bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of Genetic–Fitness Correlations for the Conservation of Amphibians
Authors: Pröhl Heike , Rodríguez Ariel
Published: November 2023

Endangered animals suffer from isolation of their habitats. Isolation leads to a reduction in population size as well as a decrease in genetic diversity and a concomitant increase in the risk of extinction. Amphibians are the most endangered vertebrate class. Besides habitat loss, fragmentation and isolation, amphibians are threatened by emerging diseases e.g., chytrid fungus or Ranavirus. By employing experiments, researchers investigate whether changes in genetic diversity within or among isolated populations affect amphibian fitness. While genetic diversity estimates are based on molecular markers, typically microsatellites, fitness is mostly measured as tadpole performance in rearing experiments often under varying environmental conditions. Tadpole performances (e.g., body mass, growth rate and survival) have been found to be negatively affected by low genetic diversity, as several studies have found a positive association between genetic diversity and these fitness traits. Moreover, infection with pathogens also seems to be more likely in individuals or populations with lower genetic diversity. Overall, these genetic–fitness correlations seem to be more pronounced or detectable in smaller, declining populations but not in larger populations. Genomic studies, which sample a larger fraction of the genome, are still scarce in the conservation genetic literature on amphibians. These are likely to increase in upcoming years and may reveal adaptive variants that protect against dangerous pathogens or environmental changes. Altogether, genetic–fitness correlation studies should be a priority in order to develop effective management plans for the genetic rescue of isolated, imperilled amphibian populations.
Innovative e-Learning Training Modules to Improve Animal Welfare during Transport and Slaughter of Pigs: A Pretest–Posttest Study to Pre-Evaluate the General Didactical Concept
Authors: Isbrandt Rudi , Langkabel Nina , Doherr Marcus G. , Haase Sebastian , Meemken Diana
Published: November 2023

In addition to the information on the possession of a certificate of competence, there are no concrete obligations for repetitive training for personnel handling live animals at transport and slaughter. Deficiencies in the animal-welfare-friendly handling of pigs are known. The developed pilot modules “Handling of pigs” and “Electrical stunning” were tested in a pretest–posttest study in German and Romanian using questions of knowledge before and after the implementation of the modules. In this study, 45 and 46 datasets of participants could be analyzed. The mean percentages of correctly answered questions in the posttest increased by 5.6% in the module “Handling of pigs” and by 10.6% in the module “Electrical stunning”. A significant interaction was found for the language match and trend categories in the module “Handling of pigs”. No Romanian native speaker had a positive trend in this module. For both modules separately, participant education level significantly interacted with the language match and the presence or absence of a certificate of competence. Comparing the percentages of the correct given answers, significant interactions in the subgroups were more common in the module “Electrical stunning”. One question in “Electrical stunning” was correctly answered significantly more often in the posttest. Because of the positive mean trends of knowledge within this pre-evaluation, we assume the didactical concept was suitable for our target groups. Holders of a certificate of competence also gave more correct answers in the post-test. This underlines the importance of repetitive training. Differences in the trends of knowledge gain seem to be topic and experience related.
Sensory Stimulation as a Means of Sustained Enhancement of Well-Being in Leopard Geckos, Eublepharis macularius (Eublepharidae, Squamata)
Authors: Krönke Frank , Xu Lisa
Published: November 2023

Although the private keeping of reptiles has boomed in most western countries since the millennium, studies dealing with the recognition and promotion of welfare in these reptiles seem to represent a blind spot of scientific attention. The vast majority of studies from the field of animal welfare science still concern mammals and birds. The leopard gecko is probably the most common lizard that is kept in domestic terrariums worldwide. Due to its characteristic as an ecological generalist, it is easy to keep and breed, and it is considered a good “starter reptile” for beginners as it “condones” husbandry mistakes, even for extended periods. However, being a mass species is not a second-class classification. They, too, have an equal claim to good well-being as all animals in human care. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis of whether an increase in stimulus density leads to an increase in activity and behavioural diversity and, thus, an increase in welfare. For this purpose, 18 leopard geckos were fed insects that were ≤1 cm in size, and both the quantity and quality of behaviour was documented and analysed in the pre-intervention, intervention and post-intervention stages. In addition, it was of interest whether behavioural indicators could be identified that indicate a state of positive well-being. The results showed that this type of enrichment led to a quantitative doubling of the activity levels from the baseline (total of 12,519 behavioural elements) to the intervention (total of 25,366 behavioural elements). And even 11 months after the introduction of small insect feeding (post-intervention total of 23,267 behavioural elements), the activity level was still significantly increased. The behavioural diversity, as the absolute number of behavioural categories across all 18 leopard geckos, also increased, although less than the behavioural intensity, between the baseline (5507 behavioural categories) and intervention (6451 behavioural categories) and between the baseline and post-intervention (6079 behavioural categories). The results clearly show that feeding small insects to leopard geckos is a very efficient tool to increase the welfare of leopard geckos. Attractively, this feeding regime can be implemented by any leopard gecko keeper without significant additional cost or time, and therefore, these methods have a potentially high impact.
Physiological and Transcriptome Analysis of the Effects of Exogenous Strigolactones on Drought Responses of Pepper Seedlings
Authors: Shu Huangying , Altaf Muhammad Ahsan , Mushtaq Naveed , Fu Huizhen , Lu Xu , Zhu Guopeng , Cheng Shanhan , Wang Zhiwei
Published: November 2023

Drought stress significantly restricts the growth, yield, and quality of peppers. Strigolactone (SL), a relatively new plant hormone, has shown promise in alleviating drought-related symptoms in pepper plants. However, there is limited knowledge on how SL affects the gene expression in peppers when exposed to drought stress (DS) after the foliar application of SL. To explore this, we conducted a thorough physiological and transcriptome analysis investigation to uncover the mechanisms through which SL mitigates the effects of DS on pepper seedlings. DS inhibited the growth of pepper seedlings, altered antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced relative water content (RWC), and caused oxidative damage. On the contrary, the application of SL significantly enhanced RWC, promoted root morphology, and increased leaf pigment content. SL also protected pepper seedlings from drought-induced oxidative damage by reducing MDA and H2O2 levels and maintaining POD, CAT, and SOD activity. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in ribosomes, ABC transporters, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and Auxin/MAPK signaling pathways in DS and DS + SL treatment. Furthermore, the results of qRT-PCR showed the up-regulation of AGR7, ABI5, BRI1, and PDR4 and down-regulation of SAPK6, NTF4, PYL6, and GPX4 in SL treatment compared with drought-only treatment. In particular, the key gene for SL signal transduction, SMXL6, was down-regulated under drought. These results elucidate the molecular aspects underlying SL-mediated plant DS tolerance, and provide pivotal strategies for effectively achieving pepper drought resilience.
Trapping and Methanation of CO2 in a Domestic Microwave Oven Using Combinations of Sorbents and Catalysts
Authors: Acher Loren , Laredo Tristan , Caillot Thierry , Kaddouri Akim , Meunier Frederic C.
Published: November 2023

CO2 trapping and methanation allow to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and recycle CO2 into a sustainable fuel, provided renewable H2 is employed. Microwave (MW)-based reactors provide an efficient means to use electrical energy for upgrading chemicals, since MW can selectively heat up the load placed in the reactor and not the reactor itself. In this study, CO2 capture and methanation were investigated using solid adsorbents (ZrO2 and Fe3O4), microwave absorbers (SiC and Fe3O4) and Ru/SiO2 as CO2 the methanation catalyst. The sorption and catalyst beds were located in a domestic MW oven that was used to trigger CO2 desorption and methanation in the presence of H2. The working Fe-based structure turned out to be a mixture of FeO and Fe, which allowed for MW absorption and local heating; it also acted as a CO2 sorbent and reverse water–gas shift catalyst. Various reactor configurations were used, leading to different performances and selectivity to CO and CH4. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind showing the potential of using inexpensive microwave technology to readily convert trapped CO2 into valuable products.
Influence of Fastener Stiffness and Damping on Vibration Transfer Characteristics of Urban Railway Bridge Lines Using Vibration Power Flow Method
Authors: Cao Xingxiao , Yang Li , Li Peixuan , Xu Jiangang , Zhang Xiaoyun
Published: November 2023

The problem of vibration in urban rail transportation has become a current research hotspot. When a train passes through a bridge line at high speed, it interacts with the rail, leading to vibration energy transfer and causing issues such as vibration and noise in the line infrastructure. To propose a more targeted vibration-damping track structure, it is necessary to explore the vibration characteristics of urban rail transit bridge lines and understand the regulations governing the distribution of vibration energy. This paper employs the theory of vehicle–rail–bridge interaction to establish a coupled dynamics model for a subway A-type vehicle–integral ballast bed–box girder bridge. Based on the proposed model, the transmission characteristics and distribution of vibration energy in the rail–bridge system are systematically analyzed and the influence of the parameters of the track structural components on the power flow of the system are investigated. The results of this study indicate that low-frequency vibration energy in the track system of urban rail transit bridges is primarily concentrated within the track structure, whereas high-frequency vibration energy is mainly focused on the rail. The fastener, as a component connecting the rail and the overall roadbed, has different effects on the peak value of the power flow and the accumulation of vibration energy in various components such as the rail, the overall roadbed, the top plate of the box girder bridge, and the bottom plate in different frequency bands due to its own stiffness and damping. An appropriate increase in fastener damping is beneficial for reducing the accumulation of low-frequency vibration energy in the track structure.
Three-Dimensional Coordinate Calibration Models for Augmented Reality Applications in Indoor Industrial Environments
Authors: Nunes Jandson S. , Almeida Fabio B. C. , Silva Leonardo S. V. , Santos Vinicius M. S. O. , Santos Alex A. B. , de Senna Valter , Winkler Ingrid
Published: November 2023

The calibration of three-dimensional (3D) coordinates in augmented reality systems is a complex activity. It involves the recognition of environmental characteristics and technology that models the 3D space of the device, determining its position and orientation. Single markers suffer from numerical instability, particularly when they are small within the camera image. In the industrial environment, it is common for augmented reality applications to cover large spaces, making it difficult to maintain attributes such as precision and accuracy. To address this issue, our study proposes a two-step calibration model that leverages multiple markers for accurate localization in a larger indoor environment. We developed the calibration model using Unity3D, Mixed Reality ToolKit, and Vuforia and evaluated it in terms of precision and accuracy in a proof of concept using the MS Hololens device. Our findings reveal that employing two markers significantly reduces angular discrepancies between points in the real and augmented environments. Moreover, our results underscore that registration accuracy improves as the number of calibration points increases. The results show improvements in determining the axes that define the 3D space, with a direct influence on the position of the points observed in the experiment.
Observer-Based Adaptive Control for Trajectory Tracking of AUVs with Input Saturation
Authors: Li Qiang , Lv Qing , Lai Haijun , Xie Zhenyu , Wang Jin
Published: November 2023

In this paper, an observer-based adaptive control method is investigated for the horizontal trajectory tracking of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) with input saturation and system disturbances. Firstly, the desired surge speed and trajectory angle are established, which could decouple the tracking error subsystem and avoid the complex form. Secondly, the input saturation is approximated by a smooth function, and a nonlinear extended states observer (NESO) is designed for estimating system disturbances. Based on the command filtered backstepping technique, which can avoid the explosion caused by the derivative of the virtual control, an observer-based adaptive output feedback control method is developed, and an auxiliary system is applied to compensate for filtered tracking errors, input saturation bias, and observer errors. Finally, simulation results show the proposed method has good robustness in the face of system uncertainties, and the error is nearly 33.3% smaller than that of other control methods when meeting sudden trajectory changes. A good control performance is guaranteed.
Dynamic Response and Damage Characteristics of Large Reinforced Concrete Slabs under Explosion
Authors: Yao Jian , Li Senwang , Zhang Peng , Deng Shuxin , Zhou Guangpan
Published: November 2023

To investigate the damage characteristics of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings during explosive incidents, a large RC slab (4 m × 5 m × 0.15 m) was meticulously designed, fabricated, and subjected to explosion experiments, which were complemented by comprehensive numerical simulations. The dynamic response parameters of the RC slabs under 0.5–1 kg TNT explosions were tested using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) pressure sensors, displacement sensors, and acceleration sensors. The damage morphologies under 5–40 kg TNT explosions were investigated using ANSYS/LS–DYNA 17.0 software. The results show that, with an increase in TNT charge, the RC slab gradually showed minor damage (5 kg), moderate damage (10–20 kg), heavy damage (25 kg), and complete destruction (30–40 kg). For the 20 kg TNT explosion condition, a 1020 mm × 760 mm explosion crater appeared on the top surface, which was in agreement with the 934 mm × 906 mm explosion crater obtained from the simulation. Based on the results, suitable P–I (pressure–impulse) curves for the 4 m × 5 m × 0.15 m RC slab were established. The results can provide a reference for damage assessments of large-sized buildings during explosion accidents.
Intelligent Trajectory Tracking Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control of a Powered Parafoil Based on Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient Algorithm Optimization
Authors: Zheng Yuemin , Fei Zelin , Tao Jin , Sun Qinglin , Sun Hao , Chen Zengqiang , Sun Mingwei
Published: November 2023

Powered parafoils, known for their impressive load-bearing capacity and extended endurance, have garnered significant interest. However, the parafoil system is a highly complex nonlinear system. It primarily relies on the steering gear to change flight direction and utilizes a thrust motor for climbing. However, achieving precise trajectory tracking control presents a challenge due to the interdependence of direction and altitude control. Furthermore, underactuation and wind disturbances bring additional difficulties for trajectory tracking control. Consequently, realizing trajectory tracking control for powered parafoils holds immense significance. In this paper, we propose a trajectory tracking method based on Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (TD3) algorithm-optimized Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control (LADRC). Our method addresses the underactuation issue by incorporating a guiding law while utilizing two LADRC methods to achieve decoupling and compensate for disturbances. Moreover, we employ the TD3 algorithm to dynamically adjust controller parameters, thus enhancing the controller performance. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method as a trajectory tracking control approach. Additionally, since the control process is not reliant on system-specific models, our method can also provide guidance for trajectory tracking control in other aircraft.
Advanced Meteorological Hazard Defense Capability Assessment: Addressing Sample Imbalance with Deep Learning Approaches
Authors: Tang Jiansong , Saga Ryosuke , Dai Qiangsheng , Mao Yingchi
Published: November 2023

With the rise in meteorological disasters, improving evaluation strategies for disaster response agencies is critical. This shift from expert scoring to data-driven approaches is challenged by sample imbalance in the data, affecting accurate capability assessments. This study proposes a solution integrating adaptive focal loss into the cross-entropy loss function to address sample distribution imbalances, facilitating nuanced evaluations. A key aspect of this solution is the Encoder-Adaptive-Focal deep learning model coupled with a custom training algorithm, adept at handling the data complexities of meteorological disaster response agencies. The model proficiently extracts and optimizes capability features from time series data, directing the evaluative focus toward more complex samples, thus mitigating sample imbalance issues. Comparative analysis with existing methods like UAE-NaiveBayes, UAE-SVM, and UAE-RandomForest illustrates the superior performance of our model in ability evaluation, positioning it as a robust tool for dynamic capability evaluation. This work aims to enhance disaster management strategies, contributing to mitigating the impacts of meteorological disasters.
Antagonist Coactivation of Muscles of Ankle and Thigh in Post-Stroke vs. Healthy Subjects during Sit-to-Stand Task
Authors: Pinho Liliana , Sousa Andreia S. P. , Silva Cláudia , Cunha Christine , Santos Rubim , Tavares João Manuel R. S. , Pereira Soraia , Pinheiro Ana Rita , Félix José , Pinho Francisco , Sousa Filipa , Silva Augusta
Published: November 2023

This study aims to analyse the coactivation of antagonist muscles of the thigh and ankle during the sit-to-stand task in post-stroke subjects, specifically during forward and antigravity sub-phases. A group of 18 healthy subjects and another with 18 subjects with a history of stroke participated voluntarily in this study. Bilateral surface electromyography (EMGs) of the soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscles were collected synchronously with ground reaction forces (GRF) during the sit-to-stand task. The magnitude of electromyographic (EMG) activity was analysed during forward translation and antigravity sub-phases which were determined through GRF signals. The coactivation was calculated to quantify the degree of antagonist coactivation according to the role of the muscles during the task. Statistically significant values were found between antagonist coactivation on both sub-phases of the sit-to-stand task when comparing healthy and post-stroke subjects (healthy with ipsilesional (IPSI); healthy with contralesional (CONTRA); and healthy with IPSI and with CONTRA limbs) in all muscle pairs analysed (p < 0.01), except on thigh muscles (p > 0.05), in the antigravity sub-phase. When comparing IPSI with CONTRA sides in post-stroke subjects, no statistically significant differences were found. Increased values of antagonist coactivation were observed in post-stroke subjects compared to healthy subjects (both IPSI and CONTRA limb) in the two sub-phases analysed. The forward sub-phase CONTRA limb showed higher antagonist coactivation compared to IPSI, while in the antigravity sub-phase, IPSI antagonist coactivation was higher than in the CONTRA. In conclusion, post-stroke subjects presented an antagonist coactivation more dysfunctional at the ankle joint muscles compared to the thigh segment. So, it seems that the distal segment could express more accurately the central nervous system dysfunction in post-stroke subjects, despite the need for further studies to achieve a better spatiotemporal understanding of the variability on coactivation levels.
Fault Mode Analysis and Convex Optimization-Based Fault-Tolerant Control for New Type Dissimilar Redundant Actuation System of Near Space Vehicle
Authors: Huang Jian , Wang Jun , Li Weikang , Liu Di , Shi Cun , Zhang Fan
Published: November 2023

A new type dissimilar redundant actuation system (NT-DRAS), which is composed of an electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA) and an electro-mechanical actuator (EMA), is applied in high value unmanned aerial vehicles such as the future near space vehicles to improve their reliability and performance index simultaneously. Further improvement in the flight safety is achieved with the fault-tolerant control (FTC) technique which deals with system faults. This paper proposes a novel convex optimization-based fault-tolerant control (CO-FTC) strategy for the NT-DRAS subject to gradual faults which are included in the state space representation of the system. A convex analysis-based treatment for system uncertainty caused by gradual faults is applied to determine the control gain matrix. The existence condition of the control gain matrix is optimized in the linear matrix inequality (LMI) form. Finally, the determined subsystems based on the novel technique is used to solve the modeled robust FTC problem. Case studies of NT-DRAS subject to different gradual faults have been accomplished to illustrate the FTC necessity for NT-DRAS. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed CO-FTC strategy is validated by comparative analysis of the simulation results.
Numerical Evaluation of the Efficiency of an Indoor Air Cleaner under Different Heating Conditions
Authors: Sabanskis Andrejs , Vidulejs Dagis Daniels , Teličko Jevgēnijs , Virbulis Jānis , Jakovičs Andris
Published: November 2023

For an efficient indoor air purification, it is important to know the detailed airflow distribution in the room. A series of numerical simulations are carried out for five heating regimes using an air–air heat pump, capillary mat on the ceiling, capillary mat on the walls, heated floor, and radiator. The most homogeneous temperature field is obtained for the case with the heated floor. The highest velocity is obtained for the air–air heat pump, while the lowest is obtained for the capillary mat on the ceiling. A portable air cleaner based on the prototype device is introduced into the model and its influence on the velocity and temperature distributions is calculated. Our simulations additionally consider is the transport of an infectious aerosol and its purification inside the air cleaner. The time dependency of the concentration is exponential, and the purification rate depends on the air cleaner’s orientation and heating regime. The efficiency is higher for a purifier with flow in the upwards direction compared to in a horizontal one. In the experimental part, an NaCl solution is dispersed into the air, and the efficiency of purification in the case of the air–air heat pump is evaluated by measuring the time-dependent particle concentrations. These experimental results corroborate the numerical model.
Seasonality of Biophysical Parameters in Extreme Years of Precipitation in Pernambuco: Relations, Regionalities, and Variability
Authors: Bezerra Alan Cézar , Silva Jhon Lennon Bezerra da , Silva Douglas Alberto de Oliveira , Nascimento Cristina Rodrigues , Ribeiro Eberson Pessoa , Galvincio Josiclêda Domiciano , Silva Marcos Vinícius da , Oliveira Henrique Fonseca Elias de , Mesquita Márcio , Oliveira-Júnior José Francisco de , Almeida Alexsandro Claudio dos Santos , Lopes Pabrício Marcos Oliveira , Moura Geber Barbosa de Albuquerque
Published: November 2023

This study analyzed the seasonality of biophysical parameters in the extreme years of precipitation and the relationship with the monthly precipitation of the state of Pernambuco at the regional level (Pernambuco) and homogeneous precipitation zones: zone 1—semiarid, zone 2—transition and zone 3—coastal. For this, the biophysical parameters at the monthly level in the extreme years, 2004 (wet) and 2012 (dry) were related to precipitation data of 45 rainfall stations. Using the Google Earth Engine platform, we calculate the biophysical parameters with MODIS products: Albedo, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and surface temperature (ST). Considering the most critical period, between September and December, of a wet year (2004) with a dry year (2012), there is an average reduction of 14% of vegetation indices (NDVI, EVI and SAVI), a 60% reduction in NDWI, an increase of 4% in albedo and 3% in surface temperature. For monitoring the water conditions of the state of Pernambuco, the most appropriate biophysical parameter is the NDWI index and surface temperature. In addition to NDWI, it is recommended to use EVI for semiarid areas (zone 1) and ST for coastal areas (Zones 2 and 3).
A New Approach to Data Analysis Using Machine Learning for Cybersecurity
Authors: Hiremath Shivashankar , Shetty Eeshan , Prakash Allam Jaya , Sahoo Suraj Prakash , Patro Kiran Kumar , Rajesh Kandala N. V. P. S. , Pławiak Paweł
Published: November 2023

The internet has become an indispensable tool for organizations, permeating every facet of their operations. Virtually all companies leverage Internet services for diverse purposes, including the digital storage of data in databases and cloud platforms. Furthermore, the rising demand for software and applications has led to a widespread shift toward computer-based activities within the corporate landscape. However, this digital transformation has exposed the information technology (IT) infrastructures of these organizations to a heightened risk of cyber-attacks, endangering sensitive data. Consequently, organizations must identify and address vulnerabilities within their systems, with a primary focus on scrutinizing customer-facing websites and applications. This work aims to tackle this pressing issue by employing data analysis tools, such as Power BI, to assess vulnerabilities within a client’s application or website. Through a rigorous analysis of data, valuable insights and information will be provided, which are necessary to formulate effective remedial measures against potential attacks. Ultimately, the central goal of this research is to demonstrate that clients can establish a secure environment, shielding their digital assets from potential attackers.
Improving the Accuracy of Otitis Media with Effusion Diagnosis in Pediatric Patients Using Deep Learning
Authors: Shim Jae-Hyuk , Sunwoo Woongsang , Choi Byung Yoon , Kim Kwang Gi , Kim Young Jae
Published: November 2023

Otitis media with effusion (OME), primarily seen in children aged 2 years and younger, is characterized by the presence of fluid in the middle ear, often resulting in hearing loss and aural fullness. While deep learning networks have been explored to aid OME diagnosis, prior work did not often specify if pediatric images were used for training, causing uncertainties about their clinical relevance, especially due to important distinctions between the tympanic membranes of small children and adults. We trained cross-validated ResNet50, DenseNet201, InceptionV3, and InceptionResNetV2 models on 1150 pediatric tympanic membrane images from otoendoscopes to classify OME. When assessed using a separate dataset of 100 pediatric tympanic membrane images, the models achieved mean accuracies of 92.9% (ResNet50), 97.2% (DenseNet201), 96.0% (InceptionV3), and 94.8% (InceptionResNetV2), compared to the seven otolaryngologists that achieved accuracies between 84.0% and 69.0%. The results showed that even the worst-performing model trained on fold 3 of InceptionResNetV2 with an accuracy of 88.0% exceeded the accuracy of the highest-performing otolaryngologist at 84.0%. Our findings suggest that these specifically trained deep learning models can potentially enhance the clinical diagnosis of OME using pediatric otoendoscopic tympanic membrane images.
On-Site Pilot-Scale Microalgae Cultivation Using Industrial Wastewater for Bioenergy Production: A Case Study towards Circular Bioeconomy
Authors: Abraham Juliana , Abimbola Tobi , Braida Washington J. , Terracciano Amalia , Su Tsan-Liang , Christodoulatos Christos , Koutsospyros Agamemnon , RoyChowdhury Abhishek , Smolinski Benjamin , Lawal Adeniyi
Published: November 2023

This case study assesses the valorization of industrial wastewater streams for bioenergy generation in an industrial munition facility. On-site pilot-scale demonstrations were performed to investigate the feasibility of algal growth in the target wastewater on a larger outdoor scale. An exploratory field study followed by an optimized one were carried out using two 1000 L open raceway ponds deployed within a greenhouse at an industrial munition facility. An online system allowed for constant monitoring of operational parameters such as temperature, pH, light intensity, and dissolved oxygen within the ponds. The original algal seed evolved into an open-air resilient consortium of green microalgae and cyanobacteria that were identified and characterized successfully. Weekly measurements of the level of nutrients in pond liquors were performed along with the determination of the algal biomass to quantitatively evaluate growth yields. After harvesting algae from the ponds, the biomass was concentrated and evaluated for oil content and biochemical methane potential (BMP) to provide an estimate of the algae-based energy production. Additionally, the correlation among biomass, culturing conditions, oil content, and BMP was evaluated. The higher average areal biomass productivity achieved during the summer months was 23.9 ± 0.9 g/m2d, with a BMP of 350 scc/gVS. An oil content of 22 wt.% was observed during operation under low nitrogen loads. Furthermore, a technoeconomic analysis and life cycle assessment demonstrated the viability of the proposed wastewater valorization scenario and aided in optimizing process performance towards further scale-up.
Interobserver Agreement in Automatic Segmentation Annotation of Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Jin Liang , Ma Zhuangxuan , Li Haiqing , Gao Feng , Gao Pan , Yang Nan , Li Dechun , Li Ming , Geng Daoying
Published: November 2023

We aimed to compare the performance and interobserver agreement of radiologists manually segmenting images or those assisted by automatic segmentation. We further aimed to reduce interobserver variability and improve the consistency of radiomics features. This retrospective study included 327 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer from September 2016 to June 2018; images from 228 patients were used for automatic segmentation construction, and images from the remaining 99 were used for testing. First, four radiologists with varying experience levels retrospectively segmented 99 axial prostate images manually using T2-weighted fat-suppressed magnetic resonance imaging. Automatic segmentation was performed after 2 weeks. The Pyradiomics software package v3.1.0 was used to extract the texture features. The Dice coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to evaluate segmentation performance and the interobserver consistency of prostate radiomics. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the paired samples, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. The Dice coefficient was used to accurately measure the spatial overlap of manually delineated images. In all the 99 prostate segmentation result columns, the manual and automatic segmentation results of the senior group were significantly better than those of the junior group (p < 0.05). Automatic segmentation was more consistent than manual segmentation (p < 0.05), and the average ICC reached >0.85. The automatic segmentation annotation performance of junior radiologists was similar to that of senior radiologists performing manual segmentation. The ICC of radiomics features increased to excellent consistency (0.925 [0.888~0.950]). Automatic segmentation annotation provided better results than manual segmentation by radiologists. Our findings indicate that automatic segmentation annotation helps reduce variability in the perception and interpretation between radiologists with different experience levels and ensures the stability of radiomics features.
Profiling the Physiological Roles in Fish Primary Cell Culture
Authors: He Lingjie , Zhao Cheng , Xiao Qi , Zhao Ju , Liu Haifeng , Jiang Jun , Cao Quanquan
Published: November 2023

Fish primary cell culture has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating the physiological roles and responses of various cell types found in fish species. This review aims to provide an overview of the advancements and applications of fish primary cell culture techniques, focusing on the profiling of physiological roles exhibited by fish cells in vitro. Fish primary cell culture involves the isolation and cultivation of cells directly derived from fish tissues, maintaining their functional characteristics and enabling researchers to study their behavior and responses under controlled conditions. Over the years, significant progress has been made in optimizing the culture conditions, establishing standardized protocols, and improving the characterization techniques for fish primary cell cultures. The review highlights the diverse cell types that have been successfully cultured from different fish species, including gonad cells, pituitary cells, muscle cells, hepatocytes, kidney and immune cells, adipocyte cells and myeloid cells, brain cells, primary fin cells, gill cells, and other cells. Each cell type exhibits distinct physiological functions, contributing to vital processes such as metabolism, tissue regeneration, immune response, and toxin metabolism. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of fish primary cell culture in elucidating the mechanisms underlying various physiological processes. Researchers have utilized fish primary cell cultures to study the effects of environmental factors, toxins, pathogens, and pharmaceutical compounds on cellular functions, providing valuable insights into fish health, disease pathogenesis, and drug development. The paper also discusses the application of fish primary cell cultures in aquaculture research, particularly in investigating fish growth, nutrition, reproduction, and stress responses. By mimicking the in vivo conditions in vitro, primary cell culture has proven instrumental in identifying key factors influencing fish health and performance, thereby contributing to the development of sustainable aquaculture practices.
Managing Severe Adverse Reactions to Biologicals in Severe Asthma
Authors: Balan Radu-Gheorghe , Deleanu Diana Mihaela , Pintea Irena , Dobrican Baruta Carmen Teodora , Man Milena Adina , Bocsan Ioana Corina , Muntean Ioana Adriana
Published: November 2023

Background: The use of biological agents in the treatment of various inflammatory and malignancy conditions has expanded rapidly. However, these agents can induce hypersensitivity reactions, posing significant clinical challenges. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study that included nine patients with severe asthma who experienced hypersensitivity reactions to biological agents (omalizumab, benralizumab and dupilumab). Results: Hypersensitivity reactions to biologicals in severe asthma were observed in 9 of 68 patients treated. In five cases, treatment was stopped or changed to another available biological, and for four patients administered under close surveillance, titrated provocation or desensitization was applied. Successful desensitization was achieved in three of the patients, allowing them to continue therapy without adverse reactions. Improvements in asthma control were observed post-desensitization, leading to the reduced need for systemic steroid treatments and an increase in quality of life. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of recognizing hypersensitivity reactions to biologicals to have an appropriate approach for patients with severe asthma. As an effective approach for patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions to biological agents, desensitization allows treatment continuation.
Ground Contact Force and Moment Estimation for Human–Exoskeleton Systems Using Dynamic Decoupled Coordinate System and Minimum Energy Hypothesis
Authors: Li Hongwu , Ju Haotian , Liu Junchen , Wang Ziqi , Zhang Qinghua , Li Xianglong , Huang Yi , Zheng Tianjiao , Zhao Jie , Zhu Yanhe
Published: November 2023

Estimating the contact forces and moments (CFMs) between exoskeletons’ feet and the ground is a prerequisite for calculating exoskeletons’ joint moments. However, comfortable, portable, and high-precision force sensors for CFM detection are difficult to design and manufacture. In addition, there are many unknown CFM components (six force components and six moment components in the double-support phase). These reasons make it challenging to estimate CFMs precisely. In this paper, we propose a novel method for estimating these CFMs based on a proposed dynamic decoupled coordinate system (DDCS) and the minimum energy hypothesis. By decomposing these CFMs into a DDCS, the number of unknowns can be significantly reduced from twelve to two. Meanwhile, the minimum energy hypothesis provides a relatively reliable target for optimizing the remaining two unknown variables. We verify the accuracy of this method using a public data set about human walking. The validation shows that the proposed method is capable of estimating CFMs. This study provides a practical way to estimate the CFMs under the soles, which contributes to reducing the research and development costs of exoskeletons by avoiding the need for expensive plantar sensors. The sensor-free approach also reduces the dependence on high-precision, portable, and comfortable CFM detection sensors, which are usually difficult to design.
A Hierarchical Control Strategy for a Rigid–Flexible Coupled Hexapod Bio-Robot
Authors: Yang Kuo , Liu Xinhui , Liu Changyi , Tan Xurui
Published: November 2023

The motion process of legged robots contains not only rigid-body motion but also flexible motion with elastic deformation of the legs, especially for heavy loads. Hence, the characteristics of the flexible components and their interactions with the rigid components need to be considered. In this paper, a hierarchical control strategy for robots with rigid–flexible coupling characteristics is proposed. This strategy involves (1) leg force prediction based on real-time motion trajectories and feedforward compensation for the error caused by flexible components; (2) building upon the centroid dynamics model of the rigid-body chassis, the centroid trajectories (centroid angular momentum (CAM) and centroid linear momentum (CLM)) and the body trajectory are taken into account to derive the optimal drive torque for maintaining body stability; (3) finally, the precise force control of the hydraulic drive units is achieved through the sliding mode control algorithm, integrating the dynamic model of the flexible legs. The proposed methods are validated on a giant hexapod robot weighing 3.5 tons, demonstrating that the introduced approach can reduce the robot’s vibrations.
Cell-Based Modeling of Tissue Developing in the Scaffold Pores of Varying Cross-Sections
Authors: Krasnyakov Ivan , Bratsun Dmitry
Published: November 2023

In this work, we present a mathematical model of cell growth in the pores of a perfusion bioreactor through which a nutrient solution is pumped. We have developed a 2-D vertex model that allows us to reproduce the microscopic dynamics of the microenvironment of cells and describe the occupation of the pore space with cells. In this model, each cell is represented by a polygon; the number of vertices and shapes may change over time. The model includes mitotic cell division and intercalation. We study the impact of two factors on cell growth. On the one hand, we consider a channel of variable cross-section, which models a scaffold with a porosity gradient. On the other hand, a cluster of cells grows under the influence of a nutrient solution flow, which establishes a non-uniform distribution of shear stresses in the pore space. We present the results of numerical simulation of the tissue growth in a wavy channel. The model allows us to obtain complete microscopic information that includes the dynamics of intracellular pressure, the local elastic energy, and the characteristics of cell populations. As we showed, in a functional-graded scaffold, the distribution of the shear stresses in the pore space has a complicated structure, which implies the possibility of controlling the growth zones by varying the pore geometry.
Cervico-Ocular and Vestibulo-Ocular Reflexes in Subclinical Neck Pain and Healthy Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Campbell Devonte , Murphy Bernadette Ann , Burkitt James , La Delfa Nicholas , Sanmugananthan Praveen , Ambalavanar Ushani , Yielder Paul
Published: November 2023

Alterations in neck sensory input from recurrent neck pain (known as subclinical neck pain (SCNP)) result in disordered sensorimotor integration (SMI). The cervico-ocular (COR) and vestibulo-ocular (VOR) reflexes involve various neural substrates but are coordinated by the cerebellum and reliant upon proprioceptive feedback. Given that proprioception and cerebellar processing are impaired in SCNP, we sought to determine if COR or VOR gain is also altered. COR and VOR were assessed using an eye-tracking device in 20 SCNP (9 M and 11 F; 21.8 (SD = 2.35) years) and 17 control (7 M and 10 F; 22.40 (SD = 3.66) years) participants. COR gain (10 trials): A motorized chair rotated the trunk at a frequency of 0.04 Hz and an amplitude of 5° while participants gazed at a circular target that disappeared after three seconds. VOR gain (30 trials): Rapid bilateral head movements away from a disappearing circular target while eyes fixated on the last observed target. Independent t-tests on COR and VOR gain were performed. SCNP had a significantly larger COR gain (p = 0.006) and smaller VOR gain (p = 0.487) compared to healthy controls. The COR group differences suggest an association between proprioceptive feedback and SMI, indicating COR may be a sensitive marker of altered cerebellar processing.
Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Conceptual Framework of Implementation Guidelines Based on a Systematic Review of the Published Literature
Authors: Bentley Tanya G. K. , D’Andrea-Penna Gina , Rakic Marina , Arce Nick , LaFaille Michelle , Berman Rachel , Cooley Katie , Sprimont Preston
Published: November 2023

Anxiety and stress plague populations worldwide. Voluntary regulated breathing practices offer a tool to address this epidemic. We examined peer-reviewed published literature to understand effective approaches to and implementation of these practices. PubMed and ScienceDirect were searched to identify clinical trials evaluating isolated breathing-based interventions with psychometric stress/anxiety outcomes. Two independent reviewers conducted all screening and data extraction. Of 2904 unique articles, 731 abstracts, and 181 full texts screened, 58 met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-four of the studies’ 72 interventions were effective. Components of effective and ineffective interventions were evaluated to develop a conceptual framework of factors associated with stress/anxiety reduction effectiveness. Effective breath practices avoided fast-only breath paces and sessions <5 min, while including human-guided training, multiple sessions, and long-term practice. Population, other breath paces, session duration ≥5 min, and group versus individual or at-home practices were not associated with effectiveness. Analysis of interventions that did not fit this framework revealed that extensive standing, interruptions, involuntary diaphragmatic obstruction, and inadequate training for highly technical practices may render otherwise promising interventions ineffective. Following this evidence-based framework can help maximize the stress/anxiety reduction benefits of breathing practices. Future research is warranted to further refine this easily accessible intervention for stress/anxiety relief.
The Effect of Different Biochar on the Mechanical Properties of Cement-Pastes and Mortars
Authors: Suarez-Riera Daniel , Falliano Devid , Carvajal Juan Felipe , Celi Adriana Carolina Bravo , Ferro Giuseppe Andrea , Tulliani Jean Marc , Lavagna Luca , Restuccia Luciana
Published: November 2023

In recent years, there has been a concerning surge in CO2 emissions, with the construction and materials production sectors standing out as significant contributors to greenhouse gas pollution. To tackle this pressing environmental challenge, architectural design and civil engineering are actively pursuing strategies to mitigate their carbon footprint. These initiatives include adopting eco-friendly construction materials with reduced toxicity, rigorous energy management practices across the entire life cycle of structures, and incorporating innovative materials like biochar. Biochar is a carbon-rich byproduct generated through controlled thermochemical processes, such as pyrolysis or gasification, that stands out for its remarkable capacity to extract energy from processed biomass while delivering substantial environmental advantages. This study examines the use of biochar as a filler in cement-paste and mortar, as well as its influence on mechanical properties. In the case of cementitious pastes, results show that small amounts of biochar (1-2-5% by weight of cement) can improve the compressive and flexural strength, as well as fracture energy, thus generating a more tortuous crack path that increases the final surface area. In mortar specimens, the biochar influence does not show similar patterns or characteristics as the cement-paste in flexural and compressive strengths; nevertheless, biochar particles improve the toughness.