bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Inclusion of Defatted Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) Pupa Meal for Broiler Chickens at Different Ages: Growth Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality Traits
Authors: Zsedely Eszter , Cullere Marco , Takacs Georgina , Herman Zsolt , Szalai Klaudia , Singh Yazavinder , Dalle Zotte Antonella
Published: December 2022

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of a 4% defatted silkworm (SWM-DEF) meal dietary incorporation into chickens’ diet at different growth stages on growth performances, carcass, and meat quality traits. A total of 90 Ross 308 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated into 3 dietary groups of 5 replicated pens/diet (6 chickens/pen). One group was fed a standard soybean-based diet (C); group SWM1 consumed a starter diet (1–10 days of age) including 4% SWM-DEF and then the C diet up to slaughter (11–42 days of age); group SWM2 was fed with the C diet in the starter phase and the 4% SWM-DEF diet up to slaughter. Individual live weight and pen feed intake were determined at the end of each feeding phase: starter, grower, and finisher. Weight gain and FCR were then calculated. At 42 days of age, chickens were slaughtered and carcass traits determined. Leg and breast physico-chemical meat quality was also evaluated. Results confirmed that SWM-DEF could be a possible alternative feed source for chickens since growth performance, carcass, and meat physical traits were overall comparable in the three treatment groups. The feeding stage seemed to play a relevant impact on the sole meat protein content (SWM1 < SMW2 and C; p < 0.001). Concluding, the results available to date indicate that 4% SWM-DEF can be provided to chickens in different growth phases, and the choice of the inclusion period is more an industrial cost-benefit evaluation. From the scientific point of view, however, an administration in the grower-finisher phase rather than in the starter one provided the best meat nutritional quality. Further investigations should focus on the impact on meat fatty acids profile and sensory traits, which are of utmost importance for consumers.
On the Development of a Wearable Animal Monitor
Authors: Fonseca Luís , Corujo Daniel , Xavier William , Gonçalves Pedro
Published: December 2022

Animal monitoring is a task traditionally performed by pastoralists, as a way of ensuring the safety and well-being of animals; a tremendously arduous and lonely task, it requires long walks and extended periods of contact with the animals. The Internet of Things and the possibility of applying sensors to different kinds of devices, in particular the use of wearable sensors, has proven not only to be less invasive to the animals, but also to have a low cost and to be quite efficient. The present work analyses the most impactful monitored features in the behavior learning process and their learning results. It especially addresses the impact of a gyroscope, which heavily influences the cost of the collar. Based on the chosen set of sensors, a learning model is subsequently established, and the learning outcomes are analyzed. Finally, the animal behavior prediction capability of the learning model (which was based on the sensed data of adult animals) is additionally subjected and evaluated in a scenario featuring younger animals. Results suggest that not only is it possible to accurately classify these behaviors (with a balanced accuracy around 91%), but that removing the gyroscope can be advantageous. Results additionally show a positive contribution of the thermometer in behavior identification but evidences the need for further confirmation in future work, considering different seasons of different years and scenarios including more diverse animals’ behavior.
First Molecular Detection of Bartonella bovis and Bartonella schoenbuchensis in European Bison (Bison bonasus)
Authors: Paulauskas Algimantas , Ražanskė Irma , Lipatova Indrė , Griciuvienė Loreta , Aleksandravičienė Asta , Kibiša Artūras , Černevičienė Dalia , Radzijevskaja Jana
Published: December 2022

Bartonella bacteria infect the erythrocytes and endothelial cells of mammalians. The spread of the Bartonella infection occurs mainly via bloodsucking arthropod vectors. Studies on Bartonella infection in European bison, the largest wild ruminant in Europe, are lacking. They are needed to clarify their role in the maintenance and transmission of Bartonella spp. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of the Bartonella pathogen in European bison and their ticks in Lithuania. A total of 38 spleen samples from bison and 258 ticks belonging to the Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus species were examined. The bison and tick samples were subjected to ssrA, 16S–23S rRNA ITS, gltA, and rpoB partial gene fragment amplification using various variants of PCR. Bartonella DNA was detected in 7.9% of the tissue samples of European bison. All tick samples were negative for Bartonella spp. The phylogenetic analysis of 16S–23S rRNA ITS, gltA, and rpoB partial gene fragment revealed that European bison were infected by B. bovis (2.6%) and B. schoenbuchensis (5.3%). This is the first report addressing the occurrence of B. bovis and B. schoenbuchensis in European bison in Europe.
Association of Leopard Cat Occurrence with Environmental Factors in Chungnam Province, South Korea
Authors: Chung Ok-Sik , Lee Jong Koo
Published: December 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the association of leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) occurrences and environmental factors in Chungnam Province, South Korea, using two different analytical approaches for binomial responses: boosted regression trees and logistic regression. The extensive field survey data collected through the Chungnam Biotope Project were used to model construction and analysis. Five major influential factors identified by the boosted regression tree analysis were elevation, distance to road, distance to water channel/body, slope and population density. Logistic regression analysis indicated that distance to forest, population density, distance to water, and diameter class of the forest were the significant explanatory variables. The results showed that the leopard cats prefer the areas with higher accessibility of food resources (e.g., abundance and catchability) and avoid the areas adjacent to human-populated areas. The results also implied that boosted regression and logistic regression models could be used in a complementary manner for evaluating wildlife distribution and management.
Current Status and Advances in Semen Preservation
Authors: Dziekońska Anna , Partyka Agnieszka
Published: December 2022

Recent advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART) have increased the effectiveness of fertility treatments [...]
Effects of Bee Pollen on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota and Histomorphometry in African Catfish
Authors: Nowosad Joanna , Jasiński Szymon , Arciuch-Rutkowska Martyna , Abdel-Latif Hany M. R. , Wróbel Marcin , Mikiewicz Mateusz , Zielonka Łukasz , Kotsyumbas Ihor Y. , Muzyka Viktor P. , Brezvyn Oksana M. , Dietrich Grzegorz , Kucharczyk Dariusz
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to determine the dietary effects of honeybee pollen (BP) on growth parameters, intestinal microbiota, hepatic histoarchitecture, and intestinal histomorphometry of African catfish Clarias gariepinus juveniles. The feeding experiment was carried out in a recirculating aquaculture system under controlled conditions for 21 days to achieve more than a 10-fold increase in weight in fish from the control group. Fish were fed well-balanced commercial feed without any supplements and served as a reference group (group C) and other diets enriched with varying BP levels as 1% (BP1), 2% (BP2), and 3% (BP3). Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) effect of the dietary BP not only on the growth parameters (such as final body weight: 5.0 g to 6.6–7.5 g, weight gain: 0.23 g/d to 0.31–0.35 g/d, body length: 84.7 mm to 93.8–95.9 mm, and specific growth rate: 11.7%/d to 13.1–13.7%/d, group C vs. experimental groups, respectively) but also on the development of beneficially important gut microbiota, such as lactic acid-producing bacteria. In BP-enriched groups, an average of 45% higher body weight gain was observed compared to those reared in the control group. The histological analysis showed that dietary BP may have a positive effect on the development of the intestinal tract and may enhance the absorption of nutrients with the potential ability to maintain a normal hepatic histoarchitecture of the treated African catfish. The results obtained suggest the optimum level of BP additive to feed for African catfish should be 1%.
Antifungal and Immunomodulatory Ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Zhong Hua , Han Lei , Lu Ren-Yi , Wang Yan
Published: December 2022

Fungal infections have become a growing public health challenge due to the clinical transmission of pathogenic fungi. The currently available antifungal drugs leave very limited choices for clinical physicians to deal with such situation, not to mention the long-standing problems of emerging drug resistance, side effects and heavy economic burdens imposed to patients. Therefore, new antifungal drugs are urgently needed. Screening drugs from natural products and using synthetic biology strategies are very promising for antifungal drug development. Chinese medicine is a vast library of natural products of biologically active molecules. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, preparations used to treat fungal diseases usually have antifungal and immunomodulatory functions. This suggests that if antifungal drugs are used in combination with immunomodulatory drugs, better results may be achieved. Studies have shown that the active components of TCM have strong antifungal or immunomodulatory effects and have broad application prospects. In this paper, the latest research progress of antifungal and immunomodulatory components of TCM is reviewed and discussed, hoping to provide inspiration for the design of novel antifungal compounds and to open up new horizons for antifungal treatment strategies.
Epidemiological Analysis of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Outbreak in a Neonatal Clinic in Poland
Authors: Pruss Agata , Kwiatkowski Paweł , Masiuk Helena , Bilska Iwona , Giedrys-Kalemba Stefania , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: December 2022

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common etiological agents isolated from epidemic outbreaks in neonatal wards. We describe how an extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) outbreak in a neonatal ward was extinguished. During the outbreak, which lasted over two months, 26 neonates were tested for K. pneumoniae, and 42 environmental swabs were taken. Drug susceptibility was determined for the isolated strains, and their virulence and phylogenetic similarity were checked. ESBL-KP colonization was confirmed in 18 neonates, and six were also confirmed to be infected. All strains isolated from patients represented one clonal type, K. pneumoniae. One strain isolated from an environmental source was determined to be a unique pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern. Gestational age and Apgar score were assessed as statistically significant for neonates with ESBL-KP infection. The epidemiological measures taken have been successful, and no further cases appeared. Immediate tightening of hospital hygiene rules, screening of all hospitalized neonates, and cohorting ESBL-KP-positive patients proved effective in controlling and ending the outbreak. The lack of ESBL-KP in the environment suggests that the outbreak was transmitted by colonized hospital staff. This theory could be confirmed by introducing mandatory screening for medical personnel.
Physical Approaches to Prevent and Treat Bacterial Biofilm
Authors: Ciarolla Alexa A. , Lapin Norman , Williams Dustin , Chopra Rajiv , Greenberg David E.
Published: December 2022

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) presents several clinical challenges. This is in large part due to the formation of biofilm which can make infection eradication exceedingly difficult. Following an extensive literature search, this review surveys a variety of non-pharmacological methods of preventing and/or treating biofilm within the body and how they could be utilized in the treatment of PJI. Special attention has been paid to physical strategies such as heat, light, sound, and electromagnetic energy, and their uses in biofilm treatment. Though these methods are still under study, they offer a potential means to reduce the morbidity and financial burden related to multiple stage revisions and prolonged systemic antibiotic courses that make up the current gold standard in PJI treatment. Given that these options are still in the early stages of development and offer their own strengths and weaknesses, this review offers an assessment of each method, the progress made on each, and allows for comparison of methods with discussion of future challenges to their implementation in a clinical setting.
Comparison of Antioxidant Properties and Metabolite Profiling of Acer pseudoplatanus Leaves of Different Colors
Authors: Zhang Ming , Choe Jeehwan , Bu Ting , Liu Shuilin , Kim Sooah
Published: December 2022

Acer pseudoplatanus (maple) is a widely grown ornamental plant. In addition to its ornamental and ecological value, it also has potentially high economic value. It is a rich source of polyphenols and exhibits antioxidant activity. However, the relationship between polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in maple leaves of different colors (green, yellow, and red) has not yet been investigated. In this study, the total polyphenol (TP), total flavonoid (TFlav), tannin (TET), chlorophyll a and b (Chl a and b), total anthocyanin (TAN), and total carotene (TAC) contents in maple leaves of different colors were evaluated. Their antioxidant activities were determined based on the inhibition of lipid oxidation, DPPH scavenging, ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power, and iron-chelating abilities. The concentrations of TP, TET, TFlav, TAN, and TAC in red maple leaves were higher than those in green and yellow maple leaves. In addition, red maple leaves showed a higher antioxidant effect than the leaves of the other two colors. We observed that antioxidant activity was positively correlated with TP, TFlav, and TAN and negatively correlated with Chl a and b. Finally, we analyzed the metabolites of the different colored (i.e., green, yellow, and red) maple leaves using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and found that the metabolite profile significantly varied between the different colors. These results suggest that red leaves are a good source of polyphenols and antioxidants and have potential use in the development of functional foods and medicinal applications.
Anserine and Carnosine Induce HSP70-Dependent H2S Formation in Endothelial Cells and Murine Kidney
Authors: Wetzel Charlotte , Pfeffer Tilman , Bulkescher Ruben , Zemva Johanna , Modafferi Sergio , Polimeni Alessandra , Salinaro Angela Trovato , Calabrese Vittorio , Schmitt Claus Peter , Peters Verena
Published: December 2022

Anserine and carnosine have nephroprotective actions; hydrogen sulfide (H2S) protects from ischemic tissue damage, and the underlying mechanisms are debated. In view of their common interaction with HSP70, we studied possible interactions of both dipeptides with H2S. H2S formation was measured in human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2); three endothelial cell lines (HUVEC, HUAEC, MCEC); and in renal murine tissue of wild-type (WT), carnosinase-1 knockout (Cndp1-KO) and Hsp70-KO mice. Diabetes was induced by streptozocin. Incubation with carnosine increased H2S synthesis capacity in tubular cells, as well as with anserine in all three endothelial cell lines. H2S dose-dependently reduced anserine/carnosine degradation rate by serum and recombinant carnosinase-1 (CN1). Endothelial Hsp70-KO reduced H2S formation and abolished the stimulation by anserine and could be restored by Hsp70 transfection. In female Hsp70-KO mice, kidney H2S formation was halved. In Cndp1-KO mice, kidney anserine concentrations were several-fold and sex-specifically increased. Kidney H2S formation capacity was increased 2–3-fold in female mice and correlated with anserine and carnosine concentrations. In diabetic Cndp1-KO mice, renal anserine and carnosine concentrations as well as H2S formation capacity were markedly reduced compared to non-diabetic Cndp1-KO littermates. Anserine and carnosine induce H2S formation in a cell-type and Hsp70-specific manner within a positive feedback loop with CN1.
Dietary Supplementation of Sophora flavescens Root Extract Improved the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Innate Immunity, and Disease Resistance against Edwardsiella tarda Challenge in Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
Authors: Hou Yuqing , Gao Xuezheng , Shi Xueying , Dong Na , Yue Tongtong , Zhang Peiyu , Liu Haiyan
Published: December 2022

The impacts of dietary supplementation with graded levels of Sophora flavescens root extract (SFE) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and resistance against Edwardsiella tarda challenge in Scophthalus maximus were investigated in this study. In all, 600 turbot (initial body weight: 8.38 ± 0.07 g) were randomly distributed in 12 tanks with 50 fish per tank and fed four experimental diets supplemented with 0, 0.05%, 0.1%, or 0.2% SFE (named as: SFE0, SFE0.05, SFE0.1, and SFE0.2, respectively), for 56 days. The results showed that 0.1% and 0.2% SFE supplementation have significantly increased the FBW, WGR, SGR, and PER of turbot, while decreased the FCR of turbot (p < 0.05). Dietary SFE supplementations have significantly increased the activities of plasma SOD, CAT, GPx, T-AOC, GST and LZM, decreased plasma MDA contents in turbot under normal or challenge condition (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, SFE addition dramatically enhanced the hepatic mRNA expression of antioxidant parameters (including Nrf2, Keap1, SOD, CAT, Trx2, GST and GR) during the normal condition. mRNA levels of NF-κB p65, IκBα, TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-10 in the liver of fish were notably up-regulated by SFE treatment during normal condition (p < 0.05), while the transcription of IL-1β was down-regulated by SFE whenever under normal or challenge condition. 0.1% and 0.2% SFE administration have significantly increased the survival rate of turbot against E. tarda challenge (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary SFE supplementation improved the growth performance, antioxidant activity and disease resistance of turbot, and SFE could be a potential feed additive for turbot.
The Effect of the Yield Strength Coefficient and Natural Vibration Period on the Damage Potential Ranking of Ground Motions
Authors: Lai Qinghui , Hu Jinjun , Xie Lili
Published: December 2022

To analyze the effect of structural parameters on the damage potential ranking of ground motions, the effect of the yield strength coefficient (Cy) and natural vibration period (T) on the damage potential ranking of ground motions is analyzed based on the bilinear model and the modified Clough model, which are the most commonly used hysteretic models in structural dynamic analysis. The displacement response (Sd) spectrum under nonlinear conditions is taken as the damage potential intensity measure (IM) of ground motions, and the effect of the Cy and T on the Sd mean spectrum is also analyzed for comparative analysis. The results show that: (1) in the short-period range, Cy has a great effect on the displacement response ranking. On the other hand, in the medium- and long-period ranges, Cy has little effect on the Sd ranking; (2) with the change of T in medium- and long-period ranges, the variation of Sd values is obvious when the change of T is small, but the variation of Sd ranking is very small. This conclusion can provide a theoretical basis for evaluating the damage potential of ground motions and selecting input ground motions.
Impact of Quarantine and Vaccination Policies on Viral Load
Authors: Koumatzidis Dimitrios , Seimenis Ioannis , Loukas Constantinos , Constantinidis Theodoros , Adamopoulos Adam
Published: December 2022

Epidemics and pandemics are a field of scientific research since ancient times. The intensity of the repeated phenomena demonstrates their cyclicality in time. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, confirmed observations made in previous disease outbreaks. Epidemics are mainly characterized by two factors: (a) the population dynamics and (b) the nature of the disease. This article uses continuous mathematical models, on the basis of a scalable compartmental approach, characterized by systems of ordinary differential equations under the condition that individuals can freely move from one compartment to another. Numerous experiments were carried out to examine the impact of quarantine and vaccination policies, separately or in combination, on cumulative viral load, a measure adopted to reflect the cumulative viral burden of an infected population for a given time period. Current findings demonstrate that quarantine may play a crucial role in controlling an epidemic at its early stages, as well as the importance of early and widespread implementation of a vaccination program. The suggested approach may be utilized to study specific quarantine and vaccination scenarios, by manipulating various parameters such as the duration and extent of social distancing measures or the effectiveness and compliance to vaccination policies, and thus assist in decision making.
The Effect of Customized Insole Pads on Plantar Pressure Distribution in a Diabetic Foot with Neuropathy: Material and Design Study Using Finite Element Analysis Approach
Authors: Nouman Muhammad , Chong Desmond Y. R. , Srewaradachpisal Satta , Chatpun Surapong
Published: December 2022

To reduce the trial and error in a real clinical scenario, the finite element analysis (FEA) can be effectively used to simulate various effective pad designs and a material selection to reduce and redistribute peak plantar pressure in a diabetic foot with neuropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pad design and material stiffness on the reduction in plantar pressure in a diabetic foot with neuropathy using FEA. Three-dimensional foot models with a customized insole (CMI) were created to study the peak contact pressure. Ethylene vinyl acetate, Nora® Lunalastike, and thermoplastic polyurethane were assigned to the top, middle, and base layers of the CMI, respectively. Two types of pads were proposed: a heel pad and a heel–forefoot pad. Four different materials with different stiffnesses were assigned as pad materials including a void pad. The FEA revealed that pads with soft materials reduced peak plantar pressure more effectively than stiffer pads. The use of a softer heel–forefoot pad reduced the peak plantar pressure at the midfoot and forefoot compared with other pads. The findings suggest that the material and design selection for the fabrication of CMIs with pads are important factors in reducing plantar pressure and may be useful in the management of a neuropathic diabetic foot.
Analysis and Prediction of Universities’ Buildings’ Renovation Costs Using a Regression Model
Authors: Plebankiewicz Edyta , Grącki Jakub
Published: December 2022

The aim of this article is to create a model, based on regression analysis, that will calculate the predicted annual renovation costs in educational buildings. To find the correlation between different variables and the renovation costs, two phases of analysis were distinguished. The aim of the first phase was to find the correlations with different variables and the renovation costs on a selected, small package of data. The second phase was more detailed, the final database was wider, and the variables’ correlations based on the findings achieved in the first phase were used. In the second phase, 55 buildings, located in Cracow (Poland) and Lodz (Poland), have been analyzed and the costs of renovation were compared. The results of the research showed that maintenance costs for educational buildings can be predicted in the coming years by knowing the usable area and the period since the last major renovation until today, which needs to be expressed in years. To predict future cost expenditure, a cumulative year-on-year bivariate linear regression model was calculated. The trend line equation has been determined, which allows to predict the renovation costs in the accurate short term. The developed model can be used by owners and managers of public buildings in the proper planning of expenses related to the maintenance of facilities.
Hybrid Adaptive Controller Design with Hysteresis Compensator for a Piezo-Actuated Stage
Authors: Zhang Yannan , Sun Mingchao , Song Yueming , Zhang Chong , Zhou Miaolei
Published: December 2022

Piezo-actuated stage (P-AS) has become the topic of considerable interest in the realm of micro/nanopositioning technology in the recent years owing to its advantages, such as high positioning accuracy, high response speed, and large output force. However, rate-dependent (RD) hysteresis, which is an inherent nonlinear property of piezoelectric materials, considerably restricts the application of P-AS. In this research paper, we develop a Hammerstein model to depict the RD hysteresis of P-AS. An improved differential evolution algorithm and a least-squares algorithm are used to identify the static hysteresis sub-model and the dynamic linear sub-model for the Hammerstein model, respectively. Then, a hysteresis compensator based on the inverse Bouc–Wen model is designed to compensate for the static hysteresis of the P-AS. However, the inevitable modeling error presents a hurdle to the hysteresis compensation. In addition, external factors, such as environmental noise and measurement errors, affect the control accuracy. To overcome these complications, a hybrid adaptive control approach based on the hysteresis compensator is adopted to increase the control accuracy. The closed-loop system stability is analyzed with the help of the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, experimental results indicate that the raised control approach is effective for the accurate positioning of P-AS.
Image Analysis and Processing for Generating Camouflages from Digital Earth Photographs
Authors: Poniszewska-Marańda Aneta , Suszek Michał , Stepień Krzysztof
Published: December 2022

Camouflage is present both on the civilian market and in military. It is used by hunters and military enthusiasts, but also by clothing designers and game developers. They are forced to design their own or choose between already developed camouflages, both military and civilian, so they cannot adapt it to their needs in a fast and easy way. Currently, there are not many software solutions that allow for easy generation of digital camouflages and support the user in selecting the colors for final camouflage result. The approach presented in the paper proposes to solve these problems by analyzing the colors from digital Earth images of the target areas and using the developed image processing algorithm for generating digital camouflages. Based on the proposed approach and its designed algorithm, the application was created to allow the user to easily generate the digital camouflages. The paper also presents the results of analysis of camouflage quality, comparing the camouflages generated with the developed algorithms and their application and the selected market generators together with the selected military digital camouflages. By using the proposed algorithm to generate the camouflage and implementing the centroid algorithm for color extraction, it was possible to create better quality camouflages compared to those created by existing software solutions. This was supported by an analysis of the camouflage quality in chosen terrain variants, in which developed application achieved the best results.
Key Agreement and Authentication Protocols in the Internet of Things: A Survey
Authors: Szymoniak Sabina , Kesar Shalini
Published: December 2022

The rapid development of Internet of things (IoT) technology has made the IoT applicable in many areas of life and has contributed to the IoT’s improvement. IoT devices are equipped with various sensors that enable them to perform the tasks they were designed for. The use of such devices is associated with securing communication between devices and users. The key stages of communication are the processes of authentication and the process of agreeing on session keys because they are the basis of the subsequent communication phases. The specially designed security protocols are used to secure communication. These protocols define the course of communication and cryptographic techniques employed for securing. In this article, we have reviewed the latest communication protocols designed to secure authentication processes and agree on session keys in IoT environments. We analyzed the proposed protocols’ security level, vulnerability, and computational and communication costs. We showed our observations, describing the requirements that a secure protocol should meet.
Lithium Metal: The Key to Green Transportation
Authors: Lindagato Philemon , Li Yongjun , Macháček Jan , Yang Gaoxue , Mungwarakarama Irénée , Ndahimana Anastase , Ntwali Henri Patrick Kanimba
Published: December 2022

Lithium is a chemical element on the cutting edge due to its lithium-ion batteries used in both electronics and electric vehicles. The emerging use of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles comes as a promising solution to sustain green transportation. The implications of green transportation could be understood by exploring lithium production and its application concepts. This article expands on those concepts by discussing the lithium supply and how vital lithium is to green technology. Statistical analysis has been applied to determine: (1) The degree of balance and interdependence between lithium raw materials and electric vehicle production, (2) the influence of electric vehicle demand on lithium production, and (3) the contribution of electric vehicles to reducing carbon emissions from road transport. This study provides necessary information on the availability and demand for lithium, which could be the basis for drawing up policies for electric vehicle expansion and lithium supply efficiency.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Ultrasound on the Freezing Process of Bo Chinh Ginseng
Authors: Ngo Minh-Hieu , Nguyen Hay , Nguyen The-Bao , Le Thanh-Dat , Le Quang-Huy
Published: December 2022

The main purpose of this study was to select the appropriate ultrasound parameters that support the freezing process of Bo Chinh ginseng. This process involves placing Bo Chinh ginseng in an open-air environment and ensuring that the transducer does not come into contact with the material. The research results show that the ultrasound power, ultrasound irradiation temperature and intermittency ratio all affect the freezing time, nucleation temperature, color and microstructure of the materials. When the ultrasound continuously operated during the freezing process, at a frequency of 20 kHz, there was a 29.1% reduction in the freezing time at a power level of 100 W as compared to freezing without the help of ultrasound irradiation. The irradiation temperature and nucleation temperature have a linear relationship (y=−0.35x−0.93) which can help to control the nucleation temperature, thereby changing the ice crystal size. Ultrasound-assisted freezing at a 0.6 intermittency ratio had the shortest freezing time. The microstructure of the material changed after ultrasound-assisted freezing and many microchannels and holes were generated. When frozen at a wave rate of 0.4, the microchannels that were created in the material effectively supported the process of water drainage in the drying sublimation stage. At the same time, ultrasound irradiation did not affect the color of the post-freezing material when compared to the color of the frozen material that did not undergo ultrasound irradiation.
BBDetector: A Precise and Scalable Third-Party Library Detection in Binary Executables with Fine-Grained Function-Level Features
Authors: Zhu Xiaoya , Wang Junfeng , Fang Zhiyang , Yin Xiaokang , Liu Shengli
Published: December 2022

Third-party library (TPL) reuse may introduce vulnerable or malicious code and expose the software, which exposes them to potential risks. Thus, it is essential to identify third-party dependencies and take immediate corrective action to fix critical vulnerabilities when a damaged reusable component is found or reported. However, most of the existing methods only rely on syntactic features, which results in low recognition accuracy and significantly discounts the detection performance by obfuscation techniques. In addition, a few semantic-based approaches face the efficiency problem. To resolve these problems, we propose and implement a more precise and scalable TPL detection method BBDetector. In addition to syntactic features, we consider the rich function-level semantic features and form a feature vector for each function. Moreover, we design a scalable function vector similarity search method to identify anchor functions and the candidate libraries, based upon which we carry out TPL detection. The experiment results demonstrate that BBDetector outperforms B2SFinder and ModX in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and obfuscation-resilient capability. For the nix binaries, the F1-score of BBDetector is 1.11% and 11.21% higher than that of ModX and B2SFinder, respectively. Moreover, for the Ubuntu binaries, the F1-score of BBDetector is 1.32% and 14.93% is higher than that of ModX and B2SFinder, respectively. And in terms of efficiency, the detection time of BBDetector is only 30.02% of ModX. Besides, for the obfuscation-resilient capability, BBDetector is much stronger than B2SFinder. BBDetector achieves a F1-score of 71%, slightly lower than the F1-score of 77% achieved with the non-obfuscated binary programs. However, B2SFinder only achieves an F1-score of 28%, much lower than that of 67% achieved with the non-obfuscated binary programs.
A Lidar-Inertial Navigation System for UAVs in GNSS-Denied Environment with Spatial Grid Structures
Authors: Qiu Ziyi , Lv Junning , Lin Defu , Yu Yinan , Sun Zhiwen , Zheng Zhangxiong
Published: December 2022

With its fast and accurate position and attitude estimation, the feature-based lidar-inertial odometer is widely used for UAV navigation in GNSS-denied environments. However, the existing algorithms cannot accurately extract the required feature points in the spatial grid structure, resulting in reduced positioning accuracy. To solve this problem, we propose a lidar-inertial navigation system based on grid and shell features in the environment. In this paper, an algorithm for extracting features of the grid and shell is proposed. The extracted features are used to complete the pose (position and orientation) calculation based on the assumption of local collinearity and coplanarity. Compared with the existing lidar navigation system in practical application scenarios, the proposed navigation system can achieve fast and accurate pose estimation of UAV in a GNSS-denied environment full of spatial grid structures.
Approach-Based Analysis on Wireless Power Transmission for Bio-Implantable Devices
Authors: Nithiyanandam Vijayanandam , Sampath Vidhya
Published: December 2022

The wireless power transmission (WPT) is a systematic technology improve many constraints affecting implantable devices. Many methods have been introduced over the years for WPT. In this article, based on different approaches, we discuss and analyze philosophically the recent existing methodologies and techniques for efficient WPT in implantable devices. For each recent powering method or approach, the working principle and their outcomes are mapped. The performance, efficiency, operating frequency and stability of the systems have been highlighted and listed.
Modelling of Cantilever-Based Flow Energy Harvesters Featuring C-Shaped Vibration Inducers: The Role of the Fluid/Beam Interaction
Authors: Sciortino Giampiero , Lombardi Valentina , Prestininzi Pietro
Published: December 2022

Flow Energy Harvesters (FEHs), equipped with piezoelectric active layers, are designed to extract energy from non-pulsating flows. FEHs featuring cantilevers with tip-mounted Vibration Inducers (VIs) are designed to develop a galloping motion. In this paper, we present the modelling of a recently introduced VI shape, featuring semitubular-shaped winglets, which do not produce a wake interacting with the cantilever. Such peculiarity allows (i) to exploit the contribution of the wake to the formation of the lift, therefore opening to a more compact design; (ii) its performance to be analyzed by means of simple two-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. By comparison with experimental data, we show that the minimal framework for the modelling of such new class of VIs needs to account for both the direct action of the fluid onto the cantilever and the drag on the VI, which are usually negligible for other VI shapes.
Machine Learning in Bioequivalence: Towards Identifying an Appropriate Measure of Absorption Rate
Authors: Karalis Vangelis D.
Published: December 2022

In this study, the modern tool of machine learning is used to address an old problem from a new perspective. Traditionally, the scientific basis for determining bioequivalence is based on a pharmacokinetic comparison, specifically the rate and extent of absorption between two products. Even though it is generally agreed that the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) should be used to measure the rate of absorption, several studies have raised concerns. Thus, alternative pharmacokinetic metrics have been proposed to address Cmax shortcomings. The aim of this study is to utilize unsupervised (principal component analysis) and supervised (random forest) machine learning algorithms to uncover the relationships among the pharmacokinetic parameters and identify the most suitable metric for absorption rate. One actual and three simulated donepezil bioequivalence datasets were utilized. For the needs of this study, a population pharmacokinetic model of donepezil was also developed and further used for the simulation of BE datasets with different absorption kinetics. Among the pharmacokinetic metrics explored, the newly proposed Cmax/Tmax ratio is also investigated. The latter was found to better reflect the absorption rate, regardless of the kinetic properties of absorption. This is one of the first studies utilizing machine learning in the field of bioequivalence.
Evaluation of Cerium-Doped Lanthanum Bromide (LaBr3:Ce) Single-Crystal Scintillator’s Luminescence Properties under X-ray Radiographic Conditions
Authors: Tseremoglou Stavros , Michail Christos , Valais Ioannis , Ninos Konstantinos , Bakas Athanasios , Kandarakis Ioannis , Fountos George , Kalyvas Nektarios
Published: December 2022

In the present study, the response of the crystalline scintillator LaBr3:Ce when excited with X-rays at tube voltages from 50 kVp to 150 kVp was investigated, for possible use in hybrid medical-imaging systems. A single crystal (10 × 10 × 10 mm3) was irradiated by X-rays within the aforementioned tube-voltage range, and the absolute efficiency (AE), as well as the detective quantum efficiency for zero spatial-frequency (DQE(0)), were measured. The energy-absorption efficiency (EAE), the quantum-detection efficiency (QDE) and the spectral compatibility with various optical photodetectors were also calculated. The results were compared with the published data for the LaCl3:Ce, Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO), Lu2SiO5:Ce (LSO), and CdWO4 single crystals of equal dimensions. The AE values of the examined crystal were found to be higher than those of the compared crystals across the whole X-ray tube-voltage range. Regarding the EAE, LaBr3:Ce demonstrated a comparatively better performance than the LaCl3:Ce crystal. The emitted-light spectrum of LaBr3:Ce was found to be compatible with various types of photocathodes and silicon photomultipliers. Moreover, the LaBr3:Ce crystal exhibited excellent performance concerning its DQE(0). Considering these properties, the LaBr3:Ce crystal could be considered as a radiation-detector option for hybrid medical-imaging modalities, such as PET/CT and SPECT/CT.
Special Issue on Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Metallic Materials, Volume II
Authors: Kim Young-Min
Published: December 2022

Various metallic materials are applied to industrial fields and everyday life [...]
Does the New Resin-Free Molten d60 Ball Have an Impact on the Velocity and Accuracy of Handball Throws?
Authors: de la Rubia Alfonso , Ugalde-Ramírez Alexis , Gutiérrez-Vargas Randall , Pino-Ortega José
Published: December 2022

The aims of this study were (i) to examine gender differences between the Molten H3X5000 ball and the resin-free Molten d60 ball with regard to throwing velocity and accuracy according to two conditions, throwing situation and instruction received, and (ii) to analyse the player’s subjective perception on throwing velocity according to ball types. The sample comprised 29 handball players (18 men and 11 women), who carried out a throwing protocol to measure velocity, accuracy, and subjective perception. The main results found significant throwing velocity differences between the new balls and traditional balls with resin in short-distance actions (7 m). Specifically, males did not perceive a loss of throwing velocity with the new ball. For target accuracy, men showed higher velocities with the traditional balls with resin and new balls than with the traditional balls with no resin. Women reached higher velocities with the new balls and the traditional balls with resin than with the traditional balls with no resin. Furthermore, throwing accuracy and effectiveness were not influenced by the ball type or throwing distance. While uneven results in relation to throwing velocity according to ball type, gender, and throwing distance were identified, the accuracy and effectiveness were not affected by the ball type. As the throws were made from further away (9 m), the impact of the new ball on the throwing velocity decreased.
Game of Life-like Opinion Dynamics: Generalizing the Underpopulation Rule
Authors: Di Ianni Miriam
Published: December 2022

Graph dynamics for a node-labeled graph is a set of updating rules describing how the labels of each node in the graph change in time as a function of the global set of labels. The underpopulation rule is graph dynamics derived by simplifying the set of rules constituting the Game of Life. It is known that the number of label configurations met by a graph during the dynamic process defined by such rule is bounded by a polynomial in the size of the graph if the graph is undirected. As a consequence, predicting the labels evolution is an easy problem (i.e., a problem in P) in such a case. In this paper, the generalization of the underpopulation rule to signed and directed graphs is studied. It is here proved that the number of label configurations met by a graph during the dynamic process defined by any so generalized underpopulation rule is still bounded by a polynomial in the size of the graph if the graph is undirected and structurally balanced, while it is not bounded by any polynomial in the size of the graph if the graph is directed although unsigned unless P = PSpace.
On Feminist Aesthetics and Anti-Propaganda in Russia
Authors: Bredikhina Mila
Published: December 2022

The feminist agenda in Russia experienced a phase of intense aesthetic search in the field of contemporary art and contemporary theater. The split in society, war, increased censorship and state propaganda, and mass emigration stopped this process. Feminist ethics and aesthetics are oriented toward democratic values and the absolute value of human life; it is difficult for them to survive in totalitarian states. Using material from the history of feminism and aesthetic practices in the post-perestroika decades of Russia, this article examines two historical forms of such survival: the Stockholm syndrome and, in more detail, “anti-propaganda”, the popularization of the feminist agenda through aesthetic practices with mandatory feedback and the utmost attention to individual fate and personal trauma.
Air Quality Scenario Analysis Application of Multi-Domain Linkage Development in the Pearl River Delta
Authors: Zheng Yijia , Zeng Wutao , Chang Shucheng , Wang Long , Luo Yinping , Zhu Qianru , Xiong Xuehui , Liao Chenghao , Zhang Yongbo
Published: December 2022

In the background of constructing a wold-class Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area (GBA), the growing demand for industrial, transportation and energy development in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) will put considerable pressure on improvement of regional air quality. It is important to choose a scientific development path to achieve both economic goal and air quality improvement target. This study uses scenario analysis method to construct three “industry-transport-energy” development scenarios within the region while the improvement level of air quality is simulated and analyzed. The results show that: (1) Considering the mutual constraints and influence relations between industry, transportation and energy in scenario analysis, the “industry-transport-energy” development scenario can be established to meets the same economic goal but has different development paths. (2) Along the historical track and established policy path, concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the PRD can be reduced to 16.2 µg/m3 by 2035 as regional gross domestic product (GDP) reaching about 23.5 trillion. (3) Under the same economic goals, raising the proportion of emerging industries, freight by rail, public transport travel and non-fossil power to 95%, 10%, 73%, and 46% respectively leads to 29.6~49.2% reductions in the emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrous oxides (NOx), primary PM2.5 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared with those in 2017 that the regional PM2.5 concentration will further drop to 14.1 µg/m3. The results show that, under the constraints of economic development objectives, deepening structural adjustment can improve air quality, which gives advice for the PRD to choose its development path. Furthermore, this study can provide reference for the PRD to promote the transformation of industrial, transportation and energy development modes and structural adjustment under the dual objective of promoting the world-class bay area economic level and high-quality air level.