bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Basal and Post-Stress Circulating Cortisol Concentration in an Important Marine Aquaculture Fish Species, European Sea Bass, Dicentrarchus labrax
Authors: Samaras Athanasios
Published: April 2023

Background: European sea bass is a species characterized by high and dispersed cortisol levels. The aim of the present study was to analyze all published data on basal and post-acute stress cortisol levels in this species. Methods: For this systematic review and meta-analysis the Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched for papers reporting plasma or serum cortisol levels in E. sea bass, without language or date restrictions. Data were extracted directly for the reported results and were analyzed separately for basal and post-acute stress levels, as well their standardized mean differences (SMD) using random-effects meta-analyses. Results: Of 407 unique records identified, 69 were eligible. Basal cortisol levels had a pooled effect of 88.7 ng mL−1 (n = 57), while post-acute stress levels were 385.9 ng mL−1 (n = 34). The average SMD between basal and post-stress was calculated to be 3.02 (n = 22). All analyses had a high between-study heterogeneity. Results for basal and post-stress levels were affected by the assay type and anesthesia prior to blood sampling. Conclusions: Cortisol levels in E. sea bass are higher than most studied fish species and display large heterogeneity. Application of stress led to elevated cortisol levels in all studies examined. In all cases, sources of between-studies heterogeneity were identified.
Biofilm Production by Critical Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens from an Equine Wound
Authors: Afonso Ana C. , Sousa Mariana , Pinto Ana Rita , Cotovio Mário , Simões Manuel , Saavedra Maria José
Published: April 2023

As in human medicine, in veterinary medicine, chronic wounds are often related to polymicrobial infections and the presence of a biofilm, which compromises the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches. In this study, a Lusitano mare presented a 21-day-old chronic wound that was only being treated with an antiseptic. A swab sample was collected, and three isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and one of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated. S. aureus did not show resistance to a panel of antibiotics. However, the P. aeruginosa isolate showed a resistance profile to carbapenems and fluoroquinolones, which may suggest a cross-resistance between antiseptic and antibiotics, given that no antibiotic therapy was applied to the wound or the mare in the previous year. Further experiments were conducted to assess the ability of the isolates to form biofilms, and to ascertain their susceptibility to gentamicin. The results demonstrated that the isolates produced biofilms. Gentamicin at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and 10× MIC caused biofilm removal between 59.3% and 85.7%, with the highest removal percentage being obtained for the P. aeruginosa isolate (at 10× MIC concentration). This study reveals that an equine wound was colonized by antibiotic resistant bacteria, and that all the wound colonizers could form biofilms, demonstrating the relevance of an adequate diagnosis and treatment when there is a suspicion of a biofilm-infected wound. It also highlights the possibility of resistance transmission between animals, animals and humans, or animals and the environment.
Effect of Feeding Olive Pomace Acid Oil on Dark Chicken Meat Lipid Composition, Oxidative Stability, Color, and Sensory Acceptance
Authors: Albendea Paula , Guardiola Francesc , Rafecas Magdalena , Vichi Stefania , Barroeta Ana C. , Verdú Marçal , Tres Alba
Published: April 2023

This study evaluated the effect of using olive pomace acid oil (OPAO) instead of crude palm oil (PO) or refined olive pomace oil (ROPO) on lipid composition, lipid oxidation, and quality of chicken meat. Broiler chickens were fed diets with 6% of PO, ROPO, or OPAO, and deboned legs with skin were sampled. Fresh and refrigerated (commercial conditions; 7 days) chicken meat samples were assessed for fatty acid (FA) composition, tocopherol (T) and tocotrienol (T3) content, lipid oxidative stability, 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values, volatile compounds, color, and sensory acceptance. Using ROPO and OPAO led to meat richer in monounsaturated FAs and OPAO to lower α-T levels compared to PO. Oxidative stability, TBA values, volatile compounds, and overall acceptance of meat were not affected by diet. Refrigeration increased TBA values and some volatile compounds’ concentrations, but it did not decrease redness or consumers’ overall acceptance. Therefore, the OPAO used was an adequate fat source for chicken diets at 6%, as it produced dark meat lower in saturated FAs than PO without affecting lipid oxidation or overall acceptance. According to this, upcycling OPAO as an energy source in chicken diets would be possible, which can contribute to the sustainability of the food chain.
Risk Factors for Epistaxis in Thoroughbred Flat Races in Japan (2001–2020)
Authors: Sugiyama Fumi , Takahashi Yuji , Nomura Motoi , Ebisuda Yusaku , Mukai Kazutaka , Yoshida Toshinobu
Published: April 2023

We investigated the risk factors for epistaxis in Japanese flat races over a 20-year period. The veterinary records of horses identified as having epistaxis by endoscopy on the race day, and the official racing records of all flat races from April to September between 2001 and 2020, were reviewed. The racecourses (n = 10), surface type, surface condition, race class, race distance, race year, sex, age, two training centers, ambient temperature, and body weight on race days were assessed using multivariable logistic regression (p < 0.05). Of 475,709 race starts, 616 (1.30 cases per 1000 starts; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–1.40) included an epistaxis event. Nine variables were significantly associated with epistaxis. Seven of the variables have been reported in previous studies: lower ambient temperature, soft surface conditions, shorter racing distances (≤1400 m), increasing age, females and geldings compared to males, training center, and race year. However, two novel variables were identified as significantly associated with epistaxis, increasing body weight per 20 kg (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR], 1.33; 95% CI, 1.25–1.41) and the racecourses that the horses were running at (p < 0.001, especially Sapporo [OR; 4.74, 95% CI, 3.07–7.31], Hakodate [OR, 4.66; 95% CI, 3.05–7.11], and Kokura [OR, 4.14; 95% CI, 2.65–6.48] compared to the reference racecourse [Kyoto]). These results can facilitate developing interventions to reduce epistaxis in flat racing.
Gut Health and Influencing Factors in Pigs
Authors: Szabó Csaba , Kachungwa Lugata James , Ortega Arth David Sol Valmoria
Published: April 2023

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a complex, dynamic, and critical part of the body, which plays an important role in the digestion and absorption of ingested nutrients and excreting waste products of digestion. In addition, GIT also plays a vital role in preventing the entry of harmful substances and potential pathogens into the bloodstream. The gastrointestinal tract hosts a significant number of microbes, which throughout their metabolites, directly interact with the hosts. In modern intensive animal farming, many factors can disrupt GIT functions. As dietary nutrients and biologically active substances play important roles in maintaining homeostasis and eubiosis in the GIT, this review aims to summarize the current status of our knowledge on the most important areas.
An Antibody Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein Simultaneously Fused to Interleukin-2 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Selectively Localizes to Neoplastic Lesions
Authors: Prodi Eleonora , Comacchio Claudia , Gilardoni Ettore , Di Nitto Cesare , Puca Emanuele , Neri Dario , De Luca Roberto
Published: April 2023

The delivery of specific cytokine payloads to a neoplastic environment employing antibodies able to selectively accumulate at the tumor site represents an attractive strategy to stimulate an immune response to cancer. Whilst conventional antibody–cytokine fusions based on a single payload have shown potent anticancer activity, the concomitant delivery of two cytokine payloads may further improve the therapeutic outcome as the immune system typically adopts multiple signals to reinforce an antitumor strategy. We here describe a potency-matched dual-cytokine antibody fusion protein containing a tumor-targeting antibody fragment specific to human fibroblast activation protein (FAP), simultaneously linked to both interleukin-2 (IL2) and a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mutant. The resulting fusion protein, termed IL2-7NP2-TNFmut, formed stable non-covalent trimers driven by the interaction of the tumor necrosis factor subunits. Both cytokine payloads retained their biological activity within the fusion protein, as shown by in vitro cellular assays. The tumor-targeting properties and the anticancer activity of IL2-7NP2-TNFmut were investigated in vivo in immunocompromised mice bearing SKRC52 cells transduced with human FAP. The fusion protein preferentially localized to the cancer site and induced partial tumor retardation.
Pharmacological Treatment of Herpes Zoster and Factors Associated with Its Recurrence
Authors: Valladales-Restrepo Luis Fernando , Velasquez-Quimara Santiago , Machado-Alba Jorge Enrique
Published: April 2023

The burden of herpes zoster disease is significant worldwide, with millions affected and an increasing incidence. Increased age and immunosuppression due to disease or drugs have been related to its recurrence. The aim of this work was to determine the pharmacological management of herpes zoster and identify factors associated with recurrence, representing a longitudinal retrospective study identifying the pharmacological management of patients with herpes zoster and the factors related to the first recurrence using a population database. Follow-up was carried out for up to 2 years, and descriptive analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression were performed. A total of 2978 patients with herpes zoster were identified, with a median age of 58.9 years and 65.2% being women. The treatment mainly involved acyclovir (98.3%), acetaminophen (36.0%), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (33.9%). A total of 2.3% of patients had a first recurrence. Corticosteroids were used in a greater proportion for recurrence than for the initial herpes episode (18.8% vs. 9.8%, respectively). Being female (HR:2.68;95%CI:1.39–5.17), age ≥60 years (HR:1.74;95%CI:1.02–2.96), having liver cirrhosis (HR:7.10;95%CI:1.69–29.80), and having hypothyroidism (HR:1.99;95%CI:1.16–3.40) were associated with greater probability of a first recurrence. The vast majority of patients were managed with acyclovir, and the use of acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain management was frequent. Several conditions were found that increased the probability of presenting a first recurrence of herpes zoster, such as age over 60 years, being a woman, suffering from hypothyroidism, and liver cirrhosis.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Florfenicol in Plasma and Synovial Fluid of Pigs at a Dose of 30 mg/kgbw Following Intramuscular Administration
Authors: Somogyi Zoltán , Mag Patrik , Simon Réka , Kerek Ádám , Szabó Pál , Albert Ervin , Biksi Imre , Jerzsele Ákos
Published: April 2023

A major problem of our time is the ever-increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents in bacterial populations. One of the most effective ways to prevent these problems is to target antibacterial therapies for specific diseases. In this study, we investigated the in vitro effectiveness of florfenicol against S. suis, which can cause severe arthritis and septicemia in swine herds. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of florfenicol in porcine plasma and synovial fluid were determined. After a single intramuscular administration of florfenicol at 30 mg/kgbw, the AUC0–∞ was 164.45 ± 34.18 µg/mL × h and the maximum plasma concentration was 8.15 ± 3.11 µg/mL, which was reached in 1.40 ± 0.66 h, whereas, in the synovial fluid, these values were 64.57 ± 30.37 µg/mL × h, 4.51 ± 1.16 µg/mL and 1.75 ± 1.16 h, respectively. Based on the MIC values of the 73 S. suis isolates tested, the MIC50 and MIC90 values were 2 µg/mL and 8 µg/mL, respectively. We successfully implemented a killing–time curve in pig synovial fluid as a matrix. Based on our findings, the PK/PD breakpoints of the bacteriostatic (E = 0), bactericidal (E = −3) and eradication (E = −4) effects of florfenicol were determined and MIC thresholds were calculated, which are the guiding indicators for the treatment of these diseases. The AUC24h/MIC values for bacteriostatic, bactericidal and eradication effects were 22.22 h, 76.88 h and 141.74 h, respectively, in synovial fluid, and 22.42 h, 86.49 h and 161.76 h, respectively, in plasma. The critical MIC values of florfenicol against S. suis regarding bacteriostatic, bactericidal and eradication effects in pig synovial fluid were 2.91 ± 1.37 µg/mL, 0.84 ± 0.39 µg/mL and 0.46 ± 0.21 µg/mL, respectively. These values provide a basis for further studies on the use of florfenicol. Furthermore, our research highlights the importance of investigating the pharmacokinetic properties of antibacterial agents at the site of infection and the pharmacodynamic properties of these agents against different bacteria in different media.
Phentolamine Significantly Enhances Macrolide Antibiotic Antibacterial Activity against MDR Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Cui Ze-Hua , He Hui-Ling , Zheng Zi-Jian , Yuan Zhao-Qi , Chen Ying , Huang Xin-Yi , Ren Hao , Zhou Yu-Feng , Zhao Dong-Hao , Fang Liang-Xing , Yu Yang , Liu Ya-Hong , Liao Xiao-Ping , Sun Jian
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections have limited treatment options due to the impermeability of the outer membrane. New therapeutic strategies or agents are urgently needed, and combination therapies using existing antibiotics are a potentially effective means to treat these infections. In this study, we examined whether phentolamine can enhance the antibacterial activity of macrolide antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria and investigated its mechanism of action. Methods: Synergistic effects between phentolamine and macrolide antibiotics were evaluated by checkerboard and time–kill assays and in vivo using a Galleria mellonella infection model. We utilized a combination of biochemical tests (outer membrane permeability, ATP synthesis, ΔpH gradient measurements, and EtBr accumulation assays) with scanning electron microscopy to clarify the mechanism of phentolamine enhancement of macrolide antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. Results: In vitro tests of phentolamine combined with the macrolide antibiotics erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin indicated a synergistic action against E. coli test strains. The fractional concentration inhibitory indices (FICI) of 0.375 and 0.5 indicated a synergic effect that was consistent with kinetic time–kill assays. This synergy was also seen for Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Actinobacter baumannii but not Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Similarly, a phentolamine/erythromycin combination displayed significant synergistic effects in vivo in the G. mellonella model. Phentolamine added singly to bacterial cells also resulted in direct outer membrane damage and was able to dissipate and uncouple membrane proton motive force from ATP synthesis that, resulted in enhanced cytoplasmic antibiotic accumulation via reduced efflux pump activity. Conclusions: Phentolamine potentiates macrolide antibiotic activity via reducing efflux pump activity and direct damage to the outer membrane leaflet of Gram-negative bacteria both in vitro and in vivo.
Combination Therapy of Radiation and Hyperthermia, Focusing on the Synergistic Anti-Cancer Effects and Research Trends
Authors: Kwon Seeun , Jung Sumin , Baek Seung Ho
Published: April 2023

Despite significant therapeutic advances, the toxicity of conventional therapies remains a major obstacle to their application. Radiation therapy (RT) is an important component of cancer treatment. Therapeutic hyperthermia (HT) can be defined as the local heating of a tumor to 40–44 °C. Both RT and HT have the advantage of being able to induce and regulate oxidative stress. Here, we discuss the effects and mechanisms of RT and HT based on experimental research investigations and summarize the results by separating them into three phases. Phase (1): RT + HT is effective and does not provide clear mechanisms; phase (2): RT + HT induces apoptosis via oxygenation, DNA damage, and cell cycle arrest; phase (3): RT + HT improves immunological responses and activates immune cells. Overall, RT + HT is an effective cancer modality complementary to conventional therapy and stimulates the immune response, which has the potential to improve cancer treatments, including immunotherapy, in the future.
Studies on the Effect of Oxidation on Bioactivity of Phenolics and Wine Lees Extracts
Authors: Ye Zhijing , Shi Jinlin , Harrison Roland , Hider Richard , Bekhit Alaa El-Din A.
Published: April 2023

It is expected that any processing and handling of lees (e.g., drying, storage or removal of residual alcohol using various concentration techniques) will expose the material to oxidation and the consequences of oxidation on the biological activity of the lees and the lees extracts are unknown. The effects of oxidation (using horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide model system) on phenolic composition and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were investigated in (i) a flavonoid model system composed of catechin and grape seed tannin (Cat:GST) extracts at various ratios and (ii) in Pinot noir (PN) and Riesling (RL) wine lees samples. For the flavonoid model, oxidation had a minor or no impact on total phenol content but increased (p < 0.05) total tannin content from approximately 145 to 1200 µg epicatechin equivalent/mL. An opposite observation was found in the PN lees samples where oxidation reduced (p < 0.05) the total phenol content (TPC) by approximately 10 mg GAE/g dry matter (DM) lees. The mean degree of the polymerization (mDP) values of the oxidized flavonoid model samples ranged from 15 to 30. The Cat:GST ratio and interaction of the Cat:GST ratio with oxidation were found significantly to affect the mDP values of the flavonoid model samples (p < 0.05). Oxidation increased the mDP values in all oxidized flavonoid model samples except for Cat:GST 0:100. The mDP values of the PN lees samples ranged from 7 to 11 and remained the same after oxidation. There was no significant reduction in the antioxidant activities (DPPH and ORAC) of the model and wine lees after oxidation except the PN1 lees sample (decreased from 3.5 to 2.8 mg Trolox equivalent/g DM extracts). In addition, no correlation was observed between mDP (approximately 10 to 30) and DPPH (0.09) and ORAC assay (−0.22), which indicates that the higher mDP resulted in a poor ability to scavenge DPPH· and AAPH· free radicals. Antimicrobial activities of the flavonoid model were found to be improved after the oxidation treatment against S. aureus and E. coli with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 1.56 and 0.39 mg/mL. This may indicate that new compounds were formed during the oxidation treatment, and these compounds showed more effective microbicidal activity. LC-MS work is required in the future to identify the compounds that are newly formed during the oxidation of the lees.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Reducing the Leaching of Formaldehyde from Immobilized Wool in Geopolymer and Cement Mortar
Authors: Łaźniewska-Piekarczyk Beata , Smyczek Dominik , Czop Monika
Published: April 2023

Innovative building materials should also be pro-environmental. This article discusses the environmental footprint of geopolymer and cement-based mortars. It describes the methodology for preparing geopolymer and cement mortars using mineral wool waste. The phenol–formaldehyde resin used in mineral wool is a source of phenol and formaldehyde emissions to the environment. The prepared mortar samples were subjected to durability tests to assess the correlation between the amount of mineral wool and the flexural and compressive strength of the samples. The key element of the paper is to test whether immobilisation of mineral wool in the geopolymer will reduce leaching of phenol and formaldehyde into the environment. The results revealed that cements prepared with mineral wool showed higher compressive strength, whereas geopolymer samples had better flexural strength. The study also proved that immobilisation of the wool in the geopolymer reduces phenol and formaldehyde leaching significantly.
Adaptive Robust RBF-NN Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode Control Scheme for Application to Snake Robot’s Head for Image Stabilization
Authors: Kim Sung-Jae , Suh Jin-Ho
Published: April 2023

Image stabilization is important for snake robots to be used as mobile robots. In this paper, we propose an adaptive robust RBF neural network nonsingular terminal sliding mode control to reduce swinging in the snake robot’s head while it is being driven. To avoid complex dynamic problems and reduce interference during driving, we propose a 2-DOF snake robot’s head system. We designed the control system based on the nonsingular terminal sliding mode control, which ensures a fast response and finite time convergence. To reduce chattering, we incorporated an RBF neural network that can compensate for disturbances. Additionally, we included an adaptive robust term to address the disadvantages of neural network-based control. The adaptive robust term generates control inputs based on the error and is used in conjunction with the reverse saturation function to eliminate chattering. The update law of the neural network and the adaptive robust term is designed based on Lyapunov’s theory. We proved the stability of the proposed controller by investigating finite time convergence before and after the reverse saturation function operation section. Finally, we verified the performance of the proposed controller through computer simulation. The simulation evaluates the controllers using a sinusoidal reference signal similar to snake robot movement and a mixed reference signal considering the controller’s waste case. The proposed controller has excellent tracking performance and improved chattering compared with the previous controller.
Experimental Studies on the Strength of a Flatcar during Shunting Impacts
Authors: Vatulia Glib , Gerlici Juraj , Lovska Alyona , Fomin Oleksij , Okorokov Andrii , Pavliuchenkov Mykhailo , Petrenko Dmytro , Kravchenko Oleksandr
Published: April 2023

The increasing demand for container transportation makes it necessary to equip the wagon fleet with appropriate flatcars in good technical condition. The study deals with the determination of the strength of the flatcar during shunting impacts using the finite element method. The flatcar model 13-401 modernized with fixed fittings for securing containers on the frame was used as a prototype. The authors determined the fields of the maximum equivalent stresses in the bearing structure of a flatcar. The strength calculation was made in SolidWorks Simulation. It was found that, during a shunting collision, the maximum equivalent stresses to the flatcar were about 418 MPa and they were concentrated in the fixed fittings. The strength was also studied using the method of electric strain gauging. The research included different impact speeds. The test results showed that the maximum difference between the stresses obtained theoretically and experimentally was 17.0%. The strength model of the flatcar was tested using the Fisher criterion. The study demonstrated that the damage to the bearing structure of the flatcar and containers could be reduced when applying an improved interaction diagram.
Flexural Performance of Removable Deck Slabs with Fixing Device Details
Authors: Jung Hyun-Suk , Yoo Mooyoung , Choi Chang-Sik
Published: April 2023

This study presents a new concept for a deck plate and an accompanying application for a slab system that is easy to fix and separate during construction, while ensuring safe construction loads and optimal flexural performance. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to determine the load on the fixing device’s contact surface and the specimen’s shape. A direct tensile test was then performed using a universal testing machine to evaluate the anchorage performance of the fixing device. The results of this test were used to optimize the details of the fixing device, which were then evaluated for safety against construction loads. The installation interval and method of the fixing device were varied to determine the maximum installation interval, which was within 300 mm. Finally, flexural performance was evaluated based on the details and spacing of the fixing device installation. The results showed that the details and spacing of the fixing device did not have a significant effect on flexural performance, provided that safety against construction loads was secured. This study describes a promising solution for a slab system that is easy to install and separate during construction, while ensuring safety and flexural performance.
Vibration Signal Diagnostic Information of Reinforced Masonry Elements Destruction
Authors: Żółtowski Mariusz , Żółtowski Bogdan , Ogrodnik Paweł , Rutkowska Gabriela , Wierzbicki Tomasz
Published: April 2023

Reinforced masonry constructions and their elements must meet strength and stability requirements. These conditions determine wall structure safety during construction and operation. Safety depends on diagnostically aimed tests that check the objects’ quality or locate damages to structural elements that arise during operation. This article is focused on the experimental modal analysis research of reinforcement ceramic masonry elements. The aim of the research was to check whether it is possible to observe the damage in reinforced masonry structures and the accompanying vibration of signal transition functions by conducting pilot studies and using different types of reinforcements. The experiment was conducted on three samples of various types of reinforced brick walls. During the vibration tests, the segments were subjected to various loads, and it was observed how the increasing cracks and damage changed the courses of the measured functions of the vibration process, reflecting the damage to the segments. This made it possible to assess the variability of the vibration characteristics of the tested reinforced wall elements and the usefulness of the applied test method. The aim of the study was to check the assessed effectiveness by testing the degradation of the reinforced wall elements. The research confirmed the usefulness of the SISO methodology in identifying damages, which has been implemented in selected precast factories in Poland.
Reliability of a Field-Based Test for Hamstrings and Quadriceps Strength Assessment in Football Players
Authors: Miralles-Iborra Aarón , Moreno-Pérez Víctor , Del Coso Juan , Courel-Ibáñez Javier , Elvira Jose L. L.
Published: April 2023

Background: Field-based tests using portable devices are extremely helpful to assist physicians and coaches in the assessment of athletes’ muscle strength and for injury risk screening. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of a field-based test to assess unilateral hamstring and quadriceps isometric muscle strength in a nearly extended position (30° knee flexion) in football players. Methods: Nineteen male football players completed the field-based test on two separate occasions, one week apart, to produce a test–retest design. To complete the test, participants performed maximal isometric efforts on a custom-built bench with 30° of knee flexion and 90° of hip flexion while the force applied was measured with a portable load cell at 80 Hz. On each occasion, participants performed two 2 s maximal isometric repetitions intending to flex and extend the knee to assess hamstring and quadriceps strength, respectively. In each repetition, the force developed during the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and rate of force development (RFD) metrics for hamstring (H) and quadriceps (Q) were collected, and the H:Q ratio was calculated afterwards. Results: MVIC showed the highest reliability for the measurement of both hamstring and quadriceps strength (ICC > 0.80, [95% CI: 0.55, 0.96]; CV < 14%, [95% CI: 6.6, 20]) and for H:Q (ICC > 0.75, [95% CI: 0.48, 0.95]; CV < 15%, [95% CI: 8.9, 22.4]). RFD0–150 and RFD0–250 yielded moderate reliability values for hamstring strength (ICC = 0.78–0.86, [95% CI: 0.52, 0.94]; CV = 20–27%, [95% CI: 15, 39.7]). RFD0–50 presented the largest variability (ICC < 0.80, [95% CI: 0.62, 0.95]; CV > 25%, [95% CI: 19.2, 45.3]). Conclusions: The field-based test presented here provided reliable results for the measurement of maximal isometric hamstring and quadriceps strength and for the calculation of the H:Q ratio. However, the measurement of RFD with this test is less reliable. This test allows reliable field-based assessments of hamstring and quadriceps maximal isometric strength which can be helpful to identify muscle strength deficits and imbalances during injury prevention and management processes in football players.
Design and Simulation Debugging of Automobile Connecting Rod Production Line Based on the Digital Twin
Authors: Liu Jiayan , Zhang Ke
Published: April 2023

The goal of ‘Industry 4.0’ is to promote the transformation of the manufacturing industry to intelligent manufacturing. Because of its characteristics, the digital twin perfectly meets the requirements of intelligent manufacturing. In this paper, through the signal and data of the S7-PLCSIM-Advanced Connecting TIA Portal and NX MCD, the conceptual design and simulation-based debugging of mechatronics in an automobile connecting rod production line based on a digital twin are realized. The main contents are as follows: Firstly, the data on the automobile connecting rod production line are collected. The data sources in this article are mainly MCD virtual sensors, CAD models, and factory processing history production data. Secondly, the modeling of connecting rod parts and the production line is carried out. The automobile connecting rod production line model is mainly divided into five areas: processing area, assembly area, cleaning area, inspection area, and inventory area. Thirdly, for the validation of the model, the simulation sequence is designed according to the actual processing data of the factory to ensure that it accurately represents the production line. Fourthly, control system design, mainly including the main program, reset program, sequence control system flow program, human-computer interaction, and so on. Fifthly, simulation and debugging through the debugging of the connecting rod in the process of transportation in the process of the sudden slipcase are analyzed. Sixthly, model deployment, through the specific analysis of the accumulation of workpieces to be processed between process 10 and process 11 to discuss the optimization of the production line. Seventhly, the model refinement, which explains the limitations of the research content and discusses future work. Finally, by comparing the traditional product debugging mode with the virtual simulation debugging mode of the automobile connecting rod production line based on digital twin, it is concluded that the virtual simulation debugging of the automobile connecting rod production line based on digital twin will greatly reduce the actual debugging time of the production line, thus speeding up the research and development progress and improving the industrial competitiveness.
Research on Panel Flutter Considering the Effect of Convective Active Cooling
Authors: Huang Jie , Lu Weishuang , Yang Guowei , Zheng Guannan
Published: April 2023

The aeroelastic characteristics of the panel under the action of coolant are obviously different from the flutter characteristics of the traditional panel. In order to solve this problem, the dynamics model of the panel flutter was established in this paper based on von Karman’s large deformation theory and the Kirchhoff–Love hypothesis. The panel dynamics equations were discretized into constant differential equations with finite degrees of freedom by Galerkin’s method, and solved by the fourth Runge–Kutta method in the time domain. The nonlinear modified piston theory was used to predict the unsteady aerodynamic loads, and the accuracy of the flutter analysis model was verified. On this basis, the effects of the head-panel pressure of coolant, the pressure drop ratio, the coolant injection direction, and the inertial resistance and viscous resistance on panel stability and flight stability were investigated, respectively. The results showed that reducing the pressure drop ratio, and reducing or increasing the head-panel pressure (valuing away from the freestream pressure) can improve the critical dynamic pressure when bifurcation occurs. At M∞=5.0, the pressure drop ratio causes a 22.1% increment in the critical dynamic pressure. The influence of the coolant injection direction on the panel bifurcation is mainly influenced by the head-panel pressure. The inertial resistance slows down the convergence process of the panel response, increases the limit cycle amplitude, and reduces the critical dynamic pressure of the panel, while the viscous resistance plays the opposite role. Based on these conclusions, this paper finally proposes the suppression method of panel fluttering from head-panel pressure, inertial resistance, viscous resistance, etc.
Improving Soil Stability with Alum Sludge: An AI-Enabled Approach for Accurate Prediction of California Bearing Ratio
Authors: Baghbani Abolfazl , Nguyen Minh Duc , Alnedawi Ali , Milne Nick , Baumgartl Thomas , Abuel-Naga Hossam
Published: April 2023

Alum sludge is a byproduct of water treatment plants, and its use as a soil stabilizer has gained increasing attention due to its economic and environmental benefits. Its application has been shown to improve the strength and stability of soil, making it suitable for various engineering applications. However, to go beyond just measuring the effects of alum sludge as a soil stabilizer, this study investigates the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) methods for predicting the California bearing ratio (CBR) of soils stabilized with alum sludge. Three AI methods, including two black box methods (artificial neural network and support vector machines) and one grey box method (genetic programming), were used to predict CBR, based on a database with nine input parameters. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of AI methods in predicting CBR with good accuracy (R2 values ranging from 0.94 to 0.99 and MAE values ranging from 0.30 to 0.51). Moreover, a novel approach, using genetic programming, produced an equation that accurately estimated CBR, incorporating seven inputs. The analysis of parameter sensitivity and importance, revealed that the number of hammer blows for compaction was the most important parameter, while the parameters for maximum dry density of soil and mixture were the least important. This study highlights the potential of AI methods as a useful tool for predicting the performance of alum sludge as a soil stabilizer.
Direct Fabrication of Ultrahydrophobic Laser-Induced Graphene for Strain Sensors
Authors: Menon Devanarayanan Meena Narayana , Giardino Matteo , Janner Davide
Published: April 2023

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has garnered tremendous attention in the past decade as a flexible, scalable, and patternable alternative for fabricating electronic sensors. Superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic variants of LIG have been demonstrated by previous studies. However, stability analysis of the superhydrophobic surface property has not been explored. In this study, we use an infrared nanosecond laser to fabricate reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based strain sensor on a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite substrate. The fabricated sensor is characterized to determine its gauge factor using a three-point bend test demonstrating a gauge factor of 40. The fabricated LIG exhibits excellent superhydrophobic properties with a high contact angle (>160°). Both superhydrophobicity and piezoresistivity of the LIG under water immersion are studied for 25 h, demonstrating high stability. The obtained results could be of interest to several sectors, especially for maritime and high humidity applications.
Estimating the Service Life of Exterior Stone Claddings Subjected to Regular and Marine Service Conditions
Authors: Wasserman Rina , Ciabocco Lorenzo , Shohet Igal M.
Published: April 2023

The attractiveness and durability of stone claddings make them a common exterior finish. However, comparative research of the performance of long-lasting “dry fixed” stone claddings and those made using the “wet fixed” method has not yet been carried out. The objectives of this study are to (1) characterize the deterioration patterns of exterior dry- and wet-fixed stone claddings exposed to normal and marine environments; (2) evaluate the life expectancy limiting coefficient (modifying factors), and (3) quantify the influence of a marine environment on both cladding methods. The research methods integrate laboratory tests with the field survey and probabilistic service life prediction methods. The results of laboratory tests indicate that the compliance of the stone with the requirements of the standard does not assure the durability of the stone when used as an exterior cladding material in a marine environment. The findings of the probabilistic methods show that, in both normal and marine environment service conditions, the fixing method has a significant impact on the rate of the stone deterioration process and the long-term durability of dry-fixed stone claddings.
A Processing Model toward Printing High-Flatness Layers for Direct-Ink-Writing Printed Self-Leveling Inks
Authors: Li Maoyang , Tao Yin , Yu Peishi
Published: April 2023

The direct-ink-writing (DIW) has been widely used to print various functional devices using different self-leveling inks. Due to the complicated rheological behavior and multiple processing parameters, how to rapidly determine the crucial parameter for high-precision printing is still challenging. Here we adapt a widely used commercial silver paste and identify the critical parameter for dominating the flatness through observation of the microstructure evolution for the line-to-layer forming process. An analytical model for flatness with printing parameters was established. Using the proposed model, the printing process parameters for achieving high flatness can be directly determined, avoiding the high cost of extensive experimental exploration.
Assessing the Impact of AR HUDs and Risk Level on User Experience in Self-Driving Cars: Results from a Realistic Driving Simulation
Authors: Kim Seungju , Oh Jungseok , Seong Minwoo , Jeon Eunki , Moon Yeon-Kug , Kim Seungjun
Published: April 2023

The adoption of self-driving technologies requires addressing public concerns about their reliability and trustworthiness. To understand how user experience in self-driving vehicles is influenced by the level of risk and head-up display (HUD) information, using virtual reality (VR) and a motion simulator, we simulated risky situations including accidents with HUD information provided under different conditions. The findings revealed how HUD information related to the immediate environment and the accident’s severity influenced the user experience (UX). Further, we investigated galvanic skin response (GSR) and self-reported emotion (Valence and Arousal) annotation data and analyzed correlations between them. The results indicate significant differences and correlations between GSR data and self-reported annotation data depending on the level of risk and whether or not information was provisioned through HUD. Hence, VR simulations combined with motion platforms can be used to observe the UX (trust, perceived safety, situation awareness, immersion and presence, and reaction to events) of self-driving vehicles while controlling the road conditions such as risky situations. Our results indicate that HUD information provision significantly increases trust and situation awareness of the users, thus improving the user experience in self-driving vehicles.
Distributed Blockchain-SDN Secure IoT System Based on ANN to Mitigate DDoS Attacks
Authors: Jmal Rihab , Ghabri Walid , Guesmi Ramzi , Alshammari Badr M. , Alshammari Ahmed S. , Alsaif Haitham
Published: April 2023

By bringing smart and advanced solutions, the Internet of Things (IoT) has opened up new dimensions of innovative services and processing power for contemporary living standards. IoT has a wide range of devices and communication entities as a result of the widespread applications of these services, making network management a challenging task. Therefore, it is critical to redesign the IoT network’s management. The inherent programmability and centralized capabilities of software-defined networking (SDN) make network management simpler, enable network abstraction, make network evolution easier, and have the potential to handle the IoT network. However, security issues still present the IoT dilemma. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are among the most significant security threats in IoT systems. This paper studies in-depth DDoS attacks in IoT and in SDN. A review of different detection and mitigation techniques based on SDN, blockchain and machine learning models is conducted. A holistic, secure IoT system is proposed on the basis of SDN with multicontrollers. Blockchain is considered to guarantee security in distributed SDN-IoT networks and ANN to improve the detection and mitigation process.
SDebrisNet: A Spatial–Temporal Saliency Network for Space Debris Detection
Authors: Tao Jiang , Cao Yunfeng , Ding Meng
Published: April 2023

The rapidly growing number of space activities is generating numerous space debris, which greatly threatens the safety of space operations. Therefore, space-based space debris surveillance is crucial for the early avoidance of spacecraft emergencies. With the progress in computer vision technology, space debris detection using optical sensors has become a promising solution. However, detecting space debris at far ranges is challenging due to its limited imaging size and unknown movement characteristics. In this paper, we propose a space debris saliency detection algorithm called SDebrisNet. The algorithm utilizes a convolutional neural network (CNN) to take into account both spatial and temporal data from sequential video images, which aim to assist in detecting small and moving space debris. Firstly, taking into account the limited resource of the space-based computational platform, a MobileNet-based space debris feature extraction structure was constructed to make the overall model more lightweight. In particular, an enhanced spatial feature module is introduced to strengthen the spatial details of small objects. Secondly, based on attention mechanisms, a constrained self-attention (CSA) module is applied to learn the spatiotemporal data from the sequential images. Finally, a space debris dataset was constructed for algorithm evaluation. The experimental results demonstrate that the method proposed in this paper is robust for detecting moving space debris with a low signal-to-noise ratio in the video. Compared to the NODAMI method, SDebrisNet shows improvements of 3.5% and 1.7% in terms of detection probability and the false alarm rate, respectively.
Legal Cannabis sativa L. Dried Inflorescences: Cannabinoids Content and Cytotoxic Activity against Human HepG2 Cell Line
Authors: Acquavia Maria Assunta , Tesoro Carmen , Pascale Raffaella , Ostuni Angela , Matera Ilenia , Bianco Giuliana , Scrano Laura , Bufo Sabino A. , Ciriello Rosanna , Di Capua Angela , Lelario Filomena
Published: April 2023

Cannabis sativa L. has health benefits, principally due to the levels and ratios of two important cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC:CBD ratio affects their pharmacological interaction for the treatment of different diseases as well as its modulation allows for a custom-made product that utilizes the distinguishing effects of CBD, THC, or both, for a peculiar patient or clinical effect. This study aims to investigate the total content of THC, CBD, and their ratio in 34 dried inflorescence legally sold in physical and online stores, by using a validated liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) method, after cannabinoids identification performed through MSn studies. Cannabinol (CBN) content was also monitored to evaluate hemp age or conservation status. CBN content always resulted lower than limit of quantification, thus confirming well-stored fresh hemp. All investigated samples showed a total THC amount below 0.59% w/w, thus responding to legal requirements.. The total CBD amount ranged from 2.62 to 20.27% w/w and it was not related to THC level. THC:CBD ranged among 1:3 and 1:26, thus ascertaining their suitability for different target pharmacological uses. In vitro studies using human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2 suggested that hemp extracts with THC:CBD ratios of 1:9 exhibited higher toxicity than pure cannabinoids.
Lyapunov-Guided Energy Scheduling and Computation Offloading for Solar-Powered WSN
Authors: Gao Juan , Wu Runze , Hao Jianhong
Published: April 2023

To satisfy the continuously high energy consumption and high computational capacity requirements for IoT applications, such as video monitoring, we integrate solar harvesting and multi-access edge computing (MEC) technologies to develop a solar-powered MEC system. Considering the stochastic nature of solar arrivals and channel conditions, we formulate a stochastic optimization problem to maximize network energy efficiency under the constraints of energy queue stability, task queue stability, peak transmission power, and maximum CPU frequency of each sensor. To solve the long-term stochastic optimization problem, we propose a Lyapunov-based online joint computational offloading and resource scheduling optimization algorithm, transforming the long-term stochastic problem into a series of deterministic subproblems in each time slot. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can find the optimal solution to tradeoff long-term energy efficiency and queueing backlog without requiring a priori knowledge of the channel state and energy arrival, which is a more realistic solution for practical solar-powered MEC systems.
Domestic Architecture and Urban Expansion: Central Courtyard Elementary Houses in the arrabales of Córdoba (10th Century)
Authors: Aparicio Sánchez Laura , Jiménez Castillo Pedro
Published: April 2023

In the 10th century, the arrabales of Córdoba underwent a process of rapid growth, triggered by the growing political authority of the capital of the western caliphate. This involved the urbanisation of erstwhile agricultural areas, with new streets and public buildings such as baths, mosques, and funduqs, as well as whole blocks of houses. Domestic blocks generally took the shape of lines of houses that were similar in plan. Among domestic models, which invariably revolved around a courtyard, the most basic type—rectangular in plan, with a central courtyard and a bay on either side—was also the most numerous. This work examines the characteristics and expansions of these buildings, in order to better understand the process that led to the crystallisation of Andalusi urban fabrics.