bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficiency and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma Dressing in the Treatment of Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Shang , Xing Fei , Yan Tongtong , Zhang Siya , Chen Fengchao
Published: February 2023

Recently, many clinical trials have applied platelet-rich plasma (PRP) dressings to treat wounds that have stopped healing, which are also called chronic wounds. However, the clinical efficiency of PRP dressings in treating chronic wounds is still controversial. Therefore, we conducted this study to compare PRP dressings with normal saline dressings in treating chronic wounds. Relevant randomized controlled trials focusing on utilizing PRP dressings in treating chronic wounds were extracted from bibliographic databases. Finally, 330 patients with chronic wounds, reported in eight randomized controlled trials, were included in this study. In total, 169 out of 330 (51.21%) were treated with PRP dressings, and 161 out of 330 (48.79%) were treated with normal saline dressings. The pooled results showed that the complete healing rate of the PRP group was significantly higher than that of saline group at 8 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. In addition, there were no significant differences in wound infection and adverse events. Compared with normal saline dressing, the PRP dressing could effectively enhance the prognosis of chronic wounds. Furthermore, the PRP did not increase wound infection rate or occurrence of adverse events as an available treatment for chronic wounds.
The Severity of Pain in Prostate Biopsy Depends on the Biopsy Sector
Authors: Rempega Grzegorz , Rajwa Paweł , Kępiński Michał , Ryszawy Jakub , Wojnarowicz Jakub , Kowalik Maksymilian , Krzempek Marcela , Krzywon Aleksandra , Dobrakowski Michał , Paradysz Andrzej , Bryniarski Piotr
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND: The pain experienced by a patient during a prostate fusion biopsy is cumulative and can also be modulated by many factors. The aim of the study was to assess the association between the degree of pain intensity during prostate biopsy and the region of the biopted organ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included a group of 143 patients who underwent prostate fusion biopsy under local analgesia followed by blockage of the periprostatic nerve. After a biopsy, the patients completed the original questionnaire about the pain experienced during the procedure. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in pain score between cores taken in the apex (median 5 (IQR 2–5)), medium level (median 1 (IQR 1–2)), and prostate base (median 1 (IQR 1–3)) (p < 0.001). The malignancy scale ISUP ≥ 2 (p = 0.038) and lower PSA value (r = −0.17; p = 0.046) are associated with higher pain during procedure. Biopsy time was correlated with discomfort (r = 0.19; p = 0.04). Age (p = 0.65), lesion size (p = 0.29), PI-RADS score (p = 0.86), prostate volume (p = 0.22), and the number of cores (p = 0.56) did not correspond to the pain scale. CONCLUSIONS: The apex is the most sensitive sector of the prostate. ISUP ≥ 2 and patients with low PSA levels more often indicated higher values on the pain rating scale.
Emergence from General Anaesthesia: Can We Discriminate between Emergence Delirium and Postoperative Pain?
Authors: Somaini Marta , Engelhardt Thomas , Ingelmo Pablo
Published: February 2023

Unsettled behaviors characterize the early phase after general anaesthesia in the pediatric population in up to 80% of cases. Emergence delirium (ED) and acute pain are the two most relevant sources of this phenomenon. Research and clinical guidelines are difficult to implement due to the variability of the definition of unsettled behavior and measurement of the different components. The most probable incidence of ED is between 10% and 20%, and the potential risk factors could be summarized as young age, male gender, preoperative anxiety, baseline sleep-disordered breathing, volatile anaesthesia and ENT or ophthalmologic surgery. Self-reporting behavioral and observational scales are unable to reliably differentiate between ED and pain in a child who is not fully awake, making correct treatment choices difficult. This may lead to an undertreatment of pain in agitated children or to the overuse of opioids for self-limiting ED. This paper considers the current knowledge on the identification and treatment of ED and pain and provides a pragmatic approach for daily practice.
Does the Potocki–Lupski Syndrome Convey the Autism Spectrum Disorder Phenotype? Case Report and Scoping Review
Authors: Talantseva Oksana I. , Portnova Galina V. , Romanova Raisa S. , Martynova Daria A. , Sysoeva Olga V. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: February 2023

Potocki–Lupski Syndrome (PTLS) is a rare condition associated with a duplication of 17p11.2 that may underlie a wide range of congenital abnormalities and heterogeneous behavioral phenotypes. Along with developmental delay and intellectual disability, autism-specific traits are often reported to be the most common among patients with PTLS. To contribute to the discussion of the role of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the PTLS phenotype, we present a case of a female adolescent with a de novo dup(17) (p11.2p11.2) without ASD features, focusing on in-depth clinical, behavioral, and electrophysiological (EEG) evaluations. Among EEG features, we found the atypical peak–slow wave patterns and a unique saw-like sharp wave of 13 Hz that was not previously described in any other patient. The power spectral density of the resting state EEG was typical in our patient with only the values of non-linear EEG dynamics: Hjorth complexity and fractal dimension were drastically attenuated compared with the patient’s neurotypical peers. Here we also summarize results from previously published reports of PTLS that point to the approximately 21% occurrence of ASD in PTLS that might be biased, taking into account methodological limitations. More consistent among PTLS patients were intellectual disability and speech and language disorders.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Urban Expansion in the Mountainous Hindu Kush Himalayas Region
Authors: Chao Zhenhua , Shang Zhanhuan , Fei Chengdong , Zhuang Ziyi , Zhou Mengting
Published: February 2023

As a major human activity, urbanization exerts a strong impact on the fragile ecosystem in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) region. To maintain sustainable development, reliable data on urban land change are required to assess the impact of urbanization. Here, the reliability evaluation of four global fine-resolution impervious surface area (ISA) products: global annual impervious area (GAIA), global annual urban dynamics (GAUD), global impervious surface area (GISA), and global urban expansion (GUE) was carried out. The characteristics of urban expansion for five representative cities including Kabul, Lhasa, Lijiang, Thimphu, and Xining were remarkably different. Based on the results of incremental analysis and the spatial difference of the ISA, it was found that the GAIA dataset at a 30-m spatial resolution could provide better ISA information than the others in characterizing urban expansion in the mountainous region. Subsequently, the changes in the urban area were analyzed using the GAIA dataset from 1993 to 2018. In general, human settlements had grown, with the transformation of small villages into larger towns and some towns into major cities. Urban expansion would continuously intensify the contradictions between human activity and sustainability and exert a more significant impact on the fragile ecosystem in the HKH region. More attention should be paid to the impact of urbanization on the fragile mountainous ecosystem.
Global Maps of Agricultural Expansion Potential at a 300 m Resolution
Authors: Čengić Mirza , Steinmann Zoran J. N. , Defourny Pierre , Doelman Jonathan C. , Lamarche Céline , Stehfest Elke , Schipper Aafke M. , Huijbregts Mark A. J.
Published: February 2023

The global expansion of agricultural land is a leading driver of climate change and biodiversity loss. However, the spatial resolution of current global land change models is relatively coarse, which limits environmental impact assessments. To address this issue, we developed global maps representing the potential for conversion into agricultural land at a resolution of 10 arc-seconds (approximately 300 m at the equator). We created the maps using artificial neural network (ANN) models relating locations of recent past conversions (2007–2020) into one of three cropland categories (cropland only, mosaics with >50% crops, and mosaics with <50% crops) to various predictor variables reflecting topography, climate, soil, and accessibility. Cross-validation of the models indicated good performance with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.88–0.93. Hindcasting of the models from 1992 to 2006 revealed a similar high performance (AUC of 0.83–0.91), indicating that our maps provide representative estimates of current agricultural conversion potential provided that the drivers underlying agricultural expansion patterns remain the same. Our maps can be used to downscale projections of global land change models to more fine-grained patterns of future agricultural expansion, which is an asset for global environmental assessments.
Using Scenario Building and Participatory Mapping to Negotiate Conservation-Development Trade-Offs in Northern Ghana
Authors: Bayala Eric Rega Christophe , Asubonteng Kwabena Owusu , Ros-Tonen Mirjam , Djoudi Houria , Siangulube Freddie Sayi , Reed James , Sunderland Terry
Published: February 2023

In multifunctional landscapes, expanding economic activities jeopardise the integrity of biodiverse ecosystems, generating conservation-development trade-offs that require multi-stakeholder dialogue and tools to negotiate conflicting objectives. Despite the rich literature on participatory mapping and other tools to reveal different stakeholder perspectives, there is limited evidence on the application of such tools in landscape-scale negotiations. This paper addresses this gap by analysing a participatory mapping process in Ghana’s Western Wildlife Corridor, where a community-based landscape governance system called the community resource management area (CREMA) exists. Data from three participatory mapping workshops and focus group discussions with community and institutional actors reveal that increasing demand for food and natural resources and climate change impacts are drivers of landscape degradation, resulting in declining faunal and floral biodiversity and reduced ecosystem services. Meanwhile, community actors prioritise the expansion of farming land, while institutional actors prioritise forest conservation. However, scenario building and participatory mapping helped communicate each other’s aims and reach a negotiated consensus. Finally, power relations, cultural and traditional rules, and differences in knowledge affected deliberations and decision-making. We conclude that scenario building and participatory mapping can contribute to an inclusive landscape approach, provided that well-functioning multi-stakeholder platforms are in place and facilitators adequately navigate power imbalances and recognise different kinds and degrees of knowledge.
Evolution Characteristics of Wetland Landscape Pattern and Its Impact on Carbon Sequestration in Wuhan from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Song Jufang , Zhang Ruidong , Wang Yiran , Huang Jingnan
Published: February 2023

The wetland ecosystem is an important organic carbon pool on earth, and rich carbon storage and high carbon density are present in wetland vegetation and soil. However, large areas of wetlands have been drained, the area of wetlands has shrunk, and the degree of fragmentation has intensified due to rapid urbanization in the past 20 years. Enhancing ecological carbon sequestration capacity is a key task of carbon peaking and neutrality, and studying the carbon sequestration function of urban wetland is urgently needed. In this work, the wetland in Wuhan was taken as the main research object. The landscape pattern index of Wuhan wetland was calculated and the evolution characteristics of landscape pattern were analyzed using the remote sensing image interpretation data from 2000 to 2020. CASA model was used to estimate the carbon sequestration of wetlands and explore the spatial and temporal distribution pattern of carbon sequestration. Spearman correlation was used to study the effects of different landscape pattern parameters on carbon sequestration. Results indicate the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the total wetland area in Wuhan has been reduced by 158.99 km2, among which the area of lakes, reservoirs and marshes decreased by 60.65 km2, 55.51 km2 and 41.77 km2, respectively. The density of wetland patches and the degree of fragmentation and irregularity increased, and the LPI, aggregation degree and diversity decreased. (2) In the past 20 years, the total carbon sequestration amount of wetland in Wuhan first decreased and then increased, among which the carbon sequestration in wetland was the lowest in 2010 (571,900 t). The amount of carbon sequestration in 2020 was the same as that in 2000, reaching 800,000 t. (3) A larger wetland area means more concentrated and denser distribution, more complex shape, more diverse type, and stronger carbon sequestration capacity for Wuhan wetland. On the contrary, the distribution of wetlands becomes more fragmented and regular, and the disordered planning leads to the reduction in wetland types in a unit area, which will decrease the carbon sink capacity of urban wetlands.
A Dual-Motivation System in L2 and L3 Learning: A Theoretical Framework and Pedagogical Application
Authors: Bui Gavin
Published: February 2023

This article is an attempt to conceptualise the possibility of two coexisting language learning motivational subsystems for an existing L2 (or L2s) and an L3 currently being learnt, which gives rise to a complex dynamic dual-motivational system. As is generally accepted, an L2 in second language acquisition is defined as any language learned in addition to a person’s first language, which can be the second, third or any other subsequent language. Partly because of this, there appeared to be an assumption that L2 motivation, in general, could be applied to all these “L2s”. In more recent studies, however, it was pointed out that L3 learning may sometimes have an adverse influence on one’s lexical activation, L2 identity, or general L2 motivation. In particular, L2 and L3 motivations have been conceptualised as two quite distinct yet related systems. Against this backdrop, this article argues that L2 and L3 (with any subsequent languages) deserve discrete statuses, as do the motivations of learning them. It then follows that there exists a dual-motivation system for multilinguals. From a Complexity Dynamic Systems Theory perspective, this paper presents an up-to-date review of the mutual influences between languages among multilingual learners, discusses the similarities and differences between L2 and L3 motivational systems, and, most interestingly, explores the interaction between the two types of additional language learning motivation among multilinguals. This article ends with a close look into how the notion of a dual-motivation system could shed light on L2 and L3 pedagogies. It suggests how teachers could maintain existing learning motivation when another language is introduced to one’s linguistic repertoire and avoid detrimental effects that might thus be caused.
Effect of Fermentation on the Nutritional Quality of the Selected Vegetables and Legumes and Their Health Effects
Authors: Knez Eliza , Kadac-Czapska Kornelia , Grembecka Małgorzata
Published: February 2023

Vegetables are rich in many vitamins, mineral components, antioxidants, and macronutrients. However, they also contain high levels of anti-nutrients, which reduce the bioavailability of some nutritionally essential components such as zinc or iron. The processing of vegetables, including microbial fermentation, reduces or neutralizes tannins and phytates, which results in greater bioavailability of vitamins and minerals. Another effect of bacterial processing is an increased antioxidant potential, which has been linked to the release of polyphenols from complexes with anti-nutritional ingredients. Moreover, there were identified bioactive substances such as γ-aminobutyric acid or inhibitors of an angiotensin-converting enzyme in fermented vegetables. These substances may support the treatment of lifestyle diseases, such as depression or hypertension. However, there are still no data about these substances’ bioavailability after the consumption of fermented vegetables. Additionally, fermented foods are rich in probiotic microorganisms, where the main group is lactic acid bacteria. The effect of fermentation on each vegetable is different. This should be a reason to expand our knowledge as more innovative and untested fermented products appear on the market.
De Novo Hybrid Assembled Draft Genome of Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhandari Reveals Key Enzymes Involved in Phytosterol Biosynthesis
Authors: Banerjee Rudra Prasad , Tiwari Gopal Ji , Joshi Babita , Jena Satya Narayan , Sidhu Om Prakash , Meena Baleshwar , Rana Tikam S. , Barik Saroj K.
Published: February 2023

Genome sequence and identification of specific genes involved in the targeted secondary metabolite biosynthesis are two essential requirements for the improvement of any medicinal plant. Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhandari (family: Burseraceae), a medicinal plant native to Western India, produces a phytosterol guggulsterone, which is useful for treating atherosclerosis, arthritis, high cholesterol, acne, and obesity. For enhanced guggulsterone yield, key genes involved in its biosynthesis pathway need to be predicted, for which the genome sequence of the species is a pre-requisite. Therefore, we assembled the first-ever hybrid draft genome of C. wightii with a genome size of 1.03 Gb and 107,221 contigs using Illumina and PacBio platforms. The N50 and L50 values in this assembled genome were ~74 Kb and 3486 bp, respectively with a guanine–cytosine (GC) content of 35.6% and 98.7%. The Benchmarking Universal Single Copy Ortholog (BUSCO) value indicated good integrity of assembly. Analysis predicted the presence of 31,187 genes and 342.35 Mb repeat elements in the genome. The comparative genome analysis of C. wightii with relevant orthogroups predicted a few key genes associated with phytosterol biosynthesis and secondary metabolism pathways. The assembled draft genome and the predicted genes should help the future variety development program with improved guggulsterone contents in C. wightii.
Study on the Nano-Friction Behavior of Nickel-Based Ag Film Composites Based on Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Chen Wenbang , Chen Weihua , Zhu Zongxiao , Zheng Min , Wei Xingchun , Shi Tianzuo , Qu Dingfeng
Published: February 2023

The nano-friction behavior of nickel-based Ag film composites was evaluated using molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanical properties, the surface morphology, the migration behavior of Ag atoms and the defect evolution during repeated friction were investigated. Our results show that the poor mechanical properties of the Ag film surface at the first stage of friction are related to a large amount of abrasive chip pileup. The slip channel with low shear strength formed by secondary friction significantly reduces the friction coefficient of the Ag film surface. Meanwhile, the migration of Ag atoms at the two-phase interface relies mainly on the repeated friction of the grinding ball, and the friction coefficient of the nickel surface decreases as the number of migrating atoms increases. In addition, the extension of defects inside the Ag film and atomic displacement is hindered by the two-phase interface. The defects inside the Ag film near the friction zone gradually evolve from an intrinsic stacking fault to a horizontal stacking fault as the friction proceeds. This is attributed to the horizontal layer-by-layer motion of Ag atoms, promoting the formation of horizontal stacking faults.
A Real-World Cost-Effectiveness Study Evaluating Imaging Strategies for the Diagnostic Workup of Renal Colic in the Emergency Department
Authors: Kepka Sabrina , Zarca Kevin , Ohana Mickaël , Hoffmann Anne , Muller Joris , Le Borgne Pierrick , Andrès Emmanuel , Bilbault Pascal , Durand Zaleski Isabelle
Published: February 2023

Introduction Both non-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) are used for the diagnosis of renal colic in the emergency department (ED). Although US reduces radiation exposure, its diagnostic accuracy is inferior to that of CT. In this context, data regarding the cost and organizational impact of these strategies represent essential elements in the choice of imaging; however, they remain poorly documented. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to compare the costs and effectiveness of diagnostic workup by US and CT for patients consulting with renal colic in the ED. Methods We conducted a monocentric real-life retrospective study of patients consulting for a renal colic in an ED between 1 July 2018 and 31 December 2018. We estimated length of stay (LOS), total hospital costs at 60 days including ED, and initial and repeat admissions. Patients with initial US in the ED were compared to patients with initial CT using inverse probability weighting of the propensity score calculated from demographic variables, vital parameters, and clinical presentation. We calculated the incremental cost effectiveness ratio as the difference in costs by the difference in LOS. The variability of the results was assessed using non-parametric bootstrapping. Results In this study, of the 273 patients included, 67 were patients assessed with US and 206 with CT. The average costs were €1159 (SD 1987) and €956 (SD 1462) for US and CT, respectively, and the ED LOS was 8.9 [CI 95% 8.1; 9.4] and 8.7 [CI 95% 7.9; 9.9] hours for US and CT, respectively. CT was associated with a decreased LOS by 0.139 [CI 95% −1.1; 1.5] hours and was cost-saving, with a €199 [CI 95% −745; 285] reduction per patient. Conclusion When imaging is required in the ED for suspected renal colic as recommended, there is real-life evidence that CT is a cost-effective strategy compared to US, reducing costs and LOS in the ED.
Investigation on Mechanical Properties and Oxidation Behavior of 1.2 and 1.7 GPa Grades Coating-Free Press-Hardened Steels
Authors: Chai Zhisong , Lu Qi , Tedesco Sarah , Shi Mingfeng , Coryell Jason , Reini Luke , Lai Qingquan , Wang Jianfeng , Wang Lingyu , Xu Wei
Published: February 2023

Al-Si-coated boron-alloyed steels are the most widely used press-hardened steels (PHSs), which offers good oxidation resistance during hot forming due to the presence of the near eutectic Al-Si coating. In this study, a recently developed novel un-coated oxidation resistant PHS, called coating-free PHS (CF-PHS), is introduced as an alternative to the commercial Al-Si coated PHSs. With tailored additions of Cr, Mn, and Si, the new steel demonstrates superior oxidation resistance with a sub-micron oxide layer after the conventional hot stamping process. Hence, it does not require shot blasting before the subsequent welding and E-coating process. Two CF-PHS grades have been developed with ultimate tensile strengths of approximately 1.2 and 1.7 GPa, respectively. Both grades have a total elongation of 8–9%, exceeding the corresponding Al-Si-coated PHS grades (1.0 GPa/6–7%, 1.5 GPa/6–7%). Furthermore, the bendability of CF-PHS was similar to the corresponding Al-Si PHS grades. On the other hand, performance evaluations relevant to automotive applications, such as weldability, the E-coat adhesion, and tailor-welded hot stamp door ring, were also conducted on the CF-PHS steel to satisfy the requirements of manufacturing.
A Predictive Methodology for Temperature, Heat Generation and Transfer in Gigacycle Fatigue Testing
Authors: Klein Fiorentin Felipe , Reis Luis , Lesiuk Grzegorz , Reis Ana , de Jesus Abílio
Published: February 2023

Recently, a trend in fatigue testing related to increasing excitation frequencies during experiments has been observed. This tendency is a product of both necessity and available technological capabilities. Regarding the last, advances in control and excitation systems made it possible to perform tests at impressive frequencies, beyond the tenths of kHz. Performing fatigue tests much faster is indeed very motivating, representing less time and money spent. On the other hand, such high testing frequencies create some challenges, such as the requirement of measurement systems capable of working with high sample rates and excessive heat generation on the testing samples. The last one is especially critical for fatigue once the mechanical properties, such as the elasticity modulus and yield strength, are highly dependent on the temperature. Therefore, being able to predict and control the sample temperature during fatigue testing is essential. The main goal of the present work is to provide a formulation for estimating the heat generation and specimen temperature during high frequency testing, namely in the ultra-high cycle fatigue (UHCF) regime. Several metallic alloys and specimen geometries were tested, and the model results were compared with experimental temperature measurements. The developed model was able to properly characterize the temperature trend over time. In addition, a script was developed and made publicly available.
Influence of Probiotic Feed Supplement on Nosema spp. Infection Level and the Gut Microbiota of Adult Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: Tlak Gajger Ivana , Nejedli Srebrenka , Cvetnić Luka
Published: February 2023

Honeybees’ gut microbiota can provide new valuable access into the pathogenesis-related factors included in infections. Hence, we researched the presence and comparison of gut microbiota groups in control and Nosema spp.-infected honeybee colonies through high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA. As the newest approach in apiary management, we hypothesize that the EM® probiotic for bees could have an important role in therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects on honeybee colonies. The aim of this study was to estimate its impact on the gut microbiota composition of adult honeybees. The major genera were detected, where Lactobacillus was the most abundant genus, followed by Gilliamela, Snodgrassella, and Bifidobacterium. Inoculation with Nosema spp. spores made the relative proportions of Bifidobacterium lower, which was ameliorated by EM® for bees’ application. In addition, EM® for bee applied treatments suppressed the increase in the number of Nosema spp. spores. This result points out that continuous EM® for bees treatment shall change bees’ gut microbiome composition and mitigate the influence of Nosema spp. infection. Snodgrassella alvi was a major member of the honeybee gut microbiota and may be significantly increased by long-term treatment with EM® for bees. Toward these results, it is possible that EM® for bees treatment will protect honeybees from herbicide glyphosate negative effects in agricultural fields by improving microbiome and immune functions.
Root Rot of Cinnamomum camphora (Linn) Presl Caused by Phytopythium vexans in China
Authors: Xiao Yatong , Li Min , Chen Fengmao
Published: February 2023

As a famous street tree, camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is widely planted worldwide. However, in recent years, camphor with root rot was observed in Anhui Province, China. Based on morphological characterization, thirty virulent isolates were identified as Phytopythium species. Phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU rDNA, β-tubulin, coxI, and coxII sequences assigned the isolates to Phytopythium vexans. Koch’s postulates were fulfilled in the greenhouse, and the pathogenicity of P. vexans was determined by root inoculation tests on 2-year-old camphor seedlings; the symptoms of indoor inoculation were consistent with those in the field. P. vexans can grow at 15–30 °C, with an optimal growth temperature of 25–30 °C. The results of fungicide sensitivity experiments indicated that P. vexans was the most sensitive to metalaxyl hymexazol, which may be a useful idea for the future prevention and control management of P.vexans. This study provided the first step for further research on P. vexans as a pathogen of camphor, and provided a theoretical basis for future control strategies.
Chemical Defense against Herbivory in the Brown Marine Macroalga Padina gymnospora Could Be Attributed to a New Hydrocarbon Compound
Authors: Pereira Renato Crespo , Paradas Wladimir Costa , de Carvalho Rodrigo Tomazetto , de Lima Moreira Davyson , Kelecom Alphonse , Passos Raoni Moreira Ferreira , Atella Georgia Correa , Salgado Leonardo Tavares
Published: February 2023

Brown marine macroalga Padina gymnospora (Phaeophyceae, Ochrophyta) produces both secondary metabolites (phlorotannins) and precipitate calcium carbonate (CaCO3—aragonite) on its surface as potential defensive strategies against herbivory. Here, we have evaluated the effect of natural concentrations of organic extracts (dichloromethane—DI; ethyl acetate—EA and methanol—ME, and three isolated fractions) and mineralized tissues of P. gymnospora as chemical and physical resistance, respectively, against the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus through experimental laboratory feeding bioassays. Fatty acids (FA), glycolipids (GLY), phlorotannins (PH) and hydrocarbons (HC) were also characterized and/or quantified in extracts and fractions from P. gymnospora using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography (GC) coupled to mass spectrometry (CG/MS) or GC coupled to flame ionization detector (FID) and chemical analysis. Our results showed that chemicals from the EA extract of P. gymnospora were significantly important in reducing consumption by L. variegatus, but the CaCO3 did not act as a physical protection against consumption by this sea urchin. An enriched fraction containing 76% of the new hydrocarbon 5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-heneicosatetraene exhibited a significant defensive property, while other chemicals found in minor amounts, such as GLY, PH, saturated and monounsaturated FAs and CaCO3 did not interfere with the susceptibility of P. gymnospora to L. variegatus consumption. We suggest that the unsaturation of the 5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-heneicosatetraene from P. gymnospora is probably an important structural characteristic responsible for the defensive property verified against the sea urchin.
New Low Morphine Opium Poppy Genotype Obtained by TILLING Approach
Authors: Červeň Jiří , Vrbovský Viktor , Horáček Jiří , Bartas Martin , Endlová Lenka , Pečinka Petr , Čurn Vladislav
Published: February 2023

The opium poppy’s ability to produce various alkaloids is both useful and problematic. Breeding of new varieties with varying alkaloid content is therefore an important task. In this paper, the breeding technology of new low morphine poppy genotypes, based on a combination of a TILLING approach and single-molecule real-time NGS sequencing, is presented. Verification of the mutants in the TILLING population was obtained using RT-PCR and HPLC methods. Only three of the single-copy genes of the morphine pathway among the eleven genes were used for the identification of mutant genotypes. Point mutations were obtained only in one gene (CNMT) while an insertion was obtained in the other (SalAT). Only a few expected transition SNPs from G:C to A:T were obtained. In the low morphine mutant genotype, the production of morphine was decreased to 0.1% from 1.4% in the original variety. A comprehensive description of the breeding process, a basic characterization of the main alkaloid content, and a gene expression profile for the main alkaloid-producing genes is provided. Difficulties with the TILLING approach are also described and discussed.
A Proteomics Insight into Advancements in the Rice–Microbe Interaction
Authors: Wei Lirong , Wang Dacheng , Gupta Ravi , Kim Sun Tae , Wang Yiming
Published: February 2023

Rice is one of the most-consumed foods worldwide. However, the productivity and quality of rice grains are severely constrained by pathogenic microbes. Over the last few decades, proteomics tools have been applied to investigate the protein level changes during rice–microbe interactions, leading to the identification of several proteins involved in disease resistance. Plants have developed a multi-layered immune system to suppress the invasion and infection of pathogens. Therefore, targeting the proteins and pathways associated with the host’s innate immune response is an efficient strategy for developing stress-resistant crops. In this review, we discuss the progress made thus far with respect to rice–microbe interactions from side views of the proteome. Genetic evidence associated with pathogen-resistance-related proteins is also presented, and challenges and future perspectives are highlighted in order to understand the complexity of rice–microbe interactions and to develop disease-resistant crops in the future.
Modified Firefly Optimization Algorithm-Based IDS for Nature-Inspired Cybersecurity
Authors: Shandilya Shishir Kumar , Choi Bong Jun , Kumar Ajit , Upadhyay Saket
Published: February 2023

The new paradigm of nature-inspired cybersecurity can establish a robust defense by utilizing well-established nature-inspired computing algorithms to analyze networks and act quickly. The existing research focuses primarily on the efficient selection of features for quick and optimized detection rates using firefly and other nature-inspired optimization techniques. However, selecting the most appropriate features may be specific to the network, and a different set of features may work better than the selected one. Therefore, there is a need for a generalized pre-processing step based on the standard network monitoring parameters for the early detection of suspicious nodes before applying feature-based or any other type of monitoring. This paper proposes a modified version of the firefly optimization algorithm to effectively monitor the network by introducing a novel health function for the early detection of suspicious nodes. We implement event management schemes based on the proposed algorithm and optimize the observation priority list based on a genetic evolution algorithm for real-time events in the network. The obtained simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm under various attack scenarios. In addition, the results indicate that the proposed method reduces approximately 60–80% of the number of suspicious nodes while increasing the turnaround time by only approximately 1–2%. The proposed method also focuses specifically on accurate network health monitoring to protect the network proactively.
Development of Agar Substitute Formulated with Mucilage and Pectin from Opuntia Local Waste Matter for Cattleya sp. Orchids In Vitro Culture Media
Authors: Sánchez-Gutiérrez Arantza Elena , Soto-Zarazúa Genaro Martín , España-Sánchez Beatriz Liliana , Rodríguez-González Sarahí , Zamora-Castro Sergio
Published: February 2023

The technology for reproducing orchids in vitro has had to evolve due to the demand for these plants and the high cost of the biotechnology used due to the agar, the gelling agent. Consequently, research has tended to search for natural substitutes for agar. Our work describes the use of pectin and mucilage hydrocolloids extracted from the local waste matter of two species of Opuntia (O. ficus-indica and O. robusta) to study as a gelling agent in vitro culture media for Cattleya sp. These hydrocolloids were obtained by alkaline hydrolysis. Subsequently, these were used in proportions of 0.8%, 0.6%, 0.4%, and 0.2% in combination with agar to study the gelation time, texture profile analysis (TPA), seed germination under light and dark conditions, and a phenological study, including orchid analyses of leaves and roots, root and leaf length, seedling height, and width of the best-designed treatment were studied. Our results demonstrate that the treatment composed of 0.4% O. ficus-indica pectin and 0.4% agar improves the germination time, plant growth, and the number of leaves and roots, resulting in a biostimulant formula for optimal in vitro growth of Cattleya sp.
Stastaball: Design and Control of a Statically Stable Ball Robot
Authors: Fornarelli Luca , Young Jack , McKenna Thomas , Koya Ebenezer , Hedley John
Published: February 2023

Ballbots are omnidirectional robots in which a robot chassis is built and balanced on top of a ball, thereby allowing for a highly manoeuvrable platform on a planar surface. However, the stability of such robots is performed dynamically with the use of a suitable controller, and thus, power to such robots must be continually maintained. In this paper, a novel approach to the ballbot design is presented in which unpowered static stability is maintained mechanically by a suitable choice of position for the centre of mass of the robot. The simulations of the design and a built prototype evidence the feasibility of such an approach, demonstrating static stability and performance parameters of three degrees of freedom movement, linear speeds of 0.05 m/s, rotation angular speed of 1 rad/s and the ability to traverse inclines up to 3°. Limitations in performance were predominantly due to compressibility of the ball used and power of the motors. Areas for future development to address these issues are suggested.
Development of an Active Optical Lens for Arc Flashing Detection
Authors: Awramiuk Paweł , Sadowska Karolina , Wiater Jarosław , Sajewicz Dariusz , Kochanowicz Marcin , Walendziuk Wojciech , Żmojda Jacek M.
Published: February 2023

This paper contains the design of active optical lenses used for the detection of arc flashing emissions. The phenomenon of an arc flashing emission and its characteristics were contemplated. Methods of preventing these emissions in electric power systems were discussed as well. The article also includes a comparison of commercially available detectors. An analysis of the material properties of fluorescent optical fiber UV-VIS-detecting sensors constitutes a major part of the paper. The main purpose of the work was to make an active lens using photoluminescent materials, which can convert ultraviolet radiation into visible light. As part of the work, active lenses with materials such as Poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate) (PMMA) and phosphate glass doped with lanthanides, such as terbium (Tb3+) and europium (Eu3+) ions, were analyzed. These lenses were used to make optical sensors, which were supported by commercially available sensors in their construction.
Nano-Enriched Self-Powered Wireless Body Area Network for Sustainable Health Monitoring Services
Authors: Mokhtar Bassem , Kandas Ishac , Gamal Mohammed , Omran Nada , Hassanin Ahmed H. , Shehata Nader
Published: February 2023

Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the creation of novel materials with specific electrical and physical characteristics. This leads to a significant development in the industry of electronics that can be applied in various fields. In this paper, we propose a fabrication of nanotechnology-based materials that can be used to design stretchy piezoelectric nanofibers for energy harvesting to power connected bio-nanosensors in a Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN). The bio-nanosensors are powered based on harvested energy from mechanical movements of the body, specifically the arms, joints, and heartbeats. A suite of these nano-enriched bio-nanosensors can be used to form microgrids for a self-powered wireless body area network (SpWBAN), which can be used in various sustainable health monitoring services. A system model for an SpWBAN with an energy harvesting-based medium access control protocol is presented and analyzed based on fabricated nanofibers with specific characteristics. The simulation results show that the SpWBAN outperforms and has a longer lifetime than contemporary WBAN system designs without self-powering capability.
Road User Position and Speed Estimation via Deep Learning from Calibrated Fisheye Videos
Authors: Berviller Yves , Ansarnia Masoomeh Shireen , Tisserand Etienne , Schweitzer Patrick , Tremeau Alain
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we present a deep learning processing flow aimed at Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADASs) for urban road users. We use a fine analysis of the optical setup of a fisheye camera and present a detailed procedure to obtain Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) coordinates along with the speed of the moving objects. The camera to world transform incorporates the lens distortion function. YOLOv4, re-trained with ortho-photographic fisheye images, provides road user detection. All the information extracted from the image by our system represents a small payload and can easily be broadcast to the road users. The results show that our system is able to properly classify and localize the detected objects in real time, even in low-light-illumination conditions. For an effective observation area of 20 m × 50 m, the error of the localization is in the order of one meter. Although an estimation of the velocities of the detected objects is carried out by offline processing with the FlowNet2 algorithm, the accuracy is quite good, with an error below one meter per second for urban speed range (0 to 15 m/s). Moreover, the almost ortho-photographic configuration of the imaging system ensures that the anonymity of all street users is guaranteed.
Effect of Clutter Filter in High-Frame-Rate Ultrasonic Backscatter Coefficient Analysis
Authors: Omura Masaaki , Yagi Kunimasa , Nagaoka Ryo , Yoshida Kenji , Yamaguchi Tadashi , Hasegawa Hideyuki
Published: February 2023

High-frame-rate imaging with a clutter filter can clearly visualize blood flow signals and provide more efficient discrimination with tissue signals. In vitro studies using clutter-less phantom and high-frequency ultrasound suggested a possibility of evaluating the red blood cell (RBC) aggregation by analyzing the frequency dependence of the backscatter coefficient (BSC). However, in in vivo applications, clutter filtering is required to visualize echoes from the RBC. This study initially evaluated the effect of the clutter filter for ultrasonic BSC analysis for in vitro and preliminary in vivo data to characterize hemorheology. Coherently compounded plane wave imaging at a frame rate of 2 kHz was carried out in high-frame-rate imaging. Two samples of RBCs suspended by saline and autologous plasma for in vitro data were circulated in two types of flow phantoms without or with clutter signals. The singular value decomposition was applied to suppress the clutter signal in the flow phantom. The BSC was calculated using the reference phantom method, and it was parametrized by spectral slope and mid-band fit (MBF) between 4–12 MHz. The velocity distribution was estimated by the block matching method, and the shear rate was estimated by the least squares approximation of the slope near the wall. Consequently, the spectral slope of the saline sample was always around four (Rayleigh scattering), independently of the shear rate, because the RBCs did not aggregate in the solution. Conversely, the spectral slope of the plasma sample was lower than four at low shear rates but approached four by increasing the shear rate, because the aggregations were presumably dissolved by the high shear rate. Moreover, the MBF of the plasma sample decreased from −36 to −49 dB in both flow phantoms with increasing shear rates, from approximately 10 to 100 s−1. The variation in the spectral slope and MBF in the saline sample was comparable to the results of in vivo cases in healthy human jugular veins when the tissue and blood flow signals could be separated.
In-Orbit Calibration of Phase Retardance for Channeled Spectropolarimeter
Authors: Dong Youzhi , Ju Xueping , Yuan Jing , Yan Changxiang , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2023

The phase retardance of the optical system (PROS) is a crucial factor limiting the accuracy of the Stokes vector reconstruction for the channeled spectropolarimeter. The dependence on reference light with a specific angle of polarization (AOP) and the sensitivity to environmental disturbance brings challenges to the in-orbit calibration of PROS. In this work, we propose an instant calibration scheme with a simple program. A function with a monitoring role is constructed to precisely acquire a reference beam with a specific AOP. Combined with numerical analysis, high-precision calibration without the onboard calibrator is realized. The simulation and experiments prove the effectiveness and anti-interference characteristics of the scheme. Our research under the framework of fieldable channeled spectropolarimeter shows that the reconstruction accuracy of S2 and S3 in the whole wavenumber domain are 7.2 × 10−3 and 3.3 × 10−3, respectively. The highlight of the scheme is to simplify the calibration program and ensure that the PROS high-precision calibration is not disturbed by the orbital environment.
Deep Learning-Empowered Digital Twin Using Acoustic Signal for Welding Quality Inspection
Authors: Ji Tao , Mohamad Nor Norzalilah
Published: February 2023

Weld site inspection is a research area of interest in the manufacturing industry. In this study, a digital twin system for welding robots to examine various weld flaws that might happen during welding using the acoustics of the weld site is presented. Additionally, a wavelet filtering technique is implemented to remove the acoustic signal originating from machine noise. Then, an SeCNN-LSTM model is applied to recognize and categorize weld acoustic signals according to the traits of strong acoustic signal time sequences. The model verification accuracy was found to be 91%. In addition, using numerous indicators, the model was compared with seven other models, namely, CNN-SVM, CNN-LSTM, CNN-GRU, BiLSTM, GRU, CNN-BiLSTM, and LSTM. A deep learning model, and acoustic signal filtering and preprocessing techniques are integrated into the proposed digital twin system. The goal of this work was to propose a systematic on-site weld flaw detection approach encompassing data processing, system modeling, and identification methods. In addition, our proposed method could serve as a resource for pertinent research.
Three-Dimensional Digital Zooming of Integral Imaging under Photon-Starved Conditions
Authors: Yeo Gilsu , Cho Myungjin
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we propose new three-dimensional (3D) visualization of objects at long distance under photon-starved conditions. In conventional three-dimensional image visualization techniques, the visual quality of three-dimensional images may be degraded because object images at long distances may have low resolution. Thus, in our proposed method, we utilize digital zooming, which can crop and interpolate the region of interest from the image to improve the visual quality of three-dimensional images at long distances. Under photon-starved conditions, three-dimensional images at long distances may not be visualized due to the lack of the number of photons. Photon counting integral imaging can be used to solve this problem, but objects at long distance may still have a small number of photons. In our method, a three-dimensional image can be reconstructed, since photon counting integral imaging with digital zooming is used. In addition, to estimate a more accurate three-dimensional image at long distance under photon-starved conditions, in this paper, multiple observation photon counting integral imaging (i.e., N observation photon counting integral imaging) is used. To show the feasibility of our proposed method, we implement the optical experiments and calculate performance metrics, such as peak sidelobe ratio. Therefore, our method can improve the visualization of three-dimensional objects at long distances under photon-starved conditions.