bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering the microbial composition of biodynamic preparations and their effects on the apple rhizosphere microbiome
Authors: Olimi Expedito , Bickel Samuel , Wicaksono Wisnu Adi , Kusstatscher Peter , Matzer Robert , Cernava Tomislav , Berg Gabriele
Published: November 2022

Soil microbial communities are crucial for plant growth and are already depleted by anthropogenic activities. The application of microbial transplants provides a strategy to restore beneficial soil traits, but less is known about the microbiota of traditional inoculants used in biodynamic agriculture. In this study, we used amplicon sequencing and quantitative PCR to decipher microbial communities of composts, biodynamic manures, and plant preparations from Austria and France. In addition, we investigated the effect of extracts derived from biodynamic manure and compost on the rhizosphere microbiome of apple trees. Microbiota abundance, composition, and diversity of biodynamic manures, plant preparations, and composts were distinct. Microbial abundances ranged between 1010-1011(bacterial 16S rRNA genes) and 109-1011(fungal ITS genes). The bacterial diversity was significantly higher in biodynamic manures compared to compost without discernible differences in abundance. Fungal diversity was not significantly different while abundance was increased in biodynamic manures. The microbial communities of biodynamic manures and plant preparations were specific for each production site, but all contain potentially plant-beneficial bacterial genera. When applied in apple orchards, biodynamic preparations (extracts) had the non-significant effect of reducing bacterial and fungal abundance in apple rhizosphere (4 months post-application), while increasing fungal and lowering bacterial Shannon diversity. One to four months after inoculation, individual taxa indicated differential abundance. We observed the reduction of the pathogenic fungusAlternaria, and the enrichment of potentially beneficial bacterial genera such asPseudomonas.Our study paves way for the science-based adaptation of empirically developed biodynamic formulations under different farming practices to restore the vitality of agricultural soils.
Practice of integrated vector surveillance of arthropod vectors, pathogens and reservoir hosts to monitor the occurrence of tropical vector-borne diseases in 2020 in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Wu Yuyan , Wang Jinna , Liu Qinmei , Li Tianqi , Luo Mingyu , Gong Zhenyu
Published: November 2022

Background

Vector-borne diseases have become one of the most serious local public health threats. Monitoring and controlling vectors are important means of controlling vector-borne diseases. However, traditional vector surveillance systems in China mainly monitor vector density, making its early-warning effect on vector-borne diseases weak. In this study, we applied an integrated surveillance system of multiple arthropod vectors and reservoir host containing ecology, etiology, and drug resistance monitoring to obtain better knowledge on vector populations and provide early warning of suspicious vector-borne infectious disease occurrence.

Methods

An ecology surveillance of mosquitoes, rodents, ticks, and chigger mites, a pathogen infection survey on mosquitoes and rodents, and a drug resistance survey on Aedes albopictus were conducted in 12 cities in Zhejiang Province in 2020.

Results

A total of 15,645 adult mosquitoes were collected at a density of 19.8 mosquitoes per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light trap. Culex tritaeniorhynchus (72.76%) was the most abundant species. The Breteau index of Ae. albopictus was 13.11. The rodent density was 0.91 rodents per hundred traps; the most abundant species was Rattus norvegicus (33.73%). The densities of dissociate and ectoparasitic ticks were 0.79 ticks per hundred meters and 0.97 ticks per animal, respectively. The most abundant tick species was Haemaphysalis longicornis (56.38%). The density of chigger mites was 14.11 per rodent; two species were identified, with the most abundant species being Walchia spp. mite (68.35%). No flavivirus or alphavirus was found in mosquito etiology monitoring, whereas the positivity rates of hantavirus, the pathogenic bacteria Leptospira spp., Orientia tsutsugamushi, and Bartonella spp. detected in rodent etiology monitoring were 1.86, 7.36, 0.35 and 7.05%, respectively. Field populations of Ae. albopictus in Zhejiang Province were widely resistant to pyrethroids but sensitive to most insecticides tested, including organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides.

Conclusion

Integrated surveillance systems on multiple arthropod vectors (mosquitoes, ticks, mites) and animal reservoirs (rodents) can provide important information for the prevention and control of epidemic emergencies.
Influence of Dietary Palm Oils, Palm Kernel Oil and Soybean Oil in Laying Hens on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Serum Biochemicals and Hepatic Expression of Beta-Carotene, Retinol and Alpha-Tocopherol Genes
Authors: Izuddin Wan Ibrahim , Loh Teck Chwen , Akit Henny , Nayan Nazri , Noor Ahmadilfitri Md , Foo Hooi Ling
Published: November 2022

Despite being used for many decades, there is a lack of poultry research investigating the effects of dietary palmitic, carotenoid and vitamin E-rich palm oils and medium-chain fatty acid-rich PKO. The current study aimed to elucidate the influence of different dietary oils in layers on production performance, egg quality, serum biochemicals and expression of genes related to β-carotene, retinol and α-tocopherol in the liver. A total of 150 Hisex brown laying hens were fed diets containing CPO, RPO, RBD, PKO or SBO at a similar level for 16 weeks. Different oils did not affect egg production performance and egg quality. CPO improved the freshness of eggs. CPO and RPO enhanced egg yolk color. There was no influence of different oils on serum biochemicals except greater serum ALP in PKO and SBO. CPO and RPO contributed to greater β-carotene in feed, liver and yolk. There was no difference in retinol and α-tocopherol of serum, liver and yolk. However, the liver RBP4A gene was upregulated in CPO and PKO, and the CYP26A1 gene was downregulated in palm oils and PKO. In conclusion, palmitic-rich saturated fatty acids in palm oils and MCFA-rich PKO did not negatively affect egg production performance and quality compared to oil with high unsaturated fatty acids.
Identification and Antimicrobial Resistance in Klebsiella spp. Isolates from Turkeys in Poland between 2019 and 2022
Authors: Kowalczyk Joanna , Czokajło Ilona , Gańko Marta , Śmiałek Marcin , Koncicki Andrzej
Published: November 2022

One of the important problems in poultry production is bacterial infections and increasing resistance to antibiotics. The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a major challenge for physicians and veterinarians and considerably limits treatment options. This study was undertaken in order to assess the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella spp. strains isolated from turkeys sampled from 2019 to 2022 in Poland. The material for study consisted of clinical samples taken during routine monitoring and microbiological identification testing at commercial poultry farms. From all 507 isolates of Klebsiella, 95% were identified by MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption - Ionisation-Time of Flight) as Klebsiella pneumonia, 2% were Klebsiella oxytoca, 2% Klebsiella variicola, or unidentified (1%). All isolated Klebsiella strains were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by disk diffusion. The results of our study indicated that colistin, neomycin, florfenicol and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were the most effective against the Klebsiella spp. isolated from turkeys. In addition, the results show a decrease in the number of multi-resistant Klebsiella spp. strains between 2019 and 2021.
An Update on Status and Conservation of the Przewalski’s Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii): Captive Breeding and Reintroduction Projects
Authors: Turghan Mardan Aghabey , Jiang Zhigang , Niu Zhongze
Published: November 2022

This review summarizes studies on Przewalski’s horse since its extinction in the wild in the 1960s, with a focus on the reintroduction projects in Mongolia and China, with current population status. Historical and present distribution, population trends, ecology and habitats, genetics, behaviors, conservation measures, actual and potential threats are also reviewed. Captive breeding and reintroduction projects have already been implemented, but many others are still under considerations. The review may help to understand the complexity of problem and show the directions for effective practice in the future.
Effects of Strategic Supplementation with Lupinus angustifolius and Avena sativa Grains on Colostrum Quality and Passive Immunological Transfer to Newborn Lambs
Authors: Castellaro Giorgio , Ochoa Isaí , Borie Consuelo , Parraguez Víctor H.
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two types of nutritional supplementation during late gestation on the chemical composition, energy value, and IgG concentration in the colostrum and the IgG concentration in the blood serum of lambs. Pregnant Merino Precoz ewes (n = 36) carrying single fetuses were used. Animals were kept grazing on the Mediterranean annual grassland. From day ~90 of pregnancy, animals were allocated into three groups: daily supplementation with oat grain or lupine grain and a control group without supplementation. Immediately after parturition, colostrum was collected from each ewe, and a blood sample was taken from the lambs 24 h after birth. For the evaluation of the chemical composition of the colostrum, an EKOMILK® milk analyzer was used. The energy value of the colostrum was calorimetrically evaluated. IgG concentrations were measured by simple radial immunodiffusion. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance. Colostrum content of protein and non-fat solids was higher in the group supplemented with oat grain than in the lupine grain supplemented and control groups (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, ewes supplemented with lupine grain had the highest concentration of fat in their colostrum (p ≤ 0.05). Oat grain supplementation resulted in higher concentrations of IgG, both in sheep colostrum and in the blood serum of their lambs (p ≤ 0.05), being higher than those observed in the lupine grain and control groups. Ewes that gave birth to male lambs had significantly higher concentrations of IgG in their colostrum compared to ewes that gave birth to females (p ≤ 0.05). The colostral IgG concentration positively correlated with the serum IgG concentration of the lambs (r = 0.32; p ≤ 0.05). The results indicate that the quality of colostrum and the immunological status of the newborn lambs can be improved by supplementation with oat grain.
Concordance between Antimicrobial Resistance Phenotype and Genotype of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from Healthy Dogs
Authors: Viñes Joaquim , Fàbregas Norma , Pérez Daniel , Cuscó Anna , Fonticoba Rocío , Francino Olga , Ferrer Lluís , Migura-Garcia Lourdes
Published: November 2022

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, a common commensal canine bacterium, is the main cause of skin infections in dogs and is a potential zoonotic pathogen. The emergence of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) has compromised the treatment of infections caused by these bacteria. In this study, we compared the phenotypic results obtained by minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) for 67 S. pseudintermedius isolates from the skin of nine healthy dogs versus the genotypic data obtained with Nanopore sequencing. A total of 17 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were detected among the isolates. A good correlation between phenotype and genotype was observed for some antimicrobial classes, such as ciprofloxacin (fluoroquinolone), macrolides, or tetracycline. However, for oxacillin (beta-lactam) or aminoglycosides the correlation was low. Two antibiotic resistance genes were located on plasmids integrated in the chromosome, and a third one was in a circular plasmid. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the correlation between phenotype and genotype regarding antimicrobial resistance of S. pseudintermedius from healthy dogs using Nanopore sequencing technology.
Antibiotic Use and Stewardship Indicators in the First- and Second-Level Hospitals in Zambia: Findings and Implications for the Future
Authors: Kalungia Aubrey C. , Mukosha Moses , Mwila Chiluba , Banda David , Mwale Matthews , Kagulura Solomon , Ogunleye Olanyika O. , Meyer Johanna C. , Godman Brian
Published: November 2022

Introduction: There are increasing concerns with growing rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across Africa, including in Zambia, enhanced by inappropriate utilization of antibiotics across the sectors. There is a need in hospitals to document current prescribing patterns via point prevalence surveys (PPS) alongside recognized indicators to improve future use. The findings can subsequently be used to develop and instigate appropriate antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) to improve the quality of future antimicrobial prescribing across Zambia. This includes encouraging the prescribing of ‘Access’ over ‘Watch’ and ‘Reserve’ antibiotics where pertinent. Methods: A PPS was undertaken using the WHO methodology among 10 first- and second-level public hospitals across the 10 provinces of Zambia. A sampling process was used to select the hospitals. Results: The prevalence of antibiotic use among the in-patients was 307/520 (59.0%), with a high rate of empiric prescribing of ceftriaxone at 36.1% of all antibiotics prescribed (193/534). The reason for antibiotic use was recorded in only 15.7% of occasions and directed treatment prescribed in only 3.0% of occasions. Compliance with the national standard treatment guidelines (STGs) was also low at only 27.0% of occasions. Conclusion: High empiric prescribing, limited documentation of the rationale behind antibiotic prescribing, high use of ‘Watch’ antibiotics, and limited compliance to STGs among surveyed hospitals requires the urgent instigation of ASPs across Zambia to improve future prescribing.
Identification and Characterization of Plasmids and Genes from Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Booq Rayan Y. , Abutarboush Mohammed H. , Alolayan Mohammed A. , Huraysi Abdulaziz A. , Alotaibi Amjad N. , Alturki Maha I. , Alshammari Maryam K. , Bakr Abrar A. , Alquait Azzam A. , Tawfik Essam A. , Alsaleh Nasser B. , Bahwerth Fayez S. , Alarawi Mohammed S. , Alyamani Essam J. , Sendy Bandar K.
Published: November 2022

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is involved in several hospital and community-acquired infections. The prevalence of K. pneumoniae-producing-carbapenemase (KPC) resistance genes rapidly increases and threatens public health worldwide. This study aimed to assess the antibiotic resistance level of K. pneumoniae isolates from Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia, during the Islamic ‘Umrah’ ritual and to identify the plasmid types, presence of genes associated with carbapenem hydrolyzing enzymes, and virulence factors. The phenotypic and genotypic analyses based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), biofilm formation, PCR, and characterization of KPC-encoding plasmids based on the replicon typing technique (PBRT) were explored. The results showed that most isolates were resistant to carbapenem antibiotics and other antibiotics classes. This study identified sixteen different replicons of plasmids in the isolates and multiple genes encoding carbapenem factors, with blaVIM and blaOXA-48 being the most prevalent genes identified in the isolates. However, none of the isolates exhibited positivity for the KPC production activity. In addition, this study also identified six virulence-related genes, including kfu, wabG, uge, rmpA, fimH, and a capsular polysaccharide (CPS). Together, the data reported in this study indicate that the isolated K. pneumoniae during the pilgrimage in Makkah were all resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. Although the isolates lacked KPC production activity, they carried multiple carbapenem-resistant genes and virulence factors, which could drive their resistant phenotype. The need for specialized methods for KPC detection, monitoring the possibility of nosocomial transmission, and diverse therapeutic alternatives are necessary for controlling the spreading of KPC. This study can serve as a reference for clinicians and researchers on types of K. pneumoniae commonly found during religious gathering seasons in Saudi Arabia.
Antimicrobial Resistance Genes Analysis of Publicly Available Staphylococcus aureus Genomes
Authors: Pennone Vincenzo , Prieto Miguel , Álvarez-Ordóñez Avelino , Cobo-Diaz José F.
Published: November 2022

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen that can cause severe illness and express resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents. It is part of the ESKAPE organisms and it has been included by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of USA in the list of serious threats to humans. Many antimicrobial mechanisms have been identified, and, in particular, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) can be determined by whole genome sequencing. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) can determine the spread of these ARGs between strains and species and can be identified with bioinformatic analyses. The scope of this work was to analyse publicly available genomes of S. aureus to characterise the occurrence of ARGs present in chromosomes and plasmids in relation to their geographical distribution, isolation sources, clonal complexes, and changes over time. The results showed that from a total of 29,679 S. aureus genomes, 24,765 chromosomes containing 73 different ARGs, and 21,006 plasmidic contigs containing 47 different ARGs were identified. The most abundant ARG in chromosomes was mecA (84%), while blaZ was the most abundant in plasmidic contigs (30%), although it was also abundant in chromosomes (42%). A total of 13 clonal complexes were assigned and differences in ARGs and CC distribution were highlighted among continents. Temporal changes during the past 20 years (from 2001 to 2020) showed that, in plasmids, MRSA and macrolide resistance occurrence decreased, while the occurrence of ARGs associated with aminoglycosides resistance increased. Despite the lack of metadata information in around half of the genomes analysed, the results obtained enable an in-depth analysis of the distribution of ARGs and MGEs throughout different categories to be undertaken through the design and implementation of a relatively simple pipeline, which can be also applied in future works with other pathogens, for surveillance and screening purposes.
The Inhibitory Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in UII-Induced Cardiovascular Effects and the Underlying Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhang Na-Na , Xu Hai-Yan , Liu Xiao-Ni , Chen Yi-Fan , Xia Chun-Mei , Wu Xing-Zhong , Lu Ning
Published: November 2022

Urotensin II (UII) could increase blood pressure and heart rate via increased central reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. We reported previously that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exerts an antihypertensive effect by suppressing ROS production. The aim of the current study is to further examine the effects of endogenous and exogenous H2S on UII-induced cardiovascular effects by using an integrated physiology approach. We also use cell culture and molecular biological techniques to explore the inhibitory role of H2S on UII-induced cardiovascular effects. In this study, we found that cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), the main H2S synthesizing enzyme in CNS, was expressed in neuronal cells of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) area. Cellular distribution of CBS and urotensin II receptor (UT) in SH-SY5Y cells that are confirmed as glutamatergic were identified by immunofluorescent and Western blots assay. In Sprague–Dawley rats, administration of UII into the RVLM resulted in an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), ROS production, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity, and phosphorylation of p47phox, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38MAPK, but not stress-activated protein kinase/Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK). These effects of UII were attenuated by application into the RVLM of endogenous (L-cysteine, SAM) or exogenous (NaHS) H2S. These results were confirmed in SH-SY5Y cells. UII-induced cardiovascular effects were also significantly abolished by pretreatment with microinjection of Tempol, Apocynin, SB203580, or PD98059 into the RVLM. Preincubated SH-SY5Y cells with Apocynin before administration of UII followed by Western blots assay showed that ROS is in the upstream of p38MAPK/ERK1/2. Gao activation assay in SH-SY5Y cells suggested that H2S may exert an inhibitory role on UII-induced cardiovascular effects by inhibiting the activity of Gαo. These results suggest that both endogenous and exogenous H2S attenuate UII-induced cardiovascular effects via Gαo-ROS-p38MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway.
Quantifying Moss Response to Metal Contaminant Exposure Using Laser-Induced Fluorescence
Authors: Truax Kelly , Dulai Henrietta , Misra Anupam , Kuhne Wendy , Fuleky Peter
Published: November 2022

Tracing sources of contamination, including potentially toxic elements (PTEs), has historically been achieved through sampling and analysis of soil or biota, which are labor-intensive, costly, and destructive methods. Thus, availability of a non-destructive in situ remote sensing method for monitoring metals deposited in biota is of great interest. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is an emerging spectroscopic and imaging technique that documents changes in molecular energy level in plants as a biological response to metal contamination. For a proof-of-concept study and preliminary experiment, moss was selected for experimentation due to its long history of use in tracing atmospheric deposition of PTEs. Consecutive treatments of copper chloride (CuCl2) were administered to three moss samples, simulating wet deposition every 48 h over 10 days until reaching cumulative Cu concentrations of 2.690 to 8.075 μmol/cm2. While these Cu amounts are above environmentally relevant concentrations, they allowed the best conditions for testing and fine tuning of the imaging and data processing protocols presented in this paper. Moss fluorescence was induced using both 532 nm green and 355 nm UV lasers. A CMOS camera captured images of the LIF response, and red–green–blue (RGB) decimal code values were extracted for each pixel in the images, and pixel densities of color channels from treated and untreated moss samples were compared. Results show a shift towards lower color decimal codes corresponding to increased Cu concentration. We developed and contrasted multiple quantitative analyses of color distributions and demonstrated that LIF shows great promise for remote sensing of Cu accumulation in moss at μmol/cm2 levels. Though currently, the method would be limited to highly toxic sites, it illustrates the possibility and provides a framework for development of higher-sensitivity methods to detect nmol/cm2 that are viable for urban contamination level monitoring.
Age-Related Oral and Systemic Disorders
Authors: Gasparro Roberta
Published: November 2022

The advancement of medicine has reduced the global mortality rate; the older adult population continues to grow and is expected to reach 1 in 6 people by 2050 [...]
RF-Access: Barrier-Free Access Control Systems with UHF RFID
Authors: Wang Xuan , Wang Xia , Yan Yingli , Liu Jia , Zhao Zhihong
Published: November 2022

Traditional RFID-based access control systems use flap barriers to help manage pedestrian access and block unauthorized staff at any entrance, which requires visitors to swipe their cards individually and wait for the opening of the blocking body, resulting in low-frequency pedestrian access and even congestion in places with large passenger flow. This paper proposes a barrier-free access control system (RF-Access) with UHF RFID technology. The main advantage of RF-Access is that it provides non-intrusive access control by removing flap barriers and operations of swiping the card. The visitors just go across the system without any stay at the entrance. Meanwhile RF-Access performs the authentication, which greatly improves time efficiency and quality of service. RF-Access addresses two key issues of the non-intrusive access control: motion direction detection and illegal intrusion detection. In RF-Access, we first propose a dual-antenna system setup together with a time-slot-based model to monitor users’ moving directions, which is robust to different environmental factors, such as multi-path effects. Afterwards, we use a tag array to detect illegal intrusion in case attackers do not carry any RFID tags. We implement a prototype of RF-Access with commercial RFID devices. Extensive experiments show that our system can detect the moving direction with 99.83% accuracy and detect illegal intrusion with an accuracy of 96.67%.
Optimization of Display Window Design for Females’ Clothes for Fashion Stores through Artificial Intelligence and Fuzzy System
Authors: Lashin Maha M. A. , Khan Muhammad Ijaz , Khedher Nidhal Ben , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: November 2022

A display window or store window is the shop’s window that is designed to display items for sale to attract the customers to the stores. Window dressing that depends on visual merchandising is done to make a better impression and implies something dishonest. Knowing the customer from inside and outside through demographic data like ages, psychographics, lifestyles, and behaviors is the main factor that must be kept in display window designer’s mind. The designer takes display colors, light, and signage in consideration. In the presented paper, factors of designing display windows that affect increasing customer attraction and buying rate are studied. An analysis of this variable is established to select which of them have good effects. Optimizing customers’ attraction and buying rate values is carried out by controlling the selected affected variables through a designed and implemented fuzzy logic control system as an artificial intelligence tool. The fuzzy system, used for optimizing the number of viewers for stores’ display windows by controlling the affected factors, is a new approach used in the display window design field.
Earthquake Retrofitting of “Soft-Story” RC Frame Structures with RC Infills
Authors: Manos George , Katakalos Konstantinos , Soulis Vassilios , Melidis Lazaros
Published: November 2022

Multi-story, old reinforced concrete (RC) structures with a “soft-story” on the ground floor, sustain considerable damage to the soft story during earthquakes due to the presence of masonry infills in the upper stories. Aspects of such masonry infill–RC frame interaction are briefly discussed and a particular retrofitting scheme for the soft story is studied. It consists of RC infills, added within the bays of the ground floor frames and combined with RC jacketing of the surrounding frame, aiming to avert such soft-story deficiency. The impact of such a retrofit is studied through the measured response of 1/3 scaled single-story, one-bay frames subjected to cyclic seismic-type horizontal loads. It is shown that this retrofit results in a considerable beneficial increase in stiffness, strength, and plastic energy consumption. The importance of the presence of effective steel ties connecting this RC infill with the surrounding frame is also demonstrated. In order to achieve these desired beneficial effects to such vulnerable buildings, additional design objectives are established with the aim of avoiding premature failure of the RC infill panel and/or fracture of the steel ties and to protect the surrounding RC frame from undesired local damage. A numerical methodology, which is validated by using the obtained experimental results, is shown to be capable of predicting reasonably well these important response mechanisms and can therefore be utilized for design purposes.
Protocol-Specific and Sensor Network-Inherited Attack Detection in IoT Using Machine Learning
Authors: Zahra F. , Jhanjhi N. Z. , Khan N. A. , Brohi Sarfraz Nawaz , Masud Mehedi , Aljahdali Sultan
Published: November 2022

For networks with limited resources, such as IoT-enabled smart homes, smart industrial equipment, and urban infrastructures, the Routing Protocol for Low-power and Lossy Networks (RPL) was developed. Additionally, a number of optimizations have been suggested for its application in other contexts, such as smart hospitals, etc. Although these networks offer efficient routing, the lack of active security features in RPL makes them vulnerable to attacks. The types of attacks include protocol-specific ones and those inherited by wireless sensor networks. They have been addressed by a number of different proposals, many of which have achieved substantial prominence. However, concurrent handling of both types of attacks is not considered while developing a machine-learning-based attack detection model. Therefore, the ProSenAD model is proposed for addressing the identified gap. Multiclass classification has been used to optimize the light gradient boosting machine model for the detection of protocol-specific rank attacks and sensor network-inherited wormhole attacks. The proposed model is evaluated in two different scenarios considering the number of attacks and the benchmarks for comparison in each scenario. The evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms with respect to the metrics including accuracy, precision, recall, Cohen’s Kappa, cross entropy, and the Matthews correlation coefficient.
Application of Graphene Oxide as a Biomaterial for the Development of Large-Area Cell Culture Vessels
Authors: Park Jae-bum , Park Dan-bi , Lee Ji-hoon , Yang Su-jeong , Lee Ji-eun , Park Jin-Kyung , Huh Jeung-Soo , Lim Jeong-Ok
Published: November 2022

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was coated on the surface of a large-area polystyrene film using spray coating. To analyze the possibility of developing a large-area cell culture vessel from this material, the mechanical properties of the coated surface as well as the cell compatibility and cell proliferation in the vessel were evaluated. Step measurements confirmed a curve of 100 nm or larger on the cell culture vessel surface. The surface was composed of GO (as determined from Raman spectroscopy) and its measured transmittance was ~90% or higher. The coated surface was rendered hydrophilic with an increase in surface energy. Although the cells hardly grew on the general polystyrene film, they attached and proliferated on the polystyrene film coated with GO. Zero cytotoxicity was reported, particularly in the sample that was spray-coated three times at 93.75 mm/s. Note that the cell viability was 1.43 times higher than that in the conventional cell culture vessel. Economic and efficient large-area cell culture vessels can be developed if the GO coating establishes an appropriate surface roughness and surface energy.
A Dimension-Reduced Artificial Neural Network Model for the Cell Voltage Consistency Prediction of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stack
Authors: Cao Jishen , Yin Cong , Feng Yulun , Su Yanghuai , Lu Pengfei , Tang Hao
Published: November 2022

The voltage consistency of hundreds of cells in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack significantly influences the stack’s performance and lifetime. Using the physics-based model to estimate the cell voltage consistency is highly challenging due to the massive calculation efforts and the complicated fuel cell designs. In this research, an artificial neural network (ANN) model is developed to efficiently predict the cell voltage distribution and the consistency of a commercial-size fuel cell stack. To balance the computation efficiency and accuracy, a dimension-reduced method is proposed with different output-grouping strategies to optimize the ANN structure based on the experiment test of a 100-cell stack. The model’s training time falls nonlinearly from 16 min to 6 s with the output neuron number decreasing from 100 to 5, while the model can still predict the cell voltage distribution trends. With the proposed model, the stack’s cell voltage distributions could be reproduced with significantly lowered computation time, which is beneficial to evaluate the fuel cell status and optimize the control strategies.
The Challenges and Compatibility of Mobility Management Solutions for Future Networks
Authors: Mukhtar Muhammad , Yunus Farizah , Alqahtani Ali , Arif Muhammad , Brezulianu Adrian , Geman Oana
Published: November 2022

Wireless network devices can attain the required level of quality of service (QoS) and maintain connectivity even after detaching from a current point of access. This detachment (mobility) requires various mobility management (MM) mechanisms, which present numerous challenges due to the exponential growth of wireless devices and the demands of users. The network must be heterogeneous and dense to manage such a heightened escalation of network traffic, increased number of devices, and different types of user demands. Such factors will seriously challenge MM solutions, eventually making the networks non-feasible from the dependability, adaptability, extensibility, and power consumption points of view. Therefore, novel perspectives on MM mechanisms are desired for 5G networks and beyond. This paper introduces an innovative discussion of the functional requirements of MM mechanisms for advanced wireless networks. We present comprehensive arguments on whether the prevailing mechanisms perceived by standard bodies attempt to fulfill the stated requirements. We complete this discussion through innovative qualitative evaluation. We assess each of the discussed mechanisms in terms of their capability to fulfill the dependability, adaptability, extensibility, and power consumption benchmarks for upcoming MM schemes. Hereafter, we demonstrate the outcome and the identified gaps/challenges for the planning and deployment of 5G MM frameworks and beyond. Next, we present the capabilities and possible MM solutions to tackle the gaps/difficulties. We complete our discussion by proposing a 6G MM architecture based on defined parameters.
Novel Antimicrobials, Drug Delivery Systems and Antivirulence Targets in the Pipeline—From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Săndulescu Oana , Viziteu Ioana , Streinu-Cercel Anca , Miron Victor Daniel , Preoțescu Liliana Lucia , Chirca Narcis , Albu Simona Elena , Craiu Mihai , Streinu-Cercel Adrian
Published: November 2022

In a fast-paced medical reality, biosciences and bioengineering have become essential components in medical research and development. The aim of this paper is to characterize the recent progresses made in fighting antimicrobial resistance, particularly in relation to WHO’s priority pathogens, by providing an in-depth review of novel antimicrobials, drug delivery systems for targeted antimicrobial action and novel antivirulence targets. We systematically searched the ClinicalTrials.gov database to identify clinical trials targeting WHO’s priority 1 (critical) pathogens: carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and carbapenem-resistant ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. We identified a limited number of clinical trials, specifically for: one novel betalactamase inhibitor for Acinetobacter spp., one anti-virulence human monoclonal antibody for Pseudomonas spp. and no novel antimicrobials for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. We also performed a review of field literature to exemplify the main applications of drug delivery systems in infectious diseases, particularly in achieving targeted antibiotic distribution, in enhancing local activity with reduced off-target effects, triggered antibiotic release and triggered antibacterial photodynamic therapy. We conclude by presenting novel targets for antivirulence therapeutics that act by disrupting quorum sensing, inhibiting bacterial adherence and biofilm formation, silencing virulence traits and neutralizing bacterial toxins. Furthermore, the main principles of rational antimicrobial use are highlighted, in an effort to describe potential areas for targeted intervention, from diagnostic stewardship to antimicrobial stewardship.
Effects of Sintering Temperature and Yttria Content on Microstructure, Phase Balance, Fracture Surface Morphology, and Strength of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Kulyk Volodymyr , Duriagina Zoia , Kostryzhev Andrii , Vasyliv Bogdan , Marenych Olexandra
Published: November 2022

Currently, ceramics are widely used in various industry branches, especially in energy, chemistry, and aerospace, as well as in medicine. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) having unique electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties is one of the most popular ceramics for such applications. In this study, the influence of sintering temperature and yttria percentage on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of YSZ ceramics have been investigated. Corresponding mixtures of ZrO2 powder doped with 3 and 6 mol% Y2O3 powders (hereinafter: 3YSZ and 6YSZ) were prepared, and a series of ceramic specimens were sintered in argon at 1450 °C, 1500 °C, and 1550 °C for 2 h. Changes in the morphology and size of microstructural components as well as their distribution were analyzed with respect to the sintering mode, phase composition, flexural strength, and fracture surface morphology. The 3YSZ and 6YSZ ceramics sintered for 2 h at 1550 °C and 1450 °C, respectively, exhibited the highest levels of strength due to the presence of agglomerates of fine tetragonal zirconia phase particles with high bond strength, as well as larger grains of the monoclinic zirconia phase. The dominant fracture micromechanisms in both the 3YSZ and 6YSZ ceramics related to their high strength are discussed.
Experimental Observation of the Suppression of the Dephasing in a Floquet Engineering Optical Lattice Clock
Authors: Guo Feng , Lu Xiaotong , Zhou Chihua , Chang Hong
Published: November 2022

Accurately manipulating quantum states is a fundamental strategy for improving the performance of quantum metrology, computing, and simulation. However, the quantum state is susceptible to dephasing due to the temperature and density of the atomic ensembles. In this paper, we experimentally study the effect of Floquet engineering (FE) on the dephasing process in an 87Sr optical clock. By measuring the Rabi flopping process under different temperatures of the cold ensemble and numbers of atoms trapped in the lattice, our results show that the FE can suppress the dephasing due to high temperatures or a large number of atoms. Indeed, when the temperature and the number of atoms are 3.8 μK and 6300, respectively, the FE can obviously suppress the dephasing effect and improve the maximum excitation fraction of the Rabi spectrum by 15.4%.
Test of Broken Suspender Specimen and Equivalent Static Calculation Method for Half-Through and Through Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Arch Bridges
Authors: Chen Kangming , Luo Jianping , Wu Qingxiong , Wang Huanwei
Published: November 2022

In response to the frequent collapse of main girders caused by the breakage of suspenders on half-through and through arch bridges, a test specimen has been designed and fabricated with a through concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) arch bridge as the engineering background. A new electromagnetic disconnect trigger is employed to realize the rapid suspender breakage in the test specimen. Dynamic response tests of the residual structure of the arch bridge after suspender failures employing the test specimen have been carried out. A finite element model accounting for the suspender breakage dynamic process has been constructed by implementing ANSYS/LS-DYNA, and the results of the test and finite element analysis are compared. In order to simplify the dynamic response calculation process of the residual structure after hanger failures, the dynamic coefficient is introduced, and an equivalent static calculation method (ESCM) considering the dynamic effect of the suspender fracture is presented. Eleven kinds of CFST standard arch bridges with different spans are constructed, the static and dynamic effects of the standard arch bridge with various dynamic coefficients are compared, and then their corresponding dynamic coefficients for various suspender fractures are determined. The obtained results reveal that the proposed electromagnetic suspender breakage trigger can realize the hanger fracturing within 0.1 s, which accurately simulates the fracture process of an actual bridge suspender, and the influence on the value of the dynamic coefficient can be ignored when the duration for suspender fracture is less than or equal to 0.15 s. The influence of suspender fracture on the displacement and stress of the longitudinal beam is more notable than those of the arch rib. In particular, the long suspender breakage has the highest influence on the displacement and stress of the longitudinal beam and arch rib. The fracture of the second short suspender has a remarkable impact on the suspender force of the adjacent hanger. When the ESCM is utilized to assess the mechanical behavior of the half-through and through CFST arch bridge, the dynamic coefficients of the longitudinal beam (suspender) were evaluated to be, conservatively, 1.8 (1.8) and 1.8 (1.7), respectively.
Simvastatin Embedded into Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid)-Based Scaffolds in Promoting Preclinical Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Magini Eduarda Blasi , Matos Luiza de Oliveira , Curtarelli Raissa Borges , Sordi Mariane Beatriz , Magrin Gabriel Leonardo , Flores-Mir Carlos , Gruber Reinhard , Cruz Ariadne Cristiane Cabral
Published: November 2022

Simvastatin embedded into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based scaffolds can stimulate bone regeneration in preclinical models. However, the ideal pharmacological dose has not been evaluated. This systematic review reports on the simvastatin doses used in preclinical studies and evaluates the regeneration of critical-sized bone defects. References were selected in a two-phase process. Electronic databases (Embase, LILACS, LIVIVO, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) and grey literature databases (Google Scholar, Open Grey, and ProQuest) were searched until September 2022. The risk of bias was considered to be low based on the SYRCLE tool. We identified four studies in rat, two in parietal and two in calvaria bone, one in mouse parietal bone, and one in rabbit femur bone. Simvastatin, ranging from 8 to 100 µg, significantly increased bone formation in five studies, as compared to the scaffold alone based on µ-computed tomography, histomorphometric, and radiography analysis. The median increase in bone formation caused by simvastatin was 2.1-fold compared to the PLGA-based scaffold alone. There was, however, no significant correlation between the relative bone gain and the doses of simvastatin (p = 0.37). The data suggest that relatively lower doses of simvastatin can consistently promote preclinical bone regeneration. However, the interpretation of these data must consider the heterogenicity of the PLGA-scaffolds, the defect anatomy, the observation period, and the evaluation method.
Development of Nd-Doped CaWO4 Single Crystalline Scintillators Emitting Near-Infrared Light
Authors: Okazaki Kai , Nakauchi Daisuke , Fukushima Hiroyuki , Kato Takumi , Kawaguchi Noriaki , Yanagida Takayuki
Published: November 2022

Nd-doped CaWO4 single crystals with dopant concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, and 1% were synthesized by the floating zone method. The transmission, photoluminescence, and scintillation properties were evaluated from ultraviolet to near-infrared (NIR) ranges. An emission peak due to transitions of the host was observed at 400 nm, and several sharp peaks originating from Nd3+ 4f–4f transitions were confirmed at 900, 1060, and 1300 nm. The quantum yields of 0.1, 0.5, and 1% Nd-doped samples were 70.7, 79.5, and 61.2%, respectively, when monitored, and excited wavelengths were 750–1500 nm and 590 nm. Decay times consistent with typical Nd3+ transitions were obtained when NIR ranges were monitored. Additionally, the energy transfer between the host and Nd3+ occurred according to the decay measurement. The relationship between X-ray irradiated dose rate and intensity in the range of NIR was investigated by combining the crystals with an InGaAs-photodiode. The lowest detectable dose rate retaining the linearity of the present crystals was 0.3–0.06 Gy/h.
Impacts of Climate Change on the Lives of Riverine Farmers on the Lower Rio Negro, Amazon
Authors: Vasconcelos Mônica Alves de , Pereira Henrique dos Santos , Lopes Myriam , Guimarães David Franklin da Silva
Published: November 2022

Global climate change, although gradual, is already clearly perceptible for the whole society; however, its impacts affect individuals and regions in diverse ways. Riverine communities in the Brazilian Amazon are highly vulnerable to this change, as seasonal hydroclimatic cycles govern their daily lives, integrate their way of life with the environment, and determine the organization of social and agricultural calendars. This work aimed to understand the impacts caused by climate change on the lives of riverine family farmers on the lower Rio Negro. Initially, through the analysis of changes in hydroclimatic trends and, later, through the description of perception, we tried to present the impacts on the ways of life to then know the climate adaptation strategies. The research was carried out in the state of Amazonas, in the riverine communities Tiririca, Marajá, Santo Antônio, and Terra Preta, located in the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, with 43 subjects through semi-structured and focus group interviews. Historical trends in the seasonality of the hydrological regime, precipitation, and temperature were analyzed, while qualitative data from environmental perception were analyzed using the technique of content analysis. Physical records of local climate variability and environmental perception are, in most cases, compatible and indicate that hydroclimatic cycles are changing. For the riverine people, the rains have been decreasing and there is unanimity in the perception that the increase in temperature is a reality that has affected their way of life at work, education, health, and food. Although communities have been developing spontaneous adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change, effective public policies need to reinforce these local responses to climate variability, contributing to the quality of life of populations.