bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel framework of multiclass skin lesion recognition from dermoscopic images using deep learning and explainable AI
Authors: Ahmad Naveed , Shah Jamal Hussain , Khan Muhammad Attique , Baili Jamel , Ansari Ghulam Jillani , Tariq Usman , Kim Ye Jin , Cha Jae-Hyuk
Published: June 2023

Skin cancer is a serious disease that affects people all over the world. Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer, and early detection can significantly reduce human mortality. In the United States, approximately 97,610 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in 2023. However, challenges such as lesion irregularities, low-contrast lesions, intraclass color similarity, redundant features, and imbalanced datasets make improved recognition accuracy using computerized techniques extremely difficult. This work presented a new framework for skin lesion recognition using data augmentation, deep learning, and explainable artificial intelligence. In the proposed framework, data augmentation is performed at the initial step to increase the dataset size, and then two pretrained deep learning models are employed. Both models have been fine-tuned and trained using deep transfer learning. Both models (Xception and ShuffleNet) utilize the global average pooling layer for deep feature extraction. The analysis of this step shows that some important information is missing; therefore, we performed the fusion. After the fusion process, the computational time was increased; therefore, we developed an improved Butterfly Optimization Algorithm. Using this algorithm, only the best features are selected and classified using machine learning classifiers. In addition, a GradCAM-based visualization is performed to analyze the important region in the image. Two publicly available datasets—ISIC2018 and HAM10000—have been utilized and obtained improved accuracy of 99.3% and 91.5%, respectively. Comparing the proposed framework accuracy with state-of-the-art methods reveals improved and less computational time.
Role of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma risk factors in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm progression
Authors: Gentiluomo Manuel , Corradi Chiara , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Crippa Stefano , Falconi Massimo , Belfiori Giulio , Farinella Riccardo , Apadula Laura , Lauri Gaetano , Bina Niccolò , Rizzato Cosmeri , Canzian Federico , Morelli Luca , Capurso Gabriele , Campa Daniele
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is lethal due to its late diagnosis and lack of successful treatments. A possible strategy to reduce its death burden is prevention. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are precursors of PDAC. It is difficult to estimate the incidence of IPMNs because they are asymptomatic. Two recent studies reported pancreatic cysts in 3% and 13% of scanned subjects. The possibility of identifying a subgroup of IPMN patients with a higher probability of progression into cancer could be instrumental in increasing the survival rate. In this study, genetic and non-genetic PDAC risk factors were tested in a group of IPMN patients under surveillance.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 354 IPMN patients enrolled in two Italian centres with an average follow-up of 64 months. With the use of DNA extracted from blood, collected at IPMN diagnosis, all patients were genotyped for 30 known PDAC risk loci. The polymorphisms were analysed individually and grouped in an unweighted polygenic score (PGS) in relation to IPMN progression. The ABO blood group and non-genetic PDAC risk factors were also analysed. IPMN progression was defined based on the development of worrisome features and/or high-risk stigmata during follow-up.

Results

Two genetic variants (rs1517037 and rs10094872) showed suggestive associations with an increment of IPMN progression. After correction for multiple testing, using the Bonferroni correction, none of the variants showed a statistically significant association. However, associations were observed for the non-genetic variables, such as smoking status, comparing heavy smokers with light smokers (HR = 3.81, 95% 1.43–10.09, p = 0.007), and obesity (HR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.22–4.95, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study is the first attempt to investigate the presence of shared genetic background between PDAC risk and IPMN progression; however, the results suggest that the 30 established PDAC susceptibility polymorphisms are not associated with clinical IPMN progression in a sample of 354 patients. However, we observed indications of cigarette smoking and body mass index (BMI) involvement in IPMN progression. The biological mechanism that could link these two risk factors to progression could be chronic inflammation, of which both smoking and obesity are strong promoters.
Stimulating the motor development of very premature infants: effects of early crawling training on a mini-skateboard
Authors: Dumuids-Vernet Marie-Victorine , Forma Vincent , Provasi Joëlle , Anderson David Ian , Hinnekens Elodie , Soyez Evelyne , Strassel Mathilde , Guéret Léa , Hym Charlotte , Huet Viviane , Granjon Lionel , Calamy Lucie , Dassieu Gilles , Boujenah Laurence , Dollat Camille , Biran Valérie , Barbu-Roth Marianne
Published: June 2023

Aim

To examine the effects of an early home-based 8-week crawling intervention performed by trained therapists on the motor and general development of very premature infants during the first year of life.

Methods

At term-equivalent age, immediately following discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), we randomly allocated 44 premature infants born before 32 weeks' gestation without major brain damage to one of three conditions in our intervention study: crawling on a mini-skateboard, the Crawliskate (Crawli), prone positioning control (Mattress), or standard care (Control). The Crawli and Mattress groups received 5 min daily at-home training administered by trained therapists for 8 consecutive weeks upon discharge from the NICU. The outcomes of greatest interest included gross motor development (Bayley-III) at 2, 6, 9, and 12 months (primary outcome) corrected age (CA), mature crawling at 9 months CA and general development at 9 and 12 months CA [Ages and Stages Questionnaires-3 (ASQ-3)]. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov; registration number: NCT05278286.

Results

A 3 (Condition) × 4 (Age) repeated measures ANOVA revealed that Crawli group infants had significantly higher Bayley-III gross motor development scores than Mattress and Control group infants. Crawli group infants also scored significantly higher on groups of Bayley-III items related to specific motor skills than infants in the other groups, including crawling at 9 months CA. We found significant differences in favor of the Crawli group in separate one-way ANOVAs at each of the ages we examined. A 3 (Condition) × 2 (Age) repeated measures ANOVA revealed that the Crawli group scored significantly higher than the Control group for the ASQ-3 total score and communication score and significantly higher for the fine motor score than the Control and Mattress groups. We found additional significant differences in favor of the Crawli group for other dimensions of the ASQ-3 in separate one-way ANOVAs at 9 and 12 months CA.

Interpretation

Early crawling training on a Crawliskate provides an effective way to promote motor and general development in very premature infants. The findings also provide clear evidence for a link between newborn crawling and more mature crawling later in development.
Luteolin inhibits triple-negative breast cancer by inducing apoptosis and autophagy through SGK1-FOXO3a-BNIP3 signaling
Authors: Wu Ling , Lin Yingda , Gao Songyu , Wang Yongfang , Pan Huiji , Wang Zhaozhi , Pozzolini Marina , Yang Fengling , Zhang Haiyan , Yang Yi , Xiao Liang , Xu Yuan
Published: June 2023

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most prominent neoplasm disorders and lacks efficacious treatments yet. Luteolin (3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone), a natural flavonoid commonly presented in plants, has been reported to delay the progression of TNBC. However, the precise mechanism is still elusive. We aimed to elucidate the inhibition and molecular regulation mechanism of luteolin on TNBC.

Methods: The effects of luteolin on the biological functions of TNBC cells were first evaluated using the corresponding assays for cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay, and transwell migration assay, respectively. The mechanism of luteolin on TNBC cells was then analyzed by RNA sequencing and verified by RT-qPCR, Western blot, transmission electron microscopy, etc. Finally, in vivo mouse tumor models were constructed to further confirm the effects of luteolin on TNBC.

Results: Luteolin dramatically suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, and migration while favoring cell apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In TNBC cells treated with luteolin, SGK1 and AKT3 were significantly downregulated while their downstream gene BNIP3 was upregulated. According to the results of 3D modeling, the direct binding of luteolin to SGK1 was superior to that of AKT3. The inhibition of SGK1 promoted FOXO3a translocation into the nucleus and led to the transcription of BNIP3 both in vitro and in vivo, eventually facilitating the interaction between BNIP3 and apoptosis and autophagy protein. Furthermore, the upregulation of SGK1, induced by luteolin, attenuated the apoptosis and autophagy of the TNBC.

Conclusion: Luteolin inhibits TNBC by inducing apoptosis and autophagy through SGK1-FOXO3a-BNIP3 signaling.
Robustness of consensus in m-rose networks
Authors: Du Weiwei , Zhu Jian , Gao Haiping , Li Xianyong
Published: June 2023

The consensus of deterministic networks investigates the relationships between consensus and network topology, which can be measured by network coherence. The m-rose networks are composed of m circles, which share a common node. Recently, scholars have obtained the first-order coherence of 5-rose networks. This paper takes the more general m-rose networks as the research object, firstly, the m-rose networks are introduced. Secondly, the relationships between Laplacian eigenvalues and polynomial coefficients are used to obtain the first-order and second-order coherence of the m-rose networks. Finally, the effects of topology parameters such as the number of petals m and the length of a cycle n on the robustness of network consensus are discussed, and the validity of the conclusion is verified by numerical simulation.
Large insertion in radish GRS1 enhances glucoraphanin content in intergeneric hybrids, Raphanobrassica (Raphanus sativus L. x Brassica oleracea var. acephala)
Authors: Endo Ryota , Chikano Hiroshi , Itabashi Etsuko , Kawasaki Mitsuyo , Ohara Takayoshi , Kakizaki Tomohiro
Published: June 2023

Glucosinolates (GSLs), precursors of isothiocyanates (ITCs), are present in Brassicaceae plants have been found to have health benefits. Sulforaphane (4-(methylsulfinyl)butyl ITC) is an ITC stored in the form of 4-(methylsulfinyl)butyl GSL (glucoraphanin, 4MSOB) in Brassica vegetables, such as broccoli and kale. Sulforaphane activates Nrf2 expression, a transcription factor responsible for inducing physiological activities such as detoxification in the human body, and it represents a functional component unique to cruciferous vegetables. Raphanobrassica is an inter-generic hybrid between radish and kale, and it contains a high amount of 4MSOB. However, Raphanobrassica contains as much 4-methylsulfinyl-3-butenyl GSL (glucoraphenin, 4MSO3B) as it does 4MSOB. GLUCORAPHASATIN SYNTHASE 1 (GRS1) is an enzyme present in radish that synthesizes 4-methylthio-3-butenyl GSL (glucoraphasatin, 4MT3B), a precursor of 4MSO3B, using 4-(methylthio)butyl GSL (glucoerucin, 4MTB) as a substrate. Since the precursor of 4MSOB is also 4MTB, it was considered that both 4MSOB and 4MSO3B accumulate owing to competition in Raphanobrassica. We hypothesized that owing to the impaired function of GRS1 in Raphanobrassica, it may be possible to breed Raphanobrassica cultivars containing a high 4MSOB content. In this study, we generated Raphanobrassica populations with functional and defective GRS1 and compared the GSL composition in the two populations using high-performance liquid chromatography. The mean 4MSOB content in leaves of the defective-type populations was higher than that in the functional-type population, and the defective/functional ratio ranged from 2.02 to 2.51-fold, supporting this hypothesis. Furthermore, leaves, flower buds, stems, and roots contained higher amounts of 4MSOB in the defective population than in the functional population. The leaf 4MSOB content of defective Raphanobrassica grown in this study was comparable to that of previously studied vegetables (such as broccoli sprouts) with high 4MSOB content. Raphanobrassica with defective GRS1 represents a new leafy vegetable with high 4MSOB content which exhibits anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory potentials.
Variability of cell wall recalcitrance and composition in genotypes of Miscanthus from different genetic groups and geographical origin
Authors: Iacono Rosario , Slavov Gancho T. , Davey Christopher L. , Clifton-Brown John , Allison Gordon , Bosch Maurice
Published: June 2023

Miscanthus is a promising crop for bioenergy and biorefining in Europe. The improvement of Miscanthus as a crop relies on the creation of new varieties through the hybridization of germplasm collected in the wild with genetic variation and suitable characteristics in terms of resilience, yield and quality of the biomass. Local adaptation has likely shaped genetic variation for these characteristics and is therefore important to quantify. A key biomass quality parameter for biorefining is the ease of conversion of cell wall polysaccharides to monomeric sugars. Thus far, the variability of cell wall related traits in Miscanthus has mostly been explored in accessions from limited genetic backgrounds. Here we analysed the soil and climatic conditions of the original collection sites of 592 Miscanthus genotypes, which form eight distinct genetic groups based on discriminant analysis of principal components of 25,014 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Our results show that species of the genus Miscanthus grow naturally across a range of soil and climate conditions. Based on a detailed analysis of 49 representative genotypes, we report generally minor differences in cell wall characteristics between different genetic groups and high levels of genetic variation within groups, with less investigated species like M. floridulus showing lower recalcitrance compared to the other genetic groups. The results emphasize that both inter- and intra- specific variation in cell wall characteristics and biomass recalcitrance can be used effectively in Miscanthus breeding programmes, while also reinforcing the importance of considering biomass yield when quantifying overall conversion efficiency. Thus, in addition to reflecting the complexity of the interactions between compositional and structural cell wall features and cell wall recalcitrance to sugar release, our results point to traits that could potentially require attention in breeding programmes targeted at improving the Miscanthus biomass crop.
Systematic comparison of local approaches for isotopically nonstationary metabolic flux analysis
Authors: Huß Sebastian , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: June 2023

Quantification of reaction fluxes of metabolic networks can help us understand how the integration of different metabolic pathways determine cellular functions. Yet, intracellular fluxes cannot be measured directly but are estimated with metabolic flux analysis (MFA) that relies on the patterns of isotope labeling of metabolites in the network. For metabolic systems, typical for plants, where all potentially labeled atoms effectively have only one source atom pool, only isotopically nonstationary MFA can provide information about intracellular fluxes. There are several global approaches that implement MFA for an entire metabolic network and estimate, at once, a steady-state flux distribution for all reactions with identifiable fluxes in the network. In contrast, local approaches deal with estimation of fluxes for a subset of reactions, with smaller data demand for flux estimation. Here we present a systematic comparative review and benchmarking of the existing local approaches for isotopically nonstationary MFA. The comparison is conducted with respect to the required data and underlying computational problems solved on a synthetic network example. Furthermore, we benchmark the performance of these approaches in estimating fluxes for a subset of reactions using data obtained from the simulation of nitrogen fluxes in the Arabidopsis thaliana core metabolism. The findings pinpoint practical aspects that need to be considered when applying local approaches for flux estimation in large-scale plant metabolic networks.
Evaluation of typical ecosystem services in Dabie Mountain area and its application in improving residents' well-being
Authors: Huang Muyi , Zhang Guozhao , Wang Qilong , Yin Qi , Wang Jizhong , Li Weihua , Feng Shaoru , Ke Qiaojun , Guo Qin
Published: June 2023

Research on ecosystem services and residents’ well-being in old revolutionary base areas is an important task for China’s ecological civilization construction and rural revitalization. Taking Jinzhai County, the core area of Dabie Mountains, China, as an example, based on InVEST model, the methods of spatial autocorrelation and coupling coordinated development degree, the spatiotemporal evolution, spatial heterogeneity and coupling association patterns of ecosystem services and multidimensional well-being in the study area from 2005 to 2020 were discussed. The major results are: In the past 15 years, in the core area of the Dabie Mountains, ecosystem services such as food supply, soil retention and water yield showed an upward trend, carbon sequestration and biodiversity maintenance showed a downward trend. The comprehensive index of multidimensional well-being in the core area of Dabie Mountain increased by 27.23% and the spatial difference in multidimensional well-being is gradually narrowing. By the analysis of coupling coordination, the number of units with the type of coupling disharmony between ecosystem services and multidimensional well-being in the study area decreased significantly from 56.85% in 2005 to 26.81% in 2020, respectively. The analysis of geographical detection showed that the habitat quality factor was the dominant controlling factor of coupling coordination spatial difference. By bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis, in the past 15 years, the number of units with the “high ecology-high well-being” synergy type increased from 5.44% to 13.31%. The results can provide a reference for accurate identification, optimal regulation and synergistic improvement between ecosystem services and relative poverty in the Dabie Mountain area.
Low-coverage whole genome sequencing of eleven species/subspecies in Dioscorea sect. Stenophora (Dioscoreaceae): comparative plastome analyses, molecular markers development and phylogenetic inference
Authors: Hu Ke , Sun Xiao-Qin , Chen Min , Lu Rui-Sen
Published: June 2023

Dioscorea sect. Stenophora (Dioscoreaceae) comprises about 30 species that are distributed in the temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Despite being evolutionarily “primitive” and medically valuable, genomic resources and molecular studies of this section are still scarce. Here, we conducted low-coverage whole genome sequencing of 11 Stenophora species/subspecies to retrieve their plastome information (whole plastome characteristics, plastome-divergent hotspots, plastome-derived SSRs, etc.) and polymorphic nuclear SSRs, as well as performed comparative plastome and phylogenetic analyses within this section. The plastomes of Stenophora species/subspecies ranged from 153,691 bp (D. zingiberensis) to 154,149 bp (D. biformifolia) in length, and they all contained the same 114 unique genes. All these plastomes were highly conserved in gene structure, gene order and GC content, although variations at the IR/SC borders contributed to the whole length differences among them. The number of plastome-derived SSRs among Stenophora species/subspecies varied from 74 (D. futschauensis) to 93 (D. zingiberensis), with A/T found to be the most frequent one. Seven highly variable regions and 12 polymorphic nuclear SSRs were identified in this section, thereby providing important information for further taxonomical, phylogenetic and population genetic studies. Phylogenomic analyses based on whole plastome sequences and 80 common protein coding genes strongly supported D. biformifolia and D. banzhuana constituted the successive sister species to the remaining sampled species, which could be furtherly divided into three clades. Overall, this study provided a new perspective for plastome evolution of Stenophora, and proved the role of plastome phylogenomic in improving the phylogenetic resolution in this section. These results also provided an important reference for the protection and utilization of this economically important section.
Why can’t children with autism integrate into society in China? Study based on the perspective of NGO classification
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Qi Caiyun
Published: June 2023

Introduction

In the field of protecting children with autism, NGOs have become a major force that cannot be ignored. Although NGOs for children with autism have expanded the number and improved the quality of the services they provide, a large number of autistic children still cannot achieve the goal of social inclusion in China. The existing literature has mostly tried to explain the reason from the perspective of the common characteristics of NGOs and has paid insufficient attention to the huge differences between these NGOs, so it is impossible to identify the obstacles that children with autism encounter accurately.

Methods

From the perspective of NGO classification, this study conducted an in-depth investigation of 4 NGO cases in City N, China, to show the impact of the difference of NGOs on the obstacles to the social inclusion of autistic children.

Results

The research has found that under the authoritarian regime, NGOs for children with autism that rely heavily on external funds include three common groups: government-oriented NGOs, foundation-supported NGOs, and individual-financed NGOs. The structural characteristics of the funders and their interaction with the NGOs for children with autism shape their different action logics, as the result that the desire of children with autism to integrate into society cannot be achieved as expected.

Discussion

The results of this study give more accurate insights into the barriers in social service provision for children with autism that impede their social inclusion and provide a reference for those seeking a solution to this problem.
Indigenous farmers’ perception of climate vulnerability, barriers and factors influencing farmers adaptation intention: evidence from mountainous area of Vietnam
Authors: Manh Nguyen The , Ahmad Mokbul Morshed , Pal Indrajit , Nguyen Thi Phuoc Lai
Published: June 2023

Climate change has adversely affected the agriculture of indigenous farmers. Farmers can lessen agricultural losses by using adaptation strategies to climate change. However, the adaptation process depends on several factors, including barriers. This paper examines the farmers’ opinion toward adaptation barriers and tries to identify how the barriers influence farmers’ adaptation intention. We collected data from 362 randomly selected farmers by using face to face interview method and focus group discussions in Backan province, Vietnam. The severity index technique was applied to calculate farmers’ perception of barriers and climate change vulnerability indexes, and we used the probit model to determine the factors affecting farmers’ adaptation intention. The results indicate that farmers identified 10 internal factors and 14 external barrier factors that influence the adaptation intention. Moreover, probit model confirmed that farmers’ adaptation intention was significantly affected by education level, major occupation, income, lack of technical process, high cost of farm labor, lack of access to pesticides, and lack of technical officers. As a result, climate vulnerability indexes and barriers, and adaptation factors should be considered for designing and performing the policies in the future for indigenous farmers.
Influence of Rho/ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 on proliferation of equine mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Melzer Michaela , Burk Janina , Guest Deborah J. , Dudhia Jayesh
Published: June 2023

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) isolated form bone marrow and adipose tissue are the most common cells used for cell therapy of orthopedic diseases. MSC derived from different tissues show differences in terms of their proliferation, differentiation potential and viability in prolonged cell culture. This suggests that there may be subtle differences in intracellular signaling pathways that modulate these cellular characteristics. The Rho/ROCK signaling pathway is essential for many cellular functions. Targeting of this pathway by the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 has been shown to be beneficial for cell viability and proliferation of different cell types. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Rho/ROCK inhibition on equine MSC proliferation using bone marrow-derived MSC (BMSC) and adipose-derived MSC (ASC). Primary ASC and BMSC were stimulated with or without 10 ng/mL TGF-β3 or 10 μM Y-27632, as well as both in combination. Etoposide at 10 μM was used as a positive control for inhibition of cell proliferation. After 48 h of stimulation, cell morphology, proliferation activity and gene expression of cell senescence markers p53 and p21 were assessed. ASC showed a trend for higher basal proliferation than BMSC, which was sustained following stimulation with TGF-β3. This included a higher proliferation with TGF-β3 stimulation compared to Y-27632 stimulation (p < 0.01), but not significantly different to the no treatment control when used in combination. Expression of p21 and p53 was not altered by stimulation with TGF-β3 and/or Y-27632 in either cell type. In summary, the Rho/ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 had no effect on proliferation activity and did not induce cell senescence in equine ASC and BMSC.
An Acoustic Simulation Method of the Japanese Vowels /i/ and /u/ by Using the Boundary Element Method
Authors: Shiraishi Mami , Mishima Katsuaki , Takekawa Masahiro , Mori Masaaki , Umeda Hirotsugu
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to establish and verify the validity of an acoustic simulation method during sustained phonation of the Japanese vowels /i/ and /u/. The study participants were six healthy adults. First, vocal tract models were constructed based on computed tomography (CT) data, such as the range from the frontal sinus to the glottis, during sustained phonation of /i/ and /u/. To imitate the trachea, after being virtually extended by 12 cm, cylindrical shapes were then added to the vocal tract models between the tracheal bifurcation and the lower part of the glottis. Next, the boundary element method and the Kirchhoff–Helmholtz integral equation were used for discretization and to represent the wave equation for sound propagation, respectively. As a result, the relative discrimination thresholds of the vowel formant frequencies for /i/ and /u/ against actual voice were 1.1–10.2% and 0.4–9.3% for the first formant and 3.9–7.5% and 5.0–12.5% for the second formant, respectively. In the vocal tract model with nasal coupling, a pole–zero pair was observed at around 500 Hz, and for both /i/ and /u/, a pole–zero pair was observed at around 1000 Hz regardless of the presence or absence of nasal coupling. Therefore, the boundary element method, which produces solutions by analysis of boundary problems rather than three-dimensional aspects, was thought to be effective for simulating the Japanese vowels /i/ and /u/ with high validity for the vocal tract models encompassing a wide range, from the frontal sinuses to the trachea, constructed from CT data obtained during sustained phonation.
Effects of Combined Application of Chemical Fertilizer and Biochar on Soil Physio-Biochemical Properties and Maize Yield
Authors: Wu Jiajun , Jin Liang , Wang Na , Wei Dan , Pang Min , Li Dahao , Wang Junqiang , Li Yan , Sun Xin , Wang Wen , Wang Lei
Published: June 2023

Excessive, long-term chemical fertilizer application adversely affects soil quality and maize yield. The combined application of biochar with chemical fertilizer can increase maize yield and improve soil fertility. A four-year field experiment was conducted to determine soil physio-biochemical properties and maize yield under a soybean–maize rotation in the black soils of Northeast China. There were five treatments, including no fertilization (CK), fertilizer (NPK), fertilizer + biochar (15.75 t·hm−2, BC1), fertilizer + biochar (31.50 t·hm−2, BC2), and fertilizer + biochar (47.25 t·hm−2, BC3). Compared with CK, the number of macroaggregates and the average weight diameter of soil aggregates in BC2 treatment increased significantly by 10.3% and 24.5%, respectively. The soil pH in the study area was 7.03, and it increased in all treatments except for BC1. The highest pH of 7.17 was recorded in NPK and BC2 treatments, which was around the optimal soil pH. In contrast to the CK and NPK treatments, the biochar application increased soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) content. The BC2 treatment improved soil C/N and increased the copy number of soil bacteria by 25.6% compared to CK. The combined application of chemical fertilizer and biochar was better than NPK treatment alone, and improved soil mechanical composition and fine soil particle contents (powder and clay). Mixed biochar with chemical fertilizer application also significantly increased maize yield and the weight of 100 grains increased from 9.5% to 10.9% compared to CK. The maize yield of the three fertilizer and biochar treatments was higher than treatments with applied chemical fertilizer alone, in the order of BC2 > BC3 > BC1 > NPK > CK (BC2 treatment increased by 34.8%). Additionally, the maize yield was significantly and positively correlated with soil aggregates, organic carbon and total nitrogen (p < 0.05) as well as the 100-grain weight (p < 0.01). The application of 31.50 t·hm−2 (BC2 treatment) of biochar can enhance soil physicochemical properties and improve maize yield.
Occurrence and Damage Levels of Thaumatotibia leucotreta on Capsicum in Selected Counties in Lower Eastern Kenya
Authors: Oundo Judith Nabwire , Ndlela Shepard , Azrag Abdelmutalab G. A. , Kilalo Dora , Olubayo Florence , Mohamed Samira Abuelgasim
Published: June 2023

The false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick), is believed to have originated from Ethiopia and sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, this pest has extensively spread and is found in most parts of Africa, with records in approximately 40 countries in over 100 host plant species. Despite Thaumatotibia leucotreta being the leading cause of interceptions of Capsicum and cut flowers exported by Kenya to the European Union, information on abundance and damage levels inflicted on capsicum is limited. The objective of the study was to assess the abundance and damage levels of T. leucotreta on capsicum in the selected counties in Lower Eastern Kenya (Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties). Higher T. leucotreta larval density per farm was recorded in Kitui County compared to other counties. In farms with capsicum only (not intercropped with other crops), the mean number of FCM larvae was relatively higher in Kitui. Farming practices such as the use of uncertified seeds and seedlings and the excessive use of pesticides may be the major contributors to high larval incidence in Kitui County.
Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies the Crucial Candidate Genes for Teat Number in Crossbred Commercial Pigs
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Li Xuehua , Zhuang Zhanwei , Zhou Shenping , Wu Jie , Xu Cineng , Ruan Donglin , Qiu Yibin , Zhao Hua , Zheng Enqin , Cai Gengyuan , Wu Zhenfang , Yang Jie
Published: June 2023

The number of teats is a crucial reproductive trait with significant economic implications on maternal capacity and litter size. Consequently, improving this trait is essential to facilitate genetic selection for increased litter size. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the number of teats in a three-way crossbred commercial Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) (DLY) pig population comprising 1518 animals genotyped with the 50K BeadChip. Our analysis identified crucial quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the number of teats, containing the ABCD4 and VRTN genes on porcine chromosome 7. Our results establish SNP variants of ABCD4 and VRTN as new molecular markers for improving the number of teats in DLY pigs. Furthermore, the most significant noteworthy single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (7_97568284) was identified within the ABCD4 gene, exhibiting a significant association with the total teat number traits. This SNP accounted for a substantial proportion of the genetic variance, explaining 6.64% of the observed variation. These findings reveal a novel gene on SSC7 for the number of teats and provide a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying reproductive traits.
Camera Trap Methods and Drone Thermal Surveillance Provide Reliable, Comparable Density Estimates of Large, Free-Ranging Ungulates
Authors: Baldwin Robert W. , Beaver Jared T. , Messinger Max , Muday Jeffrey , Windsor Matt , Larsen Gregory D. , Silman Miles R. , Anderson T. Michael
Published: June 2023

Camera traps and drone surveys both leverage advancing technologies to study dynamic wildlife populations with little disturbance. Both techniques entail strengths and weaknesses, and common camera trap methods can be confounded by unrealistic assumptions and prerequisite conditions. We compared three methods to estimate the population density of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virgnianus) in a section of Pilot Mountain State Park, NC, USA: (1) camera trapping using mark–resight ratios or (2) N-mixture modeling and (3) aerial thermal videography from a drone platform. All three methods yielded similar density estimates, suggesting that they converged on an accurate estimate. We also included environmental covariates in the N-mixture modeling to explore spatial habitat use, and we fit models for each season to understand temporal changes in population density. Deer occurred in greater densities on warmer, south-facing slopes in the autumn and winter and on cooler north-facing slopes and in areas with flatter terrain in the summer. Seasonal density estimates over two years suggested an annual cycle of higher densities in autumn and winter than in summer, indicating that the region may function as a refuge during the hunting season.
Application of Enzyme-Linked Fluorescence Assay (ELFA) to Obtain In Vivo Matured Dog Oocytes through the Assessment of Progesterone Level
Authors: Lee Seunghoon , No Jin-Gu , Choi Bong-Hwan , Kim Dong-Kyo , Hyung Namwoong , Park JongJu , Choi Mi-Kyoung , Yeom Dong-Hyeon , Ji Juyoung , Kim Dong-Hoon , Yoo Jae Gyu
Published: June 2023

Successful dog cloning requires a sufficient number of in vivo matured oocytes as recipient oocytes for reconstructing embryos. The accurate prediction of the ovulation day in estrus bitches is critical for collecting mature oocytes. Traditionally, a specific serum progesterone (P4) range in the radioimmunoassay (RIA) system has been used for the prediction of ovulation. In this study, we investigated the use of an enzyme-linked fluorescence assay (ELFA) system for the measurement of P4. Serum samples of estrus bitches were analyzed using both RIA and ELFA, and the measured P4 values of ELFA were sorted into 11 groups based on the standard concentration measured in RIA and compared. In addition, to examine the tendency of changes in the P4 values in each system, the P4 values on ovulation day (from D − 6 to D + 1) in both systems were compared. The ELFA range of 5.0–12.0 ng/mL was derived from the RIA standard range of 4.0–8.0 ng/mL. The rates of acquired matured oocytes in RIA and ELFA were 55.47% and 65.19%, respectively. The ELFA system successfully produced cloned puppies after the transfer of the reconstructed cloned oocytes. Our findings suggest that the ELFA system is suitable for obtaining in vivo matured oocytes for dog cloning.
Uncovering Patterns in Dairy Cow Behaviour: A Deep Learning Approach with Tri-Axial Accelerometer Data
Authors: Balasso Paolo , Taccioli Cristian , Serva Lorenzo , Magrin Luisa , Andrighetto Igino , Marchesini Giorgio
Published: June 2023

The accurate detection of behavioural changes represents a promising method of detecting the early onset of disease in dairy cows. This study assessed the performance of deep learning (DL) in classifying dairy cows’ behaviour from accelerometry data acquired by single sensors on the cows’ left flanks and compared the results with those obtained through classical machine learning (ML) from the same raw data. Twelve cows with a tri-axial accelerometer were observed for 136 ± 29 min each to detect five main behaviours: standing still, moving, feeding, ruminating and resting. For each 8 s time interval, 15 metrics were calculated, obtaining a dataset of 211,720 observation units and 15 columns. The entire dataset was randomly split into training (80%) and testing (20%) datasets. The DL accuracy, precision and sensitivity/recall were calculated and compared with the performance of classical ML models. The best predictive model was an 8-layer convolutional neural network (CNN) with an overall accuracy and F1 score equal to 0.96. The precision, sensitivity/recall and F1 score of single behaviours had the following ranges: 0.93–0.99. The CNN outperformed all the classical ML algorithms. The CNN used to monitor the cows’ conditions showed an overall high performance in successfully predicting multiple behaviours using a single accelerometer.
Occurrence of Carbapenemases, Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases and AmpCs among Beta-Lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria from Clinical Sources in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Owusu Felicia A. , Obeng-Nkrumah Noah , Gyinae Esther , Kodom Sarkodie , Tagoe Rhodalyn , Tabi Blessing Kofi Adu , Dayie Nicholas T. K. D. , Opintan Japheth A. , Egyir Beverly
Published: June 2023

Beta-lactamase (β-lactamase)-producing Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are of public health concern due to their resistance to routine antimicrobials. We investigated the antimicrobial resistance and occurrence of carbapenemases, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpCs among GNB from clinical sources. GNB were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight–mass spectrometry (MALDITOF-MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed via Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion and a microscan autoSCAN system. β-lactamase genes were determined via multiplex polymerase chain reactions. Of the 181 archived GNB analyzed, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae constituted 46% (n = 83) and 17% (n = 30), respectively. Resistance to ampicillin (51%), third-generation cephalosporins (21%), and ertapenem (21%) was observed among the isolates, with 44% being multi-drug resistant (MDR). β-lactamase genes such as AmpCs ((blaFOX-M (64%) and blaDHA-M and blaEDC-M (27%)), ESBLs ((blaCTX-M (81%), other β-lactamase genes blaTEM (73%) and blaSHV (27%)) and carbapenemase ((blaOXA-48 (60%) and blaNDM and blaKPC (40%)) were also detected. One K. pneumoniae co-harbored AmpC (blaFOX-M and blaEBC-M) and carbapenemase (blaKPC and blaOXA-48) genes. blaOXA-48 gene was detected in one carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Overall, isolates were resistant to a wide range of antimicrobials including last-line treatment options. This underpins the need for continuous surveillance for effective management of infections caused by these pathogens in our settings.
Classification of Unbalanced and Bowed Rotors under Uncertainty Using Wavelet Time Scattering, LSTM, and SVM
Authors: Rezazadeh Nima , de Oliveira Mario , Perfetto Donato , De Luca Alessandro , Caputo Francesco
Published: June 2023

A growing interest in intelligent fault detection may sometimes lead to practical issues when existing malfunctions reveal analogous indications and the number of observations is limited. This article addresses the classification problem of two identical malfunctions, i.e., unbalancing and shaft bow in rotary machines, where only 56 observations were utilized for the training. The faulty systems are modeled in ABAQUS/CAE; a data set for each fault is created by simulation under various physical and operational conditions employing the uncertainty concept. The wavelet time scattering (WTS) technique extracts low-variance presentations from signals. With respect to the classification procedure of the faulted rotor systems, two models are examined with the extracted features from WTS as the input. Initially, a long short-term memory (LSTM) network is trained and tested, and then, the capability of a support vector machine (SVM) model is inquired. Ultimately, the classification models are trained and tested using the raw time series data and the extracted features to compare the effectiveness of the suggested methods, i.e., WTS. The employed approach for feature extraction demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in addressing a potential hurdle in identifying faults in rotating systems: the ability to differentiate between unbalanced and bowed rotors, irrespective of the classification model utilized.
Identification of Selected Failures in a Pipe Conveyor’s Operation with the Use of the Discrimination Method Based on Continuous Measurement
Authors: Molnár Vieroslav , Fedorko Gabriel , Stehlíková Beáta , Michalik Peter , Koštial Daniel
Published: June 2023

This paper deals with research on the operational process monitoring of a pipe conveyor for the needs of online diagnostics. The aim of this research is to verify the possibility of identifying the selected pipe conveyor’s failures in its straight section during operation (a missing roller in the idler housing, absent material on the conveyor belt) with the use of a discrimination method. This is an attempt to implement digital transformation with the aim of verifying its possibilities and limitations. The basis for discrimination is a continuous measurement and evaluation of measured values of contact forces in certain rollers’ positions in the hexagonal idler housing. Within this research, eight different measurement regimes were implemented. The use of the method was verified with simulated data using the trace table. We aimed to create prerequisites for online monitoring, which, based on digital transformation, will be deployed to control a transport system. The measurement was realized with the maximum tension force of 28,000 N. From the measurements, a decision-making algorithm was proposed to identify selected failures in the pipe conveyor operation with the use of the discrimination method. Within the algorithm, classifying criteria were determined, in the range of 57 N ÷ 251 N. The results confirm the method’s suitability for its practical assurance of pipe conveyors’ failure-free operation, as the failures were always identified sufficiently in advance, thanks to which, in practice, there was no further damage to the diagnosed devices.
Interannual Variation in Earth’s Rotation Rate and Its Role as a Climate Change Indicator
Authors: Xu Xue-Qing , Zhou Yong-Hong , Xu Can-Can
Published: June 2023

Exploring the relationship between climate phenomena and anomalies in Earth’s rotation during a corresponding period is helpful for constraining the assessment of global change, even for the early warning of climate events. This study selected the latest length of day changes (ΔLOD) observations, and extracted the interannual terms solely related to climatic variations, employing a difference plus frequency domain stepwise regression (Difference+FDSR) method. Afterward, we calculated the correlations of different data compositions between surface fluid contributions (AAM, OAM and HAM) and the climate-related ΔLOD. Finally, the anomalies during the period of 1993–2023 were focused on, by comparing the high-precision fluid forcing and the climate-related ΔLOD with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) indices. Our results show that superimposing the HAM can improve fluid correlations ~5% with climate-related ΔLOD, but the OAM contribution is not obvious. Additionally, we detected a triple-dip La Niña in the last 3 years, and the corresponding minimum values of climate-related ΔLOD were between −0.11 and −0.23 ms. Furthermore, we investigated the short-term forecast of a climate event with ΔLOD predictions based on the climate change information on Earth‘s rotation rate, wherein a follow-up El Niño is indicated.
Efficient Difference and Ratio-Type Imputation Methods under Ranked Set Sampling
Authors: Bhushan Shashi , Kumar Anoop , Zaman Tolga , Al Mutairi Aned
Published: June 2023

It is well known that ranked set sampling (RSS) is more efficient than simple random sampling (SRS). Furthermore, the presence of missing data vitiates the conventional results. Only a minuscule amount of work has been conducted under RSS with missing data. This paper makes a modest attempt to provide some efficient difference- and ratio-type imputation methods in the presence of missing values under RSS. The envisaged imputation methods are demonstrated to provide better results than the existing imputation methods. The theoretical results are enhanced by a computational analysis using real and hypothetically generated symmetric (Normal) and asymmetric (Gamma and Weibull) populations. The computational results show that the proposed imputation method outperforms the existing imputation methods in terms of its higher percent relative efficiency. Additionally, the impact of skewness and kurtosis on the efficiency of the suggested imputation methods has also been calculated.
Comparing Reservoir Artificial and Spiking Neural Networks in Machine Fault Detection Tasks
Authors: Kholkin Vladislav , Druzhina Olga , Vatnik Valerii , Kulagin Maksim , Karimov Timur , Butusov Denis
Published: June 2023

For the last two decades, artificial neural networks (ANNs) of the third generation, also known as spiking neural networks (SNN), have remained a subject of interest for researchers. A significant difficulty for the practical application of SNNs is their poor suitability for von Neumann computer architecture, so many researchers are currently focusing on the development of alternative hardware. Nevertheless, today several experimental libraries implementing SNNs for conventional computers are available. In this paper, using the RCNet library, we compare the performance of reservoir computing architectures based on artificial and spiking neural networks. We explicitly show that, despite the higher execution time, SNNs can demonstrate outstanding classification accuracy in the case of complicated datasets, such as data from industrial sensors used for the fault detection of bearings and gears. For one of the test problems, namely, ball bearing diagnosis using an accelerometer, the accuracy of the classification using reservoir SNN almost reached 100%, while the reservoir ANN was able to achieve recognition accuracy up to only 61%. The results of the study clearly demonstrate the superiority and benefits of SNN classificators.