bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains for Their Tolerance to Increased Osmotic Pressure and Their Suitability to Ensile High Dry Matter Forages
Authors: Martens Siriwan D. , Wagner Wolfgang , Schneider Mariana , Hünting Klaus , Ohl Susanne , Löffler Christof
Published: May 2024

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) should not only survive, but also perform under increased osmotic pressure in the process of ensiling, which results from the best practice of wilting forage. Simple laboratory protocols are needed to select suitable LAB strains as inoculants for high dry matter (DM) conditions. The aim of this study was to simulate conditions of high osmolality without inducing salt stress and to select a suitable indicator of LAB performance. For that, an MRS medium was enriched with increasing concentrations of glucose and fructose plus a maximum of 28 g KCl/L until achieving an osmolality of 2.4 osmol/kg. Both, growth in the inoculated medium and pH decline, were then compared to the LAB performance in the basic medium. The latter was clearly delayed in the new medium. Finally, the method was validated by comparing the pH of small-scale grass silages of 30–35 and 45–49% target DM after 3–5 days of ensiling to the pH values of the microbiological growth medium. The pH levels of treatments with the homofermentative LAB were clearly attributable to the dry matter or the sugar concentration, respectively. The developed liquid growth medium sufficiently approximates high DM conditions to select for the osmotolerant homofermentative LAB.
Effect of Mycorrhizal Symbiosis on the Development of the Canary Island Tomato Variety “Manzana Negra” under Abiotic Stress Conditions
Authors: Hernández-Dorta Alexis , Jaizme-Vega María del Carmen , Ríos-Mesa Domingo
Published: May 2024

Tomato production in the Canary Islands has significantly decreased in recent years due to the presence of parasites and pathogens, poor-quality irrigation water, lack of infrastructure modernization, and increased competition. To address this issue, local varieties with better agro-climatic adaptation and organoleptic characteristics have been cultivated. These varieties show their maximum potential under an agro-ecological cultivation system, where the beneficial micro-organisms of the rhizosphere (in general) and mycorrhizal fungi (in particular) have a positive influence on their development, especially when the plants are subjected to biotic or abiotic stresses. Irrigation water in Canary Islands tomato cultivation comes from groundwater sources with moderate levels of sodium and chlorides or sodium and bicarbonates. This study evaluated the response of mycorrizal plants of the local tomato variety “Manzana Negra” under abiotic stress conditions due to the presence of chlorides and bicarbonates. Two tests were carried out with mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants. In the first one, 0, 75, and 150 mM NaCl solutions were applied. In the second, the nutrient solution was enriched with sodium bicarbonate at doses of 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 mM. Presence of native mycorrhizae improved the growth and nutrition of plants affected by irrigation with saline and alkaline water containing chloride and sodium carbonate. Symbiosis produced statistically significant increases in all plant-development-related variables (stem length and diameter; fresh and dry weight) in all bicarbonate concentrations. However, the results with the application of sodium chloride do not seem to indicate a positive interaction in most of the analytical parameters at 150 mM NaCl concentration. The mycorrhizal inoculation with local fungi can be interesting in the production of seedlings of this tomato variety in situations of moderate salinity, especially under bicarbonate stress conditions.
The Spatial Coupling Mechanism of Soil Moisture and Salinity after the Erosive Rainfall in the Loess Hilly Region
Authors: Ke Zengming , Ma Lihui , Shen Nan
Published: May 2024

Investigating the spatial distribution characteristics of the interaction between soil salinity and moisture is crucial in revealing moisture–salinity interaction in semi-arid farmland. The sampling of soil was performed on the second (S1), fifth (S2), eighth (S3), eleventh (S4), and fourteenth (S5) days after the erosive rainfall. The multifractal method was used to analyze spatial distribution parameters of soil moisture and salinity under the different stages. The findings showed that the soil moisture content decreased from 22.44% to 12.73%, while the salinity increased from 0.71 to 1.18 g kg–1 after the rainfall. As the amount of moisture in the soil decreased, the variability in the distribution of moisture initially increased from S1 to S3 and then decreased, while the salinity content also decreased. The spatial distribution of soil moisture and salinity content showed a strong correlation at S3 to S4 (with the relative water content of soil ranging from 0.52 to 0.75), indicating a significant coupling effect in these stages. However, the distribution of soil salinity was not uniform under high moisture content conditions (S1 to S2), as it was leached unevenly by rainfall, and under low moisture content conditions (S5), it precipitated, resulting in a low correlation between the spatial distribution of soil moisture and salinity content. This research has provided insight into the coupling dynamics of soil moisture and salinity content, revealing the mechanisms governing their spatial distribution in dryland agricultural regions.
Performance and Cost-Efficiency of Single Hormonal Treatment Protocols in Tropical Anestrous Dairy Cows
Authors: Changtes Thitiwich , Sanchez Javier , Arunvipas Pipat , Patanasatienkul Thitiwan , Thammahakin Passawat , Jareonsawat Jiranij , Hall David , Heider Luke , Rukkwamsuk Theera
Published: May 2024

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the performance of hormone treatment protocols, determine the factors associated with pregnancy success after hormone treatment, and compare the cost-efficiencies of two types of hormone treatment among cyclic and noncyclic anestrous dairy cows. The clinical records of 279 anestrous cows that received hormone treatment for artificial insemination (AI) from 64 herds in the western region of Thailand were obtained from Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital from January to August 2017. The performance of the hormone treatment protocols, fixed-time AI (TAI) and estrus detection before AI (EAI), showed that the pregnancy risk for the TAI protocol was higher than that for the EAI protocol, but pregnancy per AI did not differ significantly between the two protocols in cyclic and noncyclic cows. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cows receiving the TAI protocol were more likely to be pregnant compared to those treated with the EAI protocol. Cows with a 3.00 body condition score (BCS) < 3.75 after treatment and loose-housed cows were more likely to become pregnant. Treatment during winter showed higher pregnancy success than that in the summer and rainy seasons. The cost-efficiency analysis showed that the TAI protocol was the most cost-efficient option for noncyclic cows, whereas the EAI protocol was the most cost-efficient option for cyclic cows.
Effect of Three Semen Extenders on Sperm Quality and In Vitro Fertilization Rates of Fresh and Cryopreserved Sperm Collected from Llama (Lama glama) Vas Deferens
Authors: Pérez-Durand Manuel G. , Bustamante Carlos W. , Machaca Pedro P. , García Wilber , Condori Eloy A. , Macedo Rassiel , Fernández Eliseo , Manrique Yan P. , Gutiérrez-Reinoso Miguel A. , Perez-Guerra Uri H. , García-Herreros Manuel
Published: May 2024

The advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) applied in South American camelid species are still scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three semen extenders, before and after the cryopreservation of spermatozoa obtained from the vas deferens, on sperm quality parameters and in vitro fertilization rates of llama (Lama glama) oocytes. Mature fertile llama males (Lama glama; n = 6; age: 48–60 mo.; BCS: ~2.7) were included in the study. Sperm samples were collected from each male using the surgical technique of the vas deferens deviation. Then, the sperm samples were pooled and diluted with the Tris-EY, Andromed®, or BioxCell® extender in order to subsequently carry out the sperm cryopreservation process. The sperm quality assessment related to each extender was performed before and after cryopreservation with regard to sperm morphological abnormalities, acrosome integrity, sperm viability, membrane permeability, and sperm motility traits. Moreover, in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures were carried out to evaluate the in vitro fertility of the cryopreserved sperm samples using each extender. Overall, significant differences were observed before and after cryopreservation regarding acrosome integrity, sperm viability, membrane permeability, and sperm motility traits among the extenders used, where Tris-EY and Andromed® were better than BioxCell® (p < 0.05); however, no differences were observed regarding the sperm morphological abnormalities among extenders (p > 0.05). Moreover, multiple differences were observed with regard to the velocity and linearity kinematic parameters obtained by computerized analysis before and after the cryopreservation process, irrespective of the extender used (p < 0.05). Finally, differences were observed regarding the in vitro fertilization rates among the different extender-derived samples (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the sperm quality using Tris-EY and Andromed® was better before and after cryopreservation compared to that using BioxCell®. Although the number of fertilized oocytes obtained after the IVF process between Tris-EY and Andromed® was similar, Andromed®-derived samples showed the best sperm quality results before and after cryopreservation. This indicates that the cryopreservation extender is a determining factor in significantly improving in vitro fertilization rates when using sperm samples obtained from vas deferens in llama (Lama glama) males.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Its Agonists in Bovine Reproduction II: Diverse Applications during Insemination, Post-Insemination, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Periods
Authors: Hassanein Eman M. , Szelényi Zoltán , Szenci Ottó
Published: May 2024

The administration of GnRH and its agonists benefits various aspects of bovine reproductive programs, encompassing physiological stages such as estrous synchronization, post-insemination, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. The positive impact of GnRH administration in overcoming challenges like repeat breeder cows, early embryonic loss prevention, and the management of cystic ovarian disease (COD) is thoroughly surveyed. Furthermore, this review focuses on the significance of GnRH administration during the postpartum period, its role in ovulation induction, and how it enhances the productivity of embryo transfer (ET) programs. An emerging feature of this field is introduced, focusing on nano-drug delivery systems for GnRH agonists, and the potential benefits that may arise from such advancements are highlighted. While this review offers valuable insights into various applications of GnRH in bovine reproduction, it emphasizes the crucial need for further research and development in this field to advance reproductive efficiency and health management in dairy cattle.
Cystatin C, Ammonia, and Bicarbonate Measurements in the Saliva of Pigs: Analytical Validation and Changes in S. suis Infection
Authors: Llamas-Amor Eva , Goyena Elena , González-Bulnes Antonio , García Manzanilla Edgar , Cerón José Joaquín , Martínez-Subiela Silvia , López-Martínez María José , Muñoz-Prieto Alberto
Published: May 2024

Cystatin C, ammonia, and bicarbonate have been described to be biomarkers of sepsis and inflammation in humans. The saliva of pigs can be used to detect a wide range of pathogens but also many biomarkers that can be analyzed to evaluate different conditions such as stress (i.e., cortisol and alpha amylase), immune system (i.e., ADA, S100 proteins), inflammation (i.e., acute phase proteins), redox status (i.e., various antioxidants and oxidants), and general metabolism or the status of different organs and tissues. However, there is a lack of assays for the possible measurement and use of cystatin C, ammonia, and bicarbonate in saliva as biomarkers of sepsis or inflammation in pigs. The objective of this study was to validate commercially available automated assays for the measurement of cystatin C, ammonia, and bicarbonate in the saliva of pigs, having the advantage of using a noninvasive sample that is easy to collect. The assays were precise and accurate, and the recommended storage condition for the saliva samples was −80 °C. In addition, cystatin and ammonia showed significant increases in the saliva of pigs with S. suis infection, whereas bicarbonate decreased. Further studies would be recommended to increase knowledge about the possible potential applications of the measurements of these three analytes in the saliva of pigs as biomarkers to evaluate the animals’ health and welfare.
Depth Completion with Anisotropic Metric, Convolutional Stages, and Infinity Laplacian
Authors: Lazcano Vanel , Calderero Felipe
Published: May 2024

Depth map estimation is crucial for a wide range of applications. Unfortunately, it often presents missing or unreliable data. The objective of depth completion is to fill in the “holes” in a depth map by propagating the depth information using guidance from other sources of information, such as color. Nowadays, classical image processing methods have been outperformed by deep learning techniques. Nevertheless, these approaches require a significantly large number of images and enormous computing power for training. This fact limits their usability and makes them not the best solution in some resource-constrained environments. Therefore, this paper investigates three simple hybrid models for depth completion. We explore a hybrid pipeline that combines a very efficient and powerful interpolator (infinity Laplacian or AMLE) and a series of convolutional stages. The contributions of this article are (i) the use a Texture+Structuredecomposition as a pre-filter stage; (ii) an objective evaluation with three different approaches using KITTI and NYU_V2 data sets; (iii) the use of an anisotropic metric as a mechanism to improve interpolation; and iv) the inclusion of an ablation test. The main conclusions of this work are that using an anisotropic metric improves model performance, and the ablation test demonstrates that the model’s final stage is a critical component in the pipeline; its suppression leads to an approximate 4% increase in MSE. We also show that our model outperforms state-of-the-art alternatives with similar levels of complexity.
Target Detection for Coloring and Ripening Potted Dwarf Apple Fruits Based on Improved YOLOv7-RSES
Authors: Ma Haoran , Li Yanwen , Zhang Xiaoying , Li Yaoyu , Li Zhenqi , Zhang Runqing , Zhao Qian , Hao Renjie
Published: May 2024

Dwarf apple is one of the most important forms of garden economy, which has become a new engine for rural revitalization. The effective detection of coloring and ripening apples in complex environments is important for the sustainable development of smart agricultural operations. Addressing the issues of low detection efficiency in the greenhouse and the challenges associated with deploying complex target detection algorithms on low-cost equipment, we propose an enhanced lightweight model rooted in YOLOv7. Firstly, we enhance the model training performance by incorporating the Squeeze-and-Excite attention mechanism, which can enhance feature extraction capability. Then, an SCYLLA-IoU (SIoU) loss function is introduced to improve the ability of extracting occluded objects in complex environments. Finally, the model was simplified by introducing depthwise separable convolution and adding a ghost module after up-sampling layers. The improved YOLOv7 model has the highest AP value, which is 10.00%, 5.61%, and 6.00% higher compared to YOLOv5, YOLOv7, and YOLOX, respectively. The improved YOLOv7 model has an MAP value of 95.65%, which provides higher apple detection accuracy compared to other detection models and is suitable for potted dwarf anvil apple identification and detection.
Failure and Deformation Behavior of Underground Geo-Structures: Advances in Geomechanics
Authors: Deangeli Chiara , Barla Marco , Sterpi Donatella
Published: May 2024

Underground geo-structures play a crucial role in various aspects of modern society for several reasons [...]
Digitalization Processes in Distribution Grids: A Comprehensive Review of Strategies and Challenges
Authors: Aghahadi Morteza , Bosisio Alessandro , Merlo Marco , Berizzi Alberto , Pegoiani Andrea , Forciniti Samuele
Published: May 2024

This systematic review meticulously explores the transformative impact of digital technologies on the grid planning, grid operations, and energy market dynamics of power distribution grids. Utilizing a robust methodological framework, over 54,000 scholarly articles were analyzed to investigate the integration and effects of artificial intelligence, machine learning, optimization, the Internet of Things, and advanced metering infrastructure within these key subsections. The literature was categorized to show how these technologies contribute specifically to grid planning, operation, and market mechanisms. It was found that digitalization significantly enhances grid planning through improved forecasting accuracy and robust infrastructure design. In operations, these technologies enable real-time management and advanced fault detection, thereby enhancing reliability and operational efficiency. Moreover, in the market domain, they support more efficient energy trading and help in achieving regulatory compliance, thus fostering transparent and competitive markets. However, challenges such as data complexity and system integration are identified as critical hurdles that must be overcome to fully harness the potential of smart grid technologies. This review not only highlights the comprehensive benefits but also maps out the interdependencies among the planning, operation, and market strategies, underlining the critical role of digital technologies in advancing sustainable and resilient energy systems.
Impact of Fat Content and Lactose Presence on Refractive Index in Different Types of Cow Milk
Authors: Hevia-Aymes Lorenza , Cuevas-Tenango Rodrigo , Morales-Luna Gesuri
Published: May 2024

This study unveils an advanced methodology for characterizing various types of cow’s milk based on their optical properties, aiming to establish a straightforward yet comprehensive method. This study uses fundamental principles such as Snell’s Law and Fresnel coefficients to determine and demonstrate critical angles for total internal reflection and reflectance at p polarization. Notably, milk composition, particularly fat content, significantly and remarkably influences its refractive index, with higher fat content leading to elevated values. Additionally, the extinction coefficient, derived through the Beer–Lambert law, provides valuable and essential information regarding light absorption and scattering within the milk samples. The significance of this research relies upon its ability to comprehensively analyze various optical properties of milk, including critical angles, reflectance, and extinction coefficients. By doing so, it offers an exhaustive and detailed understanding of how milk responds to light across different wavelengths and angles of incidence. Moreover, the technique effectively distinguishes milk types based on their fat content and particle characteristics. This novel characterization technique holds promise for various applications within the dairy industry, such as milk quality control, classification, and adulteration detection, which is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and safety.
Prediction of Percentage of Completed Repetitions to Failure Using Velocity Loss: Does the Relationship Remain Stable throughout a Training Session?
Authors: Pérez-Castilla Alejandro , Şentürk Deniz , Akyildiz Zeki , Jukic Ivan , García-Ramos Amador
Published: May 2024

This study explored the goodness-of-fit and the effect of fatigue on the precision of both generalized and individualized relationships between the velocity loss (%VL) magnitude and the percentage of completed repetitions with respect to the maximal that can be performed to failure (%Rep) in the Smith machine parallel back-squat exercise. Twenty-nine resistance-trained males completed four sets to failure, with a rest period of 2 min, against 75% of the one-repetition maximum. Generalized and individualized %Rep-%VL equations determined in the first set were used to estimate %Rep when a 20%VL was achieved during the three successive sets. Individualized %Rep-%VL relationships (R2 = 0.84–0.99) showed a greater goodness-of-fit than the generalized %Rep-%VL relationship (R2 = 0.82). However, the accuracy in the %Rep estimation was always low (absolute errors > 10%) and comparable for both regression models (p = 0.795). %Rep was progressively overestimated when increasing the number of sets using the MVfastest of the first set (from 15% to 45%), but no meaningful overestimations were observed using the MVfastest of each set (~2%). In conclusion, neither the generalized nor the individual %Rep-%VL equations provide accurate estimations of %Rep during the parallel back-squat exercise executed under fatigue.
Resveratrol: A Review on the Biological Activity and Applications
Authors: Bejenaru Ludovic Everard , Biţă Andrei , Belu Ionela , Segneanu Adina-Elena , Radu Antonia , Dumitru Andrei , Ciocîlteu Maria Viorica , Mogoşanu George Dan , Bejenaru Cornelia
Published: May 2024

Resveratrol (RSV), a naturally occurring phytoalexin, is the most important stilbenoid synthesized by plants as a defense mechanism in response to microbial aggression, toxins, or ultraviolet radiation. RSV came to the attention of researchers both as a potential chemopreventive agent and a possible explanation for the low incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in French people with a high-fat diet. RSV is mainly administered as a food supplement, and its properties are evaluated in vitro or in vivo on various experimental models. RSV modulates signaling pathways that limit the spread of tumor cells, protects nerve cells from damage, is useful in the prevention of diabetes, and generally acts as an anti-aging natural compound. It was highlighted that RSV could ameliorate the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle caused by an exaggerated caloric intake. This paper reviews the evidence supporting the beneficial effect of RSV for various pathological conditions, e.g., neoplastic diseases, neurodegeneration, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, CVDs, immune diseases, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. The study also focused on the chromatographic analysis of trans-RSV (tRSV) in Romanian wine samples, providing a comprehensive overview of tRSV content across different types of wine.
Improved Durability of Wood Strand-Based Panels Using Guayule
Authors: Entsminger Edward D. , Mohammadabadi Mostafa , Stokes C. Elizabeth , Pradhan Suman
Published: May 2024

In this study, the most effective application method of guayule resin and its effects on termite and fungal decay biological performances of wood strand-based (WSB) panels were explored. Southern yellow pine (Pinus spp. L.) wood strands were mixed with phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin to a target resin content of 5.00% and hot-pressed to manufacture the control WSB panels. For the in-situ process, a guayule resin solution was prepared and sprayed on the wood strands immediately after spraying the PF resin to a target content of 5.00%. For brushing and spraying methods, a sub-set of the control panel specimens were further brushed or sprayed with guayule resin solution on all surfaces. To understand the effects of guayule on durability, specimens cut from control and treated panels were subjected to termite resistance and fungal degradation soil block tests. The in-situ specimens with 5.00% guayule were subjected to tensile, internal bond, water absorption, and thickness swelling tests to find out whether guayule affects the mechanical performance of WSB panels. The results showed that in-situ treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the mechanical properties of wood stand-based panels. The sprayed technique resulted in more durable panels, as the mass loss was 2.21% for termites and 3.24% for fungi specimens, which decreased by 76.66% and 80.86%, respectively, when compared to the WSB controls.
The Nonlinear Lateral Stability of a Four-Axle Freight Car with Y25 Bogies and Measures to Improve Its Faults
Authors: Dusza Miroslaw , Golofit-Stawinska Milena , Zboinski Krzysztof
Published: May 2024

This paper presents investigations of rail vehicle bogies of the Y25 type. The Y25 bogie family is one of the most commonly used freight car bogie designs. In addition to several significant advantages characterising this design, several disadvantages have also been observed since the beginning of more than fifty years of its operation in several types of cargo vehicles. One of these defects observed in real systems is its “unsatisfactory running stability”, particularly for long straight tracks. This paper used the commercial engineering software VI-Rail (2010.13.0) to create a model of a gondola car (type 412W Eaos) with two Y25 bogies. The car model was tested in empty and loaded (maximum permissible load) modes. Its motion along straight and curved tracks with different radii values was analysed. The vehicle velocity was changed from a few m/s to the maximum values for which stable solutions of the model existed. For each route, the nonlinear critical velocity was determined, defining the maximum operating velocity of the modelled car. The model solutions were recorded, while just one was selected to present the results—the first wheelset’s lateral displacement ylw. Conjecture about its “imperfect running quality” on curved tracks was confirmed. The possible appearance of self-exciting wheelset vibrations in the modelled car’s operating velocity range in a laden state was also observed. The research results on the impact of changes in the bogie suspension parameters on the vehicle model’s stability are presented. The crucial parameter in the bogie suspension was indicated. Reducing its value by several percent about the nominal value increases the critical velocity of the car to values higher than the maximum operating velocity of the modelled vehicle.
A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Lubricity of Used Lubricating Oil Diluted with Diesel Oil
Authors: Chybowski Leszek , Szczepanek Marcin , Sztangierski Robert , Brożek Piotr
Published: May 2024

Experience shows that dilution of lubricating oil with diesel oil is unfavorable to the engine, causing issues including deterioration of engine performance, shortening of oil life, and reduction in engine reliability and safety. This paper presents the verification of the hypothesis that the changes in lubricity, friction coefficient, and decreasing oil film thickness (using a relative approach, given as a percentage) are similar for lubricating oil and diesel mixtures prepared from fresh lubricating oil and used lubricating oil. To validate this hypothesis, an experiment is conducted using a high-frequency reciprocating rig (HFFR), in which the lubricity is determined by the corrected average wear scar WS1.4, the coefficient of friction μ, and the percentage relative decrease in oil film thickness r. A qualitative visual assessment of the wear scars on the test specimens is also performed after the HFFR tests. The testing covers mixtures of SAE 30 grade Marinol CB-30 RG1230 lubricating oil with Orlen Efecta Diesel Biodiesel. The used lubricating oil is extracted from the circulating lubrication system of a supercharged, trunk-piston, four-stroke ZUT Zgoda Sulzer 5 BAH 22 engine installed in the laboratory of ship power plants of the Maritime University of Szczecin. Mixtures for the experiment are prepared for fresh lubricating oil with diesel oil and used lubricating oil with diesel oil. Mixtures of these lubricating oils with diesel oil are examined for diesel oil concentrations in the mixture equal to 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20% m/m. The results of the experiment confirm the hypothesis, proving that, for up to 20% m/m diesel oil concentration in lubricating oil, the changes in the lubricity of used lubricating oil diluted with diesel oil can be evaluated based on reference data prepared for mixtures of diesel oil with fresh lubricating oil. The linear approximation of μ and r trends is made with a certain margin of error we estimated. The experiment also confirms the results of previous studies which state that oil aging products in small quantities contribute to improved lubricity.
Study on the Meso-Failure Mechanism of Granite under Real-Time High Temperature by Numerical Simulation
Authors: Li Kangwen , Zhang Fan
Published: May 2024

In the development of geothermal resources in hot dry rocks, deep underground rock masses are typically subjected to real-time high-temperature environments. High temperatures alter the physical and mechanical properties of the rocks, directly affecting the safe and efficient utilization of hot dry rock resources. Therefore, a grain-based model (GBM) of particle flow code (PFC) was constructed based on uniaxial compression tests, and the model was verified according to macroscopic mechanical parameters and damage modes, in order to carry out the simulation study of the uniaxial compression of granite and explore the meso-failure mechanism of granite under real-time high temperature. The relationships between stress–strain curves and crack derivation, the evolution of microcracks, and the characteristics of acoustic emission activity and energy changes at different temperatures were investigated in conjunction with the results of laboratory tests. The results show that crack development, acoustic emission activity, and energy evolution during uniaxial compression include four main stages: initial compression, elasticity, plastic strengthening, and post-peak damage. The failure of granite is primarily controlled by mica and feldspar. During loading, intergranular tensile cracks first emerge within the granite, followed by intragranular tensile cracks, with shear cracks appearing last. As the temperature increases, the total number of microcracks continuously rises, the frequency of acoustic emission events increases, and both dissipated energy and boundary energy gradually decrease, showing an upward trend in the energy dissipation ratio, indicating an increase in thermal damage due to high temperatures. At 400 °C, the rate of microcrack formation increases significantly, with intergranular and intragranular cracks starting to coalesce into macroscopic cracks that extend outward. In the post-peak stage, the phenomenon of multiple peaks in acoustic emission events begins to appear. At 600 °C, the rate of microcrack formation reaches its maximum, with cracks extending throughout the sample to form a network of fractures, resulting in the granite exhibiting ductile failure characteristics.
The Dynamics of the Development of Apneic Breathing Capacity Specific to Synchronized Swimming in Girls Aged 7–14 Years
Authors: Badau Adela
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the study was to identify the durations of maintaining apnea, in different static positions, with and without the use of a nose clip, in girls aged between 7 and 14 years,. The study included a total number of 92 girls, grouped by age into four groups of 2-year spans (7–8, 9–10, 11–12, 13–14 years), and depending on the experience of practicing synchronized swimming (6–42 months). In the study we applied five physical tests where apnea maintenance times were recorded in different static positions: Apnea Test of Facial floatation with and without nose clip, Apnea Test of Front tuck with and without nose clip and Apnea Test of Front layout with support to scull. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS-24. During the study, a program of specific exercises to learn/consolidate the apneic breathing specific to artistic swimming was implemented, for a time interval of 3 months. The results were recorded at the beginning of the study (TI) and at the end of the study (TF). Analyzing the results of the study, we found positive and statistically significant improvements, related to age and experience. The most significant progress, taking into account the averages between the final and initial tests, was recorded in relation to Facial Flotation for 1.301 s for the 7–8-year-old group and 1.110 s for the 9–10-year-old group; the 11–12-year-old group recorded the most positive effect in the Facial Flotation test with a nose clip, with a result of 0.853 s, and in the 13–14-year-old group in the front tuck with nose clip test, a result of 0.807 s was reached. In all tests of the study, the Cohen’s values in all groups fell between 0.184 and 0.478, the size of the effect being small and medium. The ANOVA analysis of variance showed that the differences were statistically significant for p < 0.05 between the arithmetic means of the four groups according to age and sport experiences. For all groups, the value of Wilks’ Lambda was 0.009 (p < 0.01) for age and 0 (p < 0.01) for sports experience, highlighting large differences between groups. We conclude that the development of the ability to maintain apnea specific to synchronized swimming shows an upward trajectory, being conditioned by the training methodology, the age of the subjects and the sports experience. The small and medium values of the effect size highlight the fact that the improvement in apnea maintenance time is dependent on the duration and frequency of the apnea exercises performed in technical conditions specific to synchronized swimming. The training methodology must be adapted to the particularities of age, sports experience and the characteristics of synchronized swimming.
Lightweight Infrared and Visible Image Fusion Based on Nested Connections and Res2Net
Authors: Peng Yi , Tu Xinyue , Yang Qingqing
Published: May 2024

Image fusion is a pivotal image-processing technology designed to merge multiple images from various sensors or imaging modalities into a single composite image. This process enhances and extracts the information contained across the images, resulting in a final image that is more informative and of superior quality. This paper introduces a novel method for infrared and visible image fusion, utilizing nested connections and frequency-domain decomposition techniques to effectively solve the problem of lost image detail features. By incorporating depthwise separable convolution technology, the method reduces the computational complexity and model size, thereby increasing computational efficiency. A multi-scale residual fusion network, R2FN (Res2Net Fusion Network), has been designed to replace traditional manually designed fusion strategies, enabling the network to better preserve detail information in the image while improving the quality of the fused image. Moreover, a new loss function is proposed, which is aimed at enhancing important feature information while preserving more significant features. Experimental results on public datasets indicate that the method not only retains the detail information of visible-light images but also highlights the significant features of infrared images while maintaining a minimal number of parameters.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of Deep Granite under Gradient-Confining Pressure
Authors: Qin Shaolong , Zhao Xingdong , Yu Wenlong , Song Jingyi , Wu Tong
Published: May 2024

In deep layers, the complex geological environment is characterized by high temperature and high stress which causes marked differences in the mechanical properties of granite compared to those of granite in shallow areas. To investigate the mechanical properties of deep granite, this paper utilizes conventional triaxial compression tests to determine the various mechanical properties and failure modes of deep granite under different confining pressures. The findings indicate that the elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and peak strength of deep granite display greater dispersion than those of shallow granite under the influence of confining pressure. Based on the stress-strain curve, various characteristic stresses of deep granite under different confining pressures are calculated, and a distinct exponential function relationship exists between the characteristic stresses and the confining pressure. Furthermore, the finite element numerical simulation software Abaqus is employed to simulate the conventional triaxial compression of granite under different confining pressures, thereby revealing the stress and deformation evolution process of granite during the compression process. This research unveils the mechanical properties of deep granite under gradient-confining pressure, which can offer crucial theoretical evidence and data to support engineering applications in relevant fields.
Royal Tamga Signs and Their Significance for the Epigraphic Culture of the Bosporan Kingdom
Authors: Halamus Michał
Published: May 2024

This article examines the phenomenon of the so-called royal tamga signs issued on stone stelae in the Bosporan Kingdom in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. Tamgas were symbols commonly used by Eurasian nomads throughout the first millennium BCE. The appearance of tamgas in the northern shores of the Black Sea in the 2nd/1st BCE, followed by their adoption into the Greek epigraphic culture of the kingdom, represents an intriguing example of symbolic integration and another step in the formation of Bosporan culture. Research on cultural interactions between the inhabitants of the Bosporus has rarely focused on epigraphic material in its own right. Analyzing a small group of public stone slabs that feature tamgas, this article contributes to existing studies on numerous private funerary reliefs. Furthermore, the current work aims to incorporate several examples of stelae with royal tamga signs into the growing interest in syncretism, which is occurring in other epigraphic cultures of the Greco-Roman world. The case of the Bosporan Kingdom shows that such processes can also occur in places where no literate culture had previously been firmly established.
Randomly Stopped Sums, Minima and Maxima for Heavy-Tailed and Light-Tailed Distributions
Authors: Leipus Remigijus , Šiaulys Jonas , Danilenko Svetlana , Karasevičienė Jūratė
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the randomly stopped sums, minima and maxima of heavy- and light-tailed random variables. The conditions on the primary random variables, which are independent but generally not identically distributed, and counting random variable are given in order that the randomly stopped sum, random minimum and maximum is heavy/light tailed. The results generalize some existing ones in the literature. The examples illustrating the results are provided.
Genomic Analysis of Brassinosteroid Biosynthesis Gene Family Reveals Its Roles in Cotton Development across Gossypium Species
Authors: Cui Shiyan , Zhou Xin , Xiao Guanghui , Feng Hongjie
Published: May 2024

Cotton is a globally significant economic crop. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are crucial to cotton development. This study systematically analyzed the BR synthase gene family in four cotton species and identified 60 BR genes: 20 in Gossypium hirsutum (GhBRs), 20 in G. barbadense (GbBRs), 10 in G. arboreum (GaBRs), and 10 in G. raimondii (GrBRs). The analysis was extended to chromosomal localization, evolutionary relationships, domain features, and cis-regulatory elements in the promoter regions of BR synthase genes. The results showed that the BR synthase genes were evenly distributed across different subgenomes and chromosomes. Bioinformatics analyses revealed high conservation of amino acid sequences, secondary structures, and conserved domains among the subfamily members, which is closely linked to their pivotal roles in the BR biosynthesis pathway. Cis-element distribution analysis of the BR synthase genes further underscored the complexity of BR gene expression regulation, which is influenced by multiple factors, including plant hormones, abiotic stress, and transcription factors. Expression profiling of GhBRs genes in various cotton tissues and developmental stages highlighted the key roles of GhROT3-1 and GhDET2-1 in fiber elongation and initiation, respectively. Protein–protein interactions and transcription factor analyses further elucidated the regulatory mechanisms of GhROT3-1 and GhDET2-1 in cotton growth and development. This study lays a theoretical foundation for understanding the role of the BR signaling pathway in cotton development, facilitating molecular breeding.
Modulator Effect of AT1 Receptor Knockdown on THP-1 Macrophage Proinflammatory Activity
Authors: Acevedo-Villavicencio Lourdes Nallely , López-Luna Carlos Enrique , Castillo-Cruz Juan , Gutiérrez-Rojas Rocío Alejandra , Paredes-González Iris Selene , Villafaña Santiago , Huang Fengyang , Vargas-De-León Cruz , Romero-Nava Rodrigo , Aguayo-Cerón Karla Aidee
Published: May 2024

Currently, it is known that angiotensin II (AngII) induces inflammation, and an AT1R blockade has anti-inflammatory effects. The use of an AT1 receptor antagonist promotes the inhibition of the secretion of multiple proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages, as well as a decrease in the concentration of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of AT1 receptor gene silencing on the modulation of cytokines (e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10) in THP-1 macrophages and the relation to the gene expression of NF-κB. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the gene expression of PPAR-γ in THP-1 macrophages using PMA (60 ng/mL). For the silencing, cells were incubated with the siRNA for 72 h and telmisartan (10 µM) was added to the medium for 24 h. After that, cells were incubated during 1 and 24 h, respectively, with Ang II (1 µM). The gene expression levels of AT1R, NF-κB, and cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10) were measured by RT-qPCR. Results: We observed that silencing of the AT1 receptor causes a decrease in the expression of mRNA of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α), NF-κB, and PPAR-γ. Conclusions: We conclude that AT1R gene silencing is an alternative to modulating the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β via NF-κB in macrophages and having high blood pressure decrease.
Primary Nucleation of Polymorphic α-Synuclein Dimers Depends on Copper Concentrations and Definite Copper-Binding Site
Authors: Blacher Carmia , Abramov-Harpaz Karina , Miller Yifat
Published: May 2024

The primary nucleation process of α-synuclein (AS) that forms toxic oligomeric species is the early stage of the pathological cause of Parkinson’s disease. It is well-known that copper influences this primary nucleation process. While significant efforts have been made to solve the structures of polymorphic AS fibrils, the structures of AS oligomers and the copper-bound AS oligomers at the molecular level and the effect of copper concentrations on the primary nucleation are elusive. Here, we propose and demonstrate new molecular mechanism pathways of primary nucleation of AS that are tuned by distinct copper concentrations and by a specific copper-binding site. We present the polymorphic AS dimers bound to different copper-binding sites at the atomic resolution in high- and low-copper concentrations, using extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show the complexity of the primary nucleation pathways that rely on the copper concentrations and the copper binding site. From a broader perspective, our study proposes a new strategy to control the primary nucleation of other toxic amyloid oligomers in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Effects of Raman Labeling Compounds on the Stability and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Performance of Ag Nanoparticle-Embedded Silica Nanoparticles as Tagging Materials
Authors: Yang Cho-Hee , Cho Hye-Seong , Kim Yoon-Hee , Yoo Kwanghee , Lim Jaehong , Hahm Eunil , Rho Won Yeop , Kim Young Jun , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: May 2024

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) tagging using silica(SiO2)@Ag nanoparticles (NPs) is easy to handle and is being studied in various fields, including SERS imaging and immunoassays. This is primarily due to its structural advantages, characterized by high SERS activity. However, the Ag NPs introduced onto the SiO2 surface may undergo structural transformation owing to the Ostwald ripening phenomenon under various conditions. As a result, the consistency of the SERS signal decreases, reducing their usability as SERS substrates. Until recently, research has been actively conducted to improve the stability of single Ag NPs. However, research on SiO2@Ag NPs used as a SERS-tagging material is still lacking. In this study, we utilized a Raman labeling compound (RLC) to prevent the structural deformation of SiO2@Ag NPs under various conditions and proposed excellent SiO2@Ag@RLC-Pre NPs as a SERS-tagging material. Using various RLCs, we confirmed that 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) is the RLC that maintains the highest stability for 2 months. These results were also observed for the SiO2@Ag NPs, which were unstable under various pH and temperature conditions. We believe that SERS tags using SiO2@Ag NPs and 4-MBA can be utilized in various applications on based SERS because of the high stability and consistency of the resulting SERS signal.
BIM Use to Support the Technical Tasks in Construction Projects: A Case Study
Authors: Abdelhameed Wael , Ismaeil Esam M. H.
Published: May 2024

BIM use has proved to be inevitable in construction project phases, starting from the project initiation phase and ending with the project closeout phase. Through the use of 4D/5D/6D models in processes of the construction project such as scheduling, bills of quantities (BoQs), and environmental analysis, BIM provides massive assistance to all project participants. In addition, BIM has been utilized in facility management through the use of 7D models. These well-established benefits positively impact construction project variables: cost, time, and quality. Despite these invaluable contributions in construction projects, BIM is not extensively applied in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of Arab countries, especially in small/medium-scale construction projects. BIM use at these project scales is mainly exclusive to the design phases. The present use of BIM in GCC construction projects leads to the missing of numerous opportunities, which negatively affects project delivery methods, project timelines, and, consequently, project budgets. To shed more light on this subject, this research paper attempts to answer emerging questions, such as the following: How do BIM and other software programs support the technical team of construction projects? Do these software programs have a direct impact on construction project management, in terms of project timelines and work changes? Does BIM add unnecessary cost to the project budget? This research paper proposes four technical task groups used in construction project phases to evaluate the use of BIM and the associated software programs, namely technical work, Time and Accuracy, budget, and BoQ. These four task groups, moreover, have been ratified and are the subject of consensus by project managers and senior engineers in GCC construction projects, who provided the research primary data through interviews and field surveys. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted to investigate and analyze the present status of BIM use in construction projects, and subsequently, to establish a basis to propose improvements to support the technical team of construction projects. Two approaches are proposed to overcome the obstacles that hinder BIM adoption in GCC countries. The first one is a top-down approach, in which BIM use and BIM documents are mandatory in construction projects. The second approach is a bottom-up approach, where having more BIM professionals in the GCC market will facilitate the transformation to BIM.