bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic resistomes and microbial communities in biosolid fertilizers collected from two Canadian wastewater treatment plants in a 10-years interval-potential risks to food chains?
Authors: Kang Mingsong , Naushad Sohail , Hartke Allison , Firth Isaac , Madey Ewa , Ogunremi Dele , Huang Hongsheng
Published: September 2022

Dissemination of microorganisms with antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) through the food chain has been recognized as a growing public health concern worldwide. Biosolids, a product of wastewater treatment process, have been used as fertilizers in agriculture globally and have also been considered as a potential source of pathogens and ARGs for horizontal transfer across various environments. This study characterized antibiotic resistomes and microbiota in 24 biosolids samples collected from two Canadian waste water treatment plants in different cities in 2009 and 2019. The ARGs were detected using a qPCR array kit, and microbiota was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. Furthermore, correlation analysis of ARG abundance and bacterial genera abundance was explored to predict potential hosts of ARGs. Seventy-one of 84 ARGs were detected in at least one or more samples with 12 ARGs being detected in all samples. Antibiotic resistomes did not show a statistically significant distinction between different collection years, sites, or year and site combined in principle coordinate analysis. The microbiota communities were significantly different between samples collected in different years, sites, or year and site combined. In total 34 phyla were detected with 13 genera among the top three phyla were typically related to the human gut microbiota and seven of them showing strong correlation with ARGs related to aminoglycoside and beta-lactam resistance. This study provides valuable baseline information and consistent trend on ARGs and bacterial communities in biosolid fertilizers in Canada, indicating that the biosolid fertilizer could potentially be a source of ARGs in the agricultural soils and may leading to potential contamination of plant-based food chains.
Effects of aflatoxin B1 on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in ISA chicks
Authors: Hou Lele , Qiu Huiling , Li Anping , Dong Jihong , Zhu Lianqin , Liu Guowen , Chen Fu
Published: September 2022

The research evaluated the effects of Aflatoxin B1 on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in ISA chicks. In total, 240 7-day-old ISA chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups. The control group comprised chicks fed a basal diet. The aflatoxin (AFB1)-treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3) comprised chicks fed the basal diet supplemented with AFB1 at concentrations of 5, 8, and 10 μg/kg, respectively. The growth performance, antioxidant status, immune responses, and pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in all groups were measured. In the T1 treatment group (receiving the lowest AFB1 dose), a reduction in the Newcastle disease virus antibody (NDV-Ab) titer, and increases in interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-6, and interferon γ (IFN-γ) mRNA levels were observed on days 21 and 42 (P < 0.05). Treatment with the higher AFB1 doses (groups T2 and T3) reduced the chicks' growth performance on days 21 and 42, measured as reductions in body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) compared with the control group. In the T2 and T3 groups, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG levels, and IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ levels were also lower than in the control group. On days 21 and 42, these two groups also showed increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, higher feed to gain ratio (F/G), and higher IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ mRNA levels than the control group (P < 0.05). The T2 and T3 groups also showed reduced T-AOC, NDV-Ab titer, IL-2 content, and GPx-1 mRNA levels on days 21 and 42 (P < 0.05), increased IL-6 and IFN-γ mRNA levels on day 21, and increased F/G and MDA content on day 42 (P < 0.05) compared with group (T1). Increased MDA content and IL-6 mRNA levels in the liver and ileum were observed in group T3 compared with group T2 on day 21, and lower IgM and IL-6 levels were observed on days 21 and 42 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our data showed that AFB1 exposure resulted in dose-dependent oxidative and inflammatory damage, immunosuppression, and a decline in the growth performance of chicks.
Special Issue: Stochastic Algorithms and Their Applications
Authors: Allassonnière Stéphanie
Published: September 2022

Stochastic algorithms are at the core of machine learning and artificial intelligence [...]
Response of Soil Microbial Community Composition and Diversity at Different Gradients of Grassland Degradation in Central Mongolia
Authors: Chao Lumeng , Ma Xiaodan , Tsetsegmaa Munkhzul , Zheng Yaxin , Qu Hanting , Dai Yuan , Li Jingpeng , Bao Yuying
Published: September 2022

Vegetation and soil microorganisms are important components of terrestrial ecosystems and play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning. However, little is known about the synergistic changes in soil microbial community with aboveground plants in grassland degradation and the role of the microbial community in the process of vegetation restoration succession. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of soil microbial communities and diversities in the different levels of grassland degradation using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing. The dominant bacteria phyla were: Actinobacteriota, 31.61–48.90%; Acidobacteriota, 7.19–21.73%; Chloroflexi, 9.08–19.09%; and Proteobacteria, 11.14–18.03%. While the dominant fungi phyla were: Ascomycota, 46.36–81.58%; Basidiomycota, 5.63–33.18%; and Mortierellomycota, 1.52–37.69%. Through RDA/CCA, the effects of environmental factors on the differences in the soil microbial community between different sites were interpreted. Results showed that the pH was the most critical factor affecting soil microbial communities in seriously degraded grassland; nevertheless, soil microbial communities in non-degraded grassland and less degraded grasslands were mainly affected by the soil moisture content and soil enzyme activities (sucrase activity, alkaline phosphatase activity and catalase activity). We systematically demonstrated the soil microbial communities of different grassland degradation gradients in Mongolia, which provided valuable information for grassland degradation reduction and vegetation restoration succession.
Association of Milk Somatic Cell Count with Bacteriological Cure of Intramammary Infection—A Review
Authors: Williamson Jenna , Callaway Todd , Rollin Emmanuel , Ryman Valerie
Published: September 2022

Mastitis is a costly disease in dairy cattle as a result of decreased milk production, discarded milk, and other economic drivers such as treatment costs. Although it can be costly, effective antibiotic therapy is useful to ensure the health and productivity of dairy cattle. Antibiotic usage to treat mastitis can be implemented after diagnosis based upon detection of increased milk somatic cell counts (SCC). Previous work demonstrated antibiotic treatment tends to be more effective when milk SCC are lower prior to treatment. An approach to increasing the cure rates of mastitis may be evaluating milk SCC prior to administering treatment. In order to investigate this potential tool, an effective and reliable method to enumerate SCC is critical. In this review, we (a) dissect the different definitions of cure, (b) review the methods available for enumerating SCC, and (c) discuss factors that are associated with intramammary infection cure with an emphasis on SCC.
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Costs of Reduced Nitrogen Fertilizer
Authors: Meyer-Aurich Andreas , Karatay Yusuf Nadi
Published: September 2022

The reduction of nitrogen (N) fertilizer use is a possible greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation option, whereas cost estimation highly depends on assumptions of the yield response function. This paper analyzes the potential and range of GHG mitigation costs with reduced N fertilizer application based on empirical yield response data for winter rye (Secale cereale L.) and rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) from field experiments from 2013 to 2020 in Brandenburg, Germany. The field experiments included four to five N rates as mineral fertilizer treatments. Three different functional forms (linear-plateau, quadratic, and quadratic-plateau) were estimated to model yield response as a function of N supply. Economic calculations were based on relevant price–cost ratios. The results indicate that the opportunity costs of applying less fertilizer and the resulting GHG mitigation thereof vary in a great range across the years and crops estimated by different yield response functions. The linear-plateau function predominantly results in lower GHG mitigation costs than the quadratic and the quadratic-plateau function. On average, over eight years, a moderate reduction of N fertilizer (up to 20 kg/ha) offers a cost-efficient option for mitigating GHG emissions below EUR 50 per ton of CO2eq, even resulting in net profit gain in some cases.
Routes Determine Results? Comparing the Performance of Differentiated Farmland Conservation Policies in China Based on Farmers’ Perceptions
Authors: Song Min , Ji Yuxin , Zhu Mingdi , Yue Junji , Yi Luping
Published: September 2022

Revealing the performance of farmland conservation policies that use different types of policy instruments can provide a basis for optimizing such policies. Based on farmers’ perceptions of farmland conservation policies, this paper conducted an empirical analysis using data on 986 rural households which were collected from seven towns/districts in three provinces of China. More specifically, this paper first uses propensity score matching to analyze the impact of the comprehensive application of economic incentive and command-and-control policy instruments on farmland conservation. Then, it explores the differences between the effects of local economic incentive farmland conservation policies (FCP-LE) that employed different policy instruments. Finally, the factors affecting farmers’ perceptions of FCP-LE performance were identified. The results show that the combination of economic incentives and command-and-control policy instruments significantly improved the performance of farmland conservation policies. Furthermore, after comparing FCP-LE with payments to rural communities in the form of monetary compensation only, it is evident that a combination of FCP-LE with payments to farmers and integrated monetary compensation and social security subsidies yields better farmland conservation. Additionally, there are differences between the factors affecting farmers’ perceptions of FCP-LE performance in different areas. Our findings aim to help encourage more areas to develop diversified local incentive policies in order to conserve farmland.
Robot Path Planning Navigation for Dense Planting Red Jujube Orchards Based on the Joint Improved A* and DWA Algorithms under Laser SLAM
Authors: Li Yufeng , Li Jingbin , Zhou Wenhao , Yao Qingwang , Nie Jing , Qi Xiaochen
Published: September 2022

High precision navigation along specific paths is required for plant protection operations in dwarf and densely planted jujube orchards in southern Xinjiang. This study proposes a robotic path planning and navigation method for dense planting of red jujube orchards based on the improved A* and dynamic window approach (DWA) algorithms using Laser Radar to build maps. First, kinematic and physical robot simulation models are established; a map of the densely planted jujube orchard is constructed using Laser Radar. The robot’s position on the constructed map is described using an adaptive Monte Carlo positioning algorithm. Second, a combination of the improved A* and DWA algorithms is used to implement global and real-time local path planning; an evaluation function is used for path optimisation. The proposed path planning algorithm can accurately determine the robot’s navigation paths, with the average error U, average linear path displacement error, and L-shaped navigation being 2.69, 2.47, and 2.68 cm, respectively. A comparison experiment is set up in the specific path navigation section. The experimental results show that the improved fusion algorithm reduces the average navigation positioning deviation by 0.91cm and 0.54 cm when navigating L and U-shaped specific paths. The improved fusion algorithm is superior to the traditional fusion algorithm in navigation accuracy and navigation stability. It can improve the navigation accuracy of the dense planting jujube garden and provide a reference method for the navigation of the plant protection operation in the densely planted jujube orchards.
Sustainable Management of Invasive Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Kumar Revappa Mohan , Gadratagi Basana-Gowda , Paramesh Venkatesh , Kumar Parveen , Madivalar Yamanura , Narayanappa Nagesha , Ullah Farman
Published: September 2022

The fall armyworm of maize, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) is capable of causing a 100% yield loss due to its unforeseen occurrence from the seedling to the cob formation stage. To manage this serious pest, maize growers are tending to apply a high dosage of pesticides. This indiscriminate usage of pesticides has resulted in an unacceptable amount of insect resurgence in maize, harming maize production and consumption. In this review, we prepared a list of practical pest management options, including host plant resistance, agronomical, cultural, biological, botanical, chemical, and biotechnology approaches. It was found that cultivation of tolerant genotypes, adjusting sowing windows, and practicing specific intercultural and cropping systems measures in addition to chemical and non-chemical pest management strategies showed encouraging results for sustainable management of fall armyworm, which could protect the crop. This review highlights novel and successful management options advocated in various parts of the world. Recommendations documented in this paper would certainly pave the way for successful management of fall armyworm in maize and other concerned crops.
Physiological, Anatomical, and Agronomic Responses of Cucurbita pepo to Exogenously Sprayed Potassium Silicate at Different Concentrations under Varying Water Regimes
Authors: Azab Enas S. , Alshallash Khalid S. , Alqahtani Mesfer M. , Safhi Fatmah A. , ALshamrani Salha M. , Ali Mohamed A. M. , El-Mageed Taia A. Abd , El-Taher Ahmed M.
Published: September 2022

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses that devastatingly impact squash development, growth, and productivity. Potassium silicate can attenuate the injuries caused by water stress. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the influence of three concentrations of potassium silicate; 10, 15, and 20 g/L on squash plants versus untreated control under three irrigation regimes; 100, 75, and 50% of estimated crop evapotranspiration (ET). The obtained results indicated that moderate (75% ET) or severe (50% ET) drought stress conditions gradually declined photosynthetic pigments, relative water content (RWC), mineral content, physiological parameters, and anatomical characteristics. These deleterious impacts were reflected on all growth and yield traits, i.e., plant height, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot, and fruit yield. On the other hand, the antioxidant enzyme activities; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) significantly increased under severe drought stress at 50% ET followed by 75% ET. However, all evaluated exogenous applications of potassium silicate substantially enhanced photosynthetic pigments, RWC, N, P, and K content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and anatomical characters (periderm thickness, cortex thickness, midrib thickness, mesophyll thickness, number of xylem vessels per main vascular bundle, thickness of vascular bundle, thickness of collenchymatous tissue and upper epidermis, and thickness of collenchymatous tissue and lower epidermis). These desirable impacts were reflected in enhancing all growth and yield parameters. Conclusively, this study alludes that the exogenously applied of potassium silicate, particularly at 20 g/L, can alleviate the deleterious effects of drought stress and enhance the growth and productivity of squash plants, especially in arid environments.
An Inverse Kinematics Solution for a Series-Parallel Hybrid Banana-Harvesting Robot Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Lin Guichao , Huang Peichen , Wang Minglong , Xu Yao , Zhang Rihong , Zhu Lixue
Published: September 2022

A series-parallel hybrid banana-harvesting robot was previously developed to pick bananas, with inverse kinematics intractable to an address. This paper investigates a deep reinforcement learning-based inverse kinematics solution to guide the banana-harvesting robot toward a specified target. Because deep reinforcement learning algorithms always struggle to explore huge robot workspaces, a practical technique called automatic goal generation is first developed. This draws random targets from a dynamic uniform distribution with increasing randomness to facilitate deep reinforcement learning algorithms to explore the entire robot workspace. Then, automatic goal generation is applied to a state-of-the-art deep reinforcement learning algorithm, the twin-delayed deep deterministic policy gradient, to learn an effective inverse kinematics solution. Simulation experiments show that with automatic goal generation, the twin-delayed deep deterministic policy gradient solved the inverse kinematics problem with a success rate of 96.1% and an average running time of 23.8 milliseconds; without automatic goal generation, the success rate was just 81.2%. Field experiments show that the proposed method successfully guided the robot to approach all targets. These demonstrate that automatic goal generation enables deep reinforcement learning to effectively explore the robot workspace and to learn a robust and efficient inverse kinematics policy, which can, therefore, be applied to the developed series-parallel hybrid banana-harvesting robot.
Design of the Mechanical Structure of a Field-Based Crop Phenotyping Platform and Tests of the Platform
Authors: Yuan Huali , Liu Yiming , Song Minghan , Zhu Yan , Cao Weixing , Jiang Xiaoping , Ni Jun
Published: September 2022

The field mobile platform is an important tool for high-throughput phenotype monitoring. To overcome problems in existing field-based crop phenotyping platforms, including limited application scope and low stability, a rolling adjustment method for the wheel tread was proposed. A self-propelled three-wheeled field-based crop phenotyping platform with variable wheel tread and height above ground was developed, which enabled phenotypic information of different dry crops in different development stages. A three-dimensional model of the platform was established using Pro/E; ANSYS and ADAMS were used for static and dynamic performance. Results show that when running on flat ground, the platform has a vibration acceleration lower than 0.5 m/s2. When climbing over an obstacle with a height of 100 mm, the vibration amplitude of the platform is 88.7 mm. The climbing angle is not less than 15°. Field tests imply that the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the ratio vegetation index (RVI) of a canopy measured using crop growth sensors mounted on the above platform show favorable linear correlations with those measured using a handheld analytical spectral device (ASD). Their R2 values are 0.6052 and 0.6093 and root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) are 0.0487 and 0.1521, respectively. The field-based crop phenotyping platform provides a carrier for high-throughput acquisition of crop phenotypic information.
Spatial Changes in Glomalin-Related Soil Protein and Their Correlation with Soil Properties in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Cao Qingjun , Yang Wenying , Zhu Xiancan
Published: September 2022

Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), soil nutrients, and soil enzyme activities are closely related to soil fertility and land productivity, which play an important role in indicating soil quality. Little is known about the spatial variation in GRSP and its relationship with edaphic factors. Here, the spatial distribution of GRSP, soil chemical properties, and the soil enzyme activities of 0–20 cm depth farmland soil in the black soil region of northeast China were investigated, and the relationships among edaphic factors were analyzed collected from 41 sampling sites. The results indicate that GRSP, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and acid phosphatase activities showed significant patterns of spatial variation, generally decreasing from north to south along a latitudinal gradient. Principal component analysis revealed that total GRSP (by 80.19%) and soil organic matter content (by 80.15%) were the greatest contributing factors accounting for the variations. Edaphic factors such as soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and acid phosphatase were significantly positively correlated with GRSP, while urease was negatively correlated with GRSP. Mantel tests also showed that soil organic matter, total nitrogen, urease, and acid phosphatase were positively correlated with GRSP. The results reflect the soil fertility characteristics of the black soil region of northeast China and reveal the relationship among edaphic factors. These findings could be used to inform agricultural production and provide new insight into the role of GRSP in soil quality.
Effects of Low Temperature on Antioxidant and Heat Shock Protein Expression Profiles and Transcriptomic Responses in Crayfish (Cherax destructor)
Authors: Yang Ying , Xu Wenyue , Jiang Qichen , Ye Yucong , Tian Jiangtao , Huang Yingying , Du Xinglin , Li Yiming , Zhao Yunlong , Liu Zhiquan
Published: September 2022

Low temperature is a critical factor restricting the growth and survival of aquatic animals, but research on the mechanism of response to low temperature in Cherax destructor is limited. C. destructor is one of the most important freshwater crustaceans with strong adaptability in Australia, and it has been commercialized gradually in recent years. Here, growth indicators, antioxidant parameters, anti-stress gene expression, and transcriptome sequencing were used on crayfish following 8 weeks of low-temperature acclimation. The results showed that weight gain, length gain, and molting rates decreased as the temperature decreased. The activity of antioxidant enzymes decreased, while the content of antioxidant substances and the expression of anti-stress genes increased. Transcriptome sequencing identified 589 differentially expressed genes, 279 of which were upregulated and 310 downregulated. The gene functions and pathways for endocrine disorders, glucose metabolism, antioxidant defense, and immune responses were identified. In conclusion, although low-temperature acclimation inhibited the basal metabolism and immune ability of crayfish, it also increased the antioxidant substance content and anti-stress-gene expression to protect the organism from low-temperature damage. This study provided molecular insights into the study of low-temperature responses of low-temperature-tolerant crustacean species.
Investigation of Antioxidant Synergisms and Antagonisms among Phenolic Acids in the Model Matrices Using FRAP and ORAC Methods
Authors: Skroza Danijela , Šimat Vida , Vrdoljak Lucija , Jolić Nina , Skelin Anica , Čagalj Martina , Frleta Roberta , Generalić Mekinić Ivana
Published: September 2022

The total antioxidant potential of a sample cannot be predicted from the antioxidant activity of its compounds; thus, scientists usually explain the overall activity through their combined effects (synergistic, antagonistic, or additive). Phenolic compounds are one of the most powerful and widely investigated antioxidants, but there is a lack of information about their molecular interactions. This study aimed to investigate the individual and combined antioxidant activity of equimolar mixtures (binary, ternary, quaternary, and quinary) of 10 phenolic acids (protocatechuic, gentisic, gallic, vanillic, syringic, p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, sinapic, and rosmarinic acid) at different concentrations using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Gallic acid showed the highest antioxidant activity, determined using the FRAP assay (494–5033 µM Fe2+) and rosmarinic acid with the ORAC assay (50–92 µM Trolox Equivalents (TE)), while the lowest antioxidant potential was observed for p-coumaric acid (FRAP 24–113 µM Fe2+ and ORAC 20–33 µM TE). The synergistic effect (by FRAP) in the equimolar mixtures of hydroxybenzoic acids was confirmed for a large number of tested mixtures, especially at low concentrations. All mixtures containing gentisic acid showed a synergistic effect (28–89% difference). Using the ORAC method, only two mixtures of hydroxybenzoic acids showed an antagonistic effect, namely a mixture of gentisic + syringic acids (−24% difference) and gallic + vanillic acids (−30% difference), while all other mixtures showed a synergistic effect in a range of 26–236% difference. Among mixtures of hydroxycinnamic acids, the highest synergistic effect was observed for the mixtures of p-coumaric + ferulic acids and caffeic + sinapic acids with differences of 311% and 211%, respectively. The overall antioxidant activity of phenolic acids could be explained by the number or position of hydroxyl and/or methoxy functional groups as well as the compound concentration, but the influence of other parameters such as dissociation, intramolecular hydrogen bonds, and electron donating or withdrawing effect should not be neglected.
Genome-Scale CRISPR Knockout Screening Identifies BACH1 as a Key Regulator of Aflatoxin B1-Induced Oxidative Damage
Authors: Zhang Jinfu , Hu Siyi , Zhao Changzhi , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Lu , Liu Hailong , Zhou Peng , Li Sheng , Fu Liangliang , Zheng Zhuqing , Xiang Yue , Xu Xuewen , Ruan Jinxue , Li Xinyun , Sun Lvhui , Cao Gang , Zhao Shuhong , Wang Xu , Xie Shengsong
Published: September 2022

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is amongst the mycotoxins commonly affecting human and animal health, raising global food safety and control concerns. The mechanisms underlying AFB1 toxicity are poorly understood. Moreover, antidotes against AFB1 are lacking. Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screening in porcine kidney cells identified the transcription factor BTB and CNC homolog 1 (BACH1) as a gene required for AFB1 toxicity. The inhibition of BACH1 expression in porcine kidney cells and human hepatoma cells resulted in increased resistance to AFB1. BACH1 depletion attenuates AFB1-induced oxidative damage via the upregulation of antioxidant genes. Subsequently, virtual structural screening identified the small molecule 1-Piperazineethanol, α-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yloxy)methyl] -4-(2-methoxyphenyl) (M2) as an inhibitor of BACH1. M2 and its analogues inhibited AFB1-induced porcine and human cell death in vitro, while M2 administration significantly improved AFB1-induced symptoms of weight loss and liver injury in vivo. These findings demonstrate that BACH1 plays a central role in AFB1-induced oxidative damage by regulating antioxidant gene expression. We also present a potent candidate small-molecule inhibitor in developing novel treatments for AFB1 toxicity.
The Catalase KatA Contributes to Microaerophilic H2O2 Priming to Acquire an Improved Oxidative Stress Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Linzner Nico , Loi Vu Van , Antelmann Haike
Published: September 2022

Staphylococcus aureus has to cope with oxidative stress during infections. In this study, S. aureus was found to be resistant to 100 mM H2O2 during aerobic growth. While KatA was essential for this high aerobic H2O2 resistance, the peroxiredoxin AhpC contributed to detoxification of 0.4 mM H2O2 in the absence of KatA. In addition, the peroxiredoxins AhpC, Tpx and Bcp were found to be required for detoxification of cumene hydroperoxide (CHP). The high H2O2 tolerance of aerobic S. aureus cells was associated with priming by endogenous H2O2 levels, which was supported by an oxidative shift of the bacillithiol redox potential to −291 mV compared to −310 mV in microaerophilic cells. In contrast, S. aureus could be primed by sub-lethal doses of 100 µM H2O2 during microaerophilic growth to acquire an improved resistance towards the otherwise lethal triggering stimulus of 10 mM H2O2. This microaerophilic priming was dependent on increased KatA activity, whereas aerobic cells showed constitutive high KatA activity. Thus, KatA contributes to the high H2O2 resistance of aerobic cells and to microaerophilic H2O2 priming in order to survive the subsequent lethal triggering doses of H2O2, allowing the adaptation of S. aureus under infections to different oxygen environments.
Ship Shaft Frequency Extraction Based on Improved Stacked Sparse Denoising Auto-Encoder Network
Authors: Ni Junshuai , Zhao Mei , Hu Changqing , Lv Guotao , Guo Zheng
Published: September 2022

The modulation spectrum of ship radiated noise contains information on shaft frequency, which is an important feature used to identify ships and a key parameter involved in calculating the number of propeller blades. To improve the shaft frequency extraction accuracy, a ship shaft frequency extraction method based on an improved stacked sparse denoising auto-encoder network (SSDAE) is proposed. Firstly, the mathematical model of the ship radiated noise modulation spectrum is built and data simulation is carried out based on this model, combined with the actual ship parameters. Secondly, we trained the SSDAE model using the simulation data and made slight adjustments to this model by using both simulation and measured data to improve it. Finally, the experimental ship modulation spectrum information was input to the SSDAE model for denoising, enhancement, and regression estimation. Accordingly, the shaft frequency was extracted. The simulation and experimental results show that the shaft frequency extraction method based on the improved SSDAE model has high accuracy and good robustness, especially under the conditions of both missing line spectra and noise interference.
A Reversible Hydropump–Turbine System
Authors: Esquivel-Sancho Luis Miguel , Muñoz-Arias Mauricio , Phillips-Brenes Hayden , Pereira-Arroyo Roberto
Published: September 2022

Water-pumped storage systems have become an ideal alternative to regulate the intermittent power delivered by renewable energy sources. For small-scale operations, a type of centrifugal pump coupled to asynchronous machines represents an adequate solution due to their techno-economic feasibility in addition to their ability to operate as reversible systems. This work provides a novel port-Hamiltonian modelling approach to an integrated reversible hydropump–turbine system, that can be switched from motor pump to turbine-generator by employing a conventional hydraulic switch. Our modelling strategy provides a clear physical interpretation of the energy flow from the mechanical to electrical domains. Then, the model was built with multi-domain storing and dissipating elements and the interconnection of well-defined input–output port pairs. The system’s internal energy, i.e., Hamiltonian function, can be exploited for energy-shaping control strategies. The performance of our modelling approach is validated via numerical simulations.
Microstructure, Flexural Strength, and Fracture Toughness Comparison between CAD/CAM Milled and 3D-Printed Zirconia Ceramics
Authors: Kim Min-Su , Hong Min-Ho , Min Bong-Ki , Kim Young-Kyung , Shin Hyun-Jun , Kwon Tae-Yub
Published: September 2022

The present study comprehensively compared the microstructure, flexural strength, and fracture toughness of zirconia ceramics prepared via two different methods, subtractive milling (SM) and stereolithography (SLA). Disc- or rectangular-shaped zirconia specimens (Prettau (SM) and 3DMix Zirconia (SLA)) were prepared following each manufacturer’s instructions and polished. The microstructures of the two different zirconia specimens were studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electron backscattered diffractometry. The flexural strength and fracture toughness based on the indentation fracture method were measured for the two different zirconia ceramics. A greater number of small pores and smaller grains were found in the SLA specimen than in the SM specimen. The crystal structure and microstructure analysis revealed that both ceramics had a similar phase composition to each other. No significant differences in flexural strength (p = 0.242) or fracture toughness (p = 0.101) were detected between the two ceramics. The mean flexural strength of the SLA-fabricated zirconia as well as the SM zirconia satisfied the class 5 criteria (>800 MPa) in the ISO 6872 standard.
Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Efficacy and Mechanism of Lonicera japonica Thunberg
Authors: Park Sang Jun , Kim Mi Hye , Yang Woong Mo
Published: September 2022

Network pharmacology is an emerging method for investigating the potential effects and mechanisms of natural products through system-level analyses of gene sets in herbs. Lonicera japonica Thunberg (LJ) is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor and neuroprotective effects. In the present study, network pharmacological analysis was performed to assess the potential efficacy and mechanisms of LJ. First of all, constituents of LJ were gathered from public databases: the Oriental Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS) database, PubChem and the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database. Then, a network was constructed using Cytoscape3.8.2, which visualizes biomedical interactions, and a functional enrichment analysis was conducted to uncover the pathways most relevant to LJ through Enrichr based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Pathway 2021. Further, we performed a study of the literature to determine whether the results of our study were consistent with those of previous studies. The results showed that ‘Advanced glycation end products-Receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway in diabetic complications’ was the pathway most relevant to LJ, especially through ‘Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway’, ‘Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-Protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathway’ and ‘Janus kinase-Signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway’. Based on the literature study, LJ showed relevance to MAPK, PI3K-AKT and JAK-STAT and was associated with therapeutic effects on diabetes and diabetic complications. This study shows that network pharmacology can be a suitable approach for analyzing LJ and suggests the potential efficacy and mechanisms of LJ.
Experimental Comparison of the Single-Event Effects of Single-Photon and Two-Photon Absorption under a Pulsed Laser
Authors: An Heng , Li Detian , Wen Xuan , Yang Shengsheng , Zhang Chenguang , Wang Jun , Cao Zhou
Published: September 2022

The pulsed laser has gradually become the standard method of studying the single-event effects of micro-nano devices, and it is a powerful supplement to heavy ion experiments on single-event effects. In particular, with the continuous improvement of the technological range and operating frequency of electronic devices, the femtosecond pulse laser has the potential for broad applications and practical value in the single-event effects testing and radiation hardness evaluations of devices. The single-event effects of single-photon and two-photon absorption were studied with a laser of 1064 nm and 1260 nm, and the influences of SPA (single-photon absorption) and TPA (two-photon absorption) on the single-event transient voltage under different pulse laser energies were analyzed. The test results of the TPA SEE (single-event effect) were basically consistent with those of the SPA SEE, and the trend of the change in the transient voltage pulse was consistent. These results lay a foundation for the application of the femtosecond pulse laser in the performance evaluation and screening of space electronic devices and the radiation hardness evaluation of satellite electronic systems.
Resistance to Fatigue in Asphalts Used in Military Airports of the Brazilian Amazon through the Use of Nickel-Holding Ash
Authors: Navarrete Carlos , Guimarães Antonio Carlos Rodrigues , Marques Maria Esther Soares , Castro Carmen Dias , Toulkeridis Theofilos
Published: September 2022

The current study presents the evaluation of the mechanical behavior of an asphalt mixture using the alternative aggregate boiler coke ash, an element that originates in nickel processing. Hereby, we have focused the research on the runways for military purposes, which marks a great difference to the existing commercial runways in the Western Brazilian Amazon. This area suffers extreme heat, with temperatures oscillating up to 80 °C on the corresponding asphalts. This leads to deformations that are the main aim of the present investigation and the main consideration of fatigue damage. The main property of the alternative aggregate, whose granulometry composes the fine elements of the asphalt mix, is the pozzolanity that acts as a cement in the putty of the mix. Based on our experimental approaches, there is a significant improvement in the results of the tests standardized by DNIT, ABNT and DIRENG, allowing the technical and economic evaluation of the used mixture. Another fundamental aspect is the reduction of the volume of waste disposed of in nickel processing plants in Brazil.
Analysis of Risk Factors of Oral Cancer and Periodontitis from a Sex- and Gender-Related Perspective: Gender Dentistry
Authors: Di Spirito Federica , Amato Alessandra , Romano Antonio , Dipalma Gianna , Xhajanka Edit , Baroni Adone , Serpico Rosario , Inchingolo Francesco , Contaldo Maria
Published: September 2022

Gender-specific medicine studies how sexual biology and gender-related cultural and behavioral differences may influence a person’s health and considers the differences in clinical features, prevention, therapies, prognosis, and psycho-social aspects of diseases with different impacts on women and men. The present work summarizes the main differential impact each risk factor for oral cancer and periodontitis has according to biological sex- and gender-oriented differences. It resulted in differences in epidemiology and the weight of various healthy determinants that may influence the incidence and prognosis of oral cancer and periodontitis. It is desirable to change the methodology of scientific studies with a higher focus on the weight that sexual variables may have on the well-being or the probability of getting ill of each person, thus promoting the development and diffusion of personalized gender dentistry.
Sustainable Approach of Generating Water and Energy: Techno-Economic Analysis of a Hybrid Solar Photoactive Thermal System Coupled with Direct Contact Membrane Distillation for Water Purification and Electricity Generation
Authors: Almehmadi Fahad Awjah , Najib Abdullah , Ali Emad , Al-Ansary Hany , Orfi Jamel
Published: September 2022

Cogeneration of energy and clean water by incorporating direct contact membrane desalination (DCMD) and photovoltaic hybrid thermal system (PVT) into a residential building is a promising technology for addressing water and energy shortage in distant places. In this study, a microgrid integration between PVT, DCMD, and a residential building is proposed, with an end goal to meet partial electric load in the building and provide a clean water supply. A mathematical model was developed and validated to assess the system’s performance. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and optimization techniques have been used. The performance of the proposed system was studied under the meteorological conditions of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and under several design and operation parameters. The optimal performance of the system is found as functions of the inlet brackish water temperature to the PVT, capital and installation cost, and the desired water productivity. Results reveal that the specific cost of water (SCW) is 23.6 $/m3 achieved with a renewable energy penetration of 25%, depending on the cost of PVT and electricity price. Thus, the proposed system meets 25% of the electric demand for the residential building, while the rest is imported from the grid. In addition, the proposed system reduced the annual greenhouse gas emission by 4300 kg for a single building. This study will contribute to a better understanding of incorporating innovative clean energy and water systems such as PVT and DCMD into a residential house.
Empirical Attenuation Law for Air Blast Waves Due to the Detonation of Explosives Outdoors
Authors: Marín Juan Andrés , Rodríguez Rafael , Díaz María B. , Antón Saray
Published: September 2022

The detonation of explosives in the open air was studied, analyzing different amounts of explosives detonated at different distances, monitoring the overpressure or air blast wave generated with the aim of determining a model, which allows to establish safety zones. A series of tests measuring the air wave with different loads and sensors placed at various distances from the origin of the explosion were carried out. The work was focused on designing full-scale trials that allowed to develop a predictive empirical method based on the calculation model of the equivalent mass of TNT. A total of 18 different gelatinous dynamite charges, placing the sensor at six different distances from the origin of the explosion, produced a total of 90 tests measuring the air wave produced by the detonation of gelatinous dynamite. Later, the outdoor detonation of 10 TNT explosive charges was analyzed to extend the model and improve its scope. With all this, it has been possible to develop a predictive model that allows assessing the overpressure generated by the detonation of a TNT-equivalent explosive charge. The results are useful to predict the air blast wave in common open-air blasts, such as those carried out with shaped charges to demolish metallic structures. On the other hand, the results are also useful to determine the air blast wave overpressure in the case of large explosive charges detonated in the open air, such as accidental explosive detonation or terrorist bombs. It is important to point out the relevance of the results achieved after the detonation of large explosive charges (more than 80 kg) simulating a type of bomb frequently used by terrorists. Reproducing the explosion on a real scale, the results are fully representative of the overpressure produced by an explosion of these characteristics without the need of extrapolating the results of tests with small loads. In addition, the detonation was carried out with TNT, which can serve as a standard to compare with any other type of explosive.
Shear Characteristics of Soil—Concrete Structure Interaction Interfaces
Authors: Li Dejie , Shi Chong , Ruan Huaining , Li Bingyi
Published: September 2022

The shear characteristics of the interfaces between soil and concrete structures are essential for the safety of the structures. In this study, a large-scale direct shear test apparatus was developed to measure the mechanical parameters of soil–concrete interfaces under conditions with different soil types, soil moisture contents, and interfacial filling materials. The results showed that the shear stress of the soil–concrete interface increased initially and then became stable with the increase in the shear displacement. The shear displacement of the sandy soil when the shear stress became stable was smaller than that of the clayey soil. The silty sand–concrete interface had a smaller friction angle than the interface with the medium-coarse sand. Moreover, with the increase in the soil moisture content, the friction angle of the clayey soil–concrete interface decreased rapidly, whereas the cohesion first increased and then decreased, and the peak cohesion was near the plastic limit of the soil. Under the same moisture content, the friction angle and cohesion of the clay–concrete interface was reduced by filling the interface with a thin layer of sandy soil, while filling the silty sand–concrete interface with a thin layer of silt reduced the friction angle and increased the interfacial cohesion. Nonetheless, the filling had little impact on the overall shear strength of the interface.
A General Calibration Method for Dual-PTZ Cameras Based on Feedback Parameters
Authors: Mao Kang , Xu Youchun , Wang Rendong , Pan Shiju
Published: September 2022

With the increasing application of dual-PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras in intelligent unmanned systems, research regarding their calibration methods is becoming more and more important. The intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of dual-PTZ cameras continuously change during rotation and zoom, resulting in difficulties in obtaining precise calibration. Here, we propose a general calibration method for dual-PTZ cameras with variable focal length and posture under the following conditions: the optical center of the camera does not coincide with the horizontal and pitch rotation axes, and the horizontal and pitch rotation axes are not perpendicular to each other. We establish a relationship between the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters and the feedback parameters (pan, tilt, zoom value) of dual-PTZ cameras by fitting and calculating previous calibration results acquired at specific angles and zoom values using Zhang’s calibration method. Subsequently, we derive the intrinsic and extrinsic parameter calculation formula at arbitrary focal length and posture based on the camera’s feedback parameters. The experimental results show that intrinsic and extrinsic parameters computed using the proposed method can better meet precision requirements compared with the ground truth calibrated using Zhang’s method. The average focal length error is less than 4%, the cosine similarity of the rotation matrix between the left and right cameras is more than 99.8%, the translation vector error is less than 1%, and the recalculated Euler angle errors are less than 1 degree. Our work can quickly and accurately obtain intrinsic and extrinsic parameters during the use of the dual-PTZ camera.
Surfactin Bacterial Antiviral Lipopeptide Blocks In Vitro Replication of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Crovella Sergio , de Freitas Lucas Carvalho , Zupin Luisa , Fontana Francesco , Ruscio Maurizio , Pena Elton Pedro Nunes , Pinheiro Irapuan Oliveira , Calsa Junior Tercilio
Published: September 2022

Despite great efforts have been made worldwide, the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) still has not a definitive cure, although the availability of different vaccines are slowing down the transmission and severity. It has been shown that surfactin, a cyclic lipopeptide produced by Bacillus subtilis, is a molecule able to counteract both SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and HCoV-229E coronaviruses. In this study the potential antiviral activity of surfactin against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was tested in vitro in a cellular model of infection. Our results show that 2 h treatment with surfactin is able to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectivity on Vero E6 cells both at 24 h and after 7 days from viral inoculation, probably impairing the viral membrane integrity. Moreover, surfactin, at the concentrations used in our experimental settings, is not cytotoxic. We suggest surfactin as a new potential molecule against SARS-CoV-2, to be employed at least as a disinfectant.