bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond the Traditional Mountain Emmental Cheese in “Ţara Dornelor”, Romania: Consumer and Producer Profiles, and Product Sensory Characteristics
Authors: Necula Doru , Ungureanu-Iuga Mădălina , Ognean Laurenț
Published: April 2024

Emmental or Swiss cheese is a hard, ripened cheese appreciated by consumers for its appearance and taste. This study aimed to investigate the profile of Swiss cheese consumers and producers from Ţara Dornelor area, Romania, along with the sensory analysis of the Dorna Swiss cheese produced there. For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied to 268 participants to evaluate consumer behavior. Consumers were grouped depending on consumption frequency (low—once or a few times a year, medium—once a month, and high—once a week or more), and the behavior of groups was evaluated. Producer opinion was assessed by interview and Swiss cheese sensory characteristics in two seasons were determined by sensory analysis using a semi-trained panel. The results showed that the main factors affecting consumer purchase decision are the ingredients (4.43), taste and flavor (4.41), appearance and texture (4.23), producer (3.98), nutritional value (3.88), and product history (3.67). Clustering of consumers depending on consumption frequency revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) regarding the purchase place and some factors influencing the purchase decision such as price, health benefits, and nutritional value. Producers asserted that the quality of milk is the main problem in Swiss cheese production. They consider that the raw material quality and origin, hygiene, utilities, and legislation have the greatest impact on the production process, while the trading is mainly affected by the product taste and flavor, appearance and texture, quality label, price, and product history. The sensory characteristics differed significantly (p < 0.05) between producers and seasons, with the sample produced in a stainless-steel tank and without exogenous microflora being the most appreciated in summer. These results could help producers adapt their product quality and marketing policy to consumer preferences.
Development of a Mango-Grading and -Sorting System Based on External Features, Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Tai Nguyen Duc , Lin Wei Chih , Trieu Nguyen Minh , Thinh Nguyen Truong
Published: April 2024

Nowadays, many image processing and machine learning (ML) methods are used in mango-quality classification systems. Existing algorithms perform independently to capture the relationships between features in the dataset. Nevertheless, each method has its advantages and disadvantages. As a result, this study presents an ensemble-learning framework that combines the strengths of multiple ML algorithms to make predictions. Initially, different image processing algorithms are used to extract external mango features. Next, the dataset is constructed by combining those features with weight values from sensor signals. Following that, different ML algorithms are evaluated on the dataset to determine which ones are robust. Subsequently, various ensemble-learning approaches are deployed, such as bagging, boosting, and stacking. Finally, those models are evaluated and compared, to decide which model is suited for this study’s dataset. In the experimental part, the assessment of errors demonstrates the usefulness of image processing algorithms. Furthermore, evaluation of the training models revealed that the stacking model, which integrates several methods in both the base learner and meta-learner, produced the highest results in precision, recall, F1-score, and accuracy, with values of 0.9855, 0.9901, 0.9876, and 0.9863, respectively. These experimental results confirm the robustness of the proposed methodologies for classifying mango quality.
Changes in the Rhizosphere Biome Depending on the Variety of Wheat, Timing of Its Growing Season, and Agrochemical Components in the Soils of Italy
Authors: Bardelli Tommaso , Fornasier Flavio , Novarina Elena , Donniacuo Antonella , Romano Elio , Bianchi Pier Giacomo , Giulini Anna Pia Maria
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this research is to investigate the interactions among wheat varieties and microorganisms within rhizosphere and how conventional agriculture affects these dynamics during the growing season. Indeed, little is known about how commercial bread varieties modulate root exudates and how agrochemicals affect the microbiological processes. Therefore, this study investigated the changes in soil microbiological features such as enzyme activities (β-glucosidase, xylosidase, glucoronidase, chitinase, leucine-aminopeptidase, acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterases, inositol phosphatase, phosphodiesterase, pyrophosphatase–phosphodiesterase, arylsulphatase) and microbial biomass as a function of treatment (fungicides and plant growth regulator—PGR) and wheat varieties (Skyfall, SY Moisson, Aquilante, Bandera, Tintoretto, Antille, and Bologna) at the sowing, heading, and harvesting stage. A total of 168 samples (2 treatments × 7 varieties × 3 field replicates × 4 sub-samples taken in each plot) were collected in each period and analyzed. We found that soil microbial biomass was a sensible indicator in the fungicide/PGR application, with reduced values in treated plots at the heading. At this stage, the soil enzymatic activities were in general more expressed, confirming that the microbial processes are more proactive due to the growth of plants. Overall, the soil enzymatic activities responded differently according to the wheat varieties, highlighting specific capabilities to interact with microbes.
Salvia Species: Biotechnological Strategies Applied to In Vitro Cultures for the Controlled Production of Bioactive Diterpenoids
Authors: Dougué Kentsop Roméo Arago , Devi Poonam , Copetta Andrea , Ruffoni Barbara , Parisi Valentina , Bisio Angela , Iobbi Valeria
Published: April 2024

Plant secondary metabolites have great applications in the nutritional and cosmetic aspects of human health. Terpenes, and in particular bioactive diterpenoids, represent an important group of compounds found in Salvia species. Their production in plants is often limited, and chemical synthesis is often not economically feasible. Biotechnological approaches using plant cell and tissue cultures can be routinely established under sterile conditions from explants for biomass production and the extraction of secondary metabolites. The biosynthesis and accumulation of bioactive diterpenoids in vitro in Salvia cells and tissues can be enhanced by strain improvement, techniques to select high-producing cell lines, optimisation of the growth medium, use of specific precursors or elicitors, induction of their release into the culture medium, and the overexpression of genes. This review analyses the biotechnological techniques applied to the in vitro culture of Salvia cells and tissues to enhance the production and accumulation of bioactive diterpenoids and summarises their biological activities.
Deep Soil Water Availability Regulates the Transpiration of Afforested Apple Trees (Malus pumila Mill.) in a Sub-Humid Loess Region
Authors: Li Peng , Zuo Yuxiao , Zhang Xuemei , Wang Yinglei , Wu Zhengli , Liu Xiaoyu , Wu Nan , Lu Yanwei , Li Huijie , Si Bingcheng
Published: April 2024

Many studies have investigated how soil water availability in shallow soil affects forest transpiration, but how deep soil water status (below 1 m depth) alters tree water use remains poorly understood. To improve our understanding of how deep soil water changes tree transpiration dynamics, we measured soil water content (SWC) in more than 20 m depths, the radial sap flow profile and the leaf area index (LAI) in the 2017 growing season in 9-, 12-, 16-, 19- and 23-year-old afforested apple (Rosaceae) trees on the Chinese Loess Plateau. SWC was also measured in long-term cultivated farmland to derive SWC before afforestation. The results showed that there was no statistical difference in SWC in shallow soil among orchards (p > 0.05), while SWC in deep soil reduced rapidly with increasing tree age. The average SWC at 1–20 m decreased from 0.27 ± 0.02 cm3 cm−3 in farmland to 0.21 ± 0.03 cm3 cm−3 in the 23-year-old orchard. Moreover, water storage in deep soil decreased by 139 mm yr−1 between the 9- and 12-year-old stands, 105 mm yr−1 between the 12- and 16-year-old stands, 44 mm yr−1 between the 16- and 19-year-old stands, and 9 mm yr−1 from the 19- to 23-year-old stands, indicating that gradually decreased SWC in deep soil has restricted tree water use. Due to the changes in SWC, growing-season transpiration and the LAI peaked in the 16-year-old orchard and then decreased with increasing stand age. Growing-season transpiration in the 23-year-old orchard was only 77% of that in the 16-year stands, despite the older trees having larger diameters at the breast height. Our results suggest that soil water availability in deep soil plays an important role in regulating trees’ transpiration.
ANNs Predicting Noisy Signals in Electronic Circuits: A Model Predicting the Signal Trend in Amplification Systems
Authors: Massaro Alessandro
Published: April 2024

In the proposed paper, an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm is applied to predict the electronic circuit outputs of voltage signals in Industry 4.0/5.0 scenarios. This approach is suitable to predict possible uncorrected behavior of control circuits affected by unknown noises, and to reproduce a testbed method simulating the noise effect influencing the amplification of an input sinusoidal voltage signal, which is a basic and fundamental signal for controlled manufacturing systems. The performed simulations take into account different noise signals changing their time-domain trend and frequency behavior to prove the possibility of predicting voltage outputs when complex signals are considered at the control circuit input, including additive disturbs and noises. The results highlight that it is possible to construct a good ANN training model by processing only the registered voltage output signals without considering the noise profile (which is typically unknown). The proposed model behaves as an electronic black box for Industry 5.0 manufacturing processes automating circuit and machine tuning procedures. By analyzing state-of-the-art ANNs, the study offers an innovative ANN-based versatile solution that is able to process various noise profiles without requiring prior knowledge of the noise characteristics.
Impact on Growth and Feed Availability from Including Jack Mackerel (Trachurus japonicas) Meal in Rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) Feeds Which Otherwise Replace Fish Meal with Chicken By-Product Meal
Authors: Li Ran , Cho Sung Hwoan
Published: April 2024

This study was conducted to elucidate the impact on the growth and feed availability of rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) from including jack mackerel meal (JMM) in feeds which otherwise substitute 20% fish meal (FM) with chicken by-product meal (CBM). Six formulated feeds were designed to be isonitrogenous and isolipidic. Specifically, 55% FM was included in the control (Con) diet. In the Con diet, 20% FM was substituted by CBM, and then the graded levels (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80%) of JMM were included instead of FM, named as the C20J0, C20J20, C20J40, C20J60, and C20J80 diets, respectively. Five hundred and forty juvenile rockfish (initial weight of 11.2 g) were assigned to 18 tanks. All experimental feeds were fed to triplicate groups of rockfish twice daily for 8 weeks. Superior weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed intake of rockfish fed the C20J60 and C20J80 diets compared to rockfish fed the Con and C20J0 diets were observed. However, the feed utilization, biological indices, proximate composition, amino acid profiles, and blood chemistry of the rockfish were not affected by the dietary treatments. The slightly but not significantly higher economic profit index and growth performance were obtained in the C20J60 diet compared to the C20J80 diet. In conclusion, the C20J60 diet was the most recommendable treatment based on the improvement in growth performance (weight gain and SGR) and feed intake of rockfish, and the highest economic return to farmers.
Contaminants of Emerging Concern: Antibiotics Research in Mussels from the Coasts of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Dessì Filomena , Varoni Maria Vittoria , Baralla Elena , Nieddu Maria , Pasciu Valeria , Piras Gabriella , Lorenzoni Giuseppa , Demontis Maria Piera
Published: April 2024

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are compounds found in several environmental compartments whose ubiquitous presence can cause toxicity for the entire ecosystem. Several personal care products, including antibiotics, have entered this group of compounds, constituting a major global threat. It is essential to develop simple and reliable methods by which to quantify these contaminants in several matrices. In this work, mussels were chosen as sentinel organisms to assess environmental pollution and the safety of bivalve mollusk consumption according to the “One Health perspective”. A liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the quantification of two macrolides, erythromycin (ERY) and azithromycin (AZI), in mussels. This new method was validated according to international guidelines, showing high selectivity, good recoveries (>60% for both of them), sensitivity, and precision. The method was successfully applied for ERY and AZI research in mussels farmed along the Sardinian coasts (Italy), demonstrating itself to be useful for routine analysis by competent authorities. The tested macrolides were not determined in the analyzed sites at concentrations above the limits of detection (LODs). These results demonstrate the food safety of mussels (as concerns the studied antibiotics) and a negligible amount of pollution derived from these drugs in the studied area.
Environmental and Nutritional Parameters Modulating Genetic Expression for Virulence Factors of Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Masset Zoe , Gunaratnam Sathursha , Millette Mathieu , McFarland Lynne V. , Lacroix Monique
Published: April 2024

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) continue to be a persistent healthcare concern despite newer antibiotic treatments, enhanced infection control practices, and preventive strategies focused on restoring the protective intestinal microbial barrier. Recent strides in gene sequencing research have identified many genes regulating diverse virulence factors for CDIs. These genes may be over- or under-expressed when triggered by various environmental and nutritional factors. The aims of this paper are to review the important genes involved in C. difficile pathogenesis and to identify modifiable environmental, nutritional, and other factors that may trigger the expression of these genes and thus offer new strategies to prevent CDIs.
Evaluating the Clinical Relevance of Routine Sonication for Periprosthetic Hip or Knee Joint Infection Diagnosis
Authors: Zouitni Anas , van Oldenrijk Jakob , Bos P. Koen , Croughs Peter D. , Yusuf Erlangga , Veltman Ewout S.
Published: April 2024

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication after joint arthroplasty. PJI screening and conventional cultures may be inconclusive. Sonication fluid culturing stands out as a valuable adjunct technique for PJI diagnosis. This study aims to determine the clinical relevance of routine sonication for all (a)septic revisions. All patients who underwent (partial) hip or knee revision arthroplasty between 2012 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. We formed three groups based on the European Bone and Joint Society PJI criteria: infection confirmed, likely, and unlikely. We analyzed clinical, laboratory, and radiological screening. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for synovial fluid (preoperative), tissue, and sonication fluid cultures. We determined the clinical relevance of sonication as the percentage of patients for whom sonication confirmed PJI; 429 patients who underwent (partial) revision of hip or knee arthroplasty were included. Sensitivity and specificity were 69% and 99% for synovial fluid cultures, 76% and 92% for tissue cultures, and 80% and 89% for sonication fluid cultures, respectively. Sonication fluid cultures improved tissue culture sensitivity and specificity to 83% and 99%, respectively. In 11% of PJIs, sonication fluid cultures were decisive for diagnosis. This is applicable to acute and chronic infections. Sonication fluid cultures enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of PJI diagnostics. In 11% of PJI cases, causative pathogens were confirmed by sonication fluid culture results. Sonication fluid culture should be performed in all revision arthroplasties.
Antimicrobial, Probiotic, and Immunomodulatory Potential of Cannabis sativa Extract and Delivery Systems
Authors: Stasiłowicz-Krzemień Anna , Szymanowska Daria , Szulc Piotr , Cielecka-Piontek Judyta
Published: April 2024

The compounds present in hemp show multidirectional biological activity. It is related to the presence of secondary metabolites, mainly cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and the synergy of their biological activity. The aim of this study was to assess the activity of the Henola Cannabis sativae extract and its combinations with selected carriers (polyvinyl caprolactam–polyvinyl acetate–polyethylene glycol graft copolymer, magnesium aluminometasilicate, and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) in terms of antimicrobial, probiotic, and immunobiological effects. As a result of the conducted research, the antimicrobial activity of the extract was confirmed in relation to the following microorganisms: Clostridium difficile, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pyrogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aereuginosa, and Candida albicans (microorganism count was reduced from ~102 CFU mL−1 to <10 CFU mL−1 in most cases). Additionally, for the system with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, a significant probiotic potential against bacterial strains was established for strains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Streptococcus thermophilus (microorganism count was increased from ~102 to 104–107). In terms of immunomodulatory properties, it was determined that the tested extract and the systems caused changes in IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels.
18Beta-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Attenuates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage and Apoptosis in Intestinal Epithelial Cells via Activating the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ma Cui , Wang Fuxi , Zhu Jiawei , Wang Shiyi , Liu Yaqing , Xu Jianfang , Zhao Qingyu , Qin Yuchang , Si Wei , Zhang Junmin
Published: April 2024

Oxidative stress causes gut dysfunction and is a contributing factor in several intestinal disorders. Intestinal epithelial cell survival is essential for maintaining human and animal health under oxidative stress. 18beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is known to have multiple beneficial effects, including antioxidant activity; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been well established. Thus, the present study evaluated the therapeutic effects of GA on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in intestinal porcine epithelial cells. The results showed that pretreatment with GA (100 nM for 16 h) significantly increased the levels of several antioxidant enzymes and reduced corresponding intracellular levels of reactive oxidative species and malondialdehyde. GA inhibited cell apoptosis via activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, as confirmed by RNA sequencing. Further analyses demonstrated that GA upregulated the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt and the protein level of B cell lymphoma 2, whereas it downregulated Cytochrome c and tumor suppressor protein p53 levels. Moreover, molecular docking analysis predicted the binding of GA to Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1, a primary membrane receptor, to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Collectively, these results revealed that GA protected against H2O2-induced oxidative damage and cell apoptosis via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, suggesting the potential therapeutic use of GA to alleviate oxidative stress in humans/animals.
Redox Regulation of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog by Bicarbonate and Hydrogen Peroxide: Implication of Peroxymonocarbonate in Cell Signaling
Authors: Trinh Vu Hoang , Choi Jin-Myung , Nguyen Huu Thang , Sah Dhiraj Kumar , Yoon Hyun-Joong , Park Sang-Chul , Jung Yu-Seok , Ahn Young-Keun , Lee Kun-Ho , Lee Seung-Rock
Published: April 2024

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a negative regulator of the phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. Notably, its active site contains a cysteine residue that is susceptible to oxidation by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This oxidation inhibits the phosphatase function of PTEN, critically contributing to the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Upon the stimulation of cell surface receptors, the activity of NADPH oxidase (NOX) generates a transient amount of H2O2, serving as a mediator in this pathway by oxidizing PTEN. The mechanism underlying this oxidation, occurring despite the presence of highly efficient and abundant cellular oxidant-protecting and reducing systems, continues to pose a perplexing conundrum. Here, we demonstrate that the presence of bicarbonate (HCO3−) promoted the rate of H2O2-mediated PTEN oxidation, probably through the formation of peroxymonocarbonate (HCO4−), and consequently potentiated the phosphorylation of AKT. Acetazolamide (ATZ), a carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitor, was shown to diminish the oxidation of PTEN. Thus, CA can also be considered as a modulator in this context. In essence, our findings consolidate the crucial role of HCO3− in the redox regulation of PTEN by H2O2, leading to the presumption that HCO4− is a signaling molecule during cellular physiological processes.
Single-Cell Profiling Reveals Immune-Based Mechanisms Underlying Tumor Radiosensitization by a Novel Mn Porphyrin Clinical Candidate, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+ (BMX-001)
Authors: Noh Sun Up , Lim Jinyeong , Shin Sung-Won , Kim Yeeun , Park Woong-Yang , Batinic-Haberle Ines , Choi Changhoon , Park Won
Published: April 2024

Manganese porphyrins reportedly exhibit synergic effects when combined with irradiation. However, an in-depth understanding of intratumoral heterogeneity and immune pathways, as affected by Mn porphyrins, remains limited. Here, we explored the mechanisms underlying immunomodulation of a clinical candidate, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+ (BMX-001, MnBuOE), using single-cell analysis in a murine carcinoma model. Mice bearing 4T1 tumors were divided into four groups: control, MnBuOE, radiotherapy (RT), and combined MnBuOE and radiotherapy (MnBuOE/RT). In epithelial cells, the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, TNF-α signaling via NF-кB, angiogenesis, and hypoxia-related genes were significantly downregulated in the MnBuOE/RT group compared with the RT group. All subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were clearly reduced in MnBuOE and MnBuOE/RT. Inhibitory receptor–ligand interactions, in which epithelial cells and CAFs interacted with CD8+ T cells, were significantly lower in the MnBuOE/RT group than in the RT group. Trajectory analysis showed that dendritic cells maturation-associated markers were increased in MnBuOE/RT. M1 macrophages were significantly increased in the MnBuOE/RT group compared with the RT group, whereas myeloid-derived suppressor cells were decreased. CellChat analysis showed that the number of cell–cell communications was the lowest in the MnBuOE/RT group. Our study is the first to provide evidence for the combined radiotherapy with a novel Mn porphyrin clinical candidate, BMX-001, from the perspective of each cell type within the tumor microenvironment.
A Novel Method Combining U-Net with LSTM for Three-Dimensional Soil Pore Segmentation Based on Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Liu Lei , Han Qiaoling , Zhao Yue , Zhao Yandong
Published: April 2024

The non-destructive study of soil micromorphology via computed tomography (CT) imaging has yielded significant insights into the three-dimensional configuration of soil pores. Precise pore analysis is contingent on the accurate transformation of CT images into binary image representations. Notably, segmentation of 2D CT images frequently harbors inaccuracies. This paper introduces a novel three-dimensional pore segmentation method, BDULSTM, which integrates U-Net with convolutional long short-term memory (CLSTM) networks to harness sequence data from CT images and enhance the precision of pore segmentation. The BDULSTM method employs an encoder–decoder framework to holistically extract image features, utilizing skip connections to further refine the segmentation accuracy of soil structure. Specifically, the CLSTM component, critical for analyzing sequential information in soil CT images, is strategically positioned at the juncture of the encoder and decoder within the U-shaped network architecture. The validation of our method confirms its efficacy in advancing the accuracy of soil pore segmentation beyond that of previous deep learning techniques, such as U-Net and CLSTM independently. Indeed, BDULSTM exhibits superior segmentation capabilities across a diverse array of soil conditions. In summary, BDULSTM represents a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology for the 3D segmentation of soil pores and offers a promising tool for analyzing pore structure and soil quality.
Enhancing Complex Injection Mold Design Validation Using Multicombined RV Environments
Authors: Mercado-Colmenero Jorge Manuel , Garcia-Molina Diego Francisco , Gutierrez-Jiménez Bartolomé , Martin-Doñate Cristina
Published: April 2024

The intricate design of real complex injection molds poses significant challenges. Mold design validation often falls to operators with tool-handling experience but limited CAD proficiency. Unlike other industries, the scale and costs of injection mold fabrication hinder prototyping before production. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a revolutionary solution offering a safe, immersive, and realistic experience and accessible using QR codes. This paper presents a new multimodal virtual environment tailored to validate mold design complexities. Integrating knowledge-enriched visual tools like interactive 3D models and dynamic visualizations enables users to explore complex mold designs. Statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon test, unveil significant differences in interference detection, internal topology tracking, and validation of assembly and disassembly accessibility for both small and large mold components when comparing validation conducted through traditional means using solely CAD systems versus the utilization of multidimensional validation methods. Efficiency gains in using VR devices for mold design validation in a hybrid environment in the analysis of relative frequencies. The present study surpasses the state of the art illustrating how VR technology can substantially reduce manufacturing errors in injection molding processes, thereby offering important advantages for manufacturers emerging as an essential tool for this impact industry in the next years.
Double-Mode Thermometer Based on Photoluminescence of YbGd2Al2Ga3O12: Cr3+ Operating in the Biological Windows
Authors: Zhang Qixuan , Ueda Jumpei , Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: April 2024

A Near-Infrared (NIR) ratiometric luminescence thermometer with the composition of Yb1Gd2Al1.98Cr0.02Ga3O12 was prepared and studied. When excited by 660 nm in the first biological transparent window (BTW), the sample shows a peak structure of around 1000 nm due to the 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 transitions of Yb3+ via the energy transfer process from Cr3+. Due to the Boltzmann distribution, the Yb3+ PL intensities in the shorter wavelength side (i.e., 1st BTW) and longer wavelength side (i.e., 2nd BTW) exhibit opposite temperature dependencies. The luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) of Yb3+ in shorter and longer wavelength ranges works as a luminescence thermometer with a relative sensitivity of 0.55% K−1 at 310 K. In addition, YbGd2Al1.98Cr0.02Ga3O12 can also be employed for temperature sensing based on the LIR of Cr3+ (2E → 4A2) at around 700 nm and Yb3+ (2F5/2 → 2F7/2) at around 1000 nm, achieving a remarkable relative sensitivity of 2.69% at 100 K. This study confirms that the YbGd2Al1.98Cr0.02Ga3O12 thermometer fulfills the requirements for biological temperature measurements.
Study on Temperature Characteristics of Lubrication Film of Valve Plate Pair in Axial Piston Pumps
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Ma Shaojie , Lv Pingzhu , Chao Qun , Li Lin , Liu Zhiqi
Published: April 2024

The film temperature distribution of the valve plate pair in axial piston pumps affects its lubrication, leakage, and friction. In order to investigate the film temperature distribution of the valve plate pair in axial piston pumps, a test platform was constructed including three displacement sensors for the oil film thickness and eleven thermocouples for the film temperature distribution of the valve plate pair. An accurate film shape model of the valve plate pair was built according to the three-point film thickness test data. Based on the film shape model, the film temperature model of the valve plate pair was developed considering the viscous oil temperature characteristics, the energy loss caused by leakage and viscous friction in the film, and the heat conduction among the oil, cylinder block, and valve plate. The influence of different swash plate tilt angles and operating pressures on the valve plate film temperature was studied. The test results indicate that the film temperature of the valve plate pair increases as the working pressure and swash plate tilt angle increase. The theoretical and experimental absolute errors of the film temperature in the circumferential range [−60°, 60°] of the valve plate high-pressure side are less than 3.5 °C. As the swash plate tilt angle varies from 12° to 16° and working pressure from 3 MPa to 7 MPa, the minimum film thickness position and the maximum temperature point move accordingly in the circumferential range [−15°, 5°] of the valve plate pair.
RDD-YOLO: Road Damage Detection Algorithm Based on Improved You Only Look Once Version 8
Authors: Li Yue , Yin Chang , Lei Yutian , Zhang Jiale , Yan Yiting
Published: April 2024

The detection of road damage is highly important for traffic safety and road maintenance. Conventional detection approaches frequently require significant time and expenditure, the accuracy of detection cannot be guaranteed, and they are prone to misdetection or omission problems. Therefore, this paper introduces an enhanced version of the You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8) road damage detection algorithm called RDD-YOLO. First, the simple attention mechanism (SimAM) is integrated into the backbone, which successfully improves the model’s focus on crucial details within the input image, enabling the model to capture features of road damage more accurately, thus enhancing the model’s precision. Second, the neck structure is optimized by replacing traditional convolution modules with GhostConv. This reduces redundant information, lowers the number of parameters, and decreases computational complexity while maintaining the model’s excellent performance in damage recognition. Last, the upsampling algorithm in the neck is improved by replacing the nearest interpolation with more accurate bilinear interpolation. This enhances the model’s capacity to maintain visual details, providing clearer and more accurate outputs for road damage detection tasks. Experimental findings on the RDD2022 dataset show that the proposed RDD-YOLO model achieves an mAP50 and mAP50-95 of 62.5% and 36.4% on the validation set, respectively. Compared to baseline, this represents an improvement of 2.5% and 5.2%. The F1 score on the test set reaches 69.6%, a 2.8% improvement over the baseline. The proposed method can accurately locate and detect road damage, save labor and material resources, and offer guidance for the assessment and upkeep of road damage.
Precision Sports Science: What Is Next for Data Analytics for Athlete Performance and Well-Being Optimization?
Authors: Exel Juliana , Dabnichki Peter
Published: April 2024

In elite sports, athletic excellence demands meticulous performance preparation and a sound health status. This paper overviews the current propositions and applications of pervasive computing and data analytics and our vision on how they should be used in future frameworks to contribute to the optimal balance of athletes’ performance and health requirements. Two main areas will be discussed. The first area is Sports Performance Optimization, in which we consider interesting recent advancements in data analytics for performance improvement, equipment design, and team member recruitment and selection. We will also briefly discuss how the betting industry has been relaying and developing sports analytics. The second area is Athlete’s Wellness and Wellbeing, which will discuss how wearables and data analytics have been used to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior profiles, sleep and circadian rhythm, nutrition and eating behavior, menstrual cycles, and training/performance readiness. In the final part of this paper, we argue that a critical issue for managers to enhance their decision making is the standardization of acquired information and decision-making processes, while introducing an adaptable, personalized approach. Thus, we present and discuss new theoretical and practical approaches that could potentially address this problem and identify precision medicine as a recommended methodology. This conceptualization involves the integration of pervasive computing and data analytics by employing predictive models that are constantly updated with the outcomes from monitoring tools and athletes’ feedback interventions. This framework has the potential to revolutionize how athletes’ performance and well-being are monitored, assessed, and optimized, contributing to a new era of precision in sports science and medicine.
Preparation and Characterization of Polymer-Modified Sulphoaluminate-Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Feng Xinrui , Liu Bei
Published: April 2024

In situ polymerization of molecular monomers is a novel modification method for cement-based materials, effectively enhancing their properties. An orthogonal test method was employed to optimize the impact of polymers on sulfoaluminate-cement-based materials, incorporating range analysis and variance analysis to investigate the influences of the monomer, initiator, and crosslinker on the compressive strength and flexural strength. A comprehensive scoring method was utilized to determine the optimal polymer content. The modified cement-based materials were characterized through SEM, XRD, and FT-IR tests. The results demonstrated that the monomer significantly influenced the properties of modified cement-based materials. When the monomer content was 5%, the initiator content was 3%, and the crosslinking agent content was 2.5%, the mechanical properties of polymer-modified cement-based materials reached their peak. Characterization experiments revealed that in situ polymerization of molecular monomers led to more compact and compatible modified sulfoaluminate-cement-based material, with an improved organic–inorganic hybrid double network spatial structure that enhanced its structure and mechanical properties.
The Importance of Boundary Conditions and Failure Criterion in Finite Element Analysis Accuracy—A Comparative Assessment of Periodontal Ligament Biomechanical Behavior
Authors: Moga Radu-Andrei , Olteanu Cristian Doru , Delean Ada Gabriela
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: Herein, finite element analysis (FEA) of the periodontal ligament (PDL) was used to assess differences between Tresca (T-non-homogenous) and Von Mises (VM-homogenous) criterion, by simulating a 0–8 mm periodontal breakdown under five orthodontic movements (extrusion, intrusion, rotation, tipping, and translation) and three loads (0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 N). Additionally, we addressed the issues of proper boundary condition selection for more than 1 N loads and correlated the results with the maximum hydrostatic pressure (MHP) and available knowledge, evaluating ischemic and resorptive risks for more than 1 N orthodontic loads. (2) Methods: Eighty-one models of the second lower premolar (nine patients) with intact and 1–8 mm reduced periodontia were created. The assumed boundary conditions were isotropy, homogeneity, and linear elasticity. A total of 486 FEA simulations were performed in Abaqus. (3) Results: Both criteria displayed similar qualitative results, with T being quantitatively 15% higher and better suited. The assumed boundary conditions seem to be correct up to 2.4 N of the applied load. (4) Conclusions: Both criteria displayed constant deformations and displacements manifested in the same areas independently of the load’s amount, the only difference being their intensity (doubling—1.2 N; quadrupling—2.4 N). Moreover, 2.4 N seems safe for intact periodontium, while, after a 4 mm loss (seen as the reference point), a load of more than 1 N seems to have significant ischemic and resorptive risks.
The Efficacy of Utilizing Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Managing Periodontal Intrabony Defects in Conjunction with Graft Material: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Park Won-Jong , Han Sung-Hoon , Kim Na Jin , Park Jun-Beom
Published: April 2024

Platelet-rich fibrin has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its remarkable capacity to accelerate the post-surgery wound healing process, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin in mixture form with bone substitute, as a membrane, or in combination. A comprehensive search using a combination of controlled vocabulary (MeSH) and free-text terms was undertaken by two reviewers to identify published randomized clinical trials. Three major electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Cochrane database, and Embase) and the clinical trials registry (clinicaltrials.gov) were searched up to 9 July 2023. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the pooled standardized mean difference of probing depth for platelet-rich fibrin was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.33 to 0.88). The results of the meta-analysis showed that the mean difference in clinical attachment level for platelet-rich fibrin was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.35 to 1.01). The results of the meta-analysis showed that the mean difference in bone fill for platelet-rich fibrin was 0.50 (95% CI, 0.23 to 0.78). In conclusion, the study found that platelet-rich fibrin was effective as adjunct to periodontal regeneration.
Structural Design and Performance Optimization of Green Concrete Based on Recycled Pumice and Modified Rubber Powder
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Li Xiaoming , Song Xiaosheng
Published: April 2024

With the increasing severity of global climate change and environmental degradation, countries have put forward strategies to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. The construction industry is a major source of carbon emissions, and as such, the development of green concrete is now critically important to the industry’s growth. Traditional concrete production methods use a lot of resources and produce a lot of carbon emissions. The study examines the use of recycled pumice and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate to modify waste rubber powder, which is then externally mixed into recycled coarse aggregate concrete. The study analyzes the impact of these modifiers on the rubber powder particles, as well as the effects of particle size and mixing amount on the resulting concrete. The investigation proved that the rubber recycled coarse aggregate concrete’s performance was enhanced by the modifier. This improvement addressed the issue of low compressive strength in rubber concrete to some extent and also had a positive impact on its resistance to freeze-thaw cycles. The experiment concluded that the best results were achieved by selecting rubber powder particles of Sipan 40 with a mesh size of 80 mesh and an external admixture of 6%. This type of green concrete can solve the problem of construction waste disposal while also enhancing the performance and durability of the concrete. It has a promising future application prospect.
A Dynamic Trust Model for Underwater Sensor Networks Fusing Deep Reinforcement Learning and Random Forest Algorithm
Authors: Wang Beibei , Yue Xiufang , Liu Yonglei , Hao Kun , Li Zhisheng , Zhao Xiaofang
Published: April 2024

Underwater acoustic sensor networks (UASNs) are vital for applications like marine environmental monitoring, disaster prediction, and national defense security. Due to the prolonged exposure of underwater sensor nodes in unattended and potentially hostile environments, the application of UASNs is confronted with numerous security threats. Trust models are an important means to detect anomalous nodes in UASNs and ensure security. However, when confronted with intricate underwater surroundings, the assessment of trust is prone to disruption, and current trust models lack a flexible mechanism for updating trust. Consequently, this study introduces a dynamic evaluation trust model (DRFTM) for underwater acoustic sensor networks that integrate deep reinforcement learning and the random forest algorithm. First, the DRFTM comprehensively considers indicators including communication, data, energy, and environment to provide reliable trust evidence for the next evaluation; second, under the conditions of node mobility and dynamic updating of network topology, we propose a predictive model for assessing the trust status of sensor nodes based on random forest training; last, the utilization of deep reinforcement learning is instrumental in determining the most effective trust update strategy, leading to improved detection accuracy of the trust model. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the DRFTM in detecting malicious nodes, reducing false positives, and accurately assessing trust, achieving a remarkable 99% accuracy in identifying malicious nodes.
Establishment of a Periprosthetic Acetabular Bone Defect in an In Vivo Model
Authors: Fröschen Frank Sebastian , Randau Thomas Martin , Haddouti El-Mustapha , Schildberg Frank Alexander , Müller-Broich Jacques Dominik , Götz Werner , Reimann Susanne , Wirtz Dieter Christian , Gravius Sascha
Published: April 2024

The biological reconstruction of periprosthetic acetabular defects is essential for the success of revision total hip arthroplasty. However, a standardized in vivo defect model with good analogy to the human situation is still lacking, which has significantly limited the research and development of this highly important clinical entity. A defined animal defect model might be a possible solution as it offers the possibility to evaluate different biomaterials for periacetabular bone reconstruction in a reproducible setting. In an ovine periacetabular defect model (n = 27), a defined bone defect (1.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 cm/3.375 cm3) in the cranial load-bearing area of the acetabulum was augmented with two different biomaterials as well as autologous cancellous bone in an ovine periprosthetic defect model and bridged with a Ganz reinforcement ring (n = 9 animals per group). Eight months after implantation, radiological and macroscopic examination was performed. The operation with the establishment of a defined periacetabular defect could be performed in all cases. There were no intraoperative complications in the three groups. During the course of the experiment, three sheep had to be excluded due to complications. A macroscopic evaluation after 8 months showed a firm neocapsula surrounding the hip joint with macroscopic consolidation of the bony defect and a stable inlying implant. There were no detectable differences between the three groups in the macroscopic or radiological evaluation. In summary, the presented ovine model might offer the possibility to create a defined bone defect and investigate bone defect reconstruction with different materials.
Experimental Investigation of a Device to Restrain the Horizontal Sliding of U-FREIs
Authors: Angeli Paolo , Frappa Giada , Pauletta Margherita
Published: April 2024

Fiber-reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREIs) are composite devices consisting of an alternation of elastomer layers and fiber reinforcement layers. They have mechanical properties comparable to those of conventional Steel-Reinforced Elastomeric Isolators (SREIs). The mechanical and construction characteristics of FREIs, together with their lower cost, make them potentially usable on a large scale. However, for their actual use, it is necessary to take into account the current regulations regarding seismic isolation. The application of FREIs provides the absence of anchoring to the structure, but the European Technical Standard UNI EN 15129 requires that the isolators are attached to the structure by mechanical fastening only. In this research work, a constraint device that fulfills this requirement but, at the same time, does not significantly alter the mechanical behavior of FREIs is investigated. The properties of the selected device and its installation method are presented. The results of both a simple compression test and a combined compression and shear test performed on two isolators reinforced by quadri-directional carbon fiber fabrics and two isolators reinforced by bi-directional fabrics are presented. The tests were performed in the absence and presence of the constraint device in order to investigate the modifications produced by the device.
Inversion of Sound Speed Field in Photoacoustic Imaging Based on Root Mean Square Propagation Algorithm
Authors: Chen Shuoyu , Jing Xili , Li Shuguang , Yin Zhiyong , Yang Huan
Published: April 2024

The inaccuracy of inhomogeneous sound speed fields in photoacoustic imaging (PAI) can lead to the blurring and distortion of photoacoustic images. To solve this problem, conventional methods build speed models by using some a priori information or additional measuring equipment, which limits the application of PAI greatly. A data-driven speed field inversion method is proposed in this paper. It combines clustering with updates to the speed field. To reduce the complexity of the sound speed field model, the model is divided according to the similarity of the same tissue. The sound speed of the same tissue is regarded as a whole, which reduces the number of sound speed parameter solutions. Based on the simplified sound speed field model, the proposed method can adaptively adjust the step length of the sound speeds of various tissues by weight allocation. In this way, the updated amplitude of sound speeds of various tissues can be balanced and the accuracy of the sound speed field can be improved. A digital breast model is applied to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the method can build an appropriate speed field without additional information or equipment and improve the imaging performance of PAI.