bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging Study Investigating the Supraspinal Control of Lower Urinary Tract Function in Man With Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder
Authors: Wu Wanhua , Su Yun , Huang Hao , Chen Meiwei , Fan Fan , Zhu Dingjun , Li Kaiwen , Guo Zhenghui , Liang Zhiying , Huang Hai
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Recent studies employing functional imaging methodology have revealed reference brain regions of urinary tract function, namely, the midbrain periaqueductal gray matter, thalamus, and cingulate and prefrontal cortices. The orthotopic ileal neobladder is a desirable method for urinary diversion after radical cystectomy, but its supraspinal control remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate brain activity while maintaining urinary urgency and voluntary urinary control in male subjects with ileal orthotopic neobladders by performing functional MRI (fMRI) during a block design experiment.

Materials and Methods: Patients were recruited at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of the Sun Yat-sen University from October 2017 to May 2019. Two tasks were performed during fMRI scanning: (1) repeated infusion and withdrawal of sterile saline solution into and out of the neobladder to simulate urgency; and (2) repeated contraction of the pelvic floor muscle with a full neobladder to induce inhibition of micturition since the subjects were asked not to urinate. The obtained data were visualized and statistically analyzed.

Results: Sixteen subjects were recruited in the study, and data were obtained from 10 subjects: mean age 60.1 years, average postoperative time 20.2 months, and daytime continence rate 100%. The parahippocampus, frontal lobe, vermis, and anterior cingulate cortex were activated with large bladder volumes, and the thalamus and caudate nucleus were deactivated during voluntary urinary control.

Conclusion: A complex supraspinal program is involved during ileal orthotopic neobladder control, which is significantly different from that with normal bladders, in which the original intestine visceral volume sensation is preserved.
Isolation and Molecular Characteristics of a Novel Recombinant Avian Orthoreovirus From Chickens in China
Authors: Zhang Jun , Li Tuofan , Wang Weikang , Xie Quan , Wan Zhimin , Qin Aijian , Ye Jianqiang , Shao Hongxia
Published: December 2021

In recent years, the emergence of avian orthoreovirus (ARV) has caused significant losses to the poultry industry worldwide. In this study, a novel ARV isolate, designated as AHZJ19, was isolated and identified from domestic chicken with viral arthritis syndrome in China. AHZJ19 can cause typical syncytial cytopathic effect in the chicken hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, LMH. High-throughput sequencing using Illumina technology revealed that the genome size of AHZJ19 is about 23,230 bp, which codes 12 major proteins. Phylogenetic tree analysis found that AHZJ19 was possibly originated from a recombination among Hungarian strains, North American strains, and Chinese strains based on the sequences of the 12 proteins. Notably, the σC protein of AHZJ19 shared only about 50% homology with that of the vaccine strains S1133 and 1733, which also significantly differed from other reported Chinese ARV strains. The isolation and molecular characteristics of AHZJ19 provided novel insights into the molecular epidemiology of ARV and laid the foundation for developing efficient strategies for control of ARV in China.
Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of Impact in Space Operation Tasks
Authors: Cai Yaxing , Chen Yujun , Luo Yazhong , Wang Xinglong
Published: December 2021

For the rigid impact and flexible impact in space operation tasks, impact dynamic models between two objects are established in this paper, laying the model foundation for controlling or suppressing the impact. For the capture task between a grapple shaft and a rigid body, the impact dynamic model is established based on the Zhiying–Qishao model. Moreover, by introducing a friction factor into the original impact model, an improved dynamic model between two rigid bodies is proposed. For the capture task with flexible impact, an impact dynamic model between the grapple shaft and a flexible wire rope is established based on the dynamic model of the flexible wire rope. The ground experiments and simulations are carried out with two objects on an air flow table. The experiment results validate the impact dynamic model proposed in this paper.
Thermal Effect on the Instability of Annular Liquid Jet
Authors: Cui Xiao , Jia Boqi
Published: December 2021

The linear instability of an annular liquid jet with a radial temperature gradient in an inviscid gas steam is investigated theoretically. A physical model of an annular liquid jet with a radial temperature gradient is established, dimensionless governing equations and boundary conditions are given, and numerical solutions are obtained using the spectral collocation method. The correctness of the results is verified to a certain extent. The liquid surface tension coefficient is assumed to be a linear function of temperature. The effects of various dimensionless parameters (including the Marangoni number/Prandtl number, Reynolds number, temperature gradient, Weber number, gas-to-liquid density ratio and velocity ratio) on the instability of the annular liquid jet are discussed. A decreasing Weber number destabilizes the annular liquid jet when the Weber number is lower than a critical value. It is found that the effects of the Marangoni effect are related to the Weber number. The Marangoni effect enhances instability when the Weber number is small, while the Marangoni effect weakens instability when the Weber number is large. In addition, because the thermal effect is considered, a decreasing Reynolds number enhances the instability when the Weber number is lower than a critical value, which is similar to the results of a viscous liquid sheet with a temperature difference between two planar surfaces. Furthermore, the effects of other dimensionless parameters are also investigated.
Pathogenicity of Cordyceps javanica (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) to Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Adults, with Ultrastructural Observations on the Fungal Infection Process
Authors: Hussain Mubasher , Avery Pasco B. , Zhu Wenchao , Pitino Marco , Arthurs Steven P. , Wang Liande , Qiu Dongliang , Mao Runqian
Published: December 2021

Entomopathogenic fungi are proposed biological control agents against the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri). We quantified the pathogenicity of Cordyceps javanica strain Apopka 97 strain (Cja Apopka 97) (blastospores and conidia) against D. citri using the spray technique. We also used light and scanning electron microscopy to observe the Cja Apopka 97, infection process against D. citri adults at different stages pre- and post-mortem. Our findings demonstrated that psyllid mortality in the blastospore treatment ranged from 8 to 25% within 24–48 h of exposure, compared to 0% in the conidial and control treatments. However, psyllid mortality rate had reached 100% by 7 days after exposure at a concentration of 107 spores/mL, under both fungal treatments compared to the controls (0%). SEM and light microscopy revealed several stages in in the Cja Apopka 97 infection process of D. citri, including spore adherence and germ tube formation within 24 h post-inoculation, penetration pegs and mycelia growth on wings after 72 h, rupturing of cuticle after 96 h and mycelial mass colonizing host body after 144 h. Our study findings provide basic information on the interaction of entomopathogenic fungi with D. citri which will assist in the understanding of the infection process and the potential roles of entomopathogenic fungi in its management.
Increased Number of Spikelets per Panicle Is the Main Factor in Higher Yield of Transplanted vs. Direct-Seeded Rice
Authors: Mai Wenxuan , Abliz Buhailiqem , Xue Xiangrong
Published: December 2021

With increasing water shortages and labor costs, rice planting is gradually undergoing a transformation from traditional transplanting to direct seeding. However, the yield of direct-seeded rice is unstable and the reasons for this instability are disputed. Therefore, we established a field experiment conducted over 3 years to investigate the reasons for the difference in rice yield under different planting methods. The planting methods compared were transplanting (TR), broadcast sowing (BS), and sowing in line (SL). The yield of rice under TR was higher (10,390 kg ha−1) than that of BS (7790.7 kg ha−1) and SL (9105.2 kg ha−1). Given that the harvest index showed little variation among the three planting methods, the yield differences reflected that shoot dry matter production under TR was higher. Two reasons for the latter observation are suggested: (1) the planting density under TR was lower than that under BS and SL, thus competition for nutrient resources would have been reduced; (2) the growth period of TR was longer. The higher shoot dry matter accumulation under TR contributed to enhanced panicle number per m2 and number of spikelets per panicle than under BS. A significant correlation between number of spikelets per panicle and yield was observed. Although yield was highest under TR, the costs under TR were the highest among the three planting methods. In contrast, the benefit-to-cost ratio under SL was higher than that of TR and BS. The higher yield under TR reflected the production of larger spikelets per panicle than those produced under direct-seeding methods. However, the benefits of SL are conducive to enhanced profitability of rice production.
Can Seaweed Extract Improve Yield and Quality of Brewing Barley Subjected to Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilization?
Authors: Cozzolino Eugenio , Di Mola Ida , Ottaiano Lucia , Nocerino Sabrina , Sifola Maria Isabella , El-Nakhel Christophe , Rouphael Youssef , Mori Mauro
Published: December 2021

Barley is the primary matrix for malting process of beer production. Farmers count on increasing cultivation inputs, especially nitrogen fertilization, in order to reach a higher yield. Nevertheless, an overuse of nitrogen, besides causing environmental damages, can determine a deterioration of quality traits of malting barley, in particular an increase in grains protein content, which should range between 10 and 11% as required by the mating industry. Over two successive years, barley was grown under 4 different nitrogen (N) doses—0 kg N ha−1—N0; 20 kg N ha−1—N20; 40 kg N ha−1—N40 and 60 kg N ha−1—N60, and subject to a biostimulant treatment (Ecklonia maxima seaweed extract). Barley yield and growth parameters increased with nitrogen and seaweed application. N40 was already sufficient in the second year to reach the plateau of the highest production. Biostimulant application increased 17.9% the nitrogen use efficiency, 15.7% the biomass production, and 17.0% the yield with respect to untreated plants. Our results indicate that a significant reduction in nitrogen is possible and desirable, combined with the application of a plant-based biostimulant like seaweed extract, which determines an improvement in nitrogen use efficiency, assuring a higher production and lower fertilization inputs.
Selection of Diploid and Tetraploid Banana Hybrids Resistant to Pseudocercospora fijiensis
Authors: Gonçalves Zalmar Santana , de Jesus Rocha Anelita , Haddad Fernando , de Oliveira Amorim Vanusia Batista , Ferreira Claudia Fortes , Amorim Edson Perito
Published: December 2021

Black Sigatoka, a disease caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora fijiensis, can lead to the complete loss of banana and plantain production in the absence of chemical control. The development of resistant cultivars is the focus of many banana breeding programs and is an alternative to the use of fungicides. In order to define a refined method of selection in genetic breeding programs, this study evaluated 23 improved diploids, seven tetraploids, and two commercial cultivars in the presence of P. fijiensis. Four selection criteria were considered: means of the disease severity index (ID) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) estimated over the total period of the experiment, only in summer, only in winter, and the emission and harvesting of bunches. The selection of genotypes was more effective in the winter, and the evaluation of four leaves no. 3 emitted after six months of growth was efficient at differentiating the resistant and susceptible genotypes. For the improved diploids and tetraploid hybrids, DI varied from 0.0 to 48.8 and from 15.1 to 63.5, respectively, and the AACPD for the improved hybrids and tetraploid hybrids varied from 0.0 to 2439.5 and 1000.2 to 3717.7, respectively. The tetraploid hybrid of the Prata-type CNPMF0906 and the commercial cultivar, which is a hybrid of the BRS Princesa Silk type, showed quantitative resistance and can be used by banana producers. Results suggest that the guidelines adopted for the selection of genotypes resistant to black Sigatoka may include methodologies that reduce the evaluation time. In addition, new sources of resistance to the disease and the influence of its genetic inheritance in future crosses were found.
Artificial Intelligence for Text-Based Vehicle Search, Recognition, and Continuous Localization in Traffic Videos
Authors: Panetta Karen , Kezebou Landry , Oludare Victor , Intriligator James , Agaian Sos
Published: December 2021

The concept of searching and localizing vehicles from live traffic videos based on descriptive textual input has yet to be explored in the scholarly literature. Endowing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) with such a capability could help solve crimes on roadways. One major impediment to the advancement of fine-grain vehicle recognition models is the lack of video testbench datasets with annotated ground truth data. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, no metrics currently exist for evaluating the robustness and performance efficiency of a vehicle recognition model on live videos and even less so for vehicle search and localization models. In this paper, we address these challenges by proposing V-Localize, a novel artificial intelligence framework for vehicle search and continuous localization captured from live traffic videos based on input textual descriptions. An efficient hashgraph algorithm is introduced to compute valid target information from textual input. This work further introduces two novel datasets to advance AI research in these challenging areas. These datasets include (a) the most diverse and large-scale Vehicle Color Recognition (VCoR) dataset with 15 color classes—twice as many as the number of color classes in the largest existing such dataset—to facilitate finer-grain recognition with color information; and (b) a Vehicle Recognition in Video (VRiV) dataset, a first of its kind video testbench dataset for evaluating the performance of vehicle recognition models in live videos rather than still image data. The VRiV dataset will open new avenues for AI researchers to investigate innovative approaches that were previously intractable due to the lack of annotated traffic vehicle recognition video testbench dataset. Finally, to address the gap in the field, five novel metrics are introduced in this paper for adequately accessing the performance of vehicle recognition models in live videos. Ultimately, the proposed metrics could also prove intuitively effective at quantitative model evaluation in other video recognition applications. T One major advantage of the proposed vehicle search and continuous localization framework is that it could be integrated in ITS software solution to aid law enforcement, especially in critical cases such as of amber alerts or hit-and-run incidents.
Effects of Manganese Hydroxychloride on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Tibia Parameters and Manganese Deposition of Broilers
Authors: Sun Yongbo , Geng Shixia , Yuan Tianyao , Liu Ying , Zhang Yuxin , Di Yuting , Li Juntao , Zhang Liying
Published: December 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with manganese hydroxychloride (MHC) on production performance, antioxidant capacity, tibial quality, and manganese (Mn) deposition of broilers. A total of 756 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allotted to 7 treatments of 6 replicates with 18 broilers per replicate. Broilers were fed corn-soybean meal basal diets supplemented of 100 mg/kg Mn as Mn sulfate (MnSO4), or 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 mg/kg Mn as MHC for 42 days. The growth performance of broilers was not affected by dietary MnSO4 or MHC (p > 0.05), whereas the dressing percentage increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing of dietary MHC addition level. The activities of catalase (CAT) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) in serum and liver on day 42 increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing of dietary MHC level, while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration reduced linearly (p < 0.05). The length, strength, and density index of tibia increased linearly (p < 0.05) on day 21 as MHC supplementation level increased; there were no differences between MnSO4 group and 40–100 mg/kg Mn as MHC groups in tibial parameters of broilers (p > 0.05). As supplemental MHC levels increased, the Mn contents in heart, liver, kidney, and tibia increased linearly on day 42 (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with MHC improved antioxidant capacity, bone quality, and Mn contents in broilers, but no effects on growth performance were detected. Based on the results of this study, dietary inclusion of 50–90 mg/kg Mn in the form of MHC to broilers is recommended.
Evaluating Alternatives to Locomotion Scoring for Lameness Detection in Pasture-Based Dairy Cows in New Zealand: Infra-Red Thermography
Authors: Werema Chacha Wambura , Laven Linda , Mueller Kristina , Laven Richard
Published: December 2021

Lameness in cattle is a complex condition with huge impacts on welfare, and its detection is challenging for the dairy industry. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between foot skin temperature (FST) measured using infrared thermography (IRT) and locomotion scoring (LS) in dairy cattle kept at pasture. Data were collected from a 940-cow dairy farm in New Zealand. Cows were observed at two consecutive afternoon milkings where LS was undertaken at the first milking (4-point scale (0–3), DairyNZ). The next day, cows were thermally imaged from the plantar aspect of the hind feet using a handheld T650sc forward-looking infrared camera (IRT). The association between FST and locomotion score was analysed using a generalised linear model with an identity link function and robust estimators. ROC curves were performed to determine optimal threshold temperature cut-off values by maximising sensitivity and specificity for detecting locomotion score ≥ 2. There was a linear association between individual locomotion scores and FST. For mean temperature (MT), each one-unit locomotion score increase was associated with a 0.944 °C rise in MT. Using MT at a cut-off point of 34.5 °C produced a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 92.4% for identifying cows with a locomotion score ≥ 2 (lame). Thus, IRT has a substantial potential to be used on-farm for lameness detection. However, automation of the process will likely be necessary for IRT to be used without interfering with farm operations.
Directional Changes in the Intestinal Bacterial Community in Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae
Authors: Li Xinfu , Zhou Shen , Zhang Jing , Zhou Zhihao , Xiong Qiang
Published: December 2021

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) have emerged as an efficient system for the bioconversion of organic waste. Intestinal microorganisms are involved in several insect functions, including the development, nutrition, and physiology of the host. In order to transform the intestinal bacterial community of BSF directionally, six different potential functional strains (Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter freundii, Pseudocitrobacter faecalis, Pseudocitrobacter anthropi, and Enterococcus faecalis) were added to aseptic food waste, and aseptic food waste was used without inoculants as a blank control to evaluate the changes in the intestinal microbiota of BSF under artificial intervention conditions. These six strains (which were isolated from the larval intestinal tract in selective media and then identified and screened) may be considered responsible for the functional characteristics of larvae. The results imply that the increase in the abundance of Lysinibacillus in the experimental group that was exposed to Lysinibacillus sphaericus was significantly different to the other groups (p < 0.05). The results revealed that it is feasible to transform the intestinal microbiota of BSF directionally; there are differences in the proliferation of different strains in the intestine of BSF.
The Utility of Scatter Feeding as Enrichment: Do Broiler Chickens Engage with Scatter–Fed Items?
Authors: Wood Brittany , Rufener Christina , Makagon Maja M. , Blatchford Richard A.
Published: December 2021

In recent years, welfare certification companies have encouraged the use of scatter feeding as enrichment material, though there is little scientific evidence to support a scatter feeding program. This study aimed to understand the impact of scatter feeding on the foraging behavior of broilers. One hundred eighty Ross 308 chicks were allocated into six treatment groups (six replicates/treatment). Broilers were scatter fed dried mealworms, whole wheat, shredded cabbage, alfalfa pellets, wood shavings, or no scatter feeding, respectively. Enrichment was provided on the first three days of each week. Total foraging, active foraging, and feeding were observed for one-hour periods immediately after scattering, 2 h later, and 6 h later. In all groups, broilers increased both total (p = 0.001) and active (p = 0.001) foraging, though this was most pronounced in the dried mealworm group. Across all groups, active foraging decreased with age (p = 0.001). The mealworm group also showed a corresponding decrease in feeding during hour one compared to the later hours (p = 0.001). These results did not provide evidence that scatter feeding encourages foraging behavior, except for a short-term effect of a high value feed item. This finding suggests that the item scattered and the delivery method should be studied further.
Disseminated Candidiasis and Candidemia Caused by Candida palmioleophila in a Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Authors: Wang Wen-Lin , Sun Pei-Lun , Kao Chi-Fei , Li Wen-Ta , Cheng I-Jiunn , Yu Pin-Huan
Published: December 2021

A sub-adult green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) was rescued and treated for carapace and plastron shell fractures. The turtle was kept dry-docked for the first 2 months with a placement of a long-term jugular central venous catheter (CVC). Pain management, aggressive antibiotic and anthelmintic therapy, fluid therapy, force feeding, and wound debridement were provided to manage the shell fractures and control bacteremia. Human albumin was administered to treat severe hypoalbuminemia. On day 59, small budding yeasts were noted on the blood smears. Candidemia was confirmed by blood culture, as the yeasts were identified as Candida palmioleophila by the molecular multi-locus identification method. The CVC was removed, and the patient was treated with itraconazole. Although the carapace and plastron wounds had epithelized by 5.5 months after the rescue, the turtle died unexpectedly by 7.5 months. The postmortem examination revealed numerous necrogranulomas with intralesional yeasts, morphologically compatible with Candida spp., in joints, bones, brain, and lungs, suggestive of disseminated candidiasis. We describe a rare case of candidemia in the veterinary field. To our knowledge, this is the first report of candidiasis caused by C. palmioleophila in a reptile. The present results should improve veterinary medical care and, therefore, enhance the conservation of endangered sea turtle species.
Association between Udder and Quarter Level Indicators and Milk Somatic Cell Count in Automatic Milking Systems
Authors: Zucali Maddalena , Bava Luciana , Tamburini Alberto , Gislon Giulia , Sandrucci Anna
Published: December 2021

Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) record a lot of information, at udder and quarter level, which can be useful for improving the early detection of altered udder health conditions. A total of 752,000 records from 1003 lactating cows milked with two types of AMS in four farms were processed with the aim of identifying new indicators, starting from the variables provided by the AMS, useful to predict the risk of high milk somatic cell count (SCC). Considering the temporal pattern, the quarter vs. udder percentage difference in milk electrical conductivity showed an increase in the fourteen days preceding an official milk control higher than 300,000 SCC/mL. Similarly, deviations over time in quarter vs. udder milk yield, average milk flow, and milking time emerged as potential indicators for high SCC. The Logistic Analysis showed that Milk Production Rate (kg/h) and the within-cow within-milking percentage variations of single quarter vs. udder milk electrical conductivity, milk yield, and average milk flow are all risk factors for high milk SCC. The result suggests that these variables, alone or in combination, and their progression over time could be used to improve the early prediction of risk situations for udder health in AMS milked herds.
Invasion and Dispersion of the Exotic Species Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda Cambaridae) in Yeongsan River Basin, South Korea
Authors: Choi Jong-Yun , Kim Seong-Ki , Kim Jeong-Cheol , Yun Jong-Hak
Published: December 2021

The introduction of exotic species negatively affects the distribution and interactions within local biological communities in an ecosystem and can threaten ecosystem health. This study aimed to provide the basic data required to manage P. clarkii in the Yeongsan River basin. We identified the dispersion pattern and evaluated the ecosystem risk of this newly introduced species. The distribution survey investigated Procambarus clarkii populations at 25 sites in the Yeongsan River basin over a four-year period. The initial introduction occurred in Jiseok Stream. The larvae of P. clarkii were most abundant in areas with a dense aquatic plant cover, whereas adults preferred silt/clay areas. The alterations in the water flow by the river refurbishment project (carried out in 2012) increased their preferred habitats and contributed to P. clarkii dispersion. However, stable isotope analysis showed that the dispersion has had little effect on the freshwater ecosystem. The interrelationship between P. clarkii (i.e., larvae and adults) and other biological communities has been limited. Although the rapid dispersion by P. clarkii in the Yeongsan River basin has not impacted the freshwater ecosystem, further ecological information is required on how to manage P. clarkii beyond this early stage of invasion.
Influence of Nisin-Biogel at Subinhibitory Concentrations on Virulence Expression in Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Jesus Carolina , Soares Rui , Cunha Eva , Grilo Miguel , Tavares Luís , Oliveira Manuela
Published: December 2021

A new approach to diabetic foot infections (DFIs) has been investigated, using a nisin-biogel combining the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) nisin with the natural polysaccharide guar-gum. Since in in vivo conditions bacteria may be exposed to decreased antimicrobial concentrations, known as subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs), effects of nisin-biogel sub-MIC values corresponding to 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 of nisin’s minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on virulence expression by six Staphylococcus aureus DFI isolates was evaluated by determining bacteria growth rate; expression of genes encoding for staphylococcal protein A (spA), coagulase (coa), clumping factor A (clfA), autolysin (atl), intracellular adhesin A (icaA), intracellular adhesin D (icaD), and the accessory gene regulator I (agrI); biofilm formation; Coa production; and SpA release. Nisin-biogel sub-MICs decreased bacterial growth in a strain- and dose-dependent manner, decreased agrI, atl and clfA expression, and increased spA, coa, icaA and icaD expression. Biofilm formation increased in the presence of nisin-biogel at 1/4 and 1/8 MIC, whereas 1/2 MIC had no effect. Finally, nisin-biogel at sub-MICs did not affect coagulase production, but decreased SpA production in a dose-dependent manner. Results highlight the importance of optimizing nisin-biogel doses before proceeding to in vivo trials, to reduce the risk of virulence factor’s up-regulation due to the presence of inappropriate antimicrobial concentrations.
Variation in Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Various Organs of African Cabbage (Cleome gynandra L.) Accessions at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Maina Sylvia , Ryu Da Hye , Bakari Gaymary , Misinzo Gerald , Nho Chu Won , Kim Ho-Youn
Published: December 2021

The presence of nutritional and health-benefiting compounds has increased awareness of orphan leafy vegetables such as Cleome gynandra (CG), whose phytochemicals vary among accessions and organs during growth. This study investigated the polyphenol accumulation and antioxidant activities (AOA) of eight CG accessions from the vegetative stage to the seed set stage. Plants were separated into leaves and stem (LS), flowers, and silique organs, and extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), rutin and astragalin content, and AOA using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS). There were significant interaction effects of growth stages and accessions that contributed to changes in compounds content and AOA. TPC accumulated in plant generative parts, whereas flavonoids accumulated in young plant organs. HPLC profiling revealed that rutin was the most abundant compound in all organs, with flowers having the highest levels, while astragalin was only found in flowers. Silique extracts, particularly accession KF-14, recorded the highest TPC, which corresponded to the strongest radical scavenging activity in ABTS and DPPH assays and a strong linear correlation. The germplasm contained accessions with significantly different and varying levels of bioactive compounds and AOA. These findings potentiate the exploitation of CG organs such as siliques for AOA, flowers for rutin and astragalin, and young shoots for flavonoids. Moreover, the significant accumulation of the compounds in particular accessions of the germplasms suggest that such superior accessions may be useful candidates in genetic breeding programs to improve CG vegetable.
Engineering of Liposome Structure to Enhance Physicochemical Properties of Spirulina plantensis Protein Hydrolysate: Stability during Spray-Drying
Authors: Mohammadi Maryam , Hamishehkar Hamed , Ghorbani Marjan , Shahvalizadeh Rahim , Pateiro Mirian , Lorenzo José M.
Published: December 2021

Encapsulating hydrolysates in liposomes can be an effective way to improve their stability and bioactivity. In this study, Spirulina hydrolysate was successfully encapsulated into nanoliposomes composed of different stabilizers (cholesterol or γ-oryzanol), and the synthesized liposomes were finally coated with chitosan biopolymer. The synthesized formulations were fully characterized and their antioxidant activity evaluated using different methods. Then, stabilization of coated nanoliposomes (chitosomes) by spray-drying within the maltodextrin matrix was investigated. A small mean diameter and homogeneous size distribution with high encapsulation efficiency were found in all the formulations, while liposomes stabilized with γ-oryzanol and coated with chitosan showed the highest physical stability over time and preserved approximately 90% of their initial antioxidant capacity. Spray-dried powder could preserve all characteristics of peptide-loaded chitosomes. Thus, spray-dried hydrolysate-containing chitosomes could be considered as a functional food ingredient for the human diet.
Vector Magnetic Anomaly Detection via an Attention Mechanism Deep-Learning Model
Authors: Wu Xueshan , Huang Song , Li Min , Deng Yufeng
Published: December 2021

Magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) is used for detecting moving ferromagnetic targets. In this study, we present an end-to-end deep-learning model for magnetic anomaly detection on data recorded by a single static three-axis magnetometer. We incorporate an attention mechanism into our network to improve the detection capability of long time-series signals. Our model has good performance under the Gaussian colored noise with the power spectral density of 1/fα, which is similar to the field magnetic noise. Our method does not require another magnetometer to eliminate the effects of the Earth’s magnetic field or external interferences. We evaluate the network’s performance through computer simulations and real-world experiments. The high detection performance and the single magnetometer implementation show great potential for real-time detection and edge computing.
Simulation and Exergy Analysis of a Refrigeration System Using an Open-Source Web-Based Interactive Tool—Comparison of the Conventional Approach and a Novel One for Avoidable Exergy Destruction Estimation
Authors: Voloshchuk Volodymyr , Gullo Paride , Nikiforovich Eugene , Buyak Nadia
Published: December 2021

Avoidable endogenous/exogenous parts of the exergy destruction in the components of an energy conversion system can be computed by applying advanced exergy analysis. Their calculation is crucial for the correct assessment of the real thermodynamic enhancement achievable by the investigated energy conversion system. This work proposes a new approach to estimate the avoidable exergy destruction rates of system components, being more rigorous compared to the conventional method due to the elimination of the need for the implementation of theoretical assumptions associated with the idealization of processes. An open-source web-based interactive tool was implemented to contrast the results of the conventional advanced exergy analysis to those involving the new approach for avoidable exergy destruction estimation. The comparison was based on the same case study, i.e., a refrigeration system selected from the literature. It was observed that the developed tool can be properly employed for comparing the two approaches within exergy analyses, and the results obtained presented some differences for the compressor and the condenser. Compared to the new approach, the existing methodology of advanced exergy analysis suggests lower values of the avoidable part of exergy destruction, which can be reduced by improving the efficiency of the compressor and the condenser. Moreover, the avoidable parts of exergy destruction, which could be removed within these components by improving the efficiencies of the remaining components, were higher in the case of the application of the existing advanced exergetic analysis as compared with the findings obtained by the proposed approach. These differences were due to the impossibility of the existing advanced exergy analysis to implement complete thermodynamic “idealization” for the condenser and evaporator.
A Diode Pumped Middle Infrared Laser Based on Ho: GdVO4 Crystal
Authors: Ding Yu , Liu Tongyu , Yan Mengmeng
Published: December 2021

Ho: GdVO4 crystal is the host material for the production of laser working in the middle infrared range. In this contribution, the characteristic parameters of the Ho: GdVO4 crystal were measured, and the material was used as a gain medium to build a diode-pumped laser for the first time, to reach a laser output at 2047.9 nm. The output beam quality factor M2 was measured to be 1.4 and 1.3 in x-direction and y-direction, respectively. In addition, the influence of the transmittance of the output mirror on the generation of laser was obtained through exploration. The results showed that the laser wavelength blue-shifted as the output transmittance increased.
Calculation of the Eddy Current Losses in a Laminated Open-Type Transformer Core Based on the A→,T→−A→ Formulation
Authors: Frljić Stjepan , Trkulja Bojan , Žiger Igor
Published: December 2021

Losses due to eddy currents in an open-type transformer core are significantly reduced by the lamination of the transformer core. In order to further reduce the eddy current losses, the open-type core often has a multi-part structure, i.e., it is composed of several more slender cores. The complete homogenization of such a core is not possible when an A→,V−A→ formulation is used, where A and V represent the magnetic vector potential and electric scalar potential, respectively. On the other hand, an A→,T→−A→ formulation, where T represents the electric vector potential, enables the complete homogenization of the general open-type core, but the simulation converges poorly due to the large number of degrees of freedom. By eliminating the redundant degrees of freedom, the convergence rate is significantly improved, and is at least twice as good as the convergence rate of the simulation based on the A→,V−A→ formulation. In this paper, a method for the calculation of the eddy current losses in an open-type core based on the A→,T→−A→ formulation with the elimination of redundant degrees of freedom is presented. The method is validated by comparison with a brute force simulation based on the A→,V−A→ formulation, and the efficiency of the method is determined by comparison with the standard homogenization method based on the A→,V−A→ formulation.
Effect of Selective Lateral Chromium Doping by RF Magnetron Sputtering on the Structural, and Opto-Electrical Properties of Nickel Oxide
Authors: Jamal Mohammad Shah , Sobayel Khan , Misran Halina , Nasrin Taskina , Althubeiti Khaled , Alkhammash Hend I. , Shahiduzzaman Md. , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Amin Nowshad , Akhtaruzzaman Md.
Published: December 2021

In this study, chromium (Cr)-doped nickel oxide (NiO) thin films were deposited by employing selective lateral doping of Cr in NiO by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering at different doping times ranging from 0 s (undoped) to 80 s. The structural, optical, and electrical properties of the resulting Cr-doped NiO thin films were investigated. Structural investigation from XRD patterns indicated that the grown Cr-doped NiO layer crystallized in a cubic phase. Broadening of the diffraction peak with increasing doping time from 0 s to 80 s led to a reduction in the crystallite size that varied from 23.52 nm to 14.65 nm. Compared with the undoped NiO, the diffraction peak along the (200) plane shifted from left to right as a function of doping time. This result indicated that Cr+3 could easily enter the NiO lattice. Results from the Hall-effect study disclosed that electrical properties of Cr-doped NiO was highly dependent on doping time. The conductivity of NiO was increased with doping time, and the highest conductivity (8.73 × 10−2 Scm−1) was achieved at a doping time of 80 s. Finally, optical investigations revealed that as doping time increased, the optical bandgap of Cr-doped NiO films dropped from 3.43 eV to 3.28 eV. The highest Urbach energy at higher doping time indicated that crystallinity became poorer, and the degree of defects increased with increasing doping time.
Special Issue on Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy: Advances towards Widespread Applications
Authors: Dalla Mora Alberto
Published: December 2021

Light is a powerful tool for the non-invasive and non-destructive analysis of several organic and inorganic materials [...]
A Deep Learning Architecture for 3D Mapping Urban Landscapes
Authors: Rodríguez-Santiago Armando Levid , Arias-Aguilar José Aníbal , Takemura Hiroshi , Petrilli-Barceló Alberto Elías
Published: December 2021

In this paper, an approach through a Deep Learning architecture for the three-dimensional reconstruction of outdoor environments in challenging terrain conditions is presented. The architecture proposed is configured as an Autoencoder. However, instead of the typical convolutional layers, some differences are proposed. The Encoder stage is set as a residual net with four residual blocks, which have been provided with the necessary knowledge to extract the feature maps from aerial images of outdoor environments. On the other hand, the Decoder stage is set as a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) and called a GAN-Decoder. The proposed network architecture uses a sequence of the 2D aerial image as input. The Encoder stage works for the extraction of the vector of features that describe the input image, while the GAN-Decoder generates a point cloud based on the information obtained in the previous stage. By supplying a sequence of frames that a percentage of overlap between them, it is possible to determine the spatial location of each generated point. The experiments show that with this proposal it is possible to perform a 3D representation of an area flown over by a drone using the point cloud generated with a deep architecture that has a sequence of aerial 2D images as input. In comparison with other works, our proposed system is capable of performing three-dimensional reconstructions in challenging urban landscapes. Compared with the results obtained using commercial software, our proposal was able to generate reconstructions in less processing time, with less overlapping percentage between 2D images and is invariant to the type of flight path.
Exergoeconomic and Environmental Analysis and Multi-Objective Optimization of a New Regenerative Gas Turbine Combined Cycle
Authors: Baghernejad Ali , Anvari-Moghaddam Amjad
Published: December 2021

Combined cycle systems have an important role in power generation. In the present study, three different configurations of combined Brayton and Rankine cycle system are studied from the perspective of energy, exergy, exergoeconomic and environmental perspectives. Results indicate that it depends on the preferences and criteria of each decision maker to select the best configuration among the three proposed configurations as the final configuration. For the purpose of parametric analysis, the effect of changing various parameters such as compressor pressure ratio, gas turbine inlet temperature on the output work, exergy efficiency, exergy-economic and environmental parameters is studied. In addition, an attempt is made to optimize the performance of combined cycle systems considering three objective functions of exergy efficiency, total cost rate and exergy unit cost of produced electricity.
Simulation and Analysis of Grid Formation Method for UAV Clusters Based on the 3 × 3 Magic Square and the Chain Rules of Visual Reference
Authors: Qiao Rui , Xu Guili , Cheng Yuehua , Ye Zhengyu , Huang Jinlong
Published: December 2021

Large-scale unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) formations are vulnerable to disintegration under electromagnetic interference and fire attacks. To address this issue, this work proposed a distributed formation method of UAVs based on the 3 × 3 magic square and the chain rules of visual reference. Enlightened by the biomimetic idea of the plane formation of starling flocks, this method adopts the technical means of airborne vision and a cooperative target. The topological structure of the formation’s visual reference network showed high static stability under the measurement of the network connectivity index. In addition, the dynamic self-healing ability of this network was analyzed. Finally, a simulation of a battlefield using matlab showed that, when the loss of UAVs reaches 85% for formations with different scales, the UAVs breaking formation account for 5.1–6% of the total in the corresponding scale, and those keeping formation account for 54.4–65.7% of the total undestroyed fleets. The formation method designed in this paper can maintain the maximum number of UAVs in formation on the battlefield.
Causative Mechanisms of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity Leading to Adult Cardiometabolic Disease: A Literature Review
Authors: Negrea Mihai Octavian , Neamtu Bogdan , Dobrotă Ioana , Sofariu Ciprian Radu , Crisan Roxana Mihaela , Ciprian Bacila Ionut , Domnariu Carmen Daniela , Teodoru Minodora
Published: December 2021

The past few decades have shown a worrisome increase in the prevalence of obesity and its related illnesses. This increasing burden has a noteworthy impact on overall worldwide mortality and morbidity, with significant economic implications as well. The same trend is apparent regarding pediatric obesity. This is a particularly concerning aspect when considering the well-established link between cardiovascular disease and obesity, and the fact that childhood obesity frequently leads to adult obesity. Moreover, most obese adults have a history of excess weight starting in childhood. In addition, given the cumulative character of both time and severity of exposure to obesity as a risk factor for associated diseases, the repercussions of obesity prevalence and related morbidity could be exponential in time. The purpose of this review is to outline key aspects regarding the current knowledge on childhood and adolescent obesity as a cardiometabolic risk factor, as well as the most common etiological pathways involved in the development of weight excess and associated cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Resonance in the Cart-Pendulum System—An Asymptotic Approach
Authors: Amer Wael S. , Amer Tarek S. , Starosta Roman , Bek Mohamed A.
Published: December 2021

The major objective of this research is to study the planar dynamical motion of 2DOF of an auto-parametric pendulum attached with a damped system. Using Lagrange’s equations in terms of generalized coordinates, the fundamental equations of motion (EOM) are derived. The method of multiple scales (MMS) is applied to obtain the approximate solutions of these equations up to the second order of approximation. Resonance cases are classified, in which the primary external and internal resonance are investigated simultaneously to establish both the solvability conditions and the modulation equations. In the context of the stability conditions of these solutions, the equilibrium points are obtained and graphically displayed to derive the probable steady-state solutions near the resonances. The temporal histories of the attained results, the amplitude, and the phases of the dynamical system are depicted in graphs to describe the motion of the system at any instance. The stability and instability zones of the system are explored, and it is discovered that the system’s performance is stable for a significant number of its variables.
CitiusSynapse: A Deep Learning Framework for Embedded Systems
Authors: Hong Seungtae , Cho Hyunwoo , Kim Jeong-Si
Published: December 2021

As embedded systems, such as smartphones with limited resources, have become increasingly popular, active research has recently been conducted on performing on-device deep learning in such systems. Therefore, in this study, we propose a deep learning framework that is specialized for embedded systems with limited resources, the operation processing structure of which differs from that of standard PCs. The proposed framework supports an OpenCL-based accelerator engine for accelerator deep learning operations in various embedded systems. Moreover, the parallel processing performance of OpenCL is maximized through an OpenCL kernel that is optimized for embedded GPUs, and the structural characteristics of embedded systems, such as unified memory. Furthermore, an on-device optimizer for optimizing the performance in on-device environments, and model converters for compatibility with conventional frameworks, are provided. The results of a performance evaluation show that the proposed on-device framework outperformed conventional methods.