bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diyarbakır Ekolojik Koşullarında Bazı Kekik Türlerinin Agronomik ve Uçucu Yağ Değerlerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: SURMUŞ ASAN Hilal , EKİNCİ Remzi
Published: August 2020

Bu çalışma, Diyarbakır ili ekolojik koşullarında Thymbra spicata var. Spicata, Satureja hortensis L. ve Origanum spp. kekik türlerinin agronomik ve uçucu yağ değerlerinin belirlenmesi amacı ile yapılmıştır. Deneme 2017-2020 yılları arasında Dicle Üniversitesi Tıbbi ve Aromatik bitkiler Araştırma ve Uygulama Merkezi Müdürlüğü uygulama alanında yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada bitki boyu (cm), bitki çapı (cm), yeşil herba verimi (kg da-1), drog herba verimi (kg da-1), drog yaprak verimi (kg da-1), drog yaprak/sap oranı (%), uçucu yağ oranı (%) ve uçucu yağ miktarı (l da-1) özellikleri incelenmiştir. Diyarbakır ekolojik koşullarında Satureja hortensis L. türünün, Origanum spp. türüne göre daha küçük habitus sahip olmasına rağmen daha yüksek drog, yaprak verimleri, yağ oranı ve yağ verimlerine sahip olması, bu türün Diyarbakır ekolojik koşullarında yetiştirilmesinin önemli olduğunu göstermiştir. Uçucu yağ verim ve agronomik özellikler arasındaki korelasyonların önemli olduğu ancak korelasyon sonuçları ile doğrudan ve dolaylı etkiler arasında farklılıklar olmadığı bulunmuştur. Bu durumla, korelasyon çalışmalarında doğrudan ve dolaylı etkilerin dikkate alınması gerektiği önerilmektedir.
A Fast Image Thresholding Algorithm for Infrared Images Based on Histogram Approximation and Circuit Theory
Authors: Manda Manikanta Prahlad , Kim Hi Seok
Published: August 2020

Image thresholding is one of the fastest and most effective methods of detecting objects in infrared images. This paper proposes an infrared image thresholding method based on the functional approximation of the histogram. The one-dimensional histogram of the image is approximated to the transient response of a first-order linear circuit. The threshold value for the image segmentation is formulated using combinational analogues of standard operators and principles from the concept of the transient behavior of the first-order linear circuit. The proposed method is tested on infrared images gathered from the standard databases and the experimental results are compared with the existing state-of-the-art infrared image thresholding methods. We realized through the experimental results that our method is well suited to perform infrared image thresholding.
Dual-Satellite Lunar Global Navigation System Using Multi-Epoch Double-Differenced Pseudorange Observations
Authors: Tanaka Toshiki , Ebinuma Takuji , Nakasuka Shinichi
Published: August 2020

In view of the upcoming missions to obtain resources from the lunar surface, it is essential to have highly-accurate navigation systems to locate surface vehicles in shadowed regions. In response, we propose a dual-satellite lunar navigation system that is based on a multi-epoch double-differenced pseudorange observations (MDPO) algorithm. We used multi-epoch observations in a new way that reduces the number of navigation satellites required. In addition, the double-differenced pseudorange is used in order to eliminate the bias effects of the satellite and user clocks that conventional dual-satellite navigation algorithms did not fully take into account. Furthermore, a pre-known lunar digital elevation model is used to reduce the number of observations. The theoretical behavior of the MDPO algorithm was confirmed by simulation and the results indicate that user position accuracy can be several tens of meters with 95% probability (2drms) within a one-minute observation.
Split Application under Reduced Nitrogen Rate Favors High Yield by Altering Endogenous Hormones and C/N Ratio in Sweet Potato
Authors: Du Xiangbei , Zhang Xinyue , Kong Lingcong , Xi Min
Published: August 2020

A process for reducing the nitrogen (N) application rate while maintaining sweet potato yield urgently needs to be determined. A two-year pot experiment was conducted with three N management strategies to explore the mechanism underlying yield increase caused by a split application under a reduced N rate through an investigation of the changes in the carbon (C)-N metabolism and endogenous hormone. Results revealed that, compared with conventional basal N management, split application under a reduced N rate increased storage root yield by 22.1% through improving the storage root number and mean storage root weight by 12.3% and 10.2%, respectively. During the storage root formation period, split application under a reduced N rate decreased the soil-available N (AV-N) content and N content in storage root, inducing elevated C content, C/N ratio, auxin (IAA) content, zeatin and zeatin riboside (Z + ZR) content and reduced abscisic acid (ABA) content in storage roots, promoting storage root formation. During the storage root bulking period, split application under a reduced N rate appropriately elevated the soil AV-N content and N content in the storage root which, together with increased ABA content, which enhanced C content and C/N ratio in the storage root, resulted in an improved mean storage root weight. These results will facilitate the generation of appropriate N management strategies to improve sweet potato productivity.
Land Use Favourability Assessment Based on Soil Characteristics and Anthropic Pollution. Case Study Somesul Mic Valley Corridor, Romania
Authors: Matei Ioan , Pacurar Ioan , Rosca Sanda , Bilasco Stefan , Sestras Paul , Rusu Teodor , Jude Eugen Traian , Tăut Florian Dumitru
Published: August 2020

The Someș Corridor, located in the central Transylvanian region of Romania, is a territory characterised by favourable conditions for habitation and land use with agricultural purposes, offering suitable premises for the development of the settlements and the economic activities taking place in the area. This study aims to identify the parcels of land from outside the built-up area, which can be used as arable land, this particular use being pursued due to the favourability induced by the pedological resources, the morphometrical characteristics of the Someș floodplain and, last but not least, the climatic conditions. GIS technology has been used, enabling the management of the databases representing soil, topography and climatic factors, and thus obtaining the classification of all land parcels using favourability classes for agricultural land use. In order to perform a correct favourability classification, the degree of soil pollution and groundwater pollution have been analysed, using chemical tests of water and soil profiles taken in the area of former abandoned industrial platforms, which are intended to be reintroduced in the local economic use. The highest degree of soil pollution with ammonium and sulphates has been identified in the industrial park from Dej city, on the territory of the former industrial platform of the paper factory, this pollution modifying the quality scores of arable land use, despite the fulfilment of favourable climatic and topographic conditions.
Multiple Xenosteroid Pollutants Biomarker Changes in Cultured Nile Tilapia Using Wastewater Effluents as Their Primary Water Source
Authors: Zahran Eman , Elmetwally Mohammed , Awadin Walaa , El-Matbouli Mansour
Published: August 2020

This study was undertaken to screen levels of xenosteroids (estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals/E-EDCs) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish farms subjected to water fill from the drain at three sites S1 (highly polluted), S2 (moderately polluted), and a putative reference site (RS). Biometric, hormonal, gene expression, and histopathological analysis were investigated. Testosterone, progesterone, and zeranol residues were detected at (0.12–3.44 µg/L) in water samples of different sites. Bisphenol-A (BPA) exhibited a very high concentration (6.5 µg/mL) in water samples from S1. Testosterone, 17β-estradiol residues were detected in fish tissues from all sites at (0.16–3.8 µg/Kg) and (1.05–5.01 µg/Kg), respectively. BPA residues were detected at a very high concentration in the liver and muscle of fish collected from S1 at higher levels of 25.9 and 48.07 µg/Kg, respectively. The detected E-EDCs, at different sites, particularly BPA, reduced the somatic and testicular growth among sites and oversampling time points. Meanwhile, hepatosomatic index (HSI) was significantly increased in S1 compared to S2. All analyzed genes estrogen receptor-type I (er-I, er-ɑ) and II (er-II, er-ß1), polypeptide 1a (cyp19a1), SRY-box containing gene 9 (sox9), and vitellogenin (vtg) and gonadotropin hormones (luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)), testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were significantly expressed at S1 compared to other sites. Histopathology was more evident in S1 than other sites. These findings warrant immediate strategies development to control aquatic pollution and maintain fish welfare and aquaculture sustainability.
Effect of Prickly Pear Cactus Peel Supplementation on Milk Production, Nutrient Digestibility and Rumen Fermentation of Sheep and the Maternal Effects on Growth and Physiological Performance of Suckling Offspring
Authors: Morshedy Sabrin A. , Abdal Mohsen Aymen E. , Basyony Mohamed M. , Almeer Rafa , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , El-Gindy Yassmine M.
Published: August 2020

Prickly pear cactus peels (Opuntia ficus-indica, PPCP) are sustainable byproducts available in arid regions and a rich source of antioxidants. Fifteen multiparous Barki ewes (2–3 years old, 46.94 ± 0.59 kg body weight, BW) at postpartum were individually distributed in three equal groups and fed diets supplemented with PPCP at doses of 0, 5 and 10 g/head/day. Lambs were individually distributed into three equal groups according to their mothers’ groups to investigate the maternal effect on lambs’ growth performance, hematology and serum metabolites. This trial lasted for 56 days from birth to weaning. Moreover, nine adult male Barki sheep with a live BW of 65.76 ± 0.54 kg were randomly allocated into three equal groups to determine the effect of PPCP on the nutrient digestibility of the experimental diets. The results indicate that supplementing PPCP at low levels (5 g/head/day) increased milk yield (p = 0.050), fat-corrected milk (p = 0.022), energy-corrected milk (p = 0.015) and the yield of milk constituents compared to 10 g PPCP and the control group. In addition, lambs suckling from ewes fed the diet supplemented with 5 g PPCP had a higher (p = 0.001) weaning BW compared to other groups. Serum total protein, globulin, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities and the triiodothyronine hormone improved significantly in lambs suckling from ewes fed diets supplemented with 5 g PPCP compared to the control group. Serum cholesterol profile and kidney activities were enhanced significantly in lambs suckling from ewes fed diets supplemented with 5 and 10 g of PPCP compared to the control group. The dietary supplementation of 5 g PPCP improved the crude protein digestibility, digestible crude protein value, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation characteristics of male sheep compared to the control group. In conclusion, supplementation with 5 g PPCP improved ewes’ milk production, offspring growth and physiological status. Furthermore, it improved the crude protein digestibility and rumen fermentation characteristics of Barki sheep.
Fibromodulin Modulates Chicken Skeletal Muscle Development via the Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yin Huadong , Cui Can , Han Shunshun , Chen Yuqi , Zhao Jing , He Haorong , Li Diyan , Zhu Qing
Published: August 2020

Fibromodulin (Fmod), which is an extracellular matrix protein, belongs to the extracellular matrix small-leucine-rich proteoglycan family. Fmod is abundantly expressed in muscles and connective tissues and is involved in biological regulation processes, including cell apoptosis, cell adhesion, and modulation of cytokine activity. Fmod is the main regulator of myostatin, which controls the development of muscle cells, but its regulatory path is unknown. Chicken models are ideal for studying embryonic skeletal muscle development; therefore, to investigate the mechanism of Fmod in muscle development, Fmod-silenced and Fmod-overexpressed chicken myoblasts were constructed. The results showed that Fmod plays a positive role in differentiation by detecting the expression of myogenic differentiation markers, immunofluorescence of MyHC protein, and myotube formation in myoblasts. Fmod regulates expression of atrophy-related genes to alleviate muscle atrophy, which was confirmed by histological analysis of breast muscles in Fmod-modulated chicks in vivo. Additionally, genes differentially expressed between Fmod knockdown and normal myoblasts were enriched in the signaling pathway of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Both Fmod-silenced and Fmod-overexpressed myoblasts regulated the expression of TGFBR1 and p-Smad3. Thus, Fmod can promote differentiation but not proliferation of myoblasts by regulating the TGF-β signaling pathway, which may serve a function in muscular atrophy.
Bioavailability of Methionine-Coated Zinc Nanoparticles as a Dietary Supplement Leads to Improved Performance and Bone Strength in Broiler Chicken Production
Authors: Alkhtib Ashraf , Scholey Dawn , Carter Nicholas , Cave Gareth W.V. , Hanafy Belal I. , Kempster Siani R.J. , Mekapothula Subbareddy , Roxborough Eve T. , Burton Emily J.
Published: August 2020

Recently, nanotechnology has been widely adopted in many fields. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential for amino acid coated nano minerals as a supplement in broiler feed. Zinc was selected as a model mineral for this test and supplementation of nano zinc, both coated and uncoated was compared with organic and inorganic commercial forms of zinc. A total of 48 pens (8 birds each) were assigned to one of the following dietary treatments: Control, methionine-Zinc chelate (M-Zn), nano zinc oxide (Nano-ZnO), and methionine coated nano zinc oxide (M-Nano-ZnO). All experimental diets were formulated with the same total zinc, methionine, protein, and energy content with just the zinc source as a variable. Bird weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratios were recorded weekly, with three birds culled (sacrificed) at day 21 and day 35 for sampling measures. Ileal digestibility of zinc was determined at day 21 and day 35 using titanium dioxide as an inert marker. Blood serum, liver and spleen samples were collected at day 21 and day 35 and analysed for zinc content via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Tibia strength and morphometrics were measured from both legs of three birds per pen at day 21 and day 35. The study was conducted at Nottingham Trent University Poultry Unit, UK. The novel method of producing nano minerals coated with amino acids was successfully tested with zinc and material produced to test in the feeding study. Methionine coated nano zinc oxide supplementation significantly improved bird weight gain and the increased feed intake of broilers compared to an inorganic zinc form. Ileal digestibility was also improved with this methionine-nano zinc. Moreover, this supplementation improved the tibia strength of broilers at the age of 21 days, though this was not observed at day 35. Therefore, M-Nano-ZnO could be used to supplement broilers to improve both performance and digestibility with a limited positive impact on bone strength. The results of the current study suggest that the amino acid coating of nano minerals can improve the digestibility of minerals which may have further implications for the field of mineral nutrition in animal feeds.
Regression Equations of Energy Values of Corn, Soybean Meal, and Wheat Bran Developed by Chemical Composition for Growing Pigs
Authors: Yang Pan , Ni Jian Jun , Zhao Jin Biao , Zhang Gang , Huang Cheng Fei
Published: August 2020

The objectives of this study were to determine the chemical compositions, digestible energy (DE), and metabolizable energy (ME) in corn, soybean meal (SBM) and wheat bran (WB) fed to growing pigs, and to develop regression equations for predicting DE and ME. Three separate experiments were conducted to determine DE and ME of corn, SBM, and WB. The DE and ME in corn were determined directly using 10 barrows allotted to a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design, and the diets were formulated with one of 10 corn samples. The DE and ME in SBM and WB were determined by difference using two corn basal diets and 10 corn-SBM or 10 corn-SBM-WB diets, which were allotted to a replicated 6 × 6 Latin square design. Ten corn samples were obtained from the main corn producing areas of China. Ten SBM samples were obtained from nine different crushing facilities in nine provinces in China. Ten WB samples were collected from different feed mills of China. Samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), gross energy (GE), and soluble carbohydrates (SCHO). The best-fit equations for corn were DE (MJ/kg DM) = 20.18 − 0.76 × EE (%) and ME (MJ/kg DM) = 5.74 + 1.11 × DE (MJ/kg DM) − 0.33 × CP (%) − 0.07 × SCHO (%). The best-fit equations for SBM were DE (MJ/kg DM) = 42.91 − 3.43 × Ash (%) − 0.20 × NDF (%) + 0.09 × ADF (%) and ME (MJ/kg DM) = −21.67 + 0.89 × DE (MJ/kg DM) − 1.06 × GE (MJ/kg DM). The best-fit equations for WB were DE (MJ/kg DM) = −7.09 + 1.54 × CP (%) − 0.25 × NDF (%) − 0.32 × ADF (%) + 0.23 × Ash (%) and ME (MJ/kg DM) = 0.02 + 0.96 × DE (MJ/kg DM). The chemical composition of corn, SBM, and WB can vary substantially from zone to zone, resulting in considerable variation in its available energy value for pig. The DE and ME of corn, SBM and WB for growing pigs can be predicted based on their chemical compositions.
Selection of Immature Cat Oocytes with Brilliant Cresyl Blue Stain Improves In Vitro Embryo Production during Non-Breeding Season
Authors: Piras Anna Rita , Ariu Federica , Zedda Maria-Teresa , Paramio Maria-Teresa , Bogliolo Luisa
Published: August 2020

In domestic cats, the maturation, fertilization, and development potential in vitro decreases during the non-breeding season. This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) staining in selecting developmentally competent oocytes to be used in in vitro embryo production (IVEP) programs in order to overcome the season variability in blastocyst yield. Cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) collected from antral follicles of domestic cat ovaries during the anestrus phase (July to November) were selected by BCB staining and classified as BCB+ (colored cytoplasm) and BCB− (colorless cytoplasm). COCs not exposed to BCB staining were used as control. Before and after in vitro maturation mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. Following in vitro fertilization, blastocyst rate, hatching rate, and blastocyst cell numbers were recorded. The results show that BCB staining did not alter the mitochondrial function and ROS production in cat oocytes. BCB+ oocytes presented a higher (p < 0.05) blastocyst rate, hatching rate, and blastocyst cell number than BCB− and control oocytes. In conclusion, BCB staining does not affect the bioenergetic/oxidative status of the oocyte while being a useful tool for selecting good quality oocytes to increase IVEP in domestic cats during non-breeding season.
Antimicrobial Effect of Natural Berry Juices on Common Oral Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Kranz Stefan , Guellmar André , Olschowsky Philipp , Tonndorf-Martini Silke , Heyder Markus , Pfister Wolfgang , Reise Markus , Sigusch Bernd
Published: August 2020

(1) Background: Antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine (CHX) are commonly used in oral plaque control. However, sometimes those agents lack antimicrobial efficiency or cause undesired side effects. To identify alternative anti-infective agents, the present study investigated the antibacterial activity of all-fruit juices derived from blackcurrant, redcurrant, cranberry and raspberry on common oral pathogenic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus sobrinus, Actinomyces naeslundii, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Enterococcus faecalis). (2) Methods: Antibacterial efficiency was evaluated by agar diffusion assay and in direct contact with bacteria in planktonic culture. Furthermore, cytotoxicity on human gingival fibroblasts was determined. (3) Results: Blackcurrant juice was most efficient at suppressing bacteria; followed by the activity of redcurrant and cranberry juice. Raspberry juice only suppressed P. gingivalis significantly. Only high-concentrated blackcurrant juice showed minimal cytotoxic effects which were significantly less compared to the action of CHX. (4) Conclusion: Extracts from natural berry juices might be used for safe and efficient suppression of oral pathogenic bacterial species.
The BACH1/Nrf2 Axis in Brain in Down Syndrome and Transition to Alzheimer Disease-Like Neuropathology and Dementia
Authors: Perluigi Marzia , Tramutola Antonella , Pagnotta Sara , Barone Eugenio , Butterfield D. Allan
Published: August 2020

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability that is associated with an increased risk to develop early-onset Alzheimer-like dementia (AD). The brain neuropathological features include alteration of redox homeostasis, mitochondrial deficits, inflammation, accumulation of both amyloid beta-peptide oligomers and senile plaques, as well as aggregated hyperphosphorylated tau protein-containing neurofibrillary tangles, among others. It is worth mentioning that some of the triplicated genes encoded are likely to cause increased oxidative stress (OS) conditions that are also associated with reduced cellular responses. Published studies from our laboratories propose that increased oxidative damage occurs early in life in DS population and contributes to age-dependent neurodegeneration. This is the result of damaged, oxidized proteins that belong to degradative systems, antioxidant defense system, neuronal trafficking. and energy metabolism. This review focuses on a key element that regulates redox homeostasis, the transcription factor Nrf2, which is negatively regulated by BACH1, encoded on chromosome 21. The role of the Nrf2/BACH1 axis in DS is under investigation, and the effects of triplicated BACH1 on the transcriptional regulation of Nrf2 are still unknown. In this review, we discuss the physiological relevance of BACH1/Nrf2 signaling in the brain and how the dysfunction of this system affects the redox homeostasis in DS neurons and how this axis may contribute to the transition of DS into DS with AD neuropathology and dementia. Further, some of the evidence collected in AD regarding the potential contribution of BACH1 to neurodegeneration in DS are also discussed.
The Circadian Hormone Melatonin Inhibits Morphine-Induced Tolerance and Inflammation via the Activation of Antioxidative Enzymes
Authors: Chen Ing-Jung , Yang Chih-Ping , Lin Sheng-Hsiung , Lai Chang-Mei , Wong Chih-Shung
Published: August 2020

Opioids are commonly prescribed for clinical pain management; however, dose-escalation, tolerance, dependence, and addiction limit their usability for long-term chronic pain. The associated poor sleep pattern alters the circadian neurobiology, and further compromises the pain management. Here, we aim to determine the correlation between constant light exposure and morphine tolerance and explore the potential of melatonin as an adjuvant of morphine for neuropathic pain treatment. Methods: Wistar rats were preconditioned under constant light (LL) or a regular light/dark (LD) cycle before neuropathic pain induction by chronic constriction injury. An intrathecal (i.t.) osmotic pump was used for continued drug delivery to induce morphine tolerance. Pain assessments, including the plantar test, static weight-bearing symmetry, and tail-flick latency, were used to determine the impact of the light disruption or exogenous melatonin on the morphine tolerance progression. Results: constant light exposure significantly aggravates morphine tolerance in neuropathic rats. Continued infusion of low-dose melatonin (3 μg/h) attenuated morphine tolerance in both neuropathic and naïve rats. This protective effect was independent of melatonin receptors, as shown by the neutral effect of melatonin receptors inhibitors. The transcriptional profiling demonstrated a significant enhancement of proinflammatory and pain-related receptor genes in morphine-tolerant rats. In contrast, this transcriptional pattern was abolished by melatonin coinfusion along with the upregulation of the Kcnip3 gene. Moreover, melatonin increased the antioxidative enzymes SOD2, HO-1, and GPx1 in the spinal cord of morphine-tolerant rats. Conclusion: Dysregulated circadian light exposure significantly compromises the efficacy of morphine’s antinociceptive effect, while the cotreatment with melatonin attenuates morphine tolerance/hyperalgesia development. Our results suggest the potential of melatonin as an adjuvant of morphine in clinical pain management, particularly in patients who need long-term opioid treatment.
Biochemical Evaluation of the Antioxidant Effects of Hydroxytyrosol on Pancreatitis-Associated Gut Injury
Authors: Fusco Roberta , Cordaro Marika , Siracusa Rosalba , D’Amico Ramona , Genovese Tiziana , Gugliandolo Enrico , Peritore Alessio Filippo , Crupi Rosalia , Impellizzeri Daniela , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna
Published: August 2020

Acute pancreatitis is a severe abdominal pathology often associated with several complications including gut dysfunction. Oxidative stress is one of the most important pathways involved in this pathology. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a phenolic compound obtained from olive oil, has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We evaluated the effects of HT administration on pancreatic and intestinal injury induced by caerulein administration. CD1 female mice were administered caerulein (50 μg/kg) for 10 h. HT treatment (5 mg/kg) was performed 30 min after the first caerulein injection and for two consecutive hours afterwards. One hour after the last caerulein injection, mice were sacrificed and serum, colon and pancreatic tissue samples were collected. HT was able to reduce the serum hallmarks of pancreatitis (amylase and lipase), histological damage score in both pancreas and colon tissue, inflammatory cells recruitment (mast cells) in both injured tissues, intrapancreatic trypsin activity and overexpression of the adhesion molecules (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin) in colon. Additionally, HT reduced cytokine (interleukin 1 beta (IL- 1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)) levels in serum, pancreas and colon tissue and chemokine release (monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1/CCL2)) in pancreas and colon tissue. HT decreased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity) by enhancing the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in both injured tissues. Moreover, HT preserved intestinal barrier integrity, as shown by the diamine oxidase (DAO) serum levels and tight junction (zonula occludens (ZO) and occludin) expression in pancreas and colon. Our findings demonstrated that HT would be an important therapeutic tool against pancreatitis-induced injuries in the pancreas and gut.
Development of Driftwood Capture Trellis for Capturing Driftwood in Agricultural Drainage Ditches
Authors: Song Youngseok , Park Moojong
Published: August 2020

The flow of driftwood and soil into drainage from agricultural areas accelerates sedimentation and inflicts overflow damage after rainfall events due to insufficient discharge capacity, causing flooding on agricultural land. However, there have been few efforts to develop a driftwood capture trellis for agricultural drainage ditches, except for some suggested design criteria. In this study, we developed a driftwood capture trellis to capture driftwood in agricultural drainage ditches and evaluated its performance based on hydraulic characteristics. The facility was designed considering criteria for drainage and driftwood control barriers, as well as the properties of driftwood found near agricultural drainage ditches. Performance evaluation was conducted through hydraulic experiments. Driftwood capture trellises were installed in 400 mm drainage pipes and a total of 216 experimental runs were conducted: six runs each in six different velocity variations and six water depth variations. The results showed that the driftwood capture efficiency of the facility exceeded 60% at a velocity of 0.144 m³/s. Limited conditions for hydraulic experiments should be considered. The driftwood capture trellis for agricultural drainage ditches developed in this study could contribute to a reduction in overflow damage caused by driftwood sedimentation.
A Spectral-Aware Convolutional Neural Network for Pansharpening
Authors: He Lin , Xi Dahan , Li Jun , Zhu Jiawei
Published: August 2020

Pansharpening aims at fusing a low-resolution multiband optical (MBO) image, such as a multispectral or a hyperspectral image, with the associated high-resolution panchromatic (PAN) image to yield a high spatial resolution MBO image. Though having achieved superior performances to traditional methods, existing convolutional neural network (CNN)-based pansharpening approaches are still faced with two challenges: alleviating the phenomenon of spectral distortion and improving the interpretation abilities of pansharpening CNNs. In this work, we develop a novel spectral-aware pansharpening neural network (SA-PNN). On the one hand, SA-PNN employs a network structure composed of a detail branch and an approximation branch, which is consistent with the detail injection framework; on the other hand, SA-PNN strengthens processing along the spectral dimension by using a spectral-aware strategy, which involves spatial feature transforms (SFTs) coupling the approximation branch with the detail branch as well as 3D convolution operations in the approximation branch. Our method is evaluated with experiments on real-world multispectral and hyperspectral datasets, verifying its excellent pansharpening performance.
Fatigue Characteristics of Fe-Based Shape-Memory Alloys
Authors: Hong Ki-Nam , Yeon Yeong-Mo , Shim Won-Bo , Ji Sang-Won
Published: August 2020

This study reports the details of an experimental study of fatigue behavior of two types of Fe-based shape-memory alloys (Fe–SMAs). The two types of Fe–SMAs developed for this study were used to prepare specimens according to ISO 12106 standards. All fatigue tests were conducted under a constant frequency of five hertz using a universal testing machine with a capacity of 100 kN. The stress ratio applied to the test was zero, and the fatigue tests were conducted until the number of loading cycles exceeded two million, by reducing the stress range from 700 MPa by 100 MPa for each test. At stress range of 700 MPa, the number of loading cycles that has a large ultimate elongation, was greater for the B-type alloy than the A-type alloy. On the other hand, the number of loading cycles at the low stress range below the yield strength was found to be higher in the A-type alloy, which had a higher yield strength than in the B-type alloy. Additionally, by analyzing the S–N relationship and performing a first order regression analysis for the test results, it was confirmed that the fatigue limits of the A-type and B-type alloys are 473 MPa and 330 MPa, respectively.
Mechanical and Thermal Stress Behavior of a Conservative Proposed Veneer Preparation Design for Restoring Misaligned Anterior Teeth: A 3D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Dawood Shilan Nawzad , Al-Zahawi Abdulsalam Rasheed , Sabri Laith Abed
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical and thermal behavior of a proposed preparation design as a conservative treatment option that aims to preserve both gingival and tooth health structures through a comparative finite element analysis with non-preparation and conventional designs. 3D solid models of laminate veneers with different preparation designs were obtained using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning of the maxillary incisor. A 100-Newton load was applied with angulations of 60° and 125° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth to determine the stresses during mastication. In addition, transient thermal analysis was performed to compare the temperature and thermal distribution of the restored tooth models when subjected to thermal loads of 5 °C and 55 °C. Teeth prepared with the proposed design showed lower stress distributions and a repairable failure mode, followed by the non-preparation design, while teeth prepared with the conventional design showed the highest stress concentrations. Furthermore, cold thermal loading yielded larger thermal stress distributions than hot thermal loading, independent of the preparation type, and the effect of temperature changes were within the critical limit near the pulp and dentin regions. Thus, the preparation design geometry affects the long-term success of laminate restoration, and the proposed design yields more uniform and appropriate stress distributions than the other techniques.
Simulation-Driven Machine Learning for Predicting Stent Expansion in Calcified Coronary Artery
Authors: Dong Pengfei , Ye Guochang , Kaya Mehmet , Gu Linxia
Published: August 2020

In this work, we integrated finite element (FE) method and machine learning (ML) method to predict the stent expansion in a calcified coronary artery. The stenting procedure was captured in a patient-specific artery model, reconstructed based on optical coherence tomography images. Following FE simulation, eight geometrical features in each of 120 cross sections in the pre-stenting artery model, as well as the corresponding post-stenting lumen area, were extracted for training and testing the ML models. A linear regression model and a support vector regression (SVR) model with three different kernels (linear, polynomial, and radial basis function kernels) were adopted in this work. Two subgroups of the eight features, i.e., stretch features and calcification features, were further assessed for the prediction capacity. The influence of the neighboring cross sections on the prediction accuracy was also investigated by averaging each feature over eight neighboring cross sections. Results showed that the SVR models provided better predictions than the linear regression model in terms of bias. In addition, the inclusion of stretch features based on mechanistic understanding could provide a better prediction, compared with the calcification features only. However, there were no statistically significant differences between neighboring cross sections and individual ones in terms of the prediction bias and range of error. The simulation-driven machine learning framework in this work could enhance the mechanistic understanding of stenting in calcified coronary artery lesions, and also pave the way toward precise prediction of stent expansion.
Surface Electromyography-Based Action Recognition and Manipulator Control
Authors: Cao Tianao , Liu Dan , Wang Qisong , Bai Ou , Sun Jinwei
Published: August 2020

To improve the quality of lives of disabled people, the application of intelligent prosthesis was presented and investigated. In particular, surface Electromyography (sEMG) signals succeeded in controlling the manipulator in human–machine interface, due to the fact that EMG activity belongs to one of the most widely utilized biosignals and can reflect the straightforward motion intention of humans. However, the accuracy of real-time action recognition is usually low and there is usually obvious delay in a controlling manipulator, as a result of which the task of tracking human movement precisely, cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, this study proposes a method of action recognition and manipulator control. We built a multifunctional sEMG detection and action recognition system that integrated all discrete components. A biopotential measurement analog-to-digital converter with a high signal–noise rate (SNR) was chosen to ensure the high quality of the acquired sEMG signals. The acquired data were divided into sliding windows for processing in a shorter time. Mean Absolute Value (MAV), Waveform Length (WL), and Root Mean Square (RMS) were finally extracted and we found that compared to the Genetic-Algorithm-based Support Vector Machine (GA–SVM), the back propagation (BP) neural network performed better in joint action classification. The results showed that the average accuracy of judging the 5 actions (fist clenching, hand opening, wrist flexion, wrist extension, and calling me) was up to 93.2% and the response time was within 200 ms, which achieved a simultaneous control of the manipulator. Our work took into account the action recognition accuracy and real-time performance, and realized the sEMG-based manipulator control eventually, which made it easier for people with arm disabilities to communicate better with the outside world.
Working Length Transfer in the Endodontic Clinical Practice: A Comparative Study
Authors: Alovisi Mario , Dioguardi Mario , Carossa Massimo , Troiano Giuseppe , Domini Maria Chiara , Paolino Davide Salvatore , Chiandussi Giorgio , Berutti Elio
Published: August 2020

The present paper evaluated the accuracy of two different methods for transferring working length (WL) between manual endodontic instruments and nickel–titanium (NiTi) shaping files. Thirty root canals of extracted permanent teeth were used. Root canals were divided according to canal length (CL) and canal curvature (CC). The reference cusp and the root end were flattened to provide reproducible and accurate measurements. During shaping, the WL measurements were obtained with manual k-files (KF) and transferred to WaveOne (W1) NiTi reciprocating files using the traditional method with the endodontic ruler (method I) and an alternative clinical procedure based on the comparison of the instruments side by side from tip to shank (method II). For each file and each tested method, two measures were taken by two examiners using Rhino (ver. 4.0, McNeel, Seattle, WA, USA) software for a total of 360 (30 × 3 × 2 × 2) measures. Analysis of variance was performed by taking the difference in length (Delta WL, DWL) between files used for the same canal. The difference between methods I and II for WL transfer was found to be statistically significant (df = 1; F = 71.52; p < 0.001). The DWL absolute values obtained with method II were found to be closer to 0 mm (i.e., same length as corresponding KF) than those obtained with method I. Both CL (df = 2; F = 1.27; p = 0.300) and CC (df = 1; F = 2.22; p = 0.149) did not significantly influence WL measurements. With respect to WL transfer, method II seemed to better preserve the correct WL transfer between instruments during the clinical endodontic procedures.
Literature Search of Key Factors for the Development of Generic and Specific Maturity Models for Industry 4.0
Authors: Jesus Cristiano de , Lima Rui M.
Published: August 2020

The adequacy of business models to Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is an urgent requirement and a clear concern. Ways to recognize the relative position of a company and ways to evolve towards this new paradigm are an important step both for researchers and professionals. In general, most small and medium enterprises (SME) do not have their own resources or do not have the means to be fully supported by consultancies, to develop a specific model, and they do not recognize themselves as ready to initiate any action to adapt to this new paradigm. Based on the idea of identification of directions and opportunities of research about the conditions for the adoption of approaches involving readiness assessment, implementation framework, roadmap and maturity model, the main objective of this article is the identification of factors for the development of specific maturity models, oriented towards unique conditions, located in specific contexts, and that can cover both the need for self-diagnosis of the level of preparation, as well as the actions that aim to achieve a progressive reconfiguration and guided by continuous improvement towards Industry 4.0. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of 67 articles was conducted and resulted in the identification of two approaches to address maturity models, which are the application of existing generic models and the process of building specific ones focused on the peculiarities of certain contexts. Moreover, this work points out five factors for development of a specific maturity model: context characterization, conceptual characterization, interaction with practitioners and experts, development of surveys, and qualitative research. Additionally, this work identified the need for development of methodologies that can be applied in a more autonomous way for the development of specific maturity models.
Biomechanical Design Application on the Effect of Different Occlusion Conditions on Dental Implants with Different Positions—A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Lin Pei-Ju , Su Kuo-Chih
Published: August 2020

A dental implant is currently the most commonly used treatment for patients with lost teeth. There is no biomechanical reference available to study the effect of different occlusion conditions on dental implants with different positions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a biomechanical analysis of the impact of four common occlusion conditions on the different positions of dental implants using the finite element method. We built a finite element model that included the entire mandible and implanted seven dental implant fixtures. We also applied external force to the position of muscles on the mandible of the superficial masseter, deep masseter, medial pterygoid, anterior temporalis, middle temporalis, and posterior temporalis to simulate the four clenching tasks, namely the incisal clench (INC), intercuspal position (ICP), right unilateral molar clench (RMOL), and right group function (RGF). The main indicators measured in this study were the reaction force on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the fixed top end of the abutment in the dental implant system, and the stress on the mandible and dental implant systems. The results of the study showed that under the occlusion conditions of RMOL, the dental implant system (113.99 MPa) and the entire mandible (46.036 MPa) experienced significantly higher stress, and the reaction force on the fixed-top end of the abutment in the dental implant system (261.09 N) were also stronger. Under the occlusion of ICP, there was a greater reaction force (365.8 N) on the temporomandibular joint. In addition, it was found that the reaction force on the posterior region (26.968 N to 261.09 N) was not necessarily greater than that on the anterior region (28.819 N to 70.431 N). This information can help clinicians and dental implant researchers understand the impact of different chewing forces on the dental implant system at different positions after the implantation.
Bearing Fault Identification Using Machine Learning and Adaptive Cascade Fault Observer
Authors: Piltan Farzin , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: August 2020

In this work, a hybrid procedure for bearing fault identification using a machine learning and adaptive cascade observer is explained. To design an adaptive cascade observer, the normal signal approximation is the first step. Therefore, the fuzzy orthonormal regressive (FOR) technique was developed to approximate the acoustic emission (AE) and vibration (non-stationary and nonlinear) bearing signals in normal conditions. After approximating the normal signal of bearing using the FOR technique, the adaptive cascade observer is modeled in four steps. First, the linear observation technique using a FOR proportional-integral (PI) observer (FOR-PIO) is developed. In the second step, to increase the power of uncertaintie rejection (robustness) of the FOR-PIO, the structure procedure is used serially. Next, the fuzzy like observer is selected to increase the accuracy of FOR structure PI observer (FOR-SPIO). Moreover, the adaptive technique is used to develop the reliability of the cascade (fuzzy-structure PI) observer. Additionally to fault identification, the machine-learning algorithm using a support vector machine (SVM) is recommended. The effectiveness of the adaptive cascade observer with the SVM fault identifier was validated by a vibration and AE datasets. Based on the results, the average vibration and AE fault diagnosis using the adaptive cascade observer with the SVM fault identifier are 97.8% and 97.65%, respectively.
The Effect of Probiotic Yogurt Containing Lactobacillus Acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium Lactis BB-12 on Selected Anthropometric Parameters in Obese Individuals on an Energy-Restricted Diet: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Banach Katarzyna , Glibowski Paweł , Jedut Paulina
Published: August 2020

Previous studies using probiotics have shown strain-dependent effects on body mass index (BMI), body mass, or fat mass (FM). The aim of this study was to evaluate how the addition of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 strains to a diet plan affects selected anthropometric parameters in obese people on an energy-restricted diet. Fifty-four subjects aged 20–49 (34.52 ± 9.58) years were included in this study. The recruited subjects were assigned to two subgroups: consuming probiotic yogurt along with a hypocaloric diet (GP) (n–27) or the same diet but without an intentional introduction of yogurt (GRD) (n–27) for 12 weeks. Both GP and GRD decreased body weight, BMI, fat mass and visceral fat by 5.59 kg and 4.71 kg, 1.89 and 1.61 kg/m2, 4.80 kg and 4.07 kg, and 0.68 and 0.65 L, respectively, although the obtained differences were not significant. Analysis of GP and GRD results separately at the beginning and end of the intervention showed that fat loss was substantial in both groups (p < 0.05). Consumption of yogurt containing LA-5 and BB-12 does not significantly improve anthropometric parameters in obese patients.
Self-Evolving Fuzzy Controller Composed of Univariate Fuzzy Control Rules
Authors: Mendes Jérôme , Maia Ricardo , Araújo Rui , Souza Francisco A. A.
Published: August 2020

The paper proposes a methodology to online self-evolve direct fuzzy logic controllers (FLCs), to deal with unknown and time-varying dynamics. The proposed methodology self-designs the controller, where fuzzy control rules can be added or removed considering a predefined criterion. The proposed methodology aims to reach a control structure easily interpretable by human operators. The FLC is defined by univariate fuzzy control rules, where each input variable is represented by a set of fuzzy control rules, improving the interpretability ability of the learned controller. The proposed self-evolving methodology, when the process is under control (online stage), adds fuzzy control rules on the current FLC using a criterion based on the incremental estimated control error obtained using the system’s inverse function and deletes fuzzy control rules using a criterion that defines “less active” and “less informative” control rules. From the results on a nonlinear continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) plant, the proposed methodology shows the capability to online self-design the FLC by adding and removing fuzzy control rules in order to successfully control the CSTR plant.