bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test May Improve with Repeated Trials: Does Practice Matter?
Authors: Zemková Erika , Pacholek Martin
Published: June 2023

The Yo-Yo Intermittent Test is frequently used to monitor changes in athletes’ performance in response to different interventions. However, the question remains as to whether, and to what extent, retakes of this test would contribute to these changes. This case study sought to determine the magnitude of practice effects, involving test repetition, on performance in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test. A recreational soccer player performed four attempts of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test—Level 1 (YYIR1) with a week’s rest in between. The same participant repeated this test protocol (four attempts of the YYIR1) again after six months. Changes in distance covered, level achieved, maximal oxygen uptake, and heart rate between the first and last attempt were assessed. The smallest worthwhile change (SWC), the coefficient of variation (CV), and the 2CV were calculated to identify a trivial, a possibly meaningful, and a certainly meaningful change in YYIR1 performance. The distance covered in the first set of measurements increased from 1320 m to 1560 m (15.4%), which corresponds to a 4.6% increase in the level achieved (from 16.6 to 17.4). Similarly, the distance covered in the second set of measurements increased from 1280 m to 1560 m (17.9%), which corresponds to a 5.5% increase in the level achieved (from 16.5 to 17.4). The participant’s performance changes fell outside of the SWC and the CV, but not the 2CV during both sets of measurements. These improvements in YYIR1 performance may be ascribed to practice with repeated attempts of the test by improving running technique at the turning point and/or by simply increasing the linear speed. This fact should always be kept in mind when interpreting the effects of training. Practitioners should differentiate between practice effects associated with repeated test execution and adaptation induced by conducting sport-specific training.
Underwater Small Target Detection Based on YOLOX Combined with MobileViT and Double Coordinate Attention
Authors: Sun Yan , Zheng Wenxi , Du Xue , Yan Zheping
Published: June 2023

The underwater imaging environment is complex, and the application of conventional target detection algorithms to the underwater environment has yet to provide satisfactory results. Therefore, underwater optical image target detection remains one of the most challenging tasks involved with neighborhood-based techniques in the field of computer vision. Small underwater targets, dispersion, and sources of distortion (such as sediment and particles) often render neighborhood-based techniques insufficient, as existing target detection algorithms primarily focus on improving detection accuracy and enhancing algorithm complexity and computing power. However, excessive extraction of deep-level features leads to the loss of small targets and decrease in detection accuracy. Moreover, most underwater optical image target detection is performed by underwater unmanned platforms, which have a high demand of algorithm lightweight requirements due to the limited computing power of the underwater unmanned platform with the mobile vision processing platform. In order to meet the lightweight requirements of the underwater unmanned platform without affecting the detection accuracy of the target, we propose an underwater target detection model based on mobile vision transformer (MobileViT) and YOLOX, and we design a new coordinate attention (CA) mechanism named a double CA (DCA) mechanism. This model utilizes MobileViT as the algorithm backbone network, improving the global feature extraction ability of the algorithm and reducing the amount of algorithm parameters. The double CA (DCA) mechanism can improve the extraction of shallow features as well as the detection accuracy, even for difficult targets, using a minimum of parameters. Research validated in the Underwater Robot Professional Contest 2020 (URPC2020) dataset revealed that this method has an average accuracy rate of 72.00%. In addition, YOLOX’s ability to compress the model parameters by 49.6% efficiently achieves a balance between underwater optical image detection accuracy and parameter quantity. Compared with the existing algorithm, the proposed algorithm can carry on the underwater unmanned platform better.
Development of a Radially Coupled Wireless Charging System for Torpedo-Shaped Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Lin Mingwei , Lin Ri , Li Dejun , Duan Runtian
Published: June 2023

Spiral coaxial coils are widely used in wireless charging systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). However, these coils can generate axial electromagnetic interference that may adversely affect the electronic components contained within the AUV. In order to overcome this issue, this paper introduced a pair of radially coupled coils which implement distributed ferrite cores. The mathematical model of the curly coils was derived, and its geometry parameters were optimized through the use of genetic algorithms. ANSYS Maxwell was used to analyze and optimize the layout of the ferrite cores. A prototype of the AUV wireless charging system was presented, demonstrating a maximum efficiency of 94% at 2.2 kW in salt water. The rotation adaptivity of the system was also tested, revealing stable output performance within the possible roll-angle variations of the AUV.
Fuzzy Controller Design Approach for a Ship’s Dynamic Path Based on AIS Data with the Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Observer Model
Authors: Pen Chin-Lin , Chang Wen-Jer , Lin Yann-Horng
Published: June 2023

A fuzzy controller design approach is developed in this research for the control problem of a ship’s dynamic path based on automatic identification system (AIS) data. Over the past few decades, the equipment of AISs has been widely applied and mandated on ships. Based on the advantages of AIS data, various valuable applications have been proposed to improve safety problems. However, most of the applications depend on the precise control of the ship’s dynamic behavior. Because of this reason, a fuzzy controller design approach is proposed based on the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy observer model in this research. Firstly, the ship’s dynamic behavior based on the discrete-time AIS data is estimated and represented by the mathematical model of the fuzzy observer. Based on the fuzzy observer model, a fuzzy controller design approach subject to variance constraint is developed to solve the problem of stochastic disturbance in estimation and control. In accordance with the different application aspects, this approach can not only be applied to improve the estimation performance of the fuzzy observer, but it can also be provided as a controller design scheme for the ship’s dynamic path using AISs data. Finally, simulation results of a group of real AIS data from Kaohsiung Port and the assumed Keelung Port AIS data are applied to verify the effectiveness of the designed fuzzy controller.
MDNet: A Fusion Generative Adversarial Network for Underwater Image Enhancement
Authors: Zhang Song , Zhao Shili , An Dong , Li Daoliang , Zhao Ran
Published: June 2023

Underwater images are widely used in ocean resource exploration and ocean environment surveillance. However, due to the influence of light attenuation and noise, underwater images usually display degradation phenomena such as blurring and color deviation; an enhancement method is required to make the images more visible. Currently, there are two major approaches for image enhancement: the traditional methods based on physical or non-physical models, and the deep learning method. Inspired by the fusion-based idea, this paper attempts to combine traditional methods with deep learning and proposes a multi-input dense connection generator network (MDNet) for underwater image enhancement. Raw images and processed images are input into the network together, the shallow information is fully utilized by dense connection, and the network is trained in generative and adversarial manner. We also design a multiple loss function to improve the visual quality of the generated images. We conduct both qualitative and quantitative experiments, and then compare the results with state-of-the-art approaches comprehensively using three representative datasets. Results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the perceptual and statistical quality of underwater images.
Biogeographic Patterns of Fungal Sub-Communities under Different Land-Use Types in Subtropical China
Authors: Liu Hao , Han Heming , Zhang Ruoling , Xu Weidong , Wang Yuwei , Zhang Bo , Yin Yifan , Cao Hui
Published: June 2023

Revealing the regional distribution and diversity of fungal sub-communities under different land management practices is essential to conserve biodiversity and predict microbial change trends. In this study, a total of 19 tilled and 25 untilled soil samples across different land-use types were collected from subtropical China to investigate the differences between the spatial distribution patterns, diversity, and community assembly of fungal sub-communities using high-throughput sequencing technology. Our results found that anthropogenic disturbances significantly reduced the diversity of abundant taxa but significantly increased the diversity of rare taxa, suggesting that the small-scale intensive management of land by individual farmers is beneficial for fungal diversity, especially for the conservation of rare taxa. Abundant, intermediate, and rare fungal sub-communities were significantly different in tilled and untilled soils. Anthropogenic disturbances both enhanced the homogenization of fungal communities and decreased the spatial-distance–decay relationship of fungal sub-communities in tilled soils. Based on the null model approach, the changes in the assembly processes of the fungal sub-communities in tilled soils were found to shift consistently to stochastic processes, possibly as a result of the significant changes in the diversity of those fungal sub-communities and associated ecological niches in different land-use types. Our results provide support for the theoretical contention that fungal sub-communities are changed by different land management practices and open the way to the possibility of predicting those changes.
In Vitro and In Vivo Activity of Citral in Combination with Amphotericin B, Anidulafungin and Fluconazole against Candida auris Isolates
Authors: de-la-Fuente Iñigo , Guridi Andrea , Jauregizar Nerea , Eraso Elena , Quindós Guillermo , Sevillano Elena
Published: June 2023

Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen responsible for hospital outbreaks of invasive candidiasis associated with high mortality. The treatment of these mycoses is a clinical challenge due to the high resistance levels of this species to current antifungal drugs, and alternative therapeutic strategies are needed. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo activities of combinations of citral with anidulafungin, amphotericin B or fluconazole against 19 C. auris isolates. The antifungal effect of citral was in most cases similar to the effect of the antifungal drugs in monotherapy. The best combination results were obtained with anidulafungin, with synergistic and additive interactions against 7 and 11 of the 19 isolates, respectively. The combination of 0.06 μg/mL anidulafungin and 64 μg/mL citral showed the best results, with a survival rate of 63.2% in Caenorhabditis elegans infected with C. auris UPV 17-279. The combination of fluconazole with citral reduced the MIC of fluconazole from > 64 to 1–4 μg/mL against 12 isolates, and a combination of 2 μg/mL fluconazole and 64 μg/mL citral was also effective in reducing mortality in C. elegans. Amphotericin B combined with citral, although effective in vitro, did not improve the activity of each compound in vivo.
Evaluation of Cytotoxicity, Release Behavior and Phytopathogens Control by Mancozeb-Loaded Guar Gum Nanoemulsions for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Nehra Manju , Kumar Dharmender , Saharan Baljeet Singh , Chawla Prince , Sadh Pardeep Kumar , Manuja Anju , Duhan Joginder Singh
Published: June 2023

Chemical fungicides are the backbone of modern agriculture, but an alternative formulation is necessary for sustainable crop production to address human health issues and soil/water environmental pollution. So, a green chemistry approach was used to form guar gum nanoemulsions (NEs) of 186.5–394.1 nm containing the chemical fungicide mancozeb and was characterized using various physio-chemical techniques. An 84.5% inhibition was shown by 1.5 mg/mL mancozeb-loaded NEs (GG-1.5) against A. alternata, comparable to commercial mancozeb (86.5 ± 0.7%). The highest mycelial inhibition was exhibited against S. lycopersici and S. sclerotiorum. In tomatoes and potatoes, NEs showed superior antifungal efficacy in pot conditions besides plant growth parameters (germination percentage, root/shoot ratio and dry biomass). About 98% of the commercial mancozeb was released in just two h, while only about 43% of mancozeb was released from nanoemulsions (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5) for the same time. The most significant results for cell viability were seen at 1.0 mg/mL concentration of treatment, where wide gaps in cell viability were observed for commercial mancozeb (21.67%) and NEs treatments (63.83–71.88%). Thus, this study may help to combat the soil and water pollution menace of harmful chemical pesticides besides protecting vegetable crops.
Chronic Venous Disease during Pregnancy Is Related to Inflammation of the Umbilical Cord: Role of Allograft Inflammatory Factor 1 (AIF-1) and Interleukins 10 (IL-10), IL-12 and IL-18
Authors: Sánchez-Trujillo Lara , Fraile-Martinez Oscar , García-Montero Cielo , García-Puente Luis M. , Guijarro Luis G. , De Leon-Oliva Diego , Boaru Diego Liviu , Gardón-Alburquerque David , del Val Toledo Lobo María , Royuela Mar , García-Tuñón Ignacio , Rios-Parra Antonio , De León-Luis Juan A. , Bravo Coral , Álvarez-Mon Melchor , Bujan Julia , Saez Miguel A. , García-Honduvilla Natalio , Ortega Miguel A.
Published: June 2023

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common condition that affects the veins in the lower limbs, resulting in a variety of symptoms, such as swelling, pain, and varicose veins (VVs). The plenty hormonal, hemodynamic and mechanical changes occurred in pregnancy make women especially vulnerable to suffer from this condition in this period. Previous works have identified that CVD is associated with an increased inflammatory milieu and significant damage in maternofetal tissues, such as the umbilical cord. However, the inflammatory status of this structure in these patients has not been studied yet. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine gene and protein expression of a set of inflammatory markers—Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1), the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 12A (IL-12A) and IL-18 and the anti-inflammatory product IL-10—in the umbilical cord of women with CVD during pregnancy (N = 62) and healthy pregnant women (HC; N = 52) by the use of real time qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Our results demonstrate that the umbilical cord tissue from CVD women exhibit an increased expression of AIF-1, IL-12A and IL-18 along with a decrease in IL-10. Therefore, our study suggests an inflammatory status of this structure related to CVD. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the expression of other inflammatory markers, as well as to analyze the maternofetal impact of these findings.
Contact-Induced Layering and Diffusion in Yuè Chinese Varieties—The *-iun/iut and *-un/ut Merger Reconsidered
Authors: Hui Man-Shan , Simmons Richard VanNess
Published: June 2023

This study re-investigates the merger of *-iun/iut and *-un/ut in 46 Yuè Chinese varieties, which lacks explanatory treatment, from the variant derivative patterns of *-iun/iut > [yn]/[yt] and *-un/ut > [yn]/[yt]. The historical-comparative method was employed as the frame to analyze spatial (geographic) variation obtained from QGIS. The data showed that the merger of the reflexes of *-iun/iut and *-un/ut does not prevail in the majority of Yuè varieties, while mergers of *-iun/iut with *-in/it and *-iun/iut with *-on/ot or *-ion/iot are dominant. The spatial patterns of *-iun/iut and *-un/ut suggest different diffusion patterns and background factors.
Mentalization, Oxytocin, and Cortisol in the General Population
Authors: Török Edina , Kelemen Oguz , Kéri Szabolcs
Published: June 2023

Although evidence suggests the role of oxytocin and cortisol in social cognition and emotion regulation, it is less known how their peripheral levels are related to social perception (biological motion detection) and mentalization (self-reflection, emotional awareness, and affect regulation) in the general population. We assessed 150 healthy individuals from the general community on a mentalization questionnaire, a scale measuring the intensity of positive and negative emotions, and measured oxytocin and cortisol levels in the saliva. Oxytocin but not cortisol level and biological motion detection predicted mentalization abilities. There was a positive correlation between mentalization and positive emotions and between mentalization and biological motion detection. These results suggest that oxytocin, but not cortisol, plays a role in low-level perceptual and self-reflective aspects of social cognition.
Multi-Objective Optimization Design of Micro-Texture Parameters of Tool for Cutting GH4169 during Spray Cooling
Authors: Feng Xinmin , Fan Xiwen , Hu Jingshu , Wei Jiaxuan
Published: June 2023

This study explores the performance of micro-textured tools when cutting GH4169 during spray cooling. First, the morphologies of the micro-textures were selected according to the simulation and experiments. Secondly, cutting experiments were carried out during spray cooling. As appropriate for each experiment, regression models of cutting force, cutting temperature, or tool wear area were established, and variance analysis was conducted. The cutting force, cutting temperature, and tool wear area functions were obtained from the respective regression models. Based on these functions, the micro-texture parameters were optimized using the response surface method with the cutting force, cutting temperature, and rake face wear area as the objectives. Finally, a full factor experiment on the micro-texture parameters was designed using Minitab, and cutting experiments were conducted using micro-textured tools with these parameters. Taking a relatively low cutting force, cutting temperature, and tool wear as the objectives, a genetic algorithm multi-objective optimization model for the micro-texture parameters of the tools was established, and the model was solved using the NSGA-II algorithm to obtain a Pareto solution set and micro-texture parameters with a good, comprehensive cutting performance. The micro-texture morphology and parameters obtained in this study can also be used for cutting other high-temperature alloy materials with similar properties to GH4169. This research method can also be used to optimize micro-textured tools for cutting other materials.
Crashworthiness Analysis of Thin-Walled Square Columns with a Hole Trigger
Authors: Rogala Michał , Gajewski Jakub
Published: June 2023

Thin-walled structures dynamically loaded with an axial force are the subject of this study. The structures work as passive energy absorbers by progressive harmonic crushing. The absorbers were made of AA-6063-T6 aluminum alloy and subjected to both numerical and experimental tests. Experimental tests were performed on an INSTRON 9350 HES bench, while numerical analyses were performed using Abaqus software. The energy absorbers tested had crush initiators in the form of drilled holes. The variable parameters were the number of holes and their diameter. The holes were located in a line 30 mm away from the base. This study shows a significant effect of the hole diameter on the values of the stroke efficiency indicator and mean crushing force.
Parameter Identification of Switched Reluctance Motor SRM Using Exponential Swept-Sine Signal
Authors: Ouannou Abdelmalek , Brouri Adil , Giri Fouad , Kadi Laila , Oubouaddi Hafid , Hussien Shimaa A. , Alwadai Norah , Mosaad Mohamed I.
Published: June 2023

Switched reluctance motors (SRMs) received major interest in several domains, e.g., in electric vehicles. This interest is due to the many advantages of SRMs, including operation at a wide range of speeds, high performances, low cost, robustness to run under degraded conditions, and controllability. One of the major aspects in the design and implementation of controllers for SRMs is the estimation of the motor parameters. An accurate estimate of these parameters is a challenge due to the highly nonlinear behavior of SRMs in addition to their magnetic saturated operating mode to maximize the energy transfer. This paper aims at estimating the parameters of SRM by developing a new SRM model using an analytical technique. The proposed technique is based on a parallel connection of several Hammerstein models that have polynomial nonlinearity. The model is driven by a swept-sine signal, and then finite element method analysis is performed to estimate the SRM parameters. The effectiveness of the proposed method is highlighted by numerical simulation. All these simulations were performed using MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Development and Experiment of Clamp Type Submarine Cable Inspection Robot
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Wang Yufan , Zhang Bo
Published: June 2023

Relying on the research and development project of an auxiliary device for a submarine cable to cross a steel pipeline, with regard to a long-distance submarine cable crossing a pipeline, combined with a pipe-climbing robot and the laying of the submarine cable, this paper developed a detection robot that walks along the outer wall of the cable inside the submarine casing. The non-enclosed four-bar linkage mechanism is adopted, a stepper motor is used to drive a roller to walk on the submarine cable, the diameter change of the submarine cable is recorded in real-time, the damage of the submarine cable is detected when it is moved along the submarine cable, and the walking experiment is carried out. The submarine cable diameter measurement verification experiment showed that the outer wall detection robot of the submarine cable could stably travel on the submarine cable, and at the same time, could measure the real-time diameter of the submarine cable and record the actual condition of the submarine cable through video.
An Experimental Methodology for Introducing Educational Robotics and Storytelling in Therapeutical Activities for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Peribañez Elena , Bayona Sofia , San Martin Jose , Verde Ana , Garre Carlos , Leoste Janika , Pastor Luis
Published: June 2023

Educational robotics is a valuable tool in education and therapy for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), especially when introduced in activities, combined with gamification and storytelling elements. However, the lack of familiarity of therapists with the technologies involved makes their widespread introduction difficult and leads to case-specific rather than more generalizable methods. In this paper, we present an experimental methodology which provides a guide for the introduction of these elements in therapeutical activities with children with NDD. Providing a common framework reduces the gap between the different expertise of therapists, educators, and engineers. While establishing a common vocabulary and objectives, the methodology provides a guide for designing activities and evaluating their therapeutic effectiveness. We provide an example with a pilot study using a low-cost robot (Ozobot) in a therapeutic environment. Results regarding the children’s task involvement, level of attention, and use of social skills were positive. In addition, the attitude of some children changed throughout the sessions, improving frustration tolerance. The discussion of the pilot study provides clues for improving future implementations of the presented methodology, which serves as a framework for the design of future experiments that include therapeutic activities with educational robotics, gamification, and storytelling.
Traveling Wave Optical Solutions for the Generalized Fractional Kundu–Mukherjee–Naskar (gFKMN) Model
Authors: Tang Yong
Published: June 2023

The work considers traveling wave optical solutions for the nonlinear generalized fractional KMN equation. This equation is considered for describing pulse propagation in optical fibers and communication systems using two quite similar approaches, based on the expansion of these solutions in the exponential or polynomial forms. Both approaches belong to the direct solving class of methods for PDEs and suppose the use of an auxiliary equation. The solutions acquired in this paper are obtained from first- and second-order differential equations that act as auxiliary equations. In addition, we generated 3D, contour, and 2D plots to illustrate the characteristics of the obtained soliton solutions. To create these plots, we carefully selected appropriate values for the relevant parameters.
Mathematical Modeling the Performance of an Electric Vehicle Considering Various Driving Cycles
Authors: Martyushev Nikita V. , Malozyomov Boris V. , Sorokova Svetlana N. , Efremenkov Egor A. , Qi Mengxu
Published: June 2023

Currently, the estimated range of an electric vehicle is a variable value. The assessment of this power reserve is possible by various methods, and the results of the assessment by these methods will be quite different. Thus, building a model based on these cycles is an extremely important task for manufacturers of electric vehicles. In this paper, a simulation model was developed to determine the range of an electric vehicle by cycles of movement. A mathematical model was created to study the power reserve of an electric vehicle, taking into account four driving cycles, in which the lengths of cycles and the forces acting on the electric vehicle are determined; the calculation of the forces of resistance to movement was carried out taking into account the efficiency of the electric motor; thus, the energy consumption of an electric vehicle is determined. The modeling of the study of motion cycles on the presented model was carried out. The mathematical evaluation of battery life was based on simulation results. Simulation modeling of an electric vehicle in the MATLAB Simulink software environment was performed. An assessment of the power reserve of the developed electric vehicle was completed. The power reserve was estimated using the four most common driving cycles—NEDC, WLTC, JC08, US06. Studies have shown that the highest speed of the presented US06 cycle provides the shortest range of an electric vehicle. The JC08 and NEDC cycles have similar developed speeds in urban conditions, while in NEDC there is a phase of out-of-town traffic; therefore, due to the higher speed, the electric vehicle covers a greater distance in equal time compared to JC08. At the same time, the NEDC cycle is the least dynamic and the acceleration values do not exceed 1 m/s2. Low dynamics allow for a longer range of an electric vehicle; however, the actual urban operation of an electric vehicle requires more dynamics. The cycles of movement presented in the article provide a sufficient variety and variability of the load of an electric vehicle and its battery over a wide range, which made it possible to conduct effective studies of the energy consumed, taking into account the recovery of electricity to the battery in a wide range of loads. It was determined that frequent braking, taking into account operation including in urban traffic, provides a significant return of electricity to the battery.
An Algorithm for the Numbers of Homomorphisms from Paths to Rectangular Grid Graphs
Authors: Yingtaweesittikul Hatairat , Panma Sayan , Rochanakul Penying
Published: June 2023

Let G and H be graphs. A mapping f from the vertices of G to the vertices of H is known as a homomorphism from G to H if, for every pair of adjacent vertices x and y in G, the vertices f(x) and f(y) are adjacent in H. A rectangular grid graph is the Cartesian product of two path graphs. In this paper, we provide a formula to determine the number of homomorphisms from paths to rectangular grid graphs. This formula gives the solution to the problem concerning the number of walks in the rectangular grid graphs.
On Reusing the Stages of a Rejected Runge-Kutta Step
Authors: Kovalnogov Vladislav , Fedorov Ruslan , Karpukhina Tamara , Simos Theodore , Tsitouras Charalampos
Published: June 2023

Runge-Kutta (RK) pairs are amongst the most popular methods for numerically solving Initial Value Problems. While using an RK pair, we may experience rejection of some steps through the interval of integration. Traditionally, all of the evaluations are then dropped, and we proceed with a completely new round of computations. In this work, we propose avoiding this waste and continuing by reusing the rejected RK stages. We focus especially on an RK pair of orders six and five. After step rejection, we reuse all the previously evaluated stages and only add three new stages. We proceed by evaluating the output using a smaller step. By this technique, we manage to significantly reduce the cost in a set of problems that are known to pose difficulties in RK algorithms with changing step sizes.
Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery for Neuromuscular Disease Patients with Severe Scoliosis Whose Cobb Angle Was over 100 Degrees
Authors: Miyagi Masayuki , Saito Wataru , Mimura Yusuke , Nakazawa Toshiyuki , Imura Takayuki , Shirasawa Eiki , Uchida Kentaro , Ikeda Shinsuke , Kuroda Akiyoshi , Inoue Sho , Yokozeki Yuji , Tanaka Yoshihide , Akazawa Tsutomu , Takaso Masashi , Inoue Gen
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives: Patients with neuromuscular diseases usually have progressive neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS), requiring invasive surgery. Some patients present with severe scoliosis at the time of consultation and are difficult to treat. Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery combined with anterior release and pre- or intraoperative traction would be effective for severe spinal deformities but would be invasive. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of PSF-only surgery for patients with severe NMS with a Cobb angle > 100°. Materials and Methods: Thirty NMS patients (13 boys and 17 girls; mean age 13.8 years) who underwent PSF-only surgery for scoliosis with a Cobb angle > 100° were included. We reviewed the lower instrumented vertebra (LIV), duration of surgery, blood loss, perioperative complications, preoperative clinical findings, and radiographic findings, including Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity (PO) in the sitting position pre- and postoperatively. The correction rate and correction loss of the Cobb angle and PO were also calculated. Results: The mean duration of surgery was 338 min, intraoperative blood loss was 1440 mL, preoperative %VC was 34.1%, FEV1.0 (%) was 91.5%, and EF was 66.1%. There were eight cases of perioperative complications. The Cobb angle and PO correction rates were 48.5% and 42.0%, respectively. We divided the patients into two groups: the L5 group, in which the LIV was L5, and the pelvis group, in which the LIV was the pelvis. The duration of surgery and PO correction rate in the pelvis group were significantly higher than those in the L5 group. Conclusions: Patients with severe NMS demonstrated severe preoperative restrictive ventilatory impairments. PSF surgery without anterior release or any intra-/preoperative traction showed satisfactory outcomes, including acceptable scoliosis correction and improved clinical findings, even in patients with extremely severe NMS. Instrumentation and fusion to the pelvis for severe scoliosis in patients with NMS showed good PO correction and low correction loss of Cobb angle and PO, but a longer duration of surgery.
Ocular Findings in Patients with Orbital Fractures: A 1-Year Prospective Study in a Tertiary Center
Authors: Asiri Mohammed , Aldowah Omir
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to study the prevalence of ocular findings in patients with orbital fractures in a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed. The participants were patients who presented with orbital trauma to the emergency department of King Saud Medical City (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Subjects included those diagnosed with isolated orbital fracture using clinical evaluation and CT examination. We performed direct evaluation of ocular findings for all patients. Variables studied included age, gender, site of ocular fracture, cause of trauma, side of fracture, and ocular findings. Results: In total, 74 patients with orbital fractures were included in this study (n = 74). Of the 74 patients, 69 (93.2%) were males and only 5 patients (6.8%) were females. The age range was 8-70 years, with a median age of 27 years. The 27.5–32.6-year age group was the most affected (95.0%). The left orbital bone was involved in the majority of bone fractures 48 (64.9%). The orbital floor (n = 52, 41.9%) and lateral wall (n = 31, 25.0%) were the most prevalent sites of bone fracture among the study patients. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the most common causes (64.9%) of orbital fractures, followed by assaults (16.2%) and then sports injuries and falls (9.5% and 8.1%, respectively). Animal attacks were the least cause of trauma (only 1 patient, 1.4%). The occurrence of ocular findings, either alone or in combination, showed that subconjunctival hemorrhage had the highest percentage (52.0%), followed by edema (17.6%) and ecchymosis (13.6%). A statistically significant correlation was reported between the site of bone fracture and orbital findings, with r = 0.251 * and p < 0.05. Conclusions: Subconjunctival bleeding, edema, and ecchymosis were the most frequent ocular abnormalities, in that order. There were a few instances of diplopia, exophthalmos, and paresthesia. Other ocular discoveries were incredibly uncommon. The location of bone fractures was found to be significantly correlated with ocular results.
Fabrication of Silver Nanobowl Arrays on Patterned Sapphire Substrate for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Pang Yanzhao , Jin Mingliang
Published: June 2023

The current article discusses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as a powerful technique for detecting molecules or ions by analyzing their molecular vibration signals for fingerprint peak recognition. We utilized a patterned sapphire substrate (PSS) featuring periodic micron cone arrays. Subsequently, we prepared a three-dimensional (3D) PSS-loaded regular Ag nanobowls (AgNBs) array using self-assembly and surface galvanic displacement reactions based on polystyrene (PS) nanospheres. The SERS performance and structure of the nanobowl arrays were optimized by manipulating the reaction time. We discovered that the PSS substrates featuring periodic patterns exhibited superior light-trapping effects compared to the planar substrates. The SERS performance of the prepared AgNBs-PSS substrates was tested under the optimized experimental parameters with 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) as the probe molecule, and the enhancement factor (EF) was calculated to be 8.96 × 104. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations were conducted to explain that the AgNBs arrays’ hot spots were distributed at the bowl wall locations. Overall, the current research offers a potential route for developing high-performance, low-cost 3D SERS substrates.
A Multi-Scale Tool Orientation Generation Method for Freeform Surface Machining with Bull-Nose Tool
Authors: Dong Jieshi , He Jinming , Liu Song , Wan Neng , Chang Zhiyong
Published: June 2023

Free-form surface parts are widely used in industries, and they consist of intricate 3D surfaces such as molds, impellers, and turbine blades that possess complex geometrical contours and demand high precision. Proper tool orientation is crucial for ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of five-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Multi-scale methods have received much attention and have been widely used in various fields. They have been proven to be instrumental and can obtain fruitful outcomes. Ongoing research on multi-scale tool orientation generation methods, which aim to acquire tool orientations that satisfy both macro- and micro-scale requirements, is significantly important for improving the machining quality of workpiece surfaces. This paper proposes a multi-scale tool orientation generation method that considers both the machining strip width and roughness scales. This method also ensures a smooth tool orientation and avoids interference in the machining process. First, the correlation between the tool orientation and rotational axis is analyzed, and feasible area calculation and tool orientation adjustment methods are introduced. Then, the paper introduces the calculation method for machining strip widths on the macro-scale and the roughness calculation method on the micro-scale. Besides, tool orientation adjustment methods for both scales are proposed. Next, a multi-scale tool orientation generation method is developed to generate tool orientations that meet the macro- and micro-scale requirements. Finally, to verify the effectiveness of the proposed multi-scale tool orientation generation method, it is applied to the machining of a free-form surface. Experimental verification results have shown that the tool orientation generated by the proposed method can obtain the expected machining strip width and roughness, meeting both macro- and micro-scale requirements. Therefore, this method has significant potential for engineering applications.
Molecular Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Raw Milk and Humans in Eastern Tanzania: Genetic Diversity and Inter-Host Transmission
Authors: Mzee Tutu , Kumburu Happiness , Kazimoto Theckla , Leekitcharoenphon Pimlapas , van Zwetselaar Marco , Masalu Rose , Mlaganile Tarsis , Sonda Tolbert , Wadugu Boaz , Mushi Ignass , Aarestrup Frank M. , Matee Mecky
Published: June 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of infection in humans and animals, including bovine mastitis, globally. The objective of this study was to genetically characterize a collection of S. aureus isolates recovered from milk and nasal swabs from humans with and without animal contact (bovine = 43, human = 12). Using whole genome sequencing (NextSeq550), isolates were sequence typed, screened for antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes and examined for possible inter-species host transmission. Multi locus sequence typing (MLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based phylogeny revealed 14 different sequence types, including the following six novel sequence types: ST7840, 7841, 7845, 7846, 7847, and 7848. The SNP tree confirmed that MLST clustering occurred most commonly within CC97, CC5477, and CC152. ResFinder analysis revealed five common antibiotic resistance genes, namely tet(K), blaZ, dfrG, erm©, and str, encoding for different antibiotics. mecA was discovered in one human isolate only. Multidrug resistance was observed in 25% of the isolates, predominantly in CC152 (7/8) and CC121 (3/4). Known bovine S. aureus (CC97) were collected in humans and known human S. aureus lineages (CC152) were collected in cattle; additionally, when these were compared to bovine-isolated CC97 and human-isolated CC152, respectively, no genetic distinction could be observed. This is suggestive of inter-host transmission and supports the need for surveillance of the human–animal interface.
Molecular Detection of Cyclospora cayetanensis in Two Main Types of Farm Soil Using Real-Time PCR Assays and Method Modification for Commercial Potting Mix
Authors: Arida Joseph , Shipley Alicia , Almeria Sonia
Published: June 2023

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a foodborne protozoan parasite that causes outbreaks of diarrheal illness (cyclosporiasis) with clear seasonality worldwide. In the environment, C. cayetanensis oocysts are very robust, and contact with contaminated soil may serve as an important vehicle in the transmission of this organism, and it is considered a risk factor for this infection. The present study evaluated a flotation concentration method, previously shown to provide the best detection results when compared with DNA isolation directly from soil samples, in two main types of farm soil, silt loam soil and sandy clay loam, as well as in commercial potting mix samples inoculated with different numbers of C. cayetanensis oocysts. The flotation method was able to detect as few as 10 oocysts in 10 g of either type of farm soil without modifications, but needed an extra wash and samples of reduced size for the processing of the commercial potting mix to be able to detect 20 oocysts/5 g. A recently modified real-time PCR method for the detection of C. cayetanensis based on a mitochondrial gene target was also evaluated using selected samples of each type of soil. This comparative study confirmed that the concentration of oocysts in soil samples by flotation in high-density sucrose solutions is a sensitive method that can detect low numbers of oocysts in different types of soil.
The Microbiome of Things: Appliances, Machines, and Devices Hosting Artificial Niche-Adapted Microbial Communities
Authors: Satari Leila , Iglesias Alba , Porcar Manuel
Published: June 2023

As it is the case with natural substrates, artificial surfaces of man-made devices are home to a myriad of microbial species. Artificial products are not necessarily characterized by human-associated microbiomes; instead, they can present original microbial populations shaped by specific environmental—often extreme—selection pressures. This review provides a detailed insight into the microbial ecology of a range of artificial devices, machines, and appliances, which we argue are specific microbial niches that do not necessarily fit in the “build environment” microbiome definition. Instead, we propose here the Microbiome of Things (MoT) concept analogous to the Internet of Things (IoT) because we believe it may be useful to shed light on human-made, but not necessarily human-related, unexplored microbial niches.
Study of Brewer’s Spent Grain Environmentally Friendly Processing Ways
Authors: Kobelev Konstantin V. , Gribkova Irina N. , Kharlamova Larisa N. , Danilyan Armen V. , Zakharov Maxim A. , Lazareva Irina V. , Kozlov Valery I. , Borisenko Olga A.
Published: June 2023

Background: This article is devoted to the study of the effect of electrochemically activated water (catholyte with pH 9.3) on organic compounds of the plant matrix of brewer’s spent grain in order to extract various compounds from it. Methods: Brewer’s spent grain was obtained from barley malt at a pilot plant by mashing the malt followed by filtration and washing of the grain in water and storing it at (0 ± 2) °C in craft bags. For the organic compound quantitative determination, instrumental methods of analysis (HPLC) were used, and the results were subjected to mathematical analysis. Results: The study results showed that at atmospheric pressure, the alkaline properties of the catholyte showed better results compared to aqueous extraction with respect to β-glucan, sugars, nitrogenous and phenolic compounds, and 120 min was the best period for extraction at 50 °C. The excess pressure conditions used (0.5 ÷ 1 atm) revealed an increase in the accumulation of non-starch polysaccharide and nitrogenous compounds, while the level of sugars, furan and phenolic compounds decreased with increasing treatment duration. The waste grain extract ultrasonic treatment used revealed the effectiveness of catholyte in relation to the extraction of β-glucan and nitrogenous fractions; however, sugars and phenolic compounds did not significantly accumulate. The correlation method made it possible to reveal the regularities in the formation of furan compounds under the conditions of extraction with the catholyte: Syringic acid had the greatest effect on the formation of 5-OH-methylfurfural at atmospheric pressure and 50 °C and vanillic acid under conditions of excess pressure. Regarding furfural and 5-methylfurfural, amino acids had a direct effect at excess pressure. It was shown that the content of all furan compounds depends on amino acids with thiol groups and gallic acid; the formation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 5-methylfurfural is influenced by gallic and vanillic acids; the release of furfural and 5-methylfurfural is determined by amino acids and gallic acid; excess pressure conditions promote the formation of furan compounds under the action of gallic and lilac acids. Conclusions: This study showed that a catholyte allows for efficient extraction of carbohydrate, nitrogenous and monophenolic compounds under pressure conditions, while flavonoids require a reduction in extraction time under pressure conditions.
Special Issue: Research and Application of Food By-Products
Authors: Różyło Renata
Published: June 2023

Recently, there has been an increase in interest in reusing food processing by-products [...]
Characterization of Dissolved Organic Matter Released from Aged Biochar: A Comparative Study of Two Feedstocks and Multiple Aging Approaches
Authors: Yue Yan , Xu Leqi , Li Guitong , Gao Xiang , Ma Hongfang
Published: June 2023

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays important roles in environmental ecosystems. While many studies have explored the characteristics of aged biochar, limited information is available about the properties of DOM derived from aged biochar. In this study, biochar obtained from maize stalk and soybean straw were aged using farmland or vegetable-soil solution, as well as soil solution containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Chemical composition of the extracted DOM from the aged biochar was analyzed via excitation–emission matrix coupled with fluorescence regional integration (FRI) and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Obtained results showed that biochar aged with H2O2-enriched soil solution had higher water-soluble organic carbon, ranging from 147.26–734.13% higher than the controls. FRI analysis revealed fulvic and humic-like organics as the key components, with a considerable increase of 57.48–235.96% in the humic-like component, especially in soybean-straw-aged biochar. PARAFAC identified four humic-like substance components. Concurrently, the aromaticity and humification of the aged-biochar-derived DOM increased, while the molecular weight decreased. These findings suggest that DOM derived from aged biochar, with a high content of humic-like organics, might impact the mobility and toxicity of pollutants in soil.
Wheat Roll Enhanced by Buckwheat Hull, a New Functional Food: Focus on the Retention of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Wronkowska Małgorzata , Bączek Natalia , Honke Joanna , Topolska Joanna , Wiczkowski Wiesław , Zieliński Henryk
Published: June 2023

Wheat roll enhanced by buckwheat hull was used as a model for determining the retention of bioactive compounds during technological steps. The research included analysis of the formation of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) and retention of bioactive compounds such as tocopherols, glutathione, or antioxidant capacity. About a 30% decrease in the content of available lysine in the roll was observed compared to the value obtained for fermented dough. Free FIC, FAST index, and browning index were highest for the final products. The increase of analyzed tocopherols (α-, β-,γ-, and δ-T) was noticed during the technological steps, with the highest values found for the roll with 3% of buckwheat hull. A significant reduction in GSH and GSSG content occurred during the baking process. The observed increase in the value of the antioxidant capacity after the baking process may be the result of the formation of new antioxidant compounds.