bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fertilizer use efficiency and economic viability in maize production in the Savannah and transitional zones of Ghana
Authors: Adzawla William , Setsoafia Edinam D. , Setsoafia Eugene D. , Amoabeng-Nimako Solomon , Atakora Williams K. , Camara Oumou , Jemo Martin , Bindraban Prem S.
Published: February 2024

Increasing fertilizer use is highly justified for sustainable agricultural intensification if yield response, fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), and economic viability of fertilizer application are high. Despite the increasing fertilizer application rates in Ghana, yields only marginally increased. Also, the recent fertilizer price hikes post COVID-19 revived concern for economic analysis of fertilizers. This study analyzed the FUE and economic viability of fertilizer use in maize production in Guinea/Sudan Savannah and Transitional/Deciduous zones of Ghana. Survey data from 2,673 farmers in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 production seasons were used. The average agronomic efficiency (AE), partial factor productivity (PFP), and value-cost ratio (VCR) of fertilizer use were 2.2 kg of grains per kilogram of fertilizer, 18.3 kg grains per kilogram of fertilizer, and 1.8 Ghana cedis of marginal yield per Ghana cedi spent on fertilizer, respectively. Fertilizer use was economically viable for only 28.1% of farmers with a VCR of 2 or higher, while 52.5% reached the break-even point with a VCR of at least 1. Various fertilizer formulations, including NPK plus sulfur, and adoption of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices, particularly improved seeds, organic fertilizers, and minimum tillage, improved maize yield response to fertilizer and thus the FUE. These low efficiency and economic viability of fertilizer use are prevailing conditions in other sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries and these do not guarantee sustainable food security and improved livelihood of the farmers in the region. Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), together with relevant stakeholders, should provide guidance on ISFM and intensify farmer education through farmer associations to increase the adoption of ISFM. The local government should work with other relevant stakeholders to improve the market conditions within the agriculture sector, for instance, by linking farmers to city markets for favorable output prices.
Case Report: Robotic pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary rhabdomyosarcoma in a 3-year-old patient
Authors: Liang Zijian , Lan Menglong , Xu Xiaogang , Liu Fei , Tao Boyuan , Wang Xinxing , Zeng Jixiao
Published: February 2024

Periampullary neoplasm is rare in pediatric patients and has constituted a strict indication for pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), which is a procedure sporadically reported in the literature among children. Robotic PD has been routinely performed for periampullary neoplasm in periampullary neoplasm, but only a few cases in pediatric patients have been reported. Here, we report the case of a 3-year-old patient with periampullary rhabdomyosarcoma treated with robotic pylorus-preserving PD and share our experience with this procedure in pediatric patients. A 3-year-old patient presented with obstructive jaundice and a mass in the pancreatic head revealed by imaging. A laparoscopic biopsy was performed. Jaundice progressed with abdominal pain and elevated alpha-amylase leading to urgent robotic exploration in which a periampullary neoplasm was revealed and pathologically diagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma by frozen section examination. After pylorus-preserving PD, we performed a conventional jejunal loop following a child reconstruction, including an end-to-end pancreaticojejunostomy, followed by end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy and duodenojejunostomy. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) presented with increasing drain from the nasogastric tube (NGT) a week after the surgery and improved spontaneously within 10 days. In a 13-month follow-up until the present, our case patient recovered well without potentially fatal complications, such as pancreatic fistula. Robotic PD in pediatric patients was safe and effective without intra- or postoperative complications.
The Rat Thoracic Ultrasound protocol: scanning technique and normal findings
Authors: Piskovská Anna , Kraszewska Katarzyna , Hauptman Karel , Jekl Vladimír
Published: February 2024

Respiratory diseases (especially pneumonia) are very common disorders in pet rats. The suspected diagnosis is mostly based on the clinical signs, thoracic auscultation, and thoracic radiography. However, auscultation is insensitive in determining the severity of the disease, and radiographs are often unremarkable. Non-cardiac thoracic ultrasonography is increasingly used in veterinary medicine; however, it has not been described in detail in rats. Thoracic ultrasonic examination was conducted on 400 client-owned conscious pet rats. The rats were examined in the period from June 2023 to August 2023 in two veterinary clinics. Due to the small size of the animal, different anatomical considerations, and different evaluation protocols, as well as to meet the optimal outcome of detailed thoracic ultrasound, a standard methodological protocol was developed, and the name RATTUS (Rat Thoracic Ultrasound) was proposed. Typical signs of normal RATTUS were described (bat sign, lung sliding, A-lines, abdominal curtain sign, ski jump sign, lung pulse, seashore sign in M-mode, and bamboo sign). The new evaluation of lung inflation symmetry by substernal access was also described. The methodical approach presented and the normal findings description are proposed to be used for a standard/routine thoracic ultrasound examination in pet rats.
Tacrolimus Drug Exposure Level and Smoking Are Modifiable Risk Factors for Early De Novo Malignancy After Liver Transplantation for Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Authors: Vanlerberghe Benedict T. K. , van Malenstein Hannah , Sainz-Barriga Mauricio , Jochmans Ina , Cassiman David , Monbaliu Diethard , van der Merwe Schalk , Pirenne Jacques , Nevens Frederik , Verbeek Jef
Published: February 2024

De novo malignancy (DNM) is the primary cause of mortality after liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). However, data on risk factors for DNM development after LT are limited, specifically in patients with ALD. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed all patients transplanted for ALD at our center before October 2016. Patients with a post-LT follow-up of <12 months, DNM within 12 months after LT, patients not on tacrolimus in the 1st year post-LT, and unknown smoking habits were excluded. Tacrolimus drug exposure level (TDEL) was calculated by area under the curve of trough levels in the 1st year post-LT. 174 patients received tacrolimus of which 19 (10.9%) patients developed a DNM between 12 and 60 months post-LT. Multivariate cox regression analysis identified TDEL [HR: 1.710 (1.211–2.414); p = 0.002], age [1.158 (1.076–1.246); p < 0.001], number of pack years pre-LT [HR: 1.021 (1.004–1.038); p = 0.014] and active smoking at LT [HR: 3.056 (1.072–8.715); p = 0.037] as independent risk factors for DNM. Tacrolimus dose minimization in the 1st year after LT and smoking cessation before LT might lower DNM risk in patients transplanted for ALD.
Applying IS-Enabled Telework during COVID-19 Lockdown Periods and Beyond: Insights from Employees in a Greek Banking Institution
Authors: Stamos Georgios , Kotsopoulos Dimosthenis
Published: February 2024

The recent circumstances of the COVID-19 crisis have brought significant changes to employees’ personal, as well as organizational, lives. For office workers worldwide, this has come as a result of the abrupt and wide adoption of telework, as organizations rushed to accelerate their digital transformation. This research focuses on analyzing the reception and effect of teleworking, as an imposed measure during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, on employees in Greek banking organizations. First, the circumstances and utilization of telework by a banking institution in Greece before and during the COVID-19 crisis are compared by utilizing autoethnographic evidence. Then, we conducted qualitative research with employees of the organization, who were asked to work remotely at 100% capacity, focusing on the way teleworking was performed utilizing information systems (IS), and the effect it had on them. Detailed information and results from interviews are presented and compared to autoethnographic evidence to reach our conclusions. We find that the vast majority of employees are in general positive about having telework as an option, while the time saved by not commuting to their offices is reported as the most positive element of telework. Most employees also reported having worked longer hours and more efficiently while teleworking, while a common concern—in a scenario where telework may become permanent in some form—is if the organization would cover their teleworking expenses. Theoretical and practical implications are explored and presented accordingly.
Air Traffic Flow Management Delay Prediction Based on Feature Extraction and an Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Yuan Jialing , Chen Luhao
Published: February 2024

Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) delay can quantitatively reflect the congestion caused by the imbalance between capacity and demand in an airspace network. Furthermore, it is an important parameter for the ex-post analysis of airspace congestion and the effectiveness of ATFM strategy implementation. If ATFM delays can be predicted in advance, the predictability and effectiveness of ATFM strategies can be improved. In this paper, a short-term ATFM delay regression prediction method is proposed for the characteristics of the multiple sources, high dimension, and complexity of ATFM delay prediction data. The method firstly constructs an ATFM delay prediction network model, specifies the prediction object, and proposes an ATFM delay prediction index system by integrating common flow control information. Secondly, an ATFM delay prediction method based on feature extraction modules (including CNN, TCN, and attention modules), a heuristic optimization algorithm (sparrow search algorithm (SSA)), and a prediction model (LSTM) are proposed. The method constructs a CNN-LSTM-ATT model based on SSA optimization and a TCN-LSTM-ATT model based on SSA optimization. Finally, four busy airports and their major waypoints in East China are selected as the ATFM delay prediction network nodes for example validation. The experimental results show that the MAEs of the two models proposed in this paper for ATFM delay regression prediction are 4.25 min and 4.38 min, respectively. Compared with the CNN-LSTM model, the errors are reduced by 2.71 min and 2.59 min, respectively. Compared with the TCN-LSTM model, the times are 3.68 min and 3.55 min, respectively. In this paper, two improved LSTM models are constructed to improve the prediction accuracy of ATFM delay duration so as to provide support for the establishment of an ATFM delay early warning mechanism, further improve ATFM delay management, and enhance resource allocation efficiency.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study of Corn Straw Grinding Process Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics–Discrete Element Method
Authors: Wang Xin , Tian Haiqing , Xiao Ziqing , Zhao Kai , Li Dapeng , Wang Di
Published: February 2024

To improve the operational efficiency of a hammer mill and delve into a high-efficiency, energy-saving grinding mechanism, the crucial parameters influencing the grinding of corn straw were identified as the spindle speed, hammer–sieve gap, and sieve pore diameter. According to the force analysis and kinematics analysis, the key factors affecting corn straw grinding were the spindle speed, the hammer–sieve gap, and the sieve pore diameter. The grinding process of corn straw was studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) and the discrete element method (DEM) gas–solid coupling numerical simulation and experiment. The numerical simulation results showed that with the growth of time, the higher the spindle speed, the faster the bonds broke in each part, and the higher the grinding efficiency. When the energy loss of the hammer component was in the range of 985.6~1312.2 J, and the total collision force of the corn straw was greater than 47,032.5 N, the straw grinding effect was better, and the per kW·h yield was higher. The experimental results showed that the optimum combination of operating parameters was a spindle speed of 2625 r/min, a hammer-screen gap of 14 mm, and a sieve pore diameter of 8 mm. Finally, the CFD–DEM gas–solid coupling numerical simulation validation tests were performed based on the optimal combination of the operating parameters. The results showed that the energy loss of the hammer component was 1189.5 J, and the total collision force of the corn straw was 49,523.5 N, both of which were within the range of better results in terms of numerical simulation. Thus, the CFD–DEM gas–solid coupling numerical simulation could accurately predict the corn straw grinding process. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving a hammer mill’s key components and grinding performance. Meanwhile, the proposed gas–solid two-phase flow method provided theoretical references for other research in agricultural machinery.
Development and Optimization of an Offset Spiral Tooth Fertilizer Discharge Device
Authors: Fang Longyu , Yang Wenwu , Luo Xiwen , Guo Han , Song Shiyu , Liu Qinghai , Xie Haoyang , Chen Weiman , Lu Jianxin , Peng Zhixiang , Li Guanjiong
Published: February 2024

Due to factors such as a small amount of fertilizer application during rice topdressing and slow machine speed, the ordinary fertilizer discharge device fails to distribute the fertilizer uniformly and accurately as required, making it difficult to meet the needs of precise rice topdressing. This research focuses on the development of an offset spiral tooth fertilizer discharge device suitable for rice topdressing. The study analyzes the amount of fertilizer discharged in one cycle, the fertilizer force, and the motion of the fertilizer particles. In order to enhance the uniformity of the fertilizer discharge device at a low speed and small volume, the discrete element method is employed to conduct experimental research on the key structural parameters that affect the one-cycle amount of discharged fertilizer and the dynamics of the fertilizer discharge device. Through single-factor tests, it was found that the angle, height, number of spiral teeth, and diameter of the fertilizer discharge wheel are closely associated with the fertilizer discharge performance. To further investigate the impact of these four parameters on the fertilizer discharge performance, a regression combination test of the four factors is conducted based on the range optimized by the single-factor tests. A multi-objective mathematical model, considering the key parameters of fertilizer uniformity coefficient, one-cycle amount of fertilizer, and fertilizer discharge torque, is established at three speeds: 20, 55, and 90 rpm. The response surface method is utilized to analyze the influence of the interaction factors on the fertilizer discharge performance. The optimal combination of the key structural parameters was determined as follows: spiral tooth angle of 35.42°, tooth height of 9.02 mm, discharge wheel diameter of 57.43 mm, and tooth amount of 9.37. The bench test results of the device, using the optimal parameter combination and a fertilizer discharge speed of 0–90 rpm, were obtained for four commonly used rice fertilizers. The maximum variation coefficient of fertilizer discharge was found to be 10.42%. The one-cycle amount of fertilizer discharge was measured to be 19.82 ± 0.72 (A Kang), 17.20 ± 0.69 (Ba Tian), 20.34 ± 0.54 (Yaran), and 14.51 ± 0.44 (granular urea). The fertilizer discharge torque remained stable. These results indicate that the achieved optimization meets the precise fertilizer application requirements and can provide technical support for precise topdressing operations.
Effect of Ecological Factors on Nutritional Quality of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)
Authors: Ma Ke , Zhao Xiatong , Lu Boyu , Wang Yiru , Yue Zhongxiao , Zhang Liguang , Diao Xianmin , Yuan Xiangyang
Published: February 2024

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica [L.] P. Beauv.) is a climate-change-ready crop, and it is crucial for predicting the impact of ecological factors on grain quality. In this study, multivariate statistical analysis was used to explore the relationship between ecological factors and the key nutritional quality of Jingu 21 from twelve production areas. The results showed that the crude fat and amylopectin content of foxtail millets showed a downward trend from south to north. The nutritional quality was significantly affected by geographical, climatic, and soil factors, and the foxtail millet produced in geographically close areas was extremely similar in nutritional quality. Most nutritional quality indicators of Jingu 21 had a strong correlation with the latitude and climatic factors such as average temperature, diurnal temperature range, and average precipitation, while the content of mineral elements was greatly affected by soil factors. Moreover, higher average precipitation in the jointing, booting–heading, and heading stages, a higher average temperature, and a lower diurnal temperature range in the heading and grain-filling stages are conducive to the establishment of nutritional quality. The findings could facilitate the rational distribution of high-quality foxtail millets under global climate change.
Nitrogen Utilization and Loss of the Tea Plantation System on Sloped Farmland: A Short-Term Response to Substitution with Organic Fertilizer
Authors: Yu Yingliang , Zhang Yafei , Yang Bei , Qian Cong , Wang Yizhi , Chen Taifeng , Han Xuemei , Yang Linzhang , Xue Lihong
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilizer application in tea plantations leads to challenges such as soil acidification and nitrogen loss, impending the sustainable development of the plantation system. Yet, there is a lack of research on blended fertilization strategies, and limited data regarding N loss when substituting with organic fertilizer. (2) Methods: A year-long field monitoring experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of substituting compound fertilizer with organic fertilizer, specifically with respect to runoff N loss and uptake of chemical fertilizer N by tea trees. (3) Results: The annual runoff N loss ranged from 0.16 to 0.57 kg·hm−2 and accounted for a mere 0.22–0.48% of N from fertilizer applications. Substitution with organic fertilizer reduced runoff N loss by 21–53% and improved the tea tree utilization efficiency of chemical fertilizer N from 16% to 27%. A 50% organic fertilizer substitution (based on the amount of N) promoted a net soil N mineralization rate, creating an ammonium-rich environment favored by tea trees. (4) Conclusions: The positive effects of partially substituting N fertilizer with organic fertilizer in tea plantation systems on both N utilization efficiency and N loss were confirmed. If conditions permit, the study team would aim to expand the temporal scope of the study, and to investigate the impact of organic fertilizer substitution on N loss under various precipitation intensities.
Mixtures of Forage Species as Pasture for Dairy Ewes in a Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Di Miceli Giuseppe , Ponte Marialetizia , Dinolfo Lucia , Maniaci Giuseppe , Pipi Marianna , Gannuscio Riccardo , Prestigiacomo Simona , Bonanno Adriana , Di Grigoli Antonino
Published: February 2024

In Sicilian forage systems, the introduction of native self-seeding annual legumes can be beneficial in low-input farming. Intercropping would be a valuable strategy for implementing pasture resources in Sicilian forage systems during late spring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on ewes’ milk production of continuous grazing with two different mixtures (i) sulla (Sulla coronarium L.), burr medic (Medicago polymorpha L.), and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) (SuBuCh); and (ii) barrel medic (Medicago truncatula Gaertn.), snail medic (Medicago scutellata L.), and burr medic (BuSnBa). Twenty lactating ewes were homogeneously divided into four groups of five ewes. Each group was assigned to one of four 1500 m2 grazing sectors consisting of two replicates of SuBuCh and BuSnBa. Ewes fed with the SuBuCh mixture showed higher milk yield, higher protein (5.17 vs. 4.85%, p < 0.001) and casein content (4.02 vs. 3.73%, p < 0.001), lower urea content (37.70 vs. 45.38 mg dL−1, p < 0.001), and better clotting parameters compared to ewes grazing on the BuSnBa mixture. Finally, ewes in the SuBuCh group showed a smaller decrease in live weight at the end of the grazing period compared to BuSnBa ewes (−2.05 vs. −3.55 kg, respectively), although the difference did not reach a significant level. These preliminary one-year results seem to highlight the promising role of SuBuCh intercrop leading to a potential quantitative/qualitative improvement in grazing resources and the productive performance of grazing ewes in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment. However, it is of note that these outcomes might undergo variations when subjected to a prolonged trial extending beyond three years.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Carbon Footprint, and Grain Yields of Rice-Based Cropping Systems in Eastern China
Authors: Hu Zhongze , Liu Hongjiang , Zhang Yuefang , Chen Ji , Wang Xian , Yang Daliu , Sheng Jing , Chen Liugen , Zheng Jianchu
Published: February 2024

A multiple cropping system is beneficial for utilizing natural resources, while increasing the grain production and economic outputs. However, its impact on greenhouse gas emissions is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of rice-based cropping systems on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, the carbon footprint (CF), grain yields, and net economic returns in eastern China. Four treatments were applied: rice–fallow (as a control), rice–milk vetch, rice–wheat, and rice–rapeseed. Methane and N2O emissions were measured every 7 days via static chamber and gas chromatography methods from the 2019 rice season to the 2021 non-rice season. The CF was calculated based on the life cycle assessment. The results showed that multiple cropping systems significantly increased the annual grain yield by 1.2–6.4 t ha−1 and the annual CH4 and N2O emissions by 38–101 kg CH4-C ha−1 and 0.58–1.06 kg N2O-N ha−1, respectively. The average annual net returns for rice–wheat and rice–rapeseed were 131–150% greater than those for rice–milk vetch and rice–fallow. The annual CFs increased in the following order: rice–wheat (19.2 t CO2-eq ha−1) > rice–rapeseed (16.6 t CO2-eq ha−1) > rice–milk vetch (13.9 t CO2-eq ha−1) > rice–fallow (11.5 t CO2-eq ha−1). The CH4 emissions contributed to the largest share of the CF (60.4–68.8%), followed by agricultural inputs (27.2–33.7%) and N2O emissions (2.9–5.9%). Moreover, nitrogen fertilizer accounted for 65.6–72.4% of the indirect greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural inputs. No significant difference in the CF per unit grain yield was observed between the four rice-based cropping systems. The CF per net return of rice–wheat and rice–rapeseed significantly decreased by 37–50% relative to that of rice–fallow and rice–milk vetch. These findings suggest the potential to optimize rice-based cropping systems for environmental sustainability and grain security.
Potential of an Isolated Bacteriophage to Inactivate Klebsiella pneumoniae: Preliminary Studies to Control Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Duarte João , Máximo Carolina , Costa Pedro , Oliveira Vanessa , Gomes Newton C. M. , Romalde Jesús L. , Pereira Carla , Almeida Adelaide
Published: February 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae can lead to severe clinical complications and even death. An alternative treatment option for infected patients is using bacteriophages. In the present study, we isolated phage VB_KPM_KP1LMA (KP1LMA) from sewage water using a K. pneumoniae strain as a host. Whole-genome analysis indicated that the genome was a double-stranded linear 176,096-bp long DNA molecule with 41.8% GC content and did not contain virulence or antibiotic resistance genes. The inactivation potential of phage KP1LMA was assessed in broth at an MOI of 1 and 10, and a maximum inactivation of 4.9 and 5.4 log CFU/mL, respectively, was observed after 9 h. The efficacy at an MOI of 10 was also assessed in urine to evaluate the phage’s performance in an acidic environment. A maximum inactivation of 3.8 log CFU/mL was observed after 9 h. The results suggest that phage KP1LMA could potentially control a UTI caused by this strain of K. pneumoniae, indicating that the same procedure can be used to control UTIs caused by other strains if new specific phages are isolated. Although phage KP1LMA has a narrow host range, in the future, efforts can be made to expand its spectrum of activity and also to combine this phage with others, potentially enabling its use against other K. pneumoniae strains involved in UTIs.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) Protects SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells from Ferroptotic Cell Death: Insights from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Faraji Parisa , Borchert Astrid , Ahmadian Shahin , Kuhn Hartmut
Published: February 2024

Ferroptosis is a special kind of programmed cell death that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a large number of human diseases. It involves dysregulated intracellular iron metabolism and uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, which together initiate intracellular ferroptotic signalling pathways leading to cellular suicide. Pharmacological interference with ferroptotic signal transduction may prevent cell death, and thus patients suffering from ferroptosis-related diseases may benefit from such treatment. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is an effective anti-oxidant that is frequently used in oil chemistry and in cosmetics to prevent free-radical-mediated lipid peroxidation. Since it functions as a radical scavenger, it has previously been reported to interfere with ferroptotic signalling. Here, we show that BHT prevents RSL3- and ML162-induced ferroptotic cell death in cultured human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) in a dose-dependent manner. It prevents the RSL3-induced oxidation of membrane lipids and normalises the RSL3-induced inhibition of the intracellular catalytic activity of glutathione peroxidase 4. The systemic application of BHT in a rat Alzheimer’s disease model prevented the upregulation of the expression of ferroptosis-related genes. Taken together, these data indicate that BHT interferes with ferroptotic signalling in cultured neuroblastoma cells and may prevent ferroptotic cell death in an animal Alzheimer’s disease model.
Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Basis of the Difference in Antioxidant Capacity in Different Tissues of Citrus reticulata ‘Ponkan’
Authors: Liang Xiao , Wang Huixin , Xu Wanhua , Liu Xiaojuan , Zhao Chenning , Chen Jiebiao , Wang Dengliang , Xu Shuting , Cao Jinping , Sun Chongde , Wang Yue
Published: February 2024

Citrus is an important type of fruit, with antioxidant bioactivity. However, the variations in the antioxidant ability of different tissues in citrus and its metabolic and molecular basis remain unclear. Here, we assessed the antioxidant capacities of 12 tissues from Citrus reticulata ‘Ponkan’, finding that young leaves and root exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity. Secondary metabolites accumulated differentially in parts of the citrus plant, of which flavonoids were enriched in stem, leaf, and flavedo; phenolic acids were enriched in the albedo, while coumarins were enriched in the root, potentially explaining the higher antioxidant capacities of these tissues. The spatially specific accumulation of metabolites was related to the expression levels of biosynthesis-related genes such as chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavone synthase (FNS), O-methyltransferase (OMT), flavonoid-3′-hydroxylase (F3′H), flavonoid-6/8-hydroxylase (F6/8H), p-coumaroyl CoA 2′-hydroxylase (C2′H), and prenyltransferase (PT), among others, in the phenylpropane pathway. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified modules associated with flavonoids and coumarin content, among which we identified an OMT involved in coumarin O-methylation, and related transcription factors were predicted. Our study identifies key genes and metabolites influencing the antioxidant capacity of citrus, which could contribute to the enhanced understanding and utilization of bioactive citrus components.
Addition of Vitamin C Mitigates the Loss of Antioxidant Capacity, Vitality and DNA Integrity in Cryopreserved Human Semen Samples
Authors: Hungerford Alena J. , Bakos Hassan W. , Aitken Robert J.
Published: February 2024

Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is a necessity for males suffering from infertility who cannot produce fresh semen for insemination. However, current ART cryopreservation protocols are associated with losses of sperm motility, vitality and DNA integrity, which are thought to be linked to the induction of oxidative damage and the toxic properties of commercial cryoprotectants (CPAs). Preventing or mitigating these losses would be hugely beneficial to sperm survival during ART. Therefore, in this in vitro investigation, lipid peroxidation, production of reactive oxygen species, movement characteristics, antioxidant capacity, vitality, and DNA integrity were examined in semen samples both pre- and post-cryopreservation with CPA supplementation. The findings revealed a 50% reduction in antioxidant capacity with CPA addition, which was accompanied by significant increases in generation of reactive oxygen species and formation of lipid aldehydes. These changes were, in turn, correlated with reductions in sperm viability, motility and DNA integrity. Antioxidant supplementation generated bell-shaped dose-response curves with both resveratrol and vitamin C, emphasising the vulnerability of these cells to both oxidative and reductive stress. At the optimal dose, vitamin C was able to significantly enhance vitality and reduce DNA damage recorded in cryopreserved human spermatozoa. An improvement in sperm motility did not reach statistical significance, possibly because additional pathophysiological mechanisms limit the potential effectiveness of antioxidants in rescuing this aspect of sperm function. The vulnerability of human spermatozoa to reductive stress and the complex nature of sperm cryoinjury will present major challenges in creating the next generation of cryoprotective media.
Liver Antioxidant Capacity and Steatosis in Laying Hens Exposed to Various Quantities of Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) Seeds in the Diet
Authors: Wójcik Marta , Grabowski Sebastian , Jarosz Łukasz S. , Szymczak Bartłomiej , Longo Vincenzo , della Croce Clara Maria , Hejdysz Marcin , Cieślak Adam , Gruszczyński Kamil , Marek Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Despite the many beneficial properties of legume plants, their use in diets for poultry is limited by the presence of antinutritional factors. The aim of the study was to determine the activity of DT-diaphorase, ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase, and catalase, and the concentration of malondialdehyde in liver tissue, as well as the activity of SOD and CAT in the serum of Hy-line Brown hens fed a diet supplemented with various doses of Lupinus angustifolius seeds. The results indicate that the use of large amounts of lupin in the diet resulted in an increase in MDA concentration in the liver and the lipid vacuolization of hepatocytes. A significant increase in DTD activity was observed in chickens receiving 15% lupin. Regardless of lupin dose, no increase in SOD activity was observed in chicken serum after 33 days of the experiment. From the 66th day of the experiment, an increase in catalase activity in the serum of laying hens was observed, while low activity of this enzyme was found in the liver. It can be concluded that the short-term use of lupin in the diet of laying hens does not affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes and, therefore, does not affect the oxidative–antioxidant balance of their body.
The Effects of an Ethics Education Program on Artificial Intelligence among Middle School Students: Analysis of Perception and Attitude Changes
Authors: Choi Jung-In , Yang Eunja , Goo Eun-Hee
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has brought convenience to human lives, but its pervasive impact extends beyond individuals, affecting society as a whole. Consequently, the necessity for an AI ethics education program has become increasingly apparent. This study aims to investigate the influence of an experimental research study that developed and implemented an AI ethics education program for learners’ ethical awareness and attitude towards AI. The research methodology involved validating a model of the AI ethics education program by applying it to a group of 10 domain experts. Additionally, pre-test and post-test designs were employed with 17 middle school students as the experimental group. The same assessment was administered before and after the implementation of the AI ethics education program, and the data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests. The findings of this study are as follows: Firstly, an AI ethics education program model was developed, incorporating key competencies such as AI literacy, critical thinking skills in AI, and AI problem-solving skills, all within the context of AI ethics. The implementation of this model was effective in the educational setting. Secondly, significant improvements were observed in the ethical awareness of middle school students across all domains after participating in the program. Thirdly, the attitudes of middle school students towards AI exhibited significant enhancements across all domains. These findings contribute to the broader field of AI ethics education by highlighting the importance of ethical awareness in AI and fostering favorable attitudes towards AI. The implications of this study are significant for the field of AI education.
Verification of the Applicability of Obstacle Recognition Distance as a Measure of Effectiveness of Road Lighting on Rainy and Foggy Roads
Authors: Park Wonil , Park Kisoo , Jeong Junhwa
Published: February 2024

Adverse weather conditions at night are very fatal to drivers, causing serious traffic accidents. Road lighting is a facility that can alleviate these dangerous situations. Nevertheless, road lighting has only rarely been studied during adverse weather. The reason is that the current road lighting performance evaluation method is presented based on normal weather. The current road lighting performance evaluation method uses a luminance meter to measure the road surface, which is not suitable due to scattering during adverse weather such as rain and fog. Therefore, this study proposes obstacle recognition distance as a measure of effectiveness to evaluate the performance of road lighting during adverse weather. There is a lack of actual research on whether obstacle recognition distance can be used as a measure of effectiveness for road lighting during adverse weather. Therefore, in this study, 30 subjects were used to measure the subjects’ obstacle recognition distance according to changes in weather conditions, road lighting grade, and road lighting color temperature. As a result, it was analyzed that there was a clear trend of change in obstacle recognition distance depending on the change in each condition. It was found that, under the same road lighting performance conditions, there was a difference of up to 72.86% by weather condition; under the same weather conditions, there was a difference of up to 22.75% by road lighting grade; and by color temperature, there was a difference of up to 21.87%. In addition, a statistical significance test was performed to support the existence of a difference, and the results were synthesized to suggest that obstacle recognition distance can be used as a performance measure of effectiveness of road lighting in adverse weather.
Dual-Branch Multi-Scale Relation Networks with Tutorial Learning for Few-Shot Learning
Authors: Xu Chuanyun , Wang Hang , Zhang Yang , Zhou Zheng , Li Gang
Published: February 2024

Few-shot learning refers to training a model with a few labeled data to effectively recognize unseen categories. Recently, numerous approaches have been suggested to improve the extraction of abundant feature information at hierarchical layers or multiple scales for similarity metrics, especially methods based on learnable relation networks, which have demonstrated promising results. However, the roles played by image features in relationship measurement vary at different layers, and effectively integrating features from different layers and multiple scales can improve the measurement capacity of the model. In light of this, we propose a novel method called dual-branch multi-scale relation networks with tutoring learning (DbMRNT) for few-shot learning. Specifically, we first generate deep multiple features using a multi-scale feature generator in Branch 1 while extracting features at hierarchical layers in Branch 2. Then, learnable relation networks are employed in both branches to measure the pairwise similarity of features at each scale or layer. Furthermore, to leverage the dominant role of deep features in the final classification, we introduce a tutorial learning module that enables Branch 1 to tutor the learning process of Branch 2. Ultimately, the relation scores of all scales and layers are integrated to obtain the classification results. Extensive experiments on popular few-shot learning datasets prove that our method outperforms other similar methods.
Dimensionless Analysis of the Spatial–Temporal Coupling Characteristics of the Surrounding Rock Temperature Field in High Geothermal Roadway Realized by Gauss–Newton Iteration Method
Authors: Zhou Jiale , Zhang Yuan , Shi Peng , Liu Yang
Published: February 2024

Understanding the time–space coupling characteristics of the surrounding rock temperature field in high geothermal roadways is essential for controlling heat damage in mines. However, current research primarily focuses on individually analyzing the temperature changes in the surrounding rock of roadways, either over time or space. Therefore, the Gauss–Newton iteration method is employed to model the coupling relationship between temperature, time, and space. The results demonstrate that the dual coupling function describing the temperature field of the surrounding rock in both time and space provides a more comprehensive characterization of the temperature variations. Over time, as ventilation duration increases, the fitting degree of the characteristic curve steadily rises, and the characteristic curve descends overall. In the spatial dimension, the fitting degree of the characteristic curve gradually decreases with the rise of the dimensionless radius, and the characteristic curve ascends overall. Additionally, as thermal conductivity increases, the fitting degree of the characteristic curve steadily rises.
Distributed Detection of Large-Scale Internet of Things Botnets Based on Graph Partitioning
Authors: Qian Kexiang , Yang Hongyu , Li Ruyu , Chen Weizhe , Luo Xi , Yin Lihua
Published: February 2024

With the rapid growth of IoT devices, the threat of botnets is becoming increasingly worrying. There are more and more intelligent detection solutions for botnets that have been proposed with the development of artificial intelligence. However, due to the current lack of computing power in IoT devices, these intelligent methods often cannot be well-applied to IoT devices. Based on the above situation, this paper proposes a distributed botnet detection method based on graph partitioning, efficiently detecting botnets using graph convolutional networks. In order to alleviate the wide range of IoT environments and the limited computing power of IoT devices, the algorithm named METIS is used to divide the network traffic structure graph into small graphs. To ensure robust information flow between nodes while preventing gradient explosion, diagonal enhancement is applied to refine the embedding representations at each layer, facilitating accurate botnet attack detection. Through comparative analysis with GATv2, GraphSAGE, and GCN across the C2, P2P, and Chord datasets, our method demonstrates superior performance in both accuracy and F1 score metrics. Moreover, an exploration into the effects of varying cluster numbers and depths revealed that six cluster levels yielded optimal results on the C2 dataset. This research significantly contributes to mitigating the IoT botnet threat, offering a scalable and effective solution for diverse IoT ecosystems.
Multi-AGV-Driven Pallet-Picking Scheduling Optimization (MADPSO): A Method for Flexible Multi-Level Picking Systems
Authors: Li Jinghua , Chen Yidong , Zhou Lei , Dong Ruipu , Yin Wenhao , Huang Wenhao , Zhang Fan
Published: February 2024

In the context of increasingly competitive shipbuilding, the flexible multi-level picking system, composed of high-rise shelves, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and picking stations, has been of gradual interest because of its advantages in operation efficiency, system flexibility, and system robustness. Compared with other simple-level systems, the flexible multi-level picking system has a more complex coupling temporal relationship, which makes the scheduling optimization of shipbuilding automated collaborative order picking (SACOP) extremely difficult. In order to avoid the dilemma of finding a feasible and optimal collaborative scheduling scheme under the constraints of a complex temporal relationship, this paper proposed a multi-AGV-driven pallet-picking scheduling optimization (MADPSO) method, which takes the AGV scheduling scheme as the direct solution and modifies it to a feasible solution under the reasonably designed interaction strategy of stacker, AGV, and the interaction strategy of picking station, AGV. Furthermore, taking the minimum energy consumption and operation time as the optimization objectives, a multi-objective optimization mathematical model was established to describe MADPSO, and an improved NSGA-III algorithm was designed to solve the problem. Finally, several experiments were conducted in various scenarios and verified that using MADPSO can achieve a comprehensive optimization index improvement of 52.02–75.66% compared with traditional picking methods, which has a certain reference significance for shipyards.
Magnetic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Use in Biomedical Field
Authors: Stiufiuc Gabriela Fabiola , Stiufiuc Rares Ionut
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in biomedical applications has gained more and more attention. Their unusual properties make them ideal candidates for the advancement of diagnosis, therapy, and imaging applications. This review addresses the use of MNPs in the field of biomedicine encompassing their synthesis, biofunctionalization, and unique physicochemical properties that make them ideal candidates for such applications. The synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles involves a range of techniques that allow for control over particle size, shape, and surface modifications. The most commonly used synthesis techniques that play a crucial role in tailoring the magnetic properties of nanoparticles are summarized in this review. Nevertheless, the main characterization techniques that can be employed after a successful synthesis procedure are also included together with a short description of their biomedical applications. As the field of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedical applications is rapidly evolving, this review aims to serve as a valuable resource, especially for young researchers and medical professionals, offering basic but very useful insights into recent advancements and future prospects in this highly interdisciplinary research topic.
A Quality Management Method for Prefabricated Building Design Based on BIM and VR-Integrated Technology
Authors: Zhou Min , Wang Jiayuan , Yu Bo , Chen Kunyang
Published: February 2024

Quality management in the design phase is crucial for determining the overall quality of prefabricated buildings. However, traditional design methods can no longer meet the complex design, component, and nodal requirements of prefabricated buildings. This study proposes a quality management framework for the prefabricated building design phase based on building information modeling (BIM) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to enhance design precision and satisfaction. Applying this framework to a prefabricated building project in Shenzhen, China, it was found that compared to traditional 2D drawing methods, the design issues feedback during drawing reviews decreased by 41.35%. Compared to solely using BIM technology, the number of design collisions identified through collision detection increased by 28.35%, and feedback on design issues during drawing reviews decreased by 15%. Furthermore, the framework was tested to prove its usability, effectiveness, and functionality. The framework, integrating the rich architectural information of BIM with the immersive experience of VR, contributes to focusing on the design process, improving design tools, optimizing design workflows, significantly reducing design errors, and enhancing the quality of prefabricated buildings.
Multiobjective Energy Consumption Optimization of a Flying–Walking Power Transmission Line Inspection Robot during Flight Missions Using Improved NSGA-II
Authors: Wang Yanqi , Qin Xinyan , Jia Wenxing , Lei Jin , Wang Dexin , Feng Tianming , Zeng Yujie , Song Jie
Published: February 2024

In order to improve the flight efficiency of a flying–walking power transmission line inspection robot (FPTLIR) during flight missions, an accurate energy consumption model is constructed, and a multiobjective optimization approach using the improved NSGA-II is proposed to address the high energy consumption and long execution time. The energy consumption model is derived from the FPTLIR kinematics to the motor dynamics, with the key parameters validated using a test platform. A multiobjective optimization model is proposed that considers many constraints related to the FPTLIR during missions, offering a comprehensive analysis of the energy consumption and execution time. The NSGA-II algorithm is improved by integrating the Cauchy variation operator and the simulated annealing algorithm, which is used to construct the multiobjective optimization approach. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model accurately predicts the energy consumption of the FPTLIR across different paths and flight conditions with an average relative error ranging from 0.76% to 3.24%. After optimization, energy savings of 5.33% and 5.01% are achieved for on-line and off-line missions, respectively, while maintaining the shortest execution time at the given energy level. The energy consumption optimization approach significantly improves the flight efficiency of the system, providing a reference for analyzing and optimizing energy consumption of inspection robots.