yifan , Singh Vaibhav , Li Huan , Shang Zhongxia , Wang Haiyan , Xue Yexiang , Lin Guang , Graening Tim , Yu Xiao-Ying , Zhang Xinghang
Published: December 2024

Neutron irradiation poses a substantial challenge in the development and application of tungsten (W) and its alloys, predominantly in the framework of nuclear fusion and fission environments. Although W is well-acknowledged for its unique properties like its high melting temperature and higher resistance to sputtering, transmutation products, such as Re and Os, form and impact the alloy properties as a result of neutron irradiation. This transmutation effect accompanied by significant microstructure damage due to neutron irradiation can lead to the significant degradation of mechanical properties. This review surveys the literature focusing on the microstructural modifications post-irradiation and its impacts on the irradiation hardening. This review provides insights into the elaborative understanding on the neutron radiation damage on W and W alloys by exploring the microstructural evolution and hardness changes post-irradiation. The gaps and future opportunities for understanding neutron radiation damage in W are briefly summarized
Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding of an Al-Li Alloy: The Effects of Rotating Speed and Welding Time on Joint Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Cui Yuanbiao , Wang Binbin , Dong Wenzhe , Li Zhengwei , Yan Jiuchun
Published: December 2024

In this work, 2060 Al-Li alloy was joined by refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW). The effects of the tool’s rotating speed and welding time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the welded joints were studied. The results showed that joints without defects can be obtained within a wide range of welding parameters. Tiny voids were formed when using a low rotating speed of 1600 rpm, and incomplete refilling was obtained when using a short welding time of 1 s. Increasing the rotating speed from 1600 to 2000 rpm increased the grain size of the stir zone (SZ). When using a short welding time of 1 s, the grains of the SZ were not completely broken with high orientation differences in the grains. Higher hardness was obtained in the SZ when using a lower rotating speed and shorter welding time. Increasing the rotating speed increased the joint strength, while short and long welding times decreased the joint strength.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Salmonella spp. Isolates from Clinical Cases of Waterfowl in Hungary Between 2022 and 2023
Authors: Kerek Ádám , Szabó Ábel , Jerzsele Ákos
Published: December 2024

The global spread of antimicrobial resistance is one of the most significant challenges of the 21st century. The waterfowl sector is an economically decisive part of the poultry industry, yet it remains under-researched, and its antibiotic usage is less monitored. Our study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of avian pathogenic Salmonella strains, which are still prevalent in ducks and geese, against antibiotics critical for both animal and human health, and to compare these findings with human resistance data. We analyzed 71 Salmonella strains, collected by the National Reference Laboratory from samples originating from 29 settlements across Hungary between 2022 and 2023, using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Notably, the duck strains (n = 52) exhibited 57.7% resistance to potentiated sulfonamides, 28.8% resistance to doxycycline, and 25% resistance to cefotaxime. Among the geese strains (n = 19), 52.6% showed resistance to potentiated sulfonamides, followed by 26.3% resistance to doxycycline and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, and 15.8% resistance to cefotaxime, ceftiofur, and ceftriaxone. When compared to human resistance data, we found significantly lower resistance levels for amoxicillin in ducks (20.0%) and geese (8.3%) in the Dél-Alföld region, compared to ampicillin resistance in human samples (45.4%), in which amoxicillin analog is an antibiotic in human medicine. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was only observed in ducks (2.0%), whereas pefloxacin resistance in human medicine was notably higher (22.3%). Overall, the results for the waterfowl sector in the Dél-Alföld region of Hungary align with the international literature in several aspects. Further investigation using next-generation sequencing to identify the genetic basis of multi-resistant strains is warranted.
Biooxidation of a Pyrite-Arsenopyrite Concentrate Under Stressful Conditions
Authors: Bulaev Aleksandr , Artykova Alena , Diubar Anna , Kolosoff Aleksandr , Melamud Vitaliy , Kolganova Tatiana , Beletsky Alexey , Mardanov Andrey
Published: December 2024

Gold recovery from refractory pyrite-arsenopyrite concentrates using stirred tank reactor biooxidation is widely applied worldwide. Therefore, studies to address the characteristic problem of this technology are urgent. The goal of the present work was to research the possibility of counteracting the negative effects of unfavorable conditions (increasing pulp density and temperature) on the biooxidation of pyrite-arsenopyrite concentrate in laboratory-scale stirred tank reactors using additional carbon supply in the form of CO2. A refractory concentrate containing pyrite (48%) and arsenopyrite (13%) was used in biooxidation experiments. In the control experiment, biooxidation was performed under “normal conditions”: temperature 40 °C, pulp density (solid to liquid ratio, S:L) 1:10, residence time 5 days. It was shown that under “normal conditions”, additional carbon dioxide supply insignificantly affected the biooxidation rate and composition of the microbial population of biooxidation reactors. In addition, the effect of “stressful conditions” was studied. In this case, either temperature or pulp density were increased (up to 50 °C and S:L 1:5, respectively), which provided unfavorable conditions for biooxidation and led to the decrease in biooxidation rate. Under “stressful conditions”, additional carbon dioxide supply affected biooxidation to a greater extent and made it possible to increase both pyrite and arsenopyrite biooxidation rates. The analysis of microbial populations showed that additional carbon dioxide supply also changed their composition.
The Influence of Microbiota on Wild Birds’ Parental Coprophagy Behavior: Current Advances and Future Research Directions
Authors: Gul Saba , Shi Yurou , Hu Jie , Song Sen
Published: December 2024

This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of the intriguing phenomenon of parental coprophagy in wild birds and its profound implications on the influence of adult avian parents’ health. This review investigates the composition and dynamics of avian feces’ microbiota, casting light on the various dietary, environmental, and genetic factors that influence its diversity. Furthermore, it emphasizes parental coprophagy, a behavior observed in numerous bird species, particularly among herbivorous and passerine birds. The review investigates multiple hypotheses proposed to explain the occurrence of coprophagy. It delves into its function as a potential mechanism for transmitting microorganisms, particularly feces bacteria, from nestlings to their parents. This microbial transfer may affect the health and well-being of adult avian parents. In addition, the review highlights the current research deficits and debates surrounding coprophagy. These gaps include crucial aspects such as the onset of coprophagy, its long-term effects on both parents and offspring, the nutritional implications of consuming nestling feces, the potential risks of pathogen transmission, and the ecological and evolutionary factors that drive this behavior. As the review synthesizes existing knowledge and identifies areas requiring additional research, it emphasizes the significance of future studies that comprehensively address these gaps. By doing so, we can understand coprophagy’s ecological and evolutionary significance in wild birds, advancing our knowledge on avian biology. This information can improve conservation efforts to protect migratory bird populations and their complex ecosystems.
Individual and Combined Effects of Nanoplastics and Cadmium on the Rhizosphere Bacterial Community of Sedum alfredii Hance
Authors: Wang Yixiu , Cheng Hongyan , Li Yuenan , Ning Ruiyan , Lv Yonghui , Wang Qing , Zhang Haibo , Liu Na
Published: December 2024

Nanoplastics (NPs) and cadmium (Cd) coexist in soil, but the combined effects of NPs and Cd on the rhizosphere bacterial community remain unknown. In this study, high-throughput sequencing and PICRUSt2 functional analysis were employed to explore the individual and combined effects of polystyrene (PS) NPs (low concentration [N1, 100 mg·kg−1] and high concentration [N2, 1000 mg·kg−1]) and Cd (low concentration [C1, 0.6 mg·kg−1] and high concentration [C2, 4 mg·kg−1]) on the diversity, structural composition, and function of the rhizosphere bacterial community associated with Sedum alfredii Hance. Individually, PS NPs and Cd significantly reduced the soil pH, while the combined treatments induced a more significant decrease in pH. In contrast, combined PS NPs and Cd significantly increased the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid–Cd (DTPA-Cd) and total Cd concentrations. Compared with individual treatments, C2N2 significantly increased DPTA-Cd by 4.08%. N1 had no significant effect on the Chao1, observed species, or Shannon indices, while N2 significantly reduced the richness and diversity of the rhizosphere bacteria and altered their community structure. Furthermore, adding PS NPs exacerbated the effect of Cd on rhizosphere bacterial communities. Compared with individual Cd treatments, C2N2 significantly reduced the relative abundances of Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Crenarchaeota, and Myxococcota by 19.76%, 2.01%, 1.49%, and 2.00%, respectively, and significantly increased the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota by 16.05%. A cluster heat map showed that the combined treatments attenuated glycan biosynthesis and metabolic function and enhanced the metabolism of cofactors and vitamins. These findings illuminate rhizosphere processes under co-contamination with heavy metals and PS NPs, supporting the practical application of phytoremediation to alleviate combined Cd and PS NP pollution.
Effective Inhibitor Removal from Wastewater Samples Increases Sensitivity of RT-dPCR and Sequencing Analyses and Enhances the Stability of Wastewater-Based Surveillance
Authors: Linzner Nico , Bartel Alexander , Schumacher Vera , Grau José Horacio , Wyler Emanuel , Preuß Henrike , Garske Sonja , Bitzegeio Julia , Kirst Elisabeth Barbara , Liere Karsten , Hoppe Sebastian , Borodina Tatiana A. , Altmüller Janine , Landthaler Markus , Meixner Martin , Sagebiel Daniel , Böckelmann Uta
Published: December 2024

Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) is a proven tool for monitoring population-level infection events. Wastewater contains high concentrations of inhibitors, which contaminate the total nucleic acids (TNA) extracted from these samples. We found that TNA extracts from raw influent of Berlin wastewater treatment plants contained highly variable amounts of inhibitors that impaired molecular analyses like dPCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS). By using dilutions, we were able to detect inhibitory effects. To enhance WBS sensitivity and stability, we applied a combination of PCR inhibitor removal and TNA dilution (PIR+D). This approach led to a 26-fold increase in measured SARS-CoV-2 concentrations, practically reducing the detection limit. Additionally, we observed a substantial increase in the stability of the time series. We define suitable stability as a mean absolute error (MAE) below 0.1 log10 copies/L and a geometric mean relative absolute error (GMRAE) below 26%. Using PIR+D, the MAE could be reduced from 0.219 to 0.097 and the GMRAE from 65.5% to 26.0%, and even further in real-world WBS. Furthermore, PIR+D improved SARS-CoV-2 genome alignment and coverage in amplicon-based NGS for low to medium concentrations. In conclusion, we strongly recommend both the monitoring and removal of inhibitors from samples for WBS.
Ultrasound Treatment Combined with Rhamnolipids for Eliminating the Biofilm of Bacillus cereus
Authors: Niu Ben , Sun Yiming , Niu Yongwu , Qiao Shan
Published: December 2024

Biofilm formation by Bacillus cereus is a major cause of secondary food contamination, leading to significant economic losses. While rhamnolipids (RLs) have shown effectiveness against Bacillus cereus, their ability to remove biofilms is limited when used alone. Ultrasound (US) is a non-thermal sterilization technique that has been found to enhance the delivery of antimicrobial agents, but it is not highly effective on its own. In this study, we explored the synergistic effects of combining RLs with US for biofilm removal. The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of RLs was determined to be 32.0 mg/L. Using a concentration of 256.0 mg/L, RLs alone achieved a biofilm removal rate of 63.18%. However, when 32.0 mg/L RLs were combined with 20 min of US treatment, the removal rate increased to 62.54%. The highest biofilm removal rate of 78.67% was observed with 256.0 mg/L RLs and 60 min of US exposure. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that this combined treatment significantly disrupted the biofilm structure, causing bacterial deformation and the removal of extracellular polymeric substances. This synergistic approach not only inhibited bacterial metabolic activity, aggregation, and adhesion but also reduced early biofilm formation and decreased levels of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins. Furthermore, US treatment improved biofilm permeability, allowing better penetration of RLs and interaction with bacterial DNA, ultimately inhibiting DNA synthesis and secretion. The combination of RLs and US demonstrated superior biofilm removal efficacy, reduced the necessary concentration of RLs, and offers a promising strategy for controlling biofilm formation in the food industry.
Screening for STIs: Results of a Health-Promotion Programme in a Portuguese University
Authors: Oliveira Joana M. , Martins Ana Helena , Veiga Daniela , Lavaredas Célia , Queirós António , Matos Ana Miguel
Published: December 2024

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are an important and growing public health concern. Implementation of screening programmes and awareness campaigns are crucial to mitigate this problem. A university in the central region of Portugal has devised a health-promotion programme, named Protection+, specifically directed towards the sexual health of the university community. The present study aimed to evaluate the results of the different actions undertaken as part of the health-promotion programme during the 2023–2024 academic year. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and infection with Mycoplasma genitalium were assessed through real-time polymerase chain reaction protocols. Syphilis, infection with HIV, HBV and HCV were assessed through immunological assays. The adherence to the health-promotion programme after the awareness campaigns was also evaluated. STIs have been diagnosed in 13.7% of the 475 screened participants. Chlamydia was the STI most frequently diagnosed (8.4%), followed by infection with M. genitalium (2.3%), T. pallidum (2.0%) and N. gonorrhoeae (1.1%). HIV, HBV and HCV were diagnosed in a residual number of cases, and T. vaginalis was not detected in any of the screened participants. At the time of diagnosis, more than half of the infected patients were asymptomatic. After the implementation of awareness campaigns, an increase in the adherence to STI screening was observed, with the expected simultaneous increase in STI diagnoses. The high prevalence of STIs, particularly chlamydia, in the university population, along with the asymptomatic nature of these infections, demonstrated the importance of STI screenings and the implementation of campaigns that raise awareness on the prevention and consequences of untreated STIs.
Differential Transcriptomic Profile of Piscirickettsia salmonis LF-89 and EM-90 During an In Vivo Spatial Separation Co-Culture in Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Carril Gabriela , Winther-Larsen Hanne C. , Løvoll Marie , Sørum Henning
Published: December 2024

Salmonid rickettsial septicemia (SRS) is a critical sanitary problem in the Chilean aquaculture industry since it induces the highest mortality rate in salmonids among all infectious diseases. Piscirickettsia salmonis, a facultative intracellular bacterium, is the biological agent of SRS. In Chile, two genogroups of P. salmonis, designated as LF-89 and EM-90, have been identified. Previous studies suggested that their cohabitation triggers the expression of virulence effectors, which may be related to a higher pathogenicity in salmonids during co-infection with both P. salmonis genogroups. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate if the physical contact between two isolates from LF-89 and EM-90 is necessary to activate this effect. Through a spatially separated in vivo co-culture inside Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) post smolts and RNA-seq analysis, we compared the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with previous results from an in vivo mixed co-culture. The results showed that although the LF-89-like isolate and the EM-90-like isolate had a similar DEG profile under both co-culture conditions, important virulence factors observed during the mixed co-cultures (i.e., flagellar-related genes, CydD, and NCS2) were absent in the spatially separated co-cultures. Hence, the synergistic effect linked to increased pathogenicity to the host may be driven by the physical co-localization and contact between the P. salmonis LF-89-like and EM-90-like isolates.
Sensitivity Analysis of Pyrenophora tritici-repentis to Quinone-Outside Inhibitor and 14α-Demethylase Inhibitor Fungicides in Latvia
Authors: Kaņeps Jānis , Bankina Biruta , Moročko-Bičevska Inga , Apsīte Katrīna , Roga Ance , Fridmanis Dāvids
Published: December 2024

Tan spot caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis is a severe threat to wheat production in all major wheat-growing regions. Sustainable tan spot control can be achieved by an integrated approach, including responsible management of fungicide sprays. The data about the sensitivity of P. tritici-repentis to various fungicides in the Baltic Sea region are rare. In this study, we described the variation of P. tritici-repentis sensitivity to four fungicide active ingredients to detect the formation of resistance to the most commonly used quinone-outside inhibitor (QoI) and 14α-demethylase inhibitor (DMI) fungicides in the pathogen’s population in Latvia. The effect of prothioconazole, mefentrifluconazole, pyraclostrobin, and azoxystrobin on 93 P. tritici-repentis strains from various hosts was tested in vitro by assessing mycelium linear growth inhibition at three different active ingredient concentrations (0 0.01, 0.1 and 0.5 mg L−1). Pathogen sensitivity significantly (p < 0.001) varied between the fungicide active ingredients and strains. The prothioconazole (concentration 0.5 mg L−1) had the most significant effect, with a median mycelial growth inhibition of 70.34%, followed by pyraclostrobin (47.02%), azoxystrobin (24.24%), and mefentrifluconazole (11.11%). Mutation G143A was detected in cytb gene sequences and confirmed the resistance formation in Latvia’s P. tritici-repentis population, while F129L and G137R mutations were absent. This study provided insight into P. tritici-repentis population’s sensitivity to active ingredients of DMI and OoI fungicide groups, helping to fill the knowledge gap about the pathogen fungicide sensitivity in this region.