bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Control, and Testing of a Multifunctional Soft Robotic Gripper
Authors: Correia Ana , Charters Tiago , Leite Afonso , Campos Francisco , Monge Nuno , Rocha André , Mendes Mário J. G. C.
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes a multifunctional soft robotic gripper for a Dobot robot to handle sensitive products. The gripper is based on pneumatic network (PneuNet) bending actuators. In this study, two different models of PneuNet actuators have been studied, designed, simulated, experimentally tested, and validated using two different techniques (3D printing and molding) and three different materials: FilaFlex 60A (3D-printed), Elastosil M4601, and Dragonskin Fast 10 silicones (with molds). A new soft gripper design for the Dobot robot is presented, and a new design/production approach with molds is proposed to obtain the gripper’s PneuNet multifunctional actuators. It also describes a new control approach that is used to control the PneuNet actuators and gripper function, using compressed air generated by a small compressor/air pump, a pressure sensor, a mini valve, etc., and executing on a low-cost controller board—Arduino UNO. This paper presents the main simulation and experimental results of this research study.
A Lightweight, Simple-Structure, Low-Cost and Compliant Twisted String Actuator Featuring Continuously Variable Transmission
Authors: Xu Chanchan , Liu Tong , Dong Shuai , Wang Yucheng , Wang Xiaojie
Published: November 2024

Twisted string actuators, which are an emerging artificial muscle, efficiently convert rotary motor motion into linear load movement, with advantages like high transmission ratio, compliance, simple structure, and long-distance power transmission. However, the limited range of transmission ratio adjustment remains a challenge. Thus, this paper introduces a novel twisted string actuator design that automatically and continuously adjusts its transmission ratio in response to external loads. Utilizing lightweight hyperelastic slender rods, the twisted string actuator with continuously variable transmission achieves a simple, compact, and cost-effective design. By manipulating the distance between two twisted strings through rod deformation, the transmission ratio continuously adapts to varying load conditions. Mathematical models of the twisted string actuator with continuously variable transmission are derived and experimentally validated, demonstrating a 2.1-fold transmission ratio variation from 0.1 kg to 1.5 kg loads. Application in an anthropomorphic robot finger showcases a 6.2-fold transmission ratio change between unloaded and loaded states. Our twisted string actuator with continuously variable transmission offers unparalleled advantages in weight, cost, simplicity, compliance, and continuous transmission ratio adjustability, making it highly suitable for robotic systems.
Tillage Depth Detection and Control Based on Attitude Estimation and Online Calibration of Model Parameters
Authors: Zhu Yongyun , Cui Bingbo , Yu Zelong , Gao Yuanyuan , Wei Xinhua
Published: November 2024

Aiming at solving the problems of inaccurate tillage depth detection and unstable tillage depth control, this study proposes a tillage depth detection and control method based on attitude estimation and online calibration of model parameters. First, a tillage depth detection model based on the attitude measurement of the plow is established. The attitude estimation method is designed to measure the horizontal attitude of the plow. An adaptive Kalman filter is utilized to perform an online calibration of the model parameters between the rotation angle of the lifting arm and the pitch angle of the plow. The dynamic and accurate detection of tillage depth is achieved using the tillage depth detection model. Second, a tillage depth control device using an STM32 microcontroller is developed in this study. The PID controller controls the tractor’s suspension system to adjust the plow through the solenoid valve, thus achieving stable control of the tillage depth. Finally, the experimental results obtained from simulation and field tests show that the tillage depth can be stably controlled within the set target interval during the tractor plowing operation, proving the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed tillage depth detection and control method.
Establishment of Hairy Root Transformation System for Evaluating Stress-Tolerant Gene in Jojoba
Authors: Li Bojing , Wang Yan , Ma Wenguo , Bing Jie , Zhou Yijun , Gen Yuke , Gao Fei
Published: November 2024

Jojoba is an important tropical oil crop, and jojoba oil is widely used in the aerospace lubricant and cosmetic industries. Jojoba exhibits high tolerance to droughts and high temperatures. However, there is currently a lack of rapid and effective methods for identifying stress-tolerant genes in jojoba. Here, an efficient hairy root genetic transformation system of jojoba (Simmondisa chinensis) mediated by Agrobacterium rhizogenes was established and used for the functional evaluation of ScGolS1, a putative stress-tolerant gene. First, using the leaves of jojoba as explants, transgenic jojoba hairy roots carrying the RUBY gene were obtained under sterile conditions using the “soaking co-cultivation method”. Second, we optimized the four conditions affecting hairy root genetic transformations, namely, the strains of A. rhizogenes, co-cultivation under light or dark conditions, the infection time, and the OD600 value of the bacterial suspension. The following best transformation conditions were determined, A. rhizogenes K599, light during co-cultivation, an infection time of 10 min, and bacterial suspension OD600 = 0.6, under which the transformation rate could reach 27%. Third, based on the “soaking co-cultivation method”, a new method called the “wrapping co-cultivation method” was developed, which does not require tissue cultures and can induce transgenic hairy roots of jojoba in two months. Using the “wrapping co-cultivation method”, we successfully obtained transgenic hairy roots overexpressing the ScGolS1 gene, which exhibited higher tolerance to low-temperature stress. A hairy root-based genetic transformation system of jojoba will promote the functional genomics and molecular breeding of jojoba.
Precision Weed Management for Straw-Mulched Maize Field: Advanced Weed Detection and Targeted Spraying Based on Enhanced YOLO v5s
Authors: Wang Xiuhong , Wang Qingjie , Qiao Yichen , Zhang Xinyue , Lu Caiyun , Wang Chao
Published: November 2024

Straw mulching in conservation tillage farmland can effectively promote land utilization and conservation. However, in this farming mode, surface straw suppresses weed growth, affecting weed size and position distribution and obscuring the weeds, which hampers effective weed management in the field. Accurate weed identification and localization, along with efficient herbicide application, are crucial for achieving precise, efficient, and intelligent precision agriculture. To address these challenges, this study proposes a weed detection model for a targeted spraying system. Firstly, we collected the dataset of weeds in a straw-covered environment. Secondly, we proposed an improved YOLO v5s network, incorporating a Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM), FasterNet feature extraction network, and a loss function to optimize the network structure and training strategy. Thirdly, we designed a targeted spraying system by combining the proposed model with the targeted spraying device. Through model test and spraying experiments, the results demonstrated that while the model exhibited a 0.9% decrease in average detection accuracy for weeds, it achieved an 8.46% increase in detection speed, with model memory and computational load reduced by 50.36% and 53.16%, respectively. In the spraying experiments, the proposed method achieved a weed identification accuracy of 90%, a target localization error within 4%, an effective spraying rate of 96.3%, a missed spraying rate of 13.3%, and an erroneous spraying rate of 3.7%. These results confirm the robustness of the model and the feasibility of the targeted spraying method. This approach also promotes the application of deep learning algorithms in precision weed management within directional spraying systems.
Comparative Analysis of Physical and Engineering Properties of New Egyptian Paddy Rice (Giza 183) Adapted to Mitigate Effects of Climate Change
Authors: Almasoud Waleed A. , Abdel-Sattar Mahmoud , Abdelbary Doaa A. , Sedeek Saber , Aboukarima Abdulwahed M. , Eshra Dalia H. , Rihan Hail Z. , Yehia Mohamed E.
Published: November 2024

One of the major challenges for crop breeding scientists is climate change. Their task is to develop new crop varieties that can withstand this phenomenon. For this study, a new Egyptian paddy variety called Giza 183, which is designed to adapt to mitigate the effects of climate change, was chosen. We focused on examining the physical and engineering properties of this variety in order to design strategies for storage, handling, transportation, drying, parboiling, and processing equipment in rice mills. The goal was to minimize post-harvest losses during the milling process, thereby maximizing high-quality yields while reducing losses. The physical properties of the rice grains, such as the length, width, and thickness, were measured at an average moisture content of 13.7% ± 0.25% (wet basis). The results reveal that the mean values of length, width, and thickness averaged 7.50 mm, 3.18 mm, and 2.19 mm, respectively. Additionally, the geometric mean diameter, the equivalent mean diameter, surface area, arithmetic mean diameter, and volume were approximately 3.74 mm, 2.38 mm, 37.37 mm2, 4.29 mm, and 28.23 mm3, respectively. The mean of sphericity was 49.9%, and the grain shape (length/width) was 2.19. The true density was measured at 1218.28 kgm−3, while the bulk density was 572.17 kgm−3. The porosity was found to be 53.03%. Furthermore, the milling production rates for brown rice, hull, white rice, and broken rice were determined to be 76.83%, 23.15%, 67.97%, and 17.36%, respectively. The average weight of one thousand grains was 25.49 g. A linear regression model for describing the mass of rough rice grain was investigated. The mass was estimated with the single variable of the grain aspect ratio (width/length) with a determination coefficient of 0.9908. Information gained from the current study will be useful in designing post-harvest processing and storage structures in rice processing industries.
Tillage and Its Effect on Agricultural Soils: A Quality Index Approach
Authors: Negrete-Rodríguez María de la Luz Xochilt , Conde-Barajas Eloy , Silva-Martínez Guillermo Antonio , Acosta-García Gerardo , Ramírez-Medina Humberto , Tristán-Flores Fabiola Estefanía , Bedolla-Rivera Héctor Iván
Published: November 2024

The growing demand for quality food has intensified agricultural practices, thus deteriorating soil fertility. In response, reclamation techniques such as minimum, zero, or no tillage have been applied, especially in the Bajio region of the State of Guanajuato, Mexico. However, a reliable tool to evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques remains elusive. This study evaluated the effect of zero tillage and conventional tillage by developing a Soil Quality Index (SQI) from eight agricultural soils in the Bajio region. A set of 26 physicochemical indicators was used, reducing them by means of principal component analysis (PCA). Subsequently, the SQI methodology called “unified weighted” was applied. The resulting SQIu included key indicators such as C/N, SND, ESP, and Fe. Although significant differences in soil quality were observed among the samples tested, the SQIu was unable to discern soil quality under the different tillage schemes. This may be attributed to the limited application time of zero tillage, which might not be sufficient to achieve significant recovery of SQI indicators. Nevertheless, the SQIu could be useful as a monitoring tool to evaluate the progress of soil recovery under zero tillage, both in the studied area and in similar contexts at the national or international level.
Improved YOLOv7-Tiny for the Detection of Common Rice Leaf Diseases in Smart Agriculture
Authors: Guo Fuxu , Li Jing , Liu Xingcheng , Chen Sinuo , Zhang Hongze , Cao Yingli , Wei Songhong
Published: November 2024

Rapid and accurate detection of rice foliar diseases is essential for yield prediction and food security. This study proposes a multi-size rice leaf disease detection model, YOLOv7-tiny, for fast and accurate detection of rice leaf diseases. The MobileNetV3 lightweight network is introduced to replace the backbone network of YOLOv7-tiny, which reduces the size of the model parameters and improves the extraction capability of features of different sizes; the RCS-OSA is used to replace the original ELAN-1 module, which improves the extraction capability of interlayer features; the TSCODE detector head is designed to enhance the extraction capability of the model for small targets; and the MPDIoU loss function is used to improve the model’s convergence speed and effect. The experimental results show that the average accuracy of ofYOLOv7-TMRTM is 97.9%, and compared with the baseline YOLOv7-tiny model, the accuracy of leaf spot detection is improved for different sizes and types of small target detection results, the YOLOv7-TMRTM model improves mAP0.5 by 4.4%, recall by 4.7% and precision by 8.8% compared to YOLOv7-tiny. The comparison with Faster RCNN, SSD, YOLOv4, YOLOv5s, YOLOv8s, and other mainstream target detection models shows that this method greatly solves the field environment. The problem of small spots and fuzzy edges of photographed rice diseases provides a basis for intelligent management of diseases in the field, which in turn promotes food security in China.
Effect of Water Retainer® During Seedling Period on Bioactive Components of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Tömösközi-Farkas Rita Adél , Molnár-Mondovics Ágnes , Schmidtné Szantner Barbara Ildikó
Published: November 2024

As a result of climate change, drought and the unequal distribution of rainfall is a worldwide problem. Drought stress on plants affects not only the yield, but also the amount and ratio of bioactive components in tomato fruit. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of a new soil biodegradable water-retention agent (Water and Soil’s Water Retainer®, Water and Soil Ltd., Budapest, Hungary) containing natural ingredients during the seedling period and under different irrigation conditions on the product volume, dry matter content and on some characteristic secondary metabolites in tomato fruits. The study was conducted to screen four different irrigation and soil treatment combination treatments for production and quality characteristics (polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, vitamin C) to check the effect of seedling-stage stress on the tomato yield and bioactive components. Significant differences were found among the treatment and the cultivation seasons for the phytochemical content of fruits. The average yield and BRIX value did not change as a result of the Water Retainer® compared to the irrigated samples, but the amount of lycopene, Vitamin C, antioxidant capacity, and total polyphenol content increased significantly with the use of the Water Retainer®. In the two cultivation seasons, the highest concentration of lycopene and Vitamin C (114.30 ± 3.18 μg.g−1 and 338.10 ± 13.70 μg.g−1 fwt, respectively) was determined in fruits of 50% irrigation + 1.5 mL/m2 WR®-treated plants. The highest measured antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content were 21.54 ± 0.17 mMTr/kg and 504 ± 44 mg GAE/kg, respectively, in the same treated samples. We found that seedlings exposed to drought stress, and after planting, when grown under ideal conditions in the field, can be distinguished from each other, despite the fact that there was only a difference between their cultivation during the seedling period. This may prove that rehydration is not sufficient to completely restore the metabolomic processes of stressed plants.
Influence of Subsequent Heat Treatment on Fatigue Behavior of Shear-Cut Electrical Steel Sheets
Authors: Gottwalt-Baruth Albin , Kubaschinski Paul , Waltz Manuela , Tetzlaff Ulrich
Published: November 2024

The fatigue behavior of a fully processed, non-oriented electrical steel sheet is investigated in dependence on shear-cutting parameters and a subsequent heat treatment. For this, stress-controlled fatigue tests are performed before and after annealing at 700 °C for a total of six different shear-cutting settings. For all parameters, the fatigue strength of shear-cut sheets is improved by the heat treatment. This is due to reduction in a large part of the strain hardening region as well as the reduction in tensile residual stresses. Both were introduced during shear cutting and act detrimental to the fatigue strength. However, the intensity of this improvement depends on the shear-cutting parameters. This is related to the corresponding edge surfaces characteristically being formed during shear cutting. Specimens cut with a worn cutting tool show a more pronounced increase in fatigue life. In contrast, specimens produced with a sharp-edged cutting tool and high cutting clearance hardly benefit from the heat treatment. This appears to be caused by differences in surface topography, in particular coarse topographical damage in the form of grain breakouts. If these occur during shear cutting, the crack formation is not significantly delayed by additional annealing.
Can a Digital Application for Animal Welfare Self-Assessments by Farmers Help Improve the Welfare of Free-Range and Organic Pigs?
Authors: Graat Evelien A. M. , Vanden Hole Charlotte , Rodenburg T. Bas , Giersberg Mona F. , Tuyttens Frank A. M.
Published: November 2024

As part of the European Green Deal, the EU has recognised that there is a need to increase organic farming as well as improve animal welfare standards. The PIGLOW app was developed with these goals in mind and allows free-range and organic pig farmers to perform welfare assessments (WAs) of their pigs. The results of each WA contain automated feedback and benchmarking information. The objective of this two-year longitudinal study was to determine whether regular use of the app helps farmers improve pig welfare. Farmers (n = 12) were asked to perform 6 WAs for finisher pigs with the app. At the beginning and end of the study, a researcher visited each farm and performed a detailed WA to determine the welfare status of the pigs at both moments. Farmers (n = 11) also filled out surveys about their opinions on pig welfare and the PIGLOW app. The welfare results did not support that the use of the PIGLOW app had an overall effect on pig welfare, but suggested a positive effect on some specific welfare aspects. Farmers indicated that they found the app easy to use and found most of its elements very useful. However, when asked about the specific influence of the app on their opinions on pig welfare and the welfare of their pigs, they indicated that the app only had small effects. Responses suggested that the app could likely be more useful to new farmers who still have more to learn about animal welfare.
Parasitic Infections in Stranded Whales and Dolphins in Canary Islands (2018–2022): An Update
Authors: Suárez-González Zuleima , González Jorge F. , Arbelo Manuel , Sierra Eva , Castro-Alonso Ayoze , Hernández Julia N. , Martín Vidal , Fraija-Fernández Natalia , Fernández Antonio
Published: November 2024

The Canary Islands are considered a hot spot for marine species biodiversity. Each stranded cetacean has provided important scientific, biological and pathological information. The morphological identification of parasites in these stranded cetaceans is the main aim of the present article. An investigation to identify parasites was carried out in 233 stranded animals (2018–2022), which were submitted for necropsy. Adult and sub-adult/juvenile animals were the most parasitized age categories, and eighteen parasite species were morphologically identified, including nematodes (Crassicauda grampicola, Crassicauda anthonyi, Halocercus delphini, Anisakis simplex, Stenurus globicephalae, Stenurus ovatus), trematodes (Nasitrema delphini, Oschmarinella rochebruni, Brachycladium atlanticum, Pholeter gastrophilus), cestodes (Clistobothrium delphini, Clistobothrium grimaldii), acanthocephalans (Bolbosoma vasculosum, Bolbosoma capitatum), protists (Toxoplasma gondii) and crustaceans (Conchoderma auritum, Xenobalanus globicipitis, Pennella balaenoptera), as well as nine genera: Crassicauda sp., Halocercus sp., Anisakis sp., Stenurus sp., Nasitrema sp., Oschmarinella sp., Dyphyllobothrium sp., Cyamus sp., Conchoderma sp., and Sarcocystis sp. These could not be identified at the species level. Differences in the host specificity of some parasites were observed, varying in prevalence. The accurate morphological identification of the parasites affecting these marine mammals is essential to understanding disease epidemiology, assessing cetacean populations’ health status, and developing effective conservation and management strategies.
Wistar Male Rats (Rattus norvegicus domestica) Are Aware of Their Dimensions
Authors: Khvatov Ivan A. , Ganza Polina N. , Kharitonov Alexander N. , Samuleeva Maria V.
Published: November 2024

Body size awareness is the ability of animals to consider the size of their bodies when interacting with environmental objects. It is one of the manifestations of body self-awareness. We studied body size awareness in laboratory rats of Wistar strain. In the experiment, rats had to pass through one of three holes in a partition to reach the bait. In each trial, the shape, size, and position of the holes varied. The task of the first experiment was to establish whether rats prefer to pass through the larger holes, given that all the three were penetrable for their bodies. The task of the second experiment was to establish whether rats can choose the only penetrable hole while the other two were of a greater area but impenetrable. The results of the first experiment showed that the rats did not show a preference for larger holes. The results of the second experiment showed that rats can make the first approach and subsequent penetration immediately into the only penetrable hole even before the tactile contact with the partition. Thus, rats can consider the size of their own body when solving the task of penetrating into a hole, which is a sign of body size awareness. These results enrich our general understanding of the phenomenon of body self-awareness.
Nutraceutical Supplement Mitigates Insulin Resistance in Horses with a History of Insulin Dysregulation During a Challenge with a High-Starch Diet
Authors: Loos Caroline , Castelein Annette , Vanzant Eric , Adam Emma , McLeod Kyle R.
Published: November 2024

Insulin dysregulation (ID) is associated with an increased risk of laminitis which often necessitates the need for clinical intervention. To test the contention that the prophylactic supplementation of nutraceuticals could mitigate ID in susceptible horses, 16 mature horses with a history of ID were supplemented with either the placebo (n = 8) or nutraceutical (n = 8) once daily. Horses were housed in dry lots with ad libitum access to grass hay and fed a concentrate twice daily to provide 0.5 g starch/kg BW/meal. A combined glucose–insulin tolerance test was performed on all horses before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Nutraceutical-supplemented horses had 61% greater (p = 0.05) glucose clearance rates compared to the placebo group. This resulted in a shorter time in the positive phase of glucose clearance (p = 0.03) for the nutraceutical group compared to the placebo group. Horses receiving the nutraceutical had lower (p = 0.003) insulin concentrations at 75 min and lower (p = 0.04) glucose concentrations at 45 min compared to the placebo. Prophylactic supplementation with nutraceuticals resulted in greater glucose clearance rates during a starch challenge, indicating that nutraceuticals can mitigate ID in susceptible horses consuming an excess of non-structural carbohydrate.
Influences of Fermented Corn Straw Fiber on Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Different Breeds of Finishing Pigs
Authors: Han Rui , Yong Feng , Fang Xin , Zhang Chun , Yang Haitian , Che Dongsheng , Jiang Hailong
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to explore the effects of dietary fiber level and breed on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology, slaughter performance, and meat quality of finishing pigs using fermented corn straw (FCS) as the fiber source. The experiment employed a 2 × 4 factorial design, selecting 96 Songliao Black (SLB) and Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) crossbred finishing pigs (a total of 192 pigs, with an initial body weight of 60.52 ± 4.59 kg) randomly assigned by breed to four dietary treatment groups (A: 2.92% crude fiber; B: 4.82% crude fiber; C: 6.86% crude fiber; D: 9.01% crude fiber). The results showed that DLY finishing pigs had higher final weight (FW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in both finishing stages 1 and 2 compared to SLB pigs (p < 0.05), while the ratio of feed to weight gain (F/G) showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Compared to the basal diet, increasing the dietary fiber level to 4.82% improved FW and ADG in both SLB and DLY finishing pigs (p < 0.05) and reduced F/G (p < 0.05). Additionally, SLB finishing pigs had lower ether extract (EE) digestibility but higher crude fiber (CF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility than DLY (p < 0.05). Dietary fiber level and breed exhibited an interaction effect on dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility in finishing pigs (p < 0.05). At a dietary fiber level of 4.82%, villus height, crypt depth in the jejunum, and cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were increased in both SLB and DLY finishing pigs (p < 0.05). Dietary fiber level and breed showed an interaction effect on cecal VFA production in finishing pigs (finishing stage 1; p < 0.05). The dietary fiber level of 4.82% increased loin eye area (LA) (p < 0.05) and decreased backfat thickness (BT) (p < 0.05) in both SLB and DLY finishing pigs. Dietary fiber level and breed had an interaction effect on LA in finishing pigs (p < 0.05). SLB pigs had higher muscle redness (a*), shear force, and contents of crude protein (CP), EE, saturated fatty acid (SFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than DLY (p < 0.05). Increasing the dietary fiber level improved pH24h and reduced drip loss and shear force in both SLB and DLY finishing pigs (p < 0.05). Dietary fiber level and breed showed an interaction effect on pig meat color and drip loss (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FCS is a beneficial source of dietary fiber for SLB and DLY pigs. Its proper addition can enhance the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in fattening pigs.
Mitochondrial Genome and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Narrownose Smooth-Hound Shark Mustelus schmitti Springer, 1939
Authors: Nisa-Castro-Neto Walter , Wagner Paulo Guilherme Carniel , Kipper Diéssy , da Silveira Vinicius Proença , Fonseca André Salvador Kazantzi , Ikuta Nilo , Lunge Vagner Ricardo
Published: November 2024

Southern Brazil is home to a large biodiversity of elasmobranchs from the Brazilian coast. Several genera and species of small sharks of the Triakidae family live in this marine environment. Studies on these shark species are scarce, with few genetic data and little information on animal population structures. The present study aimed to sequence the complete mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) of the endangered species Mustelus schmitti (narrownose smooth-hound shark) and to perform a phylogenetic analysis of the Triakidae family. The mtDNA sequenced here was 16,764 bp long and possessed the usual 13 mitochondrial protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs (12S and 16S) and a large D-loop DNA sequence, presenting an overall organization similar to other species from the genus Mustelus. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using a dataset containing this new mtDNA and 59 other mitochondrial genomes of the Carcharhiniformes species (including 14 from the Triakidae family), using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. All the species of the Triakidae family were clustered into a monophyletic topology group. In addition, polyphyly was observed in Galeorhinus galeus, Hemiatrakis japanica, Triakis megalopterus and Triakis semifasciata. In conclusion, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the genetic diversity of sharks and represents an important step towards the conservation of these endangered animals.
Computed Tomographic Findings in Dogs with Hepatic Bacterial Parenchymal Infection and Abscessation
Authors: Maté de Haro Luis , Vila Andrea , Di Bella Andrea , Mallol Claudia , Anselmi Carlo , Barreiro-Vazquez Jose-Daniel , Pollard Danica , Salgüero Raquel , Fitzgerald Ella , Moreno-Aguado Beatriz
Published: November 2024

Bacterial liver parenchymal infections in dogs are rarely documented, and their imaging characteristics are scarce in the veterinary literature, especially in Computed Tomography (CT). This retrospective multicentric study aimed to describe the CT characteristics of parenchymal bacterial liver infection and abscessation in dogs and compare them with the human literature. Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria. All dogs, except one, showed discrete hepatic lesions consistent with pyogenic liver abscess (19/20). A single case showed diffuse liver changes, which was diagnosed with granulomatous bacterial hepatitis (1/20). Multifocal lesions were associated with the presence of abdominal pain (p = 0.023). CT characteristics of pyogenic liver abscesses in our study resemble those described in the human literature, with multifocal (14/19) or single (5/19), round or ovoid (19/19), hypoattenuating hepatic lesions, which are better visualised in post-contrast images. Pyogenic liver abscesses can also show features such as the “cluster sign” (8/19), transient arterial segmental enhancement (6/10), rim enhancement (6/19), and intralesional gas (4/19). Additional CT findings, such as local lymphadenomegaly (18/20), peritoneal fat stranding (14/20), and peritoneal fluid (13/20), are also commonly observed.
The Mixed Variable Transfer Matrix Method and Its Application in Predicting the Frequency Domain Vibration Characteristics of Hydraulic Pipelines
Authors: Zhou Fuming , Liao Jian , Chen Zongbin , Tan Xiaopeng , He Lin
Published: November 2024

The fluid–structure interaction effect should not be disregarded when examining the vibration characteristics of hydraulic pipeline systems. The transfer matrix method (TMM) is an efficacious method for analyzing the vibration characteristics of hydraulic pipelines in the frequency domain, offering advantages such as simplicity and efficiency. However, the TMM suffers the problem of high frequency instability when dealing with long-span hydraulic pipelines, which restricts its practical application. Currently, several modified transfer matrix methods face challenges such as low computational efficiency and difficulties in handling complex boundaries. In response to these issues, this paper proposes a novel modified transfer matrix method known as the mixed variable transfer matrix method. This innovative method possesses clear physical significance and effectively prevents the transfer matrix from becoming singular without necessitating the subdivision of the pipeline length. Consequently, it addresses high-frequency instability while maintaining high computational efficiency. Moreover, this method is capable of addressing complex boundary problems by integrating boundary matrices, thereby demonstrating enhanced applicability compared to existing methods. The performance of the proposed method was validated through the utilization of classic Dubee pipeline impact test data, and the result shows maximum errors of 3.03% relative to the public data. Subsequently, an experiment was conducted on a section of hydraulic piping within a ship’s steering system. A hydraulic fluid noise generator was established to induce fluid pulsation excitation to the pipeline, thereby simulating the actual boundary conditions encountered in a ship’s hydraulic pipeline system so as to corroborate the efficacy of the proposed method in predicting the frequency domain vibration characteristics of a real hydraulic pipeline system. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method offers significant advantages in terms of high precision, efficiency, and stability, shows maximum errors of 4.35% relative to experimental data, and demonstrates promising prospects for engineering applications.
Characterization of Oxygenated Propenylbenzene Derivatives Binding to MAO-A Using Isothermal Titration Calorimetry and Molecular Modeling
Authors: Grzelczyk Joanna , Pérez-Sánchez Horacio , Carmena-Bargueño Miguel , Gałązka-Czarnecka Ilona , Budryn Grażyna , Hernik Dawid , Brenna Elisabetta , Boratyński Filip
Published: November 2024

Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is the main enzyme that deaminates serotonin. Correct serotonin concentration regulates appetite, improves well-being, reduces symptoms of depression, but also improves memory and heart function. In this study, the use of new compounds chemo-enzymatically synthesized from propenylbenzene derivatives as MAO-A inhibitors was proposed. Isothermal titration calorimetry analysis and molecular modeling were used to determine the inhibitory effect of MAO-A. The main compounds such as propenylbenzenes were observed to have no inhibitory effect. However, in the case of diols and hydroxy ketones, the compounds showed MAO-A inhibitory effects. In particular, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,2-diol, both in isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and molecular modeling, showed high affinity for the MAO-A enzyme, thus protecting serotonin from deamination. The results suggest that propenylbenzene derivatives, such as diols and hydroxy ketones, bind to MAO-A at the active site. This suggests their potential to be used as drugs or food supplements to prevent depression. These studies may constitute a new tool for further in vivo and in vitro studies.
A Data-Driven Decision-Making Support Method for Priority Determination for an Intelligent Road Problem Reporting System
Authors: Jeon Woohoon , Kim Jinguk , Lee Joyoung
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a new decision support method aimed at prioritizing processing for an intelligent road problem reporting service. The proposed method uses advanced georeferencing technology to extract the longitude and latitude coordinates in the metadata of photos taken with the smartphone application to capture the complaint scene. This method not only maps out the processing times, but also applies a spatiotemporal clustering technique to link the complaint types and locations with the actual complaint processing times. A validation study of the frequency of reported locations per priority reveals that the complaint-processing prioritization method developed in this study aligns realistically with actual field complaint processing. Furthermore, recognizing the significance of location in processing complaints, the georeferencing technique appears suitable for identifying complaint locations for each report and incorporating this into the decision-making framework.
A Hybrid Approach to Enhanced Signal Denoising Using Data-Driven Multiresolution Analysis with Detrended-Fluctuation-Analysis-Based Thresholding and Stationary Wavelet Transform
Authors: Kozhamkulova Fatima , Akhtar Muhammad Tahir
Published: November 2024

In this work, a new method for denoising signals is developed that is based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) and a novel metric using detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). The proposed method first decomposes the signal into band-limited intrinsic mode functions (BLIMFs) using VMD. Then, a DFA-based developed metric is employed to identify the ‘noisy’ BLIMFs (based on their DFA-based scaling exponent and frequency content). The existing DFA-based methods use a single-slope threshold to detect noise, assuming all signals have the same noise pattern and ignoring their unique characteristics. In contrast, the proposed DFA-based metric sets adaptive thresholds for each mode based on their specific frequency and correlation properties, making it more effective for diverse signals and noise types. These predominantly noisy BLIMFs are then denoised using shrinkage techniques in the framework of stationary wavelet transform (SWT). This step allows efficient denoising of components, mainly the noisy BLIMFs identified by the adaptive threshold, without losing important signal details. Extensive computer simulations have been carried out for both synthetic and real electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. It is demonstrated that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art denoising methods and with a comparable computational complexity.
False Data Injection Attacks on Reinforcement Learning-Based Charging Coordination in Smart Grids and a Countermeasure
Authors: Elshazly Amr A. , Elgarhy Islam , Eltoukhy Ahmed T. , Mahmoud Mohamed , Eberle William , Alsabaan Maazen , Alshawi Tariq
Published: November 2024

Reinforcement learning (RL) is proven effective in optimizing home battery charging coordination within smart grids. However, its vulnerability to adversarial behavior poses a significant challenge to the security and fairness of the charging process. In this study, we, first, craft five stealthy false data injection (FDI) attacks that under-report the state-of-charge (SoC) values to deceive the RL agent into prioritizing their charging requests, and then, we investigate the impact of these attacks on the charging coordination system. Our evaluations demonstrate that attackers can increase their chances of charging compared to honest consumers. As a result, honest consumers experience reduced charging levels for their batteries, leading to a degradation in the system’s performance in terms of fairness, consumer satisfaction, and overall reward. These negative effects become more severe as the amount of power allocated for charging decreases and as the number of attackers in the system increases. Since the total available power for charging is limited, some honest consumers with genuinely low SoC values are not selected, creating a significant disparity in battery charging levels between honest and malicious consumers. To counter this serious threat, we develop a deep learning-based FDI attack detector and evaluated it using a real-world dataset. Our experiments show that our detector can identify malicious consumers with high accuracy and low false alarm rates, effectively protecting the RL-based charging coordination system from FDI attacks and mitigating the negative impacts of these attacks.
Modeling of 2-D Periodic Array of Dielectric Bars with a Low Reflection Angle for a Wind Tunnel High-Power Microwave Experiment
Authors: Bao Rong , Tao Yang , Li Yongdong
Published: November 2024

Two-dimensional periodic dielectric bars have potential applications in high-power microwave (HPM) radiation effect experiments performed in wind tunnels. Such a bar is designed to consist of two types of dielectric materials, and two lined-up blocks can be considered as a period along the bar. Under plane excitation, the theoretical period length of the beat wave pattern fits well with the simulation result, which requires modifying the previously presented field-matching method. The phase distribution on the cross-section can be non-uniform when two different guiding modes are excited independently and propagate along different materials. Directional reflection with a low reflection angle can be obtained by reasonably choosing the parameters of the dielectric array. The designed array can decrease the returned-back microwave power toward the microwave source by 6 dB according to the numerical simulation, which included the wind tunnel, the input antenna, the test target, and the reflect array in one model.
Application of Adaptive Search Window-Based Nonlocal Total Variation Filter in Low-Dose Computed Tomography Images: A Phantom Study
Authors: Kim Hajin , Cha Bo Kyung , Kim Kyuseok , Lee Youngjin
Published: November 2024

Computed tomography (CT) imaging using low-dose radiation effectively reduces radiation exposure; however, it introduces noise amplification in the resulting image. This study models an adaptive nonlocal total variation (NL-TV) algorithm that efficiently reduces noise in X-ray-based images and applies it to low-dose CT images. In this study, an AAPM CT performance phantom is used, and the resulting image is obtained by applying an annotation filter and a high-pitch protocol. The adaptive NL-TV filter was designed by applying the optimal window value calculated by confirming the difference between Gaussian filtering and the basic NL-TV approach. For quantitative image quality evaluation parameters, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), coefficient of variation (COV), and sigma value were used to confirm the noise reduction effectiveness and spatial resolution value. The CNR and COV values in low-dose CT images using the adaptive NL-TV filter, which performed an optimization process, improved by approximately 1.29 and 1.45 times, respectively, compared with conventional NL-TV. In addition, the adaptive NL-TV filter was able to acquire spatial resolution data that were similar to a CT image without applying noise reduction. In conclusion, the proposed NL-TV filter is feasible and effective in improving the quality of low-dose CT images.
Pixel Interaction Model for Contrast Enhancement: Bridging Social Science and Image Processing
Authors: Rivera-Aguilar Beatriz A. , Cuevas Erik , Luque-Chang Alberto , López Jesús , Pérez-Cisneros Marco
Published: November 2024

Image contrast enhancement is an essential process that improves the visibility of many features that may remain hidden due to low-contrast conditions arising from environmental causes, limitations of the device, or the wrong setting of the camera. This paper introduces a new technique of image contrast enhancement that combines insights from social sciences and image processing. In this model, the intensity of each pixel represents the opinion of an individual, and all the neighboring pixels interact by influencing each other. The algorithm operates to first increase the similarity of those pixels in the regions where pixels maintain similar intensities and, second, to amplify the differences in regions where differences exist. This process increases the contrast in regions with significant differences and reduces variation in uniform regions, hence enhancing clarity in the visual information and details of the image. The effectiveness and high performance of the proposed method are evaluated by a variety of experiments conducted on different image datasets using different quality indexes. The results obtained after experimentation highlight the superiority of the approach with respect to the state-of-the-art techniques of contrast enhancement.
Spectral Separation of Up-Conversion Luminescence Processes
Authors: Korolkov Mikhail V. , Khodasevich Inna A. , Grabtchikov Alexander S. , Orlovich Valentin A. , Mogilevtsev Dmitri
Published: November 2024

Here, we present a novel method for the separation of overlapping emission spectral lines corresponding to nonlinear processes, which differ by effective nonlinearity with respect to the pump field power. The method exploits the factorization of wavelength and pumping power dependencies of the components processes contributions to the total luminescence. The advantage of our method is an ability to be self-testing and robust with respect to noise and experimental imperfections. We successfully demonstrate functionality of the method in the experiment with up-conversion luminescence of the fluorophosphate glass doped with rare-earth ions Yb3+ and Tm3+ pumped by 975 nm CW diode laser.
Effect of Pseudomonas Fluorescens on Isofetamid Dissipation and Soil Microbial Activity
Authors: Wydro Urszula , Jabłońska-Trypuć Agata , Medo Juraj , Borowski Gabriel , Kaczyński Piotr , Łozowicka Bożena , Wołejko Elżbieta
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens (P) application on isofetamid (IS) dissipation; the number of specific genes of archaea, bacteria and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB); and the activity of β-Glucosidase, phosphomonoesterase, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase and arylsulfatase. It was observed that the IS concentration was lower in the P+IS than in IS throughout the entire study period, which indicates the potential of P. fluorescens to decompose isofetamid faster. IS+P application significantly influenced N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, arylsulfatase and phosphomonoesterase activity in soil compared to the control by approximately 29%, 72% and 6.5%, respectively. Moreover, it was observed that on day 21 in IS+P, the number of bacterial genes was significantly higher than in the control and IS and than on day 1, by 10% and 20%, respectively. On day 21, the number of archaea was significantly higher in all variants and ranged from 3.61 (control) to 6.88 log10 gene copies/g dm (IS+P). Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between IS and TOC, while there was a negative correlation between IS and β-Glu and the number of archaea and AOB genes. The tested strain has the potential to be a biofertilizer and an agent in the bioremediation of contaminated soils.
Comparative Study of Surface Modification Techniques for Enhancing Biocompatibility of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy in Dental Implants
Authors: Hsiao Vincent K. S. , Shih Ming-Hao , Wu Hsi-Chin , Wu Tair-I
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the effects of various surface modification techniques on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy for biomedical applications. Mechanical treatments (sandblasting, shot peening) and electrochemical corrosion using different electrolytes were employed to modify surface characteristics. Surface morphology, roughness, hardness, and chemical composition were analyzed using SEM, profilometry, and Raman spectroscopy. Cell attachment studies revealed that combined treatments, particularly shot peening followed by HF/HNO3 etching, significantly enhanced cell adhesion and distribution. The results demonstrate the potential for tailoring Ti-6Al-4V surfaces to optimize biocompatibility and osseointegration properties for dental and orthopedic implants.
Seismic Fragility Analysis of the Transmission Tower-Line System Considering Bolt Slippage
Authors: Li Jia-Xiang , Zhang Chao , Cheng Jin-Peng
Published: November 2024

Seismic fragility analysis can directly reflect the damage probability of the transmission tower-line system and effectively evaluate the seismic performance. To accurately estimate the failure probability of transmission tower-line systems under earthquakes, the tower-line system model considering bolt slippage was established in this paper. Subsequently, through the pushover analysis, different limit states of transmission lines subjected to earthquakes were determined. Finally, 15 seismic waves were selected to study the seismic fragility of a tower-line system by conducting an incremental dynamic analysis on the tower-line system, and seismic fragility curves were drawn. The influences of bolt slippage and foundation deformation on the seismic fragility of the tower are discussed. The results show that the bolt slippage behavior can affect the seismic fragility of tower-line systems and has opposite effects on the transmission tower with a fixed foundation and the transmission tower with foundation deformation.