bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Quality of Leaf and Romaine Lettuce Grown on a Vertical Farm in an Aquaponics System: Results of Farm Research
Authors: Matysiak Bożena , Kaniszewski Stanisław , Mieszczakowska-Frąc Monika
Published: April 2023

The integration of indoor vertical cultivation with a recirculating aquaculture system into an aquaponic system has the potential to become one of the most effective sustainable production systems for fish and leafy vegetables. In this study, lettuce was produced on rafts in a coupled recirculation aquaponic system in the plant factory under controlled environmental conditions. The aims of this study were to evaluate the yield, mineral status, and health-promoting bioactive compounds of leaf and romaine lettuce cultivars grown in a recirculating aquaponic system. The yield and biometric parameters and quality parameters of lettuce leaves (nitrate, mineral, L-ascorbic acid, carotenoid, phenolic compound, and total polyphenolic contents) were examined. Monitoring of the water in the aquaponic system showed a low concentration of nitrates, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg), but the proportion of mineral nutrients as well as pH were stable throughout the lettuce cultivation period. The heads of romaine lettuce ‘Yakina’, ‘Pivotal’, and ‘Waygo’ reached a fresh weight of 86 g, on average, 23% higher than the leaf lettuce ‘Nordice’ over a three-week cultivation period. Despite the low nutrient concentration in the aquaponic solution, the nutrient status of the romaine lettuces ‘Yakina’ and ‘Pivotal’ was within the optimal range. The concentrations of chlorophyll a and carotenoids in ‘Yakina’ and ‘Pivotal’ were higher than those in ‘Nordice’ and ‘Waygo’. The nitrate, phosphorus, and potassium contents in the leaves of ‘Nordice’ and ‘Waygo’ were below the optimal range; however, their polyphenol concentrations were the highest. Our results indicate that the effectiveness of aquaponic cultivation of lettuce in terms of biomass production and the nutritional and health-promoting value of lettuce depends on the plant genotype.
Characterizing a Year-Round Particulate Matter Concentration and Variation under Different Environmental Controls in a Naturally Ventilated Dairy Barn
Authors: Lu Yujian , Yang Xiao , E Lei , Fang Zhiwei , Li Yongzhen , Liang Chao , Shi Zhengxiang , Wang Chaoyuan
Published: April 2023

A mixing fan and spraying system is commonly used to control the indoor environment of naturally ventilated dairy barns worldwide. However, its impact on particulate matter (PM) concentration and variation is still unclear due to the lack of year-round field data. To systematically characterize the PM dynamics under different environmental controls (namely, EC1: No Fans and No Spraying; EC2: Fans; EC3: Fans and Spraying), a year-round continuous monitoring of PM less than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) and total suspended particle (TSP) concentrations, as well as indoor environmental factors, was carried out inside a naturally ventilated dairy barn using an IoT-based sensor monitoring network. Results showed that the hourly mean TSP and PM2.5 concentrations were 94.7 μg m−3 and 49.8 μg m−3, respectively. EC2 had a higher TSP content (116.6 μg m−3) than EC1 (98.0 μg m−3) and EC3 (81.9 μg m−3). EC1 had the greatest PM2.5 concentration (57.1 μg m−3), followed by EC2 (48.3 μg m−3) and EC3 (44.7 μg m−3). EC1 showed clear TSP and PM2.5 fluctuations during the daily operations at 07:00 to 08:00 and 18:00 to 19:00, while irregular peaks in EC2 and a relatively steady diurnal variation in EC3 were found. Daily Tsp concentrations in the three ECs did not exceed 300 μg m−3. However, 17.8%, 11.5%, and 4.8% of the observed days in EC1, EC2, and EC3 had daily mean PM2.5 concentrations above the healthy threshold (75 μg m−3), mostly from 07:00 to 08:00 and 22:00–07:00. In conclusion, the mixing fan and spraying system had significant effects on PM concentration and variation, and more protection procedures should be taken for farm workers to prevent long-term health risk exposure, to EC1 in particular.
Evaluating the Performance and Opportunity Cost of a Smart-Sensed Automated Irrigation System for Water-Saving Rice Cultivation in Temperate Australia
Authors: Champness Matthew , Vial Leigh , Ballester Carlos , Hornbuckle John
Published: April 2023

Irrigated rice is the largest user of precious global water reserves. Adoption of water-saving irrigation practices is limited by the associated increased labor demand compared to flooded rice cultivation. Automated gravity surface irrigation systems have shown the potential to deliver significant labor savings in traditional flooded rice; however, widespread adoption does not seem apparent. Furthermore, previously designed systems have not been capable of irrigation control during both ponded and non-ponded periods. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of an automated irrigation system for rice with features not previously developed, provide direction for future systems and analyze the opportunity cost (the value of other on- or off-farm activities that could be conducted with that time) of time associated with automated irrigation. The automated irrigation system was found to successfully control 23–31 flush-irrigation events per bay per season in a 9-bay border-check aerobic rice field for 2 seasons. In addition, successful water control was achieved in a traditional drill-sown field with 4 flush irrigations followed by 15 weeks of permanent flooding. Labor savings of 82–88% during the flush-irrigation events and 57% during the ponding period were achieved with automation when compared to manual irrigation. However, the opportunity cost of the saved time was found to comprise the greatest benefit. Changing the analysis from using a flat “cash” cost of time to using opportunity cost of time reduced the payback period from seven to four years at the traditional ponded-rice site. In the more labor-intensive aerobic rice site, the payback period was reduced from three years to one year when accounting for the opportunity cost of time as opposed to only the direct costs. Whilst the payback period is site-dependent and cultivation method-dependent, these case studies demonstrate that automated gravity surface irrigation can enable novel water-saving practices in rice and provide substantial economic benefits.
Peanut Defect Identification Based on Multispectral Image and Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Yang , Ding Zhao , Song Jiayong , Ge Zhizhu , Deng Ziqing , Liu Zijie , Wang Jihong , Bian Lifeng , Yang Chen
Published: April 2023

To achieve the non-destructive detection of peanut defects, a multi-target identification method based on the multispectral system and improved Faster RCNN is proposed in this paper. In terms of the system, the root-mean-square contrast method was employed to select the characteristic wavelengths for defects, such as mildew spots, mechanical damage, and the germ of peanuts. Then, a multispectral light source system based on a symmetric integrating sphere was designed with 2% nonuniformity illumination. In terms of Faster RCNN improvement, a texture-based attention and a feature enhancement module were designed to enhance the performance of its backbone. In the experiments, a peanut-deficient multispectral dataset with 1300 sets was collected to verify the detection performance. The results show that the evaluation metrics of all improved compared with the original network, especially in the VGG16 backbone network, where the mean average precision (mAP) reached 99.97%. In addition, the ablation experiments also verify the effectiveness of the proposed texture module and texture enhancement module in peanut defects detection. In conclusion, texture imaging enhancement and efficient extraction are effective methods to improve the network performance for multi-target peanut defect detection.
Evaluating Disease Patterns of Military Working Dogs in the Republic of Korea: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Park Sanghyeon , Park Gyeonggook , Rieu Mi-Sun , Kim Taewoo , Kim Dongwook , Lee Sungin , Kim Gonhyung
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate disease patterns among military working dogs (MWDs) at the Armed Forces Medical Research Institute (AFMRI) to provide basic medical data on Korean MWDs. The medical records of procedures performed at AFMRI between November 2017 and March 2021 were reviewed. Physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory tests were performed according to the status of each dog. A total of 353 MWDs (215 males and 138 females; mean age, 6 ± 3 years) were analyzed in this study. Among Korean MWDs, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are the most frequently diagnosed, followed by dental and musculoskeletal disorders. Foreign body (FB) ingestion had the highest prevalence of GI disorders, with the most common FB being a leather collar or leash. General and dental surgeries, including removal of gastric FB and tooth extraction, were routinely performed at the AFMRI. Preventative care focusing on dental disease and FB ingestion may be helpful for effective performance and good quality of life in MWDs, with the regular assessment and prevention of environmental factors that may contribute to behavioral problems such as FB ingestion, coprophagy, and anorexia.
Estimating Excreted Nutrients to Improve Nutrient Management for Grazing System Dairy Farms
Authors: Aarons Sharon R. , Gourley Cameron J. P. , Powell J. Mark
Published: April 2023

Improving nutrient management in grazing system dairy farms requires determining nutrient flows through animals, the placement of cows within farms and potential for collection, and the re-use and loss of nutrients. We applied a model incorporating data collected at a range of temporal and spatial scales to quantify nutrient excretion in all locations that lactating herds visited on five days over a year on 43 conventional and organic grazing system dairy farms. The calculated nutrient loads excreted by cows in different places were highly skewed; while N, P and K deposited loads were consistent across the year, S, Ca and Mg loads varied between sampling times and seasons. The greatest mean and range in nutrient loads were deposited in paddocks, with the smallest amounts deposited in dairy sheds. All excreted nutrient loads increased with farm and herd sizes and milk production. Mean daily loads of 112, 15, 85, 11, 22 and 13 kg of N, P, K, S, Ca and Mg were deposited by the herds which, when standardised to a 305-day lactation, amounted to 24, 4, 20, 3, 5 and 3 t excreted annually, respectively. In addition to routine manure collection in dairy sheds, ensuring collection and recycling of nutrients excreted on feed pads and holding areas would decrease potential nutrient losses by 29% on average. Non-collected, recycled nutrients were disproportionately returned to paddocks in which cows spent time overnight, and except for S and Ca, nutrient loading rates were greater than rates applied as fertilisers. These data demonstrate the extent of excreted nutrients in grazing dairy systems and indicate the need to account for these nutrients in nutrient management plans for Australian dairy farms. We propose incorporating excretion data in current budgeting tools using data currently collected on most Australian grazing system dairy farms.
Luteolin: A Phytochemical to Mitigate S. Typhimurium Flagellin-Induced Inflammation in a Chicken In Vitro Hepatic Model
Authors: Tráj Patrik , Sebők Csilla , Mackei Máté , Kemény Ágnes , Farkas Orsolya , Kákonyi Ákos , Kovács László , Neogrády Zsuzsanna , Jerzsele Ákos , Mátis Gábor
Published: April 2023

The use of natural feed supplements is an alternative tool to diminish the damage caused by certain bacteria, improving animal health and productivity. The present research aimed to investigate the proinflammatory effect of flagellin released from the bacterial flagellum of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and to attenuate the induced inflammation with luteolin as a plant-derived flavonoid on a chicken primary hepatocyte–non-parenchymal cell co-culture. Cells were cultured in a medium supplemented with 250 ng/mL flagellin and 4 or 16 µg/mL luteolin for 24 h. Cellular metabolic activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, interleukin-6, 8, 10 (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), interferon-α, γ (IFN-α, IFN-γ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were determined. Flagellin significantly increased the concentration of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-8 and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-10, while it decreased the level of IL-10, indicating that the model served adequate to study inflammation in vitro. Luteolin treatment at 4 µg/mL did not prove to be cytotoxic, as reflected by metabolic activity and extracellular LDH activity, and significantly reduced the flagellin-triggered IL-8 release of the cultured cells. Further, it had a diminishing effect on the concentration of IFN-α, H2O2 and MDA and restored the level of IL-10 and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-10 when applied in combination with flagellin. These results suggest that luteolin at lower concentrations may protect hepatic cells from an excessive inflammatory response and act as an antioxidant to attenuate oxidative damage.
Ultrasound Morphometry and Mean Echogenicity of Digital Flexor Tendons, Suspensory Ligament, and Accessory Ligament of Digital Deep Flexor Tendon in Gaited Horses
Authors: Schade Jackson , de Souza Anderson Fernando , Vincensi Lorenzo Costa , Müller Thiago Rinaldi , Fonteque Joandes Henrique
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the sonographic characteristics of the digital flexor tendons and ligaments of the palmar/plantar of the metacarpal and metatarsal regions in gaited horses, as well as to establish normal reference ultrasound values for Mangalarga Marchador (MM) and Campeiro breeds. Transverse sonographic images were obtained of 50 adult and healthy horses from the MM (n = 25) and Campeiro (n = 25) breeds. The images were taken in six metacarpal/metatarsal zones, and the following measurements were taken: transverse area, circumference, dorsopalmar/plantar length, lateromedial length, and mean echogenicity. Differences were observed between breeds in the fore- and hindlimbs, and, even when not significant, the Campeiro breed tended to have higher values for most variables and structures. Variations between zones and between structures in the same zone followed a similar trend in both breeds for all variables. In addition, the dimensions and variations between zones and structures were different between the fore- and hindlimbs, highlighting the need for specific values for the digital flexor tendons and ligaments of the metatarsal plantar region. In conclusion, the digital flexor tendons, suspensory ligaments, and accessory ligaments of the digital deep flexor tendon are influenced by the breed factor in gaited horses, and they are different between the fore- and hindlimbs.
Influence of Storage Conditions on Stability of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity Values in Nutraceutical Mixtures with Edible Flowers as New Dietary Supplements
Authors: Mrázková Martina , Sumczynski Daniela , Orsavová Jana
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates the effects of storage conditions on the stability of phenolics and their antioxidant activities in unique nutraceutical supplements containing non-traditional cereal flakes, edible flowers, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Significant total phenolic content (TPC) of 1170–2430 mg GAE/kg and total anthocyanin content (TAC) with the values of 322–663 mg C3G/kg were determined with the highest TPC content established in free phenolic fractions. The most notable declines in TPC (by 53%), TAC (by 62%), phenolics (e.g., glycosylated anthocyanins by 35–67%), and antioxidant activity (by 25% using DPPH) were established in the presence of sunlight at 23 °C followed by the storage at 40 °C. Quercetin, rutin, peonidin, pelargonidin, p-coumaric, ellagic, and p-hydroxybenzoic acids were identified as the least stable phenolics when exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, glycosylated forms of anthocyanins demonstrated a greater stability when compared with anthocyanidins. The mixtures considerably eliminated ABTS and DPPH radicals. In all samples, water-soluble substances showed a higher antioxidant activity than lipid-soluble substances with the main contributors in the following order: delphinidin-3-glucoside (r = +0.9839) > p-coumaric > gallic > sinapic > p-hydroxybenzoic acids > delphinidin > peonidin and malvidin (r = +0.6538). Gluten-free nutraceutical mixtures M3 (containing red rice and black quinoa flakes, red and blue cornflowers, blueberries, and barberries) and M4 (containing red and black rice flakes, rose, blue cornflower, blueberries, raspberries, and barberries) were evaluated as the least stable under all storage conditions although they showed considerable phenolic concentrations. Phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of the nutraceutical mixtures were the highest at 23 °C without the presence of sunlight with the most stable M1 nutraceutical mixture (containing oat and red wheat flakes, hibiscus, lavender, blueberries, raspberries, and barberries).
Redox Imbalance in Neurological Disorders in Adults and Children
Authors: Rey Federica , Berardo Clarissa , Maghraby Erika , Mauri Alessia , Messa Letizia , Esposito Letizia , Casili Giovanna , Ottolenghi Sara , Bonaventura Eleonora , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Tonduti Davide , Esposito Emanuela , Paterniti Irene , Cereda Cristina , Carelli Stephana
Published: April 2023

Oxygen is a central molecule for numerous metabolic and cytophysiological processes, and, indeed, its imbalance can lead to numerous pathological consequences. In the human body, the brain is an aerobic organ and for this reason, it is very sensitive to oxygen equilibrium. The consequences of oxygen imbalance are especially devastating when occurring in this organ. Indeed, oxygen imbalance can lead to hypoxia, hyperoxia, protein misfolding, mitochondria dysfunction, alterations in heme metabolism and neuroinflammation. Consequently, these dysfunctions can cause numerous neurological alterations, both in the pediatric life and in the adult ages. These disorders share numerous common pathways, most of which are consequent to redox imbalance. In this review, we will focus on the dysfunctions present in neurodegenerative disorders (specifically Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and pediatric neurological disorders (X-adrenoleukodystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, mucopolysaccharidoses and Pelizaeus–Merzbacher Disease), highlighting their underlining dysfunction in redox and identifying potential therapeutic strategies.
Multi-Label Classification Based on Associations
Authors: Alazaidah Raed , Samara Ghassan , Almatarneh Sattam , Hassan Mohammad , Aljaidi Mohammad , Mansur Hasan
Published: April 2023

Associative classification (AC) has been shown to outperform other methods of single-label classification for over 20 years. In order to create rules that are both more precise and simpler to grasp, AC combines the rules of mining associations with the task of classification. However, the current state of knowledge and the views of various specialists indicate that the issue of multi-label classification (MLC) cannot be solved by any AC method. Since this is the case, adapting or using an AC algorithm to manage multi-label datasets is one of the most pressing issues. To solve the MLC issue, this research proposes modifying the classification based on associations (msCBA) method by extending its capabilities to consider more than one class label in the consequent of its rules and modifying its rules order procedure to fit the nature of the multi-label dataset. The proposed algorithm outperforms several other MLC algorithms from various learning techniques across a variety of performance measuresand using six datasets with different domains. The main findings of this research are the significance of utilizing the local dependencies among labels compared to global dependencies, and the important rule of AC in solving the problem of MLC.
Deep Fusion Prediction Method for Nonstationary Time Series Based on Feature Augmentation and Extraction
Authors: Zhang Yu-Lei , Bai Yu-Ting , Jin Xue-Bo , Su Ting-Li , Kong Jian-Lei , Zheng Wei-Zhen
Published: April 2023

Deep learning effectively identifies and predicts modes but faces performance reduction under few-shot learning conditions. In this paper, a time series prediction framework for small samples is proposed, including a data augmentation algorithm, time series trend decomposition, multi-model prediction, and error-based fusion. First, data samples are augmented by retaining and extracting time series features. Second, the expanded data are decomposed based on data trends, and then, multiple deep models are used for prediction. Third, the models’ predictive outputs are combined with an error estimate from the intersection of covariances. Finally, the method is verified using natural systems and classic small-scale simulation datasets. The results show that the proposed method can improve the prediction accuracy of small sample sets with data augmentation and multi-model fusion.
Effects of Refiner Plates with Different Fillings on TMP Properties
Authors: Park Hyeong-Hun , Kim Chul-Hwan , Lee Ji-Su , Lee Cheong-Ha
Published: April 2023

This study conducted a comparative analysis of two refiner plates that had different bar patterns. The plates were designed with three distinct zones, including the high-intensity zone, the transition zone, and the low-intensity zone, and had a draft angle of 4–5 degrees. The two refiner plates had a significant difference in cutting edge length (CEL) of approximately four times. Specifically, TMP plate A (TP A) had a CEL of 5.1 km/s, while plate B (TP B) had a CEL of 22.7 km/s, indicating that TP A applied greater force to the wood chips during refining. TP A exhibited greater stock throughput at the same refining energy compared to TP B due to its smaller CEL. The low-intensity refining of TP B promoted the fibrillation of TMP fibers, leading to a large decrease in fiber width without significantly changing the mean fiber length before and after refining. The bulk of TMP and CTMP increased slightly more in TP B than in TP A. However, TP A showed a greater decrease in tensile strength due to a larger decrease in fiber length, whereas there was no significant change in tear strength between the two plates.
Adopting Signal Processing Technique for Osteoporosis Detection Based on CT Scan Image
Authors: Genisa Maya , Abdullah Johari Yap , Yusoff Bazli MD , Arief Erry Mochamad , Hermana Maman , Utomo Chandra Prasetyo
Published: April 2023

Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are widely applied in many disciplines including medicine. Pattern recognition or automatization has been successfully implemented in various field studies. Similarly, multiple efforts have been made in medicine to implement AI/ML technology to solve medical problems, for example, for automating osteoporosis detection. In general, the success of AI/ML technology is highly dependent on the amount of available data, especially during the training stage. Feature generation is a common technique that allows the manipulation of available data for the training stages. This paper aims to study the feasibility of adopting signal-processing techniques for feature generation in medical image processing. Signal attributes from signal processing workflow were adopted and applied to image processing of CT and DEXA scanning data to differentiate between normal and osteoporotic bone. Five attributes, namely amplitude, frequency, instantaneous phase, roughness, and first derivative or contrast attributes, have been tested. An attribute index number is formulated to indicate the attribute’s strength at the selected region of interest (ROI). A case study applying these attributes to the CNN model is presented. More than five hundred CT scan images of normal and osteoporosis bone were used during the training stage to test classification performance with and without developed attributes as an input. From the ten selected CT scan images used to test the CNN model, 90% were well predicted in the scenario only utilizing the grayscale as input. However, when including the developed attributes, the CNN can predict all the images well (100% were well predicted). In conclusion, the technique adopted from the signal-processing technique has the potential to enhance feature generation in image processing, whereby the results can be used for the early application of AI/ML in osteoporosis identification. Further research testing this proposed method in different image modalities needs to be conducted to verify the robustness of the proposed method.
TextControlGAN: Text-to-Image Synthesis with Controllable Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Ku Hyeeun , Lee Minhyeok
Published: April 2023

Generative adversarial networks (GANs) have demonstrated remarkable potential in the realm of text-to-image synthesis. Nevertheless, conventional GANs employing conditional latent space interpolation and manifold interpolation (GAN-CLS-INT) encounter challenges in generating images that accurately reflect the given text descriptions. To overcome these limitations, we introduce TextControlGAN, a controllable GAN-based model specifically designed for text-to-image synthesis tasks. In contrast to traditional GANs, TextControlGAN incorporates a neural network structure, known as a regressor, to effectively learn features from conditional texts. To further enhance the learning performance of the regressor, data augmentation techniques are employed. As a result, the generator within TextControlGAN can learn conditional texts more effectively, leading to the production of images that more closely adhere to the textual conditions. Furthermore, by concentrating the discriminator’s training efforts on GAN training exclusively, the overall quality of the generated images is significantly improved. Evaluations conducted on the Caltech-UCSD Birds-200 (CUB) dataset demonstrate that TextControlGAN surpasses the performance of the cGAN-based GAN-INT-CLS model, achieving a 17.6% improvement in Inception Score (IS) and a 36.6% reduction in Fréchet Inception Distance (FID). In supplementary experiments utilizing 128 × 128 resolution images, TextControlGAN exhibits a remarkable ability to manipulate minor features of the generated bird images according to the given text descriptions. These findings highlight the potential of TextControlGAN as a powerful tool for generating high-quality, text-conditioned images, paving the way for future advancements in the field of text-to-image synthesis.
Dynamic Modeling and Characteristic Analysis of Articulated Steering Vehicles
Authors: Gao Lulu , Dong Yueqi , Zhao Jixing
Published: April 2023

Articulated steering vehicles (ASVs), with brilliant maneuverability and efficiency, are being widely applied in mining, construction, agriculture, and forestry. However, their special structures result in them having complex dynamic characteristics, but there are no reliable models for further research. This study established a simulation platform with the dynamic model of ASVs, where the subsystems of the power train, steering systems, tires, and frames were also included. The dynamic model was validated with field test data of typical working cycles, in which the focus was on longitudinal and lateral motions and the characteristics of steering and power train systems. Then, the distribution of hydraulic and drive power was revealed using the simulation platform and test data. For a load–haul–dump (LHD) vehicle with a 6 m3 capacity, the maximum power of the system was about 289 kW; the power of the motor accounted for the majority of the power at the beginning stage of loading, being about 74%, and then the hydraulic power dominated in the later stage of loading. During the transport stage, the power of the motor accounted for about 79% of the total power. Finally, the influence of the dynamic parameters on lateral and longitudinal motions was analyzed based on the validated platform.
A Survey on Diabetic Retinopathy Lesion Detection and Segmentation
Authors: Sebastian Anila , Elharrouss Omar , Al-Maadeed Somaya , Almaadeed Noor
Published: April 2023

Diabetes is a global problem which impacts people of all ages. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a main ailment of the eyes resulting from diabetes which can result in loss of eyesight if not detected and treated on time. The current process of detecting DR and its progress involves manual examination by experts, which is time-consuming. Extracting the retinal vasculature, and segmentation of the optic disc (OD)/fovea play a significant part in detecting DR. Detecting DR lesions like microaneurysms (MA), hemorrhages (HM), and exudates (EX), helps to establish the current stage of DR. Recently with the advancement in artificial intelligence (AI), and deep learning(DL), which is a division of AI, is widely being used in DR related studies. Our study surveys the latest literature in “DR segmentation and lesion detection from fundus images using DL”.
Digital Induction Motor Model Based on the Finite Element Method
Authors: Bozek Pavol , Krenicky Tibor , Prajova Vanessa
Published: April 2023

This article presents the design of a drive system for robots and manipulators, which is based on the finite element method of an induction motor. The design process involves constructing a computer-aided design (CAD) model of the induction motor, which enables the generation of design documentation and control programs for computer numerical control (CNC) tools for manufacturing motor parts or conducting further research. A CAD model is developed for performing a finite element analysis of the motor in the SolidWorks software based on the popular AIR63V2 motor. The design of the motor’s housing, rotor, and stator is developed. Additionally, the electrical parameters of the motor are calculated using Ansys Electronic Suite—Maxwell RMxprt, utilizing the classical analytical theory of electrical machines and the equivalent magnetic circuit method. This takes into account such effects as the non-linearity of electrical steel, the non-sinusoidality of the magnetic flux in the gap, and the displacement of electric current in massive conductors. A complete model of an induction motor for research has been created, enabling the study of dependencies of speed and electromagnetic torque of an induction motor. The natural frequency of the rotor is calculated, which ranges from 922 Hz to 1015 Hz. The obtained values of calculations of natural oscillations of the CAD model of the motor can be used for motor diagnostics. Furthermore, the created project in the Ansys software can be utilized to design an induction motor with its own characteristics, optimized for specific tasks.
Impacts of GNSS RO Data on Typhoon Forecasts Using Global FV3GFS with GSI 4DEnVar
Authors: Hong Tang-Xun , Huang Ching-Yuang , Lin Chen-Yang , Lien Guo-Yuan , Huang Zih-Mao , Chen Shu-Ya
Published: April 2023

The FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 satellites were launched in 2019, which can provide considerably larger amounts of radio occultation (RO) observations than the FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC satellites. The radio signals emitted from the global navigation satellites system (GNSS) are received by these low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide the so-called bending angle accounting for bending of the rays after penetrating through the atmosphere. Deeper RO observations can be retrieved from FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 for use in RO data assimilation to improve forecasts of tropical cyclones. This study used the global model FV3GFS with the finest grid resolution of about 25 km to simulate five selected typhoons over the western North Pacific, including Hagibis in 2019, Maysak and Haishen in 2020, and Kompasu and Rai in 2021. For each case, two experiments were conducted with and without assimilating FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 RO bending angle. The RO data were assimilated by the GSI 4DEnVar data assimilation system for a total period of 4 days (with 6 h assimilation window) before the typhoon genesis time, followed by a forecast length of 120 h. The RO data assimilation improved the typhoon track forecasts on average of 42 runs. However, no significantly positive impacts, in general, were found on the typhoon intensity forecasts, except for Maysak. Analyses for Maysak attributed the improved intensity forecast mainly to the improved analyses for wind, temperature, and moisture in the mid-upper troposphere after data assimilation. Consequently, the RO data largely enhanced the evolving intensity of the typhoon at a more consistent movement as explained by the wavenumber-one vorticity budget analysis. On the other hand, a noted improvement on the wind analysis, but still with degraded temperature analysis above the boundary layer, also improved track forecast at some specific times for Hagibis. The predictability of typhoon track and intensity as marginally improved by use of the large RO data remains very challenging to be well explored.
Beyond Scale-by-Scale Equilibrium
Authors: Vassilicos John C.
Published: April 2023

Homogeneous turbulence and turbulence in scale-by-scale equilibrium, played a leading role in the turbulence research of the second half of the twentieth century, and Jack Herring was an important contributor to these developments. The research activity which has followed these developments over the past ten to fifteen years concerns turbulence, which is out of scale-by-scale equilibrium either because it is non-stationary or because it is non-homogeneous or both. This paper is a short review of recent progress in this relatively new direction of turbulence research.
On the Existence of Solutions to a Boundary Value Problem via New Weakly Contractive Operator
Authors: Chiroma Rhoda , Alotaibi Trad , Shehu Shagari Mohammed , Bakery Awad A. , Mohammed OM Kalthum S. K. , Mustafa Arafa O.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the notion of generalized quasi-weakly contractive operators in metric-like spaces is introduced, and new conditions for the existence of fixed points for such mappings are investigated. A non-trivial example which highlights the novelty of our principal idea is constructed. It is observed comparatively that the proposed concepts herein subsume some important results in the corresponding literature. As an application, one of our obtained findings is utilized to setup novel criteria for the existence of solutions to two-point boundary value problems of a second order differential equation. To attract new researchers in the directions examined in this article, a significant number of corollaries are pointed out and discussed.
A Review of Nb2CTx MXene: Synthesis, Properties and Applications
Authors: Guan Guozhen , Guo Fengmei
Published: April 2023

Nb2CTx is an important member of MXene family. It has attracted widespread attention because of its abundant functional groups, high hydrophilicity, high electrical conductivity as well as low ion transport barrier, showing great potential in various applications. In order to utilize the advantages of Nb2CTx MXene, the progress of preparation, properties and applications are reviewed in this work. This work focuses on different methods of Nb2CTx preparation and applications in electrochemical energy storage (supercapacitors and secondary batteries), electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, sensors, etc. Additionally, the main problems of self-stacking and prospect of Nb2CTx MXene are discussed.
Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Obesity Potential of Extracts Containing Phenols, Chlorophyll and Carotenoids from Mexican Wild Populations of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst
Authors: Martínez-García Martha , Garduño-Solórzano Gloria , Lopes Graciliana , Sanchez Begoña Astrain , Urbatzka Ralph , Hentschke Guilherme Scotta , Campos Jorge E. , Vasconcelos Vitor Manuel Oliveira
Published: April 2023

Some of the species of the genus Bacopa have been used in Pharmacopoeia worldwide. However, in Mexico, Bacopa monnieri has neither been extensively cultivated nor studied, nor has their use in traditional medicine been reported. The aim of this work was to assess the taxonomic verification of the four wild populations of B. monnieri, the chemical content of their pigments and phenols and to provide an analysis of their potential bioactivity. B. monnieri wild populations from Mexico were validated using molecular markers. Chromatographic profiling using HPLC-PDA revealed 21 compounds comprising 12 chlorophylls and nine carotenoids; of the latter, the major ones were lutein (0.921 ± 0.031 μg/mg of dry extract) and β-carotene (0.095 ± 0.003 μg/mg of dry extract). The total phenolic content, determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, ranged from 54.8 ± 5.8 to 70.3 ± 2.2 µg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mg. Plant extracts scavenged from the free radical DPPH in IC50 ranged from 130.6 ± 3.0 to 249.9 ± 12.1 µg dry extract/mL. In terms of the anti-inflammatory potential, the most effective extract was from a soil-based plant from Jalisco (BS), reduced from nitric oxide in a RAW 264.7 culture medium, with an IC50 value of 134 µg of dry extract/mL. The BS extract showed a significant neutral lipid-reducing activity in the zebrafish model, ranging from 3.13 μg/mL p < 0.05 to 100 μg/mL p < 0.0001. Overall, the extracts analyzed here for the first time seem promising for future use because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity potential.
Nuclear Receptor Gene Variants Underlying Disorders/Differences of Sex Development through Abnormal Testicular Development
Authors: Hattori Atsushi , Fukami Maki
Published: April 2023

Gonadal development is the first step in human reproduction. Aberrant gonadal development during the fetal period is a major cause of disorders/differences of sex development (DSD). To date, pathogenic variants of three nuclear receptor genes (NR5A1, NR0B1, and NR2F2) have been reported to cause DSD via atypical testicular development. In this review article, we describe the clinical significance of the NR5A1 variants as the cause of DSD and introduce novel findings from recent studies. NR5A1 variants are associated with 46,XY DSD and 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD. Notably, both 46,XX DSD and 46,XY DSD caused by the NR5A1 variants show remarkable phenotypic variability, to which digenic/oligogenic inheritances potentially contribute. Additionally, we discuss the roles of NR0B1 and NR2F2 in the etiology of DSD. NR0B1 acts as an anti-testicular gene. Duplications containing NR0B1 result in 46,XY DSD, whereas deletions encompassing NR0B1 can underlie 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD. NR2F2 has recently been reported as a causative gene for 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD and possibly for 46,XY DSD, although the role of NR2F2 in gonadal development is unclear. The knowledge about these three nuclear receptors provides novel insights into the molecular networks involved in the gonadal development in human fetuses.
Connecting Dots between Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Depression
Authors: Khan Mehtab , Baussan Yann , Hebert-Chatelain Etienne
Published: April 2023

Mitochondria are the prime source of cellular energy, and are also responsible for important processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis and Ca2+ homeostasis. Depression is a psychiatric disease characterized by alteration in the metabolism, neurotransmission and neuroplasticity. In this manuscript, we summarize the recent evidence linking mitochondrial dysfunction to the pathophysiology of depression. Impaired expression of mitochondria-related genes, damage to mitochondrial membrane proteins and lipids, disruption of the electron transport chain, higher oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis are all observed in preclinical models of depression and most of these parameters can be altered in the brain of patients with depression. A deeper knowledge of the depression pathophysiology and the identification of phenotypes and biomarkers with respect to mitochondrial dysfunction are needed to help early diagnosis and the development of new treatment strategies for this devastating disorder.
Biomolecules of Fermented Tropical Fruits and Fermenting Microbes as Regulators of Human Hair Loss, Hair Quality, and Scalp Microbiota
Authors: Mayer Wolfgang , Weibel Michaela , De Luca Chiara , Ibragimova Galina , Trakhtman Ilya , Kharaeva Zaira , Chandler Danny L. , Korkina Liudmila
Published: April 2023

Plant-derived secondary metabolites (polyphenols/terpenes/alkaloids) and microbial exometabolites/membrane components of fermented tropical fruits are known as highly bioavailable biomolecules causing skin and hair improvement effects (wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiacne, skin/hair microbiota balancing, hair growth-promoting, and hair loss-inhibiting). Caffein is considered as a hair growth promoter. A randomized placebo- and caffein-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of fermented papaya (FP) plus fermented mangosteen (FM) towards human hair quality and loss was conducted. Shampoo and lotion hair care products containing FP, FM, and caffein as active agents were developed and applied to 154 subjects of both sexes with clinically confirmed androgenic or diffuse alopecia for 3 months. Their clinical efficacy was assessed subjectively by questionnaires filled in by dermatologists/trichologists, and by the objective trichomicroscopical calculations. Hair and scalp skin quality was determined by microbiota pattern and ATP, SH-groups, protein, and malonyl dialdehyde quantification. Comparative clinical data showed that the experimental hair care cosmetics significantly inhibited hair loss, increased hair density/thickness, and improved hair follicle structure versus placebo and caffein controls. The cosmetics with FP and FM substantially normalized the microbiota pattern and increased ATP content in hair follicle, while inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the scalp skin, and SH-group formation in the hair shaft.
Changes in Clinical Manifestations and Course of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Secondary Antiphospholipid Syndrome over Three Decades
Authors: Nagy Nikolett , Papp Gábor , Gáspár-Kiss Eszter , Diószegi Ágnes , Tarr Tünde
Published: April 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is often associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which potentially results in a more severe disease course and reduced life expectancy. Since the therapeutic guidelines have been refined in the last 15 years, we assumed that the diseases course has become more favorable. In order to shed light on these achievements, we compared the data of SLE patients diagnosed before and since 2004. In our retrospective study, we assessed a wide spectrum of clinical and laboratory data of 554 SLE patients who received regular follow-up care and therapy at our autoimmune center. Among these patients, 247 had antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) without clinical signs of APS, and 113 had definitive APS. In the APS group, among patients diagnosed since 2004, deep vein thrombosis (p = 0.049) and lupus anticoagulant positivity (p = 0.045) were more frequent, while acute myocardial infarction was less frequent (p = 0.021) compared with patients diagnosed before 2004. Among the APA positive patients without definitive APS, anti-cardiolipin antibody positivity (p = 0.024) and development of chronic renal failure (p = 0.005) decreased in patients diagnosed since 2004. Our study demonstrates that the disease course has changed in recent years; however, in the presence of APS, we have to expect repeated thrombotic events despite adequate anticoagulant therapy.
Enzymatic Electrochemical/Fluorescent Nanobiosensor for Detection of Small Chemicals
Authors: Choi Hye Kyu , Yoon Jinho
Published: April 2023

The detection of small molecules has attracted enormous interest in various fields, including the chemical, biological, and healthcare fields. In order to achieve such detection with high accuracy, up to now, various types of biosensors have been developed. Among those biosensors, enzymatic biosensors have shown excellent sensing performances via their highly specific enzymatic reactions with small chemical molecules. As techniques used to implement the sensing function of such enzymatic biosensors, electrochemical and fluorescence techniques have been mostly used for the detection of small molecules because of their advantages. In addition, through the incorporation of nanotechnologies, the detection property of each technique-based enzymatic nanobiosensors can be improved to measure harmful or important small molecules accurately. This review provides interdisciplinary information related to developing enzymatic nanobiosensors for small molecule detection, such as widely used enzymes, target small molecules, and electrochemical/fluorescence techniques. We expect that this review will provide a broad perspective and well-organized roadmap to develop novel electrochemical and fluorescent enzymatic nanobiosensors.
The Effect of the Organizational Climate on the Integrative–Qualitative Intentional Behavior in Romanian Preschool Education—A Top-Down Perspective
Authors: Redeș Adela , Rad Dana , Roman Alina , Bocoș Mușata , Chiș Olga , Langa Claudiu , Roman Daniela , Mara Daniel , Mara Elena-Lucia , Costin Alina , Coșarbă Editha , Baciu Ciprian
Published: April 2023

The concept of educational organizational climate relates to the relational, social, psychological, affective, intellectual, cultural and moral environment that characterizes educational/teaching and managerial activity at the level of a school organization. This study is based on the theory of planned behavior framework in measuring preschool teachers’ intentional integrative–qualitative behaviors and Marzano’s Model of Teaching Effectiveness. The Marzano Model outlines educational strategies and gives teachers and administrators tools to help teachers become more effective. A sample of 200 valid responses was gathered in an online investigation that targeted preschool educators from Romania. Marzano’s Model of Teaching Effectiveness is an evaluation tool used to measure the success of highly effective teachers, which is further utilized in this study to measure preschool teachers’ effectiveness in relation to intentional integrative–qualitative behaviors. The integrative–qualitative intentional behaviors are measured with the IQIB scale. This research assumes collegiality and professionalism as independent variables and interrogates preschool teachers’ behavioral intention toward adopting integrative–qualitative behaviors through the sequential mediators of Planning and Preparing, Reflecting on Teaching and Classroom Strategies and Behaviors from a top-down perspective. The results revealed a significant indirect effect of Collegiality and Professionalism on preschool teachers’ behavioral intention toward adopting intentional integrative–qualitative behaviors through the sequential mediators Planning and Preparing, Reflecting on Teaching and Classroom Strategies and Behaviors, confirming our hypothesis. Discussion and implications are offered from a top-down sustainable educational management perspective.