bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Archives of the Dance (28): Chisenhale Dance Space
Authors: Davies Rachael
Published: May 2024

This contribution to the ‘Archives of the Dance’ series explores Chisenhale Dance Space’s collection and my work with it as a PhD researcher. My research into Chisenhale’s history is concerned with its formation and early history, from 1980–1989, this article reflects this focus. Beginning with some brief historical insights into Chisenhale Dance Space this article goes on to discuss the contents of the collection, my relationship to it and how I have approached my research. It should be noted that Chisenhale’s archive is a work in progress and therefore not yet accessible to the public. Thus, it is not possible to provide full citation for references made to source material, however, details of records have been provided in the footnotes.
British Consul James Brant and His Reports on the Problems in Erzurum and Muş
Authors: Gencer Fatih
Published: May 2024

Recently, there has been renewed interest in the activities and influences of the consulates in the Ottoman territories. In particular, the reports and activities of the British consuls, who examined the regions in which they were located in great detail, attract the attention of researchers. The increase in the number of consulates and the boost in their importance were the results of the development of transportation facilities in the early 19th century. In this process, states could get raw materials and new markets through information from consulates. The British wanted the Ottomans to remain strong against the Russians. One way to implement this policy was to establish a consular network in the Ottoman territories. In this context, James Brant was assigned as the British consul of Erzurum on 29 April 1836 The principal objective of this study is to research how the British influenced the Ottoman provincial administration, as well as how Brant affected the appointment and removal of the governors. Besides, it is also tried to understand and explain what Brant did regarding the link of corruption extended from the capital to the most remote parts of the empire.
Mycelium Mosaics: Mapping Stakeholder Communities for Accessible Biodesign
Authors: Carcassi Olga Beatrice , Schleck Grace , Ben-Alon Lola
Published: May 2024

The intersection of biology and design has fostered the practice of cultivating mycelium and agro-industrial residues under strictly controlled environments to produce an abundant supply of laboratory-grown materials. However, currently, only a limited number of fungal strains, typically Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus, are fully characterized and utilized for design practices, and many local strains with the potential to rival traditional and biodegradable materials remain unexplored. This study aims to unlock accessible and local supply chain potentials for mycelium in biodesign, addressing several key questions: How can mycelium biodesign be made more accessible to designers with limited background in mycology? How can local biological waste be effectively mapped? How can mycelium spawn be locally sourced beyond commercial producers? and, what is the role of mycologists and designers in creating a symbiotic community to support the development of local material streams? To address these inquiries, this paper uses New York City (NY, USA) as a case study to develop a practical methodology for initiating an accessible mycelium-based design practice. The approach showcased in the paper emphasizes the localization of resources and stakeholders, involving the mapping of online suppliers, mushroom farms, cultivation groups, urban agriculture organizations, and community gardens for their mycelium spawn and biological substrate sources. Long term, this research aims to comprehend the movement of mycelium matter as a vital force for scaling up biodesign, while facilitating the development of novel, bespoke, and more accessible natural materials.
Peningkatan Keamanan Data Melalui Teknik Super Enkripsi Menggunakan Algoritma Vigenere dan Caesar
Authors: Wahyudi Eko , Ardhianto Eka , Handoko Widiyanto , Murti Hari , Supriyanto Edy , Lestariningsih Endang , Redjeki Rara
Published: May 2024

Keamanan data penting untuk dijaga, terutama di era digital ini. Salah satu cara untuk menjaga keamanan data adalah enkripsi. Teknik enkripsi digunakan untuk melindungi data. Penggunaan konsep super-enkripsi memberikan efek peningkatan keamanan informasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk memperkuat algoritma Caesar Cipher Standard dengan konsep super-enkripsi, dimana teknik yang diterapkan adalah kombinasi algoritma Caesar Cipher Standard dengan Vigenere Autokey sebagai ukuran kinerja menggunakan perhitungan entropi. Sebagai metrik performansi digunakan nilai entropi yang menyatakan Tingkat keamanan data. Berdasarkan hasil yang diperoleh, nilai entropi usulan metode super enkripsi lebih baik yaitu 4,972, lebih baik dari sebelumnya yaitu 4,689. Nilai yang diperoleh menunjukkan peningkatan yang signifikan dengan capaian tingkat keamanan hingga 62,15% dibanding sebelumnya 58,62%. Ukuran file cipherteks dan ukuran file plainteks pada eksperimen ini tidak mengalami perubahan, sehingga menghemat sumberdaya media penyimpanan. Selain itu berdasarkan eksperimen yang dilakukan nilai ukuran file optimal untuk melakukan ekripsi adalah 16 kilobyte dengan nilai entropi tertinggi adalah 5,095. Dengan demikian, penggunaan teknik super enkripsi untuk melindungi data mampu memberikan keamanan yang lebih baik
A Short Review on Minimum Quantity Lubrication Method in Machining Applications
Authors: Özdemir Mehmet Tayyip , Korkmaz Mehmet Erdi
Published: May 2024

To maximize production while reducing environmental effect, the machining industry is always looking for new, sustainable, and cost feasible ways. One approach that shows promise in this area is Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL). The MQL approach is briefly reviewed in this work with an emphasis on its use in machining. At the beginning of the study, a basic introduction of the MQL method is given, and then its effect on tool wear, surface roughness, cutting temperature and the energy consumption is reviewed. In brief, this paper discusses MQL's lubrication methods, benefits, drawbacks, and applications in different machining operations. The outcomes demonstrated that the MQL efficacy is also affected by tool material, workpiece material, cutting conditions, and lubricant type. Therefore, it is worth to mention that this review emphasizes MQL's sustainability in machining lubrication. By balancing its pros and cons, this study hopes to help readers understand MQL and its potential to optimize machining operations in many industries.
SPARK-ing Big Questions: What is the Future of Health Technology?
Authors: Godinho Ana
Published: May 2024

Have you ever been assigned a group project in which your team had to work together to solve some sort of problem? Although not everyone always agrees, you may have learned that collaborating with people who have unique perspectives and interests is a really effective way to generate new, exciting solutions—solutions that nobody could have come up with alone! This is the idea behind an event called SPARKS! Future Technology for Health, which was held at CERN —one of the world’s largest and most respected centers for scientific research. A group of around 50 experts, in diverse fields ranging from medicine to computer science to nuclear physics, joined forces to collaborate, learn and unlearn together—all in the name of improving human health. Technologies with the power to change human lives come with tremendous responsibility. After short talks on cutting-edge health advances, SPARKS! participants broke into smaller groups to discuss and debate big, unanswered questions about these new technologies. Who owns the health data generated by smart watches and other devices? What role should artificial intelligence play in health care? How can we make sure that non-scientists trust new health technologies? These and other tough questions do not have simple answers. For new health technologies to be accepted and used responsibly, society—including you, the next generation —will need to grapple with such questions for years to come. This Collection highlights some groundbreaking health-related technologies discussed at the SPARKS! Forum, with a focus on the unanswered questions that must be addressed before these life-changing advances can responsibly impact human lives. If you enjoy learning about exciting, health-related advances and like to think about difficult, big-picture questions involving science and society, this collection is for you. Like all Frontiers for Young Minds articles, this collection is reviewed by young students. We hope this collection SPARKS! your interest in the future of human health!
Hydromulches suppress weeds and maintain fruit production in organically managed strawberry systems
Authors: Ahmad Waqas , DeVetter Lisa W. , McFadden Dakota , Maupin Brian , Bajwa Dilpreet S. , Durado Andrew , Weyers Sharon , Galinato Suzette P. , Weiss Ben , Gramig Greta
Published: May 2024

Polyethylene (PE) mulches are widely used in strawberry (Fragaria×ananassaDuch) production for weed suppression and crop growth optimization. However, PE mulches are not biodegradable and contribute to plastic pollution. Our objective was to develop and test biodegradable liquid-applied ‘hydromulches’ (HMs) as a sustainable alternative to PE mulch. HM weed suppression efficacy, strawberry plant growth, and yield were evaluated. HM formulations consisted of shredded newsprint paper (NP), water, and a tackifier, either guar gum (GG) or psyllium husk (PH) added at 2 or 6%. Experiments were conducted at two environmentally distinct locations: northwest Washington (WA) and eastern North Dakota (ND). Five HM formulations were compared to black PE mulch within a randomized complete block design with four replications. PE mulch suppressed weeds completely at peak weed emergence and peak weed vegetative growth at both locations. Formulations of HM containing GG provided superior weed suppression compared to other HM formulations at peak weed emergence (4–6 vs. 18–22 plants m-2, respectively). At peak vegetative growth, HM formulations containing GG had the lowest weed density compared to other HMs in ND (1 vs. 9–12 plants m-2), whereas these differences were not observed in WA. Total weed biomass did not differ among HMs across both locations. GG HM formulations deteriorated similarly to PE mulch (3–5% vs. 2%, respectively) in ND, whereas other HMs deteriorated more substantially. In WA, all HMs deteriorated more than PE mulch (6–12% vs. 1%, respectively). Fruit yield did not differ among treatments in weedy and weed-free subplots (194–254 g plant-1) in WA. In ND, yield was greater in all HM treatments compared to PE mulch in both weedy and weed-free subplots. Across both locations, strawberry canopy cover was greater in PE mulch (56.1% canopy cover) compared to 2%GG and NP (42.4 and 39.8% canopy cover). Strawberry plant biomass was similar among mulch treatments. However, strawberry leaf and crown biomass were slightly lower in 2%PH compared to other mulch treatments. Results demonstrate HMs with GG tackifier are a promising alternative to PE mulch in organic strawberry systems based on ability to suppress weeds, enhance strawberry growth, and maintain yield.
Correlation between serum phosphate and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with coronary heart disease accompanied by chronic kidney disease: a retrospective study using the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: He Min , Ren Siyu , Lin Yongqi , Zeng Xiaocong
Published: May 2024

Background

The adverse clinical endpoints of cardiovascular and kidney diseases are correlated with increased serum phosphate levels. However, in critically ill patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) accompanied by chronic kidney disease (CKD), the prognostic value of serum phosphate remains unclear.

Methods

Patients' medical records from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database who had concomitant CKD and CHD were classified into four distinct groups in this large retrospective observational cohort study based on the quartiles of serum phosphate levels. Vital status and the duration of hospital and ICU stays within the short-term follow-up periods of 30 and 90 days constituted the primary outcomes. All-cause mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital constituted the secondary outcomes. Further, the Cox proportional hazard and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models were employed to ascertain how serum phosphate levels correlated with the primary outcomes. In addition, the occurrence rate of the secondary outcomes across the four quartiles was determined utilizing the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Among the total 3,557 patients (67.6% male) included, the hospital and ICU all-cause mortality rates were 14.6% and 10%, separately. Higher quartiles of serum phosphate concentrations were associated with shorter short-term survival rates, as shown by the Kaplan–Meier curves. Additionally, the Cox proportional hazards analysis illustrated that serum phosphate was independently linked to a higher death risk in the hospital [HR, 1.10 (95% CI: 1.03–1.18), P = 0.007] and ICU [HR, 1.14 (95% CI: 1.07–1.22), P < 0.001]. Lastly, the RCS regression models suggested a robust non-linear correlation between serum phosphate concentrations and death risk in the ICU and hospital (both P for non-linearity <0.001).

Conclusions

The prognostic value of serum phosphate is significant in critically ill patients with CHD accompanied by CKD. Furthermore, serum phosphate is potentially valuable for identifying patients with this concomitant condition.
The association between diets and periodontitis: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Wang Jingchan , Hong Houlin , Feng Xing , Zhang Xiumei , Song Jinlin
Published: May 2024

Background

Periodontitis, a complex inflammatory condition, has been associated with dietary habits and antioxidants. While the association between certain dietary patterns and periodontitis has been documented, the bidirectional relationship remains unclear. This study utilizes Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the bidirectional associations between dietary factors comprising dietary antioxidants, and periodontitis.

Methods

Employing a two-sample MR approach, this study analyzed genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on diets and periodontitis from large databases and published literature. Instrumental variables (IVs) were selected and filtered based on genetic variants associated with dietary factors and periodontitis, respectively. Various MR methods, including Inverse Variance Weighted, MR-Egger, Weighted Median, Weighted Mode, and Simple Mode were applied to assess the bidirectional associations. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the robustness of the findings.

Results

Our analysis revealed significant associations between certain dietary factors and the risk of periodontitis. Specifically, higher intake of filtered coffee, low-calorie drinks, and other cereals, as well as increased metabolic circulating levels of gamma-tocopherol, were associated with an elevated risk of periodontitis. Conversely, consumption of cheese, white rice, chocolate bars, unsalted peanuts, and higher absolute circulating levels of vitamin C were linked to a reduced risk. Additionally, the study suggests that periodontitis may influence dietary habits, indicating a bidirectional relationship.

Conclusion

This study provides additional evidence of a bidirectional association between dietary factors and periodontitis. It highlights the importance of dietary interventions in the prevention and management of periodontitis. The findings underscore the need for incorporating dietary counseling into periodontal disease management protocols and suggest the potential of personalized dietary strategies for periodontitis patients. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying these associations and to confirm these findings in diverse populations.
Tumor glucose metabolism and the T cell glycocalyx: implication for T cell function
Authors: Schuurmans Fabian , Wagemans Kyra E. , Adema Gosse J. , Cornelissen Lenneke A. M.
Published: May 2024

The T cell is an immune cell subset highly effective in eliminating cancer cells. Cancer immunotherapy empowers T cells and occupies a solid position in cancer treatment. The response rate, however, remains relatively low (<30%). The efficacy of immunotherapy is highly dependent on T cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the ability of these infiltrated T cells to sustain their function within the TME. A better understanding of the inhibitory impact of the TME on T cells is crucial to improve cancer immunotherapy. Tumor cells are well described for their switch into aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect), resulting in high glucose consumption and a metabolically distinct TME. Conversely, glycosylation, a predominant posttranslational modification of proteins, also relies on glucose molecules. Proper glycosylation of T cell receptors influences the immunological synapse between T cells and tumor cells, thereby affecting T cell effector functions including their cytolytic and cytostatic activities. This review delves into the complex interplay between tumor glucose metabolism and the glycocalyx of T cells, shedding light on how the TME can induce alterations in the T cell glycocalyx, which can subsequently influence the T cell’s ability to target and eliminate tumor cells.
The function of CD36 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Cao Hui , Yang Hongwei , Wang Nan , Weng Yiwei , Luo Hao
Published: May 2024

CD36 is a scavenger receptor that has been reported to function as a signaling receptor that responds to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and could integrate metabolic pathways and cell signaling through its dual functions. Thereby influencing activation to regulate the immune response and immune cell differentiation. Recent studies have revealed that CD36 plays critical roles in the process of lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and immune process caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This review will comprehensively investigate CD36’s functions in lipid uptake and processing, inflammatory response, immune response and therapeutic targets and biomarkers in the infection process of M. tuberculosis. The study also raised outstanding issues in this field to designate future directions.
Conservation tillage facilitates the accumulation of soil organic carbon fractions by affecting the microbial community in an eolian sandy soil
Authors: Li Yu-mei , Wang Yu-ming , Qiu Guang-wei , Yu Hong-jiu , Liu Feng-man , Wang Gen-lin , Duan Yan
Published: May 2024

Conservation tillage (CT) is an important agronomic measure that facilitates soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation by reducing soil disturbance and plant residue mulching, thus increasing crop yields, improving soil fertility and achieving C neutrality. However, our understanding of the microbial mechanism underlying SOC fraction accumulation under different tillage practices is still lacking. Here, a 6-year in situ field experiment was carried out to explore the effects of CT and traditional tillage (CK) practices on SOC fractions in an eolian sandy soil. Compared with CK, CT increased the particulate OC (POC) content in the 0–30 cm soil layer and the mineral-associated OC (MAOC) content in the 0–20 cm soil layer. Moreover, tillage type and soil depth had significant influences on the bacterial, fungal and protistan community compositions and structures. The co-occurrence network was divided into 4 ecological modules, and module 1 exhibited significant correlations with the POC and MOC contents. After determining their topological roles, we identified the keystone taxa in the network. The results indicated that the most common bacterial taxa may result in SOC loss due to low C use efficiency, while specific fungal (Cephalotrichum) and protistan (Cercozoa) species could facilitate SOC fraction accumulation by promoting macroaggregate formation and predation. Therefore, the increase in keystone fungi and protists, as well as the reduction in bacteria, drove module 1 community function, which in turn promoted SOC sequestration under CT. These results strengthen our understanding of microbial functions in the accrual of SOC fractions, which contributes to the development of conservation agriculture on the Northeast China Plain.
Case report: Inferior valved for non-valved glaucoma drainage device exchange for glaucoma control and cosmesis
Authors: Khan Abdullah M. , Abdalla Elsayed Maram E. A. , Malik Rizwan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

While the exchange of a superior valved glaucoma drainage device (GDD) for a non-valved GDD has been reported for achieving glaucoma control, inferior GDD exchange for improving the cosmetic appearance of the eyes due to poor appearance caused by encapsulated GDDs has not been previously documented. Here, we report on two patients with inferior valved GDDs who underwent an exchange for non-valved devices for glaucoma control and cosmetic improvement.

Case description

We report on the case of a 23-year-old gentleman and that of an 8-year-old girl, both of whom had inferior valved GDDs with uncontrolled intraocular pressure and unsightly appearance due to encapsulated GDD plates within the palpebral aperture. Both patients were unhappy about the appearance of their eyes. In each case, improvements in both glaucoma control and cosmesis were achieved by exchanging the valved GDDs for non-valved ones.

Conclusion

Exchanging a valved for a non-valved GDD might help improve the cosmetic appearance of the eyes, in addition to providing glaucoma control.
Growth data of outlying plantations allows benchmarking the tolerance to climate extremes and drought stress in the European larch
Authors: Camarero Jesús Julio , Gazol Antonio , Valeriano Cristina , Vergarechea Marta , Cattaneo Nicolás
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Plantations located outside the species distribution area represent natural experiments to assess tree tolerance to climate variability. Climate change amplifies warming-related drought stress but also leads to more climate extremes.

Methods

We studied plantations of the European larch (Larix decidua), a conifer native to central and eastern Europe, in northern Spain. We used climate, drought and tree-ring data from four larch plantations including wet (Valgañón, site V; Santurde, site S), intermediate (Ribavellosa, site R) and dry (Santa Marina, site M) sites. We aimed to benchmark the larch tolerance to climate and drought stress by analysing the relationships between radial growth increment (hereafter growth), climate data (temperature, precipitation, radiation) and a drought index.

Results

Basal area increment (BAI) was the lowest in the driest site M (5.2 cm2 yr-1; period 1988–2022), followed by site R (7.5 cm2 yr-1), with the youngest and oldest and trees being planted in M (35 years) and R (150 years) sites. BAI peaked in the wettest sites (V; 10.4 cm2 yr-1; S, 10.8 cm2 yr-1). We detected a sharp BAI reduction (30% of the regional mean) in 2001 when springto-summer conditions were very dry. In the wettest V and S sites, larch growth positively responded to current March and June-July radiation, but negatively to March precipitation. In the R site, high April precipitation enhanced growth. In the driest M site, warm conditions in the late prior winter and current spring improved growth, but warm-sunny conditions in July and dry-sunny conditions in August reduced it. Larch growth positively responded to spring-summer wet conditions considering short (1-6 months) and long (9-24 months) time scales in dry (site M) and wet-intermediate (sites S and R) sites, respectively.

Discussion

Larch growth is vulnerable to drought stress in dry slow-growing plantations, but also to extreme spring wet-cloudy events followed by dry-hot conditions in wet fast-growing plantations.
Association between heart rate variability metrics from a smartwatch and self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms: a four-week longitudinal study
Authors: Jo Young Tak , Lee Sang Won , Park Sungkyu , Lee Jungsun
Published: May 2024

Background

Elucidating the association between heart rate variability (HRV) metrics obtained through non-invasive methods and mental health symptoms could provide an accessible approach to mental health monitoring. This study explores the correlation between HRV, estimated using photoplethysmography (PPG) signals, and self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Methods

A 4-week longitudinal study was conducted among 47 participants. Time–domain and frequency–domain HRV metrics were derived from PPG signals collected via smartwatches. Mental health symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) at baseline, week 2, and week 4.

Results

Among the investigated HRV metrics, RMSSD, SDNN, SDSD, LF, and the LF/HF ratio were significantly associated with the PHQ-9 score, although the number of significant correlations was relatively small. Furthermore, only SDNN, SDSD and LF showed significant correlations with the GAD-7 score. All HRV metrics showed negative correlations with self-reported clinical symptoms.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate the potential of PPG-derived HRV metrics in monitoring mental health, thereby providing a foundation for further research. Notably, parasympathetically biased HRV metrics showed weaker correlations with depression and anxiety scores. Future studies should validate these findings in clinically diagnosed patients.
An inaugural forum on epidemiological modeling for public health stakeholders in Arizona
Authors: Mihaljevic Joseph R. , Chief Carmenlita , Malik Mehreen , Oshinubi Kayode , Doerry Eck , Gel Esma , Hepp Crystal , Lant Tim , Mehrotra Sanjay , Sabo Samantha
Published: May 2024

Epidemiological models—which help us understand and forecast the spread of infectious disease—can be valuable tools for public health. However, barriers exist that can make it difficult to employ epidemiological models routinely within the repertoire of public health planning. These barriers include technical challenges associated with constructing the models, challenges in obtaining appropriate data for model parameterization, and problems with clear communication of modeling outputs and uncertainty. To learn about the unique barriers and opportunities within the state of Arizona, we gathered a diverse set of 48 public health stakeholders for a day-and-a-half forum. Our research group was motivated specifically by our work building software for public health-relevant modeling and by our earnest desire to collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure that our software tools are practical and useful in the face of evolving public health needs. Here we outline the planning and structure of the forum, and we highlight as a case study some of the lessons learned from breakout discussions. While unique barriers exist for implementing modeling for public health, there is also keen interest in doing so across diverse sectors of State and Local government, although issues of equal and fair access to modeling knowledge and technologies remain key issues for future development. We found this forum to be useful for building relationships and informing our software development, and we plan to continue such meetings annually to create a continual feedback loop between academic molders and public health practitioners.
Systematic minireview of the craniocervical junction in dogs with and without brachycephaly
Authors: Wess Lukas , Kneissl Sibylle
Published: May 2024

Objective

To identify, quantify and compare clinical and concurrent imaging findings of occipital hypoplasia (OH), syringomyelia (SM) and atlanto-occipital overlapping (AO) in dogs with or without brachycephaly.

Methods

A focused systematic search for literature was performed in the Web of Science™, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Both authors screened and classified the identified articles using EndNote and appraised the articles using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklists. The main clinical and concurrent imaging features were extracted and evaluated for coexistence of OH, SM, AO, and other imaging findings.

Results

Thirty-one articles were included in this minireview. For articles focusing on descriptions of OH, SM and AO, 249 dogs had at least one of these conditions, and 3 of these 249 dogs (1%) had coexistence of all three conditions. For articles focusing on descriptions of the dogs, OH, SM, and AO were identified in 552/19/11/11, 574/2/0/6, and 100/0/0/0 small brachycephalic, small non-brachycephalic, large brachycephalic, and large non-brachycephalic breeds, respectively. For all small brachycephalic dogs, the percentages of affected animals were 40% for OH (p = 0.01), 42% for SM (p < 0.01) and 7% for AO (p = 0.033). The number of dogs having AO and clinical symptoms is low (n = 5).

Conclusion

OH, SM and AO are more likely to affect small dogs. AO might be limited to small brachycephalic breeds owing to the geometry of the craniocervical junction. Hence, AO alone might not lead to SM. In individual dogs, readers should carefully interpret the clinical relevance of OH or AO in the absence of SM.
Identification and Analysis of Flight Delay Based on Process Relevance
Authors: Ding Qingmiao , Ma Linyan , Cui Yanyu , Cheng Bin , He Xuan
Published: May 2024

Flight delay identification is an important way to coordinate the operation time of airport ground service providers and improve the efficiency of airport operations. By analyzing the flight turnaround operation process, considering the randomness and synchronization of the turnaround process, and using Colored Petri Nets and Python (4.0.1), we explore the correlation between various links in the flight turnaround process and the take-off delay at the next station. This paper is committed to improving the service performance of airports and airlines, dynamically predicting flight delays, and providing guidance for avoiding excessive time in the actual operation of bad combinations. The results show that there are six kinds of bad combinations in the departure slip-out link, which is the most likely to affect the transit time. The maximum lifting degree in the bad combination is 2.043, and the maximum average delay time in the bad combination is 22.5 min. When the combination of passenger boarding and departure slip-out time is too long, it has a great positive correlation with delay. When the other links are in a state of being able to pass the station on time, the departure time and baggage loading and unloading are the two links that most affect the flight delay value.
The Derivation of an Empirical Model to Estimate the Power Spectral Density of Turbulent Boundary Layer Wall Pressure in Aircraft Using Machine Learning Regression Techniques
Authors: Huffman Zachary , Rocha Joana
Published: May 2024

Aircraft cabin noise poses a health risk for regular passengers and crew, being connected to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, hearing loss, and sleep deprivation. At cruise conditions, its most significant cause is random pressure fluctuations in the turbulent boundary layer of aircraft, and as such the derivation of an accurate model to predict the power spectral density of these fluctuations remains an important ongoing research topic. Early models (such as those by Lowson and Robertson) were derived by simplifying the governing equations, the Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes equations, and solving for fluctuating pressure. Most subsequent equations were derived either by applying statistical and mathematical techniques to simplify the Robertson and Lowson models or by making modifications to address apparent shortcomings. Overall, these models have had varying success—most are accurate near the Mach and Reynolds numbers they were designed for, but less accurate under other conditions. In response to this shortcoming, Dominique demonstrated that a novel technique (machine learning, specifically artificial neural networking) could produce a model that is accurate under most flight conditions. This paper extends this research further by applying a different machine learning technique (nonlinear least squares regression analysis) and dimensional analysis to produce a new model. The resulting equation proved accurate under its design conditions of low airspeed (approximately 11 m/s) and low turbulent Reynolds number (approximately 850,000). However, a larger dataset with more diverse flight conditions would be required to make the model more generally applicable.
AI, Sensors, and Robotics for Smart Agriculture
Authors: Zhang Baohua , Qiao Yongliang
Published: May 2024

Agriculture plays a crucial role in development, especially in low-income countries where the sector is large in terms of both aggregate income and total labor force [...]
Effects of Rotating Rice with Upland Crops and Adding Organic Amendments, and of Related Soil Quality on Rice Yield in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta
Authors: Qui Nguyen Van , Khoa Le Van , Phuong Nguyen Minh , Vien Duong Minh , Dung Tran Van , Linh Tran Ba , Khanh Tran Huynh , Thuong Bui Trieu , Tran Vo Thi Thu , Nghia Nguyen Khoi , Tien Tran Minh , Abatih Emmanuel , Verdoodt Ann , Sleutel Steven , Cornelis Wim
Published: May 2024

In the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, soil quality and crop yield are steadily declining under rice monocultures with three crops per year. The objective of this study was to evaluate the medium-term effects of rotating rice with upland crops and adding organic amendments on rice yield, and to relate this to soil quality. A field trial with split-plot design including two factors and three replicates was carried out from 2017 to 2020, over the course of nine consecutive cropping seasons. Crop rotations and organic amendments were applied as main-plot and subplot factors, respectively. The rotations were (1) rice–rice–rice (R–R–R), (2) soybean–rice–rice (So–R–R), and (3) sesame–rice–rice (Se–R–R), while organic amendment treatments included (i) no amendment (NO-AM), (ii) compost of rice straw and cow manure (RS+CM), and (iii) sugarcane compost (SGC); the composts were applied at a rate of 2.0 t ha−1. The rotation cycle started with the so-called spring–summer (SS) season, followed by the summer–autumn (SA) season and ending with the winter–spring (WS) season. Rice yield significantly (p < 0.05) increased under organic amendments after nine growing seasons (2019–2020 WS), with an increment of 5.1% for RS+CM (7.07 ton/ha) and 6.1% for SGC (7.14 ton/ha). Contrary to our expectation, rotations with upland crops did not significantly increase rice yield. Rice yield significantly and positively correlated with an integrated soil quality index–SQI (r = 0.85) for the topsoil (0–15 cm), but not for the subsoil (15–30 cm). The increased availability of soil nutrients (Si and marginally also P) and improved soil physical properties probably induced by organic amendments, along with other soil properties under study, cumulatively attributed to enhanced rice yield. Repeated organic amendments thus becomes an effective management practice in improving soil quality under rice-based systems and could be applied to sustain rice yield in rice-producing regions with similar soil types and climatic conditions. Use of a SQI involving several soil quality indicators enables us to quantify the overall importance of soil fertility for rice yield versus other factors, and it provides an effective means of quantifying the integrated effect of improved management. Moreover, integrating a wide range of soil quality indicators in a SQI ensures its applicability across diverse settings, including different crop rotations and various soil types.
Lactation Performance and Rumen Fermentation in Dairy Cows Fed a Diet Supplemented with Monensin or Gum Arabic-Nano Montmorillonite Compost
Authors: Al Adawi Salim A. , El-Zaiat Hani M. , Morsy Amr S. , Soltan Yosra A.
Published: May 2024

The exploration of natural alternatives to antibiotics for enhancing productivity and performance in dairy cows is a crucial objective in farm animal management. This is the first study aimed at developing and evaluating the physicochemical properties and effects of Arabic gum–nano montmorillonite (AGNM) compost compared to ionophore monensin as feed additives on rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and milk production of Holstein dairy cows. In a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, four multiparous mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows with an average body weight of 520 ± 15 kg were enrolled. The dietary treatments included a control diet (basal diet without feed additives), monensin diet [a basal diet supplemented with 35 mg/kg dry matter (DM) monensin], and AGNM diets comprising basal diet supplemented with two levels: low (L-AGNM) at 1.5 g/kg DM, and high (H-AGNM) at 3 g/kg DM. AGNM as a feed additive demonstrated promising physiochemical parameters, including containing highly bioactive components (α-amyrin and lupeol), functional groups (OH and Si-O), and essential mineral contents (Mg2+). Supplementations with H-AGNM significantly improved ruminal (p = 0.031) concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), acetic (p = 0.05) and butyric (p = 0.05), enhanced (p < 0.05) digestibility of fiber and organic matter, while decreased (p = 0.013) estimated methane production. However, an increase (p = 0.04) in blood high-density lipoprotein levels and decrease (p < 0.05) in concentrations of creatinine (CREA), bilirubin (BILT), cholesterol (CHOL), and sodium (Na) were observed with H-AGNM supplementation. Both monensin and H-AGNM improved (p = 0.008) feed efficiency compared to L-AGNM; however, neither AGNM nor monensin affected the milk composition or energy status indicators of the dairy cows. The findings of this study highlight the potential of AGNM as a natural candidate to replace monensin in enhancing ruminal VFA production, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, blood metabolites, and milk yield in dairy cows.
Canine Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis Using Two New Automated Techniques: The Sysmex XN-V Body Fluid Mode and an Artificial-Intelligence-Based Algorithm
Authors: Lapsina Sandra , Riond Barbara , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina , Stirn Martina
Published: May 2024

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is an important diagnostic test when assessing a neurological canine patient. For this analysis, the total nucleated cell count and differential cell counts are routinely taken, but both involve time-consuming manual methods. To investigate faster automated methods, in this study, the Sysmex XN-V body fluid mode and the deep-learning-based algorithm generated by the Olympus VS200 slide scanner were compared with the manual methods in 161 canine cerebrospinal fluid samples for the total nucleated cell count and in 65 samples with pleocytosis for the differential counts. Following incorrect gating by the Sysmex body fluid mode, all samples were reanalyzed with manually set gates. The Sysmex body fluid mode then showed a mean bias of 15.19 cells/μL for the total nucleated cell count and mean biases of 4.95% and −4.95% for the two-part differential cell count, while the deep-learning-based algorithm showed mean biases of −7.25%, −0.03% and 7.27% for the lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytoid cells, respectively. Based on our findings, we propose that the automated Sysmex body fluid mode be used to measure the total nucleated cell count in canine cerebrospinal fluid samples after making adjustments to the predefined settings from the manufacturer. However, the two-part differential count of the Sysmex body fluid mode and the deep-learning-based algorithm require some optimization.
Evaluation of a Commercial Pregnancy Test Using Blood or Plasma Samples in High-Producing Dairy Cows
Authors: López-Gatius Fernando , Ganau Sergi , Garcia-Ispierto Irina
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated a commercial pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs)-based pregnancy test using whole blood or plasma samples during early pregnancy (28–55 days of gestation) in high-producing dairy cows. Transrectal ultrasonography was used as the gold standard method. The study population constituted of 284 cows. False positive diagnoses were recorded from Day 60 to 89 and from Day 60 to 99 postpartum in blood and plasma samples, respectively. In early pregnancy screening, correct positive diagnoses were recorded in 75% and 100% of blood and plasma samples, respectively. High milk production was associated with negative results in blood samples and with the lowest test line intensity in plasma samples. False positive or negative diagnoses were recorded in 0% of both types of samples in cows previously diagnosed as pregnant and showing signs of estrus. In conclusion, the use of plasma was more effective than the use of blood in early pregnancy diagnosis. In cows previously diagnosed as pregnant and showing signs of estrus, both types of samples showed the same results. Because of large individual variations, normal single pregnancies could not be differentiated from twin pregnancies, from pregnancies with a recently dead conceptus, or from pregnancies that experienced subsequent pregnancy loss.
A Novel Foodstuff Mixture Improves the Gut–Liver Axis in MASLD Mice and the Gut Microbiota in Overweight/Obese Patients
Authors: Rosas-Campos Rebeca , Sandoval-Rodríguez Ana Soledad , Rodríguez-Sanabria Jonathan Samael , Vazquéz-Esqueda Ángel Omar , Alfaro-Martinez Carlos Roberto , Escutia-Gutiérrez Rebeca , Vega-Magaña Natali , Peña-Rodríguez Marcela , Zepeda-Nuño José Sergio , Andrade-Marcial Mauricio , Campos-Uscanga Yolanda , Jave-Suárez Luis Felipe , Santos Arturo , Cerda-Reyes Eira , Almeida-López Mónica , Martínez-López Erika , Herrera Luis Alonso , Armendariz-Borunda Juan
Published: May 2024

Microbial community control is crucial for maintaining homeostasis of the gut–liver axis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Here, we show that supplementation with a mixture of Mexican foodstuffs (MexMix)—Opuntia ficus indica (nopal), Theobroma cacao (cocoa) and Acheta domesticus (crickets)—enriches several beneficial taxa in MASLD mice and overweight/obese humans. Thus, MexMix induces an important prebiotic effect. In mice, a restoration of intestinal health was observed due to the increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and intestinal crypt depth, Ocln and Cldn1 expression, and decreased Il6 and Tnfa expression. MexMix significantly reduced steatosis in the mice’s liver and modified the expression of 1668 genes. By PCR, we corroborated a Tnfa and Pparg decrease, and a Cat and Sod increase. In addition, MexMix increased the hepatic NRF2 nuclear translocation and miRNA-34a, miRNA-103, and miRNA-33 decline. In overweight/obese humans, MexMix improved the body image satisfaction and reduced the fat intake. These findings indicate that this new food formulation has potential as a therapeutic approach to treat conditions associated with excessive consumption of fats and sugars.
Pore Water Pressure Prediction Based on Machine Learning Methods—Application to an Earth Dam Case
Authors: An Lu , Dias Daniel , Carvajal Claudio , Peyras Laurent , Breul Pierre , Jenck Orianne , Guo Xiangfeng
Published: May 2024

Pore water pressure (PWP) response is significant for evaluating the earth dams’ stability, and PWPs are, therefore, generally monitored. However, due to the soil heterogeneity and its non-linear behavior within earths, the PWP is usually difficult to estimate and predict accurately in order to detect a pathology or anomaly in the behavior of an embankment dam. This study endeavors to tackle this challenge through the application of diverse machine learning (ML) techniques in estimating the PWP within an existing earth dam. The methods employed include random forest (RF) combined with simulated annealing (SA), multilayer perceptron (MLP), standard recurrent neural networks (RNNs), and gated recurrent unit (GRU). The prediction capability of these techniques was gauged using metrics such as the coefficient of determination (R2), mean square error (MSE), and CPU training time. It was found that all the considered ML methods could give satisfactory results for the PWP estimation. Upon comparing these methods within the case study, the findings suggest that, in this study, multilayer perceptron (MLP) gives the most accurate PWP prediction, achieving the highest coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.99) and the lowest mean square error (MSE = 0.0087) metrics. A sensitivity analysis is then presented to evaluate the models’ robustness and the hyperparameter’s influence on the performance of the prediction model.
Research on Replacing Numerical Simulation of Mooring System with Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Sun Qiang , Yan Jun , Peng Dongsheng , Lu Zhaokuan , Chen Xiaorui , Wang Yuxin
Published: May 2024

Time-domain numerical simulation is generally considered an accurate method to predict the mooring system performance, but it is also time and resource-consuming. This paper attempts to completely replace the time-domain numerical simulation with machine learning approaches, using a catenary anchor leg mooring (CALM) system design as an example. An adaptive sampling method is proposed to determine the dataset of various parameters in the CALM mooring system in order to train and validate the generated machine learning models. Reasonable prediction accuracy is achieved by the five assessed machine learning algorithms, namely random forest, extremely randomized trees, K-nearest neighbor, decision tree, and gradient boosting decision tree, among which random forest is found to perform the best if the sampling density is high enough.
Active Electromagnetic Clutch for Crankshaft Decoupling from a Belt Drive System
Authors: Castellanos Molina Luis M. , Galluzzi Renato , Hegde Shailesh , Bonfitto Angelo , Amati Nicola , Tonoli Andrea , Ventura Walter
Published: May 2024

This work presents a novel electromagnetic clutch installed on the crankshaft pulley to decouple the internal combustion engine from the front-end accessory drive of a P0 hybrid electric vehicle. The objective is to supply the air conditioning compressor directly with the belt starter–generator electric machine without dragging the inertia of the engine during engine fuel cut-off phases. This operation yields an improved vehicle energetic efficiency and allows for uninterrupted air conditioning also when the start–stop function is activated. This paper focuses on the mechanical assembly and electromagnetic behavior of the device. Furthermore, two position-sensorless techniques are proposed to estimate the clutch state. The effectiveness of the proposed solution is experimentally validated on a dedicated test bench. Experimental tests demonstrated that the opening and closing phases required 50 and 25ms, respectively, thereby satisfying the time constraints for switching different operating modes in a vehicle (∼100ms).