bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Analysis of Variable-Stiffness Fast-Steering Mirror
Authors: Luo Jin , Mao Yao , Dai Wang , Yang Feixiang , Zhang Luyao , Miao Li
Published: December 2023

The non-variable stiffness of the flexible hinge in the fast-steering mirror (FSM) cannot adapt to varying load demands. To address this issue, this paper presents an innovative variable-stiffness rotational mechanism designed for use with FSMs. Firstly, the working principle of the variable-stiffness mechanism is introduced, and the influence of the length of each structure on the stiffness and the nonlinear influence are analyzed. Then, the variable-stiffness mechanism is applied to the FSM for the variable-stiffness experiment and variable-load experiment. The experimental results show that the variable-stiffness mechanism designed in this paper can realize the change in stiffness. The errors between the experimental value and the theoretical value of the three sets of experiments are +5.72%, +7.57%, and +6.57%. The FSM’s stiffness nonlinearity is very small, and the resonance frequency of the FSM before and after increasing the load can be consistent. The variable-stiffness mechanism can change the frequency characteristics by changing the rotational stiffness of the FSM.
Comprehensive Analysis of Model Errors in Blueberry Detection and Maturity Classification: Identifying Limitations and Proposing Future Improvements in Agricultural Monitoring
Authors: Aguilera Cristhian A. , Figueroa-Flores Carola , Aguilera Cristhian , Navarrete Cesar
Published: December 2023

In blueberry farming, accurately assessing maturity is critical to efficient harvesting. Deep Learning solutions, which are increasingly popular in this area, often undergo evaluation through metrics like mean average precision (mAP). However, these metrics may only partially capture the actual performance of the models, especially in settings with limited resources like those in agricultural drones or robots. To address this, our study evaluates Deep Learning models, such as YOLOv7, RT-DETR, and Mask-RCNN, for detecting and classifying blueberries. We perform these evaluations on both powerful computers and embedded systems. Using Type-Influence Detector Error (TIDE) analysis, we closely examine the accuracy of these models. Our research reveals that partial occlusions commonly cause errors, and optimizing these models for embedded devices can increase their speed without losing precision. This work improves the understanding of object detection models for blueberry detection and maturity estimation.
Influence of Genotype on Meat Quality in Laying Hens after the Egg Production Season
Authors: Wegner Marcin , Kokoszyński Dariusz , Kotowicz Marek , Żochowska-Kujawska Joanna , Nędzarek Arkadiusz , Włodarczyk Karol
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the quality characteristics of the meat of two genotypes (Lohmann Brown and Lohmann White) of laying hens after the laying period. Studies were conducted on pectoral and leg muscles from 26 females, 13 of each genotype. Breast and leg muscles were evaluated in terms of their basic chemical composition, acidity (pH24), color attributes (L*, a*, b*), electrical conductivity (EC24) and macro- (K, P, Na, Mg, Ca) and microelements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr). Analysis of the texture of the pectoral muscle major and rheological properties (sum of viscosity modules and sum of elasticity modules) was also performed. Breast and leg meat were also subjected to sensory evaluation. The genotype of the birds significantly affected the percentage of intramuscular fat in the pectoral muscle and the percentage of protein, fat and water in the leg muscle. When analyzing pectoral and leg muscles for color attributes, we found no significant (p > 0.05) differences between genotypes. Differences were shown, however, between genotypes in EC24 and phosphorus content in leg muscle. Breast muscles differed significantly (p < 0.05) in iron and zinc content. Sensory analysis revealed significant differences between genotypes in leg muscle tenderness and juiciness, and breast muscle juiciness and aroma desirability. When analyzing the breast muscle in terms of texture, we did not observe any significant differences, nor did we find any differences in the assessment of rheological properties. Not depending on genotype, however, we noted significant differences between protein, fat, water and collagen content, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, chromium, acidity, color parameters (L*, a*, b*), EC24 and tastiness desirability between breast meat and leg meat. The results of this study showed that meat from old hens obtained after the laying period is a good material for further technological processing, due to its favorable basic chemical composition and high nutritional value expressed in the content of macro- and microelements, and is also characterized by relatively good sensory characteristics, which can be improved by marinating or adding enzymatic preparations during its processing.
Applying Nitrogen Fertilizer at the Full Heading Stage Has the Potential to Decrease Brown Rice Cd Accumulation
Authors: Zhang Yusheng , Xiao Huan , Chen Qiaomao , Jiang Qi , Ao Hejun
Published: December 2023

Soil contamination by cadmium (Cd) has presented a major challenge in China. The objective of the field experiments in this study was to examine the influence of nitrogen fertilizer application at the full heading and milky stages on minimizing the absorption of Cd in rice. This was achieved by affecting the distribution of Cd in root plaques and subcellular compartments of the root and flag leaf. The hydroponic culture experiments aimed to examine the effect of nitrogen and Cd interaction or deficiency on Cd accumulation in rice during the late growth stage. The findings revealed that adequate nitrogen supply during the early growth stage, coupled with nitrogen application during the full heading and milky stages, led to a notable increase in Fe concentration in the root plaques during the milk and mature stages. Furthermore, it elevated the Cd proportion in the soluble fraction of the flag leaves at the milky stage. Conversely, nitrogen deficiency during the early growth stage resulted in a significant increase in Fe concentration in the root plaques, along with a decrease in Cd concentration. Additionally, the proportion of Cd in the flag leaf cell walls increased significantly, while the proportion in the soluble fraction decreased notably. Irrespective of nitrogen supply during the early growth stage, applying nitrogen at the full heading stage significantly reduced Cd transport from shoots to brown rice, leading to a considerable reduction in the Cd concentration in brown rice. Under hydroponic culture conditions, combined Cd exposure with nitrogen supply significantly increased the Cd concentration in brown rice. Nitrogen supply had no impact on the Cd concentration in brown rice in the absence of Cd. The study showed that applying nitrogen fertilizer at the full heading stage effectively decreased the brown rice Cd concentration. This was achieved by elevating the concentration of Fe in the root plaque, thereby influencing the adsorption of Cd by the roots. Additionally, nitrogen application at the full heading stage can influence the distribution of Cd in flag leaf cells during the filling stage. Ensuring ample nitrogen supply in the early stage of rice growth is crucial, and nitrogen application at the full heading stage can effectively reduce the Cd concentration in brown rice.
Sunflower (Heliánthus ánnuus) Yield and Yield Components for Various Agricultural Practices (Sowing Date, Seeding Rate, Fertilization) for Steppe and Dry Steppe Growing Conditions
Authors: Gordeyeva Yelena , Shelia Vakhtang , Shestakova Nina , Amantayev Bekzak , Kipshakbayeva Gulden , Shvidchenko Vladimir , Aitkhozhin Serik , Kurishbayev Akhylbek , Hoogenboom Gerrit
Published: December 2023

The dynamics of the productivity of the sunflower hybrid “Baiterek 17” were studied for rainfed conditions of the steppe and dry steppe zones of Kazakhstan for two fertilizer levels (without fertilizers and with the application of a nitrogen-phosphorous fertilizer), two sowing dates, and three seeding rates. The growing season duration varied among zones and was affected by sowing dates. An increase in duration (3–5 days) was observed for the early sowing date and fertilized treatments, regardless of the zone. Increasing the seeding rate for all treatments by sowing date and fertilizer application reduced the duration of the growing season by 3–6 days. The fertilizer application did not affect the formation of seedlings in the study areas. In the dry steppe zone, from 2.5 to 4.8 plants/m2 were formed before harvesting, with an increase in the number of plants at the high seeding rate (57,000 seeds/ha). In the steppe zone, the same pattern was preserved: from 3.5 to 4.9 plants/m2 at a seeding rate of 65 thousand seeds/ha. The maximum diameter and weight of the flower head were found for the early sowing date and fertilized treatments at a low seeding rate, with a strong effect on the yield for both the steppe and dry steppe zones in 2022. On average, for both years, the highest yield for the dry steppe zone was obtained for the sowing date of 15 May and at a seeding rate of 57,000 seeds/ha, while for the steppe zone, the highest yield was obtained for the 10 May planting date and at a sowing rate of 65,000 seeds/ha. Improving plant nutrition and increasing the plant density up to a seeding rate of 65,000 seeds/ha for the early sowing dates (10 May) increased the plasticity in the steppe zone. For the dry steppe zone, the plasticity of the hybrid decreased, but the highest plasticity was also obtained for an earlier sowing date (15 May) and at a seeding rate of 57,000 seeds/ha crop. The study shows that the hybrid “Baiterek 17” has a high ecological plasticity under changing environmental conditions and, with an increase in moisture availability, it requires intensive agricultural practices (fertilization, increased seeding rate, and early sowing dates) to obtain a high yield.
Impact of Foliar-Applied Plant Extracts on Growth, Physiological and Yield Attributes of the Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Mbuyisa Siphokuhle , Bertling Isa , Ngcobo Bonga
Published: December 2023

The current reliance on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers has been vital to sustain and increase agricultural production. The continuous, excessive use of these traditional practices has negatively affected consumer health and burdened the ecosystem. The use of plant extracts as a tool to minimize agrochemical inputs has been extensively investigated; these extracts have the ability to improve both plant growth and agricultural productivity. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of foliar plant extract application on potato growth, as well as on certain physiological and yield attributes. From four weeks after planting onwards, five healthy, equal-sized potato plants per treatment received various foliar plant extract applications. These extracts included brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE), aloe vera leaf extract (AVE), garlic bulb extract (GBE), and moringa leaf extract (MLE). The treatments were repeated weekly until harvesting. Application data regarding growth and physiological parameters were collected weekly. The pre-harvest foliar application of various plant extracts significantly enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) the plant growth, physiological, and yield attributes of potatoes. The best growth and yield responses were observed following ANE and MLE application. Plant extracts have shown beneficial effects on other crops as well, but further validation of these effects is still necessary in order to popularize and commercialize such applications.
Improved Feature Fusion in YOLOv5 for Accurate Detection and Counting of Chinese Flowering Cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis Tsen et Lee) Buds
Authors: Yuan Kai , Wang Qian , Mi Yalong , Luo Yangfan , Zhao Zuoxi
Published: December 2023

Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis Tsen et Lee) is an important leaf vegetable originating from southern China. Its planting area is expanding year by year. Accurately judging its maturity and determining the appropriate harvest time are crucial for production. The open state of Chinese flowering cabbage buds serves as a crucial maturity indicator. To address the challenge of accurately identifying Chinese flowering cabbage buds, we introduced improvements to the feature fusion approach of the YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once version 5) algorithm, resulting in an innovative algorithm with a dynamically adjustable detection head, named FPNDyH-YOLOv5 (Feature Pyramid Network with Dynamic Head-You Only Look Once version 5). Firstly, a P2 detection layer was added to enhance the model’s detection ability of small objects. Secondly, the spatial-aware attention mechanism from DyHead (Dynamic Head) for feature fusion was added, enabling the adaptive fusion of semantic information across different scales. Furthermore, a center-region counting method based on the Bytetrack object tracking algorithm was devised for real-time quantification of various categories. The experimental results demonstrate that the improved model achieved a mean average precision (mAP@0.5) of 93.9%, representing a 2.5% improvement compared to the baseline model. The average precision (AP) for buds at different maturity levels was 96.1%, 86.9%, and 98.7%, respectively. When applying the trained model in conjunction with Bytetrack for video detection, the average counting accuracy, relative to manual counting, was 88.5%, with class-specific accuracies of 90.4%, 80.0%, and 95.1%. In conclusion, this method facilitates relatively accurate classification and counting of Chinese flowering cabbage buds in natural environments.
A Literature Review of Selected Bacterial Diseases in Alpacas and Llamas—Epidemiology, Clinical Signs and Diagnostics
Authors: Konieczny Kacper , Pomorska-Mól Małgorzata
Published: December 2023

The breeding of South American Camelids (SACs), particularly llamas and alpacas, is becoming increasingly popular in regions that are not their natural habitat, including Europe. These animals are considered to be relatively disease resistant. However, due to their growing popularity, special attention should be given to infections in llamas and alpacas. Knowledge of bacterial infections is very important to veterinarians and breeders. Many of these diseases also have zoonotic potential, so these animals must be considered as sources of potential zoonotic infections. Due to the limited information on many diseases occurring in llamas and alpacas, veterinarians often rely on data collected in other animal species, focusing on cattle, sheep and horses. This work aims to summarise the knowledge of diseases caused by Clostridium spp., Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, Streptococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, Manheimia haemolytica and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in llamas and alpacas, with particular attention to epidemiology, clinical signs and diagnostics.
Strategies for the Diagnosis of Granulocytic Anaplasmosis in Two Naturally Infected Dogs
Authors: Martinescu Gabriela-Victoria , Ivănescu Larisa , Ștefănescu Raluca , Andronic Lavinia , Mătiuț Simona , Mîndru Raluca , Solcan Gheorghe , Miron Liviu
Published: December 2023

This study describes granulocytic anaplasmosis in two dogs naturally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The 3-year-old dogs (male and female) came from the same household and were referred to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Iasi for blood donation. They were subject to standard routine tests: haematology blood test, blood smear, and serological tests (VETSCAN® FLEX4 and IDEXX SNAP 4Dx Plus). The female dog had no medical problems, while the male dog experienced joint pain. The blood smear was negative for tick-borne pathogens, and the haematology findings indicated thrombocytopenia in both dogs, with the male dog also displaying eosinophilia. The two dogs were mildly positive in the ELISA tests for the detection of Anaplasma spp. antibodies; therefore, the blood samples were tested using the qRT-PCR method for Anaplasma platys and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The qRT-PCR result was negative for A. platys, but it was positive for A. phagocytophilum. The treatment consisted of the administration of doxycycline for 28 days. In conclusion, the high number of cases with non-specific clinical signs, the different sensitivity and specificity of the immunochromatographic serological tests, as well as the possibility of confusing the morula during the cytological examination, make the molecular test mandatory for precise diagnosis.
Events with Different Emotional Valence Affect the Eye’s Lacrimal Caruncle Temperature Changes in Sheep
Authors: Comin Marta , Atallah Elie , Chincarini Matteo , Mazzola Silvia Michela , Canali Elisabetta , Minero Michela , Cozzi Bruno , Rossi Emanuela , Vignola Giorgio , Dalla Costa Emanuela
Published: December 2023

Infrared thermography (IRT) has been recently applied to measure lacrimal caruncle temperature non-invasively since this region is related to the sympathetic response, and it seems a promising technique that is able to infer negative emotions in sheep (e.g., fear). However, the scientific literature so far is limited in understanding whether a caruncle’s temperature changes also in response to positive emotional states in sheep. Through classical conditioning, we aimed to assess how a positive or a negative event affects the physiological (lacrimal caruncle temperature measured with IRT and cortisol levels) and behavioral responses of sheep (ear position). Fourteen ewes from the same flock were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: positive (n = 7) and negative (n = 7). Each group was then trained through classical conditioning to associate a neutral auditory (ring bell) stimulus to an oncoming event: for the positive group, the presence of a food reward (maize grains), while for the negative one, the opening of an umbrella. After three weeks of training, before (at rest) and after (post-treatment), lacrimal caruncle temperature was non-invasively measured via IRT, and saliva samples were gently collected to measure cortisol levels. During treatment, sheep behavior was videorecorded and then analyzed using a focal animal sampling technique. At rest, the eye’s lacrimal caruncle temperature was similar in both groups, while post-treatment, a significant increase was shown only in the negative group (t-test; p = 0.017). In the anticipation phase, sheep in the positive group kept their ears forward longer compared to those in the negative one (Mann–Whitney; p < 0.014), 8.3 ± 2.1 s and 5.2 ± 4.2 s, respectively. The behavioral response observed reflects a learnt association between a neutral stimulus and events with different emotional valence. Cortisol concentration slightly increased in both groups post-treatment. Our results confirm that IRT is a non-invasive technique that can be useful when applied to assess how positive and negative events may affect the physiological response in sheep.
Exploring the Microbial Community Structure in the Chicken House Environment by Metagenomic Analysis
Authors: Lou Cheng , Chen Zhuo , Bai Yu , Chai Tongjie , Guan Yuling , Wu Bo
Published: December 2023

The environmental conditions of chicken houses play an important role in the growth and development of these animals. The chicken house is an essential place for the formation of microbial aerosols. Microbial aerosol pollution and transmission can affect human and animal health. In this work, we continuously monitored fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the chicken house environment for four weeks and studied the microbial community structure in the aerosols of the chicken house environment through metagenomic sequencing. Our results found that bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea were the main components of PM2.5 in the chicken house environment, accounting for 89.80%, 1.08%, 2.06%, and 0.49%, respectively. Conditional pathogens are a type of bacteria that poses significant harm to animals themselves and to farm workers. We screened ten common conditional pathogens and found that Staphylococcus had the highest relative abundance, while Clostridium contained the most microbial species, up to 456. Basidiomycetes and Ascomycota in fungi showed dramatic changes in relative abundance, and other indexes showed no significant difference. Virulence factors (VF) are also a class of molecules produced by pathogenic microbes that can cause host diseases. The top five virulence factors were found in four groups: FbpABC, HitABC, colibactin, acinetobactin, and capsule, many of which are used for the iron uptake system. In the PM2.5 samples, eight avian viruses were the most significant discoveries, namely Fowl aviadovirus E, Fowl aviadovirus D, Avian leukosis virus, Avian endogenous retrovirus EAV-HP, Avian dependent parvovirus 1, Fowl adenovus, Fowl aviadovirus B, and Avian sarcoma virus. The above results significantly improve our understanding of the microbial composition of PM2.5 in chicken houses, filling a gap on virus composition; they also indicate a potential threat to poultry and to human health. This work provides an important theoretical basis for animal house environmental monitoring and protection.
Variables Affecting the Extraction of Antioxidants in Cold and Hot Brew Coffee: A Review
Authors: Yust Brian G. , Wilkinson Frank , Rao Niny Z.
Published: December 2023

Coffee beans are a readily available, abundant source of antioxidants used worldwide. With the increasing interest in and consumption of coffee beverages globally, research into the production, preparation, and chemical profile of coffee has also increased in recent years. A wide range of variables such as roasting temperature, coffee grind size, brewing temperature, and brewing duration can have a significant impact on the extractable antioxidant content of coffee products. While there is no single standard method for measuring all of the antioxidants found in coffee, multiple methods which introduce the coffee product to a target molecule or reagent can be used to deduce the overall radical scavenging capacity. In this article, we profile the effect that many of these variables have on the quantifiable concentration of antioxidants found in both cold and hot brew coffee samples. Most protocols for cold brew coffee involve an immersion or steeping method where the coffee grounds are in contact with water at or below room temperature for several hours. Generally, a higher brewing temperature or longer brewing time yielded greater antioxidant activity. Most studies also found that a lower degree of coffee bean roast yielded greater antioxidant activity.
A Proposal for a Federated Learning Protocol for Mobile and Management Systems
Authors: Michalek Jakub , Oujezsky Vaclav , Holik Martin , Skorpil Vladislav
Published: December 2023

In this research paper, we introduce a federated learning communication protocol tailored for emergency management applications. Our primary objective is to tackle the communication challenges that arise in such critical scenarios. In order to overcome the limitations associated with centralized server architectures, we present an innovative communication protocol. This protocol empowers the framework to effectively cooperate with multiple centralized servers, fostering efficient knowledge sharing and model training while ensuring the utmost data privacy and security. By harnessing this protocol, our framework elevates the performance and resilience of vital infrastructure systems operating on the Android platform, thereby facilitating real-time operational scenarios. This research makes a substantial contribution to the field of emergency management applications, as we offer a comprehensive solution that optimizes communication and enables seamless collaboration with numerous centralized servers.
Dentin Bond Strength of Calcium Silicate-Based Materials: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies
Authors: Radulica Natalia , Sanz José Luis , Lozano Adrián
Published: December 2023

Background: Dentin adhesion is a basic aspect to consider in a root canal sealer. Calcium silicate-based cements are materials that have excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity. Bioactivity is closely related to dentin bond strength. One of the tests that is most used to evaluate the adhesive property of a sealing cement is the “push-out bond strength” test, which consists of applying tensile forces to the root to measure the resistance of the bonding of a material to root dentin. Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to perform a qualitative synthesis of available evidence on the adhesion of calcium silicate-based sealers to dentin. Methods: An advanced search of the literature was performed in five databases, limited to in vitro studies on human teeth published in the last 5 years. Results: 42 studies were eligible for the review, and data were collected according to the number of teeth studied, the canal preparation, the irrigant used, the mechanical test used, the root thirds and the type of sealer studied. A qualitative synthesis of the evidence is presented. Conclusions: TotalFill BC sealer and EndoSequence Root Repair Material appear as the calcium silicate-based materials with the highest bond strength to dentin. In addition, using 17% EDTA as a final irrigant increases the bond strength of calcium silicate-based sealers.
Performance Qualification of Automatic System for Antineoplastic Preparation
Authors: Tesse Giuseppe , Capasso Giuseppe , Brattoli Stefano , Tolomeo Anna , Dimiccoli Vincenzo , Spartà Marco , Mazzotta Stefano , Altieri Giuseppe , Giannelli Anna , Ancona Domenica , Giampietro Letizia
Published: December 2023

The preparation of antiblastic and parental drugs should be carried out by ensuring an aseptic condition and minimizing exposure to toxic drugs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality and qualification of these features of an automated dispensing system, called PHARMODUCT®, built by Bioduct s.r.l, part of the Dedalus group. Three antiblastic drugs (cyclophosphamide (powder), 5-fluorouracil and paclitaxel) were used and three preparation and dispensing sessions were carried out for each drug, using PHARMODUCT®. Some of the infusion bags, prepared for each type of antiblastic, were sent to an external laboratory to perform the quantitative dosage analysis and compare it with the quantitative concentration, set on the automatic dispensing equipment, which was found to meet the acceptance criteria of 10%. In addition, to assess the safety of the process for operator exposure to toxic drugs, the differential pressure value between the main chamber and the clean room was measured to be ˂0 Pa, with an hourly leakage rate of ˂2.5 × 10−3 h−1. Media fill tests showed no microbiological growth after a 14-day incubation period. The PHARMODUCT® system meets the requirements of safety and repeatability for the dispensation of parenteral antiblastic drugs.
Seismic Risk Analysis of Existing Link Slab Bridges Using Novel Fragility Functions
Authors: Scozzese Fabrizio , Minnucci Lucia
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a comprehensive probabilistic framework is proposed and adopted to perform seismic reliability and risk analysis of existing link slab (LS) bridges, representing a widely diffused structural typology within the infrastructural networks of many countries worldwide. Unlike classic risk analysis methods, innovative fragility functions are used in this work to retrieve more specific and detailed information on the possible failure modes, without limiting the analysis to the global failure conditions but also considering several intermediate damage scenarios (including one or more damage mechanisms), and providing insights on the numerosity of elements involved within a given damage scenario. Reliability analyses are performed on a set of LS bridges with different geometries (total lengths and pier heights) designed according to the Italian codes enforced in the 1970s. Accurate numerical models are developed in OpenSees and Multiple-Stripe nonlinear time–history analyses are carried out to build proper demand models, from which fragility functions are determined according to two limit states: damage onset and near-collapse. Mean annual rates of exceeding are thus estimated through the convolution between the hazard and the fragility. The results shed light on the main failure mechanisms characterizing this bridge typology, highlighting how different levels of risk (hence safety margins) can be associated with failure scenarios that differ in terms of elements/mechanisms involved and damage extension. Such a higher level of detail in the risk analysis may be useful to better quantify post-earthquake consequences (e.g., costs and losses) and define more tailored retrofit interventions. A comparison of the reliability levels associated with bridges of the same class with different geometries is finally presented.
Physicochemical Characteristics, Vitamin C, Total Polyphenols, Antioxidant Capacity, and Sensory Preference of Mixed Juices Prepared with Rose Fruits (Rosa rugosa) and Apple or Strawberry
Authors: Cendrowski Andrzej , Przybył Jarosław L. , Studnicki Marcin
Published: December 2023

One of the main factors in the poor use of rose fruits (Rosa rugosa) for juice production is the tart-sour taste of the raw material. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics (pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and colour), vitamin C, total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity only performed by DPPH assay, and sensory preference of mixed juices prepared on the basis of rose fruits (Rosa rugosa). The pH values, total acidity values, total soluble solids, and colour on the CIE L*a*b* scale of mixed juices were in the range of 3.47–3.96, 0.94–1.36 g citric acid/100 mL, 15.8–21.1 °Brix, and L* 77.46–87.38, a* 1.90–13.90, b* 30.18–54.39, respectively. The mixed juices showed high contents of total phenolic compounds (116.21–250.48 mg GAE/100 mL), total vitamin C (64.18–132.21 mg/100 mL), and DPPH scavenging capacity (30.15–39.23 µg Trolox/mL). Rose-apple juices (AC1 and AC2) were rated best for tartness and sourness (least tart—3.5 and 3.32, least sour—4.73 and 4.43 for AC1 and AC2 juice, respectively), and also for overall impression (4.93 and 4.86 for AC1 and AC2 juice, respectively). The mixed-rosa juices can be an alternative for adding nutritional value.
Antifungal Activity against Human and Plant Mycopathogens, and Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Exhibiting Such Activity
Authors: Górka Kamila , Kubiński Konrad
Published: December 2023

Silver nanoparticles have long been known for their antibacterial properties. Recently, increasing numbers of studies confirm that they have antifungal properties as well. Due to the increasing number of these studies, this review was performed, summarizing most of the research conducted so far in this field and presenting the results of the activity of silver nanoparticles against fungal pathogens of humans and plants, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles, and the mechanism of action. The combined activity with antifungal drugs and toxicity assessment is also presented. The review describes the antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles against pathogens such as F. oxysporum, F. graminearum, T. asahii, B. cinerea, P. concavum, and Pestalotia sp. as well as many species of the genus Candida. The green synthesis of these nanoparticles has been carried out from many species of plants and microorganisms. The research cited in this review confirms the fact that silver nanoparticles obtained using green synthesis exhibit antifungal activity and can therefore be an excellent alternative to the chemical synthesis of these particles. All this proves that silver nanoparticles have a great potential to be used as a potential antifungal agent in the future.
Secure Monitoring System for IoT Healthcare Data in the Cloud
Authors: Stergiou Christos L. , Plageras Andreas P. , Memos Vasileios A. , Koidou Maria P. , Psannis Konstantinos E.
Published: December 2023

Even though the field of medicine has made great strides in recent years, infectious diseases caused by novel viruses that damage the respiratory system continue to plague people all over the world. This type of virus is very dangerous, especially for people with serious long-term breathing problems like asthma, pneumonia, or bronchitis infections. Thus, this paper demonstrates a new secure machine learning monitoring system for a model for virus detection. Our proposed model makes use of four basic emerging technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), Cloud Computing (CC), and Machine Learning (ML), to detect dangerous types of viruses that infect people or animals causing panic worldwide and deregulating human daily life. The proposed system is a robust system that could be established in various buildings, like hospitals, entertainment halls, universities, etc., and will provide accuracy, speed, and privacy for data collected in the detection of viruses.
AR Presentation of Team Members’ Performance and Inner Status to Their Leader: A Comparative Study
Authors: Rinnert Thomas , Walsh James , Fleury Cédric , Coppin Gilles , Duval Thierry , Thomas Bruce H.
Published: December 2023

Real-time and high-intensity teamwork management is complex, as team leaders must ensure good results while also considering the well-being of team members. Given that stress and other factors directly impact team members’ output volume and error rate, these team leaders must be aware of and manage team stress levels in combination with allocating new work. This paper examines methods for visualizing each team member’s status in mixed reality, which, combined with a simulated stress model for virtual team members, allows the team leader to take into account team members’ individual statuses when choosing whom to allocate work. Using simulated Augmented Reality in Virtual Reality, a user study was conducted where participants acted as team leaders, putting simulated team members under stress by allocating several required work tasks while also being able to review the stress and status of each team member. The results showed that providing Augmented Reality feedback on team members’ internal status increases the team’s overall performance, as team leaders can better allocate new work to reduce team members’ stress-related errors while maximizing output. Participants preferred having a graph representation for stress levels despite performing better with a text representation.
Genetic Programming to Remove Impulse Noise in Color Images
Authors: Fajardo-Delgado Daniel , Rodríguez-González Ansel Y. , Sandoval-Pérez Sergio , Molinar-Solís Jesús Ezequiel , Sánchez-Cervantes María Guadalupe
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a new filter to remove impulse noise in digital color images. The filter is adaptive in the sense that it uses a detection stage to only correct noisy pixels. Detecting noisy pixels is performed by a binary classification model generated via genetic programming, a paradigm of evolutionary computing based on natural biological selection. The classification model training considers three impulse noise models in color images: salt and pepper, uniform, and correlated. This is the first filter generated by genetic programming exploiting the correlation among the color image channels. The correction stage consists of a vector median filter version that modifies color channel values if some are noisy. An experimental study was performed to compare the proposed filter with others in the state-of-the-art related to color image denoising. Their performance was measured objectively through the image quality metrics PSNR, MAE, SSIM, and FSIM. Experimental findings reveal substantial variability among filters based on noise model and image characteristics. The findings also indicate that, on average, the proposed filter consistently exhibited top-tier performance values for the three impulse noise models, surpassed only by a filter employing a deep learning-based approach. Unlike deep learning filters, which are black boxes with internal workings invisible to the user, the proposed filter has a high interpretability with a performance close to an equilibrium point for all images and noise models used in the experiment.
Assessment of the Possibility of Validating the Durability Testing Method for Large-Sized Vehicles Based on Changes in Shock Absorber Characteristics—Preliminary Tests
Authors: Stembalski Marek , Czarnuch Arkadiusz , Szydłowski Tomasz , Batory Damian
Published: December 2023

The use of road simulators in vehicle durability tests enables a significant reduction in time related to the implementation of a new product. However, there is still a need to improve the methods of these tests in order to obtain a full correlation between the time of the tests on the simulator with respect to the mileage of the vehicle in real road conditions. The aim of this work is a validation and improvement of the durability testing method for large-sized vehicles. Comparative tests of shock absorbers dismantled from semi-trailers with different mileage and shock absorbers dismantled from semi-trailers after durability tests conducted at the MTS test bench are presented. The relationship between the maximum damping force and the displacement speed of the shock absorber piston was examined. Additionally, the influence of the shock absorber temperature on the damping force was analyzed. As a result of the tests, the dynamic characteristics of the shock absorbers were determined and the relationship between the maximum damping force and the mileage of the trailers was determined. It was found that the load on the trailers during their operation has a significant impact on the change in the characteristics of the shock absorbers. What is new in this publication is the validation of the methodology for conducting durability tests previously proposed by the authors based on the selected component, which is the shock absorber. The authors have not yet encountered in the literature any attempt to validate the methodology for conducting durability tests for large-sized vehicles.
Reply to Salimi, M. Comment on “Patsaki et al. Benefits from Incorporating Virtual Reality in Pulmonary Rehabilitation of COPD Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv. Respir. Med. 2023, 91, 324–336”
Authors: Patsaki Irini , Avgeri Vasiliki , Rigoulia Theodora , Zekis Theodoros , Koumantakis George A. , Grammatopoulou Eirini
Published: December 2023

We are writing in response to the comment [...]
Richard Kerner’s Path Integral Approach Aims to Understand the Self-Organized Matter Agglomeration and Its Translation into the Energy Landscape Kinetics Paradigm
Authors: Naumis Gerardo G.
Published: December 2023

Matter grows and self-assembles to produce complex structures such as virus capsids, carbon fullerenes, proteins, glasses, etc. Due to its complexity, performing pen-and-paper calculations to explain and describe such assemblies is cumbersome. Many years ago, Richard Kerner presented a pen-and-paper path integral approach to understanding self-organized matter. Although this approach successfully addressed many important problems, including the yield of fullerene formation, the glass transition temperature of doped chalcogenide glasses, the fraction of boroxol rings in B2O3 glasses, the first theoretical explanation for the empirical recipe of window and Pyrex glass and the understanding of virus capsid self-assembly, it still is not the primary choice when tackling similar problems. The reason lies in the fact that it diverges from mainstream approaches based on the energy landscape paradigm and non-equilibrium thermodynamics. In this context, a critical review is presented, demonstrating that the Richard Kerner method is, in fact, a clever way to identify relevant configurations. Its equations are simplified common physical sense versions of those found in the energy landscape kinetic equations. Subsequently, the utilization of equilibrium Boltzmann factors in the transition Markov chain probabilities is analyzed within the context of local two-level energy landscape models kinetics. This analysis demonstrates that their use remains valid when the local energy barrier between reaction coordinate states is small compared to the thermal energy. This finding places the Richard Kerner model on par with other more sophisticated methods and, hopefully, will promote its adoption as an initial and useful choice for describing the self-agglomeration of matter.
Recent Advances in Arboviral Vaccines: Emerging Platforms and Promising Innovations
Authors: Pujhari Sujit
Published: December 2023

Arboviruses are a group of viruses that are transmitted by arthropods, such as mosquitoes, and cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, there are only a few options, with restricted use, for effective vaccines against these viruses. However, recent advances in arboviral vaccine development have shown promising innovations that have potential in preclinical and clinical studies. Insect-specific viruses have been explored as a novel vaccine platform that can induce cross-protective immunity against related arboviruses. Nanoparticle-based vaccines have also been developed to enhance the immunogenicity and stability of viral antigens. Additionally, vaccines against mosquito salivary proteins that can modulate the host immune response and interfere with arboviral transmission are being explored. Synonymous recoding, such as random codon shuffling, codon deoptimization, and codon-pair deoptimization, is being investigated as a strategy to attenuate the replication of arboviruses in vertebrate cells, reducing the risk of reverting to wild-type virulence. Finally, mRNA vaccines have been developed to rapidly generate and express viral antigens in the host cells, eliciting robust and durable immune responses. The challenges and opportunities for arboviral vaccine development are outlined, and future directions for research and innovation are discussed.
Histological Analysis of Gonadal Ridge Development and Sex Differentiation of Gonads in Three Gecko Species
Authors: Rams-Pociecha Izabela , Mizia Paulina C. , Piprek Rafal P.
Published: December 2023

Reptiles constitute a highly diverse group of vertebrates, with their evolutionary lineages having diverged relatively early. The types of sex determination exemplify the diversity of reptiles; however, there are limited data regarding the gonadal development in squamate reptiles. Geckos constitute a group that is increasingly used in research and that serves as a potential reptilian model organism. The aim of this study was to trace the changes in the structure of developing gonads in the embryos of three gecko species: the crested gecko, leopard gecko, and mourning gecko. These species represent different families of the Gekkota infraorder and exhibit different types of sex determination. Gonadal development was examined from the formation of the earliest gonadal ridges through the development of undifferentiated gonadal structures, sex differentiation of gonads, and the formation of testicular and ovarian structures. The study showed that the gonadal primordia of these three gecko species formed on the most dorsally located surface of the dorsal mesentery, and both the coelomic epithelium and the nephric mesenchyme contributed to their development. As in other reptile species, primordial germ cells settled in the gonadal ridges, and the undifferentiated gonad was composed of a cortex and a medulla. Ovarian differentiation started with the thickening of the gonadal cortex and proliferation of germ cells in this region. A characteristic feature of the developing gecko ovaries was the thickened crescent-shaped cortex on the medial and ventral surfaces of the ovaries. The ovarian medulla also grew and exhibited diverse tendencies to form cords. In the leopard gecko, advanced cord-like structures with lumens were observed in the ovaries, which were not seen in the crested gecko. Testicular differentiation was characterized by cortical thinning and the disappearance of germ cells in this region. In the medulla, the development of distinct cords with early lumen formation was noted. A characteristic feature of embryonic gonads was their growth in a horizontal plane. In this study, gonadal development was characterized by several features that are shared by geckos and other reptiles, along with features that are specific only to geckos.
A Review on the Protective Effects of Probiotics against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Mishra Vibhuti , Yadav Dhananjay , Solanki Kavita Singh , Koul Bhupendra , Song Minseok
Published: December 2023

This review summarizes the protective effects of probiotics against Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders affecting older adults. This disease is characterized by the deposition of tau and amyloid β peptide (Aβ) in different parts of the brain. Symptoms observed in patients with AD include struggles with writing, speech, memory, and knowledge. The gut microbiota reportedly plays an important role in brain functioning due to its bidirectional communication with the gut via the gut–brain axis. The emotional and cognitive centers in the brain are linked to the functions of the peripheral intestinal system via this gut–brain axis. Dysbiosis has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders, indicating the significance of gut homeostasis for proper brain function. Probiotics play an important role in protecting against the symptoms of AD as they restore gut–brain homeostasis to a great extent. This review summarizes the characteristics, status of gut–brain axis, and significance of gut microbiota in AD. Review and research articles related to the role of probiotics in the treatment of AD were searched in the PubMed database. Recent studies conducted using animal models were given preference. Recent clinical trials were searched for separately. Several studies conducted on animal and human models clearly explain the benefits of probiotics in improving cognition and memory in experimental subjects. Based on these studies, novel therapeutic approaches can be designed for the treatment of patients with AD.
Upper Esophageal Sphincter Dysfunction in Children with Type 1 Laryngeal Cleft after Failed Primary Cleft Repair
Authors: Baker Corey , Silvernale Casey , Hartnick Christopher , Zar-Kessler Claire
Published: December 2023

Changes in pharyngeal and upper-esophageal-sphincter (UES) motor dynamics contribute to swallowing dysfunction. Children with type 1 laryngeal clefts can present with swallowing dysfunction and associated symptoms which may persist even after the initial endoscopic intervention. This study sought to characterize pharyngeal and esophageal motor function in children with type 1 laryngeal clefts who had persistent presenting symptoms after their initial therapeutic intervention. We retrospectively analyzed high-resolution esophageal manometry studies of children ≤ 18 years old with type 1 laryngeal clefts who had an esophageal manometry study performed for persistent symptoms after an initial repair. A total of 16 children were found to have significantly increased UES resting pressure, UES pre- and post-swallow maximum pressures, and duration of UES contraction during swallows in comparison to nine age-matched controls of children without pharyngeal anatomical abnormalities. There was no difference between UES residual pressures or pharyngeal dynamics between the two groups. UES resting and residual pressures did not correlate with VFFS in penetration and aspiration scores of children with type 1 laryngeal clefts status post repair. Our study is the first to identify specific changes in UES motor function in patients with type 1 laryngeal cleft post initial repair.