bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Machine Learning-Based Assessment of Maize Silage Dry Matter Losses by Net-Bags Buried in Farm Bunker Silos
Authors: Segato Severino , Marchesini Giorgio , Magrin Luisa , Contiero Barbara , Andrighetto Igino , Serva Lorenzo
Published: May 2022

Estimating the dry matter losses (DML) of whole-plant maize (WPM) silage is a priority for sustainable dairy and beef farming. The study aimed to assess this loss of nutrients by using net-bags (n = 36) filled with freshly chopped WPM forage and buried in bunker silos of 12 Italian dairy farms for an ensiling period of 275 days on average. The proximate composition of harvested WPM was submitted to mixed and polynomial regression models and a machine learning classification tree to estimate its ability to predict the WPM silage losses. Dry matter (DM), silage density, and porosity were also assessed. The WPM harvested at over 345 (g kg−1) and a DM density of less than 180 (kg of DM m−3) was related to DML values of over 7%. According to the results of the classification tree algorithm, the WPM harvested (g kg−1 DM) at aNDF higher than 373 and water-soluble carbohydrates lower than 104 preserves for the DML of maize silage. It is likely that the combination of these chemical variables determines the optimal maturity stage of WPM at harvest, allowing a biomass density and a fermentative pattern that limits the DML, especially during the ensiling period.
Performance Evaluation of Communication Systems Used for Internet of Things in Agriculture
Authors: Yascaribay Geovanny , Huerta Mónica , Silva Miguel , Clotet Roger
Published: May 2022

The rapid development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has provided ample opportunity for the implementation of intelligent agricultural production. Such technology can be used to connect various types of agricultural devices, which can collect and send data to servers for analysis. These tools can help farmers optimize the production of their crops. However, one of the main problems that arises in agricultural areas is a lack of connectivity or poor connection quality. For these reasons, in this paper, we present a method that can be used for the performance evaluation of communication systems used in IoT for agriculture, considering metrics such as the packet delivery ratio, energy consumption, and packet collisions. To achieve this aim, we carry out an analysis of the main Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN) protocols and their applicability, from which we conclude that those most suited to this context are Long Range (LoRa) and Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN). After that, we analyze various simulation tools and select Omnet++ together with the Framework for LoRa (FLoRa) library as the best option. In the first stage of the simulations, the performances of LoRa and LoRaWAN are evaluated by comparing the average propagation under ideal conditions against moderate propagation losses, emulating a rural environment in the coastal region of Ecuador. In the second phase, metrics such as the package delivery ratio and energy consumption are evaluated by simulating communication between an increasing number of nodes and one or two gateways. The results show that using two gateways with the Adaptive Data Rate technique can actively increase the delivery ratio of the network while consuming the same amount of energy per node. Finally, a comparison is made between the results of the simulation scenario considered in this project and those of other research works, allowing for the validation of our analytical and simulation results.
Combination of Biochar with N–Fertilizer Affects Properties of Soil and N2O emissions in Maize Crop
Authors: Kotuš Tatijana , Šimanský Vladimír , Drgoňová Katarína , Illéš Marek , Wójcik-Gront Elżbieta , Balashov Eugene , Buchkina Natalya , Aydın Elena , Horák Ján
Published: May 2022

One of the challenges of harnessing higher productivity levels and sustainability of agriculture related to N fertilization is in expanding soil N2O emissions, which has become a serious issue in recent years. Recent studies suggest that biochar may be the solution to this problem, but there is still a knowledge gap related to biochar application rates and its reapplication in Central Europe; therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of biochar (initial application and reapplication in 2014 and 2018, respectively, at rates of 0, 10 and 20 t ha−1) combined with N-fertilizer (N0—0 kg N ha−1; N1—108 kg N ha−1 and N2—162 kg N ha−1) during the growing season of maize in 2019 (warm temperature with normal precipitation) on the changes of soil properties and N2O emissions in the silty loam, Haplic Luvisol, in the temperate climate of Slovakia. The results showed that the application and reapplication of biochar proved to be an excellent tool for increasing soil pH (in the range 7–13%), soil organic carbon—Corg (2–212%), and reducing the soil’s NH4+ (41–69%); however, there were more pronounced positive effects when biochar was combined with N-fertilizer at the higher level (N2). The same effects were found in the case of N2O emissions (reduction in the range 33–83%). Biochar applied without N-fertilizer and combined with the higher fertilizer level had a suppressive effect on N2O emissions. Biochar did not have any effect on maize yield in 2019.
Effect of Activated Water Irrigation on the Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat under Irrigation Deficit
Authors: Wang Huan , Fan Jun , Fu Wei
Published: May 2022

Activated water irrigation has been widely investigated as an effective production increasing measure. However, the response of activated water irrigation in plant growth and water use efficiency (WUE) with the irrigation amount is not well understood. Here, a pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of activated water irrigation on winter wheat growth, yield, and WUE under irrigation amount. Twelve treatments included four irrigation water types, (i) tap water (TW), (ii) tap water with magnetization (MW), (iii) tap water with oxygenation (OW), (iv) tap water with magnetization and oxygenation (M&OW), and three irrigation amounts, (1) 80% of the field capacity (FC), (2) 65%FC, and (3) 50%FC. The results indicated that activated water irrigation improved the plant height, leaf area, aboveground biomass, and photosynthetic characteristics at each growth stage of winter wheat. However, the yield and WUE varied with water type and irrigation amount. With 80%FC, the yield and WUE of MW were significantly greater by 35.7% and 53.9% than TW. The yield and WUE of OW were greater by 11.4% and 23.1% than TW. With 65%FC, the yield of MW, OW, and M&OW were greater by 43.9%, 46.3%, and 14.6% than TW, respectively. WUE of MW, OW, and M&OW were greater by 37.0%, 37.0%, and 11.1% than TW, respectively. With 50%FC, the yield of OW and M&OW were significantly greater by 77.3% and 122.7% than TW. WUE of OW and M&OW were significantly greater by 41.4% and 75.9% than TW (p < 0.05). Overall, the research provides clear evidence that OW is an effective way to increase yield and WUE, MW and M&OW should be applied in suitable soil water conditions.
Delayed Sowing Date Improves Rice Cooking and Taste Quality by Regulating the Quantity and Quality of Grains Located on Secondary Branches
Authors: Xu Congshan , Lu Bo , Liang Limin , Yang Fei , Ding Chao , Yan Feiyu , Zhou Yan , Jiang Zhengrong , Liu Zhenghui , Ding Yanfeng , Li Weiwei , Li Ganghua
Published: May 2022

Grains located on different positions of the panicle differed in grain weight and quality performance, however, the comprehensive effect of sowing dates on physiological and quantitative characteristics of grains located on different positions still remains unclear. In this study, a field experiment was conducted with two japonica rice cultivars, Nanjing 9108 and Ningjing 7, under 3 sowing dates (S1, 30th April; S2, 30th May; S3, 30th June). Delayed sowing treatments increased before-heading mean temperature (Tmean), day temperature (Tday), night temperature (Tnight) and mean solar radiation (Smean) for 0.94 °C, 0.99 °C, 1.23 °C, and 1.04 MJ, respectively, while decreased growth duration (GD) for 13.4 days, with 30 days delaying sowing date. Elevated before heading thermal resources and shortened GD contributed to enlarged panicle size via enhancing number of grains on secondary branches (SG) and led to higher ratio of SG per unit area (SG%). Meanwhile, delayed sowing decreased after heading Tmean, Tday, Tnight and Smean by 0.84 °C, 1.23 °C, 1.13 °C, and 2.12 MJ, respectively, with 30 days delaying sowing, and further enhanced rice stickiness (ST), peak viscosity (PKV) and breakdown (BD), but suppressed hardness (HD), amylose content (AC), cold pasting viscosity (CPV), hot pasting viscosity (HPV) and setback (SB) of SG, whilst grains on primary branches (PG) di no significant differences. Elevated taste and cooking quality of SG under delayed sowing was regulated by slower grain filling rate, which is largely regulated by AGPase and GBSS. Compared to PG, SG has better physiochemical, texture properties and RVA profiles due to its slower starch biosynthesis. The above results suggested that physiological (starch biosynthesis of SG) and quantitative parameters (amount of SG) of the rice population should be referred simultaneously to improve rice cooking and taste quality.
Ethical Treatment of Invasive and Native Fauna in Australia: Perspectives through the One Welfare Lens
Authors: Kennedy Brooke P. A. , Boyle Nick , Fleming Peter J. S. , Harvey Andrea M. , Jones Bidda , Ramp Daniel , Dixon Roselyn , McGreevy Paul D.
Published: May 2022

The One Welfare concept is proposed to guide humans in the ethical treatment of non-human animals, each other and the environment. One Welfare was conceptualized for veterinarians but could be a foundational concept through which to promote the ethical treatment of animals that are outside of direct human care and responsibility. However, wild-living animals raise additional ethical conundrums because of their multifarious values and roles, and relationships that humans have with them. At an open facilitated forum, the 2018 Robert Dixon Memorial Animal Welfare Symposium, a panel of five experts from different fields shared their perspectives on “loving and hating animals in the wild” and responded to unscripted questions from the audience. The Symposium’s objectives were to elucidate views on the ethical treatment of the native and invasive animals of Australia and to identify some of the resultant dilemmas facing conservationists, educators, veterinarians and society. Here, we document the presented views and case studies and synthesize common themes in a One Welfare framework. Additionally, we identified points of contention that can guide further discourse. With this guide in place, the identification and discussion of those disparate views was a first step toward practical resolutions on how to manage wild-living Australian fauna ethically. We concluded that there was great utility in the One Welfare approach for any discourse about wild animal welfare. It requires attention to each element of the triple bottom line and ensures that advocacy for one party does not vanquish the voices from other sectors. We argue that, by facilitating a focus on the ecology in the context of wild animal issues, One Welfare is more useful in this context than the veterinary context for which it was originally developed.
Animal Welfare Underenforcement as a Rule of Law Problem
Authors: Rodriguez Ferrere M. B.
Published: May 2022

Many have decried the state’s underenforcement of animal welfare legislation because of the direct negative effects on animal interests. This article will advance the argument that such underenforcement has a much deeper societal effect because it undermines the rule of law. It does so by first, reviewing rule of law literature to advance the proposition that the state has a general obligation to enforce the law and, specifically, animal welfare legislation. It then looks to the practical issues that arise with the argument, specifically prosecutorial discretion and private prosecutions. Finally, it concludes that the state’s underenforcement of animal welfare legislation does indeed run contrary to the rule of law, and thus regardless of whether we have the interests of animals at the front of our minds, it is a matter that should concern us all.
Investigating the Ovarian Microstructure in the Genera Helicolenus and Scorpaena (Teleostei, Sub-Order Scorpaenoidei) with Implications for Ovarian Dynamics and Spawning
Authors: Porcu Cristina , Lai Eleonora , Bellodi Andrea , Carbonara Pierluigi , Cau Alessandro , Mulas Antonello , Pascale Noemi , Porceddu Riccardo , Follesa Maria Cristina
Published: May 2022

The sub-order Scorpenoidei appears to be particularly interesting due to the presence of intermediate stages between oviparity and viviparity in several species. The present study aims to describe the ovarian morphology, using a histological and histochemical approach, in four ovuliparous species belonging to Scorpaena genus compared with a zygoparous species, H. dactylopterus, focusing also on the assessment of the ovarian dynamics in the populations of such species in Sardinia waters (central–western Mediterranean). Ovarian sections of all species were examined using light microscopy. All species showed a specialized ovary, cystovarian type II-3, strictly related to the production of gelatinous matrices surrounding the eggs. Some microscopic peculiarities in the oogenesis process were found: thin zona pellucida, small and low cortical alveoli, and a specialized ovarian wall during the spawning period. All species analyzed were batch-spawners with an asynchronous ovarian organization. A continuous recruitment of oocytes and the occurrence of de novo vitellogenesis was also observed. During the spawning period, low atresia intensity was detected, while a marked increase in this intensity found in the ovaries at the end of spawning season. Our observations may support an indeterminate fecundity type for these species.
Evaluation of Biochemical Composition of Amniotic and Allantoic Fluids at Different Stages of Pregnancy in Queens
Authors: Bigliardi Enrico , Rizzi Matteo , Bertocchi Mara , Denti Laura , Bresciani Carla , Vetere Alessandro , Di Ianni Francesco
Published: May 2022

Fetal fluid contents have functions in protecting fetuses and are essential for fetal development and maturation. However, little is known about the exact physiological functions of fetal fluids in fetal development, as well as the changing composition throughout the gestational period in cats. In this study, the biochemical composition of amniotic (AMN) and allantoic (ALL) fluids was investigated, as well as in the maternal serum of pregnant queens. Eighteen queens were included in this study and assigned to six different groups, D20, D25, D30, D40, D45 and D60, according to the gestational stage of fetal development. A total of 44 amniotic and 37 allantoic samples were collected. Fetal fluids contained lesser concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatine kinase, amylase, total protein and globulin than maternal serum. Other variables, such as aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, were in different concentrations at specific stages of gestation when compared to maternal serum. There were no differences between fetal fluids and maternal serum for lactate dehydrogenase, urea, lipase or glucose concentrations. There were greater concentrations of creatinine in amniotic fluid than in allantoic fluid or maternal serum. Based on the results of this study, fetal fluids do not accumulate as a result of the simple filtration of maternal blood, but rather, the fetus produces many of these components as a consequence of organ development and maturation.
In Vitro Activity of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam and Other Antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection-Isolates from an Academic Medical Center in Thailand
Authors: Tantisiriwat Woraphot , Buppanharun Jirawat , Ekpanyaskul Chatchai , Onruang Kwanchai , Yungyuen Thitiya , Kiratisin Pattarachai , Santiwatanakul Somchai
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infections have limited treatment options. Data on the activity of ceftolozane-tazobactam (C-T) against PA in Thailand are limited. Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the in vitro activity of C-T against general and resistant PA isolates from patients with real clinical infections from the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center (MSMC) compared to other antibiotics and to study the resistant molecular patterns of those PA strains which were resistant to C-T. (2) Materials and Methods: This was an in vitro susceptibility study of 100 PA isolates plus an additional seven resistant PA isolates collected from MSMC patients. All PA isolates were tested with susceptibility broth (Sensititre™) and C-T minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) test strips (Liofilchem, Roseto degli, Abruzzi, Italy). The C-T-resistant PA isolates were analyzed for six β-lactamase genes (blaCTX-M, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-48) and the mcr-1 gene. (3) Results: A total of 100 PA isolates were collected between January 2020 and January 2021 and between February 2021 and September 2021 for the additional 7 resistant isolates. There were 18 resistant PA isolates (6 MDR, 11 XDR and 1 pan-drug resistant isolate). The overall susceptibility of the initial 100 PA isolates and the 18 resistant PA isolates was 94% and 44.5%, respectively, for C-T. The C-T susceptibility rates for isolates non-susceptible to ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, carbapenems and antipseudomonal β-lactams were 65.5%, 69.7%, 50% and 44.5%, respectively. Among the 10 isolates which were resistant to C-T, there were only 3 isolates found to have the resistant gene, which included 1 for blaIMP, 1 for blaVIM and 1 for blaNDM. (4) Conclusions: Although C-T was the best susceptibility antibiotic overall for PA isolates and MDR PA isolates at the MSMC, most of the XDR PA isolates and the PDR PA isolate were not susceptible to C-T. The mechanisms for C-T resistance involved multiple factors including the presence of blaIMP, blaVIM and blaNDM.
Disinfection Strategies for Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Healthcare Facility
Authors: Ni Lijia , Zhang Zhixian , Shen Rui , Liu Xiaoqiang , Li Xuexue , Chen Baiji , Wu Xiquan , Li Hongyu , Xie Xiaoying , Huang Songyin
Published: May 2022

Disinfectant resistance is evolving into a serious problem due to the long-term and extensive use of disinfectants, which brings great challenges to hospital infection control. As a notorious multidrug-resistant bacterium, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is one of the most common and difficult pathogens of nosocomial infection. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests of seven kinds of disinfectants (0.1% benzalkonium bromide, 4% aqueous chlorhexidine, 75% alcohol, entoiodine II, 2% glutaraldehyde, 2000 mg/L chlorine-containing disinfectants, and 3% hydrogen peroxide) were detected by the broth dilution method. Three efflux pump genes (oqxA, oqxB, and qacE∆1-sul1) were detected by PCR. The mean MIC value of aqueous chlorhexidine from the intensive care unit (ICU) (0.0034%) was significantly higher than that from non-ICUs (0.0019%) (p < 0.05). The positive rates of three efflux pump genes oqxA, oqxB and qacE∆1-sul1 were 60.9% (39/64), 17.2% (11/64) and 71.9% (46/64) in the detected CRKP isolates, respectively. This study discovered that CRKP strains demonstrated extensive resistance to clinical disinfectants and suggest that it is necessary to perform corresponding increases in the concentration of aqueous chlorhexidine and chlorine-containing disinfectants on the basis of current standards in the healthcare industry.
Characterization of the First Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudocitrobacter faecalis Harboring blaOXA-181 in China
Authors: Shi Qingyu , Guo Yan , Yang Yang , Wu Shi , Han Renru , Ding Li , Yin Dandan , Hu Fupin
Published: May 2022

With the wide use of carbapenems, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales have been increasingly reported worldwide. In this study, one blaOXA-181-positive Pseudocitrobacter faecalis strain was isolated from the blood culture of a patient with a bloodstream infection in China, which was its first clinical report outside Pakistan. Species identification of P. faecalis was initially performed using MALDI-TOF/MS and further confirmed by 16S rRNA gene and housekeeping gene sequencing. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined through the broth microdilution method, and their clonal relationship was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. To study the transmission and genetic structure of the blaOXA-181 gene, a transformation test and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were performed. The results of the antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated this P. faecalis was resistant to carbapenems, quinolones, and commonly used β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Through WGS and transformation experiments, blaOXA-181 and qnrS1 genes causing antibiotic resistance were located on a 55,148-bp length IncX3 type plasmid with a truncated ColKp3 replicon gene. As a rare species of Enterobacterales, P. faecalis was clinically reported in China for the first time, and the blaOXA-181 gene it carried was located on a globally disseminated IncX3 plasmid. The spread of such bacteria and antibiotic resistance requires more clinical attention.
Resveratrol in Treating Diabetes and Its Cardiovascular Complications: A Review of Its Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Su Meiming , Zhao Wenqi , Xu Suowen , Weng Jianping
Published: May 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. High morbidity and mortality caused by DM are closely linked to its complications in multiple organs/tissues, including cardiovascular complications, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic neuropathy. Resveratrol is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound with pleiotropic protective effects, ranging from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to hypoglycemic effects. Recent studies strongly suggest that the consumption of resveratrol offers protection against diabetes and its cardiovascular complications. The protective effects of resveratrol involve the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation, enhancement of insulin sensitivity, induction of autophagy, regulation of lipid metabolism, promotion of GLUT4 expression, and translocation, and activation of SIRT1/AMPK signaling axis. The cardiovascular protective effects of resveratrol have been recently reviewed in the literature, but the role of resveratrol in preventing diabetes mellitus and its cardiovascular complications has not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of resveratrol based on in vitro and in vivo studies, highlighting the therapeutic potential of resveratrol in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its cardiovascular complications.
Comparison of Cognitive Differences of Artworks between Artist and Artistic Style Transfer
Authors: Sun Yikang , Lyu Yanru , Lin Po-Hsien , Lin Rungtai
Published: May 2022

This study explores how audiences responded to perceiving and distinguishing the paintings created by AI or human artists. The stimuli were six paintings which were completed by AI and human artists. A total of 750 subjects participated to identify which ones were completed by human artists or by AI. Results revealed that most participants could correctly distinguish between paintings made by AI or human artists and that accuracy was higher for those who used “intuition” as the criterion for judgment. The participants preferred the paintings created by human artists. Furthermore, there were big differences in the perception of the denotation and connotation of paintings between audiences of different backgrounds. The reasons for this will be analyzed in subsequent research.
Degradation Characteristics and Reliability Assessment of 1310 nm VCSEL for Microwave Photonic Link
Authors: Liao Wenyuan , Gao Rui , Liu Yuebo , Zhang Jide , Li Shuwang , Niu Hao , Yang Shaohua , Lai Canxiong
Published: May 2022

The long-term reliability of the commercially available vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) at 1310 nm wavelength is investigated. To do so, a high current accelerated life test is used to evaluate the 1310 nm VCSEL reliability. Variations of properties that depend on the operating condition are characterized by the light-current-voltage, leakage current and low-frequency noise. When the aging current is 6 mA, 8 mA and 10 mA, the maximum output power reduces by 5%, 6% and 15% of the initial value, respectively. It is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally that the leakage current increases and reverse bias breakdown voltage decreases after the accelerated current aging test. The current noise power spectral density increases after the device ages, and the noise increases with the augment of the electrical stress. When the bias current of VCSEL is below the threshold, the frequency index factor and noise amplitude gradually increase with the bias current increase. Further, lifetime fitting curves of the devices at an accelerating current of 6 mA, 8 mA and 10 mA are obtained, and the median lifetime of 67 years at the operating current is extrapolated.
Mathematical Modeling to Estimate Photosynthesis: A State of the Art
Authors: García-Rodríguez Luz del Carmen , Prado-Olivarez Juan , Guzmán-Cruz Rosario , Rodríguez-Licea Martín Antonio , Barranco-Gutiérrez Alejandro Israel , Perez-Pinal Francisco Javier , Espinosa-Calderon Alejandro
Published: May 2022

Photosynthesis is a process that indicates the productivity of crops. The estimation of this variable can be achieved through methods based on mathematical models. Mathematical models are usually classified as empirical, mechanistic, and hybrid. To mathematically model photosynthesis, it is essential to know: the input/output variables and their units; the modeling to be used based on its classification (empirical, mechanistic, or hybrid); existing measurement methods and their invasiveness; the validation shapes and the plant species required for experimentation. Until now, a collection of such information in a single reference has not been found in the literature, so the objective of this manuscript is to analyze the most relevant mathematical models for the photosynthesis estimation and discuss their formulation, complexity, validation, number of samples, units of the input/output variables, and invasiveness in the estimation method. According to the state of the art reviewed here, 67% of the photosynthesis measurement models are mechanistic, 13% are empirical and 20% hybrid. These models estimate gross photosynthesis, net photosynthesis, photosynthesis rate, biomass, or carbon assimilation. Therefore, this review provides an update on the state of research and mathematical modeling of photosynthesis.
Thyroid Biokinetics for Radioactive I-131 in Twelve Thyroid Cancer Patients via the Refined Nine-Compartmental Model
Authors: Pan Lung-Fa , Chiang Chao-Yu , Huang Chao-Chun , Kao Hua-Tsan , Chen Chih-Feng , Peng Bing-Ru , Pan Lung-Kwang
Published: May 2022

The thyroid biokinetic model of radioactive I-131 was re-evaluated using a refined nine-compartmental model and applied to twelve thyroid cancer patients. In contrast to the simplified four-compartmental model regulated by the ICRP-56 report, the revised model included nine compartments specified in the ICRP-128 report, namely, oral, stomach, body fluid, thyroid, whole body, liver, kidney, bladder, and remainder (i.e., the whole body minus kidney and bladder). A self-developed program run in MATLAB was designed to solve the nine first-order simultaneous linear differential equations. The model was realized in standard and simplified versions. The latter neglected two feedback paths (body fluid to oral, i31, and kidney to the whole body, i87) to reduce computations. Accordingly, the biological half-lives for the major compartments (thyroid and body fluid + whole body) were 36.00 ± 15.01, 15.04 ± 5.63, 34.33 ± 15.42, and 14.83 ± 5.91 of standard and simplified version. The correlations between theoretical and empirical data for each patient were quantified by the dimensionless AT (agreement) index and, the ATtot index integrated each individual AT of a specific organ of one patient. Since small AT values indicated a closer correlation, the obtained range of ATtot (0.048 ± 0.019) proved the standard model’s reliability and high accuracy, while the simplified one yielded slightly higher ATtot (0.058 ± 0.023). The detailed outcomes among various compartments of twelve patients were calculated and compared with other researchers’ work. The correlation results on radioactive I-131 evolution in thyroid cancer patients’ bodies are instrumental in viewpoint of radioactive protection of patients and radiological personnel.
GrowBot: An Educational Robotic System for Growing Food
Authors: Lund Henrik Hautop , Exner Martin , Jensen Nikolai Eskild , Leggieri Massimiliano , Outzen Malene , Ravn-Haren Gitte , von Sehested Malte , Væring Andreas , Andersen Rikke
Published: May 2022

We present the GrowBot as an educational robotic system to facilitate hands-on experimentation with the control of environmental conditions for food plant growth. The GrowBot is a tabletop-sized greenhouse automated with sensors and actuators to become a robotic system for the control of plant’s growth. The GrowBot includes sensors for humidity, CO2, temperature, water level, RGB camera images, and actuators to control the grow conditions, including full spectrum lights, IR lights, and UV lights, nutrients pump, water pump, air pump, air change pump, and fan. Inspired by educational robotics, we developed user-friendly graphical programming of the GrowBots on several means: a touch display, a micro:bit, and a remote webserver interface. This allows school pupils to easily program the GrowBots to different growth conditions for the natural plants in terms of temperature, humidity, day light cycle, wavelength of LED light, nutrient rate, etc. The GrowBot system also allows the user to monitor the environmental conditions, such as CO2 monitoring for photosynthesis understanding, on both the touch display and the remote web–interface. An experiment with nine GrowBots shows that the different parameters can be controlled, that this can control the growth of the food plants, and that control to make an environmental condition with blue light results in higher and larger plants than red light. Further, the pilot experimentation in school settings indicates that the comprehensive system design method results in a deployable system, which can become well adopted in the educational domain.
Magnus-Forces Analysis of Pitched-Baseball Trajectories Using YOLOv3-Tiny Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Wen Bor-Jiunn , Chang Che-Rui , Lan Chun-Wei , Zheng Yi-Chen
Published: May 2022

This study analyzed the characteristics of pitched baseballs from TV broadcast videos to understand the effects of the Magnus force on a pitched-baseball trajectory using aerodynamic theory. Furthermore, an automatic measurement and analysis system for pitched-baseball trajectories, ball speeds, and spin rates was established, capturing the trajectory of the baseball thrown by the pitcher before the catcher catches it and analyzing its related dynamic parameters. The system consists of two parts: (1) capturing and detecting the pitched baseball in all frames of the video using the YOLOv3-tiny deep learning algorithm and automatically recording the coordinates of each detected baseball position; (2) automatically calculating the average speed and spin rate of the pitched baseball using aerodynamic theory. As the baseball thrown by the pitcher is fast, and live-action TV videos like sports and concerts are typically at least 24 fps or more, this study used YOLOv3-tiny algorithm to speed up the calculation. Finally, the system automatically presented pitching data on the screen, and the pitching information in the baseball game was easily obtained and recorded for further discussion. The system was tested using 30 videos of pitched baseballs and could effectively capture the baseball trajectories, throw points, catch points, and vertical displacements. Compared with the values from the TV broadcast, the average errors on the calculated ball speed and spin rate were 1.88% and 7.51%, respectively. Using the ratio of the spin rate and ball speed as a parameter to analyze the pitching state of the pitcher’s four-seam fastball in the Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball matches, it was observed that when this ratio increased, the Magnus displacement of the ball increased, thereby decreasing its late break. Therefore, the developed system provides scientific pitching data to improve the performance of baseball pitchers.
Changing Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2: A Global Challenge
Authors: Chugh Ananya , Khurana Nimisha , Verma Kangna , Sehgal Ishita , Rolta Rajan , Vats Pranjal , Phartyal Rajendra , Salaria Deeksha , Kaushik Neha , Choi Eun Ha , Verma Mansi , Kaushik Nagendra Kumar
Published: May 2022

Since November 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has been a matter of global concern due to its rapid spread, the millions of deaths it caused, and repeated waves of infections. One after another, many variants of this novel virus have come into existence due to its constant mutability, specifically in the spike glycoprotein region. The tally for variants of concern (VOCs), which already include Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1) and Delta (B.1.617.2), has increased to five with the latest appearance of Omicron (B.1.1.529). In our study, we examine the effect of the transmissibility and infectious potential of the virus due to various mutations of SARS-CoV-2, especially in the receptor-binding domain (RBD). We discuss the role of genome sequencing in tracing all the mutations and the importance of the R value (reproductive number) to understand the virus spread. We also review the effectiveness of the available vaccines on the variants of concern, as the rapid spread of the newly emergent Omicron variant has raised doubts about the usefulness of the current vaccines. The use of a mixed vaccination strategy has proved to be effective, yet the newer variants, such as Omicron, demand booster doses for the population. Multivalent immunogens could be considered as the plausible solution for conferring protection against potential new mutants of the virus in the future.
Comparison of Manual Setting Weight Reduction and Topology Optimization of the Wing Tips of Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aircraft
Authors: Zeng Yangyang , Li Jiayi , Lin Shiyun , He Xiaolong , Li Bing , Deng Tao
Published: May 2022

Urban air mobility aircraft are considered an effective solution to traffic jams. These particular aircraft come with different designs and are very different from traditional aircraft. An effective weight reduction method is required to enable ongoing design validation and verification. This paper presents the design of an aircraft with a high space utilization rate of the take-off and landing stage, which allows vertical take-off and landing and has long battery life. For the components fixed at the wing tips and used for installing ducted fans and based on the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process, this paper puts forward two methods to carry out the lightweight design according to the stress conditions of the aircraft, namely, the manual setting the internal structure and the topology optimization. The results show that when the force on the component is small, manual setting is very effective for the purpose of weight reduction, which can also improve the manufacturability of the aircraft.
On the Performance of LDPC-Coded MIMO Schemes for Underwater Communications Using 5G-like Processing
Authors: Marques da Silva Mário , Dinis Rui , Aleixo José , Oliveira Luís M. L.
Published: May 2022

This article studies the underwater acoustic (UWA) communications associated with multiple input–multiple output (MIMO), single carrier with frequency-domain equalization (SC-FDE), and with low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. Low-complexity receivers such as equal gain combining (EGC), maximum ratio combining (MRC), and iterative block—decision feedback equalization (IB-DFE) are studied in the above-described scenarios. Furthermore, due to the low carrier frequencies utilized in UWA communications, the performance of the proposed MIMO scenarios is studied at different levels of channel correlation between antennas. This article shows that the combined schemes tend to achieve good performances while presenting low complexity, even in scenarios with channel correlation between antennas.
New Achievements for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Catalano Alessia , Iacopetta Domenico , Ceramella Jessica , Mariconda Annaluisa , Rosano Camillo , Scumaci Domenica , Saturnino Carmela , Longo Pasquale , Sinicropi Maria
Published: May 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes a heterogeneous group of malignancies that are often aggressive and associated with a poor prognosis. The development of new TNBC treatment strategies has become an urgent clinical need. Diagnosis and subtyping of TNBC are essential to establish alternative treatments and targeted therapies for every TNBC patient. Chemotherapy, particularly with anthracycline and taxanes, remains the backbone for medical management for both early and metastatic TNBC. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy have revolutionized cancer treatment. Included in the different strategies studied for TNBC treatment is drug repurposing. Despite the numerous medications available, numerous studies in medicinal chemistry are still aimed at the synthesis of new compounds in order to find new antiproliferative agents capable of treating TNBC. Additionally, some supplemental micronutrients, nutraceuticals and functional foods can potentially reduce the risk of developing cancer or can retard the rate of growth and metastases of established malignant diseases. Finally, nanotechnology in medicine, termed nanomedicines, introduces nanoparticles of variable chemistry and architecture for cancer treatment. This review highlights the most recent studies in search of new therapies for the treatment of TNBC, along with nutraceuticals and repositioning of drugs.
Spatiotemporal Modes Characteristics and SARIMA Prediction of Total Column Water Vapor over China during 2002–2022 Based on AIRS Dataset
Authors: Shangguan Shanshan , Lin Han , Wei Yuanyuan , Tang Chaoli
Published: May 2022

The total column water vapor (TCWV) is a relatively active component in the atmosphere and an important detection object of climate change. Exploring the spatiotemporal modes characteristics of TCWV and predicting its changing trends can provide a reference for human beings to deal with climate change and formulate corresponding countermeasures. The TCWV data over China region by using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) dataset from 2002 to 2022 were obtained. The empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, linear regression, Mann-Kendall (M-K) mutation test, Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model and other methods were used to discuss the spatiotemporal modes characteristics of TCWV in the China region on the monthly, seasonal, and annual scales and verify the rationality of the forecast of the monthly average trend of TCWV in the next year. The obtained results show that: (1) The annual and seasonal scales spatial distributions of TCWV in China are roughly consistent, with obvious latitudinal distribution characteristics. That is, the TCWV in the low latitude region, especially in the tropical region, is larger, and it gradually decreases with the increase of the latitude. Furthermore, the TCWV in the eastern region is higher than that in the western region at the same latitude; (2) The EOF analysis results show that its first mode can better reflect the typical distribution characteristics of the southeast-northwest positive distribution in China; (3) From 2002 to 2022, the TCWV in China shows an upward trend and the TCWV increases at a rate of 0.0413 kg/m2 per year, which may be related to the long-term increase of air temperature in recent years; (4) The inter-monthly variation of TCWV shows a slightly positive skewed ‘bell-shaped’ curve, with the maximum in summer, the minimum in winter and the similar distribution in spring and autumn. As can be seen from the M-K curves of the four seasons, each season has different mutation points; (5) Forecasting the TCWV was done using time series monthly average values from September 2002 to February 2022. SARIMA (3, 1, 3) × (0, 1, 1, 12) was identified as the best model. This model passed the residual normality test and the forecasting evaluation statistics show that MAPE = 2.65%, MSE = 0.3229 and the R2-score = 0.9949. As demonstrated by the results, the SARIMA model is a good model for forecasting TCWV in the China region.
High Level of Ammonium Nitrogen Increases Net Ecosystem Productivity in a Quercus liaotungensis Forest in Northern China
Authors: Qiu Jingcong , Song Minghua , Li Yun , Wang Chunmei
Published: May 2022

Forest ecosystems are vital to the terrestrial ecosystem’s carbon (C) cycle. The effects of nitrogen (N) addition on C sequestration in forest ecosystems are critical for better understanding C dynamics when facing an increase in N availability. We conducted a six-year field experiment to examine the effects of N addition on C sequestration and net ecosystem productivity (NEP) in a Quercus liaotungensis forest in northern China. N addition resulted in a significant increase in biomass C storage (17.54–48.62%) and changed the distribution patterns of above and belowground biomass C storage, resulting in a 9.64 to 23.23% reduction in the proportion of belowground biomass C compared with the control. The annual average heterotrophic respiration was significantly increased by the additional N (by 0.06–0.94 Mg C ha−1 yr1). In comparison with the control, the C sequestration efficiency driven by N addition ranged from 7.12 to 33.50 kg C/kg N. High-level N addition exerted stronger effects on ecosystem C sequestration than low-level N addition. NH4+-N, rather than NO3−-N, dominated the increase in ecosystem C sequestration. We found that Q. liaotungensis forest acted as a C sink. The increase in NEP in the study forest in northern China was mainly due to an increase in net primary productivity (NPP) caused by N addition. Atmospheric N deposition increased the C sequestration efficiency depending on the rate and form of N deposition.
Serological Variety and Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella Isolated from Reptiles
Authors: Merkevičienė Lina , Butrimaitė-Ambrozevičienė Česlova , Paškevičius Gerardas , Pikūnienė Alma , Virgailis Marius , Dailidavičienė Jurgita , Daukšienė Agila , Šiugždinienė Rita , Ruzauskas Modestas
Published: May 2022

Salmonella enterica is one of the best adapted bacterial pathogens causing infections in a wide variety of vertebrate species. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella in different reptile species and to evaluate their serological variety and patterns of antimicrobial resistance. In total, 97 samples from 25 wild and domesticated reptile species were investigated in Lithuania. Serological variety, as well as phenotypical and genotypical resistance to antimicrobials, were investigated. Fifty isolates of Salmonella were obtained from the ninety-seven tested samples (51.5%; 95% CI 41.2–61.2). A significantly higher prevalence of Salmonella was detected in domesticated individuals (61.3%; 95% CI 50.0–71.5) compared with wild ones (18.2%; 95% CI 7.3–38.5). All isolates belonged to a single species, Salmonella enterica. Results demonstrated that reptiles carry a large variety of Salmonella serovars. Thirty-four isolates (68%) of Salmonella were resistant to at least one antimicrobial drug. The most frequent resistance of the isolates was to streptomycin (26%), cefoxitin, gentamicin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol (16%). Genes encoding resistance to tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, sulphonamides and trimethoprim were detected. No integrons that are associated with horizontal gene transfer were found. Data obtained provided knowledge about the adaptation of Salmonella in reptiles. Healthy individuals, irrespective of their origin, often carry Salmonella, including multi-resistant strains. Due to its large serological diversity, zoonotic potential and antimicrobial resistance, Salmonella in reptiles poses a risk to other animals and humans.
Antagonization of Ghrelin Suppresses Muscle Protein Deposition by Altering Gut Microbiota and Serum Amino Acid Composition in a Pig Model
Authors: Yan Xiaoxi , Zhang He , Lin Ailian , Su Yong
Published: May 2022

Ghrelin is an appetite-stimulating hormone that can increase food intake and has been reported to prevent muscle loss; however, the mechanism is not yet fully understood. In this study, [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (GHRP) was used to investigate the effects of the antagonization of ghrelin on muscle protein deposition, eating patterns and gut microbiota in a pig model. We found that the growth performance and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of pigs treated with GHRP were significantly reduced compared with the control (CON) group. Moreover, the levels of serum isoleucine, methionine, arginine and tyrosine in the GHRP group were lower than that of the CON group. The abundance of acetate-producing bacteria (Oscillospiraceae UCG-005, Parabacteroides and Oscillospiraceae NK4A214 group) and acetate concentration in the colons of pigs treated with GHRP were significantly reduced. In addition, the injection of GHRP down-regulated the mRNA expression of MCT-1 and mTOR, and it up-regulated the mRNA expression of HDAC1, FOXO1 and Beclin-1. In summary, the antagonization of ghrelin reduced the concentration of important signal molecules (Arg, Met and Ile) that activate the mTOR pathway, concurrently reduce the concentration of HDAC inhibitors (acetate), promote autophagy and finally reduce protein deposition in muscles.
Comparison of Experimental Approaches Used to Determine the Structure and Function of the Class D G Protein-Coupled Yeast α-Factor Receptor
Authors: Dumont Mark E. , Konopka James B.
Published: May 2022

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-factor mating pheromone receptor (Ste2p) has been studied as a model for the large medically important family of G protein-coupled receptors. Diverse yeast genetic screens and high-throughput mutagenesis of STE2 identified a large number of loss-of-function, constitutively-active, dominant-negative, and intragenic second-site suppressor mutants as well as mutations that specifically affect pheromone binding. Facile genetic manipulation of Ste2p also aided in targeted biochemical approaches, such as probing the aqueous accessibility of substituted cysteine residues in order to identify the boundaries of the seven transmembrane segments, and the use of cysteine disulfide crosslinking to identify sites of intramolecular contacts in the transmembrane helix bundle of Ste2p and sites of contacts between the monomers in a Ste2p dimer. Recent publication of a series of high-resolution cryo-EM structures of Ste2p in ligand-free, agonist-bound and antagonist-bound states now makes it possible to evaluate the results of these genetic and biochemical strategies, in comparison to three-dimensional structures showing activation-related conformational changes. The results indicate that the genetic and biochemical strategies were generally effective, and provide guidance as to how best to apply these experimental strategies to other proteins. These strategies continue to be useful in defining mechanisms of signal transduction in the context of the available structures and suggest aspects of receptor function beyond what can be discerned from the available structures.