bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Impact of Rural Tourism Construction Projects on Farmers’ Livelihood Capital and Livelihood Options
Authors: Li Zexian , Wang Yuejian , Wang Lei , Xu Liping , Chen Huanhuan , Yao Chenglong
Published: June 2024

Rural tourism is a new driving force for achieving rural revitalization and development, promoting rural economic prosperity, and serving as a new industrial approach to achieving the transformation and upgrading of farmers’ livelihoods. This paper focuses on Manas County as the research subject and employs farmer questionnaire interviews and participatory rural appraisal methods to categorize villages into four types: “scenic area-dependent” villages, “industry-dependent” villages, “folklore-dependent” villages, and “suburban-dependent” villages. Based on the sustainable livelihood analysis framework proposed by the Department for International Development, we developed a sustainable livelihood framework for farm households in Manas County and analyzed the effects of rural tourism on farm households’ livelihood capital and livelihood strategies as the watershed of the rural tourism takes shape, taking livelihood capital and livelihood strategies as the entry point. The factors influencing the livelihood capital and livelihood options of farm households in the context of rural tourism are analyzed. The results show that: (1) The overall livelihood capital of farmers engaging in rural tourism is significantly greater than that of farmers not participating in rural tourism. Additionally, variations exist in the livelihood capital of different types of rural tourism within villages. (2) Participation in rural tourism significantly influences farmers’ choices of livelihood strategies. Compared with individuals who do not engage in rural tourism, those involved in rural tourism are more likely to opt for self-management livelihood strategies. The proportion of self-managed farmers in villages based around scenic areas is the highest. (3) The effect of rural tourism on farm households in Manas County is generally positive, and various types of villages yield different impact effects. (4) Participation in rural tourism significantly increases the possibility of farmers choosing self-management livelihood strategies, while it reduces the possibility of farmers choosing agriculture-oriented livelihood strategies. In all villages, except those dependent on industry, the decision to engage in rural tourism significantly impacts farmers’ selection of self-management livelihood strategies.
Soybean Response to Seed Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and/or Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Jarecki Wacław , Borza Ioana Maria , Rosan Cristina Adriana , Vicas Simona Ioana , Domuța Cristian Gabriel
Published: June 2024

Seed inoculation with symbiotic bacteria is a commonly employed practice in soybean cultivation. As a result, nodulation proceeds properly and plants self-supply atmospheric nitrogen, requiring either minimal or no additional nitrogen fertilization. The aim of the study was to investigate the response of soybeans to the application of the recommended or double dose of commercial inoculants (HiStick® Soy or TURBOSOY®) and/or mineral nitrogen fertilization compared to the untreated control. It was demonstrated that a double dose of the tested preparations had the most favorable effect on nodulation. However, the impact of weather conditions modified their effectiveness during the study years, which was especially visible in 2022. Sowing seeds without inoculation (control) resulted in the formation of sparse root nodules and consequently the lowest leaf area index (LAI) and soil plant analysis development (SPAD) measurements. In addition, the values of SPAD and LAI indices varied across the years of the study, indicating that weather conditions modified nitrogen uptake by plants. Overall, seed inoculation and/or nitrogen fertilization positively influenced the chemical composition of seeds compared to the control. The only decrease observed was in the oil content, while the double dose of HiStick® Soy preparation reduced the polyphenol content. The double dose of the tested inoculants had the most favorable impact on yield components and seed yield. However, applying inoculation at the recommended dose or in combination with nitrogen fertilization yielded similar or slightly worse results, depending on the year. Therefore, soybean seed inoculation should be recommended, although the effectiveness of the procedure will depend on various factors, including the type of inoculant, dosage, nitrogen fertilization, and weather conditions.
Toward an Improved Understanding and Treatment of Canine Mammary Tumors: Insights and Advances from the Research
Authors: Zuccari Debora Aparecida Pires de Campos , Novais Adriana Alonso , Tamarindo Guilherme Henrique , Chuffa Luiz Gustavo de Almeida
Published: June 2024

As Guest Editors of this Special Issue on canine mammary tumors, we are pleased to present a collection of articles on this highly relevant and timely topic [...]
Association between Thoracic Radiographic Changes and Indicators of Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs with Heartworm Disease
Authors: Falcón-Cordón Soraya , Falcón-Cordón Yaiza , Caro-Vadillo Alicia , Costa-Rodríguez Noelia , Montoya-Alonso José Alberto , Carretón Elena
Published: June 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a consequence of pulmonary endarteritis during infection with Dirofilaria immitis in dogs. Echocardiography is the technique of choice but is not always accessible to all clinicians. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the radiological findings in dogs with heartworm disease and the presence or absence of echocardiographically characterised PH. The study included 62 heartworm-infected dogs that underwent thoracic radiographs and echocardiography. The studied dogs showed moderate to severe PH when the Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility (RPAD) Index was <29.5%. The RPAD Index was used for comparison with thoracic radiographs. The Vertebral Heart Size (VHS), right cranial pulmonary artery passing through the fourth rib in the laterolateral projection (CrPA/R4) ratio, and right caudal pulmonary artery to the ninth rib in the dorsoventral projection (CdPA/R9) ratio showed significant differences between dogs with/without PH (p < 0.001). Sensitivity (sen) and specificity (sp) cut-off values were obtained: VHS ≥ 9.53 (sen 93.75%, sp 63.33%); CrPA/R4 ≥ 1.08 (sen 87.5%, sp 70%); and CdPA/R9 ≥ 1.10 (sen 96.88%, sp 76.66%). The CrPA/R4 and CdPA/R9 ratios showed potential as a preliminary screening tool for PH in heartworm-infected dogs, suggesting that they may reliably indicate the presence of PH and guide the decision for further diagnostic testing.
177Lu Anti-Angiogenic Radioimmunotherapy Targeting ATP Synthase in Gastric Cancer Model
Authors: Park Bok-Nam , An Young-Sil , Kim Su-Min , Lee Su-Jin , Park Yong-Jin , Yoon Joon-Kee
Published: June 2024

This study investigated a novel radioimmunotherapy strategy for targeting tumor angiogenesis. We developed a radiopharmaceutical complex by labeling an anti-adenosine triphosphate synthase (ATPS) monoclonal antibody (mAb) with the radioisotope 177Lu using DOTA as a chelating agent. 177Lu-DOTA-ATPS mAb demonstrated high labeling efficiency (99.0%) and stability in serum. MKN-45 cancer cells exhibited the highest cellular uptake, which could be specifically blocked by unlabeled ATPS mAb. In mice, 177Lu-DOTA-ATPS mAb accumulated significantly in tumors, with a tumor uptake of 16.0 ± 1.5%ID/g on day 7. 177Lu-DOTA-ATPS mAb treatment significantly reduced the viability of MKN-45 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In a xenograft tumor model, this radioimmunotherapy strategy led to substantial tumor growth inhibition (82.8%). Furthermore, combining 177Lu-DOTA-ATPS mAb with sunitinib, an anti-angiogenic drug, enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of sunitinib in the mouse model. Our study successfully developed 177Lu-DOTA-ATPS mAb, a radioimmunotherapy agent targeting tumor blood vessels. This approach demonstrates significant promise for inhibiting tumor growth, both as a single therapy and in combination with other anti-cancer drugs.
New Insights into Pseudomonas spp.-Produced Antibiotics: Genetic Regulation of Biosynthesis and Implementation in Biotechnology
Authors: Baukova Alexandra , Bogun Alexander , Sushkova Svetlana , Minkina Tatiana , Mandzhieva Saglara , Alliluev Ilya , Jatav Hanuman Singh , Kalinitchenko Valery , Rajput Vishnu D. , Delegan Yanina
Published: June 2024

Pseudomonas bacteria are renowned for their remarkable capacity to synthesize antibiotics, namely mupirocin, gluconic acid, pyrrolnitrin, and 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG). While these substances are extensively employed in agricultural biotechnology to safeguard plants against harmful bacteria and fungi, their potential for human medicine and healthcare remains highly promising for common science. However, the challenge of obtaining stable producers that yield higher quantities of these antibiotics continues to be a pertinent concern in modern biotechnology. Although the interest in antibiotics of Pseudomonas bacteria has persisted over the past century, many uncertainties still surround the regulation of the biosynthetic pathways of these compounds. Thus, the present review comprehensively studies the genetic organization and regulation of the biosynthesis of these antibiotics and provides a comprehensive summary of the genetic organization of antibiotic biosynthesis pathways in pseudomonas strains, appealing to both molecular biologists and biotechnologists. In addition, attention is also paid to the application of antibiotics in plant protection.
Ceftazidime–Avibactam Use in a Case Series of Difficult-to-Treat or Recurrent Infections in Pediatric Patients with Complex Chronic Conditions: Effectiveness and Absence of Resistance Development
Authors: García-Boyano Miguel , Alós Díez María , Fernández Tomé Lorena , Escosa-García Luis , Moreno Ramos Francisco , Schuffelmann-Gutiérrez Cristina , Cendejas Bueno Emilio , Calvo Cristina , Baquero-Artigao Fernando , Frauca Remacha Esteban
Published: June 2024

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections, particularly carbapenem-resistant strains, has become a significant global health concern. Ceftazidime–avibactam (CZA) has emerged as a promising treatment option. However, data on its efficacy and safety in children are scarce, necessitating further investigation. We conducted a descriptive case series at a tertiary hospital in Spain from February 2019 to January 2022. Pediatric patients (<16 years) treated with CZA for confirmed or suspected multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections were included. The clinical and microbiological characteristics, treatment approaches, and outcomes were examined. Eighteen children received CZA treatment. All had complex chronic conditions, with the most frequent underlying main diseases being liver transplantation (n = 8) and biliary atresia (n = 4). The predominant type of infection for which they received CZA was intra-abdominal infection caused or suspected to be caused by OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. CZA was generally well tolerated. Within the first month of starting CZA therapy, two patients died, with one case directly linked to the infection’s fatal outcome. Some patients needed repeated courses of therapy due to recurrent infections, yet no resistance development was noted. In summary, the use of CZA showed effectiveness and safety, while the lack of resistance development highlights CZA’s potential as a primary treatment option against OXA-48-producing infections.
Bacterial Profile and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Diabetic Foot Infections in a Major Research Hospital of Turkey
Authors: Coşkun Belgin , Ayhan Müge , Ulusoy Serap , Guner Rahmet
Published: June 2024

Background/Aim: Diabetic foot infection (DFI) occurs frequently in patients, followed up with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). For this reason, antibiotic treatment is often used in patients followed with DFU. Inappropriate use of antibiotics and increasing antibiotic resistance threaten public health. We aimed to investigate the microbial spectrum and antimicrobial resistance patterns isolated from diabetic foot infections in Turkey and help clinicians to choose optimal antibiotics empirically. Materials and Methods: This study was planned as a retrospective, single-center, cross-sectional study. Two hundred sixty-two patients whose causative microorganism was isolated in culture of tissue between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2022 were included in this study. Bacterial profile and antimicrobial resistance patterns were analyzed. Results: Four hundred thirty two isolates from 262 patients isolated in culture of tissue were evaluated. Of these microorganisms, 57.60% were Gram-negative, 41.20% were Gram-positive bacteria, and 1.2% were Candida spp. The most frequently detected Gram-positive microorganism was Staphylococcus spp. Gram-negative microorganisms were Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Polymicrobial infections were observed in 40.5% of the patients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. rate was 51.3%, while extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) resistance for E. coli was 66.7%. Conclusions: Due to increasing antibiotic resistance rates, treatment of common infections becomes more difficult. Knowledge of the microbiological profile and antibiotic resistance patterns of patients with DFIs is useful to guide empirical therapy.
Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter Inhibitors: Cellular Mechanisms Involved in the Lipid Metabolism and the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease Associated with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Cortés-Camacho Fernando , Zambrano-Vásquez Oscar René , Aréchaga-Ocampo Elena , Castañeda-Sánchez Jorge Ismael , Gonzaga-Sánchez José Guillermo , Sánchez-Gloria José Luis , Sánchez-Lozada Laura Gabriela , Osorio-Alonso Horacio
Published: June 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition that significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent studies have emphasized the role of lipid dysregulation in activating cellular mechanisms that contribute to CKD progression in the context of MetS. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated efficacy in improving various components of MetS, including obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. While SGLT2i have shown cardioprotective benefits, the underlying cellular mechanisms in MetS and CKD remain poorly studied. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the cellular mechanisms by which SGLT2i modulate lipid metabolism and their impact on insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and CKD progression. We also explore the potential benefits of combining SGLT2i with other antidiabetic drugs. By examining the beneficial effects, molecular targets, and cytoprotective mechanisms of both natural and synthetic SGLT2i, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of their therapeutic potential in managing MetS-induced CKD. The information presented here highlights the significance of SGLT2i in addressing the complex interplay between metabolic dysregulation, lipid metabolism dysfunction, and renal impairment, offering clinicians and researchers a valuable resource for developing improved treatment strategies and personalized approaches for patients with MetS and CKD.
Intradermal Treatment with a Hyaluronic Acid Complex Supplemented with Amino Acids and Antioxidant Vitamins Improves Cutaneous Hydration and Viscoelasticity in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Siquier-Dameto Gabriel , Boadas-Vaello Pere , Verdú Enrique
Published: June 2024

Intradermal injection of bioactive compounds is used to reduce the effects of aging skin. The aim of this work is to study the response of facial injection of a hyaluronic acid complex supplemented with amino acids and antioxidant vitamins on skin rejuvenation. A total of 40 healthy adult subjects were recruited to whom this complex was injected into the facial skin, three consecutive times every two weeks. Together with assessing the degree of skin hydration, the level of skin microcirculation, wrinkles, skin color, and skin biomechanical parameters were evaluated. Using the GAIS scale, the degree of satisfaction of the participants was assessed. At 42 days (D42), there was an 11–12% increase in skin hydration and viscoelasticity, a 23% increase in skin density, a 27% increase in skin microcirculation, and a significant lightening and whitening of skin color, but without causing changes in skin wrinkles. A value between 1 and 3 on the GAIS scale was observed between 70 and 92% of the participants, and 87% of subjects found their skin more beautiful, 85% would recommend this treatment, and more than 50% found their face rejuvenated. In summary, the intradermal treatment tested suggests skin rejuvenation, with a good degree of safety.
Therapeutic Potential of Plant-Derived Compounds and Plant Extracts in Rheumatoid Arthritis—Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kciuk Mateusz , Garg Anjali , Rohilla Manni , Chaudhary Rishabh , Dhankhar Sanchit , Dhiman Sachin , Bansal Seema , Saini Monika , Singh Thakur Gurjeet , Chauhan Samrat , Mujwar Somdutt , Gielecińska Adrianna , Kontek Renata
Published: June 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a persistent autoimmune disorder that is characterized by joint inflammation, discomfort, and impairment. Despite the existence of several therapeutic approaches, their effectiveness is often restricted and may be linked to unfavorable side effects. Consequently, there has been growing interest in investigating naturally derived compounds as plausible therapeutic agents for RA disease. The objective of this review is to summarize the existing preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of naturally extracted compounds and plant extracts in the treatment of RA, focusing on their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and immunomodulatory properties. Some of the problems with using natural chemicals are the uneven quality of commercially available preparations and the poor bioavailability of these compounds. Future investigations should focus on improving the formulations, conducting thorough clinical trials, and exploring different techniques to fully utilize the intrinsic potential of naturally derived chemicals in treating RA.
Protein–Chlorogenic Acid Interactions: Mechanisms, Characteristics, and Potential Food Applications
Authors: Tarahi Mohammad , Gharagozlou Maryam , Niakousari Mehrdad , Hedayati Sara
Published: June 2024

The interactions between proteins and chlorogenic acid (CGA) have gained significant attention in recent years, not only as a promising approach to modify the structural and techno-functional properties of proteins but also to enhance their bioactive potential in food systems. These interactions can be divided into covalent (chemical or irreversible) and non-covalent (physical or reversible) linkages. Mechanistically, CGA forms covalent bonds with nucleophilic amino acid residues of proteins by alkaline, free radical, and enzymatic approaches, leading to changes in protein structure and functionality, such as solubility, emulsification properties, and antioxidant activity. In addition, the protein–CGA complexes can be obtained by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, and van der Waals forces, each offering unique advantages and outcomes. This review highlights the mechanism of these interactions and their importance in modifying the structural, functional, nutritional, and physiological attributes of animal- and plant-based proteins. Moreover, the potential applications of these protein–CGA conjugates/complexes are explored in various food systems, such as beverages, films and coatings, emulsion-based delivery systems, and so on. Overall, this literature review provides an in-depth overview of protein–CGA interactions, offering valuable insights for future research to develop novel protein-based food and non-food products with improved nutritional and functional characteristics.
Effects of Yeast Culture on Laying Performance, Antioxidant Properties, Intestinal Morphology, and Intestinal Flora of Laying Hens
Authors: Qiu Quan , Zhan Zhichun , Zhou Ying , Zhang Wei , Gu Lingfang , Wang Qijun , He Jing , Liang Yunxiang , Zhou Wen , Li Yingjun
Published: June 2024

Yeast culture (YC) plays a significant role in enhancing the performance and health of poultry breeding. This study investigated the impact of different YC supplementation concentrations (basal diet with 1.0 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg of YC, YC1.0, and YC2.0) on egg production performance, egg quality, antioxidant properties, intestinal mucosal structure, and intestinal flora of laying hens. Both YC1.0 and YC2.0 groups significantly enhanced the egg protein height, Haugh unit, and crude protein content of egg yolks compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The supplementation with YC2.0 notably increased the egg production rate, reduced feed-to-egg ratio, and decreased the broken egg rate compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, YC supplementation enhanced serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05). Moreover, YC supplementation promoted duodenal villus height and villus ratio in the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05). Analysis of cecal microorganisms indicated a decrease in Simpson and Shannon indices with YC supplementation (p < 0.05). YC1.0 reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria, while YC2.0 increased the abundance of Bacteroidales (p < 0.05). Overall, supplementation with YC improved egg production, quality, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbial composition in laying hens, with significant benefits observed at the 2.0 g/kg supplementation level.
Metabolomics Combined with Physiology and Transcriptomics Reveal the Response of Samsoniella hepiali to Key Metabolic Pathways and Its Degradation Mechanism during Subculture
Authors: He Hui , Cao Zhengfei , Wang Tao , Tang Chuyu , Li Yuling , Li Xiuzhang
Published: June 2024

During the subculture of filamentous fungi, obvious signs of degradation occur which affect the growth and development of the strain, change the content of metabolites, and interfere with gene expression. However, the specific molecular mechanism of filamentous fungi degradation is still unclear. In this study, a filamentous fungus Samsoniella hepiali was used as the research object, and it was continuously subcultured. The results showed that when the strain was subcultured to the F8 generation, the strain began to show signs of degradation, which was manifested by affecting the apparent morphology, reducing the growth rate and sporulation, and destroying the antioxidant system. Further transcriptome and metabolomics analyses were performed, and the results showed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) that were mainly enriched in four metabolic pathways: ABC transporters; fatty acid degradation; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; and purine metabolism. Many of the metabolites that were significantly enriched in different pathways may mainly be regulated by genes belonging to proteins and enzymes, such as Abcd3, Ass1, and Pgm1. At the same time, in the process of subculture, many genes and metabolites that can induce apoptosis and senescence continue to accumulate, causing cell damage and consuming a lot of energy, which ultimately leads to the inhibition of mycelial growth. In summary, this study clarified the response of S. hepiali strains to key metabolic pathways during subculture and some reasons for the degradation of strains.
Protective Effects of Allium senescens Extract against 6-Hydroxydopamine in Neurons
Authors: Park Yoonjin , Yun Mihae , Lee Seunggwan , Kim Boyong
Published: June 2024

Oxidative neurodegeneration causes various neuronal diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. This study aimed to demonstrate the protective effect of Allium senescens leaf extracts on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-stressed SH-SY5Y cells, which are known to be optimal for neurotoxic research. The levels of apoptotic markers were evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and flow cytometry. The localization of apoptotic cells in vivo was analyzed using whole-mount immunochemistry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Additionally, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was estimated using flow cytometry. 6-OHDA induced ROS production in neuroblasts and in vivo, but treatment with the extract protected against the 6-OHDA-induced increase in ROS levels. Under oxidative stress, the extract performs three protective functions: decreasing ROS production, preventing mitochondrial apoptosis, and protecting the central and ventral nervous systems. These results also suggest that the extract can be useful in the development of functional foods for the prevention of neural damage caused by oxidative stress.
Hybrid A-Star Path Planning Method Based on Hierarchical Clustering and Trichotomy
Authors: Chang Tiangen , Tian Guofu
Published: June 2024

Aiming to improve on the poor smoothness and longer paths generated by the traditional Hybrid A-star algorithm in unstructured environments with multiple obstacles, especially in confined areas for autonomous vehicles, a Hybrid A-star path planning method based on hierarchical clustering and trichotomy is proposed. This method first utilizes the Prewitt compass gradient operator (Prewitt operator) to identify obstacle boundaries and discretize boundaries. Then, it employs a single linkage hierarchical clustering algorithm to cluster obstacles based on boundaries. Subsequently, the clustered points are enveloped using a convex hull algorithm, considering collision safety for vehicle expansion. This fundamentally addresses the ineffective expansion issue of the traditional Hybrid A-star algorithm in U-shaped obstacle clusters. Finally, the expansion strategy of Hybrid A-star algorithm nodes is improved based on the trichotomy method. Simulation results demonstrate that the improved algorithm can search for a shorter and smoother path without significantly increasing the computational time.
Physiological, Mechanical, and Perceptual Responses to Comparing 7.5% and 10% Body Mass Load during the Cycling Sprint Interval Exercise in Physically Active Men
Authors: Danek Natalia , Hebisz Paulina , Zatoń Marek
Published: June 2024

The aim of the study was to verify changes in peak power output (PPO), acid-base balance, blood lactate (La−) accumulation, and oxygen uptake (VO2) whilst applying a 7.5% and 10% load of the participant’s body mass in a cycling sprint interval exercise (SIE) (two series consisting of 3 × 10 s efforts “all-out” separated by a 30 s active break). Twelve healthy, physically active men with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max = 52.4 ± 7.8 mL∙kg−1∙min−1) were included in the study and performed two cross-over SIE sessions, with a load of 7.5% of the participant’s body mass (SIE7.5%) and 10% of the participant’s body mass applied (SIE10%). The physiological, mechanical, and perceptual responses were assessed during and after each session. After SIE10%, a 10.3% higher and 25.5% faster PPO time was obtained, with no significant differences in La−, a lower physiological cost (mean oxygen uptake and mean heart rate), faster restitution of VO2 and heart rate, and a lower rate of perceived exertion. Therefore, a 10% load of the participant’s body mass during 10 s effort induced greater physiological adaptations and mechanical responses, which may promote the use of a higher workload in sprint interval training to improve physical performance.
Infrared Multi-Scale Small-Target Detection Algorithm Based on Feature Pyramid Network
Authors: Shi Sanxia , Song Yinglei
Published: June 2024

Technologies for the detection of dim and small targets in infrared images play an increasingly important role in various applications, including military early warning, precise guidance, military reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, and aerospace applications. This paper proposes a new approach for the detection of infrared multi-scale small targets based on a feature pyramid network. Three pyramid segmentation–connection modules are incorporated into the proposed pyramid network to capture both local and global context information across various layers. Furthermore, a dual attention fusion module is proposed to fuse the feature maps containing context information and the deep features that have been upsampled twice through the attention mechanism of the dual attention fusion module to highlight important semantic information. Experimental results on two benchmark datasets show that the proposed method can generate results with good accuracy on both datasets and outperforms several other state-of-the-art methods for small-target detection in terms of accuracy and robustness.
Prototype Network for Few-Shot Hazard Assessment of Vehicle Lane Changes in Risk Field
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhang Ce , Lin Yier
Published: June 2024

It is well known that road traffic safety is one of the crucial topics in the field of automotive safety in assisted driving. In the face of complex traffic scenarios, there are still a large number of unsolved problems in the identification of vehicle risk levels. Given the difficulty of obtaining sufficient data for model training in many vehicle risk scenarios, it is important to correctly identify the vehicle risk posed through few-shot testing. The main idea of this method is to learn the class prototype of each risk state of a vehicle through encoding and mapping the vehicle’s characteristic parameters in the risk field and identifying the risk posed by few-shot vehicle lane changes through the application of the training of a prototype network. The latest results improve the efficiency of identifying risk in few-shot lane changes, which can provide practical guidance for risk identification and decision analysis in safe lane-change trigger scenarios based on the expected functional safety and provide theoretical support for the development of L3+ autonomous vehicles.
Investigation of Red Clay Internal Stress Anisotropy and Influence Factors
Authors: Chen Dongshan , Hou Xiaoqiang , Wu Chaoyang
Published: June 2024

Permeability characterized by permeability coefficient is one of the important engineering properties of clay, and its permeation mechanism depends on the permeation process of water in clay. To clarify the characteristics and influencing factors of the anisotropy of stress in red clay, indoor variable head permeability tests were conducted to obtain the permeability coefficients of undisturbed red clay in vertical and horizontal directions under different overlying loads. The research results indicate that under the same overburden load, the vertical permeability coefficient (kV) is greater than the horizontal permeability coefficient (kH), and on semi-logarithmic coordinates, both permeability coefficients exhibit a linear negative growth relationship with the overburden load. Moreover, with a gradual increase in the overburden load, the permeability coefficient ratio kV/kH shows a decreasing trend. When the overburden load does not exceed 150 kPa, the ratio of permeability coefficients (kV/kH) shows a linear decreasing trend, and when the overburden load exceeds 150 kPa, the rate of decrease gradually slows and eventually stabilizes. It is also found that the void ratio (e) is linearly related to lgkV and lgkH, and based on this, a prediction model for the anisotropy of stress in undisturbed red clay based on permeability coefficients is established. Under increasing osmotic pressure, the permeability coefficients in both directions exhibit linear growth. Essentially, it is the osmotic pressure that alters the stress pathways of red clay, and the smaller the overburden load, the greater the effect of osmotic pressure. With the increase in the overburden load, the anisotropy of stress gradually weakens.
Optimized Sequential State Encoding Methods for Finite-State Machines in Field-Programmable Gate Array Implementations
Authors: Salauyou Valery , Bułatow Witali
Published: June 2024

A Finite-State Machine (FSM) model is frequently employed to represent the behavior of sequential circuits. In the optimal design of these circuits, it is crucial to enhance FSM characteristics such as area (implementation cost), performance (operating frequency), and power consumption. This paper proposes sequential state encoding methods that aim to reduce the area and enhance the performance of FSMs. The methods involve sequentially selecting FSM states for encoding and determining the most appropriate code for each selected state. Several state and code selection modes are introduced, allowing for consideration of the relationships between states, the number of incoming and outgoing transitions, and the number of input variables initiating transitions to each state. The code selection process takes into account the architectural features of the electronic device in which the FSM is implemented, while some code selection modes are introduced to optimize both the area and performance of the FSM. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach yields, on average, a reduction in the FSM area by 19.7% (in some instances, up to twofold reduction), along with an average performance increase of 21.2% (in certain cases, up to 69.3%), compared to the Sequential mode of the Quartus system.
The Effect of Natural Plant and Animal Fibres on PLA Composites Degradation Process
Authors: Szczepanik Ewa , Szatkowski Piotr , Molik Edyta , Pielichowska Kinga
Published: June 2024

One of the methods to reduce long-term excessive plastic waste is the development and use of composite materials based on biodegradable polymers and natural fibres. Composites with natural fibres can exhibit very good mechanical properties, and the presence of natural fibres can significantly accelerate the degradation of the material. This study aimed to manufacture and analyse the biodegradation process of composites based on biodegradable polylactide (PLA) filled with flax and sheep wool fibres. The effect of flax and wool fibres and their content on the degradation rate compared to that of pure PLA was investigated. The degradation progress and properties of the composites were studied using an optical microscope, SEM, measurement of surface roughness, and contact angle. Additionally, flexural strength tests, a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted. The effect of natural fibres on the phase transition and degree of crystallinity was analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that PLA degrades only under UV light, but not in the composter simulating the natural environment. However, the incorporation of both types of fibres accelerated degradation of PLA/fibres composites in soil. Flax fibre composites exhibited better mechanical properties than pure PLA. For composites with wool fibres, although they showed a significant acceleration of the degradation process in the soil, their large content in the composite caused a reduction of mechanical properties. This research showed the positive effect of the addition of natural fibres on the biodegradation of PLA.
Experimental Device to Evaluate Aerosol Dispersion in Venues
Authors: Schulz Isabell , Hehnen Felix , Lausch Kevin Harry , Geisler Sophia Mareike , Hasirci Ümit , Wolff Sophia , Rese Tim , Schimek Sebastian , Lommel Michael , Paschereit Christian Oliver , Moritz Stefan , Kriegel Martin , Kertzscher Ulrich
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention on the importance of understanding and mitigating the airborne transmission of pathogens in indoor environments. This study investigated the aerosol distribution in different indoor venues with varying ventilation concepts, including displacement, mixed, and natural ventilation. A measurement system was developed to investigate venue-specific aerosol distribution patterns using a sodium chloride solution as a tracer. To analyse the spatial dispersion of aerosols, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted in addition to experimental investigations. The investigations indicated the lowest aerosol load for the venue with displacement ventilation and the highest for the naturally ventilated venue. The measurement system developed in this study provides a useful tool for assessing the effectiveness of ventilation measures in reducing airborne transmission of pathogens in indoor environments. It also proved its wide range of applications, as it can be used in variously sized and shaped indoor environments, with or without an audience.
An Innovative Deep Learning Futures Price Prediction Method with Fast and Strong Generalization and High-Accuracy Research
Authors: Huo Lin , Xie Yanyan , Li Jianbo
Published: June 2024

Futures commodity prices are affected by many factors, and traditional forecasting methods require close attention from professionals and suffer from high subjectivity, slowness, and low forecasting accuracy. In this paper, we propose a new method for predicting the fluctuation in futures commodity prices accurately. We solve the problem of the slow convergence of ordinary artificial bee colony algorithms by introducing a population chaotic mapping initialization operator and use the resulting chaotic mapping artificial bee colony algorithm as a trainer to learn long short-term memory neural network hyperparameters. With the combination of gate structures learned by the algorithm, the long short-term memory network can accurately characterize the basic rules of futures market prices. Finally, we conduct a series of backtesting experiments on gold and natural gas futures commodity prices to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. The experimental results show that, compared with various existing optimization models, our proposed model is able to obtain the lowest mean absolute error, mean square error, and root mean square error in the least number of iterations. In summary, the model can be used to predict the prices of a wide range of futures commodities.
Effect of Vitamin C, D3, Ca Supplements and Olive Paste Enriched with Mountain Tea on Health Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Konstantinidi Melina , Stoupi Stavroula , Anastasiou Ioannis , Nikolaos Vlachos Zounelis , Tsakotos George , Koutelidakis Antonios E.
Published: June 2024

Low dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C and magnesium has been associated with increased risk of osteoporosis. The purpose of the study was to evaluate changes in several bone health indicators and metabolic biomarkers in postmenopausal women with high osteopenia or osteoporosis, followed by a nutritional intervention program. In total, 115 apparently healthy postmenopausal women (52 ± 8 years old) were randomized into four groups: group I (n = 40) received daily 1000 mg vitamin C, 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg calcium(Ca) and 300 mg magnesium (Mg); group II (n = 42) received daily 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg; group III (n = 18) received daily 5 mg bisphosphonates, 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg; and group IV (n = 15) received daily about 364 mg polyphenols via an innovative functional food (50 g olive paste enriched with mountain tea extract) along with 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg. Groups I–III received supplementation for a year whereas group IV received supplementation for 5 months. Changes in bone health indicators and metabolic biomarkers were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Anthropometric indices and whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) were also evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the intervention period. The results revealed improved elevated levels of 25(OH)D3 in groups II, III and IV (+3.71% and +1.45% and +5.62%, respectively). Significant positive changes were recorded for whole-body BMD in all four study groups. Significant beneficial changes for total cholesterol were observed in group IV (−2.07%, p < 0.05) and positive changes in group I for HDL biomarkers (+61.62%, p < 0.05). Additional larger-scale clinical trials and intervention studies are considered essential to fully investigate and elucidate associations between dietary components and biochemical indices of bone health.
Major and Trace Element Accumulation in Soils and Crops (Wheat, Corn, Sunflower) around Steel Industry in the Lower Danube Basin and Associated Ecological and Health Risks
Authors: Ene Antoaneta , Moraru Sorina Simona , Moraru Dana Iulia , Pantelica Ana , Gosav Steluta , Ceoromila Alina Mihaela
Published: June 2024

The study aimed to evaluate for the first time the degree of contamination of soil and crops with major and trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, F, Na, Mg, Si, P, Cl, Fe, Al) in agricultural lands situated in the Lower Danube Basin, Galati and Braila counties (SE Romania), impacted by the steel industry. Soil samples, as well as leaves and seeds of wheat, corn, and sunflower, were collected from two depths in 11 different sites. Along with elemental and mineralogical analyses, performed by HR-CS AAS, PIGE, SEM-EDX, and ATR-FTIR, the soil pH, texture, organic matter, electric conductivity, and CaCO3 content were investigated. The results showed that the levels of Cr (83.27–383.10 mg kg−1), Cu (17.11–68.15 mg kg−1), Ni (30.16–55.66 mg kg−1), and F (319–544 mg kg−1) in soil exceeded the Romanian regulations for sensitive use of the land. Igeo, EF, PI, and PERI pollution indices indicate that the soil is moderate to highly contaminated with Cr, Ni, and Cu, while the CSI and mERMQ indices suggested a relatively low risk for metal contamination. The elemental concentrations in plant tissues and bioaccumulation factors (BFs) provide valuable insights into the soil–plant relationship, health risks, and the selectivity of plant compartments for different elements. Thus, the results revealed that the wheat plants tended to exclude the bioaccumulation of particular elements in their tissues, while exhibiting a different bioaccumulation pattern for Zn and Cu. In the case of corn, most BFs were below one, indicating a limited phytoaccumulation capacity. However, exceptions were observed for Cd, Zn, and Cu with the sunflower BFs indicating higher bioconcentration of these elements in leaves and seeds compared to other elements. Chromium (Cr) contributes to non-carcinogenic dermal contact and ingestion hazards, children being more susceptible to the adverse effects of this contaminant.
On the Usability of a Modeling Language for IoT-Based Public Transportation Systems
Authors: Arslan Sadık , Kardas Geylani , Alfraihi Hessa
Published: June 2024

Internet of Things (IoT)-based public transportation systems face distinct challenges within the broader realm of IoT. Developers of such systems encounter a notably intricate development environment compared to general IoT systems, which are inherently characterized by elevated levels of complexity and heterogeneity. As successfully applied in other domains, domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs) can also be employed to facilitate the development of IoT-based public transportation systems and address the challenges mentioned. Hence, in this study, a novel model-driven engineering (MDE) methodology is presented, comprising the steps of using a DSML, called DSML4PT, for the development of a wide-range of IoT-based public transportation applications. Moreover, the usability evaluation of DSML4PT within this MDE methodology during the real applications of IoT-based public transportation systems is also provided, which is missing in similar studies. For this purpose, we investigated the usability of DSML4PT within a systematic evaluation approach in which the features of DSML4PT are assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively in eight different real public transportation applications with the participation of experienced developers. Comparative analysis revealed that approximately 80% of IoT-based public transportation systems could be automatically generated through modeling exclusively employing DSML4PT. In contrast to the conventional software development methodologies, the novel DSML4PT approach also decreased the time required for the development of public transportation applications by almost 50%. In addition, according to a questionnaire-based assessment, the general evaluation rating of the language was measured as 4.44 over 5-point Likert scale. Feedback from the developers corroborated the practicality of this language and its widespread adoption across diverse perspectives.
Finite Element Model Updating Method for Radio Telescope Antenna Based on Parameter Optimization with Surrogate Model
Authors: Wang Shuo , Xiang Binbin , Wang Wei , Lian Peiyuan , Zhao Yongqing , Cui Hanwei , Lin Shangmin , Zhou Jianping
Published: June 2024

There are deviations between the radio telescope antenna finite element (FE) model, founded on the design stage, and the actual working antenna structure. The original FE model cannot accurately describe the antenna structure deformation characteristics under the environmental load, thereby compromising the accuracy of the active structural compensation. This article proposes an antenna FE model updating method founded on parameter optimization with a surrogate model. The updating method updates the modulus of elasticity parameters of different components of the antenna backup structure (BUS) to obtain finite element analysis (FEA) results consistent with the actual measurement of the antenna reflector surface shape. The surrogate model founded on the multi-quadratic radial basis function (RBF) improves the computational efficiency of FE model updating, replacing the complex and time-consuming finite element analysis and calculation process. This method is implemented on a radio telescope antenna with an aperture of 25 m. The results show a significant reduction in the mismatch between the antenna and the updated FE model. This method’s calculation time is significantly reduced compared with the updating method without using the surrogate model, with the RBF surrogate model taking 1% of the time of the finite element model in the FEA calculations. The proposed method can improve the antenna FE model calculation accuracy and significantly enhance the efficiency of FE model updating calculations. Thus, it can offer a reference for antenna engineering practice.
Research on Path Planning for Robots with Improved A* Algorithm under Bidirectional JPS Strategy
Authors: Wang Fujie , Sun Wei , Yan Pengfei , Wei Hongmei , Lu Huishan
Published: June 2024

Aiming to address the A* algorithm’s issues of traversing a large number of nodes, long search times, and large turning angles in path planning, a strategy for multiple improvements to the A* algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the calculation of the heuristic function is refined by utilizing the Octile distance instead of traditional distance, which more accurately predicts the optimal path length. Additionally, environmental constraints are introduced to adaptively adjust the weight of the heuristic function, balancing the trade-off between search speed and path length. Secondly, the bidirectional jump point search method is integrated, allowing simultaneous path searches from both directions. This significantly reduces path search times and the number of nodes traversed. Finally, the path undergoes two rounds of smoothing using a path smoothing strategy until the final path is generated. To validate the effectiveness of the improved A* algorithm, simulations are conducted on ten types of grid maps. Results demonstrate that the improved A* algorithm markedly decreases path search times while maintaining path length, with greater speed improvements observed as the map size increases. Furthermore, the improved algorithm is applied in experiments with mobile robots, achieving significant reductions in average path search times of 79.04% and 37.41% compared to the traditional A* algorithm and the JPS algorithm, respectively. This enhancement effectively meets the requirements for rapid path planning in mobile robotics applications.