bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Glyceryl Monoolein Addition on the Foaming Properties and Stability of Whipped Oleogels
Authors: Andriotis Eleftherios G. , Monou Paraskevi-Kyriaki , Komis George , Bouropoulos Nikolaos , Ritzoulis Christos , Delis Georgios , Kiosis Evangelos , Arsenos Georgios , Fatouros Dimitrios G.
Published: November 2022

Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil was successfully combined with Glyceryl Monostearate (GMS) and Glyceryl Monoolein (GMO) to form oleogels that were subsequently whipped to form stable oleofoams. The co-crystallization of GMS and GMO at a ratio of 20:1, 20:2.5, and 20:5 within MCT oil was studied through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), rheological analysis, Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching (FRAP), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and polarized microscopy. The addition of 5% GMO resulted in the production of more stable oleogels in terms of crystal structure and higher peak melting point, rendering this formulation suitable for pharmaceutical applications that are intended to be used internally and those that require stability at temperatures close to 40 °C. All formulations were whipped to form oleofoams that were evaluated for their storage stability for prolonged period at different temperatures. The results show that oleofoams containing 5% MGO retained their foam characteristics even after 3 months of storage under different temperature conditions.
A Proposed Safe Electromyographic Needle Insertion Technique for the Flexor Pollicis Longus Muscle Using Arterial Pulse Palpation: Preliminary Study with Ultrasonography
Authors: Kang Min Seok , Kim Dong Hwee , Kim Ki Hoon
Published: November 2022

Electromyographic needle access to the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) is challenging because of the risk of injuries to the superficial radial nerve (SRN) or radial artery (RA), which run close to the FPL. This study aimed to investigate the safe electromyographic needle insertion point of the FPL using a newly proposed RA pulse palpation method. Fifty forearms of 25 healthy individuals were studied. At the junction of the middle and distal third of the forearm, an RA pulse was palpated, and 5 mm lateral to the pulse was determined as the preliminary needle insertion point. The distance from the vertical virtual needle pathway to the RA and SRN was measured using ultrasonography. In ultrasonography, the distances from the needle pathway to the RA and the SRN were 3.4 ± 0.8 (range, 2.1–6.0) and 5.9 ± 1.8 (range, 2.4–9.4) mm, respectively. The depth of the FPL muscle was 8.4 ± 1.7 mm. Electromyographic needle insertion into the FPL can be safely performed using the RA palpation method. The needle insertion point is 5 mm lateral to the RA pulse at the level between the middle and distal third of the forearm.
Advancements in Dentistry with Artificial Intelligence: Current Clinical Applications and Future Perspectives
Authors: Fatima Anum , Shafi Imran , Afzal Hammad , Díez Isabel De La Torre , Lourdes Del Rio-Solá M. , Breñosa Jose , Espinosa Julio César Martínez , Ashraf Imran
Published: November 2022

Artificial intelligence has been widely used in the field of dentistry in recent years. The present study highlights current advances and limitations in integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning in subfields of dentistry including periodontology, endodontics, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and oral pathology. This article aims to provide a systematic review of current clinical applications of artificial intelligence within different fields of dentistry. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews (PRISMA) statement was used as a formal guideline for data collection. Data was obtained from research studies for 2009–2022. The analysis included a total of 55 papers from Google Scholar, IEEE, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Results show that artificial intelligence has the potential to improve dental care, disease diagnosis and prognosis, treatment planning, and risk assessment. Finally, this study highlights the limitations of the analyzed studies and provides future directions to improve dental care.
A Multimodal Auxiliary Classification System for Osteosarcoma Histopathological Images Based on Deep Active Learning
Authors: Gou Fangfang , Liu Jun , Zhu Jun , Wu Jia
Published: November 2022

Histopathological examination is an important criterion in the clinical diagnosis of osteosarcoma. With the improvement of hardware technology and computing power, pathological image analysis systems based on artificial intelligence have been widely used. However, classifying numerous intricate pathology images by hand is a tiresome task for pathologists. The lack of labeling data makes the system costly and difficult to build. This study constructs a classification assistance system (OHIcsA) based on active learning (AL) and a generative adversarial network (GAN). The system initially uses a small, labeled training set to train the classifier. Then, the most informative samples from the unlabeled images are selected for expert annotation. To retrain the network, the final chosen images are added to the initial labeled dataset. Experiments on real datasets show that our proposed method achieves high classification performance with an AUC value of 0.995 and an accuracy value of 0.989 using a small amount of labeled data. It reduces the cost of building a medical system. Clinical diagnosis can be aided by the system’s findings, which can also increase the effectiveness and verifiable accuracy of doctors.
Factors Influencing the Rationing of Nursing Care in Selected Polish Hospitals
Authors: Radosz-Knawa Zuzanna , Kamińska Alicja , Malinowska-Lipień Iwona , Brzostek Tomasz , Gniadek Agnieszka
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The rationalization of nursing care can be a direct consequence of the low employment rate or unfavorable working environment of nurses. Aim: The aim of the study was to learn about the factors influencing the rationing of nursing care. Methods: The study group consisted of 209 nurses working in internal medicine departments. The study used the method of a diagnostic survey, a survey technique with the use of research tools: the BERNCA-R questionnaire and the PES-NWI questionnaire (which includes the occupational burnout questionnaire). Results: The mean total BERNCA score for rationing nursing care was 1.94 ± 0.75 on a scale from 0 to 4. A statistically significant relationship was demonstrated between the work environment and the rationing of nursing care. The results of the BERNCA-R scale correlated statistically significantly and positively (r > 0) with two (out of three) subscales of the occupational burnout questionnaire (MBI—Maslach Burnout Inventory): emotional exhaustion and depersonalization (p < 0.001), and with all types of adverse events analyzed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The higher the frequency of care rationing, the worse the assessment of working conditions by nurses, and, therefore, more frequent care rationing determined the more frequent occurrence of adverse events. The more frequent the care rationing, the more frequent adverse events occur.
Structuralization of Complicated Lotic Habitats Using Sentinel-2 Imagery and Weighted Focal Statistic Convolution
Authors: Liu Yang , Kwan Mei-Po
Published: November 2022

Deriving the proper structure of lotic habitats, namely the structuralization of lotic habitats, is crucial to monitoring and modeling water quality on a large scale. How to structuralize complicated lotic habitats for practical use remains challenging. This study novelly integrates remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS), and computer vision techniques to structuralize complicated lotic habitats. A method based on Sentinel-2 imagery and weighted focal statistic convolution (WFSC) is developed to structuralize the complicated lotic habitats into discrete river links. First, aquatic habitat image objects are delineated from Sentinel-2 imagery using geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA). These lotic habitat image objects are then separated from lentic habitat image objects using a hydrologically derived river network as a reference. Second, the binary image of the lotic habitat image objects is converted to a fuzzy magnitude surface using WFSC. The ridgelines on the magnitude surface are traced as the centerlines of river links. Finally, the centerlines of river links are used to split the complicated lotic habitats into discrete river links. Essential planar geometric attributes are then numerically derived from each river link. The proposed method was successfully applied to the braided river network in the Mobile River Basin in the U.S. The results indicate that the proposed method can properly structuralize lotic habitats with high spatial accuracy and correct topological consistency. The proposed method can also derive essential attributes that are difficult to obtain from conventional methods on a large scale. With sufficient measurements, a striking width–abundance pattern has been observed in our study area, indicating a promising logarithmic law in lotic habitat abundance.
Financial Uncertainty from a Dual Shock at Global Level–Insights from Kuwait
Authors: Alotaibi Talal A. N. M. S. , Morales Lucía
Published: November 2022

Global stock markets experienced a dual shock in 2020 due to the impact of the global health crisis, parallel to a simultaneous shock derived from the Saudi Arabia and Russia oil price war. The dual shock fueled oil market volatility with lasting effects as the global economy is immersed in an energy crisis combined with high inflationary pressures exacerbated by heightened energy costs. This research paper implemented GARCH and FIGARCH models on daily returns from 31 December 2015, to 9 December 2021, to examine volatility persistence and long memory processes. The world’s most prominent economies are represented by the G7, E7 and the GCC stock markets. Particular attention was devoted to the case of Kuwait as an example of a small oil-dependent economy. The research findings suggest evidence of volatility persistence across the markets, as reported by the GARCH (1,1) model. The FIGARCH (1,1) did not offer significant evidence of long memory processes except for the cases of FTSE 100, BIST 100, IDEX, BSE 100 and Bahrain.
A Comparative Performance Analysis of the Novel TurboAux Engine with a Turbojet Engine, and a Low-Bypass Ratio Turbofan Engine with an Afterburner
Authors: Fetahi Kaleab , Asundi Sharanabasaweshwara A. , Taylor Arthur C.
Published: November 2022

Presented herein is a comparative performance analysis of a novel turbofan engine with an auxiliary combustion chamber, nicknamed the TurboAux engine, against a turbojet engine, and a low bypass ratio turbofan engine with an afterburner is presented. The TurboAux engine is an adaption of the low-bypass ratio turbofan engine, but with secondary combustion in an auxiliary bypass annular combustion chamber for thrust augmentation. The TurboAux engine is envisioned with the desire to facilitate clean secondary burning of fuel at temperatures higher than in the main combustion chamber with air exiting the low-pressure compressor. The comparative study starts by analyzing the turbojet engine and its performance with and without an afterburner segment attached. In parallel, the conventional turbofan and its mixing counterpart are analyzed, also with and without an afterburner segment. A simple optimization analysis of a conventional turbofan is performed to identify optimal ‘fan’ pressure ratios for a series of low-bypass ratios (0.1 to 1.5). The optimal fan pressure ratios and their corresponding bypass ratios are adapted to demonstrate the comparative performance of the varying configurations of the TurboAux engine. The formulation and results are an attempt to make a case for charter aircrafts and efficient close-air-support aircrafts. The results yielded increased performance in thrust augmentation, but at the cost of a spike in fuel consumption. This trade-off requires more in-depth investigation to further ascertain the TurboAux’s utility.
Study on Reradiation Interference Characteristics of Steel Towers in Transmission Lines
Authors: Huang Li , Tang Bo , Liu Xingfa , Liu Jianben
Published: November 2022

With the development of ultrahigh-voltage transmission lines in China, the reradiation interference caused by the steel tower used in ultrahigh-voltage transmission becomes increasingly aggravating for nearby radio stations. In this paper, using the multilevel fast multipole algorithm, the reradiation interference of an ultrahigh-voltage transmission steel tower is investigated. Additionally, the reradiation interference characteristics of a transmission steel tower were investigated with various frequencies and azimuth angles of incidence wave. The results show that the frequency and the azimuth angle of incident wave are the impact factors for the reradiation interference of steel towers. It is better to use a detailed angle steel model for the truss structure of steel towers at high frequency, while a simplified structural model can be used at low frequency. Additionally, the diffraction at the edge of the angle steel has a great influence on the reradiation interference, particularly at high frequencies.
Developmental Plasticity in Butterfly Eyespot Mutants: Variation in Thermal Reaction Norms across Genotypes and Pigmentation Traits
Authors: Mateus Ana Rita Amaro , Beldade Patrícia
Published: November 2022

Developmental plasticity refers to the property by which a genotype corresponds to distinct phenotypes depending on the environmental conditions experienced during development. This dependence of phenotype expression on environment is graphically represented by reaction norms, which can differ between traits and between genotypes. Even though genetic variation for reaction norms provides the basis for the evolution of plasticity, we know little about the genes that contribute to that variation. This includes understanding to what extent those are the same genes that contribute to inter-individual variation in a fixed environment. Here, we quantified thermal plasticity in butterfly lines that differ in pigmentation phenotype to test the hypothesis that alleles affecting pigmentation also affect plasticity therein. We characterized thermal reaction norms for eyespot color rings of distinct Bicyclus anynana genetic backgrounds, corresponding to allelic variants affecting eyespot size and color composition. Our results reveal genetic variation for the slope and curvature of reaction norms, with differences between eyespots and between eyespot color rings, as well as between sexes. Our report of prevalent temperature-dependent and compartment-specific allelic effects underscores the complexity of genotype-by-environment interactions and their consequence for the evolution of developmental plasticity.
L1 Triggering on High-Granularity Information at the HL-LHC
Authors: Portalès Louis
Published: November 2022

The CMS collaboration is building a high-granularity calorimeter (HGCAL) for the endcap regions as part of its planned upgrade for the High-Luminosity LHC. The calorimetric data will form part of the Level-1 trigger (hardware) of the CMS experiment, reducing the event rate from the nominal 40 MHz to 750 kHz with a decision time (latency) of 12.5 microseconds. In addition to basic tracking information, which will also be available in the Level-1 trigger system, the use of particle-flow techniques will be facilitated as part of the trigger system. Around 1-million “trigger channels” are read at 40 MHz from the HGCAL, presenting a significant challenge in terms of data manipulation and processing for the trigger system: the trigger data volumes will be an order of magnitude above those currently handled at CMS. In addition, the high luminosity will result in an average of 140 (or more) interactions per bunch crossing that produce a huge background rate in the forward region and these will need to be efficiently rejected by the trigger algorithms. Furthermore, the reconstruction of particle clusters used for particle flow in high hit-rate events presents a complex computational problem associated with the trigger. We present the status of the trigger architecture and design, as well as the algorithmic concepts needed in order to tackle these major issues.
Maternal Cardiovascular Outcomes of Pregnancy in Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
Authors: Bansal Neha , Hazim Carol Fernandez , Badillo Sergio , Shyam Sharvari , Wolfe Diana , Bortnick Anna E. , Garcia Mario J. , Rodriguez Carols J. , Zhang Lili
Published: November 2022

This review focuses on the maternal cardiovascular risk and outcomes of pregnancy in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors who are achieving survival to their prime reproductive years. Childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors are a growing population and have increasing needs for reproductive care over decades of life. Female cancer survivors have an overall higher risk of maternal cardiovascular events compared to those without a history of cancer. In female cancer survivors with normal cardiac function before pregnancy, the incidence of new heart failure during pregnancy is low. In survivors with cardiotoxicity prior to pregnancy, the risk of heart failure during and immediately after pregnancy is much higher. We recommend cardiomyopathy surveillance with echocardiography before pregnancy for all female survivors treated with anthracyclines and chest radiation. Survivors with cardiotoxicity prior to pregnancy should be cared for by an expert multidisciplinary team, including obstetrics, cardiology, anesthesia, and specialized nursing, among others.
Molnupiravir Outpatient Treatment for Adults with COVID-19 in a Real-World Setting—A Single Center Experience
Authors: Czarnecka Kinga , Czarnecka Paulina , Tronina Olga , Durlik Magdalena
Published: November 2022

Background: Molnupiravir is approved for the treatment of adult patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The main goal of the treatment is to reduce hospitalization and mortality rate. This study aimed at the all-cause hospitalization and all-cause death assessment in patients at high risk of severe COVID-19 treated with molnupiravir. Methods: This was a prospective, observational single center study. Non-hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 symptoms with the onset of up to 5 days, and at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness received molnupiravir based on attending physician decisions. Results: In total, 107 patients were enrolled. Adverse events were reported in 28.0% of patients, with nausea and abdominal pain being the most commonly observed. No treatment-emergent AEs resulted in therapy discontinuation. Overall, 15 patients required hospitalization. During the observation, 2.8% (n = 3) of patients subsequently died. All deaths were considered to be related to COVID-19 complications. Age over 65 years, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease showed a significant correlation with the severe course of COVID-19. Conclusion: Molnupiravir may be perceived as an alternative treatment for patients with immunosuppression and advanced chronic kidney disease. Nevertheless, further studies are required to conclusively establish a role for molnupiravir in future COVID-19 treatment recommendations.
Diagnosis and Management of Functional Tic-Like Phenomena
Authors: Malaty Irene A. , Anderson Seonaid , Bennett Shannon M. , Budman Cathy L. , Coffey Barbara J. , Coffman Keith A. , Greenberg Erica , McGuire Joseph F. , Müller-Vahl Kirsten R. , Okun Michael S. , Quezada Julio , Robichaux-Viehoever Amy , Black Kevin J.
Published: November 2022

Over the past 3 years, a global phenomenon has emerged characterized by the sudden onset and frequently rapid escalation of tics and tic-like movements and phonations. These symptoms have occurred not only in youth known to have tics or Tourette syndrome (TS), but also, and more notably, in youth with no prior history of tics. The Tourette Association of America (TAA) convened an international, multidisciplinary working group to better understand this apparent presentation of functional neurological disorder (FND) and its relationship to TS. Here, we review and summarize the literature relevant to distinguish the two, with recommendations to clinicians for diagnosis and management. Finally, we highlight areas for future emphasis and research.
The Relationship between Sarcopenia and Injury Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 98,754 Older Adults
Authors: Su Yu-Chen , Chang Shu-Fang , Tsai Hsiao-Chi
Published: November 2022

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and injury events (falls, fractures, hospitalization, disability, and death). This study systemically searched the literature from Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library and analyzed the collected literature using the random effects model to demonstrate the relationship between sarcopenia and injury events. This study followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and collected a total of 38 prospective studies, and the results showed that, when compared to robust individuals, the risk of injury events for older individuals with sarcopenia was significantly higher for fractures (HR = 9.66, CI: 5.07–18.38), hospital admissions (HR = 11.80, CI: 4.86–28.65), and death (HR = 9.57, CI: 3.17–28.94). In consideration of the negative impact of sarcopenia on the subsequent health of older adults, professional nursing personnel should assess older adults for sarcopenia as early as possible and propose relevant care policies to further reduce negative health impacts.
Free Vibrational Analysis of a Functionally Graded Five-Layer Sandwich Plate Resting on a Winkler Elastic Foundation in a Thermal Environment
Authors: Kardooni Mohammad Reza , Shishesaz Mohammad , Moradi Shapour , Mosalmani Reza
Published: November 2022

The effect of adhesive layers bonding to the core of functionally graded (FG) surface layers is investigated using the free vibration of a five-layer sandwich composite plate resting on a Winkler elastic foundation in a thermal environment. It is assumed that all layers are experiencing a steady-state temperature ΔT. The layer-wise theory is used to derive the governing equations with the help of Hamilton’s principle. The Navier solution is employed to obtain the closed-form solutions. The numerical results obtained using the present theory are compared with three-dimensional finite elements implemented by ABAQUS software. The results show that the proposed theory is not only accurate but also efficient in predicting the natural frequencies of sandwich plates resting on Winkler foundations.
Students’ Perception of the Use of a Rubric and Peer Reviews in an Online Learning Environment
Authors: Mphahlele Letebele
Published: November 2022

Moving towards online learning during the coronavirus pandemic presented challenges, such as identifying assessments for learning. Assessments for learning involve using assessments as part of the learning process. Alternative assessments, as opposed to traditional assessments, are favoured for promoting for learning. These assessments include peer assessments and using criteria-referenced tools such as a rubric. Online learning environments often favour automated grading tools such as multiple choice. However, essay-type probing questions help students adopt a deep learning approach. Peer assessments and rubrics can help with grading essay-type questions. However, while the benefits of rubrics and peer assessments are well documented, there is limited research on students’ perceptions in South Africa on the use of rubrics and peer assessments in online environments to facilitate a deep approach to learning. A mixed method approach using a Likert scale and an online qualitative questionnaire was undertaken to explore students’ perceptions of the use of peer assessments with a rubric in an undergraduate module at the University of Johannesburg. Despite a low response rate, four main themes emerged: a clear performance criterion, structured writing, and a deep approach to learning and critical thinking. However, the study also showed limitations of the peer rubric and peer assessments in helping students prepare for formal summative assessment. The results suggest that the rubric and peer assessments, with amendments, could help students adopt a deep approach in online learning environments.
Efficient Pricing of Spread Options with Stochastic Rates and Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Levendis Alexis , Maré Eben
Published: November 2022

Spread options are notoriously difficult to price without the use of Monte Carlo simulation. Some strides have been made in recent years through the application of Fourier transform methods; however, to date, these methods have only been applied to specific underlying processes including two-factor geometric Brownian motion (gBm) and three-factor stochastic volatility models. In this paper, we derive the characteristic function for the two-asset Heston–Hull–White model with a full correlation matrix and apply the two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (FFT) method to price equity spread options. Our findings suggest that the FFT is up to 50 times faster than Monte Carlo and yields similar accuracy. Furthermore, stochastic interest rates can have a material impact on long-dated out-of-the-money spread options.
Fatty Acid Profiles in Managed Care Green and Kemp’s Ridley Turtles over Time
Authors: Jones Hayley S. , Minter Larry J. , Harms Craig , Bibus Doug , Koutsos Liz , Ange-van Heugten Kimberly
Published: November 2022

To understand fatty acid status and the potential impact of sample storage, dried blood spot (DBS) samples were collected from fourteen green turtles and ten Kemp’s ridleys undergoing rehabilitation. Half the DBS samples from each animal species were collected in 2021 and sent for immediate analysis while the other half were collected in 2017 from different animals and stored at −80 °C for 4 years before analysis. The blood fatty acid profiles in both species during rehabilitation differed visually from prior wild turtle data. Essential fatty acids linoleic (18:2w6) and linolenic acid (18:3w3) were higher in green turtles than in Kemp’s ridleys but both were approximately half of the percentage previously found in wild turtles. No difference in arachidonic acid between species in rehabilitation were found but percentages were approximately 10% of wild representatives. Sea turtle diets in rehabilitation management may need to be evaluated to ensure species-specific fatty acid balance. Twenty-eight of the 36 individual fatty acids tested were found and all seven fatty acid groupings were detected. When analyzed by storage time, 11 individual fatty acids and four fatty acid groups differed (p = 0.05). When compared by species, 14 individual fatty acids and three groups differed. Current data suggest DBS samples may be best utilized when analyzed immediately.
China’s Urban Transformation in the Shadow of Regulatory Centralism: The Revitalization of Old Industrial Cities as a Case
Authors: Guo Jie , Jin Lixia , Yang Yongchun
Published: November 2022

Recent research has focused on a dialectical examination of neoliberalism and China’s inherent authoritarian regulatory regime and the planned economy tradition. In the same vein, this study examines China’s institutional reform and emergent goal-oriented governance since the early 1980s. It argues that China’s four decades of marketization and decentralization reforms are not toward neoliberalism, but have been accompanied by increased authoritarian regulation and state intervention. The reform aimed at complementing rather than dismantling the socialist planned economy through the localization of marketization and the adoption of a “small government” logic. A survey on the revitalization of an old industrial base in Lanzhou detailed the flow of power and its operation under the post-reform regulatory centralism. By delegating the power to formulate planning, the right to intervene in the land market, and the autonomy of policy innovation to the local governments, the central government can achieve precise intervention in local governance and land development, thereby achieving the strategic goal of national accumulation.
Chemical Characterization of Clove, Basil and Peppermint Essential Oils; Evaluating Their Toxicity on the Development Stages of Two-Spotted Spider Mites Grown on Cucumber Leaves
Authors: Awad Salonaz E. , Salah Karima Bel Hadj , Jghef Muthana M. , Alkhaibari Abeer Mousa , Shami Ashjan A. , Alghamdi Rana Abdullah , El-Ashry Ramadan M. , Ali Abdelhadi A. I. , El-Maghraby Lamiaa M. M. , Awad Ahmed E.
Published: November 2022

The two spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a cosmopolitan mite. It rapidly reproduces and can develop resistance to chemical pesticides. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity and acaricidal activity of three essential oils from basil, clove, and peppermint against T. urticae reproduction, which is grown on three cucumber cultivars, Chief (SC 4145), Raian (CB898), and Toshka (SC 349), under laboratory conditions at 27 + 3 °C and 70 + 5% RH. GC-MS characterized the volatile oils of basil, clove, and peppermint. Methyl cinnamate, eugenol, and menthol were the main essential oils in basil, clove, and peppermint, respectively. The results indicated significant differences in the duration of development between T. urticae feeding on the three cucumber cultivars (p ≤ 0.05), including eggs, protonymph, and deutonymph time. The Toshka (SC 349) cultivar recorded the lowest developmental time. The longevity period exhibited the same trend with non-significant differences between Raian (CB898) and Toshka (SC 349). Moreover, the lethal concentration (LC50) and LC90 values in tested essential oils (EOs) showed that clove EOs were the most toxic. In contrast, basil and peppermint EOs were the least effective, and immature stages were more sensitive to EOs than adult stages. The infected Toshka (SC 349) discs treated with essential oils and abamectin under in vitro conditions indicated that clove oil is comparable to abamectin regarding its effect on the egg numbers (18.7 and 17.6 egg), immature development time, longevity, life span, and life cycle (20.6 and 20.8 days) of T. urticae. We conclude that the resistant cultivation of cucumber plants can be recommended in integrated pest management programs. The most effective of the tested oils, clove EOs, should be used as alternatives to pesticides to control T. urticae in the protected cultivation of cucumbers.
Double-Attention YOLO: Vision Transformer Model Based on Image Processing Technology in Complex Environment of Transmission Line Connection Fittings and Rust Detection
Authors: Song Zhiwei , Huang Xinbo , Ji Chao , Zhang Ye
Published: November 2022

Transmission line fittings have been exposed to complex environments for a long time. Due to the interference of haze and other environmental factors, it is often difficult for the camera to obtain high quality on-site images, and the traditional image processing technology and convolution neural networks find it difficult to effectively deal with the dense detection task of small targets with occlusion interference. Therefore, an image processing method based on an improved dark channel defogging algorithm, the fusion channel spatial attention mechanism, Vision Transformer, and the GhostNet model compression method is proposed in this paper. Based on the global receptive field of the saliency region capture and enhancement model, a small target detection network Double-attention YOLO for complex environments is constructed. The experimental results show that embedding a multi-head self-attention component into a convolutional neural network can help the model to better interpret the multi-scale global semantic information of images. In this way, the model learns more easily the distinguishable features in the image representation. Embedding an attention mechanism module can make the neural network pay more attention to the salient region of image. Dual attention fusion can balance the global and local characteristics of the model, to improve the performance of model detection.
A Self-Adaptive Multiple Exposure Image Fusion Method for Highly Reflective Surface Measurements
Authors: Chen Xiaobo , Du Hui , Zhang Jinkai , Yang Xiao , Xi Juntong
Published: November 2022

Fringe projection profilometry (FPP) has been extensively applied in various fields for its superior fast speed, high accuracy and high data density. However, measuring objects with highly reflective surfaces or high dynamic range surfaces remains challenging when using FPP. A number of multiple exposure image fusion methods have been proposed and successfully improved measurement performance for these kinds of objects. Normally, these methods have a relatively fixed sequence of exposure settings determined by practical experiences or trial and error experiments, which may decrease the efficiency of the entire measurement process and may have less robustness with regard to various environmental lighting conditions and object reflective properties. In this paper, a novel self-adaptive multiple exposure image fusion method is proposed with two areas of improvement relating to adaptively optimizing the initial exposure and the exposure sequence. First, by introducing the theory of information entropy, combined with an analysis of the characterization of fringe image entropy, an adaptive initial exposure searching method is proposed. Then, an exposure sequence generation method based on dichotomy is further described. On the basis of these two improvements, a novel self-adaptive multiple exposure image fusion method for FPP as well as its detailed procedures are provided. Experimental results validate the performance of the proposed self-adaptivity multiple exposure image fusion method via the measurement of objects with differences in surface reflectivity under different ambient lighting conditions.
Modeling Non-Point Source Nutrient Loads with Different Cropping Systems in an Agricultural Lake Watershed in Southwestern China: From Field to Watershed Scale
Authors: Peng Jiayu , Jin Chunling , Wu Yue , Hou Zeying , Gao Sijia , Chu Zhaosheng , Zheng Binghui
Published: November 2022

Understanding the influence of cropping systems on non-point source pollution (NPSP) is crucial, since NPSP has become the major nutrient source of lake eutrophication. How to identify the characteristics of the N and P balance at different spatial and temporal scales remains a challenge in pollution control and decision-making. In this study, we built a soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model coupled with an export coefficient model for a NPSP simulation in the North of Erhai Lake Basin (NELB). A method was proposed to study the N and P transport from fields and the individual sub-basins to Erhai Lake using SWAT simulation. The results showed that the N and P loss fields were mainly situated in the vicinity of the Fengyu river and along the mainstream of the Miju and Mici rivers. N and P loss fields were mainly occupied by rice–broad bean/rice–rapeseed crops and vegetables. While the critical N and P load contribution areas were situated in the vicinity of downstream of the Miju, Yong’an, and Luoshi rivers. The effects of different cropping systems on the N and P export to the watershed were insignificant in the NELB and decreased by 4–9% when changing cropping system compared to the original crops. The NPSP discharged from the critical areas was retained and purified by the flow and the reservoirs scattered along the rivers, and it was noticed that the N and P loss was mainly from the critical pollution discharge areas located downstream of Miju river. This study can provide an important simulation method for understanding NPSPs and, therefore, can help authorities improve agricultural land use and reduce lake pollution.
Resilience-Based Surrogate Robustness Measure and Optimization Method for Robust Job-Shop Scheduling
Authors: Xiao Shichang , Wu Zigao , Dui Hongyan
Published: November 2022

This paper addresses the robust job-shop scheduling problems (RJSSP) with stochastic deteriorating processing times by considering the resilience of the production schedule. To deal with the disturbances caused by the processing time variations, the expected deviation between the realized makespan and the initial makespan is adopted to measure the robustness of a schedule. A surrogate model for robust scheduling is proposed, which can optimize both the schedule performance and robustness of RJSSP. Specifically, the computational burden of simulation is considered a deficiency for robustness evaluation under the disturbance of stochastic processing times. Therefore, a resilience-based surrogate robustness measure (SRM-R) is provided for the robustness estimation in the surrogate model. The proposed SRM-R considers the production resilience and can utilize the available information on stochastic deteriorating processing times and slack times in the schedule structure by analyzing the disturbance propagation of the correlated operations in the schedule. Finally, a multi-objective hybrid estimation of distribution algorithm is employed to obtain the Pareto optimal solutions of RJSSP. The simulation experiment results show that the presented SRM-R is effective and can provide the Pareto solutions with a lower computational burden. Furthermore, an RJSSP case derived from the manufacturing environment demonstrates that the proposed approach can generate satisfactory robust solutions with significantly improved computational efficiency.
Impulsive Pinning Control of Discrete-Time Complex Networks with Time-Varying Connections
Authors: Ríos-Rivera Daniel , Rios Jorge D. , Sanchez Oscar D. , Alanis Alma Y.
Published: November 2022

Complex dynamical networks with time-varying connections have characteristics that allow a better representation of real-world complex systems, especially interest in their not static behavior and topology. Their applications reach areas such as communication systems, electrical systems, medicine, robotic, and more. Both continuous and discrete-time complex dynamical networks and the pinning control technique have been studied. However, even with interest in the research on complex networks combining characteristics of discrete-time, time-varying connections, pinning control, and impulsive control, there are few studies reported in the literature. There are some previous studies dealing with impulsively pin-controlling a discrete-time complex network. Nevertheless, they neglect to deal with time-varying connections; they deal with these systems by experimentally using continuous-time methods or linearizing the node dynamics. In this manner, this paper presents a control scheme that not only deals with pin control on discrete-time complex networks but also includes time-varying connections. This paper proposes an impulsive pin control to a zero state using passivity degrees considering a discrete-time complex network with undirected, linear, and diffusive couplings. Additionally, a corresponding mathematical analysis, which allows the representation of the dynamics as a set of symmetric matrices, is presented. With this, certain kinds of time-varying connections can be integrated into the analysis. Moreover, a particular criterion for selecting nodes to pin is also presented. The behavior of the controller for the non-varying and time-varying coupling cases is shown via numeric simulations.
Effect of the Helping Babies Breathe Program on Newborn Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Agudelo-Pérez Sergio , Cifuentes-Serrano Annie , Ávila-Celis Paula , Oliveros Henry
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives: In low- and middle-income countries, the leading cause of neonatal mortality is perinatal asphyxia. Training in neonatal resuscitation has been shown to decrease this cause of mortality. The program “Helping Babies Breathe” (HBB) is a program to teach basic neonatal resuscitation focused on countries and areas with limited economic resources. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the implementation of the HBB program on newborn outcomes: mortality and morbidity. Material and Methods: A systematic review was carried out on observational studies and clinical trials that reported the effect of the implementation in low- and middle-income countries of the HBB program on neonatal mortality and morbidity. We carried out a meta-analysis of the extracted data. Random-effect models were used to evaluate heterogeneity, using the Cochrane Q and I2 tests, and stratified analyses were performed by age and type of outcome to determine the sources of heterogeneity. Results: Eleven studies were identified. The implementation of the program includes educational strategies focused on the training of doctors, nurses, midwives, and students of health professions. The poled results showed a decrease in overall mortality (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.57, 0.80), intrapartum stillbirth mortality (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.51, 0.75), and first-day mortality (OR 0.70; 95% IC 0.64, 0.77). High heterogeneity was found, which was partly explained by differences in the gestational age of the participants. Conclusions: The implementation of the program HBB in low- and medium-income countries has a significant impact on reducing early neonatal mortality.
Evaluating Fouling Control and Energy Consumption in a Pilot-Scale, Low-Energy POREFLON Non-Aerated Membrane Bioreactor (LEP-N-MBR) System at Different Frequencies and Amplitudes
Authors: Zuo Runzhang , Yu Yubin , Song Canhui , Liang Muxiang , Lu Xiejuan , Ren Dajun , Wu Xiaohui , Zan Feixiang
Published: November 2022

Continual aeration, a fouling control strategy that causes high energy consumption, is the major obstacle in the deployment of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for wastewater treatment. In recent years, a technology has been developed which adopts mechanical reciprocity for membrane vibration, and it has been proven efficient for membrane scouring, as well as for saving energy: the low-energy POREFLON non-aerated membrane bioreactor (LEP-N-MBR). In this study, a pilot-scale LEP-N-MBR system was designed, established, and operated at various frequencies and amplitudes, and with various membrane models, so as to evaluate energy usage and membrane fouling. The results showed that a slower TMP rise occurred when the frequency and amplitude were set to 0.5 Hz and 10 cm, respectively. Under a suitable frequency and amplitude, the TMP increasing rate of model B (sealed only with epoxy resin) was slower than that of model A (sealed with a combination of polyurethane and epoxy resin). The average specific energy demand (SED) of the LEP-N-MBR was 0.18 kWh·m−3, much lower than the aerated MBR with 0.43 kWh·m−3 (obtained from a previous study), indicating a significant decrease of 59.54% in the SED. However, the uneven distribution of sludge within the membrane tank indicated that the poor hydraulic mixing in the reactor may result in sludge accumulation, which requires further operational optimization. The findings of this pilot-scale study suggest that the LEP-N-MBR system is promising and effective for municipal wastewater treatment with a much lower level of energy usage. More research is needed to further optimize the operation of the LEP-N-MBR for wide application.
Possibility of Biological Observations Using the Speckle Interferometry-Based Super-Resolution Technology
Authors: Arai Yasuhiko
Published: November 2022

Speckle interferometry techniques based on the phase-detection method have been widely used to observe microstructures beyond the diffraction limit, and the observations of hard solid samples such as microspheres and micro-characters have been previously reported. In this study, the possibility of applying this super-resolution technology to the observation of biological tissues is investigated using plant-cell chromosomes, which are relatively easy to handle and compatible with the diffraction limit. The results reveal that the new super-resolution technique, which is based on speckle interferometry, can be used to observe cellular tissues with complex structures that are subjected to conventional cell-fixation treatments similar to solid samples. However, the shape of the fixed-treated chromosomes is distorted and differs from that of living cells. Furthermore, when observing real living cells using current optics systems, the sample is typically observed vertically. This study indicates that these optics systems must be improved to allow horizontal placements of the samples in the culture medium.
SARS-CoV-2 as a Zooanthroponotic Infection: Spillbacks, Secondary Spillovers, and Their Importance
Authors: Pappas Georgios , Vokou Despoina , Sainis Ioannis , Halley John M.
Published: November 2022

In the midst of a persistent pandemic of a probable zoonotic origin, one needs to constantly evaluate the interplay of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2) with animal populations. Animals can get infected from humans, and certain species, including mink and white-tailed deer, exhibit considerable animal-to-animal transmission resulting in potential endemicity, mutation pressure, and possible secondary spillover to humans. We attempt a comprehensive review of the available data on animal species infected by SARS-CoV-2, as presented in the scientific literature and official reports of relevant organizations. We further evaluate the lessons humans should learn from mink outbreaks, white-tailed deer endemicity, zoo outbreaks, the threat for certain species conservation, the possible implication of rodents in the evolution of novel variants such as Omicron, and the potential role of pets as animal reservoirs of the virus. Finally, we outline the need for a broader approach to the pandemic and epidemics, in general, incorporating the principles of One Health and Planetary Health.
Plant Growth-Promoting Activities of Bacteria Isolated from an Anthropogenic Soil Located in Agrigento Province
Authors: Barbaccia Pietro , Gaglio Raimondo , Dazzi Carmelo , Miceli Claudia , Bella Patrizia , Lo Papa Giuseppe , Settanni Luca
Published: November 2022

Bacteria producers of plant growth-promoting (PGP) substances are responsible for the enhancement of plant development through several mechanisms. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the PGP traits of 63 bacterial strains that were isolated from an anthropogenic soil, and obtained by modification of vertisols in the Sicily region (Italy) seven years after creation. The microorganisms were tested for the following PGP characteristics: indole acetic acid (IAA), NH3, HCN and siderophore production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity (ACC) and phosphate solubilization. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that Bacillus tequilensis SI 319, Brevibacterium frigoritolerans SI 433, Pseudomonas lini SI 287 and Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis SI 307 expressed high levels of IAA and production of ACC deaminase enzyme, while for the rest of traits analyzed the best performances were registered with Pseudomonas genus, in particular for the strains Pseudomonas atacamensis SI 443, Pseudomonas reinekei SI 441 and Pseudomonas granadensis SI 422 and SI 450. The in vitro screening provided enough evidence for future in vivo growth promotion tests of these eight strains.