bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential New Therapeutic Approaches Based on Punica granatum Fruits Compared to Synthetic Anthelmintics for the Sustainable Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep
Authors: Castagna Fabio , Bava Roberto , Musolino Vincenzo , Piras Cristian , Cardamone Antonio , Carresi Cristina , Lupia Carmine , Bosco Antonio , Rinaldi Laura , Cringoli Giuseppe , Palma Ernesto , Musella Vincenzo , Britti Domenico
Published: October 2022

Parasites, in particular, gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) represent one of the main burdens affecting small ruminant farming and pose a serious threat to their health, welfare, productivity, and reproduction. The correct management of animals and the correct use of anthelmintic drugs are the pillars of the GIN control programs for small ruminants. However, globally due to the indiscriminate use of synthetic anthelmintics, there is a significant increase in anthelmintic resistance phenomena to one or more classes of drugs. Even if such a problem never represented a serious threat in southern Italy because of the favourable environmental conditions and because of the good farm management, the phenomenon is actually showing a steep increasing trend and requires alternative treatment measures and constant monitoring. The use of phytotherapies is considered a valuable alternative approach for GIN control in small ruminants and could help with reducing the amount of synthetic drugs used and the forthcoming anthelmintic resistance. From this perspective, the Calabria territory offers a wide number of plants with anthelmintic efficacy that could be helpful for this purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of aqueous pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) macerate compared to the treatment with Ivermectin and Albendazole in sheep naturally infected with GINs. The pomegranate macerate derives from the ethnoveterinary knowledge of the Calabria region, Southern Italy. The anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated according to the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRt) using the FLOTAC techniques in two sheep farms in Southern Italy. The FECR was calculated from individual samples using the formula FECR = 100 × (1 − [T2/C2]). The treatment with Albendazole in the first farm showed an efficacy of 99.8% after 14 days and 94.8% after 21 days, while the treatment with Ivermectin in the second farm showed an efficacy of 99.9% after 14 days and 96.5% after 21 days of treatment. The pomegranate macerate, in both farms, showed a value of efficacy of around 50% from day 7 to day 21 after the treatment. Previous studies highlighted the presence of gallic acid as the main component in the pomegranate macerate, and its efficacy in nematode control has been as well previously demonstrated in other plant extracts. This in vivo study demonstrated the unequivocal efficacy of plant macerate in easily reducing 50% of the number of GIN eggs in sheep faeces. These results, obtained without the use of synthetic anthelmintics, indicate the use of green veterinary pharmacology as a sustainable alternative to the use of synthetic drugs to reduce the increase in drug resistance phenomena and the environmental impact.
Carcass and Offal Yields of Farmed Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx) Males, as Affected by Age and Immunocastration
Authors: Needham Tersia , Musa Abubakar Sadiq , Kotrba Radim , Ceacero Francisco , Hoffman Louwrens Christiaan , Lebedová Nicole , Bureš Daniel
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the effects of immunocastration and slaughter age on the carcass yield performance of intensively farmed common eland males. Eighteen male eland (five immunocastrated juveniles, three intact juveniles, five immunocastrated sub-adults, and five intact sub-adults) were finished for four months, after which their carcass, offal, primal cut, and individual muscle yields were determined. Juveniles were ~6 months of age at the start of the experiment, while sub-adults were ~1.5 years old. Primal cuts were dissected to determine the percentage yields of meat, bones (with tendons), separable fat, and trimmings. Immunocastration had no effect on offal or carcass yields. While sub-adults had increased individual muscle yields, juveniles had greater proportionate yields of primal cuts and a greater total high-value: low-value meat ratio. Whilst slaughtering younger male eland could provide additional economic advantages, this should be considered being against changing marketing trends.
Phylogenetic Relationships of the Strongyloid Nematodes of Australasian Marsupials Based on Mitochondrial Protein Sequences
Authors: Sukee Tanapan , Beveridge Ian , Koehler Anson V. , Hall Ross S. , Gasser Robin B. , Jabbar Abdul
Published: October 2022

Australasian marsupials harbour a diverse group of gastrointestinal strongyloid nematodes. These nematodes are currently grouped into two subfamilies, namely the Cloacininae and Phascolostrongylinae. Based on morphological criteria, the Cloacininae and Phascolostrongylinae were defined as monophyletic and placed in the family Cloacinidae, but this has not been supported by molecular data and they are currently placed in the Chabertiidae. Although molecular data (internal transcribed spacers of the nuclear ribosomal RNA genes or mitochondrial protein-coding genes) have been used to verify morphological classifications within the Cloacininae and Phascolostrongylinae, the phylogenetic relationships between the subfamilies have not been rigorously tested. This study determined the phylogenetic relationships of the subfamilies Cloacininae and Phascolostrongylinae using amino acid sequences conceptually translated from the twelve concatenated mitochondrial protein-coding genes. The findings demonstrated that the Cloacininae and Phascolostrongylinae formed a well-supported monophyletic assemblage, consistent with their morphological classification as an independent family, Cloacinidae. Unexpectedly, however, the subfamily Phascolostrongylinae was split into two groups comprising the genera from macropodid hosts (kangaroos and wallabies) and those from vombatid hosts (wombats). Genera of the Cloacininae and Phascolostrongylinae occurring in macropodid hosts were more closely related compared to genera of the Phascolostrongylinae occurring in wombats that formed a sister relationship with the remaining genera from macropods. These findings provide molecular evidence supporting the monophyly of the family Cloacinidae and an alternative hypothesis for the origin of marsupial strongyloid nematodes in vombatid hosts that requires further exploration using molecular approaches and additional samples
Perceptions of Fear and Anxiety in Horses as Reported in Interviews with Equine Behaviourists
Authors: Rogers Suzanne , Bell Catherine
Published: October 2022

One of the key welfare concerns for horses in the United Kingdom is lack of recognition of fear in horses. This study aimed to gain an understanding of how well horse care givers recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses by interviewing equine behaviourists (who interact with large numbers of horse care givers and talk to them about this topic routinely). The experiences of Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)-registered equine behaviourists working with horse caregivers were examined, including the ability of clients to recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses, how clients respond when discussing fear as the reason for their horse’s behaviour, and what explanations the participants use to explain fear and anxiety. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants and analysed using thematic analysis before being written up to reflect the discussion points. When asked how well horse caregivers recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses, three key response themes emerged: caregivers are extremely poor at recognizing fear and anxiety in horses; some clients do recognise behavioural signs indicating fear and/or anxiety but only the overt signs (e.g., rearing, running away) rather than the more subtle signs (e.g., tension in face, subtle avoidance behaviours such as a hesitant gait); and fear and/or anxiety behaviour is often misinterpreted or mislabelled. These key themes recurred throughout several other interview questions. This study has provided initial insights into the lack of recognition of fear and anxiety of horses by their caregivers in the United Kingdom as well as tried and tested approaches to conversations to change this. Such synthesis of experience and techniques across the equine behaviour sector, together with the information gained regarding perception of equine caregivers, could be a valuable approach to improve the effectiveness of behaviour consultations and welfare initiatives.
Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles and Mannan Oligosaccharide Supplementation on Growth Performance, Stress Indicators, and Intestinal Microarchitecture of Broilers Reared under High Stocking Density
Authors: Rehman Hafiz Faseeh ur , Zaneb Hafsa , Masood Saima , Yousaf Muhammad Shahbaz , Hayat Khizar , Majeed Khalid Abdul , Zeeshan Muhammad , Ashraf Saima , Khan Imad , Khan Adnan , Rehman Habib
Published: October 2022

The current study investigated the potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation in ameliorating high stocking density (HSD) stress in broilers. A total of 392 day-old male chicks were divided into seven groups with eight replicates (n = 7): NSD [basal diet (BD) + normal stocking density: 10 bird/m2], HSD [BD + high stocking density: 16 bird/m2], Se–HSD [BD + Selenium (Se) 0.15 mg/kg], MOS–HSD (BD + MOS 5 gm/kg), Se–MOS–HSD (BD + Se 0.15 mg/kg and MOS 5 gm/kg), SeNPs–HSD (BD + SeNPs 0.15 mg/kg) and SeNPs–MOS–HSD (BD + SeNPs 0.15 mg/kg and MOS-5 gm/kg). HSD stress decreased (p < 0.05) weekly body weight and body weight gain and increased (p < 0.05) FCR compared to the NSD group. Supplementation with SeNPs and the SeNPs–MOS combination improved (p < 0.05) the weekly body weight and FCR in HSD-stressed broilers during the 5th and 6th weeks. On day 21, HSD stress decreased (p < 0.05) duodenal villus height (VH) and villus surface area (VSA) and increased (p < 0.05) serum corticosterone and cholesterol compared to the NSD group. Supplementation with the SeNPs–MOS combination increased (p < 0.05) duodenal VH and VH:CD, and jejunal total goblet cell (TGC) density and decreased (p < 0.05) serum corticosterone and cholesterol and ileal intra-epithelial lymphocyte (IEL) density in HSD-stressed broilers. On day 42, HSD stress decreased (p < 0.05) duodenal and jejunal VH, VSA, VH:CD, PCNA positive cell density and TGC density, Ileal VSA and TGC density, and increased (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol and ileal IEL density compared to the NSD group. Supplementation with the SeNPs–MOS combination increased (p < 0.05) spleen and bursa absolute weights, duodenal VH, VSA, VH:CD, PCNA positive cell density and jejunal VH, VH:CD, and decreased (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol and ileal IEL density in HSD-stressed broilers. Our findings signify that HSD is stressful for broilers particularly during the finishing phase. Supplementation with the SeNPs–MOS combination mitigated HSD stress by partially improving the gut microarchitecture, gut barrier function and performance indicators.
Incidence of Inadequate Transfer of Passive Immunity in Dairy Heifer Calves in South Australia
Authors: Skirving Rebel , Bottema Cynthia D. K. , Laven Richard , Hue Do T. , Petrovski Kiro R.
Published: October 2022

The objective of this observational study was to estimate the incidence of inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI) on five pasture-based dairy farms in South Australia. Heifer calf uptake of colostrum was evaluated within the first 1–7 days of age (n = 2638) using a digital refractometer to estimate each calf’s serum total protein concentration, as an indicator of colostrum uptake. Results of <51 g/L indicated inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI). The data showed that the incidence of ITPI on the farms was 6.5%, 31.3%, 48.8%, 49.7% and 52.4%. The incidence of ITPI was calculated in relation to the age of the calf at testing and the breed of calf, and no significant differences were found. A significant difference was found in the incidence of ITPI when comparing the calf’s first feed after separation from the dam (colostrum versus a colostrum-transition milk mixture). The farm with the lowest incidence of ITPI collected calves twice a day, measured colostrum quality on farm with a Brix refractometer and ensured that each calf received an appropriate amount of high-quality colostrum soon after collection. Further studies are required to establish the risk factors of ITPI in South Australian dairy heifers.
Individual and Combined Effects of Diseases and Cytological Endometritis on Reproductive Performance and Culling of Dairy Cows: Preliminary Results
Authors: Valdmann Merle , Kurykin Jevgeni , Waldmann Andres
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of calving-related disorders/clinical diseases (DIS) and cytological endometritis (CYTO) on the reproductive performance and culling of dairy cows. In a total of 119 multiparous Holstein cows, DIS were recorded and CYTO was diagnosed at 40 ± 2 d in milk. Onset of luteal activity was defined as the first postpartum measurement of milk progesterone >5 ng/mL. A dummy variable containing all four possible permutations between DIS and CYTO statuses was created. The pregnancy rates after first artificial insemination were 57.7, 42.9, 23.0 and 15.8% for the DIS−/CYTO−, DIS+/CYTO−, DIS−/CYTO+ and DIS+/CYTO+ groups, respectively. The hazard of pregnancy was affected by DIS−/CYTO+ and DIS+/CYTO+ health statuses (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.43 and 0.29, respectively), whereas DIS+/CYTO− and DIS−/CYTO− cows had a similar hazard to pregnancy. The hazard of onset of luteal activity was affected by DIS+/CYTO+ health status (HR = 0.45), but not by DIS+/CYTO− and DIS−/CYTO+ health statuses. Compared with DIS−/CYTO− cows, DIS−/CYTO+ and DIS+/CYTO+ cows had 4.24 and 5.57 times the odds of being culled, respectively. Culling was not affected by DIS+/CYTO− health status. In conclusion, CYTO+ status, irrespective of DIS status, decreased the pregnancy rate. When DIS+ and CYTO+ were combined, they had an additive negative effect. Our preliminary findings suggest that the far-reaching consequences of clinical diseases on fertility and culling can be mediated through the development of CYTO. Further investigations including a larger number of cows are required to confirm these results.
Antibiotic Susceptibility and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Ocular Infections
Authors: Ho Margaret Ming-Chih , Sun Ming-Hui , Wu Wei-Chi , Lai Chi-Chun , Yeh Lung-Kun , Hwang Yih-Shiou , Hsiao Ching-Hsi , Chen Kuan-Jen
Published: October 2022

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) is a Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen that can lead to ocular infections, such as keratitis and endophthalmitis. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibiotic susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of S. maltophilia isolates from ocular infections and to evaluate the differences in antibiotic MICs between keratitis and endophthalmitis isolates. The disc diffusion method revealed that S. maltophilia isolates exhibited 91% susceptibility to levofloxacin and moxifloxacin and 61% susceptibility to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMX). The E-test indicated that S. maltophilia isolates exhibited 40%, 100%, 72%, 91%, 91%, and 93% susceptibility to ceftazidime, tigecycline, TMP–SMX, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin, respectively. The MIC90 values of amikacin, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, tigecycline, TMP–SMX, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin were >256, >256, >256, 3, >32, 1, 2, and 0.75 µg/mL, respectively. The geometric mean MICs of ceftazidime, TMP–SMX, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin were significantly lower for the keratitis isolates than for the endophthalmitis isolates (p = 0.0047, 0.003, 0.0029, 0.0003, and 0.0004, respectively). Fluoroquinolones showed higher susceptibility and lower MICs for the S. maltophilia isolates when compared with other antibiotics. Fluoroquinolones can be recommended for treating S. maltophilia ocular infections. Tigecycline and TMP–SMX could be alternative antibiotics for S. maltophilia ocular infections.
Fosfomycin Pharmacokinetic Profile in Plasma and Urine and Quantitative Estimation in Prostate and Seminal Vesicles after One and Two Consecutive Doses of Oral Fosfomycin Trometamol in Healthy Male Volunteers
Authors: Di Stefano Andrea F. D. , Radicioni Milko M. , Morano Francesca , Gentili Alessandra , Mallat Elena , Cuomo Dario , Mazzarella Tonia , Di Fonzo Veronica
Published: October 2022

The present Phase I study investigated, for the first time, fosfomycin pharmacokinetics in humans after two 3 g doses of fosfomycin trometamol administered 27 h apart, according to the dose regimen recommended for the prophylactic indication for transrectal prostate biopsy in adult men. Plasma, urine and seminal plasma concentrations were measured after one and two consecutive doses in 24 healthy men, representative of the target population of the prophylactic indication. Prostate and seminal vesicle concentrations were estimated based on seminal plasma concentrations using a one-step regression method. The exposure to fosfomycin was very similar in rate (Cmax, tmax) after one and two doses. The AUC showed a minimal increment. On average, the apparent volume of distribution was high (>100 L), and the mean clearance had an intermediate value. The total amount and dose fraction of fosfomycin excreted in urine showed a small increment after two doses. The renal clearance was about 5 L/h. The fosfomycin concentration in the prostate and seminal vesicles showed that the antibiotic increased on average after two consecutive doses. This result confirmed the ability of fosfomycin to distribute into the prostate and into seminal vesicles after one single dose and that a two consecutive dose regimen increases the antibiotic availability inside these peripheral tissues.
Genome Mining and Metabolic Profiling Reveal Cytotoxic Cyclodipeptides in Streptomyces hygrospinosus var. Beijingensis
Authors: Zhang Dashan , Wang Junbo , Qiao Yongjian , Lin Baixin , Deng Zixin , Kong Lingxin , You Delin
Published: October 2022

Two new cyclodipeptide (CDP) derivatives (1–2) and another seven known cyclodipeptides (3–9) were isolated from Streptomyces 26D9-414 by the genome mining approach combined with genetic dereplication and the “one strain many compounds” (OSMAC) strategy. The structures of the new CDPs were established on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR and comparative electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra analysis. The biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for these CDPs were identified through antiSMASH analysis. The relevance between this cdp cluster and the identified nine CDPs was established by genetic interruption manipulation. The newly discovered natural compound 2 displayed comparable cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and SW480 with that of cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of various cancers.
Oxidative Potential in Exhaled Air (OPEA) as a Tool for Predicting Certain Respiratory Disorders in the General Adult Population: Cross-Sectional Analysis Nested in the Swiss Health Study
Authors: Guseva Canu Irina , Hemmendinger Maud , Toto Antonio , Wild Pascal , Veys-Takeuchi Caroline , Bochud Murielle , Suárez Guillaume
Published: October 2022

In a pilot clinical study, OPEA allowed for distinguishing participants with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study aimed to assess whether abnormal spirometry parameters and immunity against SARS-CoV-2 are associated with increased OPEA and estimating the OPEA reference interval. Swiss adult residents of the Vaud Canton aged 20–69 years randomly selected from the Federal Statistical Office’s registries, speaking French or German, were included and examined between 1 October 2020 and 31 December 2021. General health status and presence of respiratory diseases were assessed by questionnaire and spirometry. Spirometric results were compared with the predicted values and their lower limits of norms of the Global Lung Function Initiative. SARS-CoV-2-seroprevalence was assessed using the Luminex-based test of IgG. Statistical analysis consisted of unilateral t-tests and ANOVA. Lower and upper limit of OPEA reference interval with associated 90%-confidence interval (90%CI) were estimated for the sub-sample of healthy adults by bootstrap, after excluding outliers. The study sample included 247 participants. SARS-CoV-2-seropositive participants and those with an obstructive syndrome had a significantly higher OPEA than seronegative and healthy participants. The estimated reference interval was: −0.0516 (90%CI = −0.0735; −0.0316); −0.0044 (90%CI = −0.0224; 0.0153). OPEA could predict inflammatory-based respiratory disorders, but needs further validation in different settings and for other pathologies.
Carica papaya Reduces Muscle Insulin Resistance via IR/GLUT4 Mediated Signaling Mechanisms in High Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Type-2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Roy Jeane Rebecca , Janaki Coimbatore Sadagopan , Jayaraman Selvaraj , Periyasamy Vijayalakshmi , Balaji Thotakura , Vijayamalathi Madhavan , Veeraraghavan Vishnu Priya
Published: October 2022

In the management of type 2 diabetes, oral antidiabetic drugs have several side effects, which in turn have led the pharmaceutical industry to search for good therapeutic, non-toxic and reliable drugs. Carica papaya (C. papaya) is one of several plants in nature that have been found to possess anti-diabetic properties. Despite studies being focused on the antidiabetic activity of C. papaya, the molecular mechanism against high fat diet induced insulin resistance is yet to be identified. The role of C. papaya was evaluated on insulin signaling molecules, such as the insulin receptor (IR) and glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) in high fat, diet-streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats, and analyzed the bioactive compounds of C. papaya against IR and GLUT4 via molecular docking and dynamics. The ethanolic extract of C. papaya leaves (600 mg/kg of body weight) was given daily to male wistar rats for 45 days and we observed the various biochemical parameters, gene expression analysis and histopathology of skeletal muscle. Molecular docking and dynamics were undertaken to understand the bioactive compounds with the greatest hit rate. C. papaya treatment was able to control blood glucose levels, the lipid profile and serum insulin, but it facilitated tissue antioxidant enzymes and IR and GLUT4 levels. The in-silico study showed that kaempferol, quercitin and transferulic acid were the top three ligands with the greatest hit rate against the protein targets. Our preliminary findings, for the first time, showed that C. papaya reinstates the glycemic effect in the diabetic skeletal muscle by accelerating the expression of IR and GLUT4.
Effect of Tomato Pomace Addition on Chemical, Technological, Nutritional, and Sensorial Properties of Cream Crackers
Authors: Nakov Gjore , Brandolini Andrea , Estivi Lorenzo , Bertuglia Katia , Ivanova Nastia , Jukić Marko , Komlenić Daliborka Koceva , Lukinac Jasmina , Hidalgo Alyssa
Published: October 2022

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of tomato pomace (TP) addition on the chemical, nutritional, and technological characteristics of cream crackers made from wheat flour and 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% TP. The TP-enriched cream crackers showed progressively increasing ash (from 0.69 of the control to 1.22 g/100 g dry matter of the 10% TP sample), fat (from 11.39 to 13.04 g/100 g), protein (from 13.53 to 15.60 g/100 g), total dietary fibre (from 4.08 to 7.80), carotenoids (from 0.55 to 8.56 mg/kg), tocols (from 57.59 to 71.63 mg/kg), free phenolic acids (from 100.08 to 277.37 mg/kg), free flavonoids (from 0.0 to 45.28 mg/kg), bound flavonoids (from 0.0 to 27.71 mg/kg), and fatty acids contents, antioxidant activity and dough viscosity. The colour coordinates increased via augmenting the amounts of TP. Thickness, volume, and specific volume decreased gradually with increasing TP; the enrichment reduced cracker hardness from 65.42 N (control) to 26.28 N (crackers with 10% TP), while the snapping force rose. Cream crackers with 8% TP showed the best sensory quality. Tomato pomace addition improves the nutritional quality of foods; furthermore, its recycling will help to solve the problems linked to the disposal of this industry waste.
Hesperetin, a Promising Dietary Supplement for Preventing the Development of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Zhao Hengli , Xian Gaopeng , Zeng Jingxin , Zhong Guoheng , An Dongqi , Peng You , Hu Dongtu , Lin Yingwen , Li Juncong , Su Shuwen , Ning Yunshan , Xu Dingli , Zeng Qingchun
Published: October 2022

Background: No effective therapeutic agents for calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) are available currently. Dietary supplementation has been proposed as a novel treatment modality for various diseases. As a flavanone, hesperetin is widely abundant in citrus fruits and has been proven to exert protective effects in multiple diseases. However, the role of hesperetin in CAVD remains unclear. Methods: Human aortic valve interstitial cells (VICs) were isolated from aortic valve leaflets. A mouse model of aortic valve stenosis was constructed by direct wire injury (DWI). Immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry were used to investigate the roles of sirtuin 7 (Sirt7) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in hesperetin-mediated protective effects in VICs. Results: Hesperetin supplementation protected the mice from wire-injury-induced aortic valve stenosis; in vitro, hesperetin inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of NF-κB inflammatory cytokine secretion and osteogenic factors expression, reduced ROS production and apoptosis, and abrogated LPS-mediated injury to the mitochondrial membrane potential and the decline in the antioxidant levels in VICs. These benefits of hesperetin may have been obtained by activating Nrf2–ARE signaling, which corrected the dysfunctional mitochondria. Furthermore, we found that hesperetin could directly bind to Sirt7 and that the silencing of Sirt7 decreased the effects of hesperetin in VICs and potently abolished the ability of hesperetin to increase Nrf2 transcriptional activation. Conclusions: Our work demonstrates that hesperetin plays protective roles in the aortic valve through the Sirt7–Nrf2–ARE axis; thus, hesperetin might be a potential dietary supplement that could prevent the development of CAVD.
Shear Response of Lime/GGBS-Stabilised High-Sulphate-Bearing Clay under Consolidated-Undrained Conditions
Authors: Eyo Eyo , Abbey Samuel
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the consolidated undrained shear behaviour of a stabilised high-sulphate soil system. Lime was used to stabilise the soil with the inclusion of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as an ettringite suppressor. Both volumetric changes and shear strength responses of the stabilised soil containing various proportions (10%, 20%, and 30%) of sulphates were examined with corresponding pore pressure developments and stress path changes using a modern computer-controlled stress-path triaxial system. Results indicated greater volume change for the non-stabilised soils containing lower amounts of sulphates. This shows that calcium sulphate, which is a soluble salt with relatively less alkalinity, is capable of binding particles of soils together. The amount of volume change increased with the quantity of sulphates in the stabilised soil even though the quantity of GGBS utilised as an ettringite suppressor was twice more than that of the lime. This was attributed to the unreacted gypsum (calcium sulphate) used, which resulted in a decrease in the overall specific weight, thus affecting the texture of the stabilised mix and causing an increment in pore sizes. Generally, the stabilised sulphate soils showed some initial ductile responses with the yielding followed by an almost perfectly plastic behaviour up to about 6–8% of the strain before finally undergoing small amounts of strain-softening. Lastly, higher levels of plastic failure were achieved and at higher constant effective stress for the stabilised soils containing lower percentages of sulphates.
Design Optimization for the Coating of Machine Tools Based on Eye-Tracking Experiments and Virtual Reality Technology
Authors: Ni Minna , Ni Ni , Liu Huimin , Jiang Lei , Mo Weiping
Published: October 2022

The coating design of machine tools refers to the exterior appearance of a machine tool and is an important method for improving the user experience and brand image. In this study, we studied and optimized the coating design of serial CNC cylindrical grinder machines of the Shanghai Machinery Factory in China using eye-tracking experiments and virtual reality technology. Firstly, based on eye-tracking technology, experiments were carried out on various elements of the coating design of the machine tools. Secondly, the experimental data were analyzed to extract design criteria that fit the user’s visual habits and to determine the details of the coating design optimization. Thirdly, the design scheme was verified using virtual reality technology and a user questionnaire survey. The results show that it provides support for the optimization of the design and working efficiency of machine tool coatings in enterprises. Future work should investigate optimization design tools that include ergonomics based on vision experiments and virtual reality.
The Effect of Turmeric Rhizome on the Inhibition of Lipid Oxidation and the Quality of Vacuum-Packed Pork Meatloaf
Authors: Draszanowska Anna , Karpińska-Tymoszczyk Mirosława , Simões Manuel , Olszewska Magdalena A.
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of turmeric rhizome at 1% and 3% on quality features, oxidative stability, and the microbiological safety of pork meatloaf. Vacuum-packed meatloaves were stored at 4 °C and sampled on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. The turmeric rhizome at both addition levels slowed the oxidative changes during storage. However, the most favorable inhibitory effect was demonstrated for meatloaf with 1% turmeric. Adding turmeric rhizome increased the color saturation (C*) and the hue angle (h°), shifting h° from orange towards yellow. In the sensory evaluation, the meatloaf with 1% turmeric was rated the highest for the most superior distinguishing features, including overall quality. Microbiological analysis showed that the heat treatment was effective, and that adding turmeric rhizome might have increased the product’s safety. It is believed that turmeric rhizome at 1% could be the additive that best enhances the quality of pork meatloaf.
Least-Squares Reverse Time Migration of Primary and Internal Multiple Predicted by the High-Order Born Modeling Method
Authors: Chen Ruiding , Han Liguo , Zhang Pan
Published: October 2022

Multiples can cause artifacts in imaging; however, they contain information about underground structures. If the internal multiples are removed as a noise, the information contained by the internal multiple will also be removed. This will cause loss of some useful structures in the image. If the multiples and the primary can be separated from the recorded seismic data for imaging, the information contained by the multiples can be used and the artifacts can be attenuated. Here we developed a method to separate the primary and internal multiples and use them in least squares reverse time migration (LSRTM). This method first separates the primary and the internal multiples in the data residual and predicts the wavefield of the primary and internal multiples in a forward- propagated wavefield. We use the high-order Born modeling method to predict the internal multiples. In this method, the internal multiples can be achieved by forward modeling of three times in the time domain. In the internal multiple prediction process, we get the wavefield of the primary and internal multiples in the forward-propagated wavefield. Then, by introducing the weighting matrix, we established the objective function for imaging of the primary and the internal multiples separately. In the calculation of gradient, we use the correlation of primary in the forward-propagated wavefield with the backward-propagated wavefield of the primary in the data residual, and internal multiples in the forward-propagated with the backward-propagated wavefield of internal multiples in the data residual. In this method, the multiple prediction process provided the internal multiples to suppress the artifacts, and LSRTM constructed the model for the multiple prediction process. Finally, we performed numerical tests using synthetic data, and the results indicated that the LSRTM without the internal multiple can suppress not only the artifacts of internal multiples but also some useful structures below the salt dome. LSRTM with primary and internal multiples can suppress the artifact of internal multiples, and the useful structures below the salt dome are compensated in the image.
Design of Siamese Network for Underwater Target Recognition with Small Sample Size
Authors: Liu Dali , Shen Wenhao , Cao Wenjing , Hou Weimin , Wang Baozhu
Published: October 2022

The acquisition of target data for underwater acoustic target recognition (UATR) is difficult and costly. Although deep neural networks (DNN) have been used in UATR, and some achievements have been made, the performance is not satisfactory when recognizing underwater targets with different Doppler shifts, signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), and interferences. On the basis of this, this paper proposed a Siamese network with two identical one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNN) that recognize the detection of envelope modulation on noise (DEMON) spectra of underwater target-radiated noise. The parameters of underwater samples were diverse, but the states of the collected samples were very homogeneous. Traditional underwater target recognition uses multi-state samples to train the network, which is costly. This article trained the network using samples from a single state. The expectation was to be able to identify samples with different parameters. Datasets of targets with different Doppler shifts, SNRs, and interferences were designed to evaluate the generalization performance of the proposed Siamese network. The experimental results showed that when recognizing samples with Doppler shifts, the classification accuracy of the proposed network reached 95.3%. For SNRs, the classification accuracy reached 85.5%. The outstanding generalization ability of the proposed model shows that it is suitable for practical engineering applications.
Applying the Geostatistical Eigenvector Spatial Filter Approach into Regularized Regression for Improving Prediction Accuracy for Mass Appraisal
Authors: McCord Michael , Lo Daniel , Davis Peadar , McCord John , Hermans Luc , Bidanset Paul
Published: October 2022

Prediction accuracy for mass appraisal purposes has evolved substantially over the last few decades, facilitated by the evolution in big data, data availability and open source software. Accompanying these advances, newer forms of geo-spatial approaches and machine learning (ML) algorithms have been shown to help improve house price prediction and mass appraisal assessment. Nonetheless, the adoption a of ML within mass appraisal has been protracted and subject to scrutiny by assessment jurisdictions due to their failure to account for spatial autocorrelation and limited practicality in terms of value significant estimates needed for tribunal defense and explainability. Existing research comparing traditional regression approaches has tended to examine unsupervised ML methods such as Random Forest (RF) models which remain more esoteric and less transparent in producing value significant estimates necessary for mass appraisal explainability and defense. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to apply the supervised Regularized regression technique which offers a more transparent alternative, and integrate this with a more nuanced geo-statistical technique, the Eigenvector Spatial Filter (ESF) approach, to more accurately account for spatial autocorrelation and enhance prediction accuracy whilst improving explainability needed for mass appraisal exercises. By undertaking such an approach, the research demonstrates the application of this method can be easily adopted for property tax jurisdictions in a framework which is more interpretable, transparent and useable within mass appraisal given its simple and appealing approach. The findings reveal that the integration of the ESFs improves model explainability, prediction accuracy and spatial residual error compared to baseline classical regression and Elastic-net regularized regression architectures, whilst offering the necessary ‘front-facing’ and flexible structure for in-sample and out-of-sample assessment needed by the assessment community for valuing the unsold housing stock. In terms of policy and practice, the study demonstrates some important considerations for mass appraisal tax assessment and for the improvement of taxation assessment and the alleviation of horizontal and vertical inequity.
Designing a Deep Q-Learning Model with Edge-Level Training for Multi-Level Task Offloading in Edge Computing Networks
Authors: Zendebudi Ahmad , Choudhury Salimur
Published: October 2022

Even though small portable devices are becoming increasingly more powerful in terms of processing power and power efficiency, there are still workloads that require more computational capacity than these devices offer. Examples of such workloads are real-time sensory input processing, video game streaming, and workloads relating to IoT devices. Some of these workloads such as virtual reality, however, require very small latency; hence, the workload cannot be offloaded to a cloud service. To tackle this issue, edge devices, which are closer to the user, are used instead of cloud servers. In this study, we explore the problem of assigning tasks from mobile devices to edge devices in order to minimize the task response latency and the power consumption of mobile devices, as they have limited power capacity. A deep Q-learning model is used to handle the task offloading decision process in mobile and edge devices. This study has two main contributions. Firstly, training a deep Q-learning model in mobile devices is a computational burden for a mobile device; hence, a solution is proposed to move the computation to the connected edge devices. Secondly, a routing protocol is proposed to deliver task results to mobile devices when a mobile device connects to a new edge device and therefore is no longer connected to the edge device to which previous tasks were offloaded.
Centrifugal Test Replicated Numerical Model Updating for 3D Strutted Deep Excavation with the Response-Surface Method
Authors: Hassan Md Mehidi , Yun Jong Seok , Rahman Md Motiur , Choo Yun Wook , Han Jin-tae , Kim Dookie
Published: October 2022

Centrifugal tests provide an efficacious experimental process to predict the behavior of deep excavations, and numerical models are indispensable for demonstrating the test results and analyzing the engineering demand parameters. Uncertainty in material properties can cause simulations to differ from tests; therefore, updating the model becomes inevitable. This study presents a response-surface-based model updating technique for the nonlinear three-dimensional simulation of the centrifugal testing model of strutted deep excavation in sand. An overview of the fundamentals of the response-surface model is provided, including selecting uncertain parameters as input factors, creating a design order for training the model, building a second-order polynomial surface, and updating the input factors through targeted centrifugal results. The bending strains of diaphragm wall panels at multiple points along the depth are used to form the multiobjective function. Response-surface model predictions were well-matched with actual numerical responses, with less than a 0.5% difference. Parametric analyses could be conducted utilizing this updated strutted deep excavation model.
Simplified Polydispersion Analysis of Small-Angle Scattering Data
Authors: Carsughi Flavio
Published: October 2022

With polydisperse inhomogeneities, the analysis of small-angle scattering (SAS) data is possible by fitting the experimental data to theoretical models. Despite scientific software being available for this task, many scientists in different fields prefer other techniques for their investigations. With the simplified polydispersion analysis (SPA) presented here, it is possible to analyse the SAS data in a much simpler way. A straightforward interpolation of SAS data using any commercial software, requiring no advanced computational skills, allows the determination of the size distribution function (SDF) of the polydisperse inhomogeneities. Here, this innovative approach was tested against simulated SAS data of spherical inhomogeneities, as well as experimental data with excellent results. The results reported here offer new opportunities for many scientists to use the SAS technique to investigate polydisperse systems.
Free Vibration Analysis of Thick Annular Functionally Graded Plate Integrated with Piezo-Magneto-Electro-Elastic Layers in a Hygrothermal Environment
Authors: Kiarasi Faraz , Babaei Masoud , Asemi Kamran , Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco
Published: October 2022

The present work aims at investigating the hygrothermal effect on the natural frequencies of functionally graded (FG) annular plates integrated with piezo-magneto-electro-elastic layers resting on a Pasternak elastic foundation. The formulation is based on a layer-wise (LW) theory, where the Hamiltonian principle is used to obtain the governing equation of the problem involving temperature- and moisture-dependent material properties. The differential quadrature method (DQM) is applied here as a numerical strategy to solve the governing equations for different boundary conditions. The material properties of FG annular plates are varied along the thickness based on a power law function. The accuracy of the proposed method is, first, validated for a limit-case example. A sensitivity study of the free vibration response is, thus, performed for different input parameters, such as temperature and moisture variations, elastic foundation, boundary conditions, electric and magnetic potential of piezo-magneto-electro-elastic layers and geometrical ratios, with useful insights from a design standpoint.
Analysis of Freeze–Thaw Response and Pore Characteristics of Artificially Frozen Soft Soil under Combined Formation Seepage
Authors: Zhou Jie , Guo Zhongqiu , Wang Chuanhe , Li Zeyao , Zhou Huade , Pei Wansheng
Published: October 2022

Artificial ground freezing (AGF) is a widely used method in coastal tunnel construction and reinforcement. With more and more underground construction in coastal areas, clay–sand combined formation, which is common in coastal areas, brings more challenges to AGF. In this paper, the frost–thaw characteristics of soft clay during AFG under the construction of combined formation seepage were studied by model test. It was found that the shape of the freezing curtain changed under the condition of seepage, and the water content of the upper soft soil layer decreased markedly after settlement. Subsequently the micro characteristics of melted soil by CT were also conducted for further mechanism analysis, and it was indicated that the distribution of CT number had obvious segmentation characteristics along the height. Finally, the 3D structure of melted clay was reconstructed, and a method was proposed to calculate freeze–thaw settlement through CT numbers.
Hybrid Genetic Algorithm−Based BP Neural Network Models Optimize Estimation Performance of Reference Crop Evapotranspiration in China
Authors: Qin Anzhen , Fan Zhilong , Zhang Liuzeng
Published: October 2022

Precise estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is of significant importance in hydrologic processes. In this study, a genetic algorithm (GA) optimized back propagation (BP) neural network model was developed to estimate ET0 using different combinations of meteorological data across various climatic zones and seasons in China. Fourteen climatic locations were selected to represent five major climates. Meteorological datasets in 2018–2020, including maximum, minimum and mean air temperature (Tmax, Tmin, Tmean, °C) and diurnal temperature range (∆T, °C), solar radiation (Ra, MJ m−2 d−1), sunshine duration (S, h), relative humidity (RH, %) and wind speed (U2, m s−1), were first subjected to correlation analysis to determine which variables were suitable as input parameters. Datasets in 2018 and 2019 were utilized for training the models, while datasets in 2020 were for testing. Coefficients of determination (r2) of 0.50 and 0.70 were adopted as threshold values for selection of correlated variables to run the models. Results showed that U2 had the least r2 with ET0, followed by ∆T. Tmax had the greatest r2 with ET0, followed by Tmean, Ra and Tmin. GA significantly improved the performance of BP models across different climatic zones, with the accuracy of GABP models significantly higher than that of BP models. GABP0.5 model (input variables based on r2 > 0.50) had the best ET0 estimation performance for different seasons and significantly reduced estimation errors, especially for autumn and winter seasons whose errors were larger with other BP and GABP models. GABP0.5 model using radiation/temperature data is highly recommended as a promising tool for modelling and predicting ET0 in various climatic locations.
Ambulatory Monitoring of Subglottal Pressure Estimated from Neck-Surface Vibration in Individuals with and without Voice Disorders
Authors: Cortés Juan P. , Lin Jon Z. , Marks Katherine L. , Espinoza Víctor M. , Ibarra Emiro J. , Zañartu Matías , Hillman Robert E. , Mehta Daryush D.
Published: October 2022

The aerodynamic voice assessment of subglottal air pressure can discriminate between speakers with typical voices from patients with voice disorders, with further evidence validating subglottal pressure as a clinical outcome measure. Although estimating subglottal pressure during phonation is an important component of a standard voice assessment, current methods for estimating subglottal pressure rely on non-natural speech tasks in a clinical or laboratory setting. This study reports on the validation of a method for subglottal pressure estimation in individuals with and without voice disorders that can be translated to connected speech to enable the monitoring of vocal function and behavior in real-world settings. During a laboratory calibration session, a participant-specific multiple regression model was derived to estimate subglottal pressure from a neck-surface vibration signal that can be recorded during natural speech production. The model was derived for vocally typical individuals and patients diagnosed with phonotraumatic vocal fold lesions, primary muscle tension dysphonia, and unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Estimates of subglottal pressure using the developed method exhibited significantly lower error than alternative methods in the literature, with average errors ranging from 1.13 to 2.08 cm H2O for the participant groups. The model was then applied during activities of daily living, thus yielding ambulatory estimates of subglottal pressure for the first time in these populations. Results point to the feasibility and potential of real-time monitoring of subglottal pressure during an individual’s daily life for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of voice disorders.