bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Enzymatic Response to Nicosulfuron: A Preliminary Study in a Chernozem Typical to the Banat Plain, Western Romania
Authors: Caraba Marioara Nicoleta , Caraba Ion Valeriu , Pet Elena , Pet Ioan , Crisan Luminita , Sinitean Adrian , Hutanu Delia
Published: August 2024

Nicosulfuron, despite being a post-emergence herbicide commonly used in corn crops to combat weeds, there is still little information on nicosulfuron toxicity for soil microbiota. Little information exists on the impact of nicosulfuron on the enzymatic activities of soil dehydrogenases (Deh), urease (Ure), catalase (Cat), and alkaline phosphatase (Alp). We used a multiple dose- and time point (7, 14, 21, and 28 days) study design to determine the effect of nicosulfuron on these parameters during the first 28 days post-application. The soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter content (OM), water content, ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), and available phosphate were also monitored. Ure was the most responsive enzyme to nicosulfuron. This herbicide exerted a transitory dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effect on Deh activity; maximum inhibition occurred at 14 days at doses from the normal recommended dose onward. For Ure, the maximal inhibitory effect started at 7 days of exposure to half the normal recommended dose and continued for another 14 days. The effect on Cat occurred later, whereas Alp activity was affected by nicosulfuron between 7 and 21 days but only for triple the normal recommended dose. OM showed the most consistent relationships with these parameters, being strongly positively correlated with Deh, Cat, and Alp activities. These results indicate that nicosulfuron may alter the soil metabolic activity, thus affecting its fertility.
Study of the Mechanisms Driving Land Use/Land Cover Change and Water Yield in the Ganjiang River Basin Based on the InVEST-PLUS Model
Authors: Fu Yuqiong , Guo Yuqi , Lan Jingyi , Pan Jiayi , Chen Zongyi , Lin Hui , Liu Guihua
Published: August 2024

Water yield is a critical component of hydrological ecosystem services, influenced by both natural environments and human activities. Changes in land use and land cover (LULC) are particularly pivotal in causing water yield variations at the basin level, particularly for the ecologically fragile Ganjiang River Basin (GRB) in southern Jiangxi province, China. Over the last 33 years, the GRB has undergone substantial LULC changes that have significantly affected its water yield. Initially, this study assessed water yield from 1990 to 2022 using the InVEST model, then predicted future LULC scenarios using the PLUS model, including natural development (ND), cropland protection (CP), ecological protection (EP), and urban development (UD). The Geodetector model was then employed to analyze the influence of various factors on water yield changes. Key findings include the following: (1) Significant landscape changes were observed, including increases in impervious surfaces, cropland, and water areas, accompanied by substantial reductions in forest and other natural lands. The most pronounced decline occurred in forested regions. (2) The total water yield decreased by 0.44 × 1010 m3 over the study period, exhibiting fluctuations until 2016 and stabilizing afterward. Water yield was generally higher in the northeast and lower in the southwest, primarily influenced by actual evapotranspiration, LULC, and precipitation. (3) The impact of LULC changes on water yield varied by scenario, with the scenarios ranked from most to least impactful as follows: UD, ND, CP, EP. This variation is mainly due to the different rates of evapotranspiration and infiltration associated with land cover. These insights are crucial for guiding policymakers in developing effective LULC strategies that promote ecological restoration and sustainable water management in the basin.
Characterizing Spatiotemporal Patterns of Disasters and Climates to Evaluate Hazards to Crop Production in Taiwan
Authors: Su Yuan-Chih , Wu Chun-Yi , Kuo Bo-Jein
Published: August 2024

Climate change causes frequent and severe disasters. A comprehensive assessment of disaster hazards is thus crucial to understanding variations in disaster patterns and planning mitigation and adaptation strategies. This study obtained information from a crop disaster dataset of Taiwan covering the period from 2003 to 2022. Additionally, principal component analysis and K-means clustering were used to create climate clusters to evaluate the effect of climate patterns on disaster hazards. The results revealed that tropical storm frequency substantially decreased, whereas rain disasters exhibited an increasing trend. The four regions of Taiwan exhibited variations in terms of hazards of various disasters. The cold wave hazard showed a significant upward trend in the central region. An upward trend of rain disaster hazards was only detected in the southern region. However, a downward trend in tropical storm hazards was detected across all regions. A distinct climate pattern was identified over the study period. After 2012, high temperature and dry climate were the primary climate patterns. These patterns exhibited a high hazard value for cold waves, droughts, and rain disasters. Hence, the present study’s findings indicate that managing cold waves and rain disasters is crucial to protecting crop production in Taiwan.
Use of Conyza canadensis L. Extracts as Biostimulant in Cyclamen persicum Mill.
Authors: Batista Eunice R. , May Andre , Procópio Sergio O. , Assalin Marcia R. , Quevedo Helio D. , Binhardi Nicole , Queiroz Sonia C. N.
Published: August 2024

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum Mill.) is an ornamental plant that is highly susceptible to pathogens, requiring high amounts of phytosanitary products. Therefore, the development of more sustainable alternatives has been required. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of C. canadensis root extract (aqueous and with dichloromethane) applied via foliar or soil, in C. persicum, on gas exchange and the SPAD index and on the biomass of cyclamen. The aqueous extract treatment increased net CO2 assimilation, the transpiration rates, and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency. The water use efficiency values were reduced in the treatments with both extracts. The greatest increases in the SPAD index were provided by the aqueous extract. The cyclamens that received the aqueous extract applied in soil or the dichloromethane extract applied in leaves showed an increase in total biomass and number of leaves. To identify the compounds present in the extracts, CG-MS and LC-MS/MS analyses were performed. The positive effects obtained indicated a high biostimulant effect of C. Canadensis. Thus, the root extracts of C. Canadensis, particularly the aqueous extracts, have the potential to be used to reduce the use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides, promoting agroecological practices and contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Application of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay Combined with Lateral Flow Dipstick (LAMP-LFD) for Specific and Sensitive Detection of Acidovorax citrulli (Schaad et al.) Causing Bacterial Fruit Blotch in Cucurbit Plants
Authors: Lan Chengzhong , Luo Minsang , Gan Lin , Hu Meiling , Ruan Hongchun , Dai Yuli , Liu Xiaofei , Yang Xiujuan
Published: August 2024

Acidovorax citrulli (Ac) is an important pathogenic bacterium causing bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) in Cucurbitaceae plants and is an important quarantine pest in China. This study was conducted to establish a rapid, convenient, and accurate visual method for detecting A. citrulli. A. citrulli-specific primers and a prober were designed based on the conserved region of the YD-repeat protein gene. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with lateral flow dipstick (LAMP-LFD) was used to establish an assay for the rapid visual detection of A. citrulli by optimizing the reaction temperature and time. The specificity, sensitivity, and performance of the optimized LAMP-LFD assay were evaluated using the genomic DNA of the tested isolates, A. citrulli pure culture, infested seeds, commercial seeds, and leaf samples. The optimal assay temperature and time were 64 °C and 60 min, respectively. The assay specifically detected A. citrulli, and no cross-reactions were observed with the genomic DNA of other closely related species. The detection sensitivity of the LAMP-LFD for detecting pure genomic DNA, the bacterial suspension, bacterial amount on seeds (colony-forming units (CFU)·g−1), and infection rate of seeds (%) were 1 fg·μL−1, 8 CFU·mL−1, 5 CFU·g−1, and 0.05% infestation per reaction, respectively. The positive detection rate of the LAMP-LFD assay was 20–100% in seed samples (n = 1000 seeds) with 0.05–0.1% infestation. The LAMP-LFD assay rapidly and accurately detected A. citrulli in seeds and leaf tissues carrying pathogens. This assay thus offers the advantages of easy operation, rapidity, high specificity and sensitivity, low cost (no need for complex and expensive precision instruments), visualization of detection results, good stability, and strong applicability, which can be used for epidemiological studies and disease management.
Enhancing Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Productivity: Exploring the Significance of Potassium Nutrition
Authors: Appiah Ebenezer Ayew , Balla-Kovács Andrea , Ocwa Akasairi , Csajbók József , Kutasy Erika
Published: August 2024

Sustainable management of potassium nutrition in alfalfa crop production is one of the major key factors for achieving optimum seed and biomass yields. An inappropriate supply of mineral potassium nutrition in alfalfa production could result in a decrease in biomass and grain yield production, leading to luxury consumption with cost implications. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a perennial leguminous forage crop known for its high protein content, nutritive value, biomass yield production, soil-improving abilities, and livestock feed. Potassium nutrition plays a crucial role in alfalfa production by influencing several physiological processes essential for biomass yield, growth, development, photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance. Although several studies have been conducted regarding the role of potassium nutrition in agriculture productivity, only limited research has focused on crop-specific impacts. Therefore, this paper reviews (i) the significant role potassium nutrition plays in alfalfa production along with its implications for quality, yield, growth, and resistance to abiotic stress; (ii) the factors affecting the availability, absorption, and transport of potassium; (iii) the source of potassium and the consequences of inadequate availability; and (iv) highlights some strategies for mitigating potassium nutrient deficiency to optimize alfalfa productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems.
Instance Segmentation of Lentinus edodes Images Based on YOLOv5seg-BotNet
Authors: Xu Xingmei , Su Xiangyu , Zhou Lei , Yu Helong , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2024

The shape and quantity of Lentinus edodes (commonly known as shiitake) fruiting bodies significantly affect their quality and yield. Accurate and rapid segmentation of these fruiting bodies is crucial for quality grading and yield prediction. This study proposed the YOLOv5seg-BotNet, a model for the instance segmentation of Lentinus edodes, to research its application for the mushroom industry. First, the backbone network was replaced with the BoTNet, and the spatial convolutions in the local backbone network were replaced with global self-attention modules to enhance the feature extraction ability. Subsequently, the PANet was adopted to effectively manage and integrate Lentinus edodes images in complex backgrounds at various scales. Finally, the Varifocal Loss function was employed to adjust the weights of different samples, addressing the issues of missed segmentation and mis-segmentation. The enhanced model demonstrated improvements in the precision, recall, Mask_AP, F1-Score, and FPS, achieving 97.58%, 95.74%, 95.90%, 96.65%, and 32.86 frames per second, respectively. These values represented the increases of 2.37%, 4.55%, 4.56%, 3.50%, and 2.61% compared to the original model. The model achieved dual improvements in segmentation accuracy and speed, exhibiting excellent detection and segmentation performance on Lentinus edodes fruiting bodies. This study provided technical fundamentals for future application of image detection and decision-making processes to evaluate mushroom production, including quality grading and intelligent harvesting.
The Effects of Hemp Hay (Canapa sativa L.) in the Diets of Grazing Goats on Milk Production and Fatty Acid Profile
Authors: Iommelli Piera , Zicarelli Fabio , Amato Ruggero , Musco Nadia , Sarubbi Fiorella , Bailoni Lucia , Lombardi Pietro , Di Bennardo Federica , Infascelli Federico , Tudisco Raffaella
Published: August 2024

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a cosmopolitan annual herbaceous plant used in the past as a source of textile fiber. Currently, hemp is receiving great interest as animal feed due to its chemical and nutritional properties. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of supplementing goats’ diets with hemp hay on the milk yield, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile. Twenty multiparous goats, immediately after kidding, were divided into two homogenous groups (C: control vs. H: hemp); the goats had free access to the pasture, and both groups received a supplement of 500 g/head/day of a barley and corn meal mixture (50/50). In addition, group H was given 250 g/head/day of hemp hay while group C received the same amount of alfalfa hay. The milk yield was measured daily, and milk samples were collected monthly 4 times to evaluate the milk composition and fatty acid profile. The milk yield was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the experimental group, while no differences were found in the milk chemical composition. Concerning the fatty acid profile, the milk from group H was characterized by significantly lower concentrations of C11:0, C12:0, C13:0, C14:0, C15:0, and C17:0 and higher C16:0 and C18:0. Among the polyunsaturated FA, C18:2 n6 and C20:4 were significantly (p < 0.001) lower, and C20:5 n3 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the milk from group H than that from group C. The n6/n3, LA/ALA and AA/EPA ratios were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the milk from group H, while the CLAs were unaffected by the treatment.
Exploration of Synergistic Regulation Mechanisms of Cerebral Ganglion and Muscle in Eriocheir sinensis Activated in Response to Alkalinity Stress
Authors: Wang Meiyao , Zhou Jun , Ge Jiachun , Tang Yongkai , Xu Gangchun
Published: August 2024

The cerebral ganglion and muscle are important regulatory tissues in Eriocheir sinensis. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore their synergistic roles in this organism’s anti-stress response. In this study, proteomics, metabolomics, and combination analyses of the cerebral ganglion and muscle of E. sinensis under alkalinity stress were performed. The cerebral ganglion and muscle played a significant synergistic regulatory role in alkalinity adaptation. The key regulatory pathways involved were amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, signal transduction, and the organismal system. They also played a modulatory role in the TCA cycle, nerve signal transduction, immune response, homeostasis maintenance, and ion channel function. In conclusion, the present study provides a theoretical reference for further research on the mechanisms regulating the growth and development of E. sinensis in saline–alkaline environments. In addition, it provides theoretical guidelines for promoting the vigorous development of the E. sinensis breeding industry in saline–alkaline environments in the future.
An Insight into Practices Associated with the Control of Internal Parasites in the Dairy Goat Herds of Romania: A Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Potârniche Adrian-Valentin , Cerbu Constantin , Olah Diana , Trif Emilia , D’Amico Gianluca , Györke Adriana , Mickiewicz Marcin , Nowek Zofia , Czopowicz Michał , Nadolu Dorina , Anghel Andreea Hortanse , Kaba Jarosław
Published: August 2024

The widespread and uncontrolled use of anthelmintic products has contributed to the emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AR). This phenomenon globally threatens the productivity and welfare of small ruminants. A questionnaire consisting of 34 questions was handed to 234 goat farmers across Romania to gain insight into control practices against internal parasites and the farmers’ perception of the parasitic infections present in their herds and the efficacy of anthelmintic treatments. The majority of farmers (88.5%) admitted they had never submitted fecal samples for parasitological laboratory analysis, and 77.4% had treated the animals on their own. In general, the farmers dewormed their goats based on visual body weight estimation. Prophylactic anthelmintic treatment was practiced by more than 85% of the farmers. A traditional control approach based on treating the entire herd at fixed time intervals is widespread among Romanian goat and sheep farmers. The most commonly used anthelmintic drugs in the previous 3 years (2021–2023) were benzimidazoles (85.5%) and macrocyclic lactones (81.6%). Poor anthelmintic efficacy was suspected by 14.5% of farmers, and the minority (18.0%) considered internal parasites as a problem in their herds. Regarding the farmers’ perception of the presence of parasites, there was a significant level of uncertainty. This is the first survey carried out in Romanian goat herds, and it provides up-to-date information on practices aimed at controlling internal parasites.
Novel Candidate Genes Involved in an Initial Stage of White Striping Development in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Padilha Suelen Fernandes , Ibelli Adriana Mércia Guaratini , Peixoto Jane Oliveira , Cantão Maurício Egídio , Moreira Gabriel Costa Monteiro , Fernandes Lana Teixeira , Tavernari Fernando Castro , Morés Marcos Antônio Zanella , Bastos Ana Paula Almeida , Dias Laila Talarico , Teixeira Rodrigo Almeida , Ledur Mônica Corrêa
Published: August 2024

White striping (WS) is a myopathy characterized by the appearance of white stripes parallel to the muscle fibers in the breast of broiler chickens, composed of adipose and connective tissues. This condition causes economic losses and, although common, its etiology remains poorly understood. Hence, the objective was to identify genes and biological mechanisms involved in the early stages of WS using a paternal broiler line that grows slightly slower than commercial ones, at 35 days of age, through the RNA sequencing of the pectoralis major muscle. Thirty genes were differentially expressed between normal and WS-affected chickens, with 23 upregulated and 7 downregulated in the affected broilers. Of these, 14 genes are novel candidates for WS and are implicated in biological processes related to muscle development (CEPBD, DUSP8, METTL21EP, NELL2, and UBE3D), lipid metabolism (PDK4, DDIT4, FKBP5, DGAT2, LIPG, TDH, and RGCC), and collagen (COL4A5 and COL4A6). Genes related to changes in muscle fiber type and the processes of apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation, and differentiation are possibly involved with the initial stage of WS development. In contrast, the genes linked to lipid metabolism and collagen may have their expression altered due to the progression of the myopathy.
Application of GWAS and mGWAS in Livestock and Poultry Breeding
Authors: Ren Jing , Gao Zhendong , Lu Ying , Li Mengfei , Hong Jieyun , Wu Jiao , Wu Dongwang , Deng Weidong , Xi Dongmei , Chong Yuqing
Published: August 2024

In recent years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and metabolome genome-wide association studies (mGWAS) have emerged as crucial methods for investigating complex traits in animals and plants. These have played pivotal roles in research on livestock and poultry breeding, facilitating a deeper understanding of genetic diversity, the relationship between genes, and genetic bases in livestock and poultry. This article provides a review of the applications of GWAS and mGWAS in animal genetic breeding, aiming to offer reference and inspiration for relevant researchers, promote innovation in animal genetic improvement and breeding methods, and contribute to the sustainable development of animal husbandry.
Phylogenetic Diversity, Antibiotic Resistance, and Virulence of Escherichia coli Strains from Urinary Tract Infections in Algeria
Authors: Kara Anfal , Massaro Chiara , Giammanco Giovanni M. , Alduina Rosa , Boussoualim Naouel
Published: August 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Escherichia coli represent a significant public health concern due to the high virulence and antimicrobial resistance exhibited by these pathogens. This study aimed to analyze the phylogenetic diversity and antibiotic resistance profiles of Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains isolated from UTI patients in Algeria, focusing on virulence factors such as extended β-lactamase (ESBL) production, biofilm formation, and hemolytic activity. Phylogenetic grouping of 86 clinical imipenem resistant E. coli isolates showed the prevalence of group B2 (48.9%), followed by groups E (22.1%), unknown (12.8%), A (8.1%), and B1 (4.7%), and Clade I, D, Clade I, or Clade II (1.2%). The highest resistance rates were observed towards amoxicillin (86.04%), ticarcillin (82.55%), piperacillin (73.25%), nitrofurantoin (84.88%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (51.16%). Notably, 69.8% of UPEC strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and 23.2% were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Additionally, 48.9%, 42%, and 71% of strains demonstrated ESBL production, hemolytic activity, and weak biofilm production, respectively. Continuous monitoring and characterization of UPEC strains are essential to track the spread of the most resistant and virulent phylogenetic groups over time, facilitating rapid therapeutic decisions to treat infections and prevent the emergence of new resistant organisms, helping choose the most effective antibiotics and reducing treatment failure.
Source Control and Antibiotics in Intra-Abdominal Infections
Authors: Bova Raffaele , Griggio Giulia , Vallicelli Carlo , Santandrea Giorgia , Coccolini Federico , Ansaloni Luca , Sartelli Massimo , Agnoletti Vanni , Bravi Francesca , Catena Fausto
Published: August 2024

Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) account for a major cause of morbidity and mortality, representing the second most common sepsis-related death with a hospital mortality of 23–38%. Prompt identification of sepsis source, appropriate resuscitation, and early treatment with the shortest delay possible are the cornerstones of management of IAIs and are associated with a more favorable clinical outcome. The aim of source control is to reduce microbial load by removing the infection source and it is achievable by using a wide range of procedures, such as definitive surgical removal of anatomic infectious foci, percutaneous drainage and toilette of infected collections, decompression, and debridement of infected and necrotic tissue or device removal, providing for the restoration of anatomy and function. Damage control surgery may be an option in selected septic patients. Intra-abdominal infections can be classified as uncomplicated or complicated causing localized or diffuse peritonitis. Early clinical evaluation is mandatory in order to optimize diagnostic testing and establish a therapeutic plan. Prognostic scores could serve as helpful tools in medical settings for evaluating both the seriousness and future outlook of a condition. The patient’s conditions and the potential progression of the disease determine when to initiate source control. Patients can be classified into three groups based on disease severity, the origin of infection, and the patient’s overall physical health, as well as any existing comorbidities. In recent decades, antibiotic resistance has become a global health threat caused by inappropriate antibiotic regimens, inadequate control measures, and infection prevention. The sepsis prevention and infection control protocols combined with optimizing antibiotic administration are crucial to improve outcome and should be encouraged in surgical departments. Antibiotic and antifungal regimens in patients with IAIs should be based on the resistance epidemiology, clinical conditions, and risk for multidrug resistance (MDR) and Candida spp. infections. Several challenges still exist regarding the effectiveness, timing, and patient stratification, as well as the procedures for source control. Antibiotic choice, optimal dosing, and duration of therapy are essential to achieve the best treatment. Promoting standard of care in the management of IAIs improves clinical outcomes worldwide. Further trials and stronger evidence are required to achieve optimal management with the least morbidity in the clinical care of critically ill patients with intra-abdominal sepsis.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticle from Anadenanthera colubrina Extract and Its Antimicrobial Action against ESKAPEE Group Bacteria
Authors: Deonas Anastácia Nikolaos , Souza Lucas Marcelino dos Santos , Andrade Gabriel Jonathan Sousa , Germiniani-Cardozo Jennifer , Dahmer Débora , de Oliveira Admilton Gonçalves , Nakazato Gerson , Torezan José Marcelo Domingues , Kobayashi Renata Katsuko Takayama
Published: August 2024

Given the urgent need for novel methods to control the spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, this study presents a green synthesis approach to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the bark extract from Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan var. colubrina. The methodology included obtaining the extract and characterizing the AgNPs, which revealed antimicrobial activity against MDR bacteria. A. colubrina species is valued in indigenous and traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. Herein, it was employed to synthesize AgNPs with effective antibacterial activity (MIC = 19.53–78.12 μM) against clinical isolates from the ESKAPEE group, known for causing high hospitalization costs and mortality rates. Despite its complexity, AgNP synthesis is an affordable method with minimal environmental impacts and risks. Plant-synthesized AgNPs possess unique characteristics that affect their biological activity and cytotoxicity. In this work, A. colubrina bark extract resulted in the synthesis of nanoparticles measuring 75.62 nm in diameter, with a polydispersity index of 0.17 and an average zeta potential of −29 mV, as well as low toxicity for human erythrocytes, with a CC50 value in the range of 961 μM. This synthesis underscores its innovative potential owing to its low toxicity, suggesting applicability across several areas and paving the way for future research.
Research on Children’s Body Proportions: Determining the Canon of Head Length to Total Body Height on the Example of Children Aged 2 to 15 Years
Authors: Domljan Danijela , Iliev Boris , Jurčević Lulić Tanja
Published: August 2024

Proportions and canons of the human body have always been an area of research mainly through art, architecture, or construction, and today, they have a significant application in product design. Research confirms that body height in most cases corresponds to the canon (head–body ratio) of 7.5 to 8 head lengths. This paper investigates the ratio of the head length (HL) to the total body height (BH, stature) of kindergarten and school-aged children, aiming to define the children’s canon inspired by the idea of the harmonic circle theory and the biomechanical model. The data were collected from 1307 children (male 676, female 631) aged 2 to 16 years in the cities of Zagreb (Croatia), Sofia (Bulgaria), and Skopje (North Macedonia). A generalized ESD test (alpha-level 0.10) and Turkey’s 1977 test were used in order to detect outliers in distributions of heights and in the distribution of ratios. Statistical significance was set at 0.05, all p values were two-sided, and the MedCalc statistical tool (version 20.110) was used. The results confirm that canonical changes follow the historical research of artists throughout the centuries, but that they change according to contemporary secular trends in children’s growth and cover HL/BH canons from 5.59 and 5.72 (2-year-old girls and boys) to 7.50 and 7.60 (15-year-old boys and girls) depending on age and gender. HL/BH ratio was significantly higher among female examinees in all age groups where difference was significant (Student’s t test, p < 0.02). In conclusion, such a calculation based on the canon is important for interdisciplinary professions. Creating an anthropological–biomechanical model based on canons, instead of time-consuming measurement, could significantly simplify the long-term collection of anthropometric data used for designing children’s products. Future detailed research is proposed.
Evaluation of the Relevance of Global and By-Step Homogenization for Composites and Heterogeneous Materials at Several Scales
Authors: Kenisse Noussaiba , Masmoudi Mohamed , Kanit Toufik , Ounissi Oussama , Djebara Youcef , Kaddouri Wahid
Published: August 2024

Two hypotheses divide experts on determining the effective properties of composite materials using multi–scale homogenization methods. The first hypothesis states that multi-scale homogenization methods can ensure the direct determination of effective properties, at the macro level, of composite materials from a single representation of the medium at the lowest possible scale that allows for a good representation of all heterogeneities. The second hypothesis states that the determination cannot be ensured directly from a single scale but rather through multistep homogenization where each step represents the medium at a different scale from the lowest to the macroscale. To answer this question, a rigorous study is carried out; it includes calculating the two effective elastic properties, bulk, and shear moduli of three phases of a multi–layered sphere composite model by studying three phases. A multistep homogenization method is used to determine the effective properties of the composite and the obtained results are compared with those of the direct homogenization. Two different studies are considered: the first is based on an analytical model and the second on the numerical homogenization based on finite element calculation. To consider the effect of some influential parameters, several situations are treated by the combination of the variation of the volume fractions of the three phases and their property contrasts. The analytical calculations are performed using the Python 3.10 commercial software. It could be concluded that the effective elastic properties obtained either by the multistep or by the direct homogenization show no significant difference.
Structure Analysis of the Fractionator Overhead Vapor Line of a Delayed Coker Unit
Authors: Yeh Chun-Lang , Chung Yu-Hsi
Published: August 2024

In view of the great impact of the pipeline system in a delayed coker unit (DCU) on production and operation safety, we applied computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate the flow in a fractionator overhead vapor line connected to an air cooler in a previous study. The causes of the pipeline damage and the strategies to alleviate the occurrence of the damage were discussed. It is found that if two 24″ pipes are connected and five 18″ pipes are also connected, the force uniformity can be improved, and the forces on the caps, reducers, and T-junctions can be reduced. In this paper, we further applied the finite element method to perform structure analysis to confirm the strength of the original and the improved pipeline system. It is found that the static stress is larger when the pipelines are connected. The first four modes of the pipeline vibration are primarily affected by the vibration of the 30″ main pipe, while the fifth and the sixth modes are primarily affected by the vibration of the smaller pipes. In the case of a magnitude 1 earthquake (parallel mode) and a magnitude 2 wind, the maximum harmonic response stresses (stresses obtained from harmonic response analysis) occur at the same locations. After the pipelines are connected, some positions of the maximum harmonic response stresses are shifted from the 30″ main pipe to the 24″ pipe. In terms of the wind effect, the pipelines connected or unconnected can both withstand moderate typhoons of magnitude 13 without fatigue damage. In terms of the seismic effect, the pipelines connected can withstand a strong earthquake of magnitude 5(+) without fatigue damage, while the pipelines unconnected can withstand a very strong earthquake of magnitude 6(−) without fatigue damage, which is better than the pipelines connected. Under the action of a magnitude 17 severe typhoon, the stresses for the pipelines connected or unconnected are both lower than the yield strength and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS). There is no danger of immediate damage in terms of the wind effect. The pipelines connected or unconnected can withstand magnitude 7 earthquakes up to accelerations of 1718 gal (17.18 m/s2) and 2236 gal (22.36 m/s2), respectively, without exceeding the UTS. The pipelines unconnected are slightly better than the pipelines connected in terms of earthquake resistance. The purpose of this series study is to explore the flow development and the structural strength of the DCU pipeline system to improve its operational safety.
A Novel Technique for High-Efficiency Characterization of Complex Cracks with Visual Artifacts
Authors: Das Avik Kumar , Leung Christopher Kin Ying
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we introduce SHSnet, an advanced deep learning model designed for the efficient end-to-end segmentation of complex cracks, including thin, tortuous, and densely distributed ones. SHSnet features a non-uniform attention mechanism, a large receptive field, and boundary refinement to enhance segmentation performance while maintaining computational efficiency. To further optimize the model’s learning capability with highly imbalanced datasets, we employ a loss function (LP) based on the focal Tversky function. SHSnet shows very high performance, with values of 0.85, 0.83, 0.81, and 0.84 for precision, recall, intersection over union (IOU), and F-score, respectively. It achieves this with 10× fewer parameters than other models in the literature. Complementing SHSnet, we also present the post-processing unit (PPU), which analyzes crack morphological parameters through fracture mechanics and geometric properties. The PPU generates scanning lines to accurately compute these parameters, ensuring reliable results. The PPU shows a relative error of 0.4%, 1.2%, and 5.6% for crack number, length, and width, respectively. The methodology was benchmarked on complex ECC crack datasets as well as on multiple online datasets. In both of these cases, our results confirm that SHSnet consistently delivers superior performance and efficiency across various scenarios as compared to the methods in the literature.
Multi-Objective Optimization Study of Annular Fluid Flow Structure in Cordless Core Drilling Tools
Authors: Zhu Zhitong , Huang Fan , Zhao Yan , Li Changping , Wei Hairui , Liu Guang , Shao Yutao , Jia Minghao
Published: August 2024

Traditional drilling methods often face difficulty meeting the demand for efficient and accurate coring under complex geological conditions. Cordless coring is an advanced technology that uses hydraulic lifting to carry out coring, which can achieve automation and automated and intelligent drilling operations. In this research, a new type of hydraulic lifting cordless coring drilling tool is designed. Moreover, a numerical simulation model of the fluid flow in the annulus between the spearhead and spool of the cordless coring drilling tool was established. Orthogonal simulation tests are carried out, and according to the orthogonal test data, a numerical prediction model of the spool annulus fluid field based on the Backpropagation Neural Network (BP neural network) is established. The prediction of the flow rate of the drilling fluid and the spool back-pressure ratio was obtained when the structural parameters of the spearhead and the spool annulus were different. A multi-objective optimization of the annulus flow structure of the cordless core drilling tool has been carried out. The optimization objectives include deciding the back pressure ratio of the spool overcoming the spring and the flow rate of the drilling fluid. According to the established nonlinear optimization model and based on the improved Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) multi-objective optimization algorithm, it is verified that the convergence speed and diversity of the improved algorithm are better than those before the improvement. The simulation and experimental validation are carried out. It is verified that the flow rate of drilling fluid increased by 33.56% after optimization, and the force ratio was lowered by 5.825%. Finally, based on the simulation and optimization results, the φ96 cordless core drilling tool was manufactured on a trial basis, and on-site concrete drilling, coring, and hydraulic lifting operations were conducted for smooth coring and lifting. This study could provide an important scientific basis and technical support for the application and development of hydraulic lifting cordless coring technology.
Tracking Extended Targets: Novel TPMB Filter Driven by Model and Data Collaboration
Authors: Zhou Yubin , Li Bo , Zhang Jinyu , Li Zhikang , Li Zhengyuan
Published: August 2024

In most filtering algorithms involving measurement data association, handling the complex computations due to multiple hypotheses is necessary. This paper introduces a novel Trajectory Poisson Multi-Bernoulli (TPMB) filter for tracking extended targets, facilitated by a synergy between the model and the data. This filter can track extended targets under unknown process and measurement noise. Initially, on the model-driven side, we compute multi-model transition probabilities using the posterior probabilities from models at two consecutive time points with the targets in high maneuverability state. The accuracy of the tracking algorithm is improved by calculating the improved Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) transition probability at each time step. For the data-driven aspect, the Gate-control Belief Propagation (GBP) is set in the message- passing algorithm to reduce the running time of false hypothesis associations. Thus, it is unnecessary to consider all message information when computing the likelihood matrix for target-measurement associations. Subsequently, the posterior density function of the Adaptive Square Root Cubature Kalman Filter (ASCKF) is constructed to adaptively estimate unknown process and measurement noises, while importance sampling in the current particle filter further mitigates particle degradation. Experiments demonstrate that our algorithm reduces the running time of data associations, alleviates particle degradation, and more accurately tracks maneuvering targets under nonlinear conditions and estimates their states.
An Advanced Soil Classification Method Employing the Random Forest Technique in Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Chih-Yu , Ku Cheng-Yu , Wu Ting-Yuan , Ku Yun-Cheng
Published: August 2024

Soil classification is essential for understanding soil properties and their suitability for conveying the characteristics of soil types. In this study, we present a prediction of soil classification using fewer soil variables by employing the random forest (RF) technique in machine learning. This study compiled the parameters outlined in the unified soil classification system (USCS), a widely used method for categorizing soils based on their properties and behavior. These parameters, encompassing grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, the coefficient of uniformity, and the coefficient of curvature, were defined within specific ranges to create a synthetic database for training the RF model. The importance of input factors in soil classification was assessed using the out-of-bag samples in RF. Through rigorous validation techniques, including cross-validation, the performance of the RF model is thoroughly assessed, demonstrating its capability to accurately evaluate soil classification. The findings indicate that the RF model presented in this study exhibits a promising alternative, providing automated and accurate classification based on soil data. Notably, the model indicates that the coefficients of uniformity and gradation are insignificant for soil classification and can predict soil types even when these factors are missing, a feat that traditional methods struggle to achieve.
Analyzing the Biomechanical Characteristics of Ski Jumping Take-Off Phase Based on CFD
Authors: Hou Bojie , Ji Zhongqiu , Zhang Yun , Yu Mingyan
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of Chinese Nordic combined athletes during the ski jump take-off process, comparing them with elite athletes from the 2009 Nordic World Ski Championships using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. Methods: Using 3D model analysis and continuous relative phase analysis, CFD methods were utilized to assess the mechanical characteristics of athletes during the take-off phase. Results: The analysis revealed that Chinese athletes displayed a lower dominance of the knee joint during the take-off phase, leading to increased air drag. Conclusion: Reduced knee joint dominance and an excessive ankle angle at the initiation of the ski jump take-off contribute to higher air drag. The lean angle of the body and the ankle angle post-take-off significantly affect the resultant lift and drag forces.
Study on Mechanical Properties of Fractured Sandy Mudstone Based on Triaxial Compression Experiment
Authors: Pan Weidong , Liang Suyu , Gao Peng , Zhao Zhining , Deng Yupei
Published: August 2024

The technological requirements for mining are becoming more and more complex as underground coal mining depth increases. The issue that the concentration of mining stress causes an increase in the degree of rock fracture formation in the stope is one of them, and it has a significant impact on the mine’s production safety and efficiency. Using a pseudo-triaxial compression experimental platform, the effects of confining pressure on the strength, deformation, and fracture propagation route of fractured sandy mudstone were investigated in order to explore the mechanical characteristics of fractured rock mass. The findings demonstrate that the stress and strain curves of split sandy mudstone vary from those of intact specimens in that they are stepped and have several stress decreases. High frequency and low energy levels are released by fractured sandy mudstone, while high frequency and low energy levels are released by unbroken rock. The strength of sandy mudstone is less sensitive to confining pressure when prefabricated fissures are present. Specimens with fractures have a roughly 80% reduction in shear strength while confining pressure remains constant. The fracture propagation route of the intact rock is parallel to the section where the highest shear stress is found, whereas the fracture propagation path of the fractured sandy mudstone progressively expands from the constructed fracture tip to the specimen border. The degree of fracture development in fractured sandy mudstone is greater under the same stress mechanism, and the rock breaks more readily.
Harmonic Suppression in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Currents Based on Quasi-Proportional-Resonant Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Wu Kelu , Zhang Yongchao , Lu Wenqi , Qi Yubao , Shi Weimin
Published: August 2024

The output voltage of inverters is influenced by nonlinear factors such as dead time and voltage drops, injecting low-order harmonics. This results in fifth and seventh harmonic distortions in the stator current, causing periodic torque ripples and significantly affecting the control precision of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs). To address this issue, this paper proposes a control strategy named quasi-proportional-resonant sliding mode control (QPR-SMC). Initially, sliding mode control is employed as the current controller to enhance disturbance rejection capability and provide a rapid dynamic response. Subsequently, a quasi-proportional-resonant controller is introduced to extract the sixth harmonic component from the current, which is then used as a compensation term for the sliding mode control surface. Finally, the current tracking error and the compensation term are combined as inputs to the sliding mode control law, forming a current error-proportional resonant-sliding mode control surface. This approach enhances the harmonic suppression capability of the system. The results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively reduces the fifth and seventh harmonic components in the three-phase current and mitigates motor jitter by suppressing the sixth harmonic in the d–q coordinate system.
Phase Behavior of Fluid Composition in Coalbed Methane Wells Pre- and Post-Workover: An Examination of the Panzhuang Block, Qinshui Basin, Shanxi, China
Authors: Wang Qingwei , Yan Qiang , Zhang Yan , Xing Xiafan , Hao Cailian
Published: August 2024

Workover operations significantly impact the service life and gas production capacity of coalbed methane (CBM) wells and are crucial for optimizing resource exploitation. To investigate workover operations’ impact on coal seam reservoirs, the authors designed a series of experiments and obtained the following results: (1) The workover operation induced a phase transition in the solid-liquid composition produced by the CBM well, indicating changes in the coal reservoir’s internal structure. (2) During the stable production stage before and after the workover, the proportion of Na+, Cl−, Ca2+, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water samples showed a downward trend as a whole, while the HCO3−; after the workover, the Na+, Cl−, Ca2+, and TDS all increased suddenly, while the HCO3− decreased. (3) While inorganic minerals predominated in the precipitation material during the stable production stage pre-workover, their proportion decreased post-workover, with a noticeable shift in their qualitative composition. (4) It is an indisputable fact that workover operations cause physical and chemical damage to coal seam reservoirs. During workover operation, how to avoid damage and conduct benign reconstruction to the reservoir will be the direction of our future efforts. The experimental results provide valuable insights that can guide the optimization of CBM workover operations and inform the strategic planning of subsequent drainage activities.
An Assessment Method for the Step-Down Stress Accelerated Degradation Test Considering Random Effects and Detection Errors
Authors: Cui Jie , Zhao Heming , Peng Zhiling
Published: August 2024

The step-stress accelerated degradation test (ADT) provides a feasible method for assessing the storage life of high-reliability, long-life products. However, this method results in a slower rate of performance degradation at the beginning of the test, significantly reducing the test efficiency. Therefore, this article proposes an assessment method for the step-down stress ADT that considers random effects and detection errors (SDRD). Firstly, a new Inverse Gaussian (IG) model is proposed. The model introduces the Gamma distribution to characterize the randomness of the product degradation path and uses the normal distribution to describe the detection errors of performance parameters. In addition, to solve the problem that the likelihood function of the IG model is complex and has no explicit expression, the Monte Carlo (MC) method is used to estimate unknown parameters of the model. This approach enhances computational accuracy and efficiency. Finally, to verify the effectiveness of the SDRD method, it is applied to the step-down stress ADT data from a specific missile tank to assess its storage life. Comparing the life assessment results of different methods, the conclusion shows that the SDRD method is more effective for assessing the storage life of high-reliability, long-life products.