bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards inoculant development for Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc) pulse crop production in Namibia
Authors: Sarkar Abhijit , Fwanyanga Felicitas M. , Horn Lydia N. , Welzel Sina , Diederichs Marco , Kerk Luca Jonas , Zimmermann Meret , Reinhold-Hurek Barbara
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The globally expanding population, together with climate change, poses a risk to the availability of food for humankind. Bambara groundnut (BGN) (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) is a neglected, relatively drought-tolerant native legume of Sub-Saharan Africa that has the potential to become a successful food crop because of its nutritional quality and climate-smart features. Nitrogen fixation from root nodule symbiosis with climate-adapted rhizobial symbionts can contribute nitrogen and organic material in nutrient-poor soil and improve yields. However, high soil temperature and drought often reduce the abundance of native rhizobia in such soil. Therefore, the formulation of climate-smart biofertilizers has the potential to improve the farming of BGN at a low cost in a sustainable manner.

Method

The effect of seven Bradyrhizobium spp. strains native to Namibia, including B. vignae and B. subterraneum, were tested on three Namibian BGN varieties (red, brown, cream) in greenhouse pot experiments in Namibia, using soil from the target region of Kavango. Each variety was treated with a mixed inoculant consisting of seven preselected strains (“MK”) as well as with one promising single inoculant strain.

Results

The results revealed that in all three varieties, the two inoculants (mixed or single) outperformed the non-inoculated cultivars in terms of shoot dry weight by up to 70%; the mixed inoculant treatment performed significantly better (p < 0.05) in all cases compared to the single inoculant used. To test whether the inoculant strains were established in root nodules, they were identified by sequence analysis. In many cases, the indigenous strains of Kavango soil outcompeted the inoculant strains of the mix for nodule occupancy, depending on the BGN variety. As a further preselection, each of the individual strains of the mix was used to inoculate the three varieties under sterile conditions in a phytotron. The agronomic trait and root nodulation response of the host plant inoculations strongly differed with the BGN variety. Even competitiveness in nodule occupancy without involving any indigenous strains from soil differed and depended strictly on the variety.

Discussion

Severe differences in symbiont-plant interactions appear to occur in BGN depending on the plant variety, demanding for coupling of breeding efforts with selecting efficient inoculant strains.
Australian English listeners' perception of Japanese vowel length reveals underlying phonological knowledge
Authors: Yazawa Kakeru , Whang James , Escudero Paola
Published: October 2023

Speech perception patterns are strongly influenced by one's native phonology. It is generally accepted that native English listeners rely primarily on spectral cues when perceiving vowels, making limited use of duration cues because English lacks phonemic vowel length. However, the literature on vowel perception by English listeners shows a marked bias toward American English, with the phonological diversity among different varieties of English largely overlooked. The current study investigates the perception of Japanese vowel length contrasts by native listeners of Australian English, which is reported to use length to distinguish vowels unlike most other varieties of English. Twenty monolingual Australian English listeners participated in a forced-choice experiment, where they categorized Japanese long and short vowels as most similar to their native vowel categories. The results showed a general tendency for Japanese long and short vowels (e.g., /ii, i/) to be categorized as Australian English long and short vowels (e.g., /i:, ɪ/ as in “heed,” “hid”), respectively, which contrasts with American English listeners' categorization of all Japanese vowels as tense regardless of length (e.g., /ii, i/ as both “heed”) as reported previously. Moreover, this duration-based categorization was found not only for Australian English categories that contrast in duration alone (e.g., /ɐ:, ɐ/ as in “hard,” “hud”) but also for those that contrast in both duration and spectra (e.g., /o:, ɔ/ as in “hoard,” “hod”), despite their spectral mismatch from the corresponding Japanese vowels (e.g., /aa, a/ and /oo, o/). The results, therefore, suggest that duration cues play a prominent role across all vowel categories—even nonnative—for Australian English listeners. The finding supports a feature-based framework of speech perception, where phonological features like length are shared across multiple categories, rather than the segment-based framework that is currently dominant, which regards acoustic cues like duration as being tied to a specific native segmental category. Implications for second and foreign language learning are discussed.
Mindful practice with medical interpreters
Authors: Roman Gretchen , Yousefi-Nooraie Reza , Vermilion Paul , Cupertino Anapaula , Barnett Steven , Epstein Ronald
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Medical interpreters experience emotional burdens from the complex demands at work. Because communication access is a social determinant of health, protecting and promoting the health of medical interpreters is critical for ensuring equitable access to care for language-minority patients. The purpose of this study was to pilot a condensed 8-h program based on Mindful Practice® in Medicine addressing the contributors to distress and psychosocial stressors faced by medical sign and spoken language interpreters.

Methods

Using a single-arm embedded QUAN(qual) mixed-methods pilot study design, weekly in-person 1-h sessions for 8 weeks involved formal and informal contemplative practice, didactic delivery of the week's theme (mindfulness, noticing, teamwork, suffering, professionalism, uncertainty, compassion, and resilience), and mindful inquiry exercises (narrative medicine, appreciative interviews, and insight dialog). Quantitative well-being outcomes (mean±SEM) were gathered via survey at pre-, post-, and 1-month post-intervention time points, compared with available norms, and evaluated for differences within subjects. Voluntary feedback about the workshop series was solicited post-intervention via a free text survey item and individual exit interviews. A thematic framework was established by way of qualitative description.

Results

Seventeen medical interpreters (46.2 ± 3.1 years old; 16 women/1 man; 8 White/9 Hispanic or Latino) participated. Overall scores for teamwork (p ≤ 0.027), coping (p ≤ 0.006), and resilience (p ≤ 0.045) increased from pre- to post-intervention and pre- to 1-month post-intervention. Non-judging as a mindfulness component increased from pre- to post-intervention (p = 0.014). Compassion satisfaction (p = 0.021) and burnout (p = 0.030) as components of professional quality of life demonstrated slightly delayed effects, improving from pre- to 1-month post-intervention. Themes such as workshop schedule, group size, group composition, interactivity, topics to be added or removed, and culture are related to the overarching topic areas of intervention logistics and content. Integration of the findings accentuated the positive impact of the intervention.

Discussion

The results of this research demonstrate that mindful practice can serve as an effective resource for medical interpreters when coping with work-related stressors. Future iterations of the mindful practice intervention will further aspire to address linguistic and cultural diversity in the study population for broader representation and subsequent generalization.
Planning and development of an antimicrobial stewardship program in penitentiary facilities: strategies to optimize therapeutic prescribing and reduce the incidence of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Mazzoleni Ludovica , Zovi Andrea , D'Angelo Cinzia , Borsino Cecilia , Cocco Nicola , Lombardo Raffella Carla , Ranieri Roberto
Published: October 2023

Introduction

In correctional facilities, due to the high incidence of bacterial infections, antibiotics are widely prescribed. As a result, it may occur a massive and improper use of antibiotics, which promotes the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, in literature, specific experiences, interventions or guidelines aimed to optimize their prescription within prisons are sporadic.

Objectives

In an Italian hospital where belong patients from four penitentiary institutions, a multidisciplinary team has implemented an antimicrobial stewardship project. The aim of the project was to reduce the incidence of antibiotic resistance in penitentiary institutions by optimizing and rationalizing antibiotic prescribing.

Methods

Following the analysis of microbiological prevalence and antibiotic consumption data within correctional facilities, the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team developed operational tools to support prison healthcare staff to manage properly antibiotic therapies.

Results

The analysis showed a gradual increase in antibiotic resistance: in 2021 the prevalence of resistant microorganisms was 1.75%, four times higher than in 2019. In contrast, between 2019 and 2021, antibiotic consumption decreased by 24%. Based on consumption data, pharmacy has drafted an antibiotic formulary for correctional facilities, supplemented with guidelines and data sheets, and also developed a prescription form for critical antibiotics.

Conclusion

Results showed an increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance within prisons, highlighting the need to establish a dedicated antimicrobial stewardship program. This project may impact positively not only on prisoners, but also for the entire community, as prisons can be considered as places of health education and promotion.
Embracing the Wisdom of Ancient Greece in the Era of Personalized Medicine—Uncertainty, Probabilistic Reasoning, and Democratic Consensus
Authors: Naesens Maarten
Published: October 2023

Further improvements of outcome after solid organ transplantation will depend on our ability to integrate personalized medicine in clinical routine. Not only better risk stratification or improved diagnostics, also targeted therapies and predictive markers of treatment success are needed, as there is a virtual standstill in the development and implementation of novel therapies for prevention and treatment of allograft rejection. The integration of clinical decision support algorithms and novel biomarkers in clinical practice will require a different reasoning, embracing concepts of uncertainty and probabilistic thinking as the ground truth is often unknown and the tools imperfect. This is important for communication between healthcare professionals, but patients and their caregivers also need to be informed and educated about the levels of uncertainty inherent to personalized medicine. In the translation of research findings and personalized medicine to routine clinical care, it remains crucial to maintain global consensus on major aspects of clinical routine, to avoid further divergence between centres and countries in the standard of care. Such consensus can only be reached when experts with divergent opinions are willing to transcend their own convictions, understand that there is not one single truth, and thus are able to embrace a level of uncertainty.
Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana and Mechanical Traps for the Control of Aclees taiwanensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Fig Plants
Authors: Cutino Ilaria , Benvenuti Claudia , Mazza Giuseppe , Conti Barbara , Marraccini Daniele , Gargani Elisabetta
Published: October 2023

The black weevil Aclees taiwanensis Kôno, 1933 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a xylophagous insect native to Southeast Asia and introduced to Italy in 2005. Here, the species completes its entire life cycle on Ficus carica L., causing economic damage and leading to the plants’ death. Nowadays, there are no insecticides registered for its control. In this study, a commercial product based on Beauveria bassiana, Naturalis®, was associated with Rincotrap® tissue. Semi-field trials were carried out on fig seedlings by comparing two different concentrations (3% and 10%) of this entomopathogenic fungus distributed in suspension on Rincotrap® bands. The results showed that the fungal product had a biocidal effect in both treatments. Afterward, trials were conducted in a fig orchard in order to verify the effectiveness of this association in the field. The addition of Naturalis® at a 3% concentration to Rincotrap® bands did not alter the number of adults captured. The total mortality was 43.7% and 23.8%, respectively, in the treated and control plots. Among the total number of dead adults, only the mortality rates of B. bassiana exceeded 70% in both plots. Further long-term studies in several environments are necessary to improve this technique and create an integrated control system for the black fig weevil.
Screening and Identification of Saline-Tolerant Germplasm in Melon
Authors: Yang Wenli , Ling Yueming , Li Meihua , Zhang Xuejun , Liu Bin
Published: October 2023

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) holds significant importance as a horticultural crop, but it faces several yield-limiting factors, including salinity stress. While salinity traditionally hampers the vegetative growth of melon and detrimentally impacts fruit development and quality, certain melon cultivars exhibit the ability to flourish in conditions of relatively high soil salinity. However, truly salt-tolerant melon varieties are quite rare. In this article, we conducted seedling indoor tests, assessed morphological, physiological and biochemical indices, and explored different salt tolerance types among five melon varieties. As a result, we identified three salt-tolerant varieties, with ‘kuizilike’ (KLK) demonstrating the most impressive performance under salt stress. ‘KLK’ exhibited minimal growth and development constraints during salt stress, with the lowest Na+ content, the highest K+ content, and the highest K+/Na+ ratio. Moreover, it displayed the lowest content of malondialdehyde, the highest concentrations of osmoregulation substances, and the highest activity of antioxidant enzymes. Real-time fluorescence quantitation PCR results revealed significantly elevated gene expression levels of TPK, NHX2, LTP, POD, SuSy, HK, PRP and P5CR in ‘KLK’ compared to other varieties. These newly identified salt-tolerant melon germplasms will serve as valuable genetic resources for future studies on the mechanisms underlying melon salt tolerance, and provide insights into melon improvement and molecular breeding.
Influence of Magnesium and Biostimulant on the Consumption Value and Harmful Nitrogen Compounds Content of Potato Tubers after Storage
Authors: Pobereżny Jarosław , Retmańska Katarzyna , Wszelaczyńska Elżbieta , Nogalska Anna
Published: October 2023

The primary use of the potato is direct consumption. The classification of potatoes into consumption type is made on the basis of the consumption evaluation of hydrothermally treated tubers. Nutrient deficiency in the soil, including Mg, contributes to the inhibition of potato growth and development and negatively affects the cooking characteristics of the tubers. Magnesium and biostimulants are responsible for plant nitrogen management. Thus, it is necessary to control the content of harmful nitrates and toxic nitrites in tubers. In potato production, it is also important to maintain appropriate conditions during storage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mineral fertilization with magnesium and a biostimulant preparation during the cultivation of edible potato and long-term storage on the traits determining utility-consumption type and the content of harmful nitrogen compounds in tubers. The study was conducted using the early potato variety Satina. In a three-year (2015–2017) three-factor experiment: evaluation date (immediately after harvest and after six months of storage), soil fertilization with mineral magnesium (0, 30, 60, 90 kg MgO ha−1), the application of an amino acid biostimulant (0, 1.5, 3.0 L ha−1). Five consumption traits of tubers after cooking, determining the utility-consumption type of potato, were determined. In addition, the consumer safety of the potato was determined based on the nitrate and nitrite content of the tubers. The tendency to overcook tubers significantly depended on all the factors used during potato cultivation. In contrast, the texture and structure of tuber flesh after cooking depended only on mineral fertilization with magnesium. The flesh of the tubers after cooking was most tender (1.0 pt) and firm (1.4 pt) after the application of 60 and 90 kg MgO ha−1, respectively. The moisture level of the flesh after cooking was significantly influenced by the interaction of magnesium fertilization with the biostimulant preparation. The factors of the experiment did not modify the utility-consumption type (B/A), while there was a change in the type in relation to that specified by the grower—general utility (B). The applied cultivation technology and long-term storage did not deteriorate the consumer safety of tubers (<200 mg kg−1) in terms of NO3− (max. 112.1 mg kg−1) and NO2− (max. 1.08 mg kg−1) contents. Organoleptic traits: mealiness, moisture, and flesh structure were significantly positively related to the nitrate and nitrite content of tubers immediately after harvesting and to nitrite concentration after long-term storage.
Integrative Analysis of Transcriptomic and Lipidomic Profiles Reveals a Differential Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Mechanism among Ningxiang Pig and Berkshires, and Their Offspring
Authors: Deng Xiaoxiao , Zhang Yuebo , Song Gang , Fu Yawei , Chen Yue , Gao Hu , Wang Qian , Jin Zhao , Yin Yulong , Xu Kang
Published: October 2023

Adipose tissue composition contributes greatly to the quality and nutritional value of meat. Transcriptomic and lipidomic techniques were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the differences in fat deposition in Ningxiang pigs, Berkshires and F1 offspring. Transcriptomic analysis identified 680, 592, and 380 DEGs in comparisons of Ningxiang pigs vs. Berkshires, Berkshires vs. F1 offspring, and Ningxiang pigs vs. F1 offspring. The lipidomic analysis screened 423, 252, and 50 SCLs in comparisons of Ningxiang pigs vs. Berkshires, Berkshires vs. F1 offspring, and Ningxiang pigs vs. F1 offspring. Lycine, serine, and the threonine metabolism pathway, fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism-related pathways were significantly enriched in comparisons of Berkshires vs. Ningxiang pigs and Berkshires vs. F1 offspring. The DEGs (PHGDH, LOC110256000) and the SCLs (phosphatidylserines) may have a great impact on the glycine, serine, and the threonine metabolism pathway. Moreover, the DEGs (FASN, ACACA, CBR4, SCD, ELOV6, HACD2, CYP3A46, CYP2B22, GPX1, and GPX3) and the SCLs (palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and icosadienoic acid) play important roles in the fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism of fatty acids. Thus, the difference in fat deposition among Ningxiang pig, Berkshires, and F1 offspring may be caused by differences in the expression patterns of key genes in multiple enriched KEGG pathways. This research revealed multiple lipids that are potentially available biological indicators and screened key genes that are potential targets for molecular design breeding. The research also explored the molecular mechanisms of the difference in fat deposition among Ningxiang pig, Berkshires, and F1 pigs, and provided an insight into selection for backfat thickness and the fat composition of adipose tissue for future breeding strategies.
Content of Lead and Cadmium in the Tissues and Organs of the Wild Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos L.) Depending on the Region of Poland Where It Is Harvested
Authors: Bombik Elżbieta , Bombik Antoni , Pietrzkiewicz Katarzyna
Published: October 2023

A property common to heavy metals is that even in small concentrations they can exert toxic effects on living organisms, including humans. The aim of this study was to analyze the quality of the tissues and organs of wild mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos L.) by estimating the potential hygiene and toxicological hazard associated with the concentrations of lead and cadmium in these tissues and organs, as well as the influence of the birds’ sex and place of origin on these parameters. A significantly higher average lead content was noted in the breast muscles and the livers of the mallards harvested in the Leszno hunting district compared to the birds from the Siedlce hunting district. A higher average cadmium concentration was recorded in the breast and leg muscles of the mallards harvested in the Leszno hunting district than the Siedlce hunting district. The concentration of cadmium in the tissues and organs of the mallards harvested in the Siedlce or the Leszno hunting district did not exceed the acceptable limits for the muscles and livers of slaughtered animals. This study found no significant effect of the sex of the wild crossbreeds on the content of lead and cadmium in tissues and organs. This study showed that the mallard has a measurable response to environmental pollution with lead and cadmium, and therefore it is a species that could to some extent be used as a bioindicator of the level of contamination of the environment with these xenobiotics. The ban on the use of lead pellets as ammunition in Poland may largely limit the degree of lead contamination of the tissues and organs of mallards.
Effect of Individual Rate of Inbreeding, Recent and Ancestral Inbreeding on Wool Quality, Muscling Conformation and Exterior in German Sheep Breeds
Authors: Justinski Cathrin , Wilkens Jens , Distl Ottmar
Published: October 2023

This study provides comprehensive results on the current status of inbreeding depression for traits upon which sheep are selected for the herdbook in Germany. A total of 30 sheep breeds from the OviCap national database met the inclusion criteria for the present analysis regarding the depth and completeness of pedigrees and the number of animals with phenotypic data. We analyzed heritabilities and inbreeding depression for the three breeding objective traits of wool quality, muscling conformation and exterior. Heritabilities were across all breeds of moderate size, with estimates of 0.18 for wool quality and muscling conformation and of 0.14 for exterior. The models employed to estimate linear regression slopes for individual and ancestral inbreeding rates also account for non-genetic effects and the additive genetic effect of the animal. Inbreeding depression was obvious for all three traits when we averaged the estimates across all 30 sheep breeds. Inbreeding depression was significant for wool quality for only a few breeds, whereas for muscling conformation, 14/30 breeds achieved significant estimates. A 1% increase in inbreeding decreased the mean of all three traits across all sheep breeds by 0.33% of their standard deviation. Positive effects due to ancestral inbreeding were only significant in very few breeds in the different traits. Across all 30 sheep breeds, there were indications that purging effects (a reduction in negative effects of inbreeding depression due to selection for heterozygotes) may play a role for the exterior. The results of this study should help for reviewing breeding programs, particularly for sheep breeds with critical effective population sizes and increasing rates of inbreeding, with regard to the selection policy and selection intensity applied.
Epidemiological Investigation of Yak (Bos grunniens) Fascioliasis in the Pastoral Area of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Cai Qijian , Lei Mengtong , Li Chunhua , Cai Jinzhong , Ma Doudou , Zhang Houshuang
Published: October 2023

The objective of this investigation was to understand the epidemiology of fascioliasis in yaks in the alpine pastoral areas of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China. The prevalence of Fasciola hepatica infection was estimated by examining eggs in the feces of yaks and by autopsy after the slaughter. Yaks were sampled from a total of 16 representative counties in Qinghai province, and risk factors were assessed based on regional and age characteristics. Fecal samples were obtained from 1542 yaks aged 0–1 (<1 year old), 1–2 (≥1 year old and <3 years old), and over 3 years (≥3 years old). In addition, 242 yaks over 3 years old who had not undergone fecal examinations were randomly selected for autopsy. A total of 267 fecal samples were positive for Fasciola spp. eggs. The average infection rate was 17.32% (0–60.61%), and the average infection intensity was 51.9 eggs per gram (epg) of feces, with intensities ranging from 18 to 112 epg. In Maduo, Dari, Zhiduo, Chengduo, and Datong counties, the Fasciola spp. eggs infection rate was zero. Fasciola spp. adult flukes were detected in 66 out of 242 yaks at autopsy, with a total infection rate of 27.27% and an average infection intensity of 21.2 (adult worms), with intensities ranging from 3 to 46 worms. Logistic regression model analysis showed that age was a significant risk factor for yak infection with Fasciola spp. In addition, the risk varied between regions: Haiyan, Gangcha, Duran, and Wulan were all high-risk areas for yak infection with Fasciola spp. The spatial distribution of the Fasciola spp. infection rate in each region showed a very weak negative correlation (Moran’s I = −0.062), Duran formed a spatial distribution of high–low clusters with surrounding areas, and Datong formed a low–high clustering distribution characteristic with the surrounding areas. This investigation revealed that the infection rate of Fasciola spp. in yaks was higher on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Increasing age was a risk factor for infection with Fasciola spp.; different regions also have a different risk of Fasciola spp. infection. Only two regions showed clustering characteristics in the spatial distribution of infection rates. These findings extend the epidemiological information on Fasciola spp. infection in yaks and provide baseline data for the execution of control measures against Fasciola spp. infection.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Antimicrobial Agents, 2nd Volume
Authors: Carvalho Maria Fernanda N. N.
Published: October 2023

Microorganisms are abundant and necessary [...]
Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia-Induced Dysmetabolism Is Associated with Hepatic Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Inflammation
Authors: Fernandes Joana L. , Martins Fátima O. , Olea Elena , Prieto-Lloret Jesus , Braga Patrícia C. , Sacramento Joana F. , Sequeira Catarina O. , Negrinho Ana P. , Pereira Sofia A. , Alves Marco G. , Rocher Asunción , Conde Silvia V.
Published: October 2023

The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and metabolic disorders is well-established; however, the underlying mechanisms that elucidate this relationship remain incompletely understood. Since the liver is a major organ in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, we hypothesize that liver dysfunction plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Herein, we explored the underlying mechanisms of this association within the liver. Experiments were performed in male Wistar rats fed with a control or high fat (HF) diet (60% lipid-rich) for 12 weeks. Half of the groups were exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) (30 hypoxic (5% O2) cycles, 8 h/day) that mimics OSA, in the last 15 days. Insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance were assessed. Liver samples were collected for evaluation of lipid deposition, insulin signaling, glucose homeostasis, hypoxia, oxidative stress, antioxidant defenses, mitochondrial biogenesis and inflammation. Both the CIH and HF diet induced dysmetabolism, a state not aggravated in animals submitted to HF plus CIH. CIH aggravates hepatic lipid deposition in obese animals. Hypoxia-inducible factors levels were altered by these stimuli. CIH decreased the levels of oxidative phosphorylation complexes in both groups and the levels of SOD-1. The HF diet reduced mitochondrial density and hepatic antioxidant capacity. The CIH and HF diet produced alterations in cysteine-related thiols and pro-inflammatory markers. The results obtained suggest that hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, leading to inflammation, may be significant factors contributing to the development of dysmetabolism associated with OSA.
Protective Effect of Iris germanica L. Rhizome-Derived Exosome against Oxidative-Stress-Induced Cellular Senescence in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes
Authors: Kim Ji-Seon , Lee Hyun-Jeong , Yoon Eun-Jeong , Lee Hyunsang , Ji Youngeun , Kim Youngseok , Park Si-Jun , Kim Junoh , Bae Seunghee
Published: October 2023

Plant-derived exosomes can exert therapeutic effects against various dermatological conditions. Several studies have demonstrated that plant-derived exosomes can have positive effects on the skin, preventing aging, hyperpigmentation, and hair loss. In this study, the protective effects of Iris germanica L. rhizome-derived exosomes (Iris-exosomes) on oxidative-stress-induced cellular dysfunction were investigated in human epidermal keratinocytes (nHEKs). Iris-exosomes with a diameter range of 100–300 nm were detected. In the cytotoxicity assay, Iris-exosomes with up to 107 particles per milliliter were found to possess no cytotoxicity, and we recovered H2O2-induced cell viability loss. In nHEKs, H2O2-induced ROS levels were significantly reduced using Iris-exosomes and additionally associated with increases in antioxidant enzyme transcription. The H2O2-induced SA-β-gal-positive nHEKs were decreased using Iris-exosomes; these effects correlate with the changed levels of cell cycle arrest marker p21. Furthermore, the H2O2-induced loss of in vitro wound-healing properties and early detection of keratin 1 and 10—keratinization markers—were restored to control levels using Iris-exosomes. Altogether, these results indicate the possibility that Iris-exosomes exert antioxidant and anti-senescence effects in order to protect against oxidative-stress-induced cellular dysfunction in nHEKs.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of the Water Flow Effect on a Temporary Pier with Three Columns in Series
Authors: Tian Zhongchu , Liao Zhangying
Published: October 2023

In order to ensure the safety of temporary piers during bridge construction, it is necessary to analyze the water flow effects on temporary piers during flood periods. Based on the practical engineering of a new bridge in Jiangxi province, a three-dimensional numerical model was established using the Reynolds Time Average Navier–Stokes equation (RANS) and SST k-ω turbulence model to simulate the flow force on three-column temporary piers in series. The stress state of the temporary pier was obtained under different flow velocities and submergence depths. The distribution characteristics of the flow field around the temporary pier and the flow force characteristics acting on the temporary pier were analyzed and compared with the monitoring measurement data and the Morison equation calculation data. The results indicate that the local flow was accelerated on both sides of the temporary pier, but the local acceleration effect along the river flow direction was weakened. The flow velocity of the water around the temporary pier decreases with the increasing of river depth. The pressure on the outer surface of the temporary pier is basically negative pressure, except for the positive pressure on the upstream side. The absolute value of the negative pressure on both sides is much greater than the positive pressure on the upstream side. As the submergence depth and flow velocity increase, the pressure in each area gradually increases. The pressure distribution of the upstream pier is basically symmetrical, while the pressure distribution of the middle and downstream piers is asymmetric due to the influence of the vortex shedding from the front pier, resulting in a change in the water flow incidence point. The turbulence intensity in each region of the flow field shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the depth of the water flow. The drag coefficient and lateral force coefficient of the temporary pier are basically not affected by the inflow velocity, but the resistance and lateral force increase with the increase in submergence depth and inflow velocity.
Removal of Heavy Metal Cd Element from Paddy Soil by Geo-Electrochemical Technology
Authors: Sun Yao , Wen Meilan , Liu Panfeng , Jiang Yuxiong
Published: October 2023

A Cd-contaminated paddy field at the Quanzhou County Institute of Agricultural Science in Guilin was selected as the research object, and geo-electrochemical technology (GT) was used to treat the Cd-contaminated paddy field in situ. The technology’s effectiveness in removing the heavy metal Cd element from paddy soil and the change rule of Cd accumulation and transport in various parts of rice plants under the action of an electric field were studied. That was to provide a theoretical basis and a new technical choice for remediating paddy soil polluted by Cd. The results showed that the GT effectively removed the heavy metal Cd element from the paddy soil. When the level of soil Cd in the paddy field was 0.58 mg/kg, after in situ treatment with the GT, the soil Cd decreased to 0.39 mg/kg, which met the requirements of soil contamination risk control for agricultural land. Geo-electrochemical technology effectively reduced the content of the Cd element in various tissues and organs of rice plants, made the Cd content in brown rice lower than the requirement of the national food pollutant limit standard of 0.2 mg/kg, and achieved the production of safe rice. Geo-electrochemical technology reduced the enrichment of Cd in the tissues and organs of the rice plants, including roots, stems, leaves, and grains, and at the same time affected the process of rice roots transporting Cd.
Optimizing Sensory Attributes: Exploring the Placement of the Ideal-Product Question in Check-All-That-Apply Methodology
Authors: Amorim Katiúcia Alves , Dutcosky Silvia Deboni , Becker Fernanda Salamoni , Asquieri Eduardo Ramirez , Damiani Clarissa , Soares Cristina , Rodrigues Jéssica Ferreira
Published: October 2023

Consumer research has traditionally played a pivotal role in understanding consumers’ preferences for a product. The check-all-that-apply (CATA) methodology is used in consumer research to gather insights on product attributes. The placement of the ideal-product question within the CATA questionnaire, i.e., whether it should be presented before or after actual product evaluation, has been a topic of debate among researchers. This study aims to investigate whether presenting the ideal-product question before or after evaluating food products using the CATA methodology interferes with identifying desired and unwanted attributes by consumers. Milk chocolate and grape juice were evaluated. Two CATA questionnaires were applied (n = 300 consumers): One was in the original format (n = 150 consumers), with the attributes of the “ideal” product asked about at the end of the monadic evaluation of the actual products. The second had modifications (n = 150 consumers), with attributes of the “ideal” product asked about before evaluating the actual products. There was variation in both CATA methods regarding the description of the “ideal” product. CATA-First asked for a more authentic and affective description of the ideal product, and CATA-Last had more specific results, illustrating that consumers tend to be more analytical during the evaluation process. The findings of this study show practical utility for consumer-based methodologies, focusing on the determination of ideal sensory attributes.
Comparing Usability of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality for Creating Virtual Bounding Boxes of Real Objects
Authors: Kyaw Nyan , Gu Morris , Croft Elizabeth , Cosgun Akansel
Published: October 2023

This study conducts a comparative analysis of user experiences of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) headsets during an interactive semantic mapping task. This task entails the placement of virtual objects onto real-world counterparts. Our investigation focuses on discerning the distinctive features of each headset and their respective advantages within a semantic mapping context. The experiment employs a user interface enabling the creation, manipulation, and labeling of virtual 3D holograms. To ensure parity between the headsets, the VR headset mimics AR by relaying its camera feed to the user. A comprehensive user study, encompassing 12 participants tasked with mapping six tabletop objects, compares interface usability and performance between the headsets. The study participants’ evaluations highlight that the VR headset offers enhanced user-friendliness and responsiveness compared to the AR headset. Nonetheless, the AR headset excels in augmenting environmental perception and interpretation, surpassing VR in this aspect. Consequently, the study underscores that current handheld motion controllers for interacting with virtual environments outperform existing hand gesture interfaces. Furthermore, it suggests potential improvements for VR devices, including an upgraded camera feed integration. Significantly, this experiment unveils the feasibility of leveraging VR headsets for AR applications without compromising user experience. However, it also points to the necessity of future research addressing prolonged usage scenarios for both types of headsets in various interactive tasks.
Simple and Easily Connectable Transition from Empty Substrate-Integrated Waveguide to a 3D Printed Rectangular Waveguide
Authors: Herraiz Darío , Belenguer Angel , Fernandez Marcos , Cogollos Santiago , Esteban Héctor , Boria Vicente E.
Published: October 2023

3D printing is one of the most promising manufacturing methods in the most developed technological fields, including microwave hardware fabrication. On the other hand, the well-known manufacturing methods of planar substrate integrated circuits allow high-quality prototypes to be made at low cost and with mass production capabilities. The combination of both manufacturing methods, 2D or 2.5D (substrate integrated circuits) and 3D (3D printed structures), will allow us to take advantage of the main strengths of each technology and minimise disadvantages. In this article, for the first time, a transition structure between the Empty Substrate-Integrated Waveguide (ESIW) technology—a planar waveguide integrated on a printed circuit board—and a standard rectangular waveguide manufactured by 3D printing is proposed. This transition will make it possible to combine planar circuits with 3D structures, thus taking advantage of the benefits of both types of technologies. The fabricated prototype presents low losses (0.6 dB for the transmission coefficient and 15 dB for reflection coefficient), good electrical response (very flat), and simultaneously good mechanical stability and robustness to manufacturing and assembly errors. The proposed design for this transition piece is easily realisable for a wide range of affordable 3D printers. Repeatability is guaranteed and the proposed transition allows us to combine different SIC structures to 3D printed circuits. Hence, this transition will enable advancements in the fabrication of microwave devices, particularly with regard to satellite communications.
Assessment of the Radiation Situation and the Presence of Heavy Metals in the Soil in the Poleski National Park
Authors: Wojtkowski Karol , Wojtkowska Małgorzata , Długosz-Lisiecka Magdalena , Walczak Agata
Published: October 2023

The aim of the research in the Poleski National Park was to determine the concentration of radionuclides and heavy metals in the soil and to evaluate the absorbed dose and the average annual effective dose as a result of external exposure to ground-based radiation sources. The spread of anthropogenic radionuclide concentration in the Poleski National Park was the highest. This is a first-of-its-kind study in Poland. The annual effective dose calculated for the Poleski National Park was over three times higher than the average worldwide value. Soil samples were subjected to mineralization using a TITAN MPS with a rotor. Subsequently, the metals in the obtained solutions were determined using the atomic absorption spectrometry method with flame atomization (AAS FM). The content of copper Cu, nickel Ni, lead Pb, cadmium Cd, and chromium Cr did exceed the average content neither in Europe nor around the world. The soils of the Poleski National Park are characterized by pollution with the tested heavy metals, especially cadmium Cd.
A Niche Adaptive Elite Evolutionary Algorithm for the Clustering Optimization of Intelligent Unmanned Agricultural Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Swarm Collaboration Networks
Authors: Zhong Qin , Zhou Jie , Zhang Yao
Published: October 2023

Nowadays, the intelligent unmanned agricultural unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm collaboration network (AUSCN) has fully demonstrated its advantages in agricultural monitoring and management. By using an AUSCN, multi-machine cooperation can be realized to expand the detection range, and more complex tasks can be completed without human participation, so as to improve work efficiency and reduce the consumption of manpower and material resources. In AUSCNs, clustering is a key method to lower energy consumption. However, there is a challenge to select cluster heads in AUSCNs because of the limitation of transmission distances and the complexity of network topological structures. In addition, this problem has been confirmed as NP-hard. In this paper, a new niche adaptive elite evolutionary algorithm (NAEEA) is proposed to solve this problem. NAEEAs can search within various complicated stochastic situations at high speeds with characterized high precision and fast convergence. This algorithm integrates the merits of elite selection and adaptive adjusting to achieve high performance. In NAEEAs, a new adaptive operator is designed to speed up the convergence rate, while a novel elite operator is proposed to avoid local optima and raise the exploration ability. Furthermore, a new niche operator is also proposed to increase the population diversity. The simulation results show that, compared with an evolutionary algorithm (EA), a simulated annealing algorithm (SA) and a leapfrog algorithm (SFLA), clustering energy consumption based on an NAEEA is significantly reduced, and the network energy consumption of the AUSCN is up to 21.43%, 25.00% and 25.76% lower than the other three algorithms, respectively.
Polarization Influence on Algorithms of TFBG Sensors Data Analysis for Bending Application
Authors: Cięszczyk Sławomir , Harasim Damian
Published: October 2023

In this article we deal with the influence of polarization on determining the bending radius in TFBG (tilted fiber Bragg grating) sensors. The spectrum of TFBG structures changes under the influence of many factors at the same time. In the case of bending radius measurements, additional factors may be the temperature and polarization state of the introduced light. So far, only the cladding mode envelope algorithm has been used to determine the bending radius. An interesting issue seems to be establishing the influence of cross-sensitivity of the spectrum on changes in polarization during bending measurements. In addition to the envelope algorithm, algorithms for spectral length and average deviation from the local mean were examined. As a result of the analysis of experimental data, it was found that the level of polarization’s influence on the result may be significant in determining the bending radius. Reducing the influence of polarization can be achieved by using algorithms providing wavelength parameters. Additionally, in order to reduce the influence of polarization, we proposed the use of the PLS (partial least squares regression) algorithm for the processed spectrum.
Simulation and Experimental Study on Sealing Characteristics of Hydro-Pneumatic Spring GS Seal Rings
Authors: Wang Shuai , Liu Pengyuan , Li Donglin , Dong Zhenle , Li Geqiang
Published: October 2023

Hydro-pneumatic springs often work under high pressure and alternating load conditions, which can easily cause seal damage, leakage, and serious failure. Relevant studies have shown that the dynamic seal failure of hydro-pneumatic springs is the main cause of hydro-pneumatic spring failure, and the sealing performance of GS sealing rings directly determines the service life of hydro-pneumatic springs. The influence of different sealing structure parameters on the sealing performance of GS sealing of hydro-pneumatic springs has been studied, which can provide effective theoretical guidance for the design of sealing structures related to hydro-pneumatic springs. However, the existing research on hydro-pneumatic springs mainly focuses on the characteristics of damping and stiffness; there is a relative lack of research on sealing performance and sealing structure, and the performance change law of GS seals under different working conditions is unclear. In this paper, a GS seal ring is selected as the main seal of the hydro-pneumatic spring, the material parameters of the GS seal ring are obtained via the single-axis compression test, and the finite element simulation method is used to establish the sealing model under different compression ratios of 10–30% and different pressure impacts of 5–30 MPa. By doing so, the stress nephogram, sealing ring shape, and sealing contact pressure of the GS sealing ring under different simulation parameters are obtained. From the test results, the decrease in compression ratio after the wear of the sealing ring is the main reason for the seal leakage of the hydro-pneumatic spring. The maximum contact stress of the sealing ring occurs at the lip of the step ring, and the maximum sealing pressure of the sealing ring is determined by the contact pressure of sealing surfaces II and III. The sealing performance of the GS-type combination sealing ring is affected by the compression ratio of the sealing ring and the impact pressure; when the compression ratio of the sealing ring is 15%, the sealing ring can meet the sealing work needs below 25 MPa. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the design of GS sealing of hydro-pneumatic springs and the effective improvement of the life and reliability of related equipment.
Autonomous Process Execution Control Algorithms of Solid Intelligent Backfilling Technology: Development and Numerical Testing
Authors: Zong Tingcheng , Li Fengming , Zhang Qiang , Sun Zhongliang , Lv Haonan
Published: October 2023

This paper analyzes the typical technical problems arising from dumping and tamping collision interferences in the working faces of conventional mechanized solid backfilling mining (SBM). Additionally, the technical and consecutive characteristics of the solid intelligent backfilling (SIB) method, the execution device, and the corresponding process categories of the SIB process are analyzed. A design for an SIB process flow is presented. Critical algorithms, including automatic recognition and optimization planning based on the cost function and laying the algorithm foundation, are proposed to develop a backfilling process control system. A joint simulation test system is built on a MATLAB/Simulink simulation toolkit (MSST) to simulate and test the optimized algorithms. The results show that the optimized algorithm can realize the automatic optimization planning and automatic interference-recognition adjustment of the backfilling process under actual engineering conditions. In conclusion, this paper analyzes typical technical problems in the conventional backfilling process, designs the SIB process flow, and develops key algorithms to achieve the automatic control of the backfilling process.