bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between ball release point variability and pitching performance in major league baseball
Authors: Wakamiya Kazuki , Nagamoto Hideaki , Yamaguchi Ryusei , Okunuki Takumi , Maemichi Toshihiro , Liu Zijian , Ogawa Yuki , Kobayashi Yusuke , Kumai Tsukasa
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This study examined the relationship between ball release points and pitching performance among professional baseball pitchers, with a focus on variability.

Methods

We used open-source data to compare ball release point variability between Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) players. The relationship between pitching performance and variability was analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

Results

MLB players exhibited smaller ball release point variability compared to MiLB players. The analysis showed that pitching performance was strongly related to ball release point variability, especially in the horizontal direction on the coronal plane. Horizontal ball release point variability was most strongly related to strikeout ability among pitching performances.

Discussion

These results suggest that reducing horizontal ball release point variability may improve pitching performance, particularly by increasing strikeouts and reducing home runs allowed. This study provides a data-driven approach to understanding the mechanics of pitching and can be applied to the development of advanced training methods and technical solutions aimed at improving pitching performance in baseball players.
Oxidative stress model of lipopolysaccharide combined with thrombin inducing in broiler chicks
Authors: Shi Huiyu , Yang Fengyuan , Peng Zeru , Wu Junlong , Wang Qin , Qiu Pingfei , Bao Ruiying , Huang Liangmin , Li Xiaochun , Zhang Haiwen , Wang Xuemei
Published: November 2024

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are commonly used to construct inflammation models. However, poultry have a certain degree of tolerance to LPS due to the lack of thrombin XI and XII in their bodies. Thrombin activation produces clotting factors that can cleave prothrombin to form thrombin. The purpose of this study was to construct a chick oxidative stress model used different concentrations of LPS combined with thrombin in order to screen for the optimal concentration for constructing the oxidative stress model, and to explore the effects of this stimulus on various indicators of chicks. Eighty-one young chicks (4-days-old) were randomly divided into three groups with 27 chicks per group where each group contained 3 replicates with 9 birds each: a control group (physiological saline), a low-dose group (LPS 5 mg/kg thrombin 150 U/kg), and a high-dose group (LPS 10 mg/kg thrombin 300 U/kg). The results indicated that compared with the control group, the low-dose group and the high-dose group significantly increased the content of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and reduced the content of T-AOC, GSH-PX and SOD, respectively. Meanwhile, the levels of NO and inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α TNF-α in the liver were significantly increased in the low-dose and high-dose groups compared with the control group, respectively. Liver and thymus tissue sections from the low- and high-dose groups showed hemorrhage, hemolysis, and a small amount of exudation. In terms of inflammatory effect, the serum MDA content and the levels of NO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α factors in the liver were significantly increased in the low-dose group compared with the high-dose group. On histopathological observation, tissue damage was more pronounced in the low-dose group than in the high-dose group. In conclusion, LPS combined with thrombin could induce oxidative stress in chicks and the pathological changes of the low-dose effect are more pronounced.
Effects of hydrolyzed yeast on growth performance, intestinal redox homeostasis, and woody breast myopathy in heat-stressed broilers
Authors: Al-Abdullatif Abdulaziz A. , Alhotan Rashed A. , Al-Badwi Mohammed A. , Dong Xinyang , Kettunen Hannele , Vuorenmaa Juhani , Sakr Shimaa A. , Azzam Mahmoud M.
Published: November 2024

The objective of this study was to enhance the knowledge about the effects of hydrolyzed yeast supplementation on growth performance, woody breast myopathy, and its mechanism on intestinal homeostasis using antioxidant and immunomodulatory-related gene expressions in heat-stressed broiler chickens. In a 35-d feeding experiment, 160-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were assigned to four dietary groups, consisting of eight replicates and five birds per replicate. Experimental diets contained four levels of hydrolyzed yeast (HY) (0, 400, 800, or 1,200 mg.kg−1) derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. On d 25, birds were exposed to cyclic heat stress (HS) (35°C for 8 h/d from 8 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.) for 10 days. Adding HY at 800 mg.kg−1 numerically decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) on days 25–35 (heat stress period) by 2.50%. Furthermore, the addition of HY reduced (P = 0.005) mortality rate compared with those of birds fed the control diet. Supplementation of HY exhibited efficacy (P = 0.09) in diminishing woody breast (WB) in terms of incidence and degree of severity. Furthermore, the added HY decreased (P < 0.001) drip loss values of the Pectoralis major compared with the control diet group; the addition of HY at 400 and 1,200 mg.kg−1 decreased (P < 0.001) cooking loss values in the Pectoralis major. In addition, HY supplementation at 800 mg.kg−1 decreased (P = 0.04) the duodenal mRNA expression of the avian β-defensin 10 (AvBD10) and increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and secreted immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The addition of HY at 400 and 800 mg.kg−1 decreased (P = 0.001) the duodenal mRNA expression of copper and zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-ZnSOD1). HY supplementation tended to decrease (P =0.07) the duodenal mRNA expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). The results suggest that hydrolyzed yeast supplementation to broiler chickens exposed to heat stress might improve intestinal redox homeostasis and decrease the mortality rate. The inclusion of 800 mg.kg−1 HY in the diet enhanced duodenal redox homeostasis, while 400–1,200 mg.kg−1 HY reduced mortality rate and exhibited lower drip loss values and reduced woody breast of Pectoralis major in terms of incidence and degree of severity.
Fermented Codonopsis pilosula residue improved milk performance of lactating donkeys by enhancing antioxidant capacity and regulating metabolism
Authors: Zhou Miaomiao , Huang Fei , Du Xinyi , Liu Guiqin , Wang Changfa
Published: November 2024

The fermented Codonopsis pilosula residue (FCPR) has a promoting effect on animal health, but it has not been studied in livestock feed. This study investigated the effects of FCPR addition on the milk performance, milk metabolites, and blood biochemical parameters and metabolites of lactating donkeys. Twelve healthy multiparous lactating Dezhou donkeys were randomly divided into two groups (with 6 donkeys in each group): control group (without FCPR, C) and FCPR group (200 g of FCPR per head per day, FF). The experiment lasted for 5 weeks. The milk and blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that addition of FCPR significantly increased the daily milk yield and the milk components (protein, lactose, solids, solids-not-fat, and lactoferrin) yield of lactating donkeys and the weight gain of foals (p < 0.05). A total of 568 metabolites were detected in donkey milk, including 21 differential metabolites between group FF and group C. Compared to group C, the significantly up-regulated metabolic pathway in the FF group was renin secretion (p < 0.05). In addition, the FCPR significantly increased the concentrations of urea, complement C4 (C4), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and catalase (CAT) in the blood, while reducing the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). A total of 753 metabolites were detected in serum of donkeys, including 86 differential metabolites between group FF and group C. Compared to group C, the significantly up-regulated metabolic pathways in the FF group were renin secretion, cAMP signaling pathway, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, and fatty acid biosynthesis (p < 0.05). The above results indicated that FCPR addition enhance the milk performance of lactating donkeys by activating the immune system, increasing the antioxidant capacity, and improving the glucose and lipid metabolism. These results provide a foundation for the development and utilization of FCPR additives, which is beneficial for livestock production and improving animal welfare.
Expectation of antibiotics amongst owners of dogs and/or cats during non-routine visits to veterinary clinics in Singapore: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aithal Seema , Guo Huiling , Teo Boon Han , Chua Timothy , Hildon Zoe Jane-Lara , Chow Angela
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The present study aimed to assess the factors associated with pet owners’ expectations for receiving antibiotics for their pet dogs and/or cats and the factors associated with pets (dogs and/or cats) receiving antibiotics during non-routine veterinary clinic consultations in Singapore.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on consenting pet owners who attended 16 veterinary clinics in Singapore, between March and December 2023. An online survey measured participants’ knowledge of antibiotic use, prior antibiotic use experience, expectation for antibiotics and receipt of antibiotics during the last non-routine clinic consultation for their pets. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the factors associated with expectation of antibiotics and receipt of antibiotics.

Results

Among the 821 pet owners, over one-in-four (27.5%) expected antibiotics. Owners with prior antibiotic use (adjusted OR 5.18, 95%CI 2.85–9.42) and poor knowledge of antibiotic use (adjusted OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.21–2.35) were 5 times and nearly 2 times as likely as owners without prior antibiotic use and those with good knowledge of antibiotic use respectively, to expect antibiotics for their pets. After adjusting for potential confounders, owners who expected antibiotics (adjusted OR 12.09, 95% CI 7.83–18.68) and had prior antibiotic use for their pets (adjusted OR 8.57, 95% CI 4.75–15.47) were more likely to receive antibiotics for their pets.

Conclusion

Factors which significantly influenced expectation of antibiotics in pet owners included poor knowledge of antibiotic use and prior usage of antibiotics. This highlights the importance of effective communication by veterinarians to mitigate pet owners’ expectations to address inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.
Case report: Positioning head tilt observed in a dog and four cats with bilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction
Authors: Tamura Shinji , Nakamoto Yuya , Santifort Koen M. , Tamura Yumiko
Published: November 2024

Positioning head tilt (PHT) is a dynamic neurologic sign that occurs when the head tilts in the opposite side of a voluntary lateral turn of the head. Notably, a head tilt is absent when the head is held stationary or when the animal is moving forward. PHT is thought to be caused by a lack of inhibitory input to the vestibular nuclei due to dysfunction of the cerebellar nodulus and uvula (NU). NU dysfunction is proposed to not only be caused by pathologies that affect the NU itself, but also by reduced input of proprioceptive information from the spindles of cervical muscles. As an example of the former, it has been noted in dogs with hypoplasia of the cerebellar nodulus and uvula (NU), dogs with lysosomal storage diseases, and in a dog with a cerebellar tumor. As an example of the latter, it has been observed in feline cases of hypokalemic myopathy and myasthenia gravis. In this study, we describe and discuss our observations of PHT in one dog and four cats with lesions affecting the peripheral vestibular apparatus bilaterally.
A scoping review of communal rangelands management in southern Africa: towards sustainable management of rangelands
Authors: Gusha Bukho , Gwapedza David , Gwate Onalenna , Palmer Anthony R. , Falayi Menelisi
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the impacts of policy and governance institutions on rangeland management practices in southern Africa. A scoping review was conducted, using literature from Web of Science, JSTOR, Scopus and Africa-wide bibliographic databases in the past three decades. The results revealed that several initiatives have been implemented in southern Africa to improve the condition of rangelands, including livestock destocking policies, grazing schemes, improved forage grasses, veld legume reinforcement, high-market beef value chains and agroforestry technology. However, the success of these initiatives has been limited due to a lack of meaningful participation in rangeland management. Moreover, the absence of responsive policies to support communal rangeland management in southern Africa has led to their transformation into unsustainable systems. Additionally, commercial interests often drive national-level policies and tend to disempower traditional institutions, causing conflicts and discord in rangeland management. Therefore, unrolling participatory bottom-up approaches will be essential for inclusive and sustainable rangeland management.
Impact of Paddy Field Expansion on Ecosystem Services and Associated Trade-Offs and Synergies in Sanjiang Plain
Authors: Dai Xilong , Meng Linghua , Li Yong , Yu Yunfei , Zang Deqiang , Zhang Shengqi , Zhou Jia , Li Dan , Luo Chong , Wang Yue , Liu Huanjun
Published: November 2024

In recent decades, the integrity and security of the ecosystem in the Sanjiang Plain have faced severe challenges due to land reclamation. Understanding the impact of paddy field expansion on regional ecosystem services (ESs), as well as revealing the trade-offs and synergies (TOS) between these services to achieve optimal resource allocation, has become an urgent issue to address. This study employs the InVEST model to map the spatial and temporal dynamics of five key ESs, while the Optimal Parameter Geodetector (OPGD) identifies primary drivers of these changes. Correlation analysis and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) reveal intricate TOS among ESs at multiple scales. Additionally, the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) elucidates the direct impacts of paddy field expansion on ESs. The main findings include the following: (1) The paddy field area in the Sanjiang Plain increased from 5775 km2 to 18,773.41 km2 from 1990 to 2020, an increase of 12,998.41 km2 in 40 years. And the area of other land use types has generally decreased. (2) Overall, ESs showed a recovery trend, with carbon storage (CS) and habitat quality (HQ) initially decreasing but later improving, and consistent increases were observed in soil conservation, water yield (WY), and food production (FP). Paddy fields, drylands, forests, and wetlands were the main ES providers, with soil type, topography, and NDVI emerging as the main influencing factors. (3) Distinct correlations among ESs, where CS shows synergies with HQ and SC, while trade-offs are noted between CS and both WY and FP. These TOS demonstrate significant spatial heterogeneity and scale effects across subregions. (4) Paddy field expansion enhances regional SC, WY, and FP, but negatively affects CS and HQ. These insights offer a scientific basis for harmonizing agricultural development with ecological conservation, enriching our understanding of ES interrelationships, and guiding sustainable ecosystem management and policymaking.
Study on Path Planning in Cotton Fields Based on Prior Navigation Information
Authors: Wang Meng , Niu Changhe , Wang Zifan , Jiang Yongxin , Jian Jianming , Tang Xiuying
Published: November 2024

Aiming at the operation scenario of existing crop coverage and the need for precise row alignment, the sowing prior navigation information of cotton fields in Xinjiang was used as the basis for the study of path planning for subsequent operations to improve the planning quality and operation accuracy. Firstly, the characteristics of typical turnaround methods were analyzed, the turnaround strategy for dividing planning units was proposed, and the horizontal and vertical operation connection methods were put forward. Secondly, the obstacle avoidance strategies were determined according to the traits of obstacles. The circular arc–linear and cubic spline curve obstacle avoidance path generation methods were proposed. Considering the dual attributes of walking and the operation of agricultural machinery, four kinds of operation semantic points were embedded into the path. Finally, path generation software was designed. The simulation and field test results indicated that the operation coverage ratio CR ≥ 98.21% positively correlated with the plot area and the operation distance ratio DR ≥ 86.89% when non-essential reversing and obstacles were ignored. CR and DR were negatively correlated with the number of obstacles when considering obstacles. When considering non-essential reversing, the full coverage of operating rows could be achieved, but DR would be reduced correspondingly.
Design and Testing of a Small-Scale Composting Facility for Sheep Manure Utilizing Aeration and Thermal Treatment
Authors: Wang Jian , Ren Kailin , Zhang Longfei
Published: November 2024

Inner Mongolia has the largest sheep population among China’s provinces, resulting in the production of a substantial amount of sheep manure. If left untreated, this manure can contribute to environmental pollution. However, sheep manure serves a dual purpose: it can be both a pollutant and a valuable source of organic fertilizer. Consequently, there is an urgent need to address the environmental issues arising from manure accumulation and its unused status. In this paper, a viable solution is proposed: the conversion of manure into fertilizer through a composting unit incorporating high-temperature aerobic fermentation technology. This unit, tailored for small farms and individual farmers, integrates critical functions such as ventilation, heating, and turning. Additionally, it boasts excellent thermal insulation, enhancing composting efficiency and enabling precise control over fermentation conditions. This design mitigates heat loss and accelerates maturation, addressing common challenges in traditional composting. The design process encompassed both equipment construction and control systems, with a primary focus on compost fermentation and aeration heating. The components were carefully designed or selected based on theoretical analysis and subsequently validated using simulation software, including EDEM and Fluent. The control system seamlessly integrates a touch screen interface, PLC programming, and control circuits to manage air pumps and electric heaters in response to changes in temperature and oxygen concentration. Furthermore, it controls the motors during the recovery phase. A comprehensive performance evaluation was conducted, revealing notable improvements. Under artificially heated conditions, the maximum temperature of the compost increased by approximately 20 °C, the composting cycle was reduced by roughly 4 days, and the seed germination index (GI) rose by about 9% when compared to natural fermentation. Thus, this device significantly accelerates composting and improves fertilizer quality by increasing the decomposition rate.
Model for Inverting the Leaf Area Index of Green Plums by Integrating IoT Environmental Monitoring Data and Leaf Relative Content of Chlorophyll Values
Authors: Yu Caili , Tong Haiyang , Huang Daoyi , Lu Jianqiang , Huang Jiewei , Zhou Dejing , Zheng Jiaqi
Published: November 2024

The quantitative inversion of the leaf area index (LAI) of green plum trees is crucial for orchard field management and yield prediction. The data on the relative content of chlorophyll (SPAD) in leaves and environmental data from orchards show a significant correlation with LAI. Effectively integrating these two data types for LAI inversion is important to explore. This study proposes a multi−source decision fusion LAI inversion model for green plums based on their adjusted determination coefficient (MDF−ADRS). First, three statistical methods—Pearson, Spearman rank, and Kendall rank correlation analyses—were used to measure the linear relationships between variables, and the six environmental factors most highly correlated with LAI were selected from the orchard’s environmental data. Then, using multivariate statistical analysis methods, LAI inversion models based on environmental feature factors (EFs−PM) and SPAD (SPAD−PM) were established. Finally, a weight optimization allocation strategy was employed to achieve a multi−source decision fusion LAI inversion model for green plums. This strategy adaptively allocates weights based on the predictive performance of each data source. Unlike traditional models that rely on fixed weights or a single data source, this approach allows the model to increase the influence of a key data source when its predictive strength is high and reduce noise interference when it is weaker. This dynamic adjustment not only enhances the model’s robustness under varying environmental conditions but also effectively mitigates potential biases when a particular data source becomes temporarily unreliable. Our experimental results show that the MDF−ADRS model achieves an R2 of 0.88 and an RMSE of 0.39 in the validation set, outperforming other fusion methods. Compared to the EFs−PM and SPAD−PM models, the R2 increased by 0.19 and 0.26, respectively, and the RMSE decreased by 0.16 and 0.22. This model effectively integrates multiple sources of data from green plum orchards, enabling rapid inversion and improving the accuracy of green plum LAI estimation, providing a technical reference for monitoring the growth and managing the production of green plums.
The Synergistic Impact of a Novel Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterial Consortium and Ascophyllum nodosum Seaweed Extract on Rhizosphere Microbiome Dynamics and Growth Enhancement in Oryza sativa L. RD79
Authors: Thamvithayakorn Pisit , Phosri Cherdchai , Robinson-Boyer Louisa , Limnonthakul Puenisara , Doonan John H. , Suwannasai Nuttika
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the combined effects of novel plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)—Agrobacterium pusense NC2, Kosakonia oryzae WN104, and Phytobacter sp. WL65—and Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract (ANE) as biostimulants (PGPR-ANE) on rice growth, yield, and rhizosphere bacterial communities using the RD79 cultivar. The biostimulants significantly enhanced plant growth, shoot and root length, and seedling vigour; however, seed germination was not affected. In pot experiments, biostimulant application significantly increased the richness and evenness of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere, resulting in improvements in rice growth and yield, with increases in plant height (9.6–17.7%), panicle length (14.3–17.9%), and seeds per panicle (48.0–53.0%). Notably, biostimulant treatments also increased post-harvest soil nutrient levels, with nitrogen increasing by 7.7–19.2%, phosphorus by 43.4–161.4%, and potassium by 16.9–70.4% compared to the control. Principal coordinate analysis revealed distinct differences in bacterial composition between the tillering and harvesting stages, as well as between biostimulant treatments and the control. Beneficial bacterial families, including Xanthobacteraceae, Beijerinckiaceae, Acetobacteraceae, Acidobacteriaceae, and Hyphomicrobiaceae, increased in number from the tillering to harvesting stages, likely contributing to soil health improvements. Conversely, methanogenic bacterial families, such as Methanobacteriaceae and Methanosarcinaceae, decreased in number compared to the control. These findings highlight the dynamic responses of the rhizosphere microbiome to biostimulant treatments and underscore their potential benefits for promoting sustainable and productive agriculture.
Cadmium (Cd) Tolerance and Phytoremediation Potential in Fiber Crops: Research Updates and Future Breeding Efforts
Authors: Rasheed Adnan , He Pengliang , Long Zhao , Gillani Syed Faheem Anjum , Wang Ziqian , Morsy Kareem , Hashem Mohamed , Jie Yucheng
Published: November 2024

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most devastating abiotic factors, significantly damaging crops and human health. One of the serious problems it causes is a rise in cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Cd is a highly toxic metal with a negative biological role, and it enters plants via the soil–plant system. Cd stress induces a series of disorders in plants’ morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes and initiates the inhibition of seed germination, ultimately resulting in reduced growth. Fiber crops such as kenaf, jute, hemp, cotton, and flax have high industrial importance and often face the issue of Cd toxicity. Various techniques have been introduced to counter the rising threats of Cd toxicity, including reducing Cd content in the soil, mitigating the effects of Cd stress, and genetic improvements in plant tolerance against this stress. For decades, plant breeders have been trying to develop Cd-tolerant fiber crops through the identification and transformation of novel genes. Still, the complex mechanism of Cd tolerance has hindered the progress of genetic breeding. These crops are ideal candidates for the phytoremediation of heavy metals in contaminated soils. Hence, increased Cd uptake, accumulation, and translocation in below-ground parts (roots) and above-ground parts (shoots, leaves, and stems) can help clean agricultural lands for safe use for food crops. Earlier studies indicated that reducing Cd uptake, detoxification, reducing the effects of Cd stress, and developing plant tolerance to these stresses through the identification of novel genes are fruitful approaches. This review aims to highlight the role of some conventional and molecular techniques in reducing the threats of Cd stress in some key fiber crops. Molecular techniques mainly involve QTL mapping and GWAS. However, more focus has been given to the use of transcriptome and TFs analysis to explore the potential genomic regions involved in Cd tolerance in these crops. This review will serve as a source of valuable genetic information on key fiber crops, allowing for further in-depth analyses of Cd tolerance to identify the critical genes for molecular breeding, like genetic engineering and CRISPR/Cas9.
Crops Disease Detection, from Leaves to Field: What We Can Expect from Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Lebrini Youssef , Ayerdi Gotor Alicia
Published: November 2024

Agriculture is dealing with numerous challenges of increasing production while decreasing the amount of chemicals and fertilizers used. The intensification of agricultural systems has been linked to the use of these inputs which nevertheless have negative consequences for the environment. With new technologies, and progress in precision agriculture associated with decision support systems for farmers, the objective is to optimize their use. This review focused on the progress made in utilizing machine learning and remote sensing to detect and identify crop diseases that may help farmers to (i) choose the right treatment, the most adapted to a particular disease, (ii) treat diseases at early stages of contamination, and (iii) maybe in the future treat only where it is necessary or economically profitable. The state of the art has shown significant progress in the detection and identification of disease at the leaf scale in most of the cultivated species, but less progress is done in the detection of diseases at the field scale where the environment is complex and applied only in some field crops.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation as Targets for Novel Preventive and Therapeutic Approaches in Non-Communicable Diseases III
Authors: Nediani Chiara , Ruzzolini Jessica , Dinu Monica
Published: November 2024

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders, pose a significant global health challenge [...]
Muscle Proteome Analysis of Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy Patients Reveals a Metabolic Rewiring Promoting Oxidative/Reductive Stress Contributing to the Loss of Muscle Function
Authors: Moriggi Manuela , Ruggiero Lucia , Torretta Enrica , Zoppi Dario , Arosio Beatrice , Ferri Evelyn , Castegna Alessandra , Fiorillo Chiara , Gelfi Cecilia , Capitanio Daniele
Published: November 2024

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is caused by the epigenetic de-repression of the double homeobox 4 (DUX4) gene, leading to asymmetric muscle weakness and atrophy that begins in the facial and scapular muscles and progresses to the lower limbs. This incurable condition can severely impair muscle function, ultimately resulting in a loss of ambulation. A thorough analysis of molecular factors associated with the varying degrees of muscle impairment in FSHD is still lacking. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms and biomarkers in the biceps brachii of FSHD patients, classified according to the FSHD clinical score, the A-B-C-D classification scheme, and global proteomic variation. Our findings reveal distinct metabolic signatures and compensatory responses in patients. In severe cases, we observe pronounced metabolic dysfunction, marked by dysregulated glycolysis, activation of the reductive pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), a shift toward a reductive TCA cycle, suppression of oxidative phosphorylation, and an overproduction of antioxidants that is not matched by an increase in the redox cofactors needed for their function. This imbalance culminates in reductive stress, exacerbating muscle wasting and inflammation. In contrast, mild cases show metabolic adaptations that mitigate stress by activating polyols and the oxidative PPP, preserving partial energy flow through the oxidative TCA cycle, which supports mitochondrial function and energy balance. Furthermore, activation of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway promotes autophagy, protecting muscle cells from apoptosis. In conclusion, our proteomic data indicate that specific metabolic alterations characterize both mild and severe FSHD patients. Molecules identified in mild cases may represent potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for FSHD.
Determination of the Botanical Origin and Physicochemical Properties of a Propolis Sample Through an Integrated Methodology
Authors: Alcivar-Saldaña Jose Juan , Rodriguez-Monroy Marco Aurelio , Aguirre-Gómez Arturo , Carrillo-Miranda Liborio , Velasco-Bejarano Benjamin , Canales-Martinez Maria Margarita
Published: November 2024

The growing interest in products of natural origin has led to the implementation of products such as propolis because they possess biological properties that are useful in the treatment of various ailments, so it is relevant to know the botanical origin of the physicochemical compounds that provide propolis with its biological properties. To identify the floral sources that provide resources to bees for the manufacture of propolis, several methodologies have been implemented, such as palynological analysis, which, through pollen content, has made it possible to identify the plant species that provide resources to bees. On the other hand, analysis of the physicochemical components of propolis has revealed that phenols and flavonoids are mainly responsible for the biological activity of propolis. Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal potential of propolis revealed the inhibitory potential of both Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria, as well as Candida albicans. However, all these investigations have been carried out individually and not always with the same sample. Therefore, the objective of this research was to design a methodology that allows the use of a single sample of propolis and uses sufficient resources for different research areas to evaluate most of the physical and chemical properties of propolis, as well as its botanical origin. With the implemented methodology, it was possible to obtain sufficient resources that provided results for each of the research areas, taking advantage of the propolis sample.
Exogenous GABA-Ca Alleviates Growth Inhibition Induced by a Low-P Environment in Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea)
Authors: Sun Zhiyu , Ma Mingzhu , Liu Huan , Tao Dongbing , Salam Shaikh Amjad , Han Xiaori , Liu Yifei , Yong Jean Wan Hong
Published: November 2024

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major global factor constraining peanut production. Exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Ca2+ are essential to improve stress resilience in peanuts growing under low-P conditions. This study therefore examined the detailed physiological effects of GABA-Ca on restoring peanut growth under low-P conditions. These included the root–shoot ratio, leaf nutrients, photochemical activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cyclic electron flow (CEF), ATP synthase activity, and the proton gradient (∆pH), all of which were measured under low-P (LP, 0.5 mM) and optimized-P (1 mM) conditions. Specifically, supplying GABA-Ca under LP conditions regulated the ∆pH by causing adjustments in CEF and ATP synthase activities, buffering the photosystems’ activities, restoring the antioxidant enzyme system, and lowering ROS production. Interestingly, exogenous GABA-Ca restored peanut growth under low-P conditions, possibly by the putative signaling crosstalk between GABA and Ca2+. The plausible signal amplification between GABA and Ca2+ suggested that the combination of GABA and Ca, may offer an effective strategy for enhancing peanut adaptation to low-P conditions. Moving forward, the strategic supplementation of GABA-Ca, either during cultivation or through the formulation of novel fertilizers, opens up many possibilities for better and more resilient plant production in soils with low P.
Development of a New Correlation Model for Heat Transfer in Solar Air Heater with Corrugated Absorber Plates Using Swarm Optimization
Authors: Kocer Abdulkadir , Ercan Uğur , Yetgin Zeki , Karaomerlioglu Filiz
Published: November 2024

Solar air heaters play a crucial role in distributing heated air at low to medium temperatures. The heart of these systems lies in the absorber plate, which directly absorbs solar heat energy and then efficiently transfers it to the flowing air. However, the challenge lies in achieving optimal thermal efficiency by modifying the absorber plate roughness. Traditional smooth absorber plates have a limited contact area for heat transfer, leading to suboptimal performance. Using passive techniques, such as corrugation on the absorber plate, may increase thermal efficiency by creating turbulence in the laminar sublayer. In this study, corrugated solar air heaters are considered, with the absorber plates roughened into square, semicircular, and triangular ribs. The flow characteristics of heat due to the roughness of the absorber plate is simulated using the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) technique. The ANSYS Fluent 2019R3 is used to investigate the turbulent air flow in the absorber plate. The simulation analyses are performed over a Reynolds number range of 4000–18,000 using three different pitches. As the main contribution, two different model equations, namely M1 and M2, for the correlation model of the solar heat transfer were proposed to predict the Nusselt number, where M2 is an original model and M1 is newly established with the fine-tuned coefficients. Also, for the first time in the literature, the recent swarm optimization algorithm, namely Honey Formation Optimization with Single Component (HFO-1), is used to optimize the solar air heater and a comparison study with a popular non-swarm optimization, namely the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) optimization, is provided. The Nusselt number was obtained using HFO-1 with a percentage error (MAPE) of 2.15% and 0.86% for the models M1 and M2, respectively. Moreover, the average achievement of HFO-1 on the proposed correlation models is 50% better than that of the GRG optimization, with respect to the RMSE.
A Virtual View Acquisition Technique for Complex Scenes of Monocular Images Based on Layered Depth Images
Authors: Wang Qi , Piao Yan
Published: November 2024

With the rapid development of stereoscopic display technology, how to generate high-quality virtual view images has become the key in the applications of 3D video, 3D TV and virtual reality. The traditional virtual view rendering technology maps the reference view into the virtual view by means of 3D transformation, but when the background area is occluded by the foreground object, the content of the occluded area cannot be inferred. To solve this problem, we propose a virtual view acquisition technique for complex scenes of monocular images based on a layered depth image (LDI). Firstly, the depth discontinuities of the edge of the occluded area are reasonably grouped by using the multilayer representation of the LDI, and the depth edge of the occluded area is inpainted by the edge inpainting network. Then, the generative adversarial network (GAN) is used to fill the information of color and depth in the occluded area, and the inpainting virtual view is generated. Finally, GAN is used to optimize the color and depth of the virtual view, and the high-quality virtual view is generated. The effectiveness of the proposed method is proved by experiments, and it is also applicable to complex scenes.
Acute Effects of Squat and Ballistic Jump Exercises on Judo-Specific Performance, Handgrip Strength, and Perceived Exertion in Young Male Judokas
Authors: Baruah Jateen , Kharel Avinash , Hina Madin , Ceylan Halil İbrahim , Raul-Ioan Muntean , Thapa Rohit K.
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to examine the acute effects of squat and ballistic jump exercises during warm-ups on judo-specific performance in young male judokas. Using a randomized crossover design, 10 sub-junior male judokas (age: 12.9 ± 0.7 years) completed three conditions: a controlled warm-up with only judo-specific exercises and two experimental warm-ups including either a three-repetition maximum (RM) back squat (with ~90% 1RM load) or ballistic jumps (squat jumps, scissor jumps, and double-leg bounds) in addition to judo-specific warm-ups. Following each warm-up condition, participants performed the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT), with heart rate measured immediately and one minute post-test. Handgrip strength and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded after the SJFT. Both squat and ballistic jump exercises significantly improved judo-specific performance compared to the control condition, with large effect sizes (ESs). The number of throws in set 2 (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.65, large ES), total throws (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.70, large ES), and the SJFT index (p < 0.001, ηp2= 0.65, large ES) all showed significant improvements. Regarding the throw in set 2, significant improvements were observed after both squat (p = 0.003, Hedge’s g = 1.78, large ES) and ballistic jump exercises (p = 0.010, Hedge’s g = 1.44, large ES) compared to the control condition. Similarly, total throws were significantly higher in the squat (p = 0.003, Hedge’s g = 1.51, large ES) and ballistic jump (p < 0.001, Hedge’s g = 1.37, large ES) conditions compared to the control condition. Furthermore, the SJFT index showed notable improvements following squat (p = 0.010, Hedge’s g = 0.80, moderate ES) and ballistic jump (p < 0.001, Hedge’s g = 0.90, moderate ES) conditions compared to control conditions. However, squat exercises led to a significant reduction in right-hand grip strength (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.58, large ES) [p = 0.008, Hedge’s g = 0.19, trivial ES for squat vs. control; p = 0.014, Hedge’s g = 0.23, small ES for squat vs. ballistic jump], with no differences observed in left-hand grip strength or RPE scores (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the integration of squat and ballistic jump exercises into warm-up protocols has been shown to significantly improve judo-specific performance in young male judokas without eliciting an increase in RPE values. However, careful consideration should be given when incorporating squat exercises, as they may lead to localized handgrip fatigue (reduced grip strength due to muscle exhaustion), which could affect performance in grip-dependent techniques.
Orofacial Muscle Strength and Associated Potential Factors in Healthy Korean Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Da-Som , Kim Ji-Youn , Choi Jun-Seon
Published: November 2024

Most previous studies on orofacial muscle strength have focused on older adults with conditions associated with sensorimotor deficits, such as stroke. However, the modifiable oral health factors that directly impact orofacial muscle strength and swallowing ability in healthy older adults remain unexplored. This pilot study explored the potential factors associated with orofacial muscle strength, particularly oral health conditions, in 70 healthy adults aged ≥65 years living independently without any diseases that cause dysphagia or sensorimotor deficits. The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) was used to assess orofacial muscle strength (tongue elevation, and cheek and lip compression). Statistical analyses were conducted using an independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression. In the final regression models after adjustment, older age and fewer remaining teeth were significantly associated with reduced tongue and cheek strengths (p < 0.05). Socio-demographic factors, such as age, and oral health conditions, such as discomfort in pronunciation or mastication due to oral problems, poor self-rated oral health, and reduced salivary flow, were associated with tongue, cheek, and lip muscle strengths (p < 0.05). Early active oral health interventions can help prevent a decline in orofacial muscle strength in healthy older adults.
Implementation of the 3-30-300 Green City Concept: Warsaw Case Study
Authors: Wyrzykowski Bartłomiej , Mościcka Albina
Published: November 2024

In recent years, the “3-30-300” concept by Professor Cecil Konijnendijk has been gaining popularity, outlining what makes a city “green” and what we should strive for. This concept suggests that from every apartment, at least three trees should be visible, 30% of the city’s surface should be covered with greenery, and the nearest park or forest should be no more than 300 m away. However, the lack of detailed guidelines makes the implementation of this concept a significant challenge. The goal of the research presented here was to adapt this concept for Warsaw (Poland) and assess whether it can be considered a green city. We defined parameters such as the maximum distance for visible trees as 20 m and determined what counts toward the 30% green areas. The results showed that 57.82% of apartments in Warsaw have a view of at least three trees, while only 5.44% do not meet this criterion, and the rest meet it only partially. Parks and forests cover 19.95% of the city, while all green areas combined cover 42.01%. Additionally, 45% of buildings are located within 300 m of a park or forest. Ultimately, full compliance with the “3-30-300” concept applies to 22.19% of buildings, while only 12.66% meet the criteria when considering only parks and forests. This indicates that, while Warsaw is relatively green, not all of its areas fulfill these criteria.
Multimodal Framework for Long-Tailed Recognition
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhao Jianyin , Gu Jiaojiao , Qin Yufeng , Ji Hong
Published: November 2024

Long-tailed data distribution (i.e., minority classes occupy most of the data, while most classes have very few samples) is a common problem in image classification. In this paper, we propose a novel multimodal framework for long-tailed data recognition. In the first stage, long-tailed data are used for visual-semantic contrastive learning to obtain good features, while in the second stage, class-balanced data are used for classifier training. The proposed framework leverages the advantages of multimodal models and mitigates the problem of class imbalance in long-tailed data recognition. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework achieves competitive performance on the CIFAR-10-LT, CIFAR-100-LT, ImageNet-LT, and iNaturalist2018 datasets for image classification.
Crouch Gait Recognition in the Anatomical Space Using Synthetic Gait Data
Authors: Gonzalez-Islas Juan-Carlos , Dominguez-Ramirez Omar Arturo , Lopez-Ortega Omar , Pena Ramirez Jonatan
Published: November 2024

Crouch gait, also referred to as flexed knee gait, is an abnormal walking pattern, characterized by an excessive flexion of the knee, and sometimes also with anomalous flexion in the hip and/or the ankle, during the stance phase of gait. Due to the fact that the amount of clinical data related to crouch gait are scarce, it is difficult to find studies addressing this problem from a data-based perspective. Consequently, in this paper we propose a gait recognition strategy using synthetic data that have been obtained using a polynomial based-generator. Furthermore, though this study, we consider datasets that correspond to different levels of crouch gait severity. The classification of the elements of the datasets into the different levels of abnormality is achieved by using different algorithms like k-nearest neighbors (KNN) and Naive Bayes (NB), among others. On the other hand, to evaluate the classification performance we consider different metrics, including accuracy (Acc) and F measure (FM). The obtained results show that the proposed strategy is able to recognize crouch gait with an accuracy of more than 92%. Thus, it is our belief that this recognition strategy may be useful during the diagnosis phase of crouch gait disease. Finally, the crouch gait recognition approach introduced here may be extended to identify other gait abnormalities.
Numerical Analysis of the Vehicle Damping Performance of a Magnetorheological Damper with an Additional Flow Energy Path
Authors: Kim Minje , Yoo Seungin , Yoon Dongjin , Jin Chanyoung , Won Seongjae , Lee Jinwook
Published: November 2024

Vehicles experience various frequency excitations from road surfaces. Recent research has focused on active dampers that adapt their damping forces according to these conditions. However, traditional magnetorheological (MR) dampers face a “block-up phenomenon” that limits their effectiveness. To address this, additional flow-type MR dampers have been proposed, although revised designs are required to accommodate changes in damping force characteristics. This study investigates the damping performance of MR dampers with an additional flow path to enhance the vehicle ride quality. An optimization model was developed based on fluid dynamics equations and analyzed using electromagnetic simulations in ANSYS Maxwell software. Vibration analysis was conducted using AMESim by applying a sinusoidal road surface model with various frequencies. Results show that the optimized diameter of the additional flow path obtained from the analysis was 1.1 mm, and it was shown that the total damping force variation at low piston velocities decreased by approximately 56% compared to conventional MR dampers. Additionally, vibration analysis of the MR damper with the optimized additional flow path diameter revealed that at 30 km/h, 37.9% acceleration control was achievable, at 60 km/h, 18.7%, and at 90 km/h, 7.73%. This demonstrated the resolution of the block-up phenomenon through the additional flow path and confirmed that the vehicle with the applied damper could control a wider range of vehicle upper displacement, velocity, and acceleration compared to conventional vehicles.