bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties and Recognition of Atom Graphs
Authors: Simonet Geneviève , Berry Anne
Published: August 2022

The atom graph of a connected graph is a graph whose vertices are the atoms obtained by clique minimal separator decomposition of this graph, and whose edges are the edges of all its atom trees. A graph G is an atom graph if there is a graph whose atom graph is isomorphic to G. We study the class of atom graphs, which is also the class of atom graphs of chordal graphs, and the associated recognition problem. We prove that each atom graph is a perfect graph and give a characterization of atom graphs in terms of a spanning tree, inspired by the characterization of clique graphs of chordal graphs as expanded trees. We also characterize the chordal graphs having the same atom and clique graph, and solve the recognition problem of atom graphs of two graph classes.
Communication-Based Train Control with Dynamic Headway Based on Trajectory Prediction
Authors: He Yijuan , Lv Jidong , Tang Tao
Published: August 2022

Rail transit plays a significant role in the operation of an efficient and effective urban public transportation system. Safety and capacity are some of the most crucial objectives in railway operations. The communication-based train control (CBTC) system is a continuous and automatic train control system that realizes constant and high-capacity train ground two-way communication. In this study, a dynamic headway model of the ‘softwall’ moving-block approach is proposed for CBTC to increase the track capacity and improve dispatching efficiency based on the train trajectory prediction. For this precise trajectory prediction task, we introduce a hybrid trajectory prediction model to combine Long Short-term memory (LSTM) and Kalman Filter (KF) to extract the train’s local data features and learn the long-term dependencies, respectively. Then we present a dynamic headway model to maximize the train headway and reduce the track distance. The leading trains’ information is used to construct the iterative learning control strategy, and the predicted trajectory is input into the algorithm of the headway model. We use a simulation model of the rail network in Chengdu to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach. The results show the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of the predicted trajectory retreated to 93.97 cm and reductions in operation headway of at least 64.33% under the dynamic headway model versus the traditional moving-block model.
Analysis and Control for the Mode Transition of Tandem-Wing Aircraft with Variable Sweep
Authors: Gao Liang , Zhu Yanhe , Liu Yubin , Zhang Junming , Liu Benshan , Zhao Jie
Published: August 2022

Morphing aircraft can alter their aerodynamic configuration to obtain multitask adaptability and improve flight performance. In this paper, we apply the variable sweep concept on a tandem-wing micro aerial vehicle (MAV) for multitask adaptability, the two canards of which can undergo backward sweep and the two wings can undergo forward sweep. The variable sweep morphing mode can not only weaken the additional inertia forces and moments caused by morphing, but can also maintain the longitudinal dynamic balance without elevator changes, which generates trim drag. What is more, it was demonstrated that sweep morphing can exert a great effect on the aerodynamic characteristics during the transition process, which are functionalized with the sweep inputs. The effect of addition forces and moments during the transition process was analyzed by dynamic response, and the longitudinal stability of the MAV were evaluated based on a linear parameter varying (LPV) model. Due to the dramatic effects of sweep morphing on the longitudinal stability, a gain scheduled transition controller based on a convex hull algorithm is proposed to guarantee the transition stability and improve the robustness, and a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) is used to guarantee the stability of the boundary point with the consideration of input saturation. Finally, the superior performance of the proposed controller was demonstrated by a theoretical simulation based on a nonlinear model.
Short-Term Effects of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Consumer Perceptions of Local Food Consumption and the Local Agri-Food Sector in Austria
Authors: Wallnoefer Laura Maria , Riefler Petra
Published: August 2022

Disruptions in agri-food systems caused by crises, such as the COVID-19-pandemic, reveal the vulnerability of global food supply chains. Such crises might consequently impact consumer perceptions about the relevance of local food production and consumption. In this light, this study aims to (i) identify whether the COVID-19 outbreak led to short-term changes in perceptions about local food consumption and (ii) capture how the role of local agri-food systems is perceived in times of crisis. For the first purpose, this study analyzes two waves of survey data collected from an Austrian sample (n = 351) to compare pre-and post-COVID-19 levels of consumer values, beliefs, and attitudes towards local food. For the second purpose, the paper assesses consumer perceptions about the reliability and resilience of the local agri-food sector in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The results reveal that while consumer perceptions driving local food consumption at an early phase of the pandemic remained stable at large, the perceived relevance of the local agri-food sector attenuated. Consumers showed strong beliefs in the local agriculture as a reliable and trustworthy partner during the pandemic guaranteeing food supply security. Based on these findings, the paper discusses how these insights into consumer perceptions in response to macro-level disruptions might help to better understand short-term demand-side implications of other forms of external crises affecting local food production and supply. Finally, the paper provides recommendations for practitioners and avenues for future research to determine implications from a long-term perspective.
Evaluation of the U.S. Peanut Germplasm Mini-Core Collection in the Virginia-Carolina Region Using Traditional and New High-Throughput Methods
Authors: Sarkar Sayantan , Oakes Joseph , Cazenave Alexandre-Brice , Burow Mark D. , Bennett Rebecca S. , Chamberlin Kelly D. , Wang Ning , White Melanie , Payton Paxton , Mahan James , Chagoya Jennifer , Sung Cheng-Jung , McCall David S. , Thomason Wade E. , Balota Maria
Published: August 2022

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important food crop for the U.S. and the world. The Virginia-Carolina (VC) region (Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina) is an important peanut-growing region of the U.S and is affected by numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. Identification of stress-resistant germplasm, along with improved phenotyping methods, are important steps toward developing improved cultivars. Our objective in 2017 and 2018 was to assess the U.S. mini-core collection for desirable traits, a valuable source for resistant germplasm under limited water conditions. Accessions were evaluated using traditional and high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) techniques, and the suitability of HTP methods as indirect selection tools was assessed. Traditional phenotyping methods included stand count, plant height, lateral branch growth, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), canopy temperature depression (CTD), leaf wilting, fungal and viral disease, thrips rating, post-digging in-shell sprouting, and pod yield. The HTP method included 48 aerial vegetation indices (VIs), which were derived using red, blue, green, and near-infrared reflectance; color space indices were collected using an octocopter drone at the same time, with traditional phenotyping. Both phenotypings were done 10 times between 4 and 16 weeks after planting. Accessions had yields comparable to high yielding checks. Correlation coefficients up to 0.8 were identified for several Vis, with yield indicating their suitability for indirect phenotyping. Broad-sense heritability (H2) was further calculated to assess the suitability of particular VIs to enable genetic gains. VIs could be used successfully as surrogates for the physiological and agronomic trait selection in peanuts. Further, this study indicates that UAV-based sensors have potential for measuring physiologic and agronomic characteristics measured for peanut breeding, variable rate input application, real time decision making, and precision agriculture applications.
Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Nitrogen Change for Wheat Field Application of Composted Sewage Sludge
Authors: Xu Fujin , Chang Huiqing
Published: August 2022

This study aimed at assessing the character of greenhouse emissions under different rates of composted sewage sludge as a nitrogen fertilization substitute, founding the characteristic of soil nitrogen change and, ultimately, providing a theoretical basis for the rational utilization of composted sewage sludge in calcareous soil. Compost sludge as a nitrogen fertilizer substitute has emission reduction effects on N2O, CH4 and CO2. Compared with that of the single fertilizer application, the GHGI under the 20% sludge replacement treatment was significantly reduced by 20.15%, and the global warming potential was significantly reduced by 11.53%, while the wheat yield was increased by 4.78%. Compost sludge as a nitrogen substitute significantly increased the soil organic carbon at the jointing stage and reached a 100% replacement ratio at the maturity stage. During the jointing and mature stages, the total nitrogen content of the soil increased significantly at the 100% replacement ratio, while the soil nitrate nitrogen content only increased significantly at the 50% and 100% replacement ratio. Our findings highlight the impact of sludge compost on greenhouse gas emissions and soil nitrogen and guide the use of sludge compost in wheat fields.
Cadmium Accumulation in Cereal Crops and Tobacco: A Review
Authors: Mei Shineng , Lin Kaina , Williams Darron V. , Liu Yang , Dai Huaxin , Cao Fangbin
Published: August 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with no known biological function in plants and one of the most toxic substances released into the environment. Crops, such as rice, maize, wheat and tobacco are the major sources of Cd for humans. Cd toxicity inhibits crop growth and development by affecting many central physiological and biochemical processes, and finally it affects human health via the food chain. To adapt to Cd toxicity, crops have evolved a series of detoxification mechanisms. Immediate responses include rapid changes at the transcriptional level with simultaneous changes at the physiological and metabolic levels. However, the long-term responses involve genetic modifications and epigenetic changes. During the last decade, many genes involved in Cd uptake and translocation have been identified, and many of them are transporters. To decrease the accumulation of Cd in cereal grains and tobacco leaves, a number of approaches have been proposed, including physical and chemical methods, developing and planting low accumulation genotypes using transgenic strategies or marker–trait association breeding. In this review, we describe the toxicity of Cd to crops and human body, advances in the molecular mechanisms of Cd accumulation in cereal crops and tobacco, and approaches to decrease Cd accumulation.
Investigation of Solanum carolinense Dominance and Phytotoxic Effect in Festuca arundinacea with Special Reference to Allelochemical Identification, Analysis of Phytohormones and Antioxidant Mechanisms
Authors: Kim Lee-Rang , Adhikari Arjun , Kang Yosep , Gam Ho-Jun , Kang Sang-Mo , Kim Ki-Yong , Lee In-Jung
Published: August 2022

Exposure to invasive weeds in pasturelands may result in significant losses and toxicity in forage crops. These species may also contain a compound that may be toxic as well as beneficial depending upon the effect induced. The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea has now recognized Solanum carolinense (Horsenettle)—an invasive weed species—as a potential threat to forage crops in pasturelands and to the entire agro-ecosystem. As a forage crop, Festuca arundinacea (Tall fescue) is one of the major economical crops and diets of livestock; in this study, the competition patterns of Solanum carolinense and Festuca arundinacea were examined with respect to their seeding ratios and growth periods. In addition, an extract from the root of Solanum carolinense (SCE) was prepared and treated at 2500 ppm and 5000 ppm in a Festuca arundinacea plant to observe its effect. The experimental results showed that as the growth period of the Horsenettle and the SCE treatment increased, the germination rate, plant height, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of the tall fescue were significantly decreased. Moreover, the SCE treatment significantly increased the quantities of reactive oxygen species (O2− and H2O2), antioxidants (Catalase and Peroxidase), and endogenous phytohormones (Abscisic acid and Salicylic acid), and simultaneously decreased the superoxide dismutase content in the tall fescue shoots. Furthermore, we identified several glycoalkaloids from the SCE extract, among which Solanidan-3-ol, (3β,5α)’ possessed a higher number (52%). Based on these results, we predicted that the Solanidan-3-ol, (3β,5α)’ present in horsenettle has a major role in imposing phytotoxicity on agricultural crops. The glycoalkaloids in the Solanum species have been reported to possess both phytotoxic and therapeutic uses. Based on this concept, we believe that the compound available in Solanum carolinense could be used in developing crop protection or medicinal products through broader research. Conversely, our findings also showed the probable risk of horsenettle to the agro-ecosystem, especially in terms of forage production.
Evaluation of Bacillus velezensis Biocontrol Potential against Fusarium Fungi on Winter Wheat
Authors: Asaturova Anzhela Mikhailovna , Zhevnova Natalya Andreevna , Tomashevich Natalia Sergeevna , Sidorova Tatiana Mikhailovna , Homyak Anna Igorevna , Dubyaga Valentina Mikhailovna , Nadykta Vladimir Dmitrievich , Zharikov Artem Pavlovich , Kostyukevich Yuri Irodionovich , Tupertsev Boris Sergeevich
Published: August 2022

Fungi of the genus Fusarium are economically significant pathogens in most wheat-growing regions worldwide. The biocontrol agents Bacillus velezensis BZR 336 g and BZR 517 were tested for growth inhibition of F. graminearum BZR 4. The results demonstrated that the strains are capable of deforming and destroying hyphae. The modified bioautography technique showed that the strains produce iturin A and surfactin, which probably explains the mechanism of pathogen inhibition. Furthermore, lipopeptides were detected and identified in two samples by the HPLC-HRMS. Compounds such as surfactin and their isomers and homologues were found in both samples. An experiment on an artificial infectious background in a climatic chamber established that the biological effectiveness of strains is close to that of chemical and biological references. Cultivation of plants with B. velezensis showed that the strains are likely to reduce the stress load. An efficacy of up to 45.0% was determined for bioagents BZR 336 g and BZR 517 in field trials, while the yield was up to 7.9 t/ha. The use of B. velezensis BZR 336 g and BZR 517 as biocontrol agents provides an environmentally friendly approach to the control of Fusarium rots on wheat, reduction of the pesticide load, and hence quality harvest.
Characteristics on the Spatial Distribution of Droplet Size and Velocity with Difference Adjuvant in Nozzle Spraying
Authors: Li Xinpeng , Chen Liping , Tang Qin , Li Longlong , Cheng Wu , Hu Peng , Zhang Ruirui
Published: August 2022

The spatial distribution of droplet size and velocity affects the deposition and distribution on the target. In order to investigate the influence of different adjuvant and pressures on the spatial distribution of droplet size and velocity in atomization area of different nozzles, air induction flat fan nozzle IDK120-03, multi-range flat fan nozzle LU120-03 and anti-drift flat fan nozzle AD120-03 were selected. Phase Doppler Interferometer (PDI) was used to analyze and compare the distribution of droplet size and velocity in the atomization area of three nozzles when four typical adjuvant Maisi, Maidao, Adsee AB-600 and Surun sprayed at different pressures. The results show that the volume median diameter of droplet size has no obvious change along the vertical direction of the nozzle center and increases with distance in the horizontal direction, the droplet size decreases with increasing pressure at the same position, the adjuvant all increases the droplet size (about 12%, 12%, 10% and 9% for Maisi, Maidao, Surun and Adsee AB-600, respectively), IDK120-03 nozzle droplet size is the largest and LU120-03 nozzle is the smallest in the same position. For droplet velocity distribution, droplet velocity decrease in distance along the vertical and horizontal direction, respectively, the droplet velocity increases with increasing pressure at the same position, compared with water, the droplet velocity increased by about 13%, 9%, 8%, and 4% for Maisi, Maidao, Surun, and Adsee AB-600, respectively, the velocity of AD nozzle is the largest and IDK nozzle is the smallest at the same position. The experiment can provide a basis for the selection of adjuvants and nozzles in pesticide application, and provide a data base for studying the distribution of droplets on the target.
Anabolic Steroids in Fattening Food-Producing Animals—A Review
Authors: Skoupá Kristýna , Šťastný Kamil , Sládek Zbyšek
Published: August 2022

Anabolic steroids are chemically synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone. They are used in medicine for their ability to support muscle growth and healing and by athletes for esthetic purposes and to increase sports performance, but another major use is in fattening animals to increase meat production. The more people there are on Earth, the greater the need for meat production and anabolic steroids accelerate the growth of animals and, most importantly, increase the amount of muscle mass. Anabolic steroids also have proven side effects that affect all organs and tissues, such as liver and kidney parenchymal damage, heart muscle degeneration, organ growth, coagulation disorders, and increased risk of muscle and tendon rupture. Anabolic steroids also have a number of harmful effects on the developing brain, such as brain atrophy and changes in gene expression with consequent changes in the neural circuits involved in cognitive functions. Behavioral changes such as aggression, irritability, anxiety and depression are related to changes in the brain. In terms of long-term toxicity, the greatest impact is on the reproductive system, i.e., testicular shrinkage and infertility. Therefore, their abuse can be considered a public health problem. In many countries around the world, such as the United States, Canada, China, Argentina, Australia, and other large meat producers, the use of steroids is permitted but in all countries of the European Union there is a strict ban on the use of anabolic steroids in fattening animals. Meat from a lot of countries must be carefully inspected and monitored for steroids before export to Europe. Gas or liquid chromatography methods in combination with mass spectrometry detectors and immunochemical methods are most often used for the analysis of these substances. These methods have been considered the most modern for decades, but can be completely ineffective if they face new synthetic steroid derivatives and want to meet meat safety requirements. The problem of last years is the application of “cocktails” of anabolic substances with very low concentrations, which are difficult to detect and are difficult to quantify using conventional detection methods. This is the reason why scientists are trying to find new methods of detection, mainly based on changes in the structure of tissues and cells and their metabolism. This review gathered this knowledge into a coherent form and its findings could help in finding such a combination of changes in tissues that would form a typical picture for evidence of anabolic misuse.
Impacts of Incentive and Disincentive Mechanisms for Ensuring Environmentally Friendly Livestock Waste Management
Authors: Yue Deng , Sarkar Apurbo , Guang Chen
Published: August 2022

Environmentally friendly waste management (EFWM) is a safer way of waste disposal that can foster a cleaner environment for both farms and their surroundings. It may lessen land, air, and water pollution, as well as moderate ecological footprints, and aid in sustainable agricultural development, which has become one of the major concerns of the modern era. To achieve these outcomes, incentives and control mechanisms initiated by the government may alter farmers’ behavior. The study involved a review of relevant literature and the conduct of interviews with 499 pig breeders to evaluate the impacts of government incentives and control mechanisms on fostering the adoption of environmentally friendly waste management practices by farmers. A theoretical framework based on existing studies is proposed, utilizing a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to analyze the data and illustrate the relationships among incentives and control mechanisms. The results show that: (i) overall the impacts of incentive mechanisms were stronger and more effective than those of control mechanisms. Among them, subsidy policy and discount policy were the most influential for farmers’ adoption behavior. However, penalty and disincentive policy also impacted the outcome variables; (ii) a significant relationship was observed among regulatory, disincentive, and subsidy policies and a moderate relationship among penalty, insurance, and discount policies. However, bonus-community service and social critic policies did not show any significant relationship with any other variables. The research findings can assist the Chinese government in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of two crucial mechanisms and promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly practices by farmers. The government should highlight and strengthen the importance of social obligations and orientation, as well as providing monetary support at the rural level to improve farmers’ ability to adapt to environmentally friendly waste management practices.
Detection of Human and Fish Viruses in Marine Gastropods
Authors: Errani Francesca , Ciulli Sara , Mandrioli Luciana , Serratore Patrizia , Volpe Enrico
Published: August 2022

Marine gastropods represent a major food source for higher trophic levels and an important source of animal protein for humans. Like bivalve molluscs, gastropods can accumulate several types of contaminants; however, the bioaccumulation of microorganisms, particularly viruses, has been poorly investigated in these animals. This study focused on gastropods (Tritia mutabilis, Bolinus brandaris and Rapana venosa) collected during the fishing season from 2017 to 2021 in the north-western Adriatic Sea, and on clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) harvested in the same geographical area, in order to evaluate the presence of human and fish viruses in their tissues. A virological investigation was carried out on the digestive gland using molecular methods. The presence of hepatitis A virus was detected in one sample, whereas noroviruses were not present in the investigated specimens. Regarding fish viruses, it was possible to detect the presence of nervous necrosis virus (NNV) in 26.5% of the analyzed gastropods; however, the histological examination did not show any pathological changes in the nervous tissue in both NNV-positive and -negative batches. As a whole, the investigated gastropods showed the ability to bioaccumulate viruses; however, lower contamination by human viruses compared to bivalve molluscs was pointed out, posing a minor concern to human health.
BMP6 Promotes the Secretion of 17 Beta-Estradiol and Progesterone in Goat Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Song Shuaifei , Ding Wenfei , Yao Hui , Wang Lei , Li Bijun , Wang Yukun , Tang Xue , Zhang Yiyu , Huang Deli , Xu Dejun , Zhao Zhongquan
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of BMP6 on the function of goat ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). The results showed that the exogenous addition of BMP6 did not affect the EdU-positive ratio of ovarian GCs and had no significant effect on the mRNA and protein expression levels of the proliferation-related gene PCNA (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, BMP6 had no significant effect on the cycle phase distribution of GCs but increased the mRNA expression of CDK4 (p < 0.05) and CCND1 (p < 0.01) and decreased the mRNA expression of CCNE1 (p < 0.01). Moreover, BMP6 had no significant effect on the apoptosis rate of GCs and did not affect the mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes BAX, BCL2, and Caspase3 (p > 0.05). Importantly, BMP6 upregulated the secretion of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in ovarian GCs (p < 0.01). Further studies found that BMP6 inhibited the mRNA expression of 3β-HSD and steroid synthesis acute regulator (StAR) but significantly promoted the mRNA expression of the E2 synthesis rate-limiting enzyme CYP19A1 and the P4 synthesis rate-limiting enzyme CYP11A1 (p < 0.01). Taken together, these results showed that the exogenous addition of BMP6 did not affect the proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of goat ovarian GCs but promoted the secretion of E2 and progesterone P4 in ovarian GCs by upregulating the mRNA expressions of CYP19A1 and CYP11A1.
FedAAR: A Novel Federated Learning Framework for Animal Activity Recognition with Wearable Sensors
Authors: Mao Axiu , Huang Endai , Gan Haiming , Liu Kai
Published: August 2022

Deep learning dominates automated animal activity recognition (AAR) tasks due to high performance on large-scale datasets. However, constructing centralised data across diverse farms raises data privacy issues. Federated learning (FL) provides a distributed learning solution to train a shared model by coordinating multiple farms (clients) without sharing their private data, whereas directly applying FL to AAR tasks often faces two challenges: client-drift during local training and local gradient conflicts during global aggregation. In this study, we develop a novel FL framework called FedAAR to achieve AAR with wearable sensors. Specifically, we devise a prototype-guided local update module to alleviate the client-drift issue, which introduces a global prototype as shared knowledge to force clients to learn consistent features. To reduce gradient conflicts between clients, we design a gradient-refinement-based aggregation module to eliminate conflicting components between local gradients during global aggregation, thereby improving agreement between clients. Experiments are conducted on a public dataset to verify FedAAR’s effectiveness, which consists of 87,621 two-second accelerometer and gyroscope data. The results demonstrate that FedAAR outperforms the state-of-the-art, on precision (75.23%), recall (75.17%), F1-score (74.70%), and accuracy (88.88%), respectively. The ablation experiments show FedAAR’s robustness against various factors (i.e., data sizes, communication frequency, and client numbers).
Microbiological and Molecular Features Associated with Persistent and Relapsing Staphylococcus aureus Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Muñoz-Gallego Irene , Meléndez-Carmona María Ángeles , Lora-Tamayo Jaime , Garrido-Allepuz Carlos , Chaves Fernando , Sebastián Virginia , Viedma Esther
Published: August 2022

Background: Persistent and relapsing prosthetic joint infection (PJI) due to Staphylococcus aureus presents a clinical challenge. This study aimed to provide an extensive description of phenotypic and genomic changes that could be related to persistence or relapse. Methods: Initial and second S. aureus isolates from 6 cases of persistent and relapsing PJI, along with clinical isolates from 8 cases, with favorable outcome were included. All isolates were studied by phenotypic and genotypic approaches. Results: Recurrent S. aureus isolates exhibited a significant increase in adhesive capacity, invasion and persistence compared to resolved isolates. No association was found for the presence or absence of certain genes with the persistence or relapse of PJI. All sequential isolates showed identical sequence type (ST). Resistance gene loss during the infection and a great diversity of variants in different virulence genes between the pair of strains, mainly in genes encoding adhesins such as fnbA, were observed. Conclusions: S. aureus-caused relapse and persistence PJI is associated with bacterial phenotypical and genotypical adaptation. The main paths of adaptation were persistence in the intracellular compartment, and the loss of antibiotic resistance genes and variant acquisition, especially in genes encoding adhesins.
Risk Factors for Persistent Infection of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella in Poultry Farms, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Sanni Abdullahi O. , Onyango Joshua , Usman Abdulkadir , Abdulkarim Latifah O. , Jonker Annelize , Fasina Folorunso O.
Published: August 2022

Salmonellosis is a bacterial zoonosis causing an array of health conditions. Non-typhoidal salmonellosis (NTS) has a discrete adaptation to certain animals; in poultry, pullorum and fowl typhoid are its primary disease manifestations. The diseases are prevalent in Nigerian poultry and have been well-studied in Nigeria, but less so in North Central Nigeria (NCN). Using field sampling, laboratory methods and a semi-structured questionnaire for 1000 poultry farms in NCN, we explored the incidence and risk factors for the persistence of NTS infection in poultry. Approximately 41.6% of the farms had experienced NTS over the last 18 months. Farm experience of NTS moderately predicted awareness of salmonellosis. Increasing stock in smallholder farms, self-mixing of concentrate on the farm, usage of stream water, pen odour, non-adherence and partial adherence of farms to recommended poultry vaccination against pullorum and fowl typhoid and lack of and non-adherence to biosecurity were identified risk factors that increased the odds of NTS infection in poultry. Antibiotic use practice may have reduced the isolation rate of NTS, yet NTS continues to challenge poultry farms in Nigeria. Identified risk practices must be mitigated intentionally and biosecurity and hygiene must be improved to reduce the burden of NTS.
Successful Integration of Clinical Pharmacists in an OPAT Program: A Real-Life Multidisciplinary Circuit
Authors: Ortonobes Sara , Mujal-Martínez Abel , de Castro Julve María , González-Sánchez Alba , Jiménez-Pérez Rafael , Hernández-Ávila Manuel , De Alfonso Natalia , Maye-Pérez Ingrid , Valle-Delmás Teresa , Rodríguez-Sánchez Alba , Pino-García Jessica , Gómez-Valent Mònica
Published: August 2022

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programs encompass a range of healthcare processes aiming to treat infections at home, with the preferential use of the intravenous route. Although several barriers arise during the implementation of OPAT circuits, recent cumulative data have supported the effectiveness of these programs, demonstrating their application in a safe and cost-effective manner. Given that OPAT is evolving towards treating patients with higher complexity, a multidisciplinary team including physicians, pharmacists, and nursing staff should lead the program. The professionals involved require previous experience in infectious diseases treatment as well as in outpatient healthcare and self-administration. As we describe here, clinical pharmacists exert a key role in OPAT multidisciplinary teams. Their intervention is essential to optimize antimicrobial prescriptions through their participation in stewardship programs as well as to closely follow patients from a pharmacotherapeutic perspective. Moreover, pharmacists provide specialized counseling on antimicrobial treatment technical compounding. In fact, OPAT elaboration in sterile environments and pharmacy department clean rooms increases OPAT stability and safety, enhancing the quality of the program. In summary, building multidisciplinary teams with the involvement of clinical pharmacists improves the management of home-treated infections, promoting a safe self-administration and increasing OPAT patients’ quality of life.
A Wash of Ethyl Acetoacetate Reduces Externally Added Salmonella enterica on Tomatoes
Authors: Horne Shelley M. , Prüß Birgit M.
Published: August 2022

The continuously high numbers of food-borne disease outbreaks document that current intervention techniques are not yet satisfactory. This study describes a novel wash for tomatoes that can be used as part of the food processing chain and is designed to prevent contamination with serovars of Salmonella enterica. The wash contains ethyl acetoacetate (EAA) at a concentration of 8% in H2O. This wash reduced live bacterial counts (on Salmonella Shigella agar) of externally added S. Newport MDD14 by 2.3 log, counts of S. Typhimurium ATCC19585 by 1.5 log, and counts of S. Typhimurium FSL R6-0020 by 3.4 log. The naturally occurring background flora of the tomatoes was determined on plate count agar. The log reduction by EAA was 2.1. To mimic organic matter in the wash, we added 1% tomato homogenate to the 8% EAA solution. Prior to using the wash, the tomato homogenate was incubated with the EAA for 2 h. In the presence of the tomato homogenate, the log reductions were 2.4 log for S. Newport MDD14 and 3 log for S. Typhimurium FSL R6-0020. It seems like tomato homogenate did not reduce the efficacy of the EAA wash in the two S. enterica serovars tested. We propose the use of EAA as a wash for tomatoes to reduce bacterial counts of S. enterica well as naturally occurring background flora.
Antioxidant, Antiproliferative and Anti-Enzymatic Capacities, Nutritional Analysis and UHPLC-PDA-MS Characterization of Ungurahui Palm Fruits (Oenocarpus bataua Mart) from the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Vargas-Arana Gabriel , Merino-Zegarra Claudia , del-Castillo Ángel Martín Rodríguez , Quispe Cristina , Viveros-Valdez Ezequiel , Simirgiotis Mario J.
Published: August 2022

Ungurahui, or Patawa, fruits are a popular fruit and medicinal food used in the Amazon. Here, we have studied nine natural populations of ungurahui from the Peruvian Amazon regarding their nutritional and biological activities, including metal composition, proximal analyses, cytotoxic, antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibition activities. Twenty-four compounds have been detected in these Peruvian natural populations by UHPLC-MS, including nine phenolic acids (peaks 1–6, 8, 9 and 11), four C-glycosyl flavonoids (peaks 12, 16, 17 and 18), two flavonols (peaks 7 and 10), one flavanol (peak 15), three anthocyanins (peaks 13, 14 and 22) and five resveratrol derivatives (peaks 19–21, 23 and 24). Sample 9, Tunaants, showed the highest DPPH clearing capacity regarding the content of Trolox equivalents (2208.79 μmol Trolox/g), but an ORAC test of the sample collected in San Lorenzo showed the highest clearing activity (1222.28 μmol Trolox/g) and the sample collected in Allpahuayo Mishana showed the most powerful ABTS (1803.72 μmol Trolox/g). The sample from Jenaro Herrera was the most powerful in AChe inhibition (IC50 2.05 ± 0.03 μg/mL), followed by the sample from Contamana (IC50 2.43 ± 0.12 μg/mL). In BChE inhibition, the sample from Palestina was the most active (4.42 ± 0.06 μg/mL), followed by samples from Tunaants and San Lorenzo. The differences among bioactivities can be related to the different growing conditions of the populations of ungurahui. The palm tree fruit proved to be a good source of natural antioxidants and dietary fatty acids, and their consumption represents an alternative for the prevention of neurodegenerative or related non-chronic transmittable diseases.
Basic Cognition of Melatonin Regulation of Plant Growth under Salt Stress: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yan Feiyu , Zhao Hongliang , Wu Longmei , Huang Zhiwei , Niu Yuan , Qi Bo , Zhang Linqing , Fan Song , Ding Yanfeng , Li Ganghua , Zhang Guoliang
Published: August 2022

Salt stress severely restricts the growth of plants and threatens the development of agriculture throughout the world. Worldwide studies have shown that exogenous melatonin (MT) can effectively improve the growth of plants under salt stress. Through a meta-analysis of 549 observations, this study first explored the effects of salt stress characteristics and MT application characteristics on MT regulated plant growth under salt stress. The results show that MT has a wide range of regulatory effects on plant growth indicators under salt stress, of which the regulatory effect on root indexes is the strongest, and this regulatory effect is not species-specific. The intensity of salt stress did not affect the positive effect of MT on plant growth, but the application effect of MT in soil was stronger than that in rooting medium. This meta-analysis also revealed that the foliar application of a concentration between 100–200 μM is the best condition for MT to enhance plant growth under salt stress. The results can inspire scientific research and practical production, while seeking the maximum improvement in plant salt tolerance under salt stress.
Big Data Analysis and Visualization: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Yoo Kwan-Hee , Leung Carson K. , Nasridinov Aziz
Published: August 2022

Big data have become a core technology to provide innovative solutions in numerical applications and services in many fields [...]
Predicting the Risk of Overweight and Obesity in Madrid—A Binary Classification Approach with Evolutionary Feature Selection
Authors: Parra Daniel , Gutiérrez-Gallego Alberto , Garnica Oscar , Velasco Jose Manuel , Zekri-Nechar Khaoula , Zamorano-León José J. , Heras Natalia de las , Hidalgo J. Ignacio
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we experimented with a set of machine-learning classifiers for predicting the risk of a person being overweight or obese, taking into account his/her dietary habits and socioeconomic information. We investigate with ten different machine-learning algorithms combined with four feature-selection strategies (two evolutionary feature-selection methods, one feature selection from the literature, and no feature selection). We tackle the problem under a binary classification approach with evolutionary feature selection. In particular, we use a genetic algorithm to select the set of variables (features) that optimize the accuracy of the classifiers. As an additional contribution, we designed a variant of the Stud GA, a particular structure of the selection operator of individuals where a reduced set of elitist solutions dominate the process. The genetic algorithm uses a direct binary encoding, allowing a more efficient evaluation of the individuals. We use a dataset with information from more than 1170 people in the Spanish Region of Madrid. Both evolutionary and classical feature-selection methods were successfully applied to Gradient Boosting and Decision Tree algorithms, reaching values up to 79% and increasing the average accuracy by two points, respectively.
Theoretical and Simulation Analysis of Static and Dynamic Properties of MXene-Based Humidity Sensors
Authors: Wang Yikai , Hu Chun , Li Zhongxiang , Zheng Dezhi , Cui Fei , Yang Xiaojun
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the static and dynamic characteristics of the MXene-based IDE capacitive humidity sensor are investigated through theoretical modeling and simulation. It is found that the capacitance increases according to the thickness of the sensing film within a certain range while stopping increases along with the growth of the thickness when the thickness is over a threshold. When the thickness is at a tiny level, a larger thickness does not lead to a significant increase in the response time due to the diffusion mechanism of water molecules. When the thickness increases to certain extent, there is an evident relationship between the response time and the change of thickness. For the humidity-sensitive film, under the same relative humidity conditions, the capacitance has a positive correlation with temperature, and the response time shows the opposite trend. Subsequent studies on the sensitive mechanisms of MXene materials explain these phenomena and demonstrate the accuracy of the model. This provides a more accurate method for sensor design. The properties of the MXene capacitive humidity sensor can be optimized by changing its structure and adjusting material parameters.
Shear Sonic Prediction Based on DELM Optimized by Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm
Authors: Qiao Lei , Jia Zhining , Cui You , Xiao Kun , Su Haonan
Published: August 2022

In the geophysical exploration field, the sonic log (DT) and shear sonic log (DTS) are frequently used as quick and affordable procedures for reservoir evaluation. Due to the high acquisition costs, DTS is only accessible in a few wells within an oil/gas field. Numerous attempts have been made to establish a precise relationship between DTS and other petrophysical data. In this study, a method based on the deep extreme learning machine optimized by the improved sparrow search algorithm (ISSA-DELM) is proposed to improve the accuracy and stability of the DTS prediction. Firstly, the deep extreme learning machine (DELM) model is constructed by combining the extreme learning machine and the autoencoder algorithm. Secondly, aimed at the defects of the sparrow search algorithm (SSA), an improved sparrow search algorithm (ISSA) with the firefly search disturbance is proposed by merging the iterative strategy of the firefly algorithm and applied to optimize the initial input weights of the DELM. Finally, the ISSA-DELM is applied to the prediction of the DTS in a block of the Ordos Basin in China. The quantitative prediction results show that the RMSE, MAE, and R-square predicted by the ISSA-DELM model are 6.1255, 4.1369, and 0.9916, respectively. The comprehensive performance is better than the ELM, the DELM, and the DELM optimized by the optimization algorithms, such as the genetic algorithm (GA), the particle swarm optimization (PSO), and the SSA. Therefore, it can be concluded that the method provides an effective method for missing DTS estimation.
The Application of Eye-Tracking Technology in the Assessment of Radiology Practices: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arthur Elizabeth , Sun Zhonghua
Published: August 2022

The aim of this review is to provide an in-depth analysis of literature pertaining to the use of eye-tracking equipment in the evaluation of radiological image interpretation by professionals in clinical practice. A systematic search of current literature was conducted through the databases of CINAHL, Medline, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library. A total of 25 articles were included in the final analysis. The literature gathered referenced four main discussions, which were competency assessment, educational tools, visual search behaviour and assistive aid evaluations. The majority of articles (68%) referenced to the competency assessment of professional groups yet appeared to have conflicting results within the categories of speed and eye-metrics. Significant conclusions could be made pertaining to confidence (100%) and accuracy measurements (56%), which suggested a background of higher experience correlates to a higher rate of accuracy and a higher confidence level. Other findings regarding the main themes focused on eye-tracking as an educational tool, where the literature suggests that such equipment may be useful in improving educational repertoire and interpretation technique. Literature pertaining to the visual search behaviour analysis and the evaluation of assistive aids did not provide strong conclusions due to research limitations. Whilst the use of eye-tracking in the analysis of radiological practices is a promising new venture to quantify the interpretation patterns of professionals, undertaking future research is recommended to solidify conclusions and provide greater insight.
The Effect of Different Optical Clearing Agents on the Attenuation Coefficient and Epidermal Thickness of Human Skin Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Varaka Maria , Vardaki Martha Z. , Gaitanis Georgios , Bassukas Ioannis D. , Kourkoumelis Nikolaos
Published: August 2022

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique based on the interferometry of backscattered light. However, strong light scattering hinders its applicability in clinical dermatology. The strength of scattering is exemplified by the attenuation coefficient which is the rate of OCT signal decay in depth. Attenuation can be reduced by topical application of hyperosmotic liquids with a high refractive index, namely optical clearing agents (OCAs). In this study, we assessed the impact of different OCAs to enhance skin optical permeability in OCT images. In vivo tests were carried out to determine the OCT attenuation coefficient (μOCT) and epidermal thickness in the treated and untreated epidermis. Methods: Four OCAs were studied: Propylenglycol, propylenglycol combined with oleic acid in equal proportions (1:1 v/v), Vaseline, and liquid Vaseline. Percentage change of μOCT and epidermal thickness were estimated by OCT imaging of a healthy forearm skin, prior to the application of each OCA and after the application, at two time points, t1 = 5 min, and t2 = 90 min. μOCT was quantitatively obtained by fitting the OCT signal to a single scattering model. Results: The application of OCAs induced significant changes in both μOCT (decreased) and epidermal thickness (increased). The synergistic effect of the combined propylenglycol with oleic acid reduced the μOCT by 43% while propylenglycol induced the highest increase (33%) in epidermal thickness, both at t2. Conclusions: Topical administration of propylenglycol combined with oleic acid can reduce light attenuation in OCT imaging within the clinically relevant timeframe of 90 min.
Study of Absorbing CO2 from Emissions Using a Spray Tower
Authors: Wang Zhongcheng , Liu Xiaoyu , Li Ke
Published: August 2022

In order to reduce the environmental impact caused by CO2 emissions from ships and achieve the goal of green shipping, a spray tower using NaOH solution for the absorption of CO2 has been established in this paper. Using the characteristics of a 6135G128ZCa marine diesel engine, the CO2 absorption system was designed and mathematical models of CO2 absorption efficiency were developed. The effects of the variation in engine exhaust gas temperature, the concentration of NaOH solution, the exhaust gas velocity, different load conditions, and different nozzle types on the absorption efficiency of CO2 were thoroughly investigated experimentally. Moreover, the mechanism of CO2 absorption was analyzed. The developed model was verified by comparing the test results with the simulation results. The results of the study proved that using NaOH solution to absorb CO2 from ship exhausts could reduce the level of CO2 emissions from ships by more than 20%, which indicates that this technology could be used in the future to reduce the level of CO2 emissions from ships.