bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Recurrent Selection on Population Structure and Allele Frequencies in the M3S Maize Population
Authors: Bukan Miroslav , Mandić Ana , Kozumplik Vinko , Lewis Ramsey S. , Šimić Domagoj , Šarčević Hrvoje
Published: December 2023

The effects of four cycles of recurrent selection on the allele frequencies of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and population structure were examined in the Maksimir 3 Synthetic (M3S) maize population (Zea mays L.). Genotyping of 32 plants from each selection cycle at 38 SSR loci revealed that the mean number of alleles per locus and the mean expected heterozygosity were preserved across selection cycles, indicating the maintenance of sufficient genetic variability in the population required for future genetic gain. The Waples test of selective neutrality revealed that genetic drift was the main force in changing allele frequencies in the population. The proportion of selectively non-neutral loci in single cycles of selection varied between 16% and 37%. Some non-neutral loci shared the same genomic locations with previously published QTLs controlling important agronomic traits. An analysis of molecular variance revealed that 5.6% of the genetic variation occurred among and 94.4% within cycle populations. Between 5% and 29% of loci were found to be in a significant Hardy–Weinberg (HW) disequilibrium, with the majority showing an excess of homozygosity. The excess of homozygosity at several loci was highly consistent across cycle populations, suggesting positive assortative mating as a possible cause of the observed HW disequilibrium. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) tests revealed that the M3S population was essentially in linkage equilibrium. The proportion of pairs of loci in significant LD varied from 0.1% to 1.8% across selection cycles, probably due to the effects of genetic drift and epistatic selection.
Estimation of Carcass Trait Characteristics, Proportions, and Their Correlation with Preslaughter Body Weight in Indigenous Chickens in Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Kefala Taye , Lee Dong-Hui , Cho Young-Gyu , Son Ah-Yeong , Seo Kang-Seok
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to estimate carcass trait characteristics, proportions, and their correlation with the preslaughter body weight of indigenous chickens in Southeastern Ethiopia. Data from 42 healthy male chickens were collected and analyzed using SAS 2012 ver. 9.4, R software ver.4.3.1, and MetaboAnalyst 5.0. The results indicated significant fixed effect of districts on dressed carcass weight, drumsticks, thighs, wings, and gizzard between Goba and Agarfa chickens (p < 0.05). The fixed effect of age and the district–age interaction effect were not significant. Principal component analysis revealed that PC1, accounting for 96.8% of the total variation between Goba and Agarfa chickens, was contributed by preslaughter and dressed carcass weight. Among the carcass components, the key contributors to differentiation between the Goba and Agarfa indigenous chicken carcass yields were the drumstick, thigh, breast (with/without keel bone), and back with thoracic weight (VIP > 1); there was a higher yield in Goba chickens. Preslaughter weight exhibited stronger correlations with most other traits, while dressing percentages displayed a negative correlation with various carcass components and edible giblet yields across the study districts. This study provides useful insights into carcass component characteristics and yields of indigenous Ethiopian chickens, which can increase our understanding of carcass components and their relationships with other qualities for improvement and further studies on poultry production.
Consumer Evaluations of and Attitudes towards New Genome Editing Techniques: An Italian Case Study
Authors: Romeo Lironcurti Simona , Demaria Federica , D’Annolfo Raffaele , Sardone Roberta
Published: December 2023

The ever-increasing development of assisted evolution technologies (AETs) in agriculture has boosted crop improvement. The commercialization of improved biotech crops can be promoted by modern gene editing instead of conventional genetic modification, which is a cheaper and faster approach that can help address future agriculture challenges, such as food security, environmental sustainability, and climate change. However, the use of these technologies is still sensitive and debated in many countries. Each region promotes a different approach, depending on regulatory policies, and adopting these technologies requires knowledge of consumer views and stakeholder acceptance. For this purpose, we conducted a survey of 564 Italians regarding their knowledge of genetic techniques, informational tools, purchase preferences, environmental sustainability, and food safety issues. The research aims are twofold: (a) to assess the level of knowledge and (b) to determine how consumer background, including social and demographic characteristics, affects their level of knowledge. Our findings emphasize the importance of communication and dissemination activities, in which clarity and a broad appeal are key.
Assaying the Use of a Leonardite-Suspension Concentrate-Based Product as a Potential Biostimulant to Enhance Growth, NPK Use Efficiency, and Antioxidant Capacity in Lactuca sativa L.
Authors: Atero-Calvo Santiago , Magro Francesco , Masetti Giacomo , Navarro-León Eloy , Rios Juan Jose , Ruiz Juan Manuel
Published: December 2023

Biostimulants are presented as a potential tool to achieve the main objectives of modern agriculture: increase crop yield and nutritional quality while reducing chemical fertilizer use. Here, we investigated the use of a HS-based product (BLACKJAK®, from Sofbey S.A., Mendrisio, Switzerland) as a biostimulant to enhance plant growth, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) use efficiency, as well as antioxidant capacity. For this purpose, BLACKJAK® was applied to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as radicular (‘R’) and foliar (‘F’) at doses: 0.20 mL/L (R1), 0.40 mL/L (R2), 0.60 mL/L (R3), and 0.80 mL/L (R4), 5.00 mL/L (F1), 7.50 mL/L (F2), 10.00 mL/L (F3), and 12.50 mL/L (F4), along with a control. Shoot fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW), leaf area, NPK use efficiency parameters, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Our results showed that R1, R2, R3, F2, and F3 enhanced shoot FW and leaf area, while only R3 increased shoot DW. Furthermore, in general, most of the doses employed enhanced NPK use efficiency parameters such as apparent crop recovery, nutrient export, physiological efficiency, and internal utilization of applied nutrients. Similarly, HS also increased ascorbate, glutathione, and phenol concentrations, showing an improvement in antioxidant capacity measured through FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) and TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity) assays. Overall, root-HS offered better results than foliar-HS, especially at R3. Hence, our results indicate that BLACKJAK® could be a good candidate to enhance crop productivity and nutritional quality while reducing the use of chemical NPK fertilizers.
Effect of Cultivar on Faba Bean–Wheat Intercrop Productivity under a Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Michalitsis Andreas , Papakaloudis Paschalis , Pankou Chrysanthi , Lithourgidis Anastasios , Menexes George , Dordas Christos
Published: December 2023

The term intercropping is used to describe agricultural systems where at least two or more species are cultivated in the same field for a portion of their biological cycle. It is an ancient agricultural practice that, with the evolution of agriculture, the prevalence of intensive cultivation systems, and the use of multiple inputs became mostly restricted to developing countries. However, due to climate instability and uncertainty about weather conditions, interest in intercropping has been revived in recent years. The objective of the present study was to determine which faba bean cultivar can be used with wheat cultivars to achieve higher yields and to examine the interaction between the cultivars in intercropping systems. It was found that the combination of Flamenko with Polycarpi gave the highest yield and showed complementarity in the interaction between these cultivars that also have the highest yield; also, the other indices that were used showed a good response on the intercropping system and the LER was 1.30 and 1.19 for the first and the second year of the study, respectively. Therefore, there are faba bean and wheat cultivars that are better adapted to intercropping conditions and can be utilized by farmers to enhance productivity.
First Report of Sarcocystis pilosa from a Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Released for the Re-Introduction Project in South Korea
Authors: Jo Yeonghoon , Lee Sook Jin , Bia Mohammed Mebarek , Choe Seongjun , Jeong Dong-Hyuk
Published: December 2023

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a known host for various parasites, including numerous helminths and protozoans. Among these, certain species in the genus Sarcocystis (phylum Apicomplexa) have been documented to possess the capability to infect red foxes as definitive hosts. In South Korea, red foxes have been introduced and released as part of a re-introduction program. However, two months after its release, one of the foxes was found dead because of illegal trapping. The fox was necropsied, and a subsequent coprological study revealed oocysts of Sarcocystis sp. in the intestinal contents. The oocysts were identified as Sarcocystis pilosa based on the 18S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene sequences. It exhibited a 99.7–100% identity with 18S rRNA gene sequences and 99.1–99.8% identity with cox1 gene sequences from other previously reported S. pilosa samples. Additionally, it showed identities of 95.4–96.4% and 91.1–91.5% with the cox1 gene sequences of S. hjorti and S. gjerdei, while demonstrating 99.6 and 98.1% identity with the 18S rRNA gene sequences of S. hjorti and S. gjerdei, respectively. This is the first report from mainland Asia, excluding the Japanese archipelago, indicating that the life cycle of S. pilosa persists in South Korea.
The Effect of Therapeutic Exercise on Body Weight Distribution, Balance, and Stifle Function in Dogs following Stifle Injury
Authors: Brantberg Ida , Grooten Wilhelmus J. A. , Essner Ann
Published: December 2023

Stifle injury is common in the companion dog population, affecting weight bearing, neuromuscular control, and balance. Therapeutic exercises after stifle injury seem to be effective, but high-quality research evaluating the effects is lacking. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a 12-week progressive therapeutic home exercise protocol on three-legged standing, targeting balance and postural- and neuromuscular control and disability in dogs with stifle injury. Thirty-three dogs with stifle injury were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 18) and control groups (n = 15), both receiving a standard rehabilitation protocol. Additionally, the intervention group received a progressive therapeutic exercise protocol. The outcome measures were static body weight distribution between hindlimbs, balance control, the canine brief pain inventory, and the Finnish canine stifle index. Both groups improved after the intervention period, but the group using the progressive therapeutic exercise protocol improved to a greater extent regarding static body weight distribution between the hindlimbs (I: median = 2.5%, IQR = 1.0–4.5; C: median = 5.5%, IQR = 3.0–8.8), pain-related functional disability (I: median = 0.0, IQR = 0.0–0.2; C: median = 0.9, IQR = 0.1–1.8), and stifle function (I: median = 25.0, IQR = 9.4–40.6; C: median = 75.0, IQR = 31.3–87.5), with intermediate to strong effects. These clinically relevant results indicate that this home exercise program can improve hindlimb function and restore neuromuscular control.
Tissue Lipid Profiles of Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Cultivated under Environmental Variables on a Diet Supplemented with Dihydroquercetin and Arabinogalactan
Authors: Fokina Natalia N. , Sukhovskaya Irina V. , Kantserova Nadezhda P. , Lysenko Liudmila A.
Published: December 2023

Reared rainbow trout are vulnerable to environmental stressors, in particular seasonal water warming, which affects fish welfare and growth and induces a temperature response, which involves modifications in tissue lipid profiles. Dietary supplements of plant origin, including the studied mix of a flavonoid, dihydroquercetin and a polysaccharide, arabinogalactan (25 and 50 mg per 1 kg of feed, respectively), extracted from larch wood waste, were shown to facilitate stress tolerance in fish and also to be beneficial for the safety of natural ecosystems and the sustainability of aquaculture production. This four-month feeding trial aimed to determine the effects of the supplement on liver and muscle lipid accumulation and the composition in rainbow trout reared under environmental variables. During periods of environmental optimum for trout, a consistent increase in energy lipid stores, particularly triacylglycerols (2.18 vs. 1.49-fold over a growing season), and an overall increase in lipid saturation due to lower levels of PUFAs, such as eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3), docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3) and arachidonic (20:4n-6) acids, were observed in both control and supplement-fed fish, respectively. However, in fish stressed by an increase in ambient temperature, dietary supplementation with dihydroquercetin and arabinogalactan reduced mortality (3.65 in control vs. 2.88% in supplement-fed fish, p < 0.05) and alleviated the high-temperature-induced inhibition of lipid accumulation. It also stabilised the membrane phospholipid ratio and moderated the fatty acid composition of fish muscle and liver, resulting in higher levels of n-3 PUFAs and their precursors. Thus, the natural compounds tested are beneficial in accelerating fish tolerance to environmental stressors, reducing mortality and thermal response, and moderately improving fillet quality attributes by increasing the protein/lipid ratio and the abundance of fatty acids essential for human nutrition.
Energetic and Monetary Analysis of Efficiency in Family-Owned Dairy Goat Production Systems in Andalusia (Southern Spain)
Authors: Mena Yolanda , Morales-Jerrett Eduardo , Soler-Montiel Marta , Pérez-Neira David , Mancilla-Leytón Juan Manuel
Published: December 2023

The family-owned dairy goat sector in Andalusia presents great diversity. Taking into account the particularities of their economic strategies, which are focused on generating net value added and a stable long-term remuneration for family labor, this work aims to expand the scarce existing knowledge on the energetic and economic profiles of the different caprine management systems in a context of climate and energy crisis. For this purpose, twenty-one farms, representatives of the four typologies of the Andalusian dairy goat system, were monitored for one year: pastoral systems, grazing systems with high feed supply, indoor systems with associated crops, and indoor systems without associated crops. Technical-economic information was obtained that allowed the calculation of energy and economic indicators. In terms of socialized output, the differences found were due to the energy derived from milk sales, which was clearly lower in pastoral systems. The higher proportion of energy output obtained from manure with respect to edible products (milk and meat) highlights the importance of the former in energetic terms. High values for external inputs are found in the intensive group (111.22 GJ LSU−1), while the lowest results correspond to the pastoral group (36.96 GJ LSU−1). The main external input is the energy proceeding from purchased feed, which accounts for over 79% of the total external energy input in all four groups. The highest energy efficiency corresponds to the pastoral group, which is also the most efficient one in the use of non-renewable energy to produce milk and meat. Additionally, the level of eco-efficiency is higher in pastoral systems. Common Agricultural Policy funds contribute to increasing the remuneration of family work in pastoral systems, assimilating it to the rest of the systems. Therefore, intensification does not imply an absolute monetary advantage in all cases, while extensification can be remunerative for family-owned dairy farming.
Risk Factors and Management of Prosthetic Joint Infections in Megaprostheses—A Review of the Literature
Authors: Gonzalez Marcos R. , Pretell-Mazzini Juan , Lozano-Calderon Santiago A.
Published: December 2023

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most common mode of failure of megaprostheses, yet the literature on the topic is scarce, and studies report conflicting data regarding the optimal treatment strategy. Patients with megaprostheses PJI are often immunosuppressed, and surgeons must balance the trade-off between treatment efficacy and morbidity associated with the surgery aiming for infection eradication. Our review on megaprostheses PJI focuses on two axes: (1) risk factors and preventative strategies; and (2) surgical strategies to manage this condition. Risk factors were classified as either unmodifiable or modifiable. Attempts to decrease the risk of PJI should target the latter group. Strategies to prevent PJI include the use of silver-coated implants, timely discontinuation of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, and adequate soft tissue coverage to diminish the amount of dead space. Regarding surgical treatment, main strategies include debridement, antibiotics, implant retention (DAIR), DAIR with modular component exchange, stem retention (DAIR plus), one-stage, and two-stage revision. Two-stage revision is the “gold standard” for PJI in conventional implants; however, its success hinges on adequate soft tissue coverage and willingness of patients to tolerate a spacer for a minimum of 6 weeks. DAIR plus and one-stage revisions may be appropriate for a select group of patients who cannot endure the morbidity of two surgeries. Moreover, whenever DAIR is considered, exchange of the modular components should be performed (DAIR plus). Due to the low volume of megaprostheses implanted, studies assessing PJI should be conducted in a multi-institutional fashion. This would allow for more meaningful comparison of groups, with sufficient statistical power. Level of evidence: IV.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Healthy Dogs and Cats in South Korea, 2020–2022
Authors: Moon Bo-Youn , Ali Md. Sekendar , Kwon Dong-Hyeon , Heo Ye-Eun , Hwang Yu-Jeong , Kim Ji-In , Lee Yun Jin , Yoon Soon-Seek , Moon Dong-Chan , Lim Suk-Kyung
Published: December 2023

The occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in companion animals poses public health hazards globally. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance profiles and patterns of commensal E. coli strains obtained from fecal samples of healthy dogs and cats in South Korea between 2020 and 2022. In total, 843 E. coli isolates (dogs, n = 637, and cats, n = 206) were assessed for susceptibility to 20 antimicrobials. The resistance rates of the most tested antimicrobials were significantly higher in dog than in cat isolates. Cefalexin (68.9%) demonstrated the highest resistance rates, followed by ampicillin (38.3%), tetracycline (23.1%), and cefazolin (18.7%). However, no or very low resistance (0–0.6%) to amikacin, imipenem, piperacillin, and colistin was found in both dog and cat isolates. Overall, 42.3% of the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). MDR in isolates from dogs (34.9%) was significantly higher than in those from cats (20.9%). The main components of the resistance patterns were cefalexin and ampicillin in both dog and cat isolates. Additionally, MDR patterns in isolates from dogs (29.2%) and cats (16%) were shown to encompass five or more antimicrobials. Multidrug-resistant commensal E. coli could potentially be spread to humans or other animals through clonal or zoonotic transmission. Therefore, the incidence of antimicrobial resistance in companion animals highlights the urgent need to restrict antimicrobial resistance and ensure the prudent use of antimicrobials in Korea.
Unraveling Biotic and Abiotic Factors Shaping Sugarcane Straw Polyphenolic Richness: A Gateway to Artificial Intelligence-Driven Crop Management
Authors: Oliveira Ana L. S. , Carvalho Maria João , Silva Poliana , Pintado Manuela , Madureira Ana Raquel
Published: December 2023

Sugarcane straw (Saccharum officinarum) is a valuable coproduct renowned for its abundant polyphenolic content. However, extracting these polyphenols for natural ingredients faces challenges due to their inherent variability, influenced by biotic stress factors and plant characteristics. We explored the impact of five crucial factors on sugarcane straw polyphenolic diversity: (i) production area (Guariba, Valparaíso), (ii) borer insect (Diatraea saccharalis) infestation, (iii) plant age (first to seventh harvest), (iv) harvest season, and (v) plant variety. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN) were used to optimize polyphenol extraction conditions. A second-order polynomial model guided us to predict ideal sugarcane straw harvesting conditions for polyphenol-rich extracts. The analysis identified CU0618-variety straw, harvested in Guariba during the dry season (October 2020), at the seventh harvest stage, with 13.81% borer insect infection, as the prime source for high hydroxybenzoic acid (1010 µg/g), hydroxycinnamic acid (3119 µg/g), and flavone (573 µg/g) content and consequently high antioxidant capacity. The ANN model surpasses the RSM model, demonstrating superior predictive capabilities with higher coefficients of determination and reduced mean absolute deviations for each polyphenol class. This underscores the potential of artificial neural networks in forecasting and enhancing polyphenol extraction conditions, setting the stage for AI-driven advancements in crop management.
Analysis of Electromagnetic Interference Effect on Semiconductor Scanning Electron Microscope Image Distortion
Authors: Park You-Jin , Pan Rong , Montgomery Douglas C.
Published: December 2023

Most electronic devices are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI); thus, it is necessary to recognize and identify the cause and effect of EMI as it can corrupt electronic signals and degrade equipment performance. Particularly, in semiconductor manufacturing, the equipment used for image capturing is subject to various noises induced by EMI, causing the image analysis to be unreliable during the image recognition and digitization process. Thus, in this research, we aim to detect and quantify the influence of EMI on semiconductor SEM (scanning electron microscope) images. For this, we apply several useful denoising and edge detection techniques to find a clearer distorted shape from EMI-generated images and then compute five shape-related measures to evaluate the distortion. From a comprehensive experimental analysis and statistical tests, it is found that the medians of all the extracted shape-related measures of high-EMI SEM images are higher than those of both medium- and weak-EMI SEM images, and also all the p-values of the statistical tests are close to 0, and thus we can conclude that all the measures are good quantification metrics for assessing the impact of EMI on semiconductor SEM images.
Optimizing RTL Code Obfuscation: New Methods Based on XML Syntax Tree
Authors: Yi Hanwen , Zhang Jin , Liu Sheng
Published: December 2023

As the most widely used description code in digital circuits and system on chip (SoC), the security of register transfer level (RTL) code is extremely critical. Code obfuscation is a typical method to ensure the security of RTL code, but popular obfuscation methods are not fully applicable to RTL code. In addition, some RTL code obfuscation tools also have issues with incomplete functionality or obfuscation errors. In view of the above issues, this paper studies the RTL code security problem represented by obfuscation. Based on the extensible markup language (XML) syntax tree generated by parsing RTL code, a complete RTL code refactoring model is constructed, and four targeted RTL code obfuscation methods are proposed, namely: Layout obfuscation; Parameter obfuscation; Critical path obfuscation; Code increment obfuscation. Utilizing the developed obfuscation tool, an assessment of the performance and effectiveness of the obfuscation methods is conducted, alongside testing the equivalence between the obfuscated code and the source code. The experimental results show that the proposed obfuscation methods have higher practicability and reliability, and have the characteristics of high obfuscation coverage that can be stable at over 98% and preservation of compiler indicative Comments.
Similarity Model Test on Rainfall Scouring Mechanism of High-Speed Railway Subgrade Slope
Authors: Wei Shao-Wei , Lv Song , Jiang Jian-Jie , Cai De-Gou , Cui Zhen-Dong
Published: December 2023

The subgrade slope, when exposed to the natural environment for a long time, is easily affected by rainfall scouring, which leads to a large loss of filling materials and soil sliding, affecting the stability of the subgrade slope. In this paper, the model test of a high-speed railway subgrade slope under rainfall scouring was conducted to quantitatively study the occurrence and development process of subgrade slope erosion. Compared with the model test results and the theoretical results, the incipient flow velocity formula of coarse-grained soil was verified. Then, the curve of rainfall intensity varied with the incipient particle size under different rainfall intensities, slope gradients and soil particle grading conditions was analyzed. Results show that during rainfall scouring, the smaller the particle size, the earlier the scouring erosion occurs. In addition, the soil particles on the slope bottom were scoured more severely than those on the slope upper. With the increase in rainfall intensity, slope gradient, and the change in soil particle gradation (removing the minimum particle size), the incipient flow velocity of soil particles on the slope will be reduced. The curve of the rainfall intensity varied with the incipient particle size, which plays an early warning role in the analysis of slope erosion stability and reflects the particle size range of the scouring erosion incipient on the slope surface under different rainfall intensities, providing the basis for the analysis of slope erosion stability and the slope protection design of the high-speed railway subgrade slope.
STEAM: Spatial Trajectory Enhanced Attention Mechanism for Abnormal UAV Trajectory Detection
Authors: Yoon Namkyung , Lee Dongjae , Kim Kiseok , Yoo Taehoon , Joo Hyeontae , Kim Hwangnam
Published: December 2023

Accurate unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) trajectory tracking is crucial for the successful execution of UAV missions. Traditional global positioning system (GPS) methods face limitations in complex environments, and visual observation becomes challenging with distance and in low-light conditions. To address this challenge, we propose a comprehensive framework for UAV trajectory verification, integrating a range-based ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning system and advanced image processing technologies. Our key contribution is the development of the Spatial Trajectory Enhanced Attention Mechanism (STEAM), a novel attention module specifically designed for analyzing and classifying UAV trajectory patterns. This system enables real-time UAV trajectory tracking and classification, facilitating swift and accurate assessment of adherence to predefined optimal trajectories. Another major contribution of our work is the integration of a UWB system for precise UAV location tracking, complemented by our advanced image processing approach that includes a deep neural network (DNN) for interpolating missing data from images, thereby significantly enhancing the model’s ability to detect abnormal maneuvers. Our experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework in UAV trajectory tracking, showcasing its robust performance irrespective of raw data quality. Furthermore, we validate the framework’s performance using a lightweight learning model, emphasizing both its computational efficiency and exceptional classification accuracy.
Trends from 30-Year Observations of Downward Solar Irradiance in Thessaloniki, Greece
Authors: Natsis Athanasios , Bais Alkiviadis , Meleti Charikleia
Published: December 2023

The shortwave downward solar irradiance (SDR) is an important factor that drives climate processes and energy production and can affect all living organisms. Observations of SDR at different locations around the world with different environmental characteristics have been used to investigate its long-term variability and trends at different time scales. Periods of positive trends are referred to as brightening periods and of negative trends as dimming periods. In this study we have used 30 years of pyranometer data in Thessaloniki, Greece, to investigate the variability of SDR under three types of sky conditions (clear-, cloudy- and all-sky). The clear-sky data were identified by applying a cloud screening algorithm. We have found a positive trend of 0.38%/year for all-sky, ∼0.1%/year for clear-sky, and 0.41%/year for cloudy conditions. The consistency of these trends, their seasonal variability, and the effect of the solar zenith angle have also been investigated. Under all three sky categories, the SDR trend is stronger in winter, with 0.7, 0.4, and 0.76%/year, respectively, for all-, clear-, and cloudy-sky conditions. The next larger seasonal trends are in autumn—0.42 and 0.19%/year, for all and cloudy skies, respectively. The rest of the seasonal trends are significant smaller, close to zero, with a negative values in summer, for clear and cloudy skies. The SDR trend is increasing with increasing solar zenith angle, except under cloudy skies, where the trend is highly variable and close to zero. Finally, we discuss shorter-term variations in SDR anomalies by examining the patterns of the cumulative sums of monthly anomalies from the climatological mean, both before and after removing the long-term trend.
Thin Reinforced Anion-Exchange Membranes for Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Battery Employing Fe/Co-Metal Complex Redox Species
Authors: Song Hyeon-Bee , Kim Do-Hyeong , Lee Myung-Jin , Kang Moon-Sung
Published: December 2023

Non-aqueous redox flow batteries (NARFBs) have been attracting much attention because they can significantly increase power and energy density compared to conventional RFBs. In this study, novel pore-filled anion-exchange membranes (PFAEMs) for application to a NAPFB employing metal polypyridyl complexes (i.e., Fe(bpy)32+/Fe(bpy)33+ and Co(bpy)32+/Co(bpy)33+) as the redox species are successfully developed. A porous polyethylene support with excellent solvent resistance and mechanical strength is used for membrane fabrication. The PFAEMs are prepared by filling an ionic liquid monomer containing an imidazolium group and a crosslinking agent into the pores of the support film and then performing in situ photopolymerization. As a result, the prepared membranes exhibit excellent mechanical strength and stability in a non-aqueous medium as well as high ion conductivity. In addition, a low crossover rate for redox ion species is observed for the prepared membranes because they have relatively low swelling characteristics in non-aqueous electrolyte solutions and low affinity for the metal-complex redox species compared to a commercial membrane. Consequently, the PFAEM is revealed to possess superior battery performance than a commercial membrane in the NARFB tests, showing high energy efficiency of about 85% and stable operation for 100 cycles.
Real-Time Lithium Battery Aging Prediction Based on Capacity Estimation and Deep Learning Methods
Authors: de la Vega Joaquín , Riba Jordi-Roger , Ortega-Redondo Juan Antonio
Published: December 2023

Lithium-ion batteries are key elements in the development of electrical energy storage solutions. However, due to cycling, environmental, and operating conditions, battery capacity tends to degrade over time. Capacity fade is a common indicator of battery state of health (SOH) because it is an indication of how the capacity has been degraded. However, battery capacity cannot be measured directly, and thus, there is an urgent need to develop methods for estimating battery capacity in real time. By analyzing the historical data of a battery in detail, it is possible to predict the future state of a battery and forecast its remaining useful life. This study developed a real-time, simple, and fast method to estimate the cycle capacity of a battery during the charge cycle using only data from a short period of each charge cycle. This proposal is attractive because it does not require data from the entire charge period since batteries are rarely charged from zero to full. The proposed method allows for simultaneous and accurate real-time prediction of the health and remaining useful life of the battery over its lifetime. The accuracy of the proposed method was tested using experimental data from several lithium-ion batteries with different cathode chemistries under various test conditions.
Influence of Somatic Cell Removal on Milk Quality and Yield
Authors: Carmo Ruthele Moraes do , Nascimento Luiz Eduardo Costa do , Leão Paulo Victor Toledo , de Paula Guilherme Henrique , Dias Mariana Borges de Castro , Fernandes Patrick Bezerra , Mesquita Abner Alves , Nicolau Edmar Soares , Rezende Melina Maria Rodrigues , Sousa Weilla Araujo de , Silva Esther Cristina Neves Medeiros da , Silva Marco Antônio Pereira da
Published: December 2023

This investigation aimed to assess how the somatic cell count (SCC) impacts milk production and the physicochemical quality of milk, including the effects of centrifugation and microfiltration on SCCs and the yield of fresh cheese. Milk production was analysed at different somatic cell counts (SCCs) to observe how centrifugation and microfiltration affected the removal of SCs from the milk and the yield of fresh cheese. Tukey’s test was employed at a 5% significance level to compare the chemical composition of the milk, milk production, and fresh cheese yield when using microfiltered and/or centrifuged milk. Milk with an SCC of ≤200,000 somatic cells (SCs) per mL exhibited higher yields. Although centrifugation and microfiltration influenced milk fat content, total dry extract and SCC, they did not impact fresh cheese yield. It is important to note that these processes reduced the fat content and SCC, making skim milk a potential option for future research studies.
The 3D Printing of Nanocomposites for Wearable Biosensors: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Parupelli Santosh Kumar , Desai Salil
Published: December 2023

Notably, 3D-printed flexible and wearable biosensors have immense potential to interact with the human body noninvasively for the real-time and continuous health monitoring of physiological parameters. This paper comprehensively reviews the progress in 3D-printed wearable biosensors. The review also explores the incorporation of nanocomposites in 3D printing for biosensors. A detailed analysis of various 3D printing processes for fabricating wearable biosensors is reported. Besides this, recent advances in various 3D-printed wearable biosensors platforms such as sweat sensors, glucose sensors, electrocardiography sensors, electroencephalography sensors, tactile sensors, wearable oximeters, tattoo sensors, and respiratory sensors are discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects associated with 3D-printed wearable biosensors are presented. This review is an invaluable resource for engineers, researchers, and healthcare clinicians, providing insights into the advancements and capabilities of 3D printing in the wearable biosensor domain.
Current Research on Molecular Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer in Stool Samples
Authors: Órdenes Patricio , Carril Pardo Claudio , Elizondo-Vega Roberto , Oyarce Karina
Published: December 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most diagnosed cancers worldwide, with a high incidence and mortality rate when diagnosed late. Currently, the methods used in healthcare to diagnose CRC are the fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. However, the lack of sensitivity and specificity and low population adherence are driving the need to implement other technologies that can identify biomarkers that not only help with early CRC detection but allow for the selection of more personalized treatment options. In this regard, the implementation of omics technologies, which can screen large pools of biological molecules, coupled with molecular validation, stands out as a promising tool for the discovery of new biomarkers from biopsied tissues or body fluids. This review delves into the current state of the art in the identification of novel CRC biomarkers that can distinguish cancerous tissue, specifically from fecal samples, as this could be the least invasive approach.
The Significance of Cross-Sectional Shape Accuracy and Non-Linear Elasticity on the Numerical Modelling of Cerebral Veins under Tensile Loading
Authors: Fernandes Fábio A. O. , Silveira Clara I. C.
Published: December 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious global health issue, leading to serious disabilities. One type of TBI is acute subdural haematoma (ASDH), which occurs when a bridging vein ruptures. Many numerical models of these structures, mainly based on the finite element method, have been developed. However, most rely on linear elasticity (without validation) and others on simplifications at the geometrical level. An example of the latter is the assumption of a regular cylinder with a constant radius, or the geometry of the vein acquired from medical images. Unfortunately, these do not replicate the real conditions of a mechanical tensile test. In this work, the main goal is to evaluate the influence of the vein’s geometry in its mechanical behaviour under tensile loading, simulating the real conditions of experimental tests. The second goal is to implement a hyperelastic model of the bridging veins where it would be possible to observe its non-linear elastic behaviour. The results of the developed finite element models were compared to experimental data available in the literature and other models. It was possible to conclude that the geometry of the vein structure influences the tensile stress–strain curve, which means that flattened specimens should be modelled when validating constitutive models for bridging veins. Additionally, the implementation of hyperelastic material models has been verified, highlighting the potential application of the Marlow and reduced polynomial (of fourth and sixth orders) constitutive models.
The Extent of Edgetic Perturbations in the Human Interactome Caused by Population-Specific Mutations
Authors: Cui Hongzhu , Srinivasan Suhas , Gao Ziyang , Korkin Dmitry
Published: December 2023

Until recently, efforts in population genetics have been focused primarily on people of European ancestry. To attenuate this bias, global population studies, such as the 1000 Genomes Project, have revealed differences in genetic variation across ethnic groups. How many of these differences can be attributed to population-specific traits? To answer this question, the mutation data must be linked with functional outcomes. A new “edgotype” concept has been proposed, which emphasizes the interaction-specific, “edgetic”, perturbations caused by mutations in the interacting proteins. In this work, we performed systematic in silico edgetic profiling of ~50,000 non-synonymous SNVs (nsSNVs) from the 1000 Genomes Project by leveraging our semi-supervised learning approach SNP-IN tool on a comprehensive set of over 10,000 protein interaction complexes. We interrogated the functional roles of the variants and their impact on the human interactome and compared the results with the pathogenic variants disrupting PPIs in the same interactome. Our results demonstrated that a considerable number of nsSNVs from healthy populations could rewire the interactome. We also showed that the proteins enriched with interaction-disrupting mutations were associated with diverse functions and had implications in a broad spectrum of diseases. Further analysis indicated that distinct gene edgetic profiles among major populations could shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind the population phenotypic variances. Finally, the network analysis revealed that the disease-associated modules surprisingly harbored a higher density of interaction-disrupting mutations from healthy populations. The variation in the cumulative network damage within these modules could potentially account for the observed disparities in disease susceptibility, which are distinctly specific to certain populations. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of a large-scale in silico edgetic study, and reveals insights into the orchestrated play of population-specific mutations in the human interactome.
COVID-19 on Oral Health: A New Bilateral Connection for the Pandemic
Authors: Bellocchio Luigi , Dipalma Gianna , Inchingolo Angelo Michele , Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Ferrante Laura , Del Vecchio Gaetano , Malcangi Giuseppina , Palermo Andrea , Qendro Andis , Inchingolo Francesco
Published: December 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and transmission are generally known to be produced by respiratory droplets and aerosols from the oral cavity (O.C.) of infected subjects, as stated by the World Health Organization. Saliva also retains the viral particles and aids in the spread of COVID-19. Angiotensin-converting enzyme Type 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) are two of the numerous factors that promote SARS-CoV-2 infection, expressed by O.C. structures, various mucosa types, and the epithelia of salivary glands. A systemic SARS-CoV-2 infection might result from viral replication in O.C. cells. On the other hand, cellular damage of different subtypes in the O.C. might be associated with various clinical signs and symptoms. Factors interfering with SARS-CoV-2 infection potential might represent fertile ground for possible local pharmacotherapeutic interventions, which may confine SARS-CoV-2 virus entry and transmission in the O.C., finally representing a way to reduce COVID-19 incidence and severity.
Parenteral Cysteine Supplementation in Preterm Infants: One Size Does Not Fit All
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim , El Raichani Nadine , Otis Anne-Sophie , Lavoie Jean-Claude
Published: December 2023

Due to their gastrointestinal immaturity or the severity of their pathology, many neonates require parenteral nutrition (PN). An amino acid (AA) solution is an important part of PN. Cysteine is a key AA for protein and taurine synthesis, as well as for glutathione synthesis, which is a cornerstone of antioxidant defenses. As cysteine could be synthesized from methionine, it is considered a nonessential AA. However, many studies suggest that cysteine is a conditionally essential AA in preterm infants due to limitations in their capacity for cysteine synthesis from methionine and the immaturity of their cellular cysteine uptake. This critical review discusses the endogenous synthesis of cysteine, its main biological functions and whether cysteine is a conditionally essential AA. The clinical evidence evaluating the effectiveness of the current methods of cysteine supplementation, between 1967 and 2023, is then reviewed. The current understanding of cysteine metabolism is applied to explain why these methods were not proven effective. To respond to the urgent need for changing the current methods of parenteral cysteine supplementation, glutathione addition to PN is presented as an innovative alternative with promising results in an animal model. At the end of this review, future directions for research in this field are proposed.
Case Report of a DDX41 Germline Mutation in a Family with Multiple Relatives Suffering from Leukemia
Authors: Wagner Jan Nicolai , Al-Bazaz Maximilian , Forstreuter Anika , Hammada Mohammad Ibrahim , Hille Jurek , Papingi Dzhoy , Bokemeyer Carsten , Fiedler Walter
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Previously, it was assumed that genetic influence played a minor role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Increasing evidence of germline mutations has emerged, such as DDX41 germline mutation associated with familial AML. Case presentation: A 64-year-old male patient presented with reduced exercise tolerance and shortness of breath. Following confirmation of AML diagnosis, the patient was enrolled into the AMLSG-30-18 study with a requirement for allogenic stem cell transplantation. The sister was initially selected as a fully HLA-matched donor. However, the family history showed risks for familial AML. Due to the striking family history, further diagnostic steps were initiated to detect a germline mutation. Methods: Using NGS in the patients’ bone marrow AML sample, a DDX41 mutation with a VAF of 49% was detected, raising the possibility of a germline mutation. DNA from cheek swabs and eyebrows were tested for the presence of the DDX41 mutation in all siblings. Results: DDX41 germline mutation was detected in 5 out of 6 siblings. The sister was excluded as a related donor and the search for an unrelated donor was initiated. Conclusion: Obtaining family history of cancer patients plays a crucial role in oncology. If a germline mutation is suspected, further family work-up should be initiated.
Evaluating the Diagnostic Performance of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Childhood Inflammatory Arthritis: A Focus on Differentiating Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis from Reactive Arthritis
Authors: Nicoară Delia-Maria , Munteanu Andrei-Ioan , Scutca Alexandra-Cristina , Brad Giorgiana-Flavia , Asproniu Raluca , Jugănaru Iulius , Mărginean Otilia
Published: December 2023

In pediatric care, the range of potential diagnoses for arthritis can be relatively extensive, primarily involving infectious and inflammatory causes and, to a lesser extent, oncological conditions. Specifically, when addressing inflammatory causes, differentiating between Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Reactive Arthritis (ReA) can prove to be challenging during the first weeks, owing to the lack of specific antibodies in several JIA subtypes. This single-center retrospective study of 108 children with arthritis aimed to evaluate in greater detail the complete blood count (CBC) profiles of children with JIA and ReA in greater detail. The most significant differences were noted in terms of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), with higher values in the JIA group. Moreover, within the JIA group, SII displayed a significant positive correlation with conventional inflammatory biomarkers, specifically C-reactive protein (ρ = 0.579) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ρ = 0.430). It was the only independent factor associated with the presence of JIA after adjusting for age (p = 0.030). Also, even with the moderate diagnostic value, the discriminating capacity of SII was superior to those of each of its component CBC parameters according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. In summary, this study identified elevated SII values in the JIA group compared to the ReA group, indicating the potential utility of SII as an adjuvant discriminatory marker between these two arthritis forms.