bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytochemicals as Potential Therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2–Induced Cardiovascular Complications: Thrombosis and Platelet Perspective
Authors: Beura Samir K. , Panigrahi Abhishek R. , Yadav Pooja , Singh Sunil K.
Published: April 2021

After gaining entry through ACE2 aided by TMPRSS2, the SARS-CoV-2 causes serious complications of the cardiovascular system leading to myocarditis and other myocardial injuries apart from causing lung, kidney and brain dysfunctions. Here in this review, we are going to divulge the cellular and immunological mechanisms behind the cardiovascular, thrombotic and platelet impairments that are caused in COVID-19. In addition, we also propose the significance of various anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic phytochemicals in the treatment of COVID-19. The virus induces many immune-modulatory cytokines and chemokines which help in the intravascular coagulation and create a pro-thrombotic environment along with pulmonary embolism and thrombocytopenia. Different types of innate and adaptive immune cells and their granular contents regulate the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 induced endothelial and platelet dysfunctions which correlate the involvement of platelets with myocardial injury and intravascular thrombi directly or indirectly. Hence, by exploiting the natural bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and inhibiting the platelet mediated thrombus formation can be beneficial for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Microglial Activation Is Associated With Vasoprotection in a Rat Model of Inflammatory Retinal Vasoregression
Authors: Riemann Sarah , Kolibabka Matthias , Busch Stephanie , Lin Jihong , Hoffmann Sigrid , Gretz Norbert , Feng Yuxi , Wohlfart Paulus , Hammes Hans-Peter
Published: April 2021

Vascular dysfunction and vasoregression are hallmarks of a variety of inflammatory central nervous system disorders and inflammation-related retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy. Activation of microglia and the humoral innate immune system are contributing factors. Anti-inflammatory approaches have been proposed as therapies for neurovascular diseases, which include the modulation of microglial activation. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of microglial activation by clodronate-coated liposomes on vasoregression in a model of retinal degeneration. Clodronate treatment over 5 weeks led to an increase in activated CD74+ microglia and completely prevented acellular capillaries and pericyte loss. Gene expression analyses indicated that vasoprotection was due to the induction of vasoprotective factors such as Egr1, Stat3, and Ahr while expression of pro-inflammatory genes remained unchanged. We concluded that activated microglia led to a shift toward induction of pleiotropic protective pathways supporting vasoprotection in neurovascular retinal diseases.
The Structural Difference of Isobaric N-Glycans of Two Microalgae Samples Reveals Taxonomic Distance
Authors: Mócsai Réka , Kaehlig Hanspeter , Blaukopf Markus , Stadlmann Johannes , Kosma Paul , Altmann Friedrich
Published: April 2021

Microalgae of the Chlorella clade are extensively investigated as an environmentally friendly source of renewable biofuels and high-value nutrients. In addition, essentially unprocessed Chlorella serves as wholesome food additive. A recent study on 80 commercial Chlorella preparations revealed an unexpected variety of protein-linked N-glycan patterns with unprecedented structural features, such as the occurrence of arabinose. Two groups of products exhibited a characteristic major N-glycan isobaric to the Man2GlcNAc2XylFuc N-glycan known from pineapple stem bromelain, but tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis pointed at two types of N-glycan different from the bromelain structure, as well as from each other. Here we report the exact structures of these two novel N-glycan structures, elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and MS/MS, as well as on their phylogenetic context. Despite their humble size, these two N-glycans exhibited a very different design with structural features unrelated to those recently described for other Chlorella-clade strains. The major glycans of this study presented several novel structural features such as substitution by arabinose or xylose of the internal N-acetylglucosamine, as well as methylated sugars. ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA barcode analyses revealed that the xylose-containing structure derived from a product primarily comprising Scenedesmus species, and the arabinose-containing glycan type related to Chlorella species (SAG211-34 and FACHB-31) and to Auxenochlorella. This is another example where characteristic N-glycan structures distinguish phylogenetically different groups of microalgae.
Comparison of C:N:P Stoichiometry in the Plant–Litter–Soil System Between Poplar and Elm Plantations in the Horqin Sandy Land, China
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Risheng , Song Lining , Yan Tao , Na Enhang
Published: April 2021

Afforestation is among the most effective means of preventing and controlling desertification. Silver poplar (Populus alba) is commonly planted tree species for afforestation of the Horqin Sandy Land of China. However, this species has exhibited some drawbacks such as top shoot dieback, premature senescence and mortality, and soil and ecosystems degradation. In contrast, Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) rarely experiences these problems in the same regions. Ecological stoichiometry plays a vital role in exploring ecological processes and nutrient cycle relationships in plant–litter–soil systems. To explore the differences in the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) balance, the stoichiometry characteristics and stoichiometric homeostasis in elm and poplar plantations in the Horqin Sandy Land, we measured C, N, and P concentrations in leaves, branches, roots, litter, and soils and analyzed N and P resorption efficiencies in the two plantations. The results showed that soil C and N concentrations, C:P, and N:P were greater in the elm plantation than in the poplar plantation. The leaf and root C:P and N:P during summer and litter N and P concentrations were greater, whereas N and P resorption efficiencies were lower, in the elm plantation than in the poplar plantation. Generally, elm exhibited greater N:P homeostasis than poplar. N and N:P homeostasis were greater in roots than in leaves and branches in the elm plantation, but they varied with soil N concentration and N:P in the poplar plantation. These findings indicate that poplar exhibited more developed internal nutrient conservation and allocation strategies but poor nutrient accumulation in soil, which may contribute to degradation of poplar plantation. In contrast, elm tended to return more nutrients to the soil, showing an improved nutrient cycle in the plant–litter–soil system and increased soil C and N accumulation in the elm plantation. Therefore, compared with poplar, elm may be a more suitable afforestation tree species for the Horqin Sandy Land, in terms of promoting the accumulation of soil nutrients and enhancing nutrient cycling in the plant–litter–soil system.
Political Trust in the “Places That Don't Matter”
Authors: McKay Lawrence , Jennings Will , Stoker Gerry
Published: April 2021

A popular explanation for the recent success of right-wing populist candidates, parties and movements is that this is the “revenge of the places that don't matter”. Under this meso-level account, as economic development focuses on increasingly prosperous cities, voters in less dynamic and rural areas feel neglected by the political establishment, and back radical change. However, this premise is typically tested through the analysis of voting behavior rather than directly through citizens' feelings of political trust, and non-economic sources of grievance are not explored. We develop place-oriented measures of trust, perceived social marginality and perceived economic deprivation. We show that deprived and rural areas of Britain indeed lack trust in government. However, the accompanying sense of grievance for each type of area is different. Modeling these as separate outcomes, our analysis suggests that outside of cities, people lack trust because they feel socially marginal, whereas people in deprived areas lack trust owing to a combination of perceived economic deprivation and perceived social marginality. Our results speak to the need to recognize diversity among the “places that don't matter,” and that people in these areas may reach a similar outlook on politics for different reasons.
Beholden: The Emotional Effects of Having Eye Contact While Breaking Social Norms
Authors: Singh Ranjit Konrad , Voggeser Birgit Johanna , Göritz Anja Simone
Published: April 2021

This study looks into the role that eye contact plays in helping people to control themselves in social settings and to avoid breaking social norms. Based on previous research, it is likely that eye contact increases prosocial behavior via heightened self-awareness and increased interpersonal synchrony. In our study, we propose that eye contact can also support constructive social behavior by causing people to experience heightened embarrassment when they are breaking social norms. We tested this in a lab experiment (N = 60) in which participants read insults at the experimenter (i.e., they exhibited norm breaking behavior). In the experimental condition, participants maintained eye contact with the experimenter. In the control condition, the experimenter did not maintain eye contact. We measured embarrassment with a self-report measure, heart rate to capture arousal, and two observational indicators of embarrassment (hesitation and laughter). In line with our hypotheses, having eye contact during norm breaking behavior as compared to no eye contact led to a stronger increase in self-reported embarrassment, a higher heart rate as well as more hesitation and more laughter. We conclude that eye contact does indeed lead to more embarrassment, while breaking social norms. This implies that eye contact gives people the power to punish norm breaking in others by inducing an aversive emotional experience.
Parents' Views on Play and the Goal of Early Childhood Education in Relation to Children's Home Activity and Executive Functions: A Cross-Cultural Investigation
Authors: Metaferia Biruk K. , Futo Judit , Takacs Zsofia K.
Published: April 2021

The present study investigated the cross-cultural variations in parents' views on the role of play in child development and the primary purpose of preschool education from Ethiopia and Hungary. It also examined the cross-cultural variations in preschoolers' executive functions (EF), the frequency of their engagement in home activities, and the role of these activities in the development of EF skills. Participants included 266 preschoolers (Ethiopia: 139 of which 44.6% boys; Mage = 63.83 months; SD = 7.68 months; Hungary: 127 of which 48% boys; Mage = 62.06 months; SD = 9.37 months) with their parents (Ethiopia: 45.32% male; Mage = 36.66 years; SD = 7.14 years; Hungary: 13.18% male; Mage = 37.71 years; SD = 5.97 years). The independent samples t-test showed that Ethiopian parents view fostering academic skills for preschooler significantly more important than their Hungarian counterparts do. We also found that while Ethiopian parents hold the belief that academic and cognitive development is the major purpose of preschool education, Hungarian prioritize social-emotional development and entertainment. Additionally, preschoolers in Ethiopia were reported to engage in academic and arts and crafts activities after preschool significantly more frequently than their Hungarian counterparts. On the contrary, preschoolers in Hungary were found to engage in fine-motor activities, solitary play, sports and other physical activities significantly more frequently than their Ethiopian counterparts. No significant differences were found in EF skills between preschoolers from Ethiopia and Hungary. Results from hierarchical regression analyses showed that, after accounting for age and SES, preschoolers' frequency of pretend play and their parents' play support beliefs were found to be small to medium-sized predictors of inhibitory control skills in both samples. However, children's frequency of having breakfast at home was another significant predictor in the Ethiopian sample only. The frequency of participation in arts and crafts and other fine-motor activities were found to be important predictors of preschoolers' visual-spatial working memory skills in the Ethiopian and the Hungarian samples, respectively. We also found that, after controlling for SES, parental play support was an important factor associated with preschoolers' shifting skills only in the Hungarian sample. Based on the findings, we made important conclusions.
Alcohol Consumption and Perceptions of Health Risks During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study of Middle-Aged Women in South Australia
Authors: Lunnay Belinda , Foley Kristen , Meyer Samantha B. , Warin Megan , Wilson Carlene , Olver Ian , Miller Emma R. , Thomas Jessica , Ward Paul R.
Published: April 2021

Australian women's alcohol consumption has increased in frequency during COVID-19. Research suggests this is to cope with stress resulting from the pandemic and COVID-19 countermeasures that require social distancing. This is a critical public health concern because increased alcohol consumption, even for a short period, increases the myriad longer-term health risks associated with cumulative exposure to alcohol. This paper provides unique qualitative evidence of how health risk perceptions are re-focused toward the shorter-term during the pandemic, through analysis of interviews with 40 middle-aged Australian women (aged 45–64) representing a range of self-perceived drinking status' (“occasional”/“light”/“moderate”/“heavy”) before and then during the pandemic (n = 80 interviews). Our analysis captures women's risk horizons drifting away from the uncertain longer-term during COVID-19, toward the immediate need to “get through” the pandemic. We show how COVID-19 has increased the perceived value of consuming alcohol among women, particularly when weighed up against the social and emotional “costs” of reducing consumption. Our findings have implications for the delivery of alcohol-related health risk messages designed for middle-aged women both during, and into the recovery phases of the pandemic, who already consume more alcohol and experience more alcohol-related health risk than women in other age groups.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and Strategies for Resumption of Activities During the Second Wave of the Pandemic: A Report From Eight Paediatric Hospitals From the ECHO Network
Authors: Indolfi Giuseppe , Stivala Micol , Lenge Matteo , Diaz Naderi Ruben , McIntosh Jennifer , Llandrich Ricard Casadevall , Gannon Joe , McGreevy Kathleen S. , Trapani Sandra , Miettinen Päivi , Lahdenne Pekka , Desborough Louisa , Pavare Jana , van Rossum Annemarie , Zyska Dagmara , Resti Massimo , Zanobini Alberto
Published: April 2021

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic impacted the organization of paediatric hospitals. This study aimed to evaluate the preparedness for the pandemic among a European network of children's hospitals and to explore the strategies to restart health care services. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed in May 2020 to the 13 children's tertiary care hospitals belonging to the European Children's Hospitals Organisation. Responses were obtained from eight hospitals (62%). Significant reductions were observed in accesses to the emergency departments (41.7%), outpatient visits (35.7%), intensive and non-intensive care unit inpatient admissions (16.4 and 13%, respectively) between February 1 and April 30, 2020 as compared with the same period of 2019. Overall, 93 children with SARS CoV-2 infection were admitted to inpatient wards. All the hospitals created SARS-CoV-2 preparedness plans for the diagnosis and management of infected patients. Routine activities were re-scheduled. Four hospitals shared their own staff with adult units, two designated bed spaces for adults and only one admitted adults to inpatient wards. The three main components for the resumption of clinical activities were testing, source control, and reorganization of spaces and flows. Telemedicine and telehealth services were used before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic by three hospitals and by all the hospitals during it.

Conclusion: The present study provides a perspective on preparedness to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among eight large European children's hospitals, on the impact of the pandemic on the hospital activities and on the strategies adopted to restart clinical activities.
Promoting Healthy Ageing in South Africa Through Vaccination of the Elderly
Authors: Sibanda Mncengeli , Meyer Johanna C. , Mahlaba Kesentseng J. , Burnett Rosemary J.
Published: April 2021

The World Health Organization estimates that globally, the proportion of people aged ≥60 years will more than double by the year 2050, with the majority of elderly people living in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa. Population ageing is an impending public health concern, potentially negatively impacting on South Africa's economy and health system if the government does not adequately prepare for this change. Globally, many potential solutions to ensure healthy ageing are being discussed and implemented, including adopting a “life-course” approach to vaccination which includes vaccination of the elderly, since they are at considerable risk of severe morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. While vaccines are considered as one of the greatest tools for preventing childhood infectious disease morbidity and mortality, they are under-utilised in strategies for promoting healthy ageing in South Africa, where only influenza vaccination is available free of charge to the elderly accessing public sector healthcare. Population ageing coupled with the high incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases amongst elderly South Africans, necessitates establishing a comprehensive national policy and guidelines for vaccination of the elderly.
Antimeningococcal Vaccination Coverage Among Healthcare Workers in an Italian University Hospital
Authors: Gattini Vittorio , Napoletano Marco , Bonotti Alessandra , Mignani Aldo , Cosentino Francesca , Guglielmi Giovanni , Fallahi Poupak , Cristaudo Alfonso , Foddis Rudy
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Following an outbreak of meningococcal epidemic in 2015 and 2016 in Tuscany, we registered a higher demand for antimeningococcal vaccination (anti-Men ACWY) by Healthcare Workers of the University Hospital of Pisa [Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP)]. The purpose of this work is to analyze and discuss data on vaccination coverage resulting from this vaccination campaign.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a monocentric study about anti-Men vaccination in the healthcare workers of the AOUP following the outbreak of meningococcal meningitis that occurred mainly in the population of the Tuscan provinces of Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, and Florence. The variables under examination were age, sex, educational qualification, and job profile. Department healthcare workers were vaccinated with two types of conjugated tetravalent vaccines for the A, C, Y, and W135 strains. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software.

Results: The total population of the workers in AOUP was 7,188 subjects; the population considered in the study was 5,889. Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 2,423 subjects (41.1%) underwent anti-Men vaccination. Women, older HCWs, those with a lower educational qualification, doctors, and the HCWs of the maternal and child department, and imaging department recorded a statistically significant better vaccine compliance.

Discussion: The AOUP, implementing the program of the Tuscany Region of vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis, has contributed to reduce the incidence of invasive meningococcal disease. Some critical issues remain in the compliance of some sections of the population, despite the high level of adherence recorded in this case, probably also due to the great media coverage of the event.
Root Systems Research for Bioinspired Resilient Design: A Concept Framework for Foundation and Coastal Engineering
Authors: Stachew Elena , Houette Thibaut , Gruber Petra
Published: April 2021

The continuous increase in population and human migration to urban and coastal areas leads to the expansion of built environments over natural habitats. Current infrastructure suffers from environmental changes and their impact on ecosystem services. Foundations are static anchoring structures dependent on soil compaction, which reduces water infiltration and increases flooding. Coastal infrastructure reduces wave action and landward erosion but alters natural habitat and sediment transport. On the other hand, root systems are multifunctional, resilient, biological structures that offer promising strategies for the design of civil and coastal infrastructure, such as adaptivity, multifunctionality, self-healing, mechanical and chemical soil attachment. Therefore, the biomimetic methodology is employed to abstract root strategies of interest for the design of building foundations and coastal infrastructures that prevent soil erosion, anchor structures, penetrate soils, and provide natural habitat. The strategies are described in a literature review on root biology, then these principles are abstracted from their biological context to show their potential for engineering transfer. After a review of current and developing technologies in both application fields, the abstracted strategies are translated into conceptual designs for foundation and coastal engineering. In addition to presenting the potential of root-inspired designs for both fields, this paper also showcases the main steps of the biomimetic methodology from the study of a biological system to the development of conceptual technical designs. In this way the paper also contributes to the development of a more strategic intersection between biology and engineering and provides a framework for further research and development projects.
Shade and Agronomic Intensification in Coffee Agroforestry Systems: Trade-Off or Synergy?
Authors: Haggar Jeremy , Casanoves Fernando , Cerda Rolando , Cerretelli Stefania , Gonzalez-Mollinedo Sergio , Lanza Gracia , Lopez Erick , Leiva Benjamin , Ospina Alejandra
Published: April 2021

Despite many years of research, there is still a lack of consensus as to the nature of the relationship between shade trees and agronomic intensification in coffee agroforestry systems. While some studies find unshaded intensively managed coffee is the most productive, other studies find no trade-off between shade characteristics and productivity. Our study of 179 farms from the main coffee growing regions of Costa Rica and Guatemala analyzed how shade affected the productive response of coffee to intensification of agronomic management. Four levels of coffee productivity were differentiated for each country associated with three levels of shade development in Costa Rica and two levels in Guatemala. The highest coffee productivity group was associated with medium shade development in both countries. High shade groups had low productivity, but very low productivity groups were associated with low (Costa Rica) or medium (Guatemala) shade. Medium and high productivity farms were associated with high elevation, lower rainfall and regions with higher coffee prices. Yields with a moderate level of investment (720–1,500 USD−1) and with medium shade (LAI 0.55-1.1) were not significantly different from yields with higher investment or lower shade levels. The increase in yields with increasing N fertilizer application were similar under low, medium and high LAI, but the mean productivity significantly lower with high LAI. Agronomic intensification to increase productivity is equally effective for low and medium shade systems (LAI <1.1); low productivity farms may have high shade or low shade but are mainly limited by low investment. Intensification of production is compatible with medium shade levels that should deliver broader ecosystem services but achieving this depends on coffee prices enabling this investment.
Multi-Step Combined Upfront Surgery for Locally Advanced Paravertebral Sarcoma: A Case Report
Authors: Cariboni Umberto , Gennaro Nicolò , Costa Francesco , Renne Salvatore Lorenzo , Novellis Pierluigi , Marrari Andrea , Bertuzzi Alexia Francesca , Civilini Efrem
Published: April 2021

Background: Paravertebral localization of primary undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) with bone and vascular involvement is infrequent and challenging. Multi-step surgical procedure has been described as a feasible and effective option to achieve sustained local tumor control.

Methods: We report on a 62-year old man with paravertebral UPS infiltrating the aortic wall and the 9th thoracic vertebra who underwent a multi-step surgical procedure aimed at achieving oncologic radicality through a coordinated effort between thoracic, vascular and spinal surgeons. After balancing the risks and benefits of perioperative therapies, upfront surgery was performed including aortic resection with bypass grafting followed by a triple en bloc vertebrectomy with tumor excision. Mid-term follow-up (22 months) is then provided.

Results: The combined procedure achieved oncological radicality and no local recurrence in the mid-term. No major complications occurred.

Conclusions: Multi-step and multi-specialty surgery is a feasible and effective strategy to treat primary UPS in unfavorable localization. A strategic cooperation between surgeons and a multidisciplinary tumor board is required to define an optimal, personalized treatment strategy in sarcoma patients.
Key Learnings During the Development of a Generic Data Collection Tool to Support Assessment of Freedom of Infection in Cattle Herds
Authors: van Roon Annika M. , Rapaliute Egle , Koleci Xhelil , Muñoz Violeta , Mercat Mathilde , Faverjon Céline , Santman-Berends Inge M. G. A. , Nielen Mirjam , More Simon J. , Graham David , Guelbenzu-Gonzalo Maria , Madouasse Aurélien , Fourichon Christine , van Schaik Gerdien
Published: April 2021

Various European Member States have implemented control or eradication programmes for endemic infectious diseases in cattle. The design of these programmes varies between countries and therefore comparison of the outputs of different control programmes is complex. Although output-based methods to estimate the confidence of freedom resulting from these programmes are under development, as yet there is no practical modeling framework applicable to a variety of infectious diseases. Therefore, a data collection tool was developed to evaluate data availability and quality and to collect actual input data required for such a modeling framework. The aim of the current paper is to present the key learnings from the process of the development of this data collection tool. The data collection tool was developed by experts from two international projects: STOC free (Surveillance Tool for Outcome-based Comparison of FREEdom from infection, www.stocfree.eu) and SOUND control (Standardizing OUtput-based surveillance to control Non-regulated Diseases of cattle in the EU, www.sound-control.eu). Initially a data collection tool was developed for assessment of freedom of bovine viral diarrhea virus in six Western European countries. This tool was then further generalized to enable inclusion of data for other cattle diseases i.e., infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and Johne's disease. Subsequently, the tool was pilot-tested by a Western and Eastern European country, discussed with animal health experts from 32 different European countries and further developed for use throughout Europe. The developed online data collection tool includes a wide range of variables that could reasonably influence confidence of freedom, including those relating to cattle demographics, risk factors for introduction and characteristics of disease control programmes. Our results highlight the fact that data requirements for different cattle diseases can be generalized and easily included in a data collection tool. However, there are large differences in data availability and comparability across European countries, presenting challenges to the development of a standardized data collection tool and modeling framework. These key learnings are important for development of any generic data collection tool for animal disease control purposes. Further, the results can facilitate development of output-based modeling frameworks that aim to calculate confidence of freedom from disease.
Effect of Fertilisation on the Quality of Dried Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Authors: Matłok Natalia , Gorzelany Józef , Figiel Adam , Balawejder Maciej
Published: April 2021

The study presents the effects of fertilisation on selected quality parameters of the dried material obtained from plants of lovage and coriander. During the crop production process, the plants were treated with two fertilisers containing substances potentially acting as elicitors. The dried material was obtained in course of a drying process carried out in optimum conditions and based on the CD-VMFD method which combines convective pre-drying (CD) at a low temperature (40 °C) with vacuum-microwave finish drying with the use of 240 W microwaves (VMFD). The quality of the dried material was evaluated through measurement of the total contents of polyphenols, total antioxidant potential (ABTS and DPPH method), and the profile of volatile compounds (headspace-solid phase microextractio-HS-SPME) as well as assessment of the colour. It was found that by applying first fertilisation (with organic components) it is possible to significantly increase the contents of both bioactive compounds and volatile substances responsible for the aroma. It was determined that the higher content of bioactive compounds was related to the composition of the first fertiliser, presumably the extract from common nettle. The study showed that the application of the first fertiliser contributed to enhanced quality parameters of the raw material obtained.
Early Weed Detection Using Image Processing and Machine Learning Techniques in an Australian Chilli Farm
Authors: Islam Nahina , Rashid Md Mamunur , Wibowo Santoso , Xu Cheng-Yuan , Morshed Ahsan , Wasimi Saleh A. , Moore Steven , Rahman Sk Mostafizur
Published: April 2021

This paper explores the potential of machine learning algorithms for weed and crop classification from UAV images. The identification of weeds in crops is a challenging task that has been addressed through orthomosaicing of images, feature extraction and labelling of images to train machine learning algorithms. In this paper, the performances of several machine learning algorithms, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbours (KNN), are analysed to detect weeds using UAV images collected from a chilli crop field located in Australia. The evaluation metrics used in the comparison of performance were accuracy, precision, recall, false positive rate and kappa coefficient. MATLAB is used for simulating the machine learning algorithms; and the achieved weed detection accuracies are 96% using RF, 94% using SVM and 63% using KNN. Based on this study, RF and SVM algorithms are efficient and practical to use, and can be implemented easily for detecting weed from UAV images.
Spatial Distribution and Mobility of Nutrients on Sand Mulching Soil for Fertigated Green Bean Crops under Greenhouse Conditions in Southern Spain: (I) Macronutrients
Authors: Llanderal Alfonso , Garcia-Caparros Pedro , Contreras Juana Isabel , Lao María Teresa , Segura María Luz
Published: April 2021

Information about the nutrients distribution in sand-mulched soils is rather scarce; therefore, the aim of this experiment was to determine the spatial distribution and mobility of macronutrients in the wet bulb zone in two sand-mulched soils (a technique where manure and sand are layered over existing soil) for fertigated green bean with a drip irrigation distribution system under greenhouse conditions. The experimental design was multifactorial (4): soil type (S1 (1.0% organic matter (OM)) and S2 (2.5% OM)), time of sampling (before planting and after crop harvest) and spatial distribution: distance (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m) from the emitter and soil depth (0.1–0.2, 0.2–0.3 and 0.3–0.4 m) with three blocks and one replication per block. The chemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and macronutrients concentration) were analyzed in each soil sample. The testing crop was green bean (Phaseolous vulgaris L. c.v. Mantra RZ), lasting 90 days. The results obtained showed the highest value of EC and NO3−-N, K, and Ca concentration in the sand layer in both soils. At all soil profile depths, nutrient concentrations of NH4+-N and soil EC were lower in the high OM soil. Comparing the soil profile at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, there was a significant decrease in NO3−-N, P and Ca concentration and a significant increase in EC value and Mg concentration at the end of the crop. In distance, EC and K showed the highest concentration at 0.30 m. In depth, there was a decline in EC value and NH4+-N, P, K, Ca and Mg concentration. The comparison between the sand layer and the soil profile in both soils reported a similar trend in pH, EC, NO3−-N, P and Mg concentration. Considering the mobility of macronutrients in a sandy mulched soil, it would be recommendable to develop a sustainable and dynamic fertigation management, adjusting nutrient inputs over time.
Response of Lawn Grasses to Salinity Stress and Protective Potassium Effect
Authors: Kozłowska Monika , Bandurska Hanna , Breś Włodzimierz
Published: April 2021

The salinity effects on lawn grasses caused by mine salts (halite and carnallitite) due to road de-icing processes was the aim of this study. Biometric and physiological parameters were evaluated after salt dosage of 50 and 100 g m−2 applied to a lawn surface twice and four times, in weekly intervals. The alleviating effect to the salinity on the grasses from potassium enriched soil was also evaluated. Protective effect of potassium included mostly plasma membrane integrity and an increase in the level of photosynthetic pigments. This probably resulted in more efficient photosynthesis and thus increased lawn growth. Simultaneously, only a slight reduction in relative water content (RWC) was noted, so the recorded increase in proline level may indicate its participation in osmotic adjustment. Our results confirm the importance of proper, and even over-optimal, potassium fertilization of lawn grasses exposed to salinity. Moreover, it is advisable to use other fossil salts instead of halite for the de-icing of near-green areas. The mined salt carnallitite which, besides NaCl, contains about 30% of carnalite (KCl·MgCl2·6H2O) could be such a substance.
Methods for Pain Assessment in Calves and Their Use for the Evaluation of Pain during Different Procedures—A Review
Authors: Tschoner Theresa
Published: April 2021

The evaluation and assessment of the level of pain calves are experiencing is important, as the experience of pain (e.g., due to routine husbandry procedures) severely affects the welfare of calves. Studies about the recognition of pain in calves, and especially pain management during and after common procedures, such as castration, dehorning, and disbudding, have been published. This narrative review discusses and summarizes the existing literature about methods for pain assessment in calves. First, it deals with the definition of pain and the challenges associated with the recognition of pain in calves. Then it proceeds to outline the different options and methods for subjective and objective pain assessment in calves, as described in the literature. Research data show that there are several tools suitable for the assessment of pain in calves, at least for research purposes. Finally, it concludes that for research purposes, various variables for the assessment of pain in calves are used in combination. However, there is no variable which can be used solely for the exclusive assessment of pain in calves. Also, further research is needed to describe biomarkers or variables which are easily accessible in the field practice.
Experiment Investigation of Bistable Vibration Energy Harvesting with Random Wave Environment
Authors: Wu Qiong , Zhang Hairui , Lian Jie , Zhao Wei , Zhou Shijie , Zhao Xilu
Published: April 2021

The energy harvested from the renewable energy has been attracting a great potential as a source of electricity for many years; however, several challenges still exist limiting output performance, such as the package and low frequency of the wave. Here, this paper proposed a bistable vibration system for harvesting low-frequency renewable energy, the bistable vibration model consisting of an inverted cantilever beam with a mass block at the tip in a random wave environment and also develop a vibration energy harvesting system with a piezoelectric element attached to the surface of a cantilever beam. The experiment was carried out by simulating the random wave environment using the experimental equipment. The experiment result showed a mass block’s response vibration was indeed changed from a single stable vibration to a bistable oscillation when a random wave signal and a periodic signal were co-excited. It was shown that stochastic resonance phenomena can be activated reliably using the proposed bistable motion system, and, correspondingly, large-scale bistable responses can be generated to realize effective amplitude enlargement after input signals are received. Furthermore, as an important design factor, the influence of periodic excitation signals on the large-scale bistable motion activity was carefully discussed, and a solid foundation was laid for further practical energy harvesting applications.
Thermodynamic Performance and Creep Life Assessment Comparing Hydrogen- and Jet-Fueled Turbofan Aero Engine
Authors: Osigwe Emmanuel O. , Gad-Briggs Arnold , Nikolaidis Theoklis , Jafari Soheil , Sethi Bobby , Pilidis Pericles
Published: April 2021

There is renewed interest in hydrogen as an alternative fuel for aero engines, due to their perceived environmental and performance benefits compared to jet fuel. This paper presents a cycle, thermal performance, energy and creep life assessment of hydrogen compared with jet fuel, using a turbofan aero engine. The turbofan cycle performance was simulated using a code developed by the authors that allows hydrogen and jet fuel to be selected as fuel input. The exergy assessment uses both conservations of energy and mass and the second law of thermodynamics to understand the impact of the fuels on the exergy destruction, exergy efficiency, waste factor ratio, environmental effect factor and sustainability index for a turbofan aero engine. Finally, the study looks at a top-level creep life assessment on the high-pressure turbine hot section influenced by the fuel heating values. This study shows performance (64% reduced fuel flow rate, better SFC) and more extended blade life (15% increase) benefits using liquefied hydrogen fuel, which corresponds with other literary work on the benefits of LH2 over jet fuel. This paper also highlights some drawbacks of hydrogen fuel based on previous research work, and gives recommendations for future work, aimed at maturing the hydrogen fuel concept in aviation.
Performance Study of Nano/SiO2 Films and the Antimicrobial Application on Cantaloupe Fruit Shelf-Life
Authors: Sami Rokayya , Khojah Ebtihal , Elhakem Abeer , Benajiba Nada , Helal Mahmoud , Alhuthal Nawal , Alzahrani Sana A. , Alharbi Mona , Chavali Murthy
Published: April 2021

In the current study, novel films with chitosan/nano/SiO2/nisin films and their antimicrobial application on cantaloupe fruit shelf-life have been studied. Novel films were prepared by the addition of 1% chitosan, 1% nano silicon dioxide, and 1% nisin and freeze-dried for the performance study. Physicochemical properties such as tensile strength, optical, and thermal properties with the performance characteristics of the novel films were measured. Coated and uncoated cantaloupes with various coating solutions were stored and chilled at 4 °C in a relative humidity of 70% for up to nine days. The microbial population measurements have been detected every three days. Results show that the fourier transform infrared intensity (FTIR) of nano/SiO2 and with the addition of nisin (nano/SiO2/n) were higher than chitosan (CH) film except in the wavenumber (3150–3750 cm−1) films peaks. Novel nanofilms enhanced tensile strength as well as optical and thermal properties. XRD analysis reported two distinct peak values of 32.08 and 45.99 to correspond to nano/SiO2/n film orientation (7095) and (3316), respectively. Zeta potential values and turbidity were increased, while nano/SiO2 films decreased the hydrophobicity of the film surface by 80.07°. The coating treatments with nano/SiO2 and nano/SiO2/n both reduced the yeast and mold counts 2.49 and 1.92 log CFU/g, respectively, on day nine. In summary, chitosan/nano/SiO2/n novel film improved the functional properties of coating films, and those bio-nanocomposites are effective in food packaging.
An Improved Cutting Force Model for Ultrasonically Assisted Grinding of Hard and Brittle Materials
Authors: Kang Renke , Liu Jinting , Dong Zhigang , Zheng Feifei , Bao Yan , Duan Jiadong
Published: April 2021

Cutting force is one of the most important factors in the ultrasonically assisted grinding (UAG) of hard and brittle materials. Many theoretical and experimental studies show that UAG can effectively reduce cutting forces. The existing models for UAG mostly assume an ideal grinding wheel with abrasives in both the end and lateral faces to accomplish material removal, whereas the important role of the transition fillet surface is ignored. In this study, a theoretical cutting force model is presented to predict cutting forces with the consideration of the diamond abrasives in the end face, the lateral face, and the transition fillet surface of the grinding tool. This study analyzed and calculated the vibration amplitudes and the cutting forces in both the normal and tangential directions. It discusses the influences of the input parameters (rotation speed, feed rate, amplitude, depth and radius of transition fillet) on cutting forces. The study demonstrates that the fillet radius is an important factor affecting the grinding force. With an increase in fillet radius from 0.2 to 1.2 mm, the grinding force increases by 139.6% in the axial direction and decreases by 70% in the feed direction. The error of the proposed cutting force model is 10.3%, and the experimental results verify the correctness of the force model.
Governing Functionality of Silver Ion-Exchanged Photo-Thermo-Refractive Glass Matrix by Small Additives
Authors: Sgibnev Yevgeniy , Nikonorov Nikolay , Ignatiev Alexander
Published: April 2021

In this study, the influence of small additives on the spectral and optical properties of Na+–Ag+ ion-exchanged silicate glass is presented. Polyvalent ions, for example, cerium and antimony, are shown to reduce silver ions to atomic state and promote the growth of photoluminescent silver molecular clusters and plasmonic silver nanoparticles. Na+–Ag+ ion-exchanged and heat-treated glasses doped with halogen ions, such as chlorine or bromine, exhibit formation of photo- and thermochromic AgCl or AgBr nanocrystals. Growth of a silver nanoisland film on the glass surface was observed in the case of undoped sample. The presented results highlight the vital role of small additives to control properties of the silver nanostructures in Na+–Ag+ ion-exchanged glasses. Possible applications of Na+–Ag+ ion-exchanged glass ceramics include but are not limited to biochemical sensors based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering phenomena, temperature and overheating sensors, white light-emitting diodes, and spectral converters.
Methods for Improving Image Quality for Contour and Textures Analysis Using New Wavelet Methods
Authors: Dumitrescu Catalin , Raboaca Maria , Felseghi Raluca
Published: April 2021

The fidelity of an image subjected to digital processing, such as a contour/texture highlighting process or a noise reduction algorithm, can be evaluated based on two types of criteria: objective and subjective, sometimes the two types of criteria being considered together. Subjective criteria are the best tool for evaluating an image when the image obtained at the end of the processing is interpreted by man. The objective criteria are based on the difference, pixel by pixel, between the original and the reconstructed image and ensure a good approximation of the image quality perceived by a human observer. There is also the possibility that in evaluating the fidelity of a remade (reconstructed) image, the pixel-by-pixel differences will be weighted according to the sensitivity of the human visual system. The problem of improving medical images is particularly important in assisted diagnosis, with the aim of providing physicians with information as useful as possible in diagnosing diseases. Given that this information must be available in real time, we proposed a solution for reconstructing the contours in the images that uses a modified Wiener filter in the wavelet domain and a nonlinear cellular network and that is useful both to improve the contrast of its contours and to eliminate noise. In addition to the need to improve imaging, medical applications also need these applications to run in real time, and this need has been the basis for the design of the method described below, based on the modified Wiener filter and nonlinear cellular networks.
Impact of Assimilating Ground-Based Microwave Radiometer Data on the Precipitation Bifurcation Forecast: A Case Study in Beijing
Authors: Qi Yajie , Fan Shuiyong , Mao Jiajia , Li Bai , Guo Chunwei , Zhang Shuting
Published: April 2021

In this study, the temperature and relative humidity profiles retrieved from five ground-based microwave radiometers in Beijing were assimilated into the rapid-refresh multi-scale analysis and prediction system-short term (RMAPS-ST). The precipitation bifurcation prediction that occurred in Beijing on 4 May 2019 was selected as a case to evaluate the impact of their assimilation. For this purpose, two experiments were set. The Control experiment only assimilated conventional observations and radar data, while the microwave radiometers profilers (MWRPS) experiment assimilated conventional observations, the ground-based microwave radiometer profiles and radar data into the RMAPS-ST model. The results show that in comparison with the Control test, the MWRPS test made reasonable adjustments for the thermal conditions in time, better reproducing the weak heat island phenomenon in the observation prior to the rainfall. Thus, assimilating MWRPS improved the skills of the precipitation forecast in both the distribution and the intensity of rainfall precipitation, capable of predicting the process of belt-shaped radar echo splitting and the precipitation bifurcation in the urban area of Beijing. The assimilation of the ground-based microwave radiometer profiles improved the skills of the quantitative precipitation forecast to a certain extent. Among multiple cycle experiments, the onset of 0600 UTC cycle closest to the beginning of rainfall performed best by assimilating the ground-based microwave radiometer profiles.