bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic resources and breeding of maize for Striga resistance: a review
Authors: Dossa Emeline Nanou , Shimelis Hussein , Mrema Emmanuel , Shayanowako Admire Tichafa Isaac , Laing Mark
Published: May 2023

The potential yield of maize (Zea maysL.) and other major crops is curtailed by several biotic, abiotic, and socio-economic constraints. Parasitic weeds,Strigaspp., are major constraints to cereal and legume crop production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yield losses reaching 100% are reported in maize under severeStrigainfestation. Breeding forStrigaresistance has been shown to be the most economical, feasible, and sustainable approach for resource-poor farmers and for being environmentally friendly. Knowledge of the genetic and genomic resources and components ofStrigaresistance is vital to guide genetic analysis and precision breeding of maize varieties with desirable product profiles underStrigainfestation. This review aims to present the genetic and genomic resources, research progress, and opportunities in the genetic analysis ofStrigaresistance and yield components in maize for breeding. The paper outlines the vital genetic resources of maize forStrigaresistance, including landraces, wild relatives, mutants, and synthetic varieties, followed by breeding technologies and genomic resources. Integrating conventional breeding, mutation breeding, and genomic-assisted breeding [i.e., marker-assisted selection, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, next-generation sequencing, and genome editing] will enhance genetic gains inStrigaresistance breeding programs. This review may guide new variety designs forStriga-resistance and desirable product profiles in maize.
Genomic prediction of optimal cross combinations to accelerate genetic improvement of soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Miller Mark J. , Song Qijian , Fallen Benjamin , Li Zenglu
Published: May 2023

Improving yield is a primary soybean breeding goal, as yield is the main determinant of soybean’s profitability. Within the breeding process, selection of cross combinations is one of most important elements. Cross prediction will assist soybean breeders in identifying the best cross combinations among parental genotypes prior to crossing, increasing genetic gain and breeding efficiency. In this study optimal cross selection methods were created and applied in soybean and validated using historical data from the University of Georgia soybean breeding program, under multiple training set compositions and marker densities utilizing multiple genomic selection models for marker evaluation. Plant materials consisted of 702 advanced breeding lines evaluated in multiple environments and genotyped using SoySNP6k BeadChips. An additional marker set, the SoySNP3k marker set, was tested in this study as well. Optimal cross selection methods were used to predict the yield of 42 previously made crosses and compared to the performance of the cross’s offspring in replicated field trials. The best prediction accuracy was obtained when using Extended Genomic BLUP with the SoySNP6k marker set, consisting of 3,762 polymorphic markers, with an accuracy of 0.56 with a training set maximally related to the crosses predicted and 0.4 in a training set with minimized relatedness to predicted crosses. Prediction accuracy was most significantly impacted by training set relatedness to the predicted crosses, marker density, and the genomic model used to predict marker effects. The usefulness criterion selected had an impact on prediction accuracy within training sets with low relatedness to the crosses predicted. Optimal cross prediction provides a useful method that assists plant breeders in selecting crosses in soybean breeding.
Spatial genetic patterns and distribution dynamics of Begonia grandis (Begoniaceae), a widespread herbaceous species in China
Authors: Xiao Yan , Li Xing-Juan , Jiang Xiao-Long , Li Chun , Li Xiang-Peng , Li Wei-Ping , Tian Dai-Ke
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Begonia L., one of the 10 largest plant genera, contains over 2,100 species, most of which have a very limited distribution range. Understanding the spatial genetic structure and distribution dynamics of a widespread species in this genus will contribute to clarifying the mechanism responsible for Begonia speciation.

Methods

In this study, we used three chloroplast DNA markers (ndhF-rpl32, atpI-atpH, and ndhA intron), coupled with species distribution modeling (SDM), to investigate the population genetic structure and distribution dynamics of Begonia grandis Dryand., the species of Begonia with the widest distribution in China.

Results

Thirty-five haplotypes from 44 populations clustered into two groups, and haplotype divergence began in the Pleistocene (1.75 Mya). High genetic diversity (Hd = 0.894, HT = 0.910), strong genetic differentiation (FST = 0.835), and significant phylogeographical structure (GST/NST = 0.848/0.917, P < 0.05) were observed. The distribution range of B. grandis migrated northwards after the last glacial maximum, but its core distribution area remained stable.

Discussion

Combined, the observed spatial genetic patterns and SDM results identified the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the Three Gorges region, and the Daba Mountains as potential refugia of B. grandis. BEAST-derived chronogram and haplotype network analysis do not support the Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae and Flora of China for subspecies classification based on morphological characteristics. Our results support the hypothesis that population-level allopatric differentiation may be an important speciation process for the Begonia genus and a key contributor to its rich diversity.
Abnormal dynamic functional connectivity of thalamic subregions in patients with first-episode, drug-naïve major depressive disorder
Authors: Zheng Yanting , Wu Yujie , Liu Yujie , Li Danian , Liang Xinyu , Chen Yaoping , Zhang Hanyue , Guo Yan , Lu Ruoxi , Wang Jinhui , Qiu Shijun
Published: May 2023

Background

Recent studies have shown that major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with altered intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) of the thalamus; however, investigations of these alterations at a finer time scale and the level of thalamic subregions are still lacking.

Methods

We collected resting-state functional MRI data from 100 treatment-naïve, first-episode MDD patients and 99 age-, gender- and education-matched healthy controls (HCs). Seed-based whole-brain sliding window-based dFC analyses were performed for 16 thalamic subregions. Between-group differences in the mean and variance of dFC were determined using threshold-free cluster enhancement algorithm. For significant alterations, there relationships with clinical and neuropsychological variables were further examined via bivariate and multivariate correlation analyses.

Results

Of all thalamic subregions, only the left sensory thalamus (Stha) showed altered variance of dFC in the patients characterized by increases with the left inferior parietal lobule, left superior frontal gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, and left precuneus, and decreases with multiple frontal, temporal, parietal, and subcortical regions. These alterations accounted for, to a great extent, clinical, and neuropsychological characteristics of the patients as revealed by the multivariate correlation analysis. In addition, the bivariate correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the variance of dFC between the left Stha and right inferior temporal gurus/fusiform and childhood trauma questionnaires scores (r = 0.562, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the left Stha is the most vulnerable thalamic subregion to MDD, whose dFC alterations may serve as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of the disease.
Lasting effect of Urochloa brizantha on a common bean-wheat-maize rotation in a medium-term no-till system
Authors: Crusciol Carlos Alexandre Costa , Santos Ferreira João Henrique , Momesso Letusa , Portugal José Roberto , de Campos Murilo , Volf Marcelo Raphael , Borghi Emerson , Soratto Rogério Peres , Calonego Juliano Carlos
Published: May 2023

Grass intercropping under no-till is an option to increase crop residues on the soil surface and crop diversity. Urochloa spp. is frequently selected for intercropping to improve land use and agricultural production because of its high residue production, slow residue decomposition, as well as its vigorous, abundant, and deep root system. However, the effects of intercropping Urochloa and maize, especially the effects of Urochloa residues, on subsequent crops in rotation have not been established. To address this knowledge gap, a field experiment was carried out over 5 years (from 2014 to 2018) comprising 2 years of maize monocropping or intercropping and 3 years of crop rotation (common bean-wheat-common bean-wheat-maize). We evaluated the medium-term effects of monocropped maize or maize intercropped with Urochloa brizantha on soil fertility and the development, yields, and grain nutrient accumulation of subsequent common bean, wheat, and maize crops. The cultivation of U. brizantha in the intercropping system improved soil fertility over at least 4 years, with increases in soil pH; soil organic matter (SOM); phosphorus (P); exchangeable potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg); sulfur (S–SO42−); cation exchange capacity (CEC); and base saturation (BS) at all soil depths. The benefits of U. brizantha extended to root dry matter and distribution; 70–77% of the total roots were concentrated within a soil depth of 0.0–0.2 m. The intercropping system improved the root dry matter mass, yield components, and grain yields of subsequent common bean, wheat, and maize crops in all cultivation years. These findings indicate that intercropping maize and U. brizantha provides medium-term benefits for subsequent common bean, wheat, and maize crops, and improves nutrient cycling to increase soil P; exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg; S–SO42−; and organic matter content.
Economía Circular en las áreas de gestión, negocios y economía: un análisis bibliométrico
Authors: García-Carreño Ingrid del Valle , Esteban-Ibáñez Macarena
Published: May 2023

El objetivo de la investigación fue profundizar en la investigación mediante la exploración de la tendencia de la economía circular específicamente en el área de gestión, negocios y economía. La metodología utilizada es descriptiva, una revisión bibliométrica de los artículos científicos sobre la economía circular (613 artículos), publicados en revistas indizadas en la Web of Science, el periodo seleccionado fue del 2009 al 2023. La producción se incrementó notablemente a partir del año 2019 con 80 artículos. Se realizaron mapas de co-ocurrencia de palabras, títulos y resúmenes de la economía circular. Como principales conclusiones se tienen los países con mayor colaboración como: China, Reino Unido, Estados Unidos e India. La economía circular es relevante y significativa a nivel mundial entre las diferentes naciones organizaciones, legisladores, instituciones académicas, académicos, investigadores y empresas, es considerada una solución a los desafíos ecológicos y socioeconómicos resultantes del consumo creciente de recursos no renovables, la generación de desechos sólidos y electrónicos, la contaminación (suelo, agua y atmósfera), así como la escasez de recursos. Se abre una ventana a las investigaciones relacionadas con el área de gestión, negocios y economía.
A Promising, Highly Effective Nitrate Sorbent Derived from Solid Olive Mill Residues
Authors: Angosto José M. , Obón José M. , Roca María J. , Alacid Mercedes , Fernández-López José A.
Published: May 2023

Olive mill residues have been valorized by chemical modification with amines to improve their adsorption capacity and to be used as a low-cost bioadsorbent for nitrate removal. The Taguchi method was used to optimize the process. By performing a three-factor analysis with three levels, it was possible to significantly reduce the number of experiments to be performed and to obtain the best working conditions. The results of the Taguchi method showed that the highest adsorption capacity was 110 mg·g−1 with a functionalized biomass dose of 1 g·L−1 using an initial nitrate concentration of 500 mg·L−1. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the surface morphology and study the chemical changes that occurred in the biomass. For the best conditions of the Taguchi approach, the kinetic and equilibrium aspects of the adsorption process were analyzed. The adsorption isotherms obtained were successfully fitted to the Freundlich (R2 = 0.98) and Langmuir (R2 = 0.97) models. The kinetics of the process were studied, and the data obtained fit very well to the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.99). The adsorption values obtained suggest that it is a bioadsorbent with great potential for nitrate retention in aqueous solutions.
H2S Crosstalk in Rhizobia Modulates Essential Nutrient Allocation and Transport in Soybean
Authors: Zhang Nina , Wang Li , Chen Juan , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: May 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a novel gas signaling molecule, plays a crucial role in plant growth and stress response. However, little attention has been devoted to the regulation of H2S on nutrient transport and utilization in legume–rhizobia symbiosis systems. Although we have previously proven that H2S synergized with rhizobia to considerably enhance nitrogen (N) metabolism and remobilization in N-deficient soybeans, it remains uncertain if changes in nutrient absorption, metabolism, and accumulation occur concurrently. Therefore, employing a synergistic treatment of H2S and rhizobia, we examined the dry matter biomass and carbon (C), N, phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) nutrient content in various organs of soybean from blooming to maturity. Firstly, H2S and rhizobia application obviously improved leaf and plant phenotypes and biomass accumulation in different organs during N-deficient soybean development. Second, from flowering to maturity, the contents and stoichiometric ratios of C, N, P, and K in various organs of soybean were changed to variable degrees by H2S and rhizobia. Furthermore, H2S collaborated with rhizobia to significantly affect grain nutrient harvest across soybean growth as well as overall plant nutrient accumulation. Consequently, H2S synergizes with rhizobia to optimize grain harvest quality and nutrient accumulation across the plant by managing the rational allocation and dynamic balance of nutrients in diverse organs, hence boosting soybean development and production.
Anatomical Characteristics of Duplicated Caudal Vena Cava in Cats—A Case Report
Authors: Korim Filip , Kuricová Mária , Eberlová Lada
Published: May 2023

Precise knowledge of the species-/breed-specific anatomy is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Existing literature has also been increasing in accordance with the growing demands of biomedical research, wherein mammals, including cats, have been used worldwide. Based on a vascular corrosion cast, complete duplication of the caudal vena cava (dCVC) was accidentally found in a 10-year-old male cat. The two separate symmetric veins corresponding to two caudal venae cavae cranially directed on both sides of the aorta; their first tributaries were the duplicated right and left deep circumflex iliac veins, and the median sacral vein ended in the right common iliac vein. At the L4 vertebra level, the left caudal vena cava crossed the aorta ventrally. It united with the right CVC immediately above the renal veins at the level of the cranial mesenteric artery (L2–L3). Embryologic knowledge is essential to understand the differences between the CVC variants in domestic mammals and the inferior vena cava in humans. However, views regarding the post-hepatic segment of the CVC during development vary considerably. Therefore, our case report also includes a summary of the CVC developmental theories and their clinical impact. We believe that this case and literature review contribute to the knowledge regarding the deep abdominal veins’ variability, concomitant pathologies, and accurate diagnosis and surgery. Additionally, the latest robust studies demonstrating the exclusive participation of the caudal cardinal veins in the CVC development are discussed.
Leveraging Public Data to Predict Global Niches and Distributions of Rhizostome Jellyfishes
Authors: Anthony Colin Jeffrey , Tan Kei Chloe , Pitt Kylie Anne , Bentlage Bastian , Ames Cheryl Lewis
Published: May 2023

As climate change progresses rapidly, biodiversity declines, and ecosystems shift, it is becoming increasingly difficult to document dynamic populations, track fluctuations, and predict responses to climate change. Concurrently, publicly available databases and tools are improving scientific accessibility, increasing collaboration, and generating more data than ever before. One of the most successful projects is iNaturalist, an AI-driven social network doubling as a public database designed to allow citizen scientists to report personal biodiversity reports with accuracy. iNaturalist is especially useful for the research of rare, dangerous, and charismatic organisms, but requires better integration into the marine system. Despite their abundance and ecological relevance, there are few long-term, high-sample datasets for jellyfish, which makes management difficult. To provide some high-sample datasets and demonstrate the utility of publicly collected data, we synthesized two global datasets for ten genera of jellyfishes in the order Rhizostomeae containing 8412 curated datapoints from both iNaturalist (n = 7807) and the published literature (n = 605). We then used these reports in conjunction with publicly available environmental data to predict global niche partitioning and distributions. Initial niche models inferred that only two of ten genera have distinct niche spaces; however, the application of machine learning-based random forest models suggests genus-specific variation in the relevance of abiotic environmental variables used to predict jellyfish occurrence. Our approach to incorporating reports from the literature with iNaturalist data helped evaluate the quality of the models and, more importantly, the quality of the underlying data. We find that free, accessible online data is valuable, yet subject to biases through limited taxonomic, geographic, and environmental resolution. To improve data resolution, and in turn its informative power, we recommend increasing global participation through collaboration with experts, public figures, and hobbyists in underrepresented regions capable of implementing regionally coordinated projects.
11-Year Trend in Antibiotic Consumption in a South-Eastern European Country; the Situation in Albania and the Implications for the Future
Authors: Hoxha Iris , Godman Brian , Malaj Admir , Meyer Johanna C.
Published: May 2023

There are growing concerns with rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across countries. These concerns are enhanced by the increasing and inappropriate utilization of ‘Watch’ antibiotics with their greater resistance potential, AMR is further exacerbated by the increasing use of antibiotics to treat patients with COVID-19 despite little evidence of bacterial infections. Currently, little is known about antibiotic utilization patterns in Albania in recent years, including the pandemic years, the influence of an ageing population, as well as increasing GDP and greater healthcare governance. Consequently, total utilization patterns in the country were tracked from 2011 to 2021 alongside key indicators. Key indicators included total utilization as well as changes in the use of ‘Watch’ antibiotics. Antibiotic consumption fell from 27.4 DIDs (defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day) in 2011 to 18.8 DIDs in 2019, which was assisted by an ageing population and improved infrastructures. However, there was an appreciable increase in the use of ‘Watch’ antibiotics during the study period. Their utilization rose from 10% of the total utilization among the top 10 most utilized antibiotics (DID basis) in 2011 to 70% by 2019. Antibiotic utilization subsequently rose after the pandemic to 25.1 DIDs in 2021, reversing previous downward trends. Alongside this, there was increasing use of ‘Watch’ antibiotics, which accounted for 82% (DID basis) of the top 10 antibiotics in 2021. In conclusion, educational activities and antimicrobial stewardship programs are urgently needed in Albania to reduce inappropriate utilization, including ‘Watch’ antibiotics, and hence AMR.
Genomic Surveillance of Salmonella from the Comunitat Valenciana (Spain)
Authors: Sánchez-Serrano Andrea , Mejía Lorena , Camaró Maria Luisa , Ortolá-Malvar Susana , Llácer-Luna Martín , García-González Neris , González-Candelas Fernando
Published: May 2023

Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica is one of the most important foodborne pathogens and the causative agent of salmonellosis, which affects both humans and animals producing numerous infections every year. The study and understanding of its epidemiology are key to monitoring and controlling these bacteria. With the development of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technologies, surveillance based on traditional serotyping and phenotypic tests of resistance is being replaced by genomic surveillance. To introduce WGS as a routine methodology for the surveillance of food-borne Salmonella in the region, we applied this technology to analyze a set of 141 S. enterica isolates obtained from various food sources between 2010 and 2017 in the Comunitat Valenciana (Spain). For this, we performed an evaluation of the most relevant Salmonella typing methods, serotyping and sequence typing, using both traditional and in silico approaches. We extended the use of WGS to detect antimicrobial resistance determinants and predicted minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Finally, to understand possible contaminant sources in this region and their relationship to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), we performed cluster detection combining single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) pairwise distances and phylogenetic and epidemiological data. The results of in silico serotyping with WGS data were highly congruent with those of serological analyses (98.5% concordance). Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) profiles obtained with WGS information were also highly congruent with the sequence type (ST) assignment based on Sanger sequencing (91.9% coincidence). In silico identification of antimicrobial resistance determinants and minimum inhibitory concentrations revealed a high number of resistance genes and possible resistant isolates. A combined phylogenetic and epidemiological analysis with complete genome sequences revealed relationships among isolates indicative of possible common sources for isolates with separate sampling in time and space that had not been detected from epidemiological information. As a result, we demonstrate the usefulness of WGS and in silico methods to obtain an improved characterization of S. enterica enterica isolates, allowing better surveillance of the pathogen in food products and in potential environmental and clinical samples of related interest.
Stevioside Improves Antioxidant Capacity and Intestinal Barrier Function while Attenuating Inflammation and Apoptosis by Regulating the NF-κB/MAPK Pathways in Diquat-Induced Oxidative Stress of IPEC-J2 Cells
Authors: Xu Qinglei , Liu Mingzheng , Chao Xiaohuan , Zhang Chunlei , Yang Huan , Chen Jiahao , Zhou Bo
Published: May 2023

As a natural sweetener, stevioside is extracted from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and possesses potent antioxidant activity. However, little information is known about its protective role in maintaining the intestinal epithelial cells health under oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of stevioside on alleviating inflammation, apoptosis, and improving antioxidant capacity in intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) under oxidative stress by diquat. The results demonstrated that the pretreatment with stevioside (250 μM) for 6 h increased cell viability and proliferation and prevented apoptosis induced by diquat at 1000 μM for 6 h in IPEC-J2 cells, compared with the diquat alone-treated cells. Importantly, stevioside pretreatment significantly reduced ROS and MDA production as well as upregulated T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activity. Moreover, it also decreased cell permeability and improved intestinal barrier functions by significantly upregulating the tight junction protein abundances of claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1. At the same time, stevioside significantly down-regulated the secretion and gene expression of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α and decreased the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB, IκB, and ERK1/2 compared with the diquat alone group. Taken together, this study demonstrated that stevioside alleviated diquat-stimulated cytotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis in IPEC-J2 cells, protecting cellular barrier integrity and mitigating oxidative stress by interfering with the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Obesity and Its Impact on Cognitive Impairments—A Narrative Review
Authors: Naomi Ruth , Teoh Soo Huat , Embong Hashim , Balan Santhra Segaran , Othman Fezah , Bahari Hasnah , Yazid Muhammad Dain
Published: May 2023

Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition that induces the generation of oxidative stress and inflammation. This oxidative stress and inflammation stimulate brain atrophy and some morphological changes in the brain that eventually result in cognitive impairments. However, there is no exact study that has summarized the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity and its impact on cognitive impairments. Thus, the objective of this review is to recapitulate the current role of oxidative stress and inflammation in cognitive decline based on in vivo evidence. A comprehensive search was performed in Nature, Medline and Ovid, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, and the search was limited to the past 10 years of publication. From the search, we identified 27 articles to be further reviewed. The outcome of this study indicates that a greater amount of fat stored in individual adipocytes in obesity induces the formation of reactive oxygen species and inflammation. This will lead to the generation of oxidative stress, which may cause morphological changes in the brain, suppress the endogenous antioxidant system, and promote neuroinflammation and, eventually, neuronal apoptosis. This will impair the normal function of the brain and specific regions that are involved in learning, as well as memory. This shows that obesity has a strong positive correlation with cognitive impairments. Hence, this review summarizes the mechanism of oxidative stress and inflammation that induce memory loss based on animal model evidence. In conclusion, this review may serve as an insight into therapeutic development focusing on oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways to manage an obesity-induced cognitive decline in the future.
Spatial Assessment and Prediction of Urbanization in Maseru Using Earth Observation Data
Authors: Adam Elhadi , Masupha Nthabeleng E. , Xulu Sifiso
Published: May 2023

The availability of geospatial data infrastructure and earth observation technology can play an essential role in facilitating the monitoring of sustainable urban development. However, in most developing countries, a spatiotemporal evaluation of urban growth is still lacking. Maseru, Lesotho’s capital and largest city, is growing rapidly due to various socioeconomic and demographic driving forces. However, urban expansion in developing countries has been characterized by entangled structures and trends exacerbating numerous negative consequences such as ecological degradation, the loss of green space, and pollution. Understanding the urban land use and land cover (LULC) dynamic is essential to mitigate such adverse impacts. This study focused on mapping and quantifying the urban extension in Maseru, using Landsat imagery from 1988 to 2019, based on the Support Vector Machines (SVM) classifier. We also simulated and predicted LULC changes for the year 2050 using the cellular automata model of an artificial neural network (ANN-CA). Our results showed a notable increase in the built-up area from 15.3% in 1988 to 48% in 2019 and bare soil from 12.3% to 35.3%, while decreased agricultural land (21.7 to 1.7%), grassland (43.3 to 10.5%) and forest vegetation (5.5 to 3.2%) were observed over the study period. The classified maps have high accuracy, between 88% and 95%. The ANN-CA projections for 2050 show that built-up areas will continue to increase with a decrease in agricultural fields, bare soil, grasslands, water bodies and woody vegetation. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed, long-term study to provide insights on urban growth to planners and other stakeholders in Maseru in order to improve the implementation of the Maseru 2050 urban plan.
A Weakly-Coupled Double Bow-Tie Multi-Ring Elliptical Core Multi-Mode Fiber for Mode Division Multiplexing across C+L+U Band
Authors: Ci Yingjuan , Ren Fang , Lei Xiao , Li Yidan , Zhou Deyang , Wang Jianping
Published: May 2023

We herein present a weakly-coupled double bow-tie multi-ring elliptical core multi-mode fiber (DBT-MREC-MMF) supporting 22 eigenmodes for mode division multiplexing across the C+L+U band. The proposed fiber introduces a multi-ring elliptical core, bow-tie air holes, and bow-tie stress-applying areas to effectively split adjacent eigenmodes. By utilizing the finite element method (FEM), we accordingly optimized the fiber to support the 22 modes under the weakly-coupled condition. We evaluated the impact of fiber parameters on the minimum effective refractive index difference (min Δneff) between adjacent eigenmodes, model birefringence (Bm), and bending loss at a wavelength of 1550 nm. Additionally, broadband performance metrics, such as effective modal index (neff), effective index difference (Δneff), effective mode area (Aeff), differential mode delay (DMD), and chromatic dispersion (D), were comprehensively studied over the entire C+L+U band, ranging from 1530 to 1675 nm. The proposed fiber is capable of supporting 22 completely separated eigenmodes with a min Δneff between adjacent eigenmodes larger than 3.089 × 10−4 over the entire C+L+U band. The proposed DBT-MREC-MMF holds great potential for use in short-haul communication systems that require MDM to improve transmission capacity and expand bandwidth.
Microwave Imaging for Half-Space Conductors Using the Whale Optimization Algorithm and the Spotted Hyena Optimizer
Authors: Chiu Chien-Ching , Chen Po-Hsiang , Chien Wei , Lim Eng Hock , Chen Guo-Zheng
Published: May 2023

This research implements the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and spotted hyena optimizer (SHO) in inverse scattering to regenerate the conductor shape concealed in the half-space. TM waves are irradiated from the other half-space to a perfect conductor with an unknown shape buried in one half-space. The scattered field measured outside the conductor surface with the boundary condition is used to reconstruct the object using the WOA and SHO algorithms. Several scenarios of reconstruction accuracy were compared for the WOA and SHO. The numerical simulations prove that the WOA has a better reconstruction capability.
Experimental Study of the Mechanical Properties of a Flexible Grid Filling Body
Authors: Liu Xiaosheng , Wang Weijun , Wu Hai , Chen Jiaren , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Liming
Published: May 2023

The fill mining method has become more widely used due to its advantages of a high resource recovery rate, reliability and safety, and reduced surface tailings storage. However, the mechanical properties of the cemented fillings in fill mining are similar to those of ultra-low strength plain concrete, and there are problems such as high brittleness, low bending and tensile strength, and sudden failure. Using a flexible grid as reinforcement material, uniaxial compression, tensile, and shear tests of a flexible grid filling body were carried out, and the results were compared with the mechanical properties of the filling body without the flexible grid. We drew the following main conclusions: the uniaxial compressive strength of the flexible grid filling body gradually increased with the decrease in the grid spacing (the increase in the grid density); the grid dimension had little effect on the uniaxial compressive strength of the flexible grid filling body. The uniaxial tensile strength and shear strength of the flexible grid filling body increased with the increase in the grid dimension; and they first increased and then decreased with the increase in the grid spacing, and there was an optimal grid spacing. From the perspective of the macroscopic failure mode, the flexible grid filling body specimen after the uniaxial compression test had a conjugate shear failure, forming a “dumbbell shape” with two large ends and a small middle. After the uniaxial tensile test, the macroscopic failure mode of the specimen was tensile failure. After the shear test, the macroscopic failure mode of the specimen was shear slip failure. It is proposed that the tensile strength, shear strength, cohesion, and internal friction angle strengthening coefficients of the flexible grid filling body with different dimensions and spacing are higher than the elastic modulus strengthening coefficients. The experimental results can provide a certain reference and guidance for mine filling.
Capacity Improvement of 3D-OCDMA-PON Hybrid System Next Generation Using Weight Zero Cross Correlation Code
Authors: Cherifi Abdelhamid , Mohammed Chikouche Tarik , Karar Abdullah S. , Barakat Julien Moussa H. , Arbouche Omar , Dayoub Iyad
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a novel code for optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) systems, called the three-dimensional (3D) spectral/temporal/spatial single weight zero cross-correlation (3D-SWZCC) code. The proposed code could potentially be used in the next generation of passive optical networks (NG-PONs) to provide a 3D-SWZCC-OCDMA-NG-PON system. The developed code has a high capacity and a zero cross-correlation property that completely suppresses the multiple access interference (MAI) effects that are a main drawback for OCDMA systems. Previously, a two-dimensional (2D) SWZCC code was proposed for two-dimensional OCDMA (2D-OCDMA) systems. It works by devoting the first and second components to spectral and spatial encodings, respectively. However, the proposed code aims to carry out encoding domains in spectral, time, and spatial aspects for the first, second, and third components, respectively. One-dimensional, 2D, and 3D systems can support up to 68, 157, and 454 active users with total code lengths equal to 68, 171, and 273, respectively. Numerical results reveal that the 3D-SWZCC code outperforms codes from previous studies, including 3D codes such as perfect difference (PD), PD/multi-diagonal (PD/MD), dynamic cyclic shift/MD (DCS/MD), and Pascal’s triangle zero cross-correlation (PTZCC), according to various metrics. The system function is provided by exhibiting the architecture of the transmitter and receiver in the PON context, where the proposed code demonstrates its effectiveness in meeting optical communication requirements based on 3D-OCDMA-PON by producing a high quality factor (Q) of 18.8 and low bit error rate (BER) of 3.48 × 10−29 over a long distance that can reach 30 Km for a data rate of 0.622 Gbps.
Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes by Broth Cultures of Surface Microbiota of Wooden Boards Used in Cheese Ripening
Authors: Wadhawan Kirty , Steinberger Andrew , Rankin Scott , Suen Garret , Czuprynski Charles
Published: May 2023

Listeria monocytogenes is a significant concern in cheese production. It has been assumed by some that wood surfaces pose a greater risk for pathogen contamination during cheese production. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the microbiota obtained from wooden boards used in cheese ripening on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. Bacterial communities from the surface of wooden boards obtained from cheese-ripening facilities were inoculated into tryptic soy broth (TSB) and incubated at 11 °C for 48 h. These communities (108 CFU/mL stationary phase cells) were co-incubated with 104–105 CFU/mL L. monocytogenes 2203 at 11 °C for up to eight days. At various times, samples were removed, diluted in sterile saline and plated on modified Oxford agar. Bacterial communities from each of the five boards from three different facilities significantly inhibited growth of L. monocytogenes in vitro, compared to growth of L. monocytogenes 2203 alone. Using 16S rRNA analysis, we identified sequences belonging to the genera Carnobacterium, Leuconostoc and Staphylococcus as the most abundant in the communities grown in TSB. Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Staphylococcus equorum isolated from the most inhibitory community significantly inhibited growth of L. monocytogenes in TSB at 11 °C, compared to growth of L. monocytogenes 2203 alone. These findings suggest that some members of the complex microbial communities on wooden boards in cheese aging facilities might inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes.
Ecological Base Flow Characteristics of Typical Rivers on the North Slope of Kunlun Mountains under Climate Change
Authors: Hu Keke , Ailihazi Wuerken , Danierhan Sulitan
Published: May 2023

Under climate change, river ecological base flow becomes particularly critical for the health and stability of inland river ecosystems in arid regions. Taking three typical seasonal inland rivers, including the Kriya River, the Niya River, and the Qarqan River, all on the northern slope of the Kunlun Mountains, as research objects, meteorological data from 1958 to 2019 and hydrological data from 1978 to 2014 were selected to analyze the characteristics of ecological base flow under climate change. The results show that in the past 60 years, the temperature in the Kriya River, Niya River, and Qarqan River basins has warmed at rates of 0.235 °C•(10a)−1, 0.223 °C•(10a)−1, and 0.177 °C•(10a)−1, respectively, while the precipitation has increased at the rates of 0.88 mm•(10a)−1, 3.90 mm•(10a)−1, and 7.92 mm•(10a)−1. The Tennant method was determined as the best algorithm for ecological base flow of inland rivers in arid regions. The interannual maximum values of ecological base flow all occurred in 2010, with three rivers increasing by 5.098 m3·s−1, 2.416 m3·s−1, and 11.343 m3·s−1 respectively, and the regional average increasing by 6.286 m3·s−1. The maximum ecological base flow within the year is in July, and the minimum value is in January, with a high proportion of the flood season. The monthly ecological base flow of rivers has a strong correlation with the monthly temperature and precipitation, with the strongest correlation in the Qarqan River basin and the correlation coefficients of 0.876 and 0.917. We propose ecological base flow guarantee objectives for the three rivers during the dry season, and clarify that the flood season is the key point of ecological base flow guarantee. The guarantee objectives are 0.974 m3·s−1, 0.154 m3·s−1, and 2.167 m3·s−1, for the three rivers, respectively. Our research results can provide scientific reference for the management and regulation of water resources and ecological protection of the northern slope of the Kunlun Mountains.
Parametric Enhancement of a Window-Windcatcher for Enhanced Thermal Comfort and Natural Ventilation
Authors: Obeidat Laith M. , Alrebei Odi Fawwaz , Nouh Ma’bdeh Shouib , Al-Radaideh Tamer , Amhamed Abdulkarem I.
Published: May 2023

Window-windcatchers, a passive ventilation method, have been shown to improve ventilation and enhance thermal comfort. Preliminary characterization of a novel window-windcatcher has been undertaken in a previous work, but no relationship had been identified between the actual ventilation rate (Qact), the wind velocity (VTw) and crucial design parameters such as the fins angle (ϴ)). In this paper, the relationship that quantifies how the window-windcatcher’s performance depends on VTw and ϴ was determined. Additionally, for the first time, the ventilation performance of the window-windcatcher was optimized by studying the effects of ϴ and the fins-wall distance (DW−f) through a Computational Fluid Dynamics parametric study (ANSYS)|. In this optimization approach, the angle ϴ and the distance DW−f corresponding to the maximum actual-to-required ventilation rate were found to be 80° and 45 cm, respectively. The actual ventilation rate increased by approximately 13.2% compared with the baseline design of the windcatcher (ϴ and DW−f equal to 40° and 45 cm, respectively); this corresponds to an increase of approximately 8.6% in the actual-to-required ventilation rate, according to the ASHRAE standards.
A Cluster Analysis Approach for Nocturnal Atmospheric Boundary Layer Height Estimation from Multi-Wavelength Lidar
Authors: Zhu Zhongmin , Li Hui , Zhou Xiangyang , Fan Shumin , Xu Wenfa , Gong Wei
Published: May 2023

The atmospheric boundary layer provides useful information about the accumulation and diffusion of pollutants. As a fast method, remote sensing techniques are used to retrieve the atmospheric boundary layer height (ABLH). Atmospheric detection lidar has been widely applied for retrieving the ABLH by providing information on the vertical distribution of aerosols. However, these previous algorithms that rely on gradient change are susceptible to residual layers. Contrary to the use of gradient change to retrieve ABLH, in this paper, we propose using a cluster analysis approach through multifunction lidar remote sensing techniques due to its increasing availability. The clustering algorithm for multi-wavelength lidar data can be divided into two parts: characteristic signal selection and selection of the classifier. First, since the separability of each type of signal is different, careful selection of the input characteristic signal is important. We propose using Fourier transform for all the observed signals; the most suitable characteristic signal can be determined based on the dispersion degree of the signal in the frequency domain. Then, the performances of four common classifiers (K-means method, Gaussian mixture model, hierarchical cluster method (HCM), and density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise) are evaluated by comparing with the radiosonde measurements from June 2015 to June 2016. The results show that the performance of the HCM classifier is the best under all states (R2 = 0.84 and RMSE = 0.18 km). The findings obtained here offer insight into ABLH remote sensing technology.
Dynamics of Twisted Electron Impact Ionization of CH4 and NH3 Molecule
Authors: Dhankhar Nikita , Neha  , Choubisa Rakesh
Published: May 2023

Electron vortex beams (EVBs, also known as twisted electron beams) possess an intrinsic orbital angular momentum (OAM) with respect to their propagation direction. This intrinsic OAM represents a new degree of freedom that provides new insights into investigating the dynamics of electron impact ionization. In this communication, we present, in the first Born approximation (FBA), the angular profiles of the triple differential cross section (TDCS) for the (e, 2e) process on CH4 and NH3 molecular targets in the coplanar asymmetric geometry. We compare the TDCS of the EVB for different values of OAM number m with that of the plane wave. For a more realistic scenario, we investigate the average TDCS for macroscopic targets to explore the influence of the opening angle θp of the twisted electron beam on the TDCS. In addition, we also present the TDCS for the coherent superposition of two EVBs. The results demonstrate that the twisted (e, 2e) process retrieves the p-type character of the molecular orbitals, which is absent in the plane wave TDCS for the given kinematics. The results for the coherent superposition of two Bessel beams show the sensitivity of TDCS toward the OAM number m.
Predicting Cell Cleavage Timings from Time-Lapse Videos of Human Embryos
Authors: Sharma Akriti , Ansari Ayaz Z. , Kakulavarapu Radhika , Stensen Mette H. , Riegler Michael A. , Hammer Hugo L.
Published: May 2023

Assisted reproductive technology is used for treating infertility, and its success relies on the quality and viability of embryos chosen for uterine transfer. Currently, embryologists manually assess embryo development, including the time duration between the cell cleavages. This paper introduces a machine learning methodology for automating the computations for the start of cell cleavage stages, in hours post insemination, in time-lapse videos. The methodology detects embryo cells in video frames and predicts the frame with the onset of the cell cleavage stage. Next, the methodology reads hours post insemination from the frame using optical character recognition. Unlike traditional embryo cell detection techniques, our suggested approach eliminates the need for extra image processing tasks such as locating embryos or removing extracellular material (fragmentation). The methodology accurately predicts cell cleavage stages up to five cells. The methodology was also able to detect the morphological structures of later cell cleavage stages, such as morula and blastocyst. It takes about one minute for the methodology to annotate the times of all the cell cleavages in a time-lapse video.
Long-Term Daytime Warming Rather Than Nighttime Warming Alters Soil Microbial Composition in a Semi-Arid Grassland
Authors: Feng Jiayin , Ru Jingyi , Song Jian , Qiu Xueli , Wan Shiqiang
Published: May 2023

Climate warming has profoundly influenced community structure and ecosystem functions in the terrestrial biosphere. However, how asymmetric rising temperatures between daytime and nighttime affect soil microbial communities that predominantly regulate soil carbon (C) release remains unclear. As part of a decade-long warming manipulation experiment in a semi-arid grassland, we aimed to examine the effects of short- and long-term asymmetrically diurnal warming on soil microbial composition. Neither daytime nor nighttime warming affected soil microbial composition in the short term, whereas long-term daytime warming instead of nighttime warming decreased fungal abundance by 6.28% (p < 0.05) and the ratio of fungi to bacteria by 6.76% (p < 0.01), which could be caused by the elevated soil temperature, reduced soil moisture, and increased grass cover. In addition, soil respiration enhanced with the decreasing fungi-to-bacteria ratio, but was not correlated with microbial biomass C during the 10 years, indicating that microbial composition may be more important than biomass in modulating soil respiration. These observations highlight the crucial role of soil microbial composition in regulating grassland C release under long-term climate warming, which facilitates an accurate assessment of climate-C feedback in the terrestrial biosphere.