bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Organic Farming Adoption in Selected Districts of Tamil Nadu: Challenges, Practices, and Pathways for Growth
Authors: Habanyati Estone Jiji , Paramasivam Sivaraj , Seethapathy Parthasarathy , Manalil Sudheesh
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the specific challenges and opportunities faced by organic farmers in Tamil Nadu, focusing on how region-specific practices influence the adoption and success of organic farming. It draws insights from a survey of 300 organic growers across five districts: Coimbatore, Dindigul, Erode, Tirupur, and Villupuram. This study is particularly relevant because there is a lack of comprehensive research on the specific challenges and opportunities faced by organic farmers in Tamil Nadu, with limited data on the long-term impact of government initiatives and region-specific management options, especially for smallholder farmers. Additionally, gaps exist in understanding the economic viability, market demand, and farmer perceptions of organic farming together with challenges like knowledge gaps, pest control, managing risks, and lower initial yields during the transition from conventional farming to organic farming. The research evaluated the factors affecting organic farming, including crop yield, the use of different organic formulations, the role of different information services, opportunities and challenges, and the impact on the perceived effectiveness of various agricultural outcomes. Various statistical analyses were performed, including K-means clustering, Poisson regression, and chi-square test. The results revealed significant variations in the adoption of various organic inputs and regionally practiced organic formulations. Crop residues (82.67%), Jeevamrith (78.33%), Amudhakaraisal (77.00%), and 3G-Extracts (74.00%) have high adoption rates, reflecting their perceived effectiveness and accessibility among farmers. However, the adoption of microbial bio-inputs such as Trichoderma viride (1.00%), Acetobacter spp. (19.00%), Azophos (consortium of phosphorus fixing microbes) (26.33%), and Azospirillum spp. (28.67%) was notably poor despite their known benefits for soil health and crop yield. The chi-square test also highlighted key challenges faced by farmers in adopting organic farming practices. The Poisson regression analysis showed significant positive impacts on crop growth and yield, disease resistance, insect control, overall plant health, and input efficiency due to organic farming. The study’s insights are essential for developing targeted strategies to overcome barriers, supporting the growth and sustainability of organic farming. Addressing these challenges and promoting effective information channels will better equip stakeholders to support organic growers, contributing to more resilient and productive agricultural systems in the region.
Combined Application of Biochar and Calcium Superphosphate Can Effectively Immobilize Cadmium and Reduce Its Uptake by Cabbage
Authors: Peng Xinlei , Islam Md. Shoffikul , Li Qian , Fu Qingling , Zhu Jun , Hu Hongqing
Published: October 2024

Biochar and phosphate fertilizer are commonly employed for the mitigation of soil cadmium (Cd) contamination. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of research regarding the mechanism behind their joint implementation. In this study, a combination of corn straw biochar (0 (C0), 5 (C5), and 10 (C10) g kg−1) and calcium superphosphate (0 (P0), 0.1 (P1), 0.2 (P2), 0.5 (P5), and 1.0 (P10) g kg−1) was applied in pot experiments, and the effects of the combined application on Cd bioavailability and its uptake by cabbage were investigated in Cd-contaminated soils. The results demonstrated that the combined treatment of applying biochar and Ca(H2PO2)2 yielded a significant decrease in the uptake of Cd by cabbage in alkaline soil, in contrast to the individual treatments of biochar or Ca(H2PO2)2. Compared to the CK treatment (C0P0), the Cd content in the shoots decreased by 46.26% and in the roots decreased by 24.81%, while the biomass of the cabbage demonstrated a noteworthy increase in C5P10 treatment. Compared to the CK treatment, the content of available phosphate (AP) in the soil increased by 17.57 mg kg−1, residual Cd increased by 22.02%, the exchangeable Cd decreased by 45.86%, and carbonate-bound Cd decreased by 20.55% in the C5P10 treatment. Therefore, it is advisable to use a combination of 5 g kg−1 biochar and 1 g kg−1 Ca(H2PO2)2 for the restoration of soil contaminated with Cd.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Selected Biochar Types and a Few Application Methods in Agriculture
Authors: Dayoub Evan Bassam , Tóth Zoltán , Soós Gábor , Anda Angéla
Published: October 2024

Biochar, a carbon-rich by-product of organic matter pyrolysis, has a variety of physiochemical properties beside a variety of applications. This review highlights some physical and chemical characteristics of herbaceous, woody, and sewage waste biochar under different pyrolysis conditions, as well as soil and foliar applications of biochar. The controlling role of pyrolysis temperature was the reason for selecting the discussed biochar types in the study. This review concludes that increasing pyrolysis temperature mainly raised the values of some chemical properties of the biochar, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), ash content, total phosphorus (TP), and a few values of physical properties like porosity and specific surface area (SSA). On the other hand, yield and total nitrogen (TN) decreased with rising pyrolysis temperature. Among biochar application methods to soil, mixing biochar with soil before planting is one of the best methods of application, and in most cases, biochar reapplication improved soil properties, while foliar application of biochar has positive effects on plant growth and yield parameters, ranging from low rates to the highest ones.
Integrated Navigation Method for Orchard-Dosing Robot Based on LiDAR/IMU/GNSS
Authors: Wang Wang , Qin Jifeng , Huang Dezhao , Zhang Furui , Liu Zhijie , Wang Zheng , Yang Fuzeng
Published: October 2024

To enhance the localization reliability and obstacle avoidance performance of the dosing robot in complex orchards, this study proposed an integrated navigation method using LiDAR, IMU, and GNSS. Firstly, the tightly coupled LIO-SAM algorithm was used to construct an orchard grid map for path planning and obstacle avoidance. Then, a global localization model based on RTK-GNSS was developed to achieve accurate and efficient initial localization of the robot’s coordinates and heading, and a Kalman filter was applied to integrate GNSS and IMU to improve robustness. Next, an improved A* algorithm was introduced to ensure the global operational path maintained a safe distance from obstacles, while the DWA algorithm handled dynamic obstacle avoidance. Field tests showed that the global localization model achieved an accuracy of 2.215 cm, with a standard deviation of 1 cm, demonstrating stable positioning performance. Moreover, the global path maintained an average safe distance of 50.75 cm from the obstacle map. And the robot exhibited a maximum absolute lateral deviation of 9.82 cm, with an average of 4.16 cm, while maintaining a safe distance of 1 m from dynamic obstacles. Overall, the robot demonstrated smooth and reliable autonomous navigation, successfully completing its tasks.
Study on the Method of Vineyard Information Extraction Based on Spectral and Texture Features of GF-6 Satellite Imagery
Authors: Han Xuemei , Ye Huichun , Zhang Yue , Nie Chaojia , Wen Fu
Published: October 2024

Accurately identifying the distribution of vineyard cultivation is of great significance for the development of the grape industry and the optimization of planting structures. Traditional remote sensing techniques for vineyard identification primarily depend on machine learning algorithms based on spectral features. However, the spectral reflectance similarities between grapevines and other orchard vegetation lead to persistent misclassification and omission errors across various machine learning algorithms. As a perennial vine plant, grapes are cultivated using trellis systems, displaying regular row spacing and distinctive strip-like texture patterns in high-resolution satellite imagery. This study selected the main oasis area of Turpan City in Xinjiang, China, as the research area. First, this study extracted both spectral and texture features based on GF-6 satellite imagery, subsequently employing the Boruta algorithm to discern the relative significance of these remote sensing features. Then, this study constructed vineyard information extraction models by integrating spectral and texture features, using machine learning algorithms including Naive Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), and Random Forests (RFs). The efficacy of various machine learning algorithms and remote sensing features in extracting vineyard information was subsequently evaluated and compared. The results indicate that three spectral features and five texture features under a 7 × 7 window have significant sensitivity to vineyard recognition. These spectral features include the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), while texture features include contrast statistics in the near-infrared band (B4_CO) and the variance statistic, contrast statistic, heterogeneity statistic, and correlation statistic derived from NDVI images (NDVI_VA, NDVI_CO, NDVI_DI, and NDVI_COR). The RF algorithm significantly outperforms both the NB and SVM models in extracting vineyard information, boasting an impressive accuracy of 93.89% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.89. This marks a 12.25% increase in accuracy and a 0.11 increment in the Kappa coefficient over the NB model, as well as an 8.02% enhancement in accuracy and a 0.06 rise in the Kappa coefficient compared to the SVM model. Moreover, the RF model, which amalgamates spectral and texture features, exhibits a notable 13.59% increase in accuracy versus the spectral-only model and a 14.92% improvement over the texture-only model. This underscores the efficacy of the RF model in harnessing the spectral and textural attributes of GF-6 imagery for the precise extraction of vineyard data, offering valuable theoretical and methodological insights for future vineyard identification and information retrieval efforts.
Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Real Life (T-ACI): A Prospective Single-Center Observational Study
Authors: Buonomo Antonio Riccardo , Scotto Riccardo , Esposito Nunzia , Viceconte Giulio , Schiano Moriello Nicola , Zumbo Giulia , Vecchietti Ilaria , Lanzardo Amedeo , Iacovazzo Carmine , Curcio Francesco , Roscetto Emanuela , Gentile Ivan
Published: October 2024

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) poses significant challenges in healthcare due to its multidrug resistance and high mortality rates among critically ill patients. Results: We enrolled 45 patients. Cefiderocol was administered to 40% of patients, often (38.8%) in combination with other antibiotics. Colistin was administered to 60% of patients and always in combination, mostly with ampicillin–sulbactam. The overall ECS and OCS rates were 77.8% and 66.7%, respectively. Patients treated with an initial cefiderocol-based regimen showed a higher rate of ECS compared with patients initially treated with colistin-based regimens (100% vs. 63%, p < 0.05). Patients treated with cefiderocol alone showed a higher rate of ECS compared with patients treated with cefiderocol-based regimens (100% vs. 70.6%, p < 0.05). No differences in OCS rates were recorded depending on the treatment received. Additionally, cefiderocol regimens were associated with fewer ADRs compared to colistin-based treatment. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled patients with CRAB infections from January 2022 to August 2023. Patients were treated with cefiderocol-based or colistin-based regimens and were monitored for 28 days to assess early clinical success (ECS), overall clinical success (OCS) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Conclusions: This study highlights the potential advantages of cefiderocol, even used as a monotherapy, in treating CRAB, especially when early clinical and laboratory response was assessed. This research contributes to the ongoing discussion on the most effective and safe treatments for combating CRAB infections, supporting the use of cefiderocol in clinical practice.
Discovery of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Lytic Phages with Extensive Host Range Across Rapid- and Slow-Growing Pathogenic Mycobacterial Species
Authors: Golla Aleen Clare , Chaumontet Jeanne , Vande Voorde Rebecca , Danelishvili Lia
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Developing interventions for Johne’s disease, which focuses on controlling Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in contaminated environments by treating infected cows and preventing transmission from diseased animals, is a critical priority. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy, an emerging biological intervention, offers a promising alternative for the treatment and management of MAP infections. Methods: In this study, we generated an MAP-specific lytic phage library aimed at characterizing the therapeutic potential of phages under environmental and biological conditions that mimic those encountered in infected cattle such as ruminal fluid, milk, colostrum, and the bovine intestinal epithelium, a key site of MAP colonization and, later, transmission. Results: Our library contains a diverse collection of phages that have demonstrated robust lytic activity against MAP. The host range of these phages was thoroughly assessed, revealing that several isolates produce clear plaques on a range of MAP strains, as well as other pathogenic non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) species and M. tuberculosis strains. This broad host range expands the therapeutic potential of the phage collection, positioning it as a potential cross-species antimicrobial tool. In vitro tests under conditions replicating the rumen, milk, and colostrum environments show that selected phages maintain stability and lytic efficacy, even in the presence of complex biological fluids. Furthermore, a subset of these phages was capable of preventing MAP colonization and invasion in cultured bovine epithelial cells, suggesting their potential for direct prophylactic application in cattle. Conclusions. Our collection of MAP phages represents a valuable source that can be developed into probiotic-like preparations, offering a cost-effective solution for prophylaxis and control of Johne’s disease.
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (and Its Resistance to Ciprofloxacin): Validation of a Molecular Biology Tool for Rapid Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Peris María Paz , Alonso Henar , Escolar Cristina , Tristancho-Baró Alexander , Abad María Pilar , Rezusta Antonio , Milagro Ana
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis can cause similar clinical syndromes and may coexist in infections. In emergency medicine, empirical treatment targeting both pathogens is often employed, potentially contributing to antibiotic resistance. Gonococcal resistance has emerged against first-line antimicrobials, necessitating prior testing for fluoroquinolone susceptibility. Certest Biotec developed two molecular diagnostic products for simultaneous detection: VIASURE C. trachomatis & N. gonorrhoeae Real-Time PCR Detection Kit and VIASURE Neisseria gonorrhoeae Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Real-Time PCR Detection Kit. To evaluate these products, clinical performance assessments were conducted at the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Miguel Servet University Hospital in Zaragoza, Spain. Results and Conclusions: Both VIASURE assays under study demonstrated high clinical sensitivity and specificity compared to reference molecular assays and Sanger sequencing. These kits offer an accurate diagnosis, facilitating appropriate treatment choices while addressing concerns about emerging antibiotic resistance. Methods: A total of 540 clinical samples from 540 patients already characterized as positive or negative for CT and NG by a molecular assay and by antibiotic susceptibility testing for ciprofloxacin using a concentration gradient diffusion method were used for the clinical evaluation. In cases where sensitivity results were unavailable, conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing were employed.
Preclinical Validation of MIN-T: A Novel Controlled-Released Formulation for the Adjunctive Local Application of Minocycline in Periodontitis
Authors: Benedyk-Machaczka Małgorzata , Mydel Piotr , Mäder Karsten , Kaminska Marta , Taudte Nadine , Naumann Marcel , Kleinschmidt Martin , Sarembe Sandra , Kiesow Andreas , Eick Sigrun , Buchholz Mirko
Published: October 2024

Background: Adjunctive treatment of periodontitis lacks solutions which allow for enough time for wound healing in the periodontal pockets by avoiding fast re-colonization. Such a solution might be an antibiotic-containing formulation with a controlled release over a period of weeks. Here, a recently described minocycline-containing approach is qualified for further clinical development by focusing on proof-of-concept, systemic burden, resistance development, and degradation studies. Methods: Animal studies were done in two different (mouse-chamber, rat Porphyromonas gingivalis challenging) models, including effects on inflammation markers, bone loss, and bone structure. Also, serum concentrations of minocycline after local application were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The resistance status of bacterial clinical isolates against minocycline was investigated and the degradation of the formulation was characterized by laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Animal studies clearly demonstrated the applicability of the new formulation in the investigated models. Inflammation markers decreased in a dose-dependent manner and reduced bone loss compared to non-treated group was observed. Therefore, the systemic burden of the antibiotic was neglectable. Minocycline is still effective against oral pathogens; resistance development was not seen. The biodegradable thread was first swollen and subsequently degraded over a period of weeks. Conclusions: The results support the continued clinical development of this new formulation. A phase I clinical trial is planned to further evaluate its safety and efficacy.
Invasive Seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae: A Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Belhadj Radia N. A. , Mellinas Cristina , Jiménez Alfonso , Bordehore César , Garrigós Maria Carmen
Published: October 2024

Rugulopteryx okamurae (RO) is a species of brown seaweed that has invaded several shorelines worldwide, including the Spanish Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar coasts, causing serious environmental and economic problems. This work aimed to characterize the bioactive composition of RO. A high content of carbohydrates (58.7 ± 2.6 wt%), fats (17.1 ± 0.4 wt%), and ashes (14.3 ± 0.2 wt%) were found, together with lower protein content (5.5 ± 1.8 wt%). Holocellulose was the most abundant polysaccharide fraction (49.2 ± 1.3 wt%), showing 43.4 ± 2.0 wt% of cellulose and 5.8 ± 0.7 wt% of hemicellulose, followed by lignin (18.9 ± 2.5 wt%). The monosaccharides composition showed a high level of glucose (13.2 ± 1 wt%) and glucuronic acid (9.3 ± 0.5 wt%). RO contained high levels of essential nutrients (Ca, K, Na, S, Mg), trace minerals (Mn, Mo, Se, and Cu), and some toxic heavy metals (Ni, Cd, As). The main fatty acid present in RO was palmitic acid (C16:0, 30.8 ± 3.0 mg/100 g), followed by myristic acid (C14:0, 19.3 ± 2.4 mg/100 g) and eicosatetraenoic acid (C20:4, 19.2 ± 1.3 mg/100 g). The extract obtained by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) presented significant contents of polyphenols (2.7 ± 0.2 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (3.0 ± 0.4 mg TE/g DPPH, 4.5 ± 0.3 mg TE/g ABTS, 4.7 ± 0.3 mg TE/g FRAP). Six main polyphenols were identified by HPLC-MS/MS, showing higher contents of gallic acid (20.7 ± 1.5 mg/g) and chlorogenic acid (9.7 ± 0.5 mg/g). These results highlight the possibilities offered in the valorization of RO to obtain bioactive compounds with antioxidant performance in several applications.
Indigenous Lactic Acid Bacteria as Antioxidant Agents in the Production of Organic Raw Fermented Sausages
Authors: Łepecka Anna , Szymański Piotr , Okoń Anna
Published: October 2024

The study aimed to assess the impact of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains on the antioxidant, physico-chemical properties, and microbiological quality of fermented sausages. Five treatments of raw sausages were prepared: two controls without LAB addition (C, P), and three samples with LAB addition (SCH1, BAL6, KL14). Fatty acid composition, cholesterol content, physico-chemical, microbiological tests, and antioxidant assays, were performed at time 0 and after 1 and 2 months of storage. A significantly higher ability to scavenge free radicals of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was found in sausages with all LAB strains. In the case of the ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) test, it was noted that KL14 treatment had higher antioxidant activity. The main fatty acids in sausages were monounsaturated and saturated. A significantly lower cholesterol content was observed in sausages with the addition of LAB. Sausages with LAB strains differed significantly in pH value. Water activity decreased significantly during storage. After 2 months of storage, the sausages with BAL6 and KL14 strains were characterized by significantly lower redox potential and a lower TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) index. It was found that P sausages had the darkest color. SCH1, BAL6, and KL14 strains were also capable of producing red color. The total number of microorganisms in the sausages was high, which is mainly due to the high LAB content and yeast and mold counts. No spoilage or pathogenic microflora were detected. Indigenous LAB strains have the potential to improve the quality and safety of fermented meat products.
Inhibition of Accumulation of Neutral Lipids and Their Hydroperoxide Species in Hepatocytes by Bioactive Allium sativum Extract
Authors: Dibwe Dya Fita , Oba Saki , Monde Satomi , Hui Shu-Ping
Published: October 2024

Our ongoing research suggests that extracts from plant-based foods inhibit the accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) and oxidized lipid droplets (oxLDs) in liver cells. These findings suggest their potential use in the alleviation of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its most severe manifestation, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Allium extracts (ALs: AL1–AL9) were used to assess their ability to reduce lipid droplet accumulation (LDA) and oxidized lipid droplet accumulation (oxLDA) by inhibiting neutral lipid accumulation and oxidation in LD. Among the tested Allium extracts, AL1, AL3, and AL6 demonstrated substantial inhibitory effects on the LDA. Furthermore, AL1 extract showed real-time inhibition of LDA in HepG2 cells in DMEM supplemented with oleic acid (OA) within 12 h of treatment. Our lipidomic approach was used to quantify the accumulation and inhibition of intracellular triacylglycerol (TAG) and oxidized TAG hydroperoxide [TG (OOH) n = 3] species in hepatocytes under OA and linoleic acid loading conditions. These results suggest that Allium-based foods inhibit LD accumulation by decreasing intracellular lipids and lipid hydroperoxides in the hepatocytes. The metabolomic analysis of AL1—the bioactive LDAI extract—using both LC-MS/MS and 1D-NMR [1H, 13C, and Dept (135 and 90)] approaches revealed that AL1 contains mainly carbohydrates and glucoside metabolites, including iridoid glucosides, as well as minor amino acids, organosulfur compounds, and organic acids such as the antioxidant ascorbic acid (KA2 = S13), and their derivatives, suggesting that AL1 could be a potential resource for the development of functional foods and in drug discovery targeting MAFLD/MASH and other related diseases.
Hybrid Geopolymer Composites Based on Fly Ash Reinforced with Glass and Flax Fibers
Authors: Šimonová Hana , Bazan Patrycja , Kucharczyková Barbara , Kocáb Dalibor , Łach Michał , Mierzwiński Dariusz , Setlak Kinga , Nykiel Marek , Nosal Przemysław , Korniejenko Kinga
Published: October 2024

This article’s aim is to analyze physical, mechanical, and fracture properties as well as the thermal investigation of geopolymer composites reinforced with flax, glass fiber, and also the hybrid combination of fibers. Two types of matrices were considered as composites matrices. The first composition was based on fly ash and river sand. The second matrix composition contained fly ash and glass spheres. The content of reinforcement was 1% by mass. Compressive strength and three-point bending fracture tests were performed. The values of fracture toughness and fracture energy were determined. The resonance method was used to verify the dynamic characteristics, such as the dynamic modulus of elasticity and the dynamic Poisson ratio. The results show that single-type fibers in composites based on fly ash and glass spheres did not affect compressive strength. However, introducing hybrid reinforcement increased compressive strength by about 10% compared to the reference specimens. Flax fibers and hybrid reinforcement ensured higher fracture toughness and energy. The results also revealed great potential for glass sphere application to geopolymer materials in terms of fracture mechanics and thermal properties. Despite the lower strength properties in relation to geopolymers based on sand aggregate, applying reinforced fibers into the composite with glass spheres enhanced the compressive strength compared to other materials. Materials modified with glass spheres have a thermal conductivity twice as low as that of materials containing river sand.
The Development and Reliability of a Surface Electromyography-Based Index for Quantifying Knee Muscle Coactivation During the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test
Authors: Daszkiewicz Maciej , Prill Robert , Reichert Paweł , Becker Roland , Oleksy Łukasz , Kuźniecow Mateusz , Lech Marcin , Kułakowski Michał , Kentel Monika , Kentel Maciej , Kowal Mateusz , Dejnek Maciej , Królikowska Aleksandra
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the reliability of a surface electromyography-based (sEMG) index to quantify knee muscle coactivation in healthy recreational athletes during the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ). A prospective observational repeated measures design was used to assess both intra- and inter-rater reliability. Forty males completed three trials, with two raters independently conducting assessments. sEMG signals from the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus muscles were collected to calculate four coactivation indices (CoAIs) for different muscle pairs. The reliability evaluation of these CoAIs was based on intraclass correlation coefficients. The results revealed that the reliability of the CoAIs varied depending on the muscle pair, direction, and limb examined. The highest intra- and inter-rater reliability was noted for the left lower limb in the posterolateral direction. The lowest reliability was found for the right lower limb in the anterior direction. Statistical analyses indicated significant differences in specific CoAIs across different YBT-LQ directions. These findings highlight the potential of sEMG-based CoAIs for assessing knee muscle activity during the YBT-LQ in healthy male recreational athletes. However, choosing CoAIs is critical for reliable clinical and research assessments of knee stability and neuromuscular control.
Inactivation Efficiency of Bacillus atrophaeus Spores on Seeds of Barley, Wheat, Lupine and Rapeseed by Direct Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma
Authors: Wannicke Nicola , Martins Dias Jasmin , Nishime Thalita M. C. , Brust Henrike
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of direct cold atmospheric plasma (CAPP) treatment for pre-harvest application using four different crop species: Hordeum vulgare L. (barley), Triticum aestivum L. (wheat), Brassica napus L. (rapeseed) and Lupinus angustifolius L. (lupine). The model bacterium Bacillus atrophaeus served as a proxy for spore-forming plant pathogens on the seed surface. After semi-dry inoculation of spores onto the seeds, treatment with two different plasma sources, a volume-dielectric barrier discharge and a corona discharge, and different exposure times was carried out. Subsequently, recovery of viable spores from the seeds’ surfaces was performed. Moreover, seed viability was determined based on maximum germination, as well as water contact angle as a measure for seed surface hydrophilicity. Direct CAPP treatment was efficient in reducing viable spores of B. atrophaeus with no significant differences between the plasma sources, reaching a mean inactivation of 1 log10 CFU/mL across all treatment times and crops species. Maximum germination of seeds was not negatively affected under any treatment condition. Seed hydrophilicity was increased for both plasma sources tested. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the efficiency of direct CAPP treatment of seeds with the purpose of seed hygienization with the premise of unaltered seed vitality and evaluates the potential application in comparison with previous investigated CAPP methods.
Ensuring Stable Operation of Wind Farms Connected to Distribution Networks
Authors: Ilyushin Pavel , Simonov Aleksandr , Suslov Konstantin , Filippov Sergey
Published: October 2024

Wind farms with type IV wind turbines from various manufacturers are being massively put into operation. These wind turbines comply with the requirements of the grid codes of the countries where they are designed and/or manufactured, but do not factor in the specific features of the distribution networks of other countries to which they are connected. The study at issue involves a comparative analysis of the requirements of grid codes of different countries for the stable operation of wind turbines under standard disturbances. The low voltage ride through (LVRT) characteristic makes it possible to prevent wind turbine shutdowns in case of short-term voltage dips of a given depth and duration. The calculations of transient processes indicate that wind turbines may not meet the requirements of the grid code of a particular country for their stable operation. As a result, standard disturbances will block the reactive current injection and the wind turbine will be switched off. This is often caused by the relay protection devices with a time delay of 1–2 s, which are used in distribution networks and implement the functions of long-range redundancy. Excessive shutdowns of wind turbines lead to emergency rises in the loads for the generating units of conventional power plants, aggravating the post-accident conditions and disconnecting consumers of electricity. This article presents a method for checking the LVRT characteristic settings for compliance with the technical requirements for wind turbines. To prevent wind turbine outages, one should either change the configuration of the LVRT characteristic, upgrade the relay protection devices in the distribution network adjacent to the wind farm, or implement group or individual technical solutions at the wind farm. The performance of the proposed technical solutions is confirmed by the calculations of transient processes.
Towards AI-Generated Essay Classification Using Numerical Text Representation
Authors: Krawczyk Natalia , Probierz Barbara , Kozak Jan
Published: October 2024

The detection of essays written by AI compared to those authored by students is increasingly becoming a significant issue in educational settings. This research examines various numerical text representation techniques to improve the classification of these essays. Utilizing a diverse dataset, we undertook several preprocessing steps, including data cleaning, tokenization, and lemmatization. Our system analyzes different text representation methods such as Bag of Words, TF-IDF, and fastText embeddings in conjunction with multiple classifiers. Our experiments showed that TF-IDF weights paired with logistic regression reached the highest accuracy of 99.82%. Methods like Bag of Words, TF-IDF, and fastText embeddings achieved accuracies exceeding 96.50% across all tested classifiers. Sentence embeddings, including MiniLM and distilBERT, yielded accuracies from 93.78% to 96.63%, indicating room for further refinement. Conversely, pre-trained fastText embeddings showed reduced performance, with a lowest accuracy of 89.88% in logistic regression. Remarkably, the XGBoost classifier delivered the highest minimum accuracy of 96.24%. Specificity and precision were above 99% for most methods, showcasing high capability in differentiating between student-created and AI-generated texts. This study underscores the vital role of choosing dataset-specific text representations to boost classification accuracy.
Designing Intensive Care Unit Windows in a Mediterranean Climate: Efficiency, Daylighting, and Circadian Response
Authors: Campano Miguel Ángel , García-Martín Guillermo , Acosta Ignacio , Bustamante Pedro
Published: October 2024

Hospital intensive care units (ICUs) frequently experience inadequate lighting conditions, with low daytime and excessive nighttime illuminance, which can negatively affect patient recovery and the work performance of health personnel. This study examines the impact of window design parameters—specifically, window-to-wall ratio (WWR) and window position—and interior surface reflectance on visual comfort, lighting performance, energy consumption, and human well-being in intensive care units (ICUs) in Mediterranean climates, according to orientation. Using dynamic lighting metrics, such as daylight autonomy (DA) and circadian stimulus autonomy (CSA), this research quantifies the influence of these design factors. The results suggest that a WWR of 25% is optimal for achieving sufficient DA and CSA values, with centered window configurations preferred for uniform daylight distribution and circadian stimulus. This study further emphasizes the significance of interior reflectance, recommending bright coatings to maximize outcomes, while advising against dark finishes, particularly in north-facing rooms or with smaller WWRs. Although Seville shows slightly better performance than Barcelona, the proposed configurations are effective across both locations, highlighting the prioritization of window sizing, positioning, and reflectance over Mediterranean geographical differences. These findings offer practical guidance for ICU design to enhance natural lighting, supporting patient recovery and overall well-being through improved circadian alignment.
Cost-Effective Multispectral Sensor and Artificial Neural Networks for the Detection of Starch Adulteration in Raw Milk
Authors: Durgun Yeliz , Durgun Mahmut
Published: October 2024

This study aims to detect starch adulteration in dairy products utilizing an artificial neural network (ANN) model. Globally, milk fraud represents a significant challenge to food safety, posing substantial health risks to consumers. In this context, spectral data derived from milk samples with varying starch concentrations were processed using feature scaling and normalization techniques. The ANN model was rigorously trained and validated employing the stratified k-fold cross-validation method, demonstrating exceptional proficiency in detecting starch-adulterated milk samples and effectively differentiating among various starch concentrations. The principal findings indicate that the model achieved 100% accuracy, coupled with high levels of precision, sensitivity, and F1-scores. Future research should explore the application of this model to different types of adulteration and extend its validation on larger datasets. Furthermore, the potential adaptability of this method for other food products and field applications warrants investigation. This study offers valuable insights for milk producers, food safety professionals, and consumers, particularly highlighting the implications for small-scale rural farms, thereby enriching the discourse on food safety within short food supply chains.
Portuguese Grapevine Leaves: A Neglected By-Product with High Potential
Authors: Sousa Carla , Moutinho Carla , Matos Carla , Vinha Ana Ferreira
Published: October 2024

In Portugal, grapevine leaves are generally treated as agro-industrial waste, despite being rich in bioactive compounds that offer benefits to human health. This study compiles the most relevant and current data on the phytochemical composition and bioactive properties of grape leaves from both red and white varieties cultivated in the country. These by-products are abundant in flavonoid and non-flavonoid phenolic compounds, such as flavonols, derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acids, carotenoid pigments, and chlorophylls, as well as fatty acids, which have scientifically proven antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cardio-, neuro- and hepatoprotective properties, among others. The combination of these beneficial properties, along with the low toxicity of their compounds, makes grapevine leaves a by-product with great potential for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The key challenge is to develop sustainable methods to reintegrate this by-product into the supply chain, in alignment with the sustainability goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Time Series Forecasting of Thermal Systems Dispatch in Legal Amazon Using Machine Learning
Authors: Buratto William Gouvêa , Muniz Rafael Ninno , Cardoso Rodolfo , Nied Ademir , da Costa Carlos Tavares , Gonzalez Gabriel Villarrubia
Published: October 2024

This paper analyzes time series forecasting methods applied to thermal systems in Brazil, specifically focusing on diesel consumption as a key determinant. Recognizing the critical role of thermal systems in ensuring energy stability, especially during low rain seasons, this study employs bagged, boosted, and stacked ensemble learning methods for time series forecasting focusing on exploring consumption patterns and trends. By leveraging historical data, the research aims to predict future diesel consumption within Brazil’s thermal energy sector. Based on the bagged ensemble learning approach a mean absolute percentage error of 0.089% and a coefficient of determination of 0.9752 were achieved (average considering 50 experiments), showing it to be a promising model for the short-time forecasting of thermal dispatch for the electric power generation system. The bagged model results were better than for boosted and stacked ensemble learning methods, long short-term memory networks, and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems. Since the thermal dispatch in Brazil is closely related to energy prices, the predictions presented here are an interesting way of planning and decision-making for energy power systems.
VEIDEA: A Comprehensive Framework for Implementing Building Information Modeling-Based Value Engineering Within a Common Data Environment in Construction Projects
Authors: Abdelalim Ahmed Mohammed , Elhakeem Ahmed , Alnaser Aljawharah A. , Shibeika Amna , Elsayed Ahmed Mahmoud
Published: October 2024

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry faces significant global challenges, including frequent project delays, budget overruns, and inadequate stakeholder collaboration. To address these issues, Value Engineering (VE) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) have been increasingly used in large-scale, complex construction projects. Although many studies highlight the benefits of integrating VE with BIM, its full practical potential has not yet been realized. This study aims to investigate the integration of VE and BIM within a Common Data Environment (CDE) to improve decision making and project outcomes. A comprehensive framework was developed, consisting of four interconnected modules: (1) Creating the CDE, (2) Developing the BIM Model, (3) Implementing Value Engineering, and (4) Conducting a Value Engineering Study. Central to this framework is the introduction of the VEIDEA” data bank, a structured system based on the OmniClass classification, which stores and organizes VE ideas. Additionally, the framework incorporates the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to automate the evaluation phase, assisting designers and VE teams in making data-driven decisions on design alternatives. Empirical results from a case study of an office building show significant cost savings, with a 20% reduction in reinforced concrete (RC) slab costs and a 39% reduction in flooring material costs. These findings demonstrate the potential for integrating VE and BIM to enhance cost-effectiveness and overall project performance. This study offers a novel approach to optimizing project collaboration, decision making, and efficiency in the AEC industry.
Design of a Bionic Spider Robot with a Two-Degrees-of-Freedom Leg Structure and Body Frame
Authors: Nie Yangwen , Zhu Daikun , Chen Yahui , Hu Xing , Wang Liangliang
Published: October 2024

Spiders have unique biological characteristics and excellent maneuverability, making them an ideal model for bionic robot design. However, traditional bionic spider robot designs usually have multiple degrees of freedom and confront many challenges. These challenges include complex control requirements, higher energy consumption, larger size and weight, higher risk of failure, and higher cost. This study proposes a leg design with two degrees of freedom to reduce its control and manufacturing costs. It can better control leg movement and improve leg force through a multi-link mechanism and a dual-motor system. In addition, the triangular gait and hexagonal body structure align the weight of the body with the support point, thereby enhancing stability. This study offers a comprehensive and organized approach to bio-inspired robot design, providing a valuable reference for future bionic robot development.
Adsorptive Removal of Dyes: A Comparison of Graphene Oxide to Granular Activated Carbon and Zeolite NaY
Authors: Marnani Niloufar Nekouei , Tezel F. Handan , Basu Onita D.
Published: October 2024

Synthetic carbon-based compounds are a prevalent wastewater contaminant that can adversely impact water resources due to their potential carcinogenic and toxic effects on aquatic biota and human health. This research investigates the versatility of graphene oxide (GO) as an alternative to commonly used adsorbents (zeolite NaY (NaY) and granular activated carbon (GAC)) for removal of synthetic cationic dyes. Rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB), were selected as the target contaminants to represent cationic synthetic dyes with differing molecular sizes and structural compositions. Batch experiments using GO, NaY, and GAC as adsorbents were used to assess both physicochemical interactions between adsorbent surfaces and contaminants, and removal efficiency. GO demonstrated the highest removal efficiency for both target contaminants—at 99% and 86%, respectively—while the lowest removal efficiency was observed for NaY. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and BET isotherm models were used to describe the adsorption isotherms. Overall, GO demonstrated a more robust and higher removal efficiency of cationic dyes compared with GAC and NaY, indicating the potential of graphene oxide for the removal of complex structured organic contaminants in wastewater treatment.
Can Women Maintain Their Strength Performance Along the Menstrual Cycle?
Authors: Osmani Florent , Terán-Fernández Danel , Alonso-Pérez Sergio , Ruiz-Alias Santiago A. , García-Pinillos Felipe , Lago-Fuentes Carlos
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to explore the effect of the menstrual cycle (MC) phases (i.e., early follicular phase [EFP], late follicular phase [LFP], and mid-luteal phase [MLP]) on the repetitions performed to momentary failure in back squat and bench press exercises, as well as to determine subsequent fatigue (i.e., change in countermovement jump [CMJ], perceived effort, and muscle soreness). Twelve physically active eumenorrheic women performed a back squat and bench press set to momentary failure at 80% of the one-repetition maximum during the EFP, LFP, and MLP. The results revealed that subjects were able to perform 2.2 [0.2 to 4.2] more repetitions in the LFP with respect to the EFP for the back squat exercise (p = 0.009), but no significant differences were observed for the bench press (p = 0.354). The EFP displayed a larger CMJ height drop (−0.86 [−1.71 to −0.01] cm) with respect to the LFP (0.01 [−0.57 to 0.58] cm) and the MLP (−0.36 [−1.15 to 0.43] cm). Neither the perceived effort of each set to failure nor the resulting muscle soreness differed between MC phases. Therefore, practitioners should be aware that the MC could condition the repetitions available to momentary failure and the resulting allostatic load.
Hyperspectral Imaging Aiding Artificial Intelligence: A Reliable Approach for Food Qualification and Safety
Authors: Nikzadfar Mehrad , Rashvand Mahdi , Zhang Hongwei , Shenfield Alex , Genovese Francesco , Altieri Giuseppe , Matera Attilio , Tornese Iolanda , Laveglia Sabina , Paterna Giuliana , Lovallo Carmela , Mammadov Orkhan , Aykanat Burcu , Di Renzo Giovanni Carlo
Published: October 2024

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is one of the non-destructive quality assessment methods providing both spatial and spectral information. HSI in food quality and safety can detect the presence of contaminants, adulterants, and quality attributes, such as moisture, ripeness, and microbial spoilage, in a non-destructive manner by analyzing spectral signatures of food components in a wide range of wavelengths with speed and accuracy. However, analyzing HSI data can be quite complicated and time consuming, in addition to needing some special expertise. Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown immense promise in HSI for the assessment of food quality because it is so powerful at coping with irrelevant information, extracting key features, and building calibration models. This review has shown various machine learning (ML) approaches applied to HSI for quality and safety control of foods. It covers the basic concepts of HSI, advanced preprocessing methods, and strategies for wavelength selection and machine learning methods. The application of HSI to AI increases the speed with which food safety and quality can be inspected. This happens through automation in contaminant detection, classification, and prediction of food quality attributes. So, it can enable decisions in real-time by reducing human error at food inspection. This paper outlines their benefits, challenges, and potential improvements while again assessing the validity and practical usability of HSI technologies in developing reliable calibration models for food quality and safety monitoring. The review concludes that HSI integrated with state-of-the-art AI techniques has good potential to significantly improve the assessment of food quality and safety, and that various ML algorithms have their strengths, and contexts in which they are best applied.