bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug-Associated Gastropathy: Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Bordin Dmitry S. , Livzan Maria A. , Gaus Olga V. , Mozgovoi Sergei I. , Lanas Angel
Published: June 2023

Drugs are widely used to treat different diseases in modern medicine, but they are often associated with adverse events. Those located in the gastrointestinal tract are common and often mild, but they can be serious or life-threatening and determine the continuation of treatment. The stomach is often affected not only by drugs taken orally but also by those administered parenterally. Here, we review the mechanisms of damage, risk factors and specific endoscopic, histopathological and clinical features of those drugs more often involved in gastric damage, namely NSAIDs, aspirin, anticoagulants, glucocorticosteroids, anticancer drugs, oral iron preparations and proton pump inhibitors. NSAID- and aspirin-associated forms of gastric damage are widely studied and have specific features, although they are often hidden by the coexistence of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, the damaging effect of anticoagulants and corticosteroids or oral iron therapy on the gastric mucosa is controversial. At the same time, the increased use of new antineoplastic drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors, has opened up a new area of gastrointestinal damage that will be seen more frequently in the near future. We conclude that there is a need to expand and understand drug-induced gastrointestinal damage to prevent and recognize drug-associated gastropathy in a timely manner.
Perinatal Outcomes of Neonates with Complex and Simple Gastroschisis after Planned Preterm Delivery—A Single-Centre Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jaczyńska Renata , Mydlak Dariusz , Mikulska Boyana , Nimer Anna , Maciejewski Tomasz , Sawicka Ewa
Published: June 2023

This research analysed early neonatal outcomes of complex and simple gastroschisis following planned elective preterm delivery in relation to prenatal ultrasound assessment of bowel conditions. A retrospective study of 61 neonates with prenatal gastroschisis diagnosis, birth, and management at a single tertiary centre from 2011 to 2021 showed a 96.72% survival rate with no intrauterine fatalities. Most cases (78.7%) were simple gastroschisis. Neonates with complex gastroschisis had longer hospital stays and time to full enteral feeding compared to those with simple gastroschisis—75.4 versus 35.1 days and 58.1 versus 24.1 days, respectively. A high concordance of 86.90% between the surgeon’s and perinatologist’s bowel condition assessments was achieved. The caesarean delivery protocol demonstrated safety, high survival rate, primary closure, and favourable outcomes compared to other reports. Prenatal ultrasound effectively evaluated bowel conditions and identified complex gastroschisis cases.
Heart Rate Recovery as a Predictor of Long-Term Adverse Events after Negative Exercise Testing in Patients with Chest Pain and Pre-Test Probability of Coronary Artery Disease from 15% to 65%
Authors: Giga Vojislav , Boskovic Nikola , Djordjevic-Dikic Ana , Beleslin Branko , Nedeljkovic Ivana , Stankovic Goran , Tesic Milorad , Jovanovic Ivana , Paunovic Ivana , Aleksandric Srdjan
Published: June 2023

Background: The prognosis of patients with chest pain after a negative exercise test is good, but some adverse events occur in this low-risk group. The aim of our study was to identify predictors of long-term adverse events after a negative exercise test in patients with chest pain and a lower intermediate (15–65%) pre-test probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) and to assess the prognostic value of exercise electrocardiography and exercise stress echocardiography in this group of patients. Methods: We identified from our stress test laboratory database 862 patients with chest pain without previously known CAD and with a pre-test probability of CAD ranging from 15 to 65% (mean 41 ± 14%) who underwent exercise testing. Patients were followed for the occurrence of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and clinically guided revascularization. Results: During the median follow-up of 94 months, 87 patients (10.1%) had an adverse event (AE). A total of 30 patients died (3.5%), 23 patients suffered non-fatal MI (2.7%) and 34 patients (3.9%) had clinically guided revascularization (20 patients percutaneous and 14 patients surgical revascularizations). Male gender, age, the presence of diabetes and a slow heart rate recovery (HRR) in the first minute after exercise were independently related to the occurrence of AEs. Adverse events occurred in 10.3% of patients who were tested by exercise stress echocardiography and in 10.0% of those who underwent stress electrocardiography (p = 0.888). Conclusion: The risk of AEs after negative exercise testing in patients with a pre-test probability of CAD of 15–65% is low. Male patients with a history of diabetes and slow HRR in the first minute after exercise have an increased risk of an adverse outcome.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis Using Varying-Scales Filter Banks and Double-Layered Thresholding
Authors: Huda Noor ul , Salam Anum Abdul , Alghamdi Norah Saleh , Zeb Jahan , Akram Muhammad Usman
Published: June 2023

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the abnormalities of the retina in which a diabetic patient suffers from severe vision loss due to an affected retina. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the final and most critical stage of diabetic retinopathy. Abnormal and fragile blood vessels start to grow on the surface of the retina at this stage. It causes retinal detachment, which may lead to complete blindness in severe cases. In this paper, a novel method is proposed for the detection and grading of neovascularization. The proposed system first performs pre-processing on input retinal images to enhance the vascular pattern, followed by blood vessel segmentation and optic disc localization. Then various features are tested on the candidate regions with different thresholds. In this way, positive and negative advanced diabetic retinopathy cases are separated. Optic disc coordinates are applied for the grading of neovascularization as NVD or NVE. The proposed algorithm improves the quality of automated diagnostic systems by eliminating normal blood vessels and exudates that might cause hindrances in accurate disease detection, thus resulting in more accurate detection of abnormal blood vessels. The evaluation of the proposed system has been carried out using performance parameters such as sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value (PPV) on a publicly available standard retinal image database and one of the locally available databases. The proposed algorithm gives an accuracy of 98.5% and PPV of 99.8% on MESSIDOR and an accuracy of 96.5% and PPV of 100% on the local database.
Cardiac Metastasis of Malignant Melanoma Detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Zhang Hongzhe , Luo Yaping
Published: June 2023

A 63-year-old man with a history of right plantar malignant melanoma (T3bN0M0, IIb) developed multiple metastases in bilateral lungs 19 months after surgery. Subsequent 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed multiple pulmonary metastases with intense FDG uptake and detected a hypermetabolic lesion in the lateral wall of the left ventricle, which was considered to be a cardiac metastasis of malignant melanoma. This lesion was later confirmed in the dynamic myocardial perfusion MR. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of 18F-FDG PET/CT in detecting occult cardiac metastases of malignant melanoma.
Diagnostic Evaluation of Hypersensitivity Reactions to Antibiotics in a Large Cohort of Mastocytosis Patients
Authors: Jarkvist Jesper , Gülen Theo
Published: June 2023

Background: Anaphylactic reactions are a well-known feature of mastocytosis, particularly in relation to hymenoptera venom stings. Although data on the frequency of drug hypersensitivity reactions is limited in mastocytosis, it is hypothesized that these patients may be predisposed to hypersensitivity reactions to certain drugs, including antibiotics. Nevertheless, this issue has not been systematically investigated. Thus, we investigate the prevalence and clinical features of hypersensitivity reactions to antibiotics (HRA) in mastocytosis. Methods: A 15-year retrospective study was conducted among 239 (≥18 years old) consecutive mastocytosis patients who were investigated in our center. All patients underwent a thorough allergy work-up, where self-reported reactions were individually evaluated by an allergist. Results: Overall, 34 patients (14.2%) were deemed to have HRA. Most patients reacted with cutaneous symptoms (74%), and anaphylaxis was rare, confirmed only in two of 34 patients (0.8%). Beta-lactams were the most common elicitors (63%). There were no differences in age, gender, atopic status and tryptase levels between mastocytosis patients with and without antibiotic hypersensitivity. Conclusions: The present study indicates a similar prevalence of HRA in mastocytosis compared to those of the general population. Moreover, antibiotics appear to be rare elicitors of anaphylaxis in these patients. Hence, our results suggest that mastocytosis patients without a history of HRA may be treated with these drugs without special precautions.
Landauer Bound and Continuous Phase Transitions
Authors: Diamantini Maria Cristina
Published: June 2023

In this review, we establish a relation between information erasure and continuous phase transitions. The order parameter, which characterizes these transitions, measures the order of the systems. It varies between 0, when the system is completely disordered, and 1, when the system is completely ordered. This ordering process can be seen as information erasure by resetting a certain number of bits to a standard value. The thermodynamic entropy in the partially ordered phase is given by the information-theoretic expression for the generalized Landauer bound in terms of error probability. We will demonstrate this for the Hopfield neural network model of associative memory, where the Landauer bound sets a lower limit for the work associated with ‘remembering’ rather than ‘forgetting’. Using the relation between the Landauer bound and continuous phase transition, we will be able to extend the bound to analog computing systems. In the case of the erasure of an analog variable, the entropy production per degree of freedom is given by the logarithm of the configurational volume measured in units of its minimal quantum.
Reply to Hall et al. Comment on “Dinesen et al. Diphoterine for Chemical Burns of the Skin: A Systematic Review. Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4, 55–68”
Authors: Dinesen Felicia , Pape Pernille , Vestergaard Martin Risom , Rasmussen Lars Simon
Published: June 2023

We thank Hall et al. [...]
Wage Inequality’s Decreasing Effect on Enterprise Operating Revenues
Authors: Aarstad Jarle , Kvitastein Olav Andreas
Published: June 2023

This study assesses whether wage inequality affects enterprises’ operating revenues and whether operating revenues reversely affect wage inequality. To study our research questions, we analyze panel data from Norway and find that wage inequality decreases operating revenues. I.e., increasing high earners’ wages relative to those earning low ones—or decreasing low earners’ wages relative to those earning high ones—decreases operating revenues. It implies that wage inequality is detrimental to enterprise performance. Reversely, decreasing operating revenues increases wage inequality. I.e., low earners’ wages are reduced relatively more than those earning high ones when enterprise revenues decrease. Increasing operating revenues, on the other hand, does not decrease wage inequality.
Acceptance and Intentions of Using Dynamic Geometry Software by Pre-Service Primary School Teachers
Authors: Van Vaerenbergh Steven , Pérez-Suay Adrián , Diago Pascual D.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we empirically verify the validity of the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) for the use of Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS) in teaching geometry, as proposed by Pittalis. The model includes the notion of “perceived pedagogical-learning fit” in addition to the traditional belief and attitude variables of TAM. We employ a structural equation modeling approach to capture the relationships between the different latent constructs. With a sample of 135 pre-service primary school teachers as participants, our study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing the adoption of DGS in geometry teaching. The results reveal that the extended TAM serves as a suitable framework to evaluate the intentions of teachers to use DGS in teaching geometry. However, we also observe some discrepancies in the predictive power of various latent factors when compared to the original study. These findings not only contribute to our understanding of the factors affecting the adoption of DGS in geometry teaching but also provide valuable insights for future research and practice.
Critical Thinking (Dis)Positions in Education for Sustainable Development—A Positioning Theory Perspective
Authors: Felix Sonia Martins
Published: June 2023

In a threatened world, the need for pathways to sustainability has become urgent. Teachers have a significant role in using critical thinking (CT) as an integrated aspect of education for sustainable development (ESD). As part of the Critical Thinking in Sustainability Education (CriThiSE) project, this paper explores how primary school teachers positioned themselves with regard to CT in ESD during group interviews. Among the findings derived through critical discourse analysis, “otherness” positions were identified in teachers’ discourse. These positions were interpreted via positioning theory (PT) as part of the critical discourse analysis while tracing personal pronouns. Here, different positions were identified through the use of the pronouns they, theirs and the generic you, suggesting that otherness reflects a tendency to “care about” (CT disposition). Another finding was that the teachers’ collective positions, through the pronouns such as we, us, they, theirs, ours and the generic you, might suggest an implicatory denial embedded in the sociocultural perspective in relation to sustainability. From the ESD perspective, the findings highlight that CT is more than a matter of skills. The study highlights the importance of taking into account teachers’ CT dispositions as an important consideration to better understand teachers’ engagement with CT in ESD.
Fuzzy Hardware Tool: An Adaptable Tool to Facilitate the Implementation of Fuzzy Inference Systems in Hardware
Authors: Valdez Rogelio , Maldonado Yazmin , Quevedo Joel A.
Published: June 2023

A Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) is a system that represents human reasoning based on fuzzy if-then rules to extract valid results from imprecise or uncertain information. These systems have been applied to various engineering fields, such as control and image recognition, and have encouraged the search for development tools that provide facilities for the design, simulation, and implementation of FISs. Most of the available software tools for the design of FISs have been developed by the scientific community, and very few are commercial tools. According to the state of the technology, the fuzzy systems implemented in hardware have shown higher performance than software implementations. For this reason, different strategies for automatic hardware synthesis of FISs have been proposed in the literature. The available tools for FIS implementation, including MATLAB, Simulink, and Xfuzzy environment, require advanced hardware knowledge, and it is necessary to synthesize and implement the program on FPGA each time a change is made to the code. This paper presents a novel approach for the implementation of fuzzy systems on hardware devices that enables the direct implementation of FISs through a graphical user interface. The VHDL code is pre-synthesized and integrated with the interface, allowing users to experiment with different input parameters, such as membership functions and fuzzy rules, without resynthesizing the code on an FPGA. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, experiments were conducted on two similar System-on-Chip (SoC) devices, VEEK-MT and VEEK-MT2. The results showed that the proposed solution represents a significant advancement in the study of fuzzy systems on hardware devices, providing a flexible and user-friendly approach to their design and implementation.
A 19.5 GHz 5-Bit Digitally Programmable Phase Shifter for Active Antenna Arrays
Authors: Esteban Eraso Uxua , Sánchez-Azqueta Carlos , Aldea Concepción , Celma Santiago
Published: June 2023

This paper presents the design of a new phase shifter to be used in a receiver of active antenna array operating in the range from 17 GHz to 22 GHz. Beamforming is achieved by controlling the phase of the signal in each radiant element. In this context, the phase shift is obtained by the combination of a quadrature signal generator (QSG) and a variable gain amplifier (VGA). This work is focused on the design of a VGA which has a set of dummy transistors to keep the input and output impedance constant. The phase shifter is digitally programmable using a 5-bit word. The system was laid out using a 65 nm CMOS process, and the physical post-layout results show that the phase shifter achieves root mean square errors of 4.5° for the phase and 0.79 dB for the gain at a frequency of 19.5 GHz. A comparative analysis with other recently published phase shifters shows that the proposed phase shifter presents a good compromise between power consumption and accuracy.
Energy Efficiency of Mobile Devices Using Fuzzy Logic Control by Exponential Weight with Priority-Based Rate Control in Multi-Radio Opportunistic Networks
Authors: Chen Young-Long , Wang Neng-Chung , Liu Yi-Shang , Ko Chien-Yun
Published: June 2023

The rapid development of mobile devices and wireless network technologies have made them indispensable. This has created a demand for faster networks and longer battery life. The assurance of a stable network service and the enhancement of network experiences for mobile devices is equally crucial to meeting these demands. To address these challenges, mobile devices employ various techniques to decrease power consumption when they connect to wireless networks. Moreover, enhancing the endurance of mobile devices to maintain stable network services is critical when using wireless networks. In this paper, we propose a dual-radio opportunistic network for energy efficiency (DRONEE)–exponential weight with priority-based on rate control (WPRC) method which can extend and enhance the DRONEE hybrid network. By leveraging fuzzy logic control (FLC) and quality of service (QoS), our proposed method effectively solves the weighting problem in the DRONEE–weight (DRONEE–W) method. Through efficient allocation of network resources within each cluster, we minimize resource wastage and maximize resource utilization. Simulation results demonstrate the superior performance of our DRONEE–WPRC method in terms of throughput, buffer size, delay time, and power consumption compared to other methods. Therefore, our proposed method achieves optimal network resource allocation and energy efficiency.
A Symmetric and Multilayer Reconfigurable Architecture for Hash Algorithm
Authors: Fan Wang , Liu Qinrang , Zhang Xinyi , Gao Yanzhao , Qi Xiaofeng , Wang Xuan
Published: June 2023

As an essential protection mechanism of information security, hash algorithms are extensively used in various security mechanisms. The diverse application scenarios make the implementation of hash algorithms more challenging regarding flexibility, performance, and resources. Since the existing studies have such issues as wasted resources and few algorithms are supported when implementing hash algorithms, we proposed a new reconfigurable hardware architecture for common hash algorithms in this paper. First, we used the characteristics of symmetry of SM3 (Shang Mi 3) and SHA2 (Secure Hash Algorithm 2) to design an architecture that also supports MD5 (Message Digest 5) and SHA1 (Secure Hash Algorithm 1) on both sides. Then we split this architecture into two layers and eliminated the resource wastes introduced by different word widths through exploiting greater parallelism. Last, we further divided the architecture into four operators and designed an array. The experimental results showed that our architecture can support four types of hash algorithms successfully, and supports 32-bit and 64-bit word widths without wasting resources. Compared with existing designs, our design has a throughput rate improvement of about 56.87–226% and a throughput rate per resource improvement of up to 5.5 times. Furthermore, the resource utilization rose to 80% or above when executing algorithms.
Energy Forecasting Model for Ground Movement Operation in Green Airport
Authors: Ajayi Adedayo , Luk Patrick Chi-Kwong , Lao Liyun , Khan Mohammad Farhan
Published: June 2023

The aviation industry has driven economic growth and facilitated cultural exchange over the past century. However, concerns have arisen regarding its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and potential impact on climate change. In response to this challenge, stakeholders have proposed the use of electric ground support vehicles, powered by renewable energy sources, at airports. This solution aims to not only reduce emissions, but to also lower energy costs. Nonetheless, the successful implementation of such a system relies on accurate energy demand forecasting, which is influenced by flight data and fluctuations in renewable energy availability. This paper presents a novel data-driven, machine-learning-based energy prediction model that compared the performance of the Facebook Prophet and vector autoregressive integrated moving average algorithms to develop time series models to forecast the ground movement operation net energy demand in the airport, using historical flight data and an onsite airport-based PV power system (ASPV). The results demonstrate the superiority of the Facebook Prophet model over the vector autoregressive integrated moving average (VARIMA), highlighting its utility for airport operators and planners in managing energy consumption and preparing for future electrified ground movement operations at the airport.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Autonomous Transportation Systems
Authors: Heiberg Samantha , Emond Emily , Allen Cody , Raya Dheeraj , Gadhamshetty Venkataramana , Dhiman Saurabh Sudha , Ravilla Achyuth , Celik Ilke
Published: June 2023

The transportation industry has led efforts to fight climate change and reduce air pollution. Autonomous electric vehicles (A-EVs) that use artificial intelligence, next-generation batteries, etc., are predicted to replace conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming years. In this study, we performed a life cycle assessment to analyze A-EVs and compare their impacts with those from EV and ICEV systems. The scope of the analysis consists of the manufacturing and use phases, and a functional unit of 150,000 miles·passenger was chosen for the assessment. Our results on the impacts from the manufacturing phase of the analyzed systems show that the A-EV systems have higher impacts than other transportation systems in the majority of the impacts categories analyzed (e.g., global warming potential, ozone depletion, human toxicity-cancer) and, on average, EV systems were found to be the slightly more environmentally friendly than ICEV systems. The high impacts in A-EV are due to additional components such as cameras, sonar, and radar. In comparing the impacts from the use phase, we also analyzed the impact of automation and found that the use phase impacts of A-EVs outperform EV and ICEV in many aspects, including global warming potential, acidification, and smog formation. To interpret the results better, we also investigated the impacts of electricity grids on the use phase impact of alternative transportation options for three representative countries with different combinations of renewable and conventional primary energy resources such as hydroelectric, nuclear, and coal. The results revealed that A-EVs used in regions that have hydropower-based electric mix become the most environmentally friendly transportation option than others.
A Systematic Review of Optimization Approaches for the Integration of Electric Vehicles in Public Buildings
Authors: Almeida Luiz , Soares Ana , Moura Pedro
Published: June 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) can provide important flexibility to the integration of local energy generation in buildings. Although most studies considering the integration of EVs and buildings are focused on residential buildings, the number of publications regarding large buildings, in particular, public buildings (PBs), has increased. However, the quantity of studies regarding the integration of EVs and PBs is still limited. Additionally, there are no review studies approaching the integration of EVs and buildings in one single framework. In this sense, this review aims to address the challenges and trends associated with optimizing the charging of EVs in PBs by conducting a systematic review of the existing literature. As contributions, this work develops a review that approaches the integration of EVs and PBs using multiple strategies and structures, presents an integrated picture of the technical and economic constraints, and addresses the future trends and research perspectives related to the subject. Through the use of an open-access search engine (LENS), a cluster of 743 publications was analyzed using two strings and a timeframe restriction. The most important contributions regarding optimization strategies and their evolution are presented, followed by a comparison of the findings with other review papers. As key findings, technical and economic constraints are identified (uncertainties of driving behavior and local generation, battery degradation, “injection tariffs”, etc.), as are future trends and perspectives (local generation legislation, incentives for purchasing EVs, energy communities, etc.).
Further Development of Eddy Dissipation Model for Turbulent Non-Premixed Combustion Simulation
Authors: Li Xingyou , Chen Yongliang , Wang Peiyong
Published: June 2023

In view of the application limits of the modified eddy dissipation model (MEDM) in simulations of weakly turbulent flow, compressible flow, and internal flow, an improved eddy dissipation model (IEDM) is proposed. The IEDM model uses the dissociation reactions to obtain the correct combustion temperature instead of the specific heat compensation used in the MEDM model. This extends the application in compressible flow simulation. The simulation accuracy of the IEDM model for weakly turbulent flow is improved by using the accurate transport property and model. The maximum ε/k is limited to give a reasonable reaction rate near walls, and the expression for the model parameter A is also updated. Nine turbulent flames including seven jet flames and two opposed jet flames are simulated with the improved model. Compared with the experimental data of the jet flames, the peak temperature differences with the MEDM model and the IEDM model are 189 and 161 K, respectively, indicating the minor accuracy improvement of the IEDM model. Compared with the experimental data of the opposed flames, the peak temperature differences with the MEDM model and the IEDM model are 131 and 7 K, respectively, indicating the significant accuracy improvement of the IEDM model.
Study on Individual Tree Segmentation of Different Tree Species Using Different Segmentation Algorithms Based on 3D UAV Data
Authors: Liu Yao , You Haotian , Tang Xu , You Qixu , Huang Yuanwei , Chen Jianjun
Published: June 2023

Individual structural parameters of trees, such as forest stand tree height and biomass, serve as the foundation for monitoring of dynamic changes in forest resources. Individual tree structural parameters are closely related to individual tree crown segmentation. Although three-dimensional (3D) data have been successfully used to determine individual tree crown segmentation, this phenomenon is influenced by various factors, such as the (i) source of 3D data, (ii) the segmentation algorithm, and (iii) the tree species. To further quantify the effect of various factors on individual tree crown segmentation, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and image-derived points were obtained by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Three different segmentation algorithms (PointNet++, Li2012, and layer-stacking segmentation (LSS)) were used to segment individual tree crowns for four different tree species. The results show that for two 3D data, the crown segmentation accuracy of LiDAR data was generally better than that obtained using image-derived 3D data, with a maximum difference of 0.13 in F values. For the three segmentation algorithms, the individual tree crown segmentation accuracy of the PointNet++ algorithm was the best, with an F value of 0.91, whereas the result of the LSS algorithm yields the worst result, with an F value of 0.86. Among the four tested tree species, the individual tree crown segmentation of Liriodendron chinense was the best, followed by Magnolia grandiflora and Osmanthus fragrans, whereas the individual tree crown segmentation of Ficus microcarpa was the worst. Similar crown segmentation of individual Liriodendron chinense and Magnolia grandiflora trees was observed based on LiDAR data and image-derived 3D data. The crown segmentation of individual Osmanthus fragrans and Ficus microcarpa trees was superior according to LiDAR data to that determined according to image-derived 3D data. These results demonstrate that the source of 3D data, the segmentation algorithm, and the tree species all have an impact on the crown segmentation of individual trees. The effect of the tree species is the greatest, followed by the segmentation algorithm, and the effect of the 3D data source. Consequently, in future research on individual tree crown segmentation, 3D data acquisition methods should be selected based on the tree species, and deep learning segmentation algorithms should be adopted to improve the crown segmentation of individual trees.
The Distribution and Activity of the Invasive Raccoon Dog in Lithuania as Found with Country-Wide Camera Trapping
Authors: Jasiulionis Marius , Stirkė Vitalijus , Balčiauskas Linas
Published: June 2023

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray, 1834) is an invasive mammal widespread in northern, eastern, and central Europe, where it damages biodiversity and carries a wide range of pathogens. Surveys of this species in Lithuania ceased before 2000, so there is a lack of scientific information on its distribution and relative abundance. In 2019–2022, we carried out a nationwide recording of raccoon dogs using camera traps (101 sites, sampling effort of 15,563 trapping days). The species was found at 64 sites (63.4% of the sites surveyed), with an average relative shooting frequency of 4.30 photographs per 100 days. The frequency of raccoon dogs was higher at camera sites where lynx (Lynx lynx Linnaeus, 1758) or wolves (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) were recorded compared to sites where predators were absent (7.95 vs. 3.21 photos/100 days, p < 0.05). The highest raccoon dog activity (69.5% of records) was observed at night and at temperatures between −3 and +5 °C. Below −15 °C, animals were not active, while above 25 °C, there was very little activity. Diurnal activity (36.1% of daytime records in April–June) increased during estrus, gestation, and rearing of pups. We conclude that wide-scale camera trapping is a suitable method for raccoon dog surveys.
Forest Road Subgrade Improvement by Lime and Sodium Nanoalginate Used as Stabilizers for Clay Soils
Authors: Mousavi Fatemeh , Abdi Ehsan , Borz Stelian Alexandru
Published: June 2023

Fine-grained soils cause problems for forest road construction and often require improvements of their mechanical properties. One of the methods of improving mechanical properties of clay soils is soil stabilization. In this study, the effect of a conventional (lime) and a non-conventional (sodium nanoalginate) stabilizer on improving the characteristics of a high plasticity forest soil was compared. Atterberg limits including liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index, standard Proctor, UCS (Unconfined Compression Strength) and CBR (California Bearing Ratio) tests were performed on control (untreated) and soil samples treated with different doses (3%, 5% and 7%) of lime and sodium nanoalginate, according to the standard procedures. Moreover, to evaluate the effect of curing time, additional tests were performed on the soil samples treated with 3% lime and 3% sodium nanoalginate at 7, 14 and 28 days after the treatment. The results indicated that adding sodium nanoalginate and lime to the forest soil improves the Atterberg limits. Additionally, adding sodium nanoalginate to the forest soil increases the maximum dry density (γdmax) and decreases the optimum moisture content (OMC), whereas adding lime to the forest soil reduces the maximum dry density and increases the optimum moisture content. Adding sodium nanoalginate and lime in different doses (3%, 5% and 7%) increased UCS and CBR as the main indices of soil strength. The increment range of UCS for the soil stabilized with sodium nanoalginate and lime was 42.59%–160.14% and 31.34%–56.65%, respectively, and the range of CBR improvement for soil stabilized with sodium nanoalginate and lime was 28.72%–122.97% and 13.83%–45.59%, respectively. Increasing the curing time improved the mechanical properties of the forest soil in the samples treated with both stabilizers, but sodium nanoalginate performed better in soil stabilization.
Comment on Laming et al. The Curse of Conservation: Empirical Evidence Demonstrating That Changes in Land-Use Legislation Drove Catastrophic Bushfires in Southeast Australia. Fire 2022, 5, 175
Authors: Feller Michael Charles
Published: June 2023

Laming et al. [...]
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Supersonic Binary Fluid Ejector Performance
Authors: Bukharin Nikolay , El Hassan Mouhammad
Published: June 2023

Ejectors are simple mechanical devices with no moving parts which convert the pressure energy of a motive fluid to kinetic energy and generate suction of the secondary fluid. The ability to recover waste heat, to operate using solar power and the ability to use geothermal energy make ejector-based systems attractive in different industrial applications. The main challenge of ejector-based refrigeration systems is their relatively low coefficient of performance (COP). In order to increase the ejector performance, two chemically distinct fluids can be used in the refrigeration cycle. It is suggested that a higher molecular mass be used for the motive fluid to improve the entrainment ratio of the binary fluid ejector (BFE) and thus the system COP. Inert gas combinations of argon–helium and krypton–air are studied in this paper using computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) and experimental measurements. All CFD cases were axisymmetric and the appropriate turbulence model was selected based on experimental validation. Specifically, the entrainment ratio and the static pressure along the ejector wall were measured to validate the CFD predictions. It was found that the molar entrainment ratio was significantly higher in argon–helium compared to krypton–air. The static pressure measurements along the wall, in addition, exhibited good agreement with the results obtained via computational fluid dynamics (CFDs).
The Ultrasensitive Detection of Aflatoxin M1 Using Gold Nanoparticles Modified Electrode with Fe3+ as a Probe
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Zhang Miao , Mo Haizhen , Li Hongbo , Xu Dan , Hu Liangbin
Published: June 2023

The increasing incidence of diseases caused by highly carcinogenic aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in food demands a simple, fast, and cost-effective detection technique capable of sensitively monitoring AFM1. Recent works predominantly focus on the electrochemical aptamer-based biosensor, which still faces challenges and high costs in experimentally identifying an efficient candidate aptamer. However, the direct electrochemical detection of AFM1 has been scarcely reported thus far. In this study, we observed a significant influence on the electrochemical signals of ferric ions at a gold nanoparticle-modified glassy carbon electrode (AuNPs/GCE) by adding varying amounts of AFM1. Utilizing ferricyanide as a sensitive indicator of AFM1, we have introduced a novel approach for detecting AFM1, achieving an unprecedentedly low detection limit of 1.6 × 10−21 g/L. Through monitoring the fluorescence quenching of AFM1 with Fe3+ addition, the interaction between them has been identified at a ratio of 1:936. Transient fluorescence analysis reveals that the fluorescence quenching process is predominantly static. It is interesting that the application of iron chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) cannot prevent the interaction between AFM1 and Fe3+. With a particle size distribution analysis, it is suggested that a combination of AFM1 and Fe3+ occurs and forms a polymer-like aggregate. Nonetheless, the mutual reaction mechanism between AFM1 and Fe3+ remains unexplained and urgently necessitates unveiling. Finally, the developed sensor is successfully applied for the AFM1 test in real samples, fully meeting the detection requirements for milk.
Natural Antioxidant Potential of Melon Peels for Fortified Foods
Authors: Vella Filomena Monica , Calandrelli Roberto , Cautela Domenico , Laratta Bruna
Published: June 2023

Agricultural and food waste recycling reduces natural resource losses, contributing significantly to the development of new green markets through the creation of redesigned products. In order to cycle valuable molecules, the peels from Italian cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars were studied and successfully characterized for high-added biomolecules to verify their possible exploitation as wealthy biomasses. Peels were investigated for their cell wall-modifying and browning enzymes, as well as for total polyphenols, ortho-diphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidant properties. The results of the analyses displayed great promise in one of the three cultivars investigated. Later on, a preliminary study using the best peel extract as a dietary supplement was carried out by preparing fortified seawater to enhance its antioxidant power. The effects of storage time (60 days) were examined at two temperatures through the determination of the stability of the polyphenol content. The kinetic parameters of degradation were also calculated. The “enriched sea water” retained great antioxidant activity in refrigerated conditions, demonstrating that there is good potential for melon by-products to add their natural compounds for food fortification. These findings may provide valuable data for scale-up, from the lab to the pilot or industrial application.
Effects of Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal) Powder on Characteristics of Carcass and Breast Meat Quality Parameters in Male Broiler Chickens
Authors: Al-Baadani Hani H. , Alhotan Rashed A. , Azzam Mahmoud M. , Suliman Gamaleldin M. , Alharthi Abdulrahman S. , Fazea Esam H. , Alhidary Ibrahim A.
Published: June 2023

Gum Arabic, one of the soluble fibers, is considered a source of natural prebiotics that can be fermented by the activity of the intestinal microbiota and, therefore, may have a positive effect on the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broilers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of gum Arabic on performance, carcass characteristics, physicochemical properties, and quality of broiler breast meat. Six dietary treatments (T1–T5) with a basal diet (CON) containing 0.12%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% gum Arabic, respectively. A total of 432 one-day-old male broiler chickens were conducted for 35 days. Performance and carcass characteristics, as well as physical, qualitative, and chemical indicators of breast meat, were evaluated. The results showed that the treatments improved overall performance (p < 0.05), such as body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and performance index, except for feed intake, which was lower at T1, T2, and T5 than at CON. Carcass characteristics, body components, and breast meat color or initial pH were not affected by dietary treatments (p > 0.05), but ultimate pH (T1 and T2) and color lightness were comparatively lower, and color change (T2–T3) was comparatively higher. Cooking water loss (T2–T4) and shear force (T1–T5) were higher in the treatments. Cohesiveness and resilience were higher in T2, while gumminess and chewiness were lower in T4 and T5. T1 breast meat had higher crude protein content and lower crude fat content, but the other chemical compositions were not affected by the treatments. Some fatty acids in the breast meat were more affected by treatments compared to CON. In conclusion, the present findings showed that gum Arabic (0.12% to 0.75%) has favorable effects on growth performance and some quality indicators of breast meat (such as cooking water loss, shear force, protein, and fat content), especially at the level of 0.12% with no alterations on the carcass characteristics and body components or physical indicators of breast meat.
Potential Beneficial Effects and Pharmacological Properties of Ergosterol, a Common Bioactive Compound in Edible Mushrooms
Authors: Rangsinth Panthakarn , Sharika Rajasekharan , Pattarachotanant Nattaporn , Duangjan Chatrawee , Wongwan Chamaiphron , Sillapachaiyaporn Chanin , Nilkhet Sunita , Wongsirojkul Nichaporn , Prasansuklab Anchalee , Tencomnao Tewin , Leung George Pak-Heng , Chuchawankul Siriporn
Published: June 2023

Ergosterol is an important sterol commonly found in edible mushrooms, and it has important nutritional value and pharmacological activity. Ergosterol is a provitamin. It has been well established that edible mushrooms are an excellent food source of vitamin D2 because ergosterol is a precursor that is converted to vitamin D2 under ultraviolet radiation. The pharmacological effects of ergosterol, which include antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-neurodegenerative, and other activities, have also been reported. This review aims to provide an overview of the available evidence regarding the pharmacological effects of ergosterol and its underlying mechanisms of action. Their potential benefits and applications are also discussed.
Indirect Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Based on Broad-Spectrum Antibody for Simultaneous Determination of Thirteen Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics in Rana catesbeianus
Authors: Zhang Biao , Lang Yihan , Guo Bowen , Cao Zhengyang , Cheng Jin , Cai Danfeng , Shentu Xuping , Yu Xiaoping
Published: June 2023

Fluoroquinolone (FQ) is a type of widely used antibiotic in agriculture and aquaculture, and exposure to low doses of FQs may result in the transfer of resistance between animal and human pathogens. Based on the optimization of the operating parameters, an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) standard curve was constructed for the simultaneous detection of 13 FQs, including enrofloxacin (ENR), ciprofloxacin (CIP), sarafloxacin (SAR), ofloxacin (OFL), norfloxacin (NOR), pefloxacin mesylate (PM), pefloxacin (PEF), enoxacin (ENX), marbofloxacin (MAR), fleroxacin (FLE), lomefloxacin (LOM), danofloxacin (DAN), and difloxacin (DIF). The limit of detection (LOD, computed as IC10) and sensitivity (IC50) of the ic-ELISA for ENR were 0.59 μg/L and 19.23 μg/L, respectively. The precision and dependability of the detection results of this ic-ELISA were properly verified by HPLC in Rana catesbeianus samples. This indicated that the established ic-ELISA approach could be utilized to determine the FQs in Rana catesbeianus. In addition, this ic-ELISA, based on a broad-spectrum antibody, provides a technical reference and potential strategy for an immunoassay of hazard factors with similar structure.
Physical Characteristics of Egg Yolk Granules and Effect on Their Functionality
Authors: Oladimeji Beatrice Mofoluwaso , Gebhardt Ronald
Published: June 2023

Eggs are among the most nutritious foods in the world, a versatile ingredient in many food applications due to their functional attributes such as foaming, emulsifying, and coloring agents. Many studies have been reported on egg yolk fractionation and characterization in the last decade because of its nutritional and health benefits, especially egg yolk granules. This has led to the development of new food products and packaging materials. However, the influence of their physical characteristics during processing significantly impacts the functionality of yolk granules. In this overview, the egg yolk, the granule fraction’s separation, fractionation, components, and molecular protein structure are first presented. Secondly, recent studies on egg yolk granules published over the past decade are discussed. Furthermore, the application of the granules in different industries and current specific scientific challenges are discussed. Finally, it simplifies the changes in the physical characteristics of the granules during different treatment methods and the impact on the functionalities of the resulting products in the food (emulsifiers, edible films), pharmaceutical, and health (encapsulation systems and biosensors) sectors.
Effects of Different Molecular Weight Oxidized Dextran as Crosslinkers on Stability and Antioxidant Capacity of Curcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles
Authors: Shen Dongyan , Chen Hongzhou , Li Mingwei , Yu Ling , Li Xiangfei , Liu Huawei , Hu Qiaobin , Lu Yingjian
Published: June 2023

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound that has been widely investigated for its health benefits. However, the clinical relevance of curcumin is limited due to its low water solubility and inefficient absorption. Therefore, curcumin is often encapsulated in nanocarriers to improve its delivery and function. In this study, composite nanoparticles composed of stearic acid-modified chitosan (SA-CS) and sodium caseinate (NaCas) were formed using sodium periodate-oxidized dextran with different molecular weights as a crosslinking agent. The effects of oxidized dextran (Odex) with different molecular weights on the composite nanoparticles were compared. The optimal SA-CS/NaCas/Odex composite nanoparticle (NPO) was obtained using an Odex (150 kDa)-to-SA-CS mass ratio of 2:1. Its size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP) were 130.2 nm, 0.149, and 25.4 mV, respectively. The particles were highly stable in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) in vitro, and their size and PDI were 172.3 nm and 0.263, respectively. The encapsulation rate of NPO loaded with curcumin (Cur-NPO) was 93% under optimal ultrasonic conditions. Compared with free curcumin, the sustained release of Cur-NPO significantly reduced to 17.9%, and free-radical-scavenging ability improved to 78.7%. In general, the optimal prepared NPO exhibited good GI stability and has potential applications in the formulation of orally bioactive hydrophobic drugs.