Search Results (795)

In the present work, the blackening process of Panax quinquefolius L. (PQ) was systematically investigated at temperatures of 70–90 °C, relative humidities (RHs) of 70–85%, and treatment times of 0–14 days. Ginsenoside compositions and transformation pathways were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-IT-TOF-MS/MS). The results demonstrated that blackening treatment significantly increased total saponin content from 2.72% to 5.73% after being treated at 80 °C and 70% RH for 12 days, accompanied by the highest conversion efficiencies for newly generated ginsenosides Rk1 (8.89 mg/g) and Rg5 (17.69 mg/g). Furthermore, compared with untreated PQ saponins (PQS), the blackened PQ saponins treated under optimal conditions (BPQS) exhibited superior 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation (ABTS⁺) radical scavenging activities, with IC₅₀ values of 0.2999 mg/mL and 0.2640 mg/mL, respectively, as well as stronger reducing power. Meanwhile, BPQS exhibited higher cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cells and effectively inhibited cell survival and proliferation by promoting the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, including caspase 3 and caspase 9. Our findings indicate that BPQS may be a functional ingredient suitable for use in dietary supplements and disease chemoprevention. Full article

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is primarily transmitted by Ixodes spp. and poses significant health risks, leading to morbidity and mortality in humans. Two of the five subtypes, Siberian and Far Eastern are known to circulate in Mongolia. In 2021, Ixodes persulcatus ticks were collected from Bulgan aimag (province) using flagging and dragging methods and subsequently screened for TBEV using PCR. Positive samples underwent sequencing using an Oxford Nanopore Technologies-based hybrid capture approach, resulting in two coding-complete TBEV genomes from separate tick pools. Phylogenetic analysis classified both genomes within the Siberian subtype, grouping them with other Mongolian sequences from I. persulcatus collected in 2014, 2020, 2021, and 2023. The study sequences, PX654173 and PX654174, showed high genetic similarity (99.9% and 99.8%, respectively) to the sequence PQ479142, obtained from I. persulcatus ticks in Selenge, Mongolia, in 2021. The estimated time to most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of the Siberian genotype was approximately 981 CE (95% HPD: 646–1347) with the emergence of a distinct Mongolian clade of TBEV around 1888 CE (95% HPD: 1834–1934). These findings highlight the value of expanded whole-genome sequencing to improve our understanding of TBEV’s genetic diversity and evolutionary history in Central Asia. Full article

Coal-bed gas well production is too low to realize a highly efficient exploitation of the #8 coal seam in the Shanxi formation in the Nalin region. Based on the reservoir characteristics, the designed poly-aromatic-grafted silicon-quantum-dot-based desorption agent (PQS) has been developed. Then, the adsorption/desorption behavior of CBM on the coal surface under the influence of this active chemical has been studied, and the synergy effect with an anionic–nonionic surfactant to desorption of CBM has also been discussed. The results show that the developed poly-aromatic-grafted silicon quantum dot, with a median size of 4.9 nm and +5.6 mV of zeta potential in neutral condition, has a significant emission peak with 470 nm at the excitation of 380 nm and 150,000 mg/L of salinity resistance, which also generates a strong adsorption capacity on the coal surface. A promoting effect to desorption of CBM for PQS nanofluid is exhibited and the Langmuir pressure is obviously increased. However, when the PQS nanofluid is synergized with an anionic–nonionic surfactant, the desorption of CBM is further improved and the wettability of the coal surface is altered from 78.2° to 84.2°. The desorption rate for this compound system reached 65.3%. It can be found that combining the quantum size, π–π stacking, π–π conjugation, and the synergy effect between PQS nanofluid and surfactant fluid with the traditional intermolecular force has a stronger capacity for promoting desorption of CBM than the conventional desorption agent. This study provides guidance for the molecular design of the desorption agent for deep coal rock and the application of silicon quantum dots. Full article

The intermittent nature of photovoltaic (PV) energy, especially under nonlinear and unbalanced loading situations, has made it more difficult to ensure steady operation as it is increasingly integrated into modern power systems. The Power Quality (PQ) issues cause severe degradation of both system performance and device lifetime. A novel Neural Power Quality Network (NeuPQ-Net) controlled Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) combined with a Quasi Z-Source Lift (QZSL) converter for PV applications is presented in this research as a novel solution for addressing these issues. The QZSL converter, which is controlled by a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm based on Perturb and Observe (P&O), increases the PV source voltage to the necessary DC-link level. A Zebra Optimisation Algorithm tuned PI (ZOA-PI) controller continually adjusts PI gains for quick and accurate regulation, ensuring steady DC-link voltage. Unlike conventional Synchronous Reference Frame (SRF) or Decoupled Double Synchronous Reference Frame (DDSRF)-based reference generation, the proposed NeuPQ-Net operates directly in the abc domain, eliminating Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) dependency and reducing computational complexity. Simulation and hardware prototype validations demonstrate that the proposed system achieves significant improvements in PQ indices, including reduced Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), faster response to transients, and enhanced voltage regulation, while complying with IEEE-519 standards. Full article

Coffea arabica, a popular beverage ingredient, is prized for its rich chemical composition, which has demonstrated significant positive effects in terms of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and metabolic health. In November 2024, fruit rot with a 15% incidence was observed on C. arabica in Menglian city, Yunnan province, China. Symptoms began as irregular black spots that turned necrotic, wrinkled, and cracked. Fungal isolates from lesions showed morphological characteristics consistent with Fusarium coffeibaccae. Morphological data were supplemented with phylogenetic analyses based on three loci (ITS, TEF1-α, RPB2), and sequences were deposited in GenBank as for ITS (PV211189 and PV211190), TEF1-α (PQ867811 and PQ867812), and RPB2 (PV261064 and PV261065). Koch’s postulates were fulfilled on attached fruits. After 17 days at 25 °C with 70% humidity, typical rot symptoms appeared on inoculated fruits, while controls remained symptom-free. This is the first report of C. arabica fruit rot caused by F. coffeibaccae in China. This study aims to identify the aetiological agent of recently observed coffee fruit rot in Yunnan and to characterize F. coffeibaccae. It provides the first baseline data for targeted monitoring and sustainable control of F. coffeibaccae-mediated fruit rot in China’s expanding coffee sector. Full article

We examine the leading-power fragmentation of fully heavy pentaquarks in high-energy hadronic collisions. To this end, we complete the release of the hadron structure-oriented PQ5Q1.0 fragmentation functions by discussing the $P_{5c}$ set and delivering the $P_{5b}$ one. These functions incorporate an improved computation of the initial-scale input for the constituent heavy-quark fragmentation channel, making them particularly suitable for describing both the direct formation of a compact multicharm state and the hadronization from a diquark–antiquark–diquark configuration. For phenomenological applications, we employ the data-validated (sym)Jethad framework to compute and analyze NLL/NLO⁺ semi-inclusive production rates of pentaquark-plus-jet systems at the upcoming HL-LHC and the future FCC. This study marks a further step toward connecting hadronic structure, precision QCD, and the emerging physics of exotic matter. Full article

A graph is said to be symmetric if the action of its automorphism group on the set of arcs is transitive (arc-transitive). Building upon prior work regarding the classification of symmetric graphs of valency five, this article investigates connected symmetric graphs of order $40pq$, where p and q are distinct primes. We establish that the full automorphism group of any such graph is isomorphic to ${\mathbb{Z}}_5\times \mathrm{PSL}(2,479)$, $\mathrm{PSL}(2,479):D_{10}$, or ${\mathbb{Z}}_5\times (\mathrm{PSL}(2,479):{\mathbb{Z}}_2)$. Moreover, the vertex stabilizers are shown to be isomorphic to $A_5$ in the first instance and to $S_5$ in the latter two cases. Full article

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) require authentication systems that balance privacy, scalability, and post-quantum security. While lattice-based V-LDAA offers quantum resistance, it faces challenges in signature size, traceability, and integration. We propose post-quantum traceable direct anonymous attestation (PQ-TDAA), combining National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-standard Dilithium2 and Falcon-512 signatures with adapted Beullens-style blind signatures and Fiat–Shamir simplified Schnorr proofs, reducing proof size by 69.2% (8 kB vs. V-LDAA’s 26 kB) and supporting European Telecommunications Standards Institute Technical Specification (ETSI TS) 102 941-compliant traceability through Road Side Unit (RSU)-assisted verification. Evaluated using SageMath, Python 3.11, and NS-3, PQ-TDAA-Falcon-512 achieves 8.1 ms and 49.7 ms end-to-end delays at 10 and 20 vehicles, respectively, with 64.7 Mbps goodput on congested 802.11p channels, showing promise for densities of ≤50 vehicles and advantages over Dilithium2. Real-world validation on ARM Cortex-A76 (Raspberry Pi 5, emulating automotive OBUs) yields sub-0.5 ms V2V cycles within 100 ms beacon intervals, supporting practical embedded deployment. Future work will extend PQ-TDAA to emerging 5G and NR-V2X settings, integrate more realistic mobility and channel models through coupled NS-3 and SUMO co-simulation, and investigate side-channel resistance for enhanced scalability and robustness in real deployments. Full article

Monitoring power quality (PQ) and classifying disturbances are essential for guaranteeing the reliable operation of contemporary electrical systems. Nonetheless, deriving discriminative features from PQ signals poses difficulties due to the complexity and non-stationary characteristics of disturbances. Therefore, this research introduces a novel Hybrid Adaptive Multi-Resolution Feature Extraction (HAMRFE) approach for classifying power quality disturbances (PQDs). The proposed HAMRFE framework incorporates six synergistic techniques: adaptive signal decomposition, multi-resolution wavelet analysis, time–frequency analysis, morphological feature extraction, entropy-based feature extraction, and feature selection optimization. Experiments are performed on a dataset consisting of fifteen types of PQDs with differing noise levels. In addition, the performance of five classification algorithms is assessed, including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Networks, Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting, and K-nearest neighbor. The results indicate the exceptional efficacy of SVM utilizing HAMRFE features, with classification accuracies of 99.86% for noiseless signals, 99.85% at 40 dB, 99.82% at 30 dB, 99.74% at 20 dB, and 97.92% at 10 dB noise levels. Additionally, an analysis of different feature set sizes reveals that the set comprising 125 features is optimal at all noise levels, achieving a balance between computational efficiency and classification accuracy. Finally, the proposed HAMRFE approach exhibits remarkable resilience to noise and offers a thorough framework for classifying PQDs in practical applications. Full article

Deepfake technology can produce highly realistic manipulated media which pose as significant cybersecurity threats, including fraud, misinformation, and privacy violations. This research proposes a deepfake prevention approach based on symmetric and asymmetric ciphers. Post-quantum asymmetric ciphers were utilized to perform digital signature operations, which offer essential security services, including integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation. Symmetric ciphers were also employed to provide confidentiality and authentication. Unlike classical ciphers that are vulnerable to quantum attacks, this study adopts quantum-resilient ciphers to offer long-term security. The proposed approach enables entities to digitally sign media content before public release on other platforms. End users can subsequently verify the authenticity of content using the public keys of the media creators. To identify the most efficient ciphers to perform cryptography operations required for deepfake prevention, the study explores the implementation of quantum-resilient symmetric and asymmetric ciphers standardized by NIST, including Dilithium, Falcon, SPHINCS+, and Ascon-80pq. Additionally, this research provides comprehensive comparisons between the various classical and post-quantum ciphers in both categories: symmetric and asymmetric. Experimental results revealed that Dilithium-5 and Falcon-512 algorithms outperform other post-quantum ciphers, with a time delay of 2.50 and 251 ms, respectively, for digital signature operations. The Falcon-512 algorithm also demonstrates superior resource efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for digital signature operations. With respect to symmetric ciphers, Ascon-80pq achieved the lowest time consumption, taking just 0.015 ms to perform encryption and decryption operations. Also, it is a significant option for constrained devices, since it consumes fewer resources compared to standard symmetric ciphers, such as AES. Through comprehensive evaluations and comparisons of various symmetric and asymmetric ciphers, this study serves as a blueprint to identify the most efficient ciphers to perform the cryptography operations necessary for deepfake prevention. Full article

The rapid deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) has introduced new challenges to distribution networks, which are mainly related to power quality and grid reliability. Electric vehicle chargers behave as nonlinear loads because they are based on power electronic converters, which generate harmonic currents, cause voltage distortion, increase stress on network components, and might impact the overall power quality of distribution networks. In this study, power quality (PQ) measurements and harmonic characteristics were investigated for five electric vehicle models, namely the BYD Song Plus, Volkswagen ID6, Neta U, Nissan LEAF 2016, and Tesla Model 3. Measurements were carried out for different power levels—slow AC, low-power and fast AC, high-power charging modes—to evaluate the PQ characteristics and harmonic behavior of EVs. Fast charging power levels for most vehicles ranged between 5 and 11 kW, while slow charging ranged between 2.7 and 3.6 kW. It is found that harmonic characteristics, total harmonic current distortion (THD_I), and harmonic distribution depend on the EV type and the charging mode. This study found that THD_I varies between 1.5% and 10.72% for the tested EVs. Comparison with IEC power quality standards indicates that the impact of electric vehicle charging on voltage quality is limited, while current harmonic distortion varies significantly among vehicle models. Harmonic analysis reveals that the third and fifth orders dominate across most of the tested EVs, while the transition from slow to fast charging power level generally reduces low-order harmonics in most models, with vehicle-specific redistribution patterns that reflect converter topology and control strategy. The results also show that some EV chargers draw reactive power and operate with a lagging power factor, whereas other vehicles inject reactive power and operate under leading power factor conditions. Full article

Mitochondrial biogenesis requires coordinated expression from both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. To understand the consequences of mitochondrial genome loss, we generated a mitochondrial DNA-depleted line (crm⁻) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii via long-term ethidium bromide treatment. We then examined how mtDNA disruption affects mitochondrial ultrastructure, chloroplast function, and the mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF) gene family. Our results reveal that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with severe organelle remodeling, including mitochondrial elongation, matrix condensation, and cristae collapse. Consequently, mitochondria reduce the electron sink capacity which appears to over-reduce the chloroplast electron transport chain, correlating with causing damage to photosystem II (PSII), as indicated by higher plastoquinone PQ redox state and PSII excitation pressure and lower non-photochemical quantum yield [Y(NPQ)]. Furthermore, we identified and characterized eight nuclear-encoded mTERF genes in C. reinhardtii (CrmTERFs). Phylogenetic analysis grouped them into three clades with potential functional conservation. Collinearity analysis suggested potential evolutionary relationships between mTERF genes in Chlamydomonas and Marchantia polymorpha. Gene ontology annotation linked CrmTERFs to transcription termination and RNA biosynthesis regulation. Additionally, in silico prediction identified twelve putative miRNAs targeting seven of the eight CrmTERFs, with CrmTERF3 as the only exception, providing candidates for future experimental validation. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the nuclear encoded mTERF gene family in Chlamydomonas and demonstrates that mtDNA loss is correlated with mTERF genes expression, as well as mitochondrial structure and chloroplast photoprotective impairments. These findings suggest a potential role for CrmTERFs in mitochondrial retrograde signaling and organellar crosstalk, though functional validation is required to establish causality. Full article

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are emerging as potential antiviral targets. SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA contains 42 G-rich regions harboring putative G-quadruplex-forming sequences (PQSs). Here, we performed a systematic genomic and structural analysis of SARS-CoV-2 PQSs. It was proposed that non-G-tetrads or different triads may stabilize most G4s in this RNA. Many G4s may include the most stable U·A-U triad. Several G-quadruplexes may be significantly stabilized by 3′ U-tetrad. Large-scale mutational analysis of RNA structural elements containing PQSs showed that most PQSs are highly conserved, while persistent G4-destroying mutations were observed only for one PQS and were transient for two others. Based on G4 position and structural context, we propose that: (i) G4 370 in nsp1 may contribute to cap-independent translation initiation; (ii) certain putative G4s in different genes may assist in co-translational folding of viral proteins; (iii) G4 13385, located upstream of the frameshift stimulation element, may promote formation of a pseudoknot competent for −1 frameshifting. For putative G4s at positions 3467, 13385 and 28903, we analyzed binding to 13 compounds by molecular docking and selected four candidates for molecular dynamics simulations. The ligand EKM emerged as a promising antiviral candidate due to its specific binding to G4 3467. Full article

Q-method analysis is used to determine participants’ subjective viewpoints on a given subject. A review of the extant literature revealed a paucity of research examining participants’ viewpoints on environmental awareness within Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) using Q-method analysis. The aim of this study is to uncover teachers’ viewpoints on environmental awareness within ESD using Q method analysis. Accordingly, the study employed Q-method analysis as a mixed research methodology. Issues related to ESD are addressed in primary and secondary school curricula in Türkiye, primarily within the scope of science and social studies courses. The participants in the study consist of science, social studies, and primary school teachers working in the Gaziantep province of Türkiye. The data collection instrument, developed through criterion sampling, was a Q-method form created by the researchers based on insights from the relevant literature and field specialists. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using PQ Method 2.35 statistical software. The findings indicate that participants’ viewpoints on environmental awareness within ESD were grouped into two factors and were predominantly positive (93%), showing consistency across gender and teaching field variables. While all 66 participants in Factor 1 demonstrated wholly positive attitude towards ESD, the 5 participants in Factor 2 exhibited partially positive attitudes. Participants expressed the most positive viewpoints regarding the protection of forests, energy resources, and recycling, whereas the least positive viewpoints were related to the ozone layer, climate change, and the economical use of resources. Based on these findings, it is recommended that teachers’ awareness of issues such as the ozone layer, global warming, and the economical use of resources be enhanced. Full article

Background/Objectives: ASXL1 is a chromatin-associated gene implicated in both hematologic malignancies and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Bohring–Opitz syndrome (BOS). Although many ASXL1 variants are well classified, a substantial proportion remain variants of uncertain significance (VUS), complicating molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether structural context can inform the interpretation of selected ASXL1 missense variants in a clinical setting. Methods: We describe a 17-year-old female with clinical features consistent with BOS carrying the heterozygous ASXL1 variant p.Q1448R, currently classified as benign under ACMG/AMP guidelines. Three-dimensional in silico structural modeling was performed using AlphaFold3 and available crystallographic data. Three additional ASXL1 missense variants classified as VUS in ClinVar (p.R265H, p.T297M, and p.Y358C) were also analyzed. Evolutionary conservation, domain localization, and residue-level interactions were assessed. Results: Structural modeling indicated that the p.Q1448R substitution alters polar interactions and introduces a steric constraint near a conserved PHD-type zinc finger domain. Variants p.R265H and p.T297M affected stabilizing interactions within the DEUBAD, which is involved in BAP1 activation, while p.Y358C altered a polar microenvironment adjacent to a chromatin-interacting region. All analyzed variants, except p.T297M, localized to evolutionarily conserved regions. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that in silico structural analysis can provide complementary, domain-level insights for the interpretation of ASXL1 missense variants that remain classified as benign, likely benign or VUS under current frameworks. Such approaches may assist in prioritizing variants for further functional evaluation and refining molecular interpretation when experimental data are limited. Full article