bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Little Brands, Big Profits? Effect of Agricultural Geographical Indicators on County-Level Economic Development in China
Authors: Zhang Zhuang , Yan Qiuxia , Zheng Hao , Zeng Mengqing , Chen Youhua
Published: May 2024

AGIs (agricultural geographical indicators) are effective quality signals that can improve market welfare, but few studies have investigated the impact of AGIs on economic development. To fill this gap, this paper explores the impact of AGIs on per capita GDP and its mechanisms, according to country-level data in China from 2000 to 2018. For every additional AGI in the country, GDP per capita increased by 0.2–0.4%. Our conclusion remained reliable after various robustness tests. These effects were more salient in western areas, the main grain-producing areas, and settled areas. AGIs related to aquatic environments, animal husbandry, and planting products promoted economic development most significantly. For these effects, encouraging an increase in agricultural value (improving the quantity and quality of products) and promoting the agglomeration of populations, capital, and enterprises in the agricultural sector were the main mechanisms.
Climate Change Risks for the Mediterranean Agri-Food Sector: The Case of Greece
Authors: Georgopoulou Elena , Gakis Nikos , Kapetanakis Dimitris , Voloudakis Dimitris , Markaki Maria , Sarafidis Yannis , Lalas Dimitris P. , Laliotis George P. , Akamati Konstantina , Bizelis Iosif , Daskalakis Markos , Mirasgedis Sevastianos , Tzamtzis Iordanis
Published: May 2024

The study assesses the direct effects of climate change by 2060, including extreme events, on the productivity of regional crop farming and livestock in Greece, and the broader socio-economic effects on the agri-food and other sectors. Different approaches (i.e., agronomic models, statistical regression models, and equations linking thermal stress to livestock output) were combined to estimate the effects on productivity from changes in the average values of climatic parameters, and subsequently the direct economic effects from this long-term climate change. Recorded damages from extreme events together with climatic thresholds per event and crop were combined to estimate the direct economic effects of these extremes. The broader socio-economic effects were then estimated through input–output analysis. Under average levels of future extreme events, the total direct economic losses for Greek agriculture due to climate change will be significant, from EUR 437 million/year to EUR 1 billion/year. These losses approximately double when indirect effects on other sectors using agricultural products as inputs (e.g., food and beverage, hotels, and restaurants) are considered, and escalate further under a tenfold impact of extreme events. Losses in the GDP and employment are moderate at the national level, but significant in regions where the contribution of agriculture is high.
Overexpression of NB-LRR Gene AtRPM1(D505V) Improved Drought and Salt Resistance and Decreased Cold Tolerance in Transgenic Rice
Authors: Li Zhaowu , Zhou Xiaojie , Liu Xiaoxiao , Wu Xiaoqiu , He Zhiming , Gao Zhiyong , Wang Zhangying
Published: May 2024

Abiotic stimuli severely restrict the growth and development of plants, resulting in massive losses in the quality and yield of crops. Exploring genes that can improve crop tolerance to abiotic stress is important. In a previous study, we found that overexpression of the Arabidopsis nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) gene AtRPM1(D505V) increased disease resistance in rice. In this research, we found that AtRPM1(D505V) transgenic plants were more sensitive to abscisic acid (ABA) than wild type (WT) plants. Abiotic-stress resistance in AtRPM1(D505V) transgenic plants was investigated. We found that AtRPM1(D505V) transgenic plants exhibited improved resistance to drought and salt stress; the phonotype and survival rates of transgenic rice were better than WT plants. The expression of stress responsive genes including OsDREB2A, OsDREB2B, OsRD22, and OsRD29A were significantly upregulated in AtRPM1(D505V) overexpressed plants than in WT plants. Moreover, the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) were significantly increased in AtRPM1(D505V) overexpressed plants than in WT plants under drought and salt stress. Under cold stress, the expression of stress responsive genes and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in AtRPM1(D505V) transgenic plants were significantly lower than in WT plants. Our research demonstrated that AtRPM1(D505V) confers drought and salt resistance to transgenic rice. Therefore, AtRPM1(D505V) could act as a potential candidate gene to cultivate drought- and salt-tolerant plants.
Locomotor Activity of Adult Olive Fruit Flies Recorded under Conditions of Food or Water Deprivation
Authors: Balampekou Evangelia I. , Koveos Dimitrios S. , Koutsos Thomas M. , Menexes Georgios C. , Kapranas Apostolos , Carey James R. , Kouloussis Nikos A.
Published: May 2024

The olive fruit fly, known as Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is causing substantial economic losses in olive crops worldwide. Studying the activity patterns of the insect may expand our knowledge to eventually adopt more sustainable and effective pest control approaches. In the present study, we investigated the impact of food and water deprivation on the mobility of olive fruit flies using a modified version of the LAM25 system (locomotor activity monitor)—Trikinetics, an automated locomotor activity electronic device. Both male and female flies at four different age groups, reared on olives in the laboratory, were individually placed in glass tubes. Their locomotor activity was recorded every minute by three monitors within the digital device over a three-day period. Our observations revealed that adults exhibited significantly reduced movement during nighttime compared to daytime. The greatest mobility was observed during the period of 15:00 to 20:59. Additionally, younger flies demonstrated higher levels of mobility compared to older ones. Flies subjected to both food and water deprivation exhibited higher mobility compared to the control group. These insights offer valuable insights for enhancing pest management strategies aimed at controlling olive fruit flies adopting a more sustainable approach.
NTRK2 Promotes Sheep Granulosa Cells Proliferation and Reproductive Hormone Secretion and Activates the PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Jia Yuhang , Liu Yufang , Wang Peng , Liu Ziyi , Zhang Runan , Chu Mingxing , Zhao Ayong
Published: May 2024

Neurotrophin receptor B (NTRK2), also named TRKB, belongs to the neurotrophic factor family. Previous studies have shown that NTRK2 is associated with high fertility in mammals. However, the molecular mechanism and regulatory pathway of this neurotrophic factor remain unclear. In this study, NTRK2 overexpression and NTRK2-siRNA were constructed to detect the effects of NTRK2 on the proliferation and hormone secretion of the ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) of sheep. We successfully isolated follicular phase granulosa cells in vitro from the ovaries of sheep in simultaneous estrus, and the immunofluorescence results confirmed that NTRK2 was expressed in the collected cells. Subsequently, the effect of NTRK2 on the proliferation of sheep granulosa cells was examined via cell transfection experiments. The results showed that the expression of CDK4 and CyclinD2 was significantly increased after NTRK2 overexpression, while the opposite trend was observed after the inhibition of NTRK2 expression (p < 0.05). The EdU and CCK-8 assays showed that the proliferation rate of sheep GCs was significantly increased after NTRK2 overexpression, while the opposite trend was observed after the inhibition of NTRK2 expression (p < 0.05). Moreover, NTRK2 significantly increased the expression of steroidogenesis-related genes, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) and hydroxy-δ-5-steroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B1), and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1). The ELISA results showed that the secretion levels of E2 and P4 significantly increased after NTRK2 overexpression, while the opposite trend was observed after the inhibition of NTRK2 expression (p < 0.05). Previous studies had confirmed that NTRK2 gene belongs to the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and participates in the signaling of this pathway. This was demonstrated by protein–protein interaction analysis and NTRK2 belongs to the PI3K-AKT pathway. The modification of PI3K and AKT, markers of the PI3K-AKT pathway, via phosphorylation was increased after NTRK2 overexpression in the sheep GCs, while the opposite trend was observed after the inhibition of NTRK2 expression (p < 0.05). Overall, these results suggest that the NTRK2 gene regulates the proliferation of GCs and the secretion of steroid hormones in sheep, and that it influences the phosphorylation level of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provided a theoretical basis and new perspectives for exploring the regulation of NTRK2 gene in the development of ovine follicles.
Common Spontaneous Tumors and Tumor-like Lesions in 70 Pet Rodents and Negative MMTV Detection in Mammary Tumors
Authors: Chen Ya-Mei , Wu Jia-Ling , Lin Wei-Hao
Published: May 2024

Compared to the number of studies on the neoplasms of laboratory rodents, fewer studies have focused on spontaneous neoplasms in pet rodents. Notably, the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is associated with mammary tumors in rodents. In this study, 77 tumors and tumor-like lesions of biopsy samples were collected from 70 pet rodents, including hamsters (n = 47), guinea pigs (n = 16), unknown species (n = 4), rats (n = 2), and a gerbil. Fifty tumors were collected from 47 hamsters, in which the most common tumors were mammary tumors (13/50), followed by fibrosarcoma (9/50), mast cell tumors (4/50), and squamous cell carcinoma (4/50). The collected subtypes of mammary tumors in hamsters included tubular carcinoma (n = 5), tubular adenoma (n = 4), carcinoma and malignant myoepithelioma (n = 1), simple tubular carcinoma (n = 1), adenosquamous carcinoma (n = 1), and tubulopapillary adenoma (n = 1). In addition, twenty tumors were collected from guinea pigs, in which the most common tumor was lipoma (6/20), followed by adenocarcinoma of the mammary gland (4/20), trichofolliculoma (2/20), and collagenous hamartomas (2/20). In guinea pigs, the subtypes of mammary gland tumors were tubular carcinoma (n = 2), tubular and solid carcinoma (n = 1), and tubulopapillary carcinoma (n = 1). In 20 cases of mammary tumors, MMTV was not detected, implicating no evidence of MMTV infection in mammary oncogenesis in pet rodents in Taiwan.
Spatiotemporal Mechanisms of the Coexistence of Reintroduced Scimitar-Horned Oryx and Native Dorcas Gazelle in Sidi Toui National Park, Tunisia
Authors: Louhichi Marouane , Khorchani Touhami , Petretto Marie , Eifler Douglas , Eifler Maria , Dadi Kamel , Zaidi Ali , Karssene Yamna , Chammem Mohsen
Published: May 2024

Examining the distribution patterns and spatiotemporal niche overlap of sympatric species is crucial for understanding core concepts in community ecology and for the effective management of multi-species habitats within shared landscapes. Using data from 26 camera-traps, recorded over two years (December 2020–November 2022), in Sidi Toui National Park (STNP), Tunisia, we investigate habitat use and activity patterns of the scimitar-horned oryx (n = 1865 captures) and dorcas gazelle (n = 1208 captures). Using information theory and multi-model inference methods, along with the Pianka index, we evaluated the habitat characteristics influencing species distribution and their spatial niche overlap. To delineate daily activity patterns, we applied kernel density estimation. Our findings indicate minimal spatial overlap and distinct environmental factors determining suitable habitats for each species. Furthermore, we found significant temporal niche overlaps, indicative of synchrony in daily activity patterns, with both species showing peak activity at dawn and dusk. Our results indicated that oryx and gazelle differ in at least one dimension of their ecological niche at the current density levels, which contributes to their long-term and stable coexistence in STNP.
Consistent Individual Differences Drive Collective Movements in a Tibetan Macaque Group
Authors: Ren Sen , Liu Shenqi , Sun Wenkai , Gao Lei , Ren Lei , Liu Jiahui , Zhang Weiqi , Xia Dongpo , Sun Binghua , Li Jinhua , Wang Xi
Published: May 2024

Collective movement has emerged as a key area of interest in animal behavior. While individual differences are often viewed as a potential threat to group cohesion, growing evidence suggests that these differences can actually influence an animal’s behavior as an initiator or follower during collective movements, thereby driving the group‘s movement and decision-making processes. To resolve the divergence, we asked how personality can affect the dynamics of collective movements in one group of free-ranging Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) in Huangshan, China. We assessed individual personality using principal component analysis and applied the generalized linear mixed model and linear mixed model to examine the influence of personality on decision making during collective movements. Our findings reveled three distinct personality types among Tibetan macaques: sociability, boldness, and anxiousness. Individuals with higher sociability scores and rank, or those with lower anxiousness scores, were more likely to initiate successful collective movements. Older individuals were less successful in initiating movements compared to young adults. Leaders with lower anxiousness scores or higher rank attracted more followers, with females attracting larger groups than males. As for followers, individuals with higher rank tended to join the collective movement earlier. Additionally, individuals with higher sociability or boldness scores had shorter joining latency in collective movement. Finally, there was a longer joining latency for middle-aged adults compared to young adults. These results suggest that individual differences are a potential driver of collective movements. We provide some insights into the relationships between personality and decision making in Tibetan macaques.
Efficacy and Safety of an Inactivated Phase I Coxiella burnetii Vaccine to Control Q Fever in Ruminants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gisbert Philippe , Hurtado Ana , Guatteo Raphaël
Published: May 2024

Q fever is a disease caused by Coxiella burnetii that affects many animal species and humans. In ruminants, the disease is responsible for several reproductive disorders (such as abortions, stillbirths, premature births, weak offspring, retained foetal membranes and infertility). An inactivated vaccine based on a phase I antigen of C. burnetii is available for cattle, goats and sheep. This review aims to summarise the scientific literature regarding the efficacy and safety of this vaccine to control the infection in these three domestic ruminant species. Forty-five publications and one experimental veterinary thesis reporting on experimental studies, case reports, mathematical modelling and intervention studies were selected according to the PRISMA guidelines. Although some studies lack control groups or statistical analyses, for all three species, published data show that vaccination often results in a reduction in abortions and an improvement in reproductive performance in comparison with absence of vaccination. There is also evidence, including in infected herds and animals, that vaccination is associated with a reduction in bacterial shedding, both in intensity and duration in comparison with absence of vaccination. For these reasons, in case of human outbreaks, vaccination is one of the pillars of control measures. Vaccination is generally well tolerated, despite the rare occurrence of mild, transient side-effects, such as hyperthermia and reduction in milk yield.
Role of Cefiderocol in Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Central Nervous System Infections: Real Life Experience and State-of-the-Art
Authors: Sollima Alessio , Rossini Francesco , Lanza Paola , Pallotto Carlo , Meschiari Marianna , Gentile Ivan , Stellini Roberto , Lenzi Angelica , Mulé Alice , Castagna Francesca , Lorenzotti Silvia , Amadasi Silvia , Van Hauwermeiren Evelyn , Saccani Barbara , Fumarola Benedetta , Signorini Liana , Castelli Francesco , Matteelli Alberto
Published: May 2024

Cefiderocol is a new molecule effective against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative pathogens. Currently, there is limited evidence regarding the use of cefiderocol in central nervous system (CNS) infections. Data on the cerebrospinal fluid penetration rate of cefiderocol are limited and heterogeneous, and there is no consensus on the dosing scheme of cefiderocol to penetrate the blood–brain barrier. We present a case series and a literature review of CNS infections caused by MDR pathogens that were treated with cefiderocol: some of these patients were treated with different dose schemes of cefiderocol and underwent therapeutic drug monitoring both on plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The CSF penetration rates and the clinical outcomes were evaluated.
Genomic Analysis of Kitasatospora setae to Explore Its Biosynthetic Potential Regarding Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Xue Yutong , Zhou Zhiyan , Feng Fangjian , Zhao Hang , Tan Shuangling , Li Jinling , Wu Sitong , Ju Zhiran , He Shan , Ding Lijian
Published: May 2024

Actinomycetes have long been recognized as important sources of clinical antibiotics. However, the exploration of rare actinomycetes, despite their potential for producing bioactive molecules, has remained relatively limited compared to the extensively studied Streptomyces genus. The extensive investigation of Streptomyces species and their natural products has led to a diminished probability of discovering novel bioactive compounds from this group. Consequently, our research focus has shifted towards less explored actinomycetes, beyond Streptomyces, with particular emphasis on Kitasatospora setae (K. setae). The genome of K. setae was annotated and analyzed through whole-genome sequencing using multiple bio-informatics tools, revealing an 8.6 Mbp genome with a 74.42% G + C content. AntiSMASH analysis identified 40 putative biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), approximately half of which were recessive and unknown. Additionally, metabolomic mining utilizing mass spectrometry demonstrated the potential for this rare actinomycete to generate numerous bioactive compounds such as glycosides and macrolides, with bafilomycin being the major compound produced. Collectively, genomics- and metabolomics-based techniques confirmed K. setae’s potential as a bioactive secondary metabolite producer that is worthy of further exploration.
The Role of Pigments and Cryptochrome 1 in the Adaptation of Solanum lycopersicum Photosynthetic Apparatus to High-Intensity Blue Light
Authors: Ashikhmin Aleksandr , Pashkovskiy Pavel , Kosobryukhov Anatoliy , Khudyakova Alexandra , Abramova Anna , Vereshchagin Mikhail , Bolshakov Maksim , Kreslavski Vladimir
Published: May 2024

The effects of high-intensity blue light (HIBL, 500/1000 µmol m−2s−1, 450 nm) on Solanum lycopersicum mutants with high pigment (hp) and low pigment (lp) levels and cryptochrome 1 (cry1) deficiency on photosynthesis, chlorophylls, phenols, anthocyanins, nonenzymatic antioxidant activity, carotenoid composition, and the expression of light-dependent genes were investigated. The plants, grown under white light for 42 days, were exposed to HIBL for 72 h. The hp mutant quickly adapted to 500 µmol m−2s−1 HIBL, exhibiting enhanced photosynthesis, increased anthocyanin and carotenoids (beta-carotene, zeaxanthin), and increased expression of key genes involved in pigment biosynthesis (PSY1, PAL1, CHS, ANS) and PSII proteins along with an increase in nonenzymatic antioxidant activity. At 1000 µmol m−2s−1 HIBL, the lp mutant showed the highest photosynthetic activity, enhanced expression of genes associated with PSII external proteins (psbO, psbP, psbQ), and increased in neoxanthin content. This mutant demonstrated greater resistance at the higher HIBL, demonstrating increased stomatal conductance and photosynthesis rate. The cry1 mutant exhibited the highest non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) but had the lowest pigment contents and decreased photosynthetic rate and PSII activity, highlighting the critical role of CRY1 in adaptation to HIBL. The hp and lp mutants use distinct adaptation strategies, which are significantly hindered by the cry1 mutation. The pigment content appears to be crucial for adaptation at moderate HIBL doses, while CRY1 content and stomatal activity become more critical at higher doses.
Role of Epigenetic Modulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Implications of Phytochemical Interventions
Authors: Prasanth Mani Iyer , Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Cheong Clerance Su Yee , Verma Kanika , Tencomnao Tewin , Brimson James Michael , Prasansuklab Anchalee
Published: May 2024

Epigenetics defines changes in cell function without involving alterations in DNA sequence. Neuroepigenetics bridges neuroscience and epigenetics by regulating gene expression in the nervous system and its impact on brain function. With the increase in research in recent years, it was observed that alterations in the gene expression did not always originate from changes in the genetic sequence, which has led to understanding the role of epigenetics in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Epigenetic alterations contribute to the aberrant expression of genes involved in neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, and neuronal death. Natural phytochemicals have shown promise as potential therapeutic agents against NDDs because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models. For instance, resveratrol (grapes), curcumin (turmeric), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG; green tea) exhibit neuroprotective effects through their influence on DNA methylation patterns, histone acetylation, and non-coding RNA expression profiles. Phytochemicals also aid in slowing disease progression, preserving neuronal function, and enhancing cognitive and motor abilities. The present review focuses on various epigenetic modifications involved in the pathology of NDDs, including AD and PD, gene expression regulation related to epigenetic alterations, and the role of specific polyphenols in influencing epigenetic modifications in AD and PD.
Adaptive Polarizing Suppression of Sea Surface Glare Based on the Geographic Polarization Suppression Model
Authors: Shi Lu , Bai Xiang , Feng Fei , Liu Xinyue , Meng Haoran , Cui Xu , Yang Xuan , Li Xinyu
Published: May 2024

As a strong interference source for the all-time optical imaging surveillance of maritime targets, sea surface glare is difficult to mitigate accurately because of its time-varying characteristics due to lighting conditions and seawater fluctuations. In this paper, we propose an adaptive suppression approach to sea surface glare, which establishes a geographic polarization suppression model based on real-time information regarding geographic positioning and the orientation information of the floating platform, and also combines dynamic polarization control and pixel normalization to achieve adaptive suppression of sea surface glare. Experimental results show that this approach can mitigate the influence of rapidly changing glare effectively, and the SSIM indexes between the images without glare and those with glare suppression of the same scenes exceed 0.8, which is suitable for all-time glare suppression on the sea surface under natural lighting conditions.
Characterisation of a New Generation of AlMgZr and AlMgSc Filler Materials for Welding Metal–Ceramic Composites
Authors: Wysocki Jan , Staude Marek , Trytek Andrzej , Sosnowski Mariusz
Published: May 2024

When manufacturing the welded joints of components made of metal–ceramic composites of the Al-Si/SiC type, we encounter significant difficulties. This is related to the presence of a ceramic phase in the aluminium alloy matrix. The interaction between the molten metal matrix and the ceramic particles in the weld pool influences a complex of physicochemical phenomena resulting in, among other things, the structure of the welded joint. This is particularly true of the effect of the distribution of ceramic particles and their influence on the crystallisation process in the weld pool. An important issue is the influence of the reinforcing particles on the susceptibility of the aluminium matrix to both hot and cold cracking. The scope of the research included the development of the chemical composition of an additive material for the TIG welding of aluminium–ceramic composites. This material was made in the form of so-called sticks, cast from alloys containing elements such as magnesium, scandium or zirconium in addition to aluminium. The appropriate composition of the mass content of the individual components was intended to change the crystallisation mode of the weld pool and to obtain strengthening precipitates. The most favourable structure was obtained in the case of a modification of the AlMg5 alloy by the addition of scandium. Minor dispersions of Al3Sc became the nucleation pads of fine grains, which improved the mechanical properties of the alloy. Also, in the case of the addition of zirconium, the crystallisation shifted from dendritic to fine-grain growth. In this paper, the basic strength properties of the developed materials were tested and the most favourable chemical compositions of the filling materials were selected.
Incorporating Fine-Grained Linguistic Features and Explainable AI into Multi-Dimensional Automated Writing Assessment
Authors: Tang Xiaoyi , Chen Hongwei , Lin Daoyu , Li Kexin
Published: May 2024

With the flourishing development of corpus linguistics and technological revolutions in the AI-powered age, automated essay scoring (AES) models have been intensively developed. However, the intricate relationship between linguistic features and different constructs of writing quality has yet to be thoroughly investigated. The present study harnessed computational analytic tools and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to distill and refine linguistic indicators for model construction. Findings revealed that both micro-features and their combination with aggregated features robustly described writing quality over aggregated features alone. Linear and non-linear models were thus developed to explore the associations between linguistic features and different constructs of writing quality. The non-linear AES model with Random Forest Regression demonstrated superior performance over other benchmark models. Furthermore, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was employed to pinpoint the most powerful linguistic features for each rating trait, enhancing the model’s transparency through explainable AI (XAI). These insights hold the potential to substantially facilitate the advancement of multi-dimensional approaches toward writing assessment and instruction.
A Recognition and Classification Method for Underground Acoustic Emission Signals Based on Improved CELMD and Swin Transformer Neural Networks
Authors: Xie Xuebin , Yang Yunpeng
Published: May 2024

To address the challenges in processing and identifying mine acoustic emission signals, as well as the inefficiency and inaccuracy issues prevalent in existing methods, an enhanced CELMD approach is adopted for preprocessing the acoustic emission signals. This method leverages correlation coefficient filtering to extract the primary components, followed by classification and recognition using the Swin Transformer neural network. The results demonstrate that the improved CELMD method effectively extracts the main features of the acoustic emission signals with higher decomposition accuracy and reduced occurrences of mode mixing and end effects. Furthermore, the Swin Transformer neural network exhibits outstanding performance in classifying acoustic emission signals, surpassing both convolutional neural networks and ViT neural networks in terms of accuracy and convergence speed. Moreover, utilizing preprocessed data from the improved CELMD enhances the performance of the Swin Transformer neural network. With an increase in data volume, the accuracy, stability, and convergence speed of the Swin Transformer neural network continuously improve, and using preprocessed data from the enhanced CELMD yields superior training results compared to those obtained without preprocessing.
Comparison of Three Antibiotic Prophylaxis Protocols for Preventing Postoperative Infection in Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Montoya-delaTorre Carolina , Muñoz-Mahamud Ernesto , Zumbado Jose Alonso , Morata Laura , Martínez-Peñas Judit , Ares Oscar
Published: May 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the impact of three different types of intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis on the risk of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI). Material and Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent surgery for osteosynthesis of a tibial plateau fracture (January 2009–November 2018) in Hospital Clinic i Provincial de Barcelona were included. Three types of prophylaxis during the study period were used: group A (cefuroxime single-dose treatment), group B (meropenem + teicoplanin), and group C (ceftriaxone + teicoplanin). Demographics, co-morbidity, type of fracture, need for external fixation, microbiology data, surgical time, and outcome were recorded. Failure was defined as the need for reintervention due to postoperative surgical site infection. Results: From a total of 148 patients included, 20 cases developed SSI, 8 from group A, 8 from group B, and 4 from group C. Higher ASA scores, Schatzker II classification, need for external fixation, and a prolonged surgical time were associated with a significantly (p < 0.005) increased incidence of SSI. Group C showed the overall highest survival and lowest cumulative risk, but differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Group C showed the lowest incidence of infection in this sample. It is necessary to confirm these findings with larger studies.
Updates on Impact Ionisation Triggering of Thyristors
Authors: del Barrio Montañés Alicia Ana , Senaj Viliam , Kramer Thomas , Sack Martin
Published: May 2024

High voltage (HV) generators are used in multiple industrial and scientific facilities. Recent publications have demonstrated that triggering industrial thyristors (relatively slow switching devices) in overvoltage mode, also called impact ionization mode, significantly enhances their dU/dt and dI/dt characteristics. This novel triggering methodology necessitates the application of substantial overvoltage between the thyristor’s anode and cathode, delivered with a swift slew rate exceeding 1 kV/ns. The adoption of compact pulse generators constructed from commercially available off-the-shelf components (COTS) opens up avenues for deploying this technology across various domains, including the implementation of high-speed kicker generators in particle accelerators. In our methodology, we employed commercially available high-voltage SiC MOSFETs along with a custom-designed fast gate driver. This driver was conceptualized based on the recent development of gate boosting techniques, featuring a driving voltage exceeding 600 V. The gate driver for these MOSFETs comprises three key components: a level-shifter with NMOS and PMOS transistors, a compact Marx generator with two avalanche transistors, and a GaN HEMT in a high input and low output impedance configuration. The proposed gate-boosting driver achieves a slew rate exceeding 1 kV/ns for the driving pulse. Furthermore, we demonstrate that with this driver, a 1.7 kV rated SiC MOSFET can produce an output pulse of 1.45 kV and a maximum slew rate of ≈2.5 kV/ns. This gate-boosting driver aims to minimize commutation times, achieves a slew rate of over 1 kV/ns, and handle higher loads, making it ideal for impact ionization triggering of industrial thyristors.
Brain Network Modularity and Resilience Signaled by Betweenness Centrality Percolation Spiking
Authors: Kotlarz Parker , Febo Marcelo , Nino Juan C. ,   on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2024

Modularity and resilience are fundamental properties of brain network organization and function. The interplay of these network characteristics is integral to understanding brain vulnerability, network efficiency, and neurocognitive disorders. One potential methodology to explore brain network modularity and resilience is through percolation theory, a sub-branch of graph theory that simulates lesions across brain networks. In this work, percolation theory is applied to connectivity matrices derived from functional MRI from human, mice, and null networks. Nodes, or regions, with the highest betweenness centrality, a graph theory quantifier that examines shortest paths, were sequentially removed from the network. This attack methodology led to a rapid fracturing of the network, resulting in two terminal modules connected by one transfer module. Additionally, preceding the rapid network fracturing, the average betweenness centrality of the network peaked in value, indicating a critical point in brain network functionality. Thus, this work introduces a methodological perspective to identify hubs within the brain based on critical points that can be used as an architectural framework for a neural network. By applying percolation theory to functional brain networks through a network phase-transition lens, network sub-modules are identified using local spikes in betweenness centrality as an indicator of brain criticality. This modularity phase transition provides supporting evidence of the brain functioning at a near-critical point while showcasing a formalism to understand the computational efficiency of the brain as a neural network.
Excellent Color Purity and Luminescence Thermometry Performance in Germanate Tellurite Glass Doped with Eu3+ and Tb3+
Authors: Bondzior Bartosz , Lisiecki Radosław
Published: May 2024

Germanate tellurite glasses doped with Eu3+ and Tb3+ were synthesized by the conventional melt-quenching method. There is no indication of the energy transfer between dopant ions in this host, but the co-dopants exhibit excellent color purity of 100% for Eu3+ and 80% for Tb3+. The co-doped glass exhibits yellow luminescence. The quantum yield of the Eu3+ emission is equal to 23% under 395 nm excitation. The thermal quenching of Eu3+ and Tb3+ luminescence occurs at different temperature ranges, which enables the thermal sensing properties of the material. The relative fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) sensitivity of 0.16% K−1 was recorded in the wide range of temperatures spanning from −193 °C up to 0 °C. The temperature dependence of the decay times was also studied. The lifetime-based temperature sensitivity was determined to be 0.95% K−1 at 250 °C for Tb3+5D3 level emission and 0.3% K−1 at 225 °C for Eu3+5D1 level emission.
Analysis of the Impact of the Former Abandoned Dregs of Mountain Highways on the Construction and Safety of New Bridge Pile Foundations
Authors: Liu Dunwen , Zhang Yong , Tang Yu
Published: May 2024

In highway reconstruction and expansion projects, the impact of the abandoned dreg body produced by the original highway on the new bridge project cannot be ignored. If the abandoned dregs are not handled properly, they will cause great threat to the operation of the new highway as well as to the safety of the surrounding environment and personnel. In this paper, based on a South China highway reconstruction and expansion project, a model of the abandoned dreg body, bridge pile and anti-slide pile is established with the help of finite difference software FLAC3D 5.0. The calculation results show that compared with burying the anti-slide pile, slope cutting is more effective for improving the stability of the abandoned dreg body. Under the action of vertical force intensity, the displacement of the top of the pile increases continuously, and the maximum bending moment of the pile body increases firstly and then decreases. The pile displacement and bending moment of the bridge pile increase significantly in the storm condition compared with the normal condition. In addition, the abandoned dreg body hazard prevention and control technical measures are studied. The impacts of different locations of anti-slide pile burial on bridge piles are analyzed and compared, and it is determined that the optimal location of anti-slide pile burial is the middle of the secondary slope.
Evaluation of the Performance of Pervious Concrete Inspired by CO2-Curing Technology
Authors: Muthu Murugan , Sadowski Łukasz
Published: May 2024

Urban runoff is acidic in nature and mainly consists of heavy metals and sediments. In this study, the pervious concrete samples were cured in a CO2-rich environment and their performance under runoff conditions was evaluated by passing different solutions containing clay particles, heavy metal ions, and acid species. The compressive strength of these samples was reduced by up to 14% when they were cured in water instead of a CO2 environment. Heavy metal ions, including lead and zinc, in the simulated runoff were adsorbed in these pervious concrete samples by up to 96% and 80% at the end of the experiment, but the acid species in this runoff could leach calcium ions from the cement components during passage. Clay particles in the runoff were trapped in the flow channels of samples, which marginally reduced the percolation rate by up to 14%. Concrete carbonation reduced the release of calcium ions under runoff conditions, and zinc removal was relatively lower because of the nonavailability of hydroxyl sites in the interconnected pore structure. The weight and strength losses in the carbonated concrete samples were relatively lower at the end of the acid storage experiment, suggesting that CO2 curing reduces cement degradation in aggressive chemicals. The SEM and tomography images revealed the degraded microstructure, while the XRD results provided data on the mineralogical changes. CO2 curing improves the strength gain and service life of pervious concrete in runoff environments.
A Narrative Review of Metabolomic Insights into Olive Oil’s Nutritional Value
Authors: Gonçalves Marta , Rodríguez-Pérez María , Calabrò Anna , Burgos-Ramos Emma , Accardi Giulia , Silva Paula
Published: May 2024

This review explores the critical role of advanced metabolomic methodologies in interpreting the complex relationship between the bioactive compounds in olive oil and their health benefits. Olive oil, the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is renowned for its numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties. This review begins with an overview of the importance of olive oil for nutrition and health, followed by a detailed discussion of the key metabolites that contribute to its therapeutic potential. It further explores the evolution of analytical techniques in metabolomics from traditional methods to cutting-edge technologies, such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which have enhanced our understanding of the complex composition of olive oil. This review highlights how these advanced analytical findings correlate with the known health properties of olive oil and presents case studies in which these methodologies have led to new insights. Finally, we address the challenges in standardizing these techniques and discuss future research directions, underscoring the significance of metabolomics in nutritional science and public health. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide a deeper understanding of the health benefits of olive oil, informed by the latest advancements in analytical methodologies.
Field Data Analysis of Pavement Marking Retroreflectivity and Its Relationship with Paint and Glass Bead Characteristics
Authors: Mazzoni Laura N. , Vasconcelos Kamilla , Albarracín Orlando , Bernucci Liedi , Linhares Guilherme
Published: May 2024

Pavement marking retroreflectivity, a critical factor for safe driving, depends on the characteristics of both the paint and the embedded glass beads. However, traditional methods for predicting pavement marking service life often overlook these materials properties. This study investigates the influence of paint and glass bead characteristics on pavement marking retroreflectivity performance and addresses the characterization of glass bead size distribution by the coefficient of uniformity and curvature. Three field test sites on a Brazilian highway with various paint and glass bead combinations were evaluated. A statistical model, GAMLSS (Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale, and Shape), was adjusted to evaluate the performance of the markings’ retroreflectivity as a function of paint and glass bead characteristics. The model revealed that well-graded glass beads increased retroreflectivity by around 10%, while paints with a higher volume of solids improved service life around 65%. Therefore, the results show that acrylic water-based paints with higher volumes of solids and well-graded glass beads with better shape characteristics should be preferred to improve pavement markings’ retroreflectivity and service life. The statistical model identified the key characteristics with the greatest impact on pavement marking retroreflectivity, offering valuable insights for real-world applications, which will assist pavement marking practitioners and road authorities in selecting appropriate materials to achieve enhanced durability.
Virtual Antenna Arrays with Frequency Diversity for Radar Systems in Fifth-Generation Flying Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Reyna Alberto , Garza Jesús C. , Balderas Luz I. , Méndez Jonathan , Panduro Marco A. , Maldonado Gonzalo , García Lourdes Y.
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes the design of virtual antenna arrays with frequency diversity for radar systems in fifth-generation flying ad hoc networks. These virtual arrays permit us to detect targets from the sky with flying drones. Each array element is composed of a microstrip antenna mounted on quadcopter drones and is virtually connected with the other elements. The antennas are tuned to work at the lower fifth-generation frequency band of 3.5 GHz. The design process considers the optimization of frequency offsets and positions for each element to obtain a side lobe level reduction. This methodology is carried out by particle swarm optimization. Several design examples are presented with random frequency offsets and non-uniform positions. These designs are compared to uniform-spaced arrays excited with Hamming frequency offsets. The simulation results show that using random frequency offsets and non-uniform positions provides a minor side lobe level reduction. This research demonstrates the feasibility of using virtual arrays for radar systems in fifth-generation flying ad hoc networks.
Current Perceptions of Virtual Reality Technology
Authors: Hornsey Rebecca L. , Hibbard Paul B.
Published: May 2024

User experience is a key predictor of future use of goods and services. The presented study collected a combination of qualitative and quantitative data from both experienced users and novices about their perceptions of virtual reality (VR) equipment, any concerns surrounding the data collected by the equipment, and facets that needed to be taken into consideration for future developments. The purpose of this research was to understand the current user experience of VR and ways in which it can be improved. The findings indicated that the majority of people have used VR, albeit infrequently, and that the most common use for it was for entertainment purposes. The most important characteristics of VR systems were judged to be the available content and price. While it was reported to be enjoyable to use, the ways in which it was suggested to be improved were through a reduction in size and weight of the headsets, and incorporating wireless capabilities. Concerns about the use of VR were the potential for sickness, discomfort, and eye strain, the disconnect from the real world and the subsequent risks that this poses, as well as the use and privacy of user data. The findings from this research can be used as a stepping stone toward the advancement of VR technologies.
H∞ Control for 2D Singular Continuous Systems
Authors: Ghamgui Mariem , Elloumi Marwa , Allouche Moez , Chaabane Mohamed
Published: May 2024

This paper considers the problem of admissibility and admissibilization of 2D singular continuous systems described by the Roesser model. A necessary and sufficient admissibility condition is first proposed for 2D singular continuous systems in terms of a strict Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI). Then, a necessary and sufficient condition is established for the closed-loop system to be admissible (i.e., stable, regular, and impulse-free). Moreover, the stability condition is completed to give a sufficient condition to ensure a specified H∞ disturbance attenuation level for the state feedback closed loop. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, a numerical example is given to illustrate an admissibilization of a state feedback closed-loop system.
Online Orientation Recognition of Single-Crystal Diamond Tools in the Process of Indexing Grinding Based on HMM and Multi-Information Fusion
Authors: Ma Haitao , Xia Dayu , Wu Yifan
Published: May 2024

Single-crystal diamond tools occupy an important position in the field of optical processing as the basis and key to advanced optical manufacturing technology, such as grating manufacturing and optical mirror-turning processing. Single-crystal diamond tools have become the cornerstone of the development of related industries. This paper takes a single-crystal diamond arc tool as the research object. Sound signal analysis technology and vibration signal analysis technology are comprehensively applied to the online orientation identification of a single-crystal diamond tool in the indexing grinding process. The online orientation method of the tool is explored, the sound signal and the vibration signal are taken as the characteristic signals, and a wavelet algorithm (WT) is used to reduce the noise of the vibration signal and sound signal. The kurtosis of the sound signal and the kurtosis and skewness of the vibration signal in the high-order statistics strongly related to the grinding direction of a single-crystal diamond are used as the characteristic parameters, and the online direction recognition model of the tool is established using the Hidden Markov Method (HMM). The above characteristic parameters are used as model input for multi-information fusion. The mapping relationship between the characteristic parameters of the characteristic signal and the crystal orientation of the single-crystal diamond crystal face is obtained, and then the online orientation method of the single-crystal diamond arc tool in the process of indexing grinding is formed. The effectiveness of the method is verified by experiments, and effective orientation information is provided for research on the positioning control strategy of the tool grinding process to ensure the efficiency of grinding and improve the manufacturing level of the tool.