bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, tolerance and safety outcomes with use of an extensively hydrolyzed casein-based formula in infants with cow’s milk protein allergy
Authors: Kansu Aydan , Urganci Nafiye , Bukulmez Aysegul , Kutluk Gunsel , Gulcu Taskin Didem , Sahin Keskin Lutfiye , Igde Mahir , Molon Lutfi , Dogan Yasar , Sekerel Bulent Enis , Yuksek Mutlu , Bostanci Ilknur , Gerenli Nelgin , Polat Esra , Dalgic Buket , Ayyildiz Hasret , Usta Merve , Basturk Ahmet , Yuce Kirmemis Ozlem , Tuna Kirsaclioglu Ceyda , Gulerman Hacer Fulya , Alptekin Sarioglu Aysugul , Erdogan Simge
Published: July 2023

Objective

To evaluate growth, tolerance and safety outcomes with use of an extensively hydrolyzed casein-based formula (eHCF) in infants with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA).

Methods

A total of 226 infants (mean ± SD age: 106.5 ± 39.5 days, 52.7% were girls) with CMPA who received eHCF comprising at least half of the daily dietary intake were included. Data on anthropometrics [weight for age (WFA), length for age (LFA) and weight for length (WFL) z-scores] were recorded at baseline (visit 1), while data on infant feeding and stool records, anthropometrics and Infant Feeding and Stool Patterns and Formula Satisfaction Questionnaires were recorded at visit 2 (on Days 15 ± 5) and visit 3 (on Days 30 ± 5).

Results

From baseline to visit 2 and visit 3, WFA z-scores (from −0.60 ± 1.13 to −0.54 ± 1.09 at visit 2, and to −0.44 ± 1.05 at visit 3, p < 0.001) and WFL z-scores (from −0.80 ± 1.30 to −0.71 ± 1.22 at visit 2, and to −0.64 ± 1.13 at visit 3, p = 0.002) were significantly increased. At least half of infants never experienced irritability or feeding refusal (55.7%) and spit-up after feeding (50.2%). The majority of mothers were satisfied with the study formula (93.2%), and wished to continue using it (92.2%).

Conclusions

In conclusion, eHCF was well-accepted and tolerated by an intended use population of infants  ≤ 6 months of age with CMPA and enabled adequate volume consumption and improved growth indices within 30 days of utilization alongside a favorable gastrointestinal tolerance and a high level of parental satisfaction.
CBD enhances the cognitive score of adolescent rats prenatally exposed to THC and fine-tunes relevant effectors of hippocampal plasticity
Authors: Castelli Valentina , Lavanco Gianluca , D’Amico Cesare , Feo Salvatore , Tringali Giuseppe , Kuchar Martin , Cannizzaro Carla , Brancato Anna
Published: July 2023

Introduction: An altered neurodevelopmental trajectory associated with prenatal exposure to ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) leads to aberrant cognitive processing through a perturbation in the effectors of hippocampal plasticity in the juvenile offspring. As adolescence presents a unique window of opportunity for “brain reprogramming”, we aimed at assessing the role of the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) as a rescue strategy to temper prenatal THC-induced harm.

Methods: To this aim, Wistar rats prenatally exposed to THC (2 mg/kg s.c.) or vehicle (gestational days 5–20) were tested for specific indexes of spatial and configural memory in the reinforcement-motivated Can test and in the aversion-driven Barnes maze test during adolescence. Markers of hippocampal excitatory plasticity and endocannabinoid signaling—NMDAR subunits NR1 and 2A-, mGluR5-, and their respective scaffold proteins PSD95- and Homer 1-; CB1R- and the neuromodulatory protein HINT1 mRNA levels were evaluated. CBD (40 mg/kg i.p.) was administered to the adolescent offspring before the cognitive tasks.

Results: The present results show that prenatal THC impairs hippocampal memory functions and the underlying synaptic plasticity; CBD is able to mitigate cognitive impairment in both reinforcement- and aversion-related tasks and the neuroadaptation of hippocampal excitatory synapses and CB1R-related signaling.

Discussion: While this research shows CBD potential in dampening prenatal THC-induced consequences, we point out the urgency to curb cannabis use during pregnancy in order to avoid detrimental bio-behavioral outcomes in the offspring.
Developing functional relationships between waterlogging and cotton growth and physiology-towards waterlogging modeling
Authors: Beegum Sahila , Truong Van , Bheemanahalli Raju , Brand David , Reddy Vangimalla , Reddy Kambham Raja
Published: July 2023

Cotton crop is known to be poorly adapted to waterlogging, especially during the early growth stages. Developing functional relationships between crop growth and development parameters and the duration of waterlogging is essential to develop or improve existing cotton crop models for simulating the impact of waterlogging. However, there are only limited experimental studies conducted on cotton specifically aimed at developing the necessary functional relationships required for waterlogging modeling. Further research is needed to understand the effects of waterlogging on cotton crops and improve modeling capabilities in this area. The current study aimed to conduct waterlogging experiments and develop functional relationships between waterlogging and cotton growth and physiology. The experiments were conducted in pots, and the waterlogging was initiated by plugging the drain hole at the bottom of the pot using a wooden peg. In the experiments, eight waterlogging treatments, including the control treatment, were imposed at the vegetative growth stage (15 days after sowing). Control treatment had zero days of water-logged condition; other treatments had 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days of waterlogging. It took five days to reach zero oxygen levels and one to two days to return to control after the treatment. After a total treatment duration of 14 days (30 days after sowing), the growth, physiological, reproductive, and nutrient analysis was conducted. All physiological parameters decreased with the number of days of waterlogging. Flavonoid and anthocyanin index increased with increased duration of waterlogging. Photosynthesis and whole plant dry weight in continuously waterlogged conditions were 75% and 78% less compared to 0, and 2-day water-logged plants. Plant height, stem diameter, number of main stem leaves, leaf area, and leaf length also decreased with waterlogging duration. When waterlogging duration increased, leaf, stem, and root macronutrients decreased, while micronutrients showed mixed trends. Based on the experimental study, functional relationships (linear, quadratic, and exponential decay) and waterlogging stress response indices are developed between growth and development parameters and the duration of waterlogging. This can serve as a base for developing or improving process-based cotton models to simulate the impact of waterlogging.
Comparative transcriptomic profiling reveals differentially expressed genes and important related metabolic pathways in shoots and roots of a Saudi wheat cultivar (Najran) under salinity stress
Authors: Alyahya Norah , Taybi Tahar
Published: July 2023

High salinity of soil is a threatening constraint for agricultural output worldwide. The adverse effects of salt stress on plants can be revealed in different manners, from phenotypic to genetic changes. A comparative RNA-Sequencing analysis was done in roots and shoots of bread wheat, Najran cultivar between plants grown under unstressed control condition (0 mM NaCl) and salt treatment (200 mM NaCl). More than 135 million and 137 million pair-end reads were obtained from root and shoot samples, respectively. Of which, the mapped reads to Triticum aestivum genome IWGSC_V51 ranged from 83.9% to 85% in the root and 71.6% to 79% in the shoot. Interestingly, a comparison of transcriptomic profiling identified that total number of significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) examined in the roots was much higher than that found in the shoots under NaCl treatment, 5829 genes were differentially expressed in the roots whereas 3495 genes in the shoots. The salt-induced change in the transcriptome was confirmed by RT-qPCR using a set of randomly selected genes. KEGG enrichment analysis classified all DEGs in both roots and shoots into 25 enriched KEGG pathways from three main KEGG classes: Metabolism, organismal systems and genetic information processing. According to that, the most significantly regulated pathways in the root and shoot tissues were glutathione metabolism and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as phenylpropanoids and galactose metabolism suggesting that these pathways might participate in wheat salt tolerance. The findings highlight the importance of the control of oxidative stress via Glutathione and phenylpropanoids and the regulation of galactose metabolism in the roots and shoots for salt-tolerance in wheat. They open promising prospects for engineering salt-tolerance in this important crop via targeted improvement of the regulation of key genes in the production of these compounds.
A thematic analysis of bereaved adults' meaning-making experience of loss through playing video games
Authors: Eum Karam , Doh Young Yim
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Recalling personal memories on the loss and deriving new meanings from them is deemed necessary for adapting to bereavement. Recent studies suggest that games can afford players meaningful experiences that can support players through stressful life events, but its potential on the meaning-making of loss has not been much explored. To address this gap, we investigated the bereaved players' experiences of playing commercial video games that elicited their personal memories of loss and what meanings they derived from those experiences.

Method

Twelve adult players with bereavement experiences (six male, six female, age range: 20-31) played two video games (Bear's Restaurant and Spiritfarer). Their experiences during and after gameplay were tracked via play diaries and in-depth interviews. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis method.

Results

We discovered seven themes on the meanings that players made from their gameplay experience: “Recalling memories”, “Avoiding engagement with the pain”, “Recognizing positive emotions”, “Acknowledging the deceased's perspective”, “Reviewing the meaning of loss”, “Planning a better future”, and “Fulfilling a wish”. Our findings indicate that bereaved players recalled and related their autobiographical memories to their in-game experiences. Furthermore, they derived new meanings on both the loss and their post-loss life after playing video games.

Discussion

We discuss how video games can provide a unique meaning-making experience to bereaved players by affording them an agency to actively reconstruct their narrative of loss and facilitating the sharing of grief.
Athletic performance, sports experience, and exercise addiction: an association study on ANKK1 gene polymorphism rs1800497
Authors: Bayraktar Isık , Cepicka Ladislav , Barasinska Magdalena , Kazan Hasan Huseyin , Zorba Erdal , Ergun Mehmet Ali , Eken Özgür , Ceylan Halil İbrahim , Bulgay Celal , Gabrys Tomasz
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Exercise addiction is a phenomenon being able to affecting the athletic performance. The gene, ANKK1 and the polymorphism NM_178510.2:c.2137G > A (rs1800497) has been linked to the exercise addiction. However, further studies on diverse populations and sport branches are needed to totally explore the possible association of this polymorphism with the athletic performance. Thus, the present study aims to decipher any possible relations of the rs1800497 polymorphism with the athletic performance/personal best (PB) and sport experience of elite athletes.

Methods

Sixty volunteer elite athletes (31 sprint/power and 29 endurance) and 20 control/sedentary participated in the study. The polymorphism was genotyped using whole exome sequencing approach and PB were determined according to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) score.

Results

Our results underlined that there were not any significance differences for both allele and genotype frequencies between the groups in terms of athletic performance, although the frequency of allele G was higher (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, sport experience significantly associated with the rs1800496 polymorphism (p < 0.05).

Discussion

In conclusion, genotype G/G could be inferred to be linked to the higher sport experience and athletic performance. Still, further studies with higher number of participants are needed to conclude the association of this polymorphism with athletic parameters.
Physical activity and depression of Chinese college students: chain mediating role of rumination and anxiety
Authors: Liu Yanying , Feng Qingkun , Guo Kelei
Published: July 2023

Objective

To explore the relationship between physical activity and depression among college students, as well as the mediating role of rumination and anxiety.

Methods

A total of 1,292 Chinese college students were investigated by physical activity questionnaire, rumination scale, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and depression scale.

Results

(1) There was a significant negative correlation between physical activity and depression (r = −0.399, p < 0.01), and the direct path of physical activity on depression was significant (β = −0.399, t = −13.374, p < 0.01). (2) Physical activity negatively predicted rumination (β = −0.322, t = −10.440, p < 0.01) and anxiety (β = −0.222, t = −7.089, p < 0.01). Rumination positively predicted anxiety (β = 0.283, t = 9.017, p < 0.01) and depression (β = 0.267, t = 9.046, p < 0.01). Anxiety positively predicted depression (β = 0.262, t = 8.902, p < 0.01). (3) Rumination and anxiety play a significant mediating role between physical activity and depression. The mediating effect involves three paths: physical activity → rumination → depression (the mediating effect value: −0.076); physical activity → anxiety → depression (the mediating effect value: −0.052). Physical activity → rumination → anxiety → depression (the mediating effect value: −0.021).

Conclusion

(1) Physical activity can negatively predict the rumination, anxiety, and depression of college students, which means physical activity can reduce rumination, anxiety, and depression of college students. (2) Physical activity can not only directly affect the depression of college students, but also indirectly affect depression through the independent intermediary role of rumination and anxiety, and the chain mediation of rumination and anxiety.
Dialogic literary argumentation and close reading: effects on high school students’ literature-related argumentative writing and motivational beliefs
Authors: Fulton Kevin , Lin Tzu-Jung , Newell George
Published: July 2023

Given evidence that adolescent students’ motivation to read and write about literature declines with age, we proffer an approach called dialogic literary argumentation (DLA) that asks students to explore literature through argumentation in pursuit of understanding the meanings and possibilities of being human. This quasi-experimental study compared the effectiveness of DLA with close reading (CR), a common approach to teaching literature in high school English language arts classrooms, in improving students’ motivational beliefs about writing and literature-related argumentative writing. The study also examined how the links between motivational beliefs and argumentative writing performance varied by instructional contexts. Participants were 278 high school students in 14 classrooms across 8 public high schools. Classrooms of students received either DLA or CR throughout the academic year. While both the DLA and CR groups improved in literature-related argumentative writing, the DLA group demonstrated more growth than the CR group. Neither group exhibited changes in motivational beliefs. However, at the end of the year, both DLA and CR students’ transactional writer beliefs were predictive of writing self-efficacy. Transmissional writer beliefs negatively correlated with argumentative writing in the CR group and had a null relationship in the DLA group. Overall, motivational beliefs and argumentative writing were more positively correlated in the DLA group than the CR group after the intervention. We posit that the argumentative elements unique to DLA may act to protect students from the negative impacts of transmissional beliefs. Our findings provide theoretical explanations and pedagogical recommendations on how DLA and CR can be jointly employed to heighten students’ motivation and strengthen their argumentative writing competence.
Stigma and related factors among renal dialysis patients in China
Authors: Li Bing , Liu Di , Zhang Yue , Xue Pengshi
Published: July 2023

Background

Stigma is an important psychological concept that is being studied in many diseases. However, there have been few studies on stigma in renal dialysis patients in China. This study aimed to investigate the level of stigma and its potential influencing factors among Chinese renal dialysis patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among renal dialysis patients in two Chinese dialysis centers between April 2022 and July 2022. Two hundred four renal kidney patients were interviewed with a questionnaire on demographic variables using the Social Impact Scale (SIS), Resilience Scale-14 (RS-14), Herth Hope Index(HHI), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Revised Life Orientation Test(LOT-R), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) and Fear of Progression (FoP). T-test/univariate one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s R, and hierarchical linear regression analysis were used to investigate the factors that influence stigma.

Results

Renal dialysis patients in China experienced a moderate level of stigma (52.36 ± 8.16). Stigma was negatively correlated with resilience, hope, and perceived social support, whereas it was positively associated with perceived stress and fear of progression. However, it showed no significant relationship between optimism and stigma. Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that hope (β = -0.318, P < 0.001), social support (β = -0.193, P < 0.01), perceived stress (β = 0.197, P < 0.01), and fear of progression (β = 199, P < 0.01) were found to be associated with stigma among the renal dialysis patients. All four variables in the model could explain 34.6% of the variance in stigma among renal dialysis patients in China.

Conclusion

According to this study, renal dialysis patients in China face a moderate level of stigma. Stigma was found to be negatively related to hope and social support but positively associated with perceived stress and fear of progression. Future research on the stigma of renal dialysis patients should include hope-based interventions, proper and specific social support strategies, stress management interventions, and more disease-related information.
Preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise for continence after radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Luqiang , Chen Yu , Yuan Xiaojuan , Zeng Lijing , Zhu Jingzhen , Zheng Ji
Published: July 2023

Objective

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise on urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

Methods

We searched the literature for randomized controlled trials evaluating the diagnostic analysis of preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) and postprostatectomy incontinence in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, China Biomedical Literature Database, China Journal Full-text Database, Wanfang Database and Weipu Database. The retrieval time limit is from the establishment of the database to January 2023. We used a risk ratio with accompanying 95% confidence interval (CI) to express estimates. Reviewer Manager (RevMan) 5.1.0 was used to complete all statistical analyses.

Results

Twelve studies were included based on the selection criteria. The total number of patients included in the final analysis was 1,365. At 1th month, there was no difference in continence rates between the groups [odds ratio (OR): 0.47; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.22–1.02, p = 0.06]. At 3th month, there was statistically significant difference in PFME group before operation (OR: 0.61; 95% CI, 0.37–0.98, p = 0.04). At 6th and 12th months, there was no difference between groups (OR: 0.57; 95% CI, 0.28–1.17, p = 0.13), (OR: 0.56; 95% CI, 0.27–1.15, p = 0.12).

Conclusion

Preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise can improve postoperative urinary incontinence at 3rd months after radical prostatectomy, but it cannot improve urinary incontinence at 6th months or longer after surgery, which indicates that preoperative PFME can improve early continence rate, but cannot improve long-term urinary incontinence continence rate.
Immunisation status of children receiving care and support in Wales: a national data linkage study
Authors: Bailey Grace A. , Lee Alexandra , Bedford Helen , Perry Malorie , Holland Sally , Walton Suzanne , Griffiths Lucy J.
Published: July 2023

Background

In the UK, a robust childhood immunisation programme ensures children are offered protection against serious infections; identifying inequalities in vaccination coverage is essential. This is one of the first data linkage studies to examine coverage of primary, as well as pre-school booster and second dose of MMR vaccines, in children receiving support from social care services across Wales.

Methods

By accessing records held within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank, vaccination status of children receiving social care and support between April 2016 and March 2021 (n = 24,540) was ascertained. This was achieved through linkage of the Children Receiving Care and Support (CRCS) Census and National Community Child Health Database which holds vaccination records for all children in Wales registered for NHS care. This sample was split into three groups – those children who had never been recorded on the Child Protection Register (CPR) or as ‘Looked After’ but in CRCS (n = 12,480), children ever on the CPR (n = 6,225) and those ever recorded as ‘Looked After’ but who were never on the CPR (n = 5,840). The comparison group of children and young people (CYP) never receiving welfare support consisted of 624,905 children.

Results

Children receiving care or support were more likely to be up-to-date with all six vaccines (no recorded vaccines: 0.6–6.3%) compared to children in the comparison group (no recorded vaccines: 3–10.3%). However, of those who were vaccinated, they were less likely to be vaccinated in a timely manner; both early (5.2% vs. 22.2%; margin of error [ME] = 0.52, 95% CI [confidence interval] = −0.18 – −0.17, p < 0.001) and delayed vaccinations were more common (62.7% vs. 71.3%; ME = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.08–0.09, p < 0.001). Validation of the CRCS immunisation flag showed moderate levels of accuracy. Around 70% of immunisation flags were correct across all three groups.

Discussion

Findings suggest a positive association between receiving services under a care and support plan and being up-to-date with immunisations; children receiving support under a care and support plan were more likely to have experienced early or late vaccinations, demonstrating that there is still more inter-disciplinary co-ordination and planning needed to improve these outcomes. Thus, identifying inequalities in vaccination coverage is essential to target interventions and to prioritise geographic areas for catch-up.
Soil suitability assessment for sustainable intensification of maize production in the humid Savannah of Ghana
Authors: Awoonor Johnny Kofi , Dogbey Bright Fafali , Quansah Gabriel Willie
Published: July 2023

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), food security is a significant challenge due to unreliable rainfall and depleting soil fertility. Most of the soil resource in the sub-region which constitutes majority of the fields of smallholder farmers is degraded. Hence, there is a need to identify suitable soils for sustainable intensification. The objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate the suitability and fertility constraints of soils and (ii) discuss the influence of soil properties on maize production in the Nkoranza (north and south) district. A total of sixty (60) soil samples were sampled from smallholder farms under careful consideration of topography and the spatial pattern of land use systems. The evaluation of soil suitability was carried out using climate (temperature and rainfall) and physico-chemical characteristics of soils for maize (Zea mays) production. The results indicated that soil texture varied from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Soil organic carbon concentration (SOC) ranged between 0.55 and 2.02%. Total nitrogen (TN) and SOC were low in all soil types except in theBediesi series (Haplic Luvisol). Base cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+) were low and varied between soil types. Although climatic factors and physical properties were highly suitable (S1), more than half of the pedons were moderately suitable (S2). The soils functioned at a moderate capacity for maize production. The major limitations identified were sub-optimal and related to soil fertility (CEC). Pearson correlation revealed a relationship between parametric actual index (PAI) and parametric potential index (PPI;r= 0.940,p< 0.003) and between soil resilience index (SRI;r= 0.768,p< 0.037) and the relationship between these variables is a perfect correlation. Soil management is required to increase maize yield in the study area. Soil erosion prevention measures such as cover crops, mulching, organic manure (poultry), and mineral fertilizer application are recommended to improve soil fertility in the Nkoranza (north and south) district. This study can inform policies and interventions geared toward sustainable agricultural intensification. Land and soil are heterogeneous and any decision on intensification in this study accounted for the prevailing local conditions of the study area. Therefore, indexing soil suitability using climate (rainfall and temperature), physical land characteristics (topography, drainage) and chemical properties (pH, SOM, SOC, TN, Av. P, Av. K, etc.) of soil resources for sustainable intensification of maize is proposed for smallholder farming communities of Nkoranza (north and south) districts in the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone of Ghana.
Food product quality, environmental and personal characteristics affecting consumer perception toward food
Authors: Rai Sampurna , Wai Phu Pwint , Koirala Pankaj , Bromage Sabri , Nirmal Nilesh Prakash , Pandiselvam Ravi , Nor-Khaizura Mahmud Ab Rashid , Mehta Naresh Kumar
Published: July 2023

Food industries are developing new processing technologies, resulting in the emergence of new product categories, including ready-to-eat meals, functional foods and beverages, and plant-based foods, etc. Rapid globalization, changes in lifestyle, consumer awareness, and perception toward food drive further technical advancements. However, consumer perception remains the prime factor for food marketing and technological development. Consumer perception is a trifecta of sensory properties, personal and environmental factors. Sensory and personal factors include consumer age, attitude, health condition, nutrition awareness, and religion which directly influence consumer choice. Whereas environmental factors consist of regional variation in the food process, national economic status, and consumer purchasing power. All these factors affect consumers’ decisions to accept or reject foods. Additionally, consumers are more willing to taste innovative food products that assure the safety and quality of the product.
Transcriptome profiling of A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells in response to Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae excretory/secretory products
Authors: Wang Haoxuan , Zhu Yingying , Li Meichen , Pan Jingdan , Li Dan , Guo Wen-Ping , Xie Guangcheng , Du Luanying
Published: July 2023

Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) muscle-larva excretory/secretory products (ML-ESPs) is a complex array of proteins with antitumor activity. We previously demonstrated that ML-ESPs inhibit the proliferation of A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line. However, the mechanism of ML-ESPs against A549 cells, especially on the transcriptional level, remains unknow. In this study, we systematically investigated a global profile bioinformatics analysis of transcriptional response of A549 cells treated with ML-ESPs. And then, we further explored the transcriptional regulation of genes related to glucose metabolism in A549 cells by ML-ESPs. The results showed that ML-ESPs altered the expression of 2,860 genes (1,634 upregulated and 1,226 downregulated). GO and KEGG analysis demonstrated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly associated with pathway in cancer and metabolic process. The downregulated genes interaction network of metabolic process is mainly associated with glucose metabolism. Furthermore, the expression of phosphofructokinase muscle (PFKM), phosphofructokinase liver (PFKL), enolase 2 (ENO2), lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB), 6-phosphogluconolactonase (6PGL), ribulose-phosphate-3-epimerase (PRE), transketolase (TKT), transaldolase 1 (TALDO1), which genes mainly regulate glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), were suppressed by ML-ESPs. Interestingly, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA)-related genes, such as pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 1 (PDP1), PDP2, aconitate hydratase 1 (ACO1) and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) were upregulated by ML-ESPs. In summary, the transcriptome profiling of A549 cells were significantly altered by ML-ESPs. And we also provide new insight into how ML-ESPs induced a transcriptional reprogramming of glucose metabolism-related genes in A549 cells.
Machine-Learning Techniques for Predicting Phishing Attacks in Blockchain Networks: A Comparative Study
Authors: Joshi Kunj , Bhatt Chintan , Shah Kaushal , Parmar Dwireph , Corchado Juan M. , Bruno Alessandro , Mazzeo Pier Luigi
Published: July 2023

Security in the blockchain has become a topic of concern because of the recent developments in the field. One of the most common cyberattacks is the so-called phishing attack, wherein the attacker tricks the miner into adding a malicious block to the chain under genuine conditions to avoid detection and potentially destroy the entire blockchain. The current attempts at detection include the consensus protocol; however, it fails when a genuine miner tries to add a new block to the blockchain. Zero-trust policies have started making the rounds in the field as they ensure the complete detection of phishing attempts; however, they are still in the process of deployment, which may take a significant amount of time. A more accurate measure of phishing detection involves machine-learning models that use specific features to automate the entire process of classifying an attempt as either a phishing attempt or a safe attempt. This paper highlights several models that may give safe results and help eradicate blockchain phishing attempts.
Hardware Suitability of Complex Natural Resonances Extraction Algorithms in Backscattered Radar Signals
Authors: Gallego Andres , Roman Francisco
Published: July 2023

Complex natural resonances (CNRs) extraction methods such as matrix pencil method (MPM), Cauchy, vector-fitting Cauchy method (VCM), or Prony’s method decompose a signal in terms of frequency components and damping factors based on Baum’s singularity expansion method (SEM) either in the time or frequency domain. The validation of these CNRs is accomplished through a reconstruction of the signal based on these complex poles and residues and a comparison with the input signal. Here, we perform quantitative performance metrics in order to have an evaluation of each method’s hardware suitability factor before selecting a hardware platform using benchmark signals, simulations of backscattering scenarios, and experiments.
Identification of Mechanical Parameters in Flexible Drive Systems Using Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization Based on the Quasi-Newton Method
Authors: Hafez Ishaq , Dhaouadi Rached
Published: July 2023

This study presents hybrid particle swarm optimization with quasi-Newton (HPSO-QN), a hybrid optimization method for accurately identifying mechanical parameters in two-mass model (2MM) systems. These systems are commonly used to model and control high-performance electric drive systems with elastic joints, which are prevalent in modern industrial production. The proposed method combines the global exploration capabilities of particle swarm optimization (PSO) with the local exploitation abilities of the quasi-Newton (QN) method to precisely estimate the motor and load inertias, shaft stiffness, and friction coefficients of the 2MM system. By integrating these two optimization techniques, the HPSO-QN method exhibits superior accuracy and performance compared to standard PSO algorithms. Experimental validation using a 2MM system demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method in accurately identifying and improving the mechanical parameters of these complex systems. The HPSO-QN method offers significant implications for enhancing the modeling, performance, and stability of 2MM systems and can be extended to other systems with flexible shafts and couplings. This study contributes to the development of accurate and effective parameter identification methods for complex systems, emphasizing the crucial role of precise parameter estimation in achieving optimal control performance and stability.
Integrated Aircraft Design System Based on Generative Modelling
Authors: Skarka Wojciech , Nalepa Rafał , Musik Robert
Published: July 2023

This article presents the effects of work performed during a software project for generative models and spreadsheets, allowing the quick creation of conceptual models for aircraft. The presented software at the current stage is suitable for the creation of glider representation; however, a modular structure allows for developing and extrapolating the presented application to match the requirements of planes and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) design. The subject of this work is a response to the current trends and needs prevailing in the field of CAD (computer-aided design) and aviation. In the initial sections of this paper, theoretical issues related to the work being carried out are introduced, and the methodology for creating software for the construction and verification of the aircraft structure along with the need for interchange between databases of generative models is presented. In the following sections, the concepts and selected solutions for the user interface that supports the knowledge base are presented along with a set of procedures for its operation. Furthermore, a method for database integration with the methods used to determine design features for the developed generative models and the Siemens NX system is introduced. Problems encountered during software development, as well as solution examples for model applications, are specified. The results obtained and the models generated on their basis were tested with a strength analysis using Autodesk Inventor software and analysed in terms of meeting the initial assumptions. In the end, conclusions and observations were formulated resulting from the effects of the work performed during the project.
Reactor Structure for the Decomposition of ADN-Based Monopropellant
Authors: Yoon Wonjae , Bhosale Vikas Khandu , Yoon Hosung
Published: July 2023

Ammonia dinitramide (ADN)-based liquid monopropellants are considered to be environmentally friendly alternatives to the toxic and carcinogenic hydrazine-based propellants. Hence, Space Solutions Co., Ltd. is developing a 1N ADN-based liquid monopropellant thruster by conducting a combustion performance in different types of reactors. Various parameters, such as preheating temperature and the size of thermal and catalyst beds, were examined. The results showed that the decomposition of the propellant in a Pt-LHA catalyst bed, which was used in the Type-1 reactor, resulted in insufficient combustion at low preheating temperatures. Furthermore, increasing the preheating temperature led to partial reaction of the propellant, but resulted in low combustion efficiency due to disintegration of the catalyst. However, when a thermal bed (STS ball) was used in addition to the catalyst bed (Pt-LHA) in the Type-2 and Type-3 reactors, the combustion efficiency was improved, with a minimal pressure drop of 0.2 bar. It was also confirmed that the catalyst was not damaged even after repeated operations. In conclusion, this study suggests that the propellant needs to vaporize before decomposing on the catalyst bed to achieve optimal combustion efficiency.
Seed State-Detection Sensor for a Cotton Precision Dibble
Authors: Ren Ling , Wang Shuang , Hu Bin , Li Tao , Zhao Ming , Zhang Yuquan , Yang Miao
Published: July 2023

In Xinjiang, precision hole-sowing technology is used for cotton cultivation. A disc-type seed disperser has problems with missing seeds and multi-seeding; therefore, an interdigital (multiple pairs of coplanar electrodes crossed) capacitance sensor is designed to determine the seed pick-up status by gathering electrical capacity information. Firstly, a theoretical derivation is performed for calculating the capacitance of the sensor, and it is concluded that the interdigital spacing, interdigital width, and interdigital logarithm all affect the output capacitance. Then, by analyzing the working process of the dibble, the assemblage position of the sensor and the dimensional constraints were determined. In order to explore the impact of various structural parameters on the sensor’s performance (signal strength and capacitance variation), a Maxwell simulation platform was established, and orthogonal tests were created to optimize the structural parameters. In addition, the STM32 microcontroller is utilized as the core, and it is linked with the PCAP01-AD chip to form a tiny capacitance-detecting circuit. Finally, the capacitance threshold division test determined the capacitance threshold at different seed states. The test results demonstrate that the interdigital capacitive sensor can accurately determine the precision dibble’s seeding status, with detection accuracies of 96.9% for normal seeding, 99.67% for miss-seeding, and 93.77% for multiple seeds. These results can be used as a research reference for capacitive seeding status-detection technology.
Evaluation of Antiphytoviral and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil and Hydrosol Extracts from Five Veronica Species
Authors: Nazlić Marija , Dunkić Valerija , Dželalija Mia , Maravić Ana , Mandić Mihaela , Srečec Siniša , Vrca Ivana , Vuko Elma , Kremer Dario
Published: July 2023

Agricultural production without pollution is possible using bioactive plant compounds, which include essential oils as important substances of plant origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiphytoviral and antibacterial potentials of lipid (essential oil, EO) and water (hydrosol, HY) extracts from five Veronica species (Plantaginaceae) obtained by Clevenger hydrodistillation (HD) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), with analysis by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The antiphytoviral activities of both extracts were tested on local host plants infected with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The antibacterial potential was tested against ten strains of opportunistic pathogens using the broth microdilution test. Species V. chamaedrys EO-MAE extract, V. arvensis EO from both extractions and V. montana, V. serpyllifolia, and V. persica EO-HD extracts were more effective in inhibiting TMV infection. Furthermore, HY- HD extracts of V. arvensis, V. chamaedrys and V. persica showed significant antiphytoviral activity. HY fractions had no effect on bacterial growth, regardless of the Veronica species tested, likely due to the fact that the maximum concentrations of the HY fractions tested in this study were low (1.83 and 2.91 mg/mL). EOs showed significant antibacterial activity independent of the extraction method. Notably, V. chamaedrys EO-MAE fraction, showed significantly better activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecalis. Also, the EO-HD fraction of V. arvensis showed slightly better antibacterial activity. By combining extracts and using different extraction methods, valuable bioproducts can be obtained from the investigated Veronica species for safe use in agricultural production and food conservation.
Enhancing Animal Welfare with Interaction Recognition: A Deep Dive into Pig Interaction Using Xception Architecture and SSPD-PIR Method
Authors: Kim Jung , Poulose Alwin , Colaco Savina , Neethirajan Suresh , Han Dong
Published: July 2023

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in animal husbandry, particularly in pig interaction recognition (PIR), offers a transformative approach to enhancing animal welfare, promoting sustainability, and bolstering climate resilience. This innovative methodology not only mitigates labor costs but also significantly reduces stress levels among domestic pigs, thereby diminishing the necessity for constant human intervention. However, the raw PIR datasets often encompass irrelevant porcine features, which pose a challenge for the accurate interpretation and application of these datasets in real-world scenarios. The majority of these datasets are derived from sequential pig imagery captured from video recordings, and an unregulated shuffling of data often leads to an overlap of data samples between training and testing groups, resulting in skewed experimental evaluations. To circumvent these obstacles, we introduced a groundbreaking solution—the Semi-Shuffle-Pig Detector (SSPD) for PIR datasets. This novel approach ensures a less biased experimental output by maintaining the distinctiveness of testing data samples from the training datasets and systematically discarding superfluous information from raw images. Our optimized method significantly enhances the true performance of classification, providing unbiased experimental evaluations. Remarkably, our approach has led to a substantial improvement in the isolation after feeding (IAF) metric by 20.2% and achieved higher accuracy in segregating IAF and paired after feeding (PAF) classifications exceeding 92%. This methodology, therefore, ensures the preservation of pertinent data within the PIR system and eliminates potential biases in experimental evaluations. As a result, it enhances the accuracy and reliability of real-world PIR applications, contributing to improved animal welfare management, elevated food safety standards, and a more sustainable and climate-resilient livestock industry.
A Century of Vitamin E: Early Milestones and Future Directions in Animal Nutrition
Authors: Shastak Yauheni , Obermueller-Jevic Ute , Pelletier Wolf
Published: July 2023

Vitamin E, consisting of four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, with α-tocopherol as the most biologically active form, has a significant history in scientific research. It was first identified in the 1920s for its role in preventing neonatal mortality in rats. Over time, its chemical structure was elucidated, and its importance in the immune system, skin health, anti-inflammatory properties, and hormonal balance was revealed. Vitamin E production has evolved from natural sourcing to efficient synthesis with standardized potency units. Initially, animal studies focused on reproductive health and growth disorders, but later research highlighted vitamin E’s role in preventing encephalomalacia in domestic fowl and muscular dystrophy in various animals. Today, vitamin E is commonly used as a feed additive to enhance animal health and immune function. Despite substantial knowledge about its role in animal nutrition, several questions remain unanswered. Current research seeks to determine optimal supplementation levels, interactions with other nutrients, impacts on gene expression, cell signaling, and communication, as well as the effects of high dosages in livestock. Vitamin E continues to be a crucial component in improving animal health, and ongoing research aims to uncover its benefits and mechanisms of action further.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi as a Plant Growth Stimulant in a Tomato and Onion Intercropping System
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Casas-Solís Josefina , Neri-Luna Cecilia , Kiran Munazza , Yasin Saba , González-Eguiarte Diego Raymundo , Muñoz-Urias Alejandro
Published: July 2023

Climate change has challenged large-scale crop production at a global level. Global temperature increases, water scarcity, and a further reduction in cultivable land resources due to anthropogenic impacts have resulted in the need to redesign agricultural systems such as intercropping to maximize the efficient use of natural resources. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) represent an underexplored area, not only in terms of an alternative to the heavy use of chemical fertilizers, but also as a natural resource used to enhance physiological processes and mitigate the variations in biotic and abiotic factors in plants. On the other hand, the combined use of AMF with suitable but cheaper and environmentally friendly growth substrates is another way to maximize crop production. A study was carried out in a tomato and onion intercropped pattern system to analyze the above- and belowground implications of two AMF commercial products containing Rhizophagus irregularis, propagated in soil and with an in vitro technique addition, with two different mixed growth substrates (river sand and compost) under greenhouse conditions. Overall, both AMF products overall showed significant promoting effects on plant growth (15–30%) and root parameters (50%) in the tomato and onion plants on the sand-mixed substrate. Moreover, the soil-propagated AMF also showed significant positive effects on chlorophyll content (35%), photosynthetic activity, and the accumulation of macro- and micronutrients, especially the Fe and Mn contents (60–80%) in the tomato plants. We present evidence of the benefits to plant performance due to the interactive effects between AMF and the growth substrate, and these positive effects might be due to the intercropping system. Hence, soil-propagated Rhizophagus irregularis is represented here as a promising candidate for enhancing growth, sustainability, and productivity under greenhouse conditions.
Classification of Appearance Quality of Red Grape Based on Transfer Learning of Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Zha Zhihua , Shi Dongyuan , Chen Xiaohui , Shi Hui , Wu Jie
Published: July 2023

Grapes are a globally popular fruit, with grape cultivation worldwide being second only to citrus. This article focuses on the low efficiency and accuracy of traditional manual grading of red grape external appearance and proposes a small-sample red grape external appearance grading model based on transfer learning with convolutional neural networks (CNNs). In the naturally growing vineyards, 195,120,135 samples of Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III red grapes were collected using a Canon EOS 550D camera, and a data set of 1800 samples was obtained using data enhancement technology. Then, the CNN transfer learning method was used to transfer the pre-trained AlexNet, VGG16, GoogleNet, InceptionV3, and ResNet50 network models on the ImageNet image dataset to the red grape image grading task. By comparing the classification performance of the CNN models of these five different network depths with fine-tuning, ResNet50 with a learning rate of 0.001 and a loop number of 10 was determined to be the best feature extractor for red grape images. Moreover, given the small number of red grape image samples in this study, different convolutional layer features output by the ResNet50 feature extractor were analyzed layer by layer to determine the effect of deep features extracted by each convolutional layer on Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification performance. This analysis helped to obtain a ResNet50 + SVM red grape external appearance grading model based on the optimal ResNet50 feature extraction strategy. Experimental data showed that the classification model constructed using the feature parameters extracted from the 10th node of the ResNet50 network achieved an accuracy rate of 95.08% for red grape grading. These research results provide a reference for the online grading of red grape clusters based on external appearance quality and have certain guiding significance for the quality and efficiency of grape industry circulation and production.