bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Approach to Predict Air Temperature and Relative Humidity inside Mechanically and Naturally Ventilated Duck Houses: Application of Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Lee Sang-yeon , Lee In-bok , Yeo Uk-hyeon , Kim Jun-gyu , Kim Rack-woo
Published: February 2022

The duck industry ranks sixth as one of the fastest-growing major industries for livestock production in South Korea. However, there are few studies quantitatively predicting the internal thermal and moisture environment of duck houses. In this study, high-accuracy recurrent neural network (RNN) models were used to predict the internal air temperature and relative humidity of mechanically and naturally ventilated duck houses. The models were developed according to the type of duck houses, seasons, and environmental variables by learning the monitoring data of the internal and external environments. The optimal sequence length of learning data for the development of the RNN model was selected as 120 min. As a result of the validation, both air temperature and relative humidity could be accurately predicted within 1% error. In addition, simplified RNN models were additionally developed by learning only from the data of external air temperature, relative humidity, and duck weight, which are relatively easy to acquire at the farms. The accuracy of the simplified RNN models was similar to the basic model for predicting the internal air temperature and relative humidity of duck houses in real time. In the future, for the convergence of information and communications technologies (ICTs) and application of smart farms in duck houses, the RNN models of duck houses developed in this study can be applied to predict and control the internal environments of duck houses using the model predictive control (MPC) technique.
Changes in Physicochemical Properties of Biochar after Addition to Soil
Authors: Fellet Guido , Conte Pellegrino , Bortolotti Villiam , Zama Fabiana , Landi Germana , Chillura Martino Delia Francesca , Ferro Vito , Marchiol Luca , Lo Meo Paolo
Published: February 2022

It is recognized that biochar undergoes changes when it is applied to soils. However, the mechanisms of biochar alterations are not fully understood yet. To this purpose, the present study is designed to investigate the transformations in the soil of two different biochars obtained from pyrolysis of fir-wood pellets. The production of the biochars differed for the dry and wet quenching procedures used to terminate the pyrolysis. Both biochars were applied to clay soil (26% sand, 6% silt, and 68% clay) placed into lysimeters. After water saturation and 15 days of equilibration, seeds of watercress (Lepidium sativum) were cultivated. After a further 7 weeks, the biochars were manually separated from the systems. A total of four samples were collected. They were analyzed for chemical–physical characteristics by using an innovative technique referred to as fast field cycling nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry. The results showed that the dry−quenching produced a material that was mainly chemically altered after application to soil compared to the biochar obtained by the wet−quenching. Indeed, the latter was both chemically and physically modified. In particular, results showed that water was better retained in the soil treated with the dry−quenched material. Consequently, we may suggest that crop productivity and environmental remediation may be modulated by applying either the dry−quenched or the wet−quenched biochar.
Comparative Morphology and Biochemical Analysis of Nickel Toxicity in Minor Fruit Species (Grewia asiatica L., Syzgium cumini (L.) Skeels and Tamarindus indica L.)
Authors: Zahra Saman , Noreen Sibgha , Abid Rafia , Akram Ahmed , Mahmood Seema , Shah Tariq , Alsahli Abdulaziz Abdulla
Published: February 2022

We evaluated the growth potential of three minor fruit species (Grewia asiatica L., Syzgium cummini and Tamarindus indica L.) after exposure to increasing Ni levels (0, 10, 20 and 40 µg kg−1 soil). The growth attributes, lipid peroxidation, photosynthetic machinery, macro nutrients and capacity of enzymatic antioxidants; Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Peroxidase (POD) in both leaves and roots were investigated under Ni exposure. A significant reduction in the biomass elongation of tissues (root and shoot) and enhanced oxidative damage via malondialdehyde (MDA) were noticed in all three species. Ni exposure triggered an induction of antioxidant enzyme response in a concurrent manner. Simultaneous increases in the antioxidant activities in the roots of G. asiatica and in the leaves of S. cumini suggest the existence of a sequence response against tissue damage. However, the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the tissues of T. indica were insufficient to counteract the elevated MDA levels. G. asiatica exhibited its resilience through the restricted transfer of Ni to aerial tissue, adequate uptake of nutrients, robust chloroplasts with lesser biodegradation of chlorophyll molecules and enhanced capacity of antioxidant enzyme biosynthesis. Thus, lesser modulations of morpho-biochemical expressions and the activity of antioxidants seem to contribute important defense mechanisms against Ni stress in the species.
Molecular Characterization and Genetic Structure Evaluation of Breeding Populations of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)
Authors: Scariolo Francesco , Palumbo Fabio , Barcaccia Gianni
Published: February 2022

Fennel, or Foeniculum vulgare Mill., is an important horticultural crop belonging to the Apiaceae family that is cultivated worldwide and used in the agri-food sector and for pharmaceutical preparations. Breeding strategies in this species usually involve three parental lines, including two maternal lines (one cytoplasmic male-sterile line and an ideotype representative maintainer line) that are crossed to obtain an ideotype representative of the cytoplasmic male-sterile line and one paternal line, used as a pollinator in crosses with the progeny of the derived maternal lines. From this cross, F1 hybrid progenies are obtained, which are characterized by high levels of heterozygosity and hybrid vigor. In this study, over 450 plants, representing 8 breeding populations and their respective 3 parental and 1 progeny line, were genotyped by means of codominant molecular markers. The 12 highly polymorphic microsatellites enabled the analyses of the genetic variability, distinctiveness and stability of each breeding line. Moreover, the genetic structure of the core collection was investigated, which, together with the homozygosity, gene flow and genetic similarity results, allowed the identification of unsuitable lines to be used in breeding plans due to their low homozygosity (10.4% in the pollinator line of population 7). Moreover, the Bayesian reconstruction of the core collection’s genetic structure, based on the codominant markers used, allowed us to confirm the distinctiveness results obtained from the genetic similarity investigation and the computed gene flow estimates. Among these, a trend in hybrid heterozygosity was also observed, that increased when the genetic similarity between the respective parental lines decreased. Thus, this research proposes a suitable method for genotyping fennel populations in pre- and post-breeding approaches, such as marker-assisted breeding or breeding line distinctiveness and stability verifications.
Usage of Morphological Mutations for Improvement of a Garden Pea (Pisum sativum): The Experience of Breeding in Russia
Authors: Sinjushin Andrey , Semenova Elena , Vishnyakova Margarita
Published: February 2022

The improvement of pea as a crop over many decades has been employing the use of mutants. Several hundreds of different mutations are known in pea (Pisum sativum subsp. sativum), some of which are valuable for breeding. Breeding strategies may be diverse in different countries depending on different obstacles. In Russia, numerous spontaneous and induced mutations have been implemented in breeding. To our knowledge some of these, are not used in pea breeding beyond Russia. This review describes the use of mutations in pea breeding in Russia. The paper provides examples of cultivars created on the basis of mutations affecting the development of seeds (def), inflorescence (det, deh), compound leaves (af, af unitac), and symbiotic nitrogen fixation (various alleles of Sym and Nod loci). Novel mutations which are potentially promising for breeding are currently being investigated. Together with numerous cultivars of dry and fodder pea carrying commonly known mutations, new ‘chameleon’ and ‘lupinoid’ morphotypes, both double mutants, are under study. A cultivar Triumph which increases the effectiveness of interactions with beneficial soil microbes, was bred in Russia for the first time in the history of legume breeding.
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Biochar Application in Compacted and Uncompacted Soil
Authors: Horák Ján , Šimanský Vladimír , Kotuš Tatijana , Hnátková Tereza , Trakal Lukáš , Lukac Martin
Published: February 2022

Biochar may offer a substantial potential as a climate change mitigation and soil improvement agent; however, little is known about its effects in fertile soils subjected to standard agricultural practices. The aim of this short-term (60 days) lab experiment, under controlled temperature and soil moisture regimes, was to investigate the interaction between soil compaction and fertiliser and biochar addition in relatively fertile Luvisol. Three different biochar types and two soil compaction levels were investigated to describe their interactive effect on soil greenhouse gas emission (GHG). A very strong effect of soil compaction on N2O emission (+280%) and an interaction with biochar were found. The cumulative N2O emissions from the compacted soil were higher (from +70 to +371%, depending on the biochar type) than the uncompacted soil. Soil compaction resulted in a faster onset and a faster decrease of N2O production. Biochar did not affect the temporal dynamics of N2O evolution from either soil. The addition of digestate/crop biomass biochar has resulted in a significant increase in CO2 evolution both in compacted and uncompacted soils, compared to softwood from spruce (mixture of branches and wood chips) and wood pallets from softwood (spruce without bark) biochar. In the compacted soil, NH4+ availability was positively related to N2O efflux, and CO2 emission was positively correlated to both NH4+ and SOC content. An increase in GHGs as a result of an increase in NH4+ availability was seen both in compacted and uncompacted soils, while the rates of N2O emission were modified by biochar type. Our results show a strong interaction between biochar and soil conditions and a strong effect of biochar type on GHG emissions from agricultural soils.
Yields and Yield Gaps in Lowland Rice Systems and Options to Improve Smallholder Production
Authors: Awio Thomas , Senthilkumar Kalimuthu , Dimkpa Christian O. , Otim-Nape George William , Struik Paul C. , Stomph Tjeerd Jan
Published: February 2022

Increasing productivity per unit area, hence closing the yield gap, is key to meeting cereal demand in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed, with 114 farmers, the contribution of recommended agronomic practices (RAP) with or without NPK fertilization on yield gaps, and options to intensify productivity. Treatments included farmers’ practice (FP) as control, RAP with and without NPK, and farmer-selected best practices geared towards intensification (farmers’ intensification practice, FIP). RAP without fertilization and FIP significantly increased grain yield, each by ca. 12%, whereas RAP+NPK application produced ca. 33% extra yield, over FP. RAP gave the highest mean net income (ca. USD 220 ha−1), fertilizer costs made RAP+NPK gave the lowest mean net income (ca. USD 50 ha−1). Weeding and fertilization timing contributed most to yield variation among fields. Delay in weeding and fertilization created an average yield loss of 5.3 and 1.9 g m−2, per day delay, respectively. Exploitable yield gap averaged 24 and 29%, respectively, across treatments and under FP. RAP, FIP, and RAP+NPK reduced the exploitable yield gap to 25, 26, and 12%, respectively. We conclude that different yield gap levels can be exploited by smallholder farmers in lowland rice systems as RAP, FIP, and RAP+NPK allow yield gap reduction, although fertilization poses a risk to profit at current rice and fertilizer prices. To realize yield gains, farmers with good water management should combine timely weeding with other crop management practices.
All-Step-in-One Test Kit for Paraquat Detection in Water and Vegetable Samples
Authors: Sangsum Chanakarn , Saetear Phoonthawee
Published: February 2022

This work presents the first development of an all-steps-in-one test kit for the determination of paraquat in natural water, and vegetable and agricultural samples. A handheld photometer incorporated with a magnetic stirrer was used to complete the steps of extraction, mixing, and detection. Paraquat produces a blue free radical ion via a reduction with sodium dithionite in alkaline conditions. Sodium dithionite powder was investigated for the enhancement of reagent stability duration, which was added directly into sample solution that showed insignificant difference in sensitivity as compared with that of the solution format of sodium dithionite. The developed test kit showed good performance with the linear calibration of 0.5 to 10 mg L−1 with a high coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.9947). The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ = 3SD of intercept per slope) carried out from the method using the handheld photometer was 0.50 mg L−1. The limit of detection (LOD) by naked eye was 0.30 mg L−1. The recovery study was acceptable in the range of 101–115%. Intraday (n = 3) and interday (n = 3) precision was less than 1%. On the basis of the significance test at the 95% confidence interval, quantitative results of the developed test kit agreed well with those from high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating an online extraction for vegetables incorporated into a test kit, applicable for on-site analysis. Single-point calibration based on the Beer–Lambert law also demonstrated the measurement of paraquat. In testing with a nominal standard solution of 5.00 mg L−1 paraquat, the reading concentration was 5.09 ± 0.03 mg L−1 paraquat (n = 20) with a K value of 0.0967 (close to the slope of multipoint calibration). This research is a direct benefit to agricultural products and the health of a population for the analysis of pesticides and herbicides.
Evaluation of Semen Quality of Jeju Black Cattle (JBC) to Select Bulls Optimal for Breeding and Establish Freezing Conditions Suitable for JBC Sperm
Authors: Yoon Jae-Wook , Lee Seung-Eun , Kim Won-Jae , Kim Dae-Cheol , Hyun Cheol-Ho , Lee Shin-Ji , Park Hyo-Jin , Kim So-Hee , Oh Seung-Hwan , Lee Do-Geon , Pyeon Da-Bin , Kim Eun-Young , Park Se-Pill
Published: February 2022

To optimize the reproduction of Jeju black cattle (JBC), freezing conditions for sperm were established and sperm motility, vitality, morphology, and fertility were evaluated to select the optimal bull for breeding. Semen samples from five JBC bulls were individually mixed with freezing medium at a final concentration of 1 × 108 sperm/mL and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor at a height of 3 or 7 cm (referred to as 3 cm sperm and 7 cm sperm, respectively). When the freezing conditions were compared, the motility of 7 cm sperm was significantly higher than that of 3 cm sperm for the JBC-A bull. The motility, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, and average path velocity of fresh and frozen–thawed sperm were the highest for the JBC-A bull. The vitalities of fresh and frozen–thawed sperm were the highest for the JBC-A/E and JBC-A bulls, respectively. The percentage of normal cells in fresh sperm was the highest for the JBC-D bull. The rates of the normal formation of two pronuclei and total sperm penetration were the highest in zygotes fertilized with sperm from the JBC-A bull. The sperm from the JBC-A bull had superior qualities and are thus the most appropriate choice for the preservation and reproduction of these endangered cattle.
Implementation of Inertia Sensor and Machine Learning Technologies for Analyzing the Behavior of Individual Laying Hens
Authors: Derakhshani Sayed M. , Overduin Matthias , van Niekerk Thea G. C. M. , Groot Koerkamp Peter W. G.
Published: February 2022

Welfare-oriented regulations cause farmers worldwide to shift towards more welfare-friendly, e.g., loose housing systems such as aviaries with litter. In contrast to the traditional cage housing systems, good technical results can only be obtained if the behavior of hens is considered. With increasing flock sizes, the automation of behavioural assessment can be beneficial. This research aims to show a proof of principle of tools for analyzing laying-hen behaviors by using wearable inertia sensor technology and a machine learning model (ML). For this aim, the behaviors of hens were classified into three classes: static, semi-dynamic, and highly dynamic behavior. The activities of hens were continuously recorded on video and synchronized with the sensor signals. Two hens were equipped with sensors, one marked green and one blue, for five days to collect the data. The training data set indicated that the ML model can accurately classify the highly dynamic behaviors with a one-second time window; a four-second time window is accurate for static and semi-dynamic behaviors. The Bagged Trees model, with an overall accuracy of 89% was the best ML model with the F1-scores of 89%, 91%, and 87% for static, semi-dynamic, and highly dynamic behaviors. The Bagged Trees model also performed well in classifying the behaviors of the hen in the validation data set with an overall F1-score of 0.92 (uniform either % or decimals). This research illustrates that the combination of wearable inertia sensors and machine learning is a viable technique for analyzing the laying-hen behaviors and supporting farmers in the management of hens in loose housing systems.
Positive Effects of Elevated Platforms and Straw Bales on the Welfare of Fast-Growing Broiler Chickens Reared at Two Different Stocking Densities
Authors: Mocz Frédérique , Michel Virginie , Janvrot Mathilde , Moysan Jean-Philippe , Keita Alassane , Riber Anja B. , Guinebretière Maryse
Published: February 2022

In conventional rearing systems, fast-growing broiler chickens commonly experience welfare issues, such as contact dermatitis, walking difficulties or a lack of expression of species-specific behaviours. Enriching their environment may be a way to improve their welfare. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of elevated platforms and straw bales on the welfare of fast-growing broiler chickens reared at two different stocking densities. A total of 14,994 Ross 308 broilers were housed in 12 pens according to 4 treatments: 31 kg/m2 with or without enrichments and 41 kg/m2 with or without enrichments. The broilers’ walking ability, footpad dermatitis (FPD), hock burns (HB), weight, mortality and litter quality were assessed. Stocking density had a negative effect on FPD and HB, whereas enrichments reduced the occurrence of FPD and HB at both densities. There was a positive enrichment effect and a negative density effect on body weight at 25 days and on walking ability, but no effect on the litter quality or mortality rate. These results confirm that an enriched environment improves animal welfare in confined chickens, regardless of the stocking density. Reducing stocking density clearly appears to be an important means of increasing animal welfare.
Dietary Soluble Non-Starch Polysaccharide Level Influences Performance, Nutrient Utilisation and Disappearance of Non-Starch Polysaccharides in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Nguyen Hong T. , Bedford Michael R. , Wu Shu-Biao , Morgan Natalie K.
Published: February 2022

This study evaluated the effect of dietary soluble non-starch polysaccharides (sNSP) on performance and nutrient utilisation in broilers from d 0 to 35. Cobb 500 broilers (n = 480, 80 birds per treatment) were fed either wheat- or corn-soybean meal-based diets formulated to contain either a high, medium, or low sNSP content, in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, fed as Starter (d 0–14) and Grower (d 14–35). Birds fed the low sNSP level presented greater BWG at d 0–14 and lower feed intake at d 14–35 compared to birds fed the medium sNSP level (p < 0.005). At d 14, birds fed the high sNSP level presented greater ileal and total tract starch digestibility and total tract sNSP degradability and insoluble NSP degradability, compared to feeding the low sNSP level. At d 35, total tract DM and metabolisability of gross energy was greater in birds fed the medium sNSP level compared to those fed the high or low sNSP level (p < 0.005). Generally, bird performance and nutrient utilisation was greater in birds fed the corn-based diets compared to the wheat-based diets. These results illustrate that dietary sNSP level and composition influences bird performance and nutrient digestibility.
An Exploratory Study on Vectorcardiographic Identification of the Site of Origin of Focally Induced Premature Depolarizations in Horses, Part I: The Atria
Authors: Van Steenkiste Glenn , Delhaas Tammo , Hermans Ben , Vera Lisse , Decloedt Annelies , van Loon Gunther
Published: February 2022

In human cardiology, the anatomical origin of atrial premature depolarizations (APDs) is derived from P wave characteristics on a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and from vectorcardiography (VCG). The objective of this study is to differentiate between anatomical locations of APDs and to differentiate APDs from sinus rhythm (SR) based upon VCG characteristics in seven horses without cardiovascular disease. A 12-lead ECG was recorded under general anaesthesia while endomyocardial atrial pacing was performed (800–1000 ms cycle length) at the left atrial free wall and septum, right atrial free wall, intervenous tubercle, as well as at the junction with the cranial and caudal vena cava. Catheter positioning was guided by 3D electro-anatomical mapping and transthoracic ultrasound. The VCG was calculated from the 12-lead ECG using custom-made algorithms and was used to determine the mean electrical axis of the first and second half of the P wave. An ANOVA for spherical data was used to test if the maximal directions between each paced location and the maximal directions between every paced location and SR were significantly (p < 0.05) different. Atrial pacing data were not available from the LA septum in three horses, the intervenous tubercle in two horses, and from the LA free wall in one horse. The directions of the maximal electrical axes showed significant differences between all paced locations and between the paced locations and SR. The current results suggest that VCG is useful for identifying the anatomical origin of an atrial ectopy.
An Exploratory Study on Vectorcardiographic Identification of the Site of Origin of Focally Induced Premature Depolarizations in Horses, Part II: The Ventricles
Authors: Van Steenkiste Glenn , Delhaas Tammo , Hermans Ben , Vera Lisse , Decloedt Annelies , van Loon Gunther
Published: February 2022

In human cardiology, the anatomical origin of ventricular premature depolarizations (VPDs) is determined by the characteristics of a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Former studies in horses had contradictory results regarding the diagnostic value of the 12-lead ECG and vectorcardiography (VCG), which results were attributed to the different cardiac conduction system in this species. The objective of this study was to determine if the anatomical origin of pacing-induced VPDs could be differentiated in horses based upon VCG characteristics. A 12-lead ECG was recorded in seven horses under general anesthesia while right and left ventricular endomyocardial pacing was performed (800–1000 ms cycle length) at the apex, mid and high septum and mid and high free wall, and at the right ventricular outflow tract. Catheter positioning was guided by 3D electro-anatomical mapping and echocardiography. A median complex, obtained from four consecutive complexes, was calculated for each pacing location and sinus rhythm. The VCG was calculated from the 12-lead ECG-derived median complexes using custom-made algorithms and was used to determine the initial and maximum electrical axes of the QRS complex. An ANOVA for spherical data was used to test if VCGs between each paced location and between pacing and sinus rhythm were significantly (p < 0.05) different. The model included the radius, azimuth and elevation of each electrical axis. Pacing induced significantly different initial and maximum electrical axes between different locations and between pacing and sinus rhythm. The current results suggest that VCG is a useful technique to identify the anatomical origin of ventricular ectopy in horses.
Influence of Genotype on Endometrial Angiogenesis during Early Pregnancy in Piau and Commercial Line Gilts
Authors: Montes-Vergara José Carlos , Penitente-Filho Jurandy Mauro , Machado-Neves Mariana , Machado Lucas Corrêa Martins , Castaño-Villadiego Faider Alberto , Costa Karine Assis , da Costa Eduardo Paulino , de Campos Carolina Filardi , Ramírez-López Camilo José , Guimarães Simone Eliza Facioni , Lopes Paulo Sávio , Guimarães José Domingos
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the endometrial angiogenesis of pregnant commercial line and Piau gilts during early pregnancy. We used 27 gilts, divided into three groups according to the type of mating: Commercial (n = 9), commercial line females mated with commercial line males; Cross-mated (n = 9), Piau females mated with commercial line males; and Piau (n = 9), Piau females mated with Piau males. Each group was divided into three subgroups based on gestational age at the time of slaughter (7, 15, and 30 days of pregnancy). Immediately after slaughter, endometrial samples were obtained for histological evaluation and for analysis of the relative transcript abundance (RTA) of angiogenesis-related genes (HIF1α, FGF9, ANG1, TEK, VEGFA, ANGPT1, and ANGPT2). The number of endometrial glands was similar among groups but decreased with gestational age (p < 0.05). Piau females showed a higher number of blood vessels (p < 0.05) at 7 and 15 days of pregnancy, but no differences were observed among groups at 30 days, suggesting an influence of the male genotype on the pattern of uterine vascularization. There were no differences among groups for RTA of the FGF9, HIF1α, TEK, VEGFA, ANGPT1, and ANGPT2 genes. The HIF1α-gene RTA was higher at 7 and 15 days of pregnancy; for TEK and ANGPT1, the RTA was higher at 15 days of pregnancy; and the RTA of VEGFA and ANGPT2 genes were higher at 30 days of pregnancy. The ANG1 RTA was similar for pregnancies in the commercial and Piau groups but was higher (p < 0.05) at 15 days in the Cross-mated group, suggesting an interaction between genotypes. Overall, the pattern found for the RTA of angiogenesis-related genes was similar among the groups in this study, although some phenotypic differences could be noted, such as the highest number of blood vessels being found during early pregnancy of Piau gilts. The results of the gene RTA when crossed with phenotypic data led to conclusions that are conflicting with those reported in the literature. However, noteworthy is that angiogenesis is a complex process in which the balance between stimulatory and inhibitory factors may be related to time.
One-Shot Learning with Pseudo-Labeling for Cattle Video Segmentation in Smart Livestock Farming
Authors: Qiao Yongliang , Xue Tengfei , Kong He , Clark Cameron , Lomax Sabrina , Rafique Khalid , Sukkarieh Salah
Published: February 2022

Computer vision-based technologies play a key role in precision livestock farming, and video-based analysis approaches have been advocated as useful tools for automatic animal monitoring, behavior analysis, and efficient welfare measurement management. Accurately and efficiently segmenting animals’ contours from their backgrounds is a prerequisite for vision-based technologies. Deep learning-based segmentation methods have shown good performance through training models on a large amount of pixel-labeled images. However, it is challenging and time-consuming to label animal images due to their irregular contours and changing postures. In order to reduce the reliance on the number of labeled images, one-shot learning with a pseudo-labeling approach is proposed using only one labeled image frame to segment animals in videos. The proposed approach is mainly comprised of an Xception-based Fully Convolutional Neural Network (Xception-FCN) module and a pseudo-labeling (PL) module. Xception-FCN utilizes depth-wise separable convolutions to learn different-level visual features and localize dense prediction based on the one single labeled frame. Then, PL leverages the segmentation results of the Xception-FCN model to fine-tune the model, leading to performance boosts in cattle video segmentation. Systematic experiments were conducted on a challenging feedlot cattle video dataset acquired by the authors, and the proposed approach achieved a mean intersection-over-union score of 88.7% and a contour accuracy of 80.8%, outperforming state-of-the-art methods (OSVOS and OSMN). Our proposed one-shot learning approach could serve as an enabling component for livestock farming-related segmentation and detection applications.
Shape Directional Asymmetry in Hindlimb Pairs among Calves (Bos Taurus)
Authors: Salamanca Carreño Arcesio , Parés-Casanova Pere M. , Vélez Terranova Oscar Mauricio , Monroy Ochoa Néstor Ismael
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to determine paired asymmetries (right–left) in the autopods of bovine hindlimbs using geometric morphometry (GM). A total of 28 hindlimb right–left matched autopods belonging to healthy Brown Pyrenean calves were assessed. Dorsoplantar radiographs were obtained for each autopod. The bone shape was compared on right and left pairs by means of GM techniques, using a set of 15 landmarks. The results suggest that right and left distal limbs are, despite a perceived resemblance of symmetry, differently directionally developed in shape, with right hindlimbs tending to supinate (rotate outwards) and left hindlimbs tending to pronate (rotate inwards). This unevenness is probably related to the mediolateral forces’ contribution of each limb in carrying out the tasks of propulsion and control during walking, and/or a consequence of a laterality associated with a lateralized grazing posture. Our findings prompt a new reassessment of the function of each bovine hindlimb during standing and locomotion.
What Is the Most Effective Empirical Antibiotic Treatment for Early, Delayed, and Late Fracture-Related Infections?
Authors: Baertl Susanne , Walter Nike , Engelstaedter Ulrike , Ehrenschwender Martin , Hitzenbichler Florian , Alt Volker , Rupp Markus
Published: February 2022

Antibiotic treatment strategies for fracture-related infections (FRI) are often extrapolated from periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), although, in contrast to PJI, detailed analysis of pathogens and their antibiotic resistance is missing. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate antibiotic susceptibility profiles to identify effective empiric antibiotic treatment for early-, delayed-, and late-onset FRI. Patients treated for FRI from 2013 to 2020 were grouped into early (<2 weeks), delayed (3–10 weeks), and late (>10 weeks) onset of infection. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles were examined with respect to broadly used antibiotics and antibiotic combinations. In total, 117 patients (early n = 19, delayed n = 60, late n = 38) were enrolled. In early-onset FRI, 100.0% efficacy would be achieved by meropenem + vancomycin, gentamicin + vancomycin, co-amoxiclav + glycopeptide, ciprofloxacin + glycopeptide and piperacillin/tazobactam + glycopeptide. For patients with delayed FRI, the highest susceptibility was revealed for meropenem + vancomycin, gentamicin + vancomycin and ciprofloxacin + glycopeptide (96.7%). Meropenem + vancomycin was the most effective empiric antimicrobial in patients with late-onset of infection with 92.1% coverage. No subgroup differences in antibiotic sensitivity profiles were observed except for the combination ciprofloxacin + glycopeptide, which was significantly superior in early FRI (F = 3.304, p = 0.04). Across all subgroups meropenem + vancomycin was the most effective empiric treatment in 95.7% of patients with confirmed susceptibility. Meropenem + vancomycin, gentamicin + vancomycin, co-amoxiclav + glycopeptide are the best therapeutic options for FRI, regardless of the onset of infection. To avoid multidrug resistance, established antibiotic combinations such as co-amoxiclav with a glycopeptide seem to be reasonable as a systemic antibiotic therapy, while vancomycin + gentamicin could be implemented in local antibiotic therapy to reduce adverse events during treatment.
Duration of Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Open Fractures: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal
Authors: Vanvelk Niels , Chen Baixing , Van Lieshout Esther M. M. , Zalavras Charalampos , Moriarty T. Fintan , Obremskey William T. , Verhofstad Michael H. J. , Metsemakers Willem-Jan
Published: February 2022

Fracture-related infection (FRI) remains a serious complication in open fracture care. Adequate surgical treatment and perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) are key factors influencing the outcome. However, data concerning the optimal duration of PAP is scarce. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of current evidence on the association between PAP duration and FRI in open fractures. A comprehensive search on 13 January 2022, in Embase, Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science and Google Scholar revealed six articles. Most studies compared either 1 day versus 5 days of PAP or included a cut-off at 72 h. Although prolonged PAP was not beneficial in the majority of patients, the variety of antibiotic regimens, short follow-up periods and unclear description of outcome parameters were important limitations that were encountered in most studies. This systematic review demonstrates a lack of well-constructed studies investigating the effect of PAP duration on FRI. Based on the available studies, prolonged PAP does not appear to be beneficial in the prevention of FRI in open fractures. However, these results should be interpreted with caution since all included studies had limitations. Future randomized trials are necessary to answer this research question definitively.
Application of Transcriptome Analysis to Understand the Adverse Effects of Hypotonic Stress on Different Development Stages in the Giant Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii Post-Larvae
Authors: Liu Bo , Gao Qiang , Liu Bo , Song Changyou , Sun Cunxin , Liu Mingyang , Liu Xin , Liu Yunke , Li Zhengzhong , Zhou Qunlan , Zhu Hao
Published: February 2022

Salinity is one of the important environmental factors affecting survival and growth of aquatic animals. However, the impact of low-salinity stress on M. rosenbergii post-larvae at different development stages remains elusive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms of hypotonic stress at different development stages of M. rosenbergii post-larvae through transcriptome analysis and antioxidant parameters detection. The salinity of the control group was 15 psu (S15) and the hypotonic stress group was 6 psu (S6). Samples were collected at 7 days-post-hatch (dph), 14 dph and 21 dph larvae. The results showed that hypotonic stress caused oxidative damage in post-larvae evidenced by decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); superoxide dismutase (SOD); anti-superoxide anion free radical (ASAFR); and increased malondialdehyde (MDA); nitric oxide (NO); and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels. Transcriptome analysis showed that there were 1428, 1187, 132 DEGs including 301, 366, 4 up-regulated genes and 1127, 821, 128 down-regulated genes at 7 dph, 14 dph and 21 dph larvae under hypotonic stress, respectively. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment indicated that hypotonic stress led to dysregulation of immune signals including lysosome and autophagy in the 7 dph larvae. The autophagy-related genes including beclin 1-associated autophagy-related key regulator (Barkor); ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme ATG7 (ATG7); Beclin; autophagy-related protein 13 (ATG13); nuclear receptor-binding factor 2 (Nrbf2); ubiquitin-like-conjugating enzyme ATG3 (ATG3); vacuole membrane protein 1 (VMP1); and autophagy-related protein 2 (ATG2) decreased at 7 dph, and 14 dph larvae, and then increased at 21 dph larvae under hypotonic stress. In the 14 dph and 21 dph larvae, the renin-angiotensin system was activated. In conclusion, our data indicated that hypotonic stress reduced the antioxidant capacity and impaired the immune system in post-larvae, but as development progresses, the adaptability of post-larvae to hypotonic stress gradually increased, and might reach a new homeostasis through the RAS signaling pathway.
Role of Oxidative Stress in Vascular Low-Grade Inflammation Initiation Due to Acute Salt Loading in Young Healthy Individuals
Authors: Knezović Ana , Kolobarić Nikolina , Drenjančević Ines , Mihaljević Zrinka , Šušnjara Petar , Jukić Ivana , Stupin Marko , Kibel Aleksandar , Marczi Saška , Mihalj Martina , Stupin Ana
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 7-day high-salt (HS) and the specific role of oxidative stress on vascular low-grade inflammation initiation in young salt-resistant healthy individuals. 30 young healthy individuals adhered to a 7-day low-salt (LS) diet (3.5 g salt/day), followed by a 7-day high-salt (HS) diet (~14.7 g salt/day) protocol. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, frequencies of peripheral blood Th17 and Treg cells, Th17/Treg ratio, enzymes SGK1, and p38/MAP kinase, as well as biomarkers of endothelial activation and oxidative stress, were measured before and after the 7-day HS diet protocol. Short-term HS diet significantly increased serum level of pro-inflammatory cytokines INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-9, and IL-17A levels, but also of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β1. Relative amount of total SGK1 significantly increased, following the 7-day HS diet. Increased oxidative stress level, following HS diet, was negatively associated with the frequency of Treg cells. The increase in relative amount of total SGK1 in peripheral mononuclear cells following 7-day HS diet suggests lymphocyte (re)activation, in response to HS intake, resulting in enhanced production of pro-inflammatory (IL-17, INF-γ), but also anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1). Increased oxidative stress, due to HS loading, alters immune regulatory mechanisms, presumably via effects on Treg cells.
Shotokuseki Extract Promotes Keratinocyte Differentiation Even at a Low Calcium Concentration
Authors: Tsukui Kei , Kakiuchi Takuya , Sakurai Hidetomo , Tokudome Yoshihiro
Published: February 2022

The switch between keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation is regulated by extracellular calcium levels, requiring high concentrations (>1 mol/L) of extracellular calcium to induce differentiation. The Shotokuseki extract (SE) contains various ions such as calcium, but its effect on keratinocytes is unknown. This study focused on calcium-induced differentiation of keratinocytes and investigated the effects of simultaneous application of calcium and other ions on keratinocyte differentiation. The expression of differentiation markers increased when SE was added to a keratinocyte culture but not when only calcium was added at the same concentration present in SE. The calcium concentration in SE was found to be too low (0.01 mol/L) to induce differentiation of keratinocytes. In addition, the application of SE increased intracellular calcium concentration compared with calcium solution alone. Therefore, the induction of keratinocyte differentiation by SE is not calcium-dependent, or SE may alter the calcium sensitivity of keratinocytes. In our study, we found that simultaneous application of multiple ions and/or the application of trace ions may alter calcium sensitivity and the epidermal cell response. The function of ion transporters associated with these ions and the response of cells to ions depends largely on the balance among various ions and the function of trace ions.
Boolean Masking for Arithmetic Additions at Arbitrary Order in Hardware
Authors: Bache Florian , Güneysu Tim
Published: February 2022

Modular addition is an important component of many cryptographic algorithms such as ARX-ciphers and lattice-based post-quantum secure schemes. In order to protect devices that execute these algorithms against side-channel attacks, countermeasures such as masking must be applied. However, if an implementation needs to be secured against multivariate attacks, univariately secure masking schemes do not suffice. In this work, we focus on hardware architectures for higher-order masked addition circuits. We present and discuss three adder designs that are protected with a provably secure masking scheme. Concretely, we discuss Kogge–Stone, Sklansky and Brent–Kung adders regarding their suitability for high-order masking and their performance in this setting. All architectures are fully pipelined and achieve a throughput of one addition per cycle. In order to achieve multivariate security at arbitrary orders, we use HPC2 Gadgets that satisfy the PINI security notion. Additionally, we apply a first-order secure threshold implementation scheme to the adder variants and compare their performance in the univariate case.
A MIMO Antenna with High Gain and Enhanced Isolation for WLAN Applications
Authors: Yang Qichao , Zhang Chuanba , Cai Qibo , Loh Tian Hong , Liu Gui
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a novel two-port dual-band multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with enhanced isolation and high gain is presented. The presented antenna is composed of a symmetrical ground element and two identical antenna radiating elements. At the bottom of the substrate, the ground part is applied to strengthen the isolation performance of the designed MIMO antenna. The measured −10 dB bandwidth according to the input reflection coefficient S11 are 650 MHz (2.25–2.9 GHz) and 980 MHz (5.05–6.03 GHz), which are in strong agreement with the 2.4 GHz frequency band (2.4–2.4835 GHz) and the 5 GHz frequency band (5.15–5.85 GHz) of wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. The measured S21 at both the lower and the higher frequency operation bands are less than −19.3 dB. In the operating frequency bands, the measured gain is from 1.5 dBi to 3.8 dBi. The measured results show that the presented MIMO antenna is a good candidate for WLAN applications.
Deep Learning-Based Small Object Detection and Classification Model for Garbage Waste Management in Smart Cities and IoT Environment
Authors: Alsubaei Faisal S. , Al-Wesabi Fahd N. , Hilal Anwer Mustafa
Published: February 2022

In recent years, object detection has gained significant interest and is considered a challenging problem in computer vision. Object detection is mainly employed for several applications, such as instance segmentation, object tracking, image captioning, healthcare, etc. Recent studies have reported that deep learning (DL) models can be employed for effective object detection compared to traditional methods. The rapid urbanization of smart cities necessitates the design of intelligent and automated waste management techniques for effective recycling of waste. In this view, this study develops a novel deep learning-based small object detection and classification model for garbage waste management (DLSODC-GWM) technique. The proposed DLSODC-GWM technique mainly focuses on detecting and classifying small garbage waste objects to assist intelligent waste management systems. The DLSODC-GWM technique follows two major processes, namely, object detection and classification. For object detection, an arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA) with an improved RefineDet (IRD) model is applied, where the hyperparameters of the IRD model are optimally chosen by the AOA. Secondly, the functional link neural network (FLNN) technique was applied for the classification of waste objects into multiple classes. The design of IRD for waste classification and AOA-based hyperparameter tuning demonstrates the novelty of the work. The performance validation of the DLSODC-GWM technique is performed using benchmark datasets, and the experimental results show the promising performance of the DLSODC-GWM method on existing approaches with a maximum accuy of 98.61%.
On the Optimal Design of Steel Shells with Technological Constraints
Authors: Turnić Dragana , Igić Tomislav , Živković Srđan , Igić Aleksandra , Spasojević Šurdilović Marija
Published: February 2022

This paper is concerned with determining the optimum conditions of steel cylindrical shells with technological limitations and one behavioral constraint, related to a specific constitutive law for limiting load-carrying capacity. The optimum structural design in the plastic range of circular cylindrical full shells composed of rings of variable thickness is given. A numerical procedure for determining the optimal dimensions of shell rings is given. A shell collapse mechanism is assumed in the kinematic part, which satisfies requirements. Within the optimum conditions, the power of the dissipation energy of rings assuming the hexagon Hodge condition of plasticity are derived. A series of numerical solutions and results of optimal structural designs for a shell that is simply supported at the ends are presented. In one example of optimally calculated shells, the length X1 of one ring was varied.
Reduced Data Volumes through Hybrid Machine Learning Compared to Conventional Machine Learning Demonstrated on Bearing Fault Classification
Authors: Walther Simon , Fuerst Axel
Published: February 2022

In some real-world problems, machine learning is faced with little data due to limited resources such as sensors, time, and budget. In this case, the conventional machine learning approach may fail or perform badly. To develop a well-functioning model with a small training set the hybrid machine learning approach, the combination of different methods can be applied. Especially in the machine industry where Industry 4.0 is one of the most important topics—including condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated data analyses—data are limited and costly. In this work, the conventional and hybrid approach are compared to the application of ball bearing fault classification. The dataset contains 12 different classes (11 with faults and 1 undamaged). For each approach, two different LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) models are developed and trained on various training sets (different sensors). The hybrid model is realised by adding physical knowledge through applying fast Fourier transformation and frequency selection to the raw data. This study shows that the additional physical knowledge in the hybrid model results in a better performance of the hybrid machine learning than the conventional.
Advanced Railway Infrastructures Engineering
Authors: Mosleh Araliya , Correia José , Ribeiro Diogo , Rakoczy Anna M.
Published: February 2022

The European Commission is developing a Single European Transport Area and has promoted a modal shift from road to rail to achieve a more competitive and resource-efficient transport system [...]