bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Isolated from Highly Saline “Sabkha Habitat” Soil Alleviated the NaCl-Induced Stress and Improved Lasiurus scindicus Henr. Growth
Authors: Malik Jahangir , AlQarawi AbdulAziz , Dar Basharat , Hashem Abeer , Alshahrani Thobayet , AlZain Mashail , Habib Muhammad , Javed Muhammad , Abd_Allah Elsayed
Published: February 2022

Salt stress is one of the most significant abiotic stresses that substantially negatively impact plant growth and productivity. However, a slew of research thus far has investigated the ameliorating properties of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis and their potential to improve plant tolerance to salt stress. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the role of mycorrhizal inocula obtained from Sabkha (S-AMF) and non-Sabkha (NS-AMF) habitats of Saudi Arabia on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical behaviors of the Lasiurus scindicus plant. For this reason, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) isolated from Sabkha and non-Sabkha soils were treated with salinity-exposed L. scindicus. The results revealed that the AMF-treated plants had higher growth metrics and increased synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, which were reduced by salt stress. Furthermore, the application of AM symbiosis induced an increase in the activities of the antioxidant system, which resulted in a reduction of the plant oxidative damage. It was also found that the increased accumulation of proline and phenols acted as a protective measure. Moreover, plants inoculated with S-AMF had the highest ameliorating responses on all the studied parameters compared to NS-AMF. This could be attributed to the presence of habitat-specific AMF, which may have induced adaptive plasticity in plants to tolerate or resist extreme salinity. However, further study in exploring the S-AMF diversity is needed to make it an ecofriendly choice for the restoration of salinity-affected ecosystems.
Encapsulated Clove Bud Essential Oil: A New Perspective as an Eco-Friendly Biopesticide
Authors: Milićević Zoran , Krnjajić Slobodan , Stević Milan , Ćirković Jovana , Jelušić Aleksandra , Pucarević Mira , Popović Tatjana
Published: February 2022

In this work by encapsulation technique we have synthetized three new clove bud essential oil (CEO) Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) formulations depending on the carrier (synthetic zeolite- F-CSZ, nature zeolite- F-CNZ and gelatin- F-CG). The main idea was to develop an eco-friendly biopesticide that can find use in plant protection as an alternative to the use of conventional pesticides. By encapsulation we wanted to enable water solubility and ensure prolonged efficacy of the essential oil. Biological activity of designed CEO formulations was tested on potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella (fumigant mode of action), gray mold fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea (preserver coatings), and soft rotting bacterial pathogens Pectobacterium carotovorum (subsp. carotovorum and brasiliensis) and Dickeya dianthicola (direct competition). CEO formulations evinced a prolonged action on mortality of P. operculella during the insects’ exposure to the concentration of the emulsions of 40 µL L−1 air. The mortality gradually decreased from a probability of 100% after the first 24 h to 50% after 5 days for F-CSZ or after 4 days for F-CNZ and F-CG. The most promising formulation is F-CSZ enabling activity during 14 days of exposure, while the effect of the other two formulations lasted 10 days. All three formulations produced a strong fungicidal effect against B. cinerea by preventing infection and disease development. The best efficacy was evidenced with F-CSZ (synthetic zeolite as a carrier) showing 100% efficacy when it was used even at the lowest tested concentration of active CEO (1%). The results of in vitro testing against soft rot pathogens determined the MIC value of CEO formulations to be 1% of active CEO. By this research, we present a novel perspective on the use of essential oils as an alternative, environmental biopesticide. CEO formulations can be commercially exploited as a fumigant or preserver coatings to extend the shelf life of stored products or the fresh-fruit market.
Helicobacter pylori Is Present at Quantifiable Levels in Raw Vegetables in the Mediterranean Area of Spain
Authors: García-Ferrús Miguel , González Ana , Pina-Pérez María Consuelo , Ferrús Maria Antonia
Published: February 2022

Vegetables are one of the main foodstuffs consumed in the Mediterranean diet. However, raw vegetables have been associated with relevant foodborne outbreaks worldwide. Accurate knowledge of the microbiological quantitative risks associated with these matrices is crucial in order to define effective control measures, avoiding the survival and dissemination of foodborne pathogens through the different food chain stages. The aim of the present study is the assessment of the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (a unique carcinogenic biological agent recognized to date) on leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, and chard) by means of the detection of the specific pathogenicity vacA gene. A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) optimized approach was used to detect H. pylori-positive samples and the concentration of this pathogen (with a limit of detection equal to 10 cells). One hundred raw vegetable samples were acquired in markets corresponding to the Spanish Mediterranean area. Sliced vegetable leaves were homogenized and centrifuged, and DNA was extracted from the homogenates. qPCR results confirmed 20 out of 100 H. pylori-positive samples, with melting temperature (Tm) values in the range of 84.8–86.5 °C (TmvacA H. pylori = 85 °C). Amplicons were cut, purified, and sequenced to confirm the homology with the H. pylori vacA gene. A total of 17 out of 100 vegetable samples (12/45 (26.6%) lettuce, 2/21 (9.5%) spinach, and 3/34 (8.8%) chard samples) were finally confirmed as H. pylori-positive. Contamination levels were in the range of 1.5 ± 0.3 to 2.5 ± 0.1 log10 cycles (36–335 CFU/g leafy vegetables). Our results show that H. pylori is detected by qPCR at levels close to infectious doses in fresh vegetables, thus posing a food safety hazard.
Post-Release Evaluation of Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) for Biological Control of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in Urban California, USA
Authors: Milosavljević Ivan , Vankosky Meghan A. , Morgan David J. W. , Hoddle Christina D. , Massie Rachael E. , Hoddle Mark S.
Published: February 2022

Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was first released in California for biological control of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in December 2014. The establishment and parasitism rates of D. aligarhensis, along with those of another introduced species, Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), first released in 2011, were assessed at 15 D. aligarhensis release and 24 no-release control sites over the period 2016–2018. Study sites with citrus trees that were infested with D. citri eggs, nymphs, and adults, were located in residential areas in southern California that spanned three different climatic zones: coastal, intermediate, and desert interior sites. Parasitism rates of D. aligarhensis were low, averaging 0.62% compared to 21.2% for T. radiata which had spread naturally and established widely through the study area approximately one year earlier. Recoveries of D. aligarhensis at release sites were made eight times in 2016 and 2017. Conversely, T. radiata was recovered consistently at 34 of the 39 sites surveyed. Analyses indicated that parasitism of D. citri nymphs by T. radiata exhibited delayed density-dependence with a 12-month lag associated with reductions of D. citri densities by 50%. Irrespective of the climatic zone, the highest frequency of parasitized D. citri nymphs for T. radiata was recorded during peak periods of citrus flush growth from March through June and October through November each year. The findings reported here suggest that it is unlikely D. aligarhensis has established in California and that competition from T. radiata may, in part, have contributed to establishment failure. Consequently, biological control efforts targeting D. citri in California should focus on T. radiata.
Driving Style Assessment System for Agricultural Tractors: Design and Experimental Validation
Authors: Dettù Federico , Formentin Simone , Savaresi Sergio Matteo
Published: February 2022

The diffusion of electronics and sensors in agricultural vehicles is enabling a revolution in the field, leading—among the rest—to the introduction of advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS). From this perspective, the three key performance indicators (KPI) in a tractor are indeed the driving safety, fuel consumption, and operator comfort. Such indexes describe the way the driver interacts with the vehicle, the environment, and other vehicles, respectively. Therefore, such information would be particularly valuable if promptly provided to the driver, e.g., on a dashboard visualizer, so as to adapt the driving style accordingly. Within this context, we propose an algorithmic solution for the on-line estimation of such KPIs. More specifically, by using an off-the-shelf smart-sensor equipped with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), the chassis accelerations are first processed to extract physics-inspired features and then used to assess the safety and comfort levels; similarly, the speed profile is used to evaluate the economicity of the driving style. The developed method is based upon a cheap setup, and thus it is industrially amenable for its simplicity and robustness. A sensitivity analysis to establish the best sensor placement is finally carried out, together with an extensive experimental campaign considering offroad, urban, and circuit paths.
Secondary Metabolism and Plant Growth of Piper divaricatum (Piperaceae) Inoculated with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Phosphorus Supplementation
Authors: Oliveira Joyce Solange de , Ramos Nayara P. , Júnior Jair Leão , Xavier Luciana P. , Andrade Eloisa Helena , Mello Andréa H. , Setzer William N. , Da Silva Joyce Kelly R.
Published: February 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species and/or phosphorus addition in the soil can affect secondary metabolism production and growth in plants. This study evaluated these effects on Piper divaricatum culture, which presents an essential oil rich in phenylpropanoids. Growth parameters, leaf volatile composition, total phenolic content, and the enzymatic activity of lipoxygenase (LOX) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) were monitored. At 90 days post inoculation (dpi), the treatments with AMF and AMF + P were more effective in terms of the number and biomass of leaves. In addition, the AMF group had increased plant height and root length. Phenylpropanoid and methyl eugenol contents were higher at 30 dpi in the P and AMF + P association treatments. However, at 90 dpi, the plants with P addition at 20 mg·dm−3 and AMF + 200 mg of P·dm−3 showed higher phenolic contents and PAL activity, respectively. All treatments increased LOX activity, especially with P addition at 200 mg·dm−3. These results demonstrate that P and AMF can be applied to optimize leaf biomass and volatile compound production in P. divaricatum.
Assessing Moral Judgements in Veterinary Students: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study from Germany
Authors: Persson Kirsten , Gerdts Wiebke-Rebekka , Hartnack Sonja , Kunzmann Peter
Published: February 2022

Although veterinary ethics is required in veterinary curricula and part of the competencies expected of a trained veterinary surgeon according to the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), knowledge concerning the effects of ethics teaching and tools evaluating moral judgement are scarce. To address this lack of tools with a mixed-methods approach, a questionnaire with three case scenarios presenting typical ethical conflicts of veterinary practice was administered to two groups of veterinary students (one had taken ethics classes, one did not). The questionnaire contained both open-ended and closed questions and was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The qualitative part aimed at revealing different argumentation patterns between the two groups, whereas the quantitative part focused on the students’ approval of different roles and attitudes possibly relating to veterinarians. The results showed no major differences between both groups. However, answering patterns suggest a clear diversity among the students in their perception of morally relevant factors and the veterinary profession. Awareness of morally challenging elements of their profession was presented by students of both groups. With this exploratory study, the application of an innovative mixed-methods tool for evaluating the moral judgement of veterinary medical students is demonstrated.
Influence of Maternal Protein Restriction in Primiparous Beef Heifers during Mid- and/or Late-Gestation on Progeny Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics
Authors: Block Janna J. , Webb Megan J. , Underwood Keith R. , Gonda Michael G. , Harty Adele A. , Salverson Robin R. , Funston Rick N. , Olson Kenneth C. , Blair Amanda D.
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the impacts of metabolizable protein (MP) restriction in primiparous heifers during mid- and/or late-gestation on progeny performance and carcass characteristics. Heifers were allocated to 12 pens in a randomized complete block design. The factorial treatment structure included two stages of gestation (mid- and late-) and two levels of dietary protein (control (CON); ~101% of MP requirements and restricted (RES); ~80% of MP requirements). Half of the pens on each treatment were randomly reassigned to the other treatment at the end of mid-gestation. Progeny were finished in a GrowSafe feeding system and carcass measurements were collected. Gestation treatment x time interactions indicated that MP restriction negatively influenced heifer body weight (BW), body condition score, and longissimus muscle (LM) area (p < 0.05), but not fat thickness (p > 0.05). Treatment did not affect the feeding period, initial or final BW, dry matter intake, or average daily gain of progeny (p > 0.05). The progeny of dams on the RES treatment in late gestation had a greater LM area (p = 0.04), but not when adjusted on a hot carcass weight basis (p > 0.10). Minimal differences in the animal performance and carcass characteristics suggest that the level of MP restriction imposed during mid- and late-gestation in this study did not have a significant developmental programming effect.
Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to Horses Competing in British Eventing 90, 100 and Novice One-Day Events and Comparison with Performance
Authors: Dyson Sue , Pollard Danica
Published: February 2022

The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was applied to 1010 competition starts at British Eventing (BE) 90, 100 and Novice one-day events and compared with performance. The overall median RHpE score was 4/24 (IQR 2,6; range 0,12). There were moderate positive correlations between RHpE scores and dressage penalties (Spearman’s rho = 0.508, 0.468, 0.491, all p < 0.001 for BE 90, 100 and Novice, respectively). There were weak positive correlations between RHpE scores and final placings (Spearman’s rho = 0.157, p = 0.033, BE90; rho = 0.263, p < 0.001, BE 100; rho = 0.123, p = 0.035, Novice). In showjumping, 1.7% of starters were eliminated or retired, compared with 9.8% of cross-country starters. Horse or rider falls occurred in 2.6% of cross-country starts. Horses placed first, second or third had lower median RHpE scores (2/24, IQR 1,4; range 0,8) than other horses that finished (p < 0.001), those that were eliminated or retired (p < 0.001) or were withdrawn (p < 0.001). The RHpE score was ≥8/24 for 9.3% of starters; horses with a RHpE score ≥8/24 had higher total penalty scores (p < 0.001) than horses with a RHpE score <8/24. The overall low median RHpE score supports the social licence to compete, but 9% of starters had a RHpE score ≥8/24. Investigation and treatment of these horses may improve both welfare and performance.
Psycho-Behavioural Changes in Dogs Treated with Corticosteroids: A Clinical Behaviour Perspective
Authors: Notari Lorella , Kirton Roxane , Mills Daniel S.
Published: February 2022

Arousal and distress are often important factors in problematic behaviours, and endogenous corticosteroids are important mediators in the associated stress responses. Exogenous corticosteroid treatments have been reported to change behaviour in human patients and laboratory animals, with similar changes also noted in pet dogs. These behaviours not only potentially adversely impact the welfare of the dogs, but also the quality of life of their owners. Indeed, corticosteroids can bias sensitivity towards aversion in dogs. A decrease in behaviours associated with positive affective states, such as play and exploratory behaviours, together with an increase in aggression and barking have also been described in dogs. According to the available literature, human patients with pre-existing psychiatric disorders are more at risk of developing behavioural side effects due to corticosteroid treatments. It is reasonable to consider that the same may happen in dogs with pre-existing behavioural problems. In this paper, the possible behavioural side effects of exogenous corticosteroids are summarised to help inform and support veterinarians prescribing these drugs.
The First Case of Cytauxzoon spp. in Russia: The Parasite Conquers Eurasia
Authors: Naidenko Sergey V. , Erofeeva Mariya N. , Sorokin Pavel A. , Gershov Sergey O. , Yakovenko Nadezhda P. , Botvinovskaya Alena S. , Alekseeva Galina S.
Published: February 2022

Over the last two decades, Cytauxzoon spp. has been conquering Eurasia, although this fact has only been brought to light through recent more intensive research after the discovery of C. manul in Pallas’ cat. In Europe, Cytauxzoon was detected mainly in southern countries and later in central Europe. This pathogen has now been found in Russia for the first time (50 km from Moscow), this being the most northern sighting in Eurasia. A captive serval (Leptailurus serval) was found to be infected. Hematological analysis showed a crucial decrease in the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes, as well as in hemoglobin concentration. Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of Cytauxzoon spp. in serval blood at the beginning of the disease period. The identical pathogen was found in one bobcat at the same breeding center. Two other haplotypes of Cytauxzoon spp. were obtained from domestic cats at the same location, identical to the samples from Italy. One new haplotype, which was sequenced for the first time, was found in 7/7 investigated Amur wildcats (100%). The high occurrence and diversity of these pathogens suggest that they are present in free-ranging domestic cats and wild felids in Russia, and may be considered a potential threat to the endangered species. Current research shows that the genetic diversity of this pathogen may be even higher than it was suggested previously. Further genetic research is necessary to describe the diversity and phylogeny of this pathogen in Eurasia.
Upper Body Movement Symmetry in Reining Quarter Horses during Trot In-Hand, on the Lunge and during Ridden Exercise
Authors: Pfau Thilo , Scott W. Michael , Sternberg Allen Tabitha
Published: February 2022

Veterinary lameness examinations often comprise assessing ridden horses. Quantitative movement symmetry measurements can aid evidence-based decision making. While these are available for ‘English’ style riding, they are not for ‘Western’ style riding. This quantitative observational study quantified movement symmetry in reining Quarter Horses (QHs). Movement symmetry of the head, withers and sacrum (differences between minima, maxima and upward amplitudes) were quantified with inertial sensors in N = 30 medium/high level reining QHs during trot in-hand, on the lunge and ridden by one experienced rider (straight-line/circles) on reining-purpose riding surfaces. Mixed linear models for movement symmetry assessed the effects of ridden exercise and movement direction (fixed factors), stride time (covariate) and horse (random factor): single factors and two-way interactions with Bonferroni correction at p < 0.05. Three withers and pelvic parameters showed marginally more symmetrical movement when ridden (p ≤ 0.044; 1–5 mm differences). Three withers, three sacrum and one head parameter were significantly affected by movement direction (all p ≤ 0.026), five showed increased asymmetry on the inside rein, and two, quantifying vertical displacement maximum difference, showed the opposite. Riding QHs in ‘Western’ style showed small movement symmetry differences. Circular exercise confirmed increases in weight bearing asymmetry on the inside rein and in pushoff asymmetry on the outside rein. This should be further investigated for differentiating between different causes of lameness.
Identification of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Genetic Factors Involved in Human Endothelial Cells Damage, an Important Phenotype Correlated with Persistent Endovascular Infection
Authors: Xiao Xia , Li Yi , Li Liang , Xiong Yan
Published: February 2022

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of life-threatening endovascular infections. Endothelial cell (EC) damage is a key factor in the pathogenesis of these syndromes. However, genetic factors related to the EC damage have not been well studied. This study aims to identify genetic determinants that impact human EC damage by screening the genome-wide Nebraska Transposon Mutant Library (NTML). A well-established MTT assay was used to test the in vitro damage of human EC cell line (HMEC-1) caused by each mutant strain in the NTML. We first confirmed some global regulators and genes positively impact the EC damage, which is consistent with published results. These data support the utility of the high-throughput approach. Importantly, we demonstrated 317 mutants significantly decreased the EC damage, while only 6 mutants enhanced the EC damage vs. parental JE2 strain. The majority of these genes have not been previously defined to affect human EC damage. Interestingly, many of these newly identified genes are involved in metabolism, genetic and environmental information processing, and cellular processes. These results advance our knowledge of staphylococcal genetic factors related to human EC damage which may provide novel targets for the development of effective agents against MRSA endovascular infection.
A Method to Reduce Eddy Current Loss of Underwater Wireless Power Transmission by Current Control
Authors: Wang Jiale , Song Baowei , Wang Yushan
Published: February 2022

In recent years, wireless power transmission (WPT) technology based on magnetic resonance has been extensively studied. However, in contrast to that in the air, wireless power transmission in seawater medium will be accompanied by inevitable energy loss, that is, eddy current loss (ECL), which will increase with the frequency and coil current. In this article, an equivalent circuit model of the eddy current loss of underwater wireless power transmission is established, two methods to reduce the eddy current loss are proposed, and the optimal modulus ratio for the coil current of the dual-coil wireless power transmission system to reduce eddy current loss is calculated. Electromagnetic field (EMF) simulation software verifies the correctness of the two methods, and it is concluded that increasing the phase difference of the coil current or controlling the coil current ratio to ensure that the optimal modulus ratio is in a certain range can reduce the eddy current loss effectively and improve the energy transmission efficiency of the system by about 4~5%.
Transcriptome Characterization of the Roles of Abscisic Acid and Calcium Signaling during Water Deficit in Garlic
Authors: Wang Guang-Long , Liu Ling-Yi , Wang Qi-Zhang , Ren Xu-Qin , Xiong Ai-Sheng , Tian Jie
Published: February 2022

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops, and breeding drought-tolerant varieties is a vital research goal. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms in response to drought stress in garlic are still limited. In this study, garlic seedlings were subjected to 15% PEG6000 for 0, 1, 4, and 12 h, respectively, to simulate drought stress. Changes of transcriptomes as a result of drought stress in garlic leaves were determined by de novo assembly using the Illumina platform. In total, 96,712 unigenes and 11,936 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the presence of drought conditions. Transcriptome profiling revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, MAPK signaling pathway, starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction. Genes involved in abscisic acid and calcium signaling were further investigated and discussed. Our results indicated that a coordinated interplay between abscisic acid and calcium is required for drought-induced response in garlic.
MIC-1 Antlerogenic Stem Cells Homogenate from Cervus elaphus Accelerate Corneal Burn Reepithelization in Rabbits
Authors: Dziewiszek Wojciech , Bochnia Marek , Szumny Dorota , Dzimira Stanisław , Szeląg Adam , Szumny Antoni
Published: February 2022

Deer antler is the only mammalian organ that can fully grow back once lost from its pedicle. Antler regeneration is a stem cell-based process. Therefore, antlers probably offer the most pertinent model for studying organ regeneration in mammals. Evaluation of the effect of deer antler stem cells on the healing of superficial and deep rabbit corneal wounds was performed. Thirty-six New Zealeand White rabbits were used in this study in superficial and deep denaturation models, and corneal erosion was performed with n-heptanol placed on the cornea for 30 and NaOH for 90 s. Antler stem cells in drop formulation with hyaluronate was used. As a control, sodium hyaluronate in the superficial model and protein-free calf blood dialysate (Solcoseryl) in the deep model were administered. In superficial corneal damage, a reduction in the area of the damaged cornea was observed from day 3 of the experiment to an adequate level: 45% in the test group and 52% in the control group relative to the baseline damage (100%). Between days 3 and 7, on average, a smaller lesion area was observed in the group receiving antler stem cells. The use of antler stem cells has resulted in a marked improvement in cornea clarity. According to the 5-point scale of corneal opacity evaluation, where 1 is completely clear and 5 is completely opaque, the first statistically significant changes were observed after 4 weeks of treatment: 3.0 in the study group, 4.1 in the control with Solcoseryl, and 4.4 in the control group. After 9 weeks, these values were, 2.5, 3.8, and 4.1, respectively. The present preliminary study shows the promising results of antlerogenic stem cells of Cervus elaphus topically applied for the treatment of corneal injury. A deeper understanding of the developmental mechanisms involved in antler renewal can be useful for controlling regeneration cornea processes.
Experimental Characterization of Real Driving Cycles in a Light-Duty Diesel Engine under Different Dynamic Conditions
Authors: Luján José Manuel , Piqueras Pedro , de la Morena Joaquín , Redondo Fernando
Published: February 2022

This paper studies the behavior of a Euro 6 diesel engine tested under dynamic conditions corresponding to different real driving emissions (RDE) scenarios. RDE cycles have been performed in an engine test bench by simulating its operation in a long van application. A computer tool has been designed to define the cycle accounting for different dynamic characteristics and driver behaviors to study their influence on CO2 and pollutant emissions, particularly CO, THC, and NOX. Different dynamic parameters have been established in terms of power, torque, engine speed, or vehicle speed. Additionally, a tool to estimate the emission of an RDE cycle from steady-state maps has been developed, helping to identify emission trends in a clearer way. Finally, the conclusions suggest that driving patterns characterized by lower engine speeds lead to fewer emissions. In addition, the analysis of RDE cycles from stationary maps helps to estimate the final tailpipe emissions of CO2 and NOX, offering the possibility to rely on tests carried out on engine test bench, dynamometer, or on the road.
Automatic Classification of Synthetic Voices for Voice Banking Using Objective Measures
Authors: Alonso Agustin , García Víctor , Hernaez Inma , Navas Eva , Sanchez Jon
Published: February 2022

Speech is the most common way of communication among humans. People who cannot communicate through speech due to partial of total loss of the voice can benefit from Alternative and Augmentative Communication devices and Text to Speech technology. One problem of using these technologies is that the included synthetic voices might be impersonal and badly adapted to the user in terms of age, accent or even gender. In this context, the use of synthetic voices from voice banking systems is an attractive alternative. New voices can be obtained applying adaptation techniques using recordings from people with healthy voice (donors) or from the user himself/herself before losing his/her own voice. In this way, the goal is to offer a wide voice catalog to potential users. However, as there is no control over the recording or the adaptation processes, some method to control the final quality of the voice is needed. We present the work developed to automatically select the best synthetic voices using a set of objective measures and a subjective Mean Opinion Score evaluation. A prediction algorithm of the MOS has been build which correlates similarly to the most correlated individual measure.
Modeling Open Channel Flows of a Viscous Fluid: Critical Transition and Apparent Bottom
Authors: Boghi Andrea , Thual Olivier , Lacaze Laurent
Published: February 2022

The Shallow Water model (SWM) provides a simplification of the Navier–Stokes model (NSM) for stratified flows over a topography when the depth of the fluid layer is small compared to the horizontal scale of the flow. Nevertheless, the application of SWM is limited to the case of slowly variable bottoms and fails in describing the fluid flow over steep obstacles. In this work, we propose to extend the applicability of SWM when the topography is no longer slowly variable with space, by replacing the topography with an “apparent bottom”. This methodology is tested for the laminar flow of a two-layer fluid over a semi-circular cylinder. Sixteen different steady configurations are investigated in order to assess the influence of the Froude number and the blocking factor corresponding to the ratio between the obstacle height and the fluid layer normal height. Here, the apparent bottom required for SWM is obtained by enforcing the liquid height profile to be the one obtained from full resolution (NSM).
Evaluation of OH Radical Reaction Positions in 3-Ring PAHs Using Transition State Energy and Atomic Charge Calculations
Authors: Lee Min-Joo , Lee Byung-Dae
Published: February 2022

In this study, transition state energy and atomic charge were calculated using the Gaussian 09 program with focus on three-ring PAHs, such as acenaphthylene and anthracene, which are most likely found in contaminated sites. The calculation results were then compared with the radical reaction positions reported in the existing literature. Because the energy difference between the reactant and the transition state according to the reaction position was very small, no distinct correlation was obtained when results were compared with those of the OH radical test findings reported in the literature. It was also found that the charge calculation makes it possible to accurately predict the radical reaction position of the target material. In addition, MK and HLY charges were found to be more accurate than CHelpG charges in predicting the radical reaction positions. The charge calculation can also be applied in predicting radical reaction positions for hazardous materials with different molecular structures.
Stress Dispersion Design in Continuum Compliant Structure toward Multi-DOF Endoluminal Forceps
Authors: Osawa Keisuke , Bandara D. S. V. , Nakadate Ryu , Nagao Yoshihiro , Akahoshi Tomohiko , Eto Masatoshi , Arata Jumpei
Published: February 2022

Gastrointestinal cancer, when detected early, is treated by accessing the lesion through the natural orifice using flexible endoscopes. However, the limited degree-of-freedom (DOF) of conventional treatment devices and the narrow surgical view through the endoscope demand advanced techniques. In contrast, multi-DOF forceps systems are an excellent alternative; however, these systems often involve high fabrication costs because they require a large number of micro-parts. To solve this problem, we designed compact multi-DOF endoluminal forceps with a monolithic structure comprising compliant hinges. To allow an efficient stress dispersion at the base end when the hinge bends, we proposed a novel design method to obtain the hinge parameters using the beam of uniform strength theory. This method does not involve a high computational cost. The results show that the improved design with a variable hinge thickness can reduce the maximum bending stress, dispersing the stress in a larger area than that of the previous design considering a constant thickness of the hinge. Moreover, the experiments conducted in a prototype confirm that the radius of the curvature was significantly improved. The proposed method could aid in designing other continuum robots relying on compliant hinges.
Atomic-Layer-Deposition-Made Very Thin Layer of Al2O3, Improves the Young’s Modulus of Graphene
Authors: Tamm Aile , Kahro Tauno , Piirsoo Helle-Mai , Jõgiaas Taivo
Published: February 2022

Nanostructures with graphene make them highly promising for nanoelectronics, memristor devices, nanosensors and electrodes for energy storage. In some devices the mechanical properties of graphene are important. Therefore, nanoindentation has been used to measure the mechanical properties of polycrystalline graphene in a nanostructure containing metal oxide and graphene. In this study the graphene was transferred, prior to the deposition of the metal oxide overlayers, to the Si/SiO2 substrate were SiO2 thickness was 300 nm. The atomic layer deposition (ALD) process for making a very thin film of Al2O3 (thickness comparable with graphene) was applied to improve the elasticity of graphene. For the alumina film the Al(CH3)3 and H2O were used as the precursors. According to the micro-Raman analysis, after the Al2O3 deposition process, the G-and 2D-bands of graphene slightly broadened but the overall quality did not change (D-band was mostly absent). The chosen process did not decrease the graphene quality and the improvement in elastic modulus is significant. In case the load was 10 mN, the Young’s modulus of Si/SiO2/Graphene nanostructure was 96 GPa and after 5 ALD cycles of Al2O3 on graphene (Si/SiO2/Graphene/Al2O3) it increased up to 125 GPa. Our work highlights the correlation between nanoindentation and defects appearance in graphene.
Particle Filter Design for Robust Nonlinear Control System of Uncertain Heat Exchange Process with Sensor Noise and Communication Time Delay
Authors: Xu Yuanhong , Deng Mingcong
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a particle filter design scheme for a robust nonlinear control system of uncertain heat exchange process against noise and communication time delay is presented. The particle filter employs a cluster of particles and associated weights to approximate the posterior distribution of states and is capable of handling nonlinear and non-Gaussian issues. However, when the realistic given noise is much larger than that of the one modeled by the particle filter, the estimated posterior distribution is no longer reliable. Considering that, the exponential weights take the place of the original absolute particle weights in this paper, which act as an adjustment to the particle filter weights for a better state estimation. This adjustment for the weight of the particle filter takes into account the practical significance and can ensure the stability, tracking performance, and continuous operation of the control process incorporated with the particle filter. The simulation verifies the feasibility and usefulness of the method.
Microstructured Phononic Crystal Isolates from Ultrasonic Mechanical Vibrations
Authors: Zega Valentina , Pertoldi Luca , Zandrini Tommaso , Osellame Roberto , Comi Claudia , Corigliano Alberto
Published: February 2022

The functioning of many micro-electromechanical devices with parts oscillating at high frequencies require isolation from external vibration. Phononic crystals, presenting band-gaps in the dispersion spectrum, i.e., interval of frequency in which propagating waves are attenuated, can provide an effective solution for vibration shielding at the microscale. In the present work, we design—through numerical simulations—a 3D phononic crystal with a micrometric unit cell able to work as vibration isolator for a micro system. We exploit the direct writing technique based on two-photon polymerization to realize three prototypes of different dimensions. Experimental measurements performed with a Michelson interferometer demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposal.
The Quality Analysis and Deterioration Mechanism of Liquid Egg White during Storage
Authors: Guo Danjun , Pan Qingmei , Huang Qian , Yi Yang , Wang Hongxun , Xu Wei
Published: February 2022

The quality of liquid egg white (LEW) during storage is critical for the development of the egg industry. In order to effectively control its storage quality, the effects of packaging materials and storage conditions on the quality of LEW were investigated. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) was applied to explore changes in bacterial population proportions and microflora in the spoilage of LEW. The shelf life of LEW packaged with glass (LEW-PG), plastic (LEW-PP), and tinplate (LEW-PT) was preliminarily determined to be 8, 5, and 7 days, respectively. LEW-PG possessed superior sensory scores (65) and L values (87.5), and a lower growth rate of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content among the three samples on the last day of shelf life, and was chosen for further study. During 24 days of storage, the sensory scores of the LEW-PG in 10 °C and 4 °C groups decreased by 32.7% and 25.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in foaming properties of LEW-PG between the 10 °C and 4 °C groups (p > 0.05). HTS analysis showed that the abundance of species composition in the 10 °C samples was higher than that in the 4 °C samples, though the latter possessed a higher community diversity. At the genus level, the dominant bacteria in the 10 °C group were Pseudomonas (21.79%), others (19.21%), and Escherichia (11.21%), while others (37.5%), Escherichia (30.40%), and Bifidobacterium (17.72%) were highly abundant in the 4 °C samples. It is hoped that this study could provide theoretical support for quality control of LEW during storage.
Black Carbon Emissions and Associated Health Impacts of Gas Flaring in the United States
Authors: Chen Chen , McCabe David C. , Fleischman Lesley E. , Cohan Daniel S.
Published: February 2022

Gas flaring from oil and gas fields is a significant source of black carbon (BC) emissions, a component of particulate matter that damages health and warms the climate. Observations from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) satellite instrument indicate that approximately 17.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas was flared from upstream oil and gas operations in the United States in 2019. Based on an emissions factor equation that accounts for the higher heating value of the gas, that corresponded to nearly 16,000 tons of BC emitted, though estimates vary widely across published emissions factors. In this study, we used three reduced-form air quality and health effect models to estimate the health impacts from the flaring-emitted BC particulate matter in the United States. The three models—EASIUR, AP3, and InMAP—predict 26, 48, and 53 premature deaths, respectively, in 2019. The mortality range expands from 5 to 360 deaths annually if alternative emission factors are used. This study shows that reduced-form models can be useful to estimate the impacts of numerous dispersed emissions sources such as flares, and that further research is needed to better quantify BC emissions factors from flares.
Application of a Cloud Removal Algorithm for Snow-Covered Areas from Daily MODIS Imagery over Andes Mountains
Authors: Mattar Cristian , Fuster Rodrigo , Perez Tomás
Published: February 2022

Snow cover area is dramatically decreasing across the Los Andes Mountains and the most relevant water reservoir under drought conditions. In this sense, monitoring of snow cover is key to analyzing the hydrologic balance in snowmelt-driven basins. MODIS Snow Cover daily products (MOD10A1 and MYD10A1) allow snow cover to be monitored at regular time intervals and in large areas, although the images often are affected by cloud cover. The main objective of this technical note is to evaluate the application of an algorithm to remove cloud cover in MODIS snow cover imagery in the Chilean Andes mountains. To this end, the northern region of Chile (Pulido river basin) during the period between December 2015 and December 2016 was selected. Results were validated against meteorological data from a ground station. The cloud removal algorithm allowed the overall cloud cover to be reduced from 26.56% to 7.69% in the study area and a snow cover mapping overall accuracy of 86.66% to be obtained. Finally, this work allows new cloud-free snow cover imagery to be produced for long term analysis and hydrologic models, reducing the lack of data and improving the daily regional snow mapping.
The Zonal Wind Intraseasonal Oscillation in the Exit Region of the East Asian Subtropical Westerly Jet in Winter and Its Thermodynamic Mechanism
Authors: Yao Suxiang , Liu Yishan
Published: February 2022

The six-hourly ERA-interim reanalysis data were used to analyze the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) characteristics of the zonal wind in the exit region of the East Asian subtropical westerly jet (EAJ) during the winter (November to April). The results indicate that from East Asia to the North Pacific, the zonal wind in the upper troposphere shows significant 10–40-day oscillations, propagating eastward toward the jet exit region. The strength of the intraseasonal zonal wind anomaly increases from the lower troposphere to the upper troposphere, reaching a peak between 300 and 200 hPa. The zonal wind ISO in the jet exit area is closely related to the intraseasonal inverse temperature tendency between the north and south of the jet exit in the troposphere. In the acceleration (deceleration) phase of the intraseasonal west wind, the air temperature decreases (increases) in the north of the exit and increases (decreases) in the south of the exit. The intraseasonal temperature tendency is stronger in the north of the EAJ exit than that in the south. In the north of the EAJ exit, the intraseasonal temperature tendency is decided by the temperature advection, where the whole troposphere is controlled by the north wind in the west wind acceleration phase and controlled by the south wind in the west wind deceleration phase, so the intensity of temperature advection is strong. However, adiabatic heating plays a decisive role in affecting the temperature evolution in the south of the jet exit area, and the intraseasonal meridional wind is the opposite between the mid-upper troposphere and the lower troposphere, resulting in weak temperature advection and the weak temperature tendency. Therefore, although the zonal wind ISO in the jet exit area is the result of the joint action of the ISOs in different latitudes, the influence of mid-high latitudes is particularly important.
A Randomized Distributed Kaczmarz Algorithm and Anomaly Detection
Authors: Keinert Fritz , Weber Eric S.
Published: February 2022

The Kaczmarz algorithm is an iterative method for solving systems of linear equations. We introduce a randomized Kaczmarz algorithm for solving systems of linear equations in a distributed environment, i.e., the equations within the system are distributed over multiple nodes within a network. The modification we introduce is designed for a network with a tree structure that allows for passage of solution estimates between the nodes in the network. We demonstrate that the algorithm converges to the solution, or the solution of minimal norm, when the system is consistent. We also prove convergence rates of the randomized algorithm that depend on the spectral data of the coefficient matrix and the random control probability distribution. In addition, we demonstrate that the randomized algorithm can be used to identify anomalies in the system of equations when the measurements are perturbed by large, sparse noise.
Expression of G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) in Whole Testicular Tissue and Laser-Capture Microdissected Testicular Compartments of Men with Normal and Aberrant Spermatogenesis
Authors: Walczak-Jędrzejowska Renata , Forma Ewa , Oszukowska Elżbieta , Bryś Magdalena , Marchlewska Katarzyna , Kula Krzysztof , Słowikowska-Hilczer Jolanta
Published: February 2022

In this study, we retrospectively investigated GPER expression in biopsies of azoospermic men with complete (obstructive azoospermia—OA) and aberrant spermatogenesis (nonobstructive azoospermia—NOA). Each biopsy was histologically evaluated with morphometry. The testicular GPER expression was analyzed by the immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR technique in the whole testicular tissue and in seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells after laser-capture microdissection. In laser-microdissected compartments, we also analyzed transcriptional expression of selected Leydig (CYP17A1, HSD17B3, StAR) and Sertoli cell (AMH, SCF, BMP4) function markers. Immunohistochemical staining revealed expression of GPER in the cytoplasm of Leydig and Sertoli cells. Its stronger intensity was observed in Sertoli cells of NOA biopsies. The RT-PCR analysis of the GPER mRNA level unequivocally showed its increased expression in seminiferous tubules (i.e., Sertoli cells), not Leydig cells in NOA biopsies. This increased expression correlated positively with the transcriptional level of AMH—a marker of Sertoli cell immaturity, as well as FSH serum level in NOA but not in the OA group. Our results clearly demonstrate altered GPER expression in testes with primary spermatogenic impairment that might be related to Sertoli cell maturity/function.