bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Design of a Novel Leg-Based Stair-Climbing Wheelchair Based on the Kinematic Analysis of the Stair Climbing States
Authors: Delgado-Mena Diego , Pereira Emiliano , Alén-Cordero Cristina , Maldonado-Bascón Saturnino , Gil-Jiménez Pedro
Published: October 2022

This work presents a method to find the optimal configuration of a leg-based stair-climbing wheelchair. This optimization begins with the definition of a high-level control architecture, in which the kinematics restrictions related to the specific obstacles are considered. Then, the reference trajectories for all the actuators are generated as a function of the physical parameters of the mechanism, the dynamic restrictions of the actuators (velocity and acceleration) and the sensor errors. This work illustrates, based on a set of configurations, how the total time to climb up and climb down a defined stair depends on all these parameters, also reporting the best set of parameters that reduces the time and makes the mechanism more stable for a given scenario. The optimization in this work is performed with a brute-force search within a grid of parameters with a resolution of 1 mm. Thus, as the local minima is located, the complexity of the problem is revealed.
Research on the Influence Mechanism of Land Tenure Security on Farmers’ Cultivated Land Non-Grain Behavior
Authors: Zhang Jizhou , Li Xiaojing , Xie Shouhong , Xia Xianli
Published: October 2022

Cultivated land planting structure is directly related to China’s food security. The Central Rural Work Conference in 2021 pointed out that to ensure food security, attention should be paid to the adjustment of planting structure. Therefore, it is necessary to explore whether land tenure security has an impact on farmers’ cultivated land non-grain behavior. Based on the micro survey data of 550 farmers in the Guanzhong Plain, this paper explores the impact of land tenure security on farmers’ cultivated land non-grain behavior with the help of the OLS model and the Binary Probit model, and further explores its internal transmission mechanism through the mediation effect model. It is found that land tenure security significantly promotes farmers’ cultivated land non-grain behavior. After replacing model estimation, core variables for robustness tests, and solving endogeneity problems, the research conclusion is still valid. The analysis of the influence mechanism shows that land tenure security affects farmers’ cultivated land non-grain behavior by increasing land transfer and agricultural productive investment. Among them, agricultural productive investment has the greatest impact, followed by land transfer. In addition, the study also found that land tenure security can promote their cultivated land non-grain behavior by strengthening their credit availability for farmers with low fragmentation. Heterogeneity analysis results show that off-farm employment and social services can effectively alleviate the impact of land tenure security on farmers’ cultivated land non-grain behavior. This paper provides a new research perspective for analyzing the incentives of cultivated land non-grain from the micro-mechanism. At the same time, it revealed the inner root of the government’s predicament in the governance of cultivated land non-grain. It provided a new reference for the government to formulate new policies for managing non-grained cultivated land.
Climate Change Affects the Utilization of Light and Heat Resources in Paddy Field on the Songnen Plain, China
Authors: Zheng Ennan , Qin Mengting , Chen Peng , Xu Tianyu , Zhang Zhongxue
Published: October 2022

Efficient utilization of light and heat resources is an important part of cleaner production. However, exploring the changes in light and heat resources utilization potential in paddy under future climate change is essential to make full use of the potential of rice varieties and ensure high-efficient, high-yield, and high-quality rice production, which has been seldom conducted. In our study, a process-based crop model (CERES-Rice) was calibrated and validated based on experiment data from the Songnen Plain of China, and then driven by multiple global climate models (GCMs) from the coupled model inter-comparison project (CMIP6) to predict rice growth period, yield, and light and heat resources utilization efficiency under future climate change conditions. The results indicated that the rice growth period would be shortened, especially in the high emission scenario (SSP585), while rice yield would increase slightly under the low and medium emission scenarios (SSP126 and SSP245), it decreased significantly under the high emission scenario (SSP585) in the long term (the 2080s) relative to the baseline of 2000–2019. The light and temperature resources utilization (ERT), light utilization efficiency (ER), and heat utilization efficiency (HUE) were selected as the light and heat resources utilization evaluation indexes. Compared with the base period, the mean ERT in the 2040s, 2060s, and 2080s were −6.46%, −6.01%, and −6.03% under SSP126, respectively. Under SSP245, the mean ERT were −7.89%, −8.41%, and −8.27%, respectively. Under SSP585, the mean ERT were −6.88%, −13.69%, and −28.84%, respectively. The ER would increase slightly, except for the 2080s under the high emission scenario. Moreover, the HUE would reduce as compared with the base period. The results of the analysis showed that the most significant meteorological factor affecting rice growth was temperature. Furthermore, under future climate conditions, optimizing the sowing date could make full use of climate resources to improve rice yield and light and heat resource utilization indexes, which is of great significance for agricultural cleaner production in the future.
Drivers of Postharvest Loss among Citrus Farmers in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: A Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) Regression Model Analysis
Authors: Nohamba Siphiw’okuhle , Musara Joseph P. , Bahta Yonas T. , Ogundeji Abiodun A.
Published: October 2022

Reducing postharvest losses (PHLs) in the South African citrus industry is fundamental in ensuring food, income, and nutrition security. However, there is limited knowledge on the extent of postharvest losses, their diversity, and the associated inhibiting factors. These factors compromise postharvest loss management strategies and how they can be scaled up across production zones in South Africa. The study adopted a pragmatic philosophy to assess the magnitude and diversity of PHLs for citrus crops and assess the determining factors. A standardized questionnaire was administered to 137 citrus producers from the Eastern Cape Province’s three production zones. Multistage sampling which combined purposive and stratified proportionate sampling was utilized to select the province, production zones, and farmers. The study employed the embedded research approach with a zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) model. The countfit and Vuong tests were used in Stata 15 to ascertain and correct for overdispersion and inflated zeros while isolating the model which best fitted the data. The ZIP regression model indicated that social (e.g., marital status, education, age), economic (e.g., yield), institutional (e.g., markets, extension, credit), and cross-cutting (e.g., pruning, cultivar) factors determined the magnitude of PHL exposure. Targeted and tailored capacity building on good agricultural practices in citrus production might help to reduce postharvest losses through the extension pillar. The production of Nova and Navel citrus cultivars may be promoted when these cultivars are easily accessible and available to farmers while researching other traits to reduce PHL incidences. Investment programs to support the use of water-efficient drip irrigation systems need to be initiated to reduce the chances of incurring considerable postharvest losses. Likewise, pest and disease control in citrus production should be intensified and targeted. Subsidized support for the maintenance of citrus plantations should be provided by the government and other stakeholders, such as citrus production associations.
Phenomenon of Non-Grain Production of Cultivated Land Has Become Increasingly Prominent over the Last 20 Years: Evidence from Guanzhong Plain, China
Authors: Zhu Zhiyuan , Duan Jiajia , Li Shilin , Dai Zhenzhong , Feng Yongzhong
Published: October 2022

Cultivated land is the carrier of food production. As a populous country that regards cultivated land as the most valuable strategic resource, China has faced the challenge of the phenomenon of non-grain production of cultivated land (NGP) in recent years, which has attracted great attention from the Chinese government. Based on the cultivated land and grain data at the plot scale in 2000, 2010, and 2019, this study explored the evolutionary characteristics and spatial pattern of NGP in the Guanzhong Plain of Shaanxi Province from 2000 to 2019 with the Geographic Information System spatial analysis. The study found a clear trend in the spatial expansion of NGP in the past 20 years. In the 54 counties and districts of Guanzhong, there were different degrees of NGP, showing an annual expansion trend. The spatial agglomeration effect of NGP was significant. This study has important scientific value in understanding the phenomenon and patterns of non-grain production of cultivated land in China and provides a scientific basis for the formulation of cultivated land management policies.
Soil Nutrient Retention and Yield Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus Synergists on Wheat/Maize Rotation in Brown Soil
Authors: Cui Xiumin , Wang Jiahui , Zhang Lingfei , Chen Tangxin , Zhuge Yuping , Dong Yuxiu
Published: October 2022

The aim was to improve the fertilizer utilization efficiency and alleviate environmental pollution risk under a wheat-maize rotation system. Here, the combinations of different nitrogen stabilizers and phosphorus activators were used to reduce nitrogen loss and phosphorus fixation in the field experiment. Compared to the control, the combination of 1.5%HQ + 0.5%DMPP + biochar showed the most significant effect on the retention of alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen (Nah), the highest with an increase of 22.6% at the 0~20 cm layer soil; and the combination of 1.5%HQ + 3.5%DCD + CMFs (compound microbial fertilizers) showed the most significant effect on the maintenance of available phosphorus (Pa), with the highest increase of 41.3%. N, P synergists combined with a basal fertilizer could effectively slow down the transformation from NH4+ to NO3−, and keep NH4+ at an increase of 7.38%~19.6%. Moreover, the N, P synergists could efficiently lock the available nutrients around the roots, preventing the migration of NO3−, NH4+, Nah, and Pa to the deeper layers. Especially for NO3−, the total accumulation at 0~60 cm decreased by 32.1%, and the activation of Pa was mainly concentrated at 0~40 cm. Under the same nutrient inputs, the combination of 0.3%NBPT + 0.5%DMPP + CMFs obtained the highest wheat yield. The combination of 1.5%HQ + 0.5%DMPP+ biochar gained the highest maize yield. Overall, the application of N, P synergists could increase the effective duration of Nah, Pa, and NH4+ in the surface soil, and reduce the accumulation of NO3− in the 0~60 cm soil layer. The capacity of holding and keeping nutrients from leaching rose obviously; simultaneously, the assimilative capacity of crops for nitrogen and phosphorus increased distinctly, which could lower the eutrophia risks from nitrogen and phosphorus.
gga-miR-449b-5p Regulates Steroid Hormone Synthesis in Laying Hen Ovarian Granulosa Cells by Targeting the IGF2BP3 Gene
Authors: Wu Xing , Zhang Na , Li Jing , Zhang Zihao , Guo Yulong , Li Donghua , Zhang Yanhua , Gong Yujie , Jiang Ruirui , Li Hong , Li Guoxi , Liu Xiaojun , Kang Xiangtao , Tian Yadong
Published: October 2022

MiRNAs have been found to be involved in the regulation of ovarian function as important post-transcriptional regulators, including regulators of follicular development, steroidogenesis, cell atresia, and even the development of ovarian cancer. In this study, we evaluated the regulatory role of gga-miR-449b-5p in follicular growth and steroid synthesis in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) of laying hens through qRT-PCR, ELISAs, western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter assays, which have been described in our previous study. We demonstrated that gga-miR-449b-5p was widely expressed in granulosa and theca layers of the different-sized follicles, especially in the granulosa layer. The gga-miR-449b-5p had no significant effect on the proliferation of GCs, but could significantly regulate the expression of key steroidogenesis-related genes (StAR and CYP19A1) (p < 0.01) and the secretion of P4 and E2 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Further research showed that gga-miR-449b-5p could target IGF2BP3 and downregulate the mRNA and protein expression of IGF2BP3 (p < 0.05). Therefore, this study suggests that gga-miR-449b-5p is a potent regulator of the synthesis of steroid hormones in GCs by targeting the expression of IGF2BP3 and may contribute to a better understanding of the role of functional miRNAs in laying hen ovarian development.
Visual and Rapid Detection of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) Using Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Method
Authors: Li Chunhua , Liang Jieling , Yang Dan , Zhang Qi , Miao Denian , He Xizhong , Du Yanan , Zhang Wanjing , Ni Jianping , Zhao Kai
Published: October 2022

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) can cause severe infectious porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) and infect different ages of pigs, resulting in sickness and death among suckling pigs. For PEDV detection, finding an effective and rapid method is a priority. In this study, we established an effective reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) method for PEDV detection. Three sets of primers, specific for eight different sequences of the PEDV N gene, were designed in this study. The optimized RT-LAMP amplification program was as follows: 59 min at 61.9 °C and 3 min at 80 °C. The RT-LAMP results were confirmed with the addition of SYBR Green I fluorescence dye and with the detection of a ladder-like band by conventional gel electrophoresis analysis, which demonstrated a significant agreement between the two methods. The LOD of PEDV by RT-LAMP was 0.0001 ng/μL. Compared with RT-LAMP, the traditional RT-PCR method is 100-fold less sensitive. The RT-LAMP results had no cross-reaction with porcine parvovirus (PPV), porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1), porcine pseudorabies virus (PRV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), rotavirus (RV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Consequently, the newly developed RT-LAMP method could provide an accurate and reliable tool for PEDV diagnosis.
Roles of Hydrogen Gas in Plants under Abiotic Stress: Current Knowledge and Perspectives
Authors: Li Changxia , Yu Wenjin , Wu Yuancai , Li Yongqiang
Published: October 2022

Hydrogen gas (H2) is a unique molecular messenger, which is known to be involved in diverse physiological processes in plants, from seed germination to seedling growth to regulation of environmental stresses. In this review, we focus on the role of H2 in plant responses to abiotic stresses, such as temperature, osmotic stress, light, paraquat (PQ)-induced oxidative stresses, and metal stresses. In general, H2 can alleviate environmental stresses by improving the antioxidant defense system, photosynthetic capacity, re-establishing ion homeostasis and glutathione homeostasis, maintaining nutrient element homeostasis, mediating glucose metabolism and flavonoid pathways, regulating heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling, and interaction between H2 and nitric oxide (NO), carbonic oxide (CO), or plant hormones. In addition, some genes modulated by H2 under abiotic stresses are also discussed. Detailed evidence of molecular mechanisms for H2-mediated particular pathways under abiotic stress, however, is scarce. Further studies regarding the regulatory roles of H2 in modulating abiotic stresses research should focus on the molecular details of the particular pathways that are activated in plants. More research work will improve knowledge concerning possible applications of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) to respond to abiotic stresses with the aim of enhancing crop quality and economic value.
Propolis as Natural Product in the Oral Cavity Bacterial Infections Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Otręba Michał , Marek Łukasz , Tyczyńska Natalia , Stojko Jerzy , Kurek-Górecka Anna , Górecki Michał , Olczyk Paweł , Rzepecka-Stojko Anna
Published: October 2022

The up-to-date records show that approximately 10% of people worldwide suffer from periodontal diseases and about 50% of adults have some sort of moderate oral cavity disease. Therefore, oral cavity diseases represent the group of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases in the world. Thus, novel, natural, safe, and effective methods of treatment need to be found. In this study, a systematic search was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar up to March 2022 to select research evaluating the activity of propolis against bacteria responsible for oral cavity diseases. Peer-reviewed journals in English containing information about the in vitro and in vivo studies were included in our research. We excluded the records without access, written in another language than English, thesis or book chapters, and review papers, and we rejected the texts when the authors did not write about the antibacterial activity. Collected results of the inhibition zone as well as average MIC and MBC values indicated that propolis exhibits antimicrobial activity against the strains of bacteria which cause, e.g., periodontitis, gingivitis, caries, subgingival plaque, supragingival plaque, recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAS), and pharyngitis. However, before propolis can be commonly used, more research is needed to fully understand its composition and antibacterial mechanism of action.
Crude Polysaccharide Fraction from Rosa rugosa Thunb. Root—Chemical Characterisation, Enzyme Inhibitory, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Łubek-Nguyen Agnieszka , Olech Marta , Nowacka-Jechalke Natalia , Martyna Aleksandra , Kubiński Konrad , Masłyk Maciej , Moczulski Marcin , Kanak Sebastian
Published: October 2022

Rosa rugosa Thunb. (Rosaceae) plantations can provide industrial amounts of roots, which contain many biologically active metabolites. Here, we report the first studies of the chemical composition and pharmacological potential of a crude polysaccharide fraction obtained from R. rugosa roots (CPL-Rx). It was found that the roots contained water-soluble and -insoluble sugars, including a large amount of β-glucans (12.95 ± 0.30 g/100 g). The water-soluble fraction was found to be mostly composed of sugars (28.94 ± 0.01%), uronic acids (2.61 ± 0.41%), and polyphenols (4.55 ± 0.12%). High-performance capillary electrophoresis analysis showed that glucose was the prevalent monosaccharide (64.31%), followed by a smaller amount of galactose (11.77%), fructose (11.36%), and arabinose (4.27%). SDS-PAGE followed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry revealed the presence of unbound protein identified as protein plastid transcriptionally active 14-Like. CPL-Rx was found to inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase and hyaluronidase) and to have antioxidant potential in the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay (0.302 ± 0.01 mmol Trolox/g), DPPH radical scavenging effect (EC50 3.92 ± 0.12 mg/mg DPPH•) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (0.134 ± 0.10 mmol Trolox/g). It also exerted a slight antiproliferative effect on SW480 (colon) and A549 (lung) cancer cell lines. Our research provides the first insights into the composition and pharmacological application of crude polysaccharides from rugosa rose roots. It suggests that CPL-Rx may potentially be used for cosmetic and bio-medical purposes, especially as an antihyaluronidase or chemopreventive agent.
A New Enhancement Edge Detection of Finger-Vein Identification for Carputer System
Authors: Hsia Chih-Hsien , Yang Zi-Han , Wang Hong-Jyun , Lai Kuei-Kuei
Published: October 2022

Developments in multimedia and mobile communication technologies and in mobilized, personalized information security has benefitted various sectors of society, as traditional identification technologies are often complicated. In response to the sharing economy and the intellectualization of automotive electronics, major automobile companies are using biometric recognition to enhance the safety, uniqueness, and convenience of their vehicles. This study uses a deep learning-based finger-vein identification system for carputer systems. The proposed enhancement edge detection adapts to the detected fingers’ rotational and translational movements and to interference from external light and other environmental factors. This study also determines the effect of preprocessing methods on the system’s effectiveness. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system allows more accurate identification of 99.1% and 98.1% in various environments, using the FV-USM and SDUMLA-HMT public datasets. As results, the contribution of system is high accuracy and stability for more sanitary, contactless applications makes it eminently suited for use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthier Meat Products Are Fashionable—Consumers Love Fashion
Authors: Kurćubić Vladimir , Stajić Slaviša , Miletić Nemanja , Stanišić Nikola
Published: October 2022

Meat manufacturers are nowadays in a very unenviable position. Both meat and meat products require the utilization of various additives due to their chemical composition. On the other hand, consumers demand fresh, additive-free, and high-quality products with extended shelf-life, which might be considered as healthier, even functional food. These facts push manufacturers and researchers in pursuit of modern technologies and supplements to meet these high demands. Since a high daily intake of sodium and fat might cause severe health issues, reducing these ingredients in meat products is the first task towards healthier food. Sodium can be reduced by ultrasound, high-pressure processing, pulsed electric field, and replacement of NaCl with KCl, calcium gluconate, calcium glycerophosphate, calcium lactate, and monosodium glutamate. The reduction of the fat content can be achieved through a decrease in the amount of fatty tissue in the inital mixture and/or replacement with non-lipid components, or by partial fatty tissue replacement with oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Utilization of plant proteins (soy, wheat gluten, pea, chickpea, lentil, potato, barley, oat, rice, etc.), mycoproteins or micro-algae proteins, plant fats (palm and coconut fat, canola, sunflower, soy and corn oil, etc.), and polysaccharides (starches, fibers), accompanied by a meat-like fibrous structure, resulted in delicious “meat” products, which are considered a healthier alternative to real meat. Growing interest in the replacement of potentially adverse synthetic meat additives favors the use of plant (herb, fruit and vegetable) extracts, as an endless source of bioactive substances with strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These extracts can be used either in raw meat or meat products, as well as in the fodder. Reformulation strategies strengthen and ensure the willingness of consumers to pay a higher price for their own demands regarding the naturalness of synthetic, clean-labeled, additive-free meat products. After a gradual alignment with strategic national/international recommendations and legal/sub-legal frameworks, the added value of such meat products opens wide the door to new segments/entire markets.
The Building Stones of Prato’s Cathedral and Bell Tower, Italy
Authors: Coli Massimo , Ciuffreda Anna Livia , Donigaglia Tessa , Tanganelli Marco
Published: October 2022

This study defines the assemblage, lithotypes and mechanical parameters of the building stones used for the external cladding of Prato’s Cathedral and Bell Tower (XIV century), now subject to extensive conservation work. By means of a drone flight, a full 3D model of the Cathedral and Bell-Tower complex was developed with photoplanes of the façades. On this basis, a GIS of the façades with all the stone elements embedded was developed. Historical data and organoleptic analysis enabled the identification of the types of the stones constituting the cladding. The results show that the building stones used for the cladding are all local historical stones, namely white Alberese and Palombini limestones, green Verde Prato peridotites, and grey Pietra Serena sandstone. The quarries of provenance of these stones were determined, along with their physical-mechanical properties and decay processes, in order to contribute to conservation works according to authenticity and integrity principles.
Seismic Effect of Marine Corrosion and CFRP Reinforcement on Wind Turbine Tower
Authors: Wang Daoyong , Song Bo , Diao Shuo , Wang Chao , Lu Chenhu
Published: October 2022

The offshore wind turbine tower, which has been in the marine corrosive environment for a long time, often buckles and collapses under the earthquake records. In order to study the influence of marine corrosion and CFRP reinforcement on the seismic performance of wind turbine tower structures, the horizontal displacement, horizontal acceleration and acceleration change rate of wind turbine towers are studied through numerical simulation and shaking table tests. The results show that the influence of earthquake type on the dynamic response of the wind turbine tower is different. The response values of acceleration and displacement under far-field earthquakes are larger than those of other earthquake types. The increase in PGA has a greater impact on the structural response range in the near-field earthquake. Corrosion defects not only increase the sensitivity of the wind turbine tower structure to seismic response but also have different effects on the location and development of structural plastic hinges. For the structure without corrosion defects, the plastic hinge appears at the connection between the tower and the foundation, while in the corrosion structure, the plastic hinge appears in the corrosion area. Corrosion defects increase the nonlinear development of structures, especially under far-field earthquakes. CFRP reinforcement can effectively reduce the displacement effect of the top of the structure and enhance the seismic performance of the corroded wind turbine tower.
Study on Characteristics and Optimal Layout of Components in Shallow Water Mooring System of Floating Wind Turbine
Authors: Zheng Xing , Zhang Tianyin , Hu Zhenhong , Ma Gang
Published: October 2022

Offshore wind energy resources far exceed those on land. However, the increase in water depth of the continental shelf in China’s sea area slows down as the distance from the shore increases. In view of the characteristics of China’s sea, how to optimize the design of mooring systems to adapt to the water depth conditions in China’s waters and to resist the harsh sea conditions is one of the major problems encountered in the development of floating wind turbines. In this paper, the 5MW-OC4 semi-submersible floating wind turbine is taken as the research object, and the frequency domain and time domain calculation of the floating wind turbine are carried out by using SESAM software under the water depth of 40 m in the Bohai Sea. By comparing the motion response and tension of catenary and tension mooring floating wind turbine. The mooring system is optimized by combining the buoy and clump weight. The results show that the catenary mooring mode is more suitable for the floating wind turbine under shallow water conditions. Mooring accessories used in combination have the same effect on the overall response of the floating wind turbine as changing the same mooring parameters when used alone, but the effect of changing the mooring parameters on the performance optimization of the mooring system is more obvious when used in combination, and a reasonable combination of accessories can significantly change the overall characteristics of the floating system and affect the safety and cost of the system.
Transmission Efficiency Optimal Design of Spiral Bevel Gear Based on Hybrid PSOGSA (Particle Swarm Optimization—Gravitational Search Algorithm) Method
Authors: Hou Xiangying , Gao Shushen , Qiu Linyue , Li Zhengminqing , Zhu Rupeng , Lyu Sung-Ki
Published: October 2022

Transmission efficiency is a significant index of the transmission system. Even though much research has been carried out to calculate gear transmission efficiency, only a few of them studied spiral bevel gear due to its complexity. Moreover, spiral bevel gear does not have a “standard surface”, which means more complex coupling relations between different parameters and makes efficiency optimal design more difficult. Therefore, an instantaneous transmission efficiency computing model of a spiral bevel gear was set up based on loaded tooth contact analysis and hybrid elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication theory. Then, the particle swarm optimization–gravitational search algorithm (PSOGSA) optimal model was constructed to obtain the best parameters that maximize the average transmission efficiency of spiral bevel gears. Control parameters and machining parameters are optimized in sequence based on the proposed optimal model. The results showed that both optimal designs could help improve transmission efficiency, but the range of machining parameters is limited in a small interval because of the complex coupling relations. Therefore, the machining parameters optimization are conducted after control parameters optimization, which showed good results. Transmission efficiency was finally improved to 98.78%, which increased more than 4% at least. The proposed optimal model could also be applied into other gear design methods or even other fields.
Field Experience for Determination of Formaldehyde in Stack Emissions
Authors: Cefalì Amedeo M. , Bolzacchini Ezio , Ferrero Luca , Clauser Giuseppe , Dallapiccola Christian , Maggi Stefano , Cipriano Domenico
Published: October 2022

Formaldehyde (H−CHO) is a chemical compound extremely common in many industrial productions. However, in 2004, it was reclassified as carcinogenic (H350) and mutagenic (H341). Therefore, stringent limitations on emissions were implemented; among them, the lowest limit (3 mg/m3) was adopted by some Italian Local Competent Authorities. Up to now, no European-validated method for emission control was available, and for this reason, a specific working group (WG 40) has been created in the framework of the European Committee for Standardization Technical Committees 264 (CEN TC 264) to publish a qualified method for the quantification of Formaldehyde emissions from stationary sources (i.e., power stations, incinerators, petrochemicals, and industrial plants that uses combustion for their energetic purposes). Some preliminary trial tests were conducted to evaluate (1) the sampling protocol, and (2) the analytical technique. From a measurement perspective, two methods were selected: EPA 323—VDI 3862-6 and VDI 3862-2. Every new method prepared by CEN shall be verified before publication in the field and in real conditions to verify its metrological properties (i.e., precision, biases, reproducibility, and repeatability), costs and the training needs for involved personnel. With this aim, two measuring campaigns were conducted, and some important conclusions emerged concerning the H−CHO sampling procedure. Due to high water levels normally present, condensation during sampling is critical and can cause unpredictable errors; wet traps (impingers) give good responses. The sampling in pure water appeared unstable, but using an H2SO4 solution solved this issue, thus being recommended.
Multiparametric MRI Fusion-Guided Prostate Biopsy for Detection of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Eliminates the Systemic Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Matulevičius Augustinas , Bakavičius Arnas , Ulys Albertas , Trakymas Mantas , Ušinskienė Jurgita , Naruševičiūtė Ieva , Sabaliauskaitė Rasa , Žukauskaitė Kristina , Jarmalaitė Sonata , Jankevičius Feliksas
Published: October 2022

The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the high accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound fusion (mpMRI/US)-guided targeted prostate biopsy for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) and to show that adapted systematic biopsy (AdSB) does not provide additional benefit in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa). In total, 283 patients have been included in the study. All patients underwent the mpMRI/US biopsies, which have been performed with the “BioJet” fusion system (D&K Technologies, Barum, Germany) using the transperineal approach by a single interventional radiologist. Lesion-targeted and systematic biopsies have been done when 2–4 cores have been taken from each PI-RADS 3–5 lesion, followed by AdSB. This study demonstrated that targeted prostate biopsy is sufficient for safe and sensitive identification of clinically significant PCa in primary biopsy-naïve cases without the need to perform adapted systematic biopsy.
Extracting Fingerprint Features Using Autoencoder Networks for Gender Classification
Authors: Qi Yong , Qiu Mengzhe , Jiang Hefeifei , Wang Feiyang
Published: October 2022

The fingerprint is an important biological feature of the human body, which contains abundant biometric information. At present, the academic exploration of fingerprint gender characteristics is generally at the level of understanding, and the standardization research is quite limited. A robust approach is presented in this article, Dense Dilated Convolution ResNet Autoencoder, to extract valid gender information from fingerprints. By replacing the normal convolution operations with the atrous convolution in the backbone, prior knowledge is provided to keep the edge details, and the global reception field can be extended. The results were explored from three aspects: (1) Efficiency of DDC-ResNet. We conducted experiments using a combination of 6 typical automatic feature extractors with 9 classifiers for a total of 54 combinations are evaluated in our dataset; the experimental results show that the combination of methods we used achieved an average accuracy of 96.5%, with a classification accuracy of 97.52% for males and 95.48% for females, which outperformed the other experimental combinations. (2) The effect of the finger. The results showed that the right ring finger was the most effective for finger classification by gender. (3) The effect of specific features. We used the Class Activating Mapping method to plot fingerprint concentration thermograms, which allowed us to infer that fingerprint epidermal texture features are related to gender. The results demonstrated that autoencoder networks are a powerful method for extracting gender-specific features to help hide the privacy information of the user’s gender contained in the fingerprint. Our experiments also identified three levels of features in fingerprints that are important for gender differentiation, including loops and whorls shape, bifurcations shape, and line shapes.
Theoretical Analysis of a Biomass-Driven Single-Effect Absorption Heat Pump for Heating and Cooling Purposes
Authors: Bellos Evangelos , Lykas Panagiotis , Tzivanidis Christos
Published: October 2022

Renewable energy exploitation in the building sector can lead to significant energy savings and carbon dioxide emission avoidance. The objective of this study is the detailed investigation of a biomass-driven absorption heat pump for heating and cooling. The heat pump is practically a single-effect absorption chiller operating with the Lithium-bromide/water solution and it has been properly modified for heating production during the winter. This system is a novel one and its combination with a biomass boiler was examined for the first time, especially for covering both heating and cooling needs. For the present study, a typical building in Athens, Greece, with a 400 m2 floor area is selected to be coupled with the suggested heating/cooling configuration. The analysis was conducted by using TRNSYS software for the estimation of the building’s thermal loads and with the Engineering Equation Solver for determining the heat pump behavior. According to the results, the yearly biomass consumption is found to be 3.76 tons covering a heating demand of 9136 kWh and cooling demand of 8168 kWh. The seasonal energy cooling performance was found to be 0.751, while the seasonal energy heating performance was at 1.307. Moreover, the proposed configuration was found to have economic and environmental benefits compared to conventional units with an oil boiler and heat pump for cooling. Specifically, the present system leads to 10.8% lower operational costs and 4.8% lower primary energy demand, while there are significant amounts of CO2 avoidance.
Climate Change Impact on the Duration of Great Vegetation Period and Vegetation Period of Beetroot and Watermelon in Slovakia
Authors: Čimo Ján , Kišš Vladimír , Aydın Elena , Pagáč Jakub , Božiková Monika , Bilčík Matúš , Minárik Martin
Published: October 2022

Climate change brings to the whole world numerous challenges such as an increase in the global temperature, weather fluctuations, periods of drought and heat alternating the local floods. While the majority of the effects are negative for agricultural production, some can be beneficial. Our work presents the evaluation of the changes in the duration of the great vegetation period (delineated with the beginning and end of days with an average temperature T ≥ 5.0 °C) and the vegetation periods of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb.) and beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.). Data sets on the average monthly air temperatures for the period 1961–2020 from one hundred agroclimatic stations in Slovakia were selected for the estimation of the future average air temperatures using statistical methods (linear trendline). Based on the temperature requirements of the selected crops, the potential maximum duration of the vegetation period was estimated for several decades from 2041 up to 2100. The results clearly showed prolongation of the vegetation periods and changes of their zonation in Slovakia. In 2011–2020, the duration of the beetroot vegetation period in the southernmost part of Slovakia (Danubian Lowland) was 15–20 days longer than in decade 1971–1980. It is expected, that this value will rise by another 10–15 days in decade 2091–2100. Since 1971–1980, watermelon vegetation period duration increased by 5–10 days when compared to decade 2011–2020. It is expected that by 2091–2100, its duration will prolong by another 30–35 days.
A Facilely Synthesized Tourmaline–Biochar Composite for Enhanced Removal of Cr (VI) from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Huang Siyi , Lu Qi , Ma Xiaorui , Chen Yunwen , Maimaiti Reziya
Published: October 2022

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)), an anthropogenic heavy metal pollutant, is harmful to human beings, due to its carcinogenicity. In this study, a tourmaline–biochar composite (TMBC) was synthesized to remove Cr (VI) from an aqueous solution. The effects of different ratios (TM:BC) and pyrolysis temperatures on TMBC adsorption performance were compared. The TMBC samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope–energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS). The kinetics and thermodynamics were analyzed to investigate the sorption mechanism. The results showed that the proper pyrolysis temperature was 650 °C, and the ratio of TM:BC was 1:3. SEM results showed the TM was well attached to the BC which assisted tourmaline dispersion. The adsorption kinetics were well fitted by the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the sorption was related to chemical absorption. Langmuir adsorption isotherms suggested monolayer adsorption between the Cr (VI) and the TMBC, and the maximum adsorption capacity of the TMBC for Cr (VI) was 43.64 mg/g, which was more than twice the amount for the pristine TM (17.84 mg/g). The automatic polarization of water caused by tourmaline was the unique adsorption property of the TMBC. Therefore, TMBCs can be used as an economic adsorbent in the remediation of heavy metal pollution.
Applying Wind Erosion and Air Dispersion Models to Characterize Dust Hazard to Highway Safety at Lordsburg Playa, New Mexico, USA
Authors: Eibedingil Iyasu G. , Gill Thomas E. , Van Pelt R. Scott , Tatarko John , Li Junran , Li Wen-Whai
Published: October 2022

Lordsburg Playa, a dry lakebed in the Chihuahuan Desert of southwestern New Mexico (USA), is crossed by Interstate Highway 10 (I-10). Dust from the playa threatens highway safety and has caused dozens of fatal accidents. Two numerical models—the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Single-Event Wind Erosion Evaluation Program (SWEEP) and the American Meteorological Society and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD)—were used to simulate and predict the generation and dispersion of windblown soil, dust, and PM10 from playa hotspots and estimate PM10 concentrations downwind. SWEEP simulates soil loss and particulate matter emissions from the playa surface, and AERMOD predicts the concentration of transported dust. The modeling was informed by field and laboratory data on Lordsburg Playa’s properties, soil and land use/land cover databases, and weather data from meteorological stations. The integrated models predicted that dust plumes originating on the playa—including a large, highly emissive area away from the highway and a smaller, less emissive site directly upwind of the interstate—can lead to hourly average PM10 concentrations of tens, to hundreds of thousands, of micrograms per cubic meter. Modeling results were consistent with observations from webcam photos and visibility records from the meteorological sites. Lordsburg Playa sediment contains metals, as will its dust, but human exposures will be short-term and infrequent. This study was the first to successfully combine the SWEEP wind erosion model and the AERMOD air dispersion model to evaluate PM10 dispersion by wind erosion in a playa environment. With this information, land managers will be able to understand the potential levels of dust and PM10 exposure along the highway, and better manage human health and safety during conditions of blowing dust and sand at Lordsburg Playa.
Role of the Observability Gramian in Parameter Estimation: Application to Nonchaotic and Chaotic Systems via the Forward Sensitivity Method
Authors: Lewis John M. , Lakshmivarahan Sivaramakrishnan
Published: October 2022

Data assimilation in chaotic regimes is challenging, and among the challenging aspects is placement of observations to induce convexity of the cost function in the space of control. This problem is examined by using Saltzman’s spectral model of convection that admits both chaotic and nonchaotic regimes and is controlled by two parameters—Rayleigh and Prandtl numbers. The problem is simplified by stripping the seven-variable constraint to a three-variable constraint. Since emphasis is placed on observation positioning to avoid cost-function flatness, forecast sensitivity to controls is needed. Four-dimensional variational assimilation (4D-Var) is silent on this issue of observation placement while Forecast Sensitivity Method (FSM) delivers sensitivities used in placement. With knowledge of the temporal forecast sensitivity matrix V, derivatives of the forecast variables to controls, the cost function can be expressed as a function of the observability Gramian VTV using first-order Taylor series expansion. The goal is to locate observations at places that force the Gramian positive definite. Further, locations are chosen such that the condition number of VTV is small and this guarantees convexity in the vicinity of the cost function minimum. Four numerical experiments are executed, and results are compared with the structure of the cost function independently determined though arduous computation over a wide range of the two nondimensional numbers. The results are especially good based on reduction in cost function value and comparison with cost function structure.
Towards Auditory Profile-Based Hearing-Aid Fittings: BEAR Rationale and Clinical Implementation
Authors: Sanchez-Lopez Raul , Wu Mengfan , Fereczkowski Michal , Santurette Sébastien , Baumann Monika , Kowalewski Borys , Piechowiak Tobias , Bisgaard Nikolai , Ravn Gert , Narayanan Sreeram Kaithali , Dau Torsten , Neher Tobias
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: To improve hearing-aid rehabilitation, the Danish ‘Better hEAring Rehabilitation’ (BEAR) project recently developed methods for individual hearing loss characterization and hearing-aid fitting. Four auditory profiles differing in terms of audiometric hearing loss and supra-threshold hearing abilities were identified. To enable auditory profile-based hearing-aid treatment, a fitting rationale leveraging differences in gain prescription and signal-to-noise (SNR) improvement was developed. This report describes the translation of this rationale to clinical devices supplied by three industrial partners. (2) Methods: Regarding the SNR improvement, advanced feature settings were proposed and verified based on free-field measurements made with an acoustic mannikin fitted with the different hearing aids. Regarding the gain prescription, a clinically feasible fitting tool and procedure based on real-ear gain adjustments were developed. (3) Results: Analyses of the collected real-ear gain and SNR improvement data confirmed the feasibility of the clinical implementation. Differences between the auditory profile-based fitting strategy and a current ‘best practice’ procedure based on the NAL-NL2 fitting rule were verified and are discussed in terms of limitations and future perspectives. (4) Conclusion: Based on a joint effort from academic and industrial partners, the BEAR fitting rationale was transferred to commercially available hearing aids.
Edge Degree Conditions for 2-Iterated Line Graphs to Be Traceable
Authors: Shangguan Yingmin , Wang Monica Mengyu , Xiong Liming
Published: October 2022

The line graph L(G) of G has E(G) as its vertex set, and two vertices are adjacent in L(G) if and only if the corresponding edges share a common end vertex in G. Let σ¯2(G)=min{dG(x)+dG(y)|xy∈E(G)}. We show that, if σ¯2(G)≥2(⌊n11⌋−1) and n is sufficiently large, then either L(L(G)) is traceable or the Veldman’s reduction G′ is one of well-defined classes of exceptional graphs. Furthermore, if σ¯2(G)≥2(⌊n7⌋−1) and n is sufficiently large, then L(L(G)) is traceable. The bound 2(⌊n7⌋−1) is sharp. As a byproduct, we characterize the structure of a connected graph with a non-traceable 2-iterated line graph.
Effect of Lithium Salt Concentration on Materials Characteristics and Electrochemical Performance of Hybrid Inorganic/Polymer Solid Electrolyte for Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Mohanty Debabrata , Chen Shu-Yu , Hung I-Ming
Published: October 2022

Lithium-ion batteries are popular energy storage devices due to their high energy density. Solid electrolytes appear to be a potential replacement for flammable liquid electrolytes in lithium batteries. This inorganic/hybrid solid electrolyte is a composite of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt, (poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoro propylene) (PVDF-HFP) polymer and sodium superionic conductor (NASICON)-type Li1+xAlxTi2−x(PO4)3 (LATP) ceramic powder. The structure, morphology, mechanical behavior, and electrochemical performance of this composite solid electrolyte, based on various amounts of LiTFSI, were investigated. The lithium-ion transfer and conductivity increased as the LiTFSI lithium salt concentration increased. However, the mechanical strength apparently decreased once the percentage of LITFSI was over 60%. The hybrid electrolyte with 60% LiTFSI content showed high ionic conductivity of 2.14 × 10−4 S cm−1, a wide electrochemical stability window (3–6 V) and good electrochemical stability. The capacity of the Li|60% LiTFSI/PVDF-HFP/LATP| LiFePO4 solid-state lithium-metal battery was 103.8 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C, with a high-capacity retention of 98% after 50 cycles.