bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strawberry Crown Plugs Provide Flexibility and Improved Performance in Cold Climate Plasticulture Production
Authors: Weber C. A.
Published: August 2021

Annual plasticulture strawberry production has not been adopted as rapidly in cold climate regions as has occurred in warmer production areas due to uncertainty about potential benefits. Recent trials have demonstrated the potential of regionally adapted varieties in the annual plasticulture system in cold regions, but optimal production practices have not been determined. Summer planting of short-day varieties in these areas would increase flexibility for growers, allowing additional cropping options and improved land use management. The performance of six short-day strawberry varieties (Chandler, Clancy, Jewel, Ovation, Seneca and Ventana) was examined in a series of four annual production trials using cold-stored bare-root crowns for spring planting or a new type of planting stock termed a ‘crown plug’ for two summer plantings. Procedures for producing crown plugs from cold-stored crowns are described. The crown plug summer plantings significantly outperformed the spring planted bare-root plants across all varieties. The July planting established using crown plugs had higher yield and higher mean berry weight across all six varieties compared to the May bare-root planting (623 g/plant—12.5 g mean fruit weight vs. 330 g/plant—10.6 g mean fruit weight, respectively). In the July planting, ‘Seneca’, ‘Ventana’ and ‘Jewel’ exceeded the mean yield per plant for the planting as a whole and the other three varieties also produced more than previously reported for the May planting established with bare-root plants. The August crown plug planting was less productive than the July planting (623 g/plant vs. 498 g/plant, respectively) but was still more productive than both spring plantings. No difference was observed between the April and May plantings across the six varieties. Utilizing crown plugs also reduced the duration of weed control measures needed, improved efficiency of setting plants and limited the need for blossom and runner removal in the field, thus demonstrating labor cost savings that can offset the cost of crown plug production while also producing higher overall yield and mean fruit weight in the varieties in the trial. The summer plantings established with crown plugs demonstrated improved survival through a second winter dormancy period but produced relatively poor yield and berry size in the second harvest season. Crown plugs provide flexibility and improved productivity for growers utilizing annual plasticulture production in cold climate regions.
Effect of Different Edaphic Crop Conditions on the Free Amino Acid Profile of PH-16 Dry Cacao Beans
Authors: de Araujo Quintino Reis , de Abreu Loureiro Guilherme Amorim Homem , Póvoas Cid Edson Mendonça , Steinmacher Douglas , de Almeida Stephane Sacramento , Ahnert Dario , Baligar Virupax Chanabasappa
Published: August 2021

Free amino acids in cacao beans are important precursors to the aroma and flavor of chocolate. In this research, we used inferential and explanatory statistical techniques to verify the effect of different edaphic crop conditions on the free amino acid profile of PH-16 dry cacao beans. The decreasing order of free amino acids in PH-16 dry cacao beans is leucine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid, alanine, asparagine, tyrosine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, valine, isoleucine, glutamine, lysine, aspartic acid, serine, tryptophan, threonine, glycine. With the exception of lysine, no other free amino acid showed a significant difference between means of different edaphic conditions under the ANOVA F-test. The hydrophobic free amino acids provided the largest contribution to the explained variance with 58.01% of the first dimension of the principal component analysis. Glutamic acid stands out in the second dimension with 13.09%. Due to the stability of the biochemical profile of free amino acids in this clonal variety, it is recommended that cacao producers consider the genotype as the primary source of variation in the quality of cacao beans and ultimately the chocolate to be produced.
Estimation of Stem-Solidness and Yield Components in Selected Spring Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Pluta Mateusz , Kurasiak-Popowska Danuta , Nawracała Jerzy , Bocianowski Jan , Mikołajczyk Sylwia
Published: August 2021

Solid-stemmed wheat genotypes are better protected from damage caused by wheat stem sawfly (Cephus pygmaeus L.) larvae and at lower risk of lodging, as they are additionally strengthened. The aim of the study was to analyse the stem-solidness of fifty spring wheat cultivars with pith. A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station Dłoń, Poland in the years 2012–2014. The method recommended by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and the methodology described by DePauw and Read were used to analyse the stem-solidness. The statistical analysis of the results showed that the stems of the wheat cultivars differed in their, therefore, they were divided into seven classes. There were nine Polish cultivars, two genotypes from Canada (BW 597 and AC Elsa) and one Portuguese genotype (I 836) with hollow stems. There were only nine solid-stemmed cultivars. Both methodologies were used to assess the filling of the stem in the whole plant upon analysis of its filling at the cross-section of the first internode. Both methods gave the same results. The DePauw and Read methodology showed that the internodes in the lower part of the plants were filled to the greatest extent. The same genotypes collected in the consecutive years of the study differed in the filling of their stems with pith. These differences were influenced by the environmental conditions.
Exploring the Potential of Andean Crops for the Production of Gluten-Free Muffins
Authors: Salazar Diego , Arancibia Mirari , Silva Diego R. , López-Caballero María Elvira , Montero María Pilar
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the potential of Andean Crop Flours (ACF) to develop muffins suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, as these flours do not contain gluten in their composition. The physico-chemical, rheological, microbiological and sensory properties of muffins from different blends of the following ACF were evaluated: camote (Ipomea batatas), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), achira (Canna indica) and mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum), formulated with sucrose or sucralose. Wheat muffins with sucrose were used for control purposes. The effect of 5-day storage on color, texture and microbiology was also studied. The use of ACF sharply increased the amount of total dietary fiber, while fat and protein contents were slightly lower with respect to the control. Regarding color, formulations with ACF resulted in darker products, showing an important decrease in L* and b* values while a* increased in all ACF formulations. According to their rheological properties, all doughs showed an unstructured and viscous behavior, and the mixture of camote, achira and mashua with sugar was very similar to wheat muffin. On textural parameters, there was an increasing (p < 0.0) effect on firmness and chewiness noticeable on day 5 in all samples. The resultant muffins were considered safe products due to low counts of total microorganisms, molds and yeasts and the absence of Enterobacteria and Staphylococcus aureus during storage. Muffins with ACF showed good overall acceptability, especially muffins containing sucralose, which obtained the highest score. This study showed that ACF could be used as an alternative raw material in the preparation of gluten-free muffins with good nutritional quality, thus providing a useful alternative for underused crops.
Strawberry Living Mulch in an Organic Vineyard
Authors: Neri Davide , Polverigiani Serena , Zucchini Matteo , Giorgi Veronica , Marchionni Fabio , Mia Md Jebu
Published: August 2021

A living mulch system can provide beneficial biodiversified phytocoenoses and spatial competition against weeds; however, it may also compete for water with the main cultivated crop under Mediterranean climate conditions. Strawberries employed as living mulch in a rain-fed hill vineyard of central Italy were evaluated for two years through a participative approach involving the farmer. A local wild strawberry was propagated by stolons to obtain small plantlets easily uprooted after the summer and then transplanted to a one-year-old vineyard. The densities of two and four strawberry plants per grapevine were compared with no living mulch in a randomized complete block design. A horizontal blade weeder was used once a year in all treatments. The results showed that strawberries as living mulch plus application of a blade weeder avoided the need for further soil tillage and assured a full soil cover during winter for both initial planting densities. The strawberry living mulch did not alter the grapevine transpiration during an incident of water stress in summer. Moreover, the yield per vine and the grape quality were comparable with those of the soil without living mulch. The growth of strawberry mulch was relevant in the area surrounding the vines. Furthermore, the living mulch guaranteed a constant soil cover reducing the risk for soil erosion while increasing the vineyard’s biological diversity. This may imply a higher resilience.
MicroRNA-200b Regulates the Proliferation and Differentiation of Ovine Preadipocytes by Targeting p27 and KLF9
Authors: Jin Xiayang , Wang Jiqing , Hu Jiang , Liu Xiu , Li Shaobin , Lu Yujie , Zhen Huimin , Li Mingna , Zhao Zhidong , Luo Yuzhu
Published: August 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulatory molecules in lipid deposition and metabolism. However, the effect of miR-200b on the regulation of proliferation and adipogenesis of ovine preadipocytes is unknown in the sheep (Ovis aries). In this study, the expression profiles of miR-200b were investigated in the seven tissues of Tibetan ewes and differentiated preadipocytes. The effect of miR-200b, as well as its target genes p27 and KLF9, on the proliferation of ovine preadipocytes and adipogenesis was also investigated, using cell viability analysis, EdU staining, Oil Red O staining and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qRCR). The miR-200b was expressed in all the tissues investigated, and it was highly expressed in lung, liver, subcutaneous adipose and spleen tissues. The expression of miR-200b continuously decreased when the differentiation of ovine preadipocytes initiated. The miR-200b mimic dramatically accelerated the proliferation but inhibited differentiation of ovine preadipocytes. The miR-200b inhibitor resulted in an opposite effect on the proliferation and differentiation of ovine preadipocytes. The dual luciferase reporter assay results showed that miR-200b mimic significantly decreased the luciferase activity of p27 and KLF9 in HEK293 cells transfected with wild-type dual luciferase reporter vectors. This suggests that p27 and KLF9 are the target genes of miR-200b. In over-expressed-p27 preadipocytes, the number of EdU-labeled preadipocytes and the expression levels of proliferation marker genes CDK2, CDK4, CCND1 and PCNA significantly decreased. In addition, the transfection of over-expressed-KLF9 vector into adipocytes remarkably increased the accumulation of lipid droplets and the expression levels of differentiation marker genes aP2, PPARγ, LPL and GLUT4. These results suggest that miR-200b accelerated the proliferation but inhibited the adipogenic differentiation of ovine preadipocytes by targeting p27 and KLF9, respectively.
Identification of Novel lncRNA and Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) of Testicular Tissues among Cattle, Yak, and Cattle-Yak Associated with Male Infertility
Authors: Zhao Shaokang , Chen Tingting , Luo Xinmao , Chen Shiyi , Wang Jie , Lai Songjia , Jia Xianbo
Published: August 2021

Cattle-yak is an excellent hybrid of cattle and yak; they are characterized by better meat quality and stronger adaptability of harsh environments than their parents. However, male sterility of cattle-yak lay restraints on the transmission of heterosis. In this study, next generation sequence technology was performed to profile the testicular tissues transcriptome (lncRNA and mRNA) of cattle, yak, and cattle-yak. We analyzed the features and functions of significant differentially expressed genes among the three breeds. There are 9 DE lncRNAs and 46 DE mRNAs with comparisons of cattle, yak, and cattle-yak. Among them, the upregulated targeting genes, such as IGF1 and VGLL3 of cattle-yak lncRNA, may be related to the derangement of spermatocyte maturation and cell proliferation. Similarly, we found that the LDOC1 gene, which is related to the process of cellular apoptosis, is overexpressed in cattle-yak. GO enrichment analysis demonstrated that the cattle-yak is lacking the regulation of fertilization (GO: 0009566), spermatogenesis process (GO: 0007283), male gamete generation process (GO: 0048232), sexual reproduction (GO: 0019953), and multi-organism reproductive process (GO: 0044703), such processes may play important and positive roles in spermatogenesis and fertilization. Furthermore, the KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated DEGs of cattle-yak most enriched in Apoptosis (ko04210) and Hippo signaling pathway (ko04390), may lead to excessively dead of cell and inhibit cell growth, resulting in obstruction of meiosis and spermatogenesis processes. This study will enable us to deeper understand the mechanism of male cattle-yak infertility.
Bacteriophage Technology and Modern Medicine
Authors: Azam Aa Haeruman , Tan Xin-Ee , Veeranarayanan Srivani , Kiga Kotaro , Cui Longzhu
Published: August 2021

The bacteriophage (or phage for short) has been used as an antibacterial agent for over a century but was abandoned in most countries after the discovery and broad use of antibiotics. The worldwide emergence and high prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria have led to a revival of interest in the long-forgotten antibacterial therapy with phages (phage therapy) as an alternative approach to combatting AMR bacteria. The rapid progress recently made in molecular biology and genetic engineering has accelerated the generation of phage-related products with superior therapeutic potentials against bacterial infection. Nowadays, phage-based technology has been developed for many purposes, including those beyond the framework of antibacterial treatment, such as to suppress viruses by phages, gene therapy, vaccine development, etc. Here, we highlighted the current progress in phage engineering technology and its application in modern medicine.
Fast Antioxidant Reaction of Polyphenols and Their Metabolites
Authors: Gebicki Janusz M. , Nauser Thomas
Published: August 2021

The negative correlation between diets rich in fruits and vegetables and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, atherosclerosis, cognitive impairment and other deleterious conditions is well established, with flavonoids and other polyphenols held to be partly responsible for the beneficial effects. Initially, these effects were explained by their antioxidant ability, but the low concentrations of polyphenols in tissues and relatively slow reaction with free radicals suggested that, instead, they act by regulating cell signalling pathways. Here we summarise results demonstrating that the abandonment of an antioxidant role for food polyphenols is based on incomplete knowledge of the mechanism of the polyphenol-free radical reaction. New kinetic measurements show that the reaction is up to 1000 times faster than previously reported and lowers the damaging potential of the radicals. The results also show that the antioxidant action does not require phenolic groups, but only a carbon-centred free radical and an aromatic molecule. Thus, not only food polyphenols but also many of their metabolites are effective antioxidants, significantly increasing the antioxidant protection of cells and tissues. By restoring an important antioxidant role for food polyphenols, the new findings provide experimental support for the advocacy of diets rich in plant-derived food.
Pathophysiological Association between Diabetes Mellitus and Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Maruhashi Tatsuya , Higashi Yukihito
Published: August 2021

Endothelial dysfunction plays a critical role in atherosclerosis progression, leading to cardiovascular complications. There are significant associations between diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress is increased by chronic hyperglycemia and acute glucose fluctuations induced by postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus. In addition, selective insulin resistance in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase pathway in endothelial cells is involved in decreased NO production and increased endothelin-1 production from the endothelium, resulting in endothelial dysfunction. In a clinical setting, selecting an appropriate therapeutic intervention that improves or augments endothelial function is important for preventing diabetic vascular complications. Hypoglycemic drugs that reduce glucose fluctuations by decreasing the postprandial rise in blood glucose levels, such as glinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, and hypoglycemic drugs that ameliorate insulin sensitivity, such as thiazolidinediones and metformin, are expected to improve or augment endothelial function in patients with diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, metformin, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors may improve endothelial function through multiple mechanisms, some of which are independent of glucose control or insulin signaling. Oral administration of antioxidants is not recommended in patients with diabetes due to the lack of evidence for the efficacy against diabetic complications.
Detection and Classification of Different Weapon Types Using Deep Learning
Authors: Kaya Volkan , Tuncer Servet , Baran Ahmet
Published: August 2021

Today, with the increasing number of criminal activities, automatic control systems are becoming the primary need for security forces. In this study, a new model is proposed to detect seven different weapon types using the deep learning method. This model offers a new approach to weapon classification based on the VGGNet architecture. The model is taught how to recognize assault rifles, bazookas, grenades, hunting rifles, knives, pistols, and revolvers. The proposed model is developed using the Keras library on the TensorFlow base. A new model is used to determine the method required to train, create layers, implement the training process, save training in the computer environment, determine the success rate of the training, and test the trained model. In order to train the model network proposed in this study, a new dataset consisting of seven different weapon types is constructed. Using this dataset, the proposed model is compared with the VGG-16, ResNet-50, and ResNet-101 models to determine which provides the best classification results. As a result of the comparison, the proposed model’s success accuracy of 98.40% is shown to be higher than the VGG-16 model with 89.75% success accuracy, the ResNet-50 model with 93.70% success accuracy, and the ResNet-101 model with 83.33% success accuracy.
Indoor Emission Sources Detection by Pollutants Interaction Analysis
Authors: Pang Shaoning , Song Lei , Sarrafzadeh Abdolhossein , Coulson Guy , Longley Ian , Olivares Gustavo
Published: August 2021

This study employs the correlation coefficients technique to support emission sources detection for indoor environments. Unlike existing methods analyzing merely primary pollution, we consider alternatively the secondary pollution (i.e., chemical reactions between pollutants in addition to pollutant level), and calculate intra pollutants correlation coefficients for characterizing and distinguishing emission events. Extensive experiments show that seven major indoor emission sources are identified by the proposed method, including (1) frying canola oil on electric hob, (2) frying olive oil on an electric hob, (3) frying olive oil on a gas hob, (4) spray of household pesticide, (5) lighting a cigarette and allowing it to smoulder, (6) no activities, and (7) venting session. Furthermore, our method improves the detection accuracy by a support vector machine compared to without data filtering and applying typical feature extraction methods such as PCA and LDA.
Cooperative Approaches to Data Sharing and Analysis for Industrial Internet of Things Ecosystems
Authors: Baars Henning , Tank Ann , Weber Patrick , Kemper Hans-Georg , Lasi Heiner , Pedell Burkhard
Published: August 2021

The collection and analysis of industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) data offer numerous opportunities for value creation, particularly in manufacturing industries. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of those opportunities are inaccessible without cooperation across enterprise borders and the sharing of data, personnel, finances, and IT resources. In this study, we suggest so-called data cooperatives as a novel approach to such settings. A data cooperative is understood as a legal unit owned by an ecosystem of cooperating SMEs and founded for supporting the members of the cooperative. In a series of 22 interviews, we developed a concept for cooperative IIoT ecosystems that we evaluated in four workshops, and we are currently implementing an IIoT ecosystem for the coolant management of a manufacturing environment. We discuss our findings and compare our approach with alternatives and its suitability for the manufacturing domain.
Dynamic, Adaptive Inline Process Monitoring for Laser Material Processing by Means of Low Coherence Interferometry
Authors: Zechel Fabian , Jasovski Julia , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: August 2021

Surface laser structuring of electrical steel sheets can be used to manipulate their magnetic properties, such as energy losses and contribute to a more efficient use. This requires a technology such as low coherence interferometry, which makes it possible to be coupled directly into the existing beam path of the process laser and enables the possibility for an 100% inspection during the process. It opens the possibility of measuring directly in the machine, without removing the workpiece, as well as during the machining process. One of the biggest challenges in integrating an LCI measurement system into an existing machine is the need to use a different wavelength than the one for which the optical components were designed. This results in an offset between the measurement and processing spot. By integrating an additional scanning system exclusively for the measuring beam and developing a compensation model for the non-linear spot offset, this can be adaptively corrected by up to 98.9% so that the ablation point can be measured. The simulation model can also be easily applied to other systems with different components and at the same time allows further options for in-line quality assurance.
An Aerobic Degradation Model for Landfilled Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Xiao Diankun , Chen Yunmin , Xu Wenjie , Zhan Liangtong
Published: August 2021

Municipalities output large amounts of solid waste into landfills, but degradation slows during the middle and late stages of treatment. Therefore, accelerating the treatment of degradable substances to achieve rapid stabilization, excavation, screening, and reuse would increase landfill utility and reduce economic costs. This article provides an aerobic degradation model for landfilled municipal solid waste that includes two types of biochemical reactions. Using degradable solid-phase organic matter and ammonia nitrogen as limiting substrates, an equation describing degradation over time was obtained. Both aerobic organic matter hydrolysis and the synchronous nitrification and denitrification reaction followed a kinetic, first-order equation. The influences of temperature, water content, oxygen concentration, and carbon to nitrogen ratio on the kinetic reactions were considered. Similarly, the exothermic reaction characteristics were considered. The model was applied to two previously conducted experiments. The results showed that the model can accurately reflect the degradation laws of various substances under aerobic degradation conditions. SDC and ammonia nitrogen were rapidly degraded and reached very low levels in a short time under aerobic conditions. This indicated that aeration has a significant effect on the degradation of aged waste, which can be used in the accelerated stabilization of aged landfills in the future.
Establishment of a New Biomechanical Measurement Method for Surface Deformation of Bone by Force Application via Dental Implants—A Pilot Study
Authors: Matta Ragai Edward , Riegger Katharina , Trägler Horst , Adler Werner , Eitner Stephan , Wichmann Manfred , Motel Constantin
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To date, the qualitative and quantitative recording of biomechanical processes in dental implants represents one of the greatest challenges in modern dentistry. Modern, dynamic, 3D optical measurement techniques allow highly constant and highly accurate measurement of biomechanical processes and can be superior to conventional methods. This work serves to establish a new measurement method. Materials and Methods: A comparative analysis was undertaken for two different measurement systems, two conventional strain gauges versus the 3D optical two-camera measurement system ARAMIS (GOM GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany), as they detected surface changes on an artificial bone block under masticatory force application. Two implants (Straumann Standard Implants Regular Neck, Straumann GmbH, Freiburg, Germany) were placed in the bone block, and three different three-unit bridges were fabricated. Increasing masticatory forces, from 0 to 200 N, were applied to the bone block via each of these bridges and the inserted implants. Fifteen repetitions of the test were performed using a universal testing machine. The computer unit of the ARAMIS system was used to simultaneously integrate the surface changes recorded by the strain gauges and the ARAMIS system. The areas on the bone block examined by the dynamic 3D optical measurement method corresponded exactly to the locations and extent of the strain gauges. A statistical comparative analysis was carried out separately for the strain gauges and the corresponding optical measuring surface at the defined force magnitudes. The equivalence test and the intraclass correlation served as statistical means. Results: In the case of the intraclass correlation, a clear concordance of both measurement methods could be shown for all examined cases. For the equivalence test, no significance could be shown in individual cases. Conclusion: The accuracy of the modern, dynamic, 3D optical measurement method is comparable to that of conventional strain gauges. On this basis, versatile new research approaches in the field of biomechanics of dental implants can be pursued by establishing this method.
The Blockchain Oracle Problem in Decentralized Finance—A Multivocal Approach
Authors: Caldarelli Giulio , Ellul Joshua
Published: August 2021

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) takes the promise of blockchain a step further and aims to transform traditional financial products into trustless and transparent protocols that run without involving intermediaries. Similar to how 2017 was the year of ICOs, 2020 was the year of DeFi, with more than fifteen billion dollars of total investments. The decentralized platforms utilize oracles to retrieve asset data from the external world, but their choice and management criteria are often unknown to the end-users. If oracles are poorly selected or managed, the funds of a rising number of investors are inevitably in danger. The issue, known as “the oracle problem”, which makes real-world applications controversial and debated due to the loss of decentralization, had recently drawn attention to DeFi, given the crescent number of related hacks that caused the loss of millions of dollars held in DeFi projects. Through a multivocal approach that considers academic papers, whitepapers, preprints, and opinion posts, this study aims to shed light on the pattern that identifies the oracle problem in DeFi and outline the most promising ways to overcome the related weaknesses. This research supports the view that the oracle problem in decentralized finance bears specific characteristics which require standardization and appropriate economic incentives to be addressed.
Petri Net Modeling for Ising Model Formulation in Quantum Annealing
Authors: Nakamura Morikazu , Kaneshima Kohei , Yoshida Takeo
Published: August 2021

Quantum annealing is an emerging new platform for combinatorial optimization, requiring an Ising model formulation for optimization problems. The formulation can be an essential obstacle to the permeation of this innovation into broad areas of everyday life. Our research is aimed at the proposal of a Petri net modeling approach for an Ising model formulation. Although the proposed method requires users to model their optimization problems with Petri nets, this process can be carried out in a relatively straightforward manner if we know the target problem and the simple Petri net modeling rules. With our method, the constraints and objective functions in the target optimization problems are represented as fundamental characteristics of Petri net models, extracted systematically from Petri net models, and then converted into binary quadratic nets, equivalent to Ising models. The proposed method can drastically reduce the difficulty of the Ising model formulation.
Gearbox Fault Identification Framework Based on Novel Localized Adaptive Denoising Technique, Wavelet-Based Vibration Imaging, and Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Nguyen Cong Dai , Ahmad Zahoor , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes an accurate and stable gearbox fault diagnosis scheme that combines a localized adaptive denoising technique with a wavelet-based vibration imaging approach and a deep convolution neural network model. Vibration signatures of a gearbox contain important fault-related information. However, this useful fault-related information is often overwhelmed by random interference noises. Furthermore, the varying speed of gearboxes makes it difficult to distinguish the fault-related frequencies from the interference noises. To obtain a noise-free signal for extraction of fault-related information under variable speed conditions, first, a new localized adaptive denoising technique (LADT) is applied to the vibration signal. The new localized adaptive denoising technique results in optimized vibration sub-bands with negligible background noise. To obtain fault-related information, the wavelet-based vibration imaging approach (WVI) is applied to the denoised vibration signal. The wavelet-based vibration imaging approach decomposes the vibration signal into different time–frequency scales, these scales are reflected by a two-dimensional image called a scalogram. The scalograms obtained from the wavelet-based vibration imaging approach are provided as an input to the deep convolutional neural network architecture (DCNA) for extraction of discriminant features and classification of multi-degree tooth faults (MDTFs) in a gearbox under variable speed conditions. The proposed scheme outperforms the already existing state-of-the-art gearbox fault diagnosis methods with the highest classification accuracy of 100%.
Seismic Performance of Grille-Type Steel Plate Concrete Composite Walls with Application in a Super-High-Rise Building
Authors: Liu Yang , Wu Hao , Yu Qiao , Li Yun , Li Jianan , Li Lingzhi
Published: August 2021

The grille-type steel plate concrete composite wall (GSPCW) is an innovative shear wall system that mainly consists of steel faceplates, steel tie plates and infilled concrete. Compared to traditional steel plate concrete composite shear walls, the advantages of GSPCW walls include: (1) relatively high lateral and buckling resistance; and (2) simple structural measures for convenient construction and implementation. This paper presents the results of extensive numerical investigations regarding GSPCW systems, examining both GSPCW wall components and their application in a super-high-rise building as a case study. First, typical GSPCW wall models are established using DIANA software, and the numerical models are validated on the basis of comparison with results from previously reported experimental tests. The verified models are further used to perform parametric analyses with the aim of further understanding the effects of various design parameters on the seismic performance of GSPCW systems, including steel ratio, axial load ratio, height-to-width ratio, aspect ratio of the grille steel plate, and concrete compressive strength. Second, a super-high-rise building was selected for application to perform a case study of a GSPCW system. The seismic performance of the tall building in the case study was comparatively evaluated on the basis of both nonlinear time history analysis and modal pushover analysis (MPA), and the results from both of these methods validated the use of GSPCW is an efficient structural wall system appropriate for use in super-high-rise buildings. Finally, a simple economic assessment of the GSPCW building was performed, and the results were compared with those obtained for conventional reinforced concrete wall buildings.
Al2O3 Preforms Infiltrated with Poly(methyl methacrylate) for Dental Prosthesis Manufacturing
Authors: Crispim da Silveira Olimpia , Rodrigues Alisson Mendes , Montazerian Maziar , de Lucena Lira Hélio , Baino Francesco , Menezes Romualdo Rodrigues
Published: August 2021

The combination of biocompatible polymers and ceramics shows great promise in the development of composites with suitable mechanical properties for dental applications. In an attempt to further expand this research line, Al2O3 commercial powders (Vitro-ceram, Alglass, In-ceram) were sintered at 1400 °C for 2 h and infiltrated with poly(methyl methacrylate) for potential use in dental prostheses. The infiltration was performed using a homemade apparatus under a pressure of 7 bar for 6 and 12 h. The microstructure (studied using a scanning electron microscope), Archimedes density, 3-point bending flexural strength and Vickers hardness of the prepared composites were assessed and quantitatively compared. In general, microstructural analyses showed ceramic- and polymer-based interpenetrating network in all materials. The preforms infiltrated for 12 h showed superior properties; among them, the Vitro-ceram-based composite also demonstrated a near-zero open porosity and optimum mechanical characteristics. Specifically, its density, strength and hardness were 2.6 ± 0.07 g/cm3, 119.3 ± 5.0 MPa and 1055.1 ± 111.0 HV, respectively, passing the acceptance criteria of ISO 6872 and making it suitable for consideration as a metal-free structure for dental crowns and fixed partial prostheses until three anterior units.
HSV Color-Space-Based Automated Object Localization for Robot Grasping without Prior Knowledge
Authors: Kang Hyun-Chul , Han Hyo-Nyoung , Bae Hee-Chul , Kim Min-Gi , Son Ji-Yeon , Kim Young-Kuk
Published: August 2021

We propose a simple and robust HSV color-space-based algorithm that can automatically extract object position information without human intervention or prior knowledge. In manufacturing sites with high variability, it is difficult to recognize products through robot machine vision, especially in terms of extracting object information accurately, owing to various environmental factors such as the noise around objects, shadows, light reflections, and illumination interferences. The proposed algorithm, which does not require users to reset the HSV color threshold value whenever a product is changed, uses ROI referencing method to solve this problem. The algorithm automatically identifies the object’s location by using the HSV color-space-based ROI random sampling, ROI similarity comparison, and ROI merging. The proposed system utilizes an IoT device with several modules for the detection, analysis, control, and management of object data. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is very useful for industrial automation applications under complex and highly variable manufacturing environments.
In-Cylinder Oxygen Concentration Estimation Based on Virtual Measurement and Data Fusion Algorithm for Turbocharged Diesel Engines
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wen Bin , Zhang Xuemei , Wu Kai , Wu Xinyu , Zhang Yinyou
Published: August 2021

In-cylinder oxygen concentration (ICOC) is critical for advanced combustion control of internal combustion engines, and is hard to be accessed in commercial measurements. In existing research, ICOC is predicted by conventional dynamical model based on mass/energy conservation, which suffers from uncertainties such as inaccuracy of volumetric efficiency or the error of orifice geometry. In this paper, we enhance the ICOC estimation by implementing two vital strategies. Firstly, we introduce a method called virtual measurement to resist the conventional model uncertainties, in this method we modeling the ICOC as a function of ignition delay which can be obtained by measuring the in-cylinder pressure. Secondly, we apply Kalman filter to fuse the ICOC results from the conventional dynamical model and the virtual measurement. The data fusion algorithm turns the estimation to a predictor-corrector fashion, which further improves the overall accuracy and robustness. The proposed approach is validated through a calibrated GT-Power engine model. The results show that the estimation error can be achieved form at worst 0.03 to at best 0.01 on steady state.
Evaluation and Projection of Near-Surface Wind Speed over China Based on CMIP6 Models
Authors: Deng Hao , Hua Wei , Fan Guangzhou
Published: August 2021

The characteristics of near-surface wind speed (NWS) are important to the study of dust storms, evapotranspiration, heavy rainfall, air pollution, and wind energy development. This study evaluated the performance of 30 models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) through comparison with observational NWS data acquired in China during a historical period (1975–2014), and projected future changes in NWS under three scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) based on an optimal multi-model ensemble. Results showed that most models reproduced the spatial pattern of NWS for all seasons and the annual mean, although the models generally overestimated NWS magnitude. All models tended to underestimate the trends of decline of NWS for all seasons and the annual mean. On the basis of a comprehensive ranking index, the KIOST-ESM, CNRM-ESM2-1, HadGEM3-GC31-LL, CMCC-CM2-SR5, and KACE-1-0-G models were ranked as the five best-performing models. In the projections of future change, nationally averaged NWS for all months was weaker than in the historical period, and the trends decreased markedly under all the different scenarios except the winter time series under SSP2-4.5. Additionally, the projected NWS over most regions of China weakened in both the early period (2021–2060) and the later period (2061–2100).
Analysis of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy on Zinc-Air Batteries Using the Distribution of Relaxation Times
Authors: Franke-Lang Robert , Kowal Julia
Published: August 2021

Zinc-air batteries could be a key technology for higher energy densities of electrochemical energy storage systems. Many questions remain unanswered, however, and new methods for analyses and quantifications are needed. In this study, the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) based on ridge regression was applied to the impedance data of primary zinc-air batteries in a temperature range of 253 K and 313 K and at different State-of-Charges for the first time. Furthermore, the problem of the regularization parameter on real impedance spectroscopic measurements was addressed and a method was presented using the reconstruction of impedance data from the DRT as a quality criterion. The DRT was able to identify a so far undiscussed process and thus explain why some equivalent circuit models may fail.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Effects of Drought on the Biosynthesis of Methyleugenol in Asarum sieboldii Miq.
Authors: Liu Fawang , Ali Tahir , Liu Zhong
Published: August 2021

Asarum sieboldii Miq., a perennial herb in the family Aristolochiaceae, is widely used to treat colds, fever, headache and toothache in China. However, little is known about the drought-tolerance characteristics of A. sieboldii. In this study, to elucidate the molecular–genetic mechanisms of drought-stress tolerance of A. sieboldii, RNA-seq was conducted. In total, 53,344 unigenes were assembled, and 28,715 unigenes were annotated. A total of 6444 differential-expression unigenes (DEGs) were found, which were mainly enriched in phenylpropanoid, starch and sucrose metabolic pathways. Drought stress revealed significant up-regulation of the unigenes encoding PAL, C4H, HCT, C3H, CCR and IGS in the methyleugenol-biosynthesis pathway. Under the condition of maintaining drought for 15 days and 30 days, drought stress reduced the biosynthesis of volatile oil by 24% and 38%, respectively, while the production of key medicinal ingredients (such as methyl eugenol) was increased. These results provide valuable information about the diverse mechanisms of drought resistance in the A. sieboldii, and the changes in the expression of the genes involved in methyleugenol biosynthesis in response to drought stress.
Complex Syndrome of the Complete Occlusion of the End of the Superior Mesenteric Vein, Opposed with the Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in Rats
Authors: Knezevic Mario , Gojkovic Slaven , Krezic Ivan , Zizek Helena , Vranes Hrvoje , Malekinusic Dominik , Vrdoljak Borna , Knezevic Tamara , Horvat Pavlov Katarina , Drmic Domagoj , Staroveski Miro , Djuzel Antonija , Rajkovic Zoran , Kolak Toni , Lovric Eva , Milavic Marija , Sikiric Suncana , Barisic Ivan , Tepes Marijan , Tvrdeic Ante , Patrlj Leonardo , Strbe Sanja , Sola Marija , Situm Andrej , Kokot Antonio , Boban Blagaic Alenka , Skrtic Anita , Seiwerth Sven , Sikiric Predrag
Published: August 2021

Background. Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 therapy in rats compensated irremovable occlusion of various vessels and counteracted the consequent multiorgan dysfunction syndromes by activation of the corresponding collateral bypassing loops. Thus, we used BPC 157 therapy against the irremovable occlusion of the end of the superior mesenteric vein. Methods. Assessments, for 30 min (gross recording, venography, ECG, pressure, microscopy, biochemistry, and oxidative stress) include the portal and caval hypertension, aortal hypotension, and centrally, the superior sagittal sinus hypertension, systemic arterial and venous thrombosis, ECG disturbances, MDA-tissue increase, and heart, lung, liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract, in particular, and brain (cortex (cerebral, cerebellar), hypothalamus/thalamus, hippocampus) lesions. Rats received BPC 157 medication (10 µg/kg, 10 ng/kg) intraperitoneally at 1 or 15 min ligation time. Results. BPC 157 rapidly activated the superior mesenteric vein–inferior anterior pancreati-coduodenal vein–superior anterior pancreaticoduodenal vein–pyloric vein–portal vein pathway, reestablished superior mesenteric vein and portal vein connection and reestablished blood flow. Simultaneously, toward inferior caval vein, an additional pathway appears via the inferior mesenteric vein united with the middle colic vein, throughout its left colic branch to ascertain alternative bypassing blood flow. Consequently, BPC 157 acts peripherally and centrally, and counteracted the intracranial (superior sagittal sinus), portal and caval hypertension, aortal hypotension, ECG disturbances attenuated, abolished progressing venous and arterial thrombosis. Additionally, BPC 157 counteracted multiorgan dysfunction syndrome, heart, lung, liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract, and brain lesions, and oxidative stress in tissues. Conclusion. BPC 157 therapy may be specific management also for the superior mesenteric vein injuries.
Efficient Selection of Recombinant Fluorescent Vaccinia Virus Strains and Rapid Virus Titer Determination by Using a Multi-Well Plate Imaging System
Authors: Ye Mingyu , Keicher Markus , Gentschev Ivaylo , Szalay Aladar A.
Published: August 2021

Engineered vaccinia virus (VACV) strains are used extensively as vectors for the development of novel cancer vaccines and cancer therapeutics. In this study, we describe for the first time a high-throughput approach for both fluorescent rVACV generation and rapid viral titer measurement with the multi-well plate imaging system, IncuCyte®S3. The isolation of a single, well-defined plaque is critical for the generation of novel recombinant vaccinia virus (rVACV) strains. Unfortunately, current methods of rVACV engineering via plaque isolation are time-consuming and laborious. Here, we present a modified fluorescent viral plaque screening and selection strategy that allows one to generally obtain novel fluorescent rVACV strains in six days, with a minimum of just four days. The standard plaque assay requires chemicals for fixing and staining cells. Manual plaque counting based on visual inspection of the cell culture plates is time-consuming. Here, we developed a fluorescence-based plaque assay for quantifying the vaccinia virus that does not require a cell staining step. This approach is less toxic to researchers and is reproducible; it is thus an improvement over the traditional assay. Lastly, plaque counting by virtue of a fluorescence-based image is very convenient, as it can be performed directly on the computer.
Role of SpO2/FiO2 Ratio and ROX Index in Predicting Early Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in COVID-19. A Pragmatic, Retrospective, Multi-Center Study
Authors: Alberdi-Iglesias Ana , Martín-Rodríguez Francisco , Ortega Rabbione Guillermo , Rubio-Babiano Ana I. , Núñez-Toste María G. , Sanz-García Ancor , del Pozo Vegas Carlos , Castro Villamor Miguel A. , Martín-Conty José L. , Jorge-Soto Cristina , López-Izquierdo Raúl
Published: August 2021

The ability of COVID-19 to compromise the respiratory system has generated a substantial proportion of critically ill patients in need of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The objective of this paper was to analyze the prognostic ability of the pulse oximetry saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (SpO2/FiO2) and the ratio of SpO2/FiO2 to the respiratory rate–ROX index–as predictors of IMV in an emergency department in confirmed COVID-19 patients. A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was carried out in four provinces of Spain between March and November 2020. The discriminative power of the predictive variable was assessed through a prediction model trained using a derivation sub-cohort and evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) on the validation sub-cohort. A total of 2040 patients were included in the study. The IMV rate was 10.1%, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 35.3%. The performance of the SpO2/FiO2 ratio was better than the ROX index–AUC = 0.801 (95% CI 0.746–0.855) and AUC = 0.725 (95% CI 0.652–0.798), respectively. In fact, a direct comparison between AUCs resulted in significant differences (p = 0.001). SpO2 to FiO2 ratio is a simple and promising non-invasive tool for predicting risk of IMV in patients infected with COVID-19, and it is realizable in emergency departments.