bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hole Application of Urea Inhibited Nitrification in the Zone around the Fertilizer Point by Reducing the Abundance of Nitrification Genes
Authors: Cheng Liang , Wang Yifan , Wang Yiliu , Wang Huoyan
Published: October 2022

The present study investigated the interactions among nitrogen transformation and soil bacteria along the direction of diffusion of hole-applied urea. To this end, a lab incubation trial was conducted on sandy loam and silty loam soils. Soil bacterial communities were analyzed via 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, and soil chemical properties were measured at 8, 20, and 60 d after urea application. The treatments were the fertilizer point and 0–4 cm, 4–8 cm, 8–12 cm, and 12–16 cm horizontally distant from the fertilization point. They were designated FP, 0–4, 4–8, 8–12, and 12–16, respectively. The pre-culture and pre-incubation soil sample was used as a control. Soil NH4+ concentration was the key factor influencing the soil bacterial community. For the sandy loam, the FP and 0–4 treatments reduced the putative abundance of amoA by 38.9–83.4% and 40.7–67.6%, amoB by 38.9–83.4% and 40.6–67.6%, and amoC by 41.1–84.1% and 43.6–69.9%, respectively, compared with the control group. For the silty loam, the FP and 0–4 treatments reduced the putative abundance of amoA by 85.0–87.3% and 28.9–82.6%, amoB by 84.6–87.2% and 29.1–82.5%, and amoC by 81.9–87.1% and 27.5–82.7%, respectively, compared with the control group. The fertilizer core region was <4 cm from the fertilizer point and maintained high NH4+ concentrations for >60 d, which strongly inhibited nitrification. Overall, the fertilizer core region slowly released nitrogen and inhibited nitrification. For these reasons, hole application of urea may serve as a long-acting nitrogen fertilizer.
Mechanisms of Plant Natural Immunity and the Role of Selected Oxylipins as Molecular Mediators in Plant Protection
Authors: Barbaś Piotr , Skiba Dominika , Pszczółkowski Piotr , Sawicka Barbara
Published: October 2022

Weed resistance to herbicides should be minimized, as this can lead to serious limitations in the food security for people around the world. The aim of the research was to summarize the latest research on the reactions of plants to pesticides, including herbicides, in order to assess the possibility of using jasmonates and brassinosteroids to stimulate the natural, induced systemic immunity of plants, as well as outline the possibility of the interaction of oxylipins with ethylene, salicylates and other compounds. Multiple types of resistance correspond to developed mechanisms of resistance to more than one herbicide, and this resistance has been induced by selection processes. Activation of the mechanisms of systemic immunity depends on the reception of extracellular signals, and their transduction between individual cells of the plant organism. Jasmonic acid (JA), as well as its methyl ester (MeJA), ethylene (ET), salicylic acid (SA) and methyl salicylate (MeSA), are key plant growth regulators that play a fundamental role in this process. JA and ET activate the mechanisms of induced systemic immunity (ISR), while SA determines the acquired systemic immunity (SAR). JA, MeJA and OPDA belong to the family of oxylipins, which are derivatives of linolenic acid (CLA), and are a group of active signaling molecules that are involved in the regulation of many physiological processes, including those that are related to herbicide resistance. Understanding the signaling mechanism in oxylipins, and mainly brassicosteroids (BRs) and jasmonates (Jas), would allow a better understanding of how immune responses are triggered in plants.
Pruning and Water Saving Management Effects on Mango High-Density and Mature Orchards
Authors: Hahn Federico , Valle Salvador , Navarro-Gómez Carmen
Published: October 2022

Water is getting scarce and irrigation practices should become more efficient. Mango orchards require great quantities of water, and policies in developing countries are substituting surface gravity irrigation by pressurized systems. A commercial orchard having mature 25-year-old trees and a 10-year-old HD high-density section were irrigated with micro sprinklers using 100% ETc (crop evapotranspiration) and reduced deficit irrigation treatments of 75% and 50% ETc. Water soil measurements were made with EC-5 probes at 10 and 35 cm in depth to study the effect of the different irrigation treatments. After the 2020 harvest, mature trees were trimmed without achieving pruning severity greater than 1.3. Canopy volume, mango size, fruit yield and water-use efficiency WUE were analyzed during 2020 and 2021. Sporadic storms produced sprinkler watering problems as weeds proliferated within trees. A controller with a fuzzy algorithm optimized orchard management and saved water in trees without decreasing yield and fruit size. It was found that one year after mature trees were trimmed by taking away the larger internal branch, more light penetrated the canopy, increasing yield by 60%; pruning in HD trees presented a yield increase of 5.37%. WUE (water-use efficiency) also increased with pruning and its value increased to 87.6 when the fuzzy controller and the 50% DI treatments were used in mature trees. This value was 260% greater than the one obtained in pruned trees without the controller. HD trees presented a lower WUE and yield per hectare than mature trees.
Heterologous Expression of the Apple MdbZIP26 Gene in Arabidopsis thaliana Improves Resistance to High Salinity and Drought Stress
Authors: Wan Ye , Wang Yaqiong , Wang Fan , Feng Shuaishuai , Zhang Li , Wang Xiping , Gao Hua
Published: October 2022

High salinity and drought seriously limit the production of many crops worldwide, including apple (Malus x. domestica Borkh). Members of the bZIP family of transcription factors play important roles in abiotic stress in various plants, but there have been few studies in perennial tree species. In our previous study, we conducted a genome-wide survey of bZIP family transcription factor genes in apple. Here, we focused on one of these genes, MdbZIP26, which is induced by high salinity, drought, and exogenous abscisic acid (ABA). The MdbZIP26 promoter contains several apparent cis-acting elements associated with abiotic stress response, such as ABRE/G-box, DRE, GT1, and GMSCAM4. The temporal and spatial expression patterns of MdbZIP26 were consistent with a role in abiotic stress response. Arabidopsis thaliana plants expressing MdbZIP26 showed enhanced tolerance to dehydration and salinity, and this was associated with altered expression of ABA/stress-regulated genes. Considered together, these results suggest that MdbZIP26 plays a role in the resistance of drought and high salinity stress in apple via ABA-mediated signaling.
Effect of Variety and Sex on the Carcass and Meat Quality Traits of Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris L.)
Authors: Śmiecińska Katarzyna , Stępień Adrian , Kubiak Dorota
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate selected parameters of carcass and meat quality in 16-week-old pearl gray and lavender guinea fowl. The birds were raised in summer and fall, in an extensive system. Until 4 weeks of age, the birds were kept indoors, and from week 5 until slaughter they could use outdoor space enclosed by a fence, adjacent to the building. Guinea fowl were fed complete chicken diets: starter (weeks 0–6), grower (weeks 7–12), and finisher (weeks >13). In comparison with lavender guinea fowl, pearl gray birds had higher live weight at slaughter (p = 0.001) and higher carcass weight (p = 0.001). Females, compared with males, had a higher carcass dressing percentage (p ˂ 0.001), lower liver weight (p = 0.008), lower heart weight (p ˂ 0.001), and lower total weight of giblets (p = 0.004). The leg muscles of pearl gray guinea fowl, compared with those of lavender birds, had a higher content of dry matter (p ≤ 0.029). The breast muscles (p ˂ 0.001) and leg muscles (p = 0.017) of lavender guinea fowl contained less fat than the muscles of pearl gray birds. The breast muscles of females had a higher content of dry matter (p = 0.044) and ash (p = 0.016), and lower total collagen content (p = 0.028) than the breast muscles of males. The leg muscles of females were characterized by a higher pH (p ˂ 0.001), and lower cooking loss (p = 0.004) and drip loss (p = 0.005) than the breast muscles of males. The breast muscles of lavender guinea fowl, compared with those of pearl gray birds, were characterized by a higher chroma value (p ˂ 0.001), and a higher contribution of redness (p ˂ 0.001) and yellowness (p = 0.002), and their leg muscles were lighter in color (p ˂ 0.001), with a higher contribution of yellowness (p = 0.041) and a higher hue angle (p = 0.037). The value of chroma (p = 0.004) and the contribution of yellowness (p = 0.002) were higher in the breast muscles of females, compared with males. Neither variety nor sex affected (p > 0.05) the evaluated sensory properties of guinea fowl meat or the proportions of total SFAs, total UFAs, total MUFAs, and total PUFAs in the intramuscular fat (IMF) of breast and leg muscles. Meat from guinea fowl of both analyzed varieties can be an excellent alternative to more popular types of poultry meat due to its high nutritional value and eating quality.
The Analysis of Transcriptomes and Microorganisms Reveals Differences between the Intestinal Segments of Guinea Pigs
Authors: Tang Chuang , Ma Jideng , Kong Fanli , Li Bo , Du Qinjiao , Zhang Yali , Wang Haoming , Tang Qianzi , Hu Silu , Liu Lingyan , Li Xuewei , Li Mingzhou
Published: October 2022

The intestine is a tubular organ with multiple functions such as digestion absorption and immunity, but the functions of each intestinal segments are different. Intestinal regionalization is necessary for normal physiological function, but it also means the research results obtained at specific sites may not be applicable to other intestinal segments. In order to comprehensively describe the functional changes in the intestine, different intestinal segments and their contents (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum) of guinea pigs were collected for RNA seq and 16S rRNA seq, respectively. The results showed differential genes of each intestinal segment mainly involve mucosa, digestion, absorption, and immunity. The gene sets related to fat, bill salts, vitamins, aggregates, amino acids, and water absorption were highly expressed in the small intestine, and the gene sets related to metal ions, nucleotides, and SCFAs were highly expressed in the large intestine. In terms of immunity, the CD8+ T, Th1, eosinophils, pDCs, and natural killer (NK) T cells in the small intestine showed higher scores than those in the large intestine, while the pattern-recognition receptor signaling pathway-related genes are highly expressed in the large intestine. In terms of microbial composition, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria are abundant in the small intestine, while Firmicutes and Spirochaete are abundant in large intestine. The correlation analysis showed a high correlation between intestinal microorganisms and gene modules related to digestion and absorption. In addition, cross-species analysis showed the SCFA metabolism gene expression trends in human and rodent intestine were different. In conclusion, we analyzed the changes in substance transport, immune and microbial composition between different intestinal segments of guinea pigs, and explored the relationship between intestinal transcriptome and microorganisms, our research will provides a reference for subsequent intestinal-related research.
Carbapenem-Only Combination Therapy against Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Assessment of In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy and Mode of Action
Authors: Mackay Brendan , Parcell Benjamin J. , Shirran Sally L. , Coote Peter J.
Published: October 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of carbapenem-only combination treatments derived from four approved drugs (meropenem, doripenem, ertapenem and imipenem) against a MDR strain of P. aeruginosa in a Galleria mellonella larvae infection model. G. mellonella larvae were infected with P. aeruginosa NCTC 13437 (carrying the VIM 10 carbapenamase) and the efficacy of the six possible dual, four triple, and one quadruple carbapenem combination(s) were compared to their constituent monotherapies. Four of these combinations showed significantly enhanced survival compared to monotherapies and reduced the bacterial burden inside infected larvae but without complete elimination. Bacteria that survived combination therapy were slower growing, less virulent but with unchanged carbapenem MICs—observations that are consistent with a persister phenotype. In vitro time-kill assays confirmed that the combinations were bactericidal and confirmed that a low number of bacteria survived exposure. Mass spectrometry was used to quantify changes in the concentration of carbapenems in the presence of carbapenemase-carrying P. aeruginosa. The rate of degradation of individual carbapenems was altered, and often significantly reduced, when the drugs were in combinations compared with the drugs alone. These differences may account for the enhanced inhibitory effects of the combinations against carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and are consistent with a ‘shielding’ hypothesis. In conclusion, carbapenem combinations show promise in combating MDR P. aeruginosa and are worthy of additional study and development.
Systematic Surveillance and Meta-Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance and Food Sources from China and the USA
Authors: Himanshu  , R. Prudencio Carlos , da Costa Antonio Charlys , Leal Elcio , Chang Chung-Ming , Pandey Ramendra Pati
Published: October 2022

Since the discovery of antibiotics in the 20th century, they have been used to fight against infections. The overuse of antibiotics in the wider environment has resulted in the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In developing countries such as China and developed countries such as the USA, there is evidence of the high pervasiveness of antibiotic-resistant infections. However, the studies on the spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms that inform about the consequences are limited. The aim of our study was to analyze and compare antimicrobial resistance (AMR) identified in published research papers from that found in different food sources, which were published between 2012 and December 2021, covering most retail food items. Out of 132 research papers identified, 26 papers have met our strict criteria and are included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. The selected papers led to 13,018 food samples, out of which 5000 samples were contaminated, including 2276 and 2724 samples from China and the USA, respectively. Meat, aquatic products, milk, and eggs show high to medium potential for AMR exposure to Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Enterococci, etc. and Gram-negative foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Vibrio, etc. Most of the food samples show antibiotic resistance to β-lactams, tetracycline, quinolones, and aminoglycosides. Retail food products such as meat, sea food, and some other food products, as well as AMR genetics and technically important bacteria, are proposed to be better merged with mitigation strategies and systematic One Health AMR surveillance to minimize the knowledge gaps and facilitate comprehensive AMR risk computation for the consumers.
Mitochondria Specific Antioxidant, MitoTEMPO, Modulates Cd Uptake and Oxidative Response of Soybean Seedlings
Authors: Fayazipour Dalir , Deckert Joanna , Akbari Gholamali , Soltani Elias , Chmielowska-Bąk Jagna
Published: October 2022

Numerous reports find that Cd induces formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants. However, a general ROS pool is usually studied, without distinction of their production site. In the present study, we applied a mitochondria-specific antioxidant, MitoTEMPO, to elucidate the role of mitochondria-derived ROS in the response of soybean seedlings to short-term (48 h) Cd stress. The obtained results showed that Cd caused a reduction in root length and fresh weight and increase in the level of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, markers of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric reactive substances, TBARS) and markers of RNA oxidation (8-hydroxyguanosine, 8-OHG) in seedling roots. Application of MitoTEMPO affected Cd uptake in a dose-dependent manner and diminished the Cd-dependent induction of superoxide anion and lipid peroxidation.
Exogenous L-Glutathione Improves Vitrification Outcomes in Murine Preimplantation Embryos
Authors: Abdul Rahman Nor-Shahida , Mohamed Noor Khan Nor-Ashikin , Eshak Zolkapli , Sarbandi Mimi-Sophia , Mohammad Kamal Aqila-Akmal , Abd Malek Mastura , Abdullah Fathiah , Abdullah Maizaton Atmadini , Othman Fezah
Published: October 2022

Vitrification is an important tool to store surplus embryos in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, vitrification increases oxidative damage and results in decreased viability. Studies have reported that L-glutathione (GSH) supplementation improves the preimplantation development of murine embryos. Glutathione constitutes the major non-protein sulphydryl compound in mammalian cells, which confers protection against oxidative damage. However, the effect of GSH supplementation on embryonic vitrification outcomes has yet to be reported. This study aims to determine whether GSH supplementation in culture media improves in vitro culture and vitrification outcomes, as observed through embryo morphology and preimplantation development. Female BALB/c mice aged 6–8 weeks were superovulated through an intraperitoneal injection of 10 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG), followed by 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) 48 h later. The mated mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation 48 h after hCG to harvest embryos. Two-cell embryos were randomly assigned to be cultured in either Group 1 (GSH-free medium), Group 2 (GSH-free medium with vitrification), Group 3 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium), or Group 4 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium with vitrification). Non-vitrified (Groups 1 and 3) and vitrified (Groups 2 and 4) embryos were observed for morphological quality and preimplantation development at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. In the non-vitrified groups, there were significant increases in the number of Grade-1 blastocysts in GSH cultures (p < 0.05). Similarly, in the vitrified groups, GSH supplementation was also seen to significantly increase blastocyst formation. Exogenous GSH supplementation resulted in a significant increase in intracellular GSH, a release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and a parallel decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in vitrified eight-cell embryos (p < 0.05). GSH supplementation was shown to upregulate Bcl2 expression and downregulate Bax expression in the vitrified preimplantation embryo group. The action of exogenous GSH was concomitant with an increase in the relative abundance of Gpx1 and Sod1. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the novel use and practical applicability of GSH supplementation for improving embryonic cryotolerance via a decrease in ROS levels and the inhibition of apoptotic events by improvement in oxidative status.
Protection against Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Alterations by Synthetic Peptides Derived from Erythrina edulis Seed Protein
Authors: Rodríguez-Arana Nathaly , Jiménez-Aliaga Karim , Intiquilla Arturo , León José A. , Flores Eduardo , Zavaleta Amparo Iris , Izaguirre Víctor , Solis-Calero Christian , Hernández-Ledesma Blanca
Published: October 2022

The ability of multifunctional food-derived peptides to act on different body targets make them promising alternatives in the prevention/management of chronic disorders. The potential of Erythrina edulis (pajuro) protein as a source of multifunctional peptides was proven. Fourteen selected synthetic peptides identified in an alcalase hydrolyzate from pajuro protein showed in vitro antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, and/or anti-obesity effects. The radical scavenging properties of the peptides could be responsible for the potent protective effects observed against the oxidative damage caused by FeSO4 in neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, their affinity towards the binding cavity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) were predicted by molecular modeling. The results demonstrated that some peptides such as YPSY exhibited promising binding at both enzymes, supporting the role of pajuro protein as a novel ingredient of functional foods or nutraceuticals for prevention/management of oxidative stress, hypertension, and metabolic-alteration-associated chronic diseases.
CFD Estimation of a Resistance Coefficient for an Egg-Shaped Geometric Dome
Authors: Domagala Mariusz , Aga Halvor Larsson , Bikass Saeed , Momeni Hassan , Stenfelt Gloria
Published: October 2022

In aquaculture, new production technologies are under development and testing. One promising type of technology is the closed floating cage. Egget® is one of these newly developed technologies, which is egg-shaped and vertically floating. One of the challenges is to determine hydrodynamic loads. Therefore, this study focuses on estimating the resistance and the resistance coefficient for steady flow with various velocities and Reynolds numbers on a scaled model. It includes simulations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for two depths and experiments in the MarinLab at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL). As the cage is partially submerged, the simulations are performed using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) technique for modeling free surface flow. The comparison of experimental and simulation results show good agreement.
BioShare: An Open Framework for Trusted Biometric Authentication under User Control
Authors: Sun Quan , Wu Jie , Yu Wenhai
Published: October 2022

Generally, biometric authentication is conducted either by mobile terminals in local-processing mode or by public servers in centralized-processing mode. In the former mode, each user has full control of his/her biometric data, but the authentication service is restricted to local mobile apps. In the latter mode, the authentication service can be opened up to network applications, but the owners have no control of their private data. It has become a difficult problem for biometric applications to provide open and trusted authentication services under user control. Existing approaches address these concerns in ad-hoc ways. In this work, we propose BioShare, a framework that provides trusted biometric authentication services to network applications while giving users full control of their biometric data. Our framework is designed around three key principles: each user has full control of his/her biometric data; biometric data is stored and processed in trusted environments to prevent privacy leaks; and the open biometric-authentication service is efficiently provided to network applications. We describe our current design and sample implementation, and illustrate how it provides an open face-recognition service with standard interfaces, combines terminal trusted environments with server enclaves, and enables each user to control his/her biometric data efficiently. Finally, we analyze the security of the framework and measure the performance of the implementation.
Application of the Reciprocity Theorem to Scattering of Surface Waves by a Surface Crack in Viscoelastic Material
Authors: Zheng Li , Wang Chuanyong , Lu Jiangang , Sun Anyu
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the scattered surface waves created by a surface crack in a homogeneous, isotropic, viscoelastic half space within a plane strain condition was studied. The amplitude of the scattered surface wave in the far field was determined by using the reciprocity theory and a virtual surface wave. It was shown that the amplitude of the scattered surface wave was related to the crack-opening displacement and the crack length. In the special case of low frequency and low viscosity, the tractions due to the incident surface wave applying on the crack surface can be regarded as uniform, and a finite element method (FEM) based on rubber material was performed to verify the theoretical results. It was shown that the numerical results were consistent with the theoretical solutions, which proves the reliability of the theoretical analysis. The reciprocity theorem avoids complex integral transformation and reveals the relationship between the scattered surface wave and the size of the surface crack, which is promising in the characterization of surface cracks.
Evaluation and Optimization of Biomedical Image-Based Deep Convolutional Neural Network Model for COVID-19 Status Classification
Authors: Ghosh Soumadip , Banerjee Suharta , Das Supantha , Hazra Arnab , Mallik Saurav , Zhao Zhongming , Mukherji Ayan
Published: October 2022

Accurate detection of an individual’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) status has become critical as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to over 615 million cases and over 6.454 million deaths since its outbreak in 2019. Our proposed research work aims to present a deep convolutional neural network-based framework for the detection of COVID-19 status from chest X-ray and CT scan imaging data acquired from three benchmark imagery datasets. VGG-19, ResNet-50 and Inception-V3 models are employed in this research study to perform image classification. A variety of evaluation metrics including kappa statistic, Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE), accuracy, True Positive Rate (TPR), False Positive Rate (FPR), Recall, precision, and F-measure are used to ensure adequate performance of the proposed framework. Our findings indicate that the Inception-V3 model has the best performance in terms of COVID-19 status detection.
Ensuring Security and Energy Efficiency of Wireless Sensor Network by Using Blockchain
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Abdullah Saima , Fatima Muqaddas , Iqbal Muhammad Waseem , Almarhabi Khalid Ali , Ashraf M. Usman , Ali Saqib
Published: October 2022

With the advancement of new technology, security is the biggest issue nowadays. To solve security problems, blockchain technology will be used. In recent work, most of the work has been done on homogeneous systems, but in our research, the primary focus is on the security of wireless sensor networks using blockchain. Over the last few decades, the Internet of Things (IoT) has been the most advancing technology due to the number of intelligent devices and associated technologies that have rapidly grown in every field of the world, such as smart cities, education, agriculture, banking, healthcare, etc. Many of the applications are developing by using IoT technologies for real-time monitoring. Because of storage capacity or low processing power, smart devices or gadgets are vulnerable to attack as existing cryptography techniques or security are insufficient. In this research work, firstly, we review and identify the privacy and security issues in the IoT system. Secondly, there is a solution for the security issues, which is resolved by blockchain technology. We will check the wireless sensor network to see how data work on distributed or decentralized network architecture. Wireless sensor network clustering technique was introduced by researchers for network efficiency because when the workload spreads, the system will work faster and more efficiently. A cluster comprises a number of nodes, and the cluster head manages the local interactions between the nodes in the cluster (CH). In general, cluster members connect with the cluster head, and the cluster head aggregates and fuses the data acquired in order to save energy. Before approaching the sink, the cluster heads may additionally create another layer of clusters among themselves. The clustering concept divides data traffic into several groups similar to the other data points in the same data point. In contrast, this data point is dissimilar from other data points in another group. All results are presented at the end of this study paper, in which we will see the network or nodes’ performance in the specific area of the network, how it works, and how efficient it is. Likewise, Blockchain also works in a distributed manner.
Evaluation of Active Shoulder Exoskeleton Support to Deduce Application-Oriented Optimization Potentials for Overhead Work
Authors: Sänger Johannes , Yao Zhejun , Schubert Tim , Wolf Alexander , Molz Carla , Miehling Jörg , Wartzack Sandro , Gwosch Thomas , Matthiesen Sven , Weidner Robert
Published: October 2022

Repetitive overhead work with a heavy load increases the risk for work-related shoulder disorders. Occupational exoskeletons supporting arm elevation are potential solutions to reduce that risk by lowering the physical strains on the shoulder. Many studies have reported a reduction in shoulder stress in various overhead tasks by using such exoskeletons. However, the support demand can vary in each phase of motion as well as in each individual task. This paper presents a laboratory study with five participants to evaluate the influence of the support level of an active shoulder exoskeleton in different motion phases (e.g., arm lifting, screw-in, and arm lowering of two overhead tasks) to identify the potential optimization of support at each phase. Results show that the support level of the exoskeleton should be adapted to the motion phase of the two chosen tasks. A higher support force is desired for the screw phase compared to the arm lifting and lowering phases, and the support level needs to be reduced immediately for arm lowering after the screw phase. The time for switching the support levels can be recognized by the electric current of the screwdriver.
A Method for Optimal Estimation of Shoreline in Cliff Zones Based on Point Cloud Segmentation and Centroid Calculation
Authors: Li Weihua , Liu Hao , Qin Changcai
Published: October 2022

The integrity of shoreline is disrupted by cliffs, posing obstacles to marine surveying and chart mapping, particularly in research related to the cliff section of the sea area. The present study proposes a method to solve this problem. In the proposed method, we first extract the boundary of the cliff to segment the point cloud according to a designed rule, then calculate the centroid coordinates of each point cloud block, followed by the coordinates of side points on both sides of the boundary of each block from the centroid, and finally create a side point cloud projected to the water surface corrected for elevation. The corrected point cloud is considered a point cloud dataset of the innermost shoreline. Combined with a point cloud projected from the boundary of the cliff section to the water surface, we developed a calculation method for the optimal shoreline position. Our experiment proved that the method could effectively extract the shoreline of the study area. Moreover, compared with that of the commonly used shoreline extraction method, the absolute error of the isoline tracking method was very large, up to several meters. However, the proposed method achieved smaller standard deviation and variance (0.1254 and 0.0157, respectively) than the isoline tracking method (0.9837 and 0.9677, respectively).
Blockchain-Based Multiple Authorities Attribute-Based Encryption for EHR Access Control Scheme
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Zhang Chenshuo
Published: October 2022

The Internet of Medical Things (IOMT) is critical in improving electronic device precision, dependability, and productivity. Researchers are driving the development of digital healthcare systems by connecting available medical resources and healthcare services. However, there are concerns about the security of sharing patients’ electronic health records. In response to the prevailing problems such as difficulties in sharing medical records between different hospitals and patients’ inability to grasp the usage of their medical records, we propose a patient-controlled and cloud-chain collaborative multi-authority attribute-based encryption for EHR sharing with verifiable outsourcing decryption and hiding access policies (VO-PH-MAABE). This scheme uses blockchain to store the validation parameters by utilizing its immutable, which data users use to verify the correctness of third-party outsourcing decryption results. In addition, we use policy-hiding technology to protect data privacy so that data security is guaranteed. Moreover, we use blockchain technology to establish trust among multiple authorities and utilize Shamir secret sharing and smart contracts to compute keys or tokens for attributes managed across multiple administrative domains, which avoids a single point of failure and reduces communication and computation overhead on the data user side. Finally, the ciphertext indistinguishability security under the chosen plaintext attack is demonstrated under the stochastic prediction model and compared with other schemes in terms of functionality, communication overhead, and computation overhead. The experimental results show the effectiveness of this scheme.
An Intelligent Access Channel Algorithm Based on Distributed Double Q Learning
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Niu Yingtao , Li Yonggui , Zhao Liping
Published: October 2022

Aiming at the problem of mutual interference between nodes and external malicious jamming in wireless communication networks, this paper proposes an intelligent communication anti-jamming algorithm based on distributed double Q-learning. First of all, the proposed algorithm anti-jamming problem is modeled as a time-frequency two-dimensional optimization problem. The decoupled relationship between subframe and channel is used. Each node uses two Q-learning. According to the automatically received feedback signal, users choose their subframe and channel to avoid malicious external jamming and mutual interference between users. It maximizes the sum of all user throughput. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively shorten the convergence time and improve the performance of the system.
Modeling and Distribution Identification of Instantaneous Cutting Energy Efficiency of Milling Cutter under Vibration
Authors: Jiang Bin , Fan Lili , Zhao Peiyi , Song Yufeng , Wang Bin
Published: October 2022

The instantaneous cutting energy efficiency of a milling cutter is an important index to evaluate the cutting performance of the milling cutter. The existing models for cutting energy efficiency ignore the differences in the instantaneous cutting energy efficiency of each cutter tooth. In this work, according to the influence of milling vibration on instantaneous cutting posture and the input and output energy, a correlation model of the instantaneous cutting energy efficiency of a milling cutter and its cutter teeth was established. Using the cutting-force energy efficiency and the specific cutting energy and their distribution on the cutting edge of the cutter teeth, the dynamic relationship between the effective cutting energy transfer and conversion of the milling cutter was characterized. The instantaneous cutting-force energy efficiency and specific cutting energy were calculated. The formation of the dynamic distribution of the cutting energy efficiency was unveiled. Finally, an identification method for distributive variation in the instantaneous cutting energy efficiency of the milling cutter was proposed. The response of the distribution of the instantaneous cutting energy efficiency was studied and verified using experiments. The results showed that there was high similarity and good agreement between the calculated and measured results of the cutting energy efficiency of the milling cutter.
Creating a Haptic 3D Model of Wenceslas Hill in Olomouc
Authors: Lazna Richard , Barvir Radek , Vondrakova Alena , Brus Jan
Published: October 2022

Interactivity in today’s society finds its way into many facets of life and can be used in various ways, including 3D printing. For example, various 3D models can be incorporated into museum exhibitions and serve as interactive media for visitors, deepening their experience. One of the advantages of haptic 3D models is the immediate haptic feedback. Such models can have various uses, from being a part of an interactive exhibition to providing assistance to people with visual impairment. This article describes the process of creating a haptic 3D model depicting Wenceslas Hill in Olomouc in the eighteenth century. The model has several surface elements printed from conductive material that react to touch. The interactive model itself is unchanged from its original modelled 3D version, meaning the shape of the object stays the exact same throughout modifications. The resulting model conveys additional information about the object or its parts by means of a web interface via a connected tablet device. To implement the desired functionality, TouchIt3D technology was used. This technology uses a combination of conductive and non-conductive materials for 3D printing. The conductive material serves to propagate an electrical signal caused by touching a chosen part of the model. A 3D printer with two extruders was used for printing the model, allowing simultaneous printing of two different materials. The model’s scalability is advantageous for potential use by people with visual impairment. The model shall serve as a tool for enriching historical knowledge about the object by using interactivity.
Axial Compression Behavior of Steel Angle-Corrugated Steel Plate-Confined Concrete Columns
Authors: Sun Zexuan , Zou Yun , Wang Chengquan , Pan Jie , Wang Li
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a novel type of steel angle-corrugated steel plate-confined concrete column (SA-CS column). The axial compression behavior of the SA-CS column was investigated by load experiments and finite element (FE) simulation. The study also compared the load–displacement curves, core concrete strength index, and specimens’ ductility indices between the SA-CS columns and concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of the SA-CS column were better than those of the CFST column with a similar steel ratio. The rationality and reliability of the finite element model were confirmed by comparing the experimental results’ load–displacement curves and failure modes. Based on the FE model, a supplementary parametric analysis of the effects of the compressive strength of core concrete, thickness, yield strength, and wave height of the corrugated steel plate, thickness, and yield strength of the steel angles was conducted. Moreover, some existing design codes were assessed based on the numerical results available in this study. A new calculating model for the SA-CS column was proposed, which is capable of reasonably predicting the numerical results.
Electroporation in Clinical Applications—The Potential of Gene Electrotransfer and Electrochemotherapy
Authors: Rakoczy Katarzyna , Kisielewska Monika , Sędzik Mikołaj , Jonderko Laura , Celińska Julia , Sauer Natalia , Szlasa Wojciech , Saczko Jolanta , Novickij Vitalij , Kulbacka Julita
Published: October 2022

Electroporation (EP) allows for the transport of molecules into the cytoplasm with significant effectiveness by forming transient pores in the cell membrane using electric pulses. This can be used for cellular transport (RE—reversible electroporation) or ablation (IRE—irreversible electroporation). The first of described options fortifies medicine with novel possibilities: electrochemotherapy (ECT), which creates promising perspectives for cancer treatment, and gene electrotransfer (GET), a powerful method of DNA delivery as well as immunogen electrotransfer. The review constitutes a comprehensive explanation of the mechanism of EP in the case of GET, its present and prospective employment in medicine, including gene delivery, vaccinations, therapy, and transfection, are also presented.
Robust Simulation of Cyber-Physical Systems for Environmental Monitoring on Construction Sites
Authors: Xu Zhao , Wang Xiang , Niu Yumin , Zhang Hua
Published: October 2022

Environmental monitoring is a crucial part of environmental management on construction sites. With the increasing integration of environmental-monitoring systems and cyber-physical systems (CPS), the environmental-monitoring cyber-physical system (E-CPS) has been developed, but it still suffers from uncertainty problems and a lack of robustness. In this study, ontology is utilized to establish an E-CPS model that can realize the integration and interaction of physical space, cyberspace, and social space, and the E-CPS model contains perception, transportation, fusion, and decision-making layers. Three uncertainty scenarios are then identified in four layers of the E-CPS to address the current E-CPS shortcomings. The proposed E-CPS model is applied in a construction project, and simulation experiments are then conducted on construction sites. The results show that the abnormal-data-recognition algorithm based on spatiotemporal correlation, whose detection rate is stable around 96%, improves the system’s anti-interference ability against anomalous data entering the perception layer and the transportation layer. This algorithm ensures the accuracy of environmental monitoring for early warning. The sensory data-fusion results based on the belief function method vary from 52.16 to 52.50, with a decrease rate reduced to 0.65%. Finally, the decision-fusion algorithm based on the improved Dempster–Shafer (D-S) evidence theory achieves robust performance. This study could enhance the robustness of the E-CPS in uncertainty conditions and aid the project managers to make decisions and take targeted measures according to the environmental monitoring results and experts’ decisions.
Tensile Properties of As-Built 18Ni300 Maraging Steel Produced by DED
Authors: Gil Jorge , Seca Ricardo , Amaral Rui , Emadinia Omid , De Jesus Abílio , Reis Ana
Published: October 2022

The mechanical behaviour of as-built DED-produced 18Ni300 Maraging steel was studied by manufacturing a wall-like structure from which three different specimen types were obtained: specimens in which the loading direction was the same as the printing direction (vertical), specimens in which these two directions were perpendicular (horizontal), and bimetallic specimens in which the interface between the AISI 1045 substrate and the 18Ni300 steel was tested. The yield strength of the produced samples was 987.9±34.2, 925.9±89.7 and 486.7±47.2 MPa for the vertical, horizontal and bimetallic specimens, respectively, while the elongation to failure was 9.4±1.9, 18.3±2.3 and 14.06±0.6% in the same order. The latter specimen failed within the substrate-comprised portion of the specimen. Additionally, the fracture surfaces were analysed through scanning electron microscopy, concluding that while both surfaces consist of dimples, the horizontal specimen presented microporosities with a reduced diameter. A microhardness analysis in the printed wall-like structure following the printing direction yielded an average hardness of 392±21 HV0.3, with fluctuations along the build direction mostly within one standard deviation.
Implementation and Investigation of an Advanced Induction Machine Field-Oriented Control Strategy Using a New Generation of Inverters Based on dSPACE Hardware
Authors: Es-saadi Mouna , Chaikhy Hamid , Khafallah Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Widely used in industrial applications, the induction machine is the subject of many researches. Many are aimed at developing its performances, such torque ripples, current distortions or even rotor speed response, by using different control strategies or even replacing two level inverters in a field oriented control strategy with a new generation of inverters. This paper presents an advanced asynchronous machine field-oriented control strategy with a three level neutral point clamped inverter. The attractive performances of the field oriented control strategy using a three level neutral point clamped inverter are experimentally tested. Both conventional and new field-oriented control strategies are implemented in a dSPACE board induction machine. To highlight the advantages of the new control strategy, conventional and improved strategies are studied in open loop and closed loop conditions using integral proportional and proportional integral controllers, in term of current distortions, torque and speed response.
Reproductive Traits Demonstrate How Well the Mediterranean Stripe-Necked Turtle Mauremys leprosa Can Flourish under Highly Degraded–Polluted Conditions
Authors: Gahmous Sami Aymen , Tiar Ghoulem , Tiar-Saadi Manel , Bouslama Zihad , Široký Pavel
Published: October 2022

We measured and compared the reproductive traits of the Mediterranean stripe-necked turtles Mauremys leprosa living in highly degraded–polluted vs. intact natural habitats in Algeria. Data on reproduction were obtained by using X-ray examination of gravid females and examination of nests. The results were opposite to the negative trend confirmed in most freshwater turtles exposed to pollution and suggested the ability of this species to flourish instead in highly degraded–polluted habitats. An optimum development was recorded for several reproductive patterns of the studied freshwater turtle under conditions considered uninhabitable for other vertebrates. Females exhibited record body sizes among conspecifics, which allowed them to carry significantly larger clutches, exceeding by up to 3 eggs the previously largest reported clutch. The mean clutch size (8.79 ± 2.70 eggs) was also higher than findings from previous studies, except for in some other polluted habitats. Furthermore, large females even with large clutches carried large eggs. Egg measurements in the disturbed habitat revealed new records exceeding those previously noted; in egg length (by 3.0 mm), egg width (by 2.8 mm), egg mass (by 1.8 g), and clutch mass (by 18.6 g). In comparison, the usual reproductive performances were observed in the intact natural habitat; female body sizes were significantly smaller and carried fewer eggs of smaller size.
What Is Left for Real-Life Lactate Monitoring? Current Advances in Electrochemical Lactate (Bio)Sensors for Agrifood and Biomedical Applications
Authors: García-Guzmán Juan José , Sierra-Padilla Alfonso , Palacios-Santander José María , Fernández-Alba Juan Jesús , Macías Carmen González , Cubillana-Aguilera Laura
Published: October 2022

Monitoring of lactate is spreading from the evident clinical environment, where its role as a biomarker is notorious, to the agrifood ambit as well. In the former, lactate concentration can serve as a useful indicator of several diseases (e.g., tumour development and lactic acidosis) and a relevant value in sports performance for athletes, among others. In the latter, the spotlight is placed on the food control, bringing to the table meaningful information such as decaying product detection and stress monitoring of species. No matter what purpose is involved, electrochemical (bio)sensors stand as a solid and suitable choice. However, for the time being, this statement seems to be true only for discrete measurements. The reality exposes that real and continuous lactate monitoring is still a troublesome goal. In this review, a critical overview of electrochemical lactate (bio)sensors for clinical and agrifood situations is performed. Additionally, the transduction possibilities and different sensor designs approaches are also discussed. The main aim is to reflect the current state of the art and to indicate relevant advances (and bottlenecks) to keep in mind for further development and the final achievement of this highly worthy objective.