bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and Molecular Diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in the Endangered Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus), Spain
Authors: Matas-Méndez Pablo , Ávalos Gabriel , Caballero-Gómez Javier , Dashti Alejandro , Castro-Scholten Sabrina , Jiménez-Martín Débora , González-Barrio David , Muñoz-de-Mier Gemma J. , Bailo Begoña , Cano-Terriza David , Mateo Marta , Nájera Fernando , Xiao Lihua , Köster Pamela C. , García-Bocanegra Ignacio , Carmena David
Published: January 2024

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are the main non-viral causes of diarrhoea in humans and domestic animals globally. Comparatively, much less information is currently available in free-ranging carnivore species in general and in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in particular. Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were investigated with molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods in individual faecal DNA samples of free-ranging and captive Iberian lynxes from the main population nuclei in Spain. Overall, Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were detected in 2.4% (6/251) and 27.9% (70/251) of the animals examined, respectively. Positive animals to at least one of them were detected in each of the analysed population nuclei. The analysis of partial ssu rRNA gene sequences revealed the presence of rodent-adapted C. alticolis (n = 1) and C. occultus (n = 1), leporid-adapted C. cuniculus (n = 2), and zoonotic C. parvum (n = 2) within Cryptosporidium, and zoonotic assemblages A (n = 5) and B (n = 3) within G. duodenalis. Subgenotyping analyses allowed for the identification of genotype VaA19 in C. cuniculus (gp60 locus) and sub-assemblages AI and BIII/BIV in G. duodenalis (gdh, bg, and tpi loci). This study represents the first molecular description of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in the Iberian lynx in Spain. The presence of rodent/leporid-adapted Cryptosporidium species in the surveyed animals suggests spurious infections associated to the Iberian lynx’s diet. The Iberian lynx seems a suitable host for zoonotic genetic variants of Cryptosporidium (C. parvum) and G. duodenalis (assemblages A and B), although the potential risk of human transmission is regarded as limited due to light parasite burdens and suspected low excretion of infective (oo)cysts to the environment by infected animals. More research should be conducted to ascertain the true impact of these protozoan parasites in the health status of the endangered Iberian lynx.
Recovery of Copper and Zinc from Livestock Bio-Sludge with An Environmentally Friendly Organic Acid Extraction
Authors: Yen Kuang-Wei , Chen Wei-Chen , Su Jung-Jeng
Published: January 2024

Pig farmers in Taiwan tend to overdose copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in animal feeds to ensure pig health. The application of Cu- or Zn-rich livestock compost to fields can result in high Cu/Zn residues in surface soil and violate limitations for zinc and copper in land applications. This study aims to extract Cu and Zn from sludge using organic acid or H2O2/organic acids. The livestock bio-sludge was dried and treated with different concentrations of acetic acid (1N, 2N, and 4N). The acid-extracted sludge was then treated with or without adding H2O2 during different periods (4, 24, and 48 h) to investigate the efficiency of acid extraction of Cu and Zn. The supernatant of the acid-extracted product was separated from the residues through centrifugation. Experimental results showed that the treatment set of dried bio-sludge with 2% H2O2 significantly promoted the removal efficiency of Cu and Zn from the bio-sludge (p < 0.01). The best removal efficiency of Cu and Zn from the bio-sludge was 40% and 70%, respectively, using 4N acetic acid in the 48 h group. The study shows a green method for extracting Cu and Zn from livestock sludge, enhancing the sustainability of intensive livestock farming.
Methodology Advances in Vertebrate Age Estimation
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Bi Jinping , Ning Yao , Feng Jiang
Published: January 2024

Age is a core metric in vertebrate management, and the correct estimation of the age of an individual plays a principal role in comprehending animal behavior, identifying genealogical information, and assessing the potential reproductive capacity of populations. Vertebrates have a vertebral column and a distinct head containing a developed brain; they have played an important role in the study of biological evolution. However, biological age estimations constantly exhibit large deviations due to the diversity of vertebrate taxon species, sample types, and determination methods. To systematically and comprehensively understand age estimation methods in different situations, we classify the degree of damage to vertebrates during sample collection, present the sample types and their applications, list commonly applied methods, present methodological recommendations based on the combination of accuracy and implementability, and, finally, predict future methods for vertebrate age assessments, taking into account the current level of research and requirements. Through comprehensive data gathering and compilation, this work serves as an introduction and summary for those who are eager to catch up on related fields and facilitates the rapid and accurate selection of an evaluation method for researchers engaged in related research. This is essential to promote animal conservation and guide the smooth implementation of conservation management plans.
Comparative Analysis of Maternal Colostrum and Colostrum Replacer Effects on Immunity, Growth, and Health of Japanese Black Calves
Authors: Urakawa Marimu , Baakhtari Mahmoud , Ramah Amany , Imatake Shoichiro , Ahmadi Parnian , Deguchi Yuichiro , Uematsu Mizuho , Nakama Yoshiki , Imabeppu Kazunari , Nomura Yusuke , Yasuda Masahiro
Published: January 2024

Maternal colostrum (MC) is an important source of nutrients and immune factors for newborn calves. However, when colostrum is unavailable or of poor quality, a colostrum replacer (CR) may be a suitable alternative to MC. As stock-raising farmers must make informed decisions about colostrum feeding management, this study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding MC versus CR on the promotion of immunological status, growth, and health in pre-weaned Japanese black (JB) calves. Sixteen newborn JB calves were fed MC after birth, and 16 JB calves were fed CR. For the MC group, the numbers of γδ T cells, CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, CD4+CD8+ cells, B cells, and MHC class II+ cells were significantly higher compared with the CR group. Furthermore, the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β-, IL-2-, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-encoding mRNAs were significantly higher in the MC group compared with the CR group. A lower incidence of disease in 1-month-old calves and higher carcass weight in the MC group were observed compared with the CR group. These results suggest that CR activates the immune system delayed in calves compared with MC. MC increases populations of various immunocompetent cells, which can reduce infection rates and improve body weight gain.
The Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) in the Sysmex XN-1000V Analyzer Can Differentiate between Causes of Regenerative and Non-Regenerative Anemia in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Perez-Ecija Alejandro , Martinez Carmen , Fernandez-Castañer Julio , Mendoza Francisco J.
Published: January 2024

The Sysmex XN-1000V analyzer can identify those reticulocytes with high RNA content and fluorescence, providing the immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF). While this parameter has been used in human medicine to identify the cause of anemia, few studies have focused on its use in veterinary medicine. In this study, we determined the IRF and related reticulocyte parameters in a large population of non-anemic and anemic dogs and cats (subclassified depending on the origin of their anemia). The IRF was significantly higher in hemolytic anemias compared to hemorrhagic ones in both species. Moreover, the IRF was significantly lower in dogs and cats with bone marrow failure than in other non-regenerative anemias and in both groups compared to pre-regenerative anemias. The accurate cut-off values for the differential in regenerative anemias and reference ranges for both species using the Sysmex XN-1000V are also reported. The measurement of the IRF in this analyzer can help clinicians to further classify the type of anemia in both species.
Pain Assessment in Cattle by Use of Numerical Rating and Visual Analogue Scales—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tschoner Theresa , Mueller Kristina R. , Zablotski Yury , Feist Melanie
Published: January 2024

Subjective pain assessment in cattle is contingent upon the observer’s experience and attitude. Studies of pain assessment in cattle by veterinarians and farmers using different pain scales have been published. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to describe and compare the pain scores given by veterinarians and producers for different procedures and conditions using either a NRS or VAS. The literature search was conducted with PubMed (MEDLINE) and Agricola, using defined search terms (e.g., peer-reviewed). A total of 842 articles were identified. After screening of duplicates, abstracts, and full texts, a total of 16 articles were included in this systematic review. Different pain scales were used for the included studies (NRS 0–10 for eight studies, NRS 1–10 for six studies, NRS 1–10 and VAS 0–10 for one study, and VAS 0–1 for one study). Most studies (n = 11) originated from the European Union. Mean values for pain scores differed significantly between studies included in the meta-analysis for both NRS 0–10 and 1–10. The findings of this study indicated that comparison of pain scoring used in different studies is difficult due to use of different pain scales and varying nomenclature, and that many variables (such as age and gender) influence pain scoring.
A Study on the Growth and Development Characteristics of Lindian Chickens
Authors: Liu Jie , Jin Yitong , Zhou Shijie , Wang Xinyu , Li Yumao , Luan Peng , Li Hui , Leng Li , Wang Yuxiang
Published: January 2024

As an excellent chicken breed found in a high-altitude zone of northern China, Lindian chickens are characterized by good egg and meat production, strong adaptability, cold tolerance, rough feeding resistance, excellent egg quality, and delicious meat quality. To facilitate the exploitation of the unique qualities of the Lindian chicken, the varying patterns and correlations of various body size and carcass traits of 3–22-week-old Lindian chickens were analyzed in this study. The optimal growth model of these traits was determined by growth curve fitting analysis. The results showed that most traits of Lindian chickens increased steadily with increasing age, and most of them increased rapidly before 10 weeks of age. In addition, the inflection point age of each trait was predicted to be between 4 and 10 weeks. Furthermore, this study revealed that body size traits were closely related to carcass traits in Lindian chickens. In summary, Lindian chickens are in a rapid growth stage before the age of 10 weeks, and better slaughter performance can be achieved through good feeding management during this stage. The reproductive traits and muscles are the main developmental focus after the age of 19 weeks, so it is important to adequately meet their energy requirements for subsequent good breeding performance.
Hospital Antibiotic Consumption before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hungary
Authors: Ruzsa Roxána , Benkő Ria , Hambalek Helga , Papfalvi Erika , Csupor Dezső , Nacsa Róbert , Csatordai Márta , Soós Gyöngyvér , Hajdú Edit , Matuz Mária
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to assess antibiotic use in the Hungarian hospital care sector during and before the pandemic. Aggregated systemic antibiotic (ATC: J01) utilisation data were obtained for the 2010–2021 period. Classifications and calculations were performed according to the WHO ATC/DDD index and expressed as DDD per 1000 inhabitants and per day (DID), DDD per 100 patient-days (DHPD) and DDD/discharge. A linear regression (trend analysis) was performed for the pre-COVID years (2010–2019) and a prediction interval was set up to assess whether the pandemic years’ observed utilisation fit in. Antibiotic utilisation was constant in DID before and during the pandemic (2019: 1.16; 2020: 1.21), while we observed a substantial increase in antibiotic use when expressed in DDD per 100 patient-days (2019: 23.3, 2020: 32.2) or DDD/discharge (2019: 1.83, 2020: 2.45). The observed utilisation level of penicillin combinations; first-, third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins; carbapenems; glycopeptides; nitroimidazoles and macrolides exceeded the predicted utilisation values in both pandemic years. Before the pandemic, co-amoxiclav headed the top list of antibiotic use, while during the pandemic, ceftriaxone became the most widely used antibiotic. Azithromycin moved up substantially on the top list of antibiotic use, with a 397% increase (2019: 0.45; 2020: 2.24 DHPD) in use. In summary, the pandemic had a major impact on the scale and pattern of hospital antibiotic use in Hungary.
Antimicrobial Stewardship in Pediatrics
Authors: Jaworski Radoslaw , Dzierzanowska-Fangrat Katarzyna
Published: January 2024

Since the discovery of antibiotics in the early 20th century, significant changes have occurred in their usage principles [...]
Antimicrobial Properties Related to Anti-Acne and Deodorant Efficacy of Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig Extracts from Pulsed Electric Field Extraction
Authors: Mitchaleaw Manasanan , Juntrapirom Saranya , Bunrod Anurak , Kanjanakawinkul Watchara , Yawootti Artit , Charoensup Wannaree , Sirilun Sasithorn , Chaiyana Wantida
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the potential of pulsed electric field (PEF) extraction in enhancing the antimicrobial properties related to anti-acne and deodorant properties of Hedychium coronarium extract. The dried leaf and rhizome of H. coronarium were extracted using 95% v/v ethanol through both conventional solvent extraction and PEF extraction techniques (10, 14, and 20 kV/cm). The chemical composition of the extracts was analyzed. The antimicrobial activities, specifically in relation to acne treatment against Cutibacterium acnes and deodorant properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, were determined. The irritation profile of was evaluated using the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane test. The results showed that PEF extraction increased the extract yield, particularly at an electric field strength of 20 kV/cm. Furthermore, PEF extraction significantly enhanced the ellagic acid content, particularly in the leaf extract. Furthermore, the leaf extract demonstrated stronger inhibitory effects against microorganisms associated with body odor and acne compared to the rhizome extract. Notably, all extracts exhibited no signs of irritation, indicating their safety. Overall, the findings suggest that PEF extraction from H. coronarium enhances yield, bioactive compound content, and antimicrobial effects. This indicates the potential of the extract for acne treatment and deodorant use.
The In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Argirium SUNc against Most Common Pathogenic and Spoilage Food Bacteria
Authors: Mancusi Andrea , Egidio Marica , Marrone Raffaele , Scotti Luca , Paludi Domenico , Dini Irene , Proroga Yolande Thérèse Rose
Published: January 2024

Foodborne diseases are one of the main issues for human health, and antibacterial packaging plays a major role in food security assurance. Silver ultra nanoparticles (Argirium SUNc) are antimicrobial agents that have a wide spectrum of action, including against pathogenic bacteria and spoilage fungi. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Argirium SUNc on the bacteria most commonly found in food: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella typhimurium. In this regard, an in vitro study was carried out by assessing the Argirium SUNc effectiveness on different concentrations of each tested microbial strain and at different time intervals. The data showed that the antimicrobial activity of Argirium SUNc was directly related to the microbial concentration and varied depending on the microbial species. Moreover, a greater effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive bacteria was observed. These preliminary results provided important information on the silver nanoparticles spectrum of action, and this is an aspect that appears particularly promising for obtaining a viable alternative to traditional antimicrobials to be used against the pathogens and spoilage agents most commonly found in the food chain, harmful both to health and quality aspects.
Non-Thyroidal Illness in Chronic Renal Failure: Triiodothyronine Levels and Modulation of Extra-Cellular Superoxide Dismutase (ec-SOD)
Authors: Mancini Antonio , Silvestrini Andrea , Marcheggiani Fabio , Capobianco Emmanuele , Silvestri Sonia , Lembo Erminia , Orlando Patrick , Beccia Flavia , Nicolotti Nicola , Panocchia Nicola , Tiano Luca
Published: January 2024

Oxidative stress (OS) is implicated in several chronic diseases. Extra-cellular superoxide dismutase (ec-SOD) catalyses the dismutation of superoxide anions with a protective role in endothelial cells. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), OS and thyroid dysfunction (low fT3 syndrome) are frequently present, but their relationship has not yet been investigated. This cohort study evaluated ec-SOD activity in CKD patients during haemodialysis, divided into “acute haemodialytic patients” (AH, 1–3 months of treatment) and “chronic haemodialytic patients” (CH, treated for a longer period). We also evaluated plasmatic total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and its relationships with thyroid hormones. Two basal samples (“basal 1”, obtained 3 days after the last dialysis; and “basal 2”, obtained 2 days after the last dialysis) were collected. On the same day of basal 2, a sample was collected 5 and 10 min after the standard heparin dose and at the end of the procedure. The ec-SOD values were significantly higher in CH vs. AH in all determinations. Moreover, the same patients had lower TAC values. When the CH patients were divided into two subgroups according to fT3 levels (normal or low), we found significantly lower ec-SOD values in the group with low fT3 in the basal, 5, and 10 min samples. A significant correlation was also observed between fT3 and ec-SOD in the basal 1 samples. These data, confirming OS and low fT3 syndrome in patients with CKD, suggest that low fT3 concentrations can influence ec-SOD activity and could therefore potentially contribute to endothelial oxidative damage in these patients.
Using Redox Proteomics to Gain New Insights into Neurodegenerative Disease and Protein Modification
Authors: Cadenas-Garrido Paula , Schonvandt-Alarcos Ailén , Herrera-Quintana Lourdes , Vázquez-Lorente Héctor , Santamaría-Quiles Alicia , Ruiz de Francisco Jon , Moya-Escudero Marina , Martín-Oliva David , Martín-Guerrero Sandra M. , Rodríguez-Santana César , Aragón-Vela Jerónimo , Plaza-Diaz Julio
Published: January 2024

Antioxidant defenses in biological systems ensure redox homeostasis, regulating baseline levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). Oxidative stress (OS), characterized by a lack of antioxidant defenses or an elevation in ROS and RNS, may cause a modification of biomolecules, ROS being primarily absorbed by proteins. As a result of both genome and environment interactions, proteomics provides complete information about a cell’s proteome, which changes continuously. Besides measuring protein expression levels, proteomics can also be used to identify protein modifications, localizations, the effects of added agents, and the interactions between proteins. Several oxidative processes are frequently used to modify proteins post-translationally, including carbonylation, oxidation of amino acid side chains, glycation, or lipid peroxidation, which produces highly reactive alkenals. Reactive alkenals, such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, are added to cysteine (Cys), lysine (Lys), or histidine (His) residues by a Michael addition, and tyrosine (Tyr) residues are nitrated and Cys residues are nitrosylated by a Michael addition. Oxidative and nitrosative stress have been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases as a result of oxidative damage to the brain, which may be especially vulnerable due to the large consumption of dioxygen. Therefore, the current methods applied for the detection, identification, and quantification in redox proteomics are of great interest. This review describes the main protein modifications classified as chemical reactions. Finally, we discuss the importance of redox proteomics to health and describe the analytical methods used in redox proteomics.
GLADE: Gravitational Light-Bending Astrometry Dual-Satellite Experiment
Authors: Gai Mario , Vecchiato Alberto , Riva Alberto , Butkevich Alexey G. , Busonero Deborah , Landini Federico
Published: January 2024

Light bending is one of the classical tests of general relativity and is a crucial aspect to be taken into account for accurate assessments of photon propagation. In particular, high-precision astrometry can constrain theoretical models of gravitation in the weak field limit applicable to the Sun neighborhood. We propose a concept for experimental determination of the light deflection close to the Sun in the 10−7 to 10−8 range, in a modern rendition of the 1919 experiment by Dyson, Eddington and Davidson, using formation flying to generate an artificial long-lasting eclipse. The technology is going to be demonstrated by the forthcoming ESA mission PROBA3. The experimental setup includes two units separated by 150 m and aligned to the mm level: an occulter and a small telescope (0.3 m diameter) with an annular field of view covering a region 0∘.7 from the Sun. The design is compatible with a space weather payload, merging several instruments for observation of the solar corona and environment. We discuss the measurement conditions and the expected performance.
Experimental and Numerical Research on the Splitting Capacity of European Beech Beams Loaded Perpendicular to the Grain by Connections: Influence of Different Geometrical Parameters
Authors: Gómez-Royuela José Luis , Majano-Majano Almudena , Lara-Bocanegra Antonio José , Xavier José , de Moura Marcelo F. S. F.
Published: January 2024

In the present work, single- and double-dowel joints following different geometric configurations are experimentally and numerically investigated to derive the splitting behaviour of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.), one of the most widespread hardwood species in Europe for structural purposes. The influence of the spacing between dowels, their distance to the supports, and the slenderness of the beams is analysed. The correlation of the experimental failure loads with those predicted numerically by cohesive zone finite element-based models using the fracture properties of the species is discussed. The experimental results are also compared with those obtained from the normative expression included in Eurocode 5 and two other design models reported in the literature. The splitting failure loads predicted by both the analytical and numerical models were found to be conservative, the latter being closer to the experimental values.
Biogas Production Prediction Based on Feature Selection and Ensemble Learning
Authors: Peng Shurong , Guo Lijuan , Li Yuanshu , Huang Haoyu , Peng Jiayi , Liu Xiaoxu
Published: January 2024

The allocation of biogas between power generation and heat supply in traditional kitchen waste power generation system is unreasonable; for this reason, a biogas prediction method based on feature selection and heterogeneous model integration learning is proposed for biogas production predictions. Firstly, the working principle of the biogas generation system based on kitchen waste is analyzed, the relationship between system features and biogas production is mined, and the important features are extracted. Secondly, the prediction performance of different individual learner models is comprehensively analyzed, and the training set is divided to reduce the risk of overfitting by combining K-fold cross-validation. Finally, different primary learners and meta learners are selected according to the prediction error and diversity index, and different learners are fused to construct the stacking ensemble learning model with a two-layer structure. The experimental results show that the research method has a higher prediction accuracy in predicting biogas production, which provides supporting data for the economic planning of kitchen waste power generation systems.
Adaptive Orthogonal Basis Function Detection Method for Unknown Magnetic Target Motion State
Authors: Wang Zitong , Zheng Enrang , Liu Jianguo , Guo Tuo
Published: January 2024

Traditional methods of orthogonal basis function decomposition have been extensively used to detect magnetic anomaly signals. However, the determination of the relative velocity between the detection platform and the magnetic target remains elusive in practical detection. And, the non-ideal uniform motion of the magnetic target further complicates the process and adversely impacts the detector’s performance. To address this challenge, this paper introduces an adaptive scale factor method based on orthogonal basis function decomposition. This new method can be used to adjust the relative velocity between the detection platform and the magnetic target and to refine the characteristic time in the basis functions. In this paper, a mathematical relationship between the scale factor and the relative velocity is established, which is subsequently fitted into a Gauss function curve. The optimal scale factor, denoted as β, is adaptively chosen from the fitting curve when the magnetic target moves at a non-ideal uniform velocity with an unknown motion state. The results of simulations indicate that the scale factor improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the magnetic anomaly signals in a non-ideal state. And, this method can improve the energy value of OBF decomposition by 17.7%. Simultaneously, this method ensures that the moment the magnetic target passes the CPA coincides with the energy peak of the orthogonal basis detection, which improves the accuracy by 54.1% compared with the traditional method. The effectiveness and precision of the proposed method are verified using simulations and practical experiments.
A Non-Contact Measurement of Animal Body Size Based on Structured Light
Authors: Xu Fangzhou , Zhang Yuxuan , Zhang Zelin , Geng Nan
Published: January 2024

To improve the accuracy of non-contact measurements of animal body size and reduce costs, a new monocular camera scanning equipment based on structured light was built with a matched point cloud generation algorithm. Firstly, using the structured light 3D measurement model, the camera intrinsic matrix and extrinsic matrix could be calculated. Secondly, the least square method and the improved segment–facet intersection method were used to implement and optimize the calibration of the light plane. Then, a new algorithm was proposed to extract gray- centers as well as a denoising and matching algorithm, both of which alleviate the astigmatism of light on animal fur and the distortion or fracture of light stripes caused by the irregular shape of an animal’s body. Thirdly, the point cloud was generated via the line–plane intersection method from which animal body sizes could be measured. Finally, an experiment on live animals such as rabbits and animal specimens such as fox and the goat was conducted in order to compare our equipment with a depth camera and a 3D scanner. The result shows that the error of our equipment is approximately 5%, which is much smaller than the error of the other two pieces of equipment. This equipment provides a practicable option for measuring animal body size.
Strategies for Reducing Automobile Fuel Consumption
Authors: Romero Carlos Alberto , Correa Pablo , Ariza Echeverri Edwan Anderson , Vergara Diego
Published: January 2024

In recent times, the significance of advancing road transportation technologies has notably increased. This is mainly driven by the escalating need for road transportation systems that are not only safe but also environmentally sustainable. Moreover, enhancing fuel efficiency in road vehicles (i.e., automobiles) holds the potential to contribute significantly to the reduction of a country’s economic vulnerability (i.e., improved energy security), by reducing the reliance on energy imports. While research reports and scientific journals provide valuable information on automobile fuel consumption, it is essential to continually update our understanding of the factors that influence it. This document aims to review and describe the various factors, both direct and indirect, that play a role in an automotive’s overall energy efficiency and fuel consumption.
MFCC Selection by LASSO for Honey Bee Classification
Authors: Libal Urszula , Biernacki Pawel
Published: January 2024

The recent advances in smart beekeeping focus on remote solutions for bee colony monitoring and applying machine learning techniques for automatic decision making. One of the main applications is a swarming alarm, allowing beekeepers to prevent the bee colony from leaving their hive. Swarming is a naturally occurring phenomenon, mainly during late spring and early summer, but it is extremely hard to predict its exact time since it is highly dependent on many factors, including weather. Prevention from swarming is the most effective way to keep bee colonies; however, it requires constant monitoring by the beekeeper. Drone bees do not survive the winter and they occur in colonies seasonally with a peak in late spring, which is associated with the creation of drone congregation areas, where mating with young queens takes place. The paper presents a method of early swarming mood detection based on the observation of drone bee activity near the entrance to a hive. Audio recordings are represented by Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients and their first and second derivatives. The study investigates which MFCC coefficients, selected by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator, are significant for the worker bee and drone bee classification task. The classification results, obtained by an autoencoder neural network, allow to improve the detection performance, achieving accuracy slightly above 95% for the chosen set of signal features, selected by the proposed method, compared to the standard set of MFCC coefficients with only up to 90% accuracy.
Synchronization of Analog-Discrete Chaotic Systems for Wireless Sensor Network Design
Authors: Babajans Ruslans , Cirjulina Darja , Capligins Filips , Kolosovs Deniss , Litvinenko Anna
Published: January 2024

The current work is focused on studying the performance of the Pecora–Carroll synchronization technique to achieve synchronization between the analog and discrete chaos oscillators. The importance of this study is supported by the growing applications of chaotic systems for improving the security of data transmission in various communication layers, primarily on the physical layer. The hybrid analog-discrete approach of implementing chaos oscillators opens new possible communication schemes for wireless sensor network (WSN) applications. The analog implementation of chaos oscillators can benefit the simpler sensor node (SN) integration, while the discrete implementation can be used on the gateway. However, the core of such chaos-based communications is synchronizing analog and discrete chaos oscillators. This work studies two key parameters of analog-discrete chaotic synchronization: chaotic synchronization noise immunity and synchronization speed. The noise immunity study demonstrates the quality of synchronization at various noise levels, while the synchronization speed demonstrates how quickly the analog-discrete synchronization is achieved, along with how quickly the two systems diverge when synchronization is no longer present. The two studies use both simulation-based and hardware-based approaches. In the simulation case, the analog oscillator’s circuit is modeled in LTspice XVII, while in the hardware case, the circuit is implemented on the PCB. In both simulation and hardware studies, the discrete model of the oscillator is implemented in MATLAB R2023b. The studies are performed for two pairs of different chaos oscillators to widen the proposed approach application potential: the Vilnius and RC chaos oscillators. The oscillators have been selected due to their simplicity and similar dynamic behavior for model-based and electrical circuit implementation. The proposed approach also allows us to compare the synchronization of different oscillators in the analog-discrete implementation.
Experimental Evaluation of Possible Feature Combinations for the Detection of Fraudulent Online Shops
Authors: Janavičiūtė Audronė , Liutkevičius Agnius , Dabužinskas Gedas , Morkevičius Nerijus
Published: January 2024

Online shopping has become a common and popular form of shopping, so online attackers try to extract money from customers by creating online shops whose purpose is to compel the buyer to disclose credit card details or to pay money for goods that are never delivered. Existing buyer protection methods are based on the analysis of the content of the online shop, customer reviews, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the website, the search in blacklists or whitelists, or the combination of the above-mentioned methods. This study aims to find the minimal set of publicly and easily obtainable features to create high-precision classification solutions that require little computing and memory resources. We evaluate various combinations of 18 features that belong to three possible categories, namely URL-based, content-based, and third-party services-based. For this purpose, the custom dataset is created, and several machine learning models are applied for the detection of fraudulent online shops based on these combinations of features. The results of this study show that even only four of the most significant features allow one to achieve 0.9342 classification accuracy, while 0.9605 accuracy is reached with seven features, and the best accuracy of 0.9693 is achieved using thirteen and fifteen features.
Spatiotemporal Changes in and Driving Factors of Potential Evapotranspiration in a Hyper-Arid Locale in the Hami Region, China
Authors: Lu Yuanbo , Sun Lingxiao , Li Chunlan , He Jing , Guo Zengkun , Duan Li , Zhang Jing , Łupikasza Ewa , Malik Ireneusz , Wistuba Małgorzata , Yu Yang
Published: January 2024

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a crucial variable for implementing adaptation measures to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change on water resources. In the context of global warming, PET is essential for predicting water resource supply and demand, guiding irrigation and water management decisions. However, there is limited understanding of the spatiotemporal changes in PET and its driving factors in the hyper-arid regions of Northwest China. In this study, the Hargreaves model was employed to estimate PET in the Hami region from 1991 to 2020. By combining relevant climate data and partial correlation analysis, we investigated the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of PET within the study area and analyzed the factors influencing these patterns. The results showed the following: (1) From 1991 to 2020, the overall PET in the Hami region demonstrated a tendency to rise. The interannual trend rates of PET for the full year, spring, summer, autumn, and winter were 0.933, 2.744, 0.906, 0.488, and −0.406 mm·a-1, respectively. Despite a decreasing trend in winter PET, the other seasonal PET values and the annual PET values exhibited an increasing trend. (2) The spatial distribution of both annual and seasonal PET showed significant regional heterogeneity, following a consistent pattern marked by lower values in the central part and higher values in the surrounding areas. The southern region tended to have relatively high PET, while the northwestern region experienced comparatively low PET. (3) Partial correlation analysis indicated significant differences in the impact of various climatic factors on PET. The maximum temperature emerged as the dominant factor influencing annual PET variation, while precipitation played a leading role in influencing autumn PET variation. This study underscores the influence of climate change on PET in the Hami region, contributing to an enhanced comprehension of PET variations.
Analysis of Precipitation Zone Forecasts and Examination of Numerical Forecasts for Two Heavy Rainfall Processes in June 2019 in Jiangxi, China 2019
Authors: Liu Yunxiang , Xiao An , Zhang Fan , Zhang Luying , Liao Luying
Published: January 2024

Warm zone rainstorms and frontal rainstorms are two types of rainstorms that often occur in the rainy season in Jiangxi (located in the eastern part of China). The ability to correctly identify the type of rainstorms is important for accurate forecasting of rainstorms. Two heavy rainstorms took place in Jiangxi province. The first heavy rainstorm occurred from 20:00 BJT (Beijing Time) on 6 June to 20:00 BJT on 9 June (referred to as the “6.9” process) and another heavy rainstorm occurred from 20:00 BJT on 21 June to 20:00 BJT on 22 June (referred to as the “6.9” process), 2019. We analyzed the two rainstorms’ processes by using ground-based observation data, NCEP/FNL reanalysis data, ECMWF and CMA-SH9 numerical forecasting products. The results show that: “6.9” process is a warm area rainstorm, and a strong northeast cold vortex exists at 500 hPa geopotential height. The northwesterly flow behind the northeast cold vortex trough is stronger. The position of the northern edge of the subtropical high pressure is more south than that at “6.22” process. The rainstorm is in the precipitation zone of the warm temperature ridge over 925 hPa geopotential height, and with more convective character than “6.22” process. The process of “6.22” is a frontal rainstorm. The convective character of precipitation is weaker. The rainstorm precipitation zones are in a strong temperature front area at 925 hPa geopotential height and there is a tendency for vertical convection to develop into oblique upward convection in the late stage of the rainstorm. The precipitation location and intensity forecast by CMA-SH9 at the “6.9” process is better than that of ECMWF, while ECMWF’s prediction of the precipitation zone and weather condition of the “6.22” process is better.
Projected Changes of Wind Energy Input to Surface Waves in the North Indian Ocean Based on CMIP6
Authors: Li Juan , Zhao Yuexuan , Wang Menglu , Tan Wei , Yin Jiyuan
Published: January 2024

This paper explores the effects of climate change on the wind energy input (WEI) to the surface waves (SWs) in the northern Indian Ocean (NIO), a region with great potential for green renewable energy from waves and wind. We used the newly developed Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) model data to predict the spatiotemporal variations of the WEI to the SW. We found that, under the global warming scenario, the WEI to the SWs decreased significantly in most of the NIO, and it will drop by 18% to 27% in the central and southern regions by the end of the 21st century under the SSP5–8.5 scenario. However, the WEI to the SWs increased in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, northwestern Arabian Sea, and northern Bay of Bengal, with the largest increase in the Persian Gulf region (up to 27%). We also examined the interannual and interdecadal variability characteristics of the WEI to the SW after the accumulation of the whole study region and found that it showed a long-term increasing trend only under the SSP1–2.6 scenario, while it showed a significant decreasing trend under the SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 scenarios. Furthermore, we show that the WEI to the SWs in the Indian Ocean mainly occurs in summer, followed by winter.
Extremal Sombor Index of Graphs with Cut Edges and Clique Number
Authors: Wali Mihrigul , Guji Raxida
Published: January 2024

The Sombor index is defined as SO(G)=∑uv∈E(G)d2(u)+d2(v), where d(u) and d(v) represent the number of edges in the graph G connected to the vertices u and v, respectively. In this paper, we characterize the largest and second largest Sombor indexes with a given number of cut edges. Moreover, we determine the upper and lower sharp bounds of the Sombor index with a given number of clique numbers, and we characterize the extremal graphs.
The Existence and Averaging Principle for Caputo Fractional Stochastic Delay Differential Systems with Poisson Jumps
Authors: Bai Zhenyu , Bai Chuanzhi
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we obtain the existence and uniqueness theorem for solutions of Caputo-type fractional stochastic delay differential systems(FSDDSs) with Poisson jumps by utilizing the delayed perturbation of the Mittag–Leffler function. Moreover, by using the Burkholder–Davis–Gundy inequality, Doob’s martingale inequality, and Hölder inequality, we prove that the solution of the averaged FSDDSs converges to that of the standard FSDDSs in the sense of Lp. Some known results in the literature are extended.
Quality and Security of Critical Infrastructure Systems
Authors: Izonin Ivan , Hovorushchenko Tetiana , Shandilya Shishir Kumar
Published: January 2024

The amount of information is constantly growing, and thus, the issue of information security is becoming more acute [...]
A Dual Coordinate System Vertebra Landmark Detection Network with Sparse-to-Dense Vertebral Line Interpolation
Authors: Zhang Han , Chung Albert C. S.
Published: January 2024

Precise surveillance and assessment of spinal disorders are important for improving health care and patient survival rates. The assessment of spinal disorders, such as scoliosis assessment, depends heavily on precise vertebra landmark localization. However, existing methods usually search for only a handful of keypoints in a high-resolution image. In this paper, we propose the S2D-VLI VLDet network, a unified end-to-end vertebra landmark detection network for the assessment of scoliosis. The proposed network considers the spatially relevant information both from inside and between vertebrae. The new vertebral line interpolation method converts the training labels from sparse to dense, which can improve the network learning process and method performance. In addition, through the combined use of the Cartesian and polar coordinate systems in our method, the symmetric mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE) in scoliosis assessment can be reduced substantially. Specifically, as shown in the experiments, the SMAPE value decreases from 9.82 to 8.28. The experimental results indicate that our proposed approach is beneficial for estimating the Cobb angle and identifying landmarks in X-ray scans with low contrast.
Strain-Specific Targeting and Destruction of Cells by Prions
Authors: Simmons Sara M. , Bartz Jason C.
Published: January 2024

Prion diseases are caused by the disease-specific self-templating infectious conformation of the host-encoded prion protein, PrPSc. Prion strains are operationally defined as a heritable phenotype of disease under controlled conditions. One of the hallmark phenotypes of prion strain diversity is tropism within and between tissues. A defining feature of prion strains is the regional distribution of PrPSc in the CNS. Additionally, in both natural and experimental prion disease, stark differences in the tropism of prions in secondary lymphoreticular system tissues occur. The mechanism underlying prion tropism is unknown; however, several possible hypotheses have been proposed. Clinical target areas are prion strain-specific populations of neurons within the CNS that are susceptible to neurodegeneration following the replication of prions past a toxic threshold. Alternatively, the switch from a replicative to toxic form of PrPSc may drive prion tropism. The normal form of the prion protein, PrPC, is required for prion formation. More recent evidence suggests that it can mediate prion and prion-like disease neurodegeneration. In vitro systems for prion formation have indicated that cellular cofactors contribute to prion formation. Since these cofactors can be strain specific, this has led to the hypothesis that the distribution of prion formation cofactors can influence prion tropism. Overall, there is evidence to support several mechanisms of prion strain tropism; however, a unified theory has yet to emerge.
Assessing Antimicrobial Efficacy on Plastics and Other Non-Porous Surfaces: A Closer Look at Studies Using the ISO 22196:2011 Standard
Authors: Bento de Carvalho Teresa , Barbosa Joana Bastos , Teixeira Paula
Published: January 2024

The survival and spread of foodborne and nosocomial-associated bacteria through high-touch surfaces or contamination-prone sites, in either healthcare, domestic or food industry settings, are not always prevented by the employment of sanitary hygiene protocols. Antimicrobial surface coatings have emerged as a solution to eradicate pathogenic bacteria and prevent future infections and even outbreaks. Standardised antimicrobial testing methods play a crucial role in validating the effectiveness of these materials and enabling their application in real-life settings, providing reliable results that allow for comparison between antimicrobial surfaces while assuring end-use product safety. This review provides an insight into the studies using ISO 22196, which is considered the gold standard for antimicrobial surface coatings and examines the current state of the art in antimicrobial testing methods. It primarily focuses on identifying pitfalls and how even small variations in methods can lead to different results, affecting the assessment of the antimicrobial activity of a particular product.
The Role of NMNAT2/SARM1 in Neuropathy Development
Authors: Tarasiuk Olga , Molteni Laura , Malacrida Alessio , Nicolini Gabriella
Published: January 2024

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) commonly arises as a side effect of diverse cancer chemotherapy treatments. This condition presents symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and altered sensation in patients, often accompanied by neuropathic pain. Pathologically, CIPN is characterized by an intensive “dying-back” axonopathy, starting at the intra-epidermal sensory innervations and advancing retrogradely. The lack of comprehensive understanding regarding its underlying mechanisms explains the absence of effective treatments for CIPN. Recent investigations into axon degeneration mechanisms have pinpointed nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 2 (NMNAT2) and sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 protein (SARM1) as pivotal mediators of injury-induced axonal degeneration. In this review, we aim to explore various studies shedding light on the interplay between NMNAT2 and SARM1 proteins and their roles in the progression of CIPN.