bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of different spinal orthoses for pain management, functional improvement, and quality of life in osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a mini review
Authors: Borg M. B. , Battaglia M. , Invernizzi M. , Baricich A.
Published: December 2024

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) significantly impair the quality of life in older adults. Spinal orthoses are commonly used, but their effectiveness is debated. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the impact of different spinal orthoses on pain, functionality, and quality of life in patients with OVFs. A review of PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, and Cochrane Library was conducted, covering studies from 2000 to 2024. Studies assessing spinal orthoses’ effects on pain, functionality, and quality of life in adults with OVFs were included. Ten studies involving 970 participants were included. Several studies reported significant improvements in pain, functionality, and quality of life with spinal orthoses. Dynamic hyperextension orthoses, such as Spinomed® and Spinfast®, showed potential benefits, particularly in enhancing trunk muscle strength. In conclusion, spinal orthoses may help manage pain and improve functionality and quality of life in OVFs. However, further high-quality trials are needed to confirm their efficacy.
Donor-derived cell-free DNA in chronic lung allograft dysfunction phenotypes: a pilot study
Authors: Beeckmans H. , Pagliazzi A. , Kerckhof P. , Hofkens R. , Debackere F. , Zajacova A. , Bos S. , Vanaudenaerde B. M. , de Loor H. , Naesens M. , Vos R.
Published: December 2024

Long-term survival after lung transplantation is limited due to chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), which encompasses two main phenotypes: bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS). Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a biomarker for (sub)clinical allograft injury and could be a tool for monitoring of lung allograft health across the (pre)clinical spectrum of CLAD. In this proof-of-concept study, we therefore assessed post-transplant plasma dd-cfDNA levels in 20 CLAD patients (11 BOS and 9 RAS) at three consecutive time points free from concurrent infection or acute rejection, during stable condition, preclinical CLAD, and established CLAD (n = 3 × 20 samples). Elevated dd-cfDNA levels were detected in 47% of stable samples, in 66% of preclinical CLAD samples, and in 71% of CLAD samples, indicating ongoing allograft injury. However, dd-cfDNA levels exhibited high intra- and interpatient variability and did not significantly differ between BOS and RAS (p = 0.25), although the range of dd-cfDNA was higher in RAS. Dd-cfDNA detects ongoing allograft injury in patients with CLAD, which warrants further investigation to improve early detection of CLAD.
Stop to smell the virtual roses: a mixed-methods pilot study on the impact of multisensory virtual reality nature experiences on feelings of relaxation
Authors: Lopes Marilia Karla Soares , De Jesus Belmir Jose , Rosanne Olivier Manuel , Pardini Susanna , Appel Lora , Smith Christopher , Falk Tiago Henrique
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the psychological and physiological impacts of audio-visual (AV) and audio-visual-olfactory (AVO) stimuli within an immersive virtual nature environment.

Methods

Twenty-two nurses from the mental health in-patient ward of a Canadian hospital participated in the study. Each participant chose one of the three available immersive scenarios (beach, lake, waterfall) to experiment with under the AV and AVO conditions. Psychological assessments were conducted via questionnaires to investigate relaxation levels and other measures of user experience. Although the AVO condition demonstrated the greatest improvement in relaxation relative to baseline, no significant differences were observed either between the conditions or across the scenarios. Physiological metrics were collected using an in-house instrumented Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality (VR) headset that allowed us to investigate brain activity via electroencephalography (EEG).

Results

Results show a significant difference between the two conditions in certain brain regions. Significant differences in neural patterns were also seen for the participants who reported improvements in relaxation, relative to those who did not report any improvements. For these latter-referenced participants, decreased relaxation resulted from the non-congruence of the presented smells with participant expectations. Furthermore, neuromarkers measured from the EEG, such as frontal alpha asymmetry (a measure of approach/withdrawal), engagement score, as well as valence and arousal indices suggested increased relaxation levels in the AVO condition.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that multisensory immersive experiences can impact both physiological and psychological outcomes, resulting in increased relaxation levels and enhanced sense engagement for certain scenes. The instrumented VR headset enabled the monitoring of user neural and behavioural patterns, thus allowing for new insights to be gained beyond those achievable with only questionnaires.
A food product development project with humanitarian character: an exploratory study
Authors: Lucca Gabriela Loewe , Caldas Fonseca Susana , Moura Ana Pinto
Published: December 2024

Vulnerable livelihood groups, such as the Fulanis in Guinea-Bissau, are affected by the consequences of inequality, as they lack access to healthy food, a healthy environment and adequate primary health care. Coordination between sectors can be key to building resilient food and health systems by integrating and scaling up preventive and emergency nutrition services, especially in the context of malnutrition. In 2021, a cashew-based food product was launched in Portugal in partnership with an NGO and a Portuguese food retailer. This study aims to explore the development and marketing of the product with humanitarian objectives, assessing its impact on the different stakeholders of the project. A mixed methodology was applied, combining the evaluation of consumer behavior, assessed through self-reported electronic questionnaires and in-depth interviews with the actors involved in the project. According to the retailer group stakeholders, a great opportunity for the future lies in developing new products with a humanitarian character. The results show that consumers are indeed interested in buying a product associated with a humanitarian cause, and that the product “100% Cashew Nut Butter” has a favorable consumer acceptance in terms of sensory attributes. The long-term nature of the project and the financial return were cited as strengths by all NGO stakeholders involved, but all stakeholders agreed that innovation was needed to sustain donations. Thus, this may be a cyclical process: businesses can create demand through product development, while management and consumers, in turn, drive demand. These findings can be used to improve the design of future projects that might use this as an example.
Wheat productivity and nitrogen use efficiency in no-till systems: a comparative analysis of crop-pasture and continuous cropping rotations in Uruguay
Authors: Mori Alvez Cristina , Ernst Benech Oswaldo , González Barrios Pablo , Perdomo Varela Carlos
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Uruguayan agriculture’s transition to no-till farming and intensified practices, replacing crop-pasture (CP) systems with continuous cropping (CC) rotations, has disrupted biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Despite this, diversified cropping sequences, including C4 species, have maintained the soil organic carbon (SOC) balance under no-till management, with limited overall impacts on productivity and sustainability. The effects of these changes on wheat productivity and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) need to be further investigated.

Methods

This study, conducted within a long-term experiment (LTE) under rainfed conditions, compared wheat productivity in CP and CC rotations. Wheat following CP and CC were analyzed over three seasons. Variables measured included soil nitrogen (N) concentration, wheat grain yield (WGY), grain protein concentration (GPC), and NUE. Four N fertilizer levels were applied to each rotation system to assess their impact.

Results

CC rotation consistently outperformed CP in WGY, with 2425 and 1668 kg ha−1 averages, respectively. CP showed slightly higher GPC (10.92%) than CC (10.48%). Nitrate-N levels at tillering positively correlated with WGY and negatively with GPC, but the relationship differed by rotation. Soil NUE indices were higher in CC rotations.

Discussion

The study’s findings highlighted the potential of CC rotation, especially when including C4 species in the crop sequence, to achieve higher wheat productivity in the short term due to healthier soil conditions compared to wheat seeded after post-pasture in CP. Additionally, our study highlights that the effect of the previous crop on yield and NUE in wheat was more relevant than the expected residual effect of the pasture phase in CP, primarily due to the quality of residues and the temporary adverse effects of soil compaction caused by livestock trampling.
Survey of the approach to the diagnosis and management of bacterial pneumonia in adult horses by equine veterinarians
Authors: Hepworth-Warren Kate L. , Love Kim
Published: December 2024

Bacterial pneumonia is a common disease in adult horses, but there are no guidelines for practitioners regarding risk factors, diagnosis, and management of the disease. The objectives of this study were to describe how a group of equine veterinarians diagnose and treat bacterial pneumonia in adult horses. A 22-question survey was distributed via multiple platforms to equine veterinarians asking questions regarding the frequency with which they identified specific clinical findings and used certain diagnostic modalities, and the approach to antimicrobial and adjunct therapy. Three hundred nine survey responses were received of which 244 were complete and used in the final analyses. There are significant differences in the ways that different equine veterinarians diagnose and treat bacterial pneumonia based on practice type and training of the practitioner. The majority of practitioners treat with antimicrobials for longer than 2 weeks, and only 53.3% of respondents reported that they “always” or “most of the time” used culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to guide therapy. There is a need for guidelines to reduce the duration of therapy and improve antimicrobial stewardship when treating bacterial pneumonia in horses.
Diagnosis and surgical treatment of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly in a dog: a case report
Authors: Choo Younwoo , Cho Jun-Sik , Cha Ah-Young , Kim Hwi-Yool , Kim Jung-Moon
Published: December 2024

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA), also called Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome, is an extremely rare Müllerian duct anomaly accompanied by Wolffian duct anomalies. A 10-year-old intact female Yorkshire Terrier weighing 3.35 kg was presented with anorexia, depression, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography revealed uterine didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, a cystic structure around the right uterus, and right renal agenesis, leading to the diagnosis of OHVIRA syndrome. An ovariohysterectomy and decompression of the obstructed right hemivagina were performed, and the cystic structure near the right uterine horn was removed by en bloc resection, along with the right uterus and ovary. After the surgical intervention, the patient’s symptoms including abdominal pain, anorexia, and depression were immediately resolved. The patient was followed up for 1 month postoperatively with ultrasonography at 2-week intervals, which revealed the progression of mild fluid retention in the right hemivagina. However, no additional urogenital findings were identified, and the patient continued to exhibit no overt clinical symptoms. This case report describes the diagnosis and surgical treatment of the first documented case of OHVIRA syndrome in an animal. Unlike in human medicine, where vaginal septectomy is performed to prevent dilatation of the obstructed hemivagina and thereby resolve clinical symptoms, performing ovariohysterectomy combined with fluid aspiration from the obstructed hemivagina showed a favorable postoperative prognosis in the dog.
Case report: Preputial tube-flap ureteroplasty for neoureter creation in a male dog with post ureterocolonic anastomosis complications
Authors: Yala Wongsuda , Chumkam Anitha , Prommarit Ana , Sungthong Chanakarn , Danpanang Nut , Yippaditr Wanchart
Published: December 2024

A 16.50 kg, 5-year-old male mixed breed dog presented due to complications following a ureterocolonic anastomosis performed to manage of ureteral and urinary bladder injuries. The first revision surgery involved reimplantation of the ureters into the cranial aspect of the prepuce. Dehiscence of the anastomosed ends of the right ureter was observed postoperatively. A second revision surgery was then performed, involving a preputial tube-flap ureteroplasty via preputiotomy. A longitudinal flap was raised from the prepuce and anastomosed to the end of the right ureter to create a neoureter and reduce tension at the anastomosis site. Postoperative follow-up evaluations at 10 days and 6 months revealed no unexpected complications. Six months follow-up, the owner reported that the dog exhibited a satisfactory quality of life.
Comparative analysis of PFASs concentrations in fur, muscle, and liver of wild roe deer as biomonitoring matrices
Authors: Draghi Susanna , Curone Giulio , Risoluti Roberta , Materazzi Stefano , Gullifa Giuseppina , Amoresano Angela , Spinelli Michele , Fontanarosa Carolina , Pavlovic Radmila , Pellegrini Alberto , Fidani Marco , Cagnardi Petra , Di Cesare Federica , Arioli Francesco
Published: December 2024

Background

Recently, environmental pollution has become a significant concern for human, animal, and environmental health, fitting within the “One Health” framework. Among the various environmental contaminants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have gathered substantial attention due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and adverse health effects. This study aimed to compare the levels of 12 PFASs in the fur, liver, and muscle of wild roe deer to evaluate the feasibility of using fur as a non-invasive biomonitoring matrix.

Methods

A total of 20 male and 20 female roe deer aged between 12 and 24 months were randomly sampled from a hunting area in Northern Italy. Samples of fur, muscle, and liver were collected post-mortem, and PFAS concentrations were measured using a validated UHPLC-HRMS method.

Results and discussion

The results indicated significant differences in PFAS concentrations among the three matrices. Fur, although easier to sample and store, showed highly variable PFAS levels, with different detection frequencies compared to the muscle and liver. PFASs such as PFHxA were more frequently detected in fur than in the liver and muscle, while compounds such as PFBA, PFPeA, PFHpA, PFDA, PFHxS, 6-2 FTS, and 8-2 FTS were less frequently detected in fur. In conclusion, while fur presents many practical advantages for biomonitoring, such as non-invasive sampling and stability, its use is complicated by varying detection frequencies and concentration levels. These aspects, together with the use of a single sampling technique, can be considered a limitation of the study. Notably, compounds such as PFOA, PFNA, and PFOS showed partially similar detection frequencies across the matrices, suggesting potential interest for further research. This study offers new perspectives on the use of fur for environmental monitoring, highlighting the need for more extensive research to understand the relationship between PFAS concentrations in fur and other biological matrices. Future studies should focus on methodological improvements in extraction and quantification techniques for PFASs in fur to enhance their reliability as a biomonitoring tool.
Comparison of average daily gain, apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial communities, and serum antioxidant indices in Leizhou goats fed with or without rumen-protected fat
Authors: Liu Hu , Mao Hongxiang , Wang Wenji , Peng Weishi , Mao Kaiyu , Sun Wei , Yang Yuanting , Wu Qun , Wang Ke , Zeng Meng , Han Jiancheng , Zhou Hanlin
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Rumen-protected fat (RPF) is a vital dietary energy source for dairy cows. However, the influences of RPF on rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) content and bacterial communities in goats are poorly documented.

Methods

In this study, 12 castrated male goats (body weight [BW]: 13.3 ± 0.02 kg; 6 months of age) were used as the experimental animal and then allocated into two groups (n = 6): a control group, fed a basal diet without RPF supplementation, and the RPF supplementation group, fed a basal diet with 2.4% RPF supplementation.

Results

The final BW and ADG were higher (p < 0.05) and the ratio of dry matter (DM) intake to ADG was lower (p < 0.05) in the 2.4% RPF supplementation group compared with those in the control group. The 2.4% RPF supplementation group showed a higher total tract digestibility of DM, CP, OM, neutral and acid detergent fiber compared with that of the control group (p < 0.05). The proportion of acetate was higher (p < 0.05) and that of propionate was lower (p < 0.05) in the 2.4% RPF supplementation group compared with those in the control group. The relative abundances of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, unclassified_f__Selenomonadaceae, norank_f__Selenomonadaceae, Quinella, norank_f__Bacteroidales_RF16_group, and unclassified_o__Bacteroidales were higher (p < 0.05) and those of Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, norank_f__F082, Olsenella, Erysipelatoclostridiaceae_UCG-004, and Syntrophococcus were lower (p < 0.05) in the 2.4% RPF supplementation group compared with those in the control group.

Discussion

In conclusion, 2.4% RPF supplementation can improve the ADG and antioxidant capacity by regulating the rumen bacterial communities and enhancing the apparent total tract digestibility in growing Leizhou goats.
Can we predict hypoadrenocorticism in dogs with resting hypocortisolemia? A predictive model based on clinical, haematological, and biochemical variables
Authors: Santos Nuno Sousa , Domingues Tiago Dias , Tardo Antonio Maria , Dinis Marta , Mateus Luísa , Fracassi Federico , Leal Rodolfo Oliveira
Published: December 2024

Background

A resting cortisol concentration (RC) higher than 2.0 μg/dL (55 nmol/L) is commonly used to rule out hypoadrenocorticism (HA). However, there is a significant overlap of RC between dogs with HA and those with other diseases. There is a need for data to help increase the suspicion of HA.

Hypothesis/objectives

To create a predictive model based on clinical, haematological and biochemical variables to increase the likelihood of diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism.

Animals

Ninety-two dogs with RC <2.0 μg/dL, and an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test (ACTHst) performed.

Methods

Multicentric retrospective cohort study with review of medical records of client-owned dogs presented to two referral centres, between January 2018 and March 2022. Dogs were divided into two groups (HA and not HA), based on ACTHst results. Descriptive analysis was performed along with a predictive model, using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 92 included dogs, hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 29 patients (32.2%) based on ACTHst results (HA group). Acute gastrointestinal signs, anorexia and lethargy were more prevalent in the HA group. Creatinine, BUN, ALT, and potassium were higher, and albumin, sodium and Na/K ratio were lower in the HA group. Multivariate analysis developed a robust model in which lethargy (OR 5.25), anorexia (OR 3.69), albumin (OR 0.32), and sodium (OR 0.84) concentrations allowed the prediction of HA.

Conclusions and clinical importance

In dogs with resting hypocortisolemia, the combination of anorexia and lethargy, along with low sodium and albumin concentrations, should raise the suspicion of hypoadrenocorticism. The variables identified in this study may help clinicians to identify dogs with hypoadrenocorticism in daily clinical practice.
Optimized Analytical–Numerical Procedure for Ultrasonic Sludge Treatment for Agricultural Use
Authors: Laganà Filippo , Pullano Salvatore A. , Angiulli Giovanni , Versaci Mario
Published: December 2024

This paper presents an integrated approach based on physical–mathematical models and numerical simulations to optimize sludge treatment using ultrasound. The main objective is to improve the efficiency of the purification system by reducing the weight and moisture of the purification sludge, therefore ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability. A coupled temperature–humidity model, formulated by partial differential equations, describes materials’ thermal and water evolution during treatment. The numerical resolution, implemented by the finite element method (FEM), allows the simulation of the system behavior and the optimization of the operating parameters. Experimental results confirm that ultrasonic treatment reduces the moisture content of sludge by up to 20% and improves its stability, making it suitable for agricultural applications or further treatment. Functional controls of sonication and the reduction of water content in the sludge correlate with the obtained results. Ultrasound treatment has been shown to decrease the specific weight of the sludge sample both in pretreatment and treatment, therefore improving stabilization. In various experimental conditions, the weight of the sludge is reduced by a maximum of about 50%. Processed sludge transforms waste into a resource for the agricultural sector. Treatment processes have been optimized with low-energy operating principles. Additionally, besides utilizing energy-harvesting technology, plant operating processes have been optimized, accounting for approximately 55% of the consumption due to the aeration of active sludge. In addition, an extended analysis of ultrasonic wave propagation is proposed.
MGKGR: Multimodal Semantic Fusion for Geographic Knowledge Graph Representation
Authors: Zhang Jianqiang , Chen Renyao , Li Shengwen , Li Tailong , Yao Hong
Published: December 2024

Geographic knowledge graph representation learning embeds entities and relationships in geographic knowledge graphs into a low-dimensional continuous vector space, which serves as a basic method that bridges geographic knowledge graphs and geographic applications. Previous geographic knowledge graph representation methods primarily learn the vectors of entities and their relationships from their spatial attributes and relationships, which ignores various semantics of entities, resulting in poor embeddings on geographic knowledge graphs. This study proposes a two-stage multimodal geographic knowledge graph representation (MGKGR) model that integrates multiple kinds of semantics to improve the embedding learning of geographic knowledge graph representation. Specifically, in the first stage, a spatial feature fusion method for modality enhancement is proposed to combine the structural features of geographic knowledge graphs with two modal semantic features. In the second stage, a multi-level modality feature fusion method is proposed to integrate heterogeneous features from different modalities. By fusing the semantics of text and images, the performance of geographic knowledge graph representation is improved, providing accurate representations for downstream geographic intelligence tasks. Extensive experiments on two datasets show that the proposed MGKGR model outperforms the baselines. Moreover, the results demonstrate that integrating textual and image data into geographic knowledge graphs can effectively enhance the model’s performance.
A Global-Speed-Region Voltage Angle Control Method Considering Dead-Time Effect Compensation for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drives
Authors: Jiang Xiongwei , Lin Cheng , Xing Jilei , Xu Yao , Tian Yu
Published: December 2024

The voltage utilization in the PMSM control can be improved through the voltage angle control (VAC) method, thereby enhancing the control efficiency and output power capability. However, the traditional VAC method can only be applied to a high-speed region, and it is still necessary to switch to another control mode in the low-speed region, resulting in a significant torque jitter during the switching process. Meanwhile, the deviation between the actual current operating point and the optimal one is caused by the dead-time effect in the traditional VAC method, causing more energy loss. To solve these problems, a global-speed-region VAC method considering dead-time effect compensation is proposed in this article. Firstly, the application area of the proposed method is extended to both the high-speed and low-speed region on the basis of analyzing the variation function of the modulation index (MI), achieving global non-mode-switching control and eliminating the torque jitter. Additionally, the relationship between the dead time and MI is quantitatively analyzed, and a global-speed-region VAC method is proposed to compensate the dead-time effect and reduce the energy loss. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified in PMSM bench experiments.
Analysis of Vibration Energy Harvesting Performance of Thermo-Electro-Elastic Microscale Devices Based on Generalized Thermoelasticity
Authors: He Ailing , He Tianhu , Gu Bingdong , Li Yuan
Published: December 2024

Piezoelectric material structures with an excellent mechatronic coupling property effectively promote self-power energy harvesting in micro-/nano-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS). Therein, the characteristics of the microscale and multi-physical aspects effect significant influence on performance, such as attaining a fast response and high power density. It is difficult to use the classical mechanical and heat conduction models to effectively explain and analyze microscale physical field coupling behaviors. The purpose of this study is to develop the piezoelectric thermoelastic theoretical model, firstly considering the non-uniform physical field. The generalized equations governing thermo-electro-elastic vibration energy harvesting in a microbeam model were obtained based on Hamilton’s principle and the generalized thermoelastic theory was developed by considering thermopolarization and thermal hysteresis behavior. After that, the explicit expressions for voltage and output power were derived using the assumed-modes method; meanwhile, effects such as the piezo-flexoelectric aspect, size dependence, etc. are discussed in detail. It was found that thermal and microscale effects significantly promote the voltage and output power. The research is also helpful for the design and optimization of self-powered and high-performance micro/nano devices and systems.
Fast Parameter Identification of the Fractional-Order Creep Model
Authors: Tashakori Shabnam , San-Millan Andres , Vaziri Vahid , Aphale Sumeet S.
Published: December 2024

In this study, a parameter identification approach for the fractional-order piezoelectric creep model is proposed. Indeed, creep is a wide-impacting phenomenon leading to time-dependent deformation in spite of constant persistent input. The creep behavior results in performance debasement, especially in applications with low-frequency responses. Fractional-Order (FO) modeling for creep dynamics has been proposed in recent years, which has demonstrated improved modeling precision compared to integer-order models. Still, parameter uncertainty in creep models is a challenge for real-time control. Aiming at a faster identification process, the proposed approach in this paper identifies the model parameters in two layers, i.e., one layer for the fractional-order exponent, corresponding to creep, and the other for the integer-order polynomial coefficients, corresponding to mechanical resonance. The proposed identification strategy is validated by utilizing experimental data from a piezoelectric actuator used in a nanopositioner and a piezoelectric sensor.
Velocity Observer Design for Tether Deployment in Hamiltonian Framework
Authors: Yang Jihang , Chen Guanzheng , Zhang Mingming , Li Gangqiang , Liu Jinyu
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a nonlinear velocity observer of tether deployment using the immersion and invariance technique, and the velocity observer design problem is recast as a problem of designing an attractive and invariant manifold inside the Hamiltonian framework. The passivity-based control theory is used to define an expected Hamiltonian function, and the stability of the designed velocity observer is addressed by using the passivity-based methodology. Finally, a simple tension control law with measurable and unmeasurable states is employed for controlling the tether deployment, where the unmeasurable states use the proposed velocity observer. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed velocity observer is working successfully. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to test the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed velocity observer.
Design of Equilateral Array Polygonal Gravitational-Wave Observatory Formation near Lagrange Point L1—Equilateral Triangle and Equilateral Tetrahedral Configurations
Authors: Pan Zhengxu , Bando Mai , Zhu Zhanxia , Hokamoto Shinji
Published: December 2024

To observe lower-frequency gravitational waves (GWs), it is effective to utilize a large spacecraft formation baseline, spanning hundreds of thousands to millions of kilometers. To overcome the limitations of a gravitational-wave observatory (GWO) on specific orbits, a scientific observation mode and a non-scientific observation mode for GWOs are proposed. For the non-scientific observation mode, this paper designs equilateral triangle and equilateral tetrahedral array formations for a space-based GWO near a collinear libration point. A stable configuration is the prerequisite for a GWO; however, the motion near the collinear libration points is highly unstable. Therefore, the output regulation theory is applied. By leveraging the tracking aspect of the theory, the equilateral triangle and equilateral tetrahedral array formations are achieved. For an equilateral triangle array formation, two geometric configuration design methods are proposed, addressing the fuel consumption required for initialization and maintenance. To observe GWs in different directions and avoid configuration/reconfiguration, the multi-layer equilateral tetrahedral array formation is given. Additionally, the control errors are calculated. Finally, the effectiveness of the control method is demonstrated using the Sun–Earth circular-restricted three-body problem (CRTBP) and the ephemeris model located at Lagrange point L1.
Comparison of Two Fourier-Based Methods for Simulating Inlet Distortion Unsteady Flows in Transonic Compressors
Authors: Wu Lei , Du Pengcheng , Ning Fangfei
Published: December 2024

The aerodynamic performance of transonic compressors, particularly the stall margin, is significantly influenced by inlet distortion. While time-marching methods accurately simulate such unsteady flows, they can be time-consuming. To enhance the computational efficiency, two Fourier-based methods are proposed in this paper: the time-accurate method with interface filtering and the time–space collocation (TSC) method. The time-accurate method with interface filtering ignores the rotor–stator interaction effects, enabling a larger time step and faster convergence. In contrast, the TSC method accounts for harmonics of conservative variables and transforms the unsteady simulation into multiple steady-state calculations, thereby reducing computational costs. The two Fourier-based methods are validated using NASA Stage 67 and a two-stage transonic fan. Near the peak efficiency point, the results from both methods closely match that of URANS simulation and experimental data. The time-accurate method with interface filtering demonstrates a speed enhancement of 4 to 5 times as a result of a reduction in the iteration steps. In contrast, the TSC method exhibits a speed improvement of at least 20 times in two specific cases, attributable to the significantly smaller mesh size and iteration steps employed in the TSC method compared to the URANS method. Near the stall point, more harmonics for inlet distortion are necessary in TSC simulation to accurately capture flow separation. In the two-stage transonic fan simulations, the strong rotor–stator interaction effects lead to deviations from the URANS simulation; nevertheless, the Fourier-based simulations accurately reflect the trend of the stall margin under total pressure distortion. Overall, the Fourier-based methods show promising potential for engineering applications in estimating the performance degradation of compressors subjected to inlet distortion.
Numerical Study on Pressure Oscillations in a Solid Rocket Motor with Backward Step Configuration Under Two-Phase Flow Interactions
Authors: Huo Chao , Xu Hongbo , Hu Jie , Luo Tengfei
Published: December 2024

The pressure oscillation caused by vortex–acoustic coupling is one of the main gain factors that results in the combustion instability of motors. Focusing on a solid rocket motor with a backward step configuration that can generate a corner vortex, this study aims to investigate the pressure oscillation characteristics in a combustion chamber under two-phase flow interactions through numerical simulations. The two-phase flow discrete phase model (DPM) was chosen to study particle motion and two-phase interactions. The numerical methodology was hence established by coupling the DPM with the large eddy simulation (LES) method. Taking the Clx motor as a reference and introducing aluminum oxide particles, two important particle parameters (diameter and concentration) and the key geometric parameters of the backward step were numerically studied. The numerical results show that both increased particle diameter and concentration can decrease the frequency and amplitude of pressure oscillations; additionally, the effects of geometric parameters on the pressure oscillations of the backward step, such as the downstream aspect ratio, the expansion ratio, and the step position, are basically consistent under both pure gas and two-phase flows. The influences of those geometric parameters are mainly reflected in defining the space for the development of upstream flow instability and the motion of downstream vortices. Compared with the pure-gas flow, the presence of aluminum oxide particles in two-phase flow globally decreases the vortex shedding frequency, the primary frequency, and the amplitude of pressure oscillations. It can also weaken the effects of vortex–acoustic coupling due to increased turbulent viscosity, which hinders the orderly development of vortices.
A Rational Design Method for the Nagoya Type-III Antenna
Authors: Iannarelli Daniele , Napoli Francesco , Ingenito Antonella , Cardinali Alessandro , De Ninno Antonella , Mannori Simone
Published: December 2024

The current study, as part of a PhD project on the design of a helicon thruster, aims to provide a rational methodology for the design of the helicon thruster’s main component, i.e., the helicon antenna. A helicon thruster is an innovative electrodeless plasma thruster that works by exciting helicon waves in a magnetized plasma, and its antenna is capable of producing a uniform, low-temperature, high-density plasma. A magnetic nozzle is used to accelerate the exhaust plasma in order to generate a propulsive thrust. In this paper, we consider a simple helicon antenna, specifically the Nagoya type-III antenna. We consider a common experimental setup consisting of a quartz tube with finite length containing a uniform magnetized plasma and a Nagoya type-III antenna placed at the tube centre. Considering previous studies on helicon waves theory, we compare three different design methods, each based on simplifying different modelling assumptions, and evaluate the predictions of these models with results from full-wave 3D simulations. In particular, we concentrate on deriving a rational design method for the helicon antenna length, given the dimension of the quartz tube and the desired target plasma parameters. This work aims to provide a practical and fast method for dimensioning the antenna length, useful for initializing more accurate but computationally heavier full-wave simulations in 3D geometry or simply for a rapid prototyping of the helicon antenna. These results can be useful for the development of a helicon thruster but also for the design of a high-density radiofrequency plasma source.
A Classification Model for Fine-Grained Silkworm Cocoon Images Based on Bilinear Pooling and Adaptive Feature Fusion
Authors: Liu Mochen , Hou Xin , Shang Mingrui , Owoola Eunice Oluwabunmi , Zhang Guizheng , Wei Wei , Song Zhanhua , Yan Yinfa
Published: December 2024

The quality of silkworm cocoons affects the quality and cost of silk processing. It is necessary to sort silkworm cocoons prior to silk production. Cocoon images consist of fine-grained images with large intra-class differences and small inter-class differences. The subtle intra-class features pose a serious challenge in accurately locating the effective areas and classifying silkworm cocoons. To improve the perception of intra-class features and the classification accuracy, this paper proposes a bilinear pooling classification model (B-Res41-ASE) based on adaptive multi-scale feature fusion and enhancement. B-Res41-ASE consists of three parts: a feature extraction module, a feature fusion module, and a feature enhancement module. Firstly, the backbone network, ResNet41, is constructed based on the bilinear pooling algorithm to extract complete cocoon features. Secondly, the adaptive spatial feature fusion module (ASFF) is introduced to fuse different semantic information to solve the problem of fine-grained information loss in the process of feature extraction. Finally, the squeeze and excitation module (SE) is used to suppress redundant information, enhance the weight of distinguishable regions, and reduce classification bias. Compared with the widely used classification network, the proposed model achieves the highest classification performance in the test set, with accuracy of 97.0% and an F1-score of 97.5%. The accuracy of B-Res41-ASE is 3.1% and 2.6% higher than that of the classification networks AlexNet and GoogLeNet, respectively, while the F1-score is 2.5% and 2.2% higher, respectively. Additionally, the accuracy of B-Res41-ASE is 1.9% and 7.7% higher than that of the Bilinear CNN and HBP, respectively, while the F1-score is 1.6% and 5.7% higher. The experimental results show that the proposed classification model without complex labelling outperforms other cocoon classification algorithms in terms of classification accuracy and robustness, providing a theoretical basis for the intelligent sorting of silkworm cocoons.
Effects of Cover Crops on Soil Inorganic Nitrogen and Organic Carbon Dynamics in Paddy Fields
Authors: Sugai Jun , Takashima Naoya , Muto Koki , Kaku Takatoki , Nakayama Honoka , Asagi Naomi , Komatsuzaki Masakazu
Published: December 2024

Rice is a staple food in Asia, and its impact on the environment is considerable, such as chemical input concerns. Organic rice farming represents an alternative approach to reducing environmental concerns throughout rice production. However, the precise nutrient management to optimize organic rice production while recovering soil residual nitrogen (N) for the subsequent crops remains unclear. This study aims to: (1) assess nutrient recovery in soil cultivated with cover crops, including Italian ryegrass and hairy vetch, and (2) investigate the optimization of nutrient management in organic rice farming using cover crops. An experiment was conducted in a paddy field adopting cover crop plots and fallow (FA) plots in four replicates each from 2021 to 2023. In addition, incubation studies were conducted in 2021 and 2022. The incubation study included various treatments: (1) soil from cover crop or FA plots, (2) with or without cover crop residues, (3) with or without weed input (2021). In 2022, fertilizer input replaced weed input. The field study indicated cover crop biomass was larger than that of weeds. Furthermore, it can determine cover crops have more recyclable plant N compared to weeds when incorporated into the soil. In contrast, there was no noticeable difference in soil inorganic N and soil total organic carbon (C) contents between cover crop and FA plots at the 0–90 cm depth. In the incubation study, we found the soil of cover crop plots and cover crop input show less inorganic N than the soil of FA plots and cover crop input during the incubation period. However, the soil of the cover crop plots and cover crop input showed a high inorganic N content after setting the flooded condition. It indicates the soil of cover crop plots, and cover crop input provides N to the soil for a longer period. Overall, our results show that winter cover crop application in paddy fields contributes to N recovery and helps maintain soil fertility. Specifically, the occasional cultivation of a combination of Italian ryegrass and hairy vetch as winter cover crops can contribute to reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. This practice also promotes sustainable rice farming in paddy fields.
The Effect of Unconventional Technologies on Carbon Emissions During the Convective Drying of Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) Larvae and the Selected Physical Properties Thereof
Authors: Bogusz Radosław , Pobiega Katarzyna , Gondek Ewa , Wiktor Artur , Witrowa-Rajchert Dorota , Nowacka Małgorzata
Published: December 2024

The drying of insects is an important step in their processing. This research aimed to investigate the impact of a pulsed electric field (PEF), immersion in ethanol (EtOH), and combined (immersion in EtOH followed by PEF) treatment on the convective drying process, the emission of CO2, and the quality of the dried insects with regard to such elements as water content and activity, rehydration and hygroscopic properties, optical properties, internal structure, and microbiological quality. In applying a PEF, the drying time was made longer (up to 21%), but the rehydration and hygroscopic properties were improved (about 15–16.5% and 8.3–21.7%, respectively) compared to the untreated sample. Using a PEF prior to EtOH treatment improved the rehydration properties (about 3.9–5.9%), while the hygroscopicity was slightly lower compared to the PEF-treated samples. Furthermore, immersion in ethanol (both alone and after PEF) provided a lighter color of dried insects and more outstanding microbiological quality, e.g., the absence of water-borne and food-borne pathogens and anaerobic spore-forming bacteria. This study revealed that combined pretreatment seems to be the most promising method for insects as regards obtaining better rehydration and comparable hygroscopic properties, as well as an attractive color compared to untreated insects, and, above all, in ensuring suitable microbiological quality.
The Unsung Champions of Evolution: Weeds and Their Management in Agricultural Systems
Authors: Leguizamón Eduardo Sixto
Published: December 2024

The history of weeds is closely intertwined with the development of agriculture. As early farmers began to select crops, weeds emerged as formidable competitors, evolving alongside them in a continuous struggle for survival. Over the past 23,000 years, while crops have been bred for human purposes, weeds have continuously adapted, thriving despite rigorous weed management practices. This coevolution highlights the remarkable ability of weeds to evolve rapidly, establishing them as true champions of adaptation. Herbicide resistance, in particular, exemplifies this phenomenon, with weeds developing both target-site resistance (TSR) through genetic mutations and non-target-site resistance (NTSR) through metabolic changes. Often, these mechanisms combine, resulting in heightened levels of resistance, especially within herbicide-resistant crop systems. The evolutionary success of weeds not only underscores their adaptability but also emphasizes their critical role in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, particularly in simplified agricultural landscapes. This chapter focuses on the evolution of weed management strategies and emphasizes the urgent need to transition to ecologically based weed management (E-bWM) approaches that balance productivity with sustainability, recognizing the ecological value of weeds in fostering resilient agricultural systems.
Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda Reveals Stage-Specific Gene Expression and P450-Mediated Adaptation Mechanisms
Authors: Cheng Ziqi , Huang Zhe , Yan Bin , Huang Xing , Mei Yang
Published: December 2024

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a significant agricultural pest with a broad host range and adaptability, posing challenges to pest management worldwide. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning their development and resilience, we performed a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis across nine developmental stages, spanning from the first instar larvae to adult forms. Utilizing differential expression analysis and time-series clustering, we identified 6834 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), uncovering key stage-specific expression patterns. Notably, 3072 stage-specific genes (SSGs) were defined using the Tau index, highlighting their roles in development and physiological adaptation. Functional enrichment revealed that the sixth instar stage prioritizes pathways related to growth and tissue remodeling, while adult males emphasize reproductive and sensory functions. Furthermore, we characterized 104 cytochrome P450 (P450) genes, showcasing distinct temporal expression patterns critical for detoxification and metabolic processes. A tandem array of P450 genes on chromosome 13 was identified, suggesting a coordinated mechanism enhancing insecticide resistance. Our findings highlight the complex genetic regulation that facilitates the developmental transitions and adaptive capabilities of S. frugiperda. These insights offer potential molecular targets for innovative pest management strategies aimed at mitigating the widespread impact of this pest.
Field Performance of a Genetically Modified Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Expressing the Cry1Ab Insecticidal Protein Against the Legume Pod Borer Maruca vitrata
Authors: Nboyine Jerry A. , Adazebra Gloria A. , Owusu Emmanuel Y. , Agrengsore Philip , Seidu Ahmed , Lamini Salim , Zakaria Mukhtaru , Kwabena James Y. , Ali Haruna K. , Akaogu Ijeoma , Onyekachi Francis N. , Tignegre Jean B. , Etwire Prince M. , MacKenzie Donald J. , Barrero Jose M. , Higgins Thomas J. V.
Published: December 2024

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a vital crop in sub-Saharan Africa, but the legume pod borer (LPB), Maruca vitrata, can cause over 80% yield losses. Natural resistance to this lepidopteran pest is absent in cowpea germplasm, and insecticides are ineffective due to the pest’s cryptic behavior. To address this, a genetically modified (GM) cowpea expressing the cry1Ab protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) was developed, providing complete LPB resistance. This Bt cowpea, commercialized as Sampea 20-T in Nigeria, was recently approved in Ghana as Songotra T. To evaluate its performance and the financial returns of its cultivation, field trials were conducted across multiple locations in northern Ghana to compare it to the non-transgenic Songotra control and two commercial cultivars, Kirkhouse-Benga and Wang-Kae. Songotra T exhibited protection against LPB infestations and damage, achieving a grain yield of 2534 kg/ha compared to 1414–1757 kg/ha for the other entries. As expected, non-LPB pest infestations and damage were similar across all entries. Economic analysis revealed that Songotra T had the highest return on investment (464%), outperforming the other tested cultivars (214%). These results demonstrate the potential of GM crops to enhance yields and profitability for resource-poor farmers, underscoring the value of biotechnology for addressing critical agricultural challenges.