bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freezing stress response of wild and cultivated chickpeas
Authors: Kalve Shweta , House Megan Alexandra , Tar’an Bunyamin
Published: February 2024

Chickpea is an economically and nutritionally important grain legume globally, however, cold stress has adverse effects on its growth. In cold countries, like Canada where the growing season is short, having cold stress-tolerant varieties is crucial. Crop wild relatives of chickpea, especially Cicer reticulatum, can survive in suboptimal environments and are an important resource for crop improvement. In this study, we explored the performance of eleven C. reticulatum wild accessions and two chickpea cultivars, CDC Leader and CDC Consul, together with a cold sensitive check ILC533 under freezing stress. Freezing tolerance was scored based on a 1-9 scale. The wild relatives, particularly Kesen_075 and CudiA_152, had higher frost tolerance compared to the cultivars, which all died after frost treatment. We completed transcriptome analysis via mRNA sequencing to assess changes in gene expression in response to freezing stress and identified 6,184 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CDC Consul, and 7,842 DEGs in Kesen_075. GO (gene ontology) analysis of the DEGs revealed that those related to stress responses, endogenous and external stimuli responses, secondary metabolite processes, and photosynthesis were significantly over-represented in CDC Consul, while genes related to endogenous stimulus responses and photosynthesis were significantly over-represented in Kesen_075. These results are consistent with Kesen_075 being more tolerant to freezing stress than CDC Consul. Moreover, our data revealed that the expression of CBF pathway-related genes was impacted during freezing conditions in Kesen_075, and expression of these genes is believed to alleviate the damage caused by freezing stress. We identified genomic regions associated with tolerance to freezing stress in an F2 population derived from a cross between CDC Consul and Kesen_075 using QTL-seq analysis. Eight QTLs (P<0.05) on chromosomes Ca3, Ca4, Ca6, Ca7, Ca8, and two QTLs (P<0.01) on chromosomes Ca4 and Ca8, were associated with tolerance to freezing stress. Interestingly, 58 DEGs co-located within these QTLs. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the transcriptome and QTLs associated with freezing tolerance in wild relatives of chickpea under controlled conditions. Altogether, these findings provide comprehensive information that aids in understanding the molecular mechanism of chickpea adaptation to freezing stress and further provides functional candidate genes that can assist in breeding of freezing-stress tolerant varieties.
Pest recognition in microstates state: an improvement of YOLOv7 based on Spatial and Channel Reconstruction Convolution for feature redundancy and vision transformer with Bi-Level Routing Attention
Authors: He Junjie , Zhang Shihao , Yang Chunhua , Wang Houqiao , Gao Jun , Huang Wei , Wang Qiaomei , Wang Xinghua , Yuan Wenxia , Wu Yamin , Li Lei , Xu Jiayi , Wang Zejun , Zhang Rukui , Wang Baijuan
Published: February 2024

Introduction

In order to solve the problem of precise identification and counting of tea pests, this study has proposed a novel tea pest identification method based on improved YOLOv7 network.

Methods

This method used MPDIoU to optimize the original loss function, which improved the convergence speed of the model and simplifies the calculation process. Replace part of the network structure of the original model using Spatial and Channel reconstruction Convolution to reduce redundant features, lower the complexity of the model, and reduce computational costs. The Vision Transformer with Bi-Level Routing Attention has been incorporated to enhance the flexibility of model calculation allocation and content perception.

Results

The experimental results revealed that the enhanced YOLOv7 model significantly boosted Precision, Recall, F1, and mAP by 5.68%, 5.14%, 5.41%, and 2.58% respectively, compared to the original YOLOv7. Furthermore, when compared to deep learning networks such as SSD, Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (RCNN), and the original YOLOv7, this method proves to be superior while being externally validated. It exhibited a noticeable improvement in the FPS rates, with increments of 5.75 HZ, 34.42 HZ, and 25.44 HZ respectively. Moreover, the mAP for actual detection experiences significant enhancements, with respective increases of 2.49%, 12.26%, and 7.26%. Additionally, the parameter size is reduced by 1.39 G relative to the original model.

Discussion

The improved model can not only identify and count tea pests efficiently and accurately, but also has the characteristics of high recognition rate, low parameters and high detection speed. It is of great significance to achieve realize the intelligent and precise prevention and control of tea pests.
A study on the applicability of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire among low- and higher-educated adolescents
Authors: Theunissen Meinou H. C. , de Wolff Marianne S. , Eekhout Iris , van Vulpen Coryke , Reijneveld Sijmen A.
Published: February 2024

Aim

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire self-report (SDQ-SR) is a valid instrument for detection of emotional and behavioral problems. The aim of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of the SDQ-SR for low and higher educated adolescents, and to explore its suitability.

Methods

We included 426 adolescents. We compared internal consistency for low-educated, i.e., at maximum pre-vocational secondary education, and higher educated adolescents and assessed whether the five-factor structure of the SDQ holds across educational levels. We also interviewed 24 low-educated adolescents, and 17 professionals.

Results

On most SDQ subscales the low-educated adolescents had more problematic mean scores than the higher educated adolescents. Findings on the invariance factor analyses were inconsistent, with some measures showing a bad fit of the five factor model, and this occurring relatively more for the low-educated adolescents. Professionals and adolescents reported that the SDQ included difficult wordings.

Discussion

Our findings imply that the scale structure of the SDQ-SR is slightly poorer for low educated adolescents. Given this caveat, psychometric properties of the SDQ-SR are generally sufficient for use, regardless of educational level.
War, forced displacement, and alcohol abuse: experiences and perceptions of war-affected south Sudanese refugee youth living in Bidibidi refugee settlement in northern Uganda
Authors: Makoha Godfrey , Denov Myriam
Published: February 2024

Refugees are at high risk of alcohol abuse due to their experiences of structural, physical, sexual, and psychological violence in their countries of origin, during flight, and within host communities. Given the prolonged civil war in their country, South Sudanese have continued to flee profound forms of violence and now constitute the largest population of refugees in Uganda. However, little is known about their displacement experiences, as well as the reality of alcohol use and abuse within refugee settlements. Drawing upon the direct voices of a sample of war-affected South Sudanese young people, this article explores their experiences of forced displacement and their links to alcohol abuse, as well as their perceptions regarding appropriate alcohol treatment interventions for refugees in the camp. A total of 22 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 refugee youth (aged 18–25) alongside eight adult key informants who work with the youth (religious leaders, sports coaches, educators, social workers, and settlement administrators). Using thematic analysis, the study revealed a series of key themes influencing and shaping the high incidence of alcohol abuse among the youth. These included traumatic wartime and migration experiences, family separation, poor prospects, and the ubiquitous availability of alcohol in the settlement. In addition, we show how alcohol operates as a strategic tool for survival for the youth, as well as highlight how these perceptions can help to inform alcohol treatment interventions in the Bidibidi refugee settlement. To our knowledge, this is the first in-depth study of alcohol abuse among war-affected South Sudanese refugee youth in Uganda, addressing a significant gap in the current literature on war-affected youth, forced displacement, and alcohol abuse. We contend that involving youth in the design of interventions can be helpful for culturally sensitive and relevant prevention, treatment, and care in refugee settings. In addition, providing employment opportunities and meaningful engagement for growth through social participation can help to address harmful alcohol use among youth in the camps.
Determinants of poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tegegne Kirubel Dagnaw , Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu , Yirdaw Lehulu Tilahun , Yitayew Yibeltal Asmamaw , Kassaw Mesfin Wudu
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Prior primary studies have examined the prevalence and factors associated with glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but studies with evidence-based synthesis of the primary data remained unknown. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence of poor glycemic control and identify determinants of poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes in Ethiopia.

Methods

We performed searches in the online databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library. Microsoft Excel was used to extract data, and STATA statistical software (v. 16) was used for analysis. Publication bias was explored by forest plots, Begg’s rank test, and Egger’s regression test. To check for heterogeneity, I2 was computed. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on region and publication year. In addition, the pooled odds ratio for associated factors was calculated.

Results

Out of 1,045 studies assessed, 23 studies were included fulfilling our inclusion criteria. In all, 6,643 individuals were enrolled in the study. It was estimated that 61.11% of type 2 diabetes patients had poor glycemic control (95% CI, 57.14–65.19). The subgroup analysis by study region and publication year revealed that the highest prevalence was observed in the Addis Ababa region (68.57%) and studies published before 2019 (61.76%), respectively. Poor glycemic control was associated with older age > 50 years (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.27–2.97), not attending formal education (AOR = 3.60; 95% CI: 2.75, 4.46), having diabetes for longer duration (10 years; AOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.65–3.49), having comorbidity (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: 2.05–2.80), and low adherence to diabetes management (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI: 2.41–4.92).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a high prevalence of poor glycemic control among people with type 2 diabetes in Ethiopia. Being older, not attending formal education, having a longer duration of diabetes, having comorbidity, and having low adherence to diabetes management were all associated. Therefore, we recommend health organizations implement measures to monitor and control patients’ blood glucose levels. Patient education and training of healthcare professionals could serve as a short-term strategy to achieve adequate glycemic control.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022349792, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022349792.
Sanshools from Zanthoxylum genus and their antioxidant properties in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chen Zhaojun , Tan Lulin , Li Lina , Wang Hui , Feng Xin , Liu Xiong , Rao Chaolong
Published: February 2024

The objective of the present study was to evaluate structure–activity relationships of four sanshools on antioxidant activities. In vitro, hydroxy-α-sanshool (HAS), hydroxy-β-sanshool (HBS), and hydroxy-γ-sanshool (HRS) had stronger antioxidant capacities than hydroxy-γ-sanshool (RS), attributed to the hydroxyl group. Furthermore, HRS had the greatest oxygen radical absorbance capacities (ORAC) and free radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS) capacities, attributed to more cis-double bonds. Sanshools could effectively decrease the level of oxidative stress in colonic tissue and HCT-116 cells, including increased enzyme activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and decreased concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA). After intragastric administration of sanshool, HRS increased the the level of hepatic Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and colon GSH-Px and SOD. Moreover, sanshools significantly increased Nrf2, HO-1 proteins and decreased Keap1 protein. The protective effect of HRS was much higher than HAS, HBS, and RS, apparently due to its amide and hydroxyl groups. The binding energies of Nrf2 with HAS, HBS, HRS, and RS were −5.17, −5.11, −5.75, and −4.16 kcal/mol, respectively. HRS is more easily combine with Nrf2. In summary, sanshools acted as substitutes for natural antioxidants, in which HRS has the greatest antioxidant activity. This study provided a basis for future research on relationships between structure and activity.
Sigmoido-rectal intussusception anastomosis in the Altemeier procedure for complete rectal prolapse: preliminary results of a new technique
Authors: Wang Benjun , Han Weiwei , Zhai Yuze , Shi Renjie
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Our research introduces an innovative surgical approach, combining the Altemeier Procedure with Sigmoido-rectal Intussusception Anastomosis, effectively reducing recurrence, minimizing complications, and improving postoperative anal function in rectal prolapse patients.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study, conducted at tertiary referral hospitals including Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Affiliated Hospital, Linyi People's Hospital, and Pingyi People's Hospital, examined data from patients undergoing conventional Altemeier surgery or Altemeier combined with Sigmoido-rectal Intussusception Anastomosis. Analyzing hospitalization and follow-up data from January 2009 to December 2022, the study focused on prolapse recurrence, complications, and anal function as primary outcome indicators across these three study centers.

Results

In the study, both groups had an average follow-up of (12.5 ± 2.41) months, and only two traditional group patients experienced mortality. Recurrence rates significantly differed, with 26.47% in the traditional group and 1.54% in the modified group (P < 0.001). The modified group showed no perioperative anastomotic dehiscence, contrasting with a 13.24% occurrence in the conventional group (P = 0.003). Primary complications in the modified group included anastomotic hemorrhage, with rates of 17.65% and 6.15% in the traditional and modified groups, respectively (P = 0.077). At 12 months postoperatively, both groups improved in anal manometry parameters and the Wexner anal incontinence score. Resting pressure was significantly lower in the traditional group (32.50 ± 1.76 mmHg) than the modified group (33.24 ± 2.06 mmHg) (P = 0.027), while the extrusion pressure was higher in the modified group (64.78 ± 1.55 mmHg) than the traditional group (62.85 ± 2.30 mmHg) (P < 0.001). The Wexner anal incontinence score was significantly lower in the modified group (2.69 ± 1.65) than the traditional group (3.69 ± 1.58, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

This retrospective study affirms that adding Sigmoido-rectal Intussusception Anastomosis to the Altemeier procedure reduces recurrence and complications. While both approaches enhance postoperative anal function in complete rectal prolapse patients, the combined method, particularly with Sigmoido-rectal Intussusception Anastomosis, proves more effective.
Determination of Volatile Compounds in Blossoms of Rosa spinosissima, Rosa pendulina, Rosa gallica, and Their Cultivars
Authors: Kunc Nina , Hudina Metka , Osterc Gregor , Grohar Mariana Cecilia
Published: February 2024

The aim of our study was to determine how the content and composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) change with crossbreeding. We included three autochthonous Slovenian species of roses (R. pendulina, R. spinosissima, and R. gallica) and several cultivars derived from them in the research. The results were compared with the content of the reference plant R. damascena, which is known worldwide for its rich VOC profile and is used in the perfume industry. We found that the total VOC content ranged from 2.579 µg/g FW (‘Fruhlingsmorgen’) to 168.24 µg/g FW (‘Violacea’). According to the content of total VOCs, the variety ‘Charles de Mills’ (43.12 µg/g DM) was the most similar to the variety R. damascena (44.55 µg/g DM). We can conclude that the flowers of the roses we included in the study are a rich source of VOCs. VOC content in hybrids varies depending on the purpose and goals of breeders. We also found that flowering time had no effect on VOC content and composition. With this study, we not only carefully examined the VOC profile of roses but also clearly showed which compounds were present in individual taxa. In this way, it is possible to select a suitable variety or cultivar depending on the desired use, for example, for flavoring food or for a floral fragrance in the perfume industry.
Effects of Dietary Calcium Lactate Supplementation on Laying Performance, Blood Index, Shinbone Quality, Jejunal Immunity, and Egg Quality of Aged Laying Hens
Authors: Qiu Kai , Chang Xinyu , Wang Jing , Zhang Haijun , Wu Shugeng
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to verify the potential of calcium lactate for the performance, blood index, shinbone quality, jejunal immunity, and egg quality of aged laying hens. A total of 360 62-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly divided into four treatments, with six replicates and 15 chickens per replicate. Experimental groups were fed with 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% calcium lactate to substitute limestone in the control group (maintaining the same amount of calcium). The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks. The laying rate and daily egg mass of laying hens fed the diets supplemented with calcium lactate was increased relative to those of the control group. The dietary addition of calcium lactate for laying hens enhanced the eggshell ratio, eggshell thickness, eggshell strength, and albumen height of eggs, and the addition level of 0.5% had the best effect. Dietary calcium lactate increased the number of red blood cells, corpuscular hemoglobin, mononuclear leucocytes and basophilic granulocytes, and decreased heterophils in the blood of laying hens. The activities of serum alanine transaminase and creatine kinase in laying hens was reduced by the dietary addition of calcium lactate. Calcium lactate supplementation in diets increased the serum calcium and phosphorus contents of laying hens. The dietary inclusion of calcium lactate increased the contents of IgA, IgG, lysozyme, and sIgA in the jejunal mucosa, and the 0.5% addition level worked best, but the IL-2 content decreased. The addition of 0.5% calcium lactate to the diet reduced the maximal force of the shinbone and increased the work required for shinbone rupture in laying hens. In conclusion, the dietary addition of calcium lactate improved the performance and egg quality of laying hens, probably by its positive effects on body health, intestinal digestible ability, calcium bioavailability, and jejunal mucosal immunity. The optimum amount of calcium lactate in the diet of laying hens is recommended to be 0.5%.
Integrated Bioinformatics and Multi-Omics Analyses Reveal Possible Molecular Mechanisms for Seed Starch Content Differences between Glycine max and Cicer arietinum
Authors: Pan Yifan , Zheng Ao , Li Guiqi , Zhang Yuanming
Published: February 2024

Although soybean and chickpea belong to the legume family, their seed starch content is very different. Currently, many studies focus on the molecular mechanisms of starch synthesis within a single species. However, the key genes and regulatory relationships responsible for the difference in seed starch content between the two species remain unknown. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for the above difference, multi-omics and bioinformatics analyses were used here to analyze gene expression patterns, protein–protein interaction networks, gene-transcription factor co-expression networks, and miRNA–gene regulatory relationships based on reported sucrose and starch metabolic genes in Arabidopsis. The results were as follows. First, seven differential expression genes of the two species in starch synthesis metabolism, including GBSS1, APL3, APS1, SS2, PTST, SBE2, and ISA, and the starch degradation gene BMY in soybean and chickpea, may contribute to their seed starch content differences. Then, the protein–protein interaction between DPEs and PHS may facilitate seed starch synthesis in chickpea. Finally, the positive regulation of two starch degradation genes (GmBMY and GmPHS) and four sucrose metabolism genes (GmHXK, GmPFK, GmTPS, and GmFRK) by transcription factors may lead to lower seed starch content in soybean. This study elucidates the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the difference in seed starch content between the two species and addresses the scientific problem of why soybean seeds have lower starch content than chickpea seeds.
An Evaluation of Hemostatic Dysregulation in Canine Multicentric Lymphoma
Authors: Messina Maria Ludovica , Quintavalla Fausto , Giannuzzi Angelo Pasquale , Furlanello Tommaso , Caldin Marco
Published: February 2024

Multiple hemostatic abnormalities are associated with paraneoplastic syndrome and some malignant tumors. Lymphoma is the most common hematopoietic neoplasm in dogs, sometimes associated with hemostatic changes. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the behavior of coagulation parameters in dogs with multicentric lymphoma compared with diseased dogs without lymphoma, to separately evaluate the effect of immunophenotype (B lymphoma versus T lymphoma) on the variables of interest as well as the effect of disease stage (stage II to IV versus stage V). Specifically, a cross-sectional study was performed with a matched comparison group considering 170 dogs with B or T lymphoma (group 1) and 170 dogs with no lymphoma or other neoplastic processes but other diseases (group 0). Eight coagulation parameters were evaluated: platelet count (Plt), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen, fibrin/products of fibrinogen degradation (FDPs), fibrin D-dimers, and antithrombin (AT). Dogs with lymphoma showed prolonged PT and TT, decreased fibrinogen, increased FDP, and decreased Plt compared with group 0. The effect of disease stage was evaluated separately for dogs with stage II to IV lymphoma and dogs with stage V lymphoma; patients with stage II–IV lymphoma showed no significant differences, while in dogs with stage V lymphoma, a prolongation of PT and TT, a decrease in fibrinogen, an increase in FDPs and a decrease in Plt were found compared with the group 0. Finally, the comparison between B lymphoma and T lymphoma showed no significant differences in coagulation parameters between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that low fibrinogen and platelet levels were the most significant predictors of lymphoma in a cohort of canine patients. These hemostatic abnormalities in lymphoma appeared to be associated with the stage of the disease rather than the lymphoma immunophenotype. These findings pave the way for the possible scenario of lymphoma-associated fibrinolysis and the so far undescribed pattern of hyperfibrinolysis associated with the most severe stage of lymphoma.
Six-Year Prescription Pattern of Antimicrobial Use in Cats at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Pisa
Authors: De Marchi Lucia , Vernaccini Matilde , Meucci Valentina , Briganti Angela , Lippi Ilaria , Marchetti Veronica , Intorre Luigi
Published: February 2024

The use of antimicrobials has greatly contributed to improving animal health. However, their inappropriate use reduces their effectiveness in treating bacterial infections and contributes to the selection of resistance. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the six-year pattern (2017–2022) of antimicrobial use in cats visiting the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the University of Pisa (Italy). The total number of prescribed antimicrobials, the number of animals for which an antimicrobial was prescribed, and the total number of antimicrobial prescriptions showed a significant time trend decrease during the study period, except for the fixed-dose combinations. The most frequently prescribed antimicrobials were amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Synulox) (39.1%) followed by enrofloxacin (29.8%). These antimicrobials were mostly prescribed to treat infections affecting the genitourinary tract (~30%), followed by the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and respiratory system affections. Antimicrobials in empirical associations represented 13.0% of the total antimicrobial prescriptions, and the combination of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Synulox) with enrofloxacin accounted for the majority. The oral route represented the main route of administration of prescribed antimicrobials, followed by parenteral and topical ones. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Synulox) (37.2%), ceftriaxone (2.7%), and tobramycin (2.8%) were the most prescribed antimicrobials for the oral, parenteral, and topical routes, respectively. Antimicrobial prescriptions complied with prudent use recommendations in terms of availability of diagnosis, respect to the dose range, duration of treatment, and the use of medicinal products approved for the species. On the contrary, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were used infrequently (5.2%), lacking compliance with the existing guidelines observed in companion animal practice. Overall, additional interventions are required not only to improve the responsible use of antimicrobials in our feline practice but also to implement antimicrobial stewardship programs, enhancing diagnostics such as culture and sensitivity testing in the future.
Purine Metabolism and Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway Abnormalities in Diarrheal Weaned Piglets Identified Using Metabolomics
Authors: Wang Mingyu , Zhong Qin , Xin Huailu , Yu Bing , He Jun , Yu Jie , Mao Xiangbing , Huang Zhiqing , Luo Yuheng , Luo Junqiu , Yan Hui , Wu Aimin , Pu Junning , Zheng Ping
Published: February 2024

Post-weaning diarrhea significantly contributes to the high mortality in pig production, but the metabolic changes in weaned piglets with diarrhea remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the differential metabolites in the urine of diarrheal weaned piglets and those of healthy weaned piglets to reveal the metabolic changes associated with diarrhea in weaned piglets. Nine 25-day-old piglets with diarrhea scores above 16 and an average body weight of 5.41 ± 0.18 kg were selected for the diarrhea group. Corresponding to the body weight and sex of the diarrhea group, nine 25-month-old healthy piglets with similar sex and body weights of 5.49 ± 0.21 kg were selected as the control group. Results showed that the serum C-reactive protein and cortisol of piglets in the diarrhea group were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ in the jejunum and colon, and IL-1β in the jejunum were increased in diarrhea piglets (p < 0.05), accompanied by a reduction in the mRNA expression of ZO-1, ZO-2, and CLDN1 in the jejunum and colon (p < 0.05); mRNA expression of OCLN in the colon also occurred (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis of urine revealed increased levels of inosine, hypoxanthine, guanosine, deoxyinosin, glucosamine, glucosamine-1-p, N-Acetylmannosamine, chitobiose, and uric acid, identified as differential metabolites in diarrhea piglets compared to the controls. In summary, elevated weaning stress and inflammatory disease were associated with the abnormalities of purine metabolism and the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway of weaned piglets. This study additionally indicated the presence of energy metabolism-related diseases in diarrheal weaned piglets.
The Effect of the Addition of Powdered Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) and Cold Plasma Treatment on the Quality of Carrot Juice
Authors: Osmólska Emilia , Starek-Wójcicka Agnieszka , Sagan Agnieszka , Terebun Piotr , Pawłat Joanna
Published: February 2024

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and sumac powder (Rhus coriaria L.) on the pH, total soluble solids, color, content of phytochemicals (carotenoids and polyphenols), and microbiological quality of freshly pressed carrot juice. Experiments were carried out with sumac powder concentrations of 0.5 and 3%, which were added before or after 20 min plasma treatment using a gliding arc reactor. The combination of CAP and 3% sumac powder resulted in very effective microbial reduction (to an undetectable level on each day of testing). These juices were characterized by an extended microbiological shelf life of up to 72 h. Additionally, the juice which was first enriched with 3% sumac and then treated with cold plasma, even on the last day of testing, contained 34.36 mg/100 mL of polyphenols and 3.49 mg/100 g more carotenoids than the control samples. The total effect of the application of these method is highly important for the improvement of the quality and safety of carrot juice.
An Immersive Virtual Reality Simulator for Echocardiography Examination
Authors: Kim Jun-Seong , Kim Kun-Woo , Kim Se-Ro , Woo Tae-Gyeong , Chung Joong-Wha , Yang Seong-Won , Moon Seong-Yong
Published: February 2024

Echocardiography is a medical examination that uses ultrasound to assess and diagnose the structure and function of the cardiac. Through the use of ultrasound waves, this examination allows medical professionals to create visualizations of the cardiac muscle, enabling them to diagnose and monitor conditions such as cardiac diseases, abnormalities, and functional disorders. An echocardiogram plays a crucial role in the early detection and diagnosis of various cardiac issues such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, valvular cardiac disease, and myocardial hypertrophy. It significantly contributes to determining treatment and management strategies. To achieve accurate disease diagnosis and develop appropriate treatment plans through echocardiography, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of proper probe usage, the precise acquisition of echocardiographic images, and the ability to interpret various echocardiographic examinations such as two-dimensional, M-mode, Doppler, etc. To enhance the skills required for echocardiography, medical educational institutions conduct theoretical classes, practical sessions using patient models, and clinical practice sessions with actual patients. However, issues such as inadequate practical adaptation due to theory-centric education, limitations in practical opportunities due to insufficient practice equipment, ethical or safety concerns arising during clinical practice, and a lack of educators leading to insufficient feedback, are currently being encountered. Hence, there is a need for new educational methods that can address the existing challenges in echocardiography education. In this paper, as part of these efforts, we propose a virtual reality-based immersive simulator for practical echocardiography training. The proposed echocardiography simulator allows users to explore a virtual echocardiography examination space by wearing a head-mounted display (HMD). This simulator consists of 3D virtual space models, interactive models manipulated by interaction devices, and 3D patient models containing normal or abnormal anatomical cardiac models. Using interactive devices such as HMD controllers and haptic devices, users can manipulate 3D models related to echocardiography within the simulator and interact with 3D patient models containing normal or abnormal anatomical cardiac models, allowing for the practice of echocardiography examinations. Ultimately, a performance evaluation of the developed immersive virtual reality simulator and usability validation targeting medical university students were conducted. The evaluation and validation results confirmed the potential efficacy of the proposed echocardiography VR simulator.
Laboratory Evaluation of Tensile Creep Behavior of Concrete at Early Ages
Authors: Lim Seungwook , Yang Sungchul
Published: February 2024

Short-term uniaxial tensile creep tests were conducted for early-age concrete at different ages in an effort to characterize early-age concrete as an aging viscoelastic material. Based on the test results, the viscoelastic material properties of the test concrete were characterized in terms of the Dirichlet series creep compliance and relaxation modulus functions. Applications of the model to the numerical analysis of the test samples showed a good agreement between the tests and computational results for the samples tested at different ages. This paper presents the test procedures and data analysis with a brief introduction of theoretical background.
Discrete Lattice Element Model for Fracture Propagation with Improved Elastic Response
Authors: Čarija Jadran , Marenić Eduard , Jarak Tomislav , Nikolić Mijo
Published: February 2024

This research presents a novel approach to modeling fracture propagation using a discrete lattice element model with embedded strong discontinuities. The focus is on enhancing the linear elastic response within the model followed by propagation of fractures until total failure. To achieve this, a generalized beam lattice element with an embedded strong discontinuity based on the kinematics of a rigid-body spring model is formulated. The linear elastic regime is refined by correcting the stress tensor at nodes within the domain based on the internal forces present in lattice elements, which is achieved by introducing fictitious forces into the standard internal force vectors to predict the right elastic response of the model related to Poisson’s effect. Upon initiation of the first fractures, the procedure for the computation of the fictitious stress tensor is terminated, and the embedded strong discontinuities are activated in the lattice elements for obtaining an objective fracture and failure response. This transition ensures a shift from the elastic phase to the fracture propagation phase, enhancing the predictive capabilities in capturing the full fracture processes.
The Evaluation of Industry 5.0 Concepts: Social Network Analysis Approach
Authors: Slavic Dragana , Marjanovic Ugljesa , Medic Nenad , Simeunovic Nenad , Rakic Slavko
Published: February 2024

During 2022 and 2023, Industry 5.0 attracted a lot of attention. Many articles and papers regarding the basics of Industry 5.0, its pillars, and a comparison of Industry 5.0 and Industry 4.0, Society 5.0, and Operator 5.0 have been published. Although the concept of Industry 5.0 is relatively new, companies from developed countries that have a high level of implementation of Industry 4.0 have already started the transition to Industry 5.0. Even though Industry 5.0 enables developing countries to become a part of developed countries’ value chains, it is not known which path to Industry 5.0 developing countries are taking. To fill this gap, the authors proposed research questions regarding the key indicators for measuring the levels of implementation of Industry 5.0 approaches in the manufacturing sector of the Republic of Serbia. This research includes insights from 146 manufacturing companies, gathered in 2022 as a part of the European Manufacturing Survey. The main findings of this study show that the most important indicator when it comes to human-centricity is training and competence development of production employees with a task-specific focus; the implementation of measures for improving efficiency in material consumption is significant for achieving sustainability; and the use of standardized and detailed work instructions is crucial in order to become resilient.
A Clutter Identification and Removal Method Based on Long Delay Lines and Cross-Correlation in Through-Wall Detection
Authors: Yuan Yubing , Ji Yicai , Ye Shengbo , Liu Xiaojun , Fang Guangyou
Published: February 2024

Life detection is important in earthquake rescue, but weak vital signal is susceptible to interference by clutters. Due to the undesirable characteristics of the hardware, there are two main types of clutter generated by the frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) radar when transmitting signals. One is generated by periodic nonlinearity during frequency modulation, and the other is generated by the phase-locked loop spuriousness (PLLS) in frequency division. They cause additional beat frequencies to appear beside those from the target, leading to false alarms. Since the suppression measures for them are different, it is necessary to distinguish the types of clutter and choose appropriate suppression methods. In this paper, the accurate theoretical modeling of the effects of the periodic nonlinearity and phase-locked loop spuriousness on the beat signal is performed to determine distinctions between them. The clutter occurring in the system used is identified as originating from phase-locked loop spuriousness through fiber-optic experiments. A method using long delay lines and cross-correlation is proposed to identify and remove it. In experiments, the false alarm rate is reduced from over 50 percent to nearly 0 percent, providing strong evidence for the effectiveness of the proposed method in through-wall detection.
A Light-Weight Autoregressive CNN-Based Frame Level Transducer Decoder for End-to-End ASR
Authors: Noh Hyeon-Kyu , Park Hong-June
Published: February 2024

A convolutional neural network (CNN) transducer decoder was proposed to reduce the decoding time of an end-to-end automatic speech recognition (ASR) system while maintaining accuracy. The CNN of 177 k parameters and a kernel size of 6 generates the probabilities of the current token at the token level, at the token transition of the output token sequence. Two probabilities of the current token, one from the encoder and the other from the CNN are added to the frame level to reduce the decoding step to the number of input frames. An encoder composed of an 18-layer conformer was combined with the proposed decoder for training with the Librispeech data set. The forward-backward algorithm was used for training. The space and re-appearance tokens are added to the 300-word piece tokens to represent the token string. A space token appears at a frame between two words. A comparison with the autoregressive decoders such as transformer and RNN-T decoders demonstrates that this work provides comparable WERs with much less decoding time. A comparison with non-autoregressive decoders such as CTC indicates that this work enhanced WERs.
Research on Mechanical Model and Torsional Stiffness Properties of Leaf Spring Torsional Vibration Dampers for Marine Diesel Engines
Authors: Shen Chunyun , Li Genpei , Tian Zhongxu , Chen Chang , Zhou You
Published: February 2024

The torsional stiffness parameter significantly influences the natural frequency of a leaf spring torsional vibration damper and its proper match with a diesel engine, and the nonlinear characteristics of torsional stiffness avoid reduced reliability due to the excessive torsion angle of the damper. An efficient mechanical model for the damper with nonlinear characteristics is established by integrating the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and accounting for the geometric nonlinearity of leaf spring deformation during operation. The model’s validity is confirmed through finite element analysis. This study then explores the influence of design parameters on the mechanical characteristics of the damper. The results reveal a gradual increase in the torsional stiffness of the damper with the expanding arc radius of the clamping groove. Simultaneously, the torsional stiffness curve exhibits more pronounced nonlinear characteristics. In contrast, an elongation of the leaf spring leads to a sharp decline in torsional stiffness, accompanied by a diminishing prominence of nonlinear traits. Thus, both the arc radius of the clamping groove and the spring length significantly impact the torsional stiffness and nonlinear features of the leaf spring torsional vibration damper. The nonlinear characteristics intensify with an enlarged arc radius of the clamping groove and a reduced leaf spring length. Additionally, the damper’s torsional stiffness is influenced by the leaf spring thickness and the red copper gasket length. Future damper designs should comprehensively consider these relevant parameters.
Prediction and Analysis of Airport Surface Taxi Time: Classification, Features, and Methodology
Authors: Yin Jianan , Zhang Mingwei , Ma Yuanyuan , Wu Wei , Li He , Chen Ping
Published: February 2024

Airport arrival and departure movements are characterized by high dynamism, stochasticity, and uncertainty. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to predict and analyze surface taxi time accurately and scientifically. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of existing studies on surface taxi time prediction and analysis. Firstly, the overall research framework of surface taxi time prediction and analysis is categorized from three perspectives: taxi time type, movement type, and modeling method. Then, focusing on the two means of taxi time analytical modeling and simulation modeling, the existing mainstream models and methods are categorized, and the main ideas and scope of application of the various methods are analyzed. Finally, the paper presents the future development direction of surface taxi time prediction prospects. The research results are aimed at providing basic support and methodological guidance for reducing the uncertainty in airport surface operation and enhancing the level of control and decision-making ability of airport surface operation.
Design and Experiment of a Harvesting Header for Wide–Narrow-Row Corn
Authors: Dong Wenxue , Wu Yingsi , Liu Fei , Hu Hengtong , Yan Jianguo , Bai Hongbin , Zhao Xuan
Published: February 2024

Aiming to solve the problems of the large harvesting loss and low harvesting efficiency of wide- and narrow-row corn harvesting header in China, a method for the side installation of a header is proposed. A wide–narrow-row corn harvesting header with high working efficiency and low harvesting loss was designed. The collision energy balance equation of corn ears was established. The analysis shows that the kinetic energy change before and after the collision between the ear and the picking plate is the main cause of the shedding of and damage to corn kernels. Based on this, the main structural parameters of the corn harvesting header were designed. Based on the principle of Box–Behnken test, the response surface test was designed. The effects of the plant feeding speed, feeding angle, and rotation speed of a stem pulling roller on harvesting performance were analyzed. The best combination of working parameters was determined: The plant feeding speed was 1.08 m/s, the feeding angle was 52.46°, and the rotation speed of the stem pulling roller was 835.25 r/min. At this time, the grain damage rate was 1.09% and the grain loss rate was 0.14%. The corresponding parameters are verified by experiments. The results show that the grain damage rate was 1.12% and the grain loss rate was 0.14%. The optimization results are essentially consistent with the verification results, which meet the requirements of corn harvesting performance.
Hyperbolic and Weak Euclidean Polynomials from Wronskian and Leibniz Maps
Authors: Crasmareanu Mircea
Published: February 2024

A real univariate polynomial is called hyperbolic or stable if all its roots are real. We search for hyperbolic polynomials of two and three degrees by using the Wronskian map W and a dual map to W called Leibniz, since it involves the classical Leibniz rule for the derivative of a product of functions. In addition to hyperbolicity, we use these two methods to search for a class of polynomials introduced by the first author and now called weak Euclidean.
A Class of Bounded Iterative Sequences of Integers
Authors: Dubickas Artūras
Published: February 2024

In this note, we show that, for any real number τ∈[12,1), any finite set of positive integers K and any integer s1≥2, the sequence of integers s1,s2,s3,… satisfying si+1−si∈K if si is a prime number, and 2≤si+1≤τsi if si is a composite number, is bounded from above. The bound is given in terms of an explicit constant depending on τ,s1 and the maximal element of K only. In particular, if K is a singleton set and for each composite si the integer si+1 in the interval [2,τsi] is chosen by some prescribed rule, e.g., si+1 is the largest prime divisor of si, then the sequence s1,s2,s3,… is periodic. In general, we show that the sequences satisfying the above conditions are all periodic if and only if either K={1} and τ∈[12,34) or K={2} and τ∈[12,59).
Alzheimer’s Amyloid-β Accelerates Cell Senescence and Suppresses SIRT1 in Human Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Li Rongyao , Li Yi , Zuo Haowei , Pei Gang , Huang Shichao , Hou Yujun
Published: February 2024

As a lifelong source of neurons, neural stem cells (NSCs) serve multiple crucial functions in the brain. The senescence of NSCs may be associated with the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our study reveals a noteworthy finding, indicating that the AD-associated pathogenic protein amyloid-β (Aβ) substantially enhances senescence-related characteristics of human NSCs. These characteristics encompass the enhanced expression of p16 and p21, the upregulation of genes associated with the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), increased SA-β-gal activity, and the activation of the DNA damage response. Further studies revealed that Aβ treatment significantly downregulates the SIRT1 protein which plays a crucial role in regulating the aging process and decreases downstream PGC-1α and FOXO3. Subsequently, we found that SIRT1 overexpression significantly alleviates a range of Aβ-induced senescent markers in human NSCs. Taken together, our results uncover that Aβ accelerates cellular senescence in human NSCs, making SIRT1 a highly promising therapeutic target for senescent NSCs which may contribute to age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.
Association between Serum GDF-15 and Cognitive Dysfunction in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kim Hae Ri , Kim Moo Jun , Jeon Jae Wan , Ham Young Rok , Na Ki Ryang , Park Hyerim , Kim Jwa-Jin , Choi Dae Eun
Published: February 2024

Cognitive dysfunction is more frequent in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis compared with the healthy population, emphasizing the need for early detection. Interest in serum markers that reflect cognitive function has recently increased. Elevated serum growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) levels are known to be associated with an increased risk of decreased renal function and cognitive dysfunction. This study investigated the relationship between GDF-15 and cognitive dysfunction in hemodialysis patients using a retrospective analysis of 92 individuals aged ≥ 18 years. Cognitive function was assessed using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE), categorizing patients into normal (≥24 points) and cognitive dysfunction (<24 points). As a result, serum GDF-15 concentrations were at significantly higher levels in the cognitive dysfunction group (7500.42 pg/mL, p = 0.001). Logistic regression indicated an increased risk of K-MMSE scores < 24 points when serum GDF-15 exceeded 5408.33 pg/mL. After indoxyl sulfate exposure in HT22 cells, HT22 cells survival was decreased and GDF-15 expression in HT22 cells was increased. Similarly, exposure to indoxyl sulfate in mouse brain tissue resulted in an increased expression of GDF-15. This study highlights the potential of serum GDF-15 as a marker for cognitive dysfunction in hemodialysis patients, offering a valuable screening tool. Serum GDF-15 is related to cognitive dysfunction in hemodialysis patients and may be helpful in screening for cognitive dysfunction in hemodialysis patients.