bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of laboratory experimental studies of silicate grains for exoplanet atmosphere characterization
Authors: Potapov Alexey , Bouwman Jeroen
Published: October 2022

The study of exoplanetary atmospheres extends the frontiers of astronomy, astrophysics, and astrochemistry. Moreover, studies of exoplanets as being linked to the search for extraterrestrial life and other habitable planets are of interest not only for scientists, but for a much wider public audience. There is much evidence that clouds exist and are common in the exoplanetary atmospheres at high temperatures. Their origin can be gas-phase condensation of silicate materials and other refractory materials. Clouds have a major impact on the planets’ observable properties. Models describing atmospheres of exoplanets and brown dwarfs point to the necessity of including nanometer-to micrometer-sized grains of silicates. Observational mid-IR spectra have also provided tentative evidence of silicate grain absorption. Thus, silicates seem to be the first target for future astronomical observations of cloudy atmospheres and for laboratory studies supporting these observations. However, high-temperature laboratory studies of optical and structural properties of refractory materials, including silicates, and of gas-grain and grain surface chemistry needed for the decoding of astronomical spectra and for the development of reliable atmospheric models present practically uncharted territory. The aim of our paper is to review previous studies of optical and chemical properties of silicate materials and to emphasize the importance and perspective of high-temperature measurements of laboratory analogues of atmospheric silicate grains for exoplanet atmosphere characterization. This is particularly important in the light of new advanced astronomical instruments, which, as we expect, will bring comprehensive information on exoplanetary atmospheres.
Analysis of the surgical strategy and postoperative clinical effect of thoracic ossification of ligament flavum with dural ossification
Authors: Liu Tao , Yang Sidong , Tian Shuo , Liu Zhen , Ding Wenyuan , Wang Zheng , Yang Dalong
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Our research was designed to analyse the postoperative clinical results of patients suffering from single-segment thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) combined with dural ossification (DO) who underwent posterior laminar decompression and internal fixation.

Methods

This retrospective research included thirty-two patients who underwent surgery for ossifying the ligamentum flavum in the thoracic spine between January 2016 and January 2020. Patients were fallen into one group included patients with evidence of DO during surgery, and the other group included patients without evidence of DO. We assessed and compared general clinical characteristics and health-related outcomes before surgery and during follow-up.

Results

The DO group had a longer operation duration, more blood loss, and longer hospital stay (operation time: 94.75 ± 6.78 min vs. 80.00 ± 10.13 min,p < 0.001; blood loss: 331.67 ± 50.06 ml vs. 253.00 ± 48.24 ml,p < 0.001; length of hospital stay: 13.83 ± 2.76 days vs. 10.05 ± 2.33 days,p < 0.001).

Complications

There were 12 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and 1 case of superficial wound infection in the DO group. However, the neurological recovery and health-associated quality of life (HRQOL) scores showed no statistically significant changes between the DO and non-DO groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Posterior laminectomy and internal fixation combined with intraoperative resection of the ossified ligamentum flavum and dura is an efficient and relatively safe method for treating TOLF with DO, which can provide satisfactory results. Moreover, DO had no significant effect on postoperative neurological recovery and health-related quality of life scores.
The Burden of Diarrheal Diseases and Its Associated Factors among Under-Five Children in Welkite Town: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wolde Deneke , Tilahun Genet Asfaw , Kotiso Kehabtimer Shiferaw , Medhin Girmay , Eguale Tadesse
Published: October 2022

Objective: This study assessed the magnitude of diarrhea and associated risk factors among under-five children in Welkite town.

Methods: We used a community-based cross-sectional study design. Data collection period was February to March 2021 and 426 parents/guardians of under-five children were the study participants. A structured questionnaire and observation checklist were used to collect the data.

Results: The 2 weeks prevalence of diarrhea among under-five years old children was 20.7% (88/426); 95% CI (17.1, 24.6). The child’s mother/caregiver being merchant (AOR: 5.34; 95% CI: 2.1, 13.8) compared to housewife, partial immunization status (AOR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.2, 5.8), disposing child’s stool into the garbage (AOR: 5.05; 95% CI: 1.1, 23.3) compared to putting in a toilet, not covering water storage materials (AOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.7) and presence of flies in food preparation area (AOR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.05, 4.8) were associated with increased odds of having diarrhea.

Conclusion: The prevalence of diarrhea among under-five old children is high and it is associated with the occupation of the mothers/caregivers, the immunization status of children, unhygienic water storage condition and non-hygienic household practice.
Characteristics of N2 and N2O Fluxes from a Cultivated Black Soil: A Case Study through In Situ Measurement Using the 15N Gas Flux Method
Authors: Pan Zhanlei , Wang Rui , Liu Yan , Wang Lin , Zheng Xunhua , Yao Zhisheng , He Hongbo , Zhang Xiaochen
Published: October 2022

The magnitudes and source partitioning of soil dinitrogen (N2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are not well documented, yet. To address both issues for black soil subject to a typical cool temperate climate, soil N2O and N2 fluxes following the basal application event of an ammonium-based fertilizer (labeled by 15N) for maize were simultaneously measured in situ by using the 15N gas flux (15NFG) method. During the two-month field experiment, the measured N2 and N2O fluxes cumulated to 1.61 ± 0.47 and 0.12 ± 0.01 kg N ha−1, respectively, showing N2O to N2O plus N2 ratios (RN2O) of 0.02–0.31 (0.15 on average). Temperature was identified as a key factor regulating the total soil N2 fluxes (r2 = 0.27, p < 0.01), despite the N2 fluxes originated from nitrate denitrification related to dissolved organic carbon concentrations (r2 = 0.39, p < 0.01). Differently, both temperature and soil moisture jointly accounted for 85% and 74% of the variances in the N2O fluxes and the RN2O values, respectively (p < 0.01). Moreover, the process(es) other than autotrophic nitrification and heterotrophic denitrification could be of substantial importance for the soil N2O emissions. Our findings emphasized the importance of temperature in regulating N2 emissions from black soil and the possible site- and/or time specificity of a soil factors-based parametrization of RN2O. In addition, this study implicates that labeling a nitrogen substrate of nitrification while using the 15N enrichment of N2O is necessary to more accurately quantify total soil N2 fluxes in situ by using the 15NFG approach even though further confirmation in future studies is still needed.
Analysis of Crop Sustainability Production Potential in Northwest China: Water Resources Perspective
Authors: Liu Xian
Published: October 2022

From the perspective of water resources, revealing the potential of sustainable production of crops, clarifying the obstacles, and taking effective measures in advance can not only provide residents with long-term sufficient and nutritious food needs but also help to promote food security and economic benefits. Previous studies on this aspect have mainly focused on food crops and paid less attention to cash crops. This study takes Northwest China as the research area, which is a typical arid and semi-arid region with the most prominent contradiction between water supply and demand. We analyzed the changing characteristics of the available water resources, the production water footprint, and the total water footprint over time from the perspective of water resources, and systematically analyze the potential for sustainable development. The results showed that the regional water resource consumption in 2000–2020 showed a significant upward trend (p < 0.01). Similarly, the water resource load index also increased in this period, which increased by 164.3%. Water resources pressure increased from level III to level I, and there is no further development potential. At the same time, the proportion of available agricultural water resources was forcibly reduced by 9.0%. Fortunately, the crop production water footprint showed a significant decreasing trend (p < 0.01), with a decrease of 43.6%. Among them, grain and cash crops decreased by 45.4% and 49.5% respectively. Although the production water footprint is reduced, regional production is increasing to meet the increasing consumer demand. The crop water footprint showed a significant increase (p < 0.01), increasing by 13.4%. The available water resources of crops in the region are compressed, but the amount of water needed for crop production is increasing significantly, which poses challenges to the sustainable production of crops. According to the research results, the detailed recommended measures to promote sustainable regional crop production are put forward from the perspective of increasing the amount of regional water resources available, improving the utilization efficiency of blue and green water, and crop yield level, so as to better serve the global food security.
Toxicity, Histopathological Alterations and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition of Illicium verum Essential Oil in Drosophila suzukii
Authors: de Souza Luciano , Cardoso Maria das Graças , Konig Isaac Filipe Moreira , Ferreira Vanúzia Rodrigues Fernandes , Caetano Alex Rodrigues Silva , Campolina Gabriela Aguiar , Haddi Khalid
Published: October 2022

In recent years, studies on the potential use of essential oils (EOs) as pesticides have enormously increased owing to their remarkable biological activities and health benefits. However, given the scant knowledge on the mode(s) of action behind insecticidal activity of individual essential oils, as well as their mixtures, much more work has yet to be undertaken. Furthermore, the variable and complex mixtures of essential oils suggest that their biological activities are likely due to several mechanisms acting on different physiological processes. Here, we firstly assessed the toxicity of Illicium verum, Myristica fragrans and Schinus molle EOs on Drosophila suzukii adults. Then, their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity as a potential mode of action was investigated. Subsequently, we explored potential structural alterations caused by exposure to low concentrations (LC20 and LC50) of I. verum oil on the fat body, midgut and muscular tissues of female flies. The results showed that the three EOs had good insecticidal activity against D. suzukii flies and although I. verum oil was more toxic than the two others, its acetylcholinesterase inhibition was the lowest. However, exposure to I. verum EO promoted severe concentration-dependent histological and structural alterations in the carbohydrate contents, muscle fiber, midgut epithelium as well as fat droplets area of exposed females. Collectively, our findings revealed that the insect’s internal organs are potential target sites of I. verum EO’s acute toxicity. Further studies are needed to confirm I. verum as a promising insecticidal compound against insect pests, to better elucidate its physiological and molecular action sites as well as assess its toxicity to non-target organisms.
Research on the Optimization of Fresh Agricultural Products Trade Distribution Path Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Sun Jun , Jiang Tianhang , Song Yufei , Guo Hao , Zhang Yushi
Published: October 2022

This study, taking the R fresh agricultural products distribution center (R-FAPDC) as an example, constructs a multi-objective optimization model of a logistics distribution path with time window constraints, and uses a genetic algorithm to optimize the optimal trade distribution path of fresh agricultural products. By combining the genetic algorithm with the actual case to explore, this study aims to solve enterprises’ narrow distribution paths and promote the model’s application in similar enterprises with similar characteristics. The results reveal that: (1) The trade distribution path scheme optimized by the genetic algorithm can reduce the distribution cost of distribution centers and improve customer satisfaction. (2) The genetic algorithm can bring economic benefits and reduce transportation losses in trade for trade distribution centers with the same spatial and quality characteristics as R fresh agricultural products distribution centers. According to our study, fresh agricultural products distribution enterprises should emphasize the use of genetic algorithms in planning distribution paths, develop a highly adaptable planning system of trade distribution routes, strengthen organizational and operational management, and establish a standard system for high-quality logistics services to improve distribution efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Fertilizer of the Future: Beneficial Bacteria Promote Strawberry Growth and Yield and May Reduce the Need for Chemical Fertilizer
Authors: Silva Leandro Israel da , Oliveira Indira Pereira de , Jesus Ederson da Conceição , Pereira Marlon Corrêa , Pasqual Moacir , Araújo Ronilson Carlos de , Dória Joyce
Published: October 2022

Agriculture is a fundamental activity for human development. However, its sustainable practice is required to ensure the perpetuity of future resources. In this way, bacteria can benefit crops by making available nutrients and metabolites, mainly contributing to reducing the demand for chemical fertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the biofertilizing capacity of Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus megaterium, and Brevibacillus fluminis and their effects on improving the physiological and morphoanatomical properties of strawberry seedlings. In vitro tests were performed to evince their potential to supply nutrients (P and K) and produce siderophores and indole-acetic acid. In an inoculation experiment, these strains were inoculated in isolation and mixed in pairs and triples. This experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design (CRD). The inoculated treatments were fertilized with 30% N and P demands; the uninoculated control received 30% and 100% of these demands. Leaf gas exchange, total chlorophylls, and crown diameter were evaluated during cultivation. After 138 days, leaf number, nutrient content, root length, root and shoot fresh and dry weight, and total seedlings were evaluated. The bacteria tested positive in all in vitro evaluations except for siderophore production. The strawberry responded positively to inoculation. The inoculation, either in isolation or in a mixture, improved stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration, internal CO2 concentration, leaf N and Mg contents, crown diameter, leaf area, and root elongation. We can conclude that the intermediation of microorganisms improves nutrient use efficiency and reduces the strawberry’s fertilizer demand by up to 70%, leading to plant development and yields comparable to complete fertilization.
Initial Stage of Formation of Spontaneous Invasive Populations of Garden Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl.) at the Northern Limit of Its Secondary Distribution Range in the Veps Forest Nature Park
Authors: Galkina Maria A. , Vinogradova Yulija K. , Zelenkova Viktoria N. , Vasilyeva Natalia V. , Tkacheva Ekaterina V. , Shelepova Olga V.
Published: October 2022

A weed plant of the species Lupinus polyphyllus was found in settlements located on the territory of the natural park “Vepssky forest” of the Leningrad region. The plant is known as a transforming species in the southern regions of Russia. The distribution of L. polyphyllus within the Vepsian forest occurs not due to the migration of the species to the north along transport routes, as one might assume, but due to flight from gardens and the formation of spontaneous invasive populations. The goal of the study was to identify the molecular and biochemical characteristics of garden lupine at the northern borders of its secondary range. To interpret the obtained data, the task of the study also included a comparison of intraspecific variability between the “old” invasive populations (in Finland and Central Russia, studied by us earlier) and the “new” naturalizing population of L. polyphyllus in the Vepsian forest. The search for L. polyphyllus localities in the territory of the Vepssky Les natural park was carried out by the route method with geobotanical descriptions of experimental sites (5 m × 5 m). DNA was isolated from eight herbarium specimens of L. polyphyllus (MHA, LE) and fifteen specimens collected in the territory of the natural park “Vepssky Les”. To reveal the internal structure and phylogenetic relationships in lupine populations, networks of nuclear and chloroplast haplotypes and cluster analysis (UPGMA) with the SplitsTree program were used. The total content of polyphenols and flavonoids in the leaves was determined spectrophotometrically. The low inter-locality variability of ITS indicates that the populations of L. polyphyllus in Central Russia and in the North of Russia (St. Petersburg and Vepsskaya Pushcha) have the same origin. Analysis of the chloroplast intergenic spacer (rpl32–trnL) indicates intrapopulation diversity and suggests the presence of microevolutionary processes near the northern limits of the secondary distribution range of L. polyphyllus. The high content of polyphenols and flavonoids in the leaves reveals the adaptive capabilities of lupine in the studied area. Evidence suggests that a neglected species may soon become invasive, as has already happened in other regions.
Global Root Traits Research during 2000–2021: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Li Hui , Siri Muji , Wang Baojie , He Yixuan , Liu Cheng , Feng Changliang , Liu Kesi
Published: October 2022

Root traits have an important impact on plant growth, which reflects the adaptation of plants to nutrients. This paper describes the focus and progress of root traits research and provides references for future research. Based on the Web of Science online database, articles related to root traits from 2000–2021 were evaluated using bibliometric methods. The results showed that the study of root traits has been growing steadily in the last two decades. Wang Yan is the author with the highest number of published papers, the most citations and the highest H-index. The top three published countries are the USA, China and India. The top three institutions are the University of Western Australia, China Agricultural University and Nanjing Agricultural University. Plant and Soil, Frontiers in Plant Science and PLoS One have the highest number of published articles. In terms of co-occurrence of keyword analysis, growth, soil and plant diversity are highly correlated with root traits. It was found that cooperation between authors, institutions and countries are not close enough and that z global network of cooperation has not yet been formed. Therefore, worldwide cooperation should be strengthened to promote resource sharing and the openness of relevant mechanisms.
Discovery of Novel N-Pyridylpyrazole Thiazole Derivatives as Insecticide Leads
Authors: Yang Shuai , Peng Hongxiang , Tang Jiahong , Fan Shuting , Zhao Chen , Xu Hanhong , Yao Guangkai
Published: October 2022

To develop effective insecticides against Lepidoptera pests, 25 novel N-pyridylpyrazole derivatives containing thiazole moiety were designed and synthesized based on the intermediate derivatization method (IDM). The insecticidal activities of these target compounds against Plutella xylostella (P. xylostella), Spodoptera exigua (S. exigua), and Spodoptera frugiperda (S. frugiperda) were evaluated. Bioassays indicated that compound 7g−7j exhibited good insecticidal activities. Compound 7g showed especially excellent insecticidal activities against P. xylostella, S. exigua, and S. frugiperda with LC50 values of 5.32 mg/L, 6.75 mg/L, and 7.64 mg/L, respectively, which were adequate for that of commercial insecticide indoxacarb. A preliminary structure-activity relationship analysis showed that the insecticidal activities of thiazole amides were better than that of thiazole esters, and the amides with electron-withdrawing groups on the benzene ring were better than the ones with electron-donating groups. This work provides important information for designing novel N-pyridylpyrazole thiazole candidate compounds and suggests that the 7g is a promising insecticide lead for further studies.
Effects of Fat Pre-Emulsification on the Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Index, Digestive Enzyme Activities, Nutrient Utilization, and Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Pekin Ducks Fed Diets with Different Fat Sources
Authors: Zeng Xiangyi , Zhang Keying , Tian Gang , Ding Xuemei , Bai Shiping , Wang Jianping , Lv Li , Liao Yupeng , Xuan Yue , Zeng Qiufeng
Published: October 2022

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of fat pre-emulsification on growth performance, the serum biochemical index, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, nutrient utilization, and the standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids (SIDAA) in Pekin ducks fed diets containing different fat sources. Three hundred and twenty healthy ten-day-old Pekin male ducks (409 ± 27 g) were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design and given one of two types of poultry fat (duck fat or a mixed type of fat composed of chicken fat and duck fat in a 1:1 ratio) that had been pre-emulsified or not. This resulted in four treatments of eight replicates, with each replicate having ten ducks. The results showed that fat pre-emulsification (preE) significantly increased (p < 0.05) body weight and body weight gain and decreased (p < 0.05) the feed-to-gain ratio, the liver index, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the concentration of total cholesterol (TC) in the serum. Fat preE also tended to decrease the activity of lipase (p = 0.07) and significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the activity of trypsin in the duodenum. The utilization of dietary dry matter, ether extract (EE), energy, and total phosphorus, as well as apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and the SID of serine (p = 0.090), were improved by fat preE. Duck fat markedly increased (p < 0.05) the serum TC concentration and the utilization of dietary EE; however, it also tended to decrease the serum triglyceride (TG) concentration (p = 0.09) and markedly decreased (p < 0.05) the activity of trypsin in the jejunum and duodenum. These results indicated that fat preE contributed to the utilization of dietary nutrients, serum lipid metabolism, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, and liver health, thereby improving the growth performance of ducks. Duck fat has higher bioavailability for ducks based on dietary EE utilization.
Essential and Toxic Mineral Content and Fatty Acid Profile of Colostrum in Dairy Sheep
Authors: Guiso Maria Francesca , Battacone Gianni , Canu Linda , Deroma Mario , Langasco Ilaria , Sanna Gavino , Tsiplakou Eleni , Pulina Giuseppe , Nudda Anna
Published: October 2022

Colostrum is a major source of immunity in ruminants. It allows the transfer of antibodies from the mother to the fetus, and it is the exclusive source of nutrients for the newborn. The objectives of this study were (i) to characterize the macro and the micro composition of colostrum; (ii) to analyze the antioxidant capacity, fatty acid profile, and essential and toxic mineral content of colostrum; and (iii) to compare FA profiles and the amount of trace elements between colostrum and mature milk. For these purposes, samples of colostrum and milk were collected from a representative sample of animals from eight sheep dairy farms in the north of Sardinia (Italy). Fat, proteins, and seven essential and toxic minerals were measured in all samples of colostrum and milk. Furthermore, the FA profile was also measured in both matrices, while total antioxidant capacity was measured only in colostrum samples. The average amounts of fat and protein (TP) concentration in colostrum were 7.8% and 16%, respectively. Additionally, an average amount of 40 ± 20 g dm−3 was found for immunoglobulin G (IgG). As regards the antioxidant capacity of colostrum, a large variation was observed between samples from different farms for test 2, 2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), which was 30 ± 10% (mean ± standard deviation). High levels of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were found in colostrum (200 µg kg−1, 25,000 µg kg−1, and 1200 µg kg−1, respectively). A strong positive correlation between TP and IgG was observed (r = 91%). In colostrum, the amount of IgG is positively correlated with Se and Zn, as they are essential minerals to the immune system. The FA profile demonstrated higher levels of medium and long chain fatty acids in colostrum than in mature milk, and this is mainly true for arachidonic acid (ARA), ecosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This study provided new information on the quality of colostrum in Sarda dairy sheep and showed the different composition of fatty acids between colostrum and mature milk.
Climate Change and Dispersal Ability Jointly Affects the Future Distribution of Crocodile Lizards
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Li , Alvarez Facundo , Whiting Martin J. , Qin Xu-Dong , Chen Ze-Ning , Wu Zheng-Jun
Published: October 2022

Crocodile lizards (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) are an endangered, ‘living fossil’ reptile from a monophyletic family and therefore, a high priority for conservation. We constructed climatic models to evaluate the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of crocodile lizards for the period 2000 to 2100 and determined the key environmental factors that affect the dispersal of this endangered species. For the construction of climatic models, we used 985 presence-only data points and 6 predictor variables which showed excellent performance (AUC = 0.974). The three top-ranked factors predicting crocodile lizard distribution were precipitation of the wettest month (bio13, 37.1%), precipitation of the coldest quarter (bio19, 17.9%), and temperature seasonality (bio4, 14.3%). Crocodile lizards were, just as they are now, widely distributed in the north of Guangdong Province in China and Quảng Ninh Province in Vietnam at the last glacial maximum (LGM). Since the LGM, there has been an increase in suitable habitats, particularly in east-central Guangxi Province, China. Under future global warming scenarios, the potential habitat for crocodile lizards is expected to decrease significantly in the next 100 years. Under the most optimistic scenario, only 7.35% to 6.54% of suitable habitat will remain, and under the worst climatic scenario, only 8.34% to 0.86% of suitable habitat will remain. Models for no dispersal and limited dispersal showed that all crocodile lizards would lose habitat as temperatures increase. Our work contributes to an increased understanding of the current and future spatial distribution of the species, supporting practical management and conservation plans.
Edible Snail Production in Europe
Authors: Rygało-Galewska Anna , Zglińska Klara , Niemiec Tomasz
Published: October 2022

The human population is growing; food production is becoming insufficient, and the growing awareness of the negative impact of traditional animal husbandry on the environment means that the search for alternative methods of providing animal protein is continuously underway. The breeding of edible snails seems to be a promising option. The most popular species of edible snails in Europe include the brown garden snail Cornu aspersum (Müller, 1774) (previously divided into two subspecies: Cornu aspersum aspersum (Müller, 1774) and Cornu aspersum maxima (Taylor, 1883)), as well as the Roman Snail—Helix pomatia Linnaeus, 1758. These animals are highly productive, require relatively little space, are easy to breed and their maintenance does not require large financial outlays. This review focuses on the prospects of food snail farming in Europe. It discusses the living conditions, the nutritional value of the snails’ meat, and the way of feeding the animals, paying particular attention to issues still not scientifically resolved, such as the need for micro and macro elements, as well as fat and carbohydrates.
A Multi-Dimensional Examination of Foraging Habitat Use by Gray Whales Using Long Time-Series and Acoustics Data
Authors: Burnham Rianna E. , Duffus David A.
Published: October 2022

Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) show high site fidelity to feeding and breeding areas. The whales’ annual cycle could be learned or be driven by factors such as prey abundance or ocean conditions. Long-term line transect and photo-identification data were analyzed to consider intra- and inter- annual patterns of habitat use and the underlying drivers for foraging areas in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia. Time series, autocorrelation and weighted means analysis were used on the 20-years of data (1997–2016). A generalized additive model showed that whale use of the area was most strongly influenced by the maximum number of whales, and the date of its occurrence, recorded the previous year. This maximum, when it occurred in the summer, impacted the whale numbers for up to four subsequent years. The annual average number of whales per transect also influenced the proportion of whales known to return in multiple years to forage. Many of these returning whales first used the site to wean and returned in subsequent years to feed. The transect data was also used to contextualize passive acoustic recordings, comparing call type and rate for periods when the whale number, location and social context was known. Calling patterns appeared to be socially derived, with shorter-range knock calls dominant when whales were closer, and lower-frequency moans when foraging occurred when whales were more distant from each other. This suggests that prey-finding and site use may also be influenced by conspecifics.
Survey of Text Mining Techniques Applied to Judicial Decisions Prediction
Authors: Alcántara Francia Olga Alejandra , Nunez-del-Prado Miguel , Alatrista-Salas Hugo
Published: October 2022

This paper reviews the most recent literature on experiments with different Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing techniques applied to predict judicial and administrative decisions. Among the most outstanding findings, we have that the most used data mining techniques are Support Vector Machine (SVM), K Nearest Neighbours (K-NN) and Random Forest (RF), and in terms of the most used deep learning techniques, we found Long-Term Memory (LSTM) and transformers such as BERT. An important finding in the papers reviewed was that the use of machine learning techniques has prevailed over those of deep learning. Regarding the place of origin of the research carried out, we found that 64% of the works belong to studies carried out in English-speaking countries, 8% in Portuguese and 28% in other languages (such as German, Chinese, Turkish, Spanish, etc.). Very few works of this type have been carried out in Spanish-speaking countries. The classification criteria of the works have been based, on the one hand, on the identification of the classifiers used to predict situations (or events with legal interference) or judicial decisions and, on the other hand, on the application of classifiers to the phenomena regulated by the different branches of law: criminal, constitutional, human rights, administrative, intellectual property, family law, tax law and others. The corpus size analyzed in the reviewed works reached 100,000 documents in 2020. Finally, another important finding lies in the accuracy of these predictive techniques, reaching predictions of over 60% in different branches of law.
The Association of Preoperative Depression, and C-Reactive Protein Levels with a Postoperative Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Ivankovic Stjepan , Coric Vedran , Paic Frane , Mihaljevic Peles Alma , Svagusa Tomo , Kalamar Viktor , Petricevic Mate , Biocina Bojan
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to explore the role of preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in mediating the association between the preoperative depression symptoms and postoperative length of stay in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Preoperative depression symptoms of 212 elective CABG patients were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). The patient’s demographic and clinical parameters were collected from medical records prior to surgery. Patients were followed up during their in-hospital stay to measure early (1–3 days post-surgery) and persistent (4–6 days post-surgery) CRP response to CABG surgery. The higher persistent CRP response was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with a longer postoperative hospital stay. The binary logistic regression analysis confirmed the association of persistent CRP change with prolonged hospital stay (OR = 1.017, 95% CI = 1.005–1.029, p = 0.009). However, when the gender subgroups were analyzed separately, that remained significant (OR = 1.016, 95% CI = 1.004–1.028, p = 0.005) only for the male subgroup. There was no significant association between elevated BDI-II depression scores and longer postoperative hospital stay. Additionally, no significant influence of BDI-II scores on preoperative or postoperative CRP levels, or vice versa, was detected. Further work is needed to explore the extent and pathways through which depression might influence the postoperative recovery of CABG patients.
Simplified Energy Model and Multi-Objective Energy Consumption Optimization of a Residential House
Authors: Mrazek Michal , Honc Daniel , Riva Sanseverino Eleonora , Zizzo Gaetano
Published: October 2022

Some analyses state that buildings contribute to overall energy consumption by 20–40%, which, in the context of the recent geopolitical energy crisis, makes them a critical issue to study. Finding solutions for better energy management in buildings can have a significant impact on the energy sector, thus reducing EU energy dependencies and contributing to the fulfillment of the REPowerEU goals. This paper focuses on proposing a simplified model of a residential house considering the main appliances, heating and cooling, a photovoltaic system, and electric vehicle recharging. Weather and solar irradiance forecasts are taken into account. The model predicts the energy demands of a house based on online weather forecasts and the desired indoor temperature. The article also focuses on the analysis of how weather forecast uncertainty affects energy demand prediction. This model can be used to better understand and predict the energy demand of either a single house or a set of houses. A multi-objective optimization approach that takes into account the preferences of users/inhabitants is developed to provide a compromise between the price paid for the electricity and temperature comfort. The authors plan to apply the proposed model to a residential house’s real-time control system. The model will be tuned, its predictions will be tested, and it will be used for energy demand optimization.
Study on the Penetration Characteristics of Water Entry Rod Projectile into Liquid Cabin at an Attack Angle
Authors: Wang Ke , Hou Hailiang , Li Dian , Li Yongqing
Published: October 2022

The penetration of a projectile into a warship broadside liquid cabin is usually a non-ideal penetration process. To explore the protective effects of the broadside liquid cabin of a large warship against the non-ideal penetration of rod projectiles and to provide reference for the design of new liquid cabin structures, ballistic impact tests of rod projectiles penetrating the liquid cabin at different attack angles were carried out. Combined with numerical calculation, the impact of the attack angle on the water entry and penetration characteristics of the projectile into the liquid cabin as well as their failure modes were studied. The overturning and yawing of the projectile in water were analyzed. The pressure load characteristics in the liquid cabin and the deformation/failure modes of the projectile and the liquid cabin were identified. The results showed that: multiple overturning and yawing occur in the projectile with an initial attack angle during penetration into liquid; the yaw direction is mainly affected by the initial attack angle and projectile attitude; the projectile mainly undergoes four basic failure modes, namely, asymmetric mushrooming at the projectile nose, side erosion, overall plastic bending and fracture; the actual failure of the projectile is a combination of the basic failure modes; the overall plastic bending and fracture are mainly related to the length to diameter ratio, initial attack angle and initial projectile velocity; the front plate of the liquid cabin may undergo tearing along the central plastic hinge line of the plate: at a small attack angle, the tear is “I” shaped, and at a large attack angle, it is “X”-shaped.
Experience in Researching and Designing an Innovative Way of Operating Combined Building–Energy Systems Using Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Kalús Daniel , Koudelková Daniela , Mučková Veronika , Sokol Martin , Kurčová Mária
Published: October 2022

This study describes our experience in researching and designing an innovative way of operating combined building–energy systems using renewable energy sources. We used the concepts of the ISOMAX integrated building–energy system’s patented technical solution, which we have long been exploring and have developed various novel and original solutions, as inspiration for our research. A consistent peak heat/cooling supply is a key component of the patented ISOMAX system, which has also been proven in its use in many buildings. Energy systems are no longer dependent on unreliable, unpredictable, and hard-to-forecast geothermal and solar energy because of the peak energy source. We had to improve the original design to guarantee the efficient, comfortable, and dependable operation of all the energy systems in the building. We increased the capacity of the ventilation system by including a peak heat/cooling source, a short-term heat/cooling storage tank, and the option of using an air handling unit with heat recovery or a water/air heat exchanger. The addition of terminal elements for heating, cooling, and ventilation systems was also made, along with including a solar system, a wind turbine, and the potential for waste heat recovery. Our study led to the creation of a unique operating model that, with the building management system, optimizes all of the energy systems and heating/cooling sources. The utility model SK 5749 Y1 analyzes the various alternatives in great detail.
Effects of Humic Acids on Size and Species Composition of Phytoplankton in a Eutrophic Temperate Estuary
Authors: Sin Yongsik , Kim Sunghwan
Published: October 2022

The Yeongsan River estuary was divided into freshwater and seawater zones by a sea dike constructed at its mouth in 1981. The freshwater zone, which flows through a metropolitan area, is eutrophic, causing frequent algal blooms with an expected increase in the concentration of refractory organic compounds such as humic substances (HS). Herein, the in situ freshwater zone phytoplankton community size and taxonomic composition were investigated in response to the addition of humic acids (HA) using seasonal mesocosm experiments. Phytoplankton (chlorophyll a) were fractionated into nano-(<20 µm) and net-size (>20 µm) classes and identified by species or genus. Their response to HA treatment was examined by repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA). With the addition of HA, the concentrations of total and nanosized chlorophyll a increased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas that of net-sized chlorophyll a did not change significantly through the seasons. The abundance of Stephanodiscus sp. (diatoms) also increased significantly when this genus dominated the phytoplankton community. This suggests that the management of HS may be crucial in mitigating algal blooms in estuaries, such as in the Yeongsan River estuary, that are subjected to anthropogenic disturbances by engineered structures.
Transparency of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Insights from Professionals in Computing and Healthcare Worldwide
Authors: Bernal Jose , Mazo Claudia
Published: October 2022

Although it is widely assumed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will revolutionise healthcare in the near future, considerable progress must yet be made in order to gain the trust of healthcare professionals and patients. Improving AI transparency is a promising avenue for addressing such trust issues. However, transparency still lacks maturation and definitions. We seek to answer what challenges do experts and professionals in computing and healthcare identify concerning transparency of AI in healthcare? Here, we examine AI transparency in healthcare from five angles: interpretability, privacy, security, equity, and intellectual property. We respond to this question based on recent literature discussing the transparency of AI in healthcare and on an international online survey we sent to professionals working in computing and healthcare and potentially within AI. We collected responses from 40 professionals around the world. Overall, the survey results and current state of the art suggest key problems are a generalised lack of information available to the general public, a lack of understanding of transparency aspects covered in this work, and a lack of involvement of all stakeholders in the development of AI systems. We propose a set of recommendations, the implementation of which can enhance the transparency of AI in healthcare.
Maneuver Decision-Making for Autonomous Air Combat Based on FRE-PPO
Authors: Zhang Hongpeng , Wei Yujie , Zhou Huan , Huang Changqiang
Published: October 2022

Maneuver decision-making is the core of autonomous air combat, and reinforcement learning is a potential and ideal approach for addressing decision-making problems. However, when reinforcement learning is used for maneuver decision-making for autonomous air combat, it often suffers from awful training efficiency and poor performance of maneuver decision-making. In this paper, an air combat maneuver decision-making method based on final reward estimation and proximal policy optimization is proposed to solve the above problems. First, an air combat environment based on aircraft and missile models is constructed, and an intermediate reward and final reward are designed. Second, the final reward estimation is proposed to replace the original advantage estimation function of the surrogate objective of proximal policy optimization to improve the training performance of reinforcement learning. Third, sampling according to the final reward estimation is proposed to improve the training efficiency. Finally, the proposed method is used in a self-play framework to train agents for maneuver decision-making. Simulations show that final reward estimation and sampling according to final reward estimation are effective and efficient.
Comparative Study on the Application of Different Slug Test Models for Determining the Permeability Coefficients of Rock Mass in Long-Distance Deep Buried Tunnel Projects
Authors: Zhao Yanrong , Dong Xiaosong , Wang Haonan , Wang Jinguo , Wei Yufeng , Huang Yong , Xue Ruifeng
Published: October 2022

In large-scale water diversion projects, especially in the central and western regions of China, long-distance deep buried tunnels are generally involved. Therefore, it is essential to carry out field tests to obtain the permeability of the rock mass through which tunnels pass. However, the test holes of large-scale water diversion projects are basically located in mountain areas with complex hydrogeological conditions. Meanwhile, the test holes are far apart and large in depth. As a result, traditional pumping tests cannot meet the requirements. Therefore, the slug test was chosen as the main test method, and the calculation results of the water injection test, the water pressure test and the slug test are analyzed and compared. The calculation results of the three test methods are basically consistent. However, the water injection test and the water pressure test are difficult to implement at a large scale due to many environmental constraints, complex test equipment, long test periods and other factors. Furthermore, the Kipp model, the CBP model and the proposed HWS model, considering the effect of the finite thickness well-skin layer for the first time, were used to analyze and process the slug test data, respectively. The curve fitting effect of the Kipp model was the best, but the calculations were generally larger. The difference between the CBP model and the proposed HWS model is smaller in the calculation results; however, the curve fitting effect of the CBP model is the worst, and the CBP model needs to be further improved. The curve fitting effect of the proposed HWS model was between that of the Kipp model and the CBP model, and the proposed HWS model can be applied to the parameter calculations of the slug test with well-skin. In general, with reference to the criteria for the damping coefficient of the aquifer in the Kipp model, the Kipp model was applicable to the slug test for test holes without well-skin and an aquifer damping coefficient between 0.1 and 5.0. The CBP model was applicable to the slug test under the conditions of no well-skin and an aquifer damping coefficient greater than 2.0. The novel proposed HWS model was applicable to the slug test when the aquifer damping coefficient was greater than 1.0 under the conditions of no well-skin, positive well-skin and negative well-skin.
Volatiles in Berries: Biosynthesis, Composition, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits
Authors: Gu Inah , Howard Luke , Lee Sun-Ok
Published: October 2022

Volatile compounds in fruits are responsible for their aroma. Among fruits, berries contain many volatile compounds, mainly esters, alcohols, terpenoids, aldehydes, ketones, and lactones. Studies for volatile compounds in berries have increased extensively as the consumption of berry products rapidly increased. In this paper, we reviewed biosynthesis and profiles of volatiles in some berries (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, and cranberry) and their bioavailability and health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic effects in vitro and in vivo. Each berry had different major volatiles, but monoterpene had an important role in all berries as aroma-active components. Volatile compounds were nonpolar and hydrophobic and rapidly absorbed and eliminated from our body after administration. Among them, monoterpenes, including linalool, limonene, and geraniol, showed many health benefits against inflammation, cancer, obesity, and diabetes in vitro and in vivo. More research on the health benefits of volatile compounds from berries and their bioavailability would be needed to confirm the bioactivities of berry volatiles.