bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Path Planning for Mobile Robots by Integrating Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm and Dynamic Window Approach
Authors: Hou Junting , Jiang Wensong , Luo Zai , Yang Li , Hu Xiaofeng , Guo Bin
Published: January 2024

To overcome the limitations of the sparrow search algorithm and the challenges of dynamic obstacle avoidance in mobile robots, an integrated method combining the enhanced sparrow search algorithm with the dynamic window approach is introduced. First, logistic–tent chaotic mapping is utilized for the initialization of the sparrow population, thereby achieving a uniform distribution of the sparrow population and simultaneously enhancing the exploratory capability of the algorithm. The implementation of the elite reverse learning strategy aims to diversify the sparrow population, thus improving the quality of initial solutions and the algorithm’s search accuracy. Additionally, the position update dynamic self-adaptive adjustment strategy is adopted to enhance the optimization capability of the algorithm by refining the position update formulas for both producers and scroungers. By combining the Lévy flight strategy and the optimal position perturbation strategy, the algorithm’s efficacy in escaping local optima can be improved. Second, an adaptive velocity adjustment strategy is presented for the dynamic window approach and optimized for its evaluation function to enhance the safety of the path. Third, the enhanced sparrow search algorithm is integrated with the dynamic window approach to tackle the problems of the non-smooth global path and inadequate dynamic obstacle avoidance capability. Both simulation and experimental results show the superiority of the enhanced sparrow search algorithm in comparison to other algorithms in terms of the path length, total rotation angle, and algorithm execution time. Notably, in comparison to the basic sparrow search algorithm, there is a decrease in average path lengths by 15.31% and 11.92% in the improved sparrow search algorithm. The integrated algorithm not only crafts local paths rooted in global paths but also adeptly facilitates real-time dynamic obstacle evasion, ensuring the robot’s safe arrival at its destination.
Research on Aerodynamic Test Validation and the Vector Force Control Method for an E-STOL Fan Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Du Siliang , Zha Yi , Zhao Qijun
Published: January 2024

The concept of the Fan Wing, a novel aircraft vector-force-integrated device that combines a power unit with a fixed wing to generate distributed lift and thrust by creating a low-pressure vortex on the wing’s surface, was studied. To investigate the unique propulsion mechanism of the Fan Wing, a Fan Wing test platform was developed, and experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel. At the same time, numerical simulations were established. In order to further improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the Fan Wing and decouple the control of lift and thrust, an improved scheme for the leading-edge structure of the Fan Wing was proposed, and a numerical analysis was conducted. A Fan Wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was designed and manufactured using the Fan Wing as the source of lift and thrust for the aircraft, and flight verification was conducted. The wind tunnel tests have proven that the main factors influencing the lift and thrust of the Fan Wing are rotation speed of cross flow fan, angle of attack, and incoming flow. The numerical analysis results of slotting on the leading edge show that the lift and thrust of the Fan Wing can be improved, but also the strength and position of the low-pressure vortices can be controlled. The results of flight tests show that the distributed lift and thrust of the Fan Wing can be directly applied to aircraft without the need for additional propulsion devices. In summary, the aerodynamic characteristics of the Fan Wing can be applied to electric short takeoff and landing (E-STOL) scenarios in urban air traffic.
A Neural Network-Based Flame Structure Feature Extraction Method for the Lean Blowout Recognition
Authors: Yan Puti , Cao Zhen , Peng Jiangbo , Yang Chaobo , Yu Xin , Qiu Penghua , Zhang Shanchun , Han Minghong , Liu Wenbei , Jiang Zuo
Published: January 2024

A flame’s structural feature is a crucial parameter required to comprehensively understand the interaction between turbulence and flames. The generation and evolution processes of the structure feature have rarely been investigated in lean blowout (LBO) flame instability states. Hence, to understand the precursor features of the LBO flame, this work employed high-speed OH-PLIF measurements to acquire time-series LBO flame images and developed a novel feature extraction method based on a deep neural network to quantify the LBO features in real time. Meanwhile, we proposed a deep neural network segmentation method based on a tri-map called the Fire-MatteFormer, and conducted a statistical analysis on flame surface features, primarily holes. The statistical analysis results determined the relationship between the life cycle of holes (from generation to disappearance) and their area, perimeter, and total number. The trained Fire-MatteFormer model was found to represent a viable method for determining flame features in the detection of incipient LBO instability conditions. Overall, the model shows significant promise in ascertaining local flame structure features.
Effect of Simulated Grazing on Morphological Plasticity and Resource Allocation of Aeluropus lagopoides
Authors: Dar Basharat A. , Assaeed Abdulaziz M. , Al-Rowaily Saud L. , Al-Doss Abdullah A. , Habib Muhammad M. , Malik Jahangir A. , Abd-ElGawad Ahmed M.
Published: January 2024

Aeluropus lagopoides, a dominant palatable species in various sabkha and coastal regions of Saudi Arabia, can withstand harsh saline environments through phenotypic plasticity. When subjected to grazing, how A. lagopoides adapt phenotypically is currently unknown. There is a breakage in the chain of study on the spatial and temporal expansion strategy of A. lagopoides plants when subjected to different grazing stresses in different saline soil habitats. A grazing experiment was conducted to investigate the phenotypic plasticity and resource allocation pattern response of A. lagopoides in different saline soils. Individual A. lagopoides rhizomes from five saline regions were grown and exposed to varied grazing treatments in the form of clipping, viz; light, moderate, and heavy grazing, as compared to a grazing exclusion control. Our results showed that heavy grazing/clipping significantly decreased the shoot system and above-ground biomass in high-saline region plants in the early season. Plant length, root length, root and shoot biomass, the number of stolons, average stolon length, leaf area, and SLA of A. lagopiodes responded significantly to grazing intensities. A. lagopoides from the Qareenah, Qaseem, and Jizan regions were more tolerant to light grazing than A. lagopoides from the Salwa and Jouf regions. Light grazing showed significantly good re-growth, especially during the late season. Light grazing decreased the synthesis of chlorophyll content. Also, A. lagopiodes reduced the risk caused by reactive oxygen species via the increased accumulation of proline content. Overall, plants adapted to different morphological and physiological strategies to tolerate different levels of grazing intensities by adapting their morphological attributes. Though heavy grazing damages the plant, light and moderate grazing can be allowed to maintain the productivity and economic benefits of sabka habitats where soil conditions are moderately saline.
CircERCC6 Positively Regulates the Induced Activation of SHF Stem Cells in Cashmere Goats via the miR-412-3p/BNC2 Axis in an m6A-Dependent Manner
Authors: Zhang Qi , Fan Yixing , Bai Man , Zhu Yubo , Wang Zeying , Shen Jincheng , Xu Ruqing , Zheng Wenxin , Bai Wenlin
Published: January 2024

The cashmere, a kind of nature protein fiber, is one of the main use of cashmere goats. The induced activation of secondary hair follicle (SHF) stem cells by the dermal papilla cell-derived signals is a key biological process for the morphogenesis and growth of cashmere fiber in cashmere goats. Previously, the circRNA-ERCC6 (circERCC6) was identified from cashmere goat SHFs; however, its biological significance is unclear in the SHF physiology process of cashmere goats. In this study, we found that circERCC6 exhibited significantly higher expression at anagen SHF bulge compared with the counterpart of telogen and harbored three m6A modified sites (named m6A-685, m6A-862, and m6A-995) through methylation immunoprecipitation using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Me-RIP-qPCR) technique. The knockdown experiments of circERCC6 in SHF stem cells showed that circERCC6 positively regulates the induced activation of SHF stem cells in cashmere goats. Through a dual-luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that m6A-modified circERCC6 (m6A-circERCC6) sponged miR-412-3p to upregulate the expression of BNC2 mRNA in SHFstem cells. Through m6A-deficient mutant assay in circERCC6 knockdown SHF stem cells, we further showed that m6A modification within circERCC6 is required to mediate the miR-412-3p/BNC2 axis to finally promote the proper induced activation of SHF stem cells in cashmere goats.
Effect of Substituting Soybean Meal in Oreochromis niloticus Diets with Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) Seed Cake on Water Quality, Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Carcass Composition
Authors: Mounes Hossam A. M. , Abd-El Azeem Zeinab M. A. , Abd El-Bary Dena. A. , Al-Sagheer Adham A. , Abd-Elhakim Yasmina M. , Hassan Bayan A. , Sadek Sherif S. , Ahmed Kareem. M.
Published: January 2024

A 10-week feeding experiment was performed to determine the impacts of partial substitution of soybean meal (SB) with pumpkin seed cake (PSC) in Oreochromis niloticus diets on water quality, growth rate, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and carcass composition. One hundred and fifty tilapia fish (average weight, 11.93 ± 0.17 g) were randomly allocated to five diets. The first diet (the basal diet) contained 420 g of SB per kg of feed. The remaining four diets, namely, D1, D2, D3, and D4, had SB partially replaced by PSC at 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, respectively. The results revealed that D4 and D1 significantly improved dissolved oxygen levels, while water temperature, pH, total ammonia, and nitrate levels were not significantly affected. Replacing SB with PSC significantly improved specific growth performance indicators and feed conversion compared to the control, with the D4 group showing the best values. Increasing PSC levels decreased serum glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. In contrast, the D4 group had higher globulin, albumin, total protein, and lysozyme serum levels. Moreover, fish-fed PSC had significantly increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities and significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels. Increasing PSC substitution levels in fish diets increased the ash and crude lipid contents in the bodies of the fish, while crude protein and moisture decreased. In conclusion, replacing SB with PSC in fish diets significantly enhances growth performance, feed conversion, and fish health. Moreover, the findings suggest that PSC can be a promising alternative protein source for sustainable aquaculture practices.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Differentially Expressed Circular RNAs Associated with Fecundity in the Sheep Hypothalamus with Different FecB Genotypes
Authors: He Yu , Chen Si , Guo Xiaofei , He Xiaoyun , Di Ran , Zhang Xiaosheng , Zhang Jinlong , Wang Xiangyu , Chu Mingxing
Published: January 2024

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a specific type of noncoding RNA, and some have defined roles in cellular and biological processes. However, little is known about the role of circRNAs in follicular development in sheep with FecB (fecundity Booroola) mutations. Here, the expression profiles of circRNAs were investigated using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in the follicular phase (F) and the luteal phase (L) of FecB mutant homozygous (BB) and wild-type (WW) Small Tail Han sheep. A total of 38,979 circRNAs were identified, and 314, 343, 336, and 296 of them were differentially expressed (DE) between BB_F and BB_L, WW_F and WW_L, BB_F and WW_F, and BB_L and WW_L, respectively. The length, type, and chromosome distribution of the circRNAs and the expression characteristic between the circRNAs and their host genes in the sheep hypothalamus were ascertained. Enrichment analysis showed that the host genes of DE circRNAs in the follicular and luteal phases were annotated to MAPK, gap junctions, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, oocyte meiosis, and other hormone-related signaling pathways, and the different FecB genotypes were annotated to the gap junctions, circadian entrainment, MAPK, and other hormone-related signaling pathways. The competing endogenous RNA network prediction revealed that the 129 target miRNAs might be bound to 336 DE circRNAs. oar_circ_0000523 and oar_circ_0028984, which were specifically expressed during the follicular phase in the BB genotype sheep, probably acted as miRNA sponges involved in the regulation of LH synthesis and secretion. This study reveals the expression profiles and characterization of circRNAs at two phases of follicular development considering different FecB genotypes, thereby providing an improved understanding of the roles of circRNAs in the sheep hypothalamus and their involvement in follicular development and ovulation.
Effects of Dietary Lycopene on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Meat Quality, Intestine Histomorphology, and Cecal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Wu Hongzhi , Wang Sibo , Xie Jiajun , Ji Fengjie , Peng Weiqi , Qian Jinyu , Shen Qian , Hou Guanyu
Published: January 2024

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary lycopene on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, intestine histomorphology, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens. We randomly divided five hundred and seventy-six one-day-old male broilers into four groups each with six replicates and 24 chickens in each replicate. The control group (CG) was fed the basal diet, and the other groups were given powder lycopene of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg lycopene (LP10, LP20, and LP30, respectively). Compared with the control group, (1) the dietary lycopene increased (p = 0.001) the average daily gain and decreased (p = 0.033) the feed conversion ratio in the experimental groups; (2) the glutathione peroxidase enzyme contents in LP20 were higher (p =< 0.001) in myocardium; (3) the crude protein contents were higher (p = 0.007) in the group treated with 30 mg/kg dietary lycopene; (4) the jejunum villous height was higher (p = 0.040) in LP20; (5) the Unclassified-f-Ruminococcaceae relative abundance was significantly higher (p = 0.043) in LP20. In this study, adding 20 mg/kg dietary lycopene to the broiler chickens’ diets improved the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, intestine histomorphology, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens.
Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes Strains Isolated in Palermo (Sicily and Italy) during the Years 2018–2020 from Severe Cases of Listeriosis
Authors: Tricoli Maria Rita , Massaro Chiara , Arrigo Ignazio , Diquattro Orazia , Di Bernardo Francesca , Galia Elena , Palermo Mario , Fasciana Teresa , Giammanco Anna
Published: January 2024

Listeria monocytogenes (LM), the etiological agent of listeriosis, can cause foodborne zoonosis. In this study, we characterized 23 strains that caused human severe listeriosis in Palermo (Sicily, Italy) during the period of 2018–2020. In addition, we assessed the phenotypic susceptibility of clinical isolates to antibiotics in accordance with EUCAST guidelines. The serogroup was determined through the use of PCR, while MLST and MVLST were identified through the sequencing of housekeeping genes. Finally, susceptibility to antibiotics was assessed by means of the Phoenix automatic system. Patients hospitalized with listeriosis were predominantly males (56% vs. 44% of females). The cases not associated with pregnancy included patients >65 years of age (60%), two of whom were affected by cancer, while cases associated with pregnancy included two pregnant women and three preterm infants. The data collected showed that the main pathologies shown by patients were meningitis (60.9%) and bacteremia (39.1%). The LM strains were isolated from the blood (52%), cerebrospinal fluid (26%), cerebrospinal fluid + blood (13%), blood + a nasal swab (4%), and ascitic fluid (4%). The predominant serogroup was IVb (96%), whereas only one strain belonged to serogroup IIa (4%). Among the strains with serotypes 4b, 4d, and 4e, ST2/VT21 (92%) and ST6/VT19 (4%) were determined, while only isolates with serotypes 1/2a and3a show ST155/VT45 (CC155). This study reveals the widespread circulation of a clinical strain (ST2/VT21) associated with suspected food contamination, demonstrating the importance of carrying out molecular epidemiological surveillance. Our clinical isolates were susceptible to the beta-lactams assayed, in agreement with the literature data.
Formulating a Community-Centric Indicator Framework to Quantify One Health Drivers of Antibiotic Resistance: A Preliminary Step towards Fostering ‘Antibiotic-Smart Communities’
Authors: Mathew Philip , Chandy Sujith J. , Sivaraman Satya , Ranjalkar Jaya , Ali Hyfa Mohammed , Thomas Shruthi Anna
Published: January 2024

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is increasing the mortality and morbidity associated with infectious diseases, besides increasing the cost of healthcare, saturating health system capacity, and adversely affecting food security. Framing an appropriate narrative and engaging local communities through the ‘One Health’ approach is essential to complement top-down measures. However, the absence of objective criteria to measure the performance of ABR interventions in community settings makes it difficult to mobilize interest and investment for such interventions. An exercise was therefore carried out to develop an indicator framework for this purpose. A comprehensive list of indicators was developed from experiences gathered through community engagement work in a local panchayat (small administrative area) in Kerala, India and a consultative process with health, veterinary, environment, and development experts. A prioritization exercise was carried out by global experts on ABR, looking at appropriateness, feasibility, and validity. A 15-point indicator framework was designed based on the prioritization process. The final set of indicators covers human health, animal health, environment management, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) domains. The indicator framework was piloted in the panchayat (located in Kerala), which attained a score of 34 (maximum 45). The score increased when interventions were implemented to mitigate the ABR drives, indicating that the framework is sensitive to change. The indicator framework was tested in four sites from three other Indian states with different socioeconomic and health profiles, yielding different scores. Those collecting the field data were able to use the framework with minimal training. It is hoped that, this indicator framework can help policymakers broadly understand the factors contributing to ABR and measure the performance of interventions they choose to implement in the community as part of National Action Plan on AMR.
Olive Leaf Extracts from Three Italian Olive Cultivars Exposed to Drought Stress Differentially Protect Cells against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Cerri Luca , Parri Sara , Dias Maria Celeste , Fabiano Angela , Romi Marco , Cai Giampiero , Cantini Claudio , Zambito Ylenia
Published: January 2024

Olive leaves are an abundant by-product of olive oil production. Olive leaf extracts (OLEs) are rich in polyphenols, which can be used for health benefits. As polyphenols are the main antioxidant molecules in plants, plants typically increase their polyphenol content when exposed to drought stress. However, the phenolic profile of OLEs can vary in relation to the origin and variety of the plant material. In this work, olive leaf extracts from three different Italian olive cultivars (Giarraffa, Leccino, and Maurino) both exposed and not exposed to drought stress were studied in terms of antioxidant properties and profile, intestinal permeation, and protection against oxidative stress of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), since HUVECs are considered a model to study a wide range of diseases. OLEs from stressed Maurino and Giarraffa plants showed the highest increase in antioxidant capacity compared to controls. The phenolic profile of Maurino’ was mainly increased by water deficit, with a large increase in the compounds oleuropein and luteolin-7-O-rutinoside. All tested extracts exposed to a water deficit protected HUVECs against oxidative stress by reducing ROS production, and this effect was more pronounced in OLEs from Giarraffa and Maurino exposed to drought stress compared to all other extracts. Finally, OLE from the stressed Giarraffa group showed a higher apparent permeability of antioxidant molecules than that of Maurino.
Free Radical Inhibition Using a Water-Soluble Curcumin Complex, NDS27: Mechanism Study Using EPR, Chemiluminescence, and Docking
Authors: Mouithys-Mickalad Ange , Etsè Koffi Senam , Franck Thierry , Ceusters Justine , Niesten Ariane , Graide Hélène , Deby-Dupont Ginette , Sandersen Charlotte , Serteyn Didier
Published: January 2024

There is a growing interest in the use of natural compounds to tackle inflammatory diseases and cancers. However, most of them face the bioavailability and solubility challenges to reaching cellular compartments and exert their potential biological effects. Polyphenols belong to that class of molecules, and numerous efforts have been made to improve and overcome these problems. Curcumin is widely studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its use as an anticancer agent. However, its poor solubility and bioavailability are often a source of concern with disappointing or unexpected results in cellular models or in vivo, which limits the clinical use of curcumin as such. Beside nanoparticles and liposomes, cyclodextrins are one of the best candidates to improve the solubility of these molecules. We have used lysine and cyclodextrin to form a water-soluble curcumin complex, named NDS27, in which potential anti-inflammatory effects were demonstrated in cellular and in vivo models. Herein, we investigated for the first time its direct free radicals scavenging activity on DPPH/ABTS assays as well as on hydroxyl, superoxide anion, and peroxyl radical species. The ability of NDS27 to quench singlet oxygen, produced by rose bengal photosensitization, was studied, as was the inhibiting effect on the enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of the co-substrate, luminol analog (L012), using horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) system. Finally, docking was performed to study the behavior of NDS27 in the active site of the peroxidase enzyme.
Effect of Ball Inclusion in Drop Vertical Jump Test on Performance and Movement Variability in Basketball Players
Authors: González-Millán Sara , Caparrós Toni , Toro-Román Víctor , Illera-Domínguez Víctor , Albesa-Albiol Lluís , Moras Gerard , Pérez-Chirinos Buxadé Carla , Fernández-Valdés Bruno
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to assess and compare performance and movement variability (MV) in both bilateral and unilateral vertical drop jumps (DVJs) under conditions involving the incorporation or exclusion of ball catching. Twelve amateur basketball players were recruited for participation in the study (seven females and five males). Participants performed three jumps in each of the six conditions analyzed in randomized order: bilateral DVJ without (BNB) and with ball (BB); unilateral DVJ right leg without (RNB) and with ball (RB); and unilateral DVJ left leg without (LNB) and with ball (LB). MV and DVJ performance parameters were analyzed with an accelerometer and a force platform. MV was quantified using the sample entropy (sample entropy; SampEn) derived from the acceleration of the lower back. Differences between the different DVJ conditions were determined with the Wilcoxon test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The comparisons were also assessed via standardized mean differences (Cohen’s d). No significant differences were observed in jump height, contact time and reactive strength index between conditions. However, the RB condition reported higher MV compared to RNB (effect size = 0.79; p = 0.016). Similarly, LNB showed greater MV compared to RNB (effect size = −0.62; p = 0.042). The inclusion of the ball in the DVJ increased the MV in the bilateral condition and in the right leg, but not in the unilateral condition with the left leg. The asymmetry between legs (right vs. left) in MV values in NOBALL conditions was higher (≈15%) compared to the BALL condition (≈5%).
Redesign of Leg Assembly and Implementation of Reinforcement Learning for a Multi-Purpose Rehabilitation Robotic Device (RoboREHAB)
Authors: Anthony Jacob , Goh Chung-Hyun , Yazdanshenas Alireza , Wang Yong Tai
Published: January 2024

Patients who are suffering from neuromuscular disorders or injuries that impair motor control need to undergo rehabilitation to regain mobility. Gait training is commonly prescribed to patients to regain muscle memory. Automated-walking training devices were created to aid this process; while these devices establish accurate ankle-path trajectories, the knee and hip movements are inaccurate. In this work, a redesign of the leg assembly in a multi-purpose rehabilitation robotic device (RoboREHAB) was explored to improve hip- and knee-movement accuracy by adding an extra link and rollers to the assembly. Motion analysis was employed to test feasibility, reinforcement learning was utilized to train the new leg assembly to walk, and the joint motions achieved with the redesign were compared to those achieved by motion-capture (mocap) data. As a key result, the motion analysis showed an improvement in the knee- and hip-path trajectories due to the added roller/joint segment. The redesigned leg assembly, under the reinforcement-learning policy, showed a 5% deviation from the motion-capture joint trajectories with a maximum deviation of 51.177 mm but maintained a similar profile to the mocap trajectory data. This is an improvement over the original two-segment design, which achieved a maximum deviation of 72.084 mm. These results in the knee- and hip-joint movements more closely reflect the mocap and motion-analysis results, validating the redesign and opening it up to further experimentation and technical improvement.
Addressing Ergonomic Challenges in Agriculture through AI-Enabled Posture Classification
Authors: Kapse Siddhant , Wu Ruoxuan , Thamsuwan Ornwipa
Published: January 2024

In this study, we explored the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for posture detection in the context of ergonomics in the agricultural field. Leveraging computer vision and machine learning, we aim to overcome limitations in accuracy, robustness, and real-time application found in traditional approaches such as observation and direct measurement. We first collected field videos to capture real-world scenarios of workers in an outdoor plant nursery. Next, we labeled workers’ trunk postures into three distinct categories: neutral, slight forward bending and full forward bending. Then, through CNNs, transfer learning, and MoveNet, we investigated the effectiveness of different approaches in accurately classifying trunk postures. Specifically, MoveNet was utilized to extract key anatomical features, which were then fed into various classification algorithms including DT, SVM, RF and ANN. The best performance was obtained using MoveNet together with ANN (accuracy = 87.80%, precision = 87.46%, recall = 87.52%, and F1-score = 87.41%). The findings of this research contributed to the integration of computer vision techniques with ergonomic assessments especially in the outdoor field settings. The results highlighted the potential of correct posture classification systems to enhance health and safety prevention practices in the agricultural industry.
Short Text Event Coreference Resolution Based on Context Prediction
Authors: Yong Xinyou , Zeng Chongqing , Dai Lican , Liu Wanli , Cai Shimin
Published: January 2024

Event coreference resolution is the task of clustering event mentions that refer to the same entity or situation in text and performing operations like linking, information completion, and validation. Existing methods model this task as a text similarity problem, focusing solely on semantic information, neglecting key features like event trigger words and subject. In this paper, we introduce the event coreference resolution based on context prediction (ECR-CP) as an alternative to traditional methods. ECR-CP treats the task as sentence-level relationship prediction, examining if two event descriptions can create a continuous sentence-level connection to identify coreference. We enhance ECR-CP with a fusion coding model (ECR-CP+) to incorporate event-specific structure and semantics. The model identifies key text information such as trigger words, argument roles, event types, and tenses via an event extraction module, integrating them into the encoding process as auxiliary features. Extensive experiments on the benchmark CCKS 2021 dataset demonstrate that ECR-CP and ECR-CP+ outperform existing methods in terms of precision, recall, and F1 Score, indicating their superior performance.
New Horizons in Web Search, Web Data Mining, and Web-Based Applications
Authors: Zhang Jing , Qiang Jipeng , Zhou Cangqi
Published: January 2024

In today’s era of rapid digitization and information technology advancement, web search and web data mining stand at the core of the technological progress of numerous web-based applications [...]
A Hybrid Traffic Sensor Deployment Model with Communication Consideration for Highways
Authors: Tong Xing , Li Ming , Cui Zhichao
Published: January 2024

This paper mainly studies the deployment of hybrid sensors on highways. By constructing the deployment location constraint model, the overall accuracy of sensor deployment can be maximized. In addition, in order to meet the needs of intelligent transportation, the consideration of traffic data communication is added to the work. The highway under study is first divided into several units, and the combination type of sensors is used to represent the possible layout of two adjacent sensors. Then, a 0–1 optimization model reflecting the interaction between the sensor position and the server position is established. Then, a two-step search algorithm is proposed to find the optimal solution of the model and determine the deployment scheme with maximum accuracy. Finally, an example is given to verify the method. The results show that there are significant differences between uniform unit-deployment schemes and non-uniform unit-deployment schemes. Through the sensitivity analysis of each factor, the influence of budget and communication radius on the deployment plan is proven. In addition, the ramp length can also have a negative impact on the target value.
Developmental Toxicity of C10 Massoia Lactone, the Main Constituent of Cryptocarya massoia, on Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos
Authors: Lee Yubin , Kim Chaeeun , Kim Tae-Oh , Lee Sung-Eun
Published: January 2024

C10 massoia lactone (C10) is the main component of massoia essential oil derived from Cryptocarya massoia plant bark, which is used as natural flavoring agent of “generally recognized as safe” status. In this study, the developmental toxicity of C10 was evaluated on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos at an exposure level of 0–2000 µg·L−1, and acute toxicity was determined with respect to lethal effects, hatching rates, and morphological changes. Additionally, morphological changes were determined for the endpoints as the occurrence of yolk edema, pericardial edema, spine curvature, and shortened body length after treatment until 96 h post-fertilization (hpf). The complete lethality of C10 was achieved with embryos treated at 2000 µg·L−1, and most embryos treated at 1000 µg·L−1 developed pericardial edemas with some spine curvature. Some embryos exhibited delayed development with shortened body length when compared with the control. Hatchability was completely accomplished at the tested dose of 1000 µg·L−1, and cardiac malformation was observed using a transgenic zebrafish line Tg(cmlc:EGFP), with a lower heartbeat rate in embryos treated with C10 for 72 hpf. After 96 hpf, heartbeat rates were normalized when compared with the control group, and two cardiac development-related genes such as nppa and canca1 were differently expressed in C10-treated embryos by 2.3-fold and 0.4-fold, respectively. Therefore, C10 must be studied further in other higher organisms for its risk.
Feasibility of Measuring Brake-Wear Particle Emissions from a Regenerative-Friction Brake Coordination System via Dynamometer Testing
Authors: Hagino Hiroyuki
Published: January 2024

Emissions of brake-wear particles are commonly associated with vehicular traffic. We investigated the feasibility of quantifying brake-wear particle emissions under realistic vehicle driving and braking conditions with a currently used regenerative friction brake coordination system. We used a braking system installed in commercially available plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and found that it reduced emissions by 85% for PM10, 78% for PM2.5, and 87% for particle numbers (PNs) compared with the system installed in vehicles with internal combustion engines. Brake friction work showed a linear relationship with PM10 and PM2.5. Nanoparticle PM emissions tended to increase slightly with regenerative braking but did not contribute significantly to the overall PM percentage. The emission events of high concentrations of nuclei-mode particles (<20 nm in diameter) in electric vehicle brake assemblies designed for regenerative braking use under high-temperature, high-load braking conditions with full-friction brakes. The nuclei-mode particles amplified the PN emissions and led to high variability. In strict regulatory certification tests where measurement reproducibility and stability are required, it is appropriate to measure PNs under brake conditions appropriate for the actual use of electric vehicles rather than under full-friction brake conditions or to remove particle measurements smaller than 20 nm.
Finite-Time Passivity and Synchronization for a Class of Fuzzy Inertial Complex-Valued Neural Networks with Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Han Jing
Published: January 2024

This article investigates finite-time passivity for fuzzy inertial complex-valued neural networks (FICVNNs) with time-varying delays. First, by using the existing passivity theory, several related definitions of finite-time passivity are illustrated. Consequently, by adopting a reduced-order method and dividing complex-valued parameters into real and imaginary parts, the proposed FICVNNs are turned into first-order real-valued neural network systems. Moreover, appropriate controllers and the Lyapunov functional method are established to obtain the finite-time passivity of FICVNNs with time delays. Furthermore, some essential conditions are established to ensure finite-time synchronization for finite-time passive FICVNNs. In the end, corresponding simulations certify the feasibility of the proposed theoretical outcomes.
Recent Advances in Electrospun Nanostructured Electrodes in Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Lilin , Wei Cong , Gao Lin , Lin Meng-Fang , Eh Alice Lee-Sie , Chen Jingwei , Li Shaohui
Published: January 2024

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are increasingly recognized as highly promising candidates for grid-scale energy storage systems due to their cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and high security. Despite recent advancements in the research of cathode materials, Zn anodes, and electrolytes, several challenges persist and must be addressed, including cathode dissolution, generation of by-products, and zinc dendrite formation, which hinder the future application of ZIBs. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent developments in electrospinning technology within ZIBs. First, the principle technical parameters and subsequent thermal treatment of electrospinning technology are discussed, and then the synthetic preparation, morphologies, and electrochemical performance of electrospun nanostructured electrodes in ZIBs are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, some perspectives on research directions and optimization strategies for electrospinning technology in energy applications are outlined.
Effects of Oral Cavity Stem Cell Sources and Serum-Free Cell Culture on Hydrogel Encapsulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Bone Regeneration: An In Vitro Investigation
Authors: Arpornmaeklong Premjit , Boonyuen Supakorn , Apinyauppatham Komsan , Pripatnanont Prisana
Published: January 2024

Introduction: To develop a stem cell delivery model and improve the safety of stem cell transplantation for bone regeneration, this study aimed to determine the effects of stem cell sources, serum-free cell culture, and hydrogel cell encapsulation on the growth and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the oral cavity. Methods: The study groups were categorized according to stem cell sources into buccal fat pad adipose (hBFP-ADSCs) (Groups 1, 4, and 7), periodontal ligament (hPDLSCs) (Groups 2, 5, and 8), and dental pulp-derived stem cells (hDPSCs) (Groups 3, 6, and 9). MSCs from each source were isolated and expanded in three types of sera: fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Groups 1–3), human serum (HS) (Groups 4–6), and synthetic serum (SS) (StemPro™ MSC SFM) (Groups 7–9) for monolayer (m) and hydrogel cell encapsulation cultures (e). Following this, the morphology, expression of MSC cell surface antigens, growth, and osteogenic differentiation potential of the MSCs, and the expression of adhesion molecules were analyzed and compared. Results: SS decreased variations in the morphology and expression levels of cell surface antigens of MSCs from three cell sources (Groups 7m–9m). The levels of osteoblastic differentiation of the hPDLSCs and hBFP-ADSCs were increased in SS (Groups 8m and 7m) and the cell encapsulation model (Groups 1e, 4e, 7e–9e), but the promoting effects of SS were decreased in a cell encapsulation model (Groups 7e–9e). The expression levels of the alpha v beta 3 (ITG-αVβ3) and beta 1 (ITG-β1) integrins in the encapsulated cells in FBS (Group 1e) were higher than those in the SS (Group 7e). Conclusions: Human PDLSCs and BFP-ADSCs were the optimum stem cell source for stem cell encapsulation by using nanohydroxyapatite–calcium carbonate microcapsule–chitosan/collagen hydrogel in serum-free conditions.
Differences in Trochlear Morphology of a New Femoral Component Designed for Kinematic Alignment from a Mechanical Alignment Design
Authors: Hull Maury L. , Simileysky Alexander , Howell Stephen M.
Published: January 2024

Because kinematic alignment (KA) aligns femoral components in greater valgus and with less external rotation than mechanical alignment (MA), the trochlear groove of an MA design used in KA is medialized, which can lead to complications. Hence, a KA design has emerged. In this study, our primary objective was to quantify differences in trochlear morphology between the KA design and the MA design from which the KA design evolved. The KA and MA designs were aligned in KA on ten 3D femur-cartilage models. Dependent variables describing the morphology of the trochlea along the anterior flange, which extends proximal to the native trochlea, and along the arc length of the native trochlea, were determined, as was flange coverage. Along the anterior flange, the KA groove was significantly lateral proximally by 10 mm and was significantly wider proximally by 5 mm compared to the MA design (p < 0.0001). Along the arc length of the native trochlea, the KA groove was significantly lateral to the MA design by 4.3 mm proximally (p ≤ 0.0001) and was significantly wider proximally by 19 mm than the MA design. The KA design reduced lateral under-coverage of the flange from 4 mm to 2 mm (p < 0.0001). The KA design potentially mitigates risk of patellofemoral complications by lateralizing and widening the groove to avoid medializing the patella for wide variations in the lateral distal femoral angle, and by widening the flange laterally to reduce under-coverage. This information enables clinicians to make informed decisions regarding use of the KA design.
Neurovascular Relationships in AGEs-Based Models of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Peña Juan S. , Ramanujam Ranjini K. , Risman Rebecca A. , Tutwiler Valerie , Berthiaume Francois , Vazquez Maribel
Published: January 2024

Diabetic retinopathy affects more than 100 million people worldwide and is projected to increase by 50% within 20 years. Increased blood glucose leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which cause cellular and molecular dysfunction across neurovascular systems. These molecules initiate the slow breakdown of the retinal vasculature and the inner blood retinal barrier (iBRB), resulting in ischemia and abnormal angiogenesis. This project examined the impact of AGEs in altering the morphology of healthy cells that comprise the iBRB, as well as the effects of AGEs on thrombi formation, in vitro. Our results illustrate that AGEs significantly alter cellular areas and increase the formation of blood clots via elevated levels of tissue factor. Likewise, AGEs upregulate the expression of cell receptors (RAGE) on both endothelial and glial cells, a hallmark biomarker of inflammation in diabetic cells. Examining the effects of AGEs stimulation on cellular functions that work to diminish iBRB integrity will greatly help to advance therapies that target vision loss in adults.
Synergistic Effect of Retinoic Acid and Lactoferrin in the Maintenance of Gut Homeostasis
Authors: Peña-Juárez Ma. Concepción , Guadarrama-Escobar Omar Rodrigo , Serrano-Castañeda Pablo , Méndez-Albores Abraham , Vázquez-Durán Alma , Vera-Graziano Ricardo , Rodríguez-Pérez Betsabé , Salgado-Machuca Mariana , Anguiano-Almazán Ericka , Morales-Florido Miriam Isabel , Rodríguez-Cruz Isabel Marlene , Escobar-Chávez José Juan
Published: January 2024

Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein that binds to iron ions (Fe2+) and other metallic ions, such as Mg2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+, and has antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties. The antibacterial properties of LF are due to its ability to sequester iron. The immunomodulatory capability of LF promotes homeostasis in the enteric environment, acting directly on the beneficial microbiota. LF can modulate antigen-presenting cell (APC) biology, including migration and cell activation. Nonetheless, some gut microbiota strains produce toxic metabolites, and APCs are responsible for initiating the process that inhibits the inflammatory response against them. Thus, eliminating harmful strains lowers the risk of inducing chronic inflammation, and consequently, metabolic disease, which can progress to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). LF and retinoic acid (RA) exhibit immunomodulatory properties such as decreasing cytokine production, thus modifying the inflammatory response. Their activities have been observed both in vitro and in vivo. The combined, simultaneous effect of these molecules has not been studied; however, the synergistic effect of LF and RA may be employed for enhancing the secretion of humoral factors, such as IgA. We speculate that the combination of LF and RA could be a potential prophylactic alternative for the treatment of metabolic dysregulations such as T2DM. The present review focuses on the importance of a healthy diet for a balanced gut and describes how probiotics and prebiotics with immunomodulatory activity as well as inductors of differentiation and cell proliferation could be acquired directly from the diet or indirectly through the oral administration of formulations aimed to maintain gut health or restore a eubiotic state in an intestinal environment that has been dysregulated by external factors such as stress and a high-fat diet.
Conjunctive Analysis of BSA-Seq and SSR Markers Unveil the Candidate Genes for Resistance to Rice False Smut
Authors: Fu Rongtao , Zhao Liyu , Chen Cheng , Wang Jian , Lu Daihua
Published: January 2024

Rice false smut (RFS) caused by the fungus Ustilaginoidea virens (Cook) leads to serious yield losses in rice. Identification of the gene or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) is crucial to resistance breeding and mitigation of RFS damage. In this study, we crossed a resistant variety, IR77298-14-1-2::IRGC117374-1, with a susceptible indica cultivar, 9311, and evaluated recombinant inbred lines in a greenhouse. The genetic analysis showed that the RFS resistance of IR77298-14-1-2::IRGC117374-1 was controlled by multiple recessive loci. We identified a novel QTL, qRFS12.01, for RFS resistance in IR77298-14-1-2::IRGC117374-1 by combining bulked segregant analysis with whole genome resequencing (BSA-seq) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker mapping approaches. The phenotypic effect of qRFS12.01 on RFS resistance reached 28.74%, suggesting that SSR markers linked to qRFS12.01 are valuable for marker-assisted breeding of RFS resistance in rice. The prediction of putative candidate genes within qRFS12.01 revealed five disease resistance proteins containing NB-ARC domains. In conclusion, our findings provide a new rice chromosome region carrying genes/QTLs for resistance to RFS.
Hydrogen in Transplantation: Potential Applications and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Obara Takafumi , Naito Hiromichi , Nojima Tsuyoshi , Hirayama Takahiro , Hongo Takashi , Ageta Kohei , Aokage Toshiyuki , Hisamura Masaki , Yumoto Tetsuya , Nakao Atsunori
Published: January 2024

Hydrogen gas, renowned for its antioxidant properties, has emerged as a novel therapeutic agent with applications across various medical domains, positioning it as a potential adjunct therapy in transplantation. Beyond its antioxidative properties, hydrogen also exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways. Furthermore, hydrogen’s capacity to activate cytoprotective pathways bolsters cellular resilience against stressors. In recent decades, significant advancements have been made in the critical medical procedure of transplantation. However, persistent challenges such as ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and graft rejection continue to hinder transplant success rates. This comprehensive review explores the potential applications and therapeutic implications of hydrogen in transplantation, shedding light on its role in mitigating IRI, improving graft survival, and modulating immune responses. Through a meticulous analysis encompassing both preclinical and clinical studies, we aim to provide valuable insights into the promising utility of hydrogen as a complementary therapy in transplantation.