bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triggering mechanism of an eruptive filament located in a weak active region
Authors: Zou Peng , Jiang Chaowei , Bian Xinkai , Wang Juntao
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The triggering mechanism for filaments located in a weak magnetic field typically leans toward magnetohydrodynamic instabilities due to the weak magnetic strength inherent in filament structures. However, a subset of eruption events associated with significant flares remains. Therefore, we seek to understand the role that reconnection plays in the eruption of filaments with weak magnetic fields.

Methods

We reconstruct the coronal magnetic field of an eruptive filament located in a relatively weaker magnetic environment, and analyze the magnetic field properties such as twist number and squashing factor.

Results

This filament remains stable until the expansion of the heated bright arcades underneath. This expansion initially activates the filament, prompting its upward movement, leading to a gentle reconnection slightly to its south. The ensuing reconnection continues to propel the filament upward with uniform acceleration. These upward motions cause the drainage of filament mass, likely activating the torus instability of the filament. This torus instability then triggers the final eruption of the filament, successfully generating a coronal mass ejection (CME) and leaving behind a double-ribbon flare.

Discussion

We conclude that the torus instability serves as the primary triggering mechanism of this eruption, while pre-eruption reconnection plays a role in pushing the filament upward to meet the instability condition.
Blockchain-Based Strategy to Optimize Certified Notifications from Government Entities
Authors: Zabala-Vargas Sergio , Álvarez-Pizarro Yuli , Sánchez-Galvis Iván , Rubio-Vásquez Karol
Published: August 2024

Currently, 4.0 technologies have generated important changes in government entities, promoting digital government transformation (DGT). This article addresses the challenge of improving the security, reliability and traceability of communications and certified notifications of state entities, particularly in the case of the Colombian government entity called the Comisión de Regulación de Comunicaciones (CRC). Four important points are presented in this report: (a) Research interest in blockchain and smart contracts has been greatly increasing, evidenced in a literature review conducted in the SCOPUS index; (b) a global reference framework on the use of emerging technologies, as is the case of blockchain, has been developed, as well as the legal and juridical framework in Colombia as a baseline; (c) a multi-criteria decision making framework has been used, resulting in the choice of the Zilliqa platform; and (d) The Tecnotifica™ V1.0 software tool is developed to automate notifications with stakeholders using blockchain. Its effectiveness and acceptance is validated with a technology acceptance level test (TAM). It is concluded that the incorporation of emerging technologies such as blockchain is of a very high interest and relevance in the digital transformation of the state sector in the world.
A Peak-Finding Siamese Convolutional Neural Network (PF-SCNN) for Aero-Engine Hot Jet FT-IR Spectrum Classification
Authors: Du Shuhan , Han Wei , Kang Zhenping , Luo Fengkun , Liao Yurong , Li Zhaoming
Published: August 2024

Aiming at solving difficulties related to aero-engine classification and identification, two telemetry Fourier transform infrared spectrometers are utilized to measure the infrared spectra of six types of aero-engine hot jets, and create a spectral data set, which is divided into a training set (80%), a validation set (10%), and a prediction set (10%). A peak-finding Siamese convolutional neural network (PF-SCNN) is used to match and classify the spectral data. During the training stage, the Siamese convolutional neural network (SCNN) is designed to extract spectral features and calculate the distance similarity. In order to improve the efficiency of the SCNN, a peak-finding method is introduced to extract the spectral peaks, which are used to train the model instead of the original spectral data. During the prediction stage, the trained model is used to calculate the similarity between the prediction set and the combined set of the training set and validation set, and the label of the most similar training data in each prediction set is used as the prediction label. The performance measures of the classification results include accuracy, precision, recall, confusion matrix, and F1-score. The experimental results show that the PF-SCNN can achieve a high classification accuracy rate of 99% and can complete the task of classifying the infrared spectra of aero-engine hot jets.
Crop Rotation and Diversification in China: Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture and Resilience
Authors: Zou Yuzhu , Liu Zhenshan , Chen Yan , Wang Yin , Feng Shijing
Published: August 2024

Crop rotation and diversification (CRD) are crucial strategies in sustainable agriculture, offering multiple benefits to both farmers and the environment. By alternating crops or introducing diverse plant species, CRD practices improve soil fertility, reduce pest populations, and enhance nutrient availability. For example, legume-based rotations increase soil nitrogen levels through biological nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Moreover, these practices promote more efficient water and nutrient use, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers and minimizing the risk of pests and diseases. This review synthesizes findings from recent research on the role of CRD in enhancing sustainable agriculture and resilience, highlighting the potential contributions of these practices towards climate change mitigation and adaptation. Specific crop rotation systems, such as the cereal–legume rotation in temperate regions and the intercropping of maize with beans in tropical environments, are reviewed to provide a comprehensive understanding of their applicability in different agroecological contexts. The review also addresses the challenges related to implementing CRD practices, such as market demand and knowledge transfer, and suggests potential solutions to encourage broader adoption. Lastly, the potential environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, are discussed, highlighting the role of CRD in building resilient agricultural systems. Collectively, this review paper emphasizes the importance of CRD methods as sustainable agricultural practices and provides key insights for researchers and farmers to effectively integrate these practices into farming systems.
Application of Econometrics in Agricultural Production
Authors: Onofri Laura
Published: August 2024

This Special Issue on “Applications of Econometrics in Agricultural Production” has aimed to rebuild and extend the approach to agricultural production analysis by including econometric methods for (a) developing a new paradigm for agricultural production analysis that acknowledges and models the relevance of the combined economic and agronomic aspects of the production processes; (b) defining output and input demand and supply in agricultural production from a technical perspective, with the use of production function/or production frontier models; and (c) understanding agricultural market exchange and market distortions and failures from a quantitative perspective [...]
A Novel Hierarchical Clustering Sequential Forward Feature Selection Method for Paddy Rice Agriculture Mapping Based on Time-Series Images
Authors: Duan Xingyin , Wu Xiaobo , Ge Jie , Deng Li , Shen Liang , Xu Jingwen , Xu Xiaoying , He Qin , Chen Yixin , Gao Xuesong , Li Bing
Published: August 2024

Timely and accurate mapping of rice distribution is crucial to estimate yield, optimize agriculture spatial patterns, and ensure global food security. Feature selection (FS) methods have significantly improved computational efficiency by reducing redundancy in spectral and temporal feature sets, playing a vital role in identifying and mapping paddy rice. However, the optimal feature sets selected by existing methods suffer from issues such as information redundancy or local optimality, limiting their accuracy in rice identification. Moreover, the effects of these FS methods on rice recognition in various machine learning classifiers and regions with different climatic conditions and planting structures is still unclear. To overcome these limitations, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the potential applications of major FS methods, including the wrapper method, embedded method, and filter method for rice mapping. A novel hierarchical lustering sequential forward selection (HCSFS) method for precisely extracting the optimal feature set for rice identification is proposed. The accuracy of the HCSFS and other FS methods for rice identification was tested with nine common machine learning classifiers. The results indicated that, among the three FS methods, the wrapper method achieved the best rice mapping performance, followed by the embedded method, and lastly, the filter method. The new HCSFS significantly reduced redundant features compared with eleven typical FS methods, demonstrating higher precision and stability, with user accuracy and producer accuracy exceeding 0.9548 and 0.9487, respectively. Additionally, the spatial distribution of rice maps generated using the optimal feature set selected by HCSFS closely aligned with actual planting patterns, markedly outperforming existing rice products. This research confirms the effectiveness and transferability of the HCSFS method for rice mapping across different climates and cultivation structures, suggesting its enormous potential for classifying other crops using time-series remote sensing images.
Innovative Designs for Cotton Bionic Topping Manipulator
Authors: Xu Yang , Han Changjie , Zhang Jing , Hu Bin , Ma Xu , Mao Hanping
Published: August 2024

Topping reduces the growing point at the top of cotton plants. This process enables the plant to allocate more energy and nutrients to fruit growth, thereby enhancing both the quantity and quality of the fruit. Current cotton-topping machinery often leads to over-topping, which can affect crop yield and quality. Manual topping is effective in controlling over-topping due to its adherence to agronomic requirements, but it is labor-intensive. This study integrated principles from biology (bionics) to design a manipulator that mimics the action of hand pinching during manual topping. Screening grids of different sizes were designed based on a statistical analysis of the biological parameters of cotton tops to optimize the topping process. A disc cam mechanism was developed to enable the automatic opening and closing of the manipulator. From the results, it was evident that the spring tension must exceed 81.5 N to properly cut the cotton stem near the top. The spacing of the screening grid (40 mm) and the position of the topping manipulator (less than 50 mm) were optimized based on experimental results. Performance testing showed promising results with a 100% topping rate. This study not only identified the challenges with current cotton-topping methods but also proposed a bionics-inspired solution; a bionic manipulator equipped with a screening grid was proposed to achieve high accuracy in cotton topping, which significantly reduced over-topping rates to 6.67%. These findings are crucial for advancing agricultural technology and improving efficiency in cotton cultivation.
Propagation Laws of Ultrasonic Continuous Signals at the Transmitting Transducer–Soil Interface
Authors: Wang Zhinan , Lu Caiyun , Li Hongwen , Wang Chao , Wang Longbao , Yang Hanyu
Published: August 2024

Ultrasonic detection is one of the main methods for information detection and has advantages in soil detection. Ultrasonic signals attenuate in soil, resulting in unique propagation laws. This paper studies the propagation laws of ultrasound in soil, focusing on the propagation characteristics of ultrasonic continuous signals at the transducer–soil interface. This study uses excitation frequency and amplitude as experimental factors and employs the discrete element simulation method to analyze the vibration characteristics of soil particles. It reveals the relationship between changes in soil pressure at the interface and the movement of the transducer. The results show that the motion curve of the transmitting transducer lags behind the soil pressure changes, and the energy of the ultrasonic signal increases with higher excitation frequency and amplitude. Specifically, the peak value of the first wave |H0| at 40 kHz and 60 kHz is 210% and 263% of that at 20 kHz, respectively. When the excitation amplitude increases from 0.005 mm to 0.015 mm, the value of the peak value of other waves |H| increases by 323%. This paper preliminarily reveals the propagation laws of ultrasonic continuous signals at the transducer–soil interface, providing theoretical support for the development of ultrasonic soil property detection instruments.
Detection of Rice Leaf SPAD and Blast Disease Using Integrated Aerial and Ground Multiscale Canopy Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Aichen , Song Zishan , Xie Yuwen , Hu Jin , Zhang Liyuan , Zhu Qingzhen
Published: August 2024

Rice blast disease is one of the major diseases affecting rice plant, significantly impacting both yield and quality. Current detecting methods for rice blast disease mainly rely on manual surveys in the field and laboratory tests, which are inefficient, inaccurate, and limited in scale. Spectral and imaging technologies in the visible and near-infrared (Vis/NIR) region have been widely investigated for crop disease detection. This work explored the potential of integrating canopy reflectance spectra acquired near the ground and aerial multispectral images captured with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for estimating Soil-Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values and detecting rice leaf blast disease in the field. Canopy reflectance spectra were preprocessed, followed by effective band selection. Different vegetation indices (VIs) were calculated from multispectral images and selected for model establishment according to their correlation with SPAD values and disease severity. The full-wavelength canopy spectra (450–850 nm) were first used for establishing SPAD inversion and blast disease classification models, demonstrating the effectiveness of Vis/NIR spectroscopy for SPAD inversion and blast disease detection. Then, selected effective bands from the canopy spectra, UAV VIs, and the fusion of the two data sources were used for establishing corresponding models. The results showed that all SPAD inversion models and disease classification models established with the integrated data performed better than corresponding models established with the single of either of the aerial and ground data sources. For SPAD inversion models, the best model based on a single data source achieved a validation determination coefficient (Rcv2) of 0.5719 and a validation root mean square error (RMSECV) of 2.8794, while after ground and aerial data fusion, these two values improved to 0.6476 and 2.6207, respectively. For blast disease classification models, the best model based on a single data source achieved an overall test accuracy of 89.01% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.86, and after data fusion, the two values improved to 96.37% and 0.95, respectively. These results indicated the significant potential of integrating canopy reflectance spectra and UAV multispectral images for detecting rice diseases in large fields.
Assessing Soybean Yield Potential and Yield Gap in Different Agroecological Regions of India Using the DSSAT Model
Authors: Nargund Raghavendra , Bhatia Virender S. , Sinha Nishant K. , Mohanty Monoranjan , Jayaraman Somasundaram , Dang Yash P. , Nataraj Vennampally , Drewry Darren , Dalal Ram C.
Published: August 2024

The study used the DSSAT model to assess potential soybean yields in different regions of India and validated it under diverse agroecological conditions. The average simulated yield under irrigated conditions was 3794 kg ha−1 relative to the simulated average rainfed yield of 2446 kg ha−1, showing a 35.52% reduction in grain yield due to adverse moisture conditions under rainfed conditions. Relative to simulated yield, the average observed (actual) rainfed yield across 43 districts of India was 1025 kg ha−1, which was 2769 and 1421 kg ha−1 lower than irrigated and rainfed potential yield, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between simulated water non-limited yield and solar radiation (R2 = 0.55, p ≤ 0.05). The simulated rainfed grain yield (R2 = 0.66, p ≤ 0.05) had a significant, positive, and curvilinear relationship with growing season rainfall. On the other hand, the actual yield (R2 = 0.008) showed a non-significant relationship with mean crop seasonal rainfall across locations. The gap between simulated yield under irrigated and rainfed conditions is huge at locations with low seasonal rainfall and narrows with increasing rainfall. In addition, the gap between actual yield and simulated yield under rainfed conditions was larger, even in high seasonal rainfall areas. The yield gap under rainfed conditions is due to the non-adoption of improved crop management practices and could be reduced with proper interventions. This includes adapting drought-resistant varieties, conserving rainwater, changing land configuration, and adopting waterlogging-tolerant varieties using improved technology to reduce the soybean yield gap.
Analysis of Phenotypic Trait Variation in Germplasm Resources of Lycium ruthenicum Murr.
Authors: Yang Rong , Li Jinpu , Huang Haiguang , Wu Xiuhua , Wu Riheng , Bai Yu’e
Published: August 2024

Exploring the phenotypic trait variation and diversity of Lycium ruthenicum germplasm resources can support selection, breeding, and genetic improvement, enhancing agricultural production. This study collected 213 wild Lycium ruthenicum seedlings from a resource nursery in Alxa League, Inner Mongolia. These seedlings originated from eight sources across four provinces. Using 11 pseudo-qualitative traits and 20 quantitative traits, the phenotypic variation of the germplasm was analyzed. The analysis involved the coefficient of variation, Shannon–Wiener index (H), Simpson’s genetic diversity index (D), principal component analysis, correlation analysis, and Q-type cluster analysis. The results showed that the variation range of 31 phenotypic traits across the 213 Lycium ruthenicum germplasm resources was 17.26% to 105.41%, with an average coefficient of variation of 39.85%. The H and D indexes ranged from 0.18 to 1.58 and 0.20 to 0.75, respectively. For the 11 pseudo-qualitative traits, the H and D ranges were 0.18 to 1.58 and 0.07 to 0.74, with average values of 0.77 and 0.42. For the quantitative traits, the H and D ranges were 0.54 to 1.49 and 0.25 to 0.75, with average values of 1.21 and 0.63. This indicates that Lycium ruthenicum germplasm resources exhibit significant phenotypic diversity, with quantitative traits showing higher diversity than pseudo-qualitative traits. Principal component analysis revealed that the cumulative variance contribution rate of the first 10 principal components was 74.03%, comprehensively reflecting the information of the 31 traits. Q-type cluster analysis grouped the 213 Lycium ruthenicum germplasm resources into six clusters, each with distinct phenotypic characteristics. This analysis also identified the trait characteristics and breeding value of each cluster. The results of this study provide valuable information on the genetic improvement, conservation, and evaluation of Lycium ruthenicum germplasm resources.
Uncovering Fusarium Species Associated with Fusarium Wilt in Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) and the Identification of Significant Marker–Trait Associations for Resistance in the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas’ Chickpea Collection Using SSR Markers
Authors: Murodova Sojida M. , Bozorov Tohir A. , Aytenov Ilkham S. , Ochilov Bekhruz O. , Qulmamatova Dilafruz E. , Salakhutdinov Ilkhom B. , Isokulov Marufbek Z. , Khalillaeva Gavkhar O. , Azimova Laylo A. , Meliev Sodir K.
Published: August 2024

Enhancing plants’ resistance against FW is crucial for ensuring a sustainable global chickpea production. The present study focuses on the identification of fungal pathogens and the assessment of ninety-six chickpea samples for Fusarium wilt from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)’s collection. Eight fungal isolates were recovered from the symptomatic chickpeas. Polyphasic identification was conducted by comparing the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), the elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α), and beta-tubulin (tub2). Among them, Neocosmospora solani, N. nelsonii, N. falciformis, N. brevis, Fusarium brachygibbosum, and F. gossypinum were identified. An analysis of the genetic diversity of chickpeas, using 69 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, revealed a total of 191 alleles across all markers, with, on average, each SSR marker detecting approximately 2.8 alleles. A STRUCTURE analysis delineated lines into two distinct sub-groups (K = 2). Association mapping, using the generalized linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) approaches, identified six and five marker–trait associations (MTAs) for FW resistance, respectively. Notably, these TA42, TA125 (A) and TA125 (B), TA37, and TAASH MTAs, commonly found in both models, emerge as potential candidates for the targeted enhancement of FW resistance in chickpeas. To our knowledge, this study represents an inaugural report on the association mapping of genomic loci governing FW resistance in chickpeas from the ICARDA’s accessions.
The Role of Equestrian Professionals in Saddle Fit for Horses and Riders in the United Kingdom
Authors: MacKechnie-Guire Russell , Williams Jane M. , Fisher Diana , Nankervis Kathryn
Published: August 2024

The horse owner and the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) are responsible for safeguarding horse welfare by ensuring the equipment being used is correctly fitted. The aim of this study was to investigate how saddle fit is assessed, managed, and acted upon by equestrian professionals. Participants (n = 483) completed an online questionnaire, which was split into three major sections: (1) participant demographics; (2) saddle fit for the horse; and (3) saddle fit for the rider. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis, and univariable and multivariable analyses were performed (p < 0.05). Inductive content analysis identified themes from open-question responses. From the UK responses (n = 377), 184 saddle fitters, 77 therapists, and 116 coaches completed the survey. Compared to coaches, saddle fitters and therapists asked more frequently when their clients last had their saddle fitted (p = 0.0004). Saddle fitters typically assessed the saddle statically and dynamically vs. therapists, where it was dependent on the circumstances of the assessment (p = 0.0004). Saddle fitters experienced the saddle being out of balance more than therapists (p = 0.032) and made more alterations to the saddle than therapists and coaches (p = 0.0004). This study highlights opportunities for professions within the MDT to better support each other and horseowners to achieve improvements in overall fit for horses and riders.
Assessing Cultural, Religious, and Trauma Influences in Human-Animal Interactions for Effective Animal-Assisted Counseling
Authors: Evans Jordan Jalen
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this manuscript is to enhance the understanding of how racial, social, and cultural factors influence animal-assisted counseling (AAC). As AAC gains popularity, there is an increasing need for clinicians to practice cultural humility and awareness. While AAC has proven beneficial, clinicians must consider the diverse cultural, religious, and trauma-related perceptions of animals. The American Counseling Association (ACA) has established AAC competencies that highlight the importance of understanding these social and cultural factors, assessing past animal-related trauma, and evaluating client suitability for AAC in the United States. Similarly, in 2018, the International Association of Human-Animal Interactions Organizations (IAHAIO) and, in 2024, the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP) set standards for competencies related to clients’ cultural backgrounds, trauma, and historical oppressions related to certain species. By addressing these considerations, clinicians can better promote and protect the welfare of both clients and therapy animals. While these organizations generally emphasize ethical standards, professional guidelines, and safeguarding client–animal relationships, this manuscript advocates for a more robust examination of cultural, racial, and societal factors in the use of AAC. This includes not only recognizing the ethical implications but also understanding how diverse backgrounds and access disparities shape the effectiveness, acceptability, and accessibility of AAC interventions. This approach integrates culturally responsive practices and promotes a deeper exploration of how race, culture, religion, and societal factors influence human–animal relationships.
Occurrence, Source Apportionment, and Risk Assessment of Antibiotics in Mangrove Sediments from the Lianzhou Bay, China
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Tan Yongyu , Zhu Zuhao , Yang Tinglong , Thevarajan Shalini , Zhang Li
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the widespread application of antibiotics has raised global concerns, posing a severe threat to ecological health. In this study, the occurrence, source, and ecological risks of 39 antibiotics belonging to 5 classes in mangrove sediments from Lianzhou Bay, China, were assessed. The total concentrations of the antibiotics (∑39 antibiotics) ranged from 65.45 to 202.24 ng/g dry weight (dw), with an average of 142.73 ± 36.76 ng/g dw. The concentrations of these five classes of antibiotics were as follows: Sulfonamides (SAs) > Tetracyclines (TCs) > Fluoroquinolones (QUs) > Penicillin (PCs) > Macrolides (MLs). The spatial distribution of antibiotics varied as high tidal zone > middle tidal zone > low tidal zone. The total organic carbon (TOC), pH, nitrate (NO3−-N), and nitrite (NO2−-N) of the sediment significantly influenced the distribution of antibiotics (p < 0.05). A source analysis identified untreated sewage from aquaculture as the primary source of antibiotics in the local mangrove. A risk assessment revealed that ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin of QUs, and tetracycline of TCs exhibited medium risks to algae in certain sampling sites, while other antibiotics exhibited low or no risks to all organisms. Nevertheless, the total risk of all the detected antibiotics to algae was medium in 95% of the sites. The overall ecological risk level of antibiotics in the middle tidal zone was slightly lower than in the high tidal zone and the lowest in the low tidal zone. In summary, the experimental results provided insights into the fate and transport behaviors of antibiotics in mangrove sediments from Lianzhou Bay.
Antioxidant Effect in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Rat Model: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rusli Noradliyanti , Ng Chen Fei , Makpol Suzana , Wong Yin Ping , Mohd Isa Isma Liza , Remli Rabani
Published: August 2024

Oxidative stress is a contributing factor that leads to the vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the microvascular complications with rising concern as the disease progresses despite strict glucose control and monitoring. Thus, there is an ongoing need for an early intervention that is effective in halting or slowing the progression of DPN where antioxidants have been proposed as potential therapeutic agents. This systematic review aims to evaluate the existing evidence on the antioxidant effect in DPN and provide insight on the role of antioxidants in the progression of DPN in a rat model. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and Scopus to identify the effects and role of antioxidants in DPN. Data extraction was performed and SYRCLE’s risk of bias (RoB) tool was used for risk assessment. This systematic review was written following the PRISMA 2020 statements. From the literature search, 1268 articles were screened, and a total of 101 full-text articles were further screened before 33 were analyzed. These findings collectively suggest that antioxidants can play a crucial role in managing and potentially reversing the effects of diabetic neuropathy by targeting oxidative stress and improving nerve function.
Sex-Biased Associations of Circulating Ferroptosis Inhibitors with Reduced Lipid Peroxidation and Better Neurocognitive Performance in People with HIV
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Alluri Ravi K. , Wu Kunling , Kalayjian Robert C. , Bush William S. , Palella Frank J. , Koletar Susan L. , Hileman Corrilynn O. , Erlandson Kristine M. , Ellis Ronald J. , Bedimo Roger J. , Taiwo Babafemi O. , Tassiopoulos Katherine K. , Kallianpur Asha R.
Published: August 2024

Ferroptosis is implicated in viral neuropathogenesis and may underlie HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI). Emerging data also suggest differences in brain iron transport by sex. We hypothesized that circulating ferritins that inhibit ferroptosis associate with neurocognitive function and NCI in people with HIV (PWH) in a sex-biased manner. Serum ferritin heavy-chain-1 (FTH1), ferritin light-chain (FTL), and urinary F2-isoprostanes (uF2-isoPs, specific lipid peroxidation marker) were quantified in 324 PWH (including 61 women) with serial global (NPZ-4) and domain-specific neurocognitive testing. Biomarker associations with neurocognitive test scores and NCIs were evaluated by multivariable regression; correlations with uF2-isoPs were also assessed. Higher FTL and FTH1 levels were associated with less NCI in all PWH (adjusted odds ratios 0.53, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.36–0.79 and 0.66, 95% CI 0.45–0.97, respectively). In women, higher FTL and FTH1 were also associated with better NPZ-4 (FTL adjusted beta (β) = 0.15, 95% CI 0.02–0.29; FTL-by-sex βinteraction = 0.32, p = 0.047) and domain-specific neurocognitive test scores. Effects on neurocognitive performance persisted for up to 5 years. Levels of both ferritins correlated inversely with uF2-isoPs in women (FTL: rho = −0.47, p < 0.001). Circulating FTL and FTH1 exert sustained, sex-biased neuroprotective effects in PWH, possibly by protecting against iron-mediated lipid peroxidation (ferroptosis). Larger studies are needed to confirm the observed sex differences and further delineate the underlying mechanisms.
Determination of Biologically Active Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity In Vitro in Fruit of Small Cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) Growing in Natural Habitats in Lithuania
Authors: Liaudanskas Mindaugas , Šedbarė Rima , Janulis Valdimaras
Published: August 2024

The composition of flavonols, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, triterpene compounds, and chlorogenic acid in small cranberry fruit samples collected in natural habitats in Lithuania and variation in the antioxidant capacity of cranberry fruit extracts was determined. This study showed that in the flavonol group, hyperoside and myricetin-3-O-galactoside predominated in cranberry fruit samples; in the anthocyanin group, the predominant compounds were cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, peonidin-3-O-galactoside, and peonidin-3-O-arabinoside, and in the group of triterpene compounds, ursolic acid was predominant. The highest total amounts of flavonols and anthocyanins were found in the samples collected in Čepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve (2079.44 ± 102.99 μg/g and 6993.79 ± 350.22 μg/g, respectively). Cluster analysis of the chemical composition of small cranberry fruit samples revealed trends in the accumulation of bioactive compounds in cranberry fruit. Cranberry fruit samples collected in central Lithuania had higher levels of triterpene compounds. Statistical correlation analysis showed the strongest correlation between the quantitative composition of cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside and peonidin-3-O-arabinoside and the reducing capacity of the ethanolic extracts of the cranberry fruit samples assessed in vitro by the FRAP assay (r = 0.882, p < 0.01 and r = 0.805, p < 0.01, respectively). Summarizing the results, the geographical factor affects the variation of the quantitative composition of biologically active compounds in cranberry fruit samples.
Phlorotannin Alleviates Liver Injury by Regulating Redox Balance, Apoptosis, and Ferroptosis of Broilers under Heat Stress
Authors: Zhao Zhong-Xiang , Yuan Yue-Ming , Zhao Zhi-Hui , Yao Qing-Hua , Ye Xue-Qing , Wang Yao-Yao , Liu Hui-Mei , Jha Rajesh , Balasubramanian Balamuralikrishnan , Liu Wen-Chao
Published: August 2024

Heat stress (HS) poses a great challenge to the poultry industry by inducing oxidative damage to the liver, endangering the health and production of broilers. As an important type of seaweed polyphenols, phlorotannin has been shown to have antioxidant properties. The present study evaluated the protective effects of dietary phlorotannin on HS-induced liver injury in broilers based on oxidative damage parameters. A total of 108 twenty-one days old male Arbor Acres plus (AA+) broilers were randomly divided into three groups: TN group (thermoneutral, 24 ± 1 °C, fed with basal diet), HS group (HS, 33 ± 1 °C for 8 h/day, fed with basal diet), and HS + phlorotannin group (HS + 600 mg/kg phlorotannin). Each group has six replicate cages with six birds per cage. The feeding experiment lasted 21 days. At the termination of the feeding experiment (42 days old), samples were collected for analysis of morphological and biochemical features. The results showed that HS decreased the liver index, serum albumin (ALB) content, hepatic antioxidant enzymes activities of catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.05), while increasing the hepatic histopathology score, apoptosis rate, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05) in 42-day-old broilers. Compared with the HS group, dietary phlorotannin improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (GST and GSH-Px) but decreased the histopathology score and apoptosis rate in the liver (p < 0.05). Moreover, HS down-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of CAT1, NQO1, HO-1, and SLC7A11 (p < 0.05), while up-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of Keap1, MafG, IκBα, NF-κB P65, IFN-γ, TFR1, ACSL4, Bax, and Caspase-9 (p < 0.05). Compared with HS group, dietary phlorotannin up-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of Nrf2, CAT1, MafF, GSTT1, NQO1, HO-1, GCLC, GPX1, TNF-α, Fpn1, and SLC7A11 (p < 0.05), while down-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of IκBα, Bax, Caspase-9, and TFR1 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 600 mg/kg phlorotannin could alleviate HS-induced liver injury via regulating oxidative status, apoptosis, and ferroptosis in broilers; these roles of phlorotannin might be associated with the regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
The Influence of Rock Thermal Stress on the Morphology and Expansion Pattern of the Plastic Zone in the Surrounding Rock of a Deep-Buried Tunnel under High Geothermal Temperature Conditions
Authors: Yin Yucong , Jiang Haibo , Zhang Jun , Lu Gongda , Li Qinglin
Published: August 2024

The extent of the plastic zone is critical in determining the stability and extent of damage to the surrounding rock in tunnels, crucial for designing support structures and thermal insulation layers. This study focuses on understanding how rock thermal stress affects the expansion of the plastic zone in deep-buried tunnels subjected to high geothermal temperatures, based on the derivation of the boundary line formula of the plastic zone in a high geothermal tunnel, and combined with the test results of the hydraulic fracturing method in a high geothermal tunnel of the Bulunkou Hydropower Station in Xinjiang. The findings indicate that thermal stress in the rock mass slows the growth of the plastic zone but significantly increases its extent. However, the influence of thermal stress on the shape and size of the plastic zone is less significant compared to the lateral pressure coefficient. In conditions of high geothermal temperature and geostress, rock mass thermal stress induces substantial changes in the morphology and extent of the plastic zone, which cannot be overlooked and can lead to significant errors if not properly considered. The theoretical formulas derived from engineering analysis, along with observed patterns of plastic zone expansion, demonstrate practical applicability.
Predicting Student Dropout Rates Using Supervised Machine Learning: Insights from the 2022 National Education Accessibility Survey in Somaliland
Authors: Hassan Mukhtar Abdi , Muse Abdisalam Hassan , Nadarajah Saralees
Published: August 2024

High student dropout rates are a critical issue in Somaliland, significantly impeding educational progress and socioeconomic development. This study leveraged data from the 2022 National Education Accessibility Survey (NEAS) to predict student dropout rates using supervised machine learning techniques. Various algorithms, including logistic regression (LR), probit regression (PR), naïve Bayes (NB), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and K-nearest neighbors (KNN), were employed to analyze the survey data. The analysis revealed school dropout rate of 12.67%. Key predictors of dropout included student’s grade, age, school type, household income, and type of housing. Logistic regression and probit regression models highlighted age and student’s grade as critical predictors, while naïve Bayes and random forest models underscored the significance of household income and housing type. Among the models, random forest demonstrated the highest accuracy at 95.00%, indicating its effectiveness in predicting dropout rates. The findings from this study provide valuable insights for educational policymakers and stakeholders in Somaliland. By identifying and understanding the key factors influencing dropout rates, targeted interventions can be designed to enhance student retention and improve educational outcomes. The dominant role of demographic and educational factors, particularly age and student’s grade, underscores the necessity for focused strategies to reduce dropout rates and promote inclusive education in Somaliland.
Experimental Forced Convection Study Using a Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Porous Structure with a Nanofluid: Comparison with Numerical Modeling
Authors: Saghir Mohamad Ziad , Kilic Gulenay Alevay
Published: August 2024

Triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs) show potential as porous materials in different engineering applications. Amongst them, heat sink is the subject of this paper. The advantage of such a structure is the ability to design it based on the intended applications. In the present paper, an attempt is made to experiment with a better understanding of the performance of TPMSs in heat sink applications. The experiment was conducted for different flow rates, and two heat sink materials, aluminum and silver, were used. In addition, two fluids were used experimentally: The first was water, and the second was a mixture of water containing 0.6% aluminum nanoparticles and identified as a nanofluid. The applied heat flux was maintained constant at 30,800 W/m2. The results reveal experimentally and confirm numerically that the TPMS structure secures a uniform heat extraction in the system. The development of the boundary layer in the porous structure is reduced due to the current structure design. A higher Nusselt number is obtained when the nanofluid is used as the circulating fluid. The performance evaluation criteria in the presence of the nanofluid exceed 100.
Artificial Punishment Signals for Guiding the Decision-Making Process of an Autonomous System
Authors: Cabrera-Paniagua Daniel , Rubilar-Torrealba Rolando , Castro Nelson , Taverner Joaquín
Published: August 2024

Somatic markers have been evidenced as determinant factors in human behavior. In particular, the concepts of somatic reward and punishment have been related to the decision-making process; both reward and somatic punishment represent bodily states with positive or negative sensations, respectively. In this research work, we have designed a mechanism to generate artificial somatic punishments in an autonomous system. An autonomous system is understood as a system capable of performing autonomous behavior and decision making. We incorporated this mechanism within a decision model oriented to support decision making on stock markets. Our model focuses on using artificial somatic punishments as a tool to guide the decisions of an autonomous system. To validate our proposal, we defined an experimental scenario using official data from Standard & Poor’s 500 and the Dow Jones index, in which we evaluated the decisions made by the autonomous system based on artificial somatic punishments in a general investment process using 10,000 independent iterations. In the investment process, the autonomous system applied an active investment strategy combined with an artificial somatic index. The results show that this autonomous system presented a higher level of investment decision effectiveness, understood as the achievement of greater wealth over time, as measured by profitability, utility, and Sharpe Ratio indicators, relative to an industry benchmark.
Evaluation of Thorax Diameter Changes through Trunk Morphology and Different Running Intensities
Authors: Garrido-López Gonzalo , Rueda Javier , Navarro Enrique , San Juan Alejandro F. , Bastir Markus
Published: August 2024

During breathing, the human thorax is expanded or contracted during inspiration and expiration. The morphology of the thorax seems to be determinant for endurance efforts. This study aims to analyse the variation of the thorax cross-sections during running exercises at different intensities and the influence of thorax morphology. Twenty-two athletes were captured using a motion capture system (13 reflective markers) while they performed an incremental running test. Three captures of each subject were performed at different intensities (45%, 70%, and 85% of HRR (heart rate reserve)) and three morphology groups were made by splitting their thoracic index. The results showed a significant increase in the anteroposterior and mediolateral cross-sections when the intensity of the exercise is also increased. No differences were found in the cross-sections due to the morphology of the thorax. However, subjects with a deeper thorax showed a different behaviour as they increased their anteroposterior cross-section during higher intensities, while flatter thorax subjects did not perform in the same way. This could be explained as compensation for the morphological disadvantage that a deeper ribcage shape suffers when developing endurance efforts. More investigations regarding thorax kinematics are needed for a better understanding of breathing disorders and physical activities.
Influence of Curing Time on the Mechanical Behavior of Cold Recycled Bituminous Mix in Flexible Pavement Base Layer
Authors: Coelho Lisley Madeira , Kox Rafael Pereira , Guimarães Antônio Carlos Rodrigues , Travincas Rafael , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: August 2024

This study examined the mechanical behavior characteristics of cold recycled emulsified asphalt bases with RAP 76% and emulsified asphalt 3%, in different cure time, i.e., 0, 7, 14 and 28 days and evaluated in terms of the resilient modulus (RM) and permanent deformation (PD) based on repeated load triaxial tests. The results demonstrated that in the first 7 days, the RM increased by 80% compared to the freshly compacted material and after this period, the subsequent increases were not as significant, ranging, from 10.9% to 19.4%, that shows that initical cure time significantly influences the RM behavior of the mixtures. However, the mixtures showed considerable permanent deformations, even after 28 days of curing. This indicates that the use of asphalt emulsion, with prolonged curing, improves the mechanical properties of the mixture but does not entirely resolve the issue of permanent deformation in cold reclaimed asphalt mixture (CRAM). The plastic deformation behavior observed in the triaxial tests must be taken into account when designing pavements containing RAP and asphalt emulsion.
Comparison between Blockchain P2P Energy Trading and Conventional Incentive Mechanisms for Distributed Energy Resources—A Rural Microgrid Use Case Study
Authors: Aoun Alain , Adda Mehdi , Ilinca Adrian , Ghandour Mazen , Ibrahim Hussein
Published: August 2024

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) energy trading is a new financial mechanism that can be adopted to incentivize the development of distributed energy resources (DERs), by promoting the selling of excess energy to other peers on the network at a negotiated rate. Current incentive programs, such as net metering (NEM) and Feed-in-Tariff (FiT), operate according to a centralized policy framework, where energy is only traded with the utility, the state-owned grid authority, the service provider, or the power generation/distribution company, who also have the upper hand in deciding on the rates for buying the excess energy. This study presents a comparative analysis of three energy trading mechanisms, P2P energy trading, NEM, and FiT, within a rural microgrid consisting of two prosumers and four consumers. The microgrid serves as a practical testbed for evaluating the economic impacts of these mechanisms, through simulations considering various factors such as energy demand, production variability, and energy rates, and using key metrics such as economic savings, annual energy bill, and wasted excess energy. Results indicate that while net metering and FiT offer stable financial returns for prosumers, P2P trading demonstrates superior flexibility and potentially higher economic benefits for both prosumers and consumers by aligning energy trading with real-time market conditions. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to optimize rural energy systems through innovative trading mechanisms.
Analysis of the Forces and Moments in Canine Bodily Movement with Different Clear Aligners’ Extraction Space Designs
Authors: Choi Youn-Kyung , Kim Sung-Hun , Park Hae Ryoun , Kim Seong-Sik , Kim Yong-Il
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to optimize space closure efficiency by comparing the forces and moments exerted by different designs of clear aligners (CAs) during the movement of maxillary canines into the premolar extraction space. The forces and moments were measured using a multi-axis force/moment transducer on the maxillary right canine. The CAs were fabricated from thermoformed polyethylene terephthalate glycol. The following four edentulous space designs were tested: the edentulous space was left intact (Group 1); the edentulous space was replaced with a premolar pontic (Group 2); the edentulous space was replaced with a half-sized premolar pontic (Group 3); and the edentulous space was replaced with a rectangular column beam (Group 4). The maxillary right canine was moved 0.25 mm distally. All groups experienced buccodistal and intrusive forces; compared with the other groups, Group 1 showed significantly greater intrusive and smaller distal forces, and Group 4 showed significantly greater distal forces. All groups experienced distal tilting, lingual inclination, and mesial rotational moments. These findings suggest that modifying the thickness and extent of the adjacent teeth in the edentulous area of the CA can improve local stiffness, thereby reducing the tipping of the teeth into the edentulous space. This study emphasizes the importance of the CA design in controlling forces and moments for effective orthodontic treatment.