bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical implantation of 92 VACStents in the upper gastrointestinal tract of 50 patients—applicability and safety analysis of an innovative endoscopic concept
Authors: Lange J. , Knievel J. , Wichmann D. , Kähler G. , Wiedbrauck F. , Hellmich T. , Kandler M. , Bernhardt J. , Scholz D. , Beyna T. , Hausmann J. , Wedi E. , Ellrichmann M. , Hügle U. , Dormann A. J. , Eisenberger C. F. , Heiss M. M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has emerged as a promising treatment option for upper gastrointestinal wall defects, offering benefits such as evacuation of secretions and removal of wound debris by suction, and reduction and healing of wound cavities to improve clinical outcomes. In contrast, covered stents have a high rate of migration and lack functional drainage, while endoluminal EVT devices obstruct the GI tract. The VACStent is a novel device that combines the benefits of EVT and stent placement. Its design features a fully covered Nitinol-stent within a polyurethane sponge cylinder, enabling EVT while maintaining stent patency.

Methods

This study analyzes the pooled data from three different prospective study cohorts to assess the safe practicality of VACStent placement, complete leak coverage, and effective suction-treatment of esophageal leaks. By pooling the data, the study aims to provide a broader base for analysis.

Results

In total, trans-nasal derivation of the catheter, suction and drainage of secretion via vacuum pump were performed without any adversity. In the pooled study cohort of 92 VACStent applications, the mean stent indwelling time was 5.2 days (range 2–8 days) without any dislocation of the device. Removal of the VACStent was done without complication, in one case the sponge was lost but subsequently fully preserved. Minor local erosions and bleeding and one subsequent hemostasis were recorded unfrequently during withdrawal of the device (5.4%, 5/92) but no perforation or pressure ulcer. Despite a high heterogeneity regarding primary disease and pretreatments a cure rate of 76% (38/50 patients) could be achieved.

Discussion

In summary, insertion and release procedure was regarded as easy and simple with a low potential of dislocation. The VACStent was well tolerated by the patient while keeping the drainage function of the sponge achieving directly a wound closure by continuous suction and improving the healing process. The implantation of the VACStent provides a promising new procedure for improved clinical treatment in various indications of the upper gastrointestinal wall, which should be validated in larger clinical studies.

Clinical Trial Registration: Identifier [DRKS00016048 and NCT04884334].
Parallel Algorithm for Solving Overdetermined Systems of Linear Equations, Taking into Account Round-Off Errors
Authors: Lukyanenko Dmitry
Published: May 2023

The paper proposes a parallel algorithm for solving large overdetermined systems of linear algebraic equations with a dense matrix. This algorithm is based on the use of a modification of the conjugate gradient method, which is able to take into account rounding errors accumulated during calculations when making a decision to terminate the iterative process. The parallel algorithm is constructed in such a way that it takes into account the capabilities of the message passing interface (MPI) parallel programming technology, which is used for the software implementation of the proposed algorithm. The programming examples are shown using the Python programming language and the mpi4py package, but all programs are built in such a way that they can be easily rewritten using the C/C++/Fortran programming languages. The advantage of using the modern MPI-4.0 standard is demonstrated.
Optimizing Crop Yield and Reducing Energy Consumption in Greenhouse Control Using PSO-MPC Algorithm
Authors: Gong Liyun , Yu Miao , Kollias Stefanos
Published: May 2023

In this study, we present a novel smart greenhouse control algorithm that optimizes crop yield while minimizing energy consumption costs. To achieve this, we relied on both a greenhouse climate model and a greenhouse crop yield model. Our approach involves applying the model predictive control (MPC) method, which utilizes the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to identify optimal controllable parameters such as heating, lighting, ventilation levels. The objective of the optimization is to maximize crop yield while minimizing energy consumption costs. We demonstrate the superiority of our proposed control algorithm in terms of performance and energy efficiency compared to the traditional control algorithm. The effectiveness of the PSO-based optimization strategy for finding optimal controllable parameters for MPC control is also demonstrated, outperforming the traditional genetic algorithm optimization. This study provides a promising approach to smart greenhouse control with the potential for increasing crop yield while minimizing energy costs.
Experimental Aeroelastic Investigation of an All-Movable Horizontal Tail Model with Bending and Torsion Free-Plays
Authors: Ai Xinyu , Bai Yuguang , Qian Wei , Li Yuhai , Chen Xiangyan
Published: May 2023

In this study, an experimental investigation is performed on a scaled, all-movable horizontal tail to study the aeroelastic behaviors induced by multiple free-plays. The dynamic response in wind tunnel tests is measured by strain gauges, an accelerometer, and a binocular vision measurement system. The obtained results indicate that the present aeroelastic system exhibits highly nonlinear characteristics and undergoes two independent limit cycle oscillations (LCOs) induced by bending free-play and torsion free-play, respectively. Further, various parametric studies are conducted to evaluate the effects of the free-play angles, angle of attack, flow velocity, and gust excitation on the LCOs. It is found that the value of free-play angle has no significant effect on the critical flow velocity which leads to the occurrence of LCOs. The amplitude and frequency of LCOs increase with the increasing free-play angle and flow velocity. Moreover, the horizontal tail experiences high-order harmonic resonances when LCOs appear. Finally, the stability of limit cycles is analyzed based on the gust excitation experiment. Overall, compared to an all-movable horizontal tail with single free-play, the multiple free-plays system exhibits more complex dynamic behaviors. In this paper, the measured results of the scaled model, which has a similar mass distribution and stiffness distribution as actual aircraft, may be valuable for predicting such LCOs induced by multiple free-plays, and providing a reference for the design of all-movable horizontal tail to prevent LCOs.
Strength and Toughness of Hot-Rolled TA15 Aviation Titanium Alloy after Heat Treatment
Authors: Li Liangliang , Pan Xin , Liu Biao , Liu Bin , Li Pengfei , Liu Zhifeng
Published: May 2023

To investigate the impact of various heat treatments on the strength and toughness of TA15 aviation titanium alloys, five different heat treatment methods were employed in the temperature range of 810–995 °C. The microstructure of the alloy was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and its mechanical properties were analyzed through tensile, hardness, impact, and bending tests. The findings indicate that increasing the annealing temperature results in an increase in the phase boundary and secondary α phase, while the volume fraction of the primary α phase decreases, leading to a rise in hardness and a decrease in elongation. The tensile strength of heat-treated samples at 810 °C was notably improved, displaying high ductility at this annealing temperature. Heat treatment (810 °C/2 h/WQ) produced the highest tensile properties (ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of 987 MPa, 886 MPa, and 17.78%, respectively). Higher heat treatment temperatures were found to enhance hardness but decrease the tensile properties, bending strength, and impact toughness. The triple heat treatment (810 °C/1 h/AC + 810 °C/1 h/AC + 810 °C/1 h/AC) resulted in the highest hardness of 601.3 MPa. These results demonstrate that various heat treatments have a substantial impact on the strength and toughness of forged TA15 titanium alloys.
Biochar Can Partially Substitute Fertilizer for Rice Production in Acid Paddy Field in Southern China
Authors: Qin Shasha , Rong Feilong , Zhang Manyun , Su Guirui , Wang Wei , Wu Liqun , Wu Aiping , Chen Falin
Published: May 2023

Biochar application has been confirmed as an efficient way to increase the productivity of the agricultural system. However, the potential of biochar combined with reducing fertilization on the yield, and the fertilizer utilization efficiency of the rice (Oryza sativa) farming system on acidic soil remains to be further studied. Field micro-plot experiments with two factors were performed in 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the responses of the rice yield and nutrient utilization to the combined application of biochar (60, 80, and 100 t/ha) and fertilizer reduction (70%, 85%, and standard doses of N-P-K fertilizer). Taoyouxiangzhan and Taiyou 553 were used in the late growing season of 2018 and 2019, respectively. The results showed that compared with the control without adding biochar under standard fertilization, 70% doses of fertilizer application had no negative effects on the yield and the N, P, and K accumulation of rice after biochar application. K accumulation of rice increased with the increase of biochar application. The partial productivity of N, P, and K fertilizers increased as the fertilizer was decreased. The agronomic efficiency of N, P, and K fertilizers significantly increased after the combined applications of biochar and fertilizer. In both years, micro-plots with 70% doses of fertilizer had the highest N and P physiological efficiency, as well as K physiological efficiency in 2019. Compared with the control under standard fertilization, utilization efficiency of N, P, and K fertilizer under different biochar and fertilizer combinations significantly increased by 34.24~75.48%, 27.44~84.84%, and 78.52~166.70%, respectively. To sum up, biochar can partially substitute fertilizer for rice production in acid paddy fields in southern China. When the amount of biochar added is ≥60 t/ha, 70% doses of fertilizer application can still ensure the nutrient absorption of rice, improve the fertilizer utilization efficiency, and ensure the stable yield of rice.
Revolutionizing Maize Crop Productivity: The Winning Combination of Zigzag Planting and Deep Nitrogen Fertilization for Maximum Yield through Root–Shoot Ratio Management
Authors: Zheng Yongzhao , Yue Yang , Li Congfeng , Wang Yongjun , Zhang Hongyu , Ren Hong , Gong Xiangwei , Jiang Ying , Qi Hua
Published: May 2023

Maize is the staple food of China, produced on 33.6% of the total arable land. In this context, an effective strategy to enhance maize yield is essential to meet the demand without expanding the cultivation areas. Maize yield can be increased by two key measures: plant-row space optimization and nutrient management. However, in traditional maize cultivation practices, fertilizer utilization by plants is inefficient. We therefore performed a manipulative experiment over two years (2018–2019), applying four treatments: (I) linear planting with nitrogen fertilization at 10 cm depth (CK), (II) linear planting with nitrogen fertilization at 20 cm depth (LD20), (III) zigzag planting with nitrogen fertilization at 10 cm depth (ZD10), and (IV) zigzag planting with nitrogen fertilization at 20 cm depth (ZD20). The aim of this study was to examine the influence of deep nitrogen fertilization and zigzag planting alone and in combination with root distribution, soil properties, canopy structures, and maize yield. Our results showed that all improved maize cultivating strategies (LD20, ZD10, and ZD20) increased the root length density up to 10–30 cm depth of soil layers compared to CK. Similarly, deep nitrogen fertilization increased the photosynthesis rate and leaf area duration after the silking stage. The leaf orientation value of the middle and upper canopies increased in zigzag planting compared to linear planting. It also increased the dry matter accumulation of medium leaves, leaf area duration, and dry matter accumulation after the silking stage. The maize yield was highly increased in ZD20 followed by ZD10, LD20, and the least by CK (traditional cultivating practices) in both years. Our study suggests that zigzag planting provides a higher yield than linear planting. Additionally, deep nitrogen fertilization in zigzag planting significantly increases the population resource utilization rate and yield by optimizing the root–canopy structures. Row spacing and nitrogen fertilization were found to be essential to enhance crop yield by influencing root growth and canopy efficiency.
Effects of Different Tillage Practices on Soil Stability and Erodibility for Red Soil Sloping Farmland in Southern China
Authors: Jin Huifang , Huang Shangshu , Shi Dongmei , Li Junkai , Li Jifu , Li Yanli , Zhu Hai
Published: May 2023

Tillage practices significantly influence soil nutrient retention, soil structure, and stability. However, the impact of tillage practices on soil stability and erosion resistance through the perturbation approach of soil structure remains unclear. This study aimed to establish universal principles across slope surface and soil profile scales. We evaluated the effects of various tillage practices, including conventional tillage (CT), soil compaction (CM), subsoil tillage (ST), no tillage (NT), and subsoil tillage and soil compaction (SCM) on soil stability and erosion resistance in China’s red soil hilly region. Soil stability, erosion resistance, and other soil properties were quantified using field surveys and laboratory experiments. We discovered significant variations in soil aggregate stability (SAS), wet aggregate stability (WAS), soil mechanical stability (SMS), and soil erodibility (SE) among the five tillage methods. The K factor’s average value indicated that the 0–40 cm soil layer was more erodible for CT (0.472) than for other methods, with NT (0.26) being the least erodible. NT (0.43) was the most effective treatment for reducing SE, while SCM (0.41) enhanced soil fertility, controlled SE, and mitigated machinery-induced soil compaction risks. CM (0.38) maintained soil stability without improving the soil nutrient storage, while ST (0.33) improved the soil stability such as alleviating the soil hardening caused by CM. The results provide reference parameter values for selecting appropriate tillage methods to decrease soil degradation and erosion while enhancing the soil productivity in a red soil hilly region.
Effect of Mineral or OFMSW Digestate Fertilization on Ryegrass and Nitrogen Leaching
Authors: Rossi Gabriella , Beni Claudio , Benedetti Anna , Felici Barbara , Neri Ulderico
Published: May 2023

The current guidelines of waste management are aimed at the recovery and recycling of biowaste while respecting the protection of human health and the environment. The recent European legislation on fertilizers provides for the use of digestates derived from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). The objectives of this study were to verify the fertilizing effect of three types of OFMSW digestates on the ryegrass culture comparing mineral fertilization and to evaluate the nitrogen lost to leaching in soil diversely fertilized following simulated rainfall. The ryegrass was grown in pots. The soil was fertilized with mineral fertilizer or OFMSW digestates. For each treatment, five mowing procedures were performed on the crop, and the ryegrass biomass production and nitrogen concentration were determined from the ryegrass samples. During the experiment, six rains were simulated, and the leached nitrogen was analyzed. The results showed that: (i) the fertilizing effect of OFMSW digestates on nitrogen nutrition of ryegrass was similar to ammonium sulphate fertilization, confirming the agronomic validity of these by-products to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers; (ii) soil fertilization with OFMSW digestates had a positive effect limiting nitrogen loss due to leaching compared to mineral fertilization, highlighting the soil-improving properties of these by-products, in particular of the composted digestate.
Udder Hygiene and Mastitis Indicators in Contrasting Environmental Conditions during Half-Time Confinement in Pasture-Based Dairy Systems
Authors: Mendina Graciana R. , Damián Juan Pablo , Meikle Ana , Chilibroste Pablo , Bentancur Oscar , Adrien Maria de Lourdes
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to compare the association between two types of housing, compost barns (CB) vs. outdoor soil-bedded yard (OD), and udder hygiene and mastitis indicators in Holstein dairy cows calving in autumn (n = 31) and spring (n = 27). After calving, cows were transferred to a pasture-based system with half-time confinement in one of two treatments: CB or OD. The udder hygiene score (UHS) was evaluated monthly and on days after rainfall over the entire lactation period. Individual somatic cell count (SCC) was determined throughout lactation, and the prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) was estimated. Cows confined in OD presented higher UHS compared to cows in CB (p < 0.05) in both calving seasons. After rains, autumn-calving cows in OD were dirtier than on days without previous rain (OR = 1.85, CI 95%: 1.1–3.1; p < 0.02). However, no differences in IMI and clinical mastitis were found between OD and CB cows in either calving season.
Early Growth and Development and Nonlinear Model Fitting Analysis of Ashidan Yak
Authors: Meng Guangyao , La Yongfu , Bao Qi , Wu Xiaoyun , Ma Xiaoming , Huang Chun , Chu Min , Liang Chunnian , Yan Ping
Published: May 2023

Understanding animal growth plays an important role in improving animal genetics and breeding. In order to explore the early growth and development law of Ashidan yak, the body weight (BW), wither height (WH), body oblique length (BL) and chest girth (CG) of 260 female Ashidan yaks were measured. These individuals grew under grazing conditions, and growth traits were measured at 6, 12, 18 and 30 months of age. Then the absolute growth and relative growth of Ashidan yak were calculated, and five nonlinear models (Logistic model, Gompertz model, Brody model, von Bertalanffy model and Richards model) were used to fit the growth curve of Ashidan yak. The fitting effect of the model was evaluated according to MSE, AIC and BIC. The results showed that the growth rate of Ashidan yak was the fastest from 12 to 18 months old, and the growth was slow or even stagnant from 6 to 12 months old. The AIC and BIC values of the Richards model were the lowest among the five models, with an AIC value of 4543.98 and a BIC value of 4563.19. The Richards model estimated body weight at 155.642 kg. In summary, the growth rate of female Ashidan yak changes with the seasons, growing faster in warm seasons and slower in cold seasons. Richards model is the best model to describe the growth curve of female Ashidan yak in five nonlinear models.
Estimates of Water Consumption of Growing Pigs under Practical Conditions Based on Climate and Performance Data
Authors: Schale Patrick , Arkenau Engel F. , Schmitt Armin O. , Dänicke Sven , Kluess Jeannette , Grümpel-Schlüter Angelika
Published: May 2023

The water consumption of fattening pigs was recorded under practical conditions and compared with calculated water consumption. The experiment was carried out in the summer of 2020 with 79 fattening pigs. Data loggers were used to record the climate data, such as temperature and relative humidity. These data were used to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). It was found that there were sometimes considerable discrepancies between the measured and the calculated water consumption. One possible reason for this discrepancy could be the age of the existing water requirement equations, as in recent decades there has been a clear breeding development and thus a strong increase in pig performance. Based on these deviations, six new water consumption equations were established, which considered the variables body weight (BW), temperature, THI and feed consumption. It was found that the THI and BW should be included in one equation as predictor variables and the evaluation also showed good results. Its use, in practice, should also be considered. Overall, it became apparent that there is still a need for further research to make water consumption equations more precise. This would require a larger database.
Synergistic Activity of Cefiderocol in Combination with Piperacillin-Tazobactam, Fosfomycin, Ampicillin-Sulbactam, Imipenem-Relebactam and Ceftazidime-Avibactam against Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Palombo Marta , Bovo Federica , Amadesi Stefano , Gaibani Paolo
Published: May 2023

Limited treatment options are among the main reasons why antimicrobial resistance has become a leading major public health problem. In particular, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriales (CRE), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii have been included by the World Health Organization (WHO) among the pathogens for which new therapeutic agents are needed. The combination of antibiotics represents an effective strategy to treat multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen infections. In this context, the aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro activity of cefiderocol (CFD) in combination with different antimicrobial molecules against a collection of well-characterized clinical strains, exhibiting different patterns of antimicrobial susceptibility. Clinical strains were genomically characterized using Illumina iSeq100 platform. Synergy analyses were performed by combining CFD with piperacillin-tazobactam (PIP-TAZ), fosfomycin (FOS), ampicillin-sulbactam (AMP-SULB), ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI), meropenem-vaborbactam (MER-VAB) and imipenem-relebactam (IMI-REL). Our results demonstrated the synergistic effect of CFD in combination with FOS and CAZ-AVI against CRE and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CR-Ab) clinical strains owing CFD-resistant profile, while the CFD and AMP-SULB combination was effective against CR-Pa strain displaying AMP-SULB-resistant profile. Moreover, the combination of CAZ-AVI/SULB showed synergistic activity in CAZ-AVI-resistant CRE strain. In conclusion, although further analyses are needed to confirm these results, our work showed the efficacy of CFD when used for synergistic formulations.
Detection of Potential Zoonotic Agents Isolated in Italian Shelters and the Assessment of Animal Welfare Correlation with Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Strains
Authors: Cocco Antonio , Alessiani Alessandra , Salini Romolo , Iapaolo Federica , Averaimo Daniela , Pompilii Cinzia , Foschi Giovanni , Bellucci Fabio , Iannino Filomena , Dalla Villa Paolo , Janowicz Anna , Caporale Marco
Published: May 2023

Welfare conditions in shelters, where dogs might be housed for a long period of time, may have a possible correlation with the occurrence of bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In this study, we assessed the occurrence of AMR in 54 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from dogs housed in 15 Italian shelters and we correlated the resistance patterns to animal welfare. We also aimed to evaluate the presence of specific pathogens with zoonotic potential in sheltered dogs. Thus, nasopharyngeal, rectal, and oral swabs were collected from a group of 20 dogs in each shelter and totaled 758 swabs. We identified 9 Staphylococcus pseudointermedius, 1 Pasteurella multocida, 9 Staphylococcus aureus, 12 Campylobacter spp., 54 Escherichia coli, 2 Salmonella enterica, and 246 Capnocytophaga spp. The antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed for the E. coli isolates using a panel of 14 antibiotics. The highest level of relative AMR was recorded for ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole. The association found between AMR and the levels of animal welfare scores in shelters was evident although not statistically significant. These results support the hypothesis that the good management of shelters can increase the level of animal welfare, thus reducing the use of antibiotics and, as a consequence, the AMR occurrence found in dogs that share their domestic environment with humans.
Comparative Genomics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Isolated from Different Ecological Niches
Authors: Gómez-Martínez Jessica , Rocha-Gracia Rosa del Carmen , Bello-López Elena , Cevallos Miguel Angel , Castañeda-Lucio Miguel , Sáenz Yolanda , Jiménez-Flores Guadalupe , Cortés-Cortés Gerardo , López-García Alma , Lozano-Zarain Patricia
Published: May 2023

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa genome can change to adapt to different ecological niches. We compared four genomes from a Mexican hospital and 59 genomes from GenBank from different niches, such as urine, sputum, and environmental. The ST analysis showed that high-risk STs (ST235, ST773, and ST27) were present in the genomes of the three niches from GenBank, and the STs of Mexican genomes (ST167, ST2731, and ST549) differed from the GenBank genomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genomes were clustering according to their ST and not their niche. When analyzing the genomic content, we observed that environmental genomes had genes involved in adapting to the environment not found in the clinics and that their mechanisms of resistance were mutations in antibiotic resistance-related genes. In contrast, clinical genomes from GenBank had resistance genes, in mobile/mobilizable genetic elements in the chromosome, except for the Mexican genomes that carried them mostly in plasmids. This was related to the presence of CRISPR-Cas and anti-CRISPR; however, Mexican strains only had plasmids and CRISPR-Cas. blaOXA-488 (a variant of blaOXA50) with higher activity against carbapenems was more prevalent in sputum genomes. The virulome analysis showed that exoS was most prevalent in the genomes of urinary samples and exoU and pldA in sputum samples. This study provides evidence regarding the genetic variability among P. aeruginosa isolated from different niches.
Dietary Polyphenols as a Protection against Cognitive Decline: Evidence from Animal Experiments; Mechanisms and Limitations
Authors: Naomi Ruth , Yazid Muhammad Dain , Teoh Soo Huat , Balan Santhra Segaran , Shariff Halim , Kumar Jaya , Bahari Hasnah , Embong Hashim
Published: May 2023

Emerging evidence suggests that cognitive impairments may result from various factors, such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, impaired neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, amyloid β protein (Aβ) deposition, and gut dysbiosis. Meanwhile, dietary polyphenol intake in a recommended dosage has been suggested to reverse cognitive dysfunction via various pathways. However, excessive intake of polyphenols could trigger unwanted adverse effects. Thus, this review aims to outline possible causes of cognitive impairments and how polyphenols alleviate memory loss via various pathways based on in vivo experimental studies. Thus, to identify potentially relevant articles, the keywords (1) nutritional polyphenol intervention NOT medicine AND neuron growth OR (2) dietary polyphenol AND neurogenesis AND memory impairment OR (3) polyphenol AND neuron regeneration AND memory deterioration (Boolean operators) were used in the Nature, PubMed, Scopus, and Wiley online libraries. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 36 research papers were selected to be further reviewed. The outcome of all the studies included supports the statement of appropriate dosage by taking into consideration gender differences, underlying conditions, lifestyle, and causative factors for cognitive decline, which will significantly boost memory power. Therefore, this review recapitulates the possible causes of cognitive decline, the mechanism of polyphenols involving various signaling pathways in modulating the memory, gut dysbiosis, endogenous antioxidants, bioavailability, dosage, and safety efficacy of polyphenols. Hence, this review is expected to provide a basic understanding of therapeutic development for cognitive impairments in the future.
Early Physiological, Cytological and Antioxidative Responses of the Edible Halophyte Chenopodium quinoa Exposed to Salt Stress
Authors: Souid Aymen , Bellani Lorenza , Tassi Eliana Lanfranca , Ben Hamed Karim , Longo Vincenzo , Giorgetti Lucia
Published: May 2023

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a plant of South American origin recently valorized for its nutritional and nutraceutical properties in human diet. Quinoa is cultivated in many parts of the world, with a selection of varieties with good adaptability to extreme climatic conditions and salt stress. The variety Red Faro, native to southern Chile but harvested in Tunisia, was considered for salt stress resistance, considering its seed germination and 10-day seedling growth at increasing doses of NaCl (0, 100, 200 and 300 mM). Seedlings were spectrophotometrically analyzed for antioxidant secondary metabolites (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols and anthocyanins), antioxidant capacity (ORAC, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, DPPH*, 2,2-diphenyl-1-pic-rylhydrazyl), antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT)) and mineral nutrient content in root and shoot tissues. Cytogenetic analysis of root tip was performed to check for meristematic activity and the possible presence of chromosomal abnormalities induced by salt stress. The results indicated a general increase in antioxidant molecules and antioxidant enzymes NaCl dose-dependent, no effects on seed germination but negative effects on seedling growth, and little effect on root meristems mitotic activity. These results indicated that stress conditions can induce an increase in biologically active molecules that could be used for nutraceutical purposes.
Assessing the Efficacy of Coagulation (Al3+) and Chlorination in Water Treatment Plant Processes: Inactivating Chironomid Larvae for Improved Tap Water Quality
Authors: Hidayaturrahman Haerul , Kwon Hyuk Jun , Bao Yumeng , Peera Shaik Gouse , Lee Tae Gwan
Published: May 2023

In response to the finding of chironomid larvae in tap water, South Korea’s water treatment system has stepped up water quality monitoring. However, due to the challenging nature of larval behavior, effective elimination remains difficult despite the use of various purification techniques such as coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. Based on it, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of coagulation and chlorination in inactivating chironomid larvae and investigate their behavior. The coagulation experiment tested how the behavior of the larvae changed in water with a high turbidity level of ±100 mg/L and 2 mg/L Al3+ as a coagulant, compared to water with a lower turbidity level of ±30 mg/L and 1 mg/L of Al3+ as a coagulant. The larvae were exposed to various doses of chlorine (0.5–20 mg/L as Cl) in 500 mL beaker glasses. The behavioral activity of the larvae was observed at different time points for 5 days. It was found that chironomid larvae exhibit different responses to exposure to coagulant and chlorine, with coagulation causing the formation of flocs that cover the larval body as a protective measure. Conversely, exposure to chlorine causes a decrease in activity and growth, leading to the death of the larvae and subsequent melting. The results showed that the first instar larvae dead after 48 h of exposure to coagulation treatment, while the first instar larvae exposed to chlorination experienced mortality after a mere 5 min of exposure to 10–20 mg/L as Cl. The larvae can still grow and transform into pupae and adults, especially during the third and fourth instars, even after exposure to coagulant and chlorine with low dosage. These findings suggest that the floc generated during coagulation must be thoroughly cleaned, as it may contain larvae that can persist and develop further. Furthermore, the presence of larvae during the chlorination process highlights the need for alternative, more effective oxidants to be utilized in place of the conventional chlorine treatment.
Performance Evaluation of Steel Slag Asphalt Mixtures for Sustainable Road Pavement Rehabilitation
Authors: Neves José , Crucho João
Published: May 2023

The demand for more sustainable transport infrastructure has led to a broader acceptance of waste materials in pavements. An excellent example of this trend is the incorporation of steel slag aggregates (SSA) in asphalt mixtures. This work evaluates the mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures that include SSA in their composition. Asphalt mixtures were evaluated through laboratory tests for affinity between binder and aggregate, Marshall and volumetric properties, stiffness, resistance to fatigue, permanent deformation, and water sensitivity. Two rates of SSA incorporation—20% and 35%—were considered. In general, results indicated that incorporating SSA has not impaired the behavior of the asphalt mixtures. In some cases, the presence of SSA has improved mechanical performance. It was the case of the resistance to permanent deformation, stability, flow, and water sensitivity. This work confirms the suitability of the SSA application in asphalt mixtures beyond the benefit of promoting industrial waste in pavement engineering.
Full Antiferroelectric Performance and GMR Effect in Multiferroic La0.75Ba0.25Fe12O19 Ceramic
Authors: Xu Zhen , Tan Guo-Long
Published: May 2023

The potential application of multiferroic materials in new electronic devices attracts more and more attention from people either in an academic field or industry. This paper reports that M-type lanthanum-doped barium ferrite (La0.75Ba0.25Fe12O19) demonstrates full antiferroelectric (AFE) and excellent magnetoelectric coupling effects at room temperature, while its AFE phase displays a zero macroscopic net polarization. The dramatic change in the dielectric constant near the Curie temperature far below room temperature represents the transition from ferroelectrics (FE) to antiferroelectrics. The fully separated double electric polarization hysteresis (P–E) loops confirmed its AFE performance. Its EF and EA are located at 1100 kV/cm and 850 kV/cm, respectively. The large M–H loop showed a strong magnetic property simultaneously. The UV-Vis-NIR optical spectrum revealed that La0.75Ba0.25Fe12O19 is also a semiconductor, whose direct bandgap energy (Eg) was determined to be 1.753 eV. Meanwhile, La0.75Ba0.25Fe12O19 showed strong ME coupling and a GMR effect. A 1.1 T magnetic field reduced its resistance by 110% at 30 kHz. The multiple functions combined in one phase would create new options for high energy storage capacitors, microactuators, pyroelectric safety sensors, cooling devices, and pulsed power generators and so on, as well as great opportunities for generating new electronic devices with active magnetoelectric coupling effects.
Façade Protrusion Recognition and Operation-Effect Inspection Methods Based on Binocular Vision for Wall-Climbing Robots
Authors: Zhong Ming , Ma Ye , Li Zhan , He Jiajian , Liu Yaxin
Published: May 2023

The cleaning and maintenance of large-scale façades is a high-risk industry. Although existing wall-climbing robots can replace humans who work on façade surfaces, it is difficult for them to operate on façade protrusions due to a lack of perception of the surrounding environment. To address this problem, this paper proposes a binocular vision-based method to assist wall-climbing robots in performing autonomous rust removal and painting. The method recognizes façade protrusions through binocular vision, compares the recognition results with an established dimension database to obtain accurate information on the protrusions and then obtains parameters from the process database to guide the operation. Finally, the robot inspects the operation results and dynamically adjusts the process parameters according to the finished results, realizing closed-loop feedback for intelligent operation. The experimental results show that the You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5) recognition algorithm achieves a 99.63% accuracy for façade protrusion recognition and a 93.33% accuracy for the detection of the rust removal effect using the histogram comparison method. The absolute error of the canny edge detection algorithm is less than 3 mm and the average relative error is less than 2%. This paper establishes a vision-based façade operation process with good inspection effect, which provides an effective vision solution for the automation operation of wall-climbing robots on the façade.
Dynamic Response Analysis of Airport Pavement under Impact Loading
Authors: Meng Qiao , Zhong Ke , Sun Mingzhi
Published: May 2023

The safety of the airport runway, as an infrastructure, is of considerable concern. The existing research has problems of hysteresis and unreasonable load application. In this paper, ANSYS is used to construct a coupled tire–pavement model to study the dynamic characteristics of airport asphalt pavements under impact loading. Taking the Boeing 737–800 as an example, the impact of an aircraft landing on an airport pavement is simulated by applying a dynamic load to the landing gear. The effects of tire pressure, landing pitch angle, and sinking speed on the dynamic response of the airport runway are investigated. The effects of each factor of the airport pavement are analyzed by comparing the maximum effective stress, effective strain, and displacement in the vertical direction at the same position of different structures. The results show that when the tire pressure is 2.0 MPa, the maximum values of effective stress, effective strain, and vertical displacement increase by 29.8%, 19.1%, and 22.2%, respectively, compared with 1.0 MPa. The maximum values of effective stress, effective strain, and vertical displacement at the 3.0 m/s sinking speed increase by 25.2%, 93.1%, and 77.1%, respectively, compared with that at the sinking speed of 1 m/s, which indicates that the effect of sinking speed on the dynamic response of the pavement is more significant. However, the change in the landing pitch angle has little impact on the response parameters of the pavement. Meanwhile, the flexural tensile stress at the bottom of the surface and the equivalent effect at the top of the soil foundation must be considered in the design of the airport pavement structure.
Online Audio-Visual Information on the Treatment of OSA with Mandibular Advancement Devices: Analysis of Quality, Reliability and Contents
Authors: Incerti-Parenti Serena , Bartolucci Maria Lavinia , Biondi Elena , Fiordelli Andrea , Paganelli Corrado , Alessandri-Bonetti Giulio
Published: May 2023

The Internet is a preferred source of health information. This study evaluated the quality, reliability and content of online audio-visual information on the mandibular advancement device (MAD) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). “Mandibular advancement device” was searched on four online platforms. A total of 63 videos (51% from healthcare professionals, 22% from commercial companies, 21% from laypeople, and 6% from hospitals/universities) were evaluated using metrics, the video information and quality index (VIQI), modified-DISCERN, and the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria and contents. VIQI had significantly lower scores for videos uploaded by laypeople (mean 7.92, 95%CI 5.90–9.95) versus healthcare professionals (12.38, 95%CI 11.28–13.47) and commercial companies (11.21, 95%CI 9.61–12.81). The m-DISCERN scores were significantly lower for laypeople (1.15, 95%CI 0.93–1.40) versus healthcare professionals (2.13, 95%CI 1.73–2.52) and hospitals/universities (3.00, 95%CI 1.70–4.30), as well as for commercial companies (1.43, 95%CI 1.13-1.73) versus hospitals/universities. Contents were significantly less complete for laypeople (1.54, 95%CI 0.60–2.48) versus healthcare professionals (3.25, 95%CI 2.66–3.84). The results of the present study suggest that the quality and completeness of online audio-visual information with respect to the use of MAD for the treatment of OSA are generally poor, and the currently available videos, especially those uploaded by laypeople, may determine misinformation and/or unrealistic treatment expectations.
Analysis of Shield Tunnels Undercrossing an Existing Building and Tunnel Reinforcement Measures
Authors: Lou Ping , Huang Weixiong , Huang Xinde
Published: May 2023

Research on tunnel excavation has rarely considered the effect of the tunnel excavation on a complete building. Therefore, this paper considered a building with a double basement and piles, and a three-dimensional finite-element model for shield tunnels undercrossing an existing building was established to study the effects of the excavation of double-shield tunnels on the displacement and internal forces of soil, segments, piles, and buildings. Grouting reinforcement technology was used in the model to analyze the effect of grouting reinforcement on pile displacement and building subsidence. The results showed that for every 100 kPa increase in grouting pressure, the maximum subsidence of the soil was reduced by 3.512 mm. The successive excavation of double-shield tunnels resulted in elliptical segments. The longitudinal and transverse stresses of the segments were effectively reduced by grouting pressure of 250 kPa. The excavation of tunnels had an obvious nonlinear effect on the maximum lateral displacement of the piles along the direction of excavation and the maximum subsidence of the building. When using deep-hole grouting reinforcement, the maximum lateral displacement of piles and the maximum subsidence of the building were effectively reduced by increasing the radial grouting reinforcement radius and adjusting the reinforcement range.
Estimation of Shear Strength Parameters Considering Joint Roughness: A Stability Case Analysis of Bedding Rock Slopes in an Open-Pit Mine
Authors: Gao Zehui , Wang Shuhong , Yin Hong , Zhao Qianbai , Vladimr Paramonov , Li Youming
Published: May 2023

This study aims to fully explore the influence of rock joint roughness in the slope stability analysis of an open mine. Therefore, based on the least squares parameter estimation method, a generalized shear strength parameter coupling roughness, which is used to evaluate a slope design, was established by a matching formula reflecting the relationship between the roughness coefficient and the shear strength parameter. Firstly, to verify and calibrate the model, physical direct shear tests were conducted on serrated rock joints, and the effect of roughness was analyzed qualitatively. The results show that an increase in tooth height increases the internal friction angle but decreases cohesion. Therefore, the rock joint direct shear test numerical model by PFC-2D was established and compared with the physical test curve, effectively verifying its correctness. The relationship between cohesion c and internal friction angle φ with roughness coefficient JRC was further quantified, and the new model was then fitted to characterize the relationship between roughness and shear strength parameters. This method is applied to the design optimization of an open pit mine slope. The new parameters are input to GeoSMA-3D, which is used to search for the key block of a bedding slope on an open-pit mine, to optimize the design of the slope.
Optimization of Glulam Regular Double-Tapered Beams for Agroforestry Constructions
Authors: Simón-Portela María , Villar-García José Ramón , Rodríguez-Robles Desirée , Vidal-López Pablo
Published: May 2023

This paper addresses the lack of attention paid by the scientific community to the optimization of timber structures, specifically in the context of large-span agro-industrial constructions. The study focuses on the optimization of a three-dimensional roof composed of GL32h glulam regular double-tapered beams and purlins. Firstly, MATLAB was employed to develop a calculation software and then run the proposed optimization model based on genetic algorithms, in order to optimize the different geometries of the construction elements based on cost, as well as the optimum arrangement of the purlins and the number of beams. Moreover, statistical analyses were carried out on more than 200 optimization data points to uncover the influence of different variables in the optimization process. It was found that the snow load and span have a significant influence on the prediction of the height and width of beams and purlins, as well as the purlin spacing; while, as expected, the roof length also influences the optimal number of beams. All these findings could promote the use of timber structures; thus, achieving more sustainable and efficient construction practices.
VANET Secure Reputation Evaluation & Management Model Based on Double Layer Blockchain
Authors: Hou Bochuan , Xin Yang , Zhu Hongliang , Yang Yixian , Yang Jianhua
Published: May 2023

Vehicle ad-hoc network (VANET) is interconnected through message forwarding and exchanging among vehicle nodes. Due to its highly dynamic topology and its wireless and heterogeneous communication mode, VANET is more vulnerable to security threats from multiple parties. Compared to entity-based security authentication, it is essential to consider how to protect the security of the data itself. Existing studies have evaluated the reliability of interactive data through reputation quantification, but there are still some issues in the design of secure reputation management schemes, such as its low efficiency, poor security, and unreliable management. Aiming at the above-mentioned issues, in this paper we propose an effective VANET model with a secure reputation based on a blockchain, and it is called the double-layer blockchain-based reputation evaluation & management model (DBREMM). In the DBREMM, we design a reputation management model based on two parallel blockchains that work collaboratively, and these are called the event chain and reputation chain. A complete set of reputation evaluation schemes is presented. Our schemes can reduce observation errors and improve evaluation reliability during trust computation by using direct trust calculation based on the multi-factor Bayesian inference. Additionally, we propose an indirect trust calculation based on the historical accumulated reputation value with an attenuation factor, and a secure a reputation fusion scheme based on the number threshold with the fluctuation factor, which can reduce the possibility of attacks, such as collusive attacks and false information injection. Theoretical analysis and extensive simulation experiments reflect the DBREMM’s security algorithm effectiveness, accuracy, and ability to resist several attacks.