bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in sepsis secondary to canine parvoviral enteritis treated with and without an immunomodulator in puppies
Authors: Muñoz Adriana I. , Maldonado-García José Luis , Fragozo Ana , Vallejo-Castillo Luis , Lucas-Gonzalez Amellalli , Trejo-Martínez Ismael , Pavón Lenin , Pérez-Sánchez Gilberto , Cobos-Marin Laura , Pérez-Tapia Sonia Mayra
Published: November 2022

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a cheap and easy-to-obtain biomarker that mirrors the balance between innate and adaptive immunity. Cortisol and catecholamines have been identified as major drivers of NLR. High cortisol levels increase neutrophils while simultaneously decreasing lymphocyte counts. Likewise, endogenous catecholamines may cause leukocytosis and lymphopenia. Thus, NLR allows us to monitor patient severity in conditions such as sepsis. Twenty-six puppies with sepsis secondary to canine parvoviral enteritis were treated with and without an immunomodulator. Our group determined the NLR and the plasmatic cortisol levels by chemiluminescence, and norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) by HPLC during the first 72 h of clinical follow-up. Our results showed that at admission puppies presented an NLR value of 1.8, cortisol of 314.9 nmol/L, NE 3.7, and E 3.3 pmol/mL. Both treatments decreased admission NLR values after 24 h of treatment. However, only the puppies treated with the immunomodulator (I) remained without significant changes in NLR (0.7–1.4) compared to the CT group, and that showed a significant difference (P < 0.01) in their NLR value (0.4–4.6). In addition, we found significant differences in the slope values between the admission and final values of NLR (P < 0.005), cortisol (P < 0.02), and E (P < 0.05) between treatments. Then, our data suggest that the immunomodulator positively affects the number of lymphocytes and neutrophils involved in NLR as well as major drivers like cortisol and epinephrine, which is reflected in clinical parameters and survival.
Fast and Interactive Positioning of Proteins within Membranes
Authors: Lanrezac André , Laurent Benoist , Santuz Hubert , Férey Nicolas , Baaden Marc
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: We developed an algorithm to perform interactive molecular simulations (IMS) of protein alignment in membranes, allowing on-the-fly monitoring and manipulation of such molecular systems at various scales. (2) Methods: UnityMol, an advanced molecular visualization software; MDDriver, a socket for data communication; and BioSpring, a Spring network simulation engine, were extended to perform IMS. These components are designed to easily communicate with each other, adapt to other molecular simulation software, and provide a development framework for adding new interaction models to simulate biological phenomena such as protein alignment in the membrane at a fast enough rate for real-time experiments. (3) Results: We describe in detail the integration of an implicit membrane model for Integral Membrane Protein And Lipid Association (IMPALA) into our IMS framework. Our implementation can cover multiple levels of representation, and the degrees of freedom can be tuned to optimize the experience. We explain the validation of this model in an interactive and exhaustive search mode. (4) Conclusions: Protein positioning in model membranes can now be performed interactively in real time.
An Algorithm for Generating a Diverse Set of Multi-Modal Journeys
Authors: Mosquera Federico , Smet Pieter , Vanden Berghe Greet
Published: November 2022

A direct way of reducing the number of cars on the road is to dissuade individuals from exclusively using their car and instead integrate public transport into their daily routine. Planning multi-modal journeys is a complex task for which individuals often rely on decision support tools. However, offering individuals different journey options represents a significant algorithmic challenge. The failure to provide users with a set of journey options that differ considerably from one another in terms of the modes of transport employed is currently preventing the widespread uptake of multi-modal journey planning among the general public. In this paper, we introduce a dynamic programming algorithm that remedies this situation by modeling different transport networks as a graph that is then pruned by various graph-reduction pre-processing techniques. This approach enables us to offer a diverse set of efficient multi-modal solutions to users almost instantaneously. A computational study on three datasets corresponding to various real-world mobility networks with up to 30,000 vertices and 596,000 arcs demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
A Survey of Intellectual Property Rights Protection in Big Data Applications
Authors: Hamza Rafik , Pradana Hilmil
Published: November 2022

Big Data applications have the potential to transform any digital business platform by enabling the analysis of vast amounts of data. However, the biggest problem with Big Data is breaking down the intellectual property barriers to using that data, especially for cross-database applications. It is a challenge to achieve this trade-off and overcome the difficulties of Big Data, even though intellectual property restrictions have been developed to limit misuse and regulate access to Big Data. This study examines the scope of intellectual property rights in Big Data applications with a security framework for protecting intellectual property rights, watermarking and fingerprinting algorithms. The emergence of Big Data necessitates the development of new conceptual frameworks, security standards, and laws. This study addresses the significant copyright difficulties on cross-database platforms and the paradigm shift from ownership to control of access to and use of Big Data, especially on such platforms. We provide a comprehensive overview of copyright applications for multimedia data and a summary of the main trends in the discussion of intellectual property protection, highlighting crucial issues and existing obstacles and identifying the three major findings for investigating the relationship between them.
Development of a Large-Scale High-Speed Linear Cascade Rig for Turbine Blade Tip Heat Transfer Study
Authors: Jiang Hongmei , Peng Xu , Xie Wenbo , Lu Shaopeng , Gu Yongmin
Published: November 2022

The high-speed Over-Tip-Leakage (OTL) flow has a significant impact on the aerodynamic performance of the High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) passage and generates high thermal load for the blade tip. Different tip sealing and cooling design strategies are applied to reduce the OTL loss and help turbine survive in a high temperature environment. High-speed linear cascade experimental rigs play an important role in understanding the flow physics and evaluating their performance. Multiple blades and passages are often required to maintain a reasonable flow periodicity. To match the engine representative Reynolds number and Mach number, a high-speed multi-passage cascade design inevitably demands more compressed air supply. A very large amount of heating power is also required if the engine condition wall-to-gas temperature ratio needs to be matched. In this study, a simplified 2-Passage linear cascade rig for high-speed tip heat transfer research was developed. Both the design method and the rig performance are presented. Different from existing design method to match two-dimensional blade loading, this study shows there are other design flexibilities, such as assist blade tip gap, tailboard adjustment, and profiling adjustment, to match the periodic three-dimensional OTL flow structures. The design method was validated by experimental effort. High resolution tip heat transfer coefficient distribution at stationary and rotating conditions (Rotating Mach number = 0.35) are reported. The enlarged test model can offer much more improved resolution of optical measurement near the tip region.
An Analysis of Livelihood-Diversification Strategies among Farmworker Households: A Case Study of the Tshiombo Irrigation Scheme, Vhembe District, South Africa
Authors: Mudzielwana Rudzani Vhuyelwani Angel , Mafongoya Paramu , Mudhara Maxwell
Published: November 2022

Rural livelihood diversification has become a central policy in rural development and poverty alleviation. Farmworkers in irrigation schemes are a typical poor sub-group that has received little attention in research regarding their livelihood status and the contribution of diversification. This paper provides evidence derived from a study that was carried out to examine whether farmworkers in the study area diversify their livelihoods and identify their choices of livelihood-diversification strategies and the determinants thereof. Data were collected from 191 randomly selected farmworkers and analyzed using the binary probit model and the multinomial logistic model. Variables considered in the binary probit model—gender, number of dependents, employment type, farming experience, land leasing, and market access—influenced livelihood diversification among irrigation farmworkers in a statistically significant way. The multinomial logistic model analysis considered age, marital status, household dependents, leasing land from employer, farming experience, agricultural training, and access to markets as the statistically significant factors that influence the choice of livelihood-diversification strategies in the study area. The study concluded that rural development policies should consider leasing land to irrigation farmworkers that is adequate to reduce poverty, achieve food security, and sustain the livelihoods of farmworkers in the study area, as it boosts the generation of income.
The Theory of Agriculture Multifunctionality on the Example of Private Households
Authors: Zhichkin Kirill A. , Nosov Vladimir V. , Zhichkina Lyudmila N. , Gubadullin Artur A.
Published: November 2022

Having appeared in the European Union, the multifunctionality theory was quickly appreciated in most countries of the world. It determines the role of agriculture and its structural elements in the modern economy. This article is aimed at studying the multifunctionality theory in Russia. This study was conducted on the example of private farms in the Samara region by the authors’ classification and identifying their main functions can serve as the basis for a system of their state support. To process the study results, absolute, relative, and average values were used, as well as a regression analysis with the help of the STATISTICA package. The research results are presented in tabular and graphical forms. The growth of production volumes does not lead to an increase in the share of households according to total volume in the case of a steady trend. The impact of all factors on the indicator, except for the production volume amount, results in a 2.272% decrease in the proportion of household plots in the total volume of agricultural regional production annually. It was found that the parameters of households depend mainly not on the geographical location within the region but on the size of the settlements in which they are located. The research result shows that the main focus of state regulation for private farms should be aimed at their support in small settlements, thus ensuring a quick return on invested budget funds. The outcome of the multifunctionality theory in practice should be the strengthening of state support for private farms.
Effects of Imported Semen Based on Different Selection Indices on Some Production and Reproduction Traits in Iranian Holstein Cattle
Authors: Nazari Masume , Mahmoudi Peyman , Rashidi Amir , Razmkabir Mohammad
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of imported semen of Holstein bulls from different countries on the economic traits of their daughters using the Lifetime Net Income (LNI) index in various climates of Iran. The data included the first lactation records of 274,057 Holstein cows collected during 1993 to 2017 by the Animal Breeding Center of Iran from 10 large dairy farms located in various provinces of Iran. The investigated traits included milk, fat and protein yields, calving age and calving interval. Breeding values of progenies were predicted by the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) method under the multi-trait animal model using DMU software. The genetic-economic merit of the progenies was estimated by the LNI index. There were significant differences between the estimated breeding values (EBVs) of sire groups (based on bull semen origin) for milk, fat and protein yields, calving age and calving interval in each climate (p < 0.01). The obtained results showed that the highest least-square means of LNI index in semi-cold, moderate and warm climates belonged to the daughters of French sires; however, daughters of German sires were estimated to have the highest least-square means in the cold climate.
An Advanced Chicken Face Detection Network Based on GAN and MAE
Authors: Ma Xiaoxiao , Lu Xinai , Huang Yihong , Yang Xinyi , Xu Ziyin , Mo Guozhao , Ren Yufei , Li Lin
Published: November 2022

Achieving high-accuracy chicken face detection is a significant breakthrough for smart poultry agriculture in large-scale farming and precision management. However, the current dataset of chicken faces based on accurate data is scarce, detection models possess low accuracy and slow speed, and the related detection algorithm is ineffective for small object detection. To tackle these problems, an object detection network based on GAN-MAE (generative adversarial network-masked autoencoders) data augmentation is proposed in this paper for detecting chickens of different ages. First, the images were generated using GAN and MAE to augment the dataset. Afterward, CSPDarknet53 was used as the backbone network to enhance the receptive field in the object detection network to detect different sizes of objects in the same image. The 128×128 feature map output was added to three feature map outputs of this paper, thus changing the feature map output of eightfold downsampling to fourfold downsampling, which provided smaller object features for subsequent feature fusion. Secondly, the feature fusion module was improved based on the idea of dense connection. Then the module achieved feature reuse so that the YOLO head classifier could combine features from different levels of feature layers to capture greater classification and detection results. Ultimately, the comparison experiments’ outcomes showed that the mAP (mean average Precision) of the suggested method was up to 0.84, which was 29.2% higher than other networks’, and the detection speed was the same, up to 37 frames per second. Better detection accuracy can be obtained while meeting the actual scenario detection requirements. Additionally, an end-to-end web system was designed to apply the algorithm to practical applications.
Characteristics of Buffalo Farming Systems in Turkey Based on a Multivariate Aggregation of Indicators: A Survey Study
Authors: Ozturk Nursen , Kocak Omur , Peker Arzu , Serva Lorenzo , Kaygisiz Ferhan , Kecici Pembe Dilara , Yalcintan Hulya , Kilic Halil Ibrahim , Magrin Luisa
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to determine the heterogeneity that exists in water buffalo husbandry systems in Marmara Region, Turkey. A questionnaire containing a total of 60 indicators was submitted to 52 farmers. A Principal Component Analysis was performed to reduce original variables into a simplified and latent structure, which was characterized by six orthogonal components: milk productivity, economic efficiency, roughage management, dual-purpose farming, concentrate supply, and fodder production. An ANOVA model was applied to the six components to investigate the effects of the province, investment levels, grazing type, milk production, and profitability. Differences in milk productivity, roughage management, concentrate supply, and fodder management were significant according to the province and grazing type, which indicated a difference in intensification levels among the cities. Economic efficiency and dual-purpose farming differed significantly for milk production levels as well as milk productivity, and economic efficiency differed for profitability levels. We found a tendency regarding the impact of roughage management on profitability. The results conclude that profitability was associated with improving the milking traits of buffaloes and roughage management of the farms.
Simple and Efficient Chemically Defined In Vitro Maturation and Embryo Culture System for Bovine Embryos
Authors: Arias María Elena , Vargas Tamara , Gallardo Victor , Aguila Luis , Felmer Ricardo
Published: November 2022

Supplementation of the culture media for in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos with fetal bovine serum (FBS) is associated with inconsistent outcomes. The present study sought to replace FBS and BSA by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). In Experiment 1, absence of FBS from maturation medium (MM) did not affect the rate of in vitro maturation, as assessed by the extrusion of the first polar body. However, when gonadotropins and FBS were removed from the MM, the maturation rate was significantly reduced even in the presence of growth factors. Therefore, gonadotropin-supplemented MM medium was established as the base medium for the defined maturation condition. In Experiment 2, the addition of growth factors to gonadotropin-supplemented MM medium supported similar maturation (~90%) compared to the undefined condition (FBS-carrying). In Experiment 3, the addition of growth factors to embryo culture medium showed similar in vitro competence compared to the undefined (FBS) control. In Experiment 4, completely defined conditions (absence of FBS and BSA during in vitro maturation and embryo culture) were tested. A higher cleavage was observed with FGF2 (86%) compared to EGF (77%) and the FBS control (77%), but similar blastocyst rates were observed for FGF2 (24%), EGF (19%) and the FBS control (25%). Embryo quality was similar among groups. Finally, post-thawing survival was higher for FGF2 (94%) compared to the FBS control (77%). Thus, we report a simple defined IVP system for bovine species that generates developmental outcomes and embryos of similar quality than those produced under conditions containing FBS.
Effect of Anionic and Zeolite Supplements and Oral Calcium Bolus in Prepartum Diets on Feed Intake, Milk Yield and Milk Compositions, Plasma Ca Concentration, Blood Metabolites and the Prevalence of Some Reproductive Disorders in Fresh Dairy Cows
Authors: Masoumi Pour Mohammad Mahdi , Foroudi Farhad , Karimi Naser , Abedini Mohammad Reza , Karimi Kazem
Published: November 2022

Hypocalcaemia is an important disorder associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, and many studies have been going on for decades. This study investigated the effects of anionic and zeolite with an oral Ca bolus in the prepartum phase on milk yields and compositions, and plasma Ca concentrations, blood metabolites and the prevalence of some reproductive disorders in dairy cows after parturition. Ninety pregnant non-lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to three isoenergetic diets and their counterparts using an oral Ca bolus: (1) Control (CON): low Ca (0.44%); (2) Anionic (ANI): high Ca (1.00%); (3) Zeolite (ZEO): low Ca (0.44%). The feed and energy intakes of the CON and ZEO groups were higher than the ANI group. The raw milk yield, Pr%, and feed efficiency did not differ between the groups, while the corrected milk yield, fat% and total corrected milk yield at 305 days differed between groups. Total plasma and the ionized Ca concentration of the ANI and ZEO groups, at calving time and in 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after that, were higher than in the CON group. The frequencies of hypocalcaemia and reproductive disorders in the ANI and ZEO groups were lower than in the CON. The blood metabolite levels in the CON group were higher than in other groups. In conclusion, the ANI and ZEO diets and their counterparts supplemented with an oral Ca bolus improved the milk production traits, plasma calcium and metabolites concentration and also effectively prevented reproductive disorders.
Artificial Water Troughs Use by the Mountain Ungulate Ovis gmelini ophion (Cyprus Mouflon) at Pafos Forest
Authors: Eliades Nicolas-George Homer , Astaras Christos , Messios Belle Verheggen , Vermeer Rob , Nicolaou Kostas , Karmiris Ilias , Kassinis Nicolaos
Published: November 2022

For large herbivores inhabiting arid/semi-arid environments, water can be a limiting resource affecting their distribution and abundance for periods when water requirements are not met via forage. The Cyprus mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion) is such a species, which is endemic to the mountain habitats of Cyprus. Recognizing water scarcity to be a major pressure to the mouflon, and with global warming projected to intensify hot and dry periods in the region, the Game and Fauna Service has been maintaining a network of locally designed watering troughs in Pafos Forest—the mouflon’s stronghold—since 1997. This study describes the mouflon’s use of the water troughs and examines whether visitation rates differed at the daily or weekly scale in response to environmental, climatic or anthropogenic parameters. Using camera traps, ten troughs were monitored from September 2017 to March 2018 (1,065 days; range 29–164 days per trough). Mouflon were detected at seven troughs (mean herd size 1.5 ± 1.2) during 373 independent detections (≥30 min interval between photographs), with visits peaking during late morning and midday hours. Generalized mixed-effect models showed mouflon visiting water troughs more frequently during hotter days, regardless of recent precipitation. Visits were also more frequent at water troughs located close to tar roads. Moreover, there was no evidence of mouflon avoiding water troughs used by predators (red foxes, feral dogs) at either daily or weekly scale, or during hunting days. The study supports the value of artificial water troughs for mediating, partially at least, the effects of climate change on mountain ungulates such as the Cyprus mouflon. Additional studies are proposed that will examine both mouflon drinking patterns across all seasons and ways of improving the effectiveness of the current water trough grid.
Immunohistochemical Characterization of Immune System Cells in Lymphoid Organs from Roe and Fallow Deer
Authors: Fonti Niccolò , Parisi Francesca , Millanta Francesca , Pacini Maria Irene , Periccioli Marcello , Poli Alessandro
Published: November 2022

Roe and Fallow deer are common wild ruminants widely distributed in Italy. Infectious diseases of these species can potentially pose health risks to domestic animals and humans. However, few studies have been conducted in which immune system cells in these species were phenotyped. The aims of this study were to determine the cross-reactivity of a wide anti-human panel of commercial antibodies on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples and to describe the distribution of roe and fallow deer main immune cell subsets in the lymph nodes and spleen. Twenty retromandibular lymph nodes (RLNs) and spleen samples were collected from 10 roe deer and 10 fallow deer and were tested by a panel of 12 commercial anti-human antibodies. The CD79a, CD20, CD3, Iba-1, MAC387, and AM-3K antibodies were successfully labeled cells in cervine tissue, while the Foxp3 and the CD68 did not show suitable immunostaining. This study supplies the first immunohistochemical description of immune cell subpopulations in non-pathological spleen and RLNs from roe and fallow deer and provides an easily repeatable manual IHC protocol to immunolocalize cervine B-, T-cells, and macrophages subsets in FFPE tissue samples.
Interferon Tau (IFNt) and Interferon-Stimulated Genes (ISGs) Expression in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes and Correlation with Circulating Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) during Peri-Implantation and Early Pregnancy in Buffalo Cows
Authors: Casano Anna Beatrice , Barile Vittoria Lucia , Menchetti Laura , Guelfi Gabriella , Brecchia Gabriele , Agradi Stella , De Matteis Giovanna , Scatà Maria Carmela , Grandoni Francesco , Barbato Olimpia
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to analyze interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and interferon tau (IFNt) gene expression in peripheral blood leukocytes during the peri-implantation period and until 40 days of pregnancy in buffalo cows. Relationships were also examined between the expression of ISGs and IFNt and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) peripheral plasma concentration. Buffalo cows were synchronized and artificially inseminated (d 0). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 18, 28 and 40 after artificial insemination (AI) for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) isolation and PAGs radioimmunoassay analysis. The study was carried out on 21 buffalo cows divided ex post into Pregnant (n = 12) and Non-pregnant (n = 9) groups. Steady state levels of OAS1, MX2, ISG15 and IFNt mRNA were measured by RT-qPCR and their estimated marginal means (p < 0.01 for all) were higher in pregnant than non-pregnant buffaloes, both in PBMCs and PMNs. In PBMCs, pairwise comparisons showed that OAS1 and MX2 expressions differed between pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes on all the days of observation (p < 0.001), while significant differences in ISG15 and IFNt started from day 28 post-AI (p < 0.05). In PMNs, ISG15 expression differed between groups only at days 18 and 28 (p < 0.001), while comparisons were always significant for IFNt (p < 0.05). The expression of all genes, except ISG15 as determined in PMNs, was positively associated with PAGs plasma concentrations (p < 0.05). This work showed a significant increase in ISGs and IFNt expressions in PBMCs and PMNs in buffalo during the peri-implantation period and early pregnancy, and their correlation with PAGs plasma concentration.
KRAS Affects the Lipid Composition by Regulating Mitochondrial Functions and MAPK Activation in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yu Wenjie , Jiang Hao , Liu Fengjiao , Li Ze , Xu Lingxia , Liu Chang , Lv Wenfa , Wang Jun , Gao Yan , Liang Shuang , Kim Nam-Hyung , Zhang Jiabao , Chen Chengzhen , Yuan Bao
Published: November 2022

Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), or guanosine triphosphatase KRAS, is a proto-oncogene that encodes the small guanosine triphosphatase transductor protein. Previous studies have found that KRAS can promote cytokine secretion, cell chemotaxis, and survival. However, its effects on milk fat synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells are unclear. In this study, the effects of KRAS inhibition on cell metabolism, autophagy, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial function, and lipid composition as well as the potential mechanisms were detected in an immortalized dairy cow mammary epithelial cell line (MAC-T). The results showed that inhibition of KRAS changed the lipid composition (especially the triglyceride level), mitochondrial functions, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in cells. Moreover, KRAS inhibition regulated the levels of the mammalian target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular regulated protein kinases, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, p38) activation. These results indicated that regulation of KRAS would affect the synthesis and composition of milk fat. These results are also helpful for exploring the synthesis and secretion of milk fat at the molecular level and provide a theoretical basis for improving the percentage of fat in milk and the yield of milk from cows.
Copy Number Variation of the SOX6 Gene and Its Associations with Growth Traits in Ashidan Yak
Authors: Li Xinyi , Huang Chun , Liu Modian , Dai Rongfeng , Wu Xiaoyun , Ma Xiaoming , Chu Min , Bao Pengjia , Pei Jie , Guo Xian , Yan Ping , Liang Chunnian
Published: November 2022

Copy number variation (CNV) is a fundamental type of structural variation of the genome affecting the economic traits of livestock. The SOX6 gene (sex-determining region Y-box 6), as a transcription factor, has multiple functions with regard to sex determination, embryonic growth, the nervous system development, as well as bone, and various organ formation. This study employed quantitative real-time fluorescence quota PCR (qPCR) for detecting the SOX6-CNV of the 311 Ashidan yaks and analyzed the correlation of the SOX6-CNV with four phenotypes (including body weight, withers height, body length, and chest girth) of the yaks aged 6, 12, 18, and 30 months using ANOVA and multiple comparisons. Furthermore, the SOX6 gene expression was identified in seven different tissues of the yaks. The experiment results demonstrated the expression of SOX6 in each tissue, and the kidney and muscle tissue were found to have higher relative expression levels. Based on the processing by IBM SPSS software, SOX6-CNV was significantly correlated with the chest girth of the 6-months old yaks (p < 0.05) and 30-months yaks (p < 0.05), and withers height of 6 months yaks (p < 0.05) and 18-months yaks (p < 0.05), as well as the normal type of CNV, was chosen for yak breeding. In conclusion, SOX6 might be prominently involved in promoting growth and development of yaks, suggesting that the SOX6 gene can be used in breeding yaks by molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS). The study also offered some important insights into the references and clues for the genetic breeding of yaks.
Microglial Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases via RIPK1 and ROS
Authors: Wu Qiaoyan , Zou Chengyu
Published: November 2022

Microglial dysfunction is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. The neurotoxicity of microglia associated with oxidative stress largely depends on NF-κB pathway activation, which promotes the production and release of microglial proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In this review, we discuss the current literature on the essential role of the NF-κB pathway on microglial activation that exacerbates neurodegeneration, with a particular focus on RIPK1 kinase activity-dependent microglial dysfunction. As upregulated RIPK1 kinase activity is associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in neurodegenerative diseases, we also discuss the current knowledge about the mechanistic links between RIPK1 activation and ROS generation. Given RIPK1 kinase activity and oxidative stress are closely regulated with each other in a vicious cycle, future studies are required to be conducted to fully understand how RIPK1 and ROS collude together to disturb microglial homeostasis that drives neurodegenerative pathogenesis.
Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Hydroponically Grown Basil Cultivars to Salt Stress
Authors: Ciriello Michele , Formisano Luigi , Kyriacou Marios C. , Carillo Petronia , Scognamiglio Luca , De Pascale Stefania , Rouphael Youssef
Published: November 2022

Depending on duration and magnitude, abiotic stresses interfere with plant metabolic processes and may severely impact developmental and qualitative attributes. In this study, in addition to characterizing three different cultivars of basil (‘Anise’, ‘Cinnamon’, and ‘Lemon’) grown under hydroponics, we appraised the impact of NaCl salt stress (60 mM) on morphophysiological and nutraceutical properties of the basil crop. Salt stress significantly reduced fresh yield (51.54%, on average) and photosynthetic parameters (ACO2, E, and gs) in all cultivars by raising tissue concentrations of Na+ and Cl−. In addition to reducing the concentration of nitrate (77.21%), NaCl salt stress increased the concentrations of key bioactive molecules, notably carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene), phenolic acids, and flavonoid derivatives, thus resulting in a higher antioxidant activity of salt-treated basil plants compared to the untreated ones. Analysis by UHPLC revealed that cichoric acid was the most abundant polyphenolic compound in all basil cultivars, with the highest values recorded in ‘Cinnamon’.
Characterization of Waxes in the Roman Wall Paintings of the Herculaneum Site (Italy)
Authors: Bergamonti Laura , Cirlini Martina , Graiff Claudia , Lottici Pier Paolo , Palla Gerardo , Casoli Antonella
Published: November 2022

A multi-analytical approach is proposed for the detection and quantitative characterization of waxes in wall paintings from the Vesuvian area, in particular in the House of the Skeleton, the House of the Deer and the House of the two Atriums in Herculaneum (Italy). Different types of waxes, of animal, vegetable, mineral and artificial origin, were investigated, as reference materials, by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The obtained results were compared with those found on samples from the wall paintings of Herculaneum. By non-destructive techniques, Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, waxes were generally found in the wall painting fragments investigated. A more quantitative characterization by GC/MS analysis, performed on three representative samples on the three houses, allowed highlighting the features of beeswax. In addition to beeswax, candelilla wax and an artificial wax, compatible with the formulated candelilla wax, were also detected. The presence of candelilla, a vegetable wax introduced in Europe after the sixteenth century, suggests maintenance works probably carried out with the aim of preserving the original colors of the paintings. In addition, by Raman and FTIR spectroscopies hematite and Egyptian blue pigments were identified. Calcite, aragonite and gypsum were also detected.
Method to Predict Performances of PCB Silicone Conformal Coating under Thermal Aging
Authors: Zou Lu , Descamps Pierre
Published: November 2022

The stability of print circuit board (PCB) conformal coating is critical to guarantee the long-term performance of electronic components on PCB boards. Coating exposure to thermal shock or temperature cycles may initiate cracks, a common failure mechanism of conformal coatings. Different simplified approaches are compared to help identify desired mechanical profiles for coatings to be used in a harsh environment, focusing on silicone characterized by low rigidity and high deformability compared to alternative chemistries. Evaluation of the bi-material strip bending test method appears not to be effective in the conformal coating selection. The large difference between the coating’s elastic modulus of silicones compared to substrate modulus allows the use of a simplified formula to calculate the stress associated with the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch, the silicone accommodating displacement imposed by thermal changes. Both lateral tensile stress and local shear stress near the edge are estimated, with local shear stress decreasing quickly and moving apart from the edge with the stress relaxation preventing coating delamination. Predictions of simplified models agree with both results of grid-independent finite element analysis (FEA) models and observations of test pieces submitted to temperature cycles. This demonstrates the ability to use simplified models to predict coating’s performances under thermal aging and help in product selection depending on the working environment.
Monitoring of the Dehydration Process of Apple Snacks with Visual Feature Extraction and Image Processing Techniques
Authors: Baigts-Allende Diana , Ramírez-Rodrígues Milena , Rosas-Romero Roberto
Published: November 2022

Monitoring food processing is mandatory for controlling and ensuring product quality. Most of the used techniques are destructive, arduous, and time-consuming. Non-destructive analyses are convenient for rapid and conservative food quality assessment. Color images of apple slices during the manufacturing of healthy snacks were used for monitoring the drying processing. The implementation of the image-based analysis was straightforward, feasible, and low-cost. The parameters analyzed during imagen acquisition for normalizing were: contrast enhancement, binarization, and morphologic processing, varying the illumination and reference between the positions of the camera and object under analysis. Several apple features related to color, texture, and shape were extracted with computer vision techniques and also analyzed. During image analysis, the entropy was one of the most relevant computed features according to principal component analysis, and it was also relevant in terms of physical interpretation. The average percentage of entropy increase was 19.81% in the green and blue channels, while it was 16.82% in the red channel. Other relevant visual features were the skewness and kurtosis in the RGB channels; and textural information such as contrast, correlation, and variance.
Semi-Automatic Image Processing System of Aeromagnetic Data for Structural and Mining Investigations (Case of Bou Azzer Inlier, Central Anti-Atlas, Morocco)
Authors: Soulaimani Ayoub , Chakiri Saïd , Soulaimani Saâd , Manar Ahmed , Bejjaji Zohra , Miftah Abdelhalim , Zerdeb Mohammed Amine , Zidane Yaacoub , Boualoul Mustapha , Muzirafuti Anselme
Published: November 2022

Numerical analysis of geophysical data to uncover Precambrian belts and probably to enclose mineral deposits is becoming once more communal in mining activity. The method is founded on typifying zones branded to comprehend deposits and looking for analogous areas. The proposed work outlines a semi-automatic image processing system for the structural and mining investigation of the Bou Azzer inlier, which varies from preceding approaches as it is centered only on aeromagnetic data. The aeromagnetic signature of what seem to be geologically expressive features are pursued within the aeromagnetic items. Cobalt and associated mineralizations in the Bou Azzer inlier are recognized to arise nearby main crustal discontinuities revealing as significant shear zones, which turn act as drains for mineralizing fluids. Mineralization occurs in sectors of structural complexity beside the shear zones. Developing towards the semi-automatic uncovering of such regions, the furthermost prospective extents are those everywhere inferred structural complexity occurs next to the regions of magnetic discontinuity. The proposed method is mainly based on the approach developed by the center for exploration targeting. The study was led by means of aeromagnetic data from the Bou Azzer inlier, which is considered one of the most productive and prospective regions for minerals and base metal mineralization in Morocco. The combined results obtained from geological and geophysical data prove that prospective areas have a dominant trend of NNE-SSW, NW-SE, NNW-SSE, E-W, and NE-SW directions. The CET Grid and Porphyry Analyses show that the probable porphyry mineral deposit locations mainly concentrated in the center of inlier, the Foum Zguid dyke, and northern and eastern part, which correspond to the Bou Azzer ophiolitic complex and platform deposits of the Lower Neoproterozoic Tachdamt-Bleïda.
Characteristics of a Novel FinFET with Multi-Enhanced Operation Gates (MEOG FinFET)
Authors: Wan Haoji , Liu Xianyun , Su Xin , Ren Xincheng , Luo Shengting , Zhou Qi
Published: November 2022

This study illustrates a type of novel device. Integrating fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs) with current silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers provides an excellent platform to fabricate advanced specific devices. An SOI FinFET device consists of three independent gates. By connecting the various gates, multiple working modes are obtained. Compared with traditional FinFETs, the multi-enhanced operation gate fin field-effect transistor in this study combines independent gates by connecting the selection modes; thus, a possible operation can be performed to attain a FinFET with five equivalent working states in only one device. This novel function can enable the device to work with multiple specific voltages and currents by connecting the corresponding gate combinations, augmenting the integrated degrees and shifting the working modes, thereby meeting the different needs of high-speed, low-power, and other potential applications. Further, the potential applications are highlighted.
Mechanical Mechanism and Dynamic Characteristics of Barge–Whole Bridge Collision Behaviours
Authors: Xie Chunhui , Wang Yu , Ge Jing , Zhu Huaxin , Wang Jie , Manoach Emil Samuil , Cao Maosen
Published: November 2022

Collision between a moving ship and a bridge in inner rivers is a frequent occurrence that seriously endanger the safety of the bridge. Existing studies mostly address the action of a ship colliding with a bridge pier that is used as a substitution of the associated whole bridge. Such a simplification necessarily induces errors in reflecting the mechanical mechanism and dynamic characteristics of ship–whole bridge collisions. To circumvent this problem, the mechanical behavior of collision between a barge and a whole bridge was studied via elaborating a delicate barge–whole bridge collision simulation underpinned by impact mechanics and materials theories. The main contributions of this study are fourfold: (i) the entire process of the collision between the barge and a whole bridge was fully inspected; (ii) the progressive evolution of collision-induced damage in the bridge pier as well as in the barge was investigated; (iii) the effect of impact velocity, impact angle and barge mass on the collision behavior were elucidated, and (iv) the influences of the superstructure of the whole bridge on the peak value and temporal feature of the impact force, evolution of damage, and top displacement of the bridge pier were clarified. This study yielded more accurate, comprehensive, and reliable results on dynamics and damage evolution of collision in comparison with the outcome of a barge colliding a pier. These findings collectively reveal the mechanical mechanism and dynamic characteristics of collision, providing a scientific basis for developing post-collision damage assessment methods and anti-collision facilities.
Laser Spot Centering Algorithm of Double-Area Shrinking Iteration Based on Baseline Method
Authors: Zhao Haili , Wang Shuzhen , Shen Wen , Jing Wenbo , Li Lijie , Feng Xuan , Zhang Weiyin
Published: November 2022

High-precision laser spot center detection occupies an important position in optical measurement technology. In this paper, we propose a laser spot centering method to improve positioning accuracy. This method is an iterative double-area shrinkage approach based on the baseline method. The background noise baseline is calculated from the noise statistics of multiple background image frames acquired, and then the background noise is subtracted during the calculation while retaining the effective information of the spot region. The real spot area is located in the end by double-area shrinkage iteration to calculate the position of the spot center. Simulation and experimental results showed that our proposed method has strong anti-background noise interference ability, as well as higher positioning accuracy in locating the spot center than commonly used approaches; the maximum localization accuracy could reach 0.05 pixels, meeting the real-time requirements of the algorithm. The fluctuation range of measurement results was small when continuously detecting the center of the same laser spot, which could reach 0.04 and 0.03 pixels in the x- and y-directions, respectively. The result indicates that the method can meet the requirements of laser high-precision positioning.
Detection of Camellia oleifera Fruit in Complex Scenes by Using YOLOv7 and Data Augmentation
Authors: Wu Delin , Jiang Shan , Zhao Enlong , Liu Yilin , Zhu Hongchun , Wang Weiwei , Wang Rongyan
Published: November 2022

Rapid and accurate detection of Camellia oleifera fruit is beneficial to improve the picking efficiency. However, detection faces new challenges because of the complex field environment. A Camellia oleifera fruit detection method based on YOLOv7 network and multiple data augmentation was proposed to detect Camellia oleifera fruit in complex field scenes. Firstly, the images of Camellia oleifera fruit were collected in the field to establish training and test sets. Detection performance was then compared among YOLOv7, YOLOv5s, YOLOv3-spp and Faster R-CNN networks. The YOLOv7 network with the best performance was selected. A DA-YOLOv7 model was established via the YOLOv7 network combined with various data augmentation methods. The DA-YOLOv7 model had the best detection performance and a strong generalisation ability in complex scenes, with mAP, Precision, Recall, F1 score and average detection time of 96.03%, 94.76%, 95.54%, 95.15% and 0.025 s per image, respectively. Therefore, YOLOv7 combined with data augmentation can be used to detect Camellia oleifera fruit in complex scenes. This study provides a theoretical reference for the detection and harvesting of crops under complex conditions.
Relationships between Body Weight Support and Gait Speed Parameters and Muscle Activity and Torque during Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Non-Neurological Adults: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Park Haeun , Cha Baekdong , Park Chanhee , Ryu Jeha , You Joshua (Sung) H.
Published: November 2022

Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is a promising therapeutic vehicle to maximize active participation and enhance functional neuroplasticity in patients with central nervous system pathology by adequately adjusting gait speed, body weight support (BWS) level, and impedance provided by the exoskeleton. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between RAGT training parameters (BWS and speed) and electromyography (EMG) muscle activity torques in the knee and hip joint during RAGT. To analyze the correlation between the joint torques measured in the Walkbot gait rehabilitation system and the EMG signal of the lower limbs (vastus lateralis oblique, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius) and understand the real-time state of the lower limb an experiment involving 20 subjects was conducted. The EMG–torque relationship was evaluated in a general rehabilitation training setting to overcome the limitations of in vivo settings. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was performed at p < 0.05. Moderate relationships between biceps femoris activation data and hip and knee torques were statistically significant, ranging from r = 0.412 to −0.590, p < 0.05). Importantly, inverse relationships existed between hip torques and vastus lateralis oblique, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior activation, respectively. The present results demonstrated the association between EMG locomotor control patterns and torque generation in the hip and knee joints during RAGT-treadmill under the different BWS and walking speed settings while adjusting the impedance mode parameters in non-neurological adults. Additionally, the EMG locomotor control patterns, concurrent torque generation in the hip and knee joints, and application of different BWS and walking speed parameters in the RAGT were linked to the gait speed and BWS. The outcomes also showed that the amount of BWS supplied had an impact on the effects of treadmill speed on muscle activity and temporal step control. It is essential to adjust RAGT parameters precisely in order to maximize training session efficiency and quality. The results of this study nevertheless call for more investigation into the relationship between muscle activity and torque outcomes in diseased populations with gait impairment.