bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Performance Evaluation Method of Rice Thresher Based on Neural Network
Authors: Da Qiang , Li Dexin , Zhang Xiaolei , Guo Weiling , He Dongyu , Huang Yanfei , He Gengchao
Published: September 2022

Because the threshing device of a combine harvester determines the harvesting level and threshing separation performance of a combine harvester, the analysis and study of the threshing device of a combine harvester is key to improving its performance. Based on the threshing device of a half-feed combine harvester, the simulation model of a discrete element threshing device is established in this paper. With the threshing drum rotation speed, feed volume, and concave sieve vibration frequency as the variable factors, the BP neural network model and linear regression equation model established for the loss rate and impurity content for two kinds of threshing performance indicators, respectively, and through the discrete element threshing performance test, two kinds of methods of threshing performance prediction are analyzed. The results show that the neural network and linear regression can be used for the threshing performance indicators, however, the BP neural network prediction effect has a better prediction precision, better reliability, and the trained neural network can be used in the general case of the threshing performance indicators. This provides a new idea for improving the threshing performance of a combine harvester.
Model Predictive Control-Based Attitude Control of Under-Actuated Spacecraft Using Solar Radiation Pressure
Authors: Jin Lei , Li Yingjie
Published: September 2022

An attitude control strategy for an under-actuated spacecraft with two reaction wheels is proposed, using the active assistance of solar radiation pressure torque. By changing the rotation angles of the solar panels, the magnitude and direction of the solar radiation pressure torque is assumed to be adjustable in this paper. The attitude dynamic model of a rigid spacecraft with two reaction wheels and two solar panels is established and transformed into the form of a non-linear system. An integrated control scheme based on dual-mode model predictive control is proposed, which obtains the rotation speeds of the solar panels and the rotation accelerations of the reaction wheels directly as control quantities. Using this control method, not only are the constraints of rotation speeds and rotation angles of the panels satisfied, but also the robustness of the closed-loop system is ensured. The simulation results prove the validity of the proposed control method.
Numerical Investigation on Detonation Initiation and Propagation with a Symmetric-Jet in Supersonic Combustible Gas
Authors: Dai Jian , Peng Linyuan
Published: September 2022

In this study, supersonic gaseous detonation initiation and propagation by single- and symmetric-jets are compared, and the effects of symmetric-jets of different intensities on the detonation are further investigated to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the initiation mechanism of hot jet in supersonic mixtures. The two-dimensional reactive Navier–Stokes equations, together with a one-step Arrhenius chemistry model, are adopted to analyze the flow field structure. The results show that the bow shocks induced by symmetric-jets interacting with each other will achieve local detonation combustion. Influenced by the unstable shear layer behind the triple point, a large-scale vortex shedding is formed in the flow field, thus promoting the consumption of the unburned region. By comparing with the single-jet, it is found that the dual-jet initiation method can shorten the distance to complete initiation, but has little effect on the detonation overdrive degree. In addition, a study of the impact of jet size parameters on the symmetric-jet initiation further revealed that there is a critical value, above which the ignition decreases rapidly which is a significant advantage over single-jet. However, below this threshold, detonation initiation will rely on the energy generated by the collision of Mach stems formed at the walls, resulting in a slower ignition rate compared to a single-jet. Therefore, the use of the appropriate jet strength when using a symmetric-jet will result in a more desirable ignition velocity and a shorter distance to achieve detonation.
Agricultural Equipment Design Optimization Based on the Inversion Method
Authors: Alfyorov Oleksiy , Grynchenko Oleksandr , Ponomarenko Victor , Shchur Taras , Tomporowski Andrzej , Kruszelnicka Weronika , Walichnowska Patrycja
Published: September 2022

A representative statistical analysis of the operational information of the reliability of tillage units, which have operating devices with an oscillating motion, was carried out. The results of the working condition of thirteen cultivators in operation, with an accumulated operating time of more than 280 thousand hectares, were considered. A field investigation was carried out in seven regions in Ukraine, characterizing various edaphoclimatic conditions. The occurrence of sudden failures due to the fracture of the elastic struttings of cultivator operating devices was established. There were 42 sudden failures among 260 tested struttings. The inversion method was proposed to determine the elastic elements’ loading parameters being a combination of the theoretical reliability model, which was adapted to the probability of failure-free operation prediction due to the fact of sudden failures, and statistical model-specific indicators that were obtained depending on the operating elastic struttings. The given approach, based on the evaluation of the operating tillage units, made it possible to determine the impact of the load on the existing designs of the machines and their elements leading to the sudden failures. It was possible to present such an influence in the form of a probabilistically justified reserve factor, which had an empirical basis and allowed for the design of the next generation of technical systems and their elements to correct the theoretically assumed load value. Constructive and technological changes in the design, based on the approach described in this article, provide an opportunity to manage the level of reliability for economic and image reasons.
Assessment of Urban Green Space Dynamics Influencing the Surface Urban Heat Stress Using Advanced Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Halder Bijay , Bandyopadhyay Jatisankar , Al-Hilali Aqeel Ali , Ahmed Ali M. , Falah Mayadah W. , Abed Salwan Ali , Falih Khaldoon T. , Khedher Khaled Mohamed , Scholz Miklas , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: September 2022

Urban areas are mostly heterogeneous due to settlements and vegetation including forests, water bodies and many other land use and land cover (LULC) classes. Due to the overwhelming population pressure, urbanization, industrial works and transportation systems, urban areas have been suffering from a deficiency of green spaces, which leads to an increase in the variation of temperature in urban areas. This study investigates the conceptual framework design towards urban green space (UGS) and thermal variability over Kolkata and Howrah city using advanced remote sensing (RS) and geospatial methods. The low green space is located in the highly built-up area, which is influenced by thermal variations. Therefore, the heat stress index showed a high area located within the central, north, northwestern and some parts of the southern areas. The vegetated areas decreased by 8.62% during the ten years studied and the other land uses increased by 11.23%. The relationship between land surface temperature (LST) and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) showed significant changes with R2 values between 0.48 (2010) and 0.23 (2020), respectively. The correlation among the LST and the normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) showed a notable level of change with R2 values between 0.38 (2010) and 0.61 (2020), respectively. The results are expected to contribute significantly towards urban development and planning, policymaking and support for key stakeholders responsible for the sustainable urban planning procedures and processes.
Co-Inoculation of Bradyrhizobium spp. and Bacillus sp. on Tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) in the High Andean Region of Peru
Authors: Monroy-Guerrero Mariela , Memenza-Zegarra Miriam , Taco Nataly , Mostacero Elvia , Ogata-Gutiérrez Katty , Huaringa-Joaquín Amelia , Camarena Félix , Zúñiga-Dávila Doris
Published: September 2022

Tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) is an Andean legume that has attracted international interest due to its high nutritional value. This has resulted in an increase in its conventional production, which leads to an ecological imbalance. In this context, the application of biotechnologies, based on the use of bacterial inoculants, is of utmost importance. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of a consortium of 2 strains of Bradyrhizobium spp. (BR) and 1 strain of Bacillus sp. (BA) on tarwi var. Andenes. The treatments tested were BR + BA, BR + Organic Matter, BR + Agrochemical (Azoxystrobin y Difenoconazole), and the control (without application). The crop was located in Marcara-Ancash (altitude 3254 masl), Peru. The experiment involved the inoculation of BR in the seeds and a re-inoculation 30 days later. BA was inoculated every 30 days in the neck of the plant and aerial part, 5 times during plant development. The inoculation with BR + BA significantly increased the aerial fresh weight (413.2%), plant height (13.5%), and diminished the anthracnose (38.4%) of plants 110 DAS (days after the sowing). Also, this treatment produced the best-harvested emergence percentage (97.9%), morpho-agronomic characteristics, and an increase in the yield (171%) compared to the control. In conclusion, the application of the Bacillus sp. strain and the Bradyrhizobium spp. consortia improved the productivity of tarwi var. Andenes. The interaction of these strains have the potential to be used in tarwi field planting programs.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Agronomic Traits in European Spring Barley from Polish Gene Bank
Authors: Czembor Jerzy H. , Czembor Elzbieta
Published: September 2022

The barley old cultivars can be used as a source of genetic diversity to breed new varieties well adapted to different environmental conditions. In this study, 431 European barley accessions were evaluated phenotypically across 2 years under field conditions and genotypically using DArTseq to gain insight into the genetic architecture of phenology, biomass, yield components, and seed yield traits. Accessions were grouped into sub-collections by cultivation period (group A—cultivated prior to 1985, B—cultivated after 1985, and C—Polish landraces), and by European country of origin or European region, to compare their phenological and agronomic value for 16 traits such as: days to heading (DH), days to milk-waxy stage (DMW), days to maturity (DM), days to harvest (DPH), plant height (PH), lodging (LT), row number (RN), spike density (SD), spike length (SL), grain per spike (NGS), glume colour (GC1), grain awn type (GAT), grain covering (GT), grain pericarp colour (GPC), and 1000—grain weight (TGW), and to indicate marker-trait associations (MTAs) with these traits. Based on the results, phenotypic plants per se under field conditions and spikes, or seeds under laboratory conditions it was possible to cluster the collection. DH negatively correlated with PH and important yield components, such TGW. Overall, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis identified 143 MTAs associated with these traits. Twenty-three MTAs were associated with plant phenological stages: 5 MTAs with DH, 6 MTAs with DMW, 5 MTAs with DM, and 9 MTAs with DPH. Eighty-nine SMTAs for plant phenotypic traits were identified: 1 for LT and 88 MTAs for PH. Thirty-one markers were identified for agronomic yield traits: 16 MTAs for SD, 11 MTAs for NGS, and 4 for TGW. One association result, 7241263-17 on chromosome 2H, corresponded to the genomic region mapped for DM, DPH, and SD. Marker 3258999-37-C/T on chromosome 2H, significant for NGS, was closely located to results 3263044-31-G/T for SD and 3263989-64-A/C for DMW. On chromosome 6H, closely located were markers significant for SD (3255466-35-C/G) and for NGS (3259102-57-C/A). Moreover, on chromosome 6H, closely located were markers significant for SD (3918801-14-G/A), for NGS (3666407-49-T/G), and for DMW (3663162-62-A/C). The well-characterized barley collection and identified MTAs markers will be used to create a Polish Genebank platform and will serve as a valuable resource for precise breeding programs.
Active Dry Yeast and Thiamine in Synergistic Mode Can Mitigate Adverse Effects of In Vitro Ruminal Acidosis Model of Goats
Authors: Ahmed Gulzar , Wang Hongrong
Published: September 2022

Ruminal acidosis is a type of metabolic disorder of high-yielding ruminants which is associated with the consumption of a high-grain diet. It not only harms the productive efficiency, health and wellbeing of the animals but also has detrimental effects on the economy of the farmers. Various strategies have been adapted to control ruminal acidosis. However, none of them have produced the desired results. This research was carried out to investigate the potential of active dry yeast (ADY) and thiamine in a synergistic mode to mitigate in vitro-induced ruminal acidosis. The purpose of this study was to determine how active dry yeast alone and in combination with thiamine affected the ruminal pH, lactate, volatile fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and microbial community in in vitro-induced ruminal acidosis. The experiment comprises three treatment groups, (1) SARA/control, (2) ADY and (3) ADYT (ADY + thiamine). In vitro batch fermentation was conducted for 24 h. The results indicated that ruminal induced successfully and both additives improved the final pH (p < 0.01) and decreased the LPS and lactate (p < 0.01) level as compared to the SARA group. However, the ADYT group decreased the level of lactate below 0.5 mmol/L. Concomitant to fermentation indicators, both the treatment groups decreased (p < 0.05) the abundance of lactate-producing bacteria while enhancing (p < 0.01) the abundance of lactate-utilizing bacteria. However, ADYT also increased (p < 0.05) the abundance of protozoa compared to the SARA and ADY group. Therefore, it can be concluded that ADY and thiamine in synergistic mode could be a better strategy in combating the adverse effects of subacute ruminal acidosis.
Anencephaly and Severe Myelodysplasia in a Stillborn Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos)
Authors: Balseiro Ana , Polledo Laura , Tuñón José , García Marín Juan Francisco
Published: September 2022

Malformations in the development of the neural tube have been described to be associated with different aetiologies, such as genetic factors, toxic plants, chemical products, viral agents, or hyperthermia. A twenty-four-year-old female Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos), permanently in captivity and kept under food and management control, gave birth to a stillborn cub at the end of gestation. Several malformations resulting from the anomalous development of the neural tube, not previously reported in bears, were observed, such as anencephaly, hypoplasia, micromyelia, severe myelodysplasia, syringomyelia, and spina bifida. Multiple canal defects (e.g., absence) were also observed in the spinal cord. In some regions, the intradural nerve roots surrounded the spinal cord in a diffuse and continuous way. The aetiology remains unidentified, although the advanced age of the mother and/or folic acid deficit might have been the possible causes of this disorder. Supplements of folate given to the mother before and during early pregnancy may have reduced the incidence of neural tube defects. That supplementation should be considered when the reproduction of bears is to occur in captivity, in order to prevent the loss of future generations of this endangered species.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Community Pharmacy Professionals on Poultry Antibiotic Dispensing, Use, and Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance in Zambia: Implications on Antibiotic Stewardship and WHO AWaRe Classification of Antibiotics
Authors: Mudenda Steward , Mukosha Moses , Godman Brian , Fadare Joseph , Malama Sydney , Munyeme Musso , Hikaambo Christabel Nang’andu , Kalungia Aubrey Chichonyi , Hamachila Audrey , Kainga Henson , Bumbangi Flavien Nsoni , Daka Victor , Mfune Ruth Lindizyani , Mainda Geoffrey , Mufwambi Webrod , Mpundu Prudence , Kasanga Maisa , Saad Shereen Ahmed Mohammed , Muma John Bwalya
Published: September 2022

Globally, the inappropriate dispensing and use of antibiotics in animals has contributed to the development of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Zambia, there is insufficient information among community pharmacy professionals on antibiotic use (ABU) and AMR in food-producing animals. This study assessed community pharmacy professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding poultry antibiotic dispensing, use, and bacterial AMR in the Lusaka district of Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 178 community pharmacy professionals between February and April 2022 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Stata version 17. Of the total participants (n = 178), 51.1% (n = 91) were pharmacists. The most dispensed antibiotic was oxytetracycline, a Watch antibiotic, mainly without prescriptions. Good knowledge of ABU and AMR was associated with work experience for more than one year (p = 0.016), while good practices were associated with male gender (p = 0.039) and work experience of more than one year (p = 0.011). The study found moderate knowledge, positive attitudes, and moderate practices of pharmacy professionals on poultry ABU and AMR. There was high dispensing of poultry antibiotics without prescriptions, which calls for strict implementation of antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance programs in poultry production in Zambia to reduce AMR.
The Mechanism of Bacterial Resistance and Potential Bacteriostatic Strategies
Authors: Zhang Fusheng , Cheng Wei
Published: September 2022

Bacterial drug resistance is rapidly developing as one of the greatest threats to human health. Bacteria will adopt corresponding strategies to crack the inhibitory effect of antibiotics according to the antibacterial mechanism of antibiotics, involving the mutation of drug target, secreting hydrolase, and discharging antibiotics out of cells through an efflux pump, etc. In recent years, bacteria are found to constantly evolve new resistance mechanisms to antibiotics, including target protective protein, changes in cell morphology, and so on, endowing them with multiple defense systems against antibiotics, leading to the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and the unavailability of drugs in clinics. Correspondingly, researchers attempt to uncover the mystery of bacterial resistance to develop more convenient and effective antibacterial strategies. Although traditional antibiotics still play a significant role in the treatment of diseases caused by sensitive pathogenic bacteria, they gradually lose efficacy in the MDR bacteria. Therefore, highly effective antibacterial compounds, such as phage therapy and CRISPER-Cas precision therapy, are gaining an increasing amount of attention, and are considered to be the treatments with the moist potential with regard to resistance against MDR in the future. In this review, nine identified drug resistance mechanisms are summarized, which enhance the retention rate of bacteria under the action of antibiotics and promote the distribution of drug-resistant bacteria (DRB) in the population. Afterwards, three kinds of potential antibacterial methods are introduced, in which new antibacterial compounds exhibit broad application prospects with different action mechanisms, the phage therapy has been successfully applied to infectious diseases caused by super bacteria, and the CRISPER-Cas precision therapy as a new technology can edit drug-resistant genes in pathogenic bacteria at the gene level, with high accuracy and flexibility. These antibacterial methods will provide more options for clinical treatment, and will greatly alleviate the current drug-resistant crisis.
Anti-Restriction Gene Homologs Are Highly Represented in Methicillin-Resistant and Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST239 and ST398: Implications for Resistance Gene Acquisitions
Authors: Silva Deborah Nascimento Santos , Beltrame Cristiana Ossaille , Botelho Ana Maria Nunes , Martini Caroline Lopes , Esteves Matheus Assis Côrtes , Guedes Isabella Alvim , Dardenne Laurent Emmanuel , Figueiredo Agnes Marie Sá
Published: September 2022

Multidrug resistance is commonly acquired by transferring DNA from one bacterium to another. However, the mechanisms that enhance the acquisitions of foreign genes are poorly understood, as well as the dynamics of their transmission between hosts in different environments. Here, genomic approaches were applied to evaluate the enrichment of the S. aureus chromosome with resistance traits in groups of genomes with or without anti-restriction genes and to analyze some evolutionary aspects of these acquisitions. Furthermore, the role played by an anti-restriction gene in improving multiresistance in MRSA was investigated by molecular cloning. A strong association was observed between the presence of anti-restriction gene homologs and patterns of multidrug resistance. Human isolates, mainly ST239-SCCmecIII, carry ardA-H1, and from animal sources, mainly CC398, carry ardA-H2. Increased DNA transfer was observed for clones that express the ardA-H1 allele, corroborating its role in promoting gene transfer. In addition, ardA-H1 was expressed in the dsDNA format in the BMB9393 strain. The evolution of successful multidrug-resistant MRSA lineages of the ST239 and ST398 was initiated not only by the entry of the mec cassette but also by the acquisition of anti-restriction gene homologs. Understanding the mechanisms that affect DNA transfer may provide new tools to control the spread of drug resistance.
Insight into Recent Progress and Perspectives in Improvement of Antioxidant Machinery upon PGPR Augmentation in Plants under Drought Stress: A Review
Authors: Gowtham Hittanahallikoppal Gajendramurthy , Singh Sudarshana Brijesh , Shilpa Natarajamurthy , Aiyaz Mohammed , Nataraj Kalegowda , Udayashankar Arakere Chunchegowda , Amruthesh Kestur Nagaraj , Murali Mahadevamurthy , Poczai Peter , Gafur Abdul , Almalki Waleed Hassan , Sayyed R. Z.
Published: September 2022

Agriculture has a lot of responsibility as the rise in the world’s population demands more food requirements. However, more than one type of biotic and abiotic stress continually impacts agricultural productivity. Drought stress is a major abiotic stress that significantly affects agricultural productivity every year as the plants undergo several morphological, biochemical, and physiological modifications, such as repressed root and shoot growth, reduced photosynthesis and transpiration rate, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), osmotic adjustments, and modified leaf senescence regulating and stress signaling pathways. Such modifications may permanently damage the plants; therefore, mitigation strategies must be developed. The use of drought resistant crop cultivars is more expensive and labor-intensive with few advantages. However, exploiting plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a proven alternative with numerous direct and indirect advantages. The PGPR confers induced systemic tolerance (IST) mechanisms in plants in response to drought stress via multiple mechanisms, including the alteration of root architecture, maintenance of high relative water content, improvement of photosynthesis rate, production of phytohormones, exopolysaccharides, ACC deaminase, carotenoids and volatiles, induction of antioxidant defense system, and alteration in stress-responsive gene expression. The commercial application of PGPR as bioinoculants or biostimulants will remain contingent on more robust strain selection and performance under unfavorable environmental conditions. This review highlights the possible mechanisms of PGPR by activating the plant adaptive defense systems for enhancing drought tolerance and improving overall growth and yield.
Antifungal Peptide P852 Controls Fusarium Wilt in Faba Bean (Viciafaba L.) by Promoting Antioxidant Defense and Isoquinoline Alkaloid, Betaine, and Arginine Biosyntheses
Authors: Zhang Chaowen , Ou Xuan , Wang Jingyi , Wang Zhaoling , Du Wenting , Zhao Jianjun , Han Yuzhu
Published: September 2022

Green pesticides are highly desirable, as they are environmentally friendly and efficient. In this study, the antifungal peptide P852 was employed to suppress Fusarium wilt in the Faba bean. The disease index and a range of physiological and metabolomic analyses were performed to explore the interactions between P852 and the fungal disease. The incidence and disease index of Fusarium wilt were substantially decreased in diseased Faba beans that were treated with two different concentrations of P852 in both the climate chamber and field trial. For the first time, P852 exhibited potent antifungal effects on Fusarium in an open field condition. To explore the mechanisms that underlie P852′s antifungal effects, P852 treatment was found to significantly enhance antioxidant enzyme capacities including guaiacol peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and the activities of antifungal enzymes including chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase, as well as plant dry and fresh weights, and chlorophyll content compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Metabolomics analysis of the diseased Faba bean treated with P852 showed changes in the TCA cycle, biological pathways, and many primary and secondary metabolites. The Faba bean treated with a low concentration of P852 (1 μg/mL, IC50) led to upregulated arginine and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis, whereas those treated with a high concentration of P852 (10 μg/mL, MFC) exhibited enhanced betaine and arginine accumulation. Taken together, these findings suggest that P852 induces plant tolerance under Fusarium attack by enhancing the activities of antioxidant and antifungal enzymes, and restoring plant growth and development.
Green Extraction of Orange Peel Waste Reduces TNFα-Induced Vascular Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Leo Chen Huei , Foo Su Yi , Tan Joseph Choon Wee , Tan U-Xuan , Chua Chee Kai , Ong Eng Shi
Published: September 2022

Orange peel waste (OPW) is known to contain an abundant amount of polyphenols compounds such as flavonoids, well-reported for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While OPW is generally regarded as a food waste, the opportunity to extract bioactive compounds from these “wastes” arises due to their abundance, allowing the investigation of their potential effects on endothelial cells. Hence, this study aims to use a green extraction method and pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) to extract bioactive compounds from OPW. Liquid chromatography with UV detection (LC/UV) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) were subsequently used to identify the bioactive compounds present. Through the optimization of the extraction temperature for PHWE, our results demonstrated that extraction temperatures of 60 °C and 80 °C yield distinct bioactive compounds and resulted in better antioxidant capacity compared to other extraction temperatures or organic solvent extraction. Despite having similar antioxidant capacity, their effects on endothelial cells were distinct. Specifically, treatment of endothelial cells with 60 °C OPW extracts inhibited TNFα-induced vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in vitro, suggesting that OPW possess vasoprotective effects likely mediated by anti-inflammatory effects.
Balsam Poplar Buds: Extraction of Potential Phenolic Compounds with Polyethylene Glycol Aqueous Solution, Thermal Sterilization of Extracts and Challenges to Their Application in Topical Ocular Formulations
Authors: Stanciauskaite Monika , Marksa Mindaugas , Ivanauskas Liudas , Ramanauskiene Kristina
Published: September 2022

Phenolic compounds of natural origin have been valued for their beneficial effects on health since ancient times. During our study, we performed the extraction of phenolic compounds from balsam poplar buds using different concentrations of aqueous polyethylene glycol 400 solvents (10–30% PEG400). The aqueous 30% PEG400 extract showed the best phenolic yield. The stability of the extract during autoclave sterilization was evaluated. The extract remained stable under heat sterilization. Ophthalmic formulations are formed using different concentrations (8–15%) of poloxamer 407 (P407) together with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (0.3%), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (0.3%) or hyaluronic acid (0.1%). Physicochemical parameters of the formulations remained significantly unchanged after sterilization. Formulations based on 12% P407 exhibited properties characteristic of in situ gels, the gelation point of the formulations was close to the temperature of the cornea. After evaluating the amount of released compounds, it was found that, as the concentration of polymers increases, the amount of released compounds decreases. Formulations based on 15% P407 released the least biologically active compounds. Sterilized formulations remained stable for 30 days.
Transforming BPMN Processes to SBVR Process Rules with Deontic Modalities
Authors: Skersys Tomas , Danenas Paulius , Mickeviciute Egle , Butleris Rimantas
Published: September 2022

The Object Management Group (OMG) has put considerable effort into the standardization of various business modeling aspects within the context of model-driven systems development. Indeed, the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is now arguably the most popular process modeling language. At the same time, the Semantics of Business Vocabulary and Business Rules (SBVR), which is a novel and formally sound standard for the specification of virtually any kind of knowledge using controlled natural language, is also gaining its grounds. Nonetheless, the integration between these two very much related standards remains weak. In this paper, we present one such integration effort, namely an approach for the extraction of SBVR process rules from BPMN processes. To accomplish this, we utilized model-to-model transformation technology, which is one of the core features of Model-Driven Architecture. At the core of the presented solution stands a set of model transformation rules and two algorithms specifying the formation of formally defined process rules from process models. Basic implementation aspects, together with the source code of the solution, are also presented in the paper. The experimental results acquired from the automatic model transformation have shown full compliance with the benchmark results and cover the entirety of the specified flow of work defined in the experimental process models. Following this, it is safe to conclude that the set of specified transformation rules and algorithms was sufficient for the given scope of the experiment, providing a solid background for the practical application and future developments of the solution.
Analyzing Demand with Respect to Offer of Mobility
Authors: Arman Ala , Badii Claudio , Bellini Pierfrancesco , Bilotta Stefano , Nesi Paolo , Paolucci Michela
Published: September 2022

A main key success for public transportation networks is their tuning by the analysis of mobility demand with respect to the offer in terms of public transportation means. Most of the solutions at the state of the art have strong limitations in taking into account: multiple contextual information as attractors/motivations for people movements, modalities of travel means, multiple operators, and a range of key performance indicators. For these reasons, a model for analyzing the demand with respect to the offer of mobility has been studied, and the corresponding tool DORAM developed. DORAM allows to perform the analysis of alternative scenarios, as what-if analyses, when the transport service offer and the mobility demand changed in the scenario, adopting a fast-computation strategy to compare scenarios with the aim of detecting/identifying motivations of crowded conditions on stops and on the vehicles. The analysis can exploit a wide range of data sources when computing a set of key performance indicators. The DORAM solution has been defined and developed in the MOSAIC research and development project with ALSTOM and other companies. The DORAM solution is validated by using real data and conditions in the Tuscany region.
The Prediction of Evacuation Efficiency on Metro Platforms Based on Passengers’ Decision-Making Capability
Authors: Zheng Zhizhe , Zhou Zhichao , Wang Yilin , Su Yikun
Published: September 2022

In the research, decision-making capabilities are explored in relation to the prediction of evacuation efficiency to improve forecast accuracy on metro platforms. For this purpose, this study reviewed theories related to evacuation behaviours utilising the anomaly-seeking approach and the paradigm of relationship development. The conceptual framework of decision-making capability and evacuation behaviours was explored based on risk perception, level of emergency knowledge, survivability and emotion, and their relationship with the partial least squares equation was constructed. A predictive model of evacuation efficiency and its differential equations incorporating this relationship were also proposed based on the epidemic model. By developing and testing the conceptual framework and model, theoretical support is provided for evacuation behaviour, while assisting emergency management in developing plans and measures to respond to emergencies on metro platforms. This study realises the possibility of predicting evacuation efficiency from a decision-making capability perspective.
Water-Based Rehabilitation in the Elderly: Data Science Approach to Support the Conduction of a Scoping Review
Authors: Coraci Daniele , Tognolo Lucrezia , Maccarone Maria Chiara , Santilli Gabriele , Ronconi Gianpaolo , Masiero Stefano
Published: September 2022

Water-based rehabilitation is a well-known approach that is useful for the prevention and management of many conditions. Its application in the elderly is quite common in clinical practice, but scientific evidence is limited. We conducted a scoping review on geriatric water-based rehabilitation using a methodology borrowed from data science to investigate and discuss the extensive literature data. We searched the papers on PubMed and we used the abstracts to collect different data. We imported them into an electronic database and we used its filters to build different graphical representations. The filters allowed the selections of specific modalities of a variable and the following visualization of the values of the other variables linked to that selected modality. A total of 49 papers were found and they confirmed the safety and usefulness of water-based rehabilitation. Our analysis was able to show the relationships among the variables and the differences in the elements considered for the analysis. The current literature shows some limitations, especially concerning the article types in some specific diseases and the outcome measurements. Future research can overcome these limitations by collecting more data on the diseases that affect old people, even with the use of precise outcome measures. Our described methodology can be potentially beneficial and other studies may confirm its utility.
Recent Advances in Encapsulation Techniques of Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms and Their Prospects in the Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Balla Amel , Silini Allaoua , Cherif-Silini Hafsa , Chenari Bouket Ali , Alenezi Faizah N. , Belbahri Lassaad
Published: September 2022

In addition to changing global demography and global warming, agricultural production systems around the world are threatened by intensive agricultural practices (overuse of land and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides) that deplete soils by affecting their dynamics and their fertility, pollute the environment, lower production, and alter biodiversity on a large scale. The use of bioformulations based on PGPMs (plant growth-promoting microorganisms) seems to be a promising and sustainable strategy to overcome these threats, thanks to their tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses and via their beneficial effects in promising plant growth, pest protection, bioremediation, and restoration of degraded lands. In recent years, particular attention has been paid to encapsulated formulations because they offer several advantages over conventional bioformulation (liquid and solid) related to shelf life, problems of survival and viability in the environment, and the efficiency of rhizospheric colonization. This review focuses on the types of encapsulations and the different technologies used in this process as well as the most commonly used substrates and additives. It also provides an overview on the application of encapsulated bioformulations as biofertilizers, biopesticides, or other biostimulators and summarizes the knowledge of the scientific literature on the development of nanoencapsulation in this sector.
Simulation Analysis of Nanosecond Laser Processing of Titanium Alloy Based on Helical Trepanning
Authors: Liang Yuchen , Feng Guang , Li Xiaogang , Sun Haoran , Xue Wei , Zhang Kunpeng , Li Fengping
Published: September 2022

Titanium alloy is a type of high-strength material that is difficult to process. In particular, in the aerospace field, the processing accuracy of titanium alloy is high. Recently, laser processing has emerged as a new technology with high processing precision. However, the laser processing methods have obvious differences in processing accuracy and effect. Among them, the laser spiral scanning method plays an important role in welding and drilling, but owing to the complexity of the laser molten pool behavior, there have been limited studies on the material removal mechanism based on laser spiral scanning. To understand the variable process of titanium alloy melt pool in laser spiral scanning processing, a light heat conduction model with mass transfer source term was simulated. The effects of laser power, scanning speed, and scanning path on the morphology were studied. The simulation results show that the unit energy density was the main factor for material removal, and the distribution of the material temperature affected the size of the recast layer. The experimental and simulation results were compared, and good agreement between them was observed. This study can provide a research foundation for the further application of laser spiral scanning technology.
After Total Knee Arthroplasty, Monitored Active Ankle Pumping Improves Lower Leg Circulation More Than Unmonitored Pumping: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ku Ming-Chou , Tsai Yuan-Hsin , Cheng Po-Cheng , Yang Ting-I , Ho Hui-Wen , Liao Min-Fei , Tseng Yu-Tzu , Lee Ming-Tsung , Chen Yen-Nien
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has long been recognized as the most devastating complication after total knee replacement (TKR). To prevent DVT, intermittent pneumatic compression to improve venous return in the lower leg has been advocated by surgeons. Physical activities such as active ankle pumping and early mobilization have been recommended as auxiliary measures to increase venous return in the lower leg and help in ambulation after TKR. In this study, in order to remind patients to exercise their ankle actively and efficiently after TKR, a foot band with motion sensor and reminder alarm was used. (2) Methods: The patients were randomly allocated into three groups according to the therapeutic protocols. The patients in group 1 conducted active ankle pumping without any reminders, those in group 2 underwent intermittent pneumatic compression, and those in group 3 conducted active ankle pumping with ankle motion sensor/reminder. The parameters of blood flow, namely, peak flow velocity and flow volume, in the bilateral common femoral vein and popliteal vein on the 1st, 3rd, and 14th days after surgery were measured using the echo technique, an index to evaluate the effect on promotion of venous return, among the three groups. (3) Results: The peak flow velocity and flow volume of the operative limb in group 3 (with motion sensor/reminder) were significantly higher than those in other groups. The peak flow velocity and flow volume in the popliteal vein in group 3 increased by 112% and 93.8%, respectively, compared to group 1 on the 14th day. No significant difference in peak flow velocity or flow volume was found in the nonoperative limb between the groups. (4) Conclusions: According to the results, a motion sensor/reminder with vibration alarms can improve the performance of active ankle pumping exercises in improving lower leg circulation, and hence may reduce the risk of DVT.
Improvement of Fiber Bragg Grating Wavelength Demodulation System by Cascading Generative Adversarial Network and Dense Neural Network
Authors: Li Shuna , Ren Sufen , Chen Shengchao , Yu Benguo
Published: September 2022

A high-performance, low-cost demodulation system is essential for fiber-optic sensor-based measurement applications. This paper presents a demodulation system for FBG sensors based on a long-period fiber grating (LPG) driven by artificial intelligence techniques. The LPG is applied as an edge filter to convert the spectrum drift of the FBG sensor into transmitted intensity variation, which is subsequently fed to the proposed sensor demodulation network to provide high-precision wavelength interrogation. The sensor demodulation network consists of a generative adversarial network (GAN) for data augmentation and a dense neural network (DNN) for wavelength interrogation, the former addresses the drawback that traditional machine learning models rely on a large-scale dataset for satisfactory performance, while the latter is used to model the relationship between transmitted intensity and wavelength for demodulation. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed system has excellent performance and can achieve wavelength interrogation precision of ±3 pm. In addition, the effectiveness of the GAN is demonstrated. With a wide demodulation range, high performance, and low cost, the system can provide a new platform for fiber-optic sensor-based measurement applications.
Experimental and Numerical Modeling of Fluid Flow
Authors: Schwarze Rüdiger
Published: September 2022

Fluid dynamics is often related to complex flow conditions and systems, either in the context of fundamental research or in the context of industrial processes [...]
Special Issue on Environmentally Friendly Technologies in Power Engineering
Authors: Glushkov Dmitrii
Published: September 2022

At present, the field of thermal power engineering is dominated by the following two main areas of development: (1) the development and implementation of new technologies using renewable energy sources; and (2) upgrading commonly used power-generation technologies by improving the efficiency of industrial equipment and optimizing operating conditions [...]
Air Quality and Traffic Trends in Cincinnati, Ohio during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tumbleson Rachel Helen , Balachandran Simone
Published: September 2022

During 2020, the stay-at-home order mandated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant changes in traffic volumes in Cincinnati, OH. Air pollutant concentrations (PM2.5, black carbon (BC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen dioxide (NOX), and ozone (O3)) monitored at two ground monitoring sites in the city of Cincinnati were analyzed intra-annually in 2020 to quantify if the stay-at-home order impacted air quality. Interannual analyses were also conducted to evaluate differences in 2020 data versus historical years (2016–2019). Traffic volume data were also analyzed, where it was observed that, compared to pre-pandemic 2020, total traffic counts decreased by up to 26.41% during Ohio’s stay-at-home order, while heavy-duty vehicle traffic increased by up to 26.95% during the latter half of 2020. Statistical analysis indicated nonuniform changes in air pollutant concentrations at both sites throughout 2020. During the lockdown period at the central monitoring site, PM2.5 increased by 9%, while NO2 decreased by 30% compared to pre-pandemic concentrations in 2020. For BC and CO, there were no significant changes.
Geometry of Indefinite Kenmotsu Manifolds as *η-Ricci-Yamabe Solitons
Authors: Haseeb Abdul , Bilal Mohd , Chaubey Sudhakar K. , Khan Mohammad Nazrul Islam
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we study the properties of ϵ-Kenmotsu manifolds if its metrics are *η-Ricci-Yamabe solitons. It is proven that an ϵ-Kenmotsu manifold endowed with a *η-Ricci-Yamabe soliton is η-Einstein. The necessary conditions for an ϵ-Kenmotsu manifold, whose metric is a *η-Ricci-Yamabe soliton, to be an Einstein manifold are derived. Finally, we model an indefinite Kenmotsu manifold example of dimension 5 to examine the existence *η-Ricci-Yamabe solitons.
Ways to Ensure Parallel Operation of Vanadium Flow Batteries to Create High Power Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Loskutov Alexey , Kurkin Andrey , Kuzmin Ivan , Lipuzhin Ivan
Published: September 2022

Vanadium redox flow batteries are a highly efficient solution for long-term energy storage. They have a long service life, low self-discharge, are fire safe and can be used to create a large-scale storage system. The characteristics of the flow battery are determined by the parameters of its main components: a stack determines the battery power and its efficiency, and an electrolyte determines the battery’s capacity and service life. Several stacks must be combined into one system to create a powerful energy storage system; however, the discharge characteristics differ even for two identical stacks connected in parallel. This article proposes hydrodynamic and electrotechnical methods for ensuring the parallel operation of several flow stacks under the same conditions.
Learning Performance of International Students and Students with Disabilities: Early Prediction and Feature Selection through Educational Data Mining
Authors: Huynh-Cam Thao-Trang , Chen Long-Sheng , Huynh Khai-Vinh
Published: September 2022

The learning performance of international students and students with disabilities has increasingly attracted many theoretical and practical researchers. However, previous studies used questionnaires, surveys, and/or interviews to investigate factors affecting students’ learning performance. These methods cannot help universities to provide on-time support to excellent and poor students. Thus, this study utilized Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Decision Tree (DT) algorithms to build prediction models for the academic performance of international students, students with disabilities, and local students based on students’ admission profiles and their first-semester Grade Point Average results. The real samples included 4036 freshmen of a Taiwanese technical and vocational university. The experimental results showed that for international students, three models: SVM (100%), MLP (100%), and DT (100%) were significantly superior to RF (96.6%); for students with disabilities, SVM (100%) outperformed RF (98.0%), MLP (96.0%), and DT (94.0%); for local students, RF (98.6%) outperformed DT (95.2%) MLP (94.9%), and SVM (91.9%). The most important features were [numbers of required credits], [main source of living expenses], [department], [father occupations], [mother occupations], [numbers of elective credits], [parent average income per month], and [father education]. The outcomes of this study may assist academic communities in proposing preventive measures at the early stages to attract more international students and enhance school competitive advantages.