bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzuloparib Maintenance Therapy in Patients With Platinum-Sensitive, Recurrent Ovarian Carcinoma (FZOCUS-2): A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Trial
Authors: Li Ning , Zhang Youzhong , Wang Jing , Zhu Jianqing , Wang Li , Wu Xiaohua , Yao Desheng , Wu Qiang , Liu Jihong , Tang Junying , Yin Rutie , Lou Ge , An Ruifang , Zhang Guonan , Xia Xiaoping , Li Qingshui , Zhu Yaping , Zheng Hong , Yang Xinfeng , Hu Yuanjing , Zhang Xin , Hao Min , Huang Yi , Lin Zhongqiu , Wang Dong , Guo Xiaoqing , Yao Shuzhong , Wan Xiaoyun , Zhou Huaijun , Yao Liangqing , Yang Xielan , Cui Heng , Meng Yuanguang , Zhang Songling , Qu Jing , Zhang Ben , Zou Jianjun , Wu Lingying
Published: April 2022

PURPOSE

This phase III trial aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of fuzuloparib (formerly fluzoparib) versus placebo as a maintenance treatment after response to second- or later-line platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with high-grade, platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer previously treated with at least two platinum-based regimens were assigned (2:1) to receive fuzuloparib (150 mg, twice daily) or matching placebo for 28-day cycles. The primary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by blinded independent review committee (BIRC) in the overall population and PFS by BIRC in the subpopulation with germline BRCA 1/2 mutation.

RESULTS

Between April 30, 2019, and January 10, 2020, 252 patients were randomly assigned to the fuzuloparib (n = 167) or placebo (n = 85). As of July 1, 2020, the median PFS per BIRC assessment in the overall population was significantly improved with fuzuloparib treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.36; one-sided P < .0001) compared with that with placebo. The HR derived from a prespecified subgroup analysis showed a consistent trend of benefit in patients with germline BRCA 1/2 mutations (HR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.28) or in those without mutations (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.74). The most common grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events reported in the fuzuloparib group were anemia (25.1%), decreased platelet count (16.8%), and decreased neutrophil count (12.6%). Only one patient (0.6%) discontinued fuzuloparib because of treatment-related toxicity (concurrent decreased white blood cell count and neutrophil count).

CONCLUSION

Fuzuloparib as maintenance therapy achieved a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS for patients with platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer versus placebo, regardless of germline BRCA 1/2 mutation, and showed a manageable safety profile.
Extreme Variations in Muscle Fiber Composition Enable Detection of Insulin Resistance and Excessive Insulin Secretion
Authors: Blackwood Sarah J , Horwath Oscar , Moberg Marcus , Pontén Marjan , Apró William , Ekblom Maria M , Larsen Filip J , Katz Abram
Published: April 2022

Context

Muscle fiber composition is associated with peripheral insulin action.

Objective

We investigated whether extreme differences in muscle fiber composition are associated with alterations in peripheral insulin action and secretion in young, healthy subjects who exhibit normal fasting glycemia and insulinemia.

Methods

Relaxation time following a tetanic contraction was used to identify subjects with a high or low expression of type I muscle fibers: group 1 (n = 11), area occupied by type I muscle fibers = 61.0 ± 11.8%, and group 2 (n = 8), type I area = 36.0 ± 4.9% (P < 0.001). Biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle and analyzed for mitochondrial respiration on permeabilized fibers, muscle fiber composition, and capillary density. An intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed and indices of glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and secretion were determined.

Results

Glucose tolerance was similar between groups, whereas whole-body insulin sensitivity was decreased by ~50% in group 2 vs group 1 (P = 0.019). First-phase insulin release (area under the insulin curve during 10 minutes after glucose infusion) was increased by almost 4-fold in group 2 vs group 1 (P = 0.01). Whole-body insulin sensitivity was correlated with percentage area occupied by type I fibers (r = 0.54; P = 0.018) and capillary density in muscle (r = 0.61; P = 0.005) but not with mitochondrial respiration. Insulin release was strongly related to percentage area occupied by type II fibers (r = 0.93; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Assessment of muscle contractile function in young healthy subjects may prove useful in identifying individuals with insulin resistance and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion prior to onset of clinical manifestations.
Decreased Cerebral Perfusion Under Anesthesia During Radiation Treatment: A Case Report
Authors: Patel Gaurav P. , McAdoo Billynda , Eaton Bree , Romej Michelle , Stack Kathryn , Wolf Francis
Published: April 2022

Radiation therapy allows patients to receive focused radiation to a tumor. Some patients require anesthesia for their daily treatments. For head and neck tumors, a thermoplastic mask is created to minimize movement. We describe a case where a patient’s neck circumference increased during the course of treatment. Given that the patient was under anesthesia for each treatment, he was not able to relay the tightness of the mask. This led to cerebral hypoxia. Cerebral oximetry confirmed this diagnosis, and the patient’s mask was refitted—remaining anesthetics were uneventful. Mask fitness should be reassessed during the treatment series.
Functional data analysis for Brazilian term structure of interest rate curves
Authors: Vaz Lucélia Viviane , Jardim Raad Rodrigo
Published: April 2022

The term structure of the interest rate is a crucial tool to underline the decision-making process of several agents: investors, regulators, and risk managers. The data that form the basis of empirical/theoretical studies are particular observations of a function [representing the term structure of the interest rate for each instant of time]. Most of the studies in the literature do not take into account that the data are discretizations of functions. And, therefore, they do not incorporate information that reflects important aspects of the data, such as the smoothness characteristics of the curves. In this work, we propose the use of a set of techniques known by functional data analysis to describe the sources of variability of the interest curves. We also estimate functional linear regression models, where the covariates are some macroeconomic variables.
First steps towards a holistic impact assessment methodology for connected and automated vehicles
Authors: Cleij Diane , Weijermars Wendy , Elvik Rune
Published: April 2022

Connected and automated vehicles have become more common in recent years, increasing the need to assess their societal level impacts. In this paper a methodology is presented to explore and define these impacts as a starting point for quantitative impact assessment. The many interrelations between impacts increases the complexity of obtaining a complete overview. Therefore, a structured approach is used, which shows many similarities with the modelling of causal-loop-diagrams. Feedback loops between impacts are taken into account at an early stage and both literature review and expert interviews are used to produce a holistic overview of impacts. The methodology was developed and applied in the European H2020 project LEVITATE. The impact taxonomy and interrelations between impacts resulting from this project are presented and further steps needed to perform a quantitative evaluation of the impacts are discussed.
On the first derivative of the sums of trigonometric series with quasi-convex coefficients of higher order
Authors: Krasniqi Xhevat Z.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, for the sum of sine or cosine series with quasiconvex coefficients of higher order, the representation of their first derivatives are found in terms of the r-th differences of coefficients of the series obtained by formal differentiation. Also some estimates in terms of coefficients of the series are obtained for the integrals of the absolute values of those derivatives.
Disjoint Bilinear Optimization: A Two-Stage Robust Optimization Perspective
Authors: Zhen Jianzhe , Marandi Ahmadreza , de Moor Danique , den Hertog Dick , Vandenberghe Lieven
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we focus on a subclass of quadratic optimization problems, that is, disjoint bilinear optimization problems. We first show that disjoint bilinear optimization problems can be cast as two-stage robust linear optimization problems with fixed-recourse and right-hand-side uncertainty, which enables us to apply robust optimization techniques to solve the resulting problems. To this end, a solution scheme based on a blending of three popular robust optimization techniques is proposed. For disjoint bilinear optimization problems with a polyhedral feasible region and a general convex feasible region, we show that, under mild regularity conditions, the convex relaxations of the original bilinear formulation and its two-stage robust reformulation obtained from a reformulation-linearization-based technique and linear decision rules, respectively, are equivalent. For generic bilinear optimization problems, the convex relaxations from the reformulation-linearization-based technique are generally tighter than the one from linear decision rules. Numerical experiments on bimatrix games, synthetic disjoint bilinear problem instances, and convex maximization problems demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed solution scheme.

Summary of Contribution: Computing solutions for disjoint bilinear optimization problems are of much interest in real-life applications, yet they are, in general, computationally intractable. This paper proposes a computationally tractable approximation as well as a convergent algorithm to the optimal values of such problems. Extensive computational experiments on (i) (constrained) bimatrix games, (ii) synthetic disjoint bilinear problems, and (iii) convex maximization problems are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Strategic Trade Credit in a Supply Chain with Buyer Competition
Authors: Ning Jie
Published: April 2022

Problem definition: In practice, trade credit (TC) is often offered in a contract that stipulates a single, fixed interest, rather than an interest menu contingent on the loan amount. We examine why a supplier uses such a single-interest contract and why a buyer who can access perfect external capital (EC) with contingent interest may use TC, when the supplier does not share the buyer’s demand risk. Methodology/results: We solve a dynamic game between a supplier and two buyers, who have access to EC and compete in a Cournot game in the product market. We show that the single-interest contract incentivizes a buyer to order more. Thus, such a contract benefits the supplier and makes TC a strategic device for buyers to commit to competing aggressively. Opposite to well-known results, we show that buyers may benefit from using strategic TC, because their access to EC gives them strong pricing power that yields sufficiently low wholesale price. The entire supply chain also benefits because the over-ordering distortion under TC mitigates the under-ordering problem caused by double marginalization. Managerial implications: Our analysis implies that, to weaken buyers’ pricing power and improve profit, the supplier should offer cheap TC—for example, in net terms to—financially resourceful buyers and expensive TC—for example, with early payment discount—to financially constrained buyers, as observed in practice. We find strategic TC to yield increasingly more benefit for the supplier as its production cost decreases and may allow the buyer to maximize its payoff at an intermediate consumers’ willingness-to-pay that leads to strong pricing power and low wholesale price.
Systemic lupus erythematosus: overview, management and COVID-19
Authors: Murphy Louise
Published: April 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex multi-system disease affecting various systems of the body. The aetiology remains unclear; however, it is thought that immune system dysregulation, environmental factors and viral susceptibility can trigger the disease. Mortality remains high due to cardiovascular disease, infection and lupus nephritis. Clinical assessment should comprise an extensive history, detailed physical examination and relevant laboratory tests. Management begins with an in-depth understanding of disease-specific complications and associated comorbidities. Treatments should be based on a shared decision-making process between the patient and the clinician. Review by a specialist nurse is vital for ongoing support and education. Current treatments can increase the risk of COVID-19 infection and disease severity, so caution is needed in the current climate. New treatments are emerging and offer hope to those with refractory disease.
Reflecting on retention: reasons why nurses choose to stay
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: April 2022

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, considers retention as one cornerstone of government targets for increasing the number of nurses in England by 2024
Use of injectable acellular dermal matrix combined with negative pressure wound therapy in open diabetic foot amputation
Authors: Ahn Jiyong , Park Ho Youn , Shetty Asode Ananthram , Hwang Wonha
Published: April 2022

Objective:

Skin grafts after negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) usage have both been useful for treating diabetic foot amputation. We hypothesised that injectable ADM combined with NPWT would be more useful than NPWT only for healing after amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of injectable ADM combined with NPWT in patients with DFU who have undergone amputation.

Method:

This retrospective study reviewed patients with infected DFUs who were administered NPWT. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 included patients who were treated with NPWT only, while Group 2 included patients who were treated with injectable ADM combined with NPWT. Clinical results including the number of NPWT dressing changes, wound healing duration, and full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) incident rate between the two groups were compared.

Results:

A total of 41 patients took part in the study (Group 1=20, Group 2=21). The mean number of NPWT dressing changes was significantly lower in Group 2 (8.71±3.77) than in Group 1 (13.90±5.62) (p=0.001). Mean wound healing period was shorter in Group 2 (3.17±1.36 weeks) than in Group 1 (5.47±1.68 weeks) (p=0.001). Finally, the rate of patients who underwent FTSG for complete wound closure was 85% in Group 1, whereas it was only 14.3% in Group 2.

Conclusion:

In this study, the use of injectable ADM combined with NPWT in patients with DFU who underwent amputation favoured complete wound healing, without the need to resort to the use of skin grafts.
Effect of a wound healing protocol on patients with stage III and IV pressure ulcers: a preliminary observational study
Authors: Monaco Dario , Zaghini Francesco , Fiorini Jacopo , Venturini Giulia , Iovino Paolo , Vellone Ercole , Alvaro Rosaria , Sili Alessandro
Published: April 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the influence of a wound healing protocol for stage III and IV pressure ulcers (PUs), and to determine the predictive power of specific sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on wound healing and infection.

Method:

This longitudinal study included participants with stage III and IV PUs who were recruited from 10 acute care settings of an Italian university hospital, and who were managed with a protocol inspired by the TIMECare model. Data were collected between October 2018 and March 2019. The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Staging System was used to stage the PUs. Wound healing was assessed with the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH). Nutritional status was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment Index. Data collection took place at admission and every seven days thereafter—a total of six times before discharge. The outcome and predictors of wound healing were assessed with Student's paired t-tests and multiple linear regressions, respectively.

Results:

Patients (n=126) were almost equally split between male and female, with a mean age of 78.17 years and who were all retired. Stage III and IV PUs were most prevalent at the sacrum (65.5% and 73.2%, respectively). PUSH wound healing scores improved significantly after six weeks in both stage III and IV PUs (p<0.001). Nutritional status was predictive of wound healing (R2=0.12).

Conclusion:

Our results showed that a good nutritional status and a protocol inspired by the TIMECare model were associated with wound healing improvements in stage III and IV PUs. We recommend this protocol in older patients with stage III and IV PUs.
IV3000 semi-occlusive dressing use in simple and complex fingertip injuries: efficacy and affordability
Authors: Cheang Catherine Jenn Yi , Khan Muhammad Adil Abbas , Jordan Daniel J , Nassar Kazem , Bhatti Dujanah Siddique , Rafiq Sadia , Hogg Fiona J , Waterston Stuart W
Published: April 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the efficacy of the IV3000 semi-occlusive, transparent adhesive film dressing in the non-surgical management of simple as well as more complex fingertip injuries.

Method:

In this qualitative study, patients with fingertip injuries were prospectively recruited and treated conservatively with the dressing between 2015 and 2017. Inclusion criteria included any fingertip injury with tissue loss and patient consent for non-surgical treatment consistent with the study protocol. Exclusion criteria included injuries needing surgical intervention for tendon injury or exposure, joint dislocations, distal phalangeal fractures requiring fixation, bone exposure, isolated nail bed lacerations and any patients eligible for surgical repair who did not wish to be managed conservatively.

Results:

A total of 64 patients took part in the study. The patients treated with the dressing were asked to rate functional outcome, of whom 40 (62.5%) patients reported the outcome as ‘excellent’, 19 (29.7%) as ‘satisfactory’, five (7.8%) as ‘indifferent’ and none (0%) as ‘unsatisfactory’. A reduced pulp volume at completion of healing was felt by 21 (32.8%) patients, but all patients were ‘satisfied’ with the aesthetic appearance of their fingertips at final clinical review. Average healing time was 4.5 weeks across the group, with the average time for return to work being just under one week. We estimate a 60% reduction in cost with the conservative versus the surgical management option.

Conclusion:

This study showed that, for participants, the IV3000 dressing was an affordable and effective option for the conservative treatment of simple fingertip injuries and in the management of more complex fingertip injuries.
A novel method of skin graft fixation using adhesive hydrofiber foam
Authors: Yen Ya-Hui , Wu Szu-Hsien , Chen Ying-Chen , Chen Yi-Wen , Li Wan-Yu , Hsieh Chia-Nan , Lee Ru-Ping , Huang Chieh-Chi , Hsu Honda
Published: April 2022

Objective:

Conventional skin graft fixation uses a tie-over bolus dressing with splint fixation. However, splints are highly uncomfortable and contribute considerably to medical waste. Previous study has shown positive results using hydrofiber for skin graft fixation. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of using adhesive hydrofiber foam for skin graft fixation.

Method:

In this retrospective study, patients reconstructed with split-thickness skin graft that was fixated only with adhesive hydrofiber foam from April 2017 until April 2019 were included.

Results:

A total of 44 patients took part, of whom 32 were male and 12 female, with a mean age of 56±19 years. The mean operative time was 77.5±91 minutes. The average defect size was 42±37cm2. The mean skin graft take was 97±5%. The mean length of hospital admission after skin grafting until discharge was 8.5±9.2 days. Excluding those patients undergoing other procedures at the same time as the skin graft gave a total of 34 patients. Their mean operative time was 32±20 minutes, and mean length of hospital stay after skin grafting was 4.0±4.7 days.

Conclusion:

Adhesive hydrofiber foam for skin graft fixation was technically very easy to apply, resulting in a waterproof, non-bulky, secure dressing. Splints were not required. Patients were allowed to mobilise. This method resulted in increased patient comfort and decreased medical waste. From these findings, we believe that this is an extremely simple and effective method of skin graft fixation.
Modified application of vacuum-assisted closure in thoracic surgery patients
Authors: Alreshaid Farouk , Aljehani Yasser
Published: April 2022

Objective:

Surgical site infection (SSI), ranging from superficial, deep and to organ space, is one of the major predictors for morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Care to accelerate SSI healing is taken to shorten hospital stay and reduce costs. The deep application of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) in thoracic patients is not well established in the literature. In this study, the deep application and safety of VAC therapy in patients with various thoracic pathologies was evaluated.

Method:

A retrospective chart review of all patients who were admitted to the thoracic surgery service between July 2014 and July 2018 and who developed deep SSI was carried out.

Results:

A total of 12 patients were included, and their demographic data analysed. There were various thoracic pathologies complicated with postoperative deep SSI treated with VAC. The duration of VAC application ranged from 4–40 days with an average hospital stay of 37.6 days. All patients showed clinical, radiological and microbiological improvement rather than developing complications except for one case of mortality due to septicaemia.

Conclusion:

In this study, partial intrapleural VAC therapy was safe for use in patients who underwent thoracic surgery, regardless of the underling pathology, with caution (i.e., with continued monitoring of the patient's tolerance to the treatment). The overall hospital stay may be reduced with the use of VAC. It also decreased perioperative morbidity, secondary to wound infection.
Relationship between the 3D Footprint of an Agricultural Tire and Drawbar Pull Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Cutini Maurizio , Costa Corrado , Brambilla Massimo , Bisaglia Carlo
Published: April 2022

Highlights

Improvement of tractor traction provides better field efficiency.

Drawbar pull increased with tire footprint length.

Drawbar pull decreased with increasing tire footprint volume and depth.

3D footprint parameters, which the 2D footprint do not contain, affected the drawbar pull significantly.

The ANN highlighted the relation adequately.

Abstract.Improving the traction of an agricultural tractor on the field increases its working efficiency and capacity. Heavy work, like plowing, entails high levels of tire slip, which is directly related to power loss when the transmission of drawbar pull is required. Accordingly, it is possible to hypothesize that a tire with a higher traction capability could increase the working efficiency of the machine. The natural evolution for measuring the geometrical parameters of tires has led to the consideration of three-dimensional (3D) footprints since the distribution of the vertical stresses at the soil–tire interface may be highly non-uniform. In this study, the data acquired from 3D footprints of 10 sets of tires underwent processing along with the data from drawbar tests carried out with the same tires on soil terrain at different slip ratios. Subsequently, artificial intelligence multivariate methods based on artificial neural networks allowed traction prediction and verified the importance that the acquired geometrical parameters have on the measured drawbar pull. The study confirmed the correlation of the geometrical parameters of the 3D tire footprint with the drawbar pull and the results of the artificial intelligence modelling underlined the impact of these acquisitions. However, further work that considers various lug geometries is required to extend the generalizability of the studied methodology. Keywords: Field efficiency, Phenolic resin, Traction, Tractor.
Recognizing Potassium Deficiency Symptoms in Soybean with ANN on FPGA
Authors: Sartin Maicon Aparecido , da Silva Alexandre Cesar Rodrigues , Kappes Claudinei
Published: April 2022

Highlights

Identifying the deficiency of potassium macronutrients in the soybean crop using artificial neural network (ANN).

Image processing based on ANN using a reconfigurable device.

Processing and representation of data in neurons are in floating point.

Abstract. Precision agriculture aims to improve the production of field crops using different techniques to manage the planting stages, such as the monitoring of field crops by images, fertilization control, nutrient analysis of the soil, and pest and weed control. By investigating field images, a plant leaf can be used to identify the lack of nutrients or the presence of diseases. This study developed a system that identifies the macronutrient deficiency of potassium in soybean crops by analyzing leaves. The methodology of this study was developed using different abstractions (Matlab and FPGA) to obtain consolidated results and facilitate low-level abstraction. The main contribution of this study is developing a multilayer artificial neural network system for a reconfigurable device. The developed system was applied in the image segmentation to determine potassium deficiency using soybean leaves and compared with a high-level abstraction system. The results of the reconfigurable device show that the mean hit percentages are 92%, 96%, and 95% in the leaf, trefoil, and field, respectively. The mean square error values were in the range of 10-2 and the quality factor was between 8.5 and 9.0. Keywords: Artificial Neural Networks, Digital image processing, Potassium deficiency, Reconfigurable device, Soybean.
Heat Treatment for Disinfecting Egg Transport Tools
Authors: Chai Lilong , Zhao Yang , Xin Hongwei , Richardson Brad
Published: April 2022

Highlights

Disinfecting shell egg transport tools before their reuse is an integral biosecurity step.

Avian influenza viruses are heat labile and it can be disinfected with high temperatures.

Lab tests proved that egg transport flats and pallets can be heated to 54°C to 60°C in 7 to 9 h.

Egg farm tests identified main factors for consideration in designing heat treatment system.

Abstract.Disinfecting shell egg transport tools such as egg flats and pallets before their reuse has become an integral biosecurity step after the 2015 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in the United States. Lab-scale tests and field verification were conducted to investigate dynamic temperature changes and distributions inside stacks of egg pallet and flat at a surrounding air temperature of 54°C to 60°C (130ºF to 140ºF) in this study. The heat treatment tests were conducted in the lab first, and then verified in a newly built heat treatment room [12 m (L) × 4 m (W) × 3 m (H)] on a commercial laying hen farm in Iowa, the largest egg production state in the United States. Iowa lost more than 30 million hens during 2015 outbreak of HPAI. The lab tests proved that air circulation with fans could accelerate the heat exchange between air and stacks; blowing air from top and bottom at the same time plus arranging a 2.5 cm (1 in.) space between stacks could reduce the heat treatment time for the target temperature zone (i.e., 54ºC to 60ºC) from 26 to 60 h (without air circulation) to 7 to 9 h. For commercial egg farm tests, heat treatment results show that the room air and egg pallet stacks temperature reached the target zone (54ºC to 60ºC) in 30 min and 4 h after starting the heater, respectively. However, the temperature of egg flat stacks failed to reach the targeted zone after 8 h heating, because it had larger volume and heat transfer resistance as compared to egg pallet stacks. Further experiments such as extending heating period and installing mixing fans to accelerate heat exchange between the room air and the stacks are suggested for improving heat treatment system design on commercial farms. Keywords: Avian influenza, Disinfection, Egg flat and pallet, Egg production.
Evaluating Uniformity of Center Pivot Irrigation Systems in Western Oklahoma
Authors: Handa Divya , Masasi Blessing , Frazier Scott , Taghvaeian Saleh , Warren Jason , Moriasi Daniel N.
Published: April 2022

Highlights

63% of the 24 center pivots tested in western Oklahoma had acceptable uniformity.

On average, 7% of pumped water was lost before reaching the soil surface.

Irrigation nonuniformity can have major, yet variable effects on water fluxes.

Abstract. Nonuniform application of water through center pivots can lead to under- or over-irrigation at parts of the field, which can lead to water stress and yield reductions or loss of limited water resources and leaching of applied chemicals, respectively. In this study, irrigation uniformity tests were performed to determine the application uniformity and conveyance efficiency of 24 center pivots in western Oklahoma. The average coefficient of uniformity and low quarter distribution uniformity of the tested systems were 78% and 69%, respectively. These values indicate an overall borderline acceptable application uniformity. The average water conveyance efficiency was 93%, indicating that 7% of pumped water was lost before reaching the soil surface. Measured ratios of collected water in each collector to the average collected water for corresponding center pivots were used to simulate the effects of observed nonuniformity on water fluxes for a 10-year period. Under-irrigation (e.g., caused by clogged nozzles) led to considerable reduction in crop transpiration at the simulation location in the Panhandle, while the decreasing effects were more notable for deep percolation for the location in west-central Oklahoma. Over-irrigation (e.g., caused by leaks or missing nozzles) resulted in substantially larger deep percolations at both locations. Keywords: Catch-can, Conveyance efficiency, Water fluxes.
Agricultural Harvester Sound Classification using Convolutional Neural Networks and Spectrograms
Authors: Khorasani Nioosha E , Thomas Gabriel , Balocco Simone , Mann Danny
Published: April 2022

Highlights

Automatic classification of harvester sounds.

Final classification obtained using three convolutional neural networks.

The results of the networks were combined via stacking and voting to achieve 100% accuracy.

Abstract. The use of deep learning in agricultural tasks has recently become popular. Deep learning networks have been used for analyzing images of crops, identifying paddy areas, distinguishing sick plants from healthy ones, to name a few applications. Besides visual systems, sound analysis of agricultural machinery is a time-sensitive task that can also be incorporated in decision making and can be done with the help of deep learning models. We propose a method to generate spectrogram images from the sound of a harvester and classify them into three working modes in real-time. We used three convolutional neural networks and use the outputs of these networks as inputs to a stacking ensemble method to improve the accuracy of the system. To achieve 100% classification accuracy, a final decision is made by voting based on several consecutive classifications made by the stacking step. We were able to perform classifications in less than 1 s which was the standard to be considered as a safe time for the harvester. Keywords: Convolutional neural networks, Deep learning, Spectrograms, Stacking, Voting.
Analysis of Broken Rice Kernels Using an Android Application
Authors: Salish Karthik , Gamboa José Alfredo , Ambrose Kingsly
Published: April 2022

Highlights

An android application was developed to analyze broken rice kernels.

Maximum length and aspect ratio were good indicators to categorize broken rice kernels.

The developed algorithm had a precision of 95.9% and an accuracy of 98.0%.

Abstract. The morphological characteristics of grain kernels play an important role in identifying the quality of rice. Manual sorting and inspection of rice kernels is a laborious process and susceptible to human errors. Mechanical separators such as indented cylindrical separators have also been used to separate broken kernels. In recent times, computer vision through image analysis has been applied to automate these processes, however, this necessitates image acquisition and processing devices. This article focuses on the development and use of an android application to determine the physical quality of rice kernels by quantifying broken grains using image processing and analysis techniques. The algorithm for the application includes several steps within image processing such as: image acquisition, preprocessing, segmentation, morphological transformation, and feature extraction. This quality inspection system was evaluated for medium-grain white rice. Experimental results showed a maximum average error of 2.8% in the prediction of broken kernels. This application can be used by primary producers and traders for analyzing the quality of rice. Keywords: Android application, Computer vision, Image processing, Rice quality.
Design and Performance Test of Rotary Grate Concave Threshing and Separating Unit of Head-Feeding Combine Harvester
Authors: Zhang Zhengzhong , Xie Fangping , Tian Liquan , Liu Zhenghuai , Looh George Ashwehmbom , Wang Xiushan
Published: April 2022

Highlights

This research was aimed at assessing the performance of a head-feeding combine harvester.

The rotary grate concave threshing and separating unit were effective for improving and preventing the threshing cylinder from being jammed and improving working efficiency.

More broken grains were obtained at a faster speed of concave grate.

The speed of feeding chain was significant on the performance parameters that were evaluated.

Abstract. It is easy for the threshing cylinder to get blocked in the head-feeding combine harvester with the fixed grate concave threshing and separating unit to affect the working efficiency when high yield rice is harvested. The rotary grate concave threshing and separating unit was designed to solve the above problem. The rotary grate concave surface revolved in the same direction along the cylinder arc of threshing drum. A test-bench of the rotary grate concave threshing and separating unit was developed. The rotational speeds of cylinder (RC), the speed of the concave grate (SG), and the speed of feeding chain (SF) were regarded as experimental factors, and the grain loss rate, broken grain rate, and impurities rate were selected as indices. Central composite design combined with response surface methodology and multi-objective optimization method were employed to conduct experiments and explore the interaction effects of factors on indices. The optimal operating parameters were nonlinearly optimized and determined to be RC of 547.6 rpm, SG of 0.93 m·s-1, and SF of 1.06 m·s-1. Under these conditions, the predicted values of the grain loss rate, broken grain rate, and impurities rate were 1.95%, 0.29%, and 0.58%, respectively. Verification experiments indicated that the observed values were in agreement with the predicted values. Results suggested that the rotary grate concave threshing and separating unit developed in this study were effective for preventing the threshing drum from being blocked, and there was a good potential for performance improvement of head-feeding combine harvester. Keywords: Central composite design, Cylinder speed, Feeding chain speed, Head-feeding combine harvester, Response surface methodology, Rotary grate concave, Threshing and separating unit.
A Paddy Field Segmentation Method Combining Attention Mechanism and Adaptive Feature Fusion
Authors: Deng Hong , Yang Yingting , Liu Zhaopeng , Liu Xing , Huang Dakang , Liu Muhua , Chen Xiongfei
Published: April 2022

Highlights

A paddy field segmentation network model, SA-DeepLabv3+, for hilly areas in southern China is proposed.

SA-DeepLabv3+ uses attention mechanism and adaptive spatial feature fusion algorithm.

The deep model was trained end-to-end using a few annotated image datasets.

SA-DeepLabv3+ has good segmentation results for the four common types of paddy fields.

Abstract. The hilly areas of southern China have complex feature distributions, and the boundaries of cultivated land are irregular. This kind of environment causes several image segmentation problems such as low accuracy of UAV low-altitude remote sensing arable land image interpretation. This paper proposes a SA-DeepLabv3+ paddy field segmentation model that combines attention mechanism and adaptive spatial feature fusion algorithm based on DeepLabv3+ semantic segmentation model. The sampling areas include Yangwan Village, Duchang County, Jiangxi Province, China, Keli Village, Xinjian County, Nanchang City and Chengxin Farm, Nanchang City. A high-resolution image dataset was found by capturing low-altitude remote sensing images of paddy fields with DJI UAVs, and the dataset images are categorised into four types of paddy fields. By analysing the image features of the dataset, the feature map is remapped by incorporating scSE attention mechanism module in the backbone network of the DeepLabv3+ encoder to enhance the paddy field feature representation. The ASFF algorithm is applied in the decoder, which obtains an adaptive weight coefficient to improve the problem of inadequate fusion of multi-scale features in the upsampling. By comparing the segmentation results of models with different ASPP dilation rates, the optimal set of dilation rates is determined to improve the model's ability to extract fine features of paddy fields. Finally, the performance of this model for paddy fields segmentation is verified by comparison experiments of different models. The data show that the mean values of PA, MIoU, Recall, and F1 score of the SA-DeepLabv3+ paddy field segmentation model are 0.955, 0.875, 0.865, and 0.908, respectively, which are improved by 0.019, 0.032, 0.008, and 0.005, and also has a higher segmentation performance compared with the typical segmentation models of UNet, SegNet, and PSPNet. The results show that the SA-DeepLabv3+ paddy field segmentation model with high accuracy and robustness, which provides an important basis for further acquiring high-precision paddy field boundary positioning information and constructing high-precision maps of several paddy fields in larger areas, and plays a positive role in promoting efficient and accurate information management of paddy fields. Keywords: Attention mechanism, ASFF, DeepLabv3+ network, Paddy field.
Improving Milk Value Chains: A Case Study for Qualitative-Economic Feasibility of Decentralized Solar Milk Pasteurization and Chilling Processes
Authors: Khan Khawar Saeed , Munir Anjum , Raza Ali , Latif Yasir , Hensel Oliver
Published: April 2022

Highlights

Solar-based milk pasteurization enables decentralized maintenance of milk quality, particularly in remote areas of developing countries.

Study for milk quality processed with solar technologies.

Payback period calculation for indigenous machines.

Comparative prices analysis of available commercially packed milk with solar process milk.

Abstract.Milk adulteration is common and inevitable which pledges milk quality after processing and lasts in whole supply chain, particularly in least developed countries (LDCs) like Pakistan. The dairy farmers must sell raw milk due to inadequate farm-gate milk processing facilities leading to economic and quality compromises for producers and consumers, respectively. The present study pursues the milk quality and techno-economic analysis of the processed milk (pasteurized and chilled) with indigenously developed Solar Milk Chiller (SMC) and Solar Milk Pasteurizer (SMP) compared to the existing milk value chain.. The processed milk contains fat (5.4%), solid-not-fat (9.1%), salts (0.7%), protein (3.9%), lactose (4.2%), total solids (14.5%), pH (6.85), density (1.031 kg/L), and freezing point (-0.532°C). The results of sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale showed overall likeness towards solar processed milk in terms of taste, color, aroma, and freshness. The processed milk costs USD 0.003 per liter with extended shelf life and superior in quality compared to locally available open (non-packaged) and packaged milk. With an estimated operational lifespan of 10 years, the payback periods for SMC and SMP have been found to be 1.3 to 4.5 and 1.1 to 2.7 years, respectively, depending upon the alternate source for equivalent energy generation. Keywords: Milk adulteration, On-farm solar milk processing, Solar milk chiller, Solar milk pasteurizer.
Evaporative Pad Cooling Impacts on Barn Environment and Finishing Pig Performance
Authors: Wiegert Jeffery , Knauer Mark , Shah Sanjay B
Published: April 2022

Highlights

First study to evaluate evaporative cool cell pad impacts on finishing pig performance in commercial barns

The cool cell pad reduced air temperature from 31.5°C by 3.9°C with a cooling efficiency of 52%

Cool cell pads improved pig well-being by providing more cooling than sprinklers but pig performance was unaffected

Tunnel ventilation (cool cells or sprinklers) improved daily weight gain over natural ventilation with sprinklers

Abstract. Since heat stress reduces pig growth, cooling is required to optimize barn environment to maintain performance of modern lean-type swine. Hence, summertime barn environment and finisher pig performance were compared between tunnel ventilated barns with sprinklers (TUNNEL; n=3) and tunnel ventilated barns with evaporative cool cell pads (COOLCELL; n=2). Pig performance was also measured in naturally-ventilated barns with sprinklers and mixing fans (NATURAL; n=4). Evaporative cool cell pad performance was also quantified. Barns with identical dimensions and fully slatted flooring were located at the same commercial production site in eastern North Carolina and were monitored from 2014 to 2016. Barn temperature, relative humidity (RH), temperature-humidity index (THI), and thermal images to assess pig temperature were compared between the COOLCELL and TUNNEL treatments. Average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), pig survival, culls, and medication costs were compared across all three barn types and seasons (SUMMER vs. NON-SUMMER) on 72 batches of pigs (46,459 total pigs). Between 12 noon and 1 p.m., the evaporative cool cell pads reduced temperature by 3.9°C and had a cooling efficiency of 52%. COOLCELL barn temperature and THI were significantly lower and RH was significantly higher than TUNNEL. There were no significant differences in pig performance or pig temperature between TUNNEL and COOLCELL. Pig ADG was significantly higher in TUNNEL and COOLCELL vs. NATURAL. SUMMER FCR and medication cost were significantly improved vs. NON-SUMMER. Despite lack of treatment effect on pig performance, COOLCELL improved thermal comfort vs. TUNNEL. Keywords: Growth, Heat stress, Pig, Temperature-humidity-index.
Struvite Production at Commercial Dairies with Use of a Mobile System and Comparisons to Alternative Nutrient Recovery Systems
Authors: Harrison J. H. , Fullerton Kevin , Whitefield Elizabeth , Bowers Keith , Church Clinton , Vanotti Matias , Patrick Dube
Published: April 2022

Highlights

Anaerobically digested dairy manure is best for formation of struvite

Phosphorus can be captured in forms reusable as fertilizer

Phosphorus can be captured in a cost range of $0.003 to $0.02 per L of manure based on a partial budget analysis considering the variable cost of chemicals

Effective methods for capture of P from dairy manure are needed to promote recycling of P

Abstract. Effective methods for capture of phosphorus (P) from dairy manure are needed to promote recycling of P. A mobile system consisting of a fluidized bed technology with a 3,200 L cone mounted on an 8-m trailer was used to evaluate the variability in capture of P from liquid dairy manure in the form of struvite. Batches of 13,000 L of manure were pre-treated with sulfuric acid or oxalic acid, and magnesium chloride prior to pumping through the cone at a flow rate of ~20 to 28 L min-1. Sodium hydroxide or aqueous ammonia were pumped into the base of the cone to raise the pH and form struvite. On many occasions the system did not work well and negative ortho-P removals were observed. When the struvite system was working well, ortho-P capture using dairy manure ranged from 1% to 76%, averaging 34% over the course of 7 to 9 h of operation. Ortho-P capture was highest at 84%, and total P capture of 62% using anaerobically digested manure with pH modifiers of oxalic and/or sulfuric acid and aqueous ammonia. Major factors and concentrations that promote formation of struvite were: total suspended solids (<10,000 mg L-1), Ca (<600 mg L-1), Fe (<25 mg L-1), and ortho-P (>50 mg L-1). Partial budget economic analysis indicated that number of lactating cows and cropland were critical factors for achieving whole farm P balance. A comparison to two other technologies for capturing P from manure indicated the three systems provide an initial end product for off-farm export in the range of $0.003 to $0.02 per L of manure based on a partial budget analysis considering the variable cost of chemicals. Keywords: Dairy manure, Phosphorus, Struvite.