bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Plasma Activated Water on the Degradation of Bifenazate and Spirodiclofen Residues on Cuimi kumquat and Impact on Its Quality
Authors: Wang Xiaonan , Feng Jing , Chen Shuo , Qin Si , Zang Yuanfu , Huang Haiyuan , Wei Jie
Published: April 2023

With the development of plasma-activated water (PAW) technology, its applications in the fields of food, agriculture, and biomedicine are becoming increasingly widespread. PAW has sterilization, pesticide residue reduction, anti-cancer, and blood clotting functions. Traditional methods for pesticide degradation include home processing, baking and freeze-drying, and UV treatment; however, they generally suffer from poor degradation efficiency and adverse effects on fruit quality. This study found that PAW treatment is a green and efficient environmental technology with the advantages of simple operation, good treatment effect, and no secondary pollution. This paper investigated the efficiency of PAW on the reduction of two acaricides, namely, bifenazate and spirodiclofen, and the effect of PAW treatment on the quality of Cuimi kumquat. The results showed that after PAW treatment, the residual amounts of bifenazate and spirodiclofen were reduced to a minimum of 1.19 mg·kg−1 and 0.23 mg·kg−1, with a reduction of 74.35% and 59.37% respectively compared to the control. Moreover, PAW treatment did not have any negative effects on the storage quality of Cuimi kumquat.
Identification of qPSR7-2 as a Novel Cold Tolerance-Related QTL in Rice Seedlings on the Basis of a GWAS
Authors: Xiao Ning , Chen Zichun , Wang Zhiping , Shi Wei , Cai Yue , Wu Yunyu , Yu Ling , Pan Cunhong , Li Yuhong , Zhou Changhai , Zhang Xiaoxiang , Liu Jianju , Huang Niansheng , Liu Guangqing , Ji Hongjuan , Zhu Shuhao , Li Aihong
Published: April 2023

Rice is the primary source of food for more than half of the global population. Accordingly, improving the cold tolerance of rice is vital for ensuring food security. In this study, a new cold tolerance-related QTL in rice (qPSR7-2) was detected on chromosome 7 following a genome-wide association study involving 173 japonica rice germplasm resources. The fine mapping of this locus identified Os07g0541800 as a candidate gene associated with qPSR7-2. This gene encodes a cysteine-rich receptor-like kinase. The functional verification of Os07g0541800 involving transgenic plants indicated that qPSR7-2 positively regulates rice cold tolerance at the seedling stage. The examination of the cold tolerance of 984 germplasm resources from the 3000 Rice Genomes Project at the seedling stage and their respective haplotypes at qPSR7-2 revealed that the proportion of favorable haplotypes in germplasm resources increased as the latitude increased. More than 90% of the rice varieties cultivated in Europe and Japan appear to carry qPSR7-2, implying that qPSR7-2 may mediate the acclimation of rice to low-temperature stress. The findings of this study will further clarify the molecular networks regulating rice cold tolerance, while also providing researchers and breeders with new genetic resources and information relevant for developing cold-tolerant rice varieties.
Different Trap Types Depict Dissimilar Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Cotton Fields
Authors: Karakantza Elina , Rumbos Christos I. , Cavalaris Chris , Athanassiou Christos G.
Published: April 2023

Pheromone-baited traps have been widely used for the monitoring of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in order to time any control measures during the growing season. Different monitoring techniques may provide differential results regarding adult captures. However, studies on the comparative evaluation of the performance of different trap types on the captures of H. armigera are limited. To close this gap, in the present study, three different funnel traps (striped, green, and colored) were simultaneously evaluated in Central Greece, one of the main cotton-producing geographical zones in the European Union, in order to compare trap performance on the captures of H. armigera, as well as to depict the distribution of this species per trap in the study area. A differential performance of the different trap types tested, expressed as numbers of adults captured, was recorded. Specifically, the striped trap captured many more adult moths than the other two trap types. Given that the only difference among these traps was the color of the external trap surface, we hypothesize that trap color does matter in the case of H. armigera, and it is likely that brighter colors may be more attractive than darker ones.
Assessing the Convergence of Farming Systems towards a Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in European Union Countries
Authors: Fanelli Rosa Maria
Published: April 2023

This study investigates change in the intensification of agricultural activities and its effect on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the 27 European Union (EU) Member States over a ten-year period from 2009 to 2019. Both multivariate and non-parametric convergence analyses were employed, using 27 indicators extrapolated from the FAO dataset. The results provide a reasonable assessment of the differences between countries in relation to their farming production methods and show that the levels of convergence/divergence depend on changes in agricultural activities over the past decade. Indeed, differences in land use, the application of organic fertilizers and pesticides, the raising of livestock, and GHG emissions allow “homogenous” groups of Member States with common features to be identified. It is important to understand the dynamics of different agriculture systems and production activities because, beneath management practices, there may be differences between systems. In particular, in the context of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027, the results of grouping can act as the basis for a diversified policy for reducing GHG emissions in relation to specific clusters of EU countries.
Spatial Analysis of Soil Moisture and Turfgrass Health to Determine Zones for Spatially Variable Irrigation Management
Authors: Kerry Ruth , Ingram Ben , Hammond Keegan , Shumate Samantha R. , Gunther David , Jensen Ryan R. , Schill Steve , Hansen Neil C. , Hopkins Bryan G.
Published: April 2023

Irrigated turfgrass is a major crop in urban areas of the drought-stricken Western United States. A considerable proportion of irrigation water is wasted through the use of conventional sprinkler systems. While smart sprinkler systems have made progress in reducing temporal mis-applications, more research is needed to determine the most appropriate variables for accurately and cost-effectively determining spatial zones for irrigation application. This research uses data from ground and drone surveys of two large sports fields. Surveys were conducted pre-, within and towards the end of the irrigation season to determine spatial irrigation zones. Principal components analysis and k-means classification were used to develop zones using several variables individually and combined. The errors associated with uniform irrigation and different configurations of spatial zones are assessed to determine comparative improvements in irrigation efficiency afforded by spatial irrigation zones. A determination is also made as to whether the spatial zones can be temporally static or need to be re-determined periodically. Results suggest that zones based on spatial soil moisture surveys and simple observations of whether the grass felt wet or dry are better than those based on NDVI, other variables and several variables in combination. In addition, due to the temporal variations observed in spatial patterns, ideally zones should be re-evaluated periodically. However, a less labor-intensive solution is to determine temporally static zones based on patterns in soil moisture averaged from several surveys. Of particular importance are the spatial patterns observed prior to the start of the irrigation season as they reflect more temporally stable variation that relates to soil texture and topography rather than irrigation management.
Effect of Applying an Organic Amendment on the Persistence of Tebuconazole and Fluopyram in Vineyard Soils
Authors: Herrero-Hernández Eliseo , Andrades María Soledad , Sánchez-Martín María J. , Marín-Benito Jesús M. , Rodríguez-Cruz María Sonia
Published: April 2023

The persistence of fluopyram and tebuconazole has been studied in different crops and agricultural soils. However, the behaviour of these fungicides may be altered when they are applied as a combined formulation in organically amended vineyard soils under field conditions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of applying spent mushroom substrate (SMS) or this residue re-composted with ophite (SMS + OF) on the adsorption, dissipation, and mobility of the fungicides fluopyram and tebuconazole in vineyard soils. Triplicate 10 m2 plots per treatment were set up in two different vineyard soils in the eastern La Rioja region: silt loam (ARN1) and sandy loam (ARN2), respectively, with low organic carbon (OC) content. The organic residues SMS and SMS + OF were applied at doses of 25 and 100 Mg ha−1. The adsorption distribution coefficients (Kd) increased when SMS and SMS + OF were applied, especially at the higher dose (100 Mg ha−1). The dissipation curve of both compounds fitted a two-phase kinetic model, with a very fast initial dissipation rate, followed by slower prolonged dissipation during the second phase. The dissipation half-lives (DT50) ranged between 4.7 and 26.3 days for fluopyram and between 2.3 and 6.3 days for tebuconazole in the different soils, increasing for fluopyram in the ARN1 amended with SMS and SMS + OF. The fungicide residues at 15–30 cm depth were lower in the unamended and amended sandy loam soil (ARN2), indicating that fungicides are dissipated mainly in the topsoil. The results indicate different dissipation mechanisms for both fungicides, as the adsorption by soil OC prevented the dissipation of fluopyram but facilitated the dissipation of tebuconazole, probably due to the formation of non-extractable residues.
Filago pyramidata Tolerant to ALS-Inhibiting Herbicides: A New Invasive Weed in Olive Groves of Southern Spain
Authors: Palma-Bautista Candelario , Vázquez-García Jose G. , Domínguez-Valenzuela José Alfredo , Alcántara-de la Cruz Ricardo , De Prado Rafael , Portugal João
Published: April 2023

Weeds that usually grow in non-agricultural areas have become increasingly common invading perennial crops. Species of the genus Filago, in addition to invading Spanish olive groves, have developed certain levels of natural tolerance to the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicide flazasulfuron. The objective of this study was to determine the level and the mechanism involved in the tolerance to flazasulfuron in Filago pyramidata L., which occurs in olive groves of southern Spain, as well as to identify possible cross- or multiple-tolerances by evaluating alternative herbicides for its control. A population resistant (R) to flazasulfuron and a susceptible (S) one of Conyza canadensis were used as references. The accessions of F. pyramidata presented LD50 values (from 72 to 81 g active ingredient (ai) ha−1) higher than the field dose of flazasulfuron (50 g ai ha−1), being 11–12.5 times more tolerant than the S population of C. canadensis, but less than half the R population (170 g ai ha−1). Enzymatically, F. pyramidata was as sensitive to flazasulfuron (I50 = 17.3 μM) as the S population of C. canadensis. Filago pyramidata plants treated with flazasulfuron, combined with 4-chloro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole, had a growth reduction of up to 85%, revealing the participation of glutathione-S-transferases in herbicide metabolism. Filago pyramidata presented cross-tolerance to the different chemical groups of ALS inhibitors, except triazolinones (florasulam). Synthetic auxins (2,4-D and fluroxypyr) presented good control, but some individuals survived (low multiple resistance). Cellulose synthesis, 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, protoporphyrinogen oxidase, photosystem I, and photosystem II inhibitor herbicides, applied in PRE or POST-emergence, presented excellent levels of control of F. pyramidata. These results confirmed the natural tolerance of F. pyramidata to flazasulfuron and cross-tolerance to most ALS-inhibiting herbicides. The mechanism involved was enhanced metabolism mediated by glutathione-S-transferases, which also conferred low multiple tolerance to synthetic auxins. Even so, herbicides with other mechanisms of action still offer excellent levels of control of F. pyramidata.
D- and N-Methyl Amino Acids for Modulating the Therapeutic Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides and Lipopeptides
Authors: Humpola Maria Veronica , Spinelli Roque , Erben Melina , Perdomo Virginia , Tonarelli Georgina Guadalupe , Albericio Fernando , Siano Alvaro Sebastian
Published: April 2023

Here we designed and synthesized analogs of two antimicrobial peptides, namely C10:0-A2, a lipopeptide, and TA4, a cationic α-helical amphipathic peptide, and used non-proteinogenic amino acids to improve their therapeutic properties. The physicochemical properties of these analogs were analyzed, including their retention time, hydrophobicity, and critical micelle concentration, as well as their antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and yeast. Our results showed that substitution with D- and N-methyl amino acids could be a useful strategy to modulate the therapeutic properties of antimicrobial peptides and lipopeptides, including enhancing stability against enzymatic degradation. The study provides insights into the design and optimization of antimicrobial peptides to achieve improved stability and therapeutic efficacy. TA4(dK), C10:0-A2(6-NMeLys), and C10:0-A2(9-NMeLys) were identified as the most promising molecules for further studies.
Biocide Susceptibility and Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Swine Feces, Pork Meat and Humans in Germany
Authors: da Silva David Attuy Vey , Dieckmann Ralf , Makarewicz Oliwia , Hartung Anita , Bethe Astrid , Grobbel Mirjam , Belik Vitaly , Pletz Mathias W. , Al Dahouk Sascha , Neuhaus Szilvia
Published: April 2023

Phenotypic susceptibility testing of Escherichia (E.) coli is an essential tool to gain a better understanding of the potential impact of biocide selection pressure on antimicrobial resistance. We, therefore, determined the biocide and antimicrobial susceptibility of 216 extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (ESBL) and 177 non-ESBL E. coli isolated from swine feces, pork meat, voluntary donors and inpatients and evaluated associations between their susceptibilities. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG), chlorocresol (PCMC), glutaraldehyde (GDA), isopropanol (IPA), octenidine dihydrochloride and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) showed unimodal distributions, indicating the absence of bacterial adaptation to biocides due to the acquisition of resistance mechanisms. Although MIC95 and MBC95 did not vary more than one doubling dilution step between isolates of porcine and human origin, significant differences in MIC and/or MBC distributions were identified for GDA, CHG, IPA, PCMC and NaOCl. Comparing non-ESBL and ESBL E. coli, significantly different MIC and/or MBC distributions were found for PCMC, CHG and GDA. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed the highest frequency of resistant E. coli in the subpopulation isolated from inpatients. We observed significant but weakly positive correlations between biocide MICs and/or MBCs and antimicrobial MICs. In summary, our data indicate a rather moderate effect of biocide use on the susceptibility of E. coli to biocides and antimicrobials.
Shikonin Alleviates Gentamicin-Induced Renal Injury in Rats by Targeting Renal Endocytosis, SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1, TLR-4/NF-κB/MAPK, and PI3K/Akt Cascades
Authors: Balaha Mohamed F. , Alamer Ahmed A. , Eisa Alaa A. , Aljohani Hashim M.
Published: April 2023

Gentamicin causes kidney injury due to its accumulation in proximal tubule epithelial cells via the megalin/cubilin/CLC-5 complex. Recently, shikonin has been shown to have potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and chloride channel-inhibiting effects. The current study investigated the alleviation of gentamicin-induced renal injury by shikonin while preserving its bactericidal effect. Nine-week-old Wistar rats were administered 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg/day shikonin orally, one hour after the i.p. injection of 100 mg/kg/day gentamicin for seven days. Shikonin significantly and dose-dependently alleviated gentamicin-induced renal injury, as revealed by restoring normal kidney function and histological architecture. Furthermore, shikonin restored renal endocytic function, as indicated by suppressing the elevated renal megalin, cubilin, and CLC-5 and enhancing the reduced NHE3 levels and mRNA expressions induced by gentamicin. These potentials could be attributed to the modulation of the renal SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1, TLR-4/NF-κB/MAPK, and PI3K/Akt cascades, which enhanced the renal antioxidant system and suppressed renal inflammation and apoptosis, as indicated by enhancements of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, GSH, SOD, TAC, Iκb-α, Bcl-2, PI3K, and Akt levels and mRNA expressions, with reduction of TLR-4, NF-κB, MAPK, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, iNOS, NO, cytochrome c, caspase-3, Bax levels, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Therefore, shikonin is a promising therapeutic agent for alleviating gentamicin-induced renal injury.
New Directions to Approach Oxidative Stress Related to Physical Activity and Nutraceuticals in Normal Aging and Neurodegenerative Aging
Authors: Bacanoiu Manuela Violeta , Danoiu Mircea , Rusu Ligia , Marin Mihnea Ion
Published: April 2023

Oxidative stress (OS) plays, perhaps, the most important role in the advanced aging process, cognitive impairment and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. The process generates tissue damage via specific mechanisms on proteins, lipids and nucleic acids of the cells. An imbalance between the excessive production of oxygen- and nitrogen-reactive species and antioxidants leads to a progressive decline in physiological, biological and cognitive functions. Accordingly, we need to design and develop favourable strategies for stopping the early aging process as well as the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Exercise training and natural or artificial nutraceutical intake are considered therapeutic interventions that reduce the inflammatory process, increase antioxidant capacities and promote healthy aging by decreasing the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of our review is to present research results in the field of oxidative stress related to physical activity and nutraceutical administration for the improvement of the aging process, but also related to reducing the neurodegeneration process based on analysing the beneficial effects of several antioxidants, such as physical activity, artificial and natural nutraceuticals, as well as the tools by which they are evaluated. In this paper, we assess the recent findings in the field of oxidative stress by analysing intervention antioxidants, anti-inflammatory markers and physical activity in healthy older adults and the elderly population with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. By searching for studies from the last few years, we observed new trends for approaching the reduction in redox potential using different tools that evaluate regular physical activity, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory markers preventing premature aging and the progress of disabilities in neurodegenerative diseases. The results of our review show that regular physical activity, supplemented with vitamins and oligomolecules, results in a decrease in IL-6 and an increase in IL-10, and has an influence on the oxidative metabolism capacity. In conclusion, physical activity provides an antioxidant-protective effect by decreasing free radicals and proinflammatory markers.
Red- and Near-Infrared-Excited Autofluorescence as a Marker for Acute Oxidative Stress in Skin Exposed to Cigarette Smoke Ex Vivo and In Vivo
Authors: Tran Phuong Thao , Tawornchat Parichat , Kleuser Burkhard , Lohan Silke B. , Schleusener Johannes , Meinke Martina C. , Darvin Maxim E.
Published: April 2023

Air pollution is increasing worldwide and skin is exposed to high levels of pollution daily, causing oxidative stress and other negative consequences. The methods used to determine oxidative stress in the skin are invasive and non-invasive label-free in vivo methods, which are severely limited. Here, a non-invasive and label-free method to determine the effect of cigarette smoke (CS) exposure on skin ex vivo (porcine) and in vivo (human) was established. The method is based on the measurement of significant CS-exposure-induced enhancement in red- and near-infrared (NIR)-excited autofluorescence (AF) intensities in the skin. To understand the origin of red- and NIR-excited skin AF, the skin was exposed to several doses of CS in a smoking chamber. UVA irradiation was used as a positive control of oxidative stress in the skin. The skin was measured with confocal Raman microspectroscopy before CS exposure, immediately after CS exposure, and after skin cleaning. CS exposure significantly increased the intensity of red- and NIR-excited skin AF in a dose-dependent manner in the epidermis, as confirmed by laser scanning microscopy AF imaging and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements. UVA irradiation enhanced the intensity of AF, but to a lower extent than CS exposure. We concluded that the increase in red- and NIR-excited AF intensities of the skin after CS exposure could clearly be related to the induction of oxidative stress in skin, where skin surface lipids are mainly oxidized.
Hydrogen Protection Boosts the Bioactivity of Chrysanthemum morifolium Extract in Preventing Palmitate-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction by Restoring MFN2 and Alleviating Oxidative Stress in HAEC Cells
Authors: Gao Yilin , Song Oumeng , Wang Min , Guo Xin , Zhang Guanfei , Liu Xuyun , Liu Jiankang , Zhao Lin
Published: April 2023

As the most important natural antioxidants in plant extracts, polyphenols demonstrate versatile bioactivities and are susceptible to oxidation. The commonly used ultrasonic extraction often causes oxidation reactions involving the formation of free radicals. To minimize the oxidation effects during the ultrasonic extraction process, we designed a hydrogen (H2)-protected ultrasonic extraction method and used it in Chrysanthemum morifolium extraction. Hydrogen-protected extraction improved the total antioxidant capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and polyphenol content of Chrysanthemum morifolium water extract (CME) compared with air and nitrogen (N2) conditions. We further investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of CME on palmitate (PA)-induced endothelial dysfunction in human aorta endothelial cells (HAECs). We found that hydrogen-protected CME (H2-CME) best-prevented impairment in nitric oxide (NO) production, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein level, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, H2-CME prevented PA-induced endothelial dysfunction by restoring mitofusin-2 (MFN2) levels and maintaining redox balance.
Quadriceps Muscle and Medial Retinaculum Combinate Effects on Patellar Instability during Knee Flexion
Authors: Alito Angelo , Filardi Vincenzo , Milardi Demetrio
Published: April 2023

Background: Patellar instability can cause pain and disability. A finite element model of a healthy human knee was performed to analyze the role of quadriceps and medial retinaculum imbalance in patellar instability. Methods: The model was created by matching magnetic resonance and computed tomography images of a normal adult patient’s knee. Muscle force intensities were calculated by static optimization, considering the lower limb muscles, knee movement and the ground reaction during walking. Patellar instability was experimentally generated by progressively uncoupling muscular forces, (90 N versus 110 N), while at the same time, the load derived from the quadriceps was gradually reduced by 20%. Results: This loss in force symmetry of 10 N on the retinaculum may produce a displacement of approximately 7 mm, with an increase in patellar contact forces of approximately 44%. When the quadriceps force is reduced by 10% and the unbalanced medial retinaculum acts together, the displacements are in the order of 14 mm, and the patellar contact forces increase by 84%. Conclusion: A reduced quadriceps force alone is not able to cause significant patellar instability, while an imbalance of forces at the level of the retinaculum could lead to patellar instability, especially when the two effects are combined. A better understanding of joint relationships and muscle synergies can help to improve clinical approaches to patella instability
New Composite Materials with Cross-Linked Structures Based on Grafted Copolymers of Acrylates on Cod Collagen
Authors: Ludmila Semenycheva , Victoria Chasova , Angelina Sukhareva , Diana Fukina , Andrey Koryagin , Natalia Valetova , Olga Smirnova , Evgeny Suleimanov
Published: April 2023

This article presents new composite materials with cross-linked structures based on grafted copolymers of collagen with acrylates, which were prepared under photocatalytic conditions using the complex oxide RbTe1.5W0.5O6 and additional modifiers. Cross-linking agents for acrylate fragments were used. Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEDMA) was used in small volumes, and acrylic acid (AA) was used in an amount similar to the MMA concentration. The properties of the obtained graft copolymers were studied. Thus, collagen containing acrylate graft copolymers with cross-linked structures, which are highly soluble in water, was obtained. Addition of the protein substrate modifier (polyethylene glycol (PEG)) in an amount comparable to collagen resulted in a coagulate with a cross-linked structure. The gel easily released water during drying in vacuum and formed a polymer composite film. According to the results, the new polymer materials which were obtained were fungi-resistant. Due to observed properties, the obtained polymer samples could be considered as new materials for medical products, including colloidal solutions, gels, films.
Operational Diagnostics System for Asymmetric Emergency Modes in Traction Drives with Direct Torque Control
Authors: Goolak Sergey , Liubarskyi Borys , Lukoševičius Vaidas , Keršys Robertas , Keršys Artūras
Published: April 2023

This article presents an analysis of the causes behind the development of asymmetric modes in a traction drive system that features direct torque control (DTC) of a rolling stock with asynchronous traction motors. The development of asymmetric modes in the traction drive system was found to be caused by the asymmetry of the supply voltage system, the asymmetry of the traction motor windings, and transient processes triggered by a change in the inverter supply voltage and variation in the traction motor load. At the same time, the asymmetric modes caused by the asymmetry of the feed voltage system and the windings of the traction motor are the emergency modes. The influence of the asymmetry of the feed voltage system and asymmetry of the windings of traction motor on the starting characteristics of the phase currents and flux linkages of the stator in the steady-state mode was investigated. In these cases, the ratio of the amplitudes of phase currents and flux linkages of the stator of different phases was found to be constant. The effect of a variation in the feed voltage and load acting on the motor shaft on the starting characteristics of phase currents and flux linkages of the stator was investigated in the case of absence of the emergency modes. In these cases, the ratio of the amplitudes of phase currents and flux linkages of the stator of different phases was found to not be constant. The amplitudes of the phase current and stator flux linkage were proposed as criteria for diagnosis and identification of asymmetric emergency modes. An algorithm and a structural scheme have been proposed for the diagnosis of emergency asymmetric modes in the traction drive system with direct torque control. Modifications to the traction drive system with direct torque control are suggested in order to diagnose the presence of faulty asymmetric modes and identify the damaged traction drive element.
The Influence of Protective Headgear on the Peripheral Vision Reaction Time of Recreational-Level Skiers
Authors: Očić Mateja , Bon Ivan , Ružić Lana , Cigrovski Vjekoslav , Rupčić Tomislav
Published: April 2023

Alpine skiing is characterized by specific and dynamic conditions and demands constant processing of visual information and fast decision-making. A fast response time is necessary for protective movements which reduce the number and severity of additional head impacts. The apparent detriments to visual performance caused by protective headgear are concerning and should be considered moving forward in recreational alpine skiing. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of wearing the three most common combinations of protective headgear in skiing on the timing of visual stimuli perception and adequate response when simulating on-the-slope situations. The sample consisted of 45 recreational-level skiers (27 M, 18 F; age 30.6 ± 8.19 years) who had finished basic alpine skiing school, had been skiing 6–10 years continuously, and were students of Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb. They did not report any serious medical conditions regarding vision. The overall testing was conducted in the winter season during January and February of 2022. Reaction time on perceived visual stimuli was observed in a way that a skier was approaching behind a participant’s back from both the left and right side. A 2 × 3 (helmet*condition) mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine differences between helmet users and non-users in each tested condition. When observing the results, it was confirmed that the response time of the participants was the slowest when wearing a ski helmet and goggles combined. Furthermore, one of the most important findings was the determined differences in reaction time between helmet users and non-users, i.e., prior helmet users tended to react faster to the upcoming visual stimuli when wearing combined ski helmet and goggles. In the design and construction of the goggles, it is also necessary to pay attention to reducing the thickness of the frame in order to reduce the distance between the eye and the lens, which consequently reduces interference in the peripheral parts of the field of vision. In future studies, the same testing protocol with all the possible combinations of wearing a ski cap, a helmet, sunglasses, and goggles is necessary to gain a clearer insight into the effect of each item of headgear separately and in various combinations.
A 0.38 V Fully Differential K-Band LNA with Transformer-Based Matching Networks
Authors: Cruz-Acosta Jose Manuel , Galante-Sempere David , Khemchandani Sunil Lalchand , del Pino Javier
Published: April 2023

The implementation of a 0.38 V K-band low-power fully differential low-noise amplifier (LNA) in a 45 nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) process is presented. The proposed architecture employs a two-stage approach with transformer-based interstage matching networks to minimize circuit area. The proposed LNA covers the frequency range from 20.3 to 24.1 GHz, it achieves a noise figure (NF) as low as 2.2 dB, and a gain of 12.9 dB, with a power consumption of 11.7 mW from a 0.38 V DC supply in a very compact area (0.15 mm2) excluding pads. Non-linearity simulations show the proposed circuit achieves a Po1dB of −7.3 dBm, and an OIP3 (Output Third Order Intercept) of 7 dBm. The transformers allow improved area use since they are simultaneously used as matching networks, RF chokes to bias the active devices, baluns at the input and output terminals to convert the single-ended signal into differential mode, and vice versa, and facilitates the interconnection with the upcoming stages. We used a state-of-the-art tool that generates the desired inductances to perform impedance matching for a given frequency and coupling factor value. A comparison with similar works proves the proposed LNA achieves a very low NF and the lowest power consumption reported in a differential circuit.
Virtual Reality in Discrete Event Simulation for Production–Assembly Processes
Authors: Trebuna Peter , Pekarcikova Miriam , Duda Richard , Svantner Tomas
Published: April 2023

The connection of simulation models with virtual reality (VR) technology is of great importance in implementing Industry 4.0 in industrial practice. The article deals with the use of virtual reality in discrete event simulation (DES) using the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software to visualize, analyze and optimize the modelled production–assembly process. The importance of virtual reality is evident in the academic sphere in connection with interactive teaching and its use for industrial practice. The article presents a case study focused on creating a virtual environment and optimizing the production–assembly process in the TX Plant Simulation software environment. During the mentioned study, the analysis of production–assembly flows, the processing of input data into the simulation model, the creation of 3D elements for the needs of virtualization—which are not part of the TX Plant Simulation software library—and the visualization that simulates the real environment based on computational algorithms were carried out. Virtualization was solved using the Oculus Rift S Headset. The output is a generally applicable procedure for modelling and testing a virtual model with its verification on a case study.
Dynamic Path-Planning and Charging Optimization for Autonomous Electric Vehicles in Transportation Networks
Authors: Tang Qinghua , Li Demin , Zhang Yihong , Chen Xuemin
Published: April 2023

With the growing popularity of autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs), optimizing their path-planning and charging strategy has become a critical research area. However, the dynamic nature of transport networks presents a significant challenge when ensuring their efficient operation. The use of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) has been proposed to tackle this challenge. However, establishing efficient communication and optimizing dynamic paths with charging selection remain complex problems. In this paper, we propose a joint push–pull communication mode to obtain real-time traffic conditions and charging infrastructure information (i.e., charging stations and energy segments). We also analyze the selection of relay vehicles in multi-hop communication routing, considering factors such as link stability, vehicle distance, and reputation values. Furthermore, we formulate a dynamic optimization problem based on real-time information to minimize travel and charging costs. Our proposed algorithm enables AEVs to obtain charging services from charging stations and conduct dynamic wireless charging via energy segments. We present a dynamic real-time A* algorithm to solve the path-optimization problem and a dynamic real-time charging selection algorithm based on dynamic path optimization when the state of charge is lower than the charging threshold. Extensive simulations demonstrate that the proposed joint push-pull communication mode can provide vehicles the up-to-date information and the developed optimization algorithms effectively reduce travel and charging costs.
Enhancement of Heat Dissipation from the Hydraulic System Using a Finned Adaptive Heat Exchanger
Authors: Lipnický Marek , Brodnianská Zuzana
Published: April 2023

The novelty-designed adaptive heat exchanger (AHE) for heat dissipation from the hydraulic system to ambient air has been experimentally investigated. The heated hydraulic oil circulated in rubber hydraulic pipes as working fluid. The heat flow for AHE mounted in the hydraulic circuit was compared with the condition without the AHE. In addition, the contact surfaces of the AHE were coated with a copper-based thermal conductive paste for heat transfer enhancement research. The installation of the AHE in the hydraulic system caused an increase in heat flow by an average of 19.79% compared to the system without AHE, at an oil flow rate of 0.043 kg/s. The AHE with the copper-based thermal conductive paste achieved higher heat flow by an average of 24.93% and 20.49% compared to the circuit without AHE and with AHE, respectively. The installation of the AHE, and AHE with thermal conductive paste, into the hydraulic circuit caused an increase in differences of surface temperatures up to 8.1 °C and 8.3 °C compared to the hydraulic system without AHE. The hydraulic system with AHE achieved 1.3 times and 2.2 times higher the overall heat transfer coefficient compared to the AHE with thermal conductive paste and the system without AHE, respectively. The finned AHE is usable for additional cooling of working fluid (oil, coolant, fuel) in various machines and equipment without the necessity of interrupting the pipelines. Adaptability of the AHE allows it to be mounted on flexible hoses in the required location with the possibility of changing the number of heat exchange segments.
Experimental Analysis and Verification of the Influence on the Elastic Recovery Coefficient of Wheat
Authors: Wang Jizhong , Zhang Weipeng , Wang Fengzhu , Liu Yangchun , Zhao Bo , Fang Xianfa
Published: April 2023

To establish a collision model of wheat grains impacting a force plate with a piezoelectric sensor, and to investigate the influence of the elastic recovery coefficient on the sensor’s detection accuracy during the collision process, this study employed object kinematic principles to construct a wheat elastic recovery coefficient measurement device. This device ascertains the elastic properties of wheat during collisions and determines the elastic recovery coefficient of the wheat collision model. The wheat variety Jinan No. 17 was selected for testing, and the effects of the contact material, grain drop height, material thickness, and grain moisture content on the collision recovery coefficient during the collision process were analyzed through single-factor and multi-factor experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that the collision recovery coefficient of wheat grains increases with the stiffness of the collision materials for different materials. The grain recovery coefficient of wheat exhibits a downward trend with increasing falling height and moisture content, while it tends to rise as the material thickness increases. Data analysis and comparison reveal that, given the determination of the collision material, the moisture content of wheat exerts the most significant effect on the elastic recovery coefficient, followed by material thickness, while the influence of falling height is less pronounced. The findings of this study can provide data support for simulation testing and product design of wheat combine harvester cleaning screen body mechanisms and wheat seeders.
Special Issue on the Advances in Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Blanco Jesús M.
Published: April 2023

The progressive implementation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has experienced a great increase over the last decades as its use has become more feasible worldwide [...]
Fatigue Resistance of Fillet Welds of Traction Rod Brackets on a Locomotive Bogie Based on International Union of Railways Standards and Improvement Measures Adopted
Authors: Xie Miao-Xia , Wei Yuan-Qi , Xin Qi-Ke , Li Li-Xia , He Yu-Min
Published: April 2023

To solve the problem of fatigue failure in fillet welds of traction rod brackets on locomotive bogies of a given model, the cause for failure and the improvement method were studied. The results show that when there is maximum clearance at weld roots, maximum incomplete fusion of sidewalls, maximum incomplete fusion at weld roots, and maximum pores allowable in the ISO 5817 standard, the stress amplitude separately increases by 70~97%, 53~55%, 40~46%, and 19~34%. Despite this, when various types of defects of the maximum size are present in the weld alone, the static and fatigue strengths of fillet welds with a throat depth of 6 mm on the traction rod bracket can still meet the requirements in the UIC615-4 standard. In practical fillet welds, defects including clearance at weld roots, incomplete fusion, and pores are very likely to occur at the same time, which may induce fatigue failure in fillet welds of traction rod brackets within the original design life. According to the size of the frame and the traction rod brackets, a strengthening scheme for increasing the throat depth of fillet welds of traction rod brackets to 8 mm was designed. Calculation results of the strengthening scheme show that for new structures subjected to overall post-weld stress-relief thermal treatments, the maximum stress amplitude decreases by 5~29% when increasing the throat depth of fillet welds from 6 to 8 mm. For structures in service with the throat depth of fillet welds increased from 6 to 8 mm through repair welding, peak residual stress at the weld root after repair welding can reach 383 MPa. Because overall stress-relief thermal treatments cannot be performed on repair-welded structures, the fatigue strength of repair-welded fillet welds cannot meet the requirements of UIC615-4; therefore, local stress-relief treatments have to be performed in the welded zone. The results are of guiding significance for the treatment of locomotives in service and performance improvement of new locomotives and suggest that the current standard is relatively conservative.
Development of Students’ Skills through Gamification and Serious Games: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Barragán-Pulido Sara , Barragán-Pulido María Luisa , Alonso-Hernández Jesús B. , Castro-Sánchez José Juan , Rabazo-Méndez María José
Published: April 2023

Currently, technological development is making its way into education through the increasing integration of new technologies into teaching. In this context, gamification emerges as one of the ways to incorporate the pedagogical process into the digital world, creating the need to encourage both the digital skills of educators and students. The objective of this work is to shed light on the growing use of technology-based teaching methods and encourage their integration into educational practice from the teacher’s point of view. This work specifically analyses the European Framework for Digital Competence of Educators, relates the different digital competences defined to a series of localized educational solutions, and proposes a direct relationship between different gamification tools and serious games. Based on the review carried out, this study highlights a profound change in the educational process that involves digitization and the use of new technologies to optimize learning, as well as the training needs of teaching staff and the development of educational solutions that take into account the different digital competences.
Skin Lesion Classification Using Hybrid Convolutional Neural Network with Edge, Color, and Texture Information
Authors: Kim Changmin , Jang Myeongsoo , Han Younghwan , Hong Yousik , Lee Woobeom
Published: April 2023

Herein, a new paradigm based on deep learning was proposed that allows the extraction of fine-grained differences between skin lesions in pixel units for high accuracy classification of skin lesions. As basic feature information for a dermoscopic image of a skin region, 50 different features were extracted based on the edge, color, and texture features of the skin lesion image. For the edge features, a line-segment-type analysis algorithm was used, wherein the visual information of a dermoscopic image was precisely analyzed in terms of the units of pixels and was transformed into a structured pattern. Regarding the color features of skin lesions, the dermoscopic image was transformed into multiple color models, and the features were acquired by analyzing histograms showing information regarding the distribution of pixel intensities. Subsequently, texture features were extracted by applying the well-known Law’s texture energy measure algorithm. Feature data (50 × 256) generated via the feature extraction process above were used to classify skin lesions via a one-dimensional (1D) convolution layer-based classification model. Because the architecture of the designed model comprises parallel 1D convolution layers, fine-grained features of the dermoscopic image can be identified using different parameters. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, datasets from the 2017 and 2018 International Skin Imaging Collaboration were used. A comparison of results yielded by well-known classification models and other models reported in the literature show the superiority of the proposed model. Additionally, the proposed method achieves an accuracy exceeding 88%.
Overcoming Adverse Conditions in Rescue Scenarios: A Deep Learning and Image Processing Approach
Authors: Di Maro Alberto , Azpiroz Izar , Biain Xabier Oregui , Longo Giuseppe , Olaizola Igor Garcia
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a Deep Learning (DL) and Image-Processing (IP) pipeline that addresses exposure recovery in challenging lighting conditions for enhancing First Responders’ (FRs) Situational Awareness (SA) during rescue operations. The method aims to improve the quality of images captured by FRs, particularly in overexposed and underexposed environments while providing a response time suitable for rescue scenarios. The paper describes the technical details of the pipeline, including exposure correction, segmentation, and fusion techniques. Our results demonstrate that the pipeline effectively recovers details in challenging lighting conditions, improves object detection, and is efficient in high-stress, fast-paced rescue situations.
Influence of Blasting Disturbance on the Dynamic Stress Distribution and Fracture Area of Rock Tunnels
Authors: Liu Ruifeng , Yang Jialong , Du Yumei , Li Meng
Published: April 2023

In order to study the dynamic stress distribution and the fracture area of rock around the tunnel under different orientations of blasting disturbance, AUTODYN finite difference method software was used to conduct numerical simulation research. Gauge monitoring points were set around the numerical model of the tunnel to conduct real-time monitoring of the stress distribution, displacement and fracture area of the tunnel. Based on the analysis of the stress wave propagation law, the following conclusions are obtained: (1) under the condition of the same blasting loads, the stress and displacement of the tunnel is relatively small when the blasting disturbance source is located above the roof, i.e., the stress state of the tunnel is relatively stable and the fracture area around the tunnel is minimal; (2) from the uniaxial stress around the tunnel and the tunnel peripheral displacement, it can be seen that the displacement caused by horizontal direction stress of the tunnel is the largest, and the deformation is mainly concentrated above the floor and at the shoulder, while the vertical wall part has almost no deformation; (3) for brittle materials such as rock, the arch-shaped stress-bearing surface is more likely to disperse stress, while the straight wall and flat floor of the tunnel cannot well disperse stress, resulting in uneven stress on the stress-bearing surface, uncoordinated deformation and ultimately, failure.