bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Analysis and Visualization of the Interaction Between Intestinal Microbiota and Type 1 Diabetes in Children Based on Multi-Databases
Authors: Zhao Mingyi , Xu Shaokang , Cavagnaro María José , Zhang Wei , Shi Jian
Published: December 2021

Background: As an important autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes (T1D) is often diagnosed in children, but due to the complexity of the etiology of diabetes and many other factors, the disease pathogenesis of diabetes is still unclear. The intestinal microbiota has been proved to have close relationships with T1D in recent years, which is one of the most important molecular bases of pathogenesis and prognosis factors for T1D. Using the multi-omics and multicenter sample analysis method, a number of intestinal microbiota in T1D have been discovered and explained, which has provided comprehensive and rich information. However, how to find more useful information and get an intuitive understanding that people need conveniently in the huge data sea has become the focus of attention. Therefore, quantitative analysis and visualization of the interaction between intestinal microbiota and T1D in children are urgently needed.

Methods: We retrieved the detailed original data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, GMREPO, and gutMEGA databases and other authoritative multiple projects with related research; the ranking of intestinal microbiota abundance from healthy people, overall T1D patients, and T1D in children (0–18 years old) were detailed analyzed, classified, and visualized.

Results: A total of 515 bacterial species and 161 related genera were fully analyzed. Also, Prevotella copri was led by 21.25% average abundance, followed by Clostridium tertium of 10.39% in all-cross T1D patients. For children with T1D, Bacteroides vulgatus has high abundance in all age periods, whereas the abundance of each intestinal microbiota was more uniform in female samples, with the ranking from high to low as Bacteroides dorei 9.56%, P. copri 9.53%, Streptococcus pasteurianus 8.15%, and C. tertium 7.53%, whereas in male samples, P. copri was accounted for the largest by 22.72%. The interaction between intestinal microbiota and comparison between healthy people and children with T1D was also detailed analyzed.

Conclusions: This study provides a new method and comprehensive perspectives for the evaluation of the interaction between intestinal microbiota and T1D in children. A set of useful information of intestinal microbiota with its internal interaction and connections has been presented, which could be a compact, immediate, and practical scientific reference for further molecular biological and clinical translational research of T1D in children.
Early Intervention in Severe Autism: Positive Outcome Using Exchange and Development Therapy
Authors: Blanc Romuald , Latinus Marianne , Guidotti Marco , Adrien Jean-Louis , Roux Sylvie , Dansart Pascale , Barthélémy Catherine , Rambault Aude , Bonnet-Brilhault Frédérique , Malvy Joëlle
Published: December 2021

Early intervention programs positively affect key behaviors for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, most of these programs do not target children with severe autistic symptomatology associated with intellectual disability (ID). This study aimed to investigate the psychological and clinical outcomes of children with severe autism and ID enrolled in the Tailored and Inclusive Program for Autism—Tours (TIPA-T). The first step of the TIPA-T is the Exchange and Development Therapy (EDT): an individual neurofunctional intervention consisting of one-to-one exchanges between a child and a therapist taking place in a pared-down environment. It aims to rehabilitate psychophysiological abilities at the roots of social communication through structured sequences of “social play.” Cognitive and socio-emotional skills and general development were evaluated with the Social Cognitive Evaluation Battery scale and the Brunet–Lézine Scale—Revised, respectively, before and after 9 months of intervention in 32 children with ASD and ID. Autistic symptomatology was evaluated with the Behavior Summarized Evaluation—Revised scale at five time-points in a subset of 14 children, both in individual and group settings. Statistically significant post-intervention improvements were found in cognitive and socio-emotional skills. All but one child showed improvements in at least one social domain, and 78% of children gained one level in at least four social domains. Twenty-nine children improved in cognitive domains, with 66% of children improving in at least three cognitive domains. Autistic symptomatology evaluated in one-to-one settings significantly decreased with therapy; this reduction was observed in more than 85% of children. In group settings, autistic symptomatology also decreased in more than 60% of children. Global developmental age significantly increased by 3.8 months. The TIPA-T, including EDT in particular, improves socio-emotional skills of most children with ASD and reduces autistic symptomatology, yet with heterogeneous outcomes profiles, in line with the strong heterogeneity of profiles observed in ASD. At the group level, this study highlights the benefits of the TIPA-T for children with severe autism and associated ID. Assessment of autistic core symptoms showed an improvement of social interaction, both in one-to-one and group evaluations, demonstrating the generalizability of the skills learned during the EDT.
Riddle of the Sphinx: Emerging Role of Transfer RNAs in Human Cancer
Authors: Qiu Zhilin , Wang Qin , Liu Lei , Li Guozheng , Hao Yi , Ning Shipeng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xin , Chen Yihai , Wu Jiale , Wang Xinheng , Yang Shuai , Lin Yaoxin , Xu Shouping
Published: December 2021

The dysregulation of transfer RNA (tRNA) expression contributes to the diversity of proteomics, heterogeneity of cell populations, and instability of the genome, which may be related to human cancer susceptibility. However, the relationship between tRNA dysregulation and cancer susceptibility remains elusive because the landscape of cancer-associated tRNAs has not been portrayed yet. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of tRNAs involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression have not been systematically understood. In this review, we detail current knowledge of cancer-related tRNAs and comprehensively summarize the basic characteristics and functions of these tRNAs, with a special focus on their role and involvement in human cancer. This review bridges the gap between tRNAs and cancer and broadens our understanding of their relationship, thus providing new insights and strategies to improve the potential clinical applications of tRNAs for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase GhCDPK28 Was Dentified and Involved in Verticillium Wilt Resistance in Cotton
Authors: Wu Yajie , Zhang Lei , Zhou Jinglong , Zhang Xiaojian , Feng Zili , Wei Feng , Zhao Lihong , Zhang Yalin , Feng Hongjie , Zhu Heqin
Published: December 2021

Verticillium dahliae is a soil-borne fungus that causes vascular wilt through the roots of plants. Verticillium wilt caused by V. dahliae is one of the main diseases in cotton producing areas of the world, resulting in huge economic losses. Breeding resistant varieties is the most economical and effective method to control Verticillium wilt. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) play a pivotal role in plant innate immunity, including regulation of oxidative burst, gene expression as well as hormone signal transduction. However, the function of cotton CDPKs in response to V. dahliae stress remains unexplored. In this study, 96, 44 and 57 CDPKs were identified from Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium raimondii and Gossypium arboretum, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these CDPKs could be divided into four branches. All GhCDPKs of the same clade are generally similar in gene structure and conserved domain arrangement. Cis-acting elements related to hormones, stress response, cell cycle and development were predicted in the promoter region. The expression of GhCDPKs could be regulated by various stresses. Gh_D11G188500.1 and Gh_A11G186100.1 was up-regulated under Vd0738 and Vd991 stress. Further phosphoproteomics analysis showed that Gh_A11G186100.1 (named as GhCDPK28-6) was phosphorylated under the stress of V. dahliae. Knockdown of GhCDPK28-6 expression, the content of reactive oxygen species was increased, a series of defense responses were enhanced, and the sensitivity of cotton to V. dahliae was reduced. Moreover, overexpression of GhCDPK28-6 in Arabidopsis thaliana weakened the resistance of plants to this pathogen. Subcellular localization revealed that GhCDPK28-6 was localized in the cell membrane. We also found that GhPBL9 and GhRPL12C may interact with GhCDPK28-6. These results indicate that GhCDPK28-6 is a potential molecular target for improving resistance to Verticillium wilt in cotton. This lays a foundation for breeding disease-resistant varieties.
Experimental Warming Hastens Physical Dormancy Break and Germination in Tropical Fabaceae
Authors: Jaganathan Ganesh K. , Biddick Matthew
Published: December 2021

Climate warming may threaten the germination strategies of many plants that are uniquely adapted to today’s climate. For instance, species that employ physical dormancy (PY) – the production of seeds that are impermeable to water until high temperatures break them, consequently synchronizing germination with favorable growing conditions – may find that their seeds germinate during unfavorable or potentially fatal periods if threshold temperatures are reached earlier in the year. To explore this, we subjected the seeds of five species with physical dormancy (from the genera Abrus, Bauhinia, Cassia, Albizia, and Acacia) to “mild” (+2°C) and “extreme” (+4°C) future warming scenarios and documented their germination over 2 years relative to a control treatment. Under current climatic conditions, a proportion of seeds from all five species remained dormant in the soil for 2 years. A mild warming of 2°C had little to no effect on the germination of four of the five study species. Contrastingly, an extreme warming of 4°C dramatically increased germination in all five species within the first year, indicating a reduction in their ability to persist in the soil long-term. Cassia fistula was particularly susceptible to warming, exhibiting a similar increase in germination under both mild and extreme warming relative to control. Our findings suggest that climate warming in the tropics may cause the seeds of species that rely on physical dormancy to stagger the risk of unsuccessful germination across years to leave soil seed banks prematurely – the long-term implications of which remain unknown.
The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences of Eight Fagopyrum Species: Insights Into Genome Evolution and Phylogenetic Relationships
Authors: Fan Yu , Jin Ya’nan , Ding Mengqi , Tang Yu , Cheng Jianping , Zhang Kaixuan , Zhou Meiliang
Published: December 2021

Buckwheat (Fagopyrumgenus, Polygonaceae), is an annual or perennial, herbaceous or semi-shrub dicotyledonous plant. There are mainly three cultivated buckwheat species, common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)is widely cultivated in Asia, Europe, and America, while Tartary buckwheat (F. tataricum) andF. cymosum(also known asF. dibotrys) are mainly cultivated in China. The genusFagopyrumis taxonomically confusing due to the complex phenotypes of differentFagopyrumspecies. In this study, the chloroplast (cp) genomes of threeFagopyrumspecies,F. longistylum,F. leptopodum,F. urophyllum, were sequenced, and five published cp genomes ofFagopyrumwere retrieved for comparative analyses. We determined the sequence differentiation, repeated sequences of the cp genomes, and the phylogeny ofFagopyrumspecies. The eight cp genomes ranged, gene number, gene order, and GC content were presented. Most of variations ofFagopyrumspecies cp genomes existed in the LSC and SSC regions. Among eightFagopyrumchloroplast genomes, six variable regions (ndhF-rpl32,trnS-trnG,trnC,trnE-trnT,psbD, andtrnV) were detected as promising DNA barcodes. In addition, a total of 66 different SSR (simple sequence repeats) types were found in the eightFagopyrumspecies, ranging from 8 to 16 bp. Interestingly, many SSRs showed significant differences especially in some photosystem genes, which provided valuable information for understanding the differences in light adaptation among differentFagopyrumspecies. GenusFagopyrumhas shown a typical branch that is distinguished from theRumex,Rheum, andReynoutria, which supports the unique taxonomic status inFagopyrumamong the Polygonaceae. In addition, phylogenetic analysis based on the cp genomes strongly supported the division of eightFagopyrumspecies into two independent evolutionary directions, suggesting that the separation of cymosum group and urophyllum group may be earlier than the flower type differentiation inFagopyrumplants. The results of the chloroplast-based phylogenetic tree were further supported by thematKand Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences of 17Fagopyrumspecies, which may help to further anchor the taxonomic status of other members in the urophyllum group inFagopyrum. This study provides valuable information and high-quality cp genomes for identifying species and evolutionary analysis for futureFagopyrumresearch.
Effectiveness of a Malaysian Media Intervention Workshop: Safe Reporting on Suicide
Authors: Lim Jane Tze Yn , Cheng Qijin , Ng Yin Ping , Pheh Kai Shuen , Panirselvam Ravivarma Rao , Tay Kok Wai , Lim Joanne Bee Yin , Chan Wen Li , Amer Nordin Amer Siddiq , Zakaria Hazli , Bartlett Sara , Skehan Jaelea , Chen Ying-Yeh , Yip Paul Siu Fai , Shah Shamsul Azhar , Chan Lai Fong
Published: December 2021

Background:Suicide remains an important cause of premature deaths and draws much media attention. However, unsafe reporting and portrayal of suicides by the media have been associated with increased risk of suicidal behavior. Current evidence suggests that media capacity-building could potentially prevent suicide. However, there are still knowledge gaps in terms of a lack of data on effective strategies for improving awareness and safe reporting of suicide-related media content. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a workshop conducted with members of the media community on the safe reporting of suicide-related content.

Methods:An interventional single-arm pre and post pilot study was conducted on a sample of the Malaysian media community recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. The media safe reporting workshop was conducted by a suicide prevention expert with a media industry background. Thirty participants completed a self-reported evaluation questionnaire on their awareness and knowledge of reporting on suicide-related media content; before and after the interventional workshop.

Results:There was a significant difference between the total scores before and after the intervention, with a large effect size. Post-intervention scores were significantly improved in 8 items, namely those related to the reporting of: (i) the content of any suicide note; (ii) headlines with methods of suicide; (iii) headlines with the location of suicide; (iv) cases of suspected suicide despite the unconfirmed cause of death; (v) suicide news to cater to readers’ interests; (vi) cause of suicide; (vii) details of the location of suicide; and (viii) the negative impact to media community when reporting suicide stories. In particular, there was an improvement in the majority of items for people from the media community with no lived experience of suicidal behavior.

Conclusion:The media safe reporting workshop is a potentially effective intervention for improving awareness and knowledge measures relating to safe reporting on suicide among the media community, with a more pronounced effect in those without lived experience of suicidal behavior. Limitations in the sample size, generalizability, short-term evaluation, and lack of a control group warrant future larger, longer-term controlled, and more representative studies.
The Development of Explicit and Implicit Game-Based Digital Behavioral Markers for the Assessment of Social Anxiety
Authors: Dechant Martin Johannes , Frommel Julian , Mandryk Regan Lee
Published: December 2021

Social relationships are essential for humans; neglecting our social needs can reduce wellbeing or even lead to the development of more severe issues such as depression or substance dependency. Although essential, some individuals face major challenges in forming and maintaining social relationships due to the experience of social anxiety. The burden of social anxiety can be reduced through accessible assessment that leads to treatment. However, socially anxious individuals who seek help face many barriers stemming from geography, fear, or disparities in access to systems of care. But recent research suggested digital behavioral markers as a way to deliver cheap and easily accessible digital assessment for social anxiety: As earlier work shows, players with social anxiety show similar behaviors in virtual worlds as in the physical world, including tending to walk farther around other avatars and standing farther away from other avatars. The characteristics of the movement behavior in-game can be harnessed for the development of digital behavioral markers for the assessment of social anxiety. In this paper, we investigate whether implicit as well as explicit digital behavioral markers, proposed by prior work, for social anxiety can be used for predicting the level of social anxiety. We show that both, explicit and implicit digital behavioral markers can be harnessed for the assessment. Our findings provide further insights about how game-based digital behavioral markers can be used for the assessment of social anxiety.
Multi-Process Action Control in Physical Activity: A Primer
Authors: Rhodes Ryan E.
Published: December 2021

The gap between the decision to engage in physical activity and subsequent behavioral enactment is considerable for many. Action control theories focus on this discordance in an attempt to improve the translation of intention into behavior. The purpose of this mini-review was to overview one of these approaches, the multi-process action control (M-PAC) framework, which has evolved from a collection of previous works. The main concepts and operational structure of M-PAC was overviewed followed by applications of the framework in physical activity, and concluded with unanswered questions, limitations, and possibilities for future research. In M-PAC, it is suggested that three layered processes (reflective, regulatory, reflexive) build upon each other from the formation of an intention to a sustained profile of physical activity action control. Intention-behavior discordance is because of strategic challenges in goal pursuit (differences in outcome vs. behavioral goals; balancing multiple behavioral goals) and automatic tendencies (approach-avoidance, conservation of energy expenditure). Regulatory processes (prospective and reactive tactics) are employed to hold the relationship between reflective processes and behavior concordant by countering these strategic challenges and automatic tendencies until the development of reflexive processes (habit, identity) begin to co-determine action control. Results from 29 observational and preliminary experimental studies generally support the proposed M-PAC framework. Future research is needed to explore the temporal dynamic between reflexive and regulatory constructs, and implement M-PAC interventions in different forms (e.g., mobile health), and at different levels of scale (clinical, group, population).
Three-Dimensional Upper Body Kinematics and Inter-articular Kinematic Sequence During a Canoe Polo Throw
Authors: Assila Najoua , Delavallade Cyril , Blache Yoann , Berger-Vachon Christian , Collotte Philippe , Duprey Sonia
Published: December 2021

Canoe polo is an increasingly popular discipline requiring both kayaking and ball-handling skills. While the kinematics of the upper body during throw has been investigated for several overhead sports, the canoe polo throw has still to be studied. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the canoe polo throw kinematics in terms of angles and inter-articular sequencing to understand its specificity. A secondary aim was to investigate whether adding pelvis mobility has an impact. Nineteen male players of canoe polo were equipped with reflective body markers for the throw analysis. They performed 5 throws with the pelvis fixed and 5 throws with additional pelvic mobility in rotation around a vertical axis. Inverse kinematics was performed with OpenSim providing pelvis, trunk, and glenohumeral rotations. Angular velocities were calculated to build the inter-articular sequences relative to these throws. Statistical parametric mapping was used to assess the effect of pelvis mobility on the throwing kinematics. Similar kinematics patterns as in other overhead sports were observed, however, a different inter-articular sequence was found for the canoe polo throw with a maximal angular velocity occurring sooner for the thorax in axial rotation than for the pelvis in rotation. While the limitation of rotation of the pelvis around a vertical axis has an influence on the pelvis and trunk kinematics, it did not modify the kinematic sequence.
Enhancement of Interplanting of Ficus carica L. with Taxus cuspidata Sieb. et Zucc. on Growth of Two Plants
Authors: Yang Xue , Li Yuzheng , Li Chunying , Li Qianqian , Qiao Bin , Shi Sen , Zhao Chunjian
Published: December 2021

Medicinal-agroforestry systems are one of the multi-functional medicinal plant production systems, gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional monoculture systems. In this study, three planting patterns were established which included: (1) monoculture F. carica (MF); (2) monoculture T. cuspidata (MT); and (3) interplanting F. carica with T. cuspidata (IFT). The differences of growth biomass, photosynthesis, soil nutrients, soil enzyme activities, soil microorganisms, and main secondary metabolites of F. carica and T. cuspidata under the above three models were investigated. Compared with the MF and MT patterns, IFT pattern for 5 months significantly increased the plant growth biomass, photosynthesis, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and secondary metabolites content. The activities of acid phosphatase, sucrase, protease, polyphenol oxidase, urease, dehydrogenase, and catalase in soil of IFT were significantly higher than MF and MT patterns. Results showed that IFT pattern is preferred compared to the MF and MT patterns. Our result will help to provide a feasible theoretical basis for the large-scale establishment of F. carica and T. cuspidata mixed forests and obtain high-quality medicine sources for extracting important active ingredients, psoralen and paclitaxel, which are crucial to the long-term sustainable development and production of medicinal plants.
Combined Fertilization Could Increase Crop Productivity and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Intensity through Carbon Sequestration under Rice-Wheat Rotation
Authors: Guo Tengfei , Luan Haoan , Song Dali , Zhang Shuiqing , Zhou Wei , Liang Guoqing
Published: December 2021

Quantifying greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) and soil carbon sequestration is a method to assess the mitigation potential of agricultural activities. However, the effects of different fertilizer amendments on soil carbon sequestration and net GHGI in a rice-wheat cropping system are poorly understood. Here, fertilizer treatments including PK (P and K fertilizers); NPK (N, P and K fertilizers), NPK + OM (NPK plus manure), NPK + SR (NPK plus straw returning), and NPK + CR (NPK plus controlled-release fertilizer) with equal N input were conducted to gain insight into the change of soil organic carbon (SOC) derived from the net ecosystem carbon budget (NECB), net global warming potential (GWP), and GHGI under rice-wheat rotation. Results showed that compared with NPK treatment, NPK + OM significantly increased wheat yield and NPK + SR caused significant increase in rice yield. Meanwhile, NPK + SR and NPK + CR treatments reduced net GWP by 30.80% and 21.83%, GHGI by 36.84% and 28.07%, respectively, which suggested that improved grain production could be achieved without sacrificing the environment. With the greatest C sequestration, lowest GHGI, the NPK plus straw returning practices (NPK + SR) might be the best strategy to mitigate net GWP and improve grain yield and NUE in the current rice-wheat rotation system.
Oilseed Rape Yield Performance in the Clearfield® System under Varying Management Intensities
Authors: Schwabe Sebastian , Gruber Sabine , Claupein Wilhelm
Published: December 2021

Oilseed rape production is under pressure due to a limited availability of herbicides. Therefore, the performance in terms of management intensity (MI) and herbicide strategy (HS) and the involved yield formation was evaluated in a two-year Clearfield® oilseed rape field experiment. Furthermore, weed density and weed composition were also investigated. The variants of MI were standard sowing density (StS; seed rate: 50 seeds m−2, primary tillage: plow, row width: 12 cm), reduced sowing density (RD; seed rate: 25 seeds m−2, primary tillage: plow, row width: 50 cm), and strip-till (ST; seed rate: 25 seeds m−2, primary tillage: strip tillage, row width: 50 cm). The variants of HS were preemergence strategy (PES; application of dimethachlor, napropamide, clomazone in preemergence and application of prapaquizafop in postemergence) and Clearfield® strategy (CLS; application of imazamox, quinmerac in preemergence, no postemergence herbicide application). In the first year of the trial, there were no interactions between the factors in terms of grain yield. Grain yield in StS was 3.85 t and 5.2% significantly lower than in ST, and the value of RD was not significantly different from StS and ST. Grain yield in CLS was 3.7 t and 2.7% lower than in PES. In the second year of the trial, the grain yield in ST CLS was significantly lower, and there were no significant differences between the other variants. Higher weed emergence was observed in CLS RD (2.7 to 4 times higher weed density compared to PES RD) and CLS ST (2.8 to 4.5 times higher weed density compared to PES ST). No significant differences existed between StS PES and StS CLS in both trial years. The Clearfield® system offers significant advantages in the control of cruciferous weeds. Although these did not occur on the trial fields, the Clearfield® system in this study showed to be an alternative to the more common pre-emergence system, especially with regard to the parameter grain yield.
Tooth Position Determination by Automatic Cutting and Marking of Dental Panoramic X-ray Film in Medical Image Processing
Authors: Huang Yen-Cheng , Chen Chiung-An , Chen Tsung-Yi , Chou He-Sheng , Lin Wei-Chi , Li Tzu-Chien , Yuan Jia-Jun , Lin Szu-Yin , Li Chun-Wei , Chen Shih-Lun , Mao Yi-Cheng , Abu Patricia Angela R. , Chiang Wei-Yuan , Lo Wen-Shen
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a novel method for automatic segmentation of dental X-ray images into single tooth sections and for placing every segmented tooth onto a precise corresponding position table. Moreover, the proposed method automatically determines the tooth’s position in a panoramic X-ray film. The image-processing step incorporates a variety of image-enhancement techniques, including sharpening, histogram equalization, and flat-field correction. Moreover, image processing was implemented iteratively to achieve higher pixel value contrast between the teeth and cavity. The next image-enhancement step is aimed at detecting the teeth cavity and involves determining the segment and points separating the upper and lower jaw, using the difference in pixel values to cut the image into several equal sections and then connecting each cavity feature point to extend a curve that completes the description of the separated jaw. The curve is shifted up and down to look for the gap between the teeth, to identify and address missing teeth and overlapping. Under FDI World Dental Federation notation, the left and right sides receive eight-code sequences to mark each tooth, which provides improved convenience in clinical use. According to the literature, X-ray film cannot be marked correctly when a tooth is missing. This paper utilizes artificial center positioning and sets the teeth gap feature points to have the same count. Then, the gap feature points are connected as a curve with the curve of the jaw to illustrate the dental segmentation. In addition, we incorporate different image-processing methods to sequentially strengthen the X-ray film. The proposed procedure had an 89.95% accuracy rate for tooth positioning. As for the tooth cutting, where the edge of the cutting box is used to determine the position of each tooth number, the accuracy of the tooth positioning method in this proposed study is 92.78%.
Around-View-Monitoring-Based Automatic Parking System Using Parking Line Detection
Authors: Lee Yunhee , Park Manbok
Published: December 2021

This paper introduces an automatic parking method using an around view monitoring system. In this method, parking lines are extracted from the camera images, and a route to a targeted parking slot is created. The vehicle then tracks this route to park. The proposed method extracts lines from images using a line filter and a Hough transform, and it uses a convolutional neural network to robustly extract parking lines from the environment. In addition, a parking path consisting of curved and straight sections is created and used to control the vehicle. Perpendicular, angle, and parallel parking paths can be created; however, parking control is applied according to the shape of each parking slot. The results of our experiments confirm that the proposed method has an average offset of 10.3 cm and an average heading angle error of 0.94°.
Ultraviolet Nanosecond Laser Treatment to Reduce the Friction Coefficient of Silicon Carbide Ceramics
Authors: Murzin Serguei P. , Balyakin Valeriy B. , Gachot Carsten , Fomchenkov Sergey A. , Blokhin Maksim V. , Kazanskiy Nikolay L.
Published: December 2021

The determination of the possibility for the reduction of the friction coefficient of ceramic parts from silicon carbide by pulse-periodic treatment with an ultraviolet nanosecond laser was carried out in the framework of this research. The gas-dynamic seal of the compressor rotor of the gas-turbine engine after hot isostatic pressing and mechanical treatment was exposed to surface microstructuring in a pulse-periodic mode. For experimental investigations, a laser with a maximum energy of the pulse of 50 µJ, a wavelength of 355 nm, and a pulse duration below 10 ns was used. It was determined that the surface quality was improved, and the surface roughness was reduced as a consequence of the realized laser polishing modes in the beam exposure area. The average value of the friction coefficient of the ceramic material surface decreased by 15% as result of pulse-periodic laser processing.
Multiple Multi-Scale Neural Networks Knowledge Transfer and Integration for Accurate Pixel-Level Retinal Blood Vessel Segmentation
Authors: Ding Chen , Li Runze , Zheng Zhouyi , Chen Youfa , Wen Dushi , Zhang Lei , Wei Wei , Zhang Yanning
Published: December 2021

Retinal blood vessel segmentation plays an important role for analysis of retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. However, retinal blood vessel segmentation remains a challenging task due to the low contrast between some vessels and background, the different presenting conditions caused by uneven illumination and the artificial segmentation results are influenced by human experience, which seriously affects the classification accuracy. To address this problem, we propose a multiple multi-scale neural networks knowledge transfer and integration method in order to accurately segment for retinal blood vessel image. With the integration of multi-scale networks and multi-scale input patches, the blood vessel segmentation performance is obviously improved. In addition, applying knowledge transfer to the network training process, the pre-trained network reduces the number of network training iterations. The experimental results on the DRIVE dataset and the CHASE_DB1 dataset show the effectiveness of the method, whose average accuracy on the two datasets are 96.74% and 97.38%, respectively.
New Frontiers towards Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc: On Progenitor Cells, Growth Factors and Biomaterials
Authors: Gantenbein Benjamin
Published: December 2021

This Special Issue on intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration focuses on novel advances in understanding the cell sources and culture conditions of various cell types, i.e., progenitor and IVD cells. The issue consists of seven articles that provide a comprehensive overview of recently applied research insights: (1) into how IVD herniation can be provoked in a controlled in vitro biomechanical testing set-up, (2) how cells can be used for IVD repair, (3) the physiological conditions of IVD cells and (4) how hyaluronic acid could be used for IVD repair, and (5) how nucleus pulposus progenitor cells (NPPCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) shall be cultured and expanded towards a possible cell therapy.
A Multi-Provider End-to-End Dynamic Orchestration Architecture Approach for 5G and Future Communication Systems
Authors: Batista José Olimpio Rodrigues , da Silva Douglas Chagas , Martucci Moacyr , Silveira Regina Melo , Cugnasca Carlos Eduardo
Published: December 2021

Network segregation is the solution adopted in the IMT-2020 standardization of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), better known as 5G networks (Fifth Generation Mobile Networks), under development to meet the requirements of performance, reliability, energy, and economic efficiency required by applications in the various verticals of current and near-future economic activities. The philosophy adopted for the IMT-2020 standardization relies on the use of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), and Software-Defined Radio (SDR), i.e., the softwarization of the network. Softwarization allows network segregation through its slicing, which is discussed herein this work. Network slicing is performed by a novel Orchestrator, as provided in IMT-2020, which maintains the end-to-end network slices independent of each other and performs horizontal handover when the possibility of a loss of Quality of Service (QoS) is predictively detected by monitoring quality parameters during operation. Therefore, the Orchestrator is dynamic, operates in uptime, and allows horizontal handover. Hence, it chooses the most appropriate telecommunication infrastructure provider and network operator to guarantee QoS and Quality of Experience (QoE) to end-users in each network segment. These features make this work modern and keep it aligned with the actions being carried out by ITU. Based on this objective, as the main result of this paper, we propose an effective architecture for implementing the Orchestrator, not only to contribute to the state of the art for 5G and beyond communication systems but also to generate economic, technological, and social impacts.
Cooperative Visual Augmentation Algorithm of Intelligent Vehicle Based on Inter-Vehicle Image Fusion
Authors: Liu Wei , Ma Yun , Gao Mingqiang , Duan Shuaidong , Wei Longsheng
Published: December 2021

In a connected vehicle environment based on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology, images from front and ego vehicles are fused to augment a driver’s or autonomous system’s visual field, which is helpful in avoiding road accidents by eliminating the blind point (the objects occluded by vehicles), especially tailgating in urban areas. Realizing multi-view image fusion is a tough problem without knowing the relative location of two sensors and the fusing object is occluded in some views. Therefore, we propose an image geometric projection model and a new fusion method between neighbor vehicles in a cooperative way. Based on a 3D inter-vehicle projection model, selected feature matching points are adopted to estimate the geometric transformation parameters. By adding deep information, our method also designs a new deep-affine transformation to realize fusing of inter-vehicle images. Experimental results on KIITI (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Toyota Technological Institute) datasets are shown to validate our algorithm. Compared with previous work, our method improves the IoU index by 2~3 times. This algorithm can effectively enhance the visual perception ability of intelligent vehicles, and it will help to promote the further development and improvement of computer vision technology in the field of cooperative perception.
The Spatial Heterogeneity of the Black Scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus (Scorpaenidae): Differences in Length, Dietary and Age Compositions
Authors: Ferri Josipa , Matić-Skoko Sanja
Published: December 2021

The present study assessed spatial variations in several biological characteristics of Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758 and estimated length structure, dietary composition and growth parameters for the species. Sampling was carried out in two areas, about 200 km apart, in the coastal Adriatic Sea, which is the northernmost region of the Mediterranean. A total of 388 specimens of S. porcus were caught, 233 from the Split area and 155 from the Pag Island area, and a higher proportion of individuals in the ≤15 cm length classes were found in the Split area. The results of the age, growth and diet analyses demonstrated that the black scorpionfish is a slow-growing and long-lived species that feeds on a wide variety of plant and animal taxa and shows a high selectivity for crustacean decapods. Detailed comparisons and multivariate analyses showed significant fine-scale spatial structuring of the investigated species, as observed length, dietary and age compositions were heterogeneous among the two areas. Fish from the Pag Island area ingested a greater diversity of the prey types, fed to a greater extent on fishes, reached the highest total length and showed a higher growth rate. Such intraspecific variations could reflect adaptations to different environmental conditions and support the geographical scale at which local black scorpionfish populations should be managed.
Effects of Virgin Microplastics on Growth, Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota on Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Zhang Chaonan , Wang Qiujie , Wang Shaodan , Pan Zhengkun , Sun Di , Cheng Yanbo , Zou Jixing , Xu Guohuan
Published: December 2021

Microplastics (MPs), classified as plastic debris less than 5 mm in size, are widely found in various aquatic environments. However, there have been few studies regarding their potential threat under aquaculture conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the general health, intestinal morphology and microbiota of virgin polypropylene MPs (3–4 mm) on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) over a 28-d exposure period. Four groups were divided according to whether the MPs were added in water or in food. The results disproved the hypothesis that MPs expose may adversely affect the growth of fish. Largemouth bass expelled MPs with minimal harm to the organism. MPs exposure had no significant effect on the community composition or diversity of intestinal microbial, although it could partly influence intestinal morphology, and the recombination process of the intestinal microbial community. Fish may be more sensitive to answer MPs exposure in water than in feed. Proteobacteria could potentially be pathogenic bacteria phylum in fish gut when affected by MPs. This research represents an innovative attempt to investigate the impact of virgin MPs on largemouth bass using a manipulative feeding experiment. The results could provide new insight on commercial fish health when challenged with MPs pollution.
Effect of Poultry and Goat Manures on the Nutrient Content of Sesamum alatum Leafy Vegetables
Authors: Mbatha Khulekani Cyprian , Mchunu Charmaine Ntokozo , Mavengahama Sydney , Ntuli Nontuthuko Rosemary
Published: December 2021

Sesamum alatum Thonn. is one of the less-popular but nutritious leafy vegetables that is still collected from the wild or as weeds among crops in South Africa. The plant is also used in medicines and cosmetics in Africa and elsewhere. Despite its importance, the cultivation of S. alatum under different agronomic systems for improved harvestable yield and nutrient content is still lacking. The study aimed to determine the response of S. alatum nutrient content to the application of poultry and goat manures. Plants were grown in pots under rain-fed shade cloth conditions, with poultry and goat manures applied at 0, 1, 2, and 3 t ha–1 each, and they were laid in a completely randomized design. Shoot tips were harvested at 60 days after planting and analyzed for nutrient content. Shoots contained better nutrients in S. alatum plants grown during the first than the second season, with minor exceptions. Poultry and goat manure application led to an increase in Ca, Mg, K, P, and micro-nutrients. Goat manure had potential to increase the nutrient content in S. alatum than poultry manure, although differences were not substantial. Therefore, both manures could be equally used to improve nutrient content of S. alatum.
Modeling and Stability Analysis for the Vibrating Motion of Three Degrees-of-Freedom Dynamical System Near Resonance
Authors: Amer Wael S. , Amer Tarek S. , Hassan Seham S.
Published: December 2021

The focus of this article is on the investigation of a dynamical system consisting of a linear damped transverse tuned-absorber connected with a non-linear damped-spring-pendulum, in which its hanged point moves in an elliptic path. The regulating system of motion is derived using Lagrange’s equations, which is then solved analytically up to the third approximation employing the approach of multiple scales (AMS). The emerging cases of resonance are categorized according to the solvability requirements wherein the modulation equations (ME) have been found. The stability areas and the instability ones are examined utilizing the Routh–Hurwitz criteria (RHC) and analyzed in line with the solutions at the steady state. The obtained results, resonance responses, and stability regions are addressed and graphically depicted to explore the positive influence of the various inputs of the physical parameters on the rheological behavior of the inspected system. The significance of the present work stems from its numerous applications in theoretical physics and engineering.
A New Dual Polarity Direct AC-AC Voltage Regulator Ensuring Voltage Step-Up and Step-Down Capabilities
Authors: Ashraf Naveed , Abbas Ghulam , Ullah Nasim , Alzaed Ali Nasser , Raza Ali , Raza Muhammad Taskeen , Farooq Umar
Published: December 2021

The problem of voltage sag and swell is one of the major reasons for low-quality power in the distribution system. Normally, it results from the system’s faults, including line-to-ground and line-to-line, non-linear characteristics of loads and sources. Its effect is very serious for the critical loads as their performance is very sensitive to the variation in voltage. The stabilization of voltage is a mandatory requirement in such a situation. The correction of such problems requires the addition and subtraction of the voltage once the line voltage is decreased and increased. This behavior of the correcting voltage is ensured by the use of voltage controllers that can convert a constant input voltage into a non-inverted and inverted variable form. Their voltage gains depend on the depth level of the problem. The voltage buck and boost capabilities of the AC voltage stabilizers can tackle the problems having any depth level. The smartness of such a system depends on the number of electronic devices as they are the key elements in the power conversion system. Therefore, this research proposes a new AC voltage controller with fewer solid-state devices. Its overall impact is low volume and cost. The validation of the introduced approach is ensured with the help of simulation modeling and results gained from the practical setup.
Rigidity through a Projective Lens
Authors: Nixon Anthony , Schulze Bernd , Whiteley Walter
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we offer an overview of a number of results on the static rigidity and infinitesimal rigidity of discrete structures which are embedded in projective geometric reasoning, representations, and transformations. Part I considers the fundamental case of a bar–joint framework in projective d-space and places particular emphasis on the projective invariance of infinitesimal rigidity, coning between dimensions, transfer to the spherical metric, slide joints and pure conditions for singular configurations. Part II extends the results, tools and concepts from Part I to additional types of rigid structures including body-bar, body–hinge and rod-bar frameworks, all drawing on projective representations, transformations and insights. Part III widens the lens to include the closely related cofactor matroids arising from multivariate splines, which also exhibit the projective invariance. These are another fundamental example of abstract rigidity matroids with deep analogies to rigidity. We conclude in Part IV with commentary on some nearby areas.
SBTMS: Scalable Blockchain Trust Management System for VANET
Authors: Ghovanlooy Ghajar Fatemeh , Salimi Sratakhti Javad , Sikora Axel
Published: December 2021

With many advances in sensor technology and the Internet of Things, Vehicle Ad Hoc Network (VANET) is becoming a new generation. VANET’s current technical challenges are deploying decentralized architecture and protecting privacy. Because Blockchain features are decentralized, distributed, mass storage, and non-manipulation features, this paper designs a new decentralized architecture using Blockchain technology called Blockchain-based VANET. Blockchain-based VANET can effectively resolve centralized problems and mutual distrust between VANET units. To achieve this, it is needed to provide scalability on the blockchain to run for VANET. In this system, our focus is on the reliability of incoming messages on the network. Vehicles check the validity of the received messages using the proposed Bayesian formula for trust management system and some information saved in the Blockchain. Then, based on the validation result, the vehicle computes a rate for each message type and message source vehicle. Vehicles upload the computed rates to Roadside Units (RSUs) in order to calculate the net reliability value. Finally, RSUs using a sharding consensus mechanism generate blocks, including the net reliability value as a transaction. In this system, all RSUs collaboratively maintain the latest updated Blockchain. Our experimental results show that the proposed system is effective, scalable and dependable in data gathering, computing, organization, and retrieval of trust values in VANET.