bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Mask-Box Scoring R-CNN for Sonar Image Instance Segmentation
Authors: Xu Fangjin , Huang Jianxing , Wu Jie , Jiang Longyu
Published: June 2022

Instance segmentation of sonar images is an effective method for underwater target recognition. However, the mismatch among positioning accuracy found by boxIoU and classification confidence, which is used as NMS score in current instance segmentation models; and the high annotation cost of sonar images, are two major problems in the task. To tackle these problems, in this paper, we present a novel instance segmentation method called Mask-Box Scoring R-CNN and embedded it in our proposed deep active learning framework. For the mismatch problem between boxIoU and NMS score, Mask-Box Scoring R-CNN uses a boxIoU head to predict the quality of the bounding boxes. We amend the non-maximum suppression (NMS) score predicted by BoxIoU to preserve high-quality bounding boxes in inference flow. To deal with the annotating problem, we propose a triplets-measure-based active learning (TBAL) method and a balanced-sampling method applicable for deep learning. The TBAL method evaluates the amount of information of unlabeled samples from the aspects of classification confidence, positioning accuracy, and mask quality. The balanced-sampling method selects hard samples from the dataset to train the model to improve performance. The experimental results show that Mask-Box Scoring R-CNN achieves improvements of 1% in boxAP and 1.3% boxAP on our sonar image dataset compared with Mask Scoring R-CNN and Mask R-CNN, respectively. The active learning framework with TBAL and balanced sampling can achieve a competitive performance with less labeled samples than other frameworks, which can better facilitate underwater target recognition.
Static Analysis and Optimization of Voltage and Reactive Power Regulation Systems in the HV/MV Substation with Electronic Transformer Tap-Changers
Authors: Korpikiewicz Jarosław , Mohamed-Seghir Mostefa
Published: June 2022

The quality of electricity is a very important indicator. The durability and reliable operation of all connected devices depend on the quality of the network voltage. Rapid changes in loads, changes in network connections and the presence of uncontrolled energy sources require the development of new voltage regulation systems. This requires voltage regulation systems capable of responding quickly to sudden voltage changes. In substations with control transformers, it is possible thanks to the use of semiconductor tap changers. Moreover, voltage regulation and reactive power compensation systems should be built as one system. This is due to the close dependence of voltage and reactive power in the network node. Therefore, it was proposed to use artificial intelligence methods to build a new voltage regulation and reactive power compensation system using all measurement voltages of network nodes. In the first stage of the research, active and reactive powers, as well as the voltage of the reference node, were selected for 6420 periods of the mains voltage. The simulation results were compared for the classic voltage regulation system with semiconductor tap changers and the evolution algorithm based on voltage measurements from the entire MV network. A significant improvement in the quality of voltage regulation with the use of an evolutionary algorithm was demonstrated. Then, a second set of input data with increased values of reactive power was generated. The results of the evolutionary algorithm after the application of the classic, independent reactive power compensation system and two-criteria optimization were compared. It has been shown that only the two-criteria optimization algorithm keeps both |tgφ| within the acceptable range and the quality of voltage regulation is the best. The article compares different working algorithms for semiconductor tap changers.
Carbon-Free Electricity Generation in Spain with PV–Storage Hybrid Systems
Authors: Fraile Ardanuy Jesús , Alvaro-Hermana Roberto , Castano-Solis Sandra , Merino Julia
Published: June 2022

Climate change motivated by human activities constitutes one of the main challenges of this century. To cut carbon emissions in order to mitigate carbon’s dangerous effects, the current energy generation mix should be shifted to renewable sources. The main drawback of these technologies is their intermittency, which will require energy storage systems to be fully integrated into the generation mix, allowing them to be more controllable. In recent years, great progress to develop an effective and economically feasible energy storage systems, particularly motivated by the recent rise of demand for electric transportation, has been made. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery prices have fallen near 90% over the past decade, making possible the affordability of electric vehicles and transforming the economics of renewable energy. In this work, a study on storage capacity demand previously presented as conference paper is expanded, including a deep analysis of the Spanish generation mix, the evaluation of the energy storage requirements for different low-carbon and carbon-free scenarios in Mainland Spain, and the calculation of the CO2 emissions’ reduction and the associated storage costs.
Fatigue Assessment of Wind Turbine Towers: Review of Processing Strategies with Illustrative Case Study
Authors: Pacheco João , Pimenta Francisco , Pereira Sérgio , Cunha Álvaro , Magalhães Filipe
Published: June 2022

Wind turbines are structures predominantly subjected to dynamic loads throughout their period of life. In that sense, fatigue design plays a central role. Particularly, support structure design might be conservative with respect to fatigue, which may lead to a real fatigue life of considerably more than 20 years. For these reasons, the implementation of a fatigue monitoring system can be an important advantage for the management of wind farms, providing the following outputs: (i) estimation of the evolution of real fatigue condition; (ii) since the real condition of fatigue damage is known, these results could be an essential element for a decision about extending the lifespan of the structure and the possibility of repowering or overpowering; and (iii) the results of the instrumented wind turbines can be extrapolated to other wind turbines of the same wind farm. This paper reviews the procedures for calculating the fatigue damage of wind turbine towers using strain measurements. The applicability of the described procedures is demonstrated with experimental data acquired in an extensive experimental campaign developed at Tocha Wind Farm, an onshore wind farm located in Portugal, exploring the impact of several user-defined parameters on the fatigue results. The paper also includes the description of the data processing needed to convert raw measurements into bending moments and several validation and calibration steps.
The Measurement and SPICE Modelling of Schottky Barrier Diodes Appropriate for Use as Bypass Diodes within Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Coetzer Kurt Michael , Rix Arnold Johan , Wiid Pieter Gideon
Published: June 2022

The modelling of surges within PV (photovoltaic) installations has been the subject of much research in recent years. However, accurate simulations cannot be performed unless each and every component within a PV installation is modelled in sufficient detail. The bypass diodes within a PV module are frequently omitted from such simulations. When included, they are often represented by oversimplified models. This article addresses this need by presenting SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) models for three Schottky diodes, chosen due to their suitability for use as bypass diodes. These models are the combination of DC (direct current) large-signal and AC (alternating current) small-signal sub-models, which are integrated such that the resulting full circuital models allow for accurate simulations involving large-signal transient stimuli. Two types of experimental setups, one incorporating a DC current–voltage curve sweep, and the other involving VNA-based (vector network analyser) AC small-signal impedance measurements, allow for the acquisition of the necessary model parameters at multiple operating points. The AC small-signal measurements cover a wide bandwidth of 100 Hz to 50 MHz. Multiple configurations of the measurement setups are employed in order to achieve the required dynamic range and sensitivity.
Determination of the Electricity Storage Power and Capacity for Cooperation with the Microgrid Implementing the Peak Shaving Strategy in Selected Industrial Enterprises
Authors: Kuźniak Rafał , Pawelec Artur , Bartosik Artur , Pawełczyk Marek
Published: June 2022

The capacity limitations of distribution networks, the increasing demands for electricity installation in terms of electricity quality parameters, and the development of electromobility all increase the need to implement systems in order to stabilize and regulate loads for end users. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs), that operate in internal microgrids of enterprises, allow smoothing of electrical power consumption profiles by actively reducing peak demand power. By using BESSs to implement a peak shaving strategy to reduce the peak power consumption of a company in an external network, energy efficiency can be improved by reducing contractual capacity. The aim of this study is to determine the conditions for the use of energy storage, in order to implement a peak shaving strategy for which the installation of the enterprise microgrid is economically efficient. The analysis of the operating conditions of the BESS should take into account the size of the energy storage, the characteristics of the demand profile for the demand systems, the charges related to electricity, and the costs of electricity storage. In the study, the size of the energy storage was related to the power and electrical capacity of the BESS that was used to implement the peak shaving strategy. The article presents the results of research on the method for determining an effective capacity and power of BESSs for enterprise microgrid systems. The technical and cost limitations of the actual microgrid system, which affected the decrease in economic efficiency of the peak shaving strategy in the company research, were taken into account. The simulations of the operation of the electricity storage system, based on real data of the demand of production companies, were based on the rules and market conditions in Poland.
Ground Validation of Seismic Line Forest Regeneration Assessments Based on Visual Interpretation of Satellite Imagery
Authors: Van Dongen Angeline , Jones Caren , Doucet Casey , Floreani Trevor , Schoonmaker Amanda , Harvey Jill , Degenhardt Dani
Published: June 2022

Seismic lines, which are narrow linear clearings used for hydrocarbon exploration, have accumulated throughout Alberta’s forest landscapes for decades. The inconsistent natural recovery of seismic lines over time has led to a fragmented landscape and has incited the need for restoration programs and associated monitoring of forest recovery on seismic lines. In this study, we evaluated a technique where we used satellite imagery to visually assign recovery classifications based on whether the seismic line remained >50% visible (Not Recovered), <50% visible (Fractionally Recovered), or not visible (Recovered) in upland mixedwood forests. We ground validated the recovery classification on 22 seismic lines using the recovery criteria of 2000 stems ha−1 and a mean tree height of 3 m. The categories of Recovered and Fractionally Recovered met the recovery criteria with 100% and 80% accuracy, respectively, while the Not Recovered category identified lines that failed to meet the recovery criteria with 83% accuracy. Based on these findings, visual interpretation of satellite imagery can be used to provide cursory-level recovery information for monitoring forest recovery on upland seismic lines at landscape-level scales.
A Comparison of Raster-Based Forestland Data in Cropland Data Layer and the National Land Cover Database
Authors: Azubike Chinazor S. , Kurkalova Lyubov A. , Mulrooney Timothy J.
Published: June 2022

The National Agricultural Statistics Service, the statistical arm of the US Department of Agriculture, and the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium, a group of the US federal agencies, collect and publish several land-use and land-cover data sets. The aim of this study is to analyze the consistency of forestland estimates based on two widely used, publicly available products: the National Land-Cover Database (NLCD) and Cropland Data Layer (CDL). Both remote-sensing-based products provide raster-formatted land-cover categorization at a spatial resolution of 30 m. Although the processing of the yearly published CDL non-agricultural land-cover data is based on less frequently updated NLCD, the consistency of large-area forestland mapping between these two datasets has not been assessed. To assess the similarities and the differences between CDL- and NLCD-based forestland mappings for the state of North Carolina, we overlay the two data products for the years 2011 and 2016 in ArcMap 10.5.1 and analyze the location and attributes of the matched and mismatched forestland. We find that the mismatch is relatively smaller for the areas of the state where forests occupy larger shares of the total land, and that the relative mismatch is smaller in 2011 when compared to 2016. We also find that a large portion of the forestland mismatch is attributable to the dynamics of re-growth of periodically harvested and otherwise disturbed forests. Our results underscore the need for a holistic approach to data preparation, data attribution, and data accuracy when performing high-scale map-based analyses using each of these products.
Effects of Forest Gap and Seed Size on Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Quercus acutissima Plantation in Mount Tai, China
Authors: Mao Peili , Kan Xiaoli , Pang Yuanxiang , Ni Ruiqiang , Cao Banghua , Wang Kexin , Zhang Jinhao , Tan Chunxia , Geng Ying , Cao Xiaonan , Wang Shumei , Gao Peng , Dong Jinwei
Published: June 2022

Elucidating the influence mechanisms of seed germination and seedling growth is important for revealing the natural regeneration of forest plantations. We collected the seeds from 58-year-old Quercus acutissima Carruth. forest, and the seeds were further divided into three classes: large, medium, and small, and sown under the forest gaps (I, 197.82 m2; II, 91.85 m2, III, understory) to observe seed germination and early seedling growth. Precipitation in the study area and soil moisture content in the forest gaps were also observed during the trial period. The results showed that the precipitation in 2019 was similar to that in 2020; both were significantly lower than the precipitation in 2021. The difference in soil water content between gaps I and II was not significant, and both were significantly lower than III. The order of seedling emergence rate in gaps was II > III > I, but the minimum was almost close to zero in I. Large and medium seeds showed significantly greater emergence rate than small seeds. The seedlings of II had higher seedling height, ground diameter, ground diameter relative growth rate, seedling biomass, root surface area, and root volume than those of III. Large seeds had the highest ground diameter, ground diameter relative growth rate, biomass, root mass ratio, root shoot ratio, and root surface area. Correlation analysis showed that seedling biomass was significantly and positively correlated with root surface area and root volume, and significantly and negatively correlated with specific root length and specific root surface area. The regulation of soil moisture in the gap and the adaptability related to seed size were two key factors influencing the seed germination and early seedling growth of Q. acutissima.
Species- and Age-Specific Growth Reactions to Extreme Droughts of the Keystone Tree Species across Forest-Steppe and Sub-Taiga Habitats of South Siberia
Authors: Belokopytova Liliana V. , Zhirnova Dina F. , Krutovsky Konstantin V. , Mapitov Nariman B. , Vaganov Eugene A. , Babushkina Elena A.
Published: June 2022

Over the coming decades, climate change can decrease forest productivity and stability in many semiarid regions. Tree-ring width (TRW) analysis allows estimation of tree sensitivity to droughts, including resistance (Rt) and resilience (Rc) indexes. It helps to find adaptive potential of individual trees and forest populations. On a forest stand scale, it is affected by habitat conditions and species’ ecophysiological characteristics, and on individual scale by tree genotype, age, and size. This study investigated TRW response to droughts in forest-steppe and sub-taiga of southern Siberia for keystone species Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.). Chronologies reacted positively to the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) of the previous July–September and current April–July. Depressed tree growth across region and droughts lasting over both intra-seasonal intervals were registered in 1965, 1974, and 1999. TRW-based Rt and Rc for these droughts did not reveal age- or size-related patterns. Higher growth stability indexes were observed for birch in sub-taiga and for conifers in forest-steppe. Larch at all sites had disadvantage against pine for 1965 and 1999 droughts aggravated by pest outbreaks, but adapted better to drought in 1974. Site aridity affected both tree growth stability and intensity of climatic response.
Designing an Interactive Communication Assistance System for Hearing-Impaired College Students Based on Gesture Recognition and Representation
Authors: Zhu Yancong , Zhang Juan , Zhang Zhaoxi , Clepper Gina , Jia Jingpeng , Liu Wei
Published: June 2022

Developing a smart classroom can make the modern classroom more efficient and intelligent. Much research has been conducted pertaining to smart classrooms for hearing-impaired college students. However, there have been few significant breakthroughs in mobilizing students’ learning efficiency as measured by information transmission, communication, and interaction in class. This research collects data through nonparticipatory observation and in-depth interviews and analyzes available data on classroom interaction needs of these students. We found that diversified explanations, recordable interactive contents, and interaction between teachers and students could improve the learning effects in the classroom. We also propose a tracking-processing method based on gesture recognition and representation and present a design for a processing system based on AT89C52 microcontroller and Kinect. In this way, sign language can be translated into text and all students can receive the information and participate in the interaction, which greatly improves students’ autonomy and enthusiasm of learning. This design enables deaf students to fully use classroom learning resources, reduces learning time costs, and improves learning efficiency. It can assist teachers in teaching and tutoring students to enhance their experience.
Modeling the Individual Growth of the Bonnethead Shark Sphyrna tiburo of the Western Gulf of Mexico Using the Multimodel Approach
Authors: Olmeda-de la Fuente Sandra Edith , Rodríguez-Castro Jorge Homero , Ramírez-de León Jose Alberto , Caballero-Rico Frida Carmina , Rodríguez-Olmeda Jorge Alejandro , Toledano-Toledano Filiberto
Published: June 2022

To describe the growth pattern of the bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) in the Gulf of Mexico, a von Bertalanffy (VB) model has been automatically fit, which indicated a single−phase continuous growth without oscillations, though this would generate biases if this hypothesis is not confirmed. The objective of this research was to describe the growth pattern of S. tiburo under a multimodel approach based on information theory and contrasting single−phase models (VB, Gompertz, logistic models, and variants) and biphasic models (Soriano model and variants). The VB model was not supported. The Soriano model, with the variant in growth rate (k) and including length at birth (L0), was selected with 100% supporting evidence. The hypothesis of the two−phase growth of S. tiburo with an increase in k, more than L∞, fitted to L0, is confirmed, and a correspondence was identified between growth−phase change sizes and the sizes reported in the literature for change in the juvenile–adult stages in females and for onset of reproductive maturity in males and both sexes.
Quality Evaluation of Kohaku Koi (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) Using Image Analysis
Authors: Domasevich Mikhail A. , Hasegawa Hideo , Yamazaki Tatsuya
Published: June 2022

Quality evaluation of koi (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) is essential to the koi industry. However, the community has a lack of knowledge about the quality evaluation of koi and about features of koi which are valuable. During the “All Japan Nishikigoi Show” competition, a quality evaluation of koi was conducted by authoritative experts. In the present study, photos of participants of this competition were used for analysis to discover features affecting the quality of the Kohaku variety of koi. The HSVA color model was used to define and extract from image red and pale red coverage rates in Kohaku body coloration. Body aspect ratio, body proportions, red coverage rate, and pale red coverage rate were extracted using tools written in Python programming language. Analyses of the extracted data revealed the significant impact body aspect ratio (p < 0.001) and pale red coverage rate (p < 0.001) on Kohaku quality. A low body aspect ratio has a positive impact on Kohaku quality, while a high pale red coverage rate has a very strong negative impact on Kohaku quality. This study and its results can be an important foundation for further research about koi quality.
Effect of the Size and Location of Liquid Cooling System on the Performance of Square-Shaped Li-Ion Battery Modules of an Electric Vehicle
Authors: Sun Qing-Zhu , Kim Chul-Ho
Published: June 2022

As the core powertrain component of electric vehicles, batteries release heat when charging and discharging due to the chemical reactions between the battery elements and internal resistance. To avoid problems resulting from abnormal temperatures, such as performance and lifespan issues, an effective battery cooling system is required. This paper presents a fundamental study of battery module liquid cooling through a three-dimensional numerical analysis. CFD numerical tests as conducted here are based on the heat transfer characteristics and on the liquid cooling theory, and the temperature distribution and thermal conductivity are analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using Simcenter STAR CCM+ version 2016 (Siemens Digital Industries Software, Plano, TX, USA). A simulation uses a square-shell lithium-ion battery-made module with two different liquid cooling systems at different positions of the module. The results of the numerical study indicate that the bottom cooling system shows a better battery module temperature difference that is approximately 80% less than that of the side cooling system. For the side cooling system, it is better in terms of the maximum temperature of the battery module, which is approximately 20% lower than that in the bottom cooling system, but this system does not offer very good control of the temperature difference, which is also its greatest shortcoming compared to the bottom cooling system.
Identification of Near Geographical Origin of Wolfberries by a Combination of Hyperspectral Imaging and Multi-Task Residual Fully Convolutional Network
Authors: Cui Jiarui , Li Kenken , Hao Jie , Dong Fujia , Wang Songlei , Rodas-González Argenis , Zhang Zhifeng , Li Haifeng , Wu Kangning
Published: June 2022

Ningxia wolfberry is the only wolfberry product with medicinal value in China. However, the nutritional elements, active ingredients, and economic value of the wolfberry vary considerably among different origins in Ningxia. It is difficult to determine the origin of wolfberry by traditional methods due to the same variety, similar origins, and external characteristics. In the study, we have for the first time used a multi-task residual fully convolutional network (MRes-FCN) under Bayesian optimized architecture for imaging from visible-near-infrared (Vis-NIR, 400–1000 nm) and near-infrared (NIR-1700 nm) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology to establish a classification model for near geographic origin of Ningxia wolfberries (Zhongning, Guyuan, Tongxin, and Huinong). The denoising auto-encoder (DAE) was used to generate augmented data, then principal component analysis (PCA) was combined with gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) to extract the texture features. Finally, three datasets (HSI, DAE, and texture) were added to the multi-task model. The reshaped data were up-sampled using transposed convolution. After data-sparse processing, the backbone network was imported to train the model. The results showed that the MRes-FCN model exhibited excellent performance, with the accuracies of the full spectrum and optimum characteristic spectrum of 95.54% and 96.43%, respectively. This study has demonstrated that the MRes-FCN model based on Bayesian optimization and DAE data augmentation strategy may be used to identify the near geographical origin of wolfberries.
The Role of Selected Psychological Factors in Healthy-Sustainable Food Consumption Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zanatta Francesco , Mari Silvia , Adorni Roberta , Labra Massimo , Matacena Raffaele , Zenga Mariangela , D’Addario Marco
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent precautions and dispositions adopted have triggered substantial changes in daily health-related behaviors, including food consumption habits. The psychological impact of the pandemic has been considered one of the factors affecting this transition and requiring consideration when targeting healthy-sustainable behavior preservation. The present study describes the results of a survey conducted on a convenience sample of Italian residents (n = 2272) during the first phases of pandemic. The aim was to explore the daily nutritional choices and behaviors and their transformations that occurred along with the associations with psychological factors (i.e., subjective well-being, and depression, anxiety and stress symptoms). An indicator for healthy-sustainable transition (HST index) was constructed and revealed diffused transformation in dietary habits, with a large segment of the sample adopting healthier and more sustainable dietary behaviors and others showing reduced healthy-sustainable food choices. Informative relationships with the psychological variables were then found from the correlational and regression analyses. Lower levels of anxiety, depression and stress symptomatology and higher perceived subjective well-being were significantly associated with healthier-sustainable food consumption behaviors. These findings shed light on the crucial areas to be considered in future institutional interventions, ultimately ensuring favorable conditions for both healthy diet behaviors and sustainable food consumption choices.
Assessing the Implication of Climate Change to Forecast Future Flood Using CMIP6 Climate Projections and HEC-RAS Modeling
Authors: Aryal Abhiru , Acharya Albira , Kalra Ajay
Published: June 2022

Climate change has caused uncertainty in the hydrological pattern including weather change, precipitation fluctuations, and extreme temperature, thus triggering unforeseen natural tragedies such as hurricanes, flash flooding, heatwave and more. Because of these unanticipated events occurring all around the globe, the study of the influence of climate change on the alteration of flooding patterns has gained a lot of attention. This research study intends to provide an insight into how the future projected streamflow will affect the flooding-inundation extent by comparing the change in floodplain using both historical and future simulated scenarios. For the future projected data, the climate model Atmosphere/Ocean General Circulation Model (AOGCM) developed by Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) is used, which illustrates that the flood is increasing in considering climate models. Furthermore, a comparison of the existing flood inundation map by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) study with the map generated by future projected streamflow data presents the entire inundation area in flood maps, implying the expansion area compared to FEMA needs to be considered in making emergency response plans. The effect of flooding in the inundation area from historical to future flow values, presented mathematically by a calculation of inundation extent percentage, infers that the considered watershed of Rock River is a flood-prone area. The goal is to provide insights on the importance of using the forecasted data for flood analysis and to offer the necessary background needed to strategize an emergency response plan for flood management.
Expression of Modified Snowdrop Lectin (Galanthus nivalis Agglutinin) Protein Confers Aphids and Plutella xylostella Resistance in Arabidopsis and Cotton
Authors: He Peng , Jia Huanhuan , Xue Hui , Zeng Yuechen , Tian Lili , Hu Xiaoli , Chang Shufen , Jiang Yanli , Yu Jianing
Published: June 2022

Cotton is a major fiber crop in the world that can be severely infested by pests in agricultural fields. Identifying new insect-resistance genes and increasing the expression of known insect-resistance genes are imperative in cultivated cotton. Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA), a lectin that is toxic to both chewing and sucking pests, is mainly expressed in monocotyledons. It is necessary to improve the expression of the GNA protein and to test whether the lectin confers insect resistance to dicotyledons plants. We report a modified GNA gene (ASGNA) via codon optimization, its insertion into Arabidopsis thaliana, and transient expression in cotton to test its efficacy as an insect-resistance gene against cotton aphids and Plutella xylostella. The amount of ASGNA in transgenic plants reached approximately 6.5 μg/g of fresh weight. A feeding bioassay showed that the survival rate of aphids feeding on the leaves of ASGNA transgenic plants was lower than those of aphids feeding on the leaves of non-optimized GNA (NOGNA) transgenic plants and wild-type plants. Meanwhile, the fertility rate was 36% when fed on the ASGNA transgenic plants, while the fertility was 70% and 95% in NOGNA transgenic plants and wild-type plants. Correspondingly, the highest mortality of 55% was found in ASGNA transgenic lines, while only 35% and 20% mortality was observed in NOGNA transgenic plants and wild-type plants, respectively. Similar results were recorded for aphids feeding on cotton cotyledons with transient expression of ASGNA. Taken together, the results show that ASGNA exhibited high insecticidal activity towards sap-sucking insects and thus is a promising candidate gene for improving insect resistance in cotton and other dicotyledonous plants.
Chromosomal Translocations Detection in Cancer Cells Using Chromosomal Conformation Capture Data
Authors: Adeel Muhammad Muzammal , Rehman Khaista , Zhang Yan , Arega Yibeltal , Li Guoliang
Published: June 2022

Complex chromosomal rearrangements such as translocations play a critical role in oncogenesis. Translocation detection is vital to decipher their biological role in activating cancer-associated mechanisms. High-throughput chromosomal conformations capture (Hi-C) data have shown promising progress in unveiling the genome variations in a disease condition. Until now, multiple structural data (Hi-C)-based methods are available that can detect translocations in cancer genomes. However, the consistency and specificity of Hi-C-based translocation results still need to be validated with conventional methods. This study used Hi-C data of cancerous cell lines, namely lung cancer (A549), Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (K562), and Acute Monocytic Leukemia (THP-1), to detect the translocations. The results were cross-validated through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and paired-read analysis. Moreover, PCR amplification validated the presence of translocated reads in different chromosomes. By integrating different data types, we showed that the results of Hi-C data are as reliable as WGS and can be utilized as an assistive method for detecting translocations in the diseased genome. Our findings support the utility of Hi-C technology to detect the translocations and study their effects on the three-dimensional architecture of the genome in cancer condition.
Identification of the Key miRNAs and Genes Associated with the Regulation of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Network-Based Approach
Authors: Shafat Zoya , Ahmed Mohd Murshad , Almajhdi Fahad N. , Hussain Tajamul , Parveen Shama , Ahmed Anwar
Published: June 2022

Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer-associated deaths across the world in both men and women. Lung cancer consists of two major clinicopathological categories, i.e., small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lack of diagnosis of NSCLC at an early stage in addition to poor prognosis results in ineffective treatment, thus, biomarkers for appropriate diagnosis and exact prognosis of NSCLC need urgent attention. The proposed study aimed to reveal essential microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the carcinogenesis of NSCLC that probably could act as potential biomarkers. The NSCLC-associated expression datasets revealed 12 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). MiRNA-mRNA network identified key miRNAs and their associated genes, for which functional enrichment analysis was applied. Further, survival and validation analysis for key genes was performed and consequently transcription factors (TFs) were predicted. We obtained twelve miRNAs as common DEMs after assessment of all datasets. Further, four key miRNAs and nine key genes were extracted from significant modules based on the centrality approach. The key genes and miRNAs reported in our study might provide some information for potential biomarkers profitable to increased prognosis and diagnosis of lung cancer.
Low-Volume Squat Jump Training Improves Functional Performance Independent of Myofibre Changes in Inactive Young Male Individuals
Authors: Isaacs Ashwin Wayne , Myburgh Kathryn Helen , Macaluso Filippo
Published: June 2022

An investigation into the histological changes in skeletal muscle fibres and jump performance indicators after 8 weeks of plyometric squat jump training was conducted. Healthy inactive participants (n = 13; age: 21.5 ± 1.7 year.; height: 173.6 ± 10.7 cm; weight: 68.5 ± 18.4 kg; BMI 22.4 ± 3.8 kg/m2) were recruited, where eight participants completed plyometric squat jump training and five control participants refrained from performing any jumping activities. Blood samples, vastus lateralis muscle biopsies and functional testing (peak and average power, peak and average velocity, maximal jump height) were collected/recorded 10 days prior to and 3 days after the training/rest period. Participants completed 1644 squat jumps over an 8-week training period of 24 sessions with a progressive increase in the number of squat jumps. The trained group significantly increased their jumping average and peak power (mean increases in average power: 16.7 ± 1.2% and peak power: 8.2% ± 0.1) and velocity (mean increases in average velocity: 13.7 ± 0.1% and peak velocity: 5.2% ± 0.03), resulting in a 25% improvement in vertical jump height. No muscle morphological changes in terms of the cross-sectional area (CSA) or muscle-fibre-type transition were observed after the plyometric training. Improvements in the functional performance indicators following training may more likely be explained by sarcomere ultrastructural adaptation, which did not directly affect myosin heavy chain or CSA.
Living amongst the Dead: Life at the Ancient Memphite Necropolis of Saqqara during the Late Period/Early Ptolemaic Era
Authors: Williams Scott
Published: June 2022

The Memphite Necropolis of Saqqara is situated approximately 20 km south of modern Cairo on a plateau at the edge of the western desert and was in use as a funerary site for a period of nearly three and a half millennia. Today, the site is popular with visitors and archaeologists alike, but its ruinous condition and a proscribed visitor experience does little to offer visitors an understanding of the necropolis and how it was inhabited during the ancient past. This article examines the current documentary and excavation research on the Memphite Necropolis of Saqqara during the Late Period/early Ptolemaic era and considers its inhabitants, their routes of movement, and where they may have lived and worked. This article contends that the landscape of the necropolis was dynamic and full of activity. A mixture of priests, craftsmen, merchants, and others involved in the daily activities of the temples and cults, along with pilgrims, worshippers, and casual visitors, would have been moving in and around the necropolis daily.
Mental Health Conditions According to Stress and Sleep Disorders
Authors: Merrill Ray M.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare associations between stress and sleep disorders (insomnia, hypersomnia, and sleep apnea), identify potential modifying effects, and compare associations between stress and types of sleep disorders with selected mental health conditions. Analyses were based on 21,027 employees aged 18–64 years in 2020 who were insured by the Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators (DMBA). The risk of stress (2.3%) was significantly greater in women, singles, and those with dependent children. The risk of a sleep disorder was 12.1% (2.1% for insomnia, 1.0% for hypersomnia, and 10.1% for sleep apnea). The risk of stress was significantly greater for those with a sleep disorder (136% overall, 179% for insomnia, and 102% for sleep apnea after adjusting for age, sex, marital status, dependent children, and sleep disorders). The risk of stress among those with sleep apnea was significantly greater for singles than for married individuals. Approximately 9.5% had anxiety, 8.5% had depression, 2.0% had ADHD, 0.6% had bipolar disorder, 0.4% had OCD, and 0.1% had schizophrenia. Each of these mental health conditions was significantly positively associated with stress and sleep disorders. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia were more strongly associated with stress and sleep disorders than were the other mental health conditions. Insomnia was more strongly associated with anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and schizophrenia than was sleep apnea.
3D-Printed Teeth in Endodontics: Why, How, Problems and Future—A Narrative Review
Authors: Reis Tiago , Barbosa Cláudia , Franco Margarida , Baptista Catarina , Alves Nuno , Castelo-Baz Pablo , Martin-Cruces José , Martin-Biedma Benjamín
Published: June 2022

Three-dimensional printing offers possibilities for the development of new models in endodontics. Numerous studies have used 3D-printed teeth; however, protocols for the standardization of studies still need to be developed. Another problem with 3D-printed teeth is the different areas of literature requested to understand the processes. This review aims to gather evidence about 3D-printed teeth on the following aspects: (1) why they are advantageous; (2) how they are manufactured; (3) problems they present; and (4) future research topics. Natural teeth are still the standard practice in ex vivo studies and pre-clinical courses, but they have several drawbacks. Printed teeth may overcome all limitations of natural teeth. Printing technology relies on 3D data and post-processing tools to form a 3D model, ultimately generating a prototype using 3D printers. The major concerns with 3D-printed teeth are the resin hardness and printing accuracy of the canal anatomy. Guidance is presented for future studies to solve the problems of 3D-printed teeth and develop well-established protocols, for the standardization of methods to be achieved. In the future, 3D-printed teeth have the possibility to become the gold standard in ex vivo studies and endodontic training.
Effects of Intermittent Energy Restriction Alone and in Combination with Sprint Interval Training on Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Individuals with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Cooke Matthew B. , Deasy William , Ritenis Elya J. , Wilson Robin A. , Stathis Christos G.
Published: June 2022

The popularity of intermittent fasting (IF) and high intensity (sprint) interval training (SIT) has increased in recent years amongst the general public due to their purported health benefits and feasibility of incorporation into daily life. The number of scientific studies investigating these strategies has also increased, however, very few have examined the combined effects, especially on body composition and cardiometabolic biomarkers, which is the primary aim of this investigation. A total of thirty-four male and female participants (age: 35.4 ± 8.4 y, body mass index (BMI): 31.3 ± 3.5 kg/m2, aerobic capacity (VO2peak) 27.7 ± 7.0 mL·kg−1·min−1) were randomized into one of three 16-week interventions: (1) 5:2 IF (2 non-consecutive days of fasting per week, 5 days on ad libitum eating), (2) supervised SIT (3 bouts per week of 20s cycling at 150% VO2peak followed by 40 s of active rest, total 10 min duration), and (3) a combination of both interventions. Body composition, haemodynamic and VO2peak were measured at 0, 8 and 16 weeks. Blood samples were also taken and analysed for lipid profiles and markers of glucose regulation. Both IF and IF/SIT significantly decreased body weight, fat mass and visceral fat compared to SIT only (p < 0.05), with no significant differences between diet and diet + exercise combined. The effects of diet and/or exercise on cardiometabolic biomarkers were mixed. Only exercise alone or with IF significantly increased cardiorespiratory fitness. The results suggest that energy restriction was the main driver of body composition enhancement, with little effect from the low volume SIT. Conversely, to achieve benefits in cardiorespiratory fitness, exercise is required.
Antifouling Effects of Superhydrophobic Coating on Sessile Marine Invertebrates
Authors: Bae Seongjun , Lee Ye Ju , Kim Min Kyung , Kwak Yeongwon , Choi Chang-Ho , Kim Dong Gun
Published: June 2022

Biofouling is a significant problem in the aquaculture and marine shipping industries; thus, various antifouling methods have been developed to prevent the resultant economic losses. In the present study, the superhydrophobic surface of a lotus leaf was bio-mimicked to achieve antifouling. Specifically, fabric substrates with and without superhydrophobic coatings on the surface were installed on the Tongyeong yacht in December 2020 (group A) and April 2021 (group B), and the coverage of the attached invertebrates was recorded every month until August 2021. The coverage of solitary ascidians (Ascidiella aspersa and Ciona robusta) and branching bryozoans (Bugula neritina) was lower on the coated substrates than on the non-coated ones, and coating or non-coating was significantly correlated with the extent of coverage. Superhydrophobic substrates with a low surface energy and micro–nano dual structure may be unsuitable for the attachment of larvae. Therefore, superhydrophobic coating is a more effective and simpler method of antifouling for certain taxa than other antifouling strategies. However, the antifouling effect of the superhydrophobic substrate in group A reduced after 5 months from the first installation; thus, the durability of the antifouling coating should be further improved, and solving this problem remains a major task, necessitating further research.
The Role of Pain Inflexibility and Acceptance among Headache and Temporomandibular Disorders Patients
Authors: Marcelino Vanessa , Paço Maria , Dias Andreia , Almeida Vera , Rocha José Carlos , Azevedo Rui , Alves-Ferreira Miguel , Lemos Carolina , Pinho Teresa
Published: June 2022

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and headache are complex. This study aims to assess the association between TMD, headache, and psychological dimensions such as psychological inflexibility and pain acceptance. The sample consisted of 120 participants following a non-probabilistic convenience sampling strategy through a direct invitation to the patients attending our facilities and their relatives (n = 61 diagnosed with headache, n = 34 diagnosed with TMD-headache, n = 25 control group). Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC-TMD), International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3 beta version), Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ-8), and Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS) were used as assessment tools. One-way ANOVA, multiple regression analysis (MRA), and the Johnson-Neyman approach were run by IBM SPSS, version 27 (IBM® Company, Chicago, IL, USA). The significance level was 0.05. One third of our sample presented with headache with TMD. Females were predominant. Males with headache, no systemic disease, less pain severity but higher frequency, living longer with the disease and having sensitive changes, showed higher pain acceptance. When headache occurs with TMD, women with higher education, no headache family history, less pain, and no motor changes showed higher pain acceptance. Patients with both conditions are more liable to have chronic pain and pain inflexibility. Pain intensity and willingness explain 50% of the psychological inflexibility in the headache group. In our sample, individuals suffering from both conditions show greater pain inflexibility, implicating more vivid suffering experiences, leading to altered daily decisions and actions. However, further studies are needed to highlight this possible association.
Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions (CADRs)—Statistical Analysis of the Causal Relationship between the Drug, Comorbidities, Cofactors, and the Cutaneous Reaction—A Single-Centered Study
Authors: Machoń Natalia , Lewandowska Julia , Zdanowska Natalia , Placek Waldemar , Owczarczyk-Saczonek Agnieszka
Published: June 2022

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) are among the most common types of drug hypersensitivity reactions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical spectrum of CADRs and to determine the causal relationship between drugs, comorbidities, cofactors or concomitant symptoms, and cutaneous reactions. A retrospective hospital-based study was carried out over a period of 10 years at the Department of Dermatology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Clinical Immunology at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn to record various CADRs, comorbidities, cofactors, and the suspected drug in hospitalized patients. The data were subjected to statistical analysis. CADRs were diagnosed in a total of 140 patients, 32.14% of whom were men and 67.86% of whom were women. The mean age was 66.33 years. The most commonly suspected drugs were Allopurinol 12.86%, Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid 10%, Amoxicillin 9.29%, Paracetamol 6.43%, Metronidazole 5%, and Carbamazepine 5%. Attention should be paid to the possibility of using a substitute for a suspected drug if CADRs arise, or discontinuing a drug that is unjustifiably overused. The results of the present study should also prompt research into a potential treatment that could be implemented concurrently with a drug that has a high predisposition to cause CADRs.