bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram for predicting the unfavourable outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy for lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective study
Authors: Jiang Xiaofeng , Gu Lili , Xu Gang , Cao Xuezhong , Jiang Jian , Zhang Daying , Xu Mu , Yan Yi
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate and integrate multiple independent risk factors to establish a nomogram for predicting the unfavourable outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) for lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Methods

From January 2018 to December 2019, a total of 425 patients with LDH undergoing PETD were included in this retrospective study. All patients were divided into the development and validation cohort at a ratio of 4:1. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the independent risk factors associated with the clinical outcomes of PETD for LDH in the development cohort, and a prediction model (nomogram) was established to predict the unfavourable outcomes of PETD for LDH. In the validation cohort, the nomogram was validated by the concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

29 of 340 patients showed unfavourable outcomes in the development cohort, and 7 of 85 patients showed unfavourable outcomes in the validation cohort. Body mass index (BMI), course of disease (COD), protrusion calcification (PC), and preoperative lumbar epidural steroid injection (LI) were independent risk factors associated with the unfavourable outcomes of PETD for LDH and were identified as predictors for the nomogram. The nomogram was validated by the validation cohort and showed high consistency (C-index = 0.674), good calibration and high clinical value.

Conclusions

The nomogram based on patients' preoperative clinical characteristics, including BMI, COD, LI and PC, can be used to accurately predict the unfavourable outcomes of PETD for LDH.
Antiviral treatment with valacyclovir reduces virus shedding in saliva of Antarctic expeditioners
Authors: Mehta Satish K. , Diak Douglass M. , Rooney Bridgette V. , Krieger Stephanie S. , Nelman-Gonzalez Mayra , Locke James P. , Nagel Maria A. , Young Millennia , Crucian Brian E.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Reactivation of herpes viruses, such as Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), and varicella zoster virus (VZV), increases in astronauts during spaceflight, compared with their preflight and postflight levels. Reactivations can increase the risk of associated clinical conditions, such as herpes zoster, chronic neuropathic pain, vision loss, stroke, cognitive impairment, and cold sores. Furthermore, continued viral shedding for longer periods after space travel may increase the risk of viral transmission to uninfected crew contacts, including, but not limited to, the immunocompromised and newborn infants. Thus, it is essential to develop spaceflight countermeasures to prevent herpes viral reactivations to ensure the health of crewmembers and their contacts. One such countermeasure is the prophylactic administration of an antiviral drug (valacyclovir) against the alpha herpesviruses (VZV and HSV1). To determine the effectiveness of this countermeasure, we studied the shedding of EBV, VZV, and HSV1 in Antarctic expeditioners, who have similar salivary viral shedding patterns during winter-over to astronauts during long spaceflights.

Methods

The efficacy of this antiviral drug as a countermeasure was determined using three major parameters in the saliva of expeditioners during winter-over with and without administration of this drug: (i) viral load and frequency, (ii) physiological stress biomarkers [i.e., levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and amylase), and (iii) immune markers (i.e., inflammatory cytokines)]. Thirty-two volunteers from two Antarctic stations (McMurdo and South Pole) participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (valacyclovir HCl: 1 g/day) or placebo group (oyster calcium: 500mg/day).

Results

Viral shedding of EBV reduced significantly (> 24-fold) in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. HSV1 was also reduced by more than fivefold, but this was not statistically significant. No VZV shedding was observed in any of the participants. In the placebo group 50% of the saliva samples had measurable viral DNA (EBV, HSV1, or both), compared with 19% of the treatment group. There was no significant change in the ratio of cortisol to DHEA or levels of alpha-amylase, indicating that physiological stress was similar between the groups. No difference was detected in levels of salivary cytokines, except IL-10, which was found in significantly lower levels in the treatment group.

Discussion

These data indicate that valacyclovir is a safe and successful intervention to reduce EBV and HSV1 shedding in individuals subjected to extreme environments and stressors.
The emergence of the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant in India: a brief report on clinical presentation of a few cases
Authors: Samal Jasmine , Bhugra Arjun , Suroliya Varun , Gautam Pramod , Agarwal Reshu , Bihari Chhagan , Gupta Ekta
Published: June 2023

Despite the three years spent navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists are still having to react to the disease due to the constant evolution of novel variants/subvariants. Over the last few months, a global plummet in COVID-19 cases has suggested we are transitioning towards endemic COVID-19. However, the new omicron offshoots (XBB variants) are driving a new surge of cases around the world. A few preliminary research findings suggest that the XBB.1.5 subvariant is more immune-evasive and displays higher binding to ACE2 human receptor than its other related omicron subvariants in circulation. In this first-of-its-kind report, we discuss a few XBB.1.5 cases and its clinical characteristics reported in Delhi State, North India.
Expression of aquaporin 1, 3 and 5 in colorectal carcinoma: correlation with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis
Authors: Zhang Guangwen , Hao Yongfei , Chen Ling , Li Zengshan , Gao Langlang , Tian Jian , Qiao Qing , Zhang Jinsong
Published: June 2023

Background: Prognostic biomarkers in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) have an important role in therapeutic strategy. Studies have shown that high expression of Aquaporin (AQP) is associated with poor prognosis in a variety of human tumors. AQP is involved in the initiation and development of CRC. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between the expression of AQP1, 3 and 5 and clinicopathological features or prognosis in CRC.

Methods: The AQP1, 3 and 5 expressions were analyzed based on the immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarray specimens including 112 patients with CRC between June 2006 and November 2008. The expression score of AQP (Allred_score and H_score) was digitally obtained with Qupath software. Patients were divided into high or low expression subgroups based on the optimal cut-off values. The relationship between expression of AQP and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated using chi-square test, t-test, or one-way ANOVA, when appropriate. Survival analysis of 5-year progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was performed with time-dependent ROC, Kaplan-Meier curves, univariate and multivariate COX analysis.

Results: The AQP1, 3 and 5 expressions were associated with regional lymph node metastasis, histological grading, and tumor location in CRC, respectively (p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with high AQP1 expression had worse 5-year PFS than those with low AQP1 expression (Allred_score: 47% vs. 72%, p = 0.015; H_score: 52% vs. 78% p = 0.006), as well as 5-year OS (Allred_score: 51% vs. 75%, p = 0.005; H_score: 56% vs. 80%, p = 0.002). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that AQP1 expression was an independent risk prognostic factor (p = 0.033, HR = 2.274, HR95% CI: 1.069–4.836). There was no significant correlation between the expression of AQP3 and 5 and the prognosis.

Conclusion: The AQP1, 3 and 5 expressions correlate with different clinicopathological characteristics and the AQP1 expression may be a potential biomarker of prognosis in CRC.
Addressing the Burden and Management Strategies for Disparities and Inequities Among Liver Transplant Professionals: The ILTS Experience
Authors: Andacoglu Oya , Izzy Manhal , Adelmann Dieter , Aguilera Victoria , Becchetti Chiara , Berenguer Marina , Berlakovich Gabriella A. , Ghosh Simantika , Giorgakis Emmanouil , Kemmer Nyingi , Lunsford Keri E. , Montasser Iman F. , Montenovo Martin I. , Mrzljak Anna , Pai Sher-Lu , Scalera Irene , Selzner Nazia
Published: June 2023

Medical professional environments are becoming increasingly multicultural, international, and diverse in terms of its specialists. Many transplant professionals face challenges related to gender, sexual orientation or racial background in their work environment or experience inequities involving access to leadership positions, professional promotion, and compensation. These circumstances not infrequently become a major source of work-related stress and burnout for these disadvantaged, under-represented transplant professionals. In this review, we aim to 1) discuss the current perceptions regarding disparities among liver transplant providers 2) outline the burden and impact of disparities and inequities in the liver transplant workforce 3) propose potential solutions and role of professional societies to mitigate inequities and maximize inclusion within the transplant community.
A Fast Hybrid Pressure-Correction Algorithm for Simulating Incompressible Flows by Projection Methods
Authors: Fang Jiannong
Published: June 2023

To enforce the conservation of mass principle, a pressure Poisson equation arises in the numerical solution of incompressible fluid flow using the pressure-based segregated algorithms such as projection methods. For unsteady flows, the pressure Poisson equation is solved at each time step usually in physical space using iterative solvers, and the resulting pressure gradient is then applied to make the velocity field divergence-free. It is generally accepted that this pressure-correction stage is the most time-consuming part of the flow solver and any meaningful acceleration would contribute significantly to the overall computational efficiency. The objective of the present work was to develop a fast hybrid pressure-correction algorithm for numerical simulation of incompressible flows around obstacles in the context of projection methods. The key idea is to adopt different numerical methods/discretisations in the sub-steps of projection methods. Here, a classical second-order time-marching projection method, which consists of two sub-steps, was chosen for the purposes of demonstration. In the first sub-step, the momentum equations were discretised on unstructured grids and solved by conventional numerical methods, here a meshless method. In the second sub-step (pressure-correction), the proposed algorithm adopts a double-discretisation system and combines the weighted least-squares approximation with the essence of immersed boundary methods. Such a design allowed us to develop an FFT-based solver to speed up the solution of the pressure Poisson equation for flow cases with obstacles, while keeping the implementation of the boundary conditions for the momentum equations as easy as conventional numerical methods do with unstructured grids. The numerical experiments of five test cases were performed to verify and validate the proposed hybrid algorithm and evaluate its computational performance. The results showed that the new FFT-based hybrid algorithm works and is robust, and it was significantly faster than the multigrid-based reference method. The hybrid algorithm opens an avenue for the development of next-generation high-performance parallel computational fluid dynamics solvers for incompressible flows.
Uncertainty in the Planning Phase of Public Projects—Its Scope, Consequences, and Possible Remedies
Authors: Kuchta Dorota , Canonico Paolo , Capone Vincenza , Capaldo Guido
Published: June 2023

The aim of the study was to assess the uncertainty scope and types present in public projects, with uncertainty defined as a lack of knowledge, and to formulate recommendations for improving the success rate of public projects. Apart from a literature review, a questionnaire was administered among 60 Italian and 40 Polish public-project managers. Questions about the level of knowledge of various project aspects (e.g., project stakeholders or project environment) in the project-planning phase were asked. It was found that, in their own opinion, knowledge of essential aspects of public projects in the planning stage was fairly low among public-project managers. On top of that, the results showed in which areas, and in which of the two countries, the uncertainty was mostly present. This type of research has not been identified in the literature. In both countries, an especially high uncertainty level characterized project stakeholders. The survey’s conclusions are juxtaposed with results from the literature: the negative influence of lack of knowledge (i.e., uncertainty) on project success, specific features of public projects and public-project managers, and the fact that certain negative phenomena influencing project success are significantly more present in the public than in the private sector. Our results indicate which aspects of public projects in both countries should be subject to deep changes—as far as information collecting and processing, in the project-defining and planning phase, is concerned. All this leads to recommendations of measures to be introduced in the public sector with respect to public-project management, e.g., the establishment of project management offices, project knowledge sharing, project management training—all focused on the identified uncertainty types in public projects, such as management of project stakeholders. The main limitations of the study were the relatively small sample sizes, a non-random sample selection, a bias due to misinterpretation of the questions, and cultural differences.
Effects of Language Ontology on Transatlantic Automatic Speech Understanding Research Collaboration in the Air Traffic Management Domain
Authors: Chen Shuo , Helmke Hartmut , Tarakan Robert M. , Ohneiser Oliver , Kopald Hunter , Kleinert Matthias
Published: June 2023

As researchers around the globe develop applications for the use of Automatic Speech Recognition and Understanding (ASRU) in the Air Traffic Management (ATM) domain, Air Traffic Control (ATC) language ontologies will play a critical role in enabling research collaboration. The MITRE Corporation (MITRE) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), having independently developed ATC language ontologies for specific applications, recently compared these ontologies to identify opportunities for improvement and harmonization. This paper extends the topic in two ways. First, this paper describes the specific ways in which ontologies facilitate the sharing of and collaboration on data, models, algorithms, metrics, and applications in the ATM domain. Second, this paper provides comparative analysis of word frequencies in ATC speech in the United States and Europe to illustrate that, whereas methods and tools for evaluating ASRU applications can be shared across researchers, the specific models would not work well between regions due to differences in the underlying corpus data.
Concept of a Modular Multirotor Heavy Lift Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Platform
Authors: Kotarski Denis , Piljek Petar , Pranjić Marko , Kasać Josip
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a novel concept of a modular multirotor aerial robotic platform that can be used for specific profiles of heavy payload missions. A comprehensive mathematical model of the multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is presented, which is divided into the dynamic model and the control allocation scheme that describes the configuration of the aircraft. The components of the propulsion and energy module are selected, and the characterization of the propulsion units is carried out, as well as a preliminary analysis of the module parameters with regard to the considered payloads from 5 to 50 kg. The main goal is to design a modular aircraft that consists of easy-to-assemble modules and that enables the assembly of different propulsion and energy module configurations. Based on the analysis of system parameters, a modular aerial system is designed and the process of manufacturing using rapid prototyping technologies is presented. Based on the parameters obtained from the aircraft assembly CAD model and the implemented mathematical model, simulations are conducted for the two considered missions in the field of smart agriculture. For the purpose of conducting preliminary experiments, a quadrotor aircraft is built and tested in the case of attitude and remote control.
Exploring New Opportunities for Agritourism in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Ohe Yasuo
Published: June 2023

COVID-19 has exerted a tremendous impact on tourism and hospitality businesses. Agritourism is no exception, and the impacts have been both negative and positive concerning the activity of agricultural production. Online direct selling of farm products is a good example of a positive outcome and has contributed to the resilience of agritourism, compensating for the revenue drop from tourism activity. This aspect is unique to agritourism farms. Since COVID-19 stimulated new activity, it is necessary to nurture skills that take advantage of these emerging opportunities in the post-COVID-19 era. Further, we must explore innovative avenues, such as rural e-hospitality, preventive medical effects, and compatible entrepreneurship between those engaged in individual agritourism and community-based tourism. For this purpose, we need to accumulate empirical evidence on these preventive medical effects provided by agritourism in the future.
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing for Early Detection of Wheat Leaf Rust Caused by Puccinia triticina
Authors: Terentev Anton , Badenko Vladimir , Shaydayuk Ekaterina , Emelyanov Dmitriy , Eremenko Danila , Klabukov Dmitriy , Fedotov Alexander , Dolzhenko Viktor
Published: June 2023

Early crop disease detection is one of the most important tasks in plant protection. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the early wheat leaf rust detection possibility using hyperspectral remote sensing. The first task of the study was to choose tools for processing and analyze hyperspectral remote sensing data. The second task was to analyze the wheat leaf biochemical profile by chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. The third task was to discuss a possible relationship between hyperspectral remote sensing data and the results from the wheat leaves, biochemical profile analysis. The work used an interdisciplinary approach, including hyperspectral remote sensing and data processing methods, as well as spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. As a result, (1) the VIS-NIR spectrometry data analysis showed a high correlation with the hyperspectral remote sensing data; (2) the most important wavebands for disease identification were revealed (502, 466, 598, 718, 534, 766, 694, 650, 866, 602, 858 nm). An early disease detection accuracy of 97–100% was achieved from fourth dai (day/s after inoculation) using SVM.
Makeup Water Addition Can Affect the Growth of Scenedesmus dimorphus in Photobioreactors
Authors: Osabutey Augustina , Haleem Noor , Uguz Seyit , Albert Karlee L. , Anderson Gary A. , Min Kyungnan , Yang Xufei
Published: June 2023

Makeup water constitutes a key component in the water management of microalgal cultivation systems. However, the effect of makeup water addition on microalgal growth remains largely unexplored. This study compared two deionized water addition intervals (1 day and 4 days) for their effect on the growth of Scenedesmus dimorphus (S. dimorphus hereafter) in 2000 mL Pyrex bottles under controlled conditions. Cell counts and dry algal biomass (DAB) were measured to characterize the microalgal growth rate. Water addition intervals impacted algal cell counts but had little effect on DAB. Adding makeup water every day resulted in a higher growth rate (8.80 ± 1.46 × 105 cells mL−1 day−1; p = 0.22, though) and an earlier occurrence of the peak cell count (day 9) than adding it every 4 days (6.95 ± 1.68 × 105 cells mL−1 day−1 and day 12, respectively). It is speculated that water loss over an extended period and the following makeup water addition posed stress on S. dimorphus. Surpassing the peak cell count, S. dimorphus continued to grow in DAB, resulting in an increased cell weight as a response to nutrient starvation. Optical density at 670 nm (OD670) was also measured. Its correlation with DAB was found to be affected by water addition intervals (R2 = 0.955 for 1 day and 0.794 for 4 days), possibly due to a water loss-induced change in chlorophyll a content. This study is expected to facilitate the makeup water management of photobioreactor and open pond cultivation systems.
Mild Hydrothermal Treatment for Improving Outturn of Basmati Rice
Authors: Gunathilake D. M. C. Champathi , Senadeera Wijitha
Published: June 2023

Hydrothermal treatment of rice, called “Parboiling”, is an ancient traditional process in Asian countries. It consists of soaking rough rice in water and steaming it, and it both reduces the level of grain breakage and increases head yield of rice during milling. However, parboiling of rice is associated with some drawbacks regarding consumer preferences: the loss of its aroma, reduced rice-kernel whiteness and increased kernel hardness. This research study was carried out to develop a mild hydrothermal treatment that could be applied to basmati paddy by controlling hydrothermal treatment, i.e., soaking water temperature, steaming pressure and time. The Basmati 370 paddy variety was used for this study. The results revealed that, by soaking the paddy in hot water (70 ± 2 °C) for 75 min and steaming the soaked paddy for 20 min with non-pressurized steam at atmospheric pressure, and soaking the paddy for 120 min in hot water (70 ± 2 °C) and steaming the soaked paddy for 4 min with pressurized steam (4 kg/cm2), the optimum treatments are achieved. These optimum hydrothermal treatments were able to produce high head rice yield and preserve the basmati aroma, colour, hardness and palatability characteristics similar to non-parboiled basmati rice. Further, nutritional values such as vitamin B and protein content were also significantly preserved by these mild hydrothermal treatments. These optimized treatment combinations achieved minimized grain breakage while increasing head rice yield during milling and, at the same time, preserved basmati aroma, kernel whiteness, cooking and palatability characteristics similar to non-parboiled rice.
Design of Vegetation Index for Identifying the Mosaic Virus in Sugarcane Plantation: A Brazilian Case Study
Authors: Moriya Érika Akemi Saito , Imai Nilton Nobuhiro , Tommaselli Antonio Maria Garcia , Honkavaara Eija , Rosalen David Luciano
Published: June 2023

Phytosanitary control of crops requires the rapid mapping of diseases to enable management attention. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of vegetation indices for the detection of sugarcane mosaic disease. Spectral indices were applied to hyperspectral images collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to find the areas affected by the mosaic virus in sugarcane. Identifying indices capable of detecting diseased plants in agricultural crops supports data processing and the development of efficient tools. A new index was designed based on spectral regions, which presents higher differences between healthy and mosaic virus-infected leaves to enhance hyperspectral image pixels representing diseased plants. Based on the data generated, we propose the anthocyanin red edge index (AREI) for mosaic virus detection in sugarcane plantations. An index that can adequately identify sugarcane infected by the mosaic virus may incorporate wavelengths associated with variations in leaf pigment concentrations as well as changes in leaf structure. The indices that assessed to detect plants infected with the sugarcane mosaic virus were the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalised difference vegetation index red edge (NDVI705), new vegetation index (NVI), ARI2 and AREI. The results showed that AREI presented the best performance for the detection of mosaic in sugarcane from UAV images, giving an overall accuracy of 0.94, a kappa coefficient of 0.87, and omission and inclusion errors of 2.86% and 10.52%, respectively. The results show the importance of wavelengths associated with the concentration of chlorophyll and anthocyanin and the position of the red edge for the detection of diseases in sugarcane.
The Effect of New Nano-Released 1,1-Dimethyl-Piperidinium Chloride (DPC) Drip Application on Cotton Agronomic Traits
Authors: Lou Shanwei , Du Mingwei , Gao Fei , Tian Xiaoli , Zhang Pengzhong , Li Jie , Duan Liusheng
Published: June 2023

The use of 1,1-dimethyl-piperidinium chloride (DPC) in Xinjiang is one of the necessary measures for regulating cotton populations and optimizing canopy structure. However, mechanical spraying involves operation and energy consumption, which can alternatively be achieved via drip application. In the present study, to investigate the effect of drip application, two types of hydrophobic nano-released DPCs were used to regulate plant type at different dosages. DPC dripingation reduced plant height by more than 10 cm and plant width by more than 4 cm, and the effect improved with increasing concentration and times. The main effect of height control was at the 6th–10th nodes of the main stem, and the effect of width control was observed at the 1st and 2nd nodes of the fruit branch. The SPAD value was higher than that in the control group during the initial stages. An irregular downward trend was observed in the subsequent stages. The proline content was higher than that of the control and increased with higher concentrations of DPC. There was no significant difference in the soil DPC content at the different sites. The DPC content decreased by more than 30% at the seventh day after dripping, and the content was 2–4 μg·g−1 in each treatment. At 15 days after application, the soil DPC was lower than 1 μg·g−1 in all treatments. The number of harvested plants was more than 150,000 plants·hm−2, and the number of bolls per plant increased at least by one, compared with the control. The final yield of seed cotton increased by at least 300 kg·hm−2, with a maximum increase of 1672.01 kg·hm−2. Considering the different types of DPCs, nano-released types worked better than the conventional type in terms of plant height, plant width, degradation in soil and boll formation. Nano-released DPC can play an even better role than conventional DPC in chemical regulation with drip irrigation.
Land Resources in Organic Agriculture: Trends and Challenges in the Twenty-First Century from Global to Croatian Contexts
Authors: Ondrasek Gabrijel , Horvatinec Jelena , Kovačić Marina Bubalo , Reljić Marko , Vinceković Marko , Rathod Santosha , Bandumula Nirmala , Dharavath Ramesh , Rashid Muhammad Imtiaz , Panfilova Olga , Kodikara Kodikara Arachchilage Sunanda , Defterdarović Jasmina , Krevh Vedran , Filipović Vilim , Filipović Lana , Čop Tajana , Njavro Mario
Published: June 2023

Organic agriculture (OA) is a continuously growing global concept that emphasizes the use of sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. By adopting OA, it is possible to improve ecosystems services, increase biodiversity, decrease environmental pollution, reduce carbon footprints and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, generating food that is free from harmful residues of agrochemicals, thereby enhancing food safety and security. This study provides a comprehensive review of the latest insights on the global utilization of land resources in OA, focusing particularly on some EU countries that experienced a notable and rapid progress in organic farming during the past two decades. With negligible 1.6% (75 Mha) of global cropland is currently dedicated to OA, there is ample opportunity to expand the adoption of OA and realize its multi-beneficial potential for farmers (by premium prices), and consumers (by healthier and nutritious food). The importance of OA has been recognized by the most recent EU agro-environmental policies and green strategies, with an ambitious goal to have at least 25% of agroecosystems under organic management by 2030. Despite numerous financial supports and a multifold increase in OA land area, many member states are unlikely to achieve this goal, including Croatia, which currently has a share of only 8% (~109,000 ha) of lands in OA. Furthermore, converting conventional land to organic farming has not always led to an increase in value-added final OA products. EU policies related to OA have been focused on the area of land cultivated organically, rather than overall production performance, and financial subsidies have been essential to achieve this policy. Therefore, some of critical obstacles and challenges for OA under rising pressures due to global climate change, public health and geopolitical crises need to be managed by specifically designed policies and regulations, which would contribute to more sustainable OA, i.e., food safety and security.
Evaluation of Yield Potential and Combining Ability in Thai Elite Cassava Varieties for Breeding Selection
Authors: Yuanjit Pongpitak , Vuttipongchaikij Supachai , Wonnapinij Passorn , Ceballos Hernan , Kraichak Ekaphan , Jompuk Choosak , Kittipadakul Piya
Published: June 2023

Cassava breeding is a critical aspect of sustainable agriculture to address the challenges of food security and climate change. The present study aimed to assess the combining ability of six Thai cassava elite varieties for four key traits, including fresh root yield (FRY), fresh shoot yield (FSY), harvest index (HI) and starch content (SC) through an analysis of the diallel mating design over two years. Parental lines HB80 and R5 showed significant positive general combining ability (GCA) effects for high SC; R1 and HB80 for low FSY; and R1 for high FRY and HI. The genetic effects for FSY, SC and HI were primarily influenced by the GCA of the progenitors, while specific combining ability (SCA) was more important for the FRY than the other three traits. Cultivation conditions were also found to impact the evaluation of genetic effects, with a poor growing environment affecting the expression of the genotype. This study provides a useful basis for the selection of parental lines for cassava breeding programs and insights into the genetic control of yield and related traits in the Thai elite cassava germplasm.
An Open-Source, Low-Cost Apparatus for Conductivity Measurements Based on Arduino and Coupled to a Handmade Cell
Authors: Visco Giovanni , Dell’Aglio Emanuele , Tomassetti Mauro , Fontanella Luca Ugo , Sammartino Maria Pia
Published: June 2023

Electrical conductivity is one of the main parameters for the characterization of water solutions and for the monitoring of water sources. In this paper, we describe a very inexpensive prototype for conductivity measurements based on Arduino UNO R3 coupled to an open-source circuit board with only passive components. We designed the printed circuit board (PCB) and the suitable handmade cell using stainless-steel electrodes and wrote the freeware management software; the assembly of the prototype, including a temperature probe, and results were relatively simple. In order to allow for replicates, the instrument design, schematics, and software are available with an open-source license. Thirty-one bottles of spring waters with conductivities of between 15.2 and 2000 µS cm−1 were tested using both this prototype and a commercial conductivity meter. Data correlation produced an equation that allowed us to obtain the conductivity value, starting with the value furnished by the Arduino apparatus in arbitrary units. The prototype is accurate enough (inaccuracy lower than 6% excluding very low conductivity values) and precise (RSD% of about 5%). Even if a lot of commercial instruments for conductivity are available, we propose a prototype built with the aim of lowering the cost of measurements, while ensuring that they remain useful for lab or in situ application, as well as for continuous water monitoring/management systems. A further aim was to propose the building of the instrument as a laboratory exercise; this can help students to better understand basic theoretical concepts regarding conductivity, electronic components, and the acquisition and treatment of analytical data.
Use of Innovative Tools for the Detection of the Impact of Heat Stress on Reticulorumen Parameters and Cow Walking Activity Levels
Authors: Antanaitis Ramūnas , Džermeikaitė Karina , Šimkutė Agnė , Girdauskaitė Akvilė , Ribelytė Ieva , Anskienė Lina
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the temperature and humidity index on reticulorumen parameters such as temperature, pH, rumination index, and cow walking activity levels. Throughout the experiment, the following parameters were recorded: reticulorumen pH (pH), reticulorumen temperature (RR temp.), reticulorumen temperature without drinking cycles, ambient temperature, ambient relative humidity, cow walking activity levels, heat index, and temperature–humidity index (THI). These parameters were registered with particular smaXtec boluses. SmaXtec boluses were applied on 1 July 2022; 24 days were the adaptation period. Measurements started at 25 July 2022 and finished at 29 August 2022. The THI was divided into two classes: THI < 72 (comfort zone) and THI ≥ 72 (higher risk of thermal stress). Cows assigned to the 2nd THI class had lower average values for pH, temperature, and rumination index, but not walking activity levels. The mean differences ranged from 0.36 percent in temperature to 11.61 percent in walking activity levels (p < 0.01). An analysis of the THI revealed a significant positive linear relation with hours, where the THI had a tendency to increase on average by 0.2403. The reticuloruminal pH showed a negative linear relation with hours, where the reticuloruminal pH had a tendency to decrease on average by 0.0032, p < 0.001. Data analysis revealed a significant positive linear relationship between walking activity levels and hours, where walking activity levels had a tendency to increase on average by 0.0622 steps per hour, p < 0.001. The rumination index was not significantly related to hours (p < 0.005), although the rumination index had a tendency to increase by 0.4376 per hour, p > 0.05. The influence of HS on reticulorumen parameters increased the risk of acidosis and cows’ activity levels. HS had a negative impact on reticulorumen pH, temperature, and the rumination index. A higher THI (≥72) increased the risk of ruminal acidosis and decreased cows’ physical activity levels. From a practical point of view, we can use innovative tools for the detection of HS and its impact on reticulorumen parameters and cow walking activity levels.
Artificial Intelligence for Automatic Monitoring of Respiratory Health Conditions in Smart Swine Farming
Authors: Lagua Eddiemar B. , Mun Hong-Seok , Ampode Keiven Mark B. , Chem Veasna , Kim Young-Hwa , Yang Chul-Ju
Published: June 2023

Porcine respiratory disease complex is an economically important disease in the swine industry. Early detection of the disease is crucial for immediate response to the disease at the farm level to prevent and minimize the potential damage that it may cause. In this paper, recent studies on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the early detection and monitoring of respiratory disease in swine have been reviewed. Most of the studies used coughing sounds as a feature of respiratory disease. The performance of different models and the methodologies used for cough recognition using AI were reviewed and compared. An AI technology available in the market was also reviewed. The device uses audio technology that can monitor and evaluate the herd’s respiratory health status through cough-sound recognition and quantification. The device also has temperature and humidity sensors to monitor environmental conditions. It has an alarm system based on variations in coughing patterns and abrupt temperature changes. However, some limitations of the existing technology were identified. Substantial effort must be exerted to surmount the limitations to have a smarter AI technology for monitoring respiratory health status in swine.
Dead Laying Hens Detection Using TIR-NIR-Depth Images and Deep Learning on a Commercial Farm
Authors: Luo Sheng , Ma Yiming , Jiang Feng , Wang Hongying , Tong Qin , Wang Liangju
Published: June 2023

In large-scale laying hen farming, timely detection of dead chickens helps prevent cross-infection, disease transmission, and economic loss. Dead chicken detection is still performed manually and is one of the major labor costs on commercial farms. This study proposed a new method for dead chicken detection using multi-source images and deep learning and evaluated the detection performance with different source images. We first introduced a pixel-level image registration method that used depth information to project the near-infrared (NIR) and depth image into the coordinate of the thermal infrared (TIR) image, resulting in registered images. Then, the registered single-source (TIR, NIR, depth), dual-source (TIR-NIR, TIR-depth, NIR-depth), and multi-source (TIR-NIR-depth) images were separately used to train dead chicken detecting models with object detection networks, including YOLOv8n, Deformable DETR, Cascade R-CNN, and TOOD. The results showed that, at an IoU (Intersection over Union) threshold of 0.5, the performance of these models was not entirely the same. Among them, the model using the NIR-depth image and Deformable DETR achieved the best performance, with an average precision (AP) of 99.7% (IoU = 0.5) and a recall of 99.0% (IoU = 0.5). While the IoU threshold increased, we found the following: The model with the NIR image achieved the best performance among models with single-source images, with an AP of 74.4% (IoU = 0.5:0.95) in Deformable DETR. The performance with dual-source images was higher than that with single-source images. The model with the TIR-NIR or NIR-depth image outperformed the model with the TIR-depth image, achieving an AP of 76.3% (IoU = 0.5:0.95) and 75.9% (IoU = 0.5:0.95) in Deformable DETR, respectively. The model with the multi-source image also achieved higher performance than that with single-source images. However, there was no significant improvement compared to the model with the TIR-NIR or NIR-depth image, and the AP of the model with multi-source image was 76.7% (IoU = 0.5:0.95) in Deformable DETR. By analyzing the detection performance with different source images, this study provided a reference for selecting and using multi-source images for detecting dead laying hens on commercial farms.
Outcomes of Intravenous Push versus Intermittent Infusion Administration of Cefepime in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Smith Susan E. , Halbig Zachary , Fox Nicholas R. , Bland Christopher M. , Branan Trisha N.
Published: June 2023

The equivalence of intravenous push (IVP) and piggyback (IVPB) administration has not been evaluated in the critically ill population for most medications, but it is especially relevant for antibiotics, such as cefepime, that exhibit time-dependent bactericidal activity. A single center, retrospective, observational pre/post-protocol change study included critically ill adults who received cefepime as empiric therapy between August 2015 and 2021. The primary outcome was treatment failure, which was defined as a composite of escalation of antibiotic regimen or all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included adverse drug events, days of cefepime therapy, total days of antibiotic therapy, and ICU and hospital length of stay. Outcomes were compared using Chi-squared, Mann Whitney U, and binary logistic regression as appropriate. A total of 285 patients were included: 87 IVPB and 198 IVP. Treatment failure occurred in 18% (n = 16) of the IVPB group and 27% (n = 54) of the IVP group (p = 0.109). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes. Longer duration of antibiotics (odds ratio [OR] 1.057, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.013–1.103), SOFA score (OR 1.269, 95% CI 1.154–1.397) and IVP administration of cefepime (OR 2.370, 95% CI 1.143–4.914) were independently associated with treatment failure. Critically ill patients who received IVP cefepime were more likely to experience treatment failure in an adjusted analysis. The current practice of IVP cefepime should be reevaluated, as it may not provide similar clinical outcomes in the critically ill population.
Impact of Mt. Olympus Honeys on Virulence Factors Implicated in Pathogenesis Exerted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tsavea Eleni , Tzika Paraskevi , Katsivelou Eleni , Adamopoulou Anna , Nikolaidis Marios , Amoutzias Grigorios D. , Mossialos Dimitris
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of twenty honey samples, harvested in Mt. Olympus (Greece), on the virulence factors implicated in P. aeruginosa pathogenesis. Six key virulence factors (protease and elastase activity, pyocyanin and pyoverdine concentration, biofilm formation, and swimming motility) were selected in order to assess the effect of the tested honeys compared with Manuka honey. All tested honeys demonstrated a significant inhibition of protease and elastase activity compared with the control. Six and thirteen honeys exerted superior protease (no inhibition zone) and elastase (values lower than 55%) activity, respectively, compared with Manuka honey. Seventeen tested honeys exhibited reduced pyoverdine production compared with the control; all tested honeys, except for one, showed an inhibitory effect on pyocyanin production compared with the control. Regarding swimming motility, nine tested honeys demonstrated significantly higher inhibition compared with Manuka honey. Honey concentrations (6% v/v and 8% v/v) had the most profound impact, as they reduced biofilm formation to less than 20% compared with the control. Overall, our data demonstrate a significant inhibition of the virulence factors in the tested Mt. Olympus honeys, highlighting the strong antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa, an antibiotic-resistant pathogen of growing concern, which is implicated in severe nosocomial infections globally.
On-Orbit Magnetometer Data Calibration Using Genetic Algorithm and Interchangeability of the Calibration Parameters
Authors: Withanage Dulani Chamika , Teramoto Mariko , Cho Mengu
Published: June 2023

Magnetometers are important sensors with applications in the attitude determination and control systems of satellites. CubeSats have certain limitations related to power, mass, and volume. Due to this, CubeSat magnetometers are not separated from other electrical circuits inside the satellite. Thus, it is important to calibrate the magnetometer, simulating operating conditions while the satellite is running before the launch. However, due to the limited facilities, not every CubeSat is able to calibrate its magnetometers properly on the ground. This study focuses on the calibration of on-orbit magnetometer data observed by BIRDS-3 CubeSats with a genetic algorithm. High oscillations in the total magnetic field were found in the on-orbit magnetic field data measured by magnetometers inside BIRDS-3 CubeSats. Nine unknowns, scaling factors, non-orthogonal angles, and offsets are identified with the genetic algorithm. This paper discusses the factors that affect the high oscillations in the measured total magnetic field data. For the calibration, we used magnetic field data similar to those of a model magnetic field, as the deviation is smaller. This paper presents the accuracy of determining unknowns using the genetic algorithm, as well as the interchangeability of the answers with additional orbit data from the same satellite. This method can be used in the future to calibrate magnetometers inside CubeSats before or after launch.
The Role of AI in Warehouse Digital Twins: Literature Review
Authors: Drissi Elbouzidi Adnane , Ait El Cadi Abdessamad , Pellerin Robert , Lamouri Samir , Tobon Valencia Estefania , Bélanger Marie-Jane
Published: June 2023

In the era of industry 5.0, digital twins (DTs) play an increasingly pivotal role in contemporary society. Despite the literature’s lack of a consistent definition, DTs have been applied to numerous areas as virtual replicas of physical objects, machines, or systems, particularly in manufacturing, production, and operations. One of the major advantages of digital twins is their ability to supervise the system’s evolution and run simulations, making them connected and capable of supporting decision-making. Additionally, they are highly compatible with artificial intelligence (AI) as they can be mapped to all data types and intelligence associated with the physical system. Given their potential benefits, it is surprising that the utilization of DTs for warehouse management has been relatively neglected over the years, despite its importance in ensuring supply chain and production uptime. Effective warehouse management is crucial for ensuring supply chain and production continuity in both manufacturing and retail operations. It also involves uncertain material handling operations, making it challenging to control the activity. This paper aims to evaluate the synergies between AI and digital twins as state-of-the-art technologies and examines warehouse digital twins’ (WDT) use cases to assess the maturity of AI applications within WDT, including techniques, objectives, and challenges. We also identify inconsistencies and research gaps, which pave the way for future development and innovation. Ultimately, this research work’s findings can contribute to improving warehouse management, supply chain optimization, and operational efficiency in various industries.
Object-Oriented Remote Sensing Image Change Detection Based on Color Co-Occurrence Matrix
Authors: Zhu Zhu , Zhou Tinggang , Chen Jinsong , Li Xiaoli , Guo Shanxin , Zhao Longlong , Sun Luyi
Published: June 2023

Aiming at the problem of misdetection caused by the traditional texture characteristic extraction model, which does not describe the correlation among multiple bands, an object-oriented remote sensing image change detection method based on a color co-occurrence matrix is proposed. First, the image is divided into multi-scale objects by graph-based superpixel segmentation, and the optimal scale is determined by the overall goodness F-measure (OGF). Then, except for the extraction of the spectral features, the multi-channel texture features based on the color co-occurrence matrix (CCM) are extracted to consider the correlation among multiple bands. To accurately find the representative features to overcome the impact of feature redundancy, a cumulative backward search strategy (CBSS) is further designed. Finally, the change detection is completed by inputting the difference image of dual time points to the trained random forest model. Taking Shenzhen and Dapeng as the study areas, with Sentinel-2 and Skysat images under different spatial resolutions, and the forest–bareland change type as an example, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by qualitative and quantitative analyses. They show that the proposed algorithm can obtain higher detection accuracy than the texture features without band correlation.