bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome-Based Identification and Characterization of Genes Associated with Resistance to Beta-Cypermethrin in Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Li Qiuchi , Li Xinan , Sun Yulin , Tian Xujun , Zhu Saige , Wang Yanbo , Gao Haifeng , Shi Caihua , Zhu Xun
Published: January 2023

Beta-cypermethrin is one of the most widely used pyrethroid insecticides. However, its continuous and extensive use developed pests’ resistance to beta-cypermethrin. To identify candidate genes for potential resistance phenotypes and facilitate more targeted studies, we screened out a wide range of resistance-related genes by comparing multiple transcripts before and after the induction of multiple agents. In this study, transcriptomes were compared to elucidate the mechanisms and genetic basis of potential resistance between Rhopalosiphum padi (R. padi) sensitive (SS) and resistant (Beta-R) strains to beta-cypermethrin (resistance ratio: 4588.48). These two strains of aphids were treated with a spray solution of lethal beta-cypermethrin concentration (i.e., LC50). To obtain diverse transcripts, we obtained 17,985,440–25,478,353 clean data from different transcript groups, of which 17,183 genes were annotated. Subsequently, these transcripts were divided into multiple groups for comparison purposes to obtain more comprehensive genes related to resistance. There were 178 to 2856 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in these transcript groups. The DEGs, including the enriched ones, were classified according to the GO and KEGG Pathway databases. Besides, some drug-resistant DEGs were related to cuticle proteins and detoxification metabolic processes. Among them, 17 genes related to cuticle protein were upregulated and 20 were downregulated, 11 genes related to P450 were upregulated and 25 were downregulated, 7 genes related to UGT were upregulated and 15 were downregulated, 2 genes related to ABC transporter were upregulated and 4 were downregulated, 2 genes related to trypsin were upregulated and 1 were downregulated. Finally, qRT-PCR by DEGs confirmed the observed trend in the RNA sequencing expression profile, and most of the results were consistent between qRT-PCR and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The results of this study are highly significant in understanding the resistance phenomenon in R. padi and other similar wheat aphids, establishing the valuable basis for further research in the complex mechanism of R. padi resistance to beta-cypermethrin.
Evaluation of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Detection of Aflatoxin B1 Content on Maize Agar Culture Medium Using Vis/NIR Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Guo Xiaohuan , Jia Beibei , Zhang Haicheng , Ni Xinzhi , Zhuang Hong , Lu Yao , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

The physiological and biochemical processes of Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) are complex. Monitoring the metabolic evolution of products during the growth of A. flavus is critical to the overall understanding of the fungal and aflatoxin production detection mechanism. The dynamic growth process of A. flavus and the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) accumulation in culture media was investigated with a visible/near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (Vis/NIR HSI) system in the range of 400 to 1000 nm. First, the growth of A. flavus and the synthesis pattern of AFB1 were monitored on maize agar medium (MAM) culture for 120 h with a 24-h time-lapse imaging interval. Second, to classify the A. flavus growth, a principal component analysis (PCA) was employed, and a support vector machine (SVM) model was established with the PC1–PC3 as inputs. The results suggested that the PCA-SVM method could distinguish the A. flavus growth time with a classification accuracy larger than 0.97, 0.91, and 0.92 for calibration, validation, and cross-validation, respectively. Third, regression models to predict the AFB1 accumulation using hyperspectral images were developed by comparing different pre-processing methods and key wavelengths. The successive projection algorithm (SPA) was adopted to distill the key wavelengths. The experimental results indicated that the standard normal variate transformation (SNV) with the partial least squares regression (PLSR) achieved the optimal regression performance with an RC value of 0.98–0.99 for calibration and RV values of 0.95–0.96 for validation. Finally, a spatial map of the AFB1 concentration was created using the PLSR model. The spatial regularity of the AFB1 concentration was comparable to the measurement performed. The study proved the potential of the Vis/NIR HSI to characterize the A. flavus growth and the concentration of AFB1 on the MAM over time.
A High-Precision Detection Method of Apple Leaf Diseases Using Improved Faster R-CNN
Authors: Gong Xulu , Zhang Shujuan
Published: January 2023

Apple leaf diseases seriously affect the sustainable production of apple fruit. Early infection monitoring of apple leaves and timely disease control measures are the key to ensuring the regular growth of apple fruits and achieving a high-efficiency economy. Consequently, disease detection schemes based on computer vision can compensate for the shortcomings of traditional disease detection methods that are inaccurate and time-consuming. Nowadays, to solve the limitations ranging from complex background environments to dense and small characteristics of apple leaf diseases, an improved Faster region-based convolutional neural network (Faster R-CNN) method was proposed. The advanced Res2Net and feature pyramid network architecture were introduced as the feature extraction network for extracting reliable and multi-dimensional features. Furthermore, RoIAlign was also employed to replace RoIPool so that accurate candidate regions will be produced to address the object location. Moreover, soft non-maximum suppression was applied for precise detection performance of apple leaf disease when making inferences to the images. The improved Faster R-CNN structure behaves effectively in the annotated apple leaf disease dataset with an accuracy of 63.1% average precision, which is higher than other object detection methods. The experiments proved that our improved Faster R-CNN method provides a highly precise apple leaf disease recognition method that could be used in real agricultural practice.
Long-Term Organic Amendments Combined with Nitrogen Fertilization Regulates Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration in Calcareous Soil
Authors: Li Shuang , Wei Wenliang , Liu Shutang
Published: January 2023

Organic amendments have been widely confirmed to support soil health and agricultural sustainability. However, the effects and mechanisms of long-term organic amendments combined with chemical fertilizers on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and soil macroaggregate formation are still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the interaction between soil carbon sequestration and soil agglomeration after 12 years of fertilization. Seven treatments within a field experiment were selected to conduct the research, including nitrogen (N) application by farmers, optimized N management, biochar and/or straw, manure, compost or biogas residue plus optimized N management. The results showed that the addition of organic materials significantly enhanced the SOC by 29.6–119.8% and 10.3–36.3% in 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil layers compared to N application by farmers, respectively. Meanwhile, the soil humus carbon pools in the 0–15 cm soil layer were increased by 14.7–205.2%, particularly humin carbon (HUC), which could be considered as a useful indicator of the soil carbon sequestration process. Among the organic materials, the addition of biochar was the most effective strategy due to its high aromatic carbon content that resisted biodegradation. The addition of organic materials also improved the soil labile carbon fractions, and the contents of microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC) and KMnO4-oxidizable carbon (ROC) were enhanced by 120.5%, 92.3%, 217.2% and 85.5% on average, respectively, and the amount of exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations and Fe and Al oxides in the soil increased significantly whilst the Na+ content declined in the 0–15 cm soil layer. These indicators showed a significant correlation with the mean weight diameter (MWD). Our results revealed that the addition of organic materials could be an effective management practice to promote soil carbon sequestration and soil macroaggregate formation in calcareous soil.
Identifying a Detoxifying Uridine Diphosphate Glucosyltransferase (UGT), MdUGT83K2, Which Can Glycosylate the Aryloxyphenoxypropionate Herbicide
Authors: Li Pan , Zhao Aijuan , Li Ru , Han Shibo , Li Na , Ji Lusha , Lei Kang
Published: January 2023

Glycosylation is a common modification reaction in plants. The products obtained upon glycosylation have different biological functions, making glycosylation an important mechanism affecting and regulating the balance of plant growth and metabolism. In this study, we first speculated that Group I in the apple glycosyltransferase family may have a predicted function like UGT83A1, according to gene chip data published online. Subsequently, by real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction), we analyzed whether the expression of nine glycosyltransferase genes in Group I was induced by our previously reported ACCase (Acetyl-CoA carboxylase) inhibition-based herbicide QPP ((R)-ethyl·2-(4-((6-fluoro-3-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2-yl)oxy) phenoxy) propanoate). It was found that expression of the MdUGT83K2 gene in Group I was significantly increased by QPP. In order to determine whether MdUGT83K2 can glycosylate QPP, we confirmed the enzymatic reaction of MdUGT83K2 in vitro and the presence of QPP glycosides in MdUGT83K2 transgenic apple seedlings by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), and found that MdUGT83K2 can transfer glucose to QPP in vivo, which is glycosylated. In this work, we identified a novel apple glycosyltransferase, MdUGT83K2, which functions to glycosylate the ACCase-inhibiting herbicide QPP and may be involved in plant detoxification. Key Contribution: A novel apple glycosyltransferase, MdUGT83K2, was identified, which may be involved in plant detoxification by glycosylation modification of the ACCase-inhibiting herbicide.
Interseeding Wide-Row Corn with Forage Cover Crops: Investigating System Potential for Expanded Economic Opportunities in Corn Production Systems
Authors: Black Katie L. , Wells Samantha , Johnson Gregg A. , Lazarus William F. , Kraus Alan
Published: January 2023

Intercropping forages with corn can improve cropping system productivity relative to single crop systems. However, limited light resources in 76 cm corn rows may impede successful forage establishment. This study assessed whether the combination of intercropped high value forage cover crops and wider corn rows could result in economically viable crop production systems in the Upper Midwest. A high value forage mixture was interseeded into standing corn at three working farms in the Rice and Goodhue Counties, MN, USA. Treatments were comprised of four row widths: 76 cm with no forage cover crop (best management practices, BMP), 76 cm with a forage cover crop (BMP + CC), 76 cm + CC, and two skip rows every fourth row (Balanced), and 152 cm + CC (WIDE). The WIDE, Balanced, and BMP + CC corn treatment reduced corn yields relative to the 76-cm treatments. However, the forage cover crop yields for all treatments optimized for light resources (Balanced and WIDE) ranged from 945 to 1865 kg ha−1 a forage quality (CP and RFV) equivalent to alfalfa. Our economic analysis revealed that high yielding, quality forage crops can offset up to 12.6% of economic losses caused by grain reductions. Wide-row intercropped systems may be economically viable for producers looking for opportunities to reintegrate their crop and livestock production systems, but further work is needed to refine this system for farm use.
A Simple and Safe Electrostatic Method for Managing Houseflies Emerging from Underground Pupae
Authors: Kakutani Koji , Matsuda Yoshinori , Toyoda Hideyoshi
Published: January 2023

A simple electrostatic apparatus that generates an arc discharge was devised to control adult houseflies emerging from a soil bed in a greenhouse. Adult houseflies emerging from a soil bed in a greenhouse are a potential vector of pathogenic Escherichia coli O157, carried by animal manure used for soil fertilization. A simple electrostatic apparatus that generates an arc discharge was devised to control these houseflies. The apparatus consisted of two identical metal nets; one was linked to a negative-voltage generator to create a negatively charged metal net (NC-MN), and the other was linked to a grounded line to create a grounded metal net (G-MN). A square insulator frame was placed between the two nets, separating them by 6 mm, and a plastic grating with multiple cells was placed beneath the G-MN to provide a climbing path (54 mm in height) to the arcing sites of the apparatus for adult houseflies emerging on the soil surface. Houseflies that climbed up the wall of the grating and reached the arcing zone were subjected to arc-discharge exposure from the NC-MN and thrown down onto the soil by the impact of the arcing. The impact was destructive enough to kill the houseflies. The structure of this apparatus is very safe and simple, enabling ordinary greenhouse workers to fabricate or improve it according to their own requirements. This study developed a simple and safe tool that provides a physical method to manage houseflies.
Nursing of Pike-Perch (Sander lucioperca) in Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Provides Growth Advantage in Juvenile Growth Phase
Authors: Péter Géza , Lukić Jovanka , Alvestad René , Horváth Zoltán , Nagy Zoltán , Rónyai András , Bársony Péter , Ljubobratović Uroš
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to estimate the efficacy of two pike-perch juvenile production technologies: exclusive Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) culture (the RAS group) and pond larviculture with a transfer to the RAS at the 42nd day post-hatch (DPH). Both direct weaning on dry feed (the Pond-D group) and 10-day gradual weaning using bloodworms (the Pond-B group) after transfer to the RAS were evaluated in pond-nursed fry. Their survival and morphometric indices were monitored after the RAS habituation period (first 10 days), after the 18-day post-habituation period and after an additional 30 days of on-grow. Our results indicate a negative allometric growth of the pond-nursed fish during the nursing period, which was slower (p < 0.0001) in comparison to the RAS-nursed fry (16.3 ± 0.4 vs. 17.8 ± 0.7%/day). After transfer, these fish grew faster than the RAS-nursed fry (7.7 ± 0.1, 4.9 ± 0.5 and 6.1 ± 0.6 during habituation, 8.5 ± 0.6, 9.3 ± 0.5 and 6.7 ± 0.1%/day during post-habituation period, in the Pond-B, Pond-D and RAS groups, respectively). However, four weeks afterwards, the RAS-nursed fry were again superior in terms of growth (4.0 ± 0.1, 3.6 ± 0.2 and 4.6 ± 0.2%/day, for the Pond-B, Pond-D and RAS groups, respectively), and this was accompanied by a significantly lower feed conversion ratio in this group. Although the survival of the RAS-nursed fry during the nursing period was lower in comparison to the pond-reared fry (11.3 vs. 67.3%), the RAS seems to provide a long-term growth advantage.
Effects of Heat Stress in Dairy Cows Raised in the Confined System: A Scientometric Review
Authors: Frigeri Karen Dal’ Magro , Kachinski Kariane Donatti , Ghisi Nédia de Castilhos , Deniz Matheus , Damasceno Flávio Alves , Barbari Matteo , Herbut Piotr , Vieira Frederico Márcio Corrêa
Published: January 2023

Due to climate change, heat stress is a growing problem for the dairy industry. Based on this, annual economic losses in the dairy sector are verified mainly on a large scale. Despite several publications on thermal stress in lactating dairy cows in confinement systems, there need to be published reviews addressing this issue systematically. Our objective was to scientometrically analyze the effects of heat stress in dairy cows managed in a confinement system. Based on PRISMA guidelines, research articles were identified, screened, and summarized based on inclusion criteria for heat stress in a confinement system. Data was obtained from the Web of Science. A total of 604 scientific articles published between 2000 and April 2022 were considered. Data was then analyzed using Microsoft Excel and CiteSpace. The results pointed to a significant increase in studies on heat stress in lactating cows housed in confinement systems. The main research areas were Agriculture, Dairy Animal Science and Veterinary Sciences. The USA showed the highest concentration of studies (31.12%), followed by China (14.90%). Emerging themes included heat stress and behavior. The most influential journals were the Journal of Dairy Science and the Journal of Animal Science. The top authors were L. H. Baumgard and R. J. Collier. The leading institutions were the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, followed by the State University System of Florida and the University of Florida. The study maps the significant research domains on heat stress of lactating cows in confinement systems, discusses implications and explanations and highlights emerging trends.
Exposure of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis to Mebendazole Leads to Inhibition of Fungal Energy Production
Authors: Rocha Olivia Basso , e Silva Kleber Santiago Freitas , Moraes Dayane , Borges Clayton Luiz , Soares Célia Maria de Almeida , Pereira Maristela
Published: January 2023

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a fungal disease caused by organisms of the genus Paracoccidioides spp. The treatment of the disease is lengthy and includes several adverse effects. Various methodologies focus on the search for new treatments against fungal disease, including the repositioning of drugs. Our group showed the fungicidal effect of mebendazole in P. brasiliensis cells. Thus, understanding the effect of exposing fungal cells to mebendazole is significant for further studies in order to demonstrate it as a potential drug for the treatment of PCM. A proteomic analysis of P. brasiliensis exposed to mebendazole was carried out. Analyses showed that exposure strongly affected the pathways related to energy production, such as glycolysis, fermentation, and the electron transport chain. The quantification of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial activity demonstrated that the drug alters the electron chain, resulting in an increase in oxidative stress. Enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and cytochrome c oxidase (Cyt C) were repressed in cells exposed to mebendazole. The concentration of ethanol produced by the cells under treatment demonstrated that the attempt to produce energy through fermentation is also arrested. Thus, the drug inhibits fungal growth through changes in energy metabolism, making it a promising compound for use in the treatment of PCM.
The Burden of Surgical Site Infection at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia and Related Postoperative Outcomes: A Prospective Surveillance Study
Authors: Khan Omaid Hayat , Zakaria Andee Dzulkarnaen , Hashim Mohd Nizam , Khan Amer Hayat , AlQarni Abdullmoin , AlGethamy Manal , Mahboob Mohammed , Aljoaid Anas Mohammed , Ahmed Nehad Jaser , Haseeb Abdul
Published: January 2023

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common healthcare-associated infections that occur among surgical patients. Surgical site infections result in longer hospital stays, hospital readmissions, and higher death and morbidity rates. The current study was designed to highlight the importance of such surveillance studies in a Malaysian surgical population with a motive to evaluate and revise concurrent infection control and prevention policies by exploring the burden of surgical site infection and identifying its associated risk factors for future considerations. In this prospective observational cohort study, a total of 216 patients admitted to a surgical ward were identified and studied. Of these 216 patients, 142 elective procedures and 74 emergency procedures were included in the study, of which 13 patients (9.2%) undergoing elective procedures and 15 (20.3%) patients undergoing emergency procedures were SSI positive (OR: 2.5, p = 0.02). Among surgical site infections, 21 were superficial and 7 were deep incisional SSI. No case of organ/space SSI was identified. The time taken for SSIs to develop ranged from 2–17 days with a median of 6 days. Risk factors such as presence of comorbidities (p = 0.011), major co-existing medical diagnosis ≥2 (p = 0.02), and pre-existing infection (p = 0.027) were statistically significant. SSI-positive patients experienced an increase in the post-operative length of hospital stay. In the current population, it was seen that identifying patients who were at high risk of malnutrition via MUST and the NNIS risk index will help clinicians in identifying high risk patients and in managing their patients appropriately. Identifying patients who were at high risk of malnutrition will also improve postoperative outcomes considerably.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Antioxidants in 2022
Authors:   Antioxidants Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Characterization of Natural Rubber, Styrene Butadiene Rubber, and Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Monomer Blend Composites Loaded with Zinc Stearate to Be Used in the Solid Tire Industry
Authors: Nasruddin  , Setianto Wahyu , Yohanes Heryoki , Atmaji Gigih , Lanjar  , Yanto Dede , Wulandari Enasty , Wiranata Arya , Ibrahim Bahruddin
Published: January 2023

Vulcanization is an important step in the manufacture of solid tires in which the crosslinking process occurs. In vulcanization, the materials commonly used as activators and coactivators are ZnO and stearic acid, respectively. In this research, ZnO and stearic acid were replaced with zinc stearate to improve the characteristics of vulcanized rubber. Zinc stearate was applied in four formulas with a composition of 5 to 9 phr. A formula that is often used in the rubber industry was used as a comparison, and ZnO and stearic acid of 5 phr and 2.5 phr, respectively, were applied. The rubber compound for solid tire production was developed using an open mill at a compounding temperature of 45 °C ± 5 °C. The vulcanization process of developing the rubber compound into vulcanized rubber was carried out at 150 °C for 20 min. Rubber compound test results showed that the use of zinc stearate at a ratio of 8 phr accelerated the curing time (t90) between 58.3% and 69%, the scorch time (ts2) between 22.4% and 95.5%, and the torque delta (Δs) between 17.67 and 24.21 kg-cm. In addition, the vulcanized rubber mechanical properties test results for the compression set parameter increased between 28.6% and 57.1%. Scan results with SEM–EDS showed that using ZS could improve the homogeneous distribution of the material in the vulcanized matrix of solid tire rubber.
Influence of Atmospheric Flow Structure on Optical Turbulence Characteristics
Authors: Shikhovtsev Artem Y. , Kovadlo Pavel G. , Lezhenin Anatoly A. , Korobov Oleg A. , Kiselev Alexander V. , Russkikh Ivan V. , Kolobov Dmitrii Y. , Shikhovtsev Maxim Y.
Published: January 2023

This article discusses the quality of astronomical images under conditions of moderate small-scale turbulence and varying meso-scale airflows above the Baikal Astrophysical Observatory (BAO). We applied a Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, as well as statistical estimations of the Fried parameter from the differential motion of the solar images. The simulations were performed with a fairly high horizontal resolution within a large area of 1600 × 1600 km. A high horizontal resolution provides representative estimations of atmospheric characteristics and correct accounting of large-scale air advection. We considered the influence of atmospheric motions over the cold water area of Lake Baikal, as well as meso-scale vortex structures over rough terrain on solar image quality. A better understanding of structured turbulent small-scale motions and optical turbulence over rough terrain may help to develop advanced methods for diagnostics and prediction of image quality. For the first time, we have shown that the BAO is located at the periphery of a meso-scale atmospheric vortex structure with an anticyclonic direction of airflows in the daytime. An increase in image quality was associated with weakening airflows over Lake Baikal and a decrease in the intensity of wind speed fluctuations. Calculated spectra of atmospheric turbulence in the daytime were close to the classical form. At night and in the morning, the spectra had a steeper slope on small scales. Deformations of the spectra were due to the suppression of turbulence under stable stratification of the atmosphere. The characteristic horizontal scales of the transition from “−5/3” to ∼“−3” spectral slope were 2–2.5 km. The results obtained using the WRF model and analysis of optical turbulence strength (namely, the Fried parameter) indicated that the parameterization schemes used in the WRF model were accurate.
Difference of Two Antiseptic Gels for the Treatment of Peri-Implant Mucositis on Plaque Index and Bleeding Score: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Storelli Stefano , Palandrani Giulia , Manfredi Barbara , Romeo Eugenio , De Martis Dario , Todaro Claudia , Rodriguez y Baena Ruggero , Lupi Saturnino Marco
Published: January 2023

Aim: To analyze and compare the effectiveness of two antibacterial gels in the treatment of mucositis. Methods: After signing the informed consent, in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, revised in 2000, 21 patients were included in the study and divided by randomization into two groups. At the baseline, the modified bleeding index (mBI) and plaque index (PI) values were measured, and an oral hygiene and implant disinfection session was carried out. The session was repeated at 7, 15, and 30 days and after 2 and 3 months from the baseline. Two products were used—a bioadhesive gel in the test group and a 1% chlorhexidine gel in the control group. Results: Due to three dropouts, the final sample was composed of 18 patients. An improvement in periodontal indices was observed, similar to mBI and PI values, in both groups. There were no complications except for the appearance of pigmentations in the control group. Conclusions: The antibacterial power and effectiveness of the two gels are comparable. Considering the small sample size of the study cohort, further studies are needed to validate the results obtained from this pilot study.
An Improved Method for Ship Target Detection Based on YOLOv4
Authors: Huang Zexian , Jiang Xiaonan , Wu Fanlu , Fu Yao , Zhang Yu , Fu Tianjiao , Pei Junyan
Published: January 2023

The resolution of remote sensing images has increased with the maturation of satellite technology. Ship detection technology based on remote sensing images makes it possible to monitor a large range and far sea area, which can greatly enrich the monitoring means of maritime departments. In this paper, we conducted research on small target detection and resistance to complex background interference. First, a ship dataset with four types of targets (aircraft carriers, warships, merchant ships and submarines) is constructed, and experiments are conducted on the dataset using the object detection algorithm YOLOv4. The Kmeans++ clustering algorithm is used for a priori frame selection, and the migration learning method is used to enhance the detection effect of the YOLOv4. Second, the model is improved to address the problems of missed detection of small ships and difficulty in resisting background interference: the RFB_s (Receptive Field Block) with dilated convolution is introduced instead of the SPP (Spatial Pyramid Pooling) to enlarge the receptive field and improve the detection of small targets; the attention mechanism CBAM (Convolutional Block Attention Module) is added to adjust the weights of different features to highlight salient features useful for ship detection task, which improve the detection performance of small ships and improve the model’s ability to resist complex background. Compared to YOLOv4, our proposed model achieved a large improvement in mAP (mean Average Precision) from 77.66% to 91.40%.
Activation of Persulfate for Groundwater Remediation: From Bench Studies to Application
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Guansheng , He Jinping , Zhong Hua
Published: January 2023

Persulfate-based in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) has been increasingly used for the remediation of contaminated groundwater and soil. In recent years, there have been numerous studies in the literature on all aspects of the activation of persulfate for contaminant removal at the laboratory scale, including the ways and mechanisms for the activation, the pathways of contaminant degradation, the factors associated with the activation performance, the methods characterizing the processes, etc. In contrast, studies in the literature on the practical use of the activated persulfate at the field scale are fewer, and at the same time have not been reviewed in an organized way. This review was initiated to summarize on the current research on the applications of activated persulfate for actual site remediation, and to extract the knowledge necessary for the formation of applicable technologies. The remediation efficiency and mechanism of activated persulfates by heat, alkaline, metal-based, and electrokinetic activated technologies are described. The major factors including pH, the persistence of persulfate, and the radius of influence and soil property during ISCO remediation applications were presented and discussed. Finally, the rebound process and impact towards microbial communities after in-situ chemical oxidation on site application were discussed.
The Influence of Different Cleaning Protocols on the Surface Roughness of Orthodontic Retainers
Authors: Šimunović Luka , Blagec Tadeja , Meštrović Senka
Published: January 2023

Thermoplastic materials are sensitive to humidity, temperature variations, enzyme activities, and cyclic loading. All these factors can cause changes to the mechanical properties of the material. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different cleaning protocols on the surface roughness of orthodontic retainers. Samples of two brands of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) material were exposed to four cleaning protocols: Corega (alkaline peroxide tablets), Toothbrush, Corega + toothbrush, Toothbrush + toothpaste, and Control. Measurement of the surface roughness of the sample on both the top and bottom side was carried out before and after cleaning. There was no statistical difference between the final values of the measured parameters. However, looking at the extent of the change in surface roughness, there was a statistically significant difference in the upper side of the Corega + toothbrush group between Materials A and B. This suggests that there was a greater change in the roughness of material A (Erkodur), given that the mean change in roughness of Material A was Ra 0.047, whereas the mean change in roughness of Material B was Ra 0.022. Almost all the tested cleaning procedures significantly increased the surface roughness of the PET-G retainer material. Of all the methods, the Corega tablets had the lowest influence on surface roughness.
Inter-Rater Variability in the Evaluation of Lung Ultrasound in Videos Acquired from COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Herraiz Joaquin L. , Freijo Clara , Camacho Jorge , Muñoz Mario , González Ricardo , Alonso-Roca Rafael , Álvarez-Troncoso Jorge , Beltrán-Romero Luis Matías , Bernabeu-Wittel Máximo , Blancas Rafael , Calvo-Cebrián Antonio , Campo-Linares Ricardo , Chehayeb-Morán Jaldún , Chorda-Ribelles Jose , García-Rubio Samuel , García-de-Casasola Gonzalo , Gil-Rodrigo Adriana , Henríquez-Camacho César , Hernandez-Píriz Alba , Hernandez-Quiles Carlos , Llamas-Fuentes Rafael , Luordo Davide , Marín-Baselga Raquel , Martínez-Díaz María Cristina , Mateos-González María , Mendez-Bailon Manuel , Miralles-Aguiar Francisco , Nogue Ramón , Nogué Marta , Ortiz de Urbina-Antia Borja , Oviedo-García Alberto Ángel , Porcel José M. , Rodriguez Santiago , Rodríguez-Serrano Diego Aníbal , Sainz Talía , Sánchez-Barrancos Ignacio Manuel , Torres-Arrese Marta , Torres-Macho Juan , Trueba Vicente Angela , Villén-Villegas Tomas , Zafra-Sánchez Juan José , Tung-Chen Yale
Published: January 2023

Lung ultrasound (LUS) allows for the detection of a series of manifestations of COVID-19, such as B-lines and consolidations. The objective of this work was to study the inter-rater reliability (IRR) when detecting signs associated with COVID-19 in the LUS, as well as the performance of the test in a longitudinal or transverse orientation. Thirty-three physicians with advanced experience in LUS independently evaluated ultrasound videos previously acquired using the ULTRACOV system on 20 patients with confirmed COVID-19. For each patient, 24 videos of 3 s were acquired (using 12 positions with the probe in longitudinal and transverse orientations). The physicians had no information about the patients or other previous evaluations. The score assigned to each acquisition followed the convention applied in previous studies. A substantial IRR was found in the cases of normal LUS (κ = 0.74), with only a fair IRR for the presence of individual B-lines (κ = 0.36) and for confluent B-lines occupying < 50% (κ = 0.26) and a moderate IRR in consolidations and B-lines > 50% (κ = 0.50). No statistically significant differences between the longitudinal and transverse scans were found. The IRR for LUS of COVID-19 patients may benefit from more standardized clinical protocols.
Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses
Authors: Mineo Simone , Pappalardo Giovanna
Published: January 2023

Slope instability phenomena are among the most hazardous natural events affecting our society, and therefore the physical–mechanical behavior of rock masses with reference to these is a relevant topic for engineering geological practice, as it conditions the realization and functionality of structures and infrastructures, as well as the quality of life and economy [...]
Structural Health Monitoring of Underground Metro Tunnel by Identifying Damage Using ANN Deep Learning Auto-Encoder
Authors: Abbas Nadeem , Umar Tariq , Salih Rania , Akbar Muhammad , Hussain Zahoor , Haibei Xiong
Published: January 2023

Due to the complexity of underground environmental conditions and operational incidents, advanced and accurate monitoring of the underground metro shield tunnel structures is crucial for maintenance and the prevention of mishaps. In the past few decades, numerous deep learning-based damage identification studies have been conducted on aboveground civil infrastructure. However, a few studies have been conducted for underground metro shield tunnels. This paper presents a deep learning-based damage identification study for underground metro shield tunnels. Based on previous experimental studies, a numerical model of a metro tunnel was utilized, and the vibration data obtained from the model under a moving load analysis was used for the evaluation. An existing deep auto-encoder (DAE) that can support deep neural networks was utilized to detect structural damage accurately by incorporating raw vibration signals. The dynamic analysis of a metro tunnel FEM model was conducted with different severity levels of the damage at different locations and elements on the structure. In addition, root mean square (RMS) was used to locate the damage at the different locations in the model. The results were compared under different schemes of white noise, varying levels of damage, and an intact state. To test the applicability of the proposed framework on a small dataset, the approach was also utilized to investigate the damage in a simply supported beam and compared with two deep learning-based methods (SVM and LSTM). The results show that the proposed DAE-based framework is feasible and efficient for the damage identification, damage size evaluation, and damage localization of the underground metro shield tunnel and a simply supported beam with comparison of two deep models.
A Study on the Winning and Losing Factors of Para Ice Hockey Using Data Mining-Based Decision Tree Analysis
Authors: Kim Min-Chang
Published: January 2023

This study aims to explore the winning and losing factors of Para Ice Hockey (PIH) games using a data mining-based decision tree analysis targeting the PIH games in international competitions organized by World Para Ice Hockey (WPIH). To achieve the study purpose and data collection, 66 games among the nations participating in the four international competitions for the last two years organized by WPIH, were selected as study subjects. The 3432 game records provided by WPIH were collected as study variables. The results of this study are as follows: First, the winning teams recorded 5.79 goals, 24.05 total shots on goal (SOG), 57.79% face-off winning percentage, 7.62 total saves (SVS), 0.24 total power play goals (PPGs), and 0.39 penalty-killing goals (PKGs) per game were recorded. The losing teams recorded 0.89 goals, 8.52 SOG, 42.21% face-off winning percentage, 18.26 SVS, 0.82 PPG, and 0.05 PKG and showed significant differences. When looking at game records by period, significant differences were revealed in the goals, SOG, and PPG except in the third period, and total shorthanded goals (SHGs) and SVS except in the second period. The winning teams showed the highest goals and SOG in the first, second, and third periods, while the losing teams showed the reverse order. Second, (1) according to the exploration result of winning and losing factors, excluding total goal-related variables, the probability of winning was 82.8% if the goal was 1 or more in the first period. The critical winning and losing factors were revealed as a goal in the first period and SOG in the second period in that order. (2) According to the exploration result of the winning and losing factors, excluding each period’s goal-related variables, the probability of winning was 81.4% if the SOG was 5 or more in the first period. As the essential winning and losing factors, SOG in the first period, SOG in the second period, and time on power play (TPP) in the third period were revealed. (3) The exploration result of winning and losing factors, excluding goals and shots-related variables, the probability of winning was 70.9% if the total face-off winning percentage was 46.23% or more. As the essential winning and losing factors, the total face-off winning percentage and SVS in the second period are shown in order.
Elaborated Porosity and High-Quality Reservoirs in Deeply Buried Coarse-Grained Sediment: Insight of the Sublacustrine Sandy Conglomerates in the Eocene Shehejie Formation (Es4), Dongying Subbasin, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Yang Yongqiang , Kra Kouassi Louis , Qiu Longwei , Yang Baoliang , Ahmed Kabir Shola , Donald Koua Kadio Aka , Qiao Yupeng , Habulashenmu Yerejiepu
Published: January 2023

Reservoir porosity evaluation is crucial for successful prediction of reservoir quality in deeply buried heterogeneous strata. Recent studies have demonstrated that high-quality reservoirs occur in deeply buried strata. However, little is known about the details of pores related to the good reservoirs. The northern Dongying steep slope sandy conglomerate was investigated to understand the porosity related to high-quality reservoir formation in sandy conglomerate using seismic data, well-logs, SEM-EDS, cathodoluminescence, and optical microscopy. The result reveals three genetic pores: primary, secondary, and mixed pores. The dissolution porosity consists of intergranular pores, intragranular pores, intercrystalline pores, and moldic pores. The intergranular dissolution and enlarged pores are the main contributors to good reservoir quality among the different pores. The index of compaction indicates that compaction is the crucial factor diminishing the reservoir quality in the progradation sequences, while cementation stands as the critical factor for porosity reduction in the retrogradation sequences. Comparing the reservoir properties reveals that the dissolution porosity is more significant in the Es4s than the Es4x, which renders the Es4s reservoir relatively good compared to the Es4x. This study demonstrated that for oil exploration in the fourth member of the Shahejie Formation, the Es4s should be prioritized.
Identification of Underwater Structural Bridge Damage and BIM-Based Bridge Damage Management
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Meng Qinghang , Wei Mengpu , Sun Heming , Zhang Tian , Su Rongrong
Published: January 2023

The number of bridges in operation has increased. Along with the increase in the length of time bridges are in service, the structural safety of the bridges also decreases. Bridge substructure is a key component of bridges, but there are few studies on safety management and identification of water bridge substructure damage. Deep learning is a focus of research in the field of target detection, and this document lightens YOLO-v4 to achieve precise and intelligent determination of concrete cracks. This was combined with a point cloud algorithm to provide a three-dimensional estimate of faulty lesions. Finally, the BIM was combined with the method of identifying the underwater structure of the deck. Based on Revit, an integrated management system for underwater bridge structures is put in place. Performing detailed bridge damage management includes (1) 3D visualization of the bridge detail model view, (2) establishment of a bridge damage database, (3) bridge damage management, and (4) management of the comprehensive underwater bridge inspection cycle.
Study on Impact Process of a Large LNG Tank Container for Trains
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Qian Caifu , Li Wei
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the impact process of a large LNG tank container for trains was studied by performing experiments and numerical simulations. Impact force with induced stress and deformation on the container especially on the frame was investigated and LNG sloshing inside the container was simulated. Experimental results show that for the initial velocity of 6.1 km/h, the maximum compressive stress is −366.3 MPa occurring on the longitudinal beam near the impact side corner fittings. The impact force produced by the transport vehicle is influenced by both the initial clearance and initial velocity, i.e., its maximum value increases with the clearance or velocity, which in turn directly affects the LNG impact force on the head, the tank container axial acceleration at the mass center and the frame deformation and stress distribution. The largest average pressure brought on by the LNG impact force is 8.83% of the design pressure, the inner vessel should be designed with a thickness allowance. When the initial velocity is 8 km/h, the ratio of the maximum LNG impact force to the static inertia force at each clearance is less than 0.23, which means that the calculation method of LNG static inertia force is conservative. In addition, the maximum axial acceleration of the tank container can reach 63 m/s2, greater than 4g inertial acceleration specified in the container design standard, meaning if assessed by the impact, the specifications of the standard are not conservative.
CCL21/CCR7 Axis Contributes to Trophoblastic Cell Migration and Invasion in Preeclampsia by Affecting the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition via the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Zheng , He Jie , Jin Pingsong , Ran Yuxin , Yin Nanlin , Qi Hongbo
Published: January 2023

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related disorder that is a leading cause of maternal death. The failure of spiral artery remodeling due to insufficient trophoblast migration and invasion is critical in the pathogenesis of PE. Recently, the CC motif chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) has been widely linked to cancer cell invasion and migration. However, their potential mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, we found that CCL21 expression was significantly lower in the PE group than that in the control group. In vitro experiments revealed that recombinant CCL21 could promote trophoblast cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) and improve migration and invasion. Furthermore, an inhibitor of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway inhibited the CCL21-induced EMT process. Finally, a PE mouse model was established using the NOS inhibitor L-NAME, and we obtained similar results, with downregulated CCL21 and EMT biomarkers and upregulated CCR7. Taken together, these findings suggest that the CCL21/CCR7 axis influences EMT by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, thereby affecting trophoblast cell migration and invasion, which may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PE.
Testing the Role of Natural and Sexual Selection on Testes Size Asymmetry in Anurans
Authors: Chen Shengnan , Jiang Ying , Jin Long , Liao Wenbo
Published: January 2023

Directional asymmetry in testes size is commonly documented in vertebrates. The degree of testes size asymmetry has been confirmed to be associated with natural and sexual selection. However, the role of natural and sexual selection driving variations in testes size asymmetry among species of anurans are largely unknown. Here, we studied the patterns of variations in testes size asymmetry and the factors shaping its variations among 116 anuran species. The results indicated that the left size-biased testes in 110 species (94.83% of 116 species) is more common than the right size-biased testes in six species. For all studied species, the degree of testes size asymmetry was positively associated with relative livers and body fat mass, following the prediction of the packaging hypothesis. We also found that the postcopulatory sperm competition (e.g., residual testes size) was positively associated with the degree of testes asymmetry. However, environmental stress (e.g., high latitude, precipitation seasonality and temperature seasonality) did not promote more symmetrical testes for all species. Our findings suggest that both natural selection for larger livers in body space and sexual selection for rapid increase in testis mass for most species during the breeding season can play key roles in driving in testes size asymmetry across anuran species.
The Function and Therapeutic Potential of lncRNAs in Cardiac Fibrosis
Authors: Nie Xiang , Fan Jiahui , Wang Dao
Published: January 2023

Cardiac fibrosis remains an unresolved problem in cardiovascular diseases. Fibrosis of the myocardium plays a key role in the clinical outcomes of patients with heart injuries. Moderate fibrosis is favorable for cardiac structure maintaining and contractile force transmission, whereas adverse fibrosis generally progresses to ventricular remodeling and cardiac systolic or diastolic dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms involved in these processes are multifactorial and complex. Several molecular mechanisms, such as TGF-β signaling pathway, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation, and non-coding RNAs, positively or negatively regulate myocardial fibrosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as significant mediators in gene regulation in cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs are crucial in genetic programming and gene expression during myocardial fibrosis. We summarize the function of lncRNAs in cardiac fibrosis and their contributions to miRNA expression, TGF-β signaling, and ECMs synthesis, with a particular attention on the exosome-derived lncRNAs in the regulation of adverse fibrosis as well as the mode of action of lncRNAs secreted into exosomes. We also discuss how the current knowledge on lncRNAs can be applied to develop novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse cardiac fibrosis.