bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Искусственный интеллект: прошлое, настоящее, будущее – что ждет научно-образовательное и библиотечно-информационное сообщество
Authors:   Russian National Public Library for Science and Technology, Shrayberg Yakov L.
Published: December 2024

Угрожает ли искусственный интеллект (ИИ) человеческой индивидуальности? В мировом кинематографе один за другим появляются фильмы, авторы которых пытаются ответить на этот актуальный вопрос. А известные персоны в сфере IT призывают если не к закрытию центров по разработке ИИ, то хотя бы к приостановке исследований и выработке правил регулируемого надзора. Автор доклада Я. Л. Шрайберг, неоднократно обращавшийся в своих выступлениях и работах к проблеме ИИ, ставит под сомнение его неуправляемость. С его точки зрения, ИИ - это способность компьютера обучатся, принимать решения и выполнять действия, свойственные человеческому интеллекту. В докладе рассмотрены особенности термина "искусственный интеллект", обозначены этапы развития ИИ. Названы приоритетные направления работы с использованием ИИ в библиотечной отрасли: построение единого библиотечно-информационного пространства, создание библиотечных ассоциаций и консорциумов. Автор подчеркивает, что применение ИИ в библиотечно-информационной среде - дело ближайшего будущего. Огромные массивы знаний, хранящиеся в библиотеках, являются платформой для построения эффективных систем ИИ. В докладе приведены примеры использования ИИ в образовании, рассмотрены особенности авторского права в сфере ИИ, приведен подробный обзор как научных разработок различных коллективов в области ИИ, так и публикаций в периодической печати. ИИ не является угрозой для большинства людей, не меняет их отношения к базовым ценностям. Правильное "воспитание" ИИ - залог его эффективного использования, в том числе в библиотечно-информационной сфере. Пленарный доклад 2024 года подготовлен и прочитан председателем Оргкомитета Двадцать восьмой Международной конференции и выставки LIBCOM-2024 "Информационные технологии, компьютерные системы и издательская продукция для библиотек", научным руководителем ГПНТБ России, президентом Национальной библиотечной ассоциации "Библиотеки будущего", президентом Международной ассоциации пользователей и разработчиков электронных библиотек и новых информационных технологий, заведующим кафедрой электронных библиотек и наукометрических исследований Московского государственного лингвистического университета, доктором технических наук, профессором, членом-корреспондентом Российской академии образования Яковом Леонидовичем Шрайбергом.
Ecological consequences of urbanization in Afrotropical bird communities: present and future prospects
Authors: Danmallam Bello A. , Ngila Peggy M. , Iniunam Iniunam A. , Kuria Anthony , Tende Talatu , Ngugi Samuel , Njoroge Peter , Jackson Colin , Okoth Basil , Ottosson Ulf , Chaskda Adams A. , Trevelyan Rosie
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Urbanization, characterized by the rapid expansion of human settlements and development, greatly impacts biodiversity, especially where developments and human settlements are not guided by proper environmental consideration.

Methods

We used data collected through citizen science projects under the African Bird Atlas Project, based on standardized protocols to gather bird occurrence data. Species’ ecological traits, related to foraging behavior, habitat speciality, and body mass, were analyzed to assess functional richness and functional diversity (FD) represented by Rao’s quadratic entropy. Geospatial data, including the Global Human Settlement Layer and Human Modification Index (HMI), along with the probability of urban expansion up to 2030, were integrated to examine the impact of urbanization using Bayesian models.

Results

Our findings reveal a marked decline in taxonomic richness, diversity, and functional richness associated with increasing urbanization and human modification, with a similar pattern observed along the gradient from mostly uninhabited areas to cities. However, FD increased with urbanization from uninhabited areas to cities. The relationship between FD and HMI was nonlinear, showing an initial negative trend that became positive as HMI increased. This suggests a transition in bird communities, where generalist species thrive in urban environments, potentially replacing specialized species and leading to functional redundancy.

Discussion

Despite the complex relationships observed, urbanization has a predominantly negative impact on the richness and diversity of Afrotropical bird communities. The decline in avian diversity and functional richness has important implications for ecosystem functions and services, crucial for biodiversity and human well-being. Our research provides valuable insights into the ecological impacts of urban expansion and emphasizes the importance of preserving natural habitats amidst growing urban landscapes.
Neuroprotective effects of GLP-1 class drugs in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lv Dongliang , Feng Peng , Guan Xueying , Liu Zhaona , Li Dongfang , Xue Cunshui , Bai Bo , Hölscher Christian
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder primarily affecting motor control, clinically characterized by resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and other symptoms that significantly diminish the quality of life. Currently, available treatments only alleviate symptoms without halting or delaying disease progression. There is a significant association between PD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), possibly due to shared pathological mechanisms such as insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. PD is caused by a deficiency of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a critical role in the control of movement. Glucose metabolism and energy metabolism disorders also play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD. This review investigates the neuroprotective mechanisms of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor agonists, offering novel insights into potential therapeutic strategies for PD. GLP-1 class drugs, primarily used in diabetes management, show promise in addressing PD’s underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, including energy metabolism and neuroprotection. These drugs can cross the blood–brain barrier, improve insulin resistance, stabilize mitochondrial function, and enhance neuronal survival and function. Additionally, they exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects, which are crucial in neurodegenerative diseases like PD. Research indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists could improve both motor and cognitive symptoms in PD patients, marking a potential breakthrough in PD treatment and prevention. Further exploration of GLP-1’s molecular mechanisms in PD could provide new preventive and therapeutic approaches, especially for PD patients with concurrent T2DM. By targeting both metabolic and neurodegenerative pathways, GLP-1 receptor agonists represent a multifaceted approach to PD treatment, offering hope for better disease management and improved patient outcomes.
Mathematical Modeling of the Processes of Mowing, Oriented Feeding, and Chopping of Stalk Forage by a Forage Harvester
Authors: Abilzhanuly Tokhtar , Iskakov Ruslan , Nurgozhayev Serik , Abilzhanov Daniyar , Seipataliyev Olzhas , Kosherbay Dauren
Published: December 2024

The design and technological scheme of a small-sized forage harvester with a capture width of 1.35 m equipped with a device oriented along the length of the stems was developed in this study. As a result of theoretical studies, the process of the movement of mass into the chamber of the mowing rotor due to centrifugal forces was revealed. The speed of mass movement and the average size of crushed particles with the mowing rotor were determined. The oriented feeding process of stems in the chamber of the chopping rotor is mathematically described in this paper. An analytical expression is obtained for determining the average size of crushed particles by the forage harvester, that is, a mathematical model of the processes of mowing, oriented feeding, and the chopping of stem fodder by the forage harvester. Laboratory and field tests of a forage harvester equipped with a device oriented along the length of the stems were conducted. The combine harvester’s productivity was 6.14 t/h when mowing alfalfa. Special experiments were conducted to determine the average size of crushed particles after the mowing rotor. The average size of crushed particles with the mowing rotor was 147.4 mm, while the theoretical value was 144 mm. The difference between these values was only 2.31%. A special experiment was conducted on the combine without an orienting device to compare the quality indicators. The mass fractions of crushed particles of up to 50 mm in length when the combine was operating with and without an orienting device were 79.3 and 46.7, respectively. Accordingly, the average length of crushed particles was 33.79 mm and that without an orienting device was 77.07 mm. The theoretical value of the average length of crushed particles was 34.9 mm (i.e., the difference between the theoretical and actual value of the average size of the crushed particles was only 3.25%). All this proves that when the combine harvester was operated with an orienting device, there was a significant increase in the quality indicators of the chopped feed, and the reliability of the theoretical studies and the resulting mathematical model were determined.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Rock in Water-Sensitive Oil and Gas Reservoirs Under High Confining Pressure
Authors: Li Mingfei , Liang Jingwei , Dou Yihua
Published: December 2024

Injecting high-pressure fluid into a reservoir rock mass will change the mechanical properties of the rock; the strength and safety of a shale well wall are also extremely critical. In order to investigate the law of variation in water-sensitive shale strength during fracturing, an experimental study on the mechanical properties of shale under high confining pressure and water–rock coupling was carried out. Taking water-sensitive shale rock as the research object, the effects of high confining pressure and water content on the mechanical properties, residual strength, and macroscopic and microscopic failure modes of shale were analyzed. The test results show that the stress–strain curve of the shale gradually shortened with the decrease in the water content in the stage of void compaction and plastic yield, and the peak of the stress–strain curve was continuously enhanced. The water content and the peak intensity exhibited a negative linear correlation. The elastic modulus and water content showed an exponentially decreasing distribution. However, as the water content increased, the decreasing rate became slower, the softening coefficient increased, and the plastic deformation increased. The research results provide basic load parameters for the strength and safety of the casing of an oil layer under fracturing conditions.
Authenticity Verification of Commercial Poppy Seed Oil Using FT-IR Spectroscopy and Multivariate Classification
Authors: Aykas Didem P.
Published: December 2024

Authenticating poppy seed oil is essential to ensure product quality and prevent economic and health-related fraud. This study developed a non-targeted approach using FT-IR spectroscopy and pattern recognition analysis to verify the authenticity of poppy seed oil. Thirty-nine poppy seed oil samples were sourced from online stores and local markets in Turkiye. Gas chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) analysis revealed adulteration in 23% of the samples, characterized by unusual fatty acid composition. Spectra of the oil samples were captured with a portable 5-reflection FT-IR sensor. Soft Independent Model of Class Analogies (SIMCA) was used to create class algorithms, successfully detecting all instances of adulteration. Partial least square regression (PLSR) models were then developed to predict the predominant fatty acid composition, achieving strong external validation performance (RCV = 0.96–0.99). The models exhibited low standard errors of prediction (SEP = 0.03–1.40%) and high predictive reliability (RPD = 2.9–6.1; RER = 8.4–13.1). This rapid, non-destructive method offers a reliable solution for authenticating poppy seed oil and predicting its fatty acid composition, presenting valuable applications for producers and regulatory authorities. This approach aids in regulatory compliance, protection of public health, and strengthening of consumer confidence by ensuring the authenticity of the product.
Parallel Simplex, an Alternative to Classical Experimentation: A Case Study
Authors: Zorrilla Briones Francisco , Meléndez Pastrana Inocente Yuliana , Rodríguez Morachis Manuel Alonso , Anaya Carrasco José Luís
Published: December 2024

Experimentation is a strong methodology that improves and optimizes processes. Nevertheless, in many cases, real-life dynamics of production demands and other restrictions inhibit the use of these methodologies because their use implies stopping production, generating scrap, jeopardizing demand accomplishments, and other problems. Proposed here is an alternative methodology to search for the best process variable levels and optimize the response of the process without the need to stop production. This algorithm is based on the principles of the Variable Simplex developed by Nelder and Mead and the continuous iterative process of EVOPS developed by Box, which is then modified as a simplex by Spendley. It is named parallel simplex because it searches for the best response with three independent Simplexes searching for the same response at the same time. The algorithm was designed for three simplexes of two input variables each. The case study documented shows that it is efficient and effective.
Efficiently Characterizing the Quantum Information Flow, Loss, and Recovery in the Central Spin System
Authors: Chen Jiahui , Niknam Mohamad , Cory David
Published: December 2024

Understanding the flow, loss, and recovery of the information between a system and its environment is essential for advancing quantum technologies. The central spin system serves as a useful model for a single qubit, offering valuable insights into how quantum systems can be manipulated and protected from decoherence. This work uses the stimulated echo experiment to track the information flow between the central spin and its environment, providing a direct measure of the sensitivity of system/environment correlations to environmental dynamics. The extent of mixing and the growth of correlations are quantified through autocorrelation functions of the noise and environmental dynamics, which also enable the estimation of nested commutators between the system/environment and environmental Hamiltonians. Complementary decoupling experiments offer a straightforward measure of the strength of the system Hamiltonians. The approach is experimentally demonstrated on a spin system.
Recent Advances in Big Medical Image Data Analysis Through Deep Learning and Cloud Computing
Authors: Shakor Mohammed Y. , Khaleel Mustafa Ibrahim
Published: December 2024

This comprehensive study investigates the integration of cloud computing and deep learning technologies in medical data analysis, focusing on their combined effects on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Through a methodical examination of implementation instances at various healthcare facilities, we investigate how well these technologies manage a variety of medical data sources, such as wearable device data, medical imaging data, and electronic health records (EHRs). Our research demonstrates significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy (15–20% average increase) and operational efficiency (60% reduction in processing time) when utilizing cloud-based deep learning systems. We found that healthcare organizations implementing phased deployment approaches achieved 90% successful integration rates, while hybrid cloud architectures improved regulatory compliance by 50%. This study also revealed critical challenges, with 35% of implementations facing data integration issues and 5% experiencing security breaches. Through empirical analysis, we propose a structured implementation framework that addresses these challenges while maintaining high performance standards. Our findings indicate that federated learning techniques retain 95% model accuracy while enhancing privacy protection, and edge computing reduces latency by 40% in real-time processing. By offering quantitative proof of the advantages and difficulties of combining deep learning and cloud computing in medical data analysis, as well as useful recommendations for healthcare organizations seeking technological transformation, this study adds to the expanding body of knowledge on healthcare digitalization.
RES.Trade: An Open-Access Simulator to Assess the Impact of Different Designs on Balancing Electricity Markets
Authors: Algarvio Hugo , Couto António , Estanqueiro Ana
Published: December 2024

The 2050 global ambition for a carbon-neutral society is increasing the penetration of the most competitive variable renewable technologies, onshore wind and solar PV. These technologies are known for their near-zero marginal costs but highly variable time-dependent generation. Power systems with major penetrations of variable generation need high balancing flexibility to guarantee their stability by maintaining the equilibrium between demand and supply. This work presents the open-access Multi-agent Trading of Renewable Energy Sources (RES.Trade) system, which includes different market designs of the imbalance settlement and the secondary and tertiary reserves. A new imbalance settlement is also proposed in this work. The main features of RES.Trade are demonstrated using two case studies and projected 2030 scenarios: the first analysed four imbalance settlement mechanisms in Portugal, achieving a 43% reduction in penalties using the new method; the second case study assesses the impact of five procurement mechanisms of secondary power reserves in the Spanish power system, resulting in a cost reduction by 34% in the case of dynamic reserves.
Economic Analysis of Renewable Energy Generation from a Multi-Energy Installation in a Single-Family House
Authors: Stolarski Jakub , Olba-Zięty Ewelina , Stolarski Mariusz Jerzy
Published: December 2024

The promotion of Renewable Energy Sources RES installations in single-family houses is an element of the broadly understood decarbonisation strategy. Investments in photovoltaic installations and pellet boilers have a direct effect on decreasing CO2 emissions, thereby contributing to the improvement in air quality and mitigation of climate change, but the question remains of whether they are economically viable. High energy consumption by households results in a significant burden on their budgets. The purpose of this study was to conduct an economic analysis of the renewable electricity (photovoltaic microinstallation—PV) and heat (a pellet boiler) produced in three consecutive years by a single family situated in North-Eastern Poland. The economic analysis was based on the determination of the electricity and heat production costs for renewable energy sources and selected fossil fuels. Profitability metrics such as net present value, internal rate of return and discounted payback period were used for the assessment. For the comparison of electricity costs, the costs of electricity from the power grid were confronted with the costs of electricity generation from a PV microinstallation. For the comparison of heat production costs, the following scenarios were analysed: (i) eco-pea coal vs. pellet, (ii) natural gas vs. pellet and (iii) heating oil vs. pellet. Next, comparisons were made and analysed for multi-energy systems. When comparing the PV microinstallation investment with the variant of using electricity from the power grid, a positive NPV equal to EUR 5959 was obtained for the former, which proved it was profitable. Among the heat generation variants, the lowest total costs were related to eco-pea coal (EUR 29,527), followed by pellet (EUR 33,151) and then natural gas (EUR 39,802), while the highest costs of heat generation were attributed to burning heating oil (EUR 63,445), being nearly twice as high as the cost of burning pellets. This analysis of multi-energy systems showed that the RES system composed of a PV microinstallation for electricity production and a pellet-fired boiler for heat generation was most advantageous because it yielded the lowest total costs (EUR 41,265) among all the analysed variants. A properly selected PV microinstallation and an automatic pellet-fired boiler can make a single-family house economical and provide it with sufficient amounts of renewable electric and heat power throughout the year.
An Online Estimation Method for the Equivalent Inertia Time Constant of Power Equipment Based on Node Power Flow Equations
Authors: Zhao Zhenghui , Wang Xianan , Sun Jinhui , Sun Yubo , Zhang Qian , Wang Yang
Published: December 2024

As renewable energy integration scales up, power systems increasingly depend on sources interfaced through power electronic converters, which lack rotating mass and substantially diminish system inertia. This reduction in inertia, coupled with the complex and diverse control strategies governing power electronics, presents significant challenges in accurately assessing the equivalent inertia levels within modern power systems. This paper introduces an online method for estimating the inertia time constant of power nodes, grounded in the node power flow equation, to address these challenges. The approach begins by deriving the rotor motion equation for synchronous generators and defining the inertia time constant of power nodes through an analysis of the power flow equations. Real-time frequency and voltage phasor data are collected from system nodes using phasor measurement units. The frequency state of the power equipment is then characterized using a divider formula, and the equivalent reactance between the power equipment and the node is further derived through the node power flow equation. This enables the real-time estimation of the equivalent inertia time constant for power nodes within the system. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulations on the WSCC9 system, confirming its applicability for real-time system analysis.
Stability Boundary Characterization and Power Quality Improvement for Distribution Networks
Authors: Zhang Min , Long Yi , Guo Shuai , Xiao Zou , Shi Tianling , Xiang Xin , Fan Rui
Published: December 2024

With the increasing proportion of distributed generators (DGs), distribution networks usually include grid forming (GFM) and grid following (GFL) converters. However, the incompatibility of dynamic performance caused by different control methods of the GFM and GFL converters may bring instability problems and power quality risks to the distribution network. To solve this issue, the models of the GFM and GFL converters are established first to lay a good foundation for stability analysis and power quality improvement control. On this basis, an inner loop parameters design scheme is developed for GFM converters based on the D-Partition method, which facilitates the stability boundary characterization. Meanwhile, a current injection strategy is proposed to enhance the voltage support capacity of the GFL converter during grid faults. Moreover, for the distribution network with multi-converters, a compensation current control based on the analytic hierarchy process and coefficient of variation is proposed to ensure a balance between minimal capacity and optimal power quality. In this manner, DGs can be plug-and-play without considering stability and power quality issues. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is validated with simulation results.
A Review on Ex-Vessel Melt Retention Measures Adopted in Light Water Reactors
Authors: Yuan Yidan , Huo Xiaodong , Li Wei , Guo Qiang , Zhang Li , Guo Yong , Pei Jie
Published: December 2024

As the cornerstone of severe accident management strategy, either in-vessel or ex-vessel retention of core melt (IVR or EVR) plays a pivotal role in the stabilization and termination of a severe accident and ultimately secures the safety goal of “Practical elimination of large radioactive release” for light water reactors. In contrast to the IVR measures that are more or less identical in reactor designs, the EVR measures are quite different from design to design. This study intended to give a critical review on the EVR measures adopted in the reactor designs of VVER-1000, EPR, ESBWR, EU-APR1400 and APWR. The review study began with a general description of the existing EVR measures, including their principles, operational procedures and research efforts. We then focused our discussions on the pros and cons of each EVR measure through the comparisons with the IVR and with the others in terms of simplicity, reliability and economy. We finally tried to identify the remaining issues and uncertainties in the qualification of the EVR measures, based on which potential design improvements and future research needs were recommended.
Effects of Decanol Blended Diesel Fuel on Engine Efficiency and Pollutant Emissions
Authors: Jang Kwonwoo , Yang Jeonghyeon , Kim Beomsoo , Kwon Jaesung
Published: December 2024

This study examined the effects of blending decanol, an oxygenated fuel, with diesel on diesel engine performance and emissions. Experiments were conducted on a single-cylinder engine at 1700 rpm and 2700 rpm, using diesel/decanol blends at 10%, 30%, and 50% by volume (D90de10, D70de30, D50de50). Results showed that brake thermal efficiency decreased with higher decanol ratios at low speeds. As a result, brake specific fuel consumption and brake specific energy consumption increased due to decanol’s lower calorific value. Regarding emissions, decanol blending reduced NOx, CO, HC, and smoke. NOx emissions were lowered by the cooling effect resulting from decanol’s higher latent heat of vaporization and lower calorific value, especially at low speeds. CO and HC emissions declined as decanol’s oxygen content promoted oxidation, reducing incomplete combustion. Smoke emissions were minimized in fuel-rich zones by preventing unburned carbon particle formation. This study highlights decanol’s potential as an eco-friendly diesel blending option. Future work should optimize blending ratios and injection settings to enhance diesel engine performance.
Numerical Simulation of Formation Fluid Sampling with Three Different Probe-Type Wireline Formation Testers
Authors: Yu Enyi , Di Yuan
Published: December 2024

Wireline formation fluid sampling is extensively utilized to acquire downhole fluid samples. Due to mud filtrate invasion, enough time is required to pump out the formation fluid so that an acceptable level of contaminant is reached. Excessive cleanup time would increase costs and the risk of the testing tool becoming stuck within the drilling mud. The challenge lies in deciding what type of formation-tester probe should be used to ensure minimally contaminated measurements for a specific tool configuration and when the withdrawal sample is sufficiently purged of contaminants. A numerical simulator to simulate the virgin formation fluid sampling was developed, and the accuracy of the simulator was validated based on the spherical flow theory. Through running 2515 simulation cases, the effects of various operational and formation conditions on the breakthrough and pumpout times with three different probes (i.e., the standard probe, the elliptical probe, the elongated probe, and their corresponding 3D radial probes) were compared and analyzed quantitatively. We numerically investigated the key factors influencing the breakthrough and pumpout times and delved into the impact of the formation anisotropy. This study reveals the parameters that encompass the first-order effect on the breakthrough and pumpout times, enabling the determination of the probe-type selection and the early predictions of pumpout time. By leveraging these insights, sampling operations can be optimized to enhance sample quality, reduce operational time, and mitigate the risks associated with tool entrapment.
Landscape Characteristics Influencing the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Soundscapes in Urban Forests
Authors: Chen Zhu , Zhu Tian-Yuan , Guo Xuan , Liu Jiang
Published: December 2024

The acoustic environment of urban forests is indispensable for urban residents’ nature-based recreation opportunities and experience of green spaces, and the perceptual and physical sound features in time and space serve as determinants during this process. However, their spatiotemporal variation mechanisms and influential landscape characteristics are still underexplored in urban forests. Thus, this study aims to explore the spatiotemporal variability of perceptual and physical sound features and their relationship with landscape characteristics in urban forests. For this purpose, we measured perceptual sound features using the indicators of the sound harmonious degree (SHD) and soundscape pleasantness and eventfulness. The physical acoustic features were determined using sound-level parameters for measuring the sound level intensity (LAeq, L10, L90) and fluctuation (L10–90). Perceptual and physical sound data collection was based on on-site questionnaire surveys and acoustic instrument measurements, respectively. The landscape characteristics were classified using the principal components of four main categories, including the terrain, area proportion of land cover types, distance to land cover types, and landscape patterns. The results showcase that significant spatiotemporal variation was found in most perceptual and physical sound features, whereas soundscape pleasantness and eventfulness did not vary significantly across time. In general, the variabilities of both perceptual and physical sound features were affected more by the types of spatial functions than by diurnal patterns. Human activities that generate sounds (e.g., hawking, playing, and exercise) may be the key drivers for spatiotemporal changes in physical acoustic features. The components of landscape patterns, including landscape structural diversity and shape complexity persistently, affected specific sound features in all periods. However, no landscape component had persistent cross-spatial influences on the sound features. This study offers critical insights into the spatiotemporal patterns of the acoustic environment and its relationship with landscape characteristics in urban forests. The findings underscore the practical importance and implications of integrating acoustic considerations into urban forest management. By providing a scientific foundation, these results can usefully inform dynamic resource management, functional zoning optimization, and sustainable landscape development in urban forests.
Growth and C:N:P Stoichiometry of Pinus yunnanensis Seedlings in Response to Drought and Rewatering
Authors: Liu Chengyao , Wu Junwen , Gu Jianyao , Duan Huaijiao
Published: December 2024

Pinus yunnanensis has high economic and ecological value. The survival of P. yunnanensis has been greatly affected by global warming. This study examines the response of P. yunnanensis seedlings to drought stress and their recovery following rewatering, focusing on growth metrics and C:N:P stoichiometry. This experiment included the four following treatments: CK (water content was 90% ± 5%); LS (water content was 75% ± 5%); MS (water content was 60% ± 5%); and SS (water content was 45% ± 5%). This experiment also included a continuous drought period of 30 days followed by 7 days of rewatering. This study found that drought limited the growth of seedlings, and seedlings could recover rapidly from the damage caused by LS and MS treatments after rewatering, and the recovery of seedlings was greater following LS and MS treatments than following SS. After the drought, the C content in the leaves and stems of P. yunnanensis seedlings could recover to CK levels after rewatering. The N content of each organ and the P content of fine roots of P. yunnanensis seedlings showed an upward trend after rewatering. In summary, the growth of P. yunnanensis seedlings was significantly affected by drought stress, and the recovery mechanism of rewatering varied depending on the degree of drought. Combining the phenotypic plasticity index and principal component analysis, the stem biomass, thin root biomass, root/shoot ratio, leaf C:P, leaf N:P, leaf P, stem C:P, thin root N, thin root P, coarse root N, coarse root P, and coarse root C were the most important indexes for adaptation to drought and rewatering.
Micro-Mobility Safety Assessment: Analyzing Factors Influencing the Micro-Mobility Injuries in Michigan by Mining Crash Reports
Authors: Qawasmeh Baraah , Oh Jun-Seok , Kwigizile Valerian
Published: December 2024

The emergence of micro-mobility transportation in urban areas has led to a transformative shift in mobility options, yet it has also brought about heightened traffic conflicts and crashes. This research addresses these challenges by pioneering the integration of image-processing techniques with machine learning methodologies to analyze crash diagrams. The study aims to extract latent features from crash data, specifically focusing on understanding the factors influencing injury severity among vehicle and micro-mobility crashes in Michigan’s urban areas. Micro-mobility devices analyzed in this study are bicycles, e-wheelchairs, skateboards, and e-scooters. The AlexNet Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was utilized to identify various attributes from crash diagrams, enabling the recognition and classification of micro-mobility device collision locations into three categories: roadside, shoulder, and bicycle lane. This study utilized the 2023 Michigan UD-10 crash reports comprising 1174 diverse micro-mobility crash diagrams. Subsequently, the Random Forest classification algorithm was utilized to pinpoint the primary factors and their interactions that affect the severity of micro-mobility injuries. The results suggest that roads with speed limits exceeding 40 mph are the most significant factor in determining the severity of micro-mobility injuries. In addition, micro-mobility rider violations and motorists left-turning maneuvers are associated with more severe crash outcomes. In addition, the findings emphasize the overall effect of many different variables, such as improper lane use, violations, and hazardous actions by micro-mobility users. These factors demonstrate elevated rates of prevalence among younger micro-mobility users and are found to be associated with distracted motorists, elderly motorists, or those who ride during nighttime.
The Association Between Crohn’s Disease and Patient Response to Yeast: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Zonna Xavier , Banta Conor , Hossein-Javaheri Nariman
Published: December 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease represents a wide range of pathologies and disease states including Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite extensive research, the exact immunopathogenesis of Crohn’s disease remains unclear, but a variety of studies over the years have pointed to yeast as a potential source antigen of uncertain significance. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature investigating the association between Crohn’s disease patients and their responses to yeast. To do this, we performed a literature review by looking at clinical and translational research regarding the immunopathogenesis of Crohn’s disease, yeast and its associated biomarkers, and overall patient response to dietary yeast published between 1 January 1990 and 1 October 2024 that were indexed on PubMed and Google Scholar with the majority written in English. It was found that antibodies against Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA) have proven to be highly specific for CD during the workup of IBD and may have diagnostic value for the purpose of excluding ulcerative colitis. For CD patients, there appears to be a dysregulated immune response to antigens like yeast that results in abnormal mucosal permeability and thus increases antigen presentation to the immune system. In addition, ASCA and its immunoglobulin modifications have been shown to have significant potential in the prediction of CD onset and disease course. Interestingly, although other abnormally structured antibodies can be found in CD patients’ serum for years preceding diagnosis, there appears to be no relation between ASCA and dietary yeast sensitivity by CD patients. In conclusion, significant research efforts have been made in recent years to explore the role of diet in the disease course and management of patients with Crohn’s disease. The immunological role of antigens including yeast in CD is complex and may represent an important pathogenetic factor in addition to influencing the specific phenotype of the disease. Unfortunately, no single specific diet is superior for the management of IBD, and individualized patient treatment by experts in the field is best for adjunctive therapy. New studies characterizing the microbiome of CD patients and also using immune markers/gene modifications to predict disease outcomes have shown to be quite promising. However, further research is required to investigate the CD yeast response and its role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of CD.
Identification and Evolution Analysis of the Genes Involved in the 20-Hydroxyecdysone Metabolism in the Mud Crab, Scylla paramamosain: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Jin Xin , Ma Lingbo , Zhang Fengying , Zhang Linzi , Yin Jinju , Wang Wei , Zhao Ming
Published: December 2024

Background: 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) is the most ubiquitous ecdysteroid (Ecd) and plays critical roles during the life cycle of arthropods. To elucidate the metabolism pathway of 20E in the economically important species, Scylla paramamosain, we conducted a comprehensive exploration of the genes involved in the 20E metabolism pathway. Methods: A comprehensive exploration of genes involved in the 20E metabolism pathway was conducted, including gene annotation, local blast using the Drosophila ortholog as query, and TreeFam ortholog genes identification. Bioinformatics and expression profiling of the identified genes were performed to assess their roles in the 20E metabolism of green mud crabs. Results: This experiment indicated that, except for CYP306a1 and CYP314a1, all other ortholog genes involved in the Drosophila 20E metabolism can be found in the mud crab, suggesting that the function of these two genes might be replaced by other CYP genes or the “active” Ecd in mud crabs was not the 20E. All genes had the typical features of each gene family, clustered with the specific clade in the phylogenetic trees. In addition, all the identified genes had the highest expression level in the Y-organ, and sex-biased gene expression was observed in these genes. Conclusions: This study provided some valuable insights into the metabolism and diversity of ecdysteroids in crustaceans.
Thermal Behavior of a Historic Building Housing Books Across Past and Future Climate Scenarios
Authors: Cadelano Gianluca , Bortolin Alessandro , della Valle Antonio , Ferrarini Giovanni , Cattaneo Paola , Peron Fabio , Emmi Giuseppe
Published: December 2024

Climate change poses significant challenges for the renovation of historic buildings, requiring a careful balance between preservation and energy efficiency, particularly considering the forecasted rise in temperatures. This study focuses on a medieval building undergoing renovation, examining thermal behaviors based on future climate settings, with particular attention to the rooms housing a book collection. Books require controlled microclimatic conditions that must be ensured for their preservation; hence, the energy use for air conditioning control must be considered during the renovation planning phase. Through on-site monitoring of the thermophysical properties of the building envelope and indoor microclimate, along with energy model software simulations, both historic climate and global warming scenarios were evaluated for their potential impact on thermal behavior and consequently on energy consumption. This study aims at contributing to the long-term sustainability and resilience of historic buildings, as well as proposing best practices for planning interventions involving sensitive cultural heritage materials, considering the effects of climate change in the renovation process. The results show strategies to address the climatic changes through a methodology optimizing renovation interventions. The sizing of air conditioning systems coupled with a less stringent microclimate control mitigates energy requirements, in line with the sustainable management approach.
The Influence of Likes and Sexist Attitudes on Adolescent Self-Esteem in Social Networks
Authors: Valdés Yéxica Flores , García-Rojas Antonio Daniel , Gómez Angel Hernando , del Rio Olvera Javier
Published: December 2024

The Internet allows teenagers to express their identity through the publication of images and texts on social networks, but sometimes they may develop self-esteem problems as a result. The present study analyzed self-esteem levels, and their relationship with sexism, Internet use and the influence of likes, in 309 subjects, by asking them about Internet use, social networks, self-esteem and sexism. The results showed low levels of self-esteem, although boys scored higher on the overall scale and for hostile sexism. Similarly, those with higher percentages of low self-esteem showed higher scores for benevolent sexism. It can be concluded that the use of social networks and the Internet, in relation to sexist attitudes, influences adolescents’ self-esteem and social construction.
Potential Serum HMGB1, HSP90, and S100A9 as Metastasis Predictive Biomarkers for Cancer Patients and Relevant Cytokines: A Pilot Study
Authors: Songjang Worawat , Nensat Chatchai , Jitpewngarm Wittawat , Jiraviriyakul Arunya
Published: December 2024

Metastatic cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide despite significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Biomarkers are one of the most promising diagnostic tools that are used alongside traditional diagnostic tools in cancer patients. DAMPs are intracellular molecules released in response to cellular stress, tissue injury, and cell death. There have been shown to be associated with worsening prognosis among such patients, and some DAMPs could potentially be used as predictive biomarkers of metastatic status. The goal of this study is to investigate DAMP expression and the probability that certain DAMPs could be predictive biomarkers of the metastatic stage in various cancer types. Forty cancer patients at Naresuan University Hospital, Thailand, were enrolled. Then, an investigation of HSP90, HMGB1, S100A9, and ATP expression and cytokine/chemokine profiling in serum was performed using an immunological-based assay. We assessed the predictive biomarker candidates and the association between DAMP expression and cytokines/chemokines using an ROC curve analysis and a correlation regression analysis. The results showed that HSP90 has strong potential as a metastatic predictive biomarker, with a cutoff value of 25.46 ng/mL (AUC 0.8207, sensitivity 82.61%, specificity 75.00%, 95% CI 0.6860–0.9553). This was followed by HMGB1 and S100A9, which exhibited sensitivity of 82.61 and 65.22%, and specificity of 68.75 and 56.25%, respectively. Interestingly, the candidate DAMPs negatively correlate with various serum cytokines, for example, HMGB1 vs. IL-15 (slope 88.05, R 0.3297, p-value 0.005), HMGB1 vs. IFN-γ (slope 2.235, R 0.3052, p-value 0.0013) and HSP90 vs. IFN-γ (slope 0.0614, R 0.2187, p-value 0.008), suggesting that they are highly elevated in advanced metastatic tumors, which is possibly associated with the immunomodulation effect. We postulated that HSP90, HMGB1, and S100A9 have the potential to be predictive biomarkers for supporting tumor metastasis categorization using histopathology.
Nrf2 Signaling in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Potential Candidate for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Schiavoni Valentina , Emanuelli Monica , Milanese Giulio , Galosi Andrea Benedetto , Pompei Veronica , Salvolini Eleonora , Campagna Roberto
Published: December 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer arising from renal tubular epithelial cells and is characterized by a high aggressive behavior and invasiveness that lead to poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Diagnosis of RCC is generally incidental and occurs when the stage is advanced and the disease is already metastatic. The management of RCC is further complicated by an intrinsic resistance of this malignancy to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which aggravates the prognosis. For these reasons, there is intense research focused on identifying novel biomarkers which may be useful for a better prognostic assessment, as well as molecular markers which could be utilized for targeted therapy. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcriptional factor that has been identified as a key modulator of oxidative stress response, and its overexpression is considered a negative prognostic feature in several types of cancers including RCC, since it is involved in various key cancer-promoting functions such as proliferation, anabolic metabolism and resistance to chemotherapy. Given the key role of Nrf2 in promoting tumor progression, this enzyme could be a promising biomarker for a more accurate prediction of RCC course and it can also represent a valuable therapeutic target. In this review, we provide a comprehensive literature analysis of studies that have explored the role of Nrf2 in RCC, underlining the possible implications for targeted therapy.
Extracellular Vesicle miR-122-5p as a Prognostic Biomarker in Pediatric Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Salzmann Rebekka J. S. , Garbin Anna , Gaffo Enrico , Elia Caterina , Martire Gaia , Bortoluzzi Stefania , Tondo Annalisa , Muggeo Paola , Sala Alessandra , Pizzi Marco , Pillon Marta , Carraro Elisa , Lopci Egesta , de Re Valli , Mascarin Maurizio , Mussolin Lara
Published: December 2024

Currently, risk stratification for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma is based on clinical factors such as stage, bulk, and systemic symptoms. Novel minimally invasive biomarkers could enhance both prognosis and treatment strategies. Therefore, the plasma extracellular vesicles’ microRNA profile was characterized by small RNA sequencing in 36 classical Hodgkin lymphoma cases and these findings were confirmed in an extended cohort of 86 patients by RT-qPCR. It was found that the levels of miR-122-5p at diagnosis were significantly higher (p-value: 0.0002) in patients who relapsed compared to patients in remission. The 5-year event-free survival of cases with high and low levels of miR-122-5p was 65 ± 7% and 93 ± 4%, respectively. MiR-122-5p levels were significantly associated with clinical events in both univariate (p-value: 0.0009) and multivariate (p-value: 0.0037) analysis (hazard ratio 5.8). Target prediction analysis suggests an involvement in the polarization of immune cells. The phenotypic characterization of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 12 patients showed significantly increased levels of CD4+ T-cells in cases with high miR-122-5p levels as compared to low levels (p-value: 0.048). Moreover, CCL17 (TARC) and IL-6 plasma levels at diagnosis were significantly higher as compared to healthy donors (p-value: ≤0.0001). MiR-122-5p could complement current prognostic assays to identify patients at high risk of relapse.