bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fractions and Response to Microorganisms and Mineral Elements in Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘Dintanensis’ Plantations at Different Altitudes
Authors: Wu Yingu , Yu Yanghua
Published: February 2023

The Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fractions, mineral element concentrations, microbial density, and biomass in 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil fractions under Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘dintanensis’ plantations, were measured at altitudes of 531, 640, 780, 871, and 1097 m in the mountainous karst areas of Guizhou Province, Southwest China, and the correlations between altitude and the soil variables were analyzed. The results showed that: (1) with the increase in altitude, there was no significant linear change in C fractions, total N, effective N, microorganism density, or mineral element concentration in each soil layer; however, ammonium-N and nitrate-N concentrations gradually decreased, and the P fraction was higher at the highest altitude; (2) soil C, N, and P fractions, concentrations of microorganisms and mineral elements at the same altitude showed a surface aggregation effect; (3) principal component analysis identified the main indicators affecting C, N and P fractions as total calcium, effective calcium, effective iron, total zinc, and bacteria; (4) correlation analysis showed that both total N and C fractions were positively correlated with effective N and P fractions and that mineral element concentrations were more closely correlated with C, N, and (especially) P fractions than with microorganism abundance. Overall, the effect of altitude on C, N, and P fractions showed that the correlation with soluble organic carbon was stronger than particulate organic carbon and easily oxidized carbon, inorganic N was closer correlated than organic N, and organic P was closer correlated than inorganic P. In conclusion, it shows that research focusing on soil N conservation, nutrient stoichiometry balance, and application of mineral-rich element fertilizers is important for Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘dintanensis’ plantation maintenance.
Microplastics in Terrestrial Domestic Animals and Human Health: Implications for Food Security and Food Safety and Their Role as Sentinels
Authors: Prata Joana C. , Dias-Pereira Patrícia
Published: February 2023

Terrestrial domestic animals are exposed to microplastics, therefore, contaminating the food chain, in the case of livestock, or acting as sentinels for human exposure, in the case of companion animals. The aim of this review was to address the importance of terrestrial domestic animals on human exposure to microplastics. Animal products may already show some microplastics contamination, which may occur during their lifetime, possibly also compromising productivity, and during processing, originating from equipment and packaging. Moreover, release of microplastics in animal feces (or manure) leads to the contamination of agricultural fields, with possible impacts and internalization in plants. Therefore, microplastics pose a threat to food security, compromising food productivity, and food safety, by being a foreign material found in animal products. Conversely, in urban environments, companion animals (cats and dogs) may be relevant sentinels for human exposure. While oral exposure may vary in pets compared to humans, due to indiscriminate ingestion and chewing or licking behaviors, airborne exposure is likely to be a good indicator for human exposure. Therefore, future studies should address the importance of terrestrial domestic animals for human exposure of microplastics, both in the food chain and as sentinels for environmental exposure.
Effects of Dietary Phytosterol Supplementation on the Productive Performance, Egg Quality, Length of Small Intestine, and Tibia Quality in Aged Laying Hens
Authors: Xiao Xiangyu , Zhu Yucheng , Deng Bohua , Wang Jiaojiao , Shi Shiyi , Wang Shaoshuai , Han Xiaoqing , Zhao Ling , Song Tongxing
Published: February 2023

This study aimed at investigating the effects of phytosterols on the productive performance, egg quality, length of small intestine, and tibia quality in aged laying hens. A total of 960 Dawu Jinfeng commercial laying hens (75 weeks of age) were randomly assigned to three groups. Each group had 16 replicates and every replicate contained four cages (five birds/cage). The control group hens received the basal diet without phytosterols. The hens in the experimental groups received a diet containing phytosterols at concentrations of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg for 7 weeks. The results showed that phytosterols had a linearly increasing effect on egg weight, eggshell surface area, albumen height, and haugh unit at week 5 of experiment (p < 0.05). Supplemental phytosterols linearly and quadratically increased eggshell thickness (p < 0.05). At week 7 of the experiment, dietary supplementation of phytosterols linearly increased egg weight and eggshell weight (p < 0.05). Supplementation of 20 mg/kg, but not 40 mg/kg, phytosterols increased the length of the small intestine. However, dietary phytosterols had no effect on the laying rate, mortality, or liver index (p > 0.1). The results of tibia quality detected by micro-CT also showed no difference in the treatment of phytosterols. Therefore, supplementation with 20 mg/kg phytosterols in the diet improves egg quality and increases the length of small intestine, but has no effects on the quality of the tibia.
A Systematic Literature Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: Laser Therapy
Authors: Millis Darryl L. , Bergh Anna
Published: February 2023

Light therapy, or photobiomodulation, is a collective name for methods where tissue is irradiated with different types of light, with the aim of stimulating healing. Despite being frequently used, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment protocols for light therapy, nor its clinical efficacy. A systematic literature review was conducted, searching the relevant literature regarding light therapy in three databases, published between 1980–2020. The risk of bias in each article was evaluated. Forty-five articles met the inclusion criteria; 24 articles were regarding dogs, 1 was regarding cats, and the rest were regarding horses. The indications for treatment were musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions, skin disease and wounds, and pain. The literature review showed conflicting study results and unclear application for clinical use. This can be explained by the wide variety of treatment parameters used in the searched studies, such as wavelength, laser class, dose, and effect, as well as the frequency and duration of treatment. Although some beneficial effects were reported for light therapy, the studies also had limited scientific quality regarding these therapies, with a high or moderate risk of bias.
Hydroelectrolytic and Acid–Base Parameters after 80 to 115 km Endurance Races (Raid Uruguayo) and Their Association with the Comfort Index
Authors: Marichal Gonzalo , Trigo Pablo , Soto Carlos , Meikle Ana , Suárez Gonzalo
Published: February 2023

The Raid Uruguayo (RAID) is an equestrian endurance competition. This study characterized the hydroelectrolytic parameters (Na+, K+, Cl−, tCa++, and iCa++), hematocrit (Ht), total plasma protein (TPP), and blood pH from 900 equine athletes (finishers and non-finishers) competing over distances of 80 to 115 km under different climate conditions. Paired blood samples were taken prior to the start of the competition (sample 1) and at the end of the race or at the time of leaving the competition (sample 2). The association of the comfort index (CI: low, moderate, and high) with blood parameters was evaluated. Of the 900 horses included, 550 were not able to finish the trial. The comfort index was not associated with success in completing the race. In the horses that finished the race, the CI was not associated with Ht, pH, TPP, or Na+ concentrations in samples taken after finishing the RAID. In contrast, the decreases in chloride, K+, tCa++, and iCa++ concentrations found after the race were more pronounced at moderate and high CI values when compared with low CI values. In horses that did not finish the race, the CI was associated with all variables except for Ht. The data confirmed the relevance of considering the impact of the comfort index in hydroelectrolytic losses in the RAID, as it influence ssuccess or failure in the performance of endurance horses finishing the competition.
The Role of PRLR Gene Polymorphisms in Milk Production in European Wild Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Benedek Ildikó , Altbäcker Vilmos , Zsolnai Attila , Nagy István , Mezőszentgyörgyi Dávid , Molnár Tamás
Published: February 2023

One of the problematic points of rabbit breeding is that the nutritional requirements of the kits are not fully satisfied by the does’ milk production from the third week of lactation onwards. The prolactin receptor gene has a significant effect on reproductive processes, and its polymorphisms have been associated with milk production in several species (cattle, goats, sheep, and buffalo). The European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), has a more diverse genetic background compared to domesticated lines. In the course of our study, sequencing of the 1210 bp long segment of the PRLR gene promoter region was accomplished. We detected four point mutations (SNP1-407G > A, SNP2-496G > C, SNP3-926T> and SNP4-973A > C) and one microsatellite at position 574. In our population, the four SNPs were segregated into four genotypes: AACCCCCC, GGGGTTAA, AAGGTTAC, and GGGGTCAC. Our results show that the genotype in the homozygous form is associated with higher milk production (1564.7 ± 444.7 g) compared to the other three genotypes (AACCCCCC 1399.1 ± 326.8 g; GTGACCTT 1403.8 ± 517.1 g; GGGGTCAC 1220.0 ± 666.2 g), and the short microsatellite repeat (167 bp) also coincides with significantly higher milk production (1623.8 ± 525.1 g). These results make the marker-assisted selection possible also for domesticated lines.
Urban Bird Community Assembly Mechanisms and Driving Factors in University Campuses in Nanjing, China
Authors: Zhao Zixi , Borzée Amaël , Li Jinghao , Chen Sheng , Shi Hui , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2023

University campuses are important components of cities, harboring the majority of urban biodiversity. In this study, based on monthly bird survey data covering 12 university campuses located either downtown or in the newly developed areas in Nanjing, China, in 2019, we studied the assembly processes of each campus’s bird population and their main drivers by modeling a set of ecological and landscape determinants. Our results showed that (1) bird abundance and species diversity in the newly developed areas were significantly higher than in those downtown; (2) the phylogeny of bird communities in all universities followed a pattern of aggregation, indicating that environmental filtering played a major role in community assembly; (3) specifically, grass, water, and buildings were the main factors affecting each campus’s bird community’s functional and phylogenetic diversity, with the areas of grass and water habitats having a significant positive correlation with phylogenetic diversity, while the size of building areas was negatively correlated. Our results emphasize that habitat features play a decisive role in determining urban bird population diversity and community assembly processes. We suggest that increasing landscape diversity, e.g., by reasonably arranging the location and area of water bodies and grasslands and improving the landscape connectivity, could be a powerful way to maintain and promote urban bird diversity.
Potential for Ammonia Generation and Emission in Broiler Production Facilities in Brazil
Authors: Sousa Fernanda Campos de , Tinôco Ilda de Fátima Ferreira , Cruz Vasco Fitas , Barbari Matteo , Saraz Jairo Alexander Osorio , Silva Alex Lopes da , Coelho Diogo José de Rezende , Baptista Fatima
Published: February 2023

Air quality is one of the main factors that must be guaranteed in animal production. However, the measurement of pollutants is still a problem in several countries because the available methods are costly and do not always apply to the reality of the constructive typology adopted, as in countries with a hot climate, which adopt predominantly open facilities. Thus, the objective of the present study was to develop predictive models for the potential generation and emission of ammonia in the production of broiler chickens with different types of litter, different reuse cycles and under different climatic conditions. Samples of poultry litter from thirty commercial aviaries submitted to different air temperatures were analyzed. The experiment was conducted and analyzed in a completely randomized design, following a factorial scheme. Models were developed to predict the potential for generation and emission of ammonia, which can be applied in facilities with ambient conditions of air temperature between 25 and 40 °C and with wood shaving bed with up to four reuse cycles and coffee husks bed with up to six reuse cycles. The developed and validated models showed high accuracy indicating that they can be used to estimate the potential for ammonia generation and emission.
Construction and Activity Testing of a Modular Fusion Peptide against Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Manoharadas Salim , Altaf Mohammad , Ahmad Naushad , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad , Al-Rayes Basel F.
Published: February 2023

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in enterococci is a great concern encountered worldwide. Almost all enterococci exhibit significant levels of resistance to penicillin, ampicillin, semi-synthetic penicillin and most cephalosporins, primarily due to the expression of low-affinity penicillin-binding proteins. The development of new and novel antibacterial agents against enterococci is a significant need of the hour. In this research, we have constructed a modular peptide against Enterococcus faecalis. The enzymatic domain of the constructed peptide BP404 is from the bacteriocin BacL1 and the cell wall binding domain from endolysin PlyV12 of phage ϕ1. The protein BP404 was found to be active against two tested strains of Enterococcus faecalis, with a reduction in cell density amounting to 85% and 65%. The cell wall binding assay confirms the binding of the protein to Enterococcus faecalis, which was not seen towards the control strain Escherichia coli, invariably pointing to the specificity of BP404. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first instances of the development of a chimeric peptide against Enterococcus faecalis. This study points out that novel proteins can be genetically engineered against clinically relevant enterococci.
Antimicrobial Activity of an Fmoc-Plantaricin 149 Derivative Peptide against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Righetto Gabriela Marinho , Lopes José Luiz de Souza , Bispo Paulo José Martins , André Camille , Souza Julia Medeiros , Andricopulo Adriano Defini , Beltramini Leila Maria , Camargo Ilana Lopes Baratella da Cunha
Published: February 2023

Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to public health. Given the paucity of novel antimicrobials to treat resistant infections, the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria renewed interest in antimicrobial peptides as potential therapeutics. This study designed a new analog of the antimicrobial peptide Plantaricin 149 (Pln149-PEP20) based on previous Fmoc-peptides. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of Pln149-PEP20 were determined for 60 bacteria of different species and resistance profiles, ranging from 1 mg/L to 128 mg/L for Gram-positive bacteria and 16 to 512 mg/L for Gram-negative. Furthermore, Pln149-PEP20 demonstrated excellent bactericidal activity within one hour. To determine the propensity to develop resistance to Pln149-PEP20, a directed-evolution in vitro experiment was performed. Whole-genome sequencing of selected mutants with increased MICs and wild-type isolates revealed that most mutations were concentrated in genes associated with membrane metabolism, indicating the most likely target of Pln149-PEP20. Synchrotron radiation circular dichroism showed how this molecule disturbs the membranes, suggesting a carpet mode of interaction. Membrane depolarization and transmission electron microscopy assays supported these two hypotheses, although a secondary intracellular mechanism of action is possible. The molecule studied in this research has the potential to be used as a novel antimicrobial therapy, although further modifications and optimization remain possible.
Ertapenem Supplemented Selective Media as a New Strategy to Distinguish β-Lactam-Resistant Enterobacterales: Application to Clinical and Wastewater Samples
Authors: Bourles Alexandre , Kainiu Malia , Ukeiwe Damaris , Brunet Nina , Despaux Camille , Biron Antoine , Gourinat Ann-Claire , Goarant Cyrille , Colot Julien
Published: February 2023

The increase in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) is mostly driven by the spread of carbapenemase-producing (CP) strains. In New Caledonia, the majority of carbapenemases found are IMP-type carbapenemases that are difficult to detect on routine selective media. In this study, a culture-based method with ertapenem selection is proposed to distinguish non-CRE, non-CP-CRE, and CP-CRE from samples with very high bacterial loads. Firstly, assays were carried out with phenotypically well-characterized β-lactam-resistant Enterobacterales isolates. Then, this approach was applied to clinical and environmental samples. Presumptive CP-CRE isolates were finally identified, and the presence of a carbapenemase was assessed. In a collection of 27 phenotypically well-characterized β-lactam-resistant Enterobacterales, an ertapenem concentration of 0.5 µg·mL−1 allowed distinguishing CRE from non-CRE. A concentration of 4 µg·mL−1 allowed distinguishing CP-CRE from non-CP-CRE after nine hours of incubation. These methods allowed isolating 18 CP-CRE from hospital effluents, including the first detection of a KPC in New Caledonia. All these elements show that this cost-effective strategy to distinguish β-lactam-resistant Enterobacterales provides fast and reliable results. This could be applied in the Pacific islands or other resource-limited settings, where limited data are available.
L-Arginine Alleviates the Reduction in Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Activity Induced by Drought Stress in Maize Seedlings
Authors: Sun Yifei , Miao Feng , Wang Yongchao , Liu Hecheng , Wang Xintao , Wang Hao , Guo Jiameng , Shao Ruixin , Yang Qinghua
Published: February 2023

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world. Drought is currently the most important abiotic factor affecting maize yield. L-arginine has emerged as a nontoxic plant growth regulator that enhances the tolerance of plants to drought. An experiment was conducted to examine the role of L-arginine in alleviating the inhibitory effects of drought on the photosynthetic capacity and activities of antioxidant enzymes when the plants were subjected to drought stress. The results showed that the biomass of maize seedlings decreased significantly under a 20% polyethylene glycol-simulated water deficit compared with the control treatment. However, the exogenous application of L-arginine alleviated the inhibition of maize growth induced by drought stress. Further analysis of the photosynthetic parameters showed that L-arginine partially restored the chloroplasts’ structure under drought stress and increased the contents of chlorophyll, the performance index on an adsorption basis, and Fv/Fm by 151.3%, 105.5%, and 37.1%, respectively. Supplementation with L-arginine also reduced the oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, and superoxide ions by 27.2%, 10.0%, and 31.9%, respectively. Accordingly, the activities of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase increased by 11.6%, 108.5%, 104.4%, 181.1%, 18.3%, and 46.1%, respectively, under drought. Thus, these findings suggest that L-arginine can improve the drought resistance of maize seedlings by upregulating their rate of photosynthesis and their antioxidant capacity.
How the Competition for Cysteine May Promote Infection of SARS-CoV-2 by Triggering Oxidative Stress
Authors: Vernone Annamaria , Bergandi Loredana , Pernice Simone , Pescarmona Gianpiero , Silvagno Francesca
Published: February 2023

SARS-CoV-2 induces a broad range of clinical manifestations. Besides the main receptor, ACE2, other putative receptors and co-receptors have been described and could become genuinely relevant to explain the different tropism manifested by new variants. In this study, we propose a biochemical model envisaging the competition for cysteine as a key mechanism promoting the infection and the selection of host receptors. The SARS-CoV-2 infection produces ROS and triggers a massive biosynthesis of proteins rich in cysteine; if this amino acid becomes limiting, glutathione levels are depleted and cannot control oxidative stress. Hence, infection succeeds. A receptor should be recognized as a marker of suitable intracellular conditions, namely the full availability of amino acids except for low cysteine. First, we carried out a comparative investigation of SARS-CoV-2 proteins and human ACE2. Then, using hierarchical cluster protein analysis, we searched for similarities between all human proteins and spike produced by the latest variant, Omicron BA.1. We found 32 human proteins very close to spike in terms of amino acid content. Most of these potential SARS-CoV-2 receptors have less cysteine than spike. We suggest that these proteins could signal an intracellular shortage of cysteine, predicting a burst of oxidative stress when used as viral entry mediators.
Molecular Design of Interfaces of Model Food Nanoemulsions: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Approach
Authors: Martínez-Senra Tamara , Losada-Barreiro Sonia , Hermida-Ramón Jose M. , Graña Ana M. , Bravo-Díaz Carlos
Published: February 2023

The composition and structure of the interfacial region of emulsions frequently determine its functionality and practical applications. In this work, we have integrated theory and experiments to enable a detailed description of the location and orientation of antioxidants in the interfacial region of olive-oil-in-water nanoemulsions (O/W) loaded with the model gallic acid (GA) antioxidant. For the purpose, we determined the distribution of GA in the intact emulsions by employing the well-developed pseudophase kinetic model, as well as their oxidative stability. We also determined, by employing an in silico design, the radial distribution functions of GA to gain insights on its insertion depth and on its orientation in the interfacial region. Both theoretical and experimental methods provide comparable and complementary results, indicating that most GA is located in the interfacial region (~81.2%) with a small fraction in the aqueous (~18.82%). Thus, GA is an effective antioxidant to inhibit lipid oxidation in emulsions not only because of the energy required for its reaction with peroxyl radical is much lower than that between the peroxyl radical and the unsaturated lipid but also because its effective concentration in the interfacial region is much higher than the stoichiometric concentration. The results demonstrate that the hybrid approach of experiments and simulations constitutes a complementary and useful pathway to design new, tailored, functionalized emulsions to minimize lipid oxidation.
Combinatorial Interactions of Essential Oils Enriched with Individual Polyphenols, Polyphenol Mixes, and Plant Extracts: Multi-Antioxidant Systems
Authors: Nguyen Marina Minh , Karboune Salwa
Published: February 2023

With the aim to develop essential oil (EO) multi-antioxidant systems, combinatorial interactions of selected phenol and terpene-rich EOs (from Pimento Berry, Ceylon Cinnamon, Clove, Sage, White thyme; Oregano) enriched with individual polyphenols, crude plant extracts, and mixtures of their major polyphenols were investigated using single electron transfer (SET)-based DPPH and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)-based ORAC assays. Polyphenols that enriched Eos the most favorably were rosmarinic acid (IC50 of 0.0891–0.1448 mg enriched EO/mg DPPH; 5772–17,879 µmol TE/g enriched EO) and quercetin (IC50 of 0.0682–0.1060 mg enriched EO/mg DPPH; Trolox Equivalents (TE) of 9776–14,567µmol /g enriched EO), whereas p-coumaric acid (IC50 of 0.1865–1.1424 mg enriched EO/mg DPPH; 7451.00–11,588 µmol TE/g enriched EO) and rutin hydrate (IC50 of 0.1140–0.3112 mg enriched EO/mg DPPH; 2298–6227 µmol TE/g enriched EO) were the least favorable. Enrichments with polyphenol mixes and crude extracts exhibited synergistic and additive effects in the SET-based DPPH assay. In the HAT-based ORAC assay, EO enrichments with crude extracts exhibited more additive effects, as well as less antagonistic effects, than enrichments with their major polyphenol mixes, revealing the significant contributions of minor compounds. EOs enriched with crude green tea and apple extracts exhibited synergistic or additive effects, whereas EOs enriched with grape seed and rosemary extracts exhibited equal antagonistic effects. Predictive models were developed to explain the variability between the observed and predicted antioxidant activities of enriched EOs.
Application of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria from Cape Verde to Increase Maize Tolerance to Salinity
Authors: Cruz Catarina , Cardoso Paulo , Santos Jacinta , Matos Diana , Sá Carina , Figueira Etelvina
Published: February 2023

Salinity constitutes a major abiotic factor that negatively affects crop productivity. Inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is proven to increase plant tolerance to abiotic stresses and enhance plant growth, development and productivity. The present study aims to increase the resilience of crops to salinity using bacteria from the microbiome of plants growing in saline environments. For that, the halotolerance of bacteria present in the roots of natural plants growing on Sal Island, which is characterized by its arid environment and maritime influence, was determined, with some strains having extreme halotolerance. Their ability to produce plant growth-promoting traits was evaluated, with most strains increasing indole acetic acid (26–418%), siderophore (>300%) and alginate (2–66%) production and phosphate solubilization (13–100%) under salt stress. The strains evidencing the best performance were inoculated in maize (Zea mays L.) plants and their influence on plant growth and biochemical status was evaluated. Results evidenced bacterial ability to especially increase proline (55–191%), whose osmotic, antioxidant and protein-protecting properties reduced protein damage in salt-stressed maize plants, evidencing the potential of PGPB to reduce the impact of salinity on crops. Enhanced nutrition, phytohormone production and osmolyte synthesis along with antioxidant response all contribute to increasing plant tolerance to salt stress.
Air-Frying Is a Better Thermal Processing Choice for Improving Antioxidant Properties of Brassica Vegetables
Authors: Nandasiri Ruchira , Semenko Breanne , Wijekoon Champa , Suh Miyoung
Published: February 2023

Brassica vegetables have demonstrated many health benefits over the years due to their composition of phenolic, flavonoid, and glucosinolate contents. However, these bioactive molecules can be easily depleted during gastronomic operations. Therefore, a sustainable method that improves their phenolic content and antioxidant activity is required for both the processors and consumers. Thermal processing has been demonstrated as a method to improve the phenolic content and antioxidant status of Brassica vegetables. In the current study, four different thermal processing methods, including freeze-drying, sautéing, steaming, and air-frying, were employed for five different Brassica vegetables, including kale, broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, and green cabbage. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities were assessed using radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS•+), reducing power (FRAP), and the chelating ability of metal ions. Among the methods tested, air-frying at 160 °C for 10 min showed the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity of the Brassica vegetables, while sautéing showed the lowest. The steam treatments were preferred over the freeze-drying treatments. Within the vegetables tested, both kale and broccoli sprouts contained higher antioxidant properties in most of the employed processing treatments. The results also indicated that there is a strong correlation between the TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). This study indicates that air-frying could be used as a sustainable thermal processing method for improving biomolecules in Brassica vegetables.
Effects of Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2) Gene Deletion on Astrocyte-Specific Glycolysis and Global Cerebral Ischemia-Induced Neuronal Death
Authors: Kang Beom-Seok , Choi Bo-Young , Kho A-Ra , Lee Song-Hee , Hong Dae-Ki , Park Min-Kyu , Lee Si-Hyun , Lee Chang-Juhn , Yang Hyeun-Wook , Woo Seo-Young , Park Se-Wan , Kim Dong-Yeon , Park Jae-Bong , Chung Won-Suk , Suh Sang-Won
Published: February 2023

Ischemic stroke is caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain. Astrocytes have a role in bidirectionally converting pyruvate, generated via glycolysis, into lactate and then supplying it to neurons through astrocyte–neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS). Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is an enzyme that dephosphorylates phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate during glycolysis in astrocytes. We hypothesized that a reduction in lactate supply in astrocyte PKM2 gene deletion exacerbates neuronal death. Mice harboring a PKM2 gene deletion were established by administering tamoxifen to Aldh1l1-CreERT2; PKM2f/f mice. Upon development of global cerebral ischemia, mice were immediately injected with sodium l-lactate (250 mg/kg, i.p.). To verify our hypothesis, we compared oxidative damage, microtubule disruption, ANLS disruption, and neuronal death between the gene deletion and control subjects. We observed that PKM2 gene deletion increases the degree of neuronal damage and impairment of lactate metabolism in the hippocampal region after GCI. The lactate administration groups showed significantly reduced neuronal death and increases in neuron survival and cognitive function. We found that lactate supply via the ANLS in astrocytes plays a crucial role in maintaining energy metabolism in neurons. Lactate administration may have potential as a therapeutic tool to prevent neuronal damage following ischemic stroke.
Study on Shear Mechanical Properties and Fracture Evolution Mechanism of Irregular Serrated Rock Discontinuities
Authors: Li Xinpeng , Wang Dong , Jiang Yujing , Luan Hengjie , Zhang Sunhao , Wang Changsheng , Liu Jiankang
Published: February 2023

To analyze the shear characteristics and mesoscopic failure mechanism of irregular serrated rock discontinuities, a great deal of interview samples of irregular serrated structures were made by 3D printing technology, and laboratory shear tests were carried out on them under different normal stresses. At the same time, PFC numerical simulation software is used to establish relevant models to study the evolution of microcracks and the distribution characteristics of the force chain on the rock discontinuity during the shear process. The results show that the shear mechanical properties of irregular serrated rock discontinuities are affected by normal stress, undulating angle, and undulating height. The shear strength increases with the increase of normal stress and undulating height, and decreases with the increase of undulating angle. The numerical simulation results show that the irregular structural surface cracks under different undulation angles, which first start at the near force end serration root on both sides and further evolve to the adjacent serrations, while the irregular structural surface cracks under different undulation heights, which first start at the serration root with the lowest height and expand to the adjacent serrations. At the same time, the number of cracks increases with the increase of normal stress and the force chain is mainly distributed near the sawtooth surface. The force chain is more concentrated near the near force end sawtooth and at the tip and root of the rest of the sawtooth. At the same time, the direction of the force chain is approximately perpendicular to the force surface of the sawtooth. The research results are helpful in further understanding the shear mechanical properties and differences of irregular serrated rock discontinuities.
Revival Mechanism and Prevention Measures of Composite Landslides: A Case Study of the Wenma Expressway Composite Landslide
Authors: Bao Xun , Cui Deshan , Peng Jiale , Liao Mingke , Zhang Guangcheng
Published: February 2023

The resurrection of landslides often occurs in complex strata, where there are often multiple water-resisting zones and weak interlayers. The groundwater level has a significant influence on landslide stability and can lead to the formation of composite landslides and increase the probability of landslide resurrection. In a field investigation of the K39 +400 composite landslide of Wenma Expressway, the deformation characteristics of the landslide surface were obtained by analyzing 34 cracks on the landslide surface. The deep deformation characteristics of the landslide were analyzed by studying the deformation data obtained from deep borehole monitoring. The deformation zone characteristics of landslides were assessed by integrating surface and deep deformation data in the landslide area. The resurrections of shallow landslides in Area I and deep landslides in Area III were due mainly to the long-term high underground water level in the landslide. The stability of the landslide was calculated under various depths of drainage tunnel, and the results showed that the slope was in critical condition when the depth of the drainage tunnel was 15 m; the slope was basically stable when the depth of the drainage tunnel was 20 m and 25 m. When the depth of the drainage tunnel reached more than 30 m, the slope was in a stable state. Groundwater level was found to be the main factor affecting landslide deformation. This case study shows the importance of zoning the deformation characteristics of composite landslides, and the important influence of the groundwater level on landslide resurrection.
Fault Diagnosis of HV Cable Metal Sheath Grounding System Based on LSTM
Authors: Wan Qingzhu , Yan Xuyang
Published: February 2023

At present, the metal sheath of high voltage (HV) cables generally adopts the cross-bonded grounding method, which brings many types of faults and challenges the monitoring and diagnosis of the operation status of the cables. In order to effectively diagnose various types of faults in the metal sheath grounding system of HV cables, this paper proposes a fault diagnosis method for the metal sheath grounding system of HV cables based on long and short-term memory (LSTM). Firstly, the grounding system model of HV cable metal sheath is established. Secondly, the sheath currents of four faults are analyzed. Based on the sheath current amplitude ratio and phase difference of the same loop and the same grounding box, 14 feature vectors reflecting the operation state of the metal sheath grounding system are constructed. Then, the operation state of 18 kinds of metal sheath grounding systems is simulated, and the fault database is established. Finally, the LSTM algorithm is used to accurately identify the fault of HV cable grounding system. The results show that the LSTM algorithm can effectively diagnose and identify the faults of the HV cable metal sheath grounding system, and the accuracy rate is 100%.
MiniatureVQNet: A Light-Weight Deep Neural Network for Non-Intrusive Evaluation of VoIP Speech Quality
Authors: Kumalija Elhard James , Nakamoto Yukikazu
Published: February 2023

In IP audio systems, audio quality is degraded by environmental noise, poor network quality, and encoding–decoding algorithms. Therefore, there is a need for a continuous automatic quality evaluation of the transmitted audio. Speech quality monitoring in VoIP systems enables autonomous system adaptation. Furthermore, there are diverse IP audio transmitters and receivers, from high-performance computers and mobile phones to low-memory and low-computing-capacity embedded systems. This paper proposes MiniatureVQNet, a single-ended speech quality evaluation method for VoIP audio applications based on a lightweight deep neural network (DNN) model. The proposed model can predict the audio quality independent of the source of degradation, whether noise or network, and is light enough to run in embedded systems. Two variations of the proposed MiniatureVQNet model were evaluated: a MiniatureVQNet model trained on a dataset that contains environmental noise only, referred to as MiniatureVQNet–Noise, and a second model trained on both noise and network distortions, referred to as MiniatureVQNet–Noise–Network. The proposed MiniatureVQNet model outperforms the traditional P.563 method in terms of accuracy on all tested network conditions and environmental noise parameters. The mean squared error (MSE) of the models compared to the PESQ score for ITU-T P.563, MiniatureVQNet-Noise, and MiniatureVQNet–Noise–Network was 2.19, 0.34, and 0.21, respectively. The performance of both the MiniatureVQNet–Noise–Network and MiniatureVQNet-Noise model depends on the noise type for an SNR greater than 0 dB and less than 10 dB. In addition, training on a noise–network-distorted speech dataset improves the model prediction accuracy in all VoIP environment distortions compared to training the model on a noise-only dataset.
An Agent-Based Simulation of How Promotion Biases Impact Corporate Gender Diversity
Authors: Zhang Chibin , Gaudiano Paolo
Published: February 2023

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is a topic of increasing relevance across virtually all sectors of our society, with the potential for a significant impact on corporations and more broadly on our economy and society. While people are typically the most valuable asset of every organization, human resources (HR) in general, and D&I in particular, are dominated by qualitative approaches. This paper introduces an agent-based simulation that can quantify the impact of certain aspects of D&I on corporate performance. The simulation provides a parsimonious and compelling explanation of the impact of hiring and promotion biases on the resulting corporate gender balance, accurately replicating real-world data about gender imbalances across multiple industry sectors. In addition, the paper shows that the simulation can be used to predict the likely impact of different D&I interventions. Specifically, once a company has become imbalanced, even removing all promotion biases is not sufficient to rectify the situation, and it can take decades to undo the imbalances initially created by these biases. These and other results demonstrate that agent-based simulation is a powerful approach for managing D&I in corporate settings and could become an invaluable tool for the strategic and tactical management of human resources.
Reversible Data Hiding in Encrypted Images with Extended Parametric Binary Tree Labeling
Authors: Feng Quan , Leng Lu , Chang Chin-Chen , Horng Ji-Hwei , Wu Meihong
Published: February 2023

Images uploaded to the cloud may be confidential or related to personal private information, so they need to be encrypted before uploading to the cloud storage. At the service provider side, appending additional information is usually required for transmission or database management. Reversible data hiding in encrypted images (RDHEI) serves as a technical solution. Recent RDHEI schemes successfully utilize the spatial correlation between image pixel values to vacate spare room for data hiding, however, the data payload can be further improved. This paper proposes a RDHEI scheme based on extended parameter binary tree labeling, which replaces non-reference pixel values with their prediction errors in a reduced length to vacate space. We further encode the prediction error of non-embeddable pixels to fit the space left from labeling. Thus, the space required to store the pixel bits replaced by labeling codes is saved. Experimental results show that the data payload of the extended parametric binary tree labeling outperforms state-of-the-art schemes. The embedding rates for the commonly applied datasets, including Bossbase, BOWS-2, and UCID, are 3.2305 bpp, 3.1619 bpp, and 2.8113 bpp, respectively.
Intelligent Time Delay Control of Telepresence Robots Using Novel Deep Reinforcement Learning Algorithm to Interact with Patients
Authors: Naseer Fawad , Khan Muhammad Nasir , Altalbe Ali
Published: February 2023

Telepresence robots are gaining more popularity as a means of remote communication and human–robot interaction, allowing users to control and operate a physical robot remotely. However, controlling these robots can be challenging due to the inherent delays and latency in the communication systems. In this research paper, we propose a novel hybrid algorithm exploiting deep reinforcement learning (DRL) with a dueling double-deep Q-network (DDQN) and a gated recurrent unit (GRU) to assist and maneuver the telepresence robot during the delayed operating signals from the operator. The DDQN is used to learn the optimal control policy for the telepresence robot in a remote healthcare environment during delayed communication signals. In contrast, the GRU is employed to model the control signals’ temporal dependencies and handle the variable time delays in the communication system. The proposed hybrid approach is evaluated analytically and experimentally. The results demonstrate the approach’s effectiveness in improving telepresence robots’ tracking accuracy and stability performance. Multiple experiments show that the proposed technique depicts improved controlling efficiency with no guidance from the teleoperator. It can control and manage the operations of the telepresence robot during the delayed communication of 15 seconds by itself, which is 2.4% better than the existing approaches. Overall, the proposed hybrid approach demonstrates the potential implementation of RL and deep learning techniques in improving the control and stability of the telepresence robot during delayed operating signals from the operator.
Secure Global Software Development: A Practitioners’ Perspective
Authors: Humayun Mamoona , Niazi Mahmood , Assiri Mohammed , Haoues Mariem
Published: February 2023

Global software development (GSD) is rapidly becoming standard practice in the software industry due to its many potential benefits. However, one of the biggest challenges in GSD projects is to explicitly include security in the different phases of the global software development life cycle (GSDLC). To make GSD projects secure and successful, it is necessary to identify secure software development (SSD) practices vital to GSD project success. This article aims to identify SSD practices critical for GSD projects. To do this, we selected 36 security practices vital to the security of non-GSD projects from existing scientific and grey literature on software security. From the identified security practices, we shortlisted the security practices which are critical for GSD projects based on practitioners’ opinions using an online survey. Fifty-four GSD practitioners participated in this survey. Participants who evaluated these practices were asked to score each SSD practice on a four-point scale to indicate its relevance to GSD projects. The results obtained from the survey uncovered critical SSD practices that are primarily applicable to GSD projects. Our findings reveal variations of opinion among GSD practitioners with varying experience and company size regarding the importance of selected security practices for GSD. According to study findings, 16/36 practices are critical for GSD projects. These identified security practices belong to various phases of GSDLC.
Conceptual Design and Preliminary Verification of Distributed Wireless System of Weigh-in-Motion
Authors: Wang Yun , Gong Lei , Bao Bingde , Pan Jianchao , Feng Qian , Xu Rongqiao
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the concept of a distributed wireless system of weigh-in-motion is proposed. A wireless sensor for weigh-in-motion (WIM) based on piezoelectric materials is designed. The corresponding prototype for indoor testing is made according to the design. It aims to realize the main functions of dynamic pressure sensing, charge signal amplification and conversion, wireless signal transmission and reception, etc. The material properties of the mechanical properties and the piezoelectric properties in the analyses are provided in detail. Through the indoor test platform, the feasibility of the wireless sensor for WIM designed in this paper is preliminarily verified, which provides a basic tool for the realization of the distributed self-powered wireless system of WIM in the next step.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Vibro-Impacting Indenter
Authors: Teh Sze-Hong , Woo Ko-Choong , Wiercigroch Marian
Published: February 2023

We investigated a vibro-impacting indenter interacting with strata in the form of metal or rock samples experimentally and via mathematical modelling. An experimental programme was undertaken on the custom-designed rig at the Centre for Applied Dynamics of the University of Aberdeen. The mathematical models captured the essential mechanics when the indenter interacted with the metal or rock samples. The mathematical functions describing the discontinuous phases were specific to the metal and rock samples. Appropriate switch functions were constructed for indenter positions, as well as for the penetration depth, wherever appropriate. To seek a correlation between the experiments and modelling, a careful direct numerical integration of the equations of motion describing each discontinuous phase of the system dynamic response enabled time histories, phase trajectories and amplitude spectra to be computed. The developed mathematical model facilitates the optimisation of vibro-impact dynamical responses.
Label-Free Fault Detection Scheme for Inverters of PV Systems: Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Dynamic Threshold
Authors: Seo Giup , Yoon Seungwook , Song Junyoung , Srivastava Ekta , Hwang Euiseok
Published: February 2023

Generally, photovoltaic (PV) fault detection approaches can be divided into two groups: end-to-end and threshold methods. The end-to-end method typically uses a deep neural network (DNN) to learn fault patterns from labeled datasets, which directly detect whether faults occur or not. The threshold method first estimates power generation and uses thresholds to detect atypical deviations of measured values from estimated ones. The former method heavily relies on fault-labeled data and, therefore, requires the collection of abnormal event records, which is usually difficult, due to the sparseness of these events. The latter method typically uses statistical approaches, such as 3-sigma, to find thresholds, and it can be practically utilized without fault labels. However, setting a threshold with a proper confidence interval is still challenging, as PV power generation is sensitive to variations in environmental conditions, such as irradiance, ambient temperature, wind speed and humidity. In this paper, we propose a novel deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based label-free fault detection scheme in which thresholds are dynamically assigned with suitable confidence intervals under varying environmental conditions. Various weather properties were used as input features (i.e., states) to a DRL agent, and proper thresholds were estimated in real time from the actions of the DRL agent. To this end, a reward function was designed for learning proper thresholds without fault labels under different weather conditions. To evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme, the PV dataset of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was used, as it includes paired records of local weather and PV generations. The DRL-based scheme was compared with static and conventional dynamic threshold methods, based on statistical approaches. The results revealed that the proposed scheme outperformed the existing methods, providing a 5.67% higher F1-score in the NIST dataset.