bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiota as a residual risk factor causally influencing cardiac structure and function: Mendelian randomization analysis and biological annotation
Authors: Li Yihua , Yao Meidan , Xie Fei , Qiu Yijun , Zhao Xinjun , Li Rong
Published: July 2024

Background

The gut microbiota (GM) is widely acknowledged to have a significant impact on cardiovascular health and may act as a residual risk factor affecting cardiac structure and function. However, the causal relationship between GM and cardiac structure and function remains unclear.

Objective

This study aims to employ a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal association between GM and cardiac structure and function.

Methods

Data on 119 GM genera were sourced from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis (13,266 European participants) conducted by the MiBioGen consortium, while data on 16 parameters of cardiac structure and function were obtained from the UK Biobank’s GWAS of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (up to 41,135 European participants). Inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median (WM) methods were utilized for causal association assessments, with sensitivity analyses conducted to reinforce the findings. Finally, biological annotation was performed on the GWAS data of GM and cardiac phenotypes with causal associations to explore potential mechanisms.

Results

The MR analysis, predominantly based on the IVW model, revealed 93 causal associations between the genetically predicted abundance of 44 GM genera and 16 cardiac structure and function parameters. These associations maintained consistent directions in MR-Egger and WM models, with no evidence of pleiotropy detected. Biological annotations suggest that GM may influence cardiac structure and function through pathways involved in myocardial cell development, cardiac contractility, and apoptosis.

Conclusion

The MR analysis supports a causal association between certain abundances of genetically predicted GM and cardiac structure and function, suggesting that GM could be a residual risk factor impacting cardiac phenotypes.
A modular torso phantom featuring a pneumatic stepper and flow for MR sequence development
Authors: Körner Tito , Wampl Stefan , Kiss Lorenz , Oberoi Gunpreet , Unger Ewald , Birkfellner Wolfgang , Schmid Albrecht I.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Phantoms mimicking tissue motion have become a valuable tool for quality control in various fields of medical physics including lung phantoms for image-guided radiotherapy and functional imaging in nuclear medicine or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the body. In MRI, precise kinematic models are more difficult to realize owing to the requirements of MR-compatibility. Pneumatic stepper motors built entirely of non-conducting materials can be safely used in an MR environment, with pressurized air supply and switching residing outside the magnet room.

Methods

In this research, a torso phantom was built adopting a 3D-printed linear stepper drive for use with high-field MR scanners. It was possible to simulate respiratory motion of a 3D-printed left ventricle phantom using the stepper.

Results and discussion

Precise and accurate motion for a time of 15 min over a range of 8 cm were achieved with speeds up to 5.5 mm/s when the stepper was loaded with the left ventricle phantom. It was shown that the motor is an effective tool for quality control in multi-modal medical imaging.
Becoming first time father of premature newborn during the first wave of the pandemic: a case study approach
Authors: Jean-Dit-Pannel Romuald , Dubroca Chloé , Koliouli Flora
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The aim of this paper is to delve into the emotional and psychological challenges that fathers face as they navigate the complexities of having a preterm infant in the NICU and in an unprecedented sanitary context.

Methods

We used three data collection methods such as interviews (narrative and the Clinical Interview for Parents of High-risk Infants- CLIP) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cases.

Results

The following analysis explores two individuals’ personal experiences of becoming a first-time father during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic through a close examination of two superordinate themes: “A series of separations through the experienced COVID- 19 restrictions” and “Moments of connection.” The transition to fatherhood is essentially with a medicalized form of connection with their newborn and the perceived paternal identity. In terms of temporality, these fathers experienced a combination of concerns about their infants’ long-term development and COVID-19 health concerns. Furthermore, they showed indications of phobic or hypochondriac tendencies using a psychoanalytic framework, along with an increased risk of postpartum depression.
Taxonomic revision and identification keys for the giant honey bees
Authors: Kitnya Nyaton , Brockmann Axel , Otis Gard W.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The taxonomy and phylogeny of the giant honey bees (Apis; subgenus Megapis) remain controversial and unresolved. The species boundaries within the subgenus are unclear, and some species that are recognized on the basis of genetic differences lack supporting morphological characteristics. Two species are now well accepted: Apis dorsata Fabricius, 1793, of tropical regions of Asia, and Apis laboriosa Moore et al., 1871, an inhabitant of the foothills of the Himalayas and neighboring mountain ranges. In addition, researchers have suggested that the two allopatric populations of giant honey bees that inhabit Sulawesi, Indonesia (Apis binghami Cockerell, 1906) and the oceanic Philippine islands (Apis breviligula Maa, 1953), as well as the South Indian form also deserve species status. We evaluated morphological characters of all of these taxa in order to revise the taxonomy of the subgenus.

Methods

We conducted a taxonomic study based on morphological characters of Megapis from throughout Asia. In addition, we created taxonomic keys to workers and drones for the giant honey bee species that we recognize.

Results

Our study confirms that A. laboriosa is a distinct species based on numerous morphological characters. Moreover, A. dorsata of mainland Asia differs from the two island taxa based on coloration, ocellus size, and the spacing of compound eyes and ocelli. We found no evidence that breviligula of the Philippines has a distinctively short tongue. Moreover, we detected only one minor character (the shape of sternum 5) that differed statistically between bees from Sulawesi and the Philippines. We conclude that the bees from these islands represent a single morphological species, A. binghami, with two subspecies, A. b. binghami and A. b. breviligula. A. dorsata from the Andaman Islands are smaller than but conspecific with dorsata of mainland Asia. We found no morphological autapomorphies in the giant honey bees of southern India that are known to differ in mtDNA from A. dorsata from elsewhere in mainland Asia.

Discussion

Our morphological examination of Megapis specimens firmly supports three species of giant honey bees: A. laboriosa, A. dorsata, and A. binghami. More detailed examination of specimens is required to reconcile our three morphological species with the five clades that have been identified with genetic analyses.
SNN4Agents: a framework for developing energy-efficient embodied spiking neural networks for autonomous agents
Authors: Putra Rachmad Vidya Wicaksana , Marchisio Alberto , Shafique Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Recent trends have shown that autonomous agents, such as Autonomous Ground Vehicles (AGVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and mobile robots, effectively improve human productivity in solving diverse tasks. However, since these agents are typically powered by portable batteries, they require extremely low power/energy consumption to operate in a long lifespan. To solve this challenge, neuromorphic computing has emerged as a promising solution, where bio-inspired Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) use spikes from event-based cameras or data conversion pre-processing to perform sparse computations efficiently. However, the studies of SNN deployments for autonomous agents are still at an early stage. Hence, the optimization stages for enabling efficient embodied SNN deployments for autonomous agents have not been defined systematically. Toward this, we propose a novel framework called SNN4Agents that consists of a set of optimization techniques for designing energy-efficient embodied SNNs targeting autonomous agent applications. Our SNN4Agents employs weight quantization, timestep reduction, and attention window reduction to jointly improve the energy efficiency, reduce the memory footprint, optimize the processing latency, while maintaining high accuracy. In the evaluation, we investigate use cases of event-based car recognition, and explore the trade-offs among accuracy, latency, memory, and energy consumption. The experimental results show that our proposed framework can maintain high accuracy (i.e., 84.12% accuracy) with 68.75% memory saving, 3.58x speed-up, and 4.03x energy efficiency improvement as compared to the state-of-the-art work for the NCARS dataset. In this manner, our SNN4Agents framework paves the way toward enabling energy-efficient embodied SNN deployments for autonomous agents.
Bedding material properties and slurry C/N ratio affect the availability of nitrogen in cattle slurry applied to soil
Authors: Andersson Karin , Dahlin A. Sigrun , Sørensen Peter , Delin Sofia
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Cattle slurry used as fertilizer in crop production is a mix of feces, urine, water, and bedding material from the housing system. Previous studies have shown that slurry nitrogen (N) availability to crops is dependent on C/N ratio. As the bedding material can contribute a significant part of total slurry carbon (C), its characteristics may affect the C/N ratio of the slurry. There is increasing interest in using the solid fraction from mechanical slurry separation as bedding material, and therefore this study investigated the potential effect of this fraction on slurry N availability, compared with more commonly used bedding materials such as straw and sawdust.

Methods

In two parallel 28-day laboratory incubations, net mineral N release and C mineralization from slurries applied to sandy loam soil were measured. The slurries comprised a liquid fraction (LF) from mechanical cattle slurry separation with a screw-press and different added bedding materials. Liquid fraction was mixed with two types of bedding material, solid slurry fraction (SF) and chopped straw, in different proportions, resulting in C/N ratios of 10, 12, and 14 in the slurry. In additional treatments, two other bedding materials, ground straw and sawdust, with slurry C/N ratio 12, were used.

Results

For SF and chopped straw, similar negative linear correlations were seen between slurry C/N ratio and net mineral N release after 28 days. Carbon mineralization, expressed as a percentage of total C added, was higher from the mixture containing SF than that containing straw, while no clear relationship with C/N ratio was found. At slurry C/N ratio 12, net release of mineral N was 28–39% of total N and decreased in the order: sawdust>chopped straw=SF=ground straw. Net C mineralization at the same slurry C/N ratio was 33–46% and decreased in the order: SF=ground straw>chopped straw>sawdust.

Discussion

For bedding materials with similar fiber composition (i.e., SF and straw), differences in C availability due to particle size or degree of degradation by microorganisms did not influence slurry N availability measurably. For sawdust, with high lignin content, the results indicate that limited C availability may lead to lower slurry N immobilization.
Twist Angle Error Statistical Analysis and Uncertain Influence on Aerodynamic Performance of Three-Dimensional Compressor Rotor
Authors: Dan Yue , Li Ruiyu , Gao Limin , Yu Huawei , Hao Yuyang
Published: July 2024

Twist angle errors along the blade radial direction are uncertain and affected by cutting force, tool wear, and other factors. In this paper, the measured twist angle errors of 13 sections of 72 rotor blades were innovatively analyzed to obtain the rational statistical distribution. It is surprisingly found that the under-deflection systematic deviation of twist angle errors shows a gradually increasing W-shaped distribution along the radial direction, while the scatter is nearly linear. Logically, the statistical model is established based on the linear correlation of the scatter by regression analysis to reduce variable dimension from 13 to 1. The influence of the radial non-uniform twist angle errors’ uncertainty on the aerodynamic performance of the three-dimensional compressor rotor is efficiently quantified combining the non-intrusive polynomial chaos method. The results show that the mean values of mass flow rate, total pressure ratio, and isentropic efficiency at the typical operating conditions are lower than the nominal values due to the systematic deviation, indicating that the under-deflection twist angle errors lead to the decrease in compressor thrust. The compressor’s stable operating range is more sensitive to the scatter of twist angle errors, which is up to an order of magnitude greater than that of the total pressure ratio and isentropic efficiency, indicating the compressor’s safe and stable operation risk increases. Additionally, the flow field at the tip region is significantly affected by twist angle errors, especially at the shock wave position of the near-stall condition.
Classification of Degradable Mulch Films and Their Promotional Effects and Limitations on Agricultural Production
Authors: Song Zhiwen , Zhao Lei , Bi Junguo , Tang Qingyun , Wang Guodong , Li Yuxiang
Published: July 2024

Film mulching technology has greatly improved the efficiency of agricultural production. However, it also causes environmental problems such as soil contamination. Biodegradable mulch films, which represent environmentally friendly alternatives, present different characteristics depending on regional differences and crop growth differences. This review was based on the literature and data collected from databases such as the Web of Science. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the development, types and degradation characteristics of biodegradable mulch films. The following conclusions are presented: (1) Applying biodegradable mulch films can conserve water, maintain the soil temperature, improve soil nutrition, increase the soil respiration rate, and promote soil microbial activity. (2) Biodegradable mulch films promote crop root system development, suppress weeds, shorten the crop growth cycle, improve crop emergence rates, and expand the planting range of crops. (3) At present, the incomplete degradability of biodegradable mulch films, their relatively high cost and the potential harm to soil from their degradation products still limit their widespread use in agricultural production. The aim of this study is to provide a reference for future research and for the application of biodegradable mulch films in the hope of promoting their role in the sustainable development of agriculture.
Wolbachia Transinfection and Effect on the Biological Traits of Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus (Matsumura), the Leafhopper Vector of Sugarcane White Leaf Disease
Authors: Suwanchaisri Kamonrat , Roddee Jariya , Wangkeeree Jureemart
Published: July 2024

The bacterial genus Wolbachia induces reproductive abnormalities in its insect host, including cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), which causes embryonic death in the crossing of infected males and uninfected females. Hence, Wolbachia-based strategies are employed to control insect pests. However, Wolbachia does not naturally infect Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus (Matsumura), the main vector of the phytoplasma causing the sugarcane white leaf (SCWL) disease. In this study, the wYfla Wolbachia strain, which induces strong CI in its original host, was microinjected into nymphs of M. hiroglyphicus. Molecular detection revealed that Wolbachia was successfully transinfected into the recipient host, with an infection frequency of 55–80% in up to eight generations after transinfection. Wolbachia exhibited no significant detrimental effects on the developmental time of the immature stages, adult emergences, and female longevity, whereas the lifespan of transinfected males was decreased. Reciprocal crossing revealed that Wolbachia infection did not affect the number of eggs laid per female. However, the hatching rate produced by the pairs between the transinfected males and naturally uninfected females significantly decreased. The evidence of Wolbachia transmitted through the generations tested and partial CI occurrence in transinfected M. hiroglyphicus highlights the possibility of the future development of Wolbachia-based strategies for controlling the vector of SCWL.
Localized Crop Classification by NDVI Time Series Analysis of Remote Sensing Satellite Data; Applications for Mechanization Strategy and Integrated Resource Management
Authors: Md-Tahir Hafiz , Mahmood Hafiz Sultan , Husain Muzammil , Khalil Ayesha , Shoaib Muhammad , Ali Mahmood , Ali Muhammad Mohsin , Tasawar Muhammad , Khan Yasir Ali , Awan Usman Khalid , Cheema Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud
Published: July 2024

In data-scarce regions, prudent planning and precise decision-making for sustainable development, especially in agriculture, remain challenging due to the lack of correct information. Remotely sensed satellite images provide a powerful source for assessing land use and land cover (LULC) classes and crop identification. Applying remote sensing (RS) in conjunction with the Geographical Information System (GIS) and modern tools/algorithms of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning has been proven effective for strategic planning and integrated resource management. The study was conducted in the canal command area of the Lower Chenab Canal system in Punjab, Pakistan. Crop features/classes were assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) algorithm. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 250 m and Landsat 5 TM (thematic mapper) images were deployed for NDVI time-series analysis with an unsupervised classification technique to obtain LULC classes that helped to discern cropping pattern, crop rotation, and the area of specific crops, which were then used as key inputs for agricultural mechanization planning and resource management. The accuracy of the LULC map was 78%, as assessed by the error matrix approach. Limitations of high-resolution RS data availability and the accuracy of the results are the concerns observed in this study that could be managed by the availability of good quality local sources and advanced processing techniques, that would make it more useful and applicable for regional agriculture and environmental management.
A Multi-Function Novel Crop Seeder for the Management of Residues and Mechanized Sowing of Wheat in a Single Path
Authors: Yaseen Muhammad Usama , Ahmad Shahzad , Ahmad Maqsood , Long John M. , Raza Hafiz Ali , Iftekhar Hassan , Ameer Sikander , Ogunbiyi Dabira
Published: July 2024

The handling of the remnants of rice crops in the field is not an easy operation, and farmers prefer burning, which causes air pollution, smog, and disease. This research reports the development of a novel precision crop seeder by handling the remnants of previous crops through mechanization. The precision seeder performed multiple operations in a single path, viz, chop residues, incorporate into soil, make mini trenches, and sow wheat with fertilizer application. The precision seeder has a 2040 mm working width, and specially designed C-type blades are used to shred the crop residue. A multiple-speed gearbox with a gear ratio of 1:0.52 is installed, with a further set of spur gears with 16, 18, and 20 teeth that provide 225, 250, 310, and 350 RPMs to the main rotor. In the middle of the seeder, after the main rotor shaft, 11 V-shaped trencher plates are fixed on the trencher roller for the making of trenches. The trencher roller is powered by star wheels, which showed good results. A zero-tillage-type sharp tip edge novel seeder unit was developed for the precise placement of seed and fertilizer. Seed and fertilizer were placed into the mini trenches through 11 seeder units through a ground wheel calibration system. The field capacity of the precision seeder was 0.408 ha/h and the operational cost was calculated 40.68 USD/ha. The seeder showed good results, with the production of 5028 kg/ha compared to conventional methods. The precision seeder provides a mechanized solution for wheat sowing with minimal operational costs by enhancing organic matter in soil with 13% more yield.
Weak Solar Radiation Significantly Decreased Rice Grain Yield and Quality—Simulated Shading Could Be a Foretell for Climate Change
Authors: Guo Lin , Qi Wenle , Bao Zeen , Wang Yumei , Wu Jiale , Pan Xiaohua , Zeng Yongjun , Xie Xiaobing
Published: July 2024

The southern rice-growing region plays a crucial role in ensuring national food security in China. However, rice production in this area is often affected by unfavorable weather conditions such as rainy and dim days, which significantly impact rice yield. Therefore, we conducted two field experiments to explore and compare the effects of climate variations and simulated shading on rice yield and quality. The results indicated that (a) both interannual climate variation and simulated shading had adverse effects on rice yield and quality, (b) the impact of interannual climate variation on yield was less severe compared with simulated shading, but it had a more significant negative effect on rice quality, and (c) different cultivars/quality groups of rice exhibited variations in response to weak solar radiation, with high-quality rice being more susceptible. The findings suggest that in the production of high-quality rice, it is important to select cultivars that are resilient to interannual climate variation and to develop supporting cultivation techniques to cope with growing incidence of weakened solar radiation in the future. Breeders can try to tap into potential weak-light-resistance genes and cultivators can try to use different cultivation methods to determine the optimal water and fertilizer regimes.
Combined Effect of Light and Temperature on Wheat and Rice Growth: A Case Study in Controlled Environment Agriculture
Authors: Thies Megan , Ferrarezi Rhuanito Soranz , Realff Matthew
Published: July 2024

In light of projected climate changes that are expected to disrupt crop yields in previously stable regions, it is essential to understand how these changes will affect food supplies. This study investigated the combined effect of light and temperature on the yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) in a controlled environment. Three treatment combinations were tested: 30.2 mol.m−2.d−1 with a 17.5 °C average (“low”), 38.9 mol.m−2.d−1 and 22.5 °C (“medium”), and 47.5 mol.m−2.d−1 and 27.5 °C (“high”). The low treatment resulted in the highest wheat yield, with total dry biomasses of 233 g, 140 g, and 115 g for the low, medium, and high treatments. Rice showed the highest growth in the medium and high treatments, with total dry biomasses of 145 and 144 g. The medium and high treatment biomasses were not statistically significant for wheat or rice at 95% confidence. However, the wheat’s edible biomass did significantly decrease between every treatment. These results demonstrate that wheat thrives in colder climates, even with less light available, while an increase in temperature will have either a positive or insignificant effect on rice within this study’s temperature range.
Mechanisms and Applications of Pseudomonas monteilii SX001: A Promising Agent for Improving Cucumber Tolerance to Salt Stress
Authors: Li Bin , Wang Zhexuan , Qiao Bo , Liu Tongxin , Li Sen , Zhao Lixiang , Wei Lincao , Han Lingjuan
Published: July 2024

To investigate the effects of Pseudomonas monteilii SX001 on various parameters of cucumber plants under salt stress, the salt-sensitive cucumber variety “Jinyou No. 4” was used as the test material, and coconut bran was used to simulate salt stress by applying NaCl solution. The results indicated that salt stress significantly reduced the morphological structure, relative growth rate, root morphology, and photosynthetic parameters of the cucumber plants. Leaf starch, soluble sugar, and sucrose contents significantly increased, whereas their levels in roots decreased. Cell membrane damage leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, with notable increases in the activities of major antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and POD. Nitrogen metabolism was disrupted, as evidenced by a significant decrease in nitrate nitrogen content and an increase in ammonium nitrogen content, as well as a significant reduction in the activity of NR enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism. The enzyme activity in the cucumber rhizosphere soil decreased. However, Pseudomonas monteilii SX001 significantly enhanced the growth of cucumber seedlings under salt stress, improved photosynthetic efficiency, and facilitated sugar transformation and transport via glucose metabolism. Additionally, Pseudomonas monteilii SX001 reduced the reactive oxygen content and increased antioxidant enzyme activity. It also increased the activity of substrate enzymes and decreased the diversity of rhizosphere soil microorganisms but also increased the abundance of Asticcacaulis, Acinetobacter, Brevundimonas, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacter. These findings demonstrate that Pseudomonas monteilii SX001 is a promising bioinoculant for alleviating salt stress in cucumber production and improving soil health.
Chemical Control of the Field Dodder (Cuscuta campestris) in New-Seeded Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Authors: Meighani Fariba , Mamnoei Ebrahim , Hatami Sepideh , Samadi-Kalkhoran Elham , Khalil-Tahmasebi Behrooz , Korres Nicholas Emmanuel , Bajwa Ali Ahsan
Published: July 2024

Field dodder (Cuscuta campestris yuncker) is an important parasitic weed that has negative impacts on the growth and yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Effective control of field dodder in alfalfa crops is necessary to reduce yield losses. Field studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various herbicides on field dodder in a new-seeded alfalfa crop at three locations (Karaj, Jiroft, and Urmia) in Iran during 2020–2021. The herbicides evaluated were imazethapyr (100 g a.i. ha−1), glyphosate (six doses ranging from 143 to 348 g a.i. ha−1 + ammonium sulfate at 8 kg ha−1), and propyzamide (1250, 1500, and 1750 g a.i. ha−1). The results demonstrated that propyzamide at 1750 g a.i. ha−1 provided complete control of field dodder in terms of percentage change in biomass at first (100%) and second (99%) cuttings of alfalfa in Urmia. The imazethapyr at 100 g a.i. ha−1 provided 96 and 87% control at the first and second cuttings, respectively, whereas propyzamide at 1750 g a.i. ha−1 showed the best efficacy in increasing alfalfa biomass at the first (up to 82%) and the second cuttings (up to 81%), depending on the location. Glyphosate provided reasonable control of the field dodder at the first (73%) and the second cutting (82%). However, at higher rates (307 and 348 g a.i. ha−1), it caused significant reductions in alfalfa biomass due to crop injury, especially at the first cutting. The use of propyzamide at 1750 g a.i. ha−1 is recommended for highly effective control of field dodder in alfalfa crops without compromising the crop yield.
Bacterial and Genetic Features of Raw Retail Pork Meat: Integrative Analysis of Antibiotic Susceptibility, Whole-Genome Sequencing, and Metagenomics
Authors: Lowe Michelle , Strasheim Wilhelmina , Chan Wai Yin , Perovic Olga
Published: July 2024

The global antibiotic resistance crisis, driven by overuse and misuse of antibiotics, is multifaceted. This study aimed to assess the microbiological and genetic characteristics of raw retail pork meat through various methods, including the isolation, antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of selected indicator bacteria, antibiotic residue testing, and metagenomic sequencing. Samples were purchased from 10 pre-selected retail stores in Gauteng, South Africa. The samples were aseptically separated, with portions sent to an external laboratory for isolating indicator bacteria and testing for antibiotic residues. Identification of the isolated bacteria was reconfirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). AST was performed using the Microscan Walkaway system (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA, USA). WGS and metagenomic sequencing were performed using the Illumina NextSeq 550 instrument (San Diego, CA, USA). The isolated E. coli and E. faecalis exhibited minimal phenotypic resistance, with WGS revealing the presence of tetracycline resistance genes. Both the isolated bacteria and meat samples harboured tetracycline resistance genes and the antibiotic residue concentrations were within acceptable limits for human consumption. In the metagenomic context, most identified bacteria were of food/meat spoilage and environmental origin. The resistome analysis primarily indicated beta-lactam, tetracycline and multidrug resistance genes. Further research is needed to understand the broader implications of these findings on environmental health and antibiotic resistance.
The Influence of β-Carotene and Its Liposomal Form on the Expression of EMT Markers and Androgen-Dependent Pathways in Different Prostate Cell Lines
Authors: Dulińska-Litewka Joanna , Dykas Kacper , Boznański Stanisław , Hałubiec Przemysław , Kaczor-Kamińska Marta , Zagajewski Jacek , Bohn Torsten , Wątor Gracjan
Published: July 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in men. Although the prognosis in the early stages is good, the treatment of advanced PCa remains a formidable challenge. Even after an initial response to hormone therapy or chemotherapy, recurrences are frequent and resistance to any systemic treatment is common. β-Carotene (BC), a plant-derived tetraterpene, is known for its antioxidant capacity and can modulate multiple cellular signaling pathways, potentially affecting androgen synthesis. We investigated the influence of BC (dissolved in EtOH/THF with a cell culture medium or encapsulated in liposomes (LP-BCs)) on the viability, migration potential, and connective tissue cleavage capabilities of several PCa cell lines (Du145, LNCaP, PC-3, and 22Rv1) and a healthy prostate model (RWPE cells). BC significantly reduced the proliferative capacity of all investigated cell lines at various concentrations (1.5–30 µM) and decreased cell migration. However, it significantly increased the expression of epidermal–mesenchymal transition (EMT) master proteins in all cancer cell lines and RWPE (p < 0.05) These effects were not observed with LP-BCs. This study suggests that LP-BCs, with their higher antiproliferative capabilities and pronounced inhibition of the EMT, may be a more effective form of possible PCa prevention or treatment than the free form. LPs may also modulate lipid metabolism in PCa cells.
Lagrange Relaxation for the Capacitated Multi-Item Lot-Sizing Problem
Authors: Gao Zhen , Li Danning , Wang Danni , Yu Zengcai
Published: July 2024

The capacitated multi-item lot-sizing problem, referred to as the CLSP, is to determine the lot sizes of products in each period in a given planning horizon of finite periods, meeting the product demands and resource limits in each period, and to minimize the total cost, consisting of the production, inventory holding, and setup costs. CLSPs are often encountered in industry production settings and they are considered NP-hard. In this paper, we propose a Lagrange relaxation (LR) approach for their solution. This approach relaxes the capacity constraints to the objective function and thus decomposes the CLSP into several uncapacitated single-item problems, each of which can be easily solved by dynamic programming. Feasible solutions are achieved by solving the resulting transportation problems and a fixup heuristic. The Lagrange multipliers in the relaxed problem are updated by using subgradient optimization. The experimental results show that the LR approach explores high-quality solutions and has better applicability compared with other commonly used solution approaches in the literature.
A Real-Time Detection of Pilot Workload Using Low-Interference Devices
Authors: Liu Yihan , Gao Yijing , Yue Lishengsa , Zhang Hua , Sun Jiahang , Wu Xuerui
Published: July 2024

Excessive pilot workload is one of the significant causes of flight accidents. The detection of flight workload can help optimize aircraft crew operation procedures, improve cockpit human–machine interface (HMIs) design, and ultimately reduce the risk of flight accidents. However, traditional detection methods often employ invasive or patch-based devices that can interfere with the pilot’s control. In addition, they generally lack real-time capabilities, while the workload of pilots actually varies continuously. Moreover, most models do not take individual physiological differences into account, leading to the poor performance of new pilots. To address these issues, this study developed a real-time pilot workload detection model based on low-interference devices, including telemetry eye trackers and a pressure-sensing seat cushion. Specifically, the Adaptive KNN-Ensemble Pilot Workload Detection (AKE-PWD) model is proposed, combining KNN in the outer layer for identifying the physiological feature cluster with the ensemble classifier corresponding to this cluster in the inner layer. The ensemble model employs random forest, gradient boosting trees, and FCN–Transformer as base learners. It utilizes soft voting for predictions, integrating the strengths of various networks and effectively extracting the sequential features from complex data. Results show that the model achieves a detection accuracy of 82.6% on the cross-pilot testing set, with a runtime of 0.1 s, surpassing most studies that use invasive or patch-based detection devices. Additionally, the model demonstrates high accuracy across different individuals, indicating good generalization. The results are expected to improve flight safety.
Comparative Analysis of the Irradiation with Medium Fluences of High-Energy Electrons and Pr Doping on the Fluctuation Conductivity of YBa2Cu3O7–δ Single Crystals
Authors: Khadzhai George , Goulatis Ioannis , Chroneos Alexander , Feher Alexander , Vovk Ruslan
Published: July 2024

Medium-fluence fast electron irradiation (1019 e/cm2 to 1020 e/cm2) or the changes in the praseodymium concentration in the range of 0.0 ≤ z ≤ 0.5 on the excess conductivity of YBa2Cu3O7–δ single crystals ware investigated. These can lead to a wider range of the temperature interval of excess conductivity which narrows the interval of linearity in the ab plane. At fluences 0 ≤ Φ ≤ 6.5 × 1019 e/cm2, there was a threefold increase in the transverse coherence length ξc(0) with an increase in Φ of more than four times as the praseodymium concentration increased to z ≈ 0.42. The two-dimensional–three-dimensional (2D–3D) crossover point shifted upward in temperature. Conversely, to irradiation with low fluences (Φ ≤ 1019 e/cm2) or low praseodymium doping (z ≤ 0.39), irradiation with medium fluences or high praseodymium doping led to a non-monotonic dependence of ξc(0) on the irradiation fluence, with characteristic maxima at Φ~(7–8) × 1019 e/cm2 and z ≈ 0.42, likely due to the suppression of the superconducting characteristics.
Coordinated Control of Constant Output Voltage and Maximum Efficiency in Wireless Power Transfer Systems
Authors: Wang Xu , Guo Yanjie , Wang Ruimin , Zhang Yajing
Published: July 2024

This article presents a coordinated control method used for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. This method can improve WPT system transmission efficiency while maintaining the constant output voltage. First, the topology of the DC–DC converter is selected and the equivalent circuit model of the WPT system is established. Then, the WPT system characteristics are discussed and the mutual inductance estimation process is presented. Furthermore, the coordinated control method is proposed, where the constant voltage output is achieved by connecting the Buck–Boost converter after the diode rectifier. Meanwhile, the optimal phase shift angle is calculated and sent to the controller to achieve maximum transmission efficiency tracking control, according to the measured load voltage and current. Finally, simulations and experiments are adopted to verify the proposed coordinated control method. The experimental results indicate that the average system transmission efficiency is increased by 1.80% and the efficiency fluctuation is decreased by 2.67% when the system load resistance varies, while the average system transmission efficiency is increased by 1.80%, and the efficiency fluctuation is decreased by 3.14% when the mutual inductance changes. This means the proposed coordinated control method is effective under the conditions of the WPT load and mutual inductance variations.
Application of Automated Pavement Inspection Technology in Provincial Highway Pavement Maintenance Decision-Making
Authors: Huang Li-Ling , Lin Jyh-Dong , Huang Wei-Hsing , Kuo Chun-Hung , Huang Mao-Yuan
Published: July 2024

Taiwan’s provincial highways span approximately 5000 km and are crucial for connecting cities and towns. As pavement deteriorates over time and maintenance funds are limited, efficient pavement inspection and maintenance decision-making are challenging. Traditional inspections rely on manual visual assessments, consuming significant human resources and time without providing quantitative results. This study addresses current maintenance practices by introducing automated pavement damage detection technology to replace manual surveys. This technology significantly improves inspection efficiency and reduces costs. For example, traditional methods inspect 1 km per day, while automated survey vehicles cover 4 km per day, increasing efficiency fourfold. Additionally, automated surveys reduce inspection costs per kilometer by about 1.7 times, lowering long-term operational costs. Inspection results include the crack rate, rut depth, and roughness (IRI). Using K-means clustering analysis, maintenance thresholds for these indicators are established for decision-making. This method is applied to real cases and validated against actual maintenance decisions, showing that the introduced detection technology efficiently and objectively guides maintenance decisions and meets the needs of maintenance units. Finally, the inspection results are integrated into a pavement management platform, allowing direct maintenance decision-making and significantly enhancing management efficiency.
Efficiency of a New Iterative Algorithm Using Fixed-Point Approach in the Settings of Uniformly Convex Banach Spaces
Authors: Srivastava Rekha , Ahmed Wakeel , Tassaddiq Asifa , Alotaibi Nouf
Published: July 2024

In the presence of Banach spaces, a novel iterative algorithm is presented in this study using the Chatterjea–Suzuki–C (CSC) condition, and the convergence theorems are established. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm is discussed analytically and numerically. We explain the solution of the Caputo fractional differential problem using our main result and then provide the numerical simulation to validate the results. Moreover, we use MATLAB R (2021a) to compare the obtained numerical results using the new iterative algorithm with some efficient existing algorithms. The work seems to contribute to the current advancement of fixed-point approximation iterative techniques in Banach spaces.
Recent Advancements in Battery Thermal Management Systems for Enhanced Performance of Li-Ion Batteries: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Rahmani Amin , Dibaj Mahdieh , Akrami Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Li-ion batteries are crucial for sustainable energy, powering electric vehicles, and supporting renewable energy storage systems for solar and wind power integration. Keeping these batteries at temperatures between 285 K and 310 K is crucial for optimal performance. This requires efficient battery thermal management systems (BTMS). Many studies, both numerical and experimental, have focused on improving BTMS efficiency. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the latest BTMS designs developed in 2023 and 2024, with a focus on recent advancements and innovations. The primary objective is to evaluate these new designs to identify key improvements and trends. This review categorizes BTMS designs into four cooling methods: air-cooling, liquid-cooling, phase change material (PCM)-cooling, and thermoelectric cooling. It provides a detailed analysis of each method. It also offers a unique examination of hybrid cooling BTMSs, classifying them based on their impact on the cooling process. A hybrid-cooling BTMS refers to a method that combines at least two of the four types of BTMS (air-cooling, liquid-cooling, PCM-cooling, and thermoelectric-cooling) to enhance thermal management efficiency. Unlike previous reviews, this study emphasizes the novelty of recent designs and the substantial results they achieve, offering significant insights and recommendations for future research and development in BTMS. By highlighting the latest innovations and providing an in-depth analysis, this paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers aiming to enhance battery performance and sustainability through advanced thermal management solutions.
Binders for Li-Ion Battery Technologies and Beyond: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Srivastava Muskan , M. R. Anil Kumar , Zaghib Karim
Published: July 2024

The effects of global warming highlight the urgent need for effective solutions to this problem. The electrification of society, which occurs through the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), is a critical strategy to combat climate change. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are vital components of the global energy-storage market for EVs, and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have gained renewed interest owing to their potential for rapid growth. Improved safety and stability have also put solid-state batteries (SSBs) on the chart of top batteries in the world. This review examines three critical battery technologies: LIBs, SIBs, and SSBs. Although research has historically concentrated on heavier battery components, such as electrodes, to achieve high gravimetric density, binders, which comprise less than 5% of the battery weight, have demonstrated great promise for meeting the increasing need for energy storage. This review thoroughly examines various binders, focusing on their solubilities in water and organic solvents. Understanding binder mechanisms is crucial for developing binders that maintain strong adhesion to electrodes, even during volume fluctuations caused by lithiation and delithiation. Therefore, we investigated the different mechanisms associated with binders. This review also discusses failure mechanisms and innovative design strategies to improve the performance of binders, such as composite, conductive, and self-healing binders. By investigating these fields, we hope to develop energy storage technologies that are more dependable and efficient while also helping to satisfy future energy needs.
Efficient Extraction of Coronary Artery Vessels from Computed Tomography Angiography Images Using ResUnet and Vesselness
Authors: Alirr Omar Ibrahim , Al-Absi Hamada R. H. , Ashtaiwi Abduladhim , Khalifa Tarek
Published: July 2024

Accurate and efficient segmentation of coronary arteries from CTA images is crucial for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases. This study proposes a structured approach that combines vesselness enhancement, heart region of interest (ROI) extraction, and the ResUNet deep learning method to accurately and efficiently extract coronary artery vessels. Vesselness enhancement and heart ROI extraction significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of the segmentation process, while ResUNet enables the model to capture both local and global features. The proposed method outperformed other state-of-the-art methods, achieving a Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.867, a Recall of 0.881, and a Precision of 0.892. The exceptional results for segmenting coronary arteries from CTA images demonstrate the potential of this method to significantly contribute to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Arabidopsis BTB-A2s Play a Key Role in Drought Stress
Authors: Cai Guohua , Zang Yunxiao , Wang Zhongqian , Liu Shuoshuo , Wang Guodong
Published: July 2024

Drought stress significantly impacts plant growth, productivity, and yield, necessitating a swift fine-tuning of pathways for adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. This study explored the effects of Arabidopsis BTB-A2.1, BTB-A2.2, and BTB-A2.3, distinguished by their exclusive possession of the Broad-complex, Tramtrack, and Bric-à-brac (BTB) domain, on the negative regulation of drought stress mediated by abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of numerous ABA-responsive and drought stress-related cis-acting elements within the promoters of AtBTB-A2.1, AtBTB-A2.2, and AtBTB-A2.3. The AtBTB-A2.1, AtBTB-A2.2, and AtBTB-A2.3 transcript abundances increased under drought and ABA induction according to qRT-PCR and GUS staining. Furthermore, the Arabidopsis btb-a2.1/2/3 triple mutant exhibited enhanced drought tolerance, supporting the findings from the overexpression studies. Additionally, we detected a decrease in the stomatal aperture and water loss rate of the Arabidopsis btb-a2.1/2/3 mutant, suggesting the involvement of these genes in repressing stomatal closure. Importantly, the ABA signaling-responsive gene levels within Arabidopsis btb-a2.1/2/3 significantly increased compared with those in the wild type (WT) under drought stress. Based on such findings, Arabidopsis BTB-A2s negatively regulate drought stress via the ABA signaling pathway.
An Observational Longitudinal Study on Seasonal Variations in Tourette Syndrome: Evidence for a Role of Ambient Temperature in Tic Exacerbation
Authors: Lamanna Jacopo , Mazzoleni Riccardo , Farina Ramona , Ferro Mattia , Galentino Roberta , Porta Mauro , Malgaroli Antonio
Published: July 2024

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a high-incidence neurobehavioral disorder that generally begins in childhood. Several factors play a role in its etiology, including genetic influence and auto-immune activation by streptococcal infections. In general, symptoms subside after the end of adolescence, but, in a significant number of patients, they remain in adulthood. In this study, we evaluated temporal variations in the two core clinical features of TS including tics and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. An observational longitudinal study lasting 15 months (2017–2019) was conducted on a cohort of 24 people recruited in Milan (Italy) who were diagnosed with a subtype of TS known as obsessive–compulsive tic disorder. Inclusion criteria included a global score of the Yale global tic severity scale (Y-GTSS) > 50, a Yale–Brown obsessive–compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) global score > 15, and TS onset at least one year prior. Y-GTSS and Y-BOCS data were acquired at six time points, together with local environmental data. Tics, but not OCD symptoms, were found to be more severe in spring and summer compared with winter and autumn (p < 0.001). Changes in tics displayed an appreciable oscillation pattern in the same subject and also a clear synchrony among different subjects, indicating an external orchestrating factor. Ambient temperature showed a significant correlation with Y-GTSS measurements (p < 0.001). We argue that the increase in tics observed during hot seasons can be related to increasing ambient temperature. We believe that our results can shed light on the seasonal dynamics of TS symptomatology and provide clues for preventing their worsening over the year.