bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Corn Cob-Derived Biochar in Altering Soil Quality, Biochemical Status and Improving Maize Growth under Drought Stress
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Manzoor Natasha , Li Xuqing , Naveed Muhammad , Nadeem Sajid Mahmood , Waqas Muhammad Rashid , Khalid Muhammad , Abbas Aown , Ahmed Temoor , Li Bin , Yan Jianli
Published: November 2021

Biochar enhances soil fertility by improving the soil physical, chemical and microbiological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of corn cob-derived biochar on soil enzymatic activity, organic carbon, aggregate stability and soil microbial biomass carbon under drought stress. Biochar was prepared from crushed corn cobs pyrolyzed at 300 °C and 400 °C and applied at a ratio of 1% (w/w) and 3% (w/w) filled in pots. In each pot, three field capacity (FC) levels, i.e., 100, 70 and 40%, were maintained gravimetrically. Results showed that biochar application improved the growth (plant height and root length) and relative water content in maize leaves under drought stress, while it reduced electrolyte leakage compared to a control treatment. Aggregate stability was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in biochar amended soil. Moreover, microbial biomass carbon and soil water also increased under drought stress at 70% FC and 40% FC, respectively, where 3% w/w (400 °C) biochar was applied. Among enzymes, β-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase activity were improved with biochar application. The maximum organic carbon (240%, 246% and 249%, 254% more than control) was calculated in soils where 3% biochar pyrolyzed at 400 °C and 300 °C was mixed with soil, respectively. Similarly, the carbon pool index (CPI) and carbon management index (CMI) were also higher in biochar-amended soil as compared to control treatment. Conclusively, biochar amendment could effectively improve soil quality and maize growth under drought stress.
Agricultural LCA for Food Oil of Winter Rapeseed, Sunflower, and Hemp, Based on Czech Standard Cultivation Practices
Authors: Bernas Jaroslav , Bernasová Tereza , Nedbal Václav , Neugschwandtner Reinhard W.
Published: November 2021

The demand for food vegetable oil is rising and this trend is reflected in the agricultural sector of the Czech Republic. The traditional oil crops of the Czech Republic are winter rapeseed and sunflower. These oil crops have high demands on energy inputs, for example, in the form of land preparation and chemical protection. At the same time, they are characterized by high food oil production and oiliness. Moreover, marginal oils crops, such as hemp, are also gaining prominence. This work aimed to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with the cultivation of winter rapeseed and sunflowers based on standard cultivation practices typical of the conditions of the Czech Republic. For comparison, an intensive cultivation strategy for hemp was modelled, also corresponding to the conditions of the Czech Republic. This study assessed the environmental impact of traditional oil crops from the agricultural Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) perspective. The system boundaries included all the processes from the cradle to the farm gate. Mass-based (volume of food oil) and area-based (land demand for generating the same volume of food oil) functional units were employed. The results cover nine impact categories related to the agricultural LCA. ReCiPe Midpoint (H) characterization and normalization models were used for the data expression. Hemp is a plant with generally low demands on the inputs of the growing cycle but generally has a low oil production, which affects the character of the results relating to the goal and scope definition of the study. Hemp food oil thus generated a higher environmental impact per unit of production and area compared to sunflower and rapeseed food oil.
Exogenous Application of Biostimulants and Synthetic Growth Promoters Improved the Productivity and Grain Quality of Quinoa Linked with Enhanced Photosynthetic Pigments and Metabolomics
Authors: Rashid Nabila , Khan Shahbaz , Wahid Abdul , Ibrar Danish , Hasnain Zuhair , Irshad Sohail , Bashir Saqib , Al-Hashimi Abdulrahman , Elshikh Mohamed S , Kamran Muhammad , Ahmar Sunny , Mora-Poblete Freddy
Published: November 2021

Modern agriculture is mainly concerned with maximum resource use efficiency linked with greater productivity to feed the growing global population. The exogenous application of biostimulants is considered a sustainable approach to improve the growth and productivity of field crops. The present study was carried out to explore the comparative impact of biostimulants and synthetic compounds on quinoa crop (cultivar UAF-Q7), as it has gained significant popularity among agricultural scientists and farmers throughout the world, due to its high nutritional profile. A two-year field experiment was carried out at the Research Area of Directorate of Farms, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Application of moringa leaf extract (MLE) produced the maximum total chlorophyll (5.11 mg g−1) and carotenoids (1.2 mg g−1), compared with the control. Antioxidants’ activities and gas exchange attributes were also recorded as the highest following MLE application. Mineral elements in root and in shoot were found highest in response to MLE application. Similarly, application of MLE significantly improved the growth and yield attributes of quinoa. Mineral elements of grain (Mg, Zn and Fe) were also significantly enhanced. MLE was found to be more responsive in improving the growth and quality compared with synthetic compounds.
Plant Agronomic Features Can Predict Quality and Field Performance: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Gallegos-Cedillo Victor M. , Diánez Fernando , Nájera Cinthia , Santos Mila
Published: November 2021

Plant quality and survival prediction tools are useful when applied in the field in different agricultural sectors. The objectives of this study were to conduct a review and bibliometric analysis of the Dickson Quality Index (DQI) as a key plant quality indicator and with respect to its scientific applications. A third objective was to identify the main morphological and physiological parameters used in plant production research. The methodology and findings of 289 scientific articles were analysed based on the morphological, physiological, and mathematical parameters used as plant quality indicators in research on forest, medicinal, horticultural, aromatic, and ornamental species. During the last 10 years, the number of publications that have used the DQI as a plant quality parameter has increased by 150%, and Brazilian researchers stand out as the most frequent users. Forestry is the discipline where quality parameters and their biometric relationships are most often used to facilitate intensive plant production. Use of the DQI increases the certainty of prediction, selection, and productivity in the plant production chain. The DQI is a robust tool with scientific application and great potential for use in the preselection of plants with high quality standards among a wide range of plant species.
The Effect of Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) on Crop Yields, Nitrogen Content and Uptake, and Soil Mineral Nitrogen Balance
Authors: Nogalska Anna , Załuszniewska Aleksandra
Published: November 2021

A long-term (six year) field experiment was conducted in Poland to evaluate the effect of meat and bone meal (MBM), applied without or with mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer, on crop yields, N content and uptake by plants, and soil mineral N balance. Five treatments were compared: MBM applied at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 Mg ha−1, inorganic NPK, and zero-fert check. Mineral N accounted for 100% of the total N rate (158 kg ha−1) in the NPK treatment and 50%, 25%, and 0% in MBM treatments. The yield of silage maize supplied with MBM was comparable with that of plants fertilized with NPK at 74 Mg ha−1 herbage (30% DM) over two years on average. The yields of winter wheat and winter oilseed rape were highest in the NPK treatment (8.9 Mg ha−1 grain and 3.14 Mg ha−1 seeds on average). The addition of 25% and 50% of mineral N to MBM had no influence on the yields of the tested crops. The N content of plants fertilized with MBM was satisfactory (higher than in the zero-fert treatment), and considerable differences were found between years of the study within crop species. Soil mineral N content was determined by N uptake by plants rather than the proportion of mineral N in the total N rate. Nitrogen utilization by plants was highest in the NPK treatment (58%) and in the treatment where mineral N accounted for 50% of the total N rate (48%).
Riverbed Substrate Requirements for Natural Reproduction of Gymnocypris przewalskii
Authors: Zhou Yanghao , Li Junyi , Qi Hongfang , Yang Haile , Ban Xuan , Yang Jianxin , Du Hao
Published: November 2021

Gymnocypris przewalskii (i.e., Qinghai Lake naked carp) is a migratory fish species that lives in highland brackish water. It is important to understand the abiotic environment required by this fish to reproduce naturally so that its habitat can be protected and the wild population can be conserved. Here, artificial simulation and spawning ground substrate transformation experiments were conducted to examine the riverbed substrate requirements for G. przewalskii to naturally reproduce. Using various techniques (in vitro markers, videography, and Ethovision XT behavior tracking), this study systematically investigated the riverbed substrate preferences of G. przewalskii as well as the characteristics and effectiveness of natural reproduction induced by pebble riverbed substrate. The findings can be summarized as follows: (1) the habitat preferences of G. przewalskii differed significantly between various riverbed substrate, with pebble substrate being preferred during natural reproduction, and sand substrate being preferred pre- and post-spawning, and (2) the natural reproduction of G. przewalskii was heavily reliant on pebble riverbed substrate. Specifically, pebble substrate significantly improved spawn quantity and fertilization rate. These findings provide scientific evidence for the improvement and restoration of G. przewalskii spawning grounds, and insights regarding the artificial bionic reproduction of G. przewalskii.
Understanding the Role of Prevotella Genus in the Digestion of Lignocellulose and Other Substrates in Vietnamese Native Goats’ Rumen by Metagenomic Deep Sequencing
Authors: Dao Trong-Khoa , Do Thi-Huyen , Le Ngoc-Giang , Nguyen Hong-Duong , Nguyen Thi-Quy , Le Thi-Thu-Hong , Truong Nam-Hai
Published: November 2021

Bacteria in rumen play pivotal roles in the digestion of nutrients to support energy for the host. In this study, metagenomic deep sequencing of bacterial metagenome extracted from the goats’ rumen generated 48.66 GB of data with 3,411,867 contigs and 5,367,270 genes. The genes were mainly functionally annotated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes (CAZy), and HMMER database, and taxonomically classified by MEGAN. As a result, 65,554 genes encoding for 30 enzymes/proteins related to lignocellulose conversion were exploited, in which nine enzymes were seen for the first time in goat rumen. Prevotella was the most abundant genus, contributing 30% hemicellulases and 36% enzymes/proteins for lignocellulose pretreatment, and supporting 98.8% of feruloyl esterases and 71.7% acetylxylan esterases. In addition, 18 of the 22 most lignocellulose digesting- potential contigs belonged to Prevotella. Besides, Prevotella possessed many genes coding for amylolytic enzymes. One gene encoding for endoxylanase was successfully expressed in E. coli. The recombinant enzyme had high Vmax, was tolerant to some salts and detergents, worked better at pH 5.5–6.5, temperature 40–50 °C, and was capable to be used in practices. Based on these findings, we confirm that Prevotella plays a pivotal role for hemicellulose digestion and significantly participates in starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin digestion in the goat rumen.
Regulation of FSH Synthesis by Differentially Expressed miR-488 in Anterior Adenohypophyseal Cells
Authors: Wang Hao-Qi , Wang Wen-Hua , Chen Cheng-Zhen , Guo Hai-Xiang , Jiang Hao , Yuan Bao , Zhang Jia-Bao
Published: November 2021

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is synthesized and released by the hypothalamus, promotes the synthesis and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thereby regulating the growth and reproduction of animals. GnRH analogues have been widely used in livestock production. MiRNAs, which are endogenous non-coding RNAs, have been found to play important roles in hormone regulation and other physiological processes in recent years. However, the roles of miRNAs in GnRH-mediated regulation of FSH secretion have rarely been studied. Herein, we treated bovine anterior adenohypophyseal cells with an exogenous GnRH analogue and found that miR-488 was differentially expressed. Through a combination of TargetScan prediction and dual luciferase reporter analysis, miR-488 was confirmed to be able to target the FSHB gene. Based on this finding, we verified the expression of Fshβ and Lhβ mRNA in the rat adenohypophysis before and after exogenous GnRH treatment in vivo and in vitro. Experiments on rat anterior adenohypophyseal cells showed that overexpression of miR-488 significantly inhibited Fshβ expression and FSH synthesis, while knockdown of miR-488 had the opposite effects. Our results demonstrate that GnRH relies on miR-488 to regulate FSH synthesis, providing additional useful evidence for the significance of miRNAs in the regulation of animal reproduction.
Comparison of In Vivo and In Vitro Digestibility in Rabbits
Authors: Tassone Sonia , Fortina Riccardo , Mabrouki Sabah , Hachana Yasser , Barbera Salvatore
Published: November 2021

The apparent dry matter digestibility of diets for rabbits was measured in vivo (ADMDvv) and in vitro with the Ankom DaisyII Incubator. Four diets were tested: low fiber (LF), LF + 5% of pregerminated fenugreek seeds (PGFS) (LF5), LF + 10% PGFS (LF10), and high fiber (HF). For the ADMDvv, feces samples were collected from 56 White New-Zealand × Californian rabbits fed the 4 diets; animals were randomly allocated into 4 groups and housed in individual cages. For the in vitro trial, 3 methods were tested: fecal inoculum (FA) with Kansans State buffer; fecal inoculum with artificial saliva (FB); and multienzyme (ENZ). Fecal inocula were collected at slaughtering from the distal colon of rabbits fed ad libitum the LF diet. For FA and FB methods, the digestibility was measured at 36 and 48 h. The in vitro methods ranked the apparent dry matter digestibility of diets in the same order as in vivo, but ENZ values were always higher than FA and FB at 36 and 48 h. The prediction equations of in vivo digestibility with the ENZ method showed higher coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.69) and lower SE (0.190) than FA and FB; also, reproducibility was higher with ENZ (CV = 3.1%). In conclusion, different methods can be applied to the Ankom DaisyII Incubator to study the digestibility in rabbits. In our trial, the better reproducibility was observed with the multienzyme method than FA and FB were probably related to the variability of inocula.
Bis(Tryptophan) Amphiphiles Form Ion Conducting Pores and Enhance Antimicrobial Activity against Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Patel Mohit , Negin Saeedeh , Meisel Joseph , Yin Shanheng , Gokel Michael , Gill Hannah , Gokel George
Published: November 2021

The compounds referred to as bis(tryptophan)s (BTs) have shown activity as antimicrobials. The hypothesis that the activity of these novel amphiphiles results from insertion in bilayer membranes and transport of cations is supported by planar bilayer voltage-clamp studies reported herein. In addition, fluorescence studies of propidium iodide penetration of vital bacteria confirmed enhanced permeability. It was also found that BTs having either meta-phenylene or n-dodecylene linkers function as effective adjuvants to enhance the properties of FDA-approved antimicrobials against organisms such as S. aureus. In one example, a BT-mediated synergistic effect enhanced the potency of norfloxacin against S. aureus by 128-fold. In order to determine if related compounds in which tryptophan was replaced by other common amino acids (H2N-Aaa-linker-Aaa-NH2) we active, a family of analogs have been prepared, characterized, and tested as controls for both antimicrobial activity and as adjuvants for other antimicrobials against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The most active of the compounds surveyed remain the bis(tryptophan) derivatives.
Genitourinary Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Review of a Neglected Manifestation in Low-Endemic Countries
Authors: Mantica Guglielmo , Ambrosini Francesca , Riccardi Niccolò , Vecchio Enrico , Rigatti Lorenzo , De Rose Aldo Franco , Van der Merwe André , Terrone Carlo , Bartoletti Riccardo , Bonkat Gernot
Published: November 2021

Genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) represents a disease often underestimated by urological specialists, particularly in settings such as the European one, where the pathology is less frequent. Similar to other uncommon diseases at these latitudes, GUTB is a neglected clinical problem. In this light, the aim of this review is to give a comprehensive overview of GUTB in order to provide a useful tool for urologists who seldomly manage this disease. A non-systematic review of genitourinary tuberculosis was performed on relevant articles published from January 1990 to July 2021 using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. GUTB represents up to a quarter of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) cases. Diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical work-up have been deeply reviewed and summarized. The mass migration of refugees to Europe as well as the ease of international travel is gradually leading to an upsurge in urological diseases such as GUTB, which were previously only rarely encountered in some European countries. The poor TB knowledge of European urologists should be improved through medical education courses, webinars or telematic means.
Heart Mitochondrial Metabolic Flexibility and Redox Status Are Improved by Donkey and Human Milk Intake
Authors: Trinchese Giovanna , Cimmino Fabiano , Cavaliere Gina , Rosati Luigi , Catapano Angela , Sorriento Daniela , Murru Elisabetta , Bernardo Luca , Pagani Luciana , Bergamo Paolo , Scudiero Rosaria , Iaccarino Guido , Greco Luigi , Banni Sebastiano , Crispino Marianna , Mollica Maria Pina
Published: November 2021

The biological mechanisms linking nutrition and antioxidants content of the diet with cardiovascular protection are subject of intense investigation. It has been demonstrated that dietary supplementation with cow, donkey or human milk, characterized by distinct nutritional properties, triggers significant differences in the metabolic and inflammatory status through the modulation of hepatic and skeletal muscle mitochondrial functions. Cardiac mitochondria play a key role for energy-demanding heart functions, and their disfunctions is leading to pathologies. Indeed, an altered heart mitochondrial function and the consequent increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammatory state, is linked to several cardiac diseases such as hypertension and heart failure. In this work it was investigated the impact of the milk consumption on heart mitochondrial functions, inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, it was underlined the crosstalk between mitochondrial metabolic flexibility, lipid storage and redox status as control mechanisms for the maintenance of cardiovascular health.
Methods Improving Energy Efficiency of Photovoltaic Systems Operating under Partial Shading
Authors: Kuznetsov Pavel , Yuferev Leonid , Voronin Dmitry , Panchenko Vladimir A. , Jasiński Michał , Najafi Arsalan , Leonowicz Zbigniew , Bolshev Vadim , Martirano Luigi
Published: November 2021

This article is devoted to the relevant problem of increasing the efficiency of PV systems. The presented analysis discusses the available methods for improving the power generation of PV modules under partial shading. Mathematical models for power loss calculation were compiled based on the results of this analysis. The proposed approach minimizes the negative impact of partial shading on the energy production of PV modules. It is based on the equalization of voltages of parallel-connected arrays of modules by installing additional power elements in them. The proposed solution is promising for various areas; it allows for the minimization of the unfavorable influence of existing urban objects (buildings, trees, communications, etc.) on the energy efficiency of PV modules. The obtained results are useful for the sustainable development of the urban environment in the context of digital transformation. They are the basis for the promising methodology of the parametric optimization of power plants using renewable energy sources.
Interaction between Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 and Human Virus Receptor ACE2 Using Two-Color Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Fujimoto Ai , Lyu Yidan , Kinjo Masataka , Kitamura Akira
Published: November 2021

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is initiated by the interaction between a receptor protein, angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2) on the cell surface, and the viral spike (S) protein. This interaction is similar to the mechanism in SARS-CoV, a close relative of SARS-CoV-2, which was identified in 2003. Drugs and antibodies that inhibit the interaction between ACE2 and S proteins could be key therapeutic methods for preventing viral infection and replication in COVID-19. Here, we demonstrate the interaction between human ACE2 and a fragment of the S protein (S1 subunit) derived from SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV using two-color fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS), which can detect the interaction of fluorescently labeled proteins. The S1 subunit of SARS-CoV-2 interacted in solution with soluble ACE2, which lacks a transmembrane region, more strongly than that of SARS-CoV. Furthermore, one-to-one stoichiometry of the two proteins during the interaction was indicated. Thus, we propose that this FCCS-based interaction detection system can be used to analyze the interaction strengths of various mutants of the S1 subunit that have evolved during the worldwide pandemic, and also offers the opportunity to screen and evaluate the performance of drugs and antibodies that inhibit the interaction.
Weed Detection in Rice Fields Using Remote Sensing Technique: A Review
Authors: Rosle Rhushalshafira , Che’Ya Nik Norasma , Ang Yuhao , Rahmat Fariq , Wayayok Aimrun , Berahim Zulkarami , Fazlil Ilahi Wan Fazilah , Ismail Mohd Razi , Omar Mohamad Husni
Published: November 2021

This paper reviewed the weed problems in agriculture and how remote sensing techniques can detect weeds in rice fields. The comparison of weed detection between traditional practices and automated detection using remote sensing platforms is discussed. The ideal stage for controlling weeds in rice fields was highlighted, and the types of weeds usually found in paddy fields were listed. This paper will discuss weed detection using remote sensing techniques, and algorithms commonly used to differentiate them from crops are deliberated. However, weed detection in rice fields using remote sensing platforms is still in its early stages; weed detection in other crops is also discussed. Results show that machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) remote sensing techniques have successfully produced a high accuracy map for detecting weeds in crops using RS platforms. Therefore, this technology positively impacts weed management in many aspects, especially in terms of the economic perspective. The implementation of this technology into agricultural development could be extended further.
Service Robots: Trends and Technology
Authors: Gonzalez-Aguirre Juan Angel , Osorio-Oliveros Ricardo , Rodríguez-Hernández Karen L. , Lizárraga-Iturralde Javier , Morales Menendez Rubén , Ramírez-Mendoza Ricardo A. , Ramírez-Moreno Mauricio Adolfo , Lozoya-Santos Jorge de Jesús
Published: November 2021

The 2021 sales volume in the market of service robots is attractive. Expert reports from the International Federation of Robotics confirm 27 billion USD in total market share. Moreover, the number of new startups with the denomination of service robots nowadays constitutes 29% of the total amount of robotic companies recorded in the United States. Those data, among other similar figures, remark the need for formal development in the service robots area, including knowledge transfer and literature reviews. Furthermore, the COVID-19 spread accelerated business units and some research groups to invest time and effort into the field of service robotics. Therefore, this research work intends to contribute to the formalization of service robots as an area of robotics, presenting a systematic review of scientific literature. First, a definition of service robots according to fundamental ontology is provided, followed by a detailed review covering technological applications; state-of-the-art, commercial technology; and application cases indexed on the consulted databases.
Model-Based Methods to Produce Greener Metakaolin Composite Concrete
Authors: Park Ki-Bong , Lin Run-Sheng , Han Yi , Wang Xiao-Yong
Published: November 2021

Metakaolin is reactive and is widely used in the modern concrete industry. This study presents an integrated strength–sustainability evaluation framework, which we employed in the context of metakaolin content in concrete. First, a composite hydration model was employed to calculate reactivity of metakaolin and cement. Furthermore, a hydration-based linear equation was designed to evaluate the compressive strength development of metakaolin composite concrete. The coefficients of the strength evaluation model are constants for different mixtures and ages. Second, the sustainability factors—CO2 emissions, resource consumption, and energy consumption—were determined based on concrete mixtures. Moreover, the sustainability factors normalized for unit strength were obtained based on the ratios of total CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and resource consumption to concrete strength. The results of our analysis showed the following: (1) As the metakaolin content increased, the normalized CO2 emissions and resource consumption decreased, and the normalized energy first decreased and then slightly increased. (2) As the concrete aged from 28 days to three months, the normalized CO2 emissions, resource consumption, and energy consumption decreased. (3) As the water/binder ratio decreased, the normalized CO2 emissions, resource consumption, and energy consumption decreased. Summarily, the proposed integrated strength–sustainability evaluation framework is useful for finding greener metakaolin composite concrete.
Structural Design, Simulation and Experiment of Quadruped Robot
Authors: Shi Yunde , Li Shilin , Guo Mingqiu , Yang Yuan , Xia Dan , Luo Xiang
Published: November 2021

This paper carried out a series of designs, simulations and implementations by using the physical-like mechanism of a bionic quadruped robot dog as a vehicle. Through an investigation of the walking mechanisms of quadrupeds, a bionic structure is proposed that is capable of omnidirectional movements and smooth motions. Furthermore, the kinematic and inverse kinematic solutions based on the DH method are explored to lay the foundation for the gait algorithm. Afterward, a classical compound pendulum equation is applied as the foot-end trajectory and inverse kinematic solutions are combined to complete the gait planning. With appropriate foot–ground contact modeling, MATLAB and ADAMS are used to simulate the dynamic behavior and the diagonal trot gait of the quadruped robot. Finally, the physical prototype is constructed, designed and debugged, and its performance is measured through real-world experiments. Results show that the quadruped robot is able to balance itself during trot motion, for both its pitch and roll attitude. The goal of this work is to provide an affordable yet comprehensive platform for novice researchers in the field to study the dynamics, contact modeling, gait planning and attitude control of quadruped robots.
Detecting Aggressiveness in Tweets: A Hybrid Model for Detecting Cyberbullying in the Spanish Language
Authors: Lepe-Faúndez Manuel , Segura-Navarrete Alejandra , Vidal-Castro Christian , Martínez-Araneda Claudia , Rubio-Manzano Clemente
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the use of social networks has increased exponentially, which has led to a significant increase in cyberbullying. Currently, in the field of Computer Science, research has been made on how to detect aggressiveness in texts, which is a prelude to detecting cyberbullying. In this field, the main work has been done for English language texts, mainly using Machine Learning (ML) approaches, Lexicon approaches to a lesser extent, and very few works using hybrid approaches. In these, Lexicons and Machine Learning algorithms are used, such as counting the number of bad words in a sentence using a Lexicon of bad words, which serves as an input feature for classification algorithms. This research aims at contributing towards detecting aggressiveness in Spanish language texts by creating different models that combine the Lexicons and ML approach. Twenty-two models that combine techniques and algorithms from both approaches are proposed, and for their application, certain hyperparameters are adjusted in the training datasets of the corpora, to obtain the best results in the test datasets. Three Spanish language corpora are used in the evaluation: Chilean, Mexican, and Chilean-Mexican corpora. The results indicate that hybrid models obtain the best results in the 3 corpora, over implemented models that do not use Lexicons. This shows that by mixing approaches, aggressiveness detection improves. Finally, a web application is developed that gives applicability to each model by classifying tweets, allowing evaluating the performance of models with external corpus and receiving feedback on the prediction of each one for future research. In addition, an API is available that can be integrated into technological tools for parental control, online plugins for writing analysis in social networks, and educational tools, among others.
Holding Area Conceptual Design and Validation for Various Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Operations: A Case Study in Seoul–GyungIn Area
Authors: Lee Youngjae , Lee Junseok , Lee Jae-Woo
Published: November 2021

As populations become concentrated in cities, traffic congestion increases, and urban air mobility (UAM) is being considered to face this problem. Accordingly, many institutions and companies around the world are developing UAM vehicles, building infrastructure, and researching flight operating systems. In this study, three holding area concepts have been designed that can control air traffic flows and avoid bad weather conditions when UAM vehicles are operating. These holding areas have been considered to allow UAM vehicles to fly by avoiding collisions with other UAM vehicles or structures such as buildings. After validating the turning radius analysis with existing aircraft, a case study on the holding area concept design for the Seoul–GyungIn area was performed to determine whether UAM vehicles can turn within a narrow radius. It was not possible for winged-type UAM vehicles to turn across the Han River at cruise speed. The holding area concepts and the turning procedure of this study can be used as guidelines when designing UAM corridors or UAM flight routes.
Electrothermal Reliability of the High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT)
Authors: Amar Abdelhamid , Radi Bouchaïb , El Abdelkhalak Hami
Published: November 2021

The main objective of our paper is to propose an approach to studying the mechatronic system’s reliability through the reliability of their high electron mobility transistors (HEMT). The operating temperature is one of the parameters that influences the characteristics of the transistor, especially the electron mobility that represents an advantage over other transistor’s families. Several factors can influence this temperature. Thanks to thermal modeling, it is possible to determine the factors representing a great impact on the operating temperature, such as the power dissipation at the active area of the transistor and the reference temperature above the substrate. In our reliability study, these analytical methods, such as First and Second Order Reliability Methods (FORM and SORM, respectively), were used to analyze the HEMT reliability. Thanks to the coupling between two models—the reliability model coded on Matlab and the thermal modeling with Comsol multiphysics software—the reliability index and the failure probability of the studied system were evaluated.
Influence of the Pyrotechnic Igniter Composition Aging on Explosion Parameters of Dispersed Dusts
Authors: Szabová Zuzana , Kuracina Richard , Sahul Martin , Mynarz Miroslav , Lepík Petr , Kosár László
Published: November 2021

A commercially available pyrotechnic igniter was used according to the EN 14034 and ASTM E1226a Standards to study the explosiveness of dispersed dusts. Its pyrotechnic composition consists of 1.2 g of zirconium (40% wt.), barium peroxide (30% wt.) and barium nitrate (30% wt.). The energy released during the combustion of that amount of composition is 5 kJ. The article investigates the influence of aging of the pyrotechnic composition in the igniter on its initiation parameters. In the study, igniters of different years from date of manufacture were used: Igniter 1, manufactured in 2021 (less than 1 year from date of manufacture), and Igniter 2 (more than 2 years from date of manufacture). The study was performed in the KV 150M2 explosion chamber with a volume of 365 L and the 20 L sphere chamber with a volume of 20 L. A standard sample of Lycopodium clavatum was used in the KV 150M2 explosion chamber. Magnesium and benzoic acid were used as the samples in the 20 L sphere explosion chamber. The experiment showed that the explosion pressure Pmax of the igniter with more than 2 years from date of manufacture decreased by up to 10%, while the value of the explosion constant Kst decreased by up to 40%. The attained results proved that aging of igniters affects their explosion parameters and measurement accuracy.
Impacts of Diverse Natural Products on Honey Bee Viral Loads and Health
Authors: Boncristiani Dawn L. , Tauber James P. , Palmer-Young Evan C. , Cao Lianfei , Collins William , Grubbs Kyle , Lopez Jillian A. , Meinhardt Lyndel W. , Nguyen Vy , Oh Sungtaek , Peterson Raymond J. , Zamora Halondra , Chen Yanping , Evans Jay D.
Published: November 2021

Western honey bees (Apis mellifera), a cornerstone to crop pollination in the U.S., are faced with an onslaught of challenges from diseases caused by parasites, pathogens, and pests that affect this economically valuable pollinator. Natural products (NPs), produced by living organisms, including plants and microorganisms, can support health and combat disease in animals. NPs include both native extracts and individual compounds that can reduce disease impacts by supporting immunity or directly inhibiting pathogens, pests, and parasites. Herein, we describe the screening of NPs in laboratory cage studies for their effects on honey bee disease prevention and control. Depending on the expected activity of compounds, we measured varied responses, including viral levels, honey bee immune responses, and symbiotic bacteria loads. Of the NPs screened, several compounds demonstrated beneficial activities in honey bees by reducing levels of the critical honey bee virus deformed wing virus (DWV-A and-B), positively impacting the gut microbiome or stimulating honey bee immune responses. Investigations of the medicinal properties of NPs in honey bees will contribute to a better understanding of their potential to support honey bee immunity to fight off pests and pathogens and promote increased overall honey bee health. These investigations will also shed light on the ecological interactions between pollinators and specific floral food sources.
Deep Learning and Internet of Things for Beach Monitoring: An Experimental Study of Beach Attendance Prediction at Castelldefels Beach
Authors: Domingo Mari Carmen
Published: November 2021

Smart seaside cities can fully exploit the capabilities brought by Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of city services in traditional smart city applications: smart home, smart healthcare, smart transportation, smart surveillance, smart environment, cyber security, etc. However, smart coastal cities are characterized by their specific application domain, namely, beach monitoring. Beach attendance prediction is a beach monitoring application of particular importance for coastal managers to successfully plan beach services in terms of security, rescue, health and environmental assistance. In this paper, an experimental study that uses IoT data and deep learning to predict the number of beach visitors at Castelldefels beach (Barcelona, Spain) was developed. Images of Castelldefels beach were captured by a video monitoring system. An image recognition software was used to estimate beach attendance. A deep learning algorithm (deep neural network) to predict beach attendance was developed. The experimental results prove the feasibility of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) for beach attendance prediction. For each beach, a classification of occupancy was estimated, depending on the number of beach visitors. The proposed model outperforms other machine learning models (decision tree, k-nearest neighbors, and random forest) and can successfully classify seven beach occupancy levels with the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score of 0.03, 92.7%, 92.9%, 92.7%, and 92.7%, respectively.
Formulation of Boron Encapsulated Smart Nanocapsules for Targeted Drug Delivery to the Brain
Authors: Daou Anis , Alany Raid G. , Calabrese Gianpiero
Published: November 2021

Drug delivery through the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB) represents a significant challenge. Despite the current strategies to circumvent the BBB, nanotechnology offers unprecedented opportunities for combining selective delivery, improved bioavailability, drug protection, and enhanced pharmacokinetics profiles. Chitosan nanocarriers allow for a more efficacious strategy at the cellular and sub-cellular levels. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a targeted chemo-radiotherapeutic technique that allows the selective depletion of cancer cells by means of selective tagging of cancer cells with 10B, followed by irradiation with low-energy neutrons. Consequently, the combination of a polymer-based nanodelivery system enclosing an effective BNCT pharmacophore can potentially lead to the selective delivery of the load to cancer cells beyond the BBB. In this work, synthesized novel boronated agents based on carborane-functionalized Delocalized Lipophilic Cations (DLCs) are assessed for safety and selective targeting of tumour cells. The compounds are then encapsulated in nanocarriers constituted by chitosan to promote permeability through the BBB. Additionally, chitosan was used in combination with polypyrrole to form a smart composite nanocapsule, which is expected to release its drug load with variations in pH. Results indicate the achievement of more selective boron delivery to cells via carboranyl DLCs. Finally, preliminary cell studies indicate no toxicity was detected in chitosan nanocapsules, further enhancing its viability as a potential delivery vehicle in the BNCT of brain tumours.
Flexible Ultra-Wide Electro-Optic Frequency Combs for a High-Capacity Tunable 5G+ Millimeter-Wave Frequency Synthesizer
Authors: Liu Li , Liu Yangguang , Gao Xiao-Zhi , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a new scheme of a cost-effective tunable millimeter-wave (MMW) frequency synthesizer based on an ultra-wideband electro-optic frequency comb. The architecture for the quasi-tunable millimeter-wave frequency synthesizer mainly consists of a compact ultra-wide flat electro-optic frequency comb and a multi-tone frequency generator, which only includes a quantum dot mode-locked laser, a LiNbO3 dual-driving Mach–Zehnder modulator (DD-MZM) and Uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD). MMW signals generated with a quasi-tunable frequency are experimentally demonstrated. The difference in power is obtained for the different frequencies. The linewidth of the quasi-tunable frequency signals is less than 273 Hz. In addition, the single side band (SSB) phase noise of the 25, 37.5, 50 and 75 GHz is measured as −115, −106, −102 and −95 dBc/Hz at an offset of 1 kHz, respectively. The proposed frequency synthesizer has ultra-low phase noise, quasi-tunable frequency and simple structure. The research results of the frequency synthesizer are applied for 5G+ transmission with radio wave working at K-band and V-band. The flexible, compact and robust MMW frequency synthesizer is suitable for the future of ultra-high capacity 5G+ communication.
Influence of Optimal Intensity Measures Selection in Engineering Demand Parameter of Fixed Jacket Offshore Platform
Authors: Sarker Sajib , Kim Dookie , Azad Md Samdani , Sinsabvarodom Chana , Guk Seongoh
Published: November 2021

This research identifies the significant optimal intensity measures (IM) for seismic performance assessments of the fixed offshore jacket platforms. A four-legged jacket platform for the oil and gas operation is deployed to investigate the seismic performance. The jacket platform is applied with nonlinearly modeled using finite element (FE) software OpenSees. A total of 80 ground motions and 21 different IMs are incorporated for numerical analyses. Nonlinear time-history analyses are performed to obtain the jacket structure’s engineering demand parameters (EDP): peak acceleration and displacement at the top of the structure. Four important statistical parameters: practicality, efficiency, proficiency, and coefficient of determination, are then calculated to find the significant IMs for seismic performance of the jacket structure. The results show that acceleration-related IMs: effective design acceleration (EDA), A95 parameter, and peak ground acceleration (PGA) are optimal IMs, and the acceleration-related IMs have good agreements with the acceleration-related EDP.
Actual Measurement and Evaluation of the Balance between Electricity Supply and Demand in Waste-Treatment Facilities and Development of Adjustment Methods
Authors: Yoshidome Daiki , Kikuchi Ryo , Okanoya Yuki , Pandyaswargo Andante Hadi , Onoda Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

In Japan, breakthroughs to improve the share of renewable energy in the energy mix have become an urgent issue. However, the problem could not be solved by simply adding more power plants for various technical reasons, such as the unsuitability of using renewable energy as baseloads due to its intermittency. Furthermore, establishing the required cooperative systems for regionally distributed power adjustment is also tricky. Based on these backgrounds, this paper constructs an operation plan that minimizes CO2 emissions by correcting the generation and load patterns of the renewable energy of solar power, utilizing power generation from waste as a substitute for baseload power, and estimating the power demand of each facility. The result shows that by adjusting the operation plans, the model can reduce CO2 emission by 20.95 and 8.30% in weeks with high and low solar power generation surpluses, respectively. Furthermore, these results show that it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions in regions that have power sources with low CO2 emission coefficients by forecasting the amount of power generation and power load in the region and appropriately planning the operation in advance.
Integration of ERT, IP and SP Methods in Hard Rock Engineering
Authors: Shao Peng , Shang Yanjun , Hasan Muhammad , Yi Xuetao , Meng He
Published: November 2021

Investigation of a hard rock site for the development of engineered structures mainly depends on the delineation of weathered and unweathered rock, and the fractures/faults. Traditionally, borehole tests are used in such investigations. However, such approaches are expensive and time-consuming, require more equipment, cannot be conducted in steep topographic areas, and provide low coverage of the area with point measurements only. Conversely, geophysical methods are non-invasive, economical, and provide large coverage of an area through both vertical and lateral imaging of the subsurface. The geophysical method, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), can reduce a significant number of expensive drilling tests in geotechnical investigations. However, a geophysical method alone may provide ambiguity in the interpretation of the subsurface, such as electrical resistivity cannot differentiate between water and clay content. Such uncertainty can be improved by the integration of ERT with induced polarization (IP). Similarly, self-potential (SP) can be integrated with other geophysical methods to delineate the groundwater flow. In this contribution, we integrated three geophysical methods (ERT, IP and SP) to delineate the weathered and unweathered rock including the weathered/unweathered transition zone, to detect the fractures/faults, and to map the groundwater flow. Based on ERT, IP and SP results, we develop a geophysical conceptual site model which can be used by site engineers to interpret/implement the findings for build-out. Our approach fills the gaps between the well data and geological model and suggests the most suitable places for the development of engineered structures in the hard rock terrains.
RETRACTED: Setoguchi et al. Accuracy Assessment of Implant Placement in a Newly Developed Dynamic Navigation System: A Pilot Study. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 6593
Authors: Setoguchi Tomoyuki , Ogino Yoichiro , Ouchida Riichi , Takahashi Akira , Ayukawa Yasunori , Koyano Kiyoshi
Published: November 2021

The published article [...]
Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Might Increase the Effect of Enamel Matrix Derivative on Periodontal Tissues
Authors: Guizzardi Stefano , Pedrazzi Giuseppe , Galli Carlo
Published: November 2021

Periodontal regeneration is a complex goal, which is commonly pursued with a combination of surgical techniques, biomaterials, and bioactive compounds. One such compound is enamel matrix derivative (EMD), a medical substance that is extracted from porcine tooth germs and which contains several protein fractions with BMP- and TGF-β-like action. Activation of TGF-β signaling is required for EMD activity on cells and tissues, and a growing body of evidence indicates that EMD largely relies on this pathway. As low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have long been investigated as a tool to promote bone formation and osteoblast activity, and because recent studies have reported that the effects of EMFs on cells require primary cilia, by modulating the presence of membrane-bound receptors (e.g., for BMP) or signal mediators, it can be hypothesized that the application of EMFs may increase cell sensitivity to EMD: as TGFBR receptors have also been identified on primary cilia, EMFs could make cells more responsive to EMD by inducing the display of a higher number of receptors on the cellular membrane.