bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Exploration of the WD40 Gene Family in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and Analysis of Its Function in Fruit Color Formation
Authors: Yang Yanbo , Cai Qihang , Wang Yimei , Li Liping , Sun Zhenghai
Published: March 2024

The WD40 gene family is a highly conserved protein family in plants that plays a crucial role in various life activities. Although eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) genome sequencing has been completed, there is limited research on the WD40 family in eggplant, and the regulatory mechanism of its involvement in anthocyanin synthesis remains poorly understood. The research identified the eggplant WD40 gene family, comprising 187 SmWD40 members that are unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes of the eggplant. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into 11 subgroups, with members within the same subgroup having similar motifs and gene structures. The promoter of the SmWD40 genes contains a high number of light, stress, and hormone response elements. The expression patterns of 20 SmWD40 members of the S5 subgroup were analyzed during the formation of fruit color in long purple eggplant. Subsequently, we used virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) to confirm the significance of the TTG1 (SmWD40-56) gene in subgroup S5 for anthocyanin synthesis in eggplant fruit. To investigate the molecular mechanism of SmWD40-56 in eggplant fruit color formation, we analyzed the expression patterns of structural genes for anthocyanin synthesis in eggplant fruit silenced for SmWD40-56. Finally, we predicted the protein interaction network of the SmWD40-56 gene to understand its potential regulatory mechanisms. The result showed that SmWD40-56 may regulate the structural genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis and plays an important role in eggplant fruit color formation. This study provides some basis for studying the mechanism of eggplant fruit color formation.
Effects of Fertilization Patterns on the Growth of Rapeseed Seedlings and Rhizosphere Microorganisms under Flooding Stress
Authors: Wu Xuepeng , Wu Junjie , Zhou Bingqian , Hong Bo , Zhao Dongfang , Guan Mei
Published: March 2024

In order to explore the effect of fertilization patterns on the growth of rapeseed seedlings under waterlogging stress, three fertilization patterns (conventional fertilization, supplemental organic fertilization, and supplemental microbial fertilization) were set up using the variety Xiangyou 708 as the material, and waterlogging treatment was carried out during the seedling stage of rapeseed. The effects of fertilization patterns on the growth of rapeseed seedlings and rhizosphere microorganisms under waterlogging stress were investigated. The results showed that all three fertilization patterns exhibited that waterlogging stress inhibited the growth of rapeseed seedlings, inhibited root activity, and changed the structure of rhizosphere bacterial community structure. However, supplemental organic and microbial fertilization better promoted the growth of rapeseed seedlings, reduced the impact of waterlogging stress on the growth of rapeseed seedlings, and accelerated the recovery of rapeseed seedlings after waterlogging stress. Under normal water supply, supplemental organic fertilization enriched P_Bacteroidota, P_Actinobacteriota, P_Chloroflexi, and G_Flavisolibacter in the rhizosphere soil of rapeseed, while supplemental microbial fertilization enriched P_Bacteroidota and G_Flavisolibacter in the rhizosphere soil of rapeseed. After 7 days of waterlogging treatment, supplemental organic fertilization enriched P_Verrucomicrobiota in the rhizosphere soil of rapeseed, while supplemental microbial fertilization enriched P_Actinobacteriota, G_SC-I-84, and G_Ellin6067 in the rhizosphere soil of rapeseed. The enrichment of these bacteria may be related to the growth promotion and waterlogging tolerance of rapeseed. This study provides evidence that microbial and organic fertilizer can promote the growth of rapeseed and enhance its waterlogging tolerance, as well as evidence that some rhizosphere microorganisms have a potential role in promoting the growth and waterlogging tolerance of rapeseed.
Synergistic Effects of Crop Aboveground Growth and Root Traits Guarantee Stable Yield of Strip Relay Intercropping Maize
Authors: Feng Liang , Hu Yun , Shi Kai , Tang Haiying , Pu Tian , Wang Xiaochun , Yang Wenyu
Published: March 2024

In order to reveal the yield-increasing mechanism of relay intercropping (RI) maize with different varieties from the perspective of plant growth, source sink relationship, and root growth, a two-factor randomized block design trial was designed, which includes different maize varieties (Rongyu1210 (RY1210), Zhongyu 3 (ZY3)) and plant pattern (RI, Sole cropping (SC)). The leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation and distribution, root dry weight (RDW), root length (RL), root surface area (RSA), root volume (RV), and maize yield were determined. LAI of RI RY1210 was significantly higher than that of the SC RY1210 at the filling stage and maturity stage. The dry matter accumulation of RI RY1210 ear was significantly higher than that of SC RY1210 and RI ZY3, and the RDW of RY1210 was significantly higher than that of ZY3. The ratio of RDW of RI RY1210 was higher than that of RI ZY3 in the 20–40 and 40–60 cm soil layers, respectively. The RDW, RL, RV, and RSA of RI RY1210 were significantly lower than that of sole RY1210 by 25.43%, 10.75%, 30.79%, and 23.73%, respectively, but higher than that of RI ZY3 by 143.98%, 278.29%, 54.40%, and 29.57%, respectively. The average yield of RI RY1210 was 8782.71 kg ha−1, with no significant difference compared to SC, which was mainly attributed to a larger ear dry matter accumulation, higher LAI in later growth stages, larger RDW, and the ratio of roots in deeper soil layers. This study will be useful and helpful to farmers for how to select and plant high-yielding maize varieties in strip relay intercropping.
Water-Retaining Agent as a Sustainable Agricultural Technique to Enhance Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Productivity in Tropical Soils
Authors: Zang Xiaoping , Yun Tianyan , Wang Lixia , Zhan Rulin , Ding Zheli , Ma Weihong , Eissa Mamdouh A. , Jing Tao , Liu Yongxia , Xie Jianghui , He Yingdui
Published: March 2024

Reducing fertilizer doses under sustainable agricultural management is possible by increasing nutrient utilization efficiency, which will decrease crop production costs and boost economic return. Soil amendments known as water retention agents (WRAs) are added to the soil to enhance crop growth conditions. We hypothesize that the addition of WRAs may support the soil-retaining nutrients given through fertilization and prevent them from leaching into tropical soils characterized by severe rainfall due to WRAs’ exceptional capacities to absorb and store water. Mango trees (Mangifera indica L. cv Tainong No. 1) aged 18 years were fertilized with 100% or 80% of the recommended doses of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The experimental design included three treatments, i.e., complete recommended doses of N, P, and K (CRF), 80% of the complete recommended doses (RRF), and water-retaining agent (40 kg ha−1) + 80% of the complete recommended doses (WRARRF). Reducing the fertilization doses by 20% for mango trees in the studied tropical soil significantly (p < 0.05) minimized the nutrient availability in the soil compared to the complete fertilization doses. WRARRF compensated for the nutrient reduction by increasing the availability of N, P, and K. The addition of WRARR increased N, P, and K in mango leaf by 11%, 4%, and 7% in the first year and by 11%, 6%, and 7% in the second year, respectively, compared to CRF. The addition of WRARR increased the partial fertilizer productivity (PFP) value by 36% and 41% in the first and second years, respectively. The highest mango fruit output was achieved by the addition of WRARRF, which resulted in increases in mango fruit yield of 11.9% and 16.5% in the first and second years, respectively, compared to RRF. Fruit quality traits showed the descending order: WRARRF > RRF > CRF. WRARRF produced the maximum economic benefit (USD 7372 per hectare) compared to CRF and RRF. The polyacrylamide/attapulgite water-retaining agent exhibited remarkable improvement in mango fruit yield and economic profit by regulating the release of nutrients in tropical soils. Water-retaining agents are an effective strategy for overcoming the extensive fertilization used in mango orchards, which has resulted in numerous environmental contaminations and the inefficient use of fertilizers.
Biogas Production with Residuals Deriving from Olive Mill Wastewater and Olive Pomace Wastes: Quantification of Produced Energy, Spent Energy, and Process Efficiency
Authors: Montegiove Nicolò , Gambelli Alberto Maria , Calzoni Eleonora , Bertoldi Agnese , Puglia Debora , Zadra Claudia , Emiliani Carla , Gigliotti Giovanni
Published: March 2024

At present, taking into account the sustainability of the starting matrices, the biogas production industry is continuously growing, especially in consideration of ecological transition and circularity. The present study deals with the development of anaerobic bioreactors aimed at valorizing two specific wastes of the olive oil supply chain, i.e., the residual of protein hydrolysis process of three-phases olive pomace (OP-PH) and that recovered after the extraction of bioactive molecules from olive mill wastewater (OMWW waste). The energy consumed for biogas production varied from 0.52 kJ (OP and OMWW waste) to 0.97 kJ (OP-PH), while the energy produced for OP, OP-PH and OMMW waste was equal to 1.73, 2.94 and 1.60 kJ, respectively. The optimal production period was defined by considering only the range showing energy production higher than its consumption. According to this, OMWW showed the best performances, since it required 9 days (instead of 12 of untreated and treated OP) to reach the completion. The biogas production efficiency of the three-phase OP-PH waste calculated in the optimal production period, i.e., 12 days, was higher than the other samples, with a yield of 76.7% and a quantity of energy potentially producible corresponding to 1727.8 kJ/kg of volatile solids. These results pave the way for possible applications of this procedure for the planning of a multi-purpose biorefinery fed with by-products from the olive supply chain waste, thus promoting the use of sustainable waste materials from a circular economy perspective.
Pre-Harvest Food Safety Challenges in Food-Animal Production in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Seyoum Eyasu T. , Eguale Tadesse , Habib Ihab , Oliveira Celso J. B. , Monte Daniel F. M. , Yang Baowei , Gebreyes Wondwossen A. , Alali Walid Q.
Published: March 2024

Food safety remains a significant global public health concern, with the risk of unsafe food varying worldwide. The economies of several low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) heavily rely on livestock, posing a challenge to ensuring the production of safe food. This review discusses our understanding of pre-harvest critical issues related to food safety in LMICs, specifically focusing on animal-derived food. In LMICs, food safety regulations are weak and inadequately enforced, primarily concentrating on the formal market despite a substantial portion of the food sector being dominated by informal markets. Key critical issues at the farm level include animal health, a low level of good agriculture practices, and the misuse of antimicrobials. Effectively addressing foodborne diseases requires a comprehensive One Health framework. Unfortunately, the application of the One Health approach to tackle food safety issues is notably limited in LMICs. In conclusion, considering that most animal-source foods from LMICs are marketed through informal channels, food safety legislation and policies need to account for this context. Interventions aimed at reducing foodborne bacterial pathogens at the farm level should be scalable, and there should be strong advocacy for the proper implementation of pre-harvest interventions through a One Health approach.
Hematological and Serum Biochemical Reference Intervals for Alphaxalone Sedated Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Wegman Merel , Bakker Jaco , Nederlof Remco A. , Remarque Edmond J. , Langermans Jan A. M.
Published: March 2024

Marmosets are routinely used in biomedical research, therefore there is an increasing need for updated reference intervals calculated using a large sample size, correct statistics, and considering different variables. Hematological and biochemical values from 472 healthy common marmosets sedated with alphaxalone were collected over a ten-year period (2013–2023). The variables assumed to have influenced the blood-based parameters were compared, i.e., sex, age, housing condition, pregnancy, and contraceptive use. Reference intervals were calculated based on observed percentiles without parametric assumptions, and with parametric assumptions following Box–Cox transformation. Juvenile marmosets showed increased ALP, phosphate, WBC, lymphocyte count, and basophil count and decreased levels of GGT and Fe compared to adults. Marmosets housed strictly indoors showed increased ALT and GGT levels and decreased levels of total bilirubin and neutrophil count compared to marmosets housed with outdoor access. Pregnant marmosets showed increased ALP, total bilirubin, neutrophil count, monocyte count, and basophil count, and decreased levels of AST, ALT, cholesterol, Fe, and lymphocyte count compared to non-pregnant marmosets. Etonogestrel contracepted marmosets showed decreased P-LCR compared to females who were not contracepted. Updated reference intervals will aid researchers and veterinarians in identifying physiological and pathological changes, as well as improve the reproducibility of research in this species.
Exploration of the Polymorphism Distribution of Bovine HMGA2 Gene in Worldwide Breeds and Its Associations with Ovarian Traits
Authors: Shen Siyuan , Zhu Leijing , Yang Yuanzhe , Bi Yi , Li Jie , Wang Yongsheng , Pan Chuanying , Wang Shuilian , Lan Xianyong
Published: March 2024

The high-mobility group AT-hook 2(HMGA2) gene has been widely studied in the context of cancer and animal growth. However, recently, several studies have uncovered its critical role in cell proliferation. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) further suggests that the HMGA2 gene is a candidate gene in fertility, indicating its connection not only to growth traits but also to reproduction, specifically ovarian traits. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the distribution of the HMGA2 gene in 54 bovine breeds worldwide, identify important short fragment variants (indels), and investigate the relationship between HMGA2 and ovarian development. The dataset included genotypic information from a bovine population of 634 individuals (n = 634). After genotyping and analyzing four selected loci, we found that one out of four loci, rs133750033 (P4-D22-bp), was polymorphic. Our results also reveal that this indel of HMGA2 is significantly associated with certain ovarian traits (p < 0.05). Specifically, it has connection with ovarian length (p = 0.004) and ovarian height (p = 0.026) during diestrus. Additionally, we discovered a higher expression of the HMGA2 gene in Asian cattle breeds. In summary, this study suggests that HMGA2 has the potential to serve as an animal fertility testing marker gene. Moreover, these findings contribute to a more promising outlook for the bovine industry.
An Ecological and Neural Argument for Developing Pursuit-Based Cognitive Enrichment for Sea Lions in Human Care
Authors: Cook Peter F. , Reichmuth Colleen
Published: March 2024

While general enrichment strategies for captive animals attempt to elicit variable and species-typical behaviors, approaches to cognitive enrichment have been disappointingly one-size-fits-all. In this commentary, we address the potential benefit of tailoring cognitive enrichment to the “cognitive niche” of the species, with a particular focus on a reasonably well-studied marine carnivore, the sea lion. Sea lions likely share some cognitive evolutionary pressures with primates, including complex social behavior. Their foraging ecology, however, like that of many terrestrial carnivores, is based on the rapid and behaviorally flexible pursuit of avoidant prey. Unlike terrestrial carnivores, sea lions carry out this pursuit in a truly fluid three-dimensional field, computing and executing sensorimotor transformations from any solid angle to any other. The cognitive demands of flexible prey pursuit are unlikely to be fully elicited by typical stationary puzzle box style foraging enrichment devices or screen-based interactive games. With this species, we recommend exploring more water-based movement activities generally, and complex pursuit challenges specifically.
Dietary Shifts in the Adaptation to Changing Marine Resources: Insights from a Decadal Study on Greater Lizardfish (Saurida tumbil) in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Deng Yujian , Qin Jiao , Luo Konglan , Kang Bin , He Xiongbo , Yan Yunrong
Published: March 2024

Understanding dietary behavior during the individual development of marine predators and its temporal variations elucidates how species adapt to changes in marine resources. This is crucial for predicting marine predators’ habitat selection and the natural population’s responses to environmental changes. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of dietary shift strategies and trophic level variations in Greater lizardfish (Saurida tumbil) in the Beibu Gulf during two distinct periods (2010 and 2020) using stomach content and stable isotope analysis methods. Possible driving factors for these changes were also explored. Changes in the fishery community structure and the decline in the abundance of primary prey resources have led the S. tumbil population to diversify their prey species, utilize alternative resources, and expand their foraging space. However, the species’ foraging strategy, characterized by chasing and preying on schooling and pelagic prey, promoted stability in their feeding behavior across spatial and temporal scales. The main prey items remained demersal and pelagic fish species, followed by cephalopods and crustaceans. Similar to other generalist fish species, ontogenetic dietary shifts (ODSs) indicated a partial transition towards larger prey items. However, the timing and magnitude of the ODSs varied between the two periods, reflecting life-history variations and adaptive adjustments to environmental changes. In comparison to 2010, the population’s mean body length (BL) increased in 2020, and the proportion of the population feeding on pelagic–neritic prey significantly increased. However, the δ15N values were lower, indicating that the shift in the ecological niche of preferred prey from demersal to pelagic–neritic was the primary cause of the decrease in trophic levels. In the future, we will conduct further quantitative research integrating the spatiotemporal data of both predators and prey to clarify the relationships between marine predators’ feeding behavior, trophic levels, and changes in prey community structure.
The Microbiological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Fracture Related Infections in a Low Resource Setting Differ from High Resource Settings: A Cohort Study from Cameroon
Authors: Fonkoue Loïc , Tissingh Elizabeth K. , Ngouateu Michelle Tognia , Muluem Kennedy Olivier , Ngongang Olivier , Mbouyap Pretty , Ngougni Pokem Perrin , Fotsing Kuetche , Bahebeck Jean , McNally Martin , Cornu Olivier
Published: March 2024

Fracture-related infection (FRI) is a common and devastating complication of orthopedic trauma in all settings. Data on the microbiological profile and susceptibility of FRI to antibiotics in low-income countries are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the microbial patterns and antimicrobial susceptibility of FRI in a sub-Saharan African setting in order to provide guidance for the formulation of evidence-based empirical antimicrobial regimens. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients treated for FRI with deep tissue sampling for microbiological culture from January 2016 to August 2023 in four tertiary-level hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon. There were 246 infection episodes in 217 patients. Cultures were positive in 209 (84.9%) cases and polymicrobial in 109 (44.3%) cases. A total of 363 microorganisms from 71 different species were identified, of which 239 (65.8%) were Gram-negative. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 69; 19%), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 43; 11.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 35; 9.6%), Escherichia coli (n = 35; 9.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 27; 7.4%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were isolated in only 21 (5.9%) cases. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for the majority of the infections in early (70.9%) and delayed (73.2%) FRI, but Gram-positive bacteria were prevalent in late FRI (51.7%) (p < 0.001). Polymicrobial infections were more frequent in the early (55.9%) and delayed (41.9%) groups than in the late group (27.6%) (p < 0.001). Apart from Staphylococcus aureus, there was no significant difference in the proportions of causative pathogens between early, delayed, and late FRI. This study found striking resistance rates of bacteria to commonly used antibiotics. MRSA accounted for 63% of cases. The most effective antibiotics for all Gram-positive bacteria were linezolid (96.4%), vancomycin (92.5%), clindamycin (85.3%), and fucidic acid (89.4%). For Gram-negative bacteria, only three antibiotics displayed a sensitivity >50%: amikacin (80.4%), imipenem (74.4%), and piperacillin + tazobactam (57%). The most effective empirical antibiotic therapy (with local availability) was the combination of vancomycin and amikacin or vancomycin and imipenem. In contrast to the literature from high-resource settings, this study revealed that in a sub-Saharan African context, Gram-negative bacteria are the most common causative microorganisms of FRI. This study revealed striking resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics, which will require urgent action to prevent antimicrobial resistance in low and middle-income countries.
Assessment of NOx Levels in an Underground Hospital Car Park: Implications for Occupational and Environmental Health
Authors: Garcia-Gonzalez Hector , Lopez-Pola Teresa , Martinez-Gonzalez Daniel , Alonso-Barcena Jesus
Published: March 2024

Environmental air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, with nitrogen oxides (NOx) identified as contributors to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This study evaluates NOx levels in an underground car park of a hospital complex, where vulnerable patients frequently visit. NOx levels were assessed using direct-reading devices with high-resolution electrochemical sensors measuring NO and NO2 concentrations. Measurements consistently remained below the legal occupational exposure limit values for car park employees, averaging around 10% of the limit. However, approximately 75% of days recorded NO2 concentrations exceeding 70% of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations, with about 20% surpassing the 0.1 ppm limit set by the WHO. The highest recorded one-hour NO2 level reached 0.165 ppm, typically around 11:00 h. The study recommends that vulnerable patients, especially asthmatics, utilize outdoor parking, while all users should avoid using the car park as a waiting area. Employees are advised to spend more time in enclosed spaces with fresh air. Although occupational levels are generally within limits, environmental levels during peak hours could pose risks to vulnerable populations. Mitigation measures, such as increased ventilation during peak hours and restricted access based on emission levels, are suggested to minimize exposure and protect public health.
Integrated Systems of a Solar Thermal Energy Driven Power Plant
Authors: AL-Elanjawy Yasser Abbas Hammady , Yilmaz Mustafa
Published: March 2024

As a consequence of the limited availability of fossil fuels, green energy is gaining more and more popularity. Home and business electricity is currently limited to solar thermal energy. Essential receivers in current solar thermal power plants can endure high temperatures. This ensures funding for green thermal power generation. Regular solar thermal power plant testing is arduous and time-consuming. They need expensive installation and take up much space. Many free software and tools can model and simulate solar thermal-producing systems. Some techniques can evaluate and predict the plant’s performance, while others can investigate specific components. Nothing using research tools has ever reached the top. Simulated testing may precede power plant construction. This research requires basic visual help. A rudimentary plant model was developed when the computational calculations for thermal performance were obtained. Plus, it may estimate how much power the facility would produce. The program includes hydraulic heat transport fluids, ambient factors, a database, and user input parameters. Free hourly weather data from anywhere is available from the simulator. The simulator calculates the thermal power delivered by each component while running constituent simulators.
Derivation of Creep Parameters for Surrounding Rock through Creep Tests and Deformation Monitoring Data: Assessing Tunnel Lining Safety
Authors: Pei Jiangrong , Liu Lipeng , Wang Xiaogang , Ling Yuanqiao
Published: March 2024

Tunnel instability and lining integrity are intimately tied to the creep properties of the surrounding rock. The acquisition of rock mass creep parameters is critical in ascertaining the appropriate timing for lining construction. Nevertheless, creep tests on rock specimens conducted in a controlled setting cannot be straightforwardly extrapolated to rock mass creep analysis. This study performs laboratory-based creep tests on mudstone samples and establishes the corresponding creep constitutive model. The integration of a Mohr–Coulomb element with the Burgers model in series serves to characterize the yield creep behavior of the rock mass. Additionally, the research outlines a series of 100 orthogonal experiments utilizing randomized creep parameters and formulates a GA-BP neural network inversion model. Employing long-term deformation measurements from the crown and sidewalls of the project site, this study deduces the creep parameters of the mudstone in the investigated tunnel section and examines the prolonged deformation traits of the surrounding rock. Drawing on the deformation traits of the surrounding rock and the forces impacting the primary support and lining structures, this paper evaluates the earliest and latest viable lining casting periods and pinpoints an optimal timing interval for lining implementation. The methodologies employed herein can serve as a benchmark for analogous endeavors internationally.
A Modified Plastic Burgers Model for the Non-Decaying Creep of Frozen Soils
Authors: Yao Xiaoliang , Zhang Xueli , Lin Xubo , Jin Long , Wang Wenli
Published: March 2024

A modified plastic Burgers model considering cohesion decay is proposed for frozen soils. A series of triaxial compression and creep tests were conducted on a kind of frozen silty clay for obtaining the model parameters. According to typical triaxial creep strain curves with only a decaying creep stage, a deformation parameter calibration method for a plastic Burgers model is proposed, and the validity of the method was further verified. When the original plastic Burgers model was incorporated with a cohesion decay function, it was shown that the successive development process of frozen soil creep strain from the decaying to non-decaying stage could be described reasonably. The modified model is applicable to frozen ground engineering cases with non-decaying creep involved.
In-House Knowledge Management Using a Large Language Model: Focusing on Technical Specification Documents Review
Authors: Lee Jooyeup , Jung Wooyong , Baek Seungwon
Published: March 2024

In complex construction projects, technical specifications have to be reviewed in a short period of time. Even experienced engineers find it difficult to review every detail of technical specifications. In addition, it is not easy to transfer experienced knowledge to junior engineers. With the technological innovation of large language models such as ChatGPT, a fine-tuned language model is proposed as an effective solution for the automatic review of technical specification documents. Against this backdrop, this study examines the in-house technical specification documents that are not publicly available. Then, two fine-tuned large language models, GPT-3 and LLaMA2, are trained to answer questions related to technical specification documents. The results show that the fine-tuned LLaMA2 model generally outperforms the fine-tuned GPT-3 model in terms of accuracy, reliability, and conciseness of responses. In particular, the fine-tuned LLaMA2 model suppressed hallucinogenic effects better than the fine-tuned GPT-3 model. Based on the results, this study discussed the applicability and limitations of a fine-tuned large language model for in-house knowledge management. The results of this study are expected to assist practitioners in developing a domain-specific knowledge management solution by fine-tuning an open-source large language model with private datasets.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Landslide Surge Based on Large-Scale Physical Modeling Experiment
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Huang Qingfu , Chen Shizhuang , Chi Fudong , Wang Huachen , Xu Weiya
Published: March 2024

Surge is a common secondary disaster caused by reservoir landslides. The study of its spatial and temporal distribution characteristics is important since it affects not only the normal operation of reservoirs but also the safety of people residing along the river. This paper presents a large-scale three-dimensional physical modeling experiment using a near-dam high-position landslide project as a prototype. It investigated the relationships between the river course characteristics, the landslide volume, the head wave velocity of the landslide surge, the waveform of surges, and the head wave crest of the wave along the course in depth. The results indicate that the head wave velocity of the landslide surge is basically unchanged during the propagation process, and it is minimally affected by the landslide volume. The waveform distribution characteristics and head wave crests change considerably in the diversion area and the curved areas but remain mostly unchanged in the topographic similarity area. In addition, there is a negative correlation between the head wave crest and the cross-sectional area of the river course. Furthermore, under conditions of a large landslide volume, the influence of the cross-sectional area of the river channel on the wave height of landslide surges becomes more significant. Finally, the maximum wave height along the course may not necessarily occur in the head wave crest; it could occur in the second wave or even the subsequent ones.
Multi-Dimensional Extraction of Ice Shape and an Investigation of Its Aerodynamic Characteristics on Iced Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Cui Hongmei , Li Yonghao , Fan Teng , Fu Yangxu , Su Linchao , Wang Xinkai
Published: March 2024

The icing of wind turbine blades can cause changes in airfoil shape, which in turn significantly reduces the aerodynamic performance and affects the power generation efficiency of a wind turbine. In this paper, the iced airfoil shape of wind turbine blades with different positions, masses, and angles of attack icing was measured and modeled using 3D scanning technology, and changes in airfoil shape parameters under different icing conditions were obtained. The numerical simulations of icing blades were carried out to investigate the effect of blade icing on aerodynamic characteristics. The results show that ice accumulation thickness tends to increase nonlinearly along the spanwise direction and chord length for both windward and leeward icing. The airfoil angle of attack affects the trend of ice accumulation changes. As shown by the numerical simulation of the aerodynamic characteristic, blade icing changes the airfoil shape, which changes the pressure difference between the leading edge and trailing edge, affects the size and number of the wake vortex structures, and further changes the aerodynamic characteristics of the blade.
Analysis of the Stability of the Double-Hole Complementary Ventilation and Ventilation Network of the Tunnel Constructed by Drilling and Blasting Method
Authors: Deng Huan , Chen Shiqiang , Rao Ying
Published: March 2024

Currently, double-hole complementary ventilation is a mature ventilation method for operating tunnels, but how to carry out it in the construction tunnel poses a new challenge. Due to the desynchronization in the construction period of the double-hole tunnel, there is an instantaneous difference in the air flow demand between the two working faces. The study analyzes the impact of geometric parameters, specifically Lt (the distance from the traffic cross passage to the working face of the advance side tunnel), Lp (the distance between the pedestrian cross passage and the working face of the advance side tunnel), Ht (height of the upper step), and Lw (safe step distance of the double-hole working face) on ventilation network stability. The results show that with the increase of Lt and Lp, the Rm resistance of each branch changes non-uniformly, and the stability of the ventilation network is significantly different. Then, when Lt, Lp = 80 and 180 m, the air flow directions of the double-hole tunnel are the same. Finally, when Lt and Lp = 130 m, the air flow directions are inconsistent, which indicates that in the range of 80 m < Lt or Lp < 180 m, the cross-section size of the cross passage affects the stability of the ventilation network. However, when 2.5 m < Ht < 3 m, or 30 m < Lw < 50 m, the stability of the ventilation network is not affected, and the flow field of the double-holes does not interfere with each other. The conclusions obtained confirm that the double-hole complementary ventilation method is available in construction tunnels, and has potential for implementation.
Artificial Intelligence and Forensic Genetics: Current Applications and Future Perspectives
Authors: Sessa Francesco , Esposito Massimiliano , Cocimano Giuseppe , Sablone Sara , Karaboue Michele Ahmed Antonio , Chisari Mario , Albano Davide Giuseppe , Salerno Monica
Published: March 2024

The term artificial intelligence (AI) was coined in the 1950s and it has successfully made its way into different fields of medicine. Forensic sciences and AI are increasingly intersecting fields that hold tremendous potential for solving complex criminal investigations. Considering the great evolution in the technologies applied to forensic genetics, this literature review aims to explore the existing body of research that investigates the application of AI in the field of forensic genetics. Scopus and Web of Science were searched: after an accurate evaluation, 12 articles were included in the present systematic review. The application of AI in the field of forensic genetics has predominantly focused on two aspects. Firstly, several studies have investigated the use of AI in haplogroup analysis to enhance and expedite the classification process of DNA samples. Secondly, other research groups have utilized AI to analyze short tandem repeat (STR) profiles, thereby minimizing the risk of misinterpretation. While AI has proven to be highly useful in forensic genetics, further improvements are needed before using these applications in real cases. The main challenge lies in the communication gap between forensic experts: as AI continues to advance, the collaboration between forensic sciences and AI presents immense potential for transforming investigative practices, enabling quicker and more precise case resolutions.
Kinetic Study of Fig Syrup Fermentation by Genetically Modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast Strains: A Physicochemical Approach to the Yeast Strain Life Cycle
Authors: Kassoumi Konstantina , Sevastos Dimitrios , Koliadima Athanasia
Published: March 2024

Reversed-flow gas chromatography (R.F.G.C.) was employed to assess the impact of genetic modification on Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains during the process of alcoholic fermentation, utilizing fig syrup. Multiple fermentations were carried out at various temperatures to evaluate the influence of genetic modifications on yeast strain efficiency. The study involved a wild-type yeast strain, W303, as a control and two genetically modified strains, W_M4_533 and W_M4_558, sharing the same genetic background as the wild type. Notably, the genetic modifications in the Msn4p transcription factor involved the substitution of serine residues with alanine at positions 533 and 558, resulting in the development of psychrophilic or ethanol-resistant strains. Utilizing the R.F.G.C. method enabled the differentiation of the duration of alcoholic fermentation phases, providing insights correlated to the yeast cell life cycle. The values of rate constants (k) for each phase, conducted with both wild-type and genetically modified cells using RFGC, aligned with the existing literature. Additionally, the calculation of activation energies for distinct phases revealed lower values for genetically modified strains compared to wild-type strains. This decrease in activation energies suggests enhanced efficiency in the alcoholic fermentation process for the genetically modified strains.
Research on the Simulation Method of HTTP Traffic Based on GAN
Authors: Yang Chenglin , Xu Dongliang , Ma Xiao
Published: March 2024

Due to the increasing severity of network security issues, training corresponding detection models requires large datasets. In this work, we propose a novel method based on generative adversarial networks to synthesize network data traffic. We introduced a network traffic data normalization method based on Gaussian mixture models (GMM), and for the first time, incorporated a generator based on the Swin Transformer structure into the field of network traffic generation. To further enhance the robustness of the model, we mapped real data through an AE (autoencoder) module and optimized the training results in the form of evolutionary algorithms. We validated the training results on four different datasets and introduced four additional models for comparative experiments in the experimental evaluation section. Our proposed SEGAN outperformed other state-of-the-art network traffic emulation methods.
Cardiovascular Health Management in Diabetic Patients with Machine-Learning-Driven Predictions and Interventions
Authors: Jose Rejath , Syed Faiz , Thomas Anvin , Toma Milan
Published: March 2024

The advancement of machine learning in healthcare offers significant potential for enhancing disease prediction and management. This study harnesses the PyCaret library—a Python-based machine learning toolkit—to construct and refine predictive models for diagnosing diabetes mellitus and forecasting hospital readmission rates. By analyzing a rich dataset featuring a variety of clinical and demographic variables, we endeavored to identify patients at heightened risk for diabetes complications leading to readmissions. Our methodology incorporates an evaluation of numerous machine learning algorithms, emphasizing their predictive accuracy and generalizability to improve patient care. We scrutinized the predictive strength of each model concerning crucial metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and the area under the curve, underlining the imperative to eliminate false diagnostics in the field. Special attention is given to the use of the light gradient boosting machine classifier among other advanced modeling techniques, which emerge as particularly effective in terms of the Kappa statistic and Matthews correlation coefficient, suggesting robustness in prediction. The paper discusses the implications of diabetes management, underscoring interventions like lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatments to avert long-term complications. Through exploring the intersection of machine learning and health informatics, the study reveals pivotal insights into algorithmic predictions of diabetes readmission. It also emphasizes the necessity for further research and development to fully incorporate machine learning into modern diabetes care to prompt timely interventions and achieve better overall health outcomes. The outcome of this research is a testament to the transformative impact of automated machine learning in the realm of healthcare analytics.
The Influence of Voltage on Gliding Arc Discharge Characteristics, the Composition of Air Plasma, and the Properties of BG-11 Medium
Authors: Marcinauskas Liutauras , Kavaliauskas Žydrūnas , Jonynaitė Kamilė , Uscila Rolandas , Aikas Mindaugas , Keršulis Skirmantas , Strakšys Antanas , Stirkė Arūnas , Stankevič Voitech
Published: March 2024

A gliding arc discharge (GAD) plasma device has been developed and tested. Possible applications areas for GAD plasma could be microalgae suspension treatments and the creation of plasma-activated water. To understand its behavior, the influence of the input power on the electrical characteristics of the generated GAD plasma was investigated using an oscilloscope. The waveforms of the voltage and current of GAD plasma are presented. The duration of the discharge time and the evolution of the arc during discharge were determined and investigated. It was revealed that the increase in the output voltage prolonged the duration of the arc discharge. The composition of the air plasma was investigated using a flame-emission spectrometer and acousto-optic emission spectrometer. It was revealed that the main species in the emission spectra of the GAD air plasma were N2, N2+, N+, NO, and O species. Furthermore, the increase in the input power enhanced the ionization degree of the air plasma and increased the intensities of the emission lines associated with N2+, NO, and O species. An increase in the conductivity of the BG-11 medium was observed. Physicochemical analyses of the plasma-activated BG-11 medium indicated an increase in the concentration of nitrite and nitrate ions and hydrogen peroxide with an enhancement of the voltage.
Effects of Rib Spacing and Grout Annulus on Grouted Rock Bolt Performance Utilizing Fiber Optic Strain Sensing
Authors: Moore Kieran Shawn , Vlachopoulos Nicholas
Published: March 2024

An often-utilized solution in terms of providing support to underground excavation, the fully grouted rebar rock bolt system presents optimization potential due to existing technological limitations in capturing and understanding its composite system response. In order to address these limitations, the development and application of Distributed Optic Fiber Sensing (DOS) allows for continuous strain monitoring (at a spatial resolution of 0.65 mm utilizing the technique defined herein) across a full spectrum of loading. A robust laboratory investigation was conducted featuring 24 rock bolt specimens. This examined the effects of two selected independent variables: rib spacing (from 13 mm to 68 mm) and grout annulus (from 7.7 mm to 22.8 mm). This body of research provides valuable insight into the performance of grouted rebar rock bolts and the effects of the selected parameters (rib spacing and size of the grout annulus), while also highlighting an advanced monitoring technique. Results indicated that rib spacing was a negative predictor of bond performance. No definite conclusions were drawn in terms of the effect of the size of grout annulus; however, findings provide limited support for an optimal sizing in relation to rib height. The results were also compared to analytic and numerical models. These insights can aid in calibrating and validating numerical models, and improve monitoring and rock bolt design within the overall goal of improving and optimizing ground support design arrangements.
Short-Term Energy Consumption Prediction of Large Public Buildings Combined with Data Feature Engineering and Bilstm-Attention
Authors: Tian Zeqin , Chen Dengfeng , Zhao Liang
Published: March 2024

Accurate building energy consumption prediction is a crucial condition for the sustainable development of building energy management systems. However, the highly nonlinear nature of data and complex influencing factors in the energy consumption of large public buildings often pose challenges in improving prediction accuracy. In this study, we propose a combined prediction model that combines signal decomposition, feature screening, and deep learning. First, we employ the Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) to decompose energy consumption data. Next, we propose the Maximum Mutual Information Coefficient (MIC)-Fast Correlation Based Filter (FCBF) combined feature screening method for feature selection on the decomposed components. Finally, the selected input features and corresponding components are fed into the Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory Attention Mechanism (BiLSTMAM) model for prediction, and the aggregated results yield the energy consumption forecast. The proposed approach is validated using energy consumption data from a large public building in Shaanxi Province, China. Compared with the other five comparison methods, the RMSE reduction of the CEEMDAN-MIC-FCBF-BiLSTMAM model proposed in this study ranged from 57.23% to 82.49%. Experimental results demonstrate that the combination of CEEMDAN, MIC-FCBF, and BiLSTMAM modeling markedly improves the accuracy of energy consumption predictions in buildings, offering a potent method for optimizing energy management and promoting sustainability in large-scale facilities.
A Fluid–Structure Coupling Analysis of a Far-Field Flat Mirror for AliCPT-1 Telescope Calibration
Authors: Cai Jianrong , Zhang Aimei , Li Xufang , Liu Congzhan , Li Yongping , Xin Zhongxue , Li Zhengwei , Lu Xuefeng
Published: March 2024

AliCPT-1 is the first cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiment in China dedicated to achieving accurate measurements of B-mode polarization. Situated in Ali of Tibet, China, this telescope is currently undergoing deployment and will operate in two frequency bands centered at 90 and 150 GHz. The far-field flat mirror (FFF) is a calibration device of the AliCPT-1 telescope for far-field beam mapping. The design of the FFF is optimized for easy assembly and adjustment. Meteorological station data reveal that the maximum wind speed near the FFF is 17.5 m/s, while the maximum wind speed on the windward side is 8 m/s. The wind pressure on the FFF was analyzed using a maximum wind speed of 17.5 m/s as the input condition, based on the fluid–structure coupling method in ANSYS. The results demonstrate that it is safe and reliable when withstanding combined gravity and wind pressure loads. The torque on the mount is within the motor rated torque. The flatness of the FFF reflective surface can be adjusted to an RMS value of 0.05 mm when taking into account the effect of gravity and assembly accuracy. The deformation caused by the maximum wind loads is approximately 0.0587 mm under the protection of the wind-proof wall. The combined deformation is 0.077 mm in RMS value combining the two influences, which is less than 1/20 of wavelength. The FFF mirror assembly is stable and precise for telescope calibration.