bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of three multiplex real-time PCR assays for simultaneous detection of 12 infectious pathogens in mice affected with respiratory and digestive diseases
Authors: Wang Hye-young , Ahn Jaeil , Lee Jonghoon , Kang Sang Chul , Kim Hyunil
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Research quality can be improved with reliable and reproducible experimental results when animal experiments are conducted using laboratory animals with guaranteed microbiological and genetic quality through health monitoring. Therefore, health monitoring requires the rapid and accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases in laboratory animals.

Methods

This study presents a performance evaluation of a commercially available multiplex real-time PCR (mRT-PCR) assay for the rapid detection of 12 infectious pathogens (Set 1: Sendai virus [SeV, formally murine respirovirus], Mycoplasma spp., Rodentibacter pneumotropicus, and Rodentibacter heylii; Set 2: Helicobacter spp., Murine norovirus [MNV], Murine hepatitis virus [MHV], and Salmonella spp.; Set 3: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Corynebacterium kutscheri, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). To evaluate the efficacy of the mRT-PCR assay, 102 clinical samples encompassing fecal and cecal specimens were analyzed. The resulting data were then compared with the findings from sequence analysis for validation.

Results

The assay’s detection limit ranged from 1 to 100 copies per reaction. Specificity testing involving various viruses and bacteria indicated no cross-reactivity between strains. Additionally, the assay exhibited good reproducibility, with mean coefficients of variation for inter- and intra assay variation below 3%. The overall positive rate was 52.9% (n = 54), with the mRT-PCR assay findings matching sequence analysis results (κ = 1). MHV (n = 29, 28.4%) was the most prevalent pathogen, followed by Helicobacter spp. (n = 28, 27.5%), R. heylii (n = 18, 17.6%), Mycoplasma spp. (n = 14, 13.7%), MNV (n = 12, 11.8%), S. aureus (n = 9, 8.8%), P. aeruginosa (n = 4, 3.9%), and R. pneumotropicus (n = 1, 0.9%).

Discussion

This assay offers a rapid turnaround time of 100 min, including 30 min for DNA preparation and 70 min for target DNA/RNA amplification. It ensures accuracy, minimizing false positives or negatives, making it a convenient tool for the simultaneous detection of infectious diseases in many samples. Overall, the propose‑d assay holds promise for the effective detection of the most important pathogens in laboratory animal health monitoring.
Research on Camera Rotation Strategies for Active Visual Perception in the Self-Driving Vehicles
Authors: Kong Xiangcun , Shi Shuyue , Yan Bingchen , Si Shuzhe , Ni Juan , Guo Dong , Wang Pengwei , Wang Lei , Xu Yi
Published: August 2024

Aiming at the problem of blind field of view caused by the change in the vehicle’s yaw angle when the self-driving vehicle is turning or changing lanes, this paper proposes a camera rotation strategy based on monocular active environment sensing, which realizes the detection of the blind field of view when the vehicle’s yaw angle changes in the self-driving vehicle. Based on the two-degrees-of-freedom dynamic model, the camera rotation angle control is achieved by controlling the front-wheel angle of the vehicle. A camera control module is designed using Simulink to control the camera in real-time, allowing it to rotate based on different driving scenes. The effect of obstacle detection by traditional vision sensors and active vision sensors is tested under different vehicle driving scenes. The results demonstrate that the obstacle detection effect of the camera rotation strategy based on monocular active environment perception, as designed in this paper, is better than the traditional monocular vision.
Influence of Biochar-Reinforced Hydrogel Composites on Growth and Biochemical Parameters of Bean Plants and Soil Microbial Activities under Different Moisture Conditions
Authors: García-Gómez Concepción , Uysal Yağmur , Doğaroğlu Zeynep Görkem , Kalderis Dimitrios , Gasparatos Dionisios , Fernández María Dolores
Published: August 2024

Hydrogels have shown promise in improving soil quality and alleviating plant drought stress. This study investigated the effectiveness of four hydrogel composites composed of polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, and pine or olive tree biochar in improving bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) plant growth and soil microbial activities. The experiment was conducted in natural soil, where biochar–hydrogel composites were applied at a concentration of 0.75% hydrogel per soil weight (w/w) for 35 days under two different moisture conditions: adequate moisture (70% of water holding capacity (WHC)) and drought stress (40% WHC). The results showed variation between hydrogel composites and, more importantly, between water regimes. Under water deficit conditions, biochar–hydrogel composites consistently caused a decrease in plant weight and in chlorophyll (CHL) CHLa/CHLb ratio. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde and protein levels generally increased in contrast to the observations at 70% WHC. Regarding microbial activities, the composites reduced soil respiration (12–38%) while promoting phosphatase activity (42–65%) under both moisture regimes. Overall, the introduction of hydrogel composites did not show consistently positive effects on either plants or soil microorganisms. To thoroughly evaluate the efficacy of these hydrogels as soil amendments, further studies are needed, considering different soil types, plant species, and hydrogel application rates.
Biochar Application in Combination with No Tillage Enhanced Yield and Grain Quality of Ratoon Rice
Authors: Du Bin , Zhang Wujun , Liu Qiangming , Duan Xiujian , Yao Yanjie , Wang Yu , Li Jingyong , Yao Xiong
Published: August 2024

Biochar is beneficial as a clean, stable, and efficient soil amendment to improve rice quality and yield. However, there are few reports on the effects of no-tillage in combination with biochar application on rice growth, yield, and quality in regenerative rice systems. This study evaluated rice yield, grain quality, multiple antioxidant enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde content under four treatments: rotary tillage alone, rotary tillage + biochar application, no-tillage alone, and no-tillage + biochar. The results showed that the rice yield under no-tillage alone was 15% lower than that under rotary tillage alone, but that biochar application significantly increased rice yield by 10% and 20% under rotary tillage and no-tillage conditions, respectively, which might be attributed to the fact that biochar application increased panicle number, spikelet number per panicle, grain filling rate, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Additionally, biochar application also increased fine rice rate and protein content, meanwhile reducing chalkiness degree and chalky grain rate in both the main-season rice and ratoon-season rice. These results suggest that biochar application could enhance the yield and grain quality of ratoon rice, thus compensating for the no-tillage-induced yield loss. This study reveals the role of biochar in main-season rice and ratoon rice cultivation, providing a valuable reference for improved fertilizer utilization and cleaner agricultural production.
Impact of Kiwifruit Waste Compost on Soil Bacteriome and Lettuce Growth
Authors: Fernandes Paulo , Pinto Rui , Correia Cláudia , Mourão Isabel , Moura Luísa , Brito Luís Miguel
Published: August 2024

Composts produced with kiwifruit waste from the calibration process (KW), mixed with 5%, 10%, and 20% wheat straw (WS), were evaluated as crop fertilizers through a pot experiment with lettuce, arranged as a randomized block design. Highest lettuce yields were achieved with 20 and 40 t·ha−1 5%WS compost and 40 t·ha−1 10%WS compost, suggesting that the physical characteristics of the composts increased soil water holding capacity and root growth, whereas chemical characteristics such as pH, organic matter, and nutrient contents contributed to improving soil reaction and nutrient availability. The type of soil amendment used influenced the development of different bacterial consortia in the bulk soil and rhizosphere, leading to increased levels of potentially beneficial bacteria and enhanced levels of relevant functions for plant growth, such as nitrogen fixation. Composted KW as an organic amendment can be used to improve soil quality and the circular economy.
Spatio-Temporal Modeling of Land and Pasture Vulnerability in Dairy Basins in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Silva Jéssica Bruna Alves da , de Almeida Gledson Luiz Pontes , da Silva Marcos Vinícius , de Oliveira-Júnior José Francisco , Pandorfi Héliton , Giongo Pedro Rogerio , de Almeida Macêdo Gleidiana Amélia Pontes , Guiselini Cristiane , Marinho Gabriel Thales Barboza , Bakke Ivonete Alves , Ferreira Maria Beatriz
Published: August 2024

The objective of this study is to evaluate the spatio-temporal dynamics of land vulnerability and pasture areas in the dairy basins of the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas, which are part of the Ipanema River Watershed (IRW) in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Maps of the Land Use and Land Cover (LULC); the Index of Vulnerability to Degradation (IVD); the Land Vulnerability Index (LVI); time series of Effective Herd (EH), Milked Cows (MC), and Milk Production (MP); and Pasture Cover (PC) and Quality (PCQ) were created as parameters. An opposite pattern was observed between the land use classes of Livestock, Agriculture, and Forest. The IRW area has predominantly flat terrain with a very high risk of degradation. The analysis of MC was consistent with the information from the EH analysis as well as with MP. When assessing Pasture Quality, Severe Degradation areas increased from 2010 to 2014, decreased after 2015, and rose again in 2020. Moderate Degradation areas remained high, while Not Degraded pasture areas were consistently the lowest from 2012 to 2020. Over the 10 years analyzed (2010–2020), the area showed a strong degradation process, with the loss of approximately 16% of the native vegetation of the Caatinga Biome and an increase in pasture areas and land vulnerability.
Research on Ground-Based Remote-Sensing Inversion Method for Soil Salinity Information Based on Crack Characteristics and Spectral Response
Authors: Liu Xiaozhen , Zhang Zhuopeng , Lu Mingxuan , Wang Yifan , Ren Jianhua
Published: August 2024

The precise quantification of soil salinity and the spatial distribution are paramount for proficiently managing and remediating salinized soils. This study aims to explore a pioneering methodology for forecasting soil salinity by combining the spectroscopy of soda saline–alkali soil with crack characteristics, thereby facilitating the ground-based remote-sensing inversion of soil salinity. To attain this objective, a surface cracking experiment was meticulously conducted under controlled indoor conditions for 57 soda saline–alkali soil samples from the Songnen Plain of China. The quantitative parameters for crack characterization, encompassing the length and area of desiccation cracks, together with the contrast texture feature were methodically derived. Furthermore, spectral reflectance of the cracked soil surface was measured. A structural equation model (SEM) was then employed for the estimation of soil salt parameters, including electrical conductivity (EC1:5), Na+, pH, HCO3−, CO32−, and the total salinity. The investigation unveiled notable associations between different salt parameters and crack attributes, alongside spectral reflectance measurements (r = 0.52–0.95), yet both clay content and mineralogy had little effect on the cracking process due to its low activity index. In addition, the presence of desiccation cracks accentuated the overall spectral contrast of salt-affected soil samples. The application of SEMs facilitated the concurrent prediction of multiple soil salt parameters alongside the regression analysis for individual salt parameters. Nonetheless, this study confers the advantage of the swift synchronous observation of multiple salt parameters whilst furnishing lucid interpretation and pragmatic utility. This study helps us to explore the mechanism of soil salinity on the surface cracking of soda saline–alkali soil in the Songnen Plain of China, and it also provides an effective solution for quickly and accurately predicting soil salt content using crack characteristics, which also provides a new perspective for the hyperspectral measurement of saline–alkali soils.
Exploring the Flavonoid Biosynthesis Pathway of Two Ecotypes of Leymus chinensis Using Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis
Authors: Wu Haiyan , Naren Gaowa , Han Chenxu , Elsheery Nabil I. , Zhang Lingang
Published: August 2024

This research investigates the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways of two ecotypes of Leymus chinensis, distinguished by their gray-green (GG) and yellow-green (YG) leaf colors, to uncover the molecular bases of their adaptability to different environmental conditions. By integrating comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we identified 338 metabolites, with 161 showing differential expression—124 upregulated and 37 downregulated. The transcriptomic data revealed substantial variation, with 50,065 genes differentially expressed between the ecotypes, suggesting complex genetic regulation of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways involving 20 enzyme-coding genes. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis further highlighted the involvement of 26 genes in the synthesis of four distinct types of flavonoid metabolites, indicating the sophisticated modulation of these pathways. Our results demonstrate that the GG and YG ecotypes of Leymus chinensis exhibit distinct flavonoid profiles and gene expression patterns, with the GG ecotype showing a higher accumulation of quercetin and kaempferol (increased by 25% and 33%, respectively, compared to YG), suggesting enhanced antioxidant capacity. Conversely, the YG ecotype displayed a broader spectrum of flavonoid metabolites, possibly indicating an adaptive strategy favoring diverse ecological interactions. Our results show that the GG and YG ecotypes of Leymus chinensis exhibit distinct flavonoid profiles and gene expression patterns, suggesting divergent adaptive strategies to environmental stress. This study highlights the crucial role of flavonoid metabolites in plant adaptation strategies, enhancing our understanding of plant resilience and adaptability. The distinct metabolic profiles observed suggest that the GG ecotype may be better equipped to handle oxidative stress, while the YG ecotype could be predisposed to broader ecological interactions. This emphasizes the value of applying machine learning in predicting plant adaptability, providing a new perspective for the future exploration of how plants adapt to environmental challenges. Meanwhile, the information gleaned from this nuanced study offers a foundation for future investigations into the genetic and environmental factors involved in plant adaptation.
Effects of Different Tillage Years on Soil Composition and Ground-Dwelling Arthropod Diversity in Gravel-Sand Mulching Watermelon Fields
Authors: Zhang Haixiang , Cao Ziyu , Cui Yifan , Xiong Changyu , Sun Wei , Wang Ying , Ban Liping , Zhang Rong , Wei Shuhua
Published: August 2024

Arthropods play a crucial role in ecological processes and agricultural productivity. Soil physicochemical properties, indicators of soil health, are closely linked to arthropod communities. Gravel-sand mulching, commonly employed in arid farming, initially enhances water retention and temperature regulation but may contribute to land degradation with prolonged use. This study investigated how varying tillage durations affected soil properties and arthropod diversity under gravel-sand mulching. The analysis employed multiple comparison methods, covariance analysis (ANCOVA), non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), and redundancy analysis (RDA). The results indicated that while soil fertility was better preserved in cultivated fields compared to in the desert grassland, arthropod diversity significantly decreased with longer cultivation periods. A total of 1099 arthropods from 79 species were sampled, by Barber trap. The highest diversity was observed in native grassland (NG), with 305 arthropods from 39 species, while tillage 21 years (GPS-21Y) exhibited the lowest diversity, with only 103 arthropods from 6 species. Dominant species included the carnivores Labidura japonica and Cataglyphis aenes. The analysis revealed low similarity in arthropod communities between GPS-21Y and other fields and high similarity in soil physicochemical properties between NG and the transition zone (STZ). RDA showed available potassium (APP) was negatively correlated with arthropod species diversity and concentration, total Nitrogen (TN) was positively correlated with arthropod species diversity but negatively correlated with species concentration, total phosphorus (TP) was negatively correlated with arthropod species diversity and concentration. This study provides insights into the relationship between maintaining soil fertility and supporting arthropod diversity in grassland agriculture. While soil fertility and arthropod diversity were correlated, continuous cropping practices negatively impacted arthropod diversity, offering valuable information for pest management and sustainable agricultural practices.
Energy Absorption and Damage Analysis of Fragments in High-Speed Impact on Composite Honeycomb Sandwich Structures
Authors: Chang Bianhong , Wang Zhenning , Bi Guangjian
Published: August 2024

With the continuous innovation of UAV technology, composite honeycomb sandwich structures are used more and more in the fuselage structure of UAVs, and their anti-high-speed fragment impact performance has become a concern. In order to study the influence of fragments on the damage degree of composite honeycomb structures and analyze the damage difference of different initial velocity fragments on different composite honeycomb structures, based on the numerical simulation results of high-speed impact, the energy absorption characteristics of different honeycomb sandwich structures are analyzed, and the honeycomb structure with better energy absorption is selected for 24 impact experiments. The velocity range of fragment impact is 141–368 m/s. The typical damage of the upper core layer and the lower core layer in each structure is analyzed, and the energy absorption theory is used to compare the conditions of each group. The results show that ST-3-3 has the best energy absorption characteristics. Under different velocity impacts, the energy absorption per unit volume of the ST-3-3 structure reaches 521.6~659.6 × 103 J/m3, which is about 30.6% higher than that of the same design structure. The four groups of composite honeycomb sandwich structures designed in the experiment have obvious deformation in the process of impact, except that the deformation of the bottom skin of the ST-6-6-1 structure is not obvious, and the deformation of the other three groups is more obvious with the increase in structural resistance. This research shows that the reasonable arrangement of the structure and material of the composite honeycomb sandwich can better cope with the impact of high-speed fragments and reduce the damage to the structure.
Enhancing Agile Story Point Estimation: Integrating Deep Learning, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing with SBERT and Gradient Boosted Trees
Authors: Yalçıner Burcu , Dinçer Kıvanç , Karaçor Adil Gürsel , Efe Mehmet Önder
Published: August 2024

Advances in software engineering, particularly in Agile software development (ASD), demand innovative approaches to effort estimation due to the volatility in Agile environments. Recent trends have made the automation of story point (SP) estimation increasingly relevant, with significant potential for enhancing accuracy. This study introduces a novel model for software effort estimation (SEE) utilizing a deep learning (DL)-based sentence-BERT (SBERT) model for feature extraction combined with advanced gradient-boosted tree (GBT) algorithms. A comprehensive evaluation shows that the proposed model outperforms standard SEE and state-of-the-art models, demonstrating a mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.15 and a median absolute error (MdAE) of 1.85, representing a 12% improvement over the baseline model and an 18% improvement over the best-performing state-of-the-art model. The standardized accuracy (SA) is 93%, which is 7% higher than the next best model, across a dataset of 31,960 issues from 26 open-source Agile projects. This study contributes to software engineering by offering a more accurate and reliable decision support system for estimating project efforts.
Testing the Efficacy of Indirect Methods on Characterization of Sedimentary Basins by Correlation of Direct Data and Geophysical Techniques
Authors: Rey Javier , Mendoza Rosendo , Hidalgo M. Carmen , Marinho Bruna
Published: August 2024

The information obtained from direct data (geological mapping and boreholes) and indirect techniques (reflection seismology, time-domain electromagnetics and magnetometry) is combined to analyse the northern limit of the Bailén basin (southeastern Spain). This Triassic–Neogene basin is confined by a graben-type structure, limited by two normal faults in the SW–NE direction (the Baños de la Encina-La Carolina fault and Guarromán fault). The movement of these faults was complex, with different pulses occurring over time. Therefore, the subsidence of the basin and the sedimentary filling of the graben were different, giving rise to lateral changes in the facies and thicknesses. This study focuses on the Baños de la Encina fault, chosen as the experimental site to analyse the effectiveness and accuracy of these geophysical techniques to reveal the basement structure and geometry. Seismic reflection allows to detect two faults that caused the subsidence of the eastern sector of the graben. The TDEM method made it possible to calculate the depth of the Palaeozoic basement, as well as reveal the presence of the two aforementioned faults. Magnetic total field data highlight variations in the basement depth that can be used to infer previously unknown fractures, in this case, in the NW–SE direction.
In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Green Tomato Extract: Perspectives on Topical Application
Authors: Cunha Daniela , Faria-Silva Catarina , Carvalho Filomena A. , Ascensão Lia , Simões Pedro , Carvalheiro Manuela , Simões Sandra
Published: August 2024

Biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are among the fastest-growing nanomaterials due to the simplicity, efficiency, and sustainability of their biosynthesis using phytochemicals as reducing and coating agents. The agro-food industry generates large quantities of organic waste, a renewable source of biomolecules for AgNP biosynthesis. The main objective of this work was to prepare and characterize biogenic AgNP using a green tomato waste extract (TE) obtained by subcritical water extraction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of such an extract in the synthesis of AgNP. The effects of the TE and AgNO3 concentrations, reaction time, pH, and temperature on AgNP physico-chemical characteristics and on in vitro cytotoxicity against HaCaT and THP-1 cells were assessed. Antimicrobial activity was determined in vitro and ex vivo. The wound-healing capability of AgNP was evaluated in vivo in an incisional wound mouse model. The developed AgNP have a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) band between 402 and 406 nm and a size of ±60 nm, and they are negatively charged (−42 mV) and spherical. In vitro and ex vivo studies prove that AgNP do not compromise skin cells and can decrease cutaneous irritation. The AgNP formulated in a gel revealed similar wound-healing properties to a commercial silver-containing topical ointment. Overall, the biogenic synthesis of AgNP employing an extract of agricultural waste obtained by an eco-friendly method is simple and cost-effective and presents the potential for application in skin disease management.
Transforming Wine By-Products into Energy: Evaluating Grape Pomace and Distillation Stillage for Biomass Pellet Production
Authors: Oliveira Miguel , Teixeira Bruno M. M. , Toste Rogério , Borges Amadeu D. S.
Published: August 2024

The by-products of the wine industry represent a global production of 10.5 to 13.1 million tons of wine pomace annually. This study examines the chemical composition and energy potential of wine pomace and distillation stillage, evaluating their suitability for pellet production within ENplus® standards. Proximate analysis, elemental analysis, and calorimetric analysis were conducted on samples of the two by-products collected in a local Distillery in Portugal. The results reveal that wine pomace has a higher volatile matter content (62.695%) than distillation stillage, which, however, has lower ash content (3.762%) and higher fixed carbon (31.813%). Calorimetric analyses show that distillation stillage has a superior low heating value compared to wine pomace, with values exceeding 19 MJ/kg. Both by-products, however, exceed ENplus® limits for ash (≤0.70), nitrogen (≤0.3), and sulfur (≤0.04) content, presenting challenges for use as high-quality fuel pellets. Combining these biomasses with other materials could reduce the pollutant content of the pellet and improve efficiency. This study highlights the need for pre-treatment strategies to lower ash content and enhance combustion. Policy support for sustainable practices is essential to optimize the use of wine pomace and distillation stillage as renewable energy sources.
Volatile and Antioxidant Compounds of Beetroot Powder Obtained by Dehumidified Air Spray Drying of Cloudy Juice
Authors: Barańska Alicja , Jedlińska Aleksandra , Wołosiak Rafał , Witrowa-Rajchert Dorota , Derewiaka Dorota
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of cloudy beetroot juice powders with or without a carrier obtained by spray drying using an innovative method of dehumidified air that enabled drying in low temperatures and, consequently, with a reduced carrier content. Phenolic content, betacyanin content, antioxidant activity and the content and types of aromatic compounds of the produced powders were examined. Powders obtained at a lower temperature (90 °C) without carriers were characterized by the highest share of aromatic volatile compounds, the highest content of betalains and polyphenols and the highest antioxidant activity. The addition of carriers (including the variant with added pomace as a natural type of carrier) did not indicate the protection of the active substances present in the juice. The powders obtained with carrier addition compared with those without the carrier addition were characterized by lower antioxidant activity, lower content of betalains and polyphenols and a lower amount of aromatic volatile compounds. No significant differences were found in the content of bioactive and aromatic compounds between powders obtained using different carriers (skim milk powder, Nutriose, maltodextrin and kleptose).
Theoretical and Experimental Research on an Optimal Control for a Magnetorheological Shock Mitigation System
Authors: Wang Mukai , Lu Duhui , Xu Yeyin , Guo Yunfei , Li Bing , Wereley Norman M.
Published: August 2024

Vibration and shock control systems are of vital importance to modern vehicles when incorporating crashworthiness goals and enhancing occupant safety to protect avionics or electronics during survivable crash events. The study proposes a method denoted as the optimal generalized Bingham number (GBN) control to improve the soft-landing control accuracy of a drop-induced shock mitigation system employing a magnetorheological shock absorber (MREA). Based on the theoretical and experimental analysis of the damping force characteristics of the MREA, the dynamics of a single-degree-of-freedom shock mitigation system are established, and the GBN is defined with consideration of quadratic damping. The optimal GBN control strategy for a magnetorheological shock mitigation system is proposed to achieve a soft landing. The deceleration, velocity, and displacement formulas of the payload are derived, and the dynamic response of the magnetorheological shock mitigation system, under different GBNs, is analyzed. In terms of soft-landing control accuracy, it is shown that the optimal GBN control strategy performs better for a linear stroke MREA when the control algorithm is based on quadratic damping rather than linear damping.
A MSA-YOLO Obstacle Detection Algorithm for Rail Transit in Foggy Weather
Authors: Chen Jian , Li Donghui , Qu Weiqiang , Wang Zhiwei
Published: August 2024

Obstacles on rail transit significantly compromise operational safety, particularly under dense fog conditions. To address missed and false detections in traditional rail transit detection methods, this paper proposes a multi-scale adaptive YOLO (MSA-YOLO) algorithm. The algorithm incorporates six filters: defog, white balance, gamma, contrast, tone, and sharpen, to remove fog and enhance image quality. However, determining the hyperparameters of these filters is challenging. We employ a multi-scale adaptive module to optimize filter hyperparameters, enhancing fog removal and image quality. Subsequently, YOLO is utilized to detect obstacles on rail transit tracks. The experimental results are encouraging, demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed method in foggy scenarios.
Assessment of Soil Horizons and Their Matric Potential from Ground-Penetrating Radar Signal Attributes
Authors: Akinsunmade Akinniyi , Pysz Paweł , Zagórda Mirosław , Miernik Anna , Tomecka-Suchoń Sylwia
Published: August 2024

Soil plays significant roles in different phases and in the continuous existence of human life. Its comprehensive knowledge, particularly as related to its physical characteristics, enhances its utilization, conservation, and management. The traditional methods of soil study are characterized with some pitfalls such as much time needed to perform such assessments. There are also issues of invasiveness that affect the soil structures and discrete sampling that may not reflect true spatial attributes in the outcome of such techniques. These problems are largely due to the concealing nature of soil layers that made its thorough evaluation difficult. In this study, an alternative geophysical approach has been adopted. The technique is the ground-penetrating method (GPR) that utilizes electromagnetic pulse energy via its equipment’s sensors, which can allow the investigation of soil properties, even in its concealing state. This study aimed at qualitatively evaluating the soil horizons and the matric potentials using the GPR signal attributes within the unsaturated zone with a view of having insight into the test field’s characterization. Field data measurements were obtained using MALA ProEX GPR equipment with its accessories manufactured by MALA Geosciences, Stockholm, Sweden. Evaluation of the processed field data results and computed attributes show soil characteristics variations with depth that was interpreted as the layers. This can be seen from the GPR data presentation as an image representing the subsurface of the zones of propagation of the pulse energy. Spectral analysis of the GPR signals allows for the delineation of two zones of contrasting features, which were tagged as high and low matric potentials. Although the conventional direct measurement of the matric potential was not made at the time of the study to complement and confirm the veracity of the approach, the results indicate the possibility of the approach towards a quick and in situ technique of soil investigations. Such evaluation may be valuable input in precision agriculture where accurate data are sought for implementation.
Wavelength-Dependent Bragg Grating Sensors Cascade an Interferometer Sensor to Enhance Sensing Capacity and Diversification through the Deep Belief Network
Authors: Bogale Shegaw Demessie , Yao Cheng-Kai , Manie Yibeltal Chanie , Zhong Zi-Gui , Peng Peng-Chun
Published: August 2024

Fiber-optic sensors, such as fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors and fiber-optic interferometers, have excellent sensing capabilities for industrial, chemical, and biomedical engineering applications. This paper used machine learning to enhance the number of fiber-optic sensing placement points and promote the cost-effectiveness and diversity of fiber-optic sensing applications. In this paper, the framework adopted is the FBG cascading an interferometer, and a deep belief network (DBN) is used to demodulate the wavelength of the sampled complex spectrum. As the capacity of the fiber-optic sensor arrangement is optimized, the peak spectra from FBGs undergoing strain or temperature changes may overlap. In addition, overlapping FBG spectra with interferometer spectra results in periodic modulation of the spectral intensity, making the spectral intensity variation more complex as a function of different strains or temperature levels. Therefore, it may not be possible to analyze the sensed results of FBGs with the naked eye, and it would be ideal to use machine learning to demodulate the sensed results of FBGs and the interferometer. Experimental results show that DBN can successfully interpret the wavelengths of individual FBG peaks, and peaks of the interferometer spectrum, from the overlapping spectrum of peak-overlapping FBGs and the interferometer.
Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality on Painting Appreciation
Authors: Lin Chih-Long , Kang Yen-Yu
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to explore the experience of painting appreciation through desktop virtual reality (VR) and a heads-up display (HTC Vive) and compare it with those of a physical painting and album. The study included 52 university students who viewed paintings in all four environments and answered a subjective feelings questionnaire. The results show that the physical paintings generated more positive emotions, such as pleasure, relaxation, and calmness, than virtual paintings. Additionally, the physical paintings were perceived and evaluated as more original, attractive, and valuable. Moreover, among the virtual paintings, the landscape paintings were more popular than abstract ones, whereas among the physical paintings, the abstract paintings were preferred. The head-mounted display made the participants feel uncertain about moving in the physical environment, and the transmission line connecting it to the computer limited their movements. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the quality and ease of interactions in VR environments to make virtual paintings appear as impressive as physical ones.
Time-Varying Reliability Analysis of Mechanisms with Strength Degradation Considering Clearances and Local Stiffness Effects
Authors: Gao Peng
Published: August 2024

Mechanism systems are important components of dynamic mechanical systems. The time-varying reliability assessment of mechanism systems is of great significance for the safety and fault diagnosis of mechanical products. In this paper, a time-varying reliability evaluation method for mechanisms under the fatigue failure mode is proposed, which takes into account the joint effects of clearance, local structural stiffness, random load and random strength degradation. The proposed mechanism reliability models are established by nonlinear dynamic analysis considering failure factors and establishing random stress history characterization matrices. Additionally, the models are validated by the Monte Carlo simulation method. The results show that the mechanism clearance, local stiffness, and initial strength dispersion have a significant effect on the time-varying reliability of the mechanisms. Furthermore, both local stiffness and initial strength dispersion have a greater influence on the effect of clearance on the time-varying reliability of the mechanisms. The proposed reliability models can quantitatively analyze the dynamic effects of failure factors on the reliability of the mechanisms, which can be used for the stochastic remaining life evaluation and fault diagnosis of the mechanism systems.
Process Optimization for Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) Sauce Based on Back Propagation Neural Network Combined with Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Chi Hai , Fu Zhiyu , Wang Peng , Yu Di , Zhao Lukai , Li Long , Liu Yujun , Zheng Jie
Published: August 2024

Using Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) as the research object, we optimized the process conditions for Antarctic krill sauce (AkS) by including three factors (salt addition, rock sugar addition, and the oil-to-material ratio) and sensory evaluation as response values. The data from the response surface were fed into the back propagation (BP) neural network training, generating a model mapping the process conditions and sensory scores, which were subsequently combined with the genetic algorithm (GA) for global optimization to determine the optimal process for AkS preparation. The results revealed that the response surface model was well suited to the BP neural network training and prediction sets, with correlation values of 0.98 and 0.95, respectively. The fitting prediction effect was obvious for the sensory scoring results of the product. The parameters obtained from the GA’s global optimization search accord with the analytical results of the response surface. The findings demonstrated that combining a BP neural network with a GA can enhance the AkS preparation technique. Under optimal processing conditions, AkS has a high sensory score and protein and carbohydrate contents, moderate fat content, minimal fat oxidation, and non-detectable pathogens, indicating that the AkS in this study was nutritious and safe to consume.
Oedometer Study Regarding the Consolidation Behavior of Nanjing Soft Clay
Authors: Liu Yang , Ma Ruchen , Zhu Yiyao , Yi Xianting , Satyanaga Alfrendo , Dai Guoliang , Gao Peng , Zhai Qian
Published: August 2024

Ground settlement resulting from consolidation may lead to tilted buildings, cracks in the pavement, damage to underground utilities, etc. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the consolidation behaviors (including primary consolidation and secondary compression) of the soil of the subgrade. There is a large amount of soft clay deposited in Nanjing, located in the Yangtze River Basin. The consolidation behavior of Nanjing soft clay can significantly affect foundation design and the cost of construction. In this study, experimental measurements of the consolidation behavior of Nanjing soft clay were conducted, and parameters (such as pre-consolidation pressure, secondary consolidation index and secondary consolidation ratio) related to consolidation were assessed. The concept of simulated over-consolidation ratio (OCRs) was proposed, and the close relationship between primary consolidation and secondary compression settlement and the OCRs of Nanjing clay was investigated.
Investigation of Point-Contact Strategies for CFD Simulations of Pebble-Bed Reactor Cores
Authors: Goth Nolan , Nguyen Thien , Pointer William David
Published: August 2024

This study numerically investigated the effects of various contact strategies on the thermal hydraulic behavior within a structured bed of 100 explicitly modeled pebbles. Four contact strategies and two thermal hydraulic conditions were considered. The strategies to avoid contact singularities include decreasing the pebble diameter, increasing the pebble diameter, bridging the pebble surfaces near the contact region, and capping the pebble surfaces near the contact region. One strategy, Strategy 3a, which involves bridging with a cylinder equal to 10% of the pebble diameter, was selected as the baseline strategy because it addressed the contact singularity while minimizing the geometric changes that affect the bed porosity. The two thermal hydraulic conditions were full-power operation (Case 1) and pressurized loss of forced cooling or PLOFC (Case 2). Simulations of the conjugate heat transfer within the structured bed were performed using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach with the realizable k-ϵ turbulence model and two-layer all y+ wall treatment. The thermal-fluid quantities of interest were compared between the contact strategies for each case. In Case 1, the hydraulic behavior was sensitive to the contact strategy, with large differences in the pressure drop (30%) and volume-average velocity (4%). The thermal behavior was not sensitive, with less than a 0.5% difference across the strategies. To better understand the separate effects of each heat transfer mode, Case 2 was divided into the following subcases: conduction (Case 2a); conduction/radiation (Case 2b); and conduction/radiation/convection (Case 2c). Case 2a represents an early phase of the PLOFC transient. Case 2b represents an intermediate phase of the PLOFC transient, with the pebble temperatures sufficiently high for the radiative heat transfer to be non-negligible. Case 2c represents a late phase of the PLOFC transient after the establishment of the natural circulation of the heat transfer fluid. For Case 2, large differences in the contact strategy were observed only in Case 2a with only conduction. The difference in the maximum pebble temperature was 23% in Case 2a, 2% in Case 2b, and 0.3% in Case 2c.
Harnessing Stadium Roofs for Community Electrical Power: A Case Study of Rome’s Olympic Stadium Title
Authors: Barbaro Leone , Battista Gabriele , de Lieto Vollaro Emanuele , de Lieto Vollaro Roberto
Published: August 2024

Within a city, there is a lack of space for the installation of photovoltaic panels, especially in cities with significant artistic heritage. Hence, there is a need to identify new spaces for the installation of renewable energy systems capable of supplying part of the city’s energy demand. Large infrastructures for public use such as stadiums, because of their characteristics, can become an essential resource for surrounding communities by installing photovoltaic panels on their roofs. This innovative approach can supply renewable electricity to the local community, aligning with the concept of renewable energy communities (RECs). This study focuses on the Olympic Stadium in Rome, exploring a new way to produce and share the electricity generated. An energy simulation of the photovoltaic plant was carried out by means of a transient calculation tool System Advisor Model (SAM). Then, the energy output from photovoltaics was correlated with the stadium, streetlight, and household electrical energy demands. The results highlight the suitability of the photovoltaic plant and the energy, economic, and environmental advantages derived from its exploitation.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Crashworthiness of Shrink Tube Energy Absorption Structure
Authors: Zou Fan , Yao Shuguang
Published: August 2024

By means of material testing, truck testing and numerical simulation, the structural parameters of the shrink tube anti-climb device for high-speed trains were determined. The effects of cone angle, tube thickness, friction coefficient and axial length of the friction cone on the crashworthiness of the shrink tube were studied, and the main causes were analyzed. Using cone angle and tube wall thickness as input variables, and peak crush force, mean crash force and specific energy absorption as crashworthiness indexes, a proxy model was constructed using a radial basis function. The global response surface methodology was adopted to optimize the design of the shrink tube’s structural parameters. The results showed that the crashworthiness of the shrink tube was positively correlated with the cone angle, the thickness of the shrink tube and the friction coefficient, and the influence decreased successively, while the influence was negatively correlated with the axial length of the friction cone, which had the least influence. Through the optimized design, the peak force of the shrink tube increased by only 5.41%, while the specific energy absorption increased by 31.03%. Additionally, the mean force was closer to the technical requirements of 600 kN, and the crashworthiness was optimized.
The Black Sea Upwelling System: Analysis on the Western Shallow Waters
Authors: Mihailov Maria Emanuela
Published: August 2024

Upwelling is due to the combined effect of the coastal divergence process and Ekman pumping. The author aims to investigate two new upwelling indices for the Black Sea, derived from climate reanalysis models and the following in situ data: (a) the Coastal Upwelling Transport Index (CUTI) that estimates the rate of vertical volume transport and (b) the Biologically Effective Upwelling Transport Index (BEUTI) that estimates the nitrate flux into the surface mixed layer. Average monthly wind by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and Copernicus Marine Services for the Black Sea basin is used to calculate the CUTI and BEUTI Indexes for over 26 years (1993–2019) to analyse the sites along the North-Western Black Sea where changes in divergence phenomena occur. From 2000 to 2018, 31 divergence processes were observed based on daily in situ data from the coastal monitoring stations, with significant predominance in late spring and early summer. Nitrate supply by coastal upwelling has been estimated by combining sea surface temperature and salinity for the in situ data for the North-Western Black Sea shallow waters, and BEUTI indices were determined. Comparing 18 years of data results, the calculated indices and the observed upwelling events showed significant correlations.
Theory and Modelling of Isotropic Turbulence: From Incompressible through Increasingly Compressible Flows
Authors: Cambon Claude
Published: August 2024

Homogeneous isotropic turbulence (HIT) has been a useful theoretical concept for more than fifty years of theory, modelling, and calculations. Some exact results are revisited in incompressible HIT, with special emphasis on the 4/5 Kolmogorov law. The finite Reynolds number effect (FRN), which yields corrections to that law, is investigated, using both Kármán–Howarth-type equations and a statistical spectral closure of the Eddy-Damped Quasi-Normal Markovian (EDQNM)-type. This discussion offers an opportunity to give an extended review of such spectral closures, from weak turbulence, as in wave turbulence theory, to a strong one. Extensions of the 4/5 or 4/3 Kolmogorov/Monin laws to anisotropic cases, such as stably stratified and MHD turbulence, are briefly touched on. Before addressing more recent work on compressible isotropic turbulence, the simplest case of quasi-incompressible turbulence subjected to externally imposed isotropic compression or dilatation is presented. Rapid distortion theory is found to be a poor model in this isotropic case, in contrast with its relevance in strongly anisotropic flow cases. Accordingly, a fully nonlinear approach based on a rescaling of all fluctuating variables is used, in order to show its interplay with the linear operator. This opens the discussion on the cases of homogeneous incompressible turbulence, where RDT and nonlinear models are relevant, provided that anisotropy is accounted for. Finally, isotropic compressible flows of increasing complexity are considered. Recent studies using weak turbulence theory, modelling, and DNS are discussed. A final unpublished study involves interactions between the solenoidal mode, inherited from incompressible turbulence, and the acoustic and entropic modes, which are specific to the compressible problem. An approach to acoustic wave turbulence, with resonant triads, is revisited on this occasion.