bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Intubated Thoracic Surgery: Standpoints and Perspectives
Authors: Anile Marco , Vannucci Jacopo , Ferrante Francesco , Bruno Katia , De Paolo Dalila , Bassi Massimiliano , Pugliese Francesco , Venuta Federico ,   the NIVATS Interest Group
Published: July 2022

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NI-VATS) combines the advantages of a non-intubated surgery with the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. First, NI-VATS is performed in the case of fragile patients when general anesthesia and/or orotracheal intubation can be foreseen as inconvenient. However, NI-VATS indications have been increasingly extended to different patient conditions, considering the increasingly assessed safety and feasibility of the procedure. Currently, the NI-VATS approach is used worldwide for different thoracic surgery procedures, including the management of malignant pleural effusion, surgical treatment of empyema, anatomical and non-anatomical lung resection, and other indications. In fact, this approach has shown to be less impactful than VATS under general anesthesia, allowing for shortened hospitalization and faster recovery after surgery. Besides, NI-VATS is associated with fewer pulmonary complications, less respiratory distress, and a mild systemic inflammatory reaction. For these reasons, this approach should be considered not only in patients with poor cardiac or respiratory function (general functional reserve), but also in other eligible conditions.

We explored the anesthetic and surgical aspects of such an approach, including the management of analgesia, cough reflex, depth of sedation, and intraoperative technical issues to put this approach in perspective.
Think Beyond Particle Cytotoxicity: When Self-Cellular Components Released After Immunogenic Cell Death Explain Chronic Disease Development
Authors: Leinardi Riccardo , Longo Sanchez-Calero Chiara , Huaux François
Published: July 2022

The prolonged perturbation of the immune system following the release of a plethora of self-molecules (known as damage-associated molecular patterns, DAMPs) by stressed or dying cells triggers acute and chronic pathological responses. DAMPs are commonly released after plasma membrane damage or complete rupture due to immunogenic cell death (ICD), upon numerous stressors including infectious and toxic agents. The set of DAMPs released after ICD include mature proinflammatory cytokines and alarmins, but also polymeric macromolecules. These self-intracellular components are recognized by injured and healthy surrounding cells via innate receptors, and induce upregulation of stress-response mechanisms, including inflammation. In this review, by overstepping the simple toxicological evaluation, we apply ICD and DAMP concepts to silica cytotoxicity, providing new insights on the mechanisms driving the progress and/or the exacerbation of certain SiO2–related pathologies. Finally, by proposing self-DNA as new crucial DAMP, we aim to pave the way for the development of innovative and easy-to-perform predictive tests to better identify the hazard of fine and ultrafine silica particles. Importantly, such mechanisms could be extended to nano/micro plastics and diesel particles, providing strategic advice and reports on their health issues.
Pathological Diagnosis, Work-Up and Reporting of Breast Cancer 1st Central-Eastern European Professional Consensus Statement on Breast Cancer
Authors: Cserni Gábor , Francz Monika , Járay Balázs , Kálmán Endre , Kovács Ilona , Krenács Tibor , Tóth Erika , Udvarhelyi Nóra , Vass László , Vörös András , Krivokuca Ana , Kajo Karol , Kajová Macháleková Katarína , Kulka Janina
Published: July 2022

This text is based on the recommendations accepted by the 4th Hungarian Consensus Conference on Breast Cancer, modified on the basis of the international consultation and conference within the frames of the Central-Eastern European Academy of Oncology. The recommendations cover non-operative, intraoperative and postoperative diagnostics, determination of prognostic and predictive markers and the content of cytology and histology reports. Furthermore, they address some specific issues such as the current status of multigene molecular markers, the role of pathologists in clinical trials and prerequisites for their involvement, and some remarks about the future.
The Coupling Orbit–Attitude–Structure Evolution of Rubble-Pile Asteroid with Earth Flyby in the Restricted Three-Body Problem
Authors: Zeng Xiangyuan , Feng Chengfan , Wen Tongge , Gan Qingbo
Published: July 2022

Some asteroids flying close to Earth may pose a threat of impact. Among them, the structural and dynamical characteristics of rubble-pile asteroids can be changed because of the tidal force of the Earth in this process. This can provide key information for predicting the dynamical evolution of potentially hazardous asteroids. In this study, the long-term evolution of the coupling orbit–attitude–structure of these small bodies is presented numerically based on the integration of two models. One is the 3D discrete element method, which models the structure and irregular shape of the rubble-pile asteroid. The other is the dynamical model of the circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP). This provides a more precise dynamical environment of the asteroid orbital deflection, morphological modification, and attitude angles analysis compared to the frequently adopted two-body problem. Parametric studies on the asteroid evolution were performed focusing on its flyby distance and the bulk porosity. Numerical results indicate that the Earth flyby can form different patterns of modification of asteroids, where the rubble-pile structure can be destructed by considering the bulk porosity. The asteroid orbital deflection and attitude variational trends are also summarized based on the simulations of multi-orbital revolutions.
A Continuous Single-Layer Discrete Tiling System for Online Detection of Corn Impurities and Breakage Rates
Authors: Wu Kun , Zhang Min , Wang Gang , Chen Xu , Wu Jun
Published: July 2022

In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the methods that are used for the detection of impurities in and the breakage rate of harvested corn grains, we propose a classification and identification method using a feature threshold and a backpropagation (BP) neural network that is based on a genetic algorithm. We also constructed a continuous single-layer discrete tile detection system for application to harvested corn grains containing impurities and broken kernels. We conducted an evaluation of the proposed approach with a three-factor and three-level orthogonal experimental design. By setting the working parameters, we realized the continuous single-layer discrete tiling of the grains and 50 grain materials were collected on average in a single picture. In the static test, the error between the system monitoring value and the manual detection value was small, the maximum absolute errors of the breakage and impurity rates were 2.16% and 1.03%, and the average time that was required for each image recognition was 1.71 s. In the experimental environment, the maximum absolute error values of the breakage and impurity rates were 3.48% and 1.78%. The system’s identification accuracy and processing time meet the requirements of the online detection of corn characteristics in grain harvesting.
Energy Balance, Microclimate, and Crop Evapotranspiration of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Sprinkler Irrigation
Authors: Tang Xiaopei , Liu Haijun , Yang Li , Li Lun , Chang Jie
Published: July 2022

Understanding the impact of sprinkler irrigation on field energy balance, microclimate, and crop evapotranspiration is of great importance for optimizing irrigation scheduling and enhancing crop growth. In this study, the microclimate variables, energy, and water flux were measured using an eddy covariance system during four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growing seasons in a sprinkler-irrigated field of North China Plain. The variation patterns of microclimate, energy balance (net solar radiation Rn, soil heat flux G, latent heat LE, and sensible heat H) and crop evapotranspiration (ET) were analyzed during and after sprinkler irrigation events. A novel quantitative model using a stepwise regression method was developed to predict the change in microclimate after sprinkler irrigation by considering irrigation, weather, meteorology, and crop traits. The results showed that the reflectance rate of the wheat canopy decreased by 0.01, and the daily LE/Rn increased by 0.19–0.23 in the 1–3 days after sprinkler irrigation with 40–50 mm water, which finally resulted in crop ET increased by 1.8–4.7 mm during irrigation interval, and seasonal total ET could increase by 9–24 mm when five normal sprinkler irrigations were implemented in a wheat season. The mean daily H/Rn decreased by 0.06–0.17, indicating weak energy exchange between canopy and environment. The measured daily minimum (Tmin), maximum temperatures (Tmax) and daily mean vapor pressure deficit (VPD) decreased by approximately 0.8 °C, 0.9 °C, and 0.25 kPa, respectively, and daily mean relative humidity increased by approximately 7.5% on the first 3 days after sprinkler irrigation; and these changes decreased and were negligible on the 5th–7th days. The decreases in daily Tmin, Tmax, and mean VPD after sprinkler irrigation could change more under higher irrigation amounts and sunny days with a larger crop leaf area index based on the fitted models.
Differentially Expressed Transcription Factors during Male and Female Cone Development in Pinus halepensis
Authors: Reisfeld Gilad , Faigenboim Adi , Fox Hagar , Zemach Hanita , Eshed Williams Leor , David-Schwartz Rakefet
Published: July 2022

The molecular regulation of induction and development of reproductive organs is well established in angiosperms, while it is slowly accumulating in gymnosperms. Here, we conducted comparative transcriptomic profiles at different stages of male and female cone development in Pinus halepensis. Our aim was to reveal transcription factor encoding genes involved in reproductive induction and development. For accurate developmental stage identification, histological analysis preceded the molecular analysis. The flowering induction genes FT/TFL were expressed mainly at the late developmental stages of the male cone, suggesting involvement in vegetative bud dormancy instead of flowering induction. The male cone development was associated with the expression of the C-class PhMADS2, and the B-class genes PhDAL11 and PhDAL13, while the female cone development was associated with the expression of the C-class MADS1 and DAL14 genes. This study adds valuable knowledge to the profile of transcription factors and MADS-box genes regulating cone development in gymnosperms.
Predicting Current and Future Potential Distributions of Parthenium hysterophorus in Bangladesh Using Maximum Entropy Ecological Niche Modelling
Authors: Masum Sheikh Muhammad , Halim Abdul , Mandal Mohammad Shamim Hasan , Asaduzzaman Md , Adkins Steve
Published: July 2022

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is among the most noxious invasive alien plant species, which can pose a threat to agro- and native-ecosystems. Despite potential parthenium infestation risks at the south-western regions of the Ganges–Brahmaputra floodplains of Bangladesh, no studies exist that document parthenium infestation. Using field surveys and a maximum entropy (Maxent) modelling approach, the present study tries to address the problem in the concerned region comprised of five Districts: Jashore, Jhenaidah, Chuadanga, Meherpur, and Khustia. The results revealed high infestation in the Jashore, Jhenaidah, and Chuadanga Districts, mainly along roadsides, in grasslands, and in fallow and cropped fields. The greatest abundance of the weed (ca. 30 plants m−2) occurred at the Indian border area, suggesting cross-border spreading, possibly through the linking road systems. Furthermore, we found that under both low and high emissions scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways 2.6 and 8.5), parthenium weed suitability areas were likely to expand, suggesting an increased threat to the agro-ecosystems of Bangladesh. The present study is the first attempt to survey and model potential parthenium weed distribution affecting one of the major hubs of agricultural production in Bangladesh. The findings of this study can help land managers to make judicious decisions towards the future management of these agro-ecosystems.
Anthelmintic Efficacy of Palmarosa Oil and Curcuma Oil against the Fish Ectoparasite Gyrodactylus kobayashii (monogenean)
Authors: Zhou Shun , Yang Qiuhong , Dong Jing , Liu Yongtao , Xu Ning , Yang Yibin , Ai Xiaohui
Published: July 2022

Monogeneans are a serious threat to the development of aquaculture due to the severe economic losses they cause. The prevention and treatment of this disease are increasingly difficult because of the environmental and health concerns caused by the use of chemical anthelmintics and the emergence of drug resistance. It is thus necessary to search for effective alternatives for the treatment of monogenean infections. In the current study, anthelmintic efficacy of 16 selected essential oils (EOs) was investigated using the goldfish (Carassius auratus)–Gyrodactylus kobayashii model. The screening experiment indicated that palmarosa oil and curcuma oil had satisfactory anthelmintic activity against G. kobayashii with EC100 values of 10 and 12 mg/L after 24-h exposure, respectively. The in vivo and in vitro assays indicated anthelmintic efficacy of palmarosa oil against G. kobayashii was in a time and dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, curcuma oil showed an anesthetic effect on G. kobayashii, and its anthelmintic activity was dose-dependent rather than time-dependent in the concentration range tested in this study. Additionally, the 24-h LC50 (50% lethal concentration) against goldfish of these two EOs was 8.19-fold and 5.54-fold higher than their corresponding EC50 (50% effective concentration) against G. kobayashii, respectively. Moreover, exposure to these two EOs at 100% effective concentration against G. kobayashii had no serious physiological and histopathological influence on goldfish. These results demonstrated a high safety for goldfish of these two EOs. Overall, palmarosa oil and curcuma oil could be potential candidates for the treatment of G. kobayashii infections in aquaculture.
Disenfranchised Guilt—Pet Owners’ Burden
Authors: Kogan Lori R. , Bussolari Cori , Currin-McCulloch Jennifer , Packman Wendy , Erdman Phyllis
Published: July 2022

Guilt refers to an unpleasant emotional state associated with one’s behaviors, thoughts, or intentions, and it is based on the possibility that one may be in the wrong or that others may have this perception. Parental guilt is one common subtype and is often associated with work–family conflict (WFC). WFC and related guilt have been found to be associated with depression and anxiety. Through an online anonymous survey, the current study was designed to explore dog owners’ guilt surrounding their dogs. Results suggest that dog owners’ guilt and WFC associated with their dog are at levels similar to those reported in human family studies. Additionally, the relationship between dog owners’ guilt and discrepancy between participants’ actual and ideal self, in regard to the role of a dog owner, also mirrored human-only family research. Because pet-related guilt is unrecognized, acknowledged, or supported, we suggest it is disenfranchised. As people return to work, in this period of post-COVID-19 pandemic time, it is paramount that companies and communities acknowledge pet owner guilt and WFC and help owners find practical, effective solutions.
Weighted Single-Step Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction Method Application for Assessing Pigs on Meat Productivity and Reproduction Traits
Authors: Kabanov Artem , Melnikova Ekaterina , Nikitin Sergey , Somova Maria , Fomenko Oleg , Volkova Valeria , Kostyunina Olga , Karpushkina Tatiana , Martynova Elena , Trebunskikh Elena
Published: July 2022

Changes in the accuracy of the genomic estimates obtained by the ssGBLUP and wssGBLUP methods were evaluated using different reference groups. The weighting procedure’s reasonableness of application Pwas considered to improve the accuracy of genomic predictions for meat, fattening and reproduction traits in pigs. Six reference groups were formed to assess the genomic data quantity impact on the accuracy of predicted values (groups of genotyped animals). The datasets included 62,927 records of meat and fattening productivity (fat thickness over 6–7 ribs (BF1, mm)), muscle depth (MD, mm) and precocity up to 100 kg (age, days) and 16,070 observations of reproductive qualities (the number of all born piglets (TNB) and the number of live-born piglets (NBA), according to the results of the first farrowing). The wssGBLUP method has an advantage over ssGBLUP in terms of estimation reliability. When using a small reference group, the difference in the accuracy of ssGBLUP over BLUP AM is from −1.9 to +7.3 percent points, while for wssGBLUP, the change in accuracy varies from +18.2 to +87.3 percent points. Furthermore, the superiority of the wssGBLUP is also maintained for the largest group of genotyped animals: from +4.7 to +15.9 percent points for ssGBLUP and from +21.1 to +90.5 percent points for wssGBLUP. However, for all analyzed traits, the number of markers explaining 5% of genetic variability varied from 71 to 108, and the number of such SNPs varied depending on the size of the reference group (79–88 for BF1, 72–81 for MD, 71–108 for age). The results of the genetic variation distribution have the greatest similarity between groups of about 1000 and about 1500 individuals. Thus, the size of the reference group of more than 1000 individuals gives more stable results for the estimation based on the wssGBLUP method, while using the reference group of 500 individuals can lead to distorted results of GEBV.
Viral Co-Infections of Warthogs in Namibia with African Swine Fever Virus and Porcine Parvovirus 1
Authors: Molini Umberto , Franzo Giovanni , Settypalli Tirumala B. K. , Hemberger Maria Y. , Khaiseb Siegfried , Cattoli Giovanni , Dundon William G. , Lamien Charles E.
Published: July 2022

Understanding virus circulation in wild animals, particularly those that have contact with domestic animals, is crucial for disease management and control. In Africa, warthogs are known to be asymptomatic carriers of porcine pathogens; a recent study in Namibia has shown them to be positive for Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2). In this study, the same samples used for the PCV-2 investigation in Namibia were further screened for the presence of African swine fever virus (ASFV) and porcine parvovirus 1 (PPV1) by PCR. Of the 42 animals tested, 2 (4.8%) and 13 (31%) were positive for AFSV and PPV1, respectively. The two AFSV were also co-infected with PPV1. Combing the results of this study with the results of the previous PCV-2 investigation, four warthogs were shown to be co-infected with both PPV1 and PCV-2. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the AFSV belonged to genotype (Ib) but were from different serogroups. Unexpectedly, the ASFVs from the warthogs were genetically distinct to those observed in an outbreak in the same region of Namibia that occurred less than fifteen months prior to the sampling of the warthogs. In fact, a stronger genetic relationship was observed between the warthog viruses and historical Namibian and South African ASFVs identified in 1980, 2004 and 2008. For the PPV1s, the closest relative to the Namibian PPV1 were viruses identified in wild boar in Romania in 2011. This study confirms that warthogs are carriers of porcine pathogens and the data should encourage further studies on larger populations of wild and domestic swine to more fully understand the epidemiology and transmission of viral pathogens from these species.
Comparison of Female Verzaschese and Camosciata delle Alpi Goats’ Hematological Parameters in The Context of Adaptation to Local Environmental Conditions in Semi-Extensive Systems in Italy
Authors: Agradi Stella , Menchetti Laura , Curone Giulio , Faustini Massimo , Vigo Daniele , Villa Luca , Zanzani Sergio Aurelio , Postoli Rezart , Kika Tana Shtylla , Riva Federica , Draghi Susanna , Luridiana Sebastiano , Archetti Ivonne , Brecchia Gabriele , Manfredi Maria Teresa , Gazzonis Alessia Libera
Published: July 2022

Local livestock breeds are pivotal to ensure sustainable agriculture and represent a real genetic resource in the context of genetic variability reduction. This study aimed at broadening the knowledge about hematological values in female Verzaschese and Camosciata delle Alpi goats (an Italian local and a cosmopolitan goat breed, respectively) and investigating factors affecting them (i.e., breed, age, season). Blood samples were collected monthly from 34 Verzaschese and 37 Camosciata delle Alpi female goats kept under the same semi-extensive farming system for a whole year. The main hematological parameters were evaluated, and descriptive as well as inferential statistical analyses were performed. Reference intervals for complete blood cell count were established and several inter-breed differences were found. In particular, most of the red blood cell parameters were higher in Verzaschese than Camosciata delle Alpi (p < 0.05) suggesting a greater gastrointestinal parasites’ resilience of the local breed. The age effect (p < 0.05) was consistent with the literature while the season effect (p < 0.05) could be explained by the melatonin immunostimulant action and gastrointestinal parasitism influence. Overall, differences in blood values could be attributed to physiological changes and adaptive strategies developed through centuries highlighting the remarkable rusticity and adaptation to the environment and farming system of the local breed.
Active Deformation Patterns in the Northern Birjand Mountains of the Sistan Suture Zone, Iran
Authors: Ezati Maryam , Gholami Ebrahim , Mousavi Seyed Morteza , Rashidi Ahmad , Derakhshani Reza
Published: July 2022

In this paper, faults, one of the most important causes of geohazards, were investigated from a kinematic and geometric viewpoint in the northern part of the Sistan suture zone (SSZ), which serves as the boundary between the Afghan and Lut blocks. Furthermore, field evidence was analyzed in order to assess the structural type and deformation mechanism of the research area. In the northern Birjand mountain range, several ~E–W striking faults cut through geological units; geometric and kinematic analyses of these faults indicate that almost all faults have main reverse components, which reveals the existing compressional stress in the study area. The northern Birjand mountain range is characterized by four main reverse faults with ~E–W striking: F1–F4. The F1 and F2 reverse faults have southward dips, while the F3 and F4 reverse faults have northward dips. Moreover, the lengths of the F1, F2, F3, and F4 faults are 31, 17, 8, and 38 km, respectively. These faults, with reverse components that have interactive relationships with each other, form high relief structures. The study area’s main reverse faults, including F1 to F4, are extensions of the Nehbandan fault system, while their kinematics and geometry in the northern Birjand mountain range point to an N–S pop-up structure.
The Pumping Performance of a Multiport Hybrid Molecular Pump and Its Effect on the Inspection Performance of a Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak Detector
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Xiaodong , Hou Defeng , Ba Dechun
Published: July 2022

The multiport hybrid molecular pump is a new type of molecular pump that was specifically designed for use in helium mass spectrometer leak detectors. This pump enables the instrument to detect both downstream and counter-current leaks. Access to different extraction ports can fulfill various leak detection requirements, which broadens the application range of these detectors and improves their detection efficiency. This paper establishes a model for the calculation of the parameters of a helium mass spectrometer leak detector under fine inspection conditions, studies the influence of different turbine blade parameters and fine inspection port positions on pumping performance and leak detection, discusses a method to determine turbine blade parameters and fine inspection port positions under fine inspection conditions, and provides a theoretical basis for the development of helium mass spectrometer leak detection technology and the optimization of multiport hybrid molecular pump structures. The results show that reducing the blade inclination and increasing the number and height of blades can improve the detection sensitivity. Provided that the hybrid molecular pump has good pumping capacity, the helium mass spectrometer leak detector can obtain high detection sensitivity when the single blade inclination angle is 25°, the number of turbine blades is 25 to 30, the blade height is 3 mm, and the blade thickness is 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm. To determine the position of the inspection port, it is necessary to consider the actual requirements of the leak detector, such as the working pressure of the inspected parts, the leakage rate and the minimum detectable leakage rate. When the inspection port is between the 7th- and 8th-stage blade rows, optimum working pressure of the mass spectrometer chamber for better leak detection performance and large pressure detection range are guaranteed.
Reinforcement Learning-Based Algorithm to Avoid Obstacles by the Anthropomorphic Robotic Arm
Authors: Lindner Tymoteusz , Milecki Andrzej
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the application of the policy gradient Reinforcement Learning-based (RL) method for obstacle avoidance is proposed. This method was successfully used to control the movements of a robot using trial-and-error interactions with its environment. In this paper, an approach based on a Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm combined with a Hindsight Experience Replay (HER) algorithm for avoiding obstacles has been investigated. In order to ensure that the robot avoids obstacles and reaches the desired position as quickly and as accurately as possible, a special approach to the training and architecture of two RL agents working simultaneously was proposed. The implementation of this RL-based approach was first implemented in a simulation environment, which was used to control the 6-axis robot simulation model. Then, the same algorithm was used to control a real 6-DOF (degrees of freedom) robot. The results obtained in the simulation were compared with results obtained in laboratory conditions.
Wrinkling Patterns and Stress Analysis of Tensile Membrane with Rigid Elements
Authors: Sun Peng , Huang Jin , Zhang Jiaying , Meng Fanbo
Published: July 2022

Heterogeneous membrane structures with rigid elements are often used in flexible electronic and aerospace structures. In heterogeneous membrane structures under tension, the disturbance stress caused by the rigid element changes the stress distribution of the membrane, and it is difficult to calculate the stress distribution of the heterogeneous membrane structure using the traditional stress functions method. In this article, we propose a method for calculating the non-uniform stress field based on the Eshelby elastic inclusion theory, which states that tension membrane structures contain square rigid elements. The wrinkle distribution of the rigid element at different positions is predicted by a stress analysis, and the influence of the position and size of the rigid element on the wrinkle distribution of the membrane is studied by a finite-element simulation. The research results show that the wrinkle pattern of the stretched membrane can be controlled by changing the position of the rigid element to meet some special needs.
Signal Enhancement of Helicopter Rotor Aerodynamic Noise Based on Cyclic Wiener Filtering
Authors: Wu Chengfeng , Wei Chunhua , Wang Yong , Gao Yang
Published: July 2022

The research on helicopter rotor aerodynamic noise becomes imperative with the wide use of helicopters in civilian fields. In this study, a signal enhancement method based on cyclic Wiener filtering was proposed given the cyclostationarity of rotor aerodynamic noise. The noise was adaptively filtered out by performing a group of frequency shifts on the input signal. According to the characteristics of rotor aerodynamic noise, a detection function was constructed to realize the long-distance detection of helicopters. The flight data of the Robinson R44 helicopter was obtained through the field flight experiment and employed as the research object for analysis. The detection range of the Robinson R44 helicopter after cyclic Wiener filtering was increased from 4.114 km to 17.75 km, verifying the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. The efficacy of the proposed detection method was demonstrated and compared in the far-field flight test measurements of the Robinson R44 helicopter.
Compliant Cross-Axis Joints: A Tailoring Displacement Range Approach via Lattice Flexures and Machine Learning
Authors: Cáceres-C. Christian , Cuan-Urquizo Enrique , Alfaro-Ponce Mariel
Published: July 2022

Compliant joints are flexible elements that allow displacement due to the elastic deformations they experience under the action of external loading. The flexible parts responsible for these displacements are known as flexure hinges. Displacement, or motion range, in compliant joints depends on the stiffness of the flexure hinges and can be tailored through various parameters, including the overall dimensions, the base material, and the distribution within the hinge. Considering the distribution, we propose the stiffness modification of a compliant cross-axis joint via the use of lattice mechanical metamaterials. Due to the wide range of parameters that influence the stiffness of a lattice, different machine learning algorithms (artificial neural networks, support vector machine, and Gaussian progress regression) were proposed to forecast these parameters. Here, the machine learning algorithm with the best forecasting was the Gaussian progress regression; this algorithm has the advantage of well-tuning even with small regression databases, allowing these functions to more easily adjust to suit specific data, even if the dataset is small. Hexagonal, re-entrant, and square lattices were studied as flexure hinges. For each, the effect of the unit cell size and its orientation with respect to the principal axis on the effective stiffness were studied via computational and laboratory experiments on additively manufactured samples. Finite element predictions resulted in good agreement with the experimentally obtained data. As a result, using lattice-flexure hinges led to increments in displacement ranging from double to ten times those obtained with solid hinges. The most suitable machine learning algorithm was the Gaussian progress regression, with a maximum error of 0.12% when compared to the finite element analysis results.
Application of Electrolyzed Water in the Food Industry: A Review
Authors: Rebezov Maksim , Saeed Kanza , Khaliq Adnan , Rahman Syed Junaid Ur , Sameed Nimra , Semenova Anastasia , Khayrullin Mars , Dydykin Andrey , Abramov Yury , Thiruvengadam Muthu , Shariati Mohammad Ali , Bangar Sneh Punia , Lorenzo Jose M.
Published: July 2022

Electrolyzed water is a novel disinfectant and cleaner that has been widely utilized in the food sector for several years to ensure that surfaces are sterilized, and that food is safe. It is produced by the electrolysis of a dilute salt solution, and the reaction products include sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hypochlorous acid. In comparison to conventional cleaning agents, electrolyzed water is economical and eco-friendly, easy to use, and strongly effective. Electrolyzed water is also used in its acidic form, but it is non-corrosive to the human epithelium and other organic matter. The electrolyzed water can be utilized in a diverse range of foods; thus, it is an appropriate choice for synergistic microbial control in the food industry to ensure food safety and quality without damaging the organoleptic parameters of the food. The present review article highlights the latest information on the factors responsible for food spoilage and the antimicrobial potential of electrolyzed water in fresh or processed plant and animal products.
Current Research in Food Safety and Biotechnology
Authors: Oroian Mircea , Codină Georgiana Gabriela
Published: July 2022

Biotechnology is a field at the interface of biology and industry, being part of the applied sciences field [...]
Classification of Intensity Distributions of Transmission Eigenchannels of Disordered Nanophotonic Structures Using Machine Learning
Authors: Sarma Raktim , Pribisova Abigail , Sumner Bjorn , Briscoe Jayson
Published: July 2022

Light-matter interaction optimization in complex nanophotonic structures is a critical step towards the tailored performance of photonic devices. The increasing complexity of such systems requires new optimization strategies beyond intuitive methods. For example, in disordered photonic structures, the spatial distribution of energy densities has large random fluctuations due to the interference of multiply scattered electromagnetic waves, even though the statistically averaged spatial profiles of the transmission eigenchannels are universal. Classification of these eigenchannels for a single configuration based on visualization of intensity distributions is difficult. However, successful classification could provide vital information about disordered nanophotonic structures. Emerging methods in machine learning have enabled new investigations into optimized photonic structures. In this work, we combine intensity distributions of the transmission eigenchannels and the transmitted speckle-like intensity patterns to classify the eigenchannels of a single configuration of disordered photonic structures using machine learning techniques. Specifically, we leverage supervised learning methods, such as decision trees and fully connected neural networks, to achieve classification of these transmission eigenchannels based on their intensity distributions with an accuracy greater than 99%, even with a dataset including photonic devices of various disorder strengths. Simultaneous classification of the transmission eigenchannels and the relative disorder strength of the nanophotonic structure is also possible. Our results open new directions for machine learning assisted speckle-based metrology and demonstrate a novel approach to classifying nanophotonic structures based on their electromagnetic field distributions. These insights can be of paramount importance for optimizing light-matter interactions at the nanoscale.
Accumulation of Astaxanthin and Canthaxanthin in Liver and Gonads of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792)) Reared in Water Containing the Fungicide Mancozeb in Concentration Level Permitted by European Legislation
Authors: Tzanova Milena , Yaneva Zvezdelina , Valkova Elica , Ivanova Donika , Atanasov Vasil
Published: July 2022

In this study, we studied the levels of both of the main pigments in Salmonidae—astaxanthin (Ax) and canthaxanthin (Cx)—accumulated in the liver, female gonads, and male gonads of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reared in water containing the fungicide mancozeb (MZ) in concentration levels permitted by European legislation. Experimental fish were divided into three groups: the first was a control group, the second was fed with market feed (containing Ax and Cx), and the third was fed with market feed (containing Ax and Cx) and reared in environmental water containing permissible MZ levels. The diet preparation followed the manufacturer’s recommendations. The accumulated pigment quantities were measured using an HPLC-PDA method after selective extraction: Ax ranged from 2.490 ± 0.247 mg/kg (female gonads, second group) to 0.176 ± 0.007 mg/kg (liver, control group), and Cx—from 2.406 ± 0.166 mg/kg (female gonads, second group) to 0.103 ± 0.010 mg/kg (liver, control group). The pattern of the accumulation of both pigments in the three organs in the specimens of the three groups was sustainable: the amount of Ax was always greater than that of Cx, and the correlation between their concentrations was very high. The pigments were accumulated most intensively in the female gonads, followed by the male gonads and the liver. This trend was confirmed for all three experimental groups. However, the differences in the last third group were very small, and the levels of the xanthophylls accumulated were the lowest. A particular cause of the latter findings was the ongoing detoxification reactions and the disposal of MZ, in which Ax and Cx were involved as antioxidants.
Livestock Management on Grazing Field: A FANET Based Approach
Authors: Alanezi Mohammed A. , Sadiq Bashir O. , Sha’aban Yusuf A. , Bouchekara Houssem R. E. H.
Published: July 2022

In recent times, designated grazing areas/fields or routes for livestock grazing are usually defined. Hence, their herding activities’ success relies on data extracted from aerial photographs. As such, a direct and cost-effective way of monitoring livestock for perimeter coverage and in other natural situations is required. This paper presents a coverage solution involving multiple interacting unmanned aerial vehicles. The presented approach is built on a graph, with geographic coordinates set such that several Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can successfully cover the area. The maximum flying time determines the number of UAVs employed for coverage. The proposed solution is thought to solve some practical problems encountered during the execution of the task with actual UAVs. It is suitable for long-term monitoring of animal behavior under various weather conditions and observing the relationship between livestock distribution and available resources on a grazing field. The simulation was carried out using MATLAB and aerial images from Google Earth.
Gait Biomechanics for Fall Prevention among Older Adults
Authors: Nagano Hanatsu
Published: July 2022

In our currently ageing society, fall prevention is important for better healthy life expectancy and sustainable healthcare systems. While active outdoor walking is recommended as adequate exercise for the senior population, falls due to tripping and slipping exist as the primary causes of severe injuries. Minimum foot clearance (MFC) is the lowest vertical height of the foot during the mid-swing phase and indicates the risk of tripping. In contrast, coefficient of friction (COF) factors determine the occurrence of falls from slipping. Optimisation of the MFC and the COF for every step cycle prevents tripping and slipping, respectively. Even after the initiation of hazardous balance loss (i.e., tripping and slipping), falls can still be prevented as long as the requirements for balance are restored. Biomechanically, dynamic balance is defined by the bodily centre of mass and by the base of support: spatially—margin of stability and temporally—available response time. Fall prevention strategies should, therefore, target controlling the MFC, the COF and dynamic balance. Practical intervention strategies include footwear modification (i.e., shoe-insole geometry and slip-resistant outsoles), exercise (i.e., ankle dorsiflexors and core stabilisers) and technological rehabilitation (i.e., electrical stimulators and active exoskeletons). Biomechanical concepts can be practically applied to various everyday settings for fall prevention among the older population.
Deep Transfer Learning Enabled Intelligent Object Detection for Crowd Density Analysis on Video Surveillance Systems
Authors: Alrowais Fadwa , Alotaibi Saud S. , Al-Wesabi Fahd N. , Negm Noha , Alabdan Rana , Marzouk Radwa , Mehanna Amal S. , Al Duhayyim Mesfer
Published: July 2022

Object detection is a computer vision based technique which is used to detect instances of semantic objects of a particular class in digital images and videos. Crowd density analysis is one of the commonly utilized applications of object detection. Since crowd density classification techniques face challenges like non-uniform density, occlusion, inter-scene, and intra-scene deviations, convolutional neural network (CNN) models are useful. This paper presents a Metaheuristics with Deep Transfer Learning Enabled Intelligent Crowd Density Detection and Classification (MDTL-ICDDC) model for video surveillance systems. The proposed MDTL-ICDDC technique mostly concentrates on the effective identification and classification of crowd density on video surveillance systems. In order to achieve this, the MDTL-ICDDC model primarily leverages a Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) with NASNetLarge model as a feature extraction in which the hyperparameter tuning process is performed by the SSA. Furthermore, a weighted extreme learning machine (WELM) method was utilized for crowd density and classification process. Finally, the krill swarm algorithm (KSA) is applied for an effective parameter optimization process and thereby improves the classification results. The experimental validation of the MDTL-ICDDC approach was carried out with a benchmark dataset, and the outcomes are examined under several aspects. The experimental values indicated that the MDTL-ICDDC system has accomplished enhanced performance over other models such as Gabor, BoW-SRP, Bow-LBP, GLCM-SVM, GoogleNet, and VGGNet.
Dynamics Simulation and Field Test Verification of Multi-Functional Beekeeping Loading Box Based on the Tracked Vehicle
Authors: Wang Pingan , Mo Changyeun , Kim Subae , Han Xiongzhe
Published: July 2022

The Korean beekeeping industry is continuously declining owing to the aging worker population and a lack of automation. To solve the problem of manual transportation and low automation of transportation tools in Korean apiculture, a multifunctional beekeeping transport loading box was developed by modifying a tracked vehicle developed in previous studies. To ensure the safety of the modified beekeeping vehicle in an apiary, a dynamic analysis of the vehicle in virtual simulation conditions and a field test inside an actual apiary were conducted. Firstly, the TRACK_LM module in multibody dynamics software RecurDyn was used to model the vehicle. Then, the model was analyzed in two use cases (bee frame loading and beehive loading), three geological conditions (clayey soil, dry sand, and upland sandy loam), and two types of terrain (s-turn and 8° slope). Meanwhile, tests under similar conditions were conducted in an actual apiary. The simulation results indicated that the modified beekeeping vehicle operated stably in the simulated agricultural apiary ground (clayey soil and upland sandy loam). The maximum pitch angles in the clayey soil and upland sandy loam conditions were 11.77° and 12.74°, respectively. However, the vehicle cannot operate under dry sand conditions on a slope because it exceeded the calculated maximum angle (34°) during operation. The maximum pitch angle of only 8.8° in the apiary transport experiment proved that the modified beekeeping vehicle could be driven safely in actual apiaries. Moreover, a comparison of the field test results with the simulation results revealed that the field test further verifies the reference value and correctness of the simulation results.
Diagnostic Analysis of Multimodel Rainstorm Forecast for Cases Based on MODE Method
Authors: Zhang Hongfang , Pan Liujie
Published: July 2022

It is very important to analyze the performance of the model rainstorm forecast for understanding the intensity and position deviation of the model precipitation and improving the forecast ability. This paper uses classical scoring and the MODE (Method for Object-Based Diagnostic Evaluation) method to evaluate the forecast performance of different products. The forecast and observation data used in the article mainly include CMA (China Meteorological Administration) multi-source merged precipitation analysis, the precipitation forecast of ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts), CMA-Meso (Mesoscale model forecast of CMA) and SCMOC (National Meteorological Center grid precipitation forecast guidance product) data. At the same time, the possible correction method of heavy rainfall area is explored by using the high and low-level circulation configuration of the ECMWF model. The main conclusions are as follows: ① MODE spatial verification shows that the number, intensity, area and location of ECMWF rainstorm precipitation objects match the observed precipitation best, which is obviously better than SCMOC and CMA-Meso precipitation forecasts. There are significantly fewer SCMOC rainstorm precipitation objects, and the area of each single precipitation object is significantly larger, which often fails to report the small area objects of convective precipitation. ② The reason for the high TS score of SCMOC is that it reduces the number of small area rainstorm objects and avoids the “double punishment” phenomenon caused by position forecast error, which leads to the failure of SCMOC in local rainstorm forecasts. ③ Analyzing the relationship between the circulation situation of the ECMWF model and the location of rainstorm forecasts by the model, it is found that the location of the rainstorm area is consistent with the upper circulation system, especially with the strong rising area of the vertical velocity of 700 hPa and the high value area of the specific humidity of 850 hPa. When the rainstorm area coincides with the upper air system but is not consistent with the ground convergence area and the high value area of velocity potential, the rainstorm location often has a large deviation. The location of the surface convergence area can be used as a reference to improve the performance of the rainstorm forecast.
Inertial Projection Algorithm for Solving Split Best Proximity Point and Mixed Equilibrium Problems in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Husain Shamshad , Khan Faizan Ahmad , Furkan Mohd , Khairoowala Mubashshir U. , Eljaneid Nidal H. E.
Published: July 2022

The primary goal of this paper is to present and study an inertial projection algorithm for solving the split best proximity and mixed equilibrium problems. We find a solution of the best proximity problem in such a way that its image under a bounded linear operator is the solution of the mixed equilibrium problem under the setting of real Hilbert spaces. We construct an iterative algorithm for the proposed problem and prove a weak convergence theorem. Moreover, we deduce some consequences from the main convergence result. Finally, a numerical experiment is presented to demonstrate the convergence analysis of our algorithm. The methodology and results presented in this work improve and unify some previously published findings in this field.