bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mainstreaming Urban Agriculture: Opportunities and Barriers to Upscaling City Farming
Authors: Hardman Michael , Clark Andrew , Sherriff Graeme
Published: March 2022

Urban Agriculture (UA), i.e., the production of crops or rearing of livestock in cities, is growing in popularity. Upscaled UA is increasingly gaining support from policy makers, funders, local authorities and other key actors across the globe. Radical forms of the concept, in the form of edible rooftops, urban farms and high-tech growing projects, are becoming more commonplace in our cityscapes; enabling production on a level not witnessed previously. With the mainstreaming of large-scale UA comes the potential to further the social, environmental and economic value of the practice, through job creation, biodiversity enhancement, the creation of short food supply chains and other benefits. Yet, despite this growth, there are barriers to upscaling city farming. Evidence suggests that a core issue surrounds urban soil contamination and hesitation with regards to crops in the city. This paper uses a qualitative approach to explore the UK’s largest urban farm and a spectrum of other UA sites to illustrate such barriers. We reveal how public hesitation, financial barriers and soil quality prevent development. We reflect on the breadth of the issue and call for a more pragmatic approach to these barriers. In doing so, we propose a path forward for enabling UA at scale.
Rate and Timing of Application of Biostimulant Substances to Enhance Fruit Tree Tolerance toward Environmental Stresses and Fruit Quality
Authors: Andreotti Carlo , Rouphael Youssef , Colla Giuseppe , Basile Boris
Published: March 2022

Biostimulants represent an important category of agricultural inputs characterized by multiple functions. They are used to assist crop growth, yield and to enhance the final quality of produces. Their classification is generally based on claims (i.e., which services they provide to the crop), even though their biological effects are often species-dependent and highly influenced by external factors (i.e., the growing conditions). This review provides a survey of the available scientific literature on the use of biostimulant substances in fruit production, with the specific aim to clarify their predominant mode and time of application. An extremely varied scenario emerged where foliar treatments are common for seaweed extracts, humic and fulvic acids, and where protein hydrolysates and silicon are applied both to the soil (drench) or sprayed to the canopy. Dosages were difficult to compare between the considered studies given the wide range of tested products and the uncertainty in their actual composition. Regarding the number of applications, biostimulants are generally applied following a calendar-approach, covering most of the growing season. When their use is intended to enhance crop tolerance toward environmental stresses, biostimulants are mainly applied before the stressful event to prime plant physiological defenses. Further studies based on multiple-year research projects and standard methodological protocols are urgently needed to verify a clear compliance with biostimulant claims and to evaluate their cost-effectiveness for the fruit production sector.
Lignite Substrate and EC Modulates Positive Eustress in Cucumber at Hydroponic Cultivation
Authors: Łaźny Radosław , Mirgos Małgorzata , Przybył Jarosław L. , Niedzińska Monika , Gajc-Wolska Janina , Kowalczyk Waldemar , Nowak Jacek S. , Kalisz Stanisław , Kowalczyk Katarzyna
Published: March 2022

Hydroponic cultivation using organic, fully biodegradable substrates that provide the right physical properties for plant growth and development is now the future of soilless production. Despite the high productivity and strict control of production conditions in this method, excessive salinity of the substrate often occurs. However, recent research results indicate that salinity at a high enough threshold can improve yield quality, while prolonged exposure to too high EC, or exceeding the safe EC threshold for a given species, leads to reduced quality and reduced or even no yield. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of biodegradable lignite substrate (L) and eustressor in the form of high EC nutrient solution (7.0 dS·m−1) on morphological and physiological parameters, as well as the quality and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in hydroponic cultivation compared to the mineral wool substrate (MW). The MW/high EC combination showed a significant reduction in shoot diameter by nearly 6% compared to the MW/control EC combination. The stomatal conductance (gs) and the transpiration rate (E) were also significantly reduced in this combination. The present study indicates that the effects of eustressor application vary depending on the growing medium used, and more favorable effects in terms of yield quality were obtained using biodegradable lignite substrate. The high EC of nutrient solution combined with lignite substrate (L/high EC) significantly increased in cucumber fruit the content of β-carotene, lutein, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and the sum of chlorophyll a + b by 33.3%, 40%, 28.6%, 26.3% and 26.7%, respectively, as compared to MW/high EC combination.
Does the Use of an Intercropping Mixture Really Improve the Biology of Monocultural Soils?—A Search for Bacterial Indicators of Sensitivity and Resistance to Long-Term Maize Monoculture
Authors: Wolińska Agnieszka , Kruczyńska Anna , Podlewski Jacek , Słomczewski Andrzej , Grządziel Jarosław , Gałązka Anna , Kuźniar Agnieszka
Published: March 2022

The choice of appropriate agricultural practices has a significant impact on soil quality, crop productivity, or soil microbial community. Ten representative soil samples were collected in Wierzchucin Królewski (Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province, NW Poland), an agricultural area belonging to the Potulicka Foundation Group. The cropping systems included a maize monoculture grown continuously for over 30 years and an intercropping mixture (Gorzow mixture) applied in 2020. The study aimed to determine the effect of the intercropping system on the quality and biodiversity of the studied soils and to identify bacterial indicators of sensitivity and resistance to long-term maize monoculture. Therefore, in this study, the impact of the intercrop mixture application on the chemical and biological soil properties and on the diversity of the bacterial community was evaluated by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene sequences and indicators of sensitivity and resistance to long-term maize monoculture were recommended. The results showed that intercropping had a positive effect on soil features and increased the richness and diversity of soil bacteria at the taxonomic level of genera compared to the maize monoculture. Massilia and Haliangium were proposed to be bacterial indicators of sensitivity, while Sphingomonas was recommended to be an indicator of resistance to long-term maize monoculture. Overall, our results evidenced that using an intercropping system may be a sustainable agricultural practice in this area and in north-western Poland.
Effects of Reduced Dietary Protein at High Temperature in Summer on Growth Performance and Carcass Quality of Finishing Pigs
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Chen Yifan , Wang Ji , Lv Zhiqian , Li Enkai , Zhao Jinbiao , Liu Ling , Wang Fenglai , Liu Hu
Published: March 2022

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of reduced dietary protein at natural high temperature in summer on the growth performance and carcass quality of finishing pigs. A total of 72 crossbreed pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) at an average body weight (BW) of 77 ± 5.7 kg were randomly assigned to two treatments, based on BW and sex, in six replicates per treatment, with six pigs per pen, using a randomized complete block design. The dietary crude protein (CP) level of the normal protein diet (NP) and the reduced protein diet (LP) were 12% and 10%, respectively. The growth performance and serum biochemical parameters of the pigs were analyzed for a 28-day experimental period. At the end of the experiment, 12 pigs were harvested to measure carcass characteristics and pork quality. The average highest ambient temperature during the experiment period was about 32.4 °C. There was a trend for the average daily feed intake (ADFI) to be lower in the pigs on the reduced protein diet compared to the control (p < 0.10) in the 0–28 day period. The serum urea nitrogen was lower (p < 0.05) for pigs fed the reduced protein diets only on day 14. The carcass characteristics and pork quality were not affected by dietary treatments. In conclusion, decreasing dietary crude protein percentage from 12% to 10% in finishing pigs in summer may have no negative effects on growth performance and carcass quality.
Avian Malaria in Penguins: Diagnostics and Future Direction in the Context of Climate Change
Authors: Ings Kate , Denk Daniela
Published: March 2022

Avian malaria is caused by infection with haemoprotozoa of the genus Plasmodium. Infection is endemic in large parts of the world and is typically subclinical in birds that are native to these regions. Several penguin species have evolved in non-endemic regions without the selective pressure that these parasites exert and are highly susceptible to infection when transplanted to endemic regions, for example, in the context of zoological collections or rehabilitation centers. Avian malaria in penguins typically causes acute mortality without premonitory signs, or less commonly, nonspecific signs of morbidity, followed by mortality. Additionally, infection is reported in wild penguins, though the significance of these infections remains equivocal. As global temperatures continue to increase, avian malaria is likely to pose a continued and further threat to conservation efforts in captive environments. Intra vitam diagnosis currently relies on the evaluation of blood smears and molecular methods. The former is unreliable in penguins, as the acute clinical course typically does not allow the development of parasitemia. This absence of parasitemia also makes speciation challenging. Current molecular methods typically target the Cytochrome B or 18s subunit and have proven variably sensitive and specific. Reliable intra vitam diagnosis of avian malaria and further information about the causative agents at a species level would be very valuable in understanding the epidemiology and likely future course of avian malaria infection in penguins, and in particular, the implications avian malaria may have for conservation efforts. This paper provides an overview of malaria in penguins, discusses its changing impact on management and conservation, offers a summary of current diagnostics, and suggests future direction for the development of diagnostic tests. The latter will be key in understanding and managing this disease.
The Interaction of NO and H2S in Boar Spermatozoa under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kadlec Martin , Pintus Eliana , Ros-Santaella José Luis
Published: March 2022

Various recent studies dedicated to the role of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in somatic cells provide evidence for an interaction of the two gasotransmitters. In the case of male gametes, only the action of a single donor of each gasotransmitter has been investigated up until today. It has been demonstrated that, at low concentrations, both gasotransmitters alone exert a positive effect on sperm quality parameters. Moreover, the activity of gaseous cellular messengers may be affected by the presence of oxidative stress, an underlying condition of several male reproductive disorders. In this study, we explored the effect of the combination of two donors SNP and NaHS (NO and H2S donors, respectively) on boar spermatozoa under oxidative stress. We applied NaHS, SNP, and their combination (DD) at 100 nM concentration in boar spermatozoa samples treated with Fe2+/ascorbate system. After 90 min of incubation at 38 °C, we have observed that progressive motility (PMot) and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) were improved (p < 0.05) in DD treatment compared to the Ctr sample under oxidative stress (CtrOX). Moreover, the PMot of DD treatment was higher (p < 0.05) than that of NaHS. Similar to NaHS, SNP treatment did not overcome the PMot and PMI of CtrOX. In conclusion, for the first time, we provide evidence that the combination of SNP and NaHS surmounts the effect of single-donor application in terms of PMot and PMI in porcine spermatozoa under oxidative stress.
Effect of Peanut Shell and Rice Husk Bedding for Dairy Cows: An Analysis of Material Properties and Colostrum Microbiota
Authors: Li Pengtao , Fu Tong , Cai Amin , Descovich Kris , Lian Hongxia , Gao Tengyun , Phillips Clive J. C.
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate peanut shells and rice husks as bedding for dairy cows. We analyzed material properties including dry matter, water holding capacity, pH level and bacterial counts. Bedding treatments were compared with a one-way ANOVA using twelve cows split into three groups. Colostrum microbiota was analyzed by sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Dry matter content was higher in rice husks compared with peanut shells. No treatment effects were found for water holding capacity and pH level. Streptococcus agalactia counts in peanut shell bedding were lower than in rice husk bedding, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa counts were not different between beddings. A significant enrichment for Enhydrobacter and Pantoea were detected in the colostrum of cows that used peanut shells compared with other beddings. Colostrum of cows housed on a peanut–rice combination had a greater relative abundance of Pseudomonas and Corynebacterium than those housed on peanut shells or rice husks. Higher numbers of Bacteroides, Akkermansia, Alistipes, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 and Intestinimona were found in the colostrum of cows housed on rice husk bedding over other bedding types. These results suggest that bedding types were associated with the growth and diversity of colostrum bacterial loads. In addition, dry matter in peanut shells was lower than found in rice husks, but there was also a lower risk of mastitis for peanut shell bedding than other beddings.
Using Post-Mortem Measurements to Predict Carcass Tissue Composition in Growing Rabbits
Authors: Croda-Andrade Andrea Y. , Valencia-García Cristell G. , Arbez-Abnal Tomas A. , Portillo-Salgado Rodrigo , Estrada-León Raciel J. , Vázquez-Martínez Ignacio , Camacho-Pérez Enrique , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar , Chay-Canul Alfonso J.
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to determine post-mortem measurements for predicting carcass traits in growing rabbits. A total of 50 clinically healthy New Zealand White × Californian male rabbits with a body weight (BW) of 1351 ± 347 g between 60 to 80 days of age were used. Body weight was recorded 12 h before slaughtering. Data recorded at slaughtering included carcass weights (HCW). After cooling at 4 °C for 24 h, carcasses were weighed (CCW) and then were carefully split longitudinally with a band saw to obtain left and right halves. In the right half carcass, the following measurements were recorded using a tape measure: dorsal length (DL), thoracic depth (TD), thigh length (TL), carcass length (CL), lumbar circumference (LC). The compactness index (CCI) was calculated as the CCW divided by the CL. Thereafter, the right half carcass was weighed and manually deboned to record weights of muscle (TCM), and bone (TCB). The CCI explained of 93% of variation for TCM (R2 = 0.93 and a CV = 9.30%). In addition, the DL was the best predictor (p < 0.001) for TCB (R2 = 0.60 and a CV = 18.9%). Our results indicated that the use of carcass measurements could accurately and precisely (R2 = ≥ 0.60 and ≤0.95) be used as alternatives to predict the carcass tissues composition in growing rabbits.
Handling and Physiological Aspects of the Dual-Purpose Water Buffalo Production System in the Mexican Humid Tropics
Authors: Rodríguez-González Daniela , Minervino Antonio Humberto Hamad , Orihuela Agustín , Bertoni Aldo , Morales-Canela Diego Armando , Álvarez-Macías Adolfo , José-Pérez Nancy , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , Mota-Rojas Daniel
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics of the dual-purpose water buffalo production based on the Mexican production system as a model in tropical wetlands. It includes a broad literature review emphasizing the most recent and specialized publications examining key findings to improve our understanding in the performance of the buffalo species (Bubalus bubalis). The complementary topics addressed include reproductive management, parturition, the dam–calf bond, milking routines, and models of confinement and management, in addition to aspects related to milk commercialization. This article summarizes the advances made to date in this production system and its current margins for improvement. The development of dual-purpose water buffalo production systems in Mexico’s tropical wetlands is a relatively recent phenomenon that has progressed and improved due to herd management. Buffaloes are an interesting alternative for dual purpose systems that offer several advantages. The lower milk production of this species compared to cattle is its main limitation. However, the properties of their milk allow one to obtain an added value and make this type of farms competitive. In synthesis, consolidating buffalo production in Mexico’s tropical wetlands will require broadening our knowledge of this species, and perfecting the most appropriate handling procedures. The activities of government agencies and processing enterprises will play vital roles in achieving the integral modernization of this potentially important economic activity.
Influence of Red Corn Rich in Anthocyanins on Productive Traits, Blood Metabolic Profile, and Antioxidative Status of Fattening Lambs
Authors: Antunović Zvonko , Novoselec Josip , Klir Šalavardić Željka , Steiner Zvonimir , Šperanda Marcela , Jakobek Barron Lidija , Ronta Mario , Pavić Valentina
Published: March 2022

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different proportions of red corn rich in anthocyanins on the diet of fattening lambs considering their productive traits, blood metabolic profile, and antioxidative status. The research was carried out with 30 Merinolandschaf lambs, 90 days old and weaned. The feed mixture for lambs (n = 10) of the control group contained yellow corn, while in the feed mixture of experimental group I (n = 10), yellow corn was replaced with red corn at 50% (RC50), and in experimental group II (n = 10), yellow corn was 100% replaced with red corn (RC100). An automatic three-part differential haematology analyser was used to determine haematological parameters in whole blood, and biochemical parameters were determined in blood serum using a biochemical analyser. A diet containing red corn did not affect productive traits or the majority of the examined parameters. However, higher blood haemoglobin content, increased aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase activity, and decreased glucose and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were found in the serum of RC100 lambs. These results indicate a positive effect of red corn rich in anthocyanins on the metabolic profile without any changes in the productive traits of lambs.
Investigation of the Role of Healthy and Sick Equids in the COVID-19 Pandemic through Serological and Molecular Testing
Authors: Lawton Kaila O. Y. , Arthur Rick M. , Moeller Benjamin C. , Barnum Samantha , Pusterla Nicola
Published: March 2022

More and more studies are reporting on the natural transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between humans with COVID-19 and their companion animals (dogs and cats). While horses are apparently susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection based on the homology between the human and the equine ACE-2 receptor, no clinical or subclinical infection has yet been reported in the equine species. To investigate the possible clinical role of SARS-CoV-2 in equids, nasal secretions from 667 horses with acute onset of fever and respiratory signs were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 by qPCR. The samples were collected from January to December of 2020 and submitted to a commercial molecular diagnostic laboratory for the detection of common respiratory pathogens (equine influenza virus, equine herpesvirus-1/-4, equine rhinitis A and B virus, Streptococcus equi subspecies equi). An additional 633 serum samples were tested for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 using an ELISA targeting the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein. The serum samples were collected from a cohort of 587 healthy racing Thoroughbreds in California after track personnel tested qPCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2. While 241/667 (36%) equids with fever and respiratory signs tested qPCR-positive for at least one of the common respiratory pathogens, not a single horse tested qPCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2. Amongst the racing Thoroughbreds, 35/587 (5.9%) horses had detectable antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Similar to dogs and cats, horses do not seem to develop clinical SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, horses can act as incidental hosts and experience silent infection following spillover from humans with COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2-infected humans should avoid close contact with equids during the time of their illness.
Comparison of Ethanol Stability and Chemical Composition of Camel Milk from Five Samples
Authors: Alhaj Omar A. , Lajnaf Roua , Jrad Zeineb , Alshuniaber Mohammad A. , Jahrami Haitham A. , Serag El-Din Mohamed F.
Published: March 2022

This research was carried out to study the variation in ethanol stability and chemical composition of five camel milk samples, including two pasteurized samples (Alwatania and Darir alabaker) and three raw samples (Majaheim, Wadah, and Hamra). Ethanol stability was analyzed by dispersing camel milk samples with 0 to 100% ethanol (v/v). The findings indicate that camel milk samples precipitated after adding an equal volume of ethanol at concentrations between 50% and 64% ethanol, depending on the milk sample. The addition of sodium chloride at different concentrations (1–10%) to camel milk resulted in a significant increase in ethanol stability, and samples from Majaheim and Alwatania exhibited the highest ethanol stability values (88%). In contrast, the addition of EDTA to camel milk for pH ranging between 5.9 and 7.1 has increased ethanol stability with a sigmoidal shape in camel milk. The largest ethanol stability differences were observed in a camel milk sample from Alwatania. Thus, the level of Ca2+ in camel milk may contribute to ethanol stability by shifting the entire profile to higher ethanol stability values. The chemical composition of different camel samples was also determined. The lactose content of camel milk varied significantly (p < 0.05) across samples, ranging from 4.37% in Majaheim camel milk to 4.87% in Alwatania camel milk. The total solids of camel milk varied significantly between raw and pasteurized samples, ranging between 10.17% and 12.10%. Furthermore, protein concentration in camel milk obtained from different camel samples varied, from 2.43% to 3.23% for Hamra and Alwatania, respectively. In conclusion, ethanol stability in camel milk was dependent on the camel breed, pH level, ionic strength, and EDTA addition.
Pre-Competition Oral Findings in Danish Sport Horses and Ponies Competing at High Level
Authors: Uldahl Mette , Bundgaard Louise , Dahl Jan , Clayton Hilary M.
Published: March 2022

This study addresses the presence and location of oral lesions in 342 dressage, show jumping, and eventing horses examined at an obligatory veterinary inspection before competing in the Danish National Championship in 2020. Ulcers in the lip commissures were photographed for subsequent pathological analysis. If a lesion was found at the lip commissures on one side, there was an increased risk of finding a similar lesion on the other side (ulcer: p < 0.0001; scarring/depigmentation: p < 0.0001; fissure: p = 0.002; erosion/contusion: p < 0.0001). At the lip commissures, external (cutaneous) ulcers were correlated with internal (mucosal) ulcers (p < 0.0001) and with scarring/depigmentation (p < 0.0001). Both mucosal and cutaneous ulcers were correlated with scarring/depigmentation (p < 0.0001). Erosion/contusion at the lip commissures was associated with similar lesions on the bars (p = 0.0002), and ulcers of the buccal mucosa were associated with ulcers on the bars (p = 0.003). Dental hooks or sharp enamel points on one side were associated with similar lesions on the other side (p < 0.0001). Dental findings were not related to mucosal ulcers or erosion/contusion at the lip commissures but were associated with scarring/depigmentation (p = 0.01).
Military Working Dogs Operating in Afghanistan Theater: Comparison between Pre- and Post-Mission Blood Analyses to Monitor Physical Fitness and Training
Authors: Spinella Giuseppe , Tidu Lorenzo , Grassato Lisa , Musella Vincenzo , Matarazzo Micheletino , Valentini Simona
Published: March 2022

The intergovernmental organization known as the United Nations (UN) was born “to maintain international peace and security” through different operations and tasks, including “mine action” and “explosive detection”. Explosives are the most frequent cause of injuries in military personnel and an enormous danger for civilians. The role of explosive detection dogs (EDDs) and mine detection dogs has gained great consideration over time, leading to their intense use in military operations. Literature regarding working injuries reported by EDDs during missions is limited. The aim of the present study is to investigate the hematological changes that occurred between pre- and post-mission blood analyses in military working dogs deployed to Afghanistan in order to evaluate signs of health problems or physical adjustments. Examining the clinical records, only three dogs reported a medical issue, one with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), and two with lameness episodes. Lack of health issues occurring during the missions was reflected by the absence of significant differences between pre- and post-mission blood analyses. Blood results were also examined by dividing the EDDs into groups considering age at departure, sex, breed and mission length. A few categories demonstrated significant changes in some parameters; however, the mean values were always included in the ranges of normality, indicating that their physical fitness and training were adequate for the required tasks.
Reproductive Technologies Used in Female Neo-Tropical Hystricomorphic Rodents
Authors: Lall Kavita Ranjeeta , Jones Kegan Romelle , Garcia Gary Wayne
Published: March 2022

This is the second of two literature reviews that focuses on the female reproductive anatomy and reproductive technologies used in selected neo-tropical hystricomorphic rodents. The rodents chosen included the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina), the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), and the paca (Cuniculus paca). Over seventy references were used, spanning the years 1919–2021. Knowledge of the reproductive tract is important in understanding any unique features, which may affect the use of reproductive technologies. Some unique characteristics common to these species included the presence of a vaginal closure membrane and a lobulated placenta with a vascular sub-placenta. The capybara had hyperpigmentation of the vagina that was unique to each individual, while the agouti and paca had accessory corpora lutea, in addition to the main one. Some reproductive technologies have been used, with attempts at estrous induction and synchronization taking place within the past five years. Even though most work has been done over the past twenty years, there is still a dearth of information.
Oxidative Stress and Assisted Reproduction: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pathophysiological Role and Strategies for Optimizing Embryo Culture Environment
Authors: Agarwal Ashok , Maldonado Rosas Israel , Anagnostopoulou Christina , Cannarella Rossella , Boitrelle Florence , Munoz Lina Villar , Finelli Renata , Durairajanayagam Damayanthi , Henkel Ralf , Saleh Ramadan
Published: March 2022

Oxidative stress (OS) due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants has been established as an important factor that can negatively affect the outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Excess ROS exert their pathological effects through damage to cellular lipids, organelles, and DNA, alteration of enzymatic function, and apoptosis. ROS can be produced intracellularly, from immature sperm, oocytes, and embryos. Additionally, several external factors may induce high ROS production in the ART setup, including atmospheric oxygen, CO2 incubators, consumables, visible light, temperature, humidity, volatile organic compounds, and culture media additives. Pathological amounts of ROS can also be generated during the cryopreservation-thawing process of gametes or embryos. Generally, these factors can act at any stage during ART, from gamete preparation to embryo development, till the blastocyst stage. In this review, we discuss the in vitro conditions and environmental factors responsible for the induction of OS in an ART setting. In addition, we describe the effects of OS on gametes and embryos. Furthermore, we highlight strategies to ameliorate the impact of OS during the whole human embryo culture period, from gametes to blastocyst stage.
Dual-Fusion Active Contour Model with Semantic Information for Saliency Target Extraction of Underwater Images
Authors: Yang Shudi , Wu Jiaxiong , Feng Zhipeng
Published: March 2022

Underwater vision research is the foundation of marine-related disciplines. The target contour extraction is significant for target tracking and visual information mining. Aiming to resolve the problem that conventional active contour models cannot effectively extract the contours of salient targets in underwater images, we propose a dual-fusion active contour model with semantic information. First, the saliency images are introduced as semantic information and salient target contours are extracted by fusing Chan–Vese and local binary fitting models. Then, the original underwater images are used to supplement the missing contour information by using the local image fitting. Compared with state-of-the-art contour extraction methods, our dual-fusion active contour model can effectively filter out background information and accurately extract salient target contours. Moreover, the proposed model achieves the best results in the quantitative comparison of MAE (mean absolute error), ER (error rate), and DR (detection rate) indicators and provides reliable prior knowledge for target tracking and visual information mining.
Study on the Effect of Low-Temperature Anode Filled with FeCl3 Solution on Electro-Osmotic Reinforcement of Soft Clay
Authors: Xiang Pengfei , Cui Yunliang , Wei Gang
Published: March 2022

In order to study the effect of FeCl3 solution on the current, soil pH value, drainage volume, anode potential difference, energy consumption, and resistivity of electro-osmosis consolidation of soft clay with different moisture contents under a low temperature environment, we carried out 31 sets of model tests under different working conditions by using a self-made device and an improved Miller Soil Box. The test results showed that, under the same conditions, although the energy consumption coefficient of electro-osmosis had little change in the low temperature environment, the current, displacement, and electro-osmosis coefficient were obviously reduced, and the resistivity and anode potential difference was greatly increased, indicating that the low temperature environment reduces the efficiency of electro-osmosis of soft clay. After the anode was filled with FeCl3 solution, the current, water displacement, and electro-osmotic coefficient were clearly increased; the anode potential difference and electro-osmotic energy consumption coefficient were clearly decreased; and the resistivity was reduced to a certain extent, which indicates that the anode filled with FeCl3 solution is very beneficial in improving electro-osmotic efficiency and in saving energy. The electro-osmotic discharge after the anode filled with FeCl3 solution at low temperature was clearly higher than that after the anode was filled water at normal temperature, indicating that the effect of the anode filled with FeCl3 solution on electro-osmosis is greater than that of temperature. In the process of electro-osmosis of soft clay, the better the electro-osmosis effect, the smaller the pH value of the anode and the larger the pH value of the cathode. The pH value of the cathode and anode can be used as one of the indexes to reflect the electro-osmosis effect.
EEG-Based Emotion Recognition Using Deep Learning and M3GP
Authors: Rodriguez Aguiñaga Adrian , Muñoz Delgado Luis , López-López Víctor Raul , Calvillo Téllez Andrés
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the proposal of a method to recognize emotional states through EEG analysis. The novelty of this work lies in its feature improvement strategy, based on multiclass genetic programming with multidimensional populations (M3GP), which builds features by implementing an evolutionary technique that selects, combines, deletes, and constructs the most suitable features to ease the classification process of the learning method. In this way, the problem data can be mapped into a more favorable search space that best defines each class. After implementing the M3GP, the results showed an increment of 14.76% in the recognition rate without changing any settings in the learning method. The tests were performed on a biometric EEG dataset (BED), designed to evoke emotions and record the cerebral cortex’s electrical response; this dataset implements a low cost device to collect the EEG signals, allowing greater viability for the application of the results. The proposed methodology achieves a mean classification rate of 92.1%, and simplifies the feature management process by increasing the separability of the spectral features.
Lithology-Controlled Hydrodynamic Behaviour of a Fractured Sandstone–Claystone Body in a Radioactive Waste Repository Site, SW Hungary
Authors: Tóth Emese , Hrabovszki Ervin , Schubert Félix , M. Tóth Tivadar
Published: March 2022

The fracture network modelling and hydrogeological assessment were performed in an 845 m deep borehole of the potential high-level waste repository formation and its caprock. The geometry of the fracture network was simulated using the discrete fracture network (DFN) modelling method, which is based on the geometric characteristics of the individual fractures. The hydrogeological evaluation was based on changes in porosity and permeability along the borehole using flow zone indicator (FZI) values that denote hydraulic flow units (HFU) within the rock body. Fracture network characteristics and hydrogeological features are mainly determined by the wellbore lithology, which can be divided into three zones. The sandstone body was intersected in the upper 300 m of the borehole, which forms a single HFU. The second zone was developed along with the transition zone between the sandstone and the underlying claystone bodies. Here the predominant rock type is claystone, but the characteristics of the fracture network are distinctly different from the deeper parts of this rock body. Below 400 m is the third zone, where distinct and extensive HFU-s could not form, probably due to different water–rock interaction processes that could have changed the porosity and permeability from point to point in the claystone.
Legal Judgment Prediction via Heterogeneous Graphs and Knowledge of Law Articles
Authors: Zhao Qihui , Gao Tianhan , Zhou Song , Li Dapeng , Wen Yingyou
Published: March 2022

Legal judgment prediction (LJP) is a crucial task in legal intelligence to predict charges, law articles and terms of penalties based on case fact description texts. Although existing methods perform well, they still have many shortcomings. First, the existing methods have significant limitations in understanding long documents, especially those based on RNNs and BERT. Secondly, the existing methods are not good at solving the problem of similar charges and do not fully and effectively integrate the information of law articles. To address the above problems, we propose a novel LJP method. Firstly, we improve the model’s comprehension of the whole document based on a graph neural network approach. Then, we design a graph attention network-based law article distinction extractor to distinguish similar law articles. Finally, we design a graph fusion method to fuse heterogeneous graphs of text and external knowledge (law article group distinction information). The experiments show that the method could effectively improve LJP performance. The experimental metrics are superior to the existing state of the art.
Research on the Modelling and Development of Flexibility in Production System Design Phase Driven by Digital Twins
Authors: Zhang Lu , He Songping , Li Bin , Mao Xinyong , Liang Kun , Hao Caihua
Published: March 2022

Production system flexibility has become an important factor to meet the needs of diversified markets in an ever-changing and turbulent market environment. Thus, this paper addresses the problems of flexibility evaluation for decision making by evaluation method driven by digital twin, which models, predicts, and evaluates the flexibility of a given production system design scheme (PSDS). Based on the definition and characteristic analysis of flexibility in the production system design phase, and combined with data modelling (static function model (SFM) and dynamic prediction model (DPM)) and data analysis (AHP-based and simulation-based analysis), the proposed framework evaluates system flexibility from the static and dynamic levels, helps enterprises quickly obtain the system’s comprehensive flexibility evaluation index, realizing the rapid screening of the production system design scheme (PSDS). The successful application of the evaluation framework in case enterprise has fully proved the feasibility and effectiveness of the method.
Tribological Behavior of Biomass Fast Pyrolysis Fuel and Diesel Blends
Authors: Song Ruhong , Yu Huiqiang , Song Hui
Published: March 2022

The original biomass fast pyrolysis fuel was modified by an emulsification method to obtain emulsified biomass fast pyrolysis fuel with different proportions (the content of biomass fast pyrolysis fuel in the emulsified biomass fuel was 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 20 wt.%, respectively). Taking commercial 0# diesel as the blank fuel, the friction and wear characteristics of tribo-pair material from an actual piston ring–cylinder liner lubricated by the varied fuels were investigated on a reciprocating friction and wear tester, respectively. The results showed that the friction coefficient and wear of tribo-pair material lubricated with emulsified biomass fuel increased with the biomass fuel content. In the case of 5 wt.% emulsified biomass fuel, the friction coefficient was smaller than 0# diesel, and the wear was not different from 0# diesel. At the same time, the friction coefficient and wear of 5 wt.% emulsified biomass fuel increased with the reciprocating frequency when the load was constant, while they increased with the load when the reciprocating frequency was constant.
Mining the Frequent Patterns of Named Entities for Long Document Classification
Authors: Wang Bohan , Qi Rui , Gao Jinhua , Zhang Jianwei , Yuan Xiaoguang , Ke Wenjun
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, a large amount of information is stored as text, and numerous text mining techniques have been developed for various applications, such as event detection, news topic classification, public opinion detection, and sentiment analysis. Although significant progress has been achieved for short text classification, document-level text classification requires further exploration. Long documents always contain irrelevant noisy information that shelters the prominence of indicative features, limiting the interpretability of classification results. To alleviate this problem, a model called MIPELD (mining the frequent pattern of a named entity for long document classification) for long document classification is demonstrated, which mines the frequent patterns of named entities as features. Discovered patterns allow semantic generalization among documents and provide clues for verifying the results. Experiments on several datasets resulted in good accuracy and marco-F1 values, meeting the requirements for practical application. Further analysis validated the effectiveness of MIPELD in mining interpretable information in text classification.
Correction and Fitting Civil Aviation Flight Data EGT Based on RPM: Polynomial Least Squares Analysis
Authors: Chen Nongtian , Sun Youchao , Wang Zongpeng , Peng Chong
Published: March 2022

There are different missing flight data due to various reasons in the process of acquisition and storage, especially in general aviation, which cause inconvenience for flight data analysis. Effectively explaining the relationship between flight data parameters and selecting a simple and effective method for fitting and correcting flight data suitable for engineering applications are the main points of the paper. Herein, a convenient and applicable approach of missing data correction and fitting based on the least squares polynomial method is introduced in this work. Firstly, the polynomial fitting model based on the least squares method is used to establish multi-order polynomial by existing flight data since the order of the least squares polynomial has a direct impact on the fitting effect. The order is too high or too small, over-fitting or deviation will occur, resulting in improper data. Therefore, the optimization and selection of the model order are significant for flight data correction and fitting. Because the flight data of the aircraft engine exhaust gas temperature (EGT) are often lost because of the immature detection technology, a series of the multi-order polynomial are established by the relationship of aircraft engine exhaust gas temperature and Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). Case study results confirm the optimal model order is four for the fitting and correction of aircraft engine exhaust temperature, and the least squares polynomial method is applicable and effective for EGT flight data correction and fitting based on RPM data.
On Wind-Induced Fatigue of Curtain Wall Supporting Structure of a High-Rise Building
Authors: Luo Haiyin , Li Zhengnong
Published: March 2022

Due to the soft stiffness of high-rise buildings in the horizontal direction, strong wind will cause a strenuous structural response. Wind load is one key control load in the design of high-rise buildings. This study analyzes wind-induced fatigue of curtain wall supporting structure of a high-rise building in accordance with dynamic pressure measurement data of wind tunnel, acquiring wind pressure in each part of the structure. The finite element model is established for the curtain wall supporting structure, and the fatigue of corresponding nodes is discussed. Moreover, RBF (radial basis function) neural network regression is introduced to predict the fatigue life of unknown working conditions. Based on the joint distribution model of wind velocity and direction, this study explores the distribution law of fatigue life of supporting structure nodes, proposes a hypothesis of life distribution, and conducts a test. Moreover, working conditions with higher probability life are collected to provide a basis for practical engineering applications. The results show that the average deviation is below 10% by using RBF neural network and the probability life of the sample nodes is between 0 and 1016. Wind velocity is 8~15 m/s and azimuth angles of 50°~100°, 120°~200°, and 260°~300° are found in working conditions with low probability life; about 95% of the fatigue damage takes place in the first 30 conditions, and their fatigue damage values are between 3.5 × 10−3~9.36 × 10−2.
GIS-Based Planning and Web/3D Web GIS Applications for the Analysis and Management of MV/LV Electrical Networks (A Case Study in Tunisia)
Authors: Hamza Mohamed Hafedh , Chmit Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Geographic Information Systems (GISs) have an essential part to play in the management and planning of electricity distribution. Since the management of electricity network data was previously conducted in Tunisia based on paper maps and plans, the purpose of this study is to present a case for the planning of an MV/LV (Medium Voltage/Low Voltage) electrical network in the region of Medjez El Bab (North-West of Tunisia), based on GIS, Web, and 3D Web GIS, to create an intelligent electricity network, which will be a decision-making tool. Analyses of vehicle transport and pedestrian accessibility between installations and a generation of Origin-Destination cost matrix to calculate the average transport distances between the service points were conducted. Moreover, an analysis of the network’s impedance allowed carrying out different scenarios to optimize performance and could obtain more efficient routes. The different analyses carried out were crucial for the maintenance of the electrical network and for future urban planning. A 3D virtual city has been developed to visualize graphical and attribute data for the study area. Web and 3D Web GIS applications that allow the publication of interactive maps on the Web as well as database information have been developed to offer users the possibility of consulting produced products by using the internet. A website related to the study was equally developed to gather the different obtained results.
Validating Aerosol Optical Depth Estimation Methods Using the National Institute of Environmental Research Operational Numerical Forecast Model
Authors: Kim Hye-Jin , Shin Uju , Choi Won Jun , Koo Ja-Ho , Jung Chang H. , Nam Ki-Pyo , Park Sang-Hun
Published: March 2022

Currently, significant efforts are being made to enhance the performance of the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) operational model. However, the model performance concerning Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) estimation remains uninvestigated. In this study, three different estimation methods for AOD were implemented using the NIER operational model and validated with satellite and ground observations. In the widely used Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) method, AOD exponentially increases with relative humidity owing to a hygroscopic growth factor. However, alternative methods show better performance, since AOD estimation considers the size dependency of aerosol particles and is not sensitive to high relative humidity, which reduces the high AOD in areas with large cloud fractions. Although some R values are significantly low, especially for a single observational comparison and small numerical domain analysis, one of the alternative estimation methods achieves the best performance for diagnosing AOD in the East Asia region.