bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Impact of Farmer Field Schools on the Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Farm Production: A Case of Pakistani Citrus Growers
Authors: Jabbar Awais , Liu Wei , Wang Ye , Zhang Jian , Wu Qun , Peng Jianchao
Published: August 2022

In the wake of recent climate changes, extension services have become crucial drivers in disseminating information about the latest agriculture technologies and facilitating sustainable agricultural productivity. Pakistan’s traditional extension cannot yield the expected outcomes which corroborate the introduction of a participatory approach, mainly in farmers’ field schools. Using farm-level data from Punjab province, the current study examined the impact of farmers’ field schools (FFS) on adopting sustainable agriculture practices (SAPs) and citrus yield. The study employed recursive bivariate probit and propensity score matching to explore the objectives. The findings revealed that FFS participants had a higher SAPs adoption than non-participants, demonstrating the positive impact of FFS on the uptake of SAPs. Moreover, the treatment effect showed that FFS participants had a higher yield than the non-participants. The results suggest strengthening and enhancing FFS reach among citrus growers.
Application of Homemade Organic Fertilizer for Improving Quality of Apple Fruit, Soil Physicochemical Characteristics, and Microbial Diversity
Authors: Wang Xiuzhang , Bao Qi , Sun Guotao , Li Jianming
Published: August 2022

Application of the organic fertilizers can improve soil properties and agricultural product quality, while the in-depth effect of organic fertilizer needs further exploration. In this study, the apple fruit (Malus pumila Mill.) quality, soil physicochemical characteristics, and microbial community under different fertilizers including control without fertilizer (CK), composted manure (CM), biogas slurry (BS), and chemical fertilizer (CF) were systematically investigated, and each treatment was repeated three times in completely random block plots with equal NPK content of fertilizer applied in each treatment. The CM treated apple fruit were observed with the best vertical diameter (78.72 ± 4.32 mm), transverse diameter (87.51 ± 1.3 mm), and color index (L* = 55.48 ± 5.48, b* = 18.96 ± 1.86). Meanwhile, the CM and BS treated apple fruit had higher flesh firmness than that of CK and CF treatment, implying that the organic fertilization can improve the storability and crispy taste apple fruit. Furthermore, the total sugars, essential amino acid, crude protein, total acids, and soluble solid contents of apple fruit were also significantly improved by using CM and BS fertilizer due to the resulting higher N, P, and organics content in soil. The application of organic fertilizer also dramatically enhanced the bacterial and fungi diversity, which may contribute to better soil respiration. The results obtained in this study reveals the insight effect of organic fertilizer on improvement of fruit quality and soil health and can supply technical assistance to organic cultivation of apple.
Decisive Climatic Factors for Production of Bioactive Saponarin-Rich Barley Sprouts: A Study of Seasonal Effect
Authors: Yoon Young-Eun , Choe Hyeonji , Kantharaj Vimalraj , Seo Woo Duck , Lee Jin Hwan , Cheong Mi Sun , Lee Keum-Ah , Kim Young-Nam , Lee Yong Bok
Published: August 2022

Saponarin content in barley sprouts may vary greatly with environmental conditions, such as climate, leading to difficulty in uniformly producing saponarin-rich barley sprouts in situ farmlands throughout the year. This research was an early attempt to identify the optimal conditions of various climatic factors, such as temperature, light, and humidity according to seasonal change, for maximizing the saponarin content of sprouted barley through the two-year field experiment. As a result, the growth index, as leaf length relative to growth period, of barley sprouts varied greatly with sowing time, and they tended to decrease with an increase in the ambient temperature, such as average daily temperature. In contrast, higher saponarin contents were observed in the sprouts collected in March, April, September, and October than those collected from May to August. We also found significantly positive correlations of saponarin content with daily temperature range and average light period, indicating that they could be decisive climatic factors for the production of barley sprouts with a higher saponarin content. Interestingly, the polynomial relationship between saponarin yield and leaf length showed the highest yield with 2.18 mg plant−1 at 15.9 cm in length, suggesting a best cutting time for the production of saponarin-rich barely sprouts based on the leaf length. Overall, the decisive climatic factors according to seasonal change for saponarin biosynthesis may be considered to be daily temperature differences and light hours.
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for the Rapid Detection of the Mutation of Carbendazim-Resistant Isolates in Didymella bryoniae
Authors: Shen Lina , Huang Mengyu , Fang Anfei , Yang Yuheng , Yu Yang , Bi Chaowei
Published: August 2022

Gummy stem blight (GSB) caused by Didymella bryoniae (D. bryoniae) is a worldwide fungal soil-borne disease that can cause severe yield reduction of watermelon. To shorten the monitoring time of carbendazim-resistant strains of D. bryoniae in the field, in this study, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of carbendazim-resistant strains of D. bryoniae. The β-tubulin gene of carbendazim-resistant strains was selected as the target for primer design. Based on the color change of hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) and gel electrophoresis, the optimal reaction conditions for LAMP were determined at 65 °C for 50 min. In specificity tests, the LAMP assay was able to distinguish between carbendazim-resistant and sensitive strains of D. bryoniae. Moreover, in sensitivity tests, the detection limit was 1 ng/μL D. bryoniae DNA of the carbendazim-resistant strain. In addition, the LAMP method was successfully applied to detect carbendazim-resistant strains in D. bryoniae-infested samples. Therefore, the developed LAMP assay provides a new method for the rapid detection of carbendazim-resistant strains of D. bryoniae.
Genetic Map Construction, QTL Mapping, and Candidate Genes Screening of Grain Size Traits in Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.)
Authors: Fang Xiaomei , Zhang Yuanli , Cui Jingbin , Yue Lingqing , Tao Jianbo , Wang Yigang , Zhang Ruifeng , Liu Jiaqi , Jiang Aohua , Zhang Jian , Ruan Renwu , Yi Zelin
Published: August 2022

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) is an important pseudo-cereal crop and contains an abundance of nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, the yield of buckwheat is low compared to that of other major crops. QTL mapping and candidate gene screening of grain size are very important for increasing production in common buckwheat through molecular breeding in the future. In the present study, an F1 segregating population with 217 individuals was established using a cross between Ukraine daliqiao (UD) and Youqiao 2 (YQ2) that showed a significant difference in grain size. The InDel and SSR primers were developed based on transcriptome sequencing between parents in the previous study. We constructed a genetic linkage map, including 39 SSR loci and 93 InDel loci, with a total length of 1398.33 cM and an average spacing of 10.59 cM. Combined with the grain size phenotype data of the F1 population, a total of 14 QTL were detected, including 6-grain length QTL, 3-grain width QTL, and 5 hundred-grain-weight QTL. QTL of grain width and hundred-grain weight were all detected near SWU_Fe_InDel086 and SWU_Fe_InDel076. Some putative candidate genes with the ex1pression or InDel difference between parents were screened within the QTL interval. This study would lay the foundation for map-based cloning and molecular mechanism of grain size and ultimately improvement of yield in common buckwheat.
Effects of Earthworms and Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria on Carbon Sequestration in Soils Amended with Manure and Slurry: A 4-Year Field Study
Authors: Wang Zhen , An Yifang , Chen Huayi , Zhang Jiaxin , Zhang Haichun , Zhu Genfa , Chen Jinfeng , Li Wenyan , Wang Jinjin , Xu Hui-Juan , Li Yongtao , Zhang Yulong
Published: August 2022

The application of organisms as part of soil remediation can accelerate the decomposition of organic matter and the carbon cycle. To explore the synergistic effects of earthworms and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria on C accumulation in artificially improved soils of manure and in slurry-amended soil, a dry slope of land was established on the hillside of a large pig farm. Experiments involving six treatments were performed, including control (CK), pig manure (Pm), and pig manure + slurry (Pm + S) treatments, as well as manure + slurry + earthworms (Te), manure + slurry + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Tb), and manure + slurry + earthworms + bacteria (T(e + b)). Compared with the CK, both the Pm + S and T(e + b) treatments significantly increased the SOC content. In particular, the T(e + b) treatment increased the SOC by 196%. The synergistic effect of T(e + b) on the increase in organic carbon was consistent with the results of soil-carbon sequestration. After comprehensive fertilization, soil-carbon sequestration reached 2.87 Mg C hm−2, while stable organic carbon increased to 1.88 Mg C hm−2. It was also consistent with the result of PCA analysis in which applying earthworms promoted an increase in insoluble organic carbon. Therefore, in the future, earthworms and organic fertilizers can be applied to promote organic carbon sequestration on dry sloping land.
Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Necroptosis Promotes Mitochondrial Damage in Goat Endometrial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yi Yanyan , Gao Kangkang , Lin Pengfei , Chen Huatao , Zhou Dong , Tang Keqiong , Wang Aihua , Jin Yaping
Published: August 2022

Endometrial cell death is induced by bacterial infection, resulting in damage to the physical barriers and immune function. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of endometrial epithelial cell necroptosis might provide new insights into the treatment of uterine diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Staphylococcus aureus on goat endometrial epithelial cell (gEEC) necroptosis, and the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that S. aureus induced significant necroptosis in gEECs by increasing the expression of key proteins of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL axis; importantly, this effect was alleviated by inhibitors of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL. Moreover, we found that the main triggers of gEEC necroptosis induced by S. aureus were not the toll-like receptors (TLRs) and tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR), but membrane disruption and ion imbalance. Moreover, we observed a significant decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating mitochondrial damage, in addition to increased cytochrome c levels and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in S. aureus-infected gEECs; these, effects were also suppressed by the inhibitors of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL. Taken together, these data revealed the molecular mechanism of S. aureus-induced gEEC necroptosis and provided potential new targeted therapies for clinical intervention in bacterial infections.
The Trophic Niche of Two Sympatric Species of Salamanders (Plethodontidae and Salamandridae) from Italy
Authors: Lunghi Enrico , Corti Claudia , Biaggini Marta , Zhao Yahui , Cianferoni Fabio
Published: August 2022

The trophic niche of a species is one of the fundamental traits of species biology. The ideal trophic niche of a species is realized in the absence of interspecific competition, targeting the most profitable and easy-to-handle food resources. However, when a competitor is present, species adopt different strategies to reduce competition and promote coexistence. In this study, we assessed the potential mechanisms that allow the coexistence of two generalist salamanders: the Italian cave salamander (Speleomantes italicus) and the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). We surveyed, in April 2021, a forested area of Emilia-Romagna (Italy) during rainy nights. Analyzing the stomach contents of the captured individuals, we obtained information on the trophic niche of these two sympatric populations. Comparing our results with those of previous studies, we found that the two species did not modify their trophic niche, but that alternative mechanisms allowed their coexistence. Specifically, different prey preferences and predator metabolisms were likely the major factors allowing reduced competition between these two generalist predators.
Effect of Chinese Herbs on Serum Biochemical Parameters, Immunity Indices, Antioxidant Capacity and Metabolomics in Early Weaned Yak Calves
Authors: Jiang Cuixia , Dong Quanmin , Xin Xiaoping , Degen Abraham Allan , Ding Luming
Published: August 2022

Chinese traditional herbs are used widely as feed supplements to improve the immune response and antioxidant capacity of livestock. Twenty early-weaned 4-month-old yak calves (72.3 ± 3.65 kg) were divided randomly into four groups (n = 5 per group); three groups were provided with supplementary 80 mL/kg DMI of the root water extracts of either Angelica sinensis, Codonopsis pilosula or Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and one group (control) was not provided with a supplement. Compared to control calves, calves consuming the three herbal extracts increased serum concentrations of albumin (ALB) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), but decreased serum concentrations of free fatty acids (FFAs) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Calves consuming A. sinensis decreased (p < 0.05) serum concentration of total cholesterol (TC), and increased (p < 0.05) serum concentration of total proteins (TP). Serum FFA concentrations increased (p = 0.004) linearly with time in the control group, but not in the groups consuming herbs. Serum metabolomic data demonstrated that A. sinensis and C. pilosula regulate mainly amino acid metabolism, while G. uralensis regulates mainly carbon and amino acid metabolism. It was concluded that the three herbal root extracts, as dietary supplements, improved energy and nitrogen metabolism, and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of yak calves.
Inflammation: Roles in Skeletal Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Ji Yanan , Li Ming , Chang Mengyuan , Liu Ruiqi , Qiu Jiayi , Wang Kexin , Deng Chunyan , Shen Yuntian , Zhu Jianwei , Wang Wei , Xu Lingchi , Sun Hualin
Published: August 2022

Various diseases can cause skeletal muscle atrophy, usually accompanied by inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, decreased protein synthesis, and enhanced proteolysis. The underlying mechanism of inflammation in skeletal muscle atrophy is extremely complex and has not been fully elucidated, thus hindering the development of effective therapeutic drugs and preventive measures for skeletal muscle atrophy. In this review, we elaborate on protein degradation pathways, including the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), the autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP), the calpain and caspase pathways, the insulin growth factor 1/Akt protein synthesis pathway, myostatin, and muscle satellite cells, in the process of muscle atrophy. Under an inflammatory environment, various pro-inflammatory cytokines directly act on nuclear factor-κB, p38MAPK, and JAK/STAT pathways through the corresponding receptors, and then are involved in muscle atrophy. Inflammation can also indirectly trigger skeletal muscle atrophy by changing the metabolic state of other tissues or cells. This paper explores the changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and fat metabolism under inflammatory conditions as well as their effects on skeletal muscle. Moreover, this paper also reviews various signaling pathways related to muscle atrophy under inflammatory conditions, such as cachexia, sepsis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, and nerve injury. Finally, this paper summarizes anti-amyotrophic drugs and their therapeutic targets for inflammation in recent years. Overall, inflammation is a key factor causing skeletal muscle atrophy, and anti-inflammation might be an effective strategy for the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy. Various inflammatory factors and their downstream pathways are considered promising targets for the treatment and prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy.
Paeonol Attenuates Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Morsy Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Yasmine F. , Abdel Hafez Sara Mohamed Naguib , Zenhom Nagwa M. , Nair Anroop B. , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Shinu Pottathil , Abdel-Gaber Seham A.
Published: August 2022

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (HIR) is the most common type of liver injury following several clinical situations. Modulating oxidative stress and inflammation by Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathways, respectively, is involved in alleviating HIR injury. Paeonol is a natural phenolic compound that demonstrates significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study explored the possible protective effect of paeonol against HIR injury and investigated its possible molecular mechanisms in rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated control, paeonol-treated sham-operated control, HIR untreated, and HIR paeonol-treated groups. The results confirmed that hepatic injury was significantly aggravated biochemically by elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, as well as by histopathological alterations, while paeonol reduced the increase in transaminases and alleviated pathological changes induced by HIR. Additionally, paeonol inhibited the HIR-induced oxidative stress in hepatic tissues by decreasing the upraised levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and enhancing the suppressed levels of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity. Furthermore, paeonol activated the protective antioxidative Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The protective effect of paeonol was associated with inhibiting the expression of the inflammatory key mediators TLR4, MYD88, NF-κB, and TNF-α. Finally, paeonol inhibited the increased mRNA levels of the pro-apoptotic marker Bax and enhanced the reduced mRNA levels of the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. Taken together, our results proved for the first time that paeonol could protect against HIR injury by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Resveratrol Downmodulates Neutrophil Extracellular Trap (NET) Generation by Neutrophils in Patients with Severe COVID-19
Authors: de Souza Andrade Milena M. , Leal Vinicius N. C. , Fernandes Iara G. , Gozzi-Silva Sarah C. , Beserra Danielle R. , Oliveira Emily A. , Teixeira Franciane M. E. , Yendo Tatiana M. , Sousa Maria da Glória T. , Teodoro Walcy R. , Oliveira Luana de M. , Alberca Ricardo W. , Aoki Valéria , Duarte Alberto J. S. , Sato Maria N.
Published: August 2022

The formation of microthrombi in lung autopsies indicates the involvement of NETs in the immunopathogenesis of severe COVID-19. Therefore, supplements inhibiting NET formation, in association with drugs with fewer adverse effects, should be a relevant strategy to attenuate the disease. Resveratrol (RESV) is a natural polyphenol with an important antiviral and antioxidant role. To modulate neutrophils from patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, we evaluated the in vitro effect of RESV on NET formation. Herein, we investigated 190 patients hospitalized with moderate, severe, and critical symptoms at Hospital das Clínicas, Brazil. We observed that neutrophilia in patients with severe COVID-19 infection is composed of neutrophils with activated profile able to release NET spontaneously. Notably, RESV decreased the neutrophil-activated status and the release of free DNA, inhibiting NET formation even under the specific PMA stimulus. At present, there is no evidence of the role of RESV in neutrophils from patients with COVID-19 infection. These findings suggest that adjunctive therapies with RESV may help decrease the inflammation of viral or bacterial infection, improving patient outcomes.
Solid State Fermentation of Olive Leaves as a Promising Technology to Obtain Hydroxytyrosol and Elenolic Acid Derivatives Enriched Extracts
Authors: Starzyńska-Janiszewska Anna , Fernández-Fernández Carmen , Martín-García Beatriz , Verardo Vito , Gómez-Caravaca Ana María
Published: August 2022

Extraction of valuable bioactive compounds from olive leaves is a hot topic and the use of sustainable and green technologies is mandatory in terms of circular economy. In this way, the use of fermentation technologies showed very interesting results in terms of phenolic compound recovery. Because of that in this work the use of solid state fermentations, as valuable tool to improve the phenolic extraction has been checked. Aspergillus oryzae (in mycelium and spore form), Aspergillus awamori and Aspergillus niger were used as fermentation microrganisms. Phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS and, to our knowledge, new compounds have been tentatively identified in olive leaves. Fermentation using mycelium of Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae were effective to increase both hydroxytyrosol and elenolic acid derivatives whereas the use of spores of Aspergillus oryzae caused a loss of hydroxytyrosoyl derivatives, contrary the content of elenolic derivatives are comparable with the other fermentation treatments and higher than control. The proposed fermentation processes using the mycelium of Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae lead to an increase the hydroxytyrosyl and elenolic acid derivatives and could be used at industrial scale to obtain enriched extracts.
Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Statin Treated Patients: A Double-Blinded Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Dohlmann Tine L. , Kuhlman Anja B. , Morville Thomas , Dahl Maria , Asping Magnus , Orlando Patrick , Silvestri Sonia , Tiano Luca , Helge Jørn W. , Dela Flemming , Larsen Steen
Published: August 2022

Myalgia and new-onset of type 2 diabetes have been associated with statin treatment, which both could be linked to reduced coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in skeletal muscle and impaired mitochondrial function. Supplementation with CoQ10 focusing on levels of CoQ10 in skeletal muscle and mitochondrial function has not been investigated in patients treated with statins. To investigate whether concomitant administration of CoQ10 with statins increases the muscle CoQ10 levels and improves the mitochondrial function, and if changes in muscle CoQ10 levels correlate with changes in the intensity of myalgia. 37 men and women in simvastatin therapy with and without myalgia were randomized to receive 400 mg CoQ10 daily or matched placebo tablets for eight weeks. Muscle CoQ10 levels, mitochondrial respiratory capacity, mitochondrial content (using citrate synthase activity as a biomarker), and production of reactive oxygen species were measured before and after CoQ10 supplementation, and intensity of myalgia was determined using the 10 cm visual analogue scale. Muscle CoQ10 content and mitochondrial function were unaltered by CoQ10 supplementation. Individual changes in muscle CoQ10 levels were not correlated with changes in intensity of myalgia. CoQ10 supplementation had no effect on muscle CoQ10 levels or mitochondrial function and did not affect symptoms of myalgia.
Effect of Spirulina (Formerly Arthrospira) Maxima against Ethanol-Induced Damage in Rat Liver
Authors: Pérez-Juárez Angélica , Aguilar-Faisal José Leopoldo , Posadas-Mondragón Araceli , Santiago-Cruz José Angel , Barrientos-Alvarado Cornelio , Mojica-Villegas María Angélica , Chamorro-Cevallos Germán Alberto , Morales-González José A.
Published: August 2022

Spirulina (formerly Arthrospira) maxima (SP) is a cyanobacterium reported to have great nutritional and pharmacological potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective properties of SP against ethanol-induced toxicity. Male Wistar rats were used in the study and subjected to a 70% partial hepatectomy (PH); they were then divided into five groups. During the experiment, animals in two groups drank an aqueous solution of ethanol (EtOH) (40%, v/v). Additionally, they were administered an SP extract daily at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight intragastrically. To explore possible mechanisms of action, we examined antioxidant defense enzymes, as well as serum biochemical parameters and histopathological changes in the liver. SP administration normalized elevated glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, in addition to increased catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzymes. Alterations in biochemical parameters were observed in the groups with PH treated with EtOH associated with a reduction in cholesterol and albumin levels, while glucose and triglyceride levels increased. The histological study supported the protective activity of SP, reducing apoptosis, necrosis, and congestion in the liver. Our findings demonstrated a protective effect of SP against EtOH that is related to less inflammation, a lesser antioxidant effect, and less free radical scavenging activity.
An Optimization Method for Personnel Statistics Based on YOLOv4 + DPAC
Authors: Chen Wenhui , Wu Guanchen , Jung Hoekyung
Published: August 2022

Compared to traditional detection methods, image-based flow statistics that determine the number of people in a space are contactless, non-perceptual, and high-speed statistical methods that have broad application prospects and potential economic value in business, education, transportation, and other fields. In this paper, we propose that the distributed probability-adjusted confidence (DPAC) function can optimize the reliability of model prediction according to the actual situation. That is, the reliability can be adjusted using the distribution characteristics of the target in the field of view, and a target can be determined with a confidence level that is greater than 0.5 and more accurately. DPAC can assign different target occurrence probability weights to different regions according to target distribution. Adding the DPAC function to a YOLOv4 network model on the basis of having the target confidence of the YOLOv4 network can reduce or improve confidence according to the target distribution and can then output the final confidence level. Using YOLOv4 + DPAC on the brainwash dataset can improve precision by 0.05% compared to the YOLOv4 model when the target confidence threshold is equal to 0.5; it can improve the recall of the model by 0.12% and the AP of the model by 0.12%. This paper also proposes that the distribution in the DPAC function be obtained based on unsupervised learning and verifies its effectiveness.
Storage Reliability Assessment Method for Aerospace Electromagnetic Relay Based on Belief Reliability Theory
Authors: Li Qingshen , Lin Yigang , Wang Shoudong , Wang Shanshan , Zhu Xiangou
Published: August 2022

The aerospace electromagnetic relay (AEMR) is a key electronic component in aerospace and weaponry systems. It usually lacks sufficient test data to conduct an effective storage reliability assessment at its early development stage. Thus, this paper introduces the theory of belief reliability, a new theory in the field of reliability engineering. Under its theoretical framework, firstly, through the analysis of the storage degradation mechanism of AEMR, the performance degradation characterization parameters are selected to build a storage degradation model. Then, the failure criterion conditions of AEMR are analyzed, and the degradation characterization parameters are used as the ‘smaller the better’ performance parameters to build a margin equation. Then, the margin equation is combined with the storage degradation model, and the uncertainties of the model parameters are quantified to complete the belief reliability model of AEMR. Finally, a certain AEMR is used as the object for validation. In solving the belief reliability model, the manufacturing information of the product, the degradation simulation data, and the test data are fully utilized to solve the model parameters by utilizing the uncertainty maximum likelihood estimation (UMLE) method. The results show that the method can obtain more accurate assessment results with small test data samples, and the MAE is reduced, compared to only simulation data, by 29.3%. By analyzing the uncertainty of the model parameters, it is found that the main sensitive factor affecting the storage reliability of batch aerospace relays is the initial release time. It was also found that the accuracy of the calculations could be significantly improved by considering the uncertainty of the threshold values when calculating.
Experimental Study on Fatigue Performance of M60 High-Strength Bolts with a Huge Diameter under Constant Amplitude Applied in Bolt–Sphere Joints of Grid Structures
Authors: Zhou Zichun , Lei Honggang , Qiu Bin , Zhang Shujia , Wang Guoqing
Published: August 2022

The high-strength bolts’ fatigue is critical for the bolt–sphere joints of grid structures under the action of suspended cranes. High-strength bolts with a huge diameter are used more commonly when the span of grid structures and the burden of suspended cranes increase. However, few works have explored the fatigue performance of high-strength bolts with a huge diameter in bolt–sphere joints of grid structures. Thus, this paper examines M60 high-strength bolts with a huge diameter used in the bolt–sphere joints of grid structures. To this end, an AMSLER fatigue testing machine performed fatigue tests on 27 specimens under constant amplitude. The stress–fatigue life (S–N) curve was obtained by regression analysis and the corresponding constant-amplitude fatigue design method was established. The test results were compared with those of high-strength bolts in other specifications. The results showed that the M60 high-strength bolt has a higher fatigue strength. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyzed the macroscopic and microscopic fatigue fracture of the specimens, and the mechanism of the fatigue failure was examined. Our findings provide important experimental data for revising relevant Chinese and international codes and promote the application of high-strength bolts with a huge diameter used in the bolt–sphere joints of grid structures with suspended cranes. This study could fill the gap of fatigue performance data of high-strength bolts in different specifications for bolt–sphere joint grid structures, and provide a basis for further studies.
Critical Review on Key Approaches to Enhance Synthesis and Production of Steviol Glycosides: A Blueprint for Zero-Calorie Sweetener
Authors: Rai Anjali , Han Sung-Soo
Published: August 2022

Steviol glycosides (SvGls) are plant secondary metabolites belonging to the class diterpenes. SvGls naturally derived from non-calorie sugar have therapeutic properties for diabetics, carcinogens, and anti-microbials. Over the past few years, SvGls have been extensively researched because of their extraordinary sweetness without side effects. SvGls are classified into several types based on the number of sugar bases attached to the steviol. Due to the difference in glycosylation, different SvGls have different sensory properties. One of the main obstacles is the mass production of SvGls. Novel physical and chemical treatments and advanced biotechnological approaches are introduced to increase the production of SvGls. Extraction of high-purity SvGls from plants is difficult, so researchers have manipulated the metabolic pathways of engineered microorganisms for bulk production of SvGls. There are many aspects related to the biochemistry and metabolism of SvGls, but their functional relationship with the S. rebaudiana is not well understood. Thus there is a need for in-depth research in this area. This review provides the readers with an overview of the research gaps and possible promising methodologies that can be utilized in the future. To trigger more research, this review encompasses the recent developments in SvGls production and marketing.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Airway Remodeling Activities of Jakyakgamcho-Tang in a Mouse Model of COPD
Authors: Kang Jee Hyun , Kim Yu-Jin , Baek Eun Bok , Hong Eun-Ju , Lee Mee-Young , Kwun Hyo-Jung
Published: August 2022

Jakyakgamcho-tang (JGT) is used in oriental medicine to treat inflammation and allergy. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes respiratory inflammation, airway remodeling, and pulmonary emphysema. We examine the influence of JGT on COPD by using a mouse model. COPD was induced by inhalation of cigarette smoke (CS) and nasal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In comparison to COPD mice induced by CS and LPS, mice administered with JGT exhibited significantly lower amounts of inflammatory cells and reduced expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue. The elevated concentrations of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) induced by CS and LPS were also inhibited by JGT treatment. Moreover, JGT suppressed CS and LPS-induced phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPKs). In a COPD mouse model, our results demonstrated that JGT prevented CS and LPS induced airway inflammation and remodeling.
Performance and Measurement Devices for Membrane Buildings in Civil Engineering: A Review
Authors: Huang Haonan , Li Xiongyan , Xue Suduo , Luo Yaozhi , Shi Da , Hou Xianghua , Liu Yiwei , Li Ning
Published: August 2022

Lightweight and flexible membranes offer different façades for buildings (suitability, competitive costs, durability, and other benefits) compared to traditional building materials. Increasing attention is being paid to membrane structures in the civil and industrial sectors. Acquiring response data or environmental characteristics directly from a model or building is the most straightforward approach to analyzing the properties of membrane structures, which also contributes to the development of theoretical studies and simulation methods along with the enactment of specifications. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of membrane structure performance, including mechanical, thermal, and energetic aspects, alongside the deployment and deflation of inflatable types. Furthermore, the devices used to monitor the structural response are summarized. The constitution of the structure is the most critical factor affecting its performance. A proper design would offer enhanced mechanical properties and thermal environments with a reduction in energy consumption. Non-contact measurement technology has the advantage of causing no structural disturbance and is low cost, but it lacks practical application in membrane buildings. The achievements and limitations of previous studies are also discussed. Finally, some potential directions for future work are suggested.
CONCERTS: Coverage Competency-Based Target Search for Heterogeneous Robot Teams
Authors: Kim Minkyu , Gupta Ryan , Sentis Luis
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes CONCERTS: Coverage competency-based target search, a failure-resilient path-planning algorithm for heterogeneous robot teams performing target searches for static targets in indoor and outdoor environments. This work aims to improve search completion time for realistic scenarios such as search and rescue or surveillance, while maintaining the computational speed required to perform online re-planning in scenarios when teammates fail. To provide high-quality candidate paths to an information-theoretic utility function, we split the sample generation process into two steps, namely Heterogeneous Clustering (H-Clustering) and multiple Traveling Salesman Problems (TSP). The H-Clustering step generates plans that maximize the coverage potential of each team member, while the TSP step creates optimal sample paths. In situations without prior target information, we compare our method against a state-of-the-art algorithm for multi-robot Coverage Path Planning and show a 9% advantage in total mission time. Additionally, we perform experiments to demonstrate that our algorithm can take advantage of prior target information when it is available. The proposed method provides resilience in the event of single or multiple teammate failure by recomputing global team plans online. Finally, we present simulations and deploy real hardware for search to show that the generated plans are sufficient for executing realistic missions.
Segmentation of Liver Tumor in CT Scan Using ResU-Net
Authors: Sabir Muhammad Waheed , Khan Zia , Saad Naufal M. , Khan Danish M. , Al-Khasawneh Mahmoud Ahmad , Perveen Kiran , Qayyum Abdul , Azhar Ali Syed Saad
Published: August 2022

Segmentation of images is a common task within medical image analysis and a necessary component of medical image segmentation. The segmentation of the liver and liver tumors is an important but challenging stage in screening and diagnosing liver diseases. Although many automated techniques have been developed for liver and tumor segmentation; however, segmentation of the liver is still challenging due to the fuzzy & complex background of the liver position with other organs. As a result, creating a considerable automated liver and tumour division from CT scans is critical for identifying liver cancer. In this article, deeply dense-network ResU-Net architecture is implemented on CT scan using the 3D-IRCADb01 dataset. An essential feature of ResU-Net is the residual block and U-Net architecture, which extract additional information from the input data compared to the traditional U-Net network. Before being fed to the deep neural network, image pre-processing techniques are applied, including data augmentation, Hounsfield windowing unit, and histogram equalization. The ResU-Net network performance is evaluated using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) metric. The ResU-Net system with residual connections outperformed state-of-the-art approaches for liver tumour identification, with a DSC value of 0.97% for organ recognition and 0.83% for segmentation methods.
Path Tracking of a 4WIS–4WID Agricultural Machinery Based on Variable Look-Ahead Distance
Authors: Xu Lijun , Yang Yankun , Chen Qinhan , Fu Fengcheng , Yang Bihang , Yao Lijian
Published: August 2022

Aiming to solve the problem of the low path-tracking accuracy of mobile robots in agricultural environments, the authors of this paper propose a path-tracking method for agricultural machinery based on variable look-ahead distance. A kinematic model of the four wheel independent steering–four wheel independent drive (4WIS–4WID) structure based on pure pursuit was constructed to obtain the functional equation of the current position and the four-wheel steering angle. The fuzzy controller, which takes the lateral deviation and heading deviation as input and the look-ahead distance in a pure pursuit model as output, was designed to obtain the look-ahead distance that changes dynamically with the deviation of mobile agricultural machinery. The path-tracking performance of 4WIS–4WID agricultural machinery in three scenarios (1 m, −90°; 1 m, 0°; and 0 m, 90°) with different initial deviations was tested using a pure pursuit model based on a variable look-ahead distance. The obtained field test results showed an average deviation of 19.7 cm, an average tracking time of 5.1 s, an average stability distance of 203.9 cm, and a steady state deviation of 3.1 cm. The results showed that the proposed method presents a significant path-tracking performance advantage over a fixed look-ahead distance pure tracking model and can be a reference for high-quality path-tracking methods in automatic navigation research.
Wind Turbine Technology Trends
Authors: Bošnjaković Mladen , Katinić Marko , Santa Robert , Marić Dejan
Published: August 2022

The rise in prices of traditional energy sources, the high dependence of many countries on their import, and the associated need for security of supply have led to large investments in new capacity of wind power plants. Although wind power generation is a mature technology and levelized cost of electricity low, there is still room for its improvement. A review of available literature has indicated that wind turbine development in the coming decade will be based on upscaling wind turbines and minor design improvements. These include further improvements in rotor blade aerodynamics, active control of the rotor blade rotation system, and aerodynamic brakes that will lead to increased power generation efficiency. Improvements in system maintenance and early diagnosis of transmission and power-related faults and blade surface damage will reduce wind turbine downtime and increase system reliability and availability. The manufacture of wind turbines with larger dimensions presents problems of transportation and assembly, which are being addressed by manufacturing the blades from segments. Numerical analysis is increasingly being used both in wind turbine efficiency analysis and in stress and vibration analysis. Direct drive is becoming more competitive with traditional power transmission through a gearbox. The trend in offshore wind farms is to increase the size of wind turbines and to place them farther from the coast and in deeper water, which requires new forms of floating foundations. Due to the different work requirements and more difficult conditions of the marine environment, optimization methods for the construction of offshore substructures are currently being developed. There are plans to use 66-kV cables for power transmission from offshore wind farms instead of the current 33-kV cables. Offshore wind farms can play an important role in the transition to a hydrogen economy. In this context, significant capacity is planned for the production of “green” hydrogen by electrolysis from water. First-generation wind turbines are nearing the end of their service life, so strategies are being developed to repower them, extend their life or dismantle and recycle them.
Ecological Characterization of the Flora in Reserva Ecológica Arenillas, Ecuador
Authors: Luna-Florin Alex Dumany , Nole-Nole Darío Alexander , Rodríguez-Caballero Emilio , Molina-Pardo José Luis , Giménez-Luque Esther
Published: August 2022

Ecuador, located in the Neotropics, has 66 protected natural areas, which represent about 13.77% of its overall territory. The Reserva Ecológica Arenillas reserve (REAr), located in southwestern Ecuador, protects an area of dry forest, coastal thorn forest, and mangroves. This dry forest is part of the Pacific equatorial core and is included the Tumbes–Chocó–Magdalena, one of the 34 biodiversity hot spots of the world. It is an extremely fragile ecosystem and therefore the need for conservation is of the utmost importance. Knowledge of the flora and their ecological characteristics is still limited, which was one of the main objectives of this work. In this study, 118 plots located in different locations of the REAr were selected in order to sample the trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants within them. This information was supplemented with data from the literature and the GBIF; life forms were included according to Raunkiaer’s classification and their growth habits. The flora of the REAr was represented by 381 species, belonging to 77 families. The two most numerous families were the Fabaceae (51 plant species) and Malvaceae (31 species). The dominant life form was the phanerophytes with 200 species (52.5%), followed by therophytes with 104 species (27.3%), and camephytes with 22 species (5.8%). Physiognomy was dominated by the herbaceous growth (44%). The biodiversity indices of two ecosystems were studied (The deciduous forest of the Jama-Zapotillo lowland and the low forest and deciduous shrubland of the Jama-Zapotillo lowland), obtaining higher values for the deciduous forest ecosystem of the Jama-Zapotillo lowland. With these indicators, a classification of each forest type was made by performing a hierarchical cluster analysis. The information provided in this paper is particularly important for focusing conservation efforts and preventing the loss of flora diversity in these forests, which are subject to great anthropogenic pressures.
Low-Cost Microwave Sensor for Characterization and Adulteration Detection in Edible Oil
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Hamza , Jabbar Muhammad Abdul , Khan Muhammad Atif , Massoud Yehia
Published: August 2022

A low-cost microwave sensor was designed for oil adulteration detection and characterization of pure edible oil using dielectric spectroscopy. The sensor’s final design was fabricated on a low cost 1.6 mm thick FR-4 substrate with a combination of a complementary split ring resonator and a transmission line. The sensor’s dimensions were 35 × 30 × 1.6 mm3 with a substrate dielectric constant of 4.3. A 5.25 GHz resonance frequency was selected as a reference for characterization and adulteration detection in pure edible oil. Initially, pure olive, caster, flaxseed, and mustard oil were characterized by the design sensors, with frequency shifts of 250, 370, 150, and 320 MHz, respectively. Pure olive oil with adulteration of castor, mustard, and argemone oil, was tested by placing the samples directly on the sensor. The experimental results showed that the sensor can detect 10% to 30% adulteration in the olive oil. The maximum sensitivity, frequency shift and quality factor were noted as 4.6, 530 MHz and 39, respectively. The high values of sensitivity and quality factor, along with agreement between simulated and experimental results, makes our sensor a good candidate for oil characterization and adulteration detection.
Cybersecurity Knowledge Extraction Using XAI
Authors: Šarčević Ana , Pintar Damir , Vranić Mihaela , Krajna Agneza
Published: August 2022

Global networking, growing computer infrastructure complexity and the ongoing migration of many private and business aspects to the electronic domain commonly mandate using cutting-edge technologies based on data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to ensure high levels of network and information system security. Transparency is a major barrier to the deployment of black box intelligent systems in high-risk domains, such as the cybersecurity domain, with the problem getting worse as machine learning models increase in complexity. In this research, explainable machine learning is used to extract information from the CIC-IDS2017 dataset and to critically contrast the knowledge attained by analyzing if–then decision tree rules with the knowledge attained by the SHAP approach. The paper compares the challenges of the knowledge extraction using the SHAP method and the if–then decision tree rules, providing guidelines regarding different approaches suited to specific situations.