bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Does the Choice of Genotype and Feed in the Local Market Affect Broiler Performance and the Farm Economy? A Case Study in Serbia
Authors: Lukić Miloš , Petričević Veselin , Delić Nikola , Tolimir Nataša , Dosković Vladimir , Rakonjac Simeon , Škrbić Zdenka
Published: June 2022

Key questions for a local broiler farm are: which broiler hybrid to rear and which industrial feed to use? To show how farmers can manage them, a combination of biological tests and feed characterizations of the most commonly used hybrids and broiler feeds in the local (Serbian) market was designed and performed. The hybrids Cobb 500 and Ross 308 were used, as well as feed of the same quality category from three established domestic producers (A, B, and C) available in the market. A factorial trial (2 × 3) was performed on a total of 1800 unsexed day-old chicks divided into six experimental treatments, with six repetitions per treatment and 50 chickens in each repetition. Prior to and after the biological trial, the feed was characterized. The results confirm the equally high production potential of the two tested fast-growing hybrids, the different quality of the three industrial feeds, and that for the expression of genetic potential, each feeding and fattening period was equally valuable. A complete picture of the tested feeds was obtained within a suitable post-test feed characterization with a farm economy included in the analysis, and the results differed in different production and market scenarios, which allows for finding the optimal feed for the local farm.
Positive Selection and Adaptive Introgression of Haplotypes from Bos indicus Improve the Modern Bos taurus Cattle
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Schönherz Anna Amanda , Lund Mogens Sandø , Guldbrandtsen Bernt
Published: June 2022

Complex evolutionary processes, such as positive selection and introgression can be characterized by in-depth assessment of sequence variation on a whole-genome scale. Here, we demonstrate the combined effects of positive selection and adaptive introgression on genomes, resulting in observed hotspots of runs of homozygosity (ROH) haplotypes on the modern bovine (Bos taurus) genome. We first confirm that these observed ROH hotspot haplotypes are results of positive selection. The haplotypes under selection, including genes of biological interest, such as PLAG1, KIT, CYP19A1 and TSHB, were known to be associated with productive traits in modern Bos taurus cattle breeds. Among the haplotypes under selection, we demonstrate that the CYP19A1 haplotype under selection was associated with milk yield, a trait under strong recent selection, demonstrating a likely cause of the selective sweep. We further deduce that selection on haplotypes containing KIT variants affecting coat color occurred approximately 250 generations ago. The study on the genealogies and phylogenies of these haplotypes identifies that the introgression events of the RERE and REG3G haplotypes happened from Bos indicus to Bos taurus. With the aid of sequencing data and evolutionary analyses, we here report introgression events in the formation of the current bovine genome.
Genetic Analysis of Maternal Haploid Inducibility for In Vivo Haploid Induction in Maize
Authors: Ren Jiaojiao , Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Zongze , Wu Penghao
Published: June 2022

Doubled haploid (DH) technology based on in vivo haploid induction has gradually become the key technology in modern maize breeding. The ability of maternal germplasm to be induced into haploids, inducibility, varies among genotypes. To dissect the genetic basis of maternal haploid inducibility (MHI), an F2 population derived from inbred lines B73 and Zheng58 was used for single environment QTL analysis and QTL by environment interaction analysis. The mapping population was genotyped by the 48K liquid-phase hybridization probe capture technique and phenotyped in multi-environment trials for MHI. A total of ten QTLs located on chromosome bins 4.05, 4.09, 5.05/5.06, 6.07, 7.00, 7.01, 7.02, 7.03, 9.02, and 10.06 were identified for MHI. The PVE value of each QTL ranged from 4.79% to 10.01%. The QTL qMHI5 is a stable QTL identified in JSH, HN, and across environments with the highest PVE value of 10.01%. Three QTLs, qMHI4-1, qMHI5, and qMHI 9-1, were detected by both methods. Three genes, Zm00001d017366, Zm00001d017420, and Zm00001d017432, involved in seed development were the most likely candidate genes. This study provides valuable information for the genetic basis of MHI.
Comparison of Single-Shot and Two-Shot Deep Neural Network Models for Whitefly Detection in IoT Web Application
Authors: Parab Chinmay U. , Mwitta Canicius , Hayes Miller , Schmidt Jason M. , Riley David , Fue Kadeghe , Bhandarkar Suchendra , Rains Glen C.
Published: June 2022

In this study, we have compared YOLOv4, a single-shot detector to Faster-RCNN, a two-shot detector to detect and classify whiteflies on yellow-sticky tape (YST). An IoT remote whitefly monitoring station was developed and placed in a whitefly rearing room. Images of whiteflies attracted to the trap were recorded 2× per day. A total of 120 whitefly images were labeled using labeling software and split into a training and testing dataset, and 18 additional yellow-stick tape images were labeled with false positives to increase the model accuracy from remote whitefly monitors in the field that created false positives due to water beads and reflective light on the tape after rain. The two-shot detection model has two stages: region proposal and then classification of those regions and refinement of the location prediction. Single-shot detection skips the region proposal stage and yields final localization and content prediction at once. Because of this difference, YOLOv4 is faster but less accurate than Faster-RCNN. From the results of our study, it is clear that Faster-RCNN (precision—95.08%, F-1 Score—0.96, recall—98.69%) achieved a higher level of performance than YOLOv4 (precision—71.77%, F-1 score—0.83, recall—73.31%), and will be adopted for further development of the monitoring station.
Farmers’ Experiences of How Under-Sown Clovers, Ryegrasses, and Timothy Perform in Northern European Crop Production Systems
Authors: Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo , Jauhiainen Lauri , Känkänen Hannu , Joona Juuso , Hydén Tony , Mattila Tuomas J.
Published: June 2022

Early adopter-farmers form a living lab of farms that have a great deal of hidden knowledge about the cultivation of cover crops (CCs). Understanding of how early adopters use and value CCs provides valuable knowhow to be shared with other farmers. This study gathered information about the most common under-sown CCs in Finland. A structured survey was used to collect farmers’ experiences considering CCs’ regional suitability, growth, competition, and impacts on soil and cash crop yields. The respondents were both conventional and organic farmers who cultivated CCs in 2020. One thousand one hundred and thirty farmers answered the survey. Four hundred and ten times they shared knowhow about the use of under-sown CCs. They were mostly familiar with clovers, ryegrasses, and timothy as CCs. They answered 27 specific statements on CC (a Likert scale, five answer choices). Farmers’ experiences were well in line with the understanding gained from field experiments. Farmers had experienced positive impacts of CCs on soil health. Organic farmers were slightly more positive than conventional farmers. This is attributable to a longer period of having CCs in organic farms, and general differences in means to control weeds and manage crop nutrition. Gained experience with common species used in grassland mixtures had strengthened farmers’ trust in their use of CCs. Farmers having high cereal areas are an important target group for sharing the early adopters’ experiences, as cereal farmers were more challenged to use even common CCs. Future research and on-farm experiments should focus on CCs with other cash crops instead of cereals (grain legumes, rapeseed, and other minor crops).
Genetic Analysis of Fruit Traits in Wolfberry (Lycium L.) by the Major Gene Plus Polygene Model
Authors: Ren Xiaoyue , Li Haoxia , Yin Yue , Duan Linyuan , Wang Yajun , Liang Xiaojie , Wan Ru , Huang Ting , Zhang Bo , Xi Wanpeng , An Wei , Zhao Jianhua
Published: June 2022

The fruit diameter (FD), fruit length (FL), fruit peduncle length (FPL), fruit weight (FW) and fruit index (FI, FL/FD) are important quantitative traits in wolfberry fruit, and also one of the most important goals of variety breeding; however, the inheritance of these traits has not been studied to date. In this study, the genetic analysis of these five fruit traits was undertaken for four pairs of F1 hybrid populations (CI, CII, CIII and CIV) using the major gene and polygene mixed inheritance model. The results showed that the five fruit traits exhibited super-parent segregation in four hybrid combinations, and five traits of progeny with abundant genetic diversity. In CII, CIII and CIV, the mid-parental heterosis ratio (RHm%) of FD, FL, FPL and FI was greater than 0 with positive heterosis. FD, FL and FI in CI, CII and CIII were controlled by one pair of additive-dominant major genes (A-1). However, in CIV, FD was controlled by two pairs of additive-dominant alleles (B-6) and FL was best fitted to polygenic control (A-0). In addition, it was found that FPL in CI, CIII and CIV was controlled by one or two pairs of additive-dominant major genes (A-1, B-6, B-1), and FW in CIII and CIV was also controlled by one or two pairs of additive-dominant major gene controls (A-1, B-1). For FD, FPL, FW and FI in CIII and FPL and FW in CII, the major genes heritability was over 50%, indicating that these traits are affected by both genes and the environment, and that the selection of these traits should be considered in later generations due to the large effect of environmental factors. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for QTL mapping and early selection of hybrid breeding of Lycium fruits.
Leaf Scorching following Foliar Fertilization of Wheat with Urea or Urea–Ammonium Nitrate Is Caused by Ammonium Toxicity
Authors: Castro Saulo Augusto Quassi de , Kichey Thomas , Persson Daniel Pergament , Schjoerring Jan Kofod
Published: June 2022

Foliar fertilization is a potential tool to increase the use-efficiency of nitrogen (N) fertilizers. However, whilst leaf scorching has frequently been reported, the underlying physiological processes are not clear. In the present work, we investigate the intensity of leaf scorching as affected by the balance between ammonium assimilation and accumulation. Leaves were sprayed with urea–ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution without surfactant or applied liquid droplets of urea in different N concentrations with surfactant. UAN solutions without surfactant containing >10% N caused leaf scorching already after 24 h and the severity increased with the N concentration. The same pattern was observed 3 days after the application of urea solutions containing >4% N together with surfactant. The scorching was accompanied by a massive increase in foliar and apoplastic ammonium (NH4+) concentration. Moreover, the activity of glutamine synthetase (GS), most pronouncedly that of the chloroplastic isoform (GS2), decreased a few hours after the application of high N-concentrations. Along with this, the concentration of glutamate—the substrate for GS—decreased. We conclude that leaf scorching is promoted by NH4+ accumulation due to a limitation in N assimilation capacity.
Effect of Herbicide and Biostimulants on Production and Economic Results of Edible Potato
Authors: Ginter Agnieszka , Zarzecka Krystyna , Gugała Marek
Published: June 2022

In modern agriculture, preparations qualified as biostimulants are used alongside pesticides. They influence the development of plants and enable a yield-forming effect. An important feature of these preparations is that they are safe for the environment. They can be treated as substitutes for plant protection agents, which is especially important in the era of implementation of the European Green Deal, ordering the reduction of chemicalization of agriculture. The purpose of this paper was to compare the production and economic results of five methods of plantation care in Solanum tuberosum cultivation: on the first object (control), mechanical cultivation was used, and on the second, object the herbicide Avatar 293 ZC (1.5 dm3·ha−1), on object three, the herbicide Avatar 293 ZC (1.5 dm3·ha−1) and the biostimulant PlonoStart (2.0 dm3·ha−1), on object four, the herbicide Avatar 293 ZC (1.5 dm3·ha−1) and biostimulant Aminoplant (1.5 dm3·ha−1), and on object five, the herbicide Avatar 293 ZC (1.5 dm3·ha−1) and biostimulant Agro-Sorb Folium (4.0 dm3·ha−1). The research was conducted from 2018 to 2020 at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Zawady, central-eastern Poland. The results were analyzed, on average, for two Polish edible potato cultivars (Malaga and Oberon), and three years of study (2018–2020) were taken into consideration. The experiment was established as a two-factor experiment in three replicates on light soil in a spit-plot arrangement. A beneficial effect of herbicides and biostimulants on the yield and profitability of edible potato production was observed. An average increase of 33.2% in marketable yield was obtained. The gross margin increased by an average of 49.3%. The highest total yield, as compared to the control object, was obtained from object 5, where the herbicide Avatar 293 ZC with biostimulant Agro-Sorb Folium was applied, such as the greatest economic effect was achieved also in object no. 5. Application of this biostimulant was most beneficial.
Development of an Irrigation Method with a Cycle of Wilting–Partial Recovery Using an Image-Based Irrigation System for High-Quality Tomato Production
Authors: Zhao Fei , Yoshida Hideo , Goto Eiji , Hikosaka Shoko
Published: June 2022

The demand for high-quality tomatoes is increasing; however, their production requires skillful techniques. To develop an automated irrigation method for producing high-quality tomatoes in a greenhouse, we used an image-based irrigation system to study how a diurnal periodic cycle of wilting–partial recovery irrigation affects growth, yield, and fruit quality. Three irrigation treatments were performed: a control with sufficient irrigation and two water stress treatments (moderate and severe wilting–partial recovery treatments; MPR and SPR, respectively). The mean daily maximum wilting ratios for MPR and SPR were 8.1% and 13.2% at wilting-level setpoints of 7% and 14%, respectively. The total irrigation amounts in MPR and SPR were 75% and 59% of that in the control, respectively. The corresponding yields in MPR and SPR were 76% and 56% of that in the control, respectively. The Brix and acidity of fruits in MPR and SPR were 15% and 10% and 34% and 24% higher, respectively, than those in the control at the end of the experiment. Plant growth decreased with increasing water stress levels. Plant length, leaf area, and the number of leaves were more sensitive to water stress than other growth parameters. SPR could be an effective irrigation method to improve fruit quality, even at high-air-temperature periods in summer.
IGF1R and LOX Modules Are Related to Antler Growth Rate Revealed by Integrated Analyses of Genomics and Transcriptomics
Authors: Hu Pengfei , Wang Zhen , Li Jiping , Wang Dongxu , Wang Yusu , Zhao Quanmin , Li Chunyi
Published: June 2022

Deer antlers are organs of bone and have an extremely rapid growth rate. Thus far, the molecular mechanism underlying rapid antler growth has not been properly elucidated, and key genes driving this growth rate have not been fully identified. In this study, based on the newly assembled high-quality sika deer genome, we conducted an integrated analysis of genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) using genome resequencing data from our previous GWAS, with weight and transcriptome sequencing data of faster- vs. slower-growing antlers of sika deer. The expressions of key genes were verified using Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript per Million fragments mapped (FPKM) in different tissue zones of the antler growth center, different types of sika deer tissues and antler tissues collected from faster and slower growth rates. The results show that a total of 49 genes related to antler growth rate were identified, and most of those genes were enriched in the IGF1R and LOX modules. The gene regulation network of antler growth rate through the IGF1R pathway was constructed. In conclusion, the integration of GWAS and WGCNA analyses had great advantages in identifying regulatory genes of complex antler growth traits over using singular methods individually, and we believe that our findings in the present study can provide further insight into unveiling the mechanism underlying extraordinary fast antler growth rate in particular, as well as the regulatory mechanism of rapid tissue proliferation in general.
Comparison of Extrainsensitive Input Shaping and Swing-Angle-Estimation-Based Slew Control Approaches for a Tower Crane
Authors: Montonen Jan-Henri , Nevaranta Niko , Niemelä Markku , Lindh Tuomo
Published: June 2022

Tower cranes are needed to move heavy objects safely around construction sites. In tower cranes, payload oscillations are a typical problem that can cause safety issues, especially if the crane is not operated by an experienced user. Depending on the system, there are different causes for oscillations, e.g., inertial forces from the crane movement or external forces, such as weather conditions. Hence, the selected control law for input tracking plays an important role to limit the oscillatory motion and to help the crane operator to prevent unwanted operations. In this paper, we study the slew control of a tower crane application from the viewpoint of reducing payload oscillations. Two different approaches are studied: open-loop control based on extrainsensitive input shaping and closed-loop swing angle control, based on the estimation of the hoist cable angle. The proposed control approaches are validated by running the developed control program against a multibody mechanics simulator containing a model of a Liebherr tower crane. The studied control laws are also evaluated using an experimental setup, which consists of a two-axis manipulator, inverters, and a programmable logic controller in which the studied control methods are implemented. The results from the multibody dynamics simulations and from the experimental setup are presented and evaluated from the viewpoint of crane operation.
Dual-Boost Inverter for PV Microinverter Application—An Assessment of Control Strategies
Authors: Lopez-Caiza Diana , Renaudineau Hugues , Muller Nicolas , Flores-Bahamonde Freddy , Kouro Samir , Rodriguez Jose
Published: June 2022

Photovoltaic (PV) microinverters have grown rapidly in the small-scale PV market, where typical two-stage converters are used to connect one PV module to the single-phase AC grid. This configuration achieves better performance in terms of energy yield compared with other PV configurations. However, the conversion efficiency of a two-stage system is the main drawback, especially when a high-voltage gain effort is required. In this context, single-stage microinverter topologies have been recently proposed since only one power conversion stage is required to extract the maximum power of the PV module and inject the AC power to the grid. This single-stage configuration allows considerable improvement of the overall efficiency of microinverters by reducing the number of elements in the system. However, the main challenge of these topologies is their control, since all variables of the converter are composed by the AC waveform with DC-bias. In this paper, four control strategies are analyzed for the mainstream single-stage topology, which is the dual-boost inverter (DBI). Classical linear control and three non-linear strategies, namely finite control set–model predictive control, flatness-based control, and sliding mode control, are detailed. The main contribution of this work is a complete comparison of the control strategies, to give insights into the most suitable control strategy for the DBI in PV microinverter application.
Comparison between the Biofilm Desorption Abilities of T4 and MS2 Coliphages
Authors: Johnson Tammy R. , Andrzejak Taylor E. , Raje Himanshu S.
Published: June 2022

Biofilms are a collection of microorganisms that adhere to a surface where they continue to grow. Firmly established biofilms can be hazardous to human health. Chemical and biological as well as combination methods are being tested to control biofilms. The elucidation of the biofilm disruption capabilities of individual bacteriophages has received limited attention. Although the treatment of biofilms with a combination of bacteriophages is effective, the extent to which DNA and RNA coliphages individually desorb biofilms is not well understood. Here, we show that both T4 and MS2 coliphages desorbed natural biofilms. Individual incubations of the equivalent viral load of T4 and MS2 coliphages with natural biofilms resulted in similar desorption of these biofilms. We also note that the nutrient deprivation significantly reduced biofilm growth. However, the biofilm desorption upon nutrient deprivation was similar to that observed with both T4 and MS2 phages.
Video Processing from a Virtual Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: Comparing Two Approaches to Using OpenCV in Unity
Authors: Bustamante Andrés , Belmonte Lidia M. , Morales Rafael , Pereira António , Fernández-Caballero Antonio
Published: June 2022

Virtual reality (VR) simulators enable the evaluation of engineering systems and robotic solutions in safe and realistic environments. To do so, VR simulators must run algorithms in real time to accurately recreate the expected behaviour of real-life processes. This work was aimed at determining a suitable configuration for processing images taken from a virtual unmanned aerial vehicle developed in Unity using OpenCV. To this end, it was focused on comparing two approaches to integrate video processing in order to avoid potential pitfalls such as delays and bottlenecks. The first approach used a dynamic link library (DLL) programmed in C++, and the second an external module programmed in Python. The native DLL ran internally on the same Unity thread, as opposed to the Python module that ran in parallel to the main process and communicated with Unity through the Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol. Pre-transmission processing, data transmission and video processing were evaluated for a pair of typical image-processing tasks like colour and face detection. The analysis confirmed that running the Python module in parallel does not overload the main Unity thread and achieves better performance than the C++ plugin in real-time simulation.
Toolchains for Interoperable BIM Workflows in a Web-Based Integration Platform
Authors: Hagedorn Philipp , Block Marlena , Zentgraf Sven , Sigalov Katharina , König Markus
Published: June 2022

The construction industry is characterized by the diversity of its processes, whereby persons involved in changing project communities are confronted with a changing interplay of software applications. Therefore, planning workflows, and especially the exchange of information between stakeholders, need to be formalized. The automation and execution of these workflows go one step further to achieve added value in implementation and project management using building information modeling. For the configuration and execution of collaborative BIM workflows with compatible software products, a framework is conceived and developed that enables the modeling of project-specific workflows by linking individual software tools based on a standardized process notation. The resulting toolchains enable seamless information exchange between applications that integrate an openCDE-compliant web interface. The methodological approach in this paper is a concept implementation, including a proof of concept. For the concept development, a review of the state of the art is conducted, and requirements are analyzed. The concept development comprises data models and API descriptions and includes the concept of a central integration platform. The interaction between workflow management on the platform and the execution of tasks in the software product clients is explained. The implementation of the toolchains on the proposed platform is evaluated in a demonstrator scenario.
A Data-Knowledge Hybrid Driven Method for Gas Turbine Gas Path Diagnosis
Authors: Chen Jinwei , Hu Zhenchao , Lu Jinzhi , Zheng Xiaochen , Zhang Huisheng , Kiritsis Dimitris
Published: June 2022

Gas path fault diagnosis of a gas turbine is a complex task involving field data analysis and knowledge-based reasoning. In this paper, a data-knowledge hybrid driven method for gas path fault diagnosis is proposed by integrating a physical model-based gas path analysis (GPA) method with a fault diagnosis ontology model. Firstly, a physical model-based GPA method is used to extract the fault features from the field data. Secondly, a virtual distance mapping algorithm is developed to map the GPA result to a specific fault feature criteria individual described in the ontology model. Finally, a fault diagnosis ontology model is built to support the automatic reasoning of the maintenance strategy from the mapped fault feature criteria individual. To enhance the ability of selecting a proper maintenance strategy, the ontology model represents more abundant knowledge from several sources, such as fault criteria analysis, physical structure analysis, FMECA (failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis), and the maintenance logic decision tool. The availability of the proposed hybrid driven method is verified by the field fault data from a real GE LM2500 PLUS gas turbine unit. The results indicate that the hybrid driven method is effective in detecting the path fault in advance. Furthermore, diversified fault information, such as fault effects, fault criticality, fault consequence, and fault detectability, could be provided to support selecting a proper maintenance strategy. It is proven that the data-knowledge hybrid driven method can improve the capability of the gas path fault detection, fault analysis, and maintenance strategy selection.
A Closer Look at the Sleep/Wake Habits and Dark Triad Traits
Authors: Rahafar Arash , Kalbacher Lisa Sophie , Randler Christoph
Published: June 2022

In this study, we sought to explore the association between sleep/wake habits and the Dark Triad (DT) traits. The sample consisted of 637 university students who filled out the measures of the Dark Triad, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and sleep timing. There was a positive relationship between the Dark Triad composite and eveningness, and a negative relationship between the DT and circadian distinctness was observed. Psychopathy appeared as the most sleep-related DT trait, and narcissism appeared as the least sleep-related one. Psychopathy and Machiavellianism predicted bedtime prior to free days stronger than the other sleep variables. This study suggests that both sleep timing and sleep stability are influenced by higher DT traits. As sleep disturbances go along with some other comorbid mental problems, looking for the possible underlying factors such as biological markers or psychological traits is warranted.
The Cerebral Arterial Wall in the Development and Growth of Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Abbate Pasquale Marco , Hasan A. T. M. Hasibul , Venier Alice , Vauclin Vincent , Pizzuto Silvia , Sgreccia Alessandro , Maria Federico Di , Coskun Oguzhan , Mizutani Katsuhiro , Rodesch Georges , Consoli Arturo
Published: June 2022

A considerable number of people harbor intracranial aneurysms (IA), which is a focal or segmental disease of the arterial wall. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of IAs formation, growth, and rupture are complex. The mechanism also differs with respect to the type of aneurysm. In broad aspects, aneurysms may be considered a disease of the vessel wall. In addition to the classic risk factors and the genetic/environmental conditions, altered structural and pathologic events along with the interaction of the surrounding environment and luminal flow dynamics contribute to the aneurysm’s development and growth. In this review, we have tried to simplify the complex interaction of a multitude of events in relation to vessel wall in the formation and growth of IAs.
Scoring of Human Body-Balance Ability on Wobble Board Based on the Geometric Solution
Authors: Nguyen Hang Thi Phuong , Woo Yeongju , Huynh Ngoc Nguyen , Jeong Hieyong
Published: June 2022

Many studies have reported that the human body-balance ability was essential in the early detection and self-management of chronic diseases. However, devices to measure balance, such as motion capture and force plates, are expensive and require a particular space for installation as well as specialized knowledge for analysis. Therefore, this study aimed to propose and verify a new algorithm to score the human body-balance ability on the wobble board (HBBAWB), based on a geometric solution using a cheap and portable device. Although the center of gravity (COG), the projected point of the center of mass (COM) on the fixed ground, has been used as the index for the balance ability, generally, it was not proper to use the COG under the condition of no fixed environment. The reason was that the COG index did not include the information on the slope for the wobble. Thus, this study defined the new index as the perpendicular-projection point (PPP), which was the projected point of the COM on the tilted plane. The proposed geometric solution utilized the relationship among three points, the PPP, the COM, and the middle point between the two feet, via linear regression. The experimental results found that the geometric solution, which utilized the relationship between the three angles of the equivalent model, enabled us to score the HBBAWB.
Characterisation of Holographic Recording in Environmentally Stable Photopolymerisable Glass
Authors: Mikulchyk Tatsiana , Stoeva Pamela , Kaworek Alicja , Oubaha Mohamed , Rogers Brian , Martin Suzanne , Cody Dervil , Naydenova Izabela
Published: June 2022

Photopolymerisable glasses are holographic recording materials which provide good recording capability, improved dimensional stability, and negligible shrinkage. Recently, a novel photopolymerisable hybrid sol-gel (PHSG) for holographic recording of volume gratings has been reported. The PHSG has significantly improved gelation time and high water resistance, both of which make it an attractive material for mass production of holographic optical elements (HOEs) with no sensitivity to ambient humidity. In order to achieve full control over the performance of the material and further improve its properties, a study of grating formation under holographic patterning is essential. This paper reports characterisation of the grating recording in PHSG. The approach is based on the analysis of grating parameters during exposure and post-recording dark processes. The obtained results suggest that photopolymerisation of the methacrylate groups is the main contributor to the creation of refractive index modulation during exposure. During the dark process, the enhancement of the refractive index modulation is observed, probably due to further polycondensation. The observations made facilitate controlled and predictable diffraction efficiency of gratings recorded on the PHSG, thereby furthering the prospect of the development of HOEs with customisable specification.
Reconstructed Centennial Mass Balance Change for Golubin Glacier, Northern Tien Shan
Authors: Azisov Erlan , Hoelzle Martin , Vorogushyn Sergiy , Saks Tomas , Usubaliev Ryskul , Esenaman uulu Mukhammed , Barandun Martina
Published: June 2022

Mass balance measurements for Golubin glacier in Northern Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan, have been discontinuous over the last century, with significant data gaps. We provide a unique over 100-year-long mass balance series on daily resolution. We applied a temperature index model calibrated with glaciological measurements and validated with secular mass balances derived from independent length change observations. A comparison with other recent geodetic studies reveals good agreement. Golubin lost −0.16 ± 0.45 m w.e. a−1 from 1900/1901 to 2020/2021. From the long-term mass balance time series, we identify a shift to a more negative/less positive regime with time, with a steepening of the ablation and accumulation gradients, especially for the past two decades. We observe a parallel shift of the mass balance gradient accompanied by a rotation of the ablation gradient due to increased ablation at the glacier tongue and accumulation above the equilibrium line altitude. This tendency is believed to intensify in the future, affecting glaciers’ mass balance sensitivity to changes in atmospheric conditions and year-to-year variability and resulting in irregular melt water release feeding the rivers that provide water to Bishkek. These kinds of datasets are sparse for Tien Shan and, yet, indispensable to enhancing our understanding of glacier changes in High Mountain Asia.
Breaking of Sitting Time Prevents Lower Leg Swelling—Comparison among Sit, Stand and Intermittent (Sit-to-Stand Transitions) Conditions
Authors: Francisco Rúben , Nunes Catarina L. , Breda João , Jesus Filipe , Lukaski Henry , Sardinha Luís B. , Silva Analiza M.
Published: June 2022

Background: Sitting or standing during prolonged periods is related to leg swelling. It is unknown if interrupting sedentary behavior can attenuate lower leg swelling. We aimed to examine if adding sit-to-stand transitions prevents lower leg swelling as compared with uninterrupted motionless standing and sitting, using localized bioelectrical impedance raw parameters. Methods: Twenty adults participated in this crossover randomized controlled trial and acted out three conditions: (1) uninterrupted, motionless standing; (2) uninterrupted motionless sitting; (3) sit-to-stand transitions (1 min sitting followed by 1 min standing). Localized resistance (R), reactance (Xc), impedance (Z) and phase angle (PhA) were assessed at baseline, at 10 min and at 20 min for each condition. Results: For sitting and standing conditions, R and Xc values decreased after 10 and 20 min. Uninterrupted sitting resulted in the highest decrease in R (ΔSit − ΔStand = −9.5 Ω (4.0), p = 0.019; ΔSit − ΔInt = −11.6 Ω (4.0), p = 0.005). For standardized R (R/knee height), sitting was the condition with a greater decrease (ΔSit − ΔStand = −30.5 Ω/m (13.4), p = 0.025; ΔSit − ΔInt = −35.0 Ω/m (13.5), p = 0.011). Conclusions: Interrupting sedentary behavior by changing from sit to stand position during short periods may be effective at preventing leg swelling.
Effects of Olfactory Mucosa Stem/Stromal Cell and Olfactory Ensheating Cells Secretome on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Alvites Rui D. , Branquinho Mariana V. , Sousa Ana C. , Lopes Bruna , Sousa Patrícia , Prada Justina , Pires Isabel , Ronchi Giulia , Raimondo Stefania , Luís Ana L. , Geuna Stefano , Varejão Artur Severo P. , Maurício Ana Colette
Published: June 2022

Cell secretome has been explored as a cell-free technique with high scientific and medical interest for Regenerative Medicine. In this work, the secretome produced and collected from Olfactory Mucosa Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Olfactory Ensheating Cells was analyzed and therapeutically applied to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. The analysis of the conditioned medium revealed the production and secretion of several factors with immunomodulatory functions, capable of intervening beneficially in the phases of nerve regeneration. Subsequently, the conditioned medium was applied to sciatic nerves of rats after neurotmesis, using Reaxon® as tube-guides. Over 20 weeks, the animals were subjected to periodic functional assessments, and after this period, the sciatic nerves and cranial tibial muscles were evaluated stereologically and histomorphometrically, respectively. The results obtained allowed to confirm the beneficial effects resulting from the application of this therapeutic combination. The administration of conditioned medium from Olfactory Mucosal Mesenchymal Stem Cells led to the best results in motor performance, sensory recovery, and gait patterns. Stereological and histomorphometric evaluation also revealed the ability of this therapeutic combination to promote nervous and muscular histologic reorganization during the regenerative process. The therapeutic combination discussed in this work shows promising results and should be further explored to clarify irregularities found in the outcomes and to allow establishing the use of cell secretome as a new therapeutic field applied in the treatment of peripheral nerves after injury.
Macrophages Characterization in an Injured Bone Tissue
Authors: Nikovics Krisztina , Durand Marjorie , Castellarin Cédric , Burger Julien , Sicherre Emma , Collombet Jean-Marc , Oger Myriam , Holy Xavier , Favier Anne-Laure
Published: June 2022

Biomaterial use is a promising approach to facilitate wound healing of the bone tissue. Biomaterials induce the formation of membrane capsules and the recruitment of different types of macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that produce diverse combinations of cytokines playing an important role in bone healing and regeneration, but the exact mechanism remains to be studied. Our work aimed to identify in vivo macrophages in the Masquelet induced membrane in a rat model. Most of the macrophages in the damaged area were M2-like, with smaller numbers of M1-like macrophages. In addition, high expression of IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines were detected in the membrane region by RT-qPCR. Using an innovative combination of two hybridization techniques (in situ hybridization and in situ hybridization chain reaction (in situ HCR)), M2b-like macrophages were identified for the first time in cryosections of non-decalcified bone. Our work has also demonstrated that microspectroscopical analysis is essential for macrophage characterization, as it allows the discrimination of fluorescence and autofluorescence. Finally, this work has revealed the limitations of immunolabelling and the potential of in situ HCR to provide valuable information for in vivo characterization of macrophages.
Validation of Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Screening Using a Routine IVF Laboratory Workflow
Authors: Tsai Ni-Chin , Chang Yun-Chiao , Su Yi-Ru , Lin Yi-Chi , Weng Pei-Ling , Cheng Yin-Hua , Li Yi-Ling , Lan Kuo-Chung
Published: June 2022

Embryo selection is needed to optimize the chances of pregnancy in assisted reproduction technology. This study aimed to validate non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (niPGT-A) using a routine IVF laboratory workflow. Can niPGT-A combined with time-lapse morphokinetics provide a better embryo-selection strategy? A total of 118 spent culture mediums (SCMs) from 32 couples were collected. A total of 40 SCMs and 40 corresponding trophectoderm (TE) biopsy samples (n = 29) or arrested embryos (n = 11) were assessed for concordance. All embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6) in a single-embryo culture time-lapse incubator. The modified multiple annealing and looping-based amplification cycle (MALBAC) single-cell whole genome amplification method was used to amplify cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from the SCM, which was then sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq system. The majority of insemination methods were conventional IVF. Low cfDNA concentrations were noted in this study. The amplification niPGT-A and conventional PGT-A was 67.7%. Based on this study, performing niPGT-A without altering the daily laboratory procedures cannot provide a precise diagnosis. However, niPGT-A can be applied in clinical IVF, enabling the addition of blastocysts with a better prediction of euploidy for transfer.
Lossy Mode Resonance Based Microfluidic Platform Developed on Planar Waveguide for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Benítez Melanys , Zubiate Pablo , Del Villar Ignacio , Socorro-Leránoz Abián B. , Matías Ignacio R.
Published: June 2022

The development of resonance phenomena-based optical biosensors has gained relevance in recent years due to the excellent optical fiber properties and progress in the research on materials and techniques that allow resonance generation. However, for lossy mode resonance (LMR)-based sensors, the optical fiber presents disadvantages, such as the need for splicing the sensor head and the complex polarization control. To avoid these issues, planar waveguides such as coverslips are easier to handle, cost-effective, and more robust structures. In this work, a microfluidic LMR-based planar waveguide platform was proposed, and its use for biosensing applications was evaluated by detecting anti-immunoglobulin G (anti-IgG). In order to generate the wavelength resonance, the sensor surface was coated with a titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin-film. IgG antibodies were immobilized by covalent binding, and the detection assay was carried out by injecting anti-IgG in PBS buffer solutions from 5 to 20 μg/mL. The LMR wavelength shifted to higher values when increasing the analyte concentration, which means that the proposed system was able to detect the IgG/anti-IgG binding. The calibration curve was built from the experimental data obtained in three repetitions of the assay. In this way, a prototype of an LMR-based biosensing microfluidic platform developed on planar substrates was obtained for the first time.
The Progression Related Gene RAB42 Affects the Prognosis of Glioblastoma Patients
Authors: Sun Liwei , Yan Tao , Yang Bing
Published: June 2022

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most malignant glioma among astrocytomas and is a lethal form of brain cancer. Many RAB genes are involved in different cancers but RAB42 (Ras-associated binding 42) is seldom studied in GBM. Our study aimed to explore the role of RAB42 expression in the development and prognosis of GBM. Methods: All GBM patient data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases. The relevance of RAB42 expression to the clinicopathologic characteristics of GBM patients was analyzed. The overall survival (OS) significance was determined using log-rank. Significantly enriched KEGG pathways were screened using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results: High expression of RAB42 was observed in GBM specimens compared with normal samples, which was also verified in cell lines and tissue samples. Elevated RAB42 expression was correlated with higher GBM histological grade. The prognosis of GBM patients with high RAB42 expression was worse than those with lower RAB42. A total of 35 pathways, such as the P53 pathway, were significantly activated in highly RAB42-expressed GBM samples. Conclusions: High RAB42 expression is related to the development of GBM, and RAB42 is a probable prognostic marker for GBM.
Dynamic Testing in Support of the Seismic Assessment of a Century Old Masonry Building Complex
Authors: Dilena Michele , Fedele Dell’Oste Marta , Gubana Alessandra , Morassi Antonino , Puntel Eric
Published: June 2022

The vulnerability assessment of existing masonry buildings is a largely investigated research topic with some aspects still to be faced. In historic towns, masonry buildings are aggregated and together confined, and their final appearance is derived from interventions and additions during their lives in different times and with different masonry textures or different construction materials. Demolitions and reconstructions of some parts were frequent, with the difficulty of now understanding the effectiveness of the mutual constraints. The seismic assessment of a case study of a 175-year-old building complex in Udine (Italy) provides an opportunity to use the results of ambient vibration tests to face the problem of modelling aggregate buildings for their seismic assessment. The “Padiglione Lodi” building complex was built in 1847 and extended and renovated several times afterwards. It was built mostly using URM with limited use of reinforced concrete. It consists of a main building and three wings (western, central and eastern). The inspections, experimental survey and analysis of the available documentation are used to suitably calibrate a Finite Element Model of the whole complex. Moreover, this allows the singling out of the central wing, as the unit needs more careful investigation. Non-destructive dynamic testing is then applied to the central wing in order to further validate the model and improve the knowledge of the interaction of the unit with the rest of the building. General remarks on the effective application of non-destructive dynamic analysis in conjunction with other methods to the seismic assessment of large URM building complexes are drawn.
Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategy of Virus Infection in the Context of University Resumption
Authors: Chen Wanyue , Ding Yan , Zhang Yu , Tian Zhe , Wei Shen
Published: June 2022

The risk assessment system of virus infection probability and the prevention measures for virus transmission are keys to controlling epidemics. In the context of university resumption, this study identifies the risk elements in terms of the mechanism of virus transmission. The effect of two recognized effective measures, i.e., occupancy constraints and ventilation intervention, on the infection risk are quantified and compared using the improved Wells–Riley model. Considering the priority of these two measures, the controlling quantity are determined, and the optimal schemes are proposed based on the targeted infection risk. The results show that the effect of reducing infection risk by constraining occupancy within 25% of all public campus buildings is better than that achieved by increasing the ventilation rate alone. If the ventilation system of the building type is operated by occupiers, it is a priority to prevent the risk of virus infection by restricting occupancy and ensuring the distance between occupants, while if the ventilation system of the building type is centrally controlled, it is a priority to increase the ventilation rate and then limit the occupancy rate during peak periods to 75%.
Maximal Multivariable Coefficient Analysis between Vibration Limits and Relevant Factors in General Buildings
Authors: Cao Lei , Chen Jun
Published: June 2022

The vibration limit is an essential prerequisite for building vibration serviceability assessment, and various biological/environmental factors affect it deeply. Yet quantitative relationships between vibration limits and these factors in general buildings, such as the human weight, height and number of stories, stay unknown. Based on data collected by an investigation conducted on a cell phone application, this paper proposed a novel approach for quantifying correlations between common relevant factors in general buildings and limits by maximal information coefficient (MIC). Vibration serviceability was thoroughly proved to be a multivariable system and crest factor/BMI had a higher correlation than other factors. A functional relationship and 95% confidence intervals between vibration limits and crest factor/BMI were proposed, respectively. Lilliefors test and normal probability plot show that residuals between fitted values of limits and measured ones follow a normal distribution. Finally, estimation of vibration serviceability based on probability was suggested when the crest factor/BMI and vibration magnitude were known.