bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suboptimal child healthcare practices and the development of multiple infectious diseases in children aged 24–59 months
Authors: Sulistiyowati Ning , Tjandrarini Dwi Hapsari , Titaley Christiana Rialine , Que Bertha J. , Hidayangsih Puti Sari , Suparmi  , Sudikno Sudikno , Purwatiningsih Yuni , Indrawati Lely , Siahaan Selma , Adyarani Windy Pradita
Published: March 2024

Background

Infections continue to be a major cause of death among children under the age of five worldwide. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the development of multiple infectious diseases in children aged 24–59 months in Indonesia.

Methods

Data from the 2018 Basic Health Research conducted by the Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia, were used. Information from 39,948 children aged 24–59 months was analyzed. The outcome variable was the development of multiple infectious diseases, that is, acute respiratory infections, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, diarrhea, and hepatitis, in the month before the survey. Factors significantly associated with multiple types of infectious diseases were examined using logistic regression.

Results

The study found that 76.6% of children aged 24 to 59 months in Indonesia had at least one type of infectious disease. The likelihood of developing multiple types of infectious diseases increased in children whose parents did not practice appropriate handwashing with soap and running water [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.16, p < 0.001], those who received supplemental food (aOR = 1.38, p < 0.001), those with poor nutritional status (aOR = 1.12, p < 0.001), and those living in urban areas (aOR = 1.07, p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Improving caregivers’ awareness of adequate child healthcare practices, in addition to nutrition-sensitive and specific interventions to improve children’s nutritional status, is required to prevent children from contracting multiple types of infectious diseases.
Injury prevalence and associated factors among Japanese lacrosse collegiate athletes
Authors: Kimura Takeshi , Mącznik Aleksandra Katarzyna , Kinoda Akira , Yamada Yuichi , Muramoto Yuki , Katsumata Yoshinori , Sato Kazuki
Published: March 2024

Context

Sports injuries have a substantial impact on athletes' performance and health. To reduce the risk of an injury occurring, the prevalence, localization, and severity need to be established.

Objective

To examine the prevalence of sports injuries in collegiate lacrosse athletes.

Design

Descriptive epidemiological study using online survey design.

Setting

Japanese universities associated with UNIVAS.

Participants

A total of 1,689 Japanese collegiate lacrosse athletes, 978 females and 701 males.

Main outcome measures

Athletes were surveyed on the injuries within the previous year, their severity, localization, and onset characteristics. The support of an athletic trainer and its association with the odds of sustaining an injury was assessed. Factors related to injuries were explored.

Results

One-year prevalence of injuries was 42%. Male sex, higher year at the university, and support from an athletic trainer were identified as factors related to higher odds of sustaining an injury and practicing at least 5 days per week was associated with lower odds of sustaining an injury.

Conclusions

Male sex athletes, and athletes at the higher year at university are especially at risk of sustaining a lacrosse injury. The aspects of training (e.g., frequency, volume) should be investigated across the athlete development process to address these findings. Further investigation is needed to determine the extent to which the support of athletic trainers affects both the frequency and severity of injuries in lacrosse athletes.
ESCRT-III-dependent and -independent egress of herpesviruses
Authors: Arii Jun
Published: March 2024

Enveloped viruses complete their replication cycle by forming virions that bud from infected cells through membrane scission. The mechanisms by which this is achieved are less well-understood than the well-characterized membrane scission of vesicles budding inwards into the cytosol. The scission of vesicles that bud away from the cytosol is mediated by machinery of the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT)-III, which is highjacked by viruses of several different families. Other groups of viruses can bud independently of ESCRT-III activity. It has not been fully elucidated how the latter achieve this in the absence of host ESCRT-III, but it is known that some viral proteins directly mediate membrane scission. The Herpesviridae constitute a family of highly diverse viruses that bud at the inner nuclear membrane and cytoplasmic membranes in infected cells. Many investigators have attempted to determine the mechanism of membrane scission during herpesvirus budding, and have found this to be complex, not exactly conforming to either of the two methods. The present review attempts to synthesize the disparate findings into a model of herpesvirus egress based on both ESCRT-mediated and viral protein-mediated mechanisms.
Design and Evaluation of the Sit-to-Stand Movement Assistive Device for Elderly
Authors: Xu Yicun , Zhang Bo , Li Yongzhen , Guo Ruihua , Cao Pei , Zhu Xiaofeng , Zhu Shangkai
Published: March 2024

The act of standing up is one of the most important movements in daily life, but it often poses challenges for elderly individuals with declining physical functions. To address this issue, we have designed an assistive device for sit-to-stand (STS) movement. This device aids the upper limbs, allowing them to bear some of the weight during the STS movement, thereby improving the force distribution on the lower limbs and enhancing the stability of the body during movement. The connection to the user is very straightforward; one simply needs to place their hands and arms on the lifting mechanism to connect, and after the STS movement is completed, the user can easily disengage, making it very convenient to use. The device is compact, equipped with wheels and a handle, allowing it to be flexibly moved and used in confined spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and balconies. ADAMS-LifeMOD simulations indicate that the use of the STS movement assistive device can significantly improve the force distribution across the joints of the lower limbs and reduce the pressure on the soles of the feet against the ground. Subsequently, a prototype was built, and four volunteers were invited to conduct further experimental validation, comparing the changes in plantar pressure during the STS movement with and without the assistive device, as well as the subjective feelings of the users. The experimental results demonstrate that the device can effectively help users to stand up more easily.
Correction: Mahmoudi et al. Effect of Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation with Treated Wastewater on Soil and Water Productivity of Okra (Abemoschus esculentus) Crop in Semi-Arid Region of Tunisia. Agriculture 2022, 12, 2048
Authors: Mahmoudi Malika , Khelil Mohamed Naceur , Hechmi Sarra , Latrech Basma , Ghrib Rim , Boujlben Abdelhamid , Yacoubi Samir
Published: March 2024

The authors wish to make the following corrections to the original paper [...]
Influence of Nitrogen Fertilisation Level and Weather Conditions on Yield and Quantitative Profile of Anti-Nutritional Compounds in Grain of Selected Rye Cultivars
Authors: Sułek Alicja , Cacak-Pietrzak Grażyna , Studnicki Marcin , Grabiński Jerzy , Nieróbca Anna , Wyzińska Marta , Różewicz Marcin
Published: March 2024

Cultivar, habitat conditions and agrotechnology have an influence on the yield and chemical composition of rye grain. The main anti-nutritional substances present in rye grain include alkylresorcinols, water-soluble pentosans and trypsin inhibitors. The aim of this study was to determine the variability in yield and the concentration of anti-nutritional compounds in the grain of selected winter rye cultivars in relation to nitrogen fertilisation levels and weather conditions. Field studies were conducted at the Experimental Station of IUNG-PIB in Osiny (Poland) in two growing seasons (2018/2019 and 2019/2020). The experiment was located on pseudo-polylic soil using the randomised sub-block method in three replications. The first factor of the experiment was the level of nitrogen fertilisation (0, 70 and 140 kg N∙ha−1) and the second was the population (Dańkowskie Skand, Piastowskie) and hybrid (KWS Vinetto, SU Performer) winter rye cultivars. The study showed that the yield of winter rye depended on the genotype and the level of nitrogen fertilisation. The hybrid cultivars yield ed 17.9% higher in relation to the population cultivars. The content of anti-nutritional compounds in rye grain depended significantly on genotype, level of nitrogen fertilisation and weather conditions. The reason for the higher synthesis of anti-nutrients in rye grain was the stressful weather conditions occurring in the 2019/2020 season. Nitrogen fertilisation influenced the content of alkylresorcinols, water-soluble pentosans and trypsin inhibitor activity in grain. The interaction of cultivar and fertilisation was also found to shape the content of the aforementioned anti-nutrients.
Human–Wildlife Interaction—A Social Survey
Authors: Grundei Lara-Luisa , Schöttes Franziska M. , Gethöffer Friederike , Tost Daniel , Kluge Laurin , Siebert Ursula , Pees Michael
Published: March 2024

With the results of a survey presented in this paper, we provide insight into public attitudes towards dealing with wildlife. Based on 1569 data sets derived from participating stakeholders, we inquired about the individual experience the participants had made with wild animals, and asked about their personal engagement, attitude towards management, and emotions involved and tried to evaluate basic contextual knowledge. As a result, we discovered a positive effect showing that a strong opinion about dealing with wildlife is associated with increasing contextual knowledge. People that are experienced in and engaged in wildlife conservation expressed significantly stronger positive emotions in this context. We conclude that education is essential in dealing with wildlife responsibly and that positive emotions are a main trigger for such engagement. The results of the survey underline that a combination of contextual knowledge and a positive attitude towards wildlife leads to a higher awareness of possible conflicts between humans and wildlife. Furthermore, these criteria are crucial when developing strategies that strive for a sustainable coexistence.
Detection of Booroola Polymorphism of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor 1b and Embrapa Polymorphism of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 in Sheep in Thailand
Authors: Sae-Foo Poothana , Triwutanon Supawit , Rukkwamsuk Theera
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the appearance and frequencies of the Booroola polymorphism of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1b (BMPR1B) gene (FecB) and the Embrapa polymorphism of the growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) gene (FecGE) in sheep in Thailand. A total of 454 crossbred sheep blood samples were collected from four provinces in Thailand during August 2022 to July 2023. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to identify the FecB and FecGE genotypes. The history of ewe birth types was collected from the owners to analyze the association between fecundity (Fec) genotypes and the history of birth types. The genotypic frequencies of FecB for homozygous genotype (B/B), heterozygous genotype (+/B), and wildtype (+/+) were 0.22%, 1.54%, and 98.24%, respectively. Meanwhile, the genotypic frequencies of FecGE for homozygous genotype (E/E), heterozygous genotype (+/E), and wildtype (+/+) were 0.00%, 2.42%, and 97.58%, respectively. Furthermore, three ewes exhibited both FecB and FecGE genotypes. Fisher’s exact test revealed that possession of the FecB genotype was associated with multiple births (p < 0.01). Both FecB and FecGE mutations were identified in crossbred sheep in Thailand. Sheep containing FecB allele could be alternative candidates to be selected to improve the prolificacy of crossbred sheep in Thailand.
Bacterial Infections in Intensive Care Units: Epidemiological and Microbiological Aspects
Authors: Calvo Maddalena , Stefani Stefania , Migliorisi Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Intensive care units constitute a critical setting for the management of infections. The patients’ fragilities and spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms lead to relevant difficulties in the patients’ care. Recent epidemiological surveys documented the Gram-negative bacteria supremacy among intensive care unit (ICU) infection aetiologies, accounting for numerous multidrug-resistant isolates. Regarding this specific setting, clinical microbiology support holds a crucial role in the definition of diagnostic algorithms. Eventually, the complete patient evaluation requires integrating local epidemiological knowledge into the best practice and the standardization of antimicrobial stewardship programs. Clinical laboratories usually receive respiratory tract and blood samples from ICU patients, which express a significant predisposition to severe infections. Therefore, conventional or rapid diagnostic workflows should be modified depending on patients’ urgency and preliminary colonization data. Additionally, it is essential to complete each microbiological report with rapid phenotypic minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and information about resistance markers. Microbiologists also help in the eventual integration of ultimate genome analysis techniques into complicated diagnostic workflows. Herein, we want to emphasize the role of the microbiologist in the decisional process of critical patient management.
Anti-Microbial Activities of Mussel-Derived Recombinant Proteins against Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Kim Dong Yun , Oh You Bin , Park Je Seon , Min Yu-Hong , Park Min Chul
Published: March 2024

Many anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) and pro-apoptotic peptides are considered as novel anti-microbial agents, distinguished by their different characteristics. Nevertheless, AMPs exhibit certain limitations, including poor stability and potential toxicity, which hinder their suitability for applications in pharmaceutics and medical devices. In this study, we used recombinant mussel adhesive protein (MAP) as a robust scaffold to overcome these limitations associated with AMPs. Mussel adhesive protein fused with functional peptides (MAP-FPs) was used to evaluate anti-microbial activities, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), and time-kill kinetics (TKK) assays against six of bacteria strains. MAP and MAP-FPs were proved to have an anti-microbial effect with MIC of 4 or 8 µM against only Gram-negative bacteria strains. All tested MAP-FPs killed four different Gram-negative bacteria strains within 180 min. Especially, MAP-FP-2 and -5 killed three Gram-negative bacteria strain, including E. coli, S. typhimurium, and K. pneumoniae, within 10 min. A cytotoxicity study using Vero and HEK293T cells indicated the safety of MAP and MAP-FP-2 and -3. Thermal stability of MAP-FP-2 was also validated by HPLC analysis at an accelerated condition for 4 weeks. This study identified that MAP-FPs have novel anti-microbial activity, inhibiting the growth and rapidly killing Gram-negative bacteria strains with high thermal stability and safety.
Impact of Genital Infections and Antibiotic Use on Incidence of Preterm Birth: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Marti Daniela Teodora , Bratosin Felix , Rosca Ovidiu , Folescu Roxana , Citu Cosmin , Ratiu Adrian , Popa Zoran Laurentiu
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the complex interplay among genital infections, antibiotic usage, and preterm birth. This study aims to identify common genital pathogens associated with preterm births, assess the impact of various antibiotic treatments on pregnancy outcomes, and understand antibiotic resistance patterns among these pathogens. This study included 71 pregnant women who experienced preterm birth and 94 women with genital infections who delivered at term. Various maternal characteristics, medical history, signs and symptoms, gestational weight, gestational age, type of birth, vaginal pH, Nugent scores, and vaginal flora were analyzed. Antibiotic resistance patterns of isolated microorganisms were also examined. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and genital herpes was significantly higher in the preterm group. Preterm births were associated with fever, pelvic pain, vaginal spotting, and fatigue. Vaginal pH levels and Nugent scores were significantly higher in the preterm group, indicating disturbed vaginal flora. The presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) was a particularly strong risk factor, increasing by more than four times the odds of preterm birth (OR = 4.45, p = 0.001). Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) presence was another critical factor, with a four-fold increase in the odds of preterm birth (OR = 4.01, p = 0.034). The overall presence of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) organisms significantly increased the odds of preterm birth (OR = 3.73, p = 0.001). Specific pathogens like Chlamydia trachomatis (OR = 3.12, p = 0.020) and Mycoplasma hominis (OR = 3.64, p = 0.006) were also identified as significant risk factors. Ureaplasma urealyticum also showed a significantly higher risk of preterm birth (OR = 2.76, p = 0.009). This study highlights the importance of screening for and treating genital infections during pregnancy, especially STDs and genital herpes, as they can significantly increase the risk of preterm birth. Additionally, the presence of specific microorganisms and antibiotic resistance patterns plays an essential role in preterm birth risk. Early detection and targeted antibiotic treatment may help mitigate this risk and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Multidrug-Resistant Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Escherichia coli in a Dairy Herd: Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles
Authors: Penati Martina , Musa Laura , Filippone Pavesi Laura , Guaraglia Alessandro , Ulloa Fernando , Moroni Paolo , Piccinini Renata , Addis Maria Filippa
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the presence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in a dairy herd located in Northern Italy. The feces of clinically healthy calves, their mothers, and the cows treated for mastitis, as well as water, environmental samples, and waste milk were collected and subjected to bacteriological culture on CHROMagarTM ESBL plates. A questionnaire was administered to identify risk factors. The isolates were identified as E. coli by MALDI-TOF MS and subjected to the double-disk synergy test (DDST) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. As a result, ESBL E. coli was isolated from the feces of 28 of 37 (75.67%) calves, the feces of 2 of 3 (66.67%) treated cows, 8 of 14 (57.15%) environmental samples, and waste milk. All ESBL isolates showed multiple resistances and were categorized as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Several risk factors for ESBL E. coli selection and diffusion were identified, including lack of routine cleaning of calf feeding and housing equipment, administration of waste milk to male calves, and blanket dry cow therapy. In conclusion, this study highlighted the presence of MDR, ESBL E. coli in the feces of most dairy calves, and their association with different sample sources. Accordingly, adding to the prudent use of antibiotics, the adoption of adequate farm hygiene and biosecurity measures might also help prevent the spread and transmission of ESBL E. coli within the herd.
Quality Analysis of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Images Using a Resolution Target
Authors: Kim Jin-Hyo , Sung Sang-Min
Published: March 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry is an emerging means of acquiring high-precision rapid spatial information and data because it is cost-effective and highly efficient. However, securing uniform quality in the results of UAV photogrammetry is difficult due to the use of low-cost navigation devices, non-surveying cameras, and rapid changes in shooting locations depending on the aircraft’s behavior. In addition, no specific procedures or guidelines exist for performing quantitative quality tests or certification methods on UAV images. Additionally, test tools for UAV image quality assessment only use the ground sample distance (GSD), often resulting in a reduced image quality compared with that of manned aircraft images. In this study, we performed a modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis using a slanted edge target and a GSD analysis to confirm the necessity of MTF analysis in UAV image quality assessments. In this study, we aimed to address this issue by conducting a modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis using a slanted edge target and a ground sample distance (GSD) analysis. This was carried out to confirm the necessity of MTF analysis in evaluating UAV image quality. Furthermore, we analyzed the impact of flight height and mounted sensors on image quality at different study sites.
Design of an Enhanced Dynamic Regulation Controller Considering the State of Charge of Battery Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Tsai Yun-Sheng , Chen Chi-Wen , Kuo Cheng-Chien , Chen Hung-Cheng
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the escalating electricity demand in Taiwan has heightened the prominence and discourse surrounding the issue of power supply. With the enactment of the European climate law, global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions has gained momentum. Concurrently, the Taiwanese government has articulated the Taiwan 2050 net-zero emissions policy. To realize this objective, Taiwan has vigorously promoted renewable energy in recent years, increasing the proportion of renewable energy in its energy mix. However, confronted with the intermittent and unpredictable nature of renewable energy generation, challenges arise concerning the stability and quality of power supply. In response to the impact of integrating renewable energy into the grid, the Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) has introduced the day-ahead ancillary service market. Through this platform, power generation and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) engage in competitive bidding, fostering the integration of diverse distributed energy resources into the system. These resources serve as dispatchable assets for Taipower, contributing to grid stability by providing ancillary services. This study has developed an advanced dynamic regulation reserve controller by employing an industrial PC (IPC) in conjunction with a multifunctional power meter. Through real-time measurement of the power grid frequency by the multifunctional power meter, a sophisticated dynamic frequency reserve control strategy has been devised, taking into account the charging state of energy storage systems. This strategy exhibits high operational quality, effectively regulating the charging and discharging of energy storage systems. In addition to swiftly adjusting the current grid frequency, it encompasses the capability to facilitate the transfer of peak electrical energy. This effectively stabilizes the power grid, alleviating supply pressures during nighttime peaks and enhancing the overall supply stability of the power system.
Acoustic Detection of Vaccine Reactions in Hens for Assessing Anti-Inflammatory Product Efficacy
Authors: Ginovart-Panisello Gerardo José , Iriondo Ignasi , Panisello Monjo Tesa , Riva Silvia , Cancer Jordi Casadó , Alsina-Pagès Rosa Ma
Published: March 2024

Acoustic studies on poultry show that chicken vocalizations can be a real-time indicator of the health conditions of the birds and can improve animal welfare and farm management. In this study, hens vaccinated against infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) were acoustically recorded for 3 days before vaccine administration (pre-reaction period) and also from vaccination onwards, with the first 5 days being identified as the “reaction period” and the 5 following days as “post reaction”. The raw audio was pre-processed to isolate hen calls and the 13 Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients; then, the spectral centroid and the number of vocalizations were extracted to build the acoustic dataset. The experiment was carried out on the same farm but in two different houses. The hens from one house were assigned to the control group, without administration of the anti-inflammatory product, and the other formed the treatment group. Both acoustic data sets were recorded and processed in the same way. The control group was used to acoustically model the animal reaction to the vaccine and we automatically detected the hens’ vaccine reactions and side effects through acoustics. From Scikit-Learn algorithms, Gaussian Naive Bayes was the best performing model, with a balanced accuracy of 80% for modeling the reactions and non-reactions caused by ILT in the control group. Furthermore, the importance of algorithm permutation highlighted that the centroid and MFCC4 were the most important features in acoustically detecting the ILT vaccine reaction. The fitted Gaussian Naive Bayes model allowed us to evaluate the treatment group to determine if the vocalizations after vaccine administration were detected as non-reactions, due to the anti-inflammatory product’s effectiveness. Of the sample, 99% of vocalizations were classified as non-reactions, due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the product, which reduced vaccine reactions and side effects. The non-invasive detection of hens’ responses to vaccination to prevent respiratory problems in hens described in this paper is an innovative method of measuring and detecting avian welfare.
Characteristics of the Temperature and Humidity Variations of Burial-Type Stone Relics and a Fitting Model
Authors: Liu Ping , Shi Wentao , Sun Bo , Wang Qian , Xie Xiaokun , Li Changqing
Published: March 2024

Burial stone relics remain in a humid, semi-enclosed environment for long periods, and temperature and humidity variations can cause deterioration acceleration. Yang Can’s tomb was selected as the research object, and field monitoring and simulations were performed to investigate the characteristics of temperature and humidity variations, after which the simulation results were evaluated. The monitoring results showed that solar radiation, rainfall, wind speed, and depth of entry are important factors affecting the variation in the temperature and humidity of burial stone relics. The temperature outside the chamber is greatly affected by seasonal variations, while the humidity inside the chamber is influenced by seasonal variations, so appropriate measures should be implemented inside and outside the chamber during different seasons to alleviate deterioration. On the basis of the above analysis, a temperature and humidity model for the interior chamber of burial stone relics was established in COMSOL software 5.6, combined with a porous medium heat transfer model and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The temperature and humidity inside the chamber can be calculated by the temperature and humidity outside the chamber. This study provides data support for hydrothermal, condensation and other related studies of burial stone relics.
Software and Architecture Orchestration for Process Control in Industry 4.0 Enabled by Cyber-Physical Systems Technologies
Authors: Serôdio Carlos , Mestre Pedro , Cabral Jorge , Gomes Monica , Branco Frederico
Published: March 2024

In the context of Industry 4.0, this paper explores the vital role of advanced technologies, including Cyber–Physical Systems (CPS), Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), in enhancing data valorization and management within industries. These technologies are integral to addressing the challenges of producing highly customized products in mass, necessitating the complete digitization and integration of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) for flexible and automated manufacturing processes. The paper emphasizes the importance of interoperability through Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA), Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS), and Resource-as-a-Service (RaaS) to achieve seamless integration across systems, which is critical for the Industry 4.0 vision of a fully interconnected, autonomous industry. Furthermore, it discusses the evolution towards Supply Chain 4.0, highlighting the need for Transportation Management Systems (TMS) enhanced by GPS and real-time data for efficient logistics. A guideline for implementing CPS within Industry 4.0 environments is provided, focusing on a case study of real-time data acquisition from logistics vehicles using CPS devices. The study proposes a CPS architecture and a generic platform for asset tracking to address integration challenges efficiently and facilitate the easy incorporation of new components and applications. Preliminary tests indicate the platform’s real-time performance is satisfactory, with negligible delay under test conditions, showcasing its potential for logistics applications and beyond.
Small-Scale Foreign Object Debris Detection Using Deep Learning and Dual Light Modes
Authors: Mo Yiming , Wang Lei , Hong Wenqing , Chu Congzhen , Li Peigen , Xia Haiting
Published: March 2024

The intrusion of foreign objects on airport runways during aircraft takeoff and landing poses a significant safety threat to air transportation. Small-scale Foreign Object Debris (FOD) cannot be ruled out on time by traditional manual inspection, and there is also a potential risk of secondary foreign body intrusion. A deep-learning-based intelligent detection method is proposed to solve the problem of low accuracy and low efficiency of small-scale FOD detection. Firstly, a dual light camera system is utilized for the collection of FOD data. It generates a dual light FOD dataset containing both infrared and visible light images. Subsequently, a multi-attention mechanism and a bidirectional feature pyramid are integrated into the baseline network YOLOv5. This integration prioritizes the extraction of foreign object features and boosts the network’s ability to distinguish FOD from complex backgrounds. Additionally, it enhances the fusion of higher-level features to improve the representation of multi-scale objects. To ensure fast and accurate localization and recognition of targets, the Complete-IoU (CIoU) loss function is used to optimize the bounding boxes’ positions. The experimental results indicate that the proposed model achieves a detection speed of 36.3 frame/s, satisfying real-time detection requirements. The model also attains an average accuracy of 91.1%, which is 7.4% higher than the baseline network. Consequently, this paper verifies the effectiveness and practical utility of our algorithm for the detection of small-scale FOD targets.
Characterization and Detection Classification of Moldy Corn Kernels Based on X-CT and Deep Learning
Authors: Zhang Yongzhen , Hui Yanbo , Zhou Ying , Liu Juanjuan , Gao Ju , Wang Xiaoliang , Wang Baiwei , Xie Mengqi , Hou Haonan
Published: March 2024

Moldy corn produces aflatoxin and gibberellin, which can have adverse effects on human health if consumed. Mold is a significant factor that affects the safe storage of corn. If not detected and controlled in a timely manner, it will result in substantial food losses. Understanding the infection patterns of mold on corn kernels and the changing characteristics of the internal structure of corn kernels after infection is crucial for guiding innovation and optimizing detection methods for moldy corn. This knowledge also helps maintain corn storage and ensure food safety. This study was based on X-ray tomography technology to non-destructively detect changes in the structural characteristics of moldy corn kernels. It used image processing technology and model reconstruction algorithms to obtain the 3D model of the embryo, pores and cracks, endosperm and seed coat, and kernels of moldy corn kernels; qualitative analysis of the characteristic changes of two-dimensional slice grayscale images and 3D models of moldy corn kernels; and quantitative analysis of changes in the volume parameters of corn kernels, embryos, endosperm, and seed coats as a whole. It explored the detection method of moldy corn kernels based on a combination of X-ray tomography technology and deep learning algorithms. The analysis concluded that mold infection in maize begins in the embryo and gradually spreads and that mold damage to the tissue structure of maize kernels is irregular in nature. The overall volume parameter changes of corn kernels, embryos, endosperm, and seed coats in the four stages of 0 d, 5 d, 10 d, and 15 d showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The ResNet50 model was enhanced for detecting mold on maize kernels, achieving an accuracy of over 93% in identifying mold features in sliced images of maize kernels. This advancement enabled the non-destructive detection and classification of the degree of mold in maize kernel samples. This article studies the characterization of the characteristic changes of moldy corn kernels and the detection of mildew, which will provide certain help for optimizing the monitoring of corn kernel mildew and the development of rapid detection equipment.
Creating an Immersive Virtual Reality Game Space for Multiuser, Synchronous Co-Located Collaboration: Design Considerations and Influencing Factors
Authors: Feng Qinna , Luo Heng , Li Zijian , Liang Jiarong , Li Gege , Yi Yan
Published: March 2024

The last decade has witnessed the rapid development of immersive virtual reality (IVR) and its application in various contexts. However, its application in supporting real-time virtual collaboration has been quite rare due to technical barriers and the lack of validated design principles. To address this research gap, this study designed and developed an IVR space to enable multiuser synchronous co-located collaboration to complete a fantasy game. An evaluation study (N = 95) was conducted to explore its useful design considerations and the influencing factors for collaboration experience in the game. The IVR space was enabled by the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM)-based inside-out tracking technique and was informed by four essential design considerations for promoting effective collaboration in IVR, namely, the role script, learning task, collaboration mechanism, and communication design. The study results revealed that students in general were satisfied with their collaboration experience in IVR, with social presence and collaboration competency as significant predictors of collective efficacy and social experience. Based on both quantitative and qualitative results, this study proposes four validated principles for designing effective IVR spaces to support synchronous co-located collaboration.
Electrochemical Devices to Power a Sustainable Energy Transition—An Overview of Green Hydrogen Contribution
Authors: de Sá Maria Helena
Published: March 2024

This work discusses the current scenario and future growth of electrochemical energy devices, such as water electrolyzers and fuel cells. It is based on the pivotal role that hydrogen can play as an energy carrier to replace fossil fuels. Moreover, it is envisaged that the scaled-up and broader deployment of the technologies can hold the potential to address the challenges associated with intermittent renewable energy generation. From a sustainability perspective, this synergy between hydrogen and electricity from renewable sources is particularly attractive: electrolyzers convert the excess energy from renewables into green hydrogen, and fuel cells use this hydrogen to convert it back into electricity when it is needed. Although this transition endorses the ambitious goal to supply greener energy for all, it also entails increased demand for the materials that are essential for developing such cleaner energy technologies. Herein, several economic and environmental issues are highlighted, besides a critical overview regarding each technology. The aim is to raise awareness and provide the reader (a non-specialist in the field) with useful resources regarding the challenges that need to be overcome so that a green hydrogen energy transition and a better life can be fully achieved.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Effect of Three-Hole Simultaneous Blasting Technology on Open-Pit Mine Bench Blasting
Authors: Zhang Xiaojun , Li Zhuo , Wei Zheng , Gao Wenxue
Published: March 2024

Blasting technology is widely applied in various engineering applications due to its cost-effectiveness and high efficiency, such as in mining, transport infrastructure construction, and building demolition. However, the occurrence of cracking in the rear row has always been a major problem that disrupts mining bench blasting. To address this issue, a three-hole simultaneous blasting technology is proposed in this study. Both numerical simulations and onsite blasting experimental testing were conducted. To aid this endeavor, the three-hole simultaneous blasting and the hole-by-hole blasting methods were adopted to comparatively analyze the severity of the damage caused to the original rock and the effect of rock fragmentation in the rear row. The obtained results highlighted that the outcome of the blast produced by the three-hole simultaneous blasting method is satisfactory, with fewer flying stones and concentrated blasting piles required. Additionally, the original rock in the rear row showed no obvious sign of tensile damage and had uniform fragmentation. It was also found that a block size of less than 60 cm accounts for 100%, while a block size of less than 50 cm accounts for 98.7% of the whole blocks, with no large blocks reported. Moreover, a penetrating horizontal crack occurred in the direction of the connection of the blast hole center when the three-hole simultaneous blasting method was adopted. This resulted in a smooth and flat rear part of the rocks at the interface. Compared to the hole-by-hole blasting method, the three-hole simultaneous blasting method improved the effective stress and displacement at each measurement point. At the measurement point directly at the front of the borehole, the maximum effective stress attained 67.9 GPa, and the maximum displacement reported was 31.9 cm. Overall, it was shown that the three-hole simultaneous blasting technology is applicable in similar applications of mine bench blasting, which is conducive to addressing the rear row original rock strain for onsite bench blasting.
Interactive Teaching in Virtual Environments: Integrating Hardware in the Loop in a Brewing Process
Authors: Ortiz Jessica S. , Pila Richard S. , Yupangui Joel A. , Rosales Marco M.
Published: March 2024

The teaching–learning process developed was based on the effective integration of the Hardware in the Loop (HIL) technique to control a brewing process. This required programming the autonomous control of the system and uploading it to a physical controller consisting of a PLC S7-1200, which communicates in real time with a virtual brewing environment, in addition to a SCADA system, providing engineering students with a unique practical experience. The system allows the emission of input signals from sensors and the reception of output signals in actuators, which is reflected accurately and in real time in the virtual environment. Students cannot only observe but also control and manipulate the system using specifically developed programs. This methodology enriched the understanding of industrial processes and fostered the acquisition of control skills. This research work reveals that the combination of the physical and the virtual through the HIL technique offers an effective approach for the training of engineers, improving their understanding of industrial control processes and their ability to intervene practically in real industrial situations.
Virtual Power Plant’s Optimal Scheduling Strategy in Day-Ahead and Balancing Markets Considering Reserve Provision Model of Energy Storage System
Authors: Nguyen Hong Nhung , Nguyen Duc Huy
Published: March 2024

In recent years, with the rapid increase in renewable energy sources (RESs), a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) concept has been developed to integrate many small-scale RESs, energy storage systems (ESSs), and customers into a unified agent in the electricity market. Optimal coordination among resources within the VPP will overcome their disadvantages and enable them to participate in both energy and balancing markets. This study considers a VPP as an active agent in reserve provision with an upward reserve capacity contract pre-signed in the balancing capacity (BC) market. Based on the BC contract’s requirements and the forecasted data of RESs and demand, a two-stage stochastic optimization model is presented to determine the VPP’s optimal scheduling in the day-ahead (DA) and balancing energy (BE) markets. The probability of reserve activation in the BE market is considered in this model. The ESS’s reserve provision model is proposed so as not to affect its schedule in the DA market. The proposed optimal scheduling model is applied to a test VPP system; then, the effects of the BC contract and the probability of reserve activation on the VPP’s trading schedule are analyzed. The results show that the proposed model has practical significance.
Gelatine-Based Biopolymer Film Produced from Ozone-Treated Film-Forming Solutions Containing Whey Protein Concentrate: Effects on Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Characteristics
Authors: Mercan Emin
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to determine the effects of the ozone treatment of film-forming solutions (FFSs) containing whey protein concentrate (WPC) and gelatine on biopolymer films’ physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Film samples were produced from a FFS that was ozone-treated at 0 (control), 5, 10, and 30 min. Ozone treatment caused an increase in the pH values of the FFS, whereas the zeta potential remained negative. The films became lighter in colour, slightly greenish, and more opaque with longer ozonation times. The control sample showed the highest thermogravimetric weight loss (92.15%). The weight loss of the samples decreased with increasing ozone treatment time. The application of ozone treatment on the FFS enhanced the films’ mechanical properties. Increased ozone treatment time improved the film samples’ tensile strength, elongation at break, and toughness values. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that the ozone treatment of FFS containing whey protein concentrate and gelatine can significantly enhance the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of biopolymer films. These results highlight the potential of ozone treatment as a viable method for improving the performance and quality of biopolymer films used in food packaging, offering promising advantages for sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Phytochemicals for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pantalos George , Vaou Natalia , Papachristidou Smaragda , Stavropoulou Elisavet , Tsigalou Christina , Voidarou Chrysa , Bezirtzoglou Eugenia
Published: March 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains a burden for patients with increasing prevalence in industrialized countries. Phytochemicals are non-nutrient plant derived bioactive substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may prove beneficial to IBD patients. This review aims to overview current evidence on the application and impact of isolated phytochemicals or phytochemicals contained in plant extracts and essential oils on patients suffering from IBD. A systematic literature search was conducted for studies relating to the use of phytochemicals for the treatment of IBD. Ultimately, 37 human clinical trials and 3 systematic reviews providing human IBD patient data relevant to phytochemicals as therapeutic agents were included. Phytochemicals in the form of curcumin, Plantago ovata seeds, polyphenon E, silymarin, resveratrol supplements or an herbal preparation of myrrh, chamomile and coffee charcoal have evidence from human clinical trials supporting their safety and beneficial effects. Cannabinoids improve quality of life but not IBD outcomes. The addition of probiotics like B. longum to fructo-oligosaccharides promote healthy composition of the gut microbiome. Phytochemicals like mastiha, anthocyanins, berberine, tormentil, T2, ecabet sodium and Pycnogenol need more well-designed trials. Systematic research on phytochemicals can lead to the discovery of useful therapeutics. These secondary metabolites can be incorporated in current IBD treatment strategies to limit side effects, promote mucosal healing and provide higher quality of life to patients.
Ionic Hydraulic Fluids and Seal-Material Compatibility
Authors: Lovrec Darko , Kalb Roland , Tič Vito
Published: March 2024

Manufacturers of hydraulic fluids invest a lot of effort and resources in improving their physico-chemical properties, with the goal of getting as close as possible to the properties of an ideal hydraulic fluid. It should be non- flammable, environmentally friendly, sustainable and should have excellent physical and chemical properties. After decades of development in the field of ionic liquids and the search for an ionic liquid suitable for use in hydraulic systems, ionic hydraulic liquids are now already in industrial use, especially on devices that operate in harsh and risky operating conditions. Since ionic hydraulic fluids are a completely new type of hydraulic fluid, one of the issues is their compatibility with the materials present in the hydraulic components, including all the seals. This paper refers to the process of testing the compatibility of hydraulic seal materials with different types of ionic hydraulic fluids according to the standardized percentages and recommendations, with emphasis on changes in the swell, shrinkage and hardness of the seals. The presented results are a useful guide for selecting suitable seal materials in case of using high-tech ionic hydraulic fluids.
Effects of Orography on the High-Temperature Event on 22 June 2023 in North China
Authors: Wu Haoyang , Xu Xin , Wang Yuan
Published: March 2024

An extreme high-temperature event occurred in North China on 22 June 2023, with the maximum temperature reaching 41.8 °C. The high-temperature centers preferentially occurred at the foothills of the Taihang and Yanshan Mountains, indicating an important role of the underlying orography. In the present work, we study the orographic effects of this extreme high-temperature event according to high-resolution numerical simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting model. The results show that the presence of the mountains in North China contributed notably to the high-temperature event, which can enhance the 2 m air temperature by up to 3 °C. In the daytime, the enhancement of temperature is primarily due to the diabatic heating of sensible heat flux at the terrain surface caused by solar shortwave radiation, whereas the well-known foehn effect has little contribution. Indeed, the dynamically forced downslope flow of foehn is totally suppressed by the upslope flow of the thermally driven mountain-plain circulation. In the nighttime, the sensible heat flux at the terrain surface changes to weakly negative, given the cooling of land surface longwave radiation. As a result, the enhancement of near-surface temperature at the terrain foothill is dominated by the adiabatic warming of downslope flow. Yet, the near-surface temperature far away from the mountain is enhanced by the subsidence warming of a synoptic anomalous anti-cyclone, which is induced by the diabatic heating over the mountains in the daytime. These findings help improve the understanding of the thermal and dynamical effects of orography on the occurrence of high-temperature events.