bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indocyanine Green Near-Infrared Fluoroangiography Is a Useful Tool in Reducing the Risk of Anastomotic Leakage Following Left Colectomy
Authors: Neddermeyer Miriam , Kanngießer Veit , Maurer Elisabeth , Bartsch Detlef K.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To evaluate whether visualization of the colon perfusion with indocyanine green near-infrared fluoroangiography (ICG-NIFA) reduces the rate of anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal anastomosis.

Methods

Patients who underwent elective left colectomy, including all procedures involving the sigmoid colon and the rectum with a colorectal or coloanal anastomosis, were retrospectively analyzed for their demographics, operative details, and the rate of AL. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare patients with and without ICG-NIFA-based evaluation.

Results

Overall, our study included 132 colorectal resections [70 sigmoid resections and 62 total mesorectal excisions (TMEs)], of which 70 (53%) were performed with and 62 (47%) without ICG-NIFA. Patients' characteristics were similar between both the groups. The majority of the procedures [91 (69%)] were performed by certified colorectal surgeons, while 41 (31%) operations were supervised teaching procedures. In the ICG-NIFA group, bowel perfusion could be visualized by fluorescence (dye) in all 70 cases, and no adverse effects related to the fluorescent dye were observed. Following ICG-NIFA, the transection line was changed in 9 (12.9%) cases. Overall, 10 (7.6%) patients developed AL, 1 (1.4%) in the ICG-NIFA group and 9 (14.5%) in the no-ICG-NIFA group (p = 0.006). The multivariate analysis revealed ICG-NIFA as an independent factor to reduce AL.

Conclusion

These results suggest that ICG-NIFA might be a valuable tool to reduce the rate of AL in sigmoid and rectal resections in an educational setting.
Precise Management of Chiari Malformation with Type I
Authors: Guo Fuyou , Turgut Mehmet
Published: March 2022

Diagnosis of Chirai malformation type I (CM-I) is based on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain or cervical spinal cord. The main goal of surgery is to relieve the blockage to the free pulsatile flow of cerebrospinal fluid beyond the foramen magnum and to stop the progression of a syringomyelia. Despite recent advances in imaging and surgery, even today, there is no consensus on optimal management of CM-I. Ongoing focus is devoted to a better consideration of the pathophysiology of CM-I and the development of more effective medical and surgical treatments. It is hoped that proposed algorithm helps the neurosurgeon to provide a precise management for patients with CM-I in advance.
Comparison of Intestinal Microbiota Between Healthy and MMVD Chihuahuas Using 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing
Authors: Araki Ryuji , Iwanaga Koji , Ueda Kazunori , Shima Ayaka , Ishihara Genki , Aizu Mitsuhiro , Fukayama Toshiharu , Isaka Mitsuhiro
Published: March 2022

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cause of congestive heart failure in dogs, and although complications of MMVD to the lungs and kidneys have been identified, complications to the gut are less well understood. The intestinal microbiota is an important factor in the gut, and although the association between heart disease and the intestinal microbiota has been shown in human medicine, it is unknown in dogs. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between MMVD and gut microbiota. A total of 69 healthy Chihuahuas and Chihuahuas with MMVD were evaluated for cardiac health by echocardiography and chest radiography and grouped according to ACVIM guidelines. Fecal samples were collected from all cases and 16S rRNA sequencing was used to reveal the intestinal microbiota. There were significant differences in LA/Ao, LVIDd, E vel, VHS, and VLAS with the severity of ACVIM. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the diversity and composition of gut microbiota among the groups. The present study did not identify the effects of MMVD on the gut microbiota.
Deep Learning Study of an Electromagnetic Calorimeter
Authors: Sela Elihu , Huang Shan , Horn David
Published: March 2022

The accurate and precise extraction of information from a modern particle detector, such as an electromagnetic calorimeter, may be complicated and challenging. In order to overcome the difficulties, we process the simulated detector outputs using the deep-learning methodology. Our algorithmic approach makes use of a known network architecture, which has been modified to fit the problems at hand. The results are of high quality (biases of order 1 to 2%) and, moreover, indicate that most of the information may be derived from only a fraction of the detector. We conclude that such an analysis helps us understand the essential mechanism of the detector and should be performed as part of its design procedure.
Wind Turbine Pitch Actuator Regulation for Efficient and Reliable Energy Conversion: A Fault-Tolerant Constrained Control Solution
Authors: Habibi Hamed , Howard Ian , Simani Silvio
Published: March 2022

Motivated for improving the efficiency and reliability of wind turbine energy conversion, this paper presents an advanced control design that enhances the power regulation efficiency and reliability. The constrained behavior of the wind turbine is taken into account, by using the barrier Lyapunov function in the analysis of the Lyapunov direct method. This, consequently, guarantees that the generated power remains within the desired bounds to satisfy the grid power demand. Moreover, a Nussbaum-type function is utilized in the control scheme, to cope with the unpredictable wind speed. This eliminates the need for accurate wind speed measurement or estimation. Furthermore, via properly designed adaptive laws, a robust actuator fault-tolerant capability is integrated into the scheme, handling the model uncertainty. Numerical simulations are performed on a high-fidelity wind turbine benchmark model, under different fault scenarios, to verify the effectiveness of the developed design. Furthermore, a Monte-Carlo analysis is exploited for the evaluation of the reliability and robustness characteristics against the model-reality mismatch, measurement errors and disturbance effects.
Control Allocation Design for Torpedo-Like Underwater Vehicles with Multiple Actuators
Authors: Chen Yung-Yue , Lee Chun-Yen , Huang Ya-Xuan , Yu Tsung-Tso
Published: March 2022

For solving the transformation problem between the desired nonlinear control laws and installed actuators’ input commands of torpedo-like underwater vehicles, one closed-form control allocation method is proposed in this article. The goal of this study is to optimally distribute the desired nonlinear control law to each single actuator installed on the torpedo-like underwater vehicle. The first step of this proposed control allocation method is to arrange the required types, numbers, and positions of the installed actuators and then build up the thrust configuration matrix for the developed torpedo-like underwater vehicle. In this step, the desired nonlinear control law can be optimally distributed to output commands of installed actuators based on the optimization method. Next, through collecting the input and output data of each installed actuator by practical experiments, the mathematical transformation of input and output commands of each installed actuator can be found. For verifying performance of this proposed control allocation method, simulations with the robust trajectory tracking design of a torpedo-like underwater vehicle with four fins, four rudders, and one thruster are executed in this investigation.
The Influence of Calcium Sulfate and Different Doses of Potassium on the Soil Enzyme Activity and the Yield of the Sward with a Mixture of Alfalfa and Grasses
Authors: Zielewicz Waldemar , Swędrzyńska Dorota , Swędrzyński Arkadiusz , Grzebisz Witold , Goliński Piotr
Published: March 2022

Between 2012 and 2015, a field experiment was conducted at the Brody Experimental Farm, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland. The following two experimental factors were used in duplicate: calcium sulfate (CaSO4) fertilization—two levels (0 and 500 kg ha−1); and potassium (K) fertilization—four levels (0, 30, 60, and 120 kg ha−1). The soil pH (in H2O) and enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase) were determined. The potassium fertilizer had a significant influence only on the dehydrogenase activity, which increased with the dose of potassium. The research showed that the fertilization of the sward mixture of alfalfa and grasses with potassium doses of 60 and 120 kg ha−1 in the K 60 and K 120 combinations resulted in higher yields of fresh matter than in the combination without the potassium fertilizer (K 0). In the last year of the research, the additional CaSO4 fertilization resulted in the highest increase in the yield of the mixture of alfalfa and grasses, as compared with the variant without this fertilizer. The application of this fertilizer in the first years of the research also increased the yield of fresh matter.
Nitrate Leaching in Maize (Zea mays L.) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Irrigated Cropping Systems under Nitrification Inhibitor and/or Intercropping Effects
Authors: Allende-Montalbán Raúl , Martín-Lammerding Diana , del Mar Delgado María , Porcel Miguel A. , Gabriel José L.
Published: March 2022

The use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture is currently under high pressure to reduce its environmental impact and improve its currently low efficiency. Nitrification inhibitors and/or intercrops emerged in recent decades as useful tools to combat these problems. The objective of the experiment is to study the effect of these techniques on the yield, the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and N leaching in a maize–wheat rotation. Six treatments were studied, combining the use of ammonium nitrate sulfate (ASN) alone or with a nitrification inhibitor (DMPSA or 3,4-dimethylpyrazole succinic acid) and the use or absence of vetch (Vicia sativa L.) as an intercrop. The results showed that fertilized treatments did not show significant differences in crop development, but the use of DMPSA delayed the nitrate (NO3−) availability and reduced N leaching losses (average N leaching reductions around 25% after maize harvest). On the other hand, the use of vetch as an intercrop helped to reduce the negative effects of N deficiency and, at the same time, increased the concentration of N in the soil during the following crop harvest (4.5 kg N ha−1 on average after wheat harvest) and reduced losses due to leaching (average N leaching reductions around 14% after the maize–wheat season). The combination of both techniques (DMPSA and vetch intercrop) at the same time presented a synergic effect and greatly improved the environmental impact of the irrigated maize–wheat system.
Quantifying and Mapping Human Appropriation of Net Primary Productivity in Qinghai Grasslands in China
Authors: Huang Xiaotao , Yang Yongsheng , Chen Chunbo , Zhao Hongfei , Yao Buqing , Ma Zhen , Ma Li , Zhou Huakun
Published: March 2022

Human appropriation of net primary productivity (HANPP) is an important indicator for assessing ecological sustainability. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of HANPP in the Qinghai grasslands remain unclear. In this study, we used the spatially explicit Biome-BGCMuSo model to quantify and map HANPP in the Qinghai grasslands from 1979 to 2018. Generally, the actual net primary productivity (NPPact) was slightly lower than the potential net primary productivity (NPPpot), and the difference between the NPPpot and NPPact increased slightly over time. From 1979 to 2001, the NPPpot and NPPact were relatively stable; however, from 2001 to 2018, both showed significant fluctuating upward trends. From 1979 to 2018, HANPP showed a fluctuating upward trend from 6.36 to 31.85 gC/m2/yr, with an average increase of 2.14 gC/m2/yr. The average HANPP was 16.90 gC/m2/yr, which represented 18.80% of the NPPpot of Qinghai grasslands. High HANPP mainly occurred in eastern Qinghai, whereas it was low in central and western Qinghai. Conversely, from 1979 to 2018, the HANPP efficiency decreased in a fluctuating way from 98.28% to 72.05%, with an average annual decrease of 0.66%. The interannual variations in the HANPP efficiency and harvest were negatively correlated, with a correlation coefficient of −0.46 (p < 0.01). The average HANPP efficiency was 85.33%, and the values in most grids were between 80% and 100%, being relatively low in southern and eastern Qinghai. In rare cases, the HANPP efficiency was greater than 1. This study clarifies the details of spatiotemporal dynamics of HANPP in the Qinghai grasslands and indicates the need to optimize local management of grassland resources to ensure future ecological sustainability.
Arable Weeds at the Edges of Kettle Holes as Overwintering Habitat for Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Gerling Marina , Pätzig Marlene , Hempel Lina , Büttner Carmen , Müller Marina E. H.
Published: March 2022

Weeds in agricultural landscapes can serve as alternate hosts for phytopathogenic fungi and promote the spatial and long-term distribution of these fungi. Especially, semi-natural habitats such as kettle holes are considered as a source of fungal pathogens because they are a permanent habitat for various weed species in arable lands. In our study, we investigated the suitability of nine different weed species and families at the edges of 18 kettle holes in two consecutive autumn/winter seasons as alternate hosts for Fusarium and Alternaria. We detected a fungal infestation with both genera on every weed species investigated with significantly higher abundances of these fungi in the second, notably wetter season. Eight weed species were described as non-host plants for Fusarium and Alternaria in agricultural landscapes in Brandenburg, Germany for the first time. In both autumn/winter periods, weeds harbored more Alternaria than Fusarium. The study revealed a high Fusarium species diversity in weeds and a community structure of up to 12 Fusarium species at the edges of kettle holes. Grasses showed the highest diversity and often the highest fungal abundances compared to herbaceous plants. Therefore, these habitats in arable lands can act as ecosystem disservice and promote the spread of fungal diseases in the surrounding crop fields.
Effect of the Hopper Angle of a Silo on the Vertical Stress at the Cylinder-to-Hopper Transition
Authors: Gandia Rômulo Marçal , de Paula Wisner Coimbra , de Oliveira Junior Estácio Antunes , Rodrigo Gerardo Hernández , Padín Ángel Ruiz , Vegas Alberto Tascón , Gomes Francisco Carlos , Rodríguez Pedro José Aguado
Published: March 2022

Silos are used worldwide to store granular and powdered materials. Agricultural, food and feed products are commonly stored in silos. However, many questions remain unanswered about how to estimate the pressures applied by the bulk material, which are needed to design and calculate the structure of the silo. The complexity of the laws that govern the mechanical behavior of the stored material along with the low number of experimental stations in the world hinder progress in this field. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship of the hopper angle, flow pattern and vertical stress at the cylinder-to-hopper transition in slender silos. Therefore, a set of experiments was conducted on a test station to measure the vertical stress produced by maize at the cylinder-to-hopper transition. Five different hopper angles were used. The experiments comprised the filling, the static phase and the discharge. The results obtained show that the hopper angle influences the vertical stress at the cylinder-to-hopper transition. Some bottom configurations (flat bottom and bottom with an angle of 30°) led to vertical stresses that exceeded the value calculated according to Eurocode 1. It is clear that further experimental studies are still necessary to understand the underlying physical phenomena and the relations between pressures, silo geometry and flow pattern of the stored material.
Monitoring of Nitrogen Indices in Wheat Leaves Based on the Integration of Spectral and Canopy Structure Information
Authors: Li Huaimin , Li Donghang , Xu Ke , Cao Weixing , Jiang Xiaoping , Ni Jun
Published: March 2022

Canopy spectral reflectance can indicate both crop nutrient and canopy structural information. Differences in canopy structure can affect spectral reflectance. However, a non-imaging spectrometer cannot distinguish such differences while monitoring crop nutrients, because the results are likely to be influenced by the canopy structure. In addition, nitrogen application rate is one of the main factors influencing the canopy structure of crops. Strong correlations exist between indices of canopy structure and leaf nitrogen, and thus, these can be used to compensate for the spectral monitoring of nitrogen content in wheat leaves. In this study, canopy structural indices (CSI) such as wheat coverage, height, and textural features were obtained based on the RGB and height images obtained by the RGB-D camera. Moreover, canopy spectral reflectance was obtained by an ASD hyperspectral spectrometer, based on which two vegetation indices—ratio vegetation index (RVI) and angular insensitivity vegetation index (AIVI)—were constructed. With the vegetation indices and CSIs as input parameters, a model was established to predict the leaf nitrogen content (LNC) and leaf nitrogen accumulation (LNA) of wheat based on partial least squares (PLS) and random forest (RF) regression algorithms. The results showed that the RF model with RVI and CSI as inputs had the highest prediction accuracy for LNA, the coefficient of determination (R2) reached 0.79, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 1.54 g/m2. The vegetation indices and coverage were relatively important features in the model. In addition, the PLS model with AIVI and CSI as input parameters had the highest prediction accuracy for LNC, with an R2 of 0.78 and an RMSE of 0.35%, among the vegetation indices. In addition, parts of both the textural and height features were important. The results suggested that PLS and RF regression algorithms can effectively integrate spectral and canopy structural information, and canopy structural information effectively supplement spectral information by improving the prediction accuracy of vegetation indices for LNA and LNC.
Can Epigenetics Guide the Production of Better Adapted Cultivars?
Authors: Turcotte Haley , Hooker Julia , Samanfar Bahram , Parent Jean-Sébastien
Published: March 2022

As the global population continues to grow, food demand will be reaching levels which current agricultural practices cannot meet. This projected demand combined with the negative impacts of climate change on crop production calls for more careful breeding efforts to develop better adapted plants more tolerant to climate fluctuations. Fortunately, the development of molecular biology techniques like genome, transcriptome and epigenome sequencing now offer new approaches to help classical breeding meet these challenges. This review focuses on the potential of epigenetic approaches, particularly the creation of epigenetic markers (epi-markers) for guiding the selection process in breeding programs. Many studies have indeed successfully linked stable epigenetic modifications to different plant traits of interest but research on the applicability of using epi-markers in breeding programs is still scarce. This review emphasises the current progress that has been made with regards to the usefulness of epi-markers in selective plant breeding programs and the gaps in knowledge that still need to be addressed. It highlights the importance of pursuing research efforts to confirm the value of epi-markers for crop development in the years to come in order to meet the agricultural challenges of the 21st century.
Can Cold Plasma Be Used for Boosting Plant Growth and Plant Protection in Sustainable Plant Production?
Authors: Pańka Dariusz , Jeske Małgorzata , Łukanowski Aleksander , Baturo-Cieśniewska Anna , Prus Piotr , Maitah Mansoor , Maitah Kamil , Malec Karel , Rymarz Dominika , Muhire Jean de Dieu , Szwarc Katarzyna
Published: March 2022

Sustainable agriculture with low inputs of chemicals and fertilizers has been recently attracting more attention from producers and researchers in the EU. The main reason for such attention is The European Green Deal—the EU’s latest growth strategy concerning environmental degradation and climate change. One of its main components is the Farm to Fork strategy, which especially features the reduction in pesticide and mineral fertilizer application and also supports the development of organic farming. At the same time, food demand is rising. These ambitious challenges require extensive research, development and innovation. Therefore, new non-chemical techniques for improving plant growth and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses must be explored for their potential in this field. One of the most promising is the use of non-thermal plasma for such purposes. As this physical factor is a complex mixture of ions, atoms, electrons, radicals and molecules, its effect on plants and pathogens is also complex. This review presents different aspects of the effect of non-thermal plasma on seed germination, development of seedlings, plants and pathogens. The literature was explored to provide evidence for the possible use of non-thermal plasma for boosting plant growth and plant protection.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Dryness/Wetness in the Wine Regions of China from 1981 to 2015
Authors: Yang Xiaojuan , Yao Ning , Hu Wei , Ji Xingjie , Luan Qingzu , Liu Yuan , Bai Wei , Chen Di , Liu Buchun
Published: March 2022

China has a marked continental monsoon climate characterized by dry and wet hazards that have destructive impacts on grape yields and quality. The purpose of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of dryness/wetness in the wine regions of China and explore the links between these variations and large-scale climatic factors. The crop-specific standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) was used to characterize the dryness/wetness using meteorological data collected at 168 meteorological stations located in or near the wine regions from 1981–2015. Results showed that most wine regions of China experienced a wetting trend. The drought and wet event characteristics were region- and site-specific. The main wine regions of China (e.g., Xinjiang, Helan Mountain and Hexi Corridor) were characterized by relatively high drought severity; the extreme drought frequencies of the three regions were higher as well (11.5%, 3.3%, and 3.6%, respectively). Xinjiang was also characterized by a high wetness severity and an extremely high wetness frequency of 16%, but the wetness severity decreased over time. A 4–6-year periodical oscillation was commonly detected over the wine regions. The dryness/wetness characteristics were highly associated with the Southern Oscillation Index, Niño 3.4 and the Indian Ocean Dipole, with highest correlation coefficients of −0.40, 0.36 and 0.43 at lag times of 11, 8, and 11 months, respectively. The serious dry and wet events that occurred in 2001 and 1998, respectively, were speculated to be associated with anomalous atmospheric circulation patterns. These results can be used to inform grapevine stakeholders at various levels (e.g., farmer and industry) for developing strategies to mitigate and adapt dryness/wetness events in the wine regions of China. It is expected that the approach proposed in this study can also be applicable to wine regions of other countries.
Potential Allelopathic Interference of Abutilon theophrasti Medik. Powder/Extract on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Root System Activity of Maize, Wheat and Soybean
Authors: Tian Mengfei , Li Qianqian , Zhao Wenyan , Qiao Bin , Shi Sen , Yu Meiting , Li Xin , Li Chunying , Zhao Chunjian
Published: March 2022

The velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) is a strong and competitive weed in fields that inhibits the growth of crops. Reports have suggested that allelopathy is one of the reasons for this inhibition; however, the mechanism of this allelopathy remains unclear. In this study, velvetleaf powder/extracts were shown to inhibit seed germination, growth and yield in maize, wheat and soybean through petri dish, pot and field control experiments. We observed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the seed germination rate for all three crops. The root tip structure changed significantly and the embryo even died when irrigated with a high concentration of the extract (10 mg·mL−1). After adding velvetleaf powder, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in crop seedlings was dose-dependent, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of maize, wheat and soybean showed the maximum values under treatment with 1.25, 5 and 5 mg·cm−3, respectively. The activity of peroxidase (POD) showed the highest value under the 5 mg·cm−3 treatment in maize and wheat seedlings and under 10 mg·cm−3 treatment in soybean seedlings. However, sugar, protein content and root activity in all three crops was the lowest under the 10 mg·cm−3 treatment. Therefore, velvetleaf may decrease the productivity of three crops by changing the antioxidant enzyme activities, root system activities and root tip structures.
Glucocorticoids of European Bison in Relation to Their Status: Age, Dominance, Social Centrality and Leadership
Authors: Ramos Amandine , Robin Jean-Patrice , Manizan Lola , Audroin Cyril , Rodriguez Esther , Kemp Yvonne J. M. , Sueur Cédric
Published: March 2022

Stress is the body’s response to cope with the environment and generally better survive unless too much chronic stress persists. While some studies suggest that it would be more stressful to be the dominant individual of the group, others support the opposite hypothesis. Several variables can actually affect this relationship, or even cancel it. This study therefore aims to make the link between social status and the basal level of stress of 14 wild European bison (Bison bonasus, L. 1758) living together. We collected faeces and measured the faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM). We showed that FGM is linked to different variables of social status of European bison, specifically age, dominance rank, eigenvector centrality but also to interactions between the variables. Preferential leaders in bison, i.e., the older and more dominant individuals which are more central ones, are less stressed compared to other group members. Measurement of such variables could thus be a valuable tool to follow and improve the conservation of species by collecting data on FGM and other social variables and adapt group composition or environmental conditions (e.g., supplement in food) according to the FGM concentration of herd individuals.
Cryopreservation of Giraffe Epidydimal Spermatozoa Using Different Extenders and Cryoprotectants
Authors: Hermes Robert , Lecu Alexis , Potier Romain , Goeritz Frank , Rickard Jessica P. , Bohner Julia , Wedlarski Rudy , Hruby Jiri , Hildebrandt Thomas B.
Published: March 2022

Giraffe numbers have plummeted over the last 30 years by 30–40%. Thus, their conservation status has been raised from least concern to vulnerable. Efforts to manage in situ and ex situ populations are increasing. Assisted reproduction techniques (ART) such as sperm cryopreservation could help preserve the genetic diversity of giraffe subspecies and, when used for artificial inseminations, enhance genetic exchange between isolated populations. However, to date, the post-thaw motility of recovered sperm has been low and inconsistent. In this study, epididymal sperm collected from the testes of giraffes (n = 7) was frozen in three different extenders, namely, BotuCrio, Steridyl, and test egg yolk (TEY), each supplemented with one of two different cryoprotectants (5% glycerol or a mix of 1% glycerol and 4% methylformamide) and frozen over liquid nitrogen vapor. Across all three extenders, sperm showed significantly better post-thaw results when frozen with a mix of glycerol and methylformamide compared with glycerol alone. Sperm frozen with TEY and a mix of glycerol and methylformamide achieved superior post-thaw total and progressive sperm motility of 57 ± 3% and 45 ± 3%, respectively. These results show the benefit of using alternative cryoprotectants for freezing giraffe spermatozoa and could aid in the application of ARTs for giraffe subspecies or the closely related endangered Okapi.
Acute Stress Response of Sheep to Shearing Procedures: Dynamic Change of Cortisol Concentration and Protein Electrophoretic Pattern
Authors: Arfuso Francesca , Fazio Francesco , Chikhi Lucas , Aymond Guillaume , Piccione Giuseppe , Giannetto Claudia
Published: March 2022

The current study aimed to investigate the influence of acute stress by shearing procedures on hematological parameters, serum cortisol concentration and serum protein electrophoretic pattern in Comisana sheep. A total of 20 not pregnant and not lactating adult ewes, aged 3–4 years old and with a mean bodyweight of 55.50 ± 3.50 kg, were enrolled in the study. From each animal, blood samples were collected before shearing (TPRE) and 5 (TPOST5) and 60 (TPOST60) minutes after the end of the shearing procedure in order to assess the values of hematological parameters, serum cortisol, total proteins and protein fractions, including albumin, α-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins. According to statistical analysis results, albumin values were lower at TPOST60 than TPOST5 (p < 0.01), whereas α- and β2-globulins and the A/G ratio were higher at TPOST60 with respect to TPRE (p < 0.01) and TPOST5 (p < 0.01). A higher serum concentration of cortisol was found at TPOST5 and TPOST60 than TPRE (p < 0.01), and at TPOST60 than TPOST5 (p < 0.01). The serum cortisol values were negatively correlated with the serum values of albumin, β1-globulins and A/G ratio at TPOST60, and positively correlated with α- and β2-globulins at TPOST5 and TPOST60. The decrease in the albumin concentration and the increase in the α- and β2-globulins observed in ewes after shearing with respect to the baseline values suggests an acute phase response in shorn ewes. Additionally, the correlation found between the serum cortisol concentration and the serum protein fractions confirmed the immunomodulatory effect of this hormone, emphasizing the linkage between the endocrine and immune systems during an acute stress condition.
Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Beef-Cross-Dairy-Breed Heifers and Steers Born to Different Dam Breeds
Authors: Williamson Holly R. , Schreurs Nicola M. , Morris Stephen T. , Hickson Rebecca E.
Published: March 2022

Approximately two thirds of the annual beef kill in New Zealand originates from the dairy industry. The recent increase in Jersey genetics in the dairy herd will inevitably result in an increase in Jersey genetics entering the beef herd from retention of dairy-origin calves for finishing. Limited literature is available on the effect of dam breed on the performance of beef-cross-dairy-breed progeny. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dam breed from dams with varying proportions of Friesian and Jersey genetics on growth traits and carcass characteristics of their 24-month-old beef-cross-dairy-breed heifer and steer progeny. Liveweights of 142 heifers and 203 steers from Friesian (F), Friesian-cross (FX), Friesian–Jersey (FJ) and Jersey-cross (JX) dams were recorded at birth, weaning, as yearlings and at slaughter. Carcass characteristics were also recorded. At each point measured, liveweight was greatest for calves born to F dams. Calves born to F dams took 93 days to reach a weaning weight of 100 kg, whereas those from FX, FJ and JX dams took 99, 101 and 102 days, respectively. Carcass weight was greatest for progeny of F dams (286 kg, compared with 279, 275 and 276 for progeny of FX, FJ and JX dams, respectively). The progeny of JX dams had yellower fat than all other dam breed groups and a greater incidence of excessively yellow fat (fat score ≥ 5).
Specific Immunoglobulin E and G to Common Food Antigens and Increased Serum Zonulin in IBS Patients: A Single-Center Bulgarian Study
Authors: Peruhova Milena , Mihova Antoaneta , Altankova Iskra , Velikova Tsvetelina
Published: March 2022

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder whose pathogenesis is considered multifactorial, including abnormal gut motility, visceral hyperreactivity, psychological factors, disturbances in the brain-gut axis, leaky gut, oxidative stress, etc. We aimed to investigate serum levels of specific immunoglobulin E and G to common food antigens and zonulin and to assess their use in clinical practice for patients with IBS. Material and methods. We included 23 participants, 15 with IBS (diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria) and 8 healthy controls. We investigated serum levels of specific IgG antibodies to 24 food antigens, specific IgE antibodies to 20 food antigens, anti-celiac antibodies, fecal calprotectin and serum zonulin by ELISA. Results. Food-specific positive IgG antibodies were significantly higher in patients with IBS than in controls (p = 0.007). IgE-mediated allergic reactions were found in five patients with IBS; no one had anti-TG antibodies. One-third of IBS patients demonstrated a low degree of chronic inflammation (positive fecal calprotectin test > 50 ng/mL) without specific bacterial infection. Serum levels of zonulin in IBS patients were higher than in healthy controls (0.378 ± 0.13 vs. 0.250 ± 0.14 ng/mL, p = 0.0315). However, no correlations between clinical symptoms and zonulin levels were found. Conclusion. The mechanisms of IgG hypersensitivity and low degree inflammation in IBS and elevated zonulin may contribute to multifactor pathogenesis in IBS.
Association between Changes in Total Antioxidant Levels and Clinical Symptom Improvement in Patients with Antipsychotic-Naïve First-Episode Schizophrenia after 3 Months of Risperidone Monotherapy
Authors: Wang Keqiang , Xiu Meihong , Su Xiuru , Wu Fengchun , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: March 2022

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is associated with aberrant redox regulation in the early stages of brain development. There is growing evidence that the antioxidant defense system is closely associated with the therapeutic response to antipsychotics in SCZ patients. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of risperidone monotherapy on total antioxidant status (TAS) and the relationship between symptom improvement and changes in TAS in patients with antipsychotic-naïve first-episode (ANFE) SCZ. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Two hundred and forty-six ANFE patients were treated with risperidone for 3 months. PANSS and TAS levels were assessed at baseline and at a 3-month follow-up. Relative to healthy controls, ANFE patients had higher TAS levels, which increased even further during the treatment. Moreover, baseline TAS levels were a predictor of symptom reduction after risperidone treatment. In addition, there was a significant association between increased TAS levels and the decreased cognitive factor. Our findings suggest that antioxidant protection is possibly associated with clinical improvement in ANFE patients after risperidone treatment.
Impact of Natural Weathering on Stabilization of Heavy Metals (Cu, Zn, and Pb) in MSWI Bottom Ash
Authors: Vasarevičius Saulius , Seniūnaitė Jurgita , Vaišis Vaidotas
Published: March 2022

Bottom ash (BA) is the main residue left by municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI). As the circular economy is strengthened, the use of BA in civil engineering is increasing, but its successful use is hampered by heavy metal leaching. In this study, we investigated the influence of natural weathering (6 months) on the stabilization of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, and Pb) with different particle sizes in MSWI BA. Natural weathering is the most popular and cost-effective treatment method for BA. During this process, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is produced, which causes a reduction in heavy metal leaching. We used the following methods in the analysis: The fractionation of BA, XRF, and XRD; an extraction test (LST EN 12457-2:2003); and AAS. The results showed that the concentrations of all elements in BA decreased during natural weathering. An analysis of the mineralogical composition showed a very high (>20%) content of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The calcium carbonate content increased by 3.2% during weathering because the Ca(OH)2 in fractions <5.6 mm and <40.0 mm was hydrolyzed to CaCO3. Our analysis showed that the metal concentrations (Cu and Pb) in untreated MSWI bottom ash eluate exceeded the limit values, and thus it cannot be used in civil engineering. After three months of stabilization, the heavy metal concentrations were less than the limit values.
Statistical Analysis on Random Matrices of Echo State Network in PEMFC System’s Lifetime Prediction
Authors: Hua Zhiguang , Zheng Zhixue , Péra Marie-Cécile , Gao Fei
Published: March 2022

The data-driven method of echo state network (ESN) has been successfully used in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system’s lifetime prediction area. Nevertheless, the uncertainties of the randomly generated input and internal weight matrices in ESN have not been reported yet. In view of this, an ensemble ESN structure is proposed in this paper to analyze the effects of random matrices from a statistical point of view. For each ESN, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is utilized to optimize the hyperparameters of the leaking rate, spectral radius, and regularization coefficient. The statistical results of each ensemble ESN are analyzed from 100 repeated tests whose weight matrices are generated randomly. The mean value of the ensemble ESN and a confidence interval (CI) of 95% are given during the long-term lifetime prediction. The effects of two different distribution shapes, i.e., uniform distribution and Gaussian distribution, are fully compared. Finally, the effects of the ensemble structure and two different distribution shapes are tested by three experimental datasets under steady-state, quasi-dynamic, and full dynamic operating conditions.
Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Gummy Formulation for the Management of Cough in Adults: Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Grasso Domenico Leonardo , Narayanappa Kiran , Russo Rosario
Published: March 2022

The cough is one of the most common medical complaints affecting the general population. It is well known that persisting cough negatively affects subjects’ quality of life (QoL) and sleep quality. The aim of the current double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of a novel medical device in gummy format in reducing cough and improving QoL in adult subjects with acute persisting cough. Forty subjects were enrolled and randomized into two arms according to the treatment. Both the investigational product (IP) and placebo were administered orally, three times per day for 10 consecutive days. Cough symptoms and severity were measured by the Cough Clinical Score (CCS) consisting of a 6-point Likert scale, Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and cough severity visual analogue scale (VAS). QoL was rated using the SF-36 (short form) questionnaire. Significant improvements were seen both in the daytime and nighttime cough score after 5 days and at the end of treatment in the IP group but not in those subjects taking the placebo. QoL and sleep disturbances were ameliorated significantly in the IP group only. In conclusion, IP was found safe, well-tolerated and effective in the management of persisting cough in adults.
Focused and TSOM Images Two-Input Deep-Learning Method for Through-Focus Scanning Measuring
Authors: Zhang Zhange , Ren Jiajun , Peng Renju , Qu Yufu
Published: March 2022

Through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) is one of the recommended measurement methods in semiconductor manufacturing industry in recent years because of its rapid and nondestructive properties. As a computational imaging method, TSOM takes full advantage of the information from defocused images rather than only concentrating on focused images. In order to improve the accuracy of TSOM in nanoscale dimensional measurement, this paper proposes a two-input deep-learning TSOM method based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The TSOM image and the focused image are taken as the two inputs of the network. The TSOM image is processed by three columns convolutional channels and the focused image is processed by a single convolution channel for feature extraction. Then, the features extracted from the two kinds of images are merged and mapped to the measuring parameters for output. Our method makes effective use of the image information collected by TSOM system, for which the measurement process is fast and convenient with high accuracy. The MSE of the method can reach 5.18 nm2 in the measurement of gold lines with a linewidth range of 247–1010 nm and the measuring accuracy is much higher than other deep-learning TSOM methods.
Systematic Literature Review of MBSE Tool-Chains
Authors: Ma Junda , Wang Guoxin , Lu Jinzhi , Vangheluwe Hans , Kiritsis Dimitris , Yan Yan
Published: March 2022

Currently, the fundamental tenets of systems engineering are supported by a model-based approach to minimize risks and avoid design changes in late development stages. The models are used to formalize, analyze, design, optimize, and verify system development and artifacts, helping developers integrate engineering development across domains. Although model-based development is well established in specific domains, such as software, mechanical systems, and electrical systems, its role in integrated development from a system perspective is still a challenge for industry. The model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tool-chain is an emerging technique in the area of systems engineering and is expected to become a next-generation approach for supporting model integration across domains. This article presents a literature review to highlight the usage and state of the art to generally specify the current understanding of MBSE tool-chain concepts. Moreover, the results are used for identifying the usage, advantages, barriers, concerns, and trends of tool-chain development from an MBSE perspective.
Metamaterial Design with Nested-CNN and Prediction Improvement with Imputation
Authors: Kıymık Erkan , Erçelebi Ergun
Published: March 2022

Metamaterials, which are not found in nature, are used to increase the performance of antennas with their extraordinary electromagnetic properties. Since metamaterials provide unique advantages, performance improvements have been made with many optimization algorithms. Objective: The article aimed to develop a deep learning model that, unlike traditional optimization algorithms, takes the desired reflection coefficients’ parameter as an input and gives the image of the corresponding metamaterial. Method: An amount of 29,722 metamaterial images and reflection coefficients corresponding to the metamaterials were collected. Nested-CNN, designed for this task, consisted of Model-1 and Model-2. Model-1 was designed to generate the shape of metamaterial with a reflection coefficient as the input. Model-2 was designed to detect the reflection coefficient of a given image of metamaterial input. Created by using Model-2 in Model-1’s loss function, the nested-CNN was updated by comparing the reflection coefficient of the produced image with the desired reflection coefficient. Secondly, imputation, which is usually the complete missing data before the process of training in machine learning algorithms, was proposed to use in the prediction side to improve the performance of the nested-CNN. The imputation for prediction was used for the non-interested part of the reflection coefficient to decrease the error of the interested region of the reflection coefficient. In the experiment, 27,222 data were used for the KNN-imputer, half of the reflection coefficient was considered as the non-interested region. Additionally, 40 neighbors and 50 neighbors were given the best mean absolute errors (MAE) for specified conditions. Result: The given results are based on test data. For Model-2, the MAE was 0.27, the R2 score was 0.96, and the mean correlation coefficient was 0.93. The R2 score for the nested-CNN was 0.9, the MAE of nested-CNN was 0.42, and the MAE of nested-CNN with 50 neighbors was 0.17.
Intelligent Mobility in Smart Cities
Authors: Pribyl Ondrej , Svitek Miroslav , Rothkrantz Leon
Published: March 2022

In recent years, the term “Smart Cities” has become popular in Europe and abroad [...]
Application of Infrared Thermography in E-Bike Battery Pack Detail Analysis—Case Study
Authors: Glavaš Hrvoje , Barić Tomislav , Karakašić Mirko , Keser Tomislav
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this research was to analyze the applicability of infrared thermography in assessing the condition of an e-bike battery. The main challenge was to interpret the surface radiation detected by a thermal imaging camera. In addition to basic challenges of thermography, such as determining the emissivity, the angle of image acquisition, the problem of low resolution and thermal inertia, it was necessary to understand the physical behavior of the elements inside the battery and battery pack that respectively determine the dynamics and shape of the thermal pattern. E-bike batteries are mainly composed of 18650 format Li-ion cells, and the topology of the battery cell is related to the energy profile of the system. With the aim of establishing a link between the surface radiation patterns and the parameters of the individual 18650 cells that dictate the internal thermal behavior, a detailed analysis of the battery pack interior, upon its lifetime, was performed. Based on the results of the capacity analysis of the individual cells and determination of the exact position of the cells within the structure of the battery, a visualization and comparison with the thermographic records were performed to determine whether infrared thermography is able to diversify faulty cells. The conclusion of the study is that it is not possible to make a judgment about the thermal pattern expression or the pattern shape based on the estimated capacity values; however, based on the pattern, it is possible to draw a conclusion about the homogeneity of the capacity of the individual battery cells.