bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Application of Organic Residues of Different Biochemical Quality on Phosphorus Fractions in a Tropical Sandy Soil
Authors: Sukitprapanon Tanabhat-Sakorn , Jantamenchai Metawee , Tulaphitak Duangsamorn , Prakongkep Nattaporn , Gilkes Robert John , Vityakon Patma
Published: January 2021

Understanding phosphorus (P) dynamics in tropical sandy soil treated with organic residues of contrasting quality is crucial for P management using organic amendments. This research determined P fractions in a tropical sandy soil under the application of organic residues of different quality, including groundnut stover (GN), tamarind leaf litter (TM), dipterocarp leaf litter (DP), and rice straw (RS). The organic residues were applied at the rate of 10 t DM ha−1 year−1. The P fractions were examined by a sequential extraction procedure. Organic residue application, regardless of residue quality, resulted in P accumulation in soils. For unamended soil, 55% of total P was mainly associated with Al (hydr)oxides. Organic residue application, regardless of residue quality, diminished the NH4F-extractable P (Al-P) fraction, but it had a nonsignificant effect on NaOH-extractable P (Fe-P). The majority of Al-P and Fe-P fractions were associated with crystalline Al and Fe (hydr)oxides. NH4Cl-extractable P (labile P), NaHCO3-extractable P (exchangeable P and mineralizable organic P), HCl-extractable P (Ca-P), and residual P fractions in soil were significantly increased as a result of the incorporation of organic residues. The application of organic residues, particularly those high in ash alkalinity, increase soil pH, labile P, and Ca-P fractions. In contrast, applications of residues high in lignin and polyphenols increase residual P fraction, which is associated with organo-mineral complexes and clay mineral kaolinite.
Evaluation of Image-Based Phenotyping Methods for Measuring Water Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) Growth and Nitrogen Nutritional Status under Greenhouse and Field Conditions
Authors: Frossard Emmanuel , Liebisch Frank , Hgaza Valérie Kouamé , Kiba Delwendé Innocent , Kirchgessner Norbert , Müller Laurin , Müller Patrick , Pouya Nestor , Ringger Cecil , Walter Achim
Published: January 2021

New management practices must be developed to improve yam productivity. By allowing non-destructive analyses of important plant traits, image-based phenotyping techniques could help developing such practices. Our objective was to determine the potential of image-based phenotyping methods to assess traits relevant for tuber yield formation in yam grown in the glasshouse and in the field. We took plant and leaf pictures with consumer cameras. We used the numbers of image pixels to derive the shoot biomass and the total leaf surface and calculated the ‘triangular greenness index’ (TGI) which is an indicator of the leaf chlorophyll content. Under glasshouse conditions, the number of pixels obtained from nadir view (view from the top) was positively correlated to shoot biomass, and total leaf surface, while the TGI was negatively correlated to the SPAD values and nitrogen (N) content of diagnostic leaves. Pictures taken from nadir view in the field showed an increase in soil surface cover and a decrease in TGI with time. TGI was negatively correlated to SPAD values measured on diagnostic leaves but was not correlated to leaf N content. In conclusion, these phenotyping techniques deliver relevant results but need to be further developed and validated for application in yam.
Performance of Two Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.) Varieties Growing in Shallow Green Roof Substrate Depths and Irrigated with Seawater
Authors: Ntoulas Nikolaos , Varsamos Ioannis
Published: January 2021

The continuing decline in global drinking water reserves necessitates finding alternative water sources for turfgrass irrigation, especially in southern semi-arid Mediterranean countries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of using seawater for irrigating two varieties of seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.), “Marina” and “Platinum ΤΕ”, growing in shallow green roof substrates, and to determine their recuperative capacity after the termination of the salt stress period. The greenhouse study comprised of 48 lysimeters equipped with extensive green roof layering. Treatments included: (i) two substrate depths (7.5 cm or 15 cm) and (ii) three seawater irrigation regimes (7 mm, 15 mm, or 45 mm every two days). Measurements included the determination of green turf cover (GTC) as well as the leaching fraction (LF) and leachate electrical conductivity (ECL) draining from the lysimeters. It was found that during the 46-d salt stress period, none of the seawater irrigation regimes managed to maintain acceptable GTC levels for both seashore paspalum varieties. Increasing the green roof substrate depth from 7.5 cm to 15 cm resulted in GTC improvement. During the recovery period, the use of potable water as irrigation source improved GTC levels. After 40 d the recovery was complete since GTC exceeded 90% in all treatments for both varieties. Regression curves correlating GTC response to ECL can be used to estimate the leaching requirements of turfgrasses grown in shallow green roof systems when irrigated with saline water.
Transfer of Agricultural and Biological Sciences Research to Patents: The Case of EU-27
Authors: Cascajares Mila , Alcayde Alfredo , Salmerón-Manzano Esther , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: January 2021

Agriculture as an economic activity and agronomy as a science must provide food for a constantly growing population. Research in this field is therefore becoming increasingly essential. Much of the research is carried out in academic institutions and then developed in the private sector. Patents do not have to be issued through scientific institutions. Patents from scientific institutions are intended to have a certain economic return on the investment made in research when the patent is transferred to industry. A bibliometric analysis was carried out using the Scopus and SciVal databases. This study analyses all the research carried out in the field of agronomy and related sciences (Agricultural and Biological Sciences category of Scopus database) by EU-27 countries, which has been cited in at least one international patent. The data show that out of about 1 million published works only about 28,000 have been used as a source of patents. This study highlights the main countries and institutions in terms of this transfer. Among these, Germany, France and Spain stand out in absolute terms, but considering the degree of specialization. Regarding their specialization the institution ranking is led by Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (58%), AgroParisTech (52%), Wageningen University & Research (48%), and INRAE (38%). It also analyses which journals used for this transfer are most important. For these publications more than 90% of the articles have had a higher-than-expected citation level for the year of publication, the type of publication and the discipline in which they are categorized. The most-obtained research fields can be distinguished as those related to genetics or mo-lecular biology, those related to specific foods, such as cheeses, milk, breads or oils, and, thirdly, the group covering food-related constituents such as caseins, probiotics, glutens, or starch.
PRNP Polymorphisms in Eight Local Goat Populations/Breeds from Central and Southern Italy
Authors: Torricelli Martina , Sebastiani Carla , Ciullo Marcella , Ceccobelli Simone , Chiappini Barbara , Vaccari Gabriele , Capocefalo Antonio , Conte Michela , Giovannini Samira , Lasagna Emiliano , Sarti Francesca Maria , Biagetti Massimo
Published: January 2021

In goats, as in sheep, genotypes of the prion protein gene (PRNP) can influence animals’ susceptibility to scrapie. Since the polymorphic codons in sheep are well known, a genetic selection plan has been implemented in Europe, in order to reduce the prevalence of susceptible genotypes to scrapie. In Italy, no breeding plan for scrapie resistance in goats has been adopted, yet. Likewise, according to the most recent modification of Regulation EU 999/2001 (Regulation EU 772/2020) of the European Commission (EU), based on all the available experimental and in field data, K222, D146 and S146 polymorphisms could be used as scrapie resistance alleles in genetic management both in scrapie outbreaks and in disease prevention. In order to collect data on the variability of PRNP, the present study aimed to analyze the sequence of the PRNP gene in eight Italian local goat populations/breeds reared in central and southern Italy (Bianca Monticellana, Capestrina, Facciuta della Valnerina, Fulva del Lazio, Garganica, Grigia Ciociara, Grigia Molisana, and Teramana), some of which were investigated for the first time; moreover, two cosmopolitan breeds (Alpine and Saanen) were included. Blood samples were collected from 219 goats. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood. DNA was used as template in PCR amplification of the entire PRNP open reading frame (ORF). Purified amplicons have been sequenced and aligned to Capra hircus PRNP. Particularly, the alleles carrying the resistance-related 222 K polymorphism occurred in all populations with a frequency between 2.5% and 12.5%. An additional resistance allele carrying the S146 variant was observed with a frequency of 3.7% only in the Alpine breed. For three of the estimated alleles, we could not establish if the found double polymorphisms in heterozygosis were in phase, due to technical limitations. In this context, in addition to selective culling in scrapie outbreaks according to the European regulation in force, in the future, selection plans could be adopted to deal with scrapie and to control its diffusion, meanwhile paying attention to preserve a high variability of PRNP.
Effects of Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) Dietary Supplementation on Laying Hens Productivity and Oxidative Status
Authors: Tufarelli Vincenzo , Baghban-Kanani Payam , Azimi-Youvalari Saba , Hosseintabar-Ghasemabad Babak , Slozhenkina Marina , Gorlov Ivan , Seidavi Alireza , Ayaşan Tugay , Laudadio Vito
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of dietary horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and spirulina (Spirulina platensis) supplementation on performance, egg quality, serum biochemical and antioxidant status of laying hens. A total of 648, 63-week-old Hy-Line W-36 layers were divided into nine groups with eight replicates per group (nine birds per replicate). A feeding trial was conducted under completely randomized design with factorial arrangement 3 × 3 consisting of three different dietary levels of horsetail supplementations (0, 0.25, and 0.50%, respectively) in combination with three levels of spirulina (0, 1, and 2%, respectively). Results showed that feed intake, egg production, egg weight and mass, and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments. Eggshell thickness, strength, and yolk color were significantly improved in diets supplemented with 0.5% horsetail and 2% spirulina and their interactions. Egg yolk cholesterol was not significantly different among groups; however, a significant reduction was found when fed 2% spirulina. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration decreased by supplementing 2% spirulina in diet; also, spirulina increased total superoxide dismutase (TSOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in laying hens. Overall, the findings indicated that the combination of horsetail and spirulina could have potential for improving the egg’s physical parameters, whereas spirulina was more effective in improving blood traits and oxidative status.
Effects of Chronic Exposure to Low Levels of Dietary Aflatoxin B1 on Growth Performance, Apparent Total Tract Digestibility and Intestinal Health in Pigs
Authors: Pu Junning , Yuan Qinghui , Yan Hui , Tian Gang , Chen Daiwen , He Jun , Zheng Ping , Yu Jie , Mao Xiangbing , Huang Zhiqing , Luo Junqiu , Luo Yuheng , Yu Bing
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to low levels of dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility and intestinal health in pigs. In a 102-day experiment, fourteen barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire, initial BW = 38.21 ± 0.45 kg) were randomly divided into control (CON, basal diet) and AFB1 groups (the basal diet supplemented with 280 μg/kg AFB1). Results revealed that the AFB1 exposure decreased the final BW, ADFI and ADG in pigs (p < 0.10). AFB1 exposure also decreased the apparent total tract digestibility of dry mater and gross energy at 50 to 75 kg and 105 to 135 kg stages, and decreased the apparent total tract digestibility of ether extract at 75 to 105 kg stage (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, AFB1 exposure increased serum diamine oxidase activity and reduced the mRNA abundance of sodium-glucose cotransporter 1, solute carrier family 7 member 1 and zonula occluden-1 in the jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05). Furthermore, AFB1 exposure decreased superoxide dismutase activity (p < 0.05) and increased 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine content (p < 0.10) in jejunal mucosa. AFB1 exposure also increased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and transforming growth factor-β mRNA abundance in jejunal mucosa and upregulated Escherichia coli population in colon (p < 0.05). The data indicated that chronic exposure to low levels of dietary AFB1 suppressed growth performance, reduced the apparent total tract digestibility and damaged intestinal barrier integrity in pigs, which could be associated with the decreased intestinal antioxidant capacity and the increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Role of JAK-STAT Pathway in Broiler Chicks Fed with Chestnut Tannins
Authors: Lee Annah , Cardoso Dal Pont Gabriela , Battaglia Michele , Arsenault Ryan J. , Kogut Michael H.
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to identify the phosphorylation events associated with host immunity with the inclusion of chestnut tannins (ChT) in the diet. A total of 200 male day-of-hatch Cobb 500 chicks were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, totaling 50 chicks per pen per experiment (this study was repeated two times). The treatments were as follows: (1) control feed—normal starter feed (n = 50), and (2) 1% ChT inclusion feed (n = 50). The ceca were collected on each necropsy day for analysis via (1) a peptide array to provide tissue immunometabolism information from the host, and (2) quantitative PCR for mRNA expression. Of the top three immune pathways, the data identified the T-cell receptor signaling pathway, the chemokine signaling pathway, and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. The results showed significantly altered phosphorylation of JAK and STAT peptides within the JAK-STAT pathway. These results support the mRNA expression data with the upregulated IL-6 response, due to the significant phosphorylation of IL6ST, JAK, and STAT peptides. In regard to immune modulation, ChT appear to influence host immunity via an IL-6 mediated response which could be beneficial in host defenses against pathogens at the early stages of broiler growth and development. Therefore, it is suggested that the role of the JAK-STAT pathway is altered by including ChT in the diet.
Proxy Measures and Novel Strategies for Estimating Nitrogen Utilisation Efficiency in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Lavery Anna , Ferris Conrad
Published: January 2021

The efficiency with which dairy cows convert dietary nitrogen (N) to milk N is generally low (typically 25%). As a result, much of the N consumed is excreted in manure, from which N can be lost to the environment. Therefore there is increasing pressure to reduce N excretion and improve N use efficiency (NUE) on dairy farms. However, assessing N excretion and NUE on farms is difficult, thus the need to develop proximate measures that can provide accurate estimates of nitrogen utilisation. This review examines a number of these proximate measures. While a strong relationship exists between blood urea N and urinary N excretion, blood sampling is an invasive technique unsuitable for regular herd monitoring. Milk urea N (MUN) can be measured non-invasively, and while strong relationships exist between dietary crude protein and MUN, and MUN and urinary N excretion, the technique has limitations. Direct prediction of NUE using mid-infrared analysis of milk has real potential, while techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy analysis of faeces and manure have received little attention. Similarly, techniques such as nitrogen isotope analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of urine, and breath ammonia analysis may all offer potential in the future, but much research is still required.
Optimal Flow—A Pilot Study Balancing Sheep Movement and Welfare in Abattoirs
Authors: Starling Melissa J. , Payne Elyssa , McGreevy Paul
Published: January 2021

Abattoirs are faced with the challenge of moving livestock efficiently through the plant, while also engaging in handling practices that assure good animal welfare. Achieving optimal outcomes for both of these goals can bring them into conflict. An additional source of conflict can arise from the design of the abattoir. These problems are compounded by the dearth of research available to inform how livestock should be handled to achieve all of these goals. We applied the concept of ‘Optimal Flow’ to describe conditions under which rate of movement is maximised while overt signs of distress in sheep are minimised. Effectively, this represents the point at which trade-offs between speed and welfare converge. The current pilot study examined the behavioural interactions between humans (n = 5), livestock herding dogs (n = 7), and sheep (n = 3235) in a large Australian abattoir to describe the factors associated with an increase or decrease in rate of sheep movement per minute. It revealed that distress behaviours in sheep were associated with dog presence and with a decrease in livestock movement rate. However, we found that as sheep density increased, there was increased livestock movement rate as well as an elevated incidence of distress behaviours. Optimal Flow at this abattoir was achieved by maintaining sheep at lower densities. Our report discusses the possible confounds in this interpretation.
Staphylococcal Biofilms: Challenges and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Kranjec Christian , Morales Angeles Danae , Torrissen Mårli Marita , Fernández Lucía , García Pilar , Kjos Morten , Diep Dzung B.
Published: January 2021

Staphylococci, like Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, are common colonizers of the human microbiota. While being harmless in many cases, many virulence factors result in them being opportunistic pathogens and one of the major causes of hospital-acquired infections worldwide. One of these virulence factors is the ability to form biofilms—three-dimensional communities of microorganisms embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS). The EPS is composed of polysaccharides, proteins and extracellular DNA, and is finely regulated in response to environmental conditions. This structured environment protects the embedded bacteria from the human immune system and decreases their susceptibility to antimicrobials, making infections caused by staphylococci particularly difficult to treat. With the rise of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci, together with difficulty in removing biofilms, there is a great need for new treatment strategies. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of our current knowledge of the stages of biofilm development and what difficulties may arise when trying to eradicate staphylococcal biofilms. Furthermore, we look into promising targets and therapeutic methods, including bacteriocins and phage-derived antibiofilm approaches.
Prevention of Autoimmune Diabetes in NOD Mice by Dimethyl Fumarate
Authors: Li Shiri , Vaziri Nosratola D. , Swentek Lourdes , Takasu Chie , Vo Kelly , Stamos Michael J. , Ricordi Camillo , Ichii Hirohito
Published: January 2021

Oxidative stress plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes. This study tested the hypothesis that by protecting β-cells against oxidative stress and inflammation, an Nrf2 activator, dimethyl fumarate (DMF), may prevent or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Firstly, islet isolation was conducted to confirm the antioxidative effects of DMF oral administration on islet cells. Secondly, in a spontaneous diabetes model, DMF (25 mg/kg) was fed to mice once daily starting at the age of 8 weeks up to the age of 22 weeks. In a cyclophosphamide-induced accelerated diabetes model, DMF (25 mg/kg) was fed to mice twice daily for 2 weeks. In the islet isolation study, DMF administration improved the isolation yield, attenuated oxidative stress and enhanced GCLC and NQO1 expression in the islets. In the spontaneous model, DMF significantly reduced the onset of diabetes compared to the control group (25% vs. 54.2%). In the accelerated model, DMF reduced the onset of diabetes from 58.3% to 16.7%. The insulitis score in the islets of the DMF treatment group (1.6 ± 0.32) was significantly lower than in the control group (3.47 ± 0.21). The serum IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-12p70, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1 and CXCL16 levels in the DMF-treated group were lower than in the control group. In conclusion, DMF may protect islet cells and reduce the incidence of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice by attenuating insulitis and proinflammatory cytokine production.
Thermogravimetric Study of Refuse Derived Fuel Produced from Municipal Solid Waste of Kazakhstan
Authors: Kuspangaliyeva Botagoz , Suleimenova Botakoz , Shah Dhawal , Sarbassov Yerbol
Published: January 2021

Efficient waste management, including proper utilization of municipal solid waste (MSW), is imperative for a sustainable future. Among several management options, pyrolysis and combustion of MSW has regained interest because of improved combustion techniques. This work aims to investigate the thermal conversion and combustion characteristics of refuse derived solid fuel (RDF) samples and its individual compounds collected from Nur-Sultan’s MSW landfills. The waste-derived solid RDF samples originally consist of textile, mixed paper, and mixed plastic. In particular, the samples, including RDF and its three constituent components, were analyzed in the temperature range of 25 to 900 °C, at three different heating rates, by thermogravimetric method. The gross calorific value for RDF derived from Nur-Sultan’s MSW was determined to be 23.4 MJ/kg. The weight loss rates of the samples, differential thermogravimetry (DTG), and kinetic analysis were compared between individual RDF components and for the mixed RDF. Combustion kinetics models were calculated using Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Friedman methods. The results revealed that first decomposition of RDF samples was observed at the range of 180–370 °C. Moreover, the activation energy for conversion of RDF was observed to be the highest among the constituent components and gradually decreased from 370 to 140 kJ/kmol.
Application of an Artificial Neural Network to Automate the Measurement of Kinematic Characteristics of Punches in Boxing
Authors: Khasanshin Ilshat
Published: January 2021

This work aimed to study the automation of measuring the speed of punches of boxers during shadow boxing using inertial measurement units (IMUs) based on an artificial neural network (ANN). In boxing, for the effective development of an athlete, constant control of the punch speed is required. However, even when using modern means of measuring kinematic parameters, it is necessary to record the circumstances under which the punch was performed: The type of punch (jab, cross, hook, or uppercut) and the type of activity (shadow boxing, single punch, or series of punches). Therefore, to eliminate errors and accelerate the process, that is, automate measurements, the use of an ANN in the form of a multilayer perceptron (MLP) is proposed. During the experiments, IMUs were installed on the boxers’ wrists. The input parameters of the ANN were the absolute acceleration and angular velocity. The experiment was conducted for three groups of boxers with different levels of training. The developed model showed a high level of punch recognition for all groups, and it can be concluded that the use of the ANN significantly accelerates the collection of data on the kinetic characteristics of boxers’ punches and allows this process to be automated.
Seismic Sequence Stratigraphic Sub-Division Using Well Logs and Seismic Data of Taranaki Basin, New Zealand
Authors: Al-Masgari Abd Al-Salam , Elsaadany Mohamed , Abdul Latiff Abdul Halim , Hermana Maman , Hamzah Umar Bin , Babikir IsmailAlwali , Adeleke Teslim , Sohail Imran Qazi , Al-Bared Mohammed Ali Mohammed
Published: January 2021

This study focuses on the sequence stratigraphy and the dominated seismic facies in the Central Taranaki basin. Four regional seismic sequences namely SEQ4 to SEQ1 from bottom to top and four boundaries representing unconformities namely H4 to H1 from bottom to top have been traced based on the reflection terminations. This was validated using well logs information. An onlapping feature on the seismic section indicates a new perspective surface separated between the upper and lower Giant formation, which indicates a period of seawater encroachment. This study focused extensively on deposition units from SEQ4 to SEQ1. The seismic facies, isochron map, and depositional environment were determined, and the system tract was established. This study was also able to propose a new perspective sequence stratigraphy framework of the basin and probable hydrocarbon accumulations and from the general geological aspect, SA-Middle Giant Formation (SEQ3) could act as potential traps.
Bio-Inspired Soft Robotics: Tunable Photo-Actuation Behavior of Azo Chromophore Containing Liquid Crystalline Elastomers
Authors: Shimoga Ganesh , Choi Dong-Soo , Kim Sang-Youn
Published: January 2021

Bio-inspiration relentlessly sparks the novel ideas to develop innovative soft robotic structures from smart materials. The conceptual soft robotic designs inspired by biomimetic routes have resulted in pioneering research contributions based on the understanding of the material selection and actuation properties. In an attempt to overcome the hazardous injuries, soft robotic systems are used subsequently to ensure safe human–robot interaction. In contrast to dielectric elastomer actuators, prolific efforts were made by understanding the photo-actuating properties of liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) containing azo-derivatives to construct mechanical structures and tiny portable robots for specific technological applications. The structure and material properties of these stimuli-responsive polymers can skillfully be controlled by light. In this short technical note, we highlight the potential high-tech importance and the photo-actuation behavior of some remarkable LCEs with azobenzene chromophores.
Weekly and Longitudinal Element Variability in Hair Samples of Subjects Non-Occupationally Exposed
Authors: Avino Pasquale , Lammardo Monica , Petrucci Andrea , Rosada Alberto
Published: January 2021

Hair is an ideal tissue for tracing the human health conditions. It can be cut easily and painlessly, and the relative clinical results can give an indication of mineral status and toxic metal accumulation following long-term or even acute exposure. Different authors have found outdoor pollution phenomena, such as the levels, significantly alter metal and metalloid hair contents. This paper investigates the element concentration variability in hair samples collected from a not-exposed teenager, neither environmentally nor professionally. The sampling was carried out for one week, and the samples were collected from different locations on the scalp. A nuclear analytical methodology, i.e., the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, is used for determining about 30 elements. Some differences have been found among the samplings as well as between the proximal and distal sections. A deep comparison with other similar studies worldwide present in the literature has been performed for evidencing the relationships and the differences due to different ethnical origins, lifestyles, diets, and climates among the different young populations.
Real-Time Extensive Livestock Monitoring Using LPWAN Smart Wearable and Infrastructure
Authors: Casas Roberto , Hermosa Arturo , Marco Álvaro , Blanco Teresa , Zarazaga-Soria Francisco Javier
Published: January 2021

Extensive unsupervised livestock farming is a habitual technique in many places around the globe. Animal release can be done for months, in large areas and with different species packing and behaving very differently. Nevertheless, the farmer’s needs are similar: where livestock is (and where has been) and how healthy they are. The geographical areas involved usually have difficult access with harsh orography and lack of communications infrastructure. This paper presents the design of a solution for extensive livestock monitoring in these areas. Our proposal is based in a wearable equipped with inertial sensors, global positioning system and wireless communications; and a Low-Power Wide Area Network infrastructure that can run with and without internet connection. Using adaptive analysis and data compression, we provide real-time monitoring and logging of cattle’s position and activities. Hardware and firmware design achieve very low energy consumption allowing months of battery life. We have thoroughly tested the devices in different laboratory setups and evaluated the system performance in real scenarios in the mountains and in the forest.
Calculation of Agro-Climatic Factors from Global Climatic Data
Authors: Jedlička Karel , Valeš Jiří , Hájek Pavel , Kepka Michal , Pitoňák Martin
Published: January 2021

This manuscript aims to create large-scale calculations of agro-climatic factors from global climatic data with high granularity-climatic ERA5-Land dataset from the Copernicus Climate Change Service in particular. First, we analyze existing approaches used for agro-climatic factor calculation and formulate a frame for our calculations. Then we describe the design of our methods for calculation and visualization of certain agro-climatic factors. We then run two case studies. Firstly, the case study of Kojčice validates the uncertainty of input data by in-situ sensors. Then, the case study of the Pilsen region presents certain agro-climatic factors calculated for a representative point of the area and visualizes their time-variability in graphs. Maps represent a spatial distribution of the chosen factors for the Pilsen region. The calculated agro-climatic factors are frost dates, frost-free periods, growing degree units, heat stress units, number of growing days, number of optimal growing days, dates of fall nitrogen application, precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff sums together as water balance and solar radiation. The algorithms are usable anywhere in the world, especially in temperate and subtropical zones.
High Voltage Ride through Strategy of Wind Farm Considering Generator Terminal Voltage Distribution
Authors: Qin Yanhui , Cao Zeyu , Yang Zhichao , Gao Bingtuan , Dong Xuetao
Published: January 2021

When wind power is transmitted via high-voltage direct current (HVDC), the problem of high-voltage ride-through (HVRT), caused by direct-current (DC) blocking must be seriously taken into account. All the wind turbines in a wind farm are usually equivalent to a single turbine in the existing research on HVRT, which ignores the generator terminal voltage distribution in a wind farm. In view of the fact that the severity of fault voltage felt by each wind turbine in the field is different, an improved HVRT strategy considering voltage distribution is proposed in this article. First, this article analyzes the mechanism of voltage swell failure caused by DC blocking, and the characteristics of the generator terminal voltage distribution in wind farms. Second, the reactive power characteristic equations of the synchronous condenser and the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) are derived. Third, based on the extraction of the key node voltage, this article takes the key node voltage as the compensation target, and put forwards a HVRT strategy combining the synchronous condenser and wind turbine. Finally, the simulation is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in improving the HVRT capability of all wind turbines.
A Fault Diagnosis and Visualization Method for High-Speed Train Based on Edge and Cloud Collaboration
Authors: Zhang Kunlin , Huang Wei , Hou Xiaoyu , Xu Jihui , Su Ruidan , Xu Huaiyu
Published: January 2021

Safety is the most important aspect of railway transportation. To ensure the safety of high-speed trains, various train components are equipped with sensor devices for real-time monitoring. Sensor monitoring data can be used for fast intelligent diagnosis and accurate positioning of train faults. However, existing train fault diagnosis technology based on cloud computing has disadvantages of long processing times and high consumption of computing resources, which conflict with the real-time response requirements of fault diagnosis. Aiming at the problems of train fault diagnosis in the cloud environment, this paper proposes a train fault diagnosis model based on edge and cloud collaboration. The model first utilizes a SAES-DNN (stacked auto-encoders deep neural network) fault recognition method, which can integrate automatic feature extraction and type recognition and complete fault classification over deep hidden features in high-dimensional data, so as to quickly locate faults. Next, to adapt to the characteristics of edge computing, the model applies a SAES-DNN model trained in the cloud and deployed in the edge via the transfer learning strategy and carries out real-time fault diagnosis on the vehicle sensor monitoring data. Using a motor fault as an example, when compared with a similar intelligent learning model, the proposed intelligent fault diagnosis model can greatly improve diagnosis accuracy and significantly reduce training time. Through the transfer learning approach, adaptability of the fault diagnosis algorithm for personalized applications and real-time performance of the fault diagnosis is enhanced. This paper also proposes a visual analysis method of train fault data based on knowledge graphs, which can effectively analyze fault causes and fault correlation.
Development of Building CFD Model Design Process Based on BIM
Authors: Lee Minhyung , Park Gwanyong , Jang Hyangin , Kim Changmin
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes the design process of optimized building Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model based on Building Information Modelling (BIM). The proposed method consists of five-step processes: BIM data extraction, geometry simplification, grid optimization, attribute data matching, and finally, exporting a CFD case folder for OpenFOAM. Validation is performed to evaluate the improvement of the grid model and the accuracy of the simulation result. Validation is conducted for four indoor ventilation models. The number of grids increased or decreased, according to the optimization method, but did not change significantly. On the other hand, the maximum non-orthogonality improved by up to 20.78%, according to the optimization function. This proves that it is sufficiently effective in improving the grid quality. The accuracy of the proposed method is evaluated by relative error rate with the ANSYS simulation result. The error rates for flow and temperature are evaluated. The relative error rate is less than 5% under all conditions. Therefore, the accuracy of the proposed method is verified.
Software Architecture for Autonomous and Coordinated Navigation of UAV Swarms in Forest and Urban Firefighting
Authors: Madridano Ángel , Al-Kaff Abdulla , Flores Pablo , Martín David , de la Escalera Arturo
Published: January 2021

Advances in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have led to an exponential increase in their market, thanks to the development of innovative technological solutions aimed at a wide range of applications and services, such as emergencies and those related to fires. In addition, the expansion of this market has been accompanied by the birth and growth of the so-called UAV swarms. Currently, the expansion of these systems is due to their properties in terms of robustness, versatility, and efficiency. Along with these properties there is an aspect, which is still a field of study, such as autonomous and cooperative navigation of these swarms. In this paper we present an architecture that includes a set of complementary methods that allow the establishment of different control layers to enable the autonomous and cooperative navigation of a swarm of UAVs. Among the different layers, there are a global trajectory planner based on sampling, algorithms for obstacle detection and avoidance, and methods for autonomous decision making based on deep reinforcement learning. The paper shows satisfactory results for a line-of-sight based algorithm for global path planner trajectory smoothing in 2D and 3D. In addition, a novel method for autonomous navigation of UAVs based on deep reinforcement learning is shown, which has been tested in 2 different simulation environments with promising results about the use of these techniques to achieve autonomous navigation of UAVs.
High-Resolution Modelling of Thermal Exposure during a Hot Spell: A Case Study Using PALM-4U in Prague, Czech Republic
Authors: Geletič Jan , Lehnert Michal , Krč Pavel , Resler Jaroslav , Krayenhoff Eric Scott
Published: January 2021

The modelling of thermal exposure in outdoor urban environments is a highly topical challenge in modern climate research. This paper presents the results derived from a new micrometeorological model that employs an integrated biometeorology module to model Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). This is PALM-4U, which includes an integrated human body-shape parameterization, deployed herein for a pilot domain in Prague, Czech Republic. The results highlight the key role of radiation in the spatiotemporal variability of thermal exposure in moderate-climate urban areas during summer days in terms of the way in which this directly affects thermal comfort through radiant temperature and indirectly through the complexity of turbulence in street canyons. The model simulations suggest that the highest thermal exposure may be expected within street canyons near the irradiated north sides of east–west streets and near streets oriented north–south. Heat exposure in streets increases in proximity to buildings with reflective paints. The lowest heat exposure during the day may be anticipated in tree-shaded courtyards. The cooling effect of trees may range from 4 °C to 9 °C in UTCI, and the cooling effect of grass in comparison with artificial paved surfaces in open public places may be from 2 °C to 5 °C UTCI. In general terms, this study illustrates that the PALM modelling system provides a new perspective on the spatiotemporal differentiation of thermal exposure at the pedestrian level; it may therefore contribute to more climate-sensitive urban planning.
Estimating Background Values of Potentially Toxic Elements Accumulated in Moss: A Case Study from Switzerland
Authors: Loppi Stefano , Kosonen Zaida , Meier Mario
Published: January 2021

Although the use of moss as biomonitor of air pollution is relatively simple, the interpretation of the data needs reference values. Background values for Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn accumulated in moss samples from Switzerland, collected every five years from 1995 to 2015 in the framework of the European Moss Survey, were statistically estimated. These background values can be used as reference for the assessment of spatial and temporal trends, to be expressed in terms of bioaccumulation ratios with actual values. The use of annual background values is of great importance to identify spatial trends, while period-wide background values identify temporal trends. The latter are consistent with those reported in other comprehensive similar biomonitoring studies in Europe and are required to be updated in time, possibly every five years. The use of cutoff values to be used as benchmark for bioaccumulation ratios is invaluable in having a scale for assessing ecological quality.
Air Pollution Modeling: Local, Regional, and Global-Scale Applications
Authors: Itahashi Syuichi
Published: January 2021

The Atmosphere Special Issue entitled “Air Pollution Modeling: Local, Regional, and Global-Scale Applications” comprises nine original papers [...]
Mucociliary Respiratory Epithelium Integrity in Molecular Defense and Susceptibility to Pulmonary Viral Infections
Authors: Adivitiya  , Kaushik Manish Singh , Chakraborty Soura , Veleri Shobi , Kateriya Suneel
Published: January 2021

Mucociliary defense, mediated by the ciliated and goblet cells, is fundamental to respiratory fitness. The concerted action of ciliary movement on the respiratory epithelial surface and the pathogen entrapment function of mucus help to maintain healthy airways. Consequently, genetic or acquired defects in lung defense elicit respiratory diseases and secondary microbial infections that inflict damage on pulmonary function and may even be fatal. Individuals living with chronic and acute respiratory diseases are more susceptible to develop severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) illness and hence should be proficiently managed. In light of the prevailing pandemic, we review the current understanding of the respiratory system and its molecular components with a major focus on the pathophysiology arising due to collapsed respiratory epithelium integrity such as abnormal ciliary movement, cilia loss and dysfunction, ciliated cell destruction, and changes in mucus rheology. The review includes protein interaction networks of coronavirus infection-manifested implications on the molecular machinery that regulates mucociliary clearance. We also provide an insight into the alteration of the transcriptional networks of genes in the nasopharynx associated with the mucociliary clearance apparatus in humans upon infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.
Molecular Mechanisms of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Regulated by ERK5 Signaling
Authors: Bhatt Akshita B. , Patel Saloni , Matossian Margarite D. , Ucar Deniz A. , Miele Lucio , Burow Matthew E. , Flaherty Patrick T. , Cavanaugh Jane E.
Published: January 2021

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK5) is an essential regulator of cancer progression, tumor relapse, and poor patient survival. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex oncogenic process, which drives cell invasion, stemness, and metastases. Activators of ERK5, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 5 (MEK5), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), are known to induce EMT and metastases in breast, lung, colorectal, and other cancers. Several downstream targets of the ERK5 pathway, such as myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2c (MEF2C), activator protein-1 (AP-1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and c-Myc, play a critical role in the regulation of EMT transcription factors SNAIL, SLUG, and β-catenin. Moreover, ERK5 activation increases the release of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), facilitating breakdown of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and local tumor invasion. Targeting the ERK5 signaling pathway using small molecule inhibitors, microRNAs, and knockdown approaches decreases EMT, cell invasion, and metastases via several mechanisms. The focus of the current review is to highlight the mechanisms which are known to mediate cancer EMT via ERK5 signaling. Several therapeutic approaches that can be undertaken to target the ERK5 pathway and inhibit or reverse EMT and metastases are discussed.
The Critical Role of Small RNAs in Regulating Plant Innate Immunity
Authors: Waheed Saquib , Anwar Muhammad , Saleem Muhammad Asif , Wu Jinsong , Tayyab Muhammad , Hu Zhangli
Published: January 2021

Plants, due to their sessile nature, have an innate immune system that helps them to defend against different pathogen infections. The defense response of plants is composed of a highly regulated and complex molecular network, involving the extensive reprogramming of gene expression during the presence of pathogenic molecular signatures. Plants attain proper defense against pathogens through the transcriptional regulation of genes encoding defense regulatory proteins and hormone signaling pathways. Small RNAs are emerging as versatile regulators of plant development and act in different tiers of plant immunity, including pathogen-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI). The versatile regulatory functions of small RNAs in plant growth and development and response to biotic and abiotic stresses have been widely studied in recent years. However, available information regarding the contribution of small RNAs in plant immunity against pathogens is more limited. This review article will focus on the role of small RNAs in innate immunity in plants.
Protein Export via the Type III Secretion System of the Bacterial Flagellum
Authors: Halte Manuel , Erhardt Marc
Published: January 2021

The bacterial flagellum and the related virulence-associated injectisome system of pathogenic bacteria utilize a type III secretion system (T3SS) to export substrate proteins across the inner membrane in a proton motive force-dependent manner. The T3SS is composed of an export gate (FliPQR/FlhA/FlhB) located in the flagellar basal body and an associated soluble ATPase complex in the cytoplasm (FliHIJ). Here, we summarise recent insights into the structure, assembly and protein secretion mechanisms of the T3SS with a focus on energy transduction and protein transport across the cytoplasmic membrane.
Kaempferitrin-Treated HepG2 Differentially Expressed Exosomal Markers and Affect Extracellular Vesicle Sizes in the Secretome
Authors: Ku Wei-Chi , Sridharan Badrinathan , Chen Jiann-Yeu , Li Jen-Ying , Yang Shu-Yu , Lee Meng-Jen
Published: January 2021

Kaempferitrin is extracted in significantly high quantities from the leaves of Cinnamomum osmophloeum, which belongs to a group of plant species that comes under the genus Cinnamomum, well-known for its established anti-diabetic property in Chinese medicine. Oral administration of kaempferitrin and Cinnamomum osmophloeum extract reduced blood sugar in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and improved the lipid profile in hamsters respectively. In this paper we studied the differential protein expression profile using mass spectrometry approach in the kaempferitrin-treated conditioned medium of liver cancer cell line HepG2. We discovered that 33 genes were up/down-regulated consistently between two biological samples. A slightly different version of the analysis software selected 28 genes, and the final 18 genes that appeared in both lists were selected. Interestingly, 5 proteins out of 18 were either exosomal markers or reported in high frequency of occurrence in exosome/secreted vesicles. We also examined the extracellular particles with atomic force microscopy (AFM), which showed that the conditioned medium of kaempferitrin treated had larger vesicles and fewer small vesicles. Expression of some lipid-regulating genes were also altered. Our data suggested that extracellular vesicle secretions may be regulated by kaempferitrin, and regulation of lipid profile by kampeferitrin involves multiple mechanisms.