bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative effect of biosynthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles using garlic extract on the body weight and developmental toxicity of liver in albino rats compared with chemically synthesized nanoparticles
Authors: Kamal Zeinab , Ebnalwaled A. A. , Al-Amgad Zeinab , Said Alaa H. , Metwally Asmaa A. , Zigo František , Ondrašovičová Silvia , Rehan Ibrahim F.
Published: December 2022

The application of metallic nanoparticles poses risks to human and animal health. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are the most commonly synthesized metallic oxides in the world. Exposure to TiO2NPs can cause toxicity in the target organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of green and chemical TiO2NPs on maternal and embryo-fetal livers. Green TiO2NPs using garlic extract (GTiO2NPs) and chemical TiO2NPs (CHTiO2NPs) were synthesized and characterized by x-ray powder diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The cytotoxicity of both chemical and green TiO2NPs was determined against HepG2 cell lines. Fifty pregnant female Albino rats were equally and randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 was kept as a control. Groups 2 and 3 were orally treated with 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight of CHTiO2NPs, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 were orally treated with 100 and 300 mg/kg of GTiO2NPs, respectively, from day 6 to 19 of gestation. All dams were euthanized on gestation day 20. All live fetuses were weighed and euthanized. Blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical, histopathological, and Bax-immunohistochemical expression analyses. Our results indicated that garlic could be used as a reducing agent for the synthesis of TiO2NPs, and the produced NPs have no toxic effect against HepG2 cells compared with CHTiO2NPs. The maternal and fetal bodyweights were greatly reduced among the chemically TiO2NPs induced animals. The mean serum level of AST and ALT activities and the total protein level significantly increased when TiO2NPs were administered at high doses. Histologically, the CHTiO2NPs-treated groups revealed vacuolated and necrotized hepatocytes with congested and dilated blood vessels in the fetal and maternal livers. The immunohistochemistry revealed distinct positive staining of Bax expressed in the hepatocytes. Nevertheless, the biosynthesis of TiO2NPs using garlic extract had a minimal effect on the normal architecture of the liver. It could be concluded that the bioactivity of TiO2NPs can be modified by green synthesis using garlic extract. Compared to the CHTiO2NPs, the exposure to GTiO2NPs showed reduced liver damage in maternal and embryo-fetal rats.
Hyperbaric oxygen exposure alleviate metabolic side-effects of olanzapine treatment and is associated with Langerhans islet proliferation in rats
Authors: AlQudah Mohammad , Khalifeh Mohammad , Al-Azaizeh Rasha , Masaadeh Amr , Al-Rusan Omar M. , Haddad Husam K.
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Olanzapine (OLZ) is one of the second-generation antipsychotics drugs (APDs) used to treat several psychiatric illnesses. Olanzapine treatment is often associated with many metabolic side effects in a dose dependent manner such as obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, induction of type II diabetes and acute pancreatitis in some patients.

Methods: Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) was investigated as a tool to mitigate olanzapine metabolic side effects in rats. Thirty-six female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 4 groups; rats on olanzapine treatment either exposed to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOOLZ) or left without exposure (OLZ) then non-treated rats that either exposed to hyperbaric oxygen therapy or left without exposure (control). Rats received Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy for 35 days at 2.4 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 2.5 h daily followed by intraperitoneal injection of olanzapine at 10 mg/kg or placebo.

Results: Rats on either hyperbaric oxygen therapy or olanzapine had a significant loss in body weight. Olanzapine treatment showed a decrease in serum insulin level, triglyceride, highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and lipase level but an increase in fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and amylase, while rats’ exposure to hyperbaric oxygen therapy reversed these effects. The Pancreatic Langerhans islets were up-regulated in both hyperbaric oxygen therapy and olanzapine treatments but the combination (HBOOLZ) doubled these islets number.

Discussion: This study advocated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be an alternative approach to control or reverse many metabolic disorders (MDs) associatedwith olanzapine treatment. In addition, it seems that hyperbaric oxygen therapy positively affect the pancreatic Langerhans cells activity and architecture.
On Deep-Fake Stock Prices and Why Investor Behavior Might Not Matter
Authors: Vâlsan Călin , Druică Elena , Eisenstat Eric
Published: December 2022

We propose an agent-based model of financial markets with only one asset. Thirty-two agents follow very simple rules inspired by Wolfram’s Rule 110. They engage in buying, selling, and/or holding. Each agent is endowed with a starting balance sheet marked-to-market in each iteration. The simulation allows for margin calls for both buying and selling. During each iteration, the number of buy, hold, and sell positions is aggregated into a market price with the help of a simple, linear formula. The formula generates a price depending on the number of buy and sell positions. Various results are obtained by altering the pricing formula, the trading algorithm, and the initial conditions. When applying commonly used statistical tools, we find processes that are essentially indistinguishable from the price of real assets. They even display bubbles and crashes, just like real market data. Our model is remarkable because it can apparently generate a process of equivalent complexity to that of a real asset price, but it starts from a handful of initial conditions and a small number of very simple linear algorithms in which randomness plays no part. We contend our results have far-reaching implications for the debate around investor behavior and the regulation of financial markets.
Calling on All Child and Family Practitioners to Help Mitigate the Impacts of the Poor Behavioural Health of Children with Psychiatric Illness
Authors: Preyde Michèle , Parekh Shrenik , Karki-Niejadlik Nicole , Vanderbrug Lynn , Ashbourne Graham , MacLeod Karen , Heintzman John
Published: December 2022

Adolescents and children (aged 6 to 17+ years) admitted to inpatient psychiatry or intensive out-of-home mental health programs (formerly called residential mental health treatment centres) are among those with the most severe psychiatric illnesses. Moreover, these children also have very poor behavioural and biopsychosocial health including sleep deprivation, difficult relationships, problematic use of electronic devices, academic difficulty, poor school engagement, insufficient exercise and poor diets; all of these were noted before the pandemic. The pandemic has only increased the social isolation, poor health behaviours and mental health challenges for many children and adolescents. The poor behavioural and psychosocial health of those in their youth with psychiatric illnesses can exacerbate symptoms and can interfere with academic performance, development and good decision making; these biopsychosocial health behaviours are modifiable. All child and family practitioners including pediatricians, family physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists and psychotherapists have an important role in fostering the behavioural and biopsychosocial health (i.e., sleep, positive relationships, electronic device use, exercise and diet) of all family members and especially children with psychiatric illness. Enacting biopsychosocial lifestyle interventions before or during childhood and adolescence may reduce the burden of mental illness.
Spider Mites Detection in Wheat Field Based on an Improved RetinaNet
Authors: Pang Denghao , Wang Hong , Chen Peng , Liang Dong
Published: December 2022

As a daily staple food of more than one third of the world’s population, wheat is one of the main food crops in the world. The increase in wheat production will help meet the current global food security needs. In the process of wheat growth, diseases and insect pests have great influence on the yield, which leads to a significant decline. Wheat spider mites are the most harmful to wheat because they are too small to be found. Therefore, how to use deep learning to identify small pests is a hot spot in modern intelligent agriculture research. In this paper, we propose an improved RetinaNet model and train it on our own dataset of wheat spider mites. Firstly, the wheat spider mites dataset is expanded from 1959 to 9215 by using two different angles and image segmentation methods. Secondly, the wheat spider mite feature detection head is added to improve the identification of small targets. Thirdly, the feature pyramid in FPN is further optimized, and the high-resolution feature maps are fully utilized to fuse the regression information of shallow feature maps and the semantic information of deep feature maps. Finally, the anchor generation strategy is optimized according to the amount of mites. Experimental results on the newly established wheat mite dataset validated our proposed model, yielding 81.7% mAP, which is superior to other advanced object detection methods in detecting wheat spider mites.
Development and Application of a Crossed Multi-Arch Greenhouse in Tropical China
Authors: Liu Jian , Wu Xuyong , Sun Fangyuan , Wang Baolong
Published: December 2022

Deep analysis and demonstration of the developed crossed multi-arch greenhouse were conducted from the perspectives of conceptual design, architectural and structural design, functional design, loading parameters, and structural internal forces. The results show that the crossed multi-arch greenhouse combines the ventilation area between the floor-standing round-arch greenhouse and the unsuitable operation area under the arch bars into one to form a multi-span crossed arch structure with good ventilation and heat dissipation, land savings, and fine mechanical behaviors. The main arch structure uses 32.4% less steel and 25% less foundation volume than the control greenhouse under the same load, which can save about CNY 10,184.00/667m2 of investment according to the current cost level. In the meantime, ventilation simulation analysis of the developed crossed multi-arch greenhouse was carried out using the software Design Builder. A comparison shows that, under the condition of no wind and breeze (1 m/s) in summer, the setting of the ventilation channel has obvious advantages for the heat dissipation of the greenhouse, and the average temperature is about 2 °C lower than that of the greenhouse without a ventilation channel; under the breeze condition, the temperature in the crossed multi-arch greenhouse is more evenly distributed than that of an ordinary round-arch greenhouse with ventilation channels. Considering the greenhouse function, building cost, using effect, and other evaluation factors, the crossed multi-arch greenhouse can meet the production environment requirements of tropical coastal areas (rain protection, sunshade, and ventilation), with obvious structural advantages, good typhoon resistance, and low construction costs, which is a preferable choice of greenhouse type.
Physiological Response of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Plants to Foliar Application of Biostimulants
Authors: Szpunar-Krok Ewa
Published: December 2022

The use of biostimulants in crop production can be an economically viable option for farmers and enable them to meet the increasing quality standards of agricultural products and consumer expectations for sustainability and environmental protection. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of foliar application of biostimulants on the course of physiological processes in pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants. Field studies with conventional fertilizers/biostimulants of plant origin (N1) and an ecological biostimulant of animal origin (N2) in the cultivation of eight pea varieties were carried out in the years 2015–2017 in south-eastern Poland. With favorable weather conditions during the flowering and pod setting period, as a result of N1 and N2 fertilization, in the BBCH 65 and BBCH 79 phases, there was a significant increase in the relative Chl content, Chl fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, Fv/F0, PI) and gas exchange (Pn, E, gs), measured in pea bracts. The relative content of Chl and the course of physiological processes in the plant were more favorably affected by N1 fertilization. Our data also confirm the beneficial effect of N2 application, but weaker than N1, which was determined by the strong negative reaction of plants to N2 fertilization in 2016, with rainfall shortages in the flowering and pod development phases. The experiment showed that in favorable weather conditions the applied foliar preparations have a positive effect on the physiological processes occurring in the plant, but in drought conditions they do not significantly mitigate its negative effects.
Diagnosis of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Outbreaks on Layer Hen and Broiler Breeder Farms in Vojvodina, Serbia
Authors: Pajić Marko , Knežević Slobodan , Djurdjević Biljana , Polaček Vladimir , Todorović Dalibor , Petrović Tamaš , Lazić Sava
Published: December 2022

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a respiratory disease of poultry characterized by high morbidity and variable mortality. ILT is caused by Gallid alpha herpesvirus-1 (GaHV-1), which is transmitted horizontally and most susceptible are chickens older than 4 weeks. After almost two decades since last appearance of this disease in Vojvodina, an outbreak occurred from April 2020 to August 2021 on five laying hen farms and one broiler breeder flock farm. Clinical signs were mild to severe respiratory symptoms, unilateral or bilateral head swelling, serous nasal discharge, conjunctivitis and increased tearing. There was a decrease in feed consumption (2.1–40.0%) and egg production (2.7–42.0%), weight loss and mortality increased (0.8–31.5%). Pathomorphological changes were localized in the upper respiratory tract. Total of 200 carcasses were examined; 40 pooled samples were analyzed by PCR, and 40 by bacteriological analysis. ILT virus was confirmed in tracheal tissue samples. Infected flocks were not vaccinated against this disease. Five flocks had coinfection with Avibacterium paragallinarum. Three-to-four weeks after the first reported case in the flock, clinical symptoms had ceased. Future control and prevention strategies will involve the procurement of flocks vaccinated by recombinant vaccine or the registration of live attenuated vaccines and their use during the rearing period.
Thermal Imaging to Assess the Health Status in Wildlife Animals under Human Care: Limitations and Perspectives
Authors: Mota-Rojas Daniel , Pereira Alfredo M. F. , Martínez-Burnes Julio , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , Mora-Medina Patricia , Casas-Alvarado Alejandro , Rios-Sandoval Jennifer , de Mira Geraldo Ana , Wang Dehua
Published: December 2022

Promoting animal welfare in wildlife species under human care requires the implementation of techniques for continuously monitoring their health. Infrared thermography is a non-invasive tool that uses the radiation emitted from the skin of animals to assess their thermal state. However, there are no established thermal windows in wildlife species because factors such as the thickness or color of the skin, type/length of coat, or presence of fur can influence the readings taken to obtain objective, sensitive values. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the usefulness and application of the ocular, nasal, thoracic, abdominal, and podal anatomical regions as thermal windows for evaluating zoo animals’ thermal response and health status. A literature search of the Web of Science, Science Direct, and PubMed databases was performed to identify relevant studies that used IRT with wild species as a complementary diagnostic tool. Implementing IRT in zoos or conservation centers could also serve as a method for determining and monitoring optimal habitat designs to meet the needs of specific animals. In addition, we analyze the limitations of using IRT with various wildlife species under human care to understand better the differences among animals and the factors that must be considered when using infrared thermography.
Preimplantation Developmental Competence of Bovine and Porcine Oocytes Activated by Zinc Chelation
Authors: Cabeza Juan P. , Cámera Juan , Briski Olinda , Felipe Minerva Yauri , Salamone Daniel F. , Gambini Andrés
Published: December 2022

After sperm-oocyte fusion, intracytoplasmic rises of calcium (Ca) induce the release of zinc (Zn) out of the oocyte (Zn sparks). Both phenomena are known to play an essential role in the oocyte activation process. Our work aimed to explore different protocols for activating bovine and porcine oocytes using the novel zinc chelator 1,10-phenanthroline (PHEN) and to compare developmental rates and quality to bovine IVF and parthenogenetic ionomycin-induced embryos in both species. Different incubation conditions for the zinc chelator were tested, including its combination with ionomycin. Embryo quality was assessed by immunofluorescence of SOX2, SOX17, OCT4, and CDX2 and total cell number at the blastocyst stage. Even though blastocyst development was achieved using a zinc chelator in bovine, bypassing calcium oscillations, developmental rates, and blastocyst quality were compromised compared to embryos generated with sperm-induced or ionomycin calcium rise. On the contrary, zinc chelation is sufficient to trigger oocyte activation in porcine. Additionally, we determined the optimal exposure to PHEN for this species. Zinc chelation and artificial induction of calcium rise combined did not improve developmental competence. Our results contribute to understanding the role of zinc during oocyte activation and preimplantation embryo development across different mammalian species.
Strategies to Mitigate and Treat Orthopaedic Device-Associated Infections
Authors: Kennedy Darragh G. , O’Mahony Aoife M. , Culligan Eamonn P. , O’Driscoll Caitriona M. , Ryan Katie B.
Published: December 2022

Orthopaedic device implants play a crucial role in restoring functionality to patients suffering from debilitating musculoskeletal diseases or to those who have experienced traumatic injury. However, the surgical implantation of these devices carries a risk of infection, which represents a significant burden for patients and healthcare providers. This review delineates the pathogenesis of orthopaedic implant infections and the challenges that arise due to biofilm formation and the implications for treatment. It focuses on research advancements in the development of next-generation orthopaedic medical devices to mitigate against implant-related infections. Key considerations impacting the development of devices, which must often perform multiple biological and mechanical roles, are delineated. We review technologies designed to exert spatial and temporal control over antimicrobial presentation and the use of antimicrobial surfaces with intrinsic antibacterial activity. A range of measures to control bio-interfacial interactions including approaches that modify implant surface chemistry or topography to reduce the capacity of bacteria to colonise the surface, form biofilms and cause infections at the device interface and surrounding tissues are also reviewed.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Antimicrobial Utilization in Hospitals among African Countries and Implications for the Future
Authors: Saleem Zikria , Godman Brian , Cook Aislinn , Khan Muhammad Arslan , Campbell Stephen M. , Seaton Ronald Andrew , Siachalinga Linda , Haseeb Abdul , Amir Afreenish , Kurdi Amanj , Mwita Julius C. , Sefah Israel Abebrese , Opanga Sylvia A. , Fadare Joseph O. , Ogunleye Olayinka O. , Meyer Johanna C. , Massele Amos , Kibuule Dan , Kalungia Aubrey C. , Shahwan Moyad , Nabayiga Hellen , Pichierri Giuseppe , Moore Catrin E.
Published: December 2022

There are serious concerns with rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across countries increasing morbidity, mortality and costs. These concerns have resulted in a plethora of initiatives globally and nationally including national action plans (NAPs) to reduce AMR. Africa is no exception, especially with the highest rates of AMR globally. Key activities in NAPs include gaining a greater understanding of current antimicrobial utilization patterns through point prevalence surveys (PPS) and subsequently instigating antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Consequently, there is a need to comprehensively document current utilization patterns among hospitals across Africa coupled with ASP studies. In total, 33 PPS studies ranging from single up to 18 hospitals were documented from a narrative review with typically over 50% of in-patients prescribed antimicrobials, up to 97.6% in Nigeria. The penicillins, ceftriaxone and metronidazole, were the most prescribed antibiotics. Appreciable extended prescribing of antibiotics up to 6 days or more post-operatively was seen across Africa to prevent surgical site infections. At least 19 ASPs have been instigated across Africa in recent years to improve future prescribing utilizing a range of prescribing indicators. The various findings resulted in a range of suggested activities that key stakeholders, including governments and healthcare professionals, should undertake in the short, medium and long term to improve future antimicrobial prescribing and reduce AMR across Africa.
Quantification of Total and Viable Cells and Determination of Serogroups and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Listeria monocytogenes in Chicken Meat from the North-Western Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Rodríguez-Melcón Cristina , Esteves Alexandra , Panera-Martínez Sarah , Capita Rosa , Alonso-Calleja Carlos
Published: December 2022

Twenty samples of minced chicken meat procured from butcher’s shops in León (Spain; 10 samples) and Vila Real (Portugal; 10 samples) were analyzed. Microbial concentrations (log10 cfu/g) of 7.53 ± 1.02 (viable aerobic microbiota), 7.13 ± 1.07 (psychrotrophic microorganisms), and 4.23 ± 0.88 (enterobacteria) were found. The detection method described in the UNE-EN ISO 11290-1 standard (based on isolation from the chromogenic medium OCLA) with confirmation by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR; lmo1030) (OCLA–PCR), revealed Listeria monocytogenes in 14 samples (70.0% of the total), nine of Spanish origin and five of Portuguese (p > 0.05). The levels of viable and inactivated L. monocytogenes in the samples were determined with a q-PCR using propidium monoazide (PMAxx) as a viability marker. Seven samples tested positive both with the OCLA–PCR and with the q-PCR, with estimated concentrations of viable cells varying between 2.15 log10 cfu/g (detection limit) and 2.94 log10 cfu/g. Three samples tested negative both with the OCLA–PCR and with the q-PCR. Seven samples were positive with the OCLA–PCR, but negative with the q-PCR, and three samples tested negative with the OCLA–PCR and positive with the q-PCR. The percentage of viable cells relative to the total ranged between 2.4% and 86.0%. Seventy isolates of L. monocytogenes (five from each positive sample) were classified in PCR serogroups with a multiplex PCR assay. L. monocytogenes isolates belonged to serogroups IIa (52 isolates; 74.3%), IIc (7; 10.0%), IVa (2; 2.9%), and IVb (9; 12.9%). The susceptibility of the 70 isolates to 15 antibiotics of clinical interest was tested. The strains presented resistance to between three and eight antibiotics. The average number of resistances was greater (p < 0.001) among strains isolated from Spanish samples (6.20 ± 1.08), than in those from Portugal (5.00 ± 1.08). In both groups of strains, a prevalence of resistance higher than 95% was observed for oxacillin, cefoxitin, cefotaxime, and cefepime. The need to handle minced chicken meat correctly, taking care to cook it sufficiently and to avoid cross-contamination, so as to reduce the danger of listeriosis, is emphasized. A combination of culture-dependent and culture-independent methods offers complementary routes for the detection in food of the cells of L. monocytogenes in various different physiological states.
Oxidized High-Density Lipoprotein Induces Endothelial Fibrosis Promoting Hyperpermeability, Hypotension, and Increased Mortality
Authors: Rojas Macarena , Prado Yolanda , Tapia Pablo , Carreño Leandro J. , Cabello-Verrugio Claudio , Simon Felipe
Published: December 2022

During systemic inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in the bloodstream, producing large amounts of oxidized HDL (oxHDL). OxHDL loses the vascular protective features of native HDL, acquiring detrimental actions. Systemic inflammation promotes endothelial fibrosis, characterized by adhesion protein downregulation and fibrotic-specific gene upregulation, disrupting endothelial monolayer integrity. Severe systemic inflammatory conditions, as found in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), exhibit endothelial hyperpermeability, hypotension, and organ hypoperfusion, promoting organ dysfunction and increased mortality. Because endothelial fibrosis disturbs the endothelium, it is proposed that it is the cellular and molecular origin of endothelial hyperpermeability and the subsequent deleterious consequences. However, whether oxHDL is involved in this process is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the fibrotic effect of oxHDL on the endothelium, to elucidate the underlying molecular and cellular mechanism, and to determine its effects on vascular permeability, blood pressure, and mortality. The results showed that oxHDL induces endothelial fibrosis through the LOX-1/NOX-2/ROS/NF-κB pathway, TGF-β secretion, and ALK-5/Smad activation. OxHDL-treated rats showed endothelial hyperpermeability, hypotension, and an enhanced risk of death and mortality, which was prevented using an ALK-5 inhibitor and antioxidant diet consumption. Additionally, the ICU patients showed fibrotic endothelial cells, and the resuscitation fluid volume administered correlated with the plasma oxHDL levels associated with an elevated risk of death and mortality. We conclude that oxHDL generates endothelial fibrosis, impacting blood pressure regulation and survival.
Small Hydropower Plants’ Impacts on the Ecological Status Indicators of Urban Rivers
Authors: Tomczyk Paweł , Wiatkowski Mirosław , Kuriqi Alban
Published: December 2022

Water is the basis of life for living creatures and is used for various purposes, especially in agriculture, industry, municipal services, and energy production. Assessing water quality in terms of its various uses is not without significance. This study investigates the water quality within two small hydropower plants (SHPs) in central European urban areas from an environmental perspective. Wrocław I and Wrocław II SHPs on the Odra River in Poland were selected as case studies. This study presents the results of four-year observations (2017–2020) conducted in different locations located upstream and downstream of the barriers. The following aspects were assessed: physicochemical status, trophic status, assessment of fish living conditions, and water quality indices. The results show that SHPs improved the average physicochemical status of the five-day biochemical oxygen demand (i.e., BOD5; by 6.19% comparing the results downstream and upstream of the SHPs), dissolved oxygen (3.85%), PO4-P (3.31%), and electrical conductivity (0.52%); however, they worsened in the case of the pH (by 2.63%) and NO3-N (by 1.83%). Water near the study cases is classified as mesotrophic or eutrophic. The conditions for salmonids and cyprinids were not met due to the increased concentrations of NO2 and BOD5 values; in the case of salmonids, also due to the temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration. The water quality indices differed and indicated the quality from poor to good, depending on the classification. This study provides important insights for policymakers regarding the awareness of the impacts of SHPs on water quality in urban areas and the immediate measure needed to be considered to improve aquatic habitat conditions.
A Novel Video Transmission Latency Measurement Method for Intelligent Cloud Computing
Authors: Wu Yiliang , Bai Xue , Hu Yendo , Chen Minghong
Published: December 2022

Low latency video transmission is gaining importance in time-critical applications using real-time cloud-based systems. Cloud-based Virtual Reality (VR), remote control, and AI response systems are emerging use cases that demand low latency and good reliability. Although there are many video transmission schemes that claim low latency, they vary over different network conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methods that can accurately measure end-to-end latency online, continuously, without any content modification. This research brings these applications one step closer to addressing these next generation use cases. This paper analyzes the cause of end-to-end latency within a video transmission system, and then proposes three methods to measure the latency: timecode, remote online, and lossless remote video online. The corresponding equipment was designed and implemented. The actual measurement of the three methods using related equipment proved that our proposed method can accurately and effectively measure the end-to-end latency of the video transmission system.
Effects of Different Adhesive Systems and Orthodontic Bracket Material on Enamel Surface Discoloration: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Alqerban Ali , Ahmed Doaa R. M. , Aljhani Ali S. , Almadhi Dalal , AlShahrani Amjad , AlAdwene Hussah , Samran Abdulaziz
Published: December 2022

The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of the type of orthodontic brackets and adhesive systems on enamel discoloration. The baseline color of the buccal surfaces of 50 extracted human premolars was recorded using a spectrophotometer according to the CIE Lab system. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups according to the bracket type and adhesive system used: Group A: metal brackets + a Three-step etch and rinse adhesive (E&R); Group B: metal brackets + a two-step self-adhesive adhesive (SE); Group C: ceramic brackets + (E&R); Group D: ceramic brackets + (SE); Group E: no bracket bonding, serving as a control. All teeth were thermocycled, the brackets were debonded, and the enamel surfaces were finished and polished. The tooth color was then re-assessed, and the change in color (∆E*) was calculated. Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in favor of ceramic brackets (ΔE = 3.77 ± 3.60; p = 0.009) and (E&R) (ΔE= 3.52 ± 2.45; p = 0.008). A significant difference was found among the different groups, with group C having the least change in color (ΔE = 2.00 ± 0.89) and group B having the highest (ΔE = 8.42 ± 5.66). Both the type of orthodontic bracket and adhesive system influenced tooth color change. The teeth bonded with ceramic and E&R had the least effect on color changes, whereas teeth bonded with metal and SE showed the highest color changes after debonding.
UAV Platforms and the SfM-MVS Approach in the 3D Surveys and Modelling: A Review in the Cultural Heritage Field
Authors: Pepe Massimiliano , Alfio Vincenzo Saverio , Costantino Domenica
Published: December 2022

In recent years, structure from motion (SfM) and multi-view stereo (MVS) algorithms have been successfully applied to stereo images generated by cameras mounted on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms to build 3D models. Indeed, the approach based on the combination of SfM-MVS and UAV-generated images allows for cost-effective acquisition, fast and automated processing, and detailed and accurate reconstruction of 3D models. As a consequence, this approach has become very popular for representation, management, and conservation in the field of cultural heritage (CH). Therefore, this review paper discusses the use of UAV photogrammetry in CH environments with a focus on state of the art trends and best practices in image acquisition technologies and 3D model-building software. In particular, this paper intends to emphasise the different techniques of image acquisition and processing in relation to the different platforms and navigation systems available, as well as to analyse and deepen the aspects of 3D reconstruction that efficiently describe the entire photogrammetric process, providing further insights for new applications in different fields, such as structural engineering and conservation and maintenance restoration of sites and structures belonging to the CH field.
Tension Performance of Precast Bridge Deck Longitudinal Joints with Different Configurations
Authors: Kang Sunho , Cho Sanghyeon , Na Hyungcheol , Han Junhee , Lee Heeyoung
Published: December 2022

Cast-in-place bridge decks cause issues such as traffic congestion, dust, noise, and air pollution at the construction site. Precast bridge deck systems address these issues by facilitating the installation of prefabricated concrete units on site. However, as cracking and leakage problems have been recently observed in the longitudinal joints that connect the precast bridge deck units of existing bridges, evaluations of the connectivity and constructability of such joints are essential. Consequently, this study experimentally investigated the structural performance of longitudinal joint configurations of six precast bridge decks with varying joint widths, steel plate configurations, and rebar details to determine the optimal joint configuration. A tensile load was applied to each joint specimen, and the resulting relative displacement across the joint was measured. Subsequently, a finite element model of the optimal joint specimen was developed and determined to exhibit behavior under loads similar to that observed during the test, confirming the ability of finite element analyses to accurately predict the behavior of such joints. The results of this study are expected to improve designs for the longitudinal joints of precast bridge deck systems, facilitating expedited bridge construction, while minimizing construction impacts.
Investigation on Spray Morphology, Droplet Dynamics, and Thermal Characteristics of Iso-Pentane Flashing Spray Based on OpenFOAM
Authors: Zhu Dong-Qing , Chen Shu-Yan , Xing Hong-Jie , Zhou Zhi-Fu , Wang Jia-Feng , Chen Bin
Published: December 2022

Leakage of high-pressure hydrocarbon liquid from a vessel or pipe may easily result in a two-phase flashing spray due to the rapid pressure drop, which might produce catastrophic consequences. Understanding the flashing spray process is essential to prevent these consequences and minimize the impact. This paper conducted a numerical study through OpenFOAM to investigate the two-phase behavior of flashing spray using a volatile and flammable substance of iso-pentane. The evolution of spray morphology and the distributions of droplet temperature, diameter, and velocity under various initial injection pressures (Pinj) and temperatures (Tinj) were investigated. The simulation result showed good agreement with the experimental result in spray morphology under various Pinj and Tinj. The simulation results indicate that a higher Pinj causes a larger gas phase diffusion length, while Tinj contributes little to this length. However, increasing the Pinj and Tinj shortens the liquid penetration distance. Near the nozzle exit field of about 10 mm, liquid droplets experience a rapid decrease in diameter and velocity along the spray central axis. Meanwhile, spray presents an obvious expansion via the introduction of a spray angle as the input boundary condition of the simulation and droplet temperature has a large gradient toward the radial direction within this field. Droplets in the spray’s downstream region achieved a more stable state with less change in droplet diameter, velocity, and temperature.
Data-Driven Approach to Modeling Biohydrogen Production from Biodiesel Production Waste: Effect of Activation Functions on Model Configurations
Authors: Hossain SK Safdar , Ayodele Bamidele Victor , Alhulaybi Zaid Abdulhamid , Alwi Muhammad Mudassir Ahmad
Published: December 2022

Biodiesel production often results in the production of a significant amount of waste glycerol. Through various technological processes, waste glycerol can be sustainably utilized for the production of value-added products such as hydrogen. One such process used for waste glycerol conversion is the bioprocess, whereby thermophilic microorganisms are utilized. However, due to the complex mechanism of the bioprocess, it is uncertain how various input parameters are interrelated with biohydrogen production. In this study, a data-driven machine-learning approach is employed to model the prediction of biohydrogen from waste glycerol. Twelve configurations consisting of the multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) and the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) were investigated. The effect of using different combinations of activation functions such as hyperbolic tangent, identity, and sigmoid on the model’s performance was investigated. Moreover, the effect of two optimization algorithms, scaled conjugate gradient and gradient descent, on the model performance was also investigated. The performance analysis of the models revealed that the manner in which the activation functions are combined in the hidden and outer layers significantly influences the performance of various models. Similarly, the model performance was also influenced by the nature of the optimization algorithms. The MLPNN models displayed better predictive performance compared to the RBFNN models. The RBFNN model with softmax as the hidden layer activation function and identity as the outer layer activation function has the least predictive performance, as indicated by an R2 of 0.403 and a RMSE of 301.55. While the MLPNN configuration with the hyperbolic tangent as the hidden layer activation function and the sigmoid as the outer layer activation function yielded the best performance as indicated by an R2 of 0.978 and a RMSE of 9.91. The gradient descent optimization algorithm was observed to help improve the model’s performance. All the input variables significantly influence the predicted biohydrogen. However, waste glycerol has the most significant effects.
Body’s Center of Mass Motion Relative to the Center of Pressure during Gait, and Its Correlation with Standing Balance in Patients with Lumbar Spondylosis
Authors: Huang Ting-Chun , Huang Hsing-Po , Wu Kuan-Wen , Pao Jwo-Luen , Chen Cheng-Kuang , Wang Ting-Ming , Lu Tung-Wu
Published: December 2022

Lumbar spondylosis (LS) is a common degenerative spine disease that often leads to impaired motor control, sensory changes, and imbalance. The current study aimed to compare the dynamic balance control between patients with LS and healthy controls in terms of inclination angles (IA) and the rate of change of IA (RCIA) of the center of mass relative to the center of pressure (COM–COP motion) during walking and to identify the correlation between dynamic balance and standing balance in patients with LS. Eleven patients with LS and eleven healthy controls performed level walking and static standing in a gait laboratory while their whole-body motion and ground reaction forces were measured to calculate the IA and RCIA. Gait temporal–spatial parameters were also recorded. Correlations between the COP motions during standing balance and COM–COP motions during gait were quantified using Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r). In the sagittal plane, the patients increased posterior IA with decreased posterior RCIA during the double-limb support phase of gait and showed decreased anterior RCIA, with small ranges of IA and RCIA during the single-limb support phase (p < 0.05). In the frontal plane, the patients increased medial–lateral ranges of RCIA and medial IA during the double-limb support phase of gait and increased medial RCIA and ranges of IA during the single-limb support phase of gait (p < 0.05). A moderate to strong correlation was found between dynamic balance and standing balance in the patients (p < 0.05). The patients presented a conservative anterior–posterior dynamic balance control but an unstable medial–lateral dynamic balance control during walking, which may be related to the decreased gait speed. The results showed that the greater the postural sway in the patients’ standing balance, the more conservative the dynamic balance control in the sagittal plane, and the greater the risk of imbalance in the frontal plane. It is thus suggested that dynamic balance control deviations during gait in patients with LS cannot be deduced solely from standing balance test data, and should thus be monitored via dynamic approaches in clinical applications.
Design of a Wide-Bandwidth, High-Gain and Easy-to-Manufacture 2.4 GHz Floating Patch Antenna Fed with the Through-Wire Technique
Authors: Fernandez Marcos D. , Herraiz Darío , Herraiz David , Alomainy Akram , Belenguer Angel
Published: December 2022

This paper presents a feasibility study for designing a floating patch antenna structure fed with a probe from a microstrip. The main premise is to eliminate the dielectric in the patch design, which is equivalent to having an air dielectric and leads to the necessity of proper support to fasten the patch in the air. The novelty of this paper is that this new device, apart from being fed with the though-wire technique directly from the microstrip line, has to be, by design, robust and easy to manufacture, and, at the same time, it has to present, simultaneously, good values in all of the performance indexes. A prototype has been designed, manufactured, and measured with good performance results: a bandwidth higher than 10% around 2.4 GHz, a radiation efficiency higher than 96%, a 9.63 dBi gain, and a wide beamwidth. The main advantages of this prototype, together with its good performance indexes, include its low fabrication cost, low losses, light weight, robustness, high integration capability, the complete removal of the dielectric material, and the use of a single post for feeding the patch while simultaneously fixing its floating position.
Optimal Solar Farm Site Selection in the George Town Conurbation Using GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and NASA POWER Data
Authors: Bandira Puteri Nur Atiqah , Tan Mou Leong , Teh Su Yean , Samat Narimah , Shaharudin Shazlyn Milleana , Mahamud Mohd Amirul , Tangang Fredolin , Juneng Liew , Chung Jing Xiang , Samsudin Mohd Saiful
Published: December 2022

Many countries are committed to boosting renewable energy in their national energy mix by 2030 through the support and incentives for solar energy harnessing. However, the observed solar data limitation may result in ineffective decision making, regarding solar farm locations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to utilise GIS-based multi criteria decision making (MCDM) and NASA POWER data to identify the optimal locations for solar farm installations, with the George Town Conurbation as a case study. Although NASA POWER is tailored for the application, at least, on the regional level, the information it provided on the solar radiation and the maximum and minimum temperatures are deemed useful for the initial solar mapping attempt at the local level, especially in the absence or lack of local data. The performance of the GIS-based MCDM model is categorized as good in identifying solar farms. There are no significant differences in the area under the curve (AUC) values between the map of the NASA POWER data and ground-measured data. This indicates the potential of using the NASA POWER data for generating the much-needed initial insights for the local optimal solar farm site selection. The stakeholders can benefit from the suitability map generated to effectively target the locations that have the highest potential to generate solar energy efficiently and sustainably.
Ability of the Right Ventricle to Serve as a Systemic Ventricle in Response to the Volume Overload at the Neonatal Stage
Authors: Zhou Chunxia , Li Debao , Cui Qing , Sun Qi , Hu Yuqing , Xiao Yingying , Jiang Chuan , Qiu Lisheng , Zhang Haibo , Ye Lincai , Sun Yanjun
Published: December 2022

Background: In children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), volume overload (VO) is inevitable, and the right ventricle (RV) pumps blood into the systemic circulation. Understanding the molecular differences and their different responses to VO between the RV and left ventricle (LV) at the neonatal and highly plastic stages may improve the long-term management of children with HLHS. Methods and Results: A neonatal rat ventricular VO model was established by the creation of a fistula between the inferior vena cava and the abdominal aorta on postnatal day 1 (P1) and confirmed by echocardiographic and histopathological analyses. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that some of the major differences between a normal neonatal RV and LV were associated with the thyroid hormone and insulin signaling pathways. Under the influence of VO, the levels of insulin receptors and thyroid hormone receptors were significantly increased in the LV but decreased in the RV. The transcriptomic analysis also demonstrated that under the influence of VO, the top two common enriched pathways between the RV and LV were the insulin and thyroid hormone signaling pathways, whereas the RV-specific enriched pathways were primarily associated with lipid metabolism and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC); further, the LV-specific enriched pathways were primarily associated with nucleic acid metabolism and microRNAs in cancer. Conclusions: Insulin and thyroid hormones may play critical roles in the differences between a neonatal RV and LV as well as their common responses to VO. Regarding the isolated responses to VO, the RV favors an ARVC change and the LV favors a reduction in microRNAs in cancer. The current study suggests that insulin, thyroid hormone, and cancer-associated microRNAs are potential therapeutic targets that should be explored by basic science studies to improve the function of the RV to match that of the LV.
Modification of Antibiotic Activity by Fixed Oil of the Artocarpus heterophyllus Almond against Standard and Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Strains
Authors: Dias Cícera Janayne Ferreira , Raposo António , de Sousa Cícera Dayane Thais , de Araújo-Neto José Bezerra , Tintino Saulo Relison , Oliveira-Tintino Cícera Datiane de Morais , Araújo Isaac Moura , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Costa Mayra Garcia Maia , Lima Cleidiane Gomes , de Alencar Mairlane Silva , Carrascosa Conrado , Saraiva Ariana , de Sousa Erlânio Oliveira
Published: December 2022

Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) is an evergreen tree distributed in tropical regions and is among the most studied species of the genus Artocarpus. The jackfruit almond has been highlighted in relation to phytochemical studies, biological properties, and application in the development of food products. This study aimed to analyze jackfruit fixed oil regarding chemical components, antibacterial property alone, and in association with antibiotics against standard and MDR bacteria strains. In the analysis of the oil by gas chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID), a high content of saturated fatty acids (78.51%) was identified in relation to unsaturated fatty acids (17.07%). The main fatty acids identified were lauric acid (43.01%), myristic acid (11.10%), palmitic acid (6.95%), and oleic acid (15.32%). In the antibacterial analysis, broth microdilution assays were used. The oil presented minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥ 1024 μg/mL in antibacterial analysis for standard and MDR bacterial strains. The oil showed synergistic effects in the association with gentamicin, ofloxacin, and penicillin against MDR strains, with significant reductions in the MIC of antibiotics. The results suggest that the fixed oil of A. heterophyllus has fatty acids with the potential to synergistically modify antibiotic activity.