bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cow Urine Nitrogen Rates and Moisture Conditions on Nitrogen Mineralization in Andisol from Southern Chile
Authors: Ramírez-Sandoval Magdalena , Pinochet Dante , Rivero M. Jordana , Cardenas Laura M.
Published: December 2022

Urea present in cattle urine contributes large amounts of nitrogen (N) to grazed pastures, which can be the equivalent to approximately 1000 kg N ha−1. However, there are no studies in volcanic soils of southern Chile on the effect of different concentrations of urinary N deposited in the soil, nor of the effect different wetting and drying conditions mimicking the variation in weather conditions on the nitrification process from urea to NH4+ and total oxidized nitrogen (TON) over time. In addition, the inhibition of nitrification driven by the accumulation of NH3 at high rates of N applied to Andisol has not been evaluated. Fresh cattle urine was applied at three different rates of N equivalent to 247 kg N ha−1 (Low N), 461 kg N ha−1 (Medium N), and 921 kg N ha−1 (High N), as well as deionized water as a control. Further, three moisture conditions were imposed: constant moisture (CM), drying–rewetting (DRW) cycles at 7-day intervals, and soil drying (SD). Destructive soil core samples were evaluated for top and bottom halves individually every 7 days over a 36-day period to measure changes on inorganic N and pH. There were no interaction effects for N rates and soil moisture. The main effect of the different rates of N on mineralization was significant throughout the incubation period, while the effect of the different moisture conditions was variable over time. High N was associated with elevated NH3 concentrations and could explain why total N mineralization was partially inhibited. These results suggest that the presence of different nitrifying microorganisms in soil under different chemical and physical conditions determines nitrification, and thus, the oxidation of ammonia should be studied in more detail as the first step of nitrification, specifically in volcanic soils.
An Origanum majorana Leaf Diet Influences Myogenin Gene Expression, Performance, and Carcass Characteristics in Lambs
Authors: Safaei Seyed Mohammad Hadi , Dadpasand Mohammad , Mohammadabadi Mohammadreza , Atashi Hadi , Stavetska Ruslana , Klopenko Nataliia , Kalashnyk Oleksandr
Published: December 2022

Myogenin is a protein in the myogenic regulatory factor family that plays an important role in determining carcass and meat traits and is vital for the growth and development of livestock muscles. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of Origanum majorana leaf (MOL) on the myogenin gene expression of lambs. Twenty-four male Kermani lambs were used in a completely randomized design using two experimental groups (0% Origanum majorana L. = MOL0 and 4% Origanum majorana L. = MOL4). Final weight, average daily gain, hot and cold carcass weight, feed conversion ratio, empty body weight, hot and cold dressing percentage, the weight of the shoulder, loin, leg, and lean meat, and the lean/bone ratio were measured. A standard kit was used for extracting total RNA from the loin, leg, and shoulder muscles of the lambs’ tissues. The cDNA was synthesized, a real-time PCR was performed, and the obtained data were analyzed. The results of this study showed that the effect of MOL4 on dry matter intake is not significant. The MOL4 diet increased final weight by 8.22%, average daily gain by 28.57%, hot carcass weight by 11.38%, cold carcass weight by 13.43%, feed conversion ratio by 31.03%, empty body weight by 9.38%, hot dressing percentage by 2.92%, cold dressing percentage by 3.75%, shoulder weight by 56.70%, loin weight by 8.98%, leg weight by 10.90%, lean meat weight by 14.62%, and the lean/bone ratio by 2.85% (p < 0.05) compared to the MOL0. Along with adding MOL4 in the lambs’ diets, in comparison with MOL0, there was higher expression of myogenin in the loin (3.5 times), leg (3.9 times), and shoulder (3.6 times) muscles of the lambs. Due to the fact that adding Origanum majorana to the diet of the lambs enhanced the expression of the myogenin gene in the loin, leg, and shoulder muscles and increased parameters related to growth, it can be used to improve the parameters related to growth and to increase myogenin gene expression in the muscle of lambs.
Protective Effect of Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt Extract on Oocyte and Follicle Toxicity Induced by Doxorubicin during In Vitro Culture of Mice Ovaries
Authors: de Assis Ernando I. T. , Azevedo Venância A. N. , De Lima Neto Miguel F. , Costa Francisco C. , Paulino Laís R. F. M. , Barroso Pedro A. A. , Donato Mariana A. M. , Peixoto Christina A. , Do Monte Alane P. O. , Matos Maria H. T. , Godinho Alana N. , Freire Jordânia M. O. , Batista Ana L. P. S. , Silva José R. V. , Silva Anderson W. B.
Published: December 2022

This study evaluated the potential of Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt extract (CIMI) to reduce the deleterious effects of doxorubicin (DOXO) in oocytes, follicles and stromal cells in mice ovaries cultured in vitro. In experiment 1, mice ovaries were cultured in DMEM+ alone or supplemented with 5, 50 or 500 ng/mL CIMI, while in experiment 2, mice ovaries were cultured in DMEM+ alone or supplemented with 5 ng/mL CIMI (better concentration), 0.3 μg/mL DOXO or both. Thereafter, the ovaries were processed for histological (morphology, growth, activation, extracellular matrix configuration and stromal cell density), immunohistochemical (caspase-3) analyses. Follicle viability was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy (ethidium homodimer-1 and calcein) while real-time PCR was performed to analyses the levels of (mRNA for SOD, CAT and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) analyses. The results showed that DOXO reduces the percentage of normal follicles and the density of stromal cells in cultured ovaries, but these harmful effects were blocked by CIMI. The DOXO reduced the percentage of primordial follicles, while the presence of CIMI alone did not influence percentage of primordial follicles. A higher staining for caspase-3 was seen in ovaries cultured in control medium alone or with DOXO when compared with those cultured with CIMI alone or both CIMI and DOXO. In addition, follicles from ovaries cultured with both CIMI and DOXO were stained by calcein, while those follicles cultured with only DOXO were stained with ethidium homodimer-1. Furthermore, ovaries cultured with CIMI or both CIMI and DOXO had higher levels of mRNA for SOD and CAT, respectively, than those cultured with only DOXO. In conclusion, the extract of CIMI protects the ovaries against deleterious effects of DOXO on follicular survival and ovarian stromal cells.
An (Un)Expected Threat for a Regionally Near-Threatened Species: A Predation Case of a Persian Squirrel on an Insular Ecosystem
Authors: Zevgolis Yiannis G. , Christopoulos Apostolos , Kalargalis Ioannis Ilias , Zannetos Stylianos P. , Botetzagias Iosif , Dimitrakopoulos Panayiotis G.
Published: December 2022

One of the most successful predators on island ecosystems is the domestic cat, which is considered responsible for the decline of numerous species’ populations. This can be estimated by the analysis of cats’ dietary habits, yet prey identification is not always possible, and thus, in cases where precise prey identification is required, one of the most accurate methods derives from observing the hunting process. However, the cryptic nature of the feral cats and the constant vigilance of the species that are preyed upon make the observation process difficult, especially when the prey has a low population density. Here, we report for the first time such a case: a feral cat that has ambushed, killed, and consumed a regionally near-threatened species, the Persian squirrel. This incidental observation happened in the squirrel’s westernmost end of its distribution, the island of Lesvos, Greece. Due to the unexpectedness of the event, in the following days, we estimated both the squirrels’ and cats’ population density. Results showed that while the density of the squirrels is moderate, the population density of the feral cats is almost fifteen times higher. For this reason, management actions need to be taken in an effort to minimize the impacts of feral cats on the native species of the island.
Comparative Study of the Nutritional Value and Degradation Characteristics of Amaranth Hay in the Rumen of Goats at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Zhao Shengjun , Zhou Shilong , Zhao Yuanqi , Yang Jun , Lv Liangkang , Zheng Zibin , Lu Honghua , Ren Ying
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the rumen degradation characteristics of grain amaranth hay (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) at four different growth stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of grain amaranth hay at different growth stages by chemical composition, in vivo digestibility, and in situ degradability. Three Boer goats with permanent ruminal fistulas were selected in this study. Amaranthus hay at four different growth stages (squaring stage (SS), initial bloom stage (IS), full-bloom stage (FS) and mature stage (MS)) was crushed and placed into nylon bags. Each sample was set up with three replicates, and two parallel samples were set up in fistulas at each time point. The rumen degradation rates of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were determined at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h. The results were as follows: (1) The concentration of CP in SS was the highest and was significantly higher than that in other stages (p < 0.05), whereas the contents of NDF and ADF gradually increased with the extension of the growing period and reached a maximum in MS; (2)The degradation of CP in the rumen at 72 h of SS and IS was more than 80%. Compared with other stages, the effective degradability of CP was highest in SS (p < 0.05) and reached 87.05% at 72 h, and the degradation rate was the lowest in MS; and (3) The effective degradability of NDF in IS was the highest (p < 0.05) and reached 69.326% at 72 h. The effective degradability of ADF in MS was the highest (p < 0.05) and reached 65.728% at 72 h. The effective degradability of DM and CP in SS was the highest. In conclusion, among the four stages, IS was superior in chemical composition and rumen degradability characteristics.
Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Synovial Fluid from Horses with and without Septic Arthritis
Authors: Jacobsen Stine , Mortensen Camilla Drejer , Høj Elisabeth Alkærsig , Vinther Anne Mette , Berg Lise Charlotte , Adler Ditte Marie Top , Verwilghen Denis , van Galen Gaby
Published: December 2022

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been suggested to be a highly sensitive and specific marker of joint infection in humans. The aim of the study was to investigate NGAL concentrations in synovial fluid (SF) from horses with septic synovitis, horses without septic synovitis, and horses with uncertain status. NGAL was measured in 177 admission samples obtained from 152 horses. From a subset of horses (n = 35), additional samples obtained sequentially over the course of treatment were available. Concentrations of NGAL were significantly higher in septic synovitis (n = 47 samples) than in samples classified as non-septic (n = 103) or samples with uncertain status (n = 27), with median NGAL concentrations in the three groups being 1236, 16.8, and 266.4 µg/L, respectively. NGAL discriminated nearly perfectly between septic and non-septic (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.95–1.00). The optimal cut-off value for maximal sensitivity (87.2%) and specificity (75.0%) to discriminate septic samples from those with uncertain status was 444.6 µg/L, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.74–0.93). Concentrations declined over time in horses undergoing treatment. NGAL is a novel biomarker that seems to have great potential for identifying septic synovitis and for monitoring the response to treatment of synovial infection in horses.
Is There a Relationship between Antimicrobial Use and Antibiotic Resistance of the Most Common Mastitis Pathogens in Dairy Cows?
Authors: Kovačević Zorana , Samardžija Marko , Horvat Olga , Tomanić Dragana , Radinović Miodrag , Bijelić Katarina , Vukomanović Annamaria Galfi , Kladar Nebojša
Published: December 2022

Antimicrobials have had an important impact on animal health and production performance. However, non-prudent antimicrobial use (AMU) in food producing animals is considered to contribute to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a potential impact on both animal and public health. Considering the global importance of AMR, and the threats and challenges posed by mastitis and mastitis therapy in livestock production, the main objective of this study was to quantify AMU on three dairy farms in Serbia and to examine whether there is an association between AMU and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance of mastitis-associated pathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the disk diffusion method using causative agents isolated from the milk samples of 247 dairy cows. AMU data were obtained for a one-year period (May 2021 to May 2022) based on antibiotic prescriptions listed in electronic databases kept by farm veterinarians. To estimate antimicrobial drug exposure at the farm level, the veterinary drug Defined Daily Dose was calculated by multiplying the total amount of antibiotic used on the farms during the study period by the quantity of antibiotic in the administered drug and number of original drug packages used. The results on the association between the use of common antibiotics in mastitis treatment and AMR of isolated mastitis-associated pathogens confirm a pattern that could raise awareness of the importance of this aspect of good veterinary and clinical practice to combat the global threat of AMR.
Integrating Network Pharmacology Approaches to Decipher the Multi-Target Pharmacological Mechanism of Microbial Biosurfactants as Novel Green Antimicrobials against Listeriosis
Authors: Adnan Mohd , Siddiqui Arif Jamal , Noumi Emira , Hannachi Sami , Ashraf Syed Amir , Awadelkareem Amir Mahgoub , Snoussi Mejdi , Badraoui Riadh , Bardakci Fevzi , Sachidanandan Manojkumar , Patel Mirav , Patel Mitesh
Published: December 2022

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a serious food-borne pathogen that can cause listeriosis, an illness caused by eating food contaminated with this pathogen. Currently, the treatment or prevention of listeriosis is a global challenge due to the resistance of bacteria against multiple commonly used antibiotics, thus necessitating the development of novel green antimicrobials. Scientists are increasingly interested in microbial surfactants, commonly known as “biosurfactants”, due to their antimicrobial properties and eco-friendly nature, which make them an ideal candidate to combat a variety of bacterial infections. Therefore, the present study was designed to use a network pharmacology approach to uncover the active biosurfactants and their potential targets, as well as the signaling pathway(s) involved in listeriosis treatment. In the framework of this study, 15 biosurfactants were screened out for subsequent studies. Among 546 putative targets of biosurfactants and 244 targets of disease, 37 targets were identified as potential targets for treatment of L. monocytogenes infection, and these 37 targets were significantly enriched in a Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, which aims to identify those biological processes, cellular locations, and molecular functions that are impacted in the condition studied. The obtained results revealed several important biological processes, such as positive regulation of MAP kinase activity, protein kinase B signaling, ERK1 and ERK2 cascade, ERBB signaling pathway, positive regulation of protein serine/threonine kinase activity, and regulation of caveolin-mediated endocytosis. Several important KEGG pathways, such as the ERBBB signaling pathway, TH17 cell differentiation, HIF-1 signaling pathway, Yersinia infection, Shigellosis, and C-type lectin receptor signaling pathways, were identified. The protein–protein interaction analysis yielded 10 core targets (IL2, MAPK1, EGFR, PTPRC, TNF, ITGB1, IL1B, ERBB2, SRC, and mTOR). Molecular docking was used in the latter part of the study to verify the effectiveness of the active biosurfactants against the potential targets. Lastly, we found that a few highly active biosurfactants, namely lichenysin, iturin, surfactin, rhamnolipid, subtilisin, and polymyxin, had high binding affinities towards IL2, MAPK1, EGFR, PTPRC, TNF, ITGB1, IL1B, ERBB2, SRC, and mTOR, which may act as potential therapeutic targets for listeriosis. Overall, based on the integrated network pharmacology and docking analysis, we found that biosurfactants possess promising anti-listeriosis properties and explored the pharmacological mechanisms behind their effect, laying the groundwork for further research and development.
Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Assessing Social Acceptance of Strategies to Reduce Antimicrobial Use in the French Dairy Industry
Authors: Manriquez Diego , Costa Maiara , Ferchiou Ahmed , Raboisson Didier , Lhermie Guillaume
Published: December 2022

To respond to the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threat, public health entities implement policies aiming to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock systems, in which policy success and sustainability might be subject to the social acceptability of the novel regulatory environment. Therefore, consistent methods that gather and synthesize preferences of stakeholder groups are needed during the policy design. The objective of this study was to present a methodology for evaluating the acceptability of potential strategies to reduce AMU using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) using French dairy industry as a model. Preference-ranking organization methods for enrichment evaluations were applied to rank stakeholders’ acceptance of four different potential AMU reduction strategies: 1. Baseline AMU regulations in France; 2. Total interdiction of AMU; 3. Interdiction of prophylaxis and metaphylaxis AMU; and 4. Subsidies to reduce AMU by 25%. A total of 15 stakeholders (consumers, n = 10; farmers, n = 2; public health representatives, n = 3) representing the French dairy sector and public health administration participated in the acceptance weighting of the strategies in relation with their impact on environmental, economic, social, and political criteria. We established a MCDA methodology and result-interpretation approach that can assist in prioritizing alternatives to cope with AMR in the French dairy industry or in other livestock systems. Our MCDA framework showed that consumers and public health representatives preferred alternatives that consider the restriction of AMU, whereas farmers preferred to maintain baseline policy.
Tricyclic Fused Lactams by Mukaiyama Cyclisation of Phthalimides and Evaluation of their Biological Activity
Authors: Ibbotson Lewis T. , Christensen Kirsten E. , Genov Miroslav , Pretsch Alexander , Pretsch Dagmar , Moloney Mark G.
Published: December 2022

We report that phthalimides may be cyclized using a Mukaiyama-type aldol coupling to give variously substituted fused lactam (1,2,3,9b-tetrahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-one) systems. This novel process shows a high level of regioselectivity for o-substituted phthalimides, dictated by steric and electronic factors, but not for m-substituted phthalimides. The initial aldol adduct is prone to elimination, giving 2,3-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ones, and the initial cyclisation can be conducted in such a way that aldol cyclisation-elimination is achievable in a one-pot approach. The 2,3-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ones possess cross conjugation and steric effects which significantly influence the reactivity of several functional groups, but conditions suitable for epoxidation, ester hydrolysis and amide formation, and reduction, which provide for ring manipulation, were identified. Many of the derived lactam systems, and especially the eliminated systems, show low solubility, which compromises biological activity, although in some cases, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity was found, and this new class of small molecule provides a useful skeleton for further elaboration and study.
Butyrate Improves Neuroinflammation and Mitochondrial Impairment in Cerebral Cortex and Synaptic Fraction in an Animal Model of Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Cavaliere Gina , Catapano Angela , Trinchese Giovanna , Cimmino Fabiano , Penna Eduardo , Pizzella Amelia , Cristiano Claudia , Lama Adriano , Crispino Marianna , Mollica Maria Pina
Published: December 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are characterized by cognitive impairment and behavioural abnormalities. The incidence of NDDs in recent years has increased globally and the pathological mechanism is not fully understood. To date, plentiful evidence has showed that metabolic alterations associated with obesity and related issues such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction may represent an important risk factor, linking obesity and NDDs. Numerous studies have indicated a correlation between diet and brain activities. In this context, a key role is played by mitochondria located in the synaptic fraction; indeed, it has been shown that high-fat diets cause their dysfunction, affecting synaptic plasticity. In this scenario, the use of natural molecules that improve brain mitochondrial function represents an important therapeutic approach to treat NDDs. Recently, it was demonstrated that butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid is capable of counteracting obesity in an animal model, modulating mitochondrial function. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the effects of butyrate on neuroinflammatory state, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain cortex and in the synaptic fraction of a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Our data have shown that butyrate partially reverts neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain cortex and synaptic area, improving mitochondrial function and efficiency.
In Situ Electrochemical Formation of Oxo-Functionalized Graphene on Glassy Carbon Electrode with Chemical Fouling Recovery and Antibiofouling Properties for Electrochemical Sensing of Reduced Glutathione
Authors: Xu Chunying , Li Gang , Gan Liju , Yuan Baiqing
Published: December 2022

Electrochemical detection can be used to achieve intracellular or in vivo analysis of reduced glutathione (GSH) in tissues such as brain by using a microelectrode, which can help to better understand the complex biochemical processes of this molecule in the human body. The main challenges associated with electrochemical GSH detection are the chemical fouling of electrodes, caused by the oxidation product of GSSG, and biofouling due to the non-specific absorption of biological macromolecules. Oxo-functionalized graphene was generated in situ on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode using a green electrochemical method without using any other modifiers or materials in a mild water solution. The fabricated oxo-functionalized graphene interface was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemistry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. The interface showed high electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of GSH, and a simple and efficient GSH sensor was developed. Interestingly, the electrode is reusable and could be recovered from the chemical fouling via electrochemical oxidation and reduction treatment. The electrode also exhibited good antibiofouling properties. The presented method could be a promising method used to treat carbon materials, especially carbon-based microelectrodes for electrochemical monitoring of intracellular glutathione or in vivo analysis.
Experimenting with Agent-Based Model Simulation Tools
Authors: Antelmi Alessia , Cordasco Gennaro , D’Ambrosio Giuseppe , De Vinco Daniele , Spagnuolo Carmine
Published: December 2022

Agent-based models (ABMs) are one of the most effective and successful methods for analyzing real-world complex systems by investigating how modeling interactions on the individual level (i.e., micro-level) leads to the understanding of emergent phenomena on the system level (i.e., macro-level). ABMs represent an interdisciplinary approach to examining complex systems, and the heterogeneous background of ABM users demands comprehensive, easy-to-use, and efficient environments to develop ABM simulations. Currently, many tools, frameworks, and libraries exist, each with its characteristics and objectives. This article aims to guide newcomers in the jungle of ABM tools toward choosing the right tool for their skills and needs. This work proposes a thorough overview of open-source general-purpose ABM tools and offers a comparison from a two-fold perspective. We first describe an off-the-shelf evaluation by considering each ABM tool’s features, ease of use, and efficiency according to its authors. Then, we provide a hands-on evaluation of some ABM tools by judging the effort required in developing and running four ABM models and the obtained performance.
Study on Mechanical Properties and Constitutive Equation of Earth Materials under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Yan Jianlong , Yuan Kang , Zhang Fenjie , Guo Longlong
Published: December 2022

In this study, the uniaxial compressive mechanical properties of earth materials are tested, and the effects of four influencing factors, such as shape, size, curing age, and loading rate, on the strength, damage pattern, and stress-strain curve of the specimens are analyzed. The standard uniaxially compressed specimen size and the recommended loading rate are proposed for the earth specimens. The uniaxial compressive constitutive equations of earth materials are modified on the basis of the Illampas constitutive equation. By fitting the results of this study and typical literature tests, the applicability of the modified constitutive equation form to the uniaxial compressive test curves of soils in different regions of China based on standard sizes is verified. Finally, the formulae for calculating the parameters related to the constitutive equation of earth materials are established. In its application, only the compressive strength of 100-mm-cubic standard specimens with a curing age of 28 d needs to be measured to calculate and determine the specific values of the relevant parameters of the constitutive equation. This is a good reference value for promoting the development of computational analysis methods for earth structures and promoting the engineering design applications of earth structures.
Experimental Evaluation of a Solar Low-Concentration Photovoltaic/Thermal System Combined with a Phase-Change Material Cooling Technique
Authors: Elsheniti Mahmoud B. , Zaheer Saad , Zeitoun Obida , Alshehri Hassan , AlRabiah Abdulrahman , Almutairi Zeyad
Published: December 2022

The high operating temperatures of photovoltaic (PV) panels negatively affect both electrical efficiency and material degradation rate. Combining both a water-cooling-based photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system and a phase-change material (PCM) with/without low concentration (LC) represents a promising solution for boosting the overall energy conversion efficiency of the PV system. This approach needs to be evaluated in harsh weather where the PCM should have a high melting temperature. Therefore, this study experimentally investigates the performance of three PV cooling systems, namely PV-PCM, PV/T-PCM, and LCPV/T-PCM, compared to a reference PV without cooling, under the weather conditions of Riyadh. The results show that the PV/T-PCM attained the highest daily average electrical and overall efficiencies of 14.24% (5% increase) and 42.7%, respectively, compared to 13.56% electrical efficiency of the reference panel. The electrical efficiency of the PV-PCM was 13.64% due to inefficient natural cooling in the afternoon. The LCPV/T-PCM recorded the best performance during the two hours around noon, with an average increase in electrical power and efficiency of 11.06% and a maximum overall efficiency of 70%. Finally, the LCPV/T-PCM system can be only effectively used to support the higher demand for electricity and thermal energy around noon; otherwise, a new design configuration with low concentration is needed to establish a higher electrical efficiency in most hours of sunlight.
An Overview of the Historical Retrofitting Interventions on Churches in Central Italy
Authors: Cianchino Giorgia , Masciotta Maria Giovanna , Verazzo Clara , Brando Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

The seismic sequence occurring in Central Italy in 2016 represents a new test benchmark for historical masonry churches and a chance for a better comprehension of their structural behavior under earthquake actions. The many earthquakes that took place in the past have led to stratifications of repair and retrofitting interventions that sometimes worsened the structural behavior, especially when resulting in the introduction of elements not compatible with the churches’ original layout. Within this framework, the present paper intends to provide a critical review of the main interventions carried out in the churches of Central Italy for mitigating their seismic vulnerability and to evaluate their effectiveness in light of the damage surveyed on a representative sample of masonry churches after the 2016–2017 seismic sequence. The work is organized into three parts: (1) historical analysis of the territory; (2) review of the featured interventions; (3) critical appraisal of the interventions in relation to the surveyed data and assessment of their effectiveness. The goal of the work is to shed light on the correct design of retrofitting interventions in ancient masonry structures in order to enhance the structural safety of such artefacts without compromising their historical and cultural value.
The Importance of Prevention When Working with Hazardous Materials in the Case of Serpentinite and Asbestos When Cleaning Monuments for Restoration
Authors: Pereira Dolores , López Ana Jesús , Ramil Alberto , Bloise Andrea
Published: December 2022

Health risks are often overlooked when the consequences are not evident in the short term. In restoration work, some activities can generate particles that may affect the health of workers through inhalation (e.g., cleaning of buildings or heritage artifacts composed of stone). Workers at quarries are also exposed to such materials and, therefore, the results of our work can help to increase the risk perception in workers from the stone sector, but also in construction workers in an environment associated with dust. To demonstrate the importance of protection to prevent health hazards, we laser-ablated some samples of serpentinite that contain serpentine minerals as major phase minerals. The powder obtained in filters coupled to the ablation laser was analysed, using tools such as an optical microscope, X-ray powder diffraction, a transmission electron microscope and thermal analysis. The results were very didactic, and the intention is to use them, by way of graphics and diagrams, to build information security sheets that will alert workers to the need of using masks when working, or to use tools with coupled filters such as the one used for our study. The main goal is to demonstrate that the interdisciplinary combination of scientific approaches can be used for the sake of human health.
Nonlinear Dynamics Study of Giant Magnetostrictive Actuators with Fractional Damping
Authors: Yan Hongbo , Ma Qingzhen , Wang Jianxin , Yu Juncheng , Fu Xin
Published: December 2022

Since the structural mechanics of the super magnetostrictive actuator (GMA) system involves problems related to viscoelastic damping materials, the fractional order is more accurate than the integer order calculus to characterize the viscoelastic features in the structure. In order to further investigate the intrinsic mechanism and dynamical characteristics of the GMA dynamical system, the dynamical equations of the nonlinear GMA system containing fractional damping terms are established and the main resonance of the system is analyzed using the averaging method. The mechanism of the influence of some parameters on the GMA system is analyzed by MATLAB numerical simulation to study the bifurcation and chaotic motion phenomena of the system from the qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The results show that the fractional damping coefficient, external excitation amplitude and fractional order have significant effects on the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the system; the fractional order has a greater influence on the bifurcation and chaotic behavior of the system; the dynamic behavior of the system caused by the change of external excitation amplitude and fractional damping coefficient at different damping orders is similar but the chaotic region is different.
Improving the Method of Replacing the Defective Sections of Main Oil and Gas Pipelines Using Laser Scanning Data
Authors: Shammazov Ildar , Dzhemilev Enver , Sidorkin Dmitry
Published: December 2022

During the operation of main pipelines, many defects occur in the body of the pipe and on its surface. The main method for eliminating such defects is cutting out the defective section and welding a new one in its place. The cutting process is complicated by the possible sharp displacement of the ends of the pipeline located on both sides of the cutting site, which is dangerous for the lives of workers and can lead to breakage of the cutting equipment. In addition, to weld a new section, it is necessary to center the ends of the pipeline until they reach the alignment position, for which heavy, difficult-to-transport pipelayers are used, which allow centering the ends of the pipeline only by lifting them. Ensuring the possibility of such centering often requires additional digging of the repaired pipeline. Moreover, due to the large dimensions of pipelayers, payment of permits for their transportation is required. In addition, before transportation, pipelayers require their disassembly and assembly before carrying out repair work, which entails additional time and labor costs. To solve the problems described in this article, a developed design of devices for fixing and centering the ends of the pipeline is proposed, which makes it possible to fix the ends of the pipeline from their sharp displacement, and also to center them before welding a new section. A mathematical model was developed to assess the centering forces, the resulting stresses in the pipeline wall and the reaction forces that arise in the hydraulic cylinders of devices when leaving the ends of the pipeline in their sharp displacement. The initial data for the developed model are the coefficients of the polynomial describing the position of the pipeline in the repair trench. To accurately assess the position of the pipeline, a method of its laser scanning is proposed, the result of which is a point cloud of the pipeline. As part of the study, a method was also developed for the obtaining of a polynomial equation describing the bending of its central axis from a pipeline point cloud. As a result of experimental studies, this method has demonstrated sufficient accuracy in determining the position of the pipeline in the repair trench. Thus, the developed repair method makes it possible to increase both the safety of the repair and the technological and economic efficiency of the process of replacing a defective section.
Structural Design and Optimization of Separated Air-Rib Tents Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Liu Ying , Ru Yi , Li Feng , Zheng Lei , Zhang Jun , Chen Xiaoyang , Liang Shengchao
Published: December 2022

Air-rib tents are widely used because they are lightweight and site adaptable, but the large deformation of these tents reduces their effective space. It is important to reduce the displacement of the air-rib tent by parameter optimization. The influences of external factors on the tent are studied in this paper. Four parameters of the tent’s wind ropes are the angle of the wind ropes, the number of the wind ropes, and the initial prestress of the wind ropes on the side or end faces. The influence of the angle of the wind ropes and the number of the wind ropes on the displacement is larger than the other two parameters. The closer the wind ropes are to the center of the tarpaulin, the greater the displacement of the tent. Based on an analysis using response surface methodology, the optimal parameters are as follows: the angle of the wind ropes is 41°, the number of the wind ropes on the side is two, the initial prestress of the wind ropes on the end face is 800 Pa, and the initial prestress of the wind ropes on the side is 0 Pa. Under these optimal parameters, the maximum displacement decreases by 10.2%, and the maximum stress barely changes.
A Designed Calibration Approach for the Measurement-While-Drilling Instrument
Authors: Liu Zongwei , Lei Kan , Song Jiancheng , Li Linbo , Li Tao
Published: December 2022

The Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) system, composed of a tri-axial magnetometer and a tri-axial accelerometer, is widely used in the Horizontal Directional Drilling machine in coal mines. This system can provide attitude information of each measuring point in the borehole, which will eventually allow the trajectory of the borehole to be drawn. The attitude information, however, showed a low-level accuracy, due to the sensor’s imperfection and mounting errors. The accuracy worsened when low-cost sensors were employed, as they had higher random noise. Therefore, an exploration of ways to eliminate the sensor imperfection and mounting tolerance as well as to suppress the noise is needed. In this paper, a feasible calibration approach was designed to address these issues. This new approach combined three foundational calibration algorithms, including the ellipsoidal fitting method, the planar fitting method, and the inner product invariance method. The traditional ellipsoidal fitting method and planar fitting method were optimized by using the recursive least square criterion and omitting the steps of sample data acquisition, respectively. In addition, the noise suppression method was involved in our approach to improve the calibration accuracy. The numerical simulation results showed that the number of sampling points decreased significantly, but the accuracy of the azimuthal angle and the pitch angle fully met the engineering requirements. The experimental results showed that the pitch angle error was reduced by less than 0.5°, and the azimuth error was also reduced by less than 2.5°. It should be noted that this new approach could be implemented without the help of other expensive auxiliary equipment.
Results of an International Survey for Risk Assessment of Honey Bee Health Concerning Varroa Management
Authors: De Carolis Alessandra , Newmark Adam J. , Kim Jieun , Cazier Joseph , Hassler Ed , Pietropaoli Marco , Robinette Chris , Formato Giovanni , Song Junxia
Published: December 2022

Here, we present the results of an online international survey concerning the adoption of good beekeeping practices and proper biosecurity measures for the management of varroosis in Apis mellifera. The survey was designed as a risk assessment tool by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Association (Apimondia), the Center for Analytics Research & Education (CARE) at Appalachian State University, and Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Lazio e Toscana (IZSLT). The data collected investigated the beekeeping techniques, treatments, and training beekeepers adopt concerning the varroa mite. The idea was to validate a tool able to collect and compare, in the different areas of the world, the management measures adopted by beekeepers to face this major parasitic disease of honey bees. The survey was disseminated online for a period of 14 months (January 2019–March 2020) through the FAO website. A total of 861 responses were received, most of them from the Americas (20.9%) and Europe (74.7%). Concerning the control measures useful in combating varroa, the results showed an overall awareness of the usefulness of biosecurity measures in beekeeping (BMBs), which we compare across regions. The majority of the beekeepers (89.9% in the Americas and 82.8% in Europe) were interested in additional bee health training and, at the same time, were willing to connect themselves with veterinary experts specialized in bees. This is an indication that beekeepers recognize the importance of training and experts’ advice. This study revealed the efficacy of the survey adopted as a useful assessment tool that will be further disseminated, even in geographic regions heretofore not investigated, to provide useful information on the status of the beekeeping sector.
A 2.4-GHz Fully-Integrated GaAs pHEMT Front-End Receiver for WLAN and Bluetooth Applications
Authors: Yin Ruihao , Zhang Zhihao , Xiong Haochen , Zhang Gary
Published: December 2022

This paper describes a 2.4-GHz fully-integrated front-end receiver including a single-pole triple-throw (SP3T) switch and a low-noise amplifier (LNA) with bypass function, which was fabricated in a 0.25 μm GaAs pHEMT process. An asymmetrical SP3T switch architecture is incorporated to enable the receiver to operate in four modes. The exploration of impedance and voltage gain behavior of the proposed LNA help to establish the matching network and alleviate the trade-off between noise figure (NF) and gain performance. In LNA high gain mode, the implemented front-end receiver shows 1.7 dB of NF and 6dBm of input third-order intercept point (IIP3) with 20 dB of power gain drawing 11 mA of current from 5 V power supply at 2.4 GHz. All input and output return loss had exceeded 10 dB with fully on-chip impedance matching network. In bypass mode, the measured insertion loss of typically 7.5 dB is achieved.
Lithosphere–Atmosphere–Ionosphere Coupling Processes for Pre-, Co-, and Post-Earthquakes
Authors: Zhang Xuemin , Chen Chieh-Hung
Published: December 2022

In recent years, many ionospheric perturbations have been detected around strong earthquakes, especially after the launching of earthquake-related electromagnetic satellites, including DEMETER and CSES [...]
A Methodology for Carbon Footprint Estimations of Research Project Activities—A Scenarios Analysis for Reducing Carbon Footprint
Authors: Liora Natalia , Poupkou Anastasia , Papadogiannaki Sofia , Parliari Daphne , Giama Effrosyni , Pieretti Giacomo Arrigo , Da Rugna Lucia Caterina , Susanetti Laura , Bressan Massimo , Villanueva José Antonio Becerra , Chacartegui Ramírez Ricardo , Pintus Francesco Jacopo , Greco Luciano , Bertolini Marina , Melas Dimitrios
Published: December 2022

The main objective of the present study is the development of a comprehensive methodology for the estimation of the Carbon Footprint (CF) of research project activities and the identification of the best practices that can be followed by project partners within the project implementation to reduce its carbon footprint. The CF methodology is based on the GHG Protocol Guidance and the emissions factors of the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The emissions sources related to project activities are the following: heating (from fuels combustion), electricity, water, work-commuting, materials, printable deliverables, IT equipment and events. An application study is performed for a research project focusing on the Mediterranean area and it is found that on-site events represent a 41% share of the total CF of the project. The use of public transport and soft mobility by employees can result in a −37% reduction in the CF of work-commuting. The most significant best practices for more sustainable organization of project events, leading to a reduction of −62% and −50% in the CF of the events, are (1) public transportation and soft mobility of the events’ participants to reach the event location within the host city, and (2) the promotion of the use of buses and railway for the international/national travels of participants to/from the event’s host city, respectively. Τhe organization of hybrid events may also reduce the project event’s CF by −50%. The cumulative reduction in the total CF of the project examined from all the CF mitigation scenarios studied, relevant to the energy-efficient target of the EU, the origin of materials used, work-commuting and events (materials used, transportation, hybrid events), is estimated to be −45%.
Study on the Piecewise Inverse Model of Accumulated Temperature Based on Skewness-Distribution Parameters of Canopy Images in Pepper
Authors: Zhang Pei , Yao Zhengyi , Wang Rong , Zhang Jibo , Zhang Mingqian , Ren Yifang , Xie Xiaoping , Wang Fuzheng , Wu Hongyan , Jiang Haidong
Published: December 2022

The crop leaf color is tightly connected with its meteorological environment. Color gradation skewness-distribution (CGSD) parameters can describe the information of leaf color more accurately, systematically, and comprehensively from five dimensions. We took photographs of pepper growing in the greenhouse at a fixed time every day and observed the meteorological factors. The results showed that the CGSD parameters were significantly correlated with meteorological factors, especially with the accumulated temperature, which showed the strongest correlation. Since the relationship between canopy leaf color and accumulated temperature is nonlinear, the piecewise inversion models were constructed by taking the stationary point of the high-order response model of Gskewness to accumulated temperature as the point of demarcation. The rate of outliers had decreased by 57.72%; moreover, the overall inversion accuracy had increased by 3.31% compared with the linear model directly constructed by the stepwise regression. It was observed that the pepper in the greenhouse had a different response to the same meteorological environmental stimulus before and after the stationary point. This study will provide a new method for constructing crop growth models in future research.