bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weed-Free Durations and Fertilization Regimes Boost Nutrient Uptake and Paddy Yield of Direct-Seeded Fine Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Abbas Rana Nadeem , Iqbal Asif , Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Ali Omar M. , Ahmed Raees , Ijaz Raina , Hadifa Adel , Bethune Brandon J.
Published: December 2021

Under the changing climate, fertilization regimes and weed infestation management in aromatic direct-seeded fine rice (DSR) remain vital for curbing environmental hazards and ensuring food security. A multi-year field study was undertaken to appraise the influence of fertilization techniques and weed-free periods on weed dynamics, nutrient uptake and paddy yield in a semi-arid environment. Treatments included two fertilization methods (broadcasting and side placement) and five weed-free durations (20, 30, 40, 50 post-seeding days, DAS) along with a weed-free crop for a whole season. Weed competition for a season-long crop (weedy check) was maintained for each fertilizer application method. Our results revealed that the side placement of fertilizers resulted in a significantly lower weed density and biomass, even under season-long weed competition. The highest paddy yield was recorded for a crop without weeds, while weed-free duration of up to 50 DAS followed it. The uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) for a weed-free duration of up to 50 DAS were only 19%, 9% and 8%, respectively, as compared to the weedy check. The uptake of N, P and K by weeds in the broadcast method was 18%, 30% and 24% higher, compared to side-placed fertilizers. The period of 20–50 DAS remained critical in DSR as far as weed control was concerned. Thus, the side placement of fertilizers and controlling weeds for up to 50 days after rice sowing can be recommended for general adoption in semi-arid agro-ecological conditions.
Benefits of Conservation Agriculture in Watershed Management: Participatory Governance to Improve the Quality of No-Till Systems in the Paraná 3 Watershed, Brazil
Authors: Mello Ivo , Laurent François , Kassam Amir , Marques Guilherme Fernandes , Okawa Cristhiane Michiko Passos , Monte Kelly
Published: December 2021

Adoption of best soil and water management practices is desirable for sustainable production intensification. However, farmers have difficulties in adopting them within a system approach to management, missing out on positive results for themselves and for society. A partnership between the Brazilian No-Till Farmers Federation and Itaipu Binacional authority adopted a participatory management strategy, as proposed by the National Water Resources Policy, allowing important decisions regarding the use of water to be made in participatory Watershed Committees, to address such farmers’ difficulties. In this paper, we review the development and application of the Participatory Quality Index approach based on the principles of conservation agriculture to improve the quality of no-till systems in the Paraná 3 watershed within the Cultivating Good Water program. We analyze the available documentation and experiences of the program’s executors, highlighting the results from the perspective of sustainability of multiple uses of water in a watershed.
Histological and Ultrastructural Description of Benign Adipocytic Tumors in Farmed Striped Sea Bream (Lythognathus mormyrus)
Authors: Orioles Massimo , Galeotti Marco , Patarnello Pierpaolo , Pizzolitto Stefano , Volpatti Donatella
Published: December 2021

Cutaneous neoplasms affecting wild striped bream (Lythognathus mormyrus) have been recorded after their introduction in a marine aquaculture farm in the Adriatic Sea. The tumors were evident on 24% of the reared fish, showing single or multiple nodules, with a diameter ranging between 0.5–4.0 cm. Histologically, all the neoplastic lesions were located in the stratum spongiosum of the dermis and were surrounded by a thin capsule of connective tissue. The tumors were predominantly composed of adipocytes grouped and surrounded by a thin net of fibroblasts and collagen fibers. In some lipomas a mixture of adipocytes and uniform spindle cells were also observed. Fibroblasts and collagen fibers, or spindle cells, showing few mitotic figures were mainly observed in other nodules. Three of the tumors showed bands of cells with elongated nuclei. Five neoplasms differed from the classic spindle cell lipoma due to the presence of scattered giant cells. These cells presented acidophilic abundant cytoplasm with multiple hyperchromatic nuclei showing a concentric “floret-like” arrangement. The tumors were further characterized by ultrastructural observations that allowed ruling out the presence of virus-like particles within the lesions. Histological features of the masses lead to the identification of four prevalent patterns of neoplasms: lipoma, fibrolipoma, spindle cell lipoma (SCL), and atypical spindle cell-like lipoma (ASCL). The different neoplasms could arise from the transformation of mesenchymal cells of dermal origin. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first report describing key differential histological and ultrastructural features of these neoplasms in striped sea bream.
How Much Energy Vaquejada Horses Spend in a Field Simulation Test?
Authors: Coelho Clarisse S. , Sodre Ticiane D. R. P. , Sousa Lara N. , Siqueira Renata F. , Manso Filho Helio C. , Aragona Francesca , Fazio Francesco
Published: December 2021

Vaquejada is a high-intensity and short-duration exercise in which helper horses (HH) are responsible to keep a bull running in a line while pull horses (PH) work to put the bull down after 100 m of running. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare energy expenditures (EE), transport costs (COT) and metabolic energy requirements (Pmet) of horses used in Vaquejada. Thus, eight Quarter Horses, in randomly formed pairs, performed a vaquejada simulation test (VST), which consisted of three races on a sand track (130–150 m), with a 5-min interval between them. All horses used an integrated heart rate (HR) and GPS monitoring system (V800, Polar Electro) and, from these data, EE, COT and Pmet were calculated using the formulas: EE (J/kg/min) = 0.0566 × HR1.9955, COT = (HR-35)/kg/m × 103 and Pmet = (HR-35)/min/kg. Blood samples were collected for lactate analysis at rest, immediately after the first, second and third race and after 30 min of recovery. Data obtained were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p ≤ 0.05). In VST, HH had higher EE and higher HR at trot; while PH presented higher EE and HR at canter. Finally, considering total VST, PH had higher EE and COT, while HH had higher Pmet. Lactate was higher in PH. Despite practicing the same sport, PH and HH should be considered distinct athletes, and these must be considered to set up appropriate physical and nutritional programs, which will lead to better performance and guarantees of well-being.
Effects of Dietary Tributyrin on Growth Performance, Biochemical Indices, and Intestinal Microbiota of Yellow-Feathered Broilers
Authors: Gong Li , Xiao Gengsheng , Zheng Liwei , Yan Xia , Qi Qien , Zhu Cui , Feng Xin , Huang Weilong , Zhang Huihua
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tributyrin on growth performance, biochemical indices and intestinal microbiota of yellow-feathered broilers. 360 one-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to three treatments with six replicates of 20 chicks each, including a normal control group (NC), an antibiotic group (PC), and a tributyrin (250 mg/kg) group (TB) for 63 days. The results showed that compared with the control, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the TB group decreased during the d22 to d42 (p < 0.05) and overall, the final weight and FCR of broilers tended to increase and decrease, respectively. Moreover, the TB group showed the highest creatine concentrations at the entire period (p < 0.05). TB treatment increased the Bacteroidetes relative abundance and decreased Firmicutes. Principal coordinates analysis yielded clear clustering of the three groups. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis found seven differentially abundant taxa in the TB group, including several members of Bacteroidedetes. The relative abundance of Eisenbergiella, Phascolarctobacterium, Megasphaera and Intestinimonas increased in tributyrin-treated broilers. Spearman correlation analysis identified a correlation between Eisenbergiella abundance and overall feed efficiency. These results demonstrated that tributyrin could improve the growth performance by modulating blood biochemical indices and the cecal microflora composition of broilers.
Evaluation of Phosphorus Digestibility from Monocalcium and Dicalcium Phosphate Sources and Comparison between Total Tract and Prececal Digestibility Standard Methods in Broilers
Authors: Cambra-López María , Moset Verónica , del Carmen López María , Sebastián Mesa Juan , Carpintero Laura , Donadeu Andrés , Dupuy Javier , Macías-Vidal Judit , Cerisuelo Alba , Ferrer Pablo , Pascual Juan José
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study was to compare the total tract (total excreta and marker) and prececal methodologies to determine phosphorus (P) digestibility and to evaluate its variation as a function of the physicochemical characteristics of the inorganic phosphate used (monocalcium, MCP and dicalcium, DCP) from different commercial sources. A total of 176 1-day-old male broilers were used in two digestibility experiments. In Experiment 1, one MCP and one DCP were incorporated in the basal diet at two levels. In Experiment 2, MCP and DCP from three commercial sources were incorporated to the basal diet at one level. Physicochemical characteristics of inorganic phosphates were examined, as well. Additionally, bone mineralization and growth performance traits were investigated in both trials. The digestibility of MCP ranged from 75.2 to 87.4% and from 80.5 to 86.6% for DCP amongst methodologies, but differences between total tract and preceal methodologies were not statistically significant. Particle size, surface area, degree of crystallinity and impurities varied amongst commercial sources. The P digestibility of the three tested commercial sources of MCP was 79.6% (MCP1), 70.2% (MCP2) and 65.6% (MCP3); p > 0.05. The P digestibility of the 3 tested commercial sources of DCP was 80.1% (DCP1), 77.4% (DCP2) and 71.4% (DCP3); p > 0.05.
What Do They Know? Comparing Public Knowledge and Opinions about Rodent Management to the Expectations of Pest Controllers
Authors: Burt Sara A. , Lipman Stefan A.
Published: December 2021

Integrated pest management (IPM) involves the control of pests, such as rodents, based on preventive measures and reduced use of chemical control. In view of the number of reported rodent infestations, it appears unlikely that the public has much knowledge about rodents. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the knowledge and opinions of the public regarding prevention and control of rodent nuisance, and (ii) to assess whether pest controllers have an accurate idea of the knowledge and opinions of the public. The sample contained a total of 314 members of the public and 86 people working in the pest control sector. Responding members of the general public were asked about their knowledge and opinions about IPM in a questionnaire, whereas people working in the pest control sector were asked if they thought the general public had this knowledge and/or opinions. The results show that members of the public have a reasonable level of knowledge regarding preventive measures against rodents, which are part of IPM. People working in the pest control sector underestimate the public’s knowledge of preventive measures, such as perimeter exclusion and hygiene measures. Such underestimation may affect their communication with (potential) clients.
Effect of Essential Oils on Growth Inhibition, Biofilm Formation and Membrane Integrity of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Martínez Andrés , Manrique-Moreno Marcela , Klaiss-Luna Maria C. , Stashenko Elena , Zafra German , Ortiz Claudia
Published: December 2021

Biofilm as a cellular conformation confers survival properties to microbial populations and favors microbial resistance. Here, we investigated the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antimotility, antihemolytic activity, and the interaction with synthetic membranes of 15 essential oils (EOs) on E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 29213. Antimicrobial activity of EOs was determined through microdilution method; development of the biofilm was assessed using the crystal violet assay and SEM microscopy. Results indicate that Lippia origanoides thymol–carvacrol II chemotype (LTC II) and Thymus vulgaris (TV) exhibited a significant antibacterial activity, with MIC values of 0.45 and 0.75 mg/mL, respectively. The percentage of biofilm formation inhibition was greater than 70% at subinhibitory concentrations (MIC50) for LTC II EO. The results demonstrate that these two oils had significantly reduced the hemolytic effect of S. aureus by 54% and 32%, respectively, and the mobility capacity by swimming in E. coli with percentages of decrease of 55% and 47%, respectively. The results show that LTC II and TV EOs can interact with the hydrophobic core of lipid bilayers and alter the physicochemical properties of membranes. The findings suggest that LTC II and TV oils may potentially be used to aid in the treatment of S. aureus and E. coli infections.
Deferoxamine Treatment Improves Antioxidant Cosmeceutical Formulation Protection against Cutaneous Diesel Engine Exhaust Exposure
Authors: Pambianchi Erika , Ferrara Francesca , Pecorelli Alessandra , Benedusi Mascia , Choudhary Hina , Therrien Jean-Philippe , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

Skin is one of the main targets of the outdoor stressors. Considering that pollution levels are rising progressively, it is not surprising that several cutaneous conditions have been associated with its exposure. Among the pollutants, diesel engine exhaust (DEE) represents one of the most toxic, as it is composed of a mixture of many different noxious chemicals generated during the compression cycle, for ignition rather than an electrical spark as in gasoline engines. The toxic chemicals of most concern in DEE, besides the oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide and various hydrocarbons, are metals that can induce oxidative stress and inflammation. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of topical application, singularly or in combination, of the iron-chelator deferoxamine and a commercially available formulation, CE Ferulic, in up to 4-day DEE-exposed skin. DEE induced a significant increase in the oxidative marker 4-hydroxy-nonenal (4HNE) and matrix-metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), the loss of cutaneous-barrier-associated proteins (filaggrin and involucrin) and a decrease in collagen-1, while the formulations prevented the cutaneous damage in an additive manner. In conclusion, this study suggests that iron plays a key role in DEE-induced skin damage and its chelation could be an adjuvant strategy to reinforce antioxidant topical formulations.
The KEAP1-NRF2 System in Healthy Aging and Longevity
Authors: Matsumaru Daisuke , Motohashi Hozumi
Published: December 2021

Aging is inevitable, but the inherently and genetically programmed aging process is markedly influenced by environmental factors. All organisms are constantly exposed to various stresses, either exogenous or endogenous, throughout their lives, and the quality and quantity of the stresses generate diverse impacts on the organismal aging process. In the current oxygenic atmosphere on earth, oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species is one of the most common and critical environmental factors for life. The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-NFE2-related factor 2 (KEAP1-NRF2) system is a critical defense mechanism of cells and organisms in response to redox perturbations. In the presence of oxidative and electrophilic insults, the thiol moieties of cysteine in KEAP1 are modified, and consequently NRF2 activates its target genes for detoxification and cytoprotection. A number of studies have clarified the contributions of the KEAP1-NRF2 system to the prevention and attenuation of physiological aging and aging-related diseases. Accumulating knowledge to control stress-induced damage may provide a clue for extending healthspan and treating aging-related diseases. In this review, we focus on the relationships between oxidative stress and aging-related alterations in the sensory, glandular, muscular, and central nervous systems and the roles of the KEAP1-NRF2 system in aging processes.
A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Hydrogen Gas on Alleviating Early CCl4-Induced Chronic Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Cheng Quancheng , Fang Jinyu , Ding Huiru , Liu Huaicun , Fang Xuan , Chen Chunhua , Zhang Weiguang
Published: December 2021

As a small-molecule reductant substance, hydrogen gas has an obvious antioxidant function. It can selectively neutralize hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO•) in cells, reducing oxidative stress damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrogen gas (3%) on early chronic liver injury (CLI) induced by CCl4 and to preliminarily explore the protective mechanism of hydrogen gas on hepatocytes by observing the expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in liver tissue. Here, 32 rats were divided into four groups: the control group, CCl4 group, H2 (hydrogen gas) group, and CCl4 + H2 group. The effect of hydrogen gas on early CLI was observed by serological tests, ELISA, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and oil red O staining. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting were used to observe the expression of UCP2 in liver tissues. We found that CCl4 can induce significant steatosis in hepatocytes. When the hydrogen gas was inhaled, hepatocyte steatosis was reduced, and the UCP2 expression level in liver tissue was increased. These results suggest that hydrogen gas might upregulate UCP2 expression levels, reduce the generation of intracellular oxygen free radicals, affect lipid metabolism in liver cells, and play a protective role in liver cells.
Collision-Free Motion Planning of a Six-Link Manipulator Used in a Citrus Picking Robot
Authors: Tang Zuoliang , Xu Lijia , Wang Yuchao , Kang Zhiliang , Xie Hong
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the results of a motion planning algorithm that has been used in an intelligent citrus-picking robot consisting of a six-link manipulator. The real-time performance of a motion planning algorithm is urgently required by the picking robot. Within the artificial potential field (APF) method, the motion planning of the picking manipulator was basically solved. However, the real-time requirement of the picking robot had not been totally satisfied by APF because of some native defects, such as the large number of calculations used to map forces into torques by the Jacobian matrix, local minimum trap, and target not reachable problem, which greatly reduce motion planning efficiency and real-time performance of citrus-picking robots. To circumvent those problems, this paper proposed some novel methods that improved the mathematical models of APF and directly calculates the attractive torques in the joint space. By using the latter approach, the calculation time and the total joint error were separately reduced by 54.89% and 45.41% compared with APF. Finally, the novel algorithm is presented and demonstrated with some illustrative examples of the citrus picking robot, both offline during the design phase as well as online during a realistic picking test.
Mathematical Model for Scaling up Bioprocesses Using Experiment Design Combined with Buckingham Pi Theorem
Authors: Rendón-Castrillón Leidy , Ramírez-Carmona Margarita , Ocampo-López Carlos , Gómez-Arroyave Luis
Published: December 2021

Scaling up bioprocesses from the experimental to the pilot or industrial scale involves heuristics and scale relationships that are far from the specific phenomena and are usually not connected to the experimental data. In complex systems, the scaling-up methodology must connect the experimental data with the tools of engineering design. In this work, a two-stage gold bioleaching process was used as a case study to develop a mathematical model of bioprocess scaling that combines the design of experiments with dimensional analysis using the Buckingham Pi theorem to formulate a predictive model that allows scaling up bioprocesses. It was found that the C/N, C/K, and T/C ratios are dimensionless factors that can explain the behavior of a system. Using the Pearson Product–Moment bivariate analysis, it was found that the dimensionless factors C/N and C/K were correlated with the leaching potential of the fermented broth at 1060 cm−1. With these results, a non-linear logarithmic model based on dimensionless parameters was proposed to explain the behavior of the system with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9889, showing that the optimal conditions to produce fermented broth comprised a C/N ratio close to 50 and a C/K ratio close to 800, which allows predicting the scaling of the bioprocess.
Impact of the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO) on Foraminiferal and Calcareous Nannofossil Assemblages in the Neo-Tethyan Baskil Section (Eastern Turkey): Paleoenvironmental and Paleoclimatic Reconstructions
Authors: D’Onofrio Roberta , Zaky Amr S. , Frontalini Fabrizio , Luciani Valeria , Catanzariti Rita , Francescangeli Fabio , Giorgioni Martino , Coccioni Rodolfo , Özcan Ercan , Jovane Luigi
Published: December 2021

The Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO; ~40 Ma), which interrupted for ~500–600 kyr the long-term cooling trend culminating at the Eocene/Oligocene boundary, still requires a comprehensive understanding of the biotic resilience. Here we present a high-resolution integrated foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil study across the MECO from the expanded and continuous Tethyan Baskil section (eastern Turkey) that offers a complete magneto-biostratigraphic and geochemical framework. The five MECO phases identified reveal a transition from oligotrophic (pre-MECO) to eu-mesotrophic conditions, possibly related to accelerated hydrological cycle, during the initial MECO and MECO δ13C negative excursion phases. The MECO WARMING PEAK phase, marking the highest carbonate dissolution interval, records the most striking biotic changes, such as peak in warm and eutrophic nannofossils, virtual disappearance of the oligotrophic planktic foraminiferal large Acarinina and Morozovelloides, and peak in eutrophic deep dwellers Subbotina. Benthic foraminifera suggest in this phase an improvement in the quality of organic matter to the seafloor. The post-MECO phase shows only a partial recovery of the pre-event conditions. Large Acarinina and Morozovelloides did not recover their abundance, possibly due to cooler conditions in this phase. Our reconstruction reveals how paleoenvironment and marine biota from the studied Neo-Tethyan setting reacted to the MECO perturbations.
Potential Use of Cold Plasma Discharges for Frequency Reconfigurability in a Sievenpiper Mushroom Metasurface
Authors: Pizarro Francisco , Stuardo Pablo , Olivares Ricardo , Rajo-Iglesias Eva
Published: December 2021

This article presents a parametric study using full-wave simulations about the potential use of cold plasma discharges to achieve frequency reconfiguration on a Sievenpiper mushroom metasurface. The study was done by inserting plasma tubes in between the patches of the mushroom structure, in three different positions with respect to the top of the metasurface, and varying the electronic density while keeping the plasma collision frequency. The obtained results show that it is possible to shift the stop-band generated by the metasurface around 25% towards lower frequencies for an electron density value inside the tubes of 1014 cm−3, when they are placed in between the top patches of the metasurface. Additional insertion losses are exhibited when operating near the plasma frequency.
Fast Image Reconstruction Technique for Parallel Phase-Shifting Digital Holography
Authors: Tsuruta Masahiro , Fukuyama Tomotaka , Tahara Tatsuki , Takaki Yasuhiro
Published: December 2021

For incoherent and coherent digital holography, the parallel phase-shifting technique has been used to reduce the number of exposures required for the phase-shifting technique which eliminates zero-order diffraction and conjugates image components. Although the parallel phase-shifting technique can decrease the hologram recording time, the image interpolations require additional calculation time. In this study, we propose a technique that reduces the calculation time for image interpolations; this technique is based on the convolution theorem. We experimentally verified the proposed technique and compared it with the conventional technique. The proposed technique is more effective for more precise interpolation algorithms because the calculation time does not depend on the size of interpolation kernels.
Physicochemical, Sensory Properties and Lipid Oxidation of Chicken Sausages Supplemented with Three Types of Seaweed
Authors: Munsu Elisha , Mohd Zaini Hana , Matanjun Patricia , Ab Wahab Noorakmar , Sulaiman Nurul Shaeera , Pindi Wolyna
Published: December 2021

The effect of the addition of three types of tropical edible seaweeds, Kappaphycus alvarezii (KA), Sargassum polycystum (SP), and Caulerpa lentilifira (CL), on sausages were studied. Nine sausage formulations with three levels of inclusion (2%, 4%, and 6%) of each seaweed were prepared, analysed, and compared with the control sample (without seaweed) in terms of their physicochemical properties, total phenolic content, and lipid oxidation. The modified sausages had low moisture and fat content (p < 0.05) but high ash and dietary fiber content (p < 0.05) compared to the control sausage. The addition of seaweed powder changed the texture of the sausages, mainly its hardness and chewiness (p < 0.05), but no significant difference in cohesiveness and springiness was found (p < 0.05). The modified sausages were shown to have high water holding capacities and cooking yields. The different types of seaweed modified the colour of the chicken sausages differently. In general, the L* (brightness) and b* (yellowness) values was low for all sausage samples containing seaweed powder (p < 0.05), while the a* (redness) value increased with the addition of the KA and SP seaweed powder but decreased for the sausage sample with added CL seaweed powder (p < 0.05). Moreover, the modified sausages have higher total phenolic contents and high antioxidant capacities, which contributed to slowing the oxidation of lipid in sausages during storage (p < 0.05). Sensory evaluation showed that the panellists found up to 4% of KA and 2% of SP to be acceptable. Overall, the seaweeds, especially KA and SP, could potentially be developed as excellent additives for the manufacture of highly technological high-quality meat products.
Robotics in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Authors: Kim Sang-Hyun , Choi Hyuk-Soon , Keum Bora , Chun Hoon-Jai
Published: December 2021

Recent advances in endoscopic technology allow clinicians to not only detect digestive diseases early, but also provide appropriate treatment. The development of various therapeutic endoscopic technologies has changed the paradigm in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, contributing greatly to improving the quality of life of patients. The application of robotics for gastrointestinal endoscopy improves the maneuverability and therapeutic ability of gastrointestinal endoscopists, but there are still technical limitations. With the development of minimally invasive endoscopic treatment, clinicians need more sophisticated and precise endoscopic instruments. Novel robotic systems are being developed for application in various clinical fields, to ultimately develop into minimally invasive robotic surgery to lower the risk to patients. Robots for endoscopic submucosal dissection, autonomous locomotive robotic colonoscopes, and robotic capsule endoscopes are currently being developed. In this review, the most recently developed innovative endoscopic robots were evaluated according to their operating mechanisms and purpose of use. Robotic endoscopy is an innovative treatment platform for future digestive endoscopy.
Time Series Anomaly Detection for KPIs Based on Correlation Analysis and HMM
Authors: Shang Zijing , Zhang Yingjun , Zhang Xiuguo , Zhao Yun , Cao Zhiying , Wang Xuejie
Published: December 2021

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) in distributed systems may involve a variety of anomalies, which will lead to system failure and huge losses. Detecting KPI anomalies in the system is very important. This paper presents a time series anomaly detection method based on correlation analysis and HMM. Correlation analysis is used to obtain the correlation between abnormal KPIs in the system, thereby reducing the false alarm rate of anomaly detection. The HMM (Hidden Markov Model) is used for anomaly detection by finding the close relationship between abnormal KPIs. In our correlation analysis of abnormal KPIs, firstly, the time series prediction model (1D-CNN-TCN) is proposed. The residual sequence is obtained by calculating the residual between the predicted value and the actual value. The residual sequence can highlight the abnormal segment in each data point and improve the accuracy of anomaly screening. According to the obtained residual sequence, these abnormal KPIs are preliminarily screened out from the historical data. Next, KPI correlation analysis is performed, and the correlation score is obtained by adding a sliding window onto the obtained anomaly index residual sequence. The correlation analysis based on the residual sequence can eliminate the interference of the original data fluctuation itself. Then, a correlation matrix of abnormal KPIs is constructed using the obtained correlation scores. In anomaly detection, the constructed correlation matrix is processed to obtain the adaptive parameters of the HMM model, and the trained HMM is used to quickly discover the abnormal KPI that may cause a KPI anomaly. Experiments on public data sets show that the method obtains good results.
Effect of Thickness Stretching on Bending and Free Vibration Behaviors of Functionally Graded Graphene Reinforced Composite Plates
Authors: Wang Zhuangzhuang , Ma Liansheng
Published: December 2021

The focus of this paper is the effect of thickness stretching on the static and dynamic behaviors of functionally graded graphene reinforced composite (FG-GRC) plates. The bending and free vibration behaviors of FG-GRC plates under simply supported conditions are studied based on two plate theories, with or without taking into account the thickness stretching effect, respectively, and the effect of thickness stretching on FG-GRC plates is analyzed by comparing the calculated results of the two types of plate theories. The properties of composite materials are estimated by the modified Halpin-Tsai model and rule of mixture, Hamilton’s principle is used to construct its governing equation, and the Navier solution method is used to find the closed solution. The numerical results show that the effect of thickness stretching depends mainly on the transverse anisotropy of the FG-GRC plates, and the FG-GRC plates are most significantly affected by the thickness stretching when the graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) are asymmetrically distributed, and the effect of thickness stretching tends to increase as the total number of layers and the weight fraction of GPLs increase.
Preliminary Evaluation of Pentacene Field Effect Transistors with Polymer Gate Electret as Ionizing Radiation Dosimeters
Authors: Valitova Irina , Mitchell Alexandria , Hupman Michael A. , Hill Ian G. , Syme Alasdair
Published: December 2021

Interest in the use of organic electronic devices in radiation sensing applications has grown in recent years. The numerous device configurations (e.g., diodes, thin film transistors) and potential for improved tissue equivalence compared to their silicon-based analogues make them attractive candidates for various radiation dosimetry measurements. In this work, a variation of the organic thin film transistor (OTFT) is studied, in which a polymer electret is added. An OTFT electret design can be used in either a wired or wireless configuration for in vivo dosimetry with the possibility of real-time detection. The linearity, reproducibility, and dependence on energy of these devices were measured through exposure to 100 kVp photons from an orthovoltage treatment unit (Xstrahl 300) and 6 MV photons from a Varian TrueBeam medical linear accelerator. Prior to irradiation, all transistors were programmed with a −80 V bias applied to the Gate electrode (Vg) for 3 s. In the wireless configuration, after each delivered dose, the transfer characteristic was scanned to readout the amount of erased charges by monitoring the drain current change. When the programmed charge was sufficiently depleted by radiation, transistors were reprogrammed for repeated use. The real-time readout in a wired configuration was performed by measuring the drain current with Vg = −15 V; Vd = −15 V. The 6 MV photon beam was turned on and off at different dose rates of 600, 400, 300, 200, and 60 cGy/min to quantify the sensitivity of the device to changes in dose rate. The wireless transistors showed a linear increase in current with increasing dose. The sensitivities for different energies were 60 ± 5 nA/Gy at 6 MV at a dose rate of 600 cGy/min and 80 ± 10 nA/Gy at 100 kVp at a dose rate of 200 cGy/min. The sensitivity of detectors tested in a wired configuration at Vd = −15 V; Vg = −15 V was 8.1 nA/s at a dose rate of 600 cGy/min. The principle of pentacene OTFTs with polymer electret as radiation detectors was demonstrated. Devices had excellent linearity, reproducibility, and were able to be reprogrammed for multiple uses as wireless detectors. The wired transistors demonstrated an effective response as real-time detectors.
Effect of Coronavirus-19 Restrictions in Male Handball Players: Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Satisfaction with Life
Authors: Hermassi Souhail , Hayes Lawrence D. , Sanal-Hayes Nilihan E. M. , Schwesig René
Published: December 2021

This experiment examined physical activity (PA), sitting time, and satisfaction with life (SL) in European (45%) and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA; 55%) handball players (n = 418; age: 25.6 ± 6.8 years; body mass: 88.1 ± 11.7 kg; height: 1.83 ± 0.08 m) during the coronavirus (COVID)-19 pandemic. The International Physical Activity (IPAQ) and Satisfaction of Life (LS) Questionnaires were administered. All PA variables (vigorous, moderate, walking, total PA) were negatively influenced, but no interaction effects (IE; region x time) were observed. Sitting time increased from 2.5 to 4.9 h∙weekday−1 (ηp2 = 0.80) and walking time decreased from 66.8 to 33.5 min∙day−1 (ηp2 = 0.83). Based on effect sizes (d), pre- to during-confinement reductions were similar between regions (MENA: d = 3.29; Europe: d = 3.41; IE: ηp2 = 0.01). The largest regional difference was in moderate PA (MENA: d = 1.88; Europe: d = 2.99; IE: ηp2 = 0.09). SL in the total sample reduced from 30.6 ± 2.02 to 13.9 ± 2.20 arbitrary units (AU). SL reduction was similar in both regions (dMENA = 8.44; dEUROPE = 8.06; IE: ηp2 = 0.01). To conclude, PA decreased during COVID-19 confinement, sitting time increased, and SL decreased irrespective of geographical region. These preliminary findings highlight risk of SL and physical inactivity during COVID-19 restrictions in 2021.
Flutter Derivatives Identification and Uncertainty Quantification for Bridge Decks Based on the Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm and Bootstrap Technique
Authors: Feng Zhouquan , Lin Yang
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a novel parameter identification and uncertainty quantification method for flutter derivatives estimation of bridge decks. The proposed approach is based on free-decay vibration records of a sectional model in wind tunnel tests, which consists of parameter identification by a heuristic optimization algorithm in the sense of weighted least squares and uncertainty quantification by a bootstrap technique. The novel contributions of the method are on three fronts. Firstly, weighting factors associated with vertical and torsional motion in the objective function are determined more reasonably using an iterative procedure rather than preassigned. Secondly, flutter derivatives are identified using a hybrid heuristic and classical optimization method, which integrates a modified artificial bee colony algorithm with the Powell’s algorithm. Thirdly, a statistical bootstrap technique is used to quantify the uncertainties of flutter derivatives. The advantages of the proposed method with respect to other methods are faster and more accurate achievement of the global optimum, and refined uncertainty quantification in the identified flutter derivatives. The effectiveness and reliability of the proposed method are validated through noisy data of a numerically simulated thin plate and experimental data of a bridge deck sectional model.
Potencial Use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to Categorise Chorizo Sausages from Iberian Pigs According to Several Quality Standards
Authors: Ortiz Alberto , León Lucía , Contador Rebeca , Tejerina David
Published: December 2021

The ability of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to classify pre-sliced Iberian chorizo modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) according to the animal material used in their production (Black, Red, White) in their production in accordance with the official trade categories (which includes the handling system and the different inter-racial crossbreeds) without opening the package was assayed. Furthermore, various spectra pre-treatments and supervised classification chemometric tools; Partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), soft independent modelling of class analogies (SIMCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), were assessed. The highest sensitivity values in both calibration and external validation were achieved with SIMCA followed by PLS-DA approaches, while LDA had more provided values among sensitivity and specificity and between the different commercial categories in both sample sets, thus yielding the highest discriminant ability. These results could be a resource to support the traceability and authentication control of individual pre-sliced MAP Iberian chorizo according to the commercial category of the raw material in a non-destructive way.
Advanced Proportional-Integral-Derivative Control Compensation Based on a Grey Estimated Model in Dynamic Balance of Single-Wheeled Robot
Authors: Chen Mao-Lin , Chen Chun-Yen , Wen Chien-Hung , Liao Pin-Hao , Chen Kai-Jung
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to design a one-wheeled robot as regards its pitch freedom and balance control on the one hand and to assess the application feasibility of the GM (1,1) swing estimation controller on the other. System control focuses mainly on one-wheeled robot stability, body swings in position, and speed control. Mathematical modeling and GM (1,1) prediction control are under investigation. The mathematical modeling is firstly conducted through referencing to the Newtonian mechanics and the Lagrange equation, from which the robot transfer function and state-space differential equation are derived. Next, the linear quadratic regulator is applied as the control rule at the balance point. Applying GM (1,1) to assess the robot gyro signal at a dynamic state is a discussion. Next, model reference estimation control is processed, and a mathematical model of the balance control method is completed. Finally, a simulation is conducted to verify the feasibility of the GM (1,1) estimation reference model. The linear quadratic regulator, which is credited with tenacity, can provide pitch swing and balance control of the one-wheeled robot.
P Systems with Evolutional Communication and Division Rules
Authors: Orellana-Martín David , Valencia-Cabrera Luis , Pérez-Jiménez Mario J.
Published: December 2021

A widely studied field in the framework of membrane computing is computational complexity theory. While some types of P systems are only capable of efficiently solving problems from the class P, adding one or more syntactic or semantic ingredients to these membrane systems can give them the ability to efficiently solve presumably intractable problems. These ingredients are called to form a frontier of efficiency, in the sense that passing from the first type of P systems to the second type leads to passing from non-efficiency to the presumed efficiency. In this work, a solution to the SAT problem, a well-known NP-complete problem, is obtained by means of a family of recognizer P systems with evolutional symport/antiport rules of length at most (2,1) and division rules where the environment plays a passive role; that is, P systems from CDEC^(2,1). This result is comparable to the one obtained in the tissue-like counterpart, and gives a glance of a parallelism and the non-evolutionary membrane systems with symport/antiport rules.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Hermite–Hadamard Type Inequalities via Generalized Preinvex Functions
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Ahmad Hijaz , Budak Hüseyin , Sahoo Soubhagya Kumar , Sitthiwirattham Thanin , Reunsumrit Jiraporn
Published: December 2021

The principal objective of this article is to introduce the idea of a new class of n-polynomial convex functions which we call n-polynomial s-type m-preinvex function. We establish a new variant of the well-known Hermite–Hadamard inequality in the mode of the newly introduced concept. To add more insight into the newly introduced concept, we have discussed some algebraic properties and examples as well. Besides, we discuss a few new exceptional cases for the derived results, which make us realize that the results of this paper are the speculations and expansions of some recently known outcomes. The immeasurable concepts and chasmic tools of this paper may invigorate and revitalize additional research in this mesmerizing and absorbing field.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Potential Antiviral Tripartite Motif Proteins (TRIMs) in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: Qin Beibei , Xiao Tiaoyi , Ding Chunhua , Deng Yadong , Lv Zhao , Su Jianming
Published: December 2021

Tripartite motif proteins (TRIMs), especially B30.2 domain-containing TRIMs (TRIMs-B30.2), are increasingly well known for their antiviral immune functions in mammals, while antiviral TRIMs are far from being identified in teleosts. In the present study, we identified a total of 42 CiTRIMs from the genome of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, an important cultured teleost in China, based on hmmsearch and SMART analysis. Among these CiTRIMs, the gene loci of 37 CiTRIMs were located on different chromosomes and shared gene collinearities with homologous counterparts from human and zebrafish genomes. They possessed intact conserved RBCC or RB domain assemblies at their N-termini and eight different domains, including the B30.2 domain, at their C-termini. A total of 19 TRIMs-B30.2 were identified, and most of them were clustered into a large branch of CiTRIMs in the dendrogram. Tissue expression analysis showed that 42 CiTRIMs were universally expressed in various grass carp tissues. A total of 11 significantly differentially expressed CiTRIMs were found in two sets of grass carp transcriptomes during grass carp reovirus (GCRV) infection. Three of them, including Cibtr40, CiTRIM103 and CiTRIM109, which all belonged to TRIMs-B30.2, were associated with the type I interferon response during GCRV infection by weighted network co-expression and gene expression trend analyses, suggesting their involvement in antiviral immunity. These findings may offer useful information for understanding the structure, evolution, and function of TRIMs in teleosts and provide potential antiviral immune molecule markers for grass carp.
A Novel Vitronectin Peptide Facilitates Differentiation of Oligodendrocytes from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells (Synthetic ECM for Oligodendrocyte Differentiation)
Authors: Park Won Ung , Yeon Gyu-Bum , Yu Myeong-Sang , Goo Hui-Gwan , Hwang Su-Hee , Na Dokyun , Kim Dae-Sung
Published: December 2021

Differentiation of oligodendrocytes (ODs) presents a challenge in regenerative medicine due to their role in various neurological diseases associated with dysmyelination and demyelination. Here, we designed a peptide derived from vitronectin (VN) using in silico docking simulation and examined its use as a synthetic substrate to support the differentiation of ODs derived from human pluripotent stem cells. The designed peptide, named VNP2, promoted OD differentiation induced by the overexpression of SOX10 in OD precursor cells compared with Matrigel and full-length VN. ODs differentiated on VNP2 exhibited greater contact with axon-mimicking nanofibers than those differentiated on Matrigel. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the genes associated with morphogenesis, cytoskeleton remodeling, and OD differentiation were upregulated in cells grown on VNP2 compared with cells grown on Matrigel. This new synthetic VN-derived peptide can be used to develop a culture environment for efficient OD differentiation.
Advances in Proteasome Enhancement by Small Molecules
Authors: George Dare E. , Tepe Jetze J.
Published: December 2021

The proteasome system is a large and complex molecular machinery responsible for the degradation of misfolded, damaged, and redundant cellular proteins. When proteasome function is impaired, unwanted proteins accumulate, which can lead to several diseases including age-related and neurodegenerative diseases. Enhancing proteasome-mediated substrate degradation with small molecules may therefore be a valuable strategy for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s diseases. In this review, we discuss the structure of proteasome and how proteasome’s proteolytic activity is associated with aging and various neurodegenerative diseases. We also summarize various classes of compounds that are capable of enhancing, directly or indirectly, proteasome-mediated protein degradation.
Non-Antibody-Based Binders for the Enrichment of Proteins for Analysis by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Olaleye Oladapo , Govorukhina Natalia , van de Merbel Nico C. , Bischoff Rainer
Published: December 2021

There is often a need to isolate proteins from body fluids, such as plasma or serum, prior to further analysis with (targeted) mass spectrometry. Although immunoglobulin or antibody-based binders have been successful in this regard, they possess certain disadvantages, which stimulated the development and validation of alternative, non-antibody-based binders. These binders are based on different protein scaffolds and are often selected and optimized using phage or other display technologies. This review focuses on several non-antibody-based binders in the context of enriching proteins for subsequent liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis and compares them to antibodies. In addition, we give a brief introduction to approaches for the immobilization of binders. The combination of non-antibody-based binders and targeted mass spectrometry is promising in areas, like regulated bioanalysis of therapeutic proteins or the quantification of biomarkers. However, the rather limited commercial availability of these binders presents a bottleneck that needs to be addressed.