bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Histogram Publishing Method under Differential Privacy That Involves Balancing Small-Bin Availability First
Authors: Chen Jianzhang , Zhou Shuo , Qiu Jie , Xu Yixin , Zeng Bozhe , Fang Wanchuan , Chen Xiangying , Huang Yipeng , Xu Zhengquan , Chen Youqin
Published: July 2024

Differential privacy, a cornerstone of privacy-preserving techniques, plays an indispensable role in ensuring the secure handling and sharing of sensitive data analysis across domains such as in census, healthcare, and social networks. Histograms, serving as a visually compelling tool for presenting analytical outcomes, are widely employed in these sectors. Currently, numerous algorithms for publishing histograms under differential privacy have been developed, striving to balance privacy protection with the provision of useful data. Nonetheless, the pivotal challenge concerning the effective enhancement of precision for small bins (those intervals that are narrowly defined or contain a relatively small number of data points) within histograms has yet to receive adequate attention and in-depth investigation from experts. In standard DP histogram publishing, adding noise without regard for bin size can result in small data bins being disproportionately influenced by noise, potentially severely impairing the overall accuracy of the histogram. In response to this challenge, this paper introduces the SReB_GCA sanitization algorithm designed to enhance the accuracy of small bins in DP histograms. The SReB_GCA approach involves sorting the bins from smallest to largest and applying a greedy grouping strategy, with a predefined lower bound on the mean relative error required for a bin to be included in a group. Our theoretical analysis reveals that sorting bins in ascending order prior to grouping effectively prioritizes the accuracy of smaller bins. SReB_GCA ensures strict ϵ-DP compliance and strikes a careful balance between reconstruction error and noise error, thereby not only initially improving the accuracy of small bins but also approximately optimizing the mean relative error of the entire histogram. To validate the efficiency of our proposed SReB_GCA method, we conducted extensive experiments using four diverse datasets, including two real-life datasets and two synthetic ones. The experimental results, quantified by the Kullback–Leibler Divergence (KLD), show that the SReB_GCA algorithm achieves substantial performance enhancement compared to the baseline method (DP_BASE) and several other established approaches for differential privacy histogram publication.
Logical Execution Time and Time-Division Multiple Access in Multicore Embedded Systems: A Case Study
Authors: Mosqueda-Arvizu Carlos-Antonio , Romero-González Julio-Alejandro , Córdova-Esparza Diana-Margarita , Terven Juan , Chaparro-Sánchez Ricardo , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal
Published: July 2024

The automotive industry has recently adopted multicore processors and microcontrollers to meet the requirements of new features, such as autonomous driving, and comply with the latest safety standards. However, inter-core communication poses a challenge in ensuring real-time requirements such as time determinism and low latencies. Concurrent access to shared buffers makes predicting the flow of data difficult, leading to decreased algorithm performance. This study explores the integration of Logical Execution Time (LET) and Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA) models in multicore embedded systems to address the challenges in inter-core communication by synchronizing read/write operations across different cores, significantly reducing latency variability and improving system predictability and consistency. Experimental results demonstrate that this integrated approach eliminates data loss and maintains fixed operation rates, achieving a consistent latency of 11 ms. The LET-TDMA method reduces latency variability to approximately 1 ms, maintaining a maximum delay of 1.002 ms and a minimum delay of 1.001 ms, compared to the variability in the LET-only method, which ranged from 3.2846 ms to 8.9257 ms for different configurations.
Prototyping for Digital Innovation: Investigating the Impact of Digital Technology on Prototyping Elements
Authors: Wenngren Johan , Rizk Aya
Published: July 2024

Prototyping is an important part of any development activity since it supports communication and knowledge creation among the members of the developing organization. Although prototyping is well established in the development of physical products, less is known about its use and effect on digital service innovation and development. Since digital technologies today are embedded in almost every level of an organization, from its processes to its offerings, it can be argued that it is crucial for an organization to be able to handle not only digital aspects of prototyping, but also physical and digital aspects simultaneously. This study addresses this need by exploring the impact of digital technology on prototyping, answering the research question “How does digital technology affect the different elements of prototyping?” By taking a comprehensive view on prototypes, implications for development are analyzed and developed based on the complex nature and ontology of digital technology. The result encompasses a set of nine different propositions for digital prototyping which contributes to both academia and the work of practitioners.
Sustainable Fashion: Conceptualization, Purchase Determinants, and Willingness to Pay More
Authors: Pires Paulo Botelho , Morais Cláudia , Delgado Catarina J. M. , Santos José Duarte
Published: July 2024

The concept of sustainable fashion is becoming more relevant in today’s society. The purpose of this research is to identify the determinants of the purchase intention of sustainable fashion, and the relationship between price and the purchase of sustainable fashion. A questionnaire was administered, which made it possible to define the concept of sustainable fashion, to use PLS-SEM to identify the determinants, and to apply linear regression models and t-tests of two independent samples (two-tailed test). The concept of sustainable fashion comprises the dimensions of manufacturing with a reduced environmental impact, consuming second-hand fashion products, manufacturing in an environmentally friendly way, reusing fashion products, manufacturing to last longer, manufacturing according to fair trade principles, using recycled materials, and manufacturing from organic materials. The PLS-SEM results show that purchase intention is determined by consumer knowledge, environmental beliefs, and willingness to pay more. The research also revealed that there is a non-linear (quadratic or exponential) relationship between the price of the product and the price increase that consumers are willing to pay and that they value the dimensions of sustainable fashion differently. The purchase intention determinants of consumers and non-consumers of sustainable fashion are identical, yet the dimensions of sustainable fashion are valued differently by each group.
The Influence of Remote Work on Personality Trait–Performance Linkages: A Two-Wave Longitudinal Study
Authors: Olsen Espen , Fu Yusheng , Jensen Maria
Published: July 2024

Few studies have investigated how remote work influences personality trait–performance linkages over time in heterogeneous work populations. Hence, the aim of this study was twofold: (1) to explore the predictive validity personality traits have on work behaviour (work engagement and innovative work behaviour) and occupational health outcomes (general health and sick leave); (2) to explore how remote work potentially moderates the trait–performance linkage. Panel survey data from a Norwegian work–life barometer panel research project was employed, and the time lag was one year. The results indicated that the Big Five was consistently related to work behaviour and occupational health outcomes. Extraversion had the strongest positive association with work engagement (0.25), innovative work behaviour (0.26) and general health (0.17), while neuroticism had strongest associations with work engagement (−0.16), general health (−0.21), and sick leave (0.23). Agreeableness increases the risk of sick leave (0.11), while intellect/imagination increases innovative work behaviour (0.13). Remote work reduces the influence extraversion has on work engagement, while remote work five days a week also reduces the effect conscientiousness has on general health. Remote work did not moderate trait–performance linkages associated with intellect/imagination, agreeableness or neuroticism. This study provides updated knowledge on trait–performance linkages post-COVID-19 and demonstrates that remote work can reduce the positive influence of extraversion and conscientiousness.
Numerical Simulation of Gas Flow Coupled with Burning Surface Regression Based on Immersed Boundary Method and Face Offsetting Method
Authors: Su Dongjian , Lin Qingyu , Wang Hao , Tao Ruyi
Published: July 2024

The coupling action of gas flow with propellant burning surface regression is the critical process in solid rocket motor (SRM), which has an important effect on the unsteady combustion, erosive burning, dynamic combustion and pressure fluctuation of propellants. The immersed boundary method (IBM) is used to deal with the dynamic boundary of the flow field caused by the burning surface regression, and the face offsetting method (FOM) is applied to track the regression of the burning surface. The combination of these two methods can realize the coupling simulation of gas flow and burning surface regression. In this paper, the mathematical model of the immersed boundary method for all the flow field boundaries and the coupling method of gas flow with the propellant burning surface regression are given. And the implementation method of the immersed boundary method for all boundary conditions in the non-viscous flow field is given. The internal flow fields of the motor with the end-slotted and end-burning propellant and another motor with the perforated cylindrical propellant, considering the erosive burning, are simulated. The numerical results show that IBM, combined with FOM, has effectively realized the simulation of gas flow coupled with the burning surface regression.
Three-Dimensional Characterization of Residual Stress in Aircraft Riveted Panel Structures
Authors: Kang Yonggang , Xiao Huan , Wang Zihao , Li Guomao , Chen Yonggang
Published: July 2024

The residual stress field induced by interference-fit riveting in aircraft panel structures significantly affects the fatigue performance around the rivet holes. Common residual stress analytical models often overlook the non-uniformity of interference between the rivet and the hole, which impacts the applicability of these models. Addressing this issue, an analytical model of residual stress around the rivet hole is proposed for a typical single-riveted structure based on the thick-walled cylinder theory and Lame’s equations, considering the non-uniform interference along the axis of the rivet hole. This novel model is then extended to multi-riveted structures in fuselage panels. Using vector synthesis, analytical models for single-row double-rivets and double-row quadruple-rivets configurations were derived. The established analytical models provide a three-dimensional characterization of the residual stress field in typical riveted structures. Finally, the accuracy of the model is verified through X-ray diffraction experiments and FEM simulation results.
Design for Copying Grouser and Bionic Convex Hull Patterns on Track Surfaces of Crawler Combine Harvesters
Authors: Yuan Lulu , Tang Zhong , Liu Sifan , Wang Ting , Ding Zhao
Published: July 2024

In the rainy season, which often has uncertain rainfall, crawler combine harvesters have difficulty traversing wet and soft rice fields. A large amount of clay is often accumulated on the track surfaces, resulting in frequent slipping and sinking, which greatly affects the operational performance and harvesting efficiency of crawler combine harvesters. To address this issue, this paper proposes a high-traction track grouser based on the structure of an ostrich’s foot sole. First, a traction force mathematical model is constructed to analyze the interaction between a track grouser and wet and soft rice fields, and parameter optimization is conducted. Then, the bionic information of a dung beetle’s non-smooth body surface is extracted, and the surface of the track is designed with biomimetic convex hull patterns based on the geometric similarity principle and adhesive experiments. Finally, the analysis results indicate that the optimized track grouser significantly improved the traction of the track in wet and soft rice fields. For the track plate with a bionic desorption convex hull pattern, a convex hull diameter of 6 mm, convex hull spacing of 8.25 mm, and convex hull height of 3 mm led to good adhesion reduction and desorption effects in wet and soft soil.
Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affecting Soil C, N, P and Their Stoichiometries under Different Land-Use Types in a Karst Agricultural Watershed, China
Authors: Hu Gang , Huang Xiaoxing , Chen Siyu , Hu Cong , Zhong Chaofang , Xu Chaohao , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: July 2024

Comprehending the impacts of land-use type on soil nutrition and stoichiometry in watersheds is crucial for effective regional ecosystem management. However, a deeper understanding of the influence of land-use type on soil stoichiometry in karst agricultural watersheds is still lacking. Here, we analyzed the contents, stoichiometries, and drivers of topsoil C, N, and P in a karst agricultural watershed in China, focusing on six land-use types: paddy fields, dry farmland, tussock land, shrubland, shrubby tussock land, and woodland. We found that woodland exhibited significantly higher soil organic carbon (SOC) content than other land-use types except shrubland. Moreover, woodland exhibited the highest total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) contents compared with other land-use types. C/N and N/P ratios did not vary significantly with land-use type, whereas dry farmland (18.68) showed a significantly lower C/P ratio than woodland (39), shrubland (39.92), and paddy fields (34.87). In addition, our results revealed that soil pH, catalase and invertase activity, and bacterial and actinomycetes abundance significantly influenced C, N, and P content and stoichiometry. These findings reveal that interactions between multiple biotic and abiotic factors drive variability in soil stoichiometry, offering valuable insight for land improvement and ecological management in karst agricultural watersheds.
The Effect of Different Farrowing Housing Systems on the Reproductive Performance of Sows and the Losses and Growth of Piglets
Authors: Nevrkla Pavel , Sečkář Jan , Weisbauerová Eva , Horký Pavel , Knitlová Drahomíra Čtvrtlíková , Lustyková Alena , Hadaš Zdeněk , Rozkot Miroslav
Published: July 2024

The aim of the experiment was to analyze the reproductive performance of sows and the losses and growth of piglets in three different systems of farrowing houses. A total of 120 sows of the Prestice Black-Pied breed were included in the study with 40 litters evaluated in each of the systems. The housing systems compared were conventional farrowing cages, pens with temporary fixation, and free farrowing pens. The housing system significantly affected the length of pregnancy (p < 0.05). Its effect was 0.35 days shorter in the sows in the free-farrowing system than in the cage technology and 0.6 days shorter than in the temporary fixation. Housing also influenced the onset of post-weaning oestrus (p < 0.01), which occurred 0.31 days earlier in the sows in a free-farrowing system and in those in pens with temporary fixation. A significant effect of housing on the overall losses of piglets (p < 0.05) was also found. The crushing of piglets by sows was also significantly affected by the housing system (p < 0.05), with the highest incidence found in the free-farrowing system. The effect of the housing system on the individual weaning weight of piglets was also found to be significant (p < 0.001). The piglets of the sows in the free housing system showed higher growth intensity when compared to piglets in the other housing systems. In conclusion, it can be stated that the lowest losses caused by the crushing of piglets were found in the cage systems. However, the combined system seems to be very perspective in terms of losses of piglets. The free-farrowing system has positive effects on the growth of piglets.
How Does Agricultural Green Transformation Improve Residents’ Health? Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Feng Xiuju , Zheng Yunchen , Yamaka Woraphon , Liu Jianxu
Published: July 2024

Promoting green and sustainable agriculture is of great significance for ensuring food security and addressing global challenges. Meanwhile, health has increasingly become a global concern. Nutrition and health are the purpose of agricultural production. As two major global issues, how agriculture empowers human health has long been discussed. Based on the provincial panel data of China from 2003 to 2021, this paper studies the impact of agricultural green transformation (AGT) on residents’ health and explores its impact mechanism. The empirical results show that: (1) AGT in China has significantly reduced the average mortality rate and maternal mortality rate and significantly increased the average life expectancy, indicating that AGT in China has significantly improved the health level. The conclusions of robustness testing methods such as replacing AGT indicators and controlling endogeneity are still valid; and (2) The impact of AGT on residents’ health depends on the regional economic level, and there is a threshold effect. Compared with low-income areas, the positive effects of AGT in high-income areas on residents’ health are more pronounced; and (3) Agricultural carbon emissions play an intermediary effect between AGT and residents’ health, and AGT can improve residents’ health by reducing carbon emissions. The level of local education development plays a moderating role in the relationship between AGT and residents’ health. Agricultural policy implications include enhancing the ability to protect and utilize agricultural resources, promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of agriculture, and taking a more scientific and systematic approach towards the complex diversity of health risk factors.
Insights into the Impact of Irrigation Agriculture on the Economy of the Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Social Accounting Matrix Multiplier Analysis
Authors: Pfunzo Ramigo , Bahta Yonas T. , Jordaan Henry
Published: July 2024

The development of irrigation systems is strategically used to improve food security and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2) of ending hunger and poverty. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of irrigation agriculture on the economy of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. This study used the 2017 national social accounting matrix (SAM) as a database with detailed information on irrigation and rainfed agricultural activities and land accounts to compute the effect of exogenous shock on output, income, land, and value added using SAM multiplier analysis. The findings showed that output multiplier effects were more significant for rainfed agriculture compared to irrigation agriculture. However, irrigation agriculture had the highest institutional income, land return, and value-added multiplier compared to rainfed agriculture. The type of crop did not influence the findings, with irrigation consuming more input per unit of output. We conclude that investing in irrigation agriculture and increasing the efficiency and sustainability of existing irrigation agriculture in Limpopo is significant and profitable because dry land production is hazardous when there is insufficient rainfall or recurrent drought.
Natural Variation in Chromium Accumulation and the Development of Related EST-SSR Molecular Markers in Miscanthus sinensis
Authors: Nie Gang , Liu Aiyu , Ghanizadeh Hossein , Wang Yang , Tang Mingyu , He Jie , Feng Guangyan , Huang Linkai , Zhang Xinquan
Published: July 2024

Soil pollution by heavy metals is a serious environmental concern globally. Hexavalent (VI) chromium (Cr) is one of the main pollutants causing groundwater and soil heavy metal pollution. Miscanthus sinensis is a C4 perennial grass species with a high level of heavy metal tolerance. This species can effectively remove Cr from soils and maintain desirable biomass production under Cr stress. This research aimed to characterize and compare Cr accumulation in 58 genotypes of M. sinensis and to develop Expressed Sequence Tag–Simple Sequence Repeat (EST-SSR) markers associated with Cr tolerance. The results show that the pattern of translocation of Cr in plants differed among the 58 M. sinensis genotypes following treatment of 200 mg/L of Cr6+; however, in most genotypes, the Cr was primarily accumulated in roots. A total of 43,367 EST-SSRs were identified, and 88 EST-SSR primer pairs corresponding to candidate genes involved in Cr accumulation in M. sinensis were selected for validation. Subsequently, 170 polymorphic loci generated from 24 validated EST-SSRs were used for the population structure and marker–trait association analysis. Based on a general linear model (GLM), a total of 46 associations were identified (p < 0.05), with 14 EST-SSRs markers associated with target traits. Among them, four genes related to ABC transporters, wall-associated receptor kinases, as well as two high-affinity sulfate transporters (ST), were identified under Cr stress (p < 0.05). The results of this study help to accelerate the screening across M. sinensis genotypes for desirable traits under Cr stress and provide a platform for M. sinensis genetic improvement and molecular-marker-assisted breeding.
Bacillus subtilis Feed Supplementation Combined with Oral E. coli Immunization in Sows as a Tool to Reduce Neonatal Diarrhea in Piglets
Authors: Liu Jianxin , Yang Danchen Aaron , Qu Haobo , Liu Dandan , Huang Kehe
Published: July 2024

To investigate the effects of B. subtilis on the specific immune response of lactating sows to E. coli and the diarrhea rate in suckling piglets, thirty large white sows with similar farrowing dates were randomly divided into two groups: a feedback feeding (i.e., feeding a homogenate of intestinal contents and tissues from E. coli-infected piglets to sows; FB) group and a feedback feeding with B. subtilis (FB + BS) group. Serum, colostrum, and intestinal tissues from sows and piglets were collected to assess the immune response and intestinal barrier function at weaning. T and B cells from Peyer’s patches (PPs) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) in lactating mice (with treatments consistent with the sows’) were isolated to explore the underlying mechanism. The results showed that, compared with the FB group, the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of their offspring were effectively improved in the FB + BS group. Moreover, the levels of IgG/IgA and those of IgG/IgA against E. coli in the serum and colostrum of sows in the FB+BS group were increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+, CD4+CXCR5+PD1+, and B220+IgA+ cells in MLNs and PPs, and the IgA levels in the mammary glands of mice, were also increased in the FB + BS group (p < 0.05). Notably, in suckling piglets in the FB + BS group, the diarrhea rate was decreased (p < 0.05), and the intestinal barrier function and intestinal flora composition at weaning were significantly improved. Overall, these results indicated that B. subtilis feed supplementation combined with feedback feeding in pregnant and lactating sows can reduce diarrhea in suckling piglets by enhancing the maternal immune response against E. coli and intestinal barrier function in their offspring, improving survival rates and pre-weaning growth.
Assessment of Encapsulated Probiotic Lactococcus lactis A12 Viability Using an In Vitro Digestion Model for Tilapia
Authors: Valle Vargas Marcelo Fernando , Quintanilla-Carvajal María Ximena , Villamil-Diaz Luisa , Ruiz Pardo Ruth Yolanda , Moyano Francisco Javier
Published: July 2024

Probiotics face harsh conditions during their transit through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of fish because of low-pH environments and intestine fluid. Therefore, the evaluation of probiotic viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions is an important step to consider for probiotic supplementation in fish feed prior to in vivo trials. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of stomach and intestinal simulated conditions on the viability of encapsulated Lactococcus lactis A12 using an in vitro digestion model for tilapia. A Box Behnken design was used to evaluate the potential effect of three factors, namely stomach pH, residence time in the stomach, and enzyme quantity, on the viability of encapsulated Lactococcus lactis A12. As the main results, low pH (4.00), long residence time (4 h), and enzyme quantity (2.68 U of total protease activity) led to lower final cell counts after the phases of the stomach and intestine. Encapsulated probiotic bacteria showed higher viability (p < 0.05) and antibacterial activity (p < 0.05) against the pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae than non-encapsulated bacteria. The results suggest that L. lactis A12 survives in GIT conditions and that the proposed in vitro model could be used to explore the viability of probiotic bacteria intended for fish feed supplementation.
Ere, a Family of Short Interspersed Elements in the Genomes of Odd-Toed Ungulates (Perissodactyla)
Authors: Ustyantsev Ilia G. , Kosushkin Sergey A. , Borodulina Olga R. , Vassetzky Nikita S. , Kramerov Dmitri A.
Published: July 2024

Short Interspersed Elements (SINEs) are eukaryotic retrotransposons transcribed by RNA polymerase III (pol III). Many mammalian SINEs (T+ SINEs) contain a polyadenylation signal (AATAAA), a pol III transcription terminator, and an A-rich tail in their 3′-end. The RNAs of such SINEs have the capacity for AAUAAA-dependent polyadenylation, which is unique to pol III-generated transcripts. The structure, evolution, and polyadenylation of the Ere SINE of ungulates (horses, rhinos, and tapirs) were investigated in this study. A bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of up to ~4 × 105 Ere copies in representatives of all three families. These copies can be classified into two large subfamilies, EreA and EreB, the former distinguished by an additional 60 bp sequence. The 3′-end of numerous EreA and all EreB copies exhibit a 50 bp sequence designated as a terminal domain (TD). The Ere family can be further subdivided into subfamilies EreA_0TD, EreA_1TD, EreB_1TD, and EreB_2TD, depending on the presence and number of terminal domains (TDs). Only EreA_0TD copies can be assigned to T+ SINEs as they contain the AATAAA signal and the TCTTT transcription terminator. The analysis of young Ere copies identified by comparison with related perissodactyl genomes revealed that EreA_0TD and, to a much lesser extent, EreB_2TD have retained retrotranspositional activity in the recent evolution of equids and rhinoceroses. The targeted mutagenesis and transfection of HeLa cells were used to identify sequences in equine EreA_0TD that are critical for the polyadenylation of its pol III transcripts. In addition to AATAAA and the transcription terminator, two sites in the 3′ half of EreA, termed the β and τ signals, were found to be essential for this process. The evolution of Ere, with a particular focus on the emergence of T+ SINEs, as well as the polyadenylation signals are discussed in comparison with other T+ SINEs.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Weight Loss at the End of Dry-Curing of Hams Produced from Purebred Heavy Pigs
Authors: Faggion Sara , Bonfatti Valentina , Carnier Paolo
Published: July 2024

Dissecting the genetics of production traits in livestock is of outmost importance, both to understand biological mechanisms underlying those traits and to facilitate the design of selection programs incorporating that information. For the pig industry, traits related to curing are key for protected designation of origin productions. In particular, appropriate ham weight loss after dry-curing ensures high quality of the final product and avoids economic losses. In this study, we analyzed data (N = 410) of ham weight loss after approximately 20 months of dry-curing. The animals used for ham production were purebred pigs belonging to a commercial line. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 29,844 SNP markers revealed the polygenic nature of the trait: 221 loci explaining a small percentage of the variance (0.3–1.65%) were identified on almost all Sus scrofa chromosomes. Post-GWAS analyses revealed 32 windows located within regulatory regions and 94 windows located in intronic regions of specific genes. In total, 30 candidate genes encoding receptors and enzymes associated with ham weight loss (MTHFD1L, DUSP8), proteolysis (SPARCL1, MYH8), drip loss (TNNI2), growth (CDCA3, LSP1, CSMD1, AP2A2, TSPAN4), and fat metabolism (AGPAT4, IGF2R, PTDSS2, HRAS, TALDO1, BRSK2, TNNI2, SYT8, GTF2I, GTF2IRD1, LPCAT3, ATN1, GNB3, CMIP, SORCS2, CCSER1, SPP1) were detected.
Dietary Supplementation with Rumen-Protected Arginine or N-Carbamylglutamate Enhances Fetal Liver Development in Nutrient-Restricted Pregnant Hu Ewes
Authors: Lin Yuexia , Sun Lingwei , He Mengqian , Xu Jiehuan , Wu Caifeng , Gao Jun , Dai Jianjun
Published: July 2024

This study was conducted in nutrient-restricted pregnant Hu ewes to determine whether rumen-protected arginine (RP-Arg) or N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) supplementation affects fetal liver growth and development. From 35 d to 110 d of gestation, 32 Hu ewes were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (100% of the National Research Council (NRC) requirements), a nutrient-restricted group (50% of the NRC requirements), and two treatment groups (ARG and NCG, 50% of the NRC requirements, supplemented with 20 g/day RP-Arg or 5 g/day NCG, respectively). Fetal body weights, fetal liver growth performance, the capability of antioxidation, and the expression of the mRNA and proteins of apoptosis-related genes in the fetal liver were determined and analyzed at 110 d of gestation. The dry matter, water, fat, protein, and ash components of the fetal livers in the RG group were found to be lower than in the CG group, and these components were significantly higher in the NCG group than in the RG group (p < 0.05). A decrease in DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations and contents, as well as in protein/DNA ratios, was observed in the RG group in comparison to the CG group (p < 0.05). Compared with the RG group, the NCG group had higher concentrations of DNA, RNA, and protein, as well as higher protein/DNA ratios (p < 0.05). The RG group had lower concentrations of cholinesterase, nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, alanine aminotransferase, and total protein than the CG group (p < 0.05). The RG group had higher levels of glutathione peroxidase, maleic dialdehyde, and aspartate aminotransferase than the CG group (p < 0.05). In the RG group, the mRNA and protein expression of p53 and Bax was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with the CG group, and the gene expression of FasL and Bcl-2, the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax, and the protein expression of Bcl-2 in the RG group were lower (p < 0.05) than in the CG group. It appears that RP-Arg and NCG supplementation during pregnancy could influence fetal liver growth and development. A nutrition-based therapeutic intervention to alleviate reduced fetal growth can be developed based on this study, which has demonstrated that maternal undernutrition during pregnancy induces the maldevelopment of the fetal liver.
Pig-Derived Probiotic Bacillus tequilensis YB-2 Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation and Intestinal Barrier Damage in Colitis Mice by Suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yin Heng , Wang Chengbi , Shuai Yi , Xie Zhuoya , Liu Jingbo
Published: July 2024

The search for new probiotics has been regarded as an important approach to improving intestinal health in animals. Bacillus has many advantages, such as strong resistance to harmful external factors, wide distribution, and easy colonization of the intestine. Hence, this study aims to screen for a probiotic Bacillus strain that improves animal intestinal health and to elucidate its probiotic mechanism so as to provide probiotic resources for the development of feed-using probiotic formulations. In this research, a strain of Bacillus was isolated from adult pig feces and named B. tequilensis YB-2. In vitro probiotic experiments showed that B. tequilensis YB-2 had strong acid and bile salt resistance, indicating that this strain can customize in the intestine. To further explore the effect of B. tequilensis YB-2 upon animal intestinal health, DSS-induced murine colitis models were established, and the body weight, colonic morphology, inflammatory cytokines level, and intestinal-barrier- and TLR4/NF-κB-pathway-related protein were determined. The results showed that mice receiving drinking water with 3% DSS were found to develop colitis symptoms, including body weight loss and increased disease activity index (DAI); colon length and microvilli shedding were shortened; tight junctions were disrupted; goblet cells decreased; anti-inflammatory cytokines were inhibited; and pro-inflammatory cytokines and the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway were activated. Notably, orally received B. tequilensis YB-2 alleviated symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice. The above results indicated that B. tequilensis YB-2 was capable of improving colitis in mice by weakening inflammation and intestinal barrier damage, and its mechanism may involve the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Overall, this research suggests that B. tequilensis YB-2 has the potential to serve as an animal feed additive to prevent intestinal inflammation.
Integrated Lipidomics and Transcriptomics Analyses Reveal Key Regulators of Fat Deposition in Different Adipose Tissues of Geese (Anser cygnoides)
Authors: Xu Maodou , Zhang Yaoyao , Zhang Yang , Xu Qi , Zhang Yu , Chen Guohong
Published: July 2024

The fat deposition of different adipose tissues is widely recognized as correlated, with distinct effects on meat quality traits and reproductive performance in poultry. In this study, we utilized lipidomics and transcriptomics analyses to investigate the heterogeneity and regulators of intramuscular fat (IMF), abdominal fat (AF), and subcutaneous fat (SF) in geese. Lipidomic profiling revealed 165, 129, and 77 differential lipid molecules (DLMs) between AF vs. IMF, SF vs. IMF, and SF vs. AF, respectively, with 47 common DLMs identified between AF vs. IMF and SF vs. IMF. Transcriptomic analysis identified 3369, 5758, and 131 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AF vs. IMF, SF vs. IMF, and SF vs. AF, respectively, with 2510 common DEGs identified between AF vs. IMF and SF vs. IMF. The KEGG results indicate that DLMs were predominantly enriched in glycerophospholipid and glycerolipid metabolism pathways, while DEGs were primarily enriched in metabolic pathways. Pearson correlation analysis identified FABP4, LPL, PLCB1, DSE, and PDE5A as potential factors influencing fat deposition. This study elucidates the heterogeneity and regulatory factors of different adipose tissues in geese, offering new insights for targeted improvements in goose meat quality and production efficiency.
Data Immunity in Near Field Radio Frequency Communication Systems—NFC as an Aspect of Electromagnetic Information Security
Authors: Firlej Andrzej , Musial Slawomir , Kubiak Ireneusz
Published: July 2024

The NFC and MIFARE systems (referred to as HF-band RFID) are a special case of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology using a radio frequency of 13.56 MHz for communication. The declared range of such communication is usually several cm and is characterized by the need to bring the data carrier close to the system reader. Due to the possibility of transmitting sensitive data in this type of system, an important problem seems to be the electromagnetic security of the transmitted data between the cards (tags) and the reader and within the system. In most of the available research studies, the security of RFID systems comes down to the analysis of the effectiveness of encryption of transmitted data or testing the range of communication between the reader and the identifier. In this research, however, special attention is paid to the so-called electromagnetic information security without the analysis of cryptographic protection. In some cases (e.g., data retransmission), encryption may not be an effective method of securing data (because, e.g., encrypted data might be used to open and start a car with a keyless system). In addition, the research draws attention to the fact that the data from the identifier can be accessed not only from the identifier, but also from the control system (reader, wiring, controller, etc.) from which the data can be radiated (unintentionally) at a much greater distance than the communication range between the identifier and the reader. In order to determine the security of the transmitted data in the HF-band RFID systems, a number of tests were carried out with the use of specialized equipment. During the measurements, both the data carriers themselves (cards, key fobs, stickers, tags) and exemplary systems for reading data from the media (a writable card reader, a mobile phone with NFC function, and an extensive access control system) were tested. The experiments carried out made it possible to determine the safety of NFC and MIFARE systems during their use and only storage (e.g., the ability to read data from an identification card stored in a pocket).
Intra-Reliability of a Wearable Near-Infrared Sensor for Monitoring the Intensity of Exercise
Authors: Michalik Kamil , Smolarek Marcin , Nowak Michał , Pueo Basilio , Żmijewski Piotr
Published: July 2024

The Q-LAC analyzer, a portable device employing near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), was designed to measure muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) during physical exercise. This study aimed to assess the reliability of the Q-LAC analyzer in determining SmO2 levels during incremental cycling exercise. Thirteen physically active males (age 28.1 ± 5.3 y; height 181.2 ± 5.7 cm; body mass 79.9 ± 11.1 kg; BMI 24.2 ± 2.4 kg/m2) participated in this study. A submaximal incremental exercise test (SIET) on an electromagnetic cycle ergometer with a seven-day interval was performed twice. SmO2 levels in the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle of the dominant leg were simultaneously recorded using the Q-LAC device during both tests. The study calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the coefficient of variation (CV), the standard error of measurement (SEM), the smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and mean detectable change (MDC). A within-within-subjects ANOVA revealed no statistically significant effects for session (F1,12 = 0.97, p = 0.34, η2 = 0.07) and the interaction between session and workload (F4,48 = 0.19, p = 0.94, η2 = 0.02). ICC values ranged from 0.72 to 0.91. Furthermore, the analysis of CV, SEM, and SWC indicated that SmO2 measurements obtained with the Q-LAC device exhibit good reliability but marginal sensitivity. In conclusion, the portable Q-LAC analyzer provides consistent measurements of muscle oxygen saturation during low-to-moderate-intensity exercise on a cycle ergometer.
The Impact of Heterogeneity of Aggregates Coated with Asphalt Mortar on Their FTIR Spectra and Spectral Reproducibility
Authors: Yuan Jing , Ran Maoping , Zhou Xinxing , Zhu Pan , Liu Lu , Jiang Ruiqie , Zhou Xinglin
Published: July 2024

Since FTIR is a sensitive micro-region measurement method, research on the impact of the heterogeneity of both aggregates and asphalt mortar is meaningful and comprehensive for accurate measurement with FTIR spectroscopy. In this paper, the impact of the heterogeneity of aggregates coated with asphalt mortar on their FTIR spectra and spectral reproducibility was creatively studied. The comparative analysis of the respective absorption peaks indicated that the characteristic absorption peaks of the aggregate coated with asphalt mortar were the superposition of the respective absorption peaks of its components. And research on the spectra of the coated aggregates obtained from the same batch of asphalt mixture fabricated at the same time showed that significantly different peak intensities could be affected by minor variations in their components due to the heterogeneity. Furthermore, statistical analysis suggested that the original spectral reproducibility of the coated aggregates was greatly affected by their heterogeneity, with a high coefficient of variation values. In conclusion, the heterogeneity of the coated aggregates could affect peak intensities and spectral reproducibility in micro-regions.
Enhancing Biogas Plant Efficiency for the Production of Electrical and Thermal Energy
Authors: Josimović Ljubisa , Prvulović Slavica , Djordjević Luka , Bicok Ivana , Bakator Mihalj , Premčevski Velibor , Šarenac Uroš , Šeljmeši Dalibor
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to enhance the efficiency of biogas plants for the production of electrical and thermal energy by optimizing substrate selection and digester heating techniques. The study presents a comprehensive project of a biogas plant, including all necessary installations and a detailed methodology for equipment selection. Specific substrates used include animal flour, corn silage, and molasses, each chosen for their high dry matter content and biogas production efficiency. The digester heating technique was analyzed to maintain optimal fermentation temperatures, ensuring a stable and efficient biogas production process. The projected daily biogas production is estimated to be 5688 m3. The analysis shows that maintaining a constant digester temperature significantly improves biogas yield. Seasonal variations in thermal energy requirements were identified, highlighting the need for effective insulation and heating mechanisms, particularly during colder months. Additionally, the implementation of advanced heating techniques demonstrated a reduction in overall energy consumption for maintaining the desired digester temperature. This research provides valuable insights for the design and operation of efficient biogas plants. By optimizing substrate mixtures and digester heating, the study contributes to sustainable energy production, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced biogas plant efficiency, supporting both environmental protection and economic development.
Research on Thermal Dissipation Characteristics Based on the Physical Laws of Forced Vibration in Granular Assemblies
Authors: Zhang Shengwu , Xu Wei , Wang Chiming , Zhang Yuanchao , Li Yanan , Cheng Jianwei
Published: July 2024

Particle damping technology is applied in vibration and noise reduction because of its good broadband vibration reduction effect. The energy transfer and loss between particles are keys to the role of damping. This paper investigates the relationship between the thermal energy dissipation caused by the collision of particles and the input energy. The temperature rise characteristics under different vibration states are studied. The results show significant differences in the thermal dissipation characteristics of granular assemblies for different vibration states. Under equivalent excitation amplitudes, the frequency increases, and the thermal loss of the particles increases. At the same frequency, the excitation amplitudes increase, and the thermal loss of the particles decreases. Granular assemblies in strong vibrational states, such as a gas-like state, have intense vibrations and apparent temperature-increasing effects. However, in this vibration state, the input energy to the particles is considerable, and the thermal loss accounts for a small proportion of the total energy. In states such as solid-like states, micro-vibrational states, and intermediate vibrational states, the particles interact closely, and the input energy for the particles is small. Additionally, the movement of the particles is not intense, and the thermal loss accounts for a large proportion of the total energy. The thermal loss of the particles also shows a frequency variation characteristic. According to the different temperature rise characteristics of the particles, the proportion of thermal energy consumption is analyzed. The research shows that the proportion of thermal energy consumption is not more than 70%, so there are other forms of energy consumption in the vibration reduction and energy consumption of the particles.
Performance Analysis of a Cognitive RIS-NOMA in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Thien Huynh Thanh , Le Anh-Tu , Minh Bui Vu , Rejfek Lubos , Koo Insoo
Published: July 2024

The reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) represent a transformative technology in wireless communication, offering a novel approach to managing and enhancing radio signal propagation. By dynamically adjusting their electromagnetic properties, RIS can significantly improve the performance and efficiency of 5G and beyond communication systems. In this paper, we study a cognitive RIS-aided non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) network that serves multiple users and improves spectrum efficiency. Our analysis assumes a secondary network operates under multi-primary user constraints and interference from the primary source. We derive approximation closed-form formulas for outage probability (OP), and system throughput. To obtain further insights, an asymptotic expression for OP is computed by taking into account two power configurations at the source. Additionally, numerical results show the effects of important factors on performance, confirming the accuracy of the theoretical derivation. According to the simulation results, performance by the system under consideration might be improved considerably by combining a RIS and NOMA, particularly when compared to an orthogonal multiple access scheme.
Railway Track Tamping Maintenance Cycle Prediction Model Based on Power-Time-Transformed Wiener Process
Authors: An Ru , Jia Lei , Tang Yuanjie , Tian Yuan , Wang Zhipeng
Published: July 2024

Predicting the tamping cycles of railway track sections based on track geometry deterioration rules is necessary to reasonably allocate the limited tamping maintenance resources. Existing research on track geometry deterioration modeling for tamping cycle prediction lacks simultaneous consideration of the deterioration characteristics including heterogeneity, uncertainty, and historical dependence, thereby limiting the accuracy of the prediction results. Thus, this study considers a 200 m track segment as the basic object and uses the power-time-transformed Wiener process to develop a deterioration prediction model for the longitudinal level of a segment between two adjacent tamping operations. Moreover, it individually estimates the model parameters for each track segment to predict the tamping maintenance cycle for each segment combined with the tamping maintenance threshold of the longitudinal level index. Finally, through a case study of the Chinese Lanxin Railway line, the effectiveness of the proposed model and different parameter estimation methods is assessed.
Digitalization, Technologies, New Approaches, and Telemedicine in Dentistry and Craniofacial/Temporomandibular Disorders
Authors: Franco Rocco , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the dental and craniofacial healthcare sectors have witnessed significant advancements driven by the integration of digitalization, new technologies, and telemedicine [...]