bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic Manure Significantly Promotes the Growth of Oilseed Flax and Improves Its Grain Yield in Dry Areas of the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Ma Xingkang , Gao Yuhong , Wu Bing , Ma Xingbang , Wang Yifan , Yan Bin , Cui Zhengjun , Wen Ming , Zhang Xue , Wang Haidi
Published: August 2023

Organic fertilizers could be useful for agricultural sustainability. Therefore, this study explored green cultivation techniques to improve the grain yield of oilseed flax in dry areas of the Loess Plateau of China. With no fertilization (CK) as the control, the effects of sheep manure (S1: 12.5 t ha−1; S2: 25 t ha−1), poultry manure (C1: 5.8 t ha−1; C2: 11.6 t ha−1), and chemical fertilizers (F1: N 112 kg ha−1, P 75 kg ha−1, K 67.5 kg ha−1; F2: N 225 kg ha−1, P 150 kg ha−1, K 135 kg ha−1) on the growth and development, the grain filling characteristics, and the yield of the Zhangya 2 oilseed flax (Linum usitatisimum L.) variety were compared and analyzed based on a two-factor split plot experiment. The results showed that the application of manure significantly increased the emergence rate (ER) of oilseed flax. Poultry manure increased plant height while sheep manure increased stem diameter. The dry matter production was higher in the 25 t ha−1 sheep manure treatment by 2.47–40.11% compared with that of the other treatments, and it promoted the distribution ratio of dry matter to grains after anthesis. The observed relationship was in accordance with that presented by the logistic equation between grain weight and days after anthesis, and there were significant positive correlations between the 1000-grain weight and the average filling rate (V-ave), the maximum filling rate (V-max), and the growth at the maximum filling rate (W-max). The application of organic manure accelerated the grain filling rate (GFR); under the treatment with 25 t ha−1 sheep manure, V-ave, V-max, and W-max increased by 4.84–22.72%, 1.16–17.54%, and 4.58–22.63%, respectively, and the grain yield and the net income per unit area increased by 6.35–39.25% and 3.04–95.07%, respectively, compared with those under the other treatments. Consequently, the treatment with 25 t ha−1 sheep manure can significantly promote the growth and development of oilseed flax plants, optimize the grain filling characteristics, and increase the grain yield and net income, making it a suitable fertilization technique for oilseed flax in dry areas of the Loess Plateau of China.
Nutritional Quality of Meat from Barren Merino Ewes in Comparison to Meat from Traditional Lambs
Authors: Panea Begoña , Ripoll Guillermo , Alcalde María J.
Published: August 2023

In Spain, lamb consumption has decreased over the last few years. To increase farmers’ income, we studied the nutritional quality of the barren ewes’ meat in comparison to traditional lambs’ meat with 10 barren ewes, 10 male lambs, and 10 female lambs from the Merino breed. We measured the subcutaneous fat, muscle color, and carcass tissue composition, as well as proximal composition, mineral, tocopherol, retinol, lutein, and cholesterol contents, and the TPA texture profile, fatty acid profile, and lipid oxidation of the meat. There was no effect of the animal type (males, females, and ewes) on the pH, and the differences in the subcutaneous fat color, lipid oxidation, and texture were irrelevant from a practical point of view. The tissue composition in the three groups of animals reflected a high percentage of saleable meat, with no penalty incurred for intensive fattening in any of the groups. The ewes’ meat presented a higher percentage of moisture, collagen, ash, calcium, iron, α-tocopherol, and retinol than the lambs’ meat. In addition, it had higher content of DHA and CLA and lower values for the ratio n6/n3, which is beneficial for health, although it also contained more fat, saturated fatty acids, and cholesterol than the lambs’ meat.
Assessment of Herd, Calf, and Colostrum Management Practices on Austrian Dairy Farms Using a Scoring System
Authors: Hechenberger Nicole , Lichtmannsperger Katharina , Klein-Jöbstl Daniela , Tichy Alexander , Wittek Thomas
Published: August 2023

The objectives of the study were to describe colostrum management on Austrian dairy farms and to explore differences between regions (alpine/flatlands), organic and conventional producing farms, and full-time or part-time operated farms. An online survey (24 questions) on general farm characteristics and herd and calf management was sent to 16,246 farmers. In total, 2328 farmers (response rate 14.3%) answered the questionnaire. To allow an objective comparison, a scoring system was implemented. Farm size is, on average, smaller in the alpine regions than in the foothills/flatlands regions of Austria. Small farms were more often organic-producing farms (81.6%) and operated part-time (93.8%). In foothills/flatland regions, 70.0% of farms have a separate calving area, and in the alpine regions, it is solely 42.8%. Colostrum testing is still mostly done by visual appraisal (63.7%); only a few farmers use a colostrometer (8.8%), brix-refractometer (18.3%), or ColostroCheck® (9.2%, a cone-shaped device to rate the flow velocity of colostrum). The results of the present study using the scoring system showed differences in herd and calf management practices in all sectors. In the future, the findings and especially the scoring system can support Austrian dairy farmers or veterinarians to better assess areas of improvement on farms in order to prevent calves from suffering from Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity.
Chemical Composition and In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation Characteristics of Native Grasses from the Floodplain Lowlands Ecosystem in the Colombian Orinoquia
Authors: Vélez-Terranova Mauricio , Salamanca-Carreño Arcesio , Vargas-Corzo Oscar M. , Parés-Casanova Pere M. , Arias-Landazábal José N.
Published: August 2023

Grasses from lowland ecosystems in flooded savannahs are useful to feed extensive grazing animals; however, scarce information about its agronomic and fermentation characteristics exists. This study aims to determine the chemical composition and fermentation parameters of native grasses from the floodplain lowlands ecosystem in the Colombian Orinoquia. Three native grasses (Leersia hexandra, Acroceras zizanioides and Hymenachne amplexicaulis) and a “control” grass (introduced Urochloa arrecta—Tanner grass) were sown and sampled at 30, 40 and 50 days of age. On each sampling date, biomass production in a 1 m2 frame was estimated, and the chemical composition and fermentation parameters were analyzed using near-infrared spectroscopy and the in vitro gas production technique, respectively. Data were analyzed using a mixed model for repeated measures and the least significant difference (LSD) was used for mean differentiation (p < 0.05). The grasses’ nutritional characteristics varied as follows: dry matter (DM, 0.7–2.0 ton/ha), crude protein (CP, 6.1–12.2%), neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 56.6–69.6%), ash (5.8–15.8%) and dry matter digestibility (DMD) between 20.8 and 60.6% from 12 to 48 h of fermentation. Native plants such as L. hexandra and A. zizanioides presented higher biomass production, CP, ash, cellulose, and Ca levels than the control plant. During the experimental period (30 to 50 days), the grasses did not present significant nutrient availability changes. In terms of fermentation characteristics, L. hexandra increased ammonia concentrations and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and butyric acid. This latter effect was also observed in A. zizanioides grass. L. hexandra and A. zizanioides grasses constitute a valuable alternative forage resource during the flooding times of the studied ecosystem.
Transport of Pigs of Two Market Weights at Two Space Allowances: Effects on Behaviour, Blood Parameters, and Meat Quality under Summer and Winter Conditions
Authors: Gonçalves Vero Jessica , Devillers Nicolas , Bridi Ana , Moak Kyle , Aboagye Gizella , Agostinis Ferreira Guilherme , Genova Jansller , Conte Sabine , Faucitano Luigi
Published: August 2023

This study was carried out through two separate experiments aiming at evaluating the effects of two space allowances (0.54 and 0.62 m2/pig in summer and 0.44 m2/pig and 0.50 m2/pig in winter) on the behavioural and physiological response, and meat quality of pigs of two slaughter weights (120 kg and 140 kg). In summer, higher blood haematocrit levels were found at slaughter in heavier pigs transported at a smaller space allowance (p = 0.04). During lairage, pigs transported at a smaller space allowance started fighting later (p = 0.04). Fighting behaviour was greater in heavier pigs (p ≤ 0.05), whilst their drinking activity was lower (p < 0.05). This resulted in greater exsanguination blood CK levels (p < 0.01) and drier hams (p = 0.05) in heavier pigs. In winter, only lower space allowance influenced some meat quality traits (p < 0.05), but these effects were minor. The effects of space allowance during summer transports on within-truck ambient conditions, post-transport pigs’ welfare, and meat quality are similar. Mixing heavier pigs may result in greater aggressiveness and more fatigue-related meat quality variation during summer. Overall, winter transport results may have been biased by the short journey and within-truck load distribution.
Effect of Different Vitrification Techniques on Viability and Apoptotic Index of Domestic Cat Testicular Tissue Cells
Authors: Carvalho Julyne Vivian Guimarães de , Soares Airton R. B. , Leão Danuza L. , Reis Adriana N. , Santos Regiane R. , Rodrigues Ana P. R. , Domingues Sheyla F. S.
Published: August 2023

Vitrification is essential for successful tissue cryopreservation and biobanking in wild cats. This study aimed to compare different methods of vitrification (Ovarian Tissue Cryosystem—OTC, Straws—STW, and Solid Surface vitrification—SSV) for testicular fragment vitrification in tom cats. Testicular fragments were recovered from five adult tom cats and subjected to equilibrium vitrification using different cryovials and methods under the same conditions of vitrification solutions and cryoprotectants. The efficiencies of the methods were evaluated using histological analysis of spermatogonia and Sertoli cell nuclei, seminiferous tubular basement membrane detachment, and the gonadal epithelium shrinkage score scale. Cell viability was assessed using Hoechst PI and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The results showed that OTC is an effective vitrification method for maintaining the distinction between spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. OTC was similar to the control for basal membrane detachment parameters (p = 0.05). Epithelial shrinkage was low in the SSV group, which showed the highest percentage of viable cells among the vitrified groups (p = 0.0023). The OTC and SSV vitrification methods were statistically similar in terms of the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells (p = 0.05). Therefore, OTC and SSV provide favorable conditions for maintaining viable cat testicular tissue cells after vitrification.
Effect of Rehabilitation in a Dog with Delayed Recovery following TPLO: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Shin-Ho , Cho Jae-Hyeon , Kim Chung-Hui , Lee Dongbin
Published: August 2023

A 7-year-old neutered Maltese dog weighing 5.1 kg was presented, with a tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy (TPLO) on the right hindlimb 42 days prior. The patient’s right hind limb showed lameness, intermittent limping, and atrophy, and the patient had not experienced rehabilitation since TPLO surgery. The patient showed a pain reaction at the end of the stifle extension, and an increased body temperature was identified on the medial side of the right hindlimb when compared with the left hindlimb using a digital thermal imaging device. In addition, a type of lameness, only partial weight bearing in the right hindlimb, was also identified during the gait analysis. The pain was relieved by applying a cold pack and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and the patient’s weak muscles were strengthened through treadmill exercises. In this study, physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises controlled pain and induced rapid recovery, indicating that rehabilitative intervention is required after TPLO surgery.
Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins Improve the Quality of Fresh and Cryopreserved Semen in Bulls
Authors: Wang Meng , Wu Silin , Yang Benshun , Ye Miaomiao , Tan Jianbing , Zan Linsen , Yang Wucai
Published: August 2023

Oxidative stress leads to a decrease in semen quality during semen cryopreservation and fresh semen production. Grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) are endowed with well-recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-aging activities. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to explore the effects of GSPs on the quality of fresh and cryopreserved semen to provide a basis for GSPs as a new dietary additive and semen diluent additive for males’ reproduction. Fresh semen from three healthy bulls aged 3 to 5 years old were gathered and mixed with semen diluents dissolved with 0 µg/mL, 30 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, and 60 µg/mL GSPs respectively. The motility, physiological structures (acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity), and antioxidant capacity of frozen–thawed sperm were measured after storage in liquid nitrogen for 7 days (d). Bulls were fed with 20 mg/kg body weight (BW) GSPs in their diet for 60 days; the weight of the bull is about 600 kg. Then, the reproductive performance and antioxidant indexes of bulls were measured before and after feeding. The results demonstrated that GSPs supplementation significantly increased sperm motility, physiological structures, GSH-Px, and CAT enzyme activities and significantly decreased MDA content in sperm during semen cryopreservation. The optimal concentration of GSPs was 40 µg/mL (p < 0.05). After 20 mg/kg (body weight) GSP supplementation, sperm motility was significantly heightened (p < 0.05), the sperm deformity rate was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), and antioxidant enzyme activities (such as SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05), and the production of MDA was significantly suppressed (p < 0.05) in serum compared with that before feeding. In conclusion, these results reveal that a certain concentration of GSPs has a good protective effect on sperm damage caused by semen cryopreservation and the reproductive performance reduction caused by stress in bulls, which may be attributed to the antioxidant function of GSPs. In summary, GSPs are a useful cryoprotective adjuvant and dietary additive for bull sperm quality.
From Cereal Grains to Immunochemistry—What Role Have Antibodies Played in the History of the Home Pregnancy Test
Authors: Lis Kinga
Published: August 2023

Today, the home pregnancy test is the most frequently performed laboratory test for self-diagnosis (home diagnostic test). It is also the first laboratory test that has been adapted for self-use at home. This is probably because women have always wanted to know the answer to the question: “Am I pregnant or not?” and always preferred to know the answer to this question intimately and in a discreet way. The history of the pregnancy test is also an interesting example of how the discovery of antibodies and the development of in vitro diagnostic methods based on the antigen–antibody reaction were important for the development of laboratory and clinical diagnostics. Immunodiagnostic techniques (based on the antigen–antibody reaction) are currently the basis of modern specialist laboratory diagnostics, which is essential in clinical diagnosis. The history of the pregnancy test is an interesting one and dates back to ancient times. A pregnancy test is defined as a procedure intended to reveal the presence or absence of pregnancy. Nowadays, every pregnancy test is based on the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood. Human chorionic gonadotropin is secreted by the placenta right after a fertilized egg cell implants in the uterus and can be detected in both the urine and blood of pregnant women. Urine pregnancy tests are convenient for self-use at home. Blood tests are performed in medical laboratories. Specialized laboratory methods not only detect hCG but also determine the concentration of this hormone. However, both of these methods are highly accurate and common. Throughout the ages, many different methods were used to detect pregnancy at the earliest stage. Grain, wine, and various small animals were used as research tools. These were both long-term and often unreliable; most were based on folk beliefs and superstitions. Animal pregnancy tests were the first biological tests used in this field. This was a significant advance in the accurate detection of relatively early pregnancy. Animal tests in modern times are considered cruel and inhumane, no matter how reliable their results can be. Their place is now taken by much more specific, more sensitive, and definitely more ethical immunochemical tests. The pregnancy test and the methods to find out whether a woman is pregnant have gone through massive transformations, from bioassays using plants to bioassays on animals to advanced immunochemical techniques and biosensors. Modern pregnancy tests are not invasive and are very sensitive. Nowadays, it takes only about 3 min to know the answer to the question: “Am I pregnant or not?”. However, it was not always as simple as it is today. This manuscript aims to show the important role played by antibodies in the development of laboratory and clinical diagnostics in the example of the interesting history of the pregnancy test.
A Reappraisal of the Utility of L-012 to Measure Superoxide from Biologically Relevant Sources
Authors: Haigh Stephen , Brown Zach L. , Shivers Mitch A. , Sellers Hunter G. , West Madison A. , Barman Scott A. , Stepp David W. , Csanyi Gabor , Fulton David J. R.
Published: August 2023

The detection of superoxide anion (O2●−) in biological tissues remains challenging. Barriers to convenient and reproducible measurements include expensive equipment, custom probes, and the need for high sensitivity and specificity. The luminol derivative, L-012, has been used to measure O2●− since 1993 with mixed results and concerns over specificity. The goal of this study was to better define the conditions for use and their specificity. We found that L-012 coupled with depolymerized orthovanadate, a relatively impermeable tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, yielded a highly sensitive approach to detect extracellular O2●−. In O2●− producing HEK-NOX5 cells, orthovanadate increased L-012 luminescence 100-fold. The combination of L-012 and orthovanadate was highly sensitive, stable, scalable, completely reversed by superoxide dismutase, and selective for O2●− generating NOXes versus NOX4, which produces H2O2. Moreover, there was no signal from cells transfected with NOS3 (NO●) and NOS2(ONOO−). To exclude the effects of altered tyrosine phosphorylation, O2●− was detected using non-enzymatic synthesis with phenazine methosulfate and via novel coupling of L-012 with niobium oxalate, which was less active in inducing tyrosine phosphorylation. Overall, our data shows that L-012 coupled with orthovanadate or other periodic group 5 salts yields a reliable, sensitive, and specific approach to measuring extracellular O2●− in biological systems.
Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance to Ionizing Radiation in S. cerevisiae and Its Relationship with Aging, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: González-Vidal Alejandro , Mercado-Sáenz Silvia , Burgos-Molina Antonio M. , Alamilla-Presuel Juan C. , Alcaraz Miguel , Sendra-Portero Francisco , Ruiz-Gómez Miguel J.
Published: August 2023

The repair of the damage produced to the genome and proteome by the action of ionizing radiation, oxidizing agents, and during aging is important to maintain cellular homeostasis. Many of the metabolic pathways influence multiple processes. In this way, this work aims to study the relationship between resistance/response to ionizing radiation, cellular aging, and the response mechanisms to oxidative stress, free radicals, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant activity in the yeast S. cerevisiae. Systems biology allows us to use tools that reveal the molecular mechanisms common to different cellular response phenomena. The results found indicate that homologous recombination, non-homologous end joining, and base excision repair pathways are the most important common processes necessary to maintain cellular homeostasis. The metabolic routes of longevity regulation are those that jointly contribute to the three phenomena studied. This study proposes eleven common biomarkers for response/resistance to ionizing radiation and aging (EXO1, MEC1, MRE11, RAD27, RAD50, RAD51, RAD52, RAD55, RAD9, SGS1, YKU70) and two biomarkers for response/resistance to radiation and oxidative stress, free radicals, ROS, and antioxidant activity (NTG1, OGG1). In addition, it is important to highlight that the HSP104 protein could be a good biomarker common to the three phenomena studied.
From Waste to Green: Water-Based Extraction of Polyphenols from Onion Peel and Their Adsorption on Biochar from Grapevine Pruning Residues
Authors: Prelac Melissa , Palčić Igor , Cvitan Danko , Anđelini Dominik , Repajić Maja , Ćurko Josip , Kovačević Tvrtko Karlo , Goreta Ban Smiljana , Užila Zoran , Ban Dean , Major Nikola
Published: August 2023

Onion peels (OP) are rich in bioactive compounds with a plethora of benefits for human health, but this valuable material is often wasted and underutilized due to its inedibility. Likewise, grapevine pruning residues are commonly treated as agricultural waste, but biochar (BC) obtained from this material has favorable characteristics as an adsorbent. This study investigated the potential of BC in removal of targeted polyphenolic compounds from OP extracts. The OP extracts were obtained adhering to green chemistry principles using deionized water amplified by three methods: maceration (MAC), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The extraction efficiency on the polyphenolic profile and antioxidant capacity was investigated with different extraction temperatures and solid-to-liquid (s/l) ratios. For further analysis, UAE at 90 °C with an s/l ratio of 1:100 was used due to higher polyphenolic compound yield. The BC adsorption capacity of individual polyphenols was fitted with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Quercetin-3,4′-diglucoside obtained the highest R2 coefficient in both models, and the highest qmax value. The optimum conditions in the dosage experiment suggested an amount of 0.5 g of BC using 3 g/L extracts. The studied BC showed a high affinity for targeted phytochemicals from OP extracts, indicating its potential to be applied for the green adsorption of valuable polyphenolic compounds.
Robotic Systems and Navigation Techniques in Orthopedics: A Historical Review
Authors: Li Teng , Badre Armin , Alambeigi Farshid , Tavakoli Mahdi
Published: August 2023

Since the da Vinci surgical system was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000, the development and deployment of various robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery (MIS) systems have been largely expedited and boomed. With the rapid advancement of robotic techniques in recent decades, robot-assisted systems have been widely used in various surgeries including orthopedics. These robot-related techniques are transforming the conventional ways to conduct surgical procedures. Robot-assisted orthopedic surgeries have become more and more popular due to their potential benefits of increased accuracy and precision in surgical outcomes, enhanced reproducibility, reduced technical variability, decreased pain, and faster recovery time. In this paper, robotic systems and navigation techniques in typical orthopedic surgeries are reviewed, especially for arthroplasty. From the perspective of robotics and engineering, the systems and techniques are divided into two main categories, i.e., robotic systems (RSs), and computer-aided navigation systems (CANSs). The former is further divided into autonomous RS, hands-on RS, and teleoperated RS. For the latter, three key elements in CANS are introduced, including 3D modeling, registration, and navigation. Lastly, the potential advantages and disadvantages of the RS and CANS are summarized and discussed. Future perspectives on robotics in orthopedics, as well as the challenges, are presented.
Insights into Bending Stiffness Modeling of Elementary Flexure Hinges
Authors: Moschini Simir , Palpacelli Matteo
Published: August 2023

Flexure hinges are widely used in mechanical devices, especially for micro- or even nano-scale applications, where conventional joints based on conjugate surfaces prove unsuitable. However, to achieve accurate motion of devices whose joints are flexure hinges, knowledge of stiffness models that correlate applied forces or bending moments with the resulting displacements is required. Nonlinear bending models are typically too complex and difficult to implement. Therefore, it is preferred to use linear models, which admit analytical solutions. The purpose of this paper is to show what is lost in terms of accuracy in reducing a nonlinear bending stiffness model associated with a flexure hinge when simplifications are made to obtain an analytical solution. An analysis of the simplification process leading to a linear stiffness model and its analytical solution is presented. From this study arises an increased awareness of flexure joints in terms of the accuracy obtained with their stiffness models, suggesting important information to the user in choosing the level of complexity required to model them in a specific application. A comparison between analytical and numerical results is provided in the form of maps and tables so as to make that choice as clear as possible.
Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis of a Back Propagation Neural Network Predicting the Peak Ground Acceleration
Authors: Guo Xin , Li Hongnan , Zhang Hao , Wang Qi , Xu Jiran
Published: August 2023

Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) has been recognized as a reasonable method for quantifying seismic threats. Traditionally, this method ignores the effect of the focal depth, in which the ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) are applied to estimate the probability distribution associated with the possible motion levels induced by the site earthquakes, but it is limited by the unclear geological conditions, which makes it difficult to provide a uniform equation, and these equations cannot express the non-linear relationship under geological conditions. Hence, this paper proposed a method to consider the seismic focal depth for the PSHA with the example of California and used a back propagation neural network (BPNN) to predict the peak ground acceleration (PGA) instead of the GMPEs. Firstly, the measured PGA and unknown PGA seismic data applicable to this method were collected separately. Secondly, the unknown PGA data were supplemented by applying the BPNN based on the measured PGA data. Lastly, based on the full-probability equation, PSHA considering the focal depth was completed and compared with the current California seismic zoning results. The results showed that using the BPNN in the PSHA can ensure computational accuracy and universality, making it more suitable for regions with unclear geological structures and providing the possibility of adding other parameters to be considered for the influence of the PSHA.
Anthropic Action on Historical Shoreline Changes and Future Estimates Using GIS: Guadarmar Del Segura (Spain)
Authors: Fernández-Hernández Marta , Calvo Almudena , Iglesias Luis , Castedo Ricardo , Ortega Jose J. , Diaz-Honrubia Antonio J. , Mora Pedro , Costamagna Elisa
Published: August 2023

A good understanding of historical change rates is a key requirement for effective coastal zone management and reliable predictions of shoreline evolution. Historical shoreline erosion for the coast of Guardamar del Segura (Alicante, Spain) is analyzed based on aerial photographs dating from 1930 to 2022 using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). This area is of special interest because the construction of a breakwater in the 1990s, which channels the mouth of the Segura River, has caused a change in coastal behavior. The prediction of future shorelines is conducted up to the year 2040 using two models based on data analysis techniques: the extrapolation of historical data (including the uncertainty of the historical measurements) and the Bruun-type model (considering the effect of sea level rises). The extrapolation of the natural erosion of the area up to 1989 is also compared with the reality, already affected by anthropic actions, in the years 2005 and 2022. The construction of the breakwater has accelerated the erosion along the coast downstream of this infrastructure by about 260%, endangering several houses that are located on the beach itself. The estimation models predict transects with erosions ranging from centimeters (±70 cm) to tens of meters (±30 m). However, both models are often overlapping, which gives a band where the shoreline may be thought to be in the future. The extrapolation of erosion up to 1989, and its subsequent comparison, shows that in most of the study areas, anthropic actions have increased erosion, reaching values of more than 35 m of shoreline loss. The effect of anthropic actions on the coast is also analyzed on the housing on the beach of Babilonia, which has lost around 17% of its built-up area in 40 years. This work demonstrates the importance of historical analysis and predictions before making any significant changes in coastal areas to develop sustainable plans for coastal area management.
Real-Time Simulation and Sensor Performance Evaluation of Space-Based Infrared Point Target Group
Authors: Gong Chao , Rao Peng , Li Yejin
Published: August 2023

Small space targets are usually present in the form of point sources when observed by space-based sensors. To ease the difficulty of obtaining real observation images and overcome the limitations of the existing Systems Tool Kit/electro-optical and infrared sensors (STK/EOIR) module in supporting the display and output of point target observation results from multiple platforms of the constellation, a method is provided for the fast simulation of point target groups using EOIR combined with external computation. A star lookup table based on the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) infrared astrometry catalog is established by dividing the grid to generate the background. A Component Object Model (COM) is used to connect STK to enable the rapid deployment and visualization of complex simulation scenarios. Finally, the automated output of simulated images and infrared information is achieved. Simulation experiments on point targets show that the method can support 20 sensors to image groups of targets at 128 × 128 resolution and achieve 32 frames of real-time output at 1 K × 1 K resolution, providing an effective approach to spatial situational awareness and the building of target infrared datasets.
Condylar Changes Following Mandibular Setback Using Manual Guidance
Authors: Kim Seong-Gon , Park Young-Wook , Oh Ji-Hyeon
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze changes in the position of the condyles following mandibular setback surgery with manual guidance. The study included 28 patients with mandibular prognathism who underwent mandibular setback surgery using manual guidance with a bioabsorbable mesh for mandibular fixation, and changes in the position of the center of the condylar head were compared at three time points: before surgery (T0), within 1 week after surgery (T1), and 6 months after surgery (T2). The results showed significant lateral, anterior, and inferior movements of the condyle at T1 compared to T0, with an average movement of 0.66 ± 0.84 mm along the x-axis, −1.27 ± 0.82 mm along the y-axis, and −0.20 ± 0.69 mm along the z-axis, with a 1.77 ± 0.87 mm linear distance (p < 0.05). At T2, the condylar position had mainly changed inferiorly along the y-axis (−0.17 ± 0.48 mm) (p < 0.05) compared to that at T0. The change in the position along the x-axis (−0.14 ± 0.57 mm), z-axis (−0.05 ± 0.68 mm), and linear distance (0.85 ± 0.57 mm) at T2 was not significantly different from that in the condylar position at T0 (p > 0.05). The study suggests that significant anterior–lateral–inferior condylar movement occurs within 1 week after mandibular setback surgery using manual guidance, but the condyle returns to its original position over time, which is clinically acceptable.
Culturable Diversity and Biological Properties of Bacterial Endophytes Associated with the Medicinal Plants of Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd
Authors: Litao Niu , Rustamova Nigora , Paerhati Paiziliya , Ning Hui-Xia , Yili Abulimiti
Published: August 2023

As one of the important traditional medicinal plants listed in the Chinese pharmacopoeia, Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd has been shown to possess various biological activities. In this study, we characterized culturable endophytic bacteria associated with the medicinal plant V. anthelmintica collected from Hotan within the Xinjiang autonomous region of China. Bacterial endophytes were identified via 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and compared to similar sequences from the GenBank. Isolated strains exhibited 99.08–100% similarity to Bacillus haynesii XJB-5, Bacillus proteolyticus XJB-16, Bacillus halotolerans XJB-35, Bacillus safensis XJB-71, Pseudomonas punonensis XJB-7, Lysinibacillus fusiformis XJB-17, Streptococcus lutetiensis XJB-66, Leclercia adecarboxylata XJB-12, Paenibacillus alvei XJB-14, and Pantoea agglomerans XJB-62. The ethyl acetate extracts of the bacterial endophytes demonstrated various pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activity, according to a melanin content assay and have shown tyrosinase activity in murine B16 cells. A crude extract of B. halotolerans XJB-35 displayed more powerful biological activities than other bacterial endophytes; therefore, this strain was studied further in order to select the optimized parameters for enhancing the synthesis of bioactive compounds. The optimal culture medium was found to be nutrient broth (NB) medium, using peptone as its carbon source and yeast extract as its nitrogen source. A 24 h incubation time produced the optimal conditions for the maximum growth of B. halotolerans XJB-35 and the production of bioactive compounds. Moreover, we investigated the volatile chemical component of the dichloromethane fraction using GC-MS analysis. Our findings provide valuable information regarding the synthesize of bioactive natural products by B. halotolerans XJB-35 for use by the medicinal and pharmaceutical industries.
FPN-SE-ResNet Model for Accurate Diagnosis of Kidney Tumors Using CT Images
Authors: Abdelrahman Abubaker , Viriri Serestina
Published: August 2023

Kidney tumors are a significant health concern. Early detection and accurate segmentation of kidney tumors are crucial for timely and effective treatment, which can improve patient outcomes. Deep learning techniques, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), have shown great promise in medical image analysis, including identifying and segmenting kidney tumors. Computed tomography (CT) scans of kidneys aid in tumor assessment and morphology studies, employing semantic segmentation techniques for precise pixel-level identification of kidneys and surrounding anatomical structures. This paper proposes a Squeeze-and-Excitation-ResNet (SE-ResNet) model for segmentation by combining the encoder stage of SE-ResNet with the Feature Pyramid Network (FPN). The performance of the proposed SE-ResNet model is evaluated using the Intersection over Union (IoU) and F1-score metrics. Experimental results demonstrate that the SE-ResNet models achieve impressive IoU scores for background, kidney, and tumor segmentation, with mean IoU scores ranging from 0.988 to 0.981 for Seresnet50 and Seresnet18, respectively. Notably, Seresnet50 exhibits the highest IoU score for kidney segmentation. These findings suggest that SE-ResNet models accurately identify and segment regions of interest in CT images of renal carcinoma, with higher model versions generally exhibiting superior performance. The proposed Seresnet50 model is a good tool for accurate tumor detection and image classification, aiding medical professionals in early diagnosis and timely intervention.
Research on the Construction Method of a Training Image Library Based on cDCGAN
Authors: Yao Jianpeng , Liu Yuyang , Pan Mao
Published: August 2023

There is a close relationship between the size and property of a reservoir and the production and capacity. Therefore, in the process of oil and gas field exploration and development, it is of great importance to study the macro distribution of oil–gas reservoirs, the inner structure, the distribution of reservoir parameters, and the dynamic variation of reservoir characteristics. A reservoir model is an important bridge between first-hand geologic data and other results such as ground stress models and fracture models, and the quality of the model can influence the evaluation of the sweet spots, the deployment of a horizontal well, and the optimization of the well network. Reservoir facies modeling and physical parameter modeling are the key points in reservoir characterization and modeling. Deep learning, as an artificial intelligence method, has been shown to be a powerful tool in many fields, such as data fusion, feature extraction, pattern recognition, and nonlinear fitting. Thus, deep learning can be used to characterize the reservoir features in 3D space. In recent years, there have been increasing attempts to apply deep learning in the oil and gas industry, and many scholars have made attempts in logging interpretation, seismic processing and interpretation, geological modeling, and petroleum engineering. Traditional training image construction methods have drawbacks such as low construction efficiency and limited types of sedimentary facies. For this purpose, some of the problems of the current reservoir facies modeling are solved in this paper. This study constructs a method that can quickly generate multiple types of sedimentary facies training images based on deep learning. Based on the features and merits of all kinds of deep learning methods, this paper makes some improvements and optimizations to the conventional reservoir facies modeling. The main outcomes of this thesis are as follows: (a) the construction of a training image library for reservoir facies modeling is realized. (b) the concept model of the typical sedimentary facies domain is used as a key constraint in the training image library. In order to construct a conditional convolutional adversarial network model, One-Hot and Distributed Representation is used to label the dataset. (c) The method is verified and tested with typical sedimentary facies types such as fluvial and delta. The results show that this method can generate six kinds of non-homogeneous and homogeneous training images that are almost identical to the target sedimentary facies in terms of generation quality. In terms of generating result formats, compared to the cDCGAN training image generation method, traditional methods took 31.5 and 9 times longer. In terms of generating result formats, cDCGAN can generate more formats than traditional methods. Furthermore, the method can store and rapidly generate the training image library of the typical sedimentary facies model of various types and styles in terms of generation efficiency.
Scene Equipment Saving and Loading Method for Digital Twin Workshop
Authors: Liu Zhifeng , Wang Fei , Zhang Yueze , Yan Jun , Lin Zhiwen
Published: August 2023

The digital twin workshop contains a vast quantity of heterogeneous data from multiple sources, such as the historical state of workshop equipment, which is essential for analyzing implicit problems and bottlenecks in manufacturing tasks. Nevertheless, the current unidirectional and irreversible time flow of the digital twin workshop makes it difficult to optimize workshop productivity using historical data. This paper proposes a scene equipment saving and loading method for the digital twin workshop to address this issue. The initial steps involve defining a workshop information model which represents multiple pieces of workshop equipment in the virtual space and the content of the data it covers. This model stores data for each object type on the workshop using distinct data structures; a workshop element data saving and loading method is proposed, which can save the historical scene equipment data of the digital twin workshop and load the saved data into the digital twin software; finally, a case study is conducted to determine the data compatibility, the saving and loading efficiency, and the system’s ability to save and load actual workshop scenes. The results demonstrate that this method can efficiently save and load scene equipment data on the workshop, enabling workshop administrators to identify problems and bottlenecks in historical manufacturing tasks and then take steps to increase workshop productivity.
Improved Technology for Rounding Graphite: Machine Structure and Industrial Test
Authors: Chen Jundong , Ma Tingting , Lu Yan , Wang Jianbo , Zhang Mingxing , Lin Longyuan , Yan Cuiping , Li Xue , Chen Haiyan
Published: August 2023

The graphite, which is treated to be potato-shaped, is widely applied in Li-ion batteries as the anodic material. Sequential batch shaping is the main method at present. However, the small height of the shaping cavity of the existing structure leads to the problem of low processing capacity and high cost. In this work, a new structure of the shaping machine was developed with the aim of shaping graphite by large output and costless. The equipment system for graphite rounding in a pilot scale at a treatment amount of 25 kg raw material each run was established. The results showed that the ratio of the diameters of the final product by an undersized percentage corresponding to 10% was 11.15 μm, 50% was 18.94 μm, and 90% was 29.54 μm, and tap density was 0.945 g/cm3, the yield reached 48%, under the optimized conditions of 1833 rpm rotating speed of shaping disk, 2646 rpm rotating speed of classifier, and 40 min shaping period. All the above characteristics of the rounded graphite are in line with the requirements for applying in the anode of Li-ion batteries. In short, the present study aims to provide a new structure of the shaping machine, contributing to the efficient and cost-effective rounding of graphite and revealing the structure of the shaping machine, contributing to promoting the wide improvement of the shaping machine.
Estimation of Compressive Resistance of Briquettes Obtained from Groundnut Shells with Different Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Kocer Abdulkadir , Kabas Onder , Zabava Bianca Stefania
Published: August 2023

Briquetting is considered one of the pre-treatment methods available to produce raw materials of uniform size and moisture content that are easy to process, transport, and store. The quality of briquettes in terms of density and strength depends on the physical and chemical properties of the raw material and the briquetting conditions. However, determining briquette quality is difficult, very costly, and requires long laboratory studies. In this paper, an easy, inexpensive, and fast methodology based on machine learning for the determination of quality parameters of briquette samples is presented. Compressive resistance, one of the most important briquette quality parameters, was estimated by machine learning methods, considering particle size, material moisture, applied pressure value, briquette density, shatter index, and tumbler index. Extra Trees, Random Forest, and Light Gradient Boosting regression models were used. The best estimate is seen in the Extra Trees regression model. The R2 and MAPE values are 0.76 and 0.0799, respectively.
Physicochemical Bedding Quality in Compost-Bedded Pack Barn Systems for Dairy Cows: A Systematic Review
Authors: Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Alves , Tinôco Ilda de Fátima Ferreira , Souza Cecília de Fátima , Baêta Fernando da Costa , Andrade Rafaella Resende , Vieira Frederico Márcio Côrrea , Barbari Matteo , Bambi Gianluca
Published: August 2023

In this study, a systematic review was performed to describe and discuss the main results available in the literature on physicochemical bedding quality in compost-bedded pack barn (CBP) systems for dairy cows. Experimental peer-reviewed articles in English were searched in the Scopus (ScP) and Web of Science (WoS) databases. The resulting articles (n = 162) underwent an evaluation process in four stages, following the PRISMA methodology and, based on a priori-defined eligibility criteria, 12 were selected. Several indicators of bedding quality were used, emphasizing bedding temperature in the aerobically active layer, evaluated in all studies. The decomposition activity was less intense in winter due to mild environmental conditions. During this period, appropriate management practices should be used (more frequent bedding replacement and turning, use of aeration systems under the bedding, lateral closures in the facilities, etc.) to maintain the fully active composting process. In conclusion, the physicochemical bedding quality in this system type is mainly affected by environmental conditions. However, some care is needed to extrapolate these results since this is a recent research area, which still requires further studies.
A Novel Computationally Efficient Approach for Exploring Neural Entrainment to Continuous Speech Stimuli Incorporating Cross-Correlation
Authors: Do Anh Quan Luong , Thi Trang Le , Joo Hyosung , Kim Dongseok , Woo Jihwan
Published: August 2023

A linear system identification technique has been widely used to track neural entrainment in response to continuous speech stimuli. Although the approach of the standard regularization method using ridge regression provides a straightforward solution to estimate and interpret neural responses to continuous speech stimuli, inconsistent results and costly computational processes can arise due to the need for parameter tuning. We developed a novel approach to the system identification method called the detrended cross-correlation function, which aims to map stimulus features to neural responses using the reverse correlation and derivative of convolution. This non-parametric (i.e., no need for parametric tuning) approach can maintain consistent results. Moreover, it provides a computationally efficient training process compared to the conventional method of ridge regression. The detrended cross-correlation function correctly captures the temporal response function to speech envelope and the spectral–temporal receptive field to speech spectrogram in univariate and multivariate forward models, respectively. The suggested model also provides more efficient computation compared to the ridge regression to process electroencephalography (EEG) signals. In conclusion, we suggest that the detrended cross-correlation function can be comparably used to investigate continuous speech- (or sound-) evoked EEG signals.