bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra-Articular Injection of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Ameliorates Pain and Cartilage Anabolism/Catabolism in Osteoarthritis: Preclinical and Clinical Evidences
Authors: Yan Bo , Lv Shuaijie , Tong Peijian , Yan Li , Chen Zuxiang , Zhou Li , Yuan Qiang , Guo Le , Shan Letian
Published: March 2022

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, lacking disease-modifying treatments. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are adult multipotent stromal cells obtained from fat tissue, which holds great potential in treating OA. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-OA efficacy of ADSCs from preclinical and clinical facets and explore the underlying mechanism of action.

Methods:In vivo, a single dose of 5 × 105 ADSCs was injected into the knee joints of monoiodoacetate-induced OA rat model. The levels of metabolic and hypertrophic molecules (MMP13, Collagen II, Collagen X) of chondrocytes were measured by immunohistochemistry. In vitro, cell viability assay was conducted to detect the proliferation ability of chondrocytes treated with ADSCs conditioned medium (ADSCs-CM). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays were applied to explore the mechanism of action of ADSCs. Moreover, a retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of ADSCs on OA patients.

Results: The animal study showed that ADSCs significantly alleviated OA cartilage lesions in rats, as was confirmed by downregulation of the MMP13 and Collagen X and upregulation of the Collagen II. In vitro data showed that ADSCs-CM promoted the proliferation of chondrocytes, and significantly restored the IL-1β-induced abnormal expressions of molecular markers IL-6, Aggrecan, MMP3, MMP13, Collagen II, Collagen X, ADAMTS5, ADAMTS9, SOX6, and SOX9 in chondrocytes. Such regulatory effects of ADSCs-CM on the proliferation and these anabolic, catabolic, and hypertrophic markers of chondrocytes suggested a paracrine-based mode of action of ADSCs. Furthermore, the clinical data showed that ADSCs reduced pain and repaired cartilage damage in OA patients, with no adverse events.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the anti-OA efficacy, safety, and a paracrine-based mechanism of ADSCs, providing a promising cell-based therapeutic option for OA treatment.
Wu-Mei-Wan Ameliorates Murine Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Yan Shuguang , Wei Hailiang , Jia Rui , Zhen Meijia , Bao Shengchuan , Wang Wenba , Liu Fanrong , Li Jingtao
Published: March 2022

An increasing body of evidence shows that macrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Macrophage polarization and changes in related signaling pathways are reported to have a protective effect on intestinal inflammation. The well-known Chinese medicine Wumeiwan (WMW) has been used to treat diarrhea, one of the main symptoms of colitis, for more than 2,000 years. Increasing evidence shows that WMW can inhibit intestinal inflammation and repair damaged intestinal mucosa, but its effector mechanisms are unknown. Therefore, we studied the prophylactic effects of WMW in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC and its effects on macrophage mechanisms and polarization. The results show that colitis was significantly alleviated in mice in the WMW group, and the secretion and expression of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 were inhibited in the serum and colonic tissues of mice with WMW-treated colitis, whereas anti-inflammatory factors IL-10, Arg-1, and TGF-β1 were increased. Subsequent studies found that WMW could inhibit M1 polarization and promote M2 polarization in colonic macrophages in DSS-induced colitis mice. Network pharmacology was used to predict potential targets and pathways, and further studies confirmed the related targets The results showed that WMW gradually inhibits the activation of the P38MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and further activates the STAT6 signaling pathway. In summary, WMW interferes with the p38MAPK, NF-κB and STAT6 signaling pathways to regulate M1/M2 polarization in macrophages, thereby protecting mice against DSS-induced colitis.
The Effect of Chronic Psychological Stress on Lower Urinary Tract Function: An Animal Model Perspective
Authors: Gao Yunliang , Rodríguez Larissa V.
Published: March 2022

Chronic psychological stress can affect urinary function and exacerbate lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction (LUTD), particularly in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) or interstitial cystitis–bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). An increasing amount of evidence has highlighted the close relationship between chronic stress and LUTD, while the exact mechanisms underlying it remain unknown. The application of stress-related animal models has provided powerful tools to explore the effect of chronic stress on LUT function. We systematically reviewed recent findings and identified stress-related animal models. Among them, the most widely used was water avoidance stress (WAS), followed by social stress, early life stress (ELS), repeated variable stress (RVS), chronic variable stress (CVS), intermittent restraint stress (IRS), and others. Different types of chronic stress condition the induction of relatively distinguished changes at multiple levels of the micturition pathway. The voiding phenotypes, underlying mechanisms, and possible treatments of stress-induced LUTD were discussed together. The advantages and disadvantages of each stress-related animal model were also summarized to determine the better choice. Through the present review, we hope to expand the current knowledge of the pathophysiological basis of stress-induced LUTD and inspire robust therapies with better outcomes.
HPV Vaccination in Kenya: The Challenges Faced and Strategies to Increase Uptake
Authors: Karanja-Chege Christine Muthoni
Published: March 2022

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the leading cause of ano-genital cancers globally with cervical cancer as the top cause of cancer- related deaths in women. Over 90% of these deaths occur in low income countries where cancer control strategies remain inadequate. HPV vaccination provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18 which are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. The optimal age of vaccination is in the early adolescent period, before sexual debut with possible HPV infection. Studies have shown that children residing in low income settlements are at risk of early initiation of sexual activity. Adolescent vaccination programs would provide an avenue to link other health promotion strategies targeting this age group that has hitherto been left out of many health interventions in 2019, Kenya introduced HPV vaccine to be given to 10 year old girls. Uptake has been sub-optimal with only 33% of targeted population receiving the first dose in 2020 and 16% returning for the 2nd dose. While disruption of immunization programs by the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the low coverage, other factors such as low demand fuelled by misinformation have also played a role.
Organic Carbon Storage and Dynamics as Affected by the Adoption of Irrigation in a Cultivated Calcareous Mediterranean Soil
Authors: Antón Rodrigo , Derrien Delphine , Urmeneta Henar , van der Heijden Gregory , Enrique Alberto , Virto Iñigo
Published: March 2022

Irrigation is in the spotlight of land-use planning in semi-arid and sub-humid regions. It can be a promising practice to promote soil organic C storage (SOC), although it may also involve an increase in soil GHG emissions. Assessing the impact of its adoption on SOC storage is crucial to better understand its potential role in terms of agricultural sustainability and climate policies. In this study, we measured and modeled the changes in soil organic C storage and dynamics in the tilled soil layer (0–30 cm) of an experimental field on a calcareous soil with two different crops (maize, a C4 plant, and wheat, a C3 plant), cultivated with and without irrigation for 7 years. We hypothesized that changes in SOC storage occur when introducing irrigation and/or different crops in an agrosystem, and that they would be related to changes in the incorporation of crop residues, their partitioning between the labile and the stable fraction, and C losses by mineralization. Our results validated theses hypotheses only partially. Over the 7-year study period, irrigation significantly increased total (TOC) and sand-size (50–2,000 μm) particulate organic C (POC50−2,000) stocks in the tilled layer (0–30 cm): +7.1% TOC and +12.1% POC50−2,000 for maize, and +7.0 and +12.3% for wheat. A parallel two-pool SOC model based on TOC and POC50−2,000 fractions and the C3-C4 plant shift allowed understanding that the observed changes in SOC storage were most likely related to an increase in C inputs from crop residues, and to a more efficient incorporation of these residues with irrigation. The mean residence time of SOC in the two modeled pools did not allow to support our hypothesis of changes in SOC mineralization with irrigation. The limitations of SOC fractionation, which implied that some labile fractions might have been lost from POC50−2,000 and recovered in the fraction identified as slow-turning, together with the interaction of the carbonate-rich mineral phase of this soil can explain at least partially this observation. We conclude that irrigation can contribute to effectively increase SOC storage in the mid-term, but its effect might be dependent upon the type of crops and soil.
Randomized Clinical Study on the Efficacy of Direct Anterior Approach Combined With Tendon Release and Repair After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Li Guanbao , Chen Qiuan , Zhou Wei , Li Pinquan , Ma Peng , Liu Tongyuan , Tang Hai
Published: March 2022

Background

To study the effect of reconstruction of the joint capsule and conjoint tendon on the functional recovery of the hip joint during direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

A total of 60 patients who underwent their first total hip arthroplasty surgery were selected. According to the set criteria, the selected patients were divided into observation group A (n = 30) and control group B (n = 30). In group A, the joint capsule and conjoint tendon (superior muscle, internal obturator muscle, and inferior muscle) were repaired in situ, while in group B, only the joint capsule was repaired in situ, and the conjoint tendon was not repaired. The surgical indicators, including hip joint function and clinical efficacy of the two groups, were compared.

Results

After 6 months of follow-up in groups A and B, no dislocation occurred. The Harris Hip scores of group A were higher than those of group B at 1-month post-operation, i.e., p < 0.05, as well as the valid muscle strength and conjoint tendon valid tension, were higher in group A than group B at 1-month postoperative follow-up, i.e., p < 0.05.

Conclusion

DAA for total hip arthroplasty on the premise of reconstructing the joint capsule structure can rebuild the tension of the conjoint tendon, enhance its muscle strength, and significantly improve the joint stability and function of the patient early stage. It is beneficial for the patient's rapid recovery and is worth implementing.
Cardiac Xenotransplantation: Progress in Preclinical Models and Prospects for Clinical Translation
Authors: Singh Avneesh K. , Goerlich Corbin E. , Shah Aakash M. , Zhang Tianshu , Tatarov Ivan , Ayares David , Horvath Keith A. , Mohiuddin Muhammad M.
Published: March 2022

Survival of pig cardiac xenografts in a non-human primate (NHP) model has improved significantly over the last 4 years with the introduction of costimulation blockade based immunosuppression (IS) and genetically engineered (GE) pig donors. The longest survival of a cardiac xenograft in the heterotopic (HHTx) position was almost 3 years and only rejected when IS was stopped. Recent reports of cardiac xenograft survival in a life-sustaining orthotopic (OHTx) position for 6 months is a significant step forward. Despite these achievements, there are still several barriers to the clinical success of xenotransplantation (XTx). This includes the possible transmission of porcine pathogens with pig donors and continued xenograft growth after XTx. Both these concerns, and issues with additional incompatibilities, have been addressed recently with the genetic modification of pigs. This review discusses the spectrum of issues related to cardiac xenotransplantation, recent progress in preclinical models, and its feasibility for clinical translation.
Federated Learning for Intrusion Detection in the Critical Infrastructures: Vertically Partitioned Data Use Case
Authors: Novikova Evgenia , Doynikova Elena , Golubev Sergey
Published: March 2022

One of the challenges in the Internet of Things systems is the security of the critical data, for example, data used for intrusion detection. The paper research construction of an intrusion detection system that ensures the confidentiality of critical data at a given level of intrusion detection accuracy. For this goal, federated learning is used to train an intrusion detection model. Federated learning is a computational model for distributed machine learning that allows different collaborating entities to train one global model without sharing data. This paper considers the case when entities have data that are different in attributes. Authors believe that it is a common situation for the critical systems constructed using Internet of Things (IoT) technology, when industrial objects are monitored by different sets of sensors. To evaluate the applicability of the federated learning for this case, the authors developed an approach and an architecture of the intrusion detection system for vertically partitioned data that consider the principles of federated learning and conducted the series of experiments. To model vertically partitioned data, the authors used the Secure Water Treatment (SWaT) data set that describes the functioning of the water treatment facility. The conducted experiments demonstrate that the accuracy of the intrusion detection model trained using federated learning is compared with the accuracy of the intrusion detection model trained using the centralized machine learning model. However, the computational efficiency of the learning and inference process is currently extremely low. It is explained by the application of homomorphic encryption for input data protection from different data owners or data sources. This defines the necessity to elaborate techniques for generating attributes that could model horizontally partitioned data even for the cases when the collaborating entities share datasets that differ in their attributes.
Forecast of Medical Costs in Health Companies Using Models Based on Advanced Analytics
Authors: Sandoval Serrano Daniel Ricardo , Rincón Juan Carlos , Mejía-Restrepo Julián , Núñez-Valdez Edward Rolando , García-Díaz Vicente
Published: March 2022

Forecasting medical costs is crucial for planning, budgeting, and efficient decision making in the health industry. This paper introduces a proposal to forecast costs through techniques such as a standard model of long short-term memory (LSTM); and patient grouping through k-means clustering in the Keralty group, one of Colombia’s leading healthcare companies. It is important to highlight its implications for the prediction of cost time series in the health sector from a retrospective analysis of the information of services invoiced to health companies. It starts with the selection of sociodemographic variables related to the patient, such as age, gender and marital status, and it is complemented with health variables such as patient comorbidities (cohorts) and induced variables, such as service provision frequency and time elapsed since the last consultation (hereafter referred to as “recency”). Our results suggest that greater accuracy can be achieved by first clustering and then using LSTM networks. This implies that a correct segmentation of the population according to the usage of services represented in costs must be performed beforehand. Through the analysis, a cost projection from 1 to 3 months can be conducted, allowing a comparison with historical data. The reliability of the model is validated by different metrics such as RMSE and Adjusted R2. Overall, this study is intended to be useful for healthcare managers in developing a strategy for medical cost forecasting. We conclude that the use of analytical tools allows the organization to make informed decisions and to develop strategies for optimizing resources with the identified population.
Prediction Model and Influencing Factors of CO2 Micro/Nanobubble Release Based on ARIMA-BPNN
Authors: Wang Bingbing , Lu Xiangjie , Ren Yanzhao , Tao Sha , Gao Wanlin
Published: March 2022

The quantitative prediction of CO2 concentration in the growth environment of crops is a key technology for CO2 enrichment applications. The characteristics of micro/nanobubbles in water make CO2 micro/nanobubble water potentially useful for enriching CO2 during growth of crops. However, few studies have been conducted on the release characteristics and factors influencing CO2 micro/nanobubbles. In this paper, the factors influencing CO2 release and changes in CO2 concentration in the environment are discussed. An autoregressive integrated moving average and backpropagation neural network (ARIMA-BPNN) model that maps the nonlinear relationship between the CO2 concentration and various influencing factors within a time series is proposed to predict the released CO2 concentration in the environment. Experimental results show that the mean absolute error and root-mean-square error of the combination prediction model in the test datasets were 9.31 and 17.48, respectively. The R2 value between the predicted and measured values was 0.86. Additionally, the mean influence value (MIV) algorithm was used to evaluate the influence weights of each input influencing factor on the CO2 micro/nanobubble release concentration, which were in the order of ambient temperature > spray pressure > spray amount > ambient humidity. This study provides a new research approach for the quantitative application of CO2 micro/nanobubble water in agriculture.
ADDLight: An Energy-Saving Adder Neural Network for Cucumber Disease Classification
Authors: Liu Chen , Zhao Chunjiang , Wu Huarui , Han Xiao , Li Shuqin
Published: March 2022

It is an urgent task to improve the applicability of the cucumber disease classification model in greenhouse edge-intelligent devices. The energy consumption of disease diagnosis models designed based on deep learning methods is a key factor affecting its applicability. Based on this motivation, two methods of reducing the model’s calculation amount and changing the calculation method of feature extraction were used in this study to reduce the model’s calculation energy consumption, thereby prolonging the working time of greenhouse edge devices deployed with disease models. First, a cucumber disease dataset with complex backgrounds is constructed in this study. Second, the random data enhancement method is used to enhance data during model training. Third, the conventional feature extraction module, depthwise separable feature extraction module, and the squeeze-and-excitation module are the main modules for constructing the classification model. In addition, the strategies of channel expansion and = shortcut connection are used to further improve the model’s classification accuracy. Finally, the additive feature extraction method is used to reconstruct the proposed model. The experimental results show that the computational energy consumption of the adder cucumber disease classification model is reduced by 96.1% compared with the convolutional neural network of the same structure. In addition, the model size is only 0.479 MB, the calculation amount is 0.03 GFLOPs, and the classification accuracy of cucumber disease images with complex backgrounds is 89.1%. All results prove that our model has high applicability in cucumber greenhouse intelligent equipment.
A Label-Free Electrochemical Impedance Genosensor Coupled with Recombinase Polymerase Amplification for Genetically Modified Maize Detection
Authors: Cui Dandan , Zhai Shanshan , Yang Yao , Wu Yuhua , Li Jun , Yan Xiaohong , Shen Ping , Gao Hongfei , Wu Gang
Published: March 2022

As the cultivation scale of genetically modified (GM) crops strongly increases, a convenient DNA assay is highly demanded in resource-limited areas. A label-free electrochemical impedance (EI) genosensor using gold carbon dots (GCDs) was developed with easy-to-use portable device. GCDs were used to modify screen-printed carbon electrode and immobilize capture probes by conducting a simple protocol. After the amplification products anchored on the sensor surface via hybridization reactions, the EI signal increased due to the formation of biocomplex hampering the interfacial electron transfer. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed genosensor coupled with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) could detect maize Ruifeng12-5 in a linear range of 0.10–5.0% with a detection limit of 0.10%. In addition, combined with a one-step extraction and RPA amplification, the proposed sensor device can be applied in resource-limited laboratories without expensive instruments or professionals. Therefore, the developed method provides an easy-to-use and sensitive platform for GM organism detection.
Edaphic Response and Behavior of Agricultural Soils to Mechanical Perturbation in Tillage
Authors: Mwiti Frankline , Gitau Ayub , Mbuge Duncan
Published: March 2022

Mechanical perturbation constrains edaphic functionality of arable soils in tillage. Seasonal soil tool interactions disrupt the pristine bio-physio-mechanical characteristics of agricultural soils and crop-oriented ecological functions. They interfere with the natural balancing of nutrient cycles, soil carbon, and diverse organic matter that supports soil ecosystem interactions with crop rooting. We review soil working in tillage, associated mechanistic perturbations, and the edaphic response of affected soil properties towards cropping characteristics and behavior as soil working tools evolve. This is to further credit or discredit the global transition to minimum and no-till systems with a more specific characterization to soil properties and edaphic crop-oriented goals of soil tooling. Research has shown that improvement in adoption of conservation tillage is trying to characterize tilled soils with edaphic states of native soil agroecosystems rendering promising strategies to revive overworked soils under the changing climate. Soil can proliferate without disturbance whilst generation of new ecologically rich soil structures develops under more natural conditions. Researchers have argued that crops adapted to the altered physio-mechanical properties of cultivated soils can be developed and domesticated, especially under already impedance induced, mechanically risked, degraded soils. Interestingly edaphic response of soils under no-till soil working appeared less favorable in humid climates and more significant under arid regions. We recommend further studies to elucidate the association between soil health state, soil disturbance, cropping performance, and yield under evolving soil working tools, a perspective that will be useful in guiding the establishment of future soils for future crops.
Response of Summer Maize Growth and Water Use to Different Irrigation Regimes
Authors: Huang Chao , Ma Shoutian , Gao Yang , Liu Zugui , Qin Anzhen , Zhao Ben , Ning Dongfeng , Duan Aiwang , Liu Xuchen , Chen Haiqing , Liu Zhandong
Published: March 2022

Summer maize crop development, yield, and water use characteristics under water deficit conditions at different growth stages were investigated in this study using different irrigation regime treatments at the seedling (S), jointing (J), tasseling (T), and grain filling stages (F) in 2018 and 2019 in China. Ten different irrigation treatments were set, including three-irrigation application intervals (JTFi, STFi, SJFi, SJTi), two-irrigation applications (STi, JTi, JFi), and single-irrigation applications (Ti, Ji). These were compared to the control treatment (CK), which had sufficient irrigation provided at four intervals (SJTFi). The results showed that compared to CK, a water deficit at the seedling and jointing stages had a greater effect on plant height, whereas a water deficit at the tasseling and filling stages had a greater effect on the leaf area index, and a continuous water deficit had an effect on the stem diameter of summer maize. Limitations in terms of the growth and development of summer maize increased with less frequent irrigation. As irrigation decreased, the grain yield decreased, and the water use efficiency increased, and a water deficit at the tasseling stage had the greatest effect on the yield and water use efficiency. The JTFi treatment was the optimal irrigation regime with a yield decline, and its water consumption was reduced by 16.9% (p < 0.05) on average. However, compared to CK, the water use efficiency of the JTFi treatment increased by 17.3% (p < 0.05). Moreover, the JTFi treatment had the smallest maize yield response factor value (Ky) of 0.16, and its comprehensive score was the second highest after CK.
Investigation of the Secondary Succession of Abandoned Areas from Different Cultivation in the Pannonian Biogeographic Region
Authors: Szirmai Orsolya , Saláta Dénes , Benedek Lajos Krisztián , Czóbel Szilárd
Published: March 2022

Areas abandoned for various reasons are widespread on Earth, with a significant proportion in some regions of Europe. Our knowledge of vegetation dynamics in abandoned lands is incomplete, in part because research comparing types abandoned from different cultivars is limited. This paper compared the textural and structural changes of previously extensively treated vineyards, arables, and grasslands over a 30-year timescale in secondary succession studies. Based on the botanical surveys, it can be said that the total species number and diversity of abandoned vineyards and arable lands did not increase linearly in the four age groups studied. The way of secondary succession of former vineyards and arable lands showed many similarities. In these types, rapid regeneration of natural vegetation can be observed, the rate of which can only be reduced by the abundance of a few strong competitor species. However, the abandonment of extensively grazed and mowed grasslands has reduced species numbers and diversity, which may reduce the resilience of such grasslands to environmental factors. In abandoned lands, the mosaic landscape and previous extensive small-plot farming appear to have a positive effect on the rate of secondary succession and regeneration, as the species-rich vegetation patches provide a suitable propagule source for regeneration.
Theileria annulata: Its Propagation in Rabbits for the Attenuation of Piroplasms in Cross-Bred Calves
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad Sajid , Rashid Muhammad Imran , Akbar Haroon , Avais Muhammad , Suleman Muhammad
Published: March 2022

Tropical theileriosis caused by the protozoan; Theileria annulata is a tick-borne disease (TBD) transmitted by ticks of genus Hyalomma; is clinically characterized by fever, anemia, and lymphadenopathy; and is responsible for heavy economic losses in terms of high morbidity and mortality rates with reduced production. Infected red blood cells of T. annulata were inoculated into rabbits intraperitoneally, and propagation of T. annulata has been investigated. The current study has shown an association between induced tropical theileriosis and variation of body temperature in rabbits. A significant rise in temperature (39.92 ± 0.33 °C) was seen on day 8 onwards, with the maximum temperature (40.27 ± 0.44 °C) on day 14 post-inoculation. In the current study, in vivo trials in susceptible cross-bred calves to investigate the attenuation and comparison with the infected group were also conducted. All the infected calves (n = 5) showed a significant rise in temperature (40.26 ± 0.05 °C) on day 10 onwards, with the maximum temperature (40.88 ± 0.05 °C) on day 16. The temperature of inoculated calves increased gradually post-inoculation, but the difference was not significant. A maximum parasitemia of 20% was observed in infected calves, but no piroplasm parasitemia was observed in inoculated calves. The prescapular lymph nodes of infected calves were enlarged, while the lymph nodes of inoculated calves remained normal throughout the trial. Analysis of clinical and parasitological responses of infected and inoculated calves showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in terms of temperature, parasitemia, and lymph node scoring between two groups. The current study was primarily aimed to attenuate T. annulata in rabbit and to check its virulence in susceptible calves. It is concluded that propagation of Theileria annulata in rabbits made it attenuated. Rabbit can be used as an in vivo model to weaken the virulence of T. annulata.
Influence of Climatic Factors and Nest Tree Characteristics on the Nest Structures of the Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus) in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Thiruvenggadam Thiruvinothini , Mohd. Top Marina , Nulit Rosimah , Puan Chong Leong
Published: March 2022

The baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus: Ploceidae), found across South and Southeast Asia, is known for its oblique-shaped overhanging nests. During the breeding season, females select from partially built (‘helmet’-stage) nests constructed by the males, after which nests are completed and used by the birds. Reproductive success is linked to an optimal microclimate within these nest structures. We recorded nest tree and nest structure characteristics of 66 fully completed nests for 22 colonies located in two climatically dissimilar sites in Peninsular Malaysia and examined how these factors affected the microclimate within six nests that were randomly selected at each location. Total vertical length of the nests, the height of nests from the ground, and the diameter at breast height of the nest trees recorded for the Selangor and Perlis colonies (in the southwest and north, respectively), were significantly different. The climatic variables inside and outside the nests correlated significantly in both sites. Our findings indicate that nest structures differed in Selangor and Perlis and were linked to nest microclimate, possibly being influenced by the surrounding temperature.
Contribution of Müller Cells in the Diabetic Retinopathy Development: Focus on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Carpi-Santos Raul , de Melo Reis Ricardo A. , Gomes Flávia Carvalho Alcantara , Calaza Karin C.
Published: March 2022

Diabetic retinopathy is a neurovascular complication of diabetes and the main cause of vision loss in adults. Glial cells have a key role in maintenance of central nervous system homeostasis. In the retina, the predominant element is the Müller cell, a specialized cell with radial morphology that spans all retinal layers and influences the function of the entire retinal circuitry. Müller cells provide metabolic support, regulation of extracellular composition, synaptic activity control, structural organization of the blood–retina barrier, antioxidant activity, and trophic support, among other roles. Therefore, impairments of Müller actions lead to retinal malfunctions. Accordingly, increasing evidence indicates that Müller cells are affected in diabetic retinopathy and may contribute to the severity of the disease. Here, we will survey recently described alterations in Müller cell functions and cellular events that contribute to diabetic retinopathy, especially related to oxidative stress and inflammation. This review sheds light on Müller cells as potential therapeutic targets of this disease.
Urban Sprawl and Carbon Emissions Effects in City Areas Based on System Dynamics: A Case Study of Changsha City
Authors: Liu Luyun , Tang Yanli , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhou Xu , Bedra Komi Bernard
Published: March 2022

Climate change is a global problem facing mankind, and achieving peak CO2 emissions and carbon neutrality is an important task for China to respond to global climate change. The quantitative evaluation of the trends of urban energy consumption and carbon emissions is a premise for achieving this goal. Therefore, from the perspective of urban expansion, this paper analyzes the complex relationship between the mutual interactions and feedback between urban population, land expansion, economic growth, energy structure and carbon emissions. STELLA simulation software is used to establish a system dynamics model of urban-level carbon emissions effects, and Changsha city is used for the case study. The simulated outputs of energy consumption and carbon emissions cover the period from 1949 to 2016. From 1949 to 2016, Changsha’s total energy consumption and carbon emissions per capita have continuously grown. The total carbon emissions increased from 0.66 Mt-CO2 to 60.95 Mt-CO2, while the per capita carbon emissions increased from 1.73 t-CO2/10,000 people to 18.3 Mt-CO2/10,000 people. The analysis of the structure of carbon emissions shows that the industrial sector accounted for the largest proportion of emissions, but it had gradually dropped from between 60% and 70% to about 40%. The carbon emissions of residential and commercial services accounted for less than 25%, and the proportion of transportation carbon emissions fluctuated greatly in 2013 and 2016. From the perspective of carbon emissions effects, carbon emissions per unit of GDP had a clear downward trend, from 186.11 t-CO2/CNY104 to 1.33 t-CO2/CNY104, and carbon emissions per unit of land showed two inflection points: one in 1961 and the other in 1996. The general trend showed an increase first, followed by a decrease, then a stabilization. There is a certain linear correlation between the compactness of urban shape and the overall trend of carbon emissions intensity, while the urban shape index has no linear correlation with the growth rate of carbon emissions. The carbon emissions assessment model constructed in this paper can be used by other municipalities, and the assessment results can provide guidance for future energy planning and decision making.
Consequences of Stapes Surgery on Tongue Morphological Characteristics in Narrow Band Imaging, Gustatory Function and General Sensation: A Prospective Tertiary Center Study
Authors: Božanić Urbančič Nina , Vozel Domen , Steiner Nejc , Hribar Manja , Fošnarič Iztok , Šifrer Robert , Urbančič Jure , Battelino Saba
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: Chorda tympani (CT) manipulation during stapes surgery affects its functions. We hypothesized that this alters tongue morphology and sensory functions. (2) Methods: Patients undergoing stapes surgery were tested 1 day preoperatively, 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Narrow band imaging contact endoscopy (NBI) was used to determine the number of fungiform papillae (Npapillae) and the total score of blood vessel morphology (NBItotal). The taste was tested with taste strips. General sensation was tested with a static two-point discrimination. Tests were performed on ipsilateral and contralateral side of the tongue. (3) Results: 52 otosclerosis patients were included in the study. There was a statistically significant decrease of NBItotal (p = 0.005), Npapillae (p = 0.009), sensation of sweet (p = 0.003), salty (p = 0.035), sour (p = 0.036), and bitter taste (p = 0.013) within the test side during the follow-up. A statistically significant impact on presence of dysgeusia for sweet was found 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.005). Postoperative decrease in two-point discrimination score did not reach a statistical significance (p = 0.056). (4) Conclusions: CT manipulation affects fungiform papillae density, vascular patterns and taste sensation. The general sensation of the tongue is not influenced by CT manipulation.
Vibration Energy Harvesting from Raindrops Impacts: Experimental Tests and Interpretative Models
Authors: Palomba Ilaria , Doria Alberto , Marconi Edoardo , Bottin Matteo , Rosati Giulio
Published: March 2022

The kinetic energy of raindrops is a large and renewable source of energy that nowadays can be exploited by means of piezoelectric harvesters. This study focuses on a new cantilever harvester that uses the impact of a drop on a liquid surface created on the harvester in order to improve the conversion from kinetic energy to electric energy. Experimental tests, carried out both outdoors and indoors, were performed to assess the validity of the proposed design. The voltage obtained with the impact on the liquid surface was about four times larger than the one obtained with the impact on a dry surface. The phenomena that lead to the increased performance of the harvester were analyzed both experimentally, by means of a high-speed camera, and analytically, by means of a mathematical model. The camera footage showed a clear relationship between the waveform of the generated voltage and the various phases of the impact (crown formation, crown collapse, and sloshing). The mathematical model developed herein, which was based on the oscillation of the liquid mass caused by the impact and on the linear momentum equation, is simple and can be used to estimate the measured voltage within a good approximation.
New Metric for Evaluation of Deep Neural Network Applied in Vision-Based Systems
Authors: Bakhshande Fateme , Ameyaw Daniel Adofo , Madan Neelu , Söffker Dirk
Published: March 2022

Vision-based object detection plays a crucial role for the complete functionality of many engineering systems. Typically, detectors or classifiers are used to detect objects or to distinguish different targets. This contribution presents a new evaluation of CNN classifiers in image detection using a modified Probability of Detection reliability measure. The proposed method allows the evaluation of further image parameters affecting the classification results. The proposed evaluation method is implemented on images and comparisons made on parameters with the best detection capability. A typical certification standard (90/95) denoting a 90% probability of detection at 95% reliability level is adapted and successfully applied. Using the 90/95 standard, comparisons are made between different image parameters. A noise analysis procedure is introduced, permitting the trade-off between the detection rate, false alarms, and process parameters. The advantage of the novel approach is experimentally evaluated for vision-based classification results of CNN considering different image parameters. With this new POD evaluation, classifiers will become a trustworthy part of vision systems.
Physiological Profiles of Recreational Runners and Cyclists Aged 20 to 60 Years
Authors: Heller Jan , Kinkorova Ivana , Vodicka Pavel , Mika Tomas
Published: March 2022

Human physical activities may bring potential health benefits. The aim of our study was to compare body composition, lung function and aerobic fitness as a function of age in a cross-sectional study of 277 recreational cyclists (men: n = 163, women: n = 114) and 377 recreational runners (men: n = 239, women: n = 138) aged 20 to 60 years, with a training volume of about 2000 to 4000 km per year for cyclists and 25 to 60 km per week for runners. The survey focused on comparing the values of body composition, lung function and aerobic fitness in dependence on age. The results suggest that recreational cycling and running is associated with a favorable body composition and increased physical fitness, where the percentage of body fat in athletes corresponds to about 70–90% of the population norm, while physical fitness indices, maximum oxygen consumption and maximum exercise performance corresponded at about 140 to 150% of the population norms. The study confirms the assumption that the decrease in physiological functions and/or physical condition with age is much slower in those who participate in recreational sports than in the general nonsports population.
A New Methodology for Updating Land Cover Maps in Rapidly Urbanizing Areas of Levying Stormwater Utility Fee
Authors: Yoo Jaehyun , Lee Cholyoung
Published: March 2022

With a steady increase in impervious surfaces due to urbanization in Korea, there is a growing burden and an urgent need to fund better management of nonpoint sources of pollution and stormwater. A prerequisite for securing the necessary financial resources is the determination of basic data for the accurate calculation of impervious surfaces as the basis for estimating the costs of nonpoint source pollution control and billing of stormwater utility fees. This requires the extraction of landcover information in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment and development of a landcover map that accurately delineates pervious surfaces within impervious surface areas. However, since landcover maps in Korea are generated and updated at irregular intervals, it is difficult to properly track land use changes. To address this problem, this study has developed a new method for the detailed updating of landcover maps in developing urban areas to facilitate the calculation of stormwater utility fees. Sejong City was selected as the study site because it has experienced large-scale land use changes due to the recent relocation of the national administrative capital and continuous urbanization. The methodology proposed in this study is based on various spatial data such as aerial photographs and digital topographic maps and follows four process steps: preprocessing, first and second updates of landcover information, and quality assurance. In a test of this method, a total of 19,049 reclassified items were generated in the first and second updates, affecting a total area of 26.49 km2 within the original landcover map. The accuracy of these updates reached 99.78%, considering the changed areas and rate of change. This study provides fundamental data for further application of a stormwater utility fee policy in Korea. However, further research is required to automate the generation of accurate pervious/impervious maps and develop pertinent guidelines so that individual municipal and provincial governments can generate and update their own pervious/impervious maps as a basis for calculating the impervious surfaces in their regions.
System Concepts for Robots in Life Science Applications
Authors: Thurow Kerstin
Published: March 2022

For a long time, robot-based automation solutions have found their way into industrial production and manufacturing [...]
Low-Temperature Direct Bonding of SiC to Si via Plasma Activation
Authors: Wang Fengxuan , Yang Xiang , Zhao Yongqiang , Wu Jingmin , Guo Zhiyu , He Zhi , Fan Zhongchao , Yang Fuhua
Published: March 2022

We investigated the low-temperature direct bonding of SiC/Si via O2 plasma activation. After optimization, a high bonding efficiency of over 90% was obtained. Surface activation was achieved via reactive ion etching (RIE) O2 plasma for 30 s without significant bombardment damage. A smooth and void-free interface was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while a significant amorphous oxide layer was also detected. By increasing the annealing temperature from 150 to 300 ∘C, the amorphous layer decreased drastically from 48 nm to 11 nm. Based on systematic experiments and analysis, the mechanism of SiC/Si low-temperature plasma-activated bonding was discussed.
Underwater Object Classification Method Based on Depthwise Separable Convolution Feature Fusion in Sonar Images
Authors: Gong Wenjing , Tian Jie , Liu Jiyuan
Published: March 2022

In order to improve the accuracy of underwater object classification, according to the characteristics of sonar images, a classification method based on depthwise separable convolution feature fusion is proposed. Firstly, Markov segmentation is used to segment the highlight and shadow regions of the object to avoid the loss of information caused by simultaneous segmentation. Secondly, depthwise separable convolution is used to learn the deep information of images for feature extraction, which produces less network computation. Thirdly, features of highlight and shadow regions are fused by the parallel network structure, and pyramid pooling is added to extract the multi-scale information. Finally, the full connection layers are used to achieve object classification through the Softmax function. Experiments are conducted on simulated and real data. Results show that the method proposed in this paper achieve superior performance compared with other models, and it also has certain flexibility.
Inversion Analysis of Impervious Curtain Permeability Coefficient Using Calcium Leaching Model, Extreme Learning Machine, and Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Shu Yongkang , Shen Zhenzhong , Xu Liqun , Zhang Kailai , Yang Chao
Published: March 2022

The calcium leaching effect leads to a decrease in the impermeability of the impervious curtain. The inverse analysis strategy was introduced in this study because the calcium leaching parameters of the curtain are not easy to determine. An orthogonal design and the finite element method were used in the strategy. The time-series data of hydraulic head and leakage volume were applied to construct the objective function. The extreme learning machine (ELM) was proposed to build the reflection sets. Genetic algorithm (GA), simulated annealing (SA), sparrow search algorithm (SSA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) were employed to accelerate the iterative search for the target parameters. The target parameters of the calcium leaching model were used for finite element verification by comparing the monitored and simulated values. The simulated values of hydraulic head and leakage by PSO show good agreement with measurements. The evolution of the curtain permeability coefficient in 100 years was analyzed. The results demonstrate the strategy’s feasibility in determining the curtain’s calcium leaching parameters and permeability coefficients.
Rio Madeira HVDC System: Commissioning of the Ground Electrode for Bipole 2 at Porto Velho
Authors: Freire Paulo , Kalife Jairo , Oliveira Gil
Published: March 2022

The original ground electrode of the Madeira River HVDC transmission system, bipole 2, was discarded due to the risk of saturation of the transformers in the Converter Substation of Porto Velho, located 15 km away, during the monopolar operation with ground return. After an extensive geophysical survey, a new site was selected, 40 km from the converter substation. For the confirmation of the new site, it was built in the central area of the site, a single-well 47 m deep test electrode, interconnected to the original 15 km electrode line by an additional 40 km long temporary line. A new electrode was then designed. This paper summarizes the test electrode procedure and the activities developed for the new electrode commissioning after its construction, which can be divided into two phases–pre-commissioning and commissioning. The electrode pre-commissioning was performed before its energization for the evaluation of the integrity of its components. The commissioning tests started with electrode energization, employing the electrode line, and an unbalanced bipole operation, which allowed the evaluation of its electrical performance. However, the main objective of the paper is the evaluation of the electrode resistance, which is an essential HVDC electrode parameter.