bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Going Wild in the City—Animal Feralization and Its Impacts on Biodiversity in Urban Environments
Authors: Göttert Thomas , Perry Gad
Published: February 2023

Domestication describes a range of changes to wild species as they are increasingly brought under human selection and husbandry. Feralization is the process whereby a species leaves the human sphere and undergoes increasing natural selection in a wild context, which may or may not be geographically adjacent to where the originator wild species evolved prior to domestication. Distinguishing between domestic, feral, and wild species can be difficult, since some populations of so-called “wild species” are at least partly descended from domesticated “populations” (e.g., junglefowl, European wild sheep) and because transitions in both directions are gradual rather than abrupt. In urban settings, prior selection for coexistence with humans provides particular benefit for a domestic organism that undergoes feralization. One risk is that such taxa can become invasive not just at the site of release/escape but far away. As humanity becomes increasingly urban and pristine environments rapidly diminish, we believe that feralized populations also hold conservation value.
The Effect of Placement and Group Size on the Use of an Automated Brush by Groups of Lactating Dairy Cattle
Authors: Foris Borbala , Sadrzadeh Negar , Krahn Joseph , Weary Daniel M. , von Keyserlingk Marina A. G.
Published: February 2023

Mechanical brushes are often provided on dairy farms to facilitate grooming. However, current brush designs do not provide data on their use, and thus little is known about the effects of group size and placement of brushes within the pen. The objectives of this study were to automatically detect brush use in cow groups and to investigate the influence of (1) group size and the corresponding cow-to-brush ratio and (2) brush placement in relation to the lying stalls and the feeding and drinking areas. We measured brush use in groups of 60, 48, 36, and 24 cows, with the brush placed either in the alley adjacent to the feed bunk and water trough or in the back alley. Cows used the brush for longer when it was placed in the feed/water alley compared to when placed in the back alley. Average brush use per cow increased when cows were housed in smaller groups, but the brush was never in use more than 50% of the day, regardless of group size. We conclude that brush use increases when availability is increased and when the brush is placed closer to the feed and water.
Subpopulations in Strains of Staphylococcus aureus Provide Antibiotic Tolerance
Authors: Mashayamombe Matipaishe , Carda-Diéguez Miguel , Mira Alex , Fitridge Robert , Zilm Peter S. , Kidd Stephen P.
Published: February 2023

The ability of Staphylococcus aureus to colonise different niches across the human body is linked to an adaptable metabolic capability, as well as its ability to persist within specific tissues despite adverse conditions. In many cases, as S. aureus proliferates within an anatomical niche, there is an associated pathology. The immune response, together with medical interventions such as antibiotics, often removes the S. aureus cells that are causing this disease. However, a common issue in S. aureus infections is a relapse of disease. Within infected tissue, S. aureus exists as a population of cells, and it adopts a diversity of cell types. In evolutionary biology, the concept of “bet-hedging” has established that even in positive conditions, there are members that arise within a population that would be present as non-beneficial, but if those conditions change, these traits could allow survival. For S. aureus, some of these cells within an infection have a reduced fitness, are not rapidly proliferating or are the cause of an active host response and disease, but these do remain even after the disease seems to have been cleared. This is true for persistence against immune responses but also as a continual presence in spite of antibiotic treatment. We propose that the constant arousal of suboptimal populations at any timepoint is a key strategy for S. aureus long-term infection and survival. Thus, understanding the molecular basis for this feature could be instrumental to combat persistent infections.
Genomic Evidence for Direct Transmission of mecC-MRSA between a Horse and Its Veterinarian
Authors: Albert Ervin , Sahin-Tóth Judit , Horváth Andrea , Papp Márton , Biksi Imre , Dobay Orsolya
Published: February 2023

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bearing the mecC gene (mecC-MRSA) has been reported from animals and humans in recent years. This study describes the first mecC-MRSA isolates of human and equine origin in Hungary (two isolates from horses and one from a veterinarian, who treated one of the infected horses, but was asymptomatic). MRSA isolates were identified by cultivation and PCR detection of the species-specific spa gene and mecA/mecC methicillin resistance genes. The isolates were characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing, MLST, spa, SCCmec typing, PFGE and whole genome sequencing (WGS). All three isolates belonged to the ST130-t843-SCCmec XI genotype, and carried the mecC and blaZ genes. Apart from beta-lactam drugs, they were sensitive to all tested antibiotics. The isolates of the infected horse and its veterinarian had the same PFGE pulsotype and showed only slight differences with WGS. Hence, this is the first description of direct transmission of a mecC-carrying MRSA between a horse and its veterinarian. The emergence of mecC in the country highlights the importance of the appropriate diagnostics in MRSA identification.
Trends in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) Bacteremia during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ng Qin Xiang , Ong Natasha Yixuan , Lee Dawn Yi Xin , Yau Chun En , Lim Yu Liang , Kwa Andrea Lay Hoon , Tan Ban Hock
Published: February 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is among the most common pathogens associated with healthcare-acquired infections, and is often antibiotic resistant, causing significant morbidity and mortality in cases of P. aeruginosa bacteremia. It remains unclear how the incidence of P. aeruginosa bacteremia changed during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with studies showing almost contradictory conclusions despite enhanced infection control practices during the pandemic. This systematic review sought to examine published reports with incidence rates for P. aeruginosa bacteremia during (defined as from March 2020 onwards) and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic literature search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and performed in Cochrane, Embase, and Medline with combinations of the key words (pseudomonas aeruginosa OR PAE) AND (incidence OR surveillance), from database inception until 1 December 2022. Based on the pre-defined inclusion criteria, a total of eight studies were eligible for review. Prior to the pandemic, the prevalence of P. aeruginosa was on an uptrend. Several international reports found a slight increase in the incidence of P. aeruginosa bacteremia during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings collectively highlight the continued importance of good infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship during both pandemic and non-pandemic periods. It is important to implement effective infection prevention and control measures, including ensuring hand hygiene, stepping up environmental cleaning and disinfection efforts, and developing timely guidelines on the appropriate prescription of antibiotics.
Antimicrobial Consumption in the Livestock Sector in Bhutan: Volumes, Values, Rates, and Trends for the Period 2017–2021
Authors: Gurung Ratna B. , Zangmo Karma P. , Gilkerson James R. , Browning Glenn F. , Ferdinand Angeline S. , Coppo Mauricio J. C.
Published: February 2023

Data on the use of antimicrobials in humans and livestock may provide evidence to guide policy changes to mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, there is limited information available about antimicrobial use in livestock in low- and middle-income countries, even though these nations are most vulnerable to the impact of AMR. This study aimed to assess the consumption of veterinary antimicrobials in Bhutan and identify areas for improvement to reduce the use of antimicrobials in livestock. National data on livestock numbers and annual procurement of veterinary antimicrobials over five years (2017–2021) were used to calculate rates of antimicrobial consumption and annual national expenditure on veterinary antimicrobials in Bhutan. The rate of antimicrobial consumption in Bhutan was 3.83 mg per population correction unit, which is lower than most countries in Europe, comparable with the rates of consumption in Iceland and Norway, and approximately 120-fold lower than published rates of antimicrobial consumption in South Asian countries, including Nepal and Pakistan. The low rates of antimicrobial consumption by the animal health sector in Bhutan could be attributable to stronger governance of antimicrobial use in Bhutan, higher levels of compliance with regulation, and better adherence to standard guidelines for antimicrobial treatment of livestock.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Immunosuppressed Patients
Authors: Kreitmann Louis , Gaudet Alexandre , Nseir Saad
Published: February 2023

Immunocompromised patients—including patients with cancer, hematological malignancies, solid organ transplants and individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapies for autoimmune diseases—account for an increasing proportion of critically-ill patients. While their prognosis has improved markedly in the last decades, they remain at increased risk of healthcare- and intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections. The most frequent of these are ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infections (VA-LTRI), which include ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and tracheobronchitis (VAT). Recent studies have shed light on some of the specific features of VAP and VAT in immunocompromised patients, which is the subject of this narrative review. Contrary to previous belief, the incidence of VAP and VAT might actually be lower in immunocompromised than non-immunocompromised patients. Further, the relationship between immunosuppression and the incidence of VAP and VAT related to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has also been challenged recently. Etiological diagnosis is essential to select the most appropriate treatment, and the role of invasive sampling, specifically bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, as well as new molecular syndromic diagnostic tools will be discussed. While bacteria—especially gram negative bacteria—are the most commonly isolated pathogens in VAP and VAT, several opportunistic pathogens are a special concern among immunocompromised patients, and must be included in the diagnostic workup. Finally, the impact of immunosuppression on VAP and VAT outcomes will be examined in view of recent papers using improved statistical methodologies and treatment options—more specifically empirical antibiotic regimens—will be discussed in light of recent findings on the epidemiology of MDR bacteria in this population.
Characterization of Maternal Circulating MicroRNAs in Obese Pregnancies and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Serati Anaïs , Novielli Chiara , Anelli Gaia Maria , Mandalari Maria , Parisi Francesca , Cetin Irene , Paleari Renata , Mandò Chiara
Published: February 2023

Maternal obesity (MO) is expanding worldwide, contributing to the onset of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). MO and GDM are associated with adverse maternal and foetal outcomes, with short- and long-term complications. Growing evidence suggests that MO and GDM are characterized by epigenetic alterations contributing to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. In this pilot study, plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) of obese pregnant women with/without GDM were profiled at delivery. Nineteen women with spontaneous singleton pregnancies delivering by elective Caesarean section were enrolled: seven normal-weight (NW), six obese without comorbidities (OB/GDM(−)), and six obese with GDM (OB/GDM(+)). miRNA profiling with miRCURY LNA PCR Panel allowed the analysis of the 179 most expressed circulating miRNAs in humans. Data acquisition and statistics (GeneGlobe and SPSS software) and Pathway Enrichment Analysis (PEA) were performed. Data analysis highlighted patterns of significantly differentially expressed miRNAs between groups: OB/GDM(−) vs. NW: n = 4 miRNAs, OB/GDM(+) vs. NW: n = 1, and OB/GDM(+) vs. OB/GDM(−): n = 14. For each comparison, PEA revealed pathways associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as with nutrients and hormones metabolism. Indeed, miRNAs analysis may help to shed light on the complex epigenetic network regulating metabolic pathways in both the mother and the foeto-placental unit. Future investigations are needed to deepen the pregnancy epigenetic landscape in MO and GDM.
Cardiac Hepatopathy: New Perspectives on Old Problems through a Prism of Endogenous Metabolic Regulations by Hepatokines
Authors: Berezin Alexander A. , Obradovic Zeljko , Berezina Tetiana A. , Boxhammer Elke , Lichtenauer Michael , Berezin Alexander E.
Published: February 2023

Cardiac hepatopathy refers to acute or chronic liver damage caused by cardiac dysfunction in the absence of any other possible causative reasons of liver injury. There is a large number of evidence of the fact that cardiac hepatopathy is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with acute or actually decompensated heart failure (HF). However, the currently dominated pathophysiological background does not explain a role of metabolic regulative proteins secreted by hepatocytes in progression of HF, including adverse cardiac remodeling, kidney injury, skeletal muscle dysfunction, osteopenia, sarcopenia and cardiac cachexia. The aim of this narrative review was to accumulate knowledge of hepatokines (adropin; fetuin-A, selenoprotein P, fibroblast growth factor-21, and alpha-1-microglobulin) as adaptive regulators of metabolic homeostasis in patients with HF. It is suggested that hepatokines play a crucial, causative role in inter-organ interactions and mediate tissue protective effects counteracting oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and necrosis. The discriminative potencies of hepatokines for HF and damage of target organs in patients with known HF is under on-going scientific discussion and requires more investigations in the future.
The Impact of Whole-Body Cryotherapy on Endothelium Parameters in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Stanek Agata , Romuk Ewa , Wielkoszyński Tomasz , Brożyna-Tkaczyk Klaudia , Wziątek-Kuczmik Daria , Cholewka Armand
Published: February 2023

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) with subsequent exercise training (WBC group) or exercise-only training (ET group) on endothelium inflammation parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: The WBC procedure lasted 3 min, and exercise training consisted of one 60 min session a day, which was the same in each group. The ET group was compared to the WBC group. Endothelium (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), soluble P-Selectin, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), neopterin), and oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxide (LHP), protein sulfhydryl (PSH), lipofuscin, paraoxonase-1(PON-1), and albumin) parameters were estimated 1 day before and 1 day after the completion of the study. Results: A significant decrease in hsCRP, sP-Selectin, sVCAM-1, and neopterin concentrations was observed in the WBC group after the treatment. After the treatment, in both groups, LHP and lipofuscin levels and PON-1 activity decreased significantly. The observed drop in these parameters was higher in the WBC group compared to the ET group. Albumin concentration increased in the WBC group after treatment. Conclusion: Procedures of WBC have a beneficial effect on endothelium parameters in AS patients; therefore, this method can be applied in the treatment of this group of patients.
Development and Evaluation of a Novel-Thymol@Natural-Zeolite/Low-Density-Polyethylene Active Packaging Film: Applications for Pork Fillets Preservation
Authors: Salmas Constantinos E. , Giannakas Aris E. , Karabagias Vassilios K. , Moschovas Dimitrios , Karabagias Ioannis K. , Gioti Christina , Georgopoulos Stavros , Leontiou Areti , Kehayias George , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Proestos Charalampos
Published: February 2023

Sustainability, the circular economy, and the “greenhouse” effect have led the food packaging industry to use naturally available bio-compounds. The integration of such compounds in packaging films increases food safety and extends food shelf-life. The development of an active/antioxidant packaging film based on the widely commercially used low-density polyethylene, natural zeolite, and Thymol, a natural extract from thyme oil, is presented in this work. The obtained active films were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry techniques. The tensile strength, water–oxygen barrier properties, and total antioxidant activity were measured. Low-density polyethylene incorporated with Thymol@Natural Zeolite at a proportion of 15 wt% was the most promising material and was used as film to wrap-up pork fillets. The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method and heme iron measurements indicated a delayed lipids oxidation using this film. A linear correlation between the TBA method and heme iron values seems to be established, which could result in a fast method to determine the degree of lipid oxidation in pork fillets. Finally, a two-stage diffusion process during Thymol release was observed, and the values of the diffusion coefficient was 2.09 × 10−7 and 1.21 × 10−8 cm2/s for each stage. The applied pseudo-second sorption model provided a rate constant k2 = 0.01647 (s−1). These results indicate the strong potential of such films to be used as food packaging materials free of E-number preservatives.
Radical Scavenging Potential of Ginkgolides and Bilobalide: Insight from Molecular Modeling
Authors: Zeppilli Davide , Ribaudo Giovanni , Pompermaier Nicola , Madabeni Andrea , Bortoli Marco , Orian Laura
Published: February 2023

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacities of ginkgolides and bilobalide, which are the peculiar constituents of the extract of Ginkgo biloba, are investigated in silico (level of theory: (SMD)-M06-2X/6-311+G(d,p)//M06-2X/6-31G(d)). Unlike other popular antioxidant natural substances, the carbon backbones of these compounds are entirely aliphatic and exclusively single C–C bonds are present. The selectivity for alkoxyl radicals via hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) is assessed; importantly, the scavenging of peroxyl radicals is also possible from a peculiar site, here labeled C10 both for ginkgolides and bilobalide. The energetics are described in detail, and the analysis discloses that the studied compounds are powerful scavengers, with thermodynamic and kinetic properties similar to those of Trolox and melatonin, and that, in addition, they display selectivity for peroxyl radicals. These are all chemical-reactivity features contributing to the therapeutic action of the extract of G. biloba.
Response of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant System in Pea Plants Exposed to Drought and Boron Nanoparticles
Authors: Sutulienė Rūta , Brazaitytė Aušra , Małek Stanisław , Jasik Michał , Samuolienė Giedrė
Published: February 2023

Pea plants are sensitive to water shortages, making them less attractive to farmers. Hoping to reduce the adverse effects of drought on peas and considering the benefits of boron, this study aimed to investigate the impact of boron nanoparticles on the antioxidant system and oxidative stress biomarkers in drought-stressed peas. Experiments were performed in a greenhouse. Pea plants were treated with a suspension of B2O3 nanoparticles at 12.5, 25, and 50 ppm concentrations before ten days of water shortage. Drought effects were induced by maintaining 30% substrate moisture. This study investigated the properties of the nanoparticle suspension and different application methods for spraying and watering pea plants. The effects of B2O3 nanoparticles and drought were determined on pea growth indicators, oxidative stress biomarkers, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Spraying with B2O3 nanoparticles at 12.5 ppm most effectively stimulated phenol accumulation; FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS antioxidant capacity; and APX, SOD, GPX, and CAT enzyme activity in pea leaves exposed to drought. In addition, B2O3 nanoparticles reduced the amount of MDA and H2O2 in pea plants grown on a substrate with insufficient moisture. The most substantial positive effect was found on peas affected by drought after spraying them with 12.5 ppm of B2O3 nanoparticles. B2O3 nanoparticles positively affected the pea height, leaf area, number of nodules, and yield.
Copper Exposure Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Fibrotic Change via Autophagy and Increase Risk of Lung Fibrosis in Human
Authors: Chiou Hsin-Ying Clair , Wang Chih-Wen , Chen Szu-Chia , Tsai Mei-Lan , Lin Ming-Hong , Hung Chih-Hsing , Kuo Chao-Hung
Published: February 2023

Copper is an essential trace element involved in several vital biological processes of the human body. However, excess exposure to copper caused by occupational hazards and environmental contamination, such as food, water, and air, damages human health. In this study, in vitro cell culture model and epidemiologic studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of copper on lung fibrosis. In vitro, treatment of CuSO4 in lung epithelial cells at 100 μM consistently decreases cell viability in alveolar type (A549) and human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. CuSO4 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as shown by increased cell migration and increased EMT marker and fibrotic gene expressions. Besides, CuSO4 induced cell autophagy, with an increased LC3, PINK, and decreased p62 expression. Inhibition of ROS by N-acetylcysteine reversed the CuSO4-induced PINK1, LC3, and Snail expressions. Inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine reverses the CuSO4-induced EMT changes. Nature flavonoids, especially kaempferol, and fustin, were shown to inhibit Copper-induced EMT. In humans, a unit increase in urinary copper concentration was significantly associated with an increased risk of lung fibrotic changes (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.36, p = 0.038). These results indicated that Copper is a risk factor for lung fibrosis through activation of the ROS-autophagy-EMT pathway, which can be reversed by flavonoids.
Coenzyme Q10 and Dementia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jiménez-Jiménez Félix Javier , Alonso-Navarro Hortensia , García-Martín Elena , Agúndez José A. G.
Published: February 2023

It is well known that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has important antioxidant properties. Because one of the main mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases is oxidative stress, analysis of the concentrations of CoQ10 in different tissues of AD patients and with other dementia syndromes and the possible therapeutic role of CoQ10 in AD have been addressed in several studies. We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis of these studies measuring tissue CoQ10 levels in patients with dementia and controls which showed that, compared with controls, AD patients had similar serum/plasma CoQ10 levels. We also revised the possible therapeutic effects of CoQ10 in experimental models of AD and other dementias (which showed important neuroprotective effects of coenzyme Q10) and in humans with AD, other dementias, and mild cognitive impairment (with inconclusive results). The potential role of CoQ10 treatment in AD and in improving memory in aged rodents shown in experimental models deserves future studies in patients with AD, other causes of dementia, and mild cognitive impairment.
Association of Funisitis with Short-Term Outcomes of Prematurity: A Frequentist and Bayesian Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hundscheid Tamara Maria , Huizing Maurice Jacob , Villamor-Martinez Eduardo , Bartoš František , Villamor Eduardo
Published: February 2023

The fetal systemic inflammatory response associated with intra-amniotic inflammation may play a key role in the pathogenesis of complications of preterm birth. Funisitis is the histologic equivalent of the fetal inflammatory response, whereas chorioamnionitis represents a maternal inflammatory response. We conducted a frequentist and Bayesian model average (BMA) meta-analysis of studies investigating the effects of funisitis on short-term outcomes of prematurity. Thirty-three studies (12,237 infants with gestational age ≤ 34 weeks) were included. Frequentist meta-analysis showed that funisitis was associated with an increased risk of any bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), moderate/severe BPD, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), any sepsis, early-onset sepsis (EOS), and mortality. However, Bayesian meta-analysis showed that the evidence in favor of the alternative hypothesis (i.e., funisitis is associated with an increased risk of developing the outcome) was strong for any IVH, moderate for severe IVH and EOS, and weak for the other outcomes. When the control group was restricted to infants having chorioamnionitis without funisitis, the only outcome associated with funisitis was any IVH. In conclusion, our data suggest that the presence of funisitis does not add an additional risk to preterm birth when compared to chorioamnionitis in the absence of fetal inflammatory response.
Frontiers in Freshwater Ecology, Conservation and Water Treatment Technologies
Authors: Antão-Geraldes Ana M. , Calheiros Cristina Sousa Coutinho
Published: February 2023

Freshwater ecosystems are biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and offer a wide range of vital services to humanity, particularly water and food supplies, aesthetic, spiritual, and scientific stimuli, and water purification [...]
Relationship between Cyber Security and Civil Protection in the Greek Reality
Authors: Kalogiannidis Stavros , Paschalidou Maria , Kalfas Dimitrios , Chatzitheodoridis Fotios
Published: February 2023

The links between cybersecurity and civil protection in the last decades became strong due to the rapid increase in the use of Informatics Technologies (IT) worldwide and the need to increase citizens’ protection from various disasters and uncertainties. The objective of the present study is to explore the role of cyber security in enhancing civil protection in Greek reality. Methodologically, the study has been based on a survey with a sample of 345 executives of IT companies in Greece by using a structured questionnaire. The basic results of the research study showed that cyber security technologies positively affect civil protection, cybercrime reduction practices have a positive influence on civil protection, and there is a significant relationship between the government’s role in cyber security and civil protection. Cybersecurity also may have a significant influence on the principles of emergency operations: prevention, mitigation, preparation, response, or emergency evacuation and recovery. The main conclusion from the study is that it is very important for public and private agencies in Greece, as well as in the rest of Europe, to embrace new emerging cybersecurity technologies to help enhance cyber security and civil protection. Potential vulnerabilities in cybersecurity pose substantial risks to the effectiveness and efficiency of such critical infrastructure and directly impact the functioning of states, economies, and societies.
Mueller Matrix Decomposition and Image for Non-Destructive Testing of UAVs Skin
Authors: Li Hongzhe , Li Lin , Yu Xiaolei , Meng Delong , Gu Ciyong , Liu Zhenlu , Zhao Zhimin
Published: February 2023

Recently, Mueller matrix polarimetry (MMP) has been widely applied in many aspects, such as radar target decomposition, monitoring the glucose level, tissue diagnostics, biological samples, etc., but it is still challenging for the complex light–matter interactions of rough surfaces and non-uniform structures such as 3D composite materials. In this work, a unitary matrix-based Mueller matrix decomposition (UMMMD) is proposed for non-destructive testing (NDT) of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) skin. The decomposition model is constructed by the unitary matrix transformation of coherency matrices. In the model, the non-uniform depolarization caused by multiple scattering is quantified with the depolarization matrix and the entropy. From this model, the Mueller matrix of multiple scattering media can be completely decomposed. The proposed method can provide more polarization information than some traditional methods for multiple scattering under different polarization states. The contrast of the obtained polarization image can be improved by about 13 times compared to that of the original image. In addition, the key features of UAV skin such as deformation, shear angles, and density are obtained. The shear angles vary from 17° to 90°, and the average density is about 20/cm2. The provided experimental results show that this method is effective for the NDT of UAVs skin. The method also shows great potential for applications in target decomposition, NDT of 3D composite materials, 3D polarization imaging, light–matter interactions of non-uniform complex structures, etc.
Self-Healing Glass/Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Composite Exposed to Molten Sodium Chloride and Potassium Chloride
Authors: Keane Patrick F. , Jacob Rhys , Belusko Martin , Bruno Frank
Published: February 2023

Geopolymers (GP) are a class of X-ray amorphous, nanoporous, nanoparticulate materials that can be mixed, poured, and cured under ambient conditions. Typically, geopolymers are made using a Group 1 (G1) alkali activator such as sodium or potassium metasilicate and an aluminosilicate precursor. An analogous material to GPs is ordinary Portland cement because of the similarities in processing, however, the resulting microstructure is more similar to that of a glass. Geopolymers are more thermally stable than OPC and can therefore be used in a variety of thermal energy storage systems, as energy storage is an increasing global concern. In this study, potassium metakaolin-based geopolymer composites containing glass particles and alumina platelets were manufactured, heated in air, and exposed to molten sodium chloride or potassium chloride under an air atmosphere. Results showed the formation of an amorphous self-healing geopolymer composite (ASH-G) that could contain molten G1 chlorides for over 200 h without signs of macro or microscopic chemical degradation. The filling of cracks by glass particles in the composite after heating to 850 °C makes this material self-healing. It was found that the morphology of ASH-G composites was more affected by temperature and duration than contact with corrosive molten chlorides in air. Future works include investigating the effect of molten salt on mechanical properties during initial heating, after prolonged heating, and the material compatibility with other molten Group 1 chloride eutectics.
Endogenous Performance of Rail Sections in Brazil: A Novel Two-Dimensional Fuzzy-Monte Carlo Approach
Authors: Wanke Peter Fernandes , Pimenta Roberto , Antunes Jorge , Tan Yong , Hadi-Vencheh Abdollah
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the endogenous source of railway performance in Brazil by focusing on several rail sections. A novel Two-Dimensional Fuzzy-Monte Carlo Analysis (2DFMC) approach is proposed including a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) model based on type-2 fuzzy sets (T2FS) and a Stochastic Structural Relationship Programming (SSRP) Model based on neural networks. Results suggest that the level of inclination of the rail operators to use the bottlenecked rail sections influences the measurement of idleness, in a chained effect. It is suggested that the balance and coordination among bottleneck, minimum curve radius, and installed capacity are prerequisites to improve railway performance.
Reducing the Power Consumption of VR Displays with a Field Sequential Color LCD
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Qian Yizhou , Zou Junyu , Lee Chia-Lun , Lin Chih-Lung , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: February 2023

To achieve 60 pixels per degree (PPD) and 100° field of view (FoV) while keeping a reasonably high aperture ratio for active-matrix liquid crystal displays (LCDs), field sequential color (FSC) is a promising approach. We evaluate the physical properties of a high birefringence nematic LC mixture and then use these data to simulate the performance of a fringe-field switching (FFS) LCD. Such an FFS LCD exhibits a fast average gray-to-gray response time (~1.5 ms) to enable FSC operation. By removing the spatial color filters, FSC operation triples the resolution density and optical efficiency, which are critical to high-resolution density and low power consumption virtual reality applications. Wide color gamut (96.2% of the DCI-P3 standard) and superior color uniformity are also demonstrated using such an FSC LCD.
Vitreosity as a Major Grain Quality Indicator—Upgrading the Grain-Cutter Method with a New Blade
Authors: Mastanjević Krešimir , Habschied Kristina , Dvojković Krešimir , Karakašić Mirko , Glavaš Hrvoje
Published: February 2023

One of the main quality characteristics of cereals, especially wheat is its hardness which is closely related with grain’s vitreosity, one of the main quality indicators of a variety. Determination of vitreosity is usually done visually: namely, after the grain is cut with a commercially available grain-cutters, the cut can result in broken or crushed grains which disables the reading and hinders the precision and accuracy. Also, the moment produced from the manual force on the grain-cutter crank, needed to cut the sample of cca. 50 grains placed in the cutter is an average of 30 Nm. Due to the resistance of the grain, yank force appears. This force can cause the whole instrument to be displaced during cutting. To minimize the errors using a commercially available cutter, a new knife/blade has been implemented and tested. The blade of the new knife is turned at the inclination angle of 49° in relation to the cutting objects (grains). This design solution enables achievement of the grain “cutting”, not grain “tearing”, as observed with the existing commercial design solution. With the proposed new design solution, amount of the moment is reduced to 2.72 Nm and the yank force is completely avoided. Also, a significantly lower amount of the cutting force, on the knife blade is achieved. The results obtained with the new knife gave a better read, were more precise, and the gadget was easier to operate since it demanded lower force to cut the grains. The novelty introduced by this research provided better and more reliable insight into determining the vitreousness of grains. Providing a clearer cut and better readability, this solution goes beyond the current literature by reducing the force required for analysis and speeding up the analysis process.
Electrified Powertrain Development: Distributed Co-Simulation Protocol Extension for Coupled Test Bench Operations
Authors: Rautenberg Philip , Weber Philipp , Degel Jan Philipp , Hähnlein Stefan , Gauterin Frank , Koch Thomas , Doppelbauer Martin , Gohl Marcus
Published: February 2023

The increasingly stringent CO2 emissions standards require innovative solutions in the vehicle development process. One possibility to reduce CO2 emissions is the electrification of powertrains. The resulting increased complexity, as well as the increased competition and time pressure make the use of simulation software and test benches indispensable in the early development phases. This publication therefore presents a methodology for test bench coupling to enable early testing of electrified powertrains. For this purpose, an internal combustion engine test bench and an electric motor test bench are virtually interconnected. By applying and extending the Distributed Co-Simulation Protocol Standard for the presented hybrid electric powertrain use case, real-time-capable communication between the two test benches is achieved. Insights into the test bench setups, and the communication between the test benches and the protocol extension, especially with regard to temperature measurements, enable the extension to be applied to other powertrain or test bench configurations. The shown results from coupled test bench operations emphasize the applicability. The discussed experiences from the test bench coupling experiments complete the insights.
GIS-Analysis for Active Tectonics Assessment of Wadi Al-Arish, Egypt
Authors: Bashir Bashar , Alsalman Abdullah , Bachir Hussein , Elnobi Mahmoud
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we apply an effective method to evaluate relative tectonic activity by applying several morph-tectonic indices that are useful in evaluating topography and tectonics. These indices include stream length-gradient, asymmetric factor, hypsometric index, hypsometric curves, valley floor width to valley height ratio, drainage basin shape, and mountain front sinuosity. The study region of Wadi Al-Arish in northern Sinai Peninsula in northern Egypt is a natural laboratory to examine relative tectonic activity levels for calculating morpho-tectonic indices of several catchments and sub-catchments rather than an individual catchment. Northern Sinai, comprising the Waid Al-Arish area, is characterized by several large inversion anticline folds. The cumulative results extracted from morpho-tectonic indices ae presented as a new index, namely relative tectonic activity level (RTAL), which we classified into four levels: low, moderate, high, and very high relative tectonic activity. Therefore, the study region provides different levels of relative tectonic activity resulting from fault patterns affecting the northern Sinai inversion forms. The paper examines the concept that regions with various levels of tectonic activity are associated with specific values of RTAL.
Study on the Influence of Soil Engineering Geological Characteristics at Key Tectonic Sites on High-Speed Railway Foundation—A Case of the Beijing–Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway (Huailai Section)
Authors: Meng Jing , Feng Chengjun , Wang Miaomiao , Qi Bangshen , Wang Yunlong , Fan Yulu , Tan Chengxuan , Zhang Peng , Li Jun
Published: February 2023

The soil engineering geological characteristics and hidden fault creep activity are the main geological factors affecting the stability of the Beijing–Zhangjiakou high-speed railway foundation. In order to reveal the deep formation structure and physical and mechanical properties of the soil under the Beijing–Zhangjiakou high-speed railway foundation and explore the influence of soil settlement under the static load and dynamic load of high-speed railways, according to the deep-hole engineering geological drilling and soil test, this paper reveals the soil structure and physical and mechanical properties within a 500 m buried depth of the Huailai section of the Beijing–Zhangjiakou high-speed railway. Based on the drilling data, we constructed a 3D geological structure model across fault segments to study the influence mechanism of the dynamic load of trains on differential ground settlement. The results show that the basic physical and mechanical parameters of all kinds of soil have little change with the increase of buried depth, and the ratio of secondary consolidation index Cs to compression index Cc is 0.0036–0.0516. Under the dynamic load of a high-speed train, the vertical displacement of soil gradually decreases with the increase of depth, which mainly affects the soil within a 50 m depth. Within the influence range, the vertical displacement at a certain point is negatively correlated with the speed of a high-speed railway and the horizontal distance from the railway line and the fault. The research results are expected to provide scientific support for the safe operation of the Beijing–Zhangjiakou high-speed railway.
Analysis of Factors Associated with Charcot Neuroarthropathy following Pancreatic Transplantation
Authors: Aida Naohiro , Ito Taihei , Kurihara Kei , Hiratsuka Izumi , Shibata Megumi , Suzuki Atsushi , Kenmochi Takashi
Published: February 2023

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is a progressive neuropathic complication of diabetes mellitus. Patients undergoing pancreatic transplantation are at risk of developing CN, and CN is known to be a poor prognostic factor for graft loss and patient death. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with CN in patients who had undergone pancreatic transplantation. We analyzed the data of 61 patients who underwent pancreatic transplantations to investigate the relationship between patient background, nerve conduction velocity tests prior to transplantation, and CN onset. Of these patients, six developed CN. The cumulative incidence rates at 1, 3, and 5 years after transplantation were 3.3, 6.9, and 9.0%, respectively. Sensory neuropathy was severe in six patients with CN, with no sural nerve waveform detected. CN development was not observed when the sural nerve waveforms were visualized. However, when no sural nerve waveforms were observed, the incidence of CN significantly increased due to high-dose corticosteroid administration (p = 0.036). High-dose corticosteroids are associated with the development of CN in the presence of severe neuropathy. Corticosteroid administration is associated with bone metabolism; therefore, appropriate therapeutic intervention is required.
Features of the Internal Force Factors Distribution in Reinforced Concrete Piles of Complex Cross Section under the Influence of a Transverse Load
Authors: Prokopov Albert , Akopyan Alexander , Chepurnenko Anton , Rusakova Elizaveta , Akopyan Vladimir
Published: February 2023

Bar reinforced concrete structures, which include piles, in real working conditions perceive a whole range of internal force factors. Axial tension-compression forces, bending moments and shear forces are the most commonly perceived internal force factors. Of particular interest is the effect on the cross section of the shear force. If a complex curly shape is replaced by elementary form, then the calculation is not difficult. However, when calculating the composite cross section, there is no unambiguous solution. In accordance with the adopted regulatory documentation, it is necessary to accept only a main part, while discarding the surrounding areas. It is important to study the configuration of the shape of a complex section for the perception of a shear force. The purpose of the work was to refine the account of the entire complex section using numerical simulation by the finite element method, analytical calculations and small-scale experiments. Determination of further practical application of the obtained results on real structures was also the goal of the study. The parameters of the distribution of shear force between the main rib and flanges were obtained by numerical analysis and small-scale experiments. Numerical models of rectangular and tee cross sections beams have been developed. Analytical dependences were studied and full-scale tests of reinforced concrete beams of various sections were carried out. It has been established that when taking into account the work of the entire cross-section, the bearing capacity of concrete for the action of a shear force is 20% greater than when calculating only the main section without taking into account the shelves.
A Pineapple Target Detection Method in a Field Environment Based on Improved YOLOv7
Authors: Lai Yuhao , Ma Ruijun , Chen Yu , Wan Tao , Jiao Rui , He Huandong
Published: February 2023

The accurate detection of pineapples of different maturity levels in a complex field environment is the key step to achieving the early yield estimation and mechanized picking of pineapple. This study proposes a target detection model based on the improved YOLOv7 to achieve the accurate detection and maturity classification of pineapples in the field. First, the attention mechanism SimAM is inserted into the structure of the original YOLOv7 network to improve the feature extraction ability of the model. Then, the max-pooling convolution (MPConv) structure is improved to reduce the feature loss in the downsampling process. Finally, the non-maximum suppression (NMS) algorithm is replaced by the soft-NMS algorithm, with a better effect at improving the detection effect when pineapple is in occlusion or overlaps. According to the test, the mean average precision (mAP) and recall of the model proposed in this paper are 95.82% and 89.83%, which are 2.71% and 3.41% higher than those of the original YOLOv7, respectively. The maturity classification accuracy of the model and the detection performance under six different field scenarios were analyzed quantitatively. This method provides an effective scheme for the vision system of the field pineapple picking robot.
Pixelwise Complex-Valued Neural Network Based on 1D FFT of Hyperspectral Data to Improve Green Pepper Segmentation in Agriculture
Authors: Liu Xinzhi , Yu Jun , Kurihara Toru , Wu Congzhong , Niu Zhao , Zhan Shu
Published: February 2023

It seems difficult to recognize an object from its background with similar color using conventional segmentation methods. An efficient way is to utilize hyperspectral images that contain more wave bands and richer information than only RGB components. Particularly in our task, we aim to separate a pepper from densely packed green leaves for automatic picking in agriculture. Given that hyperspectral imaging can be regarded as a kind of wave propagation process, we make a novel attempt of introducing a complex neural network tailored for wave-related problems. Due to the lack of hyperspectral data, pixelwise training is deployed, and 1D fast Fourier transform of the hyperspectral data is used for the construction of complex input. Experimental results have showcased that a complex neural network outperforms a real-valued one in terms of detection accuracy by 3.9% and F1 score by 1.33%. Moreover, it enables the ability to select frequency bands used such as low-frequency components to boost performance as well as prevent overfitting problems for learning more generalization features. Thus, we put forward a lightweight pixelwise complex model for hyperspectral-related problems and provide an efficient way for green pepper automatic picking in agriculture using small datasets.