bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic background modulates phenotypic expressivity in OPA1 mutated mice, relevance to DOA pathogenesis
Authors: Atamena Djamaa , Gurram Venu , Petsophonsakul Petnoï , Khosrobakhsh Farnoosh , Arrázola Macarena S. , Botella Marlène , Wissinger Bernd , Szelechowski Marion , Belenguer Pascale
Published: September 2023

Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is mainly caused by OPA1 mutations and is characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), whose axons form the optic nerve. The penetrance of DOA is incomplete and the disease is marked by highly variable expressivity, ranging from asymptomatic patients to some who are totally blind or who suffer from multisystemic effects. No clear genotype–phenotype correlation has been established to date. Taken together, these observations point toward the existence of modifying genetic and/or environmental factors that modulate disease severity. Here, we investigated the influence of genetic background on DOA expressivity by switching the previously described DOA mouse model bearing the c.1065 + 5G → A Opa1 mutation from mixed C3H; C57BL/6 J to a pure C57BL/6 J background. We no longer observed retinal and optic nerve abnormalities; the findings indicated no degeneration, but rather a sex-dependent negative effect on RGC connectivity. This highlights the fact that RGC synaptic alteration might precede neuronal death, as has been proposed in other neurodegenerative diseases, providing new clinical considerations for early diagnosis as well as a new therapeutic window for DOA. Furthermore, our results demonstrate the importance of secondary genetic factors in the variability of DOA expressivity and offer a model for screening for aggravating environmental and genetic factors.
Rapid assessment of malnutrition based on GLIM diagnosis in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Huang Longchang , Niannian Fu , Zhang Yupeng , Shi Yifan , Gao Xuejin , Zhang Li , Wu Yan , Dai Cong , Huang Yuhong , Cao Qian , Zhou Wei , Jiang Haitao , Jing Xue , Zhu Weiming , Wang Xinying
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

Malnutrition is strongly linked to adverse outcomes in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). In this study, our objective was to validate the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and develop a fast and accurate diagnostic approach for identifying malnutrition in CD patients.

Methods

This study assessed 177 CD patients from four general hospitals. The efficacy of the GLIM criteria for the diagnosis of CD malnutrition was compared. By analyzing the independent factors, a nomogram model was derived and internally validated to predict the diagnosis of malnutrition in patients with CD. Model performance was assessed using discrimination and calibration, decision curves, and net benefit analyses.

Results

Compared with the SGA criteria, the GLIM criteria was consistent in sensitivity (88.89%) and specificity (78.43%) [AUC = 0.84; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.77–0.89]. The Harvey-Bradshaw index(HBI) score (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.15–2.18), body mass index (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.27–0.64), and mid-upper arm circumference (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.47–0.9) were independent factors associated with malnutrition. The nomogram was developed based on these indicators showing good discrimination in malnutrition diagnosis (AUC = 0.953; 95% CI: 0.922–0.984), with agreement after calibration curve and decision curve analysis.

Conclusion

The GLIM criteria are appropriate for diagnosing malnutrition in CD patients. The HBI score may be used to diagnose malnutrition in patients with CD and become a possible selection for the GLIM etiologic criteria of inflammation. The HBM nomogram could be a simple, rapid, and efficient method for diagnosing malnutrition in CD patients.
Sensory stimulations potentializing digital therapeutics pain control
Authors: Fougère Maxime , Greco-Vuilloud Juliette , Arnous Chloé , Abel Florence , Lowe Chrissy , Elie Valery , Marchand Serge
Published: September 2023

For the past two decades, using Digital Therapeutics (DTx) to counter painful symptoms has emerged as a novel pain relief strategy. Several studies report that DTx significantly diminish pain while compensating for the limitations of pharmacological analgesics (e.g., addiction, side effects). Virtual reality (VR) is a major component of the most effective DTx for pain reduction. Notably, various stimuli (e.g., auditory, visual) appear to be frequently associated with VR in DTx. This review aims to compare the hypoalgesic power of specific stimuli with or without a VR environment. First, this review will briefly describe VR technology and known elements related to its hypoalgesic effect. Second, it will non-exhaustively list various stimuli known to have a hypoalgesic effect on pain independent of the immersive environment. Finally, this review will focus on studies that investigate a possible potentialized effect on pain reduction of these stimuli in a VR environment.
Cheong-sang-bang-pung-san alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kang Yun-Mi , Kim Kwang-Youn , Kim Tae In , Kim Yeon-Ji , Kim Han-Hae , Kim Kyungho
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The occurrence of fatty liver disease, resulting from the accumulation of excessive fat within the liver, has been showing a significant and rapid increase. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Cheong-sang-bang-pung-san extract (CB) on fatty liver disease, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: We used a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed fatty liver mice and free fatty acid (FFA) induced HepG2 cell lipid accumulation model. The levels of serum, hepatic, and intracellular lipid content were assessed. Histopathological staining was used to evaluate the extent of hepatic lipid accumulation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were conducted to examine the expression of factors associated with lipid metabolism.

Results: We demonstrated that treatment with CB dramatically reduced body weight, liver weight, and fat mass, and improved the serum and hepatic lipid profiles in HFD-induced fatty liver mice. Additionally, CB alleviated lipid accumulation in HFD-fed mice by controlling lipid metabolism, including fatty acid uptake, triglyceride and cholesterol synthesis, and fatty acid oxidation, at the mRNA as well as protein levels. In free fatty acid-treated HepG2 cells, CB significantly reduced intracellular lipid accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism via the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase.

Conclusion: These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying CB’s effects on liver steatosis and position of CB as a potential therapeutic candidate for managing lipid metabolic disorders.
Computational modeling of ventricular-ventricular interactions suggest a role in clinical conditions involving heart failure
Authors: Kim Salla M. , Randall E. Benjamin , Jezek Filip , Beard Daniel A. , Chesler Naomi C.
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The left (LV) and right (RV) ventricles are linked biologically, hemodynamically, and mechanically, a phenomenon known as ventricular interdependence. While LV function has long been known to impact RV function, the reverse is increasingly being realized to have clinical importance. Investigating ventricular interdependence clinically is challenging given the invasive measurements required, including biventricular catheterization, and confounding factors such as comorbidities, volume status, and other aspects of subject variability.

Methods: Computational modeling allows investigation of mechanical and hemodynamic interactions in the absence of these confounding factors. Here, we use a threesegment biventricular heart model and simple circulatory system to investigate ventricular interdependence under conditions of systolic and diastolic dysfunction of the LV and RV in the presence of compensatory volume loading. We use the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship, end-systolic pressure-volume relationship, Frank Starling curves, and cardiac power output as metrics.

Results: The results demonstrate that LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction lead to RV compensation as indicated by increases in RV power. Additionally, RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction lead to impaired LV filling, interpretable as LV stiffening especially with volume loading to maintain systemic pressure.

Discussion: These results suggest that a subset of patients with intact LV systolic function and diagnosed to have impaired LV diastolic function, categorized as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), may in fact have primary RV failure. Application of this computational approach to clinical data sets, especially for HFpEF, may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies and consequently improved outcomes.
Active learning methodology, associated to formative assessment, improved cardiac physiology knowledge and decreased pre-test stress and anxiety
Authors: Cardozo Lais Tono , Lima Patricia Oliveira de , Carvalho Maeline Santos Morais , Casale Karina Reche , Bettioli Ana Luisa , Azevedo Maria Antonia Ramos de , Marcondes Fernanda Klein
Published: September 2023

Stress and anxiety caused by assessments are often related to the student’s insecurity regarding the knowledge to be evaluated, while teaching strategies that increase effective learning can assist in reducing it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that the use of an active methodology, associated to formative assessment, could reduce students’ anxiety and stress, when compared to the traditional method, by promoting greater learning. New students enrolled in the same discipline of a Dentistry course were invited to participate in the study and were divided into two groups: traditional method and active methodology. The traditional method group received two lectures, delivered orally. The active methodology group received a lecture about cardiac cells and the autonomic control of cardiac function, with home study of the cardiac cycle using a textbook. In the second class, an individual formative assessment was applied. Afterwards, a group activity was performed with an educational game about the cardiac cycle, followed by a group formative assessment. After applying the traditional or active methodology, test 1 was carried out. Immediately before this test, saliva samples were collected for determination of the concentrations of the stress biomarkers cortisol and α-amylase. The students also answered the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire, used for anxiety level determination. The score obtained in the test 1 was significantly higher for the active methodology group, compared to the traditional method group. No significant differences between the groups were observed for baseline cortisol and salivary α-amylase concentrations, or for anxiety scores. Before test 1, traditional method group presented higher concentrations of salivary cortisol and α-amylase, compared to the respective baseline values, while the active methodology group showed no difference between the baseline and test 1 levels. Before test 1, there were increases in anxiety levels, relative to the respective baseline values, regardless of the teaching methodology used, but this increase was greater for the traditional method group, compared to the active methodology group. These results showed that the active methodology, associated to formative assessment, decreased test stress and anxiety, with improved student performance in comparison to traditional lectures.
Interactive effects of biochar and chemical fertilizer on water and nitrogen dynamics, soil properties and maize yield under different irrigation methods
Authors: Wang Lei , Leghari Shah Jahan , Wu Jiajun , Wang Na , Pang Min , Jin Liang
Published: September 2023

Long-term application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer adversely degrades soil and decreases crop yield. Biochar amendment with N fertilizer not only can increase yield but also can improve the soil. A 3-year field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of biochar doses with N fertilizer on maize yield and soil N and water dynamics under border irrigation (BI) and drip irrigation (DI) methods. Treatments were 260 kg N ha−1 without biochar addition and combined with low, medium, and high doses of biochar, namely, 15.5 t ha−1, 30.7 t ha−1, and 45.3 t ha−1 (NB0, NB1, NB2, and NB3), respectively. The biochar doses and irrigation methods significantly (p < 0.05) increased maize growth and yield characteristics, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), and fertilizer N use efficiency (FNUE) and enhanced the soil properties. In the BI and DI method, the NB1, NB2, and NB3 treatments increased yield by 4.96%–6.10%, 8.36%–9.85%, and 9.65%–11.41%, respectively, compared to NB0. In terms of IWUE and FNUE, the non-biochar treatment had lower IWUE and FNUE compared to biochar combined with N fertilizer treatments under both BI and DI methods. In the BI method, the IWUE in NB2 and NB3 ranged from 3.36 to 3.43 kg kg−1, and in DI, it was maximum, ranging from 5.70 to 5.94 kg kg−1. Similarly, these medium and high doses of biochar increased the FNUE of maize. The FNUEs in NB2 and NB3 under BI ranged from 38.72 to 38.95 kg kg−1 and from 38.89 to 39.58 kg kg−1, while FNUEs of these same treatments under DI ranged from 48.26 to 49.58 kg kg−1 and from 48.92 to 50.28 kg kg−1. The effect of biochar was more obvious in DI as compared to the BI method because soil water content (SWC) and soil N concentrations (SNCs) were higher at rhizosphere soil layers under DI. Biochar improved SWC and SNC at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers and decreased below 60-cm soil layers. In contrast, despite biochar-controlled SWC and SNCs, still, values of these parameters were higher in deeper soil layers. In the BI method, the SNCs were higher at 60–80 cm and 80–100 cm compared to the top and middle soil layers. Depth-wise results of SNC demonstrated that the biochar’s ability to store SNC was further enhanced in the DI method. Moreover, biochar increased soil organic matter (OM) and soil aggregate stability and maintained pH. The NB0 treatment increased soil OM by 11.11%–14.60%, NB2 by 14.29%–19.42%, and NB3 by 21.98%–23.78% in both irrigation methods. This increased OM resulted in improved average soil aggregates stability by 2.45%–11.71% and 4.52%–14.66% in the BI and DI method, respectively. The results of our study revealed that combined application of N fertilizer with a medium dose of biochar under the DI method would be the best management practice, which will significantly increase crop yield, improve SWC, enrich SNC and OM, improve soil structure, and maintain pH.
Climate, not grazing, influences soil microbial diversity through changes in vegetation and abiotic factors on geographical patterns in the Eurasian steppe
Authors: Qiqige Bademu , Wei Bin , Wei Yuqi , Liu Mohan , Bi Yixian , Xu Ruixuan , Liu Nan , Yang Gaowen , Zhang Yingjun
Published: September 2023

Livestock grazing has a significant impact on the biodiversity of nature grassland ecosystems, which is mainly regulated by climate factors. Soil microbes are essential components of biogeochemical cycles. However, the coupling effects of grazing with MAT (mean annual temperature) and MAP (mean annual precipitation) on soil microbial communities remain inconsistent. Our study considered the various climates in four grasslands as natural temperature and precipitation gradients combined with grazing intensity (GI). We collected and analyzed vegetation and soil physiochemical properties from four grasslands. Our results showed that climate factors (CF) changed β diversity of soil bacteria and fungi while grazing intensity and their interaction merely affected fungi β diversity. Furthermore, climate factors and grazing intensity impacted changes in vegetation and soil physiochemical properties, with their interaction leading to changes in EC and MBC. Our analysis revealed that climate factors contributed 13.1% to bacteria community variation while grazing intensity contributed 3.01% to fungi community variation. Piecewise SEM analysis demonstrated that MAT and MAP were essential predictors of bacteria β diversity, which was significantly affected by vegetation and soil carbon and nitrogen. At the same time, MAP was an essential factor of fungi β diversity and was mainly affected by soil nitrogen. Our study indicated that bacteria and fungi β diversity was affected by different environmental processes and can adapt to specific grazing intensities over time.
The effect of COVID-19 on the academic performance of Zayed University students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: AlBlooshi Sharifa , Smail Linda , Albedwawi Alyaa , Al Wahedi Mariam , AlSafi Maha
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to significant changes across various sectors, including the field of education. In response to the pandemic, educational institutions worldwide, including Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), transitioned to online learning. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the academic performance of students in the UAE and their satisfaction with remote learning, while also examining gender differences in these variables.

Methods

This study used a quantitative research design in which a questionnaire was used to collect data. The study employed a snowball sampling method to recruit a total of 1,780 male and female students aged 18 and above from Zayed University in the UAE. The collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques.

Results

This study revealed that students at Zayed University maintained a good level of academic performance (M = 3.34, SD = 0.76) during the COVID-19 pandemic and were satisfied with online learning (M = 3.48, SD = 0.84) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant positive correlation was observed between students’ academic performance and their level of satisfaction with online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.001). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between gender and both academic performance and level of satisfaction with online learning. Finally, we found that more males leaned toward online learning while more females leaned toward face-to-face learning.

Conclusion

This study contributes to understanding the impact of COVID-19 on students’ academic performance and satisfaction with remote learning in the UAE context. The findings highlight the significance of student satisfaction for successful online learning and emphasize the need for adequate resources and the maintenance of education quality.
Validation of the Farsi version of the Suicide Ideation and Behavior Scale
Authors: Mehrabi Ali , Naghavi Azam , Afsharzada Mohammad Ershad , Friedrich Sören , Forkmann Thomas , Glaesmer Heide , Teismann Tobias
Published: September 2023

Objective

Suicide ideation and suicide attempts are prevalent in Farsi speaking populations. The present study aimed at validating the Farsi version of the Suicide Ideation and Behavior Scale (SIBS).

Methods

Reliability and validity of the Farsi version of the SIBS were established in a highly burdened Afghan student sample (N = 279). Internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity were investigated, and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted.

Results

The Farsi version of the SIBS was shown to have a unidimensional structure with excellent internal consistency, as well as good convergent and divergent validity.

Discussion

The results suggest that the SIBS is a brief, reliable, and valid measure of current suicidal ideation and behavior that can be used in Farsi speaking populations.
The application of microwave and ultrasound technologies for extracting collagen from European plaice by-products
Authors: Kendler Sophie , Kobbenes Sine Marie Moen , Jakobsen Anita Nordeng , Mukhatov Kirill , Lerfall Jørgen
Published: September 2023

This study’s main aim was to utilize green extraction protocols to recover collagen from by-products originating from European plaice. Moreover, the objective was to evaluate pre-treatments, the composition of the up-cycled product as well as to identify the most promising by-product fraction. Microwave (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extractions (UAE) were performed on untreated, pre-treated (salt-washed or enzymatic hydrolysis) fractions of backbones, skins, and heads. Both MAE and UAE were performed for 15 and 35 min. After pre-treatment and extraction, the quality and yield of products were evaluated. Protein and collagen concentration, as well as amino acid profiles, were measured. Skins deliver significantly higher yields of collagen and protein than heads and backbones (p < 0.05). Enzymatic hydrolysis resulted in the highest collagen yields for skins (77%), while salt-washing gave the highest results for backbones (43%) and heads (41%) regardless of extraction method and time. Total and free amino acid profiles differed between the three fractions, with backbones and heads showing overall more similarity in composition compared to skins. The study showed that MAE and UAE technologies are suitable for generating collagen from marine by-products. Additional research is recommended to optimize pre-treatment and extraction for skin, as most promising collagen supplier.
Evaluation of antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration stage B1
Authors: Tomsič Katerina , Domanjko Petrič Aleksandra , Nemec Ana , Pirman Tatjana , Rezar Vida , Seliškar Alenka , Vovk Tomaž , Nemec Svete Alenka
Published: September 2023

Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) is the most common naturally occurring heart disease in dogs. There is a lack of data on antioxidant status and oxidative damage in dogs with MMVD stage B1 according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM B1). The aim of this study was to investigate antioxidant status (plasma vitamin E, lipid-standardized vitamin E (LS-VitE), antioxidant capacity of lipid-(ACL) and water-soluble antioxidants, whole blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase), and lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)] in dogs with MMVD ACVIM B1. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were measured to calculate LS-VitE. Fourteen dogs with MMVD ACVIM B1 and 12 control dogs were included in the study. Dogs with MMVD had significantly higher vitamin E, ACL, MDA, and cholesterol concentrations and significantly higher LS-VitE values than control dogs. No significant correlations between MDA and antioxidant parameters were determined in either group. In conclusion, oxidative damage to lipids is already present and the antioxidant status is altered but not depleted in dogs with MMVD ACVIM B1. The antioxidant response to increased oxidative damage consists mainly of the activation of fat-soluble antioxidants. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and targets of early antioxidant supplementation to prevent or ameliorate oxidative stress and mitigate disease progression in dogs with early-stage MMVD.
Optimal Confidence Regions for Weibull Parameters and Quantiles under Progressive Censoring
Authors: Fernández Arturo J.
Published: September 2023

Confidence regions for the Weibull parameters with minimum areas among all those based on the Conditionality Principle are constructed using an equivalent diffuse Bayesian approach. The process is valid for scenarios involving standard failure and progressive censorship, and complete data. Optimal conditional confidence sets for two Weibull quantiles are also derived. Simulation-based algorithms are provided for computing the smallest-area regions with fixed confidence levels. Importantly, the proposed confidence sets satisfy the Sufficiency, Likelihood and Conditionality Principles in contrast to the unconditional regions based on maximum likelihood estimators and other insufficient statistics. The suggested perspective can be applied to parametric estimation and hypothesis testing, as well as to the determination of minimum-size confidence sets for other invariantly estimable functions of the Weibull parameters. A dataset concerning failure times of an insulating fluid is studied for illustrative and comparative purposes.
Application of OpenAir and AgDRIFT Models to Estimate Organophosphate Pesticide Spray Drift: A Case Study in Macon County, Alabama
Authors: El Afandi Gamal , Ismael Hossam , Fall Souleymane
Published: September 2023

Pesticides have been widely used in agriculture, resulting in significant pollution that affects both the environment and human health. This pollution is particularly prevalent in nearby agricultural areas, where sensitive resources are contaminated through spray drift exposure and surface runoff. Spray drift is a critical concern when it comes to environmental hazards. It poses health risks not only to farmers and pesticide applicators, but also to individuals living in nearby farm areas. To address this issue, developing reliable models and techniques for estimating spray drift and reducing its impact has become a crucial and efficient research topic. The current research has three primary objectives: firstly, to estimate the average pesticide application rates, trend analysis, and concentration distribution; secondly, to estimate the temporal variations of pesticide concentrations and identify the areas most likely to be affected by pesticide spray drift close to agricultural fields; and lastly, to develop a model for field spray drift and deposition integration between the OpenAir package for the R programming environment and the AgDRIFT atmospheric model. The drift model, along with precise supervised classifications, allowed for a more accurate estimation of potential drift in agricultural areas at a spatial resolution of 15 m. Additionally, multiple scenarios were conducted to evaluate the potential risks of pesticide drift outside of the target areas. This novel method effectively estimated organophosphate pesticide spray drift over two case studies in Macon County using a combination of OpenAir and AgDRIFT models and remotely sensed data. This method allowed for field simulations within completely defined exposure areas with little prior knowledge of pesticide quantities. This study concluded that 6% of total cropland is in danger of pesticide spray drift, with around 8% of crop areas exposed to potential strong drift on land use. Furthermore, 11% of cropped land is vulnerable to moderate drift, whereas around 75% of land use land cover is not vulnerable to pesticide drift. Through this research, an accurate and efficient approach has been developed to estimate spray drift and reduce its impact in agricultural areas, contributing to a safer and healthier environment for all.
Prediction of the Potential Distribution of Drosophila suzukii on Madeira Island Using the Maximum Entropy Modeling
Authors: Macedo Fabrício Lopes , Ragonezi Carla , Reis Fábio , de Freitas José G. R. , Lopes David Horta , Aguiar António Miguel Franquinho , Cravo Délia , Carvalho Miguel A. A. Pinheiro de
Published: September 2023

Drosophila suzukii is one of the main pests that attack soft-skinned fruits and cause significant economic damage worldwide. Madeira Island (Portugal) is already affected by this pest. The present work aimed to investigate the potential distribution of D. suzukii on Madeira Island to better understand the limits of its geographical distribution on the island using the Maximum Entropy modeling (MaxEnt). The resultant model provided by MaxEnt was rated as regular discrimination with the area under the curve (AUC, 0.7–0.8). Upon scrutinizing the environmental variables with the greatest impact on the distribution of D. suzukii, altitude emerged as the dominant contributor, with the highest percentage (71.2%). Additionally, elevations ranging from 0 to 500 m were identified as appropriate for the species distribution. With the results of the model, it becomes possible to understand/predict which locations will be most suitable for the establishment of the analyzed pest and could be further applied not only for D. suzukii but also for other species that hold the potential for substantial economic losses in this insular region.
Mapping Cropland Intensification in Ecuador through Spectral Analysis of MODIS NDVI Time Series
Authors: Recuero Laura , Maila Lilian , Cicuéndez Víctor , Sáenz César , Litago Javier , Tornos Lucía , Merino-de-Miguel Silvia , Palacios-Orueta Alicia
Published: September 2023

Multiple cropping systems constitute an essential agricultural practice that will ensure food security within the increasing demand of basic cereals as a consequence of global population growth and climate change effects. In this regard, there is a need to develop new methodologies to adequately monitor cropland intensification. The main objective of this research was to assess cropland intensification by means of spectral analysis of MODIS NDVI time series in a high cloudiness tropical area such as Ecuador. A surface of 89,225 ha of the main staple crops in this country, which are rice and maize crops, was monitored to assess the evolution of the number of crop cycles. The 20-year period of NDVI time series was used to calculate the periodograms across four subperiods (2001–2005, 2006–2010, 2011–2015, 2016–2020). The maximum ordinate value of each periodogram was used as an indicator of the number of growing crop cycles per year identifying single-, double-, and triple-cropping systems in each subperiod. Cropland intensification was assessed by comparing the cropping system between the subperiods. Results reveal that more than half of the studied croplands experienced changes in the cropping systems, and 40% showed positive trends in terms of the number of growing crop cycles, being principally located near the main rivers where irrigation facilitates crop development during the dry season. Therefore, the area under single cropping decreased from over 60,000 ha in the first subperiod to less than 50,000 ha in the last two subperiods. The cropland surface subjected to multi-cropping practices increased during the second decade of the study period, with a double-cropping system being more widely used than growing three crops per year, reaching surfaces of 24,400 ha and 10,450 ha in the last subperiod, respectively. The robust results obtained in this research show the great potential of the periodogram approach for the discrimination of cropping systems and for mapping intensification areas in tropical regions where dealing with noisy remote sensing time series as a consequence of high cloudiness is a great challenge.
Total-Factor Energy Efficiency and Its Driving Factors in China’s Agricultural Sector: An Empirical Analysis of the Regional Differences
Authors: Liu Jianxu , Liu Shutong , Cui Jiande , Kang Xuefei , Lin Qing , Osathanunkul Rossarin , Dong Changrui
Published: September 2023

Improving agricultural energy efficiency is essential in reducing energy consumption and achieving agricultural sustainable development. This paper aims to measure the agricultural total-factor energy efficiency in China rather than the partial-factor energy efficiency while taking full account of regional heterogeneity and to investigate the driving factors of agricultural total-factor energy efficiency. The empirical results showed that the average value of agricultural total-factor energy efficiency is 0.814 in China, and the technological gap ratio is 0.853. The regional difference in agricultural total-factor energy efficiency was quite obvious. Higher agricultural energy inputs are associated with higher agricultural total-factor productivity. The total value of potential agricultural energy savings in 30 provinces of China reached 1704.41 billion tons of standard coal. In terms of the absolute amount of agricultural energy saving, the amount was largest in the low-energy-input area, which was 113.87 million tons of standard coal, accounting for 66.81% of the total potential saving amount. Furthermore, we used the Tobit model to analyze the influencing factors of agricultural total-factor energy efficiency. We found that the proportion of agriculture to GDP has a positive impact on agricultural total-factor energy efficiency, while the per capita income of farmers, fiscal support for agriculture, the illiteracy rate of farmers, agricultural labor input, and agricultural capital stock have a negative impact on agricultural total-factor energy efficiency. Finally, we proposed policy implications in terms of agricultural technological progress, agricultural infrastructure, technical training, etc.
Least Squares Reverse Time Migration of Ground Penetrating Radar Data Based on Modified Total Variation
Authors: Dai Qianwei , Wang Shaoqing , Lei Yi
Published: September 2023

As a fundamental part of ground penetrating radar (GPR) data processing, reverse time migration (RTM) can correctly position reflection waves and focusing diffraction waves on the proper spatial position. Least-squares reverse-time migration (LSRTM) is widely used in the seismic field for its ability to suppress artifacts and generate high-resolution images in comparison to conventional RTM. However, in the particular case of GPR detection methods, LSRTM is extremely susceptible to aliasing artifacts caused by under-sampling. In pursuit of enhanced precision in underground structure characterization, this paper presents the development of a new LSRTM based on modified total variation (MTV) regularization to improve imaging resolution. Initially, the objective function of LSRTM is derived by combining the Born approximation in 2-D transversal magnetic mode. Next, the adjoint equations and their gradients are solved using the Lagrange multiplier method. The objective function is then constrained by MTV regularization to ensure the precision and convergence of the LSRTM, which delivers a refined edge with reconstruction details. In the numerical experiments, in comparison to the conventional LSRTM method, the LSRTM-MTV algorithm demonstrated a 30.4% increase in computational speed and a 21.1% reduction in mean squared error (MSE). The outperformance of the proposed method is verified in detail through the image resolution and amplitude preservation in the test of synthetic data and laboratory data. Future research efforts will center on applying the proposed method to models featuring dispersive or anisotropic media that closely mimic real-world conditions and extending the application to various imaging techniques involving objective function minimization.
Oscillating Nonlinear Acoustic Waves in a Mooney–Rivlin Rod
Authors: Karakozova Anastasia , Kuznetsov Sergey
Published: September 2023

Harmonic wave excitation in a semi-infinite incompressible hyperelastic 1D rod with the Mooney–Rivlin equation of state reveals the formation and propagation of the shock wave fronts arising between faster and slower moving parts of the initially harmonic wave. The observed shock wave fronts result in the collapse of the slower moving parts being absorbed by the faster parts; hence, to the attenuation of the kinetic and the elastic strain energy with the corresponding heat generation. Both geometrically and physically nonlinear equations of motion are solved by the explicit Lax–Wendroff numerical tine-integration scheme combined with the finite element approach for spatial discretization.
Enhancing Recommender Systems with Semantic User Profiling through Frequent Subgraph Mining on Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Jung Haemin , Park Heesung , Lee Kwangyon
Published: September 2023

Recommender systems play a crucial role in personalizing online user experiences by creating user profiles based on user–item interactions and preferences. Knowledge graphs (KGs) are intricate data structures that encapsulate semantic information, expressing users and items in a meaningful way. Although recent deep learning-based recommendation algorithms that embed KGs have demonstrated impressive performance, the richness of semantics and explainability embedded in the KGs are often lost due to the opaque nature of vector representations in deep neural networks. To address this issue, we propose a novel user profiling method for recommender systems that can encapsulate user preferences while preserving the original semantics of the KGs, using frequent subgraph mining. Our approach involves creating user profile vectors from a set of frequent subgraphs that contain information about user preferences and the strength of those preferences, measured by frequency. Subsequently, we trained a deep neural network model to learn the relationship between users and items, thereby facilitating effective recommendations using the neural network’s approximation ability. We evaluated our user profiling methodology on movie data and found that it demonstrated competitive performance, indicating that our approach can accurately represent user preferences while maintaining the semantics of the KGs. This work, therefore, presents a significant step towards creating more transparent and effective recommender systems that can be beneficial for a wide range of applications and readers interested in this field.
Enhancing Retail Transactions: A Data-Driven Recommendation Using Modified RFM Analysis and Association Rules Mining
Authors: Chen Angela Hsiang-Ling , Gunawan Sebastian
Published: September 2023

Retail transactions have become an integral part of the economic cycle of every country and even on a global scale. Retail transactions are a trade sector that has the potential to be developed continuously in the future. This research focused on building a specified and data-driven recommendation system based on customer-purchasing and product-selling behavior. Modified RFM analysis was used by adding two variables, namely periodicity and customer engagement index; clustering algorithm such as K-means clustering and Ward’s method; and association rules to determine the pattern of the cause–effect relationship on each transaction and four types of classifiers to apply and to validate the recommendation system. The results showed that based on customer behavior, it should be split into two groups: loyal and potential customers. In contrast, for product behavior, it also comprised three groups: bestseller, profitable, and VIP product groups. Based on the result, K-nearest neighbor is the most suitable classifier with a low chance of overfitting and a higher performance index.
Modeling and Performance Analysis of Three Zone-Based Registration Scheme in Wireless Communication Networks
Authors: Jang Hee-Seon , Baek Jang-Hyun
Published: September 2023

For wireless communication networks, researchers have proposed many schemes to reduce the cost of location registration and paging signals caused by the mobility of user equipment (UE). Among them, a zone-based method that designates one zone (1Z, group of cells) as a registration area (RA) and then performs registration whenever the UE leaves the RA is commonly adopted due to its convenient implementation. However, the performance of 1Z is known to be very poor when the UE frequently crosses the RA’s boundary requesting location updates. Two or three zone-based schemes (2Z or 3Z) have since been recommended to overcome these limitations. In our previous work, we analyzed the performances of 1Z, 2Z, and 3Z systems while assuming a square-shaped zone. However, there is no reason why the shape of the zone is limited to a square. This paper analyzes the performance of 3Z while assuming a hexagonal-shaped rather than a square-shaped zone. Using a semi-Markov process theory, registration and paging costs are evaluated after defining states in 3Z operations and calculating the transition probability between states. Based on various realistic parameters, the numerical results showed that the 3Z outperformed 1Z and 2Z for most call-to-mobility ratio (CMR) values. The performance of 3Z was improved more when the registration cost decreased if the probability of returning to the previously registered zone increased or the time staying in the zone decreased. The 3Z system is easy to implement with simple software modifications. It can be dynamically applied as an efficient mobility management method in the future for various devices that will emerge in the 5G/6G environment.
Power Drive Architectures for Industrial Hydraulic Axes: Energy-Efficiency-Based Comparative Analysis
Authors: Tiboni Monica
Published: September 2023

In hydraulic systems, energy dissipation can be significant. The pressure losses that can occur in the hydraulic circuit, which are influenced by the adopted drive architecture, result in power consumption that is often significantly higher than that required by the mechanical system. This paper presents a comparative study of the energy efficiency of five common drive architectures in industrial hydraulic axes. The analysis is applied to a variable speed and force hydraulic blanking press, a fairly common industrial system, e.g., in the manufacture of semi-finished brass products. Standard, regenerative, high–low, variable-displacement pumps and variable speed drive configurations for a fixed-displacement pump were analyzed and compared. In each case, an appropriate and optimized sizing of the different components of the system was performed, and then the energy consumption was estimated for a load cycle common to all the considered cases. The results show that the choice of the power generation architecture of the hydraulic system has a very significant impact on the energy efficiency and consequently on the operating costs and the carbon footprint. The performed quantification of the potential energy efficiency of the considered drive architectures can be very useful in helping to make energy-conscious decisions.
Phytochemical Screening, Polyphenol and Flavonoid Contents, and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Opilia amentacea Roxb. (Opiliaceae) Extracts
Authors: Youl Ollo , Moné-Bassavé Belinda Ramata Hafouo , Yougbaré Sibidou , Yaro Boubacar , Traoré Tata Kadiatou , Boly Rainatou , Yaméogo Josias B. Gérard , Koala Moumouni , Ouedraogo Noufou , Kabré Elie , Tinto Halidou , Traoré-Coulibaly Maminata , Hilou Adama
Published: September 2023

Dermatoses are essentially caused by infection or free radical aggression, immunoallergic disorders, or can be secondary to general diseases. Management of dermatoses by modern medicine is complex and costly, and the development of alternative treatments is urgent. Opilia amentacea Roxb. is a woody climber plant traditionally used in Burkina Faso for treatment of bad skin diseases. This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of extracts of O. amentacea and to characterize potent fractions. The antimicrobial activity was determined using the disc diffusion and microdilution methods, while antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The content of the plant extracts in polyphenols and flavonoids was also studied. The results revealed several secondary metabolites in the leaves, stems and root bark extracts of the plant, including sterols, triterpenes, and flavonoids and tannins, and a generally high total polyphenol and total flavonoid content. Dichloromethane fractions of leaves (FDFe) and stem barks (FDET) exhibited the best antioxidant activity and were the most active on Gram-positive bacilli. Hexane leaves (FHFe) and hexane root bark (FHER) fractions exhibited the best antifungal activity against Candida tropicalis. High correlation (R2 = 0.932) was found between the total flavonoid content of extracts and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. In view of these results, the present study describes O. amentacea as a potential source of antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant agents and justifies the traditional uses of the plant as an anti-dermatosis plant.
Assessment of Different Boundary Layer Parameterization Schemes in Numerical Simulations of Typhoon Nida (2016) Based on Aircraft Observations
Authors: Tu Chaoyong , Zhao Zhongkuo , Zhou Mingsen , Li Weibiao , Xie Min , Ni Changjiang , Chen Shumin
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to find a boundary layer parameter scheme suitable for typhoons in the South China Sea based on a comparison with the aircraft detection data from Typhoon Nida (2016). We simulated the typhoon boundary layer wind field in different boundary layer schemes, such as YSU, MYNN, BouLac, and Shin-Hong, and with a no-boundary-layer parametrization scheme. The results were as follows: (1) In the eye and eyewall area, the YSU and MYNN schemes could better simulate the east–west wind characteristics and the YSU scheme could also simulate the jet current of the southerly wind component in the boundary layer in the eyewall. (2) Compared with the eye area, the easterly wind in the eyewall area was strong, and the overall vertical movement was weak. (3) The YSU and MYNN schemes had similar turbulent kinetic energies that were also similar to those from aircraft observations; the turbulent kinetic energy in the simulations of several schemes in the boundary layer was evidently lower than that in the aircraft observations. Thus, the MYNN and the YSU schemes yielded better simulations for the eye and eyewall areas, and the YSU scheme was more similar to the boundary layer observations.
Task Location to Improve Human–Robot Cooperation: A Condition Number-Based Approach
Authors: Sharkawy Abdel-Nasser
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes and implements an approach to evaluate human–robot cooperation aimed at achieving high performance. Both the human arm and the manipulator are modeled as a closed kinematic chain. The proposed task performance criterion is based on the condition number of this closed kinematic chain. The robot end-effector is guided by the human operator via an admittance controller to complete a straight-line segment motion, which is the desired task. The best location of the selected task is determined by maximizing the minimum of the condition number along the path. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated using a criterion related to ergonomics. The experiments are executed with several subjects using a KUKA LWR robot to repeat the specified motion to evaluate the introduced approach. A comparison is presented between the current proposed approach and our previously implemented approach where the task performance criterion was based on the manipulability index of the closed kinematic chain. The results reveal that the condition number-based approach improves the human–robot cooperation in terms of the achieved accuracy, stability, and human comfort, but at the expense of task speed and completion time. On the other hand, the manipulability-index-based approach improves the human–robot cooperation in terms of task speed and human comfort, but at the cost of the achieved accuracy.