bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation and Optimization of a Self-Cleaning Device for the Header of a Rice Seed Harvester Using Fluent–EDEM Coupling
Authors: Qing Yiren , Chen Lu , Chen Dongquan , Wang Peiyu , Sun Wenbin , Yang Ranbing
Published: December 2024

Rice seed production is a critical step in breeding high-quality varieties. To ensure seed purity, it is essential that no residual grains or broken ears remain in the harvester header after harvesting each variety, thus preventing cross-contamination. This study addresses the issue of seed retention in existing rice harvesters, which lack efficient self-cleaning or other cleaning mechanisms and cannot be cleaned rapidly. A self-cleaning device for the harvester header was designed to enable one-click cleaning after harvesting a single variety. A novel cleaning nozzle was developed as the key component of the device, with its structure optimized through single-factor and orthogonal combination experiments. The number of nozzles was determined based on their spray width and the header width. A header-cleaning airflow simulation model based on Fluent–EDEM coupling was constructed to investigate the effects of nozzle inlet pressure, airflow incident angle, and nozzle outlet height on the self-cleaning rate. Optimal cleaning parameters were identified to maximize the self-cleaning rate, and the simulation results were validated. The study revealed that the nozzle’s expansion section length, throat diameter, and contraction section length significantly affect the spray width. When the expansion section length was 10 mm, the throat diameter was 8 mm, and the contraction section length was 8 mm, the nozzle achieved the largest jet angle, measuring 50.3 cm. Further analysis indicated that inlet air pressure had the greatest influence on the self-cleaning rate, followed by airflow incident angle and nozzle outlet height. The optimal parameter combination was identified as an inlet air pressure of 0.6 Mpa, an airflow incident angle of 118.25°, and a nozzle outlet height of 2.64 mm, achieving a maximum self-cleaning rate of 99.63%. A one-click cleaning system was designed using an STM32 microcontroller and hardware circuits. Field experiments under optimal parameters demonstrated a self-cleaning rate of 97.68% with a cleaning duration of 10 s per cycle. The findings provide theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of self-cleaning headers for rice seed production.
Study on Soil Water and Nitrogen Transport Characteristics of Unidirectional Intersection Infiltration with Muddy Water Fertilization Film Hole Irrigation
Authors: Fan Qianwen , Fei Liangjun , Zhao Penghui , Shen Fangyuan , Gao Yalin
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the effects of film hole diameter and soil bulk density on the unidirectional intersection infiltration laws of muddy water fertilization film hole irrigation. Indoor soil box infiltration experiments were conducted. The thickness of the sediment layer, cumulative infiltration amount per unit area, vertical wetting front transport distance, moisture distribution in the wetting body, and nitrate and ammonium nitrogen transport laws were observed and analyzed. The results indicated that both the thickness of the sediment layer and the cumulative infiltration per unit area are inversely correlated with film hole diameter and soil bulk density. Conversely, the vertical wetting front transport distance and nitrogen content are positively correlated with film hole diameter, while exhibiting a negative correlation with soil bulk density. Notably, the initial point of intersection for the moist body was located below the soil surface, with the peak vertical soil moisture content at the intersection approximately 1.5 cm beneath the surface. The distribution pattern of soil nitrate nitrogen at the conclusion of infiltration mirrored that of water content, characterized by a sharp decline near the wetting front. In contrast, soil ammonium nitrogen content decreased significantly in the shallow soil layer as soil depth increased, without a corresponding abrupt decrease near the wetting front. These findings may provide a theoretical foundation for future research on the intersection infiltration laws of muddy water fertilization through film hole irrigation.
Impacts of Weed Resistance to Glyphosate on Herbicide Commercialization in Brazil
Authors: Procópio Sergio de Oliveira , Barizon Robson Rolland Monticelli , Pazianotto Ricardo Antônio Almeida , Morandi Marcelo Augusto Boechat , Braz Guilherme Braga Pereira
Published: December 2024

Herbicides are essential tools for the phytosanitary security of agricultural areas, but their excessive use can cause problems in agricultural production systems and have negative impacts on human health and the environment. The objective of this study was to present and discuss the main causes behind the increase in herbicide commercialization in Brazil between 2010 and 2020. Data from the Brazilian pesticide database, provided by the Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA), were used. In 2010 and 2020, Brazil sold 157,512 and 329,697 tons of herbicide active ingredients, respectively, representing a 128.1% increase in commercialization over 11 years. Some herbicides, such as clethodim, haloxyfop-methyl, triclopyr, glufosinate, 2,4-D, diclosulam, and flumioxazin, showed increases in sales volumes between 2010 and 2020 of 2672.8%, 896.9%, 953.5%, 290.2%, 233.8%, 561.3%, and 531.6%, respectively, percentages far exceeding the expansion of Brazil’s agricultural area. The primary reason for this sharp increase in herbicide sales was the worsening cases of weeds resistant and tolerant to glyphosate, with species such as Conyza spp., Amaranthus spp., Digitaria insularis, and Eleusine indica standing out. This situation created the necessity of the use of additional herbicides to achieve effective chemical control of these weed species.
Mean Normalization Improved Genome-Wide Association Detection Power of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Grain and Flour Quality Traits with Year-to-Year Variation
Authors: Penning Bryan W.
Published: December 2024

Grain and flour quality traits affect marketing potential and milling and baking properties. Trait means varied in fourteen wheat grain and flour quality traits for a population of 188 diverse soft winter wheat varieties harvested from 2020 to 2023 at the same location. Significant weather differences occurred yearly. This created a challenge for the detection of chromosome locations affecting these traits through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Mean normalization using standard deviation to transform raw data to Z scores has been used successfully in other statistical analyses of biological systems with mean differences. Mean normalization was applied to a GWAS, improving detection power for thirteen grain and flour quality traits with high broad-sense heritability. It did not improve the lone trait with low heritability. Improvement was measured as the reduction in the p-value of mean normalized data compared with raw data for the same significant marker using the same GWAS model in the same trait. Improvement varied by trait and marker, but the average p-value of 135 common significant marker/GWAS model combinations was reduced 27 times with mean normalization over raw averaged data. Mean normalization reduced p-values ~1800 times when compared with a GWAS using best linear unbiased predictors. However, the best linear unbiased predictors led to only 15 common marker/GWAS model combinations with mean normalization, limiting the ability for direct marker comparison. Test weight, kernel protein, kernel weight, sodium carbonate solvent retention capacity, and sucrose solvent retention capacity showed the greatest increased detection power.
Advancing Grapevine Variety Identification: A Systematic Review of Deep Learning and Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Carneiro Gabriel A. , Cunha António , Aubry Thierry J. , Sousa Joaquim
Published: December 2024

The Eurasian grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most extensively cultivated horticultural crop worldwide, with significant economic relevance, particularly in wine production. Accurate grapevine variety identification is essential for ensuring product authenticity, quality control, and regulatory compliance. Traditional identification methods have inherent limitations limitations; ampelography is subjective and dependent on skilled experts, while molecular analysis is costly and time-consuming. To address these challenges, recent research has focused on applying deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) techniques for grapevine variety identification. This study systematically analyses 37 recent studies that employed DL and ML models for this purpose. The objective is to provide a detailed analysis of classification pipelines, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each approach. Most studies use DL models trained on leaf images captured in controlled environments at distances of up to 1.2 m. However, these studies often fail to address practical challenges, such as the inclusion of a broader range of grapevine varieties, using data directly acquired in the vineyards, and the evaluation of models under adverse conditions. This review also suggests potential directions for advancing research in this field.
Effects of Excimer Fluorescent UV Lamps on Mold and Fruit Quality in Strawberries
Authors: Takano Yujiro , Ninohei Ryuta , Koike Ayano , Serizawa Izumi , Mochizuki Yuya
Published: December 2024

Excimer fluorescent ultraviolet (UV) lamps (UV–228) function as mercury–free sources that use excimer emissions as excitation light sources. First, we evaluated the effects of UV–228–based irradiation (λmax = 228 nm) on the viability of fungi, using Penicillium digitatum, and compared these effects with those of other light sources, such as OEL–222 (λmax = 222 nm) and GL–6 (λmax = 254 nm), to evaluate the effectiveness of the excimer fluorescent lamp. Next, we investigated the effects of UV–228–based irradiation on strawberry storage. Although UV–228 affected weight loss, Brix, ascorbic acid, polyphenol, and DPPH, the effects of UV irradiation for 5 min on strawberry fruit quality were minimal; i.e., only weight loss and ascorbic acid content were higher than those in the non–irradiated treatment. We found that 5 min of UV–C irradiation using UV–228 prevented mold emergence for up to 11 days of storage in strawberries These results indicate that UV–228 contributes to long–term strawberry storage.
Machine Learning-Based Network Anomaly Detection: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation
Authors: Schummer Pilar , del Rio Alberto , Serrano Javier , Jimenez David , Sánchez Guillermo , Llorente Álvaro
Published: December 2024

Background: In the last decade, numerous methods have been proposed to define and detect outliers, particularly in complex environments like networks, where anomalies significantly deviate from normal patterns. Although defining a clear standard is challenging, anomaly detection systems have become essential for network administrators to efficiently identify and resolve irregularities. Methods: This study develops and evaluates a machine learning-based system for network anomaly detection, focusing on point anomalies within network traffic. It employs both unsupervised and supervised learning techniques, including change point detection, clustering, and classification models, to identify anomalies. SHAP values are utilized to enhance model interpretability. Results: Unsupervised models effectively captured temporal patterns, while supervised models, particularly Random Forest (94.3%), demonstrated high accuracy in classifying anomalies, closely approximating the actual anomaly rate. Conclusions: Experimental results indicate that the system can accurately predict network anomalies in advance. Congestion and packet loss were identified as key factors in anomaly detection. This study demonstrates the potential for real-world deployment of the anomaly detection system to validate its scalability.
Effects of Triacetin on AMPK Activation and Immune Responses in Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Yoshimura Yukihiro , Takahashi Momoka
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), an inflammatory skin condition, is commonly treated with topical corticosteroids; however, long-term use of these drugs is associated with various risks, such as skin atrophy and steroid resistance. Triacetin (TA), a triglyceride metabolized to acetate, exerts anti-inflammatory affects by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and suppressing mast cell degranulation. Here, we aimed to assess the immediate and long-term effects of TA on ACD suppression, focusing on AMPK activation, using a 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced rodent model. Methods: Various concentrations of TA were topically applied to rats with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced dermatitis. Ear thickness was measured, and histological analysis was performed to assess the inflammation, mast cell infiltration, and degranulation in the established models. AMPK activation was analyzed via Western blotting, and TA degradation was assessed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Dorsomorphin (an AMPK inhibitor) was used to evaluate the effects of AMPK on ACD. Results: TA significantly inhibited inflammation and mast cell degranulation in a dose-dependent manner, with 0.25 mmol/L showing the most potent effects. It also activated AMPK activation. Notably, AMPK inhibition reversed the effects of TA. Conclusions: Overall, TA exerted immediate and long-term anti-inflammatory effects via AMPK activation and inhibition of mast cell degranulation, showing potential as a non-steroidal therapeutic for ACD.
16S rRNA Sequencing Analysis Uncovers Dose-Dependent Cupric Chloride Effects on Silkworm Gut Microbiome Composition and Diversity
Authors: Rong Wantao , Wei Yanqi , Chen Yazhen , Huang Lida , Huang Shuiwang , Lv Yiwei , Guan Delong , Li Xiaodong
Published: December 2024

Copper-based pesticides are extensively used in agriculture, yet their impacts on beneficial insects remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate how cupric chloride exposure affects the gut microbiome of Bombyx mori, a model organism crucial for silk production. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we analyzed the gut bacterial communities of fifth-instar silkworm larvae exposed to different concentrations of cupric chloride (0, 4, and 8 g/kg) in an artificial diet. The high-dose exposure dramatically altered the microbial diversity and community structure, where the Bacteroidota abundance decreased from 50.43% to 23.50%, while Firmicutes increased from 0.93% to 18.92%. A network analysis revealed complex interactions between the bacterial genera, with Proteobacteria and Firmicutes emerging as key players in the community response to copper stress. The functional prediction indicated significant shifts in metabolic pathways and genetic information processing in the high-dose group. Notably, the low-dose treatment induced minimal changes in both the taxonomic composition and predicted functions, suggesting a threshold effect in the microbiome response to copper exposure. Our findings provide novel insights into how agricultural chemicals influence insect gut microbiota and highlight potential implications for silkworm health and silk production. This work contributes to understanding the ecological impacts of copper-based pesticides and may inform evidence-based policies for their use in sericulture regions.
Longitudinal Follow-Up of Clinical Superficial Ovine Caseous Lymphadenitis
Authors: El Khalfaoui Nora , El Amiri Bouchra , Rahim Abdellatif , Chentouf Mouad , Raes Marianne , Marcotty Tanguy , Kirschvink Nathalie
Published: December 2024

Caseous lymphadenitis is an infectious disease that has a significant economic impact on sheep breeding. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of season, animals’ age, sex, body score and shearing on the clinical incidence of caseous lymphadenitis, relapses and abscess location in sheep from Settat province, Morocco. In this longitudinal study, 274 clinically healthy sheep were recruited in six flocks among 1451 inspected sheep and followed during 12 months to cover four seasons. The animals involved in this study were assigned to different age categories at continuous recruitment from February to July 2021 (lambs younger than 6 months, young sheep between 6 and 24 months and old sheep more than 24 months) and to sex categories. Selected animals were clinically examined every 2 months to detect superficial abscesses by palpation of superficial lymph nodes. Information about the number of abscesses and their locations was recorded and analyzed in multivariable statistical models. The results showed that 185/274 (67.5%) of the monitored animals developed superficial CL abscesses. The risk ratio (RR) of superficial CL was significantly higher between April and September compared to between January and March (RR~4.4; p < 0.0001). No significant difference was found between October and December compared to between January and March (RR = 1.2; p = 0.64). Regarding the effect of age, the results revealed that the RR was significantly lower in old sheep compared to lambs (RR = 0.45, p < 0.0001). No significant difference was detected between lambs and young sheep (RR = 0.7, p = 0.07). The prevalence of caudally located abscesses (prefemoral and popliteal lymph nodes, as well as in testicles, scrotum and mammary glands) was significantly higher in old sheep than in lambs (20% versus 3%; odds ratio = 7.8, p = 0.02). The sex, body score and shearing since the last examination did not show any significant effect on CL incidence (p > 0.1). Abscess relapse was significantly lower in old sheep than in lambs (IRR = 0.4, p = 0.003). The highest clinical CL incidence was observed in young animals between April and September and was likely due to indoor intensive rearing management. To conclude, both season and age had significant effects on superficial CL incidence. Farmers, veterinarians and technicians should focus attention and preventive measures against CL on young animals during spring and summer.
Comparing Preferred Temperatures and Evaporative Water Loss Rates in Two Syntopic Populations of Lacertid Lizard Species
Authors: Ćorović Jelena , Ćosić Nada , Crnobrnja-Isailović Jelka
Published: December 2024

Many reptiles actively regulate their body temperature. During thermoregulation, they suffer evaporative water loss (EWL). Since evaporation increases with temperature, EWL could limit the activity of ectotherms when water is not available. In this study, we compared the preferred body temperatures (Tp) and EWL of two lacertid lizard species, Darevskia praticola and Podarcis muralis, at the western edge of D. praticola’s range, where they live in syntopy. We hypothesized that D. praticola, a species that inhabits forested and humid environments, would have a higher EWL than the more widespread P. muralis. Our results show that D. praticola prefers lower temperatures (mean Tp = 28.1 °C) than P. muralis (mean Tp = 30.6 °C). Despite the differences in their thermal preferences, both species showed similar total EWL (2.76% for D. praticola and 2.67% for P. muralis), although their daily patterns of water loss differed. Our results suggest that D. praticola has developed mechanisms to control water loss and that its lower thermal preference may be due to both historical factors and local adaptations. These results contribute to the understanding of how environmental factors influence the physiology of lizards, which in turn has implications for predicting the effects of climate change on species distribution.
A Rheological Study of Creams and Gels Containing N-Acetyl Glucosamine in Nanoparticle Form: The Advantages of a Bioengineered Strategy for Natural Anti-Inflammatory Substance Vehiculation
Authors: Mariano Alessia , Scotto d’Abusco Anna , Ammendola Sergio
Published: December 2024

Topical formulations that include natural active compounds to treat inflamed and aching skin are favored by patients. Small local producers use commercial creams and gels to which they add compounds, often with criteria based more on trends than scientific evidence, to obtain products to treat inflamed joints or skin. Based on our previous studies that demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Harpagophytum procumbens extracts and N-acetylglucosamine, we were interested in preparing formulations with these natural substances for topical applications. In the present study, we compared the rheological properties of various creams and gels with bulk and nanoparticle forms of N-acetylglucosamine added, focusing on the flow properties of multiphase emulsion. Moreover, the ability of nanoparticles to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production was demonstrated in both chondrocyte and fibroblast spheroids. The results showed the activity of nano-N-acetylglucosamine in our cell models, suggesting its suitability for use as a component in creams and gels. Furthermore, its ability to affect the flow properties of commercial creams and gels makes it an ideal component of topical formulations for the treatment of inflamed skin and joints.
Prevention of the Fracture Problem Occurring in Automotive Alternator Heatsink Blocks Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Kökden Dinçer , Egi Adem , Bulut Emre , Albak Emre İsa , Korkmaz İbrahim , Öztürk Ferruh
Published: December 2024

In this study, prevention of fracture in vibration fatigue testing of automotive alternator heatsink blocks was investigated using an artificial neural network. Automotive components such as alternator heatsink blocks are subjected to high cyclic vibration fatigue loads throughout their lifespan, which can lead to the formation and propagation of fatigue cracks and ultimately component failure. The basic parameters affecting the resonant frequency of the heatsink blocks, including geometry and loading conditions, are determined. Data-driven decision making provides advanced predictive insights to analyze data for prediction and decisions using artificial intelligence approaches. An efficient artificial neural network model was defined to predict the resonance frequency in the vibration fatigue test. While the artificial neural network was trained to establish a functional relationship between the parameters and the resonance frequency, regression analysis was used to develop a predictive model to detect the resonance frequency of the heatsinks. The proposed approach aims to provide a comprehensive framework for preventing fracture problems in vibration fatigue tests of automotive alternator heatsinks and ultimately contribute to the reliable design and performance of these critical components. While the artificial neural network approach achieved high classification accuracy in predicting the new natural frequency, the regression model was also able to make accurate predictions. The results of this study showed that the time spent on design and simulation can be significantly reduced in preventing breakage problems that may occur before dynamic tests such as vibration tests of alternator components.
Four-Channel Polarimetric-Spectral Intensity Modulation Imager
Authors: Bo Jian , Ju Xueping , Yan Changxiang
Published: December 2024

To solve the problems of channel crosstalk and edge jitter caused by the Fourier transform demodulation of polarimetric-spectral intensity modulation in polarization spectral data, this paper proposes a Four-Channel Polarimetric Spectrometer (FCPS) with two groups of polarimetric-spectral intensity modulation (PSIM). FCPS can demodulate the full Stokes spectra information by system matrix calibration in the spatial domain. The traditional channel filtering method and the FCPS data demodulation method are simulated, and their results are compared. The simulated results show that the FCPS does not have the problem of the edge jitter, and the demodulation accuracy is higher. It is confirmed that the angle error of phase retarders has little influence on the data reconstruction, and the maximum allowable angle error of the calibration light linear polarizer cannot exceed 0.4°.
Influence of Accumulated Geotechnical Deterioration on Semi-Detailed Scale Landslide Phenomena: Cortinas Sector, Toledo, Colombia
Authors: Ballesteros Carlos Andrés Buenahora , Martínez-Graña Antonio Miguel , Yenes Mariano
Published: December 2024

In the initial investigations of hazard assessment for the Cortinas sector at a 1:25,000 scale, researchers validated the hypothesis that the terrain must be under specific magnitudes of conditioning factors for an instability event to occur, which does not depend only on certain critical thresholds of rainfall and earthquakes. This process was termed accumulated geotechnical deterioration (AGD). A larger-scale analysis of geotechnical criteria was conducted based on data obtained from direct exploration and geophysics, examining conditions prior to slope failure, immediately after failure, and several years later. The results showed that, indeed, the terrain experienced an increase in deterioration that, under the influence of a critical rainfall event, led to failure; however, the stability of the terrain later recovered to the point that failure did not occur under similar rainfall events. In accordance with this, a novel method of analysis is established herein at a 1:5000 scale, which uses AGD to predict instability events by calculating the safety factor derived from the application of the infinite slope formula in a GIS framework. By incorporating specific variables and field measurements, a better approximation for the prediction of an instability event can be achieved. This study identifies the innovative factors of this method and provides a baseline for future research.
A Hybrid Model for Freight Train Air Brake Condition Monitoring
Authors: Galimberti Alessandro , Zanelli Federico , Tomasini Gisella
Published: December 2024

The Digital Freight Train is expected to revolutionise the rail freight industry. A critical aspect of this transformation is real-time condition monitoring of air brake systems, which are among the leading causes of train malfunctions. To achieve this goal, advanced algorithms for air brake modelling are required. This paper introduces a computationally efficient air brake model tailored for real-time diagnostic applications. A hybrid approach, integrating both empirical data and simplified fluid-dynamic equations, has been adopted. Compared to other air brake models found in the literature, the innovative contributions of the presented model are the reduction of the number of required parameters and the estimation of the brake cylinder pressure directly from the main brake pipe pressure using a feed-forward approach. Moreover, a new approach in the evaluation of the first braking phase and the brake cylinder pressure build-up as the saturation of the brake mode is presented. The model input includes the main brake pipe pressure, the weighing valve pressure, and the brake mode, and the output includes the pressure at the brake cylinder. The air brake model has been validated using data from a previous experimental campaign. The model’s accuracy in replicating the air brake system mechanism makes it well-suited for future development of model-based algorithms designed for air brake fault detection.
Potential Effect of Defatted Mealworm Hydrolysate on Muscle Protein Synthesis in C2C12 Cells and Rats
Authors: Choi Seo-Hyun , Jung Tae-Hwan , Han Kyoung-Sik
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: the objective of this study was to examine the impact of defatted mealworm hydrolysate (DMH), formulated through protein hydrolysis, on muscle protein synthesis in C2C12 cells and rats; (2) Methods: C2C12 cells were treated with dexamethasone and DMH, and cell viability was quantified using the MTT assay. Twenty-four Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups (control, DEX, and DEX + DMH) and treated for 8 weeks. The DEX and DEX + DMH groups were administered intraperitoneal injections of DEX at a concentration of 2.25 mg/kg over a 3-d period. The control and DEX groups were fed a control diet, whereas the DMH group had part of the protein composition of the control diet replaced with 3.5% of DMH. The impact of DMH on muscle protein synthesis was evaluated through the measurement of grip strength, gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle weights, and the investigation of muscle protein synthesis and degradation factor mRNA expression utilising the real-time PCR method; (3) Results: in vitro experiments demonstrated that treatment with DMH at concentrations greater than 5 mg/mL markedly alleviated DEX-induced injury in C2C12 cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of myogenin and myoblast determination proteins, which promote muscle protein synthesis, were significantly increased. Furthermore, rats fed DMH exhibited significantly enhanced grip strength and tibialis anterior weight; (4) Conclusions: these findings indicate that DMH may serve as a functional material capable of promoting muscle protein synthesis and that the utilization of proteolytic enzymes is advantageous for the effective utilization of mealworms.
A Systematic Socio-Ecological Impact/Aptitude Land Planning Assessment Model to Determine the Land Capacity Under Presence of Critical Endemism
Authors: Blesa-Marco Zbigniew-Emil , Agulló-Torres Asunción-María , Del Campo-Gomis Francisco-José , Navarro-Pedreño José
Published: December 2024

Human activities have a major impact on ecosystems, causing significant changes in the environment. Human activities can lead to a significant alteration and reduction in the variety of species. In the last few decades, there has been a shift in the sustainable approach to land planning and management. This article introduces a novel model for assessing land planning impact/capacity systematically, which takes into account the phytobiological value of a landscape and focuses on conserving and restoring endemic species. The land carrying capacity of a region was assessed for various land uses and potential future situations. The study took place in the province of Alicante (Spain), where the native plant Vella lucentina was discovered. Findings showed that only 34% of the proposed activities could be carried out without impacting endemism. There are only two possible activities that could be carried out without affecting endemism, namely scientific–cultural activities and the occasional harvesting of aromatic species. Simultaneously, four activities can be carried out carefully, which are maintaining current activities, restoring ecosystems, planting trees, and managing grazing. Finally, camping, extensive agriculture, and urbanization are three activities that are not compatible with the presence of endemism.
Data Mining Approaches in Predicting Entrepreneurial Intentions Based on Internet Marketing Applications
Authors: Krivokuća Milan , Bakator Mihalj , Ćoćkalo Dragan , Vidas-Bubanja Marijana , Makitan Vesna , Djordjević Luka , Novaković Borivoj , Ugrinov Stefan
Published: December 2024

Amidst the globalization of markets, there has been a continuous intensification of competitiveness between enterprises. The modern business environment has caused a shift in how business is conducted. Opportunities and challenges arise, which put a tremendous pressure on enterprises regardless of size and industry. Entrepreneurship in enterprises plays an important role in obtaining a competitive edge in the market. Thus, entrepreneurial intentions in enterprises can often shape the future and survival of the enterprise. In this paper, the prediction of entrepreneurial intentions in enterprises through Internet marketing predictors is addressed. For this, several statistical methods in data mining were used. First, simpler approaches such as linear regression, logistic regression were used. Afterward, classifier decision trees QUEST (quick, unbiased, efficient, statistical tree), and CHAID (chi-squared automatic interaction detection) were used. The sample for analysis was 137 enterprises from Serbia. Furthermore, a supervised machine learning algorithm, support vector machine (SVM) was used. Finally, a feed-forward neural network (FNN) was applied. The results varied across the applied approach, thus providing significant insights into the dynamics of data mining for prediction outcomes in an enterprise setting.
Enhancing the Performance of Layered Wood Composites Through the Non-Food Application of Dietary Fiber in Their Bonding Matrix
Authors: Wronka Marta , Wronka Anita , Kowaluk Grzegorz
Published: December 2024

Rye flour is a commonly used filler in plywood production, made from finely ground rye grains. It enhances glue viscosity, ensuring even distribution and better adhesion, which improves the plywood’s mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and resistance to warping. Additionally, rye flour increases the plywood’s strength and durability, making it more resistant to mechanical damage and external factors. Its affordability and availability further support its widespread use in plywood production. However, the growing availability of new raw materials has sparked interest in alternative fillers, especially considering food waste challenges caused by low demand or poor household management. This study explores the potential of spirulina, bamboo flour, lupine flour, and coconut flour as alternative fillers to rye flour, being part of the food chain, in three-layer plywood production. Plywood panels were manufactured using birch and pine veneers, urea-formaldehyde resin, and varying filler contents (10, 15, and 20 parts by weight/pbw). Key mechanical properties were evaluated, including modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), shear strength, density profile, and filler water absorption. The highest MOE for hardwood plywood was observed with coconut flour (20 pbw, 17,228 N mm−2). Conversely, the lowest MOE values were recorded for coniferous plywood with spirulina (8440 N mm−2). For MOR, the best performance in softwood was achieved using lupine flour (10 pbw, 113 N mm−2), while coconut flour yielded the highest MOR in hardwood plywood (20 pbw, 177 N mm−2). Spirulina exhibited the lowest MOR (72 N mm−2, 15 pbw). Shear strength peaked with lupine and coconut flour. The filler composition determines adhesive properties and bond performance through water absorption, structural interactions, and filler content optimization. These findings emphasize the potential for fine-tuning alternative fillers to achieve desired mechanical performance, ensuring sustainable and efficient plywood production. These also demonstrate the potential of certain alternative fillers, particularly coconut and lupine flours, excluded from the food value chain, in improving specific properties of plywood.
Flow-Induced Stress Analysis of a Large Francis Turbine Under Different Loads in a Wide Operation Range
Authors: Huang Xingxing , Ou Hua , Huang Hao , Wang Zhengwei , Wang Gang
Published: December 2024

Francis turbines, being widely used in hydropower plants, operate under different loads which significantly affect their hydraulic characteristics and structural dynamics. It is essential to carry out the flow-induced dynamics analysis of the large prototype Francis turbines under different loads in a wide load operation range to optimize the hydraulic performance, ensure structural reliability, and prevent mechanical failure. This work analyzes the flow-induced dynamics of a large Francis turbine prototype with a rated power of 46 MW. Computer-aided design (CAD) models of the Francis turbine unit are first constructed, including the fluid and structural domains. After generating the computational meshes of the flow passages in the Francis turbine unit, Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations are carried out under four typical operating conditions from 25% load to 100% load, and the pressure files obtained from CFD calculations are applied to the finite element model to analyze the flow-induced stresses of the runner. The results show that the pressure inside the Francis turbine runner decreases gradually from the spiral case to the draft tube under 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% loads, but the local pressure distribution in the crown chamber of the Francis turbine unit varies under different loads. The locations of the maximum stress of the runner under the four different operating conditions vary with the power output. The flow-induced maximum stress of the runner at 25% load is located on the chamfer of the connection between the blade trailing edge and the crown. But from 50% load to 100% load, the maximum stress of the runner appears on the chamfer of the connection between the blade leading edge and the band. From 25% load to full load, the maximum stress of the unit is one-fifth of the yield stress of the runner material, and the runner will not be damaged during normal use. The calculation method with a fully three-dimensional fluid–structure interaction (FSI) method and the conclusions proposed in this study can provide important references for the design and evaluation of other hydraulic turbine units.
Synthesis and In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Pyrrolidone Derivatives Bearing 3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl Moiety as a Promising Anticancer Scaffold
Authors: Kavaliauskas Povilas , Sapijanskaitė-Banevič Birutė , Grybaitė Birutė , Mickevičiūtė Eglė , Anusevičius Kazimieras , Garcia Andrew , Naing Ethan , Petraitienė Rūta , Petraitis Vidmantas , Grigalevičiūtė Ramunė , Mickevičius Vytautas
Published: December 2024

A series of 5-oxo-1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid derivatives–hydrazones, N-ethylhydrazones, pyrrole, pyrazole, oxadiazole, and triazole were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity using human A549 pulmonary epithelial cells (ATCC CCl-185). The in vitro viability inhibitory effects of the compounds were assessed using the MTT assay. The characterization of the anticancer activity of the synthesized compounds showed that the incorporation of 1,3,4-oxadiazolethione and 4-aminotriazolethione rings into the molecular structures obviously enhances the anticancer activity against human A549 lung epithelial cells, reducing their viability to 28.0% and 29.6%, respectively. The anticancer activity of these azole derivatives was significantly higher than that of cytarabine. Further studies are needed to better optimize 5-oxo-1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid derivatives and enhance their in vitro anticancer activity.
A Survey of Grapheme-to-Phoneme Conversion Methods
Authors: Cheng Shiyang , Zhu Pengcheng , Liu Jueting , Wang Zehua
Published: December 2024

Grapheme-to-phoneme conversion (G2P) is the task of converting letters (grapheme sequences) into their pronunciations (phoneme sequences). It plays a crucial role in natural language processing, text-to-speech synthesis, and automatic speech recognition systems. This paper provides a systematical overview of the G2P conversion from different perspectives. The conversion methods are first presented in the paper; detailed discussions are conducted on methods based on deep learning technology. For each method, the key ideas, advantages, disadvantages, and representative models are summarized. This paper then mentioned the learning strategies and multilingual G2P conversions. Finally, this paper summarized the commonly used monolingual and multilingual datasets, including Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, etc. Two tables illustrated the performance of various methods with relative datasets. After making a general overall of G2P conversion, this paper concluded with the current issues and the future directions of deep learning-based G2P conversion.
Numerical Simulation Study of Rotating Structure for Large Tonnage Asymmetric T-Shaped Rigid Swiveling Bridge
Authors: Zhang Enhui , Wu Yuchen , Guo Sai , Li Peng , Li Hong
Published: December 2024

In order to study the change law of mechanical characteristic parameters of the steel spherical hinge of swiveling bridges in the process of rotation, a T-shaped rigid swiveling bridge over railway is used as a research target in this paper, and a three-dimensional bridge finite element model was constructed. The process of bridge turning was numerically simulated by Ansys software(Ansys Release 16.0); the patterns of change in the upper turntable and steel spherical hinge stresses for specific rotational angles were obtained, the effect of bias loads on the stress distribution in the upper turntable and steel spherical hinge was analyzed, and the stress data of the steel spherical hinge of numerical simulation and real-time monitoring were compared. The results illustrated: During rotation, the maximum compressive stress in the upper turntable is located in the contact area with the outer edge of the upper steel spherical hinge; the maximum compressive stress in the steel spherical hinge is at the edge of its own circumference. The overall stress in the upper steel spherical hinge is slightly greater than the stress in the lower steel spherical hinge. Under the eccentricity condition, the maximum compressive stress in the steel spherical hinge increases with increasing eccentricity, and the stress concentration is more significant. The eccentric limit position of swiveling bridges is determined by the strength of the upper turntable. The monitoring method of deploying stress gauges at the steel support structure of the lower bearing platform provides a new method to obtain the stress pattern of the steel spherical hinge and even the bridge as a whole.
Bacterial Pigment Prodigiosin as Multifaceted Compound for Medical and Industrial Application
Authors: Guryanov Ivan , Naumenko Ekaterina
Published: December 2024

Prodigiosin is a fascinating compound that has been gaining attention in the scientific community for its diverse range of potential applications. From its vibrant red color to its unique chemical properties, prodigiosin has captured the interest of researchers looking for innovative solutions in various fields. Prodigiosin, a red pigment produced by certain bacteria such as Serratia marcescens, has attracted interest from pharmaceutical researchers due to its promising potential in various therapeutic applications. A number of studies have demonstrated the potential of prodigiosin as an antimicrobial agent. With the rise of antibiotic resistance in the environment, prodigiosin is a promising solution to combat resistant strains and improve the effectiveness of existing antibiotic therapy. Moreover, different studies have shown that this natural pigment has anticancer properties by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Prodigiosin exerts its anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells without causing significant damage to healthy cells. In this review, we will attempt to summarize the capabilities of prodigiosin and its prospects as a valuable tool in pharmaceutical research, and also review recent studies focusing on the various industries in which prodigiosin can be applied and the exciting possibilities it holds in the future.
Prevalence and Clinical Implications of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis in Bronchiectasis: A 3D Reconstruction CT Study
Authors: Li Xin , Gu Yang , Miao Jinbai , Ji Ying , Shao Mingming , Hu Bin
Published: December 2024

Background: Recent studies on bronchiectasis have revealed significant structural abnormalities and pathophysiological changes. However, there is limited research focused on pulmonary venous variability and congenital variation. Through our surgical observations, we noted that coarctation of pulmonary veins and atrophied lung volume are relatively common in bronchiectasis patients. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to explore pulmonary venous variation and secondary manifestations in bronchiectasis cases, utilizing 3D reconstruction software (Mimics Innovation Suite 21.0, Materialise Dental, Leuven, Belgium) to draw conclusions supported by statistical evidence. Method: This retrospective study included patients with bronchiectasis and healthy individuals who underwent CT examinations at Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital between January 2017 and July 2023. Chest CT data were reconstructed using Materialise Mimics. Pulmonary veins and lung lobes were segmented from surrounding tissue based on an appropriate threshold determined by local grey values and image gradients. Subsequently, venous cross-sectional areas and lung volumes were measured for statistical analysis. Result: CT data from 174 inpatients with bronchiectasis and 75 cases from the health examination center were included. Three-dimensional reconstruction data revealed a significant reduction in cross-sectional areas of pulmonary veins in the left lower lobe (p < 0.001), the right lower lobe (p = 0.030), and the right middle lobe (p = 0.009) of bronchiectasis patients. Subgroup analyses indicated that approximately 73.5% of localized cases of the left lower lobe exhibited pulmonary vein stenosis, while in the diffuse group, this proportion was only 52.6%. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of pulmonary veins had a gradually decreasing trend, based on a small sample. Lung function tests showed significant reductions in FEV1, FVC, and FEV1% in bronchiectasis patients, attributed to the loss of lung volume in the left lower lobe, which accounted for 60.9% of the included sample. Conclusions: Our recent findings suggest that pulmonary venous stenosis is a common variation in bronchiectasis and is often observed concurrently with reduced lung volume, particularly affecting the left lower lobe. Moreover, localized cases are more likely to suffer from pulmonary venous stenosis, with an ambiguous downtrend as the disease progresses. In conclusion, increased attention to pulmonary venous variation in bronchiectasis is warranted, and exploring new therapies to intervene in the early stages or alleviate obstruction may be beneficial.
Characterization of Serum Cytokine Patterns in Frequent-Exacerbation Asthma: Implications for Phenotyping and Management
Authors: Bang Dao Ngoc , The Pham Dac , Nhung Pham Thi Kim , Dung Nguyen Tien , Tuan Bach Quoc , Duong Vu Minh , Hien Le Thi Dieu , Thang Ta Ba
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: Asthma exacerbations represent significant clinical events, however, the underlying inflammatory mechanisms and cytokine profiles in patients with frequent exacerbations remain incompletely understood; (2) Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional study of 120 stable asthma patients, we compared the serum concentrations of eight key cytokines (IL-4, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IFN-α, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β) between two groups: 60 patients with frequent exacerbations (≥ 2 events per year) and 60 matched controls with few exacerbations (1 event per year); (3) Results: Patients with frequent exacerbations showed significantly higher serum concentrations of IL-4 and IL-13 (p < 0.05), along with an increased prevalence of allergic history and comorbidities (chronic rhinosinusitis, GERD, OSA; all p < 0.05). The IgE levels correlated positively with IFN-α (rh = 0.26) and TNF-α (rh = 0.29), while the FeNO levels correlated with IL-17 (rh = 0.26) and IL-1β (rh = 0.33) (all p < 0.05); (4) Conclusions: Our findings identify a distinct cytokine signature in frequent exacerbators characterized by elevated IL-4 and IL-13 levels. The correlations between specific cytokines and established biomarkers suggest potential mechanisms underlying exacerbation susceptibility, which may inform targeted therapeutic strategies for this high-risk population.