bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The More Fractal the Architecture the More Intensive the Color of Flower: A Superpixel-Wise Analysis towards High-Throughput Phenotyping
Authors: Souza Jardel da Silva , Pedrosa Laura Monteiro , Moreira Bruno Rafael de Almeida , Rêgo Elizanilda Ramalho do , Unêda-Trevisoli Sandra Helena
Published: May 2022

A breeder can select a visually appealing phenotype, whether for ornamentation or landscaping. However, the organic vision is not accurate and objective, making it challenging to bring a reliable phenotyping intervention into implementation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop an innovative solution to predict the intensity of the flower’s color upon the external shape of the crop. We merged the single linear iterative clustering (SLIC) algorithm and box-counting method (BCM) into a framework to extract useful imagery data for biophysical modeling. Then, we validated our approach by fitting Gompertz function to data on intensity of flower’s color and fractal dimension (SD) of the architecture of white-flower, yellow-flower, and red-flower varieties of Portulaca umbraticola. The SLIC algorithm segmented the images into uniform superpixels, enabling the BCM to precisely capture the SD of the architecture. The SD ranged from 1.938315 to 1.941630, which corresponded to pixel-wise intensities of 220.85 and 47.15. Thus, the more compact the architecture the more intensive the color of the flower. The sigmoid Gompertz function predicted such a relationship at radj2 > 0.80. This study can provide further knowledge to progress the field’s prominence in developing breakthrough strategies toward improving the control of visual quality and breeding of ornamentals.
Decreased Antibiotic Consumption Coincided with Reduction in Bacteremia Caused by Bacterial Species with Respiratory Transmission Potential during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cheng Vincent Chi-Chung , Wong Shuk-Ching , So Simon Yung-Chun , Chen Jonathan Hon-Kwan , Chau Pui-Hing , Au Albert Ka-Wing , Chiu Kelvin Hei-Yeung , Li Xin , Ip Patrick , Chuang Vivien Wai-Man , Lung David Christopher , Tse Cindy Wing-Sze , Lee Rodney Allan , Fung Kitty Sau-Chun , To Wing-Kin , Lai Raymond Wai-Man , Que Tak-Lun , Lo Janice Yee-Chi , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: May 2022

Nonpharmaceutical interventions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) have provided a unique opportunity to understand their impact on the wholesale supply of antibiotics and incidences of infections represented by bacteremia due to common bacterial species in Hong Kong. The wholesale antibiotic supply data (surrogate indicator of antibiotic consumption) and notifications of scarlet fever, chickenpox, and tuberculosis collected by the Centre for Health Protection, and the data of blood cultures of patients admitted to public hospitals in Hong Kong collected by the Hospital Authority for the last 10 years, were tabulated and analyzed. A reduction in the wholesale supply of antibiotics was observed. This decrease coincided with a significant reduction in the incidence of community-onset bacteremia due to Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis, which are encapsulated bacteria with respiratory transmission potential. This reduction was sustained during two pandemic years (period 2: 2020–2021), compared with eight pre-pandemic years (period 1: 2012–2019). Although the mean number of patient admissions per year (1,704,079 vs. 1,702,484, p = 0.985) and blood culture requests per 1000 patient admissions (149.0 vs. 158.3, p = 0.132) were not significantly different between periods 1 and 2, a significant reduction in community-onset bacteremia due to encapsulated bacteria was observed in terms of the mean number of episodes per year (257 vs. 58, p < 0.001), episodes per 100,000 admissions (15.1 vs. 3.4, p < 0.001), and per 10,000 blood culture requests (10.1 vs. 2.1, p < 0.001), out of 17,037,598 episodes of patient admissions with 2,570,164 blood culture requests. Consistent with the findings of bacteremia, a reduction in case notification of scarlet fever and airborne infections, including tuberculosis and chickenpox, was also observed; however, there was no reduction in the incidence of hospital-onset bacteremia due to Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. Sustained implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions against respiratory microbes may reduce the overall consumption of antibiotics, which may have a consequential impact on antimicrobial resistance. Rebound of conventional respiratory microbial infections is likely with the relaxation of these interventions.
Degradation of Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance Genes during Exposure to Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma
Authors: Courti Ibtissam , Muja Cristina , Maho Thomas , Sainct Florent P. , Guillot Philippe
Published: May 2022

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become a major public health problem in recent years. The occurrence of antibiotics in the environment, especially in wastewater treatment plants, has contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Despite the potential of some conventional processes used in wastewater treatment plants, the removal of ARB and ARGs remains a challenge that requires further research and development of new technologies to avoid the release of emerging contaminants into aquatic environments. Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas (NTAPPs) have gained a significant amount of interest for wastewater treatment due to their oxidizing potential. They have shown their effectiveness in the inactivation of a wide range of bacteria in several fields. In this review, we discuss the application of NTAPPs for the degradation of antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater treatment.
Characterization of Phytochemicals, Nutrients, and Antiradical Potential in Slim Amaranth
Authors: Sarker Umakanta , Oba Shinya , Alsanie Walaa F. , Gaber Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Slim amaranth (A. hybridus) having a C4 photosynthetic pathway with diverse variability is a climate-resilient crop that tolerates abiotic stresses. Owing to the high productivity of the C4 pathway, we have been searching for suitable accessions as preferable high-yielding antioxidant-enriched cultivars with ample bioactive compounds, or for future breeding programs to improve bioactive compounds as a source of natural antioxidants. Twelve slim amaranth accessions were tested for nutraceuticals, phytopigments, radical scavenging capacity (two different assays), vitamins, total flavonoids, and total polyphenols content. Slim amaranth leaves contained ample dietary fiber, protein, moisture, and carbohydrates. The current investigation demonstrated that there was remarkable K, Ca, Mg (8.86, 26.12, and 29.31), Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, (1192.22, 275.42, 26.13, and 1069.93), TP, TF (201.36 and 135.70), pigments, such as chlorophyll a, ab, and b, (26.28, 38.02, and 11.72), betalains, betaxanthins, betacyanins (78.90, 39.36, 39.53,), vitamin C (1293.65), β-carotene, total carotenoids, (1242.25, 1641.07), and TA (DPPH, ABTS+) (27.58, 50.55) in slim amaranth leaves. The widespread variations were observed across the studied accessions. The slim amaranth accessions, AH11, AH10, and AH12, exhibited high profiles of antioxidants including high potentiality to quench radicals and can be selected as preferable high-yielding antioxidant-enriched cultivars with ample bioactive compounds. Phytopigments, flavonoids, vitamins, and phenolics of slim amaranth leaves showed intense activity of antioxidants. Slim amaranth could be a potential source of proximate phenolics, minerals, phytopigments, vitamins, and flavonoids for gaining adequate nutraceuticals, bioactive components, and potent antioxidants. Moderate yielding accessions having moderate phytochemicals can be used to develop new high-yielding antioxidant-enriched cultivars for future breeding programs to improve bioactive compounds as a source of natural antioxidants.
The Multiple Effects of Vitamin D against Chronic Diseases: From Reduction of Lipid Peroxidation to Updated Evidence from Clinical Studies
Authors: Berretta Massimiliano , Quagliariello Vincenzo , Bignucolo Alessia , Facchini Sergio , Maurea Nicola , Di Francia Raffaele , Fiorica Francesco , Sharifi Saman , Bressan Silvia , Richter Sara N. , Camozzi Valentina , Rinaldi Luca , Scaroni Carla , Montopoli Monica
Published: May 2022

Background: Vitamin D exerts multiple beneficial effects in humans, including neuronal, immune, and bone homeostasis and the regulation of cardiovascular functions. Recent studies correlate vitamin D with cancer cell growth and survival, but meta-analyses on this topic are often not consistent. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed database and the Clinical Trial Register was performed to identify all potentially relevant English-language scientific papers containing original research articles on the effects of vitamin D on human health. Results: In this review, we analyzed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D against acute and chronic diseases, focusing particularly on cancer, immune-related diseases, cardiomyophaties (including heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis) and infectious diseases. Conclusions: Vitamin D significantly reduces the pro-oxidant systemic and tissue biomarkers involved in the development, progression, and recurrence of chronic cardiometabolic disease and cancer. The overall picture of this review provides the basis for new randomized controlled trials of oral vitamin D supplementation in patients with cancer and infectious, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases aimed at reducing risk factors for disease recurrence and improving quality of life.
The Potential Role of Everlasting Flower (Helichrysum stoechas Moench) as an Antihypertensive Agent: Vasorelaxant Effects in the Rat Aorta
Authors: Valero Marta Sofía , Nuñez Sonia , Les Francisco , Castro Marta , Gómez-Rincón Carlota , Arruebo María Pilar , Plaza Miguel Ángel , Köhler Ralf , López Víctor
Published: May 2022

Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench (H. stoechas) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the Iberian Peninsula to treat different disorders such as arterial hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate the vascular effects of a polyphenolic methanolic extract of H. stoechas, which has high antioxidant activity, and its mechanism of action. Isometric myography studies were performed in an organ bath with rat aortic rings with intact endothelium. The H. stoechas extract produced vasorelaxation in the aortic rings that were precontracted by phenylephrine or KCl. L-NAME and Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS but not indomethacin or H-89; it also reduced the relaxant response evoked by H. stoechas extract on the phenylephrine-induced contractions. H. stoechas extract reduced the response to CaCl2 similar to verapamil and reduced the phenylephrine-induced contractions comparable with heparin. TRAM-34, apamin and glibenclamide reduced relaxation induced by the H. stoechas extract. The combination of L-NAME+TRAM-34+apamin almost completely inhibited the H. stoechas-induced effect. In conclusion, the relaxant effect of the H. stoechas extract is partially mediated by endothelium through the activation of the NO/PKG/cGMP pathway and the opening of Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Furthermore, the decrease in the cytosolic Ca2+ by the inhibition of Ca2+ influx through the L-type Ca2+ channels and by the reduction of Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum via the IP3 pathway is also involved.
Vanadium(IV)-Chlorodipicolinate Protects against Hepatic Steatosis by Ameliorating Lipid Peroxidation, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Inflammation
Authors: Wang Yuanli , Chen Rulong , Li Jingyi , Zeng Guodong , Yuan Juntao , Su Jingran , Wu Chunyan , Lu Zhongbing , Zhang Fang , Ding Wenjun
Published: May 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly prevalent and represents a growing challenge in terms of prevention and treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of vanadium(IV)-chlorodipicolinate ([VIVO(dipic-Cl)(H2O)2, VOdipic-Cl]) in a mouse model of NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). VOdipic-Cl (10 mg/kg/day body weight) treatment for 4 weeks significantly controlled body weight gain, and effectively reduced the increase in serum and hepatic triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels, mitigated pathological injury, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and inhibited endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammatory response in the livers of C57BL/6 obese mice. Moreover, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed distinct transcriptional profiles with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in livers. We found that VOdipic-Cl effectively down-regulated genes related to lipid synthesis and up-regulated genes related to fatty acid transport and lipolysis, and down-regulated the expression of genes related to ER stress and immune response in the livers of obese mice. In conclusion, VOdipic-Cl effectively prevented hepatic steatosis by controlling body weight, mitigating oxidative stress, and regulating the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, ER stress and immune response, which provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of the protective effect of VOdipic-Cl against hepatic steatosis.
Effect of Theobroma cacao L. on the Efficacy and Toxicity of Doxorubicin in Mice Bearing Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma
Authors: Patil Priyanka P. , Khanal Pukar , Patil Vishal S. , Charla Rajitha , Harish Darasaguppe R. , Patil Basanagouda M. , Roy Subarna
Published: May 2022

Background and objective: Doxorubicin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent that causes oxidative stress leading to cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. In contrast, Theobroma cacao L. has been recorded as an anticancer agent and found to be protective against multiple chemical-induced organ injuries, including heart, liver, and kidney injuries. The present study investigated the possible role of extracts from T. cacao beans for organ-protective effects in doxorubicin-induced toxicity in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Methodology: After survival analysis in rodents, cocoa bean extract (COE) was investigated for its efficacy against EAC-induced carcinoma and its organ-protective effect against doxorubicin-treated mice with EAC-induced carcinoma. Results: Significant reductions in EAC and doxorubicin-induced alterations were observed in mice administered the COE, either alone or in combination with doxorubicin. Furthermore, COE treatment significantly increased the mouse survival time, life span percentage, and antioxidant defense system. It also significantly improved cardiac, hepatic, and renal function biomarkers and markers for oxidative stress, and it also reduced doxorubicin-induced histopathological changes. Conclusion: COE acted against doxorubicin-induced organ toxicity; potent antioxidant and anticancer activities were also reflected by the COE itself. The COE may therefore serve as an adjuvant nutraceutical in cancer chemotherapy.
The Combined Partial Knockdown of CBS and MPST Genes Induces Inflammation, Impairs Adipocyte Function-Related Gene Expression and Disrupts Protein Persulfidation in Human Adipocytes
Authors: Latorre Jessica , Aroca Angeles , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Romero Luis C. , Moreno-Navarrete José María
Published: May 2022

Recent studies in mice and humans demonstrated the relevance of H2S synthesising enzymes, such as CTH, CBS, and MPST, in the physiology of adipose tissue and the differentiation of preadipocyte into adipocytes. Here, our objective was to investigate the combined role of CTH, CBS, and MPST in the preservation of adipocyte protein persulfidation and adipogenesis. Combined partial CTH, CBS, and MPST gene knockdown was achieved treating fully human adipocytes with siRNAs against these transcripts (siRNA_MIX). Adipocyte protein persulfidation was analyzed using label-free quantitative mass spectrometry coupled with a dimedone-switch method for protein labeling and purification. Proteomic analysis quantified 216 proteins with statistically different levels of persulfidation in KD cells compared to control adipocytes. In fully differentiated adipocytes, CBS and MPST mRNA and protein levels were abundant, while CTH expression was very low. It is noteworthy that siRNA_MIX administration resulted in a significant decrease in CBS and MPST expression, without impacting on CTH. The combined partial knockdown of the CBS and MPST genes resulted in reduced cellular sulfide levels in parallel to decreased expression of relevant genes for adipocyte biology, including adipogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and lipogenesis, but increased proinflammatory- and senescence-related genes. It should be noted that the combined partial knockdown of CBS and MPST genes also led to a significant disruption in the persulfidation pattern of the adipocyte proteins. Although among the less persulfidated proteins, we identified several relevant proteins for adipocyte adipogenesis and function, among the most persulfidated, key mediators of adipocyte inflammation and dysfunction as well as some proteins that might play a positive role in adipogenesis were found. In conclusion, the current study indicates that the combined partial elimination of CBS and MPST (but not CTH) in adipocytes affects the expression of genes related to the maintenance of adipocyte function and promotes inflammation, possibly by altering the pattern of protein persulfidation in these cells, suggesting that these enzymes were required for the functional maintenance of adipocytes.
Silibinin Protects against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage in SH-SY5Y Cells by Improving Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Tie Fangfang , Fu Yangyang , Hu Na , Wang Honglun
Published: May 2022

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. Increasing evidence suggests the association of mitochondrial abnormalities with oxidative stress-related neural damage. Silibinin, a natural flavonol compound isolated from Silybum marianum, exhibits multiple biological activities. The present study investigated the effects of silibinin on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Exposure to H2O2 (750 µM) reduced the viability of SH-SY5Y cells, which was coupled with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), abnormal cell morphology, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Remarkably, silibinin (1, 5, and 10 µM) treatment attenuated the H2O2-induced cell death. Moreover, silibinin reduced ROS production and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and increased mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, silibinin normalized the expression of nuclear factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-related and mitochondria-associated proteins. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that silibinin could attenuate H2O2-induced oxidative stress by regulating Nrf2 signaling and improving mitochondrial function in SH-SY5Y cells. The protective effect against oxidative stress suggests silibinin as a potential candidate for preventing neurodegeneration.
Inspection of Steel Bars Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete Structures by Nondestructive Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Chang Che-Way , Tsai Che-An , Shiau Yan-Chyuan
Published: May 2022

In this study, the degree of corrosion of steel reinforcement is compared to the reflected voltage of electromagnetic waves and the ASTM C876 specification. This study conducted some tests on steel bars with different degrees of corrosion by transmitting electromagnetic waves in the reinforced concrete. In the test, a corrosion potentiometer was used to analyze and compare the experimental results. The electromagnetic wave reflection signals from the image generated by the ground penetrating radar were used to capture the different media in the concrete components. The reflection coefficient method was used to analyze the calculated relative dielectric constant of the media and to obtain the reflection energy and phase changes on the medium interface. We compared and discussed the corrosion potential and the reflected voltage from the corroded steel bars in the reinforced concrete. The reflected voltage analysis of the ground penetrating radar showed that the average corrosion potential on the corroded plate on the 3rd floor was −280 m V (Area C). According to ASTM C876, the steel bars in the concrete were moderately corroded. The reflected voltage analysis of the electromagnetic waves concluded that areas A and B were moderately corroded, which is consistent with the conclusion from ASTM C876. Using the innovative method, this study has established a reference standard for the degree of corrosion of steel bars based on ASTM C876 and has calculated the quantitative state of corroded steel bars. The variations of the electromagnetic wave reflected voltage of the ground penetrating radar can mark the changes in the corrosion interface of concrete and steel reinforcement with different degrees of corrosion and different thicknesses of the protective layer.
Analysis of the Influence of Geomechanical Parameters and Geometry on Slope Stability in Granitic Residual Soils
Authors: Bravo-Zapata Matías F. , Muñoz Enrique , Lapeña-Mañero Pablo , Montenegro-Cooper José Miguel , King Robert W.
Published: May 2022

Granitic residual soils are soils formed by the in situ weathering of intrusive granitic rocks and are present in different parts of the world. Due to their large presence, many civil engineering projects are carried out on and within these soils. Therefore, a correct characterization of the slopes is necessary for slope stability studies. This investigation aims to study the influence of the values of geomechanical parameters (specific weight, cohesion, and friction angle) and the geometry of a slope (height and inclination) on slope stability of residual granitic soils in dry and static conditions. To this end, an automatic system was developed for the numerical study of cases using the finite element method with limit analysis. The system allows modeling, through Monte Carlo simulation and different slope configurations. With this system, the safety factors of 5000 cases were obtained. The results of the models were processed through the SAFE toolbox, performing a Regional Sensitivity Analysis (RSA). The results of this research concluded that the order of influence of the factors were: slope angle > slope height > cohesion > friction angle > unit weight (β > H > c > ϕ > γ).
Quantitative Assessment and Grading of Hardware Trojan Threat Based on Rough Set Theory
Authors: Yang Daming , Gao Cheng , Huang Jiaoying
Published: May 2022

The globalization of integrated circuit (IC) design and fabrication has given rise to severe concerns with respect to modeling strategic interaction between malicious attackers and Hardware Trojan (HT) defenders using game theory. The quantitative assessment of attacker actions has made the game very challenging. In this paper, a novel rough set theory framework is proposed to analyze HT threat. The problem is formulated as an attribute weight calculation and element assessment in an information system without decision attributes. The proposed method introduces information content in the rough set that allows calculation of the weight of both core attributes and non-core attributes. For quantitative assessment, the HT threat is characterized by the closeness coefficient. In order to allow HT defenders to use fast and effective countermeasures, a threat classification method based on the k-means algorithm is proposed, and the Best Workspace Prediction (BWP) index is used to determine the number of clusters. Statistical tests were performed on the benchmark circuits in Trust-hub in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique for assessing HT threat. Compared with k-means, equidistant division-based k-means, and k-means++, our method shows a significant improvement in both cluster accuracy and running time.
A Database for Tsunamis and Meteotsunamis in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Maramai Alessandra , Brizuela Beatriz , Graziani Laura
Published: May 2022

In the frame of the Interreg Italy-Croatia program, the EU has funded the PMO-GATE project, focusing on the prevention and mitigation of the socioeconomic impact of natural hazards in the Adriatic region. The Database of Adriatic Tsunamis and Meteotsunamis (DAMT) is one of the deliverables of this project. DAMT is a collection of data documenting both meteotsunami and tsunami effects along the Eastern and Western Adriatic coasts, and it was realized by starting from the available database and catalogues, with the inclusion of new data gained from recent studies, newspapers and websites. For each tsunami and meteotsunami, the database provides an overview of the event and a detailed description of the effects observed at each affected location and gives a picture of the geographical distribution of the effects. The database can be accessed through a GIS WebApp, which allows the user to visualize the georeferenced information on a map. The DAMT WebApp includes three layers: (1) Adriatic Tsunami Sources, (2) Adriatic Tsunami Observation Points and (3) Adriatic Meteotsunamis Observation Points. The database contains 57 observations of tsunami effects related to 27 tsunamis along the Italian, Croatian, Montenegrin and Albanian coasts and 102 observations of meteotsunami effects related to 33 meteotsunamis.
Environment Classification Using Machine Learning Methods for Eco-Driving Strategies in Intelligent Vehicles
Authors: Julio-Rodríguez Jose del C. , Rojas-Ruiz Carlos A. , Santana-Díaz Alfredo , Bustamante-Bello M. Rogelio , Ramirez-Mendoza Ricardo A.
Published: May 2022

This work presents the development of a classification method that can contribute to precise and increased awareness of the situational context of vehicles, for it to be used in autonomous driving applications. This work aims to obtain a method for machine-learning-based driving environment classification that does not involve computer vision but instead makes use of dynamics variables from Inertial-Measurement-Unit (IMU) sensors and instantaneous energy consumption measurements. This article includes details about the data acquisition, the electric vehicle used for the experiments, and the pre-processing methods employed. This explores the viability of a method for classifying a vehicle’s driving environment. The results of such a system can potentially be used to provide precise information for path planning, energy optimization, or safety purposes. Information about the driving context could be also used to decide if the conditions are safe for autonomous driving or if human intervention is recommended or required. In this work, the feature selection process and statistical data pre-processing methods are evaluated. The pre-processed data are used to compare 13 different classification algorithms and then the best three are selected for further testing and data dimensionality reduction. Two approaches for feature selection based on feature importance and final classification scores are tested, achieving a classification mean accuracy of 93 percent with a real testing dataset that included three driving scenarios and eight different drivers. The obtained results and high classification accuracy represent a first approach for the further development of such classification systems and the potential for direct implementation into autonomous driving technology.
Design of the Crawler Units: Toward the Development of a Novel Hybrid Platform for Infrastructure Inspection
Authors: Leggieri Sergio , Canali Carlo , Caldwell Darwin G.
Published: May 2022

Inspections of industrial and civil infrastructures are necessary to prevent damages and loss of human life. Although robotic inspection is gaining momentum, most of the operations are still performed by human workers. The main limiting factors of inspection robots are the lack of versatility as well as the low reliability of these devices, since they need to operate in a non-structured environment. In this work, a novel Hybrid Platform for inspection in industrial contexts is proposed, focusing on the design and testing of the Crawler Unit. The goal is to solve versatility related issues exploiting modularity and self-reconfigurability. The Hybrid Platform consists of three main systems: a mobile Main Base and two Crawler Units. Each would operate independently, accomplishing specific tasks. Docking interfaces, on each device, allow the systems to reconfigure into different robots. The Crawler Unit operates in constrained environments and narrow spaces. The Main Base patrols wide areas and deploys the Crawler Units near the inspection site. For dealing with challenging conditions, the two Crawler Units can dock together, reconfiguring into a snake-like robot. Additionally, once docked to the Main Base, the two Crawlers can operate also as robotic arms, providing manipulation abilities to the platform. The first version of the Crawler Unit exhibited an interesting performance over flat and uneven terrains. To extend the mobility of this robot, a second version was developed, introducing some innovations in the system design. These innovations provided the Crawler Unit with advanced mobility in the vertical plane, thus allowing the robot to deal with more complex scenarios such as crossing gaps, overcoming obstacles and lifting the modules.
Tribological Properties of Two Typical Materials of Hydraulic Motor’s Rotor at Different Ambient Temperatures
Authors: Wan Gao , Wu Qing , Tang Min , Lu Mingjian , Yang Kun
Published: May 2022

Cold starting is the biggest challenge for mechanical equipment in polar environments. Selecting suitable friction pair materials and exploring the wear mechanism are keys to improving the reliability in a low-temperature environment. This study analyzed the tribological properties of the two typical materials of hydraulic motor’s rotor at different ambient temperatures, especially at low temperature. Finally, it explored the wear process and mechanism of two sets of friction pairs. The results showed that the low temperature environment not only affects the viscosity of the hydraulic medium in the hydraulic system and changes the lubrication state between the friction pairs, but also enhances the cold brittleness of metal materials and affects the wear characteristics between the friction pairs. There is a maximum difference of around −20 °C. The wear volume of material QT500-7 sharply increases and reaches a maximum of 0.107 mm3 when the normal force is 20 N, which is 3.65 times as much as the wear volume of the LC2-1. When the normal force is 30 N, the wear volume of materials QT500-7 and LC2-1 are 0.125 and 0.036 mm3, respectively. The wear volume of the former is 3.4 times that of the latter. In addition, it indicates that the impact energy of the material affects its tribological properties since the impact energy of the material QT500-7 decreases sharply, including two consecutive subintervals of sharp decreases from 97.3 J to 42.2 J and then to 18.0 J at the temperature of −10 to −30 °C. The material LC2-1 with stable wear performance is more applicable for being processed and manufactured into parts for low-temperature environmental conditions, as there is no serious fluctuation in the temperature range from −40 °C to room temperature. The research findings are expected to provide a theoretical support for hydraulic motors design, material selection and the maintenance of polar deck machinery. They are of great significance for improving the operational reliability of hydraulic motors for polar ships.
Effects of Sibling Eggs Contact on Incubation Length and Hatching Synchrony in Red-Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)
Authors: González-Redondo Pedro , Quesada-Pérez Fátima
Published: May 2022

Hatching synchrony is a desirable trait in the artificial incubation of eggs because it permits the simultaneous extraction of all the chicks from the hatcher, thus minimizing extraction queues. This study aimed at evaluating the effects on egg performance, incubation length, and hatching synchrony of different sibling contact regimes during the incubation in red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) eggs. To achieve these objectives, 196 eggs were arranged in four treatments according to the sibling eggs contact regime: (a) eggs without contact during the whole incubation process; (b) eggs in contact during the incubation phase (from day 1 to 20 of incubation); (c) eggs in contact during the hatching phase (from day 20 of incubation to hatching); (d) eggs in permanent contact throughout the incubation process (from day 1 of incubation to hatching). Development stage at embryonic mortality, hatchability, and egg weight loss during incubation were not affected, but incubation length was shortened and hatching synchrony was increased in eggs in contact during the hatching phase. The main conclusion was that keeping red-legged partridge eggs in close contact during the hatching stage in the artificial incubation does not affect hatchability but allows hatching synchrony to be maximized, facilitating the handling of 1 day old chicks.
The Effect of Porous Media on Wave-Induced Sloshing in a Floating Tank
Authors: Tsao Wen-Huai , Chen Ying-Chuan , Kees Christopher E. , Manuel Lance
Published: May 2022

Placing porous media in a water tank can change the dynamic characteristics of the sloshing fluid. Its extra damping effect can mitigate sloshing and, thereby, protect the integrity of a liquefied natural gas tank. In addition, the out-of-phase sloshing force enables the water tank to serve as a dynamic vibration absorber for floating structures in the ocean environment. The influence of porous media on wave-induced sloshing fluid in a floating tank and the associated interaction with the substructure in the ambient wave field are the focus of this study. The numerical coupling algorithm includes the potential-based Eulerian–Lagrangian method for fluid simulation and the Newmark time-integration method for rigid-body dynamics. An equivalent mechanical model for the sloshing fluid in a rectangular tank subject to pitch motion is proposed and validated. In this approach, the degrees of freedom modeling of the sloshing fluid can be reduced so the numerical computation is fast and inexpensive. The results of the linear mechanical model and the nonlinear Eulerian–Lagrangian method are correlated. The dynamic interaction between the sloshing fluid and floating body is characterized. The effectiveness of the added porous media in controlling the vibration and mitigating the sloshing response is confirmed through frequency response analysis.
Effective Attention-Based Mechanism for Masked Face Recognition
Authors: Pann Vandet , Lee Hyo Jong
Published: May 2022

Research on facial recognition has recently been flourishing, which has led to the introduction of many robust methods. However, since the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, people have had to regularly wear facial masks, thus making existing face recognition methods less reliable. Although normal face recognition methods are nearly complete, masked face recognition (MFR)—which refers to recognizing the identity of an individual when people wear a facial mask—remains the most challenging topic in this area. To overcome the difficulties involved in MFR, a novel deep learning method based on the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) and angular margin ArcFace loss is proposed. In the method, CBAM is integrated with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to extract the input image feature maps, particularly of the region around the eyes. Meanwhile, ArcFace is used as a training loss function to optimize the feature embedding and enhance the discriminative feature for MFR. Because of the insufficient availability of masked face images for model training, this study used the data augmentation method to generate masked face images from a common face recognition dataset. The proposed method was evaluated using the well-known masked image version of LFW, AgeDB-30, CFP-FP, and real mask image MFR2 verification datasets. A variety of experiments confirmed that the proposed method offers improvements for MFR compared to the current state-of-the-art methods.
Relation of EDL Forces between Clay Particles Calculated by Different Methods
Authors: Shang Xiang-Yu , Duan Ke , Kuang Lian-Fei , Zhu Qi-Yin
Published: May 2022

Calculation of the electrostatic double layer force (EDL force) between clay particles is relevant as it is closely related to important macroscopic mechanical behaviors of clays. The popular method to calculate the EDL force is to integrate the electric potential and Maxwell stress along the boundary enclosing a simply connected domain within which a clay particle resides. The EDL force has also been calculated by the integration of the electrostatic force density over the preceding domain. However, the subtle relation of the EDL forces calculated by the different existing methods has not yet been investigated. By means of theoretical analysis and finite element simulation, it was shown that the force calculated by the integration of Maxwell stress along the complete boundary enclosing a multiply connected domain in which the clay particle is excluded, and that along the partial boundary enclosing the preceding simply connected domain represents the electrical attractive force and osmotic repulsive force, respectively, while the integration of the potential along both the same complete and partial boundary denotes the osmotic force. Numerical results showed that the calculated EDL force deviates from its actual value significantly with the decrease in distance between the chosen integral boundary and particle surface, and the deviation varies with surface potential and angle between particles. Moreover, the recommended minimum distance was proposed to be 10 times the thickness of the particle based on the present simulation results.
Hydrogeochemical Survey along the Northern Coastal Region of Ramanathapuram District, Tamilnadu, India
Authors: Karthikeyan Sivakumar , Kulandaisamy Prabakaran , Senapathi Venkatramanan , Chung Sang Yong , Thangaraj Kongeswaran , Arumugam Muruganantham , Sugumaran Sathish , Ho-Na Sung
Published: May 2022

Ramanathapuram is a drought-prone southern Indian district that was selected for conducting a hydrogeochemical study. Groundwater samples from 40 locations were collected during January 2020 (pandemic interdiction according to COVID) and January 2021. The hydrogeochemical properties of the groundwater samples were evaluated and compared with drinking water regulations to assess their water quality. The order of cation dominance was as follows: Na+ > Ca2+ > K+ > Mg2+ in January 2020 and Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ in January 2021 with respect to the mean value. The order of anion dominance was as follows: Cl− > HCO3− > SO42− > NO3− > F− in January 2020 and Cl− > SO42− > HCO3− > NO3− > F− in January 2021 with respect to the mean value. In the study area, the southern coastal region was identified as a groundwater-polluted zone through spatial analysis based on all analysis results. The irrigation water quality was analyzed using various calculated indices, such as Na% (percent sodium), SAR (sodium absorption ratio), PI (permeability index), MgC (magnesium risk), RSC (residual sodium concentration), and KI (Kelly ratio), demonstrating the suitability of the groundwater for irrigation in most parts of the study area. This was also confirmed by the Na% vs. EC Plot, USSL, and Doneen’s Plot for PI. In addition, the WQI results for drinking water and irrigation confirmed the suitability of the groundwater in most parts of the study area, except for the coastal regions. The dominant hydrogeologic facies of Na+-Cl−, Ca2+-Mg2+-SO42−, and Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl− types illustrated by the Piper diagram indicate the mixing process of freshwater with saline water in the coastal aquifers. Rock–water interaction and evaporation were the main controllers of groundwater geochemistry in the study area, as determined using the Gibbs plot. Ion exchange, seawater intrusion, weathering of carbonates, and the dissolution of calcium and gypsum minerals from the aquifer were identified as the major geogenic processes controlling groundwater chemistry using the Chadha plot, scatter plot, and Cl−/HCO3− ratio. Further, multivariate statistical approaches also confirmed the strong mutual relationship among the parameters, several factors controlling hydrogeochemistry, and grouping of water samples based on the parameters. Appropriate artificial recharge techniques must be used in the affected regions to stop seawater intrusion and increase freshwater recharge.
Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and Ammonia Emissions on Dairy Farms in Spain with or without Bio-Activator Treatment
Authors: San Martin Ruiz Macarena , González Puelles Jesús Eugenio , Herra Bogantes Juan , Rivera-Méndez William , Reiser Martin , Kranert Martin
Published: May 2022

Intensive livestock farming substantially impacts the environment, especially farm and slurry management. Slurries are significant sources of greenhouse gases and ammonia. The present study was conducted in an intensive livestock production system in Galicia, Spain. The measurements were taken at six different farms in that region along with one control using common management practices in Galicia without the addition of a bio-activator. This study aimed to quantify GHGs and NH3 fluxes and their reductions during slurry treatment using a dynamic chamber through FTIR analysis and to examine the potential of usage of bio-activators for slurry management. In addition, gas concentrations were measured at the barns and compared with their slurry management and architectural volume to obtain influences on their management and the architectural volume of the barns. Additionally, the effects of using a bio-activator in the barns inside the facility areas were addressed. Moreover, qPCR analysis was conducted to understand the correlations between syncoms and methanogen populations when a bio-activator is added to the slurry with at least a 30% reduction in methanogenic populations. The outcomes suggest encouraging results for GHG reductions in the livestock sector, giving farmers future options for climate change mitigation among their standard practices.
Effects of Field Simulated Marine Heatwaves on Sedimentary Organic Matter Quantity, Biochemical Composition, and Degradation Rates
Authors: Soru Santina , Stipcich Patrizia , Ceccherelli Giulia , Ennas Claudia , Moccia Davide , Pusceddu Antonio
Published: May 2022

Since rising temperature (T) will enhance biochemical reactions and coastal marine sediments are hotspots of carbon cycling, marine heatwaves’ (MHWs’) intensification caused by climate change will affect coastal biogeochemistry. We investigated the effects of MHWs on sediment organic matter (OM) in a nearshore locality (NW Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea) receiving an artificial warm water plume generating T anomalies of 1.5–5.0 °C. Sediments were collected before and after 3 and 11 weeks from the initial plume release. Both MHWs influenced sedimentary OM quantity, composition, and degradation rates, with major effects associated with the highest T anomaly after 3 weeks. Both MHWs enhanced sedimentary OM contents, with larger effects associated with the highest T anomaly. Phytopigment contents increased in the short term but dropped to initial levels after 11 weeks, suggesting the occurrence of thermal adaptation or stress of microphytobenthos. In the longer term we observed a decrease in the nutritional quality of OM and a slowdown of its turnover mediated by extracellular enzymes, suggestive of a decreased ecosystem functioning. We anticipate that intensification of MHWs will affect benthic communities not only through direct effects on species tolerance but also by altering benthic biogeochemistry and the efficiency of energy transfer towards higher trophic levels.
The ABC Model of Happiness—Neurobiological Aspects of Motivation and Positive Mood, and Their Dynamic Changes through Practice, the Course of Life
Authors: Esch Tobias
Published: May 2022

Background: Happiness is a feeling, an immediate experience, not a cognitive construct. It is based on activity in the brain’s neurobiological reward and motivation systems, which have been retained in evolution. This conceptual review provides an overview of the basic neurobiological principles behind happiness phenomena and proposes a framework for further classification. Results: Three neurobiologically distinct types of happiness exist: (A) wanting, (B) avoiding, and (C) non-wanting. Behind these types lies a dynamic gradation, ranging from the more youthful anticipation, pleasure and ecstasy (A), to stress processing, escape and relief (B) as we find them accentuated in the middle-aged, to deep satisfaction, quiescence and inner joy (C), which is particularly attributed to older people. As a result, the development of happiness and satisfaction over the course of life typically takes the form of a U-curve. Discussion: The outlined triad and dynamic of happiness leads to the paradoxical finding that the elderly seem to be the happiest—a phenomenon that is termed “satisfaction paradox”. This assumed change in happiness and contentment over the life span, which includes an increasing “emancipation” from the idea of good health as a mandatory prerequisite for happiness and contentment, can itself be changed—it is trainable. Conclusions: Programs for mindfulness, contemplation, or stress reduction, including positive psychology and mind–body/behavioral medicine training, seem to be capable of influencing the course happiness over time: Happiness can be shaped through practice.
Pelagic Bacteria and Viruses in a High Arctic Region: Environmental Control in the Autumn Period
Authors: Dvoretsky Vladimir G. , Venger Marina P. , Vashchenko Anastasya V. , Maksimovskaya Tatyana M. , Ishkulova Tatyana G. , Vodopianova Veronika V.
Published: May 2022

In the marine environment, bacteria and viruses play a significant role in carbon fluxes, remineralization processes, and the infection of various organisms. We performed a survey in the northeastern Barents Sea, a region adjacent to the Arctic Ocean, to investigate spatial patterns of microbial plankton, after the main productive period, in October 2020. Two main water masses occurred in the study region—colder Arctic Water and warmer Barents Sea Water, representing transformed Atlantic Water. Multivariate analyses detected patchiness in the horizontal distribution of bacteria and viruses, and their abundances showed no clear association with the water masses. There was an obvious vertical pattern in microbial concentration, with the highest estimates in the upper layers. Surface viral and bacterial abundance varied in a wide range (2.20 × 105–10.7 × 105 cells·mL−1 and 0.86 × 106–14.98 × 106 particles·mL−1, respectively) and were correlated with each other. Bacterioplankton was dominated by small-sized cells (<2 μm, 0.04–0.06 µm3), and the average volume of bacterial cells tended to increase toward the seafloor. The ratio of viral to bacterial abundance (VBR) was 11 ± 1 and did not differ between water masses and depth layers. VBR were higher, compared to summer values, suggesting a strong impact of viruses on bacterioplankton, after the main productive season. Redundancy and correlation analyses showed that inorganic nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) and organic carbon from zooplankton were most responsible for the total variability in the microbial parameters. Water temperature and salinity, also, had a measurable impact, but their influence was lower. Bacterial abundance was lower than in other seasons and regions of the Barents Sea, while viral abundance was comparable, suggesting a stronger viral impact on Arctic marine bacteria in the autumn season.