bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Thermal Deformation and Real-Time Error Compensation of a CNC Milling Machine in Cutting Processes
Authors: Nguyen Dang-Khoa , Huang Hua-Chih , Feng Tzu-Chen
Published: February 2023

This study constructs a prediction model of thermal deformation with an artificial neural network and implements the real-time error compensation for a three-axis vertical CNC milling machine in cutting processes to improve the thermal error of the workpiece. There are 32 PT-100 thermal sensors installed in key parts of the machine in order to measure the temperature of key machine parts in actual cutting conditions. Pearson’s correlation coefficients are used to select crucial temperature sensors for building the prediction model of thermal deformation. The reduced number of crucial temperature sensors in model construction can simplify the model complexity and speed up the response time of prediction. This study constructs a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network model to predict the thermal error of the machine in cutting processes. This prediction model of thermal deformation can be further used in real-time error compensation of the workpiece in cutting processes. In an 8 h cutting experiment, the dimensions of the workpiece show that, with real-time error compensation, the thermal error in X-axis decreases from 7 µm to 3 µm, the thermal error in Y-axis decreases from 74 µm to 21 µm, and the thermal error in Z-axis decreases from −64 µm to −20 µm. The results indicate that the prediction model of thermal deformation and the real-time error compensation can significantly reduce the thermal error and improve the dimensional accuracy of the workpiece.
Sppn-Rn101: Spatial Pyramid Pooling Network with Resnet101-Based Foreign Object Debris Detection in Airports
Authors: Alshammari Abdulaziz , Chabaan Rakan C.
Published: February 2023

Over the past few years, aviation security has turned into a vital domain as foreign object debris (FOD) on the airport paved path possesses an enormous possible threat to airplanes at the time of takeoff and landing. Hence, FOD’s precise identification remains significant for assuring airplane flight security. The material features of FOD remain the very critical criteria for comprehending the destruction rate endured by an airplane. Nevertheless, the most frequent identification systems miss an efficient methodology for automated material identification. This study proffers a new FOD technique centered on transfer learning and also a mainstream deep convolutional neural network. For object detection (OD), this embraces the spatial pyramid pooling network with ResNet101 (SPPN-RN101), which assists in concatenating the local features upon disparate scales within a similar convolution layer with fewer position errors while identifying little objects. Additionally, Softmax with Adam Optimizer in CNN enhances the training speed with greater identification accuracy. This study presents FOD’s image dataset called FOD in Airports (FODA). In addition to the bounding boxes’ principal annotations for OD, FODA gives labeled environmental scenarios. Consequently, every annotation instance has been additionally classified into three light-level classes (bright, dim, and dark) and two weather classes (dry and wet). The proffered SPPN-ResNet101 paradigm is correlated to the former methodologies, and the simulation outcomes exhibit that the proffered study executes an AP medium of 0.55 for the COCO metric, 0.97 AP for the pascal metric, and 0.83 MAP of pascal metric.
Severe Hemoperitoneum due to Ovarian Bleeding after Transvaginal Oocyte Retrieval with Surgical Management: A Retrospective Analysis and Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Stojnic Jelena , Bila Jovan , Tulic Lidija , Micic Jelena , Andjic Mladen , Pupovac Miljan , Likic Ladjevic Ivana , Tosic Tatijana , Dotlic Jelena
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Severe hemoperitoneum of ovarian bleeding origin is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of transvaginal oocyte retrieval (TVOR) procedure. The study aimed to present a case series of surgically managed patients from our clinic with hemoperitoneum caused by ovarian bleeding after TVOR, as well as to perform a comprehensive literature review in order to summarize and analyze all published cases with this condition and their management. Materials and Methods: The data of 2939 patients, who underwent TVOR procedures for IVF/ICSI (in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection) in our clinic between 2010 and 2021 were reviewed. Moreover, a systemic literature search was performed. Main outcome measures from the pooled analysis were incidence and risk factors, type of surgery, intraoperative finding and intervention leading to hemostasis. Results: In our Clinic 4 (0.136%), cases of hemoperitoneum due to ovarian bleeding were surgically managed. Moreover, 39 cases from 18 studies reported in the literature were identified. No risk factors besides lean women with PCOS were identified. In the pooled analysis, the bleeding symptoms appeared in 58.1% of patients within eight hours after TVOR and cumulatively in 81.4% cases during the 24 h after TVOR. The average time from TVOR to surgery was 27.19 ± 53.25 h. Hemostasis was mostly established using electrocoagulation, although few cases of ovariectomy were also reported. Embryo transfer at 60% of cases was postponed and embryos cryopreserved. Conclusions: Severe hemoperitoneum due to ovarian bleeding after TVOR is a rare event that should be treated by techniques of minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. Protocols should be developed to enable optimal management strategies for infertility patients. Embryos obtained should be cryopreserved.
Bioinformatics and Next-Generation Data Analysis for Identification of Genes and Molecular Pathways Involved in Subjects with Diabetes and Obesity
Authors: Ganekal Prashanth , Vastrad Basavaraj , Kavatagimath Satish , Vastrad Chanabasayya , Kotrashetti Shivakumar
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: A subject with diabetes and obesity is a class of the metabolic disorder. The current investigation aimed to elucidate the potential biomarker and prognostic targets in subjects with diabetes and obesity. Materials and Methods: The next-generation sequencing (NGS) data of GSE132831 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was conducted with ToppGene. The protein–protein interactions network, module analysis, target gene–miRNA regulatory network and target gene–TF regulatory network were constructed and analyzed. Furthermore, hub genes were validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A total of 872 DEGs, including 439 up-regulated genes and 433 down-regulated genes were observed. Results: Second, functional enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs are mainly involved in the axon guidance, neutrophil degranulation, plasma membrane bounded cell projection organization and cell activation. The top ten hub genes (MYH9, FLNA, DCTN1, CLTC, ERBB2, TCF4, VIM, LRRK2, IFI16 and CAV1) could be utilized as potential diagnostic indicators for subjects with diabetes and obesity. The hub genes were validated in subjects with diabetes and obesity. Conclusion: This investigation found effective and reliable molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis by integrated bioinformatics analysis, suggesting new and key therapeutic targets for subjects with diabetes and obesity.
Electrodialysis Processes an Answer to Industrial Sustainability: Toward the Concept of Eco-Circular Economy?—A Review
Authors: Cournoyer Aurore , Bazinet Laurent
Published: February 2023

Wastewater and by-product treatments are substantial issues with consequences for our society, both in terms of environmental impacts and economic losses. With an overall global objective of sustainable development, it is essential to offer eco-efficient and circular solutions. Indeed, one of the major solutions to limit the use of new raw materials and the production of wastes is the transition toward a circular economy. Industries must find ways to close their production loops. Electrodialysis (ED) processes such as conventional ED, selective ED, ED with bipolar membranes, and ED with filtration membranes are processes that have demonstrated, in the past decades and recently, their potential and eco-efficiency. This review presents the most recent valorization opportunities among different industrial sectors (water, food, mining, chemistry, etc.) to manage waste or by-product resources through electrodialysis processes and to improve global industrial sustainability by moving toward circular processes. The limitations of existing studies are raised, especially concerning eco-efficiency. Indeed, electrodialysis processes can be optimized to decrease energy consumption and costs, and to increase efficiency; however, eco-efficiency scores should be determined to compare electrodialysis with conventional processes and support their advantages. The review shows the high potential of the different types of electrodialysis processes to treat wastewaters and liquid by-products in order to add value or to generate new raw materials. It also highlights the strong interest in using eco-efficient processes within a circular economy. The ideal scenario for sustainable development would be to make a transition toward an eco-circular economy.
The Al-Fe Intermetallic Compounds and the Atomic Diffusion Behavior at the Interface of Aluminum-Steel Welded Joint
Authors: Zhang Yinglong , Zhao Tianxiang , Yu Xiaoquan , Huang Jiankang
Published: February 2023

The formation of intermetallic compounds (IMC) at the Al/Fe interface determined the mechanical property of steel-aluminum welded joint. To understand the interfacial microstructure evolution and relate diffusion mechanism of atoms cross the Al/Fe interface, the effect of welding parameters on the interfacial IMC was studied, and the molecular dynamics method (MD) was used to simulate the diffusion process of Al and Fe atoms. Four temperatures (950 K, 1000 K, 1050 K, and 1100 K) were selected in the simulation model. The interfacial IMC are distributed in a laminar pattern, and their physical phases are mainly composed of Fe2Al5, controlling the Al/Fe atomic ratio of 5:2 in the IMC configuration, the Embedded Atom Method (EAM) potential is used to describe the interactions between Al and Fe atoms. In the Al-Fe system IMC conformation, the mean square displacement and diffusion (MSD) coefficient of Al atoms at different temperatures were small, and the main diffusion path is the Al atoms across the IMC conformation into the Fe crystal structure. The diffusion in the IMC conformation was mainly along the direction perpendicular to the interface. The diffusion mechanisms were mainly vacancy diffusion and interstitial diffusion mechanisms.
Study of the Influence of the Thermal Capacity of the Lining of Acid Melting Furnaces on Their Efficiency
Authors: Kukartsev Viktor Alekseevich , Kukartsev Vladislav Viktorovich , Tynchenko Vadim Sergeevich , Kurashkin Sergei Olegovich , Sergienko Roman Borisovich , Tynchenko Sergei Vasilievich , Panfilov Ilya Alexandrovich , Eremeeva Svetlana Vitalievna , Panfilova Tatyana Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2023

First of all, the smelting equipment is the most important component of a foundry’s main production process and therefore requires constant reproduction. This is ensured by timely and high-quality maintenance and repair, the cost of which is 8–12% of the total costs. The technical and economic conditions of the enterprise itself depend on this, as the productivity of workers during production is directly related to the technical condition of the equipment and its downtime for repairs. An important factor in ensuring a melting furnace’s reproduction is a replacement of the worn lining, which leads to downtime of the smelting furnace and reduces the efficiency of its operation. The amount of torque required depends directly on the compound used. The quality of the manufacturing and sintering process of the lining, which provides the necessary durability, is affected by the heat capacity of the materials used when they are affected by the melting temperature of the alloys. In the present work, using the BRUKER D8 ADVANCE diffractometer, the Shimadzu XRF-1800 spectrometer and the STA 449 F1 Jupiter synchronous thermal analyzer, we probed the changes in the heat capacity of quartzite and PKMVI-3 under the action of temperatures of 200–1550 °C. This technology allows the manufacture of a lining that maintains high stability during operations at 1550–1600 °C melting modes.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Inappropriate Use of the Emergency Department
Authors: Fernández Chávez Abelardo Claudio , Aranaz-Andrés Jesús María , Roncal-Redin Miriam , Roldán Moll Fernando , Estévez Rueda María Jesús , Alva García Patricia , Aranda García Yolanda , San Jose-Saras Diego ,   on behalf Health Outcomes Research Group of the Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)
Published: February 2023

Background: Inappropriate use of the emergency department (IEDU)—consisting of the unnecessary use of the resource by patients with no clinical need—is one of the leading causes of the loss of efficiency of the health system. Specific contexts modify routine clinical practice and usage patterns. This study aims to analyse the influence of COVID-19 on the IEDU and its causes. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted in the emergency department of a high-complexity hospital. The Hospital Emergency Suitability Protocol (HESP) was used to measure the prevalence of IEDU and its causes, comparing three pairs of periods: (1) March 2019 and 2020; (2) June 2019 and 2020; and (3) September 2019 and 2020. A bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for confounding variables, were utilized. Results: In total, 822 emergency visits were included (137 per period). A total prevalence of IEDU of 14.1% was found. There was a significant decrease in IEDU in March 2020 (OR: 0.03), with a prevalence of 0.8%. No differences were found in the other periods. A mistrust in primary care was the leading cause of IEDU (65.1%). Conclusions: The impact of COVID-19 reduced the frequency of IEDU during the period of more significant population restrictions, with IEDU returning to previous levels in subsequent months. Targeted actions in the field of population education and an improvement in primary care are positioned as strategies that could mitigate its impact.
Effect of Associated Bacteria GD1 on the Low-Temperature Adaptability of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Based on RNA-Seq and RNAi
Authors: Yuan Yuchao , Pan Min , Shen Luyang , Liu Yuqian , Zhu Qinping , Hong Jingxin , Ye Jianren , Tan Jiajin
Published: February 2023

To explore the effect of associated bacteria on the low-temperature adaptability of pinewood nematodes (PWNs), transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) of PWN AH23 treated with the associated bacterial strain Bacillus cereus GD1 was carried out with reference to the whole PWN genome. Bioinformatic software was utilized to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). This study was based on the analysis of DEGs to verify the function of daf-11 by RNAi. The results showed that there were 439 DEGs between AH23 treated with GD1 and those treated with ddH2O at 10 °C. There were 207 pathways annotated in the KEGG database and 48 terms annotated in the GO database. It was found that after RNAi of daf-11, the survival rate of PWNs decreased significantly at 10 °C, and fecundity decreased significantly at 15 °C. It can be concluded that the associated bacteria GD1 can enhance the expression of genes related to PWN low-temperature adaptation and improve their adaptability to low temperatures.
Using Airborne Geophysical and Geochemical Methods to Map Structures and Their Related Gold Mineralization
Authors: El-Raouf Amr Abd , Doğru Fikret , Abdelrahman Kamal , Fnais Mohammed S. , El Manharawy Ahmed , Amer Omar
Published: February 2023

Egypt’s mineral resources are an effective means of raising the country’s income. Consequently, searching for deep subsurface ore deposits is essential. In this study, we map the subsurface structure and the occurrence of related gold-ore mineralization deposits in ophiolitic-assemblage rocks around the Wadi El-Saqia area in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. Our approach combines airborne geophysical data (aeromagnetic mapping) and geochemical analyses. We enhanced the aeromagnetic data and interpreted them using edge-detection methods, such as the first-order vertical derivative (FVD), the analytic signal (AS), the total horizontal derivative (THD), the tilt derivative (TD), the tilt angle (TA), the theta map, both grid and porphyry analyses from the Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET), and Euler deconvolution (ED) techniques. Utilizing these methods, we located the main structural lineaments/contacts that control the distribution of hydrothermal alteration zones. In addition, our geochemical analyses use the mineral chemistry of pyroxene and plagioclase to describe their tectonic and magmatic evolution. The airborne geophysical results revealed that NW–SE, NE–SW, N–S, and E–W structural orientations are prevalent in the studied area, with depths ranging from less than 50 m to about 600 m. To validate the findings, we carried out geochemical sampling, which indicates that pyrite, galena, pyrrhotite, and electrum contain good percentages of gold (ranging from 0.01–0.09 wt%, 0.03–0.1 wt%, 0.12–0.14 wt%, and 53.55–55.01 wt%, respectively). In this study, we were thus able to find preferred locations for gold mineralization, which highlights the value of combining aeromagnetic and geochemical data for mineral exploration.
Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Leaf and Bark Samples of Sambucus nigra Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Authors: Viteri Fausto , Sánchez Nazly E. , Alexandrino Katiuska
Published: February 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous organic compounds coming from natural or anthropogenic activities. Tree organs such as leaves and barks have been used to monitor urban air quality and have achieved remarkable ecological importance. However, the potential of many tree species as biomonitors is still unknown and efforts should be focused on conducting studies that analyze their capabilities with a viable analytical method. In this work, an analytical method for quantification of the 16 EPA priority PAHs from the leaves and bark of Sambucus nigra was validated. In general, the method showed good linearity, detection limits, precision, and recoveries, demonstrating that it is suitable for analyzing PAHs in both the leaves and bark of the Sambucus nigra species for which no analytical method for PAHs is yet available. The high prevalence of fluoranthene in the samples, which is a PAH related to coal combustion and biomass burning, and benzo[a]pyrene, which has a carcinogenic effect, was identified.
Preparation and Application of Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Cuberes Teresa
Published: February 2023

The incorporation of nanomaterials into polymer matrices opens new avenues for the development of advanced materials with unique novel properties and impact in many different fields [...]
Infections in Inborn Errors of Immunity with Combined Immune Deficiency: A Review
Authors: George Kalpana , Govindaraj Geeta
Published: February 2023

Enhanced susceptibility to microbes, often resulting in severe, intractable and frequent infections due to usually innocuous organisms at uncommon sites, is the most striking feature in individuals with an inborn error of immunity. In this narrative review, based on the International Union of Immunological Societies’ 2022 (IUIS 2022) Update on phenotypic classification of human inborn errors of immunity, the focus is on commonly encountered Combined Immunodeficiency Disorders (CIDs) with susceptibility to infections. Combined immune deficiency disorders are usually commensurate with survival beyond infancy unlike Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) and are often associated with clinical features of a syndromic nature. Defective humoral and cellular immune responses result in susceptibility to a broad range of microbial infections. Although disease onset is usually in early childhood, mild defects may present in late childhood or even in adulthood. A precise diagnosis is imperative not only for determining management strategies, but also for providing accurate genetic counseling, including prenatal diagnosis, and also in deciding empiric treatment of infections upfront before investigation reports are available.
Bacterial Contamination of Inhalation Chambers Used for Cats and Dogs with Chronic Airway Diseases
Authors: Klenk Friederike Karoline , De Simoi Vanessa , Zablotski Yury , Ballhausen Bianca Désirée , Wolf Georg , Schulz Bianka
Published: February 2023

Inhalation chambers (ICs) are regularly used in veterinary medicine for the inhalative treatment of chronic respiratory diseases in dogs and cats. Since therapy is usually required lifelong and daily, devices are frequently in use. The aim of this study was to identify bacterial contamination of ICs used for cats and dogs in relation to the applied cleaning measures. Swabs from ICs of 66 cats and 19 dogs with chronic airway diseases were obtained using a standardized protocol and subsequently cultured. A questionnaire was completed by the pet owners regarding the history of their pet’s illness and applied device cleaning measures. Overall, 64% (54/86) of the ICs were found to be contaminated; the mask was significantly (p < 0.001) more often contaminated than other device parts. Most cultured bacteria were environmental contaminants; however, some harbored pathogenic potential. Cleaning frequency and method did not significantly influence the presence of contamination. Bacterial contamination of ICs, used for cats and dogs, is common but is not significantly influenced by the type or frequency of cleaning. To avoid potential infection by opportunistic bacteria, the instruction of pet owners regarding the maintenance of the ICs is recommended.
Phytophthora Species Involved in Alnus glutinosa Decline in Portugal
Authors: Bregant Carlo , Batista Eduardo , Hilário Sandra , Linaldeddu Benedetto T. , Alves Artur
Published: February 2023

Recent field surveys conducted in five common alder ecosystems in Portugal have shown the occurrence of severe canopy dieback, bleeding canker and root rot symptoms indicative of Phytophthora infections. Isolations from symptomatic tissues, rhizosphere and water samples yielded a total of 13 Phytophthora species belonging to 6 phylogenetic clades, including P. lacustris (13 isolates), P. multivora (10), P. amnicola (9), P. chlamydospora (6), P. polonica (6), P. bilorbang (4), P. plurivora (4), P. cinnamomi (3), P. asparagi (2), P. cactorum (2), P. pseudocryptogea (2), P. gonapodyides (1) and P. rosacearum (1). Results of the pathogenicity test confirmed the complex aetiology of common alder decline and the additional risk posed by Phytophthora multivora to the riparian habitats in Portugal. At the same time, the diversity of Phytophthora assemblages detected among the investigated sites suggests that different species could contribute to causing the same symptoms on this host. Two species, P. amnicola and P. rosacearum, are reported here for the first time in natural ecosystems in Europe.
The Advance of Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 in Musaceae of Latin America and the Caribbean: Current Situation
Authors: Martínez Gustavo , Olivares Barlin O. , Rey Juan Carlos , Rojas Juan , Cardenas Jaime , Muentes Carlos , Dawson Carolina
Published: February 2023

The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (syn. Fusarium odoratissimum) (Foc TR4) causes vascular wilt in Musaceae plants and is considered the most lethal for these crops. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), it was reported for the first time in Colombia (2019), later in Peru (2021), and recently declared in Venezuela (2023). This work aimed to analyze the evolution of Foc TR4 in Musaceae in LAC between 2018 and 2022. This perspective contains a selection of topics related to Foc TR4 in LAC that address and describe (i) the threat of Foc TR4 in LAC, (ii) a bibliometric analysis of the scientific production of Foc TR4 in LAC, (iii) the current situation of Foc TR4 in Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela, (iv) medium-term prospects in LAC member countries, and (v) export trade and local food security. In this study, the presence of Foc TR4 in Venezuela and the possible consequences of the production of Musaceae in the long term were reported for the first time. In conclusion, TR4 is a major threat to banana production in Latin America and the world, and it is important to take measures to control the spread of the fungus and minimize its impact on the banana industry. It is important to keep working on the control of Foc TR4, which requires the participation of the local and international industry, researchers, and consumers, among others, to prevent the disappearance of bananas.
Multiobjective Optimization of SiC Mirror Based on Dual-Parameter Coupling
Authors: Dong Quanliang , Wang Qianglong , Wang Chong , Luan Yunjie , Wang Xiaoxun , Wang Xiaoming
Published: February 2023

For photoelectric theodolite, the mirror is the core optical component, so it is of great significance to design and optimize a mirror with excellent overall performance. In order to comprehensively consider the contradictory objectives of mass, natural frequency, and RMS under gravity, a multiobjective optimization method based on the performance analysis of two-parameter coupling was proposed. On the basis of the performance law, a suitable solution for balancing multiple objective functions is obtained by introducing manual intervention. The results show that compared with the traditional empirical design of mirrors, the first-order natural frequency, mass, and RMS performance of the optimized mirror are improved by 18.64%, 0.1%, and 15.58%, respectively. The frequency/Mass ratio and 1/(RMS*Mass) ratio are increased by 18.72% and 18.59%, respectively. Its comprehensive performance has been improved. This method is effective and provides a reference for the design of photoelectric theodolite and other mirrors.
An Aero-Optical Effect Analysis Method in Hypersonic Turbulence Based on Photon Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Yang Bo , Yu He , Liu Chaofan , Wei Xiang , Fan Zichen , Miao Jun
Published: February 2023

Aero-optical effects caused by hypersonic turbulence will affect the accuracy of optical sensors on aircraft. Traditional analysis methods, which do not consider absorption and scattering effects, cannot easily be used to completely describe the transmission process of light in hypersonic turbulence. In this paper, an aero-optical effect analysis method based on photon Monte Carlo simulation (MC-AOEA) was proposed to explain the distortion characteristics of aero-optical effects from the perspective of photon statistics. The energy distribution of photons in the transmission process was determined by taking a photon packet as a unit, and the microscopic statistics of the photon dissipation energy for all photon packets were calculated. The effectiveness of this method was verified by comparing the photon statistical parameters with the traditional optical distortion physical quantities. MC-AOEA was used to analyze the distortion of aero-optical effects at different altitudes and speeds. Additionally, the simulation results showed that, with the reduction in flight altitude and the enhancement of speed, the distortion of aero-optical effects was aggravated, and the energy loss was more serious, which provides a reference for the evaluation of aero-optical effect errors.
Analysis of Crosstalk in Multicore Fibers: Statistical Distributions and Analytical Expressions
Authors: Ng Kam , Nazarov Vladimir , Kuchinsky Sergey , Zakharian Aramais , Li Ming-Jun
Published: February 2023

We present a study of multicore fiber (MCF) crosstalk using the coupled mode theory. We derived a general closed-form simulation formula for the crosstalk of MCF under random perturbations, which includes both the average crosstalk and the crosstalk statistical distribution. From this general formula, we further derived simple analytical expressions for the average crosstalk under the assumption of exponential distribution of fiber segment lengths. We show that the analytical expressions approximate very well the results for other distributions, such as Dirac and Gaussian, and thus they can be used as a general analytical approach for estimating the average crosstalk. Results from numerical simulations of average crosstalk are shown to be in full correspondence with analytic results. We also performed numerical simulations of crosstalk statistical distributions generated from our general closed-form simulation formula and find that these agree well with the χ2-distribution function with four degrees of freedom. Finally, we conducted crosstalk measurements under different bending deployment conditions, and the measured crosstalk distributions and average crosstalk are found to be in agreement with the modeling results.
Fabrication Method for the High-Accuracy Optical Fiber Delay Line with Specified Length
Authors: Liu Ruoxian , Zhao Shiyuan , Gu Yiying , Yu Runze , Deng Pengcheng , Zhao Mingshan
Published: February 2023

We propose a novel scheme for fabricating high-accuracy optical fiber delay lines (OFDLs). The fabrication system integrates a self-designed optical fiber cutting device and a high-accuracy fiber length measurement module based on optical frequency domain reflectometry. The optical fiber cutting device can cleave optical fibers to a specific length with the help of the motorized stage. The accuracy of fiber-cutting was determined by the positional accuracy of the motorized stage, which can reach several microns or even lower. This integrated design significantly reduces the errors and uncertainties introduced by fiber-cutting. To test, a set of OFDLs of a certain length was fabricated by this system. The deviation from the desired fiber length was kept below 50 μm, thus proving high fabrication accuracy and repeatability.
Legacy of “New Normal” Plastics and “New Nitrogen” in the Cyanotoxin Footprint in Mangrove Ecosystems
Authors: Gunawardana Dilantha , Abeysiri Sashika , Manage Pathmalal
Published: February 2023

In a paradigm shift in plastic wastes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, wetlands such as mangroves are threatened by a new form of pollution, plastics, on top of the eutrophication of estuarine waters due to nitrogen and phosphorus wastes/effluents that lead to cyanobacterial proliferation. Both plastic and nutrient pollution lead to prosperity of cyanotoxin-producing cyanobacteria that flourish in both and disperse leading to the detriment of fauna and flora in the mangrove ecosystem due to resulting toxicities. Although cyanotoxins are still a relatively poorly studied phenomenon in mangroves, their presence does create a focus of attention due to biofilm formation and the resultant flotation and sinking properties that are linked to cyanobacterial mats on plastic debris. Sri Lanka, being the first country in the world to conserve all its mangrove wetlands, does have a responsibility to prevent the invasion of plastics to this protected ecosystem, and binding with the Ramsar Convention, precluding plastic waste and their concomitant footprint, is a task at hand to the relative authorities. The path ahead mandates that we study the properties of plastics for cyanobacterial proliferation, biofilm formation, the fates of such plastics (flotation, dispersal and sinking), the cyanotoxin production changes that are attributed—or linked—to plastic pollution and the resultant impacts on mangrove ecosystems. Cyanotoxins are long-lived, and it is paramount that we find the necessary mechanisms to eliminate or curtail their production in mangrove ecosystems while establishing surveillance and monitoring of both the producers and the harmful agents. Cyanobacteria although vehicles for nitrogen fixation and replenishing of nutrients to an N-depleted ecosystem such as the mangroves, could lead to enhancements in cyanotoxins production. However, this phenomenon remains ambiguous and poorly studied in applied phycology in relation to mangroves. “New normal” plastics are lodged mostly on the surfaces of bark, prop roots, and pneumatophores, which are the localities where the highest level of new nitrogen is fixed, and this may lead to the proliferation of N-fixing, cyanotoxin-producing cyanobacteria, which may have repercussions on both flora and fauna of mangroves. Therefore, it is crucial that we monitor plastic pollution and find mechanisms for sanitizing plastics-imprinted mangroves to lessen the harmful footprint resulting from plastic overload.
Nematicidal Activity of a Garlic Extract Formulation against the Grapevine Nematode Xiphinema index
Authors: D’Addabbo Trifone , Ladurner Edith , Troccoli Alberto
Published: February 2023

The nematicidal activity of garlic extracts is known on root–knot nematodes but never investigated on the grapevine nematode Xiphinema index. In this study, the nematicidal activity of a commercial garlic extract formulate (GEF) was assessed on X. index, both in vitro and in a pot assay. In the in vitro assays, mixed specimens of X. index were exposed to a 0–4 mL L−1 range of GEF concentrations, checking nematode immotility and mortality after 2, 4 or 8 h. In the experiments on potted grapevines, plants cultivated in soil infested by X. index were irrigated twice at a 15-day interval with 0.05, 0.2 and 0.5 mL L−1 solutions of GEF, including nontreated soil as a control. An almost complete mortality of X. index specimens occurred after a 2 h exposure to a 2 mL L−1 GEF concentration, while an 8 h exposure to even the 0.0312 and 0.0156 mL L−1 solutions resulted in about 50% and 30% mortality, respectively. Soil treatment with a 0.5 mL L−1 GEF solution significantly reduced the population of X. index and increased the grapevine root growth compared to nontreated soil or soil treated with the lower dosages. Results of this study indicated that garlic-based nematicides could be an effective tool for X. index management in organic and integrated vineyards.
A Simple but Effective Combination of pH Indicators for Plant Tissue Culture
Authors: Funnekotter Bryn , Mancera Ricardo L. , Bunn Eric
Published: February 2023

The use of pH indicators provides a simple, semi-quantitative visual method for quickly assessing pH changes in tissue culture media; however, pH indicators are rarely used in routine plant tissue culture media. In this study, chlorophenol red, bromocresol purple, and bromocresol green were tested to assess their functionality in the growth medium for plant shoot cultures. In addition, a combination of bromocresol green and bromocresol purple was tested to determine if they would widen the observable colour change to better assess pH changes in the medium. Varying the ratio of bromocresol green to bromocresol purple alters the pH at which the colour changes from blue to green to yellow, with a 1:3 ratio providing a useful pH range of 5–6.5, while a 1:1 ratio provides a useful pH range of 4.5–6. All the pH indicators showed no toxic side effects for the plant species tested in this study and were able to be autoclaved to ensure media sterility. The addition of these pH indicators to quickly assess media pH in large tissue culture collections can aid in routine maintenance. These pH indicators can be used as a ‘traffic light’ system, with blue indicating a high pH, green a normal pH, and yellow a low pH in the media.
Domestication Potential of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae): Searching for Diversity in South Cameroon
Authors: Maňourová Anna , Chinheya Irikidzai Prosper , Kalousová Marie , Ruiz-Chután José Alejandro , Okafor Uche Cyprian , Tchoundjeu Zac , Tsobeng Alain , Van Damme Patrick , Lojka Bohdan
Published: February 2023

Seeds and bark of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) are popular products in West and Central Africa. Despite the tree’s economic and cultural importance, little is known about its phenotypic and genotypic variation. This study characterised the morphological and genetic diversity of G. kola in South Cameroon, searching for traits and populations that might be used for domestication. Morphological assessment and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were applied to characterise diversity among geographic populations from Central and South regions, and between managed and wild trees. AFLP-SURV and analysis of molecular variance results indicated that a major part of genetic diversity is harboured within populations rather than between them. Bayesian analysis, principal component analysis and t-SNE identified three clusters where Ebolowa emerged as the transition population combining features from both regions. Trees from the South demonstrated a higher incidence of domestication-related traits, showing higher genetic diversity compared to the Central region. This suggests that individuals from the South might be more suitable for selection as “elite trees” in future breeding strategies for the species. No significant differences in phenotype and genotype were revealed between wild and managed populations, suggesting G. kola is still in the early stages of its domestication process.
‘Garlic-lipo’4Plants: Liposome-Encapsulated Garlic Extract Stimulates ABA Pathway and PR Genes in Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Kutasy Barbara , Kiniczky Márta , Decsi Kincső , Kálmán Nikoletta , Hegedűs Géza , Alföldi Zoltán Péter , Virág Eszter
Published: February 2023

Recently, environmentally friendly crop improvements using next-generation plant biostimulants (PBs) come to the forefront in agriculture, regardless of whether they are used by scientists, farmers, or industries. Various organic and inorganic solutions have been investigated by researchers and producers, focusing on tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, crop quality, or nutritional deficiency. Garlic has been considered a universal remedy ever since antiquity. A supercritical carbon dioxide garlic extract encapsulated in nanoscale liposomes composed of plant-derived lipids was examined as a possible PB agent. The present study focused on the characterization of the genes associated with the pathways involved in defense response triggered by the liposome nanoparticles that were loaded with supercritical garlic extracts. This material was applied to Triticum aestivum in greenhouse experiments using foliar spraying. The effects were examined in a large-scale genome-wide transcriptional profiling experiment by collecting the samples four times (0 min, used as a control, and 15 min, 24 h, and 48 h after spraying). Based on a time-course expression analysis, the dynamics of the cellular response were determined by examining differentially expressed genes and applying a cluster analysis. The results suggested an enhanced expression of abscisic acid (ABA) pathway and pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, of which positive regulation was found for the AP2-, C2H2-, HD-ZIP-, and MYB-related transcription factor families.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Landraces in the Lazio Region of Italy
Authors: Catarcione Giulio , Paolacci Anna Rita , Alicandri Enrica , Gramiccia Elena , Taviani Paola , Rea Roberto , Costanza Maria Teresa , De Lorenzis Gabriella , Puccio Guglielmo , Mercati Francesco , Ciaffi Mario
Published: February 2023

Common bean cultivation has historically been a typical component of rural economies in Italy, particularly in mountainous and hilly zones along the Apennine ridge of the central and southern regions, where the production is focused on local landraces cultivated by small-scale farmers using low-input production systems. Such landraces are at risk of genetic erosion because of the recent socioeconomic changes in rural communities. One hundred fourteen accessions belonging to 66 landraces still being grown in the Lazio region were characterized using a multidisciplinary approach. This approach included morphological (seed traits), biochemical (phaseolin and phytohemagglutinin patterns), and molecular (microsatellite loci) analyses to investigate their genetic variation, structure, and distinctiveness, which will be essential for the implementation of adequate ex situ and in situ conservation strategies. Another objective of this study was to determine the original gene pool (Andean and Mesoamerican) of the investigated landraces and to evaluate the cross-hybridization events between the two ancestral gene pools in the P. vulgaris germplasm in the Lazio region. Molecular analyses on 456 samples (four for each of the 114 accessions) revealed that the P. vulgaris germplasm in the Lazio region exhibited a high level of genetic diversity (He = 0.622) and that the Mesoamerican and Andean gene pools were clearly differentiated, with the Andean gene pool prevailing (77%) and 12% of landraces representing putative hybrids between the two gene pools. A model-based cluster analysis based on the molecular markers highlighted three main groups in agreement with the phaseolin patterns and growth habit of landraces. The combined utilisation of morphological, biochemical, and molecular data allowed for the differentiation of all landraces and the resolution of certain instances of homonymy and synonymy. Furthermore, although a high level of homozygosity was found across all landraces, 32 of the 66 examined (49%) exhibited genetic variability, indicating that the analysis based on a single or few plants per landrace, as usually carried out, may provide incomplete information.
The Potential of Cover Crops for Weed Management: A Sole Tool or Component of an Integrated Weed Management System?
Authors: Fernando Margaret , Shrestha Anil
Published: February 2023

Cover crops are an important component of integrated weed management programs in annual and perennial cropping systems because of their weed suppressive abilities. They influence weed populations using different mechanisms of plant interaction which can be facilitative or suppressive. However, the question often arises if cover crops can be solely relied upon for weed management or not. In this review we have tried to provide examples to answer this question. The most common methods of weed suppression by an actively growing cover crop include competition for limited plant growth resources that result in reduced weed biomass, seed production, and hence reductions in the addition of seeds to the soil seedbank. Cover crop mulches suppress weeds by reducing weed seedling emergence through allelopathic effects or physical effects of shading. However, there is a great degree of variability in the success or failure of cover crops in suppressing weeds that are influenced by the cover crop species, time of planting, cover crop densities and biomass, time of cover crop termination, the cash crop following in the rotation, and the season associated with several climatic variables. Several studies demonstrated that planting date was important to achieve maximum cover crop biomass, and a mixture of cover crop species was better than single cover crop species to achieve good weed suppression. Most of the studies that have demonstrated success in weed suppression have only shown partial success and not total success in weed suppression. Therefore, cover crops as a sole tool may not be sufficient to reduce weeds and need to be supplemented with other weed management tools. Nevertheless, cover crops are an important component of the toolbox for integrated weed management.
Do We Need to Breed for Regional Adaptation in Soybean?—Evaluation of Genotype-by-Location Interaction and Trait Stability of Soybean in Germany
Authors: Döttinger Cleo A. , Hahn Volker , Leiser Willmar L. , Würschum Tobias
Published: February 2023

Soybean is a crop in high demand, in particular as a crucial source of plant protein. As a short-day plant, soybean is sensitive to the latitude of the growing site. Consequently, varieties that are well adapted to higher latitudes are required to expand the cultivation. In this study, we employed 50 soybean genotypes to perform a multi-location trial at seven locations across Germany in 2021. Two environmental target regions were determined following the latitude of the locations. Adaptation and trait stability of seed yield and protein content across all locations were evaluated using Genotype plus Genotype-by-Environment (GGE) biplots and Shukla’s stability variance. We found a moderate level of crossing-over type genotype-by-location interaction across all locations. Within the environmental target regions, the genotype-by-location interaction could be minimised. Despite the positive correlation (R = 0.59) of seed yield between the environmental target regions and the same best-performing genotype, the genotype rankings differed in part substantially. In conclusion, we found that soybean can be grown at a wide range of latitudes across Germany. However, the performance of genotypes differed between the northern and southern locations, with an 18.8% higher mean yield in the south. This in combination with the observed rank changes of high-performing genotypes between both environmental target regions suggests that selection targeted towards environments in northern Germany could improve soybean breeding for those higher latitude regions.
Evaluation of Lacustrine Shale Brittleness and Its Controlling Factors: A Case Study from the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation, Sichuan Basin
Authors: Huang Hongsheng , Lu Shuangfang , Zhang Pengfei , Zhi Qi , Wang Junjie , Lin Zizhi
Published: February 2023

To investigate the brittleness of shale and its influencing factors, triaxial rock mechanics experiments, combined with X-ray diffraction, total organic carbon (TOC) measurement, rock pyrolysis, and scanning electron microscopy, were conducted on shales from the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation in the Sichuan Basin. BI1, based on the elastic modulus and hardness, BI2, based on mineral composition, BI3, based on strength parameters, and BI4, based on the post-peak energy of shale, were calculated. Additionally, the effects of mineral composition, density, hardness, and organic matter on the brittleness of shales were analyzed. The results show that the shale mineral compositions were dominated by quartz (mean of 45.21%) and clay minerals (mean of 45.04%), with low carbonate mineral contents and high TOC contents. The stress–strain curve showed strong brittleness characteristics. When comparing different evaluation methods, the brittleness evaluation method based on the stress–strain curve (damage energy) was found to be more effective than the mineral fraction and strength parameter methods. The higher the density and hardness, the more brittle the shale. The higher the organic matter and quartz content, the less brittle the shale. The brittleness of sub-member I of the Lianggaosan Formation in Well XQ1 was higher than that of sub-members II and III. This study investigated the brittleness of lacustrine shale and its influencing factors, which is beneficial for the development of shale oil in the Sichuan Basin.