bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal data integration for oncology in the era of deep neural networks: a review
Authors: Waqas Asim , Tripathi Aakash , Ramachandran Ravi P. , Stewart Paul A. , Rasool Ghulam
Published: July 2024

Cancer research encompasses data across various scales, modalities, and resolutions, from screening and diagnostic imaging to digitized histopathology slides to various types of molecular data and clinical records. The integration of these diverse data types for personalized cancer care and predictive modeling holds the promise of enhancing the accuracy and reliability of cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Traditional analytical methods, which often focus on isolated or unimodal information, fall short of capturing the complex and heterogeneous nature of cancer data. The advent of deep neural networks has spurred the development of sophisticated multimodal data fusion techniques capable of extracting and synthesizing information from disparate sources. Among these, Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and Transformers have emerged as powerful tools for multimodal learning, demonstrating significant success. This review presents the foundational principles of multimodal learning including oncology data modalities, taxonomy of multimodal learning, and fusion strategies. We delve into the recent advancements in GNNs and Transformers for the fusion of multimodal data in oncology, spotlighting key studies and their pivotal findings. We discuss the unique challenges of multimodal learning, such as data heterogeneity and integration complexities, alongside the opportunities it presents for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of cancer. Finally, we present some of the latest comprehensive multimodal pan-cancer data sources. By surveying the landscape of multimodal data integration in oncology, our goal is to underline the transformative potential of multimodal GNNs and Transformers. Through technological advancements and the methodological innovations presented in this review, we aim to chart a course for future research in this promising field. This review may be the first that highlights the current state of multimodal modeling applications in cancer using GNNs and transformers, presents comprehensive multimodal oncology data sources, and sets the stage for multimodal evolution, encouraging further exploration and development in personalized cancer care.
The potential of RFID technology for tracking Mangalica pigs in the extensive farming system–a research from Hungary
Authors: Alexy Marta , Pai Rohit Rameshkumar , Ferenci Tamas , Haidegger Tamas
Published: July 2024

Context

In recent years, the focus on sustainable meat production in large-scale pig farming has increased. An essential element is acquiring and evaluating digital data on ecological, outdoor pig housing environments and individuals.

Objective

Some of the precision farming Internet of Things (IoT) tools that can be used in pasture-based, extensive pig production include those that have been proven in pasture-based ruminants and have been used in confined pig production for many years. These include Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology, in which passive RFID tags attached to pigs’ ears capture signals from a reader equipped with an antenna. The reader can also be used to collect weather parameters.

Methods

In our on-farm research, which lasted 7 months and covered three seasons, we used RFID technology to investigate the effects of ambient temperature, humidity, air pressure, and hour of day on the appearance of breeding sows kept on pasture at the wallowing site.

Results and conclusion

We found that all three weather parameters and hour-of-day had a significant effect (p < 0.001) on the appearance of sows at the wallow. We calculated the THI (Temperature Humidity Index) and found days in summer and early autumn when there was a risk of heat stress. This is essential information for the pig farmer because heat stress has a strong negative effect on sow fertility. Our on-farm study found that RFID technology is suitable for detecting the presence of pigs in the pasture. However, the limitations of the technology, both in terms of the housing environment and the species specificity of the pigs, need to be taken into account.

Significance

In pasture-based pig production systems, the meat production process is performed under extensive conditions of natural animal-environment interaction. The negative impact on the natural environment is much lower, but animal welfare is higher than in intensive pig farming. It is also a profit-oriented activity, where the production of traceable and reliable animal products is a social and economic requirement. Collecting information from trusted sources using precision livestock farming (PLF) techniques is also feasible in this type of farming, providing significant added value for pig farmers and consumers.
The Utility of the Vasoactive-Inotropic Score and Its Nomogram in Guiding Postoperative Management in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Xiong Tixiusi , Yim Wai Yen , Chi Jiangyang , Wang Yixuan , Lan Hongwen , Zhang Jing , Sun Yongfeng , Shi Jiawei , Chen Si , Dong Nianguo
Published: July 2024

Background

In the early postoperative stage after heart transplantation, there is a lack of predictive tools to guide postoperative management. Whether the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) can aid this prediction is not well illustrated.

Methods

In total, 325 adult patients who underwent heart transplantation at our center between January 2015 and December 2018 were included. The maximum VIS (VISmax) within 24 h postoperatively was calculated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. A logistic regression model was established to determine independent risk factors and to develop a nomogram for a composite severe adverse outcome combining early mortality and morbidity.

Results

VISmax was significantly associated with extensive early outcomes such as early death, renal injury, cardiac reoperation and mechanical circulatory support in a grade-dependent manner, and also predicted 90-day and 1-year survival (p < 0.05). A VIS-based nomogram for the severe adverse outcome was developed that included VISmax, preoperative advanced heart failure treatment, hemoglobin and serum creatinine. The nomogram was well calibrated (Hosmer-Lemeshow p = 0.424) with moderate to strong discrimination (C-index = 0.745) and good clinical utility.

Conclusion

VISmax is a valuable prognostic index in heart transplantation. In the early post-transplant stage, this VIS-based nomogram can easily aid intensive care clinicians in inferring recipient status and guiding postoperative management.
The Application of Deep Learning in the Whole Potato Production Chain: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Wang Rui-Feng , Su Wen-Hao
Published: July 2024

The potato is a key crop in addressing global hunger, and deep learning is at the core of smart agriculture. Applying deep learning (e.g., YOLO series, ResNet, CNN, LSTM, etc.) in potato production can enhance both yield and economic efficiency. Therefore, researching efficient deep learning models for potato production is of great importance. Common application areas for deep learning in the potato production chain, aimed at improving yield, include pest and disease detection and diagnosis, plant health status monitoring, yield prediction and product quality detection, irrigation strategies, fertilization management, and price forecasting. The main objective of this review is to compile the research progress of deep learning in various processes of potato production and to provide direction for future research. Specifically, this paper categorizes the applications of deep learning in potato production into four types, thereby discussing and introducing the advantages and disadvantages of deep learning in the aforementioned fields, and it discusses future research directions. This paper provides an overview of deep learning and describes its current applications in various stages of the potato production chain.
Physiological Factors Associated with Interspecific Variations in Drought Tolerance in Centipedegrass
Authors: Song Yali , Yu Jingjin , Xu Mao , Wang Sheng , He Jin , Ai Lijiao
Published: July 2024

Drought stress is a critical abiotic factor that impedes plant growth and development, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions during summer. This study investigated the physiological mechanism of drought tolerance and post-drought recovery in two genotypes of centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides): the drought-resistant CG101 and the drought-sensitive CG021. The research studied the impacts of drought and subsequent rehydration on turf quality, leaf relative water content, electrolyte leakage rate (EL), photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), relative water loss rate (RWLR), and relative water uptake rate as well as the contents of proline, total soluble sugars, betaine, and leaf wax content (LWC) and the morphology of the root system. The findings revealed that the higher drought tolerance of CG101 was primarily associated with the superior cell membrane stability (lower EL), greater Fv/Fm, better water retention capacity (higher LWC and lower RWLR). In addition, the extensive root system of CG101, characterized by greater total root length and surface area, collectively contributed to the stronger drought tolerance of the drought-tolerant CG101 in comparison with the drought-sensitive CG021. During rehydration, the RWC of CG021 did not fully recover to the control levels mainly due to the reduced leaf Fv/Fm, LWC as well as the root length, root surface area, root volume, and the relatively weaker osmotic regulatory ability. This study provides insights into the physiological mechanisms resulting in interspecific variations in drought tolerance and post-drought recovery in centipedegrass, and offers theoretical support for breeding drought-resistant varieties in centipedegrass.
Microanatomical Properties of Energy Willow (Salix spp.) Leaves after Exposure to Potentially Toxic Elements from Wastewater Solids and Wood Ash
Authors: Tóth Csilla , Simon László , Tóth Brigitta
Published: July 2024

This open-field small-plot long-term experiment was set up between 2011 and 2021 with willow (Salix triandra × S. viminalis ‘Inger’), grown as a short rotation coppice energy crop in Nyíregyháza, Hungary. The sandy loam Cambisol was treated with wastewater solids (WS) in the form of municipal sewage sludge compost (MSSC, 2011, 2013, and 2016), municipal sewage sediment (MSS, 2018), and with willow ash (WA, 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2018). Control plots remained untreated since 2011. All soil treatments significantly enhanced the uptake or accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the leaves of willows. During June 2019, 53 weeks after the last soil treatments, MSSC + MSS-, WA-, and MSSC + MSS + WA-treated willows leaves had 14–68% more As, 17–48% more Ba, 31–104% more Cr, 4–12% more Cu, 6–15% more Mn, 18–218% more Pb, and 11–35% more Zn compared to the untreated control. Significantly higher Mn and Zn concentrations were measured in the MSSC + MSS + WA treatments than in the MSSC + MSS treatments. The assumption that WA reduces the accumulation of PTEs in willow leaves when applied together with MSSC and MSS was therefore only partially confirmed. The hypothesis of this study was that PTEs accumulated in the leaves would affect the microanatomical parameters of the leaves. Numerous positive changes were observed with the combined application of WS and WA. MSSC + MSS + WA treatment reduced the thickness of the mesophyll less than MSSC + MSS or WA treatments alone; the size of the cells building the palisade and spongy parenchyma and the extent of the main vein significantly increased. In the case of the combined treatment, the extent of the sclerenchymatous stock was smaller than in the control but larger than in WS- or WA-treated willow. The extent of the collenchymatous stock significantly increased compared to the control. Increases in the thickness of the adaxial epidermis and the number of stomata were statistically significant. However, the extent of the increases did not reach the extent of the increase experienced in the case of WS treatment, as the size of the stomata did not significantly decrease.
Dynamic Programming-Based White Box Adversarial Attack for Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Aggarwal Swati , Mittal Anshul , Aggarwal Sanchit , Singh Anshul Kumar
Published: July 2024

Recent studies have exposed the vulnerabilities of deep neural networks to some carefully perturbed input data. We propose a novel untargeted white box adversarial attack, the dynamic programming-based sub-pixel score method (SPSM) attack (DPSPSM), which is a variation of the traditional gradient-based white box adversarial approach that is limited by a fixed hamming distance using a dynamic programming-based structure. It is stimulated using a pixel score metric technique, the SPSM, which is introduced in this paper. In contrast to the conventional gradient-based adversarial attacks, which alter entire images almost imperceptibly, the DPSPSM is swift and offers the robustness of manipulating only a small number of input pixels. The presented algorithm quantizes the gradient update with a score generated for each pixel, incorporating contributions from each channel. The results show that the DPSPSM deceives the model with a success rate of 30.45% in the CIFAR-10 test set and 29.30% in the CIFAR-100 test set.
Reduction of Copper Smelting Slag by Carbon for Smelting Cu-Fe Alloy
Authors: Huang Weijun , Liu Yajing , Jiang Tao
Published: July 2024

An innovative technology for the direct reduction of copper slag was studied while smelting Cu-Fe alloy by carbon to recover the main valuable elements from the copper smelting slag. The melting temperature of samples first decreased, followed by an increase in Fe3O4 content in slag. The melting temperature reached the minimum temperature of 1157 °C once the Fe3O4 content was about 8 wt%. The recovery rate of copper and iron first increased gradually, followed by a rapid increase in the modifier (CaO). Subsequently, the rise in the recovery rate slowed down. The reduction rate of copper and iron only increased by 1.61% and 1.05% from 5 wt% CaO to 10 wt% CaO, but significantly increased by 8.89% and 14.21% from 10 wt% CaO to 25 wt% CaO, and remained almost unchanged beyond 25 wt% CaO. This could be attributed to the reaction between modifier (CaO) and silicate in acidic copper slag to generate low melting point composite oxide while replacing free iron oxides, improving the melting properties and reduction reaction. Meanwhile, the recovery rates of copper and iron increased with the increase of reaction time, reaction temperature, and reduction agent in a certain range. To obtain good element yield, the optimum conditions for reducing copper and iron from the molten copper slag were determined to be 1500 °C, 14 wt% C, 20–25 wt% CaO, and 60–80 min. The recovery rates of iron and copper reached about 90% and 85%, and the contents of iron and copper in alloy reached about 91–93 wt% and 5–7 wt%, respectively. The tailing was mainly composed of Ca3Si3O9, Ca(Mg,Al)(Si,Al)2O6, and SiO2, which could be used as a raw material for cement and pelletizing.
Southwestward Expansion of the Pacific Sleeper Shark’s (Somniosus pacificus) Known Distribution into the South China Sea
Authors: Tian Han , Zhong Junsheng , Chen Jiangyuan , Jiang Yane , Zhang Jun , Xie Wei , Gao Zuyuan , Wang Yuchao , Liu Haozhen , Wang Sujing , Zhang Fei , Yang Jie , Yin Kedong
Published: July 2024

We conducted an experiment of planting a dead cow and a metal-framed cage with cameras on the 1629 m deep sea floor off the southeast coast of Hainan Island in the northwestern South China Sea, using ROV diving and setting up a video camera on the cage to observe animals who came to eat the bait. The deep-sea cameras captured footage of eight Pacific sleeper sharks (Somniosus pacificus) swimming and feeding around the dead cow. To our knowledge, this is the first time the occurrence of such a shark species has been reported in the South China Sea. Eight individuals were differentiated based on the characteristic differences displayed in the images, with lengths of 1.9 to 5.1 m estimated. The video camera also recorded the predators’ behavior of tearing at the dead cow on the seabed. It was discovered that Pacific sleeper sharks are not strictly solitary and exhibit queue-feeding behavior. This study is significant as it documents a record of a data-scarce shark species, for which little information is available in the literature. It also documents an expansion of the species’ known habitat from the north Pacific Ocean into the South China Sea. Such sharks diving into the deep sea to predate on dead animals also suggests that occurrences of large chunks of dead organic bodies falling onto the deep sea might have been more frequent than we previously thought in the South China Sea. The findings have implications for understanding the geographic connectivity of large swimming animals between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean and provide scientific evidence for formulating conservation and management strategies for sharks and other large animals in the oceans.
Bacterial Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance of Microorganisms Isolated from Teat Cup Liners in Dairy Farms in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Yan Guangwei , Wang Shengnan , Cui Yuehui , Xue Kun , Liu Yongxia , Liu Jianzhu
Published: July 2024

Global milk consumption exceeds 800 million tons a year and is still growing. Milk quality and its products are critical to human health. A teat cup makes direct contact with the cow’s teats during milking and its cleanliness is very important for the quality of raw milk. In this study, the microorganism from post-milking teat cup liners were collected from six dairy farms in Shandong Province of China, the bacterial species were identified using microbial mass spectrometry, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the isolated strains against ten antimicrobial agents were determined using the broth microdilution method, and the antimicrobial resistance genes were detected by PCR. The results indicated that the most frequently isolated bacteria in this study were Bacillus licheniformis (39/276, 14.13%), followed by Bacillus pumilus (20/276, 7.25%), Bacillus cereus (17/276, 6.16%), and Bacillus subtili (16/276, 5.80%). The isolates exhibited the highest average resistance to lincomycin (87.37%), followed by sulfadiazine (61.05%) and streptomycin (42.63%); the highest detection rate of resistance genes was Sul1 (55.43%), followed by ant(4’) (51.09%), tet(M) (25.36%), blaKPC (3.62%) and qnrS (3.62%). These findings imply the necessity for enhanced measures in disinfecting cow udders and milking equipment, highlighting the persistently challenging issue of antimicrobial resistance in Shandong Province.
Investigation of Transmission and Evolution of PEDV Variants and Co-Infections in Northeast China from 2011 to 2022
Authors: Zhao Feipeng , Ma Xin’ao , Yang Jianfeng , Wei Zhiying , Li Jiaxuan , Jiang Yanping , Cui Wen , Shan Zhifu , Tang Lijie
Published: July 2024

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a rapidly evolving virus that causes outbreaks in pig herds worldwide. Mutations in the S protein of PEDV have led to the emergence of new viral variants, which can reduce vaccine immunity against prevalent strains. To understand the infection and variation pattern of PEDV in China, an extensive epidemiological survey was conducted in northeast China from 2015 to 2022. The genetic diversity of enteroviruses co-infected with PEDV and the PEDV S gene was analyzed, common mutation patterns that may have led to changes in PEDV virulence and infectivity in recent years were identified, and structural changes in the surface of the S protein resulting from mutations in the PEDV S gene from 2011 to 2022 were reviewed. Of note, two distinct mutations in the emerging 2022 HEB strain were identified. These findings provide a basis for a better understanding of PEDV co-infection and genetic evolution in northeast China.
Effects of 3D Scans on Veterinary Students’ Learning Outcomes Compared to Traditional 2D Images in Anatomy Classes
Authors: Schirone Rebecca , Corte Giuliano Mario , Ehlers Jan P. , Herre Christina , Schmedding Maximiliane , Merle Roswitha , Pachtmann Joëlle , Bahramsoltani Mahtab
Published: July 2024

Students often struggle with interpreting traditional textbook images and translating them to anatomical structures. This study aimed to compare the impact of 3D scans versus 2D images on students’ learning outcomes when learning anatomical structures on skulls from horses and pigs. Furthermore, the correlation between spatial ability and learning outcomes using 3D scans or 2D images was examined. Second-year veterinary medicine students either used 3D scans or 2D images, annotated with arrows or numbers as learning material. Students’ anatomical knowledge was tested before and after the learning session, and spatial ability was assessed using the mental rotation test. All groups improved significantly in the post-test. However, the differences between groups were not significant, suggesting that 3D scans do not necessarily lead to higher learning outcomes. The analysis of the correlation between spatial ability and learning outcomes did not prove that students with weaker spatial ability benefit from 3D scans. Students preferred 3D scans over 2D images despite similar outcomes, suggesting they are valuable for learning. However, results show that the introduction of novel learning materials likely amplified the impact of reduced learning time on the 3D group, as these materials necessitated additional time for effective comprehension and integration.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Anti-Mycobacterial Therapy (RHB-104) in Active Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Graham David Y. , Naser Saleh A. , Borody Thomas , Hebzda Zbigniew , Sarles Harry , Levenson Scott , Hardi Robert , Arłukowicz Tomasz , Svorcan Petar , Fathi Reza , Bibliowicz Aida , Anderson Patricia , McLean Patrick , Fehrmann Clara , Harris M. Scott , Zhao Shuhong , Kalfus Ira N.
Published: July 2024

This study, conducted between 4 October 2013, and 30 November 2018, tested the hypothesis that triple antimicrobial therapy, targeting Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), long considered a putative cause, would favorably affect Crohn’s disease. A double-blind multicenter study of adults with active Crohn’s disease, (i.e., Crohn’s Disease Activity Index [CDAI] 220–450 plus C-reactive protein ≥ 1.0 mg/dL, fecal calprotectin (FCP) >162.9 µg/g stool, or recent endoscopic or radiographic confirmation of active disease) receiving concomitant standard-of-care Crohn’s disease treatment (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01951326) were stratified by anti-tumor necrosis factor use and randomized (1:1) to anti-MAP RHB-104 (clarithromycin 95 mg, rifabutin 45 mg, and clofazimine 10 mg per capsule) (n = 166), resulting in clarithromycin 950 mg/day, rifabutin 450 mg/day, and clofazimine 100 mg/day, or placebo (n = 165) for up to 52 weeks. A greater proportion of RHB-104 versus placebo-treated patients met the primary endpoint—remission (i.e., CDAI < 150)—at week 26 (36.7% [61/166] vs. 22.4% [37/165], respectively; 95% CI for difference: 4.6, 24.0, p = 0.0048; chi-square test). Clinical response (reduction of CDAI by ≥100 points from baseline) at week 26 (first secondary endpoint) was also higher among the patients treated with RHB-104 (73/166 [44.0%]) compared with placebo (50/165 [30.3%]; 95% CI for difference: 3.4, 24.0, p = 0.0116), and it remained higher at week 52 among the patients treated with RHB-104 (59/166 [35.5%] vs. (35/165 [21.2%] for placebo; 95% CI for difference: 4.7, 23.9, p = 0.0042). A statistically significantly greater decline in FCP (another prospective efficacy endpoint) was also observed in RHB-104-treated patients, compared with placebo, at weeks 12, 26, and 52. The rates of serious adverse events were similar between groups (RHB-104: 18.7%; placebo: 18.8%). No patient died during the study. Antimicrobial therapy directed against MAP resulted in significantly greater improvement in clinical and laboratory (FCP) measures of active Crohn’s disease.
Prescribing Antibiotics for Children with Acute Conditions in Public Primary Care Clinics in Singapore: A Retrospective Cohort Database Study
Authors: Lee Vivien Min Er , Low Si Hui , Koh Sky Wei Chee , Szuecs Anna , Loh Victor Weng Keong , Sundram Meena , Valderas José M. , Hsu Li Yang
Published: July 2024

Data on primary care antibiotic prescription practices for children in Singapore, which are essential for health care policy, are lacking. We aimed to address this gap and to benchmark prescription practices against international standards. A retrospective cohort database study on antibiotic prescriptions for children (aged < 18 years) who visited six public primary care clinics in Singapore between 2018 and 2021 was conducted. Data were categorised according to the World Health Organization’s Access, Watch, Reserve (WHO AWaRe) classification. Quality indicators from the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption Network (ESAC-Net) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines were used as a measure of appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing at the individual and overall patient level. In 831,669 polyclinic visits by children between 2018 and 2021, there was a significant reduction in mean antibiotics prescribed per month during pandemic years (2020–2021) compared to pre-pandemic (2018–2019) (MD 458.3, 95% CI 365.9–550.7). Most prescriptions (95.8%) for acute conditions fell within the WHO AWaRe “Access” group. Antibiotic prescription significantly exceeded (55.2%) the relevant quality indicator for otitis media (0–20%). The proportion of children receiving appropriate antibiotics for acute respiratory infections (n = 4506, 51.3%) and otitis media (n = 174, 49.4%) was low compared to the quality indicator (80–100%). There is a need to develop local evidence-based primary care antibiotic guidelines, as well as to support the development of stewardship programmes.
The Electrical Characteristics Generated by Resetting the Particle Organization Configuration of Rocks under Compressive Loads
Authors: Ou Chuanjing , Zhou Xindong , Ma Bin , Chen Hongcai
Published: July 2024

Under compressive loading, rocks emit electromagnetic waves, and monitoring electromagnetic signals has become a key means of predicting dynamic rock disasters. To understand how dynamic potential is generated in rocks under compressive loading, the relationship between the compressive loading (P) and the stimulated potential (E) is seen as a circuit system (H(t)). A circuit analysis model has been established to study how rock particles restructure under compressive loading. Experimental tests were conducted to measure the input excitation (E) and output response (Uσ(t)) or (Iσ(t)) of the rock specimens, with four types of rocks being tested. The experiments revealed that voltage, current, frequency, and impedance changed during the particle reorganization process under compressive loading, showing that the electromagnetic radiation of the rock specimens mainly came from the current generated by the internal particle reorganization. The intensity of electromagnetic radiation was found to depend on the load size and dynamic impedance (Zσ), with the dynamic impedance (Zσ) consisting of the microelement total resistance (Rσ), capacitance (Cσ), and inductance (Lσ). The variation of dynamic impedance (Zσ) is related to the rock type. The research findings have contributed to elucidating the mechanism of electromagnetic radiation generated by rocks under load.
Dynamic Modeling and Optimization of Tension Distribution for a Cable-Driven Parallel Robot
Authors: Wang Kai , Hu Zhong Hua , Zhang Chen Shuo , Han Zhi Wei , Deng Chao Wen
Published: July 2024

Cable-driven parallel robots (CDPRs) have been gaining much attention due to their many advantages over traditional parallel robots or serial robots, such as their markedly large workspace and lightweight design. However, one of the main issues that needs to be urgently solved is the tension in the distribution of CDPRs due to two reasons. The first is that a cable can only be stretched but not compressed, and the other is the redundancy of the parallel robot. To address the problem, an optimization method for tension distribution is proposed in the paper. The structural design of the parallel robot is first discussed. The dynamics model of the parallel robot is established by the Newton–Euler method. Based on the minimum variance of cables’ tension, an optimization method of tension distribution is presented for the parallel robot. Furthermore, the tension extreme average term is introduced in the optimization method, and the firefly algorithm is applied to obtain the optimal solution for tension distribution. Finally, the proposed approach is tested in the simulation case where the end-effector of the robot moves in a circular motion. Simulation results demonstrate that the uniformity and continuity of tension are both outstanding for the proposed method. In contrast with traditional solving methods, the efficiency of this method is largely improved.
Intra-Mode Decision Based on Lagrange Optimization Regarding Chroma Coding
Authors: Li Wei , Fan Caixia
Published: July 2024

The latest generation of standard versatile video coding (VVC) continues to utilize hybrid coding architecture to further promote compression performance, where the intra-mode decision module selects the optimal mode to balance bitrate and coding distortion. With regard to chroma intra modes, a scheme that uses a cross-component linear model (CCLM) is involved by utilizing the component correlation between luma and chroma, which could implicitly introduce distortion propagation from luma blocks to subsequent chroma prediction blocks during coding, impacting the result of a Lagrange optimization. This paper presents an improved intra-mode decision-based modified Lagrange multiplier for chroma components in VVC. The characteristics of chroma intra prediction are examined in depth, and the process of an intra-mode decision is analyzed in detail; then, the coding distortion dependency between the luma and chroma is described and incorporated into a Lagrange optimization framework to determine the optimal mode. The proposed method achieves an average bitrate-saving effect of 1.23% compared with the original scheme by using a dependent rate-distortion optimization in an All-Intra configuration.
Rate of Torque Development Scaling Factor Decreased following a 6-Week Unilateral Isometric Training Using Electrostimulation or Voluntary Contractions
Authors: Knežević Olivera M. , Šarabon Nejc , Garcia-Ramos Amador , Majstorović Nikola , Milanović Sladjan D. , Filipović Saša R. , Mirkov Dragan M.
Published: July 2024

This study explored the changes in the rate of torque development scaling factor (RTD-SF) and maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) variables following six weeks of unilateral isometric electromyostimulation (EMS) and voluntary (VOL) exercises. Twenty-six physically active participants were randomly assigned to EMS (n = 13) or a VOL group. MVC and RTD-SF of the quadriceps femoris of both legs were assessed before and after training. EMS and VOL exercises had identical frequency (three sessions/week), intensity (60% MVC), volume (40 contractions), and work-to-rest ratio (18 min: 6.25 s of work/20 s of rest). There were no between-group differences for the trained leg with overall increases in maximal torque (Tmax) of ~29% (d = 2.11–2.12), ~13% for RTDmax (d = 0.92–1.10); ~23% for Intercept (d = 0.72–0.78), and reduction in RTD-SF by ~15% (d = 1.01–1.10). In the non-trained leg, significant moderate change was only observed after EMS for RTD-SF which decreased by 12.5% (d = 0.76). Both EMS and VOL training applied at equivalent workloads positively impact on Tmax, RTDmax, and Intercept, but they negatively affect the quickness with which muscle contracts across a wide range of submaximal forces. Using a moderate training intensity in regularly physically active participants could explain the absence of cross-education in the VOL group.
Multi-Stage Coordinated Planning for Transmission and Energy Storage Considering Large-Scale Renewable Energy Integration
Authors: Liang Yan , Liu Hongli , Zhou Hengyu , Meng Zijian , Liu Jinxiong , Zhou Ming
Published: July 2024

Due to the large-scale integration of renewable energy and the rapid growth of peak load demand, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the construction of various resources to increase the acceptance capacity of renewable energy and meet power balance conditions. However, traditional grid planning methods can only plan transmission lines, often resulting in low utilization rates of newly constructed lines. Additionally, static planning methods can only address single-target scenarios and cannot cope with dynamic growth in load and renewable energy. To address these issues, this paper proposes a multi-stage collaborative planning method for transmission networks and energy storage. This method considers the non-line substitution effect of energy storage resources and their characterization methods. It establishes the coupling relationship between resources across different planning stages to achieve coordinated multi-stage planning for transmission networks and energy storage. Based on the IEEE-24 node system and a case study in a northern province of China, the results show that the proposed method reduces investment costs by approximately 30% compared to static planning methods and by about 7.79% compared to conventional grid planning methods. Furthermore, this method can accommodate more renewable energy.
EfficiencyX: Study of Energy Efficiency between Two Robotic Arms
Authors: José-Trujillo Eduardo , Franco-Urquiza Edgar Adrián , Bringas-Posadas Dario , Trejo-Morales Antonio
Published: July 2024

Optimization of the energy consumption of a Dorna 1 commercial robot was carried out by replacing the original materials of the links (aluminum) with a lighter and more resistant material (carbon fiber) with the aim of lowering the operating costs of the robot. For this reason, a reduction in the total mass of the robot of 11.08% was achieved by replacing the original materials. In addition, simulations were carried out using finite element analysis to verify that the mechanical resistance of the optimized parts was adequate according to the level of demand that occurs during the operation of the robot. Subsequently, a comparison of the energy consumption of the original robot and the robot with the optimized parts was carried out using the Internet-of-Things device. The tests were carried out at three different speeds—1000, 3000, and 9000 deg/min—for 15 min by executing a pre-established routine starting from home. The results showed that at all test speeds, there were energy savings, but the greatest energy savings occurred at the speed of 3000 degrees/min in the range of 3.66%. With this result, it has been shown that the integration of light materials in robots can achieve energy savings.
Natural Phenolic Acids as Effective Bulk Oil Antioxidants: Oxidative Stability Modeling Using Olive Kernel Oil as a Case Study
Authors: Trajkovska Martina , Derwiche Feyrouz , Grigorakis Spyros , Makris Dimitris P.
Published: July 2024

Natural polyphenols may be very effective lipid antioxidants; however, the studies pertaining to specific commodities, such as refined olive kernel oil (OKO), are extremely limited, and thus there is a lack of relevant information. To provide coverage for this gap in the literature, this study was performed with the view of testing structurally related natural hydroxycinnamates, namely caffeic acid (CA), ferulic acid (FA), and p-coumaric acid (CouA), as effective OKO antioxidants, and establishing concentration–activity relationships. First, a ranking concerning the antioxidant potency of the three polyphenols was attempted using the radical probe DPPH, and then the compounds were assayed using OKO as the lipid substrate. Employing a concentration–activity model, the potency of the three polyphenols to stabilize OKO, based on Rancimat measurements, was CA > CouA ≈ FA. A further simulated long-term trial revealed that all three polyphenols may be equally effective in inhibiting peroxide onset over a period of 40 days, but the determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation evidenced that FA may be a more efficient antioxidant. The outcome was that all three polyphenols tested may behave as very effective agents against oxidative OKO rancidity, and the prospect of producing such compounds from agri-food wastes may provide unprecedented opportunities for replacing the controversial synthetic antioxidants.
Interaction between Trichoderma sp., Pseudomonas putida, and Two Organic Amendments on the Yield and Quality of Strawberries (Fragaria x annanasa cv. San Andreas) in the Huaral Region, Peru
Authors: Huasasquiche Lucero , Ccori Thania , Alejandro Leonela , Cántaro-Segura Héctor , Samaniego Tomás , Solórzano Richard
Published: July 2024

Strawberry cultivation holds significant economic and social promise within Peruvian fruit production. However, conventional management practices have led to the excessive use of agrochemicals in this crop. This study proposes an organic approach to strawberry production, integrating less environmentally harmful technologies. The aim was to assess microbial inoculation by using Trichoderma sp. and Pseudomonas putida and the application of organic amendments on strawberry seedlings of the commercial cultivar “San Andreas”. A field experiment was established with evaluations in the vegetative and productive stages. Results indicate that the co-inoculation of Trichoderma sp. and Pseudomonas putida increased leaf area by 7%, and enhanced the aerial part’s fresh and dry biomass by 13% and 28%, respectively, compared to treatment without microbial inoculation. Concurrently, compost application increased the leaf number and aerial dry biomass by 22% and 19% at the end of the vegetative stage, respectively, compared to treatment without organic amendment. In addition, it reduced the days for flowering, maintaining the fruit’s physicochemical attributes. Regarding yield, the amendments application significantly enhanced fruit weight per plant by 40%, especially when applied together with Trichoderma sp., and co-inoculation increased the number of fruits per meter square by 22%. These findings highlight the potential of technologies such as microbial inoculation and organic amendments to enhance strawberry yields and to gradually reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers.
Genomic Characterization of Selected Escherichia coli Strains from Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Nigeria
Authors: Ekwuazi Chibuzo Linda , Ogbo Frank C. , Stöger Anna , Ruppitsch Werner , Cabal Rosel Adriana
Published: July 2024

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), each year, over 550 million individuals worldwide suffer from and 230,000 die from diarrheal illnesses, which accounts for more than half of the global foodborne disease burden. Among them, children face a heightened vulnerability, with approximately 220 million falling ill and 96,000 succumbing to these diseases annually. This work aimed to study the genomic characterization of selected E. coli strains from catfish (Clarias (C.) gariepinus) caught from the Onitsha North axis of the River Niger in Anambra state, Nigeria. A total of 50 fish were randomly purchased from different fishermen over a period of four months. Samples that comprised six different organs (skin, flesh, gills, gonads, guts, and liver) were screened for E. coli strains using cultural and biochemical methods. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and core genome (cg)MLST were performed using Ridom SeqSphere+ software. The aerobic plate count (APC) and coliform count ranged from 0.5 × 104 to 3.7 × 104 cfu/g and 0 to 3.0 × 104 cfu/g, respectively. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) confirmed the presence of E. coli and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae isolates in our samples. We could identify only two serotypes (O102:H7 and O40:H4) of E. coli. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and point mutations that conferred antibiotic resistance were extracted from the genome assemblies. Good hygiene is recommended to avoid the cross-contamination of raw C. gariepinus with ready-to-eat food.
Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Argentinian Kefirs Varying in Apparent Viscosity
Authors: Lisboa Rios Diego , Bengoa Ana Agustina , Costa Lima da Silva Patrícia , Moura César Silva Santana , Garrote Graciela Liliana , Abraham Analía Graciela , da Rocha Fernandes Gabriel , Nicoli Jacques Robert , Neumann Elisabeth , Cantini Nunes Álvaro
Published: July 2024

Comparative metatranscriptomics of the bacterial and yeast communities of two milk kefir beverages (MKAA1 and MKAA2) was carried out. They were obtained by fermentation with two different frozen stocks of the kefir grain CIDCA AGK1, differing in rheological features and production of organic acids. We hypothesised that the differences in their physicochemical and rheological properties might be due to the microbial activity in each product. The dominance of lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and a marginal amount of acetic acid bacteria characterised the microbiome. The bacterial families Lactobacillaceae and Streptococcaceae accounted for almost all of the bacterial gene transcripts, with Lactobacillus helveticus, L. kefiranofaciens, L. gallinarum, and Lactococcus lactis being most frequent in the microbiome of the MKAA1 beverage and L. kefiranofaciens, Lc. Lactis, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides being the most prevalent in MKAA2. Dipodascaceae and Saccharomycetaceae were the leading yeast families, represented by Yarrowia lipolytica, Saccharomyces unisporus, and Kluyveromyces marxianus. MKAA1 and MKAA2 shared >75% KEGG Ortologs (KOs) in their bacteria and yeast libraries. The considerable decreases in total expressed genes (KEGG Ortologs) assigned to Lactobacillus helveticus and L. gallinarum might be related to the variations in the rheological features of the beverages, probably by compromising the interrelations with L. kefiranofaciens, which might explain the variations in the rheological features of the beverages.
Protein Requirements of Fattening Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed Fish Meal-Free Diets
Authors: Novodworski Jailson , Matos Émerson José Alves , Gonçalves Rafaela Mocochinski , Bombardelli Robie Allan , Meurer Fábio
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to determine the protein requirements of the fattening phase for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed fish meal-free diets. A total of 75 Nile tilapia were maintained in a water recirculation system, and five isoenergetic diets were formulated with increasing protein levels encompassing three repetitions each. The findings revealed that protein levels significantly affected (p < 0.05) certain Nile tilapia performance, yield, and composition parameters. The determined parameter values clearly indicated that Nile tilapia can be fed fish meal-free soybean meal and corn-based diets. Furthermore, the metabolic plasticity of this species concerning dietary protein concentrations was also demonstrated, with adequate performance results achieved in treatments containing from 267 to 294 g/kg digestible protein (DP), or 298 to 327 g/kg crude protein (CP), where the balance between essential and non-essential amino acids and energy resulted in adequate performance correlated to satisfactory feed conversion values and filet yields and composition. A DP concentration of 267 g/kg (298 g/kg CP) is recommended when offering corn and soybean meal-based diets during the Nile tilapia fattening phase to fish weighing between 400 and 700 g.
“Beyond Quantum Music”—A Pioneering Art and Science Project as a Platform for Building New Instruments and Creating a New Musical Genre
Authors: Lončar Sonja , Pavlović Andrija
Published: July 2024

In this text, we discuss the “Beyond Quantum Music” project, which inspired pianists, composers, researchers, and innovators Sonja Lončar and Andrija Pavlović (LP Duo) to go beyond the boundaries of classical and avant-garde practices to create a new style in composition and performance on two unique DUALITY hybrid pianos that they invented and developed to create a new stage design for multimedia concert performances and establish a new musical genre as a platform for future musical expression. “Beyond Quantum Music” is a continuation of the groundbreaking art and science project “Quantum Music”, which began in 2015; we envisioned it as a long-term project. In order to build an experimental dialogue between music and quantum physics, we created the DUALITY Portable Hybrid Piano System. This innovative instrument was essential for expanding the current sound of the classical piano. As a result, new compositions and new piano sounds were produced using various synthesizers and sound samples derived from scientific experiments. The key place for this dialogue between music and science was the Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands, where Andrija Pavlović, as a Kavli artist in residence, and Sonja Lončar, as an expert, spent several months in 2022 collaborating with scientists to compose new music. Later on, we collaborated with the visual artist “Incredible Bob” to develop the idea for the multimedia concert “LP Duo plays Beyond Quantum Music” to be performed at various locations, including the Scientific Institute MedILS Split (Croatia), the Theater Hall JDP Belgrade (Serbia), the Congress Hall TU Delft (the Netherlands), and open-air concerts at the Kaleidoskop Festival (Novi Sad, Serbia) and Ars Electronica Festival in Linz (Austria).
Analysis of Ionospheric Anomalies before Earthquakes of Mw6.5 and above in Japan from 2011 to 2022
Authors: Li Zhen , Tao Zhen , Cao Lianhai
Published: July 2024

In this study, a TEC variation window value was selected based on the wavelet power spectrum method to analyze the seismic–ionospheric coupling relationship. In the full-time domain, a 27-day periodicity of the wavelet power spectrum was obtained that passed the 95% significance test. The sliding interquartile range method was used to analyze earthquakes above Mw6.5 in Japan from 2011 to 2022, excluding the hybrid effects between earthquakes close to one another. The sunspot number (SSN), 10.7 cm radio flux (F10.7), total solar irradiance (TSI), solar wind velocity (Vsw), geomagnetic activity index in the equatorial region (DST), and global geomagnetic activity index (KP) were used as indices representing solar and geomagnetic activity. After removing solar and geomagnetic interference from ionospheric anomaly changes using the sliding interquartile range method, the TEC anomaly changes before the earthquake were verified as being caused by the earthquake and analyzed. The statistical analysis of ionospheric total electron content (TEC) anomalies showed that earthquake magnitude was positively correlated with the amplitude of TEC anomalies but not linearly. The occurrence time of ionospheric anomalies lagged behind to some extent with the increase in earthquake magnitude. Additionally, abnormal changes on the 29th day (15 February 2022) before the 20th earthquake did not conform to previous research rules. According to the lithosphere–atmosphere–ionospheric coupling (LAIC) mechanism and global ionospheric map (GIM) studies, the TEC anomaly was consistent with the vertical projection of the epicenter with obvious regularity. The results show that these TEC anomalies may be related to earthquakes.