bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating clinical utility of subgingival and salivary endotoxin activity levels as periodontal biomarkers
Authors: Zaric Svetislav , Strachan Alexander , Kurushima Yuko , Dong Anbo , McIlwaine Clare , Harrington Zoe , Nibali Luigi , Foey Andrew , Ide Mark
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The use of periodontal biomarkers for identification and monitoring of unique patient populations could foster better stratification of at-risk groups, increase access to treatment for those most in need, facilitate preventive measures and improve personalised care plans. The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic and prognostic utility of oral lipopolysaccharides as bacterially-derived periodontal biomarkers.

Methods

Periodontal parameters were recorded, and saliva and subgingival plaque samples were collected at the beginning of the study from periodontally healthy volunteers and periodontitis patients, and three months after completion of conventional periodontal treatment in the periodontitis group. Endotoxin activity in the samples was measured using the recombinant factor C assay. Associations between clinical periodontal parameters and subgingival and salivary endotoxin activities were analysed using a multivariate regression model, while the ROC curve was applied to estimate the sensitivity, specificity and c-statistics for salivary and subgingival endotoxin activities as diagnostic biomarkers for periodontitis.

Results

Significant correlations were found between subgingival endotoxin activities, probing pocket depth and periodontal diagnosis, which were independent from patients' age, gender and smoking status. In addition, subgingival endotoxin levels had high specificity and sensitivity in detecting periodontal health and disease (0.91 and 0.85 respectively). Salivary endotoxin activity was positively associated with periodontal diagnosis, mean probing pocket depth, percentages of sites over 4 mm and full mouth bleeding score. However, it was inferior in discriminating patients with stable periodontium from those with periodontitis (sensitivity = 0.69, specificity = 0.61) compared to subgingival endotoxin activity.

Conclusions

Subgingival endotoxin activity has good diagnostic and prognostic values as a site-specific periodontal biomarker and is not influenced by the patient's age, gender or smoking status. In contrast, salivary endotoxin activity, as a patient-level biomarker, is dependent on patient's age, has poorer diagnostic and prognostic capability, but shows good correlations with disease susceptibility and both its extent and severity.
Future projections of river nutrient export to the global coastal ocean show persisting nitrogen and phosphorus distortion
Authors: Beusen Arthur H. W. , Bouwman Alexander F.
Published: November 2022

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from anthropogenic sources are needed to produce food for the growing world population. As a result, these nutrients can be found in nearly every water body across the globe. Not only nutrient loading is important but also the molar ratio and its deviation from the “natural” Redfield ratio. Here we show that rivers, which have more than 50% anthropogenic sources and at the same time elevated N:P ratios (> 25) contributed 36% to the total global N export to coastal waters in 2015. The five Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) were used in combination with the Representative Concentration Pathways climate scenarios to project river nutrient loadings for 2050. Future nutrient export is projected to decline in high-income countries (with N:P ratios exceeding Redfield). In Brazil, India and China, however, a decline of N:P is only the case in a scenario oriented toward sustainable development (SSP1). The human-dominated river N and P export with elevated N:P ratios will increase in all SSPs, except in SSP1 where it stabilizes. Integrated strategies for both N and P considering all relevant trade-offs and societal sectors are urgently needed to reduce the nutrient pressure on surface waters.
From physics of polar aurora to changes of the fundamental approaches to the physics of the magnetospheric processes
Authors: Antonova Elizaveta E.
Published: November 2022

One of the main problems of modern magnetospheric physics is the lack of a self-consistent explanation of the main physical processes based on the laws of plasma physics. Among all the traditionally studied phenomena, the polar aurora stands out for being key to our understanding of several magnetospheric processes. In this manuscript, I would like to share with the younger generation my view about main auroral processes which I have developed during my career over the past 50 years.
Active exercise therapy improves the recovery of knee joint function and reduction of muscle atrophy after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocation
Authors: Xing Dong , Li Wenyi , Yang Zhaoxu , Dong Zhijie , Kang Huijun , Wang Fei
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is an important surgical therapy for recurrent patellar dislocation. However, few studies have focused on exercise therapy after MPFL reconstruction. Therefore, the first purpose was to compare the active and traditional postoperative exercise therapies on the recovery of knee joint function and reduction of muscle atrophy after MPFL reconstruction, and the second purpose was to compare the active and traditional postoperative exercise therapies on the patellar stability after MPFL reconstruction.

Methods

The cases of 31 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation treated with patella double semi-tunnel anatomical MPFL reconstruction from February 2016 and February 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical outcomes, including the patellar tilt angle (PTA), lateral patellofemoral angle (LPFA), thigh circumference reduction, Kujala score, and Lysholm score, were compared between two groups (i.e., active exercise and traditional exercise groups) preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, 6 months postoperatively, 12 months postoperatively, and 24 months postoperatively.

Results

The Kujala score was significantly higher in the active exercise group than traditional exercise group 3 months postoperatively (80.06 vs. 74.80, P < 0.01), 6 months postoperatively (89.19 vs. 82.07, P < 0.01), 12 months postoperatively (91.43 vs. 86.60, P < 0.01), and 24 months postoperatively (92.50 vs. 90.27, P = 0.02). Similarly, there was a higher Lysholm score in the active exercise group compared with traditional exercise group 3 months postoperatively (81.25 vs. 76.53, P < 0.01), 6 months postoperatively (89.81 vs. 84.80, P < 0.01), 12 months postoperatively (93.25 vs. 88.40, P < 0.01), and 24 months postoperatively (93.69 vs. 90.67, P < 0.01). Significantly lower thigh circumference reduction was reported in the active exercise group compared with that in the traditional exercise group 3 months postoperatively (1.90 ± 0.57 vs. 2.45 ± 0.45, P < 0.01) and 6 months postoperatively (1.50 ± 0.31 vs. 1.83 ± 0.32, P < 0.01). No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in terms of PTA (P > 0.05) or LPFA postoperatively (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggested that active exercise therapy might benefit the early recovery of knee joint function and reduction of muscle atrophy in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation after MPFL reconstruction.
Early-Phase Clinical Trials of Bio-Artificial Organ Technology: A Systematic Review of Ethical Issues
Authors: de Jongh Dide , Massey Emma K. , Cronin Antonia J. , Schermer Maartje H. N. , Bunnik Eline M. ,   the VANGUARD Consortium
Published: November 2022

Regenerative medicine has emerged as a novel alternative solution to organ failure which circumvents the issue of organ shortage. In preclinical research settings bio-artificial organs are being developed. It is anticipated that eventually it will be possible to launch first-in-human transplantation trials to test safety and efficacy in human recipients. In early-phase transplantation trials, however, research participants could be exposed to serious risks, such as toxicity, infections and tumorigenesis. So far, there is no ethical guidance for the safe and responsible design and conduct of early-phase clinical trials of bio-artificial organs. Therefore, research ethics review committees will need to look to related adjacent fields of research, including for example cell-based therapy, for guidance. In this systematic review, we examined the literature on early-phase clinical trials in these adjacent fields and undertook a thematic analysis of relevant ethical points to consider for early-phase clinical trials of transplantable bio-artificial organs. Six themes were identified: cell source, risk-benefit assessment, patient selection, trial design, informed consent, and oversight and accountability. Further empirical research is needed to provide insight in patient perspectives, as this may serve as valuable input in determining the conditions for ethically responsible and acceptable early clinical development of bio-artificial organs.
Data-Informed Case Formulation with the Trier Treatment Navigator
Authors: Moggia Danilo , Schaffrath Jana , Bommer Jana , Weinmann-Lutz Birgit , Lutz Wolfgang
Published: November 2022

The current article presents a way of practising case formulation using technology augmentation in the context of data-informed psychotherapy. First, we explain how case formulation guides the decision-making processes in psychotherapy and how decisions made under an intuitive clinical judgement can be biased. The use of actuarial methods is pointed out as a way of addressing these biases, mainly through clinical decision support systems based on statistical tools and machine learning algorithms. We present the Trier Treatment Navigator (TTN), a clinical decision support system developed in a University research-based clinical training programme. We show how the TTN can contribute to an initial case formulation and its dynamic adaptations during treatment with a clinical case. Finally, we discuss how case formulation and data-informed psychotherapy are aimed at the same goal: treatment personalisation. We argue that case formulation and data-informed psychotherapy enrich and feedback on each other.
The Energy Value for Broiler Chickens of Heat-Treated and Untreated Amaranth Grain, with and without Enzyme Addition
Authors: Janmohammadi Hossein , Hosseintabar-Ghasemabad Babak , Amirdahri Saeid , Gorlov Ivan Fedorovich , Vladimirovna Karpenko Ekaterina , Slozhenkina Marina Ivanovna , Bilal Rana Muhammad , Seidavi Alireza , Phillips Clive Julian Christie
Published: November 2022

Amaranth is a pseudocereal which can thrive in conditions of drought and limited inputs. Samples of amaranth grain were subjected to proximate analysis with standard laboratory methods. We conducted two experiments to determine apparent (corrected to zero nitrogen balance) metabolisable energy (AMEn) content of untreated (UAG) and heat-treated (HTAG) amaranth grain for Ross-308 male broiler chicks (35–42 d and BW 2141 ± 10.41 g). In each experiment, 10 assay diets (ADs) were fed to 400 birds in individual metabolism cages in a 2 × 5 factorial design. ADs were obtained by substituting amaranth for the main ingredients in the reference diet (RD). Two levels of enzyme addition (0 and 0.55 g/kg) and five amaranth replacement rates (0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 g/kg) were used, and metabolism trials were conducted using the total excreta collection method. Two regression equations were estimated for UAG, with and without enzyme addition, that determined the AMEn content of UAG as 3264 and 3255 kcal/kg, respectively. For HTAG, the AMEn contents with and without enzyme addition were 3973 and 3828 kcal/kg, respectively. Thus, enzyme addition improved the energy value of UAG and HTAG by 0.28 and 3.8%, respectively. The AMEn value of HTAG was 708 and 573 kcal/kg higher than UAG in diets with and without enzyme addition, respectively. Thus, we conclude that there was more benefit from heat treatment than enzyme addition, but there was a synergistic effect of heat treatment and enzyme inclusion on the metabolisable energy concentration of amaranth in the diets of broilers.
Functional Interpretation of Cross-Talking Pathways with Emphasis on Amino Acid Metabolism in Rhizosphere Microbiome of the Wild Plant Moringa oleifera
Authors: Tashkandi Manal , Jalal Rewaa , Baz Lina , Refai Mohammed , Shami Ashwag , Ashy Ruba , Abuauf Haneen , Alshehrei Fatimah , Alshubaily Fawzia , Barqawi Aminah , Alshareef Sahar , Abulfaraj Aala
Published: November 2022

The functional processes and mutual benefits of the wild plant Moringa oleifera and its rhizosphere microbiome were studied via metagenomic whole-genome shotgun sequencing (mWGS) in comparison with a bulk soil microbiome. The results indicated high gene abundance of the four KEGG categories, “Cellular Processes”, “Environmental Information Processing”, “Genetic Information Processing”, and “Metabolism”, in the rhizosphere microbiome. Most of the enriched enzymes in rhizobacteria are assigned to the pathway “Amino acids metabolism”, where soil-dwelling microbes use amino acids as a defense mechanism against phytopathogens, while promoting growth, colonizing the cohabiting commensal microbes and conferring tolerance against abiotic stresses. In the present study, it was proven that these beneficial microbes include Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Escherichia coli. Mineral solubilization in these rhizobacteria can make nutrients available for plant utilization. These rhizobacteria extensively synthesize and metabolize amino acids at a high rate, which makes nitrogen available in different forms for plants and microbes. Amino acids in the rhizosphere might stand mainly as an intermediate switcher for the direction of the soil nitrogen cycle. Indole acetic acid (IAA) was proven to be synthesized by these beneficial rhizobacteria via route indole-3-pyruvate (IPyA) of the pathway “Tryptophan metabolism”. This hormone might stand as a shuttle signaling molecule between M. oleifera and its rhizobacteria. Tryptophan is also metabolized to promote other processes with important industrial applications. Rhizobacteria were also proven to breakdown starch and sucrose into glucose, which is the primary metabolic fuel of living organisms. In conclusion, we assume that the metabolic processes in the rhizosphere microbiome of this wild plant can be eventually utilized in boosting the sustainability of agriculture applications and the plant’s ability to benefit from soil nutrients when they are not in the form available for plant root absorption.
Quality, Sensory Analysis and Shelf Life of Ready-To-Use Fresh-Cut Zucchini Flowers Stored in Different Film Packaging
Authors: Massantini Riccardo , Cardarelli Mariateresa , Frangipane Maria Teresa
Published: November 2022

To maintain the shelf life of fresh-cut zucchini flowers, low temperatures and wrapping with plastic film have been used. In this study, storage at 5 °C for 8 days has been studied, using polyester (an oxygen permeability reduction of 63%) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with an oxygen permeability reduction of 24%. In addition, the novelty was investigating the possibility of introducing washing into the process, a rather difficult operation given the high sensitivity of this product to handling. The washing of flowers could ease the consumption of fresh-cut zucchini flowers as they are ready-to-use. The following measurements were carried out: respiration rate, color, firmness, pH, and sensory analysis. The findings showed the polyester film allows the best conservation, representing a barrier to gas diffusion and maintaining an atmosphere rich in CO2 and poor in O2. The flowers kept a better texture than those wrapped in LDPE. Using polyester film packaging, sensorial and structural characteristics were maintained for a longer period, and the aspect of the ready-to-use fresh-cut zucchini flowers was satisfying until day 5.
De-Handing Technologies for Banana Postharvest Operations—Updates and Challenges
Authors: Guo Jie , Duan Jieli , Yang Zhou , Karkee Manoj
Published: November 2022

Many aspects of the agricultural industry such a field crop planting and harvesting and chemical application in fruit crops have been employing mechanization and automation solutions for decades. However, the de-handing operation in banana postharvest operations is usually performed manually. Mechanical or automated de-handing is a potential long-term solution to address labor shortages and the associated high costs. Bananas are mainly grown in developing countries located in tropical and subtropical regions, where the development of agricultural mechanization and automation solutions started only recently and is progressing relatively slowly. In addition, large-scale banana orchards are mainly distributed in hilly and mountainous areas, though there are also some small-scale banana plantations in plain areas. The complex environment of banana orchards and the aging farming population are other important factors that make it difficult to realize mechanized operation of banana de-handing. In recent years, researchers have proposed advanced techniques that may facilitate the development of mechanical de-handing systems. However, the successful adoption of mechanical de-handing technology still faces many challenges. This paper systematically reviews the existing research on de-handing technologies and component mechanisms. A comprehensive evaluation is carried out from the perspectives of feasibility of the mechanism design, stability of the model simulation and reliability of the prototype systems developed. The future challenges and opportunities for designing and practically adopting mechanical de-handing equipment are also summarized and discussed.
Biological Control of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Abbas Arzlan , Ullah Farman , Hafeez Muhammad , Han Xiao , Dara Muhammad Zulqar Nain , Gul Hina , Zhao Chen Ri
Published: November 2022

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most important invasive pests worldwide, resulting in considerable losses in host crops. FAW comprises two genetic strains, such as the “rice strain”, which prefers rice and other grass species, and the “maize strain”, which feeds upon maize and sorghum. Potential control measures are generally more applicable to the farmers who lack financial assets to buy chemical insecticides or costly pure seeds. The adverse effects of pesticides on the ecosystem and human’s health and the development of resistance to insect pests have exaggerated efforts to find an alternative strategy that is cost-effective, low-risk and target-specific. Therefore, biological control is widely considered as one of the most important options for insect pest management. This comprehensive review amasses the information on biological control in all phases of their development, including predators, parasitoids, entomopathogenic fungi, viruses, nematodes, bacteria, and biopesticides, with a special focus on their effectiveness against FAW. The findings regarding biological control are briefly discussed in light of improving management programs of the invasive pest S. frugiperda.
Yield and Grain Quality of Divergent Maize Cultivars under Inorganic N Fertilizer Regimes and Zn Application Depend on Climatic Conditions in Calcareous Soil
Authors: Djalovic Ivica , Riaz Muhammad , Akhtar Kashif , Bekavac Goran , Paunovic Aleksandar , Pejanovic Vladimir , Zaheer Sajjad , Prasad P. V. Vara
Published: November 2022

The variations in temperature and rainfall patterns under climate change are threatening crop production systems, and optimizing fertilization practices is a prerequisite for sustainable cereal production. This two-year field study investigated the effects of eight treatments (T1: P60K60; T2: P60K60 + Nmin spring; T3: P60K60 + N40autumn + Nmin spring; T4: P60K60 + N60spring; T5: P60K60 + N100spring; T6: P60K60 + N40autumn + N60spring + Zn; T7: P60K60 + N60autumn + N80spring + Zn; and T8: P60K60 + N160spring + Zn) on the grain yield and quality of four divergent maize cultivars (NS-4023, NS-640, NS-6010 and NS-6030). The observations on climatic data showed substantial variations in monthly and cumulative rainfall only, which was 174 and 226 mm for 2011 and 2012, respectively, and much less than the historical cumulative rainfall of 339 mm. However, temperature during growth years showed little deviation from the historical data. The data showed that treatment and maize cultivar significantly influenced grain yield; however, grain yield remained lower in 2012 than in 2011 for each treatment and cultivar. Applying N as split doses in combination with Zn, resulted in higher grain yields than adding at once. However, the treatments and cultivars affected grain quality variables differently, including oil, thiol SH, phytate, inorganic P, soluble protein, starch, total phenol, protein, total sugars and tryptophan contents. Despite the pronounced difference in grain yields between 2011 and 2012 for each treatment and cultivar, grain quality did not always vary significantly between cultivars. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the relationships between grain yield and grain quality varied significantly during 2011 and 2012. The changes in rainfall patterns at critical growth maize stages seemed to be a more important factor than temperature in regulating the response of maize cultivars in terms of grain yield and quality to various fertilization regimes in this study.
Rumen Microbiome Reveals the Differential Response of CO2 and CH4 Emissions of Yaks to Feeding Regimes on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang Qian , Guo Tongqing , Wang Xungang , Zhang Xiaoling , Geng Yuanyue , Liu Hongjin , Xu Tianwei , Hu Linyong , Zhao Na , Xu Shixiao
Published: November 2022

Shifts in feeding regimes are important factors affecting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock farming. However, the quantitative values and associated drivers of GHG emissions from yaks (Bos grunniens) following shifts in feeding regimes have yet to be fully described. In this study, we aimed to investigate CH4 and CO2 emissions differences of yaks under different feeding regimes and their potential microbial mechanisms. Using static breathing chamber and Picarro G2508 gas concentration analyzer, we measured the CO2 and CH4 emissions from yaks under traditional grazing (TG) and warm-grazing and cold-indoor feeding (WGCF) regimes. Microbial inventories from the ruminal fluid of the yaks were determined via Illumina 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing. Results showed that implementing the TG regime in yaks decreased their CO2 and CH4 emissions compared to the WGCF regime. The alpha diversity of ruminal archaeal community was higher in the TG regime than in the WGCF regime. The beta diversity showed that significant differences in the rumen microbial composition of the TG regime and the WGCF regime. Changes in the rumen microbiota of the yaks were driven by differences in dietary nutritional parameters. The relative abundances of the phyla Neocallimastigomycota and Euryarchaeota and the functional genera Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Orpinomyces, and Methanobrevibacter were significantly higher in the WGCF regime than in the TG regime. CO2 and CH4 emissions from yaks differed mainly because of the enrichment relationship of functional H2- and CO2-producing microorganisms, hydrogen-consuming microbiota, and hydrogenotrophic methanogenic microbiota. Our results provided a view that it is ecologically important to develop GHG emissions reduction strategies for yaks on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau based on traditional grazing regime.
Dietary and Animal Strategies to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Pastoral Dairy Systems Result in Altered Nutraceutical Profiles in Milk
Authors: Marshall Cameron Joel , Garrett Konagh , Van Vliet Stephan , Beck Matthew Raymond , Gregorini Pablo
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate and provide further insights into how dairy cows genetically divergent for milk urea N breeding values [MUNBV, high (2.21 ± 0.21) vs. low (−1.16 ± 0.21); µ ± SEM], consuming either fresh cut Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L., PL) or Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L., RG) herbage, impacted the nutraceutical profile of whole milk by investigating amino and fatty acid composition and applying metabolomic profiling techniques. Both diet and MUNBV, and their interaction term, were found to affect the relative abundance of alanine, glycine, histidine, and phenylalanine in the milk (p < 0.05), but their minor absolute differences (up to ~0.13%) would not be considered biologically relevant. Differences were also detected in the fatty acid profile based on MUNBV and diet (p < 0.05) with low MUNBV cows having a greater content of total unsaturated fatty acids (+16%) compared to high MUNBV cows and cows consuming PL having greater content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (+92%), omega 3 (+101%) and 6 (+113%) compared to RG. Differences in the metabolomic profile of the milk were also detected for both MUNBV and dietary treatments. Low MUNBV cows were found to have greater abundances of choline phosphate, phosphorylethanolamine, N-acetylglucosamine 1-phosphate, and 2-dimethylaminoethanol (p < 0.05). High MUNBV cows had a greater abundance of methionine sulfoxide, malate, 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), glycerate, arabitol/xylitol, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate, 5-hydroxylysine and cystine (p < 0.05). Large differences (p < 0.05) were also detected as a result of diet with PL diets having greater abundances of the phytochemicals 4-acetylcatechol sulfate, 4-methylcatechol sulfate, and p-cresol glucuronide whilst RG diets had greater abundances of 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2-acetamidophenol sulfate, and 2-hydroxyhippurate. The results of this study indicate the potential to alter the nutraceutical value of milk from dietary and genetic strategies that have been previously demonstrated to reduce environmental impact.
Effect of Yerba Mate Extract as Feed Additive on Ruminal Fermentation and Methane Emissions in Beef Cattle
Authors: Pena-Bermudez Yuli A. , Vincenzi Rafaela , Meo-Filho Paulo , Sakamoto Leandro S. , Lobo Richard , Benetel Gabriela , Lobo Annelise , Matos Carol , Benetel Vanderlei , Lima Cesar G. , Berndt Alexandre , Cardenas Laura M. , Bueno Ives C. S.
Published: November 2022

The inclusion of plant extracts that contain secondary compounds with the potential to modulate rumen fermentation and improve animal performance has gained attention in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of yerba mate extract (Ilex paraguariensis ST. Hilaire) (YME) on the ruminal parameters. Eight castrated cattle were divided into four groups, a control without YME (0%) and three treatment groups with 0.5, 1 and 2% inclusion of YME in the dry matter. The inclusion of YME did not show differences in ruminal methane emissions (CH4), and total apparent digestibility (p = 0.54). Likewise, YME did not modify ruminal pH, but positively affected NH3-N, which decreased linearly as the extract level in the diet increased (p = 0.01). No short chain fatty acids (SCFA) were influenced by YME, except isovaleric acid (p = 0.01), which showed a lower concentration in the inclusion of 2% YME. Our results show that up to 2% YME does not affect digestibility, ruminal fermentation parameters, or the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the rumen.
Study of Anisotropic Friction in Gears of Mechatronic Systems
Authors: Ságová Zuzana , Tarasov Valerii Vasilevich , Klačková Ivana , Korshunov Alexander Ivanovich , Sága Milan
Published: November 2022

The article discusses the features of anisotropic friction, which can be used to refine the calculation of the efficiency in various friction and gear drives and transmissions in mechatronic systems. Friction processes are considered that determine the level of losses in friction and gear drives, which are complex and heterogeneous in a number of parameters: the contact patch, which depends on the quality of the contacting surfaces; the direction and intensity of sliding; load distribution, etc. A more complete understanding of the features of these processes requires the use of the concept of friction anisotropy, which is well known in tribology of mechatronics systems. The anisotropy effect is caused by the difference in the characteristics of the surface microgeometry and its physical and mechanical properties in relation to the direction of the tool marks remaining on the surface after machining. In the presence of anisotropic friction, in contrast to isotropic, the body moves at a certain angle to the direction of application of the perturbing (external) force. The situation is considered in detail within the framework of the tensor model of anisotropic friction. The model and methodological approaches considered in the paper to the estimation of friction anisotropy can be used to refine the calculations of friction losses. The aim of the work is to create mechanical and analytical models of frictional anisotropy for a more complete understanding of this phenomenon in relation to various friction pairs. This article may be of interest to specialists in the field of friction gears for solving problems related to improving the accuracy of calculations and quantifying friction losses.
Fall Detection System Based on Simple Threshold Method and Long Short-Term Memory: Comparison with Hidden Markov Model and Extraction of Optimal Parameters
Authors: Jeong Seung Su , Kim Nam Ho , Yu Yun Seop
Published: November 2022

In an aging global society, a few complex problems have been occurring due to falls among the increasing elderly population. Therefore, falls are detected using a pendant-type sensor that can be worn comfortably for fall detection. The sensed data are processed by the embedded environment and classified by a long-term memory (LSTM). A fall detection system that combines a simple threshold method (STM) and LSTM, the STM-LSTM-based fall detection system, is introduced. In terms of training data accuracy, the proposed STM-LSTM-based fall detection system is compared with the previously reported STM-hidden Markov model (HMM)-based fall detection system. The training accuracy of the STM-LSTM fall detection system is 100%, while the highest training accuracy by the STM-HMM-based one is 99.5%, which is 0.5% less than the best of the STM-LSTM-based system. In addition, in the optimized LSTM fall detection system, this may be overfitted because all data are trained without separating any validation data. In order to resolve the possible overfitting issue, training and validation data are evaluated separately in 4:1, and then in terms of validation data accuracy of the STM-LSTM-based fall detection system, optimal values of the parameters in LSTM and normalization method are found as follows: best accuracy of 98.21% at no-normalization, no-sampling, 128hidden layer nodes, and regularization rate of 0.015. It is also observed that as the number of hidden layer nodes or sampling interval increases, the regularization rate at the highest value of accuracy increases. This means that overfitting can be suppressed by increasing the regularization, and thus an appropriate number of hidden layer nodes and a regularization rate must be selected to improve the fall detection efficiency.
Shortwave Radiation on Horizontal and Incline Surfaces—One Year of Solar Radiation Measurements at Athalassa, an Inland Location in Cyprus
Authors: Pashiardis Stelios , Kalogirou Soteris A. , Pelengaris Alekos
Published: November 2022

Athalassa is the main actinometric station of Cyprus and is located in the center of the island at a height of about 160 m. The station is equipped with shortwave and longwave radiation instruments. The time step of the measurements is 10 min, and hourly and daily values were derived for the period of June 2020–May 2021. The solar data underwent an extensive quality control process based mainly on the suggested tests of Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) for both the hourly and daily datasets. More than 98% of the data were within the limits recommended by the BSRN and other radiation networks. A statistical analysis of the shortwave solar radiation components was then performed. Linear and quadratic relationships were established between various radiation components, and their diurnal and monthly variability was assessed. The annual average daily global radiation amount was approximately 19 MJ/m2, whereas the amounts of horizontal beam and diffuse radiation were 12.9 MJ/m2 and 4.7 MJ/m2, respectively. Regarding the modeling of diffuse irradiance, the BRL diffuse fraction model (Boland-Ridley-Lauret) was applied. The results showed that the BRL model can satisfactorily estimate both the diffuse solar irradiance as well as the direct normal irradiance. Furthermore, the levels of the shortwave components were estimated based on the classification of four categories of the clearness index. The annual average of the direct normal beam radiation on clear days was 27.3 MJ/m2, and the direct horizontal radiation was 17.7 MJ/m2. Finally, the total energy received by an inclined surface was estimated based on measurements on the horizontal surfaces. In practice, photovoltaics were installed with an annual permanent slope of 26° with respect to the horizontal surface, and in a southern direction.
Analysis of Design Change Mechanism in Apartment Housing Projects Using Association Rule Mining (ARM) Model
Authors: Kim Moonhwan , Lee Joosung , Kim Jaejun
Published: November 2022

Apartment housing occupies the highest proportion of the domestic construction market and significantly influences the flow of the real estate market. Frequent design changes and reconstruction in new apartment housing projects lead to an increase in construction cost and schedule, and a decline in design and construction quality, which is an important issue affecting the quality of use for occupants. The causal relationship of design changes and error in new apartment building projects has not been previously identified. Accordingly, design changes management activities in the construction phase using reactive manner are a critical risk that causes the productivity of the project to deteriorate. In this study, a complex and non-linear causal relationship between the design change factors was investigated using the association rule mining technique (ARM), a type of data mining technique. In particular, the associated relationship between design change factors that can be changed according to conditions that significantly affect the productivity and performance of projects, such as a contractor’s ranking in the field, contract price which means the project size, and contractor selection methods, was identified. The association rule between the design changes at the construction phase derived in this research can be used as a guide to identify and minimize the risk of design changes in advance.
A Study of the Effect of a Kinematic Pair Containing Clearance on the Dynamic Characteristics of a Tool-Changing Robot
Authors: Qian Wenxue , Song Shuai , Zhao Jianhang , Hou Jinqiang , Wang Lei , Yin Xiaowei
Published: November 2022

The clearance of a kinematic pair will lead to the contact collision between the joints of the mechanism, which will have a great influence on the dynamic characteristics of a mechanical system with clearance. In order to study the influence of a rotating motion pair with clearance on the dynamic characteristics of a tool changing robot, a contact wear dynamics model of a modular tool changing robot was established based on the three-state model of “free-contact-collision”. Different from analysis of a light linkage structure, this paper takes a solid structure with large mass as the analysis object. Based on the impact contact force model and the improved Coulomb friction model, the effects of clearance size, rotational speed and friction coefficient on the dynamic characteristics of the tool changing robot were analyzed. The Archard wear model was used to predict the wear between the motion pairs with clearance. The analysis results show that, with the increase of clearance size and actuating speed, the fluctuation range of velocity and acceleration increases, and the fluctuation frequency decreases. Under the action of friction, the contact force between components will be reduced due to energy loss so that the kinematic reliability of the mechanism is improved. The wear of the moving pair with clearance is non-uniform. Through the research of this paper, the motion characteristics of the tool-changing robot at low speed and heavy load are clarified. The results show that the established method can realize the dynamic characteristics analysis of low-speed heavy-duty mechanisms with joint gaps, which can be used to guide the design of tool-changing robots, and also has important reference significance for the design of mechanisms containing joint gaps in general.
Echelle Grating Spectroscopic Technology for High-Resolution and Broadband Spectral Measurement
Authors: Zhang Yinxin , Li Wanzhuo , Duan Wenhao , Huang Zhanhua , Yang Huaidong
Published: November 2022

Echelle grating provides high spectral resolving power and diffraction efficiency in a broadband wavelength range by the Littrow mode. The spectrometer with the cross-dispersed echelle scheme has seen remarkable growth in recent decades. Rather than the conventional approach with common blazed grating, the cross-dispersed echelle scheme achieves the two-dimensional spatial distribution of the spectrum by one exposure without scanning in the broadband spectral range. It is the fastest and most sensitive spectroscopic technology as of now, and it has been extensively applied in commercial and astronomical spectrometers. In this review, we first highlight the characteristics of the echelle and then present the optical layout, detection approach, and method of calibration. Finally, we discuss the state-of-the-art implementations and applications of commercial and astronomical instruments.
Lithostratigraphic, Paleoenvironmental Characterization and Correlations of the Albian–Turonian Deposits of the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin (Southeast Morocco)
Authors: Chaaou Ismail , Kabiri Lahcen , Essafraoui Badre , Charroud Ali , Si Mhamdi Hicham , Abioui Mohamed , Abdelrahman Kamal , Neto de Carvalho Carlos , Fnais Mohammed S.
Published: November 2022

Ten detailed sections have been logged and studied from the “Infra-Cenomanian’’ to the Cenomanian–Turonian deposits in the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin between Tazzouguerte and Anounizme(SE Morocco). They show variations in their lithology and microfacies that reflect changes in the depositional environment from the base to the top of the sedimentary record. Indeed, depositional setting grades from a fluvial environment marked by sandstone deposits of the Ifezouane Formation to an alluvial plain and coastal lagoon environment comprising an alternation of red clay, gypsum, and green marl beds of the Aoufous Formation and, finally, towards shallow to moderately deep marine environments with the deposition of the carbonates of the Akrabou Formation. Correlations between the studied sections show variations in the thickness of strata throughout the basin. The variations recorded in the so-called “Infra-Cenomanian” series may be related to the structuration of the basement. The Cenomanian–Turonian carbonate platform shows deeper marine and thicker sediments towards the east, while it thins towards the west until its disappearance in Anounizme. This reflects the global Cenomanian–Turonian transgression in the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin from the eastern Tethyan realm towards the west. The regional correlation of the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin with the Ouarzazate and Agadir basins shows an eastward thinning of the Cenomanian–Turonian marine deposits of Agadir. This suggests the presence of a paleorelief at the Anounizme locality. This could be the boundary between the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin, with Tethyan influence, to the east and those of Ouarzazate and Agadir, with Atlantic affinity, to the west.
An Ontological Knowledge Base of Poisoning Attacks on Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Altoub Majed , AlQurashi Fahad , Yigitcanlar Tan , Corchado Juan , Mehmood Rashid
Published: November 2022

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have successfully delivered cutting-edge performance in several fields. With the broader deployment of DNN models on critical applications, the security of DNNs has become an active and yet nascent area. Attacks against DNNs can have catastrophic results, according to recent studies. Poisoning attacks, including backdoor attacks and Trojan attacks, are one of the growing threats against DNNs. Having a wide-angle view of these evolving threats is essential to better understand the security issues. In this regard, creating a semantic model and a knowledge graph for poisoning attacks can reveal the relationships between attacks across intricate data to enhance the security knowledge landscape. In this paper, we propose a DNN poisoning attack ontology (DNNPAO) that would enhance knowledge sharing and enable further advancements in the field. To do so, we have performed a systematic review of the relevant literature to identify the current state. We collected 28,469 papers from the IEEE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, and from these papers, 712 research papers were screened in a rigorous process, and 55 poisoning attacks in DNNs were identified and classified. We extracted a taxonomy of the poisoning attacks as a scheme to develop DNNPAO. Subsequently, we used DNNPAO as a framework by which to create a knowledge base. Our findings open new lines of research within the field of AI security.
Developing and Preliminary Testing of a Machine Learning-Based Platform for Sales Forecasting Using a Gradient Boosting Approach
Authors: Panarese Antonio , Settanni Giuseppina , Vitti Valeria , Galiano Angelo
Published: November 2022

Organizations engaged in business, regardless of the industry in which they operate, must be able to extract knowledge from the data available to them. Often the volume of customer and supplier data is so large, the use of advanced data mining algorithms is required. In particular, machine learning algorithms make it possible to build predictive models in order to forecast customer demand and, consequently, optimize the management of supplies and warehouse logistics. We base our analysis on the use of the XGBoost as a predictive model, since this is now considered to provide the more efficient implementation of gradient boosting, shown with a numerical comparison. Preliminary tests lead to the conclusion that the XGBoost regression model is more accurate in predicting future sales in terms of various error metrics, such as MSE (Mean Square Error), MAE (Mean Absolute Error), MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) and WAPE (Weighted Absolute Percentage Error). In particular, the improvement measured in tests using WAPE metric is in the range 15–20%.
Special Issue “Nanomaterials and Other Additives to Enhance Asphalt Pavement Performance”
Authors: Picado-Santos Luís , Crucho João
Published: November 2022

This Special Issue is dedicated to the modification of asphalt binders using certain additives as nanomaterials or special modifiers to enhance the performance and durability, seen through improved resistance to ageing caused by climatic conditions, of the asphalt concrete forming the core layers of flexible pavements [...]
Simulation and Experimental Study of the Characteristic Parameters of an Aircraft Cabin Temperature Control Valve
Authors: Shi Zhouzheng , Dong Minghao , Liu Qi , Qin Xiansheng , Wang Zhanxi
Published: November 2022

The temperature control valve system is essential to an aircraft. This study proposes a temperature control valve system in which the cold and hot gas exchange heat through the heat exchanger without mixing to cool the hot gas. The purpose is to maintain the stability of gas flow and temperature at the outlet of the hot path. First, a mathematical model of the temperature control valve is established, and the feasibility of the method is theoretically analyzed. After that, the temperature control valve model is meshed in Ansys, finite element analysis is performed, and the factors that may affect the outlet temperature of the hot path are qualitatively analyzed. A characteristics test experiment for the designed temperature control valve is compared with simulation results to verify the system’s feasibility. A steady-state model of the heat exchanger was obtained by a 25-point orthogonal experiment. Taking the predicted hot-side flow rate of the heat exchanger under different flow conditions as input, the heat exchanger model was fitted and dynamically analyzed, which confirmed the feasibility of PID adaptive control of the temperature control system.
We Continue Each Other
Authors: Gielis Sofie , Duffin Eleanor , Vaikla Ingel
Published: November 2022

Three female voices with different cultural backgrounds and practices explore the concept and possibilities of the we-narrative. Starting from a position of critical reflection, we dive into the question of how to speak as a female WE. WE is used to differentiate the particular collective dynamic that operates throughout this text from a more general use of the word ‘we’. Our framework is to work with the personal and vulnerable, but at the same time remain open to a dialogue that invites the other, through the concept of empathy. Our overarching aim is to look at what it means when we speak together collectively: whether it brings strength or dilution, and how speaking poly-vocally from a position of lived first person collective experience impacts current ideas around authorship. Is it possible to speak as a WE and write subjectively in a way that does not become a generalisation or a compromise? Guided by Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own, our text uses the format of autotheoretical writing, drawing on our creative–critical writing practices in the context of visual art. We seek to encompass our female ancestors in visual art. The text generates a dialogue that creates room for the articulation of one’s own voice and hand, whilst intending to leave space or gaps for the other to insert themselves. Appearing in seemingly disparate fragments, the text weaves together to form a tapestry, sometimes performative, sometimes narrative, incorporating both visual and language-based elements.
Accurate Stall Prediction for Thick Airfoil by Delayed Detached-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Sun Zhenye , Shi Rongkun , Zhu Weijun , Li Xiaochuan , Yang Junwei
Published: November 2022

The continuous increase in wind turbine blade length raises a serious question about how to effectively reduce the blade mass. As one of the solutions, recently, some wind turbine manufacturers are moving towards longer blades with thicker airfoils. As most of the numerical simulation experiences are based on thin airfoils, the present paper focused on airfoils with thickness to chord ratios of 30% and specifically focused on the influence of spanwise length on the numerical results. Airfoils with a spanwise length of 0.1 to 5 chords were simulated utilizing the Delayed Detached-Eddy Simulations (DDES) approach. One of the important objectives was to identify the necessary grid resolution and configuration while still maintaining accuracy under a deep stall situation. It was found that the spanwise length of the computational domain had a crucial influence on the prediction of lift and drag. At a stall angle of attack, the aerodynamic force could not be accurately predicted when the airfoil span was reduced to 0.3 chords, even with a high grid density. The periodicity of the spanwise flow was clearly visible when the airfoil span was extended to 5 chords.