bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Federated Deep Reinforcement Learning for Joint AeBSs Deployment and Computation Offloading in Aerial Edge Computing Network
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhao Yikun , Qi Fei , Zhou Fanqin , Xie Weiliang , He Haoran , Zheng Hao
Published: November 2022

In the 6G aerial network, all aerial communication nodes have computing and storage functions and can perform real-time wireless signal processing and resource management. In order to make full use of the computing resources of aerial nodes, this paper studies the mobile edge computing (MEC) system based on aerial base stations (AeBSs), proposes the joint optimization problem of computation the offloading and deployment control of AeBSs for the goals of the lowest task processing delay and energy consumption, and designs a deployment and computation offloading scheme based on federated deep reinforcement learning. Specifically, each low-altitude AeBS agent simultaneously trains two neural networks to handle the generation of the deployment and offloading strategies, respectively, and a high-altitude global node aggregates the local model parameters uploaded by each low-altitude platform. The agents can be trained offline and updated quickly online according to changes in the environment and can quickly generate the optimal deployment and offloading strategies. The simulation results show that our method can achieve good performance in a very short time.
Outage Performance of Interference Cancellation-Aided Two-Way Relaying Cognitive Network with Primary TAS/SC Communication and Secondary Partial Relay Selection
Authors: Minh Nam Pham , Hung Ha Duy , Tu Lam-Thanh , Tuan Pham Viet , Duy Tran Trung , Hanh Tan
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose a two-way relaying scheme using digital network coding in an underlay cognitive radio network. In the proposed scheme, the transmit antenna selection and selection techniques are combined using a primary transmitter and a primary receiver, respectively. In the secondary network, two source nodes that cannot directly communicate attempt to exchange their data with each other. As a result, the relaying technique using partial relay selection is applied to assist the data exchange. Particularly, at the first time slot, the selected secondary relay applies an interference cancellation technique to decode the data received from the secondary sources. Then, the selected relay uses digital network coding to send XOR-ed data to the sources at the second time slot. We first derive the outage probability of the primary network over block the Rayleigh fading channel. Then, the transmit power of the secondary transmitters including the source and relay nodes are calculated to guarantee the quality of service of the primary network. Finally, the exact closed-form formulas of the outage probability of the secondary sources over the block Rayleigh fading channel are derived, and then verified by computer simulations using the Monte Carlo method.
Energy-Aware UAV Based on Blockchain Model Using IoE Application in 6G Network-Driven Cybertwin
Authors: Kathole Atul B. , Katti Jayashree , Dhabliya Dharmesh , Deshpande Vivek , Rajawat Anand Singh , Goyal S. B. , Raboaca Maria Simona , Mihaltan Traian Candin , Verma Chaman , Suciu George
Published: November 2022

Several advanced features exist in fifth-generation (5G) correspondence than in fourth-generation (4G) correspondence. Centric cloud-computing architecture achieves resource sharing and effectively handles big data explosion. For data security problems, researchers had developed many methods to protect data against cyber-attacks. Only a few solutions are based on blockchain (BC), but are affected by expensive storage costs, network latency, confidence, and capacity. Things are represented in digital form in the virtual cyberspace which is the major responsibility of the communication model based on cybertwin. A novel cybertwin-based UAV 6G network architecture is proposed with new concepts such as cloud operators and cybertwin in UAV. Here, IoE applications have to be energy aware and provide scalability with less latency. A novel Compute first networking (CFN) framework named secure blockchain-based UAV communication (BC-UAV) is designed which offers network services such as computing, caching, and communication resources. The focus of the blockchain was to improve the security in the cloud using hashing technique. Edge clouds support core clouds to quickly respond to user requests.
Effects of Biochar on the C Use Efficiency of Soil Microbial Communities: Components and Mechanisms
Authors: Giagnoni Laura , Renella Giancarlo
Published: November 2022

Biochar production and incorporation into soil is gaining momentum as a sustainable strategy for climate change mitigation, supported by ever increasing reports of significant carbon (C) sequestration in soil and reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the amended soils. With the progression in biochar testing and use, there is also emerging evidence that biochar induces C sequestration in soil, and that it may not be solely caused by its inherent chemical stability, but also by the complex microbially driven processes and an increase in C use efficiency (CUE) through soil microbial metabolism. This evidence contradicts the current paradigm that sees the microbial CUE decrease during the degradation of recalcitrant material due to thermodynamic constraints, as observed only in several short-term and pilot-scale trials. As the CUE in soil results from interactions between several abiotic and biotic factors, in this paper we examine the link between the biochar properties, soil physico-chemical properties and microbial physiology to explain the CUE increase reported for biochar-amended soils. Based on the large body of physico-chemical literature, and on the high functional diversity and metabolic flexibility of soil microbial communities, we hypothesize that the long-term stabilization of biochar-borne C in the soil systems is not only controlled by its inherent recalcitrance, but also by the cooperative actions of improved soil status and increased microbial CUE. Given that the current knowledge on this specific aspect is still poor, in this feature paper we summarize the state of knowledge and examine the potential impact of biochar on some factors contributing to the whole-soil CUE. We conclude that, beside its inherent recalcitrance, biochar weathering and oxidation in soil create physical and chemical conditions that can potentially increase the microbial CUE. While these processes stabilize the microbial processed C in soil and increase soil fertility, more data from long-term field trials are needed to model the relationship between the CUE and the MRT of biochar-borne C. Based on our hypotheses and relying upon analysis of the available literature, we also suggest possible research approaches that may contribute to filling the gaps in the current knowledge on the topic.
Effects of Herbaceous Plant Roots on the Soil Shear Strength of the Collapsing Walls of Benggang in Southeast China
Authors: Shuai Fang , Huang Mengyuan , Zhan Yuanyuan , Zhu Qin , Li Xiaolin , Zhang Yue , Lin Jinshi , Huang Yanhe , Jiang Fangshi
Published: November 2022

Failure of collapsing walls is an important process affecting the development of Benggang and is closely related to the soil shear strength. Plant roots can increase the soil shear strength. However, the effects and mechanisms of root reinforcement on the soil shear strength of collapsing walls remain unclear. To explore the shear strength characteristics of collapsing walls and their influencing factors under different vegetation conditions, Pennisetum sinese, Dicranopteris dichotoma, Odontosoria chinensis, and Neyraudia reynaudiana were adopted as experimental objects in the Benggang district of Anxi County, Southeast China. We measured the root characteristics and in situ shear strength of root–soil complexes by dividing soil with the four vegetation conditions into five soil layers: 0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, 10–15 cm, 15–20 cm, and 20–25 cm. The average shear strength of the root–soil complexes of the various plants ranked as follows: Pennisetum sinese (30.95 kPa) > Odontosoria chinensis (28.08 kPa) > Dicranopteris dichotoma (21.24 kPa) > Neyraudia reynaudiana (14.99 kPa) > bare soil (11.93 kPa). The enhancement effect of the root system on the soil shear strength was mainly manifested in the 0–5 cm soil surface layer. The soil shear strength attained an extremely significant positive correlation with the root length density, root surface area density, root volume density, root biomass density, for root diameters (L) less than or equal to 0.5 mm and between 0.5 and 1 mm, the soil shear strength could be simulated by using root volume density. The shear strength of undisturbed root–soil complexes measured with a 14.10 pocket vane tester was higher than the value obtained with the Wu–Waldron model (WWM). The correction coefficient k′ varied between 0.20 and 20.25, mostly exceeding 1, and the average correction coefficient k′ value was 4.94. The average correction coefficient determined in this test can be considered to modify the WWM model when conducting experiments under similar conditions.
Characterizing Live Fuel Moisture Content from Active and Passive Sensors in a Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Tanase Mihai A. , Nova Juan Pedro Gonzalez , Marino Eva , Aponte Cristina , Tomé Jose Luis , Yáñez Lucia , Madrigal Javier , Guijarro Mercedes , Hernando Carmen
Published: November 2022

Live fuel moisture content (LFMC) influences many fire-related aspects, including flammability, ignition, and combustion. In addition, fire spread models are highly sensitive to LFMC values. Despite its importance, LFMC estimation is still elusive due to its dependence on plant species traits, local conditions, and weather patterns. Although LFMC mapping from active synthetic aperture radar has increased over the past years, their utility for LFMC estimation needs further analysis to include additional areas characterized by different vegetation species and fire regimes. This study extended the current knowledge using medium spatial resolution (20 m) time series acquired by active (Sentinel-1) and passive (Sentinel-2) sensors. Our results show that optical-based LFMC estimation may achieve acceptable accuracy (R2 = 0.55, MAE = 15.1%, RMSE = 19.7%) at moderate (20 m) spatial resolution. When ancillary information (e.g., vegetation cover) was added, LFMC estimation improved (R2 = 0.63, MAE = 13.4%). Contrary to other studies, incorporating Sentinel-1 radar data did not provide for improved LFMC estimates, while the use of SAR data alone resulted in increased estimation errors (R2 = 0.28, MAE = 19%, RMSE = 25%). For increased fire risk scenarios (LFMC < 120%), estimation errors improved (MAE = 9.1%, RMSE = 11.8%), suggesting that direct LFMC retrieval from satellite data may be achieved with high temporal and spatial detail.
Area Threshold Interval of Urban Forest Patches Required to Maintain the Synergy between Biodiversity Conservation and Recreational Services: Case Study in Beijing, China
Authors: Ge Yunyu , Chen Hongyu , Zhang Mengdi , Li Xiong
Published: November 2022

Promoting sustainable urban development is crucial in light of upcoming environmental change and population expansion. Urban forests play a key role in transporting ecosystem services to urban areas. They not only offer a crucial biological setting for preserving urban biodiversity, but they also give recreation dwellers access to a variety of urban opportunities and ensure their spiritual and cultural needs are met. Maintaining urban biodiversity and offering recreation services have trade-offs and synergies, and both were highly connected with the size of an urban forest patch. Six districts in Beijing’s central urban area were chosen for this study to serve as the research objective. First, the MSPA model was employed to conduct a thorough scientific analysis of the pattern and distribution characteristics of urban forests in Beijing’s central urban area. Second, the recreation services were quantified by merging many sources of big data, the urban forest biodiversity preservation services were assessed using the InVEST model, and the spatial heterogeneity of the two services was examined. In conclusion, the coupling coordination degree model was utilized to calculate the crucial threshold interval between urban biodiversity service and recreation service for urban forest patch area. The findings indicated that the ideal urban forest patch scale for achieving the synergy of the two types of services was an area between 0.5 and 1 hectare. The outcomes can serve as a scientific foundation for urban forest planning and management in the future, assist in realizing the synergistic growth of the two services, as well as support the improvement of ecosystem services and the ecological welfare of people.
CO2 Emissions Accounting and Carbon Peak Prediction of China’s Papermaking Industry
Authors: Yang Jiameng , Hua Yuchen , Ye Jiarong , Xu Shiying , Liu Zhiyong (John)
Published: November 2022

China has been the world’s largest producer and consumer of paper products. In the context of the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals”, China’s papermaking industry which is traditionally a high energy-consuming and high-emissions industry, desperately needs a nationally appropriate low-carbon development path. From the consumption-side perspective, this paper calculates the CO2 emissions of China’s papermaking industry from 2000 to 2019 by using carbon emission nuclear algorithm, grain-straw ratio, first-order attenuation method, and STIRFDT decomposition model, etc., to further explore the core stages and basic patterns affecting the industry’s carbon peaking. The results show that the total CO2 emissions of China’s papermaking industry showed an upward trend from 2000–2013, stable from 2013–2017, and a steady but slight decline from 2017–2019. Meanwhile, the total CO2 emissions of the full life cycle of paper products in China have decreased to a certain extent in the raw material acquisition, pulp, and paper making and shipping stages, with only the waste paper disposal stage showing a particular upward trend. We find that from 2000 to 2019, China’s CO2 emissions in the pulping and papermaking stage of paper products accounted for 68% of the total emissions in the whole life cycle, of which 59% was caused by coal consumption. Moreover, the scenario prediction shows that improving the energy structure and increasing the waste paper recovery rate can reduce the CO2 emissions of the industry, and it is more significant when both work. Based on this and the four core stages of CO2 emissions of the papermaking industry we proposed ways to promote CO2 emissions peaking of China’s paper products.
Key Factors Affecting the Initial Regeneration Following Forest Fires
Authors: Lee Jongsung , Choung Yeonsook
Published: November 2022

The independent and relative importance of ten variables related to fire, site, and prefire vegetation affecting the initial regeneration after fires was analyzed using the Random Forest statistical technique. The technique supplemented with the decision tree method was developed. This study was performed in prefire Pinus densiflora-dominated forests affected by large-scale fires in Korea. Among the ten variables, the basal area of prefire resprouter trees showed an overwhelmingly high contribution on the postfire regeneration (model improvement ratio (MIR) = 1.00). Consequently, stands with a high abundance of the resprouters showed rapid regeneration. Site factors including elevation, aspect, and slope had an MIR of 0.71, 0.63, and 0.57, respectively, while those for flame ratio and burn severity were 0.39 and 0.20. We revealed that the legacy of prefire vegetation had the most significant effect on the initial regeneration of stands, while site-variables played a lesser role, and fire-variables such as burn severity had a relatively minor effect. This technique was an important tool for explaining ecological phenomena involving the simultaneous action of multiple factors. Understanding the priorities of factors affecting the fast regeneration would be useful in establishing a restoration plan in forests where soil erosion is an issue following a fire.
Alteration in Forest Soil Biogeochemistry through Coarse Wood Debris in Northeast China
Authors: Khan Kashif , Hussain Anwaar , Jamil Muhammad Atif , Duan Wenbiao , Chen Lixin , Khan Attaullah
Published: November 2022

Coarse woody debris (CWD) has a strong influence on nutrient dynamics and hinders its availability through fixation. The CWD decaying logs, with two states (three and four) impacting on carbon (C) capture, nutrient dynamics and enzymatic properties, were investigated under and away (50 cm) from the logs in three forest types, i.e., the Picea koraiensis-Abies nephrolepis-Pinus koraiensis forest (PAPF), Betula costata-Pinus koraiensis forest (BPF) and Tilia amurensis-Pinus koraiensis forest (TPF). The results showed that soil organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), soil pH, other soil nutrients and enzymatic activity were significantly affected by the forest types, decay class and distance from decaying logs in three forests. The CWD, with decay class IV under CWD, resulted in the optimum OC 64.7 mg g−1, N 6.9 mg g−1 and enzymatic activity in the PAPF forest, and the distance effect was negligible for all the forests. A lower soil pH value of 3.8 was observed at decay class IV in the soil collected from the immediate vicinity of the deadwood. CWD play a key role in decaying logs in forest ecosystems to enhance C and the nutrient budget with the improved enzymatic activity of the soil. It was concluded from this research that CWD is a critical factor in the nutrient cycling process of forest ecosystems that contributes functionally to the forest floor by inducing the spatial heterogeneity of enzymatic activity, C and nutrient turnover.
Determination of Changes in Volatile Aroma Components, Antioxidant Activity and Bioactive Compounds in the Production Process of Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) Vinegar Produced by Traditional Methods
Authors: Budak Havva Nilgün
Published: November 2022

Jujube has anticancer, diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and immune system effects. In this study, jujube juice, jujube wine and jujube vinegar were investigated in terms of chemical composition, phenolic contents, organic acid contents, volatile compound contents, and antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of jujube vinegar produced by traditional methods were found to be higher than those of jujube juice and wine. Protocatechic acid, chlorogenic acid, phydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, and syringic acid were detected in jujube vinegar. Moreover, oxalic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, formic acid, ascorbic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid and some other organic acid components were determined in jujube vinegar. Volatile aroma compounds such as ester, aldehyde, alcohol, terpene, acid, and ketone were determined in jujube samples. It was seen that the antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds of jujube vinegar were very rich, and jujube vinegar, which is an alternative product with a high potential produced from jujube fruit, is an important product for the food sector due to its long shelf life. This research is the first detailed study in which the antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds determined during the production stages of jujube vinegar (jujube juice, wine, and vinegar) were evaluated in detail.
Using Formic Acid to Promote Bacterial Cellulose Production and Analysis of Its Material Properties for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Chen Tzu-Yu , Santoso Shella Permatasari , Lin Shin-Ping
Published: November 2022

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a microbial cellulose that presents various characteristics such as high mechanical strength, high water content, and great biocompatibility and biodegradability. Therefore, it provides great potential to be applied in functional packaging applications. In this study, formic acid (80 µg/mL) was found to promote BC production (a 23% increase in yield from 5.18 to 6.38 g/L) utilizing quorum sensing-related gene (ginI) induction within 5 days of cultivation. The enhancement in BC relied on the addition of FA in static culture, and there was no need to shift to another production system, thus providing an economical approach for industrial production. The characteristic analysis showed that the induced BC still retained its high water-holding capacity (98.4%) with no other structure, morphology, or property changes including chemical groups, crystallinity (80.4%), and thermostability (with Tmax at 360 °C). Analysis of the produced BC showed that it is a suitable, ecofriendly biomaterial for food packaging, and its further evaluation will be accomplished in future studies.
Lactic Acid for Green Chemical Industry: Recent Advances in and Future Prospects for Production Technology, Recovery, and Applications
Authors: Kim Jua , Kim Young-Min , Lebaka Veeranjaneya Reddy , Wee Young-Jung
Published: November 2022

Lactic acid, an organic acid produced by numerous microorganisms, has many applications in the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and polymer industries, with novel applications being developed particularly in the chemical industry. The lactic acid market has steadily grown with the introduction of novel and environmentally friendly products. Therefore, developing novel technologies for lactic acid production, with improved yield and reduced production costs, has become a major research goal. Utilization of inexpensive and renewable biomass is a major strategy for economically producing lactic acid. However, most lactic acid bacteria cannot directly utilize lignocellulosic biomass and require hydrolysis, which is costly. Immobilization techniques for large-scale production can enhance fermentation yield. Moreover, novel techniques, such as cell recycling systems and simultaneous saccharification, will enable microorganisms to produce lactic acid with increased concentration, yield, and productivity. Recently, genetic and metabolic engineering methods have been used for key solving problems, such as product inhibition, by-product formation, and suboptimal culture conditions, and for the effective use of cheap substrates. This review presents comprehensive insights into the most recent advances in the biological production of lactic acid from different substrates, bioprocess techniques for yield improvement, lactic acid purification, and applications of lactic acid for human welfare.
Potentially Probiotic Fermented Glutinous Rice (Oryza sativa L.) with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Improved Immune System Response in a Small Sample of BALB/cByJ Mice
Authors: Hussin Muhaini , Anzian Aliaa , Liew Crystal Xiao-Qi , Muhialdin Belal J. , Mohsin Aliah Zannierah , Fang Chee-Mun , Saad Mohd Zamri , Ahmad Nurul Hawa , Hassan Masriana , Adnan Hazniza , Meor Hussin Anis Shobirin
Published: November 2022

L. plantarum strains displayed different abilities to exhibit high survivability to acid (pH 3.0), bile salts (3%), enzyme (pepsin), and temperature (40 °C) and good antibiotic susceptibility. The isolates were further supplemented in traditional tapai pulut to study the immunomodulation properties of tapai pulut based on the splenic T- and B-cell populations. The mice groups were divided into group one (unfermented glutinous rice), group two (tapai pulut group), and group three (probiotic tapai pulut group). Group one showed consistent body weight gain, with the highest observed after four weeks. Group three exhibited the most significant reduction in the percentage of CD19+ B-cells. The CD3+ T-cells population of Group three increased significantly compared with the control mice, followed by Group two. The results suggest that traditional tapai pulut supplemented with L. plantarum has a high potential for supporting the immune system’s immunomodulatory effect.
Real-Time Image Detection for Edge Devices: A Peach Fruit Detection Application
Authors: Assunção Eduardo , Gaspar Pedro D. , Alibabaei Khadijeh , Simões Maria P. , Proença Hugo , Soares Vasco N. G. J. , Caldeira João M. L. P.
Published: November 2022

Within the scope of precision agriculture, many applications have been developed to support decision making and yield enhancement. Fruit detection has attracted considerable attention from researchers, and it can be used offline. In contrast, some applications, such as robot vision in orchards, require computer vision models to run on edge devices while performing inferences at high speed. In this area, most modern applications use an integrated graphics processing unit (GPU). In this work, we propose the use of a tensor processing unit (TPU) accelerator with a Raspberry Pi target device and the state-of-the-art, lightweight, and hardware-aware MobileDet detector model. Our contribution is the extension of the possibilities of using accelerators (the TPU) for edge devices in precision agriculture. The proposed method was evaluated using a novel dataset of peaches with three cultivars, which will be made available for further studies. The model achieved an average precision (AP) of 88.2% and a performance of 19.84 frames per second (FPS) at an image size of 640 × 480. The results obtained show that the TPU accelerator can be an excellent alternative for processing on the edge in precision agriculture.
Virtually Fenced Goats for Grazing Fire Prone Juniper in Coastal Norway Wildland–Urban Interface
Authors: Log Torgrim , Gjedrem Anna Marie , Metallinou Maria-Monika
Published: November 2022

For millennia, the coastal heathlands of Western Europe were managed by regular burning cycles for improved grazing. In recent decades, this practice has generally been neglected. In Norway, the result is accumulation of degenerated heather and highly combustible Juniperus communis (juniper) encroachment, i.e., an increasing fire threat to a rising number of homes in the wildland–urban interface (WUI). In the present study, goats grazing a 1.2 ha site partly encroached by fire-prone juniper were studied in a living lab approach. Twelve wethers (castrated male goats) wearing solar-powered Nofence GPS collars were virtually fenced to protect villa gardens bordering the site during eight weeks from 18 April 2022. Besides some early operator errors, tree shadows and cloudy days limiting battery charging, the system worked well. Photographs taken prior to and after the grazing revealed that only 39% of the junipers had 90+% remaining foliage while for 41%, the foliage was reduced to below 10%, making them far less fire-prone. The goats were frequently visited by neighborhood residents of all ages, school classes, and kindergartens. Moreover, local newspapers and TV stations broadcasted the initiative. Although divided regarding debarked deciduous trees, the neighbors stated that the goats were well accepted. Despite some limited loss of garden plants, all interviewed residents bordering the site were positive about the goats “bringing life to the forest” and, if possible, welcomed them back for other grazing periods. Virtually fenced grazing goats may represent a sustainable solution for reducing fire hazards in the WUI also elsewhere.
RETRACTED: Distribution Pattern and Brood Parasitism Characteristics of an Endangered Fish, Pseudopungtungia nigra, in the Geum River Basin, South Korea
Authors: Choi Jong-Yun , Chang Hany , Kim Seong-Ki
Published: November 2022

Pseudopungtungia nigra is an endangered fish species endemic to South Korea with a narrow habitat range in the Geum River basin. Understanding their long-term distribution (25 years, 1997–2021) and breeding characteristics can contribute to the conservation and habitat management of endangered species in this area. We analyzed long-term data on environmental factors and fish in the Geum River and investigated the invading and spawning characteristics of P. nigra using underwater cameras. From the study results, P. nigra indicated no clear dispersion or decline trend in the Geum River. P. nigra exhibits brood parasitic behavior in the nest of Coreoperca herzi, another species found in the same region. C. herzi males protect their nests during the spawning period, and the eggs spawned by P. nigra in the nests of C. herzi are also protected by C. herzi. This high dependency of P. nigra on C. herzi possibly contributed to its distribution range in the Geum River basin. Habitat changes caused by anthropogenic interventions during the study period did not significantly affect the distribution of P. nigra. The results indicate that the distribution pattern of P. nigra is influenced by the distribution of sympatric fish species rather than environmental changes.
Evidence for the Growth Superiority and Delayed Ovarian Development in Tetraploid Loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyun , Gao Zexia , Luo Shuangshuang , Su Junxiao , Yi Shaokui
Published: November 2022

The diploids and tetraploids of cyprinid loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus coexist in many natural habits. The tetraploids generally exhibit superior growth performance and delayed gonadal development compared with diploids. To investigate the regulation mechanism of growth superiority and ovarian development in tetraploids, we first conducted a long-term culture experiment and histological observation. The tetraploids exhibited a higher growth performance and delayed ovarian development. Meanwhile, at a genetic level, an average of 6891 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between diploids and tetraploids were identified from the brain, pituitary, liver, gonad and muscle using the RNA-seq method. Among these DEGs, as expected, some candidate genes, including IGF family genes, somatostatin, leptin, cyp19a1b, gthα, lhβ and fshβ, were detected, which play critical roles in the regulation of growth and gonad development of fish. In particular, the genes related to GH/IGF axis and growth factors, signal transduction, gonadal hormone and appetite were significantly increased in tetraploids. The clustering analyses of the key candidate genes showed that most key genes were up-regulated in the pituitary and gonad of tetraploids instead of other tissues. The dynamics of these key genes provide valuable genetic evidence for clarifying the growth superiority and delayed gonadal development of tetraploids. Moreover, this study also provides some clues for unveiling the genetic superiority of polyploidy species in other phenotypes.
The Vapor Phase of Selected Essential Oils and Their Antifungal Activity In Vitro and In Situ against Penicillium commune, a Common Contaminant of Cheese
Authors: Hlebová Miroslava , Foltinová Denisa , Vešelényiová Dominika , Medo Juraj , Šramková Zuzana , Tančinová Dana , Mrkvová Michaela , Hleba Lukáš
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to determine the in vitro and in situ antifungal activity of (14) selected essential oils (EOS), namely clove, thyme, red thyme, litsea, eucalyptus, niaouli, fennel, anise, cumin, basil, rosemary, sage, bergamot mint, and marjoram, by vapor contact against the growth of two strains of Penicillium commune (KMi–183 and KMi–402). Furthermore, to exclude the negative effect of EOs on the lactic acid bacteria (LABs) (Streptococcus spp.) on cheeses, their influence was monitored. Next, the sensory evaluation of cheese treated by EOs was evaluated. The results show that litsea and clove EOs were the most effective in the vapor phase against both tested strains. These EOs were characterized by the highest amount of α- (40.00%) and β-Citral (34.35%) in litsea and eugenol (85.23%) in clove. The antitoxicogenic activity of less effective (in growth inhibition) EOs on cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) production by the tested strains was also observed. The growth of Streptococcus spp. (ranging from 8.11 to 9.69 log CFU/g) was not affected by the EOs in treated cheese. Even though the evaluators recognized some EOs in sensory evaluation by the triangle test, they did not have a negative effect on the taste and smell of the treated cheeses and were evaluated as edible. The antifungal activity of EOs against several types of microscopic fungi and their effect on the sensory properties of treated foods needs to be further tested to achieve the most effective protection of foods from their direct contaminants.
Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic Content and Total Flavonoid Content in Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Cultivars Grown in Northwest Spain under Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: Martínez Sidonia , Fuentes Carlota , Carballo Javier
Published: November 2022

The sweet chestnut fruit has always had great importance in the southern European countries. Chestnut production is an important source of income and a crop of high environmental value thanks to its role in soil protection. It is also a good food with enormous potential for various aspects of health because of its nutritional qualities. The quality of sweet chestnuts is affected by various factors, such as climatic conditions and cultivation inputs. It is very important to recognize the impacts of climate on chestnut fruits, to improve our current understanding of climate–chestnut interconnections. The current study investigated and compared the antioxidant activity and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of different cultivars of chestnuts grown in different geographic areas of northwest Spain. The results obtained with three antioxidant capability assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays) were highly correlated. All the samples had high antioxidant capacity and high total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, which depended both on cultivar and growth region. Ventura variety, harvested in the coldest environments, presented the highest values of antioxidant activity (IC50DPPH = 34.5 g/L), total phenolic content (131.84 mg equivalent of gallic acid/100 g FW) and total flavonoids (7.77 mg eq. catechin/100 g). The variations in the antioxidant capacity, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of different cultivars, and their associations with climatic environmental factors, revealed the significant impacts of these factors on the synthesis of specialized metabolites and on the nutraceutical potential of chestnuts. The results can provide valuable information for selection of the cultivar and the cultivation conditions of the chestnut, in order to obtain chestnuts with high-quality bioactive characteristics.
Multi-Barley Seed Detection Using iPhone Images and YOLOv5 Model
Authors: Shi Yaying , Li Jiayi , Yu Zeyun , Li Yin , Hu Yangpingqing , Wu Lushen
Published: November 2022

As a raw material for beer, barley seeds play a critical role in producing beers with various flavors. Unexcepted mixed varieties of barley seeds make malt quality uncontrollable and can even destroy beer flavors. To ensure the quality and flavor of malts and beers, beer brewers will strictly check the appropriate varieties of barley seeds during the malting process. There are wide varieties of barley seeds with small sizes and similar features. Professionals can visually distinguish these varieties, which can be tedious and time-consuming and have high misjudgment rates. However, biological testing requires professional equipment, reagents, and laboratories, which are expensive. This study aims to build an automatic artificial intelligence detection method to achieve high performance in multi-barley seed datasets. There are nine varieties of barley seeds (CDC Copeland, AC Metcalfe, Hockett, Scarlett, Expedition, AAC Synergy, Celebration, Legacy, and Tradition). We captured images of these original barley seeds using an iPhone 11 Pro. This study used two mixed datasets, including a single-barley seed dataset and a multi-barley seed dataset, to improve the detection accuracy of multi-barley seeds. The multi-barley seed dataset had random amounts and varieties of barley seeds in each image. The single-barley seed dataset had one barley seed in each image. Data augmentation can reduce overfitting and maximize model performance and accuracy. Multi-variety barley seed recognition deploys an efficient data augmentation method to effectively expand the barley dataset. After adjusting the hyperparameters of the networks and analyzing and augmenting the datasets, the YOLOv5 series network was the most effective in training the two barley seed datasets and achieved the highest performance. The YOLOv5x6 network achieved the second highest performance. The mAP (mean Average Precision) of the trained YOLOv5x6 was 97.5%; precision was 98.4%; recall was 98.1%; the average speed of image detection reached 0.024 s. YOLOv5x6 only trained the multi-barley seed dataset; the trained performance was greater than that of the YOLOv5 series. The two datasets had 39.5% higher precision, 27.1% higher recall, and 40.1% higher mAP than when just using the original multi-barley seed dataset. The multi-barley seed detection results showed high performance, robustness, and speed. Therefore, malting and brewing industries can assess the original barley seed quality with the assistance of fast, intelligent, and detected multi-barley seed images.
Metabolic Variations in Brown Rice Fertilised with Different Levels of Nitrogen
Authors: Ma Yichao , Zhang Shuang , Wu Zhaoxia , Sun Wentao
Published: November 2022

Nitrogen is a necessary element for plant growth; therefore, it is important to study the influence of N fertilisers on crop metabolites. In this study, we investigate the variability of endogenous metabolites in brown rice fertilised with different amounts of nitrogen. We identified 489 metabolites in brown rice. Compared to non-nitrogen fertilised groups, there were 59 differentially activated metabolic pathways in the nitrogen-fertilised groups. Additionally, there were significantly differential secondary metabolites, especially flavonoids, between groups treated with moderate (210 kg N/hm2) and excessive amounts of nitrogen (420 kg N/hm2). Nitrogen fertilisation upregulated linoleic acid metabolism and most steroids, steroid derivatives, and flavonoid compounds, which have antioxidant activity. The DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging rates were higher in fertilised groups than in the non-fertilised group. These findings provide a theoretical basis to enhance the health benefits of brown rice by improving fertilisation.
Changes in the Physical–Chemical Properties and Volatile Flavor Components of Dry-Cured Donkey Leg during Processing
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Wei Zixiang , Zhang Huachen , Xie Lan , Vincenzetti Silvia , Polidori Paolo , Li Lanjie , Liu Guiqin
Published: November 2022

In order to explore the quality variation and flavor formation of dry-cured donkey leg, the changes in physical–chemical composition, lipolytic, free amino acids content and volatile flavor compounds were investigated in this study. Six fresh, trimmed hind legs with average weight of 8.12 ± 0.8 kg were taken from male Dezhou donkeys slaughtered at the age of 24 months with the average live weight of 240 kg. The entire processing time was eight months long including six stages, specifically: cooling, salting, air-drying, fermenting and aging. Samples were collected at 0 d, 10 d, 20 d, 30 d, 65 d, 105 d and 165 d of processing. The results showed that the pH value remained stable in the range of 6.2~6.6. The moisture and water activity significantly decreased (p < 0.05) during processing. The chloride content, ash, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and peroxide value (POV) significantly increased (p < 0.05), from 0.45% to 12.39%, from 3% to 17%, from 1.43 mg/kg to 8.98 mg/kg and from 1.39 g/100 g to 5.26 g/100 g, respectively. The thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) value reached its highest value of 0.39 mg MDA/kg at the end of the salting stage and then decreased to 0.34 mg MDA/kg. Eighteen free amino acids and fifteen free fatty acids were detected, and their contents were significantly increased during processing (p < 0.05). Volatile compounds were analyzed using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Among 114 volatile compounds detected in dry-cured donkey leg, aldehydes, esters, alkane and alcohols were more abundant in the final products, with relative concentrations of 41.88%, 5.72%, 5.35% and 5.25%, respectively. Processing significantly affected the physical–chemical properties, which could contribute to the formation of flavor substances of dry-cured donkey leg.
A Three-Field Variational Formulation for a Frictional Contact Problem with Prescribed Normal Stress
Authors: Matei Andaluzia Cristina
Published: November 2022

In the present work, we address a nonlinear boundary value problem that models frictional contact with prescribed normal stress between a deformable body and a foundation. The body is nonlinearly elastic, the constitutive law being a subdifferential inclusion. We deliver a three-field variational formulation by means of a new variational approach governed by the theory of bipotentials combined with a Lagrange-multipliers technique. In this new approach, the unknown of the mechanical model is a triple consisting of the displacement field, a Lagrange multiplier related to the friction force and the Cauchy stress tensor. We obtain existence, uniqueness, boundedness and convergence results.
Water Detection in Satellite Images Based on Fractal Dimension
Authors: Del-Pozo-Velázquez Javier , Chamorro-Posada Pedro , Aguiar-Pérez Javier Manuel , Pérez-Juárez María Ángeles , Casaseca-De-La-Higuera Pablo
Published: November 2022

Identification and monitoring of existing surface water bodies on the Earth are important in many scientific disciplines and for different industrial uses. This can be performed with the help of high-resolution satellite images that are processed afterwards using data-driven techniques to obtain the desired information. The objective of this study is to establish and validate a method to distinguish efficiently between water and land zones, i.e., an efficient method for surface water detection. In the context of this work, the method used for processing the high-resolution satellite images to detect surface water is based on image segmentation, using the Quadtree algorithm, and fractal dimension. The method was validated using high-resolution satellite images freely available at the OpenAerialMap website. The results show that, when the fractal dimensions of the tiles in which the image is divided after completing the segmentation phase are calculated, there is a clear threshold where water and land can be distinguished. The proposed scheme is particularly simple and computationally efficient compared with heavy artificial-intelligence-based methods, avoiding having any special requirements regarding the source images. Moreover, the average accuracy obtained in the case study developed for surface water detection was 96.03%, which suggests that the adopted method based on fractal dimension is able to detect surface water with a high level of accuracy.
Comparative Study of Donepezil-Loaded Formulations for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease by Nasal Administration
Authors: Espinoza Lupe Carolina , Guaya Diana , Calpena Ana Cristina , Perotti Rodolfo Miguel , Halbaut Lyda , Sosa Lilian , Brito-Llera Adriel , Mallandrich Mireia
Published: November 2022

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a progressive deterioration of neurons resulting in a steady loss of cognitive functions and memory. Many treatments encounter the challenge of overcoming the blood–brain barrier, thus the intranasal route is a non-invasive effective alternative that enhances the drug delivery in the target organ–the brain–and reduces the side effects associated with systemic administration. This study aimed at developing intranasal gels of donepezil as an approach to Alzheimer’s disease. Three different gels were elaborated and characterized in terms of pH, morphology, gelation temperature, rheology, and swelling. An in vitro release study and an ex vivo permeation in porcine nasal mucosa were conducted on Franz diffusion cells. The tolerability of the formulations was determined by the cytotoxicity in human nasal cells RPMI 2650. Results showed that pluronic gels exhibit the higher release rate and enhanced permeation compared to chitosan gel. Moreover, the combination of Pluronic F-127 and Transcutol® P exerted a synergic effect on the permeation of donepezil through the nasal mucosa. The resulting gels showed suitable tolerance in the RPMI 2650 cell line and physicochemical characteristics for intranasal delivery, and thus gel formulations administered by nasal mucosa could be an alternative strategy to improve the bioavailability of donepezil.
Adult Height, 22q11.2 Deletion Extent, and Short Stature in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Heung Tracy , Conroy Brigid , Malecki Sarah , Ha Joanne , Boot Erik , Corral Maria , Bassett Anne S.
Published: November 2022

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) manifests as a wide range of medical conditions across a number of systems. Pediatric growth deficiency with some catch-up growth is reported, but there are few studies of final adult height. We aimed to investigate how final adult height in 22q11.2DS compared with general population norms, and to examine predictors of short stature in in a cohort of 397 adults with 22q11.2DS (aged 17.6–76.3 years) with confirmed typical 22q11.2 microdeletion (overlapping the LCR22A to LCR22B region). We defined short stature as <3rd percentile using population norms. For the subset (n = 314, 79.1%) with 22q11.2 deletion extent, we used a binomial logistic regression model to predict short stature in 22q11.2DS, accounting for effects of sex, age, ancestry, major congenital heart disease (CHD), moderate-to-severe intellectual disability (ID), and 22q11.2 deletion extent. Adult height in 22q11.2DS showed a normal distribution but with a shift to the left, compared with population norms. Those with short stature represented 22.7% of the 22q11.2DS sample, 7.6-fold greater than population expectations (p < 0.0001). In the regression model, moderate-to-severe ID, major CHD, and the common LCR22A-LCR22D (A-D) deletion were significant independent risk factors for short stature while accounting for other factors (model p = 0.0004). The results suggest that the 22q11.2 microdeletion has a significant effect on final adult height distribution, and on short stature with effects appearing to arise from reduced gene dosage involving both the proximal and distal sub-regions of the A-D region. Future studies involving larger sample sizes with proximal nested 22q11.2 deletions, longitudinal lifetime data, parental heights, and genotype data will be valuable.