bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Literature Review on Technological Applications to Monitor and Evaluate Calves’ Health and Welfare
Authors: Silva Flávio G. , Conceição Cristina , Pereira Alfredo M. F. , Cerqueira Joaquim L. , Silva Severiano R.
Published: March 2023

Precision livestock farming (PLF) research is rapidly increasing and has improved farmers’ quality of life, animal welfare, and production efficiency. PLF research in dairy calves is still relatively recent but has grown in the last few years. Automatic milk feeding systems (AMFS) and 3D accelerometers have been the most extensively used technologies in dairy calves. However, other technologies have been emerging in dairy calves’ research, such as infrared thermography (IRT), 3D cameras, ruminal bolus, and sound analysis systems, which have not been properly validated and reviewed in the scientific literature. Thus, with this review, we aimed to analyse the state-of-the-art of technological applications in calves, focusing on dairy calves. Most of the research is focused on technology to detect and predict calves’ health problems and monitor pain indicators. Feeding and lying behaviours have sometimes been associated with health and welfare levels. However, a consensus opinion is still unclear since other factors, such as milk allowance, can affect these behaviours differently. Research that employed a multi-technology approach showed better results than research focusing on only a single technique. Integrating and automating different technologies with machine learning algorithms can offer more scientific knowledge and potentially help the farmers improve calves’ health, performance, and welfare, if commercial applications are available, which, from the authors’ knowledge, are not at the moment.
Identification of Genomic Signatures in Bullmastiff Dogs Using Composite Selection Signals Analysis of 23 Purebred Clades
Authors: Hsu Wei-Tse , Williamson Peter , Khatkar Mehar Singh
Published: March 2023

Dog breeds represent canine sub-populations with distinctive phenotypic features and limited genetic diversity. We have established a resource to study breed-specific genetic diversity. Utilising genetic resources within our laboratory biobank, public domain genotype data and the phylogenetic framework of 23 breed clades, the primary objective for this study was to identify genomic regions that differentiate the Bullmastiff breed. Through application of a composite index analysis (CSS), genomic signatures were identified in Bullmastiffs when compared to the formative breeds, Mastiffs and Bulldogs, and to 22 other breed groups. Significant regions were identified on 15 chromosomes, with the most differentiated regions found on CFA1, CFA9, and CFA18. These regions may reflect genetic drift following establishment of the breed or the effects of selective breeding during development of the modern Bullmastiff. This was supported by analysis of genes from the identified genomic regions, including 458 genes from the multi-clade analysis, which revealed enriched pathways that may be related to characteristic traits and distinct morphology of the breed. The study demonstrates the utility of the CSS method in breed-specific genome analysis and advances our understanding of genetic diversity in Bullmastiff dogs.
Optimisation of Industrially Relevant Electrode Formulations for LFP Cathodes in Lithium Ion Cells
Authors: Apachitei Geanina , Hidalgo Marc , Dogaru Daniela , Lain Michael , Heymer Robert , Marco James , Copley Mark
Published: March 2023

The electrode formulation has a significant effect on the performance of lithium ion cells. The active material, binder, and conductive carbon all have different roles, and finding the optimum composition can be difficult using an iterative approach. In this study, a design of experiment (DoE) methodology is applied to the optimisation of a cathode based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP). The minimum LFP content in the electrodes is 94 wt%. Seventeen mixes are used to evaluate adhesion, resistivity, and electrochemical performance. The coating adhesion increases with binder content, and the coating conductivity increases with carbon nano-tube content. The best coatings achieve 5C:0.2C capacity ratios above 50%, despite the relatively high coat weight. Models based on just the component mixture do not replicate the discharge capacities at high rates. However, a combined mixture + process model can fit the data, and is used to predict an optimum formulation.
Electrolytes, Additives and Binders for NMC Cathodes in Li-Ion Batteries—A Review
Authors: Das Dhrubajyoti , Manna Sanchita , Puravankara Sreeraj
Published: March 2023

Among the current battery technologies, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are essential in shaping future energy landscapes in stationary storage and e-mobility. Among all components, choosing active cathode material (CAM) limits a cell’s available energy density (Wh kg−1), and the CAM selection becomes critical. Layered Lithium transition metal oxides, primarily, LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC) (x + y + z = 1), represent a prominent class of cathode materials for LIBs due to their high energy density and capacity. The battery performance metrics of NMC cathodes vary according to the different ratios of transition metals in the CAM. The non-electrode factors and their effect on the cathode performance of a lithium-ion battery are as significant in a commercial sense. These factors can affect the capacity, cycle lifetime, thermal safety, and rate performance of the NMC battery. Additionally, polycrystalline NMC comprises secondary clusters of primary crystalline particles prone to pulverization along the grain boundaries, which leads to microcrack formation and unwanted side reactions with the electrolyte. Single-crystal NMC (SC-NMC) morphology tackles the cycling stability issue for improved performance but falls short in enhancing capacity and rate capability. The compatibility of different combinations of electrolytes and additives for SC-NMC is discussed, considering the commercial aspects of NMC in electric vehicles. The review has targeted the recent development of non-aqueous electrolyte systems with various additives and aqueous and non-aqueous binders for NMC-based LIBs to stress their importance in the battery chemistry of NMC.
Yeast—As Bioremediator of Silver-Containing Synthetic Effluents
Authors: Zinicovscaia Inga , Yushin Nikita , Grozdov Dmitrii , Rodlovskaya Elena , Khiem Le
Published: March 2023

Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae may be regarded as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly biosorbent for complex effluent treatment. The effect of pH, contact time, temperature, and silver concentration on metal removal from silver-containing synthetic effluents using Saccharomyces cerevisiae was examined. The biosorbent before and after biosorption process was analysed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and neutron activation analysis. Maximum removal of silver ions, which constituted 94–99%, was attained at the pH 3.0, contact time 60 min, and temperature 20 °C. High removal of copper, zinc, and nickel ions (63–100%) was obtained at pH 3.0–6.0. The equilibrium results were described using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm, while pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were applied to explain the kinetics of the biosorption. The Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order model fitted better experimental data with maximum adsorption capacity in the range of 43.6–108 mg/g. The negative Gibbs energy values pointed at the feasibility and spontaneous character of the biosorption process. The possible mechanisms of metal ions removal were discussed. Saccharomyces cerevisiae have all necessary characteristics to be applied to the development of the technology of silver-containing effluents treatment.
The Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Host Amino Acids Metabolism in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Yang Qin , Wei Yumou , Zhu Yinghong , Guo Jiaojiao , Zhang Jingyu , He Yanjuan , Li Xin , Liu Jing , Zhou Wen
Published: March 2023

Although novel therapies have dramatically improved outcomes for multiple myeloma (MM) patients, relapse is inevitable and overall outcomes are heterogeneous. The gut microbiota is becoming increasingly recognized for its influence on host metabolism. To date, evidence has suggested that the gut microbiota contributes to MM, not only via the progressive activities of specific bacteria but also through the influence of the microbiota on host metabolism. Importantly, the abnormal amino acid metabolism, as well as the altered microbiome in MM, is becoming increasingly apparent, as is the influence on MM progression and the therapeutic response. Moreover, the gut-microbiota–host-amino-acid metabolism interaction in the progression of MM has been highlighted. Modulation of the gut microbiota (such as fecal microbiota transplantation, FMT) can be modified, representing a new angle in MM treatment that can improve outcomes. In this review, the relationship between gut microbiota, metabolism, and MM, together with strategies to modulate the microbiota, will be discussed, and some unanswered questions for ongoing and future research will be presented.
TrkA Co-Receptors: The Janus Face of TrkA?
Authors: Trouvilliez Sarah , Lagadec Chann , Toillon Robert-Alain
Published: March 2023

Larotrectinib and Entrectinib are specific pan-Trk tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 for cancers with an NTRK fusion. Despite initial enthusiasm for these compounds, the French agency (HAS) recently reported their lack of efficacy. In addition, primary and secondary resistance to these TKIs has been observed in the absence of other mutations in cancers with an NTRK fusion. Furthermore, when TrkA is overexpressed, it promotes ligand-independent activation, bypassing the TKI. All of these clinical and experimental observations show that genetics does not explain all therapeutic failures. It is therefore necessary to explore new hypotheses to explain these failures. This review summarizes the current status of therapeutic strategies with TrkA inhibitors, focusing on the mechanisms potentially involved in these failures and more specifically on the role of TrkA.
The Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT)
Authors: Sohn Eric J. , Goralsky Julia A. , Shay Jerry W. , Min Jaewon
Published: March 2023

As detailed by the end replication problem, the linear ends of a cell’s chromosomes, known as telomeres, shorten with each successive round of replication until a cell enters into a state of growth arrest referred to as senescence. To maintain their immortal proliferation capacity, cancer cells must employ a telomere maintenance mechanism, such as telomerase activation or the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres pathway (ALT). With only 10–15% of cancers utilizing the ALT mechanism, progress towards understanding its molecular components and associated hallmarks has only recently been made. This review analyzes the advances towards understanding the ALT pathway by: (1) detailing the mechanisms associated with engaging the ALT pathway as well as (2) identifying potential therapeutic targets of ALT that may lead to novel cancer therapeutic treatments. Collectively, these studies indicate that the ALT molecular mechanisms involve at least two distinct pathways induced by replication stress and damage at telomeres. We suggest exploiting tumor dependency on ALT is a promising field of study because it suggests new approaches to ALT-specific therapies for cancers with poorer prognosis. While substantial progress has been made in the ALT research field, additional progress will be required to realize these advances into clinical practices to treat ALT cancers and improve patient prognoses.
High Levels of FGF11 Correlate with Poor Survival in Patients with Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Flon Caroline Haglund de , Haeggblom Linnea , Holzhauser Stefan , Kostopoulou Ourania N. , Zupancic Mark , Dalianis Tina , Munck-Wikland Eva , Marklund Linda , Näsman Anders
Published: March 2023

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is associated with a favourable prognosis. It has therefore been suggested that treatment should be individualized and separated by HPV status. However, additional prognostic markers are still needed before treatment can be individualized for this patient group. For this purpose, all patients diagnosed with HPV and p16-positive OPSCC in Stockholm 2000–2009, identified as having a partial/nonresponse to treatment and having viable tumour cells in their neck specimen with material available were categorized as cases. These were matched to controls (complete responders), and the differences in the gene expression were analysed. Two separate verification cohorts were identified including patients with HPV- and p16-positive OPSCC, and the data from the case-control study were verified by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the respective cohorts. A separation of gene expression in correlation with survival was observed in the case-control study, and FGF11 expression was identified as significantly differently expressed between the two groups. The prognostic role of FGF11 was validated in the two cohorts on the RNA and protein levels, respectively. Taken together, our findings suggest that FGF11 may indicate a poor prognosis in HPV-positive OPSCC and may serve as a prognostic biomarker.
Profiling Experiences of Bullying in the Elementary School: The Role of Gender
Authors: Sideridis Georgios , Alghamdi Mohammed H.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the present study was to profile bullying behaviors in elementary schools in Saudi Arabia. A secondary purpose was to examine differences in bullying behaviors across gender. Participants were 3867 fourth graders who completed surveys during the TIMSS 2019 survey. An 11-item bullying experience scale was utilized with good internal consistency reliability. Data were analyzed using latent class analysis with Mplus 8.9 to identify profiles of bullying experiences. The results indicated the presence of five profiles with levels of low, medium, and high bullying experiences, as well as two profiles with no cyberbullying experiences and medium high and medium low physical and verbal instances of bullying. Gender effects were highly pronounced, with most maladaptive bullying profiles being predominantly male. It is concluded that physical bullying is mainly occupied by males and the levels of cyberbullying are generally low in the elementary school grades. Implications for educational policy can clearly direct the development of support groups and expert counseling for both bullies and victims, staff training for identification and course of action, and the development of standardized school policies when such incidences occur.
Editorial for Special Issue “Natural Products as Potential Source of Antidiabetic Compounds”
Authors: Hussain Hidayat
Published: March 2023

Natural products (NPs) are characterized by possessing intriguing scaffold diversity along with structural complexity and have been a comprehensive source of lead compounds for drug discovery [...]
Long-Term Administration of LL-37 Can Induce Irreversible Rosacea-like Lesion
Authors: Zhang Chuanxi , Kang Yumeng , Zhang Ziyan , Liu Heliang , Xu Hong , Cai Wenchen , Gao Xuemin , Yang Jie
Published: March 2023

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose late manifestations have not yet been clearly reported in animal models. The objective of this study is to describe the skin lesions and major histopathological changes in a rosacea-like phenotype in mice induced by prolonged LL-37 administration and furthermore, to assess the potential of long-term LL-37 administration in inducing irreversible rosacea-like skin lesion models. Balb/c mice were continuously injected intradermally with LL-37 every 12 h to induce a rosacea-like phenotype. After LL-37 injections were administered for 20 consecutive days, the area of rosacea-like lesions gradually expanded in the first 13 days, then entered a stable phase. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Van Gieson’s staining showed a high degree of inflammatory cell aggregation, thickening of the epidermis and dermis, and collagen deposition in large quantities. The results of immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting showed that the expression of α-SMA, TNF-α, vimentin, and COL1 in the skin of mice was significantly upregulated. Short-term LL-37 administration induced rosacea-like lesions that only featured the aggregation of inflammatory factors and thickening of the epidermis, whereas no collagen hyperplasia was observed, and a full recovery was noticed. However, rosacea-like skin lesions induced by long-term LL-37 administration did not completely recover. Our study compares rosacea-like lesions induced by short-term versus long-term LL-37 administration, and the results suggest that irreversible rosacea-like lesions can be induced by long-term LL-37 administration.
Low CD4 Counts and History of Sore Throat Predict High SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Nyawale Helmut A. , Mirambo Mariam M. , Chacha Fabian , Moremi Nyambura , Mohamed Mohamed , Lutema Phares C. , Msemwa Betrand , Mundamshimu James Samwel , Nicholaus Bartholomeo , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: March 2023

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite the fact that it affects all ages and profiles, some evidence shows that patients with comorbidities, including diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, are likely to be most affected. For chronic diseases, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), information is scarce, with a few studies from high-income countries. This study reports predictors of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity (IgG + IgM) among unvaccinated people living with HIV attending Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methodology: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study involving 150 HIV-infected patients was conducted at Bugando Medical Centre between June and July 2022. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the participants’ information. Blood samples were collected and used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 (IgM/IgG) antibodies by immunochromatographic assay. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15. Results: The mean age of the enrolled participants was 46.4 ± 11.1 years. The overall seropositivity (IgG + IgM) of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 79/150 (52.7%) [95% CI: 44.4–60.9]. Seropositivity of IgM only was 8/150 (5.3) [95% CI: 1.7–8.8], while that of IgG only was 61/150 (40.6%) [95% CI: 32.7–48.4]. Seropositivity of both IgG and IgM was observed in 10/150 (6.7%) patients. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, history of sore throat (OR: 6.34, 95% CI: 2.305–18.351, p < 0.001), low CD4 count (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.995–0.999, p = 0.004), and use of pit latrines (OR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.122–4.738, p = 0.023) were independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Conclusion: HIV-infected individuals with history of sore throat, low CD4 count, and use of pit latrines were more likely to be SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositive. There is a need to routinely screen for SARS-CoV-2 infection among HIV-infected individuals to obtain comprehensive data regarding the interactions of the pathogens.
Waldsteinia within Geum s.l. (Rosaceae): Main Aspects of Phylogeny and Speciation History
Authors: Protopopova Marina , Pavlichenko Vasiliy , Chepinoga Victor , Gnutikov Alexander , Adelshin Renat
Published: March 2023

Waldsteinia is a small plant genus inhabiting the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. According to the latest revisions, Waldsteinia is included in Geum. We have obtained a phylogenetic reconstruction based on the nuclear (ITS) and plastid (trnL-trnF) DNA to understand the phylogenetic structure of Waldsteinia and its relationships with other taxa of Geum s.l. Phylogenetic analysis based on the joint ITS + trnL-trnF dataset demonstrated Waldsteinia monophyly. The phylogenetic relationships of Waldsteinia species were better explained by their geographical distribution than their morphology. Hence, Euro-Siberian, Northeast Asian, and North American phylogeographic groups were distinguished, with East Asia having been suggested as the place of Waldsteinia origin. Considering the incongruence in W. geoides (a type species) position on the plastid and nuclear DNA trees, together with the discrepancy between the species morphology and its location on the plastid DNA tree, a hybrid origin was suggested for this species. Despite the fact that the position of W. maximowicziana is still not fully resolved, we support the point of view that claims it should be separated from the W. ternata aggregate (traditionally including W. trifolia, W. ternata s.str., and W. maximowicziana) and considered a separate species. The American W. doniana, W. fragarioides, and W. lobata belong to a single maternal lineage, but the observed genetic differences are too small to serve as a convincing argument for species segregation, so their relationships still remain unresolved.
Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Study in the Bulgarian Mountain Rhodopes: Part II—Contemporary Use of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Mincheva Irena , Naychov Zheko , Radev Cristo , Aneva Ina , Rastrelli Luca , Kamusheva Maria , Nikolov Nikolay , Kozuharova Ekaterina
Published: March 2023

Rhodopes Mountain is ethnobotanically poorly studied, but our preliminary observation in a number of settlements revealed that even nowadays, the local population relies solely on previously collected medicinal plants. We aimed to assess the contemporary use of medicinal plants in the Central and East Rhodopes and the health conditions that local communities address with them. The ethnobotanical field data were collected through an in-depth method in combination with semi-structured face-to-face interviews, adapted with modifications to the objectives of this study. The following quantitative ethnobotanical indices were used in this study: informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), and Jaccard similarity coefficient or Jaccard index (JI). Data analyses from our field research showed that 92 informants mentioned the utilization of a total of 114 plant species. The results of this study reveal that in both regions of the Rhodopes, medicinal plants are mentioned most often in relation to diseases affecting nervous, respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular systems, followed by reproductive, urinary, immune, and musculoskeletal. The risk of disruption or loss of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is expected in the condition of cultural globalization. However, there is no metrified data about the use of medicinal plants in the Rhodopes from the past. The application of statistical indices in this research will make such assessment and monitoring possible in the future.
Sonographic and Magnetic Resonance Characteristics of Gynecological Sarcoma
Authors: Camponovo Carolina , Neumann Stephanie , Zosso Livia , Mueller Michael D. , Raio Luigi
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Gynecological sarcomas are rare malignant tumors with an incidence of 1.5–3/100,000 and are 3–9% of all malignant uterine tumors. The preoperative differentiation between sarcoma and myoma becomes increasingly important with the development of minimally invasive treatments for myomas, as this means undertreatment for sarcoma. There are currently no reliable laboratory tests or imaging-characteristics to detect sarcomas. The objective of this article is to gain an overview of sarcoma US/MRI characteristics and assess their accuracy for preoperative diagnosis. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed and 12 studies on ultrasound and 21 studies on MRI were included. Results: For the ultrasound, these key features were gathered: solid tumor > 8 cm, unsharp borders, heterogeneous echogenicity, no acoustic shadowing, rich vascularization, and cystic changes within. For the MRI, these key features were gathered: irregular borders; heterogeneous; high signal on T2WI intensity; and hemorrhagic and necrotic changes, with central non-enhancement, hyperintensity on DWI, and low values for ADC. Conclusions: These features are supported by the current literature. In retrospective analyses, the ultrasound did not show a sufficient accuracy for diagnosing sarcoma preoperatively and could also not differentiate between the different subtypes. The MRI showed mixed results: various studies achieved high sensitivities in their analysis, when combining multiple characteristics. Overall, these findings need further verification in prospective studies with larger study populations.
Quantum Circuit Components for Cognitive Decision-Making
Authors: Widdows Dominic , Rani Jyoti , Pothos Emmanuel M.
Published: March 2023

This paper demonstrates that some non-classical models of human decision-making can be run successfully as circuits on quantum computers. Since the 1960s, many observed cognitive behaviors have been shown to violate rules based on classical probability and set theory. For example, the order in which questions are posed in a survey affects whether participants answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’, so the population that answers ‘yes’ to both questions cannot be modeled as the intersection of two fixed sets. It can, however, be modeled as a sequence of projections carried out in different orders. This and other examples have been described successfully using quantum probability, which relies on comparing angles between subspaces rather than volumes between subsets. Now in the early 2020s, quantum computers have reached the point where some of these quantum cognitive models can be implemented and investigated on quantum hardware, by representing the mental states in qubit registers, and the cognitive operations and decisions using different gates and measurements. This paper develops such quantum circuit representations for quantum cognitive models, focusing particularly on modeling order effects and decision-making under uncertainty. The claim is not that the human brain uses qubits and quantum circuits explicitly (just like the use of Boolean set theory does not require the brain to be using classical bits), but that the mathematics shared between quantum cognition and quantum computing motivates the exploration of quantum computers for cognition modeling. Key quantum properties include superposition, entanglement, and collapse, as these mathematical elements provide a common language between cognitive models, quantum hardware, and circuit implementations.
Time Series of Counts under Censoring: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Silva Isabel , Silva Maria Eduarda , Pereira Isabel , McCabe Brendan
Published: March 2023

Censored data are frequently found in diverse fields including environmental monitoring, medicine, economics and social sciences. Censoring occurs when observations are available only for a restricted range, e.g., due to a detection limit. Ignoring censoring produces biased estimates and unreliable statistical inference. The aim of this work is to contribute to the modelling of time series of counts under censoring using convolution closed infinitely divisible (CCID) models. The emphasis is on estimation and inference problems, using Bayesian approaches with Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) and Gibbs sampler with Data Augmentation (GDA) algorithms.
Estimating the Number of Communities in Weighted Networks
Authors: Qing Huan
Published: March 2023

Community detection in weighted networks has been a popular topic in recent years. However, while there exist several flexible methods for estimating communities in weighted networks, these methods usually assume that the number of communities is known. It is usually unclear how to determine the exact number of communities one should use. Here, to estimate the number of communities for weighted networks generated from arbitrary distribution under the degree-corrected distribution-free model, we propose one approach that combines weighted modularity with spectral clustering. This approach allows a weighted network to have negative edge weights and it also works for signed networks. We compare the proposed method to several existing methods and show that our method is more accurate for estimating the number of communities both numerically and empirically.
Supervised Deep Learning Techniques for Image Description: A Systematic Review
Authors: López-Sánchez Marco , Hernández-Ocaña Betania , Chávez-Bosquez Oscar , Hernández-Torruco José
Published: March 2023

Automatic image description, also known as image captioning, aims to describe the elements included in an image and their relationships. This task involves two research fields: computer vision and natural language processing; thus, it has received much attention in computer science. In this review paper, we follow the Kitchenham review methodology to present the most relevant approaches to image description methodologies based on deep learning. We focused on works using convolutional neural networks (CNN) to extract the characteristics of images and recurrent neural networks (RNN) for automatic sentence generation. As a result, 53 research articles using the encoder-decoder approach were selected, focusing only on supervised learning. The main contributions of this systematic review are: (i) to describe the most relevant image description papers implementing an encoder-decoder approach from 2014 to 2022 and (ii) to determine the main architectures, datasets, and metrics that have been applied to image description.
Variational Hybrid Monte Carlo for Efficient Multi-Modal Data Sampling
Authors: Sun Shiliang , Zhao Jing , Gu Minghao , Wang Shanhu
Published: March 2023

The Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) sampling algorithm exploits Hamiltonian dynamics to construct efficient Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), which has become increasingly popular in machine learning and statistics. Since HMC uses the gradient information of the target distribution, it can explore the state space much more efficiently than random-walk proposals, but may suffer from high autocorrelation. In this paper, we propose Langevin Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (LHMC) to reduce the autocorrelation of the samples. Probabilistic inference involving multi-modal distributions is very difficult for dynamics-based MCMC samplers, which is easily trapped in the mode far away from other modes. To tackle this issue, we further propose a variational hybrid Monte Carlo (VHMC) which uses a variational distribution to explore the phase space and find new modes, and it is capable of sampling from multi-modal distributions effectively. A formal proof is provided that shows that the proposed method can converge to target distributions. Both synthetic and real datasets are used to evaluate its properties and performance. The experimental results verify the theory and show superior performance in multi-modal sampling.
Incremental Phase-Current Based Fault Passage Indication for Earth Faults in Resonant Earthed Networks
Authors: Habib Md Zakaria , Taylor Nathaniel
Published: March 2023

We propose a method for the fault passage indication of earth faults in resonant-earthed networks, based on phase current measurements alone. This is particularly relevant for electricity distribution systems at medium-voltage levels. The method is based on the relative magnitudes of the phasor changes in the phase currents due to the fault. It is tested for various network types and operation configurations by simulating the network in pscad and using the simulated currents as the input for an implementation of the method in matlab. In over-compensated networks, the method shows reliable detection of the fault passage, with good selectivity and sensitivity for both homogeneous and mixed (cable and overhead line) feeders. However, for the less common under-compensated systems, it has limitations that are described further in this study. The method has good potential for being cost effective since it requires only current measurements, from a single location, at a moderate sampling rate.
Experimental Assessment on the Coupling Effect of Mixing Length and Methane-Ammonia Blends on Flame Stability and Emissions
Authors: Abdullah Marwan , Guiberti Thibault F. , Alsulami Radi A.
Published: March 2023

Lean premixed combustion mode has become attractive for utilization in industrial gas turbines due to its ability to meet strict emissions regulations without compromising engine efficiency. In this combustion mode, the mixing process is the key player that affect the flame structure and stability, as well as the generated emissions. Many studies have investigated the aspects that influence premixed flames, including the effects of turbulence, combustor geometry, and level of partial premixing, while mostly using conventional natural gas fuel represented by methane. Recently, ammonia, a sustainable energy source, has been considered in gas turbines due to its carbon-free fuel producing no CO2. Utilizing 100% ammonia or a blend of methane and ammonia alters the combustion performance of a premixed flame due to the variation associated with the physical and chemical properties of ammonia. Thus, investigating the coupling between blend ratios and mixing length of methane-ammonia on flame stability and emissions is an essential step toward implementing ammonia in industrial gas turbines. In this study, the influence of various methane-ammonia blends, from 0 (pure methane) to XNH3 = 75%, and mixing lengths on the flame performance were studied. The mixing length was altered by delaying the injection (i.e., partially premixing) of the ammonia while using a fixed injection location for the reference methane-air mixture. This was done by using three fuel ports located at three different heights upstream of the combustion chamber. The results showed that the flame stability is negatively influenced by increasing (decreasing) ammonia fraction (mixing length ratio) and is more sensitive to the ammonia fraction than to the mixing length. At a constant equivalence ratio, the CO and NOx performances improved positively by increasing the ammonia volume fractions (especially at XNH3 = 75% compared to XNH3 = 25% and 50%) and the mixing length.
Wind SRG-Based Bipolar DC Microgrid with Grid-Connected and Plug-In Energy Supporting Functions
Authors: Lin Shangping , Huang Yujie , Liaw Changming
Published: March 2023

Although a switched reluctance generator (SRG) is not the mainstream wind generator, it possesses the application potential and is worth developing for its many structural merits and high developed power ability. This paper presents a wind SRG-based bipolar DC microgrid having grid-connected and plug-in energy supporting functions. First, a surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM)-driven wind turbine emulator (WTE) is established. Next, the wind SRG with an asymmetric bridge converter is developed. Good generating characteristics are obtained through proper designs of power circuit, commutation mechanism, external excitation source, voltage and current controllers. Third, a DC/DC boost interface converter and a bipolar voltage balancer are constructed to establish the 500 V microgrid bipolar DC-bus. To preserve the microgrid power supplying quality, a battery energy storage system (BESS) with bidirectional DC/DC interface converter is equipped. A dump load leg is added across the bus to limit the DC-bus voltage under energy surplus condition. In load side, a three-phase bidirectional load inverter is developed, which can be operated as a single-phase three-wire (1P3W) inverter or a three-phase three-wire (3P3W) inverter. Good sinusoidal voltage waveform and regulation characteristics are obtained using the proportional-resonant (PR) control. The microgrid to load and microgrid to grid operations are conductible. Finally, to further improve the powering reliability of microgrid, a three-phase T-type Vienna switch-mode rectifier (SMR) based plug-in energy supporting scheme is developed. When the microgrid energy shortage occurs, the possible harvested energy can be used to supply the microgrid.
Diversity and Assembly of Bacteria Community in Lime Soil under Different Karst Land-Use Types
Authors: Zou Xiaoxiao , Yao Kai , Zeng Fuping , Zhang Chen , Zeng Zhaoxia , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2023

Bacteria play an important role as decomposers in karst ecosystems, which can be associated with karst soil and plants, promoting the cycling of nutrients between plants and soil. To reveal the diversity and structure of soil bacterial communities in some karst land-use types after the Grain for Green pattern, soil samples were collected from different land-use types (crops, grasses, and plantations) for analysis. Changes in the structure and assembly of karst soil bacteria were examined using 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing and soil chemical properties. We found that 18 years after the Grain for Green program, the soil chemical properties of available nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and soil organic matter (SOM) of grassland were significantly different from those of farmland. The soil chemical properties in plantations were also significantly lower than those in farmlands. Different land-use types did not significantly affect the soil bacterial community structure. Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria were the dominant phyla in all the plots. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria was higher in grasslands and plantations than in farmlands, whereas that of Actinobacteria was lower in grasslands. Furthermore, no significant correlations were observed between the soil chemical factors and soil bacterial groups at the genus level. The null model analysis indicated that dispersal limitations in stochastic processes predominated for the different land-use systems. Combined with previous analyses of the factors driving bacterial core species diversity in karst soils, we speculated that stochastic processes play a more important role in the construction of core bacterial species in restored karst soils at the plot scale.
Metabolic Difference Analysis of Clostridium cellulovorans Grown on Glucose and Cellulose
Authors: Tang Wen-Zhu , Jiang Dan-Dan , Fan Yi-Xuan , Zhang Quan , Liu Li-Cheng , Li Fu-Li , Liu Zi-Yong
Published: March 2023

As an anaerobic butyrate-producing bacterium, Clostridium cellulovorans can secrete a variety of extracellular enzymes to degrade plant-based cellulose. However, with glucose as the carbon source, it still secretes a large amount of protein in the broth. The metabolism and regulation are obscure and need to be further studied. Hence, in this study, C. cellulovorans was used to conduct fed-batch fermentation of glucose and microcrystalline at pH 7.0 to produce a higher level of butyrate in the bioreactor. It produced 16.8 mM lactate, 22.3 mM acetate, and 132.7 mM butyrate in 72 h during glucose fermentation. In contrast, it produced only 11.5 mM acetate and 93.9 mM butyrate and took 192 h to complete the fermentation with cellulose as the carbon source. Furthermore, there was no lactate detected in the broth. The analysis of carbon source balance and redox balance showed that 57% of the glucose was consumed to form acids in glucose fermentation, while only 47% of the cellulose was used for acid generation in the cellulose fermentation. Meanwhile, a large amount of protein was detected in the fermentation broth in both glucose (0.9 ± 0.1 g/L) and cellulose (1.1 ± 0.2 g/L) fermentation. These results showed that protein was also a main product. C. cellulovorans metabolized glucose to generate intermediate metabolites and reducing powers (NADH and Fdred), then protein and acid synthesis consumed this reducing power to maintain the carbon source balance and redox balance in the cell metabolism. The results of comparative transcriptomics and comparative proteomics also supported the above conclusion. The method of studying the protein during Clostridium species fermentation provides a new perspective for further study on metabolic regulation.
Relationship among Sugars, Organic Acids, Mineral Composition, and Chilling Injury Sensitivity on Six Pomegranate Cultivars Stored at 2 °C
Authors: Lorente-Mento José Manuel , Carrión-Antolí Alberto , Guillén Fabián , Serrano María , Valero Daniel , Martínez-Romero Domingo
Published: March 2023

Pomegranate is a sensitive fruit to chilling injury (CI) during storage at temperatures below 7 °C. However, sensitivity of pomegranate to CI is dependent on cultivar and exposure times to low temperatures. In this work, the sensitivity to CI of six pomegranate cultivars (Punica granatum L.) ‘Wonderful’, ‘Kingdom’, ‘Bigful’, ‘Acco’, ‘Purple Queen’, and ‘Mollar de Elche’, was evaluated after 30 d at 2 °C plus 2 d at 20 °C. Among cultivars, there was a great variability in the sensitivity to the appearance of CI symptoms. ‘Kingdom’ cultivar was the most CI sensitive and ‘Mollar de Elche’ cultivar was the least sensitive cultivar. CI symptoms were greater in the internal part of the skin than in the external part, although no correlation was found between ion leakage (IL) and CI severity after cold storage. However, both, external and internal CI index were correlated with the IL at harvest, with Pearson correlation of 0.63 and 0.80, respectively. In addition, this variability to CI among cultivars could also be due to composition and tissue structures in arils and peel. The solute content of the arils (anthocyanins, sugars, and organic acids, in particular citric acid), showed high correlations with CI sensitivity, with Pearson correlations (r) of 0.56 for total soluble solids, 0.87 for total acidity, 0.94 for anthocyanins, −0.94 for oxalic acid, 0.87 for citric acid, 0.62 for tartaric acid, −0.91 for malic acid, 0.8 for sucrose, and 0.71 for glucose, which can leak to the inner surface of the peel causing browning reactions. In addition, the high peel Ca/K ratio could play an important role on increasing fruit tolerance to CI, since it was negatively correlated with the internal and external CI indexes.
Effect of Frying Process on the Flavor Variations of Allium Plants
Authors: Wang Jing , Qiao Lina , Wang Ruifang , Zhang Ning , Liu Yuping , Chen Haitao , Sun Jie , Wang Shuqi , Zhang Yu
Published: March 2023

The Allium plant is widely used in cuisines around the world for its characteristic flavor. The general profile of the plant changes a lot and presents quite different smells after the frying process. In this work, five Allium plants and their fried oils were compared to find out how the frying process impacts the general flavor profile. The results of sensory analysis indicated that the frying process could substantially increase the flavor acceptability of fresh Allium plants. Meanwhile, according to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, fewer volatile compounds were detected in fresh Allium plants than in their fried oils. Furthermore, contents of nitrogen-containing compounds (ranging from 0.17 μg/g to 268.97 μg/g), aldehydes (ranging from 71.82 μg/g to 1164.84 μg/g), and lactones (ranging from 0 μg/g to 12.38 μg/g) increased significantly. In addition, more aroma-active substances were identified in the fried Allium oils revealed by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) analysis. Sulfur-containing compounds were the most abundant in fresh Allium plants, whereas nitrogen-containing compounds dominated in fried oils. The thermal degradation of sugars, amino acids and lipids as well as interactions between carbohydrates, proteins, and fats during the frying process were thought to be the main contributors to these variations. Therefore, this research provides a theoretical basis for the quality control of onion oil flavor and promotes the further development of the onion plant industry. Consequently, the research provided a theoretical basis for the quality control of Allium oils’ flavor and promoted the further development of Allium plant industries.
Sonochemical Effects on the Preparation, Structure and Function of Gliadin-(−)-Epigallo-Catechin 3-Gallate Conjugates
Authors: Cao Jiaxing , Xu Ning , Zhang Jianhao , Zhang Guozhi , Zhang Yu
Published: March 2023

It is essential to understand the mechanism of action of ultrasound synergistic free radical oxidation to promote covalent reactions between proteins and polyphenols. (−)-epigallo-catechin 3-gallate (EGCG) with rich bioactivity could be used to increase the functional properties of cereal protein—gliadin (GL). This study systematically explored the role of ultrasound treatment (US) on the binding mechanisms of GL and EGCG. Electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the greater molecular mass of the covalent complexes in the ultrasound environment. Quantitative analysis by the phenol content revealed that the ultrasound environment increased the EGCG content in the covalent complex by 15.08 mg/g of protein. The changes in the spatial structure of the proteins were indicated by Fourier infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) found that US disrupted the aggregation of GL and the clustered structure of the covalent complexes. The results demonstrated that the water solubility of ultrasonic conjugates was significantly increased by 8.8–64.19%, the digestion rate was more efficient, and the radical scavenging capacity was twice that of GL. This research contributes to the theoretical basis for broadening the application of polyphenols in modifying protein.
Tamarind Xyloglucan Oligosaccharides Attenuate Metabolic Disorders via the Gut–Liver Axis in Mice with High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Zhu Chun-Hua , Li Yan-Xiao , Xu Yun-Cong , Wang Nan-Nan , Yan Qiao-Juan , Jiang Zheng-Qiang
Published: March 2023

Functional oligosaccharides exert obesity-reducing effects by acting at various pathological sites responsible for the development of obesity. In this study, tamarind xyloglucan oligosaccharides (TXOS) were used to attenuate metabolic disorders via the gut–liver axis in mice with high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity, as determined through LC/MS-MS and 16S rRNA sequencing technology. A TXOS dose equivalent to 0.39 g/kg/day in humans restored the gut microbiota in obese mice, which was in part supported by the key microflora, particularly Bifidobacterium pseudolongum. Moreover, TXOS reduced the abundance of opportunistic pathogen species, such as Klebsiella variicola and Romboutsia ilealis. The bodyweight and weight gain of TXOS-treated (4.8 g/kg per day) mice began to decrease at the 14th week, decreasing by 12.8% and 23.3%, respectively. Sixteen fatty acids were identified as potential biomarkers in the liver, and B. pseudolongum and caprylic acid were found to tightly regulate each other. This was associated with reduced inflammation in the liver, circulation, and adipose tissue and protection from metabolic disorders. The findings of this study indicate that TXOS can significantly increase the gut microbiota diversity of obese mice and restore the HFD-induced dysbiosis of gut microbiota.